Issue 59 October 2016
Meet Dr Harry Brünjes, entrepreneur, doctor of medicine, chairman of English National Opera, et al FINEFashion FINEplaces FINEpeople FINEarts FINELIVING
NORWICH
Interview with...
Chief Executive of The Forum Trust Tim Bishop
Photography
The photography of Olive Edis, the subject of a new exhibition at Norwich Castle
PLUS
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Competition
Win A Mini! or £10,000 cash!
All you have to do is complete the following sections and return your form to ensure it is included in the draw. Or you can enter online at: www.WinaMini.website Only one entry per household Your Name:
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FREE Spooky Fun at Bure Valley Railway!
T
hroughout the half term holiday, 22nd October to 30th October 2016, the Bure Valley Railway will be holding its popular children’s event, “The Spooky Express”. Trains will operate throughout each day from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations (see timetable). A children’s competition to see how many spooky items can be spotted on the train journey, a colouring corner and a decorated Whilstlestop Café add to this themed event. Also, the Railway’s resident Bear will be dressed up for the occasion to welcome each train at Aylsham Station. To make this a truly family friendly event, the Railway is giving free travel for every child when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (maximum of 2 children per adult, train only). No prior booking required. Susan Munday, Business Manager and organiser of this event, says, “Children of all ages can enjoy lots of spooky fun without it being too scary!” For further information contact: Susan Munday, Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW, Tel: 01263 733858 Website: www.bvrw.co.uk Email: marketing@bvrw.co.uk
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Issue 59 October 2016
Meet Dr Harry Brünjes, entrepreneur, doctor of medicine, chairman of English National Opera, et al
INTERVIEW WITH...
Chief Executive of The Forum Trust Tim Bishop
PHOTOGRAPHY The photography of Olive Edis, The subject of a new exhibitio n at Norwich Castle
PLUS
FINEFASHION
Win tickets to the
Festive Gift Fair
FINEPLACES FINEPEOPLE FINEARTS FINELIVING
FINE people
32
FINE places
NOR WIC H
Issue 59
50
Your community magazine FineCity Magazine would like to thank all those who have contributed to this issue. This includes but is not limited to: Pete Goodrum, Stephen Browning, Daniel Tink, Tony Cooper, Michael Chandler and Tim Barnes-Clay
Editor Jonathan Horswell @JonathanHorswel
Administration Luke Keable
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FINE arts
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FINE Fashion
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© FineCity Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the Publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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2016 October | 05
What Does Your Independence Look Like?
I
ndependence in the home, independence in how each day is spent, independence of lifestyle are the choices which millions of people take for granted each day. Where to live, where to work, where to shop and where to go for social activity and enjoyment. Getting older or having a disability can limit these freedoms of choice to a level of independence which changes to dependence on others for a daily existence. The boundaries of everyday living getting smaller and more limiting. One answer to widen and embrace opportunities and improve a restricted way of living is to seek information. Information offers chances to begin to enhance many aspects of life from everyday living at home to offering new social activities or the prospect of renewing old interests and friendships. Support groups, clubs and associations, organisations representing older people, community services and the voluntary sector in a person’s local area will all offer information and practical help to give everyone who approaches them new ideas to consider and think about. Connecting with people who can relate with any individual’s situation can offer a sense of
06 | October 2016
security, companionship and a prospect of an enrichment of lifestyle. Loneliness is common amongst older people and people with a disability and interacting with others is a vital part of wellbeing. Making choices that are appropriate can eradicate hours of being lonely but the opportunities have to be looked for and the common use of the internet makes this so much easier than before. Many professional service providers in the care sector offer opportunities for individuals and families to make personal decisions to enhance their life choices one of whom is Able Community Care. Able Community Care is a family owned home care provider which, since its inception in Norfolk in 1980, has enabled thousands of people across the UK and Channel Islands to choose a care service which offers practical help and opportunity for them and their families. Four care services are available: 1. Able Community Care offers a true alternative to moving into a residential care home. Our long term, live in carer service is a rotational system of weekly or fortnightly chosen carers, who live in your home offering domestic, personal and social care. Your life, how you choose to live, in your home of choice, your own. 2. Able Community Care offers a Home from Hospital Service based on traditional convalescent care that used to be taken for granted, enabling a person to return to independence in their own home where
recovery will be happier and less anxious, cared for by an experienced, live-in carer. 3. Able Community Care offers the opportunity for older and disabled people to take a holiday, visit relatives, take the cruise they always dreamed about, by using our Holiday Companion Care Service. Whether it is a holiday in a neighbouring county or an international trip, a short stay visit to a relative who lives a distance away, a family occasion such as a wedding or other celebration that requires nights away from home, our Holiday Companion Carers can provide personal care support, social support and help with the practical aspects of the trip enabling you to enjoy the event you have chosen. 4. Able Community Care offers Planned Respite Care. Many families care for their loved ones throughout the year. It is estimated that over six million people are unpaid carers, balancing their lives with supporting another person within their family. Family carers need to take a break, to re-charge, to relax and enjoy a period of non-demand. Able Community Care can offer live-in carers to move into the home for a period of time to enable family carers to take that important break from caring. If you would like to discuss any of our services or simply have questions you would like answered, please give us a call on 01603 764567. Information brochures are available on any of the above services and if you would like one sent to you, please call 01603 764567 or email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com www.finecity.co.uk
Dr Harry Brünjes
Norwich-based arts writer, Tony Cooper, meets Norfolk-born Dr Harry Brünjes, entrepreneur, doctor of medicine, chairman of English National Opera, et al
W
e originally met at the aftershow party following English National Opera’s superb production of Purcell’s The Indian Queen at the London Coliseum just over a year ago. But within a few minutes of our conversation Harry caught on to my Norfolk accent. ‘I must stop clipping my vowels in the time-honoured Norfolk manner and speak correctly,’ I exclaimed quickly. But it didn’t seem to bother him. He was used to it. I soon found out why. He’s a Norfolk boy, too - and still is at heart and can fast-track to the Norfolk accent at a whim! Harry - still a ‘youngster’ at 60 is the eldest son of Henry Otto Brünjes known as ‘Harry’ to one and all - was born in Norwich in the mid-Fifties but brought up in Great Yarmouth. His father,
however, was born in Glasgow in 1924 and was educated at St Mungo’s Academy and later attended Glasgow University where he read Modern Languages - French and Spanish. His mother, Ellen, was a teacher. Enlisting in the Royal Navy following a short period working at Glasgow City Hall, Harry’s father spent most of the war years working as a telegraph operator on HMS Talybont, an escort destroyer deployed to the North Sea assisting the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach. After the war, he returned to Glasgow University to complete his degree graduating in 1949. But a year earlier the young, adventurous and inquiring student hiked from Glasgow to Barcelona wearing a kilt. He got into a bit of trouble, though! He found himself
trying to cross the Spanish border travelling without the correct papers. His punishment: a week in a Francoist jail. All part of life’s rich experience, I suppose!
Following university, Harry (whose own father, incidentally, worked as a professional pianist for the silent movies) formed with his brothers, Tom and Drew, the close harmony, tartan-clad, singing trio, aptly (and loyally) named The Singing Scott Brothers. feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
Harry and Jacquie and introducing Tallulah
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FINEPeople
Folkington Manor
Harry and Jacquie’s children all home for Christmas
Their act comprised traditional Highland songs such as ‘Westering Home’ but they expanded their repertoire in keeping with the popular music trend of the day. Therefore, songs from the movies and contemporary covers such as ‘My Foolish Heart’ and ‘That Lucky Old Sun’ (a big hit for Frankie Laine) became the order of the day. They also incorporated impersonations of other famous groups in their act including the well-loved, American close-harmony group, The Ink Spots. Their command and presence on stage was, by all accounts, second to none and they turned themselves out smartly dressed for each and every occasion wearing anything from Tam o’Shanters and tartan-clad suits to traditional dinner suits while their singing delivery was accentuated by a shared vocal tone that hit the right note with post-war audiences looking for a bit of light relief and, indeed, light entertainment after years of anguish, heartache and austerity. The Singing Scott Brothers quickly gained acceptance in the fickle world of showbusiness while building up a national following,
too, delighting audiences in such popular seaside towns as Scarborough, Bridlington, Bournemouth and, of course, Great Yarmouth, let alone Blackpool and the famed Opera House. ‘They appeared alongside major stars of the day,’ enthused son Harry, ‘and enjoyed spectacular summer seasons with the likes of Vera Lynn, Morecambe & Wise and Charlie Chester while they regularly performed on various BBC radio shows of the early 1950s.’ But with the advent of rock ‘n’ roll in the late 1950s with Elvis, Tommy Steele and Bill Haley coming along rocking them in the aisles, closeharmony groups began to wane and Harry and his brothers had to think about their future and think quickly, too! Therefore, as a temporary measure and to bring in the bacon, they took up temporary positions as school-teachers with Harry accepting a post at St Margaret’s School, Lowestoft, where he lived with his family. He made rapid progress on the educational path of his career becoming headmaster of Ampthill Road School, Bedford, in 1965. Eight years later he was appointed headmaster of Alameda
School, Ampthill, at the time a school in the forefront of comprehensive education. Over the following decade, Alameda gained a good reputation for staging professionallyinspired school shows. And with Harry’s strong and healthy links to the world of show-business, he would often invite friends and former professional stage colleagues to take part in the productions and acts such as Terry Hall and Lenny the Lion were always pleased to oblige. The Singing Scott Brothers, though, enjoyed performing at many prestigious events and had the honour of performing at the London Coliseum in the presence of The Queen for the 1952 Royal Variety Show. They were also called to the big stage for one last time when they were engaged for a series of variety shows at Blackpool’s Opera House in 1957 supporting headline acts from across the Atlantic such as Al Martino, the popular ItalianAmerican crooner, whose big hit of 1967 was ‘Spanish Eyes’. It turned out to be the Brothers’ swansong. But what a way to go! They enjoyed one final encore when in 1973 they performed with a full band in front of a very special gathering of family and close friends to celebrate their parents’ golden wedding anniversary. What a date! And the most memorable of their successful career! Harry (who died at the age of 89) valued his family and the importance of friendship that’s for sure but he also valued his links to Lowestoft and the east coast and kept the family home he bought in Corton as a holiday retreat.
The Singing Scott Brothers: Drew (Harry Otto Brünjes) and Tom
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As a father, too, he helped and encouraged his son Harry (appointed Chairman of English National Opera last year) in every conceivable way to fulfil his dreams and ambitions in life. ‘In the early 1970s,’ Harry fondly recalls, ‘I was a medical student at Guy’s Hospital, London, qualifying in 1980. But to help me through my studies and help pay my way, my father, through his strong links to the entertainment industry, got me my first job as a holiday-camp entertainer at Gunton Hall, Lowestoft, working as a singer-pianist. www.finecity.co.uk
FINEPeople ‘This led to me gaining a valuable insight and foothold in show-business and I enjoyed several summer seasons working in such grand and proud seaside resorts as Llandudno, Newquay, Ilfracombe, Great Yarmouth and Plymouth and working, too, alongside such big names as Frankie Vaughan, Ronnie Carroll, David Whitfield, Roy Castle and Tommy Trinder. They were
heavenly and exciting days for me and taught me a lot about people, life and, indeed, business.
Brighton Grand Hotel bombing during the Conservative Party Conference in 1984.’
‘After I qualified as a doctor I spent five years as a junior surgeon and the same amount of time as a GP and then spent another five years in Harley Street. I happened to be the junior hospital doctor on duty on the night of the
After Harley Street, Harry branched out on his own in the medical business taking a big risk by founding the Premier Medical Group in 1995 which he sold to Capita for £60 million in 2014. Recently, he bought the company
Red carpet treatment! The Brunjes family - Ralph, Jacquie, Emma and Harry - all ready for the Olivier Awards, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 2016.
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2016 October | 09
FINEPeople back again. The core business of Premier Medical is a chain of over 200 private clinics throughout the UK.
Chairman of the board of English National Opera, Dr Harry Brunjes.
Harry married Jacquie Storey, a singer and dancer, in 1980. She had the distinction of becoming the English ballet champion at 16 years of age. After training at the famous Arts Educational School, Jacquie went on to enjoy a highly-successful career in London and throughout the regions taking lead roles in such well-loved musicals as The Wizard of Oz and Calamity Jane. Currently, she’s in demand as a choreographer working in theatre and television. They’re blessed, too, with four children who, not surprisingly, all work in the entertainment industry. Their eldest child, Emma, runs her own production company, Emma Brünjes Productions (ebp). She has worked with the likes of Al Murray, Frank Skinner, Alexander Armstrong, Nina Conti and Diana Rigg as well as working on hit shows such as ‘Grumpy Old Women’ while she’s also the producer of the comedy awards for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Harry and Jacquie at Folkington Manor with Tallulah.
Harry junior - known by his full name Harry Otto Brünjes - is a film director and screenwriter and runs his own company too, Deckchair Productions. He is currently global brand ambassador for Parker Pen and could be seen last year for Parker Pens global ‘Better Thinking’ campaign. In the UK he was featured in a variety of glossy magazines and plastered on
billboards all over London including a complete take-over of South Kensington. His first feature film, La Bella Figura, was shot on location in Rome in 2006 and screened at independent festivals around the world and at BAFTA in London. The script stylishly weaves together three expatriate relationships exploring the universal allure of the Italian lifestyle Eric - aka as ‘Brvnjes’ - is an international music producer, pianist and guitarist based in London who cut his performing teeth playing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He’s an independent publisher, too, publishing Attack magazine solely dedicated to dance-music production and culture (www.attackmagazine. com). Eric has also produced a host of tracks for Grammy-nominated artists including such well-known American-based hip-hop singers as Fetty Wap, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, while he has composed music for the advertising industry dealing with key clients as Schuh, Clarkes, Forgiato and Mountain Dew. Ralph is a singer-songwriter who has performed extensively worldwide and also toured in the four-piece band, Howe, with his brother, Eric. He’s also co-director of ebp live (a new ticketing agency) as well as commercial manager of ebp. In 2017, he’ll be producing the national tours for Henry Blofeld, David Gower, Joe Stilgoe, Nina Conti and Graeme Swann. A lifelong sportsman, he’s also captain of The Ivy Cricket Club.
Family wedding (September 2015). All lined up in a wedding group and all dressed up in a morning suit.
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FINEPeople One man and his faithful dog!
All four children attended Lancing College in West Sussex where, incidentally, their father is Chairman of the Board of Governors. You could say that Dr Harry has led three lives: medicine, business and show-business. As a student his greatest claim to fame was performing as a punk-rock pianist on the 1970s TV show, Rock Follies, alongside Charlotte Cornwell, Julie Covington and Rula Lenska. Recently, Harry penned his first play, Dial Medicine for Murder, set in an historic manorhouse with the scenario surrounding and presenting the juxtaposition of two serial killer doctors: Irish-born (but practising in Eastbourne) Dr John Bodkin Adams and Nottingham-born, Dr Harold Shipman. The play - produced by his daughter’s company, of course - received its début at www.finecity.co.uk
Folkington Manor last year before going up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. And Folkington Manor in East Sussex, now home to Harry and Jacquie, is a place that Dr Bodkin Adams frequently visited. However, when Jacquie and Harry first visited Folkington in 2010 they found the property badly in need of renovation ‘There was so much work to be done,’ said Jacquie, ‘that it took three years to complete - and that was just the first phase. We actually moved into the house in 2013. However, in the interim period we lived in a flat above the stables. It was all very exciting but at the same time it was quite daunting, too, and made us wonder what on earth we had let ourselves in for.’ Whilst living above the stables, Jacquie had many a sleepless night wondering whether they would be able to modernise the Grade II listed
building without losing any of its original charm. ‘I took plenty of advice and eventually made my peace with the fact that we could make it a modern comfortable home whilst retaining its period features. Harry and I are more than pleased with the outcome.’ And so they should be after all the hard and diligent work they’ve put into its restoration! The circle of life means that Harry and Jacquie have a beautiful country estate which includes a comfortable and well-equipped 150-seater theatre. Not bad going, eh! I can only conclude that if medicine gave Harry a career, show-business gave him a wife, a good wife whom he met working on a bill headlined by none other than Tommy ‘You lucky people!’ Trinder. That’s romance! That’s show-business! There’s nothing quite like it, really! 2016 October | 11
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FINEPeople
Tim Bishop
Pete Goodrum talks to Tim Bishop, Chief Executive of The Forum Trust
A
s my regular readers will know I often chat to my interviewees for FINE PEOPLE over a cup of coffee in The Forum. It’s with particular pleasure then that today I’m in The Forum to meet its Chief Executive, Tim Bishop. The place is as busy as ever. There’s an exhibition going on, library customers are mingling with tourists and visitors to the shop and the coffee bar is packed. I meet Mr Bishop in the middle of all this and we take seats at a table to talk. Tim Bishop was born in London, and brought up in Ipswich. ‘I whisper it in here’ he says, before adding ‘well actually it was a small village near Woodbridge’. He left Suffolk to study History and Politics at Warwick University and from there went
straight into journalism, working on newspapers in Hitchin and Stevenage.
he was back in the Fine City as Editor of the Eastern Evening News.
