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The magazine for North & West
NOVEMBER 2017
Norfolk
WIN! —
A TWO-NIGHT BREAK at Potters Resort
OVER 40 PAGES OF WHAT’S ON —
YOUR GUIDE TO LUXURY TRAVEL —
CHAS & DAVE
GOK WAN CELEBRITIES / FOOD / TRAVEL / FASHION / HOMES & GARDENS / THEATRE 2
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www.placesandfaces.co.uk
A new, boutique coastal holiday agency offering boutique and very special Norfolk retreats for discerning visitors to enjoy. 01328 887600 info@saltnorfolk.co.uk saltnorfolk.co.uk SALT, Hill Farm Barn, Main Road Holkham, Norfolk NR23 1AD
Starters
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Main Courses
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Choose from Roast Turkey, Steak and Ale Pie, Home made Lasagne, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Thai Red or Green Curry
Desserts
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The New Forge, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6UD www.thenewforge.co.uk
RETREATS L a i d - b a c k l u x uLaid-back r y h o l i luxury d a y choliday o t t a gcottages es in Nor th Norfolk
L U X U RY P R O P E RT I E S
A M A Z I N G P L AC E S
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
We provide a distinct laid-back luxury holiday experience ensuring you feel at home from the moment you arrive, until the very moment you leave. With an in-depth knowledge of our intimately, handpicked portfolio of over 80 luxury holiday cottages we’re confident we will match you with your idyllic coastal retreat.
NO JOINING FEE
C O M P E T I T I V E R AT E
NO RESTRICTIONS
We are more than just a booking agent. We offer a fully managed service with a personal touch so rest assured we’ve got it covered no matter what stage of your letting journey you are at, we are here to help and assist you every step of the way. High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LX • 17 Ulph Place, Overy Road, Burnham Market, PE31 8HQ 01485 512245 • enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk • www.barefootretreats.co.uk
The GLC. Power and finesse combined.
Introducing Mercedes-Benz first ever mid-sized SUV for the UK market. A remarkable vehicle, it boasts the muscular looks and capabilities of a 4x4, yet it handles with finesse and agility. Standard features include 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive while options include the Off-Road Package and AIR BODY CONTROL suspension to further enhance the car’s off-road credentials. Producing 170 hp and 400 Nm of torque, the GLC 220 d 4MATIC clocks 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds. Yet it returns up to 56.5 mpg combined with CO2 emissions as low as 129 g/km.
Representative example GLC 220 d 4MATIC Sport
36 monthly payments of*(Term of agreement) On-the-road price Customer deposit Retailer deposit contribution Optional final payment† Total amount of credit Total amount payable†† Purchase activation fee† Representative APR Fixed interest rate
£349 £34,802 £6,899 £1,463.85 £19,200 £27,903 £38,673 £10.00 5.6% 5.41%
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the GLC range: urban 26.2(10.8)-51.4(5.5), extra urban 40.9(6.9)-60.1(4.7), combined 34.0(8.3)-56.5(5.0). CO2 emissions 189-129 g/km. Whilst this offer is only available
through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well. GLC 220 d 4MATIC Sport at £34,802 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Specification imagery may show optional features. Content relating to finance is promoted by Mercedes-Benz Finance. Your Retailer may offer finance on behalf of other companies. *Finance offers based on selected GLC models on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement, on 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and Retailer deposit contribution. Orders/credit approvals on selected models between 1 October and 31 December 2018, registered by 31 March 2018. Guarantees may be required. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA. Prices, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions correct at time of print 10/17.
The best or nothing.
Mercedes-Benz of Norwich Barker Street, Norwich, NR2 4TN 01603 751000 www.mercedes-benzofnorwich.co.uk
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CONTRIBUTORS
John Bultitude, Judy Foster, Pete Goodrum, Richard Batson, Nicholas Mobbs, Peter Clarke, Franck Pontais, Andrew Florides, Mark Nicholls, Benet Catty, Rob Fosbrook, Andrew Hirst, Carl Lamb, Julian Gibbons, Owen Darby, Hayley Philpott, David Wakefield, Samantha Fraser, Eliza Miller, Jennifer Dwyer, Melanie Cook, Kayl Dunne, Lucy Downing, Samantha Thompson, Richard Batson, James Rampton, Kate Gould, Paul Dickson
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TO NOVEMBER’S PLACES&FACES® OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS we have had some of the
greatest Rock and Pop legends performing in our region and we have been lucky enough to chat with a number of them In this month’s issue we Pete Goodrum caught up with Chris Difford who along with Glen Tilbrook founded the legendary Squeeze famous for s long list of hits that include “Cool for Cats”, “Up the Junction”, “Slap and Tickle”, “Another Nail in My Heart”, “Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)”, “Tempted”, “Labelled with Love” – and every one of those songs was an irresistible mixture of instantly memorable tune and insightfully observant lyrics. Chas & Dave will be rabbiting on this November when they hop over to Hopton for a one night performance at Potters and then in December perform at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds. Hazel O’Connor is back with her full band and will be joined on stage by her brother Neil O’Connor for the first time in since their 2 week residency at Ronnie Scott’s back in 1984. We caught up with the Award-winning singer, writer and actress ahead of her performance in Bury St Edmunds in December. We also chatted with Dan Hawkins, founder member of rock legends The Darkness who was more than keen to tell about all that’s going on in his and the band’s world, which is quite a lot right now. We spoke to Dan just days before the release of The Darkness’ new album, ‘Pinewood Smile’. For those fashion lovers among you Gok Wan is travelling the country with his new show Naked & Barking All – he talked to Kate Gould and revealed even more to her. In our fashion pages this month Donna Titcombe selects a range of ladies coats in various styles to keep you warm this winter. A new coat is the centrepiece of most ladies winter wardrobe and Donnas’ selection this month features tyles from the on trend trench coat to a modern military style. Add to this our regular beauty, fashion, interiors, travel; gardening, wealth management, property and legal columnists we hope there is plenty for everyone to enjoy reading. We really are blessed with so many great venues and events in Norfolk and Suffolk, in this month’s issue we have over 20 pages promoting events in and around our region. Our team of experienced writers and journalists work tirelessly every month to bring you the very best of what is going on in our region so as we say every issue try we hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue as much as we have in producing it for you.
PS. Jenny Wilding who won £200 of vouchers courtesy of Norfolk Country Cottages… enjoy!
Follow us on Twitter @PlacesandFaces www.placesandfaces.co.uk | www.h2creativemedia.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with H2Creative Media Limited. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were correct at the time of print, and you are encouraged to contact the businesses and venues prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the Publisher including contributors. Places&Faces® is a registered Trade Mark of H2Creative Media Limited.
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CONTENTS
38
15
46 36
74 28 44
69 COVER STORY
38 Gok Wan is Naked & Baring All!
PERSONALITIES
28 10 things you might not know about: David Bowie 33 The Stylistics singing in Hunstanton 34 Chris Difford of Squeeze 36 The Darkness’ Dan Hawkins on new album, Pinewood Smile 42 Hazel O’Connor is coming to The Apex, Bury 44 Rabbit, rabbit… it’s only Chas ‘n’ Dave!
46 Jack Ryder and the cast of new musical, The Band 52 Gillian Wright’s wicked pantomime role 54 Caroline Langrishe in How The Other Half Loves 94 Five minutes with: Diana Staines
FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH
56 Global Diagnostics: Anna Zalewska, MRI lead radiographer 60 Ladies fashion: a new coat for winter 63 Beauty: hand creams 65 Men’s fashion: country style
WHAT’S ON
13 Arts Fair East 2017 15 Kayla Dunne: Festive Fun 19 What’s on in November 24 West End: Oslo 31 A wonderful Christmas fair at the Forum
FOOD AND DRINK
69 Franck Pontais’ delightful quail dish 71 Richard Bainbridge roasts a game bird with spatzle 74 Rob Fosbrook visits The Norfolk Riddle
COMPETITION
79 WIN! A two-night stay at Potters Resort
HOMES AND GARDENS
86 Ellen Mary’s gardening tips for November
BUSINESS
91 Financial advice from Carl Lamb
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WHAT’S ON meeting artists and art experts, and seeing a great variety of artwork in one place; many going home happy with a new piece of original artwork. It is also believed to be the first time that signed editions by Banksy and other world famous artists were available in the region. One of the leading UK fairs outside London, Art Fair East was founded and is curated by experienced art professionals Will Teather and Brian Korteling, to showcase quality galleries, dealers and artists. All artworks are one-off or limited edition. As successful artists themselves, Will and Brian are both passionate about getting more people interested in original contemporary art and helping artists to make a living from their work. Amongst the international range of exhibitors this year are dealers with new editions from Damien Hirst and Banksy, alongside those offering work from the Norwich School of Painters including John Temperley, Bruer Tidman and Chedgey. Artists from all over the UK will be joined by work from around the world including USA, Germany, Lebanon, France and more –and many of them will be there in person to discuss their work. Gallery specialists will be available to advise on collecting contemporary art, from affordable prints by recognised artists and new talent through to serious investments, including original paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and artworks made to commission. Visitors will also be able to meet art experts and many of the artists whose work is on display. The fair was founded and is curated by experienced arts professionals Will Teather and Brian Korteling. Will Teather said ‘We have a passion to get people more involved in art, to value it and cherish it. I believe this will be the only time this year that signed editions of work by the likes of Damien Hirst and Banksy will be available in the region’. Brian Korteling added ‘We get a fantastic response to the fair from artists, making selection very difficult. We are working with many exciting galleries and artists to make Art Fair East one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary art seen in the East of England.’
ARtS faIr
Art Fair East is presented in association with main sponsor Musker McIntyre estate agency.
easT 2017
Major international art fair and unique Christmas shopping opportunity returns to the East of England 1-3 December – ART FAIR EAST St Andrews Hall, St Andrews Plain Norwich NR3 1AU. Friday 1st December 2017 – 10.30am to 6.00pm; Saturday 2nd – 10.30am to 6.30pm; Sunday 3rd – 10.30am to 5pm. www.artfaireast.com
A
rt Fair East, one of the Eastern region’s largest and liveliest contemporary visual arts events, is the kind of event rarely seen outside London. It brings together artists, galleries and dealers from the UK and overseas, including a large contingent of talented artists from across the east of England, and takes place in the spectacular medieval setting of St Andrews Hall in the heart of Norwich, from 1 – 3 December. Now established as a regular feature in the annual art calendar, Art Fair East showcases a curated selection of quality galleries, dealers and artists to bring a slice of the art-world to both seasoned and new art lovers. It has also become a prestigious addition to Norwich’s Christmas shopping experience, offering visitors a unique opportunity to buy original and authentic Christmas presents for loved ones, start their own journey into collecting or expand an existing art collection. Last year’s event included work from over 100 artists and attracted in excess of 3,500 visitors from across the country who enjoyed 13
VISIT NORTH NORFOLK
fEsTive FUn With unique gifts, artisan crafts and local produce in abundance, north Norfolk is the place to go for Christmas markets, fairs and shopping, says Kayla D u n n e f r o m Vi s i t N o r t h No r f o l k .
T
here’s nothing like getting into the festive spirit than a wander around Christmas markets and fairs. It’s a great opportunity to pick up gifts you can’t find on the high street as well as enjoy some seasonal produce. Here’s a round-up of some of the markets and fairs taking place in November and December. Sandringham Park is holding its Christmas Fair between 17- 19 November. With stalls selling unique handmade crafts, foods and gifts, you’re bound to find something just right for someone you know. (Adults £7, children £2). The popular Holt Hall Christmas Fair, 25 and Sunday 26 November 2017 is set in the impressive house nestled in 75 acres of parkland and woods just outside Holt. You’ll be greeted with a 15-foot Christmas tree and log fire in the entrance hall. In the Hall, there will be over 50 stalls showcasing an inspiring array of innovative and quality Christmas gifts ranging from local food and drink, clothing, crafts, paintings, children’s books, Christmas wreaths, decorations, glassware, art and candles. Entry only by ticket available at hourly intervals between 10am and 2pm. (Tickets are £2.97 per person and under 5s are free). Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair, on 25 November between 10am– 3pm has over 50 stalls selling decorations, wreaths, food and drink, local art and crafts and a great variety of gifts including
homewares, clothing and jewellery. There is free admission and parking. The Creake Abbey Food Hall will be bursting with festive cheeses, hams and other foodie treats. The ninth annual Dalegate Christmas Market takes place on 1, 2 and 3 December, in the charming village of Burnham Deepdale. There will be more than 120 local artisans and producers setting out their stalls within three large marquees, the backpacker’s barn and St Mary’s church. An ideal chance to look for unusual gifts, decorations, jewellery, toys, books as well as enjoy seasonal food, drink and beer. There will also be plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend including live music. Entry and car parking is free. As well as the Christmas fairs and markets, north Norfolk is superb for shopping in the run up to the festive season. Burnham Market, Holt, Wells, Sheringham and Cromer are great for Christmas shopping, and the gift shops in venues across the area offer individual and delightful gifts and decorations. Pop to Pensthorpe Natural Park, Wroxham Barns and the National Trust’s Blickling Hall to browse in beautiful settings. Head to Holkham to the Courtyard Gift Shop where they are holding a Christmas Shopping Evening on 16 November between 4-8pm. For a family festive experience, the National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall is holding Carols in the Courtyard, which has become a Christmas tradition at the Hall. After a spot of shopping in their gift shop, you can join in with the carol singing to the accompaniment of the Cromer & Sheringham Brass Band. For Christmas lights, Holt will be switching on their festive decorations on 15 November when the town will be covered in thousands of fairy lights. The Wells Christmas Tide Festival, on 2 December, will have stalls and entertainment with the lights being turned on at 5pm. The Christmas light switch on in Burnham Market is on 18 November where there will be stalls as well as the chance to shop in the boutiques in the village which will be staying open late. The Festival of Light in Reepham, on 7 December, sees the pretty market place turn on their Christmas lights. If you Nip to North Norfolk this festive season, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer, with plenty of events to enjoy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION and things to do, visit the What’s On pages at visitnorthnorfolk.com.
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| NOVEMBER 2017
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WHAT’S ON
WHAt’s ON
vaNcOUver qUaRteR KING’s LynN
W i t h K i n g ’ s Ly n n g e a r i n g u p t o t u r n o n t h e i r f e s t i v e lights later this month, the countdown to Christmas is officially on and there are plenty of reasons to D i s c o v e r K i n g ’ s Ly n n a h e a d o f t h e b i g d a y
T
here will be festive Late-Night Shopping events, an enchanting Christmas market, the return of the popular Bauble Trail, and no countdown to Christmas would be complete without Father Christmas jetting in to meet children in his grotto. But all of these follows one of the biggest events in the King’s Lynn calendar – the Christmas Lights switch on that promises to be an afternoon of festive fun. Starting at 12 noon, there will be street entertainers, a glitter bar and face-painters, music and family-focused activities, plus the chance for children to have a quick chat with their favourite Princesses and Princes and Father Christmas as he officially launches his Christmas grotto. From 2pm the Tuesday Market Place will be abuzz with live entertainment as the main stage opens with a host of special guests and live entertainment, including some top local bands including The Fascinettes who will be performing some great Christmas soul classics! There will also be funfair rides for the little ones, as part of this afternoon of fun for all the family and from 4pm the Prince and Princesses and Father Christmas will head to the Tuesday Market Place stage to join stars of this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the Alive Corn Exchange, on stage, to get everyone truly in the Christmas spirit ahead of the countdown to the lights being switched on. Late Night Shopping launches on November 30 and coincides with free parking after 3pm* in the borough council town centre pay & display car parks. Stores around the town centre will remain open until 8pm and will be accompanied by festive street entertainers, music and activities for all the family to enjoy on all the remaining Thursdays leading up to Christmas. A new event on the King’s Lynn countdown to Christmas is a local makers market on December 7 that will see 60 traders
all around the town selling a whole range of Norfolk handmade wares – perfect for finding unique presents for all the family. This market will complement retailers in King’s Lynn who are gearing up to help bring the town to life this Christmas. With more than 200 independent businesses in the town centre, there is also a strong line up of High Street brands including Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Boots alongside River Island, Primark, and Next. Meanwhile over at the Vancouver Quarter Shopping Centre, there’s 58 stores including, Sainsbury’s, TK Maxx, and New Look as well as an assortment of independent fashion, gift and lifestyle stores. And whilst you’re browsing all the shops in King’s Lynn, why not treat yourself to a hot chocolate or mulled wine at one of the fantastic coffee shops, bars and restaurants in the town. Or perhaps plan your shopping to include a lunch or dinner at one of the superb restaurants because, you know, Christmas shopping is hungry work! On December 10, there will be a town-wide Bauble Trail for families to take part in, picking up a goodie bag on completion as well as the opportunity to win a very special prize ahead of Christmas! Father Christmas will be visiting King’s Lynn every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday right up to Christmas. The grotto is free for children to attend but donations will be welcomed. This year is set to be the biggest countdown to Christmas that King’s Lynn has seen. With so much to see and do as the big day draws closer, there’ll never be a better time to shop local
*Parking is free after 3pm but a ticket must be taken from parking meters and displayed. The offer excludes St James multi-storey payon-foot. See discoverkingslynn.com for full details
17
Christmas Party Nights
December at the Raceview Restaurant
At Yarmouth Stadium
Date
Price Offer
Looking for a fantastic Chrismas Party venue?
Sat 2nd Mon 4th Wed 6th Fri 8th Sat 9th
£31.99 £14.99 £14.99 £31.99 £34.99
Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Main Course Only (No Disco) Main Course Only (No Disco) Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing
Mon 11th Wed 13th Fri 15th Sat 16th
£14.99 £14.99 £31.99 £34.99
Main Course Only (No Disco) Main Course Only (No Disco) Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing
Mon 18th Wed 20th Fri 22nd Sat 23rd
£14.99 £14.99 £31.99 £34.99
Main Course Only (No Disco) Main Course Only (No Disco) Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing
After the fun of the racing, the track lights dim, guests can enjoy an evening in our Raceview are invited Restaurant or Executive Lounges and to stay and party with our DJ until 1am.
Racing Dining Disco
Book Now! 01493 720343 Yarmouth Road, Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk NR30 5TE 01493 720343 www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk
Tues 26th £26.99 Boxing Day Brunch Wed 27th £14.99 Main Course Only Festive Special - Complementary Bottle of wine per table of 4 Adults.
