FineCity Magazine November 2014

ISSUE 36 - 2014 | PRICELESS

This month’s nominee for The Style Show is Big C Centre Manager

jane manning (page 38)

‘A Winter Walk’ with writer steve browning who takes us for a snowy stroll through the centre of our Fine City (page 8)

Interview special:

PETE GOODRUM

meets the Managing Director of Mustard TV

FIONA RYDER (page 54)

Learn about Charles Dickens in our feature A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS! and find out more about his links with Norwich and our region (page 27)

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ISSUE 36

@FineCityMag @Dispatch_Mag

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Tel: 01953 456789 www.FineCity.co.uk www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk Editor: Jonathan Horswell Jonathan@FineCity.co.uk

fiona ryder

Advertising: Harry@FineCity.co.uk

Exclusive interview

by Pete Goodrum

Editorial:

Find out more on Page 54

Design:

editorial@FineCity.co.uk

design@FineCity.co.uk

Address:

Cover image: Steve Browning @returningperson

FineCity Magazine would like to thank all those who have contributed to this issue. This includes but is not limited to; Pete Goodrum, Stephen Browning, Daniel Tink, Sue Dougall and Chrissi Rix.

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

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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.

Issue 36 2014

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The Waffle House The Christmas menu on offer from Firday 5th December STARTERS (Both starters without waffle unles requested) Curried cauliflower and split lentil soup with fresh minted yoghurt £5.25 Roquefort, wild rocket and caramelised pear salad with walnut pesto £5.95 mains Priced large/small Locally sourced free-range chicken with a red wine, aged balsamic and thyme gravy, served with sautéed swede £10.50/£9.50

Contact Telephone: 01603 612790 www.wafflehouse.co.uk We can only take bookings for tables of 6 or more.

No bookings taken before 7:30pm on Saturdays.

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Locally sourced beef, braised in a rich stout, button mushroom and shallot gravy, served with parsnip crisps £10.50/£9.50 Pan fried Prosciutto wrapped cod fillet with a creamed courgette sauce and a sticky cherry tomato chutney £11.95/£10.95

Butternut squash, pecan, sage and ricotta filo strudel served with roasted tomato and honey sauce £9.85/£8.85 desserts Priced large/small Winter Eton mess with a spiced fruit compote, meringue, hazlenut cream and toasted nuts £6.25/£5.25 Fresh baked figs with Madagasgan vanilla mascarpone, maple drizzle and candied pecan nuts £6.25/£5.25 Handmade Belgian white chocolate cheesecake with ginger and cinnamon spiced clementines (without waffle). £5.95 Please see the regular menu for further options and our table cards for mulled wine and guest beers.

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Issue 36 2014

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Issue 36 2014

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Learning Made Easy Qualified Education Ltd are all about learning. Based in the heart of Norwich, they provide a fresh and dynamic approach to vocational education and training, aiming to be flexible and responsive to the needs of workplaces and learners The company has grown dramaticallysince opening its doors on MagdalenStreet in 2013. The team have worked with over 200 successful learners in the Norfolk and Suffolk areas, with 25% of learners returning to study two or more qualifications.

In a recent survey, learners quoted the friendly, supportive and relaxed atmosphere as one of the main reasons for their own success, with over 30% gaining employment or receiving a promotion as a direct result of their qualifications.

Company Background Centre Director, Georgina Sexton, began her career as a teacher after completing her post-graduate study at the University of Sheffield.

Fuelled by a love of stationary and the smell of whiteboard markers,

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Issue 36 2014

Georgina embarked on a teaching and learning journey which crossed three continents.

After spending two years immersed in the language and culture of Japan, she settled down in the fine city of Norwich.

Her career then became focused on further education and, as she began working with adult learners and raising her own family of enthusiastic boys, she quickly realised the obstacles and challenges that can stand in the way of those returning to learning.

Georgina set up Qualified Education, aiming to create a supportive, flexible and relaxed environment where learners can enjoy learning and progress in their chosen career.

Qualified Education have a reputation for quality, support and success. The

highly qualified and knowledgeable team currently work with over 50 primary and secondary schools, several large well-known organisations in the Norfolk and Suffolk areas, and partner with City & Guilds, Highfield ABC, and Training Qualifications UK to deliver vocational qualifications and training. New for 2014-15 The 2014-15 academic year is full of exciting developments as Qualified Education expands and delivers new qualifications to meet the needs of individuals and workplaces.

Building on its already successful vocational QCF qualifications, which focus on Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (aimed at teaching assistants) and Health and Social Care, the Qualified Education team is looking

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forward to the challenge of working with core compliance subjects to help support the needs of businesses and individuals.

The new qualifications include first aid (including Paediatric First Aid and First Aid at Work), food safety, fire safety and conflict management training.

Come and meet us – and see what we’re all about!

Contact us Visit our website to view our full range of qualifications at: www.qualified. education, dropGeorgina an email on georgina@qualified-education.co.uk, find us on Facebook, or join the conversation on Twitter.

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A Winter Walk through the centre of the Fine City Winter is a great time to take a walk around the epicentre of the city. It is quite compact and either flat or gently sloping. Ancient buildings, modern shops, the market, art-nouveau splendour and places to eat and drink all jostle together. Stephen Browning takes a stroll around this exhilarating mix. Photographs are by the author.

We begin in London Street by the NatWest Bank which looks more like a Wren Church than a commercial building. It is worth a look inside, too, for its ornate pillars and plasterwork as well as the central glass dome which floods the banking hall with natural light.

The centre of town can be reached by going down the street either side of the bank, but it is more interesting to go down the cobbled Bedford Street on the right. This is really a continuation of the ‘Lanes’ and has shops to match – you can buy the last word in HD televisions, exclusive wellington boots, furniture for your home guaranteed noone else will have, or a silver hip-flask engraved with your initials which, filled with an aged malt whisky, will keep you warm when shooting on the moor.

On the corner with Exchange Street is Jarrolds department store. This is one of the few businesses in Norwich still controlled by the original family and is

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a city institution. You may like to enter through the doors on your left and wander down to the very popular book department which has recently been relocated to the basement. The whole store is buzzing at Christmas and each floor has a particular style.

If you fancy a coffee, snack or full meal, there is an excellent restaurant on the top floor with fine views over almost the entire area of this walk.

Otherwise, leave the store by the doors on your right at the farthest extent of the building, cross the street and look back up to your right. Here can be seen reliefs designed by George Skipper – who designed the store in 1903-5 – and they show aspects of life in the building trades.

You are now standing at the bottom right-hand corner of the main Market Place, the very heart of this old city, and all features of this walk are contained within, or just around, the area you see in front of you.

Turn left down the wonderfully named ‘Gentleman’s Walk’. It is a busy and largely pedestrianised area today but, in past centuries, it had a somewhat more rarified air. This is the street where, dressed in their best finery, wigs suitably powdered, perhaps with beauty spot artfully applied, and carrying a silver-topped cane, gentlemen – gentry from the countryside, eminent citizens from other cities, local worthies and assorted ‘beaus’ – would parade up and down in dignified splendour. Now and again, they would drop into a chop house or coffee shop, the latter more ubiquitous in the 18th and 19th centuries than their modern equivalent, Starbucks, is today. Here, they would read the newspapers, smoke pipes and debate current affairs.

Turn left into Davey Place. This is named after Alderman Jonathan Davey (1760-1814), famous chiefly for holding lots of parties. A businessman called J. Murray also lived here and

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he set out to halt the bodysnatching business which was rife in Norwich by selling iron coffins: once sealed and locked, they were said to be impregnable, but the idea failed to really catch on.

Turn right at the crossroad ahead and then right again into The Royal Arcade.

This exotic parade is another example of the work of George Skipper in conjunction with a ceramic artist from London by the name of W. J. Neatby.

It was built in 1899, restored in 2001, and contains some of the finest art nouveau stained glass, sculpture and tiles in the country. Peacocks strut alongside as you pass the bow-fronted shops. The famous Colman’s Mustard shop is on the left. Look up just before you leave to see a gorgeous art nouveau clock.

Turn left and continue your own parade up Gentleman’s Walk. Go right on Hay Hill. This is a small open square, very popular with local people for taking a rest from shopping – there are seats and layers of steps to rest on.

At top centre, looking, I always think, somewhat bewildered , is a large bronze by Henry Pegram of Sir Thomas Browne. Details can tell us much.

Note, for example, the fabulous oversized bows on his Sir Thomas’ shoes: no ordinary man, faced with the everyday problem of walking from A to B amongst the fish heads, Ox blood and excrement that flowed in medieval streets would have countenanced such frippery. Here was an important man who spent his travelling time in a carriage. Sir Thomas was born in 1605 and buried a few yards away in St Peter Mancroft church. A very eminent scholar of his time, he wrote several books, his first – ‘Religio Medici’, concerning the raison d’etre of the medical profession – making him an international figure. King Charles II knighted him on a visit to Norwich in 1671. The new herb garden in the Cloisters is in many ways his legacy as he contributed in no small way to our understanding of the medical and spiritual effects of rosemary, sage and thyme. A modern man? Perhaps, to some degree. Yet, on his advice as

Steven Browning Writer @returningperson

9

contin’d a ‘specialist’ witness, more than one woman is said to have been hanged for witchcraft and bedevilment of youngsters. He died in 1682 but even then did not find peace. His skull was stolen from his grave in the mid 19th century and only finally reunited with the rest of his mortal remains in 1922.

Walk up past Sir Thomas and St Peter Mancroft Church is on the right.

Regarded by many as a church of perfect proportions, and sometimes even mistaken for the Anglican Cathedral, it contrasts strikingly with the glass building to the left of it, Sir Michael Hopkins’ Forum. Here is a visual definition of ancient and modern.

Pass up the slope towards the tiered steps of the performing area in front of the Forum. This is really a mini open-air amphitheatre where all sorts of free events take place at lunchtimes and weekends: in the winter months, an ice rink is sometimes set up here and there’s usually a Christmas tree in December. At any time during fine weather, you will see people sitting around chatting and having a snack – the market is just below and food is available at very good prices.

One of the most dramatic photographs

10 Issue 36 2014

that can be taken in Norwich presents itself here as the glass wall of the Forum wonderfully reflects aspects of St Peter Mancroft opposite.

Norwich has boasted a library of sorts since 1608. It was the first city in the UK to do this. Of course, it was restricted to the gentry in those days – let common people have knowledge and who knows what might happen?

There is a lift as well as stairs to the two other floors. On the first are contained the bulk of the books for hire as well as a comfortable seating area where people sit to read the day’s newspapers or latest magazines. The second floor is a business, local history and heritage centre where many spend time tracing the family tree. You will see, on both floors, dozens of state-ofthe-art computers.

The present building replaced the Norwich Central Library which was destroyed by fire in 1994. It is horseshoe shaped and has won several top architectural awards since being opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.

The bricks are handmade.

To the left of the Forum as you come out is the very heart of the city – the Market Place. The temporary stalls have been upgraded in the last few years – now they are permanent structures which still retain the traditional colourful striped roofs.

Passing into the large and bright Atrium, you will see a café on the ground floor and a restaurant looking out from the first. The BBC has a regional headquarters here also. The downstairs part of the Forum contains an impressive collection of CDs – films and music. At the back is the 2nd Air Division USAAF Memorial Library, set up to commemorate the hundreds of missions flown by the United States Eighth Air Force during the Second World War.

There has been a market here since the time of William the Conqueror. Although many other businesses thrive today, it is still largely seen by the locals as a somewhere to eat. This is a favourite place to buy mugs of tea and all sorts of food – giant bacon sandwiches, hog’s roast rolls, chicken chow mien, fish and chips, meat pie and mushy peas, speciality cheeses, Norfolk ice-cream and lots more. Browsing for secondhand books, records or videos can also be rewarding.

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The market has, in addition, been the centre for maintaining ‘discipline’ in the local population. Following Kett’s rebellion, forty-five of his lieutenants were hung, drawn and quartered here.

If you were a man and caught in rowdy or drunken behaviour, you would like as not spend an uncomfortable few hours in the market place stocks, perhaps be placed in a cage without food and water or take a lashing whilst tied to a whipping post. Women would generally be sentenced to punishment by ducking stool, notably at Fye Bridge.

Overlooking the Market Place is the ‘new’ City Hall, opened by George VI in 1938. The famous architectural historian, Nikolas Pevsner, liked it a great deal, but others have not been so sure. Locals sometimes mockingly describe it as having the complexion of ‘Brown Windsor Soup’. I have also heard it called ‘The Marmalade Factory’. It seems Lord Haw-Haw didn’t like it much either as he claimed at the hight of the Blitz that it was soon to be destroyed by German bombers. We are spoilt in Norwich, having so many buildings, mostly ancient but some modern ones, too, that are exceptional and so perhaps the architects (Charles Holloway James

11

contin’d and Stephen Rowland Pierce ) were on a hiding to nothing when trying to please everyone. My opinion is that it is a fine art deco structure that provides a happy contrast to the previous centre of government –medieval The Guildhall – which lies just below it.

Two fine art-deco lions flank the main entrance. One of these was spotted by the architects at the British Empire Exhibition in 1936 and a matching pair was ordered from designer, Alfred Hardiman. They cost £6000 each. The doors are made of bronze and feature 18 plaques by James Woodward commemorating the main trades of the city – including shoe, beer, chocolate and mustard production.

The main hall is well worth a look for the classic art deco interior.

Leaving the main entrance of City Hall, you will see just down the slope on the left the ancient Guildhall. It is both a fine building with some attractive squared and diamond-shaped flint work, and a bit of a fraud, too, as the authentic looking clock tower is, in fact, Victorian. It was started in 1407 as the city was getting a fine opinion of itself by this time and needed a more prestigious headquarters than the existing Toll House. Labour was no problem as special constables were empowered to ‘press’ anyone they chose into working up to 15 hours a day on

the project. The prison was in the vaults. It was here that the most famous of the Norwich martyrs, Thomas Bilney, was held before being burnt at the stake. The Courts also sat here, as did the Council .Today, you can have tea while imagining all the important decisions being made ,and harsh sentences being meted out, exactly where you sit and sup.

Just like the Anglican Cathedral, the Guildhall suffered from construction problems as, in 1511, the roof collapsed and, in 1635, the hall became unsafe due to the saltpetre mining being carried on around it. The hand of man almost destroyed it in 1911 when a motion was put to the Council that it was too expensive to maintain and, furthermore, it was wrong to preserve something just because it was old. This was only narrowly defeated. Thus both Elm Hill and the Guildhall, two of the city’s most loved architectural treasures, share a bond in that both only just managed to survive the politicians and their so-called ‘progressive’ policies.

This walk ends here and leaves you at leisure in the very centre of town

This article is condensed from ‘Discover Norwich’ by Stephen Browning published

by Halsgrove at £14.99 and available from good bookshops.

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10 Important Reasons Why You Should Make a Will Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do to protect those people you care about, yet it is surprising that fewer than half of people have made one. Most say they simply haven’t got around to it.

Unfortunately it can take years to sort out someone’s estate if they die without a Will, leaving those they care about in great distress. In this article we remind everyone why it is important to make a Will sooner rather than later.

Ten reasons for making a Will are:

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1. A Will allows you to leave clear instructions as to how your estate is to be distributed. Without one it is the Law that will decide what happens and it may not go to the people you have chosen.

