Places&Faces 66 September 2015 by Countrywide Publications

SEPTEMBER 2015 | ÂŁ2.95 WHERE SOLD

THE Magazine for Norfolk

& North Suffolk

up close & personal with

a Mercedes-Benz for the weekend

REVIEWED

Luxury in the

big month

5 2

6 7 6

www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Hand Crafted and Bespoke Kitchens and Bedrooms the only limitation is your imagination NEW

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Success In Motion. The E-Class Saloon

Representative example E 220 BlueTEC SE with optional metallic paint 36 monthly payments of*(Term of agreement) On-the-road price Customer deposit Retailer deposit contribution Optional purchase payment† Amount of credit Total amount payable†† Purchase activation fee† Representative APR Fixed interest rate

£349.00 £35,515.00 £4,999.00 £5,153.26 £16,700.00 £25,362.74 £39,426.26 £10.00 6.3% 6.11%

The E-Class Saloon is designed to convince every part of you. Perfecting every demand for comfort and luxury, once on the road the real performance begins, full of agility and energy. With advanced electronic assistants keeping a watchful eye wherever you go, the E-Class presents a powerful proposition on all accounts. And now yours for just £349* per month, simply call your nearest retailer to arrange a test drive today.

Mercedes-Benz of Norwich Barker Street, Norwich, NR2 4TN 01603 751000 www.mercedes-benzofnorwich.co.uk

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E-Class range: urban 19.9(14.2)-70.6(4.0), extra urban 35.3(8.0)-76.4(3.7), combined 27.7(10.2)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 237-107 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data is

provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Whilst this offer is only available through MercedesBenz Finance, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well. Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class 220 BlueTEC SE Saloon with automatic transmission at £35,515.00 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). *Finance offer based on a E-Class 220 BlueTEC SE Saloon with optional metallic paint on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement, on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may 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 E-Class models between 1 July and 30 September 2015, registered by 31 December 2015. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your retailer for availability. Terms and conditions apply. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2448457 and has its registered address at Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of going to print.

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MEET THE TEAM

meet the team COLIN HUGGINS Managing Director T 01493 742091

EDITOR'S LETTER

M 07775 858862 E colin@h2creativemedia.co.uk

Sarah Hardy

EMMA OUTTEN

sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk

Assistant Editor E emma@h2creativemedia.co.uk

ADVERTISING Account Manager: Shaun Coomer shaun@h2creativemedia.co.uk T 01493 742066 | M 07584 162023 Account Manager: Phil Nicholls phil@h2creativemedia.co.uk T 01493 742136 | M 07780 430706 Account Manager: Diane Green diane@h2creativemedia.co.uk T 01493 742251

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Contributors Franck Pontais, Nick Mobbs, Andrew Florides, Roger Hickman, Andy Newman Associates, Richard Barr, Julian Gibbons, Carl Lamb, Sam Matthews, Ellen Mary, Simon Wainwright, Hayley Philpot, Melanie Cook, Simon Mitchell, Ross Hagan, Mark Duﬃeld, Mark Nicholls, Iain Dooley, James Spicer, Matt Kimberley, Pippa Lain-Smith

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

HERE IS OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE which we have really enjoyed putting together, but it does make me think how quickly the year is whizzing by. As you know, we work hard to bring you several celebrity interviews each issue and this month we have quite a selection, from 80s pop sensation Toyah, to one of our most respected actors, Christopher Eccleston – who is best known as Doctor Who although I really enjoyed his performance in the rather sinister Safe House on telly earlier this year. Add in a chat with a young jazz singer from Suffolk called Olivia Castle and a catch up with Lee Mead, who you’ll remember won the TV show, Any Dream Will Do, back in 2007, and who brings his new show to our region this month, and there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Mark Nicholls heads to the West End with his football mad daughter to see the latest hot opening, Bend It Like Beckham, and is thoroughly delighted, while Pippa LainSmith splashes out with a luxurious holiday in Crete. Richard Barr gives us his usual charming look at family life and our Lust List suggests cycling paraphernalia as the Tour of Britain arrives in our region this month. Food is always an important part of the magazine and our team of chefs are cooking up a storm, as usual. Roger Hickman creates a Cromer crab and avocado salad and Simon Wainwright tempts us with yet another of his great puddings. Emma Outten also chats to Sarah de Chair, the Chairman of Norfolk Food and Drink, and finds out all about this new organisation which is dedicated to raising the profile of our local producers, restaurants, chefs and more. Finally, don’t miss this month’s competition which is the chance to win a Mercedes-Benz for the weekend – sorry but you do have to hand it back! And congratulations to Emily Weal of Colton, near Norwich, the winner of our July issue competition, a rather splendid treat at Imagine Spa. As I always say, happy reading.

Sarah Hardy

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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 venue prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the Editor including contributors. Places&Faces® is a registered Trade Mark of H2Creative Media Limited.

CONTENTS

Simon Wainwright at the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth serves up another of his tempting puddings

CHECK OUT...

Mark Nicholls travels to the West End to see Bend It Like Beckham – and reckons it’s premier division stuff

87 It's the start of a new academic year and we tell you how to prepare your children for school

20 Get up close and personal with Toyah

as she performs in Great Yarmouth

CELEBRITIES

10 Emma Outten looks forward to Some Enchanted Evening with Lee Mead in Bury St Edmunds 12 Sarah Hardy talks to Imogen Sage who stars in the spine-tingling Rebecca at Norwich Theatre Royal 22 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time comes to Norwich Theatre Royal on its ﬁrst ever nationwide tour. We speak to Joshua Jenkins, who plays Christopher

Cover Story

SEPTEMBER 2015 | £2.95 WHERE SOLD

THE Magazine for Norfolk

& North Suffolk

up close & personal with

a Mercedes-Benz for the weekend

REVIEWED

Luxury in the

big month

5 2

6 7 6

www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston on

headlining the HighTide Festival in Suffolk

FASHION AND BEAUTY

25 Fashions take on a nostalgic mood this autumn with glorious Bohemian trends 27 Hair a mess? Skin dried out? You need our beauty SOS guide!

WHAT’S ON

32 Enjoy our regular round-up of the best events and activities in the region this month 35 Melanie Cook thinks we should all head to our very own high street of the year, Norwich Lanes, for retail therapy with a difference 36 The HighTide Festival has a new spiritual home in Aldeburgh for this year. We look at the highlights 40 Great Yarmouth is buzzing this month with Out There, the Maritime Festival and the Film Festival

FOOD AND DRINK

67 Sam Matthews explores the new technology surrounding the wine trade – and is impressed 68 Food writer Andy Newman travels to Breckland to meet the latest of his local producers, Nurtured in Norfolk, who grow micro herbs and edible ﬂowers

TRAVEL

A 70 Pippa Lain-Smith is inspired by

Victoria Hislop’s The Island and travels to Crete for some fun in the sun B 74 Going bang in Wells! Sarah Hardy stays in the latest trendy bedrooms at this favourite seaside resort

HOMES AND GARDENS

46 Our Property of the Month is a glorious former Edwardian vicarage in Suffolk 58 Ellen Mary says summer is most deﬁnitely not over so try not to put that watering can away just yet!

52. 08

September 2015

As the seasons change, our writers look at warm and cosy goodies for your home

THIS MONTH'S

Editor’s

CHoicE

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

COMPETITION

101

WIN a top of the range

Mercedes-Benz for the weekend

Two acting legends, Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, unite to appear in A Walk in the Woods, a movie version of Bill Bryson’s best selling novel. It tells of two gents tackling the 2200 mile Appalachian Way, in America, and basically biting off a bit more than they can chew. Opening on September 11, it should be great fun! BEST MUSIC EVENT

BUSINESS

78 Emma Outten meets Chairman of Norfolk Food & Drink Sarah de Chair, to ﬁnd out about the new organisation

Reload, a music festival dedicated to the 80s, takes place at the Norfolk Showground at Costessey, near Norwich, from September 11 to 13. Acts taking part include the Boomtown Rats, Level 42, Rick Astley, UB40 and many, many more. Check out www. reloadfestival.co.uk. BEST OPENING

MOTORING

106 It was British once – Matt Kimberley road tests the new Automatic Mini Cooper 108 Iain Dooley gets behind the wheel of the Peugeot 308GT 116 Iain Dooley takes to the road in the ultimate pick up truck, the Mitsubishi L200

REGULARS

29 Richard Barr is now a proud grandfather but is even more determined to grow old disgracefully … 99 With a nod to the fact that the Aviva Tour of Britain passes through Norfolk this month, Lust List is all about two wheels 122 Spend ﬁve minutes with Suffolk jazz vocalist Olivia Castle

Jarrold’s has revamped its fashion floor with new lingerie and shoe departments and is now a very swanky place to shop. Take a trip to the first floor to see more – and a few new and surprising labels. BEST NEW BOOK

Master thriller writer Lee Child arrives at Jarrold’s in Norwich on September 17 to promote his latest Jack Reacher novel, Make Me. He’s appearing in The Pantry at 6.30pm and tickets are £8. Call 01603 660661. BEST FOODIE EVENT

We love the Battle of the Bangers contest, which forms part of the new look Norwich Food and Drink Festival which runs over September 12 and 13. The action takes place in Chapelfield Gardens and the banger contest is on September 13. But the weekend also includes cookery demonstrations, a food producers’ marquee, live music and more. Check out www. norfolkfoodanddrink.com. BEST COMIC

It's the perfect sports car Matt Kimberley just loves the new Mazda MX-5

Nina Conti, daughter of actor Tom, brings her ventriloquist act, In Your Face, to Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre on September 19. She’s known for getting people out of the audience to take part in her zany show so you have been warned! Visit www.marinatheatre. co.uk.

112

BEST GIG

Singer songwriter Leo Sayer, best known for hits such as You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and The Show Must Go On, brings his Restless Years tour to St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich on September 17. What a treat to see this pocket rocket, now in his late 60s, in action! More details on www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk.

September 2015

ENCHANTED BY

LEE

West End star Lee Mead brings the golden age of Hollywood to west SuďŹ&#x20AC;olk this month. He talks to Emma Outten about encouraging daughter Betsy to enjoy these classics Lee Mead brings Some Enchanted Evening to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on September 19. Call 01284 758000 or visit www.theapex.co.uk

September 2015

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Lee Mead is no stranger to the A12.

After all, the Essex boy began his musical career at Potters Resort in Hopton on Sea and this month will be turning off the familiar road and heading to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds. The song stylist and actor who can count hit musicals Joseph, Wicked, Legally Blonde and BBC One’s Casualty amongst his credits, says: ‘It’s my first time in Suffolk with my show, although quite early on I did a couple of musicals in The Regent, Ipswich, and my first job was at Potters – a great place for a weekend break!’ He says of his first singing break: ‘I did about four/five months back in 2003 with Leanne Mitchell, who went on to win The Voice.’ He also has links with Felixstowe as he is friends with former West End performer Mark Connell. The upshot is: ‘I’m often on the A12.’ Although Lee adds: ‘It’s the first time coming

On his latest tour, Lee turns back the clock to the golden age of Hollywood and celebrates some of the classic songs that have become a part of our musical heritage. He explains: ‘I was having a coffee one day and thinking about the films from that era, and growing up watching films like South Pacific and Singin’ in the Rain with my brother.’ And he says: ‘With Betsy, as she gets older, I want her to watch these kinds of films.’ Computer-generated imagery is all well and good, but as Lee points out: ‘You miss out on that naivety and the essence of that period - it was really magical.’ The set list for the show includes Some Enchanted Evening, Where or When, I Fall in Love Too Easily, I’ll See You in My Dreams, One for My Baby, Broadway Melody, and The Way You Look Tonight. Thanks to new arrangements from MD Mason Neely, Lee says: ‘We’ve done a nice spin on the arrangements – it’s quite modern and fresh.’ (Listen out for a new studio album due to be released spring next year.) Lee notes: ‘We have got a grand piano on all the tour dates which I’m really excited about, and a four/five piece band. The past six to eight months I’ve been doing a lot of work on it in my free time.’ Not that he gets a lot of free time these days. Lee made his debut in BBC One’s Casualty last year, playing new nurse Lofty Chiltern and was shortlisted in the 2015 National Television Awards as Favourite Newcomer! ‘It’s my first regular TV role and it took about five years to get it,’ he says. After 600 performances of Joseph, Lee went to New York to study acting at the Lee Strasburg Institute before heading back to London’s West End. To be then nominated for his first TV role isn’t lost on Lee: ‘It’s really hard to make that transition,’ he says. ‘To get shortlisted was great.’ It does, however, involve filming in Wales in the week: ‘I’ve been down in Cardiff, Monday to Friday, We’re on set seven to seven most days so they’re quite long days.’ Like all parents in the same boat he tries to make sure he’s there for Betsy. ‘I spend weekends back in London, although I’m buying a house in Kent,’ he reveals. ‘I’m in London on Friday night and pick her up Saturday morning. It’s hard being away from her in the week. ‘It would be nice to have that job where you can go home every night, say if I was doing a show in London.’ Hence the concert dates are spread out, ‘one night here and there,’ he says. Special guest on tour is Amanda Henderson who stars alongside Lee in Casualty. ‘We’re good friends, work together on the show and see each other every day,’ he says, before explaining: ‘Last year she came on tour with me and did one duet. She’s got a great voice.’ Are there any particular songs he’s looking forward to performing? ‘Some Enchanted Evening,’ he replies. ‘It’s just a lovely, beautiful song – quite romantic.’ This month also heralds Betsy beginning her second year at infant school. Lee sounds as though he’s still getting his head around the whole growing up thing. 'From half eight to half three they’re off! It’s such a big step,’ he says.

The set list for the show includes Some Enchanted Evening, Where or When, I Fall in Love Too Easily, I’ll See You in My Dreams, One for My Baby, Broadway Melody, and The Way You Look Tonight. to The Apex so I’m looking forward to doing that.’ Following the sound check, he promises: ‘I will be looking around Bury a bit.’ The Apex is on the tour sheet after his friend Kerry Ellis - another Potters Theatre Company alumnus - brought her show there. Lee mentioned to his agent: ‘It would be nice to play Suffolk.’ And it’s ‘just the right size’ for Some Enchanted Evening, a 10-date concert tour concluding in December with a Christmas themed show at London’s Garrick Theatre. As the Suffolk date is just across the border from Essex, Lee says: ‘My family should be there – it’s only an hour and half away.’ Lee is from Southend, originally. ‘I’m home at least once a month,’ he says. We discuss the merits of the local Rossi icecream: ‘Once a month I take Betsy to see her grandparents and we go for a Rossi!’ Five-year-old Betsy ‘lives in Kent with her mum,’ and mum is none other than Denise van Outen. Most of us know the back story: Lee shot to fame in 2007 when he won TV’s Any Dream Will Do and was cast in the lead role of the Joseph’s Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat revival. He also won the heart of Denise, who was one of the show’s experts. They married in 2009 but separated in 2013. It was made clear at the outset of the interview that Lee doesn’t discuss Denise although he’s more than happy to discuss his daughter. He also doesn’t mind discussing the ‘Joseph period,’ as he calls it. ‘It always comes up in interviews – it’s kind of why I’m talking to you now.’ He makes this point: ‘Eight years on I’m still out there doing great work - and it’s a hard industry.’ Not all winners of Saturday night TV talent shows can say the same!

Subscribe online at www.placesandfaces.co.uk

September 2015

Rebeccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

New Look

September 2015

Daphne Du Maurierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel, Rebecca, is a commanding study of jealousy and obsession. Sarah Hardy chats to its young star, Imogen Sage, as the stage version arrives in Norwich this month

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

“We have taken out the final courtroom scene and replaced it with something that is just as dramatic!” On playing the naïve new bride, she says that it is a dream part. ‘It’s like playing two different characters,’ says Imogen who is originally from Australia. ‘She starts as someone who is very shy, someone who wants to please everyone. But she goes on a journey and discovers more about herself – how to manipulate her husband, how to use her sexual power: she really finds her voice.’ Imogen admits that it is a tough, challenging role. ‘You go on a big emotional journey every night. It has been quite a baptism of fire. But we have had really great reactions from audiences around the country.’ She is enjoying life on the road, and makes sure she sightsees as much as possible, especially art galleries. ‘And I love to sit in coffee bars, writing. That’s where you will often find me as I love creative writing and have a couple of projects on the go at the moment.’ And she’s also looking forward to catching up with some long lost relatives from Norwich. ‘Yes, my mum might even come over and meet me in the city to see our relatives – that would be amazing!’

‘Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again’

is one of the best known openings in English literature and it still sends a shiver up many people’s spine – this writer included! The story of a new young bride arriving at her husband’s coastal home where the shadow of his first wife, the glamorous Rebecca, looms large is spell binding. And that’s before we mention Mrs Danvers, the somewhat sinister housekeeper, who is oh-so protective of Rebecca’s memory. Daphne Du Maurier, writing in 1938 and also the author of Jamaica Inn and Frenchman’s Creek, produced a romantic yet spine tingling novel which has sold millions of copies all over the world and has rarely been out of print. Turning any great and much loved novel into a play is a challenge. We all have our own idea of how people should look and their mannerisms, and we rarely like changes to the plot. But the Cornwall-based theatre company Kneehigh Theatre is never afraid of a challenge and has taken this classic novel and given it a modern makeover! The company’s artistic director Emma Rice – who has just landed the top job at London’s Globe Theatre – is famous for her new interpretations such as Brief Encounter and Hansel and Gretel, so you should expect something surprising and even controversial. Imogen Sage, performing her first major role since leaving drama school, plays Mrs de Winter – the new young bride. She explains: ‘Yes, this is a more contemporary version, without losing any of the key themes or the overall feel. We have taken out the final courtroom scene and replaced it with something that is just as dramatic! But I don’t want to say too much as we like to keep it a surprise.’ She adds that some of the locations have also changed, with a fair bit of humour added in, too, and some sea shanties. ‘So we really bring out the importance of Cornwall – the role of the sea and the coast; all that history and the passion the area seems to provoke in people.’

Rebecca is being performed at Norwich Theatre Royal from September 21 to 26. Call 01603 630000.

NORFOLK VALUATIONS MONTH Throughout the month of September, Bonhams invites you to meet our specialists for free and confidential valuations of items you may be considering selling at auction. Jewellery & Watches Thursday 10 September Modern British & East Anglian Art Thursday 17 September Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia Sunday 27 September

An invitation to Consign

Coins, Medals, Arms & Armour Thursday 1 October 10am to 3pm, Reepham General valuations every Tuesday 10am to 3pm. Home visits can be arranged. APPOINTMENTS & ENQUIRIES 01603 871443 norfolk@bonhams.com Bonhams The Market Place, Reepham, NR10 4JJ

Fine Antiques with Wine & Spirits 24, 25 & 26 on November 7th August 2015

SIR JOHN ALFRED ARNESBY BROWN (British, 1866-1955) Sunlit cattle, Haddiscoe (detail) ÂŁ5,000 - 7,000 East Anglian Art, 17 November 2015, Knightsbridge

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salerooms@keysauctions.co.uk bonhams.com/norfolk

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eye AM IN

WROXHAM ! N EW CECI L AM EY WROXHAM BRAN CH O PENS SOON !

N O RWI CH AT T L E B O R O U G H DEREHAM HALESWORTH HARLESTON WAT T O N wroxham WYMONDHAM c ec i l a m e y . c o . u k

Looking Good!

Christopher was just as busy last year: ‘I did February to about July on The Leftovers then I came back and did a film called Legend [the film about the Kray twins is due for release this month], and then I went into a TV programme called Safe House.’ In the ITV drama he played former police officer Robert. This year we’ve also seen him in Arctic drama, Fortitude, on Sky Atlantic, although his character, Professor Stoddart, was killed off in the first episode. There was a reason for that: ‘I only had two weeks free in my schedule; they offered me the job and the money was good, the script was good and the cast were good, so went out there and did it and went straight from Iceland and on to New York.’ Christopher is described as one of our boldest and busiest actors, and not just on screen (he is also known for his performance of the titular role in the West Yorkshire Playhouse production of Hamlet, and for his performance as Creon in the National Theatre production of Antigone, for example). Having trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, his first film was the true story Let Him Have It (1991), in which he starred as Derek Bentley. Then, as Christopher continues: ‘In terms of television I did Cracker with Jimmy McGovern, and played DCI Bilborough who was stabbed by the Robert Carlyle character.’ Christopher would go on to play the role of Trevor Hicks in Hillsborough, about a man who lost both of his daughters in the 1989 disaster, also by the award-winning screenwriter. Winning the part of Nicky in the BBC Two drama Our Friends in the North, broadcast in the 90s, further helped make Christopher a household name in the UK. It was drama on an epic scale, as he comments: ‘There’s not been a state of the nation piece like it since.’ He takes up the story: ‘It was a ninepart series written by Peter Flannery and I played my character from around the age of 18 to 60. And of course it was a launchpad for Daniel Craig, Mark Strong and Gina McKee. ‘I was doing OK, but it was hugely important to those three guys. I was fortunate because I’d got a little bit of luck with Let Him Have It and Cracker.’ Christopher describes it as a ‘great, great series’ and adds: ‘I’m still in contact with Peter and endlessly pushing him to write something else.

