FineCity Magazine - April 2015

Issue 41 April 2015

Photographer daniel tink presents the best of his stunning Norfolk landscapes

FINEplaces

interview

This month we meet Richard Draper MBE, co-founder of the Benjamin Foundation

festival

We showcase the superb regional talent coming to the Norfolk Festival in May

FINEpeople FINEarts

spring walks

Steve Browning suggests five walks around Norwich for the warmer weather

FINELIVING

NORWICH

Advice tailored for you Leathes Prior is one of East Anglia’s leading law firms providing a full range of services for corporate, public sector and individual clients.

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Issue 41 April 2015

Photographer DANIEL TINK presents the best of his stunning Norfolk landscapes

FINEPLACES

FESTIVAL

We showcase the superb regional talent coming to the Norfolk Festival in May

FINEPEOPLE FINEARTS

FINE places

NORWICH

Issue 41

60

42

SPRING WALKS

Steve Browning suggests five walks around Norwich for the warmer weather

FINELIVING

FINE people

INTERVIEW

This month we meet Richard Draper MBE, co-founder of the Benjamin Foundation

Your community magazine Cover image by Daniel Tink @ScenicNorfolk www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk FineCity Magazine would like to thank all those who have contributed to this issue. This includes but is not limited to: Pete Goodrum, Stephen Browning, Daniel Tink, Tony Cooper and Marie Blake.

FINE arts

FINE living Editor Jonathan Horswell Jonathan@FineCity.co.uk Advertising Harry@FineCity.co.uk Editorial editorial@FineCity.co.uk Design design@FineCity.co.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

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FineCityMag @FineCityMag Tel 01953 456789 Web www.FineCity.co.uk Address Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk. NR17 2AE.

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© FineCity Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the Publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions.

They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

2015 April | 03

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Sprowston Manor With their 1559 restaurant, as well as a modern café, bar and grill, there’s something for everyone to enjoy What do you do on your lunch hour? Go for a walk? Go to the local supermarket? How about a change of scenery and head to Sprowston Manor, Marriott Hotel & Country Club.

We have had our Head Chef hard at work and he has created a new lunch time menu which is guaranteed to fill you up on your lunch hour. We have a range of dishes to suit all pallets, from juicy burgers to our signature pumpkin ravioli, you will be sure to find your next favourite lunch time treat! You would be dining in our idyllic and stylish 1559 Restaurant which boasts a comfortable and calm atmosphere as well as courteous and efficient staff to make your lunch time hour a relaxed one.

If our 1559 Restaurant isn’t for you, why not take a trip to our www.finecity.co.uk

relaxed Zest Café, Bar and Grill.

A new full menu of appealing dishes is served all day and is the ideal location for those who prefer a leisurely lunch hour.

With gorgeous views of our PGA Championship golf course and live sports feeds, it is certainly a place where you could lose a few hours easily. We are now proudly serving Starbucks and Tazo teas at Zest so if you do not have time to sit and enjoy a coffee, you can always order your Grande Caramel Macchiato to go so you can head back to work whilst enjoying the comfort of your favourite beverage.

For more information on either our 1559 Restaurant or Zest Café, Bar and Grill, please contact our restaurant team on 01603 410871.

We now proudly serve Starbucks!

Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club are now serving Starbucks in our Zest Café, Bar and Grill.

Treat yourself to a Caramel Macchiato, latte or an Americano, get yourself cosy and watch the world go by whilst enjoying the picturesque views.

Zest Café, Bar & Grill is open from 8am until 4pm, Monday – Sunday.

For more information please call the Zest team on 01603 254 292

Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club Wroxham Road (P)+441603410871 (W) MarriottSprowstonManor.co.uk

Subject to availability

2015 April | 05

Woodforde’s Taps into New Generation of Ale Drinkers Real ale increases in popularity amongst younger drinkers Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales is delighted to be supporting a new generation of real ale enthusiasts after research carried out by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) revealed Britain’s favourite tipple is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people.

The Norfolk brewer is sponsoring The University of East Anglia’s (UEA) new Real Ale Society, which was set up after the organisers identified a thirst for real ale on campus. In its first few months it already has an impressive 87 new members.

CAMRA’s research discovered 28 per cent of real ale drinkers are now aged between 18 to 34 years old and each year there is an increase of the number of younger people being attracted to real ale.

Rupert Farquharson, managing director of Woodforde’s comments: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be supporting the UEA’s Real Ale Society and I’m really looking forward to working with it to enhance its members’ appreciation of what a special product real ale is.

“Woodforde’s has certainly seen a rise in the number of younger people enjoying the tasting and understanding of real ale. It’s proving a very exciting time for us as we ‘tap’ into a whole new generation of ale drinkers.”

Founder of the UEA’s Real Ale Society James Blackwell, continues: “I’m thrilled to have 87 members of the ale society so

far which includes international students from the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Latvia.

“Woodforde’s has been extremely supportive to the society members by providing brewery tours, sponsoring our t-shirts and offering information.”

The society holds regular meet-ups at pubs across Norfolk in a bid to keep discovering

different ales and have already attended the Norwich CAMRA and Wetherspoons ale festivals.

In addition the society is having preliminary discussions with the UEA’s Union to co-host their very own ale festival.

If you are a UEA student and wish to join the society, please email j.blackwell@uea.ac.uk

Contact Keep up to date with the UEA Real Ale Society by following them: Facebook: groups/ uearealale Twitter: @uearealale

For more information about Woodforde’s visit www.woodfordes.co.uk

06 | April 2015

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Party & Prom - Special Dresses for Special Occasions If you’re searching for something a little bit different to wear for that special occasion, look no further than Party & Prom, a specialist boutique tucked away in the heart of Long Stratton.

Party & Prom’s owner, Hazel Hallett, explains: “I am probably the biggest stockist of specialoccasion wear in South Norfolk, and many of my customers are prepared to travel for over an hour to take advantage of this – as well as the warm welcome and attention that they receive when they visit.

“The best part of this job is the look on a woman’s face as she comes out of the changing room and sees her reflection in the large mirror, having found that perfect dress.”

Party & Prom stocks more than 500 dresses. “I want to provide my customers with the opportunity to try a wide range of styles and colours,” says Hazel.

“I have found that having a good www.finecity.co.uk

selection of beautifully designed dresses has helped greatly in meeting the needs of my customers, who may be attending all manner of events – a military or charity ball, a wedding, cruise or Masonic ladies evening and, of course, girls who are going to their High School Prom.”

The ‘prom season’ has been an exciting time for Party & Prom with hundreds of girls snapping up their dream prom dress. And, in Hazel’s experience, buying a prom dress can be a real family affair, with everyone, including grandparents, coming along to be part of the experience. She adds: “Many girls have a good idea of the style of dress that they want to buy before they arrive, and this is helped greatly

by our extensive website that shows all our current dresses and gives a description of each.”

However, with any dress it is important that you get the fit, style and colour correct for each girl and this is where Party & Prom’s experience is invaluable. “We will give honest advice every time with no high-pressure selling. We often say that the dress chooses the girl rather than the other way around!

And, once you have chosen the dress, it’s time to accessorise with a pair of heels, bag and jewellery if you want to take home an outfit that is truly ready to go.”

Party & Prom also offers the opportunity to book a private appointment, giving the customer individual attention and exclusive use of the shop. “Many customers

prefer to have personal attention when they are making a special purchase, and we are very happy to offer appointments when the shop isn’t open and on evenings and Sundays,” says Hazel. “We understand that our customers have busy lives and need to shop when it is convenient for them – and not just between 9am and 5pm.”

Party & Prom is located in a Grade II listed building giving a quirky, intimate feel to the shop – a million miles away from the uniformity of the high street shops dominating our towns and cities. There is free parking right outside the door and time for a chat to find out what each customer really wants; good old fashioned customer service and boutique shopping at its best.

Visit the website at www.partyprom.co.uk

To book an appointment call Hazel on 01508 218050 or book online from our website or Facebook page facebook.com/partyandprom 2015 April | 07

Gorgeous Planters for the Spring!

Spring at Posh Plants, with Sue Huckle There’s still a definite chill in the air. The elder in the house reminds me the easterly blast in 1947 that brought the country to a halt lasted until mid March!

So, we’re not there yet, but the signs of spring are all around.

Birds are pairing up and looking for good nesting sites, so, I have to keep a close eye on my large topiary plants as they seem to be the most prized of avian residential addresses. Not an easy task as, within the blink of an eye a pair of goldfinches can proudly take possession of a twisted stemmed bay. I even have a blue tit who has already had several viewings of a small cavity in the frame of my trailer. This is not helpful when the wedding season is fast approaching, meaning plants will be hired out and the trailer will

soon be dashing around Norfolk… hopefully without extra passengers!

In the nursery there is much tidying and sorting out of plants as well as propagating, sowing seeds and planing new areas for growing cut flowers and vegetables.

Great crested newts, frogs and toads are stirring under pots, but they don’t seem to be in such a deep slumber now. A mouse, or maybe its the pretty vole we disturbed a couple of weeks ago is seeking vengeance by working its way through pots of emerging tulips!

Never a dull moment!

As the weather warms up our thoughts turn to the garden.

There’s always the temptation to rush outside armed with shiny new tools, seed packets and the latest gardening book. The sun

Posh Plants

topiary, plants, shrubs and trees to hire or buy

Sue Huckle is the inspiration behind many award winning gardens, offering a professional and creative approach to the art and science of garden design.

At Seven Acres Nursery we have a range of lovely plants and containers for sale, as well as our beautiful collection of large topiary plants available to hire for weddings, parties and your workplace!

07703 347014 email: sue@poshplants.com website: www.poshplants.com

Posh Plants, Seven Acres Nursery, Common Road, East Tuddenham, NR20 3NF

08 | April 2015

may be out, but the ground is still very squelchy here, so try to refrain from working on the garden too much. Bulbs are emerging and perennials are starting to come up, so be aware that there’s a lot happening just under the soil that you can’t see and you certainly don’t want to destroy.

There’s nothing worse than the sound and feel of treading on an unseen daffodil plant.

Keep the green fingers busy by concentrating on some well placed planters to enjoy near the house. Fill some tasteful metal or ceramic pots with box balls, or a lovely yew cone. These sturdy

containers are strong enough to withstand blustery winds. It’s not too late to plant up some bulbs along with some spring flowering plants such as primulas and bellis, then trail some pretty ivy over the side. Pots of bulbs and plants as well as a good selection of pots and planters are available at the nursery, so choose your favourite ones and get creative!

Sue Huckle, Posh Plants, Seven Acres Nursery, Common Road, East Tuddenham NR20 3NF email: sue@poshplants.com www.poshplants.com www.finecity.co.uk

Make The Most Of Your Retirement We are all living longer and planning to do more with our free time... ...But a changing economic climate and pension provisions mean many people don’t often have the money to realise their retirement dreams.

Equity release is beginning to play an important role for home owners aged over 55 and in my experience the most important factors for people seeking advice is to demonstrate and be able to guarantee the following: • There must be a ‘no negative equity guarantee’ to safeguard your beneficiaries • Y ou have the right to sell your home at any time to down-size or move into other accommodation, the amount owed is then repaid with any balance transferred to your bank account

• No monthly payments are made, as interest is rolled up on a lifetime mortgage.

If a Home Reversion plan is more suitable you would sell a proportion of your property and remain in your home for life with no roll up of interest on the percentage of the value retained.

• Y ou are able to remain in your own home for as long as you wish • M oney borrowed will be at a fixed rate of interest for life, is tax-free, and can be used for any purpose There are many reasons why people raise money using Equity Release: to repay an existing mortgage, home improvements, buy a motor home, travel abroad, help their children with house

purchase or to enhance their own lifestyle. Before making any decisions you are advised to seek independent professional advice from a person qualified and approved by the FCA. This can be checked on the FCA Register: www.fca.org.uk/register or telephone 0800 111 6768.

Before deciding whether Equity Release is suitable for you, your questions should be answered to your total satisfaction, be prepared to take time over this, never be rushed into something if you are in any doubt. If you are single or living on your own, consider inviting a friend or a family member to be with you. This will enable you to discuss and reflect on the advice given. In my opinion you should not make any decision at the first meeting. This should be to establish whether the person giving you the advice is acceptable

to you or not before asking him or her to obtain further information specific to your own needs.

It is an FCA requirement that Keyfacts are given to you and thoroughly explained, this may be from two or three providers to assess the most suitable before making your decision to apply for either a lump sum of money, income or to secure a facility that will allow you to draw down sums as and when required.

There are many options available to you hence the reason why it is necessary to be fully informed.

For further information please call me on 01508 483983 or visit my website: www. businessmattersifa.co.uk My FCA number is 301141 Michael Boon Cert PFS CeMAP CeRER - member of the Equity Release Council.

Make the most of your retirement Michael Boon is your local Equity Release Council member for professional independent advice.

If you are interested in releasing a tax-free lump sum from your home then Michael will be delighted to guide you through the different types of equity release schemes available to find the best plan for your needs.

To find out more call Michael on 01508 483983 or visit www.businessmattersifa.co.uk

with equity release

Equity release schemes allow you to release tax-free cash from your home to boost your finances in later life • Many clients use this money to repay an existing mortgage, make home improvements, buy a new car and even go on a holiday of a life time, while others may wish to offer financial assistance to their children or to improve their own quality of life in retirement.

• Business Matters is qualified and registered through the Financial Conduct Authority to offer a valuable equity release service for homeowners aged 55 or over.

• Business Matters only recommend approved schemes from The Equity Release Council.

BusinessMatters

This is a lifetime mortgage, to understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration.

Business Matters is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 301141.

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 April | 09

Tiles Away, Tile Suppliers Use Tiles Away for all your tiling needs We have a huge range of stunning wall tiles, all of which are complemented by a similarly large selection of good looking and durable floor tiles.

Whether you’re looking for something for your kitchen, bathroom or fireplace, we have the perfect set of tiles for you – including some of the most modern and sophisticated types of glass, ceramic and mosaic tiles. Come to our showroom in Norwich and we can discuss how you can make your tile ideas into a reality – as well as providing you with all the right tools and accessories to finish the job.

Wall Tiles At Tiles Away we have the perfect range of high quality wall tiles for your kitchen and bathroom.

Available in an unbelievable range of styles, colours, textures and finished, we can provide

you with the right tile for you to achieve you design ideas, whether you want to create a calm and cool uniform feel to your space or if you’re looking to mix and match co-ordinated tiles to achieve a vibrant and evocative finish.

Floor Tiles All of our floor tiles are tested to the very highest quality standards, ensuring that we provide you with a tile that’s strong and durable enough to last for a lifetime and beyond.

Our floor tiles for your kitchen and bathroom are available in a number of styles and textures, all of which are proven to work well in high moisture environments.

Choose a single style for an ultraclean finish, or mix and match to create floor tile patterns.

Kitchen Tiles At Tiles Away we’ve got a simply

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stunning selection of kitchen tiles, suitable for every design idea and style.

Ranging from bright, vibrant colours through to neutral tones and hues, whether you’re looking for wall tiles or floor tiles for your kitchen, we’re sure that we can help you find the right tile for you.

All of our tiles are manufactured and quality tested to the very highest standard, providing you with tiles that not only look amazing, but will last for many years to come.

Bathroom Tiles At Tiles Away we stock a massive range of bathroom tiles suitable for every style, with just the right colour scheme for you.

We are able to supply you with bathroom floor tiles and wall tiles that will not only give you a superb finish, but are also incredibly practical and easy to clean. Our selection also includes shower tiles and bathroom tiles that have been designed to mix and match

a truly stunning style. One of the most popular styles we stock is Victorian, which are an ideal addition to your restored or original fireplace.

easily, allowing you to achieve the exact look you’re after. If you require more assistance, why not give us a call or drop into our Norwich showroom.

– whether it be for their kitchen, bathroom, walls or floor.

From vintage Victorian tiles through to modern and contemporary designer tiles, we’ve got such a great selection of tiles that we can not only fulfil your design expectations, but can also inspire and excite you with new possibilities.

Tile Ideas At Tiles Away we have over 60 room settings available to help you find tile ideas for your perfect room.

We’ve had years of experience helping our customers make their dream designs into a reality

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Brilliant ideas for your perfect room

01603 626041 Email sales@tilesaway.co.uk www.tilesaway.co.uk 12 Derby Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4PU

10 | April 2015

Fireplace Tiles Tiles Away can supply you with a wide range of durable, heat resistance fireplace tiles.

Whatever style of fireplace tile you are looking for, we are confident we can help. Our range of decorative tiles will finish off your tiled fireplace in

If you need any help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact our showroom on 01603 626041. www.finecity.co.uk

About EACH

Ride for Life launched to Support Nook Appeal and Quidenham Hospice East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) largest and longest-running fundraising event ‘Ride For Life’ returns for the 22nd time this summer.

This year it’ll be in a new location, with new routes and is taking place in aid of both the nook appeal and the charity’s existing hospice in Quidenham.

Cyclists and walkers are being encouraged to dust off their saddles and clean up their walking boots for the event which takes place on Sunday 14th June.

Mayday in Thetford Forest is the new venue, having been previously hosted in Santon Downham, and participants can take part in 3, 6 or 12 mile forest walks, 5,10 or 25 mile off-road cycle rides and 16 or 38 mile on-road cycle rides.

The 5 mile off-road cycle www.finecity.co.uk

ride and the 12 mile walk will raise funds for the nook appeal, while funds raised from the other events will support the charity’s Quidenham hospice and current services in Norfolk.

There will be stalls, activities, live music and wellearned refreshments available, making it a great day out for all.

Green Ventures Bikes in Brunel Way, Thetford, which is a social enterprise run by Keystone Development Trust, will be at the event to offer cycle repairs and adjustments and will be asking for donations to EACH. They will also be selling bike accessories and parts.

Mark Loades, EACH Norfolk Partnerships Manager, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Ride for Life which is going to be bigger and better than before. We’re at a new location at Mayday in Thetford Forest so there’s more space and the routes will de different, which is especially important for many of our supporters who attend every year.

“The event will raise funds for the nook appeal to build a new children’s hospice and will also raise funds to support our current services in Norfolk and this is a vital message we need to get across to our supporters that we need to keep our current services going as well as raising funds for our exciting new project.

“Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist or rambler, or want to try something new, please signup for a great day out with a charitable cause at its heart.”

EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk.

Care and support is tailored for the needs of all family members and delivered where the families wish – in their own home, at hospital, in the community or at one of three hospices in Ipswich, Milton and Quidenham.

EACH delivers a wide range of services including short-break care, emotional & psychological support, symptom management, care at end of life, bereavement support and many activities & therapies.

We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income and need to raise almost £6 million to deliver our services this year – £16,000 a day, every day of the year.

EACH Royal Patron – Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.