He had, he says, always wanted to be a journalist. He qualifies it by saying that it wasn’t exactly a childhood dream, but certainly by his late teens and towards the end of University, he knew what he wanted to do. ‘I was nosey. I was, and am, interested in people and I had a fascination with how the world works. Journalism seemed the ideal job to satisfy all of those traits. Also, I figured that at 21 you could, as a journalist, be quizzing the head of a big company, whereas if you worked for a big company you’d probably only rarely see the boss’.
The next role was a switch of media. From printed papers he went to the broadcasting world, joining the BBC in 2004. He held several jobs there, including Education Correspondent, Newsgathering Editor, and Editor, of BBC Look East, Editor at BBC Radio Norfolk and Head of Region for the BBC in the East of England.
By 1989 he was in Norwich, at what was still Eastern Counties Newspapers, working firstly as a reporter and then News Editor on the Eastern Daily Press. As we get to the stage of his life when he’d become a seasoned journalist we begin to talk about his views of the profession, and what made the job special for him. ‘I’m a great believer in that quote - ‘journalism is to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted’, he says. ‘I still hold it dear, but if anything changed it was perhaps because I mellowed a bit. At the outset I always felt that I noticed the things that were wrong. I started, later, to see the things that were done well, and selflessly, and I realised that they are just as, if not more, important’. As dedicated to his craft as he is, Tim Bishop does like new challenges and when he left the Eastern Daily Press it was to travel the world for a while, before taking up a post to lecture in journalism at Highbury College. But Norwich has a pull for Tim and by 1990 Norwich Gaming Festival launch
This last role of course took him off ‘the front line’ of journalism and he recalls a colleague saying that he’d become ‘a suit’ - that media world term for management. Tim didn’t see it that way. ‘Every decision was a journalistic one. Where to put resources - into education reporting or sport? What stories were worth pursuing, and which weren’t. They are all rooted in journalism’. It wasn’t that he was restless, nor that he was unhappy, but the love of a new challenge, coupled with a feeling that it was the right time to move on, found him, in 2012, looking at the advertisement for the post of Chief Executive of The Forum Trust. He tells me, ’And, the more I looked at the advertisement and the job, the more I thought about the potential - what you could do with it’. He moved in to the role in June 2012. I put it to him that this was the big one - the move out of journalism. But, again, Tim Bishop doesn’t see it like that. ‘In many ways it’s a continuation or extension, of being a journalist’ is his view. ‘Every time we put on an event here, it’s the same as the ‘lights, camera, action’ moment at the start of a broadcast. I feel privileged to have worked at the Eastern Daily Press, and the BBC, because they are organisations with a keen sense of serving the community. That’s what we do too. In fact the BBC’s mission is to ‘educate, inform and entertain’ and it does it all by broadcasting. The Forum educates, informs and entertains, it just doesn’t do it by broadcast’. feature by:
Pete Goodrum Writer, broadcaster @petegoodrum
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2016 October | 13
FINEPeople
Forum staff at Festival brochure launch
Looking around it’s easy to understand his point. Which he quickly follows with another. ‘One of the fascinating things about The Forum is how readily and quickly it was accepted. The library fire was 22 years ago now. The Forum has been here for 15 years. It was delivered on time and on budget, which was great, but it was new, modern and huge and in amongst ancient buildings at the heart of the city. And yet, it was instantly accepted. I think it’s because it works.’ And that’s what matters to Tim Bishop. He’s not curating a monument, he’s managing a living, breathing, vibrant place where people meet, talk, learn and are entertained.
Astronomer Mark Thompson launches the Norwich Science Festival
This is an interesting point, and a passionately made one. The Forum is, as Tim reminds me, an educational charity. ‘I still think the name is great’, he says, ‘in the Roman sense, a place where people come to talk, learn, debate’.
14 | October 2016
at the Forum
The Forum is close to Tim’s heart and now he expands on it. ‘My wife thinks I drink coffee all day in here’ he says, ‘which I don’t, but if I did sit at this table all day I would see most people I know and need to see, and I’d see pretty much a full cross section of the city’.
We change gear to talk of his of family life. He lives south of Norwich with his wife, her 14 year old daughter and their 4 year old son. ‘He comes into The Forum like he owns the place!’. He has two grown up daughters, one of whom is in Iran studying Arabic and Persian; the other works for a charity in London.
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FINEPeople Norwich Gaming Festival
His wife has journalistic experience and they met at the BBC. She currently works at the Mental Health Trust. ‘We love Norwich’ he says. ‘I see it as a better place now. More welcoming. It’s more collaborative… but it’s still resolutely Norfolk, and The Forum is at the heart of that story’. Only slightly jokingly I say that for someone brought up in (ahem) Ipswich he’s as passionate about Norwich as I am! And he really is. ‘I think the really great thing about Norwich now is the fact that we’re a world class city for science and technology. We’re currently putting together the Norwich Science Festival www.finecity.co.uk
in The Forum and when you look at the people involved, the organisations based here, it’s amazing. Norwich is also a leading city for the gaming industry which is of massive international importance. With work like that going on here it’s not necessary for young people to leave the city to become engaged in exciting careers’.
‘buzz’ you never forget of seeing the presses roll, the noise of the journalists’ office and the characters who worked there.
What’s interesting to me is that this excitement, this enthusiasm, comes from a man who cut his professional teeth in a pre digital, pre internet age. We talk, nostalgically, of the days when journalism, as he and I both remember, was centred more on the legendary business lunches, many of which were rather ‘liquid’ to say the least! He admits to there being a
As I leave, and look back at the extraordinary building that is The Forum, I’m reminded of his earlier comment about how Norwich has progressed and how The Forum is at the heart of that story. What I’ve learned today is that his drive and vision will have earned Tim Bishop more than a page to himself in that story. He deserves it.
But Tim Bishop does not live in the past. He is at the centre of a thriving, forward thinking and innovative place that sits in the very heart of the city.
2016 October | 15
FINEPeople
THREE NORWICH CHARACTERS
BILLY BLUELIGHT 1859-1949
Billy Bluelight was born William Cullum in Norwich around 1859, although there are no records of his birth. It was stated that he remained single all of his life and lived with him mother in rooms in St Mary’s House, Oak Street. When his mother died he resided on the Mile Cross Estate. In his sixties he taught himself to read and became a very good talker. At one time he was employed by Caley’s and an article about him appeared in the 1907 edition of the Carrow Works Magazine. It is also possible that at the later stage of his life he lived in Hall Road very near to a public house that in 1955 it was renamed Billy Bluelight. He was later admitted to the West Norwich Hospital. Statue of Billy Bluelight
Legend has it that during the 1920s and 1930s Billy would race against commercial Wherry boats along the River Yare from Norwich to Yarmouth as well as pleasure steamboats, Jenny Lind and the Yarmouth Belle from Bramerton to the Old Carrow Bridge in Norwich where he would be dressed in singlet and long white shorts, a striped cricket cap and a row of medals. He would issue the following speech to the pleasure boats: ‘My name is Billy Bluelight, my age is forty-five, I hope to get to Carrow Bridge, before the boat arrives’. The day-trippers enjoyed seeing Billy tackle the five-mile cross-country run from Bramerton.
Billy would then cut across a sewage farm in Whitlingham and then through to Trowse Bridge. When the pleasure boat arrived at Carrow Bridge, Billy would already be there to greet the day-trippers who would give Billy a roaring applause and many penny tips.
To keep the wolves at bay and to earn extra money, Billy also acted as a street seller with a pitch near the Royal Arcade selling flowers and matches and in the winter time he sold Leach’s cough lozenges whilst dressed in a military uniform, medals and a bowler hat. He died in 1949 after being transferred from the West Norwich Hospital to St James Hospital at Shipmeadow, Suffolk. W H DAKIN 1829-1913 William Howard Dakin came to Norwich in 1850 and set up a wholesale retail business situated at No 9 & 11 Davey Place. The smell of roasted coffee could be smelt in the air as customers were greeted by a model of a Chinaman called Cha Lee. William was born in Great Yarmouth and by the age of 11 he was employed by tea merchant Newman & Co in Bury St Edmund. When a branch opened in Davey Place he became a partner. By 1847 he became the owner trading as Dakin & Co and in 1906 he purchased baking powder Company Ninham’s in Ber Street. William was also active in local affairs by being involved with the Norwich Board of Guardians along with being a Liberal Councillor for Norwich’s Eighth ward for twenty years. He was also sheriff in 1884, mayor in 1899 and by 1893 he had become an alderman and magistrate. First time offenders were given leniency by him and this led to the First Offenders’ Act. When he was employed as the Chairman of the Workhouse Committee he was known for his tolerant understanding of the Poor Law which led to him being involved on the Board of Visitors for the Norwich Asylum. He later became part of feature by:
Michael Chandler
Author, Historian & Broadcaster @EastAngliaMedia
16 | October 2016
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FINEPeople the Baptist Church in Unthank Road where he became a Senior Deacon.
Plaque for John Fryer, brother-in-law to Captain Robert Tinkler
When William died in 1913 the business was taken over by his son J Howard Dakin and it would later be passed to his son-in-law Leonard Moyle. In 1953 the lease run out in Davey Place and the business relocated to Bedford Street before being sold in 1963 to F Lambert, tea merchants of the Haymarket. William is buried in the family plot in the Rosary Cemetery. CAPTAIN ROBERT TINKLER 17741820 Captain Robert Tinkler who died aged 46 is buried in St Margaret’s Churchyard, St Benedict Street. During his time at sea where battlement took place he received twenty-one wounds. It was on the recommendation from his brother-in-law John Fryer who resided in Wells and was employed as the Master of His Majesty’s Ship Bounty for Robert to become a supernumerary midshipman. At the age of seventeen the crew on the Bounty mutinied against Captain Bligh in the
South Seas of the Pacific. Along with his brotherin-law and nineteen members of the crew, Robert, along with Captain Bligh were set adrift in a boat by the mutineers. A voyage of 1200 leagues took place before arriving at the Dutch Settlement of Cupan in the island of Timor.
upon which it appears the Master interfered and ordered him to stick his knife into the Boatswain. As soon as I became acquainted with this matter, I publicly reprimanded the Master, making him responsible and equally Criminal with Tinkler in case and such violence is committed.’
There is a mention regarding Robert in Captain Bligh’s log dated 7th July 1789:
When the trial of the mutineers was heard, Tinkler was not called as he was out of England at the time. He was later given the promotion of Lieutenant on the ‘Isis’ on which he fought at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801 with Lord Nelson
‘Robert Tinkler and Master, his brother-in-law, having behaved Saucy and Impertinent to the Boatswain, received some little chastisement for it,
HMS Bounty Built for the 1962 Movie 'Mutiny on the Bounty'
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2016 October | 17
Happisburgh Spotlight on Happisburgh Photography Daniel Tink ‘The prevailing wind in Norfolk is onshore; this explains why Norfolkmen invariably speak with their mouths closed.’ Traditional saying This is a village, just 19.3 miles north of Norwich, that in many ways encapsulates life on the magnificent and untamed North Norfolk Coast. It is a place of great beauty, with fine productive land, and has one of the most beautiful churches in Norfolk. Yet 18 | October 2016
it has also known smuggling, shipwreck, and sometimes great grief, all alongside examples of unfathomable human courage and a refusal to give up in the face of natural and man-made reversals of fortune.
Modern Happisburgh has a population of about 1400 people living in 600
A stubborn limpet This charmingly discrete coastal settlement grips limpet-like to its sea-threatened cliff top perimeter. As far as we know, it always has. The village name is today pronounced Hais-brah and derives from the Old English Heaps-burgh meaning Heap’s Town. Fine soil, fine crops
feature by:
Steve Browning Writer www.stephenbrowningbooks.co.uk
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households, according to the 2001 census. Some houses date back to the 16th century. The land around the village, of a rich friable loam, is considered to be of a very high farming quality and produces Wheat, Barley, Turnips, Swedes and Beans. To a declining extent, fishing also produces income and work for local people.
baptism of 170 poor folk, saving them the expense of the party expected by the locals, if you were baptized individually, after such an event; a stalk of wheat, representing fruit of the land; and a lifeboat as Happisburgh life has always been dominated by the ocean.
A very interesting village sign
The vast and uncompromising North Sea looms everywhere in the story of present and past Happisburgh. A terrible storm in 1692 caught over two hundred ships sailing between Wells and Winterton. Perhaps 1000 men perished in one night. On 19th December 1770 HMS Peggy foundered on the shore in a
Just below the church you will find a fine and unusual village sign depicting: Edric the Dane – owner of the land before 1066; Maud, daughter of later landowner, Roger Bigod; the Revd Thomas Lloyd who, in 1793, held a mass www.finecity.co.uk
The sea! The sea!
NNE squall. Many brave villagers brought carts and horses onto the beach at low water the next day and managed to bring 59 men safely Photographs by:
Daniel Tink Photographer hello@danieltink.co.uk
2016 October | 19
FINEPLACES ashore. Alas, 36 more were buried in the local churchyard. The largest ship to be lost off the coast hereabouts was HMS Invincible on Monday 16th March 1801. She was laden with stores and six hundred men and on her way to join Admiral Nelson prior to what was to become the Battle of Copenhagen. She ran aground a sandbank off Happisburgh and subsequently sank. Heroic efforts in dreadful conditions saved one hundred and ninety men but as many as four hundred were lost, including the Captain, John Rennie, many bodies being washed-up on the coastline in the ensuing days. One hundred and nineteen men were hastily buried in a mass grave, evidence of which was discovered during excavations in 1988. Later that year, they were at long last given a Christian burial, in the presence of a descendent of Captain Rennie and eight serving members of the modern-day aircraft carrier Invincible. Shipwrecks, brandy and oranges One of the dubious ‘benefits’ of shipwrecks was ‘sea-bounty’. There were lighter occasions when the residents could not believe their luck when casks of alcohol and other desirable things were washed ashore – once casks of brandy appeared on the beach, a good time being had by all except for one poor soul who drank himself to death. In 1949, when rationing was at its peak, a most welcome cargo of oranges spilled up the beach. Murder will find you out
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A legendary tale takes us back to around the year 1800. Three Chinese, (but some swear Dutch) sailors-cum-smugglers, fell out with each other over the amount of money they were going to share after selling illegal brandy to the locals. Drinking heavily, they fought and one was killed. The body was dropped down a nearby well.
hotel. The landlord’s son, Gilbert Cubitt, had devised a way of writing his signature using miniature ‘pin men’ and this so intrigued Conan Doyle that he weaved it into his story ‘The Dancing Men’, which was set in and around this part of Norfolk. Interested visitors will find a good deal of Conan Doyle memorabilia is to be found at the Hill House pub.
Not long afterwards a Happisburgh man, Sydney Baker, had been having a few beers at the Hill House pub, and was staggering down the slope back to the village. Moving towards him from the direction of the sea appeared to be a man with no legs and his head dangling behind him, carrying a sack. Sydney struggled home but the next night he, and four friends, went to the well at midnight when the same apparition appeared. Next day the well was found to contain a torso and a sack containing a pair of legs and a head.
To see 1): The lighthouse, with its 85 foot tower and red and white ‘hoops’, has served since 1790. Once there was a sister tower 20 feet lower but by 1883 coastal erosion hurried on the task of dismantling it before the sea did the job anyhow. The night –time beam identification is three white light flashes, repeated every thirty seconds. Manned entirely by volunteers, the public – subject to a height restriction – can climb its 112 steps on about a dozen occasions during the year. Best to check in advance at happislight@keme.co.uk
The site of the now filled in well can still be visited about three quarters of a mile along the B1159 coastal road heading out of the village towards Whimpwell Green. Elementary my dear Watson Nearby Cromer was in a very important way responsible for The Hound of the Baskervilles, the story of the local Black Shuk having been told to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by the locals: the author then transferred the action to the chilling loneliness of Dartmoor. This area also inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in another of his famous stories. He came here on a motoring holiday in 1900 and lodged by the Hill House in the Green Room of the adjacent
Happisburgh can also boast a volunteer Coast Watch Station, positioned on the cliff top. It is manned every day of the year and has a sweeping view of about ten miles of horizon and sea. It reports to HM Coastguard at Great Yarmouth. Another dedicated team will be found at the Happisburgh in-Shore lifeboat station at Cart Gap, which is run under the auspices of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It relocated in 2002 due to a serious cliff-fall and can now be found at Old Cart Gap. To see 2): The splendidly poised and imposing structure of the 110-foot high church tower
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FINEPLACES The font is 15th century craftsmanship of stunning beauty. You will be hard-pressed to find its equal anywhere. The beautiful angels clasping their musical instruments are very fine indeed. The church itself fell into sad disrepair in the 19th century and extensive remodelling took place, including a completely re-timbered roof of red deal. Work has been continual since then. Donations towards the upkeep of this coastal cathedral, via the Restoration Fund gift box, are always most gratefully received. Vertigo sufferers avoid at all costs – a ‘must do’ for others
church draws your eyes to it even when you are still not within a mile of Happisburgh. Catch the tower on a warm sunny day and it seems to have a golden glow. It has stood here since the 15th century. Sir John Betjeman loved what he saw, and couldn’t resist remarking, (no doubt in his usual gleeful way) that the tower was slightly out of alignment with the body of the church itself. No matter, as nothing can take away from this place it’s just claim to being one of the finest in a county of wonderful churches.
