FineCity Magazine - February 2015

Issue 39 February 2015

Fine artist KEITH FOX talks about his life, paintings and success

EDWARDIAN AGE

Writer Stephen Browning describes life in Norwich on the eve of the Great War

NIGHTS OUT

What’s on this February across the city. Music, theatre and more!

FINEPLACES FINEPEOPLE

PLUS

FINEARTS

Big Issue, Big Heart. We meet Lee Houghton to talk about his act of kindness that went viral

FINELIVING

NORWICH

Advice tailored for you and your family The Family Team at Leathes Prior will work with you to resolve your situation amicably and sensitively. Our experts will help you to decide which process suits your needs best and provide specialist advice in a dignified and professional manner.

Legal 500 2014: ‘Outstanding, ethical and excellent value for money’.

Divorce/Separation Financial Settlement Children Mediation Cohabitation Pre/Post-Nuptial Agreements

www.leathesprior.co.uk | 74 The Close Norwich NR1 4DR info@leathesprior.co.uk | 01603 610911

Issue 39 February 2015

Fine artist KEITH FOX talks about his life, paintings and success

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34

NIGHTS OUT

What’s on this February across the city. Music, theatre and more!

FINEPLACES

PLUS

FINEARTS

Big Issue, Big Heart. We meet Lee Houghton to talk about his act of kindness that went viral

FINELIVING

NORWICH

Issue 39

48 FINE ARTS

Writer Stephen Browning describes life in Norwich on the eve of the Great War

FINEPEOPLE

FINE PEOPLE

FINE PLACES

EDWARDIAN AGE

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: Steve Browning, Pete Goodrum, Tony Cooper, Sue Dougal and Chrissi Rix.

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FINE LIVING Editor

Plenty of top tips for business twitter users in the Jan edition of #FineCityMag Fabulous Cake Co

Thank you so much for the follow - following back! :) Cavell Court @CavellCourt

Thanks for printing our editorial for the February edition. Great advice for anyone looking to set up a new business :) Leathes Prior

Collect your free copy of FineCity Magazine from any of our partner locations:

www.finecity.co.uk

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.

© 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 February | 03

Follow us on Twitter @FineCityMag

Care, reassurance and support... ...when you need it most

George Bush, 93 Oak St 01603 764157 St Stephens Square 01603 625495 321c Aylsham Road 01603 483060

We’re available 24 hours a day eastofengland.coop/funerals

04 | February 2015

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An Opportunity Utility Warehouse succeed in the new ‘Professional’ boom of Network Marketing!

The ‘Momentum’ stage [the Boom] of any new growth cycle is when fortunes are made. Riding the boom of the 1st cycle in a new industry is difficult so very few people succeed. Riding the boom of the 2nd cycle is the ultimate business move as the

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growth is dramatically faster yet more secure as the growth is based on proven success yet the evolution creates like a ‘groundfloor’ opportunity even for the huge established companies.

A recent example is the Smartphone boom, based on

the mobile phone business with Utility Warehouse. A few years ago, we wrote our first report on Utility Warehouse where we predicted its 1st Momentum Stage and very optimistically predicted that they would achieve £500million within 10 years, they achieved this in just six years.

Simply put, Utility Warehouse is THE most successful European Direct Sales company of the 21st Century and has recently been ranked the 15th largest Direct Sales company in the world. Not bad for a relatively young company that only trades in the UK with a fraction of the distributor base of the global giants.

The ‘buzz’ of a new ‘Professional Age’ for Network Marketing is very positive for Utility Warehouse as they, in fact, have been a pioneer of many elements that define this new age since its founding in 1997. The company has championed the ‘customer first’ mentality winning endless ‘Best Value’ awards from leading independent consumer

‘Which?’ magazine. And they have pioneered Professional Development with their customer focussed distributor training.

Given the massive demand for new income opportunities, we believe that Utility Warehouse will enter a new Momentum stage that will catapult them into the ‘Big Boy’ level of telecoms and utilities companies in the UK. We expect sales to achieve £2billion by 2018. In fact, if the company can maintain its business model and accelerate its development of ‘Professionals’ then it could achieve £4billion by 2020.

The most important result of this dramatic growth period will be that Utility Warehouse will produce more exciting meaningful incomes for more people than any other UK company in direct sales history.

For more information on how you can get involved in the fantastic opportunity, call Jonathan Now on 07802 690589. Don’t miss out!

2015 February | 05

Fright Night to raise funds for injured fire-fighters The Fire Fighters Charity, SPIRIT paranormal investigation team and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are holding a Fright Night at Strangers Hall on 20 March 2015 raising money for injured fire service personnel.

The night-time vigil is to be held from 7.30pm until 11pm and all who stay until the end will receive a certificate and a small goody bag. The registration fee is £10 and the minimum sponsorship amount is £50,

and there is a prize for the person who raises the most money for the event. The prize is a VIP Fire Station Tour for up to 4 people.

Included in the price are hot drinks to warm you up before the paranormal investigation begins.

You can choose to pay the full amount of £60.00 yourself should you prefer and we can even provide a Gift Voucher for those wanting to purchase the experience as a gift for Christmas.

Strangers’ Hall was for hundreds of years the home of wealthy merchants and mayors of Norwich and is a rambling medieval town house with a maze of rooms furnished in the styles of many different historical periods, from Tudor to Victorian.

On the night participants will hold paranormal investigations throughout the Hall and they could find themselves doing Scrying, Glass moving, using EMF meters and other equipment and perhaps even Psychometry!

“We are holding this event in aid of injured fire-fighters and their families, to support them by offering rehabilitation and recuperation at one of our three centres in the UK” said Laura Harden,

Regional Fundraising Officer, “We invite everyone over the age of 18 to come along! If you raise the minimum sponsorship of £50, this could pay for approximately 3 hours of extensive physiotherapy for an injured fire-fighter.”

To register for the night-time vigil please register online at: www.firefighterscharity.org. uk/frightnightnorfolk If you have any questions, please contact Laura Harden on 07798 725560 or email lharden@ firefighterscharity.org.uk

Hunny Bell Cross Country Fancy a trip out of the city to the beautiful Stody Estate?

On Sunday 1 March, Break’s annual Hunny Bell Cross Country is back for everyone to enjoy again on the fantastic private Estate of Stody, with thanks to the MacNichol family.

Brought to you by sponsors The Hunny Bell, along with Break Charity, Bakers and Larners (Intersport), The Stody Estate and the North Norfolk Beach Runners, this is the sixth year of this much loved challenging event.

FREE entry with a sponsor form (minimum sponsorship £10) and a Medal for every participant.

06 | February 2015

prizes for category winners, both women and men.

Races supported and timed by the North Norfolk Beach Runners.

• 9.00am Under 13, 2.4 miles £5 entry • 9.30am Under 17, 2.6 miles £5 entry • 10.00am Adult/Seniors, 5.1 miles £10 entry

New for 2015: dog walk Starting at 10.00am, just £10 per dog and owner. We also welcome sponsored dogs joining Seamus, the Hunny Bell pub dog, who will be taking this walk and putting in training in a bid to get fit!

This event is supported by GJL Animal Feeds and The Hunny Bell.

Bakers and Larners, Intersport are Prizes Sponsors.

Medals for every runner and

For more information: Sarah Bunn 01603 670109 or email sarah.bunn@break-charity.org www.finecity.co.uk

Norfolk Property Buyers Whatever your needs, Norfolk Property Buyers are here to help Need a fast property sale? Financial difficulty or repossession? Probate property to sell? Property in need of refurbishment? Divorce or relocation?

Negative equity? Or are you a reluctant landlord?

We can help you!

Call 01603 340550 or mobile 07514 461327 Email info@norfolkpropertybuyers.com Website www.norfolkpropertybuyers.com

We are based in Norwich and cover all of Norfolk plus most of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. We buy any property in any condition.

We will always try to help you and can move as fast as you require. We have a team of highly experienced property experts who have bought, sold and transacted deals on several million pounds worth of properties. We have the expertise, legal knowledge and capacity to provide the best solution for you.

If you need to sell your house fast for any of these reasons: • Financial Difficulty • Repossession • Divorce • Probate • Relocation • Broken Chain

DAVENPORTS

Or just need to move fast! We can even help if you are in “negative equity” or are a “reluctant landlord” Because there are so many different situations that arise with property, there are many different solutions. You may be in financial difficulty, being repossessed, divorcing, lost your job, can’t afford to renovate the house you are in, need to relocate, just want to sell and move fast or even in negative equity.

Whatever your situation is, we can help. It really depends on what your needs are. We recognise that the only way to be successful in this business is to help as many people, in the right way, as we can. You may be surprised at the options available to you! norfolkpropertybuyers.com

MAGIC KINGDOM

A magical interactive experience showcasing one of the largest collections of magic memorabilia and curiosities in the world.

LIVE SHOWS

Cromer Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 0NB W: www.davenportsmagickingdom.co.uk T: 01692 405 254 E: info@davenportsmagickingdom.co.uk www.finecity.co.uk

2015 February | 07

Roller KeeperTM Wet Paint Roller Sleeve Storage System How many times have you used a good quality roller sleeve only to double bag it? In normal talk that means put it in two shopping bags, then find it has gone hard on the edges, or when you come to open the bag millions of tiny dry paint flakes contaminate the roller sleeve and then end up all over the floor.

I have had two Roller keepers™ in constant use for two months, which has saved me so much hassle, time and money, and allowed the same roller sleeves to be used over and over again. It has to be up there as one of my top finds.

Not only does it allow me to easily store wet paint sleeves, it does it in a mess-free way, without getting any paint on my hands.

The lids have pre-marked sections which allow the end user to record the date, job, client’s name and also the colour and type of paint used.

Just squeeze the hand grip areas on the sides to pop open 08 | February 2015

the lid. Looking inside you will see 10 Jaws that will grip the sleeve, enabling the sleeve to be easily removed from the cage when compressed from the outside.

Another point to note is at the bottom of the Roller Keeper™ is a raised cross which elevates the sleeve from the bottom. This in fact forms a resovouire which collects any paint that may run off the stored sleeve. If storing a sleeve for long periods, periodically turn it upside down on a flat protected surface for a short time, anything from ten to fifteen seconds, then turn it back.

To wash: use Warm water, shake vigorously any stubborn paint. Use EcoSolutions™, MultiTask™ or similar and a fitch wash regularly to help prevent build up of paint.

Supplied by Coleman Bros For more information visit obvioussolutionsinc.com

Competition To enter and be in with a chance to win this month’s featured product: the Roller KeeperTM just email your name, and full contacts details to this address: competition@ FineCity.co.uk You must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be drawn at random on 20th February 2015 and will be announced in the March edition of FineCity Magazine.

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: • T here 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

• N o 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 February | 09

Local Women Host Regional Lunch for Top National Ladies’ Group A group of Norfolk ladies have taken their volunteering to a new level to help raise the profile of a top young women’s organisation.

They are all members of the National Association of Ladies’ Circles (Great Britain & Ireland), a social group for women aged 18-45 years. The group’s main objective is to enjoy trying out new experiences whilst making friends and helping to raise money for charity. The Norfolk branch have taken on the task of hosting the Eastern Regional Luncheon which will see up to 150 ladies join together at this prestigious fundraising event.

The luncheon will be held on Saturday 14 March at The Assembly House in Norwich.

Nicky Jackson, Area Chair, said “We wanted to hold the event in a venue which we felt really showed off some of the best which Norwich and Norfolk has to offer. Guests attending will have travelled from across the UK and

10 | February 2015

even overseas to join together and as well as a great fundraiser, the event will promote the Association’s philosophy of ‘fun and friendship’ for one and all.”

Ladies Circle are strong supporters of BBC Children in Need and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and have helped to raise thousands of pound for these well-known charities over recent years. Local groups also raise a significant amount of money for charitable groups within their own communities and help support activities through volunteering. Monies raised at the Eastern Regional Luncheon will be donated to Ormiston Families, www.ormiston.org, whose motto is “Young Lives Matter”. One of the leading children’s charities in East Anglia, Ormiston Families

offers support to children and families affected by imprisonment, work with families from gypsy and traveller communities, run children’s centres and offer a range of support to parents.

Nicky said, “I’d wanted to make more friends locally and saw an article about my local ladies circle in Kings Lynn town’s magazine. It has proved to be a brilliant friendship network for me. I’ve enjoyed nights out trying new things such as salsa dancing, bread-making, and forklift truck driving. Since joining, as well as having made a large circle of friends across Norfolk with the local clubs in Kings Lynn, Dereham and Hunstanton, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet up with like-minded ladies across the UK at their own social events and our annual conference.”

“Anybody who volunteers knows that it’s really hard work but the personal reward in knowing that you are making a difference to people’s lives is unbelievably satisfying”, says Nicky. “Being part of Ladies Circle also means that there is always something interesting going on.”

“We are hoping to reinstate Norwich circle very soon – every night’s a good night with Ladies Circle, and we’re keen to spread the word about our great social group. At least we’ll certainly be raising our profile in Norwich by holding the regional luncheon here and we’ll be quite a sight in our fancy hats and heels.”

To find out more about your local Circle and how you can get involved please contact membership@ladiescircle. co.uk. Most Ladies Circle groups meet every two weeks during a week-night. If you’d like to find out more about joining in and finding a Circle near you, visit their website at www.ladiescircle.co.uk.

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PHOTOS: MJR PHOTOGRAPHY

Getting Married?

New Wedding Fair launches at The Forum on March 1st The 1st March 2015 sees a new Wedding Fair arrive in Norwich.

The Stunning Spring Wedding Fair at The Forum will be showcasing the best services and products from over 40 of East Anglia’s top wedding suppliers.

Meeting your potential suppliers face to face is by far the best way to have all of your questions answered and to view and sample their products before you buy. www.finecity.co.uk

Your wedding is one of the biggest investments you will make, so meeting the people who will make your day come together face to face is very important.

The stands will be both inside and outside The Forum and include a vintage double decker bus and a stretched Hummer Limousine, with stands inside including caterers, florists,

photographers and almost everything else you would need to plan your big day!

Organiser Mark Raines explains more: “Speaking from experience, I know how much work organising a wedding can be.

We’re lucky to have so many great suppliers here in Norfolk, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. The Forum struck me as an ideal venue to bring some of these suppliers together in a really convenient location so couples planning their day could meet them in person. And so The Stunning Spring Wedding Fair was born!”

The Stunning Spring Wedding Fair at The Forum will be the perfect opportunity for future brides, grooms and your friends and families to meet local specialists and suppliers who can help make your big day just like you have always dreamed.

The Forum is so easy to get to, with parking on site and a bus stop opposite. Once inside, visitors will not only have access to over 40 wedding suppliers, but will be able to eat, drink and relax in the restaurant and cafe.

Entry to the fair is free.

Doors will open at 10am and close at 4pm.

2015 February | 11

Posh Plants

topiary, plants, shrubs and trees to hire or buy

Posh Plants provides a professional and creative approach to the art and science of garden design.

Sue Huckle is the inspiration behind many great gardens and offers a professional and creative approach to the art and science of garden design.

Sue is a six times award winner at the Sandringham Flower Show and is passionate about her work ... loving, living and breathing plants, design and all things to do with the natural world.

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

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

Posh Plants for Weddings!

The wedding season is upon us…

Style, sophistication and elegance are all words that marry well with Posh Plants and weddings! Our beautiful plants will transform any venue, from a grand country hotel to a marquee in a country garden.

As well as being surprisingly affordable, Posh Plants offer an

12 | February 2015

effort free opportunity to add the “wow” factor to a wedding.

Over an informal chat, I can help you decide which plants will work best for your venue.

When the big day approaches they can then be delivered at a time to suit you, positioned and

dressed with lights if required and then collected after the wedding. Easy!

Some top favourites in the Posh Plant collection include tall Bay trees with twisted stems. They lend themselves to being decorated with ribbons and bows, perhaps in the brides chosen colours.

Strings of twinkling fairy lights can be wrapped around the “ball” transforming the tree into a fun focal point for the evening celebration.

Large Goldcrest spirals have an elegant feel and are ideal for a small space.

Olive trees with their soft grey foliage are perfect for an informal wedding, the colour looks great against Norfolk flint or red brick.

Tall white stemmed birch trees look stunning in the aisle of the church, or, grouped as a focal point in the centre of a marquee.

Phalaenopsis, or, the Moth Orchid, planted in a stylish contrasting black planter are perfect for a table-top decoration.

Available to hire, or, to buy and give as original “thank you” gifts, these beautiful plants offer

a cost effective yet very impressive centre piece.

Remember, a wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion...

Posh Plants will be there with you in the photos...your memories of your special day will be forever green!

They can be viewed at my nursery here at Seven Acres, or on my website www.poshplants.com.

Seven Acres Nursery Common Road East Tuddenham NR20 3NF 07703 347014 email: sue@poshplants.com

www.finecity.co.uk

It’s all ‘Appening with Woodforde’s Ale Trail Ale Trail goes digital to increase pub footfall An Ale Trail designed to encourage people to support pubs in East Anglia will return this summer with, for the first time in its history, an App to make navigating pubs even easier.