For more information about EACH, including forthcoming events and how you can help raise funds, visit www.each. org.uk or call the Norfolk fundraising office on: 01953 666767.

Keep in touch: www.each.org.uk www.twitter.com/EACH_ hospices www.facebook.com/ EACHhospices

Registration opens later this month, but you can register your interest now at www.each.org.uk 2015 April | 11

The Norfolk Youth Music Trust Still going strong after nearly 40 years Originally founded by Ivor R.Hosgood MBE in October 1977 as Music at Saint George’s, its aim was, for a short period, as fund-raiser to refurbish the organ at St George’s Church in Tombland. It provided a public platform to encourage performing opportunities for both young and mature musicians.

Hundreds of musicians (including public and state school instrumental and vocal ensembles) not only from the UK, but also Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Hungary, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, the Ukraine and the United States of America have been helped to find a public platform for their talents.

The violinist Alan Brind (the winner of the 1986 BBC Young Musician Competition) appeared in this series with his sisters, Bridget and Clare, shortly after his success.

In 1993, the trust launched the Norfolk Young Musician Competition to identify the most talented of county-based youth, and in the same year, encouraged sufficient private donations to purchase a grand piano to allow the promotion of piano recitals.

The 1996 winner, the Diss violinist Alex Redington, went on to form the Doric String Quartet. (Since 2001, the Competition has been administered by the Michael Badminton Young Musician Trust.)

Between 1995 and 2000, the trust joined with the local centres of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, and Trinity College London, to promote in public concert the prizewinners of each year’s examinations and other selected young musicians.

skills and provide the public with entertainment at competitive prizes.

During this time, it has raised thousands of pounds for the benefit of young Norfolk musicians, and the trust has made grants and donations totalling over £26,400 mainly to help young musicians to meet the cost of their specialist music tuition, living and travelling costs, whilst training to become professionals.

In 2001, the trust launched an annual scholarship to cover the cost of bought-in tuition for the most promising student at the University of East Anglia’s School of Music. (The last scholarship was awarded in July 2014 prior to the closure of the University’s School of Music.)

The trust keeps in touch with its potential patrons by publishing its Annual Report and Accounts and other news on-line.

Funding has been provided by numerous commercial sources, including Xerox UK Ltd (19802000) and the John Lewis Partnership plc (1994-2011) and many local charitable trusts (including the John Jarrold Trust

Ltd, the Music Sales Charitable Trust, the Norfolk Community Foundation, the Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, the Paul Morgan Charitable Trust, and the Smith and Pinching Charitable Trust, and local authorities, as well as many private donations.

In 1999, Norwich City Council presented a Civic Award for the trust’s ‘outstanding contribution to the City of Norwich’. Other awards have included a nomination for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2011, and it was shortlisted in the People’s Choice EDP Norfolk Arts Awards 2012.

The next Young Musicians’ Concert is planned for Sunday 31 January 2016 in the United Reformed Church, Princes Street, Norwich, at 2.30 p.m.

The Norfolk Youth Music Trust, Wahnfried, 4 Church Close, Buxton, Norwich NR10 5ER. Telephone 01603 279742 E-mail info@norfolk-youthmusic-trust.org.uk Website www.norfolk-youthmusic-trust.org.uk

“It has raised thousands of pounds for the benefit of young Norfolk musicians” In 1995, when it became a registered charitable trust, its aims have been ‘To promote, encourage, maintain, develop and improve public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music in all its aspects within the county of Norfolk.

Since that date, its aims have been amended to include highlytalented young musicians.

Its occasional publicperforming opportunities have been promoted in central Norwich churches, not only at St George’s in Tombland, but also in St George’s in Colegate, St Andrew’s, and the United Reformed Church in Princes Street.

Between 1982 and between 2001, the trust commissioned 17 new works.

Between 1988 and 2000, the trust promoted 16 events in the Norfolk & Norwich Festival.

12 | April 2015

Since 2001 (when the trust adopted its present name) the trust has also aimed to help the development of highly-talented Norfolk-based young musicians to pursue careers as professionals by offering annual grants. Successful applicants will already be highly skilled in one or more of the six disciplines (brass, keyboard, percussion, strings, voice and woodwind) and will be either undergoing a period of study at a music college or specialist school, or who have made plans to do so. Such help has been always been given both voluntarily and without payment. (In 2015, the Norwich violinist Sarah Gure was the winner of such a grant.)

During its life-time, the trust has promoted 265 public lunchtime, afternoon and evening events, which have enabled musicians to both hone their performing

IVOR R.HOSGOOD MBE Chairman-Secretary & Trustee The Norfolk Youth Music Trust

www.finecity.co.uk

East Anglian Brass Band Association P R E S E N T S

Leyland Band

Sunday 10th May 2015 St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich 6:30pm

Leyland Band to Perform in Norwich On Sunday 10th May 2015, the East Anglian Brass Band Association is proud to present its 77th Annual Gala concert In 2015 the Association welcomes the famous Leyland Band, who are currently ranked 13th in the world, to St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.

For over sixty years the Leyland Band has been performing quality entertainment across the United Kingdom and abroad. Leyland has won the “Brass In Concert Championships” five times which reinforces the band’s first class reputation on the concert platform.

The band’s repertoire is extensive and broad to appeal to all tastes.

The concert commences at 6.30pm on Sunday 10th May. Tickets costing £14.00, £16.00 and £18.00 are now on sale.

For more information and tickets email either the Association Chairman christine@scwade.eclipse. co.uk or the Association Secretary administration@ eabba7.freeserve.co.uk or telephone the Association Secretary on 01473 626986.

Box Office 01473 626986 administration@ebba7.freeserve.co.uk Charity number 1062760

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 April | 13

Mustard TV Mustard TV launch a campaign of fun and fund raising to celebrate their first year of broadcasting!

March 24th 2015 was Mustard TV’s first birthday! And to celebrate they’ve launched a year of activities and fundraising.

‘It seems incredible that we’ve already arrived at our first birthday’, said Mustard’s Managing Director Fiona Ryder.

‘It’s been a huge year for us and we wanted to mark it by

14 | April 2015

contributing to local charities’.

Speaking at the launch, Fiona Ryder explained, ‘Our birthday fund is being run in association with the Norfolk Community Foundation, an independent charity which is part of a worldwide charitable network of community foundations. It aims to build a stronger community in Norfolk by making it easier to give money to address the real needs that exist in our communities locally’.

The Mustard Celebration Fund will be helping Big C, Leeway and Nelsons Journey.

Throughout the year Mustard will be working with the three charities and highlighting some of their amazing

activities on Mustard TV And you can get involved too. Perhaps you could offer a ‘money can’t buy’ prize for a charity auction or encourage your colleagues to do something fun to raise money. You may even end up on telly doing your bit to make a difference for people in Norfolk. The easiest way to raise money is via the Virgin Money Giving page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MustardTV Mustard Celebration Fund T shirts and merchandise are already on sale and feature Norfolk phrases, selected by Ted Peachment at the Friends of Norfolk Dialect. You can choose from ‘On the huh’, ‘Thas a rummun’ or ‘Keep a troshin’!

If you dare, enter the auction to win a flight with local aerobatics team Wildcats who have donated the amazing opportunity.

fiona ryder

‘It’s going to be a year of fun, fund raising and heightened awareness of great local causes’, said Fiona Ryder.

‘Go to the website, or call in to the shop at Prospect House.

But most of all be involved!’

Mustard TV Ltd, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1RE Telephone 01603 628311 www.finecity.co.uk

Alcosa Inspiring your home

01953 602482 | www.alcosa.co.uk 1 Penfold Drive, Wymondham NR18 0WZ

www.finecity.co.uk

At Alcosa you’ll find the finest fireplaces, woodburning and multifuel stoves and fireplace accessories in this region. We have a fine showroom, with over 60 exquisite wood stoves, gas fires and cookers to view, many set in live displays.

Our distinctive range of product will fuel your imagination.

Our diverse collection includes the popular Clearview stoves, Harrie Leenders ceiling mounted and rotatable stoves, Piazzetta double and triple sided stoves and the elegant Rais stoves range and Gazco gas fires.

We have a real passion and expertise for quality and have carefully selected these fine products. We offer a complete package from initial consultation, demonstration, design and installation and our Hetas accredited and registered for wood burning, solid fuel, stoves,

fireplace’s and chimney work.

Located on the outskirts of the historic market town of Wymondham in Norfolk. Our showroom is just off the A11 and we have a large free car park.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.

Alcosa Engineering Ltd, 1 Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ Tel: 01953 602482 www.alcosa.co.uk

2015 April | 15

Graham Torbitt Kitchens and Interiors Quality craftsmanship and design Whilst every kitchen is different The high street is flooded with a few things are consistent, kitchen and bathroom outlets all all clients are looking for value promising the world and busy trying to convince you that they are for money, expert advice and the answer to your problems, each personal service. Whilst I can compete with the ‘sheds’ I like adapting their product to fit your to work with my clients advising particular requirements regardless them on all aspects of the design, of whether it is the best solution. selection of materials, appliances As an independent kitchen specialist with vast experience of and accessories to help them the industry and having designed achieve a beautiful and functional kitchen within their budget. and installed every type of Working with both private kitchen from luxurious English clients, builders and developers Bespoke to Italian high gloss, I understand the need to control French Country or German costs whilst balancing this minimalist I’m in the unique against the need to produce a position of being able to offer beautiful, well designed kitchens. personal service, a vast range A Shaker kitchen may be ideal of products to suit all tastes, sound knowledge of the currents for some but an open plan living kitchen dining room with calm fashion and design trends and neutral colours and clean lines all without being tied to specific GTKI Fine City half-page L_Fine City GTKI 16/03/2015 11:41 Page 1 will be better for others, fashion manufacturers or ranges.

magazines show aspirational lifestyle kitchens but a similar look can often be achieved through careful selection of materials at a significantly lower budget.

The furniture is only part of the kitchen with detailed knowledge of Granite, Corian, Quartz, Encore, Maia, glass, wood and laminates for the worksurfaces I can advise on the correct selection, supply and installation of these too. I normally supply Siemens or Neff appliances as they offer German quality at sensible prices but I am happy to advise on all brands and the correct combination thereof as dictated by the type of property and individual client’s specifications.

Great furniture and appliances is only part of the kitchen, with over 25 years experience of kitchens and construction I can offer you a complete package including all the installation, building works, flooring, tiling, decoration and many other specialist trades all undertaken

Kitchens and Interiors The kitchen is the heart of the home.

That’s why at Graham Torbitt Kitchens and Interiors we provide quality craftsmanship, contemporary design, unique and fresh ideas to bring you the kitchen you desire. With over 25 years experience, let us put the heart back into your home.

by my team experienced and appropriately qualified fitters.

I am delighted to talk to clients about any project, big or small, and advise on the best solutions for their kitchen, the initial design and consultation is free of charge and without obligation. Therefore, if I can be of any service to you please do not hesitate in contacting me either by phone or email.

Telephone 01603 327727 Email graham@gtki.co.uk Web www.gtki.co.uk

Contemporary, classic or chic modern

Bespoke design and budget

Creative solutions

Integrity and expert advice

Professional service

Free consultation

Inhouse at Premier Marble 3 Dewings Road, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6PS

01603 327727 | www.gtki.co.uk | graham@gtki.co.uk 16 | April 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

Artificial Grass Company Norwich Transform your garden with artificial grass

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For a FREE quotation please call 01603 554128 or 07794 410208

Hillside Office Supplies Office supplies for every business

www.hillsideofficesupplies.co.uk

www.finecity.co.uk

Based in Norfolk near Diss, Hillside Office Supplies Ltd aim is to supply a fast, reliable, friendly service to all of our customers, which ever size of business you are: Large,Medium or Small.

Our portfolio has over 25,000 stationery & office supplies ranging from a humble stapler up to office furniture.

Our Norfolk based sales team are extremely helpful with over 25 years of experience in the office supplies industry.

At Hillside Office Supplies Ltd, we are committed to providing

our customers with an easy way of ordering their office supplies, either online line or the old fashion way by telephone.

Call Diss 01379 688090 or email darren@ hillsideofficesupplies.co.uk Visit our website: www. hillsideofficesupplies.co.uk Address: Hillside Office Supplies Ltd, Diss Norfolk, Tanns Lane, North Lopham, Diss, Norfolk IP22 2LZ 2015 April | 17

£2795 Saab 9-3 1.9 Sedan Turbo Edition

Hagstrom Saab As you will see we are passionate about Saabs, and with good reason As an independent specialist and now an Authorised Saab Repairer and Parts Supplier, we have a wide range of Saabs for sale and offer servicing, repairs, spares, accessories, MOTs, power upgrades, modifications, air-conditioning and friendly advice! We have a Gargantuan supply of s/h mechanical parts in stock not yet listed on our accessories/parts page. We are situated just south of Norwich in Norfolk, East Anglia. We have Tech II diagnostic equipment.

Courtesy cars are provided where necessary and every tradein proposal is considered. We accept most credit cards, online bank transfers, payment via paypal and orders may be placed by phone and posted internationally.

We are open Monday-Saturday and Sundays by appointment.

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Browsing through our Facebook page, Hagstrom Saab: Independent Saab Specialist, Norfolk, will give you a flavour of what we’re about!

We have a particularly good stock of new parts for the Saab 96 and Saab 95 which are often difficult to find.

Looking for a SAAB? If the model you’re searching isn’t listed, we may be able to source it for you through our web of connections. We can also provide a home to any retired or surplus Saabs you have with a view to keeping them on the road.

We have an extensive range of literature and what has been described as an Aladdin’s Cave of accessories and parts. We look forward to meeting you.

Saab 9-3 1.9 Turbo Diesel Sport Wagon

Saab 9-3 Anniversary Convertible - £3995

Tom Hagstrom

CMYK / .eps

Hagstrom Saab Authorised Saab repairer and parts supplier We have a great variety of Saabs for sale

We offer: Servicing • MOT • All repairs Tech II diagnostics • Key programing • Air con Advice and courtesy cars available

www.hagstromsaab.co.uk

18 | April 2015

£6200 Saab 9-3 Vector Convertible Auto

Contact Hagstrom Saab, Unit B Gale Business Park, Ayton Road, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0QQ. Only 2 minutess drive from the A11, 5 minutes walk to Wymondham Station.

Mobile 07946 467654 Landline 01953 602754 info@hagstromsaab.co.uk www.hagstromsaab.co.uk

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Anglian Internet Your local IT solutions provider Anglian Internet “East Anglia’s Premier Computer Retailer” offer everything Computer and IT related. We have shops in Norwich, Wymondham and Dereham and have been in business over 17 years giving a professional friendly service to our customers.

We sell Computers and Laptops and we repair them to.

We have the best range of PC hardware and consumables in stock in East Anglia. We offer Home callouts to fix broadband and networking problems.

Our Business side supports many local business customers

who have Windows Servers and large networks. We are a Microsoft certified partner and have the expertise to keep your business running 24/7.

We are currently working with Microsoft to convert more business customers onto the Office 365 platform. If you need a no obligation quote then contact our Business IT Support team on 01603 400200.

Anglian Internet, Technology House, Rowntree Way, Norwich NR7 8SH. Telephone 01603 400200 www.anglianinternet.co.uk

Trinity Stained Glass Stained glass in stock, design your own, or even buy the tools to have a go yourself Your traditional stained glass window, and even the more modern designs of stained glass can fill the household with an abundance of variety, colour and individuality.

The presence of a stained glass window brings class and vibrancy into any room adding a unique feature whether it’s in a large barn conversion or a small terrace house.

Of course, there’s not only a large choice of ready made and also reclaimed windows to choose from at trinity stained glass, there is also the option of you designing your own piece tailored to your individual ideas and tastes. We at trinity stained glass can give you as much or as little help with your design as you need.

With spring finally here there’s no better time to have your www.finecity.co.uk

bowed or broken stained glass panels repaired and brought back to their former glory. We do free quotations either by email or site visits to assess your damage.

If you fancy trying a new hobby, trinity stained glass sells all the tools, materials, books and over 400 different coloured and textured glass to enable you to make anything from a leaded door panel to smaller sun catchers to hang in your window, mirrors, lamps and terrariums. Starter kits are available from £96 or we sell all the items individually.

We will give as much advice and help as we can to help you along your way.

All enquiries to trinitystained glass@btconnect.com or 01603 622099. 103 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY 2015 April | 19

The inside of Cow Tower showing the defensive strength of the walls

Walk 1

There are few places as beautiful as Norwich in the Spring-time. Here Stephen Browning suggests five walks for the warmer weather

20 | April 2015

A walk from the station along the river incorporating Pull’s Ferry, Bishop’s Bridge and Cow Tower This walk begins at the station – there is only one now but there used to be three – as you get off an imaginary train from London pulling in to platform 2. The first thing to catch the eye is the Victorian wrought-iron pillars and intricate roof supports, now restored to their former glory in hues of lavender, white and powder blue. The concourse is large and bright as befits a major trading city. Stepping outside and looking back the view is more of an impressive country house, which was exactly what was intended by the eminent local builder, J. Young and Son, when he built the station in the years when Imperial pomp was at its height. It was formally opened in 1888: the year before had been Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

Cross the street ahead of you and turn right past Foundry Bridge and you will find yourself on the banks of the River Wensum.

Immediately below is Norwich Yacht Station. Looking up the river on a summer’s day, many pleasure craft, small and large, can be seen moored on the river.

The River Wensum itself meanders around the city and is part of the Norfolk Broads National Park, although not all of it is navigable to large craft. The area is home to a large and, at times, quite belligerent (if you get too close without bread or other edible redeeming features) swans. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES

Masses of daffodils by Cow Tower in the Spring

Messing about in boats on Riverside

Cow Tower and magnificent Horse Chestnut tree

A few hundred yards along and across the river is Pull’s Ferry, marked by a 15th century water gate. The victorious Normans dug a canal here from the river in order to bring Caen stone from France as close to the cathedral as possible. Thereafter, the inlet was used to bring in provisions and, for at least 400 years, a ferry operated here. feature by: A few hundred yards farther Steve Browning along the river bank, on the Writer left hand side, is a path leading @returningperson down to the water. A gruesome find awaits for, alongside the path on the right is a large tablet set in the grass and easily missed.

It commemorates the unfortunate souls who died in agony in Lollard’s Pit, the site of which is a little farther along, almost opposite Bishop’s Bridge. A plaque on the Pub opposite commemorates the site. Many Christian martyrs, carrying their own bundles of firewood and preceded by chanting priests, were burnt at the stake here, in front of baying crowds. One spectator, Cicely Orme, went along just for the spectacle but was moved to pity by the sight of www.finecity.co.uk

two dying criminals whom she comforted: for her trouble she, too, was tried and burnt at the stake.

A few yards down river to the north of the Lollard’s tablet, providing a pedestrian crossing point, is the beautiful Bishop’s Bridge, so called because it led directly to the Bishop’s Palace. This is one of the oldest bridges in the United Kingdom. We know it existed in 1249 as there are records of its repair by the See at that date.