It is not surprising either on summer days to find that visitors are already arriving ahead of you, ducking past your head and disappearing into the porch way. St. Mary’s Church each year prepares for, and welcomes, returning families of swallow, all the way from Africa, who nest in the upper rafters of the porch. The Vicar here does not content himself with one flock! Be sure to close the church door behind you, else birds may follow.
The vicar has more than one flock
On entering this wonderful place you will discover just how grand and spacious the building is. It is also supremely peaceful: in the words of Dr Rowan Williams, it gives the impression of ‘great activity elsewhere’.
As you approach the porch you may well hear the distinctive metallic call of Jackdaws, who oftentimes hover about the tower’s parapets.
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A beauteous stillness
Fit and bold visitors will enjoy the view from the top of the tower, which is open regularly during summer months. There are one hundred and thirty three steps to the top from where, on a decent day you can see Norwich Cathedral spire, some 18 miles distant. Exciting finds In mid-2010, the BBC announced some results from a six year excavation on Happisburgh beach. Of international significance, it suggests that man occupied these parts much earlier than previously thought – maybe 970,000 years ago. This was a species of man that has since died out – like us but maybe with a flatter face, not much of a chin to speak of and larger teeth. Further revelations will be fascinating. Don’t expect: Happisburgh does not have, or indeed crave for, the trappings of a seaside resort. It invites you to slow down and let its charm overwhelm you. And it will. The above is taken from the book ‘Norfolk, Exploring the Land of the Wide Skies’ by Stephen Browning and Daniel Tink (Halsgrove 2013). The authors would like to acknowledge the personal research of eminent Norfolk historian, David Berwick, in the writing of this article.
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FINEPLACES Follow us facebook.com/bigccharity; Twitter @ bigctweets and Instagram @bigccharity For the bands visit www.hardrain-band. co.uk, https://thetinhearttroubadours. bandcamp.com/ https://facebook.com/ Himazas-1468740130055939/ The Tin Heart Troubadours
Nothing sticky about this Big C Jam!
A
s the final celebration for Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity Big C’s 35th anniversary year, three local bands will take to the stage for the first ever Big C charity gig at The Octagon in November. Organisers are billing it as a night of music and celebration from musicians who have all given their time voluntarily for the event on November 11th. The Tin Heart Troubadours trio and Norwich ukele duo the Himazas will support the Norfolk six piece acoustic led rock and roll cover band Hard Rain Band. Named after a 1927 comedy song, who’s last line is ‘Him as ‘as the pub next door’, Himazas’ Dave Steward and “Rumpole” met Morris dancing. Once they discovered they both owned ukuleles, the boots and baldrics were discarded to make way for a slightly comedic, less than serious, terpsichorean duo who perform ditties from the twenties, thirties and forties with excursions into other more modern decades. The sound of The Tin Heart Troubadours is the sound of American parlour folk music. Their songs tell tall tales of low-life, long odds, high hopes and big deals... short stories of hot nights and cold lead in Heaven and Hell. Nigel Orme vocals/guitar/harmonica, Steve Clark vocals/ Dobro and Clare Pastorius vocals/cello have worked together for the past two years writing and arranging original material.
From Beatles classics to Amy MacDonald, the blues to rock ‘n’ roll, The Mavericks to The Pretenders, and most recently, songs from Caro Emerald, Jessie J, Pharrell Williams and Meghan Trainor, Hard Rain constantly updates its repertoire with new and old songs that capture their imagination. “There’s always something for everyone at a Hard Rain show and we work hard to make our audiences feel part of the experience and always want to come back for more,” said Chris, the band’s drummer. Big C events manager Dan Bell said:” It’s going to be fantastic evening with three great local bands rocking the Octagon and a great way to celebrate all Big C is doing to support people whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer.” Entry is £10 for general admission seated tickets with all proceeds going to Big C. Doors open for a cash bar from 7pm, the concert begins at 7.15pm, Octagon Chapel, Colegate, Norwich, NR3 1BN To book tickets visit www.big-c.co.uk/bigjam or www.ueatickets.ticketabc.com/events/bigjam
Who/what are your main musical influences? Avett Brothers, Steve Earle, Felice Brothers, Bach & Jake Thackray What is the history of the band? When and How did you get together and has the band had many reincarnations since it started. Formed in 1927 to enter a Yale College kissing competition (we won). We reincarnated the word ‘folk’ to mean something entertaining... How did your band name come about? We were awarded the Tin Heart Medal by President Herbert Hoover in 1932 for boosting his popularity by using the word ‘damn’ in all our songs. Who would be your dream musical collaboration? To record an album with Cecil Ward, 1964 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion or any of the above musical influences.
The Tin Heart Troubadours
Although only recently formed they have all had a wealth of experience working with many other musicians in the past and have come together as old friends with a mutual love of English/Americana folk music. Headline act Hard Rain Band is an acoustic driven rock and roll band cover from Dylan to Paul Weller, Amy Winehouse to the Rolling Stones. For about 10 years the band’s irresistible mix of pop, country, folk and rock covers: delivered with terrific musicianship, lush vocal harmonies and warm engaging performances, has delighted audiences, so they say! 22 | October 2016
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FINEPLACES How did we start? The founder of Hard Rain was a big Bob Dylan fan, hence the name. We include Dylan numbers in the set. Favourite dream music collaboration All Sorts: Queen, The Beatles, The Monkeys, Amie (Macdonald and Winehouse), Caro Emerald, Paloma Faith, Dixie Chicks, Water Boys, Dolly Parton............ Chris (our show off drummer) has been playing Wipeout since the 1970s’ and still makes mistakes! We’ve also had real life collaborations with Del Amitri’s singer joining us to sing Nothing Ever Happens and on another occasion Celine Dion’s very own personal maracas player – you can’t make that up!
The Hard Rain Band
Favourite number to play/sing The next one in the set.
How would your mum/best friend describe the band/its music?
Worst performing experience?
An interesting mix of ditties from the twenties, thirties and forties.
The previous one in the set.
And finally The Hard Rain Band
How would your mum/best friend describe the band/its music.
Musical influences
“...Wouldn’t you be better off training to be a doctor, or a lawyer, ...something like that, dear?” And from the Hizamas: Who/what are your main musical influences? Stravinsky and George Melly History of the band? When and How did you get together and has the band had many reincarnations since it started.
We are six individuals each with a very eclectic and wide range of tastes but our combined aim is to make sure our repertoire is uplifting, upbeat and entertaining. We ‘re out to have as much fun as the audience! What is the history of the band? Hard Rain has played together for over 10 years throughout Norfolk at pubs, clubs, parties, celebrations and weddings. So far it’s all been good - no holidaymakers have fallen into the river returning to boats and most of the couple’s weddings we’ve played at are still together!
Favourite numbers Fisherman’s Blues, Bowie’s Lets Dance, Tainted Love, Lumineers’ Ho Hey! All About the Bass, Pharrell William’s Happy (all except lead guitarist Tony as it makes him sad). Worst experience Being picked up by boat to play a party at a house on the Broads accessible only by river. The boat’s driver smoked a cigarette next to an open can of petrol and knocked back the drink. By the time the boat was loaded with gear we were three inches from sinking! Chris (our athletic drummer) leapt into the boat and his feet went through the floor boards. How would your mum/best friend describe the band/its music? We’re all so old that there aren’t many Mums left (aaaahhh). Best friends would say the band enjoys themselves like a group of best friends as does the audience!
While Morris dancing. The discovery that they both owned ukuleles lead to the creation of a slightly comedic, less than serious, terpsichorean duo. They threw away the boots and baldrics and settled down to a life with Dm7b5 et al. Named after a 1927 comedy song, the last line of which is ‘Him as ‘as the pub next door’ Dream musical collaboration? Queen Favourite number to play/sing? Jollity Farm Worst performing experience? Tuesday night in the front room www.finecity.co.uk
Hizamas
2016 October | 23
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Norfolk On Colour Photography Daniel Tink William the Conqueror managed it in 1066 but since then no foreign power has ever managed to invade these islands. There has been no shortage of attempts and plans from the Spanish Armada, to Napoleon, to Hitler but, by courage or fortuitous circumstance, the threat has never been carried out. However, there was a time 100 years ago when invasion was seen as highly likely and it was believed that the Norfolk Coast was where it would begin. It is August 1914. Much like this summer it is very hot and a large section of Norfolk people has decamped to the seaside. Hotel bookings at Cromer and Sheringham are at record levels. Most did not believe that Great Britain would be affected by the events in Belgium, Germany and France or that we need be involved at all should fighting begin. However, on Tuesday 4th August the late night edition of the Eastern Daily Press announced that we were indeed at war. The coast prepares It was on the Norfolk coast that defensive measures were first introduced. Settlements such as Happisburgh and Weybourne were considered prime sites for a hostile landing as the sea here was deep enough to allow ships to closely approach the shoreline and land men and machines. Immediate action was taken to defend them. In
Happisburgh, for example, a division of what were known as ‘Rough Riders’ – cavalry hastily drafted in from all over the country – were billeted in private houses. Trenches were dug along the cliff tops and the beaches shut to the public completely between sunset and sunrise: at all other times special permission needed to be obtained from the Lieutenant Colonel in charge of defences. Many local women of coastal settlements were also formed into groups to make clothing and bandages for troops. Fears of invasion In 1914 there was a school of thought that saw invasion as highly likely. There were literally dozens of graphic full length novels published in the early 1900s giving no-holds-barred and horrifying accounts of life under a foreign conqueror. A best seller was William Le Quex’s The Invasion of 1910 which sold over a million copies. In this book, the Germans landed at Lowestoft. In another, Swoop of the Vulture, Lowestoft and Yarmouth were invaded helped by previously unknown German sympathisers.
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24 | October 2016
There was also what is known as the Blue Water School of thought which believed that as long as Britain commanded the seas there was no possibility of invasion. According to this theory, championed by the Admiralty, if Britain surrendered command of the seas, the army would be ineffective anyway in the case of a multiple assault. The enemy would land on the Norfolk coast or maybe south of Lowestoft and sweep into London. The sinking within 90 minutes of the Hogue, Aboukir and Cressy by a single German U-boat dealt the Navy a huge psychological blow, at least temporarily, and did little to reassure the concerns of people living on the coast. The fishermen Protection of the Norfolk coast relied not just on the British Navy but also on North Sea fishermen many of whom were enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve Trawler Section. They were to use their own vessels in a variety of war work – patrolling, minesweeping and anti submarine operations. Some smacks, commanded by skippers such as Thomas Crisp and Charles Fryatt, whose heroic exploits have previously been featured in this magazine, played an active part as combatants and created instant legends which greatly helped morale. The Photographs by:
Steve Browning Writer www.stephenbrowningbooks.co.uk
In another, the Japanese landed at Liverpool. Erskine Childers, a future war hero, even got into the act with his famous novel The Riddle of the Sands.
Daniel Tink Glorious fun on Hunstanton sands about 1911
Photographer hello@danieltink.co.uk
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Invasion Alert Germans were under no illusions as to fishermen’s value and sank 26 boats within the first four weeks of hostilities. Over 500 herring drifters from Yarmouth and Lowestoft were hired by the Royal Navy during the course of the war. In addition, in 1914, four of the largest Yarmouth steam drifters were used to install heavy steel anti-submarine mesh in what was called the Swin anchorage off Maplin Sands. This proved a vital anchorage for battleships of the 3rd Battle Squadron. At the beginning of the war German ships which happened to be in British ports were captured. The Fiducia was taken at Great Yarmouth and several at the major ports such as Kings Lynn and Ipswich. Put those lights out! The Eastern Daily Press ran this letter: Sirs, In accordance with the Defence of the Realm Act, I hereby give notice that all lights on the coast of Norfolk showing to seaward from all buildings are to be screened from sunset to sunrise. Every person infringing this regulation will be liable to arrest. Also that any unauthorised person showing a light on the seashore (or on the cliffs adjoining thereto) will be liable to arrest. Any person signaling with any lamp or otherwise will be liable to be shot without further warning. I have the honour
to be, Sir, your obedient servant. A.A .Ellison, Captain in Charge, Lowestoft and Yarmouth. Anti-German feeling and spies Germans in Britain were subject to suspicion, although the press in Norfolk said that relations between the county’s citizens and those of German nationality were more friendly than elsewhere. Some, however, believed that all Germans should not merely be registered but sent to an (unspecified) colony and a letter in the local paper suggested that anything reminding the good people of the county with anything Germanic, should be banned, including sausage dogs.
Launching Sheringham lifeboat using horses about
A Zeppelin with stabilizers 1914
Many hotel and guest house owners found that those people who had registered for a holiday failed to show up. One high profile case involved a German guest house owner in Sheringham, Jacob Lichter, who brought a case against some guests who had failed to appear after war broke out. Judge Mulligan of North Walsham Crown County Court threw the case out adding some remarks about the absurdity of allowing Germans to own guest houses on the vulnerable coast. Spies were everywhere, some believed. One such was the MP for Kings Lynn, Holcombe Ingleby, who believed that Zeppelins were being assisted by car owners who were
Hunstanton
Jarrolds in Cromer 1920
Selling mackerel for 1 penny each on Sheringham seafront 1913
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2016 October | 25
FINEPLACES Taking the waters in style - Yarmouth 1914
using their headlights to signal from coastal roads. One man was arrested for sketching on Sheringham sea front. So febrile was the atmosphere that there were those who believed any light showing in a house on the coast had an ulterior purpose. Major Egbert Napier, Chief Constable of the Norfolk County Constabulary, spent much of his time hunting spies on the Norfolk coastline. He subsequently signed up for the Royal Garrison Artillery and was killed in October 1917.
handed over to the military authorities... A few days ago there appeared in the press a circumstantial report of a midnight attack by two men on a signalman. On enquiry it was found that the signalman was suffering from nervous breakdown, and there was no truth in the story. There have been reports of attacks on police constables by armed motor-cyclists, but in no case was the report substantiated. Reports of the discovery of secret arsenals are untrue.
The Diss Express for Fri Sept 11, 1914 carried this item, one of many showing the nervousness of some folk:
In early 1915, the Norfolk and Suffolk Journal, reported a successful prosecution: FLASHES TOWARDS THE SEA .Sentence of six months hard labour was passed at Spilsby, Lincs on Monday on Bertie Whydale, cycle repairer, for having, Feb 14 1915, contrary to the regulations made under the Defence of the Realm Act, displayed a light ‘in such a manner as could
ENEMIES IN OUR MIDST A large number of German and Austrian subjects liable to military service have been
Fishing fleet coming home 1914
Burnham Overy Staithe
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FINEPLACES serve as a signal, guide or landmark’ ...At 11.20 on the night of 14th ‘he was seen flashing an acetylene lamp from a hill, 250 feet above sea level towards the sea’. Less selfish? As the war progressed, the Bishop of Norwich saw an uplift in people’s ethics. He is reported in the Norfolk Chronicle of December 15 1915 as saying in an address entitled VICTORY AND REACTION: ‘I can foresee that the very time of victory itself will be a time of excitement and danger. There will then be the risk that our men may fall into easy paths. How dreadful once more to drop down into that flat, unimaginative, unentertaining life, petty, small, self-pleasing, self-seeking from which, through the war, we are now being raised to something better’.
