Issue 47 October 2015
Meet the leader of Norfolk County Council... George Nobbs.
Exclusive
The Launch of the FineHomes Section showcases the finest Homes and services Norwich can offer
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Inside
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Theatre Royal’s expansion plans, and loosen up with The Last Tango!
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The 38th Norwich Beer Festival
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Issue 47 October 2015
Meet the leader of Norfolk County Council... George Nobbs.
12
FINE people
FINEEVENTS
Theatre Royal’s expansion plans, and loosen up with The Last Tango!
FINEARTS
PLUS
FINEHOMES
The 38th Norwich Beer Festival
NORWICH
Issue 47
60 FINE arts
INSIDE
FINEPLACES FINEPEOPLE
FINE places
26
EXCLUSIVE
The Launch of the FineHomes Section showcases the finest Homes and services Norwich can offer
Your community magazine Cover image courtesy of Humberts Estate Agents 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 and Tony Cooper.
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2015 October | 05
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George Nobbs
Picture courtesy of EDP/Archant
This month, Pete Goodrum talks with Leader of Norfolk County Council, George Nobbs
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2015 October | 07
FINEPeople
Opening of A11 dualling with Balfour Beatty and Minister of Transport
O
ne of the first things George Nobbs says to me is ‘Where have you been all this time?’ I’n not late for our meeting today. Let me explain. I bought his book ‘Davenport’s Norwich’ when it came out in 1973. Today I asked him to sign my copy for me. So in one sense I’m about 42 years late! The subject of the book, the work of Norwich based artist Leslie Davenport, says much about our discussion today. It’s a book about Norwich, and art. That’s a lot of what makes George Nobbs tick, right there in one sentence. It doesn’t take long, because of his co-author on the book being my old art master, for us to discover that George and I went to the same school. It’s a subject we’ll return to. Meantime, settled at the meeting table in his office at County Hall, we begin his story. George Nobbs was born, in Norwich, on Hall Road and after 08 | October 2015
primary school at Lakenham he went as an eleven plus passed ‘scholarship boy’ to the the City of Norwich School. The CNS. He was he says not a particularly rebellious student, but there were minor infringements of the rules. Did he go on to the sixth form? ‘Yes - and no’ is the intriguing answer. The facts are that he did go back to the sixth form but soon after starting found himself outside the Headmaster’s door awaiting a disciplinary hearing for daring to wear grey socks that had a ‘thin white stripe in them’. On learning on the same day that he had been offered a job at City Hall he decided that full time employment would be better than having to tolerate such pedantic rules. So he left, and joined the Education Department at City Hall. As almost an aside, but also a glimpse into George, it’s interesting that he remembers those socks so precisely. When I showed him my copy of his
1973 book, and we look at his photograph on the dust jacket, to share memories of how we both looked then, he also remembers exactly where he bought the (very 1973) suit he’s wearing in the picture. I’m proved wrong when I assume that the job at City Hall was the start of a long career in local government. ‘No’, he says, smiling. ‘It didn’t last long - largely down to my being tempted to go out for coffee rather frequently’. What followed was a series of jobs that proved to be an important catalyst. He worked at Gooses’ bookshop in Norwich, and WH Smith among others. ‘From working in book shops, what I began to see’, he explains, ‘is that there was an opportunity, a gap in the market. It’s different now, but then there were very few local books’. George Nobbs decided to fill that gap. He did it. His ‘Norwich a City of Centuries ‘was followed by a history of Norwich City Football Club. Next was the collection of the writings of ‘Jonathan Mardle’, the Norfolk yarns of writer Eric Fowler. These, and others, including books about other areas, and other football clubs, like Brighton, were hugely successful. The ‘Jonathan Mardle’ collection went in to so many reprints that, with a truly Norfolk twist, the fly leaf to one printing carried the imprint ‘Umpteenth Edition’. Reflecting on it all he says ‘I made an enjoyable career out of writing and producing local books. But, the book trade was changing. It was contracting. It worked in a different way’. He was though still active in it by 2005 when he was elected as Councillor for the Crome Ward. Active in the Labour Party for some time, but not in any public office, he put himself forward for election when a friend of his retired. ‘It was’, he says. ‘ a now or never moment’. “I was lucky enough to be picked by Crome Ward and I’ve got the best constituents there are! They’re a real slice of Norwich and it’s the place where Kett pitched his camp in 1549
and where John Crome painted – hence the name”. It was a sound decision it seems. He’s been elected three times since then. By 2009 he was Leader of the Labour Group. He calls it a ‘lonely time’, as he was leading a group of three. It was to prove a stark contrast when in 2013 he became Leader of the Council leading a Council of eighty four. This was what The Guardian defined as ‘The Rainbow Alliance’. In truth no one was more surprised than George when he found himself Leader of Norfolk County Council. It’s worth looking back at the events. The 2013 elections left the Conservatives as the largest party - without an overall majority. In an unlikely, and ‘multi - coloured’, alliance The Lib Dems, Ukip, the Greens and George Nobbs as Labour leader with fourteen seats took power. Seen as the man to pull it together George pulled it off. He was surprised at his own resultant position and, like many other people, has been surprised at how this extraordinary coalition has coped. ‘The degree of maturity and understanding between the parties has been wonderful’, he says. ‘National politics are put aside as we work in the best interests of Norfolk. I couldn’t wish for better colleagues’. I doubt they could wish for anyone more involved with, committed to and enthusiastic about Norwich and Norfolk. George has always lived in Norwich. A single man, he has
feature by:
Pete Goodrum Writer, broadcaster @petegoodrum
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FINEPeople
With the then Leader of Suffolk County Council and others, signing agreement for Norfolk and Suffolk to work together (November 2013)
family in the city, and says he can’t imagine living beyond walking distance from the city centre. He genuinely loves the city centre of Norwich. ‘Think about it - the Castle, the three dozen medieval churches, the Great Hospital - any one of them would make another city famous. We’re so fortunate with it all that it’s easy sometimes to take it for granted’. George Nobbs also believes that the city, and his schooling, shaped him. He sees the county’s long tradition of radical, free thinking and even rebellion as an innate influence on him. He changes tone with that thought, stretching his arms straight against the meeting table and almost thinking out loud he says, ‘I always think that my political views are formed by where I was born and what I’m attached to. Norfolk has been free thinking for over a thousand years. Think about Kett and his rebellion; or the fact that Nelson had once wanted to be the Whig M.P. for Ipswich and even his first speech in the House of Lords was about raising the low level of agricultural workers’ pay. Thomas Paine - an undeniable influence
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on both the American and French revolutions. It begs the question - had Norfolk’s history been different, would my politics have been different? Or, if Norfolk’s history had been as it was, but I’d been born elsewhere, would I have been different?’ The question is impossible to answer of course, but what is possible is the ability to see just how much this man knows about , and cares about, Norfolk. His knowledge of the region’s history is linked to, and fuelled by, a love of its art. He’s far from ignorant of art in general, but the painters of East Anglia are important to him. His office has on its walls full size reproductions, loaned from The Castle, and we break off to discuss the Seago that speaks so much of the Norfolk landscape. He places the beginning of his love affair with art at Saturday morning visits to the Castle as a boy. I can relate to that, and it brings us back to the fact that we both went to the same school. The school also shaped him he believes, giving him not just knowledge, but a thirst for more knowledge. ‘It also gave me a
sense of civic pride and local patriotism.’ As we sit and talk, the sun streaming in through the County Hall office windows, I’m aware of two things. Firstly, he’s been generous with his time, and I need to press on to ask him at least one more big question. Then the second thing hits me. You’ll see it too as you read this article. I’ve learned a lot about George Nobbs, but I haven’t asked many questions. This isn’t too say that he likes talking about himself. Quite the contrary. In fact at the outset of this conversation
he’d been decidedly diffident, as if bemused by being interviewed. No, the point is that George Nobbs cares a about a lot of things, and most of them are hard wired into serving Norfolk and Norfolk people. Because of that he expresses opinions and beliefs in a fluent and articulate flow of ideas, importantly informed by history. Which is why I want to ask him about the future. His future. Norfolk’s future. Obviously, when he answers you realise they’re the same thing. It falls into two main categories.
Addressing an event at the Archive Centre. Tony Robinson enjoying
a joke!
2015 October | 09
FINEPeople ‘We all know that we’ve had to make cuts, and that there will be more cuts to come. They have to be made, but what’s unfair is that national government implement the concept of cuts but we have to make the practical, on the ground, choices as to where they’re made. And that’s difficult’. There’s a slight hesitation as he frames the second point. ‘We can embrace the government’s offer of ‘devolution’. It’s difficult to understand, and it’s inconsistent. But, East Anglia is one of the country’s biggest contributors to the Exchequer and we should see more decisions made here, and made for the good of local people’. This is plainly a big issue for George Nobbs and he enlarges on it further. ‘This is a cross party, and indeed cross county, matter. I understand reluctance to change, but we have to embrace it. Our origins and traditions show our consistent innovation. From
the weaving era to agriculture - think about that - the county at the heart of the 18th century agricultural revolution is now in the 21st century at the heart of ‘agritech’. It proves my point. We must continue to innovate, and never be insular’. It’s a point well made, and we expand it to discuss the notion that resistance to change is often rooted in a love for Norfolk as a bucolic backwater, a rural idyll. ‘It’s a place and time that can’t be preserved because it never existed. We’ve always been at the forefront of change, building a future’. Seizing every opportunity that comes with devolution and increased autonomy is the way ahead for George Nobbs and East Anglia. ‘The other day I heard the Deputy Leader of Suffolk County Council, Christopher Hudson, sum it up very well. He said ‘Future generations will never forgive us if
Accepting a petition from Tasmin Lodge prior to a Cabinet meeting future of Wensum Lodge
we don’t seize this opportunity’. As we close George says he’ll walk with me. As we go down the corridor he shows me more of the pictures, a gallery of Norfolk’s heroes. Pointing to a gap he says ‘Thomas Paine will go there’. I somehow thought Paine, the radical, innovative thinker would
in relation to the
be there. What was it he said? Oh yes , ‘Moderation in temper is always a virtue; moderation in principle is always a vice’. Mr Paine, you may be long gone, but your idea is being upheld here, in your Norfolk, today. By George Nobbs
With Great Yarmouth Council Leader announcing agreement over premises (on board the Lydia Eve)
10 | October 2015
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FINEPeople
The brand logo produced by Robot Mascot for Allysa Seely.
Road To Rio 2016 Norwich design agency helps elite paratriathlete towards Rio 2016 Olympics dream
R
obot Mascot, a Norwich based branding and advertising agency, have directed their skills to helping Allysa Seely towards her Paralympic dream of reaching Rio 2016. With just a year until the start of the Rio Olympics, Allysa is training and fundraising to compete with Team USA. To help her, using their creative design expertise, Robot Mascot have come up with an iconic brand identity to represent Allysa and gain recognition for her fundraising and promotion activities. Allysa Seely commented, “I fell in love with the sport in 2008, but shortly after, in 2009, a neurological condition impaired my ability to walk and complications led to having my leg amputated. Despite this I was determined to return to triathlon and become an elite paratriathlete. As part of the USA team I am now competing all over the world, including gaining a bronze in London in May. I need support to fund my challenge and so Robot Mascot’s wonderful logo design will really help promote my activities over the next year. The creativity of their logo embodies my feisty personality and I will use it towards my dream of making the starting line at Rio 2016 and beyond.” Nick Ruston, managing director of Robot Mascot, remarked “When we were approached to help Allysa and heard her story we immediately knew we could assist her. Following research, input from Allysa and our creative design process we have combined Allysa’s personality, aspirations and courage into a memorable, stylised logo that we feel captures the spirit of her ‘Road to Rio’ endeavour.” Allysa Seely started participating in triathlons in 2008 before a brain condition diagnosed in 2010 stopped her from walking and led to a leg amputation. Despite this, she was back doing triathlons the following year. In May Allysa gained a bronze medal in the London event for the World Triathlon Series and on 15 September she will line up in the World Championships in Chicago, USA. Nick added, “All of us at Robot Mascot will be following Allysa’s competitive challenge and hope our work will help her Rio dream come true.” www.finecity.co.uk
Allysa in Chicago, 2014.
2015 October | 11
Munich Beer Festival Travelling man Tony Cooper visits Munich’s world-famous Hofbräuhaus, and delves into its illustrious history
I
t didn’t take me long to find the most famous beer-hall in the world Hofbräuhaus am Platzl (‘Platzl’ = ‘small square’). Just turn right at Marienplatz - the centre of Munich’s lovely Old Town packed with tourists, buskers and the like - and there it is. A building the size of a large department store! I was mightily impressed let me tell you and even more impressed
12 | October 2015
after enjoying a tour of the works and finding out about its history. And it didn’t take my guide long to tell me that it was the first beer-hall in the world founded as far back as 1589 by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria to supply beer for him and his courtly chums. The quality of the brew was so good that its fame spread rapidly throughout Bavaria. And the person you’ve got to thank is the head (and first) brewer of
the Hofbräuhaus, Herr Heimeran Pongratz. Couple this to the fact that the Bavarian Beer Purity Law of 1516 clearly state that only natural ingredients could (and must) be used in the brewing process, it all adds up to one thing - a damn good pint! I also discovered that the beer once saved Munich from annihilation from Swedish invaders when King Gustavus Adolphus entered Bavaria during the Thirty Years’ War in 1632 threatening to sack and burn the entire city. But he forfeited his military presence when the citizens agreed to his demand of a ‘forced’ gift of 600,000 barrels of the best! Now the ‘invaders’ come in their thousands from all corners of the globe to down a pint or two (or nowadays a litre!) and
feast on young or old pork - that is suckling pig or knuckle of pork. In Munich’s book of folklore, there are plenty of good stories I should imagine but this one caught my attention when I
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
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FINEPLACES
learned that Mozart - who lived for a time round the corner from the Hofbräuhaus - wrote his opera Idomeneo after a visit to the beer-hall fortified him for the task. True or false! Tick the box! I think the answer is ‘true’. Leading up to the First World War the Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin visited the Hofbräuhaus in 1913 with his wife Nadezhda. Later she wrote: ‘We have especially fond memories of the Hofbräuhaus where the good beer erases all class differences.’ In fact, the Munich Communists set up their headquarters in the actual building where I was standing while Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists held their first meeting in the Festsaal (Festival Room) in 1920. The room’s now the pride and joy of the Hofbräuhaus which, would
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you believe, is actually owned by the state of Bavaria. Therefore, political activity has often taken over the traditional agenda at the Hofbräuhaus and it was here that Hitler proclaimed the 25 theses of the National Socialist programme on 24th February1920 which reconstituted the German Workers’ Party as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, better known as the Nazi Party. However, the infamous Beer Hall Putsch of 1923 actually took place elsewhere in the now-demolished Bürgerbräukelles situated on the east side of Munich. After the Second World War, the Hofbräuhaus quickly rose to become Munich’s No 1 tourist attraction - and, believe me, it still is. Every visitor makes a beeline to it inasmuch as any
visitor to London targets Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. And celebrities such as Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker, John F Kennedy, Mikhail Gorbachev and George W. Bush have all tasted the Hofbräuhaus’ finest brew. And now, I thought, TC! The Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) was one of the most distinguished guests to enjoy the ambience of the Hofbräuhaus. On visits to her native Bavaria she often stopped by to have a ‘swig’ of the tasty Munich brew. Fame spreads like wild flower, of course, and over the last decade or so the Hofbräuhaus brand has spread its wings with similar beer-halls operating in other German cities such as Hamburg, Bremen, Regensburg and Berchtesgaden.
And Australia, too! They got into the act early by opening a Hofbräuhaus in Melbourne in 1968. This venture was followed by similar ones in America with Newport, Kentucky setting the trend in 2003 followed by Las Vegas, Miami Beach, Chicago, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh while New York City and Houston came on line about a couple of years ago. However, the first European Hofbräuhaus to open outside of Germany was, surprisingly, in the Italian city of Genoa. But if you want the real thing, of course, Munich’s the place to be. Beer is engraved in their culture and the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is the epicentre to it and open all hours. Well, nearly! But to many beer-lovers the month to be in Munich is October. And that means only one thing, the world-famous Oktoberfest, an important part of Bavarian culture on the go since 1810. But don’t miss out! The festival actually starts in late September and runs over 16 days to the first weekend in October. The founding of the Oktoberfest - one of the most heralded events in Germany attracting more than six million visitors a year - comes from such an unlikely source. A royal one at that! The person one has to thank for rolling out the barrel and getting the ohm-papa music flowing with a bite of the old pork knuckle was none other than Crown Prince Ludwig on the occasion of his marriage in October 1810 to Frederick the Great’s daughter, Princess Thérèse von SachsenHildburghausen. The wedding turned out to be a festive occasion on a grand scale with a grand parade honouring the loving couple. The parade resurfaced in 1850 and has been held ever since becoming a key event of the Oktoberfest. Over 8000 people, mostly from Bavaria, take to the streets in traditional costume parading from Maximilianstrasse through the centre of Munich to the Oktoberfest grounds at Thérèsienwiese (Thérèse’s field)
2015 October | 13
FINEPLACES just outside of Munich’s city centre. The parade is led by the Münchner kindl (the Munich child), symbol of the city’s coat of arms. The organisers are fussy, too, as to what type of beer is served at the festival and only beer brewed within Munich’s city limits containing a minimum of 13.5% master spice is allowed. As such, this makes the beer designated ‘Oktoberfest beer’. Large quantities, as you can imagine, are consumed - seven million litres or so. Apart from the beer flowing like water, there’s also a wide variety of traditional Bavarian food to tuck into. And one dish that’s popular to the core is that favourite of all Bavarian sausages, the weisswurst (white sausage), made from very finely-minced veal and fresh pork bacon and often flavoured with parsley, lemon, onion, ginger and cardamom, although, of course, these ingredients are variable. As the sausage is very perishable, weisswurst is traditionally cooked early in the morning and prepared and eaten as a snack between breakfast and lunch. An old wives’ tale states that the sausages should not be allowed to hear the church bells’ noonday chime. That tradition seems to linger on as many Bavarians eat their weisswurst before noon but, I think, stray a bit off course during the Oktoberfest! I also found out that there are several ways of eating weisswurst. There’s the traditional way, called zuzeln, in which each end of the sausage is cut, or bitten open, and the meat greedily (and unwieldy) sucked out from the skin. Alternatively, the more popular and discreet way nowadays seems to be to cut the sausage lengthways and then gently fork out the meat from the skin. However, I should imagine that beerfest punters would take the traditional path! The dish is commonly served with Bavarian sweet mustard (weisswurstsenf) and accompanied by brezen (pretzel) and weissbier (wheat beer). Weisswurst is rarely eaten
14 | October 2015
in other parts of Germany besides Bavaria and this fact has contributed to the sausage coining the humorous term, weißwurstäquator, meaning ‘white sausage equator’, describing the supposed cultural boundary separating southern Germany, especially Bavaria, from central Germany. But if weisswurst is not to your liking there are plenty of other regional dishes to tuck into such as schweinebraten (roast pork), schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock), steckerlfisch (grilled
fish on a stick), käsespätzle (cheese noodles), reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) or sauerkraut/ rotkohl/blaukraut (red cabbage) commonly served with obatzda, a lovely spiced Bavarian cheese delicacy which is prepared by mixing a soft cheese, usually Camembert, with lashes of butter and seasoned with sweet or hot paprika and salt and pepper. Obatzda is a classic example of typical Bavarian biergarten food. Therefore, what are you waiting for? Oktober, of course! Prost! My journey to Munich was
unfussy and relaxing all the way from Norwich. I took Abellio Greater Anglia’s train service to London Liverpool Street (www. abelliogreateranglia.co.uk) which connected me to the Stansted Express (service every 15 minutes) (www.stanstedexpress. com) alighting me at the Fosterdesigned Stansted terminal within 40 minutes. EasyJet did the rest. I touched down at Munich after a comfortable and unfussy 90-minute flight (www.easyjet. com).