Award-winning actor Christopher Eccleston comes to the region this month, for the last day of the HighTide Festival. Emma Outten speaks to him about looking after young children in between filming in the States

It’s not easy

being interviewed when you’re looking after very young children – and it is dinner-time. Just ask former Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston. The first time we tried he was looking after his son and daughter on his own and was about to fly to Texas the following morning. The second time we have more success, although his opening gambit is: ‘They’re both with me here, now – they’ve finished their dinner and are having a bit of mango’. The 51-year-old actor is father to Albert, aged three (‘and a half’) and Esme, two, and he was just about able to speak on the phone, partly thanks to the promise of a replay of The Gruffalo. The Salford-born actor, who has older twin brothers, lives in London - although this summer he has been busy filming in the States for the second series of American drama The Leftovers, in which he plays Matt Jamison, a former reverend turned editor of a self-published tabloid. ‘From May 11 to September 7 I’m contracted to HBO 1 for The Leftovers,’ says Christopher. The first series was shot in New York, but he adds: ‘Now we are shooting in Austin, Texas, so I’m flying back and forth. I won’t leave it longer than two weeks,’ he says, ‘it’s too difficult on me; the kids don’t mind but it’s not suitable for me to be away from them that long.’ He had just got back the day we spoke.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

"The important thing about Doctor Who is not that I left but that I did it in the ﬁrst place - I think people should learn to concentrate on positives" ‘He once said in the press that he might have something else to say about Our Friends in the North but I’m not sure that will happen. Sometimes you’re better as a writer and an actor to move forward rather than look back.’ This resonates with the fact that, in 2005, Christopher played the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who for just one series – a case of moving forward if ever there was one. Earlier this year he went on BBC Radio 4 to talk to Emma Freud about why he left the long-running show. Today he says simply: ‘The important thing about Doctor Who is not that I left but that I did it in the first place - I think people should learn to concentrate on positives,’ adding: ‘it’s very much part of the British culture to concentrate on the negatives - I reject it wholesale.’ This month he comes to HighTide Festival’s new home, Aldeburgh, for a Face to Face with Libby Purves OBE (awarded for services to journalism). What made him decide to be interviewed in this way? After all, as he comments: ‘I don’t do a lot of these things but I did a play reading with Steve Atkinson [HighTide’s Artistic Director] and was impressed with his intelligence and his passion for the festival - he asked me to come along.’ And Christopher hints: ‘There’s a chance we will work together in the future.’ What also appealed was ‘the promise of speaking to a serious journalist - not having to go over all the nonsense was very interesting to me, and I’ll be able to bring the kids, so it will be nice – I’m looking forward to it.’ As for her questions, he says: ‘I’ve got no idea,’ adding, ‘she can ask anything she wants. I reserve the right to give her any answer that I want.’ Christopher is planning to make a day of it when he is in Suffolk on the Sunday. ‘I don’t know Aldeburgh but I love seeing new parts of the country which I’ve never seen.’ I mention the famous fish and chips. ‘We’ll definitely be trying some of them, then,’ he laughs.

The Face to Face with Christopher Eccleston and Libby Purves OBE takes place at Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall on September 20. Call 0207 566 9765 or visit www.hightide.org.uk. The second series of The Leftovers premieres in October on Sky Atlantic, available on Sky and NOW TV

September 2015

AUTUMN 15 FASHION Jarrold is delighted to launch our Autumn collections and our stunning new fashion floor. As well as showcasing existing brands, we have added exciting new label, Mint Velvet, a new shoe lounge and a beautiful lingerie department. We hope to see you in store soon.

#NEW FASHION FLOOR

NEW MINT VELVET THE SHOE LOUNGE LINGERIE DEPARTMENT BENJI’S RESTAURANT

#NEWFASHIONFLOOR LONDON STREET, NORWICH 01603 660661 JARROLD.CO.UK

SEPTEMBER

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00

Mon 14 - Sat 19 Sept BEFORE THE PARTY Tom Conti and Gwen Taylor star in stylish 1940s family drama £7 - £24 Sun 20 Sept TREE FU TOM CBeebies star in magical adventure £7 - £14 Mon 21 - Sat 26 Sept REBECCA Spellbinding new production of du Maurier's classic £8 - £25

Rebecca

Mon 28 Sept MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE Fun and experiments explosions guaranteed! £7 - £14.50

Tues 29 Sept - Sat 3 Oct HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson’s plucky heroine in Victorian family adventure £7 - £20.50

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

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Getting personal with

Toyah The charismatic Toyah Willcox brings her unique songs and stories to Great Yarmouth this month. She speaks to Emma Outten about the meaning of her name, her beloved bunny and more Toyah Willcox

may be a household name but her first name is anything but common, as she intends to explain when she comes to St George’s Theatre this month. In fact, when she started touring Italy as a punk singer in the late 70s, she discovered that the similarly sounding troia is a profanity in Italian! She recalls: ‘Whenever I appeared on Italian TV the audience were always laughing hysterically.’ She entered the charts in the early 80s with hits such as It’s a Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains and I Want To Be Free

And she says of the show: ’It’s just magical because it really is up close and personal and the music is purely acoustic – just me and two acoustic guitars.’ She is joined on stage by Chris Wong and Colin Hinds. ‘All three of us sing and it works.’ As for the story-telling, she says: ‘The one I open with, because it’s such an ice breaker, is the meaning of my name. ‘Afterwards I do a meet and greet so it’s radically different to the loud and proud gigs.’ She adds: ‘We are looking forward to Great Yarmouth a lot. I’ve been before.’ As well as being a singer, let’s not forget that she is also a star of stage - her first outing was at the National Theatre in 1977 with Tales from the Vienna Woods - and screen. It really all began for her when film director Derek Jarman offered Birmingham-born Toyah the role of Mad in the punk epic Jubilee, that same year. Then there was Quadrophenia (1979). She describes being involved in the film starring Phil Daniels as ‘great fun’, adding: ‘There were an awful lot of us on it and we all wanted our time on camera. At the same time we were aware that something very special was going on and we worked so hard with the director Franc Roddam.’ The film has become a way of life for people: ‘Over the years it’s just grown and grown and every generation has watched it as a rite of passage.’ This year sees Toyah act in the British feature films Ahhhhhhhh!, Extremisis and Kaleidoscope Man (plus do look out for her in BBC’s Doctors in November). She describes Ahhhhhhhh! as a ‘deliberately shocking’ film. There’s no dialogue in it but do expect ‘a lot’ of sex and violence instead. In 2011 Toyah was in a film called The Power of Three and the strap-line was: ‘Who says over 50 is over the hill?’ The 57-year-old, whose second autobiographical account, Diary of a Facelift, came out in 2005, has her own take on this: ‘Age is a number and is irrelevant - if you’ve got something to do in the world just get on and do it.’ For her, that has also included taking the plunge in ITV’s Splash last year and presenting diverse television programmes such as The Good Sex Guide Late. Who are her role models? She mentions David Bowie and Ed Sheeran but concludes: ‘My role models have to be women,’ before citing Judi Dench, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet; then, musically, Patti Smith and Kate Bush. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of her marriage to Robert Fripp, of rock band King Crimson. What’s the secret? ‘We lead very separate lives – I always say to people never share a bank account – that’s the number one rule.’ The other love of her life is her white rabbit WillyFred, who is eight years old and ‘very ancient for an albino. He’s got the life of Reilly.’ It sounds as though he has confounded the vets time and time again, although his dental bills are jaw-dropping! ‘The Toyah comes to St George’s Theatre, rabbit is still going strong,’ she says. Great Yarmouth, on The same could be said for Toyah September 26. Call 01493 who, quite rightly, asserts: ‘Our 331484 or visit www. journey is the whole of our life; it’s stgeorgestheatre.com not just in our 20s.’

As well as being a singer, let’s not forget that she is also a star of stage - her first outing was at the National Theatre in 1977 with Tales from the Vienna Woods - and screen. and a good three decades on she is busier than ever. We catch up when she’s in between Rewind festivals – Rewind Scotland and Rewind North, and she says of the 80s festivals: ‘It’s always a lot of fun to do Rewind.’ The gigs attract a crowd of 20,000 and she observes: ‘You look out and perhaps you’ve got three generations of one family there - it is a very family friendly festival but also students love the 80s.’ She explains the appeal of the music back then: ‘In the 80s everyone performed live before you made any music in the studio’ (Toyah herself has recorded 20 albums). This month her own tour continues, alternating between the Loud, Proud and Electric; and the Acoustic, Up Close and Personal gigs. Toyah, whose autobiography Living Out Loud came out in 2000, says: ‘Both are exactly what I am, it’s just one is minus drums and there’s more talking in it!’ And you can get up close and personal with Toyah at St Georges Theatre this month, a year after she brought it to the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich. ‘I just loved the venue,’ she recalls.

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September 2015

Award-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time comes to Norwich Theatre Royal this month. Emma Outten catches up with Joshua Jenkins who plays the lead role of Christopher

September 2015

It’s not every week

Credit BRINKHOFF MÖGENBURG

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time runs from September 7 to 12, at Norwich Theatre Royal. Call 01603 630000, or visit www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

you get to perform in front of the multi-million selling author who created the very character you are playing. But that’s what happened to Joshua Jenkins, the lead in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time when he found himself, on a recent opening night, in front of Mark Haddon, whose story has sold more than 10 million copies. Joshua was in Oxford the week we spoke, on the first ever nationwide tour which comes to Norwich this month. He recalls: ‘Mark lives in Oxford, so that was a pretty special occasion. It was the first time he’d seen our version of the show, so it meant a lot to all the company. ‘He said he loved it.’ So much so, Joshua continues: ‘He’s invited us round for tea as well. He’s a really, really lovely guy.’ Many of us will have read the landmark book, which portrays the workings of the mind of a 15-year-old boy with a mathematical gift and behavioural problems. It’s a murder mystery like no other, as the story opens with the death of his neighbour’s dog, an incident which Christopher decides to investigate. Joshua says: ‘I read the book quite a few years before the audition came up and, like the rest of the nation, really I fell in love with it. ‘What I liked about it most of all was the idea of it being a coming of age story - he’s 15 years old so he’s not quite a boy anymore and not yet a man. ‘I think we can all relate to that, we’ve all been that age finding things confusing and not quite knowing where you are in the world.’ Plus, he adds: ‘In rehearsals the book became like a bible to me in many ways.’ At 27, Joshua is a dozen years older than his character, not that that was too much of a challenge, as he says: ‘Christopher’s youthful enthusiasm and energy is all in the script and what helps more than anything is the wonderful set.’ It draws the audience into Christopher’s brain, lighting up to show his movements and thought patterns. ‘For an actor that’s quite a unique experience,’ says Joshua. So what was he like as a teenager? ‘I was like every 15 year old with mood swings: grumpy and confused.’ Joshua adds: ‘I think Christopher is very similar in many ways. ‘When you get to the age of 15 you become far more aware of your family and who they are as people - they become more than just mother and father.’ The touring cast features two actors in the role of Christopher and they’ve done their research, having spent time with a teenager with autism to get a feel for how it affects life. ‘We went

to a school in north London and I spoke to a lovely guy who’s become very much like the Curious boy. He’s worked with the show from the beginning.’ Joshua also has a young cousin with the condition, so has some family experience. ‘He’s quite young, he’s eight, and so he’s at a very different stage to someone like Christopher. ‘Having a cousin who is on the autistic spectrum and knowing his mother, and knowing the difficulties and the brilliant times she has had as well, again was very, very helpful.’ Joshua hails from Swansea in Wales. ‘A lot of my family came to see it in the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff - it was quite an overwhelming experience.' As the character of Christopher is on stage throughout the show, Joshua takes the role for five performances, while Chris Ashby, 26, takes on the other three. So what does Joshua do in his downtime? I’m currently sitting in the dressing room watching Netflix trying to relax and rest before tonight’s show because it’s such a physically demanding role and it’s emotionally demanding as well. You really need that downtime in order to peak when it’s time to do the show. ‘I’ve just come to the end of Peaky Blinders, the BBC series and absolutely loved it. Big budget TV dramas have been a bit of a life saver on tour.’ In fact he says: ‘Netflix has been a bit of life saver!’ In trying to track down the dog’s killer, Christopher unearths some dark family secrets and goes on a train and underground trip from his home in Swindon to find his mother in Willesden. Describing this physical role, Joshua says: ‘What might be a page of dialogue turns into a 10 minute movement sequence when Christopher goes to London.’ Having trained at what was known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (after graduation he starred in Dunsinane, with the Royal Shakespeare Company), he was able to learn the Le Coq movement technique which really influenced his approach to the role. ‘They have a wonderful background in Le Coq training, in Paris,’ he says of his tutors. ‘They teach you to find the character from a physical point of view.’ Now on tour, and taking in 31 cities, Joshua comes to Norwich Theatre Royal for the first time this month. ‘I’m really excited to go to Norwich, I’ve never been and I’ve got a couple of friends from there - every place we go they’ve all had their unique charm.’ As for his plans for after the tour, well that’s the ‘million dollar question’. ‘I’m just enjoying every second of it,’ says Joshua. ‘Fingers crossed I’ll find other parts like this, post-Curious, in time.’

September 2015

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HydraFacial, Atlas Cosmetic Medicine, The Gateway, Pottergate, Norwich, tel 01603 513078, visit www. atlascosmeticmedicine.co.uk, £98 Former nurse Sarah Buckley has a newish salon in The Lanes, offering a wide range of treatments from botox to dermal fillers, peels and thread lifting procedures. This facial is heavily backed by TV personality Karren Brady and you can understand why. With six different stages, the facial, which originated in the US, does everything from detoxifying the skin to rehydrating it! It takes just an hour and has simply amazing results. Your skin is softer and more supple - ready for your own red carpet moment. SH.

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RICHARD BARR

H E L LO

baby!

This month our Richard meets his new grand daughter which gets him pondering over his own increasing years

july 1947

The birth o f a baby boy – ‘small, dar hairy, unspe k, akably ugly but, to our massive reli ef, with only one head.’

july 2015

The birth o f a baby girl – looking slightly stun ned at the n ew world o light and no f ise she had e ntered after difficult jou a rney into it.

She was the culmination

of nine months of effort by my daughter Sophie, involving all the changes nature demands of any mother in preparation for a birth; acquiring all the equipment that modern babies require – specially decorated bedroom, cot, crib, go faster push chair; then (almost at the last moment) giving up, at least for the time being, a high powered job in a city firm of solicitors. Three generations separate these two events (the dates outlined above) – the first being described in a book called A Family Way written by one David Barr, who I should have disowned after he put into print those words about the new-born me – even if they were true. Becoming a grandfather for the first time set in train a host of complex and conflicting emotions. One of the first articles I wrote for Places&Faces® (nearly five years ago) described how I planned to grow old disgracefully. The addition of a few more years to the score has not changed that approach – until recently. I have reached that stage in life when I look more at the death columns in the papers than the births, engagements and marriages and, as I nudge towards 70, it has become harder to argue that I am not becoming an old man. Every time I have a memory lapse or go into a room to fetch something and forget why I am there or what it was I was looking for, I worry that the dreaded Alzheimer’s is on me and that it will not be long before I wake up each day to a whole host of new friends because I have forgotten those I made yesterday. Then Jimmy Carter spoke to me.

Many readers may not even have been around at the time when Jimmy Carter was President of the USA and, even if they were, they will probably remember him only as a peanut farmer who was President between 1977 and 1981. That might have remained my view until I stumbled across an audio version of his latest book: A Full Life – Reflections at Ninety. It is a remarkable work, describing how he moved from a life of hard work on a farm in deepest Georgia to a spell in the navy, and then, almost by accident, into politics. It contains the most honest words I have ever encountered from a politician, giving a deep moral insight into many of the concerns of a huge country like the USA, not least being its inherent unfairnesses and challenges to human rights. After hearing what he wrote in that book, it comes as no surprise at all that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. However, for me the most notable thing, and the reason why I have introduced President Carter to the birth of my grand daughter (except that I doubt whether copies of P&F are yet delivered on a regular basis to Plains, Georgia), is that he not only wrote the book when he was 90, but he then went on (at the age of 91) to record the whole thing on audio CD for me to listen to. He speaks clearly and fluently, the only problem being his southern accent which I would probably struggle with even if he were 50 years younger. So…. President Carter, whether you like it or not, I have hitched my wagon to your star and I vow now to stop talking about my own old age and instead aim to be flooding P&F with articles until way beyond my 91st birthday. Which brings me back to my grand daughter Imogen who has come into an uncertain world and who will not reach 91 until well into the next century. That is for a future article - though I may just pass on it as I shall then be more than 150 years old. For now…. I met her first when she was a day old. She was lying beside her mother – small black haired, with only one head and un... ...doubtedly the world’s most beautiful baby.

july 2015 September 2015

A U N IQ U E S E RV IC E F O R YO U R U N IQ U E ST Y L E Independent jewellery sh op Sonkai oďŹ&#x20AC;ers something unique in Norwich Lanes: an in-h ouse workshop service where beautiful bespoke commissions ca n be created. Emma Outten m eets the owners, Sara Sweet and he r partner Craig Snape

September 2015

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

It was exactly 10 years ago that South African-

born Craig Snape began working in a Norwich jewellers, having recently moved to the fine city. Sara Sweet, meanwhile, was busy studying Environmental Science at the University of East Anglia, and neither could have predicted what was to follow when a chance meeting brought them together. A shared appreciation of fine jewellery, combined with Craig's creative skills and Sara's business drive (along with a healthy dose of passion, young love and optimism!), meant that within a year they had both left their jobs and set up Sonkai - a truly bespoke jewellers in the heart of the Norwich Lanes. Independent, family-run, local and unique, 'we are very much a Lanes’ business,' says Sara. Craig grew up in Johannesburg and, upon finishing school, became an apprentice for the esteemed Master Craftsman and South African jeweller, Sid Forman. Craig then qualified in ‘precious metal working and mounting’ just two years into a fouryear course, winning an Apprentice of the Year award. The service at Sonkai is centred around creating entirely bespoke commissions from new or by re-designing existing jewellery, alongside carrying out restoration and repair work, alterations and cleaning and Rhodium plating. Noteworthy is the fact it can also offer a same-day service, while you wait (or shop). Producing jewellery in silver, gold, platinum and palladium, this is local craftsmanship at its best. ‘Every customer is unique and every commission is unique,’ says Craig. The bespoke service provides a one-off piece, designed exclusively for the customer and finished to the highest standard. Craig is supported in the shop and workshop by Susan Blacker. Susan is responsible for drawing up the bespoke designs, which she brings to life on a specialist CAD (computer aided design) program in-store. This enables the customer to see a 'rendered' photographic quality image of the proposed piece, before making a decision on whether to proceed. 'The direct client-to-designer/producer relationship is invaluable for giving both our prospective customers - and of course ourselves - the total confidence and assurance when producing a bespoke design,' says Craig. From simple fitted wedding bands to complex multi-stone designs, Craig and Susan can take on almost any request. One customer brought in a ‘mountain’ of old gold and had commissioned multiple new pieces, including a pair of earrings, pendant, several diamond rings and even a thumb ring because there was so much gold left. And check out their Facebook page to see how they transformed a traditional emerald ring with 22 diamonds into something contemporary!

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Sonkai Bespoke Jewellery, 14-16 Dove Street, Norwich, NR2 1DE. Call 01603 625533 or visit www.sonkai.co.uk

You will find a tempting display of beautiful loose gemstones in front of the busy workbenches. This open workshop, complete with both expert goldsmith and designer, is unique for Norwich. What is normally hidden from view or posted away, when dealing with most jewellery shops, is more than an interesting viewing experience at Sonkai; it offers customers the peace of mind that their sentimental and treasured pieces are staying local and secure. In fact, apart from the polishing and plating, which goes on upstairs, ‘it all happens in front of you,’ Sara points out. With all this on the shop-floor, the in-house credentials of the workshop could not be more apparent. From re-designing family heirlooms to creating the unusual, such as coffee beans, bicycle hubs and shotguns - there is a sense that nothing is impossible. And, Sara says: 'We attach so much sentimental value to our jewellery that, if you are creating something out of your parents’ wedding band or a diamond which has been in the family for generations, it is truly priceless, regardless of the monetary value. Creating these designs, from new or from our customers own personal items, is a very personal and special experience. We take great pride and satisfaction in what we do.' Sonkai is a member of the British Jewellers Association and the National Association of Goldsmiths, and there is also a retail side to the shop. As well as developing their own brand, the Sonkai Debut Collections, they offer other contemporary ranges: from favourite British designers including Norfolk-born Clarice Price Thomas and Sophie Harley from London (her original Algerian Love Knot necklace took a starring role in James Bond movies Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace). Then there’s the popular German range by ManuSchmuck. Sara says: ‘We all love it and it suits our customers’ style - elegant, chic and modern.’

