Places&Faces 65 August 2015

AUGUST 2015 | ÂŁ2.95 WHERE SOLD

THE Magazine for Norfolk & North Suffolk

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AN INSIDER'S

GUIDE TO SIX RESORTS

what to wear to the

BEACH

Meet the president of this year's

Aylsham Show

DAV I D

a two night break at a top hotel near Norwich

celebrities | food | travel | fashion | homes & gardens | theatre ISSUE 65 2

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EDITOR'S LETTER

COLIN HUGGINS

Sarah Hardy

Managing Director

sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk

T 01493 742091 M 07775 858862 E colin@h2creativemedia.co.uk

EMMA OUTTEN Assistant Editor E emma@h2creativemedia.co.uk

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Contributors Franck Pontais, Nick Mobbs, Andrew Florides, Roger Hickman, Andy Newman Associates, Richard Barr, Julian Gibbons, Carl Lamb, Sam Matthews, Ellen Mary, Simon Wainwright, Hayley Philpot, Melanie Cook, Jennifer Read, Ross Hagan, Mark Duffield, Mark Nicholls, Iain Dooley, Clare Millar, Matt Kimberley, Tony Mallion

See all of our Society Photos at our website placesandfaces.co.uk

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WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE, our high summer edition. With such a glorious coastline to enjoy, we’re celebrating half a dozen of our favourite resorts from Hunstanton to Southwold. We’ll tell you everything from the must see sights to where to have a decent cuppa so make sure you find the time to read our reports before heading to the seaside this month!

Add in a few suggestions on what to wear for a day at the seaside, a few local ice creams to sample and a chat with Jack Jay, from one of Great Yarmouth’s most illustrious families, and you’ll be reaching for your beach towel.

On the celebrity front, David Walliams is back on the television with a great new Agatha Christie series, Partners in Crime, some of which was filmed in our area so I’ll be looking out for shots of Cromer in all its glory. He tells us all about the series which introduces us to Tommy and Tuppence, a husband and wife detective team.

Music fan Emma Outten chats to Tony Hadley prior to his Newmarket Nights gig this month – and the racecourse has been quite the place to be this summer, with everyone from Kylie to Sir Tom Jones rocking up!

Norwich-based make-up artist to the stars Louise Young shares a few of her secrets and Gorleston’s Jamie LeeMorgan has hit the big time with a role in War Horse, the stunning Michael Morpurgo show about the First World War now on in the West End. It’s always very heartening to read of the success of our younger generation.

Food wise, and our French chef Franck Pontais has a great strawberry recipe and Simon Wainwright from the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth offers us a tangy duck dish. Andy Newman tracks down a black pudding maker in west Norfolk and I try the new bedrooms at the Swan in Loddon, which is such a favourite with our readers, and supper, too, of course!

The winners of our June competition, to win family tickets to Pensthorpe, are Emily Rivett, of Bradwell, near Great Yarmouth, Carl Harrison, of Gorleston, Christine Cardy of Felixstowe, Nicola Rycroft of Cringleford, Norwich, and Julian Woods of Norwich. Many congratulations all round.

And don’t miss this month’s fabulous competition which gives you the chance to win two nights at Park Farm Hotel in Hethersett, near Norwich. The prize is dinner, bed and breakfast for two plus afternoon tea and spa vouchers worth £100. What a treat!

Happy reading! And enjoy the summer!

Sarah Hardy

12 ISSUES FOR £24

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CONTENTS

Franck Pontais goes for

strawberries and cream this month as he dishes up a summer time favourite with a twist

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CHECK OUT...

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10 Emma Outten talks star signs, real ale and

Enjoy our special reports on some of the region’s great resorts, from Hunstanton to Southwold

band mates with Tony Hadley as Spandau Ballet performs in Newmarket

CELEBRITIES

12 Norwich make-up artist to the stars, Louise Young, tells us about her growing cosmetics range 20 Gorleston actor Jamie Lee-Morgan on his first West End role in War Horse

FASHION AND BEAUTY

23 Keep looking absolutely fabulous as you head to the coast this summer 25 Put your best foot forward with the help of our beauty must haves

Cover Story

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David Walliams

on his new partner in crime – and it’s not Simon Cowell!

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WHAT’S ON

Have the time of your life with Lewis Kirk in Dirty Dancing, coming to Norwich this month

26 Enjoy our regular round-up of the best events and activities in the region this month 37 Mark Nicholls tells the story of a life in farming in Norfolk 39 Melanie Cook wants us all to head to The Broads this summer and try out one of the many attractions on or by the water 42 Tony Mallion thoroughly recommends War Horse, the smash West End hit which has captivated audiences across the world

FOOD AND DRINK

HOMES AND GARDENS

TRAVEL

64 The Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth has a sweet but tangy duck dish for your enjoyment this month 69 Our wine writer Sam Matthews pitches his brains against his dad in this month’s column 73 Treat yourself to a scoop or two of ice cream in this month’s Lust List 76 Andy Newman tracks down a black pudding business in west Norfolk as Roger Hickman cooks up a classy starter with this most traditional of delicacies

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46 Our property of the month is a charming country retreat in Mulbarton, near Norwich 50 This month our writers take a little bit of inspiration from Latitude and show you how to recreate a spot of festival fever at home!

60 You should be enjoying the fruits of your labours in your garden, says Ellen Mary as high summer takes hold

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Sarah Hardy samples supper and the new bedrooms at the gorgeous Swan in Loddon

79 Clare Millar visits Orlando without any kids! Lucky her!

THIS MONTH'S

Editor’s

CHoicE

Editor Sarah Hardy picks out the best events and activities this month…

BEST SPORTING EVENT

COMPETITION

It has to be welcoming back Norwich City Football Club to the Premier League, doesn’t it?! It all kicks off on August 8 when the Canaries play Crystal Palace in their new Errea home kit for the 2015-16 season, which is inspired by 80 years at Carrow Road and the ‘half and half’ home kit which was adopted way back in 1927. All that’s left to say is On The Ball City! Visit www.canaries.co.uk.

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WIN A TWO-NIGHT BREAK at the luxurious Park Farm Hotel near Norwich, complete with afternoon tea and vouchers for the spa.

BEST NEW MOVIE

Forget the superheroes and summer blockbusters, we like the sound of an American comedy about a hard-partying journalist getting a handle on love! OK, so at first glance a movie about a magazine writer sounds like it would be a bit of a busman’s holiday but Trainwreck, directed by Judd Apatow and written by and starring ribald comedian Amy Schumer, looks like a LOT of fun. Out this month. Visit www.trainwreckmovie.com.

BUSINESS

86 As the Aylsham Show takes places this month, Ed Foss talks to this year’s president, Tony Bambridge

BEST NEW EVENT

It’s time to get your running shoes out as it is the first Norwich 10K road race on August 30. The route starts near Norwich Market and ends by City Hall and takes runners past some of the city’s top spots such as Dragon Hall and Norwich cathedral. Entrants need to be aged 16 and over.

More details are available on www.runnorwich.net.

MOTORING

100 Matt Kimberley reckons the Ford S-Max is a great family car 104 Iain Dooley enjoys the upmarket experience offered by the new Skoda Superb

BEST NEW BOOK

Norwich author Kevin Ansbro has penned the perfect beach read, Kinnara, a romantic mystery with a touch of mythology thrown in for good measure! The central character is fitness lover Calum and we follow his rocky road to love and a happy ever after. The book is published by 2QT, and costs £8.99.

REGULARS

44 Our columnist, the ever rocking Richard Barr, tells us about his enduring love affair with music 106 Our High Society pages kick off with a concert by The Overtones at Potters Resort 110 Spend five minutes with Jack Jay from Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome

BEST CARNIVAL

It’s a month full of carnivals but Cromer is one of the biggest and best!

Running from August 15 to 21, carnival day is August 19, when there’s the grand parade, but other events and activities include a darts’ competition, a dog show, a glamorous gran contest, a beer and cider festival and an aerobatic displays. So it is quite a celebration! Visit www.cromercarnival. co.uk.

LOOKING AHEAD

You might want to book your seats at a new charity ball, The Strictly Norfolk Ball, which is going to be held at Sprowston Manor Hotel in Norwich on October 16. Proceeds are going to GOSH, the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, and EACH, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, both great causes. Tickets for the black tie event are £50 and the evening’s entertainment includes a three course meal, casino and music by the ever popular Lee Vasey Band. More details are available on 07789 694412.

Iain Dooley road tests a city slicker, the new Vauxhall Viva

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BEST NEW OPENING

Have you tried Cote Brasserie yet? It’s a trendy new restaurant in Norwich’s Exchange Street which specialises in classic brasserie favourites such as steak frites, tuna Nicoise, Eggs Benedict and crème caramel! There are regularly changing specials and a great wine list! Visit www.cote-restaurants.co.uk.

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NEW ROMANTICS IN NEWMARKET

Newmarket Nights continue this month with 80s icons Spandau Ballet coming to The July Course. Emma Outten speaks to the lead singer Tony Hadley about being a Gemini and betting on the gee-gees

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Spandau Ballet comes to Newmarket Nights, at Newmarket Racecourse, on August 14. Visit www.newmarket. thejockeyclub.co.uk

IT WAS A BUSY BIRTHDAY WEEK

for Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley when we spoke. ‘It was my birthday on Tuesday and my wife’s birthday on Thursday,’ he says, on a short break between touring, before remarking: ‘Two Geminis living in the same house!’ The father of five, who says hitting 55 was a bit of an ‘ouch’, finds it funny that his first marriage was also to a Gemini. ‘Gemini’s must work quite well together,’ he concludes.

As lead singer, Tony Hadley has, over the years, earned the accolade of being one of pop music's greatest vocalists.

He’s still got a golden voice. ‘I still feel as though I’m 25 and I’m singing better than I did when I was 25; I’m still trying to keep fit and loving life, but you do sometimes wonder and think ‘that went quickly’.

Born in Islington in 1965, Tony went to school with those who would go on to become his future band mates: Gary Kemp, John Keeble, and Steve Norman, along with Gary’s younger brother Martin. Spandau Ballet was formed in 1978 and became pioneers of the 80s New Romantic movement, having numerous chart topping singles and albums all over the world, some of the most memorable being the singles Gold, Only When You Leave, Lifeline, the epic Through the Barricades and of course the international number one True; the latter famously sampled by PM Dawn in 1991. ‘I was in the video in Miami,’

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

recalls Tony. ‘When you get some big American rapper sampling True you think, OK, that’s a compliment.’ It certainly has a riff that, once heard, is never forgotten.

All-in-all, Spandau sold more than 25 million records, scored numerous multi-platinum albums and amassed 23 hit singles globally. However, they disbanded in 1990 and by 1999 there was discord, with 23 days spent in the High Court, over a royalty dispute - Tony, drummer John and saxophonist/percussionist Steve unsuccessfully sued guitarist and chief songwriter Gary Kemp. To say it was a stressful time would probably be an understatement.

Since the split, Tony had embarked on a solo recording career, and, post court case, he went on to win ITV’s reality TV show Reborn in the USA. ‘I was reborn,’ he laughs at the memory. ‘It was good fun TV actually.’ Although he adds: ‘Crumbs it seems like an age ago.’ And he also went on to star as Billy Flynn in the West End production of Chicago.

Tony, who has gone on record before now to say that the court case cost him hundreds of thousands of pounds, has made other business decisions. He became co-owner of the Red Rat Craft Brewery near Bury St Edmunds, although he adds: ‘There was a Suffolk link, but we are now working with Cropton brewery, The Great Yorkshire Brewery.’

He has his own-brand of ales, including Hadley's Gold (what else?!). It sounds as though he could be striking gold as a brewer. ‘A couple of mates of mine take pictures of Hadley’s Gold in various pubs across the country.’

He has found a parallel between brewing and songwriting: ‘I went up there and brewed the first batch and it wasn’t quite right so I went back and adjusted it. It’s like a song – you get it nearly right but it’s not quite right.

‘I was always a London lad, and all about the lager, lager,’ he says. However, a move to the Cotswolds changed all that: ‘If I walked into a pub there and ordered a light lager they would just look at me as if I was from planet Zog.’

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So began a love of real ale. Nowadays Tony lives in Buckinghamshire (although they are in the middle of a house move, he mentions) and the first thing he does when he comes off tour is go and have a pint of real ale!

When Spandau reformed in 2009, after a 20-year hiatus, they went on a sell-out Reformation Tour. Two decades is some gap. ‘Time does go really, really quickly and i'm not just saying that because I’m older,’ says Tony. ‘Young kids are saying it goes quickly.’

Spandau have spent the past few months undertaking a massive world tour and this month returns to The July Course at Newmarket for the first time since their performance in 2010 (when they attracted an audience of 20,000). ‘It’s ridiculous, five years,’ muses Tony. ‘We had a great time when we were there last time so hopefully it will be like a repeat performance.’ As a solo performer he was in Suffolk fairly recently, as he came to Ipswich Regent in the autumn, and brought an orchestra with him. ‘Every now and then I go out with a big orchestra.’

Will he be placing a bet when he’s back at Newmarket Racecourse? ‘Yeah I don’t mind a bet. I won on the Grand National this year which was great. I don’t bet very often but I will have a bet when I go to Newmarket, definitely.’

Although he adds: ‘I have to be very careful because I’ve got quite an addictive personality. My uncle and my granddad were big hitters on the horses.’

He has a plea to make: ‘Please let the weather be nice – it should be – it’s the middle of August.’

So just what is it about that New Romantic era that appeals to both old and new audiences? Although Tony says the 80s ‘went through its naff period’ he comments: ‘A lot of kids can find out in an instant who Spandau were; and then they look at the fashion and think, ‘wow’!’ He explains: ‘It was the last decade where fashion and music sort of completely linked.’

This link is wrapped up rather neatly in the recent Spandau Ballet film, Soul Boys of the Western World, which was released in the autumn. Tony says: ‘Sure we wrote some naff songs but mostly we came up with some great stuff.’

‘People possibly look back nostalgically and say that was a great period for songs, and that’s probably why it’s still surviving today, and also, what would we do? I’m not going to get a proper job, am I?’ You could always become a master brewer, Tony!

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P U G N I K A M isn’t hard to do

uise Young tells Celebrated Norwich make-up artist Lo worked with, her own Sarah Hardy all about the stars she has make-up range and plans for a new book 12

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Louise is a qualified lecturer,

and wrote the BTEC National and HND Media Make-Up courses, the first of their kind in the country. She guest lectures nationwide and internationally, and recently took on a studio in Muspole Street in Norwich where she runs courses in bridal make-up, and fashion and photographic make-up. She also offers tutorials for individuals or small groups. She says: ‘I love teaching; I enjoy teaching members of the public how to look and feel their best as well as training make-up artists to work in the industry.’

AS A RENOWNED make-up artist, Louise Young

LOUISE YOUNG COSMETICS

has worked on everything from Hollywood block busters to household names from the telly. She has created looks for fashion shoots, catwalk shows and worked with A listers like Kylie Minogue and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Add in her work as a college lecturer, her own workshops and tutorials and the production of her own range of brushes and now make-up, and you can see that Louise just loves all things about the beauty world!

‘I’ve always just loved it and if I’m away from it for a while, I really miss it. My hands start to twitch and I want to make someone up!’ she laughs.

With 30 years’ experience, Louise is a confident artist who can knock years off you, create a stunning vintage look or transform you into a fairy tale princess for your wedding.

She isn’t one to follow trends, preferring to set her own agenda and she loves to experiment with both new products or designs. ‘All make up artists like different brands – we like to mix, to blend products, to get exactly the shade we fancy,’ she says.

Indeed, her make-up bag might contain Elemis skincare goodies, a few Mac pieces, a couple of Clarins items – and a healthy dose of professional film and TV make-up brands.

Louise came to Norfolk in 1968, attending King’s Lynn High School for Girls and, after leaving school, worked on the Max Factor beauty counter in a store in the town. It was, Louise says,

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“She isn’t one to follow trends, preferring to set her own agenda and she loves to experiment with both new products or designs.”

terrific experience as she got to work with women of all ages, skin types and with their own views.

In 1988 she moved to London to train in all aspects of makeup at Greasepaint, the make-up and hair school set up by two ex-BBC make-up artists in the 1970s. Louise learned skills for theatre, TV and film work, before taking a specialist prosthetics course in 1989.

She returned to live in Norwich, now has two daughters, and is constantly busy. For example, she recently helped Norwich’s The Gallery hairdressers in the Oscar’s of the hairdressing world, the L’Oreal Colour Trophy.

And she has worked on several series of Strictly Come Dancing, the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, plus numerous advertising campaigns and films, including the recent Cinderella, with Lily James from Downton Abbey as Cinders.

In 2007, she created a range of her own brushes – the most vital part of her kit. Handmade in Britain, they are first class and really help you blend, blend, blend!

Her latest project has been the creation of her own make-up range called Louise Young Cosmetics. Stocked in Jarrold’s in Norwich and branches of Harvey Nichols across the country, including the flagship Knightsbridge store, it is a sleek, quality brand which is picking up more and more fans.

At present the range includes blushers, eye shadows, lashes, and concealers and she has plans to produce pencils, mascaras and a loose powder. ‘It takes time; they need to be perfect,’ she says.

Her next project, she tells me, is to write a make-up book. As you’d expect, she has a title all lined up and is ready to go. She just needs to find a little bit of time to write it!

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Johnny B E

G O O D

as Johnny Castle, g rin ar st be ill w rk Ki Lewis roles in popular one of the most iconic es to Norwich culture, when he com Dirty Dancing tour.

Theatre Royal on the s up with him Emma Outten catche

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With two older sisters and a twin sister,

80s child Lewis Kirk is more than a little familiar with the iconic coming-of-age film Dirty Dancing.

‘I’ve seen the film quite a lot!’ he laughs. But then who hasn’t? The 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the lead roles was set in 1963 and documented a teenage girl's relationship with a dance instructor whom she encounters during her family's summer vacation. Seventeenyear-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman certainly learns some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing when she catches sight of Johnny Castle!

‘I suppose it’s one of those romantic films,’ adds Lewis, ‘but there’s so much going on in the film with the dancing and things like that. And Johnny’s got so much charisma when he’s strolling round the resort - I really enjoyed it, probably as much as my sisters did!’

Lewis was born a couple of years after the film was released, not that that matters. ‘It’s been successful for however long it’s been out and no-one can ever forget it.

People pass it down to their daughters.

‘You hear the songs all the time on the radio because they are such brilliant songs and you see those moments, such as the lift, being re-enacted at weddings on YouTube clips,’ adds Lewis, who was fortunate enough to land a role as ‘Handsome Soldier 1’ in the 2012 film Les Misérables on leaving college (‘I didn’t do a huge amount but the scene I did was with Helena Bonham Carter and it was just a really nice experience to have’).

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage arrived in the West End in the UK in 2006. It enjoyed a hugely successful first UK tour in 2011, taking £42 million at theatres across the country with standing ovations and five-star reviews, and smashing box office records in a number of regional theatres.

In 2013, it returned to the West End and played at the Piccadilly Theatre in London until last February, prior to its second UK tour being launched in March last year.

Lewis started his Dirty Dancing journey as a member of the 2014/15 touring company. Initially he was covering the part of Johnny due to injury. ‘I went on a six or seven week stint right at the start of the tour as Johnny. For me it was great to have that opportunity.

“They are big shoes to fill - Patrick Swayze made the role and he’s who everyone thinks of when they come and see the show” ‘Throughout the year I came on and did one or two shows here and there and then I was offered the role and I took it on.

