Places&Faces 70 January by Countrywide Publications

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THE Magazine for Norfolk & North Suffolk

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See all the High Society photos on our website placesandfaces.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE JANUARY ISSUE OF PLACES & FACES® which is all about looking ahead to the New Year. With the festive frenzy behind us, this is a great time to take stock and to give some proper thought to our everyday lives. Firstly, with sales on at stores across the country, it’s the ideal time to hit the shops, making the most of any vouchers and snapping up bargains; Melanie Cook from VisitNorwich has some top tips. And while we’re on the subject of looking good, soccer superstar David Beckham continues to set the trend, with his latest looks copied around the world. The fashion icon, charity ambassador and father of four talks about his own style and whom he looks to for inspiration. Plus we have top tips from Hayley Philpot and Jennifer Read, Jarrold’s homeware buyers, who show us how to modernise our kitchens, while interiors expert Rebecca Coulby gives home-improvers some valuable advice. Meanwhile, Donna Titcombe recommends updating our wardrobes, while advising on the latest cosmetics for both men and women which will help us all face the world. Taking centre stage this month are Baywatch’s David Hasselhoff (known as ‘The Hoff’) and Norwich’s very own Snow White, who are both starring at the city’s Theatre Royal this January. Plus, for something a little different, turn to Benet Catty’s preview of London’s International Mime Festival – a series of incredible performances at a host of different venues. Further afield, Kate Morfoot travels to India to take in the country’s incredible sights and sounds while, back on home turf, TV chef Richard Bainbridge looks at what the food industry has in store, and Mark Nicholls pays a visit to The Norfolk Club to find out more about this long-established institution. As always, this issue has plenty of interesting articles, so turn the pages to find out more. Happy New Year!

Carolyn Atkins ps. Congratulations to the winner of our recent competition with The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross, Lorraine Newstead, who wins dinner for four.

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CONTENTS

44 14 57

COVER STORY

CELEBRITIES

10 What’s happening around the region 13 Melanie Cook from VisitNorwich hits the sales 20 Words cannot describe the London International Mime Festival!

FASHION AND BEAUTY

44 Enticing India: Kate Morfoot explores this fascinating country

26 January blues: why royal blue is the new black 25 Secret agents – get the basics right with this lovely lingerie 29 Look your best with this must-have make-up 32 Preparation is everything when it comes to school proms 41 Country gentlemen: the best outdoor looks 43 Good grooming makes all the difference

26 Global style icon David Beckham shares his secrets

Cover picture: David Beckham photograph by H&M

JANUARY 2016

WHAT’S ON

14 Hot-foot it to the Norwich Theatre Royal to see The Hoff in action 16 Snow White: how local lass Amy Howes became a star 22 Pete Goodrum continues his look back at the hits of the 60s

TRAVEL

HOMES AND GARDENS

72 Rebecca Coulby’s top interiors tips for the year ahead 76 Contemporary kitchen ideas 82 Make the most of this garden downtime 88 Property of the month: The Old Sun House in Wymondham

XXXX XX X SECTION XXX

72 Editor’s Choice Carolyn Atkins takes her pick of January’s activities and events

16 FOOD AND DRINK

50 Which foods will make it on to this year’s menus? 52 Mark Nicholls pays a visit to The Norfolk Club 54 More seasonal fare from The Imperial Hotel 57 Franck Pontais comes up with another delicious dish

COMPETITION

59 Win a night at The Dial House and a top Marie Reynolds treatment

BUSINESS

64 Back to the classroom – dos and don’ts for the coming year 91 Julian Gibbons on the importance of contracts 93 Making the most of your ISA allowance 114 Five minutes with Carol Maddocks from Aurum

BEST WI-FI

Getting connected in Norwich is now easier than ever as free WiFi, courtesy of the Norwich BID, is now live throughout the main city centre. Free coverage is available from Chapelfield Gardens to Norwich Castle as well as St Andrew’s Street and Surrey Street, with download speeds of up to 5MBs per second. In the city? Go to your settings and select: Free-Wifi-NorwichBID.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

Have you seen the ‘Happiness Guaranteed’ ads by Visit Greater Yarmouth? The famous seaside resort has launched a series of social media adverts promoting its many assets, from its lovely, wide, sandy beach to family-friendly circus. You’ll find the ads on YouTube and social media – don’t forget to re-tweet and share!

BEST EVENING

Actress, writer and presenter Ruby Wax will be at Jarrold’s in Norwich on Monday, January 11 to talk about her new book, Frazzled, in which she focuses on stress - the bane of modern day life – and how best to beat it. Tickets £5 including a glass of wine, redeemable against book purchases on the night. An Evening With Ruby Wax begins at 6.30pm. Call 01603 660661 or see: www.jarrold.co.uk/events

BEST NEW BAR

Ecky Limon and The Last Wine Bar team are behind the Blue Joanna at 103 Unthank Road, Norwich, which opened in early December. This new bar and kitchen is going down well with locals, with live music on the blue piano and plenty of noise on Twitter @bluejoanna103. The cocktails are said to be great, too!

BEST CONCERT

If you read the interview with classical boy band Blake in last month’s magazine and saw them performing recently on the Graham Norton Show, make a note of the Blickling Proms, on Saturday, August 13, which they will be headlining. Early bird tickets £29 until the end of January, £33 thereafter. www.revival-productions.co.uk

BEST PUB

The revamped Black Horse pub on Earlham Road in Norwich is well worth a look. The large restaurant area has a real fire, while the sunny seating area near the bar is also welcoming and cosy. There’s also a large covered outdoor terrace, along with a garden for the better weather. We enjoyed our meal there, particularly the paprika chips with aioli. www.blackhorsenorwich.com

MOTORING

98 Carolyn Atkins test-drives the new Smart ForFour 100 Behind the wheel of the Honda Civic Type- R

REGULARS

104 High Society: more snaps from top social occasions

BEST WORK-OUT

Fancy something different this year? Discover the ancient and beautiful art of belly dancing during an eight-week course at Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre. Running from Thursday, January 14 to Thursday, March 10, these interesting evenings cost £50 for a term and take place from 6pm to 7pm. Besides the evening lessons, there’s a choice of two workshops. Beginners welcome. More at: www.eleanorbellydances.com

JANUARY 2016

what’ s on There’s plenty to look forward to in January with an eclectic mix of events

FANCY A LAUGH? TV funnyman Mark Watson returns to the Norwich Playhouse with a preview of his brand new show. Mark Watson: New Tour Preview will be in the city from Wednesday, January 13 to Saturday 16 when the Live From The Apollo star will be trying out his new mix of jokes, observations and awkward flailing around. Aimed at those aged 16-plus. More at: www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

LOVELY LANDSCAPES

Elizabeth Reed presents her second solo exhibition at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in South Walsham from Tuesday, January 19 to Sunday, January 24 (10am to 4pm). A keen gardener and country lover, her arresting paintings depict landscapes and floral subjects, along with prints, cards and craft items. Elizabeth will be in residence at Fairhaven throughout the exhibition and visitors can see new work in progress. Exhibition entry free (charge for garden entry). www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

NORWICH IN THE 1970s

Pete Goodrum highlights another decade in the city’s history with his new book, Norwich In The 1970s. Paying homage to the era of punk rock and political unrest, Abba and affluence, he travels back in time to the steakhouses and nightclubs, the fashions, buildings and brand names that defined the decade. Drawing on vintage advertising and many previously unpublished images, this is a fascinating reminder of life in Norwich four decades ago. Printed by Amberley Publishing, £14.99.

JANUARY 2016

MONET TO MATISSE

A fascinating exhibition opens at London’s Royal Academy of Arts this month. Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse, runs from January 30 to April 20 and examines the role gardens played in the evolution of art from the early 1860s through to the 1920s. Monet’s fascination with the horticultural world was shared by other experts and the Royal Academy will also be showing masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Pissarro, Manet, Sargent, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Matisse, Klimt and Klee. www.royalacademy.org.uk

WHAT’S ON JUST ADD COLOUR

Head to the seaside for a fabulous fireworks display on Friday, January 1. An established annual tradition, this will be Cromer’s 17th New Year’s Day Fireworks Display which will burst into life at 5pm. Wrap up warm and arrive early, as plenty of people come to watch.

CALLING ALL COLLECTORS!

The Antiques, Collectables and Vintage Fair will take place at The Forum in Norwich on Saturday, January 23. Find ceramics, glass, silver, jewellery and a host of second-hand books. Held from 9am to 5pm, entrance free. More details at: www.theforumnorwich.co.uk

ROLL OUT THE BLUE CARPET!

Potters Resort in Hopton will host the Just Retirement 2016 World Indoor Bowls Championships from Friday, January 8 to Sunday, January 24. This is the 18th time that the popular holiday village has held this event, which attracts players and spectators from around the globe, with the final week televised live by the BBC. Fancy being among the spectators? Day tickets start from just £5. Call 0333 3207 497 or visit www.pottersholidays.com

WEDDING BELLS

The biggest wedding show on the Norfolk coast will take place at the attractive Great Yarmouth Town Hall on Sunday, January 31. The Norfolk Brides Wedding Fair has been organised by popular independent wedding events specialist Norfolk Brides in conjunction with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and over 40 wedding exhibitors will be there. Come along to see bridal gown stores, wedding cake suppliers, photographers, florists and more, all under one roof. From 10am to 3pm, admission free. www.norfolkbrides.co.uk

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Wex Photographic is hosting the “best of the best” photography exhibition from its weekly Twitter competition #WexMondays. Open to the public and free to attend, the exhibition takes place at The Forum from Monday, January 25 to Friday, February 5 2016 and, besides stunning photographs, it includes the chance to learn about the photographers behind the images and mingle with like-minded enthusiasts. www.wexphotographic.com

CIRQUE DE GLACE

A spectacular ice show arrives at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday, January 19 to Saturday, January 23. The stunning Cirque de Glace brings to life the story of the planet’s creation, man’s evolution and a journey to the limits of technology as a stunning ice spectacular, with dazzling dance from the Russian Ice Stars and circus skills from Cirque du Soleil. Expect music, colour, incredible costumes and jaw-dropping acrobatics for a show that’s out of this world! www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

CELEBRATING CANDLEMAS

Midwinter Dreaming: A Play for Candlemas takes place at St Peter & St Paul Church in Bergh Apton on Sunday, January 24, Saturday, January 30 and Saturday, February 6. Produced by the Bergh Apton Community Arts Trust, the show involves actors, musicians and singers from the village and its neighbours, with performers also helping write the script. Featuring ancient tales, a motley-clothed band and medieval rhymes, the play promises a hive of activity, helped by international storyteller Hugh Lupton. Tickets £10. Call 01508 480696 or visit www.berghapton.org.uk

FEATHERED FRIENDS

This year’s Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 when people across the country help the RSPB count the many different bird species. Sign up online for your free pack or simply grab a pen and some paper and spend an hour spotting our feathered friends (last year wrens, blackbirds and robins were among the most popular sightings). More information at: www.rspb.org.uk

JANUARY 2016

12 September 2015 – 24 January 2016

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593199 www.scva.ac.uk Exhibition curated and organised by Barbican Centre, London

New Year’s Resolution Must

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NEW TRACK LAYOUT

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WHAT’S ON

GUILTY PLEASURE After the excess of Christmas, it’s astounding how we still have energy for yet more shopping, as everyone loves a bargain, says Melanie Cook from VisitNorwich VISITNORWICH, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

NORWICH IS THE PERFECT CITY in which to go in search of bargains. Being such a compact place, it’s easily covered in a day – we may walk a few miles in total, but hey, after all that festive excess, the exercise will do us good! Norwich city centre is packed with high street and regional flagship stores, two great malls and the original shopping mall itself, the exquisite Art Nouveau Royal Arcade. In addition, there are plenty of tempting independent boutiques, jewellers, galleries, lifestyle and antiques emporiums – and the list goes on. Norwich is also home to the Norwich Lanes – Great British High Street of the Year 2014 winner – featuring the city’s only awardwinning independent department store, Jarrold, as well as the Cathedral Quarter, favoured for its abundance of heritage buildings, medieval churches, alleys, cobbled streets and artisan shopping – don’t miss Elm Hill, Wensum Street and Tombland. Planning is key to successful sales shopping, so begin by signing up to newsletters from all your favourite stores as well as the

independent retailers in the city centre. By doing this, you’ll be first to hear about great discounts, sales start dates and competitions. Without a doubt, unless you are willing to get up at the crack of dawn, use Park & Ride if you are travelling by car, as it takes all the stress out of searching for a parking space. Of course, using the train or bus are good options, too, as then at the end of a busy day you can treat yourself to a glass of wine before heading home! The annual winter sales at John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams, the regional flagship stores in Norwich, see people heading in their droves for everything from electrical and digital goods to make-up and beauty – and they never disappoint. Equally, intu Chapelfield and Castle Mall offer all the high street favourites we love so much: Zara, French Connection, TK Maxx, and so much more. Just-opened stores at intu Chapelfield include Swarovski and a new concept store for Pandora. Castle Mall has also had a makeover with a fabulous new entrance and food hall. Brand new for 2016 is their new restaurant quarter on level four spilling out on to Timberhill. Norwich is packed with exciting independent shops, boutiques and artisan stores as well as its very own independent department store, Jarrold. It’s easy to head to places you visit year in and year out – we are creatures of habit, after all. So this sales season, why not ring the changes by visiting the shops you don’t usually frequent? You’ll discover some truly wonderful local labels, designers and producers of quality, unique products made in Norfolk, England and around the globe. Balfour & Moffatt in Wensum Street in the Cathedral Quarter is a treasure trove of gorgeousness! Discover a fusion of divine jewellery, handbags, clothes, shoes and lifestyle products. The shop will be closed for the first two weeks of January for a refit, so head there later in the month for their sale – if you love original, quality buys you won’t be disappointed. The Tannery in the Royal Arcade sells sumptuous leather goods – shoes, handbags and more – and this is a great place to spend your Christmas money on investment pieces. Meanwhile, those looking for the ultimate in fashion should visit Finch in St Benedict’s Street in the Norwich Lanes. Finch specialises in luxury fashion using designers “who show a respect to the environment and world around us during their production.” See collections from designers in France, Australia, Norway, Denmark and London. Proudlock & Harry in London Street is the go-to place for luxury boudoir lingerie and accessories, the perfect place to visit ahead of Valentine’s Day! Many labels are exclusive to their Norwich store, and with customer service high on their list, ethically-produced products and a stunning first floor fitting room, if you’re on the hunt for highend purchases this is the place to be. So make the most of sales shopping in Norwich to set yourselves up for the year ahead – you’ll be glad you did! JANUARY 2016

HITTING THE DECKS

TV icon, stage star and global recording artist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; David Hasselhoff has done it all, and now he is set to make his Norwich performing debut in a brand new show. He heads the cast of Nineties nostalgia musical Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, and he tells John Bultitude he cannot wait to take to the stage in the city