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FINEPLACES
EACH The EACH Awakeover: Have fun staying awake so families can gain some much-needed sleep!
W
hen was the last time you saw the sun rise or spent the night having a well-deserved catch-up with your best friends? Well now’s your chance to have the night of your life and raise vital funds to provide care and support to local life-threatened children, young people and their families. On the night of Saturday 24th October, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is asking people to host an ‘Awakeover’; a night where you have fun staying awake so families can gain some much-needed sleep. The rest families are able to gain from short breaks offered at EACH’s three hospices across East Anglia is invaluable and the funds raised from sponsorship at your ‘Awakeover’ will ensure these vital services can continue for
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families when they need it most. The ‘Awakeover’ takes place on the night of Saturday 24th October and carries on into the morning of Sunday 25th October. This is the start of the October Half Term holidays – so there really is no excuse not to get involved! Saturday 24th October is also the night the clocks go backwards – so you’ll have an extra hour later that day to catchup on sleep. Here are some ideas for your Awakeover: Bake your way through until the morning light; either eating as you go or selling your produce and donating the proceeds on top of your sponsorship. To banish those sleepy feelings during your Awakeover, incorporate activities to keep you moving and wide awake! A dance-off or a sports challenge on a games console are perfect
ways to stay active. Stock up on your favourite snacks – or better still make your own and award prizes for the best tasting creations! Host a karaoke night– surely no one can sleep through all that noise! Never had the chance to watch that trilogy or box set? Why not host a movie marathon and stock up on the popcorn to get you through the night. Experience the thrill of a Vegas style casino night – get dressed to impress, make suitably sophisticated snacks and hope lady luck is on your side! Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Risk? All these games are highly addictive, competitive and likely to last all night. So gather your family and friends and compete to be crowned board game champion! How your ‘Awakeover’ will help families: Archie was diagnosed with West Syndrome when he was four months old. West Syndrome is the term used to describe
a type of epilepsy which most typically starts in the first year of life. One of the most valuable services EACH provides for Archie and his mum Claire is the overnight breaks; which ensures Archie gets the care he needs while Claire gets a well deserved rest. Claire said: “We receive regular overnight stays at Quidenham. This is a huge help to both Archie and I as he requires 24 hour care and it’s lovely to visit and have a rest knowing Archie is cared for. I always stay with Archie as it’s lovely to watch him have so much attention and enjoy himself. It’s a break for both of us and a way of creating magical memories.”
To register your ‘Awakeover’ or to find out more about this event, please visit: www.each. org.uk/awakeover
2015 October | 15
FINEPLACES Bullard’ Brewery, Coslany, now flats
A Walk Around 24 Interesting Norwich Pubs Brewing has been linked to Norwich for many hundreds of years. There have always been a lot of pubs – in the 1850s over 600 and even in the 1980s about 200 remained. A visit to City Hall Licensing Department reveals that this figure is much the same today. Stephen Browning is your host for a walk around some of the most interesting in the Fine City. Unregulated Drinking In days gone by, there were probably more unregulated drinking venues than official public houses. Areas of the city such as Coslany were notorious
16 | October 2015
in this respect: any householder who could afford a barrel of ale could sell it from the front room. It may not have been legal but it was impossible to stamp out. Reports on applications from official pubs seeking a renewal
of their license last century can be seen on request from the reserve section of the Millennium Library and show, time and again, the extent of the problem, one which persisted well into the last century. A typical entry for 1911 would say that Inspector so-and-so opposed the renewal of the license of a pub in Oak Street on account of the fact that there were a dozen other drinking establishments within 200 yards and that, these, furthermore, catered to the ‘lowest’ type of customer. The records also reveal the extent of drinking illegally after hours, and this even at a time when pubs could open at 4 a.m. and carry on until 11 p.m. The fines meted out were quite hefty and legal pubs must have felt very hard done by as they said goodbye to their
customers at closing time, only to see them transfer their business, sometimes literally, next door. Pubs in the city centre would try to retain their customers with some type of speciality entertainment. Cock fighting was hugely popular in the 1700s and 1800s. Bare-knuckle boxing bouts invariably drew large crowds. Some put on theatrical productions and many tried to hire the unusual – the giant, the midget, the pig that could count, or the giant snake that, at ‘3 p.m. sharp’ would eat a live cat. Beers of all sorts were popular and, of course, locally produced. Porter – a rich dark ale – was a favourite with women and said to be good for the throat. Gin became very popular, especially in the 19th century as it was easy and cheap to produce – hence the term ‘gin palace’. Such establishments for the poorer classes sometimes displayed a sign which said ‘Drunk for a penny. Dead drunk for twopence. Clean straw for nothing.’ Hogarth’s famous engraving ‘Gin Alley’ could have referred just as well to areas of Norwich as it did to London.
Types Of Pub Names feature by:
Steve Browning Writer @returningperson
It is interesting to look at some of the names given to pubs in Norwich. Here are some lists of name types used in Norwich pubs both now and over the centuries. www.finecity.co.uk
FINEPLACES Biblical names Adam and Eve Angel St Andrew St Catherine St Faith St Giles St Paul People – real and fictional Albert Artful Dodger Belgian Monk Delaney Duke of Connaught Duke of Marlborough Duke of Norfolk Duke of Sussex Duke of Wellington Duke of York Earl of Cardigan Earl of Leicester Edith Cavell Frank General Windham Jack O’Newbury Jenny Lind John Bull Kett Lord Raglan Marquis of Granby Micawber Mike Nelson Prince of Denmark Prince of Wales Princess of Wales Prince Regent Queen Adelaide Queen Victoria Queen of Hungary Queen of Iceni Seamus O’Rourke Shakespeare Sir Garnet Wolseley Crome William IV Professions and trade names Baker Bank Boatswain Bricklayer Cabinet Maker Chandlers Coachmaker Coldstream Guard Cooper Distillery Eastern Union Railway Fishmonger Foundry Grocer
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Hot Presser Ironmonger Lawyer Brewer – usually ‘Jolly’ Butcher – ditto Dyer - ditto Farmer - ditto Hatter - ditto Malster - ditto Mariner- ditto Rifleman Trowel and Hammer Waterman Wig and Pen Woolkpack Yarn Yarn Factory Food Artichoke Blueberries Grapes Mustard Pot Pineapple Rosemary and Thyme Ribs of Beef Shoulder of Mutton (Slug and) Lettuce Animals and insects Arabian Horse Bee Hive Bird-in-hand Black eagle Black/White/Grey Horse Boar’s Head Bull Cat ( and Fiddle) Cock Crocodile Dolphin (Dun) Cow Elephant Fox and Hounds Golden Dog Golden Lion Goose ( and Gridiron) Green Dragon Griffin Hampshire Hog Lamb (Lame) Dog Nag Nightingale Ostrich Parrot Peacock Pig Pigeon Rat Raven Red Lion Reindeer Slug Swan
Turkey Unicorn White Hart Places Angel Pleasure Gardens Bank Plain Ber Street Gates Bishop’s Bridge Castle City Colchester Denmark Derby Duke’s Palace Essex Ipswich London Fye Bridge Norfolk Norwich Orford Oxford Sandringham Somerset Suffolk Tombland Yarmouth Plants and Trees Blue Bell Cherry Tree Elm Rose/Red Rose/White Rose Walnut Tree Vine Sports Boxer (Compleat) Angler Cricketer Miscellaneous Balloon Bell Bell Vue
Black Chequers Birdcage
Our Walk Begins This walk begins at the top of St Lawrence Steps. To your left as you leave the steps is a stateof-the-art Sports Bar, with a large flat-screen TV. It is quite small but popular with locals who like to watch the main sporting events from satellite TV. WiFi is here. Live Bands perform. Cross the road and proceed back down St Benedicts Street. A few hundred yards down you will come to an old pub called The Ten Bells. There is some dispute as to how it came by its name but it seems likely that it was from here that you could hear the peal of ten church bells. The pub dates from at least 1745 and it has a homely and comfortable air about it. A quiet pub, it features hand-pumped ales. It is easily accessible to the disabled. St Swithins Alley is opposite and it was reputedly down here that the Hampshire Hog existed in the 19th century, famous as the tenant was John ‘Licker’ Pratt, the champion bare-knuckle prize fighter. Here you could play a game called ‘Logats’, which has died out now, but was once very popular. It consisted of laying down a jack and then throwing three club-like ‘logats’ at it – the winner was the player whose logat landed nearest the jack. Just along the road is The Plough which has an intricate exterior. Inside it is also a place that makes drinkers want to
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FINEPLACES linger. There is a large garden at the rear. Turn left up Ten Bell Lane and left again into Pottergate. Ahead of you is Micawber’s Tavern, celebrating Dickens’ famous character who was always fighting off tradesmen demanding payment but who ended up triumphant in the New World. He is a celebration of hope in the face of adversity and, in this traditional venue, can be imagined taking life very easy indeed and trying to get another pint of hand-drawn beer on credit.
Through The Famous Norwich Lanes Walk along Pottergate, past The Birdcage on your left – a no-nonsense boozer on two floors where Greene King IPA and Abbot are served – and you will come to The Belgian Monk. This striking gabled venue is very popular, especially for those who like Belgian bottled beer. Care is needed, however, as the Belgian can be much more potent than the English beer of the bottled variety and it is easy to get up to leave only to find that your legs don’t work anymore. Good food at reasonable rates is available, too. Continue into Bedford Street and past Frank’s Bar on the left, which, some while ago, was a sandwich bar and café. Disabled access is good and regular beers include Adnam’s Bitter and Green King. It is a sign of the times that, while larger pubs are going out of business due to both cheap
alcohol being available in the supermarkets and the smoking ban, smaller establishments like Frank’s Bar opening up. Maybe this more personal approach is the future as opposed to the huge themed pubs that thrived in the nineties. The alley alongside Frank’s Bar leads to Bedfords, popular with the younger crowd. There is a bar upstairs and one in the crypt. Meals are served lunchtime and evenings. At the top of the street, opposite the NatWest Bank, is The Wild Man. This traditional pub commemorates, not, as some believe, a resident of Bethel Street ‘lunaticks’ Home but Peter, supposedly suckled by a she-bear in the Forest of Herenhausen. Legend has it that George I came across him whilst hunting and brought him back to England. Attempts
to educate him failed and he escaped, turning up in Norwich. As he could not speak and was destitute, he was incarcerated in Bridewell prison until reclaimed by a Thomas Fenns to whom George I had entrusted his welfare. He went on to live to the age of 73 and when he died, in 1785, he was a celebrity. It is not hard to imagine that he would have been a most attractive business proposition in these times as many pubs gained a profit from putting on what were, in effect, freak shows and, perhaps, this is how he earned his living.
Into The Very Centre Of Town Turning right, proceed down London Street and first left past Waterstone’s (previously
Ottaker’s) fine bookshop. On your right, down a small alley, is The Walnut Tree Shades. In his entertaining book of 1975,‘The Inns and Taverns of Old Norwich’, Dr John Young recounts how, with its budgerigar and collection of buffalo horns, this was then a centre for singing and conviviality. It has changed a little as, apart from attracting city workers for a ‘quick one’ on the way home, it now it plays hosts to local bands and weekend nights can get very crowded. It is still friendly, and notable for appealing to people from all walks of life and of all ages. Disabled people can gain easy access. There is a restaurant upstairs. Leaving The Walnut Tree Shades, turn left and you will come out in Gentleman’s Walk. Just ahead, to your right, is one of the most photographed pubs in town, the Sir Garnet, previously the Sir Garnet Wolseley. This five storied, bulbous and balconied structure offers some fine views of the market place if you wish to take your drink upstairs. It is the only pub in the Market Place and it is a good place to view the hustle and bustle of the Market. It is very much pooch friendly and man’s best friend has his own drinking bowls. Sir Garnet is famous for arriving too late to save General Gordon at Khartoum. This was entirely due, however, to the procrastination of Gladstone’s administration at home and comprehensive
Church of St John and Belgian Monk
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FINEPLACES
victory over Arabi Pasha ensued. Sir Garnet Wolseley became a national hero in 1882. Prior to its inauguration as a pub, it was a butcher’s shop. In 1858 was displayed the Great Ox, a mammoth beast by all accounts, soon to be roasted on Lakenham Cricket Ground in a celebrated Norwich holiday event. Featured beers include hand-pumped ales.
Dark Deeds, Indeed Carry on along Gentleman’s Walk and take a left at White Lion
Street, in the middle of which you will find The Lamb which has an exceedingly interesting history. As an example, the landlord, John Aggas, a reportedly kind-hearted man, was murdered in 1787 by his brother-in-law, Timothy Hardy. By all accounts, the murderer was jealous of the success of his relation in maintaining such a fine ale house. One night in November, drunk with his friends at the nearby Magpie public house - now gone - he decided to invade The Lamb, have a great
free party and then smash the place to pieces. Using his key, he and his friends entered the Lamb and made merry. John Aggas, interrupted in his sleep, tried to defend his property. Timothy Hardy had just decided to turn on all the taps in order to waste the beer when John Aggas interrupted him. A claspknife in the stomach ended John Aggas’ life. Timothy Hardy hung from the gallows in front of the adjacent Norwich Castle but not before suffering the most terrible torment in his mind, wailing and screaming for forgiveness. His cries into the night on the eve of his execution were to no avail. You will see the Bell Hotel at the end of this street. Along with The Maids Head this is one of the two surviving ancient Hotels of Norwich. It is known for hosting the Revolution Club, which caused the government some anxiety although it appears to have done little more than chant the maxims of the French Revolution to little effect. More dangerous was the infamous ‘Hell Fire Club’ which professed itself inimicable to government and anti-Methodist. After an evening’s heavy drinking the ‘gentlemen’ would try to find something to attack, preferably
a Methodist, and, in 1754, one Minister suffered serious injury. All sorts of other, genuinely political, debating clubs also met here in the 19th century. WiFi access is available. Tasting notes are provided for the ever-changing guest ales. Both the extensive food selection and ales served are at reasonable prices. For lovers of modern theatre, the Bell holds a special place as the ‘retreat’ for Arnold Wesker. Following a string of rejection slips from London publishers and theatre proprietors, he took refuge in the kitchens as a cook and, at night, in his ‘queerly shaped’ room where he gradually regained his confidence. A brilliant series of plays eventually catapulted him to fame as one of the ‘angry young men’ of the 1950’s alongside Joe Orton. One, The Kitchen (1957 ) directly refers to his routine at breakfasttime here preparing porridge bacon, eggs and kippers for the hotel’s guests. A few doors away is a pub, originally called the Gardeners’ Arms but also known as the Murderers, and the sign at present has both names on the opposite sides. This area was quite rough and, one evening, a prostitute failed to get her payment from a client. An argument ensued and the woman was knifed to death. This is a multi-floor pub, much bigger than it appears from the outside, and serves real ale. It is very popular with city workers and a younger crowd. It has WiFi access and satellite TV.
Down To The River Walk up Timberhill, left into Golden Ball Street and right into Rouen Road. At the bottom, where this road meets King Street, you will see the clean white lines of the Friendship Bridge which will take you over the river. Turn left and walk along the river, probably dotted with fishermen, towards the Anglican Cathedral towering in the distance. You will come to an open space on your right around which is the new Riverside entertainment complex – a multiplex cinema, restaurants,
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FINEPLACES
Down on Riverside it is peaceful in the week…
a health club and nightclubs. There is a large pub facing the river – the Queen of Iceni, having an extensive seating area outside. At weekends, this part of town is frenetic with club and pub goers as this area forms an ‘L’ shape with the other main clubbing area, Prince of Wales Road. In the week, however, it is quite the opposite and is a good place to meet for a pub lunch or supper. Traditional English food is favoured such as fish and chips, bangers and mash or gammon steak, egg and chips. Walking straight on at the cross roads, note the Compleat Angler on your left, a traditional pub popular with drinkers who want to sit and watch activity on the river. It boasts WiFi access, a function room and serves London Pride, Green King and Fullers ales amongst others.