Enjoy the festivities in our Party Lounges! “Christmas Executive Package” Monday & Wednesday - £28.00pp
Friday & Saturday - £39.99pp
WHAt's On
IN
NOvembE
r
COMEDY PAUL CHOWDHRY – LIVE INNIT Following his 2015 100 date sellout tour, comedy powerhouse and star of Taskmaster, Live at The Apollo and Stand Up for the Week, Paul Chowdhry brings his highly anticipated new stand-up show to the Marina Theatre.
“It’s a rare and joyous thing to see a stand up so vibrant and imperiously on top of his game” – ★★★★★ The Mail on Sunday – Sunday 12 November 8.00pm Marina Theatre Lowestoft www.marinatheatre.co.uk
KET RISTMAS MAR DEEPDALE CH is a wonderful t ke ar M as tm tiful Deepdale Chris on on the beau as se e festive t, ke celebration of th ar M Coast. Dalegate North Norfolk Camping and St & s er ck pa ck Deepdale Ba 0 local artisans elcome over 12 w ch ur Ch y’s Mar tal village of to the little coas and producers e of the East dale, creating on Burnham Deep ts in a tiny ke ar m ve est festi of England’s larg ents. permanent resid village of just 30 y, James ne ut Ch i’s like Cand Old favourites elson & N uins, Marsh Pig, chard, Buttifant’s peng Or d an kl ec mpany, Br , Ollands Norfolk Tea Co es ni , Gourmet Brow ge tta e, Co n io sh Cu folk Brewhous o Boutique, Nor lac Li e, rg Fo Farm Foods, Bo am tside In, Holkh Bringing The Ou be returning imed Time will cla Re d an Nuseries derful produce. with their won – kes place tmas Market ta Deepdale Chris r be em ec ay 3 D Friday 1 to Sund y. to 5pm each da am 10 om fr en o.uk op t.c ke ar m as christm www.deepdale
BIG COUNTRY “THE SEER” 30TH ANNIVERSARY Following the phenomenal response to the bands 30th Anniversary tour celebrating their third album, ‘The Seer’ Big Country have now extended their celebration into 2017. Famously, the album included an appearance by Kate Bush, joining the late Stuart Adamson on the title track and the single ‘Look Away’ was the group’s biggest UK single, reaching Number 7 in the charts. The album itself reached Number 2 in the UK. Big Country will perform the album in its entirety, as well as visiting their stunning catalogue of songs, taken from their multi-million selling and Number 1 hit albums. Their classic hits and live favourites include ‘Harvest Home’, ‘Fields of Fire’, ‘In A Big Country’, ‘Chance’, ‘Wonderland’, ‘Look Away’, ‘The Teacher’, ‘East of Eden’ from such massive albums as ‘The Crossing,’ ‘Steeltown’ and ‘Peace In Our Time’. – The Waterfront Norwich Saturday 11th November 7-30pm www.agmp.ticketabc.com
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WHAt's On NOvembEr IN
MULIT AWARD WINNING SHOW SLAVAS SNOW SHOW The multi award-winning international sensation returns to Norwich by popular demand. Having wowed audiences in 2014, this truly unique theatrical adventure is filled with heart, humour and stunning spectacle, promising a breath-taking multisensory delight. A wonder of a show that is equally enjoyed by adults and families alike, Slava’s Snowshow has entertained audiences in over 80 countries receiving universal worldwide acclaim. Enter Slava’s
THE FULL STORY LIVE The history of Chas & Dave in one special show, with their greatest hits and more! Due to public demand here they are once more... Over the past two years they have had a new hit album ‘That’s What Happens’ on Warner Brothers Record, headlined The Royal Variety Show, sold out The Royal Albert Hall, performed an arena tour with Status Quo and performed at the VE Day Concert which was televised on the BBC. Chas & Dave are still selling out theatres all over the UK. They know how to give an audience a good time, performing all the hits that made this Cockney duo famous including ’Gertcha’, ‘Sideboard Song’, ‘Rabbit’, ‘Aint No Pleasing You’, ’Margate’, and many more. With support from The Jackie Lynton Band – The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Tuesday 5th December 7.30pm www.theapex.co.uk 20
snowy world for a once in a lifetime, joyous, fun-packed event culminating in a blizzard that puts you firmly at the centre of the action! – Norwich Theatre Royal Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 November - Recommended Age 6yrs+ 7.30pm nightly and matinees at 2.30pm on 23 and 25 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
BAY CITY ROLLERS Bay City Rollers icon Les McKeown is at it again! Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers promises to be a unique voyage back to the 1970s, when Les and his Legendary band ruled the world’s pop charts and The Bay City Rollers’ music became the soundtrack for a generation of teenagers. Les brings back all the thrill and excitement of Rollermania, performing all the original hits including Bye Bye Baby, Shang-a-Lang, Remember, Summerlove Sensation and Give A Little Love plus many many more as well as introducing new songs from the upcoming new Bay City Rollers album. Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers bring a new energy to all the classic hits. – Marina Theatre Lowestoft Friday 10 November - 7.30pm www.marinatheatre.co.uk
and on The Princess Theatre, Hunstanton Sat 11 November 2017 - 7.30pm www.thelittleboxoffice.com
THE STYLISTICS The Stylistics are known instantly for their recognisable hits such as the Grammy nominated ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ plus numerous classics including ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, ‘Let’s Put it All Together’, ‘Stop, Look, Listen to your Heart’, ‘You Are Everything’, ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’ plus lots more. They are one of the most iconic and best selling soul groups in history. The Stylistics remain the real deal, fabulously entertaining and musically breathtaking, plying everyone with the hits that made them a household name. It’s a show not to be missed! – The Princess Theatre, Hunstanton Sunday 19 November - 7.30pm www. thelittleboxoffice.com
WHAT’S ON
MUSIC LEGEND DR. HOOK™ starring DENNIS LOCORRIERE Timeless World Tour 2017. Following a series of sell-out performances in 2016, the Timeless tour of the UK has been extended into 2017 due to overwhelming public demand! From the very beginnings of Dr Hook to the height of their success, Dennis Locorriere was the unmistakable voice of the band’s biggest hits and best loved songs. Receiving more than 70 Platinum & Gold Discs, Dr Hook have reached legendary status in many countries. Reviving special memories with classics such as Sylvia’s Mother, Sexy Eyes, A Little Bit More, When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Sharing The Night Together, The Cover Of Rolling Stone and Queen Of The Silver Dollar, don’t miss the opportunity of seeing Dr Hook live! – Ipswich Regent Sunday 12 November - 7.30pm www.apps.ipswich.gov.uk
COMEDY Avalon Promotions presents LEE NELSON: SERIOUS JOKER Due to huge demand, Lee’s brandnew, best ever stand-up show has been extended into autumn 2017. You’ve seen him sneaking into places he shouldn’t be, now come and see him where he most definitely should be: live on stage with his sensational Serious Joker Tour. All profits from the show will be going to Lee. – Norwich Playhouse Wed 29 to Thur 30 Nov - 7.30pm www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
SHAKESPEARE Youth Theatre Company presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by William Shakespeare. The King and Queen of Fairyland are at war, and their battle influences the lives of the mortals – the mismatched lovers, the lords and ladies, and even the humble artisans rehearsing for their ham-fisted entertainment. Over the course of one Midsummer’s Night, the whole world is turned upside down. By turns hilarious, poetic and magical, this is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays. – Norwich Theatre Royal Thu 7 - Sat 9 December - 7.30pm www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THE SEARCHERS They’re back! One of the few British pop groups to maintain their position at the top for well over 45 years, and second only to the Beatles as Liverpool’s finest 60s group, The Searchers’ annual show at the Corn Hall has a very special atmosphere that makes it the concert that die-hard fans never miss. – The Corn Hall, Diss Friday 8 December 7.30pm www.thecornhall.co.uk
COMEDY Thick-rimmed glasses. Shrieking laughs. Getting naked in shop windows! But whatever you think you know about TV’s fashion guru Gok Wan, you haven’t heard the half of it. From his humble beginnings on a Leicester council estate, to becoming one of the country’s most recognised faces. Gok candidly unravels
his life to reveal everything he has not yet dared to bare. No collar is left unturned in what might be the most honest, campest and naked stage show ever to mince the boards. Suitable for ages 16+ – The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Sunday 19 November 7.30pm www.theapex.co.uk
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WHAt's On NOvembEr IN
SAM KELLY AND THE LOST BOYS Having already recorded and produced over 10 acclaimed records, had multiple live sessions and airplay on BBC Radio 2 and 3, and his music regularly featured on Sky Arts and Sky Sports, it’s hard to believe that 24-year-old Cornwall-based folk singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Sam Kelly has only been performing live for 4 years. Joining Sam in the full band line up for 2017 are Ciaran Algar (fiddle, tenor guitar, bouzouki), Jamie Francis (banjo), Toby Shaer (flutes, pipes, whistles, fiddle, cittern), Graham Coe (cello), Archie Moss (melodeon) and Evan Carson (percussion). Together, they are Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. – Norwich Arts Centre Tuesday 28 November www.norwichartscentre.co.uk FOSTER AND ALLEN International Recording artists Foster & Allen are bringing their Golden Years Tour to the UK celebrating over 40 years together in the music business they will be performing a string of their biggest hits including Bunch of Thyme, Maggie, After All These Years, I Will Love You All My Life and Old Flames. They will also be performing their latest single Mrs. Brown’s Boys as well as recordings from their New Top 40 selling CD The Gold Collection including Galway Girl, The Fly and many more. – The Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn Thursday 2 November www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
BALLET - THE NUTCRACKER One of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions and a popular Christmas ballet presentation, The Nutcracker, will be brought to life by Ballet Theatre UK. This well loved traditional Christmas ballet will be performed in a unique setting with 24 international dancers from companies around the world. The Nutcracker ballet recounts the adventures of a young girl Clara the night before Christmas. When Clara falls asleep, an army of mice attack her toys and the Nutcracker. On her journey she sees the magical Snowflakes, dancing dolls and a Christmas tree that reaches the sky. This opulent new production promises everything you love about The Nutcracker, brighter and more splendid than ever before. Tchaikovsky’s most loved and unforgettable musical score combines with magical choreography, exquisite costumes and breathtaking scenery that together create an atmosphere of fantasy and illusion. – Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Mon 20 to Wed 22 November 7.30pm with matinees on Tue 21 & Wed 22 at 2.00pm www.theatreroyal.org
FOLK MUSIC Come and join the exceptional Cara Dillon for a night of Christmas songs in what will undoubtedly be a magical and memorable festive experience. Having recorded her highly anticipated Christmas album ‘Upon a Winter’s Night’, Cara and her band will be performing classic Carols, Celtic Hymns and other Christmas songs to celebrate and share in the Christmas Spirit; A tradition in the making. If you don’t know the voice of Cara Dillon, you’re in for a treat. If you are already amongst her legions of admirers around the world, you know you have something special in store. The extraordinary Irish singer makes music that transcends genres and crosses barriers. She has won every folk award going. – The Apex Theatre Bury St Edmunds Wednesday 29 November - 7.30pm www.theapex.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
SO COMEDY PRESENTS ELLIE TAYLOR: THIS GUY Following a sell-out Edinburgh Festival season and 2016 tour, the star of BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and The John Bishop Show, Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, and BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show presents an unmissable new stand-up show discussing whether or not she should breed. – Norwich Playhouse Friday 1 December - 8.00pm www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians – many of whom are West End performers. The 3 hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being sung alongside traditional carols. – Thursford Christmas Spectacular 8 November - 23 December 2017 2.00pm & 7.00pm Bookings can be made online or over the telephone. The booking office is open from 9.00am -4.00pm on 01328 878477. www.thursford.com
FOLK MUSIC The Oysterband 40th Celebration Tour The multi-award-winning outfit is now entering its 40th year, as vital and creative as ever, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out The Lights; When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down); Blood Wedding; Everywhere I Go; The Oxford Girl; Granite Years; Native Son... plus many others from their vast back catalogue that will be featured in performance during a year of touring and festivals from summer 2017 into 2018. A unique and fiercely independent career celebrated. On this tour, the band will play two sets each night, one featuring their highly-influential album Holy Bandits in its entirety, the second a selection of older gems from their vast back catalogue of songs such as Hal-an-Tow, Love Vigilantes, 20th of April, Bells of Rhymney, Bright Morning Star as well as some of the finest new songs in the modern folk repertoire. – The OPEN Norwich Sunday 26 November doors open 7.00pm www. opennorwich.org.uk BOOGIE NIGHT Boogie Night returns with 3 legacy acts recreated passionately in sound and vision. Kool & The Gang, The Stylistics and Stevie Wonder. The hits just keep on coming all night long with Ladies Night, Get Down On It, Fresh Cherish, Celebration, Joanna, Too Hot, Ooh La La Let’s Go Dancin and Don’t Leave Me This Way, Have you seen her, I’m Stone in Love with you, You Are Everything, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Sing Baby Sing, Star of a TV Show, Let’s Put It All Together, and many many more! – The Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn Friday 17 November www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
NORWICH JAZZ CLUB The Tim Kliphuis Trio Award-winning violinist Tim Kliphuis is a legend in the Gypsy Jazz world through his work with The Rosenberg Trio, Fapy Lafertin and Angelo Debarre. He has performed at all the major Django festivals worldwide and is seen by many as the inheritor of Stéphane Grappelli’s crown. Tim and his Trio have toured from Canada to Russia, from Scotland to South Africa and as they celebrate their 10th year on the road, we’re delighted that they’re appearing at Norwich Jazz Club as part of their UK tour. – Maddermarket Theatre Norwich Tuesday 14 November - 7.30pm www.maddermarket.co.uk
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Photography by BRINKHOFF MÖGENBURG
| NOVEMBER 2017
24
WEST END
Bennet Catty reviews the intelligent surprise hit at the Harold Pinter Theatre play telling the story of how Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met in secret in a hotel in a Norwegian forest in 1993 to negotiate a peace deal might not seem a promising subject for a Broadway smash. But Oslo has been the hit new play in New York this year and won every Best Play award there. Now – following a brief premiere run at the National Theatre – this smart, fast and funny political thriller has arrived in the West End. JT Rogers’ terrific play chronicles the true story of how two Norwegian diplomats introduced and facilitated two Israelis and two Palestinians – crucially, without direct contact with their respective leaderships - to begin exploring a deal for peace. The conditions were that they’d negotiate in the room but outside it they’d sit, chat, eat waffles and communicate as human beings rather than representatives. Although not without difficulty this proves to be a lynchpin of what follows; indeed two of the rival negotiators, we are told in the epilogue, remain friends to this day. When official channels get involved, of course, things get even more complicated. Although it’s a play in which people in suits talk in rooms, Oslo really grips. In one of several affecting anecdotes, one
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Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 November Eves 7.30pm, Mats Thur & Sat 2.30pm TICKETS: £8 - £31.50 Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL
Photography by BRINKHOFF MÖGENBURG
WEST END of the negotiators refers to eating olives with his father when he was younger. He hated olives, he says, but he did so in order to get close to his father. This is the essence of negotiation: swallowing what you wouldn’t normally tolerate in order to achieve something greater than your own needs. Everyone gets some of what they want, everyone loses some of what they need. Compromise is the essence of diplomacy but sacrifice is the by-product. And hope – even against all reason - is the key progenitor of diplomacy, a thought that the play ends on. JT Rogers brings great skill to the condensing of complicated motivations and a panoply of characters and locations into three talky hours. It inevitably contains its fair share of lumpy exposition in which people tell each other things they already know: “The Berlin Wall has just come down!” shrieks one character in the first scene. But it’s not all politics. Rogers also gives lots of time and focus to the negotiators’ attempts to bond, variously with jokes (all funny) or drunken banter and impersonation. The many lighter moments counter-balance the seriousness of the subject they are focused on, for which many lives hang in the balance – not only their nations’ but their own. Bartlett Sher’s staging of Oslo is much less dynamic than the subject or the writing. Save for the inevitable rear projections it contains no visual interest. Actors often walk on from the audience entrances, which is distracting (not least as the audience doors are so noisy) and rather pointless. There’s an odd bit of business with
a door on wheels which appears in one early scene and then never again, giving the impression of having been imported from a different show. There is a propensity to magnify all moments of disagreement by having a character walk right up to another, point a finger and shout in their face. This is a play about people talking in rooms and trying to change the world: it doesn’t need extra bombast. The actors who resist this kind of capital letter acting – the ever-brilliant Toby Stephens and, in the best performance of his career, Peter Polycarpou – create the most authenticity and interest. Philip Arditti brings tremendous charisma to the mix too. Nothing is more likely to trigger hazard lights than to call a play “important”. But Oslo is about an important subject and, perhaps more relevantly in the times we live in, important in the way it shows how people can achieve great things if they listen to the counter argument and not to the allegiance of the person making it. In a time when intellect and empathy are no longer available in the White House and in several other political addresses closer to home, it is a salutary tale. Oslo is a powerful piece of history and, for all the repeated references to the Norwegian cold, it is a play about warm humanity being pursued with burning passion.
OSLO Harold Pinter Theatre, runs until 30th December www.haroldpinter.theater
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| NOVEMBER 2017
davID boWie Pe t e G o o d r u m ’s monthly look at some of the lesser known facts of rock and pop
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TEN THINGS
D
avid Robert Jones left school with just one ‘O’ Level, and went on to super stardom. As David Bowie, he reinvented himself as Ziggy Stardust, and the Thin White Duke. He recorded era defining albums, acted in films, delivered mesmerising live performances and, ultimately, seemed to stage manage even his own, all too early, passing as a work of art. Fan worship barely describes the adulation he’s inspired. His legacy is immense. It’s time to leave the capsule if you dare. Here are ten things you might not know about David Bowie. T H E L O C A L C O N N E C T I O N S. You’re probably familiar with Bowie’s song ‘Life on Mars’ which features the line ‘From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads’. In Norwich his name is on the ‘blue plaque’ at the site of The Orford Cellar. Bowie is one of the stars that played there in the 1960s, as did Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton. Among Bowie’s early influences was Norfolk band Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers. They so impressed the teenage David that he changed his name to David Jay.