JANUARY 2016

WHAT’S ON

doors close behind you and you are at home. In public you SUN, SEA, SAND, and the songs of Snap. Just some can be David Hasselhoff when you want to get a good seat of the ingredients of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life. This at a show or the best table in a restaurant. When I close the high-energy new show is the latest project for the ever-busy door behind me, I am just David who is the father and the David Hasselhoff and will see him celebrate the decade partner. I like to just be myself.” where he first shot to worldwide fame. But there is no doubt that he is looking forward to the The Hoff plays an Ibiza DJ and party-loving nightclub spotlight, too, bringing the show to the Norwich Theatre owner who makes sure every night is Friday night. Having Royal on February 1 and 2 as part of a nationwide tour. a good time is his main priority and the hedonistic partyDavid said: “I have done the West End, I have done Beverly loving island is the ideal place to make this happen. Hills and I have performed in all these great places. Now it But his life is set to change when his teenage daughter is great to bring a show out to the people. It is a chance for arrives to spend the summer with him. She has inherited them to get involved, sing and have lots of laughs.” his love of partying and having fun, particularly with the He is promising a playlist packed with toe-tapping opposite sex, and so it is time for his character to retunes including Can’t Touch This, Ride On Time, Saturday evaluate his life and put his daughter first. Night and even a blast of Baywatch, some of which will be David wanted to give the musical the mark of quality and arranged in slightly different ways, and includes a favourite is collaborating with the production team behind another of his, Everything I Do, I Do It For You which kept Bryan stage hit packed with pop favourites, Boogie Nights. He Adams in the number one slot in the UK for 16 weeks. explained: “They have a great theatre background which is Joining David on stage will be experienced TV and stage why I wanted to work with them. I also wanted to create actress Kim Tiddy who takes on the role of his girlfriend something with lots of Eighties and Nineties songs. I have and boasts previous roles including PC Honey Harman in worked with both Rick Astley and the Vengaboys before, The Bill and Heidi Costello in Hollyoaks. and I really love this era.” The musical also stars Charlotte Webber, who won He was also keen to make the show more than just through to the semi-finals of The Voice and was mentored a celebration of iconic songs: “I wanted it to be a good by Sir Tom Jones, who plays The Hoff’s daughter, while musical. I wanted it to be cool, have a proper story, have Shane Richie Jr, who starred in Boogie Nights, plays lovable some great music, and make it something like We Will Rock Ibiza DJ Rik. You or Rock Of Ages.” David is really excited about working with his coIt’s a lofty ambition to align the show with some of the stars, saying: “They are all great. Stephanie has the most biggest-selling West End productions, but the actor believes amazing voice and these it is important to make it beautiful eyes. Kim is a really as good and successful as experienced actress, and possible. He explains: “I what can I say about Shane? always aim high. People do I HAVE DONE THE He is just great.” say that if you aim high, you WEST END, I HAVE DONE And he cannot wait have further to fall, but I am to share the show with really confident about this audiences across the country, show.” NOW IT IS GREAT TO BRING including Norwich. “I was As well as celebrating A SHOW OUT TO THE PEOPLE doing an interview on the songs that are important to radio and the DJ was reading him, Last Night A DJ Saved out the list of places we are going and I was thinking wow, My Life also picks up on issues that cropped up in David I am really looking forward to this. I am going to give Hasselhoff’s personal life. He may have enjoyed huge TV my heart and soul to each performance and I really hope success in the likes of Knight Rider and Baywatch, a strong everyone comes along and just has a great time. movie career, and appeared in stage musicals Jekyll And “I am going to hire a car and drive from place to place. Hyde, Chicago and The Producers, but his success has Getting behind the wheel and driving to all these places will come at a cost. be a great comedown from being on stage.” Speaking candidly, he admits the pressures of fame and And his Theatre Royal visit will be a first for him as he a busy career can make a healthy personal life difficult, and believes it will mark his Norwich debut. “I am looking this is explored in the show. “It is semi-autobiographical. forward to seeing Norfolk’s beaches. Even though I will When I was with my wife, things were not going great. be with you in February, the weather won’t be a problem. I just thought this is not fair on either of us and it is not I have performed in Southend in the winter and we went working. It is not right for me and I cannot live this way. So down to the beach!” I got out,” explained David. The Hoff in Great Yarmouth and Cromer? It could The production also explores how important it is to happen in between shows, although it is likely to be too invest time on constructing strong relationships with your chilly for his trademark Baywatch garb. However, while it children. David explained: “You have to build on your may be chilly on the beach, David Hasselhoff is promising relationship with your daughter. Nobody teaches you how to raise the temperature on stage thanks to his abundant to be a father. When you tell her not to come home late or enthusiasm and energy. get to know the wrong guys, you know they are going to do it anyway because that is what happens. If you look back, they are the same things you did when you were young.” LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE will be at the One other life-lesson he has learned is to make sure you Norwich Theatre Royal at 7.30pm on Monday, February 1 and make time for yourself and your loved ones away from the Tuesday, February 2. Tickets £8 to £35.50. Discounts for bright lights of stage and screen, and the smartphone snaps Friends, over-60s and under-18s. Box Office: 01603 630000 of fans. David said: “It is important to be yourself when the www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

BEVERLY HILLS.

JANUARY 2016

STAR OF THE SHOW 16

JANUARY 2016

WHAT’S ON

Amie Howes is Snow White

Mark Nicholls meets the star of Norwich Theatre Royal’s pantomime which continues until Sunday, January 17

S A TALENTED SINGER, dancer and actress with ambitions of a career on the stage, Amie Howes revelled in the japes and jests of panto season at the Norwich Theatre Royal. From a tender age, she recalls the hilarity and songs of Peter Pan, Cinderella and Aladdin in the past, as she sat in the audience of the festive panto. But this year, the 22-year-old – from Norwich – is living proof that fairytales do come true. Having only graduated from drama school this summer, the former Sprowston High School girl is centre stage in this season’s panto, having landed the lead role of Snow White. Instead of sitting in the stalls, she has been the star since the pantomime opened in mid-December and the show’s admiring audience will include her parents Julie Hatch and Steven Howes as well as her family and friends. It also sees Amie share the limelight with TV actress and former Brookside star Jennifer Ellison, who is playing the nasty Queen Evilynne, along with Norwich panto favourites, Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley, who are Nurse Dorothy Dumpling and Muddles. Amie had expected to spend months, if not years, seeking acting roles after graduating from the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. But now she is revelling in the starring role in her home city panto. She was recommended by Graeme Henderson, who had played one of the Ugly Sisters in the theatre’s 2013/14 production of Cinderella. “I had worked with Graeme at the Arden School and he came to see our graduate show and asked me for my CV,” recalls Amie. “In September, I was invited to the Theatre Royal, asked about my experience in musical theatre and singing and, incredibly, I was offered the role of Snow White on the spot. “That was just amazing for me - surreal. I remember walking around the city afterwards thinking ‘I’m Snow White.’ It was a strange feeling but it is all very, very exciting. “It has been a great family tradition to go to the panto every year at Christmas at the Theatre Royal and it will actually be very strange not actually going to the panto with my family and friends.

“I do also remember thinking if I did get a role in panto, I’d be away from home at Christmas, so to have the lead role in my home panto is just so amazing, it is such a good opportunity for me.” Amie studied music, dance and drama and theatre while at Sprowston High School, which specialises in the arts, and was a student of the city-based Heather Millan School of Dance, appearing in Theatre Royal productions such as Kiss Me Kate, West Side Story and a production of Cabaret directed by Graeme. “I have always wanted to be involved in theatre and music, but it was such a surprise to get the role of Snow White at this stage of my career,” she said. “It just shows that you never know who is out there watching.” Amie began rehearsals for Snow White on November 30, two days after her 22nd birthday, and is now in the midst of some 58 performances, running through to January 17. “It is two shows a day, sometimes three, so I’ve been making sure to keep fit and healthy and get regular exercise such as swimming and going for runs. “What I particularly enjoy is creating a character, and being Snow White in Norwich for the panto is very special for me.” Working opposite Jennifer Ellison, Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley presents Amie with an amazing opportunity. And she also gets her very own prince in the form of David Burilin – who appeared at Norwich Theatre Royal in Jesus Christ Superstar in the autumn as Matthew – who plays the heroic Prince Frederick. “I am just so excited to be working with such an amazing cast of people who are so experienced – they have had such successful careers and I am just starting out,” enthused Amie. “After this, I would love to get some TV work, acting in dramas and I would also like to be in the West End, but singing and dancing is what I enjoy, it is what I have always wanted to do.” Amie makes history in landing the lead role – she is the first local actor to win such a prominent part in a Theatre Royal pantomime. However, she did let me in to a little secret at the end of our interview. Snow White isn’t the first time she has been cast in the lead role in an important seasonal performance. “When I was in reception class at Sprowston, I was cast as Mary in the nativity play,” she revealed. Snow White runs until January 17, 2016. Tickets are £7 to £21.50, with discounts for Friends, Over-60s and Under-18s. To book, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01603 630000.

JANUARY 2016

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SAYING IT WITHOUT WORDS

Photograph by Nik Mackey

Benet Catty previews the London International Mime Festival

f there were a vote for the nation’s least happy month, January

Photograph by Géraldine Aresteanu

would surely be the favourite. Christmas is over, 12 months of work looms, no holidays for months, dark nights... No wonder more relationships split up in January than any other month. And no wonder that ticket deals for London shows are so plentiful. Keen to see a show that never has any tickets available? January is the time to try. Perhaps with this in mind, the long-established London International Mime Festival (LIMF) opens its many doors at theatres and other performance venues across the capital to present a formidable mixture of physical theatre, dance, experiment and energy to kick off the new year. When it was founded in 1977, Abba was constantly at Number One and Thatcher was heading for Number 10. How times have changed. And the Festival has changed, too. “Mime Festival” is something of a misnomer. It’s not a month of people dressed in black pretending to be stuck in boxes. In fact, LIMF is an umbrella for a vast array of different performance approaches, and you need no experience of any of them to find something that might inspire you. Fans of Simon McBurney’s theatre company Complicité could do worse than going to Marcel produced by Paris-based Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord (the

JANUARY 2016

Photograph by alienpen and Graeme Braidwood Photograph by Trygve Wakenshaw Photograph by Michael_Ottopal_presse Photograph by Chris Herzfeld, Camlight Productions Photograph by Annika Johansson

Photograph by Pascal Victor_ArtComArt Photograph by Paulina Matusiak & Eddy Wenting

WHAT’S ON creative home of another theatrical legend Peter Brook). A tender and witty exploration of how to get round ageing, two of Complicité’s originating performers celebrate the art of physical comedy and the beauty of the gag. One of them, Jos Houben, also presents his solo show, The Art of Laughter, exploring comedy still further. You need to be quick on the uptake, however, as this show closes on January 12. Meanwhile, fans of the bold visual statement may want to visit the Barbican for the enticingly-named Dark Circus (January 26 to 30) in which everyday objects combine with a live electo-acoustic score to create a kind of living cinema. This fusion of theatrical and nontheatrical forms will be familar to those who’ve followed the work of Complicité or indeed Katie Mitchell but with this Stereoptik, a wellregarded French company, these techniques are explored still further and every sequence ends in tragedy - a human canon ball is lost in space, a lion tamer is eaten by his lion; you don’t get that kind of thing in the West End. Also at The Barbican, Australia’s world-famous acrobatic troupe Circa re-imagines Il Ritorno, Monteverdi’s opera (based on the second half of Homer’s Odyssey) for The Return (January 27 to 31). The music may be 300 years old, but the spectacular fusion of showstopping physicality, live opera and the ancient Greek story of Ulysses is altogether more contemporary. The artistic director of Circa, Yaron Lifschitz, is referred to in the publicity materials as a “visionary”. The Return sounds like quite a vision. If you fancy searching out something a bit further afield, Highgate may be your answer. Jacksons Lane is just opposite the tube station and amongst its guests for the 2016 festival is Al Seed, from Glasgow, with their show Oog (January 15 to 17) exploring shell shock in the armed forces. Poetic and psychological, the company won this year’s Total Theatre Award, usually a good barometer of companies on which to keep tabs. Jackson’s Lane also hosts something more niche with Aneckxander (January 22 to 24), Belgian performer Alexander Vanthournout’s “autobiography of his own body”. This is apparently a raw self-portrait in which the naked body (displayed throughout) both exposes itself to, and tries to escape from, the prying eyes of those looking on. You may want to take your blushes with you. Amongst the many appealing events at the Peacock Theatre, the Jakop Ahlbom Company from Holland brings us Horror (January 25 to 26) - homage to the scariest of movie genres which should inspire a fair amount of screaming and laughter, following his 2014 spoof of Buster Keaton films. British aerial theatre company Ockham’s Razor at the Platform Theatre in King’s Cross presents the London premiere of Tipping Point (January 11 to 23) which fans of Australia’s La Soiree, which has just completed another Christmas season on the South Bank, may want to book for. Poles are balanced on fingertips, hung from the roof, lashed, climbed, swung from and walked along, they become forests, crossroads and pendulums, whilst the performers balance, climb and cling. If you like your theatre dangerous this may be a good bet. Soho Theatre, always at the forefront of London’s best new writing talent, counter-intuitively programmes a play without words, Kite (January 26 to February 6), which uses dance, puppetry, mime and kites with an original score to celebrate the freedom of playing. And at Tate Modern - participating in the Festival for the first time – there’s a vast-yet-small production in the form of David Espinosa’s My Great Work (Mi Gran Obra). Espinosa says: “It is what I would do if I had an unlimited budget, the largest theatre in the world, 300 actors on stage, a military orchestra, animals, cars and a helicopter”. Without any of these, he creates his “great work” on a white tabletop with the help of miniature figurines, proving - says the publicity “that you don’t need a stadium-sized production to create significant works of art.” Who could argue with that? January may often feel like a dull, cold month. But it doesn’t have to be this year. With the London International Mime Festival providing such a range of global work that reshapes how we think about live performance, if you’re sitting at home in January with nothing to do then, quite frankly, you have only yourself to blame. www.mimelondon.com JANUARY 2016

1967

WAS A TIME OF CHANGE.

THE UK CHARTS FROM THAT JANUARY SHOW AN ECLECTIC MIX OF STYLES.

Pete Goodrum takes us back through the tracks that defined the decades. Looking at the main events, the big hits and lesser-known but influential artists, he covers the songs and their back stories to remember the soundtrack of the Sixties

BACKTRACK

In early 1967 there was one single that dominated the UK

charts. I’m A Believer by The Monkees sold out of the record shops and put the group firmly into the record books. Written by Neil Diamond, who had earlier recorded it himself, the single went gold within two days of release. It’s one of the handful of singles to have sold more than 10 million physical copies worldwide. And this from an outfit that had been invented as a fictional band to appear in a TV series about a pop group. Unashamedly cashing in on pop and Beatle mania, and aided in no small way by their lead singer being British, The Monkees surprised everybody. Theirs was commercial pop, but not without critical acclaim. Even John Lennon admitted to liking the comic stance taken by the TV show. 1967 was a time of change, and the UK charts from that January show an eclectic mix of styles. The saccharine sweetness of The New Seekers’ Morningtown Ride stood in stark comparison with The Rolling Stones’ controversial Let’s Spend The Night Together. Motown was still riding high with The Tempations’ (I Know) I’m Losing You and The Four Tops’ Standing In The Shadows Of Love. Stevie Wonder and The Supremes further confirmed the demand for the sounds of Detroit. Meantime, shaking off their early mod trappings, The Who had charted with Happy Jack and The Kinks had had a hit with Dead End Street. Interestingly, both of those songs had a particularly English narrative that would influence the emergence of Britpop decades later. In amongst some more middle of the road or, as the record stores used to label them, Easy Listenin’ discs, from Val Doonican and Frank Ifield, something else was happening. And it would create a historic moment of pop TV. Jimi Hendrix was now a chart success and January 1967 saw his Hey Joe spend five weeks in the charts. In the crossflow of British and American music he’d become a fan of Cream. Cream was the result of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce all emerging from their jazz and blues roots, leaving their former bands and getting together to define the term “super group”. By 1969 they’d disbanded, but they were to receive an extraordinary tribute from Hendrix. In January 1969 Hendrix was booked to appear on Lulu’s TV show. It was an odd idea to feature such a mercurial talent in a mainstream show, and it had an unexpected result. The plan was for the band to play Hey Joe, with Lulu joining them for the last few bars. The problem was that Jimi thought this boring. Halfway through the song, and long before Lulu could join in, he gestured to his group to stop playing. “We’d like to stop playing this rubbish and dedicate a song to the Cream,” he announced. “Regardless of what kind of group they may be in, we dedicate this to Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce.” And with that they launched into Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love. Music fans loved it. The BBC didn’t - they banned Jimi. Some years later Elvis Costello reenacted the moment in a performance on Saturday Night Live and the BBC banned him, too. The second half of the 1960s would see another cultural shift that the establishment found difficult to handle, but was powerless to stop. The Summer of Love had begun in San Francisco in 1967. Centred initially in the city’s Haight Ashbury neighbourhood, the

hippie movement was, in many ways, the descendant of the previous decade’s beat generation. Standing for liberation in everything, established values on drugs, sex, music and politics were challenged. As the hippie movement moved into the public consciousness, the revolution inevitably reached the UK and, of course, London. The fast moving Swinging London of the early 1960s would now become a home for the new counter culture. In the UFO Club in Tottenham Court Road Pink Floyd and Soft Machine performed with psychedelic light shows. The 14 Hour Technicolur Dream event at Alexandra Palace was a gathering for acts such as The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Against a backdrop of “legalise pot” rallies and happenings, the soundtrack to the new era was typified by tracks such as A Whiter Shade of Pale from Procol Harum, Hole in My Shoe from Traffic and, of course, All You Need is Love from The Beatles. An insight into how confusing all of this was comes from 1967. Fear of a drug- based culture led to what amounted to harassment. When, that year, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were arrested on drugs charges it was that bastion of the establishment, The Times, who posed the now legendary question: “Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?” Their point was, would Jagger have been treated in this way if he’d not been so famous? Everything, it seemed, was changing. By 1968 The Beatles were in India with The Maharishi, The Monkees’ TV series was ending and the musical Hair was causing a furore on Broadway. But in December that year a goliath returned. The 1968 Elvis Presley Comeback Special, broadcast on USA TV, would haul “the king” out of his squeaky-clean movies and thrust him back into the world of cool. He reclaimed his crown, and he did so at the very moment The Beatles broke up. Influenced by Presley, and overtaking him, the Fab Four played their last gig on the roof of the Apple building in Savile Row in 1969. There would be albums released, confusingly out of step with when they were recorded, and some public acrimony. Massive individual successes would follow, together with a vast legacy, but in reality the band that had defined the Sixties, died with the Sixties. In that last year of the 1960s, pop music continued to evolve and polarise itself. The Who introduced the concept of a rock opera, with Tommy. Folk Rock emerged with the release of Fairport Convention’s Liege and Lief album. Led Zeppelin arrived into the spotlight with era-defining recordings, and The Rolling Stones were changed forever by the death of founder member Brian Jones. The band’s Hyde Park Concert tribute to him attracted a huge audience, estimated by some at 400,000. It fitted with an emerging taste for massive open- air gigs. By September John Lennon was appearing at the Toronto Festival. It was the first time he’d appeared on a stage without one or other of The Beatles since 1957. There can be no doubt about the importance of the 1960s in the history of pop music. The rock and roll of the 1950s had been influential, and adored by emerging musicians who would turn it into a new, never before so popular, cultural phenomenon. From the early days of the decade when simple songs sold millions, to the late Sixties when more complex recordings, political statements and musical innovations were all thrown into the melting pot, there had been ten years of recordings that would deliver timeless classics. But late 1969 was not a time for looking back. Nostalgia was not the motivator at all; instead, this was an era of ceaseless development. If the Sixties had seen a polarisation of pop, the Seventies would be even more divisive. There would be commercial and pretty pop songs, as well as heavier output from decidedly more earnest performers. And it was all about to happen. JANUARY 2016

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03.