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Carry on until you come to Bishop’s Bridge. Almost opposite is the 17th century Bridge House pub, situated on the site of Lollard’s Pit with a plaque on the wall to commemorate the burning at the stake of many unfortunate souls. Across the river is the Red Lion, a most attractive pub which serves hand-pumped ales. You can sit by the river and access WiFi here. There is a large car park adjacent. Sunday lunchtime features a carvery. Carry on up Bishopsgate which bends to the right at the top and soon, on your right, you will see arguably Norwich’s most famous and venerable pub – the Adam and Eve. Inside, there are more steps up and down than you can shake a stick at, leading to or from small snug rooms containing high-back settles.
Nobody knows exactly when it was built but it dates from at least the 13th century when both it and the Red Lion just mentioned were the property of the monks of the Great Hospital. George Borrow drank here often. It is reputed to be haunted with a number of monk-like ghosts as well as that of Lord Sheffield who perished close by during Kett’s rebellion. A selection of real ales is available. Leave the Adam and Eve by walking up Palace Street. On your left will be found a pretty pub with an outside seating area, called the Wig and Pen. This is very popular with city professionals for lunches. It has won the ‘Le Routier Food Pub of the Year, East Anglia’ award, and serves hand-pumped ales. Major sporting events are shown on widescreen TVs and disabled people will not find access a problem.
Into Tombland For The Finish Turn left into Tombland – nothing to do with tombs but derived from an old English word meaning ‘empty space’ - and note two fine old pubs on the far side of the road. The first is the Mischief and is especially popular with a younger crowd and those who like to watch sporting events live on flat-screen televisions. The second, on the other side of the bridge and with a balcony overlooking the river is the Ribs of Beef: this was most likely its speciality food in days gone by. Today it is a friendly pub with a loyal clientele, is WiFi linked, and features hand-pumped ales. This walk ends, most suitably, at the Maids Head Hotel, a couple of hundred yards up the road on your left. It is possibly the oldest inn in England, although
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FINEPLACES
it does not look like it from the outside with its lower elevations of brick and Tudor-style timbered top. We know that, in 1287, it was a hospice for monks attached to the Bishop’s Palace. The Black Prince, Cardinal Wolsey, Queen Catherine and even Good Queen Bess herself are said to have stayed here. There is a bedroom named after Queen Elizabeth I but, on the other hand, so there is in many other hotels the length and breadth of the land. We know she came her on one of her many travels around her kingdom, but by all accounts she feasted and
travelled on before dusk. She also visited the palace of the Earl of Surrey near Mousehold Heath, but surely she would have stayed there? The original parlour bar is much like it always has been and there is an atmosphere about the hotel that makes it a wrench to leave. We have more than one account by citizens - including Mayor Anguish in 1611 who thought the same and suffered marital discord as a result. There is 800 years of history in every corridor and room: if you only take one drink on this walk, there is no more appropriate or enjoyable spot for it than this.
TIME: a brisk walk around this route will probably take about two and a half hours. If, however, you stop to sample the brews and hospitality, well, it can take as long as you like! Sit by the river even in the very centre of town – this is the Ribs of Beef – and watch the world go by
WALKING CONDITIONS: the beginning, around the centre of the city, is reasonably flat with some areas of cobblestones. The end of the walk, from the Riverside, is on a gentle upwards incline.
Elizabeth 1 slept here: or maybe she didn’t (see text)
This walk is adapted from ‘Norwich’ in the Halsgrove Discover series, by Stephen Browning, available at good bookshops and priced at £14.99. This book features 11 different Norwich walks and is profusely illustrated with photographs from the author and top Norfolk photographer, Daniel Tink. ‘A stunning new book on the city’ Eastern Daily Press ‘This new book by Stephen Browning is really very good’ Norwich Evening News Stephen’s page www. facebook.com/ stevebrowningbooks Daniel’s website www. scenicnorfolk.co.uk www.finecity.co.uk
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FINEPLACES
Photographic London Quiz How well do you know your capital city? Where or what are the following? Give yourself one mark for each photo you can identify. Maximum total = 10. Some are very easy, others a little more tricky! Answers on page 24
1.
3.
2.
feature by:
Steve Browning Writer @returningperson
22 | October 2015
4.
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FINEPLACES
5.
6.
7.
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2015 October | 23
24 | October 2015
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ANSWERS 1 This is a seat in the foyer of the British Library in Kings Cross. 2 Newton by Eduardo Paolozzi, inspired by William Blake. Some of William Blake’s original artwork is in the Tate Museum ( Pimlico Tube) but this work is in front of the British Library. 3 A statue of a couple embracing by Paul Day in The Meeting Place, St Pancras Station. 4 Sir John Betjeman on the upper station concourse of Kings Cross. 5 3312 people employed by the railway company and who died in both World Wars are commemorated by this sculpture on Paddington Station. 6 Paddington Bear on the station platform: the young ladies jumped on as I was about to take the picture. 7 The Great Court of the British Museum with the roof casting giant shadows over the walls. It was designed by Lord Foster who also designed the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia. 8 The London Eye. 9 The Tower of London. 10 Tower Bridge.
10. 8.
9.
FINEPLACES
CompetitionFINEPLACES
Win A Mini! 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.FineCity.co.uk/winamini Only one entry per household Your name: How much is your home phone bill ? £ Your address: Would you like to pay less than that? Postcode: Your landline contact number: Your email address:
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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.
2015 October | 25
FINEARTS
Dessau Ring In his passion for the music of Richard Wagner, Fine City arts correspondent, Tony Cooper, finds himself back in Deutschland attending yet another Ring cycle
A
nd on this occasion, I’m enjoying the Ring - or to give the Ring its correct title Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung) - in the Anhaltisches Theatre in the Bauhaus city of Dessau situated in the former territory of East Germany, a relaxing two-hour journey by train from Berlin. Four operas are contained within the cycle, the story of which mainly comes from the old Norse/Germanic legend of the Nibelungenlied (The Song
26 | October 2015
of the Dwarves) focusing upon the relationship between love and earthly power and the twin themes of yearning and loss. Wagner originally termed the cycle a ‘bühnenfestspiel’ (stage festival play) and it was structured in three days preceded by a vorabend (‘ante-evening’). The cycle comprises Das Rheingold (The Rhinegold); Die Walküre (The Valkyrie); Siegfried; Götterdämmerung (The Twilight of the Gods). It’s a hell of a piece to master not just for the performers but for audience members as
well and there’s no other work in the operatic repertoire of such gargantuan proportions. In total the drama unfolds over 16/17 intensive and dramatic hours. It’s a long haul! And it was a long haul for Wagner, too. It took him the best part of 28 years to complete but that included an interval of eight years when he took time off for a breather to knock out Tristan & Isolde and Die Meistersinger. Some breather! Completed in 1848, the Ring’s an extravagant work to say the
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
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FINEARTS
least but it fitted Wagner’s mood and personality like a glove. Wagner’s ideas were always larger than life and even the stage directions read more like a script for an epic movie than for an opera. And Dessau - the ‘Bayreuth of the North’ - I soon found out was the right place to see the Ring as the city harbours a great Wagnerian tradition. For instance, Tannhäuser was the first of Wagner’s works to be heard here at the Herzogliches Hoftheater (Royal Court Theatre) in 1857
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while Dessau first saw Die Meistersinger seven months after its world première in Munich in 1869 and a mere nine days after its first performance in Dresden. No wonder Wagner was fond of Dessau which, by the way, is the birthplace of Kurt Weill. In his essay A Look at German Opera Culture he makes it abundantly clear that he holds Dessau in the highest regard, saying: ‘I can safely attest that I’ve never experienced a more noble and perfect performance than in Dessau.’
In fact, taking part in the first Bayreuth Festival in 1876 was a group of a dozen or so musicians from Dessau’s Hofkapelle including the celebrated horn player, Demnitz, who played ‘Siegfried’s call’ for the first time and was highly praised by Wagner for his performance. Under the direction of Hofkapellmeister, August Klughardt, Dessau dedicated itself to presenting the Ring performed for the first time in the city in 1893. A year later, Wagner’s widow, Cosima, directed
Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel here. ‘After Bayreuth,’ she said, ‘Dessau’s where Wagner’s art is best cultivated, both stylistically and true to detail.’ All of Wagner’s stage works except for two early operas and Parsifal were part of Dessau’s repertoire until the First World War. And Hans Knappertsbusch - one of the leading conductors during Wieland Wagner’s reign at Bayreuth in the 1950s - worked as music director at Dessau from 1919 to 1922. He made his début with Die Meistersinger and
2015 October | 27
FINEARTS
Rhinegold: Anne Weinkauf (Flosshilde), Jagna The Rhinemaidens guarding the all-important treasure in Das Cornelia Marschall (Woglinde). (photo: Claudia Heysel)
later conducted a new production of the Ring cycle. Even after a disastrous fire at the theatre in 1922, Wagner’s music remained at the core of its repertoire even under the difficult conditions of working at a ‘borrowed’ venue. And under the artistic direction of Willy Bodenstein in the 1950s, Dessau - which, incidentally, was conceived as a Wagner theatre from the outset - became the leading Wagner stage in East Germany at a time when Dresden’s Semperoper, the Leipzig Oper and the Berlin Staatsoper lie in the ruins and rubble of allied bombing. By any degree of the imagination the Ring’s exciting and an extravagant work fitting Wagner’s mood and personality like a glove. His ideas were always larger than life and in recent years Ring directors have, in many respects, followed in his footsteps with productions larger than life but light years away from the composer’s original intentions. Take, for instance, Frank Castorf’s Ring mounted at Bayreuth for Wagner’s bicentenary in 2013 and still courting controversy on the Green Hill. Castorf strayed from the straight and narrow replacing oil for gold as the treasured Nibelung hoard
28 | October 2015
and in Dessau’s Ring, André Bücker strays away, too, focusing upon the need for ‘information’ as the most important faction in the quest for world domination. Overtones of DDR! But to mount a production of the Ring effectively you need an extremely large stage.
Rotkiewicz (Wellgunde) and
And none comes bigger and better than the stage of the Anhaltisches Theatre. It’s one of the largest to be found in Europe boasting a staggering depth of 50 metres complemented by a mammoth revolving stage. As such, it offered Herr Bücker a good space (he used it wisely!)
in which to work and, by and large, he hit the mark while his exceptionally-talented creative team worked wonders that fuelled the imagination. A complex and intricate series of Bauhaus-influenced sets were masterfully designed by Jan Steigert and were remarkably flexible in their construction while Susie Tobisch’s costumes were striking to say the least. And complementing the overall stage picture digitalised video footage and photographic images, intelligently created by Frank Vetter and Michael Ott, were the norm. Some things worked, some didn’t. That’s how it was. And the gold bars built to hide Freia, goddess of youth and beauty, Fricka’s sister and brother-in-law of Wotan (king of the Gods), turned out to be gold-plated film canisters further highlighting the cinematographic theme dominant throughout this production, an innovative concept utilised by Herr Bücker and most probably down to the fact that as a student he not only studied drama but also film and television studies as well. It was all rather clever stuff but sometimes a bit too clever to appreciate all the nuances.
Family affair! The big scene in Das Rhinegold with Wotan (Ulf Paulsen) trying to set a deal for the release of his sister-in-law Freia (Angelina Ruzzafante) from the clutches of the giants Dirk Aleschus (Fafner) and Stephan Klemm (Fasolt) with David Ameln (Froh), Javid Samadov (Donner), Rita Kapfhammer (Fricka) and Albrecht Kludszuwe it (Loge) all having their say. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
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FINEARTS Jordanka Derilova (Brünnhilde) with her distraught Valkyrie maidens in Die Walküre. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
The orchestra under the baton of Antony Hermus was slightly hesitant at times, especially some members of the brass section, particularly at the crucial start of Das Rhinegold. But recovered they did and in Siegfried they set the pit alight with some wellstructured and tight ensemble work heard to good effect in the thrilling and aggressivesounding opening bars of act III. And the scene where Siegfried awakens Brunnhilde, tight playing by the strings produced wave upon wave of immaculate and emotionally-charged runs that radiated like wildfire round Anhaltisches’ vast auditorium. It
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was all very exciting! But none more so than when the curtain went up on Rhinegold, which found the famed Rhinemaidens - attired in longflowing white dresses reminiscent of Canova’s neo-classical sculpture, The Three Graces - encircling a cube formation representing the precious golden Nibelung hoard which gave a nod and a wink to Rubik’s threedimensional cube of the 1970s. A thought-provoking start! But when tricked of their treasure by the dwarf Alberich they became withered, old and bent - the dreaded curse of the Ring - while moving slowly aided by walking-
Ulf Paulsen as Wotan/The Wanderer getting in the neck from the Valkyries pleading for Brunnhilde (Jordanka Derilova) to be saved from her rock of fire in Die Walküre. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
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FINEARTS
Tête-à-tête! Rita Kapfhammer (Erda) and Ulf Paulsen (Wotan/The Wanderer) in Siegfried. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
Jürgen Müller (Siegfried) being guided in the forest by The Woodbird played by Angelina Ruzzafante in Siegfried. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
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sticks with Alberich jubilant in his deception and enjoying his moment of glee. The production, however, put a smile or two on one’s face such as the arrival of Brünnhilde in Walküre whose battle cry of Hoyotoho! to her Valkyrie sisters was carried out on a mobile phone. And then there was Loge (god of fire) sporting a red scarf, the only evidence of colour in a white-clad Rhinegold, quietly and unobtrusively handing Donner’s hammer to the giant Fafner in which to bang poor old Fasolt over the head with the gory nature of the murder videoed in dramatic and Dracula-type fashion. And another ‘smile’ came about when Sieglinde added a sleeping-draught to Hunding’s nightly potion in which to escape her husband to be alone with Siegmund. It turned out to be nothing more than a can of Coke - not diet, I hope! All seems rather strange? Not really, though! Modern-day productions come in many forms and guises. This production was no exception. Power for the cause, I guess! Herr Bücker couldn’t resist a dig at Castorf’s Bayreuth Ring either as he too included Mount Rushmore in a scene elevating Siegmund, albeit
briefly, to presidential status is a video sequence of him standing proud against the famous four Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln - after he bids his sister Sieglinde farewell (following their brief incestuous relationship) fleeing up the mountain while Hunding was hunting him down brooding for blood, revenge and everything else that goes with a man possessed. This production made you think. But, come to think of it, all Ring productions make you think! Cinematography was to the fore and strongly utilised in Walküre and footage of Fritz Lang’s 1924 film Die Nibelungen: Kriemhild’s Revenge telling Siegmund his true story proved significant. And in the second act the action transported itself to the tinsel and temperament makebelieve world of Hollywood and here Wotan takes on the guise of a movie director. But in haste he hands over the director’s chair to his ‘star’ daughter, Brünnhilde, who furiously tears (and rewrites) his script in a frustrated and abrupt fashion. Following the shoot, Wotan grabs the computer chip from the camera gleaning the information contained on it. The staging was all rather wonderful and so, too, was the singing. The German bassbaritone Ulf Paulsen, cast in the pivotal role of Wotan/The Wanderer and also of Gunther, put in a commanding and comfortable performance while the Bulgarian soprano, Jordanka Derilova, proved a stunning Brünnhilde. She sang in a grand Wagnerian style giving a joyous performance of great magnitude and strength which manifested itself in the brilliant finale featuring the famous Immolation scene in Götterdämmerung where Brünnhilde realises the consequences of lust, greed and corruption - that lie at the very heart of the Ring - is completely and utterly worthless. This is the beginning and end of the Gods and Valhalla, their heavenly home and the Hall of the Slain. Impressive singing resounded, too, from the brother/sister roles of Siegmund (Thomas Mohr) and
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Anhaltische Philharmonie - took his bow, along with all of the members of the orchestra, they more than showed their appreciation that the work done in the pit is equal to the work done on the stage. Bravo! The whole trip to Dessau proved to be one of astonishment and delight. Here’s to the next time! Auf wiedersehen! Kludszuweit Jürgen Müller as Siegfried playing a video bear game while Albrecht in forging the sword, as Mime searches on his computer to find the correct formula Nothung, in Siegfried. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
Sieglinde (Angelina Ruzzafante), who also sang Gunther’s sister, Gutrune, in Götterdämmerung. Busy girl! Her delicate and moving soprano voice was simply pure delight and her deep sadness matched her brother’s fate while Hunding (Stephan Klemm), Sieglinde’s moody and suspicious forester husband, played his part to the full: mean, forceful and bitter to the very end. Jürgen Müller delivered a fine performance as Siegfried while Stefan Adam (Alberich) and Ivan Turšić and Albrecht Kludszuweit (sharing the role of Mime) came over as mean, nasty and crafty
as their roles allowed while Herr Klemm - reappearing in the sinister role of Hagen - was menacing to the core. A sort of Bill Sykes’ character, he conjured up the evilness that befits a man possessed by greed and envy. He was the epicentre of Götterdämmerung, personifying evil touched with a wry and subtle irony. At curtain call the audience erupted with wild applause and cheering but when Maestro Hermus - who retired after this Ring as general music director of the Anhaltisches Theatre and chief conductor of the
Jordanka Derilova (Brünnhilde) with Rita Kapfhammer as Waltraute begging her to return the cursed Ring to the Rhinemaidens for safe-keeping in Götterdämmerung. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
Check out Dessau opera’s programme by logging on to www.anhaltisches-theater. de and the Kurt Weill Festival www.kurt-weill-fest.de Tony Cooper travelled by easyJet from Southend airport to Berlin for onward travel to Dessau by train on a Deutsche Bahn (DB) regional service. Getting to Southend airport proved easy, unfussy and relaxing. From Norwich Thorpe Station it took just two-anda-quarter hours travelling by Abellio Greater Anglia’s service to London Liverpool Street (www.abelliogreateranglia. co.uk) alighting at Colchester to catch a commuter train to
Shenfield and then picking up Abellio’s London Liverpool Street-Southend Victoria service which conveniently drops you immediately opposite Southend airport which is fast becoming my favourite airport to travel from. easyJet fly to 13 European destinations from here including Barcelona, Venice, Geneva and Amsterdam. Visit www.easyjet. com for more information. Train and plane - a perfect combination!