2. A Will lets you choose who is responsible for administering your estate, a so called executor. Without one, your closest relatives will need to apply to the Court to have someone appointed to do this.

3. If you are unmarried, your partner may not receive anything from your estate, unless you have made a Will stating that this is what you wish.

4. Dying without a Will may lead to unpleasant disputes between family members.

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6. A Will allows you to appoint guardians for your children if they are under 18, until they come of age and to make financial arrangements of them.

7. A Will lets you leave specific items to individuals; this may be anything from a car to cash.

8. If your estate is distributed without a Will, your Spouse or civil partner may not receive as much as you would have liked them to. A Will allows you to specify exactly what they will receive on your death.

9. Dying without a Will may mean your parents or siblings inheriting your estate, even if you would have preferred it to go somewhere else.

10. With no Will in place, your loved ones could face a larger inheritance bill than would otherwise have been the case as a Will can help with tax planning.

If you would like help or advice about making a Will or any other legal matter, do not hesitate to contact Ann-Marie Matthews at Nicholson Solicitors on telephone number 01603 478567 or email amatthews@nicholsonslaw.com

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Separation and Divorce: what are my options?

Going through a separation or divorce is never going to be easy, and should never be considered lightly. If separation or divorce is sadly inevitable, keeping the process non-confrontational is likely to ease the transition and lead to longer lasting solutions, especially if children are involved.

There are a number of options available to you when considering divorce or separation; here I highlight some of the most common ones:

mediation is not suitable. Outcomes often depend largely on what your lawyers expect would be the outcome of any eventual court process.

Negotiating between yourselves Negotiating your own agreement can be the cheapest and easiest way to reach a settlement following separation. If this proves possible, then solicitors should be instructed to make the agreement legally binding.

Family Arbitration An arbitrator can be instructed to make a decision about property and financial disputes arising from the breakdown of your relationship. The parties choose the identity of the arbitrator and his or her decision is legally binding. This is an alternative to Court proceedings and is likely to be cheaper and quicker

Mediation Mediation helps couples work things out together. It is not a form of relationship counselling, or a way to help a couple get back together.

Instead, it helps couples who are separating reach their own agreement.

This may relate to property and financial matters and/or may relate to children.

During mediation you and your former partner, helped by a trained and neutral mediator, will talk through the issues.

Most people going through mediation also each use a lawyer to take advice during the process and to make sure that their agreements are fair and legally binding.

Solicitor negotiations It is always open to you to instruct your solicitors to endeavour to negotiate an agreement. This may be more appropriate in circumstances where

Court The involvement of the Court should always be a last resort. Proceedings invariably are expensive, confrontational and time consuming. However, in certain cases, the involvement of the Court is necessary.

Anyone thinking about separating or divorcing should ideally seek specialist advice from a qualified professional, such as a family lawyer, at an early stage. They will advise on your options so that you can decide the best solution for you.

If you would like advice or guidance on any family legal matter, Nicholsons Solicitors offer a FREE half hour consultation, contact Steve Fordham on 01603 478567 or email family@nicholsonslaw.com

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Issue 36 2014

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Major New Art Fair for East of England Art Fair East, a new fair for the Eastern Region, is making a callout for applications from galleries and collectives keen to take part.

The first event is scheduled for June 2015, The first fair will take place in the spectacular setting of Saint Andrews Hall, at the heart of Norwich’s cultural quarter.

The Fair is organized by arts professionals, Will Teather and Brian Korteling. Mr Teather said: “Art Fair East is intended to be an annual event and aims to be an important new art fair for the East of England. Our mission is to showcase national and international galleries and dealers to an Eastern region audience of art lovers and businesses. The fair aims to draw an audience from across the Eastern Region and beyond.”

Mr Korteling added: “Norwich already has a fantastic arts scene and we believe this event could help

put Norwich on the map as an international hub for creativity.”

Mr Teather is a lecturer at Norwich University of the Arts, a visual arts writer, art collector, artist and a Trustee of the Anteros Arts Foundation. He has being involved in the organisation of exhibitions across the UK and overseas and written for national and regional publications, including as a main contributor for the award winning guidebook for the region, “Art! East Anglia.”

Brian Korteling has managed a graphic design company and is a designer, curator and visual artist. He has organised a range of exhibitions in the region over the past 5 years.

For further information visit www.artfaireast.com or email info@artfaireast.com

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Steam Trains to Santa The popular Santa Specials at Bure Valley Railway return this Christmas.

The Santa Train departs from Wroxham Station and travels to Aylsham Station where Santa and his railway sleigh are there to welcome everybody. A visit to Santa in his Grotto with a personalised present for each child provides a memorable experience. Entertainment and festive refreshments for all the family add to the Christmas magic, before climbing aboard the Santa Train for the return journey to Wroxham.

For further information contact: Susan Munday, Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW,

The complete Steam Trains to Santa experience takes approximately three hours, including a named present for

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each child 12 and under and only costs £15.00 per person (adults and children).

The Santa Specials this year are running weekends from 29th November and daily from 19tht December, up to and including Christmas Eve. Booking is essential.

Writers’ Blocks The Latest From The Norwich Writers Circle Most people have heard the term, “writers’ block”, describing the condition authors occasionally suffer from when the words just stop coming.

Here’s a game designed to overcome it. Anyone can play it, because as well as helping inspiration and imagination roll on for grown-ups, it’s quite a party game for kids, too. With Halloween just around the corner, maybe it’s you who are expecting to have to hand over a scary ghost story you just know your teacher is going to ask you to write.

What you need is a pair of dice, big enough to put pictures on. If you haven’t one, a couple of plain boxes will do just fine.

On the first die or box stick or draw pictures of people, creatures or objects.

These can be a vampire, a witch, a monster – any character or thing that makes the hairs on your neck stand on end. When you’ve a picture on all six sides, move on to the second stage.

This second “block” you cover in places – your local chip shop, the Eifel Tower – anywhere.

Roll the blocks together. The thing is how did that fiend or friend get there?

What are they doing there? How are they or those (s)he or it are affecting going to achieve what they need to do?

There’s your story.

Her Writing Blocks is just one idea Circle member, Maureen Nisbet uses to help get her creativity flowing again.

Recent attendees had a great time freewheeling along their own minds’ highways and byways thanks to her “reminiscence objects”, re-firing old anecdotes through all five senses.

Our next meeting at the Assembly House is on the 18th November, when we shall be scripting for television.

Should be good.

Séan Hindle, Deputy Chairman.

Deadline Approaching For Words And Women Short Prose Competition!

Less than one month to go to enter Words and Women’s exciting new contemporary writing prize for women in the East of England.

Women’s Day, 8th March, 2015.

The competition is offering a cash prize of £600 and publication in Words and Women: Two. This year, the anthology will include 20 shortlisted entries and four winning commissions from its Arts Council Funded project, ‘About.’

The anthology published in partnership with Unthank Books in Norwich will be launched on International

Entry is open to all women writers over the age of 16 who live or work in the East of England. Fiction, memoir, life-writing and creative non-fiction is all welcome, but no extracts please. This year’s judge is Norfolk-based novelist Sarah Ridgard, whose first novel, Seldom Seen was shortlisted for the Author’s Club best first novel award. Entries should be no longer than 2,200 words. The deadline for entries is 15th November, 2014.

Winners will be announced in January 2015. See www.wordsandwomennorwich. blogspot.co.uk for details.

Last year’s competition winner, Danni Redd, (My Sister’s Haircut) went on to gain agent representation and is beginning a Phd in Creative Critical Writing at the University of East Anglia.

Norwich-based Words and Women showcase and celebrate women writers who live in the East of England, at all stages of their professional careers through an exciting and eclectic programme of events, including a young women’s writing project and touring to regional book festivals.

‘This is the second year of our competition,’ said Belona Greenwood, co-organiser with Lynne Bryan of Words and Women. ‘Last year’s entries displayed the rich range of literary talent in our region and we were able

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to put together a marvellous anthology.

We are looking forward to seeing what comes in this year.’

‘This is a great opportunity for women writers, whether unpublished or published, who live and work in the East of England. It opened doors for our winner Dani Redd last year and we expect it will do the same for our winner this year and for our runners-up too,’ said Lynne Bryan.

Visit wordsandwomennorwich.blogspot. co.uk for more information about the competition and our exciting Arts Council funded project, ‘About.’

Contact: Bel Greenwood on 01603 621 912 / 078055 15159 Email: wordsandwomenpress@gmail.com

Issue 36 2014 17

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?

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Hethersett Old Hall School

Hethersett Old Hall School

A friendly and high-achieving independent school for girls aged 3-18 and boys aged 3-11 with boarding for girls from 9 Established for over 75 years, Hethersett Old Hall School is a small, happy day and boarding school community where young people have the space to grow. Pupils, parents and staff all work together to provide a warm and friendly place where everybody can contribute and feel valued.

Visit and you will see for yourself the extensive beautiful grounds, fine facilities and range of historic buildings – but you’ll also notice that everything is on a human scale and geared to providing the best learning and all-round experience for every pupil. This is apparent throughout the school - from our outstanding-graded nursery and reception classes through to the sixth form where, year on year, thanks to excellent tutorial-style teaching and individual guidance, every girl achieves entry to her first choice university.

The school offers the perfect blend of support and challenge, nurture and opportunity, allowing each pupil to achieve their top potential. There’s a strong academic tradition with excellent exam results at both GCSE and A Level, a broad curriculum and an emphasis on exciting,

18 Issue 36 2014

innovative teaching in small teaching groups. Academic work is balanced by an exciting range of extra-curricular activities that includes sport, drama, music, public speaking, Young Enterprise Award Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (from which multiple Golds are earned each year).

There is something here for everyone, and with scholarships available, it may be more accessible than you think.

Independent day school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11 with boarding for girls from 9

THE FRIENDLY, HIGH-ACHIEVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL CLOSE TO HOME

Girls can board from Year 5 and enjoy a truly home from home experience in attractive accommodation and with kind, experienced staff. As well as full boarding, the school offers weekly and flexi-boarding to suit the needs of our families – even our local girls may sometimes enjoy a ‘sleepover’, whether it’s because their parents are away or just for fun with their friends!

Call our Registrar Linda Jones on 01603 810390 or email enquiries@hohs.co.uk - we’ll be happy to organise a personal tour of the school for you and your family..

ASK ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS! www.hohs.co.uk

Hethersett Old Hall School

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enquiries@hohs.co.uk Norwich Road

Hethersett

01603 810390

Norwich NR9 3DW

is the only charity in the UK working to ensure that adults diagnosed with cancer in their 20s, 30s or 40s can access the help and support that they need in a way that suits their lifestyle.

There is a Shine Network in Norwich that meets regularly in your area.

Shine Networks are a great place to meet up with other young adults living with a cancer diagnosis of any type.

They are really relaxed and chat about anything - not just cancer! Either way you get to meet other people in similar situations to yourself.

To find out more, take a look at our website or email norwich@shinecancersupport.org

Visit our Website

Follow us on @shinecancersupp

Shine Cancer Support “Having cancer so young is very, very lonely….”

- 2012 Shine survey respondent About Shine Shine Cancer Support (reg. charity no 1146902) is the only charity in the United Kingdom that is exclusively focused on supporting men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have had a cancer diagnosis.

Shine believes that young adults who have experienced cancer are uniquely placed to provide support to others in the same situation. We are creating a community of young adults with cancer and are working to ensure that every young adult diagnosed with cancer in the UK can access support through us.

Residential care from Norfolk’s largest care provider At NorseCare, we aim to provide individualised care in our homes in a warm and friendly environment, with well-trained staff to care and support our residents and their loved ones.

We are Norfolk’s largest care provider, managing 23 residential care homes and 14 housing with care schemes in Norfolk. A number of our homes specialise in the care of people living with dementia.

We also manage housing with care schemes providing people with care and support, together with the independence of living in their own flat under a tenancy agreement with a housing provider.

To find out more about our homes and room availability, please visit our website: www.norsecare.co.uk, call us on 01603 894366 or email info@norsecare.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter: @norsecare

20 Issue 36 2014

Our Shine Norwich Network meets every four to six weeks and provides an opportunity for young adults living with cancer to meet one another, get support, and access information. Shine Norwich is a non-traditional support group that meets for drinks, dinner or other activities. For most people, our events are the first time they have ever met anyone their age with cancer.

Why is Shine needed?

Thirty thousand adults aged 25 to 49 are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year. That’s one in ten cancer diagnoses and ten times the number of children and teenagers diagnosed annually. However, this group gets very little attention or support either clinically or psychologically.

• Five-year survival rates for young adults (particularly those aged 20 to 39) have not improved since the 1980s, significantly lagging behind improvements experienced by children and older adults .

• Younger adults with cancer tend

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to suffer higher rates of loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety than their older counterparts.

• Employment and careers are often negatively affected by a cancer diagnosis. More than 50% of people in Shine’s 2012 survey stated that they were unable to work in the same way as they had done before their diagnosis.

• The financial security of younger adults with cancer is put at risk by a cancer diagnosis. Shine’s 2012 survey found that 30% of individuals had gone into debt as a result of a diagnosis or treatment and that 30% had experienced a drop in household income.

• Despite a clear need for psychological support during and after treatment, most people are not offered counselling.

Why we’re different Most cancer support organisations are run by people without first-hand experience of cancer and most cancer support activities take place during the day, working best for older, retired adults.

They also tend to assume that people are married, have grown up children, and are at the end of their careers.

Shine is run by young adults with personal experience of cancer who know how scary, depressing and disruptive cancer can be to life plans.

We work hard to make sure our activities are accessible to young adults by holding them in the evening or on the weekends, making them fun, and ensuring that they are informal. We aim to provide expert advice where needed – but we do this in as informal and unstructured way as possible.

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.

BusinessMatters

Make the most of your retirement

with equity release

Michael Boon is your local Equity Release Council member for professional independent advice.

Equity release schemes allow you to release tax-free cash from your home to boost your finances in later life

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

• 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.

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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.

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Issue 36 2014 21

FINE FOOD

Las Iguanas Goes Live From Norwich Calling all party people and fun-loving foodies – Norwich is about to be treated to an ‘irresistible bolt of Latin American energy’ in the exciting shape of Las Iguanas’ latest launch.

Opening on 10th November in the Riverside Leisure Park, this unique new 200-plus cover restaurant and bar is set to bring a burst of Latin magic to Norwich’s vibrant scene, bringing 40 new full and part time jobs to the local area.

To celebrate the restaurant launch which offers delicious Latin American specialties, 2-4-1 will be offered on all dishes Monday 10th – Thursday 13th Nov from 12pm – 5pm each day.

Continuing with the celebrations, Las Iguanas will play host to a festival inspired weekend. From Friday 14th –

22 Issue 36 2014

Sunday 16th November, there will be free tasters outside the restaurant between 12pm-3pm each day to let those passing by experience a delicious taste of what is to come. The first 100 customers over the weekend will also be treated to a free burrito – its first come, first served.

Customers who book a table on Saturday 15th November will be treated to a selection of cocktail tasters throughout the evening, so book quickly.

As ever, the food takes centre stage at the new Las Iguanas restaurant – quite literally, in this case, courtesy of the open kitchen where diners can watch

the passionate expert chefs at work.

All dishes are cooked freshly to order and Las Iguanas prides itself on using only the freshest, highest quality produce from the best British suppliers, lovingly combined with carefully sourced authentic ingredients from around the world.