‘They are big shoes to fill - Patrick Swayze made the role and he’s who everyone thinks of when they come and see the show, but hopefully, if I can bring the style that he brings and make it my own then that’s half the job done.’

He finds Dirty Dancing a dream to dance to. ‘I love all that music – the 50s and the 60s is my sort of music anyway. It’s just such good music and evokes so much when you’re dancing.’

The show features hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.

Lewis has his favourites: ‘Two numbers in the show, Do You Love Me? And Love Man, are my favourite numbers - you can really bring a lot of Johnny’s style and personality.

‘You do need to strut around the stage,’ says Lewis, adding: ‘The reactions you get from the audiences are sometimes so crazy that it gives you that little boost – it doesn’t do any harm to my ego!’

Jessie Hart will be joining the record-breaking tour to star as the idealistic Baby. She’s lovely, a really nice girl,’ says Lewis, ‘and she brings a freshness to Baby that’s very different, like I imagine I bring a freshness to Johnny.’

Dirty Dancing wowed Norfolk audiences the last time it was at Norwich Theatre Royal and now it’s back, from August 25 to September 5.

Cambridgeshire-born Lewis, who has also appeared in Our House 10th Anniversary Concert and in the world premiere of Soho Cinders before now, is no stranger to the Theatre Royal.

‘I came to the theatre two years ago – it was our final venue for Hairspray as I did the tour.’

He was in the ensemble as Fender and was also understudy for Link Larkin and Corny Collins. ‘It was really nice weather as well so it was a shame we didn’t get a chance to get out of the city and see the countryside!’

This time round, Dirty Dancing will be in Norwich for a two-week run. Lewis adds: ‘The first week is usually a busy week but our second week we’re a bit freer so Dirty Dancing runs from August 25 to September 5. hopefully I’ll get out and about and have a Suitable for 12+. Call 01603 little look, if you’ve got recommendations?’

630000 or visit www.

Looking at his Twitter feed, it’s apparent theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk that Lewis is a big fan of food! He agrees: ‘I’m a massive foodie, I love it – I like going to find new things to eat and I’ve got a massive sweet tooth as well.’

Although he adds: ‘Obviously I have to be careful about what I eat but because we are burning off so many calories, especially when we are doing two shows a day you just have to constantly keep eating. Sweet treats help me get through!’

I mention the fact that the Norfolk Food and Drink Festival will take place in September: ‘I reckon you’ve got some local produce which is really nice! I would love to go to that.’

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DAVID 16

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

NEW PARTNER IN CRIME

David Walliams stars in a stunning new Agatha Christie television series, Partners in Crime, which was filmed in Norfolk. Sarah Hardy finds out more

David Walliams

has fast become a national treasure. We giggle with him on Britain’s Got Talent, we applaud his work for Children In Need and our little ones love his terrific books.

Now David, in his mid 40s, is starring in a big new drama series for the BBC – and it is an Agatha Christie one! The mere thought of another of those stylish, high budget Dame Agatha adaptations makes me drool. We all appreciate a classic murder mystery and nobody does it better than the queen of crime writing.

Sure, we may not know her husband and wife detecting duo, Tommy and Tuppence, as well as say Poirot and Miss Marple but you can take it from me (I grew up on a diet of Agatha novels) that they are just as sharp and ruthless!

Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime is an adventure series with espionage and humour at its heart. Set in a 50s Britain rising from the ashes of the Blitz into the grip of a new Cold War, our beekeeping pair stumble into a world of murder, undercover agents and Cold War conspiracy.

Tuppence, played by Jessica Raine from telly’s Call the Midwife, is a woman who sees adventure round every corner, throwing herself head first into every mystery with passion and fervour, determined to get to the truth no matter what it takes, much to the dismay of her more cautious husband Tommy.

This new six-part series, showing on BBC1, takes in two separate stories, The Secret Adversary and N or M?, and our very own Cromer is one of the key locations, with the pier, in particular, looking rather splendid.

Here’s what David Walliams has to say about his latest project: Describe the character of Tommy and his relationship with Tuppence.

Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime follows the adventures of a husband and wife detective team, Tommy and Tuppence.

Tuppence is definitely more forthright. She’s braver than Tommy, he’s more on the back-foot, but he means well. Tommy >>

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

>> is a bit more of a klutz than Tuppence and is sometimes more of a

burden. During the Second World War, Tommy was hit by a catering van on his first day as a soldier so he never got to prove himself this is his journey to become a hero. Together however, Tommy and Tuppence make a good team.

Have you had an interest in Agatha Christie prior to this?

I was probably about 10-years-old when I watched Murder on the Orient Express with Albert Finney and I absolutely loved it. From that moment, I became a fan and have loved the TV adaptations over the years. I was lucky enough to be in The Body in the Library, the first Miss Marple story in the new block of Marples. I was thinking about what I would really love to do and I thought I’d love to do something in this area again because I am such a big fan of Christie’s writing. I realised Tommy and Tuppence had been quite neglected and it just felt like the most incredible opportunity when thinking of resurrecting the duo.

How did you find the resetting of the Tommy and Tuppence novels in the 50s?

I’ve always liked the 50s and I’ve always been quite obsessed with Hitchcock films whose golden period was the 50s and early 60s. I believe there was a sudden explosion of positivity after the Second World War so it’s a good period to set these stories in. The problem with bringing Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence stories to screen is that she wrote them between the 20s to the 70s and the characters age within that time. The books, however, feel contemporary so we decided to put the story somewhere in the middle and I think it works rather well.

What was the significance historically of this period and why does it lend itself to this particular stream of the story-telling?

The 50s backdrop is visually a wonderful setting, just post Second World War, where these spy stories feel well placed. They fitted because you have the Cold War and the visible threat of Soviet Communism. I also think it is an interesting period as it’s not overly familiar to audiences. Some time frames you keep coming back to,

for instance the 20s with the music and the fashions. But we just felt let’s try and do something a little surprising and set them in the 50s.

Does the period allow the production greater freedom when it comes to elements of design?

In the 50s people dressed in a formal way. I rather like wearing suits and looking smart. I like the cars and I like the slight sense of struggle about it, with poverty post Second World War. I also like the idea that Tommy and Tuppence aren’t living the high life that they might have done in the 20s, even though it was after the First World War. I just thought we really haven’t seen this represented on TV in recent years.

Have you had any major challenges whilst filming?

I’ve never had to use a gun as a prop before or grapple with a 50s Morris Minor or drive an antique motorbike!

Describe working with Jessica Raine, who plays your onscreen wife, Tuppence?

I didn’t know Jessica personally before we started filming. As soon as her name was mentioned as a potential Tuppence, it all made sense. She’s come from being the lead in one of the most popular drama series in recent years and she’s got the exact qualities of Tuppence.

Describe the location for the guesthouse in the second story.

We filmed the exteriors of the Sans Souci Guesthouse in Cromer, which is the setting for the second story though the interiors were filmed in Reigate. The guesthouse is the backdrop to N or M?, which we soon discover is harbouring a spy. We find out that Tommy and Tuppence have different opinions as to the identity of the spy, which subsequently tears them in different directions. What is unique about working in the Agatha Christie world is that in reality if we came to the guesthouse and there was only one person staying, the story wouldn’t work so we need a typically large Christie cast. You need to constantly create that tension of throwing suspicion on everybody. I know from being a fan of Agatha Christie that as an audience member, that’s the exciting part…sitting at home trying to work out who the baddie is.

Do you think there might be more outings for Tommy and Tuppence?

We certainly hope there will be more Tommy and Tuppence adventures. There are more books to adapt and it’s certainly been a real pleasure filming these two stories. But ultimately, it’s what the public think.

Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime shows on BBC1 on Sundays until August 30.

19

HORSING AROUND

s backstage at e go n io ll a Tony M ction of War Horse 20

u the West End prod orleston actor to meet a former G

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Actors are often advised

to avoid working with children and animals. Jamie Lee-Morgan is taking no notice. Not just working with animals – for the next year he has become one! Jamie is the head of Joey the horse, equine star of the long running West End hit War Horse.

From the age of 12, when his parents moved to Gorleston, Jamie joined the Dusmagrik Young People’s Theatre Company taking the lead in some of the great musicals, including Les Miserables, Gypsy and Anything Goes. He even staged his own show at Gorleston Pavilion to help raise funds for his training at the Italia Conti School in London.

Graduating last year, he began to look for his first professional stage part while working as a barman in Drury Lane over the road from the New London Theatre where War Horse has been playing for eight years. As people came in for a drink after the show he looked with envy, never thinking that soon he would be part of this worldwide hit.

‘I was working at the Prince of Wales pub. I didn’t believe it would be me. People would come in with programmes saying it was the greatest thing!’ Even now, three months after joining the new cast, he still can’t quite take it in. As he showed me backstage, after a matinee, the 22-year-old was almost pinching himself: ‘My first audition was for a West End role. I couldn’t believe it; my first job, working in the West End and working for the National Theatre.

‘Puppetry is not taught at drama school. Rather than have puppeteers they try to get actors who have similar personalities to the horse. They want good actors because it tells the story better.’

Behind the scenes Jamie introduced me to the famous Joey who

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is no pantomime horse but a full size replica created from cane. It takes three actors to operate, one, tall, for the head and two others of shorter length to go inside to be the heart and hind quarters.

This is partly how Jamie’s height at 6’2” helped land the 14 month contract.

‘We came in two weeks before the rest of the new cast. We worked on breathing exercises and focusing on points of contact.

You want to give the illusion the horse is alive. We visited stables to see how horses move, react and where they like to be touched – everything you can think a horse can do. I’d never ridden a horse but now I am absolutely fascinated by them.’

As we stood next to the very sturdy Joey, Jamie explained how each of the operators has what is called the ‘emotional indicator’.

In his team Chris Milford is the heart section and concentrates on creating the impression of the horse’s beating heart; Shaun McCourt is the hind working the legs and the tail. Jamie stands beside the head with a rod and trigger which both lifts the neck and works the ears. He can move from side to side so is the most visible but, as he says: ‘the important thing is to keep the attention on the horse, not the puppeteer.’

Often the three can’t see each other either so they’ve developed a deep bond as they work together. ‘You can’t always see what everyone is doing but we’ve got to look out for each other. We had to learn to follow each other with the breath. My team are great.

The main thing is not to have any ego. It’s a weird thing which has happened between us. We have some freedom to do what we like and no show is ever the same. It’s exciting, there are so many possibilities.’

They also combine to make the highly authentic horse noises.

‘We were sent several tracks of horse sounds and we had to listen and reciprocate.’ The three soon became a kind of equine barber shop trio and Jamie demonstrated to me the deep breath snorting which he provides. ‘You come up with a rich animalistic sound,’ he says. And he really does!

All of this turns a 10 stone cane skeleton into a believable horse.

Jamie and his team know him well. ‘Joey is more earthy, likeable and playful. He’s quite soppy but very determined and loyal.

That’s why he survives in the end.’ Being a horse and galloping round the big stage is hard work: ‘It’s a really demanding show and the most physical thing I have done in my whole life.’

As a result they operate the horse for four of the eight weekly shows; for the rest they join the ensemble of the large cast. ‘We go to the gym quite a lot; fitness is paramount in this show’. Warm up exercises are vital and a physiotherapist is permanently on duty backstage with a treatment room and couch. There’s also a resident technician and Jamie showed me the workshop where any damage to the horse frame is repaired with spare legs and tails.

When all this comes together the effect on both cast and audience is something very special. ‘On the first night it just blew me away. We got a full standing ovation. To get that on my first night. I still can’t believe it,’ says Jamie adding it is the same at every performance: ‘I feel good at the end; you kind of know you have done your job. It’s funny how a puppet can get such a response.’

And Jamie says he owes so much to the Gorleston Dusmagrik Young People’s Theatre Company – which has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. ‘Moving from Wales when I was 12 was a huge change. They really looked after me. I had some great roles. It was going there which really set me up; it really reared the possibility that I could make a career out of this.’

21

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ADVENTURE The annual Havergate Adventure, run by the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group, takes place from August 15 to 17. Boats depart hourly from Orford Quay and include a two hour guided bird watching walk on Havergate Island. Call 01728 648281 or visit www.rspb.org.uk

what’s on

EXHIBITION Sawdust & Threads, an exhibition by acclaimed artist Caroline Wright, continues at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery until September 27. It showcases her 18-month residency programme at three different museums – during which she dismantled museum objects classed as unwanted. Visit www.museums. norfolk.gov.uk

Credit BBC/MARK HARRISON

The summer holidays are well underway so get out there and have some fun in the sun with our monthly round-up

OPEN AIR CONCERTS (main picture) The setting of the south park at Holkham will be the backdrop to this summer’s open-air concerts with two evenings of great entertainment: Jools Holland, who will be bringing his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on August 29; and Last Night of the Proms with compere Fiona Bruce on August 30. Visit www.holkham.co.uk

SCULPTURE TRAIL (pictured right) Waveney & Blyth Arts’ River Waveney Sculpture Trail returns for the second year this summer, at River Waveney Trust’s Study Centre near Bungay from August 14 to September 6. Curated by Norfolk artist Sarah Cannell, the trail features 40 new sculptures and installations from 32 Norfolk and Suffolk artists.

Visit www.waveneyandblytharts.com

26

GARDENS (pictured left) Gardens can look a bit jaded by August so seek out some new ideas by visiting the seven gardens opening for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk! They include Dunbeaghan near Dereham on August 2; Severals Grange at Wood Norton on August 9; Seamere at Hingham on August 16 and Suil Na Mara at Bacton on the Bank Holiday weekend. Visit www.ngs.co.uk

THEATRE The world’s favourite family musical, Annie, comes to Norwich Theatre Royal from August 17 to 22 with an extra performance on the afternoon of August 20, thanks to public demand. Starring Craig Revel Horwood, of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, this has to be the must see show for the summer. Visit www. theatreroyalnorwich. co.uk

agatha christie

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company brings And Then There Were None to the Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds from August 3 to 8. The cast will include Neil Stacy, Gary Mavers, Deborah Grant, Mark Curry, Frazer Hines and Ben Nealon. Visit www.theatreroyal.org

PRIVATE TOUR Invitation to View, the scheme whereby people can sign up to visit carefully selected private country homes located throughout the UK, takes in Hoveton Hall Estate on August 13. A private tour will be given by the Buxton family, plus there will be access to the gardens. Visit www.hovetonhall.co.uk SUNDAY CONCERTS Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden has come up with a couple of Sunday afternoon concerts this month: Norfolk Wherry Brass on August 2, followed by Norfolk Jazz Quartet on August 9 – expect swinging jazz standards and melodic music from the Great American Song Book. Call 01603 270449 or visit www.fairhavengarden.co.uk FOLK FESTIVAL FolkEast 2015 takes place at Glemham Hall in Suffolk from August 21 to 23. The lineup includes The Unthanks and patrons The Young’uns, who come fresh from their triumph at the BBC Radio Folk Awards where they were awarded the highest accolade of Best Group 2015. Visit www.folkeast.co.uk

COMEDY Comedian Joe Pasquale will be removing the chainmail from playing King Arthur in Spamalot, and returning to his stand-up comedy roots for his summer tour, which comes to the Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth on August 6 and 20 (call 01493 842914) and The Princess Theatre in Hunstanton on August 19 (call 01485 532252).

OUTDOOR THEATRE Holkham Estate continues its outdoor theatre programme, with Cambridge Touring Theatre bringing Robin Hood – The Musical to The Walled Garden, on August 26. Perfect for three to 12-year-olds, children are invited to come dressed as Robin, Maid Marian, or even the Sheriff of Nottingham!

Visit www.holkham.co.uk or call 01328 713111.

THEATRE St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth has its first regular summer season of two shows since the theatre reopened three years ago.

Either enjoy an evening of Broadway hits with Music of the Night on August 3, 17 and 24; or go Down Memory Lane with Max Bedford on August 12 and 26. Visit www. stgeorgestheatre.com

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OUT AND ABOUT

sunshine H A L L O

This month we’ve asked six experts to give us an insider’s view into our most popular seaside resorts. Enjoy their reports >>

G R E AT YA R M O U T H CROMER SHERINGHAM SOUTHWOLD LOWESTOFT H U N S TA N TO N

G R E AT YA R M O U T H KIRSTY BURN, MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS MANAGER, GREAT YARMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL:

H O T S P O T : Make time to go to the horse races – there are several summer meetings, including one with music on August 5.

Nestled on the tip of Norfolk,

SHERINGHAM DEBBIE THOMPSON, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SHERINGHAM LITTLE THEATRE:

facing the North Sea, Sheringham is a pretty, working town of independent shops, galleries, restaurants, pubs, a museum and a thriving little theatre.

Drawn from two distinct parishes - farming in Upper Sheringham, and fishing in Lower Sheringham - today’s town owes its shape and prosperity to late Victorian speculation, driven, like so much in north Norfolk, by the arrival of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway and the transformation of this fishing coastline into a peculiarly English tourist resort: genteel, unspoiled and grand.

The railways may have changed (though the North Norfolk Railway has preserved a line through the gorgeous coastal landscape), but the tourists are still coming every year for the

Credit GREATER YARMOUTH TOURISM (DAVID STREET)

– and anyone who thinks otherwise probably hasn’t visited in a while, or has only ever wandered up and down the seafront.

Great Yarmouth’s wide sandy beaches are, of course, a huge draw, but off the beaten track on South Beach you’ll find white sand, gentle dunes and two lovely tea rooms, both serving great cake and ice cream. To the south of the river, you’ll find my favourite beach at Gorleston where the sand is fine, and the view simply stunning. Check out that terrace at the Cliff Hotel – you won’t be disappointed! And the new Shed, next to the pier, offers great Mediterranean specialities.

Few people appreciate how historic Great Yarmouth is, the town’s architecture is really quite surprising with medieval town walls and Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian buildings on view once you look up above shop facades. These buildings are the background to a story that spans maritime, seafaring and herring girl stories, the revelation of the Industrial Revolution as well as more macabre tales of rows and body snatchers. If you get

Credit GREATER YARMOUTH TOURISM (KEIRON TOVELL)

Great Yarmouth is a fantastic seaside resort

Valerie, in the little-known David Howkin’s Museum on King Street talking, she’ll tell you about being born in the circus, and tales about her grandfather, the showman who discovered the Elephant Man, and show you round her eclectic collection of treasures.

Circus is a really strong feature of Great Yarmouth to this day, with performances at the Hippodrome, a circus school in the Drill House and the Out There festival of Circus and Street Art in September.

Whilst fish and chips are a delicious seaside staple, Great Yarmouth is unusually cosmopolitan with a vibrant food, drink and evening entertainment scene, catering for all tastes and pockets.

I’m constantly discovering delicious places to eat outstanding food, from Portuguese bistros to an excellent seafront restaurant in a cellar and smaller cafés tucked away in courtyards or down the Rows. We’ve had some great nights playing ten-pin bowling and then eating out, or going for dinner and then enjoying a comedy night at St George’s Theatre where you can tell the original roof builders usually made boats for a living – it’s an amazing structure and well worth a look.

OUT AND ABOUT

CROMER JO ARTHERTON, MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL MANAGER, CROMER PIER AND PAVILION THEATRE

Cromer is considered the gem of the north Norfolk

coast and, having worked here for a year and a half now, I have come to see that most of the locals treat it as such. They are a proud bunch who work together to bring you an exciting array of events, things to do, places to stay and eat, award winning beaches and an award winning traditional Victorian pier.