S O M E M O R E A B O U T T H E NA M E . Born David Robert Jones, he – briefly – did the David Jay thing. Next it was Davy Jones which he changed to David Bowie, because, improbable as it now seems, he was worried about being eclipsed by Davy Jones of The Monkees. Why ‘Bowie’? Because Jim Bowie, the Texan, of Bowie knife fame, was his hero, especially after he’d seen the 1960 movie ‘The Alamo’ in which Bowie (that’s Jim not David) was played by Richard Widmark.
T H O S E EY E S. When he was at school his best friend, George Underwood, punched him in the eye in a fight over a girl. Then came the myth that his eyes were different colours. They were in fact both blue. They appeared to be different because one of them was permanently dilated – injured in the fight with George Underwood. Then, in Oslo, in 2004, a lollipop, thrown by a fan, stuck in his eye. A member of his road crew duly removed the lollipop and, bravely, Bowie continued playing the gig.
A L S O I N 2 0 0 4. In truth some of David’s earlier (ahem) ‘habits’ did lead him to imagine things that weren’t actually there. Not so with the 5’ 3” pink rabbit that stalked him on his 2004 American tour. It was real. Well, it was someone in a real costume. Bowie initially laughed it off saying ‘Hey, its rock n roll. It’s just a 5’ 3” bunny’. He was a little more perplexed when he took his seat on the plane from New York – and the bunny was on board!
T H E E LV I S C O N N E C T I O N S. Elvis was a
major influence on the young David who recalled that he’d first started buying records after seeing his cousin dancing to ‘Hound Dog’. Decades later Bowie and Presley would be on the same recording label – RCA. Bowie had an extraordinarily detailed knowledge of Presley’s life and work. And the admiration was mutual. It’s claimed that after Elvis heard ‘Golden Years’ he asked Bowie to produce his next record. It wasn’t to be. Six months later, in August 1977, Elvis died. When David died, in 2016, he’d just released his last album, ’Black Star’. Not many people realised that this was the title of a ‘lost’ Presley song, from 1960. Eerily, the lyrics to the Presley song contain these lines – “Every man has a black star / A black star over his shoulder / and when a man sees his black star / He knows his time, his time has come.” Perhaps though the spookiest connection was that they had the same birthday. Presley was born on January 8th 1935. David was born exactly 12 years later on January 8th 1947. T H E P L A N E T M A R S may have figured in his fame – so did the Moon. In 1975 his song, ‘Space Oddity’, (you know the one – ‘Ground control to Major Tom….’) became, as part of a ‘maxi single’, David’s first UK number one. But, it had been written six years earlier. David was comparatively unknown at the time, and yet, in 1969, the BBC played the then new song over the footage of the moon landing.
H E WA S G O O D AT T E C H N O L O GY.
David Bowie was the first big time artist to offer a single for download. ‘Telling Lies’ was available from his website in 1996. OK – it did take around 11 minutes to download, and we’re talking dial – up internet connection, but hey, he did it! A N D F I NA L LY – T H E H A I R . Bowie’s hairstyle changed all the time, and set global fashion trends. It had been a major issue for him from the outset. When he was 17 BBC TV interviewed him in his role as founder of the ‘The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men’. Bear in mind this was 1964. He said ‘I think we all like long hair. I don’t see why other people should persecute us because of this.’ He added ‘It’s not nice when people call you darling and that’.
David Bowie sadly passed away on 10th January 2016 in New York aged 69, the cause of death was liver cancer
FA N C Y A C U P PA? No! He refused to drink tea. He was put off for life after tasting a terribly over stewed cuppa when he was five years old.
S P I D E R S. You’ll know about Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. But were you aware of the real insect name after David? The ‘Heteropoda davidbowie’ is a bright orange Malaysian huntsman spider.
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WHAT’S ON
fABULOUS
FestIvE
fAIR at the
fOrUM
From Friday 24th to Monday 27th November 2017
A
fabulous Festive Fair is planned at The Forum in Norwich from Friday 24th to Monday 27th November inclusive, and entry to the public will be free. This enticing event will feature a host of indoor and outdoor stalls selling East Anglian arts, crafts, plants and produce, perfect for Christmas presents and stocking fillers. Organiser Carolyn Atkins explains: “Held over the last weekend of November, this Festive Fair is the ideal place to stock up on gorgeous Christmas gifts. There will be over 50 indoor stalls selling everything from contemporary jewellery, pretty pottery, elegant glassware and wonderful woodwork to interesting prints, paintings and cards, colourful tins and textiles, some fabulous festive plants and much more. There will also be some wonderful winter produce – such as home-made sweets, mince pies, cheese, preserves and so on – as well as a series of festive food and drink stations outside the building. We’re expecting plenty of visitors, not only because of the attractive products on offer, but also because there will be live music at the Festive Fair over the four days, from The Pavilion Quintet, a popular Norfolk-based brass band who’ll be playing Christmas carols, to a fabulous festive choir or two.” The Forum is located on Millennium Plain in the heart of the city and has its own car park. The Festive Fair will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Monday 27th November, and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 26th. In addition, the event will be raising funds for Keeping Abreast (keepingabreast.org.uk), with a stall selling the charity’s merchandise as well as a Christmas raffle and tombola, a second-hand book stall, and a festive wrapping station where visitors can have their purchases giftwrapped for Christmas in return for a small donation. Carolyn Atkins added: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s Festive Fair at The Forum from Friday 24th to Monday 27th November as there’ll be something for everyone. Everyone is welcome – in fact, the more the merrier – as this is Christmas shopping as it should be!”
THE FESTIVE FAIR AT THE FORUM will take place from Friday 24th to Monday 27th November 2017 and entry is free. The Forum is located on Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF. More at: www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
dOiNg sTylE T
The Stylistics come to The Princess Theatre, Hunstanton in November
THE STYLISTICS will be performing at The Princes Theatre Hunstanton on Sunday 19th November. Tickets £38.50. www.thelittleboxoffice.com/princess
he Stylistics with their charisma, style and harmony, who evolved into one of the best selling soul groups ever, will be returning to Norfolk with a one night show at The Princess Theatre, Hunstanton this November. The Stylistics was formed in Philadelphia, PA in 1966 from two groups, "The Percussions" and "The Monarchs". When members from each group were drafted or went on to further their education, the remaining members under the guidance of their English teacher Beverly Hamilton joined forces and changed the name to "The Stylistics". After working locally for a number of years, the group was approached by Bill Perry who asked if they would be interested in recording. Their first song "You're a Big Girl Now" was recorded at Virtue Recording Studio, a local studio in Philadelphia. This song was written by the group guitarist at the time, Robert "Doc" Douglas and Road Manager, Marty Bryant. The sessions cost Bill Perry a little over $500.00 to produce and were released locally. It was soon picked up in the tri-state area and before long; it became a number 1 hit in Philadelphia and a few other cities. Bill was interested in promoting the record national but didn't have the resources. After the success of "You're A Big Girl Now", Avco wanted to naturally follow up with an album release. Hit veteran producer Tom Bell was contacted and was hired to produce the group's first album. The album was entitled "The Stylistics" and from that album came "Stop, Look, Listen to your Heart", "You Are Everything" and "Betcha By Golly Wow". The success of the first album was phenomenal for that time along with an unheard release of six singles in total. The ball continued to roll with the release of their second album entitled "Round Two". The Stylistics were becoming known as the Philly group with the sweet love songs. Herbert Murrell and Airrion Love are the remaining original members of The Stylistics, friends since junior high school; Herb and Airrion have managed to keep their institution of 70's music alive. It was thought to be the end of the Stylistics following the departure of their original lead singer, but as in life "THE SHOW MUST GO ON" The Stylistics are instantly recognisable and to this day remain the real deal, fabulously entertaining and musically breathtaking, plying everyone with the hits that made them a household name. It’s a show not to be missed! 33
| NOVEMBER 2017
e z E e squ Pete Goodrum caught up with Chris Difford of Squeeze as they start touring and release a new album
T
here is going to be a delay in talking with Chris Difford, and his management people are being very attentive in checking that ‘it’s all going ok’ for me. That they’ll ‘get it sorted’. What they don’t know, apparently, is that Chris and I have already spoken and he’s asked me to put our conversation back by precisely an hour. Just an hour. And that he’s very sorry. Exactly an hour later we’re talking. 34
I open with a cheery ‘so, new album, new tour, it’s all happening for you then’. And he comes back with, ‘Yeah, it’s Groundhog Day. Another tour pass and off we go again…’ Oh. Or maybe Uh Oh. Have I said the wrong thing? It turns out I haven’t. This is how Chris Difford, founder member of Squeeze, deals with things. It takes a minute or two to tune into it. It’s a blend of a quiet speaking voice, a factual approach and a modesty that’s to do with staying grounded. You get the impression that Chris Difford never wants to appear as more important than he feels he is. The fact is though, in the world of music, he is really rather important. I mean, after all, along with Glenn Tilbrook, he founded Squeeze. It was 1973, in Deptford, South East London, and he famously nicked 50p out of his mum’s purse to place an ad. in a shop window to recruit a guitarist for his band. Tilbrook was the only one
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
to answer the ad., so he didn’t have a huge response. But then he didn’t have a band either. Details eh? But, the pair were soon in their stride as song writers and by the late seventies they were being lauded as ‘the heirs to Lennon and McCartney’s throne’. It’s difficult to live up to praise like that, but they did. The hits kept coming. "Cool for Cats", "Up the Junction", "Slap and Tickle", "Another Nail in My Heart", "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)", "Tempted", "Labelled with Love" – and every one of those songs was an irresistible mixture of instantly memorable tune and insightfully observant lyrics. There have been break ups, make ups, albums and tours and now it’s 2017 and Squeeze are about to hit the road and release an album of brand new material.
It’s been an unpredictable story, with sometimes long gaps between album releases. Bouncing back from the ‘Groundhog Day’ comment I comment on the fact that it’s only a couple of years since the last album of original material, for which we’d waited 17 years! ‘It was a bit of a gap’. The 2015 album, ‘Cradle to the Grave’ had been written as the music for Danny Baker’s autobiographical film. Had that been a new challenge? A new discipline? ‘It was a focussing tool. When Danny Baker showed us the script and asked us to write the music it was a sort of catalyst. In truth, up to that point we sort of knew we wanted to make a record but we weren’t sure what we wanted it to be’. And then, just a couple of years later comes the new album for 2017 – ‘The Knowledge’. Was there an overlap in the writing? Were they working on both at the same time? ‘I can understand that it might look that way, but the new album – ‘The Knowledge’ – was written this year – although I can see how it might feel like a continuation of the previous one. It reminds me of 1978 and ’79 when ‘Cool for Cats’ and ‘Argybargy' came out consecutively. Like two arms of the same body’. Will the momentum continue then I ask. Is there another album in the making and due out soon? ‘No, it’s about the tour in the immediate future. We have to give everything to that. When you start a new tour it’s always a bit daunting, and, to be honest, the travelling can be hard – but being on stage and playing – that’s still great. They have a lot of playing to do. The tour kicks off on October 5 at Rhyll and they’re on the road until November 6, when they play the The Royal Albert Hall. By then ‘The Knowledge’ will have been released. Along the way they take in the Regent Theatre in Ipswich, on October 19th and Cambridge Corn Exchange on October 27th. Chris Difford knows East Anglia and we have a momentary diversion on the subject. Support band on the tour are ‘Nine Below Zero’. Building their reputation since the late 70s they’ve been called “one of the best blues bands in the country” (The Crack magazine). Their latest album 13 Shades Of Blue (2016) features a horn section, keyboards, violin and backing vocalists. Squeeze, says Difford, are looking forward to playing with their ‘old chums on stage. If there were any (ridiculous) doubts about Squeeze still cutting it on stage their 2016 appearance on The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury dispelled them. The Guardian said of the gig – they “[went] down a storm… Squeeze’s success is a pretty infectious thing”. Acoustic Magazine said that “they don’t have the bombastic hype of headliners Coldplay, but they have the songcraft and lyrical majesty to leave the headliners in the dust which they duly did.” See? The Join The Dots 2017 tour is of course linked to promoting the new album. There will be the huge and wonderful back catalogue to draw on, and ‘Cool For Cats’ and ‘Up The Junction’ are firmly in the set list. But ’The Knowledge’ will form an important part of the show. And it’s difficult to imagine Squeeze fans being anything other than happy about that. It’s classic Tilbrook and Difford writing; sharp, tiny, thumbnail sketches of British life. I think of it as ‘English’ songwriting in the vein of The Kinks. I put that to Chris who, very quietly, says, ‘Thank you. Thank you very much’. If anything I think the new album has, in some tracks, more bite than some of the early work. Listen to, for me, stand out tracks, ‘A&E’, and ‘Final Score’. I’m lucky enough to have to have heard the material pre release. They’re not pulling punches. When we discuss that Chris Difford says that a lot of the credit must go to Glenn. ‘He’s very vocal. He has things to say’. Squeeze have always had things to say, and they’re saying them as eloquently as ever. As we come to the end of our chat I repeat my admiration for their work and wish Chris Difford well for the album and tour. And again he simply, but sincerely says, ‘Thank you. Thank you very much’. I think it’s what we say to Squeeze. ‘Thank you. Thank you very much’.
SQUEEZE’S NEW ALBUM, The Knowledge, is out now on CD, LP and download
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| NOVEMBER 2017
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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Dan Hawkins talked to Places&Faces® about the new album ‘Pinewood Smile’, touring and lots more. Pete Goodrum shines some light on The Darkness
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an Hawkins, founder member of rock legends The Darkness, is having a busy day. Appointments have been moved, his management team are trying to keep it all on track and, tellingly for a 2017 rock god, his kids have broken his phone. What’s more it’s still quite early in the morning when it comes to rock ‘ n ‘ roll. But, he’s courtesy personified and more than keen to chat about all that’s going on in his and the band’s world. Which is quite a lot right now. I caught up with him just days before the release of The Darkness’ new album, ‘Pinewood Smile’. High on my list of questions is what was it like to work with Adrian Bushby as their producer? The man has a seriously impressive cv including working with the Foo Fighters. It turns out to be a good starting point for our conversation as it was indeed Dan who chose Bushby. ‘I’d produced the last two albums, and I really didn’t want to do it myself this time. It’s been a busy year – and we’ve had a baby. I actually pitched the idea to Adrian Bushby – he was my first choice. I wanted someone young, someone with an edge. They needed to have credentials obviously. But I really wanted someone who was not, how can I put this, steeped in reverence to classic rock’. Hmmm. Classic rock. That world of strutting peacock males, and uber self confidence. Dare I ask then – I do anyway – there’s a track on the new album called ‘All The Pretty Girls’. It’s a bit of a self deprecatory. Is it a chink in that rock star armour? It seems to be saying ‘girls only like you when you’re famous. Because you’re famous.’ ‘Not really’ is the answer from Dan. ‘It’s more about The Darkness simply being The Darkness I think. Let’s be honest, adulation is the main reason a guy picks up a guiar in the first place isn’t it?’ Commendably honest. And there’s more candour to come. ‘It’s about the inner geek coming to the surface I think. You want to be a star, but it’s also about that quite geeky thing. You know, in your bedroom, strumming the guitar, finding chords. Yeah’ he suddenly adds in a moment of apparent self realisation, ‘I think we are geeks really’. It’s an interesting speculation. I move on to ask what it’s like working with the other ‘newcomer’, Rufus Taylor. The drummer
son of Queen legend Roger Taylor is now part of The Darkness. ‘He’s a joy to work with. He really is. Not just in the performing, but in the writing too. I can be with him sketching out the loosest of ideas and he’ll fill in the beat, flesh out my riffs. It really works’. It does. Listen to the band on the new album and the young Mr Taylor’s work is poundingly evident. ‘Pinewood Smile’ is a confident record all round. I ask about the process of recording for the band nowadays. ‘We like to capture the atmosphere of when we were writing the material’, he says. ‘You know. No overdubs and stuff. It’s hard to do, because you want to get the nuances right. That said, we do work fast. A bit like the old days. We can get a track in the can in two takes’. But let’s go back a bit before we go further forward. I remember, I tell Dan, that way back at the outset, his brother Justin had said that their first album was about them ‘making a record you liked and if the public liked it was a bonus’. Does the band still feel like that – or does the industry and the market take that away from them now? He doesn’t struggle for an answer. It’s not that. But he pauses, to think it through. He wants, demonstrably, to make sure he gives the right answer. The honest answer. ‘When we ‘came back’ with the album ‘Hot Cakes’ there was some pressure on us. We’d not been firing on all cylinders. So we worked at it. By the time we released the ‘Last Of Our Kind’ album we were through it. We know we have an amazing fan base, and we want to deliver for them. But do we go in to make a record thinking about having a number one album? No. It’s the last thing on our minds’. So, seventeen years on, despite a few twists and turns, the band’s original ethos is still in place then? ‘Seventeen years! Can you believe it?’ he says. ‘Have we changed? Well, when it comes to touring, it’s hard sometimes to be away for long periods. It’s a big tour coming up. Norwich in December. I love that city. We’ll be doing seven weeks in the UK, then seven weeks in the USA. It is demanding. Mind you, we don’t have the hangovers nowadays!’ It’s a passing reference to the excesses of the early days and is not worth dwelling on. And anyway, Dan is still in full flow. ‘Being on stage is still the best though. It’s what it’s all about’. Live appearances aside the band are also the subject of a much talked about, but as yet unreleased, documentary. I ask Dan for the latest news. ‘It’s still coming along. I think it will be a surprise for a lot of people. Fact is we’re not always the band people want us to be ….’ Really? That’s downright enigmatic. Especially as we’ve already talked about the way the band’s ethos and spirit remains the same as it did at the start. So what does he mean? ‘It’s directed by Simon Emmett. Have you seen his film about Barnet FC? It’s brilliant. We’ve been gathering material for his film about us for a long time. It will be like his Barnet film, a real look at life from his angle. So I think it won’t be what people expect in a documentary about a rock band. Or about us’. But then The Darkness often do what you don’t expect them to do. Let me give you an example. There’s a song on ‘Pinewood Smile’ called Southern Trains. Reading that title on a track list from a rock band you’d think what? Freight trains, whistle moaning, southern states of America. Wrong. The song is about The Darkness being frustrated by the strikes, crowding and delays on the UK’s rail operator Southern. Interesting isn’t it? The Darkness aren’t always the band you expect them to be. Time to ask the man a final question. You’re rock gods I say, so who do you worship? How long have you got? A litany of names comes pouring out. Names you will know – Queen, Kiss, Metallica. Names you might know – Royal Blood for instance. Names you might not know – like In The Whale. What’s fantastic about the torrent of band names is that it’s delivered with the enthusiasm of a real music fan. Someone who knows the music. Loves the music. Someone who has heroes. Now I think about it that’s what you might call a geek I suppose. The Darkness. Geeks after all. Who knew? But then, play the new album. Go see them live. That’s not how geeks sound and look. So, Dan was right all along. The Darkness aren’t always the band you think they are. 37
| NOVEMBER 2017
WanON LY G o k Wa n i s t r av e l l i n g t h e country with his new show Na k e d & B a r i n g A l l – h e t a l k s to Kate Gould and reveals a little more…
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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
S
o Gok, this autumn you are off round the country with your new show, Naked & Baring All. Without giving too much away, tell me a bit about what audiences can expect
I describe the Naked & Baring All Tour as the truth behind the truth – all the stuff I haven’t talked about in the past. The show will be full of surprises and will be quite a revelation! In 2009 I wrote my autobiography Through Thick And Thin. I put it down and walked away for nearly a decade. Then, when I was asked if I wanted to do the stage show, I picked it up and read it back and realized that there was a lot about my life that I had not revealed and I felt it was time!! Will much of the material you discuss be new to your fans?
have to come along to find out! I have had a very colourful life – let’s put it that way! What do you hope audiences will take away from it?