The enticing menu – designed ‘to bring authentic South America to every table, every day’ – reflects the diverse mix of Spanish, Portuguese, African and native Latino influences that make up South American culture. So joining Las Iguanas’ legendary Mexican classics

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– sizzling fajitas, home-style burritos, slow-braised chilli con carne (which now also comes in a truly scrumptious sweet potato, butternut and chickpea variation) – and beloved burgers, are wonderful new winter warmers like Camarao De Calabaza (baked butternut squash, bursting with peeled prawns in a mild spiced tomato and melted cheese sauce) and Pollo Con Chorizo (chicken thigh, smoked pork and garlic chorizo with cannellini beans and cayenne, slowly braised in tomatoes and red peppers). Additionally, their famous steaks and spicy chicken ‘from the flames’ will be on offer,

FINE FOOD

as well as an irresistible choice of tapas and distinctive delicacies from across the continent.

The drinks menu is just as tempting – and extensive! The Las Iguanas cocktail list, as you would expect from people who know how to party in style, is a truly magnificent thing to behold! Perfect to warm the cockles on a winter’s evening is the fabulously fruity Pear Drop Caipirinha, made with their very own Magnifica cachaça from the Las Iguanas sugar cane plantation near Rio and served long with Xante pear liqueur and apple juice. Or salsa

over from Brazil to Mexico to sample the smouldering Smoking Plums, smoky Bru-Xo mescal with calvados, greengage preserve, lemon and fragrant rhubarb bitters. Dangerously moreish!

And of course there is a fantastic choice of wine, beers, punches and soft drinks.

All this in a warm and welcoming setting inspired by Las Iguanas’ guiding principle – to immerse their guests in the colour, chaos and charm of Latin America. Here, award-winning designers B3 have achieved this beautifully through an effortless blend of vintage and reclaimed finishes,

imbuing the space with a wonderfully rustic and comfortable feel. The main restaurant is light and airy with shades of coral, sage and mustard, highlighted with vintage Latin wall art and artisan tiling. As well as the cosy, romantic bar area, the piazza or upstairs sun deck offer the ideal backdrop for a cheeky cocktail or two when the sun makes an appearance.

welcoming the people of Norwich in to try our amazing Latin American food and showing them what Latin life is all about. We’re thrilled to have secured a site in the busy Riverside Leisure Park which houses both a cinema and bowling alley so families, friends and couples alike can come and enjoy a film or game followed by a delicious meal at Las Iguanas.”

As General Manager Jimmy Prado Sanchez, fresh from a highly successful stint running Las Iguanas’ development kitchen branch in Clifton, Bristol, says, “We are all very excited about

Fabulous fresh authentic food and the happiest of happy hours, all delivered with that unique Latin passion and charm – a warm welcome to the Las Iguanas adventure, Norwich!

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Issue 36 2014 23

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FINE FOOD

Roots Stakes Its Claim In The Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015 Roots Norwich is one of three restaurants in Norwich and the only “Local Gem” in the City, to be listed in this year’s Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015.

The guide, which is to be published on 8th September, is the nation’s bestselling restaurant guide, one which reflects the high standard of dining in the UK. This year it features a total of 85 restaurants, pubs and cafés from across the East of England.

The coveted listing was achieved

by Roots within its first year of trading and comes just before the restaurant celebrates its first anniversary this September.

Richard Lang, proprietor of Roots, said: “We’re delighted to be included within the guide and to have been nominated by our customers, unbeknownst to us, making the news an especially lovely surprise. With so many great restaurants in the region, we feel honoured to have a place in

the guide. It’s a testament to the pedigree of our head chef and the style of food: simple, rustic and using fresh local produce to create some quirky twists on traditional dishes”.

Roots has this week opened a new cellar space, perfect for evening drinks, dinner or private parties and very recently opened a new take-away counter so that customers can still enjoy a wholesome breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake whilst on-the-go. Roots is located in the historic Norwich Lanes.

Christmas Party Menu Highlights from Roots’ Christmas party menu this year includes: Chargrilled smoked salmon, beetroot & orange chutney with avocado puree and dressed leaves; roast free range Norfolk turkey breast, fondant potato, chestnut

creamed sprouts, slow roasted pork belly with rich roast gravy and to finish, frozen banana parfait, milk chocolate mousse and hazelnut tuille. With many other options available, including vegetarian, fish and gluten free dishes.

Christmas menu costs £25.50 (two courses) or £31.50 (three courses).

For more details, why not visit the website: www.rootsnorwich.co.uk

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Issue 36 2014 25

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FINE ARTS Steven Browning Writer @returningperson

A Dickens of a Christmas!

Charles Dickens is about to hit our TV screens again. It is hard to imagine how the BBC could survive the festive season without him. Films, documentaries, new adaptations – there are bound to be many treats in store. Dickens belongs to the whole world, so we can hardly claim him, but he had some surprising and strong connections to Norwich and the East Angles. Stephen Browning has recently published a book to celebrate his 200th birthday and here takes a look at the great novelist and his connections to our area. Original photography is by Daniel Tink.

BAH HUMBUG! AND REDEMPTION AT CHRISTMAS It is fast getting to that time again – of ice and snow, of goodwill to all men, of families, of chestnuts, plum pudding and roasted goose, of cards and gifts, in short, of Christmas! Our greatest novelist, Charles Dickens, if he did

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not exactly invent all these things, certainly immortally encapsulated them in his most wonderful short novel ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Our present view of Christmas-tide is probably Germanic in origin. The Christmas tree, with gifts and candles,

Issue 36 2014 27

FINE ARTS

contin’d was introduced to Great Britain by Prince Albert, devoted consort of Queen Victoria who was herself what today we would call a ‘superfan’ of the novelist (he was granted a private audience with her shortly before his death in 1870 ).

Yet the spirit of Christmas, of how we could be, of how we perhaps SHOULD be, and the possibility of change to that ideal, is simply, clearly and thrillingly presented by Dickens in his invention of one man - Ebeneezer Scrooge.

In Scrooge, Dickens presents us with the ultimate story of transformation.

Here is a man totally wrapped up in negativity, hating everyone and doing nothing but harm to his fellow man.

But Dickens shows us that even this miserable wretch, when given a good kicking, can also be absolutely gorgeous. Thus ‘A Christmas Carol’ has it all: it can be great drama, an entertaining musical like Lional

28 Issue 36 2014

Bart’s ‘Oliver’ or everything in one as in my personal favourite Yuletide entertainment, the completely daft and endearing ‘Muppets’ Christmas Carol’ with Michael Caine and Miss Piggy.

This training lent itself perfectly to great dramatic monologues. And his readings from A Christmas Carol, as mentioned above, would generally bring the house down.

WE IN NORWICH WILL NOT BE CHARMED Dickens was a great traveller. He was probably best known to the citizens of East Anglia from the tours he took in a type of entertainment that he also invented– ‘Readings of Charles Dickens’. His prose is theatrical in nature – Mamie Dickens, his daughter, tells us that once she watched him at work when he was completely unaware that he was not alone: he got up from his chair, went to the mirror and exchanged conversation with the character he was inventing in his imagination.

Then he returned for a few minutes to write the exchange down, before, hey-ho, he was up again for another exchange in front of the mirror.

There was one place, however, where he did not do so well – Norwich. He gave two readings here in March 1867 at St Andrews Hall and the Royal Hotel. The audience was ‘ not magnetic’ by which he means he could not feel any bond with his audience. Being a native of the city myself, I think I can understand how people here would refuse to be charmed by this famous man from the big smoke. We were stubborn then and still are, don’t you think?

THINK A LOT OF YOURSELVES IN THE FINE CITY, DON’T YOU? Norwich was possibly also the scene of the very funny Eatanswill elections in ‘The Pickwick Papers’, where he remarks that the local people

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had a very fine opinion of their own importance. This is contested vigorously by several other places, notably Ipswich, but I think that the size of the election and description of the town points to Norwich.

HANGINGS Dickens is reputed to have attended a public hanging in Norwich and was appalled at what he witnessed. They used to take place outside the Norman Castle; The Bell Hotel was a favoured place to rent a room for a good view.

Dickens found the ‘party’ atmosphere – there was feasting, singing, (much) drinking and the sale of gruesome knick-knacks – appalling.

There is something about the city that makes it easy to imagine Dickens placing his characters here.

In ‘English Journey’, J.B. Priestley remarks that Norwich has the most Dickensian atmosphere of any city he knows, excepting perhaps Canterbury.

FINE ARTS A PREMIER SOCIAL EVENT IN THE CITY It is here, too that Mr Pickwick and friends probably ( I say that as some argue that this great ‘social event of the year’ takes place nearer Ipswich, but we simply do not know for sure ) attend the summer party of Mrs Leo Hunter. My friends thought I was quite mad when, some years ago, I first read this scene: I simply kept laughing in the most unsuitable places, like the check-out queue at Marks and Spencers, as the poem arose uninvited into my mind. In the novel Mrs Leo Hunter is mocked for her supposed literary abilities and sensitivity. She recites her latest work to an amazed Mr Pickwick. It is called ‘Expiring Frog’ and goes like this: ‘‘Can I view thee panting, lying On thy stomach, without sighing; Can I unmoved see thee dying

On a log Expiring frog!’’

‘Beautiful!’ said Mr Pickwick ‘Fine,’ said Mr Leo Hunter; ‘so simple.’

‘Very,’ said Mr Pickwick. ‘ The next verse is even more touching.

Shall I repeat it?’

GREAT YARMOUTH Great Yarmouth features in key scenes in David Copperfield. Dickens liked to walk here and get rid of his amazing energy.

Once, in 1849, he took a holiday in Norfolk, walking from Yarmouth to Lowestoft and back again in one go – a distance of 23 miles. He found Yarmouth ‘the strangest place’ and set key scenes from David Copperfield on an upturned boat/ turned home on the beach. Little Emily was taken from here and seduced by Steerforth.

‘If you please,’ said Mr Pickwick.

‘It runs thus,’ said the man, still more gravely. ‘’Say, have fiends in shape of boys, With wild hallo, and brutal noise, Hunted thee from marshy joys, With a dog, Expiring frog!’’

‘Finely expressed,’ said Mr Pickwick.

Steerforth was to perish in possibly the most terrifying storm in literature, which wrecked his ship off Yarmouth sands as he attempted to return to England following his fall from grace. This is how Dickens describes it: ‘The tremendous sea itself, when I could find sufficient pause to look at it, in the agitation of the blinding wind, the flying stones and sand, and the awful noise,

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confounded me. As the high watery walls came rolling in, and, at their highest, tumbled into surf, they looked as if the least would engulf the town.’

Anthony Trollope, Dickens’ famous contemporary, thought his affection for the town quite ridiculous and supposedly planned the novel ‘Can You Forgive Her?’ in 1863 as an antidote.

A GENTLE RIBBING Dickens himself was not above gentle ribbing of Norfolk folk either when it pleased him. We find the following in his last great unfinished novel ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’: ‘Mr Bazzard’s father, being a Norfolk farmer, would have furiously laid about him with a flail, a pitch-fork, and every agricultural implement available for assaulting purposes, on the slightest hint of his son’s having written a play.’

Issue 36 2014 29

FINE ARTS contin’d AND SUFFOLK? Mr Pickwick pops up all over and it is no surprise to find him in our neighbouring county of Suffolk. It is in Bury St Edmunds that he finds himself fooled – along, most unusually with the acute Sam Weller – and ends up in a compromising position in the garden of a school for young ladies.

THE RED BARN MURDER AND A GRISSLY EAR Bury St Edmunds also attracted Dickens’ attention in a completely different sense. The town witnessed the execution by hanging of William Corder in 1828 in the notorious Red Barn Murder, when Corder shot his fiancée. Dickens published an account of the trial and hanging in ‘All The Year Round’, the magazine he ran. Dickens campaigned against such executions all his life and the aftermath of this one was particularly gruesome – you

could apparently buy a piece of the hanging rope for a guinea, and Corder’s scalp,with an ear attached, was displayed in Oxford Street in London.

SOUTHWOLD, CHARLES DICKENS AND GEORGE ORWELL The seaside resort of Southwold has a special link to Dickens. Southwold was the home of George Orwell and it was here that he retired, in frail health, hoping the sea air would help repair his damaged lungs. The year was 1940.

Whilst here he wrote his famous essay on Charles Dickens, whom he greatly admired. He says that when he read Dickens, he saw the face of a man behind the words – ‘It is the face of a man of about forty, with a small beard and a high colour. He is laughing, with a touch of anger in his laughter, but no triumph, no malignity. It is the face of a man who is always fighting against something, but who fights in the open and is not frightened, the face of a man who is generously angry…’

A NEW RIDDLE I have also, during the researches for this account, found an interesting little riddle which concerns the Suffolk town of Ipswich. Here, Mr Pickwick, finds himself in a hotel where he gets lost looking for his room late at night. He enters a room he supposes to be his, but is mortified to find that a middleaged lady subsequently arrives ‘ in yellow curl-papers’. He hides, but the lady hears a noise: ‘Gracious Heaven!’ said the middleaged lady’ what’s that?’

‘It’s – it’s—only a gentleman, ma-am,’ said Mr Pickwick, from behind the curtains. ‘ A gentleman!’ said the lady, with a terrific scream.

‘It’s all over!’ thought Mr Pickwick. ‘ A strange man!’ shrieked the lady.

The riddle is this. In ‘Bozland: Dickens’ People and Places’, published in 1895, the author claims to have spoken to a man who has heard from another man who has spoken to Dickens himself that this is based on a real incident. It was Dickens himself who became lost in the hotel and committed this transgression.

I am quite prepared to believe it, as it has the ring of truth, although the details may well have been changed

30 Issue 36 2014

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for dramatic impact. It was typical of him to take and develop such a genuine incident.

A fascinating fact is that new tales of Dickens are still coming to light.

Apart from his great novels and articles, he wrote thousands of letters, some of which are still being ‘discovered’.

Will there be more stories of Dickens, Norwich and East Anglia? I sincerely hope and expect so.

‘The World of Charles Dickens’

by Stephen Browning, with original photography from Daniel Tink, is published by Halsgrove at £16.99 and is available at bookshops nationwide and online from Amazon.

Check it out in the Daily Telegraph website which carries a feature plus 26 photographs from the book @Telegraph http://fw.to/yn5oemm Keep up to date on all Stephen’s and Daniel’s books on their websites www.facebook.com/stevebrowningbooks www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk

It’s time to be thinking of Christmas parties!

Why not consider The Garden Cafe at the Narthex?

An integral part of St John The Baptist Cathedral in Norwich - a truly seasonal backdrop, offering you delicious Christmas food!

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU Starters Homemade tomato and roast red pepper soup with crème fraiche and herb quenelle Button mushrooms in a tarragon cream sauce and herb crumb Norfolk country pate & winter spiced plum chutney with toasted bread

Narthex has a fu

lly licensed bar

Main Course Roast sliced turkey breast set on cranberry and sage mash Marmalade glazed roasted gammon, colcannon and cider cream Supreme of salmon en papillote with lemon and dill All served with roasted potatoes & parsnips and seasonal vegetables.

