Places&Faces® 74 May by Countrywide Publications

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THE Magazine for Norfolk & North Suffolk

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FAB FESTIVALS EAST ANGLIA’S EXCITING ARTS EVENTS RESTAURANT REVIEW:

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GREAT YARMOUTH RACECOURSE GOING GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES, EVENTS & IDEAS

FIVE MINUTES WITH

CAROLINE JARROLD

BILLY OCEAN

MAKING WAVES AT POTTERS

ROD STEWART READY TO ROCK CARROW ROAD

CELEBRITIES / FOOD / TRAVEL / FASHION / HOMES & GARDENS / THEATRE

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MAY

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Mon 9 – Tues 10 May TOSCA & CARMEN Two of the best-loved operas £8 - £36.50

Tues 3 – Sat 7 May GUYS AND DOLLS Richard Fleeshman, Maxwell Caulfield star in sizzling New York musical £8 - £44

Sat 14 – Sun 15 May THE JAMES PLAYS* Epic historical trilogy of plays from the award-winning National Theatre of Scotland £24 - £85 (for all 3 plays)

Sun 8 May BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS Great tribute band £7 - £19.50

Tues 17 – Wed 18 May SANS OBJET* Giant industrial robot in spectacular dance between man and machine £7 - £22 Thur 19 May MAX RICHTER ENSEMBLE* Leading contemporary classical artist £8 - £28

Fri 20 May THE ANALOGUES* The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour performed on vintage instruments £7 - £25 Sat 21 May LISA FISCHER* Rolling Stones’ backing singer £7 - £22.50 Tues 24 May – Sat 4 June THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke stars in award-winning musical based on the blockbuster film £8 - £48.50 *

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

Guys and Dolls

Sun 1 May STEPPING INTO STARDOM Yvonne School of Dance £7 - £18

MEET THE TEAM COLIN HUGGINS

CAROLYN ATKINS

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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CONTRIBUTORS Richard Bainbridge, Benet Catty, Melanie Cook, Rebecca Coulby, Paul Gardner, Julian Gibbons, Pete Goodrum, Caroline Jarrold, Carl Lamb, Neil MacLennan, Ellen Mary, Nick Mobbs, Mark Nicholls, Hayley Philpot, Franck Pontais, Jennifer Read, James Spicer, Donna Titcombe, Simon Wainwright Cover picture: www.rodstewart.com

See all of our Society photos on our website placesandfaces.co.uk

WELCOME TO MAY’S PLACES & FACES‰. There are some big names – and big events – coming to East Anglia over the next few months; so many, in fact, that it’s hard to keep up with them all! Spiky-haired rocker Rod Stewart will soon be strutting his stuff at Carrow Road and so we take a look at what’s in store for those lucky enough to have secured tickets – expect tartan, Celtic backing sounds and plenty of footballs kicked into the audience! The concert is a great draw for the region, but unfortunately all the tickets have already gone, so if you’re feeling left out, why not book ahead for Some Guys Have All The Luck, a new theatrical production celebrating the rock icon’s career at the Norwich Theatre Royal on Sunday, June 12? A celebration of all things Rod Stewart, it features Paul Metcalfe singing all of Rod’s greatest hits, from street busker through to international superstar. We also preview Mary Poppins, Norwich Theatre Royal’s big summer show, and were sad to hear chief executive Peter Wilson announce recently that he will be leaving the theatre at the end of this year after 25 years at the helm. He and his hard-working team are part of East Anglia’s strong local arts scene and there are some terrific activities lined up. One of these is the Norfolk & Norwich Festival (page 20) which will burst into life on Friday, May 13, with many more arts festivals waiting in the wings (turn to page 24). And as you flick through these pages, you’ll notice that we’ve gone gluten-free this month in honour of the Your Gluten Freedom event that’s coming to The Forum in Norwich on Sunday, May 8. Our talented contributors have submitted a glut of gluten-free recipes, from scallops, lamb and profiteroles – even doughnuts! And with asparagus season now well underway, we’ve got some great ideas for these gorgeous green shoots – again, gluten-free, of course. Add in some fabulous spring fashion, travel, a great competition and plenty more and there’s lots to look forward to this month – no doubt it’ll whizz by.

Carolyn Atkins

12 ISSUES FOR £24 GENERAL ENQUIRIES

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CONTENTS

36 42 70 COVER STORY

30 £3.50 WHERE SOLD MAY 2016

CELEBRITIES

FASHION AND BEAUTY

46 49

THE Magazine for Norfolk & North Suffolk

51 53 INS W A DAY’

IC BOAT PICNRE WIT H HI S WOOD HERBERT S 10 PRIZE WON

WHAT TO DO ON

THE ISLE OF WIGHT

TO BE

WHAT’S ON AT

FAB FESTIVALS EAST ANGLIA’S EXCITING ARTS EVENTS RESTAURANT REVIEW:

THE OLIVE TREE IN NORTH WALSHAM

GREAT YARMOUTH RACECOURSE

BILLY OCEAN

MAKING WAVES AT POTTERS

ROD STEWART READY TO ROCK CARROW ROAD

CELEBRITIES / FOOD / TRAVEL / FASHION / HOMES & GARDENS / THEATRE

ISSUE 74

5 2

6 7 6

0 1

www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Ready to rock Carrow Road – Mark Nicholls takes a look at Rod Stewart’s career

RECIPES, EVENTS & IDEAS

CAROLINE JARROLD

GOING GLUTEN-FREE

FIVE MINUTES WITH

MARCH 2016

Billy Ocean sets sail for Potters Resort 1980s musical heroes

Pretty pastels: perfect for spring In the shade: stunning ladies’ sunglasses Floral designs – how to say it with flowers Well-being: make the most of modern living In the swim: on-trend beachwear for the boys Great guys’ sunglasses

WHAT’S ON

14 19 20 24 28

36 40

Marvellous May activities What’s on over Whitsun News of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival Forthcoming festivals Great Yarmouth Racecourse – a great bet for a fun day out Preview of Mary Poppins Converging on Caister for the Soul Weekenders

28 Editor’s Choice Carolyn Atkins selects some highlights for the May BEST FILM

24 TRAVEL

The Isle of Wight: enjoy the great outdoors

HOMES AND GARDENS

Lighting the way: Rebecca Coulby’s top tips Nautical but nice: inspirational ideas from Jarrolds 95 How to put a value on your home 96 A beautiful property on Oulton Broad 102 More great gardening advice from Ellen Mary 83 86

FOOD AND DRINK

64 70 72 75 76 78 81

Going gluten-free Amazing ways with asparagus Stunning scallops from The Imperial Hotel A lovely lamb dish from Franck Pontais Richard Bainbridge conjures up a delicious dessert Steak Night at The Olive Tree A truly fab cocktail

COMPETITION

115 Win a day’s picnic boat hire with Herbert Woods

BUSINESS

107 What to look for when setting up in business 109 How to boost your retirement savings 111 Julian Gibbons on off-shore accounts

MOTORING

116 All about the new Ford Ranger 118 A close look at the Mitsubishi ASX Crossover

REGULARS

123 High Society: pictures from Great Yarmouth College, Norwich BID’s new Banksy scheme and a special Irish Society lunch 130 Five Minutes With… Norfolk & Norwich Festival chair, Caroline Jarrold

As a firm fan of Disney’s 1967 film, The Jungle Book, I’m keen to see the modern remake. Jon Favreau’s contemporary take on Rudyard Kipling’s famous tale of the boy raised by animals looks wildly exciting. Little Mowgli and his furry friends – Baloo the bear (voiced by Bill Murray) and Bagheera the black panther (Sir Ben Kingsley) take on Shere Khan the Bengal tiger (Idris Elba) with kaleidoscopic results; great story, famous songs and the latest digital techniques.

BEST LOTTERY

Join the Norwich Theatre Royal Jackpot for a chance to win thousands of pounds while helping a great cause. This official lottery costs £12 a month, with profits supporting the theatre’s educational work with children. There are monetary prizes and theatre vouchers, plus entry into two yearly draws of £15,000. Application forms from the theatre and on 01603 598556 or simply download a form at: www.bit.ly/NorwichTheatreRoyalJackpot

BEST TV PROGRAMME

Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games will be returning to RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk at the end of this month for the new BBC Springwatch series. From Tuesday, May 31 to Thursday, June 16 they’ll be encouraging viewers to “Do Something Great” for nature, by volunteering to help Britain’s wildlife.

BEST EVENTS

With so many activities in store, the Norfolk & Norwich Festival – from Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 29 – is a must this month. Turn to pages 20 and 21 to find out more and check out: nnfestival.org.uk. Further fantastic East Anglian arts festivals are also planned over the coming months – more on page 24.

BEST NEW PERFORMANCES

Great Yarmouth’s In Here Festival will feature new performances on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. A spoken-word tale of amateur boxing and family called Until Your Hear That Bell will be at Gorleston’s East Norfolk 6th Form on the Friday, followed by an outdoor performance of Grass in Great Yarmouth Market Square on the Saturday – a free family show about the natural world. Later that day the programme will return to East Norfolk 6th Form when Jess Thom takes audiences Backstage in Biscuit Land. Jess has Tourettes, a condition that makes her say biscuit 16,000 times a day and her unique perspective on life provides a surreal, uplifting show. www.seachangearts.org.uk

BEST FLOWERS

Wymondham Abbey’s four-day ‘Rejoice’ Flower Festival will take place from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 30 when this lovely building will be full of beautiful blooms. Held from 10am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday and from midday to 5pm on the Sunday, entry is £7.50 (children free) including a brochure. More on 01953 607062 and at: www.wymondhamabbey.com

BEST RACES

Good luck to all those taking part in Race for Life events in aid of Cancer Research UK. A sea of pink-clad runners, joggers and walkers will appear in Norwich for the Pretty Muddy 5K on May 14; and the Norwich 5K and 10K on May 15. More at: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org #PinkArmy

what’ s on Make the most of May with this fabulous mix of events

WHITNEY’S GREATEST HITS The award-winning musical The Bodyguard, based on the 1992 Oscar-nominated blockbuster film which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, heads for the Norwich Theatre Royal stage for a two-week run from Tuesday, May 24 to Saturday, June 4. Playing the lead role of the superstar singer who falls in love with her bodyguard is X-Factor winner and three-time Brit nominee Alexandra Burke. Box Office: 01603 630000; www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

STORM APPROACHING… Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome will be transformed into a magical island for a new production of The Tempest during this year’s Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Directed by William Galinsky, the Festival’s artistic director, this “completely unique production” of the famous Shakespearean play about shipwreck, magic and enchantment will storm on to the Hippodrome stage from Thursday, May 12 to Saturday, May 21. Mr Galinsky said: “It’s an honour to be able to stage the play in one of Britain’s oldest, purpose-built circus spaces.” Box Office: 01493 844172; www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

ALBERTO GIACOMETTI: A LINE THROUGH TIME An unmissable new exhibition is on show at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia until August, 29, 2016. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Alberto Giacometti’s death, this extensive exhibition will include over 150 works. Tickets £12; £10.50 concessions, available on 01603 593199 and at: www.scva.ac.uk

OPEN STUDIOS Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2016 promises to be another inspiring and enjoyable event with over 450 artists (such as Tess Ainley, left) taking part across 255 venues, along with 16 Norfolk schools. Artists in every corner of the county will be opening their studio doors so that visitors can find out more about their artwork, skills and techniques. Meet sculptors and textile artists, painters, jewellery-makers and many more, working in traditional studio spaces as well as garages, sheds and spare rooms. Free to visit, with 22 Art Trails. More at: nnopenstudios.org.uk

PLENTIFUL PLANTS Billed as “Norfolk’s answer to the Chelsea Flower Show”, Creake Abbey’s Plant Lovers’ Day will return on Saturday, May 28. Now in its ninth year, this special day will welcome over 30 specialist plant nurseries, with a stunning array of flowers, shrubs and trees available for gardening enthusiasts from across the region. Held from 10am to 4pm, there’ll be a host of specialist nurseries, with well over a thousand visitors expected. Entry £3; under 16s free. www.creakeabbey.co.uk

MUSIC ON THE MOVE Make your way to Wymondham on Saturday, May 28 for the town’s special Busking Day, organised by the Wymondham Music Festival. From 11am to 2pm musicians will be performing all over the town centre, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Individual musicians and groups are very welcome – to join in the fun, simply register in the Market Place from 11am or call 01953 333500. More at: www.wymfest.org.uk

APRIL 2016

WHAT’S ON

MIDNIGHT WALK St Elizabeth Hospice’s flagship event, the Midnight Walk, is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, with hundreds of people taking to the streets of Ipswich on Saturday, May 7 for this special neon-themed event to raise funds for the local charity. Participants can either walk the five or the new ten mile route around the town, with entertainment including face painting, cheerleaders and more. For those aged ten and over, registration £15 per person. Sign up at: www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk MARVELLOUS MARKETS There are two Snape Maltings Vintage & Makers Markets this month – on Sunday, May 1 and Sunday, May 29. Taking place from 10am to 4pm, they attract a wide range of the region’s vintage traders and local craftspeople and artisans to Snape for the day. Expect everything from classic fashion and vintage furniture to printed fabrics, artworks, jewellery and local food and drink. See: www.debenevents.com MODERN CLASSICS Produced by the acclaimed National Theatre of Scotland, The James Plays will arrive at the Norwich Theatre Royal on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15. Immerse yourself in this modern trilogy of history plays which bring to dramatic life three generations of Stewart kings who ruled Scotland in the 15th Century. Accessible, funny, bawdy and character-driven, these carefully-constructed plays by award-winning playwright Rona Munro are also contemporary and relevant. Suitable for those aged 14-plus. Box Office: 01603 630000; www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

ALL SORTS There’s something for everyone at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange this month, with forthcoming shows including Sing-a-Long-a Grease on Friday, May 20; Mister Maker (for children) on Saturday, May 21; and opera star Russell Watson on Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27. Find out all about these and more at: www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk. Box Office: 01553 764864.

FABULOUS FLOWERS A special Spring Flowers Week will take place at Norfolk’s Raveningham Gardens from Monday, May 9 to Friday, May 13, open from 11am to 4pm daily. Enjoy the array of fabulous blooms on the meadow including ox eye daisies, birdsfoot trefoil, pink campion, cowslips, meadow buttercup, sorrel, ragged robin, snakeshead fritillaries, yellow rattle and late bulbs. Garden entry: adults £5, concessions £4.50, under 16s free. Tel: 01508 548480; www.raveningham.com

THE LATEST LOOKS Sashay down to Aylsham Town Hall on Friday, May 6 for the Fashion Show held in conjunction with the Artichoke Collection (stylish casual clothing for those sized 8 to 22) and Aylsham Country Market. Local models will be showing off the clothes, while a pop-up shop will allow guests to browse, choose and order their favourite designs. From 7pm onwards, tickets £5. Available from local stores and on 01263 862396. LIFE THROUGH A LENS Practical workshops for budding photographers will take place at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in South Walsham on Saturday, May 14 and Saturday, May 28. Aimed at beginners, the workshop, using SLR or DSLR cameras, will take place in the garden from 9.30am to 12.30pm and will be led by professional photographer Peter Mallett. Priced at £35 per person including tea/coffee and biscuits; please bring your own camera and instruction manual. Booking essential on 01603 270449 or at: www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

seum, London ia and Albert Mu mmond ÂŠ Victor phs by Harry Ha Image: photogra

Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3BX. 01493 743930 www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

A touring exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London HTP EDP 210 x 297 new ad 3 .indd 1

21/04/2016 07:54

Best Large Attraction 2014 & 2015 Norfolk EDP Tourism Awards 2014 & 2015

Naturally inspiring every generation Open 10am-5pm. NR21 0LN

www.pensthorpe.com Sorry no pets except assistance dogs

The place to visit

OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR from

10.00am

THRIGBY HALL FILBY GREAT YARMOUTH

N R 29 3DR

01493 369477 â&#x2DC;&#x17D; www.thrigbyhall.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON OVER

WHITSUN

The spring half-term is a great time for some family fun and there are plenty of ideas for days out… DEADLY DRAGONS

Make the most of the late spring holiday by visiting A Viking’s Guide to Deadly Dragons at Norwich Castle. This is the last chance to see this wonderful exhibition, inspired by Cressida Cowell’s best-selling How To Train Your Dragon children’s book series, which focuses on a world where Vikings rule and dragons roam. On daily until Monday, May, 30. More on 01603 493625 and at: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

WINGING IT

If you’re a fan of our feathered friends, head to Pensthorpe Natural Park near Fakenham where daily bird feeds take place at 4pm. You can watch the wildfowl – such as teal, gadwall and wigeon – from the comfort of the viewing gallery when they swoop in over the water to be fed, and listen to the wardens’ fascinating insight into the range of rare and colourful birds attracted here. The daily bird feed is included in the standard reserve admission price and if the weather’s cold, why not check out Hootz House, the indoor play area? More on 01328 851465 and at: www.pensthorpe.com

NATURAL HABITAT

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in Filby, Great Yarmouth, is the perfect place for a day out and is ideal during the school holidays. With free parking and children’s play areas, highlights include the many bird species, primates, red panda, reptiles and swamp house, small mammals, cats and tigers (the special walkway, constructed in the trees surrounding the tigers’ enclosure, provides a thrilling bird’s eye view). More on 01493 369477 and at: www.thrigbyhall.co.uk

GET YOUR SKATES ON!

Skating sessions take place every day during the school holidays at Retroskate on Great Yarmouth’s seafront, with this fun-filled family activity available from 11am to 4pm. Besides the main rink, there’s an underfives play area, roller tots rink, skate shop, skate hire and a café and, if you’re bitten by the roller skating bug, coaching sessions available. Plus there’s a Roller Disco every Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm when you can skate along to great sounds. More on 01493 854349 and at: www.retroskate.net

GOING WILD IN THE CITY!

Norfolk Wildlife Trust turns 90 this year and is going Wild in the City with a twoweek takeover of Norwich, from Saturday, May 21 to Sunday, June 5. Come along to The Forum for a fortnight of exciting events and fun activities, including an indoor pond for freshwater minibeasts, stories in the woodland stowaway and a chance to get arty with terns. There will also be an art exhibition by well-known Norfolk artists and a programme of lunchtime and afternoon talks and evening guest speakers. More at: www.theforumnorwich.co.uk and at: www.wildat90.org.uk

ON COURSE FOR A GOOD TIME

Wroxham Barns will once again play host to the British Minigolf Association when the 2016 British Open Championships take place over the weekend of May 7 and 8. Some of the leading players in the country will descend on the popular tourist attraction to play the 18-hole Championship Mini Golf course which will see the General Class, British Youth, Woman and Senior Champions crowned. Visitors to Wroxham Barns are very welcome to watch. More at: www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS!