Yarmouth Market Place pre- war: note the Spire on St Nicholas Church - it was lost to bombers in 1942 and never replaced
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2016 October | 27
FINEPLACES Blakeney
Coastal defences: How they developed during the war When the war began, the coast had no defences to speak of - except for warnings from the Coastguard and boy scouts, and the latter were quickly and enthusiastically organized to make patrols. Kings Lynn boasted a small battery and, right around the coast, Southwold had some old canons. Harwich, of course, being the major naval centre for the region, had fortifications, including searchlights and a minefield as well as some new 9.2 inch guns. It was widely believed that, if Germans invaded, the fleet would cut them off and that the enemy would soon surrender in inhospitable territory with no supplies. Thus, in 1914, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk had each only one Infantry Brigade, one mounted Yeomanry Brigade, a brigade of the Royal Field Artillery and two battalions of cyclists. Harwich had six battalions of infantry. There was fevered discussion as to where the enemy was likely to land. The salt marshes at Weybourne were seen as unsuitable and the wide expanses of beaches between Cley and Sheringham, and possibly Lowestoft, were considered quite likely. Home Defence, trenches and additional guns Initially, much reporting was of an optimistic nature. The Norwich Mercury of December 28 | October 2016
9 1914 reported: A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. The latest war news from the Western Front appears to show that the Germans have abandoned the attempt to force their way to the coast. In the same edition it reports on Home Defence: ‘the new volunteer movement which has sprung out of the possibilities of an attempt at an invasion of our shores grows in force day by day...Today there are upwards of a million men, aged from about 35 upwards... In our own area, Yarmouth has done well, with over 500 men already enrolled. Lowestoft has followed suit with 250 and Norwich has begun its task with over 400 men in the first few days of the appeal...’
and relied upon the enemy obligingly coming within range. Based in North Walsham, it comprised four carriages with a steel shell half an inch thick. At either end was a gun truck with a Maxim gun and 12 pounder naval gun. For the duration of the conflict it noisily banged up and down the track on the Mundesley line as far as Great Yarmouth and it never fired a shot.
The Authorities were not keen to dig up beaches in 1914 so as not to alarm public but eventually began to do so, including on Sheringham Golf Links. Also, by1915 there were six 4.7 inch guns moving on travelling carriages at Weybourne and two more at Cromer.
In 1916, following the April bombardment of Lowestoft by the High Seas Fleet, which caused great panic and fear on invasion, trenches were dug along the cliffs at Pakefield and inspected by the King.
Harwich was made into strong fortress in 1914. In 1915 two 9.2 inch Mk X guns were brought from Ireland, the most powerful pieces ever to be put on the East Coast. They could fire a shell of 280 pounds up to 17,000 yards and reach any ship threatening the base and town. In 1915 an armoured train was brought to Norfolk: it looked very impressive but was militarily useless as it was on fixed tracks
Air threats led to two 75-mm guns being placed at Bacton and two more at Sandringham to protect the Queen. In addition the airbase at Pulham Market had 3 3-inch guns and Yarmouth two 18-pounders.
If we are invaded, this is what we shall do In 1916 it was decided by the Admiralty and War Office that an invasion by up to 160,000 men was quite possible and that half a million troops must always be stationed in the UK to counter the threat. The attack was deemed probable between the Wash and Dover. Consequently two command posts were set up, one at Bretford and one at Mundford. The defence plan was to hold the coast as long as possible and then, if German troops landed, www.finecity.co.uk
FINEPLACES seen as probable for exercise reasons, then they should be attacked by mobile units of cyclists and infantry. Thereafter it was pretty much harass and hopefully defeat the enemy on the way to London – it was assumed the enemy would make a beeline for the capital. The government also sought the active help of the public in keeping vigilant. The Eastern Daily Press of Tuesday July 18, 1916 wrote: ‘The War Office request that the public will render assistance...by notifying...of any bomb or projectile or fragments thereof or any other article discharged, dropt or lost from any enemy aircraft or vessel’. The defences never approached those of the Napoleonic wars but in 1917 more trenches were dug at Weybourne and Sheringham, Sea Palling and Great Yarmouth. South of Lowestoft was further strengthened by guns and men. Weybourne in particular became an important Army coastal defence base. Mobile guns included six 60-pounders at Weybourne, Mundesley and Pakefield: these would be useful against troops but were not really designed to pierce armour. Cromer also had two of the same guns in a permanent mount. Monitors operated 24/7 from Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. Pillboxes Some 48 pillboxes, named, some say, because of their shape which resembled the boxes that pills could be obtained in from the local chemist, were built in Norfolk, the majority along the Norfolk coast. The picture is not entirely clear, especially as some were re-used and adapted in the Second World War. 24 remain today. Often circular or hexagonal in shape and made of concrete, they were designed to protect British troops when firing at the enemy through the ‘loopholes’. Steel shutters could cover the openings when in defensive mode. They were often built in pairs to provide greater support and they ran from Cley to West Runton. It is possible that the pillbox at Stiffkey was also in this defensive line but experts even now are trying to work out whether it was built in the First or Second World War. It is unsually flat, thus making it difficult for troops to stand inside and the openings are wider than normal: possibly it was some kind of observation, rather than defensive, post. A second line reinforced these and ran just inland between Holt and Aylmerton. A line ran along the banks of the River Ant with other locations including Mundesley, Bacton, Sea Palling Hanworth, North Walsham and Great Yarmouth. Many were built by the Royal Engineers. www.finecity.co.uk
Sheringham
The Pillbox Trail A Pillbox Trail was launched with great success in 2015. 14 are accessible and these are: Stiffkey, Weybourne, Beeston Regis, Aylmerton, Thorpe Market (2), Bradfield, (2), Little London (2), White Horse Common (2), Wayford Bridge and Sea Palling. Further information and leaflets are available from any north Norfolk information centre or online. www.visitnorthnorfolk.co.uk This article is taken from a new book ‘Norfolk Coast in the Great War’ by Stephen Browning which will be published by Pen and Sword for Christmas 2016 Next month: what actually happened when the enemy attempted attacks on Norwich and Norfolk by ship, Zeppelin and aircraft Beeston Bump
2016 October | 29
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The Happy Book Club
Norwich resident launches children’s book club ‘with a twist’
T
he Happy Book Club, which is headed up by Matt Bull, and his wife, Adele, from their HQ on the outskirts of Norwich, started as an idea following the birth of their daughter, Esme. As fully qualified teachers, Matt and Adele already appreciated how one-to-one reading time dramatically improved children’s learning and development, and it is now something they love doing with their own daughter – so they have gone on a mission to share their passion for books. Subscription boxes are becoming ever more popular as customers seek both convenience and personalisation. A quick search online will reveal a surprising amount of unique and interesting ideas. But instead of selling makeup or bacon (yes, it does exist!) this subscription promises to offer the very best in children’s books. And it’s not just books. ‘With our packages, customers get beautiful books to read with their little ones, but they also get related activity suggestions to go with them’ says Matt. ‘It’s our aim to, not only get kids to read, and enjoy reading, but for them to interact with the books and to encourage the use of imagination and creativity. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for parents and grandparents to interact with the child in a way that tablet or laptop cannot’. Their vision is a sincere and promising one. As their website states, they want to ‘Improve children’s enjoyment and competence of reading and to bring families together’. Subscribers can also access the online community and interact with other users, share activity suggestions and enter competitions. As well as this, The Happy Book Club also makes a donation to charity for every subscription sold. The Happy Book Club only launched in July but has since been gaining in popularity. At the
beginning of every month, they send out their packages, as well as their secret themes, and get to work on providing customers with enriching ideas and interaction. Their first package, sent out at the beginning of August, was fishthemed. A quick glance on their website and one can track the activities they’ve done with their own daughter as well as see any other recommended activities or links. Of course subscribers get a few extra ideas sent with their packages but one cannot deny the sense of community they are trying to promote. ‘Whilst technology is often at the forefront of education, the traditional book offers the chance for children to interact with adults or other children, as opposed to isolated learning’ Matt continued. ‘Both mine and Adele’s experience of literature-based learning is that family interaction becomes a crucial part of the process and as part of that, reading and learning become much easier for young children. I have seen first-hand the impact that reading has on children and that those who like
reading, generally, like learning. ‘What we tried to achieve with The Happy Book Club was to maintain the traditional reading element with the books, but then add a more interactional element through an online community to inject some modern spirit. At the end of the day, there is nothing we want more than for people to have fun with their books’. As one reviewer, Along Came Poppy, put it: ‘The Mini Reviewers were super excited to receive the surprise package in the post. It was fun to unwrap together to discover what was inside. Receiving a themed box was really novel for both me and the children. The books were excellent and the activity sheet gave me lots of age appropriate ideas to keep the little ones entertained. It is an exciting journey for Matt and Adele, who have started up their business from scratch. They would like to encourage people to check out their website www.thehappybookclub. co.uk. There you will find lots of free ideas, book reviews and recommendations so it’s well worth a visit. Or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest by searching for The Happy Book Club. If you have children or grandchildren and if you’re interested in joining their exciting new club, use the coupon code HAPPYFINECITY to get 20% off your first order. All prices on the website include postage and packaging and a charity donation. This month’s charity is www.ndcs.org.uk.
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EACH Local artist creates special Christmas cards for EACH
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nternationally-renowned artist, illustrator and designer Lucy Loveheart has created two exclusive Christmas card designs in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The beautiful cards by Norfolk based artist Lucy, depict an angel flying in harmony with butterflies and a snow-filled scene of joy.
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The two designs join a range of other festive designs to make up this year’s EACH card selection, which are available to buy now.
Lucy is one of the region’s top artists and her products, focusing on childhood memories and the world of make-believe, are highly sought after. EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and supports their families. All the
FINEPLACES money raised through card sales will go towards providing these vital services to local families at a time when they need it most. After a tour of the charity’s Quidenham hospice last summer, Lucy was in no doubt that EACH was a cause worth backing. She said: “I felt really, genuinely moved and inspired by my trip to Quidenham. It was the atmosphere, the care and the love that seemed to be pouring into it.” EACH Christmas card are available to buy now in packs of 10, with prices starting at £3.25. You can pick up your cards online at www.each. org.uk/online-store, at the EACH eBay store or at your local EACH shop. EACH has 21 shops across East Anglia including outlets in Norwich on Aylsham and Unthank Road, Wymondham, Swaffham, Holt, Diss and Downham Market.
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Bayreuth
Allison Oakes (Gutrune), Stefan Vinke (Siegfried), Stephen Milling (Hagen), Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde) and Markus Eiche (Gunther).
Most of Tony Cooper’s travelling, particularly in Europe, takes in some kind of cultural pursuit and once again he finds himself back on the Wagner trail taking in another mighty performance of Der Ring des Nibelungen at the famous Bayreuth Festival in Germany
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erlin-based, avant-garde, theatre director, Frank Castorf, arrived on the Green Hill in 2013 making his Bayreuth début with Der Ring des Nibelungen mounted in celebration of Wagner’s bicentenary. The Ring offered 32 | October 2016
him huge opportunities to explore and his concept and direction explored them to the full. A man for change, Castorf poured plenty of new ideas and creative energy into a production that has divided audiences since its première.
But change, I feel, is necessary at Bayreuth to ensure a healthy future for the festival. Castorf certainly saw to that! But so did Wieland Wagner in a way. He ushered in a new dawn on the Green Hill when he dumped the elaborate naturalistic sets and grand productions common in his grandfather’s day replacing them by minimalist affairs and facing forceful opposition in doing so. His Brechtian-influenced Parsifal in 1951 the first Bayreuth Festival after the Second www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS Photos: Bayreuther Festspiele / Enrico Nawraft
World War - was booed to bits in company with Patrice Chéreau’s politically-motivated centenary Ring in 1976. Surprisingly, today, they’re now hailed as masterpieces. C’est la vie! or, if you like, So ist das Leben! Wieland was also derided for his 1956 production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Stripped of its pageantry, Bayreuth audiences saw it as an outrage and the breaking up of a most ‘sacred German Wagner tradition’. His niece, Katharina Wagner, followed in his wake and received the same treatment for her recent production of the same opera but, I think, unfairly so. The protests continue! Will they ever stop, I wonder? It’s now the fourth time that I’ve seen Castorf ’s Ring which many Wagnerites found out of kilter right from the start. Why? And while the Bayreuth booing mafia enjoy their moment of glory against Castorf, a great number now contradict them and voice their approval just as loudly. Bayreuth audiences are getting used to change. The times they’re a-changin’! Bob Dylan said so! Indeed, they are! And Castorf ’s right there! A deconstructionist in every sense of the word he brazenly shifted the scenario of his production from its traditional romantic Rhineland setting to the rough-and-tough world of oil prospecting setting the scenes in the USA, Germany and the Soviet Union. Therefore, ‘black gold’ became the treasured Nibelung hoard. The music and libretto, however, remained as Wagner ordered. Nothing changes in this respect! It’s sacred ground! Serbian-born artist, Aleksandar Denić, created some brilliant and amazing sets constructed on an extremely large revolving stage built on a variety of levels while Adriana Braga Peretzki’s costumes were strikingly colourful to say the least. For instance, when Erda (the role so attractively sung by Nadine Weissmann) arrives on the scene at the end of Das Rheingold warning Wotan (authoritatively sung by Scottish bass-baritone, Iain Paterson, who well remembers his visits to Norwich Theatre Royal while a member of the chorus of Opera North) of impending doom and gloom she made feature by:
The famed trio of Rhinemaidens: Alexandra Steiner (Woglinde ), Stephanie Houtzeel (Wellgunde) and Wiebke Lehmkuhl (Flosshilde).
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Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
2016 October | 33
FINEARTS quite an entrance dolled up to the nines in a striking, gold-lamé, tight-fitting dress attired in a white mink coat while Mime (Andreas Conrad) looked a picture of discontent flashily dressed in the style of an Elvis impersonator bullied and regularly shook up by Alberich, the role sung with great confidence by a master of the role, Albert Dohmen. What a deuce! They worked so well off each other to the great delight of the audience. Rainer Casper completed the creative team and his flood of rainbow-coloured lighting in Das Rheingold hit the mark while Andreas Deinert and Jens Crull showed their stuff producing some intelligent video sequences thereby adding an extra dimension to the overall stage plan. A rather rundown and faded 1950s motel located on Route 66 (aptly named ‘Golden’) provided a marvellous setting for Das Rheingold. It was up to date, though, as in Kansas City, with modern technology, offering a free wi-fi service, while Die Walküre transported itself to the oil-prospecting city of Baku on the Caspian Sea in pre-Revolutionary Russia and Siegfried shared the stage with Berlin’s Alexanderplatz (monument to socialist dreams!) and the sculpted carved heads of Communist chiefs Marx, Lenin, Stalin and Mao in a Mount Rushmore-style setting. Götterdämmerung, on the other hand, was dominated in the final scene by the façade of the New York Stock Exchange (monument to capitalist dreams!) where black gold’s traded for the real stuff. And the real stuff (mined through oil-powered machinery!) was the choice of payment the giants Fafner (Karl-Heinz Lehner) and Fasolt (Günther Groissböch) favoured in exchange for Freia (Wotan’s sister-in-law). Portrayed as ‘grease-monkeys’ and kitted out in true Detroit fashion with blue dungarees, they exchanged her for the golden bounty in one of the upstairs rooms of the ‘Golden’ but, oddly enough, after slugging his brother to death with an ingot, Fafner didn’t take the money and run. He left the hoard behind. The Rhine seemed a long way off. Not really, though! The peanut-shaped aquamarine pool of the ‘Golden’ saw to that with the Rhinemaidens lazing about on sunloungers as if there was no tomorrow while Alberich was happily stretched out on a sunlounger, too, playing with a yellow-coloured toy duck.
Sarah Connolly as Fricka (goddess of marriage) and devoted wife to Wotan.
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The famed trio - who sang without a hitch and acted equally as well - comprised Alexandra Steiner (Woglinde), Stephanie Houtzeel (Wellgunde) and Wiebke Lehmkuhl (Flosshilde). They teased and provoked poorold Alberich to bursting-point with articles of www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS And in Die Walküre, Brünnhilde and her Warrior Maidens cleverly navigated some rather tricky stage movement charging about the Baku oilrig gathering the Fallen Heroes who, in this instance, were workers battling against all the odds after being overcome by toxic fumes following the Soviet’s decision to dynamite the rig to halt the great German advance in 1942. And full marks must go to Stefan Vinke as Siegfried. Not only did his voice hit the mark but he put in a very strong, confident and athletic performance that brought out the youthfulness and naiveté of Siegfried’s unworldly character.
Stefan Vinke (Siegfried)
their underwear while the final punch came by covering his head with a pair of black tights. And the boss of the whole shooting-match was none other than Wotan - boss, too, of the oil-field in Die Walküre - who came over as a Mafia-type character and seen in Das Rheingold enjoying a ‘threesome’ with his wife Fricka (sung by Sarah Connolly who’s no stranger to Norwich audiences and last appeared in the city with the Britten Sinfonia) and Freia (Caroline Wenborne), thereby keeping it in the family. The Russian mezzo-soprano, Marina Prudenskaya, fitted perfectly the role of Waltraute in Götterdämmerung and that lovely scene where she comes to warn Brünnhilde to return the ring to the Rhinemaidens to end the dreaded curse of the ring was brilliantly executed and passionately sung by Ms Prudenskaya while Markus Eiche and Allison Oakes proved a good pairing in the brothersister roles of Gunther and Gutrune feeling the heat and the brute-force of Hagen, so brilliantly sung by Stephen Milling, who chilled the air just by his presence let alone his actions.
pulled away on a full tank in a Mercedes-Benz, chrome-trimmed, black convertible - their favourite form of transport. And to sort out the Gods’ entrance to Valhalla, a rainbowcoloured flag represented the rainbow bridge. But, in fact, Wotan and Fricka were just as happy standing alone looking heavenwards from the roof of the car-port. Christopher Ventris and Heidi Melton stamped their credentials on the pivotal roles of Siegmund and Sieglinde in Die Walküre and were complemented well by Georg Zeppenfeld’s moody reading of Hunding while Catherine Foster’s portrayal of Brünnhilde (the first English-born soprano to sing the role at Bayreuth) was simply rapturous and engaging.