Spiced vegetarian chimichanga, tomato salsa and timbale of savoury rice Desserts Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Chocolate & chestnut log and cream Citrus torte and raspberry coulis £19 per person inc VAT for 2 courses including mince pie & tea or coffee (available at lunchtime only) £23.50 per person inc VAT for 3 courses including mince pie & tea or coffee Add selection of Norfolk cheese for £4.00/person

Call The Garden Café to book

Tel: 01603 724380

@TheNarthex Facebook.com/TheNarthex

The Cathedral of St John The Baptist, Earlham Road, Norwich NR2 3RB

FINE ARTS

20th Anniversary show from Crude Apache Norwich’s theatre company present new production of Macbeth, the very first show they performed To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Norwich’s renowned theatre company Crude Apache will perform their new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Back in 1994 ‘The Scottish Play’ was the first show the company ever performed, in the Rotunda in Norwich Castle and many of the original cast are still involved with the company to this day.

Jo Edye who played Macduff in the 1994 version directs this new production, set in the Dark Ages of the 11th Century.

There will be 9 performances between 5 and 15 November in the atmospheric surroundings of Dragon Hall with its timbered walls, dramatic roof spaces and dark corners.

Jo has enhanced the already creepily supernatural feel of the play with an aptly moody monochrome setting, enhanced by Tim Lane’s haunting soundscape which makes extensive use of bird and found sounds. An opening scene featuring sinister

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crow like witches adds to the air of otherworldly menace.

Macbeth is renowned as Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy and one of his most bloody and violent as the scheming, murderous title character sets out to realise the witches’ prediction that he will become King of Scotland.

Crude Apache don’t shy away from representing the ensuing horror with spectacularly arranged fight scenes and theatrical blood contrasting vividly with the otherwise subdued colour palette.

in violence and murder. People would literally do anything to achieve their goals and human life was cheap and disposable. Shakespeare understood this and this is demonstrated in the complex characterisation in the play.’

Since their formation Crude Apache have presented over 50 accessible, affordable and entertaining plays in and around Norwich. Their members are drawn together by friendship,

passion for theatre and a love for Norwich and the surrounding area.

Jo Edye and other members of the company are available for interview to talk about this new production and the history of the company.

For image/interview/review ticket requests contact Steve Forster at sfp communications. steve@sfppr.co.uk 01603 661459.

Listings info: As Macbeth and Lady Macbeth descend into further crime, madness and paranoia they are often considered arch villains but director Jo Edye has a different view ‘At the time competing clans were in constant struggles for control. Yes the Macbeths committed multiple murders in a ruthlessly treacherous bid to first seize power and then maintain it, but they really were only typical of a period steeped

Crude Apache presents Macbeth by William Shakespeare Weds 5 – Sat 8 November, Tues 11– Sat 15 November 7.30pm. £9, £6 Concessions. All tickets £5 on preview night 5 November.

Dragon Hall, King St Norwich NR1 1QE 01603 663 922 www.dragonhall.org Proceeds from all events help towards the upkeep of Dragon Hall, a much-loved unique medieval gem.

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FINE ARTS

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Issue 36 2014 33

FINE ARTS

Good Quality at the Best Prices and with Excellent Service

Int er IN net P ST ric OR es E

A huge range of Divans, Mattresses, Bed Frames & Accessories In Stock and ready for Free Next Day Delivery.*

Find us on Facebook, for news & competitions!

34 Issue 36 2014

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FINE ARTS

Storm Fine Arts Presents Stephen Hall A Brit Making Waves Across the Pond Storm Fine Arts is very proud to announce the arrival of Stephen Hall, providing an outlet for UK customers to buy his Work. We have worked with Stephen, who has shown extensively throughout Japan and USA, to bring a collection of his finest work to the UK market. His work resides in the collections of Chase Manhattan Bank, Inland Revenue Service, Primexx Inc., National Westminster Bank, Andy Warhol Foundation, Johnny Depp, David Rossi and Nicholas Lorimer.

It is with great pleasure that we bring you this collection of work.

Each of his paintings is a composition of numerous layers, executed without any modern trickery such as digital assistance or an airbrush and the resulting lush density of colour and variation of light owns the viewer’s attention. Through his work, Stephen, who was born in Scotland, explores the relationships we have with not just each other, but times, places and

surroundings - couple this with a desire to portray the underlying order in our increasingly chaotic lives and you end up with vivid, yet somewhat intoxicating imagery, finished with a slick style and intense precision.

We have chosen Stephen’s work as it sits very comfortably with the other artists we show on our site, such as Mel Ramos, Julian St Clair, Ben Allen, Shepard Fairey and China Mike.

Storm Fine Arts was opened in 1998 and started as a small family run internet gallery, by William and Jolyon Mason. Jolyon now runs the gallery full time and has changed the focus towards Urban, Pop and Contemporary art, with a new subsidiary opening in the near future, Storm Classics.

Web: www.StormFineArts.com Email: info@StormFineArts.com For more information, please contact jolly@stormfinearts.com

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Recent Exhibitions ‘BRINK’, Conception Gallery, Long Island City, New York, 2014 A Bit of Brit, Westbeth Gallery, New York City, 2014 Space Womb Gallery, New York City 2013 Westbeth Summer Show 2013

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FINE Fashion

Orb Organic Hairdressers Orb Organic Hair is a stylish hair salon in Norwich.

As a specialist hairdresser, we use only organic and eco friendly hairdressing products and to date we have over 330 testimonials on the best of Norwich website from our customers.

As a client at Orb, you will be listened to and your hair’s needs will be discussed.

We will work together to create a look that reflects who you are and works in harmony with your lifestyle, this is all done in a relaxed and positive environment.

Kate Prutton the salon director is an organic hair colouring specialist using, what she considers to be the

Orb Organic Hair serves organically grown coffee, a large range of herbal teas (and good old fashioned normal tea!), filtered water and squashes.

We also use Eco Towels, these towels are recyclable and after using a fresh best colours available in the industry Organic Colour Systems by Herb UK. Herb UK are based in the UK and their products have been made in the UK for over 20 years. We are proud to be using this excellent, ethical and effective brand at Orb. We also use and stock Kevin Murphy products, another ethical and

eco friendly brand of shampoos, conditioners and everything in between. They smell delicious due to the pure essential oils used in them and of course, the ‘nasties’ have been dropped from the range too.

At Orb Organic Hair, we focus on the client and how best to maximise the hair’s potential. With long lasting cuts that maintain their shape without a daily battle to get the hair looking good.

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Eco Towel on each client, it is then used for cleaning and recycled - a far greener approach than the usual hairdressing towels and cheaper than laundering costs in so many ways!

We love what we do, love our planet and we love your hair so why not come and see us for a free consultation!

43 Newmarket Street, Norwich, NR2 2DP Tel: 01603 620 403

FINE FASHION

The Style Show Our unsung hero this month was nominated by her line manager so she must be special! Jane Manning is a Centre Manager for Big C, Norfolk’s cancer charity, and was nominated by Nikki Morris, Big C’s Deputy CEO. When nominating Jane for The Style Show makeover, Nikki said, “Our centres provide a non-clinical high street focal point for those living with the effects of cancer. From day one Jane has brought such empathy and compassion to her role. The Centre always has a really warm feel to its welcome and is both relaxing and a hub of activity at the same time!

She works tirelessly for all those who come to the Centre seeking support and information and will always go the extra mile. She is small in stature but has a big heart and a zest for all that she does. A real Big C dynamo!

It is lovely, for once, to see Jane on the receiving end of a treat rather than creating one for someone else.

Thank you Jane for all that you do

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- seen and unseen - you are such a Big C treasure.”

For The Style Show makeovers we try to search out what’s unique in Norwich to give our heroes a real treat. This month we discovered the Express Blow Dry Bar at Barry Alan’s Hair Salon, in the heart of Norwich Lanes. This is where Jane started her treat. We were immediately welcomed into the contemporary and luxurious salon in the heart of Norwich Lanes and put in the very capable hands of Jess.

The Express Blow Dry Bar makes a quick pick-me-up at the hairdressers easy and fun. We didn’t need to book; we were able to call in at any time during opening hours. Jess guided Jane through the BDB Menu, with its amazing array of blow-dry services you won’t see anywhere else! Once she’d chosen, all Jane had to do was sit back and relax.

After a head massage, Jess put shine and bounce into Jane’s hair

like she had never seen it before.

Jess used Barry Alan’s own range of styling products which are so effective they made sure it didn’t rain before we got back to the Style Studio on the other side of the City!

The Style Studio is where women go when they want expert advice on how to feel good about the way they look. With personal styling services, makeup advice and application and an exciting range of clothes and accessories to choose from, it’s like a woman’s wonderland! They visit to get styled and shop in complete privacy or with friends.

the natural and gentle range from Arbonne. We were lucky to be working with perfect skin and features so moved on to a light and glowing touch of makeup from the same range. Jane was soon sparkling and all we had to do was find her some outfits to match.

From fun fur and stylish sweaters to delicate lace, Jane tried it all!

Jane arrived ready for an afternoon of pampering by The Style Show.

After an analysis of her body shape and colouring, we set about adding some glamour to Jane’s hourglass shape, golden hair and big eyes.

It was easy to see why Nikki nominated Jane. During our time with us she exuded energy, empathy and a zest that is infectious. Big C is committed to making a difference for those affected by cancer in Norfolk by supporting research and equipment and directly providing support and information. They have 5 venues across Norfolk providing a range of support and information services in both acute and community care settings.

Every good girl should start with cleanse, tone and moisturise and that’s exactly what we did using

Telephone: 01603 619900 Email: enquiries@big-c.co.uk.

Website: www.big-c.co.uk

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FINE FASHION

Sue Dougal & Chrissi Rix Retail Consultant & Style Guru @TheStyleShowUK

www.FineCity.co.uk

Issue 34 2014

FINE Fashion On 2 December you have the opportunity to support this local charity. The Style Show is putting on a Show to remember at The Maid’s Head Hotel in Norwich.

The Style Show, Boots No 7, Spruce House, Barry Alan and Aspire will be showing you how to get ready to celebrate the season’s festivities in style! It includes an auction of style sensations to raise more money to help local people affected by cancer.

Find out what stylish surprises are in store at www.styleshow.co.uk . .And don’t forget, if you know an

unsung hero who deserves a free makeover, contact The Style Show on enquiries@styleshow.co.uk or 07768 584452/07535 717271.

If you’re struggling to think of Christmas gifts, you will find gift vouchers at www.styleshow.co.uk .

If you’re looking forward to the Christmas Party Season, Barry Alan will help you celebrate with a bottle of bubbly for parties of four visiting the Express Blow Dry Bar. Contact barry-alan.com or 01603 624 397

Raising funds in aid of

Norfolk’s

Cancer Charity Since 1980

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www.FineCity.co.uk

FINE Fashion

AN EXCLUSIVE EVENING WITH BEN FOGLE Crew Clothing Co. Brand Ambassador, presenter and intrepid explorer, Ben Fogle will host the launch of ‘Ben’s Challenge’.

The month long competition will kick off from 6pm at the brand’s Norwich store on Thursday 6th November.

Ben will join the Crew Clothing team at the Norwich store to talk about his travelling adventures and to reveal full details of ‘Ben Challenge’, a weekly competition to win one of Ben’s blazers designed exclusively for Crew Clothing Co. Guests will have the opportunity to meet with Ben over a glass of Prosecco and enjoy tales of his expeditions as well as taking part in a Q&A session. Spaces are limited so to avoid disappointment, guests must RSVP in advance to secure a place. They will also be treated to a £20 voucher* to spend in store that evening.

‘Ben’s Challenge’ is a campaign designed to challenge the Crew

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Clothing Co. customer to try something new and different, much like the brand’s enigmatic ambassador. Ben will set a weekly challenge which the public can enter by sharing their completed task via Crew’s social media channels using #BensChallenge. The best each week will win one of Ben’s limited edition jackets.

The launch evening event will run from 6 – 8.30pm in the Crew Clothing Store, 4 Castle Meadow, Norwich.

For more information please contact: Nicola Hitchens at Surgery Group E:Nicola@surgery-group.com T: 0207 4363037 *£20 voucher to be used on the evening 06.11.14 on a spend of £100 or over.

Valid on full prices items only.

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FINE FASHION Up to 40 models will be selected to take part in Norwich Fashion Week and will be required to participate in at least one of four catwalk shows which will run from 5-12th March 2015.

One male and one female model will win the prestigious title to become the ‘ultimate face’ of the week-long event. Decided at the fourth and final ‘Fashion Excess’ show by members of the Norwich Fashion Week Board, the female and male face will each win an exclusive photo shoot in The Norwich Resident magazine.

Emma Keal, a Senior Producer at Sandra Reynolds, comments: “Norwich Fashion Week returns for its fifth year and it is all about promoting what’s great about the fashion and retail industry in Norfolk.

With this in mind, we are looking for authentic faces to feature on the catwalk.

“No prior experience is necessary, so this is ideal for anyone who is new to modelling or has always dreamt of giving it a go. It’s a particularly rewarding experience, especially as those who are selected will perform in front of a home crowd.”

The modelling competition welcomes submissions from men and women of all shapes and sizes; the only criteria being that you must be over 16 years of age.

To apply simply email two photos (one head and shoulder shot and one full length) to nfw@sandrareynolds.co.uk along with your name, date of birth, height and contact details. Entries close on 22nd December 2014.

A shortlist will be selected in January next year and if successful, applicants will be contacted for call backs.

Search begins to find the face of Norwich Fashion Week The Norwich Resident magazine and Sandra Reynolds modelling agency have launched a competition to find catwalk models to take part in Norwich Fashion Week 2015.

Models can be in with the chance of being part of Norwich Fashion Week by being scouted at intu Chapelfield and Castle Mall on 8 November 2014, where Sandra Reynolds agents will be on the hunt throughout the day for potential candidates.

Those who cannot make the scouting day but still have an interest in becoming a Norwich Fashion Week model, can also be entered into the competition by applying directly to the Sandra Reynolds team.

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The Norwich Fashion Week catwalk shows will promotes fashion in Norwich and the work of budding students and designers. As well as this, there will be additional in-store retail events and support from local businesses throughout the city during the week.

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 further information about Norwich Fashion Week visit www.norwichfashion.co.uk

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FINE ENTERTAINMENT Critical Response:

★★★★★ “A brilliantly crafted hour… beautiful and heartfelt” METRO

★★★★★ “A brand of comedy that carries a far weightier purpose than to simply generate laughs…

Cuckooed leaves a lasting impression” SUNDAY HERALD

★★★★★ “A masterful piece of storytelling and an engrossing hour” THE ARTS DESK

★★★★★ “Political theatre at its very best…takes the breath away… impassioned but lightened with underlying wit” BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

★★★★★ “A very funny show about a serious, indeed deadly, business.

This is vintage Mark Thomas – seriously funny in all the best senses, and as he so often is, bang on the money” EDINBURGH GUIDE

★★★★★

Mark Thomas: Cuckooed Norwich Playhouse: Friday 28th - Saturday 29th November Following a total sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run once again, one of comedy’s elder statesmen and all-round arty mischief-maker embarks on his 8th nationwide tour this autumn with a comedy of betrayal. Mark Thomas tells his true story of how Britain’s biggest arms manufacturer, BAE Systems, came to spy on a comedian in this five star, multi-ward winning, critically acclaimed tale of hubris, planes, demos and undercover deceit.