With Valentine’s day coming up, treat yourself to some new lingerie

02.

Prices correct at the time of going to press. Items may be available from various retailers and prices may vary so please check online for a full list of local stockists

Here are five underwear finds chosen by Donna Titcombe that will keep things classy

01. 04.

01.

03.

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BEAUTIFUL IN BLUE Most of us have lots of black and grey in our winter wardrobes. Try adding royal blue; it is a beautiful colour that suits just about everyone regardless of your hair colour or skin tone Donna Titcombe has selected a range of clothes and accessories which are available this season

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Phase Eight Alice Daisy trousers, House of Fraser £69

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03.

JANUARY 2016

05.

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07.

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PREPARING FOR THE

PROMS

“

Planning for a party six months before the event might seem a little premature, but when it comes to a school prom night, it makes perfect sense

It’s a good idea to start early to avoid any last-minute panic

laces & Faces’ fashion and beauty editor Donna Titcombe explains: “Just as they have in

the States, prom nights have become big news in the UK and these end-of-school balls are very special events. The students spend a lot of time planning what they’re going to wear – not to mention how they’re going to get there – and so it’s a good idea to start early to avoid any last-minute panic.” What use to be a simple affair - a quiz night or disco – has evolved over the last few decades into something far more elegant and lavish. Today’s summer prom parties take place not only at High Schools themselves, but at hotels, conference and banqueting centres and other prestigious venues, and the students (male and female) make a big effort to dress for the occasion. Students in this country tend to go to the prom with a group of friends rather than individual dates and so transport options are something to think about. These can include everything from a simple taxi to a stretch limousine, horse and cart and even, in exceptional cases, a helicopter! So what should a discerning party-goer wear to this year’s prom? “It really depends on your personality,” says Donna. “If you’re usually more of a tomboy, and aren’t keen on fussy clothes, then opt for something simple, sleek and elegant so that you’ll be both stylish and comfortable. Whereas if you love being a princess more than Cinderella herself, then a big statement ballgown could be the thing for you.” Remaining true to your own personality traits holds true when it comes to accessories – bags, shoes, jewellery and so on – too, as there’s simply no point in purchasing a pair of killer heels to find that they’re killing your feet after the first dance and need to be carried around from then on. Better to opt for something a little lower – some cute kitten heels, for example – in which you can dance the night away.

JANUARY 2016

Stick to colours that suit you, too – again, better to wear something that’s tried and tested than to opt for something completely out of your comfort zone. “Less can definitely be more when it comes to looking good,” confirms Donna. “A dress in a single colour worn with some pretty accessories can look much classier than an array of colours with large, contrasting items. Have fun shopping for your prom dress or suit, but don’t overdo it.” Planning early can have lots of other advantages. First and foremost, January is a key sales month and so you may be lucky enough to pick up a real bargain. Having plenty of time to go before the event also means that you can shop around, trying on different styles to suit you. Some stores have personal shoppers to help you narrow down the choice, while there is always the (more expensive) option of having a bespoke outfit made especially for you. “Whatever you decide, January is a good time to start,” says Donna. “It’s a bit like planning a wedding – you want to look your best for the big day and for the day to be as stress-free and smooth as possible. So the key to a successful prom night, as with so many special occasions, definitely lies in the preparation.” “Don’t forget your hair and makeup,” adds Donna, “and for the guys, concentrate on good grooming. Little things such as glowing skin, sparkling white teeth, manicured fingernails and just the right amount of perfume or

FASHION aftershave, can make all the difference.” Some people like to get ready with their friends, while others like to spend time alone getting ready for their big reveal. “The main thing to remember is to enjoy yourselves,” says Donna. “Whether that’s looking round the shops for dresses, jackets, cardigans or shawls, or hunting down the perfect pair of earrings. We’re very lucky in East Anglia to have so many fabulous shops and those going to this year’s proms are really spoilt for choice.” This applies to the boys, too – there are plenty of outfitters out there offering great designs for guys, so that they can look just as good as the girls. Another top tip is to mention what you’re planning to wear to your closest friends – after all, Cinderella would have been upset to find someone else in her glass slippers! So if you’ve seen a fabulous-looking dress in a high street store that your girlfriends frequent, it’s highly likely that they’ve spotted it, too. This could be the time, therefore, to venture a little further afield – into Norwich or Ipswich if you live on the coast, or perhaps into Great Yarmouth, Holt or Southwold if you’re based in the city. Have fun heading over to places that you might not normally visit, as that way you’ll widen your choice and decrease the likelihood of opting for the same outfit as everyone else. Remember to take account of the weather, too – Britain can be baking hot in the spring and freezing cold in the summer; we just never know. Prepare for all eventualities by bringing a cardi, jacket or throw with you in case the night gets cold, as well as an umbrella, as no-one wants to spend money, time and effort on their hair, only to have it raining on their parade. And if you’re into false nails, eyelashes, fake tan, hair straighteners or curlers, then a prom night party is the perfect time to indulge. It’s also a chance (budgets permitting) to have a bit of fun before the event – get the girls round for a make-up session, or gather the guys together for some stylish-looking selfies before heading off. And don’t forget the most important beauty tip of all – a genuine smile. Show people that you’re genuinely enjoying yourself and your inner beauty will shine through.

JANUARY 2016

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INTERVIEW

When it comes to looking great, there’s no getting past David Beckham.

When it comes to looking good, David Beckham scores on all levels. Recently named as the Sexiest Man Alive, the soccer superstar, fashion icon and dad-of-four talks about his love of style Words: Hot Features/Carolyn Atkins

A style icon since his early Manchester United days, the famous former footballer’s star has continued to rise; his looks changing continually and his income from corporate contracts meteoric. International companies clamour for his endorsement, knowing full well that David Beckham has the Midas touch and that if he’s wearing it – whether clothes, hair products or cosmetics – we’ll want it, with his looks copied around the globe. Despite the spotlight on his every move, however, David Beckham is still surprised by the attention, saying: “It still amazes me whenever I get a new tattoo or a new hairstyle, the amount that people talk about it. But I’m honoured because people want to talk about it in a positive way. It’s not something I complain about. I’m honoured and I feel lucky to be in the position that I am, for people to notice things like that.” David Beckham has been far more than a trendsetter, however; in the world of men’s fashion, he’s been a revelation. Brave enough to try all sorts of radical new styles, he’s carried most of them off and quickly given those that didn’t work the red card. We’ve seen Beckham in his pants, in a DJ and in everything in between. His 6ft frame, iconic face and magnetic smile have helped publicise a wealth of products, from sunglasses to aftershave, and his down-to-earth, approachable, sometimes almost self-effacing manner have meant that, despite his incredible fame and earning power, he remains a man of the people. His forward-thinking approach to fashion means that he’ll give all sorts of styles a go, and when it comes to haircuts, his fans simply can’t keep up. We’ve seen him braided, bearded, with a crew-cut, Mohican, ponytail and hairband, both with ultra-short and very long hair, not to mention all the different colours. Before his next look can hit the newsstands, his devotees are at the barber’s with his picture in their hands, and with over 53 million Facebook fans, that’s a lot of haircuts! Towards the end of last year, David Beckham was named ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ by People magazine, America’s hugely influential celebrity and human interest bible, taking over the crown from Australian Adonis Chris Hemsworth who was awarded the title the year before. Speaking to People magazine, Beckham, 40, said: “It’s a huge honour, and I’m very pleased to accept,” adding: “I never feel that I’m an attractive, sexy person. I mean I like to wear nice clothes and nice suits and look and feel good, but I don’t ever think of myself that way.” JANUARY 2016

Cover picture, previous pages and these pages: David Beckham photographs by H&M

The great thing about David Beckham is that he clearly doesn’t take himself too seriously. When presented with the People Magazine award, he posted a message on Instagram, saying: “I thought I was past my sell-by-date, but thanks to People Magazine for the accolade and the compliment! “I always feel a little shy when receiving these awards, though it will make my Mum happy. This one the kids will laugh at, as they see what Daddy looks like in the morning!” And asked what his wife, Victoria, thinks of being married to the Sexiest Man Alive, Beckham said to People magazine: “I would hope that she feels this way about me all the time anyway!” Tongue-in-cheek, David Beckham then went on thank: “My parents, my hairdresser, my stylist and Photoshop.” Beckham, who was born in Leytonstone, London, and who is father to Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 10 and Harper, four, clearly works hard at working out, however, as shown by these recent pictures for Swedish High Street chain H&M.

JANUARY 2016

INTERVIEW His toned, tattooed body helps sell clothes around the world, and he looks good whether simply wearing his underwear, in casual attire or when suited and booted. Interestingly, however, the famous former England captain is keenest on a simple, unfussy style. David Beckham said: “Style icons for me are people like Steve McQueen. He looked good in jeans and a T-shirt and he is one person who I have always looked up to or looked to for style and a kind of inspiration.” Whatever he’s wearing and whatever he’s doing, however, you can be sure that David Beckham will always look the part. His many different roles have taken him around the world and back again: as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, as part of the successful team which brought the Olympics to London in 2012, and as a model for companies such as Adidas, Coty, Sainsbury’s, Samsung and Breitling. He is also a role model to us all, showing us that keeping in shape takes determination, hard work and self-belief and, despite having retired from professional football a few ywears ago, after his last stint for MLS side LA Galaxy in 2012, and his final game with Paris Saint Germain in 2013, he still insists on keeping fit. David Beckham said: “Being a sportsman, being a footballer, I’ve always had to keep my body in shape. These days more so. People are more healthy than they were 10 to 15 years ago.” There’s still hope for us mere mortals, however, as even David Robert Joseph Beckham has something

about himself that he would change. Asked if there’s anything he dislikes about his body, he confided: “I would have to say, after 20 years of playing football, my toes are not good.” With his wife Victoria Beckham’s fashion empire currently booming, the focus on what David Beckham wears is greater than ever, but fortunately he loves having the chance to dress up. He said: “I’m like my middle son. Romeo loves to wear a suit, so he gets that from me.” From his first-team debut with Man United aged 17 in 1992 to his retirement from the beautiful game in May 2013, the focus on David Beckham still remains stratospheric and his marketing potential seems limitless. So just what does he look for when it comes to looking good? David Beckham said: “Well it starts with the underwear, of course, so a good pair of my underwear would be nice. And then, you know, I always have a nice pair of vintage jeans, vintage boots and a white T-shirt – I don’t think you can go wrong with that. That’s always something that I make sure I’ve got.” Just as there have been errors on the football pitch (such as his infamous sending off during the 1998 World Cup), there have, of course, been the occasional fashion faux-pas, such as the matching outfits that he and his wife Victoria wore when they were younger, when the world knew them as “Posh and Becks”. Asked about those, David Beckham said: “Yes. I mean we’ve worn matching outfits over the years which some look good and some not so good. She always looked good in them but I’m not sure I looked as great as she did. But yes, the matching outfits are something that has happened over the years but not any more.” The couple married in July 1999 (remember those golden thrones?) and clearly David Beckham is very proud of Victoria’s fashion empire. He said: “She’s had such an amazing success with her line and I’m so proud of what she’s achieved. To go from a Spice Girl to be taken seriously in the fashion industry, that’s something special, and it’s a huge thing for her to be in the position she’s in, because she’s worked very, very hard and she deserves every success.” Asked what else makes him proud, David Beckham said: “My children. Simple as that. That’s my biggest achievement in my life – having four healthy children that are very good kids. And, you know, they’re beautiful as well...” So at this time of year, when most magazines are running New Year, New You-style articles, what can we glean from David Beckham’s approach to life? Clearly his focus is on making the most of himself, as well as focusing on his family and his myriad projects. He is a man who has the courage of his convictions and his experimental approach has inspired generations of men to try out new hair and facial hair styles and clothes. Not to mention the booming trade in tattoos, of course, which have been copied both by his fans and his peers (you only have to watch a Premiership-level football match to see the very latest in body art). No doubt David Beckham’s face will continue to grace magazine covers for the foreseeable future and clearly his art of looking good is ours to emulate – even in some small way. One thing’s for sure – David Beckham looks set to rule the fashion world for many years to come. JANUARY 2016

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COUNTRY LIVING Thanks to television costume dramas, there has been a great increase in the popularity of country clothes

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INCREDIBLE

INDIA

JANUARY 2016

TRAVEL

KATE MORFOOT

PAYS A VISIT TO THIS

COLOURFUL, CROWDED COUNTRY…

No-one can prepare you for the extraordinary adventures when exploring the sights, smells and fleeting snapshots of life in India. The cities in this immensely populated country (more than 1.2 billion) provide a constant humdrum of noise and excitement, peppered with the aromas of food and spices. Combined with hooting Tuk Tuks and scooter horns, first impressions can be overwhelming. Along the busy streets or in remote farming villages, you will catch glimpses of everyday life; an old man having his beard trimmed on the pavement, a mother washing her baby, colourfully-clothed women wearing saris pumping water from a well, garment-making with oldfashioned Singer sewing machines, people selling locally-grown fruit and vegetables, and street food being cooked and eaten. Most holidaymakers visiting the north of the country for Rajasthan’s Golden Triangle route fly direct to New Delhi, and it’s certainly worth spending a couple of days there to settle into the Indian fast lane and to prepare for the assault on your senses. The Shangri-La Eros hotel at Connaught Place (www. shangri-la.com) provides an excellent base as it is located close to the main sights including the vast and splendid Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace. Ensure you also include the awesome Red Fort on your itinerary – a complex of museums which was originally coloured white, but which was painted red by the British. Built in 1639, it’s a world heritage site, whose garden provides a welcome respite from the city’s noise, dust and fumes. It is worth spending some time in both the old town area as well as the more modernised districts such as Connaught Place. India Gate and the Lodi Gardens are also well worth a visit. As for the food, it is different and tasty. Real Indian food is nothing like the fare that is served in the UK. Forget chicken tikka masala, Peshwari naan, Bombay potatoes and onion bhajis - not every Indian dish is hot and spicy and those we tried were all cooked using fresh produce, spices and sauces. Beef does not appear on the menu. There is often a choice of chicken, goat or lamb with lentils, vegetables and

potatoes, while most hotels have either an Indian restaurant or multi-cuisine options. An hour’s flight away from New Delhi is Udaipur, one of the country’s most romantic destinations, whose star attraction is the gigantic City Palace overlooking the serene Lake Pichola. We stayed at the Leela Palace (www.theleela.com/ locations/udaipur) whose staff greeted us at the lakeside jetty with a traditionally decorated wooden boat in which we glided across the sparkling water to the hotel. “Welcome to a world of grandeur and luxury,” they said on arrival and indeed it was. Another magical hotel is the Taj Lake Palace (www. tajhotels.com) on Lake Pichola, famous for its role in the James Bond film Octopussy. It’s definitely worth staying at this “floating” marble palace if only to marvel at the interior. Known as the city of dreams, Udaipur is an enchanting vista of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills - an oasis of colour in an otherwise stark and arid region. Visit the magical Jagdish Hindu Temple, known for its elephant-motif carving, and the old town’s famous Clock Tower whose nearby network of roads accommodates all sorts of colourful bazaars. Crowded with pedestrians, traffic, passing cows, camels and even elephants, this is a fascinating place where you’ll see ladies wearing vibrant saris selling fresh herbs, onions, spices, oil and sugar cane, weaving baskets and sewing marigold garlands. Booking a car and driver in India is easy, either on the internet or by speaking to your hotel’s concierge,

