Norfolk on My Mind - Autumn 2016 by Spider Creative Media

ISSUE 54

VIVA ESPANA

Win a pair of return flights to Spain

SUE

PERKINS The Bake Off presenter serves up the laughs

BLACK BEAUTY

The much-loved children’s book’s Norfolk connections

HARLESTON & KING’S LYNN

Two local market towns with fascinating histories

OUT & ABOUT

WHAT’S NEW? It’s the NCAS’ 60th birthday celebrations

8 ON THE STREET

OUT & ABOUT Look what’s in the diary for the two months ahead…

15 | CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Sue Perkins is in the hot seat this issue

19 | LITERARY NORFOLK

RECIPE

Black Beauty has its roots firmly in our county

23 | TOWN FOCUS

Head to Harleston in the heart of the pretty Waveney Valley

32 | THE BEST The Hourglass in Sculthorpe is definitely worth a visit

36 | HARRY’S BLOG The Hero in Burnham Overy Staithe has officially reopened

38 | RECIPE OF THE MONTH Chef Richard Bainbridge creates perfect gluten-free profiteroles

MOTORING

THEATRE

47 | STYLE FILE

Stylist Sarah Morgan declutters our wardrobes and more!

51 | ON THE ROAD Tim Barnes-Clay goes for a spin in a brand new Renault

57 | COMPETITION!

Win a pair of return tickets from Norwich Airport to Spain

INTERVIEW

15 To advertise call 01953 456789

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OWNER

Jonathan Horswell office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk @JonathanHorswel DESIGNER

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Daniel May

dan@norfolkonmymind.co.uk @danielmaydesign ADVERTISING SALES

Jon Cooper

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ADVERTISING SALES

Brenda Pepper

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ADVERTISING SALES

Arron Self

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ADMINISTRATION

Luke Keable

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tony Cooper Thomas Dick Stephen Browning David Morris Harry Farrow Richard Bainbridge

Malcolm Duffey Sue Huckle Sarah Morgan Tim Barnes-Clay John Bultitude

’m sure I’ve said it before, but autumn is my favourite time of the year. As the changing seasons set the trees alight with nature’s heady array of burnt oranges and fiery reds, what could be more satisfying than heading out to explore our county’s main attractions? The months ahead are jam-packed with exciting events to cater for everyone, young and old; from fashion, food and photography (p8), to travel (Fiji no less!) (p12) and heaps of Halloween fun (p11)... Diaries at the ready! Queen of comedy and Bake Off favourite, Sue Perkins, is in Norwich this month, bringing her latest tour on the road. You can read our interview on page 15. Guaranteeing a few belly laughs, she explains why she thinks having a sense of humour is so important. Meanwhile, feature writer Thomas Dick unearths our local connections with children’s book Black Beauty (p19). Did you know author Anna Sewell was born in Great Yarmouth? Plus, we visited Harleston (p23) and King’s Lynn (p27) to uncover the charms of two of Norfolk’s most historic market towns. As the nights draw in, be inspired to put your cookery skills to the test with hearty family recipes, bursting with seasonal flavours. Chef Richard Bainbridge provides the perfect finishing touch to any dining occasion… Gluten-free profiteroles! Turn to page 38 to find out more. Prefer to eat out? We bring you ten of the best destinations for seafood (p34), as well as our review of The Hourglass bar and restaurant in Sculthorpe near Fakenham (p32). It’s top marks from us! Finally, we have a very special prize up for grabs this issue… A pair of return tickets from Norwich Airport to either Alicante or Malaga (p57). Sound good? Make sure you enter to be in with a chance of winning a relaxing holiday in the sun. Good luck!

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WHAT’S NEW?

DIAMOND JUBILEE

Culture vulture Tony Cooper talks to the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society’s (NCAS) former chairperson ahead of its 60th anniversary.

charitable association with around 550 members, Norfolk Contemporary Art Society, whose raison d’être is to promote contemporary visual art with a particular emphasis given to artists living and working in the region, is still going strong after some 60 years. Robert Short, who served as chair of the society from 1987 to 2005, has, undoubtedly, made a vital contribution to the contemporary art scene here in the county. He explained, “The initiative to create a contemporary art society in Norfolk was prompted by the dismay on the part of a small group of local people at the derisory representation of modern art in Norwich Castle Museum.” And since its foundation in 1956, NCAS has accumulated an interesting and varied collection, which forms the basis of holdings of post-war art at the castle, while complementing the fine collection of paintings by the Norwich Society of Artists. The first chair of NCAS was Mrs Geoffrey (Lettice) Colman – mother of Sir Timothy Colman of Bixley Manor and an avid supporter of the visual arts. It was her father-in-law, Russell James Colman, who bequeathed the collection of paintings of the Norwich School to Norwich

Written by Tony Cooper

Castle Museum. The collection, built up by Mr Colman, comprised oil paintings, watercolours, and drawings by members of the Norwich School. The first purchase for NCAS came in 1957; Clough’s Man entering a boiler-house (oil-oncanvas) was purchased for the sum of £60. Over the past few years, NCAS has raised funds to purchase sculpture for public places in Norwich. These include major works by such prominent artists as George Fullard and Liliane Lijn. For the Castle Green, however, NCAS commissioned Parrot Head, a bronze by the late Bernard Reynolds, and an aluminiumbased sculpture, Monument to Daedalus, by Jonathan Clarke. The organisation also donated a work by the late Alfred Cohen to the Castle Museum in 2006. To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s jester and fellow actor, Will

Kemp, dancing from London to Norwich in 1599, NCAS commissioned Bergh Apton sculpture-trail artist, Mark Goldsworthy, to honour the occasion. He came up with the wood sculpture, Will Kemp and his Morris Men, in situ in Chapelfield Gardens. But, NCAS has been a campaigning society, too. Robert explained, “It seems such a pity that a city the size and, indeed, the importance of Norwich doesn’t have a municipal art gallery or, for that matter, a concert hall. In the 1980s, the Castle Museum stopped showing local artists’ works and the idea of a Tate in the East, a purpose-built space for art so greatly needed in Norwich, sadly, never materialised.” NCAS also has an on-loan collection. Artworks comprising mostly two-dimensional works by local artists are lent free of charge for display in places frequented by the public, such as schools, hospitals and commercial premises. To celebrate the society’s 60th birthday, a blockbuster of a show – NCAS Sixty Years On: Treasures from the Castle’s Collection – will run at Norwich Castle Museum from Monday 26th September to the spring of 2017, highlighting almost all the works that NCAS has helped to acquire over the last six decades.

“THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIETY IS TO BE MARKED IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY, HARKING BACK TO THE EARLIEST DAYS AND THE DETERMINATION TO REDRESS THE DERISORY REPRESENTATION OF MODERN ART IN NORWICH CASTLE MUSEUM” – Brenda Ferris, Chair of NCAS

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NCAS collaborates closely with local galleries and arts organisations such as the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norfolk Museums Service, Norfolk Open Studios, East Anglia Art Foundation, Norwich 20 Group, The Forum Trust and Norwich University of the Arts. Over the course of last year, the society mounted one of its most complex exhibition projects to date. Large works by Brazilian-born artist, Ana Maria Pacheco, were sited in Norwich Cathedral, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich Castle and Norwich University of the Arts. Accompanied by a catalogue and an exhibition guide, these four exhibitions continued for nearly eight months. In addition to its exhibitions, NCAS also organises a lively and entertaining programme of events which includes talks by artists, critics and art historians, as well as visits, auctions, private views and parties. The talks always gather a good and appreciative audience, while a recent trip to the Hepworth Wakefield Gallery in West Yorkshire proved a great success. The last word must go to the current chair of NCAS, Brenda Ferris, who had this to say, “The 60th anniversary of the society is to be marked in a very special way, harking back to the earliest days and the determination to redress the derisory representation of modern art in Norwich Castle Museum. The castle will host a landmark exhibition of many of the works that NCAS has loaned, part-funded or gifted to the museum since 1956. It will be formally opened, as is only fitting, by Sir Timothy Colman, son of the society’s very first chair.” NCAS has not just enjoyed an action-packed past, but it promises even greater strides in the future. We look forward to seeing what’s next in store for the society. For further information on NCAS, visit www.n-cas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

We’ve got autumn covered, thanks to an action-packed couple of months ahead!

SANDRINGHAM GAME & COUNTRY SHOW

FISHERMEN AND KINGS: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF OLIVE EDIS

Sandringham Park, Sandringham, Norfolk PE35 6EN. Tel: 01283 820548. www.livingheritagecountryshows.com Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, 10am to 6pm. Adults (£13), over 65s (£12), children under 15 (£4), under 5s (free).