M AY 2 01 6

Photo: Fabio Lugero

Photo: Rupert Conant

Photo: Aglae Bory

I START GEARING UP FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival line-up in January as it gives me something to look forward to post Christmas. I’ve had some of the best cultural experiences of my life during the Festival and, having travelled the world, this is a big statement. The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is like a huge game of hide and seek, with it shouting from the rooftops: “We’re here, come and find us!” and so find it we do, in our droves. The programme is always quirky, daring and beautifully diverse, meaning one performance is nowhere near enough. Mix it up, try something different and take risks. Go along with your partner, your friends and alone. Ticket prices are reasonable, but remember to weave free outdoor events into the 17 days to fully experience the creativity and variety which will take you to another place without leaving the county. One of the most appealing aspects of the Festival is the excitement of watching something most unexpected. I love a surprise and I love spontaneity and the Festival offers these in bucketloads, whether free street entertainment or a planned night out for something you wouldn’t normally book. This year watch out for pop-up performances such as Public Jukebox - for the entirety of the Festival - which will spring up in various city centre locations. It’s a jukebox, but not as you know it, with weird and wonderful tracks to be selected, and music and sound recordings to delight everyone, so if you see it, press the button! Another fascinating event is The Beethoven Safari by Aurora Orchestra at The Garden Party in Chapelfield Gardens on Sunday May 22 (entry free), with performances also taking place throughout the day in other city centre locations. Aurora Orchestra is the only professional orchestra in the world to perform whole symphonies from memory - now that’s got to be a musical interlude worth stopping for! There are plenty of other fabulous performances in store, too. The musical director of Sun Ra Arkestra is 90 years old, and this year is their 60th anniversary. Sun Ra Arkestra is a sight to behold, serving up avant-garde jazz, and they’ll be at the Norwich

Photo: Iwona Nowacka

We’re in for one heck of a ride when it comes to international arts this month, says Melanie Cook of VisitNorwich

Photo: Richard Davenport

Photo: Steven Melendez Ellie Photo: Peter Rand

Photo: Estelle Doehr

WHAT’S ON

Theatre Royal on Friday, May 13 (tickets £21). By total contrast see British folk and rock musicians Teddy Thomson and Kelly Jones in intimate surroundings for one night only at the Norwich Playhouse on Saturday, May 14 (tickets £16.50). The duo first sang at LA’s Club Largo in 2011 and their honest, pure music and lyrics have won them a huge following with The Guardian commenting on their: “Glorious, country-edged duets that have an easy charm of the Everly Brothers.” And then there’s Mahler. Mahler in Miniature, on Monday, May 23 at St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich (tickets £5 to £25) and Mahler Symphony of a Thousand on Saturday, May 21 at the Norfolk Showground Arena (tickets £12 to £28). The Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate its 175th anniversary year with what promises to be a spectacular performance on an epic scale. Not only is Symphony of a Thousand rarely performed, but it will also include multiple choirs, eight soloists and a vast orchestra of 500 who will take to the stage to perform to an audience of over 2,000, making this the largest classical musical concert in Norfolk - ever! For me, however, it’s not always about the headline acts and events, it’s also about the hidden gems and smaller, more intimate shows, some of which appeal because of their venues as much as the performances. A great example of this this year is It’s Happening in Norwich, at 4pm and 7pm from Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 29 (except May 24), with tickets £12. The venue is a medieval merchant’s house in Elm Hill located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, and the audience will be very small. For over 40

years Charles Scott made amateur films about Norwich, and these films, made between the 1930s and 1970s, will be presented in a performance by Polish artists Janet Turkowski and Iwona Nowacka who return to the city for this world premiere. And to get in the mood, if you book a 4pm show, why not have coffee and cake first at the lovely Britons Arms? But I am getting ahead of myself. Before any of the above, the big kick off will be an incredible free, aerial spectacular taking place on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 at 10pm outside The Forum. Those who have attended Festival outdoor events in the past will know that spectators are in for a sensory parade of outlandish proportions. This year’s breathtaking show will see audiences astounded as one man explores his apartment which, by the way, will be suspended from the walls of The Forum! The man in question will climb, leap and fall around his home, assisted by video animations and mapping technology – this is voyeurism at its very, very best. But there are just too many incredible, unique and unusual performances to mention, so make sure you check out the full programme at: nnfestival.org.uk. Open your minds and your hearts and embrace a truly eclectic, electric, fully inclusive Festival which will leave you with great memories and experiences, guaranteed. The Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016 Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 29. Box Office: 01603 766400. www.nnf.org.uk

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Geoff norcoTT Everything Geoff Norcott does is underpinned by enthusiasm, optimism and a sharp comic mind. On the comedy circuit, Geoff’s abundance of energy combined with a storming mix of observations, impressions and satire has made him a hugely popular act both in the UK and abroad.

Zoe created a huge buzz on the comedy circuit in 2004 when she won the ‘Nivea Funny Women Award 2004’ and reached the finals of ‘Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny Award’ in the same year. Zoe takes a sideways view of life, picking out the many absurdities and turning them into hilarious routines.

Mike’s history is as entertaining as his comedy. A misspent youth and a series of grim jobs cultivated his cynical outlook on life and a perverse desire led him to the world of stand-up. He has a rare ability to walk close to the line of what audiences find acceptable and yet still remain likable and funny. Former Time Out Comedian Of The Year (1998), Sean is widely recognised as one of the finest performers and writers on the UK comedy circuit. A former professional snooker player, he turned to a career in comedy in 1989. He has performed all over the world and made three appearances at the Montreal Comedy Festival.

Since winning Channel 4’s prestigious ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ Competition at the Edinburgh Festival in 1998, an award previously won by Phil Kay, Dylan Moran, Lee Mack, and Peter Kay, Rob has been a regular performer at major venues on both the London and National circuit. As a solo live performer Steve has provided the support for Russell Howard on his sell-out national tours but really hit the scene when his debut solo show was described by GQ magazine as ‘a masterpiece of emotive storytelling” Steve is also one third of the hit Award nominated television sketch show We Are Klang.

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FESTIVAL FEVER Mark Nicholls looks forward to the region’s stunning summer events With everything from music and dance to theatre, comedy and drama, the arts festival season is well underway. Add local culture, tradition and delicious food and drink into the mix and you have the perfect ingredients for a spectacular summer of fun and entertainment. Across Norfolk and Suffolk an increasing number of fabulous, fun-packed outdoor festivals have been staged in recent years and the diversity seems to grow with every summer. The festivities begin during the warm weather of May, kicking off with the flamboyance of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2016 on Friday, May 13 (previewed on pages 20 and 21). Across the region, many more festivals are also getting underway, bringing their own style, flair and flavours to the summer calendar. Some are spread over a week or more, whilst others – such as the new Stody Boutique Festival – are held over a single day. Taking place on Sunday, May 22 at Stody Lodge Gardens near Holt and set against a spectacular backdrop of rhododendrons and azaleas, the Boutique Festival will showcase artisans, specialist food producers, music, classic cars, children’s activities including farmyard animals and a treasure hunt, a relaxation zone, and vintage stalls. A highlight will be a performance by Katrina from Katrina and the Waves, famous for the global hit Walking on Sunshine, who will be playing on the terrace during the afternoon of the festival. Kate MacNicol from Stody Lodge Gardens said: “With the gardens in full bloom, delicious food and lots to see and do, it promises to be the perfect Sunday outing both for gardening enthusiasts and those looking for a fun afternoon out.” Meanwhile, running from Sunday, May 7 to Sunday, May 22, the sixth Broads Outdoors Festival offers a series of events with the chance to explore the countryside by canoe or via guided walks, experience life aboard a wherry, enjoy a narrow gauge railway journey or visit an historic building. With more than a quarter of the rarest wildlife species in the UK within the Broads National Park and 122 miles of rivers and 180 miles of footpaths, the park provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about on land or water and up close to nature. For beer drinkers, the Norwich City of Ale Festival takes place from Thursday, May 26 to Sunday, June 5 with more than 40 pubs, numerous local breweries and other venues involved. There are several events over the 10-day period of the festival and a popular Ale Trail links participating pubs across the city.

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Clockwise from above: Norwich City of Ale; Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival; Great Yarmouth Arts Festival; Dr Feelgood; Nigel Kennedy; The Blues Band; Phil Cutter and Dawn Leeder; Katrina and the Waves; Stody Boutique Festival

FESTIVALS

Meanwhile, the Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 is a lively weekend of fun, food, heritage, art and music spread over two Norfolk coastal towns and is dedicated to promoting local seafaring heritage through a series of events and shows. In Suffolk, the 2016 Bury St Edmunds Festival - from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 29 - opens with violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy performing a new acoustic version of his Four Seasons at The Apex. Over 10 days of entertainment in venues and spaces around the town, there will also be the opportunity to see artists of international repute alongside home-grown talent, including film director Lord Puttnam, Irish country star Nathan Carter, the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra, the West Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra and students from Guildhall Feoffment Primary School appearing alongside the National Youth Music Theatre. The much-anticipated fourth Great Yarmouth Arts Festival, from Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 12, brings

together a wide variety of arts and entertainment with art trails, ballet, music, theatre, comedy, a battle of the buskers contest, guided heritage walks and a carnival procession with the theme Halfway to Paradise. Highlights include the Pinocchio Live Ballet at St George’s Theatre on Friday, June 3 and celebrations for the Queen’s offical 90th birthday in Great Yarmouth market place on Saturday, June 11. As part of the festival, the Pakefield Singers will also be presenting a glorious programme in celebration of the Queen’s birthday and will perform a Royal cornucopia of magnificent music at Great Yarmouth Minster at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 11, accompanied by the renowned Ben Giddens who will be performing celebratory organ solos. Meanwhile, keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman will open the Southwold Arts Festival on June 25 with an evening concert following a street event and parade. Through the week there will be visits from the distinguished actress Liz Robertson, Lucy Worsley who is renowned for her captivating TV history programmes, and an evening with sports journalist Henry Blofeld among many other events, with The Blues Band delivering the Southwold festival finale on Saturday, July 2. Early July sees the return of the Dereham Blues Festival, with the event launched by Dr Feelgood at Dereham Memorial Hall on Thursday, July 7, supported by Rebecca Downs. With 45 bands appearing at 16 venues, the festival continues on July 8, 9 and 10, while the Unthank Comedy Festival 2016 in Norwich, from Tuesday, July 12 to Thursday, July 14 features topclass comedy, delicious food and outside bars in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Organisers of the 66th King’s Lynn Festival, which runs from Sunday, July 17 to Saturday, July 30, have lined up a wide-ranging programme at Lynn’s historic venues featuring top names from the worlds of classical music, jazz and folk as well as exhibitions, films, talks and walks. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will launch the festival, The Unthanks bring their distinctive brand of folk music to the Corn Exchange on Wednesday, July 20 and festival favourite Lesley Garrett returns on Sunday, July 24. Artistic director Ambrose Miller said: “It will be a top-level festival with major international classical performers and stars of lighter music with something for everyone – including pop-up concerts in venues around the town.” Household names are a feature of Holt Festival and include actress Julie Christie who appeared last year alongside her friend and fellow thespian Sir John Hurt and enjoyed herself so much that she’s back again in 2016. She will be joining father and son team Anthony and Ben Holden on Wednesday, July 27 to read poems from their collection Poems That Make Women Cry. Former MP and TV and radio regular Gyles Brandreth (Sunday, July 24) brings his five-star, sell-out Edinburgh show and comedian Jenny Éclair (Thursday, July 28) will perform How To Be A Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane). Literary giants include Joanna Trollope (also, Thursday July 28) and Lady Antonia Fraser (on Monday, July 25). Music ranges from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (Friday, July 29), electric string quartet Stringfever (Wednesday, July 27), Dire Straits co-founder John Illsey (Saturday, July 30) and Merseybeat greats The Searchers (on Sunday, July 31).

There are so many events on the horizon, all adding up to an unmissable summer festival season. For more information: Stody Boutique Festival: www.stodyestate.co.uk/events Broads Outdoor Festival: www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk City of Ale Festival: www.cityofale.org.uk/2016 Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival: www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk Bury St Edmunds Festival: www.buryfestival.co.uk Great Yarmouth Arts Festival: www.greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk Southwold Arts Festival: www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk Dereham Blues Festival: www.derehambluesfestival.org.uk Unthank Comedy Festival: www.theunthankarms.com King’s Lynn Festival: www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk Holt Festival: www.holtfestival.org

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BACK ON TRACK

Great Yarmouth Racecourse is back on track, thanks to a regraded, re-turfed one mile straight which was grown from seed at the venue last year, at a cost of £300,000. Glenn Tubby, general manager, said: “We only had two-anda-half days of racing last year, but the new straight is for the long-term good of the racecourse. Racing has taken place in Great Yarmouth for 300 years and on this site for almost 100 years and the straight hadn’t been resurfaced in that time. The track is 22 yards wide by a mile long, so it’s pretty extensive.” The project consisted of levelling, sowing, irrigating, fertilising, verti-draining, slitting and harrowing the new surface to ensure a very flat racing surface over the one mile straight which will be far better than before. The first of the flat race days will be on Wednesday, June 8 (a little later than usual), with 18 fixtures from then on to the end of October. And there are all kinds of 2016 fixtures to look forward to, from Summer and Autumn Afternoon Racing to Music Live Racenights (evening events with the races followed by party or tribute bands) as well as Great Yarmouth Racecourse’s famous Ladies’ Night, August Bank Holiday Family Fun Day and three-day Eastern Festival. Ladies’ Night – when there are prizes for the best hats and heels – will take place on Wednesday, July 13, while the Family Fun Day, which will include mascot races and children’s entertainment, will take place on Sunday, August 28. Meanwhile, the Eastern Festival (affectionately known as the “Ascot of the east coast”), featuring big prize money and top quality horses, will take place from Tuesday, September 13 to Thursday, September 15, with prizes for the best-dressed hats and heels on the Thursday – Eastern Festival Ladies’ Day. Commenting on the Eastern Festival, which draws lots of extra visitors to the region, Glenny Tubby said: “There’s big prize money at the Festival in September – in fact, we’ve had a big increase in prize money overall – which should help to attract more horses of a better quality.” Besides being a fantastic day out with family and friends, racing provides a great company event and there are a number of corporate hospitality packages available, ideal for networking and hosting clients.

M AY 2 01 6

Photos: Adrian Judd

A brand new one-mile straight has been installed at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, with 18 racing fixtures to look forward to this season

ADVERTORIAL

Glenn said: “We can accommodate up to 200 in private boxes in the permanent facilities, offering a private experience with their own balcony, a further 300 in two marquees, and another 100 in the Trafalgar Restaurant, which has a great atmosphere.” Great Yarmouth Racecourse is used to hosting conferences, training events, weddings and parties, all of which take place all year round, as well as offering corporate hospitality packages on race days, featuring fine food and first-rate service, as well as the excitement of the races themselves. Meanwhile, the August Bank Holiday Sunday event draws the biggest crowd of the year, with around 7,000 people, young and old, coming along for the Family Fun Day. There are three different stands at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, with tickets priced from £15 to £19 for the general grandstand and paddock and from £22 to £26 for the premier enclosure. These are the prices on the gate, but racegoers can save £4 a ticket if they book them in advance online – at: greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk – adding up to a substantial discount when buying multiple tickets. What’s more, kids go free, with entry completely free of charge for those under 18 when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Located close to the sea, Great Yarmouth Racecourse is an attractive venue with acres of outdoor space and plenty of free parking. With a number of versatile suites, delicious menus and excellent transport links, the Racecourse is perfect for any event, big or small. Plus, for those planning to come along often, there’s an annual membership package which, in addition to Premier entry to all Great Yarmouth Racecourse fixtures, offers numerous additional benefits. These include free admission at all 16 UK Arena Racing Company racecourses (ARC owns the Great Yarmouth site), offers and discounts, four complimentary admission tickets, access to annual members’ events, exclusive early bird prices and special offers and promotions. Details and prices are available online, along with the latest information on this year’s fixtures.

2016 RACEDAY FIXTURES DATE

RACEDAY

Wednesday, June 8

Season Opener

Thursday, June 9

Summer Afternoon Racing

Friday, June 24

Summer Afternoon Racing

Thursday, June 30

Summer Afternoon Racing

Wednesday, July 6

Summer Afternoon Racing

Wednesday, July 13 (E)

Ladies’ Night with Live Music

Thursday, July 21

Summer Afternoon Racing

Tuesday, July 26

Summer Afternoon Racing

Wednesday, August 3 (E)

Live Music Racenight

Thursday, August 4

Summer Afternoon Racing

Thursday, August 11(E)

Live Music Racenight

Tuesday, August 23

Summer Afternoon Racing

Sunday, August 28

Family Fun Day

Tuesday, September 13

Eastern Festival of Racing

Wednesday, September 14

Eastern Festival of Racing

Thursday, September 15

Eastern Festival of Racing

Monday, October 10

Autumn Afternoon Racing

Tuesday, October 18

Season Finale

(E) – Evening Fixture

Feature raceday

Great Yarmouth Racecourse Jellicoe Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 4AU Tel: 01493 842527. Email: info@greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk

M AY 2 01 6

CELEBRITY PROFILE

SOMEALL GUYS HAVE THE LUCK

Photo: PENNY LANCASTER

As rocker Rod Stewart heads back to Norwich for a sell-out Carrow Road concert, Mark Nicholls looks back at his incredible career

THERE WAS A RASPING RAUNCHINESS TO THOSE EARLY HITS OF THE 1970s. While songs such as You Wear It Well, Maggie May, Cindy Incidentally and Pool Hall Richard offered a more cultured aspect to glam rock, it was the unique vocal talent of Rod Stewart that transformed them into massive hits. Add in a mandolin, some exquisite guitar riffs and those catchy lyrics and choruses and you have the inimitable style of one the great pop performers. With his wingman Ronnie Wood from the Faces, they led the band in the same way that Holder and Hill had with Slade, or Bowie and Mick Ronson had interacted to form a colourful double act up front on stage. Ronnie left for the Stones and Rod moved on as a solo artist – not in the same way as Bowie with new incarnations –but with an evolution of style; at times a slight mellowing, but still the massive hits followed throughout the 1970s. As the years passed, Rod Stewart became one of the nation’s treasured rock icons – the wives may have come and gone, along with a band of children, but the hairstyle and the gravel and grit vocal remained. Born Roderick David Stewart on January 10, 1945, in Highgate, North London, he has retained the strongest links to his Scottish ancestry. In fact tartan was as closely associated with Rod Stewart in those early days as it was with the Bay City Rollers, though not in the same uncultured manner. His music swings from rock and pop to blues, hints of folk, and, more recently, the great American songbook style. Often anthemic and sing-a-long, they retained the cheeky, blue-eyed glint in the delivery. Rod will be appearing at Carrow Road on Saturday, June 4 – a show that is already a sell-out - as the first in a series of UK stadium dates during the month which will see him play to around 180,000 fans. More arena shows are scheduled for later in the year. As tickets first went on sale for the show, Norwich City Football Club’s commercial director Ben Kensell said: “We’re delighted that Rod Stewart will be returning to Carrow Road for another concert following his hugely successful performance here in 2011. It’s another great opportunity for his many thousands of fans in the region to enjoy the performance of this British music legend.” The latest dates are on the back of the release of Another Country, the album which reaffirmed Rod Stewart’s return as a singer-songwriter having co-written the majority of the tracks with Kevin Savigar. Including the singles Love Is, Please and Way Back Home, it is his 29th studio album and was released at the end of October last year.