CHILDREN Two children's productions come to Norwich Theatre Royal this month: Tree Fu Tom, the CBeebies favourite joined by his friends Twigs and Ariela plus the mischievous Mushas, on September 20; and then Ministry of Science Live, on September 28. Call 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk. PHOTOGRAPHY The International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition takes place at Sheringham Park from September 1 to 5. Enjoy images from all over the world celebrating the world of plants - their beauty, variety and the vital role they play in sustaining all life on earth. Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk.

what’s on

There’s still time to make the most of so let us guide you with our monthly round-up

summer,

EXHIBITION 1 Magniﬁcent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector exhibition opens at the Sainsbury Centre on September 12, running until January 24. It presents the personal collections of Andy Warhol, Arman, Peter Blake, Edmund de Waal, Damien Hirst, Howard Hodgkin, Sol LeWitt, Martin Parr, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Pae White. Visit www.scva.ac.uk. EXHIBITION 2 An exhibition - with the twist of a treasure hunt - takes place at Blickling Hall from September 2 to October 31, when the Red Dot Gallery presents The Birds and Beasts of Tudor Blickling in The Long Gallery. A series of paintings by Kate Leiper tell the story of the Michaelmas pageant in 1514. Call 01263 738030 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

September 2015

DOG DAY 3 Fairhaven Dog Day takes place at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden on September 6. It’s a great doggy day for all the family with a fun dog show, agility, demonstrations, food and drink and lots of games for you and your four-legged friend. Call 01603 270449 or visit www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

WHAT'S ON 5

GARDENS 5 Daisy Cottage at Roughton will be opening for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk for the last time, on September 6. And on the same day is the tranquil garden of Hunworth Hall near Melton Constable, recreated in the 18th Century Anglo-Dutch style with its formal lawns, canals and pavilions and topiary. Visit www.ngs.org.uk. DUCK RACE The annual Duck Race takes place at Waterways Cafe, North Drive, Great Yarmouth on September 20. You can enjoy this traditional event at the family run cafe set in the Venetian Waterways. Visit www. thewaterwayscafe.co.uk. ASTRONOMY Make the most of International Moon night at RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, on September 19, when you can join two local astronomy groups for a closer look at the moon through their special equipment. Visit www. rspb.org.uk.

FOOD AND FAMILIES 4 Why not join Ormiston Families for this year’s Suffolk Walk with a Fork, taking place on September 6? The eight mile walk features some of the county’s food producers, all providing tasty treats along the route through the grounds of Helmingham Hall. Visit www.ormiston.org or call 01473 705030.

INDIE-FOLK Jess Morgan, who is busy making a name as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary indie-folk music, comes to Norwich Cathedral on September 11. Expect bold, inventive songs which are peppered with inﬂuence from British and American folk as well as country, blues and world music. Visit www. cathedral.org.uk.

THEATRE The show When You’re Smiling comes to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on September 9. It will be ﬁlled with popular songs from the 40s, 50s, 60s and even creeping into the 70s with ABBA, The Carpenters and Neil Diamond. Plus they celebrate the 70th Anniversary of VE Day. Visit www. kingslynncornexchange.co.uk.

FESTIVAL Sundown Festival takes place at the Norfolk Showground from September 4 to 6, with Rudimental headlining on the Saturday and Tinie Tempah on the Sunday, ably supported by the likes of Ella Henderson and Nero (live). Visit www.sundownfestival.co.uk.

HERITAGE Heritage Open Days return to Norwich and Norfolk from September 10 to 13. Expect more than 200 free events – anything from open buildings to a vintage fashion show – to take place across Norwich (co-ordinated by Norwich HEART), and also Breckland, Thetford, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, South Norfolk, and North Norfolk. Visit www. heritagecity.org.

September 2015

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aN eCleCtiC mIx The Norwich Lanes gets better and better by the season - no wonder it was voted Great British High Street of the Year, says Melanie Cook VISIT NORWICH, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

A mooch around this colourful, heritage quarter

brings true pleasure. Numerous alleys, paths, pedestrian areas and open spaces across the Norwich Lanes lead to alluring courtyard gardens, converted churches and homes cum artist studios. Small, perfectly formed shops, eateries, galleries, wellbeing centres and hairdressers are dotted in between private dwellings and great city pubs like The Rumsey Wells and The Plough. Shopping, eating or living it up, Norwich Lanes is a place to wander when you have time on your hands, a place to dash for an unusual (or usual) present, a place to meet friends for a catch up lunch and a place for a really good night out. Firm favourites include Frank’s Bar, Strangers’ Coffee House, The Grosvenor Fish Bar, The Birdcage and The Iron House to name but a few. The Lanes are a feast for the eyes: intricate architecture, enticing shop windows and historic buildings like St Giles Church. In fact there are many churches, most of which are now used for purposes other than religious reflection. St John Maddermarket is 500 years old. Free to visit, see rich furnishings, part of an eccentric collection assembled by William Busby - rector from 1898 to 1923. St Gregory’s Church is also St Gregory's Antiques and Collectables packed to the rafters with vintage finds, textiles and knick-knacks whilst St Swithins Church in St Benedicts Street is home to the awardwinning arts venue Norwich Arts Centre. It received the prestigious NME Britain’s Best Small Venue award in 2014 and has seen artists like Ed Sheeran, Nirvana, Oasis, Muse, Coldplay, Kasabian and the Manic Street Preachers play as well as rated comedians Jack Dee and Josie Long. Let’s talk shopping. Jarrold's independent department store is the biggest by far, so treat yourself to a little something by Tom Ford, MAC or Michael Kors. Other shopping delights to discover are Lisa Angel in Lower Goat Lane, selling cute affordable jewellery and gorgeous bags. Aurum in Bedford Street offers delicate, precious pieces of outstanding jewellery whilst Sonkai is a family business

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offering master goldsmith services, including bespoke design. And men are very well catered for too. Philip Browne is the go-to place to purchase the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Moschino, and it even has a cool tattoo studio. Seven Wolves stocks outstanding quality brands like Loake 1880, LibertineLibertine and Folk Clothing - and Dogfish is for high fashion and timeless classics such as Fred Perry Clothing. The Book Hive in London Street is a firm independent local favourite, an award-winning book shop whose owner is also a publisher. Henry Layte and friends own The Galley Beggar Press. They recognised (when no-one else did) the genius work of Eimear McBride, whose first novel A Girl is a Half Formed Thing stormed the literary world in 2014 when she was named winner of the 2014 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction. Upper St Giles is a hidden gem - a very special little street with plenty of interesting places to dive into. Pavilion Lifestyle offers a complete clothing and accessory service, Louis’ Deli is a cafe and smorgasbord of local food produce, Roger Hickman’s Restaurant is a three Rosette fine dining restaurant and then there’s the wonderful Carol Lake, whose home is her working studio. Carol, a celebrated artist and designer, has designed in the past for Ted Baker, Nina Campbell and Lulu Guinness and her designs have appeared on the small screen in Friends and Sex and the City, no less. Today, working under her own name, Carol designs textiles, wallpaper, shoes, clothes and more. The Lanes is also a place for learning. Try your hand at weaving and illuminated lettering at St John Maddermarket Church, acting and comedy at Maddermarket Theatre or felt making at Norfolk Yarn. The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell has just introduced Knit & Natter sessions every Tuesday 2pm – 4pm (free) and is a great opportunity to meet new friends in exciting historic surrounds whilst creating something wonderful in wool!

September 2015

Credit SARAH KELLY

unique series of Face to Face events with Sir Richard Eyre, Meera Syal and Christopher Eccleston headline the ninth HighTide Festival in Suffolk, which takes place in September. Add to that three world premieres, a critically acclaimed transfer, an exceptional series of readings and visiting companies, plus an expanded music and comedy programme, and you’ve got all the hallmarks of another high-brow success. HighTide’s mission is to discover and champion emerging playwrights and produce new and original plays, whilst building lasting relationships with local communities; and this year’s Festival will take place in a new home, the Suffolk coastal town of Aldeburgh, from September 10 to 20.

A WHO'S WHO OF

festival FACES

The HighTide Festival has a new Suﬀolk home in Aldeburgh this month. Emma Outten takes a look at the line-up Steven Atkinson, Artistic Director of HighTide says: ‘This year’s HighTide Festival is all about new beginnings - new stories, playwrights, and ways of creating theatre, and a new home for the Festival in Aldeburgh. Theatre can now be added to an unparalleled annual line up of festivals in every artistic discipline, which makes Aldeburgh world famous.’ The Festival curtain rises with So Here We Are, a 2013 winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting. This new play by talented playwright and actor Luke Norris is a coproduction with the Royal Exchange Theatre and is a touching and compassionate look at young lives cut short, and childhood friendships under strain in adult life. It will be directed by Steven, and will transfer to the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. This will be followed by a provocative and compelling new play by E V Crowe, BRENDA, a story about a young woman who doesn't think she's a person. Executed through unconventional means by director Caitlin McLeod, this play brings together two of the UK’s most exciting young theatre makers. Also premiering is Harrogate, by award-winning playwright Al Smith. This tender exploration of a marriage, and a father

WHAT'S ON

HighTide Festival 2015 takes place in Aldeburgh from September 10 to 20. Visit www.hightide.org.uk or call 01603 598606.

struggling to confront his obsessions without destroying his family, will be directed by the multi-award winning theatre director Richard Twyman, Associate Director (International) at the Royal Court. In the last year thousands of people have drowned trying to get to Europe in unstable migrant boats, this final play of the season examines their desperation. Lampedusa is a devastatingly powerful play by one of the UK’s most exciting political writers, Anders Lustgarten and is also directed by Steven. It premiered at the Soho Theatre, the co-producers, to packed houses and critical acclaim earlier this year, and will transfer to Liverpool Unity Theatre. In addition to the four plays and the Face to Face in conversations with interviewers Kate Mosse and Libby Purves, HighTide presents a host of other events including an evening of special readings and reminiscences with Vanessa Redgrave. And, with key partner Soho Theatre, festival organisers are introducing comedy for the first time, the exciting line-up includes Shappi Khorsandi, Sam Simmons, Nish Kumar and John Kearns.

Kate Mosse says: 'HighTide Festival is an exciting, inspiring environment, for audiences and artists alike to see a wide range of new theatre and much more - and on the glorious Suffolk coast.’ There will also be music from James Pearson and Polly Gibbons of Ronnie Scott’s, Concordia Foundation and a Big Beach Sing led by Firefly Burning and The Trad Academy Sea Shanty Choir. A host of visiting companies including Baz Productions, Britten-Pears Foundation, Eastern Angles, Hunt & Darton, Mig Kimpton, Morgan and West and Wonderful Beast will bring their exciting work. There will be readings of new plays by Jon Canter, Danielle Daley, Tom Holloway and Theresa Ikoko and a wide range of workshops along with HighTide’s Writer and Performer Academy Showcase, presented in collaboration with Chichester Festival Theatre. As part of HighTide’s commitment to young people in the East, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Mackintosh Foundation and the Britten-Pears Foundation have made charitable donations, which enable HighTide to give away 500 tickets to the region’s young people to attend Festival events. Dr Therese Coffey MP, Suffolk Coastal says: 'I welcome the new HighTide Festival in Aldeburgh and its boost to local community life. In particular I support its focus on young people, and the 500 tickets the Festival donates to people in the Eastern region aged between 16 and 25 so they can see the Festival's inspiring programme for free.'

“HighTide Festival is an exciting, inspiring environment, for audiences and artists alike to see a wide range of new theatre and much more”

September 2015

are cordially invited to the ! You PRIZE GIVING FINALE ! EXHIBITION of PAINTINGS!

produced during! A BRUSH WITH THE BROADS!

2015!

7pm Monday 28 September 2015 !

The Boathouse! on Ormesby Broad! Norfolk!

i Slade i Swinging Blue Jeans i The Fourmost i Complete Madness i Agnetha and Frida (Abba) i Too Rex i Clem Curtis Foundations i Jo Lovely as Cilla Black i The Shakers i The Beatles Experience i The Merseybeats i Bootleg Blondie i Voice of The Heart - Carpenters Tribute i Forever in Blue Jeans i Nya King as Whitney Houston i Sing Baby Sing (tribute to the Stylistics)

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K Still Drifting featuring Ray Lewis K Geno Washington K The Silvertones K The Team featuring Angelo Starr K Chris Tame K Chic Le Freak K Tameka Jackson as Diana Ross K J’nay Great young soul talent K Audley Anderson Sweet soul vocalist K The Signatures K Celebrate Kool and the Gang tribute band

3 NIGHTS FROM £110 PER PERSON

Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club is holding its 16th annual

i Chris Farlowe i Marmalade i The Ivy League i The Animals i Doctor and The Medics i Bootleg Blondie i The Pacemakers i Queen B i The Dolly Parton Experience (Sarah Jane) i The New Amen Corner i Cupids Inspiration

3 NIGHTS FROM £105 PER PERSON

The fun starts at 1.30pm with a model boat display & a fun kites display. The first duck race starts at 2pm.

Come along and join the fun at Great Yarmouth Waterways on 20th September, and help us raise money for charity!

To book call 01493 857231 or www.vhpweekenders.co.uk Booking office open 9am – 7pm Monday – Friday / 9am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday. Acle New Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1TB

Correct at time of going to print. Line-up details can be changed at any time.

Out There Festival

Emma Outten takes a look

Credit: Eoin Carey Photography

Great Yarmouth has a good few festivals to entertain us this month, saving the biggest and best â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til the last days of summer.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say that Great Yarmouth really does save its biggest festivals until September. The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival launches onto South Quay for a weekend at the start of September with the opportunity to go aboard some stunning tall ships; then the Out There International festival of Street Arts and Circus bursts onto the streets later in September with a riot of colour, dance, performance and comedy all taking place out in the open on St. George's Park, for example. And you can add to that a new car festival featuring the supersonic Bloodhound, plus the revival of a film festival. Phew!

September 2015

WHAT'S ON SEPTEMBER 18 TO 20

Ou t Th ere

Fes tiva l

The cream of international circus and street arts make their way to Great Yarmouth from September 18 to 20 as the Out There Festival returns to take over the traditional Norfolk seaside town with a packed weekend of things to see. Featuring everything from daring acrobatics and aerial stunts, to dazzling dance and theatre shows, hilarious walkabout acts and spectacular large-scale street theatre, the festival is firmly placing Great Yarmouth on the international map. Now in its eighth year, the Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Arts has become a massive success, attracting audiences of more than 50,000 each year to the town. Produced by Great Yarmouth based arts charity SeaChange Arts, it is now one of the country’s largest circus and street arts festivals and has become a key event for visitors and local families. The festival boasts an incredibly cosmopolitan programme, thanks to SeaChange Arts’ many project partnerships on the continent. The organisation works extensively with partners in France, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium. ‘The international flavour is part of what makes Out There so vibrant,’ says Chief Executive of SeaChange Arts Joe Mackintosh. ‘Continental acts bring a new and exciting perspective to the festival, often working on a massive scale – with thousands lining the streets to witness our headline Saturday night performances.’ ‘Out There refers to our geographic location, out on the edge of the east coast,’ he continues, ‘but it is also about the approach we take to programming.’

Maritime Festival

Visit www.outtherefestival.com.

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GY Wheels Festival

Credit: Stefan Margoram

Out There

SEPTEMBER 5 & 6

SEPTEMBER 12 & 13

The festivities all begin with the 16th Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival, when The Götheborg, the world’s largest wooden sailing ship, visits on September 5 and 6. It’s the first time that the Swedish tall ship will be seen at a UK Maritime Festival! Visitors will be able to explore this huge sailing ship, which measures 58.5 metres long, by 11 metres wide and stands five decks tall, with a vertical clearance of 47 metres. The tour will include the gun deck, where there are 10 cannons, and the weather deck, where the steering wheel is located. In bad weather it sometimes takes up to four crew members to hold a steady course. Aileen Mobbs, Maritime Festival Chairman, says: ‘It is a dream come true to have secured such a prestigious tall ship as The Götheborg for the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival, made possible by funding support from the new Great Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA). The Götheborg will be at the heart of a weekend of maritime celebration, with tall ship JST Lord Nelson, other visiting vessels, a busy international shanty singing programme and lots of demonstrations, hands-on activities and entertainment.’

A full-sized replica of a supersonic car designed to smash the world land speed record will be the highlight of a major new car festival at Great Yarmouth seafront, on September 12 and 13. The GY Wheels Festival will give visitors to Marine Parade the chance to view scores of prestige and novelty cars. And the star attraction will be the official fullsized replica of Bloodhound SSC, a British-built jet-and rocket-powered car, designed to go at 1,000mph. Jointly organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the GYTABIA, with additional funding from Joyland and the American Diner, the free festival aims to further extend the tourism season and support the local economy. Peter Harrison, the lead Bloodhound ambassador for the East of England, says: ‘Bloodhound SSC is not just about smashing the world record but also about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. ‘Great Yarmouth, as a hugely popular family resort, is therefore the ideal location – and the GY Wheels Festival will ensure that even more people can enjoy the unique Bloodhound experience.’

MARITIME FESTIVAL

Visit www.maritime-festival. co.uk and, for The Götheborg, visit www.soic.se/en.

GY WHEELS FESTIVAL

Visit www.great-yarmouth.co.uk or www.bloodhoundssc.com.

SEPTEMBER 25 TO 27 & 30

Great Yarmouth Film Festival

Hollywood Cinema in Great Yarmouth will be hosting an annual weekend film and television festival from September 25 to 27 (and then September 30) to celebrate the heritage and diversity of Norfolk and the East of England culture and film productions, and the theme is the 1960s. Visit www.hollywoodcinemas.net

September 2015

BACK OF THE NET

e new West End Mark Nicholls reviews th It Like Beckham, stage adaptation of Bend n play football and discovers that girls ca

Ablaze with brashness and colour, Bend

It Like Beckham brings together all the customs and tensions of Indian life with the aspirations of a teenage girl who just wants to play football. We meet Jess and Jules and their families against a backdrop of the growing success of the Hounslow Harriers football team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; arguably the best girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; squad in South West London. Within this new West End stage adaptation, the action is played out with tongues firmly set in cheeks. But while this is a story set in the early noughties, it is now of its time more than ever as increasing numbers of girls are being encouraged to play the beautiful game, coupled with the success of the England women team finishing third at the recent World Cup. Football-mad Jess (beautifully played by Natalie Drew) is invited to join the team by Jules (Lauren Samuels), yet the idea of a young Indian girl playing football is frowned upon by her family and a series of obstacles are thrown in her way.

WEST END REVIEW

Photos ELLIE KURTTZ

Booking Information: Bend It Like Beckham, the new British musical, is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road, London, to October 24 with performances Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Prices are £15-£69.50, groups of five £49.50 per ticket, and groups of 11 at £39.50 per ticket. Call the Box Oﬃce on 0843 316 1082 or visit www.benditlikebeckhamthemusical.co.uk. Mark Nicholls travelled to London via Abellio Greater Anglia.

Amid all the sequins and marvellous dance routines – combined with on-stage ball juggling and soccer skills – simmer the traditions of Indian society. Set in the Southall area of London, Bend It Like Beckham is a tale of disappointments, hopes, aspirations and ultimately achievable goals for two girl footballers from different backgrounds, and their team-mates. It sees Jess facing the most important decision of her life: live up to family expectations of university, career and marriage, or follow in the footsteps of her hero David Beckham. When the talented teenager is spotted playing football in Southall, a world of unexpected opportunities opens up before her. But as her sister’s traditional Indian wedding approaches, the big question is can she keep her family happy and still follow her dreams? As the musical progresses, Jess and Jules play out a footballing partnership with each capable of influencing the other’s destiny. There is the overt love interest of Jess’ sister Pinky (Preeya Kalidas) and her gaudy on-off Indian marriage to Teetu (Raj Bajaj), yet more discreet is the fight for the affections of the Harriers’ coach Joe, played by Jamie Campbell Bower.

Directed by Gurinder Chadha, with original music – with a Punjabi kick - by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart there are brilliant sing-along songs throughout; UB2, Girl Perfect, People Like Us, Bend It and Glorious. There is humour too, some of it pandering to an Asian audience, the rest mimicking Indian life (think Goodness Gracious Me and the Kumars at No 42). It is about bending the rules yet going for that ultimate goal too; there is the clash between the need to be able to fry samosas, cook aloo ghobi and daal, yet also flashing in a fierce free kick in the style of David Beckham. The man himself is omnipresent, on posters, the number 7 on the back of red shirts and even a couple of cameo appearances by a look-a-like, including one with a sombre, unsmiling Posh Spice on his arm. But this really is about ‘Beckham meets Bollywood’ and is a truly wonderful stage adaptation of the 2002 British comedy drama that starred Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Shaznay Lewis. The intimacy of the Phoenix Theatre is perfect for this new British musical with the audience almost ‘pitch side’, adding to the atmosphere and ambience as clever stage settings set the tone for scenes switching from the wedding hall to the soccer arena. The language also switches just as quickly, from the formal Indian-English of the first generation families to the slang, teenAsian lingo of the London streets of Pinky and her girlfriends. There were the inevitable Indian in-jokes about wedding costs, plastic-covered settees, and the presence of the extended family, yet Bend It Like Beckham is also a spectacle too, with innovative dance routines and some very strong performances. Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke were splendid as Jess’ parents Mr and Mrs Bhamra, whilst Sophie-Louise Dann was downright funny as Jules’ mother Paula. As a musical, Bend It like Beckham, is really good…innit? Actually it’s even better than that; hilariously brilliant, it is ultimately inspirational. Definitely hits the back of the net.