Bishop’s Bridge is etched in the Norwich mind alongside Kett’s rebellion, the most bloody episode in the city’s history. Kett was by all accounts a reasonable man who rallied the people against a giant land-grab by the nobility. The King was not best pleased and sent a force under the command of the Earl of Warwick which breached the city walls and slaughtered many of the city’s population. During the battering of the city walls, the top was lopped off Cow Tower to the extent that we see it today. Warwick took control of Bishop’s Bridge, among other entrances to the city. Kett and his men tried in vain to cross the bridge into the centre to reinforce his supporters.

Wave after wave of brave men were repulsed and killed.

Kett was captured and hanged over the side of Norwich Castle as an example to the people.

Straight ahead is the 12th century Cow Tower. It was originally a toll house where monks would take a fee from merchants who wanted to proceed upstream. Later it became what must have been a very grim prison. You can wander up the river and into town from here.  2015 April | 21

FINEPLACES Walk 2

A walk through Tombland, along King Street Tombland was the original market place of Norwich and today is a mixture of fine restaurants, solicitors’ offices, buses and cars. Watch you don’t get run over. On your left you will see the Erpingham Gate, built in 1420 by Sir Thomas Erpingham who commanded the victorious archers at the Battle of Agincourt.

Look up and you will notice a stone statue of him in prayer, thanking God for having spared his life.

Adjacent to the gate is a memorial by Henry Pegram to one of Norwich’s great heroines – Edith Cavell. A nurse in Belgium in 1914, she set up an escape organization for wounded soldiers and managed to help over 200 to safety. She was subsequently arrested, tried entirely in German which she did not speak, and shot in 1915.

On the night before her death, she made the famous remark that ‘Patriotism is not enough’ as she would willingly have helped soldiers of any country. Her body was brought back after the war and now lies in a peaceful spot in the Cathedral Close. Almost opposite the memorial is a pub named after her.

Walking up to a busy intersection you will see ahead of you perhaps the grandest Post Office in the Kingdom. Proceed straight ahead into King Street. This was one of the first areas of Norwich to be inhabited and extremely important it was, too. Rich merchants, the Howards – Catherine was Henry VIII’s fifth wife – and the Dukes of Norfolk all had houses here. John Caius, physician to Edward VI and founder of the college at Cambridge that bears his name, was born here. The main industry was beer making and the most famous firm was Morgan’s:

sadly, one of the founders, Walter Morgan, was overcome by the powerful yeast fumes in a vat of beer, fell in and drowned.

About five minutes’ walk down King Street, on the left hand side, is Dragon Hall, a magnificent merchant hall belonging to Robert Toppes, four times mayor of the city. It dates from 1420.

Down the street a few yards is what is reputed to be the oldest occupied house in Norwich – the Music House.

If you look directly across the river, you will see the site of Boulton and Paul, a famous firm that began in Rose Lane and moved to larger premises by the river in the 1920s. Thereafter, the firm diversified into aircraft production and produced more of the famous Sopwith Camel aircraft during the First World War than anyone else. They were tested out on Mousehold Heath.

king street

New flats on the original site of Boulton and Paul, makers of the Sopwith Camel aircraft in the Great War

“Rich merchants, the Howards – Catherine was Henry VIII’s fifth wife – and the Dukes of Norfolk all had houses here” 22 | April 2015

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FINEPLACES Walk 3

Around the Cathedral, Cloisters and Close A friend of mine who is now an eminent professor at a university in Asia was, some years ago, considering whether to go to the USA or UK to do his doctorate. It so happened that the British Council put on an exhibition about Britain in his home town and it contained a picture of Norwich Cathedral. There was something about the building that intrigued him and he subsequently spent four happy years at the University of East Anglia, since when he has returned regularly. Numerous contacts have resulted. There must have been many untold stories like this over the centuries.

The building was started by Herbert De Losinga. When he died in 1116, the most important part – the eastern end where the altar is – had been completed. The rest followed shortly afterwards.

The Cathedral is opens every day from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm – slightly later in summer. It has a very special atmosphere which lifts the spirits.

It is probably worth an initial visit to the cathedral shop to buy a short guide to the many splendours of this magnificent and historic place. The Spirit of Norwich Cathedral by Daniel Tink and Stephen Browning was produced in conjunction with the Cathedral and launched there. It is available from the shop priced at £4.99.

When you step outside you will see fine statue of Norwich’s most celebrated son, Admiral Lord Nelson, who attended Norwich School for a period. He is claimed by many cities, notably Portsmouth, but he is reported to have said ‘I am a Norwich man’.

The wider Close is well worth exploring as it has some exquisite houses. There is also a fine herb garden. 

The Cathedral Close

Stained glass panel in the Anglican Cathedral

Old cobbled streets to the south of The Cathedral Close

The Herb Garden in The Cathedral Close

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Hollyhocks in the churchyard of St Giles Church

The light in Spring helps create magical colours in the Anglican Cathedral

2015 April | 23

FINEPLACES

Street furniture in Norwich is always worth a look

Bustle of activity in front of St Gregory’s Church in the Lanes

Church of St Gregory which is now a centre for collectors of antiques and interesting bits and pieces

Off Pottergate

24 | April 2015

An almost secret gem – The Plantation Gardens

Detail of The Plantation Gardens

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES

“When you arrive, walk down the gentle slope of University Drive and then Chancellors Drive”

The famous ziggurats of UEA were designed by Sir Denys Lasdun

Walk 4

A walk through Pottergate and the Lanes To start this walk you need to ‘drop down’ from the city centre, though the Lanes to St Lawrence Church. Starting from the top of St Lawrence Steps and turning right, a slow stroll down St Benedicts Street will reveal four churches and an eclectic array of shops and cafes Notice the Norwich Arts Centre on your right as you walk down the street. Almost opposite the Arts Centre, turn left into Ten Bell Lane where the walk starts to get quite steep. On the corner with Pottergate, you will pass the Micawber Tavern, named after the famous character in Dickens’ ‘David Copperfield’ who always believed that ‘something will turn up’. Walk straight ahead and along Cow Hill towards the imposing church of St Giles on the Hill. At the top of the hill turn right into Upper St Giles Street. This is a pretty street where you can dine in some first class restaurants.

Look ahead to see the Roman Catholic Cathedral built by the Duke of Norfolk as a ‘thank you’ to his creator for his beloved wife. Just beyond is The Plantation Garden built by Henry Trevor, a Victorian businessman. It is one of the best kept secrets in the city, perfect for a picnic or quiet read in the sun.

At the top of the road is a plaque commemorating that fine English actor, Sir John Mills, who went to school here. Apparently, he hated it.

Walk back down the street and past the impressive Church of St Giles on the Hill. Follow the road into Pottergate. This ancient street has been the centre of many trades. The name derives from the pottery industry that existed prior to the 13th century. Shoe manufacturing peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Ahead is St Gregory’s Alley. A pleasant grass area with refurbished seating, it is an oasis for many folk who sit down, on the grass, new seating or low walls in front of St Gregory’s Pottergate, to have a bite.

You are now at the very centre of Norwich Lanes.

You will, I am sure, note the recently refurbished street furniture and the attractive green and gold square plaques inserted into the walkways which tell tales of life and businesses in days gone by. www.finecity.co.uk

Walk 5

A walk around the 320 acre campus of the University of East Anglia, including the University Broad and the Yare Valley This walk commences on the campus of the University of East Anglia.

By car it is basically straight up the Earlham Road – the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist marks the city end – until you see UEA signposted off to your left and you enter University Drive. Buses offer a 24 hour service to and from the same location, and run about every 15 minutes from Castle Meadow.

UEA has just over 15,000 undergraduates and over 4,000 postgraduates, with a large contingent coming from overseas, especially Asia. Academically, UEA has a growing academic reputation. The School of Creative Writing has produced a number of Booker Prize Winners, including: Anne Enright for ‘The Gathering’ in 2007; Kazuo Ishiguru, who is probably best known for ‘Remains of the Day’ which became a much-praised film starring Sir Anthony Hopkins; and Ian McEwan who wrote, among many other novels, ‘Atonement’, which was also turned into a major international film starring Kiera Knightly and James MacAvoy. Among a long list of distinguished alumni in other fields are Sir Paul Nurse, who won the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine; Tito Mboweni, Head of the South African Reserve Bank; Baroness Amos, past Leader of the House of Lords; and the King of Tonga.

The campus dates from 1960 and was designed in the main by Sir Denys Lasdun. When you arrive, walk down the gentle slope of University Drive and then Chancellors Drive until you see a sign for the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. This was one of the early works

by Norman Foster who went on to become one of the greatest of world architects having in recent years designed, among many other famous buildings, Shanghai International Airport The Sainsbury Centre houses the art collection of Sir Robert and Lady Lisa Sainsbury. Much of the display comes from Africa, Asia and the Americas. On the lawns outside, are artworks and sculptures by eminent artists including Francis Bacon, Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore.  2015 April | 25

FINEPLACES

View across UEA Broad

There are two entrances to the Centre on the university side.

Both lead to cafés.

Walk around the Centre and down the slope towards the lake.

Look back for a fine view of the famous ‘ziggurats’ of Sir Denys Lasdun, now grade 2 listed. Some new accommodation has recently been completed. Each colourful and elegant block has been named after such eminent men as Horatio Nelson, John Constable, Benjamin Britten, Jeremiah Coleman, Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, Robert Kett, Sir Thomas Browne and the Paston family - famous for the literary classic ‘The Paston Letters’.

You are now coming to the University Broad, which was formed in the 1970s when gravel was extracted for building work. One idea is to walk completely around it, taking in the wildlife and lovely views back towards the university. There are seats at regular intervals. Another is to walk around the Broad to the far side and take one of the several different paths that open up. There is, for example, a small bridge on the near corner to where you are standing. Passing across the bridge will take you to thick woodland where you can wander. In spring this is a mass of bluebells, and in autumn a rich riot of reds, browns and greens. Although popular with locals, sometimes with their dogs, the area is so large that chances are you or your party may not see another soul.

An alternative is to turn left and follow the Yare Valley Walk for almost as many miles as you like. It continues past the farthest extent of the Broad, into Eaton, past Marston Marsh and ends in Danby Wood, where there is a car park. You are just off the Ipswich Road here, not far from the city centre.

My personal favourite, however, is to turn right at this point and follow the stream. You will see that the water is absolutely 26 | April 2015

Sun-dappled bluebell woods across the Broad at UEA

clear and thousands of fish can be seen darting about. The walk has fascination for the naturalist at any time of the year – the sea cabbages and other strange looking plants on the banks and in the stream, meadows of celandines - Wordsworth’s favourite flower, not daffodils as most people think - swathes of bright yellow rises, waterboatmen, huge dragon flies in metallic hues of blue and turquoise, and pink, white and yellow waterlilies. Here, too, are nesting swans, ducks and shrill-sounding waterhens.

You will pass some sports fields on your left and cross over a small road. The path is clearly made out and you will find yourself in a damp wood. Carry on walking and, almost out of the blue, you will see a brightly lit exit among the trees. You have come to Earlham Park.

If you stop and look at the upward- sloping fields with ancient oak trees scattered here and there and,in Spring and Summer, a covering of wild flowers in hues of white, yellow, blue and mauve, you may imagine that you have stepped into the pages of a Thomas Hardy novel. The fattest rabbits you ever saw, quite unconcerned by your presence, hop about and nibble the grass. The ‘University Village’ is at the far side of the park and students use the fields as the most direct route to lectures.

If you fancy a swim the SportsPark nearby has an Olympic standard pool and is fully open to the public. ❏ Norwich in the Halsgrove Discover series

by Stephen Browning, with photographs from Daniel Tink, is available from all good bookshops and online priced at £14.99. It suggests 11 different walks around the city and is lavishly illustrated. www.finecity.co.uk

Jersey &Guernsey 7 nights direct from Norwich Jersey on a Saturday from

May

Jun

Jul/Aug

Sep

Villa Isis Guest House with breakfast

£399

£399

£399

£399

2H Norfolk including half board

£525

£549*

£559

£559

3H Mayfair/Metropole including half board

£549

£589

£619

£619

4H Radisson Blu Waterfront with breakfast

£595

£665

£699

£699

Guernsey on a Sunday from

May

Jun

Jul/Aug

Sep

2H Pandora with breakfast

£529

£529

£549

£529

2H L’Eree Bay including half board

£555

£555

£569

£559

3H Hougue du Pommier including half board

£655

£655

£695

£695

4H St Pierre Park with breakfast

£599

£599

£669

£699

s sfer d n a tr lude inc

Please visit the Airport or the Mall travel shop for further details and to book or call 01603 428700

FINANCIALLY PROTECTED Prices are per person based on two adults sharing with return flights from Norwich.

Terms and conditions apply. *27 June only Airport development fee payable at Norwich Airport £10 per adult.

FINEPLACES

CheneryLive presents fine places to discover by coach in 2015

C

heneryLive, based in Castle Meadow, Norwich, have been offering days out and live events by coach for many years. Following its acquisition

by Galloway three years ago, travellers now have access to a wide range of coach holidays.

If you still hold the traditional view of coach holidays, think again!

28 | April 2015

Comfortable coaches come as standard and new, interesting destinations are on the agenda.

If you’re fed up with lengthy security checks and waiting times at airports, or like the idea of your holiday starting the minute you are collected from home, why not read on and discover the places you could travel to over the next few months? We’ve selected

a few of the more surprising destinations from the latest Galloway brochure, all include home pick up.

Tours to Europe

The Paznaun Valley, Austria Departing Saturday 20 June or 22 August £799pp Situated in the centre of the village of See in Austria, this is perfect for those looking for relaxing walks in the countryside, spectacular views from the mountain tops and the chance

to join a tour of the Samnaun Valley in Switzerland.

A firm favourite with Galloway customers, the nine day, half board tour is based at the 4 star Malllaun Wellness Hotel based in a tranquil village setting and recently refurbished to a very high standard. Enjoy excursions to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and visit the old quarter with its charming arcaded streets and famous Golden Roof, as well as an awe inspiring day travelling along the Kaunertal Glacier www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES

“If you still hold a traditional view of coach holidays, think again!” summit of the local mountain or the Aiguille du Midi for amazing views of Mont Blanc. Not to be missed, however, is the famous Swiss Chocolate Train as it winds its way through the majestic mountain countryside of Western Switzerland to the lovely town of Gruyeres. Not content with visiting the world famous cheese factory, you also have the chance to visit Nestle’s head quarters in Broc.

The price includes seven nights, half board accommodation.

Short breaks

Paris Weekends Departing Friday 12 June and 25 September £299pp No other European city has so much to offer – Notre Dame, the River Seine, the view from Montmartre and not forgetting the Eiffel Tower. Travel by Eurotunnel and stay at the Novotel La Defence on the banks of the River Seine.

The price includes three nights, bed and breakfast accommodation.

Road high in to the mountains.

With cable car rides, chair lifts and smuggling tours all on the agenda, you can discover all the valley has to offer.

Swiss Chocolate Train & the Vaud Alps Departing Saturday 11 July £839pp The huge peaks east of Aigle and the Rhone Valley are collectively dubbed the Vaud Alps, they shelter many attractive little villages waiting to be discovered. www.finecity.co.uk

Leysin is in a traditional Swiss resort with a location on a sunny ‘balcony’ and superb views of the Alpes Vaudoise.

During your eight day stay, five nights are spent at the Hotel Central-Residence, the modern exterior belies an interior with several cosy areas decorated in traditional Swiss style and many rooms having views across the valley. As part of the itinerary, why not enjoy wine tasting at Vinorama in the Lavaux Vineyards, take the Berneuse cable car to the

Best of British Motoring Departing Wednesday 5 August £239pp Delve into the history of British Motoring and enjoy a fascinating tour of the Morgan Motor Company, manufacturers of exciting sports cars based in the beautiful spa town of Malvern. Also included in this short break is a visit to the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon and discover the history behind the classic cars and commercial vehicles produced

by Morris Minor in Oxford.

Staying at The Fownes Hotel in Worcester, you’ll enjoy two nights half board in a prime location perfect for exploring this historic city.

Five days to explore County Durham Departing Monday 20 July £449pp Bring to life the history of the North East with a five day, half board tour this summer. Staying at the breath-taking 4 star Jacobean country house hotel, set in its own landscaped gardens and woodlands, you’ll enjoy some of the finest scenery in England.

During the stay, visit Crook Hall Gardens, a little gem of tranquillity in the heart of Durham, explore the Durham Dales and take in the collection of exquisite fine and decorative arts contained within the magnificent French style Chateau house that contains The Bowes Museum. Also included is a day at the unique and award winning Beamish Air Museum, set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, it is a living, working experience of life in the early 1800 and 1900’s.

Irish Horses, Castles & Crystal Departing Sunday 30 August £469pp Spend four nights enjoying the delights of the four star Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort in Wicklow.

While there, visit Kilkenny Castle, the new house of Waterford Crystal and spend the day in County Kildare visiting the home of the Irish National Stud, the Japanese Garden and the Newbridge Silverware Showrooms.

Five days exploring a fascinating part of Ireland and all without the need to drive! What could be more relaxing? ❏ To find out more, head to www.travel-galloway.com, call in to CheneryLive, 3 Castle Meadow Norwich or call 01603 679 010.

2015 April | 29

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FINEPLACES

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Events at Redwings in April and May For the love of art Exclusive equine and animal artwork to view and buy at Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s first ever art sale!

This April, Redwings’ Aylsham visitor centre in North Norfolk opens its doors to art collectors, Sanctuary supporters and those who love all things horsey. Here, you’ll be able to peruse and purchase pieces from Redwings’ collection of donated artwork; from reproduction prints of wellknown paintings and classically framed works depicting traditional countryside scenes, to modern colourful pieces by both amateurs and professionals.

There will also be a wonderful collection of sketches, watercolours and acrylics created for Redwings by its supporters, including portraits of the charity’s Adoption Star residents Wiggins the donkey, pretty Victoria and the Aylsham visitor centre’s very own “Black Beauty” lookalike Maya.

Prices of artwork will range from £5 to £425, so there will be something to suit every taste and budget, plus every penny www.finecity.co.uk

raised from the art sale will go directly towards the care of Redwings’ 1500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Indeed, while attending the art sale at Redwings Aylsham, visitors will be able to find out more about the work of the charity in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in need, as well as meet the horsey and donkey residents in person.

Redwings Aylsham is the Sanctuary’s newest visitor centre, so the charity is also hoping to raise as much as possible from the art sale to continue vital development work – that is, the building of more paddocks thereby increasing the charity’s capacity to rescue more horses.