I hope audiences will have a lot of fun, and get a real sense of anything is possible in life. Tell me about How To Look Good Naked. You inspired thousands of people and helped them feel good about themselves in all sorts of ways. It really catapulted you to the big time and made you a household name.
It was really successful, incredible, just a great show. We did six series and I loved it. We went out on a massive high as we were still getting great figures and if Channel 4 said let’s do some more I would make it again in a heartbeat. The show still regularly runs in the UK and overseas.
I haven’t discussed a lot of the stories with friends and family and actually some of it I haven’t discussed with myself before! They have been locked up in a file in my brain called memories which had been mislaid over the years. Naked & Baring All will give audiences the chance to learn a huge amount about who I really am. It’s going to be really funny, emotional and ridiculous and packed with anecdotes. There will be laughter and tears!! – a real mix of emotions.
Was it a career highlight?
Are you going to talk about your whole life or just specific parts of it? What will the structure be and will the audience have a chance to ask you questions?
I realized I wasn’t cut out to be a classical actor. . When I was training I wanted to do Shakespeare, Chekhov and Brecht and be out there performing at the Globe and the National, but over the years I realized it just wasn’t me! I have a skill at doing a different kind of performing on stage which is often centered around humour and cheekiness, which fits perfectly with panto and you see that on TV a bit.
Myself and my director Owen Lewis who is brilliant, funny and actually quite hot, came up with the idea to use the different tools that I’ve used in my career as the basis for Naked & Baring All. So there will be lots about fashion, body shape, style, cooking, that kind of thing but there will be other surprises
There is a lot to cover – you’ve done so much! How will you condense it all?
If I did my whole life I’d be on stage for a week! We’re still devising it and as I work visually, at the moment I’ve got this massive spider graph with way too much stuff on it. Owen and I will pick stuff out that either makes him laugh, cry or wince and that’s the stuff we need. But as you say, how do you cover someone’s life in 90 minutes?
At the moment I’m trying to hit four buzz points. Firstly it needs to be more honest than I’ve ever been. Secondly it needs to show a side of my personality that I have never given out on screen before – which is “who is the real me” Thirdly it has to be inspiring – there is life after anorexia, the bullying and so on. And finally it has to be fun, it’s got to have all the humour in there, because you know, life is really funny. Every single day stupid and ridiculous things happen to us all and I think they are sometimes the most valuable anecdotes to give out to people because it’s the stuff that people can empathize with straight away. So will there be any gossip in the show?
Yes lots of gossip and lots of secrets but you’ll
Of course it’s been one of my career highlights but I have been very lucky and worked on so many different and exciting projects – Gok’s Fashion Fix, Gok’s Style Secrets, Gok’s Clothes Roadshow and lots of others such as Gok Cooks Chinese and the documentaries. Originally you wanted to be an actor and went to Central School of Speech and Drama. How did you make the leap from acting to being a stylist and being on TV?
You settled in London – what jobs did you do before you landed How To Look Good Naked?
I did lots of different jobs. I was a recruitment consultant, worked in restaurants, bars, lots of different things and then I fell into hair and make-up – which is a big part of the show so I won’t tell you now – you’ll have to come along and find out! Did being a stylist come naturally?
I think taste comes naturally but styling is like any art form. It is entirely subjective. But you have to learn the technical side of styling – the relationship you have with PRs and designers, understanding how far you can push it with a client and understanding the logistics of building a business around it. Also, learning social media, your personal brand, accounts and how you do get repeat business, or a new client, all of that stuff you don’t get taught at college. I had taste, and I think I’ve got taste, but had to learn the other stuff as well. You’ve styled a huge number of people over the years, is there anyone you would like to style?
When I was younger working as a stylist I always wanted to dress people. But I don’t really have those thoughts anymore. I really enjoy makeovers. They are the things that I get a lot of buzz out of, dressing real people
with real bodies and real self-confidence issues. For me it’s far more empowering than dressing a celebrity as they can afford any of the clothes they want, they have a body a trainer has given them and they eat nothing but dust for months on end. So for me it’s not as fulfilling and I’d much rather be with Barbara from Bolton – it’s great because you get to meet real people. All the stuff that comes out of a makeover is just gold. A lot of them are terrified though as it’s a really intimidating thing. Most people I dress are worried and afraid but it’s my job to show them it’s for the best. It’s also my job to show them how to use these new tools and how they find the confidence with them. You’ve recently been to Graduate Fashion Week – do you get inspired by the next generation?
I love going to Graduate Fashion Week. The students are the best part of the fashion industry. They are the next generation of talent with their creativity. It’s amazing to be part of their ambitions. A lot of them come up and say how I’ve inspired them so it’s great from a mentoring point of view too. When you are surrounded by 1,000 fashion students just about to embark on the most exciting part of their career, I love being part of that. It makes me feel great and reminds me of where I’ve come from so it’s wonderful. Who were the people that inspired you and who are the people who’ve been most influential in your life?
I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life. My agent Carol is amazing and taught me about business, about standing up for what I believe in and a lot about doing the jobs I don’t want to do. Also Linda Leeming who sadly passed away two years ago. She was a stylist, though originally a fashion PR back in the day, and was brilliant. She shaped my career. I worked for her as a make-up artist on a lot of her shoots and she taught me the ropes on styling. She was a great inspiration for me. But the biggest influencers have been the bullies. You know I thank every single one of them because had they not done all of that stuff and made me feel that way I would never have found the confidence I have now. It drove my success. Absolutely – my biggest inspiration has been my bullies. I credit them with everything I have achieved. You are going to do panto again this year, in Milton Keynes, and for the fifth time?
Yes, I’m doing Cinderella, working with Brian Conley again. We are a little bit like the ultimate panto duo which is a bit of an odd one really! He’s incredible and genuinely one of the most talented people I’ve ever met in my entire life. His comedy control and audience control, his timing, energy and charisma are unbelievable. It requires a real skill set to do panto and the masters, the likes of Brian Conley, their skill set is so enormous and so brilliant I have got nothing but absolute respect for them. With so much going on in your life with all the things you do and the projects you are involved in, how do you find time to relax?
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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
I hate rest, sleeping and days off! I’m not keen on holidays but I do try and have one night off a week to relax and I will run a bath, light some candles, put the TV on, then I will get a book – I’m quite a restless person and find it really difficult to relax. I’m really fortunate that I still love my job, it drives me nuts sometimes but I still love what I do. I also have hobbies, stuff that I’m really interested in though I’m not very good at just having a hobby because it always turns into something bigger. For instance, some people are quite happy buying a lump of clay and make an ashtray for their living room. I’m not happy with that as I’d want to create a vase to go into Tate Modern! I’m just one of those people who is very proactive and I’m very ambitious. And that keeps me very busy as well. There will be another project next week that I’ll start doing and set myself a ridiculous goal of getting it somewhere.
studying with a magic teacher and learning some card tricks. I have lessons whenever I can fit them in.
kids with eating disorders come up to me and say I’ve inspired them as I’ve been frank about what happened to me.
What about friends – do you have much time to go out with them?
So what’s next after the tour and after panto this Christmas?
So what are your hobbies?
Do you get people writing to thank you for helping them?
Fashion is my job, DJing, Painting and Magic are my hobbies. I have always drawn and sketched and I find it very relaxing. I am also
I do. Five or six nights a week I’ll be doing something, going to dinner or for drinks, the theatre or I cook at home. I go out to the theatre quite a bit – shows like an American In Paris as I’ve got a couple of friends in that, I have seen Beautiful which I really liked and I actually really enjoyed Motown although I’m not really into that type of music but the storytelling was so good. How do you keep fit and keep yourself in shape?
My work keeps me fit as I’m constantly on the go. I used to go to the gym regularly but I hurt my back and have had to ease off with that.
Do you know I’m really fortunate I get a lot of people who do that. I’ve also had a lot of
I’ve got a couple of goals next year. I am in talks for a new fashion project which is being developed at the moment. I’d like to take the Naked & Baring All show out to more places next year including internationally – places that we’ve worked in already like Poland, Holland, Australia and Canada and Asia. I think the next thing though will be a business – I really fancy a restaurant or nightclub. If it’s a restaurant it will be Asian food though I’m not sure where it will be. All I know is I’m starting to get those butterflies about it and once I get them I know it’s the right thing to do.
GOK WAN will be ‘Naked and Baring All’ at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 19th November, call 01284 758000 or see theapex.co.uk for more details or to book.
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Hazel O’Connor and her band to play at The Apex
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ward-winning singer, writer and actress Hazel O’Connor will be appearing in Bury St Edmunds in December. Hazel O’Connor became an overnight sensation after her BAFTA nominated portrayal of Kate in the 1980 smash hit film Breaking Glass. During this period, Hazel released three of her most successful albums; ‘Breaking Glass’, ‘Sons and Lovers’ and ‘Cover Plus’, which produced a stream of top ten hits, including the iconic ‘Will You’, ‘Eighth Day’ and ‘D’Days’. Hazel is back with her full band and will be joined on stage by her brother Neil O’Connor for the first time in since their 2 week residency at Ronnie Scott’s back in 1984. Neil played original guitars on the ‘Sons and Lovers’ and ‘Cover Plus’ album and enjoyed his own success as the front man of the punk band The Flys. Hazel is joined on stage with a 5 piece band including Clare Hirst on Sax and Sarah Fisher on Keys. Places&Faces® caught up with Hazel ahead of performance at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds Congratulations you’ve got a busy few months ahead with live shows, is this what you imagined when you were a little girl growing up?
No. There were no dreams of music or show business, absolutely none. My brother was a musician when we were little and he got piano lessons and I was a little bit jealous. He is a record producer in Montréal now. He’s coming over to play with me on the tour which is great. When I was a teenager I ran away and travelled. 42
How much do you enjoy working and performing all the time?
I love singing and I was never going to give up singing, but it just worked out that I had to sing more than other artists, who’ll have a hit single, put out an album, do one tour a year and it’s all mapped out. Having not made my millions as I should’ve done with all my records, I’ve always had to work. What happened to the money? You had huge hits and the film Breaking Glass and you were the lead and it was hugely successful?
I was paid a pound to sign to my record company. It was ridiculous. I was so happy that somebody wanted me and signed me in those days, even if they gave me a quid. At the time I was delighted, but of course I had no money to pay the rent, so I answered the record company telephones for two weeks while the receptionist girl was on holiday. The day before I was told I was getting the lead part in Breaking Glass the record company told me nobody else wanted to sign me, and so I signed a very long contract. They knew they were going to make loads, and that they’d get the best publicity for me through the film. The best producer Tony Visconti agreed to work with me to record my songs. The label, who also had my publishing, leased me out to make the film. I finally ended up having to go to court because there was nothing coming in for me. I was in debt when I shouldn’t have been because there was a lot of money that rolled in. How did you feel about that?
Your songs are like your children, they are extensions of you, and when somebody steals them, or you don’t get anything back, you start
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW to feel worthless. I spent a lot of time feeling worthless. Who were the people that kept you going?
The people working on the film, the producers on Breaking Glass, were brilliant. I have to say people like Dodi and Mohamed Al Fayed, the producers, were the people who keep me buoyant. Did you make friends with other stars?
I became friends with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley from Wham! during my time in court because we shared the same lawyers. Spandau Ballet remained good friends, too. Are you planning to play tribute to George Michael on your tour?
It’s interesting, because one of the songs I’ve covered on an album is George Michael’s ‘One More Try’. I’m supposed to be just singing songs from my first three albums on this tour, but maybe I’ll also include the George Michael song. Looking back didn’t you give an unknown band called Duran Duran their first break?
Duran Duran came on their first tour with me. They had such a tough time, as my audience was quite hard-core and Duran Duran came out with frilly shirts on because they were following the New Romantics. It was a little bit misguided, I think, but, crucially, they had good songs. Our entire band used to rush out when Planet Earth was played. The boys had no money at the time, but a lot of commitment, and I think their managers at the time had mortgaged themselves to the hilt to be able to afford to do the tour. It paid off, though, and I’m really glad for them.
was just a silly peck, but it resulted in ridiculous stories saying I was the older woman he was seeing. Is it true that manager and X Factor judge Louis Walsh was integral in your career too?
I’ve known Lulu, as he is known in Ireland, since he was 19. When I first came to Ireland, my agent sent him to be my driver and we had such a hilarious time. Nothing was organised on that tour and to this day Louis says to me, “I always remember you screaming at your manager in England because you didn’t know what was happening.” When I moved to Ireland years later he really supported me wholeheartedly, as I was going through a lot, having been diagnosed with skin cancer. It’s crazy what has happened to him since, what with his boy bands and television work. Back in those days, me and Marianne Faithfull were his hip girls. He’s been through 50 billion different things now and knows his music inside out. That’s what I liked about Louis, he’s a music fan. He’s helped me through everything, too. How are you getting ready for your tour?
I live in County Wicklow in Ireland and I have a house in the Languedoc in France. I’m spending some time there, driving with my two dogs Diva and Lolly for a visit first, and then I have to finish sorting out my house in Ireland, because after the tour I’ve got to have an operation on my foot, so I need to be able to get around on crutches! What’s up with your foot?
They made their record deal [with EMI] during my tour and within six months they had a huge hit. We ended up appearing on Top Of The Pops at the same time and we had a cup of tea after the show at the hotel they were staying at. It was really funny because I saw they had got a bit uppity, a bit up themselves for a minute and the manager said, “For f*ck’s sake boys, you are acting like the nouveau riche.”
I was born with terrible feet and by the time my Mum got a letter from the hospital about an operation I was 16, by which point I’d already left home. I was away travelling and I refused to come back. Now, though, I finally need to do something about it. They wanted to do both feet at the same time but I need to be able to move around, and I can’t stop work completely. I’ve got less than three months to recover before I tour again, so I’m squeezing in the operation to have my foot reshaped between tours. The fact is I live in a cottage and you couldn’t even get a wheelchair in there…and I’ve got two nutty dogs!
What’s your favourite Top Of The Pops story?
Do you miss having a big band, big production?
Did you see them change after they got the record deal?
It’s got to be when we did ‘Decadent Days’ and I took my clothes off. We wanted to stay and watch the rest of the bands but we weren’t allowed to stand in the audience, so I thought it would be really fun if I got a wig, put my glasses on and stood in the audience like a dork and wave and say “Hello Mum”. However, I then walked towards the stage and threw my clothes off until I just had my bikini top and a little mini skirt on. At the time I thought it was the best moment ever. Looking back, I don’t know what I was thinking. Who were your closest friends then?
My best mate in those days was Paula Yates. I used to hang out with Paula when she was with Bob (Geldof ). But when I hit my hard times I didn’t see anybody because I was busy fighting the court case. Prior to that, which seems like a million years ago, I used to go to Bob and Paula’s every Sunday in Clapham. We would play Boggle and Bob would take great relish in beating me because he was so well versed in words. I could never win, I’m just not as articulate as he is. Paula and I would often then go upstairs, sit under the duvet, have a pot of tea and she would tell me about all the latest interviews she’d done and her latest crushes on pop stars. We had a wonderful friendship and that time was beautiful. George Michael and I were close, too. His parents lived in Radlet, close to where I lived, and we used to do silly little things like walk my dog through the fields together. Once we went to see David Bowie together at Wembley…we got there on the tube, but then we left because it was so packed we thought “how are we going to get out of here?” We started to walk and then we decided to hitchhike. We got the first lift and the driver freaked out when he recognised us. When we had to get out we started doing stupid stuff like Wham! dances along the road to try and get another lift. I think it was Pete Murphy, from Bauhaus, who picked us up in the end. George and I had lots of hilarious times; he agreed to be in the video for my single ‘Don’t Touch Me’ and there’s a scene where we kiss. It
Look at Ed Sheeran; you don’t need a big band. You need songs, and I have them. And her final words...... I am looking forward to be playing excerpts from these three albums as I often don’t get the opportunity to play my early songs and to be joined by Neil who was there at the inception of these songs is a privilege for me, as is getting to play with my sisters in music sax player Clare Hirst (Belle Stars Comunards and David Bowie) and keyboards and vocals Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) in this full band line up is gonna be a powerful thing!’