Norwich Castle, Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3JU. Tel: 01603 493625. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk Saturday 8th October to Sunday 22nd January; Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm; Sunday, 1pm to 4.30pm. Adults (£6.50), over 65s (£5.50), children (£4.50), under 4s (free).

hole areas devoted to falconry, fishing, wildfowling, archery and many other country sports and pursuits, together with lots of activities for families (and their dogs!), make this annual event a true celebration of country living. Three dedicated arenas will host a variety of exciting displays, from horse-boarding championships, to the hilariously disobedient sheep and ducks! Dog lovers will enjoy watching the working gun dogs in action, while foodies will be wowed by the impressive food hall featuring a great line-up of speciality food and drink, as well as chef demonstrations on stage.

his landmark exhibition explores the work of the pioneering photographer, Olive Edis. Edis, although now relatively unknown, was one of the most important photographers of the first half of the 20th century, and the first-ever accredited female war photographer. The breadth of her subjects, from British royalty and aristocracy, to the craggy faces of North Norfolk fishermen and the highly atmospheric battlefields of France, raise her to international status. This long-awaited exhibition at Norwich Castle features more than 190 rare photographs, taken between the years of 1900 and 1955.

AYLSHAM FOOD FESTIVAL

COAST 2016

Various locations in Aylsham. Tel: 07833 096931. www.slowfoodaylsham.org.uk Friday 30th to Sunday 2nd October. Free admission (prices apply for the gala dinner and Big Slow Brunch).

Various locations in Cromer and Sheringham. www.northnorfolkartsandcrafts.org Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th October. Free admission.

eld as part of the Norfolk Food & Drink Festival, Aylsham Food Festival sees some of the county’s most prestigious producers flock to the town for a country market and gala dinner at the local high school, prepared and served by the students. Activities in and around the market place have, in the past, featured cooking theatres with top Norfolk chefs in attendance, plus light-hearted entertainment along a food and drink theme. The weekend always ends with the Big Slow Brunch in the town hall on the Sunday morning… See you there!

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his popular art and literary festival incorporates a host of arts forms including painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, literature, poetry, music, photography and much more. Its object is to promote and provide access to the arts in the towns of Cromer and Sheringham, celebrating the quality of work produced in the local area and creating a vision to share for the common good. The theme for 2016 is revolution, so if would like to get involved, either by contributing to the programme or volunteering your services, check out the website for details. office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

VINTAGE LOVER FAIR

SEAHORSE STUDIO

Blakeney Village Hall, Langham Road, Blakeney, Norfolk NR25 7PG. Tel: 07496 731637. www.littlevintageloverfair.co.uk Sunday 30th October, 10am to 4pm. Adults (£1), children (free).

1 Albert Street, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6HX. Tel: 07801 225757. www.seahorsestudio.co.uk Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

round 25 traders will be showcasing a selection of vintage fashions, textiles and homewares from 1920 to 1970 at Blakeney Village Hall near Holt this autumn. The Vintage Lover Fair, founded by Norfolk girl Zoe Durrant, aims to bring a little bit of vintage glamour to the North Norfolk coast, with a fabulous array of beautiful items on display, from jewellery and accessories, to books and furniture. A relaxed and friendly event, everyone is welcome to pop in… The tea room will be open and there will be a couple of special guests coming along to entertain the crowds.

t Seahorse Studio in Holt, you will find something unique. Featuring handmade glass beads, jewellery and one-ofa-kind gifts, you can even watch the creative process as owner Helen Wright makes her glass beads in the studio. From simple spacer beads to ornate flower vase pendants and little vessel beads that seem to have the patina of centuries, you can buy a single bead, a set, a pretty necklace or pair of earrings. Helen also takes commissions – if you have a particular colour scheme, she will make something just for you – as well as stocking work by other artists she admires. The perfect place for finding a special present or treating yourself to a treasured piece.

DON’T MISS PARK HOUSE HOTEL’S FASHION AND MOTOR SHOW Friday 9th September

Featuring clothes by Goddards of King’s Lynn and cars from Porsche Centre Cambridge. Email parkhousecompanions@gmail.com for details.

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NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

orwich Theatre Royal has announced the appointment of Stephen Crocker as their new Chief Executive following an international search. Stephen will succeed Peter Wilson MBE, who moves on in December 2016 after 25 years at the helm of East Anglia’s leading theatre. Stephen will commence in post in January 2017, moving from his current position as Deputy Chief Executive of The Lowry, Salford, one of the UK’s leading cross-arts organisations. During his nine years at The Lowry, Stephen has led a number of major strands of work, including the venue’s award-winning Learning & Engagement programme. Michael Newey, Chairman of the Trustees of Norwich Theatre Royal, said, “We are looking forward to welcoming Stephen to the team and working with him to build on Peter’s tremendous legacy both in the Theatre Royal and the county. Stephen has an impressive track record in the cultural sector in London, and more recently, Manchester, and we are very confident that he is the right person for the challenges we face over the years ahead.” Stephen Crocker added, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Theatre Royal and leading the next chapter in the incredible history of this muchloved venue. This is an exciting time to join the organisation and it is an honour to build upon the remarkable legacy of Peter Wilson. “Norwich is a truly modern heritage city with an incredibly vibrant cultural scene and I am excited to make it my home. I am looking forward to meeting audiences and partners across Norwich and Norfolk as we cement the city and county as one of the leading cultural destinations in the UK.”

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“I AM THRILLED TO BE JOINING THE TEAM AT THE THEATRE ROYAL AND LEADING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE INCREDIBLE HISTORY OF THIS MUCH-LOVED VENUE”

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Photo courtesy of Holkham Estate

Five of our favourite spooky Halloween events to entertain the family this October. Saturday 15th to Sunday 30th October THE GLORIOUS GLOWING LANTERN PARADE Bewilderwood, Horning Road, Hoveton, Norfolk NR12 8JW. Tel: 01692 633033. www.bewilderwood.co.uk Spend the day exploring Bewilderwood’s Halloween woodland decorations then wind your way through the woods to build and decorate a truly special lantern of your own, one that really glows in the dark. The show starts at dusk when Snagglefang the bat will get things going with a poem, then it’s off through the dark to meet Slitherigrubs, witches, naughty Thorneycold spiders, and even Swampy himself! Be wowed by lights, lasers and glowing pumpkins, as the whole parade reaches an awesome crescendo in the deep marsh. It’s spooky, it’s spine-tingly, but it really isn’t that scary – well, unless witches count! Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th October

Monday 31st October HALLOWEEN AT FAIRHAVEN Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham, Norfolk NR13 6DZ. Tel: 01603 270449. www.fairhavengarden.co.uk Love having a scarily good time? Then join the team at Fairhaven for their annual Halloween party! Are you brave enough to dare to enter the creepy woodland trail where lost souls roam, and delve down into the haunted hollow where the trees are alive with things unseen and live to tell the tale? Promising electrifying live music, cheesily cheerful children’s entertainers, a devilishly good hotdog stall and lots more, be sure that you don’t miss the frighteningly fabulous firework finale at 7.45pm! Not suitable for sensitive souls or children under the age of 3, all cowardly custards should stay at home! Saturday 22nd October to Tuesday 1st November

HALLOWEEN AT HOLKHAM Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB. Tel: 01328 713111. www.holkham.co.uk

TRICK OR TWEET Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham Road, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0LN. Tel: 01328 851465. www.pensthorpe.com

Creepy crawlies and slithery reptiles will make your skin crawl at Holkham this Halloween! Get hands-on with the Kiddy Cook team in the old kitchen and decorate your spooky cupcake with bats and bugs to make it terrifyingly tasty. Or, sneak around the hall and keep your eyes peeled for bewilderingly batty facts along the way. ‘Field to Fork’ will become truly frightening as you dare to put your hands into the creepy crawly boxes, while ‘Party Animals’ will have live insects, spooky spiders, slithery snakes and lazy lizards to show you. Come dressed for the occasion and join in the fancy dress parade to make your visit truly spooktacular!

Celebrate the spooky season and uncover a host of fang-tastic facts as you blow away the cobwebs for beastly Halloween fun at Pensthorpe this October half-term. Follow the self-guided Trick or Tweet trail around the park and discover the grim and gruesome side of nature! There will be prizes for those who aren’t afraid to complete the trail, as well as awards for the best dressed freaky fancy dress photo booth picture. So, if you think you’ve got what it takes, head over to Pensthorpe during the last week in October to be in with a chance of winning a special Halloween treat!

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Saturday 22nd October to Sunday 30th October SPOOKY EXPRESS Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW. Tel: 01263 733858. www.bvrw.co.uk Bure Valley Railway’s Spooky Express returns this October for children of all ages to enjoy plenty of scary fun (without being too frightened, that is!). A kid’s competition to see how many spooky items can be spotted on the train journey, a colouring corner and a decorated Whilstlestop Café add to the attraction of this unique Halloween-themed event. Also, the railway’s resident bear will be dressed up to welcome each train at Aylsham Station. With free travel for every child when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, it’s a must-do during the school holidays.