In 2012, Mark’s first ever one-man theatre piece, Bravo Figaro, a touching and poignant tale first commissioned by the Royal Opera House about his opera-loving father which sold out its entire Fringe run, won Mark a Herald Angel award, a Scotsman Fringe First, and was recently broadcast on Radio 4. The show is set to tour Australia and New Zealand in 2015.

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With Cuckooed, his second theatre piece, Mark was awarded his second Scotsman Fringe First, as well as the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression award, an honour for which Mark declared was “a very inspiring experience and I feel very humbled”.

Mark’s shows have always been entirely different from each other; he’s stopped arms deals, created a manifesto and brought the winning policy to parliament, walked the entire length of the Israeli wall in the West Bank and most recently completed 100 Acts of Minor Dissent, which included taking the police to court over surveillance and finding a new definition for the word ‘Farage’.

We all know that it’s not just his live shows for which Mark creates the trouble he has become famous

for; his Channel 4 series The Mark Thomas Comedy Product ran for six series, he’s published three books and a manifesto, had various series commissioned by Radio 4, won a Sony Award for My Life in Serious Organised Crime, been a regular contributor to political magazine The New Statesman, won numerous awards, holds a Guinness World Record, investigated everything from Coca-Cola to inheritance tax avoidance in various TV documentaries, given evidence to Parliamentary Select Committees and stopped multinational infrastructure deals. Oh, and of course he’s been arrested countless times in one day. Fortunately, he has just enough bastard in him to prevent him from becoming a national treasure. www.markthomasinfo.com Twitter: @markthomasinfo

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“Impassioned delivery, emphatic gesticulations and wry sense of humour… Thomas’ charisma is also inspirational and sparks a feeling of wanting to follow in his mischievous footsteps” TV BOMB Accolades: Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award winner 2014 Scotsman Fringe First winner 2014 Scotsman Fringe First winner 2012 Bank of Scotland Herald Angel winner 2012 Sony Award for Radio Comedy winner 2008 Guinness World Record Holder: Most Number of Political Demonstrations in 24 Hours 2006 MediActivist Awards (MISTY) 2005 UN Association Global Human Rights Defender Award 2004 Kurdish National Congress Medal of Honour 2002 Time Out Comedy Award 1990

Competition

Win AMini! or £10,000 cash!

All you have to do is complete the following sections and send it back to ensure your are included in the draw. Or enter online at: www.FineCiy.co.uk/winamini Only one entry per household Your name: How much is your home phone bill ? £ Your address: YES

NO

household bills every month?

YES

NO

Would you like to have an extra income?

YES

NO

Would you like to pay less than that?

Postcode: Your landline contact number: Your email address:

Would you like to save 25% on your other

Please send your entry to: FineCity Magazine, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE. Terms & conditions apply. Go to www.FineCity.co.uk/winamini for full T’s & C’s.

FINE ENTERTAINMENT Critical Response:

★★★★★ “Magical storytelling… a rare talent… hysterical and accomplished” TIME OUT

★★★★★ “The Gods of comedy chose Tom Wrigglesworth for greatness” THE SCOTSMAN

★★★★★ “Someone to keep an eye out for… a promising talent” EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

★★★★★ “Beautifully structured… wild achingly funny… finely crafted comedy… highly recommended” ED FEST MAG

★★★★ “Undeniable gift for comic storytelling… a lovely turn of phrase, an ear for allowable exaggeration and a born entertainer’s grasp of structure” THE TELEGRAPH

★★★★

Tom Wrigglesworth: Utterly At Odds With The Universe Norwich Playhouse: Tuesday 18th November Sony Award winner, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Chortle Award winner and star of Radio 4 and BBC 2, Tom Wrigglesworth, takes to the road this autumn with a handful of extra tour dates of his highly acclaimed total sellout 2013 Edinburgh Fringe show Utterly at Odds With the Universe.

In turns heart-wrenching and hilarious, this exquisite show takes Tom on an emotional journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring the poignant and profound relationship with his granddad. The two frequently taped themselves interviewing each other and it is in these early conversations that Tom comes to fully understand the influence this man has had on his own life and explores the fantasy of being able to make ‘one final interview’.

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Expect elegant flourishes of language, twisted logic and whimsical storytelling, courtesy of one of the finest and most original comics in the UK. Following the success of his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Tom Wrigglesworth’s Open Return Letter to Richard Branson, Tom has enjoyed two successful Radio 4 series (2011 and 2012) and scooped a prestigious Sony Radio Academy Award in recognition of excellence. In 2013 Tom wrote and performed another new series for Radio 4, Tom Wrigglesworth’s Hang-ups, which has been commissioned for a second series, along with a one-off special of Utterly At Odds with the Universe.

Tom is also a regular host of Radio 4`s Comedy Club and has guested on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends, Newsquiz,

The Unbelievable Truth, The Now Show, Act Your Age, It’s Your Round, The Infinite Monkey Cage and You & Yours, as well as BBC Radio 2’s Out To Lunch and Claudia Winkleman’s Arts Show. He has co-presented on Richard Bacon’s Radio 5 show and is a regular co-presenter on The Rhod Gilbert Show for BBC Radio Wales.

On TV, Tom recently co-presented BBC 2`s Engineering Giants and was one of the presenters on BBC2 series Electric Dreams. In stand-up terms, Tom has performed twice on Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live, Russell Howard`s Good News and The Comedy Gala for BBC Three as well as The World Stand`s Up, two series of The Comedy Store and Edinburgh and Beyond – all for Comedy Central. www.tomwrigglesworth.co.uk

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“Sentimental without being cloying, poetic yet free of pretension, Tom Wrigglesworth’s love letter to his granddad is a gorgeous testament to small-scale heroism that moves as much as it tickles.

Punctuated by a satisfyingly theatrical finish, this show reaffirms the power and beauty of love” CHORTLE “Funny bones” EVENING STANDARD

Accolades: Winner: SONY RADIO AWARD 2011 Winner: NEW ZEALAND COMEDY FESTIVAL Best International Performer 2010 Winner: CHORTLE AWARDS BEST SHOW’ 2010 Nominee: EDINBURGH FESTIVAL COMEDY AWARDS’ 2009 Winner: TIME OUT BREAK ‘THROUGH PERFORMER’ 2009 Nominee: CHORTLE AWARDS ‘BEST NEWCOMER’ 2004 Winner: CHANNEL 4’S ‘SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY?’ 2003

FINE MUSIC

The Voice Project to be ‘Lost & Found’ at City Hall for Christmas concert Iconic Norwich building will be brought alive in promenade performance from city choir Norfolk’s internationally renowned Voice Project Choir will perform three Christmas concert in one of Norwich’s best known and iconic buildings.

‘Lost & Found’ will see the choir’s 100+ voices joined by soloists for promenade performances that will animate the extraordinary building, exploring little known and seldom seen areas. The concerts will feature music and songs specially written for the choir to sing in City Hall and take place on 6 December at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.

The concerts are the final part of the innovative choir’s 2014 trilogy exploring the themes of memory and imagination.

Earlier in the year they took their show Souvenir to Holkham Hall in May and in July Things We’ve Forgotten to the Undercroft beneath the War Memorial at Norwich Market.

Created by singers Sian Croose and Jonathan Baker in 2008, the choir has involved hundreds of singers in performances of great new vocal music as well as running workshops designed

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to build vocal confidence and explore a wide variety of uplifting and inspiring vocal music.

The choir is one of the best known in the East of England and beyond. It has appeared at international jazz festivals in London, Gateshead and Normandy, been featured on BBC Radio 3, on television via BBC 1 and peak time national TV in France. It has just been nominated for the second year running for an EDP People’s Choice Award in the Norfolk Arts Awards (with cofounder Sian Croose also nominated for a solo award) and is commissioned annually by Norfolk & Norwich Festival to create new work.

even the bricks were specially made, each one being two inches longer than usual to better reflect the proportions of the finished building. It has the largest clock bell in the UK, with the deepest tone in East Anglia.

Sian Croose said ‘I have long been an admirer of this wonderful and much loved building. From the magnificent bronze doors, the lions and the fantastic interior fittings it is so inspirational. We are really thrilled to have the opportunity to create a performance specially for it.’

Fittingly the Voice Project Choir is a true community choir, welcoming participants of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.

Norwich City Hall was opened on 29 October 1938 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Designed by architects Charles Holloway James and Stephen Rowland it is considered to be an exemplary building of its period, an Art Deco public building of national significance. City was completed to the highest standards of architectural integrity and individual craftsmanship,

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No previous singing experience is needed, there are no auditions and everyone is welcome. Many members of the choir, who come from all over Norfolk, join time and time again, extolling the relaxing and therapeutic values of singing, others join on a one– off basis leaving with an enhanced sense of achievement and satisfaction.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.voiceproject.co.uk or contact info@voiceproject.co.uk Jonathan Baker and Sian Croose are available for interview, contact Steve Forster steve@sfppr.co.uk 01603 661459

FINE MUSIC Listings info: The Voice Project Choir present Lost and Found Promenade performance from 100+ voice choir around iconic Norwich landmark and architectural gem Saturday 6th December 5pm, 7pm, 9pm £12.50, £10.00 Norwich City Hall, St. Peters Street, Norwich, NR2 1NH www.voiceproject.co.uk

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FINE ENTERTAINMENT

What’s on at Maddermarket A rundown of upcoming performances this winter.

The Pity of War Poems and friendship of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen in a staged reading of their work.

The Pity of War is a compilation of poems and biographical fragments which bring vividly to the stage the work and friendship of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. Their friendship was cut sho0rt after only 15 months, but it was a period which produced some of the most powerful war poems ever written and which have helped to change the attitudes of succeeding generations. As Owen wrote in the draft preface to his first volume of poems which he did not live to see published: “This book is not about heroes...My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity.”

The Pity of War is not a play, but a dramatic anthology. The actors will read the poems and the letter quotations,

but the performance will be staged and dressed for the theatre.

The performance will last 30 minutes and will coincide with the anniversary of Armistice which came into effect at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. A donation from the proceeds will be made to the British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November 1.10pm Rehearsal Studio Full price £6.00 Concessions £5.00 (unreserved) Please note: approximate running time 30minutes 10% of proceeds will go to the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Light food and drink will be available to buy from our bar from 11.45am.

FRAGMENTS OF FRAGMENTS A new play by John William Brown.

On one evening-out in late 1914, watching Vester Tilly at Collins musical hall, a fiddler player, much to the chagrin of his wife, gets up on stage and joins the army to do his bit. We follow his trials and those of his wife, on both Home and War Fronts, through their letters, thoughts and diaries.

Written in one hundred sonnets, this timely piece comes 100 years on from the outbreak of The Great War. This play contains strong language.

Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th and Friday 20th November 1.10pm (Special evening performance on Tuesday 18th November at 7.30pm) Rehearsal Studio Seats £6.00 (unreserved) Please note: approximate running time 1hr 50, including 15 minute interval Light food and drink will be available to buy from our bar from 11.45am

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FINE ENTERTAINMENT THE LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE Presented by the Norwich Players.

Directed by Rebecca Wass.

Join Foggy, Clegg and Compo for an evening of classic English comedy as they go on one last adventure.

Follow Foggy as he attempts to woo the infamous Nora Batty’s niece, watch the calamity of mistaken identities unfold when a flasher is on the loose and enjoy the havoc Compo causes when he turns up uninvited.

With the help of the ever suffering Clegg, Foggy tries to win the affections of Constance with a selection of crisps and

POT-POURRI Presented by Interlude.

A musical pastiche: with songs from the 1930’s onward. The programme will include items from the Musical Theatre, some popular standards, a little twist of Jazz and much more.

Music, particularly the song, has the power to evoke memories, be they joyful or otherwise. So, Interlude invite you to join them for an hour of rhythmic

THE LOCRIAN ENSEMBLE For almost two decades the Locrian Ensemble have played to capacity audiences at the Maddermarket, enjoying a truly special relationship with Maddermarket audiences. Now, in their final costumed appearance they present their best-loved show, a musical celebration of the Spirit of Christmas. In a candlelit set, the Locrian Singers provide carol

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some After Dinner Mints, but the evening doesn’t go quite to plan when Compo appears and is mistaken for a Flasher by the local Special Constable who just happens to be engaged to Constance.

So sit back and enjoy an evening of farcical proportions full of wheelbarrows, lost trousers and a bugle as we return for one more Last of the Summer Wine.

Thursday 20th to saturday 29th November 7.30pm Matinee 2.30Pm Saturday 1st November Tickets £12.00 / £10.00 /£8.00

nostalgia, as they present ‘Pot-Pouri‘; a medley of songs, written by some of the worlds greatest songwriters.

Performers: Jason Lambert at the piano, with songsters Judi Daykin, Melissa Sampson and John Hare.

Thursday 13th and Friday 14th November at 1.10pm plus Friday 14th November at 7.30pm Tickets £6.

favourites, the ensemble perform carol medleys and seasonal surprises, and the evening is introduced by their cellist and musical director, Justin Pearson. A Festive Finale, not to be missed.

Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December 7.30Pm All seats £16.00

Issue 36 2014

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FINE ENTERTAINMENT

Auditions Attract Nearly 100 Boys To Test For Peter Pan Audition Casting event proves to be a great success Jane Walsh, executive producer Well we had nearly 100 young boys wanting to audition and they were really brilliant. It has been a terribly difficult choice to narrow that down to 10 boys. It is great to see youngsters come from all over the county and beyond, be very enthusiastic and do these sorts of things.

It is really only for Peter Pan that we would look for young boys for extra speaking parts. It is a really nice opportunity.

52 Issue 36 2014

By the time you get to the end of the audition, it is quite heart- breaking because we know all the boys at the end can do it on stage but it tends to come down to who looks better with who.

Height is also a consideration. These factors all make it a very difficult choice.

John Darling cast Felix Spencer, 11, Swanton Morley (his brother Leo is also cast as Michael Darling..see below) At first, I didn’t know what to think when I found out I got the part. The auditions started off with doing some

marching, some moves and using your face but it got harder.

I know my school is going to the panto so I will have to tell them the dates.

I have been in the panto before as a Babe but I am overwhelmed at the moment and I can’t really take it all in.

Louis Miller, 12, Long Stratton Well when I was first told, I almost broke down because I was so pleased. I have never auditioned for a professional show but I have auditioned for school before. The audition was

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pretty tough and I was surprised I got through the first round. Getting into the second round was amazing and then to get the part was incredible.

My mum will be so pleased and my friends will be excited and asking when they can see it. I have performed on stage before but never anywhere as big as the Theatre Royal but I think it will be OK. Sol Joseph, 10, Norwich I am really excited. I really am.

I have never been in such a long audition. I have done auditions in school where you just sing a song and you don’t have to do anything individually. It is going to be awesome flying. I like heights and rock-climbing so it will be great.

There is going to be a lot of pressure being in the pantomime but it is going to be really, really cool and fun.

FINE ENTERTAINMENT Michael Darling cast Leo Spencer, 7, Swanton Morley I was really excited when I got the part and I wanted to be in the pantomime with my brother. I think it is going to be awesome acting with him. My family will think it is good I got the part and I think some of my friends are going to come and watch me.

Charlie Boast, 7, Taverham I thought it was a bit exciting and I didn’t know I would get the part. When I heard I got the part, I was amazed. For the first part of the audition, I had to do some kicks and some dancing, and then we had to go through our words and do actions with them. It was quite fun because I like doing acting and I like doing singing and dancing. I am not afraid of heights either because I can climb high walls. We talked about being on stage when I was at home.