It follows the studio album, Time, from 2013, where the Grammy and Brit Award-winning musical icon spoke about his rejuvenation as a songwriter: “I’ve found that the only way to write songs is to be as personal and honest as possible. And when my last album was so well-received, it gave me the confidence to keep on writing, and to examine and write about different things. It also gave me the freedom to experiment with different sounds like reggae, ska and Celtic melodies.” The title track, Another Country, was inspired by his respect for the armed forces - a respect influenced by his birth occurring shortly before the end of the Second World War – while Batman Superman Spiderman was written about bedtime stories that he would tell his youngest son, Aiden Patrick Stewart, based around the three fictional superheroes. As Rod told TV chat show host Graham Norton when promoting his latest album last year: “I put the book together – Rod, the autobiography – and suddenly I realised that I had so much to write about, so I had songs about my Dad, my family, showbusiness, the lot.” Rod Stewart has sold over 100 million records worldwide and continues to tour - “I never stopped touring – I love it!” – and his concert at Carrow Road next month is eagerly awaited. He said: “I give the people what they want to hear and then add two or three new ones, but basically they want to hear all the hits.” Rod Stewart’s last appearance in Norwich – also at Carrow Road – was in June 2011. I was lucky enough to be in the 18,000-strong crowd that evening for a two-hour show that included some of his bestknown hits and a selection of classics from other artists. The then Canaries’ boss Paul Lambert introduced his fellow Scot on a night which saw the stadium bathed in glorious sunshine on a beautiful June evening.

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The set list, in what was a memorable and brilliant performance, included Baby Jane, You Wear It Well and Tonight’s the Night through to covers of Handbags and Gladrags and It’s A Heartache. The evening ended with the crowd singing along to Maggie May, I Don’t Want to Talk About It and Hot Legs with Rod kicking footballs into the crowd before an encore of Sailing. A promising footballer in his youth, he had trials at Brentford in the summer of 1960, but was not called back and concluded: “…a musician’s life is a lot easier and I can also get drunk and make music, and I can’t do that and play football. I plumped for music. They’re the only two things I can do actually: play football and sing.” He is an ardent supporter of Glasgow Celtic Football Club and, underlining his love of soccer, his website (www.rodstewart. com) notes below the schedule of shows: “footballs will be at all dates” – Rod loves kicking footballs into the crowd during his performances, so get ready to catch one! He is also a lifelong collector of model trains and is said to hire extra hotel rooms to house some of his model train collection, so that he can have them with him when touring. As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, the 5’10” superstar has had six consecutive number one albums in the UK, and 62 UK hit singles including 31 top 10 hits and six number one singles. But he first came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a skilled harmonica player, Long John Baldry heard him playing Smokestack Lightnin and invited him to join the band, and sing as well. In 1963, Rod adopted the Mod lifestyle and look, and began fashioning the spiky rooster hairstyle that would become his trademark, even known as “Rod the Mod” at one stage.

Photos: www.rodstewat.com / PENNY LANCASTER

With his distinctive, raspy singing voice and while still with Baldry, he developed his solo career and then in 1967 joined the Jeff Beck Group as vocalist where he first played with Ronnie Wood. Later they joined Small Faces’ members Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones, and decided to call the new line-up simply The Faces. His debut solo album An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, in 1969, was a fusion of rock, folk music, soul music and R&B which set the template for his inimitable style. A second album, Gasoline Alley, followed and he also famously sang guest vocals for the Australian group Python Lee Jackson on In a Broken Dream. The 1971 solo album Every Picture Tells a Story made him a household name when the B-side of Reason to Believe, Maggie May, about him losing his virginity to an older woman, began getting airplay and swept to number one featuring the mandolin of Ray Jackson of Lindisfarne. As The Faces broke up and Ronnie Wood left to join Mick Jagger and co, further albums, Never a Dull Moment and the chart-topping Smiler followed as Rod Stewart became a solo artist. Moving to Los Angeles in 1975, he released the Atlantic Crossing album which contained The Sutherland Brothers’ song Sailing, which became a UK number one hit and was later used as the theme music for a BBC documentary series about HMS Ark Royal. Hits such as Hot Legs, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? and Baby Jane

followed along with the famous Unplugged album before Rod Stewart called a halt to creating his own material, saying that he was not a natural songwriter. “My assumption was that I was finished as a songwriter,” he reflected. “It had always been difficult, and then, at some point in the 1990s, my confidence took a knock and it became impossible. I was thinking too hard about what people expected from me.” In his personal life, Rod has also had his battles, notably with thyroid cancer in 2000. Known also for his romantic liaisons, he has eight children by five different mothers. After relationships with model Dee Harrington and actress Britt Ekland, he married actress and model Alana Hamilton in 1979 and model Rachel Hunter in 1990, and is now married to model Penny LancasterStewart. More recently, he has enjoyed success with The Great American Songbook series of albums (It Had to Be You, As Time Goes By, Stardust, Thanks for the Memory and Fly me to the Moon…), concentrating on singing 1930s and 1940s pop standards by songwriters such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George and Ira Gershwin. After a 20-year break, he returned to song-writing in 2013 – as he said, motivated by the writing of his autobiography, Rod, published in October 2012, and a nudge by collaborator Jim Cregan. “Something about that process of reviewing my life for the book reconnected me,” he says. “And that was it: I was away. Suddenly ideas for lyrics were piling up in my head. Next thing I knew, I had a song called It’s Over, about divorce and separation. And now I was getting up in the middle of the night and scrambling for a pen to write things down, which has never happened to me. I finished seven or eight songs very quickly and I still wasn’t done and it became apparent that I would eventually have a whole album of material to record, which had never happened before.” The result was Time and now the current album Another Country. But most of all, 71-year-old Rod Stewart CBE remains a showman, a crowd-pleaser, and an entertainer. While the Carrow Road audience will most likely hear the new material and the occasional classic from The Great American Songbook series, it will be those massive, massive hits that will make it a night to remember. M AY 2 01 6

CELEBRATION TIME Billy Ocean promises a lively party night as he lines up an appearance at Potters Resort at Hopton-on-Sea Mark Nicholls reports

E IS ONE OF THE GREAT POP VOICES OF THE 80s.

Who can forget those fabulous hits with catchy sing-along lines that you just can’t get out of your head: Love Really Hurts Without You, When the Going Gets Tough and Caribbean Queen? At the height of his success, Billy Ocean was selling millions of records – some 30 million over his long career – and he still knows how to get audiences going. It is this sentiment that Billy Ocean will bring to Potters Resort at Hopton-on-Sea near Great Yarmouth on Sunday, May 22, for a nostalgic evening of classic 80s’ pop. Speaking from the Caribbean, where he spends his spare time these days, he told Places & Faces®: “It’s going to be a real party night and I’ll be singing all my hits and more. It’s always great fun at Potters.” Billy, who achieved success as both an artist and songwriter, continues to record as well as performing and touring regularly. His 2013 album Here You Are is being re-released to coincide with the latest set of UK dates and Billy revealed: “I have recorded three more tracks to add to the Here You Are album.” The album was rereleased last month, together with the Hits collection. And while many of his original admirers will be out in force to see him perform on his UK tour, which started in April and continues through to the summer, Billy’s finding a new generation of fans are enjoying his music. “It’s amazing how many youngsters come along to my shows,” he said. “And they know all the words!” Looking back over his career, he says there is no specific high point but added: “It is great to be still singing to packed audiences all these years after the songs were first hits.” Born Leslie Sebastian Charles in Trinidad and Tobago in 1950, he grew up in east London when his father, Grenadian musician Hainsley Charles and his mother Violet moved to the UK when he was just seven. He took his stage name from the Ocean Estate in Stepney in London’s East End, where he was living at the time, and went on to become the most popular British R&B singer-songwriter of the late

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1970s and the early to mid-1980s. Inspired by soul singers such as Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, as well as pop groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Billy got his break when he signed to GTO records. In 1976, he recorded his first album, Billy Ocean, with the first single release from it - Love Really Hurts Without You - charting at number two in the UK Singles Chart. Two top 20 singles followed - Love on Delivery and Stop Me before Red Light Spells Danger became a big hit, both in the UK and the US.

WHAT’S ON His greatest period of success began with the release, in 1984, of the album Suddenly and its main single, the million-selling American number one Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run). That saw Billy win a Grammy for best R&B Vocal, while Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car delivered another US number one hit. The following year he sung it, along with Loverboy, when he appeared at the US Live Aid concert from the JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. His 1986 album Love Zone was also a top seller and contained the single When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going, which was also the theme from the film The Jewel of the Nile, starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito. It topped the UK singles chart and also went to number two in the United States. Billy, now 66, who has performed at Potters on a number of occasions in recent years, still lives in the UK but spends quite a lot of time in the Caribbean, and looks back to his young days in Trinidad as an early influence on his definitive sound. “When I was young in Trinidad my dad bought a radio on which I first heard American soul music, and then, of course, there was Bob Marley.” The 2010 release of The Very Best of Billy Ocean, which entered the UK album charts at number 17 and sold 72,000 copies in four weeks, remains hugely popular. And, as Billy has promised, he’ll be digging deeply into that amazing back catalogue for a party night atmosphere at Potters.

For more details of Billy Ocean’s appearance at Potters Resort on Sunday, May 22, visit www.pottersholidays.com or call 0333 3207 497.

OLD-FASHIONED FAMILY FUN Mary Poppins has been touring the country and will arrive in Norwich next month. Tickets are already selling fast for this fun-filled family musical which promises to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as Benet Catty discovers

HE MUSICAL THEATRE HAS ALWAYS RELIED ON ADAPTATIONS

and where once novels were the most typical inspiration, films have become the go-to source for the non-jukebox musical adaptation. Often this seems to be less to do with the inspiration of the adaptors than the commercial appeal of the original. Mary Poppins, though, is a hybrid - using songs from the famous 1964 Julie Andrews film but blending these with the substance of the original PL Travers books. The show remains the benchmark for how to adapt much-loved source material into a high-class stage musical. It is a hybrid in other ways, too. Not only does it feature many of the Sherman Brothers’ classics (Feed the Birds, Let’s Go Fly A Kite, Jolly Holiday) but they are extended, adapted and supplemented by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles’ new songs written in the same style. Few who are not expert on the film would be able to spot the join. Richard Eyre, who’s directed many a great musical by himself, shares directing duties with Matthew Bourne, Britain’s foremost choreographer (best known for his all-male Swan Lake) who, in turn, also shares choreography duties with Stephen Mear. Now on a British tour (coming to Norwich in June), Poppins has run all over the world since it first opened in 2004, including a six-year Broadway stay (double its run in London). This revival may be scaled back in several scenic elements from the original production, but it remains full of eye-popping pleasures. The Banks’ family home is now a dolls house which unfolds into its three dimensions, but Bert still dances around the proscenium arch and Mary’s final flight remains a thing of wonder of the kind that could (and will) convert many a first time theatregoer to the wonders of live performance. For all the hybridity, the story of Mary Poppins remains as it ever was. A magical nanny arrives via umbrella to look after Jane and Michael Banks, the adorable, mischievous children of George, a banker, and Winifred, a sometime suffragette. She teaches the children some life lessons with an officious charm and a nononsense sweetness. What she is really doing, as we come to appreciate but the family don’t quite, is teaching the parents how to be good parents. The big transformation of the piece is not of Mary nor of her kids, but of George - the curmudgeonly father who learns to love and care for his children by taking them to fly a kite. George learns that there is more to life than the money he tries to make for his bank. This

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WHAT’S ON

realisation is made all the more pleasing for having been written, in this stage version, by Julian Fellowes, that Tory of Tories, who knows a thing or two about writing about class as his subsequent success writing Downton Abbey would demonstrate. For all the mighty strengths of the writing and the production - a mixture of pleasures which put the shamefully flat-footed musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to shame - it is a shame to report that the present cast play it far more broadly than it’s intended, or than it ever was in its original London run. Where once it was a grown up family musical with a pair of children at its centre, it is now played much more like a children’s show, which has the unwelcome effect of making the book scenes feel flatter and less interesting than they should be (or, at least, this was the case when I caught the tour during its stay in Bristol). Milo Twomey (George) is unmoving in the central role (originally played by David Haig) and even Zizi Strallen (Mary) fails to bring the gritty edge to the beaming smiles of the eponym, but (as one would expect from any of the Strallen sisters) she sings up a storm. Matt Lee as Bert, who’s played the role abroad, too, gives much more bang for his buck, though, and Penelope Woodman does a hilarious star cameo as the villainous Miss Andrew, George’s former nanny. One of the real pleasures of Mary Poppins, not just for its setting but in its style, is that it is a very old-fashioned family musical comedy, in the vain of My Fair Lady. It breaks no boundaries, it sits resolutely within the world of the popular musical. But it is so lovingly and carefully crafted, and so handsomely presented, that it feels completely fresh and relevant and in the business of making 1,500 people a night very happy. In this and in most other respects, Mary - unlike the old lady who sings the most beautiful song to us several times continues to be worth much more than tuppence a bag. MARY POPPINS will be at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Wednesday, June 29 to Saturday, July 30 Box Office: 01603 630000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk M AY 2 01 6

Writer and broadcaster Pete Goodrum takes us back through the tracks that defined the decades. This month he looks at the early 1980s. Covering the charts and the changes, and often touching on local connections, enjoy this latest fix of musical memories!

Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I call music! 38

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BACKTRACK

Left page DEPECHE MODE Inset THE HUMAN LEAGUE

JOHN LENNON’S MURDER HUNG OVER EARLY 1981 LIKE A CLOUD OF DISBELIEF. For a legend to die young was one thing. But a Beatle, killed in a cold–blooded shooting, was incomprehensible. By January 1981 he was, albeit posthumously, dominating the charts with a re-release of Imagine and a single from the new album (Just Like) Starting Over, as well as his and Yoko’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over). There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma from the St Winifred’s School Choir was also hit that month, however – the charts don’t always reflect the true musical trends of an era. The disco trend was already declining in popularity. It wasn’t helped by Adam and the Ants who released a song that encouraged listeners to ditch disco in favour of a new genre – Antmusic – which Adam had invented. Anti-disco manifesto or not, Antmusic’s extraordinary rhythm, combined with Adam’s flamboyant style, made it a massive hit. It was only the re-release of Lennon’s Imagine that kept it from the Number One spot. By the middle of 1981 a restlessness was running through the major performers. He wouldn’t leave Genesis until years later, but Phil Collins released a solo album. Paul McCartney’s Wings broke up. So too did prog rockers Yes. Billy Idol left Generation X to pursue a solo career. The catalyst may have been the dearth of new material, but the summer of 1981 saw a sudden craze for recordings made up of medleys of earlier hits. Started by Dutch novelty act Stars on 45, who used studio musicians to recreate tracks, and then join them into seamless compilations with a unifying tempo, the idea took off. Even the classical world joined in. Hooked on Classics by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra reached Number Two in the charts. Meanwhile in Norfolk, a band was germinating, and creating an original, softer, post-punk sound. The Farmer’s Boys were endorsed by no less than John Peel. With song titles that included Squit and Whatever Is He Like? it would be easy to see them as parochial. The fact is that this relatively short-lived group were fine writers and musicians. They were influential, too. Listen to them again now and then play a Housemartins’ track. 1981 closed with an Abba album at Number One. Although

arguably their most sophisticated album, The Visitors was a shift in tone. The recording sessions had been marred by the pending divorce of Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad and it would be the band’s final studio recording. Another split. Still together, The Rolling Stones and The Who both announced tours in 1982, but the pre-eminence of the legendary names was at last being challenged by a new movement. Such was the challenge, that the onslaught on America from bands such as Depeche Mode, ABC, Spandau Ballet and The Human League was christened by some as ‘The Second British Invasion’ – matching that of the Beatles and Stones some 15 years earlier. This time, though, it was different. The enthusiasm and freshness that echoed earlier days were there. The craft of songwriting was in evidence, with The Human League’s Don’t You Want Me Baby typifying it. But these new bands relied heavily on synthesisers and drum machines. On the upside, it meant that, with the right kit, you could make a hit record in your bedroom. On the flipside, the technology caused a rift. At one point The Musicians Union of Central London was actually trying to ban synthesisers from live performances and recording sessions. It would be reasonable to assume that the new movement and resurgence of interest in music would lead to increased record sales, but it didn’t. Record companies blamed it on a device that many of us remember with affection – the blank tape. The problem was that a few people bought the records, and then loaned them to their friends, who taped them and carefully labelled them, writing the track names in ballpoint pen on the card inserts. The British Phonographic Industry claimed that album sales were down by 21 per cent. If 1982 had been a confusing year, the December charts underlined it with a curious mix of material. The Jam had a hit with Beat Surrender. The Human League represented the new blood with Mirror Man and smooth soul man Lionel Richie had a hit with Truly. The Christmas Number One record wasn’t even seasonal and it certainly wasn’t cool. Nobody had quite expected Renée and Renato, but Save Your Love was a huge hit. And if that wasn’t confusing enough, the overall picture was worse. Here was a reinvigorated music scene, led by new, younger bands, but record sales were falling. And yet 1983 saw the long-established Rolling Stones sign a recording contract with CBS for US $28 million – the biggest-ever contract at that time. Towards the end of 1983 an album appeared that seemed to indicate a return to the compilation idea. This time, though, it was a straight selection of hits, and it featured the original tracks. (Readers of a certain age may remember the cheap LPs of an earlier era when all the hits were there – they were just sung by unknown artists in less than outstanding cover versions and you bought them in Woolworths). Now That’s What I Call Music was initially shortened to Now. The first one came out, on vinyl, and cassette, in November 1983. It wasn’t wholly unprecedented – remember K-Tel, and Ronco? It was probably going to be a one-off. It wouldn’t last, although Now That’s What I Call Music 2 came out in 1984. Now That’s What I Call Music 58 is, as they say, out now! Next time – Frankie says “Relax” – and all the trouble that caused! Plus, much more from the mid-80s.

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SOUL MAN

One of the world’s largest soul music events has taken place in Great Yarmouth for almost four decades, from humble beginnings at a holiday centre in Caister to a new, much larger home in the town. Shaun Coomer catches up with Brian Rix, the man behind the legendary Caister Soul Weekenders

(Above) Brian Rix from Cais ter

AISTER WEEKENDERS ARE THE UK’S LONGEST-RUNNING SOUL MUSIC EVENTS,

with the very first one taking place in 1979 in Neptune’s Palace at Ladbrokes Caister Holiday Centre. Originally called The National Soul Weekender, it heralded the beginning of what was to become an on-going music phenomenon, now named after the original location at Caister-on-Sea. The essential twice-a-year sojourn for soul music lovers from around the UK, every weekender is a sell-out and many regulars come back year after year, having done so since the very first event 36 years ago. Brian Rix has been at the helm since 1993 and, along with his team, is responsible for making sure the thousands who decamp to the weekender’s new home at Vauxhall Holiday Centre have a wellorganised and truly memorable time. While preparing for this year’s first weekender event, Brian explained what it’s been like to have been involved for the last 23 years: “If you have a job you enjoy, then you never work a day in your life and that’s how it is for me. The Caister team is united in its love of the music and it’s our job is to ensure everything runs smoothly, safely and to make sure everyone has a great time at every weekender. We have a very close knit team and our DJs, The New Soul Mafia, include some of the biggest names in UK soul music such as Chris Hill, Tom Holland, Tony Matthews and Pete Collins, each playing a finely-tuned mix of old and new, and all with a genuine love of the music, and the audiences really love them for it. We also have special guest stars at every weekender; at the last event, back in September, it was world-famous DJ Joey Negro and legendary soul and R&B singer Gwen Dickey, the voice of Rose Royce with such hits as Car Wash and Wishing on a Star. It`s what Caister is all about: good music, good times and good friends - a real family spirit.” Top weekender DJ Steve Kite recalls the very first event back at Caister in 1979: “As a 17-year-old soul boy, complete with wedge haircut, piped jeans, webbing belt, striped T-shirt, white socks, and navy and white boat shoes, I attended my very first Caister, and as my friends and I entered Neptune’s Palace, there were ‘tribes’ from all over London and the Home Counties, and they weren’t just dancing! Inside the main room, the tribes were busy trying to see who could make the biggest human pyramid, whilst some people were randomly diving off balconies into the crowd, but no-one ever seemed to get hurt. DJs would spray water from the stage, in a vain attempt to rehydrate the steaming crowd and I had the time of my life! I felt like I belonged there, part of a massive family. I had been bitten by the Caister family bug, and I couldn’t wait to come back.” After fragmentation in the early 80s, with some DJs going off and doing their own thing and with other shadow weekender events taking place elsewhere, the Caister Weekender enjoyed a rebirth in the mid90s, with many of the DJs, soul boys and soul girls realising that for them, this was the true weekender event, thus launching the golden age that’s been growing in numbers and popularity for the past 20 years and which shows no sign of slowing down. Brian confirms this: “Caister continues to grow year by year, with many people booking the next weekender before they leave – it’s phenomenal. The organisation and planning involved goes on yearround and behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly over the three days of Caister. The reception staff, security and everyone behind the scenes work tirelessly to give the guys a really memorable and fun experience, one of the reasons why so many come back time and time again. “As well as many of the original and early tribes still coming along, there’s a whole range of new tribes, too. Many of the big tunes from back in the day are still played, as well as the very latest releases, and there are now four rooms of music featuring specialist sets, such as Philly, Northern Soul, Reggae, House, Motown, Brit-Funk, Latin, Jazz and so much more. Whatever your taste in soul music, our DJs cater for it.”