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EXHIBITION NEWS

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is hosting the largest and most comprehensive exhibition about Fiji ever assembled.

evealing stunning sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and ivory and shell regalia, Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific will take the visitor on a journey through the art and cultural history of this dynamic South Seas archipelago since the late 18th century.

Over 270 works of art, including European paintings and historic photographs, are being loaned for this internationally-important exhibition, presenting both Fijian artworks and a European response to them. These include exquisite watercolours by the intrepid Victorian travel writer and artist Constance Gordon Cumming, and by the Irish naval artist James Glen Wilson, who was in Fiji in the 1850s. The exhibition results from a three-year Arts & Humanities Research Council-funded project, which examined the extensive but little-known Fijian collections in the UK and overseas, and uncovered some significant treasures. Research project leader and exhibition curator Professor Steven Hooper said, “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 are works of

Whale Ivory Necklace (Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, Cambridge)

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.” A highlight of the exhibition will be a beautiful, newly commissioned, eight metre-long double-

Ceremonial barkcloth attire, made on Nayau Island, purchased 2012

Feejeeans Resting, by James Glen Wilson, watercolour & ink,1856 (Private Collection)

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Fiji drua (sailing canoe), commissioned for the exhibition. Photo, Steven Hooper

hulled sailing canoe that has been built in Fiji and shipped to Norwich for display. Made entirely of wood and coir cord, with no metal components, the canoe results from a project to encourage canoe-building skills, and is a small version of the great 30-metrelong vessels of the 19th century, the biggest canoes ever built. Fiji has always been a dynamic place of cultural interactions and exchanges. Since 1000 BC, voyaging canoes have transported people and objects around the region, including to Tonga, Samoa and other neighbouring Pacific islands. In the 19th century, new voyagers arrived, Europeans, with their new technologies, metal, guns and Christian religion. Sophisticated strategists, Fijian chiefs twice asked to join the British Empire, and a colonial government was established in 1874. BarkCloth, Detail c.1850-1859 bark cloth and pigment Courtesy of Trustees of the Fiji Museum

View of Tokou, Ovalau.Watercolour, 1870s by Constance Gordon Cumming (Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, Cambridge)

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, kava bowls (for the preparation of the important ritual drink), and impressive decorated barkcloths for weddings and mortuary rituals. The Sainsbury Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite of galleries will be used to present Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich cultural past and its important relationship with Britain. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ. Tel: 01603 593199. www.scva.ac.uk Saturday 15th October to Sunday 12th February.

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Model temple made of coir basketry and wood (Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, Cambridge)

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Much loved and irrepressible, Sue Perkins is going out on the road with her new live show, packed full of sparkling wit, great stories, a userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to Mary Berry, and the very best bits from her hilarious best-selling memoir.

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What prompted you to go on tour with Live! in Spectacles? A. It’s a good time to look back on my life so far. I fully intend to live to the age of 92, so this is half-time. Essentially, this tour is handing out the orange segments. Q. Tell us more. A: Writing a memoir begins a process that doesn’t necessarily end with publication. You begin to think about family life and stories and relationships, and those are ongoing. Once the book was published, I thought, “There is so much more still to say without necessarily writing another book. Why not animate the book with a live tour?” It’s like a companion volume, I guess. A big, technicolour puke of thoughts. Perhaps I should put that on the poster… Q.You have always relished live performance, haven’t you? A. Yes, I love live. I really enjoy playing with an audience. At book events, I do Q&A’s, and it’s often then that the madness starts. It often feels like an anarchic version of Question Time. Q. What do you particularly like about interacting with the audience? A. It enriches me. Performing live challenges you to be more engaged. And the great thing is, each venue is completely different. What I have done lately has been TV-based, so I haven’t had the same feedback as I get live, and that’s what I love. I adore the raw surprise of someone asking a question you would never have expected. I love the spontaneity of it. I don’t encourage hecklers, but sometimes a heckler is the funniest person in the room – why not embrace that? The audience is a big pool of fun you can swim around in. But remember, no petting! Q.You will be giving each ticketholder a copy of your book, Spectacles. What’s the thinking behind that? A. It gives me the opportunity to meet the whole audience afterwards during the signings. A gig is a two-way street. It’s not about me broadcasting. It’s as much about how people respond to the material. My memoir is a story of family and childhood, and everyone has had one of those. Mine is not the definitive version of childhood, but it’s a great way to start a conversation. I love it when someone says, “It’s weird. I lived next to an electricity substation for 20 years as well.” Or, “We had a cat that dragged our turkey across the room at Christmas and we had to eat boiled eggs for our lunch instead.” The book is a recorded history of my life so far, but the tour brings extra stuff to it. The audience adds so much on top of that. It’s important to have that double act thing going on with them.

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Q. So, which subjects will you be covering in the show? A: Births, deaths, lemon drizzle and getting fondled by a Cambodian hermit. I’ll talk a lot about the catastrophising that went on in my family. There was always a sense that something awful, that imminent doom, was around the corner. It came from my mum – she’s a worrier. Everything was a potential trip to A&E! Q. And you will also be showing some slides? A. Yes, there will be lots of slides. There is only one picture of me in the book and I have this horrific haircut in it. People say, “Surely that was just one bad haircut day?” But I’m afraid I have 150 slides of myself at different ages, all with the same haircut! My mum had someone round to cut my hair who, it transpired, had only done dog grooming before. So, I had a low Dougal-style fringe that was perfectly straight. It swayed like a trimmed, bearded collie! A bowl for all seasons. Perhaps that should be the title of the second volume? Q.You have a wonderful relationship with your fans. Do they frequently stop you in the street? A. Sometimes, yes. Often they’ll want to ask about the weird things I’ve eaten. I’ve eaten everything. There’s nothing I haven’t eaten. I’ve eaten peacock, rat, squirrel, wigeon, teal, snipe, snake, moose and yak. Bear Grylls, eat your heart out! In fact, he probably has eaten his heart out… Q. What else do the fans ask you? A. They always want to know what Mary Berry is like. Well, Bez is the best. End of. She’s the nation’s sweetheart. I love her. So much so, I’ve been trying to get her to adopt me for the last seven years. Q. Why do you think The Great British Bake Off has proved so popular? A. I think the chemistry between the four of us – Mary, Paul, Mel and I – works so well. We’re all big kids at heart. We’re all very playful. We don’t approach it as a job. We approach it as a day out at a country fair! But the real reason why the show is so successful is the 12 people who come to bake every year. Although we four have received a lot of attention, I really do believe that the bakers are where the magic is. Q. Finally, do you believe that a sense of humour is vital? A. Of course. Life is boring without the punctuation of punchlines. If you laugh at a joke, it’s because someone has put something you already know in a way you had never thought of before. You’ve always been aware of that idea, but it’s the expression of that idea that catches you. The other person encapsulates it or puts a new twist on it. It illuminates and cheers in one fell swoop. Without humour, what’s the point? Life would simply be one long argument with a man from the BT helpdesk!

Sue Perkins Live! in Spectacles is at Norwich Theatre Royal on Sunday 4th September, at 7.30pm. For further information, call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk To book tickets for Sue Perkins’ tour, visit www.sueperkinslive.com

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LITERARY NORFOLK

Written by Thomas Dick

Did you know that one of the most influential novels of all time has its roots firmly here in Norfolk? Feature writer Thomas Dick finds out more.

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any of us probably aren’t aware that the popular children’s book, Black Beauty, was penned in Old Catton, Norwich. The author, Anna Sewell, wrote it in the last few months of her life, but she did live long enough to see its incredible success, since it was an instant bestseller. With sales of 50 million copies in total, it is one of the best-selling books ever written. In many book shops, it will be classified under children’s literature, but it was intended to be read by all ages, as it deals extensively with animal welfare, particularly in Victorian England, as well as teaching the reader to treat others with kindness, sympathy and respect. Even if you enjoyed it as a child, it is definitely worth a re-read as an adult. THE AUTHOR Anna Sewell was born in Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, in 1820. She had one brother

named Philip, who was an engineer in Europe. On his return to England, he bought a house in Old Catton. Her father was a bank manager, while her mother wrote many books for young people. The young Anna honed her literary skills by helping her mother edit her manuscripts. She also developed a strong love of horses, and was, in many ways, a horse whisperer. In Victorian England, horses were the mainstay of public transport, as well as used extensively in industry, and they were often treated badly. Anna and her mother hated to see horses being ill-treated, and they would often express their disapproval to the owner. At the time, horses worked in coalmines, pulled barges along canals and ploughed fields, and it was not unknown for them to die in their harnesses. At the age of 14, Anna suffered a terrible fall, severely damaging her

legs, which never healed properly. As a result, she had to use a crutch for the rest of her life, and was unable to stand or walk for long periods. As she grew older, she was able to take up carriage riding, however. Given her innate ability to communicate with horses, she became very skilled, and was able to make commands using her voice alone. She often drove with a very loose rein and never used a whip. She was extremely concerned about the humane treatment of animals and, as a Quaker, she abhorred hunting for sport. She read an essay on animals by an American theologian, Horace Bushnell, which resulted in her stating that she wished to induce kindness, sympathy and an understanding of horses – themes which would later appear in her work. Some years later, her parents moved to London, and she went to live with her brother. During the last 10 years of her life, her disabilities meant she was confined to her home, giving her plenty of time to pen the only book she would write.