GETTING THERE Kate flew with BA (www.britishairways.com) from London Heathrow to New Delhi and then on to Udaipur with Air India (booked via www.cleartrip.com). To rent a car or 4x4 with a driver, visit: www.indiabycaranddriver.com. More tourist information at: www.incredibleindia.org

JANUARY 2016

and our five-hour drive from Udaipur to Nimaj near Pali to reach the remote luxury tented wildlife reserve Chhatra Sagar (www.chhatrasagar.com) was fascinating. Passing over the Aravalli Hills, we diverted to Ranakpur to visit the spectacular white marble Jain Temple, and watched the monkeys sitting on the roadside walls, attracted there by tourists and the many thousands of pilgrims who visit each year. Considered one of the best wildlife retreats in Rajasthan, Chhatra Sagar is located on top of a stone dam overlooking a large lake where the beautiful habitat attracts many different species of wild birds and animals. Visitors can also take a village tour for a privileged insight into rural Rajasthani life. Next it was on to Jodhpur, renowned for its striking blue buildings. An hour’s drive from Nimaj, this

TRAVEL is Rajasthan’s second largest city whose skyline is dominated by the spectacle of the Mehrangarh Fort, an architectural sandstone masterpiece created around 1400. We stayed at the boutique RAAS hotel (www. raasjodhpur.com) in the heart of Jodhpur’s Old Walled City, next to the mosque with its constant calls to prayer. The hotel is close to the famous Clock Tower and Sadar Market, whose Baba Art Emporium (www.babaartemporium.com) offers the most fabulous handmade textiles. If you fancy having clothes made for you, take a Tuk Tuk through the city’s cobbled streets to Pahnava on Circuit Road whose tailors will kit you out. Our journey through this colourful country continued with a seven-hour car drive to the Pink City of Jaipur (it was painted pink in 1883 to welcome the arrival of Prince Albert). Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and the city’s hub buzzes with shopkeepers and souvenir sellers calling out for customers to buy things such as the popular bandhani stoles. On the busy shopping street you will see Hawa Mahal, the most photographed building in Jaipur. Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds,’ this honey-comb, five-storey structure was built in 1799 so that the royal ladies could observe street festivities without being seen from one of its 953 tiny windows. Another must-see place here is Anmer Fort. Perched on a natural ridge and dating back to the 16th Century, it’s now withered in places but that only adds to its character. Take an elephant ride to the main courtyard or ask your driver to head up the narrow streets to avoid a very long walk. Be prepared for the hordes of street vendors selling postcards and wooden elephants! You will see where the King housed his 250 concubines, his 12 wives and, interestingly, where his elephants were kept. The famous wall of mirrors and the Persian carpet gardens, along with a magnificent view of the Palace, provide all sorts of photo opportunities. No trip to this city is complete without shopping at Bapu Bazaar. Quaint pink buildings line both sides of the road where great bargains are set to tempt you, whether fabrics, jewellery or jootis (slippers). The Oberoi Rajvilas hotel (www.oberoihotels.com/ hotels-in-jaipur) is 30 minutes out of town and here you can escape the intensity of the city and relax. This magnificent hotel is an oasis of elegance and luxury traditionally built around an 18th Century Shiva

temple. Rajvilas showcases many of the region’s traditional crafts including extensive use of lime plaster, Jaipur blue pottery tiles, marble carvings and elaborate brass doors. In true Rajput style, it offers luxury tents with a personal butler at your service. Don’t be surprised to be awoken by the call of one of the many peacocks in the gardens: these are the national bird of India and, although shy, they like to strut around the swimming pool and breeze past the guests showing off their colours. Travelling to this part of India without visiting the 360 year old Taj Mahal is not an option and so the city of Agra was definitely on our hit-list. We checked into the Oberio Amarvilas hotel (www. oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-agra) which was built so that every bedroom has a view overlooking its landscaped gardens and, of course, The Taj. Viewing the Taj Mahal is heart-warming for the soul. Built as a mausoleum in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj, often described as “poetry in marble” is considered the most beautiful monument in the world. It was built from white marble by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and inside you can see the replicas of Emperor Shah Jahan’s and Mumtaz Maha’s tombs (the original tombs are located below ground beneath them). The Taj Mahal’s beauty is intensified by the sun, so visiting is popular at sunrise and sunset, and there are extensive gardens where its 13 million annual visitors can sit quietly to view this exquisite expression of love. While you’re in the city, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort, check out the famous white marble shops for souvenirs and see the mini Taj Mahal. October and November (when we were there) are good months to visit Rajasthan, and the early part of the year is a great time to book ahead. The typical high temperature here is 48 degrees, but in the autumn months the temperature can vary from 16 to 35 degrees. This was the end of our amazing Indian experience before our return home from Delhi. No “Delhi belly”, no bad experiences, just an eye-opening adventure witnessing and enjoying Indian life and culture. India offers sights, culture, religion, spiritual awareness and people who will remain long in your memory. Expect a royal welcome that will make you want to return again very soon.

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ON TREND

6 1 0 2 R O F winner Great British Menu e Richard Bainbridg ead looks at the year ah

R E C IP E

PIE TAthGe E T O C ’S E G ID R B level IN xt ne A B MRSBainbridge takes a favourite childhood dish to Richard

When it comes to my Mum, I am the biggest mummy’s boy there is; she has been a constant inspiration to me. Bringing me and my sister up on her own in the 80s was no t at the best of mean feat: money was tigh ks (probably coo of t bes the was not times and to top it off, Mum have a e a chef). However, Mum did one of the reasons I becam m. the of cottage pie being one few dinners up her sleeve, the Oxo the mince and the smell of off ling sea I remember her s on top line ke ma to fork a d she use cube going in – and the way the dish used no salt or pepper and of the mash was epic. She ns were bea ed brown sauce and bak was as dry as it could be, so top. added to put the cherry on e pie by to my Mum’s humble cottag age hom paid e Now I hav rich ful, mince. This gives it a wonder using ox cheek instead of to it es tak just tery mashed potato depth of flavour and the but another level. nk you for the inspiration. Mum, this is for you and tha

JANUARY 2016

: INGREDIENTS

FOR THE OX CHEEKS 5kg ox cheeks, trimmed 4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped 4 sticks celery, peeled and roughly chopped 1 large leek, peeled and roughly chopped

METHOD

10 button mushrooms d 10 juniper berries, crushe 20 white pepper corns, crushed

1 star anise Red wine to cover (around ½ litre) 150g spelt flour

the in a large bowl or tray and add Place the trimmed ox cheeks vegetables and spices. marinate for 24 hours. Cover with the red wine and high e them in a frying pan on a Strain the ox cheeks then plac s. side h bot on off them heat, season with salt and seal repeat k into a heavy-based pot, and bac m the e plac en, gold e Onc with the vegetables. then wine by three-quarters and In a large pan, reduce the red eks. pour it back over the ox che cheeks. en and then add it to the ox gold il unt our fl lt spe the e Bak

FOOD & DRINK

next big thing, always looking, tasting and learning. So my top tips and ideas for 2016 are BBQ and hot smoking all year round, not just burnt sausages with a can of beer in your back garden on a rainy afternoon in June. No, I mean soulful cooking with the ingredients at the heart of it, curing your meat, fish or vegetables before cooking them over open flames, as this is the true beginning of cooking; starting with great, local produce and treating it like people have done for thousands of years – beautiful! Also, staying on the traditional side of things, preserving is going to become the norm as it was for our grandparents, as money is tight for all of us and we are all looking into saving where we can. That being the case, the phrase “waste not, want not” will be a big draw for people - using things at the height of their season and preserving them so you can enjoy them all year round. A lot of this can be almost free, such as wild garlic capers, pickled mushrooms or sauerkraut - all you will need is a little salt and some vinegar. It’s just about finding and respecting the produce around us. Speciality coffee will be massive this year, too, as people are starting to move away from the hard core bitter espresso and are moving towards a lighter, more flavoursome coffee with more complex flavours and depth like fine wine - Darren from the Little Red Roaster is the man in the know in Norwich! Finally, English wines will come in to their own this year. There has been a quiet revolution going, with people learning about and maturing their vines so that they can thrive in our climate and now we are producing some amazing wines and sparkling wines and are about to reveal some of the best in the world – trust me! Have a great 2016 everyone and we looking forward to seeing you at Benedicts soon! Richard Bainbridge is the chef proprietor of Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich. www.restaurantbenedicts.com

thirds of l stock (approximately two Top this up with water or vea and cover it with tin foil. a litre), bring this to the boil rs or until at 120C for three to four hou n ove Place the dish in the up. ed rt when pick the ox cheeks almost fall apa oven and allow to cool. the from dish the Remove in the fridge overnight. Once cooled, place the dish tion eks from the jellied sauce, por che ox Next day, remove the vyhea a into m the ice and place them into sizes of your cho . dish bottomed e and the boil, pass it through a siev Bring the sauce back up to a rich consistency. then continue to reduce it to e the ce over the ox cheeks and plac sau f bee rich Then pour the . ugh thro t hea to s ute min 10 to 20 dish in the oven at 180C for h white pepper. When hot, season heavily wit

TO:

SHED POTA FOR THE BUTTERY MA INGREDIENTS 3kg red potatoes

Table salt 150g salted butter (cut into cubes)

METHOD

250g double cream 250g whole milk Salt, white pepper and nutmeg for seasoning

Pre-heat the oven to 200C. potatoes to an oven tray and add the Place a layer of table salt on on top. m into the of the potatoes and place the Score an “X” lightly on top . il the potatoes are cooked oven for 45 minutes or so unt bring cream and milk into a pan and In the meantime, place the them to the boil.

n and , remove them from the ove Once the potatoes are cooked utes. cool for about five to ten min bowl, h this through a sieve into a pus and ato pot the Scoop out it too a little at a time (if you add then slowly mix in the milk lumpy). turn will ato pot hed mas quickly, this is where the a until smooth (try not to use Next, add the butter and mix ome like bec will it and s atoe rk the pot machine as this can overwo wallpaper paste). and s with the salt, white pepper Season the mashed potatoe h wit er cov and m back into a pot grated nutmeg then place the to h mas the g chin tou is the clingfilm clingfilm, making sure that ing. help prevent a skin from form

FOR THE GARNISH

shoots Small salad leaves or pea t in plain, shallot into rings, lightly dus a e Fried shallot rings (slic oil until crispy) seasoned flour and fry in hot Wilted spinach or greens

TO DRESS

a could be a piece of piping or Using a ring or mould (this pastry cutter), then hed potatoes into the mould Place a large spoonful of mas ish it garn and top on ek e the ox che add the spinach or greens, plac s. ring llot d sha with the salad leaves and frie e extra sauce and serve. Remove the mould, add a littl little upside down, As you’ll see, this dish is a the other way around, so if you wanted to serve it ner party! by all means do: it’s your din ! cious – enjoy, Mrs Bainbridge deli e tast All I know is that it will

Pictures by Katja Bainbridg e

n some ways being a chef is like being a fashion designer: always having to be ahead of the

WELCOME TO THE CLUB Mark Nicholls pays a visit to The Norfolk Club in the heart of Norwich

Set back from Upper King Street, its Georgian red-brick façade marks it out

as one of Norwich’s longest-established institutions. The Norfolk Club is, in fact, widely regarded as one of the oldest private members’ clubs in the world. Times, however, have changed considerably since a group of gentlemen met at the end of June in 1770 to resolve that “a select number of intimate friends do dine together.” Yet the spirit of the club remains to this day – an oasis of peace and quiet in the city, somewhere to read the newspaper without being disturbed, to hold a business meeting or enjoy a warm lunch with a glass of wine. Those original members – who were not intended to exceed 14 in number – met for a few years at The Bell Tavern before relocating to rented accommodation on Guildhall Hill and eventually, in 1888, to the club’s present and permanent home in the heart of the city. The current building was a former Harvey and Hudson Bank before the club moved in and extended the building. Originally known as The Norfolk Society, it became The Norfolk Club in 1864 with 103 members at that time and the list of their names – knights, colonels and lords among them – is still displayed in the Library. By the 1880s there were 220 members, the Prince of Wales became an Honorary Member, and over the

JANUARY 2016

FOOD & DRINK

years the Royal Family has been closely associated with the club; the Duke and Duchess of York visited in 1896, Queen Mary in 1932, and the Duke of Edinburgh in 2008. Ladies were admitted to the Smoking Room in 1933 and 60 years later - at the 1993 AGM – it was agreed (by 28 votes for and 12 against) that ladies be admitted to full membership. There have been four lady presidents since. Today the club has more than 550 members – including three from the Royal Family - who are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds including business, farming and professional communities across Norwich and the county. “We are rather proud of the club,” explains current president Robin Back, as we sit in the comfort of the bar. Across the hallway, with portraits of We started life as a prominent figures nestling alongside images of Nelson, other members private gentlemen’s sit in the Library – formally the club but today The Smoking Room - where silence pervades, punctuated only by the Norfolk Club is a chink of a coffee cup or the rustle of comfortable base for newsprint. The ambience is of permanence members when they and longevity with furnishings that are in the city or if reach back decades. they wish to entertain Mr Back continues: “We started life as a private gentlemen’s club guests or conduct a but today The Norfolk Club is a business meeting. comfortable base for members when they are in the city or if they wish to entertain guests or conduct a business meeting.” While informal gatherings take place around small tables, the club has formal meeting rooms, a Billiard Room with a splendid snooker table and even a squash court tucked away at the back beyond a members’ car park. After midday, the dining room of neatly-laid tables which caters for up to 60 - fills as members call in for lunch.