On top of all this The Woodbird (heavenly sung by Ana Durlovski lavishly dressed in a gorgeous Rio Carnival-style outfit) came down on Siegfried in a rash moment of passion and Erda sought fit to perform an indecent act on Wotan/The Wanderer in all such places as a pasta restaurant only to be rudely interrupted by the waiter presenting him the bill. And the part of the waiter was acted with panache by Patric Seibert who also took the part of the ‘dancing bear’ in Siegfried, served as Mime’s general factotum and turned up behind the counter of a Döner kebab takeaway in Götterdämmerung. A busy person, indeed, but he wanted payment for his services just as much as the Giants did for theirs while Erda seemed bitterly disappointed with her tally for the night. Get the picture! The fun and games continued with Siegfried pinning Gutrune to the wall in a fit of passion, the Norns (daughters of Erda) practising voodoo and witchcraft while five mean-looking crocodiles crawled about Alexanderplatz bringing the jungle to the city and routing for their fair share of the spoils during Brünnhilde
Catherine Foster as Brünnhilde.
Castorf added a nice quirky touch to the underground city of Nibelheim by putting it on wheels. After all, Texas (and America) is a cardriven society, so what better way to represent Nibelheim than by a silver-plated, Air Stream, double-wheeled, mobile trailer, which leisurely rode America’s iconic Route 66 but ended up in Götterdämmerung parked right outside of the New York Stock Exchange. And a nice scene unfolded in Das Rheingold when Alberich pulled up on the forecourt of the ‘Golden’ to fill up while the Rhinemaidens www.finecity.co.uk
2016 October | 35
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Stefan Vinke (Siegfried) and Andreas Conrad (Mime).
and Siegfried’s big romantic number that closes the last act of Siegfried: ‘Heil dir, Sonne! Heil dir, Licht!’ A treat for one croc, however, was bagging The Woodbird, reappearing as an attractive young girl wearing a flowing white dress enjoying a night out on the town. Siegfried soon took the grin off his face, stepped in at the last minute and saved her. What a hero! And Fafner met his lot by a quick round from a Kalashnikov fired at point-blank range by the eponymous hero in true Tarantino style. His sword, Nothung, it seems, was not at hand! Gangland B-movie world was rife in this production with gangsters and their molls replacing Nordic Gods and so forth. Markus Eiche as Donner (god of thunder) fitted his role perfectly looking a shady character wearing a Stetson and armed with a Colt 49 while Froh (god of spring) was tenderly portrayed by Tansel Akzeybek and Roberto Saccà (Loge), was suitably attired for pyrotechnical action sporting a flaming-red suit incessantly lighting a Zippo. He could, however, have conjured up a bit more fire for Brünnhilde’s ‘lying-in-state’ in Siegfried. We had to do with a large oil-drum blazing away with Brünnhilde caught on camera looking somewhat bewildered about her situation. Hero boy didn’t even have to fight through the flames for her - she was there! No 36 | October 2016
fire, be damned! A quiet affair! And Brünnhilde’s rock was made from a swathe of recycled plastic-coated sheeting and, of course, a byproduct of oil. Götterdämmerung hit the buffers rather quietly. Wagner’s music radiated round the vastness of the Graeco-Roman-designed Festspielhaus in a haunting and spiritual way with the Rhinemaidens shadowing Brünnhilde every inch of the way to get back the ring while Hagen, looking blank, disillusioned and forlorn, stared longingly into a raging-burning brazier knowing that the game was up. It’s not up for Castorf, though! His Ring still packs a punch or two and raises a ‘boo’ at the same time but it leaves a lot to the imagination. As Wagner exclaimed: imagination creates reality! Indeed, it does! This production, I predict, will be hailed as a ‘classic’ in years to come. It’s one that you needed to come to with a fresh open mind while paying strict attention to every minute detail. There was a lot to take in. Some you got, some you didn’t! But what the hell, it was that sort of production. And as for the Bayreuth booing mafia, I reminded myself of George Bernard Shaw’s waspish remarks. He said that the best way to enjoy the Ring was to relax at the back of a box with your feet up, eyes closed and just listen to the music. He was just as cantankerous as Bayreuth’s ‘old guard’ is
today! But give it a thought! Just think of what you would miss if you followed his advice. What goes on in the pit is just as important as to the stage action, therefore full marks go to Marek Janowski for such outstanding work with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, hand-picked from some of the finest musicians to be found in Germany. He energised his charges so well especially in the big production numbers such as Siegfried’s Rhine Journey and the Funeral March from Götterdämmerung underwriting what marvellous acoustic properties the Festspielhaus harbours and most definitely the place to soak up the music of Richard Wagner in all its consummate and radiant glory. One last thought! I wonder, too, that if you clocked back to the days of Richard Wagner (whom I think would have greatly enjoyed today’s arguments about how his operas should be staged) what would modern-day audiences make of his style. I doubt very much if they would take to it. And, of course, Wagner was very specific, determined and matter-offact about what he wanted his productions to be like. The same goes for directors today. But for Bayreuth to flourish and engage with new audiences change has to be at the forefront of the agenda. And this is exactly what’s happening. The journey to Bayreuth - all the way by train from Norwich - was as simple www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS as they come. On this trip Miss X and I took Abellio Greater Anglia’s service to London Liverpool Street - fares between Norwich and London start from £9 one way booked in advance (www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk). The travelling deuce then crossed over to London St Pancras International to Eurostar it to Brussels to link up with Deutsche Bahn’s inter-city express service travelling to Bayreuth via Frankfurt and Nuremburg. Fare’s start from £414 standard class return per person. Eurostar operates up to nine daily services from London St Pancras International to Brussels ( journey time: circa two hours). All routes can be booked on-line at Voyages-sncf. com or be telephone on 0844 848 5848.
John Lundgren as Wotan (Die Walküre).
Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde) and Stefan Vinke (Siegfried)
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2016 October | 37
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Beauty And N
orthern Ballet brings one of the world’s best-known fairy-tales to life as they present Beauty and the Beast at Norwich Theatre Royal in the run-up to Halloween. A mesmerising score and stunning dance brings the story to life of the arrogant Prince who is transformed into a savage because of his bad attitude. Only true love will break the spell – but will anyone love him? Find out on October 26-29. Ashley Dixon is set to return to the role of The Beast after playing him during the production’s previous tour five years ago. How does it feel to reprise the role of the Beast? Beast is a really special role for me. I was able to put my personality into it along with a lot of time, sweat and tears, so I am really glad the ballet has come back. It has been interesting this time around. Being a bit older, I have got more experience so I have been able to bring a new approach to it. What was the process of creating Beast like? It was really interesting because we were trying to find a way to make Beast move that was animalistic, as opposed to how a dancer would typically move. We drew a lot from nature documentaries finding inspiration in the instinctive patterns of movement of big cats and gorillas, which we then adapted to dance steps. The hardest thing about creating Beast was his walk. It is all very well dancing as the Beast in this animalistic abstract way but if you then start walking normally on stage, you will break the illusion. It was about learning to find a way to sustain a stance for a two hour show
The Beast 38 | October 2016
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FINEARTS
Could you talk us through your Beast costume? The Beast is a bit of a mash-up of lots of different animals so the costume is made up of many things like fur, scales and feathery bits. The body of the costume exposes your ribs so it makes you look very muscular. There is a headpiece which covers your hair and then there is quite a bit of face make-up which is all in the same colours of the costume which is greens, greys and blacks. It does get a little warm but it is a great costume to dance in and looks really striking. Why do you think that the story of Beauty And The Beast has remained popular over the years? The story has got a strong moral compass and drives home the message ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ which I think makes it a very www.finecity.co.uk
popular fairy-tale. At the beginning we have the Prince who from the outside looks brilliant, but inside he is not a nice person. After he gets transformed into the Beast, he realises that he needs to right his wrongs and become a good all-round person inside and out. Listing: Beauty & The Beast, Wednesday 26-Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm, and Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets £8-£37.50. Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s, Groups and Families. To book, call the box office on 01603 630000 or log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
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8 October 2016 to 22 January 2017
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
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FINEARTS 'Belcher' Johnson by Olive Edis. Autochrome, c.1914
'Lotion Tar' Bishop by Olive Edis. Glass-plate negative
Fishermen & Kings: The Photography of Olive Edis
Norwich-based arts writer, Tony Cooper, discovers more about the pioneering British photographer, Olive Edis, a subject of a new exhibition at Norwich Castle
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soon found out that Olive Edis - who married a Cambridge academic, Edwin Henry Galsworthy, a cousin of the novelist, John Galsworthy - was one of the most important and pioneering Britishborn photographers of the first half of the 20th century.
Joining the Royal Photographic Society in 1913, Edis was quickly elected a Fellow the following year. She preferred working with platinum prints and from 1912 she pioneered colour autochrome photography. Later, she patented her own design of autochrome viewers termed ‘diascopes’.
A daughter of Arthur Wellesley Edis, a senior consultant at University College Hospital, London, she and her sister Katherine opened a studio in Sheringham in 1905 where they specialised in portraits of local fisherman as well as members of the landed gentry.
In addition to all of this, Edis was one of the first professionals to use a ‘kinematograph’ camera. She also made films in the 1920s - one of the wedding of Mr Henry Deterding of Holt and another of the Netherlands entitled Life on the Waterways. Alas, both of these films are now lost.
With studios in Sheringham and later Farnham, Surrey and Ladbroke Grove, London, Edis was something of a photographic entrepreneur and quick to recognise the importance and potential of this new technology. www.finecity.co.uk
Her extreme talents became widely known especially to the bosses of the Canadian Pacific Railway who in 1920 commissioned her to create a series of advertising photographs for the company. The autochrome prints of her
Canadian visit are believed to be some of the earliest colour photographs of that country. Sadly, very few examples of these photographs survive today and none are included in the exhibition. Another important commission was chronicling the interior of No 10 Downing Street in 1917. Hopefully, the exhibition at Norwich Castle suitably
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
2016 October | 41
FINEARTS entitled Fishermen & Kings: The Photography of Olive Edis - will raise the profile of Edis even further. Running to 22nd January (curated by Alistair Murphy) it will not be travelling although a smaller exhibition featuring a host of different images will form part of a permanent display scheduled for the Cromer Museum. In fact, the Cromer Museum now holds the largest collection of her work in the world which includes prints, autochromes, glass-plate negatives, cameras and ephemera and is a focus for further research and the promotion of knowledge and interest in her life and work. The Imperial War Museum, National Portrait Gallery, National Media Museum and the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Centre, Austin, Texas, also hold good examples of her work. ‘Olive Edis was a remarkable woman,’ exclaimed Mr Murphy. ‘She was well educated, forward thinking, a visionary and an astute business entrepreneur but more importantly she was a talented photographer with a natural affinity for her subjects. However grand or humble, each was afforded great respect and dignity. Like the many influential and inspirational women that she photographed, Edis was herself a “new woman”. ‘Her photographic legacy is, without doubt, a ‘‘national treasure’’ and we are more than delighted to be presenting for the first time a highly-impressive display of her work which will reach out to a larger audience.’ Over 190 rare photographs taken between the years of 1900 and 1955 will be on show and they’ll be presented thematically starting
Prince Albert (King George VI) by Olive Edis. Glass-plate negative, 1920
with an introduction to Olive Edis and then focusing on her unique photographic technique and technical expertise. Another section will examine her skill in portraiture which offers a rare glimpse into both the high society of the day and the more simple life of East Anglian fisherman. Influential women in the early 20th century is another key element. Not only did she exemplify the emancipation of women and their changing role in society during her own lifetime but she also recorded it. Her remarkable war work also provides another important aspect to the exhibition.
Self-portrait, Olive Edis. Autochrome, c.1912
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One of her earliest examples is a portrait of her cousin, Caroline ‘Carrie’, taken in 1900. Poignantly, it was apparently Carrie who gave Edis her first camera. The original photograph was donated by Edis to the National Portrait Gallery collection in 1948 and has a hand-written inscription on the back: ‘My very first attempt at a portrait which turned my fate in 1900.’
Another early photograph shows Edis’ twin sisters, Emmeline and Katherine. It was Katherine who initially shared her older sister’s passion for photography although her photographic career ended when she married. As to why the sisters set up shop in Sheringham is unknown. However, it has been suggested that Edis spent family holidays in north Norfolk and their great uncle John retired to Sheringham. Their first studio, in Church Street, was designed by Colonel Sir Robert Edis, an uncle to the sisters. He incorporated into the overall design of the building a glass-covered roof thereby allowing plenty of natural light to flood the studio. Later, the sisters moved to the ‘new studio’ in South Street. Edis’ reputation as a photographer grew rapidly and within a few years she already had an impressive list of sitters and commissions. An early self-portrait taken around 1912 shows her as an elegant, rather demure, thoughtful www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS Thomas Hardy by Olive Edis. Glass-plate negative, 1914
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson by Olive Edis. Glass-plate negative, 1909
and no less than four prime ministers: David Lloyd George, Herbert Henry Asquith, Arthur James Balfour and Ramsey MacDonald. As a forward-thinking, progressive, independent woman, it comes as no surprise to learn that she also photographed several members of the Suffragette Movement including Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst as well as Britain’s first woman doctor and women’s rights campaigner, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. Alongside the portraits of the ‘well-to-do’ in society will be a vast number of wonderfullycompelling portraits of local Norfolk fisherman, the salt seemingly etched into the lines of their craggy, characterful faces. Fishermen remained a favourite subject-matter throughout Edis’ career. young Edwardian lady, gazing directly into the camera lens. Over the span of her gallant and glorious fifty-year career, Edis photographed a huge cross-section of society. Her signature style, which used natural light and shadow, resulted in striking portraits. Notable are her sensitive, natural photographs of Edward VIII as Prince of Wales and a young Prince Albert - later George VI. She also photographed several other leading members of the Royal Family including HRH the Duke of Edinburgh as the young 15-year-old Prince Philip of Greece as well as his uncle, Lord Mountbatten, later 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. The latter is not included in the exhibition.
Olive Edis by Cyril Nunn. Glass-plate negative, 1953
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Other illustrious sitters of the day included the author Thomas Hardy as well as George Bernard Shaw, John Galsworthy and M R James
Edis had the ability to put all her subjects at ease and she said that her success was down to ‘being in sympathy’ with her sitters. As a result she was able to capture a true and informal likeness. In 1918, Edis was commissioned by the Imperial War Museum to photograph women’s war work in Europe. And she was the first British woman to be commissioned as an official war photographer and only the fifth official British photographer to visit Europe to cover the Second World War. Despite her trip being delayed due to the precarious military situation and some opposition of sending a woman to the front, she set off in March 1919 on a month-long journey around France and Belgium with Lady Norman, Chair of the Women’s Work Committee. Edis kept a detailed journal of her travels through war-torn Europe and combined with her collection of photographs - taken using a 2016 October | 43
FINEARTS Tank on the Menin Road by Olive Edis. Glass-plate negative, 1919
large glass-plate camera - provide a graphic, documentary evidence of the lives of women in the British Women’s Services who worked on the front line. Atmospheric photographs also capture the devastation that followed the Great War and many of them now form part of the Imperial War Museum’s collection.
career she maintained photographic bases in Sheringham and London, driving to and fro the capital in her Austin Seven. Despite advances in photography she continued to use her large glass-plate camera right up until the 1950s although she did later own folding cameras which used film.
Her passion for photography was undiminished and throughout her long and illustrious
The last photograph of Edis (born in London in 1876 and who died there in 1955) was taken in 1953 by Cyril Nunn, her close friend and collaborator, on her own glass-plate camera. It was to Mr Nunn that she left her estate of photographs, prints, glass-plate negatives and autochromes.