If you come here for a day out you can enjoy a morning out at Amazona Zoo, where you get to meet some monkeys and talking parrots, as well as lots of other interesting African animals that are well looked after in this recently refurbished zoo. There is even an indoor soft play area for the little ones, in case the weather turns a bit grey. Locals with children ought to be taking full advantage of an annual membership. If the sun is shining I recommend taking advantage of Cromer’s Blue Flag awarded beach (which is not very easy to obtain these days), or try crabbing with your family off the Pier. The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and Cromer Museum are both great to learn more about the history of Cromer.

Cromer Pier has been awarded Pier of the Year 2015 so this is one north Norfolk iconic landmark that should be visited. There has been a pier or jetty of sorts since 1391, however since then and after plenty of accidents and natural disasters with the great British weather, it has been torn down; crashed into and flooded.

The most unique thing about the Pier and theatre is The Cromer Pier Show summer show. This End of the Pier show is the only one of its kind in Europe – which has been running for 38 years. It’s a three month long ‘traditional variety’ show and has received rave reviews. It is full of comedy, dance, song and a few surprises along the way. Bradley Walsh – who appeared in the summer show for two years in the 80s - recently attended this year’s opening night and said it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

There are plenty of little coffee shops, cafes and restaurants in town to recharge your batteries. I particularly like the Rock Shop Bistro, Rocket House Cafe, Cafe Main, No.1 Fish & Chips and Tides Restaurant on the Pier.

carnival week, the first week in August, for the 40s weekend next month (when the townsfolk transform themselves in a huge social re-enactment) and for the annual summer repertory at the Little Theatre, the last of its kind, where all can laugh away an afternoon or evening watching a classic farce.

The family-friendly beach, a mixture of sand and shingle, immediately draws you at this time of year. It has held a European Blue Flag for many years (a mark of water cleanliness and general facilities) and offers good bathing plus rock pooling options!

Be sure to call by the Funky Mackerel Café on Cliff Road for refreshments, too!

A walk down the High Street sees you discover every kind of independent shop imaginable, and, after a delicious lunch in The

HOT SPOT: Walk to Overstrand, either along the beach or up on the cliffs, alongside the golf course. It is a great couple of miles and the beach café at Overstrand is fab!

Shopping in Cromer town is a real mix of experiences – there are plenty of charity shops to get bargain hunters excited but also some really lovely independent shops selling beach goods and wonderfully handmade gifts and showcasing local artists work to suit most budgets. I particularly like Upstairs Downstairs and the Garden House Gallery & Gift Shop.

If you’re coming from further afield and are looking for a short break in Cromer, The Grove Hotel and Guest House comes highly recommended. Virginia Court Hotel is also another one that is well worth looking at.

Hub, the arts café housed in the theatre, you can wander down to The Mo, Sheringham’s utterly fascinating museum of local history and then step out to watch a truly world class sunset.

So plan your visit and then perhaps your relocation as Sheringham is a magical place that retains all of its Victorian charm and has an active community to match it.

H O T S P O T : Don’t miss the Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre with its gym and great 25m pool. It has a wave machine and waterslide so is perfect for families.

33

SOUTHWOLD IAN MILLER, AUTHOR OF A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOUTHWOLD WHICH IS NOW ON SALE IN THE TOWN:

Many people know

the picture-postcard-perfect Southwold: its sandy beaches, vernacular architecture, the ice cream cone lighthouse rising from its centre, an exquisite 12th century flint-inlaid church, a shaker-style pier, the six cannons on Gun Hill and, of course, the line of beach huts strung along the front like a line of brightly coloured sweets. And we won’t even mention their price tags!

It is steeped in history. In the 17th century Southwold was England’s main fleet anchorage and was witness to the bloody Battle of Sole Bay against the Dutch.

Since 1857, it has been the home of the Adnams Brewery, which fills the town with the heady aroma of steeped hops and barley on alternate mornings. Be sure to sample the new summer amber beer, Fat Sprat, and check out their simply fabulous Cellar and Kitchen Café and Store where you’ll be tempted not just by all those beers and Adnams fizz, but also highly desirable serving bowls, cheese boards, graters and the like!

However, Southwold is much more. It is an island and, approximately one square mile in size, it is separated from the mainland by Buss Creek to the west, the River Blyth to the south and, of course the North Sea to the east. There is just one road in and out.

Until the First World War it was a simply a fishing port and the town was dominated by fishing and its auxiliary trades. The majority of the fishing boats worked off the beach and when tourism arrived it became a crowded place as fishermen’s boats and winches competed for space with wheeled bathing huts and deckchairs. Now the few fishing boats left are restricted to the harbour.

34

My family all have their own favourite parts of the town. The grandchildren dash off to the pier, the amusement arcade, the Punch and Judy Show, the putting green, boating lake, children’s park, and a variety of places to eat – they love the cakes and American style sourdough pizzas at the Two Magpies Bakery!

My wife, daughter and daughter-in-law migrate to the High Street with its myriad of chic boutique shops. Denny’s has been at the forefront of the town’s fashions since 1851 while Collen and Clare offers the very best designer labels.

You are really spoilt with two bookshops, fishing huts at the harbour which sell the best of the day’s catch, a very good deli, Black Olive, and several pubs where the Adnams is said to taste its very best!

H O T S P O T : The Sailor’s Reading Room was built as a harbour of temperance for sailors (which didn’t work) and is now a quirky maritime museum full of photos and memorabilia.

OUT AND ABOUT

LOWESTOFT DARREN NEWMAN, LOWESTOFT VISION BID MANAGER:

Once a busy fishing port, Lowestoft is

now a visitor destination in which to shop, stay, eat and play. The town has long been famous as Britain’s most easterly point and the first place to see the sunrise.

The town is set on a backdrop of an award winning beach and The Broads. Composer Benjamin Britten was born in Lowestoft with the town and Suffolk coastline being the inspiration for his early scores.

A friendly welcome awaits visitors to the town with more than 40 national retailers along with small independent shops and services. Indulgent food tempts the taste buds from afternoon tea to traditional seaside fish and chips.

With Lowestoft being a family destination there is no shortage of things to do for both the young and the young at heart. Attractions include the family theme park Pleasurewood Hills, and Africa Alive, a great wildlife park with lemurs, African lions and white rhinoceros.

No visit to Lowestoft is complete without visiting the seafront to enjoy the golden sandy beach. The Royal Plain fountains are a wonderful addition to the seafront, where you can enjoy playing in the 74 water jets throughout the day, then watch the fountains dance to music.

The town’s Marina Theatre is the eastern regional home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The theatre provides a wide and diverse programme which includes musicals, opera, ballet as well as performances from renowned comedians and personalities.

Those wishing to uncover the town’s past will enjoy a visit to the Lowestoft Maritime Museum which is located in the stunning Sparrows’ Nest Gardens. The museum details Lowestoft’s relationship with the sea and how its industries have changed over the years.

Head over to the heritage quay located on the South Pier and visit the floating museum, the Mincarlo, an old fishing trawler which once operated out of the town’s port. And keep an eye out for the fishing smack vessel the Excelsior which can often been seen sailing out of the town.

Located to the west of the town is Oulton Broad where The Broads meet the sea. Enjoy panoramic views across the water at Nicholas Everitt Park or take to the river and enjoy a leisurely cruise.

H O T S P O T : Don’t miss the powerboat racing at Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad most Thursdays. The action starts about 6pm and is quite a sight to see!

H U N S TA N TO N ALISON CROOSE, JOURNALIST AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KING’S LYNN FESTIVAL:

There is so much that makes Hunstanton special – not

least its situation which means it is Britain’s only east coast resort where the sun sets over the sea.

An enviable sunshine record justifies the affectionate nickname Sunny Hunny for a town which enjoys a 180 degree vista of both The Wash and the North Sea. The layout of the resort, with its central green sloping down to the beach and its long expanse of grass above the distinctive striped cliffs, offers ever-present views of the sea.

Landowner Henry Styleman Le Strange built the resort in Victorian times and its popularity with day trippers and holidaymakers has never waned.

The vast expanse of sand is perfect for a traditional seaside holiday, with a funfair, sea life sanctuary and an indoor leisure pool among a variety of attractions along the promenade.

Hunstanton is also a centre for watersport activities including sailing, wind and kite surfing, water skiing and canoeing. There are also golf courses, tennis courts, bowling greens and a croquet club.

There are award-winning public gardens to enjoy, a varied programme of entertainment at the Princess Theatre and sanddunes dotted with beach huts at nearby Old Hunstanton where the beach café is ultra dog friendly.

Attractive Norfolk carrstone buildings characterise the town’s architecture and the busy High Street has a wide variety of shops and cafes. Close by are restaurants, pubs and hotels and just outside the town several caravan parks.

There is a great variety of must-see attractions in west Norfolk.

For many, top of the list is the Queen’s country retreat, Sandringham House.

Hunstanton is an excellent base to tour the area, including King’s Lynn with its wealth of historic buildings and cultural heritage.

There is also Norfolk Lavender, Bircham Windmill and pretty villages with lovely churches.

Nearby are two RSPB reserves – one at Snettisham and the other at Titchwell. There are plenty of paths for walkers to explore, including the historic Peddars Way which links Holme, near Hunstanton, with Knettishall Health in south Norfolk. Hunstanton is at the western end of the North Norfolk Coast Path – which passes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - offering delightful walking along beaches and through coastal villages. It can be enjoyed in stages using a coast-hopper bus service.

Exploration of rock pools under the famous candy-striped cliffs, a boat trip to see the seals on The Wash sandbanks, or listening to music played on the bandstand on The Green are just some of the countless opportunities for holidaymakers and day trippers to enjoy fun and relaxation in and around Hunstanton.

H O T S P O T : The Rose and Crown at Snettisham has been voted Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide. There are 16 bedrooms and a fab menu!

35

Open Mon-Sat 10-4pm · Sunday by appointment

Great Yarmouth Caravans have been selling caravans in the Great Yarmouth area since the 1960’s. Family owned and run, we are an NCC Approved Dealership and pride ourselves on our carefully selected and prepared touring caravan and holiday homes, our professional caravan transportation team and a high level of customer service. We also have a well-stocked caravan and leisure accessory shop on site.

WE ALSO BUY GOOD QUALITY USED CARAVANS (AGED 10 YEARS AND UNDER).

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from £3.75

fresh sandwiches, scones, Belgian fancies and a choice of tea or coffee from £12.50

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FOR BOOKINGS Tel 01508 493734 or email bookings@acorntearooms.co.uk Visit us online at www.acorntearooms.co.uk

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44 The Street, Poringland, NR14 7JT

Carlton Hall Gardens RETIREMENT VILLAGE

PLEASE CALL Hardimans Estate Agents for more information or viewing

Bungalows available at:

£195,000 freehold

Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 8AT

Welcome to Carlton Hall Residential Home and Retirement Village. A perfect combination of SECURE, assisted and independent living, with YOU in mind. We are now starting the construction of the second phase of 10 bungalows, four of which are already sold.

This residential care village is unique, it gives all the support and care you need or might need in the future. Set in twelve acres of beautiful park land and gardens, it helps older people to live longer healthier lives, while still living in their own freehold home.

We call the bungalows a home for life because they are fitted out for future or present care needs, all are disabled friendly with nurse pull cords in every room, directly to the Halls office where care and help is seconds away. Unless the resident contracts a very serious dementia which is a danger to themselves or others, he/she will never have to move.

TELEPHONE:

01502 513208 EMAIL:

carltonhall@hotmail.co.uk

www.carltonhall.co.uk

It is very important, because these homes are freehold and have on site care and maintenance, you will never have to sell or move into a residential home or nursing home.

WHAT'S ON

A new book offers a fascinating insight into a Norfolk dairy farmer’s life, says Mark Nicholls IT IS THE STORY OF A COLOURFUL LIFE as a Norfolk dairy farmer.

Yet the account of Gavin Paterson’s years as a cattle breeder also reveals far more about the changing face of farming in the eastern region over many decades.

Entitled Breeding Success: My Life as a Norfolk Farmer, the book is also an historical document, telling the story of how Scottish families came down to East Anglia in the 20s and 30s and transformed dairy farming, bringing their dairy farming methods and grassland management techniques with them.

Across almost 200 pages, beautifully-illustrated with photographs spanning nine decades, Gavin Paterson reflects on a lifetime in farming as his family established one of the finest pedigree cattle herds in the country.

Written in collaboration with myself, an award-winning journalist and author, it documents how the Paterson family went on to enjoy enormous success at cattle shows – including the Royal Norfolk Show – with their pedigree Friesian (and later Holstein) cattle, more than 60 years.

That success at cattle shows began with a chance remark Gavin Paterson made to his father James Paterson after visiting the London Dairy Show as a 22-year-old in 1952.

Having surveyed the country’s best cattle on display at the event, he remarked to his father, who was in bed recovering from an illness at the time: ‘We have cows in that shed…that are just as good as those which performed well at the Dairy Show.’

His father looked up from his morning paper and suggested that the young Gavin have a go at competing at the following year’s show.

With that, he and his father’s head herdsman George Clare, prepared a cow named Smallburgh Brenda for the 1953 event and much to everyone’s surprise, she was named Supreme Champion.

From then on, the Paterson herds enjoyed near-unrivalled success at such events, with Mr Paterson – now 85 becoming a well-known figure in dairy farming circles at local, regional and national level, including serving as President of the Holstein Society.

He went on to repeat the success at the final Olympia Dairy Show in 1970, with a cow named Lyngate Carlink II becoming Supreme Champion, as well as winning many more trophies from shows across the country, including at the Royal Norfolk Show and the Suffolk Show.

With so many head of cattle, milk production was a hugely important aspect of farming for the Paterson family, but the book also examines arable farming over their four farms on the Worstead estate in east Norfolk – which the family now owns – from the horse era through to the labour-saving mechanisation of today.

In addition, Breeding Success also details other elements of Mr Paterson’s life; his role with Young Farmers’ Clubs in Norfolk; work as a local councillor; and the role he played in establishing Worstead Festival and seeing it become one of the most popular summer events of the Norfolk calendar.

Originally intended to fund repairs to Worstead Church tower, since the mid-60s the festival has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and also donated funds to other community projects, including the building of a new Worstead Village Hall which was opened by the Queen Mother in 1985.

A director of Norwich City Football Club from the mid-80s to the late 90s – enjoying the heady days of European football with the Canaries - Mr Paterson remains a life vice-president and is still a regular at home matches.

He and his wife Marcia still live in Smallburgh, with their three sons Gavin, Alex and Bruce now at the helm of the family farming business.

Breeding Success records the evolution of an important aspect of farming in Norfolk through the eyes of one of its most influential figures, telling the story from a personal perspective from the early years of the 20th century up to the present day.

It reflects on the highs and lows of farming and, while Mr Paterson still owns a small herd, he concedes that one of the saddest times of his life came in October 2011 when he took the decision to sell the pedigree, prize-winning herd he had built up over a lifetime in dairy farming.

Breeding Success: My Life as a Norfolk Farmer is available in hardback (£14.95) or paperback (£12.95) from bookshops across East Anglia. It is available online from www. poppyland.co.uk and from Mr Paterson at Church Farm, Smallburgh, Norfolk, tel. 01692 536226.

WINNING

2010 2012 2013

G V I N OW SA EL Y RB NE HE MO OUC V

AWARD

Open 19th July to 6th September 2015

GIANT MAIZE MAZE

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST

FUN PLAY PARK

JOOLS HOLLAND

Crazy Croquet Inflatable Fun

FEATURING GILSON LAVIS WITH SPECIAL GUEST MARC ALMOND AND GUEST VOCALISTS RUBY TURNER, LOUISE MARSHALL & MABEL RAY

Refreshments picnic area Go-Karts

& HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA

Tractor Rides & much more

SUNDAY 30 AUGUST

R HE UC 1 VO HIP

The Last Night of the

with The English National Philharmonic Orchestra

50P OFF PER PERS O

N XIMUM 5 PEOPLE) 07771 605797 / 07974 6589 93 (MA

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Rule Britannia · Jerusalem · Dambusters Pomp & Circumstance No.1 & No. 4 Nessun Dorma · O Mio Babbino Caro · Habanera Carmen Overture · Finiculi Finicula Raiders of the Lost Art · William Tell Overture Cancan · Figaro Overture

CONDUCTOR Ben Crick SOPRANO Claire Ormshaw TENOR Lee Bradley HOSTED BY

FIONA BRUCE

WITH SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY

HOLKHAM

COURTESY OF VISCOUNT AND VISCOUNTLESS COKE

HOLKHAM BOX OFFICE 01328 713111 KING’S LYNN CORN EXCHANGE 01553 764864

to copies allowe

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Visit our website for more details and special offers

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Broadside

WHAT’S ON

This month don’t forget just how close the magical Broads are to us and get out on the water, says Melanie Cook VISIT NORWICH, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

The Broads is one of the most popular inland

waterways in Europe and provides the perfect setting for a holiday: beautiful, wild expanses of 200km lock-free navigable rivers, shallow lakes, woodland, fens and grazing marshes, home to some of the rarest plants and wildlife in the UK such as the Swallowtail butterfly and the reclusive bittern.

For many, The Broads are an annual family summer holiday destination; or a nostalgic memory for people who spent their childhood summers exploring, sightseeing, drifting and devouring ice-cream!

But we Norfolk and Suffolk residents are very fortunate: not limited to squeezing activities into a seven day break, we can explore The Broads 24/7, 365 days of the year, enabling us to discover and take in the beauty of this unique area in all seasons.

But do we? The answer is, embarrassingly enough, ‘probably not’.

August is a great month to become more at one with our beautiful landscapes. The weather is warmer, the days are still long, and we can get into The Broads to catch a misty dawn or a stunning sunset at the drop of a hat.

One of the easiest and most affordable pastimes on the water enjoyed by many tourists holidaying in the area is a day boat; it’s the perfect opportunity to while away the hours gently. Head to Wroxham, to Norfolk Broads Direct, where on a first come first served basis a standard day hire vessel can be rented

from one hour (£18 peak season) to eight hours (£116), taking up to eight passengers. Those wanting a bit more luxury can book a day cruiser (£160, 10am – 5pm) as these craft offer kitchen facilities and a toilet. Of course, time out on a boat would not be complete without tucker so take a sumptuous picnic of home-made summer favourites or moor up at a riverside pub.

If you head over to Coltishall and you haven’t packed a picnic then a suggestion is to moor and then walk to the Norfolk Mead Hotel for a delightful afternoon tea (you need to book) as it’s extremely civilised!

Head in the opposite direction out of Wroxham and you find yourself by Wroxham Broad, Salhouse Broad, Horning, Ludham, How Hill and other alluring places teaming with wildlife and lush vegetation.

The Broads are easily accessible and there is such an array of exciting things to participate in, you can also include man’s best friend on day boats and walks. Lots of boats are designed with disabled access, like Ra at Whitlingham Great Broad - Britain’s first solar-powered passenger boat - and boardwalks are suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, such as Barton Broad Boardwalk.

The Broads boast an engaging 12-month programme of extraordinary things to do, but in summer the programme bursts with activities. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden organises guided canoe trails (August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30), Wildlife Wednesdays (August 5, 12, 19), ghost walks (August 12) and an intriguing Forest Night Adventure (August 29).

Other charming adventures include: Moth Nights, (Ted Ellis Nature Reserve), Wildlife Watching with the Warden (RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, August 16), Jazz on the Broads (Broads Tours, August 20), Sunday Morning Breakfast Run (Waveney River Centre, August 23) and Family Fun Days (How Hill, August 19, 27).