“MANY OF US PROBABLY AREN’T AWARE THAT THE POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOK, BLACK BEAUTY, WAS PENNED IN OLD CATTON”

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Anna Sewell’s house at Old Catton, Norfolk

THE BOOK The manuscript of Black Beauty was originally published by Norwich-based publishers, Jarrolds, in 1877. Anna Sewell earned £20 as payment for the manuscript. She died in 1878, only a year after publication. So, what makes Black Beauty such a huge worldwide success? Many novels about animals are written from a human perspective, whereas this book is from the horse’s perspective, so themes of kindness and cruelty are described directly from experience.

but it also meant that the horse was no longer able to swat flies, leading to bites and stings. The impact of the novel was such that many inhumane practices towards animals fell out of fashion, working towards changing society for the better. Black Beauty has entertained millions of readers since its publication, has been adapted into many films, and has also been the subject of several television series. Its author’s name will continue to live on in Norwich through Sewell Park and the Sewell Barn Theatre, which was, in fact, converted from the barn of her brother’s old house.

One particularly cruel practice, fashionable in Victorian England, was the use of the bearing rein for carriage horses. This was used to keep the horse’s head held up high, but it restricted breathing. The novel’s strong stance on this practice eventually played a part towards it being banned. Another cruel fashion was the docking of the tail to improve the overall appearance of the horse. Not only was this a painful procedure,

Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich Photo courtesy of Cameron Self www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewell_Barn_Theatre

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Sewell Park, Norwich

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Kitchen Sense offer a full design and planning service including home or site visits totally free of charge and without obligation. A full and competitive installation service is also offered, however, items can also be supplied without installation if preferred. Please call into our showrooms for a coffee and a chat - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be most welcome.

62 London Road, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9BZ

Traditional Modern Monday to Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm Saturday: 9.00am-4.00pm (Closed for lunch 1.00pm-2.00pm)

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TOWN FOCUS

This ancient market town on the Norfolk/Suffolk border is ideally placed for those wanting to explore the beautiful Waveney Valley.

Photos by Ian Carstairs/Harlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future

DID YOU KNOW? There are several cultural events held in Harleston each year including the Harleston and Waveney Art Trail and the Harleston and Waveney Festival. The town is famous for its Festival of Food in early October and its antiques market and street party in the summer.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MORE Harleston has been working hard towards the conservation of its swift population. A song has been recorded to help raise awareness. To listen, follow the link www.youtu.be/Vziv6yDDZA4

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ABOUT

arleston has been voted Norfolk’s town of the year on several occasions. Its quaint, narrow streets and attractive timber-framed buildings hint at the town’s long history, which can be explored further at Harleston Museum. Wednesday has been market day since 1259, and is still popular with locals, as well as shoppers from further afield. The town’s excellent independent speciality shops make it a great shopping destination, while the array of catering establishments, covering everything from a quick coffee and cake to a delicious gourmet meal, mean you can really make the most of your visit and spend the whole day here.

WHAT TO DO The Workhouse

WHERE TO EAT

here’s a host of fab local pubs, cafés and restaurants, as well as St Peter’s Brewery nearby. J D Young Hotel does an amazing Sunday roast, alongside an extensive bar menu and daily-changing specials. Whether you crave a hearty breakfast, relaxed lunch or evening meal, you can be sure of a warm, friendly welcome at The Swan Hotel. Set in a delightful old building featuring original 16th century beams, enormous inglenook fireplaces and an arched courtyard, the renowned carvery restaurant has an excellent reputation locally, while the lounge bar is a popular meeting place for drinks and a catch-up. Whether it’s business or pleasure that brings you to Harleston, why not book a room for the night and extend your visit?

WHERE TO STAY

or somewhere a little bit different, Chameleon House has four unique B&B rooms, each individually decorated and furnished to a high standard, as well as a self-catering property, available for short stays of three or four days and weekly lets. As each of the bedrooms has its own front door, you have the freedom to come and go as you please, as well as the pleasure of breakfast brought to your door (should you prefer breakfast in bed, that is!). Weather permitting, you can even enjoy breakfast in Chameleon House’s peaceful and secluded courtyard garden, blessed with many ornamental shrubs and container plants providing radiant colour throughout the year. To advertise call 01953 456789

arleston’s free museum, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to the end of September, displays artefacts relating to the life and times of the people of Harleston and the immediate surrounding parishes, from pre-historic times to the present day. It’s well-worth a visit to find out more about the area’s interesting history. The Waveney Valley is a place of great beauty, with plenty on offer for budding photographers, artists, walkers, cyclists and wildlife lovers, while The Workhouse in the Old Market Place is sure to appeal to keen crafters. Boasting a stateof-the-art cookery school and artisan craft space, it runs classes and demonstrations on a wide variety of design-led crafts and British and international cooking. For further information, visit the website www.the-workhouse.co.uk

WHERE TO SHOP

he town’s selection of individual shops includes a butchers, bakers, hardware shop, ladies fashion shop, shoe shop, antiques shop, a traditional stationers called Robinson’s Stationers, plus a chocolatier called Just Truffles. Wilderness Stores sell lovingly sourced, restored and painted antique and vintage furniture, along with a wonderful range of lovely things to make your home feel special. Furniture painting workshops are held regularly, so you can learn how to paint fabulous shabby chic furniture for yourself! For those larger interior projects, family-owned Kitchen Sense displays the latest kitchen ranges in its Harleston showroom. Drop in for a chat and expert advice on finding the perfect kitchen to suit your specific requirements. www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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ON THE STREET

Written by Stephen Browning @returningperson

Writer Steve Browning explores the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fascinating history.

Photos by Daniel Tink www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk To advertise call 01953 456789

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hen it comes to Norfolk landmarks that were pivotal in changing our fortunes in the Great War, no story is more interesting than that of King’s Lynn. Although experts still debate the exact impact, it is a remarkable story in several ways, not least as an example of ‘thinking outside the box’ when faced with a problem that at first appeared to defy resolution. It is all about cordite, conkers, and the future inaugural President of Israel. What is Cordite? Cordite had been used by the British Army as a propellant for shells and bullets since 1889. Previously, black gunpowder had been used. A vital ingredient of this was acetone, along with nitroglycerine and gun cotton. Pre-war production involved huge quantities of birch, beech and maple which, through a process of dry distillation known as pyrolysis, produced the cordite. As demands increased manifold at the beginning of the war, Britain was forced to seek imports from America, a state of affairs clearly unsustainable given the success of the U-boat campaign.

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By 1915, there occurred a ‘shell crisis’ when British guns were limited to firing only a few times each day. Enter Lloyd George, Chaim Weizmann, the Queen and lots of boy scouts… It was at this time that the Ministry of Munitions was set up under future Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, who asked renowned Manchester University chemist Chaim Weizmann to look for alternative ways to produce acetone. He set to work and came up with a new anaerobic fermentation process that used a bacterium, which came to be called ‘Weizmann organism’, to produce large amounts of acetone from various foodstuffs including grain, maize and rice. Two new factories were erected to build upon this success, one at Holton Heath in Dorset and the other at King’s Lynn. They were very successful, producing between them enough gallons of acetone – about 90,000 a year – for the British armed forces.

“WHAT IS CORDITE? CORDITE HAD BEEN USED BY THE BRITISH ARMY AS A PROPELLANT FOR SHELLS AND BULLETS SINCE 1889” was asked to perform yet another miracle, and he began experimenting with the common conker. As this looked very promising, the government launched a nationwide scheme to encourage youngsters and adults to gather as many tons as possible. Kept keen by payments of 7s 6d (37.5p) for every hundred weight, 3000 tons were collected for the King’s Lynn factory. It is

part of folklore that even the Queen joined in at her Sandringham gardens. Much was sadly left to rot, however, as school children proved too adept at this task. Production began in April 1918, but there were many teething problems, and not as much acetone was produced as initially hoped. Production ended after around three months, but by then, the war was clearly being won. Chaim Weizmann’s contribution to the world continued after the war. He became the first President of the state of Israel, which was established in 1948. He died in 1952.