The Woodforde’s Ale Trail, which has become a mainstay in beer lovers’ calendars for over a decade, is returning from 21st June to 30th September 2015, with the aim to highlight the region’s array of real ale pubs.

This year participants can choose to follow the Ale Trail via the App or, as in previous years, by using a printed guidebook available from participating outlets.

The benefit of the App, however, is that participants can explore the built-in map to locate participating pubs nearby, as well as collect Trail stickers

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virtually using innovative QR code-scanning functionality. This has been specifically developed to operate with or without a data connection, in order to cater for areas of the region where mobile data is limited.

Rachael Shakespeare, marketing manager for Woodforde’s, comments: “This region boasts some of the country’s finest real ale pubs, from historic coaching inns and city centre bars to country pubs and coastal taverns.

“Exploring pubs and enjoying local real ale is one of life’s true pleasures so the Ale Trail is an excellent way for beer lovers to discover the region’s rich array of pubs and, with the help of the new App, locate them more easily.”

Hundreds of real ale establishments across East Anglia and London take part in the Ale Trail and many expect to see a boost in visitor numbers thanks to the activity. It is hoped that the App will attract new audiences and make visiting and talking about great real ale pubs even easier.

The Fur and Feather Inn in Woodbastwick is one of the pubs taking part. Tim Ridley, manager of the Fur and Feather Inn says: “The Ale Trail is brilliant for pubs and ale aficionados alike! We’ve always found that the Ale Trail increases footfall but we hope that the App will attract new or younger customers, eager to continue their journey into the world of real ale!”

The Ale Trail is co-ordinated and run by Norfolk real ale brewery Woodforde’s which has been producing cask conditioned and bottled beers for 34 years.

Based in Woodbastwick, the brewery prides itself on consistency and excellence

in every pint, thanks to the use of local ingredients in its beers. Woodforde’s was named Brewery of the Year by the Good Pub Guide 2015.

As before trail-goers will collect stickers for Woodforde’s pints purchased in each Trail pub visited (one per pub). The more stickers collected, the bigger and better the prizes from the Norfolk brewery; from a limited edition t-shirt to bottles and boxes of beer.

For more information visit WoodfordesAleTrail.co.uk.

The App is free and will be available to download from the Apple and Android App Stores from 21st June 2015.

2015 February | 13

Rock Choir Local Rock Choir support Toyah Willcox during acoustic show Around 40 Beccles Rock Choir members got up close and personal with Toyah Willcox on her acoustic show at Beccles Public Hall on Saturday.

Rock Choir leader, Ian Sainsbury who holds regular Rock Choir rehearsals in Beccles, Norwich and Wymondham said “it was a fantastic evening, the choir were amazing and we even got a standing ovation at the end of the performance.

They performed fun, upbeat songs such as Olly Murs ‘Dance With Me Tonight’ and Cold Plays ‘Viva la Vida’.

Rock Choir is the UK’s largest contemporary choir, with over 17,000 members in over 300 local communities. There are no auditions and no requirements to read music or have any previous

singing experience. Rock Choir members get together each week to attend fun, friendly rehearsals where they are taught specially arranged pop and rock songs. There are lots of exciting performances throughout the year and many of them help raise money for charity.

Rock Choir was started in Farnham, Surrey in 2005 by musician and singer, Caroline Redman Lusher, pioneering the contemporary choir movement in the UK. The choir was the subject of the popular 3-part ITV1 documentary ‘The Choir That Rocks’.

For a free taster session or more information about times go to www.rockchoir.com or call 01252 714 276.

Midpoint News from the Norwich Writers Circle February marks the halfway point in the Circle’s programme, and what a programme it is proving to be.

No less than three prize winning guest speakers so far, namely, Douglas Vallgren and creative partner, Karl Newson, and aviation historian, Martin W Bowman.

Other guest speakers to come include local historians, Michael and Frances Holmes have and novelist, Louise Allen who will be returning to announce who she deems deserving of our regular Ivy Ferrari Cup In-house competition (for romantic fiction).

The latter, and the fact that it’s February has of course set me thinking about St. Valentine’s and “Shall I compare thee...?”

(Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18).

A sonnet comprises fourteen lines that each have ten syllables and the usual rhymes. As for the rhythm, it generally goes ab, ab, cd, cd, ef, ef, gg. Why not this year pen a few of your deepest reflections concerning your special someone? It’s 14 | February 2015

less painful than a tattoo and, arguably more meaningful.

My personal favourite is Sonnet 141. It’s not about beauty but true love. Mind you, words like...

“In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes, For they in thee a thousand errors note; But ‘tis my heart that loves what they despise, Who, in despite of view, is pleased to dote” ...are more likely to win you a clout than a kiss.

And when you have written it and won your partner’s heart all over again, you might like it to reach a larger audience and bring it along to our next “Manuscript Evening” on April 7th. As ever, full details of us and our programme and door fee are at our website.

Until next time...

Séan Hindle, Deputy Chairman. www.finecity.co.uk

Benjamin Foundation Gresham’s Prep Parents’ Association support Norfolk Charity The Prep School held their annual Christmas School Fayre on Saturday 6th December run

by Gresham’s Prep Parents’ Association. This is a popular event amongst parents, staff and pupils and is always very well supported.

The raffle had an exciting range of prizes up for grabs from X Factor tickets to a year’s supply of Algy’s Norfolk Popcorn and this year the proceeds from the raffle have been donated to a local charity - The Benjamin Foundation. This is a Norfolk charity which helps around 2,000 people each year deal with challenging situations, such as young homelessness, young carers, counselling support groups and youth groups.

On Thursday 15th January, 2015, the Prep Parents’ Association welcomed the Managing Director

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of the Benjamin Foundation, Mr Chris Elliott to the school to present him with a cheque for £1,500.

Helen May, the Chairperson of the Parents’ Association said, “It is thanks to the tremendous support within our school community that we are able to present this money to The Benjamin Foundation to help with their amazing work in our community.”

Chris Elliot added, “We were delighted to hear that the school had chosen our charity as the one to benefit from their Christmas raffle. The money will help towards our aim of providing additional support for young carers in Norfolk looking after older family members who are ill or face other challenges. In this way, the pupils will be supporting some of their peer group in the county.”

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SAVE THE DATES!

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✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ EASTER ✿ EXTRAVAGANZA ✿ 2015 St. Andrew’s & Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich Good Friday 3rd April, 11am to 4pm Easter Saturday 4th April, 10am to 5pm All welcome; entrance free

✿ Easter Extravaganza ✿ comes to Norwich! ✿ A new Easter event is coming to Norwich ✿✿ the family – looking forward Make a note in your diaries of ✿ to seeing you there! a new event in Norwich on Good ✿ ✿ Friday and Easter Saturday Find the Easter ✿ ✿ Extravaganza on Facebook at that’s perfect for perking up EasterExtravaganzaNorwich and ✿ the Easter holidays. for more information on The Halls The Easter Extravaganza ✿ visit www.standrewshall.co.uk will be a mix of stalls - clothes, ✿ jewellery, arts, crafts, toys, ✿ St. Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ homeware, food, drink, plants ✿ Hall, St Andrew’s Plain, and more and will also feature ✿ ✿ Norwich, NR3 1AU. all sorts of fun family activities ✿ ✿ - and the good news is, that Good Friday, 3rd April, 11am ✿ to 4pm, and Easter Saturday, entrance is free!

4th April, 10am to 5pm.

Come and meet the Easter ✿

Crafts Clothes & Jewellery Traditional family fun ✿ Arts & Food ✿ & Drink Plants Music, magic & more! carolynatkins@btinternet.com ✿ ✿ www.standrewshall.co.uk ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿✿ ✿ WOODFORDE’S ✿ ALE TRAIL APP Easter Extravaganza Norwich

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LEFT TO RIGHT: PREP PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION CHAIRPERSON, HELEN MAY, HEAD BOY, CHARLIE ADAMS, HEAD GIRL, ALICE WOLLOCOMBE PRESENTING THE CHEQUE TO MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION, CHRIS ELLIOTT.

Bunny, see if you can solve the clues on the Easter Trail and listen to the brass band.

A magician will be there to show you some great tricks and there’ll be a face-painter for little ones so that they, too, can become bunnies and butterflies!

Plus there’ll be a charity raffle and tombola, an art exhibition and lots of lovely food and drink, so there’s something for all

All welcome, entrance free.

2015 February | 15

New Year, New Venture?

With the new year in full swing, many of us are thinking about realising our ambitions in the coming months.

For some, the more buoyant economy has prompted thoughts about setting up a business or a change of occupation. In 2014, Companies House revealed that start-up registrations rose by 10.1% across East Anglia. A wise resolution might be to make sure you put in the research to develop that bright idea for a new start-up.

Broadly there are three main ways to consider setting up a new business:

Sole trader If your business idea involves only yourself or will be run on a small scale, you may consider operating it as a sole trader. You would run your start-up as an individual and keep all profits, after tax, for yourself. You do, of course, have

the option to employ staff for some more hands on deck. However; in the event that something goes wrong, you are personally liable for the business and its losses/debts.

Partnership A partnership could be appropriate if you share a business idea with a friend or family member. Business partners share responsibility but indeed the profits as well; each partner will pay tax on their own share of the profit. It’s prudent to have a legal document in place (a partnership agreement) setting out the responsibilities and profit share applicable to each partner. Such a document becomes very useful if another party wants to join the partnership or if there is a disagreement.

Limited Company It is important to note that a limited company is a separate legal entity and certain legal requirements apply. If you set up a company you would run your business as a director and shareholder. Whilst profits are owned by the company, and it will pay corporation tax, the company can share its profits.

The main advantage of operating a business through a company is the fact that the company is liable for its losses/debts, not you as an individual. However, being a director of the company, does involve some responsibility.

If you need support, Leathes Prior Solicitors can offer advice and assistance to new start-ups.

Services include: • Incorporation of a new company/ setting up a partnership; • Creation of standard terms of business; • Drafting of contracts/ partnership agreement; • Advice regarding insurance requirements;

• Intellectual property and brand protection advice; • Business policies and procedures.

If you are already running a company, you may be interested in the Leathes Prior FREE company health check.

This is a full legal audit of your business with a review of all current contracts, policies and other agreements. We will then provide you with a report detailing the level of your company’s compliance with legislative requirements with no cost or obligation. Please contact our friendly Commercial Team on 01603 281165.

Note: The content of this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Specific legal advice should be taken in any given circumstance.

Words and Women New Writing Prize Winner Words and Women announce the winner of this year’s contemporary women’s writing prize in the East of England Words and Women are delighted to announce that Lora Stimson, who studied creative writing at Norwich School of Art & Design and the UEA is the winner of this year’s contemporary women’s writing prize in the East of England.

The quality of the 170 entries was very high and there was a broad range of theme and style with women of all ages submitting prose from across the East. Lora Stimson wins £600 for her original and quietly compelling short story, Cornflake Girl, which will feature in the second Words and Women anthology published in March this year. Lora’s story will appear alongside other highly selected entries and the four newly 16 | February 2015

commissioned texts for ‘About,’ an Arts Council supported project which explores the relationship between women and place.

Lora has published stories and poems with Nasty Little Press, Unthank Books, Ink, Sweat and Tears and Streetcake Magazine.

In 2014 she was mentored by

LORA STIMSON

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novelist Shelley Harris as part of the WoMentoring scheme. Her first novel, about sex, grief and model villages, currently hides in a drawer. She has higher hopes for her second novel, about twins, which received an Arts Council England grant and is now in its final edit. Lora works as a programme manager for Writers’ Centre Norwich and sings with the bands Moonshine Swing Seven and The Ferries.

She lives in Norwich with her husband and son.

Other prizewinners who will be published in the anthology, include Norwich-based Anna Metcalfe for The Professor, Hannah Garrard for Did You Eat Lunch? Melinda Appleby for Footprints on the Tideline, Julianne Pacheco for Kurt Cobain’s Son, Radhika Oberoi for The Reporter, as well as Patricia Mullin for The Siren and Thea Smiley who will appear twice, with her short story Magazines and her performance text, Holding Stones. A further 16 writers will also have their work included in the anthology. www.finecity.co.uk

The launch of Words and Women: Two and performance of extracts from the ‘About’ Commissions’ will take place on Sunday, March 8th, on International Women’s Day at the Forum, in Norwich.

‘It has been another exciting read,’ said Belona Greenwood, co-organiser of Words and Women. ‘We had a hard time selecting our long list before handing the final responsibility for choosing the winners to this year’s judge, novelist Sarah Ridgard. We have had a number of winning entries with some connection to the Creative Writing MA at the UEA which continues to bring new talent to Norfolk but entries have come in from all over the five counties displaying a great range of women’s voices.’

‘We judged the work anonymously and it was very exciting to find out the names of our winners at the end of this process. We have selected an outstanding mix of work, both fiction and non-fiction, and look forward to seeing it appear in Words and Women’s second

“Entries have come in from all over the five counties displaying a great range of women’s voices” anthology which will be published

by Norwich based Unthank Books,’ said Lynne Bryan, Words and Women co-organiser.

‘There was such a diverse and dazzling array of submissions for the competition, it was clear at the outset that the task of judging the winners was going to be a really difficult one. But as the reading got underway, it was a joy it to discover those short stories or works of non fiction that made me sit up a little straighter and demanded to be read, reread, and then read again. I’m delighted that those writers will have the chance for their work to be published in the anthology and read by many others’ added competition judge, Sarah Ridgard.

Last year’s anthology was shortlisted for the national

Saboteur Awards 2014. It has been praised as ’a bold and insightful collection containing much vigorous writing - the dazzling sentences of Caroline Jackson’s The Call deserve particular mention.’ Rm BondWebster, Eastern Daily Press.

Words and Women showcase women writers who live in the East of England, at all stages of their professional careers in an annual celebration of regional creativity on International Women’s Day, and through commissioning opportunities and an annual new writing prize.

Visit the website: wordsandwomennorwich. blogspot.co.uk for more information.

2015 February | 17

Amazonia Zoo Tarantulas, guinea pigs and jumping pillows will make Easter Braziliant at Amazona Zoo! One of Norfolk’s leading attractions, Amazona Zoo in Cromer offers a unique half term day out where families can explore and learn about a varied and fascinating selection of animals native to South America including some new resident creepy crawlies.

Home to over 200 tropical animals, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, monkeys, snakes, caimans, flamingos, tapirs and Tic-Tac the toucan, the zoo is committed to helping visitors discover nature and providing education on conservation issues set within 15 acres on the north Norfolk coast.

As well as the wide variety of animals and the wellequipped indoor play area Jungle Tumbles there are a number of exciting additions this year including a tarantula spider house, a cute South American guinea pig village and two huge outdoor jumping pillows. Seasonal bulbs have been planted throughout the grounds which will provide a carpet of seasonal snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells for visitors as theytour the zoo.

The Tarantulas Five different species of South American tarantulas will be housed in the tropical house providing visitors with a (safe, glass-protected) close-up view of these fascinating and extraordinary creatures.

Although some tarantulas can be deadly, these particular species will not kill, although their abdomens do contain venom which could produce a reaction in some people. They also flick ‘uricating’ (irritant) hairs off their abdomen to defend themselves against predators which can cause a reaction in some (but not all) people. Contrary to popular belief, most tarantulas are docile and make great pets.

The five types of tarantulas are as follows: 18 | February 2015

Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula A large and robust spider from the Chaco region of Argentina, they have stand-out gold stripes on their knees and can reach a span of 20cm or more. They eat crickets, cockcroaches and locusts.

Brazilian Black Tarantula Jet black and covered in short silky hairs giving it a velvety hue, this tarantula has a striking appearance reaching a span of up to 18cm. It lives in the grasslands and forests of Brazil and takes over other insect’s burrows rather than dig its own. It eats larger insects such as beetles.

Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula Native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, this beautiful spider from Paraguay is grey and pink with distinctive marks on its legs. It is particularly docile and makes a good pet for tarantula ‘novices’.

Green Bottle Blue Tarantula This is one of the most beautiful tarantulas with metallic blue legs, a vibrant orange abdomen and blue-green carapace (body).

It is thought the bright colours act as a warning to predators.

They create extensive webbing both horizontally and vertically, to keep them secure in their unstable habitat of vegetation and sand dunes in northern Venezuela. They eat crickets and other large insects.

Mexican Red Knee Tarantula.

Native to the pacific mountains of Mexico the Red Knee Tarantula has a hairy body and striking red markings on its legs and body. It eats large insects, small mammals and birds that fall into its burrow. They can grow to over 20cm. The females are more aggressive than the males and this is thought to account for their longer life span.

They live in scrub-forest habitat and semi-desert regions.

The Guinea Pig Village The guinea pig village will be inhabited by several families of short haired guinea pigs.

They are not related to pigs but to rodents and originate from the Andes mountains in South America. They live in rocky areas, grasslands and forests. They are docile, good natured and clean and make perfect pets.

The Jumping Pillows Children of all ages will love the experience of bouncing on the colourful new jumping pillows. Two large inflatable canvas ‘pillows’ will provide a large area for children of all ages to burn off energy and have an exhilarating experience.