September 2015

ESTATE AGENTS

Jennie Jones, High Street, Southwold IP18 6DS T: 01502 722065 Visit www.jennie-jones.com

ASKING PRICE £499,000

The beautiful village of near Southwold, is the setting for this month’s featured property. Sarah Hardy steps inside part of a former vicarage with gorgeous church views

Wangford,

September 2015

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

When it comes to describing your perfect house, there must surely be a few favourite attributes. How about Edwardian in style, maybe a former vicarage, set close to the sea and within a friendly village? Well, the old vicarage in Wangford ticks all these boxes IN A NUTSHELL Our featured property is part of the village’s former and more! For a start there is the charming location. Set Edwardian property vicarage - a four-bedroom family home with bags of just three miles from the delightful Suffolk Heritage 4 bedrooms, including character. For a start it is Grade Two Listed property, Coast, there is much to enjoy, including Southwold where master ensuite but has been wonderfully updated and extended to you have all the advantages of this upmarket seaside Architecturally produce a property with that vital wow factor. designed extension resort – the fabulous shops, pubs and restaurants, and Unlike many older properties, it is light and airy Enclosed garden that pier – without being caught up in the hurly burly of and perfectly laid out for modern family living. Over Village setting it all! three floors, the house has four large bedrooms Ramblers can explore the nearby Walberswick including one ensuite, plus a well stocked and enclosed garden, marshes whilst just a little further afield is Minsmere, one of the with plenty of mature planting. Many original features remain, country's most famous RSPB nature reserves, offering refuge to a such as shutters, alcoves and fireplaces, and there is plenty of variety of birds for more than 50 years and pioneering the use of storage space which is so lacking in modern builds. observation hides and wetland management. What immediately catches my eye is the architecturally So whether you like walking across heath or through woodland, designed extension – a family room which leads off from the or simply relaxing on the beach, this great location has something kitchen. With doors out to the garden, it is a spot that the for everyone. current owners especially enjoy. Then there is the village of Wangford itself. It is now, thankfully, The kitchen, with its five-burner gas hob, has Shaker style bypassed by the A12 so you’ll have no worries about traffic. Rather, cream units which are perennially popular, and is fully equipped it is a friendly, attractive place with good facilities. The church of St with all those essentials such as a dish washer and washing Peter and Paul has been giving a warm welcome for more than 800 machine, all carefully hidden away. years, and the village also boasts a doctor’s surgery, a vet’s, two pubs, Also look out for a more formal dining room, and a very tennis courts and that all-important general store. gracious sitting room which has oak panelled walls and shelving, and original wooden shutters which are still in use. The first floor has two bedrooms, including the master suite with its own shower room. There is also a family bathroom on this floor. The top floor, with its exposed beams, has two further bedrooms and a study or playroom – and there’s certainly room to pop in a shower room, if you fancy and planning rules allow, of course! The property, one of three in the building, is approached by a long shingle drive which sweeps around to a black barn style garage while the rest of the back garden is enclosed, with a selection of fruit and ornamental trees. It is the perfect place for a spot of sun bathing if we get an Indian summer and then perhaps, supper at one of the village pubs whilst planning a trip to the beach the next day! Sounds like heaven to me! September 2015

Aldreds majors on the sale of residential and commercial property in East Norfolk and North East Suffolk. We also have long established letting and auction departments. We are independent, but involved in the market with presence on leading property websites and portals, five modern offices and 35 experienced and trained staff.

£475,000

£465,000

Orchard Court, Ormesby

Lowestoft Road, Gorleston-on-Sea

Exceptionally well presented, spacious, detached house situated in a sought after position in the village of Ormesby. The property offers spacious accommodation including entrance hall, lounge, dining room, study, cloakroom, an impressive bespoke designed kitchen/dining room with Aga, utility room, conservatory, five bedrooms, two with ensuite and family bathroom. The property further benefits from oil fired central heating, upvc sealed unit double glazing, plastered and coved ceilings throughout, spacious driveway and double garage and a well maintained rear garden with open farmland views.

A stunning detached, five bedroom, family home situated between the James Paget Hospital and the beach in South Gorleston. The property offers the benefits of three reception rooms, a fantastic 33ft kitchen/dining room, utility room and ground floor cloakroom. On the first floor there is a large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, four further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Gas central heating and sealed unit double glazing. Outside there are gardens to front, side and rear, a driveway leading to a spacious garage and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

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

GUIDE PRICE: £250,000 LEASEHOLD

GUIDE PRICE: £240,000 FREEHOLD

www.aldreds.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE: £975,000 FREEHOLD

GUIDE PRICE: £795,000 FREEHOLD

FLAT 1, 5 EAST STREET, SOUTHWOLD

3 JERMYNS COURT, REYDON

VALE FARM BARN, FROSTENDEN

LARK RISE, DUNWICH ROAD, BLYTHBURGH

Entrance Hall · Landing · Sitting Room/Dining Area · Kitchen Bedroom · Bathroom · Terrace

Entrance Hall · Cloakroom · Kitchen Sitting Room/Diner · Conservatory Two First Floor Bedrooms (1 En-Suite Shower Room) Family Bathroom · Second Floor Bedroom · Front and Rear Garden Single Garage

Entrance Hall · Sitting Room · Dining Room · Kitchen · Utility Room · Family Room/Snug · Games Room · Garden Room · Master Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom and Dressing Room · Four Further Bedrooms (1 En-Suite) Family Bathroom · Separate Detached Cottage · Grounds Extending to Approx. 1.5 Acres STS · Garage Block

Entrance Hall · Sitting Room/Dining Area · Kitchen/Breakfast Room Utility Room · Cloakroom · Ground Floor Annexe (Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, Bedroom, Bathroom) · Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room and Dressing Room · Two Further Bedrooms · Family Bathroom · Integral Double Garage · Grounds of Approx. 1.40 Acres · Views over Blyth Estuary

PROPERTY

A N Y WAY THE WIND BLOWS Mark Duﬃeld compares and contrasts the approach of both Great Yarmouth Borough and Waveney District Councils to the designated land set aside for wind related industries WWW.ALDREDS.CO.UK | 01493 844891

MY ADOPTED DISTRICT and my home town have formulated strategies to try to ensure a harmonious economic future. There are lots of similarities and, during my business day, my attention has been taken by their strategies to accommodate the potentially massive off shore wind farm business when it arrives. You could be forgiven for thinking it has arrived but apparently we ‘ain’t seen nothing yet’. Offshore wind farm energy has a flaw, in that it is uneconomic today but might get economic tomorrow with technology; unlike solar power, which is more economic (and more manageable) today and will probably get even more economic with technology. Both Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft have designated land near their harbours for wind related industries. This is a good strategy, in the event that the wind farms, as planned, get the government green light and the business decides to locate in either or both towns. Both say they will use compulsory purchase powers if necessary, and both are ready for the deluge.

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A small fly in the ointment could be the existing successful businesses in the towns, that are based (or want to be based) in the same areas or expand in those areas. In Lowestoft there are empty industrial units in the designated areas. If a successful local business needs to relocate, identifies a property in the designated area as its next home in the town, and seeks to buy it, they would be aware of the wind farm allocation and would also be aware that their business use is not really related. Waveney District Council would confirm that there is no intention to compulsory purchase in the wind farm designated areas. They have made the allocation and in due course the market operators will decide where they will base themselves. However, in Great Yarmouth there is a policy to compulsory purchase land in the area designated ahead of need. There are existing successful businesses that have an urgent need to expand in those designated areas but their plans are being stifled by those threats of compulsory purchase. The compulsory purchase in Great Yarmouth is being threatened to existing owners now whereas in Lowestoft it is to help a new sector if and when it arrives. There are several successful offshore operators in town, some imported; some home grown. All, to my knowledge, have succeeded in finding the premises they need to operate without local authority help. I think it would be the same for the new entrants for offshore activity. I think it is common ground that the infrastructure for the wind farms will be brought into the chosen town, placed on vessels and then taken off shore for a final assembly with specialist kit. That suggests to me that the privately owned port is the main beneficiary outside the contractors who build the kit and assemble it. We are fortunate the specialist offshore kit is based in the town. So we have two towns, nine miles apart, with the same strategy for future growth in wind energy, both Tory, one interventionist and one market lead. There is no shortage of any space in any business category in either town and the current oil market suggests more space is likely to be available rather than less. Meanwhile the DECC has to cut budgets and part of that is offshore wind energy support: in June there was an announcement that the Government intends to end new public subsidy for off shore wind farms.

Mark Duffield ALDREDS, 17 HALL QUAY, GREAT YARMOUTH

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

September 2015

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This month our home writers Hayley Philpot and Simon Mitchell are inﬂuenced by the changing seasons as their thoughts turn to warm and cosy goodies

Halo, Chester leather sofa normally £2999 now £2199 In a stunning rich brown leather called Riders Nut, this is a true classic design piece - a clever evolution of the original 19th century Chesterﬁeld sofa styling with buttoned back and seat cushions. The cleverly angled back ensures a truly comfortable sit, and the chubby ball feet just add the ﬁnishing touch - available in a 2.5 seater.

AT THIS TIME of year, the warm shades of autumn slowly begin to appear in the countryside with rusty browns and yellows and the rich red notes of the rosehips. The carpets of rustling leaves, early sunsets and a nip in the air make us think warm and cosy thoughts of home - and a comfy chair by the fireside. This is the season for soft and sumptuous furnishings and tactile accessories, and one of the current themes in interiors features velvet and other plush materials with a soft handle; chestnut leathers; warm metallics; and an abundance of vibrant crimson and gold - so why not take this opportunity to give your home a ‘deluxe’ makeover? 1 Malini, velvet cushions gold and purple £28 These gorgeous cushions offer plain and simple luxury. In soft, hardwearing velveteen, they are featherﬁlled, and measuring 50cm x 50cm they’re deﬁnitely big enough for snuggling!

2 Tamar sofa, Content by Terence Conran rrp £1645 now £1395 A simple shape with clean, crisp lines, this compact sofa also has real glamour. Only 162cm wide, it’s perfect for a small sitting room and is available in a range of sumptuous velvet fabrics. Matching cushions are supplied but why not create extra zing by adding some contrasting colours.

Matador armchair, Content by Terence Conran rrp £1395 now £1185 This stylish wing-shaped chair deﬁnitely has a retro 50s feel about it. The eye-catching velvet and linen mix Marden fabric is shown in a beautiful soft gold, with a clever raised link-effect pattern, guaranteed to add a touch of opulence to any living room.

September 2015

INTERIORS

FOR THE PERFECT finishing touch, why not add some of these stunning ontrend accessories. Metallics are everywhere this season – gorgeous warm golds, vibrant deep bronzes, and rich steel finishes in both matte and high shine. They can provide that perfect contemporary hot-spot, and the lifelike giant orchid is an absolute stunner too.

Parlane, Venus bowl £5.95 The matte grey outer shell is in complete contrast to the stunning high shine interior of this gorgeous bowl. It’s almost a shame to ﬁll it!

Parlane, iridescent bottles and jars from £9.95 There is an air of the mediaeval about this beautiful bronze and petrol glassware. The iridescent ﬁnish catches the light and they look completely different from every angle. They have a mix of plain and faceted stoppers and would grace any dressing table or boudoir.

Parlane, large Phalaenopsis orchid £99.50 At 58.5cm high, this is a real statement piece. The fabulous deep red and cream ﬂower is set in a sturdy steel grey ceramic pot for complete stability. Parlane, Magma vase £89.50 This tall statuesque vase is 53cm high and yet there is a soft organic feel about the self-patterned design. What an amazing centrepiece this would make.

HAYLEY our homeware buyer & SIMON our furniture buyer

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September 2015

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Our gardening writer Ellen Mary says summer isn’t over just yet so make the most of those last sunny days in the garden

Plants & Flowers

A great way to save a few pennies in the garden and to grow more of your favourite plants is to collect seeds from your existing plants. You will notice the seed pods on numerous plants now, which you just need to extract and store in a cool dry place until it’s time to sow them. The soil will stay warm into early autumn which makes this time of year perfect for planting new perennials in your borders. It’s also a great time to split your existing perennials, giving you even more plants! Lift the plant and divide the clump with forks or by hand and plant the youngest, strongest looking segments giving them a good watering and a mulch of organic matter. Wildflower seeds can be sown during this time of year ready to settle in for a colourful display next year. There are many different mixes available but a favourite of mine are poppies and cornflowers. The reds and blues look stunning together and are great for insects.

Fruit and Vegetables

Keep picking those autumn fruiting raspberries. There is nothing like a Pavlova made with freshly whipped cream and your own fresh raspberries. Leave the canes until next February before you cut them down to ground level. It’s time to harvest your sweet corn and timing is of the essence. Just pinch a kernel to see what oozes out and if it’s milky you are right on-time! If clear ﬂuid appears the cobs aren't quite ready. They only need boiling for a few minutes to taste the sweetness of home grown. From the end of the month you can start to plant out your onions and garlic whilst the soil is still warm enough. This will give them plenty of time to establish themselves to over winter. By planting them out at this time means you will get an early harvest next year.

Wildlife Gardening

Leaves will be falling very soon, meaning it’s time to start netting your pond before it gets clogged up with leaves. The rotting debris causes havoc with the ecosystem of your pond which can only be bad news for mini creatures. You will notice less birdsong as a warm roost is much more inviting than the joy of singing for the birds which remain in Britain over the winter months. As always, a helping hand is needed and as we enter cooler evenings now is the time to ensure your bird feeders are clean from disease and you are stocked up on various birdfeed to help as many of our feathered friends as possible. We need many good bugs in the garden. Without them we would have less wildlife altogether which would be disastrous for pollination. Leave seed heads on your perennials which will provide valuable food and a hiding place in the cooler months. Many plants will give your garden some winter interest as well. I love the rustic look of sunﬂowers over winter.

GARDENING

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GARDENING PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Poppy Seedballs are an easy, no hassle way to grow wildﬂowers. Simply throw them where you want to grow them and next year you will be rewarded. A tin of 20 Seedballs, each containing hundreds of seeds is only £4.99 and now is the time to sow them.

What's On

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Ellen Mary Gardening

provides no jargon, easy to follow gardening advice, along with a range of colourful gardening products at: www.ellenmarygardening.co.uk

September 2015

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t h e I ta l i a n j o b Coﬀee and Chocolate Semifreddo (Half Cold in Italian) with Vanilla Marshmallows INGREDIENTS Semifreddo 2tbsp of Americano strong coffee 2tbsp of Tia Maria 4 eggs, separated 100g of caster sugar 300ml of double cream 4tbsp of dark chocolate, chopped MAKES 1 LOAF TIN WHICH SERVES 8-10 PEOPLE

MARSHMALLOWS 9 gelatine leaves 450g of caster sugar 1tbsp of glucose 200ml of water 2 egg whites ½ cap of vanilla essence 1tbsp of icing sugar 1tbsp of cocoa powder 1tbsp of cornflour

IMPERIAL HOTEL

Simon Wainwright, executive head chef of the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, shows us how to create this perfect makeahead dinner party pud from Italy

2004 KLEIN CONSTANTIA, VIN DE CONSTANCE, SOUTH AFRICA

METHOD - For the semifreddo, place the coffee, Tia Maria, egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and whisk until pale and fluffy. Then whisk in the cream. - Next, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak, and fold into the cream mixture along with the chopped chocolate. - Fill a loaf tin with mixture, smooth, and freeze for about 6-8 hours. - For the marshmallow, line a deep baking tray with oil and greaseproof paper, then oil the paper, too. - Put the icing sugar, cocoa powder and cornflour together and sieve over the greaseproof paper, making sure it sticks to the paper. - Next, place the sugar, water and glucose in a saucepan and heat until the mixture reaches 127°C. Use a thermometer. - As this comes to the boil, soak the gelatine in 140ml of cold water (it is important this is accurate). Once the sugar and water is up to required temperature, take off the heat and whisk in the gelatine and its water – do not squeeze any water out of it. - Next whisk the egg whites until they form a stiff peak. Slowly add to the mixture, whisking until it is cold. Spoon into the lined tray, spreading flat with a hot palette knife and refrigerate until cold and set. - To serve, turn out the semifreddo by placing it in a little warm water for 20 seconds. - Cut a slice and present on a plate along with five cubes of marshmallow and, if desired, some chocolate coated coffee beans. - Enjoy!

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

Coffee and chocolate semifreddo requires a dessert wine which has the power to stand up to flavours of the coffee and chocolate which is never easy to match. So I have picked a classic dessert wine from South Africa. The wine has been made in South Africa for more than 300 years and was the preferred dessert wine of much of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries until the onset of the vine disease phylloxera, which wiped out much of the wine production in the country in the late 1800s. The wine was then revived in the 1980s by Klein Constantia, and has subsequently been voted as one of the best dessert wines from the region. The grape type is the muscat which is famed for making dessert wine. The colour is burnished copper in colour, with abundant aromas of dried mangos, apricots and honey. The palate is unctuously full bodied and intensely flavoured with a thick viscous consistency pared by pithy astringency and a fresh mouth watering finish.

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

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WINE

This month our wine writer Sam Matthews is pitting his wits against new technology During a busy service

at a weekend shift at the Lavender House, I couldn’t help being curious as to what a customer was doing with his bottle of white wine at the table in the far corner of the restaurant. He and his eating companions were in the middle of the nine-course tasting menu and usually the food is in the starring role. If anything is going to get immortalised on camera it is one of Chef Tim’s amazing plates. At first I thought the diner was just taking a picture of the label to remember a fine wine. That’s reasonably common place these days with our mobile phones that aren’t just phones anymore. You no longer need to rely on your memory or ask a waiter for a pen and paper. You can get an instant image of the bottle but, strangely, he proceeded to show whatever was on his phone to the other three guests on his table. Their reactions were surprisingly surprising! Surely he wouldn’t show a picture of the wine label to the other guests around the table; they could see the bottle for themselves. Anyway, no time to stop and think, there were some 500 plates of food to serve in this tiny corner of Brundall to lots of happy people! As the evening moved on, I noticed the same gentleman going through the same routine with his bottle of Californian dessert wine, and with the restaurant being now slightly quieter at this stage of the evening, my nosey nature got the better of me. It appeared that he was scanning the wine label on the bottle with his smart phone, rather than just taking a general picture, as I thought. After a few seconds, every bit of information about this

wine was at this man’s fingertips. Ratings, reviews, links to sites to buy this wine, producer information, food matches and the name of the winemaker's second cousin’s dog! (OK, that last one was an exaggeration!). What he was using was another clever smartphone app created by another clever American. Give Vivino a search in your app store, it is free! I’ve downloaded it and was immediately hooked as you’d imagine for a food and wine writer. Needless to say, after service, I set about rummaging around Richard Hughes’ wine racks, hovering my phone over the labels, to find more info and, more importantly, to look at the ratings from the vast numbers of people who have enjoyed that wine. You will be pleased to know that the majority of the Lavender House list is hovering around the fours and fives. On the drive home in the early hours, I thought about how else this clever app could be used. Could it eliminate having a bad bottle of wine ever again? For example in the supermarket with £6 in hand with a few wine options on the shelves, a quick scan over a few bottles around your price point could reveal, in theory, the best wine for you. I’m sure, like me, you’ve enjoyed an outstanding bottle of wine in a restaurant and then wondered how you could find out more about it. When you want to know, the person who first tasted it, put it on the restaurant’s wine list and was responsible for ordering it, might not be there to tell you what you want to know. Download the Vivino app and as long as your smart phone is in your pocket, you will never have this problem again. The best part of this app for me, however, is the wine list scanner. Some amazing ‘witchcraft-like’ technology is involved in this somewhere. Whilst I can claim to know a bit about food and wine, the mysteries of computer technology are way beyond me. On holding the camera of your smart phone over a wine list it amazingly recognises the names of the wines and, within seconds, every bit of information and ratings for each and every bottle on the list miraculously appears. I take great pride in telling my customers about the wines they’re choosing – if they ask - and I guess part of the pleasure for diners is having some of the flavour and grape subtleties explained by a real person. Can this clever app stop you from ever having a bad glass of wine again? It will certainly help. Will you ever need me again? I do hope so!

SAM MATTHEWS

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

Andy Newman discovers a food producer just outside Dereham which has become a magnet for the country’s top chefs, whilst one of them, Roger Hickman, creates a dish which looks as good as it tastes

Beautiful WHEN SMALL IS

Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay,

Jason Artherton, and Ollie Dabbous: for anyone interested in food, these are names which inspire feelings of awe, admiration and respect. They are among the nation’s top chefs, pushing culinary boundaries, winning every award available, and attracting crowds of eager foodies to their tables. They have something else in common as well: they are among many of Britain’s finest chefs who turn to one Norfolk grower to satisfy their need for some of the smallest, yet most important, ingredients in their kitchens: micro-herbs and edible flowers. There are perhaps few ingredients which are more ‘cheffy’ than this, and yet from the very fringes of experimental cooking just a few years ago, they have now moved firmly into the mainstream – and are now finding their way into more and more amateur enthusiasts’ kitchens. Allan and Sue Miller spent 20 years in professional kitchens themselves, so they are well qualified to understand the needs of the under-pressure chef. And it was that pressure which led

September 2015

to a decision to change their lives, and to create a national centre of excellence in the cultivation of micro herbs. ‘After 20 years working as chefs, we started to question whether we wanted to spend 18 hours a day in the kitchen at our advanced age!’ says Allan, standing alongside Sue in one of the four acres of greenhouses that make up Nurtured in Norfolk, on the outskirts of Dereham. ‘As chefs, we had been buying this kind of product from Holland, and then we started to grow it for ourselves in a greenhouse in our garden. Before long, a wholesaler asked whether we had any surplus, and we realised that this was the opportunity we had been looking for to change our lives.’ With no background in horticulture, it was a rollercoaster of trial and error for the couple. ‘We had no training, so we were really dabbling in it,’ says Allan. ‘But that meant we were prepared to try different things, because we didn’t know any better. If we had been experienced growers, we probably wouldn’t have done it.’ Having started in a greenhouse in their back garden in 2010, the couple realised they would need more space if they were to make a living from the new business, and so they rented just one bay in a glasshouse which formed part of the Anema Nurseries in Toftwood. At the start they thought that one bay would be enough; four years later they occupy more than four acres of glasshouse space, and have just committed to another six acres of space to expand further. The business now employs 32 full-time staff, and is turning over £1.5 million a year.