Problems occurred in 1917, as grain and potatoes became scarce because of German U-boat operations. Weizmann

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OFF THE WALL

FAME AND FORTUNE Written by David Morris

Photographer David Morris has finally got to grips with the benefits of social media.

only joined Facebook and Twitter last year, and then under duress. The word was, if you want people to visit your website, you have to engage with them first through social media. Which means being chatty, good fun and interesting. Bit of a problem here, since I’m none of those things! I even attended a social media course for artists. It was a room full of 15 antisocial people like me. None of us wanted to share a photograph of what we’d just had for breakfast, or our holiday snaps, or pictures of the cat! We weren’t friends or acquaintances; we’d only just met. But everyone agreed we were going to have to get reluctantly ‘engaged’ with all this stuff.

I tentatively asked Anna, the Editor, for advice. She told me to just do it. Write something on Twitter, and she would retweet it for me. Of course, the predictable happened. As soon as I posted a few images, I was addicted. Addicts suffer highs and lows, and that’s just what you get with ‘likes’. If one of my photographs gets a lot of them, I’m over the moon and life is suddenly good. If I post something that gets hardly any, I’m miffed, depressed and determined to post something that takes the ‘likes’ stratospheric. And so I go rummaging around for an image that I think, “this will get ‘em”. Sad, isn’t it?

What is such fun is the interaction you have over the comments people make. The bit I was dreading turns out to be really easy. People are enthusiastic, massively complimentary, and often humorous. Making a response to them is simply good manners, and then you find yourself adding extra bits. Hey presto, you’re ‘engaged’ with your audience! But then you start thinking, what does this all mean? A Russian photographer made the comment that six months of his work could be exposed in social media, raved over and dismissed, in just a few seconds. And then the public are on to the next new image. You are feeding an insatiable machine; it will never be satisfied. And what do these ‘likes’ really signify anyway? A friend, who is a photographer and fine artist, did an experiment. He posted a photograph of a cat in amongst his fine art postings. You’ve guessed it! The cat had a meteoric trajectory of hits, his artwork just a few from loyal followers. He removed the cat image as soon as he could; he said it reflected badly on his artwork. Do these ‘likes’ that you do manage to wrestle out of the public translate into sales of

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“WHAT IS SUCH FUN IS THE INTERACTION YOU HAVE OVER THE COMMENTS PEOPLE MAKE. THE BIT I WAS DREADING TURNS OUT TO BE REALLY EASY”

Storm Couds 25 Likes

River Waveney 11 Likes

your work? Well, apparently so for some people, but the majority thought not. It brought them brief fame, but no lucre, filthy or otherwise. And to be frank, it has always surprised me that people are prepared to buy photographs or artwork over the internet anyway. You may be building up an audience with social engagement, but is the audience really engaged with your work? Don’t they need to see work not just on Facebook, but face-to-face to fully appreciate it? Maybe, maybe not. David Morris, along with a couple of other artists, will be exhibiting ‘Four days in October’ at Burnham Overy Village Hall, from Saturday 22nd to Tuesday 25th October.Visit his website for details. To advertise call 01953 456789

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THE BEST

THE HOURGLASS 9 The Street, Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9QD. Tel: 01328 856744. www.the-hourglass.co.uk Open daily; 12pm to 2pm, and 6.30pm to 9pm. Expect to pay around £15 for a main course. The pensioners’ lunch menu is available Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes (two courses for £10 per person). Booking is advisable.

We visited The Hourglass in Sculthorpe near Fakenham for a winning combination of fabulous food and first-class service.

ou could be forgiven for driving past The Hourglass bar and restaurant, situated just off the A148 Fakenham to King’s Lynn road, but a visit to this popular public house promises not to disappoint. Tucked away in the quiet North Norfolk village of Sculthorpe, it has become a popular destination for diners keen to enjoy delicious homemade dishes in a relaxed, laid-back environment. Guaranteeing a warm welcome from the helpful, friendly staff, who will show you to your table, the contemporary, open-plan restaurant is open every day of the week for both lunch and dinner. Offering a large, varied menu, along with a great range of daily specials on the blackboard above the bar, all the food is cooked fresh to order and served in good, hearty portions.

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“TUCKED AWAY IN THE QUIET NORTH NORFOLK VILLAGE OF SCULTHORPE, IT HAS BECOME A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR DINERS KEEN TO ENJOY DELICIOUS HOMEMADE DISHES IN A RELAXED, LAID-BACK ENVIRONMENT” and parmesan risotto, pan-roasted duck breast, fresh fillets of sea bass… And that’s not forgetting the array of seasonal specials to entice… The salmon, prawn and crayfish salad was a big hit for both locals and holidaymakers this summer. What’s more, on a Monday and Tuesday lunchtime, the pensioners’ special two-course menu is available, while a three-course Sunday lunch menu is served every weekend, with a selection of roast meats to choose from. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment! Starters include homemade soup of the day (celeriac was in season at our time of visit), prawn cocktail, crispy coated whitebait, creamy garlic mushrooms and grilled goats’ cheese salad. Traditional old favourites with the odd modern twist, these classic starters promise to get any leisurely meal off to a good start. As for main courses, the options are endless… The Hourglass pork ribs smothered in barbecue sauce, rosemary roast vegetable To advertise call 01953 456789

When it comes to desserts, the chef ’s mouth-watering homemade puddings are complemented by a great choice of Mövenpick ice cream and sorbets. From Eton mess and lemon syllabub, to chocolate brownie and biscuit basket filled with fresh pineapple, we loved the naughty-but-nice cheesecake of the day (banana and toffee was the flavour on this occasion). The perfect finishing touch to any dining experience, don’t forget to leave plenty of room to satisfy your sweet tooth! And why not round

off your dinner with a selection of cheeses, a hot beverage, or a liqueur coffee, perhaps? The ideal venue for a lunch date with friends or a relaxed evening meal, The Hourglass even caters for groups of up to 70 people, so you can celebrate your special occasion in style. Uniting delightful home cooking and cheerful, attentive staff, this village pub gets a big thumbsup from us! www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

LOCAL FOOD

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September marks the start of shellfish season. With this in mind, we count down our top ten spots for seafood. 1

THE NEPTUNE, OLD HUNSTANTON

THE ANCHOR INN, MORSTON

THE ORANGE TREE, THORNHAM

THE MOORINGS, BLAKENEY

BRIARFIELDS, TITCHWELL

COOKIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CRAB SHOP, SALTHOUSE

THE WHITE HORSE, BRANCASTER

ROCKY BOTTOMS, WEST RUNTON

WELLS CRAB HOUSE, WELLS

BURE RIVER COTTAGE, HORNING

Tel: 01485 532122. www.theneptune.co.uk

Tel: 01485 512213. www.theorangetreethornham.co.uk Tel: 01485 210742. www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk Tel: 01485 210262. www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk Tel: 01328 710456. www.wellscrabhouse.co.uk

THORNHAM OLD HUNSTANTON

BRANCASTER

TITCHWELL

WELLS

Tel: 01263 741392. www.morstonanchor.co.uk

Tel: 01263 740054. www.blakeney-moorings.co.uk Tel: 01263 740352. www.salthouse.org.uk

Tel: 01263 837359. www.rockybottoms.co.uk

Tel: 01692 631421. www.burerivercottagerestaurant.co.uk

BLAKENEY

MORSTON

SALTHOUSE WEST RUNTON

10 HORNING

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HARRY’S BLOG

A HERO’S WELCOME

Written by Harry Farrow @HarryFarrowChef @morstonanchor

Norfolk chef Harry Farrow is part of the team behind the relaunched Hero pub and restaurant in Burnham Overy Staithe.

am always fascinated by the history and heritage of Norfolk’s coastal pubs, many acting as meeting points for fishermen or favourite haunts of smugglers. The Hero in Burnham Overy Staithe is one such place on the Norfolk coastline. Close to the quay, it boasts its own distinct character; a popular spot for walkers, sailors and dog owners. My business partner Rowan and I took over the lease a few weeks ago, and undertook a complete refurbishment before official relaunching in early July. Boasting a brand new restaurant, new kitchen, new car park and three B&B rooms, The Hero has been given a whole new lease of life! With an emphasis on simple dishes made using locally sourced ingredients and welcoming muddy boots and four-legged friends alike, it personifies all that we love about our first pub, The Morston Anchor, coupled with its own unique style.

The Anchor Inn is open from 9am until 11pm daily, serving food from 12-3pm and 6-9pm. We serve high quality local fish, game, meats and vegetables, cooked to perfection.

01263 741392 www.morstonanchor.co.uk The Street, Morston, Norfolk NR25 7AA

We are hiring! Visit our website for details

Head chef Max Emmerson has been given the task of running The Hero’s busy kitchen. Max and I worked together seven years ago and remained friends. His unpretentious cooking style suits the feel of the pub, and when we sat down together to discuss our menu ideas, I knew he was the right man for the job. The menu is all about quick and easy food that celebrates our local produce, with plenty of seafood on offer and small Italian sharing dishes called cicchetti – perfect for nibbling with a glass of wine in hand! These have been a big hit with customers during our opening weeks, whilst also proving popular is our unusual take on traditional fish and chips – a miso-marinated cod fillet served with Parmentier potatoes and wasabi pea purée. Yum! So, whether you’re dropping in for refreshments or a bite to eat, perhaps, we do hope you’ll love what we’ve done with the place. See you soon! The Hero is at Wells Road, Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk PE31 8JE. For further information, call 01328 738334 or visit www.theheroburnhamovery.co.uk

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

PERFECT PROFITEROLES Written by Richard Bainbridge

Richard Bainbridge, chef-proprietor of Benedicts in Norwich, creates a glutenfree dessert that everyone can enjoy.