New for 2015: The bulb walk The bulb walk has been planted to ensure that throughout spring and early summer there will be a show of flowers at the zoo. Half term visitors will walk through a carpet of snowdrops throughout the grounds as they tour the zoo.

Jungle Tumbles The indoor-soft play area, ‘Jungle Tumbles’ offers slides, tunnels, interactive toys and climbing nets, providing under 12’s with a great indoor creative and active experience on sunny or rainy days.

The Cafe and Shop There is also a lakeside cafe which is open from 10.30am providing a wide range of hot and cold snacks, meals and drinks. The well-stocked gift shop sells a variety of toys, games, stationery, jewellery, confectionary and books.

For more information visit www.amazonazoo.co.uk, call 01263 510741 or follow @AmazonaZoo on twitter and AmazonaZoo on Facebook.

What Animals and Birds can you see?

There are at least four ‘feed the animal’ events a day, with jaguar and pumas on alternate days.

• Tarantulas • Guinea pigs • A Toucan • Feline Forest – Pumas, Jaguar and Ocelot • Tropical House: Currasow, Piping Guan, Spectacled Caiman, Red-tailed Catfish, Black Pacu. Follow the path into the shadows to find the Iguanas, Anaconda and Boa Constrictors.

• South American Wildfowl: Greylag Geese and Mallard, Chiloe Wigeon, Brazilian Teal, Coscoroba Swan and the iridescent Comb Duck • Chilean Flamingos • Birds of Prey: Redlegged Seriema and Striated Caracara. Once abundant in numbers there are approximately only 500 pairs left in the Falklands.

• Capybara, the world’s largest rodent.

• Brazilian Tapir: One of the largest of three species to be found in South America, this one has the widest distribution.

• Amazon Parrots, Macaws and a Toucan • Squirrel Monkeys: • Geoffrey’s Spider Monkeys • Ring-tailed Coati & American River Otters • Marmosets Capuchin Monkeys • Mara: the Patagonian Hare • The Rhea: the greater Rhea is one of South America’s largest birds • Collared Peccary: Also known as the Javelina or the Musk Hog, this is the smallest of the peccary species.

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Live-in Care, The Real Alternative to a Care Home Getting older sometimes means that a person needs to be cared for twenty four hours a day. Such care can be provided in a care home or in a person’s own home Given the choice, many people would prefer to be cared for in their own home and Able Community Care has enabled thousands of people to exercise this choice. Our experience has shown that having a regular rota of experienced carers in your own home is often a much happier alternative than moving into a care home.

Able Community Care provides live-in carers whose role is to provide domestic, personal and social care tailored to each individual’s needs and wishes.

Each live-in carer lives in a person’s

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home for a fortnight providing a safe, secure and reliable care package. Able Community Care’s objective is to establish two or three liked carers who return on a rotational basis in order to provide a continuous service with as little disruption as possible.

Every person receiving care from Able Community Care has their own Care Manager and the company overnight and weekend ‘on call’ system is run by our staff and not contracted out.

Able Community Care also provides live-in ‘home from hospital’ cover, respite care and

holiday companions. Services are available in England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and varying holiday destinations.

Able Community Care’s website www.uk-care.com provides comprehensive information, including many moving and heartfelt client comments. There is also an option to sign up for their free email Newsflash, written by the MD. Angela Gifford each week, to keep up to date with the latest care information and news which may affect yourself or your family.

Angela Gifford formed Able Community Care in 1980

and as Managing Director she continues to benefit this successful company with her long experience of the care sector. Angela is highly regarded as an expert in the field of home care and also consults at an international level on the subject.

For a free information pack please don’t hesitate to contact Able Community Care on 01603 764567 or email Ablemg@aol.com. Alternatively you can visit Able’s website for more information at: www.uk-care.com.

2015 February | 19

NBR Scooter Brokers A well established, family run business specialising in the supply of mobility scooters, stairlifts and other living aids in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

We supply mobility scooters in and around the Norfolk and Suffolk areas. We not only supply and service them, we also have them available for rental. So if you wish to try one for a week or two before making a decision or just want to hire one on holiday we can help.

Mobility scooters We supply a range of mobility scooters from leading brands.

The mobility scooters we supply range from lightweight three and four wheel 4mph scooters and the more heavy duty 8mph models. The model that will suit you best will depend on its intended use.

Please give us a call and we will be only too pleased to give you advice in choosing the right scooter amongst the hundreds that are available.

Our quest is to offer you the best quality scooter that meets your particular needs at a very competitive price.

From small scooters that will fit in the boot of your car, to much more heavy duty ones for tough terrain, we supply them all.

Three wheels or four?

Due to the nature of three wheel scooters, they are much more maneuverable than their four wheel counterparts.

Four wheel scooters are less

maneuverable than their three wheel counterparts, but are definitely more stable. We are always happy to offer advice and support.

Stairlifts We are authorised dealers for Brooks, Acorn and Bison and can install a straight lift for as little as £1395.00.

We can install a standard straight stairlift up to 4.5 metres long for just £1395.00. This includes a 12 month parts and labour warranty. For any extras there would be an additional cost. For curved stairlifts, prices start from £2995.00 The stairlifts have quiet motors and many safety features, with the duel joystick operation you remain in complete control with no jerky movements with their smooth start/stop actions.

The stairlifts require very little maintenance and are highly reliable, installation time can take less then an hour.

Optional Extras • Jointed Track • Manual or Powered Hinged Track • Transfer Platform • Extra Wide Arms • Perch Stairlift • Sit or Stand • Powered Swivel Seat • 25 stone heavy duty Please call us on 01953 789 090 for free advice on what would suit your needs. Alternatively visit www.nbrscooterbrokers. co.uk or email us on email@ nbrscooterbrokers.co.uk

MOBILITY SOLUTIONS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE MOBILITY SCOOTERS & AIDS | POWERED CHAIRS & BEDS | STAIRLIFTS & BATH LIFTS

For 1ST class products, practical advice and an incomparable level of service call us now

TEL: 01953 789 090 www.nbrscooterbrokers.co.uk | email@nbrscooterbrokers.co.uk

MAPLE LEAF FARM, BUNWELL ROAD, BUNWELL NR16 1SZ 20 | February 2015

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Fast Forward Media UEA Film and TV graduate grows international client base A Norfolk video company has dipped its toes into international waters after travelling over 4000 miles for a project in Qatar, filming a series of short, creative commercials in 33 degree heat.

Set up straight from university four years ago by Film and TV degree student, Tom Martin, Fast Forward Media is celebrating a record year after scooping three international projects in 12 months.

Growing from humble beginnings, the company’s client portfolio now includes Age UK Norfolk and the University of East Anglia. And the latest project for the International School of London, Qatar included transporting 70 kilos of equipment on an eight hour flight and filming in scorching temperatures in Doha, Qatar.

It is the second time the team has travelled to the Gulf state this year for the school that provides private education to students from around the world. Earlier in the year, the company also www.finecity.co.uk

travelled to Portugal to film a travelogue-style video to show off the sites of Porto for client, EuRa. Owner and creative director of Fast Forward Media, Tom Martin says; “We are lucky that our trade is borderless so we can work anywhere in the world. Naturally, filming abroad is a little different to Norfolk and working in 33 degree temperatures is tough on us and the cameras but we’ve really enjoyed filming in some stunning locations.”

Keen to ensure Fast Forward Media is at the cutting edge of high quality, cinematic video production, Tom has invested £8000 into the latest Freefly MoVI hand held camera technology and a brand new editing suite.

He adds; “With the rise of online video marketing, the last year has been our busiest yet and we have made significant investment into future-proofing the company, allowing us to increase our turnover by 50% in 2015.”

2015 February | 21

Edwardian Norwich

‘The Fine City’, on the Eve of The Great War The Edwardian age which preceded The Great War is often seen as a ‘Golden Age’ where King Edward VII presided over a land of plenty and the most extensive Empire the world had ever seen. Cities like Norwich were flourishing. But was it really like this?

Writer STEPHEN BROWNING has been looking at the archives, particularly those relating to The Fine City.

‘Never yet did a stranger visit Norwich and wander with an intelligent eye through its sinuous streets without experiencing that indescribable charm and delight consequent upon the succession of picturesque prospects which burst upon the view in the numerous combinations of medieval ecclesiastical architecture with the bustle and stir of mercantile establishments’ Citizens of No Mean City, Jarrold and Sons, Norwich, April 1910 As the above quote shows, many people referred to Norwich during the early 20th century as ‘No

22 | February 2015

Mean City’ rather than ‘The Fine City’ as we refer to it today. Both show a pride and confidence in slightly different ways, I always feel. So, if Norwich had a growing self-regard when King Edward VII ascended the throne on 22nd January 1901, on what exactly was that based?

Industrial might It is certainly true that, by the turn of the 20th century, Norwich had become an Edwardian industrial powerhouse with some of the firms destined to play a vital role in the upcoming war. These included Boulton www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES

FEATURE BY:

Steve Browning WRITER @RETURNINGPERSON

and Paul, already producing virtually anything in metal from wire netting to aircraft bodies; Colman’s, who cut down on the acreage given over to mustard production for the duration of hostilities in order to grow more essential crops and were to see 921 men join up, including four of the seven directors; Howlett and White, and many other shoe producers, who together made literally millions of pairs of what was universally agreed to be the perfect marching boot for the British and Allied armies; and Caley’s who produced chocolate bars which were sent to hundreds of thousands of troops on the front lines.

‘Caley’s Marching Chocolate’ was especially popular and can still be bought in Caley’s Coffee Shop in the Old Guildhall on the Market Place.

Beer COSLANY TODAY – NOW COMPLETELY REBUILT BUT ONCE ONE OF THE SITES OF THE NORWICH YARDS

MR W.J. BOTTERILL

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Norwich had also been famous since Victorian times for beer production with at least 7 large breweries, such as Youngs, Crayshawe and Youngs, and Bullards, along with dozens of malthouses. This was very much a mixed blessing as it is estimated that the city had over 500 public houses, many of which were unlicensed, being nothing more than the front rooms of wretched houses in areas of the city such as Coslany where poverty was rife. City magistrates continually ordered that such establishments, which found it easy to buy a barrel of ale from a brewery literally ‘up the road’ and sell it in an attempt to eke out a living, be closed down only for another to open up, often next door or nearby.

It was felt morally necessary to offer help against the demon

BULLARD’S BREWERY HAS TODAY BEEN CONVERTED INTO RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

drink which was a significant problem and was one factor in the often poor physical condition of those offering themselves for recruitment to the Army. The Independent Order of Rechabites, Temperance Friendly Society, announced that it ‘admits Males and Females, Adults and Juveniles, to Membership’ and had the slogan ‘We Live in Deeds Not Words’. The United Kingdom Provident Institution claimed to be ‘The Best Office for Abstainers’. Drunkenness was a continual theme in the local courts of Norwich.

Banking, Insurance and shops The city was also a main Empire centre for the banking and insurance industries.

The famous Norwich Union Insurance Company, now renamed AVIVA, had its exquisite headquarters in Surrey Street built by George Skipper from imported Italian marble in

1903/4 ( it is magnificent and still fully open to view by the public today). Total funds in 1908 amounted to £8,823,303.

Gurney’s Bank, now part of Barclays, created the phrase, common at the time, ‘as rich as the Gurneys’. Farrows Bank Ltd operated from the Market Place: advertisements in the local press read ‘ It Caters for All Classes, It Offers Sound Security’.

Norwich boasted one of the finest arcade of shops outside of London – The Royal Arcade, designed by George Skipper, which looks almost exactly the same as it did in the early 1900s.

There were some fine stores, too. One, still very much thriving today, was Jarrold and Sons. In Edwardian times it advertised itself in various ways, including as ‘a travelling goods specialist’, ‘The Noted Book Shop’ and ‘The Noted Gift House’ all of which it still is; but before the Great War it also boasted ‘Jarrolds Select Library – Free Use to an Entire Family of a well-appointed  2015 February | 23

FINEPLACES

MODERN SCULPTURE CELEBRATING BOULTON AND PAUL ON RIVERSIDE

CLOSE UP OF SCULPTURE CELEBRATING BOULTON AND PAUL ON RIVERSIDE

2d ( old pennies ) a pint, a pound of bacon was a shilling and a loaf of bread just over 5d.

Trams and inventions

Reading Room; subscriptions from 10/6 per Annum’. Other stores included Tuxford Trunks which asked ‘Are your trunks all right? Tuxford Trunks are Porterproof. No 3 Back-of-the-Inns, Norwich’. Messrs Arthur Bunting and Co Ltd of St Stephen’s Corner and Rampant Horse Street described itself as being ‘Quite in the front rank of the leading Drapery and Furnishing Houses of Norwich’. Many were quick to adapt to change. As flying in aircraft became the latest very exciting, often fatal in these early days, activity for the daring, the Eastern Daily Press reported that confectioners, Snelling’s, of Rampant Horse Street, Norwich, had a new delicacy on offer: aviation cakes. ‘Very light and easily digestible’ they were on sale for one shilling in a choice 24 | February 2015

of nine flavours: almond, cherry, walnut, rose, orange, lemon, violet, chocolate and coffee.

Wages and prices Wages for an agricultural workers were about £75 a year. There was a great call for servants.

The Eastern Daily Press daily carried advertisements for Cook-Housekeepers at wages of £75, £65, or £45 dependent on experience. Another agency, advertising in the Norwich Mercury, called for Nurses, Housemaids, Parlourmaids, Cooks, Second Housemaids, Under Housemaids, CooksGeneral, Kitchenmaids, Scullery Maids, and Between Maids at yearly salaries £10 to £30.

Applicants were to call in person at 78, Prince of Wales Road ( now an estate agent ). Milk cost

Norwich engineers were the proud builders of a fine city-wide tram network, operational from 1901, although how to light the cars whilst not showing a light to the enemy was to prove problematic during the first years of the war. Another achievement which was to cause even greater difficulty with regard to making the city invisible to passing Zeppelins was the project, headed by city electrical engineer, F.M.Long, which installed 1,750 electric lights in the streets between 1911 and 1913.

Norwich has always managed to produce men of invention and vision in all manner of fields from banking and insurance to mustard, chocolate, anaesthetics and ballooning.

One whose ideas did not materialise but which might have had a dramatic impact on the war was a Mr W.J. Botterill who, in 1909, proposed a new plan for Norfolk to be the premier naval base for Great Britain, at the time Rosyth in Scotland.

He proposed a canal from the River Yare at Berney Arms to Norwich with a massive naval base four miles outside Norwich at Rockland Broad. Finally, he suggested a 240 mile ship canal across England from the North Sea to the Bristol Channel. Quite

a few major cities would thus become docks with links to the sea, including Cambridge, Bedford and Oxford. Money permitting, a further channel could be dug linking Oxford and Birmingham. Alas, this never came to be as the expense would have been too great and this was at a time when many were pointing out the antiquity of some ships in the Navy and the need for replacement.

Mr W.J. Botterill Partying to conflict In the nation as a whole, the Edwardian period - roughly from 1901 to the outbreak of war – is often seen as a ‘golden’ time: of regattas on the Thames, of horse-racing, of rich and opulent fashions, and, politically, of great world power. One man who exemplified this was the new King, Edward VII. Following the restraint of the old Queen’s declining years, the nation wanted a party and the King was more than happy to lead it.

In reality, England’s dominance was already starting to decline and many historians trace the break- up of Empire directly to this period. Both America and Germany were overtaking England in the efficiency of manufacturing processes and, as the sinking of three British cruisers - the Hogue, Aboukir and Cressy - in 1915 by one German u-boat within the space of 90 minutes made plain to www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES a shocked public, British naval dominance was by no means a given any longer.

Royal recognition and political change Norwich itself was changing, too. The importance of the city was recognised when, on October 25th 1909, King Edward VII became the first monarch to visit Norwich since Charles II, 238 years previously. From 1910 the mayor became a lord mayor – one of only 15 cities in the kingdom to be granted this distinction. George V was to visit the city on 28 June 1911, a mere six days after his coronation.

Norwich undoubtedly had growing clout.

Politically, this was a transformative time for womens’ rights. From 1907 women could stand for the city council, the first elected being Mabel Clarkson in 1913. Emmeline Pankhurst

spoke above male cat-calls at St Andrew’s Hall in December 1912 ( apparently the main chant to drown her out was ‘On the Ball, City’ which today can be heard all over the southern slopes of Norwich whenever ‘The Canaries’ are playing at home ). Just after the war, Norwich became the first city in the country to have a female lord mayor, Ethel Colman, daughter of Jeremiah James Colman – her sister, Helen, acted as lady mayoress.