And if you’re tempted to stretch time in The Broads out longer than a day or a night, short breaks are available with Herbert Woods, Norfolk Broads Direct, Waveney River Centre and Barnes Brinkcraft, all of whom have a choice ranging from basic accommodation to super, super luxurious!

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AUGUST

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Wed 29 Jul - Sat 1 Aug PETER PAN RETURN TO NEVERLAND Youth theatre production of new family musical adventure £7 - £9 Sun 2 Aug SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Interactive screening of hit Disney film £7 - £16 Sat 15 Aug OPEN DAY Access all areas - see behind the scenes!

Free

Dirty Dancing

Mon 17 - Sat 22 Aug ANNIE Favourite family musical £8 - £39.50 Tues 25 Aug - Sat 5 Sept DIRTY DANCING Worldwide smash-hit £8 - £48.50

Book online:Twww.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk H E AT R E ST R E E T, N O RW I C H N R 2 1 R L

War Horse is at the New London Theatre in the West End, for further information visit warhorseonstage.com

Tony Mallion travelled by train to London with Abellio Greater Anglia

T U G S

AT

T H E

H E A R T S T R I N G S

Seen by more than six million people across the globe, the success of War Horse gallops on. With a new West End cast including a former Gorleston actor Tony Mallion takes a fresh look at this worldwide hit

Credit BRINKHOFF MÖGENBURG

WEST END REVIEW

Telling the horrors of the First World War

through a puppet horse might seem like something for children but War Horse brings it all alive not just to a new generation but to all ages. This is powerful stuff and theatre at its very, very best. At a matinee at the New London Theatre adults around me reached for their tissues while rows of schoolchildren were utterly absorbed for almost three hours.

Six years after I saw it for the first time the National Theatre’s multi award winning production seemed to pack an even more powerful punch than before. In that intervening period it has been made into a successful Steven Spielberg film but that had to use real horses and countryside; the original theatre version of Michael Morpurgo’s book is so much more compelling, relying on stage craft and firing the imagination.

It is a strong story written very much from the heart by Morpurgo whose own family came from Belgium and whose grandfather, Emile Cammaerts, wrote First World War poetry to boost the morale of his people. The work of the Great War poets was something which inspired the former Children’s Laureate, as did talking to veterans who told him about the role of horses in the conflict. A million creatures were sent to war and only a fraction survived.

War Horse tells us of Joey, a racing horse bought recklessly by a drunken farmer Ted Narracott determined to outbid his brother. But Ted’s son Albert develops a deep affection for the animal and turns Joey into a fine work horse. With the outbreak

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of war Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the Western front; Albert signs up as a soldier to search for his horse. This is the simple fabric into which is weaved so much depth about the Great War with Morpurgo aiming to show - by including the Germans and French alongside the British - the universal suffering of war. Brought to life by the National Theatre and directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris it works on so many levels.

The equine star is Joey which is where Jamie Lee-Morgan, a former member of the Dusmagrik Young People’s Theatre Company in Gorleston comes in. The National Theatre called on the South African Handspring Puppet Company to create a puppet horse, a full sized lifelike replica made from cane and operated by three very talented – and very strong – young actors. So physically exhausting is the task that there have to be three teams who operate Joey for just four of the eight weekly performances.

Jamie controls Joey’s head, a job also requiring creating the snorting and whinnying sound of the animal. This is no pantomime horse and such is the skill and training involved that almost instantly Joey is a very convincing animal, not something inanimate operated by three guys. All credit to them, especially Jamie making his West End debut, and others who operate a second horse and birds. The greatest compliment is that you forget the actors are there.

Michael Morpurgo’s prompt for the book came from ‘a tarnished old painting’ of a man on a horse which he happened to see. A label said the animal was called Joey, the painter Captain James Nicholls and it was dated autumn 1914. Using this as a starting point designer Rae Smith created a vast screen shaped like a scrap of paper from Captain Nicholls’ sketch book upon which pictures, from the gently rural countryside to grim images of battlefields constantly appear. It is magical. Props, costumes, effects and the large cast do the rest.

Albert Narracott is the leading figure, a very talented James Backway who gets it just right. Music also plays an important part with folk singer Ben Murray adding greatly to the atmosphere as he merges as one of the company.

While War Horse continues its West End run and UK tour the play has also been seen around the world including opening in Berlin last autumn, the first play about the First World War ever to be seen in Germany. It will be seen in China in the autumn.

The New London is one of the very few modern theatre buildings in London, opening in 1972 and becoming the ideal home for the musical Cats which ran and ran for 21 years. Now it is a perfect fit for War Horse originated by the National Theatre in 2007 for its similar Olivier auditorium on the South Bank and transferring to the West End two years later where it looks set to be enthralling audiences and pulling heartstrings for many years to come.

43

Like A R lling

Stone It’s only rock and roll for our favourite pensioner and columnist, Richard Barr this month!

44

I DID NOT MAKE IT TO LATITUDE, but thousands did, including my step daughter Philippa and her fiancé (see last month’s P&F). By all accounts it was an amazing experience, even though by the time they arrived home they were so exhausted that they took straight to their beds!

But that is not to say that, despite the fact that I have to admit (quietly) that I am an old age pensioner, I would not have enjoyed the experience had I gone.

A few years ago we trekked all the way to Cardiff to see the Rolling Stones (who are even longer in the tooth than I am).

There were so many of us travelling to Cardiff in our sensible estate cars that we caused traffic hold ups as far back as the Severn Bridge. Earlier there had been a move to reduce the number of tickets available to members of Saga, for fear of the entire audience consisting of senior citizens.

As we approached the Millennium Stadium, we could spot fellow concert goers. They were the ones who would have been teenagers in the 60s. Now, many had their own teenage offspring in tow, some looking distinctly unenthusiastic about what was to await them.

We filed into the stadium and obediently took our seats. The bouncers at the door eyed us suspiciously. Surely, they must have thought, they cannot all be well behaved. There were 25,000 of us packed into the stadium.

With an explosion of fireworks and twang of guitars they were there - our teenage idols and all old enough to draw their pensions – Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts.

To start with, we sat quietly through Jumping Jack Flash, Oh No Not You Again, and Let’s Spend The Night together, applauding

A LOOK AT LIFE

in the same way that one would acknowledge an accomplished performance of a Beethoven quartet.

Then slowly, a metamorphosis came over the audience. Our hair lost its greyness and our behaviour grew wild. Polite applause became buried by loud shouting. We stood. We jumped. We climbed onto our chairs. We sang the words we knew so well and we punched the air to ram home the lyrics – while Mick Jagger pranced and ran the length of the huge stage showing that old age does not have to be a handicap for anything, Keith Richards (who had lately fallen out of a palm tree) entertained the audience by being the only person in that huge auditorium to break the no-smoking rule, and hurling his dog ends at us.

Long before the end of the concert we were waving and yelling and stamping. Many knew all the words of the songs, which, according to reports, was more than Mick Jagger did as he apparently had to use an autocue.

So what is it that drives us – young and old – to travel long distances, endure the company of too many old people (or an excess of young ones) and fork out large sums of money to listen to…. sounds?

Wise people have been pondering the matter for years.

Shakespeare constantly returned to the theme:

The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils

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Scientists have not yet figured out what music does that goes to the core of our feelings. We all like different music (which is just as well; otherwise concerts would all be the same). A Canadian neuroscientist (Valorie Salimpoor) has carried out a number of studies, hooking participants up to sophisticated brain scanners and found that when we enjoy music dopamine is released which in turn makes us feel good.

Personally I find that a particular song or piece of music can induce strong emotions – happiness, sorrow, yearning, euphoria - and a half forgotten tune can transport me back decades to a different place and time. Some of my favourites are: The Happening (Diana Ross), Your Time Will Come (Amy MacDonald), Love Changes Everything (Michael Ball), anything

by Beethoven or the Beatles. If you never listen to any other opera in your life, savour La Traviata by Verdi and glut your emotions.

It was thought that humans are the only creatures affected by music. Studies have shown that even plants respond to music (so there – Prince Charles was right!). Back in the 1970s (when the Rolling Stones were in the first flush of youth) Dorothy Retallack from Colorado was playing music to plants. She found that a continuous noise caused the plants to die prematurely. If they were played rock music they developed small gangly leaves, but those that listened to soothing ‘middle of the road’ music had grown lush and green.

I am now keeping a close eye on Philippa. If she too becomes gangly after Latitude, I shall have to lock her in a room and play her soothing Mozart until either she screams to be let out or resumes her previous appearance.

45

Toad Hall

The delightfully named in Mulbarton is our property of the month.

Emma Outten takes down the particulars GUIDE PRICE £650,000-£675,000

THE NAME OF THIS MONTH’S PROPERTY evokes memories of that rather toady character out of Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows!

Toad Hall is a detached Georgian house located in that much sought after village of Mulbarton: a pretty, rural place situated in the south Norfolk countryside just six miles from Norwich.

It includes infant and junior schools, playgroups and a choice of pre-school provision, a sheltered housing complex, farm shop, GP surgery and therapy clinic, dentist, chemist, social club, village hall and scout/guide HQ, Post Office and convenience stores, hot food takeaways, motor vehicle workshop, a pub, allotments and recreation areas – phew, that’s quite a lot for a village!

It has a lively local community, demonstrated by the fact that hundreds of runners have enjoyed the Mulbarton Parkrun over the Common over the past couple of years (plus a post-5k run coffee in the social club/village hall!).

Mulbarton is famous for its Common, which is a registered common of 19 hectares of open land, used for sports and recreational activities. And did you know that it is likely that Mulbarton Common has been maintained as open grassland since the Middle Ages? Flora and fauna wise, there have been many 46

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

FACTFILE Detached house; Countryside views; Enclosed rear garden with patio; Period features; Country style fitted kitchen; Four/five spacious reception rooms; Conservatory overlooking spacious garden; Large master bedroom with en suite and dressing room; Double garage with loft

grasses recorded on the Common, including perennial ryegrass, sheep’s fescue, spring wild oats and meadow fox-tail. And if you made the move to Mulbarton, you could enjoy looking out for long tailed Tits and Great Crested Newts in the summer and Blackcap, Water Vole, Snipe and the Moss Bladder snail throughout the rest of the year!

This is a very well-placed village, lying as it does between the A11 linking Norwich to Cambridge and London and the A140 linking Norwich to Ipswich. It is close to the city, so if retail therapy, or a night at the theatre are your thing, you can easily head into Norwich, with its rich cultural, retail and entertainment scene, while retreating back to the relaxing and charming surroundings of Mulbarton at the end of the day.

But on to Toad Hall itself: by and large, we do like a detached Georgian house here at Places&Faces® and we particularly like the fact this one has countryside views to the rear beyond a beautifully maintained garden which is laid to lawn and has that all important patio area – glass of Pimms on the patio anyone?

You could be preparing your Pimms in the fitted kitchen which really highlights the character of this period property.

It’s been maintained to a high standard and features exposed beams and a country style Aga. There are a range of cream base and wall units with plenty of surface space on the granite effect worktops. This country style kitchen is probably one of the most attractive features of this large period property.

Beyond the kitchen, two spacious reception rooms boast period fireplaces and exposed beams, and both rooms benefit from plenty of natural light; one sourcing its light from a large bay window, while the other lets light stream in from large patio doors that lead out onto the garden. Then off of one of the reception rooms you will also find a separate dining room. Plus there’s also a bedroom or study (you choose) and a cloakroom downstairs.

Upstairs the master bedroom continues to demonstrate the hidden charm of this property with exposed beams and a period style latched wooden door. And this room also boasts the luxuries of a dressing room and an en suite bathroom – what I’d give for those not so little luxuries! There are four bedrooms in all, plus a large family bathroom and a built-in cupboard to boot.

Finally, the period property also has a conservatory that looks onto the garden and a double garage with a loft above that could easily be converted into a games room.

The current owners describe the house as a lovely family home, saying: ‘We love the unique features such as an original bread oven, the lovely garden, the fact that there are no overlooking properties, and that it has a good-sized kitchen/ breakfast room.’

So if you fancy channelling your inner toad of Toad Hall, what are you waiting for?

ESTATE AGENTS

Stratfords of Eaton, 20 Eaton Street, Eaton, Norwich | Tel 01603 503500 www.stratfordsofnorwich.co.uk

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47

Aldreds majors on the sale of residential and commercial property in East Norfolk and North East Suffolk. We also have long established letting and auction departments.

We are independent, but involved in the market with presence on leading property websites and portals, five modern offices and 35 experienced and trained staff.

£475,000

£495,000

Main Road, Filby

Puddingmoor, Beccles

Architect designed detached house, situated in a superb position with outstanding farmland views to rear. This high specification property offers generous accommodation including an impressive double height entrance hall, bespoke kitchen/dining room, utility room, lounge, separate dining room, garden room, four bedrooms with ensuite to master and family bathroom. Impressive garage building with workshop, gym room and first floor office. Oil fired central heating, UPCV sealed double glazing, beautifully maintained gardens, southern aspect rear garden, spacious driveway and a superb open aspect to the rear.

A rare opportunity to acquire a modern property, one of very few on this stretch of the river, which offer spectacular views over the broadland country and glimpses of the areas unique wildlife. This property also boasts westerly views and aspect, kitchen diner and living room overlooking the garden and river, two double bedrooms, one with access to walled south facing Patio, raised patio overlooking the garden and river for outstanding ‘al fresco’ dining, shower room and bathroom, modern gas central heating plus log burner in living room and three brick and tile garages.

www.aldreds.co.uk

Tel 01493 844891 | 17 Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1HJ

East Carleton

St Stephens Terrace

£560,000

£400,000

Contemporary detached house in an idyllic rural village location, 1/3 acre plot(stms). Spacious fitted kitchen/breakfast room with utility and double doors to rear decking. Living room with wood burner. Conservatory overlooking the garden. 5 bed inc. master bedroom w/ensuite shower room. Family bathroom.

A rare opportunity to own one of the highly sought after St Stephens Terrace properties miniutes walk from the city centre. This 4/5 bed house with contemporary interior offers spacious accom inc. modern fitted kitchen/ breakfast room & master with ensuite. Garden and garage.

NORWICH

39a Newmarket Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2HN

01603 760770

EATON

20 Eaton Street, Eaton, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7LD

01603 503500

HETHERSETT

Prospect House, 28 Gt Melton Road, Norfolk NR9 3AB

w w w. s t r a t f o r d s o f n o r w i c h . c o . u k

01603 811108

PROPERTY

CAN YOU BUCK A MARKET? Mark Duffield turns his thoughts to his home town of Great Yarmouth and its future prospects WWW.ALDREDS.CO.UK | 01493 844891

THE TIMES REPORTS that the Bank of England is concerned that the enormous interest and bank lending in the buy to let market may be putting the economy at risk. There is concern a bubble is inflating. Regulation may ensue. The sector is under scrutiny as banks prefer to lend in this sector of the property market. Owner occupation is the target house market of government policy rather than buy to let. The inference is that the regulating authority can control a market that may get out of hand. I guess this is probably right.

The estate agency part of the property market is very busy at the moment and faces a lack of housing stock for sale to satisfy a market demand. Such is the shortage that many house owners who were reluctant to move seven years ago because of preferential mortgage deals, now have their houses on the market but are not anxious to sell because they cannot see anywhere else to buy. These observations are for the middle market not the high end one which appears to be slower.

The government’s attempts to kick start the new home market are clearly justified. In Great Yarmouth the Town Hall is trying very hard to meet planning guidance for available residential building land and a number of sites have come forward in

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advance of the plan. Of particular credit to them is their involvement in our property hot spot Bradwell. Yes, yet again west of the river.

Both the private and public sectors have grabbed an opportunity to use government and private funding to link the A12 and A143 by road. The scheme, which is nearly complete, has identified and released land for new housing where there is market demand for new owner occupied family housing. And, although the road is not open yet, there are houses built and for sale. Such efficiency within the building industry must make our MP, as a Housing Minister, proud that his home constituency is leading government policy.

I am amused, if not bemused, by Norfolk County Council's suggestion that it is in the best interests of the rate payers if the land suitable for residential development and owned by the authorities is developed by their own endeavours. Mick Castle, elected member, said they had developed in Great Yarmouth and had the expertise. I have respect for Mick; he has worked hard for the people of Great Yarmouth.

However, whilst it is true to say there has been local authority residential development of open market housing in Great Yarmouth, the jury is out of whether that proves they have the expertise. It has to be appreciated that the efficiencies demonstrated by the Bradwell development mentioned above are very difficult to achieve outside the demands of the private sector.

The road link has a double benefit for the town with its business sector. There is a business park and hospital cluster around the A12 end and the increased accessibility will only help the ongoing expansion of the business park element.

You cannot be anything other than impressed by the transformation of our town centre landmark building, Haven Bridge House. This is an investment that gives me hope that my pounds are safe with my company’s pub conversion.

This building has been good to me. When I returned back to Great Yarmouth in the 70s it was relatively new and empty.

A well-known name in my business told me it was a waste of time when the building adopted me. I let all the space in under two years. If there is room, some of the space would be ideal for the Broads Authority. They could look over the wet land of world importance that is under their jurisdiction, have lower overheads and contribute to the life of our ancient town whilst at the same time reducing the Norwich traffic burden. That sounds like joined up thinking!

Mark Duffield ALDREDS, 17 HALL QUAY, GREAT YARMOUTH

Mark Duffield, who is the CEO of Aldreds Chartered Surveyors, was born in Great Yarmouth and has been in business in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft for 39 years. His company is currently creating new office space in the old Star and Garter pub next door to the firm’s offices in Great Yarmouth on Hall Quay.

49

As high summer sizzles the festivals

This month our home writers Hayley Philpot and Jennifer Read help you to create a festival vibe in your house and garden!

FESTIVAL FEVER

are in full swing and, if you’re lucky, the outfit of the day will be shorts and tee shirts but the wise will always pack brollies and wellies - we are the UK after all! Cover all eventualities - from sun cream and sun hats to jumpers and waterproofs - and you can’t go wrong. We have some of the most exciting music, culture and literary festivals in the world and if you’re planning to attend one soon, make sure you have all the essentials to eat well and be comfortable. Or you may just decide to hold your own mini-fest with friends in the garden or on a picnic but whatever you choose, here are some great products that fit the bill perfectly, so rock on and enjoy!

The key to success is to make sure you can always sit in comfort and to have some lighting ready to create the perfect atmosphere when the sun goes down. Also, get the food and drink side of things right and everyone will be happy. Bright and colourful, yet practical and affordable, just look at these ideal accessories.

Orla Kiely Lanterns from £9.95 Candlelight is perfect for any outdoor occasion and adds that soft romantic glow. These designer lanterns look truly stunning when grouped together, and will hang or stand as you wish.

50

Beau & Elliott Brokenhearted, flask £12.50, water bottle £10, insulated lunch bag £15 With the perfect contemporary design for summer outdoor living, these striking products bring a touch of glamour to the party. The tough little flask, made of stainless steel, will keep cold drinks cool for up to four hours and hot drinks hot for up to eight hours. Turn heads as you carry your still or sparkling water in the stylish bottle, and the insulated tote bag will keep it all fresh and cool.

INTERIORS Malini Teal cushions square £20, rectangular £35 The prettiest of teal is chosen for these patterned cushions that will offer just enough of the snuggle factor to keep you comfortable. Pretty embroidery with silver sparkle adds a little discreet glamour to the 35cm x 45cm rectangular cushion, and the 45cm x 45cm square cushion comes with a Moroccan print with turquoise accents.