Hoyotoho! The end of the Gods and Valhalla. Ulf Paulsen (Gunter), Angelina Ruzzafante (Gutrune) and Stephan Klemm (Hagen) with the men and women of the opera chorus in Götterdämmerung. (photo: Claudia Heysel)
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2015 October | 31
FINEARTS
Britten Weekend Norwich-based arts writer, Tony Cooper, looks in on Aldeburgh Music’s Britten Weekend exploring and centred on The Turn of the Screw
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rom friendly ghosts for toddlers to a haunted walk through Snape’s stunning wilderness, Aldeburgh Music builds this year’s Britten Weekend (Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October) exploring the work of Benjamin Britten’s opera The Turn of the Screw based on Henry James’ famous ghost story of the same name published in 1898. And to set the scene, tenor Andrew Staples and theatre director Sophie Hunter have devised a Dusk Walk through one of Britain’s most evocative landscapes surrounding the Snape Maltings Concert Hall lying in the heart of rural Suffolk and situated about eight miles inland
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from the delightful coastal town of Aldeburgh. The Weekend - devised in collaboration with one of the
UK’s most innovative ensembles, the Aurora Orchestra - will also include musical and theatrical experiences for children and adults alike as well as chamber music, a study day and a couple of film showings. Britten’s taut, nerve-jangling adaptation of James’ The Turn of the Screw (Saturday, 7.30pm) is one of the composer’s greatest operatic achievements inspiring ravishing, sensual and shattering music. A strong cast include Sophie Bevan, Ann Murray and Andrew Staples who’ll bring this most elusive and claustrophobic
of ghost fables to the stage in a dramatically-lit concert performance designed by Staples and Hunter while their series of Dusk Walks (Friday/Saturday, 5.15pm; Sunday, 4.15pm) treks the trail from Iken to Snape offering audience members a theatrical journey through one of Britain’s most stunning expanses of wilderness. With echoes of the opera and a backdrop of reeds, water, plaintive birdsong and encroaching darkness, the walks are for anyone and no prior opera experience is necessary. Now in its tenth anniversary
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
Ghostly Dusk Walk (photo: Andy Staples)
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The Dublin-born mezzo-soprano, Ann Murray (photo: Sian Trenberth)
year, the Aurora Orchestra will be in residence throughout a promising ‘spine-tingling’ weekend. They work painstakingly to re-imagine the orchestral concert and they put just as much energy into its work with children as its mainstream concerts. Over the weekend, therefore, Aurora will introduce young people to Britten’s music in The House of Secret Sounds (school-age children, Saturday, 11am; pre-school children, Sunday, 10.30/11.30am) in performances mixing storytelling, theatre and music. Through working with children and their parents, Aurora have come to realise there’s no reason why adults shouldn’t enjoy this immersive, introductory approach to music too. They’ve long wanted to develop a version for ‘grownups’ and this Britten weekend offers them the first opportunity to do so and they’ll be trying this new approach to classical music in The Spirit House (Friday, 7.30pm) comprising a piece of orchestral theatre aimed equally at newcomers to classical music as well as old hands. A storyteller, writer and magician will combine with Aurora’s outstanding principal players to create a compelling and inventive introduction to Britten’s music. Taking the mysterious world of The Turn of the Screw as the starting-point they’ll weave together original storytelling, dazzling live illusions and beautifully-revealing new
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chamber arrangements of some of the composer’s best-known works including extracts from the Four Sea Interludes (Peter Grimes), The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and, of course, The Turn of the Screw. The Weekend’s completed by a study day (Saturday, 11am5pm) exploring The Turn of the Screw in collaboration with the Britten-Pears Foundation, a performance of Beethoven’s D major piano trio (nicknamed ‘The Ghost’) by Trio Isimsiz (Sunday, 3pm) and screenings of a couple of films based on the Henry James story: the 1999 Presence of Mind (Friday, 9.15pm) with Sadie Frost, Harvey Keitel and Lauren Bacall and the 1961 British classic The Innocents (Sunday, 6pm) with Deborah Kerr and Michael Redgrave. And for anyone not familiar with Trio Isimsiz - a piano trio who enjoyed a successful residency at Aldeburgh earlier this year - it was formed in 2009 at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. They’ve undertaken residencies at the Banff Centre, Canada and the Mozarteum, Salzburg, while concert highlights over the last year have included recitals at the Wigmore Hall, the Barbican, Purcell Room, Sage Gateshead, Colston Hall Bristol and the Brighton Dome. Members of the trio comprise Suffolk-born Erdem Misirlioglu, who was a concerto finalist in the BBC Young Musician Competition in 2008; Madrid-born Pablo Hernán Benedí is currently a member of the Chiaroscuro String Quartet formed by the Russian-born virtuosic violinist, Alina Ibragimova; Bulgarian-born Michael Petrov recently represented the UK in the European Concert Halls Organisation Rising Star series. The trio will offer so much to the weekend. And, indeed, so will the trio of soloists: Sophie Bevan, who’s a graduate from the Benjamin Britten International Opera School; Ann Murray, who’s an acclaimed opera singer renowned for her performances of the works of
Handel, Strauss and Mozart; Andrew Staples, who studied at King’s College Cambridge and the first recipient of the RCM Peter Pears Scholarship at the Royal College of Music, London, while English-born, avant-garde theatre/opera director, Sophie Hunter - who made her directorial début in 2007 co-directing the experimental play The Terrific Electric - is in the ascendancy of her career as a director. The Terrific Electric - a work that investigates technology and one’s relationship with it across generations from utopian visions of the future to mobile phones, cyberspace and the cutting edge of mechanised medicine - was seen at the Barbican Pit after the theatre company she co-founded, Boileroom, was granted the Samuel Beckett
Theatre Trust Award. She also directed the New York performance art piece Lucretia in 2011 based on Britten’s opera The Rape of Lucretia and a year earlier directed a revival of Ibsen’s Ghosts. And in collaboration with Andrew Staples, she directed mezzo-soprano Ruby Philogene in Phaedra at this year’s Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival in Northern Ireland. The production was met with praise from the critics: The Guardian said it was ‘exquisitely realised’ and The Times described it as ‘astonishing’. All in all, this year’s Britten Weekend looks more interesting, exciting and challenging than ever. Box office: 01728 687110 / boxoffice@aldeburgh.co.uk
Trio Isimsiz: Michael Petrov (cello), Erdem Misirlioglu (piano) and Pablo Hernán Benedí (violin) - (photo: Kaupo Kikkas)
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FINEARTS
Theatre Royal Learning And Skills Centre Performing Arts Project Gets Under Way Strictly Embargoed To 00.01 On 07.09.15
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lans for a £3 millionplus brand new state-of-the-art learning, training and skills centre at Norwich Theatre Royal have moved another step forward today with the announcement the project has been given the final go-ahead by the theatre’s trustees. The new centre, first officially announced last year, will be built on the site of a soon-tobe-demolished Victorian church hall at the rear of the theatre. It will play a pivotal role in a drive to embed the performing arts in every school in Norfolk by providing access to arts-based education activities for students predominantly in the secondary sector. It will also become a permanent home to the theatre’s highly popular and expanding
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Theatre Arts Courses, whose youngsters regularly perform on the Theatre Royal stage, and it will provide training courses for local businesses drawing on drama-based techniques to develop leadership and presentation skills in employees. Work on the project is scheduled to start in October, commencing with the demolition of the semi-derelict hall, and is expected to take around ten months to complete, ready for opening in the autumn school term of 2016. Designs for the three-storey construction have now been finetuned and will include a flexible performance space with seating for up to 100 people to be used by junior and adult performers from the Theatre Arts Courses. Built to high quality environmental standards, it will
house workshop rooms for delivery of courses (including technical theatre skills expected to be run by the theatre’s own experienced staff), rehearsal spaces, two dressing rooms and a light industrial workshop, and office space for the theatre’s education and Arts Courses departments which are expected to expand with up to four new jobs being created. One of the appointments will be a senior position heading up the centre’s activities and setting a programme of learning opportunities. As a successful regional theatre, and one of the busiest in the country, the Theatre Royal hosted 55 productions (not including one-nighters) in 2014/2015 – a thriving programme which in turn drives its work as an educational charity which has seen it work with 92 per cent of Norfolk’s secondary schools and 90 per cent of its primary schools. Its educational arm also provides work experience placements for students and runs the twice-yearly Norfolk Schools Project, which has so far seen over 100 schools create operas from scratch before performing them on the Norwich Theatre Royal stage; plus it is
involved in an ‘umbrella trust’ with Norwich schools Arden Grove Infants and Hellesdon High School who work on cross-curricular projects with the theatre and visiting productions. An average of 20,000 Norfolk schoolchildren come into the theatre in school parties each year to see shows at reduced ticket rates. In conjunction with visiting production companies, the theatre’s education department helps provide resource packs for teachers and, for around one third of those pupils, it also provides a deeper learning experience in the form of pre and post show talks and workshops – a figure it hopes to almost double with the use of extra space in the new centre which will enable it to cater for larger groups of young people. Chief Executive Peter Wilson said: “The new building will be the muscle that will offer the work of the Theatre Royal to thousands of people, especially the young, raising their ambitions, enthusing them to participate in the world of performance, training them to cooperate and collaborate, influencing their attitudes to the world beyond Norfolk, and expanding their mental landscape. “And above all it will be the
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FINEARTS visible symbol of the Theatre Royal’s commitment to place its stability, vision, commercial skills, wide reach, artistic integrity and energies at the service of its charitable function to improve the worlds in which it operates by focussing on placing the arts within reach of every child.” New learning opportunities which will be covered in the new centre will include:Expansion of the theatre’s own Junior Arts Courses, Adult Drama Workshops and Theatre Skills Courses. The Junior Arts Courses are particularly oversubscribed with more than 500 youngsters, aged eight to 16, currently participating, and more space is urgently needed. Additional learning opportunities for students in the HE/FE sectors, such as facilitating student access to industry practitioners and working designers by connecting them with visiting productions. This also enables the theatre to build on its current educational connections with the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Matthew Bourne, Northern Ballet and English Touring Opera. Acting as a facilitator in partnership with the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Bridge, for schools wishing to participate in the ArtsMark award scheme and for individual students taking part in the ArtsAwards scheme. Offering new technical theatre training courses using the theatre’s own in-house expertise. Providing a venue for new training courses for local businesses - the theatre has already developed a new three-year training and skills programme called Transform in conjunction with partners National Theatre’s Theatreworks and Olivier Mythodrama and Ideas Centre. Offering teachers from across the county training in delivering music, dance and drama. The cost of the project is £3.8 million and the centre is expected to be financially selfsustaining once open. Sixty-two per cent of the project’s funding is already secured, with further
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grant applications submitted to a number of bodies. In addition to substantial funds committed by the Theatre Royal Norwich Trust itself, grants have also
been pledged by The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Norwich Town Close Estate Charity, The Monument Trust, the Geoffrey Watling Charity, The
Paul Bassham Charitable Trust and The Foyle Foundation. A public fundraising appeal will be launched this autumn.
2015 October | 35
FINEARTS goodbye to audiences across the UK in a brand new, thrilling live performance. Flavia said: “We have had such a fantastic time creating and dancing in Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn. It’s an incredible experience to perform live in front of our wonderful audience night after night, but all good things must come to an end, so we’re creating our final ever theatre show. “It’s going to be intimate, emotional and full of our awardwinning Argentine tango. The Last Tango is going to celebrate our best work and most beautiful dance moves before we finally say farewell to theatre.” Vincent said: “The last few years have been intense – we’ve loved it. It may be our final theatre tour but we’re going to go out with a bang! This is going to be our best show yet!” Vincent and Flavia will be joined on stage by Teddy Kempner, Matthew Gent, Callum Clack, Diana Girbau, Rebecca Herszenhorn, Aaron James, Rebecca Lisewski, Jemima Loddy, Ian Oswald and Grant Thresh. Don’t miss your last ever chance to see this dynamic duo do what they do best live - in an intimate, passionate and explosive experience. It’s time for The Last Tango. The Last Tango is directed by Olivier Award winning choreographer and director Karen Bruce and produced by Adam Spiegel Productions (The Producers, Dance ‘Til Dawn, Midnight Tango, Love Me Tender, The Mousetrap on Tour).
The Last Tango Tango champions ready for their last dance November 2-7, 2015
F
resh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and
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Flavia Cacace have created their most poignant production yet as they prepare to dance in their final ever theatre show. The Last Tango comes to
Norwich Theatre Royal from November 2-7 as part of a 32week theatre tour. Twenty years of dancing together has seen the pair become Strictly Come Dancing favourites, World Argentine Tango Champions, and create and star in their own Olivier Award nominated West End productions. But now, as the nation’s favourite dancers prepare to take on new projects, it is time for Vincent and Flavia to say
Listing: The Last Tango runs from Monday 2 to Saturday 7 November. Performances at 7.30pm with Mats Wed & Sat 2.30pm. Tickets £8-£37.50. Discounts for Friends & Corporate Club, Over 60s and Under 18s, and Groups. BOX OFFICE 01603 630000. For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich. co.uk
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FINEARTS
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Is Good Clean Fun, Say Cast and Critics – Oct 13-17
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witty, fun and stylish story of two conmen trying to outwit the rich and win love on the French Riviera is set to delight theatre-goers in Norwich. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has won critical acclaim and praise from audiences during its UK tour so far. And now it is set to arrive at Norwich Theatre Royal on October 13-17 with an all-star cast. The rivals for love and money are played by Michael Praed (Robin of Sherwood, Dynasty, The Sound of Music on tour) and Noel Sullivan (pop group Hearsay,
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Flashdance, Rock of Ages) who enjoy tricking the moneyed residents of a millionaire’s playground out of cash. Their competitiveness reaches its peak when they both try to win the hand of a soap heiress played by Carley Stenson (Steph in TV’s Hollyoaks, Legally Blonde in the West End) and the stage is set for a host of misadventures. Noel, 35, believes the role in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has helped change people’s perception of what he can do on stage. He said: ““Everybody knew I could sing, but with this part, in which I play various comedy characters, the company
have been very good in letting me find those for myself. Being allowed to explore the range of what I can achieve is completely new for me.” Noel said they are getting tremendous audience feedback and there is a great family feel among the cast, which also includes Gary Wilmot. “For me it’s an honour to be sharing a stage with Gary because he is musical theatre royalty,” said Noel. The critics agree. What’s On Stage calls it “glitzy, sassy and wittily entertaining,” while the Manchester Evening News says “the script is excellent, snappy, and stuffed with laugh-out-loud moments.” The Liverpool Echo believes audiences will enjoy “great songs, great performances, and a stunning set and costumes. This is musical comedy at its very finest,” while the Stoke Sentinel says “I’m convinced fans of the film will love the musical.” John Bultitude, of Norwich
Theatre Royal, said: “Their characters may be shady in some cases but the stars of this show are promising no cons and 100 per cent energy, comedy and fun on stage. The production has wowed the West End so don’t miss out on the chance to see it closer to home.”
Listing: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Tuesday 13-Saturday 17 October at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets £8-£44. Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s and Groups. Captioned performance on Thursday 15 October at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. To book, log onto www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.
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FINEARTS
Broadland School Of Dance 2015 Showcasing the talents of over 200 young people – October 11
W
ith a production that has been a year in the making, Broadland School of Dance is all set to provide a vibrant spectacle of family entertainment when its students present two performances on the Norwich Theatre Royal stage on October 11. The show, titled ‘Dancing Through Decades’, will involve over 200 young people showcasing their talents in song, modern and tap dance and acting, with a mixture of musical theatre, ballet, tap, modern jazz and disco, incorporating drama and singing too.
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Set pieces will range from Disney to West Side Story and a Rodgers and Hammerstein version of Cinderella. One of the highlights of the show is expected to be the Cell Block Tango from the musical Chicago in which six murderesses give their different stories. Those taking part are aged in range from three-years-old upwards, with some older students returning to participate. Amongst the school’s most recent successes are Rose Mason, 17, who completed a one-year pre-vocational course at Performers stage school and now has a full scholarship for a 3-year course (she’s returning
to perform in the show) and Beatrice Little, 16, who is about to start her one-year prevocational course at Bird College, and is also taking part. With over 200 performers on stage, there is an army of helpers backstage. Dance school principal Katy Carroll said: “We have around 50 backstage helpers, with chaperones, makeup ladies, and teams of mums and dads helping out, and this year we will have students selling programmes front-of-house dressed in 70s clothes.” Work on the production started over a year ago. “It’s amazing how long it takes,” Katy said. “I don’t think anyone can appreciate what goes into getting it all ready. It’s a rollercoaster ride at times when things could so easily go wrong, but it all comes together.” Broadland School of Dance runs classes in Wroxham, Old Catton and Aylsham. Katy took over the running of the school six years ago (previously it was the Janet Hegarty School of Ballet), and she added modern dance to the mix.
She said: “Lots of little ones love ballet because that’s what they know and have seen, so that’s what they start off with. But then they see the other types of dance in the shows and decide what they’d like to try. It’s all about enjoyment and keeping fit, but it requires dedication. It can help with self-confidence later in life too. Dance really is a great activity to have as a hobby.” The two performances on Sunday, October 11, start at 2.30pm and 7pm, with tickets costing from £7 to £13 from the theatre box office on 01603 630000 or online at www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.
Listing: Broadland School of Dance ‘Dancing Through Decades’ is on Sunday, October 11, at 2.30pm and 7pm.Tickets £713 – under threes free. BOX OFFICE 01603 630000. For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
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Jennifer Grace Music
H
ere at Jennifer Grace Music and Vocal Academy in Hellesdon Park Road Norwich, we not only teach Vocals Guitar Piano Keyboards and Drums. We now offer a professional Personalised Assessment on your own performance. If you have an audition coming up and would like help in troubleshooting your performance, we have a two assessors that can help. We give an honest valuation and can show you the key to a successful audition. We can also help in every aspect of your performance from strengthening your vocals to using the stage effectively whilst keeping away those nerves. Our qualified coaches are active performers, treading the
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stages of many venues across the country and have worked in Television, going through the audition process many times. Do you struggle with auditions? Maybe you have never had an audition and would like to know what to expect? Perhaps you feel deflated that you have been to many and don’t understand why you fail to get that part you auditioned for, we can help by giving you an honest account of what we see and hear. With X Factor, The Voice and Britain’s got Talent we are asked throughout every year to enter our most promising students. This creates a buzz around the unit while our vocal coaches help to pick songs that the students are capable of singing then we put them through their paces
ready for their own audition. If you would like help, please give us a call. Jennifer Grace Music and Vocal Academy are pleased to announce a date for your diary. We have our wonderful Christmas Showcase coming soon on Friday 4th December at Spixworth Village Hall, Crostwick Lane Norwich. Tickets will be available from our unit or by calling us direct. Our amazing talented students will be performing an array of classic to new Christmas songs and hoping the audience will join in with a few well known numbers!