A beautiful city with lots of apples Citizens of No Mean City, published by Jarrold and Sons – as well as owning Norwich’s premier department store and private library, the Jarrold family also operated a printing works – had this to say in 1910: ‘Few cities are more beautifully situated than Norwich, through which winds the meandering Wensum,

“George V was to visit the city on 28 June 1911, a mere six days after his coronation” while the waterways on every hand, penetrating or bounding its pleasant suburbs, almost enclose as in a silvery cincture, the capital of the county of the Broads’. Looking at artwork and old photographs of the period it does, indeed, appear beautiful in a more rural sense than we know it today and in one aspect, in particular, this was to have a direct bearing on the feeding of the troops. In Tudor times, Norwich had been described as ‘a city in an orchard or an orchard in a city’, so great were

the number and varieties of apple trees to be seen. In the first part of the century the apple crop was still of great importance and apples – often with plums – were a staple of soldiers on the front line. So plentiful were the supplies that rations containing apples were the butt of many military jokes and great was the joy and hilarity when an apple-less meal was produced. It is practically impossible to see an apple tree in central Norwich today and many varieties have been lost.

We can only wonder at the 

THE FINE CITY’S ADOPTED HERO, THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON, STANDS GUARD OVER THE ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL. HIS SON, THE MARQUESS OF DOURO, WAS MP FOR NORWICH 1837-52 DURING THE CITY’S REMARKABLE RISE AS A CENTRE OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 February | 25

FINEPLACES

THE MOST FAMOUS CLOCK IN THE COUNTRY APART FROM BIG BEN?

GEORGE SKIPPER’S MASTERPIECE – HOME OF AVIVA

“Certainly Norwich was not enjoying a magical Edwardian Summer” magic of some of the names – Norwich Jubilee; Caroline, from Blickling, named after Lord Suffield’s wife; Norfolk Nonpareil; Royal Coast Russet; St Magdalen; and Colonel Harbord’s Pippin.

The floods of 1912 Norwich was in the news for an altogether different reason in 1912 – flooding caused by excessive rain. On 27th August the city’s lights went out as the electric power station failed, under 6ft of water. Over 3,500 houses were affected, many in the poverty-stricken Yards running down to the river in the 26 | February 2015

north of the city. These were the people, referred to already, who tried everything, including selling beer from their front room, to make ends meet. They had no voice and had been largely ignored for a long time, except when they appeared in court, which was every week, most often for drunkenness, immoral behaviour, swearing and stealing.

Now the national press took up their case, not entirely out of the goodness of their hearts as there was a growing fear that war may be coming and people from these backgrounds would be needed in the armed forces. On the positive

side there were many tales of friendship and heroism as people sailed up the streets in whatever boats they could find, distributing food and warm drinks. Local shops and manufacturers such as Caley’s provided drinks of chocolate and milk in bottles which had a loop of string on the neck and which were passed to upper windows on a pole with a hook on the end.

A sense of pride Thus all was not well at this time – certainly Norwich was not enjoying a magical Edwardian summer any more than the rest of the country. However, if you had a job and a decent home, life could seem rosy. Even if you did not, there was a feeling that life could change, education and, increasingly votes, were for everyone, and there were many wonders to engage your mind.

The overall feeling was a positive

GEORGE SKIPPER’S ROYAL ARCADE TODAY

one of pride, both in the country and the city, exemplified by a contemporary local writer, ‘A great wave of industrial prosperity was passing over the country, and Norfolk, especially its capital, was more or less directly feeling its stimulus.

Employment was brisk, money was circulating freely, an air of general well-being existed.’ ❏ Stephen Browning is preparing a book ‘Norwich in the Great War’ which will be published by Pen and Sword Books in Autumn 2015 priced at £9.99. His follow up volume ‘Norfolk Coast in the Great War: Kings Lynn, Hunstanton, Sheringham, Cromer and Great Yarmouth’ by the same publisher will see the light of day in Autumn 2016. For more information please go to www.facebook.com/ stevebrowningbooks www.finecity.co.uk

2015

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MENORCA BULGARIA TENERIFE

BR NEW OC H OU URE NO T W

CALL 01603 428700 | CLICK norwichinternational.com | VISIT your local travel agent

FINEPLACES

The Bicycle Shop

Run down of events this month at The Bicycle Shop café

Booking To book any of the performances listed please call the Bicycle Shop on 01603 625777.

You can also book online at ueaticketbookings.co.uk or email thebicycleshopnorwich@gmail.com

Bity Booker Tuesday 3rd February With her unique songwriting style Bity Booker weaves elements of folk, pop and psychedelic whimsy to create brilliant self-penned songs. Bity Booker has a unique and quirky style incorporating soft, stunning vocals to rhythmical guitar patterns add the odd bell and the mystery is complete. She grew up in the Italian countryside in an artistic family. She started singing at an early age in choirs and at school. She played in death metal bands for several years before moving on to what she calls ‘acoustic troubles’.

After graduating, she moved to Australia where she started to perform in venues as a solo musician. In 2012 she released

a self-produced EP “See you @Elephant Tree”, limited to 500 vinyl copies and only available at her gigs. Each song in the EP was recorded in one take at Damien Gerard Studio using the MCI JH24 two inch tape and mastered by William Bowden. In 2013, she traveled to the UK and settled in London, a city that she calls ‘’home’’.

She performs live regularly, writes songs, makes her own artwork and drawings. In September 2014, Bity Booker organised her first “headlining” gig in London, a packed show at Servant Jazz Quarters. She is now working on her next EP. Tickets £5 Doors 7:30pm bitybooker.bandcamp.com

Patch & the Giant + Nick Edward Harris Wednesday 4th February Patch & the Giant “Tucked somewhere between the music of Balkan enthusiasts Beirut and the rustic elegance of modern DIY folk” Folk Radio UK “One of, if not the single most promising folk act to emerge so far this decade.”

7BitArcade patchandthegiant.com Nick Harris “Someone you really need to see live to appreciate his artistry.” Folk Radio UK “Just stunning.”

Bob’s Folk Show nickedwardharris.com Tickets £5 Doors 7:30pm 28 | February 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES Amelia Curran Monday 9th February Amelia Curran is a Juno Award winning singer-songwriter from Newfoundland, Canada. The National Post describes her music as “a bit like Leonard Cohen being channelled in a dusty saloon

by Patsy Cline.” They Promised You Mercy, released November 2014, is the seventh album by Amelia Curran, Canada’s master contemporary songstress.

“Amelia is an intelligent poet whose words are honest and

Snowapple Tuesday 10th February Sometimes the hardest part of telling a story is choosing what to leave out... The three young Dutch women who make up Snowapple have done a lot of living, more so than many musicians twice their age. Dig beneath the surface of this earthy, almost unassuming, folk/chanson trio, and you’ll find a tangle of rich and varied life experiences.

Laurien has an international career as an opera singer, Una is a talented jazz singer and Laura is a singer, composer and conductor from Latvia. Together they are Snowapple, a group that ambitiously draws upon markedly different musical genres to create a uniquely eclectic yet wholly natural sound.

Their new album, Illusions, shows a marked growth and experimentation in the band’s www.finecity.co.uk

illuminating. She puts depth and meaning into thought provoking lyrics and her raw, tender and bluesy voice sounds strong and pure.”

AAA Music “Curran lifts herself above the melee and creates something of poetic loveliness.” Q Magazine “Quite simply, she is a mistress of beautiful music.” R2 Magazine Tickets £10 Doors 7:30pm www.ameliacurran.com

repertoire, and has a richer, more developed sound. For this album they worked with a wide range of producers and musicians, including Joeri Saal (Studio 150), Roald van Oosten (Ceasar, Ghosttrucker), Chris Hamilton (Eek Recordings), Alan Purves (Dazzled Kid), Dave Menckenhorst (Sir Yes Sir, Miss Molly and Me), Daniel Schaub (Jack Beauregard). The band is on a continual whistle-stop tour of continental Europe, UK and USA. Debt Records is delighted and proud to have become Snowapple’s UK homebase.

Louis Barabbas, Debt Records “ Snowapple’s music is infectious and has a feel-good quality that will put a smile on your face and get your feet tapping.” Venue magazine Tickets £6 adv / £8 door Doors 7:30pm www.snowapple.nl

Rebecca Humphries Dizney Rascal Sunday 15th February The star of ITV2’s Cockroaches returns to her home town of Norwich with ‘The feel good show of the Edinburgh fringe’ (Time Out), following 2014’s sell out run. Taking on Disney tunes with a twist, she explores her Princess complex through the medium of sketch, stand up and song.

‘Rebecca may be the most instant success in comedy history’ The Guardian Sunday 15th February Tickets £7 adv / £9 door Doors 7:30pm 2015 February | 29

FINEPLACES Stu Larsen & Jed Appleton

Booking To book any of the performances listed please call the Bicycle Shop on 01603 625777.

You can also book online at ueaticketbookings.co.uk or email thebicycleshopnorwich@gmail.com

Monday 16th February Startlingly simple, compellingly pretty, storytelling songs packed with people the singer has encountered on different continents.

Tickets £8 adv / £10 door Doors 7:30pm www.stularsen.com

Tom James Tuesday 17th February The virtuoso acoustic guitar chops and mature song writing skills of someone 20 years his senior.

Tickets £5 Doors 7:30pm www.tomjamesmusic.co.uk

Ethan Ash Wednesday 18th February Singer songwriter Ethan Ash began studying music and playing guitar at age six years and has been passionate about music ever since.

He played his first solo gig age 12 and went on to perform solo and front a teenage band which played all over the UK before he eventually decided to pursue a solo career.

Soon after Ethan released his debut solo EP he supported Seth Lakeman and Nick Harper, and toured extensively.

The debut single from a second EP, ‘No Early Nights’, was chosen as an iTunes Single of the Week.

Ethan’s EP ‘Playing By Numbers’ reached the Top 10 of the iTunes Singer Songwriter chart.

Ethan supported Ed Sheeran on part of his 2011/2012 sell-out UK tour. Other artists he has supported include Passenger, Jamie Woon, Foy Vance, John Bramwell (I Am Kloot), Amy Wadge and Janet Devlin on her 2013 O2 Academy tour.

Ethan co-writes with other artists/songwriters including award winning songwriter, and Ed Sheeran co-writer, Amy Wadge. .

Ethan releases his new EP in early 2015.

Tracks have been mixed by Grammy award winner Simon Goggerly (U2, Paloma Faith, Gwen Stefani) and mastered by renowned engineer Mandy Parnell.

“Great artist, great EP, great track... just great.”

Tom Simkins, BBC Introducing Tuesday 10th March Tickets £5 Doors 7:30pm ethanashmusic.com 30 | February 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPLACES Eleanor McEvoy Tuesday 24th February Ireland’s internationally acclaimed singersongwriter Eleanor McEvoy will released her latest album ‘STUFF’ on the Moscodisc label on 12th May, 2014.

The collection is the result of a purposeful mission by the Wexford-based singer to find and release the ‘stuff’ the fans wanted but couldn’t find. Eleanor says, “After I’d tracked down single mixes, audiophile tracks and songs I’d written and performed on other artists records, the project soon took on a life of its own, with more tracks recorded and everything re-mastered.

The album named itself STUFF. ” Exposed to music at a very early age, Dublin born Eleanor grew up in a strict Catholic household in the grey north-side suburb of Cabra. After a musical upbringing playing the piano, violin and performing on stage with her older siblings, Eleanor graduated in music from Trinity in Dublin and set out to pay her way through life as a jobbing musician.

“One of the few artists who can do no wrong whatsoever.” BBC Radio 2 Tuesday 24th February Tickets £10 Doors 7:30pm www.eleanormcevoy.com

Martin Carthy Wednesday 25th February Lifetime Achievement Award – BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014 For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.

Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his awardwinning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much anticipated Waiting for Angels (Topic TSCD527) was the latest.

Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the acclaimed `Originals’ music documentary strand on BBC 2) www.finecity.co.uk

- there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn’t played.

He’s a ballad singer, a groundbreaking acoustic and electricguitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position. Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all.” Q Magazine “Carthy is a master of the ballad of substance, songs that tell stories, whether they are traditional, his own or from contemporary writers.”

The Telegraph Wednesday 25th February Tickets £12.50 Doors 7:30pm www.watersoncarthy.com 2015 February | 31

FINEPLACES

Titchwell Manor Romantic bliss by the beach at Norfolk’s Titchwell Manor

L

eave your loved one wanting for nothing this Valentine’s Day by whisking them off for a luxurious romantic break at renowned boutique hotel Titchwell Manor, on the stunning north Norfolk coast, complete with your own personal butler!

The award-­winning hotel, headed up by culinary star and Head Chef Eric Snaith, is offering a luxurious package that includes an overnight stay; a decadent five-­course tasting menu; a chauffer-­driven local trip in a luxury car along the beautiful Norfolk coast; as well as a private butler at your disposal to run your baths, bring you chocolates and pour your champagne, leaving you to give your full attention to your sweetheart.

Partners arrive in style as they are picked up from King’s Lynn Station in a luxury car and then driven to the rural retreat, Titchwell Manor complete with open fires, a courtyard herb garden and 32 | February 2015

fantastic sea views. Couples will be shown to their room, presented with sumptuous sweet treats and unlimited champagne, before embarking on a private tour with the help of their butler.

Choose from a host of romantic north Norfolk treasures and be chauffer driven to your choice destination; stroll around the grounds of 18th century country house Holkham Hall; opt for a spot of retail therapy at the traditional shops in Burnham Market; peruse the lovely village of Sandringham (which includes the Queen’s Norfolk retreat); or visit the RSPB bird reserve Titchwell Marsh.

Returning to their room, couples will find flames flickering in the log burner, flowers scattered across their bed and a hot bath already run, ready to relax in.

For dinner, Head Chef Eric Snaith, whose innovative food has earned the hotel three AA Rosettes, will serve a fanciful five-­course tasting menu, setting

hearts and pulses racing with a seductive range of locally-­ sourced ingredients to nourish both body and soul.

All’s well that ends well.

Guests will depart on Sunday after breakfast at the elegant coastal retreat and head back, hand in hand, to King’s Lynn.

So, pamper your partner this Valentine’s Day and find love is in the air at Titchwell Manor. ❏ Titchwell Manor, Titchwell, Nr Brancaster, Norfolk PE31 8BB 01485 210221 www.titchwellmanor.com @TitchwellManor www.finecity.co.uk

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

www.dispatchmagazine.co.uk

Interview: Pete Goodrum

KEITH FOX KEITH FOX is one of the region’s finest painters. Pete Goodrum meets the outstanding artist to talk about his life, his paintings, and the path to his current success.

34 | February December2015 2014

FEATURE BY:

Pete Goodrum WRITER, BROADCASTER @PETEGOODRUM

www.finecity.co.uk

O

ur paths have crossed many times over many years, and many a glass, well let’s be honest, many a bottle, of wine. But this interviewer and interviewee meeting is new for both of us. We’re in the studio at the back of Keith’s frankly jaw droppingly beautiful home in Norwich. But Keith, the artist, is not stood at an easel. He’s sat in an elderly wooden chair behind an expanse of modern white desk top. Old and new. Desk not easel. Keith Fox is not so much a man of contradictions as contrasts. It’s a theme that will reappear as we talk.

Keith was born into a working class family, in Norwich. He’s one of five siblings, of who only two survive. His earliest school days were at Catton Grove Junior. After that it was the Alderman Jex School.

It was a typical early 1950s schooling, but he’s quick to point out that it brought one important benefit.

‘I could always draw. But at school one teacher in particular really encouraged that, and he helped me develop a wider interest in art’.

The seed was sown. So much so that Keith would stay behind, to do extra work after school to hone his artistic skills.

Even after all these years there’s a diffidence when he says ‘I failed the Eleven Plus’, before going on to say that at that time this resulted in two basic options. There was Technical College, or the Junior Art School. The choice seems obvious, but it wasn’t automatic as there was an exam to sit. He passed it and by the age of 13 was at school in the old Norwich Art School building in St Georges Street.

‘There was a full curriculum, but the bias was towards an art education. I loved it’.

Leaving school at fifteen, in the 1950s, was a daunting prospect for someone with their sights set on art as a means of earning a

KEITH FOX IN HIS STUDIO

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FINEPEOPLE living. The solution presented itself with a job at Curls. This legendary Norwich retailer, now Debenhams, had its own commercial art studio and Keith was set to work designing posters and show-cards for the department store. He was by now already painting in his spare time, and attending art classes at night school. He’d also developed a life-long fascination for screen printing.

‘It was a case of growing up fast. I was in the world of work, and it came as a shock at first’, he says, and goes on to recall, ‘I did leave Curls for a while and I worked briefly at the advertising agency then known as Willsmore and Tibbenham. But, I went back to the shop’.

His next job was at yet another important Norwich store that’s changed its name. He worked for a while at Bonds, ‘Long before the John Lewis days’.

By now the contrasts that make up Keith Fox had begun to emerge.

Artistic by talent and nature he was already ambitious, and commercially aware. He went into business with his brothers, Owen, Chester and Stephen to form BD Studios. ‘We were a design and print company.

In truth we set up ourselves up on a wing, a prayer and holiday money’, he says, with an obvious fondness for the memory.

His affection for the period ratchets up his conversation a notch. ‘It was a hugely enjoyable period. It was the early 1960s and we were busy. It was the early days of the UEA and we did a lot of work for the Students Union, designing and printing posters for gigs there. It was commercially viable work that allowed us considerable freedom of design’.

It’s that contrast again. Artistic awareness coupled with business acumen.

