Issue 60 November 2016
Christmas is Coming... ...Ho Yes it is! We chat with Wayne Sleep ahead of this years Pantomime
Festive Spirit Norwich gears up for a stunning ‘Tunnel of Light’ this Christmas
FINEMotors FINEplaces
Fiji:
FINEpeople
Art and Life at the Sainsbury Centre
FINEarts
PLUS
FINEFood
Mouth watering delights in our FineFood section
NORWICH
04 | November 2016
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Issue 60 November
2016
Christmas is Coming... ...Ho Yes it is! We chat with Wayne Sleep ahead of this years Pantomime
FINE people
07 12 26 68
FESTIVE SPIRIT Norwich gears up for a stunning ‘Tunnel of Light’ this Christmas
FINEMOTORS FINEPLACES FINEPEOPLE
FIJI:
Art and Life at the Sainsbury Centre
FINEARTS
PLUS
FINEFOOD
Mouth watering delights
in our FineFood section
NOR WIC H
FINE places
Issue 60 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, and Tim Barnes-Clay Cover Image courtesy of: VisitNorwich
Editor Jonathan Horswell @JonathanHorswel
Administration Luke Keable
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2016 November | 05
WAITROSE Waitrose Norwich Eaton Centre, Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich NR4 6NU Waitrose Wymondham Norwich Road, Wymondham, NR18 0SH Waitrose North Walsham Cromer Road, North Walsham NR28 0NB Waitrose Swaffam 06 | November 2016 Castle Arce Road, Swaffham, PE37 7HT
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For more information on Summer food and drink inspiration. Visit the Waitrose website for recipes and ideas to make the most of the sunshine with your family. waitrose.com
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Rachel Allen Pete Goodrum meets Rachel Allen to talk about Mandell’s Gallery and their 50 years as one of the city’s leading art galleries.
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2016 November | 07
FINEPeople
I
guess, as the saying goes, some guys have all the luck. It certainly applies to me today. I love Norwich, and I love art. So this morning, being in Mandell’s Gallery, early, before it’s even open, I’m a bit like a child in a toyshop. I could happily wander around looking at the pictures all day. But, I have the equally pleasant task of talking with Gallery Manager Rachel Allen. She kindly makes me coffee and we sit down at her desk in the corner of the gallery. It’s an antique desk, with a modern computer on it. That contrast runs through much of what we’ll cover in our conversation. We begin with the history. Mandell’s Gallery was established by Rachel’s grandfather, Geoffrey Allen, fifty years ago. Mr Allen was a keen collector of paintings by the Norwich School of artists. From the 1950s he’d been scouring junk shops, galleries and auctions and had amassed a notable collection of pictures by the likes of Cotman and Stannard. When he had the chance to open his own gallery he was able to put on Mandell’s first Norwich School exhibition, in 1966. It would begin an annual tradition that lasted for the next 37 years. His son, John Allen, followed him into the business and, after a break to explore contemporary art, returned in 2008. It was at that point that he gave the gallery what Rachel calls a ‘bit of a facelift’. The red plush curtains
08 | November 2016
would go among some other touches, but much of the original decor, including the carpet were retained. The gallery was absolutely of its time when it opened in the mid 1960s. A modern space, and yet contrastingly nestled at the top of Elm Hill, one of the city’s most ancient streets. Fifty years on, it still feels modern. A clean, white, open environment that serves as a perfect backdrop to the pictures on its walls. And those walls feature paintings of both traditional and contemporary styles. Another contrast. By 2010 Rachel had ‘officially’ joined the business. Prior to that she had worked there during her holidays, so she was hardly uninitiated. “I was born and brought up in Norwich’ she explains. She went to Thorpe and Hillside schools before setting off for university at Winchester. ‘I didn’t actually study art’, she says. ‘I did Performance Management. I love the theatre and perhaps saw it as my future. I liked the production side of it. I’d volunteered at the Maddermarket for a time. I can definitely see now how it’s influenced me. There’s a real connection between a theatrical production and putting on a gallery show. Maybe there’s a
little more pressure in the theatre…’ She pauses. ‘I don’t know though, getting ready for an exhibition can be pretty challenging. It’s also very rewarding.’ Once installed in the business Rachel set about overhauling the gallery’s website and bringing in some ideas of her own. ‘I think my dad saw that I had a proper role, and perhaps one that he thought he couldn’t fulfil. So it worked perfectly’. We turn to how the gallery works today, and of the art that’s at its core. And that thread of contrast emerges again. Mandell’s is, as Rachel explains, ‘about being eclectic. We have pictures by Norwich School artists alongside more contemporary, and sometimes abstract, works’. This point proves to be a catalyst in gaining an insight into Rachel’s palpable enthusiasm for, and love of, art. Not to mention her knowledge. She talks of buying
feature by:
Pete Goodrum Writer, broadcaster @petegoodrum
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FINEPeople art because you like it. Of not being afraid to collect pictures in different styles. ‘We’d never tell a customer that a work will definitely go up in value. Who knows how and when tastes will change? What we will do is try to gauge a customer’s taste and show them pictures that we think they’ll like. And equally we’ll challenge them a bit by showing them work that they might not think of initially as their taste, to stimulate them. We’ll suggest that they go to shows that perhaps they’re a little unsure of. It’s what makes it exciting’.
traditionally perceived to be. We talk of the Norwich Twenty Group, and of how Rachel is excited by how creative a place Norwich and Norfolk is. ‘There are so many artists here’. We stop briefly to check some details and she comments that spelling isn’t her strong point. ‘I’m dyslexic’ she says, and I ask her if she minds me mentioning it. She’s an articulate and successful young woman and it occurs
to me that there’s a positive message in that. ‘Not at all’ she says. ‘Lots of people manage to succeed despite being dyslexic’. Note that. She doesn’t say she’s succeeded despite it. Rachel Allen’s entire demeanour is modest. She’s enthusiastic, passionate even, but she’s not given to self aggrandisement. She also mentions that she’s ‘never been one of those people who knew exactly what
In a very real sense the shifts in taste are reflected in the business of running the gallery. Rachel admits that, for instance, there are some Victorian pictures in stock that are ‘perhaps just a little too twee for some customers’. It’s obvious that Rachel is immersed in art, and the gallery. But, she says that she feels it important to have distractions. A life outside. She lives in the north of the city with her long term partner Stephen. He’s an animator and his business is set to expand. ‘We love walking, and travelling. Swimming too. My mum and I go to a sewing class - I think it occupies a different part of your brain’. She quickly adds though that of course she likes to visit major galleries and exhibitions. So what of Mandell’s Gallery, and its future? Her future. ‘We review the business every year. This year we’ve put on a one person exhibition every month. Looking forward I think we’ll pull that back to five or six shows, interspersed with curated, gallery, exhibitions that allow us to show a mixture of artists and styles’. November sees the Mandell’s Gallery 50th Celebration show featuring Norwich School painters, including works from the Geoffrey Allen Collection. It’s a fitting tribute to her grandfather, the founder. Mandell’s is a thriving gallery. ‘We get submissions every day from artists who would like to exhibit here, or be represented by us. Only this week we’ve been looking at some sculpture we’ve lined up for 2018’. The theme of contrasts comes back into sharp focus as we talk more of the future. ‘Our aim is to be what we’ve always been. A contemporary and traditional art gallery. Keeping that balance is difficult sometimes, but it’s what we strive to do’. Our conversation shoots off at tangents from to time. Our mutual respect for Norwich artist Leslie Davenport, flows into how the Norwich School paintings hold a timeless quality and are sometimes more urban than they’re www.finecity.co.uk
2016 November | 09
FINEPeople they wanted to do’. Maybe not, but I think it was mapped out for her. Mandell’s is where she belongs and I have no doubt that under her stewardship it will continue to be the important centre for art that it is. As we draw to a close she says something else about buying art, and her interaction with customers. ‘If ’, she says ‘someone thinks they know what they’re looking for they’ll probably never find it’. There seems to me to be an innate wisdom in that. I think it’s the wisdom that makes her so good at what she does; helping and guiding people to acquire art, based on their enjoyment of it. Having the knowledge to explain it, but knowing that ultimately there’s a magic in it that can’t be fully explained. Which I guess is another of those contrasts that make Mandell’s such a magical place. As she’s said herself, who knows how tastes will change and what the future holds? I don’t know what Mandell’s will be like in another fifty years. But I know that it will have progressed at the same time as staying true to its values because its third generation will have ensured it. The third generation called Rachel Allen.
10 | November 2016
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FINEPeople Lord Baker Community Fund Supports Local Charities with Over £15,000 Donations
T
he Lord Baker Community Fund which is managed by the Norfolk Community Foundation on behalf of Lord Russell Baker of Little Moulton are pleased to announce a share of over £15,000 has been made to Norfolk Accident Rescue Services (NARS), Star Throwers Cancer Care and Support based in Wymondham, Chapel Road School for severely handicapped children in Attleborough and the Norfolk Community Foundation, each receiving £2,505 each. Lord Baker said, “It is always a huge pleasure to support amazing charities and especially charities that provide fantastic support within Norfolk. The funding releases this year is once again down to the kindness and generosity of all those individuals who have supported my fund raising events in 2016.” An additional £5,000 has been set aside for local community grants which will launch for applications on 10th October 2016.
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Anna Douglas, Director of Marketing and Development at Norfolk Community Foundation said, “We are delighted to be working with Lord Baker and this year we are pleased to announce that Grants of up to £1,000 will be available to support smaller community groups and charities in Norfolk who are doing great work to help local people, particularly those who face disadvantage. The Lord Baker Community Fund aims to support capital costs (for example, equipment or resources) to help deliver community projects, and priority is given to applications where a grant of up to £1,000 will cover the majority of the cost.” In 2017 Lord Baker is already organising the Norwich Charity Darts Masters which will once again be held at Norwich City Football Club on Saturday 24th June. Currently there are 4 legends attending the 2017 charity showpiece that includes the Former World Champion and 2016 Charity Darts Masters Winner Steve Beaton who lives in North
Walsham, Former World No.1 Colin Lloyd, Former World Champion Bob Anderson. So another amazing charity darts night in Norwich next year. For more information about the Lord Baker Community Fund please visit - http://www. norfolkfoundation.com/funds/the-lord-bakercommunity-fund/
2016 November | 11
Attack Norfolk!
Last month we talked about the fears of imminent invasion in Norwich and Norfolk in the years 1914-16. Here, we see what actually happened when the German High Command decided to attack Norfolk with the new-fangled and terrifying Zeppelin and how the coast was protected Photography: Daniel Tink Cromer
‘GET UP YOUNG ENGLAND! Get up! Get up, Young England! Will you always watch the Day come and not get up to meet it? ...Is it right that you, healthy and strong, should only sit watching when you might be up and doing? Get up! Put your armour on, though it be only a stone heart and a khaki coat. What can withstand them?’ Diss Express, Christmas 1914 Germany develops Zeppelins: threat or passing fad?
12 | November 2016
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FINEPLACES
feature by:
Steve Browning Writer @returningperson
became obsolete as aircraft design developed in leaps and bounds. Initially, however, Great Britain considered the threat very great indeed and carried out a series of raids on airship bases including one on Dusseldorf on October 8 1914 when Zeppelin LZ25 was destroyed by Flt Lt Reginald Marix and the Cuxhaven Raid on Christmas Day 1914 which was additionally notable as one of the first raids where planes were successfully launched from ships. The first Zeppelin air raids Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, along with Sheringham, Cromer, Runton, Hunstanton, Sandringham and Dersingham witnessed the first Zeppelins on January 19 1915. The target of Zeppelins L3 and L4 was actually Humberside but they were diverted by strong winds and dropped their bombs on Great Yarmouth, Sheringham, Kings Lynn and surrounding areas. Four were killed and 16 injured whilst property and general damage was estimated at £7,740.
Hunstanton
The Zeppelin is named after Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. It was a type of rigid airship which the Count developed in early retirement from about 1890. He was aware of a lecture in 1874 by Heinrich von Stephan on future air travel and took this as his starting point. He went on to found the world’s first airline, The German Airship Travel Corporation, known as DELAG, in 1909 which by 1914 had successfully made over 1500 flights. The German High Command had great hopes for these new monster machines which could be fast and carried far more bombs than the www.finecity.co.uk
developing aircraft of the period. Their time rapidly passed, however. In 1916 the Allies developed incendiary ammunition and the Germans responded with new, sleeker, larger designs that could operate at much higher altitudes – as high as 20,000 ft. This, of course, made precision bombing impossible and they were subject to higher wind speeds at this altitude and navigation hence became much more of a lottery than it already was. Finally, at the Treaty of Versailles in 1918 the Allies demanded the surrender and immediate abandonment of all plans to build German air weaponry. The Zeppelin as a serious threat in wartime was finished and the concept rapidly
We can trace the activities of the Zeppelins pretty closely as there were detailed reports in the local press the morning after the attack. The airships were first seen along the coast at Great Yarmouth before following the shoreline around Norfolk in the direction of the Wash. Following the attack on Yarmouth, an Photographs by:
Daniel Tink Photographer www.danieltink.co.uk
2016 November | 13
FINEPLACES
alert was first given at about 8.45 pm in Sheringham and locals flocked out to see a Zeppelin just visible high over the church. A bomb was dropped which hit the roof of a house in Wyndham Street before dropping straight through to the ground floor – it did not explode and, on inspection afterwards, it was found to have no fuse which must have parted company with the bomb during descent. Another bomb dropped harmlessly on to waste ground and shrapnel from another pierced the roof of a dwelling house narrowly missing the occupants.
Cromer
clearly saw and heard a Zeppelin as it crossed the village and proceeded along the coast towards Cromer where it headed out to sea.
Meanwhile, in Beeston, Norwich, another bomb was dropped and this, also, failed to detonate.
About ten o clock a Zeppelin was reported over Hunstanton which then appeared to follow the railway track towards the village of Heacham where a bomb opened up a large pit not far from some houses but there were no casualties. It then veered towards Snettisham, then Sandringham, heading for Kings Lynn. A bomb was dropped between Sandringham and Dersingham producing an explosion loud enough to be heard in Kings Lynn which was reached at about ten minutes before eleven.