Soul.

MUSIC

The atmosphere at weekender events is always light, fun and happy; they call themselves “the family” and it’s easy to see why. Individuals and groups greet each other like longlost friends, as they have done for years at previous events, ensuring a real festival atmosphere. Vauxhall’s holiday homes are turned into a soul camp, with many vans draped with banners and tribal flags. Most resonate to one form of soul music or another and they’re filled with the sounds of partying, seemingly around the clock! Having attended many Caister Weekenders over the years, I know they have always catered for a wide variety of soul music lovers from all age groups, as the packed dance floors and bars bear witness. More young people are coming along each year, and with DJs and music covering the whole soul spectrum, from the traditional hard core soul, through to modern soul and R&B, all the sessions are well-attended. Some of the people I spoke to in September have been coming since the very first days back in Caister, while for some (Caister virgins, as they’re known) it was their first time. All spoke of the great atmosphere, the friendliness throughout the event and, of course, the music which they love. They also mentioned the great party atmosphere and the real family feel to the weekenders, with many focusing on the Saturday night session in the main room, which is always a fancy dress theme night (the next one will have an Arabian Nights theme). So what makes these weekenders so special? One attendee told me: “Caister is all-encompassing. It is about the music, but it is also about the atmosphere: meeting your mates, catching up with old friends, faces from the soul scene across the country who you may only meet once or twice a year. It’s about having a great time, dressing up, having a few drinks and a few laughs and forgetting about the outside world and all your other worries for a few days. There is only one Caister and there will only ever be one Caister!” The next weekender will take place at Vauxhall Holiday Park on the first May Bank Holiday weekend (from April 29 to May 2), and if you’re going along to this or any of the other dates in the Caister Soul Weekender calendar and you like your music jazzy, funky, or soulful then you`re in for a great time. If you`ve been before, then I am sure you’ll go again, and if you’re going for the first time, it won’t be your last! For more information see: www.caistersoul.co.uk

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ISLAND LIFE

Planning a British summer holiday? Mark Nicholls rediscovers the Isle of Wight TRAVEL

TRAVEL

Famed for its festivals festivals, sailing, royal residences and glorious beaches, the Isle of Wight is an island destination with a unique and diverse appeal. Combining history and culture with the appeal of a traditional British seaside holiday, it is also reinventing itself as a place for adventure and activity. Shanklin, Sandown, Ryde and Ventnor offer lovely sandy beaches, walks along the prom and a paddle in the sea, while only a few miles away are the natural features of The Needles and the historic settings where Tennyson wrote poetry. In between you can take an alpaca for a walk, explore the intriguing model village set within the picturesque hamlet of Godshill or climb a tree! The Isle of Wight is one of the nation’s treasures; a magical destination which has childhood memories for many of us, with its sandy beaches and harbours, quaint villages and towns, royal residences, lovely pubs and restaurants and a rolling, natural landscape. Its sense of adventure is encapsulated in the island’s ‘Pure Wight’ initiative which encourages anything from tree and rock climbing to karting and learning to sail. Cowes Week, during August, is one of the landmark sailing regattas in the UK. A highlight in the British sporting season, up to 1,000 boats and around 8,000 competitors will descend on the small town of Cowes for the event, which runs from Saturday, August 6 to Saturday, August 13, and which celebrates its 190th anniversary this year. Besides around 40 daily boat races, there’ll be pop-up bars and restaurants, an RAF Typhoon fly-past, a fun family day, on Sunday, August 7, and a spectacular firework display on Friday, August 12. Organisations such as the UKSA will also be there to encourage more people to sail, with taster sailing sessions taking small groups out on to the water. Meanwhile, back on dry land, one of the quirkier experiences on the Isle of Wight is trekking with llamas and alpacas. Leading a small group of llamas around a farm for an hour with West Wight Alpacas, run by Neil and Michelle Payne, was more amusing than we ever envisaged. The Isle of Wight was a favourite of Queen Victoria and, with her husband Prince Albert, she built Osborne House, which is now run by English Heritage. Its rooms and grounds provide for a fascinating afternoon. Elsewhere, there are classic attractions such as the Blackgang Chine theme park and Robin Hill, while

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The Needles, close to Freshwater and Yarmouth, is the iconic landmark of the Isle of Wight. Set in a park on the westerly tip, you can trek down the cliff with its lines of multi-coloured sands, or take the chairlift to the beach, and then create your own souvenirs in sand jars back at the top, watch glass-blowing and sweet-making demonstrations, play crazy golf or ride the carousel. The Isle of Wight is also famous for its summer rock festival which now takes place near Newport, with this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line-up for June 9 to 12 headlined by The Who, Queen and Adam Lambert, the Stereophonics and Faithless. One of the newer attractions on the Isle of Wight is Tapnell Farm with rooms in the large manor house, glamping in safari tents, cabins and eco-pods set in the agricultural landscape of the farm. The setting - which hosts the excellent Cow Co Restaurant - also offers marvellous views of the west of the island including across to the farm fields where the original Isle of Wight pop festival saw Jimi Hendrixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final performance in 1970.

TRAVEL

Other festivals on the island include the Garlic Festival – a food and drink event just outside Newchurch, which will take place on August 20 and 21 this year, and the four-day “boutique” music festival, Bestival, which will be held at Robin Hill Country Park near Newport from September 8 to 11. Meanwhile, one of the more popular attractions for children is tree climbing with Goodleaf. Centred round a majestic, 300-year-old oak tree in Appley Park just off the seafront at Ryde, ropes reach down from various heights waiting to be climbed using a technique with failsafe knots and links. Visitors climb the rope using a combination of strength, technique and agility, and in the two-hour session can climb up and perch on higher branches or hammocks slung between the boughs. The accommodation on the island ranges from traditional hotels and B&Bs to comfortable cottages. We stayed in Bonchurch in a twobedroom cottage called Strawberries in a

FACTBOX: Mark Nicholls and family stayed at Strawberries, a two-bedroom cottage near Bonchurch. It is owned and operated by Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats, which has five cottages, available all year round, sleeping between two and eight people. Sea safaris or mackerel fishing trips are £20 per adult, £15 for children. For more information visit: www.oceanbluequay.co.uk or www.oceanbluecoastalretreats. co.uk

sheltered spot on the cliff face, just along the coast from Ventnor. If you fancy a sea safari or fishing trip, Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats – which runs Strawberries and other nearby cottages – also operates excursions along the coast or offers the chance to reel in a few mackerel to take home and cook on the barbecue later in the day. The great attraction of the Isle of Wight is that there is so much to see and do if you want to be active, and it’s all within easy reach. Alternatively you can simply relax, unwind and absorb the charm and ambience of a wonderful British summer holiday destination.

For more information on visiting the Isle of Wight: www.visitIsleofWight.co.uk West Wight Alpacas: www.westwightalpacas.co.uk Godshill Model Village: www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk Tapnell Farm: www.tapnellfarm.com Goodleaf Tree Climbing: www.goodleaf.co.uk Osborn House: www.english-heritage.org.uk UKSA: www.uksa.org Wightlink: With frequent crossings for cars and foot passengers, visit www.wightlink.co.uk for more information.

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Blazer £229 Jeans £99.95 Scarf £89.95 Bracelet £49.95 all available from Madeline

PRETTY PASTELS

Spruce up your spring wardrobe with ice cream shades that look good enough to eat. Here are some pretty pastels selected by Donna Titcombe to transport you to a sunnier place

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

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Tommy Hilfiger collection wide leg blue linen trousers, various stockists £125

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Sledge grey patent platform courts, from LK Bennett £195

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Oasis Tonal Rose placement Tee, House of Fraser intu Chapelfield £20

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Michael Kors Cynthia pink tote bag, from House of Fraser intu Chapelfield £199.50

LADIES’ FASHION

06.

Uta Raasch dress £209 Uta Raasch Jacket £204

Ted Baker Darte secret trellis T-shirt, from Jarrolds £59

both available from Peter Hahn

07.

Joseph cropped skinny trousers in pink, various stockists £185

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Pastel bracelet, from Jaeger £75

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Red Valentino yellow mini bowling bag, various stockists £415

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Muratti loafas, from Sarenza.co.uk £90.50

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Summer w stock no e availabl

Fabulous clothes for the discerning lady.

Church Road, Hoveton, Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8UG | 01603 784248

www.annettecollins.co.uk

FASHION

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

LOOKING GOOD THIS SUMMER Invest in luxury eyewear for the season ahead. Protect your eyes while looking chic in a pair of these stunning sunglasses Selected by Donna Titcombe

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Fendi Jungle sunglasses, various stockists £300

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Jimmy Choo, Megan, dove grey oversized sunglasses with jewelled clusters, various stockists £300

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Burberry Gabardine lace collection square frame sunglasses, various stockists £250

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Prada Sun PR 270S various stockists £202

Bvlgary 8162 cat eye sunglasses, various stockists £370

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Gucci crystal marina chain sunglasses, various stockists £365

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06. 03. M AY 2 01 6

available with a Harley Street trained professional

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Diagnostic Imaging For more information 01603 812266 Visit us at: www.globalclinicnorwich.co.uk Colney Hall, Watton Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TY

Make Global Diagnostics your preferred provider of Healthcare Services in East Anglia Global Diagnostics is a leading provider of Diagnostic Imaging Services and Treatments. With access to some of the most eminent local specialists, our Global Clinic in Norwich, situated in the beautiful woodland area of Colney Hall offers patients a wide range of healthcare services. Our clinic is open to all patients with Private Medical Insurance or patients that wish to self-fund their own treatment. We offer immediate access to renowned specialists, diagnostics and treatments.

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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

FASHION

01.

02.

Tunic £85 available from Peter Hahn

flowers

03.

Say it with

Blooms continue to flourish this season so make room in your spring wardrobe for these fabulous floral prints selected by Donna Titcombe

06.

01.

Fiorelli Arizona multicoloured medium tote bag, various stockists £65

Jessica Necklace, Hobbs £99

Radley Women’s Rosemary Gardens bracelet strap watch, silver and white, various stockists £115

02.

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Dolce & Gabbana floral printed silk scarf, various stockists £255

French Sole by appointment to Liberty, Henrietta betsy bow ballet pumps £125

04.

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Nails Inc Daisy Lane nail polish, various stockists £15

NORFOLK SPA SPRING SPECIALS NORFOLK

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Decleor Facial Express Manicure/Pedicure Blow Dry Glass of Bubbly £45 ............... Deluxe Manicure Blow Dry Afternoon Tea £35

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Norfolk Park Bacton Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 0RA Untitled-3 1

4/15/2016 5:29:28 PM

A MODERN APPROACH

WELL-BEING

Contemporary lifestyles can be counter-productive when it comes to staying fit and healthy, so it’s up to us to do something about it…

ITH PEOPLE LEADING A MORE SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE than ever before, it’s

no wonder that this country’s obesity levels are soaring. Overweight and obese children, adolescents and adults are a growing problem in the UK, with over-16s considered overweight if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 25 and 29, and obese if that figure rises to 30 and above. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2) and, although other factors can also be taken into account (such as gender, age and build), it is commonly used to classify overweight status and obesity in adults. With overweight children more likely to become overweight adults and all sorts of illnesses (such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer) linked to excessive weight gain, the nation’s collective health is a matter of great concern. Our modern lifestyles mean greater reliance on our cars, more hours than ever spent watching TV and other screens, more time spent in front of our computers and at desk-bound jobs, and the ready availability of an abundance of high calorie food. Walk into any supermarket and you will see shelves stacked with convenience foods – ready meals and salty, fatty and sugary snacks – so unless we make a concerted effort to tackle the situation, the nation’s collective waistline is only going to get bigger. More and more of us are office bound or are opting to work at home, with people jumping in their cars for short journeys or no longer having the necessity to commute to work at all. For those with children, often the school run is, in reality, a quick trip in the car, too, with all this inactivity and access to more and more unhealthy foods only aggravating the problem. So what can we do? Generally-speaking, everyone knows how to lose weight and stay fit – simply eat less and move more – but if only it were that simple. Modern, stressful lifestyles are often punctuated by unhealthy coffee breaks, mid-morning snacks and lunches, with convenience food grabbed on the go and little time for freshly-

prepared meals. But small changes can make a big difference, and it’s up to us to fit exercise into our day and to take more care of what we eat. In his latest Budget, on March 16 this year, Chancellor George Osborne announced the introduction of a “sugar tax” which will be levied on drinks companies in two years’ time. Manufacturers will be taxed according to the quantity of sugarladen drinks they produce or import, with one category for total sugar content above 5g per 100ml and another, higher tax band for drinks with more than 8g per 100ml. The money raised has been earmarked for primary school sports and, as eating large quantities of sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity, prominent sugar tax campaigner Jamie Oliver was delighted with the news. He said: “We did it guys!! We did it!! A sugar level on sweetened drinks…a profound move that will ripple around the world…business cannot come between our kids’ health.” Of course, the easy way to avoid the sugar tax (which will see a few pence added to each can of sugary drink sold) is simply not to buy the sugar-laden drinks in the first place, choosing more natural drinks – such as water, fresh fruit juice and coconut water, for example – in their place. As adults, we are responsible for our children’s health and it’s up to us to keep an eye on what they eat, encouraging them to have fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables and to cut down on sugar, thereby instilling a sensible approach. It’s also up to us to try to fit exercise into our week – whether by treating a visit to the gym, pool or park as a business appointment (ie. by making a date and time and sticking to it), paying heed to the ‘Five A Day’ mantra and swopping as many unhealthy items on our shopping list for those with more nutritional value. There are lots of small, simple solutions that we can take, without having to embark on drastic diets, which often don’t work in the long-term anyway – reaching for an apple instead of a chocolate biscuit, for example, taking a short walk at lunchtime, riding round the park at the weekend with the kids… In this stressful, non-stop world, it’s also important to have some downtime, whether an occasional pampering session at a local beauty salon, or simply a swim. As the old adage says, as long as you’ve got your health, you’ve got plenty to look forward to.

M AY 2 01 6

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01.

FASHION

03.

David Gandy for Autograph at M&S tailored ﬁt swim shorts £29.50

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

THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST

beach

styles Stylish shorts, casual shirts, summer hats and on-trend sneakers This holiday collection, selected by Donna Titcombe, will keep you looking cool when the temperatures start to soar

06.

01.

Boss Green slim-fit short-sleeved shirt with ‘bhillo’ print, from hugoboss.com £109

04.

02.

Boss Green blue slim-fit shorts, House of Fraser intu Chapelfield £99

03.

Ted Baker ‘Mandown’ travel kit and towel, from Nordstrom £67

Wallaroo Men’s Trilogy trilby hat, various stockists £49.95 Ray-Ban 3507 Clubmaster Aluminum, from www.ray-ban.com £140

05.

04.

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Ralph Lauren white polo hanford leather sneakers, from www.menlook.com £76

M AY 2 01 6

Discover the secret of younger looking skin Dale Evans has 30 years of experience as a skin specialist. From her discreet studio in Hethersett she offers a comprehensive list of treatments.

Wedding and Races Season has arrived!

Ultimate anti ageing facial 1. ‘Collagenwave’ uses radio frequency to enable skin tightening and rejuvenation. The only machine in Norfolk! 2. ‘Caci ‘ non surgical face lifting, lifts and tones giving the appearance of a face lift without the surgery 3. ‘Microdermabrasion’ resurfaces and brightens

Visit the new Occasion Emporium at The Style Show for a selection of great dresses you are unlikely to find elsewhere! Book in for a private shop or pop in on a Friday from 10 am - 4pm.

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Pightle Barn, Blacksmiths Lane, Middlewood Green, Stowmarket IP14 5EU

Open Monday & Thursday 10am - 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10am - 5pm Also selected Saturday and Sundays 10-4 (please call to check) Tel: 01449 711014 Fax: 01449 711815 Email: enquiries@wandmsmith.co.uk Website: www.wandmsmith.co.uk - online shop now open!

MEN’S FASHION

RED HOT SHADES

If you are a fashion-conscious man looking for that stylish accessory for the summer you could invest in a pair of these designer sunglasses, selected by Donna Titcombe

01.

Davidoff sunglasses. 97337, from Selectspecs £153

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Jenson 7001C1 available from Observatory the Opticians £69

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Tom Ford Andy sunglasses in Havana, from Red Hot Sunglasses £176

02.

Ray-Ban unisex RB2140 original Wayfarer sunglasses, from House of Fraser intu Chapelfield £125

02.

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05. 04.

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Emporio Armani EA4062 (50171Y), from JP Opticians £108

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Gucci GG1078 S52, from Sunglass Hut £230 M AY 2 01 6

Established in 2009, we are leading stockists of women’s premier clothing brands including:• French Connection • Irregular Choice • Yumi • Uttam Boutique • Brakeburn • Ness • Pretty Dress Company • Vivienne Westwood X Melissa • Fly London • Darling Clothing and many more..... We also have a fabulous collection of vintage-style accessories including bags and jewellery.

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NEWLY REFURBISHED MUSIC ROOM the Ideal Wedding Venue for your big day.

With natural tones to compliment any colour scheme, the contemporary room is full of elegance with an eye catching bespoke chandelier and glamorous bar. Boasting state of the art sound system and lighting,the Music Room is also ideal for Engagement parties, Birthday parties and Conferences. Head Chef and our experienced team design the FABULOUS RANGE OF MENUS designed to cater for your taste. Award winning suppliers providing simply delightful dining experience. If you are looking for a venue which provides an intimate, warm friendly welcome, then look no further. The Cliff has everything you need, ensuring you have an enjoyable day.