When I first got on stage, it will be scary

but then I will get used to it. My friends and family will think I am good. When they called my name out for the second round, my mum was crying because she was so excited I got to the next stage of the audition today.

Justin Podlipski, 9, Eaton Well, I was shocked when I got the part but really excited because I didn’t think I would get it. The first part of the audition was quite easy but the second part was harder, and it got harder as it went on.

The hardest part was when we had to do a bit of dialogue, but that was also the most fun part. When my parents find out I have the part, they will probably cry. I really like acting so it will be good to go on the stage and show how I can act.

Understudies Freddy Lowe, 10, Cringleford It is good to get the part. It was quite

hard work even to get the understudy part. When they said they had made a decision, my stomach lurched and did a front flip but I was pleased with the result. We had to keep repeating scenes with different pairs and different combinations of boys. I have done an audition for a school play before but nothing like this. I think my friends and family will be proud of me.

Chanze Sharma, 12, Cringleford I was really excited when I found out I had got a part. I was really surprised as I never thought I would get a part.

The audition was really fun and the dancing was quite hard. I enjoyed the reading and I also really enjoyed the acting. I have never done an audition like this before. I never thought I would get the part. My friends and family will be really excited.

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Felix DaSilvawinner, 11, Norwich I was really excited and surprised when I got the part. I thought it would be really tough and when I got to the second round, I thought it was going to be really tough. It is really surprising I got through. I got used to it in the end. I think my friends and family will be pleased. I already do drama classes and I think they were half expecting me to get the part.

Joseph Barlow, 8, Isleham, near Ely I thought I wasn’t going to get the part. When I heard my name, I jumped up and down loads of times. This is the first time I have ever auditioned but not the first time I have been on a stage. I do an acting and dancing class so I have done some shows there.

The auditions were fun but hard. I liked saying thelines on stage. It is going to be fun in the panto. I am not so sure about the flying although I do like heights.

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Issue 36 2014

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Fiona Ryder

FINE PEOPLE

Pete Goodrum meets the Managing Director of Mustard TV Fiona Ryder is the head of our city’s own tv station. It’s a seriously demanding job. Talking with her reveals just how serious she is about it.

We meet in Fiona Ryder’s office, late on a Friday afternoon. It’s the end of a busy day at the end of a busy week. And she’s just back from a 1000km road trip around Morocco. And she’s had tonsillitis. And she’s full of antibiotics. And none of this stops her talking informatively, animatedly and enthusiastically about what she’s done and what she does.

Fiona was born in Enfield on the outskirts of London, the youngest of four children. She grew up in Hertford, in a house that she plainly remembers with considerable affection.

Her father was a physics teacher and lecturer. Her mother had trained at the Guildhall School of Speech and Drama and planned on being an actress. Raising a family rather overtook her mother’s ambition, although amateur acting, and subsequently teaching children with special needs, made for a busy life.

We’ve not been talking for long, but Fiona pauses briefly. She’s obviously framing a point that she wants to make, and getting it right is crucial.

Communication is what she does.

‘I think’, she says, ‘my parents’ different motivations have been important in my life. The combination of my father’s scientific and logical approach with my mother’s artistic and creative leaning has almost been a blueprint for where I am’. It’s an interesting observation and we will return to it. ‘It made life fascinating as a child’ she says. ‘If I asked what clouds were I’d get my father giving me facts about cumulonimbus and my mother characterising them as mystical creatures’.

As a young girl Fiona was however brought down to earth by a couple of developments. Firstly she

went to a girls’ grammar school and did not particularly like it.

Secondly the family moved to South Cambridgeshire halfway through her childhood, about which she’s quite analytical. ‘The thatched house we moved to, and the village, were picture postcard pretty. But, when you’ve just arrived at the age when you want to hang out with your friends, to be moved out to a rural village miles away from people you know is not ideal’.

I sense that, unspoken, there was also an issue in that, as pretty as it was, the new house wasn’t that first house that she’d spoken of so fondly.

She transferred to Sawston Village College to finish O’ levels, and then onto Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge for her A ‘levels before university at what was then the Polytechnic of Central London to study Film and Photographic Arts.

But before university there had been some important moments, and to cover them we rewind. In conversations with Fiona you often ‘rewind’ or ‘fast forward’. She actually thinks in film. She can’t be separated from it.

Rewind.

She was, by her own definition, rather in awe of her graphic artist brother, because he could draw. He is many years her senior and she fondly remembers drawing with him in his room at the age of 5, when he came home from Art School. But she was frustrated by her draughting ‘talent’ and her self proclaimed inability to translate images from her head onto a blank page with sufficient skill. ‘My parents wanted me to study law’ she adds wryly.

At the age of 15 she picked up a camera and discovered that she could create images, without the need for drawing. What’s important here is that the camera was not a substitute for the pencil. This wasn’t

Pete Goodrum Writer, Broadcaster @petegoodrum

compromise. It was a seizing of an opportunity to create. And do it well.

So well in fact that she’d had her first exhibition, at The Cambridge Darkroom, a photographers gallery, by the time she was sixteen.

Fast Forward.

Her photographic portfolio was more than helpful in getting her at place at the Polytechnic of Central London to study Film and Photographic Arts, majoring in photography.

Enthusiastically embracing her studies she soon realised that her love for photography had been eclipsed by film. ‘The moving image’, she says, ‘was more exciting to me than the still’. She changed the option on her course and began the relationship with film that would define her life.

What happened next in her life was the move in to production. She says she ‘fell’ in to it. I’m not so sure that Fiona has ever ‘fallen’ in to things; she’s simply too smart for that. But, suddenly she’s producing film. Neither of us have to comment on what both of us know at this point. It’s unspoken but I can see in her face that we’re thinking the same thing. Production? That will be the logical organisation, the technology, the science of the business. And the business is a creative business, made up of designers, directors and performers.

Rewind. To childhood. This is her father’s logic and her mother’s creativity forged together into one talented undergraduate who is savvy enough to have identified the role in life that was made for her.

Post-graduation, and helped by a former fellow student of PCL, she found work on some low budget ‘pop promos’ and worked freelance for a while. ‘I felt I needed something more stable though, a regular job.

I found it as a Production Assistant

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for Any Effects, a special effects company in Wandsworth.

Now, if we’re going to talk ‘Fast Forward’, hold on because the next bit moves very quickly indeed. Any Effects produced physical effects for television. In little more than three years they get work for such famous shows as The Bill, then win the business to provide effects for London’s Burning. Effects for a major hit show that’s all about fires! It’s huge. The business is going places.

Fiona is already Production Manager...

And cut!

The temperature in Fiona Ryder’s office has risen. This isn’t nostalgia, it’s enthusiasm. She’s talking about what she loves and it shows. I want the next episode.

‘I left’ she says.

Excuse me? You left? Now! ‘It was around 1992, and I was loving it. But, I’d begun to hanker for the world of commercials. In truth, it was an era of big budget TV commercials and they wanted effects’.

She got a job, as a producer, with a company that took a little while to get going, but soon made headway.

They were instrumental in launching the careers of several now famous directors, and clients wanted their work. Fiona is the first to admit that she has, on a couple of occasions, been in the right place at the right time. There’s an innate modesty about her though that sometimes manifests itself as either guilt for having the good luck when it came along, or saying that some of her achievements were down to that luck when they were demonstrably the result of talent and hard work.

It was talent, hard work, and some good fortune that together fuelled

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FINE PEOPLE

contin’d what was amounting to a rather charmed period. ‘I was in my twenties, it was the 1990s. I was handling budgets of a quarter of a million pounds plus, as a producer. It was Soho, big names, and massive projects. We produced award winning work’.

One of those big names was Richard O’ Brien with whom she worked with on a Hula Hoops campaign- a five day shoot at Pinewood Studios for two 30 second commercials. It would be the last project of its type for her.

‘By this time I’d met the man I was to marry’. Her future husband worked in the live music industry, which meant that Fiona was frequently at festivals and big outdoor gigs. ‘What I noticed was that the big screens by the stages were not exactly over used’, she says. ‘It turned out they

were held back for the headline acts because they were expensive. What I saw was an opportunity to use them for commercials. Brands would want to be in front of those audiences wouldn’t they?’

They would, and by the time she’d formed her own company, CUBE TV, still only in her mid twenties, she was putting Levis on to those festival screens. There would be other brands, and more success.

There would also be a significant but not wholly expected development.

‘CUBE TV sort of morphed into the retail sector. We’d been contacted by Topshop, and Topman, and asked to produce their in-store music and tv.

It grew.’

It really did grow. By now it’s the ‘CUBE group of companies’;

there are in-store promotional performances for bands, sophisticated marketing initiatives with major record labels whereby music played in fashion outlets influences the CDs bought in the music retailer on the same high street. There’s an innovative system to burn your own cds that arguably predicates i tunes and a myriad of messages being fed into the market place to enhance the entire customer experience in a string of over 1500 major retail outlets for a host of famous multinational retailers.

And now comes that modesty again.

Seldom lost for words Fiona musses with her turquoise scarf. She’s

dressed entirely in black except for this dash of colour. This will be the only time in our meeting that she looks out of the window. She pushes back from the table a bit. ‘I suppose I sometimes look back at my career and can’t quite believe I did all that at such a young age’ By late 2005, despite everything that she had done, she was becoming concerned. Technology was changing, the digital revolution was making an impact on in-store work and she was worried about the loss of market traction for her company. She looked for a buyer for her business and found one in Immedia plc specialising in in-store

radio. She sold Cube in May 2006.

The combined group were producing and distributing media to over 4,500 sites with cutting edge technology on a daily basis and she took over as Chief Operating Officer overseeing the radio and tv in-store operations of the enlarged business.

To be frank, I knew what was coming next. I could see it in her eyes.

‘But it wasn’t mine. CUBE had been my baby. Perhaps I’d been naïve in believing I could stay as part of the larger company and it would work. It didn’t. There were tensions’.

In late 2007 she resigned.

Freeze Frame.

She and her husband now have three children, born in 1995, 1999 and 2003. She’s resigned and is taking time to think. They sell up in London and for no reason other than they’ve found a house they love, they move to Norfolk. The move takes place on December 21st. They have 22 guests that year for Christmas. It seems typical for Fiona to do that.

smaller video production business.

She developed digital live streaming work in the academic arena including graduation ceremonies.

time for me to ask what’s perhaps the key question when you’re interviewing Fiona. What drives her passion for local TV?

‘All the time I was conscious that there was more and more talk about local TV’, she says, ‘and I talked to several people about it, including Archant’.

‘I know a lot about digital video, and it’s ever changing importance in the context of the internet. There are huge positives and massive potential in the democratisation of the tools and technologies to produce video material. But what I’d also seen was a shift towards globalisation in terms of produced content from National and International broadcasters that sits uneasily with the real interest people have in where they live. And that interest covers a retrospective love of their area’s history as well as a vibrant involvement in, and awareness of, its current affairs.

Those feelings are nowhere stronger than they are in Norwich and Norfolk. Local TV was made to satisfy those needs’. And Mustard TV does it superbly.

From 2011 things moved very quickly. This isn’t about Fast Forward. It’s g-force inducing corporate speed and I can see she relishes telling it. ‘In September 2011 Archant formally declared an expression of interest in bidding for the local TV licence. By the December it’s confirmed that Norwich will be one of the first UK cities with a local TV station. By May 2012 She was writing the bid, hired as a consultant to do so by Archant.

It was submitted in late July.

‘We won the bid in September. I was asked to be managing director of Mustard TV, said yes and was in post

by November 2012’.

And relax!

We move on. Networking and meeting people in Norwich she set up a

We’ve covered a lot of ground but we’re now firmly in the present. It’s

So what’s the best bit about her job?

Her answer seamlessly follows on from her previous heartfelt point. ‘It’s been starting with the blank sheet of paper, and having the huge privilege of developing this idea into a living, breathing local broadcasting and communications business and defying the dissenters in the process’ And the most challenging?

‘Producing high-quality content on

THE QUICK FIRE BIT What do you wake up to? Radio or TV? Radio. Apart from the fact that Mustard is not on air at that time, the idea of starting the day without the TODAY programme is unacceptable!

City or countryside?

Hmm. These days it would be countryside but I have been, and am, happy in a city.

Strictly or X- Factor?

I do watch X-Factor with my daughter. But, if you want to know my TV passions they’d include Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and Mad Men.

tiny budgets with a small but very dedicated team. I’m not saying that we don’t meet the challenge, because we usually do. But it can be demanding’.

Friday is drawing to a close. It’s suddenly obvious that the office has largely emptied for the weekend, and we’re still talking. Does she have any interests, or any time for them, outside the job? ‘My family, friends and home are vital to me. I love to ski, and travel. There is an adventurous side to me. Music is important in my life. I’m a voracious reader’.

I push for an insight into her musical and literary tastes, but they prove to be so eclectic it’s hard to pin her down. If I’d not already warmed to her company (which I had), I would certainly have done so at the point when she manages to include Nina Simone and London Grammar in the same fantasy Desert Island Discs playlist. Suddenly she adds her Desert Island Disc luxury item. It would be an iPad. It’s a fascinating insight. Such a music lover might have instinctively said iPod. But Fiona, wittingly or not, said iPad. It’s obvious why. A world where there’s no visual, no moving image, to accompany the sounds doesn’t feature in Fiona’s mind.

And in there lies that other intriguing combination. The paternal logic and the maternal creativity. I don’t think there’s a single minute in Fiona’s life, her plainly adored and adoring family aside, when she’s not using logic and science to make art and entertainment to happen. And she’s doing it here in Norwich. And she’s doing it brilliantly. She’s mustard!

FINE SERVICES

58 Issue 36 2014

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and news which may affect yourself or your family.

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Issue 36 2014

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FINE PEOPLE

Presto Park Slot Racing Club Michael Harvey tells us about his time growing up with Scalextric and resurrecting Presto Park club.

My parents bought me my first Scalextric track, a little figure of eight in 1962. I became obsessed with this hobby and each week I would go to Pilch in Surrey Street, Norwich and spend all my pocket money on Scalextric. My Dad helped me build a baseboard and I added extra track and buildings and this was located in our spare bedroom. The manager of Pilch at the time was a John Watson, who was also a member of the then newly formed Presto Park Scalextric Club above a coffee bar in Eastbourne

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Issue 36 2014

Place, Norwich. He suggested to me that I might like to see the club track so my Dad took me along and that was it, I was hooked. Dad took me most weeks and then the club expanded and moved to Ber Street.

I asked if I could join the club but I was only 12 and children were not allowed.

Dad kept taking me every week for me to watch from the gallery and I kept pestering John to ask if I could join.

Two years later when I was 14 they, the committee, reluctantly allowed me to join, and wished they hadn’t. I had

been watching the fast guys, where they accelerated, where they braked so prior to them letting me loose on the track I was pretty much on their case from the onset. The first year I was there I absolutely nailed them to the floor, winning everything, so as you could imagine they were not best pleased. Who is this smart arsed kid?

I stayed with the hobby for some time and was actually sponsored by Langleys Toy Shop in The Royal Arcade where I had a Saturday job, advising all the slot

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racers in Norfolk which motors, tyres etc I used. Towards the end of the 1960’s slot racing began to decline and radio control cars became very popular. The usual thing happened, I got married, had a family and moved away to Cambridgeshire with my job.