Following the raid on Sheringham it seemed that almost the entire population of the coastal villages nearby left their beds to witness the remarkable scene. In nearby Runton, the locals
The enemy must have circled over Kings Lynn as there was a period of ominous silence before bombs were dropped to deadly effect and with enormous explosions. One hit a house
14 | November 2016
in the centre of town killing Percy Groate, 17, who was sleeping. His mother, father and their baby were badly injured but extricated from the house. Windows and doors in several surrounding streets were blown out. A young man named Waldon managed to escape serious injury in one of these. An engine house on the docks was destroyed. Another hit the house of Mrs Gazeley, the widow of a servicemen, and her body was found the next morning. All in all, it appears that seven bombs were dropped and two dozen families had to be evacuated from their homes. There was a further period of dread as the Zeppelin once more hovered over the town for about fifteen minutes before flying along the Wash and then out towards the Dutch coast. Press response – ‘Baby Killers’
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FINEPLACES The Norfolk Chronicle of Friday Jan 22 1915 ran this story: ‘ZEPPELINS IN NORFOLK. LOSS OF LIFE AT YARMOUTH. BOY KILLED AND CHILDREN INJURED AT LYNN. TWO BOMBS AT SHERINGHAM. FAMILY’S NARROW ESCAPE. So, the Zeppelins have come to the East Coast. We did not expect them at this time of the year but the weather was favourable...and the enterprising German airmen took advantage of it. Bombs were dropped at Sheringham, Yarmouth, Ipswich, Kings Lynn and Sandringham’. The Zeppelins which were named ‘baby killers’ by the press. The Eastern Daily Press was to describe subsequent attacks as ‘the promiscuous dropping of deadly missiles on a sleeping town of non-combatants, without any pretence at serving a military purpose or achieving anything upon the forwarding of the war’. Again, in another edition, it said such activity ‘is at once savage and useless from a military point of view’. There was more where that came from as reporters from the local press vied with each other in describing the Barbarous Hun. Another report stated: ‘Is there anyone in this country who does not yet realize that the enemy we are fighting is the avatism of the old abysmal brute, the re-appearance in a nation of the lust for cruelty and rapine of the Stone Age man, with all the equipment of modern knowledge for use in the service of that lust?’ Foolish locals Not that the locals were behaving wisely. People flocked out to the cliffs or any vantage point to watch a naval or Zeppelin attack. The Eastern Daily Press was not amused: ‘The renewed warning issued a day or two ago by the London police authorities as to getting under cover in the event of an air raid is one which needs to be repeated to the public in every district which is within the Zeppelin range. There is an incurable curiosity in the British public; if anything is happening, they must go out to see it, regardless of possible dangers’. There is no doubt whatsoever that had bombs
been dropped more accurately upon the massed crowds in Sheringham or along the coast at Runton, for example, the result would have been carnage.
colossal. It is estimated that the Germans lost about 30 airships in total.
There was much satire as the war progressed aimed at the German crews of these huge machines, and Zeppelins were seen to be almost totally ineffective from a military viewpoint. A story in a local paper presented the German Zeppelin crew awash with Iron Crosses and clinking flagons of German beer as they flew across Norfolk, portraying them as buffoons, not knowing where they were but kidding themselves as to the immense damage they must be inflicting. The German press did not help, several times claiming the destruction of targets such as the Norwich Union building in Surrey Street, Norwich, and the Happisburgh and Hunstanton lighthouses and other prominent buildings.
Poor communications in 1914 resulted in lack of success in tackling the Zeppelins. For instance, R.N.A.S. Great Yarmouth was not informed of the L.3. attack until after the event, so to speak, as the ship was way gone over the North Sea by the time it mobilized. Also, aircraft were unable to track the Zeppelins after dark. Even if spotted, either by day or night, all the airships had to do was to climb in the skies for comparative safety.
Throughout the war Germany launched 52 Zeppelin raids although by 1917 there were only six and even less in 1918. Casualties, from a military point of view, were tiny and costs
Anti-Zeppelin measures
Weapons, too, were undeveloped and/or untested. The fiery grapnel which was designed to be towed behind an attacking aircraft in the hope of attaching itself to a Zeppelin, was in its testing stages. There was the Hales anti-Zeppelin grenade but very few had been tested and none were stored in Yarmouth. Pilots would actually carry a gun and shoot at the airship with from the cockpit and, if this did not work – which it didn’t – they were told
Sheringham
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2016 November | 15
FINEPLACES that another option was to ram the airship which, understandably, no-one ever did. 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 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...’ 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. 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 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. 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.
16 | November 2016
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FINEPLACES 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. 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 Great Yarmouth
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. Invasion contingencies 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, 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 renders assistance...by notifying...of any bomb or projectile or fragments thereof or any other www.finecity.co.uk
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
Be prepared! The scouts were invaluable in charting out the land and general patrolling. The Eastern Daily Press of December 5 1915 had this report: ‘NORFOLK BOY SCOUTS. SCOUTS DOING SPLENDID COAST PATROL WORK The County Scoutmaster (Mr Hastings), reporting on the work being done by the coast watching patrols, said the boys were carrying our their duties in a most satisfactory manner, and every provision was made, as far as possible, for their comfort. Each boy received 7s a week for his food and was provided with clothing, light, fuel etc. They were provided with warm fishermen’s jerseys and six oilskin outfits were provided for each patrol. The boys who were engaged in this coast patrol work were having no picnic, but doing hard, slogging work. There were teams of eight scouts attached to all the signal stations between Kings Lynn and Gorleston. This article is based on material from a new book by Stephen Browning to be released by Pen and Sword at Christmas 2016: ‘Norfolk Coast in the Great War’, which studies the war as it unfolded in the coast from Kings Lynn, around to Hunstanton and down to Cromer and beyond 2016 November | 17
FINEPLACES
COACH & HORSES EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE The Coach & Horses in Thorpe Road, Norwich has earned a 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
N
ow in its sixth year, the Certificate of Excellence scheme celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
“We’re delighted to have received this award,” said Bob Cameron of the Coach & Horses, “which recognises the hard work of the team here and in our Chalk Hill brewery next door. When we started the Coach & Horses, we set out to make a proper pub that we’d want to visit and we’ve always strived to give our customers a real pub atmosphere, delicious
food and great ales. We’re very honoured to have received such lovely customer reviews which have earnt us this certificate. We’ll display it with pride behind the bar.” For more details on the Coach & Horses, call 01603 477077 or visit www.thecoachthorperoad.co.uk.
The Coach & Horses, which has a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, has been recognised for its authentic pub atmosphere, homemade food and great ales, which are brewed on the premises at its Chalk Hill Brewery. 18 | November 2016
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we brew the beer, we cook the food, we show the sport. all you do is
enjoy yourself
Christmas Carol Service
THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2016 7:30PM
COACH & HORSES 82 THORPE ROAD NORWICH
The drinking consultants
thecoachthorperoad.co.uk @TheCoachThorpe
Live Music at the Olive Tree
Ukulele Simon 7pm until 11pm
Free Entrance and selected deals on! Ukulele Simon is booked to play in the Olive Tree Restaurant on Friday 16th and Friday 23rd September, then again in October Friday 7th, Friday 14th and Friday 21st October all 7pm until 11pm. Selected deals we have running are 25% off our large bottles of Prosecco, 10% off the food bill, 2 for the price of 1 off our Woo Woo cocktail and Sex on the Beach from 7pm until 11pm and why not try our new Prosecco cocktail priced at £5.50.
10% off your food between 8am – 10:30am, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm throughout October and November at
The Olive Tree Restaurant
Bacton Road, North Walsham, NR28 0RA 01603 404900
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2016 November | 19
20 | November 2016
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Steam Trains to Santa The ever popular Santa Specials at Bure Valley Railway return this Christmas for the 26th year. The Santa Train departs from Wroxham Station and travels to Aylsham Station where Santa and his railway sleigh are there to welcome everybody. A visit to Santa in his Grotto with a personalised present for each child provides a memorable experience. Entertainment and festive refreshments for all the family add to the Christmas magic, before climbing aboard the Santa Train for the return journey to Wroxham. The complete Steam Trains to Santa experience takes approximately three hours, including a named present for each child 12 and under and only costs from ÂŁ15.00 per person (adults and children). The Santa Specials this year are running weekends from 3rd December and daily from 16th December, up to and including Christmas Eve. Advanced booking is essential. This year there is a new online booking facility at www.bvrw.co.uk 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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2016 November | 21
FINEPLACES
MUNDESLEY Photography Daniel Tink
‘There is a grandeur about the cliffs and the sea foaming and tossing at their base from here to Cromer that no other part of the East Anglian coast possesses. And here at Mundesley the waves positively thunder upon the shore, lashing and plunging up these gigantic cliffs, and tearing away huge masses of earth as they recede; yet, when like a tired giant, the sea lies along the miles of firm white sands stretching right from Bacton to Sheringham, these shores make the grandest possible playground for the little ones and the most glorious promenade imaginable.’ ‘Photo Pictures in East Anglia’ by Payne Jennings, Art Photo Works, Ashtead, Surrey. Undated work, possibly early 20th Century What’s in a name? Mundesley appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was variously known as ‘Muselai’ or ‘Muleslai’. The name
feature by:
Steve Browning Writer @returningperson
22 | November 2016
is likely to derive from the fact that the village of Mundesley is the final outlet point for the river Mun. Therefore the name of the river is conjoined with the word ‘leah’, which itself usually means ‘a clearing’ or ‘open ground’. The village today The population of the village has grown very slowly since its first formation as a very small cluster of dwellings, likely to have been only single storey simple huts. In the 14th century there were less than 20 dwellings. By the 1841 census, the population had reached 455 The coming and going of the railways However, things were set to radically change when the railway arrived in Mundesley on 1 July1898. The stylish station was designed and built with no less than three 600ft platforms. That’s a lot for a small town. In the initial years the station saw sixteen trains arrive from North Walsham and beyond every day. In 1903 the large sum of £93,000 was invested in extending the line from Mundesley to Cromer but fifty years later the line was closed. Dr Beeching ended the railway altogether. Part of the old rail track route is now a delightful public walking area, known as Pigney’s Wood. A grand and golden age Present day Mundesley has a population of
approximately 2,700. In its late 19th century heyday Mundesley, like its neighbour Cromer, became such a fashionable summer coastal resort that no less than three new hotels were built to accommodate everyone. The Clarence opened in 1891 and The Grand and The Manor hotels took their first guests in 1897. Prior to this there was only one hotel, The Royal, which is an ancient building with its origins probably dating back to the early 17th century. A roof of angels A treasure awaits in the parish church of St. Peter. On entering, look up and there above you, on well over100 pairs of angels’ wings, hovers the most amazingly carved roof of any church in Norfolk and, arguably, it’s the finest in the land. John Smithe gifted this gloriously crafted creation to the church in 1503. It has been said that, on Photographs by:
Daniel Tink Photographer www.danieltink.co.uk
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FINEPLACES occasion, even the carved wooden eagle’s head on the readers’ lectern standing in the nave cannot resist twisting its neck up to look in admiration at the beauty above it. ‘Here lies Fred, who was alive, and is dead. Had it been his father, I had much rather: Had it been his mother, better than another: Had it been his sister, no one would have missed her: Had it been his entire generation, So much better for the nation: But since ‘tis Fred, who was alive, and is dead, There’s no more to be said.’ Epitaph in St Botolph’s Church, Trunch, about a mile inland from Mundesley ( from East Anglian Epitaphs, R. Lamont-Brown, Acorn Editions 1981) Mundesley and the sea: The Jonet story As is the case with all communities on the North Norfolk Coast, the immeasurable and unforgiving ocean has played a starring role in Mundesley history. One particular episode concerned the Dutch coaster vessel Jonet, which ran aground in a storm on Saturday 15 March 1969. She was thrown up on the beach and seriously damaged on a groin. As she was carrying at least 150 gallons of diesel, it was decided she would be set on fire to burn away the fuel so as to avoid any risk of pollution to the precious golden sands and its inevitable damage to wildlife and plants along the coast. A very popular café and restaurant on Beach Road is named after the ill-fated boat. Lifeboats and Mundesley’s ‘never give up’ British spirit Mundesley has an in-shore lifeboat manned
entirely by about twelve volunteers, including crew and back-up technicians. These admirable stalwarts are supported solely by public contributions and the brave service they provide is run quite independently from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. The spirit of local unity is also very prevalent amongst a team of local folk who man the 24/7 coastal watch service. In the early 1990s, as part of the government’s desire to scale down the national coast-watching service, the station at Mundesley was closed. However, the local people gained the ill-fated watch station a remarkable reprieve. It is now run quite independently of any of the previous central controls, by good-hearted local people. Royal recognition For this considerable achievement in providing a free and constant look-out facility, Her Majesty presented the local stalwarts with the ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’, in June
2009. And well deserved too. To walk: 1) Around the old defences Take the short walk down the lane at the right hand side of the old Continental and head with care towards the sea and the cliff top. When the reverse of the old hotel is revealed on your left, turn immediately to your right. Here you will find part of the fortified defence system mainly built to protect this shoreline from enemy invasion during the Second World War. A battery of six-inch guns was installed here and the impressive foundations are still extant. You can climb up to precisely where the gun was mounted. You may find this site is strangely unnerving in its almost sinister silence. You are standing on an edifice of another age, which every year slips away yet further from common knowledge and memory. Just as you are left in wonder and perhaps awe of this massive structure, a small bird is very likely to suddenly appear from this bramble-strewn fortress to tell you that this place of previous last resort defence, is now its home, and you are the invader. Carefully retrace your steps back to the pathway and find the sloping walk in front of this structure. Following this you will find yourself on the beach below in fairly short time via a steeply angled path. The anti-tank defence work here still looks formidable. If you follow this defensive work towards the village you will soon find easy stepped access to the sea-front promenade and the slope which eventually takes you back up to Beach Road. To walk: 2) The corn mills walk Mundesley used to have two working corn mills. The main structure of Stow Mill, at Paston, is still extant but now converted into a private dwelling. It is well worth the half mile walk south along the B1159 to see it. The records
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2016 November | 23
suggest that this corn windmill was built ca. 1827 and was a working mill for over one hundred years, closing for business in 1930. It is open to the public. A disastrous fire in November 1956 destroyed the other mill, which was situated in the village
itself. This watermill was believed to date back to 1723. It was unique in that it worked on the over-shot principle, where the water, (falling from the large pond above the mill wheel) was projected at velocity onto the top paddles of the wheel. To get an unobstructed bird’s eye view of the old millwheel it is necessary to
take the public footpath from Paston Road, (which leads to the pond) and, after only ten metres or so from the road, take a careful excursion to the left of the path to the wheel’s brick built pit. A cautionary look over the retaining wall will reveal the metal wheel and its spindle way down below you. Local belief is that upwards of 8 million gallons of water flowed through the mill every day, when it was working. It was rigged to generate electricity as well as grind corn. It’s a real joy to get this close to a bit of old social engineering. By re-joining the path and turning left you will soon discover the mill’s large pond - complete with its quacking resident ducks. To see: 1) The Church of All Saints Do go see the parish church of All Saints to the north of the village. A church, standing within twelve acres of land, is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The structure of the present church is mainly of late 14th century date. In 1844, after years of neglect, it was decided to increase the size of the
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building, and an extension was built at the west end of the nave and a gallery inserted, which survives today. In 1903 the church was further extended and further work was completed in 1914. One fascinating memorial in the church on the north wall of the nave may well catch your eye. It records that it is in memory of ‘Haringey residents who died in Clarence House 1941-1987’. With no further explanation being available can we conjecture on these people being WWII evacuees from London, who did not return home? Fascinating.