Each year we put on two showcases for the students to gain experience in live performances . This helps with their confidence. All of the students are very supportive of each other and encourage one another to perform during the rehearsal stages, which creates a warm family environment. If you are interested in joining our wonderful Academy please check us out on www. jennifergracemusic.co.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Our numbers are:UNIT: 01603 789366/MOB: 07712766715.
2015 October | 39
FINEARTS
What’s On At Maddermarket Here’s What’s Happening At Maddermarket This Month
So, come join us and journey through the ages listening to words and music of personages and Monarchs expressing love, devotion and many other emotions as they journey through life wearing the crown which is oft times hollow. Come, relax and enjoy the lighter side of history. Tickets £12.00 (£10.00 concessions)
The Lindisfarne Story
The Deep Blue Sea By Terence Rattigan
The Deep Blue Sea By Terence Rattigan Thu 24 Sep - Sat 03 Oct 7.30pm 24th September to the 3rd October Not Sundays/2.30pm 26th September and 3rd October Only Directed by Pip Sessions Terence Rattigan’s moving portrait of forbidden love and its destructive power in postwar London. Hester abandons the security and respectability of her marriage to High Court judge, Sir William Collyer, for a passionate affair with the reckless Freddie Page, former RAF pilot and hero of the Second World War. However, Freddie is unable to give her the emotional commitment she desires and over the course of a day, Hester contemplates, love, lust, loneliness and her life. ‘The Deep Blue Sea’ was critically acclaimed when it was first performed in 1952 with Peggy Ashcroft in the role of
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Hester and Kenneth More as Freddie. Emotionally revealing for the time, it captured the austerity and devastation of the early postwar years and the desperation of characters caught in a restrictive society. However, the play is ultimately about love and the complexity of the human heart and it therefore continues to have resonance today. Often cited as Rattigan’s finest work ‘The Deep Blue Sea’ is recognised as an example of a ‘well-crafted’ play; the action takes place in a single setting, through the course of one day. Tickets £8 - £12
The Hollow Crown Sun 04 October 7.30pm/2.30pm The Falls and Foibles of The Kings and Queens of England Devised by John Barton A unique entertainment composed of letters, speeches, poems and music by and about Kings and Queens of England.
Mon 05 October 7.30pm When Tyneside group Lindisfarne exploded onto the UK music scene in 1970 they became the standard bearers for acoustic based rock music. Their sparkling song-writing cut through the prevailing pop and glam sounds of the seventies, the group achieved international success and Lindisfarne’s music is still ever-present on UK radio in 2015. Former group members Billy Mitchell and Ray Laidlaw tell The Lindisfarne Story from the very beginning featuring acoustic versions of the classic songs and ‘behind the scenes’ stories, all illustrated with archive video and stills. If you are a fan of Lindisfarne, UK rock groups and the music of the 60’s and 70’s, then this show is for you. Tickets all seats £18.50
The Johnny Cash Roadshow Tue 06 October 7.30pm The Maddermarket Theatre welcomes back the ‘Fabulous’ Johnny Cash Roadshow on (date). The only show to be endorsed by the Cash family!
The band features award winning Clive John as Johnny Cash, Jill Schoonjans as June Carter, Nick Davis - Electric guitar & Vocals, Martin Bentley - Double Bass & Vocals and Darren Bazzoni Drums & Vocals. This year also see’s the biggest production of this show ever with the ‘Carter Sisters’ and the ‘JC Horns’. This is simply the finest tribute in the world to the legend that is Johnny Cash. The Johnny Cash Roadshow will perform material from throughout Cash’s career including ‘Walk the Line’ and ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, recorded with Sun Records in the 1950’s to ‘Hurt’, Johnny Cash’s last release in 2002, recorded by Rick Rubin for his American Recordings label. There are many stops in between bringing the audience all the favourites, ‘Man in Black’, ‘Boy named Sue’, ‘The Ring of Fire’. The show also brings a focus on the duets Johnny and June sang, including ‘Jackson’. From start to finish the band take the audience through the Johnny Cash live show experience. The chemistry of Johnny and June is also brought to the stage and with the accompanying video projection, which brings evocative images to each song, all help to complete the story of the life of a ‘legend’. The performance is energetic and entertaining for all to enjoy. Aside from all this, Clive John is also a songwriter and his solo album ‘The Spirit’ was nominated for Best British Country Music Album of the year 2011, with title song voted best song of the year! See the showreel or the website for more. Tickets £18
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FINEARTS “A Bite Of Bach For Lunch” - Concert 5 Wed 07 October 1:15 Maddermarket Redwell Bar from 12:30 Chamber Orchestra Anglia Lunchtime Concert Series 2015 “A Bite of Bach for Lunch” Bach Complete Works for Solo Cello and Violin Concert 5 Cello Suite No. 2 Violin Sonata No. 3 Performed at St. John the Baptist Church, Maddermarket, Norwich (next to the Theatre) A rare opportunity to hear the complete unaccompanied works by Bach performed by violinist Simon Smith (Artistic Director of Chamber Orchestra Anglia) and Katherine Jenkinson (Chamber Orchestra Anglia Principal Cellist). Enjoy a light lunch then stroll up to the beautiful and atmospheric Church of St. John the Baptist. Concert 6 is will be performed on 14th Oct at 1.15pm Violin Sonata No. 2 Cello Suite No. 5 Tickets include a light lunch at 12.30pm at the Redwell Maddermarket Bar at the Theatre. Tickets £9.00 (including light lunch at 12.30pm)
The Times Of Our Lives - A Musical Revue
chat. Her behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes will give audiences a unique insight into her life and career. Celebrating over 30 years of performance in the worlds of opera, musicals, television, radio and concerts Lesley Garrett has enjoyed one of the most successful and idiosyncratic careers of any modern-day, classically trained soprano, winning both critical acclaim and the affection of many fans and music lovers through the breadth and diversity of her work. As well as performing with the English and Welsh National Operas, Lesley has recently starred in Carousel and The Sound of Music and appeared on television shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Loose Women. She has also performed with artists as diverse as Michael Ball, Renee Fleming, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel and Lily Savage. Tickets £24.00 (£22.50 concessions) An Audience With Lesley Garrett
Thu 08 Oct - Sat 10 Oct 7.30pm Thursday – Saturday/2.30pm Matinees On Friday And Saturday Featuring 80 Years of Songs and Events that Changed the World. Phoenix Opera are firing up
Norwich Jazz Club their very own time machine this Autumn to take the audience on a magical tour down Memory Lane, stopping to take in the greatest events, most historic moments and best heartwarming ‘How we used to live’ memories. All set to the wonderful soundtrack of the times, discovering a hit song and well-loved melody around every corner. From the Roaring Twenties, full of fun, frivolity and discovery, the Elegant Thirties and Darkest Days of the Forties, through to the triumphant Post-War era, the Rock and Roll Fifties, Swinging Sixties, Groovy Seventies and Awesome Eighties, the time travelling company invite you to fasten your seat-belts and enjoy the ride! Tickets £12.00 (Matinee £10.00)
An Audience With Lesley Garrett
The Johnny Cash Roadshow
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Sun 11 October 7.30pm Join Britain’s most popular soprano for a delightful evening of song, reminiscences and
Mon 12 October Norwich Jazz Club has been established in the city as a place to hear great live jazz every Tuesday night since 1989. Our programme continues to feature jazz to suit a wide range of tastes, from mainstream through to the most exciting contemporary projects, featuring local, national and international artists alike. Why not come down to the Maddermarket Redwell bar and enjoy good music, great conversation with friends and a jam with the trio. Tickets £5 on the door
Treehouse Tue 13 October Doors 7.30pm, Music 8.30pm - 11pm Tom Hewson (piano) Lewis Wright (vibes) Calum Gourlay (bass) Treehouse take the improvisational drive of jazz into a chamber context, showcasing the virtuosity and interplay of three of the country’s top young jazz musicians in a crystal-clear ensemble with a rich, acoustic
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FINEARTS
Treehouse
sound. Leader and pianist Tom Hewson’s compositions, in the hands of Lewis Wright (MOBO winner with Empirical) and Calum Gourlay (Mercury nominated with the Kit Downes Trio), take in influences such as Dave Holland, Paul Bley, Jimmy Giuffre and The Claudia Quintet. Returning to Norwich for the first time since appearing at 2014’s Jazz Weekender, their performance this evening is part of their current UK tour, promoting their keenlyanticipated new album. This event takes place in the Maddermarket Theatre’s Redwell Bar Tickets £10.00 (£5 concessions for under 25’s)
“A Bite Of Bach For Lunch” - Concert 6 Wed 14 October 1:15 Maddermarket Redwell Bar From 12:30 Chamber Orchestra Anglia Lunchtime Concert Series 2015 “A Bite of Bach for Lunch” Bach Complete Works for Solo Cello and Violin Concert 6 Cello Suite No.5 Violin Sonata No. 2 Performed at St. John the Baptist Church, Maddermarket, Norwich (next to the Theatre) A rare opportunity to hear the complete unaccompanied works by Bach performed by violinist Simon Smith (Artistic Director of Chamber Orchestra Anglia) and Katherine Jenkinson (Chamber Orchestra Anglia Principal Cellist). Enjoy a light lunch then stroll up to the beautiful and 42 | October 2015
atmospheric Church of St. John the Baptist. Tickets include a light lunch at 12.30pm at the Redwell Maddermarket Bar at the Theatre Tickets £9.00 (including light lunch at 12.30pm)
Vintage And Retro Sale Rail Thu 22 October 1-5:30 Tickets FOC
Bronte Thu 22 Oct - Sat 31 Oct 7.30pm/2.30pm Matinees On 24th And 31st October By Polly Teale Directed by Tony Fullwood How did three Victorian spinsters living in isolation on the Yorkshire moors produce some of the greatest English novels? Polly Teale’s ‘densely-satisfying Bronte
play’ (The Guardian) presents ‘an ingenious and gripping interpretation of the Brontë legend.’ (British Theatre Guide) We see both the real and the imagined lives of the Brontës with the authors and their characters sharing the stage to offer ‘a tantalising glimpse of a uniquelyhaunted family home.’ (The Times) The Maddermarket Theatre’s production follows the pioneering performance style of Shared Experience, who premièred the play, to present this ‘rare feat of theatrical imagining.’ (Evening Standard) Tickets £8 - £12
Cast Adrift Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct 1.10pm A new play by James MacDonald Winner of the inaugural Nugent Monck Script Writing Prize The winning entry of the inaugural Nugent Monck script writing prize, ‘Cast Adrift’, presents something rather unusual. A life boat floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean plays host to two unwilling companions who must put aside their differences to reach salvation. If they work together they might still survive, however, it soon becomes apparent that co operation is about as likely as an asthmatic ant winning the Olympic pole vault. James
MacDonald offers an existentialist comedy which muses on the nature of time, death and the fairest way to split a pork pie. Performances take place in the Emmerson Studio Theatre. Tickets £6.00 (£5.00 concessions)
Write Club - Autumn Course 2015 Sat 31 Oct - Sat 19 Dec 11.30am - 1.30pm For 8 Weeks Creative Writing Classes - 8 Week Course. Struggling to find time to write or not sure how to get started? Looking to join a friendly community of fellow writers? This eight-week course, led by award-winning author Lynsey White, will give you the time, space, and support you need. Get stuck into an existing project or work from prompts and exercises. Share your work with the group, get written feedback from the tutor and - most importantly - enjoy a free coffee and cake! Saturdays 11.30am - 1.30pm Course starts on 31st October and concludes on 19th December (eight weeks). Tickets course fee £80.00
Box Office Our box office is situated in the foyer area, opposite the coffee shop. Box Office opening hours Normal Open Hours Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm. On Show Days Monday to Saturday 10am - 7.30pm Sundays 5pm - 7.30pm Booking Tickets Tickets may be booked in person, by telephone or online. Box Office: 01603 620917 office@maddermarket.org www.maddermarket.co.uk
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Win a pair of tickets! see page 47
Entertainment While You Shop!
All We Want For Christmas Is Yoo-Oo-Ou! Combine your festive shopping with a fun day out. Hooray! The Festive Gift Fair is back! 12 – 15 November 2015 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
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hristmas again! Stuck for ideas? Don’t worry, help is at hand! Visit the fantastic FESTIVE GIFT FAIR where you are guaranteed to be inspired - 325 stalls from all over the country overflowing with cracking gift ideas. More to see, try, touch, taste, buy and enjoy than ever before. Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a daily programme of FREE live musical entertainment. There won’t be a dull moment – no
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We don’t know anywhere else you will find such a great variety of LIVE bands to get your feet tapping while you shop! Of course, the Fair wouldn’t be the same without the most outrageous Dame accompanied by Father Christmas himself.
Gifts For The Little Ones! Hold your breath, count to three and you’ll be in a world of imagination! There’s lots of fun and games for Tiny Tots to School Children. An ingenious designed kid friendly I-pod case – lightweight, bouncy, soft, waterproof, robust – Fatframe. Hurray, no more moaning about carrying their own bag – chose from an assortment of fun soft handmade backpacks - Cole. A happy child is a busy child – keep them amused with a Cupcake and Cookie Baking Set
- Little Pals. Make pre-bed time hours that much more special - snuggle your child into an adorable fleecy dressing gown - Comfy Baby Collections.
Presents To Keep Forever! Thoughtful personalised gifts and family heirlooms… Traditional toys are often the best – remember the fascination of shaking a Snow Globe and watching the snow swirl, these exquisite large globes are on the Farrar’s stall. Stimulate small world play with a large Noah’s Ark that will brighten up any bedroom. Handmade and hand painted with 11 pairs of animals and Mr & Mrs Noah – Lanka Kade. A keep forever personalised tree decoration has the names of all the family on their Christmas stockings hanging from the fireplace – Delightful Decorations.
wonder it is now one of the most popular Christmas shopping events in the UK. From the moment you walk into the Fair, you will be caught up in the excitement of the day, browsing round all the stalls overflowing with clever new gift ideas and Christmas decorations that don’t cost the earth. The variety is huge, with something for ALL the family – from babies to teenagers, from parents to grandparents!
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FINEEVENTS After The Washing Up! Cosy up, relax and enjoy an after-dinner tipple with some cheese… Snowdonia Cheese produce seven amazing mature Cheddars in waxed shells - the ‘Pickled Power’ one packs a punch with savoury chunks of pickled onion. Celtic Spirit Company – the aromatic Black Mountain Liqueur is an ideal choice for your Christmas celebration. An alternative to Port, ‘Rubis’ is an indulgent after dinner drink, a delicious combination of dark chocolate and red wine – Rubis Chocolate Wine. The Cornish Blue Company produce their sweet mild creamy farmhouse blue cheese on Bodmin Moor. Guaranteed to give a warming sensation - Real Sloe Gin made from the wild blackthorn bush and infused with gin and sugar Condessa Welsh Liqueurs.
Effortless Entertaining With Scent-Sational Results! Festive Flavours! Christmas is the one time of the year when everyone can ‘over’ indulge a little. At the Fair you can sample lots of Christmas favourites BEFORE you buy – from delicious cheeses to Christmas puddings … The Great Taste Award luxury ‘Pudding Lane Christmas Puddings’ are delicious or try their decadent chocolate mudcake - Handmade Treats. Not your average pizza, these look-a-likes are made from Chocolate! – From birthdays to wedding – The Gourmet Pizza Chocolate Company will deliver with your chosen message. Pork pies for all occasions – Yorkshire based Crusty Pie Co’s delicious Pork, Turkey and Cranberry Pie will go down a treat on Boxing Day. Giving Good Beer a Bad name! Great beer with quirky labels such as ‘Misery Guts’, ‘Grumpy Git’ and ‘Lazy Sod’ that can’t fail to amuse - Direct Beers.
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At Christmas there is NO place like home so set the scene for a magical Christmas … Nothing says Christmas more gloriously than a display of flickering candles or diffusers that smell delicious - Fragrance Sand.
Natural Cone & Fruit Company will be selling their beautiful selection of swags and garlands to decorate your Festive table. Decorate your home with Treasure Tree’s sparkling votive candle holders.
The Ladies In Your Life! Pamper your Mum, Granny, sister, best friend, wife or girlfriend with a special present this Christmas … Indulge your beauty queen with this gorgeous, cocktail inspired bath and body care range – Boozi Body Care. An ingenious way of keeping all your earrings organised – Hunki Dori – has designed a beautiful book with 4 padded pages, each holding 12 pairs of earrings. A one-stop stall for professional Salon hair products to achieve
smoother, silkier hair and superior results. - Donna Bella. Belle Bijoux have a stunning range of beautiful Danon jewellery a fashion line combining gems, leather and Swarovski crystals.
The Way To A Cook’s Heart! The rule for long lasting garlic is to keep it dark, aired and dry– Ginger & Garlic Grater Co sell beautiful painted handcrafted storage jars. Create a homely rustic feel in your kitchen with East 2 Eden’s super sets of wicker storage baskets in choices of linings – for bread, cheese or the laundry. Catching up with Jamie Oliver recipes while cooking? No home should be without E.Bean’s I-Pad cushion that adjusts to the angle of your device and in loads of cool fabrics.
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FINEEVENTS
Order a beautiful customised Cake Topper for your Christmas cake. Bateman Designs make amazing art deco toppers.