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rofiteroles are the ultimate impressive pudding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an ideal finishing touch to any special dinner or family gathering. My fool-proof profiterole recipe guarantees to impress your guests,

helping to produce buttery pastry thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as light as air, begging to be filled with lashings of cream and topped with delicious chocolate. As an added bonus, the best thing is that no one will even know they are gluten-free. Enjoy!

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GLUTEN-FREE PROFITEROLES INGREDIENTS FOR THE CHOUX PASTRY

FOR THE TOPPING

70g salted butter Pinch of sugar Pinch of sea salt 110g gluten-free white flour ½ tsp xanthan gum 3 eggs, beaten

100g dark chocolate 3 tsp water

FOR THE FILLING 250g whipping cream 2 tsp caster sugar Punnet of strawberries

METHOD Melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat. Add 130ml water, the salt and the sugar, and bring to a gentle boil. Sift the flour onto a sheet of baking parchment. Take the pan off the heat and tip in the flour straightaway, all at once, stirring vigorously. Beat until fairly smooth. Immediately return to a medium heat and beat until the mixture forms a sticky lump, leaving the sides of the pan more or less clean. Cook it for a minute or two to get the starch to gelatinise. Transfer to a standing mixer fitted with its dough attachment, or a mixing bowl if using an electric hand whisk. Allow the mixture to cool a little, until you can just bear to touch it. Beat the eggs again, until lightly frothy, then add to the dough mixture a little at a time, beating well, until the mixture is smooth. You may not need all the egg, so go carefully. The mixture should just drop off a spoon if you shake it, a little stiffer than a cake batter. Continue beating until it is cold. It should be smooth and elastic, with a very slight sheen. Use immediately. Preheat the oven to 240°C or gas mark 9. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and dab a little choux paste under the corners to hold it in place. Using a large piping bag with a large plain nozzle, pipe the paste into eight or ten large sausages, at least 4cm apart. Dab a wet finger on the pointed end of each

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one so that it will be rounded once baked. Bake for 15 minutes, until puffed and just starting to colour, then lower the oven setting to 200°C or gas mark 6, and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes, until ﬁrm and crisp. Pierce the side of each proﬁterole a couple of times with a skewer to release the steam. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, then turn the oven off, leaving them inside for a further 10 minutes to dry. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Do not wait more than an hour before eating, or the buns will go soggy. Once your choux buns are cooked, slice in half lengthways, and pipe your whipped cream down the middle. To prepare the whipped cream, place the cream and sugar into a large bowl and whisk together until it foams stiff peaks. Place into a piping bag with a star nozzle and refrigerate until needed. For the topping, put the chocolate and water into a bowl. Place a small pan of water onto the stove top and bring to the boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and place the bowl of chocolate on top. Allow the chocolate to melt. Once melted, gently stir and keep warm until ready to use. Once the profiteroles are filled with cream, lay a line of strawberries down the middle. Dip the tops into the melted chocolate, then place the lids back on.

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Reduced rates of VAT apply for MS, Parkinsons, Diabetes, Arthritis, Cancer sufferers

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HOME & AWAY

HOW GARDENS CAN SELL A HOUSE

e all love an outside space – a small courtyard, a garden for family life, a cottage garden, a paddock, a balcony with colourful pots, a roof garden… The variety is endless. Gardens today are extensions to a home, and there is nothing better than using them to harvest your own fruit and vegetables. The pretty traditional country cottage garden offers a riot of colour in the mixed flower beds, often intermingled with herbs and vegetables. In days gone by, many backbreaking hours were spent there, tending to vegetables, chickens and fruit trees. In Norfolk, as in other counties, we are blessed with stunning period country houses with

sweeping lawns, and maybe a pond, small lake or moat. Featuring wide herbaceous borders, old clipped yews, and even a croquet lawn, the larger houses used to employ a head gardener, under-gardeners, as well as a boy for the heavy work. They would also have magnificent glasshouses for raising exotic fruit such as pineapples. Christopher Columbus found pineapples in 1493, and when introduced to Europe, it became fashionable to serve them at dinner parties. Growing them was seen as a great achievement before hot water heating systems were introduced, representing the skill of the owner’s gardeners. Most of us lead such busy lives now that we want beautiful, but easy to run, gardens. Trips to garden centres make this possible, thanks

to their great selection of flora and fauna, water features, decking, fencing and luxurious outdoor furniture. First impressions count, and the right garden can sell a property just as much as any well-appointed kitchen. What’s more, the smell of roses or honeysuckle can be just as enticing to a buyer as the aroma of freshly ground coffee!

With 35 years of experience, Malcolm operates Norfolk Property Search. For further information, call 07434 934 579, email malcolmduffey652@btinternet.com or visit www.norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk

COME TO THE NORFOLK PROPERTY EXPERTS Are you looking for a home in Norfolk and want to make it a reality? The Norfolk Property Search Team has over 35 years experience in the Norfolk Property Market. If you are looking to purchase a property in Norfolk, we are the property experts on the ground. Whether it is a dream beach holiday getaway, a village retreat or a family home, we can help you to find the perfect property. Norfolk Property Search is committed to providing a professional, friendly and reliable service for people looking to search for: Town, Country and Coastal Property Cottages

Family Homes

Second Homes

Country Houses Barn Conversions

Buy-to-let Property Executive Rental Properties

Tel: 07434 934 579

Email: office@norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk Visit: www.norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk

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HEACHAM

MIDDLETON

OFFERS OVER £599,950

GUIDE PRICE £420,000

A 6 bedroom, 5 reception detached Edwardian residence with many original features, situated in a sought after location with established gardens. EPC – F.

A substantial 6 bedroom, 6 reception, barn conversion in established grounds with triple garage, large workshop and outbuildings. EPC – F.

ASHWICKEN

NORTH RUNCTON

GUIDE PRICE £375,000

OFFERS OVER £399,950

A deceptively spacious 3 bedroom detached bungalow situated in a sought after location with grounds of just over 1/2 an acre, subject to survey. EPC – D.

A 4 double bedroom detached residence with studio/workshop, situated in a sought after location with field views to the rear. EPC – D.

WEST WINCH

TILNEY ALL SAINTS

GUIDE PRICE £147,500

GUIDE PRICE £145,000

A well presented two bedroom end terraced cottage situated in a popular location with gardens, parking and garage. EPC – D.

An attractive 2 bedroom semi-detached period cottage situated in a tucked away location with good sized established gardens. EPC – E.

See all of our properties at beltonduffey.com, rightmove.co.uk, primelocation.com and all other major property websites. 42

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King’s Lynn 01553 770055

Fakenham 01328 855899

Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 710666

We are a corporate partner with

London 020 7298office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk 0329

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Go for a cool blue and white colour scheme to bring a touch of the Mediterranean into your home.

lue and white are the perfect partnership, and when united in any interior décor, they work to promote a sense of calm. By taking inspiration from nature and the sea, you can achieve a tranquil setting in which to relax and unwind. Go for brilliant white walls and add splashes of colour via carefully chosen accessories, from rugs and cushions, to artwork and vases. Have fun by combining various shades of blue to achieve a yearround holiday vibe.

Faience vase, price on request, at iDecorate

Wall rosettes, £19.95, at MiaFleur Mystic table lamp, £96, at Dar Lighting

From fabrics and furniture, to lighting and decorative items, you can either choose a couple of key pieces that remind you of the Mediterranean, or go for all-out blue and white scheme. Fish cushion cover, price on request, at DaWanda

Santorino tablecloth set, £82, at Ville & Campagne

THERE ARE PLENTY OF GREAT INTERIOR DESTINATIONS RIGHT HERE IN NORFOLK… For an ever-changing mix of coastal artefacts, visit Bringing The Outside In in Holkham. Tel: 01328 713093. www.bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk Fish and Ships in Burnham Market produces original artwork made from beach found wood and ephemera, and pieces of abandoned boats. Tel: 01328 738621. www.fish-and-ships.com Lisa Dawson Interiors’ Aylsham showroom has one of the largest fabric collections in Norfolk. Tel: 01263 732524. www.lisadawson.co.uk Amigos de Hoy rug, price on request

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

Is Your Conservatory Intolerably Hot In The Summer and Unbearably Cold In The Winter? Transform your conservatory with Conservatory Roof Insulation!