Halsgrove and available in Jarrolds, Waterstones and good Norfolk bookshops everywhere as well as the usual suspects online. It is priced at £16.99.
The authors would like to thank Norfolk historian and author, David Berwick, for his fabulous personal research which resulted in this article.
To see: 2) A small but perfectly formed museum, and a Memorial to the bravest of the brave Mundesley can arguably claim to have one of the smallest museums in the world. It is housed in the ground floor area of what was the old Coastguard Lookout Room, perched near the cliff top, on the pretty lawned area on Beach Road. It is certainly worth a visit. This extract is taken from the book by Daniel Tink and Stephen Browning ‘Norfolk – Exploring the Land of Wide Skies’ published by www.finecity.co.uk
2016 November | 25
FINEARTS
City Of Stories Norwich - a City of Centuries and now a City of Stories and a City of Light - is gearing up for a stunning seven-week festive furore in which the UK’s first ‘Tunnel of Light’ will crown the city’s Christmas celebrations. Tony Cooper discovers more
L ‘
ight’ is at the heart of Norwich’s festive celebrations this year with the main attraction being the UK’s first immersive ‘Tunnel of Light’ located on Hay Hill linking Gentleman’s Walk with The Forum. The tunnel - inspired by Nabana no Sato located at the Nagashima Resort just outside of Nagoya in Japan - can be enjoyed daily to midnight and, open to the elements, it’s free to walk through as many times as you like. Obviously, it looks more spectacular at night. Visitors to the attraction - on site to Thursday 5th January (Twelfth Night) - will experience a wonderland display measuring 45 metres long 26 | November 2016
by four metres high and six metres wide made from 50,000 pulsating LEDs. The sequenced lights will reflect the patterns and colours of the Northern Lights in a rich, varied and aweinspiring display of mesmeric dancing beams, the likes of which Norwich - named as one of Britain’s Top Ten cities in The Telegraph 2014 Travel Awards - has never seen before. But before one gets to this fantastic light display, the Big Switch On, which brings families flocking to the city in their droves, falls on Thursday 17th November. Don’t miss it! In addition to all of this fun activity, three commissioned original film projections - each with its own distinctive Christmas story and
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
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FINEARTS duly complemented by some popular seasonal music - will be broadcast nightly between 5pm and 9pm. The projections will be beamed on two of the city’s most iconic buildings: City Hall and Norwich Castle Museum. At City Hall, the projection comprises a sensational 280-feetlong feature lasting 20 minutes telling a traditional Christmas narrative while at Norwich Castle two 70-foot-high installations will be set against a series of ten-minute films focusing on a contemporary Christmas adventure in a setting that promises a powerful, graceful, artistic and absorbing affair. And with a 28-foot-high Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree commanding the space in front of City Hall, Norwich looks all set up to attract thousands of visitors and locals alike to its Christmas festivities. And there’s more! There always is in Norwich! From Saturday 19th to Tuesday 29th November, The Forum’s amphitheatre on Millennium Plain will introduce two very different Christmas markets housed in traditional winter-type chalets - all spicing up the city’s festive flavour. The first event - a ‘pop-up’ artisan Norwegian Handcrafters’ Christmas Market running from Saturday 19th to Thursday 24th November features chalets crammed with crafts galore while continental food, beer and wine and so much more will add an extra taste to the overall picture complemented by some rich seasonal music old and new. The second event - The Enterprise Market (Saturday 26th to Tuesday 29th November) - is an initiative specifically aimed at young locally-based entrepreneurs featuring young talented people selling their creative wares, designs and innovations to, hopefully, a hungry and enthusiastic audience. This will be the first time that such a market - supported by Norwich University of the Arts, The Teenage Market and Young Enterprise - will have taken place in East Anglia. The Teenage Market, incidentally, is a fastgrowing nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers, Joe and Tom Barratt of Stockport, to transform town and city centres with the creativity of young people. Supporters of The Teenage Market include businessman Theo Paphitis, designer Wayne Hemingway and retail guru Mary Portas, who described the initiative as being ‘innovative and inspiring’. In addition to the annual convivial Christmas riches built round music and performance, a priority at Christmas time, of course, other events taking place include events and shows www.finecity.co.uk
at such iconic buildings as Norwich Cathedral (especially candlelit for the occasion), St Andrew’s Hall and Norwich Playhouse. Other traditional Christmas activities to enjoy include ice skating in Norwich Castle Gardens as well as the star-studded pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring Wayne Sleep, at Norwich Theatre Royal. One can also enjoy afternoon tea with a festive flair at the Georgian-built Assembly House while Hansel & Gretel at Norwich Puppet Theatre - one of only three dedicated puppet theatres in the country - offers an ideal treat for families with young children. And if you want to see what Father Christmas has tucked away in his big sack of goodies, venture no further than Charing Cross (St Benedict’s Street) and see that familiar and lovable old man with his long streaming white beard ho-ho-hoing away in the majestic Tudor setting of Strangers’ Hall, which, historically speaking, is linked to the arrival in Norwich of the Dutch Flemish and Walloon refugees (locally known as Strangers) in the late 16th century. With Norwich’s distinctive medieval street pattern and compactness, shopping, dining and other nice things to do are only a stone’sthrow away from each other while Norwich’s independent stores can be found in the Royal 2016 November | 27
FINEARTS Arcade and at Timberhill/Orford Hill as well as the Norwich Lanes, crowned the Great British High Street of the Year 2014 in the ‘city category’ while the historic Cathedral Quarter - with its network of ancient cobbled streets, alleyways and pedestrianised walkways - offers visitors and locals alike a relaxed and informal ramble in a lovely and inviting environment. Historic buildings seem to peep round every corner of the city but its most complete medieval street, the well-trodden and wellloved cobbled thoroughfare of Elm Hill, boasting a host of Tudor buildings as well as its iconic thatched merchant’s house, now the Briton’s Arms Coffee House, surely has to be on everybody’s itinerary especially at Christmas time. Fashion lovers, both male and female, are well catered for, too, within the city’s two wellappointed shopping malls: Castle Mall and intu Chapelfield. And for those who love to mooch round a good department store there are four flagship stores to dig into: John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams. Then there’s that iconic independent department store, Jarrolds, located at the corner of London Street and Exchange Street by the Norman market-place where top
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brands are housed by the dozen including the much-coveted and much-loved cosmetics range, Charlotte Tilbury. And those looking for delicious Norfolkmade produce can choose from rare-breed sausages and freshly-caught fish to winter vegetables as well as Mrs Temple’s cheese, artisan bread and divine fudge on Norwich market - the UK’s only six-days-a-week permanent outdoor market. It’s also a great place for people watching over a cup of steaming-hot espresso followed, perhaps, by a good rummage round the second-hand book or vintage clothing stalls. To capture more about Norwich Christmas check out the blog: Norwich, the City of Stories - www.cityofstories.co.uk/ tag/christmas. The blog features content and images which, candidly, offers an insider’s view to the city with new posts published every week. Since rebranding and redesigning the blog in May of this year it has experienced 126% growth in traffic with a strong increase of 56% sign-ups for the City of Stories weekly e-newsletters. A further chapter in the story is the social media posts through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using hash tags: #CityofStories, #Christmas, #Norwich.
The organisation behind the much-enhanced Norwich Christmas project is the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) who have invested a cool £250,000 to the overall programme. BID’s executive director, Stefan Gurney, had this to say: ‘Come and illuminate your Christmas with the launch of the new aweinspiring light attraction in Norwich. Experience the amazing Christmas offer in Norwich, too, complemented by excellent shopping, lights and spectacular projections! But, above all, enjoy yourself at such a special time of the year.’ And Nick Bond, Head of Tourism at VisitNorwich, said: ‘The latest tourism figures from the Economic Impact of Tourism report 2015 shows that during November and December last year overnight trips in Norwich increased by 7.3% and 10.7% respectively. The overall spend was also up by 6.6% and 10.4%, too, which is also great news. With the launch of all these fantastic new attractions in Norwich over the Christmas period we hope more people than ever will travel to the city to join in this year’s festive fun.’ For further information on Norwich and its surrounding area visit www.visitnorwich.co.uk www.cityofstories.co.uk
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FINEARTS
Norwich Puppet Theatre Norwich Puppet Theatre gets set for a magical season.
T
his Christmas time, Norwich Puppet Theatre welcomes Lancashire based theatre company Horse + Bamboo with their delicious take on the classic, Hansel and Gretel. With beautiful puppets, masks and film, Hansel and Gretel is a celebration of the magic of storytelling and family friendly theatre. And with original music written especially for the show by Loz Kaye, the performance is sure to be a treat for all the senses. Puppeteer and Hansel and Gretel performer Mark Whitaker is no stranger to Norwich Puppet Theatre, having worked there from 1993 - 2007. Mark says “I am really looking forward to returning to the Theatre. This will be my third different version of Hansel and Gretel which I have performed at Norwich Puppet Theatre and it is a very exciting production. There will be ‘papercut’ and collage animations, along with a set which has one or two surprises of its own!” To tie in with the production, Norwich Puppet Theatre has also been working with the
Norwich Cathedral Quarter to create a Sweet Trail for the public to complete throughout the festive season. This free activity gives families a chance to explore an historic part of the city, whilst hunting for giant confectionery hidden in the Cathedral, Elm Hill shops, and numerous other locations. All twenty of the sweets have been lovingly handmade by Norwich Puppet Theatre volunteers young and old. Once all of the treats have been found, completed maps can be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win free theatre tickets and other goodies. Pipa Clements of Tombland Bookshop explains why she wanted to take part in the trail - “We thought it would be a fun activity for families to take part in, and an opportunity to show off some of the many wonderful businesses and buildings we have in this part of the City.” Maps are available from The Forum Tourist Information, Norwich Puppet Theatre or downloaded from the website. The trail will be live from Thursday 17th November until the end of December.
Hansel and Gretel is being performed at Norwich Puppet Theatre from Saturday 17th - Saturday 31st December. Tickets £9 individual, £30 family of four. For full details of all performances and workshops, visit www.puppettheatre. co.uk or call the box office on 01603 629921.
resent
Horse + Bamboo p
l e t e r G d n a l e s Han
17 - 31 December
www.puppettheatre.co.uk | Box Office: 01603 629921 www.finecity.co.uk
2016 November | 29
FINEARTS
Glyndebourne
The Glyndebourne Tour comes to Norwich this month presenting a couple of world-famous operas plus something new. Tony Cooper reports
O
n the road again! The 48th Glyndebourne Tour visits Norwich Theatre Royal towards the end of this month offering two ‘giants’ of the operatic repertoire - Puccini’s much-loved Madama Butterfly and the blackest of Mozart’s comedies, Don Giovanni Madama Butterfly rehearsal. Matteo Lippi (Pinkerton) and Karah Son (Cio-Cio-San). Photo: Richard Hubert Smith
- plus an entirely new production developed exclusively for the Tour, Don Giovanni: Behind the Curtain. This year, the company’s touring with 21 principal cast members along with two supers (extras) and two children as well as a chorus of
29 members and a 64-strong orchestra who’ll use 158 orchestral parts across the three productions. During the rehearsal process, the music library will diligently prepare 44 vocal scores for principals and covers, 29 chorus scores and 12 scores for the music staff.