What To Get That Hard-To-Buy-For Guy? ‘I Love My Granddad’ mug should do the trick - Carolyn and Sue Gifts. For men on the go, buy an innovative water bottle that filters 99.9% of contaminants – Water2Go. Whether he is an action man
and likes hiking…. or just walking round to the pub, Warwickshire Clothing have branded jackets for every activity. From Horror Stories, Crime Thrillers to Sci-Fi, Snazal sell every imaginable boxed set of books – saving you up to 50% off RRP! Christmas Starts At The Festive Gift Fair! 12 – 15 November 2015 at NEC, Birmingham
For more information on
Child (5-16) Advance Thurs/Fri - £3.00 At Fair - £4.00 Advance Sat/Sun - £3.00 At Fair £4.00 Child under 5 - Free TRAVEL INFORMATION: The National Exhibition Centre
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BY TRAIN: Birmingham International Station is right at the NEC. Journey time from Birmingham New Street is only 10 minutes. BY CAR: The NEC is well sign posted from the M5 and M6 and is situated at junction 6 of the M42. (NEC daily car parking charge £12).
Five pairs of tickets to give away
Disabled visitors: If you have a registered disability and require your carer to help during your visit, please make this clear when booking your advance tickets or at the Fair ticket desk. Your carer will be given FREE entry to the Fair
Simply fill in and cut out this form and send it to FineCity, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AE
Name Address
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Book In Advance And Save Money
is easy to get to for shoppers from the West Midlands and surrounding counties.
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Exhibitors and Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair. co.uk. Click on the button online to watch a short video from last year’ show.
Adult Advance Thurs/Fri - £8.50 At Fair - £10.00 Advance Sat/Sun - £10.50 At Fair £12.00
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FINEEVENTS full schedule is listed below:
38th Norwich Beer Festival 2015 New bands line-up to entertain at the 38th Norwich Beer Festival
T
he Norwich & Norfolk Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) are delighted to announce the line-up of the music entertainment for the 2015 Norwich Beer Festival with some exciting new performers to the annual festival. Local Invidia Voices Rock & Soul Choir will make their first appearance during the Wednesday early evening session which will be the first choir to perform at the beer festival. Also two new bands will be at the festival; local modern English folk band Addison’s Uncle will perform in the Friday early evening slot and the Norfolk band Sophie G and the Good Times will play early on Thursday
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Monday late evening Hellesdon & Sprowston Brass Band Tuesday lunch Minstrals Gallery Tuesday early evening Hayley Moyses Britgrass 3 Tuesday late evening Music Free Wednesday lunch Music Free Wednesday early evening Invidia Voices, The Rock & Soul Choir Wednesday late evening Cawston Brass Band Thursday lunch Dave Thomas Band Thursday early evening Sophie G & the Good Times Thursday late evening Norfolk Wherry Brass Band Friday lunch Vivace String Quartet Friday early evening Addison’s Uncle Friday late evening Norwich Brass Band Saturday lunch Sheringham Shantymen Saturday early evening The Harvs Saturday late evening Cawston Brass Band Rob Derbridge, the 2015 Norwich Beer Festival Organiser, said “the wide variety of entertainment is always appreciated by many of the thousands of visitors
to the Norwich Beer Festival, however music-free sessions are scheduled into the programme and also Blackfriars’ Hall is always music free”. The popular tutored tastings sessions will run over lunchtimes again and this year are being arranged by two regular beer festival volunteers who are also qualified beer sommeliers, Cheryl and Mark Cade from Norwich. They both passed their exams earlier this year and who have started their own business, The Thirst Consultants, and have volunteered their services for free, along with all the other leaders of the tutored tasting sessions. Over Thursday lunchtime we are extremely pleased that Belinda Jennings, Master Brewer in East Anglia, will be leading a ‘Blind Beer Tasting’. She will take the tasters on a journey through the brewing process and look at a range of different beer styles. On Wednesday we are
evening in their first performance at the Beer Festival. Sophie G and the Good Times guitarist Adam Darricott said “We were delighted to receive the request to play and also I have dreamed of playing at the Norwich Beer Festival for years as I am a regular customer”. As usual, brass bands play the late evening slots due to restrictions on amplified music but Norfolk is home to so many brass bands which certainly helps keep the lively atmosphere going in St Andrew’s Hall until late in to the evening sessions. We are also delighted to welcome back the Sheringham Shantymen on Saturday lunch session who always entertain the crowd. The
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FINEEVENTS delighted that Keith Loney, the Beer Festival’s Foreign Bar manager, will be taking you on a tour of some fantastic Foreign Beers available, exploring the flavours and culture of this diverse range. The Saturday lunch tasting will see Mark Cade lead a Tasting of Lagers. During this session Mark will help compare and contrast traditional continental lagers with a mass produced product. The tasters will explore the extensive styles, history and brewing process of this much maligned traditional beer. Also there will be session on Beer blending, led by Cheryl Cade, who will explain the principles and history of beer blending to find the perfect pint. Along side this she will assist the tasters to understand the joys of beer and food matching. The final tasting session will cover the beers of Great Heck Brewery, who are this year’s featured brewery, and during this tasting event, the tasters will experience
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FINEEVENTS
the range of flavours the North Yorkshire brewery produce and also discuss their influences and learn about the brewing process.
These two sessions will complete the remaining slots on Tuesday and Friday lunchtimes which will be scheduled shortly.
Broadland Brewery Woodbastwick, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6SW. Phone: 01603 720353 Email: info@woodfordes.co.uk Shop: 01603 722218 Fax: 01603 721806
We are pleased that we have been able to keep to last year’s ticket costs. These sessions are only £10 each including beer festival entry or £8 for CAMRA members. At least eight beers will be sampled at each session within small groups, which will last up to 2 hours, so we believe they will be great value, as all beer sampled is included in the price. All tastings will start at 12pm and the meeting point will be at the left hand side of the Merchandising stand. Tickets will be available online from the Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA website (http://www. norwichcamra.org.uk/festival/ fest2015.htm). Preparations are well under
way now for the festival to open on the 26th October and which will aim to provide an exceptional range of refreshments as ever. Over 200 cask-conditioned Real Ales from Britain’s independent brewers will be on sale, with a few festival specials as always, along with draught and bottled beers from Continental Europe and over 40 real ciders and perries. The 2015 beer festival runs from Monday 26th to Saturday 31st October at St Andrew’s & Blackfriars’ in Norwich. For further information about the Norwich Beer Festival, please see our web page: http://www.norwichcamra. org.uk/festival/fest2015.htm
The Fat Cat Brewery Tap 98-100 Lawson Road Norwich Norfolk NR3 4LF Tel: (01603) 413153 www.fatcattap.co.uk.
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Great beer, fantastic food, relaxed and comfortable suroundings. The Murderers freehouse dates back to 1530 and is one of the last family owned public houses in Norwich City Centre kept in traditional state and full of nooks ‘n’ cranies. Officially known as The Gardeners Arms, it incorporates the Murderers Café Bar. The Murderers is the pubs nickname - when you visit, just ask why
2 - 8 Timber Hill Norwich Norfolk NR1 3LB Tel: 01603 621 447 Email: enquiries@themurderers.co.uk
Woolpack The Woolpack is a pleasant city centre pub situated within the city’s main business district and very close to the city’s busy shopping district. We are very popular with local office and shop workers, as well as shoppers and local residents. We are also a favourite location for office parties and events. We offer a local pub welcome and friendly service as well as a wide range of pub food and drink at great value prices.
Call: 01603 627 047 Golden Ball Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3EH
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Brewery tap opening times: Mon-Fri (9-6pm), Sat (10-3pm)
Unit 1, Collers Way, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4SW www.pantherbrewery.co.uk Tel: 01603 871163
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FINEEVENTS
The Norwich Match Play Darts Tournament 2016
events. Since his switch to the PDC Chisnall is probably best known for defeating Phil Taylor in the 2012 World Championship, for reaching the final of the 2013 World Grand Prix where he was beaten 6–0 by Taylor and for reaching the final of the 2014 Grand Slam, losing a much closer match 16-13, again to Phil Taylor.
Saturday, 2nd April 2016 from 6:00pm to 11:30pm
T
he Norwich Match Play Darts Tournament 2016 is the inaugural event in Norwich and brings some of the World’s biggest PDC darts stars to Norwich and Norfolk to play this tournament for the very first time. Although this is not an official PDC Match Play event it is an event sanctioned by the PDC, and an event that will capture the imagination of all Darts enthusiasts in the UK - a Darts spectacular for Norwich that will become a Norwich landmark sports event for years to come. The Norwich Match Play Darts Tournament 2016 is sponsored by BIG DADDY PR & Marketing in Norwich and orgnaised and promoted by Lord Russell Baker of Little Moulton. The Quarter Final Draw will be made ‘live’ on BBC Radio Norfolk in March 2016 with Eric Bristow and Keith Deller drawing numbered balls from the ‘seeded’ and ‘unseeded’ bags. Each ball will be numbered and numbers allocated from the BBC Radio Norfolk studio to ensure a fair draw. The doors to EPIC TV Studio’s open at 18:00 and there will be a dedicated VIP room for VIP guests to enjoy meeting and greeting the players and officals on the night with a light finger buffet. The bars in EPIC TV Studio’s will be open for all other guests at 18:00, with the Darts tournament set to start at around 19:30. There will also be tickets sold with the prospect of two lucky winners to play either Eric Bristow and Keith Deller on stage in front of an audience exceeding 750 noisy and raptuous darts fans. Simply amazing! A ‘live’ auction will take place on the night with ome remarkable
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memorabilia on offer from the World of sport, plus raffle cards available to win some outstanding darts products from the some of the biggest names in the World of darts - sensational. The players signed up to play at the Norwich Match Play Darts Tournament and playing for the Norwich Match Play Trophy at the EPIC TV Studio’s on Saturday 2nd April 2016 are as follows:
Adrian Lewis An English professional darts player for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) who is a twotime PDC World Darts Champion. He is nicknamed Jackpot, following a visit to a casino whilst
Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). He became the youngest player to win a major PDC title at the World Matchplay in 2007, at the age of 24. This record was broken when Michael van Gerwen won the 2012 World Grand Prix at the age of 23. Since winning the World Matchplay in 2007, Wade has also won the World Grand Prix in 2007 and 2010, the UK Open in 2008 and 2011, the Premier League in 2009, the Championship League in 2010, and the Masters in 2014. Wade has had a career-high ranking of second in the PDC Order of Merit and with eight major tournament wins is the third most successful Dave Chisnall
competing at the 2005 Las Vegas Desert Classic when he “won” a $72,000 jackpot but was unable to claim the money as he was under-age by US gaming laws – despite being eligible in the UK.[2] During the early part of his career until 2007, he was a protégé of multi-world champion Phil Taylor having practised together in their home city Stoke-on-Trent and made his television debut in 2004, aged 19 at the UK Open.
James Wade An English professional darts player, currently playing in the
player in PDC history, after Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. He has yet to win the PDC World Darts Championship, with the semi finals being his best result.
Dave Chisnall An English professional darts player from St Helens who plays in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events. He began his career participating in the British Darts Organisation (BDO) and was the runner-up in their World Championship in 2010. He switched to the PDC a year later and has won nine Pro Tour
Peter Wright
Peter Wright A Scottish professional darts player who plays in PDC tournaments. Wright was the runner-up in the 2014 PDC World Darts Championship. He currently resides in Mendham, England, and although he was largely raised in England, he chooses to represent the country of his birth. He is known for his Mohawk hairstyle which changes colour each tournament and is made by his wife who is a hairdresser. His nickname is derived from the name of his favourite drink, the Snakebite.
Steve Beaton An English professional darts player for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). He won the British Darts Organisation (BDO) version of the World Professional Darts Championship in 1996.
Kevin Painter An English professional darts player who plays in Professional Darts Corporation tournaments, where he is known as “The Artist”. He is arguably most famous for finishing runner up to Phil Taylor in the 2004 PDC World Championship final, now
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FINEEVENTS and 501 being the start score of a leg of darts. The name is also a play on the title of the popular television series, Hawaii Five-O. This dress sense coupled with his crowd-pleasing onstage activity (such as dancing to the interval music) has seen him become one of the most popular players on the circuit.
Colin Lloyd
Wayne Mardle
widely credited as one of the greatest televised matches in the history of the game. He was also the winner of the Players Championship Finals in 2011.
Wayne Mardle An English former professional darts player for the Professional
Darts Corporation, and former player in the BDO. He now lives in Romford. Before turning professional, he worked for the Association of Accounting Technicians. He has been known as “Hawaii 5.0.1” since 2000, due to the Hawaiian shirts he started wearing in 1998 for a bet,
Nicknamed Jaws, is an English professional darts player on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit. He is a former world number one ranked player and he has won two major television titles in the PDC – the 2004 World Grand Prix and the 2005 World Matchplay. His entrance music is “Monster” by The Automatic. I am also deighted to announce that two World Darts legends will also be in attendance on the night with the prospect of player two lucky members of the audience on the night. Both players need no introduction as they are both household names:
Eric Bristow MBE (“The Crafty Cockney”) is a former professional English darts player. He was ranked World No. 1 from 1980–81, 1983–85 and 1990, and won five World Championships and five World Masters titles. In the 1980s, Bristow’s skill and personality helped turn darts into a worldwide spectator sport. In 1993, Bristow was one of sixteen top players who broke away from the British Darts Organisation to form their own organisation, which became the Professional Darts Corporation. He retired from competitive darts in 2007 and now works as a commentator and pundit on Sky
Keith Deller and Lord Russell Baker
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Sports’ darts coverage.
Keith Deller An English darts player who won the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship in 1983. He was the first qualifier ever to win the championship and remains one of the youngest champions in history. For his world championship win, Deller used 18-gram springloaded darts, later banned for tournament play but now legal again. He no longer uses these darts. Deller is the manager of two-time PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis. Keith is also the reigning Norwich Charity Darts Masters 2015 Champion. No big stage darts match play tournament would be without the following officials who will be the referee and MC on the night.
Russ Bray A darts referee who works for the Professional Darts Corporation. He is considered by most to be the best darts referee in the world. He is also known as The Voice, due to his unique style of calling and his raspy voice.
Paul Booth Paul has appeared as MC on Channel 5 for all the LIVE Boxing events this year, the only UK Boxing MC on terrestrial TV, and established himself as one of the UK›s top all round MC›s, involved in both radio and TV for over 20 years. Quite simply not an event to be missed, and early purchase of tickets is advised as this event is expected to be a sell-out. So don’t delay and purchase your tickets for the Norwich Match Play Darts Tournament today.
Paul Booth
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The Americans and the English who are, according to some, ‘divided by a common language’
Can We Have Our English Back, Please? The English Language continually evolves as it reflects the society of its time. Sometimes this is inevitable given new developments like the internet; oftentimes it is funny; and occasionally can be frustrating. What does it say about the past and those of us on the planet today? Stephen Browning has been taking a look… ‘Language is the Light of the Mind’ John Stuart Mill The English Language is a thing of extra-ordinary beauty. It has, over time, absorbed words from different tongues and sayings have gone in and out
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of fashion, all of which makes it complex and fascinating. More of this in a second, but recently there seems to have been a manmade attempt to dumb it down.
What The Bard Said To paraphrase Shakespeare, man struts and frets his time
upon the earth, during which he takes on many guises, before being heard no more: and each of these parts of his existence has a perfectly good descriptive term. For example, if I contact my Council, I am a citizen or rate payer; if I travel on a train, I am a passenger; if I stay in a hotel, I am a guest; if I enjoy a party, I am a reveller; and if I take a book out of the library, I am a library user or book borrower. Nowadays, though, I am more often than not called a ‘customer’ for all these things, a term historically associated with buying a service or product, most likely something like baked beans or milk from the local corner shop. Arkwright would be extremely confused.
husband or lover but a significant other; I do not read comic books but graphic novels (although I readily accept that the original concept of a graphic novel is a fine art, indeed); my job is not to collect rubbish but to be a hygiene organisation operative; I am not losing my hair but I am follicly challenged; my company for whom I work, does not even deal with people any more, but Human Resources; I am not tall but a person of size; I am not a man or woman at all, actually, but a person – post person,
‘Sorry seems to be the hardest word’. Sir Elton John
I Don’t Want To Offend Euphemisms – when you don’t want to offend – have also had a field day. I am not fat but horizontally challenged; I am neither a waitor or waitress but a waitron; I am not a wife,
feature by:
Steve Browning Writer @returningperson
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FINELIVING
Manuscript of 1599, believed to be in Shakespeare’s hand
salesperson or businessperson; and when I eventually leave this vale of tears I do not die but pass over (pass over what? The Rubicon presumably, as the Romans believed, so maybe there is logic here).
Here Come The Americans Our American cousins are everywhere and particularly skilled at this kind of linguistic double-de-gook. Inevitably it affects the English we speak here. What is a comfort break? It means going to the toilet. And where do you do it? Apparently in a rest room or washroom where you neither go to rest or wash. If I am feeling particularly creative, I have not had a lot of good ideas but a thought shower – let’s run it us the flagpole and see what flutters in the wind (that’s a nice thought, actually, I think); And what is ‘The Special Relationship’ nowadays? Certainly not what Churchill envisaged when he coined the term. But better, perhaps, to not go there... There’s lots to be grateful for. It is accepted by linguistic experts that there are probably 14 different versions of the English Language – British, Australian, Kiwi, South African, Scottish – oh dear, there’s a can of worms! – and so on. Each is suffused with the country’s
Dark blue - countries where English is the majority language; light blue – countries where it is spoken but is not the ‘official’ language
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historical background. For example, the word ‘Pom’ to the Aussies in cricket terms probably means ‘cheat’, as in Stuart Broad refusing to budge when he had nicked a ball in the last Test series while to me, as an Englishman, it means ‘hero in the face of sledging’. ‘Drawing on my fine command of the English Language, I said nothing’. Robert Benchley
Trying To Learn English As a writer of books in Asia to help people learn English, I am often amazed that anyone manages it at all. It is full of ‘rules’ followed by ‘exceptions to those rules’. One of the most difficult aspects to master is the oxymoron: this is where you put two words together that mean exactly the opposite of each other and produce something meaningful. Some examples are: you ask a builder for ‘an exact estimate’; you are annoyed because you have been ‘clearly misunderstood’; the BBC reports that the demonstration started peacefully enough but then turned ‘pretty ugly’; and the tax authorities do not accept duplicates, wanting only ‘exact copies’; some people say that the words ‘happily married’ form
Winston Churchill coined the term ‘Special Relationship’ and used the English Language to devastating effect in both his public and private life
another example, but I really think I will stay out of that one…
move swiftly: zaphty; an idiot.