Fatboy Snacklight £149 Serve your favourite food and drink on this oversized tray which gladly lends a hand when it gets dark with its wireless, rechargeable lamp offering soft ambient light so you can have fun from dusk until dawn.

Happy Jackson Woo Hoo hip flask £15 You’re guaranteed to raise a smile with this cute 7oz hip flask with faux leather printed sleeve.

The Woo Hoo speech bubble has a pal which just sums it up – it says Party Time. Maybe you need a bit of courage or just fancy a tipple on the go, this is perfect, so why not!

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Calligaris Hero chairs rrp £92.50 now £78 These funky chairs are made from 100 per cent recyclable polypropylene and stackable up to four chairs high. The production technique used is airmoulding which creates a mono-block chair that is slightly textured to the touch and light but sturdy, and the highly resistant feet are interchangeable too. There are lots of colours and finishes available, so you can choose your own combination.

HAYLEY & JENNIFER are homeware buyers

Jarrold’s

1-11 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1AL www.jarrold.co.uk

The Granary

5 Bedford Street, Norwich, NR2 1AL www.thegranary.co.uk

51

w: martinleakportraitartist.co.uk e: martinleak059@hotmail.co.uk

Half Year Sales Diary 2015 Fine Antiques with Clocks & Watches

Important Summer Sale of Fine Paintings

24th, 25th & 26th November

7th August

Antiques with Clocks & Watches

Classic Car Sale 18th July

14th & 15th July 8th & 9th September

Books & Ephemera

Antiques with Collectors & Militaria

30th & 31st July 24th & 25th September 19th & 20th November

11th & 12th August th 6th & 7th October

Country Sale

from

£300

with a free consultation

Pet Portraits

also available

Ideal Christmas gift

on 7 August 2015

Wine Sales 26th November

East Anglian Art 27th November

Selected Quality Pictures 11th December

Every Monday (Tuesday after a Bank Holiday)

Martin Leak Portrait Artist 01493 655273

Windows • Conservatories • Fascias • Doors

Commercial & Deadstock Sale Usually held on the last Monday of the month (Tuesday after a Bank Holiday)

Ornithology 4th September

Picture & Prints 3rd July 2nd October

Palmers Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6JA

01263 733195

salerooms@keysauctions.co.uk

keysauctions.co.uk

Thinking of new windows, conservatory, Doors or Facias?

There’s no need to look any further!

Showroom Opening Times • Monday – Friday 9am til 5pm • Saturday 9am til 4pm • Sunday 11am til 4pm

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Established 1989 certificated

01502 501036 12 Cooke Road, Lowestoft NR33 7NA

www.polycastle.co.uk

Contact us now for a brochure or visit our showroom at: Station Business Park, Horning Road West, Hoveton, Norwich, Norfolk NR12 8QJ, England.

T: 01603 781771 E: info@ebsfurniture.co.uk Follow us on Facebook.

Handmade in Norfolk

See more of our beautiful kitchens at: www.batesfurniture.co.uk

SET IN STONE Exclusive home and garden accessories company Foras, has a second home in Norfolk, thanks to a new opening at The Townhouse in Burnham Market. Emma Outten speaks to owner Claire Brutnall A chance meeting with a ship’s captain at a London party set Norfolk farmer John Wootton and his partner Claire Brutnall on a whole new course a decade or so ago.

The captain had spoken of transporting natural stone back from India, which piqued the interest of Claire, a former international buyer in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.

John, who wanted a change from farming, was soon setting off for India, when their daughter was just eight weeks old.

He travelled the length and breadth of the sub-continent, visiting stone mines, and the finished product is Norfolk family company Foras, based in Stowbridge near King’s Lynn and recently Burnham Market. The natural stone products, slate, garden accessories and water features all have a very exclusive, 54

design led feel. Claire says: ‘I’m very passionate about the fact that we designed the products in Norfolk, using local designers.’

She adds: ‘I think what’s different about Foras is that we are importing our own stone and are developing the product rather than just buying and distributing it.’

Foras has won two gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show before now and so it is rather apt that the company has just opened a new showroom in Burnham Market, as it is often referred to as Chelseaon-Sea! Located on the Green in the picturesque north Norfolk village is the new second home for Foras, The Townhouse, a 16th century former coaching inn steeped in character and history.

Presenting an inspirational showcase of new and innovative natural stone and porcelain products for inside and outside the home, the new Foras Walls and Floors Studio also features tiles and flooring for all areas of your home.

There is also a range of garden accessories - from stone water features, seating, sculpture and garden dressings such as lanterns and garden torches.

The Townhouse is more a set of showrooms than a shop, designed to inspire and ignite your imagination by presenting rooms finished with the products. Even before you enter, for example, you are presented with Foras handmade natural slate planters and dolly tub inspired vintage zinc planters aptly named ‘The Burnhams’. Claire explains that the extensive vintagestyle galvanised zinc range is named after Norfolk place names, emphasising just how Norfolk-based this family firm is. ‘It’s all about Norfolk really,’ says Claire.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

You can stroll through rooms dressed with Jem Lake Kitchen designs and bespoke carpentry - with floors laid in the finest natural stones by Foras: from contemporary Nazzano honed limestone in the bathroom to classic Bourgogne vintage limestone in the wine room. Whatever the look and feel of your project, traditional, ultra-modern or eclectic, Foras has the product for you.

Your journey then takes you through into the orangery where you are able to browse a vast collection of high grade natural stone and porcelain products produced using the latest technology. Let your imagination run wild in the glamorous mosaic room, complete with full-wall bespoke mural artwork and a whole host of ideas with which you can demonstrate your individuality, creativity and personal flair. Foras is an Italianderived name (meaning ‘outside’) and Claire comments: ‘With the mosaics the showroom has a very Italian feel.’

Finally, full bi-fold doors lead into a tranquil show garden with sensory planting and running water features, seating, sculptures, pots and planters, bird baths and more.

And back at the former tulip barn at West Head Farm, Stowbridge, there is a new sunken garden. Here in the heart of the Fens you will find 10,000 square metres of landscaped gardens and 70 water features!

Claire, who admits to being a little bit obsessed about their beautiful products, concludes: ‘Foras has dedicated the last decade to designing and sourcing stylish and functional products for the home and garden.

‘Products are selected to provide longevity and originality, and are backed up with full customer service as well as a consultation service for inside and outside the home. We look forward to welcoming you.’

Foras Stowbridge, West Head, Stowbridge, King's Lynn, PE34 3NJ. Visit www.foras.co.uk or call 01366 381069 Foras Burnham, 55 The Townhouse, Market Place, (On the Green), Burnham Market, PE31 8HD. Visit www. burnhamwallsandfloors.co.uk or call 01328 738304

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55

Kitchen Sense of Harleston For Quality Fitted Kitchens and Appliances

KITCHEN SENSE COMMON SENSE

Visit our showroom: Unit 1 Tilia Court, Wendover Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6SX - Celebrating our 15th Anniversary -

(Directions: Turn left into Tilia Court at end of Stratstans premises) Visit our showroom: Visit our showroom: Unit 1 Tilia Court, Wendover Road, Rackheath Unit Industrial 1 Tilia Court, Wendover Road, Rackheath Estate, Norwich, NR13 6SX Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6SX (Directions: Turn left into Tilia Court

:moorwohs ruo tisiV htaehkcaR ,daoR revodneW ,truoC ailiT 1 tinU XS6 31RN ,hciwroN ,etatsE lairtsudnI truoC ailiT otni tfel nruT :snoitceriD(

esimerp snatstartS fo dne ta 62 London)sRoad, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9BZ Tel: 01379 852592 Fax: 01379 854411

at end of Turn Stratstans premises) (Directions: left into Tilia Court at end of Stratstans premises)

Visit our showroom: ne 01603 722385 | Email jhdinteriors@btinternet.com Unit 1 Tilia Court, Wendover Road, Rackheathmoc.tenretnitb@sroiretnidhj liamE | 583227 30610 enohpeleT leT Telephone 01603 722385 | Email jhdinteriors@btinternet.com Website www.jhdinteriors.co.uk Telephone 01603 722385 | Email jhdinteriors@btinternet.com staff@kitchen-sense.co.uk Website www.jhdinteriors.co.uk ku.oc.sroiretnidhj.w|wwww.kitchen-sense.co.uk w etisbeW Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6SX Website www.jhdinteriors.co.uk (Directions: Turn left into Tilia Court at end of Stratstans premises)

ne 01603 722385 | Email jhdinteriors@btinternet.com Website www.jhdinteriors.co.uk

john@thekitchenshopgy.co.uk | www.thekitchenshopgy.co.uk Unit 8, Owen Road, Harfreys Ind Est, Gt Yarmouth, NR31 0NA

Showroom Open: Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm

Tel: 01493 923113

Saturday 9.30am-Midday

Appointments always available

get the luxury look get the family look get the latest look Shoreline Bathrooms Ltd. Morton Peto Road Harfreys Industrial Estate Great Yarmouth NR31 0LT ap

William Adams Way

Harfrey’s Rd

www.shorelinebathrooms.com

n to

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Brinell Way

shorelinebathrooms@btconnect.com

ll

Ha

Bessemer Way

01493 652073

Boundary Rd

Morton Peto Road

A12

Entertaining Kitchens Flaming Good.

01603 731551 www.longwaterliving.com

William Frost Way, Longwater Business Park, Costessey, Norwich NR5 0JS Open Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5.00pm and Saturday 8.00am - 2.00pm

WWW.WAVENEY-WINDOWS.CO.UK

TRADE COUNTER NOW OPEN

Local family-run business established in 1977 and still running today under the same name and owners Unit 6, Halesworth Business Park, Norwich Road, Halesworth IP19 8QJ 路 3 other showsites throughout Norfolk and Suffolk Tel: 01986 874 241 路 Email: info@waveney-windows.co.uk

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Karpet Kingdom T: 01502 516781 Whapload Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1UR W: www.karpetkingdom.co.uk T: 01502 516781 W: www.karpetkingdom.co.uk

QUENCH T H AT T H I R S T

Our gardening writer Ellen Mary is busy deadheading in the month of August but says it’s also time to enjoy the fruits of your labour!

AUGUST IS THE MONTH of harvesting, deadheading, collecting seeds and enjoying the summer sun. Watering the garden on a warm summer’s morning is one of my favourite gardening jobs after which it’s time to take it easy and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Listening to the birds, quenching your plants' thirst and seeing all of the busy creatures setting about their daily work is one of the delights of August. So get out there early and enjoy every moment in the garden.

Garden and Flowers

Barely a month goes by without the need for pruning and

now is the time to prune your beautiful wisteria, preparing it for next year again. Rambling roses should be pruned and deadhead other roses to extend the flowering season but if your roses produce attractive hips, leave them as a useful source for garden wildlife and winter interest.

I am often asked why camellias haven't flowered. It is usually because they haven't been watered well throughout the summer. Both camellia and rhododendrons won’t flower so well the following year if they are left dry after flowering.

They will reward you with beautiful fresh blooms if you water them along with your other garden plants.

In the dry weather which August often brings, lawns can suffer from dry brown patches and little growth. Don’t worry, though, they will soon green up again when the rain comes. Aerate your lawn and cut it on a higher blade.

Leaving the grass cuttings for a short time to retain moisture in the soil can sometimes help, but beware of the slugs that will also enjoy it.

Give it a go

ast rth Norfolk co day on the no s to en rd For a fantastic Ga d le al lkham Hall W head up to Ho Days where the Discovery of e on in rt take pa ily fun. Find m fa , on some handsthis you can have ldlife living in plants and wi gust 3, Au out about the on ld he e . The days ar unique garden ildren £1 ults £2.50, ch Ad .

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60

GARDENING

Fruit and Vegetables

If you cut back your herbs now they will produce some lovely fresh growth ahead of the first frosts. There is no need to be without herbs throughout the winter, now is the perfect time to pick them and keep them in the freezer.

This is a big month for harvesting sweet-corn, runner beans, main crop potatoes, salads and plenty of juicy fruit. Remember to think about storing your crops in a cool dry place because you are likely to have lots of tasty fruit and vegetables.

If you’ve covered the ground under your strawberries with straw to keep your fruits dry, now is the time to remove old dirty straw and just leave a thin clean layer behind. This really helps to prevent pests and diseases, preparing your strawberries for the following year.

Wildlife Gardening

In dry weather it’s most likely you will need to top up the water levels in your

pond. Use rainwater from a water butt as tap water is too rich in nutrients. If you do have to use tap water, add it gradually so fish and other creatures aren't too shocked. If you look closely you may even see some pond skaters and water boatmen enjoying your pond.

A dry month means other birds and creatures in our gardens need water as much as your garden plants. Make sure bird baths are regularly cleaned and topped up with fresh water. Don't forget the bees need to drink as well, add some stones to your water features to allow them to rest and drink from shallow water.

Marigolds aren't just pretty and edible but planting them attracts bees, hoverflies and ladybirds which are great for pollination and controlling unwanted pests. Hoverflies look a little like wasps but they don’t sting. I love seeing them around the garden and on the allotment knowing they are helping me out. Try Tagetes Lemon Gem which is wonderfully fragrant.

Ellen Mary Gardening provides no jargon, easy to

follow gardening advice, along with a range of colourful gardening products at: www.ellenmarygardening.co.uk

gardening product OF THE MONTH

Bring a splash of colour indoors with these raspberry coloured herb pots - great for easily picking leaves as you are cooking or for putting colourful cut flowers in. Set of three in a tray only £14.95. www.notonthehighstreet.com/ellenmarygardening

61

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

Antony Jackson

Toby Golding

N E W FAC TO RY & E X PA N S I O N FOR SUFFOLK BUSINESS Livingwood Windows

is a nationally-popular Suffolk business which is preparing for its tenth anniversary in 2016 with an exciting expansion! The company, alongside its new sister brand Aluminium Sliding Doors & Windows, offers aluminium and wooden doors (entrance, bi-fold, French and sliding) and windows (flush casement, tilt and turn, sliding sash and sliding). Set up by Toby Golding and Antony Jackson, the company has gone from strength to strength, creating an excellent reputation among its national customer database of homeowners, architects and developers. This spring, the company made a substantial investment into new premises which has enabled Toby and Antony to manufacture their own aluminium products and create a larger showroom and administrative base.

‘This is an exciting new chapter for us,’ explains Toby.

‘Antony and I, with our small team, have worked hard to supply tens of thousands of windows and doors to an exceptionally high standard of quality and customer service. To move into manufacturing, whilst continuing high levels of quality, will benefit our customers as well as creating new jobs.’

Livingwood Windows’ new state-of-the-art factory, in Hillside Business Park in Bury St Edmunds, is over is 3500 square foot and fully equipped with the latest Elumatec CNC machinery to create beautiful aluminium sliding doors and windows from the industry-respected Reynaers at Home. It has enough space to deliver exactly what the customer wants, from a one-off bespoke request to large multi-item orders.

‘This means that our quality products, professional service and focus on perfection are available to everyone,’ concludes Toby.

‘Anyone can enhance their property with our beautiful doors or create stunning clear views with windows over 3 metres high.

Manufacturing the products ourself also means we can keep our prices surprisingly competitive.’

01359 272646 | www.livingwoodwindows.co.uk

See more of the great outdoors...

Our top quality windows and stunning bi-fold or sliding doors blend in with your home and lifestyle giving you a clear view of your outside space.

We are based in Suffolk and celebrating ten years of dedication to our industry. Please visit www.livingwoodwindows.co.uk or call Toby Golding /Antony Jackson on 01359 272646.

Pictures by BARKERS PHOTOGRAPHIC, GORLESTON www.barkersphotos.co.uk

SERVES FOUR

GAME

ON!

Pan Roasted Duck Breast, Passion Fruit Sauce, Crushed New Potatoes and Pak Choi INGREDIENTS 400g of new potatoes, peeled 6tbsp of crème fraiche 3 Star Anise Chopped chives 4 pak choi 4 Gressingham duck breasts (6-8oz) 1tbsp of vegetable oil 1tbsp of butter 64

SAUCE INGREDIENTS 6 passion fruits 150ml of maple syrup 15g of black treacle 105ml of whisky

IMPERIAL HOTEL

This month Simon Wainwright, executive chef at the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, delights us with a sweet and tangy duck dish

METHOD Boil the new potatoes in salted water until they are soft.

While they are boiling, cut the passion fruit in half and scrape the seeds out into a small saucepan. Add the star anise, whisky, maple syrup and black treacle to the passion fruit and bring to the boil. Flambé the saucepan and once the alcohol is burnt off, remove from the heat and put aside.

Remove any white sinew from the underside of the duck, score the skin slightly so it becomes crispy. Pan fry the duck, in the oil, skin side down until crispy, then turn over in the pan and season.

Place it in a preheated oven of 180°C for 8 minutes, if you like your duck pink in the middle, and 12 minutes if you like it a little more cooked.

Meanwhile strain the potatoes and crush each one lightly with a fork, stir in the crème fraiche, chopped chives and some salt and pepper and keep warm.

Take the duck out of the oven and rest.

Heat a tablespoon of butter and a couple of spoons of water in a frying pan. Bring to the boil, add the pak choi and a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes.

TO FINISH Bring the passion fruit sauce back to the boil, slice your duck breast into 7 or 8 pieces and rest on your board. Place the crushed potatoes into the middle of a plate and place the duck onto them. Arrange the pak choi around, spoon the sauce round, making sure it has gone to a syrup like consistency. Enjoy!

2013 BOHEME, PRIMITIVO SALENTO, ITALY

Nick Mobbs, director and wine expert at the Imperial Hotel, says:

I have selected an Italian wine to go with Simon’s duck dish, as I am looking for a wine with some structure and flavour to match the rich flavours of the meat and sauce.

The wine is produced by Boheme who are located in Puglia which is in southern Italy.

The grape type for this wine is the Primitivo, a native grape of Puglia in the heel of Italy's boot, and comes from the Latin primativus meaning ‘early to ripen’ and is indeed one of the first red grapes to be harvested in southern Italy. Modern winemaking skill has elevated it from a humble quaffing wine to a delicious, jammy and moreish style whose quality belies its price tag.

It is available, via mail order, from the Great Western Wine Company in Bath. Visit www. greatwesternwine.co.uk

• A team of brilliant chefs • Superb wine list • Laid-back atmosphere The perfect restaurant for dinner or Sunday lunch. At the Imperial Hotel, North Drive, Gt Yarmouth, NR30 1EQ. To book call 01493 842000

www.cafecru.co.uk

Sunday 12.30 - 2pm Monday - Saturday 6.30 - 10pm The Terrace is open daily. For opening times & menu go to imperialhotel.co.uk

Photography by ANDREW FLORIDES, www.andreworides.co.uk

Relaxed fine dining in a 14th century coaching inn with luxury rooms and Michelin award-winning food just a stones throw away from the North Norfolk coast.

Relaxed fine dining with brand new menus created by Chef Patron Daniel Smith, located close to central Norwich in the South Norfolk village of Stoke Holy Cross.

RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

RESTAURANT

01692 581099

01508 492497

WWW.THEINGHAMSWAN.CO.UK

WWW.THEWILDEBEEST.CO.UK

RECIPE

Let our French chef

cook for your private dinner parties, and for those who really enjoy cooking, he also oers master classes, for all abilities, in your own home. More information is available at www.franckpontais.com

1 punnet of fresh strawberries 250g of cream cheese 80g of digestive biscuits 50g of caster sugar

50g of unsalted butter 1 tsp of vanilla essence

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE Our French chef Franck Pontais oers up a very English summery dessert this month!