Therefore, it’s a busy time all round but none more so than for those working in the ‘making’ departments. Here’s what Sheila Slaymaker, Head of Wigs, had to say: ‘Nicky Shaw’s (designer for Madama Butterfly) vision of a very natural production means that we have needed to carefully examine the tones of hair being used for each performer’s wig. In moving away from the more traditional, stylised versions, I feel that Nicky’s designs will add even further poignancy to the piece.’ Incidentally, this is the first show that Ms Shaw has created for Glyndebourne. ‘This Madama Butterfly,’ she says, ‘is extremely special as it is Glyndebourne’s first-ever production. I’ve been working on Butterfly with Annilese Miskimmon, the director, for almost two years. Initially, I do a lot of personal research, in this case by researching through books about Japan, mainly photographic, but also learning about the kimono and other aspects of the period we’ve set the production in.’ Puccini’s use of authentic Japanese scales and folk melodies lends the score an irresistibly exotic flavour. The work is, without doubt, Italian opera at its very best featuring such well-loved numbers as the Flower Duet, the Humming Chorus and the heart-rending aria, ‘Un bel dì, vedremo’. The scenario’s derived from a true story of a Japanese geisha married and abandoned by an American sailor, Puccini’s popular masterwork unfolds as a disastrous clash of East and West. The cast will be led by South Korean soprano, Karah Son, as Cio-Cio-San and Italian tenor, Matteo Lippi, the American naval officer, Pinkerton, while feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
30 | November 2016
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FINEARTS
Madama Butterfly rehearsal 1249. Matteo Lippi (Pinkerton). Photo: Richard Hubert Smith
Francesco Verna sings Sharpless, Alun RhysJenkins (Goro) and Michael Druiett (Bonze). Gareth Hancock conducts. And after a successful summer singing Hippolyta in the critically-acclaimed production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Glyndebourne Festival, Claudia Huckle returns to the Tour to sing the role of Suzuki. She waxes lyrical about Glyndebourne and says that ‘Glyndebourne’s defined by its ethos of hard work and high standards whether at home or on the Tour’.
such as crème puffs. For most of the male roles, the look is very groomed and sophisticated.’ Another singer returning to the Tour from the Glyndebourne Festival is baritone, Duncan Rock, who received critical acclaim for his role as Tarquinius in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia on the 2013 Tour. He’ll be singing the title-
role in Don Giovanni (the production was last seen in Norwich on the 2010 Tour directed by Jonathan Kent - revival director: Lloyd Wood) and will be accompanied by tenor, Anthony Gregory (Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, 2014 Tour) singing Don Ottavio. ‘I’m aiming to present a Giovanni that’s true to the score but also shaped by my own thoughts Don Giovanni, Glyndebourne Festival 2011. Photo: Bill Cooper
As for Don Giovanni, hair and make-up presents an entirely different challenge to the creative teams. ‘There’s blood and prosthetics everywhere and, of course, some of the hair-pieces need to become a bit ‘‘drunk and disorderly’’,’ exclaimed Ms Slaymaker. ‘The make-up, however, does provide artists a chance to use some traditional products and colour palettes from the 1950s.’ Head of Make-up, Sarah Piper, further explains: ‘We have been carefully reviving Paul Brown’s original designs - for the women the look is very polished with a nod to Hollywood glamour. We’ve also sourced various shades of lipsticks from the era of the ’50s and we will be using some of the products from that time www.finecity.co.uk
2016 November | 31
FINEARTS and experiences too,’ exclaimed Mr Rock. ‘To be authentic and believable it needs to be an interpretation unique to me and, therefore, I hope the audience will respond to it well.’ Not many comic operas begin with a coldblooded murder and end with the hero’s consignment to hell - but in Don Giovanni, that’s the case. Full stop! The audience witnesses the Don facing a day of foiled sexual conquests and murder on his last day on earth which swings restlessly between comedy and tragedy to startling effect. Mozart’s irresistible music follows suit with its famous highlights ranging from Don Giovanni’s sparkling Champagne aria to the seductive duet ‘Là ci darem la mano’ not forgetting the Don’s erstwhile and faithful servant, Leporello (Brandon Cedel) singing the famous ‘Catalogue’ aria detailing the long list of conquests by Karah Son
Don Giovanni, Glyndebourne Festival 2011. Photo: Bill Cooper
his amorous, inconsiderate and pumped-up boss. The cast is completed by Ana Maria Labin as Donna Anna, Magdalena Molendowska (Donna Elvira), Božidar Smiljanić (Masetto), Louise Alder (Zerlina) and Andrii Goniukovwhile (Il Commendatore). Pablo González conducts. And the Tour’s brandnew production, Don Giovanni: Behind the Curtain (Thursday, 24th November, 7.15pm) will be presented by Paul
Rissmann, former host of ‘Classics Unwrapped’ for BBC Radio Scotland. He’ll introduce the key elements of opera culminating in an extended excerpt from Act II of Don Giovanni demonstrating how opera’s unique combination of music and words powerfully explores every human nuance and emotion. ‘Consider the current vogue for watching cooking - I guess, I really mean baking - shows on television,’ enthused Mr Rissmann, ‘Don Giovanni: Behind the Curtain will have the same kind of feel to it. Just think of the millions of people who religiously tune in to observe, critique and salivate at food being prepared even if they don’t do it at home. ‘Viewing complete strangers cooking from scratch has never been more compelling and has become a great British pastime. But the trade-off is, even though you can witness a mouth-watering dish being created, you still don’t get a chance to taste it! Don Giovanni, Glyndebourne Festival 2011. Photo: Bill Cooper
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FINEARTS ‘I’ve been charged with developing a fresh concert format for Glyndebourne that will not only foster a sense of curiosity but also feature some remarkable performances. It will offer audiences, old and new, a unique opportunity to look ‘‘behind the curtain’’ at Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Therefore, it promises a fascinating and enjoyable night at the opera.’ The company will be working with local choirs in each of the venues they visit and in the case of Norwich it will be with members of the Norwich Philharmonic Chorus who’ll join the cast, chorus and orchestra of Glyndebourne on stage during the final act of Don Giovanni: Behind the Curtain which is directed by Lloyd Wood. But what goes on the stage has to get there in the first place - and on time, too. That happens by a hard-working and committed team of truckers transporting all and sundry - scenery, props, costumes, wigs, lighting fixtures and orchestral instruments - in ten mammoth ‘Megacube’ trailers while an army of 22 stage technicians, split into teams to facilitate a 24hour operation, is increased by one-third by the theatre’s own stage crew. The company also tours with a stagemanagement team comprising six people, a well-stocked wardrobe and wigs by the dozen plus a make-up team of 12. In turn, they’re supported by an additional team from the theatre’s staff while a lighting crew of eight people are on hand at the touch of a button to re-light each production.
Claudia Huckle Photo: Dario Acosta
Duncan Rock Photo: Paul Mitchell
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2016 November | 33
FINEARTS And to keep everything as fresh as a daisy, the company also tour with their own washingmachines, dryers and ovens in which the wigs’ team dry all the wigs in readiness for the next performance. Then there’s one trailer stocked full of items that will never be seen by the audience. This is stocked with all kinds of things from tools, hardware and fixings to specialist access equipment and protective items for staff - all necessary stuff to keep the show on the road. But as soon as the curtain comes down on one production, the 16-strong nightshift brigade get stuck in straightaway replacing it with an entirely new production in, roughly, an eight-hour turnaround. And when the week’s run is over, the last trailer leaves Norwich early on Sunday morning (approximately at 4am) ready to start the process all over again at 8am the following Monday in the next city of the tour. In this case, Woking in Surrey - the New Victoria Theatre. Performance schedule: Don Giovanni, Tuesday 22nd / Friday 25th November (7.15pm); Madama Butterfly, Wednesday 23rd / Saturday 26th November (7.15pm). Ticket price range: £8 to £54. Don Giovanni: Behind the Curtain, Thursday 24th November (7.15pm). All tickets £7.50. Box office: 01603 630 000. Discounts for Friends, Under 18s and Groups plus Saver Scheme available. Pre-performance talks on Tuesday/ Wednesday, 22nd/23rd November (6.15 to 6.45pm). Order free tickets from the box office when booking. On-line booking: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Louise Alder Photo: William Alder
Annilese Miskimmon
Madama Butterfly rehearsal. Karah Son (Cio-Cio-San). Photo: Richard Hubert Smith
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FINEARTS
GET STARTED WITH THEATRE
Curtain Goes Up On New Prince’s Trust Partnership
Asos and Sony.
eople in their late teens and early twenties who are out of work, education or training are getting the chance to use the power of performance to boost their skills and selfesteem.
held within the new Stage Two learning and participation centre behind the venue.
Anyone who wants to take part can register their interest in a number of ways. They can:
Wendy Ellis, Norwich Theatre Royal’s learning and participation manager, said: “They will enjoy a fun work. As well as getting an insight into stage skills and how to create a performance, it will also improve their teamwork and communication skills, and boost their confidence.
Text theatre to 07946 559 335
P
Norwich Theatre Royal is joining forces with The Prince’s Trust to set up a free week-long training course this winter which will give them the opportunity to learn new skills in a challenging and new environment. Aimed at 16 to 25 olds who are unemployed and entitled Get Started With Theatre, it will give participants the chance to work with professionals to experience a number of different activities including acting, backstage techniques, make-up, costume design and marketing. It will also have a strong practical base as everyone on the course will work together to create their own piece of theatre which will be performed at the end of the course, www.finecity.co.uk
“The work will continue after the course too as they will get three months support from the Prince’s Trust to help them move into education, training or employment.”
Email peter.hennessey@princes-trust.org.uk Log onto https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/ help-for-young-people/unlock-your-potential/ discover-new-talents/get-started-withtheatre-262817
To assist the participants, the course is also free, with lunch and transport provided. The partnership with the Prince’s Trust is part of a nationwide programme which sees the organisation work with a number of bodies with links to industry and the commercial world. Previous partners on similar courses have included the likes of the Premier League, 2016 November | 35
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Major international art fair and unique Christmas shopping opportunity for the East of England 2-4 December
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rt Fair East, one of the Eastern region’s largest and liveliest contemporary visual arts events, is the kind of event rarely seen outside London. It brings together artists, galleries and dealers from the UK and overseas, including a large contingent of talented artists from across the east of England, and takes place in the spectacular setting of Saint Andrews Hall in the heart of Norwich, from 2-4 December. Now established as a regular feature in the annual art calendar, Art Fair East showcases a curated selection of quality galleries, dealers and artists and brings a slice of the art-world to both seasoned and new art lovers. The early December slot makes it a prestigious addition to Norwich’s Christmas shopping experience and offers visitors a great chance to expand an existing art collection, start their own journey into collecting or buy original and authentic Christmas presents for loved ones. Amongst the international range of exhibitors this year are dealers in editions by Damien Hirst and Banksy, alongside those offering work from the Norwich School of Painters including names such as John Kiki and Bruer Tidman. Gallery specialists will be available to advise on collecting contemporary art, from affordable prints by recognised artists and new talent through to serious investments, including original paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and artworks made to commission. Visitors will also be able to meet art experts and many of the artists whose work is on display. The fair was founded and is curated by experienced arts professionals Will Teather and Brian Korteling. Will Teather said ‘We have a passion to get people more involved in art, to value it and cherish it. I believe this will be 36 | November 2016
the first time that signed editions of work by the likes of Damien Hirst and Banksy will be available in the region’. Brian Korteling added ‘We have had a fantastic response to the fair making selection very difficult. We are working with many exciting galleries and artists to make Art Fair East one of the largest temporary exhibitions of contemporary art seen in the East of England.’ Will Teather and Brian Korteling will also both be exhibiting. Will recently set a new sales record for the prestigious Other Art Fair in London. His spherical painting of Norwich’s Elm Hill Bookshop achieved the highest sale price ever recorded, becoming the first work to reach a five figure sum in the fair’s history. In July this year Brian Korteling’s Mirror Cube won the River Waveney Sculpture Trail Award. Art Fair East is presented in association with sponsors Musker McIntyre.
Listings info: 2-4 December 2016 Art Fair East St Andrews Hall, St Andrews Plain Norwich NR3 1AU Major international contemporary art fair and unique Christmas shopping opportunity Friday 2nd December 2016 - 10.30am to 6.00pm Saturday 3rd December 2016 - 10.30am to 6.30pm Sunday 4th December 2016 - 10.30am to 5pm www.artfaireast.com
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FINEARTS
Arts Fair East: St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich
value it and cherish it. I believe this is the first time that signed editions of work by the likes of Damien Hirst and Banksy have been available in the region.’ Mr Korteling further added ‘We’ve had a fantastic response to the fair making selection very difficult. We’re working with many exciting galleries and artists to make Art Fair East one of the largest temporary exhibitions of contemporary art seen in the east of England.’ Both Mr Teather and Mr Korteling will be exhibiting. Mr Teather, in fact, recently set a new sales record for the prestigious Other Art Fair in London. His spherical painting of Norwich’s Elm Hill Bookshop achieved the highest sale price ever recorded, becoming the first work to reach a five-figure sum in the fair’s history. And in July of this year, Mr Korteling’s ‘Mirror Cube’ won the River Waveney Sculpture Trail Award. Friday 2nd December (10.30am to 6.00pm) Saturday 3rd December (10.30am to 6.30pm) Sunday 4th December (10.30am to 5pm) Will Teather in the studio (Martin Marsh)
Major international art fair offers a unique Christmas shopping experience
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rtists, galleries and dealers from across the UK and overseas, including a large contingent from the east of England, will verge on Norwich for Art Fair East, one of the region’s largest and liveliest contemporary visual arts events, being held in St Andrew’s Hall the weekend of 2nd-4th December.
collection, start their own journey into collecting or buy an original and authentic piece of artwork for that special Christmas present. Among the international range of exhibitors this year are editions by Damien Hirst and Banksy alongside work from the Norwich School of Painters as well as work by the likes of acclaimed Norfolk-based artists, John Kiki and Bruer Tidman.
Now established as a regular feature in Norwich’s annual art calendar, Art Fair East (whose principal sponsor is regional estate agency, Musker McIntyre) showcases a curated selection of quality galleries, dealers and artists, bringing together a slice of the art world to both the seasoned and new art lovers.
Gallery specialists will be on hand to give advice on collecting contemporary art from affordable prints by recognised artists and new talent through to serious investments including original paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and artworks made to commission. Visitors will also be able to meet art experts as well as many of the artists whose work is on display.
The early December slot makes it a prestigious addition to Norwich’s Christmas shopping experience and offers visitors a great chance to expand an existing art
The fair was founded and is curated by experienced arts professionals, Will Teather and Brian Korteling. Mr Teather said: ‘We have a passion to get people more involved in art, to
www.finecity.co.uk
www. artfaireast. com
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
The Secret Ball (Tracy Satchwill)
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Crude Apache
Crude Apache bring Shakespeare’s Richard III bang up to date Norfolk’s most up-close and personal theatre company present new production set amongst the inner city desperate and dispossessed Norfolk’s long established Crude Apache Theatre Company return in November with a new production of Shakespeare’s bloody and violent masterpiece Richard III. In the decaying remains of a disused shoe factory in central Norwich, Norwich’s most up-close and personal theatre company will plunge the audience into a post-industrial dystopian setting for this dark tale of treachery, deceit and murder. Set in a cardboard kingdom in a septic isle, this is a war between two venal houses, each suffering similar degradation; fighting each other over nothing, but fighting with an all consuming passion. Crude Apache’s production of Richard III explores the dark heart of this most fascinating of Shakespeare’s histories and its charismatic villain as he claws his bloody way to power. Russell Turner, a long standing member of the company takes the titular role. 38 | November 2016
Director Tim Lane has set the play amongst homeless street people, taking the precarious, dangerous brutality of the lives of those living on the street and using it to underscore that the characters in the play are every bit as savage, frightening and fraught with danger as many of the modern day homeless.
passion for theatre and a love for Norwich and the surrounding area. www.crudeapache.wordpress.com
He explained the setting, ‘I wanted a dilapidated “urban” type setting so we were very lucky to find the Shoe Factory at St Mary’s Works almost straight away. The timing was perfect as the intention is to redevelop it next year and in the meantime the space, which is perfect for our requirements, is being used for a variety of arts events’.