HAZEL O’CONNOR and her band will play all the hits from her first three albums, including the iconic ‘Will You’, ‘Eighth Day’ and ‘D’Days’at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Friday 1st December. Call 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.uk for more details or to book
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HavInG BeANO C h a s & D av e w i l l b e r a b b i t i n g o n t h i s N o v e m b e r w h e n t h e y h o p o v e r t o Ho p t o n f o r a o n e n i g h t p e r f o r m a n c e a t Po t t e r s
R
ockney rebels Chas & Dave are currently touring the country, cementing the success of their album That’s What Happens which was released a few years ago. Recorded at Studio 2, Abbey Road (The Beatles Room) back in 2013 to mark the 50th anniversary of their friendship, their first new studio album since 1987’s Flying saw Chas & Dave return to their roots with a collection of early R&B, skiffle and rock ‘n’ roll classics alongside new takes on songs of their own. A firm favourite with critics and fans alike, That’s What Happens put Chas & Dave back in the upper reaches of the UK album charts for the first time in a generation and they went on to appear at the Royal Variety Performance with the likes of Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Jessie J and a host of other stars. Their resurgence was confirmed the following year with a sell-out headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall where they were presented with the Nordoff Robbins Icon award alongside fellow award-winners Tom Jones, Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Page and Paloma Faith. And then the next year they were invited to perform at the VE Day 70 concert at Royal Horseguards in front of 15,000 people and a live BBC 1 audience to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day. Indeed, decades of success have descended on pianist Chas Hodges and guitarist Dave Peacock since they started out in the late 1960s/ early 1970s and their wonderfully witty songs about London life and no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll style have made them household names. Having released their debut album One Fing ‘n’ Anuvver in 1975, their signature brand of cockney rock ‘n’ roll has brought 44
them significant commercial success, with advertising executives and sporting representatives queuing up for their song-writing skills to help promote various brands and their East End pub-style performances setting them apart from the crowd. Their fans famously include The Libertines, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Karl Pilkington, Jack Clement, Tori Amos and Sir Tom Jones among many others, with some of these stars covering Chas & Dave songs. Following Chas’s recent cancer treatment and a few cancelled concerts the dynamic duo are now back on the road and they’ll be having a good old knees-up in the Atlas Theatre at Potters Resort in Hopton on Sunday, November 19th. Back in Norfolk by popular demand, the cockney legends will be singing a selection of their unique rockney classics and vintage rock ‘n’ roll songs; one thing’s for sure – they certainly know how to put on a show! The high-spirited pair are always great fun, with “Chas the slightly bigger one sitting at the piano” and “Dave the slightly thinner one on the bass” always up for a laugh. It’s great to see them on tour again and no doubt their quirky concerts will continue to go down a storm; after all, that’s what happens!
CHAS & DAVE will be performing at Potters Resort on Sunday, November 19th. The one night break starts from £139 per person and includes accommodation, a five-course dinner with wine, midnight dish, breakfast, live evening entertainment and use of the Resort’s facilities. See: pottersholidays.com. They will also appear at The Apex, Bury on Tuesday, December 5th.
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
geRTcHA We catch up with Chas for a cheeky chat…
Favourite TV shows?
“Catherine Tate. We actually appeared in one of her Christmas specials.” Favourite song of yours?
“No Pleasin’ You. It was Number 1 in the Melody Maker chart and reached Number 2 in the BBC chart.” Any songs you wish you’d written?
“No, because that’s like having someone else’s baby.” What’s your idea of a good, old knees-up?
“Chas & Dave on the bill of course!” How well do you and Dave get on?
“Famously and we’ve been playing together since 1972 but have been friends since the 60s. We’ve been together over 50 years.” What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
“Selling out the Royal Albert Hall.” Last record you bought?
“Benny Goodman. He was the ‘King of Swing’ and was an American jazz and swing musician.” Have you ever forgotten the words to any of your songs?
“Yes, but I just make them up on the spot.” Any pre – and post-show rituals?
“Cup of tea and a fart, before and after the show!” Favourite place/country visited?
“The USA and we’ve toured there a few times.”
You’ve performed with some greats already. Are there any other singers or stars you’d like to team up with?
“I’d really like to record some more with Sir Paul McCartney. He likes our music and I supported The Beatles on their last-ever European tour.” What’s next for you?
“We’re busy performing but I’d love to do a musical sometime in the future.” Handful of Chas & Dave hits:
1. Strummin’ 2. Gertcha 3. The Sideboard Song 4. Rabbit 5. Stars over 45 6. Ain’t No Pleasing You 7. Margate 8. London Girls 9. My Melancholy Baby 10. There in Your Eyes 11. In Sickness and In Health 12. Snooker Loopy 13. Romford Rap 14. Flying
FUN FACTS
Chas & Dave coined the phrase “rockney” to refer to their style of music, fusing cockney accents and rhyming slang with rock ‘n’ roll and pub sing-along music. Their snooker-themed, 1986 top ten single Snooker Loopy features snooker playaers Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Willie Thorne, Terry Griffiths and Tony Meo as backing vocalists under the guise of The Matchroom Mob. The hook used on Eminem’s My Name Is was originally played by Chas & Dave who were session musicians for Labi Siffre and who recorded the tune I Got The, which Eminem later sampled. The Two Ronnies famously performed a parody of Chas & Dave for their 1982 Christmas Special. Pete Doherty claims that it was listening to Chas & Dave that first made him want to become a musician. The Libertines later played Chas & Dave songs during rehearsals. The duo opened for Led Zeppelin at the 1979 Knebworth Festival. Chas & Dave were offered the chance to record the theme song for Only Fools and Horses but couldn’t do it as they were on tour in Australia. It was subsequently recorded by Only Fools’ writer John Sullivan. The boys are both big Tottenham fans, and recorded four FA Cup final singles for their beloved Spurs, including Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur and Tottenham Tottenham. Chas & Dave recorded the music for a handful of adverts for Courage Bitter in which they adapted some of their best-known songs. Chas supported The Beatles on their last-ever European tour while he was playing with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.
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bACKstaGE ryDeR
I t i s t h e m u s i c a l s e t t o c e l e b r a t e t h e m u s i c o f Ta k e T h a t a n d highlight the bonds enjoyed by their fans. The Band is set to be one o f t h e m u s t- s e e m u s i c a l s o f 2 0 1 8 a n d i s b e i n g d i r e c t e d b y a m a n w h o i s n o s t r a n g e r t o a d o r a t i o n h i m s e l f , t h e f o r m e r E a s t E n d e r Ja c k R y d e r. He g i v e s Jo h n B u l t i t u d e a n i n s i g h t i n t o t h e s h o w a n d t h e a d v i c e h e w o u l d g i v e t h e s t a r s o f t h e s h o w a b o u t t h e f a m e g a m e.
46
WHAT’S ON
F
rom the Beatles through the Bay City Rollers and the Osmonds to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet right up to Bros and Westlife, the boy-band has always been a part of pop culture. The adoration and angst associated with seeing your idols perform is a key part of coming-of-age. And this, set to a soundtrack of the iconic music of Take That, is at the heart of The Band which comes to Norwich Theatre Royal on February 6-17. It begins as a group of 16-year-olds follow The Band of the title on tour. The show then flashes forward to pick up on the women’s lives in their forties to see how they have changed as people and whether the relationship between them will be the same. It features a host of Take That hits from their early days right up to the present day in parallel with the events of the show. And it also features Five To Five, the boy-band who won through the BBC’s Let It Shine TV show which launched a prime-time search for a quartet of boys to perform many of the hits of Take That and also take on a number of roles in the show. The person with the job of directing the production and bring the story to the stage is Jack Ryder. Although he is best known for the role of Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders, his creative energies are now much more focused backstage having directed a number of successful theatre productions including Calendar Girls and The Full Monty. Although the show will not premiere until this autumn, specially selected VIP audiences have had the chance to see a workshop version of the production and speaking after this, he said he was pleased with how those initial performances had gone. He said: “I am happy with it. It has been so fantastic to go to work and be able to create this production. You just never know what is going to happen. The performance happened just a few hours after we started the tech rehearsal. The fact it has gone so well is testament to the creative team and the cast as well as a strong belief in this production and the enthusiasm of everyone involved.” So how did The Band story begin for Jack? He has had a long professional relationship with producer David Pugh, directing a number of productions for him, and when he got the first draft of the play he knew it was something special. A strong creative team also helps. Hugely-respected author Tim Firth has penned the script and is well known for his work on stage and screen including Calendar Girls and Sign Of The Times, and Take That themselves have also been co-producing, playing a key part in the whole creative process. But does having the likes of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen being such a key part of the project make it tricky? Jack laughed: “It is a bit of pressure isn’t it? Take That are also hugely loved. When you are working though, they just want to make sure the show is right. It is all about the show first and making sure the audience enjoy it.”
And it is not just Take That. Five To Five won the BBC TV Saturday night show and after a night of celebration, started working straight away on the production. How did they adapt to the demands of creating such a high-profile stage show? Very well, according to Jack. He said: “It has been a joy. The boys are so focused and they want to get it just right. Every tea-break and lunch-break in rehearsals, they were working on the songs or thinking about the props or their entrances or exits. You don’t normally get that. They are sharp, take on board every suggestion we give them to enhance their performance and are just fantastic to work with.” With all the excitement and hype surrounding the show, has it given him the motivation to be front and centre of a production rather than behind the scenes? “I would not mind going back on stage but at the moment, the work is stacking up for me. I know this business and I always say it is like snakes and ladders. You work your way up. It is always like that. You are up for a while and then you don’t work for a year. At the moment, things are going well for me,” he said. And that adoration that heart-throbs face whether Take That or Five To Five is not something he enjoyed despite being part of a prime-time soap. He recalled: ”I never liked it. It is an odd thing. Girls are screaming in your face, crying and fainting. People think it is wonderful but when you are in that situation, it is not a nice thing to happen. I enjoyed the work but I did not enjoy the fame and attention. I thought all the showbiz parties were nonsense and did not really engage with them. When I used to travel on a train, I would keep a baseball cap over my face.” One of the advantages for Five To Five will be that they are together and can support each other through the ups and downs. “These boys are always together. They are like Take That in that they can deal with things and go on this journey together. The boys have a fantastic future whatever happens with this show and beyond.” And Jack is particularly looking forward to bringing the show to Norwich. His mum loves the city and is hoping to move there. “I am hoping she will be there by the time The Band gets to you. It is such a lovely place to be and London is not that far away.” So it looks like all systems go for a hit musical that is set to be a huge Norwich hit for Jack in more ways than one. Look out for a flying visit when The Band are in the city. 47
| NOVEMBER 2017
RUlE WORLD
I t i s t h e u l t i m a t e c e l e b r a t i o n o f o n e o f B r i t a i n ’s b i g g e s t b a n d s a s w e l l a s a p o i g n a n t t a l e a b o u t t h e b o n d s o f f r i e n d s h i p. T h e B a n d i s o n e o f t h e f a s t e s t- s e l l i n g s h o w s i n t h e U K a n d i s o n i t s w a y t o No r w i c h T h e a t r e Ro y a l . Jo h n B u l t i t u d e m e t t h e c r e a t i v e t e a m t o f i n d o u t m o r e.
F
or fans of Take That, there is no doubt The Band is a mustsee. With a soundtrack of their biggest songs from their earliest hits to their most recent chart-toppers, it is sure to be a hot ticket. But it is so much more than that. It charts the story of a group of teenage female fans of The Band as they follow their idols to a concert before picking up on their story when those same fans are women in their forties dealing with the problems, issues and changes that life throws at them. And that mix is what the team behind the show, which comes to Norwich Theatre Royal on February 6-17, hopes will help make it a big success. Boasting a creative team of successful producers, an acclaimed writer and Take That themselves, the ingredients are there for a hit. And it is this passage of time and the constancy of Take That’s success which are at the heart of the show, as band-member Mark Owen explains. He said: “Even though we aren’t characters in The Band, we are in the show from beginning to end. We met those kids when they were 16 year sold as they were outside our houses screaming and we have seen them grow up. It is about the audience and the support they have given us. “We have always had a great relationship with our audience and I think this is one of the reasons why we were so keen to do The Band. We have become the wall-paper of the whole show. While lives are changing left, right and centre, the music is still at the core.” 48
The whole process began when noted West End and touring producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers got together with the band themselves to work on some plot ideas. They eventually came up with a finished draft which is based on true events. More work was done on the plot and story and then the search began for the five performers to play The Band courtesy of BBC One’s prime-time Saturday night hit Let It Shine. Winning through after a process of auditions and live prime-time performances were Five To Five who were: AJ Bentley who studied dance before taking part in Let It Shine Nick Carsberg who was an Essex-based classic car restorer before taking part in Let It Shine Curtis T Johns who has been a songwriter for the last eight years writing for artists like Matt Cardle and Ray Quinn. He also owns and runs a rugby club in his home city of Leeds Yazdan Qafouri who is originally from Iran and was raised in the North East of England Sario Solomon who made his professional debut at the age of 11 in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Take That’s Mark said they are doing incredibly well. He laughed: “I am concerned that they are getting very good. I don’t want to get too good and be better than us. Haha! Seriously though, we are very proud of them. They are like our little brothers and we want to look after them. They are so professional and so solid together. We were so lucky that the band who came out of Let It Shine were so superb.”
WHAT’S ON
THE BAND, Tuesday 6-Saturday 17 Feb, 2018. Mon-Thurs at 7.30pm, Fri at 5pm and 8.30pm, and Thurs 8th Feb at 2.30pm. Please note there are no Sunday performances. Tickets £8-£49.50. Discounts for Friends. Visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000
And Five To Five themselves are getting used to the mix of hard work and public adulation they need to deal with. AJ said: “We have not really had time to stop and take it in. It has been so full on. Gary Barlow said to us during the final of Let It Shine that the hard work started the following morning and it did. We were working on the show trailer, in the studio rehearsing, and learning the dance routines. There has been a lot to do. We have been kept busy.” Band-mate Yazdan added: “It has been quite an eye-opening experience. We have never had people coming up to us, recognising us and asking us for photos. People knowing our names and faces is a new experience. I look up to AJ as he is great at talking to people and being as social as possible. He is great at interacting with them and coming on this journey with us.” Months of work has gone into the tour and a specially-selected audience of 100 people got an early glimpse of the show in a workshop performance at the O2 Academy in Manchester where Take That first performed in front of huge croweds. Co-producer David Pugh said that was an important part of the process. “We wanted to come back to where it all started for Take That. We wanted to test it and we think if we can make it work in front of 100 people, we can make it work in front of 2500 people. We can then get the feedback, refine it, and make it better and better.” Picking the songs to include has been tricky and Take That’s Howard Donald said a lot of thought has gone into it. “They certainly bring out the emotion in us when we see them in The Band. We never wrote them for a musical or to be part of a situation where a group of girls meet up again 25 years after first becoming friends,” he said. But overall, his bandmate and fellow co-producer Gary Barlow believes people will love the mix of music and emotion plus the show’s compelling story. He said: “It is a rollercoaster of emotions, a celebration of our music and a beautifully-written story. You will be laughing and you will be crying. Putting something on stage which will take people from laughing to crying to standing on their feet dancing and making them feel like they are 15 again is what theatre is all about. You get all this in one show” So the countdown is on for a show which promises to be a compelling show with some songs that we all know and love. The Band is coming. 49
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WHAT’S ON
saved enough money to buy a car. I did it for two years without getting caught
Ya z d a n Who are your favourite bands or artists? Michael Jackson, Bruno
Mars and Justin Timberlake
Ahead of their starring role in the show at Norwich Theatre Royal from Fe b r u a r y 6 t h t o 1 7 t h , h e re ’s t h e c h a n c e t o find out more about each one…
Curtis Who are your musical heroes?
Randy Newman and Stevie Wonder What was the first album you ever bought? Alicia Keys – Songs in A
Minor
We are going out for dinner – what do you choose? Fillet steak and chips What is the most attractive quality in a partner? Humour Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us I love caving. I used
to go all the time
What’s the naughtiest thing you have ever done? I once did a prank on my
friend that involved persuading the head teacher of our school to make my friend believe that he had been expelled
Nick Who are your favourite bands or artists? Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow,
Bruno Mars, Olly Murs – all the big entertainers
What was the first album you ever bought? McFly – All The Greatest Hits We are going out for dinner – what do you choose? A massive burger at TGI
Friday’s
What is the most attractive quality in a partner? Being able to make me laugh Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us When I was younger
I was the most emotional person, but when we all watched La La Land recently, Yaz sobbed for 45 minutes while I went to the toilet to waste time! What’s the naughtiest thing you have ever done? I sold sweets at school and
What was the first album you ever bought? Michael Bublé – Crazy Love We are going out for dinner – what do you choose? Sushi What is the most attractive quality in a partner? Morality or novelty Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us I used to be a
massive computer game addict – I used to skip sleep and play Call of Duty. It affected my studies so I went cold turkey on playing video games What’s the naughtiest thing you have ever done? Getting a tattoo. My
parents weren’t keen, but I got this meaningful one of Roman numerals of the numbers 5 2 5 [Five to Five]
Sario Who are your favourite bands or artists? Take That. I also had a soft
spot for Jedward!
What was the first album you ever bought? Black Eyed Peas – The
E.N.D.