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Launching FM this Summer, currently we are streaming online, which anyone can use. We are still looking for volunteers, we have a website which has a application form if anyone is interested, we are very much community based, we are a non profit organisation, however we are always looking for funding and donations, anything you can do to advertise us and help us achieve this we would be very grateful.

www.harbourradio.co.uk email studio@harbourradio.co.uk Telephone 01493 93877

Hall Ltd LoxleyGarden Designs Creating and maintaining gardens in the golden triangle

• Flexible & innovative design plans • Regular pruning, maintenance services, pressure washing, tidy ups & makeovers

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With our growing directory find shops, suppliers, restaurants, cafes, cookery classes.

Information, tips and blogs from our team of experts and guest bloggers. Keep up to date with events happening in your area, food festivals, cooking classes and demonstrations, fine dining evenings and new and exciting places to visit and new and exciting products to buy. Promote your business and your products to our ever growing gluten free community. For more information on any of the above email for an info package today.

sara@norfolkglutenfreedom.co.uk Find us on social media twitter @yourglutenfreed www.facebook.com/yourglutenfreedom www.yourglutenfreedom.co.uk

Britain’s biggest beer shop and online store

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Britain’s biggest beer shop and online store with over 4000 bottled beers/real ales, cider, malt whisky, rum, gin, unusual spirits, cocktail and coffee syrups and a huge range of branded glasses.

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WAITROSE NORWICH We think the best person to pick offers for you is you. So we’ve created Pick Your Own Offers. Pick your 10 products from hundreds available and you’ll SAVE 20% on them every time you shop online or in store with your myWaitrose card Waitrose Norwich Eaton Centre, Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich NR4 6NU Tel: 01603 458114 waitrose.com/norwich Sun: Mon: Tues: Wed: Thur: Fri: Sat: Branch Location

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GOING GLUTEN-FREE

Cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants, retailers and food producers are wising up to the gluten-free market, as Carolyn Atkins discovers…

JANUARY 2016

Norfolk EXPO

Pictures: Your Gluten Freedom

FOOD & DRINK

LAST YEAR NORFOLK’S FIRST GLUTEN-FREE EXPO took place at The Forum in Norwich, with the successful Your Gluten Freedom event descending on the popular city centre venue in October. This month it’ll be back, with Your Gluten Freedom planned from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, May 8, featuring over 50 gluten-free stalls, with street food, cookery demonstrations, talks and children’s activities all adding up to a great free-from food festival. Last year’s event was buzzing, with a crowd of visitors arriving at The Forum – both inside and out – to meet the producers, buy local ingredients and gluten-free products as well as to network and to listen to the event’s informative speakers. As before, this month’s event will also be manned by health experts and organisations offering advice and support, and, of course, there’ll be all sorts of fabulous free-from items to buy, from delicious-looking artisan breads, cakes, cookies, chutney and cereals to honey, beer, cider, cooking sauces, pies, flour, store cupboard ingredients, quiches, make-up, beauty products and more. Gluten-free goods are becoming big news, with more and more people turning to gluten-free food and drink for health and dietary reasons. People with coeliac disease have an immune system that reacts abnormally to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats) which can cause small bowel damage, inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients, anaemia and (particularly in children) weight loss among other concerns, and so it’s crucial that their food and drink is gluten-free. What’s more, many people suffer from wheat intolerance and so gluten-free products are also beneficial for them. Steve Thorpe, assistant principal for diversification at City College Norwich, will be giving a cookery demonstration – for glutenfree doughnuts – at this month’s Your Gluten Freedom event.

He has personal experience of gluten-intolerance and said: “Having not being diagnosed as a coeliac until my mid-50s, I had to change quite a few of my eating and shopping habits. I didn’t use the prescription service that has now been withdrawn for most people; this, in the main, is due to the wide availability of gluten-free products. There is now a wide range of products available in supermarkets, but the best shops are the speciality ones around the county which have a variety of good individual products available and, in most instances, someone who understands what you need. The biggest issue is the price, especially for families, so education about how to cook and bake free-from is the next challenge.” However, many local food and drink producers, cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants are embracing gluten-free products in order to satisfy customer demand. Graphic designer Ashley Coomer, who works on Places & Faces‰, is also gluten-intolerant and so constantly has to seek out gluten-free goods. Ashley recently sampled the gluten-free beer, G-Free, from St Peter’s Brewery in Bungay. House in their distinctive, rounded, glass bottles, the beer comes in a pale (ABV 4.2%) and a dark (3.9%) version, is suitable for coeliacs and is available to buy direct from the brewery as well as in pubs and bars across East Anglia. Commenting on the light beer, Ashley said: “It was very nice and it’s something I’d drink if I saw it for sale in a pub. You probably wouldn’t drink too many in one sitting, though, as the flavour is quite strong – it seems like the type of drink that would go down well with a barbecue.” The gluten-free beer is indicative of the general increase of gluten-free products across East Anglia, which makes it a more accessible place to eat out, as Steve Thorpe from City College Norwich acknowledges: “I eat out quite often across Norwich and Norfolk. I have found that most establishments can meet my needs, as long as they are informed beforehand; the best tip is to use establishments where they use fresh local produce and can tell you what is in each dish...

M AY 2 01 6

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catering businesses are recognising the potential to offer clear information to customers to enable them to make the right choice.” Commenting on his favourite gluten-free restaurants, Steve added: “I have a number of ones that I like to use, mostly because I know someone in the team or the proprietor. Having been involved with training so many people over my 23 years in Norwich, it would be hard to single one or two out, but if you call ahead and talk to them, you soon get to know who can deal with your dietary requirements. I eat across a spectrum of food styles, so not just the top end - I love coffee and cake mid-morning or a quick sandwich in the city.” Indeed, numerous local cafés, restaurants and retailers offer gluten-free goods these days, from the aptly-named Gluten Free Café on Timberhill in Norwich to The Green Grocer on the city’s Earlham Road. Like St Peter’s Brewery, Beers of Europe (based in King’s Lynn) also stocks glutenfree lagers and bitters, while gluten-free ice cream, desserts and cakes are available from Parravanis in Beccles, along with delicious free-from treats from Digby’s Fine Chocolates in Cromer. Even glutenfree cocktails are available (try the Porterhouse Bar & Grill in Gorleston or Lust & Liquor in Norwich), while a whole range of gluten-free dishes is available at the popular vegetarian venue, River Green Café, in Trowse. Chris Avey, head chef and director at River Green, who joined the restaurant just before Christmas, said: “We don’t get asked very often for glutenfree options now as we have plenty to satisfy the customers – we were getting asked quite a bit, but now we’ve got a bit more of the current menu gluten-free as standard. There’s a gluten-free noodle soup and gluten-free burgers, for example, and lots of the desserts are gluten-free, such as the chocolate torte. Increasingly these days we do have gluten-free customers and they’re already having vegetarian or vegan meals, so a restricted diet, so we like to be a bit more creative and to keep it interesting. We’re just working on the summer menu, which is coming together at the moment, and we’ll make sure that we maintain the same number of gluten-free options.” With an increasing number of people turning to free-from food, it’s essential that budding chefs and front of house staff learn about food intolerances, as Steve Thorpe explains: “Within the Hotel School the development of knowledge and skills around dietary requirements is an integral part of all qualifications. All the senior chef and food service courses include specific allergen awareness training and then, of course, dish development, around producing dishes safely to meet individual customer needs.” Commenting on catering for coeliacs, Steve added: “There has been an increase in the number of people who are now being diagnosed; it is believed that one in 100 people have symptoms. With wider information available both for professionals in the catering industry and the general public, more people are reducing the amount of gluten in the diet as part of a healthier lifestyle. This is where some conflicts occur in messages - coeliac disease is a life-long auto-immune disease that damages the stomach lining and digestive system, where a

wheat-free diet may have health benefits for other individuals, it may not be as critical in terms of long term damage to the digestive system. “At the College, we teach the basic five Cs: Contents – what’s in the product you are using (there is wheat in some soya sauce); Contact – how is food stored and where; Cross Contamination – using equipment that hasn’t been cleaned correctly (ie. using the same knife to cut GF cake as other cakes, same toaster); Cleaning – ensuring all equipment is cleaned correctly before use, including knives, processors and boards; and Communication – within catering establishments, making sure that chef has been told everything about the customers’ requirements.” All of the recipes in this month’s magazine are gluten-free, demonstrating the wide variety of delicious, gluten-free dishes available these days. At the Your Gluten Freedom event at The Forum, Steve Thorpe will be showing the audience how to make gluten-free doughnuts and so we’ve also included the recipe for those below. He said: “I have decided to make doughnuts as, having spoken to a number of coeliacs, it seems to be the one thing most miss, so worth sharing - the important thing about these types of events are about tips, techniques and meeting others, so I’m really looking forward to the day.”

GLUTEN-FREE DOUGHNUTS Makes 40 INGREDIENTS 10g Xanthan Gum 400g Gluten-Free flour mix 540g Tapioca flour/starch 10g Dried yeast 20g Salt 225g Melted butter 340g Honey 3 Whole eggs 15g Vanilla extract 500g Apple juice (pressed) METHOD Mix all the dry ingredients together in a food mixer. Mix all the wet ingredients together with the melted butter. Place all the ingredients in the mixing bowl, then mix them together until they form a soft dough. Place the dough in a container and allow to prove for two hours. The dough will then be ready to use, but will improve further if rested overnight in the fridge. Fold back the dough, then shape. Roll out the dough, cut with a round cutter, take out a piece from each centre or shape them like bread rolls and flatten. Prove for 20 to 30 minutes and then cook in a deep fryer at 170C, then toss through cinnamon sugar. Recipe: Steve Thorpe, City College Norwich

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GR FI E NG EN ER S

Asparagus season has arrived and there are all sorts of options for serving this versatile vegetable

The British asparagus season is well underway, with these lovely, succulent green spears appearing on menus across the country. In season for just a couple of months each year – from the end of April to the end of June – this wonderful, delicate vegetable can be served in a multitude of ways: boiled, steamed, grilled, poached, roasted and barbecued, as well as, of course, added to numerous hot and cold dishes. Asparagus makes a tasty starter or side dish, or can be beefed up with other ingredients for a main meal, while some asparagus aficionados even serve up asparagus ice cream. In fact, the uses for this versatile vegetable are as varied as your imagination, so take a look at the recipes on these pages and check out: www.britishasparagus.com for all sorts of other delicious ideas. Available from all major supermarkets, asparagus can also be found in independent greengrocers, farm shops, veg boxes, markets and roadside stalls and is very quick and easy to cook. The great news is that, besides its wonderful, delicate taste, this fast-growing vegetable is also low in calories and is very good for us, being packed full of goodness including Vitamins C and K. So make the most of May and June when asparagus is abundant, as the British WWW.BRITISHASPARAGUS.COM asparagus season is short and sweet.

MEXICAN-STYLE BRITISH ASPARAGUS WITH LIME & SOUR CREAM GLAZE

Add a Mexican twist to your asparagus by adding this superb lime and sour cream glaze. Pop it on the barbecue or on to a griddle pan and you’re good to go. SERVES: TWO PREPARATION TIME: FIVE MINUTES COOKING TIME: FIVE MINUTES INGREDIENTS · 1 bunch British asparagus, trimmed · 2 tsp oil · 1 tbsp sour cream · ½ lime · 20g Parmesan, finely grated · ½ tsp chilli powder · ½ tsp ground cumin METHOD Brush the asparagus with oil and cook on the barbecue for five minutes, turning regularly. Meanwhile combine the sour cream and lime juice, and in a separate bowl mix together the cheese and spices. Once the asparagus is cooked, brush each spear with the sour cream mixture then sprinkle with the cheese and serve. Nb. You can add a little more or less spice to suit your taste.

RECIPES

RAW BRITISH ASPARAGUS, CARROT & CHIA SALAD This light, fresh salad couldn’t be easier to make – and it’s so full of flavour that you’ll want to make it again and again. Try it as a starter, or serve it as a healthy, light lunch. SERVES: ONE PREPARATION TIME: FIVE MINUTES INGREDIENTS · 1 carrot · 4 asparagus spears · 4 radishes · 2 tsp cold-pressed rapeseed oil · Juice of ½ lemon · 2 tsp raw honey · 1 tsp chia seed METHOD Use a vegetable peeler to ribbon the carrots and asparagus spears then cut the radishes into thin slices. Combine the rapeseed oil, lemon juice and honey, season and then beat well to combine. Toss the vegetables in the dressing and then sprinkle with chia seeds.

BRITISH ASPARAGUS, SALMON & SQUASH RICE BOWL This wholesome dish makes a healthy and colourful lunch or dinner option that’s packed with goodness. Simply prepare the ingredients, pop them in the oven and you’re good to go. SERVES: TWO PREPARATION TIME: TEN MINUTES COOKING TIME: FORTY MINUTES INGREDIENTS · 500g butternut squash, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces · 1 tbsp oil · 2 tsp cumin seeds · Pinch of chilli flakes · 2cm ginger, grated · 1 bunch British asparagus spears, trimmed · 2 salmon fillets · 2 tsp honey · 200g cooked brown rice · 1 tbsp peanuts, chopped · 4 sprigs coriander · Squeeze of lemon METHOD Heat the oven to 220˚C/200˚C fan. Toss the squash, oil, cumin, chilli and a pinch of salt in a large oven tray and roast for 25 minutes. Meanwhile rub the ginger over the salmon and drizzle with honey. After 25 minutes add the asparagus and salmon to the pan and then cook for a further 10 minutes. Once cooked, put the squash, asparagus and rice in a bowl, top with a salmon fillet, the chopped peanuts and coriander. Squeeze a little lemon over everything and serve. M AY 2 01 6

PAN-FRIED SCALLOPS, PEA PURÉE, CRISPY PORK BELLY, WHOLEGRAIN MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE 4 INGREDIENTS 400g piece of pork belly (boneless) 10g shallots, chopped 12 scallops, cleaned and out of the shell

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2pts chicken stock 6 tbsps olive oil 4 handfuls lettuce of your choice 2 sprigs thyme

200g frozen peas ¼ cup white wine vinegar ½ carrot 2g salt

1 tbsp demerara sugar ½ onion 100ml milk 3 tbsps wholegrain mustard

½ celery 1/3 cup of olive oil Salt and pepper

IMPERIAL HOTEL

SIMON WAINWRIGHT, executive head chef of the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, creates a light and delicious, gluten-free dish METHOD

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

Take the pork belly and place it in a saucepan along with the thyme, carrot, celery and onion. Bring the stock to the boil and pour it into the saucepan with the pork. Place a lid on the pan and braise for two hours or until tender. Once cooked, take the pork out of the liquid and place it in the fridge overnight. FOR THE PEA PURÉE Place the shallots in a saucepan with a tablespoon of olive oil and sweat till soft. Add the milk, salt and peas and, once the mixture has come to the boil, cook for five minutes. Strain the milk off the peas and purée in a blender, adding some of the milk to create a purée consistency. Push the mixture through a sieve to achieve a smoother texture and keep it warm. FOR THE MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE Place the sugar, white wine vinegar, wholegrain mustard and some salt and pepper into a mixing bowl. Slowly add the olive oil until it has the consistency of a dressing, using a whisk to incorporate it. FOR THE CRISPY PORK BELLY Cut the cold pork belly into 1cm cubes. Allowing three pieces per person, fry in two tablespoons of olive oil in a hot frying pan until crispy and hot and then keep the meat warm. TO FINISH Heat a large frying pan and, once hot, add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Place the scallops in carefully and fry on the first side for one-and-a-half minutes. Turn the scallops with a slice or palette knife and cook for a further minute. Let the scallops rest in the pan off the heat. Once rested, they should be firm to touch. Make sure that your pork belly and pea purée are hot. Place three dots of pea purée down the middle of each plate and place a scallop on each, then place a piece of pork belly next to each scallop. Dress your lettuce leaves with a little of the mustard vinaigrette and place these in and around the scallops. Finish with an additional drop or two of mustard vinaigrette and serve.

WINE NOTES

2014 Riesling, Yealands Estate, Single Vineyard , Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand NICK MOBBS,

director and wine expert at the Imperial Hotel, says:

THE YEALANDS WINERY is located in the southern Awatere Valley sub-region of Marlborough in New Zealand’s South Island. Yealands Estate is arguably the most ambitious family-owned vineyard enterprise in the country. Peter Yealands’ vision took on the challenge of creating terraced vineyards amongst these rolling foothills in the late 90s, eventually realising Yealands Seaview Vineyard. Yealands Estate is a showcase of innovative environmental sustainability, with the wines carefully nurtured from the vine to the bottle with low impact methods, leading-edge green technologies and some very inventive thinking. Simon’s scallops dish is packed with flavour thanks to the pork belly and the scallops themselves and this Riesling brings all the flavour profiles I am looking for to complement the dish. The wine maker, Tamra Kelly-Washington, has created a wonderful Riesling - pale straw in colour with a pure nose of lemon and lime. Dry in style, this Riesling is focused and steely, with a wonderful balance between the refreshing, racy acidity and purity of fruit. It’s a great wine for this dish as it helps to cut through the richness of the pork, yet does not overpower the more delicate flavours of the scallops.

• 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

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

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RECIPE

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

The

taste of

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

ROAST LAMB

INGREDIENTS Serves four

For the main dish Four 150g rumps of lamb 300g spinach 500g orzo pasta 450g potatoes 200g broad beans 1 clove garlic 100ml double cream 1tsp raspberry vinegar 1tbsp olive oil 50g unsalted butter 1 punnet Shiso or a handful of salad leaves Table salt Ground white pepper Fried leeks to garnish

with wilted spinach, orzo and sautéed potato salad

METHOD

1. Cook the orzo pasta in a litre of boiling, salty water for three minutes then strain, refresh with icy water and reserve. 2. Cook the broad beans the same way and put them aside, too. 3. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1cm cubes and finely chop the clove of garlic. 4. Season the rump of lamb well and sear it in a hot pan with a little bit of butter and a drizzle of olive oil. 5. Remove the meat from the pan and place it in a roasting tray and then cook it for 15 minutes at 220˚C.

6. While the rumps are cooking, wash, cook and season the spinach leaves in the same pan with a drizzle of olive oil. 7. Once cooked, remove the spinach and add a little more oil to the pan and then gently shallow fry the potatoes for five to seven minutes. 8. Once cooked, remove the potatoes then discard the excess oil. Pour in the double cream and reduce this by half. 9. Remove the meat from the oven and leave it to rest for five minutes.

10. While the meat is resting, re-heat the orzo pasta, the broad beans and the potatoes all together in a saucepan then mix in the chopped garlic and season to taste. 11. Slice the meat and arrange the dish as shown in the picture, then pour the reduced cream around it and add a drizzle of raspberry vinegar. 12. Garnish with fried leeks and Shiso or salad leaves and serve immediately.