Listings info:
The play will be performed by a cast of 11 in traverse, with the actors in the centre of the room and the audience either side of them. This will create an intimacy with the audience and a heightened sense of confrontation.
Wednesday 23 November - Saturday 3 December (not Sun 27, Mon 28 Nov), 7.30pm £8, £7 concessions
Since their formation Crude Apache have presented over 50 accessible, affordable and entertaining plays in and around Norwich. Their members are drawn together by friendship,
Crude Apache presents Richard III by William Shakespeare New contemporary, post industrial production of Shakespeare’s bloody and violent masterpiece
The Shoe Factory Social Club, St Mary’s Works, Oak St, Norwich NR3 3AF Tickets and info: crudeapacherichard3. eventbrite.co.uk
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FINEARTS Richard III close up!
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orwich’s much-loved theatre company, Crude Apache, are gearing up to deliver a brandnew contemporary version of Shakespeare’s bloody and violent masterpiece, Richard III, believed to have been written circa 1592 and the second longest play in the Shakespeare canon after Hamlet. The show can be enjoyed at The Shoe Factory Social Club based at St Mary’s Works, Oak Street, Norwich. from Wednesday 23rd November to Saturday 3rd December, nightly at 7.30pm - no performances on Sunday 27th or Monday 28th November. Renowned for being the city’s most upclose and personal theatre company, Crude Apache will plunge the audience into a postindustrial dystopian setting for this dark tale of treachery, deceit and murder while exploring the dark heart of this most fascinating of Shakespeare’s histories which chronicles its
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charismatic and Machiavellian villain clawing his bloody way to power. Staged with a cast of 11 players in traverse, the production places the actors in the centre of the room with members of the audience either side of them. Russell Turner, a long-standing member of the company, is cast in the title-role. Director Tim Lane has set the play - which tells of a war between two venal houses, each suffering similar degradation, fighting each other over nothing but fighting with an all-consuming passion - amongst homeless street people, taking the precarious, dangerous brutality of the lives of those living on the street and using it to underscore that the characters in the play are every bit as savage, frightening and fraught with danger as many of the modern-day homeless. Mr Lane explained: ‘I wanted a dilapidated urban-type setting so we were very lucky to find the Shoe Factory at St Mary’s Works almost straightaway. The timing was perfect as the intention is to redevelop it next year and,
in the meantime, the space, which is perfect for our requirements, is being used for a variety of arts-related events.’ Since their formation Crude Apache have presented over 50 accessible, affordable and entertaining plays in and around Norwich. Their members are drawn together by friendship, passion for theatre and a love for Norwich and its surrounding area. Tickets £8, £7 concs
feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
2016 November | 39
Picture of the Month
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Location: White Lion Street ear Featuring: Hatters Mensw oto eph lark imC Photography: Tim Clarke, @T
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Jack and the Beanstalk December 13-January 15
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mainstay of the Royal Ballet, a TV favourite, a top West End performer and now the star of this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime.
Wayne Sleep is set to bring his showbiz sparkle and on-stage razzmatazz to the stage as the nasty Phineas P Stinkworthy in Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas. John Bultitude traces the story of the dance icon who cannot wait to star in this year’s festive spectacular. If you want to personify the phrase ‘whirlwind of energy,’ then Wayne Sleep is the answer. The dance icon, West End legend and raconteur is set to play is set to play the villainous Phineas P Stinkworthy in Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas, and he cannot wait. “It is my first time as a villain. I usually take on roles like Buttons or The Dame but I am really looking forward to it. I will be out to scare everyone a bit, but not too much,” he laughed. It also marks a return to the city’s pantomime after he previously appeared in two in the Eighties at the Theatre Royal. Wayne actually made his panto debut doing a 14-week run at the London Palladium opposite Danny La Rue before taking a break from it for many years due to his other performing commitments. But a call from Norwich to star in Goldilocks And The Three Bears during 1984-85 marked his city panto debut. “It brings back lots of wonderful memories working with Dilys Watling and we had a wonderful cast, and it was a case of no expense spared. They brought in laser beams, a mirrored floor which represented a lake with water, and the laser beams would go ono the water and ricochet all over. I had laser beam mirrors on my costume and, when I spun, I looked like a mirror ball.” Then he was back in 1987-88 in Aladdin which also boasted a fantastic cast. Wayne recalled: “I 42 | November 2016
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FINEARTS came back and worked with Wei Wei Wong, Bradley Walsh in his first pantomime, and Stephen Mear was in the ensemble who went on to become a fantastic choreographer. I took Stephen on the cabaret circuit with me because he was so brilliant.” And then it is flash forward to this Christmas where he will share the stage with the likes of panto stalwarts Richard Gauntlett and Ben Langley in a show which boasts the traditional elements of panto and set in the Wild West, although Wayne is not giving too much away. “I hear the dancers will have to put on their tap shoes because I am doing a big tap number. What I love about panto is that it is a family audience. It is aimed at everybody. I think it is a big responsibility because it is often the first theatre that a child sees,” said Wayne. And he said a lot of hard work goes into the production to make it absolutely right, particularly for Richard Gauntlett who takes on the key role of Dame. “I do believe that whoever takes on that part has one of the hardest acting roles of any production. To play Dame and do it brilliantly takes a lot of experience and a lot of technique. You can’t just brush it aside as a man in a frock. It is so much more than that.” So was Wayne always destined to perform? Well it seems so. From the age of three, he was always keen to get up and dance every time he heard music played. His natural enthusiasm was there and he was always keen to put himself forward. “I wouldn’t say I was a big head. I always put my hand up first to answer questions because I was keen, really,” he said.
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After spending his early life in Plymouth with his mum, they then moved up to the North East and winning a dancing cup for under-12s set him on the path of success. “The adjudicator said ‘where is this boys’ mother? He must learn ballet.’ My mother just shivered and thought Fred Astaire would be alright but she did not want her son wearing tights,” he laughed. But that dance victory led to him getting the prestigious Levenshulme Scholarship to the Royal Ballet School which changed his life. Wayne recalled: “I had to give up being hooker in the rugby squad. I was the right size. I could get the ball and get it into my side of the scrum. Our matches were also on a Saturday morning and I couldn’t do it because my ballet classes were also on a Saturday morning. “Dancing also really helped stop me being bullied. I did the Sailors Hornpipe for the West Hartlepool Tech Christmas concert where I studied and got three encores. From being bullied and chastised, I became the school mascot. If people ask me for advice because they are being bullied, I just say ‘make them laugh.’ I remember them announcing in assembly that I had got the scholarship. I went from West Hartlepool Tech to Queen Victoria’s hunting lodge in Richmond Park. Talk about a culture shock.” Wayne admits he was very lucky to be part
of the Royal Ballet during what is known as its golden era working with the likes of Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Sir Frederick Ashton and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. Ironically, his size which was initially seen as a professional handicap actually made him stand out and develop his career. Wayne explained: “The director of the Royal Ballet said you have to spin twice as fast as the others and jump twice as high. I could do a lot of things that the other kids couldn’t. That brought me out into my solo class and choreographers wanted to work with me because they could invent steps for me.” And it did not just bring him prominence in this country but gave him the chance to share his success with audiences all over the world. A total of 18 years at the Royal Ballet would be enough for some, but Wayne had ambitions to learn and develop his dance even further. During some leaves of absence, he decided to explore other genres in more detail. “I had gone to contemporary dance lessons, acting lessons, jazz lessons at The Dance Centre and I was learning everything that it was possible to learn in the dance world. I thought wouldn’t it be great to put all these disciplines of dance under one roof in one performance?” And so Wayne decided that was exactly what he would do forming the company Dash which became hugely popular nationwide in the early Eighties. “I got the best contemporary dancer, the best jazz dancer etc. There were only six of us and four in the band, and only two theatres in Britain wanted to book us to start with. They were happy booking ballet but they worried that dance pieces with no speaking in them would not work.”
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But Wayne proved them wrong and Dash proved to be hugely successful mixing different styles of dance with some comedy pieces which saw Wayne creating work celebrating the likes of Charlie Chaplin through Torvill and Dean to John McEnroe. The mix of styles proved incredibly popular and saw him tour venues all over Britain with the show including Norwich Theatre Royal. From there, thanks to its success and runs in some of the biggest venues in London, other West End shows came calling with Wayne gaining the role of Mr Mistofelees in Cats. Wayne said: “I was actually due to star opposite Judi Dench as Grizabella but she snapped her Achilles tendon in rehearsal so she couldn’t do it. They brought in Elaine Paige the day before previews began and they were still writing the song Memories. It was chaos, the whole thing, but somehow it all came together. Let’s face it, you had a show featuring
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FINEARTS input from TS Eliot, Trevor Nunn and Andrew Lloyd Webber. What a team.” And that West End pedigree has continued with a wide range of roles including Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Emcee in Cabaret, and The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In tandem with this, Wayne was also becoming a star of the small screen starting with The Hot Shoe Show which helped popularise dance in the same way as the likes of Dash. Again, it would see a mix of different styles and Wayne dipping into his contacts book to work with the likes of Bonnie Langford, Pans People dancer Cherry Gillespie and iconic Rambert Artistic Director Christopher Bruce. Unfortunately, after two years, then-BBC boss Michael Grade decided the programme had run its course. “I did not want to milk it either. To be fair, that is what happened to Dash in the end, I had run out of ideas so you end up repeating the formula,” recalled Wayne. But he has never been far from TV. His full list of credits is too widespread to list in full but includes I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Celebrity Come Dine With Me, This Is Your Life, The Goodies and Wogan. He was also a judge on ITV’s dance show Stepping Out as well as proving to be hugely popular when he joined several more mature celebrities in The Real Marigold Hotel which saw
him explore India. “It was the most wonderful country with really nice people. I definitely want to go back,” he said. And the concept is being extended with Wayne having already filmed a follow-up in America and he will be getting another spin-off in the can in Japan before he starts in panto. If you want even more Wayne in your life, a portrait of him with his manager George is also featured in a room of work by the artist David Hockney at The Tate Modern in London. It was first started in 1972 before Hockney decided to finish it last year. And in spare moments, when he gets them, Wayne is also working hard supporting the next generation of performers though his Wayne Sleep Foundation which was formed through his close friendship with the late Princess of Wales. He recalled: “A year after she died, the media were still asking for interviews and I said no. She is a friend of mine who has died but they didn’t understand. They said they would pay me so I remembered all the letters I got from mums and dads of young people who said they had got a vocational place but they couldn’t afford the board and lodgings because they have to move away from home.
“I set the foundation up to pay for all their expenses so they don’t have to go and take on extra work if they do not want to. It eases the pain for the families. I also don’t choose who gets the help. The colleges themselves come to me.” And it also brings things full circle for Wayne bringing back memories of that all-important scholarship he gained that first set him on the road to dance stardom.
Listing: Jack And The Beanstalk, Tuesday 13 December 2016-Sunday 15 January 2017. Tickets £7-£23.50. Under-threes free. Discounts for Friends, Over60s, Under-18s and Groups. Signed performances on Saturday 7 Jan at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Audio-described performances on Wednesday 4 Jan at 1pm and Saturday 7 Jan at 2.30pm. Captioned performance on Sunday 8 Jan at 1pm and 5pm. Relaxed performance on Friday 13 Jan at 5.30pm which is bookable in person or by phone on 01603 630000 To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.
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View of Tokou, Ovalau by Constance Gordon Cumming (courtesy of Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge)
Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific
Norwich-based arts writer, Tony Cooper, reports on the Sainsbury Centre’s current exhibition focusing on the art and life of Fiji
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fascinating and revealing exhibition - Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific - currently on show at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia - comprises a host of stunning sculptures, textiles and ceramics as well as some detailed and extremely interesting ivory and shell regalia. The largest and most comprehensive exhibition about Fiji ever assembled, it offers the visitor an attractive Feejeeans Resting by James Glen Wilson.
journey through the art and cultural history of Fiji since the late 18th century.
120,000 at a time when Fiji was briefly visited by those two great sea-captains - Cook and Bligh. After the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789, Bligh was chased by Fijian canoes and was lucky enough to escape.
Like most of the Pacific islands, Fiji enjoys a rich, great and gifted culture and what we know as Fiji today was first settled about 1000 BC by voyagers from the west in particular Vanuatu. During the subsequent 3000 years further migration occurred and by the late 18th century the population had expanded to over
The population continued to grow especially during the 19th century when Fiji witnessed the arrival of European traders, missionaries and planters, adding greatly to the diverse and cultural mix of the island. They brought with them new technologies such as metal, guns and so forth and also introduced Christianity. Not only does this internationallyimportant exhibition highlight Fijian artworks but it also adopts a European flavour, too, with a selection of paintings, drawings feature by:
Tony Cooper Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
46 | November 2016
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FINEARTS
gy and Anthropology, University of Cambridge) Whale ivory necklace (courtesy of the Museum of Archaeolo
and historic photographs of the 19th and 20th centuries. As such, there’s a selection of watercolours by the intrepid Victorian travelwriter and artist, Constance Gordon Cumming, as well as works by the well-respected Irishborn naval artist, James Glen Wilson, who was in Fiji in the 1850s. The exhibition’s partner - The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge - is loaning a great many works of art while other pieces are coming from the Fiji Museum, the British Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum (Oxford) while museums in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Exeter, London and Maidstone are contributing too. The exhibition’s realised from a three-year Arts and Humanities Research Councilfunded project examining the extensive (but little-known) Fijian collections in the UK and overseas. Some significant treasures were uncovered in the process. Research project leader and exhibition curator, Professor Steven Hooper, had this to say: ‘An important aspect of this exhibition is that the many examples of exceptional Fijian creativity on display are not presented as ‘‘ethnographic specimens’’ or ‘‘illustrations’’ of Fijian culture but as works of art in their own right as worthy of attention as any art tradition in the world including Modernism.
Remarkable creative imagination is applied to the making of ancestral god images, ritual dishes and regalia and to the decoration of enormous barkcloths.’ ‘Barkcloth’, by the way, is a versatile material - common to Asia, Africa, Indonesia and the Pacific - and comes primarily from trees of the Moraceae family. It is made by beating sodden strips of the fibrous inner bark of the trees into sheets which are then finished into a variety of items.