We are going out for dinner – what do you choose? Sushi What is the most attractive quality in a partner? Good fashion sense Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us I know all the world
flags. The others test me on them
What’s the naughtiest thing you have ever done? I’m quite a good boy. I
don’t do naughty
Aj Who are your favourite bands or artists? Take That, Robbie Williams,
Olly Murs and Michael Jackson
What was the first album you ever bought? Blue – One Love We are going out for dinner – what do you choose? Fillet steak, served blue,
with chips
What is the most attractive quality in a partner? Nice teeth, humour and a
good connection
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us I really like my own
space
What’s the naughtiest thing you have ever done? On holiday in Turkey
with my parents when I was 14 I got my hands on some ouzo. I was very poorly and my parents were very unhappy with me
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the
WriGHT stUFf
Pete Goodrum meets East Enders star Gillian Wright as she prepares to be the baddie in Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal, Norwich
G
illian Wright has only been in Norwich for a few hours when we meet at the Theatre Royal. She’s been on a bit of a walkabout and it’s clear that she is already smitten with the city. ‘It’s such a lovely place’ she says, ‘and everybody I’ve spoken to is so positive about Norwich. You don’t find that everywhere. Everybody has asked me if I’ve been here before or if this is my first visit’. ‘That’s my first question gone then,’ I say. We laugh, and not for the last time this afternoon. It is in fact Gillian’s first visit to Norwich, but she says she can’t wait to get back here in November, and she’s already looking for somewhere to stay. “I’d love it to be within walking distance of the theatre’. The reason she’ll be here? It’s Pantomime. Gillian will be playing the ‘baddie’ in this year’s Theatre Royal production of Sleeping Beauty. Ms Wright might be new to Norwich, but she’s no stranger to pantomime. Her credits include 2011’s Fairy Godmother in ‘Dick Whittington and his Cat’ at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre, and Fairy Godmother again in 2013 when she was in ‘Cinderella’ at Stevenage. So how does she feel about being the ‘baddie’ this time? ‘Oh, I can’t wait. I’ve played lots of Fairy Goodmothers (as she calls them) but I’ve been the baddie too, and I love it. I get genuinely disappointed if I’m not booed enough.’ Our conversation expands around pantomime and she reveals two interesting facts. Firstly, she never saw a panto as a child; her first experience of it was when she was in one! And, she has firm views about those in the acting profession who see the tradition as less than, shall we say ‘important’. “It’s a serious skill and hard work to make a pantomime deliver all that’s expected of it’ she says, ‘and it’s very much part of the British acting and theatrical heritage’. To make the point about the skills involved she delivers an impromptu master class, standing and, yes, acting, to show how a panto character delivers dialogue not directly to the person they’re talking to, but via the audience. (Think about that next time you’re at the pantomime. You’ll see how true it is). I ask her about the differences, for her, between acting and directing. ‘I’ve not directed for quite a while now’ , she says, ‘but I do love it’. And how does Gillian Wright the actor responds to being directed? ‘Well’, she beams, ‘I listen, I react well. Do I always agree? No. What actor does?’ 52
This leads us easily into her legendary performances in East Enders. We talk, as we must, of her character, Jean Slater, and Jean’s ‘Sausage Surprise!’ Gillian delivers the line for me, complete with jazz hands, in another impromptu and personal performance. That’s how she delivered it the first time Jean served up the now famous meal. ‘When, a few episodes later, I said it differently, the director said, ‘No, Gillian, you do it like you did last time. People love it’, and that’s how it was to stay. Suddenly I was a character with a catch phrase. Panto audiences shout it out at me!’ But for all that, the character of Jean Slater has also been a serious and dark undertaking. Jean is bipolar, and has mental health issues; it took the portrayal into deep waters. ‘I really did not want to do that without knowing more about being bipolar. There are so many people with the condition I did not want to insult them by delivering an unrealistic or inaccurate representation’ says Gillian. Her work proved to be award winning and, ‘show biz’ prizes ( which include ‘Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards) aside, she tells me that she is immensely proud to have received a Mental Health Media Award for playing Jean Slater. ‘It really meant something’. She is of course one of the handful of actors who have appeared in the two big soaps, East Enders and Coronation Street. ‘You’re very kind’ she says, ‘but I wasn’t in Coronation street very much’. That maybe true but her tv cv is impressive, taking in Casualty and Holby City as well. Her theatre work is equally notable. No stranger to the West End her recent roles include Mary Featherstone in ‘How The Other Half Loves’ at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. I ask her what the future holds. What her plans are. ‘I never take anything for granted’, she says, adding ‘I’ve never lost the nervousness over where the next job will come from’. Personally I’d say it was misplaced nervousness. Loved by theatre and tv audiences alike Gillian is, I think, unlikely to be out of work in the foreseeable future. The immediate future of course brings her to Norwich and the ‘baddie’ in Sleeping Beauty. ‘I can’t wait’ she says as our chat comes to an end and she prepares for a photo call. And off she goes to do it. Thanking me graciously for my time, not missing a beat as she meets the photographer. A total professional. And a very nice lady. Although of course when you see her next in Sleeping Beauty she won’t be nice. She’ll be that baddie. So boo her, shout ‘Sausage Surprise’ at her. She’ll be disappointed if you don’t. Oh yes she will!
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
53
| NOVEMBER 2017
How the Other Half Loves F r o m L o n d o n ’ s We s t E n d t o t h e b e a u t i f u l r u r a l S u f f o l k s e t t i n g s o f T V f a v o u r i t e L o v e j o y, C a r o l i n e L a n g r i s h e h a s t a k e n o n a h o s t o f r o l e s a n d appeared in a wide range of productions. Now she is set to return to East A n g l i a i n a c o m e d y c l a s s i c f ro m o n e o f B r i t a i n ’s b e s t- l ove d p l a y w r i g h t s a n d o p p o s i t e a n a l l - s t a r c a s t , a s s h e t e l l s Jo h n B u l t i t u d e. 54
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
F HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, Monday 27 November-Saturday 2 December at 7.30pm, and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Discounts for Friends, Corporate Club, Over-60s, Under-18s, and Groups. Captioned performance on Wed 29 Nov at 2.30pm. Audio-described performance on Sat 2 Dec at 2.30pm. To book, visit theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.
lashback to the Sixties when your social standing often depended on your ability to entertain the right people the right way at a dinner party whether you wanted to or not. Add in your guests complicated lovelives, lashings of humour around the do’s and don’ts of etiquette and socialising generally, and you have a comedy of manners from that master of observing us Brits at work and play, Alan Ayckbourn, which is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal. How The Other Half Loves is one of his earliest plays and follows three couples who find their social lives and love lives inextricably intertwined. For Caroline Langrishe, it is a challenging but fun role playing Fiona Foster who has been getting rather too friendly with Bob Philips, played by Leon Ockenden aka Coronation Street hunk Will Chatterton. The pair are struggling to keep their canoodlings from their spouses played by The Royal’s Robert Daws and Charlie Brooks, best known for her role as nasty Janine Butcher in EastEnders. But add in the complication that each couple are inviting a third couple to dinner, played by Game On’s Matt Cottle and the comedy actress Sara Crowe who you may remember from the Philadelphia ads, and the stage is set for an evening of laughter. Caroline said: “It is a quite extraordinary play as both households are on stage at the same time. In fact, at one point, you see two dinner parties happening on stage at the same time. Sara and Matt’s characters come to both so they actually swivel from one party to the other on stage at the same time too. The stage directions we have to follow are a play in themselves. “Having said that, it is terribly funny. Ayckbourn has a knack for writing domestic chat that I don’t think any other playwright encapsulates so well. Just reading it is like being in my house to a degree as he captures the absolute trivia of domesticity.” It also works well as a period piece of comedy, as Caroline explains. “As it is set in the Sixties, it uses the words of that era. Needless to say I am playing the posh one so no surprises there but I have lines like everything is jolly good or super so it is very quaint in that way.”
And she is delighted to be part of such a great cast. “We have got really classy actors. Funnily enough Robert Daws and I played husband and wife in an episode of Midsummer Murders which we made at the end of last year. It is weird to be married again within about eight months,” laughed Caroline. It is not just the on-stage team that helped persuade Caroline to be involved as it is directed by Alan Strachan, who worked with Ayckbourn for many years and was also artistic director of the Greenwich Theatre in London for over a decade working with the likes of Sir Michael Gambon, Sir Alec Guinness and Dame Penelope Keith. Caroline said: “Very often, when plays go on tour, you often don’t get to work with the director who worked on it in the West End but Alan did and this is one of his firm favourites so he has a vested interest in it.” The production runs from November 27 to December 2 and marks the second time Caroline has appeared in a comedy in East Anglia this year, as she starred in the Feydeau farce Bang Bang earlier this year at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, which was adapted by John Cleese. “It went down an absolute storm in Colchester. They completely loved it. Unfortunately John was having a hip operation in LA while we were rehearsing but we had some video link communication. “Having said that, I am still in the farce frame of mind. I am perfectly used to quick changes, tearing around back stage and coming in through different doors. With farce it is all about timing. There are no thoughts of glasses of white wine and lying around in your dressing room reading the Evening Standard until the evening is over. You need to be on high alert.” She is also no stranger to East Anglia and is probably most associated with her role as the auctioneer Charlotte Cavendish in the much-loved and muchmissed BBC comedy-drama Lovejoy which was filmed in and around East Anglia. Charlotte recalled: “The joy of Lovejoy was that it filmed from April to September. We were based in Long Melford and it was just like joining a brilliant party that went on all summer. It was great and really, really good fun. It was so utterly beautiful.” Flashback even further and she also starred in a 1981 episode of arguably Anglia TV’s best-known home-produced drama Tales Of The Unexpected entitled Shatterproof where a husband discovers his young wife has commissioned an assassin to kill him. Caroline laughed: “That was an incredibly long time ago. Eli Wallach, the American actor, played my husband in it. I just couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t really been further north than Kent at that time. I have got to know Norfolk a lot better since as I have some great friends up there but there does need to be another television series based there, sharpish.” When it comes to visiting Norfolk, Burnham Market and its celebrated Hoste Arms will be a must to visit for her to relax and take a break from the rigours of touring. “Touring is tough. I haven’t actually toured for 5 years although I think it takes that long to recover. We are going to some wonderful places like Cheltenham and Bath, and Norwich is always a treat. Hopefully the week there will be a bit of a holiday.” And with the frenetic pace of a farce to bring to the stage, it sounds like Caroline will need a slower pace of life for the Norwich week of the show. 55
| NOVEMBER 2017
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ADVERTORIAL
PROFILE: ANNA ZALEWSK A, MRI LEAD R ADIOGR APHER AT THE GLOBAL CLINIC, NORWICH Places & Faces talks to Anna Zalewska about her work performing MRI scans
R
adiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, diagnostic radiographers and medical radiation technologists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the imaging investigations of human anatomy for diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a way for healthcare professionals to view inside the body to examine what is going on. There are numerous ways to take pictures inside the body such as X-rays, ultrasound scans, computerised tomography (CT) scans and so on, but MRI scans produce far more detailed images of the structure of a patient’s blood vessels, nerves, bones, and organs. An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. Patients lie on a flat-bed which moves inside the scanner. The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective any previous treatment has been. The MRI scanner is operated by the radiographer, who controls the scanner using a computer, which is in a different room, to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner. The radiographer will talk to the patient through an intercom during the scan. Anna Zalewska joined the team at the Global Clinic Norwich in September 2017 as the MRI lead radiographer. In 2016, whilst working at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), Anna met many experienced colleagues and some who worked for the Global Clinic Norwich so when in 2017, she saw the job advertisement
for the lead role at Global’s MRI unit she jumped at the chance. During her maternity leave almost a decade ago, Anna decided on a career change and so returned to university to complete a BSc in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Suffolk. Prior to having her daughter, Anna had worked in a variety of roles within the financial and tourism industries both in the UK and her native Poland. She had always had an interest in biology and human anatomy so it was a logical choice to study this and specialise in MRI. The combination of diagnostic imaging with patient care is ideal for Anna as she enjoys the interaction with patients and learning about technological advancements to be able to undertake the highest quality scans for patients. Anna graduated from the University of Suffolk in 2014. She received a top grade for her dissertation on “examination of preeminent non-invasive diagnostic imaging techniques and their performance in the assessment of coronary artery disease” which is something she feels extremely proud of as it enabled her to specialise in MRI. She went on to gain valuable experience from working at Nuffield Health Suffolk, Addenbrookes Hospital, NNUH and some private providers too. Anna admits working at Addenbrookes Hospital was a major influence on her career as she gained valuable experience from colleagues and worked alongside senior radiologists (doctors who spend an additional five years training in this specialty after qualifying as doctors) assisting with many challenging cases as Addenbrookes is one of the main
trauma and cancer centres in East Anglia. There is no typical working day for Anna as every day is different as every patient and their scan is different, which means her working day whizzes by. Her work at the Global Clinic Norwich is with patients from orthopaedic triage, direct referrals from GP practices across the county and with private patients. Anna and her team take enormous pride in providing each and every patient with the best possible individual care and professional support. Some patients can feel a bit anxious about having an MRI scan and so Anna and her team will explain the procedure before they arrive and again on the day. Patients are given the opportunity to visit before their appointment and the team even suggest the patient brings in a favourite CD to listen to when having their scan to help make the procedure more comfortable. For Anna, it is rewarding to receive feedback from patients saying the MRI team made a real difference reassuring them throughout the scan process. Anna says, “we have an exceptional and dedicated team of radiographers, imaging assistants, reception staff and managers at the Global Clinic which makes for a very welcoming environment.” At the end of a busy working day, Anna likes to relax with either music, yoga, walking and books plus when time permits going mountain trekking and gliding.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Global Clinic Norwich call 01603 812266, email enquiries@ globaldiagnostics.co.uk or visit the website at www.globaldiagnostics.co.uk
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Studio Paris Collection £75.00 Studio Paris - Black Jacket £99.00
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Trench
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Hobbs Baroque Coat £299
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Military
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The Great OUTDOORS Whether you are strolling in the countryside or hiking in the hills Donna Titcombe selects this range of outdoor clothing to help keep you warm and comfortable
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Jeremy choosing Wells crabs off the Blucher boat
Lobsters caught by local fisherman Billy ward
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Hail the Quail
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW FLORIDES, WWW.ANDREWFLORIDES.CO.UK
Franck Pontais’ Quail “bonbons” with prunes, wild mushrooms, celeriac puree and parsley emulsion milk
RECIPE (4 STARTERS, 2 MAINS)
INGREDIENTS Quail legs (8 each); Pitted prunes (8 each); Wild mushrooms (100g); Celeriac (½ each); Peeled potatoes (300g); Eggs (2 each); Flour (2 tbsp.); Bread crumbs (4 tbsp.); Milk (300ml); Butter (60g); Olive oil (a drizzle); Persinette or Parsley (½ bunch); Ghoa cress or coriander (½ bunch); Salt, pepper, ground nutmeg METHOD 1. Debone the quail legs, keeping the smaller bone attached. Lay them flat,
season well and place a pitted prune in the middle of each one. 2. Close the legs tight leaving the small bone sticking out in order to form small round parcels, and place them in the freezer for one hour. 3. Peel and dice the celeriac and potatoes in even pieces. Cook in a pan with the milk, half a glass of water and the seasoning. Once well cooked, drain and keep the milk. 4. Turn the celeriac and potatoes into a puree with 40g of butter, a spoon of milk and the seasoning. Reserve until use. 5. Heat
up some vegetable oil in a deep pan or use a fryer, take the quail legs out of the freezer and dip each one in the flour/ beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Fry them briefly until golden and finish to cook in a oven at 180c for 10 minutes. 6. Cook the wild mushrooms in a very hot pan with the rest of the butter and olive oil. Season well and mix in the Ghoa cress at the end. 7. With the help of a hand blender, blend together the persinette with a small amount of milk and season well. 8. Reheat the puree, and take out the quail out of the oven. Dress the plates with the mushrooms and milk emulsion, and enjoy hot.
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•
BURNHAM MARKET
RECIPE
ROASTED GAME BIRD
Richard Bainbridge
is the chef proprietor of Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich www.restaurantbenedicts.com info@restaurantbenedicts.com or call 01603 926080
W ITH SPÄTZLE
Photography by KATJA BAINBRIDGE
SERVES 4-6 GENEROUS PORTIONS
T
his time of year has always
been synonymous with the beautiful taste of the Norfolk Countryside in the natural form of the Game bird. From my personal favourite the distinctive tasting Mallard to Pheasant which, apart from the Norfolk farming families no one and I mean no one can keep the bird from going dry. Then we have our Counties shining star the small, plump, delicate bird that is so famous they have even written a song about it…Partridge, and I can confirm that a warm grilled pear works really well with it! If you are wanting to introduce someone to the amazing flavour of the season then Partridge is definitely the place to start. Another great accompaniment is the traditional German Noodle Spätzle and I have here my wife Katja’s Grandmother’s recipe. Spätzle is very similar to Gnocchi and helps absorb the wonderful juices and flavour of the Partridge.
ROASTED PARTRIDGE INGREDIENTS • 1 Local Partridge
•2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Sprig of Thyme
• S alt & Pepper
•K nob of Butter
METHOD
1. Place the thyme, bay leaves and juniper berries into the inside of the bird and season with salt and pepper. 2. Use a large frying pan on a high heat, once hot add a splash of oil and gently place the bird into the pan then turn the heat down by half. Colour all over until nicely golden,
• 1 0 Crushed Juniper Berries
pre-heat the oven to 180C still in the frying pan put the bird into the oven for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack leaving it to rest for 8-10 minutes. 3. When you are ready to serve warm the Partridge back through for 2 minutes in the oven.
SPÄTZLE INGREDIENTS • 3 0g Butter (Melted)
•2 Whole Eggs, 1 Egg Yolk
METHOD
1. In a bowl, mix the eggs and milk then pour into a separate bowl with the flour. Mix the melted butter in with a pinch of nutmeg to season until it forms a batter consistency. 2. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, once boiling use a colander to push the mixture through the holes forming small noodles directly into the boiling water.
•2 50g Plain Flour • 1 20ml Milk •N utmeg
3. Cook the noodles until they have risen to the top of the water then drain and pour into cold water, once cooled drain again, season with oil and salt then put to one side until ready to serve. 4. To serve, place a frying pan onto a medium heat add a knob of butter and melt until it starts to bubble. Once the butter is bubbling add the Spätzle and fry until golden brown.