BD Studios came to an end when the brothers decided to go their separate ways, and Keith, together with partners Albert Cooper and Ken Smith founded the advertising agency APFP. Initially based in Cow Hill the business moved to Willow Lane where it took root, and grew. 

“IT WAS A CASE OF GROWING UP FAST. I WAS IN THE WORLD OF WORK, AND IT CAME AS A SHOCK AT FIRST”

2015 February | 35

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“I FELT LIKE I HAD TO LEARN TO PAINT ALL OVER AGAIN. IT HAD BEEN SUBJUGATED, AND NOW I HAD TO REACQUANT MYSELF WITH PAINT” ‘The cornerstone of the agency’s business was the Queensway account’, says Keith. This massive furniture retailer did indeed provide the agency with substantial amounts of work. Keith and the team delivered a staggering amount of creative and well-crafted advertising that contributed to Queensway’s growth. And the agency’s.

The original board of APFP would split and from the reorganisation a new agency would emerge. Adforce would soon make its mark on the regional scene. This was the 1970s and the advertising world was changing. And changes would be needed closer to home. ‘Queensway was important to us, and perhaps becoming too much so’ he says, reflectively. ‘Two things were happening.

We needed to ensure that we didn’t have all our eggs in one basket; it was dangerous. And the danger was heightened by the fact that Queensway was now a famous brand. So much so that London advertising agencies were knocking on its door’.

Eventually one of them knocked loudly enough and Queensway went to the capital. But, the agency’s strategic foresight had paid off. Bolstered by other business it continued to grow.

Keith’s role throughout all of this had been as Creative Director, but his all-round advertising knowledge and commercial skills had seen him develop into a consummate client facing negotiator and indeed Managing Director.

We draw breath as Keith stops to check the story so far. His mannerisms suggest that he could be a shy man. He taps his coffee 36 | February 2015

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cup, and with his other hand sweeps non-existent crumbs or dust from the desk top. He is intensely private, but he’s not shy. He is though thorough, and he’s visibly riffling back through mental filing cabinets to make sure that the narrative is complete, and in order.

When he speaks, it yet again highlights the contrasts in the man.

Firstly he says, ‘Going back to the 1960s for a moment, it was during that period that I met Colin Self’. In fact Keith was at the now internationally renowned artist’s first ever exhibition at the Piccadilly Gallery in London and the two remain friends to this day.

‘And’, he adds, ‘the agency’s growth during the 1970s did mean that for a while my own painting took a back seat. I was working long hours, and at weekends. It was a question of priorities’.

In a bizarre twist, Adforce moved into premises in St Georges Street, a stone’s throw from where he’d been at art school. Norwich.

Art. Business. The common threads continue to weave together.

Suddenly we’re at the 1980s. Once again the ever evolving world of advertising was putting itself through changes and Keith was leading a team that embraced the new techniques. The agency www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPEOPLE was by now a serious player, employing over forty people and turning out a constant stream of innovative, creative advertising for companies such as Butchers, Hovells, Norwich & Peterborough Building Society, Norwich Union and Bartrums. It was consistent growth from great work. Work that built brands, and sold products.

By the 1990s Adforce had expanded in to more premises, added more staff and gained more, and deserved recognition. Ever mindful of the future, and with the same strategic vision that he’d demonstrably displayed time and again, Keith took another bold step in the late 1990s when he merged the agency to form Fox Murphy.

It was from there, as Chairman, that he retired in 2002.

Except retirement isn’t exactly what he did. He reinvented himself as the artist he’d always been. The commercial world’s loss (and it was a loss) was the greater world’s gain (and it is a gain) as a series of paintings began to emerge from his studio. Paintings that would pave the way to a real presence in art.

It was not an easy transition. Like everything he’s succeeded at, he worked at it. ‘I felt like I had to learn to paint all over again. It had been subjugated, and now I had to reacquaint myself with paint, and how to use it’.

Within a couple of years he was receiving commissions, including the portrait of Paul King, Sheriff of Norwich.

Portraits are important to Keith Fox. ‘I’m constantly fascinated by faces,’ he says. It’s abundantly clear in his work. He’s a figurative painter, and if photographic accuracy is any measure of portraiture 1. PORTRAIT OF PAUL KING 2. AND TWO PIDGEONS 3. FOR STEVE 4. GENTLEMANS WALK, NORWICH 5. PORTRAIT OF SHIRLEY

his work is seriously good. But it’s more than that. Over and above the instantly recognisable faces of his subjects his pictures convey character, hidden depths and untold stories. There’s an alchemy about them that forges colour and texture into high Art. And it’s true of his other work. Faces are key, but far from the only element in the big beautiful groups of people he paints. Ordinary people in ordinary situations are juxtaposed into compositions where even the shapes between the subjects become arresting, and a detail as mundane as a plastic carrier bag lifts the overall picture with its every perfect wrinkle.

There’s a magic to it, and it’s difficult to define.

He paints in oil and acrylics, but firmly believes in the importance of drawing. ‘It’s the root of it all’.

The priorities then have been reversed. The managing director and chairman roles are no longer part of his life. That’s not to say though that he’s retired. He is an Artist, and artists have to sell their work. Keith Fox paintings sell.

His migration into the full time life of an Artist has seen some interesting developments. He joined the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society and in 2014 won the Adnams prize there.

In the same year he was elected to the Norwich 20 Group.

This prestigious group of artists was founded in 1945 and included among others at the time, Leslie Davenport and Tom Griffiths.

Dedicated to raising the standards of local professional art it flourishes today, encompassing artists working in all media. 

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2015 February | 37

FINEPEOPLE

KEITH FOX PORTRAIT

BY CHEDGEY

On the evening before we met for this interview I was at the Norwich 20 Group’s preview night for their exhibition in The Forum as Keith’s guest.

It’s an impressive show with an eclectic mix of work, beautifully curated and stunningly presented. Keith has three canvasses on show there and their quality sparkles from the walls.

The show is on until February 23rd, and I do urge you to visit it.

Keith was at pains to tell me that his membership of the group is very largely due to the encouragement of that fine local painter Chedgey. We meet him as we’re looking at the pictures. There’s a palpable mutual respect as they talk. In an exciting collision of talents Chedgey and Keith have just painted each other’s portraits. Add to that brace of works Chedgey’s new self-portrait, entitled ‘Selfie’, and you have one of the most exciting small groups of big canvas portraiture you’ll see in a generation. Different enough in style to be individually recognisable, there is a common thread of powerful figurative painting that links them in a wonderful fusion.

With exhibitions, commissions and his pictures on sale in high end galleries does he have any interests outside art?

His family are precious to him. He met his wife Pat back in the Curls days, and they’ve been married since 1962. She paints too.

Their sons, Ian and Jonathan are both in advertising. ‘It’s in the genes’. And his surviving sibling, his sister Jill still lives in Norwich.

He loves listening to music and has an eclectic taste, and collection. He’s a voracious reader. More than competent at carpentry he likes to keep his hand in. He pauses. ‘And of course there’s the small business of tending a rather large garden’. He more than tends it. It’s wonderful.

In going back over our talk I’m drawn again and again to this issue of Keith being a man of contrasts. Thinking of him as a younger man 38 | February 2015

I’m reminded of a concept commented on by George Melly among others, when writing about the young John Lennon. He was it was said, ‘The Arty Teddy Boy’. Street style conscious but artistically aware and talented, it fits Keith to a tee.

As the career developed that same dichotomy remained. Creatively driven, but commercially savvy, advertising was made for him.

In the catalogue for the Norwich 20 Group Exhibition there are some words by Keith, about himself. He writes, ‘I draw and paint because I can, because I want to and enjoy using the skills involved.

I’m not always clear what my paintings represent to others but I hope they elicit some attention’.

I know what they represent. They represent talent. Sheer, unmitigated, talent. These are pictures that will draw you in. They will make you look again and again. Not just to marvel at the technique and workmanship, but to explore the stories behind the lady on Gentleman’s Walk, or to eavesdrop on the conversation of the men in front of the market place.

As we finish talking I sense again that he’s checking back.

Making sure nothing of importance has been missed. ‘There is something that needs to be said’, he all but whispers. ‘Losing my three brothers. It is a source of constant sadness to me’.

It’s a heart stopping moment. There’s nothing you can say. I’ve kept my promise to put the thought into this article.

Thinking about it now, as I type, I can say something more about it.

It’s honest. Totally, honest.

And perhaps that’s the missing, impossible to define, magical element that lifts his work to the status it so deserves. Amongst its love of people, its love of Norwich, its colour and composition and its technique, it’s honest. And it’s honestly, and hugely, talented. ❏ www.finecity.co.uk

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FINEPEOPLE

FEATURE BY:

Steve Browning WRITER @RETURNINGPERSON

Memories of a Norfolk school Writer STEPHEN BROWNING had a completely Norfolk-based education until going to university at the age of 18. Here he remembers how it felt to be 6 years old at a small school in a Norfolk village.

Getting to school For me, getting to Primary school was a game of two halves, so to speak. I was fine, even cocky, if the homework the night before had been English or History, and I couldn’t wait to show off in class. If, on the other hand, it had been something alien and incomprehensible like Maths or Physics, I would be on the edge of tearful funk until the inevitable, terrible humiliation came about.

‘Stand up, Browning, and describe the essential qualities of an isosceles triangle’. What does a six year old boy want with an isosceles triangle? Oh Dear.

40 | February 2015

Most of my generation were bussed to school, unless, like the boy in Shakespeare’s play, you were lucky enough to live close by. The bus, I remember, was a world unto itself where Primary school hierarchy was worked out: if you took lunch to school, you would soon know your place in the scheme of things by how much – if any – of your lunchbox remained by the time you got off at the school gates. Alternatively, it might be filled with ill-gotten gains – jam tarts, sherbet dabs, blackjacks and four-a-penny fruit salads.

There was lots to do along the way. You could sing a song

or swap marbles. Pressing your face against the windows and making threatening gestures to the people on the pavement was fun - unless you were really stupid like Jessop who made an unforgiveable sign to a pedestrian just before the bus was due to pull up at the school gates. The angry man charged onto the bus, grasped the unfortunate boy by the collar – you could do that then – and marched him to the head where he got a good caning, the pain of which was nothing to the humiliation he suffered from his peers for several days. Oh, what fun it all was!

When I was six and a half, I was enrolled in a private boarding school, Hickstons, in a Norfolk village. I remember Mum dropping me, my brother Nigel, two years my senior, and sister, Juliet, off after a long day’s drive.

Oh the tears! Eventually, Mum drove away and I rushed to my brother and grasped his hand.

‘Get lost!, he said: thus I had my first lesson in how uncool it was to mix with a pupil in a year lower than yours, even if he was your brother.

As well as my initial arrival, I well remember my departure at the end of term one. When you are small, little things mean a lot. All of us boys vied with each other in crazy tales about how much money our parents earned, what big cars we had etc. At the end of my first term at Hickstons, my joy at seeing my Mum again was heightened www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPEOPLE

A DORMITORY IN WESTERN HOUSE SCHOOL NEAR FARNHAM, HANTS, IN 1925

A CLASS AT ST. DECUMAN’S PRIVATE BOYS SCHOOL, SOMERSET, IN THE 1920S

COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL IN DEVON 1890

immeasurably by the knowledge that she would come to pick me up in our brand new car – a Vauxhall estate in shades of pale and deep green ( I had seen the picture ). I was standing with my best friend Douglas outside the school, cases packed, when – Joy of Joys! – I saw this beautiful

estate car coming up the drive.

‘That’s my Mum, come to get me in our new car!’

Suddenly, as my Mum swished round in the school drive, there was an awful clanking sound and lots of sparks. The exhaust had fallen off.

Douglas looked at me with a

MULBARTON SCHOOL, NORFOLK, AROUND 1902

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condescending smile. ‘Yes, well, that’s what happens when you can only afford a cheap car. Ah, here’s my Dad in his Humber Snipe’.

Ghostly goings-on The boarding house was about five miles from the school proper, which was a lovely rectory set in several acres of ground – built in early Victorian times when vicars lived and acted like the country gentry. This rectory held terrors of its own. Notably, on the second floor at the southern end of the main corridor, were a curious set of steps – about four, swing right, about three. There was a heavy wooden door and, inside, a small room with a ridiculously high ceiling with a stout beam across it. In the middle of the room was a blue and white ceramic toilet.

It bore the legend ‘ Curio and Co, Watercloset Manufacturers 1834,’ and was decorated all

over with blue flowers. Quite beautiful in its way. Anyway, none of us would go near it because schoolboy legend had it that a maid to the original vicar had got herself pregnant by the footman and, deserted, had hung herself from beam in the ceiling.

Her ghost was to be seen, apparently, entering the toilet in tears, although exactly when I never did discover: many and many a time I hurried past that spot as a six and seven year old, heart pumping and eyes averted.

Recently, researching a book, I went back to the rectory – it has been converted into spacious flats now -and was fortunate enough to meet one of the lady residents. ‘Is my memory a childhood fantasy?’ I asked. ‘No, she is still around’, she replied.

‘None of the residents have ever seen her, but some claim to have heard her weeping.’  2015 February | 41

FINEPEOPLE

BEEKEEPING WAS ON THE CURRICULUM IN SOME NORWICH SCHOOLS IN THE 1950S

OLD SCHOOL, EASTON, NEAR NORWICH 1950S

OLD SCHOOL, EASTON, LATE 1800S

42 | February 2015

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FINEPEOPLE

YOUNG PERSON’S OUTING TO CROMER 1932

THE FIRST BUS IN MERE, WILTSHIRE, IN 1913...

...OR HOW ABOUT A DONKEY CART?

“And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel, And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school” SHAKESPEARE ‘AS YOU LIKE IT’

We have a wee accident Every morning, all the school – mainly primary boys but some secondary, too – would travel from the boarding house to the rectory in a blue double decker bus, long past its prime, driven by the headmaster, Reverend Quantock. It was quite a nice ride, really, and a chance to see the unique lavender fields of the Norfolk countryside. I always travelled on the top deck. One day, for some reason, the road was blocked and Reverend Quantock decided to take ‘the scenic route’ via some country www.finecity.co.uk

lanes. We had just entered a dark, tree-shrouded part of the road when, of a moment, the bus shuddered and, like the Titanic, began to lurch and keel over to the right. What had happened was that the two right-side wheels had left the tarmac just where the roadway was several feet above the surrounding scrubland. Over and over we went, very slowly, until there was a thwack, and I found myself lying on my side covered in broken glass and seats, all of which appeared to have broken loose. The bus had come to rest on its side. A hand came through

the wreckage towards me.

‘Stephen, Stephen, are you OK?’ It was my brother, Nigel.

‘Yes, I think so’.

‘Thank goodness. I don’t want to have to tell Mummy you’re dead’.

No-one was seriously hurt – the reason we had gone over ‘in slow motion’ was that the bus has come off the road at precisely the point where several heavy-duty telegraph poles lined the road and they had let us down slowly. I remember one snatch of conversation on the rescue bus which took us back to the boarding house – we had

the day off school, hooray! I was sitting with my brother and the Reverend was seated in front.

Nigel said: ‘We are all safe, now’.

I said ‘ let’s hope this one does not turn over!’

The Headmaster, Reverend Quantock, whipped round and gave me such a thunderous look as I shall never forget. ❏ This extract is taken from ‘When Schooldays Were Fun’ by Stephen Browning, published by Halsgrove at £19.99 and available in bookshops and from Amazon and other online retailers.

2015 February | 43

FINEPEOPLE

NORWICH BUSINESSWOMAN MADE OBE Co-founder of social enterprise CafĂŠ Britannia receives OBE in new year honours list

44 | February 2015

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FINEPEOPLE

L

ocal businesswoman and co-founder of Norwich social enterprise Café Britannia, Davina Tanner, has been a made an OBE in the New Year Honours List, announced on December 31, 2014. The prestigious honour has been awarded for Davina’s services to the business and wider community in East Anglia.

Davina co-founded Café Britannia in January 2014. A social enterprise with Norwich Prison, the café has gone from strength to strength in its first year. The initial team of six category D, low risk prisoners and one civilian chef employed to serve 10 customers a day, has grown to 16 prisoners and 14 civilian staff, including some exoffenders, providing up to 400 covers a day in the café. In addition, Café Britannia caters for 850 visitors a week to HMP Norwich and HMP Bure, Coltishall and hosts private and public sector conferences and events at its facility, plus contract catering. 60 prisoner employees have gone through the café in 12 months and it has had a direct impact on non-reoffending rates, which have increased to 95%.

Prior to launching Café Britannia, Davina was General Manager of Chapelfield Shopping Centre, Norwich, where she pioneered Chapelfield Custody and Community – a ground breaking voluntary work experience programme with serving prisoners. In addition to winning several awards for this project including recognition from Business in the Community and the Prime Minister, Davina also won the prestigious National Centre Manager of the Year Award.

Davina has previously held senior roles at Tesco and Arcadia. She currently sits on the board of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP) and is chair of Independence Matters, a social enterprise which offers support services for adults with learning and physical disabilities, young people in transition and the elderly across Norfolk.