On the menu was Mulligatawny soup, game terrine or autumn chestnut salad as a starter and, as my visit fell in the run-up to Christmas, roast turkey with traditional trimmings. The main course options did also include braised partridge, grilled salmon or pasta shells and keeping the Christmas pud company on the dessert menu were chocolate and whisky mousse, poached pears and a cheese platter. The Norfolk Club also hosts more formal dinners with guest speakers, as well as Saturday football lunches when the Canaries are at home. Meanwhile, an attractive terrace offers al fresco dining during the summer months. Mr Back said: “One of the other attractions for members is the reciprocal arrangements we have with other clubs around the country and all over the world – from London to Melbourne, Singapore, California and many more locations. “We have six rooms upstairs for members, or visitors, to stay in and we often let them out to cast members from Theatre Royal and Maddermarket Theatre productions, too.” New members – who have to be 21 or over - are invited to apply to join The Norfolk Club, which is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7.30pm and on Saturdays until 2pm. They are usually introduced by a member, with the introduction followed up with a nomination process with a proposer and seconder. It also offers corporate membership and corporate sponsorship of members. There are various levels of membership, with a City Membership £470 a year, for example, along with a £165 joining fee. The club has a vice president, a manager and is run by a committee. The dress code is smart casual, and the welcome warm and friendly. Mr Back explained: “We do have formalities and protocols, but we do also like to have fun in what we do.” For more information on The Norfolk Club call 01603 626767 or visit www.thenorfolkclub.co.uk

JANUARY 2016

BAKED BELLY OF PORK

with Sweet Potato Purﾃｩe and Braised Red Cabbage INGREDIENTS 3lb piece of pork belly (from the rib end) 6oz each of chopped onion, celery and carrot 2 bay leaves Large sprig of thyme 1 head of garlic (cut in half ) 2/3 tbsp vegetable oil 2pts chicken stock

JANUARY 2016

FOR THE SWEET POTATO PURﾃ右 2lb sweet potatoes 4oz butter Salt, pepper, nutmeg FOR THE BRAISED RED CABBAGE 1lb red cabbage (thinly sliced) 6oz onion (thinly sliced)

8oz cooking apples (peeled and diced) 2 tbsps red wine vinegar 2 tbsps brown sugar 1 clove ﾂｼ tsp ground cinnamon ﾂｼ tsp mixed spice 2oz butter Salt and pepper

IMPERIAL HOTEL

Simon Wainwright, executive head chef of the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, shows us how to create this substantial dish

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

METHOD Fry the vegetables in the oil until lightly coloured. Place them in an ovenproof dish, add the herbs and garlic and then put the pork on top and add the hot chicken stock. Cover with tin foil and cook in the oven at 300°F/150°C for approximately three to four hours (the meat should be very soft). Allow to cool, then refrigerate overnight. Don’t handle the meat until completely cold, otherwise it may fall to pieces. FOR THE SWEET POTATO PURÉE Cut the ends off the potatoes and wrap them individually in tin foil, dividing the butter between the parcels. Bake until soft at 350°F/180°C (this will take approximately one to one-and-a-half hoursdepending on the size of the potatoes). Allow the potatoes to cool slightly then unwrap them and remove the skins. Liquidise the flesh and season with the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Set aside. FOR THE BRAISED RED CABBAGE Mix all the ingredients together and place in an ovenproof dish and cook slowly at 300°F/150°C for approximately three hours, checking from time to time (and adding a little water if it’s looking a little dry). The finished cabbage should be soft and tender with a little juice in the bottom of the dish. FINISHING THE DISH Pre-heat the oven to 425°F/220°C. Remove the pork from the vegetables and stock. Discard the vegetables and pat the pork dry with some kitchen towel. The stock can then be reduced and thickened to form the gravy. Cut the pork into four equal-sized pieces and remove the skin. Heat a heavy ovenproof pan on the stove and, when hot, add the pork, fat-side down and cook on the hob to allow the fat to colour, then place in the oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until hot all the way through. Be careful when removing the pan from the oven as the pork will have released a lot of fat. To serve, re-heat the cabbage and sweet potato and place some of each in the centre of four warm serving plates and place the pork on the top, then pour a little gravy around the plate and serve.

WINE NOTES

2013 Grey Glacier, Ventisquero, Apalta Vineyards, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Nick Mobbs, director and wine expert at the Imperial Hotel, says: ONE OF THE TOUGHER JOBS I have to do is taste quite a lot of wine. There is a lot of good wine out there to buy and every now and then I get to taste one which makes me sit up and say that it’s really good. Phillipe Tasso is the chief wine maker at Ventisquero and this wine is a blend of Rhone Grapes - 50% Granacha, 25% Mouvedre and 25% Carignan. A lot of care goes into making this wine. The grapes go into 400-kilo vats to undergo pre-fermentation maceration for three to five days to extract colour and flavour. The fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 22°C to 25°C with two to three daily pump-overs to again extract colour and flavour. The wine is rested for a couple of weeks after the fermentation and then aged in fifth use ultra-fine grain French oak barrels. The wine has an intense red colour with violet hues. The nose displays red fruits such as raspberries and blackcurrants, with some earthy notes and a touch of black pepper, very characteristic of theses grapes. The palate is expressive, medium-bodied and refreshing, with an excellent acidity. Packed with fruit and cherries, it has mild tannins and is long on the finish. The wine has excellent structure and will work really well with the pork.

• 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

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

01508 492497 WWW.THEWILDEBEEST.CO.UK Norwich Rd, 82-86 Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8QJ

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

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 1)

For the main dish 80g duck foie gras, 30g slice of brioche, 2 red gem lettuce leaves, 25g red onion compote (see recipe below), 2g basil oil, 1 bread wafer, pinch of Maldon sea salt and pinch of cracked black pepper For the port and red onion compote (makes 500g) 360g red onions, 70g brown sugar, 200ml port, 200ml red wine, 5g (2 tbsps) vinegar, 15g balsamic vinegar reduction For the basil oil (makes 330ml) 1 bunch fresh basil, 300ml olive oil, pinch table salt

IT FITS THE BILL!

RECIPE

PAN-FRIED DUCK “FOIE GRAS” AU NATUREL

Serve hot on a toasted brioche with a pinch of Maldon salt and black pepper, port and red onion compote, basil oil

METHOD

For the main dish Cut the lobe of foie gras into slices of 80g and freeze them all individually between two sheets of paper. Toast the slice of brioche and sear 80g of foie gras in a hot pan straight from the freezer for 40 seconds on each side. Place the foie gras on the brioche, season well and put this on the plate, then garnish with the red onion compote, lettuce, basil oil and bread wafer.

For the balsamic vinegar reduction Take 500ml balsamic vinegar, heat it in a saucepan and reduce it to 250ml. For the port and red onion compote Pulse/purée the onions and place these in a saucepan with all the other ingredients. Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes and chill. Keep chilled until used.

For the basil oil Using a pulser/food processor, pulse all ingredients together for 40 seconds. Pass the oil through a fine sieve/ Chinois or paper and store in a squeezy plastic bottle.

Let our French chef Franck Pontais cook for your private dinner. Plus, for those who really enjoy cooking, he also offers masterclasses for all abilities in your own home. More information is available at www.franckpontais.com

JANUARY 2016

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. RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

01692 581099 WWW.THEINGHAMSWAN.CO.UK The Ingham Swan, Sea Palling Road, Ingham, Norfolk, NR12 9AB

COMPETITION

A Deluxe Night At The Dial House & A Fabulous Marie Reynolds Treatment

THE DIAL HOUSE IN REEPHAM is a hotel with a difference. This

attractive Georgian building is home to an attractive coffee shop and restaurant, a host of luxurious bedrooms and a quirky, cellar-based dining area. The furniture and décor have been chosen carefully throughout and the unusual thing here is that everything – food, drink and objects for your home - is for sale. So if you particularly like the chairs you’re sitting on, love the glasses you’re drinking out of or adore your particularly cosy bed, make the hotel an offer and they could be yours!

In addition to the fabulous facilities on site, guests at The Dial House can now treat themselves to health and beauty sessions in the nearby Marie Reynolds salon. Located in an elegant loft space in Carlton House, celebrated wellness and skin health expert Marie Reynolds (pictured below) offers a wealth of wellness and progressive skin treatments targeting pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, Noetic therapies that improve general health and The Bowen Technique quoted as: “The most important hands-on healing technique in medicine.”

Besides the flourishing restaurant and café, this delightful property boasts eight fascinating bedrooms which have been furnished on the theme of The Grand Tour. Book a night in The Raj, explore the Natural History room, stay in The Italian Palace or stunning China Room, and marvel at the weird and wonderful cabinet of curiosities. Located in the heart of the lovely market town of Reepham, The Dial House welcomes numerous repeat customers, having become a regular haunt for locals and visitors alike, and with a thriving following on social media.

Places & Faces® has teamed up with The Dial House and Marie Reynolds in Reepham for this fabulous competition. One lucky winner will win an overnight stay for two with breakfast at The Dial House, and a spinal code treatment with Marie Reynolds, with the overall prize worth £270. Entering the competition is easy: simply follow @Marie_Reynolds and @TheDialHouse on Twitter quoting #placesandfacescomp and we’ll draw a winner at the end of January. Alternatively, answer the following question and send your answer, along with your name and contact details to: competitions@placesandfaces.co.uk or to the postal address on page 7 by January 31, 2016 latest. QUESTION: Where in Norfolk are The Dial House and Marie Reynolds located?

ALL NEW

Antiques & Interiors Sales with

books, maps & ephemera Commences 11am

11th January

18th Century Oak/Mother of Pearl inlaid storage box Est: £100-£120 Viewing: Friday 8th January 10am - 4pm Saturday 9th January 9am - 12pm Morning of Sale from 8:30am

25th January

Wm Shakespeare. The First Folio of Shakespeare 2nd edn Est: £40-£50 Viewing: Friday 22nd January 10am - 4pm Saturday 23rd January 9am - 12pm Morning of Sale from 8:30am

Palmers Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6JA

Please email images of items you may wish to sell to:

01263 733195

salerooms@keysauctions.co.uk

keysauctions.co.uk

e M e v a G N E t a h #W

? t n e d u t s N E r e m r o f a u Are yo

EN? t a d ie d u t s o h ds w n ie r f r o y il m a f Have you got ts n e d u t s f o s n io erat n e g e r u t u f e ir p Help us to ins s s e c c u s r u o y e r sha & i n m u l A N E Join our c.uk .a lk o f r o n t s a e E-mail: alumni@

www.eastnorfolk.ac.uk

01394 412 393 www.alexanderscollege.co.uk

Independent Day and Boarding School for Girls and Boys aged 11-18

OPEN MORNING

For further information, or to request a personal visit to our college, please contact: admissions@alexanderscollege.co.uk

Saturday 5th March, 10:00-12:30

For prospective pupils and parents

Hethersett Old Hall School Independent day school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11 with boarding for girls from 9

Happy New Year...

From one of the friendliest independent schools in Norfolk!

www.hohs.co.uk I enquiries@hohs.co.uk I 01603 810390 Find us on Facebook or Twitter...then come and visit us and see for yourself!

OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF WIN NATIONAL AWARDS

OPEN EVENING Monday 18 January 5:15 to 7:30pm

Talk to tutors, students and staff about the wide range of courses and apprenticeships on offer, have a look around the college and view our industry-standard facilities.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR NEW RANGE OF JANUARY SHORT COURSES INCLUDING ARTS, WORLD CUISINE AND DIY!

Call 0800 854 695 • Email info@lowestoft.ac.uk Visit www.lowestoft.ac.uk Lowestoft College, St Peter’s Street, Lowestoft NR32 2NB

EDUCATION

e goals and th to d a e h a k o ents lo Pupils and stud 16 ing held and Open Days are be challenges of 20 ay be the out seeing when

It is ab s, or subjects, m t ider which course er the merrimen ns aft , co ge to lle ng co d, eventually, a rti or sta ol, days to get els or diplomas an eturning to scho lev few a Ar e fo tak n on s ca cu d best to fo tive perio and fun of the fes ages to think degree. e ty for pupils of all to. th used tting back into also an opportuni ge is s, it ng t ni Ye or m rk da ges. With the chill of come easy. about new challen est in learning an g doesn’t always of sts fro e expressed an inter th s ite ha routine of learnin sp ild de ch ar, ur Ye yo w If e or a musical Ne e of th a foreign languag cus and set as -fo ch re Yet the dawning su to ill ty sk ni l ng an after rtu na additio to consider joini be a great oppo may be the time January, can also g months. is in th m t, co en e um th r str fo in pirations the nchtime activity. new goals and as s vigour to it, with hing school club or a lu n term always ha g additional coac es iti tiv ac d an t en While the autum worth considerin em be cit up a o ex sh als e pu th ay d to m an It en hool year help – or ev the start of the new sc ere they may need ncerts and plays, s such as co wh ea e s ar th ea in ar th s in ap wi , rh as pe , ristm term are a with extra tuition leading up to Ch y and the spring forecast grade – phasis of Januar ple. am ex r fo g, tin de of ambience and em pu maths or com School just outsi thersett Old Hall ight future: it br He l a pi e to 11 to little different. re d pu th ar 018 rw ed e fo ag At th ns d for looking hool for boys This is the perio n of subject optio ding dependent day sc ar in tio bo an lec ll se fu d d ich an an rw s ly No am for ex with flexi, week is a time 18 it to n e re re ed as may mean revision ild th rd ch ga ed r re ag ge and girls the new term is whereas for youn el. aged nine to 18 for older pupils, lev ls w gir ne to a le to ab on ail av ing moves re-focus. y where their learn ier days of spring an opportunity to lthough it’s actuall rmer, longer, sunn wa e r th fo th wi ism d hen Crump said: “A tim the An ep op er St d aft ter an ck as pe m ba g ho ad in is He rner, there e school year, com th h ug all ro ol th just around the co ho ay nearly halfw e first day of sc success. feel rather like th returning to n to ca nt k achievement and re ea ffe br di as at tm Chris hool is not th we Going back to sc ort break, in that ers will find over again! activity after a sh w ne a ay g m in e m to share and teach viv so re work or the New Year ils will have news th t it inevitably up wi “P bu t, als en go or em ts cit deal with the ex can set fresh targe to ys wa e tiv ea cr ns. , learn to settle in. call them resolutio e way pupils study takes a day or so to renew focus, we education and th to so es t m no co is it n on ditionally a time he ati W tra uc is ed y t, ar en nu m Ja on s “A pils to look at their e school envir and encourage pu larly and behave in th advantage of that e e them – particu tak ev hi how they will ac younger d e an th th different. to six als r go ies l ou pl d ua ap an individ ch not only e, rds exams, rental perspectiv That new approa are working towa s in our seniors who levant from the pa re o eir university offer th als g is t in er bu id n, ns co be ll generatio wi o wh formers ly to ensure they too. tween home and n can work close January.” re ild ch eir e th th d rning, the link be of an t lea ou of t os re Parents m he ildren e sp th e t th ge Within s can help their ch ed for school and onger and parent str g are better prepar t. in en ow m gr on is vir ol en scho e learning being ready for re to achieve. school day and th be better placed ple things such as such as making su sim e oid th av to to e ies pl tim ap vering the basics on co g This in lve riv vo at ar in k d n or an ca – ew is Th their hom e night before put PE kit or enty of sleep, does school – often th ich your child gets pl d not forgetting to an and healthily, wh cs ly ni lar pa gu e re ut in ts m ea d an es any last tim te ria approp ing to school. e satchel. remembering to eakfast before go homework into th of a school could be simply means having br n tio lu an that is being part so th er re er a eth th ls, ra wh , d nt da d rta For pupi an po ol im um is m e sc Exercis t outside the ho the school over to rticipating in spor pa hand letters from or , g. m ba tea e or th b clu e bottom of e it leaving them in th king the school’s environment. ng to school wher the habit of chec to in t te ge da n to ca s up n walking or cycli nt e ea ar m Pare ey en th ev re ay su e m ak at Th e to time to m riate to do so. ch nities. website from tim n are learning su is safe and approp ents and opportu ev , or ws ol ne t ho es sc e lat what your childre th e in of t es es s iti with th ap ter in tiv rh ac pe an e d g th Takin necessary, an t involved in al nd the subject, if Many parents ge pporting the annu or as by reading arou ildren such as su , tourist attraction ch m eir eu th us h m ug a, ro college th trips to a cinem ing fun, and rn up la. lea ng ga tti es er se ak m m m it , su es or of d helps their studi Christmas fayre step in a number to be involved an theatre not only en on to the next the opportunity g out at in ily lp he fam or But that can be tak ole A wh PT e e th also gives th rhaps by joining by getting different ways; pe k or revising e school stages, or th learn, too. ts en ev lar d doing homewor . gu some of the re school governor while studying an a r, as ve r relaxation. r fo we ne e an Ho tim m al wn e form , so is having do the school nt g rta tin po involved in a mor or im pp er, is su s ly g for exam nts are not on without takin ov e That means pare to be supportive, role in shaping th a ed to be g ne in ed s ay os nt pl pp re su ely Pa e tiv n but ac be fun; these ar ld ou n. sh ol tio in the way it is ru tu ho sti sc , in al After all of the education e chance to start r lives. future direction e best days of ou e of year is also th th tim is th , ls, ols pi ho pu sc y ar nd For older co se to on they are moving thinking ahead if llege places. co r fo g kin loo sixth forms, or 2016 JANUARY

IN THE

KNOW Emily Simmonds provides an insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view of Saint Felix School

JANUARY 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Why would you recommend Saint Felix School? Saint Felix School is a small independent co-educational school on the edge of Southwold on

the Suffolk coast, from Nursery to Sixth Form for day, fulltime, weekly and flexi-boarding pupils. Its size is a real advantage; there is a friendly, family approach to education, and having all three departments on the same campus ensures children from across the school know each other by first names, often bumping into siblings during the day. Happy, confident, well-mannered children are the result.