Photography by ANDREW FLORIDES, www.andrewflorides.co.uk

SERVES FOUR*

Method 1. Crush the digestive biscuits into a bowl; 2. Melt the butter and combine with the digestive biscuits; 3. Fill the bottom of the 4 individual tart rings with the biscuit mixture and press slightly with the back of the spoon (proceed the same way if you are using a large pastry tart ring); 4.

Cut half of the strawberries into quarters and the other half into two; 5. In a mixing bowl, mix sunem wen dnarb htiw gninid enfi dexaleR together the cream cheese, caster sugar and detavanilla col ,h timS with leinaaspoon; D no6.rtPlace aP fethe hC yb detaerc essence halved strawberries inside each ring, and klofroN htuoS eht ni hciwroN lartnec ot esolc fill the middle of each tart with .sscheese orC ymixture, loH ekuse otS fo egalliv the cream a piping bag if you have one; 7.

Place the quartered strawberries T N8.ALeave RUA on top of each tart; toT setS E R in the fridge for a minimum 79 4 2 9 4 of8one 0510 hour; 9. Dust with icing sugar before Kserving.

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*four individual cakes or a large one to share

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WINE

I’LL NAME THAT WINE IN ONE Our wine writer Sam Matthews enjoys a spot of father/son bonding – over a bottle of plonk, of course!

T

hese days I seldom get the opportunity to head out into the great Norfolk countryside to visit my parents but when I do I can’t help but feel like a bit of a show pony for my father.

I’m always made welcome, as you would expect for a returning son. ‘Do you want something proper to eat?’ asks my mother before I even walk through the front door. I do eat quite well, albeit at silly times of the day and night and I am a trained chef from my early career days. It’s nice though, that she’s happy to heat something up in a foil carton for me!

Whilst mum is foraging through the freezer for something interesting, father turns into an amateur ‘sommelier.’ I think he secretly fancies a career, later in life, serving nice wines in a country pub or restaurant, but, trust me, don’t employ him, as your Sauvignon Blanc and Picpoul de Pinet stock levels will never add up!

I may be gasping for a cold glass of wine, but first I have to play his game of guess what is it? This started a few years back for him, when I spectacularly guessed what was on the label from just tasting a mouthful. I’m pleased to say I get it right more times than I get it wrong, usually because his tastes don’t change that much and what he pours is a tad predictable. I have to sample lots of wines for the Assembly House and Lavender House wine lists

so you can’t help but build up a taste bank of wine. The two grape varieties mentioned earlier are always a safe bet if I’m guessing at the family home because that’s what’s usually in the fridge.

Last week he raised his game, there was a much more difficult challenge. After a busy Sunday lunch shift, I headed round to the folks', eagerly anticipating whatever she had defrosted that morning. ‘Do you want a glass of white?’ was met with an obvious nod before preparing myself for the ‘name that wine’ game.

He marched through to the living room clutching a couple of glasses and a bottle carefully holding the label out of my eye line.

A cheeky grin came over his face as he poured, as if to say, ‘No way is he guessing this one.’ A small glass was poured, enough for a good swirl and sniff. Identifying wines is not something I have to do much in the trade, there are wine qualifications that require it but I can’t think of many instances in the workplace where this skill will be required on a day to day basis.

On first inspection of colour and aroma, it clearly wasn’t one of his preferred grape varieties. This particular wine had a deep herby and ‘minerally’ aroma to it, which shouted old world to me straight away. By the colour, my wine ‘muscles’ were suggesting a slightly warmer climate as well, so I ruled out France, and went with Spain, and got that right much to father’s pleasure.

There is a two-tier points scoring system with this game points for both the country and the grape variety. There are things that I look for when identifying and thinking about wine, such as the colour in the glass, the aroma and of course the taste but in all honesty the best way to learn is by trying as many different bottles as I can get my hands on.

I had three grape varieties in mind once I knew it was a Spanish producer; Spain grows a lot of different grape varieties around Northern Spain, big hitters like Sauvignon and Chardonnay and more indigenous grapes such as Albarino, Airen and Macabeo. I ruled out one of my favourite grape varieties because for Albarino, it was a bit too rich. I’d had a glass of Albarino the night before so the taste was fresh in my mind.

Father bowled a googly, having consulted the label himself, ‘oh, it’s a blend of two grape varieties,’ he said, slightly surprised.

I took a shot with Macabeo and was correct. Quite an acidic grape variety on its own, usually only used in blends, and most famous for being the grape variety in the production of white Rioja. Getting more and more thirsty I went for Chardonnay as the second grape variety because the wine had a smooth almost creamy finish on the palate. Father punched the air. I fear I may be unveiled for the odd party trick in future.

Relax - I was allowed to enjoy my wine in peace!

SAM MATTHEWS

is Food & Beverage Manager at The Assembly House, Norwich. www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk

Table D’Hote Menu

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THE ALBATROS IS A TRADITIONAL Dutch cargo ship from 1899. Instead of sailing the high seas she is now permanently moored alongside The Quay in Wells and used as a Dutch style cafe, bar, restaurant, music venue and B&B, offering one of the most entertaining ways to spend a couple of hours (or a couple of nights) on the North Norfolk coast. The restaurant serves an extensive choice of sweet and savoury Dutch pancakes and other Dutch specialities for lunch and dinner. Guests can sit below deck in the cosy bar area or outside on the main deck with fantastic views over harbour and marshes. It’s a great place to experience something a bit different!

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eon Lunch ble y a d Sun g Advisa in Book Table d’ote menu Three courses and coffee Large choice of Fish and Roasts served to your table Free parking available - ask at reception North Drive, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1EG Tel: 01493 844568 Email: enquiries@burlington-hotel.co.uk

Now serving breakfast Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 - 11.30 and a brand new lunch menu

Celebrating Norfolk Produce Is Our Passion Located in a fabulous Grade II listed building on Pottergate, Roots bistro provides a warm, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy a quick snack, romantic evening meal or Sunday lunch with friends. We are committed to using only the freshest seasonal produce from around East Anglia, and have won the prestigious Waitrose Good Food Guide Award 2015.

6 Pottergate Norwich NR2 1DS To Book, please call us on 01603 920788

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28-30 Camperdown, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JB

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LUST LIST

1.

2.

THREE.

5.

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It’s the middle of the summer holidays so there’s nothing else for it - Emma Outten goes tub thumping with these very tasty treats from the freezer 1. Norfolk Blackcurrant Ice Cream, Ronaldo Ices, around £4 for 500ml, www. ronaldo-ices.co.uk 2. Double Strawberry Norfolk County Dairy Ice Cream, £4.99 for 500ml, available from good independent stores, farm shops and deli’s plus most Waitrose stores in East Anglia and the factory shop, www. lakenhamcreamery.co.uk 3. Coconut Hullabaloo Ice Cream Alternative, The Booja-Booja Company, £1.99 for 110ml or £5.99 for 500ml, available at Rainbow Wholefoods, The Greengrocers and Holland and Barrett, www.boojabooja. com 4. Heston from Waitrose Choc & Nut Ice Cream, £4.49 for 500ml, www. waitrose.com 5. Gooseberry and Elderflower Fruit Cream Ice, Alder Tree, part of the Sourced Locally range at East of England Co-op. £1.99 for 125ml or £4.99 for 500ml, www.eastofengland.coop 6. Waitrose Duchy Organic Strawberry Ice Cream, £4.35 for 750ml, www.waitrose.com

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Fruit pig black pudding is served in a number of restaurants across the county, including the Market Bistro in King’s Lynn, Titchwell Manor, the Morston Anchor, Byfords in Holt and Mustard Coffee Shop in Norwich. Grant and Matt attend the monthly Creake Abbey farmers’ market on the first Saturday of every month, and their black pudding can be bought in a number of shops and delis, including Picnic Fayre at Wells, Humble Pie in Burnham Market, and Walsingham Farm Shop. A full list of stockists can be found at www.fruitpigcompany. com.

IT'S IN THE

bLOOD

Andy Newman goes west to find a black pudding maker who is taking on the dish’s northern heartland, whilst Roger Hickman combines it with another leading Norfolk product to showcase what the county can offer

I have written in these pages

about how Norfolk producers are stealing a march on traditional ‘geographic origin’ foodstuffs from elsewhere in the country – whether it’s taking on the famed Yorkshire ‘rhubarb triangle’, or exporting haggis from Melton Constable to north of the border.

When you mention black pudding, most people will immediately think of the town of Bury in Lancashire. In my local Norwich supermarket, it is Bury black pudding which is on the deli counter. That is a shame, because there is a far superior product being made right here in Norfolk. Unlike their northern counterparts, The Fruit Pig Company makes its black puddings from fresh, rather than dried blood – one of only around half a dozen makers in the UK doing this.

Ex RAF officer Matt Cockin started the Fruit Pig Company in 2009, having made west Norfolk his home on leaving the forces, following a couple of tours spent in the county. A Yorkshireman by origin, Matt grew up in a rural setting, and so farming was in his blood. So when the chance came to purchase a smallholding at Emneth, near Wisbech, he grabbed it with both hands.

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As any rural accountant will tell you, a smallholding won’t give you a living, so Matt took his recently acquired butchery skills (learnt at Waltham Forest Butchery, thanks to the RAF’s de-mob reskilling programme) to work at a local butchers. Realising that there was a demand from other smallholders for such skills, Matt decided to take the plunge and set up on his own, supplying his new business both from his own pigs, and those of other smallscale producers in the area.

Meanwhile, Grant Harper also came to the county in 2009, also chasing the dream of living and working a rural smallholding. Selling his Hertfordshire landscape gardening business, and pooling resources with his parents, he and his wife took on 17 acres, where he started raising Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, as well as Norfolk horn and Suffolk sheep.

Like Matt, Grant needed to supplement his income, and went to work for Matt as an employee in late 2010, staying for nearly three years. The pair remained friends, however, and when Matt decided he wanted to move the business on, Grant rejoined, this time as partner.

The pair are passionate about sourcing meat from rare breeds raised on small-scale operations across East Anglia. The business describes itself as a ‘rare and traditional breeds artisan butchers and charcuterers’, insisting that all the animals it uses are raised completely free range.

That care and passion extends to the increasingly famous black pudding. Most black puddings in the UK are made from dried blood, because using fresh blood requires much more effort. Fresh blood coagulates very quickly, so very low food

NORFOLK PRODUCE

“We add fat from our own pigs, our own mix of spices, ground ginger, salt and pepper, pimento – and sultanas.” miles and a close relationship with the abattoir (in this case NV Gagen in Wisbech, also a small family concern) is crucial.

‘We have developed a non-chemical process to stabilise the blood,’ explains Grant. ‘We get the blood direct from the abattoir, and very quickly mix it with oats.’

That is as much of the process as Grant is prepared to share, and he is equally coy about the mix of spices used to create the unique flavour.

‘We add fat from our own pigs, our own mix of spices, ground ginger, salt and pepper, pimento – and sultanas,’ is as much as he will give away. That last ingredient may seem unusual, an inspired suggestion from Matt’s 14-year-old daughter. It is the Fruit Pig Company, after all (the name originally stemming from the fact Matt fed his pigs on fruit).

Wrapped in a high quality woven casing and steamed for 80 minutes, the result is a very moist, creamy texture and a rich, meaty flavour, imbued with those secret spices and the sultanas.

The company has certainly caught the zeitgeist by deciding to produce black pudding. ‘It’s a unique selling point for us, a traditional product which very much fits in with our ethos,’ says Grant.

‘Five years ago, you wouldn’t necessarily tell people you made black pudding, but now you want to shout about it. It is still a niche product, but most people who try it come back for more. Interestingly, at farmers’ markets it tends to be women who are more willing to give it a go – I’m not sure why.’

Fruit Pig black pudding certainly has a growing reputation. A winner of two Great Taste stars in 2014, as well as a silver medal from the ‘Brotherhood of the Knights of the Black Pudding’ in the French town of Morgagne-au-Perche, the company is now producing as much as 150kg a week, which is snapped up by restaurateurs and gourmets across the county and beyond (you will find it at Jimmy’s Farm in Essex and Tom’s Kitchen in London).

Once again we have a strong argument for a Norfolk foodstuff to be granted protected geographic origin status. Unlike Bury black pudding (and indeed Stornaway black pudding, which actually does have the PGO status), this is proper black pudding, made from fresh blood by dedicated enthusiasts.

The result is spectacular; once you have had this on your full English, nothing else will do.

RECIPE

Roger Hickman’s Norfolk black pudding and Norfolk quail serves four as a starter INGREDIENTS 4 Norfolk quail crowns, 1 Norfolk black pudding, 4 slices Iberico ham, 1 Granny Smith apple, 1 white onion, a splash of white wine, mushroom powder, salad leaves, 1 banana shallot, 1 stick celery a knob of butter, rapeseed oil, 100ml water, 50g sugar, the juice of one lemon

RECIPE Pan fry the quail crowns breast side down, turning half way so that each breast is browned. Now turn the birds onto their backs, and put them into the oven at 180°C for 4-5 minutes.

Then remove them, leave to rest for 4-5 minutes, and remove the breasts from the crowns.

Heat the butter in a pan until it is at beurre noisette stage (starting to brown). Crumble the black pudding into the pan, and fry until it is almost dry, and has a crispy texture.

Chop the onion very finely. Sweat it in some butter – you are aiming for it to turn translucent without browning. Blitz the onions in a food processor, and pass through a fine sieve, to give you a smooth purée.

Dissolve the sugar in the water, and then cool. Add the lemon juice. Now dice the apple into pea-size pieces, and soak them in the syrup. Slice the shallot, and dress the salad leaves in rapeseed oil.

Place the quail over the crumbled black pudding, squirt or spread some onion purée onto the plate, and then add the diced apple, shallot slices and dressed leaves. Garnish the plate with the mushroom powder.

ROGER HICKMAN is chef-proprietor at Roger

Hickman’s Restaurant in Upper St Giles, Norwich.

More details at www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com.

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TRAVEL

The Orlando Eye

w

without the kids!

Clare Millar suggests a few grown-up ways to experience Orlando and the Sunshine State

HILST ORLANDO IS STILL synonymous with the Mouse and Disney and for many the opportunity to experience the theme parks is still the biggest draw, people have awakened to the fact that it offers so much more whether it be culture, food experiences, state parks or natural wildlife as well as being the perfect base to explore Florida including both its stunning coastlines.

It goes without saying that vast numbers of UK holidaymakers head to the Sunshine State with children at the heart of their plans. However, for our visit it was definitely an adults-only trip. We started with some much needed downtime and headed east to the Atlantic Coast for a day at Cocoa Beach.

This is where having a car comes in handy. The friendly folk >>

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79

>> at Sixt Rent-a-Car were super-efficient with easy access direct

from the terminal at Orlando International Airport via the complimentary shuttle bus. Our reservation was speedily processed by the helpful rental agent and we were in our brand new luxury rental car ready for a week of fun and exploration.

With its famous 800ft long pier, Cocoa Beach offers an adultfriendly atmosphere where surfers and fishermen outnumber children. We loved it because it gave us the chance to breathe in the sea air, take a dip in the warm water and grab a sunset cocktail or two. Cocoa is just over an hour’s drive from central Orlando and a popular weekend destination for locals.

Next on our itinerary was some Orlando-charged adrenaline in the untouched beautiful wetlands with wildlife viewing on a Boggy Creek Airboat Ride. We opted for the one-hour airboat Night Tour (although the daytime trips looked fantastic too!) where we were whisked through the wetlands, spotting Florida alligators in their natural habitat, keeping our eyes peeled for red eyes in the darkness, with the only light coming from the Captain’s miners helmet. This tour is a must for those who love speed, a hint of danger and the dark! A great experience getting up close with a good handful of alligators as they slithered through the swamps looking for prey.

Thankfully our itinerary then took on a gentler pace with a day of pure luxury and pampering at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World®. Set amid lush Florida woodlands, the resort offers five restaurants, a sumptuous spa, golf at the Tranquilo Golf Club, an adults only pool, a five-acre waterpark and so much more. This 443-room resort is central Florida’s first and only AAA Five Diamond Award property. Many of the bedrooms offer spectacular vistas over 80

the Magic Kingdom® Park’s nightly fireworks display. We loved the adults-only pool surrounded by private cabanas and the couples’ spa treatments were to die for. All of this combined with the signature Four Seasons service is a real winner and as grownup as it gets.

The following day we hit the freeway and made our way to Florida’s Gulf Coast to Clearwater where the average year-round temperature is a balmy 81 degrees. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a top attraction and deservedly so. Made famous

by Winter, the bottlenose dolphin who lost her tail to a crab trap and was rescued by the aquarium, the centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured marine animals, public education, animal-assisted therapy and research. Well worth a visit! From Clearwater Beach we did the local thing and headed to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill for a fresh-off-the-boat grouper sandwich with open-air beachfront dining right on the Gulf of Mexico.

Back in the city and for the epitome of grown-up sophistication we headed to The Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel located in the quaint suburb of Winter Park, just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Owned by Rollins College, a private coeducational liberal arts college, The Alfond Inn boasts 112 rooms, a stunning rooftop pool and fitness centre. We enjoyed a delicious alfresco brunch at the hotel’s popular restaurant, Hamilton's Kitchen, where the impeccable customer service matched the high standard of food and presentation.

With another sunny Florida day ahead of us we headed 40-minutes north of Orlando to Wekiva Island, a hidden oasis in the heart of central Florida. There’s nothing like relaxing next

TRAVEL

Clearwater Beach

to a slow-flowing, lily-pad-laden river, surrounded by lush palm trees. Throw in a few cabanas and a boardwalk lined with comfy chairs along the bank of the Wekiva River and a bar for good measure and the result is Wekiva Island - a nature lover’s hot spot where the laid-back vibe of Old Florida still reigns. The river is the real star, sending canoeists, kayakers and paddle boarders downstream to view alligators and other wildlife.

No visit to Orlando would be complete without a visit to International Drive – the main tourist thoroughfare of hotels, restaurants and attractions spanning more than 11 miles. Much to our delight the hottest ticket in town was for Merlin Entertainments’ trio of new

INFORMATION

Four Seasons, Orlando

“We hit the freeway and made our way to Florida’s Gulf Coast to Clearwater where the average year-round temperature is a balmy 81 degrees.”

Car hire: www.sixt.co.uk Accommodation: www.thealfondinn.com from £125 per night for a classic room; www.fourseasonsorlando.com from £285 per night Getting there: Virgin Atlantic (0844 2092 770 virginatlantic.com) has return flights from Gatwick to Orlando from £513pp.

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Winter the Dolphin

attractions comprising The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando. Fortunately, we had secured our tickets in advance via UK-based Attraction Tickets Direct so were ready to roll and hop aboard The Orlando Eye. Similar to its London counterpart, it takes around 20 minutes for a full rotation in one of the iconic pods.

Just next door is Madame Tussauds Orlando and, whilst smaller than the original London venue, it has some state of the art sets where you can try on a space helmet and take a selfie with Neil Armstrong or sit at Barack Obama’s desk. The combination ticket meant we also got to enjoy SEA LIFE too with some great hands-on exhibits.

The attraction of many perfect holiday destinations lies in variety and broad appeal. Whilst Mickey and Minnie will continue to see crowds of families flock to the place where dreams come true, there is still so much for the grown-ups to experience too, as we found out!