If you’re a budding artist or if you have any unwanted paintings, sculptures or textiles tucked away, Redwings welcomes further donations of artwork to exhibit and sell at the Aylsham event. Donated pieces can be accepted up until Tuesday 31st March. For more information and to donate an item, please contact Anne Galloway by

emailing agalloway@redwings. co.uk or calling 01508 481070.

Redwing’s art sale takes place on Easter weekend Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April and on the following weekend Friday 10th to Monday 13th April, 10am to 4pm, at Redwings Aylsham, Spa Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6UE. Entry is free of charge.

Redwings Horse Show, a great day out for everyone With a new schedule aimed at encouraging more novice riders and horses, the charity has high hopes for another great year with a super turnout.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s annual show is set to be held on Sunday 17th May at Topthorn Equestrian Centre in Suffolk.

This year’s event will hold more classes aimed at novice riders and horses/ponies, as well as lead rein classes, clear round jumping and, in the spirit of providing something for everyone, there will also be heavy horse classes, a first for the Redwings show! The charity also hopes to see many of its lovely Guardian ponies in attendance, particularly in the ever popular rescued horse/pony classes.

There are still many favourite classes remaining for 2015 and the show will hold the hotly contested TARRA and Donkey Breed Society affiliated classes, classes for veterans, as well as fun classes for those who just want a day out with their horse, pony or donkey.

During the lunch break, a talk will be given by Redwings’ Senior Vet Nicky Jarvis (voted Your Horse magazine’s Ultimate Expert) on how to body condition score your horse.

In excited anticipation of this year’s event, Redwings Sanctuary Farms Manager and show organiser Emma Lacey said: “We have decided to keep many of the popular classes the same but have taken a lot of the qualifying classes out to make it more accessible to everyone.

There will be lots of opportunities to try showing for the first time, including clear round jumping, as well as plenty for the more experienced competitor. We are really looking forward to seeing lots of old faces as well as many new ones on their first time out”.

To view the full schedule, visit www.redwings.org.uk.

2015 April | 31

FINEPLACES

To Londoners, it is without doubt the greatest city in the world. It is said that, once smitten, London never stops calling you. It is extremely easy to get there from Norwich and makes a perfect break for a day or longer. Stephen Browning takes a look at this great city and the attractions it affords.

Photographs by Daniel Tink

A lot of it is free There is an overwhelming myth that London is expensive. Well, yes, if you need to buy a house it is and food can be pricey.

But it has the greatest number of world class FREE attractions of any world city. So once you have paid for transport, both to and around the capital, it is possible to have a great day out spending absolutely nothing apart from buying something to eat and drink. Here are some free things you can do.

1. Walk in the Royal Parks.

When I lived in Bayswater I used to walk through Kensington Gardens, around the Serpentine in Hyde Park,

32 | April 2015

up past the Commonwealth War Memorial to Buckingham Palace, straight along the Mall to Trafalgar Square and take a rest looking at the paintings in the National Gallery whilst sitting on their very comfortable leather chairs. There is a good cafĂŠ in the basement which does not cost the earth if you fancy a coffee or tea.

Another favourite is Regents Park where you can sit on a Victorian iron seat watching the world go by before deciding if you want to go to the adjacent London Zoo (not free).

2. Take a trip to the British Museum, established in 1753 www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES A selection of London dates 43 BC A town is established on the Thames called Londinium 1066 Battle of Hastings – William the Conqueror crowned in Westminster Abbey 1298 City of London established 1348 Black Death 1381 Peasants Revolt 1545 Westminster constituency established 1599 Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre opens 1649 Charles I executed in Whitehall 1666 Great Fire of London 1694 Bank of England established 1697 St Paul’s Cathedral consecrated 1760 Hamleys Toy Shop opens 1824 National Gallery established 1828 London Zoo opens 1829 City of London Police formed 1863 Underground Railway begins – Metropolitan Line 1886 Sherlock Holmes stories begin 1936 Gatwick Airport opens feature by:

Steve Browning Writer @returningperson

and recently refurbished with a massive café and gift shop. You can easily spend a whole day here seeing such treasures as the Rosetta Stone and the glory that was Egypt.

And, of course, there are the magnificent and controversial Elgin Marbles. It is London’s number 1 attraction by number of visitors Trafalgar Square tube, and then a ten minute walk – ask anyone for directions.

3. Visit the National Gallery as above. This is London’s number 2 attraction by visitor numbers. Just around the corner ifs the more eclectic, but still free, National Portrait Gallery. Trafalgar Square tube. www.finecity.co.uk

4. Take the tube to South Kensington for the Natural History Museum and also the Victoria and Albert Museum which has a diverse range of exhibits – not so much a dog’s breakfast as a dog’s banquet.

5. Take the tube to Southwark and wander along the mighty river to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – you can see this from the riverbank but need to pay for a tour inside.

6. Kings Cross was once very seedy but has spectacularly come up in the world in the last few years. Take a short walk to the British Library, the world’s largest, and inspect the fabulous Kings Cross/St

1981 London Marathon begins 2012 Paralympic Games held for first time

Pancras Rail terminal which has the longest champagne bar in the world if you are feeling in need of a tonic and extremely flush. Harry Potter used to take the train to Hogwarts from platform 9 and three quarters and you can see that, too. Kings Cross tube.

7. If you are in the centre of the city, say in Trafalgar Square, wander down to the river at Embankment – this is the site of the blacking warehouse that broke Charles Dickens’ heart when he was forced to work here at the age of 12 as his father had been imprisoned for debt. Turn right along the embankment and walk past the memorial to Sir Joseph

Balzalgette who laid out the still-functioning London sewers following ‘The Great Stink’ of 1858 when untreated waste in the filthy Thames caused the suspension of Parliament.

Head towards the Big Ben. Here also is Westminster Abbey. Cross over the river for a fine view of the Palace of Westminster.

You can take a stroll along to the London Eye but this is not free, unless you are under four years old. A place in one of the pods commanding views over 30 miles on a fine day will cost just under £30 per person or slightly less if you buy tickets advance online.  2015 April | 33

FINEPLACES

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” Samuel Johnson, 1777

Literary london I know many people like to plan their own tours and often this takes the form of a literary journey. William Blake – his original art is displayed at the Tate Britain almost opposite the MI6 building on the Thames (Pimlico Tube) – lived in several different places; Charles Dickens spent the first part of his life at 48 Doughty Street which is now a museum – not free. Many of his characters also lived in London. John Keats, Samuel Johnson, Virginia Woolf, Dylan Thomas, George Orwell, JM Barrie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to name just a few writers, have connections with London.

Maybe the greatest ‘attraction’ is a fictional character – Sherlock 34 | April 2015

Holmes who famously lived at 221b Baker Street and, although this house number does not actually exist, there is a Sherlock Holmes Museum nearby – not free – and it is always fun to spot tourists from all over the world walking up and down Baker Street, deerstalker on head, magnifying glass in hand and look of wonder on their faces.

Getting there By rail around £55 return if you book on the day, but you can get some amazing bargains by booking online. Time: just under two hours.

By Coach from Norwich Bus Station to Victoria, from about £6.99 each way if you book online. You can also buy tickets

at the Tourist Information Centre at the Forum. Time: varies but allow 3 and a half hours.

By car: if you must but the parking charges will rapidly crank up!

Getting around in London: You can buy an Oyster Card either in advance or when you get to London. Then you can have a whole day’s travel on the Underground for £6.40.

Alternatively many people just buy a Day Travel Pass on Zones 1-6 for £12.00 when they arrive. Either are fantastic value for money.

Where to stay if you want accommodation. Hotels in London are expensive to put it mildly. The good news is that student accommodation

out of term time is not. It is usually on a par with the best hotels. If you can, try to book in university holiday times. Google www.universityrooms.com for wonderful deals. ❏ The World of Charles Dickens

by Stephen Browning with photographs by Daniel Tink is available at bookshops and online at £16.99. It contains a series of walks around the city focusing on life of Charles Dickens and his characters.

If you would like to know more about the authors please visit their websites: www.facebook/ stevebrowningbooks www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk www.finecity.co.uk

WineTour_PacificRim_DispatchMag copy.pdf

1

10/03/2015

17:11

K O BO

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WINE TOUR OF THE

pacific Rim CALIFORNIA • CHILE • AUSTRALIA • NEW ZEALAND

Join Graham Donaldson on Friday 24th April as he introduces his favourite wines from around the Pacific Rim alongside a four-course menu that has been specially designed by Delia’s team of Chefs to compliment each wine selection. Enjoy a welcome drink and a glass of wine to compliment each course.

Don’t miss this fantastic evening in the Top of the City at Norwich City Football Club, from 7.30pm on Friday 24th April

Tickets are available now priced at £59 per person

CALL 01603 218704 Book online www.deliascanarycatering.com

This month Pete interviews Richard Draper MBE, co-founder of The Benjamin Foundation, to hear his fascinating story

interview: Richard Draper MBE 36 | April 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

I

feature by:

Pete Goodrum Writer, broadcaster @petegoodrum

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPeople

t’s a Wednesday afternoon and we’re meeting in The Assembly Rooms to talk over a cup of tea. From the outset it’s obvious that Richard Draper is well known, and well liked. People wave and speak to him.

We settle down to talk.

Richard Draper was born in Lowestoft. His parents were ‘Oulton Broad people’ he says.

He goes on to explain that his father, who’d been training to be a Baptist Minister had moved the family to Worstead, near North Walsham.

‘As a result of meeting a vicar there, he changed direction and re-trained, becoming an Anglican vicar himself’.

Richard’s early education was at the Bluebell Road School in Norwich, as his father had taken a curacy in the city. It was a junior school in Wiltshire next as the family moved, with his fathers’ work, to near Trowbridge.

From there it was back to Norwich as his father became the vicar at Bramerton, with the responsibility for several parishes including Rockland and Surlingham.

‘I was at Thorpe Grammar School’, he says, ‘and travelled every day, to and from Norwich, on the Cullings bus’.

We share a memory of the legendary grey and yellow double decker, and its route from Surlingham to Norwich. And, in doing so find that we have rather more in common than we thought. I’ll come back to that.

From Thorpe Grammar Richard moved on to Norwich City College.

He was he says, ‘not hugely academic, and by this time something of a hippy’. He pauses before adding ‘I’d certainly grown the hair’.

Reflecting, rather more seriously, he says that he still retains some of the ‘hippy values’. Pacifism, love and peace are important to him, and they’re not idle late 1960s clichés for him. He refers to being aware that he was by this time at the start of a ‘spiritual path, or journey’.

In fact, talking to the then Bishop of Norwich led him to consider ordination, and he continued his education with that as the goal.

Two things happened. He changed his mind about the church, and he fell in love.

‘She was a girl from Ditchingham, and when I found out that she was training to be a teacher, at Brighton, I applied to go there too.

Frankly, the odds were against me getting in, and I didn’t. I went to Goldsmiths in London instead’.

Despite having trained as a junior school teacher his first job found him teaching Religious Education at Eye Secondary School. ‘It wasn’t easy’, he says.

He had by now married. He’d met Vanessa at Goldsmiths, and she had taken a job in Bungay. They’d lived briefly in a windmill, and a rented cottage at Broome, before buying their first home at Gislingham.

‘It was a big project. An old house, with a lot of work to do on it. But, a childhood spent in sprawling vicarages meant that I just couldn’t see myself living in a small house’.

By now they had a son. Benjamin was born in 1975.

Life carried on. Teaching, working on the house. Their second son, Daniel, was born in1977. And then came a change of direction.

These were the days of the Youth Opportunities Programme and Richard took a job with a project at Thornham Magna. It involved teaching practical skills to young people. It was, he says, ‘An interesting distraction from teaching’.

It would lead him to working with the YMCA where was involved with the Training For Life Scheme. ‘We were training and advising around 120 young people about work, and supporting them in finding jobs’. He went on become the Training Officer.

By now it was the early 1980s and Richard made another change.

‘I decided to do some management training, with the Industrial Society. When I’d completed it I got a job with the Suffolk Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders’.  2015 April | 37

FINEPeople This is a pivotal moment in our conversation. So far we’ve mapped out biographical details but we’re moving up a gear. What drives Richard Draper now begins to emerge.

His work with the Association involved him in providing training, counselling and holistic support to offenders. Helping with work, and housing.

‘When someone has a criminal record there are challenges. The fact is though that people do make wrong choices in life. Helping them address that is important. I met some amazing people, and to see them go on to sort out their lives was equally amazing’.

The job was a two year post in a government scheme and when it ended it was time to take stock. The house was completed, and the family was larger. Elissa had been born in 1982 and Esther in 1984.

The question of what to do next was answered when he saw an advertisement in the Eastern Daily Press for a large property at Langham. It was to be another big project. And he was out of work.

Temporary teaching posts led him back into the profession and a job at Taverham. By the late 1980s he was Head of Special Educational Needs at Fakenham High School.

The building work at home was proving time consuming though, and he took a year out to work on it. It was time for a decision.

Sell the place part completed, or finish it? He found some funding, and put his all into completing it.

38 | April 2015

Suddenly it’s 1992. And suddenly, life for the Draper family will change beyond recognition. On August 8th 1992, at the age of 17, their son Benjamin was killed in a motorcycle accident.

In a way, this conversation with this charming, affable, articulate man has been leading to this from the outset. Because I’ve researched him, I know something of his story. But, now we’re here. It’s me that hesitates. Not him.

‘You know’, I say, ‘that we have to talk about this’. ‘Of course’ he says.

If you think that my next sentence is mere hyperbole, it isn’t; it’s the truth.

This is the single most important moment in any interview I’ve ever held.

If I’d thought that from here on the tone would become sombre, and Richard Draper would become less animated, I would have been totally wrong. Make no mistake, there is no denial here. There is emotion certainly, but it’s channelled into a positivity that is at one and the same time humbling and uplifting.

This devastating event was, says Richard Draper, ‘the kick up the backside that made me say, ‘I have to do something with my life’’.

I have to ask him. ‘Didn’t this make you challenge your Christian faith?’

‘Certainly’ is his unhesitating reply. ‘Who wouldn’t ask why a kind and generous God would allow such a thing to happen? We were angry. And we were grieving. And of course something like that makes you question things’.

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPeople Richard Draper is an animated talker. Not in an over dramatic way, but he uses his hands when he speaks, and his eyes are alert and questioning; they seem to tacitly ask if you understand what he’s saying. What he’s saying is plainly heart felt.

‘You find yourself asking if we’re all puppets that God plays with?

I firmly believe we’re not. We have free will. In reality that’s why, sometimes, mistakes are made.

But I love my free will. I don’t need my God to have all the power.

Having to accept the total, or set, menu of some organised religion doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t want to accept it. I want to explore it’.

What we explore next are the details of Benjamin’s death.

Frankly, I see no reason to cover them here. Suffice it to say that he was alone, on a motorcycle, and crashed. Some of what happened on that night isn’t known anyway. It’s the event itself, and what Richard did following it that matters now.

‘What we did’, he says, ‘was to take stock. We were living in a nice part of North Norfolk. We weren’t rich, but we weren’t without money. When we considered our lives we realised that through her work, which included being a peripatetic hairdresser, Vanessa was seeing a lot of elderly people. Through my work I was in touch with a lot of young people. When we stood back and looked at life objectively we realised that both groups included a lot of people who were not in fact living in the rural idyll that first impressions suggested. There were people struggling. With that realisation, it was Vanessa who asked if we could turn this horrendous event in our lives into something positive’.

By late August 1992 they were actively talking to people, exploring ways in which they could make a difference. There would be some way to go, but in reality this was the beginning of The Benjamin Foundation.

Like-minded people became involved. The organisation was, initially, named ‘The Northern Norfolk Rural Resource Centre’. Through 1992, and the next two years, a lot of work was done to formulate the idea into a tangible organisation. A Board of Trustees was formed, and the official application for charitable status was submitted.

It was granted on October 25th 1994.

The objectives were wide ranging, in that the aim was to provide ‘cradle to grave’ support for anything related to education and social welfare; the focus though was tighter. ‘We wanted to make a difference in our own back yard’, he says. ‘It was for North Norfolk’.

Things moved quickly. Within a couple of years they’d established 13 centres, serving 35 villages, to fill the gaps between the youth centres in the towns. And they were gifted a mini-bus by Norfolk Youth & Community Service to solve the transport issue, because that had been a significant part of the problem.

Points of contact were set up in schools where young people could ask anything, ‘from where do I get guitar lessons to how do I solve a difficult problem at home?’

Through their work they discovered just how bad the homeless problem was in the area. ‘There were homeless young people all over North Norfolk, and there was no provision for them. They’d drift into Norwich, ‘sofa surf’ among friends or sleep rough’. www.finecity.co.uk

“We wanted to make a difference in our own back yard... it was for North Norfolk” Working with public sector partners, throughout 1995 and 1996, the charity addressed the issue. Lottery funding was obtained, and with it they opened the first centre for homeless young people in North Norfolk.

Even when Richard Draper is in full flow, there is a very real sense of his choosing his words precisely. Intriguingly he can sound both business-like and a natural orator. It’s because, no matter how passionate you are, you don’t achieve the things he, and his family and team, have unless you get things organised.

There is a curious mixture of justifiable pride in the organisational achievement and slamming indictment of the situation when he says ‘We opened that centre in the December. By Christmas Eve it was full’.

The Northern Norfolk Rural Resource Centre was by now known as the NNRRC. Neither, by Richard’s own admission, was a particularly snappy name, and so it was changed.

And of course, the name was changed to The Benjamin Foundation. It’s wholly appropriate, but strangely, and he says it almost abstractedly, he can’t remember exactly whose idea it was.

At no point in our talking has he mentioned the honours that have been bestowed upon him, in recognition of his work. So I do.

The MBE for services to young people in North Norfolk came in 2005. ‘The same day as Darcey Bussell was made a Dame’ he tells me, adding that she was very good at the curtsey!  2015 April | 39

FINEPeople

“I like to think I’ve picked up some wisdom and skills that others might benefit from” Prior to that, he’d been asked by the Bishop of Norwich to become a lay Canon of Norwich Cathedral. He paints an undoubtedly modest, but very humorous picture of his tenure being very enjoyable and rather vague. He’s much more sure when he says that he loved it.

And as we come to the end of our meeting he says in a rounding up that ‘I love what we’ve done’. Earlier, when we’d talked about the organisation being granted its charitable status on October 25th 1994 he’d said, ‘Note that date. We’ll come back to it’. And now we do. ‘On October 25th this year the Benjamin Foundation becomes 21. My child has become an adult. It’s time for me to go, and someone else to take the reins’.

Even though I knew this was on the agenda, having talked with him for a while it now comes as a shock.

He explains that the recruitment process to find his successor is in place, and that he will not take a role in making the decision.

‘It will be their CEO, so they must choose’.

40 | April 2015

It will be a big role. Aside from the challenge of following Richard Draper the CEO will be running a substantial organisation. There are now 200 staff, accommodation centres, retail stores, nurseries and school clubs. And that’s without steering The Benjamin Foundation in to the future.