Motor Ambulance Convoy Commandant Miss Mellor at Etaples by Olive Edis. Glass-plate negative, 1919
In turn, the collection was offered to the Cromer Museum in 2008 and was purchased with considerable financial help by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to the tune of £81,000 with additional funding coming from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, North Norfolk District Council, Norfolk Museums Development Foundation and the all-important organisation that keeps things a-going and in check - the Friends of Cromer Museum. 44 | October 2016
Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council’s Chairman of Communities said: ‘The sensitive and atmospheric photographs of Olive Edis are ripe for rediscovery and we are delighted that Norfolk Museums Service is mounting this exhibition to bring her work to wider attention. The county of Norfolk has given rise to many notable figures throughout the centuries and with this exhibition Olive Edis can take her place alongside these as a photographer of national and international importance of whom we are rightly proud.’ Fishermen & Kings: The Photography of Olive Edis is an exhibition which will appeal on many levels: historically, socially and emotionally. It also provides visual documentary evidence of the huge contribution that Olive Edis made to the history of photography. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk © All photographic material copyright Norfolk Museums Service (Cromer Museum) www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS
Stage Two Theatre Strengthens Community Links As Stage Two Opens
A
host of exciting new projects and schemes are being unveiled today as Norwich Theatre Royal reveals its future aims for its new learning and participation centre. The new £3million-plus building known as Stage Two will be hosting a wide range of exciting activities aimed at all ages and open to all Norfolk communities. It will become the new home of the theatre’s hugely successful arts courses hosting classes, special activities and staging some of its productions. Building on the theatre’s Umbrella Trust with Arden Grove Infant and Nursery School and Hellesdon High School in Norwich, the theatre will throw its weight behind the Arts Mark scheme which supports pupil development and promotes access to high quality culture learning for Norfolk’s children and young people. The number of workshops linked to touring shows and productions will be enhanced, support will be available to help schools achieve Arts Awards, and playbased workshops will also be introduced to accompany the theatre’s on-stage programme. www.finecity.co.uk
More work will be done to engage with families including special Family Days which will be linked to national initiatives like National Storytelling Week or productions on stage in the theatre itself. Work will also be done at the other end of the age spectrum building on the theatre’s popular Limelighter dance and movement workshops for the over-50s. There are plans for weekly theatre workshops for those who are 60-plus and also an annual programme of events for more mature theatre-goers. New volunteer roles for young people will be created through an usher scheme in Stage Two which will include opportunities for them to get formal accreditation. And one of the overall aims is to make the theatre even more inclusive and accessible. Wendy Ellis, Norwich Theatre Royal’s Learning and Participation Manager, said: “We will be exploring opportunities to engage with even more people. This will include the provision of bursaries for access to Theatre Arts Course activities, and other activities within Stage Two. “We also want to set up a Theatre Café which will be a monthly conversation group for everyone over 18 offering the chance to talk about the work we stage here, theatre across Britain, and the reasons we make theatre. “We will also explore the potential of other targeted activities initially focusing on three
areas – dementia, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and mental health.” The building itself was completed in late summer after a 10-month construction programme and includes a flexible performing space which boasts seating for up to 100 people. There are also workshop rooms, rehearsal spaces, two dressing rooms and a light industrial workshop. As well as being the home of the theatre’s arts courses, it is running a successful performing summer school this week and will also host a technical theatre course run by Access To Music from the start of the autumn term. Meanwhile the fundraising is continuing for the building. Around 60 per cent of the project’s funding is already secured, with further grant applications submitted, a public appeal under way, and more activity planned to generate further financial support for the building. Find out how you can help at www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/stagetwo Peter Wilson, Norwich Theatre Royal chief executive, said: “Stage Two is the visible sign of the Theatre Royal’s commitment to improving life chances in Norfolk. It’s a long term project that has been a dream of the Trustees and executive since 2008, and I am excited and proud that we’ve finally taken this great step. My congratulations to everyone who has made it happen, and my thanks go to all our funders and supporters.” 2016 October | 45
FINEARTS
Cinema City
Norwich-based film buff, Tony Cooper, looks at special screenings at Cinema City this month from 5th October The Girl On The Train Previews 5th and 6th October Screenings from 7th October Divorcee Rachel Watson takes the commuter train to New York City every day observing the couple living down the street from her ex-husband. One day she witnesses something shocking and finds herself tangled inextricably in a mystery that promises to forever alter the lives of everyone involved. Directed by Tate Taylor, this promising film stars Emily Blunt (Sicario, The Devil Wears Prada), Justin Theroux (Mulholland Drive, American Psycho) and Edgar Ramírez (Joy, Zero Dark Thirty). from 14th October Inferno When Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks - Da Vinci Code, Forrest Gump) wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Dr Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones - Theory of Everything, Like Crazy) and together they must
race across Europe against the clock to foil a deadly global plot. Based on the novel by Dan Brown, Inferno is directed by Ron Howard. from 21st October I, Daniel Blake With shades of Dickens and Orwell, I, Daniel Blake - directed by Ken Loach, winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival - focuses on a disabled man strangled by the welfare and benefits system. The titular Daniel is an out-of-work carpenter due to a fatal heart attack. But as he attempts to claim benefits through the welfare system, he finds himself tripped up at every conceivable turn. The film stars Dave Johns and Hayley Squires. Queen of Katwe Queen of Katwe tells the colourful true story of a young girl, Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she’s introduced to the game of chess by missionary
Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) in the slums of Uganda. Directed by Mira Nair, the film also stars Lupita Nyong’o - 12 Years a Slave. Special events: Now! That’s What I Call Short Film 2016: LSFF (15) Tuesday 4th October (6.15pm) Find out what makes the London Short Film Festival great! LSFF has distilled the 2016 Festival to bring you a compilation of this year’s greatest hits featuring works from LSFF ’16 award winners as well as other favourites including a film newlyfeature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
My Scientology Movie
46 | October 2016
www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS I Am Cuba
commissioned by LSFF - spoiler alert: it’s about cats. Some of the freshest talent in UK filmmaking will be aired offering an eclectic mix of drama, documentary, animation, music and experimental short films. Sour Grapes (15) Wednesday 5th October (6.30pm) Controversy erupts when an unassuming young man floods the American wine market with fake vintages valued in the millions, bamboozling the wine world elite, in this humorous and suspenseful tale of an ingenious con on the eve of the 2008 stock market crash.
Mariusz Treliński (who directed the 2015 Met double-bill of Iolanta and Duke Bluebeard’s Castle), is a co-production with the BadenBaden Festival, Teatr Wielki (Polish National Opera) and China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. Yarn (12A) Sunday 9th October (3pm)
MET Opera: Tristan und Isolde (12A) Saturday 7th October (5pm); Encore: Tuesday 11th October (12.30pm)
Meet the artists who are redefining the tradition of knit and crochet, bringing yarn out of the house and into the world. Reinventing our relationship with this colourful tradition, Yarn weaves together wool-graffiti artists, circus performers and structural designers into a visually-striking look at the women who are making a creative stance while building one of modern art’s hottest trends.
The new Met season kicks off with a brandnew production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle for his first Live in HD sound performance. Nina Stemme stars as Isolde, a touchstone role she has sung with major opera companies all over the world. Her Tristan is Australianborn heldentenor, Stuart Skelton, who sang Siegmund in the Met’s Ring cycle in 2013. The star cast also includes Ekaterina Gubanova, Evgeny Nikitin and René Pape. The staging, by
My Scientology Movie Monday 10th October (7.30pm) - sold out Tuesday 11th October (8.30pm) - sold out Wednesday 12th October (3pm - 8.30pm) Thursday 13th October (8.30pm) Friday 14th October (12.45pm)
www.finecity.co.uk
From the Oscar-winning director of Searching for Sugarman and Man on Wire, Louis Theroux embarks on his first theatrical feature documentary which sees the renowned filmmaker delve into the world of Scientology, one of the world’s most mysterious and powerful religions, in what he regards as ‘the Holy Grail of Stories’. With a lifetime of experience dealing with eccentric, unpalatable and unexpected human behaviour, the unassuming Theroux won’t take no for an answer when his request to enter the Church of Scientology headquarters is turned down. Inspired by the church’s alleged techniques and aided by former Scientology members-turned-whistle-blowers, Theroux uses actors to recreate incidents people claim to have experienced as members in an attempt to better understand the way the church operates. However, in a bizarre twist, it becomes clear that Theroux is not the only one making a documentary. Suffused with a good dose of humour and moments worthy of a Hollywood script, My Scientology Movie is as outlandish as it is revealing. This screening will be followed by a recorded Q&A with Louis Theroux which was broadcast live to cinemas on 10th October. 2016 October | 47
FINEARTS RSC Live: King Lear (12A) Wednesday 12th October (7pm) King Lear has ruled for many years. As age begins to overtake him, he decides to divide his kingdom among his children, living out his days without the burden of power. Misjudging his children’s loyalty and finding himself alone in the wilderness, he’s left to confront the mistakes of a life that has brought him to this point. Antony Sher returns to the RSC to play Lear, one of the greatest and noble parts written by Shakespeare. Dracula (PG) Saturday 15th October (1.30pm)
RSC Live: King Lear
I Am Cuba (PG): The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at Cinema City, Monday 10th October (8pm) I Am Cuba is a dazzling portrait of pre-Castro Cuba and the first and only Cuban/Soviet film collaboration. Like its contemporary, The Battle of Algiers, it is a politically-inflected reconstruction of the events surrounding a revolution but it is more lyrical and poetic
than Pontecorvo’s realist work. Kalatozishvili (winner of the Palme d’Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival with The Cranes Are Flying) came to Havana to chronicle the 1959 revolution mirroring what Eisenstein did for pre-revolutionary Russia. The astonishing result displeased both the stylistically-uptight Soviet authorities and the Cuban cinema-going public and, as a result, the film fell into obscurity until it was rescued three decades later by Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese.
To start Cinema City’s Universal Monsters season, celebrating the monstrous cinematic creations that haunt the vaults of Universal Pictures, comes Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. Donning the now-iconic black cape, Lugosi laid the foundation for future generations of movie vampires and for the genre as a whole. Bolshoi Ballet: The Golden Age (Live) (12A) Sunday 16th October (4pm) In a seaside town where business and the Mafia are flourishing like no other, The Golden Age - music by Dmitri Shostakovich, choreography by Yuri Grigorovich and libretto
ROH Live: Così fan tutte
48 | October 2016
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FINEARTS by Yuri Grigorovich and Isaak Glikman - is the favourite nightly haunt of dancers, bandits and young revellers. The scenario surrounds the young fisherman Boris who falls madly in love with Rita, a beautiful dancer, but she’s also a good friend of a local gangster. A satire on Europe during the Roaring Twenties, The Golden Age - featuring Bolshoi principals, soloists and corps de ballet - makes for an original, colourful and dazzling show featuring a compelling jazz score spiced with the atmosphere of the music hall. The Golden Age (which can only be seen ‘live’ at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow) has everything: mad rhythms, vigorous chase scenes and decadent cabaret numbers. With such a passionate love story featuring beautiful duets between Boris and Rita, the Bolshoi dancers plunge magnificently into every stylised step and gesture.
With a score of heart-breaking beauty and intensity, Saul takes one into a nightmare world of madness and despair. This powerful and highly-acclaimed production, filmed ‘live’ at last year’s Glyndebourne Festival, delves deep into Handel’s opera based on the well-known Biblical tale. Saul charts the first King of Israel’s love and loathing of his eventual successor,
Adam Plachetka, Matthew Rose, Kwangchul Youn and Rolando Villazón. Star Men (PG) Monday 24th October (6.30pm) Début writer-director Alison E. Rose’s visuallystriking documentary charts the careers
Glyndebourne on Tour 2016: Saul
Miss Saigon - 25th anniversary performance (12A) Sunday 16th October (7pm) The spectacular, sell-out 25th anniversary gala performance of the global stage sensation, Miss Saigon, features appearances by members of the original London cast including Jonathan Pryce and Lea Salonga. This acclaimed new production was described as ‘the most thrilling, soaring and emotionally-stirring musical with magnificent performances’ by The Daily Telegraph and ‘the greatest musical of all time’ by The Daily Mail. The epic love story tells the tragic tale of young bar girl, Kim, orphaned by war, who falls deeply in love with American GI, Chris - but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. ROH Live: Così fan tutte (12A) Monday 17th October (6.30pm) How much do you love your partner? How much do you trust them? And can they trust you? Mozart’s classic opera, Così fan tutte, puts two pairs of lovers to the test - with great music but distinctly unexpected results. For this new production, director Jan Philipp Gloger creates a richly theatrical world as the playground for this quirky comedy, where two men try to woo each other’s partners for a bet. Don Alfonso - the puppet-master of the whole experiment - turns up in this production as a theatre director who uses all the sets, props and tricks of his trade to invent new scenes to challenge the lovers’ affections. This lively, youthful and imaginative take on one of the world’s best-loved operas is performed by a cast of rising stars conducted by Semyon Bychkov. Glyndebourne on Tour 2016: Saul (12A) Wednesday 19th October (2.30pm) www.finecity.co.uk
David. As we watch Saul crumble before our eyes, as dramatically as Shakespeare’s King Lear, we also witness David winning everyone’s heart including that of his son, Jonathan. Frankenstein (PG) Saturday 22nd October (1.30pm) Continuing Cinema City’s Universal Monsters season, which celebrates the monstrous cinematic creations that haunt the vaults of Universal Pictures, come Frankenstein with Boris Karloff who cemented his horror legacy by bringing Frankenstein’s monster to life. The mythology of neck-bolts, electricity-fuelled resurrections and brain implants gone wrong began here - not in Mary Shelley’s novel. MET Opera: Don Giovanni (2016) (12A) Saturday 22nd October (5.55pm); Encore: Monday 24th October (1.30pm) The acclaimed British-born baritone, Simon Keenlyside, makes his Met début as the unrepentant seducer in this Tony Awardwinning staging of Mozart’s masterpiece, Don Giovanni, directed by Michael Grandage. In the pit is the Met’s principal conductor, Fabio Luisi, who leads an international cast that includes Hibla Gerzmava, Malin Byström, Serena Malfi,
of leading astronomers Roger Griffin, Wal Sargent, Donald Lynden-Bell and Neville Woolf who left Britain in the 1960s as young PhD students to pursue their passion for astronomy at the California Institute of Technology. Branagh Theatre Live: The Entertainer (2016) (12A) Thursday 27th October (7.15pm) Set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, John Osborneʼs modern classic conjures up the seedy glamour of the days of the music-hall for an explosive examination of public masks and private torment. Rob Ashford directs Kenneth Branagh as the unforgettable Archie Rice in the final production of this acclaimed actor’s highlysuccessful season of ‘Plays-at-the-Garrick’. The Mummy (PG) Saturday 29th October (1.30pm) Continuing Cinema City’s Universal Monsters season, which celebrates the monstrous cinematic creations that haunt the vaults of Universal Pictures, comes The Mummy starring Boris Karloff who also created another iconic monster, Imhotep, the vengeful ancient Egyptian priest, who seeks to be reunited with his true love after 3000 years. Dracula cinematographer, Karl Freund, directs this mysterious chiller. 2016 October | 49
FINEFASHION
Jonathan Trumbull, Chadds, HATTERS & GINGER
Autumn has finally arrived after a fabulous Indian summer and Norwich’s well-appointed designer-clothing men’s shop, Jonathan Trumbull, have been inspired and working hard on perfecting their new autumn/winter collections.