Attraction Tickets Direct is the UK's leading provider of Orlando attraction and theme park tickets, and pre-booking before you leave home guarantees the best price and availability. The Boggy Creek Airboat Night Tour is priced from £31 per person for a one-hour ride. The Merlin cluster on I-Drive 360 consists of Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and the Orlando Eye. A 3-attractions ticket including one-time entrance to all three is priced £30 per person or individual admission is £16 per attraction. To book call free on 0808 271 4453 or visit www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk

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Swan Like

N AT LO D D O T H E S WA N acesÂŽ

with Places&F is a ďŹ rm favourite e great food and th e v lo o h w rs e read ndings. Now there attractive surrou s to try out, too, as are new bedroom vered Sarah Hardy disco

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TRAVEL

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The Swan, Church Plain, Loddon, tel 01508 528039, visit www.theloddonswan.co.uk

Residents in Loddon

know themselves to be lucky as they have the Swan at the heart of village life. This fine former coaching inn dates back to the 18th century and has enjoyed a new lease of life since 2012, when local business partners Andrew Freeland and Justin Fenwick bought it.

They have lavished lots of care and attention on it and it is now a justifiably popular place.

It is an attractive red brick three-storey building with a busy bar area, a snug with a pool table, a couple of other little areas and a more plush restaurant. Nowadays, it is the place for coffee and cake in the morning, a decent lunch, maybe a drink after work or a slap up supper. It is also a perfect place for a celebration, especially in the large first floor entertaining room which overlooks Church Plain.

The pub oozes character as there are many original features such as fireplaces and Norfolk pamment flooring, and I always comment on the dried hops twisted around the beams in the bar. And do make sure you look out for all the amazing artwork on the walls, all of which is for sale. Don’t expect cute windmills or bunny rabbits; rather the Swan offers something with a bit more attitude!

The owners of this Grade Two listed building appreciate the importance of refreshing what they offer. The latest project is four new bedrooms, in a refurbished barn behind the pub (so they are quite separate if you are paranoid about noise, like I am). They are a very welcome addition and are perfect for both business travellers and holiday makers.

They are all individually decorated in calm colours and have ultra comfy beds, great showers and decent towels – all solid indicators of a top of the range hotel room!

But what of the food – upon which the Swan’s reputation has been built? Last time I visited, Jason Wright was just getting his feet under the table as the new head chef. Now he’s reworked the menu to include more local produce and there are always a handful of daily specials chalked up on a blackboard to tempt you, too.

I was staying overnight with a girlfriend so, after a stroll up and down the town’s High Street, we settled down with the menus and gin and tonics in the bar to solve the problems of the world and fill our bellies!

The menu is shortish, with lots of seasonal dishes on offer. From the six starters to choose from, I went for smoked chicken roulade, charred onions and sweetcorn relish at £5.95 which was delicious, with the relish adding just a bit of bite. My friend went for crispy crab and chilli bon bons, brown crab mayo and a Thai salad at £6.25 which was much enjoyed, too.

The main courses include a good selection of fish, vegetarian, duck and meat options such as grilled plaice, saffron potatoes, baby turnips and watercress at £13.95 and asparagus and smoked dapple risotto, with poached duck egg at £12.95.

As usual, I went for a flat iron of Red Poll beef, hand cut chips, grilled tomato, mushroom and watercress at £14.95. The beef was good and tender and who can resist big fat chips? Not me for one!

My friend had cod, hand cut chips and mushy peas at £9.95 and was again very happy with her lot and both our plates were cleared in record time.

We decided we could manage desserts so I tried a peanut butter parfait with strawberry and fudge at £6.25 which was heaven – sweet and somehow refreshing at the same time. My chum had an apple and vanilla cheesecake, stem ginger ice cream and apple caramel at £5.95, with the ice cream in particular gaining approval.

As we sipped our lattes and chatted with Jason, we discovered that the food has just been awarded an AA rosette – and quite right!

After a good night’s sleep, breakfast is served in the heavily beamed restaurant which is almost baronial in style. There are all your usual favourites such as cereals and fresh fruit, plus a selection of cooked options. I chose the veggie version of a full English while my friend had the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs which is always such a treat. Add in lashings of tea, coffee and toast and we were both set up for the day.

The Swan is fast becoming a serious player on the region’s foodie map and with the option of staying over, too, it is surely set to gain even more fans. Hurrah for that!

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Looking Good!

COMPETITION

A LUXURY BREAK WE ARE OFFERING one lucky reader the chance to win two nights away for two in a deluxe room, complete with three-course dinners and full English breakfasts. A sparkling afternoon tea is also included on arrival day along with spa treatments worth up to £100!

To enter, simply answer the following question:

Where is Park Farm Hotel situated?

Send your answer to competitions@h2creativemedia.co.uk Please remember to include your name, address and a daytime telephone number. You can also enter via Facebook. Go to our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/placesandfacesmagazine and like our page and share the competition. Simple! Entrants must be over 18. The prize is subject to availability. Spa treatments must be pre-booked and are also subject to availability. Normal Places&Faces® rules apply and the editor’s decision is final. The closing date is August 31 2015 when a winner will be selected at random.

Make time to enter this month’s fabulous competition for a chance to win a luxury twonight break at a leading south Norfolk hotel This month Places&Faces® has teamed up with Park Farm Hotel at Hethersett, just to the south of Norwich, to offer one lucky reader the chance to win two nights away for two in a deluxe room, complete with dinner and breakfast. Add in afternoon tea with sparkling wine, spa treatments up to the value of £100, and full use of the lovely leisure facilities and it is quite something special!

The hotel, which also has conference and business facilities, is based around a Georgian farmhouse, so has plenty of original features.

It was purchased by the Gowing family in 1958. Over the years they have tastefully transformed it from a dairy farm, offering farm holidays, into one of Norfolk’s leading hotels.

Until 1981, meals were prepared in the old farmhouse kitchen.

This was then refurbished and expanded for the opening of the public restaurant in the original farmhouse.

Park Farm Hotel has a lovely friendly feel to it, with a very popular bar and conservatory where decadent afternoon teas are served, with a splendid choice of teas and homemade cakes.

There’s also a more formal dining room where you’ll enjoy a lavish dinner, created using the area’s local produce under the watchful eye of executive chef David Bell.

All 53 bedrooms are individually designed, with flat screen televisions and many have pleasing views over the landscaped gardens. Several have patios and terraces, too.

The leisure facilities include a state-of-the-art gym where you can limber up and a lovely swimming pool where you can relax. Add in a hydrotherapy pool with lots of bubbles to ease out tensions and also sauna and steam rooms, and you have a very nice spa experience.

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This year's Aylsham Show president is Tony Bambridge – potato specialist, contract farmer, Norfolk boy and advocate of bringing food and farming education to young people. He speaks to Ed Foss Pictures and words JUST REGIONAL

A NORFOLK

SHOWMAN One of this year's most eye catching events promises to be a visit from a set of racing camels. Joseph's Amazing Camels will stage two races with four camels in each race, with every camel sponsored by a local pub or business.

Aylsham pubs will be well represented by The Black Boys, The Feathers and The Unicorn, with The Crown at Banningham also taking part. Coxford, Whites and Granville Bond butchers, plus Postles electrical retailers will also be sponsoring the races. Both races will take place in the main ring. www.theaylshamshow.co.uk

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Educating the youth of today in the whys

and wherefores of food production and its relationship with the agricultural industry is a subject close to Tony Bambridge's heart.

That tractor holding you up on the A140? It's part of a multimillion pound industry which helps to feed both you and the world, explains Tony. It's being driven by a multi-skilled operator with expertise in IT, communications, meteorology, mechanics, chemistry and logistics.

To the outside eye, farming 21st century style might look similar to farming as it's always been, but that's simply not the case, says Tony.

‘We're in a world now where the economics of agriculture mean that, as in the majority of other industries, you have to be professional and consistently competent to be a survivor.

‘It's a highly competitive world in which, as a contract farmer, you are only as good as your last job. If you want to survive you have to achieve results.’

Tony wasn't born into farming. It was a path he chose. From Reepham originally (well Whitwell actually, just outside the town), Tony went to Easton College, now Easton and Otley, to study agriculture.

He was initially looking at a career in dairy farming.

‘I found the breeding and nutrition of dairy cattle very interesting. If you get those aspects right in detail, you are very much rewarded.

‘But I discovered women and nightclubs, which I'm afraid were incompatible with the daily early rises associated with milking.’

So Tony went down an arable route instead.

And then a series of events led to him tackling an academic challenge he could never have predicted.

His work in the Young Farmers Club locally, at county level and at regional level had been seen and noted by the industry, including by the then director of the Royal Norfolk Show, John Stimpson.

‘John asked me if there was anything I had ever regretted in my time with the young farmers. And I said 'yes, I never applied for an international exchange'.

‘He recommended the Nuffield Scholarship, which provides funding to allow people in the industry to travel and expand their knowledge and understanding.

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‘So I applied and was successful. I travelled to Holland to study the European potato industry. At the end of the scholarship I made the decision to start my own business growing potatoes and seed potatoes.’

Tony went into business with former employer David Crane and in 1988 started with 250 acres.

That small start now sees Tony farming 3000 acres for a number of clients, 700-plus acres of which are potatoes, out of which 400 are for seed potatoes. Other crops are wheat, sugar beet, peas, oilseed rape and horseradish. There is also a suckler herd of Lincoln Red cattle.

‘We're involved in growing beef, potatoes, malting barley for beer and horseradish. If you combine those four, I reckon that's pretty much job done!’

He employs 19 people, and has a keen interest in making sure young people secure work and experience with his business, B&C Farming, which sells itself as 'farmers, contractors, and seed producers'.

Tony has an impressive CV. He is a non-executive director of Produce Investments PLC, the holding company of Greenvale AP Ltd, a member of the Research and Knowledge Transfer Committee at the Potato Council, NFU Council delegate representing Norfolk, vice chair of CUPGRA, the winner of the 2011 British Potato Industry Award and finalist for the 2012 Farmers Weekly Arable Farmer of the Year.

‘I can't think of anything better to do with my life, but then it's what I've always wanted to do, so I suppose that's the way I should feel.’

Tony's relationship with the Aylsham Show dates back many years. But it was secured when, in 1990 he took the tenancy of Park Farm, Blickling, an easy stroll from the site of the August Bank Holiday show on Blickling Park.

‘The show needed some straw bales for people to sit on and it was suggested that, as I was so close, it would be a good job for me to be given.

‘I've been health and safety officer in the past, and we assist with the clearance operation once the show has finished.

‘To be asked to be president is an honour. The Aylsham Show is about us as a farming and rural community coming together to stage an event to promote farming, the countryside and rural life.

‘We also assist local businesses and charities in promoting themselves, and we manage to raise not insignificant sums to hand out to wonderful causes. Put August 31 in your diary, it will be great.’

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Woodgate Park in Swanton Morley, Dereham is a charming retirement village in the heart of the beautiful Norfolk countryside. A selection of spacious two-bedroom bungalows are complemented by a range of high quality facilities designed for comfort, enjoyment and peace of mind. Isn’t it time you treated yourself to the retirement you so thoroughly deserve?

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ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

LUXURY LIVING IN L AT E R L I F E The new luxury retirement village development at Woodgate Park in Norfolk will be opening the doors on its second phase next month to show retirees how luxury living could enhance overall wellbeing. Emma Outten spoke to Managing Director Dr Sanjay Kaushal

Although Castlemeadow Care is very much

Castlemeadow’s Woodgate Park is located at Woodgate Road, Swanton Morley near Dereham.

Open days will take place from September 11 to 13, from 2 to 4pm.

Call 01362 620016 or visit www. castlemeadowcare.co.uk

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a Norfolk based business, the concept behind developing a luxury retirement village at Woodgate Park in Swanton Morley, near Dereham, complete with a GP surgery, was something of a national first.

Woodgate Park was the very first to have an on-site GP surgery, says Castlemeadow Care’s Director Dr Kaushal, someone who knows all about the importance of general wellbeing in later life. ‘As a qualified GP I’ve always understood about the needs of the senior age group,’ he says. ‘And having worked with this age group within the NHS for more than 20 years I’ve always tried to push the boundaries of care that would enhance their quality of life which is fit for the 21st century.’

He knows that taking care of the medical aspects also helps to take care of the overall general wellbeing. ‘The medical side is very, very important,’ says Dr Kaushal. ‘We were the first in the whole of the country to have that level of accessible care under one umbrella. We were cutting edge.’

At Woodgate Park there are trained members of staff on site, offering caring support, and Dr Kaushal explains that one of the main aims is to encourage residents to live beyond the four walls of their luxury bedrooms. ‘We have created beautifully landscaped grounds where we encourage people to interact with the environment; to sit and admire the unspoilt views of the Norfolk countryside. People don’t have to stay in,’ he says.

Phase two of the Woodgate Park development is ready to be unveiled and features 25 spacious, two-bedroom retirement bungalows as well as an exclusive club house on site, allowing residents to dine together and meet to participate in a variety of social activities. There is even a hair salon and nail bar!

‘The new clubhouse is beautifully designed,’ says Dr Kaushal, who goes on to mention the large gazebos where residents can sit and even have a gin and tonic, should they so wish.

Woodgate Park has been at the forefront of this style of living in later life, and Dr Kaushal explains why: ‘We feel that this age group should be celebrating life and celebrating their age - for too long people have been made to feel old.’ But he makes this point: ‘You can still pursue an active and enriched life style.’

Making the move to a retirement village is a big leap, Dr Kaushal acknowledges, but he advises those people who are thinking of making such a decision to make it sooner rather than later (before rather than after a health scare, for example).

Next month there will be open days on three consecutive days at Woodgate Park, an opportunity for those later in life to have a taste of what’s on offer at the luxury retirement village. ‘We would love for people to come and experience luxury living,’ says Dr Kaushal.

With phase two well underway, the good work by Castlemeadow Care continues. Dr Kaushal sounds rightfully proud: ‘As a Norfolk based company we’re making gentle waves in the care sector.'

89

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

GAME OF RISK When it comes to making recommendation in respect of investments, one of the most critical factors to influence a financial adviser’s advice is the client’s attitude to risk. Carl Lamb looks at how this is assessed WWW.ALMARYGREEN.COM | 01603 706740

CHOOSING A MIX OF INVESTMENTS from all the available plans, bonds, funds and policies out there is not a job for the faint-hearted. Most sound full of promise if you read the promotional material, but the reality is that almost every form of investment will carry some form of risk.

A financial adviser will ensure that the client understands risk and will make recommendations that match the client’s risk profile. Firstly, the adviser will carry out a full fact-find about the client’s circumstances, needs, goals and current financial arrangements. In addition, it’s important to assess the level of understanding the client has about the different types of investment available by looking at their investment history and knowledge, including the sophistication and range of their current or previous investment choices. The adviser will explore clients’ understanding of the types of investment risk to which they may be exposed and explain the difference between cash investments where, in the main, the initial capital invested is not vulnerable, and other investments, such as equities and property, where the value of the investment can go down as well as up.

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The next layer in an assessment of a client’s risk profile is to assess his or her personal attitude to risk. This is generally achieved through the use of a risk profile questionnaire which asks clients to select the risk descriptions they think most closely matches their attitude to risk. We then test this personal assessment against an independent assessment of their attitude to risk through a set of questions that explore the client’s perception of their current financial status and future expectations together with their response to a number of investment outcomes. The results of this second questionnaire will deliver a risk score of between 1 (defensive) and 10 (adventurous). In the rare event of a mismatch between the two assessments, we will discuss the disparity with the client to check their understanding of risk and confirm the level of risk they would like to take. The resultant final risk score can be used to match a suitable investment route to the client’s risk profile. This risk score should be checked at every review meeting with your adviser.

A key element of the risk equation is your capacity for loss. This is your ability to absorb falls in the value of your investment. Any recommendation should be backed up with an explanation of the loss of capital that potentially could occur and any materially detrimental effect it could have on your standard of living.

A diversified investment portfolio will include a mix of investments with different risk levels, but the resultant ensemble will have an overall risk profile to match the individual’s attitude to risk. Diversification means avoiding concentrated sources of risk by investing in a series of assets that vary not only in their type and scope but also in their risk level. The old adage of not storing all of one’s eggs in the same basket still holds true: spreading the risk across a wide range of investments is almost always the recommended route.

The value of an investment and the income from

it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The tax treatment of investments depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

Carl Lamb

ALMARY GREEN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS

For independent advice, contact Almary Green on 01603 706740 or email enquiries@almarygreen.com.

Please remember that the advice here is generic and we recommend that you get individual personalised advice.

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Next time you buy or sell, think carefully when the agent recommends you to a firm of solicitors miles away who you may never have heard of and who you will never meet in person.

SHOP LOCAL This month our legal expert Julian Gibbons urges us all to support local businesses WWW.NORTONPESKETT.CO.UK | 01493 849200

I HAVE LONG BEEN AN ADVOCATE of supporting local business whereever possible. This is often easier to say than to put into practice. We can all be guilty of paying lip service to the idea; browsing in John Lewis or Waterstones and then ordering something online (Amazon!) to save a few pounds.

If, as I do you both live and work in a small town, in my case Great Yarmouth, then keeping your business local has a greater importance than if you lived in say London or even Norwich.

You don’t need a degree in economics to recognise that towns such as ours struggle in the present economic climate. Not only have we to put up with the general recessionary headwinds, but the drop in the price of oil coupled with the North Sea oil and gas resources running down, has lead to numbers of offshore companies both laying off staff and switching their operations elsewhere, often to Aberdeen.

The prospects for a revival look bleak, with the cost of oil extraction now being more than it costs to extract shale oil in the US. As a lawyer you might expect that I would be particularly concerned at the impact on legal firms, and you would be right.

Like many professions, there are huge challenges to be met, such as competition on price from online conveyancer and probate

companies. These, of course, are fairly common across the whole profession and not unique to the east coast. Small firms of solicitors (or accountants for that matter) cannot necessarily compete directly on price with some of these new providers.

Where they do attempt to compete is on the quality of their service; being local is itself a selling point. Many clients like to meet their solicitor or accountant, to look them in the eye and to be able to drop in when needed. People in general, but academics and politicians in particular, talk often about access to justice without really defining what that means on the ground. For many, it means what I have described, namely physical accessibility of the professionals’ offices and the professionals themselves.

How disappointing it is, therefore, to find businesses that, when it suits them, talk the talk about supporting other local businesses and the community whilst at the same time farming their professional work out to Norwich or indeed beyond. The hypocrisy here is really quite nauseating.

On the legal front, some of the worst offenders are certain estate agents. I really don’t apologise for singling out this profession, as their approach has probably the most direct impact on those solicitors' firms which provide conveyancing services. Straightaway I should say that there are some very notable firms that ensure that they recommend local solicitors.

Others, however, lured by the prospect of referral fees, do their best to divert buyers and sellers from their own solicitors and from the town, sending the business to Norwich or even further afield.

This has nothing to do with the quality of the work or the interests of buyer or seller. It has everything to do with money.

The arrangement is that each time an agent manages to send a client to, say, a Norwich firm they receive a ‘referral fee’ (when I qualified they were called back-handers!). This fee can be several £100s. This gravy train has, of course, to be funded somehow, by some means. There are only two possibilities: either the solicitor pays and therefore has to provide a cut price service using cut price staff or alternatively and equally commonly the fees the client pays to the solicitor end up being more than they would have paid their local firm. The difference makes its way back to the agent.

Next time you buy or sell, think carefully when the agent recommends you to a firm of solicitors miles away who you may never have heard of and who you will never meet in person.