Painted and stencilled barkcloth (courtesy of Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery)
from a project to encourage canoe-building skills and is a small version of the great 30-metre-long vessels of the 19th century, the biggest canoes ever built. In fact, since 1000 BC voyaging canoes have transported people and objects around the region including such places as Tonga and Samoa as well as other neighbouring Pacific islands.
A highlight of the exhibition is a strikingly-beautiful, newly-commissioned, eight-metre-long, doublehulled, sailing canoe - built in Fiji and shipped to Norwich. Made entirely of wood and coir cord, with no metal components, the canoe results
Man-shaped dish (courtesy of the trustees of the Fiji Museum).
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2016 November | 47
FINEARTS Sophisticated strategists, the Fijian chiefs applied on two occasions to join the British Empire and to this end a colonial government was established in 1874. However, Fiji became independent in 1970 and successfully managed the British colonial administration system quite effectively. They also established a particularly close relationship with the British Royal Family most notably with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Fiji has also succeeded in maintaining and adapting many of its proud cultural traditions and today woodcarvers and textile artists continue to produce sailing canoes and kava bowls for the preparation of the important ritual drink as well as impressive decorated barkcloths, some over 60 metres long, used mainly for weddings and mortuary rituals.
Ceremonial barkcloth attire made on Nayau Island (courtesy of Sainsbury Research Unit, UEA, Norwich)
In the vibrant Pacific fashion scene designers are using barkcloth and other local materials to make gowns and wedding dresses while showing their creations in London and Los Angeles. Contemporary examples of barkcloth fashion and textiles, woodcarving and intricate boat-building techniques, will be included in
the exhibition along with the art of female Fijian tattooing. The Sainsbury Centre’s large 900m2 suite of galleries will be used to present (and highlight) Fiji’s rich cultural past and its important relationship with Britain. Despite a population below one million, Fiji’s known globally as a major rugby nation winning their first-ever Gold Medal for Rugby Sevens at the Rio Olympics. The country’s an alluring destination for travellers, too, for whom Fijian hospitality is legendary. The Sainsbury Collection, housed in the splendid Norman Foster-designed Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, is world renowned for its works of art from the Pacific, the Americas, Africa and Asia as well as for its antiquities and modern works by Picasso, Moore, Giacometti and Bacon. Therefore, the exhibition on Fiji art and life (running to 12th February) is more than a welcome addition. Tel: 01603 593199 / www.scva.ac.uk
Fiji drua (sailing canoe).
48 | November 2016
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FINEARTS
Olive Edis A unlikely Lottery winner
Following team GB’s success at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, we are used to hearing how important the National Lottery is for creating sporting stars from ordinary people with extraordinary talents. However one would not expect the Lottery to be associated with raising someone, born during the reign of Queen Victoria, from obscurity to fame. But in the case of Olive Edis (1876-1955) the Lottery has played a crucial role in bringing her to national attention. Olive Edis was a pioneering photographer, recognised in her own time. She made her first image in 1900 and in 1905 set up a studio in the fashionable resort of Sheringham. In 1919 she became the first woman to be commissioned as an official war photographer by the Imperial War Museum (IWM). Throughout her career Olive made portraits of people from every strata of society. Whilst she photographed local fishermen for free, eminent writers, artists, scientists, actors, musicians and prime ministers paid her to capture their likeness. When one sees their photographs one can understand why her services were in such demand. Her photographs were taken with breath taking honesty and sensitivity where personality radiates from the faces. Although Olive donated some of her photographs to the National Portrait Gallery and the IWM had her war pictures, her work fell into obscurity following her death. Fortunately Olive had left her work to her studio assistant and friend Cyril Nunn. In 2008 Norfolk Museums Service acquired this collection of over 2000 glass plates, negatives and autochromes with financial assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). In 2015 the Lottery came into play again when the HLF funded a publication, touring exhibition and a permanent display of her work at Cromer Museum; all of which is currently on show at Norwich Castle. Olive Edis passed away decades before the National Lottery came into existence. One can only wonder at what she would have thought about its role in once again bringing her work to public attention.
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Cinema City
Special screenings at Cinema City this month focus on ballet, opera, drama and family shows. Tony Cooper reports Films to look out for:
Nocturnal Animals
Light Between Oceans
A successful Los Angeles art-gallery owner’s idyllic life is marred by the constant travelling of her handsome second husband. While he’s away, she’s shaken by the arrival of a manuscript written by her first husband, who she has not seen for years. The manuscript tells the story of a teacher who finds a trip with his family turning into a nightmare. As Susan reads the book, it forces her to examine her past while confronting some dark and uneasy truths. Directed by Tom Ford (A Single Man), the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal (Zodiac, Nightcrawler, Southpaw) and Amy Adams (American Hustle).
Tom’s a World War I veteran who maintains a lighthouse off the shore of Australia with his wife, Isabel, a woman desperate to have a baby. Her prayers are answered when an infant girl washes up on shore in a row-boat. Tom thinks they should notify the authorities but ultimately gives in to Isabel’s wish to keep the child. Fate strikes again when the couple meet the child’s biological mother on the mainland. At this point, Tom and Isabel have to make a decision that will forever affect the lives of four people. Based on the novel by M L Stedman, Light Between Oceans is directed by Derek Cianfrance and stars Michael Fassbender (Shame, Prometheus, Macbeth) and Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina, The Danish Girl, Jason Bourne). A Street Cat Named Bob Based on the autobiographical novel by James Bowen, A Street Cat Named Bob follows Bowen’s struggle with addiction and of his time spent on the streets in shelters and in supported housing. The film - directed by Roger Spottiswoode - also follows his unexpected friendship with a certain ginger feline: the eponymous Bob.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them An all-new adventure film revisiting the wizarding world skilfully created by J K Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, directed by David Yates - who also directed four Harry Potter ‘blockbuster’ films - stars Academy Award winner, Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything), cast in the central role of Newt Scamander, the wizarding world’s magizoologist, who, in 1926, completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he
might have come and gone without incident were it not for a No-Maj (American slang for ‘Muggle’) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds. Special Events: In Pursuit of Silence Tuesday 1st November (6.15pm)
Reminiscent of Koyaanisqatsi (the 1982 American experimental film directed by Godfrey Reggio with music by Philip Glass), In Pursuit of Silence is a meditative exploration of one’s relationship with silence, sound and the impact of noise on people’s lives. Beginning with an ode to John Cage’s ground-breaking composition 4’3’’, In Pursuit of Silence takes one on an immersive cinematic journey round the globe from a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto to the streets of Mumbai, the loudest city on the planet. Royal Opera House Live: Anastasia Wednesday 2nd November (7.15pm) An identity in crisis! A country in revolution! Anastasia is a ballet about one of the greatest historical mysteries of the 20th century - and only recently solved. At the height of the Russian Revolution the royal family were executed but afterwards a young woman appeared, apparently a surviving royal princess, the Grand Duchess Anastasia, known as ‘Anna Anderson’. She could not remember her past and, therefore, was presumed to be an imposter. Many wanted to forget the massacre and the Revolution and many believed (or hoped) that a princess could have survived, a remnant of the old world. One of Kenneth MacMillan’s first creations on becoming director of The Royal Ballet in feature by:
Tony Cooper Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
50 | November 2016
Writer tc@tony-cooper.co.uk
www.finecity.co.uk
FINEARTS
Royal Opera House Live: Anastasia
1970, Anastasia is a dramatic and haunting exploration of Anna’s nightmare of memory and identity. Set to music by Tchaikovsky and Martinů, the scenario follow the events leading to the murder of a family and of Anna’s confused dreams - or memories. A powerful, psychological challenge for the principal ballerina, this showing offers a rare opportunity to see a landmark ballet by MacMillan, a Scottish-born choreographer of outstanding talent who died in 1992. Exhibition on Screen: The Curious World of Hieronymus Bosch Thursday 3rd November (6.30pm) Who was Hieronymus Bosch? Why do his strange and fantastical paintings resonate now more than ever? How does he bridge the medieval and Renaissance worlds? Where did his unconventional and timeless creations come from? Discover the answers to these questions and more with this remarkable new film from Exhibition on Screen. The Curious World of Hieronymus Bosch features the criticallyacclaimed exhibition, Visions of a Genius, at the Noordbrabants Museum in Bosch’s home town in the southern Netherlands. The exhibition brought many of Bosch’s paintings and drawings together for the first time and attracted almost half a million art lovers from all over the world. With details of his fascinating life and www.finecity.co.uk
the stories within his works revealed as never before, this cinematic exploration of a great and amazing genius is not to be missed. Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man Saturday 5th November (1.30pm) Claude Rains made his American film début as Dr Griffin - H G Wells’ scientist turned invisible psychopath. Helped along by some impressive matte work and trick photography, Rains conjures up considerable screen presence just through voice alone. Bolshoi Ballet: The Bright Stream
Sunday 6th November (3pm) During harvest festival on a collective farm, a visiting dance troupe reunites a ballerina with her childhood friend, Zina, danced by Svetlana Lunkina. In order to teach her unfaithful husband a lesson, Zina, the ballerina and the ballerina’s husband, decide to swap roles for the evening. Alexei Ratmansky invokes the genius of Shostakovich’s thrilling and atmospheric score, creating a ‘laugh-outloud’ masterpiece with slap-stick comedy, hilarious deceptions, false identities (including principal dancer, Ruslan Skvortsov, dressed as a sylph) and many colourful characters! The Bolshoi bursts with vivid life and bright spirits in Ratmansky’s brilliantly-choreographed work. Exhibition on Screen: The Curious World of Hieronymus Bosch
2016 November | 51
FINEARTS Tuesday 15th November (6.15pm) The Royal Opera’s lavish production of Jacques Offenbach’s masterpiece, Les Contes d’Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann), is a favourite with audiences the world over. Created by Academy Award-winning film director, John Schlesinger, this production brings alive the 19th-century world of romance, comedy, mystery and menace. At the centre of these extraordinary tales of clockwork dolls, magical glasses, ghostly voices and sensual courtesans, is the vivid imagination of the drunken Romantic poet, Hoffmann.
Napoleon
The cast is completed by Mikhail Lobukhin (Pyotr), Maria Alexandrova (Ballerina), Denis Savin (Accordionist) and Alexei Loparevich (Old Dacha Dweller). Britain on Film: Railways on Film Saturday 12th November (1pm) Railways on Film offers the audience a chance to travel back to a time when travelling by rail was comfortable, punctual and, maybe, even glamorous! A major new collection of rare archive films charting the history of the UK’s railways, Railways on Film will bring home the romance and heady freedoms offered by rail travel as it expanded across the country in the early part of the 20th century. Most of the material has been sourced from national and regional archives but spiced up by some interesting and up-to-date digital imagery too. An immensely nostalgic and evocative collection of historic films not only do they document the glories of the railway but they also document the changing social, political and economic climates of the times as well. Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Saturday 12th November (1.30pm) Love hurts for Karloff ’s monster in this sequel as he finds himself at the mercy of enraged townsfolk and an uninterested bride memorably realised by a shock-eyed, towerhaired, Elsa Lanchester.
Royal Opera House Live: Les Contes d’Hoffmann
52 | November 2016
Napoleon Sunday 13th November (1pm) Abel Gance’s heroic depiction of the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte is an undisputed cinema landmark. Renowned for its ground-breaking technical innovations including a stunning triptych finale, Gance’s visionary epic traverses many of the formative experiences that shaped Napoleon’s rapid advancement. Cool under pressure, Bonaparte overcomes fierce rivals, deadly seas and political machinations to seal his imperial destiny. The story’s chapters play out in exhilarating fashion, tied together by an incredible feat of editing and technical ingenuity. With an equally-enthralling score composed and conducted by Carl Davis (newly recorded in 7.1), this new digitally-made restored film presents the silent masterpiece in all of its grandiose glory with rich-velvety blacks combining with gorgeously-coloured tints and tones. The film promises a magnificent bigscreen experience! Autism Friendly Screening: Finding Dory (2D) Sunday 13th November (10.30am) Following on from 2003’s hit animated aquatic adventure, Finding Nemo, the amnesiac regal blue tang Dory (voiced as before by Ellen DeGeneres) unexpectedly recovers some childhood memories, prompting her to set out to find her family. Accompanied by her friends Nemo (Rolence) and Marlin (Brooks), she swims to California’s Monterey Marine Life Institute, where she meets bolshie octopus Hank (Ed O’Neill), beluga whale Bailey (Ty Burrell) and whale shark Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), who agree to help her in her quest. With Finding Nemo writer-director, Andrew Stanton, also returning along with his Wall-E and Toy Story colleague, Angus MacLane, as co-director, this magical, beautifully-rendered tale of rediscovery also affirms the importance of family life. Royal Opera House Live: Les Contes d’Hoffmann
Charismatic young tenor, Vittorio Grigolo, is cast in the central role of Hoffmann, compelled to tell the story of his lovers who, he believes, have all been stolen by a succession of arch villains - world-renowned baritone, Thomas Hampson, performs all four villains. The score includes the famous ‘Barcarolle’ and the stunning showpiece numbers are perfect vehicles for the vocal virtuosity of Sofia Fomina as the clockwork doll, Olympia, Christine Rice as the courtesan, Giulietta, and Sonya Yoncheva as Antonia, Hoffmann’s last love. Alan Bennett’s Diaries Wednesday 16th November (8pm) An unmissable ‘live’ event, Alan Bennett’s Diaries takes a candid look into the mind of Britain’s best-loved writer, who, at the age of 82, shows no signs of slowing down. The event will also include a new film about him followed by an exclusive Q&A session with Bennett from his local library in Primrose Hill. Inspired by his acerbic and often hilarious diaries, the film shows Bennett as he has never been seen before. One sequence will focus on him in New York - the scene of his early triumph in ‘Beyond the Fringe’ - accepting an award from the city’s public library while another catches him in Shepherd’s Bush recording an episode of ‘Private Passions’ for BBC Radio 3. He will also air his views about his local communityrun library which, he despairs, some would rather see turned into a pizza parlour and also hear his viewpoint about the East Coast line which he would like to see renationalised. Intimate encounters, filmed over the course of a year, reveal a writer who is highly bemused by his own popularity and is still as angry and irreverent in his 80s as he was in his 20s. Christmas with André Rieu Saturday 19th November (5pm) Featuring a 90-minute recorded Christmas concert during André Rieu’s 2015 December tour, the show will be packed with such firm favourites as the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, ‘Jingle Bells’ www.finecity.co.uk
Alan Bennett’s Diaries
Universal Monsters: The Creature from the Black Lagoon (screened in spinetingling 3D)
and ‘White Christmas’ performed by the Johann Strauss Orchestra along with an amazing team of soloists. As an exclusive for cinema audiences, Mr Rieu will be inviting his fans to his home town of Maastricht to savour part of the town’s well-loved Christmas concert. He will also participate in a Q&A session with Cinema Live host, Charlotte Hawkins, where the King of the Waltz will answer questions submitted by members of the cinema audience. Therefore, line ’em up!