I retired in 2003 and started slot racing again at Kings Lynn. In 2005 I returned to my roots and resurrected Presto Park. For the last few years I have built several tracks and in September this year decided I really wanted to go all out and build the best circuit in the UK. I had been researching slot car circuits throughout the world and thought I can do better than that.

Carpet flooring was laid throughout and the club room redecorated.

FINE PEOPLE

The most difficult part of the refurb was removing the old glue that held the electric contact braid in the wooden track rebate. It took two of us two twelve hour days to remove this which had to be extremely accurately done to allow the new braid to fit precisely in the rebate.

I hand painted in excess of 900 figures that now adorn the circuit and pit lane. Wherever you look there are little senarios going on – from the hive of activity in the pit lane, the well heeled VIP’s in the F1 Paddock Club, to the lady leaving the toilets pulling up her trousers.

The circuit has thirty seven buildings and fourty stand alone lamps which all illuminate. We have night races where

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Issue 36 2014 61

FINE PEOPLE contin’d the clubroom is in darkness and you race just on your car lights alone. The races are started using F1 style start lights and cars are all timed to within one thousandth of a second.

At Presto Park I try to keep things affordable, so we use cars easily available from Kerrisons Toys and Langleys Toys in the city, or the more expensive cars are available via the internet.

We run several different classes to cater for everyone’s needs they are F1, Sports/Gt, GT3, Porsche Cup, NASCAR, Slot it Group C, Goodwood cars &Classic F1’s and Sports cars but not on the same night. The classes are spread out over the year.

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Slot car racing is very much a family hobby, where fathers have brought their youngsters to the club and liked it so much they joined.

to enjoy and also believe we are most certainly the best club in the UK. The dark nights are approaching and what better way than to spend your time

The club races every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm and every first Tuesday is Practise night from 7 to 9.30pm. The minimum age for youngsters is 12 years and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times they cannot just be dropped off and left. When you join Presto you are allocated with a mentor for four weeks who guides you through how to set up and maintain your cars. You are then put on a half day course where you will be given more indepth advise on car prep and driving skills.

I really believe that I have something very special here in Norfolk for the people

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buiding and racing scale model cars. If this appeals to you check out my website www.prestopark.co.uk this will give you contact details you require to reach me.

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FINE PEOPLE

Words: Liz Hollis

Why keeping Norwich healthy is top priority for Norwich’s Lord Mayor Profile: Judith Lubbock The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Norwich, councillor Judith Lubbock (to give her official title) lives in what is known colloquially as the ‘top end’ of Unthank Road – a byword for a concentrated patch of some of city’s most-wanted real estate.

Waiting for Norwich’s first citizen to answer the door, it occurs to me that her neat, detached property would send prospective estate agents headlong into the toolbox of sales clichés – ‘sought after’ and ‘highly desirable property in the heart of the golden triangle’ to name just two.

Unfortunately for the property market – and to the benefit of Norwich since her

top priority is boosting the city’s health and wellbeing – she’s not planning on moving anytime soon.

Originally a Londoner, Judith Lubbock is now fused into this part of south Norwich.

She’s here to stay: representing it for two decades as a Liberal Democrat city councillor. Now using as the base for her hectic year-long tenure as Lord Mayor with the flurry of official engagements, phone calls and comings and goings this ancient investiture has brought with it.

If Judith has her way far more of us in Norwich will be walking and cycling, keeping our cholesterol and blood pressure in check, eating healthier and quitting smoking before her official tenure is up.

Judith is in a bit of a rush on the day I visit her at home to find out more about her new role as the city’s 15th female Lord Mayor. But I’m still greeted with the warmest of handshakes and the offer of Earl Grey tea. Decorators are clattering in the kitchen and needing instruction, her husband is wanting to snatch a brief word before he heads off for work as a solicitor at Steeles Law, a car is due within the hour to collect her for a civic lunch – the 116th official engagement since her election last June.

Despite the hubbub, when she eventually reappears from the kitchen with our tea and some biscuits (luxury Waitrose-style cookies) she’s not even the teensiest bit distracted and I have

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her full attention – not a sigh, not a sneaky look at her watch, not a mobile phone in hand - as we perch on the sofa and I fiddle with my unreliable voice recorder.

I am guessing it is this ego-free focussed attention in conversation that has helped steer her through her long stint as a popular local councillor and sealed her eventual election as Lord Mayor. People warm to her. In a world of ‘press 1 for the amenities department, press 2 for housing services’ and ‘sorry, no one is available to take your call at the moment’ – this is a woman with no pretentions and who listens, whoever you are and even if you are the humblest of council tenants troubled with a leaking window.

Issue 36 2014 65

FINE PEOPLE “I’m often the first port of call for people who find life more difficult and I do my best for them. I was recently called by a partially-sighted elderly man. He had water coming through his window. He felt he’d get a quicker result if I sorted it for him. Thankfully, they were there to repair it within the hour.”

Good news for Norwich then that Judith, a skilled and effective communicator known for getting things done, is on a mission this year.

She looks healthy and apparently she is healthy – she reveals a recent cholesterol test confirmed she’s well within NHS guidelines. And she wants everybody else in Norwich to be as healthy as possible too – and this is top of the agenda for her year in office.

“Getting active, getting out in the parks, taking care of yourself. I want to do all I can to help the people of Norwich keep healthy and promote the city as a walking and cycling city of historic parks and green open spaces,” she says.

“Your health is important and I’d love it if more people realised that taking

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Issue 36 2014

responsibility for your own health is easier these days.”

Judith recently supported HEART UK, the cholesterol charity, to promote National Cholesterol Month in Norwich. HEART UK teamed up with oat-based cereal Betavivo, which has been clinically proven to reduce cholesterol, to raise awareness that 60% of adults in the UK have raised cholesterol – that’s around 88,250 people in Norwich alone.

I feel a little uncomfortable asking Judith to disclose the results of her personal cholesterol test – but she doesn’t seem to mind. “Not a problem,” she assures me, suggesting that in fact she’d love others to take a cholesterol test and measure their blood pressure too. Get out and about more. Use the parks. Quit smoking.

Ultimately, realise that we have a lot more control over our health than most of us realise. Meanwhile, the council can help nudge us to healthier habits too.

We’re chatting in her living room, yellow walls, comfy sofas and so brim-full of neatly shelved books –floor to ceiling on the back wall and extra book shelves

on any other wall space that will take it, that you’d be hard-pressed to squeeze one more in. “They’re mostly Nigel’s, he loves collecting books about art.’

The mayoral robes, all heavy black fabric gold brocade topped with an extraordinary froth of neck and wrist lace, are hanging ready for the lunch engagement in a black suit cover on the back of the door. Judith lifts the lid of a second black bag on the floor to expose a flurry of black ostrich feathers – the extravagant mayoral tricorne.

This impressive but somewhat anachronistic regalia is a clue to just how historic the office of mayor is in Norwich – an annual appointment elected from a serving Norwich city councillor. Norwich is one of only 31 UK cities to appoint a Lord Mayor. There’s been a mayor since 1403 elevated to the status of Lord Mayor in 1909.

“It’s not like a Boris Johnson role where you have power and money.

The role is primarily ceremonial and non-political and you are there to represent the city really,” says Judith.

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“Norwich has always been a forwardthinking city. It elected the first ever woman to hold the post in the whole country, Ethel Colman, in 1923. In the same year Norwich returned its first female member of parliament, Dorothy Jewson.“ She might not have his power and influence, but like Boris her mayoral term may well be remembered for bikes – another great health opportunity for Norwich and one of the fastest passtimes in the city.

“I want more people to cycle and walk.

It’s important to keep active and Norwich is great for walking and cycling.

When I groan that I’m forced despite myself to cycle to work in Pottergate because nearby parking is scant and expensive, Judith points out that that’s exactly as it should be. I’m being ‘nudged’ into healthier cycling rather than using my car. Better for me and better for the environment.

So prepare to be nudged into healthier walking and cycling ways, with upcoming plans for more cycle lanes and a 20mph traffic speed limit in the

FINE PEOPLE city centre. Needless to say I leave the interview clutching a Norwich City Council ‘Norwich cycle map’ that I wasn’t even aware existed.

Judith explains that there are now five pedalways that cross the city from one side to the other and meet in the middle at St Andrews Plain. “Perfect for commuting and getting fit.”

“Whether it’s staying active and getting out in Norwich’s parks and open spaces, walking, cycling improving your diet and reducing obesity, quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure – I want to do all I can to encourage everybody in Norwich to keep as healthy as they can.”

Judith walks or cycles at every opportunity. “I walk or cycle every single day, even if it’s just a stroll round the block, and avoid going into town by car – apart from days like today when I have a civic engagement and have to wear regalia.”

It gives her a chance to take in the historic city (preservation of historic

buildings is another theme she is championing this year) which has been her home since she moved here age 21 in 1973. Originally from London, and the middle daughter of three girls, she went to school in Twickenham and then Thames Valley Grammar.

She met her husband Nigel in Bristol, where she studied at teacher training college. The couple moved to Norwich because Nigel had been brought up in the county and wanted to return. They have two children Tom and Anna, now in their thirties.

“I didn’t know much about Norwich or Norfolk before I moved here. I had just been on holiday to the Norfolk broads a few times.”

“But as it turned out I couldn’t have moved to a better city,” she says.

“Norwich has everything you could want for the size it is – a wealth of cultural activities, historic buildings.”

“One of my roles is boasting about the city to people who don’t know much about it – and Norwich has a lot to boast about!”

www.FineCity.co.uk

Competition We have 10 boxes of Betavivo to giveaway, that’s 15 servings or £15 worth. All you need to do is tweet us @finecitymag, including @betavivouk and the hashtag #NorwichCholesterol.

Want to try Betavivo for yourself?

Betavivo are crispy oat hearts with a mild oat flavour. Just one serving a day provides 3g of beta-glucan, the full daily amount required to lower cholesterol by 10- 15%, which corresponds to a 25% reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The cereal can be eaten in a whole range of ways including mixing it with yoghurt and fruit, eating it on its own and adding milk.

For more information visit www.betavivo.co.uk or follow on Twitter @betavivouk

Issue 36 2014 67

01603 628 080 www.handmadekitchensnorfolk.co.uk The Annex, 113 Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2PE, UK

THE ANNEX NORWICH

FINE LIVING

JHD Interiors For all your interior design requirements Interior Design Service Here at JHD Interiors, we can provide you with an extensive range of all your interior design requirements. We pride ourselves on making the whole experience as stress free and enjoyable for you as possible.

A service that we can provide for you consists of a no obligatory initial onsite visit where one of our designers will meet you to discuss your requirements, and take the necessary measurements we will need to create either computerised imagery, mood board and sampling.

We can then meet with you again, either at our showroom or on site to show you all the fabrics and designs we have selected for your approval. We are always on hand for you to discuss the progress of your project.

Special Offers We are continually changing our special offers. This includes both fabrics and showroom furniture items. For more information or to purchase any of these, you can either contact us or

visit our eBay store. Autumn clearance Excellent deals on a range of products.

See thr FOR SALE page on our website www.jhdinteriors.co.uk.

A portfolio we’re proud of JHD Interiors are proud to have established a broad portfolio of satisfied clients. Commissions have included private homes, country hotels, luxury yachts, Broads cruisers, customised motorcycle seat covers, car upholstery, caravans and business premises throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. Visit our website to see a showcase of our previous work that we’re proud of.

TESTIMONIALS “Our brand new house was transformed into a beautiful, warm and stylish home

by Julie and her team at JHD. Julie has a great talent for developing colour, style and design. We cannot speak highly enough of her vision, hardwork, support and wonderful personality during the completion of our ‘Project’.

We have absolutely no hesitation in

recommending Julie and the her very talented team at JHD to you.”

- Anthony & Ayni Richardson “Using the expertise and enthusiasm of Julie and her team took away the stress of furnishing our new house.

From curtain poles, blinds, and curtains to sofas and cushions, the

choices of fabrics and colours, together with the high quality fo the finish has given us a beautiful home which we are very proud of. It was a joy to work with the JHD team.”

- Trevor & Betty To book a free interior design consultation, please call 01603 722 385.

JHD INTERIORS LTD f I N E

I N T E R I O R

Bespoke Upholsterers

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& &CUrtain

makers

Visit our showroom: Unit 1 Tilia Court, Wendover Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6SX & (Directions…. turn left into Tilia Court at end of Stratstans premises)

Telephone 01603 722385 | Email jhdinteriors@btinternet.com Website www.jhdinteriors.co.uk

www.FineCity.co.uk

Issue 36 2014

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FINE LIVING

Q&A Where are the oldest stained glass windows?

It is thought that the earliest stained glass windows are in Augesburg Cathedral in Germany and date from the 11 th century.

What are the ingredients of glass?

Silica,sand,soda ash and limestone.

How is the colour in glass made?

Colour is added by blending natural metallic oxides into the other ingredients. Cobalt creates blue; gold creates red and true pinks; iron creates greens; selenium creates orange; silver creates yellow.

Why is red glass and hot coloured glass I.e.

Lemon yellow and orange more expensive than other colours?

Because of the more expensive metallic oxides that are used I.e. Gold to make red.

Unique Christmas Gifts At Trinity Stained Glass At trinity stained glass we have unique and individual gifts for the person who has everything or hard to buy for.

The best thing about it is that all our products are made by hand in our Norwich workshop and suit all budgets. You, as the customer can have as much say in the design process as you like!

from £4.50 each and make great stocking fillers or even used for unusual tags on presents.

Ever thought of making stained glass yourself? Well at trinity stained glass we sell starter kits from £96 which are very popular as presents for people to learn a new craft or hobby in the comfort of their own home. The kits come with all the tools, materials, and glass with a pattern and instruction book to make a few items.

For more substantial presents, something completely different and individual, we offer a design and commission service where we design, make and install new or reclaimed stained glass window and door panels, from traditional to modern abstract designs. We have thousands of design ideas to choose from in our workshop or as many customers prefer to design their own and we make them.

We also have a wide range of sun catchers, mirrors , terrariums and smaller gifts or we can make to order to suit the customers own needs. Stained glass angels start

From £198 we can make a traditional stained glass panel with hand made glass that sits in an oak base with an image of a family member, ancestor

70 Issue 36 2014

or pet. Just bring in your photo and we can do the rest.

This is also a busy time of year for repairing stained glass as many people want their stained glass windows and door panels in tip top condition for the winter months and their visitors arriving for the festive season. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free quotation or just advice.

One thing is for sure you will get a warm and friendly, personal service at Trinity Stained Glass with as much advice and help as you require. Please pop into our workshop and showroom, where we have been for over 20 years on Ber Street, phone 01603 622099 or visit our website www.trinitystainedglass.co.uk

www.FineCity.co.uk

I have heard of fused glass, what is this?

Fused glass is where one glass, either clear or coloured is placed on top of another compatable glass , again either clear or coloured and melted into each other in a kiln designed for glass work. This method can be used for Christmas decorations, jewellery or for centre pieces that can be added into a stained glass window or door panel. Alternative Chess boards or drinks coasters can also be made using this method.

What is the difference between leaded stained glass windows and copper foil method?

Leaded windows are made using an H section that the glass slots into. The lead is called lead’came’. The joints are soldered then the whole panel is cemented with a lead light cement to make it water tight and stronger.