Ask yourself whether this recommendation is being made out of concern for your interests or those of the agent. Then decide whether you should be contributing to the economy of your home town or someone else’s!

Julian Gibbons NORTON PESKETT SOLICITORS

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93

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It’s an old name but a new car: Vauxhall wants a slice of the growing affordable city car market and its new Viva promises to challenge the likes of Toyota’s Aygo and Skoda’s Citigo on price and features. Iain Dooley reports

What’s new?

Well, the name certainly isn’t but Vauxhall’s modern day Viva allows the firm to offer an affordable compact car to challenge the likes of Toyota’s Aygo and Skoda’s Citygo.

Positioned below the popular Corsa, the Viva is priced to appeal to cost conscious buyers seeking a practical and functional ownership experience.

That said, there’s no evidence of sackcloth seat upholstery in the Viva. Vauxhall’s keen to impress that its new small car is anything but a compromise. Power comes from the firm’s recently introduced 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol motor, while the five-door layout means rear space is useable and not just for show.

Looks and image If you want to make a flashy statement or personalise your new purchase, the Adam is the car for you. For everyone else, the Viva performs an important role in Vauxhall’s ecosystem; attracting buyers looking for an easy on the eye yet stylish package. The Viva

FACTS AT A GLANCE Vauxhall Viva SE, £7995 Engine: 1.0-litre petrol unit producing 75bhp; Transmission: 5-speed manual driving the front wheels; Performance: Top speed 106mph, 0-62mph in 13.1 seconds; Economy: 72.4mpg combined; Emissions: 104g/ km of CO2

Station Road, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9QQ Tel 01502 440755 www.thurlownunn.co.uk

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Prices correct at times of going to press

DEALER DETAILS Thurlow Nunn Station Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0HB Tel 01493 800828

MOTORING

has no trouble ticking that box, and also adds plenty of familiar Vauxhall design cues. The same is true inside, with the car delivering a functional yet attractive cabin. The fuss-free fascia is a pleasing and refreshing approach, too.

Space and practicality Competition in the city car market is fierce yet the Viva’s five-door layout should appeal to buyers seeking a little more practicality. At the rear the car’s boot is a good size for something in this sector, and folding the rear seats further boosts its versatility. You won’t have any issues directing adults to the rear seats as the legroom is surprisingly decent despite the Viva’s overall lack of length. It’s a similar deal up front as two adults can happily co-exist without bashing elbows and there’s ample space for all your personal items.

Behind the wheel Continuing Vauxhall’s modest approach to Viva motoring, the car comes with a 1.0-litre,

75 horsepower petrol engine. Don’t be put off, as the car will happily keep up with urban traffic and rarely struggles away from the city limits. You’d be advised not to be in a hurry, but the payoff is a decent ride, slick manual gearshift and confidence-inspiring steering.

Visibility is good and Vauxhall’s also done a sound job nailing the cabin ergonomics.

And, thanks to its modest dimensions, parking is a breeze. General usability is key to attract buyers, and while fresh exterior design cues are welcome, it’s the Viva’s ease of use that’s likely to continue to be appreciated long after the new car smell has gone.

Value for money Vauxhall’s headline-grabbing sub ( just) eight grand asking price for the entrylevel Viva is appealing, but you’d be wise to move up a trim level to access better entertainment kit and air con. Still, the base SE could hardly be viewed as poverty

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spec thanks to its six airbags, alarm, cruise control, heard mirrors, and split fold rear seats. A dedicated air-con-equipped model is offered, while the SL grade adds USB and Bluetooth audio connections, alloy wheels and climate control.

Who would buy one?

If you’re a fan of function over form and the current crop of style-led ‘happy-clappy’ city cars leave you cold then the Viva is the car for you. It’s well equipped even in entry-level SE trim and is both spacious and practical enough to perform well outside the safe confines of the city limit. Frugal and promising low ownership costs, the Viva is unlikely to be a strain on your wallet, too.

This car summed up in a single word: pragmatic.

If this car was… the family pet it would be loyal, obedient yet cute enough to make you go ‘awwww’.

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Combined 40.9 (6.9) – 83.1 (3.4). CO 2 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.

Personal contract hire offer on all-new Mazda2 75ps SE and all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE on orders received between 01.07.15 and 30.09.15, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. All-new Mazda2 figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £2,186.50, then 41 monthly rentals of £139.00. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 31,500 over 42 months charged at 8.39 pence per mile. All-new Mazda CX-3 figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,754.11, then 41 monthly rentals of £219.00. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 31,500 over 42 months charged at 7.6 pence per mile. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Mazda Contract Hire. Package includes road fund licence and Mazda Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd, trading as Mazda Contract Hire, BS16 3JA. Models shown: all-new Mazda2 75ps SE, OTR from £11,995 and all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE, OTR from £17,595. All-new Mazda2 model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£650) and all-new Mazda CX-3 model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR prices include 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.

The new Ford S-Max is just the car for a growing family, says our motoring writer Matt Kimberley

Family Favourite Prices correct at times of going to press

What’s new?

You might know the S-Max as the driver's choice in the big MPV segment, if there can realistically even be such a thing. An all-new version brings with it a sportier stance with a longer bonnet complete with 'power dome' – although the new suspension setup suggests something quite different.

Looks and image It's a shame to these eyes that the S-Max has lost the distinctive high-mounted fog lights of old, but the introduction of the increasingly homogeneous Ford face ruled them out.

It's a big thing but clever design hides its proportions well – until you find yourself on a narrow road, at least.

The idea of a genuinely desirable 'driver's large MPV' would be absurd if the proof wasn't right here with sales of 400,000 units under its belt since its launch. But Ford has somehow pulled off this least likely of marketing coups.

A tip of the cap is well deserved.

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MOTORING FACTS AT A GLANCE Ford S-Max Titanium 2.0 TDCi manual, from £27,685 Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 148bhp and 295lb/ft Transmission: Six-speed manual driving the front wheels Performance: Top speed 123mph, 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds Economy: 56.6mpg combined Emissions: 129g/km of CO2

DEALER DETAILS Pertwee & Back, Gapton Hall Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0NJ Tel 01493 664151 | www.pertwee-and-back.co.uk

Space and practicality While the Ford Galaxy is ultimately larger and more spacious than the S-Max, you can't help but feel this car treads on the old stalwart's toes a bit. Seven seats come as standard, and while the back row three occupants will find themselves rather shut in and starved of legroom, until the middle row is pushed forward a bit. Plus, with all the seats in place there isn't enough room in the boot for a travelling mouse to swing his knapsack. On the bright side, with the back seats folded down, the S-Max's boot is massive.

Behind the wheel Ford has worked some of its magic on the ride; the big MPV is supremely settled and rumbles across all but the very worst bumps as though they're barely there at all. Body roll is pronounced through bends as the sheer weight of the car makes itself felt, but the relaxed cruising attitude it leaves you with is outstanding.

You feel the weight during acceleration, too, where the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel, normally so strong, is noticeably reined in.

It's best to stroke the big Ford up to speed gently and then sit back and chill in the (very) amply proportioned seat. Heating for said seat is standard on this Titanium X car, and you can add cooling if you like.

It feels very large on the road, especially in width. Narrow roads frequently get awkward when vans and other large cars come the other way. The vast expanse of dashboard between you and the windscreen is just a fraction of the distance between the steering wheel and the front bumper.

Luckily, parking sensors are included.

digital instruments aside – it garners enough of a premium feel to start to seem comparatively good value. Residual values are vastly improved versus the outgoing model, too.

Value for money A decent S-Max is the thick end of £30,000, straying over that psychological boundary at the very top of the tree. It's much cheaper than, say, a seven-seat Audi, and with a sleek interior design – hideously overcrowded

This car summed up in a single word: Titanic.

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Who would buy one?

Perhaps for now, the main S-Max customers will be just as before; those who want that sporting pretension with plenty of space for the family. But this incarnation seems softer and more compliant than before, suggesting that older buyers with growing families who want more comfort than sportiness will come to appreciate the S-Max more than ever.

If this car was a… footballer it would have grown out of its boisterous phase and focused instead on doing an excellent job day-in, day-out.

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£10,999 NORWICH NORTH 83/93 Mile Cross Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6TX Tel: 01603 480 670

www.thurlownunn.co.uk *Cars shown for illustration purposes only.

Find us on: Facebook

@Thurlownunn

NORWICH SOUTH 591 Hall Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 6AS Tel: 01603 203 040 All calls to Thurlow Nunn are charged at 5p per minute from BT land lines.

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Thurlow Nunn League EASTERN COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE

The Ibiza SC SE TOCA 1.4 85PS is available from ÂŁ9,995 RRP between 1st April and 30th September 2015. Contact dealer for more details.

An Upmarket Experience Skoda’s latest generation Superb promises greater levels of refinement, comfort and space as it bids to steal sales from more established - and more expensive - rivals, says our motoring writer Iain Dooley The Skoda Superb range starts from £18,640

FACTS AT A GLANCE Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 Lauren and Klement, £28,685 Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit producing 150bhp; Transmission: 6-speed manual driving the front wheels; Performance: Top speed 135mph, 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds; Economy: 68.9mpg combined; Emissions: 109g/ km of CO2

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DEALER DETAILS Simpsons SKODA Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0LN Tel 01493 601696 Visit www.simpsonsskoda.com

MOTORING

Looks and image Conservative with a small ‘c’ is the order of the day here, with Skoda understandably sticking to a formula that works. The car’s lightly chiseled flanks add a welcome air of refinement but that’s about as extrovert as the Superb’s appearance gets. For the target audience this is unlikely to be an issue, as they are also a conservative bunch more interested in what the car can do, not what is says about them.

Space and practicality Since day one the Superb has earned a reputation for being a practical and spacious car capable of accommodating four adults in more comfort than your average German saloon costing twice as much. This remains true today, and thanks to a voluminous boot the ability to carry a full compliment of luggage without any compromises has also proven popular with private hire operators. Along with acres of rear legroom there’s also ample space up front plus the usual array of family friendly oddment storage spaces.

Behind the wheel Despite the Superb easily matching many more expensive German models in terms of space and refinement, Skoda has never pitched its flagship model as a sporty car. With the focus very much on ease of use, comfort and space, there’s very little reward for hustling the big Czech motor into corners. Driving pleasure comes from relaxing in the plush cabin and making the most of the equally plush ride.

In real terms you’ll derive more pleasure from letting the Superb’s engine range take the strain, specifically the 2.0-litre diesel unit. Its modest 150 horsepower in base trim is ample even for a car of this size and, when mated to an auto gearbox, you get the full-on luxo-barge experience

but with an Aldi price tag. If diesel doesn’t appeal there’s also a good number of petrol units plus a four-wheel drive option giving the Superb added all-weather appeal.

Value for money The on-paper figures are hard to ignore.

For the price of a mid-spec Ford Mondeo you can have a well-equipped and more spacious Superb, boasting an impressive level of standard kit and every day practicality. Despite the car's premium level aspirations running costs should be closer to the aforementioned Mondeo, thanks in part to a range of clean and frugal engines.

Who would buy one?

For private hire operators the Superb has always been a smart buy and this much improved model is no different.

For everyone else, Skoda's plush flagship trumps many mainstream and more expensive rivals when it comes to cabin space, refinement, kit and ease of use.

Factor in the car's classy yet understated looks and it's hard not to warm to it if you're seeking an upmarket experience that won't break the bank.

This car summed up in a single word: sophisticated.

If this car was a… suit it would be a bespoke one that left you enough cash for a good night out.

105

Prices correct at times of going to press

What’s new?

With Skoda keen to move its image and cars upmarket, this third generation Superb offers big car levels of refinement to match products from the likes of Volvo and Mercedes. Building on the success of the previous two versions, this Superb continues the focus on extra generous cabin space, while the car’s saloon-like profile is more of an optical illusion as it’s actually a five-door hatch.

Progress dictates that the Superb benefits from an improved range of engines and transmissions, while Skoda’s increased focus on safety matters has resulted in the availability of a raft of clever driver assistance aids. One thing that is missing from the new car is the previous model’s ingenious dual opening boot, which allowed both hatch and saloon functionality.

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| JULY 2015

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THE OVERTONES, POTTERS RESORT The popular five-piece vocal harmony group The Overtones made a welcome return to Potters Resort and played to another packed Atlas Theatre as part of their sell out UK tour. Darren, Mark, Timmy, Mike and Lachie have built up a huge following and are no strangers to Potters having played a sell out concert there earlier in the year. This time they were supported by all girl vocal harmony group The Lulu Belles. The Overtones latest album Sweet Soul Music is available now.

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Photos by SHAUN

COOMER

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01. Penny Davies, Rachel Cook, Julie Knights, Linda Anderson, Sam Altham 02. Jenny Goff, Ruth Davies, Gemma Davies, Natalie Davies 03. Maria Turner, Michelle Panaou, Christina Doulos 04. Claire Dormer, Paulina Doncel 05. Nicky Yeo, Georgina Halls, Helena Nunn

06. Carrie Emery, Tracy Stephens, Claire Dormer, Paulina Doncel, Teresa Connolly 07. Rachel Cook, Julie Knights 08. Paula and Melissa Fulcher 09. The Lulu Belles 10. The Overtones 11. Elaine Alston, Jo Brown 12. Penny Davies, Linda Anderson, Sam Altham

page sponsored by

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THE LAUNCH OF THE MARITIME FESTIVAL, GREAT YARMOUTH Sponsors of the 16th Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival (Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September on South Quay) gathered for afternoon tea at The Imperial Hotel to hear the exciting news about this year’s event which will welcome the world’s largest wooden tall ship, the Swedish Götheborg as well as the JST Lord Nelson into port. Many sponsors have supported the festival, which celebrates Great Yarmouth’s important maritime past, present and future for several years and the event could not go ahead without them. The festival is run by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area Ltd under the chairmanship of Aileen Mobbs.

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Photos by ROSS

HAGAN

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01. Avril Blake 02. Sharon and Blair Ainslie 03. Avril Blake, Kirsty Burn 04. Barry Coleman, Graham Plant 05. John Sherrell 06. Alan Carr, Dave Leeson, David Helsden

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07. Edward Moore, Barry Coleman 08. Alistair Lowe, Samatha Brannigan 09. John Sherrell, Laura McAree 10. Michael Muskett, Lynn Beasley 11. Andrew Fuller, Michelle Baker 12. Michael Fleming

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| JULY 2015

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MERCEDES-BENZ VIP NIGHT, HALES HALL

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The Great Barn at Hales Hall was the stunning venue for the Mercedes-Benz AMG VIP night which includeD the unveiling of the AMG GT. The event, organised by Mercedes-Benz of Norwich, took place on one of the warmest evenings of the year and VIP guests enjoyed delicious canapés, Champagne, close up magic and had the chance to win a variety of prizes at a fun casino while admiring the AMG range.

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Photos by SHAUN

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COOMER

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01. Chris and Mark Riches 02. Donna and Bijan Beigi 03. Teresa and Brendan McNamara 04. Bernie Whelan, Greg Smith 05. Janet Allen, Phillip Wigg 06. Amanda Buchanan, Dee Sturgess, John Buchanan,David Sturgess

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07. Lily Davies 08. Chris Howe,Valeria Makara 09. Johnny Buchanan, Clarissa Issa Jermy 10. Steve and Sue Jury 11. Parisa and Iraj Towfighi 12. Chris and Louise Potter

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NORFOLK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP ANNUAL WINE TASTING THE CRYPT, ST ANDREWS HALL, NORWICH 8

The Norfolk Young Professionals Group Annual Wine Tasting took place at The Crypt, St Andrews Hall. They were treated to a variety of wines from HarperWells, sampling everything from Prosecco to fruity reds, including a Burlesque Zinfandel from USA, a MOKO Black Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and a Casa Defra Frizzante Prosecco from Italy.

Words and photos by NORFOLK

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

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01. Cera Wong, Katy Knowles 02. Arthur Morgan, Gemma Hambright, Lloyd Perry 03. Louisa Butcher, Lisa-Marie Kennedy 04. Danielle Bussell, Lana Semykina 05. Kevin Boland, Jack Noble 06. Sarah Poole, Poppy Jones, Laura Clay-Harris 07. Marie and David Richards

8. Rebecca Cockerill, Namita Matkar, Anna Aldous 9. Charlotte Northcroft-Brown, Jessica Bean, Maria Marsh 10. Tom Hall, Alice Petch, Matt Green 11. Sara-Jane Salmon, Sebastian Humberston 12. Julia Rush, Louisa Weed, Danielle Howes, Sian Leonard

5 MINUTES WITH

Which iconic Norfolk character do you most admire and why?

Horatio Nelson, no question. Nothing makes me prouder than our links as a county to him and especially to my home town. Nelson’s monument in Great Yarmouth is, in my opinion, one of the most undervalued and overlooked things in our county.

What’s your favourite pub in Norfolk and what do you drink there?

Now this is a serious question. I always love the energy of theatre bars so the Playhouse in Norwich is a particular favourite. It has a cracking atmosphere on show and non show days alike. And my local after a show is the Barking Smack on the seafront which has an amazing amount of maritime history.

Where do you like to eat out in Norfolk and why? And what do you order?

5 MINUTES WITH

JACK JAY

He’s part of the Jay family who own and run Great Yarmouth’s legendary Hippodrome Circus. Jack tells us of his love of musicals, Nelson and barbecue food. Just don’t mention roller coasters!

The summer 2015 Circus and Water Spectacular runs until September 20.

Visit www.hippodromecircus.co.uk for full details.

Bullitt BBQ in Great Yarmouth does some of the best barbecue food I have ever had. Mark has an incredible mobile smoker which they move around and set up residencies in different locations in Norfolk which are well worth a visit. But my favourite food to have in Norfolk has to be my mum’s lasagne! It's world famous and only gets served at our end of season cast parties each year. So I'm sorry to say the only way to get your hands on it is to be family or a member of the Hippodrome cast and crew.

What do you miss most when you leave the region?

Usually when I leave it is to go to London. So the things I miss most are the friendliness of Norfolk people and the general pace of life.

What are you reading at the moment?

At the moment I am presenting a shooting World Cup in Fort Benning, America. Any spare time that I have is taken up with reading athletes' biographies and event scripts. For pleasure, I listen to podcasts instead of books usually.

Describe your job to us

I am the producer and director of the historic Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth. We have produced our famous summer and Christmas shows for decades and in the last two seasons have added two new sell out productions: Pirates Live! At Easter and our Halloween Spooktacular.

Are You Norfolk born and bred?

Yes! I was born in the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston and I went to school just across the road. I spent a few years living in London, but Norfolk will always be home to me.

What is your ideal day out?

Although I am usually working, being in my hometown of Great Yarmouth during summer is still the highlight of my year. It is full of the kind of vibrancy that I thrive on, and with so many friends around, it's impossible not to have fun!

Would you prefer a day on the Broads or a day at Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach? Why?

I would have to say Pleasure Beach, although I can't go on its most famous attraction as I am terrified of roller coasters!

Drama, opera, musical or movie – which would you prefer to watch? And what was the last production/show you saw?

I am a big fan of musicals, my iPod is full of them. The last show I saw was Le Reve in Las Vegas. It is perhaps the biggest circus production in the world, and one of the few places that has a water spectacular like The Hippodrome. I was visiting friends who have performed with us and gone on to work in Vegas, and I couldn't miss the chance to get inspiration for our own show.

Sum up Norfolk in three words

My proud home.

Sum up yourself in three words

Norfolk's strongest man.

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