“I have always been passionate about making my business an integral part of the community” Davina said: “I am overwhelmed to have been made an OBE. I have always been passionate about making my business an integral part of the community and supporting local organisations and initiatives, which make a real difference to real people. I built the idea of Café Britannia around this, although I couldn’t have done it without my co-founder, Will Styles, governor at HMP Norwich, and the support of his fantastic team. To receive an OBE for something that I love doing truly is the greatest honour. And for it to come at the end of Café Britannia’s first year, based on everything we have achieved here in the past 12 months, is just the perfect way to kick start our first birthday celebrations.” ❏

DAVINA TANNER

Born in 1968 in Taunton, Davina Tanner initially enrolled as a cadet in the Police Force and was on the beat for the Met. She left to pursue a career in retail, becoming an area manager for a ladies fashion chain, before moving on to field sales management and then for Courtaulds on the Aristoc brand. Davina joined Tesco International to place non-food lines into the centre of the operation. She then became an area manager for the South and East Anglia at the Arcadia group, overseeing 35 stores including Evans, Top Shop and Wallis.

After time out managing property and working with charities, Davina joined Chapelfield Shopping Centre, Norwich, in 2008 as Shopping Centre Manager and won numerous awards for her role in the business and her pioneering project working with serving prisoners. She opened Café Britannia, next to HMP Norwich in January 2014.

ABOUT CAFÉ BRITANNIA

Based at the former Britannia Barracks with spectacular views over Norwich, Cafe Britannia is a social enterprise, shabby chic cafe offering freshly cooked British cuisine. Open 7 days a week, the cafe is staffed by category D low risk prisoners that have volunteered to learn new skills, improve their lives and make a fresh start. All tips and profits generated from the cafe go to rehabilitating prisoners and charitable causes.

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 February | 45

FINEPEOPLE “WE BELIEVE POVERTY IS INDISCRIMINATE… WHICH IS WHY WE PROVIDE ANYONE WHOSE LIFE IS BLIGHTED BY POVERTY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A LEGITIMATE INCOME” THE BIG ISSUE, FROM ‘OUR MANIFESTO’ IN THE EDITION JANUARY 12-18 2015

WHAT IS BIG ISSUE?

Big Issue came into being in 1991, the idea of John Bird and Gordon Roddick and initially financed by the legendary Body Shop chain. It was first published monthly but, after two years, it became clear that it could support itself as a weekly publication. It now has versions all over the UK and in Australia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Namibia, Republic of Ireland, South Africa and Taiwan.

The idea is to help people who do not have a wage, perhaps homeless, to earn money from their own efforts. Big Issue sellers buy the magazine at £1.25 and sell it on at £2.50. There has been a shift in the nationality of vendors recently as it is one of the very few ways for migrants from the recently elected countries of the expanded EU – those classified a ‘A2 nationals’, often from Romania and Bulgaria – to gain some kind of income.

A GOOD READ

The Big Issue is a very good read, and many people who buy it for the first time are pleasantly surprised. It is not expensively produced, quite the contrary, but all human life is there, so to speak. There’s serious stuff about poverty, society, resources and so on; there are profiles of 46 | February 2015

Most of us have seen the men and women in the city centre selling The Big Issue Magazine. Some of us may have bought one. But for one young man, LEE HOUGHTON, this was not enough. His act of kindness went viral and was reported all over the world. Jonathan Horswell, editor of FineCity, met him and heard an amazing story.

Big Issue sellers; a quite quirky letters page; food, reviews, travel, books, theatre; in-depth interviews ( the latest one has one with Uri Geller, the chap who bends spoons amongst other things ); music, film and poetry.

Apart from the magazine, there is, in addition, now The Big Issue Foundation, which works to integrate the selling side of the ‘business’ with a

wide range of other activities, particularly concentrating on why homelessness exists and what can be done about it.

NOT AN ENTIRELY NEW IDEA

It is not, some are surprised to learn, an entirely new approach journalistically speaking. Way back in 1873 the Salvation Army introduced The War Cry which

dealt with social exclusion.

Since then there have been a good many similar magazines produced which reflect a particular religious or spiritual ethos – particularly Roman Catholic and Buddhist. There have even been attempts at more mainstream productions, especially in America, but nothing really on the scale of the present Big Issue. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEPEOPLE

LEE GETS SOME SPACE AND

BIG ISSUE SELLER SIMON WITH FINECITY EDITOR JONATHAN

LEE HOUGHTON, 24

“I DON’T THINK PEOPLE REALISE THAT THE BIG ISSUE IS A LIFELINE. IT GIVES YOU SOMETHING WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING ELSE” BOB, BIG ISSUE SELLER, JANUARY 2015

A SOCIAL BUSINESS AND HAVING FUN

What is new, however, is the codification of what kind of business this is and what rules apply here. It is one of a number of enterprises that are called ‘social businesses’. There are several vital considerations for these: they are not for profit but must help people in some way; investors only get back, at best, their original stake; they must be economically sustainable and environmentally conscious; people who work in them must receive at least the going rate for jobs that they do; and everyone must have fun.

This last is not a joke and many of us, I know, have been impressed at how cheerful the sellers are, whether or not they have succeeded in getting £2.50 from you as you passed. This is also one of the traits of Simon www.finecity.co.uk

SHOOTS

who was standing outside Pret A Manger when Lee Houghton, a 24 year old Business Analyst at Lafarge Tarmac, popped into the café for his regular pre-work coffee one August morning last year. Lee looked at Simon, standing there, more or less performing his regular banter ‘Big Issue. Would anyone like to buy a Big Issue. I can cope with a rush!’ – and wondered how he came to be there. Was he homeless? Was he cold? Why not ask him. And why not take him out a coffee at the same time?

Four months later and Lee was still supplying a coffee on the way to work, with croissants, but one day he got a big and happy surprise. Simon presented him with a card to say ‘thanks’ for the coffee and the contact. Lee was touched and put the story on Twitter. Pret A Manger picked up on it and within a few days

there had been 1.4 million hits, increasing in the next few days at over half a million a day. The Daily Mirror picked up on it as well as the Australian press on the other side of the world.

A MEET-UP WITH LEE

As editor of FineCity I was one of those touched by what I read and, as our remit is to promote all that is best in our city, I resolved to highlight Lee’s kindness and celebrate a fine friendship between Lee and Simon. To find out more, I arranged a meet.

Lee is a very polite and personable young man which is something that belies his life experience. 24 now and with a fine career ahead of him, he could hardly have had a worse start, being in and out of care since the age of 8. Originally from Liverpool, he has always been very determined not to let adverse things get in the way of doing well. He loves football: ‘I play in the Anglian Combination Premier League’, he tells me as we sip our coffees. ‘I play about four times a week. Love the Gym, too’.

One of the best things about all the publicity, he says, is that Simon’s sales have vastly increased. ‘He’s pretty well

known in the Big Issue selling business now’, Lee tells me.

‘He’s been able to think of saving up for a council support house purchase.’

And what of Lee? ‘What are your plans? You obviously are doing great work-wise. Are you ambitious?’ I ask.

‘Not overly’, he says. ‘I would love to travel – Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, maybe New Zealand.

And I’d love to do a trek with a mate for maybe 6 months somewhere. My employers are very supportive and they will keep my job open for me.’

‘I hear that your exposure in the Daily Mirror led to something else, too, Lee. Is it true you have been put forward for a Pride of Britain Award?’

‘Yeah! My sister did that.

Sisters, eh. What can you do with them?’ ❏

2015 February | 47

The start of 2015 sees a massive re-launch of the Maddermarket Theatre, under the direction of new Joint Creative Directors STASH KIRKBRIDE and PETER BECK

O

n May 1st 2014 Stash Kirkbride and Peter Beck were appointed as the new Joint Creative Directors, a shared position designed especially to fit their talents and experience, enabling them to reinvigorate and energize new life into one of the true gems of theatre in Norfolk.

Their remit runs to four pages, covering a vast number of areas of the theatre, to name a few: Directing two main house shows a year each, theatre programming, marketing, press & publicity, social media, website & brochure design, engagement in the community, local business, individuals and sponsorship, front of house, promotions & development, building renewal/refurbishment and up keep, health & safety, staff training/employment, volunteer recruitment, overseeing quality control throughout the theatre, both on stage and off.

48 | February 2015

The start of 2015 will see The Maddermarket Theatre Norwich Re Launching as never before. There will be lots of photographic evidence available as well as a number of key events celebrating all the areas of refurbishment as well as those areas still undergoing change.

The endless stories of how it’s all be taking place over the summer and autumn of 2014 are now almost ready to share, and we invite you to come and visit the theatre, so we can take you on a tour and share with you the many truly inspiring upgrading/uplifting that is so apparent throughout.

Examples of the New Year – New Maddermarket Theatre are: 1. A complete refurbished and rebuilt theatre bar & art gallery. We have gone into partnership with Redwell Brewery of Trouse, who collectively with us have shared the costs of transforming the actual bar into something to be proud of. Features include bespoke wine rack shelving and real oak bar tops and back walls. Modernisation of all our work areas behind the bar, unique copper lighting and timeless herring bone style black & white tiling on the front of the bar. Another bespoke aspect is our new glass display units on the top of the bar, with many of the theatre’s plays under glass from over 100 years of performances on display. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

2. The new Visual Arts Gallery has been re designed from scratch, perhaps in better shape than when it was first opened in the late 1960s. Mike King has become the visual arts coordinator, and already we have a very impressive line up of Norfolk artists exhibiting throughout 2015. Artists will pay ÂŁ200 per month to hang their work, once their work has been accepted, they will receive strong support including having their exhibition featured in our 3 x yearly Maddermarket Theatre brochure going out to 26,000 people. A Private Viewing launch night will also take place for each artist, with a 65/35 split in favour of the artist on sales.

3. New carpet has just been laid throughout the public areas of the theatre, including in our newly refurbished Corporate/members Balcony. This rather tired area of the theatre has at last been lifted up to its full potential, and is about to play host to our new 12 Production Sponsors, another first for the theatre.

4. A Vast Picture Montage has just been hung on our main feature wall in the Bar/Gallery, featuring production photos from the last 100 years of the Norwich Players productions at the Maddermarket Theatre. This would have cost well over ÂŁ3,500 and has been sponsored by two of our 12 sponsors, GGS Photography & Anglia Print Ltd. Our Mad Red Youth Theatre Company is also celebrated on the landing to the balcony, a blast of colour and energy. www.finecity.co.uk

5. About our new sponsors: Importantly, as with any good plan, we knew we had to spend and save and bring in money, all at the same time. And to this end we have reached out and secured a completely new partnership with no less than 12 new businesses and individuals, all of whom, like us, share a long term passion of this beautifully situated theatre space in the centre of Norwich.

They are: Hansells Solicitors, our new Principal Sponsors, whose generous financial support helped to realise our ambitions, all within our first year of running the theatre. Redwell Brewery, in partnership with us for the new bar, with a commitment from both parties to develop and work together for 3 years. GGS Photography & Anglia Print Ltd, sponsors of our stunning picture montages.

Sonkai Jewellers, who have sponsored our beautiful Yamaha C3 black Grand Piano. Their generosity means all bar events will be associated with this bespoke jewellery shop in Pottergate.

Newmakers PR, their connections in public relations throughout Norfolk and beyond has already proved enormously valuable to us and there are many new promotional plans with them in 2015.

Maddermaket Theatre Friends, this everlasting group of supporters will be helping to pay for many of the items in our refurbishment programme, including the all new men & ladies toilets, due to be fully modernised in the early part of 2015. The Friends are also contributing to the new carpet throughout, as well as the much anticipated refurbishment of our newly named Emmerson Studio Theatre space, to be named after our famous Artistic Director 2015 February | 49

FINEARTS “THE MADDERMARKET THEATRE NORWICH IS A WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF THE BEST RESPECTED COMMUNITY THEATRE’S IN EUROPE”

here, who helped make the theatre what it is today; the official opening to be announced soon. Head In The Clouds’ sponsorship is enabling us to forge ahead with refurbishment at a colossal speed, and their support can been seen in the new state of the art lighting in the bar/gallery. Wensum Point Carpets have generously fitted our new carpet at a cost far less than would normally be the case, and this has meant we have been able to secure quality and long lasting quality at that. Thorns of Pottergate, have supplied us with endless amounts of Deluxe Paint, all of which has been lovingly painted by our army of volunteers, without whom we would not be able to achieve this highly ambitious program. (Many wonderful case studies/profiles with our volunteers) 50 | February 2015

Arnolds Keys estate agents have also showed their generosity by sponsoring the theatre and their support will help towards our new merchandise area of the foyer. RD Guest Plumbing, have installed our historic courtyard cottage with central heating for the first time, this means we will have a number of businesses operating in partnership with us from the start of 2015, Joint Creative directors office, Mad Red Theatre School office as well as it being the new offices for the Hostry Festival, Total Ensemble Theatre Company, Chamber Orchestra Anglia and The Norfolk Arts Awards, another example of connecting with Norfolk based projects, all now operating and developing from the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS is nurtured and the “Volunteer Life Cycle” may well last into many decades, so truly developing together is what is needed.

With this in mind, the directors have partnered up with Voluntary Norfolk so that the current volunteers are not over stretched and the continuation of the theatres’ Open Door policy flourishes better than ever.

As of January 2015, for the first time, all our Main House productions will be sponsored, and this means even more than simply the money, which is vital of course, it also means local Norfolk businesses and individuals are investing and engaging with the theatre and all who work there. The theatre is reaching out and inviting in, and in turn the whole Maddermarket Theatre Community grows.

Its not simply what takes place on stage, it’s the welcome the moment you walk through the door, the sense of occasion, and the whole environment you enter that counts. 2015 and beyond will see this “jewel in the theatrical crown of Norfolk” develop into something for us all to be very proud of, and importantly, to return to many times throughout the year.

Our aim is to create work of a high standard, encouraging and working with volunteers as a priority at all times, in order to develop theatre in education & entertainment. To be a venue for all ages. To work in an environment of pride, safety, and learning.

To engage with the community. To supply opportunities for people of all ages to gain valuable experience & to ensure a constant stream of new people being welcomed through our doors. To be welcoming at all times, and to work together, staff and volunteers alike, toward the same goal of running a theatre to be proud of, on stage and off.

Encouragement. Understanding. Reliability. Kindness. Pride.

Teamwork. Humour. Honesty. Openness. Listening. Accessibility.

During January and February there will be a number of gala events, where you are invited to attend with complimentary glass of champagne and two free tickets. Here is a list below:

Both Creative Directors know just how important it is to have a long term view with this theatre, and having both “Been there and back” they see their roles as less of a career move, more of a “return journey” to where they both started out as actors over 25 years ago. To be at the helm of the Maddermarket is a huge challenge and honour. It requires vision, life and theatre experience on the ground, tact, diplomacy, understanding, encouragement, enthusiasm, strength, leadership, originality, determination, and the ability to think outside the box at all times.

The Maddermarket Theatre Norwich is a without doubt one of the best respected community theatre’s in Europe, and with it goes a real responsibility to ensure each person who gives of their time www.finecity.co.uk

• New Years Eve Music Hall gala. Dinner Jacket & evening dress.

• 8th of Jan, Jacque Dankworth in concert.

• 12th Norwich Jazz Night special, Open Mic night, featuring Simon Brown on our new sponsored Yamaha grand piano, plus guests.

• 17th. Our Maddermarket Gala Auction, in association with TW Gaze auctioneers. An event where we sell off some unique items from our theatre, in aid of our Go Go Dragon & Refurbishment appeal.

70 items sold live on stage by Mike Sarons. Includes glass of champagne on arrival.

• 20th January, Jean Cocteau double bill, being performed in the new Emmerson Studio Theatre. 7.30pm.

• 22nd of January, Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti, the first of Main House production Press nights sponsored by Anglia Print Ltd. • 19th February, The Crucible Press night, sponsored by The Maddermarket Friends.

• 19th March, press night for The Ghost Train, directed by Stash Kirkbride, sponsored by Hansell’s Solicitors.

• 23rd April, press night for Anthony & Cleopatra, directed by Peter Beck.

So much to show and tell you. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre soon.

Stash & Peter Stash Kirkbride & Peter Beck, Joint Creative Directors Maddermarket Theatre Norwich.

Stash.kirkbride@maddermarket.org Peter.beck@maddermarket.org 07930 638 017 2015 February | 51

FINEARTS

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

Thorpe Players are pleased to return to the Maddermarket to perform Ron Pember and Dennis De Marne’s energetic, haunting and emotive classic. www.thorpeplayers.co.uk

Norwich Jazz Club Open Mic /Jazz Jam

Jack The Ripper Wednesday 4th - Saturday 7th February Ron Pember and Dennis De Marne Friday August 31st to Friday November 9th 1888 will forever be part of London history. For it was between those dates that the infamous ‘East End’ murders took place perpetrated by one who became known as Jack the Ripper.

The identity of this person has confounded everyone ever since and it is probable that the mystery will forever remain unsolved.

Jack the Ripper does not centre on the gory and violent murders but rather focuses on the deprived and hopeless existence of the inhabitants of Whitechapel - lives spent in squalor, filth, in-fighting and prostitution where murders were not uncommon and one of the only escapes was through alcohol.