J
onathan Trumbull - or Trumbull’s as it is affectionately known - has always been a pioneering shop and at the forefront of men’s fashion and quick off the mark, too, stocking the best labels. In fact, they were instrumental in being one of the first shops in the UK to house such famous names as Armani, Ralph Lauren, Stone Island and Hugo Boss. This winter soft-cotton shirts, comfortable body-hugging jackets and padded short and long outerwear, complete with an inner gilet, are some of the merchandise to look out for this season while Trumbull’s - located in St Stephen’s Street opposite Marks & Spencer - have in store over 300 pairs of jeans including darker denim with Lycra (which come in an assortment of finishes) and found in the collections of Armani, Hugo Boss, Replay, True Religion and Tramarosa. Tracksuits
from Ralph Lauren - still one of Trumbull’s most sought-after products - parallel with Oliver Sweeney hand-crafted shoes. Trumbull’s, incidentally, have stocked Oliver Sweeney’s products since the company was founded in 1989. And today Sweeney’s continue to design all their shoes around an ‘anatomical last’, a tool created by the company’s founder after years and years of research and development so the shoes not only mimic the shape of the foot but also its movement. Season’s hot tip: Traverso black-leather light-ankle boots - one of the stars of the collection! The Burberry collection, a British institution best known for its trench coats, a luxury product which goes from strength to strength, features prominently this season especially with regard to their smar t and well-designed Tar tan-check range. Eton shirts from Sweden are a firm favourite, too, for many of Trumbull’s clients. They’ve been developed as a cotton-wrinkle free-finish product and the collection has been greatly expanded offering more patterns and trims to suit the most fastidious of tastes. A few stand-out items for this season include a CP Company threein-one-coat
(tightly waterproofed) which can also be worn individually, Hugo Boss Orange Label cotton-made sweaters and Replay laser-cut T-shir ts. Hatters in White Lion Street which leads to Gentleman’s Walk (also in the same clothing group as Trumbull’s) boasts a whole host of new labels specially introduced for this season. Jacob Cohen, for instance - renowned for creating superb designer jeans that fuse high-quality Japanese fabric with stunning Italian tailoring techniques - is one such product to check out. Famous Matchless jackets in leather and wax cotton combining British heritage with Italian production are new arrivals, too. The brand’s staple designs have been featured by a host of leading actors across a large number of films including the likes of Daniel Craig in the James Bond movies. Colmar Originals from Italy - who have been producing technical outerwear jackets since 1923 - have incorporated side panels to their first piece of aerodynamic skiwear which has dominated downhill competitions for years. The company has heavily invested in a mammoth research and development programme overseen by a specialised team that tests and re-test their fabrics in wind tunnels to achieve the best possible results. Therefore, their padded gilets and quilted jackets - an essential part of their catalogue - is surely what’s needed in the craziest of the winter months. Hatters also stock a fantastic range of knitwear from Nigel Hall as well as a complete collection from Aquascutum while Holland Esquireembellished jackets and waistcoats are simply exquisite and overtly popular with so many of their clients. Other well-known labels and names to look out for this autumn include Paul Smith suits and casualwear, Diesel and Gant as well as Lacoste and the ever-popular Hugo Boss products. Hatters, by the way, is the only shop in Norfolk to stock all of Boss’ various labels - Black, Hugo, Orange, Green. A well-respected and well-loved Norwich shop, Chadds, located at the junction of Bedford Street and Bridewell Alley, is one of the most traditional shops to be found in the Fine City. The quintessential English fashion style features prominently in their stock this season including three-piece, plain tweed, check and city suits, all
50 | October 2016
www.finecity.co.uk
manufactured in fine worsted cloth which, of course, is named after the village of Worstead near North Walsham. One needs to look out for tweeds, herringbones, Donegal and Glen checks in jackets and waistcoats as well as a host of superb-fitting Bruhl trousers manufactured in wools and soft cottons. Also look out for the fine-gauge, pure-wool knitwear by Alan Paine which come in all styles sporting cable-knit crewnecks. They are all available in a colour pallet that is warm, autumnal and rustic. Outerwear is readily available, too, with the traditional and ever-popular Donegal Magee overcoats. Gant blousons with a water-repellent finish, tweed caps and hats plus a plethora of accessories. At Ginger (located at the top of Orford Hill at the entrance to Ber Street) winter is just one of their favourite seasons. Forget about colddark nights and dreary drizzly days, just think of luxury coats from such eminent fashion giants as Max Mara and Marella while the ultimatepadded outerwear from Canada Goose and the new Canadian brand, Mackage, will keep you comfortably warm. Cosy knitwear comes from affordable everyday lux brand Second Female and the decadent Italian brand, D’Exterior, while chic, elegant and ‘ever-so-pretty’ party dresses come from DVF and the timeless, Tara Jarmon. Additionally, Ginger are stocking an extensive range of denim products from Armani Jeans and Replay alongside the most comfortable (yet stylish) footwear from Ashe and Emu. This is just a fashionable taste of Ginger but do drop into the shop to check out their complete range. You’ll be greeted by a well-trained, friendly and knowledgeable staff who are readily available not just to sell but to offer advice to you on any part of their extensive clothing range. Remember, Hatters is a shop that absolutely loves winter. Get attired in the right clothes and, hopefully, so will you! www.finecity.co.uk
2016 October | 51
52 | October 2016
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AUTUMNAL
ELEGANCE
IN NORFOLK
Jonathan Trumbull 5 St Stephens Street, Norwich, NR1 3QL Tel: 01603 629876 www.jonathantrumbull.co.uk
HATTERS 11-13 White Lion Street, Norwich NR2 1QA Tel: 01603 626469 www.hattersnorwich.co.uk
GINGER 35 Timber Hill, Norwich NR1 3LA Tel: 01603 763158 www.gingerfashion.co.uk
Chadds 23 Bedford Street, Norwich NR2 1AR Tel: 01603 622668 www.chaddsnorwich.co.uk www.finecity.co.uk
2016 October | 53
Porkstock is hailed a pig-tastic success!
Nelson’s Journey is presented with cheque for £10,372 following foodie fundraiser
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elson’s Journey, the Norfolk charity that supports bereaved children and young people, was last night (22 September 2016) presented with a cheque for £10,372 by the team behind Porkstock.
Porkstock, which took place on 10 September at White House Farm, Sprowston, is a celebration of local food and drink. The free daytime family festival was attended by more than 2000 people of all ages. They enjoyed a fantastic selection of local food and drink, music, games, kids activities and, of course, the food demo stage. Celebrity Masterchef favourite, comedian and broadcaster Hardeep Singh-Kohli joined a talented line up of chefs, butchers and culinary experts on the Porkstock stage and kept the crowds entertained, despite a little bit of rain. At 6pm, Porkstock changed from family fun day to an adults-only knees up with more than 1,000 people dancing the night away in front of the main stage and in the specially created electro-swing gin palace. Created and managed by a small team of passionate foodies - and made possible by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and local sponsors, including Woodfordes Ale, Comms Supply and Plain Speaking PR – all profits from Porkstock 2016 have gone to Nelson’s Journey. “We’re really proud that Porkstock 2016 has raised more than £10,000 for this awesome Norfolk charity,” says James Ellis, one of the founders of Porkstock and a member of the steering group that brings the event to life. “No one who works on the event makes a penny; we all do it because we love local food, drink and music and want to bring a special event to the people of Norfolk whilst also raising money for amazing
54 | October 2016
local causes. We’ve already pledged to bring Porkstock back in 2017 and are hoping to encourage lots more volunteers to get involved so that we can make the event even better.” Simon Wright, Chief Executive of Nelson’s Journey, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Porkstock and all of the volunteers, customers and suppliers that made the event such a success. The money raised for Nelson’s Journey exceeded our highest expectations and will allow us to pay the salary of a bereavement support worker for a 6 month period. We are currently experiencing record numbers of referrals for our services, and so this funding comes at a crucial time. It will allow us to put smiles back on the faces of more bereaved children in Norfolk. The event was a fantastic profile raiser for Nelson’s Journey, which means that even more families who’ve experienced death and who need some help will know that we are here to provide that support.”
117-179 Plumstead Rd, Norwich, NR1 4AB Tel : 01603 434 253 james@archersbutchers.com
We buy direct from local farms! 28 Day Hung Beef, Free Range Pork, Free range Chicken, Home Dry Cured Bacon & Gammon Discounts on large orders!
www.archersbutchers.com
www.finecity.co.uk
When your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Creche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy all the great entertainment. 350 stalls overflowing with fabulous decorations for the home and present ideas for all – from babies to teenagers, parents to grandparents, for Him, for Her and even the pets! COME ARMED WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST AND EXPECT TO GO HOME TRIUMPHANT.
FESTIVE GIFT FAIR AT THE NEC
There’s something for everyone at the FESTIVE GIFT FAIR and to get your inspiration flowing, we’ve highlighted just a few of our favourite NEW gift ideas … EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY & SAMPLE BEFORE YOU BUY… A set of nine specially tuned champagne glasses with glass wands for playing musical magic together after Christmas dinner! The ultimate dinner party game – AMUZIKA. A personalised celebration brownie to serve 15-20 people or individual gorgeously gooey brownies in over 30 flavours - THE BROWNIE BAR.
10 - 13 November 2016 You would be crackers to miss it!
consuming part is buying the presents, so get it all done in one day at the Festive Gift Fair and make it FUN!
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Christmas starts here with plenty of choice, unique gifts, and a fun and easy shopping day out. For our 21st year we have a whole NEW line-up of fantastic LIVE music to entertain you through the day.
The run up to Christmas Day involves a lot of planning and the hardest and often most time
So easy to visit, all in one hall, all on one level and there’s even a courtesy shuttle service to and from Birmingham International station.
oin in the fun for our 21st year at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR! The biggest and best Christmas shopping Fair returns to the NEC for four days from 10-13 November.
www.finecity.co.uk
Mountainous giant meringues to serve for a real show-off dessert or gift boxed meringues as a present will leave your family and friends in awe! – FLOWER AND WHITE. Don’t know what to do with leftover turkey or parsnips? Then jazz it up with versatile curry base sauces - PUNJABAN AUTHENTIC CURRY BASE SAUCES or, make your own from scratch using freshly ground spices – THE SPICE KITCHEN. Handcrafted, good proper fudge, great to share after dinner or give as a present in a ‘create your own gift box’. Over 25 flavours … from Rhubarb & Custard, Cherry Bakewell, 2016 October | 55
TRENDY TEENS … There’s only ONE DIRECTION – as the biggest boy band in the world, they can adorn your teenagers bed with a fleece blanket throw - LINEN IDEAS. Get ready to be blown away by the amazing sound of the I-Bomb Cobble – a speaker that fits into the palm of your hand and works 10 metres from your Bluetooth device – PIZZAZZ RETAIL. Be top dog at your next fancy dress party with the amazingly realistic Mr Pug mask! - GENIE GADGETS. Want to be different? One-of-a-kind handmade watches – BUCKLE AND COG – with changeable fabric straps and colourful faces. FOR THE LITTLE ONES! …
Heather Honey and even Irn Brun! – OCHIL FUDGE PANTRY. Make your own CIDER…. Simply add the supplied yeast and leave for 48 hours VICTORS DRINKS. FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE! … WOW what a season it’s been! The spirit of Football is captured by photographer, DAVID SHIELDS. Unique photographic montages of football stadiums, from Arsenal to Birmingham City and many more. A REAL flight simulator experience vouchers available for Boeing 737 & 747 – FLIGHT SIMULATORS MIDLANDS. If anything will get him to do the washing up, these smirkingly Rude Britannia Tea Towels might do the trick – featuring photos of road signs like Happy Bottom, Titty Ho, Busty View, Juggs Lane - LESSER SPOTTED BRITAIN. Highly original Map cufflinks made from vintage maps and albums. Chose the location that is ‘special’ to you, for example, where you first met! - MIA MIA JEWELS. ‘My Dad is a Superhero!’ – a framed print designed in a comic book style for your superhero Father - JMS CREATIVE. FOR THE LADIES IN YOUR LIFE! … Stylish and colourful faux fur capes, gilets and jackets – SUPERFURS. 56 | October 2016
An eclectic mix of beautiful jewellery, objets d’art and decorative interior items – ANTIQUE & CHIC. Handmade, luxurious natural skincare and home fragrance. Choose a scent to match her mood… from lavender to patchouli, and geranium to eucalyptus – VALENTTE. Beautiful homemade 100% cashmere & cashmere blend shawls and scarves – NEPAL CASHMERE. Treat her to a classy fashion watch by leading designers, Emporio Armani and Marc Jacobs – A2Z TIMEBRAND. GRANDPARENTS… Have the image of a treasured pet captured behind glass and set into a silver pendant on chain - MARTASHA HANDMADE JEWELLERY. A handmade wooden plaque ‘I Love you to the moon and back’ – will guarantee a smile – MAGICMIMI. Back and neck pain is a thing of the past with a Shiatsu neck massager, the most relaxing present you could wish to give – DONNERBERG. ‘The Innkeepers Tipple’, an aromatic blueberry whisky liqueur – CELTIC SPIRIT CO. Beautifully scented handmade soy candles fragranced with essential oils with rose petals, lavender and jasmine - BEAUTY SCENTS.
Magic and sparkle for Fairies of all ages. FAIRY GOODIES sell fairy wings, tutus, fairy dust, fairy gardens… Felt dream-catchers and mobiles, little ones will be mesmerised to sleep! – YAK SHAK. A fun alternative twist to the traditional advent calendar, buy a ‘Countdown To Christmas’ activity calendar which has things to make and do to keep your kids busy as they wait for Santa – ILLUSTRIES. GIFTS IN A TIN have an ingenious range of miniature gifts and puzzles that pack into a tiny tin, from mini train sets to farmyards. Teach your children to tell the time and count with a unique wooden learning clock – BIRCHWOOD CRAFTS. Have fun creating their very own name plaque using this clever mosaic alphabet kit – TERESA MILLS MOSAICS. DISCOVER ALL THE PRESENTS YOU WANT UNDER ONE ROOF Fantastic, fabulous and fun, never has Christmas shopping been this good! FESTIVE GIFT FAIR 10-13 NOVEMBER 2016 at NEC, Birmingham. For more information on Exhibitors and Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk. Click on the button online to watch a short video from last year’s show. www.finecity.co.uk
FINEEVENTS
Show Highlights Live Acts for 2016 - A Taster of Festive Entertainment to Enjoy - All Included in the Ticket Prices
X Factor’s Che Chesterman
The Glamophones
The Mo-Sound Sisters
Our Fabulously Fun Festive Characters
Reggie Manus
Celebrity Santa
Pantomime Dame
Five pairs of tickets to give away "
Simply fill in and cut out this form and send it to FineCity, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2AE
"
Name Address Email
www.finecity.co.uk
2016 October | 57
FINEEVENTS
Norwich & Norfolk Campaign For Real Ale T ickets are available through the Norwich CAMRA website, by selecting Norwich Beer Festival 2016, then tickets, or by visiting the link www.norwichcamra.org.uk/festival/ticket16.htm.
The Norwich & Norfolk branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who organise the annual festival, have announced that, though tickets are selling fast, there are still tickets for the popular Saturday evening session on 29th October. The Saturday night promises to be a very entertaining evening with music from Invidia Voices and the Rock & Soul Choir playing in the early evening and the well-known local group, The Vagaband, playing into the night. Those without a ticket are encouraged to come along and pay on the door as only a proportion of spaces for each session, including the Saturday evening, are sold in advance.
Craig Harmer, Deputy Beer Festival Organiser, commented ‘Even without a ticket you will be able to gain entry to the festival, including Saturday night. Having a ticket means you avoid the English weather by having priority in the queue. Many people assume Saturday is ticketonly, in fact you can join the queue just like any other session and pay cash on the door. As always, CAMRA members have free entry by showing a valid membership card.’
Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA are also pleased to announce that their Featured Brewer at this year’s Norwich Beer Festival, Tiny Rebel, has just won the UK Brewer of the Year at the International Beer Challenge. Over 200 cask-conditioned Real Ales from Britain’s independent brewers will be on sale, along with festival specials, draught and bottled beers, local wines and over 40 real ciders and perries. Gluten Free beers will be available in cask and bottles (subject to availability).
There is an excellent line-up of musicians playing in St Andrew’s Hall throughout the lunchtime and evening sessions. Music-free sessions are on Tuesday evening and late Thursday evening. The Blackfriars’ Hall will be music free and seating is available in the Cloisters. The festival also provides an exceptional range of refreshments and some fun games in the Blackfriars Hall where ales from local breweries are featured. Door admission prices start from £1 for non-members for the Tuesday to Thursday lunchtimes. For further information about the 2016 Norwich Beer Festival, please see our web pages: www.norwichcamra.org.uk/festival/ fest2016.htm where you can find admission prices and can also print off a poster for your pin board.
Christmas Carol Service
THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2016 7:30PM
58 | October 2016
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BREAD & BITTER will be launched in casks at Norwich Beer Festival This amber wheat beer is brewed with a special recipe that uses malted barley and leftover bread from artisan norfolk bakeries. To find out more call us on 01603 871 163 Or visit our website:
www.pantherbrewery.co.uk
we brew the beer, we cook the food, we show the sport. all you do is
enjoy yourself
The Murderers Beer Festival 20th - 30th October 75 Local Ales available Fine City Blues Explosion Blues Festival 27-30 October
COACH & HORSES 82 THORPE ROAD NORWICH
The drinking consultants
thecoachthorperoad.co.uk @TheCoachThorpe
www.finecity.co.uk
2 - 8 Timber Hill, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3LB Tel: 01603 621 447 Email: enquiries@themurderers.co.uk
2016 October | 59
60 | October 2016
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Award Winning Landscaping and Design
Paving and Pathways Ponds and Water Features Lawn Laying Walls and Brickwork Timber and Decking Driveways, Fencing and Screening Garden Design by Georgina Read
T: 01953 852139 E: info@lifestylelandscaping.co.uk W: www.lifestylelandscaping.co.uk
Bathrooms of distinction Pop in & see our display for yourself
Bake with Neff n& Pop i ur e se o or ay f i d spl self u yo r
Hand made by expert craftsmen using traditional skills in solid wood & stone
Stunning art pieces that are going to be a dramatic focal point of your Bathroom sculptured by expert craftsman from solid timber & natural stone
Tel: 01603 426519 148 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6XA
sales@labellecuisine.co.uk
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Whether youĘźre having a new kitchen from La Belle Cuisine or simply upgrading your existing one, we at La Belle Cuisine as a Neff Partner recommend Neff appliances for a complete intergrated look for your home.