As to his future? ‘I like to think I’ve picked up some wisdom and skills along the way that others might benefit from. So, offering advice as a board member for organisations is a possibility’. There will be building of course. There’s always building, and he mentions the possibility of doing something with a company that had originally been formed to employ unskilled people to help them develop.

‘We made some mistakes, but we learned a lot. Watch this space...’.

In reviewing my conversation with Richard Draper, to write this piece, I can see that building is a recurrent theme. He’s built an organisation, and a team. He’s physically built and restored property.

He’s certainly built bridges with people at all levels.

We get ready to leave. It’s good to shake hands. You see, that reference to Surlingham that I’d said I’d come back to is one of life’s bizarre coincidences. Back then, Mr Draper and I were seriously keen on the same girl! ‘You stole her from me’, he says.

We agree that, as middle aged men, we should put it behind us.

I thank him for his time, and he thanks me – ‘for the conversation’.

And he’s gone. Through the crowded room and into the street.

A man in a grey suit, which sits well with his organisational prowess, but somehow uneasily with the spiritual, generous, unorthodox, and pretty much unimpeachable, human being that is Richard Draper.

I’d said in response to his thanks, ‘It was a pleasure’. I should have added, and do so now, ‘It was a privilege’. ❏ www.finecity.co.uk

ONLY *

£2 0 WITH 2R S STICPK£E 10 RR

*From Monday 6th April -Sunday 28th June 2015.

Another good reason to

pop to the co-op

World and UK premieres, free outdoor fun, a world of music and the very best of regional talent in annual arts feast

Norfolk & Norwich Festival 42 | April 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

Ray Gibson

FINEARTS

T

he waiting is over, Norwich & Norfolk Festival, the international festival on our doorstep, has announced its full programme for 2015. It brings a dazzling array of global stars to Norfolk whilst showcasing some of the best of the county’s home-grown talent and nurturing local emerging artists. The Festival has commissioned world premieres from WildWorks and Circa for the woods around Felbrigg Hall and The Adnams Spiegeltent respectively.

There are also UK premieres including the stage adaptation of Eimear McBride’s multi award winning novel A Girl is a Half-formed Thing and Willi Dorner’s gravity defying fitting.

A world-class cultural destination Artistic Director William Galinsky said ‘This year’s Festival sees more originally commissioned work and premieres than ever before. Our theatre highlight Wolf’s Child is a totally unique theatrical experience created by WildWorks one of the world’s leading site-specific theatre companies. We continue our unique relationship with Circa with the World Premiere of What Will Have Been, a show created especially for The Adnams Spiegeltent and The Voice Project take us on a choral journey around Sir Norman Foster’s Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

There are premieres in all sections of the programme and the Festival is at the forefront of confirming Norfolk’s position as a world-class cultural destination as well as enhancing the quality of life for those living here’.

World Exclusives

Farenheit 451

www.finecity.co.uk

For Wolf’s Child the dense woods around the National Trust’s 17th century Felbrigg Hall will become a spectacular stage set. This dark grown-up fairy tale of love, magical transformation and shape shifting animals is set to be one of the theatre year’s outstanding events, taking the audience on an immersive journey around the Felbrigg landscape as day turns to dusk. The production features original music that will be performed live and a professional cast of 13 alongside up to 50 local participants.

The Festival has commissioned Australian contemporary circus masters Circa to create a dazzling new piece. What Will Have Been celebrates Circa’s ten years as an international touring company and artistic director Yaron Lifschitz has selected three of the company’s most celebrated artists for the show. Awe-inspiring acrobatics and extreme beauty will be set to a live rendition of Bach’s partita for violin and a spine tingling electronic soundtrack. These will be the only UK performances of What Will have Been in 2015. The Observatory is a new co-commission with The Voice Project that explores humankind’s relationship with space and our attempts to understand it. This sitespecific choral promenade performance in and around the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art brings together a 150 strong choir and soloists, leading musicians including pedal steel guitar maestro BJ Cole and composers Orlando Gough, Karen Wimhurst and Jonathan Baker.

Maverick Belgian company X TNT premiere Dedriving Code, mischievously testing the limits of what can be done in public spaces.

The new stage adaptation of Norwich-based writer Eimear McBride’s first novel, the multi award winning A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, by celebrated Dublin company The Corn Exchange comes to the UK for the first time following 5 star reviews for its Irish debut.

Norwich’s Smith dancetheatre give audiences the first previews of their new show After The Fall and young singer-songwriters from the region have been working with Belgium’s CAMPO theatre company to create a new musical (working title Wild Life) which will have scratch performances this year in anticipation of its debut in 2016.  2015 April | 43

Xavier Marquis

FINEARTS

The Neutrinos

Spiegeltent returns The Adnams Spiegeltent, the beating heart of the Festival, returns to Chapelfield Gardens in the second week. The magnificent interior with its mirrors and polished wood is the perfect setting for Circa’s What Will Have Been. Late live music takes in everything from the explosive desert blues of Songhoy Blues (described by BBC6 Music as ‘The Malian Beatles’) to the uplifting feel good sounds of House Gospel Choir and genre hopping Brazilian singer Flavia Coelho. In her smash hit stand up show High Heels in Low Places, which tours to Sydney, New York, London and Norwich, Ireland’s greatest drag queen Panti discusses the controversy caused when she accused several establishment Irish figures of homophobia. There’s also former Everything But The Girl singer-songwriter Tracey Thorn discussing her new book Naked at the Albert Hall, plus tea dances and social events for toddlers and the young at heart.

Hofesh Shechter Company’s Political Mother comes to the Theatre Royal. This critically acclaimed spectacle combines raw, honest physicality with a cinematic score performed live to create a dance experience like no other. Over at St Georges Theatre in Great Yarmouth Britain’s hottest young circus performers will astound with their jaw-dropping, flawlessly timed acrobatics in the 2014 Total Theatre Award winning Bromance.

Outdoor and Families Free outdoor performances, made possible thanks to sponsorship from Lafarge Tarmac, are a cornerstone of the Festival. This year the tradition continues with a spectacular finale in the form of 451, a large-scale 360-degree surround performance combining sound installation with dramatic action and pyrotechnics, inspired by Ray Bradbury’s visionary novel Fahrenheit 451. The UK premier of Austrian choreographer Willi Dorner’s fitting sees dancers and acrobats defy gravity to squeeze into all sorts of nooks and crannies in the city centre, making us view our surroundings with fresh eyes whilst C.a.p.e allows us to sample virtual reality in the city’s streets. Stop Gap Dance’s Bill & Bobby integrates 44 | April 2015

disabled and non disabled dancers to pay playful tribute to Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire outside the Forum and The Garden Party is two packed days of family fun in Chapelfield Gardens.

Sensacional in the Adnams Speigeltent is a sensory spectacular for very young children (18 months to three years) and those from five up are invited to explore the textile world of Forest Fruit, an installation at Norwich Puppet Theatre that creates a miniature world where a child’s playful imagination is stimulated to create their own patchwork of stories.

Music from all over the world Music has always played a large part in the Festival and this year it comes from all over the globe. The Hot Sardines are the New York sensations that have taken America by storm and are now conquering Europe with their electrifying goodtime jazz. Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds, whose music has underpinned ITV’s Broadchurch, visits with his full band whilst charismatic South African legend Abdullah Ibrahim celebrates his 80th year with a stunningly propulsive and melodious solo piano set. Singer Meklit Hadero originates from Ethiopia, whilst Italian pianist Stefano Bollani has been likened to a latin-jazz Fats Waller. Celtic music is represented by the Scottish alt-folk of James Yorkston, whose band features award winning Indian musician Suhail Yusuf Khan and the traditional Irish folk of Triad, an acoustic supergroup with Donal Lunny, Pádraig Rynne and Sylvain Barou.

This year’s classical music programme includes performances in some of the city’s finest churches, chapels and concert halls, many featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn. A pivotal event sees one of the UK’s finest orchestras Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra link up with the Festival Chorus and glorious line-up of vocal talent, including the country’s leading bass Sir John Tomlinson, to perform Elijah. Norwich’s magnificent Cathedral is the setting for a concert from its own choir performing a new commission from composer Ruth Byrchmore, The Tallis Scholars and a virtuosic recital from Cathedral organist David Dunnett. Austrian Ingolf Wunder, hailed as one of the world’s most exciting young pianists, makes his first visit to Norwich. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

“Norwich is a thriving centre for words, ideas and debate” Visual Art and Film For one night only Norwich Theatre Royal will become the county’s largest cinema to show The Measure of all Things a new documentary from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Green. Green will provide a live commentary to the film, loosely inspired by the Guinness Book of Records, which weaves together portraits of record-holding people, places and things, accompanied by live music from New York’s yMusic.

Artists Rooms brings a selection of work by Jeff Koons to Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery. Renowned as one of the most important and controversial artists of our time, this exhibition, which runs to 8 September, is the first chance to see Koons’ work in East Anglia, and the biggest exhibition of his work in the UK for a decade. Margarete at Norwich Puppet Theatre is a sensitive portrait of a woman’s life under communism compiled from 64 reels of film found in an East German market. Janek Turkowski shares Margarete’s story and talks about how he edited her home movies in this intimate film screening.

City of Literature As a UNESCO City of Literature Norwich is a thriving centre for words, ideas and debate as well as books. A lively literature strand includes Rose Tremain, Sarah Waters and Green party MP Caroline Lucas, whilst naturalist Mark Cocker and author Patrick Barkham share their writing experience in two full-day Writing Rambles master classes out in the Norfolk countryside. This year’s Literary Festival in a Weekend sees bestselling authors rub shoulders with political activists as Pussy Riot activist Masha Gessen explores the freedom of speech, Erica Wagner and Andrew O’Hagan debate the role of Amazon in the literary landscape and Caroline Criado-Perez talks about campaigning for women’s rights.

Art Club at Norwich Arts Centre is home to some of the most experimental and avant-garde elements of the Festival. It kicks off with Kim Noble’s moving, comic and thought-provoking You’re Not Alone, one of the talking points at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival. Prankster Richard DeDomenici will reshoot no-budget versions of scenes from film and TV in their original locations for a special Norfolk version of his Redux Project. There’s also space for home grown performers with Odd Comic premiering My Champion Heartache, their look at people and their pets, before it heads to London for a week-long run.

Radio 4 poet and UEA graduate Luke Wright and experimental jazz band Polar Bear stop off at the nation’s Best Small Venue as they tour the UK and there’s a special one-off ‘live n’ loud’ show from The Neutrinos, taking a break from their hit show KlangHaus.

As the main Festival draws to a close Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios (23 May – 7 June) is the opportunity for the county’s artists to throw open their studio doors to allow the public to visit and explore the wide range of art created in Norfolk. With the generous sponsorship of Wex Photographic the scheme is going from strength to strength in its 21st year.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival is funded and supported by Arts Council England, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council with the support of principal sponsors Abellio Greater Anglia, Adnams and Lafarge Tarmac and the generous support of other corporate partners, trusts and individuals. ❏ Box Office 01603 766400, online booking at nnfestival.org.uk with full information on all events www.finecity.co.uk

Summary of Events Norfolk & Norwich Festival have just announced the full programme for 2015.

The Festival, runs from 8 to 24 May, and this year further strengthens its position as a major commissioning festival presenting new work from around the globe.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival commissions include Wolf’s Child from site-specific theatre company WildWorks; What Will Have Been which celebrates 10 years as an international touring company by one of the world’s greatest contemporary circus companies Circa, and The Observatory from The Voice Project whose site responsive choral promenade performances bring together internationally renowned composers, musicians and vocal soloists with the mass voices of open access choirs to create theatrical pieces unlike any others.

There’s also the world premiere of X TNT’s Dedriving Code and a UK debut for Willi Dorner’s gravity defying Fitting. England’s only UNESCO City of Literature presents the first UK performances of the stage adaptation of Eimear McBride’s multi award winning novel A Girl Is A Half-formed Thing and 451 is a newly commissioned incendiary, high-octane outdoor performance based on Ray Bradbury’s sci-fi classic Fahrenheit 451.

Richard DeDomenici presents an exclusive Norfolk version of his Redux project for which he films new no budget versions of popular films in their original locations, Odd Comic premiere their new show My Champion Heartache before it heads for a week-long run in London.

For a rare screening of the film (only the second in the UK) The Measure of All Things the Festival will turn Norwich Theatre Royal into the largest cinema in the region for one night only. The film is loosely inspired by The Guinness Book of Records and will be narrated from the stage by the Director Sam Green with live music from New York Ensemble yMusic.

Touring shows include Kim Noble’s You’re Not Alone, Luke Wright’s Stay-at –Home Dandy and Barely Methodical’s Bromance.

There’s also lots of music from 5 continents including Mali’s sensational Songhoy Blues, experimental jazz outfit Polar Bear whose new album is being hailed as potentially the year’s best, Icelandic composer Olafur Arnalds and and a celebration of the works of Felix Mendelssohn.

From closer to home The Neutrinos and BK & Dad present a night of unadulterated loud rock n’ roll joy and The Voice Project explore humankind’s relationship with space in The Observatory using with their biggest choir yet, currently approaching 200 voices.

And there’s the return of The Adnams Spiegeltent, literary events, visual art (inc the only opportunity to see work by Jeff Koons in the UK this year), film and children’s events.

2015 April | 45

FINEARTS

Norfolk arts sector stands up for the value of arts and culture at a public debate in The Forum.

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Norfolk-wide dialogue about the value of arts and culture across the county is launched on Thursday 26th February 2015 as part of BBC Get Creative and ‘What Next?’ a national campaign to advocate for the value of arts and culture.

Norfolk is a county increasingly renowned for its extensive arts and cultural provision; from a myriad of distinct cultural venues and a world-class annual arts festival in May, to open access artists’ studios and Norwich city’s unique status as the only UNESCO City of Literature for England.

46 | April 2015

Evidence shows that creativity in all its forms is a powerful mechanism for lifting spirits, raising self-esteem, reducing stress and increasing knowledge and understanding, however in these times of financial austerity support for the ‘arts’ sector is coming under significant threat.

In response to this, the arts and culture community are stepping up to demonstrate the impact of the arts on wider community agendas and to ask the general public to consider the value of the arts to them as individuals and to their communities by way of education, health and wellbeing, the built

environment, economy, tourism and Norfolk’s positive national profile. By discussing the issues and airing views the wider public will gain a better understanding of the value of arts and culture to society and our county.

This debate is part of a wider campaign launched last week by BBC Arts – Get Creative – which is a year-long effort to get people involved in creative activities and to showcase the great work that people do both formally and informally – and to demonstrate how arts and culture reach into all corners of our lives.

BBC Radio Norfolk will broadcast the first public discussion on the value of the arts for Norfolk, as part of the Nick Conrad Show on Thursday 26th February at 11am. The recorded

proceedings of a debate between a panel of 5 spokespeople and an audience of 90 members of the public and chaired by Nick Conrad will be broadcast and listeners invited to comment via email and social media.

Listeners can get involved with the discussion through the ‘WNNorfolk’ and ‘BBC Radio Norfolk’ Facebook pages or by following the #wnculture twitter feed. ❏ People can find out more about What Next? Norfolk and join up at www. whatnextnorfolk.org.uk and BBC Get Creative at www. bbc.co.uk/arts/sections/ get-creative where they encourage the public to get involved and take part. www.finecity.co.uk

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FINEARTS

Jersey Boys International stage sensation comes to Norwich

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ulti-award-winning Jersey Boys, seen by over 20 million people worldwide, arrives in Norwich this July to remind audiences of the legend of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Winner of 55 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Jersey Boys is now firmly established as one of the West End’s longest running and most popular shows, continuing to play at its new home at the Piccadilly Theatre.

As well as still running on Broadway and in the West End, the show can be seen in Las Vegas, across the United States on its US National Tour and in the Netherlands, and it is now touring throughout the UK for the very first time. It is on stage at Norwich Theatre Royal from July 7 to 18 and tickets are already selling fast for its two-week run.

Packed full of memorable songs, it tells the remarkable true

48 | April 2015

story of how four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of the tracks invented their own unique sound and rose to stardom as one of the most successful bands in pop music history, being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along the way and selling 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30.

Interspersed with tales of the mob, the heartaches and the triumphs, are hit after legendary hit – Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. Thirty-four of the group’s hits are covered during the show and all the singing is live.

Taking the role of Frankie Valli is Tim Driesen who played the same role in Jersey Boys in the Netherlands and also for a spell in the West End. A songwriter

himself, he has composed a full-scale musical as well as a number of pop songs, played Joey Primo in Rock of Ages in the West End and also created the role of Adrian Banks in the Take That musical Never Forget. He travelled to Nashville, Tennessee, to meet Bob Gaudio, the member of the Four Seasons who penned many of the group’s hits, and was coached by him to perfect his vocals for the role, particularly the high Frankie Valli falsetto.

Stephen Webb, Sam Ferriday and Lewis Griffiths will star as Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi respectively, while Matt Corner will play the role of Frankie Valli at certain performances.

Also in the cast will be Sean Kingsley (from Harwich) as Gyp DeCarlo, Matt Gillett as Bob Crewe, Nathaniel Morrison as Barry Belson, Dominic Smith as Norm Waxman, Damian Buhagiar as Joey Pesci, Henry Davis as Hank Majewski, Leanne Garretty as Lorraine, Amelia AdamsPearce as Mary Delgado and Sinead Long as Francine, with Dan Krikler, Dayle Hodge, Luke Morton and Charlie Allen.

The UK Tour is staged by the entire original Broadway

creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, and audiences can expect the same high quality production values of the West End and Broadway shows – there will be eight trailers transporting the set, props and costumes to the theatre, with 18 backstage staff working away at every performance. The 18-strong cast gets through 80 hair pieces and 13 wardrobes of costumes, including 100 shirts per show, plus there is a live band of ten musicians on stage and all vocals are sung live. ❏ Jersey Boys runs from Tuesday 7 - Saturday 18 July at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday 8, Thursday 9, Saturday 11, Thursday 16 & Sat urday18 (no performance Sunday 12). Tickets £8-£48.50.

Discounts for Friends, Over 60s, Under 18s and Groups.

Captioned performance Friday 10, 7.30pm. Signed and audio-described performance Saturday 18, 2.30pm.

Box Office 01603 630000.

For more info or to book online www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

Prepare to be ‘Discumknockerated’

The Ken Dodd Happiness Show, May 24 at Norwich Theatre Royal

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en Dodd will be spreading a little happiness and laughter at Norwich Theatre Royal on May 24 when the audience is guaranteed to be absolutely discumknockerated (that’s Knotty Ash for ‘over the moon’) by a truly tattyfilarious (fun-filled) evening of laughter and songs.