The action lurches between the streets and alleys of Whitechapel and the Steam Packet Music Hall and whilst many of the songs may be new to you will probably think you have heard them before.

Here you will not only find the black humour of the East End, but sarcasm, wit, satire and music hall comedy.

52 | February 2015

birthday contemplating his life, love and bananas, whilst listening to tape recordings of his younger self. Directed by Mel Sessions.

Don’t miss these short pieces by two of theatre’s most celebrated Nobel Prize-winning playwrights!

Presented in the Emmerson Studio Theatre.

Thursday 5th - Saturday 7th March Norwich Senor School Production.

By Anton Chekhov. English version by Tom Stoppard ‘The whole of Russia is our orchard. The world is vast and there are many lovely places in it...

The dead are looking at you and whispering to you from every tree in the cherry orchard, from every leaf and every branch’.

www.norwichjazzclub.co.uk

1930’S Evening

A Lunchtime of Pinter and Beckett Monday 16th - Friday 20th February The Black And White

By Harold Pinter Two ladies sit in an all-night cafe discussing soup, buses, life and recent experiences. Directed by Pete Sessions

Krapp’s Last Tape

By Samuel Beckett Krapp sits alone on his 69th

Ask about our special ‘on-stage’ seats!

The Cherry Orchard

Monday 9th February Join us in the Redwell Maddermarket Theatre Bar for our monthly jam session, where guest performers are invited to sit in with the house trio.

Come on down and take part, or relax and listen to some of the City’s finest jazz talents!

Thursday 12th February David Rees and Julie Hewitt invite you to sip a cocktail, sample the canapes, and step back in time to the vivacious and flirtatious Thirties, in a sophisticated soiree of song from the greats of the era.

Join us in the Redwell Maddermarket Theatre Bar. Tickets include cocktail and canapes.

those dispensing “justice” in the play. The Crucible was made into an award-winning film in 1996 starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder.

Directed by Chris Bealey.

The Crucible

Theatre in Norwich

Thursday 19th - Saturday 28th February

By Arthur Miller. What happens when religious extremism drives a community to persecute its own people? Arthur Miller’s study of paranoia and retribution is as relevant now as when he wrote it in the wake of McCarthyism in 1950s America.

The Crucible, starring Richard Armitage, played to sold-out audiences at London’s Old Vic in 2014. It is based on the true story of the Salem witch-hunt, which convulsed a pious community in 17th century America.

Miller felt The Crucible is best staged in an intimate setting and this Maddermarket production is staged partly in the round. You, the audience, are invited to judge the proceedings as much as

Sunday 8th March A talk by Barbara Miller exploring the long and fascinating history of theatre in Norwich.

Barbara Miller has been a Blue Badge Guide for the city for over 50 years and her close association with the Guild of Norwich Players goes back even further. Her enduring interest in the various aspects of the City’s history has led to taking many groups on walks around the City and to speaking to a wide variety of organisations in both City and county.

This talk by a very popular speaker will be of great interest to any one who loves theatre and its place in Norwich from the first Theatre Royal in 1758 to the wide choice available to us now in the 21st century. www.finecity.co.uk

Val&MumMagAd.pdf 3 26/01/2015 15:01:52

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Carrow Road Here at Norwich City Football Club we’ve got two very special events to choose from on Sunday 15th March

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the whole family at a special family carvery

Treat your Mum this Mother’s Day in Delia’s very own Restaurant

Enjoy our freshly prepared, home-cooked, three-course carvery lunch in the light and spacious surroundings of the Top of the Terrace restaurant, with it’s stunning views overlooking the Carrow Road pitch.

Exclusive to Norwich, Delia’s is opening especially on Mothering Sunday. You can treat your Mum to a meal in our beautiful, restaurant.

Fun Force will entertain the children whilst you sit back and relax. There are also free stadium tours, a chance to have a special message on the scoreboard, and a gift for Mum.

In the Top of the Terrace from midday Adults £29.50 | U10s £12.50

Enjoy a delicious three-course meal prepared to Delia’s exacting standards followed by coffee with homemade chocolates, and a gift for Mum.

In Delia’s Restaurant and Bar from midday £37 per person

Under 3yrs dine for free from our special menu

Valentine’s Day in Delia’s Saturday 14th February

A taste of Venice in Delia’s Restaurant and Bar is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s with your loved one this year.

Enjoy a special four-course Venetian themed menu for £50 per person.

CALL 01603 218704 Book online www.deliascanarycatering.com

FINEARTS

The Ghost Train Norwich-based theatre correspondent TONY COOPER takes a trip on ‘The Ghost Train’ coming to Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre and Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre in two separate (but haunting) productions

T

he train in question, however, is none other than Arnold Ridley’s 1923 classic comedy-thriller, The Ghost Train, which will be pulling into Lowestoft for performances at the Marina Theatre in a production by Talking Scarlet running for three days from Monday to Wednesday, 9th11th February, nightly at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Wednesday 11th at 2.30pm, while Norwich’s

54 | February 2015

Maddermarket production featuring the Norwich Players directed by Stash Kirkbride runs from Thursday to Saturday, 19th-28th March, nightly at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday 28th at 2.30pm.

The scenario surrounds a group of travellers which includes a newly-wedded couple, an estranged couple, a self-indulgent young dandy and an elderly spinster in tow with a parrot plus a detective trying to catch a group of

smugglers. What a mixed bag!

They all find themselves stranded in the waiting-room of an isolated railway-station in deepest Cornwall on a dark and stormy winter’s night in1945. As good humour fades and tempers rise they react with various degrees of credulity to the station-master’s warning of death to anyone who sets eyes on the ghostly train that haunts the line which is heard thundering and rumbling towards our helpless heroes.

Ridley - who wrote the play in just one week - was awarded the OBE for his services to theatre in 1982. He died two years later but will be lovingly remembered as Private Charles Godfrey the gentle and elderly platoon medic in the well-loved BBC TV series Dad’s Army portraying the Home

Guard during the second world war. It brought bags of joy to so many as the show was on air from 1968 to 1977.

Setting himself on a theatrical career, Ridley made his stage début in Prunella (or Love in a Dutch Garden) by Laurence Housman and Harley GranvilleBarker, at the Theatre Royal, Bristol, at the time he volunteered for the army in August 1914.

He was rejected due to a toe injury but in 1915 was able to enlist as a private in the Somerset Light Infantry. He served in the first and second world wars rising to the rank of captain and saw active service at the Battle of the Somme in the first and the Battle of France in the second. So he knew a thing or two about being in uniform. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

THE GHOST TRAIN IS JUST ONE OF TALKING SCARLET PRODUCTIONS SEEN AT THE MARINA. HERE’S A REMINDER OF TWO MORE: ‘BOEING-BOEING’ STARRING BEN RODDY (LEFT) AND ‘DOUBLE DEATH’ STARRING JUDY BUXTON (BELOW)

He received a host of serious injuries on his campaigns.

His left hand was left virtually useless by injuries sustained on the Somme. His legs were riddled with shrapnel. He was bayoneted in the groin. And the legacy of a blow to the head by a German soldier’s rifle-butt left him prone to blackouts.

Ridley returned to England in May 1940 on the grosslyovercrowded destroyer HMS Vimiera, which was the last British ship to leave France during the Battle of Boulogne.

Shortly afterwards, he was discharged from the army on medical grounds. He relinquished his commission as a captain and subsequently joined the Home Guard in his home town of Caterham.

He also signed up for ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association), an organisation set up by Basil Dean and Leslie Henson to provide entertainment for the British armed forces during the second world war.

In so many ways his life in the military shadowed his life in the theatre and the idea of The Ghost Train came after Ridley found himself stranded at Mangotsfield railway-station on the BristolGloucester main-line route. The www.finecity.co.uk

play was far from hitting the buffers becoming an instant success playing to packed houses at London’s St Martin’s Theatre from November 1925 to March 1927. It was made into a film in 1931 starring comedian Jack Hulbert with a remake in 1941 starring Arthur Askey and Richard (Stinker) Murdoch. Oh, Mr Porter!, a 1937 film starring Will Hay, is loosely based on the plot. Ridley, in fact, wrote more than 30 other plays including The Wrecker (1924), Keepers of Youth (1929), The Flying Fool (1929) and Recipe for Murder (1932).

But it’s The Ghost Train that still baffles and haunts the nation.

A subject of This Is Your Life in 1976, Ridley was ‘surprised’ by Eamonn Andrews at London’s Marylebone Station. Working regularly as an actor, Ridley made an appearance in the British comedy Crooks in Cloisters and also played Doughy Hood, the village baker, in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers and the Reverend Guy Atkins in the ITV soap Crossroads. However, he only became a household name after his appearances in Dad’s Army.

From the heady days of Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch, The Ghost Train has attracted a host of celebrity actors and actresses.

For the current national tour the producers Talking Scarlet have assembled a smashing and stellar cast headed up by Hide-Hi star, Jeffrey Holland, who will also be lovingly remembered for his appearances in two BBC TV sitcoms: You Rang M’Lord?, written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the creators of Dad’s Army and Oh, Doctor Beeching!, which saw David Croft team up with Richard Spendlove delivering a host of marvellous scripts parodying Dr Richard Beeching who, all-too-hastily, axed a big chunk of the British railway transport system in the 1960s. But, thankfully, Lowestoft (Suffolk’s second largest town) remained on the line and is now operated by Abellio Greater Anglia. And rail, by the way, is

my preferred choice of transport to and fro Lowestoft which, incidentally, is the UK’s most easterly point. The cast also features Corrinne Wicks (Doctors, Emmerdale), Tom Butcher (The Bill, Doctors), Sophie Powles (Emmerdale), David Janson (Get Some In!, ’Allo! ’Allo!, Keeping Up Appearances) and Judy Buxton (General Hospital, On The Up).

Jo Castleton, John Hester, Ben Roddy, Chris Sheridan and Jolyon Young complete the ‘passenger list’. ❏ Tickets: Marina, Lowestoft: £19.50, concs £17.50 (01502 533200) www.marinatheatre. co.uk; Maddermarket, Norwich: £12, £10, £8 (01603 620917) www.maddermarket.co.uk 2015 February | 55

FINEARTS

Spring Season at the Sainsbury Centre The latest news from the university art gallery

W

elcome to the spring season at the Sainsbury Centre. As we bid goodbye to the winter’s dark nights we have a fantastic range of exhibitions, events, education programmes and leisure facilities to enjoy.

I am delighted to welcome Ghislaine Wood to the Sainsbury Centre team as new Deputy Director. Ghislaine joins us from the V&A in London.

Paul Greenhalgh, Director I am thrilled to be here and could not have joined at a more exciting moment.

Opening in February is Abstraction and the Art of John Golding followed by our new major exhibition Francis Bacon and the Masters, one of the most extraordinary exhibitions in the rich history of the Centre.

This unique collaboration with The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg will see an incredible group of paintings by Bacon shown alongside works by old and modern masters that inspired him. Many of the pieces travelling from The State Hermitage have never been seen in Britain before, and include masterworks by Velázquez, Rembrandt and Matisse to name just a few. Opening on 18 April it promises to be the must see art event of 2015 and the highlight of the summer.

Looking further forward, the autumn programme is also tremendously exciting.

Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector will open in September and is a fascinating exploration of the rich world of collecting. From Edmund de Waal’s netsuke to Andy Warhol’s cookie jars, the exhibition will provide an extraordinary insight into the creative process and what inspires great art.

I am sure it will be an outstanding year for the Centre

56 | February 2015

and I am looking forward to being a part of it.

Ghislaine Wood, Deputy Director

SONIA DELAUNAY, PROJECT FOR A COVER OF VOGUE, 1916.

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is one of the most prominent university art galleries in Britain, and one of the nation’s principal centres for the study and presentation of art. Designed by acclaimed architect Norman Foster, it is one of the most important buildings of the late twentieth century.

The Centre owes its existence to the generosity of Robert and Lisa Sainsbury who donated their extraordinary collection which includes works from prehistory to the present day from across the globe. Alongside this sits two further principal collections: the Anderson Collection of Art Nouveau, and the University of East Anglia Collection of Abstract and Constructivist Art, Design and Architecture.

What’s On Henri Matisse Sculpture: The Backs Until 1 March 2015 Price: Free This exhibition celebrates the four monumental relief sculptures by Henri Matisse known collectively as The Backs on loan from Tate.

The Backs were Matisse’s largest sculptures and, over a period of twenty years, he progressively refined the original pose, based on a woman leaning on a fence looking away from the viewer.

REALITY: Modern and Contemporary British Painting Until 1 March 2015 Price: £8 / £6 concessions Curated by artist Chris Stevens, REALITY brings together over fifty works celebrating the strength of British painting with some of the best and most influential artists of the last sixty years.

Major twentieth century artists are represented such as Walter Sickert, Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and David Hockney,

alongside contemporary painters including Ken Currie, George Shaw and Caroline Walker.

The artists in REALITY tackle a diverse range of subjects, referencing the body, relationships, history, politics, war, the urban environment and social issues. Despite these different references, the works are all united by two things – the harsh realities that have concerned key British artists over the decades and the simple act of painting.

Abstraction and the Art of John Golding 14 February – 27 September Price: Free Abstract art was a great invention of the twentieth century. This exhibition is in two parts; first, it surveys the origins and full development of abstract art at the beginning of the century, and then displays a selection of works of the artist John Golding.

Showcasing the diversity and

variety of modes of abstraction, the exhibition explores key elements of natural, geometric and lyrical abstraction alongside associated movements including Cubism, Vorticism, Orphism, Purism, De Stijl, Suprematism, The Bauhaus, Minimalism and Conceptualism.

As painter, teacher and scholar, John Golding held a lifelong fascination with the origins and evolution of abstraction.

Following the gift of the artist’s works to the Sainsbury Centre in 2014, a selection of Golding’s paintings will be on display for the first time.

Call 01603 593199 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich Research Park, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ www.scva.ac.uk Email scva@uea.ac.uk Twitter: @SainsburyCentre Facebook: sainsburycentre www.finecity.co.uk

time for a

change

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FINEARTS

THE VOICE PROJECT CHOIR SOUVENIR 2014

New opportunity to join award winning choir for Festival commission

T

he Voice Project Choir, twice EDP People’s Choice winners at the Norfolk Arts Awards, are inviting anyone who would like to try singing to a no obligation taster session. The Norwich based choir, who have performed at many international music festivals are recruiting new members for their new commission to be performed at this year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival in May. The details of the project are still under wraps but past Voice Project performances have been held at site specific locations such as Holkham Hall, Norwich City Hall, the Norfolk Broads and others – and another exciting venue is anticipated for this year’s, as yet untitled, performance.

The Voice Project Choir always has new music and words specifically written for its performances by internationally renowned composers, poets

www.finecity.co.uk

and lyricists and this will be no exception. Recent incarnations of the choir have seen membership grow to almost 150 voices.

The choir is totally open access, there are no auditions and first timers are positively welcomed. The age range runs from 18 to 80 and the choir is created from beginners, experienced performers, and everyone in between. ‘Most people are far more musical than they think, and singing regularly in a group can really lift your spirits. Many join time and time again, extolling the relaxing and therapeutic values of singing in such uplifting surroundings, while others prefer to dip in for selected projects. I really cannot stress enough that absolutely everyone of whatever ability or experience is very welcome, noone is judged in any way and we especially welcome first timers’ said co-director Sian Croose.

One recent recruit added ‘I had never sung in a choir before, and

was quite nervous about airing my voice in public for the first time ... but Sian and Jon created such an incredibly supportive, fun, engaging, and non-judgmental atmosphere during weekly practice that any fears I had about being a novice faded rapidly away. The setting and choreography for the performance itself added to the excitement and reward of being part of the Voice Project. More please!’

There is a no commitment ‘taster’ evening at on Tuesday 17 February at 7.30pm at The Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane. Prospective singers can just turn up on the night or get further information and reserve a place at www. voiceproject.co.uk.

After the taster rehearsals will take place each Tuesday up to the concerts in May. Previous works by The Voice Project Choir have gone on to be performed at The Queen Elizabeth Hall London,

Event The Voice Project: Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2015 Taster Session Tuesday 17th February 7.30pm Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich NR2 1EW 01603 624854 www.voiceproject.co.uk PHIL SAYER

The Voice Project Choir

Sage Gateshead, and at Normandy’s ‘Jazz Sous Les Pommiers’ Festival. The choir has been featured on BBC 1, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3 and primetime TV in France. ❏

SIAN CROOSE

2015 February | 59

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60 | February 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

JMA PHOTOGRAPHY

“I HAD NEVER SUNG IN A CHOIR BEFORE, AND WAS QUITE NERVOUS ABOUT AIRING MY VOICE IN PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME... BUT SIAN AND JON CREATED SUCH AN INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE, FUN, ENGAGING, AND NONJUDGMENTAL ATMOSPHERE”

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 February | 61

FINEARTS

THEATRE ROYAL A run down of all of the performances there are to look forward to this February at Norwich Theatre Royal

STEWART LEE

February 1 A chance to glimpse a popular TV comedian performing his latest material ahead of a return to the small screen has proved to be a hot ticket at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Stewart Lee will launch his latest UK tour in the county and it has been so popular that only returns are available for the show on Sunday February 1 at 7.30pm.