“Plants like Kinome, the leaves of the Szechuan pepper tree, and Mexican marigold leaves are the newest innovations which are attracting chefs to Dereham to see for themselves.”

Roger Hickman’s

Cromer Crab & Avocado Salad with quails’ eggs, micro herbs & borage ﬂowers Serves four as a starter

This success is even more astonishing when you realise that it has come almost entirely through word of mouth. Perhaps because they had been chefs themselves, Allan and Sue’s produce was exactly what a growing breed of chefs were looking for – it looked stunning, but also delivered depth of flavour, and unusual and unexpected tastes. Nurtured in Norfolk is one of only two large-scale producers of micro herbs and edible flowers in the UK, and the only one to grow their produce in soil (as opposed to hydroponically). Although this kind of horticulture is more difficult, being more prone to disease, it delivers plants with a more intense flavour, not to mention a longer shelf life. Top-end chefs set trends which others follow, and so it wasn’t long before demand started to grow. But innovators never like to be part of the herd, and so as one product became Nurtured in Norfolk products can be enjoyed in some of the mainstream, the top chefs started UK’s top restaurants, with Norfolk demanding new taste experiences. establishments including Roger From growing just 10 varieties in Hickman’s Restaurant, The Duck the early days, Nurtured in Norfolk at Stanhoe, the Last Wine Bar, now has around 170, and innovation and The Lavender House. You can also buy online at www. is always on the menu. Plants like nurturedinnorfolk.co.uk Kinome, the leaves of the Szechuan pepper tree, and Mexican marigold leaves are the newest innovations which are attracting chefs to Dereham to see for themselves. To demonstrate that it’s about more than garnishes, Allan breaks off a triangular purple leaf from a plant and offers it to me to taste. A burst of citrus lime explodes on my tongue – this is seriously unexpected. He explains that this is butterfly sorrel, and if you fly first class on British Airways, you may well be served it wrapped around a salmon terrine. ‘As chefs ourselves, people like Albert Roux and Raymond Blanc are like football heroes to us – and yet here they are using our products, visiting us to find out more, and working with us to find the next taste sensation. It is a real accolade, and we still get excited when we see chefs using our products on the TV,’ says Allan, explaining that the week before my visit, Gordon Ramsay’s whole kitchen brigade had visited. A big growth area is edible flowers, which now make up around a third of sales. Allan opens a large fridge and brings out a huge box of edible orchids, exquisite flowers which literally look too good to eat. As with many professional chef trends, both micro herbs and edible flowers are now finding their way into amateur enthusiasts’ kitchens as well, and to meet the demand, Nurtured in Norfolk has recently started online sales to consumers via its website. An astonishing range is on offer, from the familiar (pea shoots, micro cress and a huge range of micro herbs) to the unexpected (tiny micro turnips), as well as more than two dozen varieties of edible flowers.

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INGREDIENTS 3 dressed Cromer crabs 1 /4 Iceberg lettuce, shredded 3 tbsps crème fraîche the juice of one lemon 2 avocados 1 cucumber 12 quails’ eggs 375ml white wine vinegar dill micro herbs: fennel and dill 8 borage ﬂowers

METHOD

- Mix the crab meat together in a bowl with the shredded lettuce, chopped dill, half of the lemon juice and 2 tbsps of the crème fraîche, and season. Peel the cucumber, and chop half of it into pea-sized die. Mix these into the crab. - Peel and stone the avocados, and cut them in half. Slice one lengthways with a mandolin to make eight very thin ribbons. Put the trimmings into a blender, along with the other avocado, chopped roughly. Add 1 tbsp crème fraîche, the rest of the lemon juice, and then blitz until smooth. You may need to add a splash of water, depending on the ripeness of the avocados. Put the purée in a piping bag. - Carefully break the quails’ eggs into a bowl filled with 250ml white wine vinegar and 250ml water, and let them sit for 10 minutes – this will firm them up. Put 125ml vinegar into a pan of salted water, and bring to a rolling boil. Strain the eggs into a sieve, and slip them into the boiling water. Cook for no more than a minute, really only until the water is boiling again, then strain them into a sieve and plunge them into iced water to stop them cooking. - Slice the other half of the cucumber lengthways with a mandolin to create eight long ribbons. - Spoon the crab mixture into the middle of four bowls, then decorate around the outside with the avocado purée, avocado ribbons, cucumber ribbons, and quails’ eggs. Sprinkle with the micro fennel and dill, and decorate each plate with two borage flowers.

ROGER HICKMAN is chef-proprietor at Roger

Hickman’s Restaurant in Upper St Giles, Norwich. More details at www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com.

A book about Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last leper colony led to Pippa Lain-Smith booking a family half-term holiday in Crete

TRAVEL

reading Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island several years ago, I’ve been fascinated by Spinalonga - Europe’s last leper colony. So, for a half-term holiday we opted for Crete, hoping for a mix of early summer sunshine and a bit of culture. Being one of the southern-most Greek islands, it claims a warmer average temperature than many, and guaranteed sunshine. Spinalonga, also known as Kalydon, sits at the entrance to the Gulf of Elounda, on the north east side of Crete. The small, rocky island has protected the town of Elounda for generations. Whilst Spinalonga has been fortified since ancient times, in 1579 it was the Venetians that built the dramatic fortress that still stands proud today. Crete has had a turbulent past: with various hostile invaders over the centuries. But the latest invasion – of tourists – is definitely a welcome one. As well as the usual eclectic Mediterranean mix of budget friendly, self catering apartments and family run small hotels, the coastal area around Elounda has become known for its plethora of super stylish, high end resorts. The Domes of Elounda promises luxury suites and villas where both adults and children can be spoilt; now who wouldn’t like the sound of that? We flew to Heraklion, one of Crete’s two airports, and it was an easy 50 minute taxi transfer for the five of us in our party. From the moment the taxi was waved through the large Domes of Elounda gate by smiling staff we knew that we’d picked the right resort. We were warmly welcomed by the lovely Natalia who

guided us through a stunning marble reception and domed bar area, out onto a sun soaked terrace. One of my favourite things about Greece is that beautiful scenery is around every corner. However I can honestly say that seeing Spinalonga for the first time, emerging from sparkling blue water with the sun bouncing off its mysterious, empty buildings, is a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime. All guests to the Domes are welcomed in this wonderful way. As a member of the team provides an overview of the resort and facilities, you can relax with a glass of icy cold champagne and shake off your travel weariness. Domes of Elounda is set over a large site, with suites and villas perched on a steep hillside; ensuring breathtaking views. Of course there are lots of steps and it’s a fair walk between the various resort facilities, however the clever Domes team has got that pretty much covered. If you’re not feeling like a gentle stroll through the beautifully landscaped pathways, with the scent of roses and bougainvillea wafting gently in the air, you can call for a buggy. Driven by a crew of friendly, funny and informative staff, the buggies are available all day and night to drive you around the resort. For a six year old boy, helping to drive us to and from the pool was definitely a holiday highlight. Having read lots of Trip Advisor reviews, it seems that upgrades are fairly commonplace at the Domes. We’d booked a threebedroom residence and were upgraded to the Royal Spa Villa which can only be described as absolutely fabulous. With its own pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, whirlpool baths and even a sauna, we felt like superstars from the moment we walked through the door. The circular, master suite bathroom deserves a special mention. It was entirely tiled in mirrored mosaic pieces with a high-level, central brass basin filled with water and rose-petals. You couldn’t call it subtle but it certainly had the wow factor. The Domes of Elounda has food and drink exceptionally well covered. With two family friendly buffet restaurants to choose from, and different themed cuisine each night, I would challenge anyone not to enjoy meal times. The children’s buffet was a great touch. Although the fact that chocolate cake and cookies were not breakfast options when we got home took a bit of explaining to our son. >>

September 2015

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TRAVEL

>> There are also fine dining options at Domes. My husband and I

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The Lain-Smith family ﬂew from Gatwick to Heraklion with EasyJet.

If you’re interested in Spinalonga, check out Yannis by Beryl Darby www. beryldarbybooks. com/yannis

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had a wonderful meal at the Topos 1910 Greek seafood restaurant on the beach. Crunching on deep-fried, shell-on, small prawns, whilst listening to the waves lap against the sand, is a simple, but delicious, pleasure. Creating a resort which appeals to single travellers, adult only groups and families is an incredible challenge. But Domes of Elounda has managed to achieve that. With a separate pool and quiet area of the private beach for grown-ups; an amazing familyfriendly pool complex; tennis courts and luxury spa; gym and kids club: it seems as though everyone gets what they need at Domes. Whilst complimentary half board was a bonus when we booked, we were keen to explore the local area. Elounda itself is a short local bus ride from the Domes. It’s a bustling, seaside town with lively bars, great shops and a weekly market where you can buy everything from locally grown tomatoes to Minions t-shirts. Small, independent shop owners work incredibly hard to offer everything that both locals and visitors could want. One that definitely deserves a mention is Cava Yiannis which is in the centre of the town. The warm and friendly owners focus on the best of local produce and stock freshly made Cretan cheeses, bread, olives and, of course, wine. The Elounda salt flats are well worth a gentle walk and, as always in Greece, there’s a welcoming taverna when you get there. The nearest village to the Domes of Elounda is actually Plaka; a name that will be familiar to anyone who has read The Island. Today Plaka is a key point on the Spinalonga tourist trail and has some wonderful restaurants and tavernas, including our favourite The Carob Tree. The village seems to breathe a sigh of relief once the day trippers have left; the locals mix happily with visitors to enjoy locally caught seafood with a glass of raki. To finish with Spinalonga itself: it’s hard to absorb the atmosphere of the island, and reflect on its past, when you are surrounded by people and tour guides. However we took the earliest boat and got ahead of the crowds. As you walk through the dark tunnel which leads from the jetty and emerge into the main street of the now uninhabited village for the first time, it’s almost possible to imagine how frightening that experience must have been for the men, women and children who were forced to leave their families and start a new life in the most inhospitable surroundings. Exploring Elounda, Plaka and, of course, Spinalonga, you’ll see many different faces of Crete, both old and new. It’s a part of Greece that I will definitely be going back to.

September 2015

WELLS WITH A BANG

Wells-Next-The-Sea is fast becoming the in-place on the north Norfolk coast, says Sarah Hardy, especially with the opening of places like trendy Bang!

There is a tradition

of honeypot areas of Norfolk where holiday-makers flock to – think of Burnham Market, for starters! Wells, as we just call it, has always been popular but has retained much of its own personality as a proper little working town. But with the opening of places such as Chris Coubrough’s The Crown, The Globe Inn a couple of doors down, plus the likes of Wells Deli and a smattering of those upmarket gift shops so beloved by the likes of me, and Wells is basically scrubbing up rather nicely! A new kid on the block is Bang, a café bar which also has four bedrooms. Situated at one end of Staithe Street, which is really the town’s high street, it is handy for everywhere, running from the Buttlands to the quay. It is owned by Christopher and Johanna Tennant who spent more than a year doing it up before opening it in May this year. Its name takes inspiration from the Bang restaurant in St Lucia, which was owned by Christopher’s father, Lord Glenconner, Colin Tennant. It was bang between the Pitons, the island’s famous volcanic peaks, hence its name, and in Wells, the café is right in the middle of the town, hence its name!

September 2015

TRAVEL

"It is situated in a Grade Two listed building so expect lots of nooks and crannies and original features such as fireplaces and beams."

It is situated in a Grade Two listed building so expect lots of nooks and crannies and original features such as fireplaces and beams. But, says Johanna, most definitely no coastal furnishings! So if you like cute little lighthouse lamps or beach hut print cushions, you’re going to be disappointed. Rather it is cool and contemporary, with much use of seascape colours which create a little oasis of calm in this busy seaside resort. The café hits just the right note, helped along by very friendly staff. It opens from 8.30am until 4.30pm and serves breakfasts and lunches such as vine tomatoes on toast with a herby salsa at £5.50, potted shrimps with granary toast at £6.95 and a steak sarnie on ciabatta at £8.50. I tried one of the daily house salads for £8, which included a gorgeous crab quiche. The counter is packed with homemade cakes and there’s a good choice of teas and coffees, plus ‘grown up’ drinks like Whin Hill cider and Lacons’ real ales. What’s especially nice at this time of year is the enclosed courtyard garden where there are several bistro style tables and chairs, potted plants and the chance to soak up a bit of sun! Overnight guests have exclusive use of the courtyard in the evenings which is a real treat – we tucked into fish and chips there. There are four bedrooms, two of which are dog friendly, which continue the laid back, comfy feel of the place, with crisp white bed linen, big TVs, and great shower rooms. Little extras such as fresh milk in the fridge and plenty of glasses and cutlery mean that you can fix yourself some snacks or enjoy a glass of wine whenever you feel like it. And don’t miss the fluffy bathrobes and posh toiletries. One room is more of a suite with a bedroom and separate living room – which could also accommodate two children. We stayed overnight which gave us plenty of time to explore the town. There are many independent shops, including Simply Norfolk which is worth a look for coastal fashions, a large pet shop for all those dog lovers, several art galleries where local scenes feature, especially photography, and interior shops such as the Mermaid’s Purse. Add in that superlative beach, those gorgeous beach huts, the award-winning beach café, the proximity of Holkham and, well, the list rather goes on, doesn’t it? So we like Wells, we like it a lot.

Bang in Wells, Staithe Street, Wells, tel 01328 712149, visit www.banginwells.co.uk

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September 2015

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

INVESTING ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE? When looking after the finances of others under a Power of Attorney, it is incumbent on you to act in their best interests. Carl Lamb looks at how to ensure your investment strategy is appropriate in such a case WWW.ALMARYGREEN.COM | 01603 706740

IT IS A SAD FACT THAT increasing numbers are suffering from a loss of mental capacity, particularly in later life. Whilst we are becoming a much more dementia aware society, families are still being faced with difficult decisions about how to manage the finances of those who are no longer able to do so. We always recommend that clients set up a Lasting Power of Attorney when they are hale and hearty, so that the document is in place ready for use when needed. It’s not possible to set up the Power if the person involved has already lost capacity. In the event of that happening, you would then have to apply to the Court of Protection in order to access the individual’s finances. Once you have taken over as an Attorney, the principle that must guide you when making investment decisions about someone else’s money is that you must act in their best interests. Firstly, an Attorney must ensure that the person involved has sufficient funds throughout their lives for their needs. If the

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person who has lost capacity is in care, for example, the first priority for the Power of Attorney would be to assure that care fees can be paid for as long as necessary. However, it’s also your duty as an Attorney to continue to act out the wishes of the person who has lost capacity, so you mustn’t suddenly ignore the preferences they have shown in previous decisions. Ethical considerations, for example, must continue to be observed, if they have been important in the past. You can make gifts on their behalf but they must follow normal gifting patterns – so to the people or charities that they would normally support. The gifts must also be 'reasonable' in that they should be of the amounts that would have been given if the person involved were still in control of their finances. If a move into care has meant the sale of a property, it may be that you are suddenly faced with decisions about how to invest a considerable sum. This is a classic case where a financial adviser can help, although they will charge you a fee for their advice. When it comes to selecting suitable investments as an Attorney, we find that, typically, people will adopt a more cautious approach than they might use for their own investments. It would certainly be difficult to justify any decision to invest in anything that carries a high level of risk. When considering investment options, you should be looking for suitability and diversification – spreading the risk across a range of investments – and you should ensure that any investment products you adopt are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Importantly, you must keep your financial affairs separate to those of the person whose finances you are managing. The Office of the Public Guardian and/or the Court of Protection has the right to inspect the financial records so they must stand completely alone.

The value of an investment and the income from

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

Carl Lamb

ALMARY GREEN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS

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

September 2015

Norfolk Food & Drink

has undergone a rebranding this year, in order to celebrate the best of what the county has to offer throughout the year. Emma Outten meets Chairman Sarah de Chair

PROUDLY

NORFOLK Visit www.norfolkfoodanddrink.com

September 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Sarah de Chair is surrounded by a fair few rolls of the

new Proudly Norfolk labels at her north Norfolk home. And the Chairman of Norfolk Food & Drink is on a mission to get these labels on Norfolk produce and get those products in farm shops across the county. They were launched at the Norfolk Show. ‘We had a lot of people sign up to this at the Show so, if they meet the criteria, then all they have to do is be a member of Norfolk Food and Drink then they can purchase the labels from us.’ The membership scheme for both individual and corporate members is also new, and part of a rebranding of Norfolk Food & Drink. There’s a new logo and a new emphasis on it being a year round organisation. Sarah says: ‘I would implore people to join up and become a member of Norfolk Food and Drink because there is so much variety out there that is produced locally.’ She has been Chairman for more than two years, having previously worked as Show Manager for the Royal Norfolk Show. ‘I was asked to join the board when it was first set up, which I did, a year before I retired.’ The then chair left and the rest, as they say, is history. ‘I love what we can do as an organisation, to help put Norfolk on the foodie map and to help producers to market themselves.’ Prior to being Show Manager she helped to organise country fairs around the UK, with Andrew Cuthbert. ‘That was invaluable in so far as getting the job at the Norfolk Show was concerned,’ she says. Norfolk Food & Drink Limited was founded in 2004 as a three day event in Norwich, celebrating the county’s producers and retailers. Ten years later, the Festival spanned six weeks. She says: ‘We became an all year round organisation because we were trying to cram too much into six weeks – some of the events we were holding didn’t actually fit into September so the idea is to have a key event happening every month so we can embrace the seasons.’ September is still full of festivals: North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival at Holkham on September 5 and 6; the Norwich Food & Drink Festival on September 12 and 13; the Brecks Festival on September 23; and the Great Yarmouth Food & Drink Festival from September 25 to 27. Then, in November, there will be a Celebrating National School Meals week and ‘The Most Wonderful Christmas Market’ at The Great Hospital in Norwich; and a Butchers’ Shop Window

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Competition in December. Sarah says: ‘We want to see pheasants hanging there, and the public to realise that not everything comes shrink-wrapped in a supermarket.’ Sarah and the other directors are not remunerated, and there is just one paid employee. The patrons read like a who’s who of the county’s chefs, including Chris Coubrough of Flying Kiwi Inns; Galton Blackiston, of Morston Hall; Richard Hughes, of The Lavender House; and Vanessa Scott, of Stratton’s. Norfolk Food & Drink is a not for profit organisation so its success is down to support from volunteers and sponsors, such as headline sponsor Adnams. As much as she loves her retirement role, Sarah says: ‘It is a huge struggle to try and get people to recognise Norfolk as a foodie county - we are really going to work hard at pushing that side of it next year.’ She makes the point: ‘I take the BBC Good Food magazine and last month I thought ‘there’s not a single mention of Norfolk in it’ - I immediately emailed the editor! ‘What we would like is to invite people to Norfolk next year, take them to see producers, chefs and restaurants and then get them to write about it.’ It’s not as if Norfolk is so cut off anymore. ‘I’m a great believer - since the dualling of the A11 - that we should sing about Norfolk a bit more.’ So where does Sarah eat out? ‘I don’t get out that often – my husband says ‘why go out when the food at home is so good?’ However, they do eat out when their grown up children are home. Sarah has two children, one of whom runs the Redwell Brewery in Norwich. She says: 'I’m not really a lager drinker but it is very good. I prefer a gin and tonic!’ Married to Colin de Chair, Sarah says she does the cooking: ‘I love experimenting if I have a dinner party. I love entertaining people and cooking for the family.’ Otherwise, she says, ‘my husband would just have meat and veg every day.’ Sarah is also known for running the Battle of the Bangers competition on September 13. ‘We have moved it this year from a Saturday to a Sunday and this has made it much easier for the butchers.. We’ve got several new ones – one of them does a veggie sausage - and a new site on Chapelfield Gardens.’ Plus, Sarah adds: ‘My eldest grandson is going to be coming to help count the votes.’

September 2015

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LEGAL

Today, the courts whose original aim was to bring access to the ordinary person, are as far away and inaccessible as the courts of the 1830s. Not only has one had the recent announcement from Michael Gove, Lord Chancellor and Minister of Justice, that he intends to close 1/5th of all court buildings, but the removal of legal aid has seen the disappearance of lawyers ready and willing to carry out the work. This has come through in recent statistics from Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, who prepare reports for the court in disputed children cases) that in a 12 month period to April 2015 cases dropped by 27 per cent. It seems that people are ‘muddling through’ rather than taking their disputes to court (in this case the relatively

JUSTICE FOR ALL

“Not only has one had the recent announcement from Michael Gove, Lord Chancellor and Minister of Justice, that he intends to close 1/5th of all court buildings, but the removal of legal aid has seen the disappearance of lawyers ready and willing to carry out the work.”