A comedian of legendary status, Ken has had an incredible and hugely successful career as a professional entertainer spanning over 60 fun-filled years. His ‘Happiness Show’ is pure family entertainment featuring non-stop gags and a selection of songs presented in his unique and varied style

www.finecity.co.uk

which covers everything from ballads to grand opera.

Ken celebrated his 60th anniversary year as a professional entertainer in 2014 - having made his debut in 1954 at the old Empire Theatre, Nottingham.

He is a crusader on behalf of live theatre and his touring show sees him clocking up thousands of miles annually around the UK. The son of a coal merchant, Ken was bought his first Punch & Judy Show when he was a child and he used to put on shows in the back garden. Later he began making appearances in local shows and garden fetes, and gave impromptu shows dancing with his sister.

Ken’s love of showbiz began when he saw an advert for a

ventriloquist’s doll in a local paper.

His parents bought it for him and he christened it ‘Charlie Brown’.

He worked on a semiprofessional basis for many years, supplementing his earnings as a salesman ‘on the knocker’ in Liverpool, using his own van and selling household goods around Liverpool housing estates.

His famous protruding teeth were caused by a childhood cycling accident and were once insured for one-million pounds!

Ken made his professional debut at the Empire Theatre, Nottingham in September 1954 and right from the start loved ‘daft’ billing! Early in his career he was described on show bills as: Professor Yaffle

Chucklebutty – Operatic Tenor and Sausage Knotter’!

In complete contast, he made his Shakespearean debut as Malvolio in Twelfth Night at the Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool in 1971.

Ken created his famous Diddymen and they have featured in his stage and television shows, as well as in comics and even board games. Characters like Dickie Mint, Mick The Marmaliser and The Hon Nigel Ponsonby Smallpiece are among the mythical Diddymen who work in the legendary Knotty Ash snuff quarries, black-pudding plantations and broken-biscuit repair works! ❏ The Ken Dodd Happiness Show, Sunday May 24, 7pm. Discounts for Friends, Corporate Club, Saver Scheme and Groups.

Box Office 01603 630000.

For more info or to book online www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 2015 April | 49

FINEARTS

Norwich theatre critic Tony Cooper rides with Billy Bigelow on the carousel of life!

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nd the carousel of life is none other than that lovable and heartrending musical Carousel coming to Norwich Theatre Royal next month (May) in a stunning and exhilarating production created

by Opera North following a sellout season at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris.

One of the greatest musicals of the 20th century, Carousel was composed by one of Broadway’s most successful and enduring partnerships, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II,

50 | April 2015

whose much-loved stage and screen legacy also includes The Sound of Music, Oklahoma! and The King and I. Carousel was, in fact, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s second musical and was adapted from Hungarian writer Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play Liliom but the setting was moved from Budapest to Maine, a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

The story revolves round carousel barker Billy Bigelow whose romance with millworker Julie Jordan comes at the price of both their jobs. He attempts

a robbery to provide for her and their unborn child. It all goes terribly wrong. But he gets a second chance to put things right. A secondary plot deals with millworker Carrie Pipperidge and her romance with ambitious fisherman, Enoch Snow.

The musical required considerable modification during its pre-Broadway tour but once it opened at the Majestic Theatre in April 1945, it became an immediate hit with both critics and audiences alike. Carousel initially ran for 890 performances and duplicated its success in the West End in 1950 playing the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Though it never achieved as much commercial success as Oklahoma!, the piece has been repeatedly revived and has been

recorded on several occasions.

The distinguished and revered American-based magazine Time named Carousel the best musical of the 20th century.

When Rodgers was asked if he had ever been tempted to write an opera he replied that he had and that Carousel, his favourite of all his musicals, was the closest he had come to doing so. Therefore, it seems appropriate enough for Opera North staging it. His score is studded with some of the most powerful, uplifting and moving music ever written for the stage including such lovable and popular numbers as If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over and, of course, the big number that’ll have you reaching for your tissues, You’ll Never Walk Alone. www.finecity.co.uk

Alastair Muir Alastair Muir

Yvonne Howard as Nettie Fowler

Robert Workman

Robert Workman

FINEARTS

Claire Boulter as Carrie Pipperidge with the Chorus of Opera North

Eric Greene as Billy Bigelow and Gillene Herbert as Julie Jordan

Michael Rouse as Jigger (centre) and Michael Todd Simpson as Billy Bigelow (right) with the Chorus of Opera North and dancers

“Some of the most powerful, uplifting and moving music ever written for the stage” This fresh and vibrant production received five-star reviews on its first outing in 2012 staged in Leeds and Salford and also at London’s Barbican Centre. Directed by Jo Davies, the production brings the New England community to life with joyous choreography, a full orchestra and chorus and a classically-trained cast which includes Keith Higham in the role of Billy Bigelow. A graduate of the www.finecity.co.uk

Royal Academy of Music, Keith was awarded the Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Award in 2006 and some of his previous roles include Marty in It’s a Wonderful Life on tour and Brujon / Javert in Les Misérables in the West End. The light of Billy’s life, Julie Jordan, is played by Gillene Butterfield who studied at Trinity College of Music School and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. She enjoys a

fulfilling career and has appeared at the Salzburg and Bregenz festivals and has been a full-time member of Opera North since 2006. Her stage roles include Lucy in Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Telephone, Micaela in Bizet’s Carmen and Barbarina in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro while Opera North appearances include Despina, Cosi fan tutte; Zorah, Ruddigore; Marsha, The Queen of Spades.

Other members of the cast include Yvonne Howard (Nettie Fowler), Aoife O’Sullivan (Carrie Pipperidge) and Joseph Shovelton (Enoch Snow) while James Holmes - one of the great interpreters of Rodgers’ music and well known for his work in musical theatre particularly regarding the music

of Kurt Weill and Stephen Sondheim - returns to conduct.

Here’s what critics from the national press thought: “an exhilarating show which does great honour to a rich piece of musical theatre” Daily Telegraph; “a real masterpiece... totally charming” Mail on Sunday; “got me hook, line and sinker” The Times; “tremendously uplifting” Financial Times and “easily the best Carousel since Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre revival nearly 20 years ago” The Guardian. ❏ Thursday 28th to Saturday 30th May, nightly at 7.30pm, with matinees on 28th and 30th at 2.30pm.

Box office 01603 630 000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk www.carouseltheshow.com 2015 April | 51

FINEARTS

Storm Fine Arts Launches Sister Site ‘Storm Classics’ Pottery and ceramics from 15th Century to present day, Original master’s oil paintings and portraiture, modern British art, decorative antiques and memorabilia.

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torm Fine Arts, established in 1998, has just launched its sister site, Storm Classics. The new site provides an outlet for the more traditional works held by Storm Fine Arts as well as a resource for valuation and corporate art supply, available to all.

Our selection of products encompasses a wide range of traditional, classical and antique works and there is range of prices suitable for every pocket.

www.finecity.co.uk

Alongside Storm Fine Arts, Storm Classics will be bringing you new artists and pieces each week and we hope to provide an exciting and distinguished selection of works for the discerning eye.

Furthermore, we provide valuation services for the private individual for the sake of resale or insurance and we also provide a Corporate lending scheme for the purpose of decorating offices and conference rooms on both short term and long term schemes.

Director, Jolyon Mason, said “When we started Storm Fine Arts in 1998, we mainly held traditional and classical stock.

When I started working with the company in 2003, we slowly started collecting Pop, Modern and Urban pieces and it was always our intention to split the site into two parts. Two years ago, once Storm Fine Arts had gained a solid reputation and momentum, we began development of Storm Classics. Our work has now come to fruition and the end result should be a clean and straight forward platform for customers

to view our products and we hope that the division of the two styles helps our customers find what they are looking for.”

Storm Fine Arts has been running for 17 years serving contemporary and popular tastes and now Storm Classics has joined the fold, allowing each website and its staff to focus on their specialities and associated knowledgebase.

The galleries are based online and also cater for corporate and hospitality requirements.

We also offer free valuation and investment strategy services. ❏

Contact information Web www.StormFineArts.com & www.StormClassics.com Email info@StormClassics.com Twitter twitter.com/StormClassics Facebook www.facebook.com/StormClassics Google plus.google.com/b/112137884364543129816/ +StormfineartsUK/ Pinterest www.pinterest.com/stormfinearts/

2015 April | 53

FINEARTS

Holt Festival

Pop, politics, poetry, chat, drama and cuisine for North Norfolk’s premier mixed arts festival

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olt Festival has announced the first highlights for the 2015 Festival. Under the stewardship of new Artistic Director Charles Pugh, the 7th Festival is already looking to include something for everyone.

From comedy to cuisine, politics to pop and classical and much more, Holt Festival brings you the best in music, theatre and the spoken word in a glorious artistic celebration. Staged in the last week of July with the charming North Norfolk Georgian country town as its backdrop, this award winning annual feast of the arts has quickly become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Norfolk calendar.

It is also increasingly enticing more visitors into the area.

‘My principal objective for 2015 is to ensure that there is quality arts and entertainment across a range of styles and disciplines.

These early announcements give a flavour of the full programme of shows and events that we shall be revealing in May,’ said Charles. He continued ‘Past successful visits from the likes of David Starkey, Melvyn Bragg, Sandi Toksvig and Michael Palin have demonstrated the appetite for this type of afternoon event so I’m pleased to be welcoming speakers of the calibre of Jeffry Archer, Michael Buerk, Dame Stella Rimington, Loyd Grossman and Tom Parker Bowles as well as the inimitable Blofeld and Baxter to Holt.’

Other big names at the festival include chart topper and pop pioneers Steve Harley with his band Cockney Rebel, influential and constantly evolving folk rock 54 | April 2015

legends Steeleye Span and the rejuvenated original punk poet, comedian, movie radio and rock star John Cooper Clarke and his special guest Martin Newell.

Blake are the classical crossover boy band who have delighted TV audiences and topped charts the world over with sales of over a million albums.

There’s a world exclusive with the premiere of Hello Mr Gershwin, a musical journey through the remarkable but tragically short life of George Gershwin and a UK exclusive as masterful award winning classical guitarist Mariano Mangas performs his first ever British show in Holt after previously earning standing ovations all over mainland Europe and the USA. Lorraine & Alan is a retelling of the Orkney Selkie myth relocated to Norfolk using live sound design and several hundred plastic bottles. It was an award winner at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe.

‘I’m looking to make my first Festival as director intriguing, provocative and amusing – and of course entertaining’ said Mr Pugh – I hope these first few shows are setting me well on the way to achieving that goal and I’m already looking forward to announcing the full programme in all its glory in May’ Tickets for the early shows go on general sale on 9 March.

Entry details for the Holt Festival Art Prize, which attracts submissions from far and wide will be announced soon. ❏ The 2015 Holt Festival runs from 19 - 26 July. Holt Festival is generously supported by Gresham’s School. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

Monday 20 July 2pm £20/£5 Henry Blofeld & Peter Baxter: Rogues on the Road talk Globetrotting reminiscences and hilarious (and occasionally outrageous) anecdotes from belovedly bubbly and boisterous Test Match Special commentator Blowers and his long time (and long suffering) producer Baxter.

Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA Monday 20 July 8pm £22/£5 John Cooper Clarke with special guest Martin Newell poetry The original punk poet, comedian, movie radio and rock star.

TV and radio presenter, social and cultural commentator and legend, the bard of Salford is joined by Essex’s inspirational wordsmith Newell.

Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA Tuesday 21 July 2pm £15/£5 Tom Parker Bowles & Loyd Grossman talk Original Masterchef presenter, entrepreneur, writer and all round foodie in conversation with Mail on Sunday and Esquire restaurant critic. Culinary chat from two of the UK’s best-known food experts.

Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA Wednesday 22 July 6 pm £20/£5 Mariano Mangas music One of the world’s greatest classical guitarists, a professor of the instrument in his native Spain and Chair of Flamenco at the Conservatory of Rotterdam. He comes to Holt for his very first UK appearance following performances all over mainland Europe and the USA. Holt Festival at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB

novelist, talks about her creative life and career. with Daily Telegraph critic Jake Kerridge.

Holt Festival at the Lawns Hotel, Station Road, Holt, NR25 6BS Saturday 25 July 6pm £20/£5 Hello Mr Gershwin musical theatre World premiere of a brand new musical from Seastar. A musical journey through George Gershwin’s remarkable life and tragically early death, featuring British pianist and composer Michael Finnissy’s arrangements, a jazz band and a cast of rising stars from the top conservatoires, devised and directed by composer and director Susie Self.

Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA Saturday 25 July 8pm £30/£5 Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel music Pop music pioneer Steve Harley has written and recorded eleven albums in a prolific career covering four decades.

He has enjoyed chart success with Top 20 hits including Judy Teen, Mr Soft, Mr Raffles, ‘Here Comes The Sun’ and the number 1 Make Me Smile (Come Up & See Me).

Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA Sunday 26 July 4pm £15/£5 Jeffrey Archer: Politics Life & Literature literature/talk Lord Archer is the author of 33 published books which have sold over 270 million copies in 97 countries and been translated into 37 languages. The former MP and Chair of The Conservative Party will talk about his extraordinary life, his books and his career in politics and invite questions from the audience.

Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Wednesday 22 July 8pm £25/£5 Blake classical music/opera Brit Award winning harmony trio singing eclectic classical music and pop songs. They have sold well over a million albums, topped classical charts around the world and appeared on more than 150 TV shows worldwide.

Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Sunday 26 July 6pm £20/£5 Lorraine & Alan theatre Original award winning playful re-telling of the Scottish Selkie myth set on the North Norfolk coast featuring live sound design and several hundred plastic bottles. A Marine Biology graduate falls in love with a mysterious young woman he discovers lying amongst the seals and their lives become irreversibly entwined Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Thursday 23 July 2pm £15/£5 Michael Buerk & Ernie Rea talk One of the UK’s best known broadcast journalists and writers, Buerk has won a multitude of awards for international TV reporting. He will discuss Islamic fundamentalism with radio presenter and former BBC head of religious broadcasting Rae. Holt Festival at the Auden Theatre, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Sunday 26 July 8.00pm £25/£5 Steeleye Span music Folk rock pioneers with a new live show. Singer Maddy Prior leads a line-up featuring faces old and new performing the classics that established their reputation alongside newer songs from their 2014 album Wintersmith, a collaboration with Sir Terry Pratchett.

Holt Festival at Theatre in the Woods, Cromer Road, Holt NR25 6EA

Friday 24 July 2pm £15/£5 Dame Stella Rimington in conversation talk The first female Director General of MI5, now a successful

Box office 01603 598699 www.holtfestival.org open for general booking Monday 9 March

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 April | 55

FINEARTS

What’s on at Maddermarket Coming up this month at Maddermarket Theatre

Father and Son, Son and Father Wednesday 1st April Thursday 2nd April 7:30pm

By Canon Neville Boundy This play is a series of conversations between God and Jesus. It has been performed in churches and cathedrals across the UK to huge acclaim. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear it read in the intimate surroundings of St. John Maddermarket Church, during Holy Week.

“Thought provoking, enjoyable, humorous and ultimately moving, Father and Son, Son and Father is a gem of a play. Highly recommended.”

Performed by Peter Sowerbutts and Giles Conneely and directed

by Mel Sessions.

Please note: This performance takes place in St. John Maddermarket Church (next to the Theatre) Tickets £6.00

House of Ghosts Wednesday 1st April 7:30pm Baroque Theatre Company

By Alma Cullen, inspired by the Inspector Morse novels of Colin Dexter. Sponsored by Clarion Ltd. The eponymous sleuth made famous by the late John Thaw returns to the stage in this original play written by Alma Cullen, author of several episodes of the original TV series.

Opening with a performance from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a young professional actress playing 56 | April 2015

Ophelia dies suddenly midperformance. Inspector Morse is immediately on the scene, having been in the audience; the stage is cordoned off and becomes a fullyfledged murder scene. A real treat for the Morse fan. www.baroquetheatre.com Tickets £12.00 (£10 concessions)

The Jongleurs Comedy Club Thursday 2nd April 8:00pm The UK’s number one comedy company is coming to the Maddermarket Theatre.

Come along with your friends and enjoy two hours of top stand-up from Jongleurs, with the biggest and brightest stars on the comedy circuit.

The line-up so far is as follows: Act 1: TBC; Act 2: Peter Brush; Act 3: Doug Segal.

Book your tickets now and get ready for one of the funniest nights you’ll have this year!

(Suitable for over 18’s only) www.jongleurs.co.uk Tickets £10.00 (£8 concessions)

The Shackleton Sessions - Dan Walsh Saturday 4th April 7:30pm Supported by John Bates and Friends, plus ‘The Shackleton Banjo Company’.

Described as one of the finest banjo players in the UK as well as being a superb singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dan Walsh is called ‘the real deal’

by UNCUT magazine.

New release Incidents and Accidents follows on from two critically acclaimed solo albums. As well as many tours of the UK, he also has recent successful trips to Canada, Germany, India, Norway and New Zealand to his credit.

Having made his name with duo Walsh and Pound and now a member of the award winning Urban Folk Quartet, as well as guest appearances on stage and on record with the Levellers and Seth Lakeman, this unique and eclectic musician has stunned audiences across the world.

Performance takes place in the Emmerson Studio Theatre. thgreatbritishbanjocompany.com theshackleton.com Tickets £11.75

Edith Piaf - ‘Non Je Ne Regrette Rien’ 100 Years Tuesday 7th April 7:30pm Dreamcast Productions A musical revue featuring the most treasured songs of Edith Piaf.

Marking the centenary year of her birth, this is an intimate evening featuring the spellbinding songs and heartrending journey through the life and loves and of ‘Lamôme’, Edith Piaf.

In a celebration of her most memorable and moving numbers of love, loss and storytelling, sit

back and relax with a tribute to the indomitable spirit and emotion of France’s most enduring musical icon and the fellow chanteurs, including Charles Aznavour and Yves Montand, who shared her world. From her early years singing in the streets and clubs of Paris, through discovery, intrigue, heartbreak and fame, ‘Je ne Regrette Rien’ features Edith’s most treasured songs, sung in both French and English.

Including: ‘La Vie en Rose’, ‘Mon Dieu’, ‘Hymn to love’, ‘Milord’, ‘Autumn Leaves’ and many others. A singular evening of nostalgia and romance.

Tickets £12.00 (£11 concessions)

The Wind in the Willows Wednesday 8th April 2:30pm Immersion Theatre & Cambridge Touring Theatre Award-nominated Immersion Theatre and the critically-acclaimed Cambridge Touring Theatre join forces to present a spectacular musical adaptation of the classic, “The Wind in the Willows”.

Join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle with a pair of pick-pocketing weasels to save Toad Hall!