Wonderful Words From Days Gone By
Let’s end by creating a sentence of perfectly good English words from yesterday but which would mean nothing to anyone nowadays. ‘Well, my snoutfair, enough of this lunting, will you come and groak? I, myself am a spermaloger I admit, but really the resistentialism I have been experiencing is beyond belief. I am jargogled, I think, but I need to freck. Please believe me, I am not a zaphty!’
Words come and go. New ones continually arise – for today’s generation, ones like tablet, wi-fi, twerk and selfie. Many, alas, drop out of view. Here are some of my favourites that I believe deserve a comeback. A snoutfair; someone who is beautiful-looking: lunting: someone like Sherlock Holmes who walks while smoking a pipe: groak; to look at someone enviously while they eat: spermaloger; a person concerned just with trivia: beef-witted; a person who is not very bright and who eats too much beef: resistentialism; when something lets you down and you think it is deliberate – witness John Cleese thrashing his car in Fawlty Towers (in my case it is my internet connection which always fails – JUST TO SPITE ME – when I have some important thing to do): jargogle; to confuse: freck: to
A Final Sentence
William Shakespeare: the greatest exponent of the English Language who ever lived
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FINELIVING
Thank You!!! From Inspired Flower Design Inspired Flower Design celebrates their first anniversary by giving every reader a 15% discount for all orders placed online throughout October! Every customer will receive 15% off their order when entering the code ‘DSPTCH15’ at the checkout. You can shop online 24/7 at inspiredflowerdesign.co.uk
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e are blooming! Inspired Flower Design, founded by budding freelance florist Tracey Diplock has really seen her business blossom in the last 12 months. Deciding to leave a successful role as a manager of a magazine based in Hertfordshire to pursue
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her floristry dream, Tracey admits to initially being nervous with the career change. ‘It would have been easy for me to continue in my previous job, but I would have always wondered if I could have made it on my own, following my dreams to make a successful business from making beautiful floral designs which I am truly
passionate about’ Tracey said. ‘In my first year of trading as a freelance florist I have already been so fortunate to work with some amazing people, whether it be creating memories at weddings, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries or bespoke funeral tributes to remember loved ones.’ Here we catch up with Tracey..... So what has been your proudest moment in the last 12 months? It may sound silly, but when I bought my florist van, and collected it from the sign writers and saw my company name and design down the side it really hit home that the business was starting to grow and it was a very proud moment for me. Even now I get a real sense of pride to be promoting my business every time I jump into the van to deliver one of my designs.
How do you promote you business? I have always found the best promotion of a business to be as word of mouth and positive endorsement from customers that have ordered previously. I have very many customers who return on a regular basis, and I hope they can see that in every design I try to create something special for them. I am also very aware of the power of the internet, and offer customers the opportunity to order directly online at inspiredflowerdesign. co.uk, and also look to promote my business through Facebook (www.facebook.com/ InspiredFlowerDesign) and Twitter (@InspiredFlowerD). I love to get involved in the local community! Community engagement is really important to me. We took part in the Attleborough Carnival (despite the weather!) which was a great
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FINELIVING
success - our team of flower girls handed out baskets full of single stem roses to the crowds throughout the procession. More recently, we have also been involved in the town’s ‘Tour of Britain Bike Fest’ working with the Attleborough Business Fun Fest Team and other local businesses.
What inspires you? I would have to say that I draw a lot of inspiration from iconic floral designers and I am a big fan of Pinterest too! I am always amazed by our constantly changing local landscapes and the intricacies of flowers.
number of clients. We LOVE working closely with our clients throughout the entire planning process, but the most fun can be at the beginning when we get to brainstorm how we can create something different and unique for the customer.
What is your favourite flower to work with? Choosing one flower is so difficult! I love working with hydrangeas and dahlias for a few reasons; first they remind me of my grandparents, their garden, and my roots! Secondly, the seasons in which they are both available in are super-short, so when they do finally arrive in the workshop I feel like it’s an extra special birthday!
What is your favourite part about being a florist? So many things. The mornings - getting back from the wholesalers just as everyone is heading off to work, making a cuppa and listening to music whilst conditioning the flowers. I find it all very calming, and nothing you can ever experience in an office! Also, it has to be the special relationships I have with my customers. Getting to know each customer, gives me the ability to be creative and uniquely personal in my floral designs. I love meeting people and being apart of something special (whether it be a wedding, valentine, a birthday) ...and of course seeing the customers smile when I deliver.
What makes Inspired Flower Design different? Working freelance means I am able to offer a boutique environment, and by that I mean we only take on a limited
What are you looking forward to in the next 12 months? In addition to working with customers in the area, I am looking to expanding the reach of the business; working with more local businesses. The wedding
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diary is also getting booked up, so I am very much looking forward to doing these, as well as taking bookings for 2016/17. Anything you would like to add? Never forget those important dates again! We offer a completely FREE reminder service, all you need to do is simply go to the ‘Remind Me’ page on our website, fill in your special dates and we will contact you in advance of your special day to remind you! I would also just want to say a massive heartfelt thank you for every single one of you that has shown support over the last 12 months or so. I am extremely touched. I appreciate I am a new florist and I am grateful for the local community support, in giving me a chance and trying me - it’s an absolute pleasure to serve you! For more information about Inspired Flower Design, check out the website, or head straight to the Facebook page! Inspired Flower Design Attleborough 07957 090 508 inspiredflowerdesign.co.uk facebook.com/ InspiredFlowerDesign
2015 October | 55
FINELIVING 1916, first day of the Battle of the Somme. On that day the British Army lost 19,240 men. For the Royal Navy the largest action of the war came in 1916 at Jutland where four VCs were given. 19 were awarded to the Royal Flying Corps. Among Commonwealth troops who won the medal were 71 Canadians, 13 members of the Indian Army, 63 Australians and 11 New Zealanders. Here are some men from Norwich and Norfolk who gained this highest decoration.
Presentation of medals in the Market Place in 1919. The statue of His Grace the Duke of Wellington was subsequently moved to the Cathedral Close
Some Norfolk And Norwich Vcs Of The Great War. Norwich contributed to the First World War – the so-called Great War – in many ways. Here Stephen Browning takes a look at the Victoria Cross and some of the brave men to whom it was awarded. Unchanging Love When the War is Over, Mother Dear, When the war is over, mother dear, When the bands all play and the people cheer, As the boys come marching thro’ the dear home town, Joy-bells ringing gaily as the sun goes down;
Victoria Cross
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Tho’ your heart is aching, mother dear, For your soldier boy never fear, I’ll come back some day, and kiss your tears away, When the war is over, mother dear. Popular printed postcard of 1918
The Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross is the highest British Military decoration, awarded for valour ‘in the face of the enemy’. It was created in January 1856, during the reign of Queen Victoria, to recognise courage shown in the Crimean War. The medal features a bronze cross bearing the crown of St Edward, surmounted by a lion, and is inscribed ‘For Valour’. The VC has been awarded 1357 times, with 628 being won during the First World War. Of those 159 were gained posthumously. The largest number awarded on a single day was nine, on 1 July
Harry Daniels VC leaving the Guildhall, Norwich, after a reception given to him by the Lord Mayor
voluntarily rushed in front and succeeded in cutting the wires.’ He became a local hero in Norwich, and when he returned home, crowds gathered to cheer and shake his hand. The Sheriff presented him with a purse of gold to mark the grateful thanks of the city. He elected to stay in the army after the war and died in Leeds on 13 December 1953.
Harry Cator VC, the soldier from Drayton Harry Cator, a railway worker’s son, was born in 1894 and educated at Drayton school. He was married to his childhood sweetheart from Great Yarmouth on September 2 1914 and signed up the next day. On 9 April 1917 he was part of an attack on the German lines near to the French town of Arras. The British advanced but were
Harry Daniels VC One of Norwich’s most celebrated soldiers is Harry Daniels. At present, a road is named after him in Wymondham, the town where he was born, but, in 2015 a campaign was begun to erect a permanent memorial to him in his home city of Norwich. Harry Daniels was born in Wymondham in 1884, the 13th child of a baker in Wymondham, Norfolk. He joined the army at a young age and served abroad in India. He was 30 years old, and a Company Sergeant-Major when he was awarded the VC. On 12 March 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France, his unit, the 2nd Battalion of The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own), advanced towards the German trenches across no-man’s land. The stretch ahead was blocked with barbed wire and under constant enemy fire. Daniels and another man, Noble, ran to the front to cut the wires. They were both wounded and Noble died later of his wounds. Their 1915 citation read: ‘When their battalion was impeded in the advance to the attack by wire entanglements, and subjected to very severe machine gun fire, these two men
Harry Cator VC
feature by:
Steve Browning Writer @returningperson
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FINELIVING suffering heavy casualties from a German machine gun unit. With the hard-won gains under threat, Cator and another soldier, under heavy fire themselves and in full view of the enemy, advanced across open ground towards the machine gun. His comrade was killed but Harry Cator made the machine gun post and silenced the gunners. He continued to hold the post allowing the British to advance, taking 100 prisoners and capturing five machine guns. After the war he worked for the Post Office and the Unemployment Assistance Board. He and his wife settled in Sprowston where he died in 1966. He lies in Sprowston cemetery.
Sidney James Day VC (centre) being given a rousing welcome by Norwich Volunteers on his triumphant return home
Sidney James Day VC Sidney was born in Lakenham and attended St Marks School and was the second Norwich man - Harry Daniels being the first - to win the VC. The youngest of a family of nine brothers and sisters, he was born in the 1890s at St Anne’s Lane, off King Street, Norwich. His father had worked at Morgan’s Brewery before running a lodging house on Ber Street which became the famous Jolly Butchers. When war was declared he joined the Suffolks. In the summer of 1915, by then a lance corporal, he went to France with his battalion, just in time for the battle of Loos. During one battle he found he was the only soldier in his platoon who was not injured. He picked up his wounded officer, Lieutenant Stevens, and was carrying him away from the battlefield when the officer was shot and killed by a sniper. Then some months later during the battle of Mons, Sidney was shot
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twice but managed to crawl three miles to a dressing station and was returned to Norwich and Wymondham for treatment. By early 1917 he was back in France and it was during bitter fighting around Ypres and Passchendaele that his actions earned him the Victoria Cross. He was in command of a bombing section detailed to clear a maze on enemy-held trenches. He did, killing two machine gunners and taking four prisoners. He then went on alone and seized a trench bomb throwing it away from other soldiers, where it exploded. His actions saved many lives. He then cleared the trench and remained in an advanced position for 66 hours during which time he came under intense hostile shell and rifle grenade fire. His actions were described as ‘an inspiration to all’. When he finally made it back to Norwich he was a hero. Everybody wanted to shake his hand. Crowds gathered to cheer him. He returned to his old school and a party was thrown in his honour at the Mission Hall in Trafalgar Street. He went back to France where he was captured and held as a prisoner until the end of the war. Back in civilian life he worked for the Electric Light Company in Norwich before moving to Portsmouth where he was employed in the dockyard and ran a shop. He died in 1959, at 68.
wounded during the charge. It was Sir Alfred Munnings, who was then a largely unknown war artist, who subsequently painted the legendary enactment of the action.
Arthur Henry Cross VC
Arthur Cross VC
ordered a cavalry charge. Although casualties were enormous, the cavalry charge so unnerved the Germans that they were never able to capture Moreuil Wood, and their advance turned into a retreat in early April. This is often referred to as ‘The Last Great Cavalry Charge’ for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Gordon Flowerdew himself was mortally
Arthur Cross was born in Shipdham, Norfolk. He was with the 40th Battalion Machine Gun Corps when he won his VC on 25 March 1918 for capturing prisoners and causing heavy casualties. He singlehandedly approached and captured 7 armed men, causing them to throw down their guns and take them and their tripods to British lines. His citation said: ‘it is impossible to speak too highly of the extreme gallantry and dash displayed by this NCO….’ Arthur survived the war and died in 1965.
Gordon Flowerdew, VC and Sir Alfred Munnings - a double Norfolk and Norwich connection Gordon Muriel Flowerdew was born in Billingford, Norfolk, England in 1885 and educated at Framlingham College in Suffolk. He emigrated to British Columbia, where he took up ranching. When the war broke out in September 1914, he enlisted as a private in Lord Strathcona’s Horse and, in January 1918, Flowerdew was given command of C Squadron of Lord Strathcona’s Horse. In late March, as the Germans approached Moreuil, Flowerdew
Gordon Flowerdew VC
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FINELIVING
Charge of Flowerdew’s squadron by Sir Alfred Munnings
Ernest Seaman VC Ernest Seaman was born in Derby Street, Heigham, Norwich, in 1893. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for bravery just six weeks before the armistice. On 29 September 1918 at Terhand, Belgium, he single-handedly captured two
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machine guns in one operation, along with 12 prisoners, and then another on the same day, before being killed immediately afterwards. His citation said: ‘his courage and dash were beyond all praise’, and it was thanks to him his company could push forward to its objectives.
He was 25 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. NEXT MONTH: We take a look at the work of the War Tribunals and the Law Courts during the conflict.
Norwich in the Great War by Stephen Browning is released in January 2016 and is now available for pre-order from Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwell’s, Foyles and bookshops priced at £9.99 For all Stephen’s publishing news automatically delivered to your facebook page, please click on ‘Like’ at: www.facebook.com/ stevebrowningbooks
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FINELIVING
Rington Serving up a cup of Ringtons
W
hile many still remember ‘the pop man’, butcher and milkman making regular deliveries to homes across the country, it seems today such traditional doorstep deliveries are a rare sight. However, tea and coffee expert Ringtons is bucking this trend and its
traditional doorstep selling methods are just as popular today as they were in 1907 when the company first began. From its base in Diss, Ringtons’ friendly team keep traditional delivery methods in demand by offering a unique and personal service to each and every customer. Ringtons customers enjoy home deliveries of quality
tea, coffee, biscuits and gifts on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Although Ringtons has swapped its original horse and carts for vans, it remains just as committed to great service and the best quality products as it always has. The service is designed around its customers,
delivery is free, there’s no subscription fee and there is no obligation to buy – it’s simply an easy way to enjoy great quality products which are delivered straight to your door by someone from your local office To find out more about Ringtons traditional doorstep experience or to sign up for a first no obligation delivery go to www. ringtons.co.uk or call Freephone 0800 052 2440. Ringtons first delivered tea by horse and cart to customers in 1907 – today you can still spot the iconic black and gold Ringtons vans.
Win a festive hamper with Ringtons Dispatch / Fine City has teamed up with Ringtons to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a gorgeous Ringtons Festive Selection Gift Box. Packed full of Christmas essentials, Ringtons Festive Selection includes: Ringtons high quality Connoisseur Tea Bags (100), 250g Ringtons Northern Choice Loose Leaf Tea, Ringtons Premium Gold Instant Coffee (100g), Ringtons All Butter Shortbread Biscuits, Ringtons Chocolate Brazil Nut Biscuits, Ringtons Scottish Strawberry Preserve and Christmas Chutney To enter simply email competitons@ringtons.co.uk or write to Freepost Ringtons LTD including the title “Dispatch / FineCity Competition” and include your name, address and phone number. If you do not wish to be added to Ringtons database to receive exclusive offers and discounts please state so clearly in your entry.
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F
ineHomes is a testament to the excellent homes and properties in and around the Norwich area. Within our all-inclusive section we made sure that we have included estate agents, home improvements and maintenance, among others. Take time to browse through all of these offered services! In the meantime and in the run up to Christmas, it may be worthwhile getting your homes spruced and repaired, your central heating and leaky taps fixed, and install the latest in gadgetry and technology, ready for those Christmas parties and warm Winter dinners. As is commonly phrased by the wise individual: it is never too early to prepare! With regards to properties, we at FineCity are working with some of the finest estate agents
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in Norwich, including Humberts and Haart. In the wider economy, the housing market has done much to recover from the Great Recession. Although many of us may not share Harold Macmillan’s classic claim to “have never had it so good”, there have been massive strides in new-build accommodation and in the “second-hand” market. Prices for the latter in the Norwich area have rose on average around 5% in the last five years, and this pace is set to continue approaching 2020. It seems as though if you are planning on moving or trying to fund future investments, follow Haart’s advice and “stop guessing when - the time to sell is now!” Many of you may also be aware of the upturn in the economy and the low inflation rates which have been evident
in the last quarter. Our top tip is to be in the know about the possible impending interest rate rise as this may affect mortgage borrowers in the coming months. If you are concerned about the potential increase in interest rates, go in and ask one of our listed estate agents to see what this could mean for you. It has always been said that there is no investment like bricks and mortar and in many ways this is true. But we also realise that an investment in your home is not simply for financial gain: it is an investment in your lifestyle, in your comforts and tastes. Understanding this, we hope that you can warm yourselves against an Alcove fireplace, give atmosphere to your rooms with Posh Plants, or furnish your kitchen with the latest designs from Graham Torbitt Kitchens
and Interiors. It is all here! Again, we at FineCity hope that you find everything you may need for your home and urge you to come back next month as we move onwards to the progressed and improved edition of FineHomes in November! By Oliver Large
feature by:
Oliver Large Guest Writer
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FINEHomes
Historic City Home - for sale through Humberts, Norwich 01603 661199
Why use Humberts?
A sample of homes for sale throughout the County with Humberts.
We are specialists in the buying, selling and letting of property in Norfolk and Suffolk. We have: • Local knowledge national backing. 27 London Offices. Part of the Chesterton Group. • A marketing department that will promote nationally • Our experienced, professional team provide true valuations of your property • We are ambitious for our clients • We focus on relationships; clients come back to us. • Many of our applicants are looking for income producing opportunities • We enjoy working for our clients—you are important to us!