First impressions of Saint Felix School and Open Mornings

From the moment you turn into the tree-lined driveway and see the grounds and impressive architecture, you notice there is something special about Saint Felix School. The staff and pupils are welcoming and proud to show off their school to visitors and this is evident on the School Open Mornings, which this year will be Saturday, May 7, and Saturday, October 8. These are great opportunities to see all that Saint Felix has to offer, as every department opens its doors and showcases its talents to visitors. As you walk through the corridors, you will see stunning photography, beautiful paintings, inspirational textiles and innovative writing as well as being treated to high-calibre choral work and drama productions.

What sports facilities does the school offer?

The School offers excellent facilities, from swimming to equestrianism, and sport is an important feature of life both in the curriculum and as part of the extensive extra-curricular programme. Achievement is recognised, success celebrated and effort applauded. Pupils are encouraged to develop physically in individual and team sports, to be magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. We attempt to foster a lifelong interest and involvement in sport, health and fitness. The school has a 25-metre pool. Swimming is timetabled in order to enable every child to learn. Nursery children quickly develop confidence in the water. As the pupils move up through the school and gradually improve their skills they may join squads who eventually compete at local, regional and national level – we are one of the top three swimming schools in the country.

Why not arrange a Trial Day?

You can arrange to look around the school at a time of your convenience; after the initial visit you may wish to organise a Trial Day for your child to come and experience what the school is really like on a normal day. This is an excellent way for children to decide for themselves if the school is for them. When my three children came for a trial day, they thoroughly enjoyed it and at the end of the day, as we were leaving, one of them said: “When can we come back?”

What do you do to ensure that every child reaches their maximum potential?

Saint Felix offers a broad and balanced curriculum within a well-structured timetable. Small class sizes and specialist teaching staff ensure excellent results from happy and confident pupils. In the Senior Department, each individual child is encouraged to achieve the highest grade attainable, made possible by the expertise of committed, skilled and motivated teachers working in small class groups. A wide and distinctive range of subjects may be studied at GCSE, AS- and A-level. Saint Felix is proud of its arts curriculum, and its mathematics department has won awards for its pupils’ recent achievements. The School offers academic, sport and music scholarships as well as affordability packages. If you would like more information on Saint Felix School, contact the registrar for a prospectus on 01502 727048 or at: registrar@stfelix.co.uk www.stfelix.co.uk

Priory

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‘The leading English soprano of her generation’. Opera Gala hosted by Hannah Francis o me (for r principle sopran r cto du con in the ENO) and Howard Williams mes In aid of Hope and Ho for Children

Saturday 6th February 2016 @ 6.30 pm Tickets are £65 for Champagne reception, recital and 3 course dinner or £25 for Champagne reception and recital only Can be purchased from Roz Williams at roz@justparaplanning.com, 01953 888568 or online at hhchannahfrancis.eventbrite.co.uk registered charity number 1089490

Mo d e rn

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GEORGE CLARKE

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R A E Y W NE R O I R E T N I NEW Investing in property is a solid form of saving, while at the same time offering immediate enjoyment and an improved quality of life. If you are one of the many people considering investing in your own property this year, take a look at Rebecca Coulby’s top tips:

ore applications for planning permission and building controls in Norfolk have already been submitted for 2016 than in the whole of last year, so if you’re one of the many people interested in improving your property, it’s important to think about the following areas before you go ahead:

WHERE TO START

If much of your house needs attention, then knowing where to start can be an issue. As a general rule, if you are hoping for an immediate gain from your investment, then the key room to start with is the kitchen. This is also the room most likely to improve your quality of life. Clients have told me that they have rediscovered the pleasure of cooking again, that they have started cooking with their young children now that they have a breakfast bar, for example, or that their new space has brought the family together more as it is now being used as a kitchen, eating and social area at the same time. Bathrooms are another important area. These days they are rarely seen as a purely functional room. If designed properly, they can be a sanctuary, a place to start the day off well in a superb shower or relax after a hard day in a wonderful bath.

JANUARY 2016

Bedrooms and other living areas, whilst important, could be areas to save on if your budget is tight. For example, free-standing, antique or separate pieces of furniture can look better than expensive built-in bedroom storage. Soft furnishings and new lighting can also add impact for a low outlay.

WORK OUT YOUR BUDGET

Knowing how much to invest can be tricky. Consider carefully how long you are planning to spend in your home before selling, as this will help you determine how much return you are likely to gain from your investment. If you are planning on staying put for another five to ten years, then on average your new kitchen or bathroom will pay for itself, and may even provide a profit. Look online at the value of other properties for sale in your area or ask for a valuation to discover how much your home is worth before any work begins. Ideally, look at those properties where similar interior work to yours has already been completed. Once you have a realistic budget then stick to it (always allowing a contingency). It is better to spread the work out over a few years and break it down into separate projects than spread your money too thinly and suffer a poorer quality finish.

HOMES & INTERIORS HIRE A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER

This comes hand in hand with working with a realistic budget and will ensure your interior project is going to be a sound investment and that you will get the most from your money. An expert will be able to offer advice and suggestions on factors you may not even have considered. It is particularly useful to see your new layout both in plan form and good quality graphics. This will provide you with a far better understanding, and therefore control, over your project and you can then make informed decisions on how best to spend your money. In my experience, interior and exterior design should always be completed at the same time.

PLANNING PERMISSION

If you are planning on major building work, then you will also need to investigate planning permission. Your designer or architect should be able to provide you with information and assist you throughout this process. The online planning portal is now much more user-friendly and if planning permission is not required, it is advisable to obtain a certificate to avoid a lengthy wait. It is not advisable to begin any building work without first obtaining permission. In addition to planning fees, there will be structural engineer and building control fees to be paid which should be factored into the initial budget. It is essential to follow all the guidelines correctly here, as if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the right permission and certification, this can be detrimental to an eventual house sale.

AVOID FALSE ECONOMIES

Go Eco. Look into changing your heating and water system alongside any major work, particularly if your boiler is over 10 years old. Making your home more energyefficient usually involves a significant initial outlay, but will save you money in the long run and is highly desirable when coming to sell. There are also a number of government grants available.

CORRECT PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS

Form follows function. In other words; get the design and layout right first before choosing materials and interior furnishings. Use good quality products for longevity and classic colours that are unlikely to date.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEAM

Try to go with a team that can complete all the necessary work, rather than employing numerous individual tradespeople. Recommendations are a great way to start, followed up with verbal references, and you can even ask to see some previous completed work. Building work can be a very stressful process to oversee, made worse if expensive mistakes are made. Many of my clients are people who have tried to manage their own project in the past and have suffered bad experiences. A designer who project manages, or a team that includes this service, are extremely important in order to keep everything running smoothly and on schedule. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, this will allow you to focus on the more enjoyable parts of what should be an exciting and positive experience. www.coulbyinteriors.co.uk JANUARY 2016

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CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS For many years the kitchen was simply regarded as a functional place for laundry, food storage, cooking and that all-important tea pot! However, as lifestyles changed and money became available to improve and decorate the home, this menial hub grew in importance with the demand for essential modern appliances, and the new concept of the kitchen/diner. The popularity of a more open-plan layout meant that no longer was this a room to be hidden away, but a space to be shared with family and friends – even when food preparation was taking place. Thanks to the phenomenal success of cookery, property and makeover programmes on TV, the kitchen is now just as important as any other room in the house and is the perfect place to show off those designer gadgets and stylish accessories.

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Menu, kettle teapot £52 Brew your tea in style with this 1.5 litre glass tea pot with tea egg. Simply wait until the colour is just right before pouring – no more guess work. Perfect for all those tea aficionados out there.

Orla Kiely, Big Spot Shadow Flower small tray, black and cream £25 Add some retro chic with this delightful abstract flower print tray. In a sophisticated black and cream colourway, the reverse is complimented by an ochre scribble pattern. In 100% Melamine coated birch wood, it’s ideal for serving drinks or for party food. Simply wipe clean. 43cms x 23cms.

Orla Kiely, Big Spot Shadow Flower small tray, baby blue £25 Another handy tray, perfectly shaped for sandwiches with the added attraction of the pop art design.

Menu, wine breather and water bottle set £67 Menu of Denmark is a brand that epitomises the grace of premium Scandinavian design. The simple, sleek lines of this glassware give the pieces a timeless elegance.

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INTERIORS Marimekko, Unikko teapot £67 This Finnish company based in Helsinki has made an important contribution to fashion over the years, especially in the 1960s. This is plain to see in their iconic flower design, Unikko, which can be found in various vibrant colours. Here it’s in striking black and white on this unique teapot with a Japanese influence. There are many distinctive styles that are on-trend in the world of interiors at the moment and, as well as the timeless monochrome, we find a love of full-on vibrant splashes of colour, guaranteed to brighten the mood whatever the weather.

Menu, bottle grinder set £43 How cool is this condiment set - the ultimate in salt and pepper chic! Monochrome is always at home in the kitchen and this stylish set with smooth steel trim is a perfect gem. Vitamix S30 £399 Achieve the power and versatility of a highperformance machine with the size and convenience of a personal blender. This new S-Series makes it easy to prepare and enjoy healthy drinks and meals both at home and on the go. Two 600ml cups double up as travel mugs for smoothies; there’s a 1.2 litre jug for soups, sauces and desserts; and there are 10 speeds plus a pulse setting. The powerful motor maintains an even torque to cope with anything from crushing ice to puréeing soft fruits. Magimix, Nespresso CitiZ and Milk £199.99 Like your design to have an industrial influence? Then you’ll love this machine with its union of high technology and retro-modern style which not only makes fantastic white coffee but also a delicious, hassle-free espresso using the simple-to-use Nespresso coffee capsules. The automatic, programmable settings for cup sizes make it easy to navigate and the integrated aeroccino frothing device makes great cappuccinos and lattes, too. Alessi, Apostrophe orange peeler £15.50 The whole family will be fighting to use this clever device which makes peeling oranges such fun. Simple yet so effective.

Jansen & Co: Art mug £20, My teapot £47.50 Fresh table top design from Amsterdam using industrial production but with many hand finishes for that personal touch. The colours are radiant and eye-popping, but just seem to work so well, and the designs are such fun.

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THE BLEAK MID-WINTER With the winter weather in full swing, January can be a barren time for gardening, but there’s still plenty to look forward to, as our gardening expert Ellen Mary explains

Garden & Flowers

Fruit & Vegetables

Wildlife Gardening

Ensure your pots and containers have good drainage by standing them up on bricks so they are raised a little above the ground. During extremely cold weather, it will help if you move them to a sheltered spot in your garden. There is no need to let your Christmas tree go to waste. There are many places to take your tree for recycling or alternatively you can shred your tree and use it as mulch in the garden or add it to your compost heap. Whilst watering your indoor plants should be at a minimum at this time of year, often the compost can be taken over by small flies called fungus gnats. However, there are plenty of products available which you can apply to keep them under control. For an easy indoor display, why not try a terrarium?

It’s a great time of year for pruning your fruit trees, so get to work on your apple and pear trees along with your gooseberries and autumn fruiting raspberries. You’ll soon be enjoying gooseberry fool and Eton mess again. I really enjoy using recycled goods in the garden. Start collecting your egg boxes and cardboard toilet roll holders throughout the winter. They are perfect for chitting your potatoes before planting and for sowing sweet pea seeds. Keep those green fingers moving by sowing your own alfalfa sprouting seeds. They have a delicious and delicate pea taste and come packed with nutrients. You can use them in salads, soups and sandwiches, and you can pick them within a couple of weeks.

To attract and feed a variety of garden birds, make sure you hang out different mixes. Try sunflower seeds, bird cakes and mealworms. In no time, you will see tits, blackbirds, robins and many others gratefully enjoying your offerings. If you have a problem with squirrels, rats or mice trying to pinch your bird seed or fat balls, cut a plastic drink bottle in half and fit it upside down on the top of the bird feeder, which will make the seed very difficult to get to for anything other than birds. Stop your ponds from freezing over by dropping tennis balls in the water which helps to keep the water moving. If it does freeze over, lift the ball out to create a hole in the ice for creatures to get in and out.

JANUARY 2016

GARDENING

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There’s nothing like combining baking and gardening, especially on a cold day. Stay warm inside and bake your own cake using my new range of edible flowers and bakeware kits. Take your pick from cupcakes with dianthus, chocolate sponge with orchids and many more! Find the range at: www.notonthehighstreet.com/freshasadaisycards

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ABOVE Owen Darby (right) with new recruit Steve Gray

TE AM PL AYERS With years of valuable experience behind them and a new member on the team, DARBY & LIFFEN Estate Agents in Gorleston is going from strength to strength Managing director Owen Darby explains: “Following Darby & Liffen’s acquisition of well-known local estate agent Steve Gray back in December 2014, big strides have certainly been taken, with increased listings and a real upturn in secured sales. “The vast experience Steve has gained, having worked within large successful corporate firms, certainly has had a positive effect in taking Darby & Liffen to the next level. He is very much enjoying the freedom of being able to express his genuine qualities within such a highlyregarded and well-respected local name in the town.” Owen continues: “It’s fantastic working with Steve; I cannot question his passion and hard work in order to win instructions and secure sales. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off one another and, without a doubt, this is bringing the best out of both of us, which is telling by the fact we are securing numerous instructions and agreeing record levels of sales.

“Between us we know many people in the local community and this has been a contributing factor in securing instructions with homeowners putting their properties on with an agent they can trust.” Owen adds: “Merging some invaluable corporate experience within a local trusted family firm has been, quite simply, something to behold! There are times where it feels like Steve and I have a little bit of inhouse competition by driving each other on and striving to gain the next instruction, the next sale. “Working together has proven to be a positive move for both of us, as we share the same vision, drive and enthusiasm. The trust between us plays a massive part in what we have achieved so far, not to mention the fact we’ve also learned a few things from each other.” Owen and Steve both very much look forward to continuing to welcome clients, old and new. Owen concludes: “We’d also like to thank those who have given us their kind and valued instructions to date. Call us on 01493 600411 and arrange your free valuation with no obligation. We’re only too pleased to help and to provide you with the first class service on which we pride ourselves.”

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LUMSDEN CLOSE, BRADWELL £239,995

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SUNNY OF SIDE THE STREET The Old Sun House in Wymondham is located in the heart of this charming market town, within walking distance of its many shops, cafes and businesses

JANUARY 2016

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

ESTATE AGENT

The Old Sun House on Damgate Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0BH, is for sale with TW Gaze, 33 Market Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0AJ Tel: 01953 423188 Email: info@twgaze.co.uk Viewings strictly by appointment only

ASKING PRICE

The Old Sun House is for sale by formal tender (guide price £500,000 to £550,000), with the closing date Friday, January 15

IN A NUTSHELL

This four to six bedroom, landmark Grade II-listed house is located in the centre of Wymondham. Set in an acre of spectacular gardens, it includes a coach house for possible conversion

The Old Sun House in Wymondham is a fascinating property, the kind that doesn’t often come on to the open market. This landmark building was one of the first properties in the town to be Grade II listed back in 1950. Formerly The Sun Inn pub, it is thought to date back to the early 17th Century, and the building has evolved over time to provide a significant residence of around 3,000 square feet, set in an attractive garden of one acre. The property was last offered for sale 32 years ago when, in 1984, it was bought by Harold and Leonie Woolhouse – a renowned botanist and director of the John Innes Institute, and an Australian artist and biology lecturer respectively. They laid out the structure of the expansive garden, which provides a wonderful place for rest and relaxation all year round. At this time of year the garden is home to drifts of snowdrops, daffodils and primroses, as well as thousands of snakes’ head fritillaries, a striking, bell-shaped, chequered flower which is a member of the lily family, while in summer its beautiful collection of traditional English roses really comes into its own. Meanwhile, the house itself is home to a series of large, impressive rooms, with the sitting room featuring an Inglenook fireplace and the 24-feet dining room ideal for accommodating large family gatherings. The traditional-looking kitchen has an Aga and pantry and there is an adjoining utility room as well as a shower room off the hall. Upstairs the first floor holds four bedrooms and a family bathroom, with the largest of these bedrooms (26 feet by 16 feet) having been used as an artist’s studio. This lovely space benefits from plenty of natural light and has a wonderful view over the courtyard and garden. There are also two attic rooms which could be converted into further bedrooms as well as a former coach house and loft of around 720 square feet in size. This versatile building could be additional studio space, a home office, annexe or garage, subject to the usual council consents. In summary, this striking property on Damgate Street would be ideal for families, keen gardeners or those who work from home, and is well worth a look. JANUARY 2016

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It is important to always remember what restrictive covenants are for. They are not to prevent an employee ever leaving their employment by making it impossible to work elsewhere. Rather, restrictive covenants are to enable the employer to protect their legitimate business interests. Covenants will therefore prevent an employee from poaching clients or employees from diverting business from a supplier in a way which might damage the business. They will try to restrict the use of confidential business information acquired by an employee, such as names and contact details of clients or sensitive information about pricing.