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DECADENT DESSERT These gluten-free profiteroles taste as good as they look and the special choux pastry has lots of other uses, too, says Richard Bainbridge from Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich

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FOOD & DRINK

Richard Bainbridge

is the chef proprietor of Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich www.restaurantbenedicts.com info@restaurantbenedicts.com or call 01603 926080

FROM A CHEF’S POINT OF VIEW, I have seen a marked increase in gluten-free diets over the last five years or so. Five years ago my eyes would roll when a waiter came into the kitchen to say: “Chef, we have a gluten-free on table nine!” But people’s attitudes are changing, with the idea of living a healthier life all round and it’s great to be able to pin-point the cause of something which has bugged them for years. So now it is a daily thing for chefs to have dietary requirements to work with and it makes us better chefs and pushes us harder to make our customers happy, so actually it is good for everyone. In the past, if someone had asked me: “If you were gluten-free, what would you miss?” it would have to be profiteroles. By hook or by crook, they’re the one food that I simply could not do without, as profiteroles are so epic! But nowadays there is so much more information out there and gluten-free produce has become more commonplace, even in our local corner shops, and so everything is possible. So here is a gluten-free choux pastry recipe that is not only perfect for profiteroles, but which has so many other uses (it also freezes well). This gluten-free pastry can be used for deepfrying doughnuts, or grate some cheese on top and bake it off and you’ll have the perfect, gluten-free canapé; simply fill it with a gluten-free cheese sauce and you’ll have another epic dish! INGREDIENTS

for the CHOUX PASTRY · 70g salted butter · Good pinch of sugar · Good pinch of sea salt · 110g gluten-free white flour · ½ tsp xanthan gum · 140g beaten egg (about three eggs)

RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE PROFITEROLES,

WITH RASPBERRIES AND FRESH MINT METHOD

Melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat. Add 130ml water, the salt and the sugar, and bring to a gentle boil. Sift the flour on to a sheet of baking parchment. Take the pan off the heat and tip in the flour straight away, all at once, stirring vigorously, then beat until fairly smooth. Return the mixture immediately to a medium heat and beat until it forms a sticky lump, leaving the sides of the pan more or less clean. Cook it for a minute or two at this stage to get the starch to gelatinise. Transfer to a standing mixer fitted with a dough attachment, or a mixing bowl if using an electric hand whisk. Allow the mixture to cool just a little, until you can bear to touch it, but no more or it will not take enough egg to puff. Add the pectin, but do not stir. Beat the eggs again, until lightly frothy, then add to the dough mixture a little at a time, beating well until the mixture is smooth again (NB. You may not need all the egg, so go carefully at the end – a teaspoonful can make the difference between floppy choux and one that puffs. The mixture should just drop off a spoon if you shake it – a little stiffer than a cake batter.) Continue beating until it is cold - it should be smooth, elastic and pipe-able, with a very slight sheen. Use it straight away. Pre-heat the oven to 240˚C/Gas Mark 9. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and dab a little choux paste under the corners to hold it in place.

for the ICING

· 100ml double cream · 125g milk chocolate, chopped into small pieces

for the FILLING

· 400ml whipping cream · 2–4 tsps caster sugar

for the TOPPING

· Freeze-dried raspberries, fresh raspberries and fresh mint

Using a large piping bag with a large, plain nozzle, pipe the paste into eight/ten large balls or domes, at least 4cm apart. Dab a wet finger on the pointed end of each one so that it will be rounded once baked. Bake for 15 minutes until puffed and just starting to colour, then lower the oven setting to 200˚C/Gas Mark 6 and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes until firm and crisp. Pierce the side of each profiterole a couple of times with a skewer to release the steam. Return the profiteroles to the oven for five minutes then turn the oven off, leaving them inside for a further 10 minutes to dry. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. WHILE THE PROFITEROLES ARE BAKING, MAKE THE TOPPING. In a small pan over a medium heat, bring the cream almost to the boil. Take it off the heat, add the chocolate and leave it to melt for a couple of minutes then stir - the consistency should be like thick double cream. If it is a little too thick, add two to three teaspoons of boiling water and stir until glossy again. Set aside to cool until thick enough to top the profiteroles without running off. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE FILLING. Pour the cream into a bowl, stir in the sugar until it dissolves, then whip until soft and thick. Put the cream into a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle (or use a teaspoon). When you are ready to assemble, cut a hole in the base of each profiterole and remove any soft pastry from the middle then spoon or pipe cream into the base of each one. Dip the tops into the icing and gently press on to the bases. Sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries and fresh mint. Eat the profiteroles straight away or allow the chocolate to set in a cool place. Do not wait more than an hour before eating, though, or the buns will go soggy. Enjoy! And the best thing is that noone will ever know that these are gluten-free.

M AY 2 01 6

THANKS FOR THE MEMORY James Spicer visits The Olive Tree restaurant in North Walsham for a steak to remember

everal decades ago, impoverished though we were at the time, my wife and I decided that Paris was the only place to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary year. The French capital was not at its best – grey and chilly – but we loved it. We froze nearly to death on the top open deck of a bateau mouche; we walked for miles taking in the sights. We enjoyed pretty good food and wine… as one might reasonably expect. Except for one occasion: we ended up in the famous Chartier’s, housed in one of the glorious old Parisian buildings, for a prix fixe dinner (I did say we were impoverished); it was one of those places where the waiter wrote down your order on the paper table cloth amid much shouting and gesticulating. One of the main course choices was steak, which sounded pretty good to me, so I chose it. To say it was a disappointment is putting it mildly: you’ve heard of the saying “as tough as old boots”? This was as tough as a regiment of boots. I sent it back several times to see if it could be tenderised slightly, but to no avail. No surprise, then, that it put me off steak for several years. Even visits to America, where huge steaks are commonplace, couldn’t tempt me back. Going out for dinner with groups of friends, most of whom seemed always to order steak, didn’t help. But there is a positive end to all this. Gradually, over the years, I have been weaned back, mainly

M AY 2 01 6

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because of a delicious piece of sirloin we had in a tasting menu at a Yorkshire hotel a few years back. You could cut it with a fork, and it was the best piece of meat I had had in ages. So, to turn up at The Olive Tree restaurant in North Walsham on steak night was not quite the hurdle it might have been had the visit been just post-Paris. In fact, just the opposite. The Olive Tree, it is safe to say, is not quite the sort of place one might expect to find in North Walsham. It is the on-site restaurant to the Norfolk Park development on Bacton Road and has a pleasant Mediterranean-style setting with patio, a carp water feature, summer bar area and open-air heated swimming pool – not that we could enjoy any of this on a dark Tuesday evening. But the restaurant was light, bright and welcoming. The young and most capable staff welcomed us warmly and we were soon enjoying a glass of Vina Carrasco Sauvignon Blanc (£16.50 for the bottle) from a wine menu that had a touch of realism, price-wise, about it. Yes, James Bond would probably remark on our “white wine with steak” choice as he did on “red wine with fish” in From Russia With Love, but we both prefer white, and are great believers so far as wine is concerned in having what you prefer, rather than what you ought to. Steak night is just that: there are four choices – sirloin, ribeye, burger and gammon – plus a selection of accompanying sauces, for between £12 and £15.99. This is pretty good value, given that it also includes chips and vine tomatoes. Fortunately we were both fairly hungry, having not eaten since lunchtime, and, having seen the size of the courses,

it was just as well! Attractively served on boards, with the chips in small wire baskets, my ribeye and wife’s steak burger turned out to be cooked just as we had requested. My ribeye was delicious; still slightly pink in the middle, but nicely caramelised on the outside. It was tender and juicy – and my wife gave a similar report on her burger. Our chips were pretty good, too; big, crisp and chunky, but soft in the middle. These did much to satisfy our hunger, so we decided to share a pudding, choosing the Baileys crème brûlée (£6.50), which was served with a red berry compote and four poppy seed shortbread biscuits. Again, the dish was attractively presented and the slightly tart compote contrasted perfectly with the lushness of the Baileys. There were several pudding choices, plus a Norfolk cheese board on offer. The Olive Tree has several of these “specials” nights (for more details visit www.theolivetreenorfolk.com) but the à la carte menu is also attractive with a wide choice of starters, mains and desserts. There are also breakfast, lunch and Sunday menus, and the restaurant is open all week – although times vary. Again, visit the website. Thoroughly satisfied, we set off on our journey home and I reflected on the contrast of the excellent steak I had just enjoyed with that earlier Paris horror story. What was it Rick Blaine said at the end of Casablanca – “we’ll always have Paris….”? Not any more! The Olive Tree Restaurant Bacton Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 0RA Telephone: 01692 404 900 Email: enquiries@theolivetreenorfolk.com www.theolivetreenorfolk.com

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

THIS FAB DRINK HAS A REAL RETRO FLAVOUR BROUGHT BANG UP-TO-DATE FOR THE DISCERNING COCKTAIL LOVER INGREDIENTS 15ml good quality vodka 25ml cherry sours 15ml raspberry vodka (Absolut or similar) 25ml lime juice 25ml vanilla syrup (a vanilla coffee syrup will suffice) 75 to 100ml of cranberry juice to taste TO MAKE Dip the rim of a long glass into chocolate syrup Roll the syrup-covered rim into chocolate hundreds and thousands Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all the ingredients Shake really well to get a good froth and pour into a long glass Strain and pour

Mixed by Nic Acland manager and resident mixologist at The Porterhouse Bar & Grill in Gorleston

Enjoy!

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Lighting is one of the most important factors when creating an overall interior design, as Rebecca Coulby explains

Usually the first request I receive from my clients is to provide them with more space and light. These two factors come hand in hand. Opening up rooms by removing internal walls, or creating more space with new extensions will allow an increased flow of natural light; however, in most cases additional, better lighting is also required. Wherever possible, I try to create mood lighting which means different kinds of lighting options to suit the room’s various functions. With today’s open-plan living style it has become even more important to create different lighting zones within a space. When I first walk into a new client’s home, I always look up to the ceilings and the corners of the rooms to see how many shadows are being created by their current lights. Pendant lights or spotlights (lights which are semi-flush to the ceiling but which can be angled to point in different directions) are the worst culprits. Shadows and darker areas of a room will always make it feel smaller and, of course, are not ideal for working in. One of my favourite solutions to this problem is to use LED downlights. These are small, round light fittings that fit into the ceiling itself. My personal choice is for white light fittings as these blend more into the ceiling, but you can also get them in stainless steel or chrome. The idea with these lights is that they do not draw attention, they simply create bright and even light throughout the room and therefore remove most of the shadows. Because they are LED lights, they are perfectly safe to install in a ceiling and are energy efficient. Before installing them, always check you have enough of a void above the ceiling itself for them to be installed correctly. Also the correct number and their actual positioning can make all the difference.

Once these main lights are sorted, it is time to get creative. In a kitchen there are many different lighting options, such as under-wall cabinet lights, or plinth lights that run around the plinth or kickboards of your kitchen cabinets. I prefer LED strip lighting here that is hidden under the pelmets or plinths, with the emphasis on the light that is created rather than the actual light fittings themselves. These are ideal in the evening when the work in the kitchen is done and you just want to pop back in to make supper or a cup of tea. Most extractor hoods also have their own lights and some extractors are even disguised as lights or chandeliers. Whilst these can look beautiful, you may want to consider how easy these would be to keep clean before you buy them, plus they are usually extremely expensive. In a bathroom, I love to create recessed shelves where possible, particularly within showers which provide wonderful in-built storage for all your bottles - with the correct bathroom lighting, these recesses can also be lit to provide a softer effect. I also usually use downlight extractors over showers or baths to create both good lighting and effective extraction at the same time – far nicer than an unsightly wall or ceiling extractor fan. Besides effective lighting that is understated and that can blend into the room, there is also, of course, the lighting you want to draw attention to, that forms an integral part of the overall design itself. Sometimes when a lot of money is being invested in an interior project, these lights come far down on the list, but they can really make a room into something special. In a kitchen, pendant lights over a bar, island or table are a key addition and I often use them to tie in an accent colour. They can be bright and bold, funky, and on-trend, or used to add elegance with a beautiful crystal pendant in a more traditional space. I love to use crystal throughout a home, as the lighting effect can be amazing – wonderful shards of light across the room. Where possible, use a dimmer switch, so this can be finely adjusted. It is even possible to buy bathroom crystal lights which can look amazing in traditional-style bathrooms in period homes. Table lamps and floor standing lamps are also very important within a living space and can often act as a real design statement. It is always worth investing in good lighting. There are often deals to be had if you shop carefully and, once bought, good quality lights can last a lifetime.

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Church Farm, Station Rd, Wendling, Dereham, NR19 2NE l info@tankreplacement.co.uk

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Open three days a week, Thursday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. On the remaining days I will be at my workshop in Somerleyton, restoring furniture and lamps or hunting down special pieces that make the Lamp Locker unique.

Although predominantly a lamp shop we also undertake repairs of vintage and antique lighting – beautifully restored furniture along with architectural pieces “anything before the 50’s” with one or two bespoke hand built items.

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S SS OL TC D

N IO EW T N UC R ST IN

Beccles Guide Price £400,000

Beccles £375,000

Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & bar for Sale, Stunning 16th Century Period Property, In the heart of Beccles offering 5 Luxury individually designed letting Suites. Large bar and restaurant area with inglenook fireplace. Grade II listed. Fully licensed, possibility of alternate use subject to planning. A wealth of period features to be found throughout.

Lewis Walk Is a new luxury development of four bungalows walking distance to the historic Market Town of Beccles. Offering 3 bedrooms with en-suite to master, dressing room, contemporary open plan living space, fully fitted kitchen, utility, detached garage & landscaped gardens.

More period properties urgently required for Beccles and surrounding villages. Call now for a free appraisal.

Your Move Oliver James 26-28 New Market, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9HD Tel 01502 273273

PROPERTY

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

There are many factors to consider when valuing a home for sale, explains our property columnist Neil MacLennan, director of sales at Oliver James Premier Homes People often ask me when I am valuing their home: “How

do you arrive at your valuation?” There is no straightforward answer to this question. The types of properties that I value on a daily basis vary so dramatically, which makes my job so rewarding. Here at Oliver James Premier Homes we cover the area from Winterton just north of Hemsby down through Ormesby, Rollesby, Flegburgh and Filby, passing through Gorleston and the surrounding villages such as Browston. We also go south as far as Halesworth and Bungay in Suffolk, so on any given day I could start out in an uber-cool, contemporary barn conversion in Norfolk, and finish up in a little, pretty, thatched, two-bedroom cottage in the heart of rural Suffolk. There are some obvious factors that I take into account when valuing a property, namely square footage, comparable sold properties and the quality and finish of the interior and exterior. Other factors include the location and the property’s surroundings such as its views and its proximity to well-served towns or villages, also taking into account things that could be detrimental to a property’s value such as having power cables above or very close by, being located in a flood plain or in an area that suffers from coastal erosion, to name but a few. However, the majority of the properties I value are unique which to some degree negates the aforementioned factors. So that leaves me relying on the experience that I have gained over the years dealing in one-off properties. This is where I believe that Oliver James Premier Homes has an advantage over other agents when it comes to bespoke property, because unless the estate agent you have chosen deals in this type of property on a daily basis, it can be extremely difficult to value it correctly. It is not uncommon for a prospective vendor to have large fluctuations in their

property valuations which, with pricing so important in the current climate, can often be the difference between finding a successful buyer or staying on the market until house price inflation catches up with the asking price. This, however, can take years and will no doubt test everyone’s patience. A good rule of thumb if you have a property that’s currently on the market is this: are you getting a viewing once every seven to ten days? If you are not and your agent has done everything that he needs to do in order to help to sell your unique property (such as using professional quality photography, making professionally printed brochures and making them available online) then it would seem nearly always that your price is too optimistic. I will often visit people that have had their home on the market with another agent for a very long period of time, and they can often be at their wits’ end. The question I will “There are some always ask is: “How often do obvious factors that you get a viewing and what I take into account was the feedback?” This will when valuing a always help me to get to the property, namely bottom of what has stopped square footage, the property from selling and comparable sold help us – and them - to move properties and the forward.

quality and finish of the interior and exterior”

The biggest single cause of a house not getting sale agreed status doesn’t come down to there being a problem with the property, but rather the failure of the home owner and the agent involved to react to pricing issues. So if you have a unique property, whether it be a conversion of some description, property with land, a contemporary new build or a rambling old rectory please keep us in mind, as I would love the opportunity to come out and see you.

Neil MacLennan YOUR MOVE PREMIER HOMES 26-28 New Market, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9HD Tel: 01502 273273 • Mob: 07768 003614 www.your-move.co.uk

M AY 2 01 6

PARADISE FOUND

This superb waterside home is a boating paradise, with unique mooring facilities and access to both the Norfolk Broads and the sea

LOVELY LOCATION Shearwater is a most desirable waterside residence, perfectly positioned on Broadview Road, a very prestigious location in the popular village of Oulton Broad. This hi-spec, five-bedroom home sits on a generous plot with a long lawn stretching down to the broad where there’s a unique deep water, fully-fendered drive-in dock that’s sheltered from adverse weather, as well as further 50-foot frontage for a second boat, plus a swinging buoy for a yacht. “It’s paradise for any sailor here,” the owner confides. “Turn one way and you’re off out to sea, while the other takes you towards the heart of the beautiful Norfolk Broads. It’s a splendid place for sailing and there’s something for everyone, with the yacht club just across the water, powerboat racing in summer and excellent fishing.” TRULY TRANQUIL The owners originally bought Shearwater as a weekend home but soon found themselves seduced by the laid-back lifestyle and made it their main residence. As a weekend retreat it’s exceptional and the perfect place to relax after a busy week at work. Sitting on a no-through road, it’s quiet and secluded, but there are neighbours and everyone looks out for each other so it’s a secure “lock up and leave”. Equally it makes an unrivalled family home, with top quality finishes throughout, offering contemporary comfort in a spectacular setting. “You can’t beat lying in bed in the master suite, looking out across the balcony to watch the sunlight sparkling on the water and the boats gliding past,” says the current owner. “When you come home to Shearwater and close the front door it’s a different world – just you, the birds, the broad and the boats.”

M AY 2 01 6

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH EXCEPTIONAL OUTLOOK The house has been thoughtfully designed to make the most of the setting. The owner has opened up the main part of the ground floor accommodation to ensure every one of the principal rooms benefit from the remarkable views. The sitting room, conservatory and breakfast kitchen all have double doors leading outside, while the open-plan nature of the dining room means that it, too, boasts stunning scenes. The first floor master suite is a real highlight with a superb en-suite, unusually large dressing room and two sets of doors leading on to a full balcony overlooking the water. It’s hard to imagine a more relaxing retreat. “There’s also a wonderful guest suite on the second floor with a balcony, shower room and walk-in wardrobe. We think it’s too good to share, so we use it as a snug but if you have teenage children they’d be fighting over it!” explains the owner. Indeed, Shearwater would make a brilliant family home and could easily accommodate three generations. The ground floor cloakroom has space for a shower which could then be used with the fifth bedroom and study as an annexe. NATURAL SETTING The gardens comprise a third of an acre and slope gently down to the water with a split-level terrace leading down, in turn, to the lawn. This is a totally tranquil setting with a no-through road to the front and the broad at the end of the garden, yet a short stroll takes you into the village where you have your pick of shops, pubs and restaurants as well as the train station. “We love going out on the water but we also enjoy heading to Lowestoft for the glorious blue flag beaches or taking a walk through the idyllic nature reserve at Carlton Marshes,” says the owner, adding: “You have everything on the doorstep here.” SUMMING UP: “This is every sailor’s dream – an unrivalled position from which to explore the Norfolk Broads or head out to sea, plus first-class mooring facilities.” “Shearwater is a very flexible home with five bedrooms and four receptions. It’s excellent for entertaining and as a peaceful retreat.” “It’s the perfect luxurious holiday home and ideally placed to lock up and leave.” “This is a magnificent property and we’ve further upgraded it during our time here with high-quality fittings that befit such a glorious home.” “Waking up and looking out over the water, the dappled light sparkling on the Broad – you can’t ask for more!” “The partly open-plan nature of the ground floor enables you to enjoy the views from all the main receptions. The master bedroom and second floor bedroom also have balconies, with French doors framing the spectacular outlook.” “The house is raised up well above the water and with a gently sloping lawn and large terraces there are plenty of places to sit out in the sun and soak up the view.” “This is a great party house. The main part of the ground floor is open- plan in nature so you can host a good number of guests.” ESTATE AGENT

Shearwater in Oulton Broad has a guide price of £1,150,000 and is on the market with Oliver James Premier Homes. Viewings strictly by appointment only. Please contact: Neil MacLennan, director of sales, on 01502 273273 (direct line) or 07768 003614 (mobile) or by email at: neil.maclennan@your-move.co.uk Your Move Oliver James 26 to 28 New Market, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9HD www.your-move.co.uk

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THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY Gardens are full of colour and warmth at this time of year, with plenty of jobs to do, as our gardening expert Ellen Mary explains

This is the month when hanging baskets and containers start to fill our gardens with colour. While they do need to be protected from late frosts, make sure they are well watered on warmer days to ensure the compost doesn't dry out and, if possible, use collected rainwater, or recycled grey water. Try lofos in your hanging baskets, which has long trailing vines and trumpetshaped flowers for a stunning display. May is also a good time to take soft tip fuchsia cuttings which is a great way to save money and expand your collection. Take your cutting from a healthy plant which has a new growing tip and at least two pairs of leaves below it. Once you’ve removed the lower leaves, put the cutting into a mix of compost and vermiculite. It’s not as scary as it sounds and you can always refer to YouTube for some really great instructional videos. It’s easy to forget pruning jobs this month when there is so much else to do, but spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia and ribes should be cut back after flowering to ensure you get another beautiful display next year and to stop them from becoming overgrown.