Julian Gibbons continues his analysis of the state of the judicial system in Britain today

WWW.NORTONPESKETT.CO.UK | 01493 849200

BACK IN THE EARLY YEARS of the 19th century the English legal system had reached crisis. The court edifice was positively creaking. There were three common law courts: the Court of Exchequer, the Court of King’s Bench and the Court of Common Pleas. In addition, if your case concerned equity, i.e. it was about trusts or you wanted an equitable remedy, such as an injunction, then you had to start separate proceedings in the Court of Chancery. This was all very expensive. However, getting through any reform was very difficult. Around the country were various local courts which supposedly provided access to justice for the ordinary man. However, these were inefficient and in some cases the clerks that ran them were plain corrupt. Attempts to change this landscape and introduce a universal civil court were met with strong objections from those who had a lot to lose. Such courts would, they said, dilute the majesty of the common law. The truth, of course, was that if they worked they would take business from the Common Law courts and from the barristers who had exclusive rights of audience in those courts. In the end, the County Courts Act of 1846 ushered in a new era of accessible and cheap courts, which could decide small cases for the ordinary man with the minimum of formality. You didn't even have to have a lawyer at all. Almost inevitably though, over the years, the procedure in the County Court became more complex until eventually the rules they worked under became the same as the rules used by the High Court.

new unified Family Court). This, though, may be a good thing: it is right that people should look at routes other than court to resolve their difficulties. However, whether parties just doing the best they can will be in the long term interests of the children involved remains to be seen. There is a strong sense of a quite crude manipulation of the justice system here. Physically inaccessible courts, removal of legal aid, plus a dramatic hike in court fees (£2500 for a business to issue a claim of £25,000, for instance) all contribute to an environment where, just as in the 19th century, those who go to court will be those who can afford to or at the very least have the time and ability to navigate through the court rules. Yet, on the back of the understandable desire for all governments to save money, much could still be done. For example, a return to the original ethos of the County Courts, with a very simple book of rules. The use of basic modern technology, which would enable courts to be run in which ever buildings are available rather than creating any more massive and expensive court centres (a trend which seems to have started in the 1980s and which was a reversal of decades of much simpler and efficient use of resources). When I came to Norwich in 1981, the magistrates sat in the medieval Guildhall; the county court sat in an office block on Chapelfield and the Crown Court in the Shire Hall, and no one was any worse off than they are now with an expensive combined court. In Great Yarmouth the judge came once a month to dispense justice from the Council Chamber in the Town Hall! Sadly, little of this may come to pass. The trend is presently all one way. Give it a few years and our MPs will once again be debating how to make justice accessible again. That famous saying by the philosopher George Santayana, that ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’, should ring loudly and often in the ears of politicians, but sadly it rarely does.

Julian Gibbons NORTON PESKETT SOLICITORS

September 2015

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HOME FROM HOME

Carlton Hall Residential Home and Retirement Village near Lowestoft is expanding its number of retirement bungalows, Sarah Hardy discovers as she visits the tranquil 12-acre site

September 2015

Planning for your future needs should be a

priority for us all. Sure we are all living longer and enjoying better health but many of us will need help and support in our later years. Carlton Hall Residential Home and Retirement Village at Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft, offers both a residential home to 45 people in the original Grade Two listed property as well as 16 bungalows in the delightful grounds. These bungalows allow older people to live in their own homes but have support and care on hand 24 hours a day. New owner Tony Prendergast has a three-year plan to increase this number to 49, with six bungalows being built at a time. He explains: ‘They are very popular, as people retain their independence which is very valuable to them, but they know we are here if we are needed. We have an emergency call system, with nurse pull cords in every room, which goes straight through to us at the hall and is manned every day of the year and at all times.' He continues: ‘It is a secured site, with the gates locked at night, and we look after all the grounds, too. A full of menu of services is also available, such as domestic help or food provided. People can choose what they might need or want and when.’

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

"Bungalow residents also have ﬁrst call on a place in the hall should they ﬁnd that they do need more care, and they can join in all our activities and trips"

The bungalows, set in lovely mature grounds which include a pond, mature trees such as horse chestnuts, lime, oak and beech, and deep herbaceous borders, are disabled friendly, and offer two bedrooms, so family members can stay overnight if they are visiting, one bathroom and an open-plan living area, including a kitchen which comes with a dish washer and washing machine. They benefit from air source heating and are fully equipped with appliances as well as carpets and curtains, with prospective residents able to make their own choices from a comprehensive list. Mr Prendergast, a pharmacist, continues: ‘Bungalow residents also have first call on a place in the hall, should they find that they do need more care, and they can join in all our activities and trips – we hold bingo nights, quizzes, trips to the seaside, have visiting chiropodists and more. And they can come and eat in our dining rooms, too, should they prefer not to cook once in a while.’

To ﬁnd out more about the bungalows, which cost £195,000, and when the next ones will be ready, call Hardimans on 01502 515999 or visit www.hardimans.co.uk.

Carlton Hall, Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suﬀolk, tel 01502 513208, visit www.carltonhall.co.uk.

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Importantly, he also points out that these freehold bungalows, as they are part of a residential home, cannot be used to pay for future care fees, allowing families to keep their inheritances. The whole village has a very friendly and relaxed feel, with staff keen to make everyone feel at home. Every member of staff knows each resident well, first names are used and there is a really jolly atmosphere, with everyone getting the most from life! Staff, which includes a registered nurse as an advisor, are all NVQ trained, with Mr Prendergast very keen to continue their training. ‘We have 75 members of staff, both full and part time, and we know and trust them.’ One resident has spent a very happy 15 years at the hall and the oldest resident is 102 years young!

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Lower (7-11 years) & Senior Schools (11-18 years) Saturday 19th September 9.30am - 12.00pm

WE ARE MASTERS IN BUSINESS SO YOU CAN BE TOO ALTOGETHER DIFFERENT Full and Part-Time MBA Open Evenings Tuesday 13th October, 18.00 - 20.00 Thursday 19th November, 18.00 - 20.00 The MBA from Norwich Business School is an MBA like no other. Taught by leading academics and industry practitioners, you’ll learn best practice, develop your skills and think with greater clarity and confidence. You will be challenged and fully-supported in your studies to help you realise your career ambitions.

The Open Evenings will be held at The Enterprise Centre at UEA – a new innovative business hub for Norfolk enterprise. To register for an Open Evening please get in touch: Norwich Business School, UEA. Call: 01603 591753 Email: mbateam@uea.ac.uk www.uea.ac.uk/nbs/mba

NBS_2956 Sept 133x190 v3c KD.indd 1

2015-08-06 14:29:34

FEATURE

SCHOOL’S IN FOR AUTUMN Whether your child is going back to school or starting for the first time, September is a big month on the academic calendar. Emma Outten gets some good advice on how we can best prepare them for the term ahead As parents eagerly anticipate

the start of new school year, the key is to make the new term transition start as smoothly as possible without too much anxiety and worry on the part of adult or child! This is especially true if our children are starting school for the first time or if they are leaving the familiar surroundings of their primary school to what can be a large and intimidating environment of a new secondary school. The very first day at school can be tough for children and parents, but with a little preparation it'll be so much easier for you to cope. Joe McKinney, Headmaster of The Old School Henstead, offers the following tips for parents: Be excited – understandably, some children are nervous about starting or returning to school after the long summer break. Make sure that you reinforce just how exciting it is to start a new school year. New experiences, opportunities and challenges await them. They will develop personally, socially, intellectually and physically with every passing day. Be interested – children acquire a wealth of new knowledge at school on a daily basis, but what happens in the classroom is just a start. Take a keen interest in what your child is learning at school. Simply asking about what they learnt at school that day or discussing and reading around the subject with your child can fuel a greater hunger for knowledge. Be patient – children do not always get back into the swing of things from the first day back. Give them time to settle back into school routines and habits. This does not mean that you should let them slip into bad habits, but just remember that it takes time to build positive relationships. Be supportive – both to your child and the school. Children need regular assurance, particularly when faced with new challenges. Equally important is that you support the school in ensuring that the ethos, values and routines are upheld at all times. A child’s education is most effective when all stakeholders

are working together to achieve the best for the child. Be communicative – speak openly with your child’s teachers. Regular communication is vital in ensuring that your child is a happy and healthy learner both at school and at home. Teachers truly want to do the very best for every child in their care and taking the time to talk to them about your child is time well spent. In fact, during the first few weeks of school it really is essential to keep communicating with your child (and do take care to notice signs if things aren't going so well, for example). James Quick, Headmaster of Gresham’s Prep School in Holt, believes it all comes down to trust for parents at the end of the day. He has this helpful advice: ‘Trust the school and the teachers! Remember that this may be a new and scary experience for you and your child but the school does this every year and has experience of helping children to adapt and thrive. Some children settle in very easily, for others it takes longer. If you are worried talk to the school, but trust teachers' judgement; they know what they are doing!’ And if you have older children who have just received their GCSE results, then they may be starting college for the first time this month, another further big step on the road to finishing education. Chris McGuinness, Director of Student Support Services and Employability at Lowestoft College, has this sound advice for parents: ‘Be practical and make sure they have the equipment they need and a quiet space to study. Your child is starting an important chapter in their life; as always, be there to support them and monitor their progress, and allow them space to grow and develop as an individual.’

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

Small classes, wide horizons Hethersett Old Hall School is a friendly, high-achieving independent school set in sixteen acres of beautiful grounds and with easy access from both the A11 and A47. Families are warmly invited to attend our open event to see the school in action - or phone Linda Jones on 01603 810390 to arrange a tour for your family at a time to suit you. From nursery to sixth form - discover for yourself what makes our school such a happy and successful place for your child to thrive.

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W HY HA PP IN ES S IS AT TH E HE AR T OF GR EAT YA RM OU TH CO LL EG E

Great Yarmouth College is developing a new Sport and Wellbeing Centre for the new term. Places & Faces® finds out how it is also taking Action for Happiness on behalf of its students.

THE NEW TERM WILL SEE Great Yarmouth College put its students' wellbeing at the heart of everything it does. And, according to Principal and CEO Stuart Rimmer, this will not just make them happier people but it will help them become more self-aware, positive and connected with their communities. Development work currently taking place at the college includes the Sport and Wellbeing Centre, where students can exercise and practise activities such as yoga and meditation, and where they can also seek advice on physical and mental health issues. What’s more, this Centre will be opened up to the community, providing opportunities for local residents and employees to access a broad

September 2015

mix of sports and a fully-equipped and modern gym plus studio. In addition, the college is working in partnership with Action for Happiness and is integrating their Ten Keys to Happier Living throughout its activities. Action for Happiness helps people take positive action to improve their social, physical and mental wellbeing and this link-up with Great Yarmouth College is the first of its kind thus far. Dr Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness, says: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with Great Yarmouth College to help promote a positive and inclusive approach to mental wellbeing across all areas of college life.

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"The team here recognises that wellbeing is more than just a 'nice-tohave' and is essential to good learning, health, relationships and lifelong success."

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Picture Captions 1 Stuart Rimmer, Principal & Chief Executive 2 Students relaxing in our social space 3 The new model of Wellbeing at GYC

Great Yarmouth College, ‘The team here recognises that wellbeing is more volunteering, fundraising and learning how to interact Suffolk Road, Southtown, than just a 'nice-to-have', and is essential to good with people and groups that they would not normally Great Yarmouth, NR31 0ED. learning, health, relationships and lifelong success.' encounter. Call 01493 655261 or visit He adds: ‘It's great to see such a wide range of Although this might be a new concept in further www.gyc.ac.uk and www. different activities and services joined up through education, it has been successfully deployed in other actionforhappiness.org enthusiastic leadership to provide the greatest possible areas of education, most famously at Wellington College benefits for students.’ in Berkshire by headmaster Sir Anthony Seldon, who coThe college is now embedding this ethos through its activities founded Action for Happiness with the aim of promoting happiness and facilities: The college canteen focuses on 'Eating Right'; the and reducing depression. library highlights how to 'Learn Well'; and the brand new Sport And research by the Wellbeing Programme at the London School and Wellbeing Centre will focus on exercise, rest and having fun. of Economics has also examined the causes of wellbeing and how it Social development is equally important and much time is being positively impacts on so many areas of our lives. given to developing the college’s student support programme, Stuart Rimmer concludes: ‘It's clear that the fast pace of modern social activities, tutorial support, mental health support and social life that young people, in particular, are experiencing isn't always spaces. conducive to peace of mind and a state of positive wellbeing. Students will complete modules in wellbeing to help them ‘So Great Yarmouth College will be doing everything possible to understand the importance of their physical and mental health. provide the expertise and facilities to bring a little tranquillity and And they will be encouraged to engage with their communities by balance to our students' lives. That’s something to be happy about!’

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September 2015

“The Academy prepares students well for life in Modern Britain.” Ofsted, May 2015

LYNN GROVE ACADEMY has a long tradition of excellence and superb care. We are very proud of our school; the achievements of our pupils, the skills and enthusiasms of our staff and our excellent facilities. We firmly believe in upholding the time honoured ideals of courtesy, self discipline and respect for one another. Combining the best of the modern with traditional values provides a firm foundation for the future success of our young people. We are proud to be part of the Creative Education Trust. As part of the Creative Education family of schools, our offer is distinctive; a blend of academic rigour and curriculum innovation designed to prepare our pupils to be resourceful and employable in the world of tomorrow. We strive to ensure that there is something special for everyone at Lynn Grove. We offer an outstanding range of extra-curricular enrichment and take great pride in the sporting prowess of our young people. Music enriches the lives of many of our pupils and we are determined to foster and develop the creative talents of all members of our community.

OPEN EVENING Thursday, 17th September 6.00pm to 8.30pm FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 7 – 2016 Lynn Grove, Gorleston-on-Sea, NR31 8AP (for SATNAV – please use NR31 8AR) Tel: 01493-661406 Email: enquiries@lynngroveacademy.org.uk

The Governors, Principal, staff and pupils of Lynn Grove Academy warmly welcome parents and prospective pupils to our Open Evening. You will have the opportunity to meet our teachers and view our splendid facilities. Our pupils will be on hand to show you around and share some of their work with you. Principal, Alison Mobbs, will make a presentation to parents and pupils at 6.30pm and 7.30pm in the Main Hall.

We offer up to 10% of our places to children with aptitude in Design Technology. Application forms are available from the school from 17th September. Closing date for receipt of applications is 30th September. (Entrance tests for these places will take place on 15th October)

SCHOOL REPORT Emily Simmonds tells us why Saint Felix School in Southwold is just the right place for her three children

Tell us about yourself Five years ago, my husband, Duncan, and I spent every Saturday night and Sunday we could in Southwold, staying at our holiday cottage. It was our escape, a place that helped us cope with the pressures of running our own business. We used to drive past the school, admiring the beautiful grounds and dreaming of what could be. Then an opportunity arose and we jumped at the chance of making the dream a reality. And tell us about your children We have three children: Freya, aged eight, Ben aged 12, and Jack aged 13. What do you, as a parent, like best about the school? When I first visited the school I was impressed by the beautiful sweeping driveway and grand architecture and there is still a part of me that says ‘wow’, we are really here! Practically, I like the fact that they are all at school on the same campus which means only one school run! This is lovely

September 2015

for the children, too, as they seem to know everyone across the school - it has a family friendly feel. Looking around the school, the corridors are decorated with beautiful artworks and photography by the children and one area which always amazes me is the textiles department. The vibrancy and quality of the work are more suited to an Art College foundation stage! Having sporty and competitive children, it was so refreshing to come to a school which promoted competitive sport with fixtures against other schools. The children are happy, confident and well-mannered and, as a parent, one thing which I really like is that every child has to shake hands, look their teachers in the eye and say ‘Good Afternoon’ as they leave at the end of the day. It is such a simple thing but so important. And what do the children like best? The children love the sports facilities and they make full use of them. Jack does every

lunchtime sports club there is - it’s a wonder he has any energy left! They are also involved with the swimming club and Freya and Jack are in the squad. I have watched, with amazement, their progression in the pool over the last five years. Saint Felix is one of the top three swimming schools in the country and you only have to attend one of the annual swimming galas to see this in evidence. Every child in the preparatory department can swim at least 25m unaided, far above the national average. The team of coaches are truly dedicated and passionate and this really shows in the results and endless medals achieved at regional and national events. Do your children use the boarding facilities at all? The school offers full time, weekly and flexi boarding and although we only live 10 minutes away, I find this very useful as Jack boards one night a week for swimming training in the evening then an early

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morning session. Being 13, it is also a great way for him to learn to be more independent and teach him to be more organised…..we are still working on that! He loves it and would do more if I let him as his friend from Tanzania is a full-time boarder. What extra school activities do they especially enjoy? There is a great equestrian team and it is only a matter of time before Freya wants to squeeze this into an already busy life! And what about music and drama? The school has a purpose built theatre and a fabulous drama and music department which puts on very professional productions throughout the year. One of the annual highlights in the Senior Department is the House Shout, where all four houses battle it out in a musical extravaganza. What support could the school give if one of them started to struggle with their work?

If a child starts to struggle, the school can offer in-class support with an individual teaching assistant or one-to-one lessons with the Senco (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator) Kelly Bland. Termly reports mean any issues can be identified and supported quickly. There is regular communication between staff regarding pupils with specific learning differences so that all teachers know how best to support them. The school received an ‘excellent’ classification in the recent ISI inspection report in this area which gives great confidence. What sort of GCSEs and A levels might they tackle? There is a wealth of subjects on offer to study at GCSE in addition to the four core subjects. There are 14 subjects to choose from: anything from Latin to photography, computing to PE. At A level there are 22 subjects to choose from.

Saint Felix School, Halesworth Road, Southwold, tel 01502 722175, visit www.stfelix.co.uk

Is it a little too formal, with all that tradition? I used to have very preconceived ideas of what private schools were like - formal and steeped in tradition with lots of wealthy families. But I have been very pleasantly surprised with Saint Felix as there are many hard working parents just making a choice for their children’s education. There is also a vibrant mix of nationalities which is a hugely positive thing in rural Suffolk. There are some traditions which remain but they are endearing in this ever changing society. What do you think of the staﬀ? And is there a clear communication structure so you know who to go to with questions and concerns? The school has excellent pastoral care and from personal experience, when I have had any issues or concerns, they have been dealt with quickly and professionally in a caring manner. Staff are always available in person or by email and are prompt to respond.

September 2015

TOP

OF THE

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Ormiston Venture Academy in Gorleston is an outstanding secondary which has ambitious plans for all its students. Sarah Hardy meets the inspiring principal Simon Gilbert-Barnham ORMISTON VENTURE ACADEMY caters for children aged 11 to 16 in Gorleston. And this month sees almost 750 students join Venture on their latest journey. ‘We are oversubscribed,’ says Mr Gilbert-Barnham, who has been at the school for the past 12 years, the last two as principal. The school became Ormiston Venture Academy in 2010, joining the Ormiston Academies Trust, a charitable trust which runs schools nationwide. ‘So we have both local and national links,’ says Mr GilbertBarnham, who is originally from Australia. The school was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted in 2013, and is in the country’s top seven per cent for added value. Ofsted commented: ‘Based on their low starting points, most students make outstanding progress. Standards have risen, from well below, to above the national average since opening.’

September 2015

But Mr Gilbert-Barnham is keen to emphasise that the school is interested in the whole child and not just their academic prowess. ‘We’re all about raising aspirations. We use Roger Bannister and his four-minute mile achievement as an example. Nobody thought it could be done. But it was – and people have continued to beat it.’ The school has been rebuilt and is now an attractive and stimulating environment for both students and teachers. Set over two floors, it is a bright and airy place, with state of the art facilities, including great art rooms, a photographic studio, a fitness suite, a well stocked library and a large hall where productions such as Venture’s Got Talent are much enjoyed! There’s a lecture theatre, the McCartney Theatre, which is named after executive principal Nicole McCartney who was the school’s principal when it was judged to be outstanding.

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Add in other innovative ideas – and this is not a school to sit on its laurels – such as a VIP section in the Venture café; a diary room, Big Brother style, where children can record video thoughts in private; and a games room with popular computer games where students earn reward points to gain entry! The Union of Venture Students is a key part of the school’s student leadership policy as it allows children to make many of their own decisions. They have a say on how, for example, money is spent and, more importantly, they run the many enrichment activities on offer. These include seven-week Guild courses where students can try out something a little different, say bushcraft or falconry, with all options suggested by the students themselves. And there are many societies to join, from chess to roller skating sessions. The school also plays an important role in the community and is keen for local residents to use its facilities – sports teams use the playing fields and a generation café attracts many visitors to establish further links throughout the community. The school works in partnership with the north Norfolk private boarding school, Gresham’s in Holt, and this relationship includes the Gresham Scholarship, which sees one Ormiston Venture student attend sixth form at Gresham’s as a boarder. And there is also the Venture Alumni scheme, and several guaranteed apprenticeships with local companies. Add in that the school is also a teaching school, runs a very popular summer school, has an impressive magazine and offers many more exciting oppurtunites that we don’t have space to mention here, and you realise this is a school and a half!