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IT IS VERY SURPRISING THAT, despite the best part of 40 years of employment legislation, I find many employees who still lack the very basic requirement of a written statement of terms and conditions. This is a requirement of the Employment Rights Act, which also sets out various pieces of information that the statement must contain. It is not difficult to work out that this document is likely to contain information about salary, hours of work and holidays, as well as other statements about the employment relationship. From the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, there are good reasons for having not just the basic statement as required by law but rather a full written contract, signed by the employee. This is particularly important for key employees, who may not only be important for the continuing functioning of the business, but who may also have acquired a lot of confidential information during their employment. For the employee to leave and join a competitor can be an employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst nightmare. Yet, the general law does not recognise any implied rights for an employer to stop an employee joining the opposition, nor from setting up in competition down the road. There is a common law duty of confidentiality, but even that is really no substitute for a properly drawn covenant. Unfortunately, experience shows that many do not want to incur the legal costs associated with preparing a full contract. By the time they wake up to the fact that there is a problem looming it is usually too late. There is a perception that restrictive covenants are not enforceable. This is just not true, and recently the courts have shown a greater readiness to enforce restrictive covenants. Covenants have, though, to be carefully drafted, as they are very much employee- and business- specific. Getting something off the internet is likely to be a recipe for disaster.

Most importantly, the employer will seek to prevent an employee from working in competition with his business in any way. This, however, cannot be open-ended. A court would regard as reasonable a covenant preventing competition There is a perception for say six to 12 months. that restrictive The thinking here is that when a business covenants are not loses a key employee, it enforceable. This is requires time to put a new employee in place just not true, and and to rebuild contacts recently the courts with its customers or have shown a greater clients. Whether that covenant is limited readiness to enforce geographically rather restrictive covenants. depends on the business. A specialist engineering company with clients around the world might well successfully enforce a world-wide covenant. A business with a strictly local clientele, such as a hairdresser, would need to think carefully about a restrictive covenant more than a couple of miles from their place of business. A business that finds that an ex-employee has joined the opposition would still need to decide whether to try and enforce the covenant by legal action. Restrictive covenants can be enforced by claims for damages and by an injunction, but the latter requires evidence that the business will suffer increasing damage and that it needs protection by an injunction to prevent the continuing breach of covenant. This often means some hard decisions on whether the cost of proceedings is worthwhile. If it is confidential information that the employee has taken, then there may be another avenue open to the employer. Customer information is protected by the Data Protection Act. An employee who removes that information from his employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s systems commits a criminal offence and so the police or the Information Commissioner can (and have in the recent past) prosecuted employees who have walked away with what is classed as personal data. Those employers thinking that they had better get something in place now should pause! Imposing enforceable covenants on existing employees is not just a case of thrusting a new contract under their noses with a pen. There are legal technical reasons why that process is more complicated and why it requires the right advice.

Julian Gibbons NORTON PESKETT SOLICITORS

JANUARY 2016

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Once you have invested your money in ISAs, they remain taxefficient for as long as you keep them in an ISA arrangement. However, it’s important to make sure that your ISA savings from previous years continue to give you the best possible return. Some Cash ISA accounts will start off with an attractive rate, but this may fall over time and you may get a better rate if you transfer your ISAs are a key existing ISA savings to a savings tool because of new account.

their tax-efficiency, so if you have any money to put aside, ISAs are a good place to start.

INTERESTING TIMES

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THE TROUBLE WITH THE WORLD OF FINANCE IS THAT THINGS CHANGE. The fact is that most of us don’t take

Before you rush off to move your ISA savings, however, there are a few pitfalls to be aware of. Firstly, if your ISA was set up for a fixed term, then there may be penalties if you propose to transfer the money out earlier than expected, so check your paperwork to make sure. In addition, not all ISAs accept transfers, so do check this when you are shopping around for the best rates. You can transfer old ISA money either to the account you have opened for your current year’s ISA savings, or to a separate, new account. However, you can only save new money in one ISA account per year, so if you transfer old ISA savings to a new account, you can only put new money into it if it is your only ISA for the year. It’s important to remember that the rules about transferring ISA savings are strict: you mustn’t withdraw the money from one account and then pay it into another, as it would then be treated as new investment and count towards your current year’s ISA limit. Instead, you must complete a transfer request form which your new ISA provider will give you. 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. 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.

enough time out on a regular basis to ensure that our financial arrangements are still fit for purpose.

My New Year’s Resolution for you is to review your ISAs. ISAs are a key savings tool because of their tax-efficiency, so if you have any money to put aside, ISAs are a good place to start. In this tax year (2015/16), you can save up to £15,240 in an ISA, but you must do so before April 5, 2016 if you are to take advantage of this year’s allowance. Any money you put in ISAs can be invested in either cash accounts with banks or building societies or in stocks and shares accounts – or a mixture of both. Cash ISAs will give returns through interest on your savings at either a pre-determined or variable rate. Your initial investment is not at risk, provided you have invested through a bank or building society that is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and that the total you hold with that organisation doesn’t exceed £75,000 (from January 1, 2016). Do shop around for the best rates for cash ISA accounts, as they can vary considerably. Stocks and shares ISAs will see your money invested in equities and your returns will depend on market performance. Your investment is potentially at risk if markets fall and there will be no guaranteed return.

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.

JANUARY 2016

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652 onlew 01493 brand office@ .co o 958 you nlewis lewis.c 652 brando randon office@ www.b 652Norfolk, Please get inin touch with my team if01493 I can help you any local issues is.co 01493 onlew brand .co www. Please get touch with my team ifififIIIcan help with any local issues 20 Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1NE nlewis brando Please get in touch with my team can help you with any local issues www. Please get in touch with my team can helpwith you with any local issues

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TLC_MERCUARY_08_15_Layout 1 21/08/2015 10:32 Page 1

01493 851854

2 YEARS FREE SERVICING ON ALL USED CARS

13 Mercedes E220 CDI Blue EFF 7G Tronic Sport

12 BMW 120 D M Sport Coupe

08 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro

27K miles, Automatic, ABS, front and rear parking sensors, cruise, climate, ABS, E/M, E/W, CD, alloys

9900 miles, Automatic, cruise, ABS, E/M, E/W, CD, alloys

35K miles, Automatic, ABS, climate, 12 months MOT, E/M, E/W, CD, alloys

07 Mercedes C180 Kompressor Sport

11 Audi A1 FSI 1.4 Sportline

45K miles, Automatic, 12 months MOT, ABS, E/M, E/W, CD, Bluetooth, alloys

25K miles, manual, leather seats, 12 months MOT, ABS, E/M, E/W, CD, alloys

6 MONTH CAR TAX | 6 MONTHS WARRANTY | FREE MOT TEST FOR LIFE | ALL VEHICLES SERVICED WHEN SOLD

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£750 EXTRA DISCOUNT ON NEW KUGA AWD ON TOP OF CURRENT OFFERS

Pertwee & Back Ltd www.pertwee-and-back.co.uk

Gapton Hall Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0NJ

01493 664151

Vehicle shown for illustration purposes only. Retail only, metallic paint and options at extra cost. Details correct at time of going to print. Subject to availability. CO2 120g/km, Urban 57.7 mpg (4.9 L/100km), Extra Urban 64.2 mpg (4.4 L/100km), Combined 61.4 mpg (4.6 L/100km).

RUTHLESS EFFICIENCY 0% APR* REPRESENTATIVE

MAZDA3 £189 PER MONTH

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WITH A £1,000 MAZDA3 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION

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Available on Mazda Personal Contract Purchase

Book a test driveº today, call us on 01502 713885 Wrights Mazda - Beccles

Wrights Mazda - Norwich

Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BL Telephone: 01502 713885

101 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6XW Telephone: 01603 427011

www.wrights-motors.co.uk The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 30.4 (9.3) - 74.3 (3.8). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 88.3 (3.2). Combined 40.9 (6.9) - 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions (g/km) 161 – 89. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results. Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles ordered between 02.12.2015 and 21.12.2015 and registered between 02.12.2015 and 31.12.2015 at participating dealers. T&C apply. *0% APR finance available on all Mazda3 and Mazda6 models over 24, 30 or 36 months with no minimum deposit required. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Excess mileage charge of 14.9p per mile applies. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made. Finance subject to status. 18s or over. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Models shown: Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE, OTR from £19,795. Mazda3 120ps SE, OTR from £17,395. Models shown feature optional Metallic/Pearlescent paint: Mazda3 Snowflake White Pearlescent paint (£540) and Mazda6 Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.

Wrights Motors Ltd, trading as Wrights Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

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City Slicker The chic-looking Smart ForFour is the perfect urban car, as Carolyn Atkins discovers…

I am about as far away from being a

motoring expert as Land’s End is from John O’Groats; no-one could ever call me a petrol-head or confuse me with Jeremy Clarkson. As a busy working mum my car requirements are moulded by my everyday life – work, school, shopping and so on – and so my ideal car wish list would definitely take those factors into account. However, while I can’t claim to know much about cars, even I know a classy-looking vehicle when I see one and the new Smart ForFour is certainly that. Smart of Norwich, who market the car, invited me to their chic, contemporary showroom on Barker Street to test-drive the Passion, the standard version of the ForFour. There are two other more advanced models – the Prime and the Proxy – as well as a Night Sky Prime or Proxy model which includes an electric black fabric folding top. The car’s functions are clear and concise and take little skill to master; I literally jumped in, adjusted the seat and mirrors, and set off. When I collected the attractive blue and white car from the forecourt, it was a grey, miserable, rainy day in Norwich, but the inside of the car was warm and comfortable, with an easy-to-adjust sliding heating system and powerful blowers which cleared the windscreen in no time.

JANUARY 2016

DEALER DETAILS

Smart of Norwich Barker Street, Norwich, NR2 4TN Tel: 01603 751000 www.smartof norwich.co.uk Prices correct at the time of going to press

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Smart ForFour Passion, from £11,265 including VAT Engine: 71hp (52kw) petrol, three-cylinder in-line engine, 999cc, with automatic start/stop system; Transmission: five-speed manual; Performance: Top speed 94mph, 0 to 62 mph in 15.9 seconds; Fuel economy: 58.9mpg (urban cycle); Emissions: 97g/km

MOTORING

Surprisingly roomy, the ForFour was easy to manoeuvre and has an amazingly tight turning circle – I haven’t driven through the centre of Norwich for a while and the new road traffic system meant a few unplanned U-turns which were very easy to complete; it’s also ideal for parallel parking. Another big benefit is its rear doors which open to an incredible 85 degrees, so it’s easy to get things in and out. The car performed well through the maze of city streets, over the cobbles on historic Elm Hill and when picking up speed on the ring road to the Sainsbury Centre at the UEA (there’s also a cruise control for when you drive it on the motorway). Clearly this is a car that would aid daily life, thanks to its compact size and great turning ability. Not only that, but the dashboard dials are clear and concise, with the driving speed indicated by a distinct red and white semi-circular control in front of the steering wheel, and the fuel gauge running horizontally across the dash. Thought has gone into the basic necessities, too, with the central console including a pull-out tray and a couple of large coffee cup holders; the audio system featuring a six-dial pre-set radio, a USB connection for external devices (such as an MP3 player) and, perhaps most usefully, a Bluetooth telephone connection. Personally, I liked the blue and white trim, but buyers can choose from a host of different colours, with the

body panels available in black, white, yellow, red, silver, graphite grey, hazel brown and lava orange as well as midnight blue. The back of the car (the “Tridion Safety Cell”) can be coloured differently, too, while there are five options for the radiator trim: black, white, a mixture of black and yellow, silver and graphite grey. Meanwhile, the alloy wheels and leather steering wheel add to the car’s good looks. The great thing about the ForFour, though, is its nippiness (probably not a word that you’ll ever hear on Top Gear). No doubt there’s a more elevated way of saying it, but the fact that this car is so nippy, darting in and out of traffic and easily navigating urban areas, is definitely one of its plus-points. With four doors and more space inside than you’d imagine, it’s a very useful vehicle for the school run, shopping, driving to work – essentially, for a busy city life. There are other benefits, too. Because of its low emissions, the ForFour does not qualify for Road Tax, and Smart of Norwich is currently offering an attractive insurance package of just £149 for 12 months when customers take up their Smart ForFour finance offer. I thoroughly enjoyed taking the Passion out for a spin, as this car is perfectly suited to someone like me who loves driving, but doesn’t need to know every detail of what’s under the bonnet. JANUARY 2016

HAPPY

SHOPPER

Honda’s latest and arguably greatest hot hatch is new to the fleet Matt Joy takes the Civic Type-R out for a spin n a previous incarnation I made a lot of fuss about being a responsible grown up and deciding that life was best enjoyed at a more sedate pace, allowing the world around me to rush and fuss without getting caught up in it myself. However, I have since had to admit this may not actually be the case. I may be nudging my 40th year on this planet, but in all those decades I’ve never had the opportunity to experience the highs and potential lows of running a hot hatch as a daily driver. The first car I bought with my own money was a Fiat Cinquecento Sporting, and keen though it was, an output of 53bhp could never really be called “hot”. But the Honda Civic Type-R now sitting on my driveway could never be described as anything other than scorching. It’s worth remembering that not so long ago hot hatches turned seriously weedy; crippled by insurance premiums and joyriders having too much fun, they became modest in their

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power outputs and almost apologetic in their appearance. The Type-R shows exactly how far we’ve come since those dark days. In fact the super-hatch is now a buzzword, to distinguish between those cars that make do with “just” 250bhp or so. Unlike key rivals in the 300-plus club, the Civic Type-R does without four-wheel-drive, and instead relies upon a mechanical limited-slip differential and electronic control to keep the wheels feeding power to the tarmac. That power comes from the first high-performance Honda VTEC Turbo engine, which can still rev past 7,000rpm but now has lots of torque to go with it. A top speed of 167mph is completely crazy (faster than a Lamborghini Countach 5000 S) and 0 to 62mph is despatched in 5.7 seconds, which is enough to worry significantly more expensive cars. It’s also currently the lap record holder at the Nurburgring Nordschleife for a front-wheel-drive production car, so you’d

MOTORING

have to say its performance credentials are solid. It also looks the part. Every box on the “hot hatch visual requirements” list has been ticked with a big, fat, red marker pen. Huge rear wing, pumped-up arches, tyres that are so low profile they look like they’ve been drawn on to the giant alloy wheels – it’s all here. Whether that appeals to you or not is entirely up to the individual, but there’s no denying it catches the eye. But – and it is a sizeable “but”- what will the car be like to live with? As the saying goes, can it do it on a wet Monday night in Stoke? It’s all very well being able to lap the ring in under eight minutes, but if it takes ten minutes to get it off your driveway in the morning, then it’s no hot hatch. Because the great appeal of hot hatches has always been that they are based on humble cars in the beginning, just after a serious makeover, and despite the speed and performance they still need to be able to do the dull stuff, otherwise they make no more sense than a svelte coupe. So that’s the size of the task that the Civic Type-R has to deal with. Yes it will get exercised as a good hot hatch should and tested on some challenging B-roads. It will have its acceleration timer utilised to see if it can match the claimed 5.7 seconds, and it may even pay a visit to a German Autobahn to see if we can hit the reputed 167mph. But it will also be used for commuting, the school run, shopping, holidays, and be driven in the inevitable torrential rain and snow with little sympathy. We’ll even see if it can match or beat the claimed fuel consumption of 38.7mpg, because some people will drive it that way. The Civic Type-R could be the ultimate hot hatch, but only if it can pass the ultimate test: life.