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Fruit & Vegetables

Wildlife Gardening

If you have a greenhouse or a sunny, well-sheltered spot, why not try growing your own melons? Cantaloupe varieties are suited to our climate and seeds can be sown now in modules in a heated propagator or greenhouse. Before they are ready to plant out, make sure a good pile of well-rotted manure has been forked in to the ground and ensure heat and humidity are available. Most plants will provide you with two to four melons. Many young fruit and vegetable plants will still be covered over or protected with cloches, but to ensure pollination bees need access to the flowers. Low pollination means far less produce, so it’s important the bees can access your growing plants. Always ensure the ends of your covers are open, at least in the daytime, so the hungry bees can go about their work,. It’s not just you who will love your fresh strawberries; birds are rather partial to them as well. To prevent access, cover your plants over with some netting and place some straw around the fruiting plants to prevent damage to the delicious red fruit from the soil in wet weather. Make sure all dead foliage has been removed.

At the end of May, you will start to see fledglings leave their nests. I often see young blue tits finding their wings from my nest boxes, and it is an absolute joy to watch. Remember, don’t interfere, even if the fledgling looks like it’s struggling; the parents are usually around to give encouragement. Ensure the food you leave out at this time of year is small enough for the birds to swallow to avoid choking. Sometimes ponds can become overgrown or neglected, but they offer a huge addition to biodiversity in the garden. Make sure your pond is more wildlifefriendly by growing plants around it, offering shelter to tiny creatures, and also ensure that there is a shallow edge so wildlife can access the water. To keep the water fresh, oxygenating plants such as the native hornwort or water violet are a good idea. In general, single flowers attract more insects than doubles as the pollen is much easier to get to and different insects are attracted to specific plants for a reason. Think about insect-loving plants, shrubs and trees that offer a wide variety of things to those looking for pollen, nectar, shelter and breeding space to create a garden full of life.

GARDENING

when E MONTH H T S I Y A e hear M ks off and w

ally kic the garden re across the lawnmowers f o d n u so e rnings. th n Sunday mo o d o o rh u o b etables neigh lants and veg p , n w so e b l Seeds wil positions, nal growing fi ir e th in d While place to take hold. rt a st l il w s e sure and weed warmer, mak e m o c e b s y a late frosts the d tected from ro p re a ts n ports young pla ur plant sup o y d te a tu si e e sound of and you hav big. Enjoy th o to t e g y e the before th p watch for e e k d n a s ru o evenings. the dawn ch g the lighter n ri u d ts a b f flutter o

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BUSINESS

FROM LITTLE ACORNS… So you’ve thought of starting your own business but don’t know where to begin? Nwes business consultant Paul Gardner has some top tips

What separates those who succeed from those who don’t is often simply down to preparation. You wouldn’t buy a new house without looking around the market – prices, neighbourhoods and so on. It’s surprising, therefore, how many potential entrepreneurs don’t do enough (or any!) market research. Running a business will change your life – we hope for the better - so you need to spend time getting it right. Remember always, no customers means no cash, which probably means no business! MARKET RESEARCH: Getting to grips with who is likely to buy your products or service might not be a quick process – go out and ask potential customers through street interviews, social media, focus groups and so on. Who are they, where do they live, why do they buy? This is critical stuff that you need to know. COMPETITION: Don’t underestimate the competition either, who are unlikely to simply stand by whilst you help yourself to their customers. Competition can be fierce and unpredictable – ask the CEO of Tesco! Go and sit outside a competitor, count customers, mystery shop, look them up online. Find out what they do well and what they don’t. All of this is vital to your idea and don’t be afraid to change tack if you spot different opportunities. Disrupting the market by bringing new ideas and styles – doing it differently – could just give you that critical competitive advantage that you will need to succeed. PRICING: Also remember it’s not all about the price. All too often we see business models that rely on undercutting everyone else. That means you’re starting off with minimal margins – not always a smart idea, although discounter

models do work. Can you afford the risk? Of course, you need to be competitive, but customers will consider the quality of your service, products, aftersales, experience, reputation and a host of other factors, not just the price. PREMISES: Working from home is increasingly popular, but check with your local Planning Authority if you’re converting or building, as you may need permission. If renting, check it’s OK with your landlord. Also check your insurance, as normal household insurance might not cover this. Admin work at home might not be a problem, so hot desking, virtual offices and easy in/easy out offices and workshops are often a good bet. Nwes can offer all of these to help you get started. FINANCE: Investing your own funds is often the easiest way to start, but if you lack finance, schemes such as the Government’s Start Up Loan scheme could provide up to £25k to help you get going. Nwes can provide more details. Keep an eye out for grants too, although expect to contribute to the cost as 100 per cent grants are rare – very rare. BRAND: Invest some time and thought into defining your brand – what you do and the way you do it. This doesn’t mean you need to start with flash logos and sink your precious start-up funds in mountains of pretty images. It means you need to define your DNA – why will people buy from you? Then invest only what you need to initially – you might need to fine tune things when you start. LAUNCH: Now you’re ready to launch, connect your passion and idea to your target audience. Customers rarely flock in their droves as soon as you open or go live. I’ve seen business plans with no marketing spend planned for the first year - madness! You need to create attention – get noticed and attract business. Remember the old sales mnemonic AIDA – Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. You don’t have to spend a fortune as, thanks to social media and digital marketing, there are more advertising and PR platforms now than ever before. But attention and interest are hard to get, so think it through and get advice. Finally, remember cash is king. Look forwards, keep cash flow healthy and stay ahead, but don’t forget to glance back occasionally. You’ll be surprised how far you’ve come and if you’ve got it right you should spot your own competitors on the horizon. Good luck and enjoy! Paul Gardner is an Nwes business consultant with a decade of experience advising start-ups and helping organisations grow and develop. Established in 1982, Nwes is the UK’s largest not-for-profit Enterprise Agency, working in partnership to provide total business support, boost self-employment and encourage entrepreneurial skills throughout the East of England. Nwes offers one-to-one business advice, a range of business and personal skills training courses, access to finance and serviced business premises, for those wishing to start or grow a business.

To learn more about Nwes, visit: www.nwes.org.uk

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

LOOKING AHEAD Saving for retirement has never been easier – but which route should you choose? Carl Lamb looks at the latest ways to boost retirement savings WWW.ALMARYGREEN.COM | 01603 706740

The Government has been trying to make us think about our finances in retirement for a long time now. It is becoming increasingly clear that the State Pension is not going to provide for more than very basic needs, so most of us will need some form of workplace and/or personal pension to fill the shortfall, if we aspire to maintaining a good standard of living post retirement. The requirement for compulsory workplace pension schemes has helped: an increasing number of workers are putting at least minimum contribution amounts aside and benefiting from both tax relief and employer contributions. Contributing to a pension scheme is a tax-efficient way of saving for retirement. The contributions you make benefit from tax relief, so if you pay in £80, your pension provider will claim back a further £20 on your behalf if you are a basic rate taxpayer. Higher and additional rate taxpayers can claim further tax relief. Growth in your fund is also tax-efficient. At the moment, pension savings are subject to income tax when you withdraw them, although 25 per cent of your fund can normally be withdrawn free of tax. There was much expectation as we approached the March 2016 Budget that the Chancellor would tinker with this regime, but in the end this didn’t happen. The big Budget news was that the Chancellor announced a new type of Individual Savings Account (ISA) that can be used for pension savings: the Lifetime ISA. This new type of ISA will have all the benefits of normal ISAs with tax-efficient growth and no tax to pay when withdrawn, but benefits from an

additional feature: a £1 bonus given by the Government for every £4 saved in the account, provided you use the money for the right purpose – and planning for retirement is one of the two qualifying uses. In order to use a Lifetime ISA with its bonuses for retirement planning, you must wait until at least age 60 to withdraw funds. If you access the money before then – other than to buy your first home, as explained below – you must repay the bonuses and any growth on them and your withdrawal would be subject to an additional five per cent charge. The amount you can save in a Lifetime ISA is limited to £4,000 per year and the new accounts won’t be available until April 2017. You can open a Lifetime ISA at any time between ages 18 and 40 and you can get bonuses on money paid into the fund until you are 50. A Lifetime ISA can also be used to help buy your first home - this is a progression of the Help-to-Buy ISA that was introduced a year ago. If you already have a Helpto-Buy ISA, you can open a Lifetime ISA, but you can only use one of them to fund your first home purchase and benefit from the bonus. You can also transfer your existing Help-to-Buy ISA into a Lifetime ISA. You can use the funds, including your bonus, to buy your first home anytime from 12 months after opening the Lifetime ISA. Lifetime ISAs have opened up new possibilities for retirement savings and are set to become a useful financial planning tool. Started early and used in conjunction with personal and workplace pensions, they have the potential to boost retirement resources. The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The tax treatment of investments depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

Carl Lamb ALMARY GREEN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS

For independent advice, contact Almary Green on 01603 706740 or email enquiries@almarygreen.com. Please remember that the advice here is generic and we recommend that you get individual personalised advice.

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• Signage • Digital print • Vehicle graphics • Design email: sales@sppdigital.co.uk, web: www.sppdigital.co.uk, telephone: 01493 440292

Imagination into Reality

Conference

One of the most exciting and versatile event venues in the region Located in the centre of Norwich with boutique style conference rooms www.opennorwich.org.uk | twitter @OPENNorwich | 01603 763111 Custom Conference Advert for Places & Faces.indd 1

28/01/2016 17:13

LEGAL

A MATTER OF DEBATE The release of the Panama Papers has evoked discussion around the globe. Legal expert Julian Gibbons looks at both sides of the argument WWW.NORTONPESKETT.CO.UK | 01493 849200

The publication of over a million documents hacked from the computer system of Panamanian firm Mossack Fonseca has sent reverberations across the world and, of course, caused no small difficulties for the Government. As is usual with any headline involving lawyers, sound bites rule. Suddenly, the term “off-shore” has become something implying the depths of moral turpitude and criminality. The firm concerned is “secretive” and engaged in massive “tax evasion”. Few people pause to look behind headlines. In fact, Mossack Fonseca is certainly not secretive, at least not any more than any other law firm anywhere in the world. For a start, it has more than 25 branches around the world, including in London, Cyprus and Hong Kong: hardly lawless states. It operates in many and varied jurisdictions supplying legal services of the sort supplied by many similar firms. As it has pointed out in its recent statements on the subject, Panama has made considerable progress in addressing issues of money laundering in recent years and has even signed up to a number of agreements to comply with the US Treasury’s Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, the piece of legislation used by the United States to tax its citizens, wherever in work they happen to be. The expression “off-shore”, as thrown about by the media and some politicians, is made to sound seedy and

underhand, where only bent dictators and members of the Mafia hide their money. Yet, of course, “off-shore” can mean any country outside of the UK! Much though here has been made of the fact that investment trusts set up in Panama are not taxed, though no-one seems to dispute that anyone in the UK receiving income from such a trust is taxed on it. This is the issue with the Prime Minister’s apparent earnings from such a trust. Missed here is the fact that a trust company which is not taxed earns more net profit and therefore pays more return to its investors, which is then taxed in their home country. We are all caught up with benefiting from that type of difference in taxation between countries. So, for example, if you or your pension fund invests in a trust fund in, say, Ireland, where the corporation tax rate is 12.5 per cent, or Switzerland, where it is only 8.5 per cent, as opposed to 20 per cent in the UK, you will benefit from the fact that the company pays less tax there than it would here. This happens day in, day out, across the world. Of more concern here is something which has had little mention. The Wiki leaks here are of confidential personal data about individuals and their affairs. Before we start to engage in too much glee about embarrassment to some politicians and others, we should remember that the basic legal entitlement to consult a lawyer, to be able to talk in confidence to that lawyer about any legitimate matter and to have that discussion kept confidential and privileged is fundamental to any civilised society. That does not apply where legal advice is taken and given for a criminal purpose, but as far as can be determined in the case of Mossack Fonseca there is no suggestion that the majority of clients whose affairs have now been published were engaged in criminal activities (and the apparent opening of an investigation by the Panamanian authorities does not demonstrate any such illegality). Undoubtedly, the leaks were made first because the author of those leaks had the means to do it and secondly because they wanted to cause embarrassment. The problem with anyone basking in the publicity that has arisen is that the next time it could be your records or mine which go into the public domain. Do we really want decisions about who should know our affairs being made by anonymous and wholly unaccountable individuals or do we want such decisions made on the basis of the rule of law? I know which one I choose.

Julian Gibbons NORTON PESKETT SOLICITORS

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A SPECIAL KIND OF CARE

Able Community Care offers a true alternative, enabling older people to stay in their homes for longer than before Many people believe that due to failing health there is no other option than to move in to a residential care home setting. Whilst for some people this option is desirable, for others this is not their choice. Moving to residential care means leaving behind the family home, giving up a much-loved pet, and that can be a major wrench as they leave treasured memories behind. This can be a frightening prospect. Able Community Care is an established organisation which offers a true alternative; the choice to remain living in your own home with one-to-one support. Able Community Care’s services cover domestic, personal and social care. Launched in 1980, the service provides a carer to move into a person’s home for a fortnight. “At the end of the fortnight another live-in carer replaces the first one,” explained Angela Gifford, who set up the

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business 36 years ago and has seen it grow significantly since. “For every client it was the objective to provide a continuous service of liked care workers who return to each individual on a rotational basis. In other words, the clients choose who they wish to have caring for them.” While still based in Norfolk, Able Community Care covers the whole of mainland UK and The Channel Islands. Clients are aged from 18 to 107 demonstrating the need for a service tailored to the individual. “Our clients are people who need care to remain as independent as possible. This could be through the frailty of old age, physical disabilities or accidents such as spinal injuries, head injuries, Cerebral Palsy, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s or needing palliative care,” Angela added.

ADVERTORIAL

Angela began the company, as a partnership, from her kitchen table in Bergh Apton south of Norwich in 1980. Since that time Able Community Care has provided in excess of 55 million hours of care in people’s homes, including some clients who have been in continuous receipt of care since the late 1990s. It remains very much a family company overseeing up to 500 staff. All staff have a wide range of skills and experience, have DBS (Criminal Record Check) and are interviewed face-to-face with references thoroughly followed up. Angela speaks at conferences, seminars and workshops all over the world, explaining the UK home care system. In addition Angela is an expert witness in personal injury cases. Able Community Care works to establish and maintain close links with the community and raises money for charities such as The Big C, Nelson Journey, Spinal Injury and the East Anglian Air Ambulance with a variety of events, as well as supporting Age UK Norfolk. Able Community Care is a constantly evolving business as it delivers services to any person who requires care to remain in their own home. This can range from very high dependency needs to companionship care. Able Community Care has recently launched two new services, Home from Hospital and Holiday Care Companion Services. “Home from Hospital is a live-in care service to offer traditional convalescent care to people who wish to recover after hospitalisation in their own home,” explained Angela, “the Holiday Care Companion Service is for people who wish to holiday; visit relatives who live distances away; want to go on a cruise; attend a family wedding/christening but cannot make the journey on their own. “It may be that they want to re-visit places they used to know but cannot do any of these and other trips without one-to-one support.” Able Community Care is dedicated to providing an individual, tailored service, enabling a person to live their life, their way, in their home. Ensuring people have the right information at the right time and keeping new, prospective and existing customers well-informed is important for Angela and her staff. “Many decisions are made at a time of crisis. If we can offer people information about Able Community Care, then one day, if they need any of our services, they will know of us.”

ABLE COMMUNITY CARE

The Old Parish Rooms, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich, NR14 8TZ Tel: 01603 764567. Email: info@ablecommunitycare.com

www.ablecommunitycare.com

CAR OF THE MONTH GREAT YARMOUTH COACHWORKS CAR SALES

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Here at Great Yarmouth Coachworks we offer everything for the motorist in the Norfolk and North Suffolk area of East Anglia. Sales of quality vehicles Servicing and repairs

MOT testing Towbar fitting

www.gyccarsales.co.uk | 01493 843835

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For more information please call us or email us on info@hkbw.co.uk

COMPETITION

WIN

A FULL DAY’S PICNIC BOAT HIRE WITH HERBERT WOODS

This month’s prize is a full day’s picnic boat hire courtesy of Herbert Woods, a company synonymous with both the Norfolk Broads and Potter Heigham TO CELEBRATE 90 YEARS of offering boating holidays on the Broads, ten lucky Places&Faces® readers will win a day to explore the Norfolk Broads at their leisure, aboard one of Herbert Woods’ new Picnic Boats. Moor at one of the many free mooring sites and take in the beautiful surroundings whilst you enjoy your picnic. Suitable whatever the weather, the split sliding canopy can be opened during the warmer months, whilst the warm air heating will keep you warm during the cooler months. Each picnic boat seats a maximum of 10 people and has a gas hob, fridge, sink and toilet. The boat also comes equipped with many other items that will help you enjoy your feast upon the waves. Prior to departing, you will be provided with a tutorial and safety briefing by one of Herbert Woods’ staff, life jackets for all passengers, a full tank of fuel and a map of the Norfolk Broads, allowing you to choose your own route. For your chance to win, simply answer the following question and send your answer, along with your contact details, by email to: competitions@placesandfaces.co.uk or by post to: Places&Faces®, H2Creative Media Ltd, Humberstone House, 47 Englands Lane, Gorleston, Norfolk, NR31 6BE. Please submit your entry by the end of May 2016 – good luck!