Eye-catchingly elaborate costumes, toe-tapping music www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS and larger than life characters promise to capture the imagination of the youngest of audience members whilst the sheer nostalgic charm of this beloved story is guaranteed to take older generations on a glorious trip down the riverbank onto memory lane. The perfect treat for all the family! immersiontheatre.co.uk Tickets £8.50 (£6.50 concessions)

joined forces for their first show together, A Swinging Affair.

These much celebrated and respected musicians share the stage with a world-class trio led by renowned pianist Dave Newton to explore the Great American Songbook – including classics such as Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, They all Laughed and Can’t We Be Friends.

If you like your music sassy, sharp and swinging, this is the show for you. A swinging affair indeed! clairemartinjazz.co.uk Tickets £20.00

Ray Quinn Live - ‘Dare to Dream’ Tour

Disappearing Friends Wednesday 8th April 8:00pm

By Hamilton Wilson This play was written to support current campaigns raising awareness about dementia.

Based on true stories, the four short scenes depict the problems a family must face when a mother is diagnosed with dementia and the understanding that develops between them. Medical professionals explain the points that are being illustrated and there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion at the end of the play.

Performed by Mel Sessions and Peter Sessions. Directed by Tom O’Sullivan Tickets £6.00

Claire Martin and Ray Gelato A Swinging Affair Thursday 9th April 7:30pm Friends for 30-years, multi awardwinning vocalist Claire Martin OBE and legendary saxophonist and vocalist Ray Gelato have combined their love of all things swing and www.finecity.co.uk

Friday 10th April 7:30pm Ray Quinn has announced his first major UK tour for 2015 – Dare to Dream The 20 date tour across the UK follows a busy 2014 for the born entertainer who, following his first platinum selling album ‘Doing it my way’, has spent the last year recording his new music working with some of the most renowned musicians in the world.

Ray’s five track EP ‘Old Soul, Young Blood’ which was released last year went straight to number two on the iTunes pre-order chart and the now 26 year old artist is going from strength to strength.

The new album ‘Dare to Dream’, which is due to release in April 2015, will take a new direction away from big band swing with more of a jazzy, soul funk sound and some original ballads focusing on Ray’s incredible vocal talents with which the nation fell in love over eight years ago.

Working with a five man inhouse team of song writers and producers based in London’s King Cross, Ray is set to wow the nation once again some brand new songs written by this team which includes Ray and his manager Steve.

Speaking about the tour, Ray said: “After the success of my first album back in 2007 I’ve had time to grow as an artist. I’m now doing songs that I’m writing from my experiences and through maturity in the industry. Alongside

a great team of producers and writers, I’m helping to produce the music I want, in a style I can only describe as a funk/soul/ jazz feel - taking myself towards a new direction, creating songs that move people and reaching out to a wider demographic.

To be taking my love for music out on the road again, I’m very excited. I’m right at home singing live on stage so it will be as much as a treat for me as it will my fans. This is my passion and I cannot wait!”

Check out Ray discussing the tour and hear a 30 second sample of the new single ‘They Say Love’ (Released on 23rd February). www.rayquinn.co.uk Tickets £18.50

Airs and Graces: The Spirit of Music Hall Saturday 11th April 2:30pm & 7:30pm Must Close Saturday The innovative Must Close Saturday company returns to the Maddermarket Theatre with a spanking new entertainment starring the Anglia TV legend HELEN McDERMOTT and ADRIAN WRIGHT in a great evening of song and saucy comedy with a freshly minted twist. Starring Susie Turner, Joseph Ballard, Frank Brown, John Knowles and Annette Jude.

Airs and Graces recalls the plush days of Victorian and Edwardian Music Hall as it moves through time to create, in the very best spirit of Music Hall, a show of many dimensions.

From the America of the St Louis Exposition of 1904, through the pyramids of Egypt, stopping off in the coster haunts of the East End, and colliding with a tribute to one of the greatest musical hits

of all time, Airs and Graces is a rollercoaster of enjoyment.

We are delighted to welcome as our special guests the enormously talented and highly acclaimed group MIXED VOICE, with its salute to Broadway genius.

Fasten your seat-belt, take a firm grip of your song-sheet, and take the ride!.

Tickets £12.00

Write Club at the Maddermarket Theatre Saturday 11th April - Saturday 6th June 11.30Am - 1.30Pm Saturdays 11.30am - 1.30pm for eight weeks. The course starts 11th April and goes on to 6th June (There is no session on 23rd May).

Struggling to find time to write or not sure how to get started? Looking to join a friendly community of fellow writers?

This eight-week course, led by an award-winning author, will give you the time, space, and support you need. Get stuck into an existing project or work from prompts and exercises.

Share your work with the group, get written feedback from the tutor and - most importantly enjoy a free coffee and cake!

Cost: £80 for eight weeks

Box Office Our box office is situated in the foyer area, opposite the coffee shop.

Box Office opening hours Normal Open Hours Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 5pm.

On Show Days Monday to Saturday 10am to 7.30pm Sundays 5pm to 7.30pm Booking Tickets Tickets may be booked in person, over the telephone, online, via email or by post.

Box Office 01603 620917 office@maddermarket.org www.maddermarket.co.uk

2015 April | 57

Advertise in Diss, Attleborough, Wymondham, Dereham, Watton, Bury St Edmunds & online

www.dispatchmagazine.co.uk

FINEARTS

Hermitage Revealed

Billy Liar

Elaine Page

Billy Liar

Cinema City This month at Cinema City a clutch of special events looks more than an interesting proposition. Tony Cooper reports

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short selection of films revealing the fashions, attitudes and social habits of people across Norfolk in the glorious and freewheeling decade of the 1960s can be enjoyed in a screening by the East Anglian Film Archive on Saturday, 12th April, 2.30pm, complemented by a group of stalwart members of the Norwich Jazz Club all tuned up providing some foottapping jazz accompaniment.

The main feature comes with a rare showing of Billy Liar adapted from Keith Waterhouse’s groundbreaking 1959 novel which tells the story of William Fisher, a bored working-class lad living with his parents in the fictional town of Stradhoughton in Yorkshire. It brought Albert Finney to fame in the play and, likewise, Tom Courtenay, in the film, who www.finecity.co.uk

delivers a flawlessly-nuanced performance as the underachieving undertaker’s assistant whose constant daydreams and truth-deficient stories earn him the nickname Billy Liar.

Julie Christie is the handbagswinging charmer whose free spirit just might inspire Billy to finally move out of his parents’ house in pursuit of new and daring adventures. Deftly veering from gritty realism to flamboyant fantasy Billy Liar is, without a shadow of doubt, a dazzling and uproarious classic of its time.

After hearing ex-serviceman Doug Hern talking on Radio 4 about his horrific experiences as a human guinea-pig in the atom bomb tests on Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean, BAFTAwinning filmmaker Charles Stewart (Seeds of Despair, Red Base One Four) felt moved to tackle the shocking story

Nobody told us

which is told in Nobody Told Us Anything being screened on Wednesday, 15th April, 6.15pm.

More than 20,000 service personnel were exposed to the previously-unknown effects of nuclear radiation between 1952 and 1962. Despite the injustice of the physical and psychological damage they suffered as a result, successive governments largely ignored their pleas for recognition and help. Backed by footage of the actual tests, Stewart interviewed dozens of survivors, focusing on 33 of them talking straight to camera. The result’s a poignant testimony to their determination to reveal the cover-up and its appalling legacy which continues to impact them and their families.

Special guests comprise Nigel Heaps (Chairperson, British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association) and Doug Hern (Supporters Group and Branch Communications, British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association) plus filmmaker, Charles Stewart. They will participate in a Q&A session.

Fans of the incomparable Elaine Paige are in for a treat as her farewell sell-out concert from London’s Royal Albert Hall - Elaine Page: I’m Still Here - comes to

the Big Screen on Thursday, 23rd April, 7.15pm (St George’s Day) featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests with Elaine performing a string of highlights from her extraordinary fifty-year career to include such wonderful numbers as Memory, I Know Him so Well and As If We Never Said Goodbye. The evening will finish with a special live Q&A session and an intimate performance from Elaine.

Two hundred and fifty years old this year, the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg holds more than three million exquisite artefacts and masterpieces in stunning architectural settings.

The remarkable human stories behind the Hermitage’s long and tumultuous journey from Imperial Palace to State Museum will be vividly brought to life in Hermitage Revealed (Monday, 27th April, 8.30pm) offering the viewer an exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the museum’s extraordinary collections showcasing some of the oldest, rarest and most precious of Russia’s great treasures. Dostdavanya! ❏ Cinema City, St Andrews Street, Norwich NR2 4AD Telephone 0871 902 5724 2015 April | 59

My Photography Story Norfolk Photographer Daniel Tink celebrates his 10 year anniversary

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any readers of FineCity will have seen Daniel’s wonderful photographs in the magazine and may well have bought one of his books or prints.

To celebrate his ‘10th anniversary’ of taking up the camera, we asked him to write about his photographic journey in his own words and also to give some tips on how to capture that ‘great pic’. This is what he had to say: “Many of you will have seen my photography appear in Fine City since its very beginnings in 2010 but until now I’ve remained quietly in the background proud to supply and share my photos of our wonderful city. To celebrate my 10th year of photography I thought it was about time I said a proper hello!”

Growing up in the City I was born in Norwich in 1981 where I still live today. Since young I have always had a keen interest in art and crafts, a passion also shared with my two sisters, Laura and Hannah – our parents, Leanne and Barry are very proud of us all. I studied computing and IT throughout my teenage years, leading to higher education at 60 | April 2015

Norwich City College and Sheffield Hallam University. On returning home to Norwich I joined a web and smartphone app development company called Astutech Ltd, who I still work fulltime for to this day.

Discovering the magic of photography My photography began as a hobby in 2005 with a slightly chucky 2 megapixel Kodak digital camera, - it was perfect! It had nothing on today’s cameras but at the time it did everything I wanted and was versatile enough for me to experiment with and have fun.

My subject matter has always been varied, but landscapes have remained special. I consider myself very fortunate to live and work in Norfolk. It is a beautiful and unique place. On a personal level there is no greater feeling than finding myself isolated on the North Norfolk Coast with nothing but natural surroundings, space and light all around me, capturing that special moment forever. I find the Norfolk coastline fascinating - cliffs rise and fall; beaches are interspersed with salt marshes and Marram grass filled sand-dunes; and boats bob along meandering creeks. The towns and villages dotted along this picturesque coastline are full of character and charm.  www.finecity.co.uk

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2015 April | 61

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My own website My love of photographing Norfolk soon became one I wanted to share and in 2008 I created my own website www.scenicnorfolk. co.uk , not only to provide a showcase for my Norfolk photos, but in hope of attracting people to visit our beautiful county. What better way I thought than to show of Norfolk in all its glory through my pictures? I am pleased to say that Scenic Norfolk has since grown and attracts thousands of visitors per month from all over the world.

my first solo book entitled ‘The Spirit of Norwich’ was born. It was published under the PiXZ imprint of Halsgrove and is priced at £4.99.

Evolving from the success of our Norwich books, Stephen and I have found ourselves forming a unique publishing partnership.

During the last 4 years we have worked together on 4 fantastic titles including: ‘The Spirit of Norwich Cathedral’, ‘Norfolk – Exploring the Land of Wide Skies’, ‘Norfolk Food Heroes’ and ‘The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path’.

Published!

Arts and Crafts Fairs

To be able to call myself a published photographer and author is thanks to Norwich-based author (and now brilliant feature writer for Fine City) Stephen Browning. In 2009, Stephen had finished writing ‘Discover Norwich’ - a brand new exciting hardback book on Norwich walks, but was short of some high resolution photos of certain areas of Norwich. I, of course, jumped at this incredible opportunity to have my photos published in a book which was a dream come true.

Shortly after the release of ‘Discover Norwich’, I received a surprise email from Stephen’s publisher, Halsgrove, telling me how much they liked my photography and would I be interested in producing my own photographic tour of Norwich. Thus another dream came true and

In the past I regularly exhibited and sold my photography at local craft and art fairs, feeling extremely proud that my prints were travelling home with residents and tourists to destinations all over the world. Since me and my partner Alison become parents to our first child, Charlie Daniel Tink, born on the brilliant date of 11/12/13, I now restrict myself to 3 events a year at my favourite locations: Blakeney during the spring and summer and The Forum at Christmas. This year I will be exhibiting and selling my prints, books, greeting cards, magnets and key-ring’s at St Nicholas Church Hall at Blakeney Quay, with several other fine Norfolk crafters from April 4th to 10th and June 20th to 26th. 

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FINELIVING

Issue 41 April 2015

Photographer DANIEL TINK presents the best of his stunning Norfolk landscapes

FINEPLACES

INTERVIEW

This month we meet Richard Draper MBE, co-founder of the Benjamin Foundation

FESTIVAL

We showcase the superb regional talent coming to the Norfolk Festival in May

FINEPEOPLE

SPRING WALKS

FINEARTS

Steve Browning suggests five walks around Norwich for the warmer weather

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64 | April 2015

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My Top 5 Landscape Photography Tips I am often asked to give my tips for fine pictures and I hope these may be useful for anyone trying to take that ‘great shot’. They are pretty simple to master but really do make a massive difference.

1. For landscape photography there’s no better investment than a tripod, especially when shooting in low light conditions and ensuring your horizons are straight.

2. Learn the Rule of Thirds to apply a better general composition to your photos. When composing your photo in your cameras view finder or screen divide the scene up into imaginary thirds both horizontally and vertically. Then place your areas of interest at points where those lines cross or your horizon along one of the lines. Some cameras have a built in setting that assists by overlaying this grid on your view finder.

3. Look for leading lines in your scene. These pave an easy to follow path for your eye through different elements of your photo.

Examples of leading lines are roads or rivers that start at the bottom or side of your scene and flow away towards your horizon. www.finecity.co.uk

4. Experiment with slow exposures for dramatic coastal scenes.

Capture the ocean or a fast flowing river as a smooth and milky movement. Look for the ‘S’ mode on your camera to adjust your shutter speed and experiment with short to long exposure times for amazing results. To avoid blurry results, you will need a tripod, unless you have an extremely steady hand.

5. Most photographers will shoot from a standing position, which is fine for general landscapes, but experiment from a low level and discover a whole new perspective on the world. You don’t necessarily have to lie on the floor looking through your view finder, just crouch down and hold your camera on the floor at a slight upwards angle and fire off shots for some creative results.

I wish you great fun and satisfaction if you are new to photography which can be an amazing activity whether you are a hobbyist or aim to sell some of your work. Maybe I shall bump into you on the Holkham Dunes or elsewhere in our magnificent county! ❏ Visit Daniel’s website: www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk 2015 April | 65

Stunning, responsive websites from the creators of

www.spidercreativemedia.co.uk

FINELIVING

JGM Open Day

jgm mustard tv

Jenny Sadler

JGM Open Day

Jennifer Grace Music Jennifer Grace Music & Vocal Academy hits 20 years of musical high notes

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enny Sadler is a remarkable music teacher with an impressive CV. Not only is she an accomplished vocalist and musician with over 40 years’ experience in the music industry, she’s been passing on her skills from a young age. In 2015, Jenny is celebrating 20 years of her unique music and vocal academy which boasts a rapidly growing list of students; superior exam pass rates and regular encounters with popular TV shows The Voice, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

A former Bowthorpe High School student, Jenny’s passion and talent for music came to the fore at the tender age of 11.

Already an accomplished pianist, www.finecity.co.uk

in 1973 she met new Norwich music shop owner, Jack White. Jenny picks up the story: “I remember that the first day Jack White’s Music Shop opened for business, my dad said to me ‘come on Jen, there’s a new music shop opening today let’s go and have a look’.

When we arrived, my Dad told Mr White my name; promptly sat me at the piano in the shop window and I began to play. After a short while, an audience started to gather – and that’s when Mr White said to me ‘great - you start work next Saturday’!”

As a Saturday girl at Jack White’s Music Shop on St Benedict’s Street, Jenny’s natural enthusiasm and warm personality began to shine. By the time she

was 16, she had passed her Grade 8 piano examination and at 18, began tutoring students in piano and music theory full time. It wasn’t long before Jenny turned her attention to performing and in 1980, formed a band called “Step by Step” who enjoyed touring success in the UK, Tenerife and the Balearic Islands. The band also supported renowned artists throughout the 1980s including Cilla Black and Marty Wilde as well as top of the bill variety acts Little & Large, Cannon & Ball and Ken Dodd.

Returning to Norwich to pursue her dream of teaching music, Jenny enrolled with the Southern Music College in Essex and became a qualified teacher in 1988. Already a Yamaha Music School approved tutor, she was able to set up her own teaching studio located in Jack White’s Music Shop. Quickly attracting a growing list of students, it wasn’t long before Jenny had to employ support staff of her own.

In 1995 and with a team of 12 teachers, Jenny created her

very own singing school “Ring n Sing” which in 2012 evolved into JGM Vocal Academy, now based at a tailor-made unit in Hellesdon, Norwich. With her passion for learning still as strong as ever, Jenny went on to study and achieve singing diplomas with the Victoria Music College in London and in 2004 received a Fellowship with honours their highest accolade.

Between 2008 and 2011, Jenny also found time to teach at Breckland Park School in Swaffham, delivering lessons and arranging performances before rising to the role of Head of Music. Now in 2015 and one year on from moving to her own premises, Jenny is busier than ever. Never one to boast about her own achievements, she has a genuine passion for music and continues to dedicate her time to each and every student, regardless of their skills, knowledge and background. ❏ For more information about JGM Academy, visit www. jennifergracemusic.co.uk/ 2015 April | 67

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East Anglian Game and Country Fair The 2015 East Anglian Game & Country Fair will take place on Saturday the 25th & Sunday the 26th April, at The Norfolk Showground

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here will be lots of new displays including The Essex Dog Display Team which is generally accepted as the premier and longest established dog display team in Great Britain and Europe. The team appeared at Crufts for a record breaking eleven years and they were also invited to display at the Five Nations Rugby Tournament at Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup, England – Scotland match. They are the only civilian dog display team ever to be selected to appear at The Royal Tournament in front of Her Majesty The Queen, Prince Phillip and the Royal Family. Working with many different breeds of dogs (the majority of which have been rescued); the team produce a professional highly entertaining, action packed and informative display. The central feature of the display is a 100ft long by 8ft high ramp, which the dogs negotiate at high speed through hoops of fire.

There are excellent equestrian displays and workshops at the East Anglian Game & Country Fair.

UK Horseboarding Arena Demos “somewhere between scurry racing and wake boarding” describes Arena Boarding. Teams take on the clock around a course of gates, set to challenge the best boarders and horse riders, from long straights into sweeping bends and ninety

68 | April 2015

degree turns. In terms of motorsport it is more like rallying or Formula 1.

Teams have to work together to achieve the right racing line to take the bends and complete the course.