Equestrian * Leisure * Wedding venues We also provide professional valuations for lending, probate, tax and matrimonial purposes, condition and Homebuyer reports. Testimonials: “Efficient, helpful and achieved the best price possible for us”. Mrs E. from Bury St Edmunds “Patient as saints and worked through difficult negotiations to achieve an excellent result.” Mr. P from Costessey. “Would use Humberts and their network over and over again!” Mr. G from Holt.
City
Call us on 01603 661199 Farms * Holiday cottages *
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Village
Rural 2015 October | 61
Quality blinds and cur tains
FREE fitting FREE quote FREE measurement NO hassle NO pressure Book online today
5 YEAR GUARANTEE on everything
Book your appointment today www.norwichsunblinds.co.uk/LT1
01603 334017 | 01953 544 017
Visit us at our Norwich or Attleborough showrooms: 8 St Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4AG 11 - 14 Haverscroft Ind Est, Attleborough NR17 1YE 62 | October 2015
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Stop guessing when the time to sell is now!
Now is the time to sell and we will help you achieve the best possible price for your home Let us take the guesswork out of when to sell your home. House prices are strong, demand is growing and stamp duty is reduced. Take advantage of our in-depth knowledge and intelligence, within your local market so we can put you in the best position to get the best possible price for your home at the right time for you. We have buyers ready to view and we are available every day from 8am - 10pm.
Follow your ... Call us today for your free valuation for properties covering
Dereham 01362 696977 www.finecity.co.uk
Norwich Golden Triangle 01603 458400 Costessey 01603 604335
Eaton & Cringleford 01603 604030 Sprowston 01603 604334
or go online to
Wymondham & Hethersett 01953 469275 Norwich 01603 761600 2015 October | 63
FINEHomes
Trinity Stained Glass
W
e are well into wedding season but with more couples living together before they get married it’s harder to think of a suitable personal present . At Trinity Stained Glass we sell small individually handcrafted gifts from £13.99 to any size any design stained glass windows and door panels. These can be designed to the couples style and taste whether it’s in the actual design from modern abstract to the wide range of traditional Victorian and Edwardian designs or in colours chosen to tie in with their decor or taste. Trinity Stained Glass have portfolio photos of hundreds of the stained glass windows produced in our Norwich workshop over the 20 years that we have been in the same premises on Ber Street. These can help inspire ideas or used as a basis to work upon creating a work of art especially for the happy couple. Of course , if required we are happy to adapt 64 | October 2015
your own ideas whether it’s a sentimental painting or just a pencil sketch we could re create in glass. Stained glass starter kits are becoming more popular for couples to learn a new, unusual craft together from their own home. They start at £96 and include all the tools, materials and glass to produce a few hand made crafts from small sun catchers , mirrors , lamps or bigger windows and even glass panels for their own door. We can advise from the different kits which would be more suitable for your requirements. We stock over 400 different types of coloured and textured glass from restoration glass to vibrant modern colours to suit all uses and ideas. Any help or ideas needed please feel free to contact Amanda or Trevor at Trinity Stained Glass ,103 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY 01603 622099 trinitystainedglass@ btconnect.com www.finecity.co.uk
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FINEHomes
Posh Plants biOrb Air…a tropical rainforest
M
y ‘work’ life and my ‘other’ life have certain parallels. My work involves plants, trees, the natural world and design… and battling with technology! When I’m not working I still find myself thinking about these things, it’s all part of being self employed I suppose, but it must mean I enjoy my work and am happy for the boundaries to be blurred. I like the fact that my house is surrounded and filled with plants, maybe a little challenging for others though! A recent addition to the Posh Plants online collection is the biOrb Air. As well as my interior plants I love this blend of design and nature.
The sleek, crystal clear globe is a micro-climate which replicates the natural conditions under a tropical forest canopy. The fully automated terrarium is a stunning focal point for the home or office. Forget the television, this is the way to relax! You have a 360 degree view of a world filled with plants. Even tropical frogs will happily live amongst the plants. Occasionally a swirl of mist will envelope the plants creating the perfect humid atmosphere and lighting is automatically programmed on a 24 hour timer. In this modern world it’s all too easy to get disconnected from nature, so even when indoors it is possible to be connected with nature and enjoy your own oasis of tropical planting, even in the depths of winter, it can become
quite mesmerising. It’s a window back to the natural world! Sue Huckle. Visit the online collection at www.poshplants.com Posh Plants at Seven Acres Nursery Common Road East Tuddenham NR20 3NF 07703 347014 email: sue@poshplants.com
Posh Plants
topiary, plants, shrubs and trees to hire or buy
Sue Huckle is the inspiration behind many award winning gardens, offering a professional and creative approach to the art and science of garden design. At Seven Acres Nursery we have a range of lovely plants and containers for sale, as well as our beautiful collection of large topiary plants available to hire for weddings, parties and your workplace!
07703 347014 email: sue@poshplants.com website: www.poshplants.com
Posh Plants, Seven Acres Nursery, Common Road, East Tuddenham, NR20 3NF
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2015 October | 67
Contemporary, classic or chic modern
Kitchens and Interiors The kitchen is the heart of the home. That’s why at Graham Torbitt Kitchens and Interiors we provide quality craftsmanship, contemporary design, unique and fresh ideas to bring you the kitchen you desire. With over 25 years experience, let us put the heart back into your home.
Bespoke design and budget Creative solutions Integrity and expert advice Professional service Free consultation Inhouse at Premier Marble 3 Dewings Road, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6PS
01603 327727 | www.gtki.co.uk | graham@gtki.co.uk
68 | October 2015
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Fine City Chorus Singing since 1975 If you are interested in coming along to one of our rehearsals or even possibly booking Fine City Chorus for your function, please do not hesitate contact us.
www.finecitychorus.org.uk Shepherd’s Crook Shepherd’s Crook is extremely sumptuous with full-size double bed, freesat flatscreen TV, and fully equipped kitchen including fridge and dishwasher. And unlike a lot of shepherd’s huts, our WC and shower is truly en-suite - you don’t need to go outside! Based on the edge of Framlingham Suffolk Call Becky on 07778 381953 for availability.
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2015 October | 69
Air Jump Lands on Norfolk’s Hilltop The build of an exhilarating brand new 16 metre (52ft) high jumping tower, dubbed the ‘Air Jump’ is underway at Hilltop Outdoor Centre in North Norfolk The first activity of its kind ever in England, Air Jump has been in the planning for a year and it will take a further six weeks to complete the build. Once finished, a large wooden structural tower will be in place to provide various height platforms for people to jump off, before free-falling into a giant air bag. The varying heights include two fun level jumps at 4 metres (13ft) and 5 metres (16ft), three high adrenaline jumps at 7 metres (23ft), 8 meters (26ft) and 10 metres (33ft), as well as a 13 metre (43ft) jump planned for the near future for the most extreme adrenaline junky. With a £35,000 investment, Air Jump has been specifically designed for Hilltop Outdoor Centre which will provide schools,
businesses and the general public with the chance to take part in the unique activity, only seen before at specialist sports facilities outside of England and at promotional events. Oliver Read, Director at Hilltop Outdoor Centre said: “The idea for this new activity came from a family skiing trip where we first saw a giant air bag being used to practice big ski jumps but with the advantage of a safe landing. It was so much fun that it inspired us to bring something similar to Hilltop. We worked with a specialist company, Bag Jump, to create something unique for Hilltop’s customers, as we continue to develop our reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative outdoor educational centres.”
He added: “While being an activity that is sure to get the blood pumping, it will also help people to develop confidence and social skills as they build up the courage to dive off a platform and land directly into the three metre high air bag.” Sheila Oxtoby, Chief Executive of North Norfolk District Council will officially open Air Jump at a VIP launch event on 9th April at 10.30am. She said: “The addition of this unique and exciting activity at Hilltop Outdoor Centre in Sheringham is fantastic news for local thrill seekers and for visitors looking for an experience with a difference. Tourist attractions contribute significantly to the wellbeing of North Norfolk’s economy and
I am pleased to see a local business get a great idea off the ground that will not only attract new visitors to the area, but also support jobs for local people. I am delighted to be part of the launch of the ‘air jump’ and can’t wait to give it a go!” For further information about Hilltop Outdoor Centre and the new Air Jump, visit www. hilltopoutdoorcentre.co.uk or keep up to date with #airjump on Twitter for the latest news.
Make the most of your retirement Michael Boon is your local Equity Release Council member for professional independent advice. If you are interested in releasing a tax-free lump sum from your home then Michael will be delighted to guide you through the different types of equity release schemes available to find the best plan for your needs.
To find out more call Michael on 01508 483983 or visit www.businessmattersifa.co.uk
with equity release
Equity release schemes allow you to release tax-free cash from your home to boost your finances in later life • Many clients use this money to repay an existing mortgage, make home improvements, buy a new car and even go on a holiday of a life time, while others may wish to offer financial assistance to their children or to improve their own quality of life in retirement. • Business Matters is qualified and registered through the Financial Conduct Authority to offer a valuable equity release service for homeowners aged 55 or over. • Business Matters only recommend approved schemes from The Equity Release Council.
BusinessMatters
This is a lifetime mortgage, to understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration. Business Matters is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 301141.
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Keeping Abreast Keeping Abreast Portrait Exhibition heads to The House Of Commons Fifty portraits of women who have had breast cancer surgery and reconstruction will be exhibited at the House of Commons during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Keeping Abreast Portrait Exhibition, Femininity Comes From Within, will be held in the Upper Waiting Hall in the House of Commons from Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2015, before being taken on a national tour. The exhibition is being hosted by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith who said: “Keeping Abreast provides vital support to women at what can often be a very difficult time. I have worked with a brilliant team to take their innovative and beautiful exhibition to Parliament because the serious subject matter deserves recognition.” Femininity Comes From Within brings together portraits of women aged between 30 and 70, some of whom have been photographed before reconstructive breast surgery and some after. The participants
have either had breast cancer or preventative mastectomies. This has been a two-year project for Norfolk-based professional photographer, Julia Holland, who is a committed supporter of the breast reconstruction charity Keeping Abreast. Having worked with the charity for many years, Julia was inspired by the women she met to create classical-style photographic portraits of them. “All the women were brave enough to come and take part because they wanted to make a difference to others facing breast cancer,” explained Julia. Alongside each portrait are the women’s own words about their experiences and how they feel now, demonstrating the femininity, strength and courage in adversity in each individual case. The stories are a powerful reflection on the women’s journeys through cancer and reconstruction and convey the heartfelt gratitude they feel towards Keeping Abreast for the
support they’ve received. One such example is Gloria Girling from Norwich, who wrote: “At the age of 62, I am out and proud and very loud! Empowered by my new-found femininity, I’m proud to have been asked to take part in this exhibition of sensitive photography; I hope this shines through to encourage other women to have faith and belief in themselves.” Victoria White, national fundraising and development manager for Keeping Abreast, said: “Some women are very happy to live with no breast after their cancer has been removed, but many lose their sense of identity and feel isolated after their mastectomy. Empowering women to make their own informed choice gives them some control in what often seems a powerless situation. Keeping Abreast’s support during the decision-making process gives those considering reconstructive breast surgery the opportunity to meet women who have
already been through breast reconstruction, as well as the chance to see the results of such surgery in the flesh and to ask questions. We believe it is vital that more women are offered this kind of support and we are committed to developing more Keeping Abreast groups wherever we can.” After being displayed at the House of Commons, the Keeping Abreast Portrait Exhibition will go on a national tour.* Confirmed locations so far include the Gloucester Royal Hospital from 27th to 29th October; the Royal Liverpool Hospital on the 4th and 5th November; and the Royal Derby Hospital from 24th to 26th November, with more places in the pipeline. Further information on Keeping Abreast is available at: www.keepingabreast. org.uk and on Julia Holland Photography at: www.allabout-image.co.uk.
Trusted by local families since 1925 George Bush 93 Oak Street 01603 764157 St Stephens Square 01603 625495 321c Aylsham Road
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JTD 14111 Nicholsons Advert.qxp_Layout 1 07/01/2015 13:06 Page 1
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: 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. 5. If you have remarried, a Will can ensure any children from your first marriage get a share of your estate.
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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 need a will, Nicholsons make it easy... Making a Will is the only way to protect your family and assets for the future. Nicholsons specialise in Will writing, inheritance tax planning, Powers of Attorney and property trusts. We pride ourselves on making the whole process as easy as possible either by meeting in our office or visiting you in the comfort of your own home. If you are interested in discussing a Will or any other legal matter contact Ann-Marie Matthews on 01603 478567 or email amatthews@nicholsonslaw.com
Nicholsons Solicitors LLP, 97 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 0HF
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If you would like help or advice about making a Will or any other legal matter, do not hesitate to contact AnnMarie Matthews at Nicholson Solicitors on telephone number 01603 478567 or email amatthews@nicholsonslaw. com
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When was the last time you had a hearing test? By Karen Finch, audiologist and Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre Can you remember when you last had your hearing tested? If you can’t remember or have never had one, you certainly are not alone. A recent study* highlighted that in the United Kingdom over half the population (53%) have never had a hearing test carried out. If you asked yourself when was your last dental check-up or visit to the opticians, you would probably say in the last 2 years. So why do we not take the same care with our hearing? There are currently 10 million people in the UK who are hard of hearing and our lifestyle means that the condition is becoming increasingly prevalent. Once an issue associated with old age, now anyone can find their hearing isn’t what it used to be. Thankfully, with the use of accurate diagnostics and fantastic hearing assistive www.finecity.co.uk
technology - it’s often an easily solved problem. A large part of the problem is that many of us presume, wrongly, that it isn’t something that could affect us. In fact, it’s thought that 18,000 of us are experiencing noise-induced hearing loss caused by or exacerbated by our workplace environment or hobbies. If you suspect you or a friend is experiencing difficulties with their hearing consider the list below: • • •
•
Do you ask others to repeat themselves? Do friends complain that the TV is too loud? Does it become difficult to follow a conversation in background noise? Does it seem to you as if people are mumbling?
If you answered YES to any of
these questions, you may have a hearing loss. If you have yet to have a hearing assessment, do not suffer in silence with an issue that can be readily addressed with hearing aids. If you are feeling hesitant about taking the next step remember that you are not alone. Consider the improvements in quality of life experienced by individuals who take action and address their hearing loss. The experience can be life changing - hearing aid users say they grow in confidence, communicating in groups becomes easier and less stressful and they begin to enjoy life again. Our hearing allows us to connect with our surroundings and communicate with our loved ones. The ability to hear properly can go along way in helping to stay active. Correct communication with family and friends can mean the difference between a fun and enjoyable day out or a confusing and frustrating day. Book a hearing test with your local audiologist and start your journey to better hearing.
Free norfolk open day events To encourage people with hearing loss who have yet to take action, The Hearing Care Centre has organised a series of events, whereby they will be offering many of their services free of charge, including hearing tests, professional advice, hearing aid demonstrations and much more… October Monday 5th - Cecil Amey Opticians, Wymondham Tuesday 6th - Cecil Amey Opticians, Dereham Wednesday 7th - Cecil Amey Opticians, Attleborough Thursday 8th - Cecil Amey Opticians, Harleston Thursday 8th - Cecil Amey Opticians, Watton Friday 16th - Thetford Healthy Living Centre, Thetford
Appointments are essential. To book yours call Freephone 0800 096 2637 or visit www. hearingcarecentre.co.uk
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Kingsley Healthcare Care Homes A pioneering WINGS Program to change the face of care and dementia Inspiring Research According to The Alzheimer’s Society there will be 850,000 in 2015 in the UK which is set to rise to 1 million in 2025. There are 40,000 younger people with dementia in the UK with two thirds of people with dementia being women. It is now more than ever, that the focus to find a cure for the disease is becoming the number one priority. Dementia has now officially overtaken cancer as the UK’s biggest killer. Scientists have had some break trough’s and have many theories for the cause of Alzheimer’s and dementia but there are still not enough case studies that provide enough solid evidence to be a cure for the disability.
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Dementia Care A person diagnosed with dementia may find themselves feeling vulnerable and confused. This is very common and absolutely natural to feel all types of emotion in order to come to terms with the disability. Although there is no cure at the moment for dementia there are however ways to slow the process down and allow for that person to live a very fulfilling life for many years after diagnosis. It’s important to see dementia as a disability that people have to adapt their lifestyles around rather than an illness. It is not necessarily the dementia that kills but the other health complications that increasingly arise over the years with dementia. There
are now many ways to help enable people with dementia by educating the community and people on dementia care. Already there are now dementia cafes, easy to use equipment and training, clubs and classes to attend to help stimulate positive feelings and emotions. The WINGS Program Kingsley Healthcare has teamed up with Stirling University in the aim to work together in creating a WINGS program which will set a president for those who care for others and provide the quality standards for carers in all of their homes. WINGS stands for Welcoming, Individual, Nurturing, Guidance and Sensitivity. This program is being put together by Kingsley Healthcare to help carers have a better understanding and support in providing the high standards needed for the resident to have the best experience possible during their care. This program will be implemented in all Kingsley
Healthcare homes. Kingsley Healthcare Kingsley Healthcare is a private care home provider across the UK with the mission to provide the best care by changing the face of the industry with a pioneering WINGS Program. The company was established in 1999 by Daya Thayan and his wife Sumi who purchased their first home in Suffolk and turned the home around to the thriving home it is today. Over the years, the company has grown to 24 homes, including four Learning Disability homes and is now a nationally recognised award winning care home provider with plans of expansion within the next 5 years.
To find out more about Kingsley Healthcare and the WINGS Program or to find your nearest home please visit www.kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk
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Hethersett
Old Hall School Independent day school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11 with boarding for girls from 9
Small classes, wide horizons From nursery to sixth form, Hethersett Old Hall School is a friendly, high-achieving school where each child is individually nurtured within deliberately small classes, to reach their highest potential. An easy ten-minute drive from the city, the school is set in sixteen acres of beautiful grounds attached to our lovely Georgian hall. Why not visit and see for yourself what makes this such a happy place for your child to thrive?
www.hohs.co.uk I enquiries@hohs.co.uk I 01603 810390 Hethersett Old Hall School I Norwich Road I Hethersett NR9 3DW www.finecity.co.uk
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