DEALER DETAILS

HOLDEN HONDA Barker Street , Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4TQ Tel: 01603 219660. www.holden.norwich-honda.co.uk

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Honda Civic Type-R, £29,995 Engine: 2.0-litre unit producing 306bhp and 295lb/ft of torque Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels Performance: Top speed 167mph, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds Economy: 38.7mpg combined Emissions: 170g/km of CO2

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Non-fault Accident Repair Specialists Insurance Approved Repairers Free Claims Management Service Stress Free Repairs from Start to Finish Insurance Excess Discount Available

01493 652588

www.redrocketrepairs.co.uk Units 5 & 6 McFarlane Court Morton Peto Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0LT Had An Accident?

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2015 Lotus Elise S, Laser Blue with cream or black interior, delivery miles.

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Lotus Exige, Carbon Grey with Ebony black leather, unregistered. 2010 Aston Martin DB9 Volante in Midnight Blue with Caspian blue and Sandstone interior, auto, 7,922 miles.

£7 9, 99 5

New and used car sales Service and repair centre for all makes and models Factory trained technicians Category A approved bodyshop Full re-trim and restoration services Covered transporter collects nationwide Genuine parts and accessories Secure Storage available

For Sales please contact James Betts and Service Tim Hutchins on 01508 530491 Stratton Motor Company, Ipswich Road, Long Stratton, Norfolk, NR15 2XJ +44 (0) 1508 530491 parts@strattonmotorcompany.com or tim@strattonmotorcompany.com

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49 BERGEN WAY, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 2JG www.duffmorgankingslynn.citroen.co.uk ◊ Offers apply to retail sales of qualifying models ordered & delivered 01/10-31/12/15 & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months’ graduated vehicle excise duty. Black/metallic/pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. Available on all DS 3 models. Deposit varies by model & term. Elect 3 Personal Contract Plan offers include a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges will apply if you exceed the agreed annual mileage. Finance subject to status. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Duff Morgan & Vermont Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To finance your purchase/lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

◊

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest:DS 3 THP 165 S&S 6-speed manual DSport 7.1/39.8, 4.6/61.4, 5.6/50.4, 129. Lowest:DS 3 BlueHDi 100 S&S manual DStyle Nav 3.8/74.3, 3.2/88.3, 3.4/83.1, 87. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual onthe-road driving conditions.

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KEYS’ EAST ANGLIAN ART SALE 6

AYLSHAM Around 150 people flocked to Keys Fine Art Auctioneers’ Aylsham salerooms for a private preview of Keys’ East Anglian Art Sale, the biggest auction of works by East Anglian artists in the world. Works by Edward Seago, John Sell Cotman, Campbell Mellon, Arnesby Brown and John Crome were among nearly 450 lots which went under the hammer at the end of November. The event also saw the launch of Keys’ 2016 sale diary, featuring a big increase in the number of auctions to be held during the year, reflecting growing demand from collectors.

Photos by NEWMAN, NEWMAN ASSOCIATES PR

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1. Brian Barrett, Richard Albrow and Phil Barker 2. Canon Christopher Davies and David Gould 3. Guy Gowing, Jan and Patrick Plumpton and Simon Evans 4. Julie Mason and Sarah Gooch 5. Kate Banks and Kevin Lines 6. James Layte and Gillian Mussett 7. Kathleen Hill, Jan Hytch and Graham Hill

8. Kevin Lambert and Ali Allinson 9. Melanie and Isabel Warren and Michael Chapman 10. Phil Cooper and Keith Williamson 11. Martin Green, Clare and Adrian Hill 12. Sherrie Clack, Mason Burrell and Craig Knights 13. Pamela and Gordon Dickerson

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SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARDS The winners of the biggest and most prestigious annual celebration of business excellence in the Great Yarmouth borough were announced at a trophy presentation ceremony at the Town Hall on Friday, November 20. The Spirit of Enterprise Awards, now in their eighth year, are organised by enterpriseGY, Great Yarmouth Borough Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business support service, and aim to celebrate and raise the profile of top-performing firms. Photos by SAM MARKWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Stephanie Pimlott, Toby Matthews and Sally Pearson 2. Justin Murray, Lottie Fletcher, Catherine Hepworth and Greg Allan 3. Charlotte and James Shipp 4. Richard Hawes and Eileen Middleton 5. Peter Green, Alison Wilson, Susan and Stephen Thompson

6. Rone Ronvik and Sue Vincent 7. Sean and Susan Thompson 8. Stephanie Pimlott and Gavin Willoughby 9. Sandra and Phillip Grey 10. Clare Weller and Alan Carr 11. Stewart Scott and Gulzat Ibraimova

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IEXPO AT CENTRUM Hundreds of people attended the New Anglia LEP iExpo held at Norwich Research Park’s new flagship building, Centrum. Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, chief executive officer, Norwich Research Park, welcomed New Anglia LEP chairman, Mark Pendlington, to the prestigious innovation exhibition which featured masterclasses, business support and funding opportunities. iExpo was the first large-scale event to be held at the £11.5m Centrum building.

Photos by AF PROMOTE HARRY MITCHELL

1. Dr Sally Ann Forsyth and Mark Pendlington 2. Victoria Thompson and professor David Richardson 3. Dr Kenny Lang and Karen Newson 4. Alexia Mlynarska, Lucy Marks and Greg Smith 5. Richard Garwell and Caroline Williams 6. Steve Walker and Victoria Thompson 7. Marie Finbow, Lauren Taylor and Eleanor Thomas

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8. Sally Thompson and Bridget Marshall-Nichols 9. Sally Solaymantash and Ian Stirling 10. Celia Anderson and James Howells 11. Chris Blincoe and Safiya Waley 12. Rob Skinner and Jonathan Mitchener 13. David Gunby and David Higgins 14. Dan Cox and Hannah Overton

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DIPPLE & CONWAY NORFOLK CRICKET ALLIANCE ANNUAL AWARDS

WENSUM VALLEY HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB Players, officials and supporters celebrated the achievements of clubs at the Dipple & Conway Norfolk Cricket Alliance 2015 Annual Awards Dinner. Awards were presented by Matthew and Emma Conway and Neil McDonald from the Alliance sponsors Dipple & Conway opticians. The evening, attended by 160 guests, was compĂ¨red by Anglia TV presenter and keen cricketer Jonathan Wills. Photos by NEWSMAKERS PR

1. Neil McDonald, Matthew and Emma Conway and Jonathan Wills 2. Sophie Dunger, Hannah Thompson, Catherine Cooke (Fakenham CC) 3. Kevin and Alison Webb (Fakenham CC) 4. Holly Marchant, Bethany Harmer (Vauxhall Mallards CC) 5. Andy Emms, James Worby, Phil Baker, Carl Goodrum, Dawn Briggs, Andy Feake and Peter Barnes (Garboldisham CC) 6. Brenda and Gordon Turner (Fakenham CC) 7. George Bowman, Luke Marchant, Tyler Murphy and Hudson de Lucchi (Vauxhall Mallards CC)

8. Carl Amos, Jo Goldsmith, Julian Brown, John and Jo Marchant (Vauxhall Mallards CC) 9. Peter Thomas and Carol Thomas and Kevin Denmark 10. John King, Colin Humphrey, Shaun Fisher and Will Pillinger (Bircham CC) 11. Andy Drinkell, Lewis Denmark, Flynn Drinkell and Alfie Cooper (Swardeston CC) 12. Tom Whichelow, Charles Lockhart, David Crane, Louie Stronach and Kevin Percival (Winterton CC) 13. Andy Westgate, Zena Wilson, Jo and Patrick Dewing (Bradenham Cricket Club)

JANUARY 2016

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GAME FAIR CHARITY BALL WENSUM VALLEY HOTEL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB The East Anglian Game & Country Fair’s third Charity Ball took place at the Wensum Valley Hotel in November raising £3,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Lucy Whigham from EACH spoke about how the money raised would be used, with 50% going towards the running of the existing hospice at Quidenham and the other half going towards the Nook Appeal, to build a 21st century hospice for 21st century care. The Game Fair team would like to thank everyone who supported the evening.

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Photos by MATT BRASNETT, I DO PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Charlotte Weekes, Beth Canham-Biggs, John Wright, Angela Gant, Steve and Kathy Goff, James Spinks, Tracey and Andy Grand, Kate and Dean Jones. 2. Teresa and Steven Waterfield 3. Carina and Rowland Howes 4. Tim and Dalia Courridge 5. Kathy and Steve Goff

6. David and Christine Field, Lizette and Stephan Malherbe 7. Sharon Hollinger, Julia Hicks, Sarah Graves, Christine Field, Lizette Malherbe and Faye Burrage 8. Jo and Dan Gudgin 9. Mel Stephan and Chris Tilley 10. Amanda and Jonathon Waters

11. Samantha Taylor and Jonathan Cole 12. Sarah and Peter Graves 13. Jonathan Cole, Samantha Taylor, Karl Baker, Debbie and Richard Lilwall, Catherine and Charles Bowes, Debbie Bennington, Edward Bales, Nigel and Helen Mendham. 14. Lottie and Sarah Alston 15. Stephanie and Andrew Doylend

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ALPHONSE MUCHA: IN QUEST OF BEAUTY SAINSBURY CENTRE FOR VISUAL ARTS The Private View of the Alphonse Mucha: In Quest of Beauty exhibition took place at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich, with around 200 people attending the wine reception. This beautiful show, which continues until Sunday, March 20, includes over 65 works drawn primarily from the Mucha Trust, focusing on drawings, paintings, photographs and iconic posters. Also masterpieces by artists including Larche, Lalique, Fouquet and Gallé from the Sainsbury Centre’s own Anderson Collection of Art Nouveau. More at: scva.ac.uk. Photos by KATHERINE

MAGER

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Sheila Reid, Stuart Johnson and Joe Duggan Maria Ledinskaya and Peter Lewis Katy Spurrell and Veronica Sekules John Mucha and Paul Greenhalgh Gretha Arwas, John Mucha, The Earl and Countess of Northesk and John Morley 6. Penelope Lucas, Nicky and Keith Roberts 7. John Morley, Stephen Calloway and Ghislaine Wood

8. Matthew Sillence, Kajsa Berg and Marion Catlin 9. Victoria Thompson, Dawn and John Dewar 10. Margaret and Rex Parkinson-Hare 11. Charlotte Crawley 12. Paul Greenhalgh, Claire Allerton, John Mucha and Paul Zuckerman

JANUARY 2016

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NORFOLK ZIPPER CLUB CHRISTMAS LUNCH THE OLD RECTORY HOUSE HOTEL, CROSSWICK, NR12 7BG 7

The Norfolk Zipper Club held their annual Christmas lunch at the Old Rectory House Hotel in Crosswick, Norwich. This local charity supports London’s world famous heart transplant hospital, Papworth, as most of its members have had heart bypasses there, hence “The Zipper Club”. The Norfolk group is chaired by Bob Spinks, who is also a governor at Papworth, and the charity helps people before and after cardiac surgery as well as raising money to buy valuable equipment, such as heart monitors, for the hospital.

www.norfolkzipperclub.org.uk Photos by STUART BEARD PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Bill and Marjun Paisley 2. Bob and Christine Spinks 3. Alan and May Bailey 4. Ian Solomon 5. April and David Walker and Joan Forder 6. Jim Kelly 7. John and Jayne Fitchew 8. Maureen and Ken Dease 9. Brenda Gostling and Neale Gearson 10. John Fiddy MBE and wife Barbara 11. Melly Woodhouse, David Saxton and Bob Spinks 12. Maurice and Marion Welsh, Cath and David Edmonds 13. Sandy and Peter Munday

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FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION WEEK WINTER DRINKS RECEPTION THE GUILDHALL, NORWICH The historic courtrooms at the Guildhall, Norwich, were the venue for a winter drinks reception to mark Family Dispute Resolution Week, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of parents putting their children’s needs first during divorce. Members of the Good Divorce Group, Norfolk, and Resolution, Norfolk, together with invited guests including the Lord Mayor of Norwich and the Sheriff of Norwich enjoyed the atmospheric surroundings. Photos by SARAHDARREN PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Suzanne Bryant and Ursula Harben 2. Judge Philip Curl. 3. District Judge Martyn Royall, Judge Philip Curl, Sheriff of Norwich Mrs Beryl Blower and The Right Lord Mayor of Norwich Councillor Brenda Arthur. 4. Brenda Gostling and Neale Gearson

5. District Judge Martyn Royall, Sheriff of Norwich Mrs Beryl Blower, Lord Mayor of Norwich Councillor Brenda Arthur and Judge Philip Curl 6. Patricia Brodie and Clare Goodswen 7. Russell De Ber and Aiden Watts 8. Daniel Twite and Paul Green. 9. Emma Alfieri 10. Carla Morphett and Caroline Mitchell

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FIVE MINUTES WITH

CAROL MADDOCKS

This year Carol and Jon Maddocks are celebrating Aurum’s 40th anniversary. We catch up with Carol at the popular Norwich store to find out how the jewellery business has changed over the decades

What changes have you seen in the last 40 years?

The biggest change has been the emergence of large jewellery brands dictating how much jewellery shops have to spend with them and, unfortunately, causing the closure of many small shops.

What have been the highlights of those four decades?

The arrival of our four children: Claire, Charlie, Sam and Will. We have been fortunate to travel all over the world seeking out interesting jewellery and value the friendships we have formed in Thailand, in Italy with Marco Bicego and Anna Maria Cammilli and, most recently, in Denmark with Lise Aagard, the principal designer of Trollbeads, a family-based company who are also celebrating their 40th year with whom we opened our second flagship concept store. Also watching our sons’ coffee shop, Strangers, and newlyopened Coffee Roastery grow and flourish.

Has there been an overall jewellery trend in that time, something that hasn’t gone out of fashion?

Good quality jewellery always stands the test of time – solid silver bangles and necklaces and designs by contemporary designers like Andrew Geoghegan whose outstanding diamond rings have a timeless elegance and which have won him three awards recently - will never date.

And what does 2016 have in store?

The price of platinum is very competitive now, so it is a very good time to buy platinum engagement rings and eternity bands.

What is your favourite sort of jewellery and do you have some pieces that you always wear?

believe that nothing beats buying a diamond from a person who has passion and experience and who will always be there to sort out any problems, should they arise. Our two daughters have joined us in the business, bringing added creativity and ideas; Claire running the Cambridge Trollbead shop and focusing on social media and advertising, and Charlie, who has an impeccable eye for display and design.

Do you buy all the jewellery yourselves?

Yes – we are not part of any buying group and have always enjoyed finding new suppliers and we still get a thrill when our customers love our choices.

Is some of the jewellery made specifically for Aurum?

Jon has worked for many years designing stone set pieces which are especially cut for us.

What about your background - are you Norfolk born and bred?

We both grew up in Norwich. Jon went to the Norwich School and I went to Norwich High.

Which Norfolk character do you most admire and why?

Mother Julian of Norwich, born in 1342, a mystic and the first known English woman writer who believed a mother’s role is the truest of all jobs on earth.

How would you spend a day off in the area?

We love deserted Norfolk beaches and enjoy walking in Thetford Forest.

Which is your favourite Norfolk pub?

I always wear my mother’s wedding band, my Marco Bicego earrings and a Trollbeads bangle with a ruby bead given to me by my children on our 40th wedding anniversary.

The Mulberry Tree in Attleborough – is has a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

Why do you think jewellery means so much to people?

We both enjoy Roger Hickman’s [in Norwich] and Strattons [in Swaffham], and like fresh, seasonal, local food which is simply prepared.

Jewellery is often given to mark special occasions – a christening, engagement, wedding or special anniversary, so it has sentimental associations and, more recently, Trollbead collectors have bracelets made up of beads which have special meanings to them.

Why do your customers keep coming back?

Our customers say that we are totally different to all other jewellery shops, and that we offer a unique experience. They are individuals who appreciate good design and quality, and want to stand out from the crowd.

How has the business kept up with the times?

We have always tried to be innovative and re-invent ourselves. We have 40 years of knowledge in design and retail, and work very hard to give all our customers the very best service we can – we do sell online, but jewellery is a very personal thing and we

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JANUARY 2016

How about your favourite local restaurant?

What do you miss most when you’re away from the region? Our garden. We grow our own vegetables and it is difficult to go away at harvest time. You can’t beat freshly-picked asparagus or sweetcorn.

What do you like about working in Norwich?

We enjoy the individual shops around us in the Lanes where everyone is so friendly and helpful. Norwich is a very beautiful city.

What are your plans for the future?

Gradually to hand over the reins more to our daughters, but I have a feeling Jon would miss working, so I don’t see him retiring completely for a few more years.

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