Wednesday 23rd November (3pm)
Universal Monsters: The Wolf Man
Your Name
Sonita
Saturday 19th November (1.30pm)
Thursday 24th November (9pm) Mitsuha and Taki are two total strangers living completely different lives. But when Mitsuha makes a wish to leave her mountain town for the bustling city of Tokyo, they become connected in a bizarre way. She dreams she’s a boy living in Tokyo while Taki dreams he’s a girl from a rural town he has never visited. What does their newfound connection mean? And how will it bring them together?
Tuesday 29th November (6.15pm)
Lon Chaney Jnr stepped out from his father’s illustrious shadow with his most memorable role as Larry Talbot, a young man who haunts the wilds of Wales after morphing into a werewolf. Branagh Theatre Encore: The Entertainer
Set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, John Osborneʼs modern classic conjures up the seedy glamour of the era of the music halls for an explosive examination of public masks and private torment. Rob Ashford directs Kenneth Branagh as the unforgettable Archie Rice with John Hurt as Billy Rice in the final production of Branagh’s highly-successful ‘Plays at the Garrick’ season.
Christmas with André Rieu
www.finecity.co.uk
Saturday 26th November (1.30pm) A half-human, half-fish creature - another iconic creation from the Universal special-effects team - disrupts a research party deep in the Amazon and kidnaps a beautiful young scientist in the process.
Sonita Alizadeh, a strong-willed teenager who idolises Rihanna and Michael Jackson, is an aspiring rapper, in spite of all the obstacles she confronts in Iran and from her conservative Afghan family. She’s an undocumented Afghan refugee in Tehran and her family has other plans for her. In this gripping documentary, her dream of living abroad is about to come true just as her family plan on sending her back home to get married to a much older man. He would give them a lump sum of money which would allow her brother to pay the dowry to find a bride of his own. While she must now attempt to overcome numerous personal and bureaucratic hurdles to avoid what seems inevitable, the film’s director, Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami, is also confronted with a dilemma: should she interfere to help her or let things unfold in front of her eyes and of the camera? The film offers an incredible insight into the life of a young Afghan woman in Iran and the hurdles she must overcome to be able to live her dream of becoming a singer. 2016 November | 53
FINEEVENTS 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! 54 | November 2016
www.finecity.co.uk
FINEEVENTS 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 November | 55
FINEEVENTS
RAF BANDS SHOWCASE ‘BEST OF BRITISH’
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ome of the most memorable and recognisable tunes that will forever be associated with ‘The Best of British Entertainment’ will feature in a special RAF in Concert performance at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, later this year. The concert by the Band of the Royal Air Force College takes place on Sunday, December 4 and will be compered by the voice of Strictly Come Dancing, Alan Dedicoat. From Hancock’s Half Hour and The Two Ronnies to James Bond and Phantom of the Opera, some of Britain’s greatest home-grown entertainment milestones will be celebrated through the evocative music they are so fondly identified with. 56 | November 2016
Featuring popular theme tunes from iconic BBC radio shows, the finest pop music from across the decades and stirring numbers from the stage and screen, audiences will enjoy an evening of first class entertainment performed by leading RAF musicians, as seen at the Festival of Remembrance and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Entertainment of a more traditional nature will also feature, including Fantasia on British Sea Songs, O Fortuna from Carmina Burana plus a special Royal tribute to mark the Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday. And it wouldn’t be an evening with the Royal Air Force without a selection of rousing British military marches, this year’s programme featuring 633 Squadron, Those Magnificent Men and The Dambusters March.
The RAF’s leading vocalist Sqn Ldr Matt Little will be joined on stage by West End performer Sarah Francis for a special tribute to British musicals and popular entertainment – from Oliver! to Matt Monro. Tour organiser Tina Outlaw said: “We’ve brought together a wonderful programme of music that will reflect the Best of British Entertainment. The evening will be a wonderful reminder of the rich seam of talent that has kept us laughing, singing and, occasionally, a little tearful over the years.” Tickets are priced from £19 - £25. For details and further information, visit rafinconcert.com or call the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01603 63 00 00. www.finecity.co.uk
FINEEVENTS
EACH - Santa Run Jingle your bells round Eaton Park in aid of EACH
F
or the second year a sea of red will descend on Eaton Park in Norwich as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) host their Santa Run in the city.
The run will take place on Sunday 11th December at Eaton Park, starting at 11am. Tickets are available now and the event is suitable for all ages.
The EACH Norwich Santa run will see hundreds of excited festive revellers donning full Santa suits to run the 2km course in aid of the charity which cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across the region.
Last year more than 400 Santa’s took part in the inaugural event, and organisers hope this year’s event will attract event more. New to this year’s event will be a visit from the real Father Christmas who will have a small gift to
all children taking part as well as snow at the finish to add to the festive feel. Carol Plunkett, EACH Norfolk Fundraising Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be bring our Santa Run back to the beautiful surroundings of Eaton Park for the second year. Last year was a wonderful first event with a fun festive atmosphere. This year promises to be even better as we create a real Christmas experience for all our participants. “Santa Runs are fantastic fun and a great way to celebrate the festive season while helping a vital cause in your local community. You can run, jog or walk the course, take part as an individual or ask your family, friends and colleagues to join in the fun. Just be prepared to feel full of festive cheer by the end!” Tickets for the EACH Norwich Santa Run are available online now at www.each.org.uk/santarun Adults - £12.50 including a Santa suit Children - £7.50 including a Santa hat Every participant will receive a Santa Run medal, and all children will have a goody bag waiting from them at the end of the course, presented by Father Christmas. For more information on the event please contact the EACH Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01953 666767, or email Norfolk@each.org.uk.
www.finecity.co.uk
2016 November | 57
FINEEVENTS
Could you ‘Sleep Out’ to help homeless people in Norfolk?
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Attend The Benjamin Foundation Sleep Out in Norwich city centre or ‘Do Your Own’
he Benjamin Foundation is calling on people to get involved with their biggest fundraising event of the year; Norwich Sleep Out 2016. The challenge of spending a night sleeping outside gives an insight into the issue homelessness and money is raised through sponsorship. Building on last year’s success where 70 people took part, the target this year is for 150 people to get involved. The main event will take place at Marsh on Queens Road in Norwich on Friday 11th November 2016, from 7pm until 7am the next day. Additionally, for the first time, people are also invited to organise their own, separate, ‘Do Your Own Sleep Out’; which can take place any time during November. Norwich Sleep Out, now in its second year, is part of the End Youth Homelessness Campaign which is supported by a network of UK regional charities. More than £17,000 was raised for The Benjamin Foundation thanks to Sleep Out last year; all of which has been used locally by the charity. 58 | November 2016
Chris Elliott, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at The Benjamin Foundation, said: “As well as our main event, this year we’re excited to give people the chance to take part in a new way. ‘Do Your Own Sleep Out’ is a really flexible way for anyone to be involved, including children. Families might want do this in their garden, schools could plan a Sleep Out in the school hall or playground; clubs like Brownies or Scouts could perhaps dedicate a camp night as a ‘Do Your Own Sleep Out’. It’s up to each individual group, as to where and when they’d like to do it. There are lots of possibilities.” Chris continues: “Do Your Own Sleep Out’ gives people the freedom to choose a date, time and venue that works for them. We’re asking people to get in touch with us if they plan to do their own Sleep Out. We’d like them to know about the homelessness issue and how we are tackling it, so there is a great information sheet about this on our website at http://benjaminfoundation. co.uk/do-your-own-sleep-out ; which we’d urge people to look at. If people choose to make a donation or raise money, then the payment
options are also on our website. Our Twitter hashtag for the night is #TBFSleepOut and we’d like people to share photos from their event with us too on our social media (Facebook ‘The Benjamin Foundation’, Twitter @CharityTBF and use #TBFSleepOut) or by emailing me at chris.elliott@benjaminfoundation.co.uk”. All money raised from both the main Norwich Sleep Out event and ‘Do Your Own Sleep Out’, will go to The Benjamin Foundation, which helps thousands of local people each year. The charity delivers services in Norfolk and more recently into Suffolk, providing services that give people hope, stability, opportunity and independence. To take part in the main event, there is a £25 registration fee and at least a further £100 needs to be raised via sponsorship. For more information and to register for Norwich Sleep Out, visit benjaminfoundation.co.uk/sleep-out or contact Chris Elliott on chris.elliott@benjaminfoundation.co.uk or 01603 886 933. www.finecity.co.uk
FINEEVENTS
Deepdale Christmas Market 2016
A Christmas Celebration of Local Artisans & Producers
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he 8th annual Deepdale Christmas Market takes place on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December in the ever lovely village Burnham Deepdale. Visitors to the market can enjoy ‘Not on the high street’ presents, decorations, food and drink in three large marquees around the Dalegate Market site, and amongst the pews in St Mary’s Church. There can’t be a better reason to visit the North Norfolk Coast in the Winter, when over one hundred local artisans and producers gather for one of East Anglia’s best seasonal markets. “We welcome back established favourites and first timers, as the application list for stalls grows year on year. We like to give new stalls a chance, and to mix up the locations to keep customer interest. Look out for tasty treats, wreaths, cheese, penguin pictures, soaps, homewares, biscuits, chutneys, jewellery,
accessories, toys, books, salamis, tea, beer, cordials, glass, bags, photographs... Something for every budget, every present list, and every taste.” said Jason Borthwick. Estelle Townshend added, “We look forward to supporting a number of charities through the weekend, including Wells Community Hospital Trust, Break, Brancaster Primary School and St Mary’s Church.”
grass field on Dalegate Lane. The Coasthopper bus also drops off right outside the door. Deepdale Christmas Market is open from 12noon to 7pm on Friday 2nd, giving a chance for late night shopping. Then 10am to 4pm on both Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th. Full details of the stall selection can be found on the website: www.deepdalechristmasmarket. co.uk and the entertainment programme will be announced a few weeks before the Market.
This year there will be lots more food. Deepdale Cafe, pizzas, pies, crepes, duck wraps, mulled wine, hot chocolate, burgers, real ales, sloe gin, Christmas punch, brownies ... You definitely won’t go hungry or thirsty, plenty of places to refuel to continue with the Christmas shopping. As always, entrance is FREE to the event, so no emptying your pockets before the shopping begins. And as usual, there is FREE car parking in the farm yard of Deepdale Farm and in a
DALEGATE MARKET
PE31 8FB
BURNHAM DEEPDALE
Shopping & Café
Christmas Market Friday, Saturday & Sunday
2, 3 & 4 December 2016 2015
FREE Entry - FREE Car Parking 100+ stalls offering presents, decorations, food & drink Friday 12noon to 7pm - Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale, North Norfolk, PE31 8FB
www.DeepdaleChristmasMarket.co.uk
www.finecity.co.uk
Website: www.westfieldforge.com
Email: westfieldforge@gmail.com Tel: 07872927474
2016 November | 59
FINEFood
Easters of Norwich
This is Our Story
E
asters is a family run fruit, vegetable and dairy wholesaler operating in the heart of Norwich city-centre.
For more than 40 years Easters has been at the forefront of providing a wide range of produce at a competitive rate and with a reliable service to some of the best loved places in Norwich. We offer an extensive range of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as dairy, frozen and dried products in addition to our range of herbs and breads. Our bespoke hand-prepared vegetable service is unique and we are committed to supplying local produce in all categories and whenever possible. Our customers choose us because we supply good quality fresh products and provide a reliable and unbeatable service. Peter Easter started out in 1975 in a shop called magpie stores in the St. Augustines area of Norwich
Fresh
01603 622890 www.eastersofnorwich.com 60 | November 2016
Increased the fresh produce range Peter sold the retail shop in 1990 to concentrate on supplying restaurants, pubs and hotels. They moved premises a few times as they quickly outgrew them. They have
Local
156-158 Northumberland St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4EE
resided in Northumberland street, Norwich for 7 years and signs are that they will be for many many years to come. For more information please visit www.eastersofnorwich.com
Family Run
01603 760565 sales@eastersofnorwich.com www.finecity.co.uk
FINEFood
The Library What? Once the first public library in Britain, this wonderful Grade II Listed building in Norwich city centre is now home to the Library Restaurant. Boasting a plethora of fantastic food, cocktails and wine, it is owned by Nigel and Jayne Raffles. This stunning building is rich with historic features and boasts a large lounge, bar and brasserie. There is also a courtyard, perfect for alfresco dining, where food is cooked on a specially imported, wood-fired grill. The restaurant enjoyed a sumptuous makeover last year, which included the introduction of a relaxing lounge area and tasty new dishes.
rooms for private dining and a courtyard for outside eating and drinking. A tantalising à la carte menu is perfect for longer lunchtimes or
dinner, alongside a set lunch menu and a daily prix menu. Opening hours Monday-Thursday: 12pm-2pm, 6pm-10pm Friday-Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-4pm
Why? The Library Restaurant, Bar & Grill offers high-quality modern English cuisine. The main restaurant area – an expansive room with floor-toceiling bookcases, a 9m-high glass ceiling and an upstairs art gallery and mezzanine level restaurant – is impressive and plush. There are
ROASTS & MUCH MORE AT THE LIBRARY OPEN SUNDAYS 12PM - 4PM THELIBRARYRESTAURANT.CO.UK 01603 616 606 4A GUILDHALL HILL NORWICH NR2 1JH www.finecity.co.uk
2016 November | 61
C
OSMO, one of the UK’s most upand-coming restaurant groups has a branch located on London Street in Norwich.