Ormiston Venture Academy, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR31 7JJ Tel 01493 662966 | Visit www.ormistonventureacademy.co.uk

Venture Into Our Success

OPEN EVENING Thursday 24th September 5pm - 7pm Telephone 01493 662 966

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW www.ormistonventureacademy.co.uk

RALEIGH ELECTRIC BIKES At Cycles UK, providing a friendly customer service to help you find the right bike and kit for your specific needs is the most important thing to us. We are passionate about celebrating all things bike, and making this wonderful sport as accessible as possible for everyone. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we have the new generation of Raleigh Electric Bikes that have the exceptionally quiet motor technology, smoother acceleration and has the capability to cover a 190km range in Eco mode. This is to make your bike ride more thrilling, high powered and comfortable. Raleigh Electric Bikes from ÂŁ87.50* per month.

NORWICH CYCLES UK, PILCH, LOWER GROUND FLOOR, 1 5 -1 7 L O N D O N ST R E E T, N O R W I C H , N R 2 1 J E | W W W. CYC L E S U K . C O M *When you commit to a 18 month Finance Agreement. Please Note: Calculations are for estimation purposes only. Actual Finance Application is subject to status and is completed during checkout. V12 Finance services are only available to over 18s and subject to status.

LUST LIST

With the Aviva Tour of Britain

passing through Norwich on September 12, en route from Fakenham to Ipswich, Emma Outten looks at these two-wheeled wonders

1. Ladies Classic bike, Black, £279.99, Mango Bikes, www.mangobikes.co.uk; 2. Martone Men's Greenwich Bike - Matt Grey, £1100, www.martonecycling. eu or www.amara.com; 3. 13 Intuition Beta Road Bike, £1399.99, Halfords; 4. Specialized Allez Sport 2015 Road Bike Satin Charcoal/White, £600, Evans Cycles, www.evanscycles.com; 5. Boardman Performance Flat Pedal, £37.99, Halfords

Henty Wingman suit bag, £119, www.henty.cc

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September 2015

CAR OF THE MONTH GREAT YARMOUTH COACHWORKS CAR SALES

Established since 1950

KIRKLEY RUN TYRES & WHEELS Huge Discounts on all major brands * *

£6,250 (59)

VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 SRi 5 DOOR

43k miles · Petrol · Manual · 7 Seats · Alloys · ABS · A/C · CD · Cruise · E/M · E/W

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

MOT testing Towbar fitting

www.gyccarsales.co.uk | 01493 843835

15 Queens Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3HT

All tyre prices include:

• Fitting • Balancing • New Valve • VAT & Casing Disposal

Tyres Batteries Brakes Exhausts Alloy Wheels

No hidden extras The price we say is the price you pay! *With FREE accidental damage cover

www.kirkleytyresandwheels.co.uk KIRKLEY RUN SERVICE STATION LOWESTOFT 01502 565529

SOUTHTOWN RD SERVICE STATION GT YARMOUTH 01493 600432

SOUTH QUAY SERVICE STATION GT YARMOUTH 01493 857099

LAND ROVER HALESWORTH

FOR EVERYTHING LAND ROVER IN SUFFOLK Â Â Â Â Â

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

01493 652588

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

LAND ROVER HALESWORTH Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8HX 01986 864 700

marshall.halesworth.landrover.co.uk

COMPETITION

Mercedes-Benz of Norwich, Barker Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4TN. Tel 01603 751000. Visit www.mercedesbenzofnorwich.co.uk

Win a Mercedes-Benz for the weekend This month Places&Faces® has teamed up with Mercedes-Benz in Norwich to oﬀer one lucky reader the chance to drive a top of the range car for the whole weekend! Think of driving along the coast road between say Cromer and Thornham. Bliss. Think again and imagine you’re in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Pure bliss. Well, thanks to our friends at Mercedes-Benz in Norwich, one of our lovely readers can have the time of their lives in this luxury motor – for the whole weekend, from Friday evening to Monday morning. The car is, of course, a masterclass in superb engineering: great handling, precise steering and wonderful suspension – and oh so easy to drive. Inside, it is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of boot space for perhaps an overnight bag if you plan to really treat yourself and spend the night in one of the region’s top hotels. So, if you fancy getting behind the wheel of this beauty – be ready for plenty of stares as this is a car that turns heads – you need to enter this month’s competition.

To enter, simply answer the following question:

Where are Mercedes-Benz situated in Norwich? Send you answer to competitions@h2creativemedia.co.uk Please remember to include your name, address and a daytime telephone number. You can also enter via Facebook. Go to our Facebook page, www. facebook.com/placesandfacesmagazine and like our page and share the competition. Simple! Normal Places&Faces® rules apply and the editor’s decision is ﬁnal. The closing date is September 30 2015 when a winner will be selected at random. A weekend loan of the vehicle is subject to conditions set by the General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Norwich and subject to terms and conditions of the insurer. The speciﬁc model to be loaned is at the General Manager’s discretion. Mileage restrictions apply. Age limits apply. A full driving licence is needed and the weekend selected needs to be agreed beforehand.

September September2015 2015

101 08

Price Less from £5,995*

Dacia Sandero = from £5,995*

Dacia Logan MCV = from £6,995*

Dacia Sandero Stepway = from £8,395*

New Dacia Duster = from £9,495*

MITCHELLS LOWESTOFT 50–58 LONG RD, LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK NR33 9DQ TEL 0844 875 9626 WWW.MITCHELLSDACIA.CO.UK The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Dacia range are: urban 27.2 (10.4)–65.7 (4.3); extra-urban 40.3 (7)–80.7 (3.5); combined 35.3 (8)–74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 185–99g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. *Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, which apply to new Dacia vehicles when ordered by 30 September 2015 and registered by 31 December 2015.

Renault Summer Season

0% APR

representative

Renault CAPTUR Dynamique Nav TCe 90 From

£159 per month

All-New Renault TWINGO Play SCe 70 From

£119 per month

Renault CLIO Dynamique Nav 1.2 16V 75 From

£149 per month

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 40.4 (7)–47.88 (5.9); extra-urban 60.1 (4.7)–70.62 (4); combined 51.4 (5.5)–60.1 (4.7). The official CO2 emissions are 127–105g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. *Clio monthly payment shown based on £2,247 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £149, and an optional final payment of £5,664. Captur monthly payment shown based on £2,087 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £159, and an optional final payment of £7,584. Twingo monthly payment shown based on £575 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £119, and an optional final payment of £5,136. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. Over 18’s (excluding the Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply. Our dealership introduces customers to a limited number of financial providers including Renault Finance. Offer based on 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicle when ordered and registered between 1 June 2015 and 30 September 2015. Clio shown has optional Flame Red Renault i.d. metallic paint, available at an additional £595. Excludes Renaultsport, Clio Expression and Twingo Expression models. Captur shown with metallic i.d. paint, available at an additional £495 and painted roof at £399. Twingo shown with optional Powder Blue paint available at an additional £225.

MITCHELLS LOWESTOFT 50–58 Long Rd, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9DQ Tel 0844 875 9626 www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

MOTORING

With September 1, the date for the new 65 registrations, upon us, James Spicer has one or two suggestions for those with a new car in mind As usual, with a host of new models either on sale or about to hit the market, choice is not easy. Do you go for economy, comfort, style, ruggedness? Whatever you want, there is something out there for you

September 2015

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01 Citroen DS 01

02 Vauxhall Viva

And here’s another name from the past – the Vauxhall Viva. Readers with long memories will recall the original model, which achieved iconic status – although possibly not for the best reasons! The new model is aimed at a similar market, with low prices combined with cheeky looks and generous equipment levels. Prices range from £7995 to £9495. The Viva hits the A segment market, up against the likes of the Volkswagen Up!, Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1.

If it’s style you fancy, then look no further than Citroen’s new DS. This is an echo of one of the most stylish vehicles ever conceived; the original DS, made from 1955 to 1975, came third in a Car of the Century poll (and featured in the original James Bond novel, Casino Royale). The latest, which has similar sleek good looks, comes in two trim levels, petrol or diesel choice and Euro 6 Hybrid 4x4 version. And, to celebrate the original launch of the DS, a new 1955 Special Edition, priced at £29,600, is available. Styled in Ink Blue bodywork it is based on the Elegance trim level and has additional equipment as standard, including leather seats and LED Vision headlights. The car is powered by the Blue HDI sixspeed diesel engine which boasts 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle.

03 Vauxhall Adam

Meanwhile, another Vauxhall in the city car slot, the ADAM, has chalked up 100,000 European orders after only 18 months on sale, thanks to its huge combinations of specification and trim choices. The latest edition to the family is the ADAM ROCKS AIR, claimed to be the first three-door mini crossover, which features a full length folding canvas roof. Also available now across the ADAM range is the new Vauxhall 1.0 litre three cylinder turbo engine, with 115PS output. ADAM prices begin at just over the £9000 mark.

September 2015

04 Audi A4

Audi’s A4 has long been a mainstay of the range, the completely new versions of the Saloon and Avant (estate) models are due for delivery late summer. The new vehicles are up to 120 kg lighter than outgoing models, and up to 21 per cent more fuel efficient. The line-up includes the new 2.0 TFSI and TDI models; the car is on an all-new platform and features redeveloped six-speed manual, seven-speed S-tronic and eight-speed tiptronic transmissions. Standard kit includes 17 inch alloys, Xenon headlights, smartphone interface, climate control and seven inch colour monitor and various in-car technology options, including traffic jam assist! A4 prices start at just over £22,000. 04

MOTORING 06 05

05 Seat Ibiza

06 Dacia Duster

With its roots in Romania, Dacia, now under the stewardship of the Renault organisation, has been surprising automotive commentators for more than 10 years with its outstanding combination of price and value. Take the new version of the Duster SUV, for example, which starts at £9495, and the company has now introduced a new TCe125 supercharged 1.2 litre petrol engine to the range. This features the ‘stop/ start’ technology and delivers, says its maker, comparable performance to a normally aspirated 2.0 litre unit, with 90pc of maximum torque available from just over 1500rpm. This makes it ideal for rough going where this kind of delivery is a must to conquer tough terrain.

08 Suzuki Vitara

The new Suzuki Vitara compact SUV, launched in the spring, is rated one of Europe‘s safest cars according to independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, receiving the maximum 5-star rating. One of its major safety features is Total Effective Control Technology, a concept for occupant protecting impact absorption and low weight developed by Suzuki. Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags which includes a driver’s knee airbag as well as seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters. Vitara is on sale in the UK from £13,999 for the 1.6-litre petrol model with two wheel drive and is available with ALLGRIP four wheel drive as an option.

07 Renault Kadjar

Parent company Renault has also introduced its Kadjar crossover vehicle to complement the already successful Captur. With prices starting at £17,995, the Kadjar is offered in an 18 version line-up based on three engines, two gearboxes, two drive systems and four trim lines. Engine choices are the 1.2 litre 130bhp petrol, plus the 1.5 and 1.6 litre diesel versions, and the vehicle also features intelligent four wheel drive in three operating modes in the dCi 130 (1.6) version.

SEAT selected, rather appropriately, the Barcelona Motor Show to launch its latest Ibiza – a name that was in at the start of the SEAT revolution in the UK. It has a completely new generation of petrol and diesel power units, including an entry-level three cylinder 1.0 litre version, and the 150PS 1.4 Eco TSI unit which offers a high level of dynamic driving, combined with impressive fuel efficiency. As its name suggests, the Ibiza is synonymous with a fun lifestyle, and the new colour packs offer a whole new level of individualism that will appeal to the driver seeking to get him or herself noticed! These include Bismuth, an elegant shade of brown, Velvet, a rich purple, and a colourful red, plus cool grey, white, black and blue. Prices start at £8287.

09 Peugeot 208

Peugeot’s new 208 comes in three and five-door body styles and with four generously equipped trim levels: Access A/C, Active, Allure and GT Line. The latter is a new addition to the range and, following the lead of the larger 308, adopts many of the styling attributes of the iconic GTi model. For a more performance-oriented body style, GTi, GTi Prestige and ‘GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT’ are available as three-door variants. The list of new equipment on the 208 is headed by Active City Brake, which makes it possible to avoid an accident or reduce its seriousness, in urban conditions, at speeds of less than 20mph. Park Assist and a reversing camera are available as a combined option from the Allure trim level too. All versions of the 208 now come with manual air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Prices start from £11,695, with the Active and Allure models priced from £12,495 and £14,195 respectively.

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TRUE

Roots TO ITS

Matt Kimberley tries out a new automatic Mini Cooper and reckons that it is a credit to its heritage What’s new? Minis are great cars, if you like the way they do things. Automatic gearboxes are also great in their own ways, but an auto in a Mini? Surely not, thou dost protest. But sure enough, here is a five-door Mini Cooper with what should normally be the last option box you'd ever want to tick – a six-speed automated manual cog whisk. Time to see whether this unusual combination is a match made in heaven or just pure blasphemy. Looks and image The elongated silhouette of the Mini 5dr is, whether BMW likes it or not, rather reminiscent of the old Austin Maxi. But the latest crash safety regulations have raised the bonnet and inflated the bodywork to give impressive passenger and pedestrian protection.

As far as image goes, the Force is still strong with Mini despite all sorts of rival cars having been brought in over the last 10 years. The five-door obviously can't replicate the cheeky charm of the threedoor, but it's still very obviously a Mini and it's more practical. That's got to count for something positive. Space and practicality Let's not jump the gun: you wouldn't say this car had a big boot, but it is still bigger than the much-maligned cubbyhole at the back of the three-door. For reference, a 600x400mm radiator (in its packaging) slots almost perfectly into the base of the load bay. Rear legroom is adequate for a typical adolescent passenger, but not for long distances. The Mini 5dr is definitely an

urban creature. If you're stopping by a coffee shop on your way to work you'll be grateful for the sizeable cup holders, at least. Behind the wheel Here's where the Mini shines. There's no other small car that has quite the gruff fizz of the Cooper's three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, or quite the directness of its steering, with the possible exception of the Suzuki Swift Sport. But from the moment you step in behind that uniquely stylish dashboard – as long as you've added the large colour screen and iDrive interface – you just feel that the Mini experience is still a bit special. It's light, responsive and immediately engaging, despite the auto 'box. Automated manuals are normally horrific things to use, but Mini has (mostly) dialled out the

Prices correct at times of going to press

MOTORING

inherent flaws of the setup. It's only when you lift off the accelerator from middling revs before pressing down again a couple of seconds later that the system falls on its face, getting all in a muddle over what ratio it wants. Be warned, though, that thanks to the raised bonnet and narrow windows there's not much visibility. Mrs K wasn't a fan. Value for money At well over £17,000 before any options are added, the Cooper Auto isn't cheap. Add metallic paint, the essential wheel upgrade and the media system and things have already sailed past the painful side of £21,000. But then again it has five doors, a larger boot than the three-door and it lets you enjoy your every minute behind the wheel.

Who would buy one? There are a lot of cars that you can buy for the price of an optioned-up automatic Cooper 5dr, but few that provide anything like the same verve and cheekiness around town. It's an unnecessary luxury and it's expensive for its size, but larger, more mainstream alternatives just feel dull by comparison. You pay your money and take your choice.

facts at a glance

Mini Cooper 5dr Automatic, from £17,355 Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol producing 134bhp and 162lb/ft; Transmission: Six-speed automated manual driving the front wheels; Performance: Top speed 129mph, 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds; Economy: 58.9mpg combined; Emissions: 111g/km of CO2

This car summed up in a single word: Fizzy. If this car was… a banana it would be a bit too small once you got it open, but it would still be a taste sensation.

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DEALER DETAILS

Cooper Norwich MINI Forest Way, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk NR5 OJH Tel: 01603 943 563 www.coopernorwichmini.co.uk

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Famed for its range of GTI models from years past, Peugeot is steadily rebuilding its stable of hot hatches. Iain Dooley test drives the 308 GT

facts at a glance

Peugeot 308 GT, £24,095 Engine: 1.6-litre petrol unit producing 202bhp; Transmission: 6-speed manual driving the front wheels; Performance: Top speed 145mph, 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds; Economy: 50.4mpg combined; Emissions: 130g/km of CO2

DEALER DETAILS

Sidegate Motors Gapton Hall Rd, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0NL Phone: 01493 419700 www.sidegatemotors.co.uk Sidegate Motors has the only Peugeot 308GTI test drive demonstrator in Norfolk and Suﬀolk

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September 2015

What’s new? While this generation of 308 might still be regarded as a relatively new model, until now there’s not been a performance version to emulate Peugeot’s past hot hatch glories. This 308 GT goes some way to plugging that gap, although don’t get too excited as this GT is missing the all-important ‘i’ because it’s a warm hatch not a truly hot one. Despite being the precursor to a highly anticipated GTI variant, this 308 GT boasts some pretty impressive credentials in its own right. For family types there’s an estate model to complement the de rigour hatch, plus you can also choose between petrol and diesel power to exploit the car’s tweaked ride and handling over a regular 308. Looks and image If it wasn’t for the 308 GT’s rather flash alloy wheels it would be an easy car to miss on the road. Subtle is the keyword here,

with Peugeot’s warm 308 opting for a low profile that will likely please buyers seeking to go about their (brisk) business without generating any unwanted attention. And hopes are high for this particular 308, as it can’t have escaped you that Peugeot has a rich heritage of driver-focused performance hatches large and small. Space and practicality In five-door hatchback guise the 308 GT offers a good level of cabin space and overall versatility. Purists will bemoan the lack of a thee-door model, but if you’re practically minded you’ll welcome the ability to transport the family with ease and still have fun. And if the five-door isn’t enough, there’s also the SW estate boasting even more room without compromising the driving experience.

Prices correct at times of going to press

MOTORING

Behind the wheel Things have moved on since the heady days of raspy, carburettor-fed petrol engines when it comes to performance Peugeots. This hi-tech 308 GT boasts, in petrol guise, a trick twin scroll turbo 1.6-litre engine delivering 202 horsepower. For sensible types the 2.0-litre diesel outputs a healthy 180 horsepower and is noticeably the more laid back of the two models. Sticking with the petrol 308 GT, the car’s slick six-speed manual gearbox helps deliver a rewarding time behind the wheel. Key to the GT’s ability to serve up a polished and confident performance on even some pretty rough and demanding roads is its reconfigured suspension settings. In a nod to Peugeots from the past, the 308 GT’s ride is refreshingly fluid at speed and the steering pleasingly accurate and direct, which results in giving drivers sufficient confidence to push on when conditions allow.

Value for money There’s no denying that the 308 GT is well equipped, and this does much to enhance its appeal over and above the car’s basic performance proposition. However, if you care to delve a little deeper you’ll see that Peugeot’s combination of ‘soft power’ and decent real world economy will be worth way more than any fancy alloy wheel design or trick audio feature. Opt for the SW variant and the extra space combined with that added pace will put you in an exclusive ownership club. Who would buy one? If you’re a fan of sweet handling cars that put the emphasis on driver involvement over masses of unusable power, Peugeot’s 308 GT could prove to be a winner. The 308 GT’s mature and measured approach to performance motoring is refreshing, and is a world away from the flash, brash

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“If you’re practically minded you’ll welcome the ability to transport the family with ease and still have fun.” competition shouting their wares from the rooftops. The 308’s subtle styling cues plus the combination of smooth power delivery petrol and diesel - make the car an appealing and well-rounded proposition. This car summed up in a single word: Polished If this car was… a nod to the popular 306 it would be wearing an XSi badge on its rump.

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DELIVERY MILEAGE 15 REG

DELIVERY MILEAGE DEALS

VAUXHALL CORSA

STING R 3DR 1.0 TURBO 115PS Choice of Colours

FROM £9,999

DELIVERY MILEAGE 64 REG

DELIVERY MILEAGE 15 REG

VAUXHALL ASTRA

VAUXHALL MOKKA

EXCITE 1.6 115PS

1.4T 140PS START/STOP TECH LINE SAT NAV Satin Steel Grey

FROM

£12,399

£15,999 DELIVERY MILEAGE 15 REG

DELIVERY MILEAGE 15 REG

NEW VAUXHALL VIVARO

VAUXHALL MOKKA

L1 H1 1.6 CDTi 90PS 2.7T

1.6 115PS START/STOP TECH LINE SAT NAV Sovereign Silver

FROM

£11,999+VAT

£14,999

DELIVERY MILEAGE 15 REG

VAUXHALL MOKKA

VAUXHALL ANTARA

White Or Black, 19” Alloys, Bluetooth 19” Alloys, Bluetooth

Choice of Colours

LTD EDITION 1.4T 140PS

2.2 163PS CDTi DIAMOND EDITION

FROM

£15,999

£16,999 DELIVERY MILEAGE 15 REG

DELIVERY MILEAGE 64 REG

VAUXHALL ASTRA

VAUXHALL MERIVA

Choice of Colours

FROM

1.6 CDTi 110 EXCITE

1.4 TECH LINE 100PS

£14,799

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

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

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@Thurlownunn

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

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Competitive low rate finance on 3 year Ford Options.

FORD CREDIT

With a £1,925.00 Deposit Allowance available on the FORD KUGA range.

4.3% APR representative High Street Ludham,Norfolk, NR29 5QQ 01692 678215 Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km) for the Ford Kuga range: urban 30.4-52.3(9.3-5.4), extra urban 45.6-65.7(6.2-4.3), combined 38.2-60.1(7.4-4.7). Official CO2 emissions 122-171g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Retail only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Subject to availability at a Ford Authorised Dealer for new vehicles contracted between 01.07.2015 – 30.09.2015 and registered between 01.07.2015 – 30.09.2015. Deposit Allowance only available when financed with Ford Credit. Ludham Garage - Ludham only offers finance products from Ford Credit. Ludham Garage Ltd acts as a credit broker in relation to finance products and not a lender.