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Herbert Woods, contact: Herbert Woods, Bridge Road, Potter Heigham, Norfolk, NR29 5JF Tel: 0800 144 4472 | Email: enquiries@herbertwoods.co.uk Website: www.herbertwoods.co.uk

QUESTION: For how many years has Herbert Woods been offering boating holidays on the Broads? TERMS & CONDITIONS There are 10 prizes up for grabs: each of a full day’s Picnic Boat hire with Herbert Woods, and the total prize value is £1,800. The winners will be the first 10 correct entries picked at random after the closing date – May 31, 2016. Please note that prize bookings must be made in advance, are subject to availability and are nontransferable. Bookings are valid from the beginning of June to the end of October 2016.

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

The new Ford Ranger is big and bold, combining good looks, practicality and power

he new-look Ford Ranger is robust and reliable, with great comfort and handling, lowrunning costs, notable fuel-efficiency and a substantial towing capacity. This tough, solid-looking vehicle comes in a choice of four models, from the well-equipped XL to the top-of-the-range Wildtrak, along with three different cab configurations. The popular pick-up is a great all-rounder for both on- and off-road use: drive it along city streets or head out to the countryside

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and you’ll find it achieves a good balance, with ample body roll on the bends and solid tyre contact on tough terrain. Thanks to numerous design, capability and technology upgrades, the new Ford Ranger is the “go anywhere, do anything pick-up” – ideal for work and play. OVERVIEW This dependable vehicle can cope with all kinds of loads in all sorts of weather. Solid and capable, the new Ford Ranger can carry up to 1,269kg, tow up to 3,500kg and wade through water up to 800mm deep, so is

definitely an asset when having to take both goods and passengers to and fro. Whether you need to shift products or people from place to place or take bikes, boats or trailers with you on vacation, for example, you’ll have a reliable ally in the Ranger. The distinctive square headlights, chunky, hexagonal grille and rear tubular bumper add to the pick-up’s good looks, imparting a tough, solid appearance, while inside the central console houses clever voice and touch control technology via the Ford SYNC 2 interface. Featuring a new, 8” colour screen, new features include

MOTORING

FACTS AT A GLANCE

2016 Ford Ranger, from £18,751 plus VAT Engine: 2.2L TDCi Duratorq, generating 160PS and 385Nm of torque. Available in six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Performance and emissions: 43.5mpg and 171g/km CO2 emissions (160PS 4x4 with six-speed manual and 3.15FDR). Prices correct at the time of going to press

The 2.2L TDCi Duratorq diesel engine offers power and economy, generating an impressive 160PS and 385Nm of torque, available in six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Meanwhile, those looking for more power can opt for the 3.2L TDCi Duratorq diesel option, featuring 200PS and 470Nm of torque. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are significant as well, with the Ranger reaching 43.5mpg (6.51l/100km) and 171g/ Km CO2 emissions (based on a 160PS 4x4 with six-speed manual and 3.15FDR). What’s more, it’s virtually impossible to put the wrong fuel in the new Ranger, because the wrong nozzle simply won’t fit. Plus, Ford Easy Fuel is a capless system, so you won’t have to handle a dirty fuel cap! RELIABLE REVERSING The rear view camera activates automatically when reversing, displaying bollards, railings, low walls – indeed, whatever’s behind you – when you select reverse gear, with the images displayed on the 8” Ford SYNC2 screen built into the instrument panel. Virtual guidelines are also displayed to help you park in the smallest of spaces. GET UP AND GO There’s also a very useful “Quickclear” feature to help you get on the road quickly on frosty mornings. Forget having to wait for the windscreen to clear – simply touch a button and the Quickclear system will deice the screen in seconds, even if it’s below zero outside. The power-heated mirrors are also worth a mention, as are the high levels of safety protection, with driver and passenger airbags and sidebags and numerous other built-in safety features. Meanwhile, the all-new four-wheel drive system offers excellent wading depth and hill control, with Hill Start Assist and a sophisticated Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with ingenious Trailer Sway Control technology. Put simply, Trailer Sway Assist helps detect and control “snaking” or trailer sway, so you can rely on being able to tow heavy or unusual loads.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, a Lane Keeping System, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Alert – all useful attributes when navigating today’s busy roads, whether back lanes or motorways. The clever SYNC2 system also allows you to control your music, phone, SatNav and climate control via the touchscreen or simple voice commands. Plus, today’s allimportant WiFi connectivity is available via hotspots, with a USB modem. And should things take a turn for the worse, the Ranger is primed to automatically summon help in the event of an accident via Ford

Emergency Assistance, also built into the SYNC2 system. GO FURTHER Proven practicality is equalled by great performance and fuel efficiency. Enhancements to the engine and transmission have also been considerable, with additions such as Auto Stop Start, new final drive ratios and a new Electric Power Assisted Steering system contributing to significant fuel economy and low emissions, rendering the new Ford Ranger a reliable choice for business, pleasure or both.

DEALER DETAILS

Pertwee & Back have been the main Ford dealership in the Great Yarmouth area for over 80 years. Contact them for more information, finance options, a brochure or a test drive.

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

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TIME TO EXPLORE The Mitsubishi ASX Crossover is equally at home in urban or rural areas, carrying a clutch of shopping bags or a couple of mountain bikes

he Mitsubishi ASX Crossover is ideal for those looking for something between a conventional car and a rugged off-roader. ASX stands for ‘Active Sports Crossover’ and this practical, versatile vehicle offers ample passenger space and flexible seating, providing the end-user with a modern, good-looking, practical and enjoyable mode of transport. Efficient and compact, the Mitsubishi ASX is available with a choice of three engines, has numerous built-in safety features and boasts a panoramic glass roof creating a real sense of space. There are three Mitsubishi ASX Crossover models – the ASX ZC (prices from £15,249); the ASX ZC-M (prices from £17,499); and the top-ofthe-range ASX ZC-H (prices from £23,499). ASX ZC – KEY FEATURES 16” alloy wheels; Bluetooth hands-free phone kit; seven airbags; air conditioning; Mitsubishi Active Stability & Traction Control (M-ASTC); alarm system with keyless entry; hill start assist (HSA); electric windows and heated folding door mirrors; tyre pressure monitoring system; front fog

lights with blub type daytime running lights; privacy glass; chrome window beltline ASX ZC-M – KEY FEATURES 18” alloy wheels; Xenon super wide range HID headlamps; LED daytime running lights; climate control air conditioning; keyless entry and push start button; heated front seats; parking sensors; cruise control; automatic rain and dusk sensors; DAB radio; six speakers; chrome front grille and fog lamp surround; electric, heated door mirrors with side turn lights; auto dimming rear view mirror ASX ZC-H – KEY FEATURES Panoramic glass roof with roof rails; leather seats with driver’s side electric adjustment; satellite navigation with HD 7” touch screen; reversing camera; 18” alloy wheels; Xenon super wide range HID headlamps; LED daytime running lights; climate control air conditioning; keyless entry and push start button; heated front seats; cruise control; automatic rain and dusk sensors; DAB radio; six speakers; chrome front grille and fog lamp surround; electric, heated door mirrors with side turn lights; auto dimming rear view mirror

DEALER DETAILS Constitution Motors, 142 Constitution Hill, Norwich NR3 4BB 01603 788800 www.constitution motors.co.uk

ENGINE CHOICES The ASX comes with a choice of three different engines: two diesel and one petrol. The 1.6 petrol engine, which is available on the ASX ZC, is a five-speed manual engine offering low CO2 emissions (135g/km), while holding its own on fuel economy (48.7mpg). The smaller, 1.6 diesel engine – available on the ASX ZC-M and ASX ZC-H – is a six-speed manual featuring competitive CO2 emissions (132g/km) and excellent fuel economy (56.5mpg) while the larger, 2.2 diesel engine, which is available on the ASX ZC-H model, features six-speed auto with manual paddle shift, low emissions (152g/km) and steady, competitive fuel economy (48.7mpg).

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MOTORING

SAFETY FIRST With the nation’s roads busier than ever, it’s reassuring to see the safety equipment built into the Mitsubishi ASX. All models are fitted with seven airbags so that passengers are safe in every seat, and the ASX was awarded a commendable five-star rating in EURO New Car Assessment Programme tests – the highest rating on offer (more at: www.euroncap.com). Other safety features include Active Stability Control, with sensors throughout the car sending signals to control the brakes and engine output in order to stabilise the car when necessary. The Stability Control feature is further enhanced by the Traction Control, with sensors detecting wheel slip on smooth

surfaces (such as snow and ice-covered roads) and the Traction Control function automatically braking the slipping wheel and overseeing engine output to ensure an easier start. Meanwhile, the ASX ZC-H is equipped with Mitsubishi’s on-demand four wheel drive system as standard, so that the vehicle gains better grip on slippery surfaces and over tough terrain, as well as additional stability when towing. There are other important safety measures, too, including the Brake Override System whereby the braking operation is automatically given priority should the brake and accelerator pedals accidentally be pressed at the same time.

Plus, there’s an Emergency Stop Signal System (ESS) which automatically turns on the hazard lights when heaving braking is applied. PANORAMIC INTERIOR The vehicle’s new panoramic glass roof is a real talking point, adding to the feeling of space and including a built-in blind that can be opened and closed electronically. Besides enhancing the feeling of spaciousness throughout the interior, the panoramic roof also features LED mood lighting – a nice touch. Designed for comfort and built for safety, the Mitsubishi ASX has been created to provide an enjoyable, relaxing, safe place for drivers and passengers and is a valiant family vehicle. M AY 2 01 6

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You won’t look back with

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Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BL Tel: 01502 713885 www.wrights-mazda.co.uk

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

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda MX-5 range: Urban 30.4 (9.3) - 35.8 (7.9). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 57.6 (4.9). Combined 40.9 (6.9) - 47.1 (6.0). CO2 emissions (g/km) 161 – 139. The mpg fi gures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not refl ect your actual driving results. Retail sales only. Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered between 01.04.16 and 30.06.16. T&C apply. *0% APR Mazda Conditional Sale available on all all-new Mazda MX-5 models. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Model shown: all-new Mazda MX-5 160ps SE-L Nav, OTR from £21,095. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£670). 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. Calls to 0844/0845 numbers will be charged at 7 pence per minute plus your standard network charge. Wrights Motor 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.

Renault TRAFIC Efficient, versatile and clever

Renault TRAFIC SL27 dCi 115 Business From

£174.95

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BUSINESS USERS ONLY. All prices exclude VAT. *Trafic payment shown is a 23-month contract hire based on 10,000 miles and 9+23 profile (9x monthly payment in advance followed by 23 monthly payments). At the end of the contract you will not own the vehicle. Further charges may apply subject to the mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 149, WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. UK residents only (excludes the Channel Islands). Over 18s. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.renault.co.uk or participating dealer for full details. Offers are valid on eligible vehicles when ordered by 30 June 2016 and registered by 30 September 2016.

MITCHELLS LOWESTOFT 50-58 Long Rd, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9DQ Tel 0844 249 5801 www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

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GREAT YARMOUTH COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS

GREAT YARMOUTH MINSTER On Thursday, March 17 over 200 people gathered at Great Yarmouth Minster to celebrate the achievements of Great Yarmouth College’s apprentices. The apprentices were nominated for awards by their employers who also attended the event. Great Yarmouth College works with over 400 employers and currently places over 600 apprentices across the region. Its growth in recent years means it is now a leading provider of apprenticeships from Level 2 right through to higher apprenticeships and now up to degree level. More at: www.gyc.ac.uk Photos by ANDREW FLORIDES

1. Mayor of Great Yarmouth Shirley Weymouth and Charles Bunn with Nathan Daly from Daly Group Ltd 2. Shirley Weymouth and Chloe Stroud with Emma Jarvis from The Hair Base 3. Charlotte Hill and Shirley Weymouth 4. Dr Karen Hester – Adnams COO 5. Shirley Weymouth and Joseph Wrigley with Alan Goodchild from Goodchild Marine Services 6. Shirley Weymouth and Ieva Vilkaite 7. GYC Vice Principal Ruth Harrison

8. Shirley Weymouth with Claire Gibbs (overall apprentice of the year) and GYC Principal & CEO Stuart Rimmer 9. Triple T Productions – current and former GYC Performing Arts students 10. Stuart Rimmer and Shirley Weymouth 11. The Reverend Grant Bolton-Debbage 12. Shirley Weymouth with Josh Peek (overall apprentice of the year) and Stuart Rimmer 13. Shirley Weymouth and Terry Ralph with Nigel Wetton from Alicat Workboats 14. Tyler Dobner and Shirley Weymouth with Doris Jennings from the Mortgage Advice Bureau

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SUBSCRIBE 12 ISSUES FOR £24

NEVER MISS A COPY OF PLACES&FACES®, subscribe now, 12 issues for only £24 posted to your home, visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk/magazine-subscribe

NORWICH BID GOES BANKSY THE WOOLPACK INN, GOLDEN BALL STREET The Norwich Business Improvement District launched its new mural scheme on Thursday, April 14 at the Woolpack Inn in Golden Ball Street. Aiming to put art centre stage in the city, the first of a series of murals for the city centre was unveiled at the special launch event. The mural, located on the side of Pymm & Co on Ber Street, was created by Norwich University of the Arts graduate Poppy Cole and installed by Gorleston-based 3D Creations. Depicting the city centre, it illustrates the quality of design that Norwich BID are looking for from other artists and designers. Interested artists, illustrators, designers and businesses should contact Martin Blackwell for more details and a submission pack on 01603 727936 or at: operations@norwichbid.co.uk Photos by STUART BEARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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1+2. Mural by Poppy Cole 3. Steve Pymm, Stuart Monument and Andy Newman 4. Poppy Cole and Stefan Gurney 5. Helen Vinsen MOA and Andy Newman 6. Steve Pymm and Stuart Monument 7. Dawn Parkes and Mel Cook 8. Phil Cutter

9. Paul McCarthy 10. Laura Nazmdeh, Rachael Fretter and Caroline Bridewell 11. Richard Marks, Alan Waters and Tim Bishop 12. Poppy Cole (artist) 13. Stefan Gurney

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IRISH SOCIETY OF EAST ANGLIA 125TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH MAIDS HEAD HOTEL, NORWICH The Irish Society of East Anglia celebrated its 125th anniversary with a St Patrick’s Day lunch in the Minstrel Suite at the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich. Their first dinner was held at the Maids Head on St Patrick’s Day 1892, so the society was renewing acquaintances with an “old friend”. Photos by NEWSMAKERS PR

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1. The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Brenda Arthur and Maurice Connery, President Irish Society of East Anglia 2. Pauline and Eamonn Smyth 3. Katherine Renhard and Andrew Shorthose, Maids Head Hotel 4. Eileen White and Catherine Fitzpatrick 5. Sally Gray and Terry O’Connell 6. Moira and Patrick Linehan and Mary Kelly 7. Sheila McDougall and Rory and Wendy Quinn 8. Mairin Breathnach-Richmond and Marie Horvath 9. Margaret Faherty and Brian Davis

10. Sheila and John O’Brien 11. Catherine Bhadrinath and Geraldine McNulty 12. Janet Grimson and Margaret Chamberlin 13. Margaret Clifford, Derek and Polly Torrens 14. John and Jenny Hurley 15. Shivaun and Andy Barnes 16. Patrick and Jill Daly 17. Lynette and Edward Purser 18. Patricia and John Gardiner 19. Glynis Fulcher and Molly Bagust 20. Ronnie and David Winter

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Is there anything you’d particularly like to see at future Festivals? It is always good to see the unexpected, and the team researches performers and artists from around the world, so it is difficult for me to pre-judge. Personally, I always find it exciting when we see fantastic international performers during the Festival who do not have the opportunity to come to the area during the rest of the year.

FIVE MINUTES WITH

CAROLINE JARROLD As chair of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, what does your role involve? The main elements of my role are to lead the Board and ensure that it fulfils its governance responsibilities and to work closely with the executive director and artistic director to support them in developing and delivering the aims of the NNF. Why do you think the Festival is such an important event? It has a very strong heritage, part of which is a reputation for bringing innovative performances and experiences to Norwich and Norfolk. In particular, it aims to bring work to the area which is different from that which is available during the rest of the year. In recent years, there have been many more free events, also an increased number of opportunities for local people to participate and a greater emphasis on new specially-commissioned work. These factors build loyalty and trust with audiences and, hopefully, encourage more people both from the area and visitors to want to get involved. What events are you particularly looking forward to? That’s a difficult question, there are so many. It is quite a challenge to fit in all the things I would like to see. My top choices would be The Commission for the Festival Chorus, which is part of a marvellous classical programme with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Tempest in the Hippodrome at Great Yarmouth, It’s Happening in Norwich and Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand (which I am excited to be singing in), but really I expect that I will be trying to squeeze in as much as possible. Which of the free and outdoor events would you particularly recommend? A real first is the Beethoven Safari where the Aurora Orchestra will be performing parts of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in various places around the city. The Garden Party is always very popular and the opening event promises to be quite spectacular. The Dennis Design Centre sounds particularly intriguing to me, too.

You also have a number of other prominent Norfolk roles – can you tell us what these are? I chair VisitNorwich which is the Destination Management Organisation for the greater Norwich area. This involves working with the tourism industry, local authorities and other partners to raise awareness of the area as a visitor destination –the NNF is an important part of that offer as it is a nationally and internationally significant festival. I also chair Norwich Philharmonic Society, which celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and is performing the Mahler in the Festival as part of the celebrations. I am a member of the Boards of The Forum Trust and VisitNorfolk. What else do you like to do in the county? My main hobby in the county is sailing – normally on Barton Broad where we are members of the Norfolk Punt Club. I also love singing with Norwich Philharmonic Society. I also enjoy walking in the countryside and at the coast. What about eating out? Particular favourites are The Last Wine Bar, Bishop’s and Brasted’s and we like going to the pub at Coldham Hall and The White Horse at Neatishead. Perhaps I’m biased, but I do enjoy both Chapters Coffee Bar and Benji’s in Jarrolds. Can you tell us a little about yourself? I grew up in Norwich and went to Norwich High School. I then went to Warwick University to study Management Sciences with the view that I would probably work for Jarrolds at some point. I worked in London for a few years before returning to Norwich to work for the company. My current role is community affairs adviser. I am married to Nicholas Dixey and have three children who are 20, 18 and 14. What do you most like about living in the county? There is so much to do here. Norwich is a very special city and the surrounding areas and coast are really attractive. Being one of the driest areas in the country is also a great bonus! How would you spend a day off in the area? Depending on the time of year and the weather; a walk or sail or a round of galleries/museums or one of the stately homes, all involving a good, seasonal lunch with local produce. Norfolk & Norwich Festival Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 29. More at: nnfestival.org.uk

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What Car? Car of the Year 2016. The all-new Audi A4. Experience progress.

Norwich Audi Meridian Way Norwich NR7 0TA 01603 709200 www.norwich.audi.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures for the all-new Audi A4 Saloon range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 35.8 (7.9) – 62.8 (4.5), Extra Urban 52.3 (5.4) – 83.1 (3.4), Combined 44.8 (6.3) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 144 – 99g/km. The What Car? Car of the Year 2016 winning model is the Audi A4 Saloon 3.0 V6 TDI 218PS Sport, £34,250 ROTR. Model shown for illustration purposes only is an A4 S line Saloon, available from £30,150 ROTR with optional metallic paint (additional £645 RRP inc VAT) and Matrix LED headlights (additional £650 RRP inc VAT). Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (Directive 93/116/EEC). This allows a direct comparison between different manufacturer models but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions. Optional wheels may affect emissions and fuel consumption figures. Correct at time of print (February 2016). More information is available on the Audi website at audi.co.uk and at dft.gov.uk/vca