COSMO is a critically acclaimed Restaurant Group that rivals high end banquet restaurants. The concept of COSMO came about through the vision of its CEO, Tom Chan, who opened his first branch in Eastbourne in 2003. He wanted to create a brand that offered a ‘multi-tasting’ experience in a ‘banquet’ style rather than ‘pile-yourplate-high’. Now, with 18 restaurants as far afield as Aberdeen, Glasgow, Belfast, Derby, Norwich, York, COSMO is considered a major brand in its sector. At COSMO, you will find delicious international food to excite all the senses. Diners are invited to take a gastronomic journey through different countries and cultures, so that they can discover the most authentic flavours of the world. As with Eastern philosophy, everything at COSMO is interlinked. Guests are at the centre of COSMO; everything the Group does is designed to surpass expectations and maintain loyalty. It’s this focus along with its ability to revolutionise the casual dining sector that have enabled COSMO to achieve a prominent place in this market - being regularly voted in the top 3 of the CGA Peach Report survey for customer satisfaction and value for money. 62 | November 2016
The secret of its sustained success over the past 13 years is threefold: provide an incredible range of delicious & freshly prepared food, wow customers with stunning surroundings and set prices that offer real value for money.
skilled chefs prepare dishes from the freshest ingredients at various live cooking stations: Dim Sum, Teppanyaki & Sushi, Tempura, Fresh Pasta, Homemade Pizza, Rotisserie, Robata and Tandoor.
At COSMO Norwich, chefs prepare over 150 authentic dishes from around the world every day and each dish is expertly created in small amounts to ensure that they are always fresh. Its Live Cooking Stations provide the entertainment, sounds, aromas but above all, dishes cooked in front of customers. COSMO provides a casual dining experience like no other, offering a balanced choice of delicious food, exceptional value for money giving guests added value at one set price: lunch from £7.99 and dinner from £13.99.
No dining experience would be complete without the desserts. There are Eton Mess, mousses, profiteroles, éclairs, tiramisu, cheesecakes, chocolate fudge, brownies, cakes, apple pies, swiss rolls, ice cream, fruit, fruit cocktail and a chocolate fountain to complete the indulgence.
Customers can enjoy a wide range of dishes: Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Thai, Continental and Mexican are just some of the international styles of the different dishes on offer. The evening menu includes a traditional carvery with all the trimmings: Yorkshire puddings, buttered potatoes, roast beef, roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, roast turkey, roasted carrots with parsley and thyme, roasted mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes & sweet Potatoes. Cook fresh, Eat Fresh is an integral part of COSMO’s ethos. You can watch the highly
At COSMO Norwich, even the fussiest eater is likely to find something they like. Therefore, the restaurant has a very broad appeal. It is a perfect venue for business people, students and tourists looking for a quick lunch, but also for family groups with children and retired couples taking a more leisurely approach to sampling the diversity of world foods on offer. The Restaurant has been designed with great care, with inspiration coming from all over the world to create a stunning look and feel. Its decor is luxurious and slick with a welcoming array of colourful produce on display. If you have not been to COSMO Norwich before, go and discover for yourself why thousands of loyal customers dine there every week. www.finecity.co.uk
Freshen Up Your Kitchen In 2017
ACE SURFACES offer you both a cost effective and an environmentally friendly option to enable you to have that new look kitchen or bathroom you’ve wanted for a while now. Resurfacing is the answer! Your existing kitchen or bathroom fittings stay in your house – rather than being consigned to the local landfill site and the whole process is carried out so quickly and cleanly that you will be absolutely amazed. In fact, we have a Christmas offer below from which a very few of you can benefit! The whole process also reduces your carbon footprint. And – of course – it doesn’t make a massive hole in your finances when you’d much rather use the money for other things! It’s a great alternative to starting from scratch – and not just for environmental reasons. Maybe you’ve just moved house and the kitchen or bathroom is not really to your taste. Without spending a huge amount of money, we can change the colour and finishings for you in a very short time. You may also just need to have your top quality bath upgraded to match a new design. Our resurfacing product means that
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you can keep the bath you like and simply match it to new décor. On average, our customers can expect a saving of 60-70% when compared with fitting a new bathroom or kitchen. The whole process is also signifi cantly less disruptive than starting again from scratch with an entirely new kitchen or bathroom. Let’s just tell you what some of our lovely customers think about the work we have done for them! Mrs Foulger in Banham says, “I am absolutely delighted with the work carried out by ACE SURFACES. There was minimum disruption and they kept to the proposed schedule, I can’t praise them enough – and it really feels like a new kitchen after all!” Mrs Garner in Horning also praises ACE SURFACES. “I was a little apprehensive about the process of ‘upgrading’ my kitchen but I was amazed both at the work and the final renovation. It was all far less expensive than replacing the kitchen would have been and there was far less disruption than when the kitchen was originally installed.”
Mention FineCity magazine when calling to find out about our latest offers
2016 November | 63
Posh Plants grow Silver Leaves!
M
any years ago I kept my foot in the door of what was then called the Norwich School of Art by attending a silversmithing course. Mr Webster, a wonderful Norfolk man of mature years who knew everything there was to know about the subject, introduced me to the fascinating world of silver. A seed of interest was sown and due to the various paths that my life has taken, has laid dormant, but never forgotten. That is until just before last christmas when a chance remark from my partner, who, uncharacteristically, touched on the subject of a christmas present. On the table where we were having coffee lay a few leaflets advertising a silversmithing course. As they say‌the rest is history! 64 | November 2016
I would love to know if Mr Webster is still working with silver. I now have a ridiculously young tutor who, like Mr Webster, seems to know everything there is to know about the subject. His patience,enthusiasm and experience has, week in, week out, helped me to develop the skills to produce pieces in silver and gold. Although a different medium to my plant work, the creativity of both run side by side. The plant world is a constant source of inspiration and everyday I never fail to be amazed by the beauty of the detail of leaves, stems and flowers. A decaying leaf will leave a structure which is perfect to work in silver. Silver Leaves will soon be available on my website www.poshplants.com. I will be displaying some of my silver and gold
pieces on my stand in the Grand Hall at the Assembly House Christmas Fair on the 26th and 27th November. I will also be selling lots of lovely plants, pots of bulbs and christmas decorations. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without some festive colour to decorate the house. Plants make perfect presents and for that special gift something in silver or gold will be sure to delight! Sue Huckle www.poshplants.com 07703 347014 Posh Plants Seven Acres Nursery Common Road East Tuddenham NR20 3NF 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
Free Survey and Quotations Tel: 01953 459778 Owl Barn, Norwich Road, Besthorpe, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2LA
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
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FINEHomes
Trinity Stained Glass
W
ith the joy of the Christmas season almost upon us, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to think of unusual and original gift ideas for friends and loved ones.
At Trinity Stained Glass, they have been designing and producing all their beautiful stained glass designs and gifts by hand in their Norwich workshop for over 20 years.
Trinity Stained Glass
From church windows and period restorations to lamps, mirrors and sun catcher gifts. No job is too big or too small for their skilled family run team. Their vast range of coloured and textured glass where customers can come in and choose from rack upon rack of a spectrum of colours to use in their designs. Many portfolios of their work , past and present are available to peruse to help customers with design ideas or customers can bring in ideas of their own. The Trinity Stained Glass shop on Ber Street, Norwich is filled with an array of delights for all occasions and ages. With an abundance of original modern abstract hangings along side the more traditional window and door panels. Stained glass kits are also available from £108 to give as presents for people to learn stained glass as a beginner. They include a pattern and instruction book along with all the tools,materials and glass to make a few items at home. For lots of unusual ideas for Christmas why not pop along to see what’s on offer. If there is too much to choose from and you can’t decide they also sell gift vouchers for any value. For any advice on Christmas gift ideas, repairs, or window and door panel commissions please phone 01603 622099 or visit www.trinitystainedglass.co.uk or email trinitystainedglass@btconnect.com. No appointment is needed just pop in weekdays 10 - 5 pm or saturdays 10 - 2 pm. 66 | November 2016
www.trinitystainedglass.co.uk 01603 622099 103 Ber Street Norwich NR1 3EY
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Build the Kitchen of your Dreams La Belle Cuisine has been supplying Kitchens to our customers for almost 40 years. Based in Norwich, we are one of the top kitchen retailers in the Norfolk area. We pride ourselves on our personal, professional and helpful service.
148 Cromer Rd, Norwich NR6 6XA 01603 426519 sales@labellecuisine.co.uk
SPECIAL OFFER
STOVAX STOCKTON 5 Multifuel - Black
Is Your Conservatory Intolerably Hot In The Summer and Unbearably Cold In The Winter?
£699.95 RRP £879.00
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
www.finecity.co.uk
Many fires set in live displays
Come and visit our fabulous showrooms displaying multifuel, wood burning, gas stoves and fires.
Penfold Drive, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WZ
01953 602482 | www.alcosa.co.uk
2016 November | 67
Jaguar XF Portfolio 2.0 i4 180PS Review
T
he first words out of my mouth when I handed my Jaguar XF demonstrator keys back were “I’m going to miss that car”. And there’s a reason for that. The British saloon I had on test this month made my life far more relaxing than I had envisaged. Now, let me make it clear; the seven days I had with the XF involved traversing flat rural routes across Lincolnshire, hammering along fast stretches of motorway in the West Midlands and negotiating narrow, twisty roads in the Cotswolds. I also took the car to Norfolk, which involved the odd wandering herd of cows, pigs and sheep. My point is, that whether driving at 70mph or sat still waiting for a plethora of pigs to 68 | November 2016
move, the XF looks after you. The soft leather seats, the hushed cabin, the excellent brakes and, even the sound system, make you feel as though a palace has been given four wheels. When there is a chance to bury your right foot into the deep carpet, the creamy smooth powertrain of the rear wheel drive XF Portfolio 2.0 i4 180PS, on test here, pulls the scenery by the side of your head briskly. It is done in such an uncomplicated way that the speedo needle can nudge three figures all too easily. Pure performance aside, handling is very good. Indeed, the 2016 XF offers the fun already available from the Jaguar XJ, mainly due to its precise steering, lack of body roll and excellent traction.
The car will hold on to the surface like superglue, only stepping out when pushed to levels you should never attempt on a public highway. Jaguar’s done a good job by really showing us that the latest XF isn’t just a mile muncher – it’s a machine offering dynamism. In other words, it feature by:
Tim Barnes-Clay Writer @carwriteups
www.finecity.co.uk
FINEmotors truly is a driver’s car. Oh, and when it comes to miles to the gallon, you’ll be pleased, too. 65.7mpg is achievable on average. The specification levels of the new XF are lavish. The cabin is a seamless blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and state-of-the art technology. What’s more, stereo camera technology enables autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist systems. Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist takes the stress out of motorway driving in stop-go traffic by tracking the vehicle in front, at a safe distance. With its glut of talents and refreshed, more modern exterior, the latest XF is soon etched
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on your mind. From a distance, there are slight hints of Audi at the rear, but the car doesn’t look as much like the other premium executive saloons you see double-parked outside Michelin-starred restaurants in Chelsea or in City of London corporate car parks The XF’s boot is slightly bigger than you get in its BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz opponents, although, as a saloon, the loading aperture is smaller, compared with a hatchback. There’s enough space in the rear for three-up, and those in the front have lots of room to unwind, along with a respectable assembly of storage compartments. In summary, this new XF is loaded with a host of awesome tech, making the driving experience as luxurious and as exciting as possible. The
Jaguar’s cabin is sophisticated and sturdily built, and the car is quick, as well as efficient. PROS ‘N’ CONS Power ✓ Refinement ✓ Handling ✓ Equipment ✓ Efficiency ✓ Expensive to buy new ✗ FAST FACTS Max speed: 142 mph 0-62 mph: 7.7 secs Combined mpg: 65.7 Engine layout: 1999cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (PS): 180 CO2: 114 g/km Price: £39,050
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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:
How much is your home phone bill?
Your Address:
£
Would you like to pay less than that?
YES
NO
Are you a home owner OR over 30 years old?
YES
NO
Your landline contact number:
Would you like to have an extra income?
YES
NO
Your email address:
Please send your entry to: C/O FineCity, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2AE
Postcode:
70 | November 2016
Terms and Conditions apply. Go to www.winamini.website for full T’s & C’s
www.finecity.co.uk
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 60
Christ m Comin as is ...Ho Yg... e We ch s it is! at with Wayne ahead Sleep o this ye f ars Pantom ime
Novem
ber 20
16
FESTI
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PIRIT Norwic stunnin h gears up fo g ‘Tun ra nel of L this Ch ight’ ristma s
FINEMO TOR
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FINEPL ACE
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FINEPE OPL
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FINEAR TS
FINEFO OD
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FIJI: Art an d Lif Sainsb e at the ury Ce ntre
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!
72 | November 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 Improving your hearing in time for Christmas
T
here is nothing like the festive season with one social engagement after another. From the Christmas office party, drinks with friends and the buzz of the family gathering on the big day, December is a time for fun and social interaction. But is it? For those experiencing hearing loss, this can be something of an annual nightmare, causing a variety of communication issues! Imagine if you can, being unable to hear speech clearly because Christmas music is being played in the background or not being able to hear the excitement of children opening presents because they are all talking at once and you cannot separate the sounds clearly. Imagine dreading Christmas dinner on a large table with 15 other people because you won’t be able to hear what is being said around you. These are issues a normal hearing person doesn’t normally even consider.
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One in six people have a hearing loss, but the number is far smaller for those who have sought professional help from their local audiologist. Hearing aids can make such a difference to someone’s quality of life at this time of year. Hearing aids are so much smaller and discreet than they ever used to be and packed full of amazing features that will help during the festive period. You may have thought that with so much noise at a party or family dinner, hearing aids would just make things louder, but modern digital hearing aids aren’t simple sound amplifiers. They are designed to filter out all the unwanted noise - like the clanging of dishes in the kitchen or the background music - and help you focus on speech.
If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing problems, don’t struggle through another festive season not being able to join in and have fun. I urge you to book a hearing test now and find out what could be done to help you in time for Christmas. Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre in Ipswich. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 22 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk. For more information visit www. hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.
Features such as directional microphones work to reduce the amount of noise allowed to enter your hearing aids. In noisy environments, like at a Christmas party, the system will work to pick up the least amount of noise. If the noise is located behind you, your directional microphones will adapt to pick up sound from in front of you and dampen noise from behind you.
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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
74 | November 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! 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
Call Becky on 07778 381953 for availability.
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.
Here for you every hour of every day
01603 625495
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals
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)
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