The striking New Peugeot 208 is now available with our Just Add Fuel® package. With more assertive looks, new Orange Power colour, and personalisation packs, the New Peugeot 208 stands out from the crowd. Just Add Fuel® includes 3 years’ insurance*, servicing, car tax+, roadside assistance and warranty, included in one monthly price. Contact us today to ﬁnd out more.

M R KING & SONS Horn Hill, LOWESTOFT, NR33 0PX 01502 573955 www.mrking.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the New 208 range are: Urban 40.4 – 78.5 (7.0 – 3.6), Extra Urban 61.4 – 104.6 (4.6 – 2.7), Combined 52.3 – 94.2 (5.4 – 3.0) and CO2 125 – 79 (g/km). MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Image shown for illustration purposes only. Model shown is a 208 Hatchback 5 door Allure 1.2L PureTech 82 with 16” Titane Gloss Black Alloys, with metallic paint, Cielo Panoramic Glass Roof and Menthol White exterior personalisation pack at £15,940. Prices quoted are on the road and include delivery to dealership, number plates, 12 months’ government vehicle duty and £55 first registration fee. 16” Titane Gloss Black Alloys are available as an option on Allure models only. Cielo Panoramic Glass roof Is available as an option on Active, Allure and GTi models only. Menthol White personalisation is available as an option on Active and Allure models only. Terms and conditions apply, participating dealers only or visit www.peugeot.co.uk. †The first year Road Fund Licence (RFL) is included in the on the road price. The Dealer will provide customers with a cheque equivalent to twice the current RFL cost. The customer must apply for years 2 & 3 RFL. Just Add Fuel (JAF) is subject to status. ^37 month period. *Minimum age 21, 25 or 30 on selected models, maximum age 75. Policyholder must have a minimum of 2 years NCD to use on the vehicle. All drivers must meet eligibility criteria including minimum 2 years’ full UK licence, driving convictions/claims limits. Excesses apply. 3 years motor insurance is provided and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. To finance your purchase we will only introduce you to Peugeot Financial Services, the exclusive provider of Just Add Fuel. A guarantee may be required. M. R. King & Sons is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. Finance provided by and written quotations available from PSA Finance UK Ltd t/a Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. All offers available on qualifying vehicles ordered and registered between 01072015 and 30092015 or until such time as they may be withdrawn by Peugeot at its complete discretion. Payments will vary according to age, post code and annual mileage. The costs of insurance, servicing and Roadside Assistance are included within the monthly cost of JAF Passport but are provided on a monthly pay-as-you-go basis and can be cancelled at any time without penalty or affecting the remainder of the JAF Passport contract. Excess mileage charges may apply. Routine servicing included only. Excludes wear parts. This offer is not available in Northern Ireland. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Prices and information correct at time of going to press. Visit peugeot.co.uk for full terms and conditions. Peugeot Motor Company PLC reserve the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time.

facts at a glance

Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav, from £23,295 Range price: £18,495-£23,295 Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 158bhp and 148lb/ft; Transmission: Six-speed manual driving the rear wheels; Performance: Top speed 133mph, 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds; Fuel Economy: 40.9mpg; Emissions: 161g/km

DEALER DETAILS

Wrights Mazda, Beccles Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BL Tel: 01502 713885 Wrights Mazda, Norwich 101 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6XW Tel: 01603 427011 www.wrights-motors.co.uk

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September 2015

Prices correct at times of going to press

MOTORING

Matt Kimberley gets behind the wheel of the zippy Mazda MX-5 and thoroughly enjoys himself

What’s new? Light weight: it's the holy grail of sports car design. Weighing 100kg less than the old one, the fourth-generation MX-5 is all-new, from the wheel nuts to the folding fabric roof, and there are new 'SkyActiv' engines of 1.5 and 2.0 litres. Even the 1.5 has 129bhp, and in a car that weighs as little as 975kg without the driver, the signs are promising. Looks and image To be fair the little Mazda's visual appeal depends on the angle from which you're looking. At one or two angles the bonnet looks odd, but from most viewpoints it's a fantasticlooking thing; lithe and small, tightly-packaged around a chassis no larger than that of its great-grandfather.

The back lights are a mix of old BMW Z4 and new Jaguar F-Type, but the light signature at night is unmistakably unique. LED headlights are standard on every model to allow for the incredibly narrow, knifesharp design.

The cabin is on the cramped side, though, and I felt that 100 miles in one stint was the limit. Six-footers be warned; you won't even get close to stretching out. The lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel is annoying, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Space and practicality It's shorter than before, so unsurprisingly the boot is smaller. But it's more evenly shaped than before and it's deeper, with a narrower rectangular recess at the bottom to stop smaller bags moving too much. The cabin is small and six-footers may feel cramped, particularly people with long legs. The lack of reach adjustment on the steering column is a niggle but for a 177cmtall man (me) the driving position is pretty good anyway. You can remove the slightly flimsy central cupholders, or shift one of them to a slot beside the passenger's legs. Handy.

Value for money It's not a huge jump northwards from the entry model, the 1.5 SE, to a mid-spec 2.0 SE-L – and it's the latter you should go for. It's much easier to enjoy and feels more like a true rear-wheel drive sports car should. At a little more than £20,000, it's just about the best value proper sports car on the market. And it comes with a soft-top! The jump to Sport, which brings loads of extra kit including the Bilsteins, is a hefty £2600.

Behind the wheel No other sports car feels so light; so responsive to throttle inputs through corners or so downright hop-skip-jump happy. Bilstein dampers on this 2.0 Sport model keep the tyres on the Tarmac without sagging in the corners, so a briskly-driven MX-5 flows beautifully over and along the road rather than crashing through it. It's so confidence-inspiring you'll laugh out loud. The 1.5 is higher-revving, with about 500rpm extra versus the 2.0's 6600rpm limit, but the torquier 2.0 gets up to speed much faster. It's a rear-wheel drive joy machine, whereas the 1.5, although sweet and revvy, just lacks muscle for overtakes and for true sports car handling.

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Who would buy one? The question on my lips, as I step out of the car at Inverness Airport to make my way home, is this: why wouldn't you? This is as good a car to drive as you'll find below £50,000, and you won't lose your licence while enjoying it. If you need more space or four seats you're clearly looking in the wrong place, but if your lifestyle allows, you know you want to (and you really do). This car summed up in a single word: Energising. If this car was… a breakfast drink it would be a premium orange juice. It's sharp, it's well-resolved and it makes your every morning that much brighter.

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113

THE ALL-NEW SUZUKI VITARA. IT LIVES. FROM £13,999.* †

Rugged SUV Design. Advanced Safety. ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive. Request a Test Drive today: suzuki.co.uk/mrking

M R King & Sons

Horn Hill Lowestoft NR33 0PX 01502 525425 | St John’s Road Saxmundham IP17 1BE 01728 603435

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Suzuki Vitara range mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km): Urban 42.1-61.4 (6.7-4.6), Extra Urban 55.4-76.3 (5.1-3.7), Combined 49.5-70.6 (5.7-4.0), CO2 emissions 131106 g/km. The above fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Vitara range: Vitara SZ4 1.6 Petrol Manual available at £13,999 to Vitara SZ5 DDiS ALLGRIP Manual with Rugged Pack available at £22,549. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st July 2015 to 30th September 2015 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. *Model shown is a Vitara SZ5 1.6 petrol available at £18,499 on the road (Single-tone metallic paint available at an additional cost of £430, Dual-tone paint available at an additional cost of £800.) †Optional extra for SZ5 models only, optional ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive available at additional cost.

Compact yet practical, and ready to take on the city. New Viva SE 1.0i. Only £89 a month with advance rental.

Thurlow Nunn Norwich

Over a million design combinations. Every one’s an original. ADAM SLAM 1.2i. Only £145 a month with advance rental.

591 Hall Road Norfolk NR4 6AJ 01603 513216

Agile yet spacious, and packed with smart technology. New Corsa Excite 1.4 . Only £169 a month with advance rental.

83-93 Mile Cross Lane Norfolk NR6 6TX 01603 513215

www.thurlownunn.co.uk

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Urban: 12.7 (22.3) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 23.9 (11.8) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined: 18.0 (15.7) 88.3 (3.2). CO 2 emissions: 373 - 85g/km.# Personal contract hire offer on Viva SE 1.0i 75PS in Solar Red, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,958 , then 23 monthly rentals of £89. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 16,000 over 24 months charged at 5.50 ppm. Personal contract hire offer on ADAM SLAM 1.2i 70PS in Greenspotting metallic paint with White My Fire roof colour pack, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £2,900, then 23 monthly rentals of £145. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 16,000 over 24 months charged at 6.53ppm. Personal contract hire offer on New Corsa Excite 1.4 90PS a/c in Sovereign Silver, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £3,380, then 23 monthly rentals of £169. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 16,000 over 24 months charged at 6.64 ppm.Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Vauxhall Leasing. Package includes Road Fund Licence and Vauxhall Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and Ts&Cs contact your local Retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Vauxhall Leasing, BS16 3JA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Offers available on orders or registrations between 2 July and 7 October 2015. #MPG figures are official test data and may not refl ect real driving results. Offer applies to pre model year 2016 vehicles only. See Retailer for further details. Correct at time of going to press.

NEW 65 PLATE FORD ECOSPORT ZETEC 1.5TDCI METALLIC PAINT AND REVERSING SENSORS, OFFER PRICE £14,199

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

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

01493 664151

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

CITROËN C4 PICASSO

FROM ONLY £146 - £345 PER MONTH ON PERSONAL LEASE° Now, when you’re ferrying the kids here there and everywhere, you can do it in style. With its panoramic windscreen, comfortable high driving position and BlueHDi 150¹ engine offering 148 bhp with just 102g/km CO2 emissions,² you’ll feel like king of the road. Add to this 360° vision parking,³ a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and hey presto, you’re the coolest cat in town.

°Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying models ordered & delivered 01/07-30/09/15 & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months’ graduated vehicle excise duty. Black/metallic/ pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. Elect 4 Personal Lease rentals shown apply to C4 Picasso PureTech 130 S&S manual VTR - C4 Picasso BlueHDi EAT6 auto Exclusive+ respectively. One significant advance rental will be required, which varies by model, followed by 34 monthly rentals at the rates shown & a significant optional final rental. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one months’ rental. Finance subject to status. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited (company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroën Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. Duff Morgan & Vermont Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. To finance your purchase/lease we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability. ¹Available at extra cost on C4 Picasso Exclusive and above. ²Based on C4 Picasso Blue HDi 150 S&S 6-speed manual Exclusive with 17” wheels. ³Optional at extra cost on C4 Picasso Exclusive+.

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: Citroën C4 Picasso THP 165 S&S EAT6 auto Exclusive+ 7.5/37.7, 4.9/57.6, 5.8/48.7, 134. Lowest: Citroën C4 Picasso BlueHDi 100 S&S manual VTR 4.5/62.8, 3.5/80.7, 3.8/74.3, 99. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

DUFF MORGAN 01603 775477

DUFF MORGAN KING’S LYNN 01553 770144

WHIFFLER ROAD, NORWICH, NORFOLK, NR3 2AZ www.duffmorgan.citroen.co.uk

49 BERGEN WAY, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 2JG www.duffmorgankingslynn.citroen.co.uk

the Ultimate

Pick Up Truck

Mitsubishi’s workhorse L200 pickup has been a global hit for years. This fifth-gen model boasts a host of important improvements, says Iain Dooley facts at a glance

Mitsubishi L200 Warrior Double Cab, £23,049 ex VAT Range from £19,750-£25,200 Engine: 2.4-litre diesel unit producing 178bhp, 430NM of torque; Performance: op speed 109mph, 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds; Economy: 42.8mpg combined; Emissions: 173g/km of CO2

DEALER DETAILS

Constitution Motors 142 Constitution Hill, Norwich NR3 4BB Tel: 01603 788800 www.constitutionmotors.co.uk

What’s new? At the turn of the century Mitsubishi cleverly rode the wave that was the trend for ‘lifestyle’ pick ups. No longer utilitarian workhorses, they became lifestyle vehicles for families and some - L200 included were refined enough to be used every day. This all-new L200 builds on the multiuse angle while also delivering important updates to maintain the pick-up’s status as top dog. From cleaner and greener engines to more refined and flexible transmission systems, the L200’s oily bits ensure a more car-like experience. The pick-up’s modest turning circle should help when in town,

and there’s no shortage of room inside the car-like cabin - even for those in the back of the popular double cab variant. Looks and image Base model 4Life aside, the first thing you notice is the L200’s added bling factor. Its new streamlined look is complimented by a considerable amount of chrome, which does much to promote the vehicle’s increasingly important lifestyle status for imageconscious buyers. The L200 hasn’t gone soft though, and remains a seriously tough and capable tool out in the field - a major reason why it’s such a popular choice around the world.

Prices correct at times of going to press

MOTORING

Space and practicality The L200, in double cab guise, is unusual in offering a good amount of room for rear seat occupants. This, coupled with the overall car-like ambience, use of high grade materials and moderate noise levels when on the move, make for a driving experience that’s likely to be low on the fatigue scale - an important issue for business users. Furthermore, in regular pick-up mode access to the load bed is straightforward, towing capacity is generous and don’t forget the vehicle’s flexible all-wheel drive system. Behind the wheel Chassis, suspension and steering changes ensure that the L200 remains a step ahead of its rivals and is possibly the most car-like to drive of the current batch of pick-ups. A modest turning circle helps make town driving and parking easier than before, while changes to the driving position include the introduction of reach adjustable steering - a first for the L200.

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Ditching the previous vehicle’s transmission mode levers for a rotary controller lends an SUV-like feel to proceedings, and makes it much easier to switch between two and four-wheel drive on the move. Factor in cleaner, more advanced diesel engines and the L200 is a refined beast on and off-road. All bar the entry-level model gain a Torsen centre differential, which enhances the vehicle’s flexibility. The result is a pick-up with serious off-roading credentials and the ability to also make light work of motorway miles. Value for money Mitsubishi is keen to stress that this L200 is as much a value champion as it is a working tool. The refined, car-like cabin offers all the usual car-related mod-cons, while the diesel engines boast reduced consumption and enhanced green credentials. The L200’s dual use status also means you could even run one as

the sole family vehicle - there’s certainly enough space in the back of the double cabin for a growing family. Who would buy one? Pick-ups have always attracted attention from the self employed, tradespeople and those in construction thanks to the versatile nature of the beast. In this latest L200’s favour is the considerable value for money element - lots of kit, promise of modest running costs - and its ability to carry and tow more than most rivals. It’s also refined enough to double as a family wagon, which could see you ditching the family car and saving even more cash. This car summed up in a single word: Workmanlike. If this car was… a DIY multitool it would be the one in the shop with more functions than you know what to do with.

September 2015

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Volkswagen Polo £1,500 deposit contribution^ 1 years insurance and 2 years’ servicing at no extra cost* †

Robinsons Volkswagen NORWICH

LOWESTOFT

Heigham Street, Norwich, NR2 4LX. Tel: 01603 612111

Cooke Road Lowestoft, NR33 7NA. Tel: 01502 516831

Find us on:

/robinsonsmotorgroup

@robinsonsgroup

^Deposit contribution, one years’ insurance and 2 years servicing available when purchased on Personal Contract Purchase through Volkswagen Finance. †One year’s insurance included from Volkswagen Insurance on all qualifying new Polo models registered by 30th September 2015 for drivers 21 and over (BlueGT and GTI is 25 and over). Drivers under 21 are not eligible for the insurance offer. The insurance offer excludes Northern Ireland. Other eligibility criteria will apply. Go to www.insurewithvolkswagen.co.uk/polo for full terms and conditions. Volkswagen Motor Insurance is sold and administered by Ageas Retail Limited. *Fixed priced servicing available when purchased with finance. Suitable for new vehicles up to 90 days from date of registration. *Covers routine servicing for 2 years or 20,000 miles whichever comes soonest. All cars must be set to a time and distance service regime. Additional work, including wear and tear, is not included. Terms and conditions apply. Finance subject to status. Accurate at time of publication 1st July 2015. Freepost Volkswagen Finance. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures for the Polo range in mpg

(litres/100km): urban 37.2 (7.6) – 70.6 (4.0); extra urban 55.4 (5.1) – 91.1 (3.1); combined 47.1 (6.0) – 83.1 (3.4). Combined CO2 emissions 139 – 88g/km.

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IT’S RED SUMMER PARTY, SHINGLE STREET Guests at the it’s RED summer party were treated to the idyllic seaside location of Shingle Street to enjoy lunch and a glass of ﬁzz to celebrate the company’s ﬁrst year in business. The copywriting and communications company, run by former national newspaper journalists Richard Porritt and Ellen Widdup, boasts several London-based clients who were invited to sample the delights of Suffolk’s famous Dingley Dell sausages provided by Mark Hayward. Children enjoyed ice creams and games on the beach.

Words and photos by IT’S

RED

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Mark Hayward, Victoria Shelley Louisa Bijker, Victoria Shelley Rachel and James Brindley Kate Hayward, Richard Porritt, Lucy Shipp 11. Peter Widdup and Mark Hayward 12. Sue and Martin Fry

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| JULY 2015

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1 5

PRE SEASON DINNER, NORWICH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Around 400 people enjoyed a pre-season dinner at Carrow Road, to celebrate the club's 80th anniversary at the stadium. The evening, which included a delicious dinner, also saw club captain Russell Martin and ﬁrst team manager Alex Neil talk about their respective roles. It was hosted by BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham and also featured a charity auction in aid of Age UK's Still On The Ball cause.

Photos by ROSS

HAGAN

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high society 13 14

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01. Matty Neale 02. Judy and Roy Seaman 03. Diane and Jonathan Boucher 04. Daniel and Lynsey Seeley 05. Kelly Parsley, Mandy Proctor 06. Kevin and Lee McCowen 07. Joanne and Chris Bunn 08. Marion and Clive Bird

09. Anne and Mark Everard 10. Mike Fagg, Phil Tweedie 11. Sarah and Trev Overton 12. Pam, Matt and David Gregory 13. Richard and Kim Browes 14. John Favley, Tony Valentine 15. Peter and Cindy Waldron

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Craig Beyenton, Carl Wircy David and Janice Moore Jacob and Sarah Bowles Janette and Elliott Fords Tracey Langley, Phil Evans Mick Neale Rachel and Peter Alcock

September 2015

121

5 MINUTES WITH

Olivia Castle Suﬀolk jazz singer Olivia Castle is an old romantic at heart who just loves a glass of Pimms and a trip to the seaside! Visit www.oliviacastle.com

Describe your job to us

I am a professional jazz and swing crossover vocalist, currently based in Suffolk after graduating from university. I have recorded and released my debut album, Siren Song, with Laurie Holloway MBE and am pursuing a recording career. Where were you born and what brought you to Suﬀolk?

I was born in Gorleston, just over the border, but for all 22 years of my life have lived in Suffolk with my family, apart from when attending university in London. What’s your ideal day out in the area?

There are so many wonderful things I love to do in East Anglia, such as paying a visit to Framlingham Castle, crabbing at Walberswick, taking a walk in Dunwich Forest, a trip to Pleasurewood Hills. Notably these all require warm and sunny weather, too. Which iconic Suﬀolk characters do you most admire and why?

My dear friend and Ivor Novello award winning composer Denis King (formerly of The King Brothers) is a Suffolk man I admire greatly for his musical prowess. He loved the area when composing the theme for ‘Lovejoy’, which was set in East Anglia, and now lives on the Suffolk coast. We regularly work together and his continued support has been invaluable to me. What’s your favourite pub in Suﬀolk and what do you like to drink there?

The White Horse in Easton is my nearest local. It is a building with a lot of character and very

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September 2015

friendly staff. I don’t regularly drink alcohol as it dries up the vocal chords but I am partial to a cocktail or spritzer. Pimms is definitely my drink of choice in the summer. Where do you like to eat out in Suﬀolk and why? And what do you order?

The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell is a favourite place for me. Great British grub, a fantastic atmosphere and lovely location. I like to change it up and never order the same thing twice. What do you miss most when you leave the region?

It’s always startling to me, when returning to Suffolk, how quiet everything is. I have found I can take for granted the more leisurely way of life here and everything seems much noisier when I leave. So I certainly miss the peacefulness of the area, and also obviously the people I love who live in the county.

“I toyed with the idea of pursuing a career as a musical theatre actress, so perhaps I am slightly biased towards that art form.” What are you reading at the moment?

A book called The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks, who most people will know as the author of The Notebook. The film adaptation has just been released in cinemas too, so I am planning on seeing that soon. I love a good romance novel. Would you prefer a day in the countryside or a day on the Suﬀolk coast? Why?

Although I currently live in the countryside, I grew up in Southwold on the coast and still have a lot of connections with the town. So for me you can’t beat the joys of the Suffolk seaside, especially the fish and chips! Opera, musical, drama or movie - which would you prefer to watch? And what was the last production/show you saw?

I love them all, however I toyed with the idea of pursuing a career as a musical theatre actress, so perhaps I am slightly biased towards that art form. I last saw Miss Saigon (a favourite of mine) in London recently. It was incredibly moving and the quality of performance was breath taking. Sum up Suﬀolk in three words

Sleepy southern charm. Sum up yourself in three words

Hopelessly unashamedly romantic.

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