This method is used for window and door panels.Copper foil method is using a copper adhesive tape around each piece of glass and soldered on all seems.this method is used for mirrors, sun catchers,terrariums lamps.

Is it expensive to start stained glass as a hobby?

No, starter kits start from as little as £96 which includes the tools, materials, glass, instruction and pattern book and will enable you to produce a few projects.

I have a stained glass panel above my door but over the years the door panels have been replaced with just plain glass. Can door panels be made to match my original one?

Yes. The design can be photographed and copied into your door panels. New panels would be produced using the same design and usually, even Victorian glass can be matched if not exactly, very closely.

FINE LIVING

Autumn inspiration!

A design project to be tackled this autumn is a planting scheme for a large lake in the grounds of a private house. The brief is to provide privacy and give some seasonal colour variation.

During the initial stages of designing a garden of any size I always find it useful to wander around other gardens. Its good to see how plant combinations and spacings work, but as much as anything its a chance to just take a couple of hours to clear my head, relax and take in my surroundings. Then, begin with a large, clean sheet of white paper!

The garden I had in mind was at Marks Hall near Colchester. I first visited several years ago when some new areas had been designed and planted, so I was keen to see not only how it had matured, but also how it worked as a waterside garden.

I was also hoping to glean some ideas for my new project!

I was not disappointed.

The Birkett Long Millennium Walk covers an area of one and a half acres and skirts one side of the lake. The site was

completely overgrown after sixty years of neglect and the task of redesign and planting was undertaken during the winter of 1999/2000. Sponsored by a local law firm Birkett Long, the millennium was marked and the result will be enjoyed and appreciated by many for years to come.

The stems of the dogwood planted alongside the white stemmed birch with the occasional craggy barked Acer griseum are a planting success. They contrast and yet they compliment each other.

I left Marks Hall filled with ideas and ready to begin the new project ahead.

Now…where’s my pencil!

The silver light touch of Miscanthus sinensis “Kleine Fontane” against a clear blue autumn sky is just beautiful.

Sue Huckle 07703 347014 www.poshplants.com email:sue@poshplants.com Design…topiary…hire…nursery

This garden has inspired me. I can’t really explain it, but I know a good garden will fill my soul, as will a good book or song.

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

Viewed from across the lake the red stems of the cornus alba “Siberica” and the white stems of the birch trees Betula utilis var jacquemontii are perfectly reflected in the calm water.

Carp measuring at least two feet followed as I walked along the bank…great big dark fish, heavy yet so agile in their own watery world, gulping at dancing flies.

Walking through the planting I could appreciate the design from another aspect. Up close the detail of bark and colour of stems and leaves reflects every facet of autumn.

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

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FINE LIVING

Would you like to discover your family tree?

Are You A Fan Of Who Do You Think You Are? The ever rising popularity of the TV programme WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE has inspired many people to look into their own family tree. But it is not in truth as simple as the Ancestry TV advert portrays. Some of the sources available on the internet may not be correct due to exaggeration, transcription error or gaps in information. These errors are then often passed on into private and public family trees.

Yes there is an overwhelming amount of family archives available online which is added to each day. But these records are just the very tip of the iceberg. It has been said that only 5% of family archives have been digitised.

By neglecting to take the time to visit your local or national archives you will not be putting together in its fullest the true story of your family. When researching you want more than just

a list of names and dates. Bringing social history alive by using other resources such as poor records, prison records, service records, manorial records, wills and inventories and newspaper reports makes a more complete and satisfying family story.

By hiring a professionally trained genealogist you can save many unnecessary hours of research and expense. A professional genealogist is able to overcome dead ends and solve mysteries due to their great knowledge of family history sources.

Heritage Discoveries is a local genealogy research service run by professional genealogist Catherine Pawsey. Catherine has always had a passion for history and genealogy and holds a BA History (Hons) degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic

Studies. Catherine has vast experience using a wide range of archives online and at local and national record offices.

possible to discover when your house was built, any building alterations, and the lives of those who lived there.

Solving the mystery of who your ancestors were and where they came from is always a very exciting discovery. Having a written record to treasure and enjoy for yourself and future generations enables these ancestors and their stories to live on.

Whether your goal is to validate a family story, find a famous connection or locate an adoptee’s birth family we endeavour to do all we can to assist.

Heritage Discoveries offers a free initial interview in order to determine the needs and proposed aim of the client. After which a full investigation will be carried out which will then be presented in a detailed fully referenced report complete with a family tree image in order to clearly see every member’s link. Investigating the lives of your ancestors enables you to appreciate the person you are today.

A family or house history investigation would make a unique gift for yourself or a loved one to treasure this Christmas.

Another interesting study is to look into the history of your house. Have you ever wondered who stood at your window looking out into the world? What children chased up your stairs? A house history can provide a fascinating insight into the story of your home. By studying genealogy sources that are available it can be

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any enquiries.

Website: www.heritagediscoveries.co.uk Email: enquiries@heritagediscoveries.co.uk Tel: 01953 716015

Welcome to Norfolk & Park Lane Blinds Norfolk and Park Lane Blinds is a family run business serving Norfolk and parts of Suffolk.

First established in 1983 as Park Lane Blinds the business merged with Norfolk Blinds in 2003. Norfolk and Park Land Blinds offer a free measuring and fitting service on their complete range of products, at a time to suit their customers’ needs. Manufacturers and suppliers of a wide range of Vertical, Roller, Venetian, Pleated, Roman, Canopies, Awnings, Wooden Venetian, Velux and Blackout blinds, Norfolk and Park Land blinds will have something for everyone.

Norfolk and Park Lane Blinds have undertaken many commercial projects including schools and colleges; working closely with architects and building contractors. We are proud of our reputation for reliability and value for money which has been built up over 25 years.

Norfolk and Park Land Blinds are specialists in Perfect Fit blinds for conservatory roofs and sides, (no drilling or screwing into window or roof frames) for a quick and clean installation. All work is guaranteed and can be supplied to most specifications.

Our full range of colour designs and fabrics are all installed with the utmost care and expertise, to make your home or business comfortable and stylish.

Showroom and factory outlet: 68 Hellesdon Park Road, Drayton High Road,Hellesdon, Norwich. NR6 5DR

72 Issue 36 2014

SPECIAL OFFER 3 x Vertical blinds in selected fabrics up to width 2440mm (8ft) any drop measured and fitted for the sum of £150.00 Incl VAT.

For sales, help and advice, contact us today: 01603 483 767.

Email norpark@tiscali.co.uk

We welcome all enquiries, please contact us today for a no obligation free quote.

For sales, help and advice, contact us today:

01603 483 767

www.FineCity.co.uk

email norpark@tiscali.co.uk 68 Hellesdon Park Road, Drayton High Road,Hellesdon, Norwich. NR6 5DR

Lapland Full of activity from beginning to end your family will remember this thrilling, magical day forever!

Fly from Norwich to the still, white wilderness of

SWEDISH LAPLAND

where, as every child knows, a very special person and his elves live among snowy forests, husky dogs and reindeer.

Sunday 14th December Adult* £499 Children (2-15) £449 A high quality Day Break to an exclusive resort, which includes thermal clothing, reindeer sleigh ride, husky dog sledge safari, snowmobile adventure, search for Santa, private Santa meeting and lunch.

For full details and bookings contact:

01603 428700 The Airport & Castle Mall, Norwich *Price excludes £10/adult Norwich Airport Development Fee payable at Airport. Newmarket T’s & C’s apply

ABTA NO: V787X

01603 660 021 www.johnlewis.com

Celebrate 150 Years of John Lewis at Norwich About John Lewis Norwich Formerly known as Bonds, the Norwich department store has been part of the John Lewis Partnership since 1982, even though the shop didn’t adopt the name John Lewis until 2001.

Experiencing expansions and refurbishments, architects have been careful to retain as many original features as possible, including fireplaces, a 16th century window, a bread oven and a number of original ceiling mouldings.

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm (Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm) Sat 9am - 6pm Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm (Browsing from 10am - 10.30am)

John Lewis, All Saints’ Green, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3LX

FINE LIVING

This Season at John Lewis What’s in store over the next two months Lancôme beauty box event Thursday 13 November, 5.30pm -7.30pm John Lewis, Norwich, Place to Eat restaurant, Second floor Elite Lancôme make-up artist Shehla Shaikh will be holding an evening of Christmas make-up demonstrations. Tickets are £15 which is redeemable against a Lancôme purchase on the night. Tickets are available from the Lancôme counter at John Lewis Norwich.

John Lewis Christmas shopping event Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 November ( Saturday 9am - 6pm, Sunday 10am -4.30pm) Kick start your Christmas shopping and celebrate the festive season at our Christmas shopping event. There will be activities throughout the shop for all the family including; fashion and beauty workshops, children’s events, food tastings, technology demonstrations as well as live music and complimentary refreshments.

Special visit from The Snowman Saturday 22 November 11am - 2pm John Lewis Norwich, Toy department First floor Come along to meet ‘The Snowman’, the famous character created by Raymond Briggs will be meeting children in the Toy department.

Dressmaking Workshop Saturday 22 November 2-4pm John Lewis Norwich, Haberdashery, Lower Ground floor Come along to our dressmaking workshop for beginners and learn the basics required to make your own clothes.

Tea with Father Christmas Tuesday 9 & 16 December, 5-6.30pm John Lewis, Norwich, Place to Eat restaurant, second floor.

A chance for children to enjoy a very special Christmas tea with Santa. Tickets are £8, available from the Place to Eat restaurant, booking in advance is essential. Included in the price is a food and drink box, plus Father Christmas will present each child with a small gift. Contact 01603 660021 for details Children’s Craft party Thursday 18 December 4.30pm -6.30pm John Lewis, Place to Eat restaurant, Second floor Come along to our Christmas craft event and have a go at making Christmas cards, decorations and more.

Suitable for children aged 4 - 11, tickets are £10 and include all materials and a food and drink box. Tickets need to be booked in advance and are available from Haberdashery. Contact 01603 660021 for details

www.FineCity.co.uk

Issue 36 2014

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FINE MOTORS

Castlegate SEAT, Norwich Castlegate SEAT are Britain’s longest established retailer of new and used SEAT cars , as well as SEAT servicing, MOT and repairs in Norfolk. Conveniently located on Jupiter Road, just off the Ring Road in Norwich.

Here at Castlegate SEAT, our customers are extremely important to us and we strive to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction, going the extra mile to make everyone feel valued and special. We believe that our customer service and enthusiasm for the SEAT range has kept us to the top of the Customer Satisfaction Surveys and in serving Norfolk motorists for the past 42 years!

Our showroom, just off the ring road in Norwich; has a wide selection of SEAT Approved Used Cars from Mii’s, Ibiza’s, Leon’s, Altea’s & Alhambra’s plus we stock a selection of other makes great value used cars.

Our large workshops have SEAT Trained Technicians and we’re keen to promote the fact that we believe in investing in our people, which is why

all our staff members regularly attend training courses to ensure that they have best knowledge and equipment for when they’re looking after your vehicle. We participate in the ‘It’s Fixed’ programme from SEAT which means that all our servicing costs are Great Value - upfront and fixed!

At Castlegate SEAT we believe every customer is important to us and are

Seat leon sc The New SEAT Leon SC is here and ready to take to the road with a fresh new look and high-performance features.

Seat mii Our efficient city car is designed for fun. It’s super easy to drive and is packed full of nifty safety features. With impressively low CO2 emissions and with the lowest possible insurance group rating, you can keep costs down and enjoy some more Mii time.

Indulge in all the things you love this summer with our nimble city slicker. Head to your favourite food hangouts and kick back with a good book at the perfect picnic spot.

With it’s iconic design and state-ofthe-art technology, the New Leon SC perfectly combines dynamic driving and driving pleasure. Our infotainment system can be switched on at the touch of a button. And our Drive Assist helps you stay safe with Tiredness Recognition, High Beam Assist and Lane Assist.

With the combination of entertainment, beauty and agility this car really does lend itself to every driver’s fantasy.

Amp up your Mii time with the Toca or I tech version of the Mii. It boasts superb styling and its handy SEAT Portable System Live with satellite navigation will take you wherever you want to go. It’ll also keep track of the weather so you can seek out the sunshine.

*Available through SEAT Finance, ** subject to status, available to over 18’s in the UK, terms & conditions apply.

76 Issue 36 2014

We hope that when you come to choose your next car, you come and check out the SEAT range and of course, come and see us here at Castlegate SEAT in Norwich

Seat altea xl Life is anything but predictable. Perhaps now more than ever. If you happen to be a car designer, where does the SEAT Altea leave you? If you were part of the team behind the Altea, you would answer with one word: Versatility. To put it another way, before we thought about our plans we thought about yours.

The Altea XL I TECH is the latest addition to the SEAT range and is packed with the latest technology.

Benefiting from a unique combination of interior luxury and exterior style, it also offers the practicality and excellent all round visibility that you would expect.

Seat Ibiza Meet the SEAT Ibiza SC short for Sport Coupé. It’s everything you expect from a SEAT Ibiza - performance, safety and practicality. But it has an extra injection of our passion for sporty design, detail and personality.

Make the most of your compact ride and keep your indulgences within reach, whether it’s a stash of chocs in the glovebox or your favourite magazine tucked into the door compartment.

The Mii is the perfect companion for every adventure.

Best of all the SEAT Mii I- Tech is now available for just £9,995 and is available with 0% APR PCP finance package*. So right now you can drive away in a brand new SEAT Mii for just £69 per month**plus deposit and get 3 Years / 30000 miles Free servicing.

happy to do everything we can to ensure that everyone is pleased with their experience with us, whether buying a new or used SEAT or servicing an existing vehicle.

Its lines, with a curved bonnet and lights, speak of precision, character, and a dynamic tension that suggests movement even when this Sport Coupé is standing still.

It’s quite a looker, but just wait until you get to know it better. You’ll be smitten.

www.FineCity.co.uk

Mii by MANGO at Castlegate Available from August

TECHNOLOGY TO ENJOY CONTACT CASTLEGATE TO BOOK YOUR TEST-DRIVE TODAY.

F O L LOW US O N:

Official fuel consumption for the SEAT Mii by MANGO 1.0 75PS in mpg (litres per 100km); urban 47.9 (5.9); extra-urban 70.6 (4.0); combined 60.1 (4.7). CO2 emissions 108g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

CASTLEGATE

Jupiter Road, Mile Cross Lane, Norwich.

Tel: 01603 480200 www.castlegateseat.co.uk

FINE SERVICES 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

NW NORFOLK WOODBURNERS

Norfolk Woodburners

Home Improvements

offer the best local service for the supply and installation of:

• •

Wood Burners & Multi-Fuel Stoves

• • •

Flexible Chimney Liners

Main agents for Aga, Hunter & Cleanburn Stoves

• Garage Conversions • Garage Doors • Extensions • Fascia/Guttering • Repairs & Maintenance

Twin Wall Chimney Systems Fireplaces Opened Up

For a free site visit and quotation contact us on:

01508 498393 m: 07847 426953 t:

e: norfolkwoodburners@outlook.com

www.norfolkwoodburners.co.uk 78 Issue 36 2014

Tel:01603 488894

www.1stclassbuilder.com

www.FineCity.co.uk

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

Love Christmas shopping even more Late nights and shopping are a match made in heaven.

We’re open ‘til 7pm throughout November (9pm on Thursdays).

Except Sundays 11am - 5pm