An extensive range of appliances that will make your daily life in the kitchen a pleasure!
Tel: 01603 426519
148 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6XA
sales@labellecuisine.co.uk
2016 October | 61
Posh Plants Olives…peace and love! There’s something so magical about olive trees. They have a softness in colour which blends beautifully with the traditional flint work of our barns and churches. The pale grey glaucous silvery leaves light up when seen in sunlight against a blue sky, quite breathtaking. The foliage shimmers, giving a much needed mediterranean sparkle throughout the year. As part of the Posh Plants collection, the large olives are in great demand for decorating venues all over East Anglia for weddings, conferences, parties and sporting events. Owners of some of our finest stately homes, when requiring the highest standard find our 62 | October 2016
olives are perfect. The trees are statuesque and graceful, blending beautifully with the impeccable interiors of some of Norfolk’s most treasured houses.
This amazing space has the flexibility to hold all types of events, large or small.
Supplied in grey, lead type planters, our olives can be hired to create an instant indoor garden.
The olives look perfect here and can be either positioned to create a more intimate space, or, evenly spread to give the effect of a glade of organic trees…perfectly in tune with the natural ambience.
What nicer backdrop for a party than a calming grove of olive trees!
To add something really special to your venue or garden with Posh Plants contact:
The new Lady Elizabeth Wing is a redevelopment of the former pottery building at Holkham Hall.
Sue Huckle
This state of the art venue offers contemporary design, creating a seamless link between the majestic hall and the requirements of modern day society.
Posh Plants at Seven Acres Nursery, East Tuddenham… topiary, garden and interior plants for hire and sale www.poshplants.com sue@poshplants.com 07703 347014 www.finecity.co.uk
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
Is Your Conservatory Intolerably Hot In The Summer and Unbearably Cold In The Winter? Transform your conservatory with Conservatory Roof Insulation!
The most lightweight Tiled Roof on the market A U-Value lower than 0.10 W/m2k The widest choice of Tapco Slate Tile colours Structural integrity as standard 19 layer thermal barrier quilt 50mm continuous external thermal barrier 50mm internal insulation Suitable for all conservatory styles and sizes Dry fit slate effect standard with 50 year guarantee
01603 301100 • www.comfortableconservatories.com
Your Local Branch: 16 Alston Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 5DS Showroom Open 9:30am - 4.30pm 7 Days A Week
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Free Survey and Quotations Tel: 01953 459778 Owl Barn, Norwich Road, Besthorpe, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2LA
2016 October | 63
2017 Suzuki S-Cross Facelift
Launch Report. Location: Cheshire
The Suzuki S-Cross has gone under the knife and has got a new engine range for 2017, too. Our motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay, reports.
T
he 1.6-litre petrol unit is now missing from the latest S-Cross and has been substituted by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-pot and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder Boosterjet engine. These apparently guarantee less CO2 emissions and better mpg. The 1.4-litre
Boosterjet was first housed in the Japanese automaker’s Vitara earlier in the year, and the 1.0 power unit is also one of the engines that propels the new Baleno - launched in May. The 111PS little 1.0-litre lump has nine per cent more pulling power than the departing 1.6 petrol, and it cuts emissions by 11 per cent
to 113g/km when hooked up to a manual gearbox. Fuel consumption is also enhanced by ten per cent. Suzuki’s 1.4-litre engine makes 140PS and has got an incredible 41 per cent further torque than the retiring 1.6-litre engine. A 1.6-litre diesel is also offered. The Suzuki S-Cross’s design team has obviously worked hard as there is a really obvious change at the front end of the car. It’s far more ‘in your face’, with fresh headlights that not only refine the look, but work more resourcefully. LED lights at the rear-end keep the S-Cross ‘down with the kids’ for 2017 - and the Suzuki is more elevated than the exiting S-Cross, with 180mm of ground clearance now, compared with 165mm. Step inside the cabin and the feature by:
Tim Barnes-Clay Writer @carwriteups
64 | October 2016
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FINEmotors dashboard has been remodelled. The SZ4 and SZ-T models have an updated design of seat material, too. Three degrees of Suzuki S-Cross can be bought or leased: SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5. All trim levels have ESP as standard, and come with air conditioning, DAB and cruise control. The SZ-T S-Cross, which is targeted mainly at fleets, attaches 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, a rear parking camera with parking sensors, and front fog-lights. The flagship SZ5 adds heated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and radar brake support. Furthermore, the Japanese manufacturer’s Allgrip four-wheel drive set-up can be found on the top two models and with all three power units. Choose any of the above and you’ll discover the S-Cross’s bold and sporty design offers ample room for passengers and luggage. The front seats provide excellent support and hold you firmly in place, even on tight curves. Behind the wheel, the instrument cluster, although surrounded by a little too much
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cheap looking plastic, helps you focus on driving. Suzuki’s four-wheel-drive technology leaves no room for doubt that the S-Cross is the perfect fusion of family-friendliness, safety and performance. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no hardcore mud-plugger, but it’ll handle dirt, grass, snow, sand and a bit more – so it’s just right for mini-adventures. Safety equipment hasn’t been overlooked, either. Features include seven airbags for occupants and the bonnet provides impact absorption which lessens injury if the car hits a pedestrian. In fact, the previous S-Cross was rated as one of Europe‘s safest cars, achieving the maximum top five-star status from Euro NCAP, so there’s no reason why the 2017 model should be any different. If anything, it’ll be safer. The basic price of the 2017 Suzuki S-Cross is only £14,999 and it goes on sale in the UK on 17th October.
2016 October | 65
Fine City 1/4 Page Ad 93mm x 128mm
Seahorse Studio 100c 100m 100y 100k 50c
Everyone likes to find something unique, and if it’s made in Norfolk so much the better. At Seahorse Studio in Albert Street, Holt you can watch the creative process as Helen Wright makes her glass beads in the studio.
01263 478020 www.seahorsestudio.co.uk seahorsestudio@icloud.com
50m
From simple spacer beads to ornate flower vase pendants and little vessel beads that seem to have the patina of centuries, you can buy just a single bead (including large-hole beads with silver cores to fit on your charm bracelet), a set or a unique necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings.
1 Albert Street, Holt NR25 6HX
50y 50k
Lampworking is an ancient type of glasswork where a torch or lamp is used to melt the glass. The oil-fueled lamps used in Murano, Italy in the 14th century have now been replaced with propane and oxygen torches but otherwise not a lot has changed!
Unique glass beads, jewellery and more
Find me on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/ seahorsestudioholt
Helen has studied on Murano and with teachers from the UK, USA, South Africa, Germany and The Netherlands. She uses glass from Italy, Germany, Czech Republic and USA, and adds metals such as silver, gold and palladium foil to create different effects. Commissions are welcome – if you have a particular colour scheme you would like matched she can make something just for you. Helen also stocks work by artists that she admires. Colourful fused glass from Hazel Millington, exquisite silver jewellery by Melinda Scarborough, bold lampwork and silver necklaces by Sarah Lamb, fabulous polymer clay jewellery from Anarina in Athens, quirky ceramics by Jane Bygrave and stunning hand-painted silk wraps, scarves, paintings and cards by Mims Grogan. All one-of-a-kind and perfect presents – or a treat for yourself. Email: seahorsestudio@icloud.com www.seahorsestudio.co.uk Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10.00 – 17.00 66 | October 2016
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FINEAdvice
Marketing Join in our Success Story Welcome to the ‘FineAdvice’ section of FineCity Magazine About Us:
In a fast moving world, where the media seem to be ever more distant from people’s real concerns, it is vital that community lifestyle magazines like FineCity Magazine find and print the information and news that is important to local people. That’s where we come in; two years ago we added FineCity Magazine to our portfolio of publications which include; Dispatch Magazine in Attleborough & Diss and a second publication in Wymondham & Dereham. We also publish Norfolk on My Mind for North Norfolk and Suffolk on My Mind for Suffolk. Over the fifteen years we have been publishing magazines our publications have become some of the most well respected community lifestyle magazines, and a “must-read” across a Norfolk & Suffolk. Our distribution is enormous; Dispatch is delivered Free of Charge Door to Door to 30,000 homes and businesses. FineCity
Magazine is delivered or collected around the City centre by 12,000 people each month, and Norfolk on My Mind has 10,000 copies available for pick up across 800 pick up locations. Suffolk on My Mind is seen by 10,000 people in Bury St Edmunds and across Suffolk. This gives us a combined readership of 155,000 every month.
FineCity Magazine: Promote your business in our ‘FineAdvice’ section in our rapidly growing FineCity Magazine. We are inviting just one company from a few specialist market sectors, to feature in our new ‘FineAdvice’ section with a combination of editorial and an advert on a full page, in the same design and layout as this page is being presented to you. We are offering you the full page (normal cost £505.00) for just the cost of a half page advert £295.00. You pay for the advert we’ll give you the editorial (425 words) for FREE.
FineCity Magazine is growing throughout Norwich, now with a 12,000 print run every month, and available for pick up at our prestige partner locations which includes; John Lewis, Waitrose, Jarrold, Cinema City, MadderMarket, The Theatre Royal, The Forum, Norwich Library, The Norwich Tourist Information Centre, Norwich Airport, Castle Mall and Intu Chapelfield, and further copies are delivered Door to Door around Eaton, Cringleford, Easton, Newmarket Road and The Golden Triangle area of Norwich. Come and join FineCity and be part of our success story!
The FineAdvice section is designed to offer readers advice, and enable your company to be the exclusive provider. Advice by:
In addition to the above, we will also include your company within our daily tweets and Facebook page completely free of charge.
FineCity Magazine @finecitymag 01953 456789
Meet The Family FineCity Magazine
Dispatch Magazine 2016
Dispatch Magazine 2016
Norfolk On My Mind Magazine 2016
Suffolk On My Mind Magazine 2016
Issue 59
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FINEAdvice
Utility Warehouse
Have you claimed your FREE energy-efficient LED light bulbs yet?
I
live locally and I represent a company that will replace every light bulb in your home with the latest energy-efficient LED bulbs, completely free of charge, thus saving you around 11% OFF your electricity bill forever! Free LED light bulbs typically worth £300-£500 They are bright, fully dimmable, light-up instantly, and use around 15 times less electricity than traditional light bulbs. Free expert installation by a team of professional fully trained fitters; they’ll visit your home and install your new LED light bulbs at a convenient time for you — completely free of charge. Free lifetime guarantee If a light bulb ever needs replacing, you’ll be sent a new one in the post — so you’ll never have to buy another light bulb again!
68 | October 2016
Utilities Lower electricity bills - forever! In addition to helping to save the planet, your new LED bulbs will reduce your electricity bills by around 11% — FOREVER Who’s behind this initiative? It’s being provided by Utility Warehouse, the Nation’s most trusted utility supplier. In addition to gas and electricity, they provide landline, broadband and mobile giving you the convenience of all your utilities on one monthly bill. Utility Warehouse is operated by Telecom Plus PLC, a major British company whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company provides its members with great value, great savings and the best possible customer service. Perhaps it’s not surprising that, in a survey, 93% of Utility Warehouse customers said they would recommend them to a friend. Utility Warehouse is very different to other suppliers because they’re a club - a Discount Club. They don’t have any high street shops and because (unlike their competitors) they don’t spend customers’ money on expensive
advertising campaigns on TV, they can afford to charge their customers less for the same services. They have also received numerous awards from Which? Magazine and Moneywise, and have around 600,000 satisfied customers. As a member of Utility Warehouse, you SAVE... • Single supplier for all your utilities • Award-winning customer service • Value that’s unbeatable • Easy to switch • Ready to claim your FREE LED light bulbs? Please don’t hesitate to contact me today. I’ll be delighted to explain how it works.
Advice by:
Jonathan Horswell Mentor @jonathanhorswel 07802 690589
www.finecity.co.uk
FINEAdvice
Health
Hearing Care Centre Open Days Organised Across Norfolk to Encourage Early Detection of Hearing Loss
O
ne in six people in the UK has a hearing loss. This doesn’t mean that the day we turn 60, we wake up in the morning and can’t hear. The process is usually gradual and progressive. Local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, are organising a series of special ‘Open Days’ across their centres in Norfolk to encourage people with hearing loss to take that first step. When it comes to age-related hearing loss, it may not always be preventable. However, not waiting too long before getting tested and – in case of need – getting fitted with hearing aids sooner rather than later, is a very smart move. Hearing Care Centre Managing Director and Audiologist, Karen Finch explained: “Just like our joints and muscles, the use-it or lose-it principle
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applies to our hearing. Understanding hearing loss and treatment options, such as hearing aids, can assure you don’t lose it before it is too late. “Even if you are one of those people who insist they hear just fine, thank you, there is no harm (and a lot of benefit) in having your hearing checked.” The ‘Open Days’ are being held on the following dates and specialists from The Hearing Care Centre will be on hand to offer free hearing tests and free professional advice. Appointments are essential.
diminish your quality of life by making it difficult to communicate and interact with people around you – be it at work or in family and social situations”, said Karen. “On the other hand, treating hearing loss as early as possible, before it starts to impact your emotional, psychological and social well-being, can improve your communication and language skills, allowing you to fully participate in all the leisure and work activities.” To book an appointment at the Hearing Care Open Days call Freephone 0800 096 2637.
Monday 10th October (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, WYMONDHAM Tuesday 11th October (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, DEREHAM Wednesday 12th October (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, ATTLEBOROUGH Thursday 13th October (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, HARLESTON & WATTON Friday 14th October (9am-5pm) Cecil Amey Opticians, HOVETON “One of the many good reasons to get your hearing checked sooner rather than later is this: undetected and untreated hearing loss can
2016 October | 69
FINEAdvice What does success mean to you? If you want things to be different, YOU have to do it. Life doesn’t have a remote control, you have to change it!
A
re you looking for a change? Looking for something different? Need more money? Want to take control of your life? Or perhaps you’re bored or broke?
There are lots of massive opportunities out there if you’re energetic & ambitious and if you really want to create a better life for yourself and your family. If that sounds like you, I’d like to introduce you to a fantastic business opportunity that you can work around your other commitments, like your current job or childcare etc. Just choose one of the following which is most important to you? • Extra income • Financial freedom • Get out of debt • More free time
70 | October 2016
Money • Have your own business • Personal development • Help others • Early retirement
of his how this business works. Last month he got paid for that conversation for the 216th time for that 35 minute chat, 18 years ago. That’s Residual Income explained!
Now, just ask yourself these few questions, and be completely honest with yourself when you answer them; Why did you pick that one? Why is that important to you? What are the consequences of not having that opportunity? And Why would that worry you?
So… how soon can you spare 10 minutes so I can answer all the questions I know you’ll have, and explain how this award-winning and trusted company can help you achieve what you want?
Do you fancy earning ‘Residual Income’ with my full help and support and the backing of a fast-growing FTSE 250 PLC, which provides the opportunity to build a substantial longterm “Residual Income” alongside your other commitments? Residual income (also called passive income) is income that continues to be generated after the initial effort has been made. Compare this to what most people focus on earning: linear income, which is “one-shot” compensation or payment in the form of a fee, wage, commission or salary which is directly proportional to the number of hours invested in it - 40 hours of pay for 40 hours of work. Here’s an example of Residual Income; In 1998 my college spent 35 minutes showing a friend
Remember this: “If you think it’s to good to be true, I still get paid. If you take a look and join me, we BOTH get paid. If you don’t join me, well I still get paid!” I can help you, but you have to take the next step, which is call or text me now: 07802 690589 or visit my website for more information: www. JonathanHorswell. co.uk
Advice by:
Jonathan Horswell Mentor @jonathanhorswel 07802 690589
www.finecity.co.uk
FINEDirectory 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! Call Becky on 07778 381953 for availability.
Based on the edge of Framlingham Suffolk
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour It’s the little things that make a funeral special
Here for you every hour of every day
01603 625495
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals
Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Shop 10th October – 17th December The Forum, Norwich (located in the Library for the first 3 weeks) Open 7 Days a week Selling cards for more than 40 charities plus gifts, gift wrap, traditional advent calendars and lots more.
www.algysfarmshop.co.uk 01362 683 893 / 07775 517 473 OFF A1067 BINTREE, DEREHAM, NORFOLK, NR20 5NE Open Monday to Saturday 9am till 6pm Sunday's and bank holidays 10am till 4pm
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Cards for Good Causes Limited (CFGC) pays the participating charities (or their trading subsidiaries) at least 75p in every pound from card sales. The retained amount covers CFGC’s costs of running the temporary charity Christmas card shops. Cards for Good Causes Limited is the trading company of the 1959 Group of Charities (Registered Charity No. 249039)
2016 October | 71