The most lightweight Tiled Roof on the market A U-Value lower than 0.10 W/m2k The widest choice of Tapco Slate Tile colours Structural integrity as standard 19 layer thermal barrier quilt 50mm continuous external thermal barrier 50mm internal insulation Suitable for all conservatory styles and sizes Dry fit slate effect standard with 50 year guarantee

01603 301100 â&#x20AC;˘ www.comfortableconservatories.com

Your Local Branch: 16 Alston Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 5DS Showroom Open 9:30am - 4.30pm 7 Days A Week

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GREEN FINGERS

FIBONACCI DESIGN

Sue Huckle takes her lead from mathematics to plan her latest garden scheme.

orking as a garden designer, I’m never too sure what is waiting around the corner. Enquiries come in from all sorts of clients; from those who want advice on what to plant in a shady corner, to those who have several acres to play with. Clients differ in their expectations; some know exactly what they want and just need a helping hand, others are happy to hand over their blank canvas to me. I like it when the latter happens. It’s an act of trust and, to a certain extent, bravery, to invite me to be involved in the creation of a garden! Mostly, it works out well and, over the years, some of my clients have become good friends.

Written by Sue Huckle

Recently, I was invited to visit a gentleman who owns a beautiful old property with a long front garden. As shown on very early photographs, there has always been a garden set in the lawn near the house. This had since become a messy jumble of plants. He was keen to keep a garden in the same position, but he wanted a fresh, new look. After much drinking of coffee and garden talk, we settled on a concept… The garden would reflect ideas that were being explored by Fibonacci around the time that the original building first arose on the site. This appealed to the client’s interest in art and science, and is a subject that has fascinated me for a long time.

Fibonacci was a 12th century mathematician who explored the relationship between a sequence of numbers and patterns that occur in nature. The sequence of numbers is 1 : 1 : 2 : 3 : 5 : 8 : 13 : 21 : 34 : 55 : 89… And so on! As you can see, the next number is created by adding the previous two. When these numbers are drawn as squares and a curve joins the opposite corner of each square, a spiral evolves. In nature, similar shapes occur in sea shells, snails, and in the formation of seed heads. So, the big question is, how to create a beautiful and interesting space using this information? All will be revealed in my column next issue.

“FIBONACCI WAS A 12TH CENTURY MATHEMATICIAN WHO EXPLORED THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A SEQUENCE OF NUMBERS AND PATTERNS THAT OCCUR IN NATURE. THE SEQUENCE OF NUMBERS IS 1 : 1 : 2 : 3 : 5 : 8 : 13 : 21 : 34 : 55 : 89… AND SO ON!”

To advertise call 01953 456789

For further information on Posh Plants, call 07703 347014 or visit www.poshplants.com

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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STYLE FILE

Written by Sarah Morgan @SarahBeingLois Autumn/Winter Collection Autograph top, £39.50; jumper, £22.50; skirt, £55, at Marks & Spencer

To advertise call 01953 456789

Stylist Sarah Morgan asks if a simple clearout can really change your life. www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

here’s something about this time of year that feels like a new beginning. With the seasons subtly changing and the back-to-school rush, it’s a time for re-evaluation, especially when it comes to your wardrobe.

know why you’re bothering, you’ll just pack it away for another year.

It’s possible you’re looking at a pile of clothes you didn’t wear this summer and thinking why not get rid of them?

That’s easy to tackle. It’s usually a matter of reuniting the client with their personal style so they can make their own decisions about what to keep or chuck.

Hmm. Not that easy, is it? There are plenty of columns on how to declutter, but I thought I’d go back a step and look at the reason why. Because if you don’t

One of the reasons clients call me is because they’ve run out of space; wardrobes filled with tons of clothes, yet they don’t feel inspired by any of them.

But, for some, stuff is keeping them stuck in a life they don’t want to live. I have a client called Shirley. Her clothes were just part of the problem.

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson dress, £250, at Debenhams

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On the surface, her house was tidy, but every inch was taken with cupboards, chests and boxes, stuffed with, well, things. Much was inherited from her mother, plus items her grown-up son had left behind. She admitted most of her clothes went unworn, but she couldn’t bring herself to throw them out. She felt bogged down by it all.

Lexington Midi tunic dress, £69.50, at Oliver Bonas

Chatting to Shirley, I found out she loathed her job, and wanted to start a new life running a seaside café. But she felt trapped. “I can’t leave my job because I have to pay the mortgage,” she said. I looked around. The house had four bedrooms, and there was only Shirley living there. “Why not sell the house and move on?” I asked. “I can’t move,” she explained. “I’d have nowhere to keep everything.” I could almost hear the penny drop… Get rid of the stuff, start living.

“DECLUTTERING CLEARS SPACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS – A FANTASTIC NEW HANDBAG, AN ENTIRE NEW LOOK, A NEW SENSE OF LIGHTNESS AND CLARITY, OR, AS IN SHIRLEY’S CASE, A WHOLE NEW LIFE” Decluttering clears space for new beginnings – a fantastic new handbag, an entire new look, a new sense of lightness and clarity, or, as in Shirley’s case, a whole new life. As soon as she found her motivation, the rest was easy – she was getting rid of the unused handbags, the too-tight dresses, and her mother’s old knick-knacks. So, before you reach for the black sacks, ask yourself, “What’s my ‘why’?” Once you have your answer, it will be a whole lot easier.

For further information, call 07919 608692 or visit www.sarah-morgan.co.uk

Little Black dress, price on request, at Dorothy Perkins

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

DINGLES SWAPPAGE

UP TO £2,500 SWAPPAGE TRADE-IN ALLOWANCE* For a limited time only, Dingles Toyota are bringing back the vehicle scrappage scheme, they call it ‘Dingles Swappage’.

SO, HOW DOES IT WORK? It is simple; all you need to do is trade-in your current vehicle to receive up to £2,500 Swappage trade-in allowance* when purchasing a new Toyota AYGO, Yaris or Auris.* To qualify for the scheme, your current vehicle needs to be 7 years or older, (an 09 plate). You must be named as the

vehicles registered keeper and be resident at the UK address shown on the Vehicle Registration Document (V5). You must have owned the trade-in vehicle for a minimum of 3 months. The trade-in vehicle must also have a valid MOT, road tax and be insured at the order date of the new vehicle.

DO YOU NEED TO TRADE-IN A TOYOTA? The great news is that the scheme is open to all vehicles from all manufacturers, including commercial vehicles. It doesn’t have to be a Toyota.

Toyota AYGO X-play – from £99 per month with a £1,000 Swappage tradein allowance* and a £350 Dingles anniversary saving. (6.9% Representative APR).

Toyota Yaris Icon – From £139 per month with a £2,000 Swappage tradein allowance* and a £920 Dingles anniversary saving. (6.9% Representative APR).

See www.dingles.co.uk/toyota/new-car-offers/swappage for more details or contact us at any of our deadlerships: Dingles Toyota, Norwich Delft Way. Norwich. NR6 6BB 01603 480000

Dingles Toyota, Attleborough Buckenham Road, Attleborough. NR17 1NB 01953 458200

Dingles Toyota, Lowestoft London Road South. NR33 0AS 01502 526700

*Trade-in allowance of £1,000 (AYGO), £2,000 (Yaris) and 2,500 (Auris) is applicable when trading in any vehicle registered on or before 30th September 2009, when purchasing a new Toyota AYGO< Yaris or Auris (excluding Active models) between 1 July-30 September 2016 and registered by 31 December 2016. Financed on Access Toyota (Toyota Financial Services) 6.9% APR Representative. office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

Issue 54

Photo courtesy of Renault Marketing 3DÂcommerce

ON THE ROAD

Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay test-drives the all-new Renault MĂŠgane GT 205. To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

“HIGH POINTS INCLUDE A 1.6-LITRE PETROLTURBO POWER UNIT, DERIVED FROM RENAULT’S CLIO RS 200. IT PRODUCES A MUSCLY 205PS AND 207LB-FT OF TORQUE”

Clio RS 200. It produces a muscly 205PS and 207lb-ft of torque. And just like the Renault Clio, it comes with a factory-fitted EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) seven-speed auto gearbox.

Renault is bound to attract punters to this fourth generation of its 20-year-old Mégane range. High points include a 1.6-litre petrolturbo power unit, derived from Renault’s

The Renault Mégane GT 205 is buttressed by the French manufacturer’s four-year-old CMF (Common Module Family) platform. However, Renault Sport has sprinkled magic dust over the dampers, springs, engine breathing and steering ratio to make everything feel very 2016/2017. And you can let Renault off for

frenetic French fiend on the straights and on twisty turns of tarmac, like many warm-hatches, this car can actually be used as family motor. Although the rear seats are perhaps better for the short of leg or for the kids, the boot will fit in a pram, as well as the shopping bags.