New board technology has meant that board riders can get more grips in the corners, but as the track gets scrubbed out, you will still see them power sliding round the bends kicking up dust like a rally car. This part of the sport has become so technical that board setup, and even tyre choice has become critical. The teams push their boards to the limit as they fight it out, trying to shave 100ths of a second off their times. As will always happen, when sportsmen push themselves and their equipment to the limit, sometimes they find the edge. Crashes are frequent, - with the teams’ motto seeming to be “we will not win by going slower.”

An absolute must-see spectacle - you will not be able to take your eyes off it, as teams achieving already unbelievable speeds, get faster with each race.

Richard Maxwell, our Horse behaviourist, was in the Household cavalry with “Monty Roberts” and he will be demonstrating twice daily in the round horse pen, where you will be able to see the special understanding and training techniques that Richard uses to help horses overcome some of their fears. This is a fantastic opportunity to see Richard using traditional and natural techniques on horses that have been brought to the game fair by their owners for Richard to work on and this will be the first time that Richard will have seen the horse he is going to be helping.

N & J Heavy Horses is a family run business which has been running for around 10 years, performing horse drawn carriage work up and down the country, such as weddings, proms, fetes and carriage rides in the town of Southold. Their two Perchons aged 7, three Shires aged 9 to 11 and one Clydesdale aged 6 will be performing musical demonstrations which are fun for all ages with all different types of music; modern and oldies and is set to be enjoyed by all in both the Main and Countryside Arenas Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation (Sat) present an invitation to see working equitation ridden by the riders who have represented Great Britain in the European and World Working Equitation Teams. These fine horses will demonstrate the grace needed to be at the top of their sport. The quest of lightness on

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FINELIVING their hooves, no involuntary movement, any direction easily and the art of doing nothing will all be demonstrated during their arena time.

We have a fantastic line up of more free events to watch in the Main and Countryside Arenas. Ring displays also include 6 times FITASC Sporting World Champion, European Champion and English Open Champion John Bidwell performing his world famous off the hip trick shooting with an automatic and pump action shotgun shooting from the hip over his shoulders and from between his legs, this is a rare opportunity to see John’s display.

West Norfolk Hunt will be taking the hounds for a parade of the ring, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flight of the Falcons, Ferret Racing, Fly Fishing, Berkley Owls, Sheep Dog and Duck Display, Lurcher Displays, Gun Dog demonstrations and much more.

The Mid-Norfolk Gundog Club has been providing its members with training and competitions for 30 years and this year the Club celebrates its 25th anniversary as a Kennel Club Registered Society. The Countryside Arena demonstrations illustrate the stages of training for spaniels and retrievers as they are prepared to become working gundogs. Trained gundogs have a vital role in any form of responsibly conducted game shooting. In the Main Ring, the roles and work of spaniels and retrievers are demonstrated in the context of the shooting field. Mid Norfolk Gun Dog Club will be running the Gun Dog Scurry competitions and a Team Gundog Working Test - a competition for trained gundogs that simulates the problems the dogs will encounter when working. The competition, introduced to the East Anglian Game and Country Fair last year, is an ‘Open’ standard competition for teams of three experienced dogs and handlers representing clubs and societies from across East Anglia and takes place over both days of the fair. Expect and enjoy first class work and a keen but friendly competition from some of the best gundogs and handlers in the region.

Whether you are a practicing falconer, nature enthusiast or not the falconry village is sure to keep you entertained. There will be mini events going on all day in the arena, lure swinging competitions, talks on hunting and a chance to practice you skills at catching a ‘wild injured owl’ plus several stands to browse along with expert advice from falconers.

The Forestry Villages hosts The East of England Cutters & Climbers Competition and Pole Climbing Competitions. The forestry arena will be a buzz of activity with chainsaw carvings, felling demonstrations, tree climbing and pole climbing competitions. Tree workers from around the UK will be competing at this rare opportunity to see a working forestry village.

If Bear Grills is your thing then Woodland Ways Bushcraft & Survival will be demonstrating their vast knowledge of bushcraft & survival techniques. There will be opportunities throughout the day to get ‘hands on’ and learn some skills for yourself. They will also be running ‘Pigeon Plucking’ competitions on their stand over the weekend. Find out how quickly you can prepare a pigeon for the table without using a knife.

Norwich Vikings Trials Motorcycle Display will have a range of riders from those on modern bikes to those who prefer the classic bike and classes for all abilities. Riders will be taking their bikes around a purpose built obstacle course from old oil drums to large tree trunks. This will all take place within the forestry arena.

Our game fair country kitchen has a great new line up with a variety of cookery workshops and demonstrations taking place over the weekend from a selection of local chefs, including Celebrity Chef Chris Coubrough, Roger Hickman, Andy Snowling, Eric Snaith and Na Hansell plus many more. The Cookery Theatre is housed in the centre of the busy food hall where you will find a wide variety of exhibitors from Norfolk and across the UK bringing unusual and

“If Bear Grills is your thing then Woodland Ways Bushcraft & Survival will be demonstrating their vast knowledge”

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FINELIVING “Children of all ages will be able to take part in countryside activities and meet animals” mouth watering food and drink to the show for our visitors to sample, enjoy and purchase.

Fine & Country Educational Zone: A wide variety of some of the best Independent schools from across the region will be on view in the New Fine & Country educational zone. This large marquee gives all the visitors the opportunity to meet some of the staff and pupils from these schools and see some of the teaching and learning environments in a friendly environment. Come & join the Fine & Country team in the marquee for a complimentary hot drink.

There are over 300 shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers, eco products, fishing products and home improvements. Plus craft halls and gift marquees. The main bar will be serving a great selection of local beers and drinks over the weekend and the Sheringham shanty men will be performing during the day.

We are delighted to announce that Norwich Antiques Market has again been added to the line up for this year’s show. Visit their stand on Avenue E for a great selection of stands selling antiques, collectables, vintage and retro goods. They are the oldest, biggest and best monthly antiques fair in Norwich.

Children of all ages will be able to take part in countryside activities and meet several animals. Stands at the event for little ones include Red Barn Farm, Woodbine Alpacas, Scratby Donkey Rides and of course Heart Radio.

Join in and ‘have a go’ at a range of country activities from clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge instructors or enter the 40-bird re-entry shooting competition for men, women and juniors.

70 | April 2015

Fly fishing with the Salmon and Trout Association, ferret racing and archery to paintballing and crossbows. Take a helicopter pleasure flight over the showground, try the air rifle range, hold a bird of prey or take a ride in a Landrover on the off road 4x4 course.

K9 Aqua Sports© will be holding its ‘K9 Jump Jet©’ Competition, which is the Long Jump for dogs into water, with Heats at 12.00pm (Midday) & 2:30pm on both days (Saturday & Sunday) of the show and the K9 Jump Jet© Finals will be held at 3.30pm on the last day (Sunday) of the show with the top Teams Dogs that have jumped the furthest distance within the 4 Heats Dogs, Fly ball Dogs, Gundogs, Obedience Dogs or even the Families Pet Dog are welcome, as long as they are over 6 months old and healthy. All K9 Jump Jet© Heat Participants will receive a Participant Rosette with Placement Rosettes for Top 6 Teams in each Heat.

Enter your dog into the Dog Agility and Jumping competitions and ‘have a go’ arenas, the Pet Dog Show or even the popular Terrier & Lurcher Show which takes place on Sunday at 11am.

This will be a qualifier for all major championships as well as the East Anglian Championship.

Whether you want information about the Game Fair prior to buying tickets or want to know what is happening next in the Main Arena during the weekend or to save your car park location, the Game Fair app is your essential guide to a great day out for all the family, available to download FREE from ‘The App Store’. ❏

Ticket Information Advance discounted admission tickets are available now online at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline number 0871 230 1102 Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline plus standard network charges. Adult £13.00, Children (5-16 Yrs) £5.00 and Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) £36, (offer valid until midday 20/04/14 and a small booking fee applies). Under 5’s are Free and Car Parking is Free for all.

On the gate prices: Adult £17.00, Children (5-16 Yrs) £6.00, Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) £46, under 5’s are Free and Free Car Parking for all.

Become a member of the show. Priced at a very attractive £26 per adult, £11 per child (5-16 yrs) or £76 for a family (2 adults & 3 children) its great value! Beat the queues with prioritised car parking & admission to the show plus entry into the ringside Members’ enclosure with luxury loos!

Membership tickets, gift packages, experience days and lunches are also available to book online at www.ukgamefair. co.uk or call 01263 735 828 for more information.

Camping Weekend Tickets - Set in glorious parkland, The Norfolk Showground is a fantastic place to visit and camp for the weekend, conveniently situated just 5 miles from Norwich city centre. Just bring your Caravan, Camper or Tent and enjoy a fun filled short break in Norfolk with your friends and family! The Norfolk Showground provides excellent camping facilities plus you can enjoy two whole days at one of Norfolk’s most talked about family days out. Well behaved pets are most welcome too. Book early and save money on Camping weekend tickets visit www.ukgamefair.co.uk for prices and full details.

Keep up to date with all the latest game fair news and offers at www.ukgamefair.co.uk Subscribe to our e-newsletter and join us on our social networking sites, or call 01263 735828 for more information.

www.finecity.co.uk

FINELIVING

The Government is Urging you to Switch Your Energy Provider Dual-fuel customers of the big energy firms have missed big savings by not switching suppliers, early evidence from a competition inquiry suggests

T

he Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating the energy market since last summer.

It says that from 2012 to 2014, more than 95% of dual-fuel customers of the big firms would have saved money by switching tariffs or suppliers.

The savings they missed ranged from £158 to £234 a year per customer.

Richard Lloyd of consumers’ association Which? said the energy industry had failed its www.finecity.co.uk

customers and the regulator would have to be much tougher.

“Politicians and regulators have put too much faith in competition driving prices for consumers - this simply hasn’t worked,” he said.

The ‘big six’ The investigation by the CMA was formally launched last July in response to an earlier referral from the energy regulator Ofgem.

Ofgem had been concerned because of widespread disquiet at the dominance of the industry by just six big operators.

Currently the “big six” energy firms - SSE, Scottish Power, Centrica, Npower, E.On and EDF Energy - together account for about 92% of the UK’s energy supply market.

Consumer groups and politicians have frequently accused the firms of using their position to raise customers’ prices swiftly when wholesale energy prices go up, but being slow to cut them when their costs have come down.

Poor customer service by the big six firms is highlighted by the CMA. It says the number of complaints recorded against them rose fivefold between 2007 to 2013. These were mainly about problems concerning billing, customer service and payments.

Utility Warehouse If you are looking for an alternative supplier, you might like to consider Utility Warehouse – The Discount Club. Utility Warehouse Guarantee savings on your household bills via their unique Price Promise: They guarantee you’ll save money when you switch all your services to them, or they’ll give you back

‘Double the Difference’.

Utility Warehouse provides over 600,000 customers throughout the UK with substantial savings on a range of utility services including landline phone, mobiles, broadband, gas and electricity.

You may not have heard of the Utility Warehouse before; that’s because they don’t spend money on expensive advertising like other companies. This saves them millions of pounds a year — savings they pass on to you!

They rely completely on recommendation from happy customers and a network of Distributors to spread the word about the great savings they offer compared to their competitors.

Even if you haven’t heard of them before, you can be completely confident in their services. They are a Which? Recommended Provider and scored five out of five for customer service.

If you’d like to save money, get in touch. I’ll explain how you can benefit. I look forward to talking to you. Jonathan: 07802 690589, please feel free to call me anytime!

2015 April | 71

From

Bubbles...

How Much is That Doggy in the Window?

Writer Marie Blake reveals the sometimes sad truth behind all those cute puppies in the pet shop window

feature by:

Marie Blake Writer @realmarieblake

72 | April 2015

“A

wwww he’s so cute” I heard a woman squeal as her and her husband past by the pet shop cooing over some small puppies who looked little over eight weeks old. Yes, puppies are adorable, especially when they are really tiny

and still have that new puppy smell. People instantly fall in love and dig deep in to their wallets to bring the cute, little puppy home. Happy to hand over the cash, after a quick trip to pets at home to buy all the new essentials a bed, puppy food, puppy mats and toys, the puppy is ready to come home, everyone in www.finecity.co.uk

FINELIVING the family is very excited about their brand new pint sized friend, barley able to contain the excitement as they show the new little puppy, Bruno off to everyone.

The family love Bruno, he is so much fun and will now be spoilt for the rest of his life.

How can such a beautiful, small creature have such tragedy attached to it?

Unfortunately Bruno’s mum is sleeping in a cold damp shed, she has food and water shoved in once a day but no fuss or love is shown to her and her fur is matted and dirty. She misses her puppies that were taken from her too early, she is only a small dog and it was painful when she had this litter. She can hear the humans inside, sounds like they are having a nice time, probably spending all the money they have made from her babies. This isn’t her first litter no, this was her third litter of puppies, she is only two years old herself. She is desperate for love and she is desperate for affection, dogs are born to love us unconditionally but this poor little girl has been used as a cash machine.

She is not walked anymore; she is let out of the shed sometimes, normally to breed more dogs to line her owner’s pockets. When people look at the cute little puppies they have no idea of the horror that brought these puppies in to the world.

It’s a very sad truth that happens every day all over the country, some dogs are lucky enough to be rescued others are not so lucky, they live in appalling conditions and are often abandoned or killed when they are no longer of any “use” to their owners. As long as it costs to have a dog spayed and people pay money for puppies, these “back yard breeders” will exist and thrive.

Yes, they are cute but never buy a puppy from a pet shop and never buy a puppy from a buying and selling site, if you can’t see “mum” please don’t buy the puppy, no matter how cute they are. Puppies are just like babies they are incredibly hard work but if you insist on having one please rescue and save a life or go to a registered breeder who knows exactly what the breed should be like and of course where mum can be seen.

In fact every time you buy or breed puppies there is a dog in a rescue that dies there, a dog that will never finds its forever home. A dog that has such an enormous amount of unrequited love to give that he or she could burst, despite the fact these dogs have been through hell, starved, beaten, abandoned you would think they would be incapable of love. They’re not they want love even more than ever. There are all kinds of dogs looking for homes, so please, please go to your local rescue group or centre which homes these beautiful creatures who haven’t given up on the chance of finding a happy ending, please be their happy ending.

There are currently 450 dogs at Battersea dogs home, there are thousands of rescue centres across the country. I hope this gives you an idea of the sad truth. Next time you see a puppy in a pet shop please consider where that dog came from. Make the right choice and give a dog in a rescue home another chance, they may end up rescuing you. ❏ www.finecity.co.uk

...to

Bubbly

Whether it’s well-known brands or a bottle of fizz, when you pop to the Co-op you’ll bring a little bit of sparkle to your community. Last year alone, thanks to you, we were able to invest over £500,000 in local projects. Another great reason to celebrate,

cheers!

2015 April | 73 www.eastofengland.coop

Maria Cooke

FINELIVING

Norwich Writers’ Circle Group Photo January 2014 James Dimelow D J Taylor

Simon Scarrow

Biography

James Dimelow lives and works in Norwich. In addition to writing 6 plays, James has written an online animation on the history of The Assembly House for Norwich HEART. At present James is writing his 7th play, and is busy making preparations for his 8th. He has also been a member of Norwich Writers’ Circle for over a decade. In his spare time James enjoys listening to music, going to cinema, and visiting museums & art galleries. To discover more please visit newplays.org.uk.

THE WRITE STUFF Everything you need to know about the Norwich Writers’ Circle, including their first open short story competition

A

t the height of World War II, in 1943, a group of dedicated local writers joined together and established Norwich Writers’ Circle. The aim of the founders was “to encourage the art and craft of writing and promote good fellowship amongst Norfolk and Norwich writers generally”. It is with this aim and spirit unchanged that the Circle continues to flourish today.

The group, which meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at The Assembly House, celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2013. The celebrations saw Circle members enjoy a year of workshops, competitions, socials events and visiting writers, including the return of acclaimed author and former Vice-Chairman D J Taylor.

Previous visiting writers to the Circle have included P D James, Ruth Rendell, Rose Tremain, John 74 | April 2015

Timpson and Malcolm Bradbury.

Many of the guest speakers, such as Louis de Bernières, have attracted a large public turn out.

Adrian Dearnley, who has been Chairman for the last 4 years, noted, “Our welcoming group offers the chance to meet many well-known authors in an intimate setting. This means that members can easily discover how fellow writers have achieved their success.”

In conjunction with the visiting authors, Norwich Writers’ Circle holds a series of popular annual in-house competitions. There are also regular workshops, given by both members and guest speakers. These workshops range from writing children’s literature to researching family history, and from the rules of scripted drama to the possibilities of science-fiction.

Membership Secretary Victoria Bartlett commented, “The Circle is open to all writers – fiction and non-fiction. We welcome

authors of all ages and genres.

The regular programme of visiting writers and competitions encourages everyone to interact and to be inspired. Our friendly group also holds frequent manuscript evenings that enable members to hear constructive feedback on their work.”

Maureen Nisbet added “I have been a member for over a decade now. Being a Circle member certainly opens up opportunities for writers. Previous competition winners’ entries have been broadcast on BBC Radio Norfolk, whilst other prize-winners’ work has been published.”

Since its inception NWC’s successes have included members’ novels, short stories, poetry and non-fiction being published, locally and nationally.

“Norwich Writers’ Circle is an important part of the city’s rich cultural heritage. We all felt very proud when Norwich was internationally recognised as a

UNESCO City Of Literature”, Séan Hindle, Vice-Chairman, said.

2015 will see Norwich Writers’ Circle hold its first open short story competition. This exciting innovation will be officially launched by Jean McNeil at The Assembly House on Tuesday 17th April. The successful novelist and UEA academic will be holding a short story writing workshop from 7.30pm onwards. Everyone is welcome to attend what promises to be an inspiring evening.

The 2,000 word competition, which closes in July, is named in honour of former group President Olga Sinclair and has a £500 First Prize. All entrants must make reference to ‘mustard’ somewhere within their story. The entries will be adjudicated by Unthank Books founder Ashley Stokes, with the announcement of the winners taking place after the Summer.

Subscribe to the Circle’s e-newsletter to be amongst the first to hear further details of the Open Competition. ❏ For programme, membership and competition details, plus all the latest Circle news, please visit norwichwriters.wordpress. com or check out facebook. com/NorwichWritersCircle. www.finecity.co.uk

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A Every month* in the

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We are running a monthly competition across all of our magazines where you could be in with a chance to win a ÂŁ50 voucher at a selection of major supermarkets.

To enter, simply visit www.FineCity.co.uk and complete the entry form.

The winner will be chosen at random on the 30th of each month and will be notified via email. Arrangements will be made for the posting or collection of the vouchers.

Spider Creative Media, publishers of FineCity Magazine, reserve the right to cancel or change the competition at any time without prior notice. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose other than via FineCity Magazine. *Entry is for one months draw only. A separate entry would be required to enter each of the following months draws.

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