Entitled A Room With A Stew, it sees him perform his latest routines, explore new subjects and try out some brand new material ahead of his fourth BBC series taking to the air.

62 | February 2015

Booking To book any of the performances listed (where available) please call the Norwich Theatre Royal box office on 01603 63 00 00. Lines are open 9.30am - 8pm daily.

You can also book online at www.theatreroyalnorwich. co.uk or email us at boxoffice@ theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “Stewart mixes the moody, observational and surreal in his new show. It has gained positive feedback from audiences and critics in London and we are excited to be the venue that he launches his tour in.

“The show has proved incredibly popular. If you don’t have tickets yet, keep checking in with the box office for returns.”

Stewart Lee, Sunday 1 February at 7.30pm.

Show is suitable for 16+.

Tickets £5.50-£21.

Discounts for Friends.

Only returns available. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS

10CC EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

February 3-7 Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of Edward Scissorhands has carved a place in the hearts of thousands across the world since its premiere. Presenting its first major revival, Bourne takes a fresh new look at this modern fairytale, which will be revitalised for a whole new generation of dance lovers and theatregoers.

Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, specially recorded for New Adventures in magnificent surround sound, this touching and witty love story tells the bittersweet tale of a boy left alone and unfinished in a strange new world. It is a parable for our times about the ultimate outsider.

After global success with his inspired interpretations of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Nutcracker!, this new production is guaranteed to delight the whole family.

Edward Scissorhands, Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 February 2015.

Over 60s Special Price: Bands A&B £6 off Thursday performances Under 18s Special Price: Bands A&B £10 off Tuesday to Thursday performances Group Rates available Tuesday to Thursday www.finecity.co.uk

February 8 One of the most inventive bands of the last four decades are set to celebrate their biggest songs on stage at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Known for both catchy songs and inventive lyrics, 10CC proved to be a big name in the music world becoming big players in the singles charts in the Seventies and early Eighties, and also selling large numbers of albums.

Original front-man Graham Gouldman will be heading up the band when they take to the stage on Sunday 8 February at 7.30pm to play some of the smash hits from their forty-plus years in the music business.

10CC first shot to fame back in 1972 when their debut single Donna got to number two in the

charts, swiftly followed by Rubber Bullets peaking it at number one.

Their total back catalogue of music is said to have sold 30 million copies worldwide generating a total of 11 Top Ten hits including the anthemic I’m Not In Love which has also won two Ivor Novello Awards.

Graham believes the band’s hits have remained popular for so long because of the quality and individuality of their songwriting.

He said: “They don’t seem to date and they are original.

We never followed any trend and simply wrote for our own pleasure. The fact that the songs are being played as often on the radio now as they ever were, shows that to be true.”

Their visit to Norwich has proved hugely popular and there are only a handful of tickets left. The Theatre Royal’s John Bultitude said: “There is no doubt the popularity of 10CC remains high and nowhere is that more the case than in Norfolk. In the words of the band themselves, do the Wall Street Shuffle to the box office now to make sure you do not miss out on a fantastic night out.”

10CC, Sunday 8 February at 7.30pm. Tickets £6.50-£34.

Discounts for Friends.

with its unique blend of suspense, drama and bold stagecraft.

Now celebrating 25 years in the West End, The Woman In Black is ‘a marvellous exercise in tension, spun from perfectly paced storytelling’ (The Independent) that has enthralled over 7 million people since its original debut.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

February 9-14 From Susan Hill’s novel, now a major motion picture starring Daniel Radcliffe, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt.

Everybody in the theatre can hear you scream!

The woman in black is a gripping theatrical exploration of terror, ‘a masterpiece’ (The Guardian) that’s been thrilling audiences of all ages

Monday 9 - Saturday 14 February 2015 Friends & Corporate Club half price first night.

Over 60s special price Bands A&B £10 off mats only.

Under 18s special price Bands A&B £10 off Tuesday to Thursday evenings.

Schools (Phone only) Bands C&D £8 Wednesday mat.

Group rates Tuesday to Thursday and mats.

2015 February | 63

FINEARTS

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

February 15 Brendan, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, will host this brand new show throughout, as he leads his cast on a journey of music and

dance in a spectacular night of theatrical entertainment. Loaded with ballroom magic and Latin excitement, Brendan’s newest live music and dance extravaganza will be 2015’s must see show!

Sunday 15 February 2015, 3pm & 7.30pm

THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET & ORCHESTRA OF SIBERIA

February 16-18 The acclaimed ballet company return to Norwich following their sell-out season earlier this year La Fille mal gardée Monday, 16 February at 7.30pm A gentle tale of love thwarted, unrequited and found, and a masterpiece of comedy.

A farm boy woos a flirty farmer’s daughter and they find inventive ways to avoid her mother. Complete with 64 | February 2015

virtuoso pas de deux, maypole and clog dances, this classic ballet will delight those enjoying it for the very first time as well as those who want to see it again and again.

Coppélia Tuesday, 17 February at 2.30pm & 7.30pm This light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes.

Swan Lake Wednesday, 18 February at 2.30pm & 7.30pm The greatest romantic ballet of all time features Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

Monday 16 - Wednesday 18 February 2015 Over 60s special price Bands A&B £8 off mats only.

Under 18s special price Bands A&B £8 off Monday evenings and mats. www.finecity.co.uk

FINEARTS JURASSIC ADVENTURES

February 19 The most exciting family show since time began, is about to be discovered… by you!

Jurassic Adventures, is a brand new production, set on a magical island, where anything might happen, with a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course dinosaurs. Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T. REX mother who wants her egg back!

An absolutely brilliant show for all the family from age 3+ This fully scripted adventure, allows you follow the footsteps of Doctor Grant’s team of explorers, and laugh at their crazy antics, as they search for proof that Dinosaurs still exist!

This will leave you in “raptor raptures” and “pre-hysterics!”

There is a magic place where Dinosaurs live and it’s right before your eyes.

World on Stage and the team behind Disney on Ice, bring to the UK for the very first time, this wonderful show for all the family. Contains mild peril and huge dinosaurs!

A Dino-Mite show!

SING-A-LONG-AFROZEN

February 22 People across Norfolk are getting into a Frozen frenzy by snapping up tickets for an interactive experience celebrating the Disney phenomenon.

Sing-A-Long-A-Frozen has proved to be one of the winter’s hot tickets at Norwich Theatre Royal with the show on Sunday 22 February totally selling out.

Presented by the same team behind Sing-A-Long-A-Sound Of Music and Sing-A-Long-AGrease, the show is introduced by a host who warms up the audience’s voices and introduces them to a host of goodies in their free props bag.

Then it is time to join in with the movie aided by on-screen lyrics where, in the words of the

film’s blockbusting song, you are encouraged to ‘Let It Go’ and get involved.

And do not forget it is also worth making an effort with your appearance as the best dressed Frozen character lookalikes are in line to win a prize.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “There is no doubt Sing-A-Long-A-Frozen is a hot ticket as far as our winter season is concerned.

We only have returns left for this all-action interactive production so keep checking in with the box office and you may still be able to enjoy this fantastic show.”

Sunday 22 February at 11.30am. Tickets £7-£16.

Discounts for Families. Only returns available.

Thursday 19th February 2015 11:30am, 2:30pm, 6:00pm Family bands A-D £43 (for 4)

Booking To book any of the performances listed (where available) please call the Norwich Theatre Royal box office on 01603 63 00 00. Lines are open 9.30am - 8pm daily.

You can also book online at www.theatreroyalnorwich. co.uk or email us at boxoffice@ theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

www.finecity.co.uk

2015 February | 65

FINEARTS

MILTON JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DAFT

February 22 Yes, him with the loud shirts and messed up hair from Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and multiple series on Radio 4.

THE ABSENCE OF WAR February 28 It’s now or never for George Jones. The charismatic leader of the Labour Party needs to get out of opposition and into Number Ten. Plagued by a hostile media, beset by divisions in his party and haunted by his own demons,George has three weeks to convince the Great British Public that he’s their man.

But how much compromise is he prepared to make? How can you truly appeal to the man in the street from the House of Commons? And which tie should he wear for Prime Minister’s Questions?

Headlong presents a vigorous new production of David Hare’s funny, stinging political drama on a timely national tour during the build up to the 2015 General Election.

Reece Dinsdale will be joined

by Theo Cowan, Amiera Darwish, Don Gallagher, James Harkness, Charlotte Lucas, Barry McCarthy, Maggie McCarthy, Cyril Nri, Ekow Quartey, Helen Ryan and Gyuri

An evening in the company of an idiot. Or is he? Yes, he is. Only come if you like jokes though. If not, you’ll be cross.

Milton Jones and the Temple of Daft Sunday 22 February 2015, 7.30pm

Sarossy in David Hare’s searing election play The Absence of War; a prophetic and incisive study of an epic personal struggle set against the highpressured hysteria of the 1992 General Election.

Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Jeremy Herrin, this vigorous new staging of Hare’s funny, stinging political drama embarks on a timely national tour in the build up to the 2015 Election.

Tuesday 24th - Saturday 28th February 2015 Friends & Corporate Club half price first night.

Over 60s special price Bands A&B £8 off Thursday mat Under 18s special price Bands A&B £12 off Wednesday & Thursday performance & mat Schools Bands C&D £8 Thursday mat Group Rates Wednesday & Thursday performance & mats

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66 | February 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

FEATURE BY:

Sue Dougal & Chrissi Rix RETAIL CONSULTANTS & STYLE GURUS @THESTYLESHOWUK

The Style Show We meet this month’s unsung hero

T

his month’s unsung hero is a busy woman!

If she’s not rubbing shoulders with successful and famous business people, she’s bringing Norfolk businesses together or making sure the County’s young people get a taste of entrepreneurism.

None of these leave Lucy Marks, Managing Director of Norfolk Network, any time to reflect on her own achievements.

That’s why Izzy Mair, a Director at City College Norwich, decided to do it for her.

Izzy nominated Lucy as The Style Show’s unsung hero for Fine City now that she has spent 68 | February 2015

over a decade steering Norfolk Network to become a vibrant business community. Lucy has attracted distinguished speakers to the growing membership’s regular networking events.

Lucy grew up in Norwich which makes contributing towards the success of local businesses, and young people who study here, important to her. She and Izzy met on a schools project and maintained the link when Izzy moved to City College. In Norfolk Network’s aim to pave the way for entrepreneurs of the future, it actively supports the Start-Up Lounge at the College where young people are encouraged

LUCY WITH NATALIE AT SALON SIXTY SIX

to express and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Lucy had no idea why she was being whisked away from work one evening but graciously went along with whatever was about to happen.

She was made comfortable

by Natalie, the Manager at Salon Sixty Six; a premium hairdressers on London Street in Norwich.

With Philip Kingsley products which worked like magic, Lucy’s hair was blow dried so that it had lots of new bounce with no frizz! Despite torrential rain, she was then transported to The Style Show’s studio in Norwich.

Time to find out what colours made Lucy look younger and which styles flattered her shape and size. Lucy then www.finecity.co.uk

FINELIVING Special offers available for Fine City readers Salon Sixty Six has a creative and dedicated team of hair and beauty stylists with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Mention Fine City when you book an appointment to qualify for 15% discount off any of their services.

Telephone 01603 630204.

Do you know an unsung hero who would love a FREE makeover from The Style Show? Email enquiries@styleshow.co.uk or telephone 07535 717271.

RIGHT: LUCY MARKS BEFORE BELOW: LUCY AFTER HER STYLING SESSION BOTTOM: LUCY MADE-UP AND STYLED

tried on outfits she admitted she would never have tried of her own accord. With a touch of make-up to finish up, she looked stunning and posed in deep, cool colours and styles to emphasise her great shape.

Izzy was equally delighted with Lucy’s new looks and said of her, “Lucy has worked tirelessly to take Norfolk Network into its second decade. She has a true entrepreneurial mind. She is creative, visionary, passionate and enthusiastic. She has this knack of being able to put the right people together, at the right time and place and is the catalyst for people working www.finecity.co.uk

together for the benefit of all their businesses. She has used her powers of persuasion to attract exciting guest speakers to share their journeys. Among them are Will King (King of Shaves), Perween Warsi (The Curry Queen), Al Gosling, Simon Middleton, Scott Grandison, Neil Garner, James Duez, Belinda Clarke, Jon Lees, Scott Russell and Anna Mudeka.” That’s an impressive list and explains why the network continues to grow in popularity. ❏

Norwich Show Completely transform you look while supporting local people affected by cancer If you love style, beauty and shopping, The Style Show is bringing a show to remember to Norwich Fashion Week.

Money raised at the show will be donated to Big C, Norfolk’s cancer charity.

Come along to The Maid’s Head Hotel in Norwich on Tuesday, 10 March at 7pm and discover: • Which colours make you look ten years younger The Style Show • The styles that flatter your size and shape The Style Show • How to plan your wardrobe and always have something to wear The Style Show • How to build outfits and accessorise The Style Show • How every shopping trip can be an exciting success The Style Show • Your perfect hair colour and cut John Olivers, Norwich • Ground-breaking skin and lash treatments with no down time Spruce House Hair and Beauty, Norwich • How to get a face lift without having surgery Aspire, Norwich • Your perfect foundation and lipstick colours Boots No7, Chapelfield, Norwich • How to lose 10lbs instantly (yes really!) Bravissimo, Norwich And you can shop at the show!

The Style Show will be bringing everything from fresh florals and fringing to soft suede and silky chiffon.

Your ticket includes an individual style consultation at the Style Studio in Norwich worth £90.

Early bird tickets £15.

After 14 February, tickets £20.

Tickets from Spruce House Hair and Beauty or John Olivers and online at www. styleshow.co.uk.

2015 February | 69

PHOTOS: LAURA GARDNER

FINELIVING

Norwich Fashion Week Norwich Fashion Week returns to the city even bigger and better than ever before

70 | February 2015

www.finecity.co.uk

FINELIVING

T

he prestigious and increasingly popular Norwich Fashion Week in association with Norwich Resident magazine, will return to the city from 5th-12th March 2015, promising to put Norwich on the map for fashion and shopping.

A schedule of city-wide events and catwalk shows will take place, featuring a selection of styles from Norwich’s best loved independent boutiques and high-street stores.

Previews of lines from the region’s hottest up-and-coming designers and catwalk shows accompanied by live music from just a handful of what Fashion Week enthusiasts can expect.

Four flagship shows will frame the week: The Mercedes-Benz of Norwich Retailers Show, is being held at OPEN at 8pm on Thursday 5th March and will showcase the very best of men’s and women’s fashion for the summer and winter ahead in a choreographed show.

Independent and national retailers

www.finecity.co.uk

will combine to kick-start Fashion Week with an explosion of style and inspiration. Tickets £12.

The Vintage Show sponsored

by Wex Photographic, is being held at 1:30pm and again in the evening at 7:00pm on Sunday 8th March at The Puppet Theatre.

The oriental-themed event entitled ‘Vintage Goes East’, comprises fashion, lingerie and bespoke accessories from or inspired by the 1930’s to the 1980’s.

This lavish event is headed-up by renowned hair & makeup artist and vintage blogger, Missy Vintage, and promises something for all tastes. Tickets £10.

Unveiling the best of Norwich’s home-grown designers, tailors, milliners and stylists is the Designers Show, sponsored by Norwich City Football Club. Held at Epic at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th March, this year’s theme is ‘nature’. This ultramodern and visually stunning must-see show reveals the ‘ones to watch’ in regional fashion styling and design. Tickets £10.

Fashion Excess sponsored

by Bang & Olufsen is being

“WE’RE DELIGHTED TO BE BRINGING NORWICH FASHION WEEK BACK FOR IT’S 5TH YEAR” held at 8.30pm on Thursday 12th March at OPEN Club Rooms. It promises an exciting fusion of edgy street style with the raw sounds of live music.

Watch the latest fashions from independents, regional designers and the high-street march down the catwalk to live tracks from local bands. Tickets £5 in advance, £6 on the door.

Norwich Fashion Week has been running since 2009 and last year attracted over 170,000 visitors to the city.

Emma Harrowing, Chair of Norwich Fashion Week, comments: “We’re delighted to be bringing Norwich Fashion Week back for its 5th year to highlight the city as a vibrant fashion-forward shopping destination, with great style.

“With a selection of retailers, restaurants, salons, hotels, shopping centres and bars all on board, working collaboratively to run special offers and in-store events, the city will be buzzing with creative inspiration. It’s an amazing showcase of this city’s fabulous style credentials and we’re proud to say it’s continuing to grow in popularity each year.”

Norwich Fashion Week, held in association with The Norwich Resident magazine is sponsored by Norwich Business Improvement District, City College Norwich and Sandra Reynolds. ❏ For more information on Norwich Fashion Week visit www.norwichfashion.co.uk.

2015 February | 71

Cast a spell on your wardrobe and add some magic this winter

Our fairytale inspiration: Little Red Riding Hood.