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| NOVEMBER 2017
Riddle Me This! Ro b Fo s b r o o k t r av e l s t o No r t h Norfolk to find a hidden gem – The Norfolk Riddle
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O
ne of the great things about eating out is that every now and then you find a hidden gem. One that you know you’ll visit again and would recommend to family and friends. The Norfolk Riddle in Walsingham is just such a place We set off in the car in the late afternoon sunshine of autumn and travelled through the picturesque Norfolk countryside at a leisurely pace until we reached Walsingham. The Norfolk Riddle can be found on the Wells Road in the village and Is run by chef and owner Neil Rutland who prides himself on serving the finest, local ingredients. And for Neil, this isn’t just a throwaway comment. He sources the best fresh fruit and vegetables from Barsbys of Kings Lynn, his wonderful cuts of meat come from the respected Arthur Howells Butchers in Wells – next-the-Sea and his daily delivery of fresh fish comes directly from North Norfolk boats. Neil is justifiably proud of living in this part of the country and his food is a reflection of that. He explained that very often he will serve game from a local shoot on the Walsingham Estate. There is also a selection of locally brewed ales from the Norfolk Brewhouse in Hindringham, locally made ciders from Whinn Hill cider in Wells-Next-The-Sea, Fresh pressed apple juices from the Sandringham Estate as well as a good range of very reasonably priced wines to choose from supplied by Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines. We parked the car to the side of the restaurant and walked the short distance to the entrance on the other side. There is a decking area outside where you could enjoy some pre-dinner drinks or in the summer you could eat al fresco.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
“The mussels were sof t a nd velvet y a nd had a h int of t he sea about t hem” Paul Elliot the restaurant manager greeted us warmly as we entered and we were soon settled down in a cosy corner of the restaurant and checking out the menu. To help us make our choice I tried a bottle of local IPA while my partner sipped at what was (so I was told) an extremely good Chardonnay. The room itself was what you could justifiably call, intimate. It was very cosy and the decor was contemporary without being over the top. The tables and floorboards were both waxed pine and a number of local photos and pictures adorned the walls. There is also a specials board which changes daily by the entrance. If you are quite a lazy person, like myself, take a photo of it on the way in. That way you can compare and contrast the specials board against the a la carte menu as you sit at your table. It was now that my partner and I did our usual thing. Making choices and then changing our minds. This normally happens about 2 or 3 times every time we go out for a meal. On this occasion we were certain that we were going to share some dishes from a section of the menu called ‘Tasty Bits’, which was essentially a tapas menu. I was convinced that I was going to have the ham hock terrine with piccalilli and the pesto arancini. Maria was going to have the grilled goats cheese and apple chutney and the patatas bravas. We both knew what we wanted. That was until I checked my phone to look again at the specials board. Then I changed my mind. I choose the Brancaster mussels instead. Maria then changed her mind and went for the tomato and mozzarella salad. For our mains I went for the steak option and Maria choose fish and chips. Just to let you know, on this occasion, we didn’t change our minds. My Brancaster mussels were served in a huge white bowl and underneath was the delicious creamy sauce that they had been steamed in. The mussels were soft and velvety and had a hint of the sea about them. I had soon worked my way through them and was left with the white, creamy sauce at the bottom of the bowl. The sauce had a few springs of thyme in it as well as onions, garlic and white wine. I finished it off with a dessert spoon. It was sublime. Marias salad was everything she’d expected. It was fresh and colourful and served with pesto and balsamic vinegar. My char grilled 10 oz rump steak was served medium rare and had been hung for 28 days for a more intense flavour. It was served with sauté new potatoes, flat mushrooms, roast plum tomatoes and the biggest onion rings I’ve ever seen. They were the size of a small bike wheel. They were superb. The crunch on the outside gave way to the sweet onion inside. The real standout however was the steak. It had been cut into angled slices in the kitchen so that you could see the pinker meat in the centre. For the next 10 minutes I said nothing. I just ate and stared lovingly at my plate of food. I was a happy man. The fish and chips were cooked fresh to order and served with garden peas. My partner is a fish and chip aficionado and was happy to report that they were superb. The crispy batter covered the sweet and flaky fish inside. We weren’t going to have puddings. Then we changed our minds! I finished with a treacle tart served with Chantilly cream while Maria had some ice cream. The Norfolk Riddle was a really great find for us. Neil and his team looked after us very well and the food was very, very good. There are a number of special events coming up including a family Halloween party and the restaurant is also taking part in Norfolk Restaurant Week. If you’ve never been before, I highly recommend you give it a try, If you’ve already been, you’ll know why I liked it so much.
THE NORFOLK RIDDLE, 2 Wells Road, Walsingham, NR22 6DJ Tel: 01328 821903 www.norfolkriddle.co.uk
75
Mackenzie Hotels once again hosts our speciality 1, 2 & 3 night breaks incorporating the
THURSFORD
Christmas Spectacular
Book early to avoid missing out....
This year we are once again offering in November and December our preChristmas dinner, bed and breakfast 1, 2 + 3 night breaks which include return coach travel and a ticket for the famous Christmas show at Thursford—all seats are Deluxe within the first 11 rows. New for 2017 - 1 night stay with Matinee show - arrive at the Hotel from 11am for a light bite before departing at 12.30pm. Enjoy the Thursford Show returning to the Hotel at approx 5.30pm for mulled wine and mince pies, then relax in your room before savouring a 3 course festive dinner. You will be staying at one of Norfolk’s finest Hotels, with outstanding accommodation, award winning restaurants, afternoon teas, log fires and so much more....
BREAK
DATES
Break 29
2017 AVAILABLE DATES BREAK TYPE
HOTEL
COST
PERFORMANCE DAY/TIME
17th November
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Friday 17th November 7pm
Break 4
22nd November
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Wednesday 22nd November 2pm
Break 5
23rd November
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Thursday 23rd November 2pm
Break 25
26th November
1 night DBB + ticket
SMH
£165 pp
Sunday 26th November 7pm
Break 8
27th November
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Monday 27th November 2pm
Break 9
29th November
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 PP
Wednesday 29th November 2pm
Break 10
30th November
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 PP
Thursday 30th November 2pm
Break 28
13th December
1 night DBB + ticket
SMH
£165 PP
Wednesday 13th December 7pm
Break 27
17th December
1 night DBB + ticket
SMH
£165 pp
Sunday 17th December 7pm
Break 18
19th December
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Tuesday 19th December 7pm
Break 19
20th December
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Wednesday 20th December 7pm
Break 29
23rd December
1 night DBB + ticket
DALES
£175 pp
Saturday 23rd December 7pm
Visit www.mackenziehotels.com for up to date availability
THE DABBLING DUCK INDOOR CHRISTMAS MARKET 11 Abbey Rd, Great Massingham, Norfolk PE32 2HN
S, E BL ES U BA NGL R... BA BEE D AN AND ORE! HM C MU
SAT DEC 16th 10am until 4pm
STALLS CONFIRMED: CANDI’S CHUTNEYS - LINGS COUNTRY CLOTHING GONE CRABBING - BIRCHAM STORES - WICKHAMS CANDLES - LINDA’S CRAFTS BELLS & WHISTLES - TROUVE CASHMERE - LOCAL ARTWORK - PRECIOUS PETALS ALSO: STREET FOOD & WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS - HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER - MULLED WINE FLAVOURED VODKA - HOT CHOCOLATE AND: CAROLS SUNG BY GREAT MASSINGHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL
Treat your cats and dogs this Christmas!
VISIT US FOR THEIR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS, COATS, COLLARS, LEADS, BEDS AND SPECIAL TREATS
MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.30pm to 5.00pm SATURDAY 8.30pm to 12.30pm
01328 851 351
Clipbush Business Park, Hawthorn Way, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 8SX
gjlanimalfeeds.co.uk
LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC
Why not try our
Christmas Selection Pack? 7 meals & 4 desserts for only £35.99*
Good food makes a great
Call us today or go online for your FREE Christmas brochure
gift
01362 699049
wiltshirefarmfoods.com/christmas
*Christmas Selection Pack available to order from 16th October 2017 up to and including 2nd January 2018 or while stocks last.
WF055_Christmas_FPRequestAd_A5_Land.indd 1
18/10/2017 13:27
Many Hands Make Light Work Under the stewardship of Kristy Chapman, a revamped Kett Property Services is expanding fast in Norfolk. Nothing is too much trouble for a professional team that provide a wide range of services to home owners across the county. Initially focused on supporting the holiday let market, Kett Property Services now looks after a wide variety of residential properties.
Q Please tell us more about Kett Property Services.
A: Kett Property Services was started to help absentee landlords prepare their holiday cottages for new guests and provide a general security and maintenance service for second home owners. Over the years the range of services has increased and the business now offers a comprehensive ‘Management Service’.
Q How do you differ from other property services?
A: While we pride ourselves on our experience and our local knowledge the most important differentiator is our attention to detail. No stone is left unturned in trying to ensure that properties are kept in the best condition and always presented beautifully to new occupiers. We are happy to provide a service to any Norfolk home owner, whether they rent their property or not. Many of our customers come from Kett Country Cottages but our doors are open to anyone. We pride ourselves on being very flexible and recognise that even with a simple cleaning task there is no ‘one size fits all’. We have an extensive list of trusted local partners including cleaners, launderers, gardeners, building contractors, handymen and all sorts of service engineers.
Q What range of services do you offer?
A: We pretty much can help with anything that will make owning your property that little bit easier. We can advise on everything from how best to furnish / equip your home, to getting the windows cleaned, the fuses changed and the hedges cut. We can arrange welcome packs for holiday cottages, pest control for your outbuildings and key holding / security checks when a property is unoccupied; and we pride ourselves on using smart technology to help deliver very efficient turn-around times.
Q There’s a new strategy for you in 2017, could you explain the main aims of this?
A: Norfolk has so much to offer its residents and its visitors - we just want to give everyone a chance to enjoy their time here without any of the hassle that owning a home can entail. We would like to build our business beyond its weekend holiday let turn-around origins and so we have invested in new people and new equipment; we have even smartened up our branding. We hope to show existing and potential customers that we really care and we have the resources to provide the service that people need.
Contact Kett Property Services on 01328 856853 or kps@kettcountrycottages.co.uk. SEARLES SPECIAL BREAKS 2017-18_Layout 1 11/09/2017 14:59 Page 1 places for faces.indd 1
19/09/2017 17:12:41
Autumn 2017 - Spring 2018
Turkey and Tınsel
Legends Music Weekend
Solid Gold Weekend
Turkey and Tinsel
Monday 13th – Friday 17th November 2017 (4 night half board family break)
Friday 17th – Monday 20th November 2017 (2 or 3 night break, 18+ Only)
Our Legends Music Weekend this year is focussed specifically to a 70’s and 80’s theme, bringing you some fantastic live tributes to some of the music legends of these two great eras. Prepare to Party!
Friday 1st – Monday 4th December 2017 (3 night half board break, Adults Only)
Monday 13th to Friday 17th November 2017 4 night half board family break
Solid Gold Weekends presents, 3 Want to experience the Christmas days and nights of live music with: spirit with friends and family who Showaddy Waddy · Marmalade you may not see over the festive Merseybeats · Marshall King period? Why not come along Retro Revival and so much more... and enjoy all the festivities, in experience the Christmas spirit with friends Want to and family November... in Norfolk!
who you may not see over notfrom come Prices fromthe festive period? Why Prices £149 per person Prices from £169 per person person in November.....in Norfolk! along and enjoy all£134 theper festivities,
Prices from £169 per person
Darts Classic Weekend
Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th February 2018 (2 night break, 18+ Only) Starring Bobby George, Wayne Mardle, Peter Manley, Steve Brown, Sky Walk-on girls, Charlotte Wood & Daniella Allfree, Plus top comedian Ricky Grover and MC.
Prices from £84 per person
COMPETITION
WIN! A TWONIGHT BREAK AT THE JUST 2018 WORLD INDOOR BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS
B
etween Friday 12th and Sunday 28th January 2018, Potters Resort welcomes the world to Hopton-on-Sea as it rolls out its famous blue carpet to host the Just 2018 World Indoor Bowls Championships. 2018 marks an extra special year as the Championships celebrate 40 years of thrilling bowls action, and Potters Resort plays host to the Championships for the 20th year in its impressive 1,100 seat International Arena. A range of short breaks and day tickets are available throughout the 17 days of bowls action, with players and spectators from all over the world attending, and the final week televised live by the BBC. We’ve teamed up with Potters Resort to offer one lucky reader a two-night World Bowls Weekend Break for two people on Friday 12th January 2018. As well as premier world bowls action, the winner will enjoy comfortable accommodation, four meals a day and live evening entertainment from Potters Theatre Company in the state-of-the-art Atlas Theatre. Plus, every break at Potters Resort includes use of the inclusive sports and leisure facilities, including two swimming pools, tennis, climbing walls, archery and daily activities such as quizzes and dance classes. If that wasn’t enough, the two-night World Bowls Weekend Break on Friday 12th January 2018 also includes an invitation to the Annual World Bowls Tour Awards and Gala Dinner. With the top names in bowls attending and 40 years of world class bowls action being celebrated, it is set to be a star-studded night. Situated on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, Potters Resort has inclusive short breaks available featuring the Singles Championship, World Pairs Championship, Mixed Pairs Championship and Ladies Matchplay. Bowls enthusiasts know this is a must-see event and is an opportunity to stay in the heart of the action with inclusive two-night Breaks starting from as little as £209 per person. Day tickets are also available from £5 per day. To enter, just answer the following question:
How many years has Potters Resort held the World Indoor Bowls Championships? FOR INFORMATION on Potters Resort call the Reservations team on 0333 3207 497 or visit www.pottersholidays.com
Send your answer, name, address and daytime contact number to competitions@ placesandfaces.co.uk or enter by post at: Places & Faces, H2Creative Media Ltd, Humberstone House, 47 Englands Lane, Gorleston, Norfolk, NR31 6BE. Please submit your entry by the end of October 2017 latest and good luck!
79
RSs E K AR for Dog
&B House n S o i h s R a The F PPE
40 sto v displa es on y in o ur show room
YA
Stockists of Morso Parkray Charnwood Yeoman and many more
28 Church Street, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9ES www.yappersandbarkersonline.co.uk Email: yappers@btinternet.com Tel: 01263 511473
01263 711 539 / 07880 658 866 Unit 3h, Glaven Road | Hempstead Road Industrial Estate | Holt | NR25 6DL
www.coastalstoves.co.uk
We’re so much more than just a holiday cottage agency.... • • • •
25 years of leading occupancy for owners • 400+ delighted owners • Cancellation protection scheme Fully-graded VisitEngland portfolio • 44% of owners with us for 5+ years and 74% for more than 2 years Feefo Gold Trusted Service Winners • Local, family company • No.1 on Google for key search terms Fully-managed, tailored service available • Sector leading marketing and insights • Open and honest
Please contact us if you have a special holiday property you’d like us to share
01263 715779 owners@norfolkcottages.co.uk norfolkcottages.co.uk
HOLIDAY LETTINGS
INVESTING IN HOLIDAY LETTING…
E
ach month, experts from Norfolk Country Cottages and Norfolk Cottage Care – both part of The Original Cottage Company based in Reepham, will give advice on holiday letting in the county and how to make the most of your investment. This month, Lucy Downing of Norfolk Country Cottages, the county’s truly local and leading holiday cottage agency, looks at the many ways you can make your holiday property stand out from the rest… Norfolk is a holiday destination that has grown in popularity over recent years, with thanks to the hard work and investment of local businesses as well as our region’s fantastic destination marketing organisations (DMO’s to those in the know!) including Visit Norfolk, Visit East Anglia, Visit North Norfolk, Visit Norwich and Broads Tourism to name but a few. This increase in awareness and visitor numbers has seen a growth in the number of high-quality holiday cottages, particularly along the coast and within the Broads National Park. The breadth of choice is wonderful for holidaymakers, but how do you, as a holiday cottage owner, make yours stand out? Here are a few ideas stemming from our experience of what our customers are on the lookout for… FABULOUS INTERIORS… The last thing visitors want, when searching for their perfect holiday abode, is old-fashioned upholstery, patterned carpets or a three-piece suite passed down from your great-aunt. On the contrary, nor do they wish for a bland, cheap and hastily put-together, off-the-peg interior. As a country, we are far more aspirational and interested in interior design than ever before. So ensure your property stands out with an inviting, high-quality interior. Comfy seating and simple upholstery in neutral fabrics, brought to life with playful accessories and locallysourced finds is the perfect combination. Try and place a WOW piece in each room to help it zing – think a bold velvet chair, local artwork or fabulous pendant. High quality kitchens and bathrooms with streamlined appliances and equipped with everything a visitor might need will ensure a happy stay. Make sure lighting is suitable for the different scenarios your home offers – a reading light in a cosy corner, task lighting in the kitchen and ambient side lights for rooms in which to relax in. PICTURE-PERFECT VIEWS… Make the best of your property’s location and frame incredible views. Create a window seat, or place a chair by the window to encourage visitors to sit and relax. If a view isn’t on the cards, then hang some artwork by a local artist of a nearby location to encourage your guests to get out an explore further. Think about creating settings within your holiday home too – perhaps your sitting room looks incredible from the stairs, or a beautifully adorned bed can be appreciated when taking a bath. We are all influenced greatly by our surroundings, so make the best of yours to help guests gain maximum enjoyment during their stay.
WELCOME HAMPERS WITH INTEGRITY… After a long journey (perhaps with tetchy children in tow!), nothing beats turning the key and finding a thoughtfully assembled hamper to welcome you. Help your guests to get to know the area from the offset by including your favourite locally-sourced ingredients. Fresh flowers are a lovely touch too, as is the inclusion of everything guests need to enjoy a refreshing cuppa with something yummy to munch on whilst they unpack. Many of our owners include a bottle of wine, pet treats for parties bringing their four-legged companion, and even the ingredients for a full English breakfast come morning. Who could ask for more? DREAMY PAMPERING… If you’re fortunate enough that your property features a roll-top bath, massive walk-in shower or even a wet-room, make the most of it. You could include some luxurious bubbles or bath oil, candles and even a Bluetooth speaker for a relaxing soak. A heated mirror to keep reflections clear, underfloor heating and mood-lighting can all help ensure blissful bathing. SUMPTUOUS LINENS… We recommend that owners provide 100% natural bedlinens and fluffy, high quality towels. Making sure these are freshly laundered, spotlessly clean and impeccably ironed, ensures a boutique hotel experience for guests throughout their stay. Mattress and pillow protectors, mattress toppers, comfortable beds, plump duvets and pillows and spare bedlinen (especially for children’s beds) should be included if you wish for complimentary guestbook comments and repeat bookings. RELAXING EVENINGS… Helping your guests to enjoy their evenings in your cottage should be top of your agenda as an owner. Offering a barbecue and outdoor seating will allow for memorable summer evenings, whereas a woodburner or open fire with a freshly stacked woodpile will ensure cosy evenings come this time of year. Some of our owners really go to town and adorn their gardens with stylish outdoor lighting (even fairy lights), and complement their hearth with locally-crafted fireside companion sets and even toasting forks and marshmallows! These special touches are the little things guests remember once they’ve returned home. INSIDER KNOWLEDGE… Nothing can beat a personal recommendation, so make sure you share details of your favourite haunts and hidden gems with visitors. Norfolk is an incredible holiday destination with so much to see and do, so help your guests to enjoy the very best of this wonderful county by pointing them in the right direction. It will save them precious time whilst also ensuring they create many happy memories to treasure.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in investing in holiday letting, perhaps weighing up a selection of potential properties or already own a holiday home, you can always ask for advice. With 25 years of experience and a trusted reputation, the homeowner team at Norfolk Country Cottages are always more than happy to visit you and talk through the options. They give honest advice and realistic income forecasts – all for free and without obligation. You can call 01263 569220, email owners@norfolkcottages.co.uk or visit their website for more details – norfolkcottages.co.uk 81
We can advise on all aspects of Wills and Probate matters with clarity, sensitivity and compassion. We all know that it is sensible to draw up a will but many of us don’t get round to it. A will is a way of stipulating how your estate is to be dealt with and provides certainty for you and your family. As well as distributing your assets, an important further benefit of having a will is that if you have children, you are able to appoint guardians should both parents die. Drawing up a will also enables you to discuss the tax implications of your distribution and make provisions accordingly.