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sticking a fake tailpipe on – the twin exhaust look does work very well indeed. The automaker’s Sport division has also tweaked the Renault Mégane GT 205’s 4Control four-wheel steering. Shift it into RS mode, and sub-50mph, the car’s rear wheels steer 2.7 degrees in the other direction to the front wheels, honing turn-in on the bendier bits of bitumen. Beyond 50mph, the front wheels operate 1.0 degree in the same direction, encouraging high-speed plantedness. office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

Max speed: 143 mph 0-62 mph: 7.1 secs Combined mpg: 47.1 Engine layout: 1616cc 4-cylinder 16v turbo petrol Max power (ps): 205 CO2: 134 g/km

Photos by Anthony Bernier/Prodigious

• • • • • •

This car is one-of-a-kind when it comes to its interior touchscreen. It’s the only one in its segment to house a vast portrait oriented 8.7inch screen. This is accompanied by other tech that raises the bar even higher. Kit includes traffic sign recognition, launch control and attractive LED headlights. Plus, it sounds as awesome as it performs, although, like the dummy exhaust, the sound isn’t all real. Some of the racing refrains are cleverly fed into the cabin through the car’s speakers. To advertise call 01953 456789

The seven-cog auto box is smooth and kicks down nicely when you press on for pace, while the gear selector paddles work well for manual shifting and look the business. You won’t use them though; I did for about five minutes, but soon left it to the capable EDC transmission to do its job. Zigzagging my way across some of Britain’s rural routes, it became obvious just how capable the new Renault

Mégane GT 205 is on corners. There’s little, if any, body lean, and it’s all very comfortable, regardless of the stiffer, sportier suspension. That only becomes noticeable if you hit a particularly large rut – but then potholepeppered roads affect the ride in any car. There are lots of things to love about this model. It’s fun, energetic, agile, and relatively practical. It’s also a handsome beast, and you can’t go wrong with the £25,500 price-tag either! www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

THEATRE TIME

“IKNEW ALL THE SONGS, ALTHOUGH I DID HAVE TO LEARN LONELY GOATHERD FOR THE AUDITIONS BECAUSE I’D NEVER LEARNED TO YODEL BEFORE, SO THAT WAS QUITE TOUGH!” – LUCY O’BYRNE

Lucy O’Byrne as Maria Photos by Mark Yeoman

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Written by John Bultitude

We chat to Lucy O’Byrne aka Maria von Trapp, starring in The Sound of Music at Norwich Theatre Royal this October. How did the role of Maria come about? A. Producer Bill Kenwright contacted my agent pretty much as soon as I had finished doing The Voice. I had three rounds of auditions and I was really put through my paces! They knew I could sing, but they have to make sure they can trust you to take the pressure because Maria really is the centre of the whole story. It was good fun and an interesting process.

Q. This marks your professional musical theatre debut. Are you feeling nervous or will you take it all in your stride? A. Performing is in my blood, but I am nervous. As a debut, it’s big pressure because it’s such an important show to so many people and everyone knows it. So many people have their own idea of who Maria should be, but I just want to make it my own.

Q. Were you thrilled to be finally offered the part? A. It was amazing, I’m not going to lie. I did cry a little bit! When I moved into my current house in London, my housemate had two or three framed pictures of Julie Andrews, and one of them was the original Sound of Music poster. When I got the news, we both had a little bit of a moment in the kitchen. And it was amazing to get to call my family and tell them.

Q.You’re from Ireland, Maria von Trapp was Austrian, and Julie Andrews is English. Are you having elocution lessons to perfect your accent? A. Maria will have an English accent, so I’m sure there will be plenty of people around to help me out. And I’ve been in England for the last two years, so my Irish accent is softening.

Q. Were you familiar with the film? A. Yes, I knew all the songs, although I did have to learn Lonely Goatherd for the auditions because I’d never learned to yodel before, so that was quite tough! I think my yodelling skills are getting there.

Q. Do you think TV talent shows can be a great career-boosters? A. Yes, definitely. So many people have done so well from all of those shows. Look at Jessie Buckley, another Irish girl, who was runner-up on I’d Do Anything. She was in the

West End last year, starring opposite Jude Law. So many people have come out of those shows and had success. Lee Mead is another good example, he has had great success. The Voice is very much a platform for contestants. The producers and the team were eager to tell us that no matter how far we got, we would be able to use this experience as a stepping stone into the industry. Q. Before you were offered the role of Maria, what plans did you have? A. I’ve signed a record deal with Island Records. While I was still in the audition process for Maria, I started recording the album. I was on a photoshoot the other day for the cover and there will be lots of promotion to do. That will go on hold for a little bit while I’m on tour, but on my days off, I’ll no doubt be doing work for the album. I’ve got a very busy year ahead! Q. What would be your ultimate musical role to play? A. There are many, many roles. I want to perform and to sing, and I feel incredibly lucky to have landed one of the biggest and best roles ever written for a woman in musical theatre as Maria. Q. Who do you count among your musical inspirations? A. My dad was the one who originally taught me to sing, so he was the start of it all. People used to actually call us the von Trapps because my sister and I used to sing together on shows. I would also count my singing teacher, who taught me to sing classically. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the knowledge she gave me. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Gray O’Brien (previous cast) as Captain Von Trapp and Lucy O’Byrne as Maria

To advertise call 01953 456789

The Sound of Music is at Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd October. For further information, call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

Issue 54

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COMPETITION!

VIVA ESPANA

Norfolk On My Mind has teamed up with Norwich Airport to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of return tickets from Norwich Airport to either Alicante or Malaga.

f you’re planning a sunshine break, then the Mediterranean climate of southern Spain is sure to appeal. With high levels of sunshine throughout the year, from six hours per days in the winter to twelve hours

per day in summer, it’s a popular destination for travellers looking to soak up the rays. With twice-weekly flights throughout the year from Norwich to both Alicante and Malaga, it’s never been easier for sun-seekers to escape the chillier British weather.

The flights are operated by one of Flybe’s E195 118-seater jet aircrafts, and have been made possible through an innovative partnership between the airline and Regional & City Airports (RCA), the airport management division of Rigby Group PLC, which owns Norwich Airport. This fantastic prize includes one pair of economy class return tickets from Norwich to Alicante or Malaga (subject to availability) to be taken before Friday 25th March 2017 (excluding peak times). Bookings must be made at least 28 days before the preferred date of travel. Good luck! For further information on flights, call 01603 428700 or visit www.flybe.com

ENTER THIS COMPETITION For your chance to win, correctly answer the question below and email marketing@norwichinternational.com quoting ‘Norfolk On My Mind Competition’ in the subject line.

How many flights operate from Norwich to Alicante and Malaga per week? Competition closing date is 31st October 2016. Bookings must be made at least 28 days before the preferred date of travel. Entrants must be 18 years or older. No cash prize alternative will be offered. For full terms and conditions visit www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

To advertise call 01953 456789

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IN CLOSING

Andy Lovell

PICTURE THIS We chat to Polly Miller, owner of The Gallery Norfolk in Cromer and Norwich.

What inspired you to open your own gallery? A. I had been working in the music business, and tired of London life, I realised my happiest working time was when I was running the art department of the record label EMI Classics. On hearing the gallery was for sale, I decided to take the plunge and move to Norfolk. Q. What makes The Gallery Norfolk unique? A. We have a wide and eclectic selection of art and craft, lots of it local, but also artists and craft-makers of national renown. We get very positive feedback from customers, who often say they’ve never seen so much in one gallery that they like! Q. What kind of items are popular? A. We have the local customers who come to us for gifts and our very successful picture framing business. And now people know about us, many travel to Cromer to buy

“WE HAVE THE LOCAL CUSTOMERS WHO COME TO US FOR GIFTS AND OUR VERY SUCCESSFUL PICTURE FRAMING BUSINESS” art – particularly Ruth Bunnewell, who is our best-selling artist. Q. Having launched a second gallery in Norwich, how do you now divide your time? A. I spend about half the week in Cromer and half in Norwich. I am extremely lucky to have a fantastic team of people helping to run both galleries.

Q. What do you love about your new space? A. The gallery in Norwich is in a beautiful, old building at the top end of St Giles Street, with lovely surroundings and a great view of Upper St Giles. It has amazing window space and plenty of room for hanging a wide selection of art. Q. How are the two galleries different? A. Many of the artists have work in both galleries, but the feel of each one is very different. The focus in Cromer is understandably on the seaside and nature; the art in Norwich is more urban, but we still love the seaside! Q. What future plans do you have for both galleries? A. I’m planning a series of exhibitions going forward – the first one is called Park Life with Ruth Bunnewell. Ruth has done a series of pictures based on Sheringham Park and Felbrigg, which will be showing in both galleries this October. I also like to find new and exciting work to show, so nothing feels too similar each time people visit! For further information on The Gallery Norfolk, call 01263 515745 (Cromer) or 01603 761900 (Norwich), or visit www.thegallerynorfolk.co.uk

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To advertise call 01953 456789