Our private client team can assist you and guide you through the process tailored to your specific circumstances with compassion and understanding. 1 Old Post Office Street, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9BL (01328 863131) 15 Market Place, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6BE (01263 712023) For more information, please contact:
SIMON UNDERWOOD
CINDY GRAND
simon@butcherandrews.co.uk
cindy@butcherandrews.co.uk
01328 852 817
01328 852 815
SARAH PARKER
MARIE TOWNLEY
sarahp@butcherandrews.co.uk
01328 852 834
marie@butcherandrews.co.uk
01328 852 825
Three Day Fine Sale November 28th, 29th & 30th
A collection of rare Lowestoft porcelain to be included in the sale
Estimates from £2000 to £6000
(+ 24% buyers premium inclusive)
This sale will include Glass, Ceramics, Furniture, Silver, Clocks, Watches, Jewellery, Militaria, Books & Paintings etc.
keysauctions.co.uk
01263 733195
@Keysauctions
Rosa Sepple PRI ◦ Baby Grand ◦ 15 x 22 inches ◦ £1,995
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KITCHEN COLLECTION The Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection is now available to view at:
Appointed Stockist for the Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection Unit 2, Old Station Yard, Norwich Road, Cromer, NR27 0HF
01263 512 372 www.designlinescromer.com
Tuesday - Saturday 9.00 - 17.30 Sunday 9.30 - 16.00
Organic Turkey, Beef, Lamb and Chicken and many vegetables direct from our farm Local rare breed Pork A wide range of local cheeses Gift items including bespoke hampers Fully licensed Restaurant
dining July & August : Wed - Sat 19.00 - 21.00 dining all year : Fri - Sat 19.00 - 21.00
Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, NR25 7JJ www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk 01263 715996
The perfect place to celebrate Private functions and parties Fully licensed bar Christmas parties Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve brunch New Year’s Eve Party
Tuesday - Saturday 9.009.00 - 17.30 Tuesday - Saturday - 17.30 Tuesday - Saturday 9.00 - 17.30 www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk Sunday 9.309.30 - 16.00 Sunday 16.00 01263 715996 Sunday 9.30 - 16.00 dining July &July August : Wed - Sat- 19.00 - 21.00 FAKENHAM ROAD, LETHERINGSETT, dining & August : Wed Sat 19.00 - 21.00 dining July & August : Wed - Sat 19.00 - 21.00 NORFOLK, dining all year : Fri -7JJ - 21.00 dining allNR25 year : Sat Fri - 19.00 Sat 19.00 - 21.00 dining all year : Fri - Sat 19.00 - 21.00 backtothegardennorfolk @back_togarden Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, NR25 7JJ Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, NR25 7JJ Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, NR25 7JJ @backtothe_garden www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk
www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk 01263 715996 01263 715996
www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk 01263 715996
North Norfolk’s Stockist and Showroom of Clearview Stoves the industry’s leading manufacturers
Also stocking a range of traditional to modern stoves from highly respected names such as Aga, Stovax and Mendip Call us for a free quote 01328 854098 Firingsquad Woodburners advise supply install www.firingsquadwoodburners.com
the guard room • unit 6 • blenheim way • west raynham business park • norfolk nr21 7pl
| NOVEMBER 2017
November splendour Our gardening writer Ellen Mary brings Places&Faces® readers more useful tips
O
ur skies are filled with fireworks and the temperature drops as we near the end of the year, which means it’s time to finally make sure tender plants are wrapped up for protection – just like us! Keep an eye out for magical Fungi whilst walking in woodlands and enjoy all of the wonderful colours November brings along with the atmospherically cool mornings in the garden. PLANTS AND FLOWERS
provides gardening design consultancy, advice and beginner gardening courses at: www.ellenmarygardening.co.uk
From now until March its time to plant out bare root roses. They are much cheaper to purchase than fully grown roses and they can be in demand over this period, so order soon. I love rambling roses and definitely recommend Rose Albertine. Its a really fast grower, full of pink, fragrant roses and lovely red stems. Just make sure you are prepared for the huge thorns!
Thinking ahead to Spring colour, why not grow a stunning Magnolia tree. My favourite is Magnolia Stellata with gorgeous white flowers. Whilst their flowering period is short, it’s definitely worth it and Autumn is a great time for planting. With many varieties to choose from, even if you are short of space there is no need to miss out because some can be grown in a large container. There is no need to put those hanging baskets away with so many plants to grow over Winter. Ornamental cabbages look great, along with Cyclamen and trailing Ivy. For a real burst of foliage colour, plant a mix of different Heuchera’s such as ‘Sugar Plum’, ‘Ginger Ale’ and ‘Lime Rickey’. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
It might be cold outside but make use of any bright space inside and grow some micro greens. All you need is a seed tray and compost plus seeds such as mustard, cress or pea shoots which
GARDENING
can all be grown on a bright windowsill, picked in a matter of weeks and used in tasty winter cooking. Harvesting Winter crops is so satisfying! From Cabbages and Cauliflowers, Leeks to Brussel Sprouts. As Sprouts grow taller and top heavy, push up soil around the base which will help to support them in bad weather. Some may need extra support, and get ready to harvest those tasty winter greens. Take care of your strawberries to ensure you get plenty of sweet crops next year. It’s important to remove dead or diseased plants or leaves and make sure the soil is weed free. If you have grown your plants with straw around, make sure there is still plenty of air circulating around the plants. WILDLIFE GARDENING
The most important advice I can give about bonfire night is to check, check and re-check for hedgehogs before
lighting a bonfire. Ideally don’t build your bonfire in the days running up to the event as this gives hedgehogs the opportunity to hide beneath the wood and leaves. If you do it close to lighting it, there is less chance that something is hiding beneath. Always consider growing trees, shrubs and plants that give Winter interest for garden birds. Berries are essential and habitats that give a home to insects as well. Whether you have plenty of natural food or not, it is still essential to provide supplementary food to help birds through the cold months. Birds you may see in your gardens and woodlands at this time of year such as Robins, Tits and Finches, along with the Rooks and Magpies will all be looking for food and shelter. Ivy often gets a bad reputation but it is ideal for insects and birds for both feeding and roosting. If you have nest boxes, give them a clean out to ensure they are not harbouring pests and diseases.
GARDENING PRODUCT OF THE MONTH –
It’s such a great time of year to spot Fungi when out in the Autumn garden, but identifying them can be tricky, especially if you are foraging. So be safe and learn loads with this great Collins book of Fungi. Only £9.99 from many online retailers.
W H AT ’ S O N –
Oxburgh Hall near Swaffham is one of the most beautiful National Trust sites to visit in Autumn. The stunning Autumnal hues are worth wrapping up for and taking a walk. There is even a ‘Beat the Christmas Rush’ event on Wednesday 8th November for £19.95 each so you can finish off your walk with a delicious Christmas lunch! www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Let us help you with our free foot-care advice and information about our treatments found on our website.
BESPOKE DRAPERY AND UPHOLSTERERS · ESTABLISHED 2000
We pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of foot care.
01603 722385
jhdinteriors@gmail.com · www.jhd-interiors.co.uk 1 Tilia Court, Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6SX
BANANA HIPFLASK
WE ALSO HAVE A HUGE RANGE OF SENSIBLE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
AYLSHAM 8 PENFOLD STREET · COLTISHALL 14 HIGH STREET CROMER 28 LOUDEN ROAD · FAKENHAM 1 STRATTON PLACE NORTH WALSHAM MITRE TAVERN YARD · NORWICH ADELAIDE STREET HEALTH CENTRE · SHERINGHAM 1 AUGUSTA STREET · THORPE THORPE HEALTH CENTRE
BOOKING LINES 01603 737188 · 01263 732959
WWW.RANDELLSFOOTCARE.CO.UK
BARBOUR • FILSON • SLOOPY JOE SCHOFELL AIGLE • JOTT-HESTRA STYLE FOR DOGS
01328 730462
58 Market Place Burnham Market, Norfolk
Extra Hands Providers of Home Care in Norfolk
Norfolk Care Awards 2017 Winners We are a local award winning family run independent Home Care company, providing carers across Norfolk trained to the highest standards including Dementia Care. We offer a wide range of services within the home setting which are tailored to suit individual needs from personal care to shopping and companionship. Our services can be arranged on either a short term or long term basis, we offer flexibility when organising care packages and can assure our customers that we will meet their requirements every step of the way. If you or anyone you know may be interested in our services please do not hesitate to contact us on the numbers below or visit our website to find out more.
Supporting people in their own homes for over 25 years
Tel: 01603 898623
Tel: 01485 570611
www.extrahandshomecarenorfolk.co.uk
Helhoughton Road, Hempton, Fakenham NR21 7DY Tel: 01328 864743 or 855321 Email: sales@norfolkreclaim.co.uk www.norfolkreclaim.co.uk
We are delighted to offer our personal, professional and prompt service‌ ‌ for all your property transactions, wills, family and other legal matters.
www.hkbwiltshires.co.uk
21 Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1HN 01493 855 676 13 Surrey Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1LJ 01502 582 338
For more information please call us or email us on info@hkbw.co.uk
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
“It is normal for a joint life policy to be cheaper than two single life policies in terms of premiums and these can be set up to either pay out when the first or second partner dies”
K E E PI NG YOU R FA M I LY F I N A NC I A L LY SAFE ONE OF THE FIRST FINANCIAL PRIORITIES WE DISCUSS WITH CLIENTS IS PROTECTING THEIR FAMILIES IN THE EVENT OF SOMETHING AWFUL HAPPENING. CARL LAMB LOOKS AT WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR LIFE COVER IS STILL FIT FOR PURPOSE
SUMMER 2017 SAW A NUMBER OF NATURAL DISASTERS across the
world as well as frightening terror attacks closer to home. It’s a scary world out there but you’re still much more likely to come to grief on our roads than be a victim of either type of catastrophe. However, the disaster stories have made me think again about the need for good life insurance cover. It’s worrying that many people have never reviewed the cover they took out years ago – and therefore they may not have the cover they need to protect their families. Protecting your family’s financial well-being in the event of something happening to one of the main bread-winners is not difficult. There are a number of different solutions that will provide lump sum or income payouts, depending on the terms agreed. There are two basic types of life insurance: whole of life insurance and fixed term insurance. Not surprisingly, whole of life insurance covers the whole of your life and pays out on death, whenever that happens, whereas fixed term insurance will only pay out if you die within the agreed period that the insurance covers, with no payout if you die after the policy has ended. Premiums will vary but it is worth noting that premiums have gone down considerably in recent years so if you have an existing policy, it may be worth reviewing it to see if you can get the same cover for a better rate. Life insurance policies can be taken out for an individual
on a single life basis or, for a couple, on a joint life basis. It is normal for a joint life policy to be cheaper than two single life policies in terms of premiums and these can be set up to either pay out when the first partner dies – to help with funeral costs and to provide additional income for the surviving partner, for example – or when the second partner dies – which might provide the means to pay an Inheritance Tax bill or provide for surviving dependants, for example. If you have health issues, a family history of ill-health, or lifestyle factors such as being a smoker, not surprisingly you can expect to pay higher premiums. You may also be asked to provide medical evidence such as a chest x-ray or a doctor’s report. If you’re a smoker, your premiums may be as much as twice as much as a non-smoker of the same age. You won’t be classed as a non-smoker until at least twelve months after stopping using tobacco products – and it’s worth noting that nicotine patches count as a tobacco product for insurance purposes. If you smoke E-cigarettes instead of traditional tobacco you will still be treated as a smoker by most insurers, although it is always worth checking. Most life insurance policies provide a lump sum payout when you die, but it is also possible to provide an income for your loved ones. Family income benefit delivers an income for an agreed period of time. It’s a straightforward process to build this into your family protection strategy and is usually quite inexpensive, particularly if you start the cover at a fairly young age.
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 Chartered Financial Planners www.almarygreen.com | 01603 706740
For independent financial 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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NOVEMBER 2017 / £3.50 WHERE SOLD
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| NOVEMBER 2017 kitchens and my office is an old shipping container – which sounds like trendy cool ‘glamping’ but it is not ideal as a workspace! The new Centre 81 we are planning will be a facility for all our members, business users and tourists alike. We also have an aging fleet of community minibuses. The Centre’s finances have also been affected by the increase in the National Living Wage and government care funding cuts. How did you get into the care sector as a career?
When I was young I really wanted to work with children. I trained as a nursery nurse and worked for 11 years in day nurseries in inner London, before moving into management and residential care work. I qualified as a social worker and counsellor working in Essex with clients aged from three to 101. When did you first come to Norfolk?
In 2005 I handed in my notice and decided to move from Toot Hill, Ongar in Essex to Norfolk, where I had spent many happy holidays. I bought a half acre garden with a house in it at Ormesby St Michael and moved here with my dogs – arriving in a car and trailer with a zed-bed on the roof.
DIANA STAINES
Chief executive, Centre 81 Great Yarmouth
Tell us about Centre 81’s work
Centre 81 works with people whose lives have been rudely interrupted – from birth to any age – by disability caused by illness or accident. We have been operating since 1981, hence our name. We have 70 members attending our skills and activities sessions, from crafts to gardening, at the centre on Tar Works Road. But we also head out into the community for fun such as sailing, swimming and bowling. We run a door-to-door community transport fleet of 10 wheelchairfriendly minibuses. They are for anyone, and used by more than 500 people for medical, shopping and social trips – which is a real lifeline for those who cannot use public transport. What are your main aims as its chief executive?
My key aim is to make sure the centre is run for the benefit of the people who use it – helping them to rebuild their lives. Our ethos is Ability not Disability. We look at what members can do rather than what they cannot, which creates a positive outlook. Together we work towards dismantling barriers of discrimination. The team supports 94
members who decide what activities they want to get involved with. On the surface it is a fun, spontaneous, busy place, but it is also underpinned by a firm business foundation. Centre 81 is run for the benefit of its members – and I have the privilege of managing it. What aspects of the role do you enjoy the most?
Seeing ordinary people achieving extraordinary things for themselves, and being able to do things that the world said they could not – either physically or through a lack of confidence. Things that you and I take for granted. We had a member who had spent her life in a wheelchair and experienced the joy of “standing up” and feeling her feet on the bottom of a swimming pool. The satisfaction comes from watching people make those kinds of journeys, succeed and smile. How does the Centre change and enhance people’s lives?
Members tackle practical and emotional challenges, learn to do new things, and grow in confidence. It enables them to take on different and more demanding tasks, such as organising a summer fete. The Centre also supports carers, reducing their feelings of isolation and providing respite so they can work or do the things they want to do. And our volunteers get a lot from helping here too – from satisfaction, to boosting their CVs as a stepping stone to paid work. What are the challenges facing the Centre and how are you tackling them?
We have run out of space in our aging buildings, which are former 1950s school
Tell us about your life and interests outside of Centre 81
I love walking my dog Ben – a six-year-old rescue Labrador – and spending time at home with my chickens, fish and Pippin my Ragdoll cat, who is the boss of all the animals. I enjoy taking Ben, who was very scared when I first got him after being beaten by a previous owner, to dog training, and spending time with my family. What do you enjoy about living in Norfolk?
I was drawn to the county and I just love it the open space, the beaches and the freedom. There is a local link through my great grandfather on my father’s side who was a clergyman connected to Norwich Cathedral. Where are your favourite places to eat and drink?
Anywhere dog friendly, but I do like the Waterside (a café, tea room overlooking Rollesby Broad near Ormesby). Otherwise it is home cooking at home. I have enjoyed catering for organisations – including at Loughton Cricket Cub in Essex where I did cricket teas, family lunches and corporate buffets. Can you sum up Centre 81 in five words?
Not quite. But I would say: Fun. A family. A restorative place where people can be themselves. And sometimes…organised chaos. Can you sum up yourself in five words?
Caring. Principled. Someone who has time for people. Passionate about people having opportunities and being respected. And I struggle to stick to word limits!
Established 2000
Beauchamp and Hawkes Kitchens by design 5, Norwich Road, North Walsham, Norfolk , NR28 9JP www.pipedreams.org.uk | info@pipedreams.org.uk
01692 503050
'Visit us and be Consulted, Not Insulted' Free Parking At Rear of Showroom
Audi Q2 Sport 1.6 TDI from £279 per month*
• 17” alloy wheels
• Smartphone Interface
• MMI Navigation
• C-pillar blade in Ice silver
Solutions Personal Contract Plan* representative example from Audi Financial Services based on 10,000 miles per annum for the Audi Q2 Sport 1.6 TDI 116PS manual
Duration 47 monthly payments of Customer deposit
4 years £279.00 £3,369.34
Recommended On-The-Road price
£25,560.00
Amount of credit
£22,190.66
Optional final payment
£12,832.60
Total amount payable by customer
£29,324.94
Option to purchase fee** Rate of Interest Representative APR Excess mileage
£10.00 5.45% Fixed 5.5% APR 7.2p per mile
Book a test drive Norwich Audi Meridian Way Norwich NR7 0TA 01603 709200 www.robinsonsaudi.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi Q2 Sport 1.6 TDI 116PS manual in mpg (l/100km): Urban 57.6 (4.9), Extra urban 68.9 (4.1), Combined 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions: 114g/km. 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. Image shown for illustration purposes only. More information is available on the Audi website at www.audi.co.uk and at www.dft.gov.uk/vca Robinsons motor group trading as Norwich Audi is a broker and not a lender and can introduce you to a limited number of lenders, who may pay us for introducing you to them. *At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle.With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available when ordered by 1 January 2018 from participating Centres. Indemnities may be required. Offers are not available in conjunction with the scrappage scheme or any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication [October 2017]. Freepost Audi Financial Services.