YLM February 2015 | #56

YOUR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Free

Focus on Weddings FEATURED ARTIST

BRIAN ALABASTER

STORIES

THELNETHAM WINDMILL Great escapes Planning your summer break

A DREAM ON MAKEOVER a DELICIOUS MEAL FOR 6 AT THE COCK INN

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WIN!

the first signs of spring pastel perfect ARE YOU CREATIVE? INTERIORS: YOUR SANCTUARY Welcome to rallying new columnist: louise priest

ISSUE 56 FEBRUARY 2015

loving life in Norfolk & Suffolk

YLM

CON TE N TS Welcome 7

STORIES sail away 8 The history of Thelnetham Mill which is grinding flour once again FOCUS WEDDINGS 11 You have met that special someone. Now find out how you can you make it a special day may the force be with you 16 A specialist facial treatment that promises a real transformation food of love 20 Being romantic in the kitchen this Valentine’s YOUR sanctuary 23 All the luxury of a boutique hotel escape in your own home the first signs of spring 26 Seasonal bouquets and wreaths with Gabriel’s Garden willow All the different species and their origin

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pastel perfect 31 The pastel trend is here to stay.

We pick a few items out THE BEST COLOUR IN THE WORLD 33 Finding the right palette for your wardrobe TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK 35 Personal stories of transformation from Dream On Great escapes 36 Dreaming of the sunshine?

Sarah Cullen recommends some fantastic spots to go exploring this summer

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FEATURED ARTIST BRIAN ALABASTER 41 YLM visit the studio of Sculptor Brian Alabaster and have a chat about beginnings, bronze and bulls. something to say The first entry from our new contributor: Louise Priest

45 THELNETHAM WINDMILL p8

when marriage breaks down 47 Tips on coping with the situation in the best way possible Are you and your loved ones protected?

49 Are you thinking about the things that really matter? are you creative?

You may be more imaginative than you think

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woman in business Where you can find training and support

53 louise priest p45

Welcome to rallying 55 How you can get involved in the sport on your doorstep easy going This month Chris Lilly takes a look at the Citroen DS5

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Book Club

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competition time

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WHAT’S ON

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DIRECTORY

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BRIAN ALABASTER p41

YOUR SANCTUARY p23

BOOK CLUB

p58

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“It doesn’t matter where you go in life, what you do, or how much you have, it’s who you have beside you.”

ENQUIRIES T 01379 642 044 E info@ylm.co.uk

BY POST YLM 3 Hales Yard Diss Norfolk IP22 4AF THE YLM FAMILY

Contributors Kim Greenacre Bridget McIntyre Lanassir Lawes Joan Garnham Gabi Reid Gemma Harvey Geraldine Walters Leighten Ball Louise Priest Sarah Cullen Chris Lilly SUBSCRIPTIONS Enquiries to info@ylm.co.uk using the word ‘Subscribe’

PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE DIRECTION Wendy Aiken wendy@ylm.co.uk CREATIVE & EDITORAL Ben Aiken ben@ylm.co.uk CREATIVE Matt Bignell matt@ylm.co.uk ACCOUNTS Janet Fairweather janet@ylm.co.uk DISTRIBUTION Dayburst Couriers 07810 852 089 dayburst@diss.co.uk

Cover Wendy Aiken Photography

YLM is Published by Circuit Media (P&L) Ltd. Disclaimer: The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publisher can not assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. © Circuit Media (P&L) Ltd, 2015

Welcome Welcome to our February issue of YLM. I don’t know where to start with all the thank you’s I have this month. I will start by telling you that this month’s photo shoots for the magazine have reminded me of why I love my job. Not only did I get to eat a yummy three course romantic meal with Gemma Harvey of Cherry Catering Company after I took the photos on page 20, I also got to hang out with the gorgeous Lanassir Lawes of Swank Interiors while photographing her stunning bedroom and on-suite bathroom, what an amazing space. After that, I met the most lovely couple - Brian and Francis Alabaster and enjoyed lots of tea and toast, wonderful conversations and got to enjoy their beautiful home and garden. I was captivated by the peaceful presence of the sculptures as I walked round.

For Gabriel’s Gardens this month, Gabi and I went to The Workhouse in Harleston. We took the beautiful Georgia, Gabi’s daughter, to model for us (my wedding dress came in handy again!). We had a great time and had the grand tour with the owner - Andrew.

What a fabulous space to be creative in.

We welcome back our Alice this month as the face of YLM, and we have done it in style.

Dionne and Rachel (Defining Radiance make-up artists) did an awesome job, I would like them to do my make-up everyday! Alice’s hair was done by the super talented Kim Harvey (The Strand) and the wedding dress Alice is wearing was kindly loaned to us by Laura (Boutique Of Dreams). Not only can you see Alice on the front cover but on page 14. Alice you look amazing.

I have had so much fun, and I know it’s a long list but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of the above for reminding me why I love my job and for them being such talented people. They help make YLM so special, along with all our fantastic contributors.

Talking of contributors, I am so excited to welcome Louise Priest as the newest member of the team. I think you will all love her column each month and she will make you giggle as much as she does me.

Hope you’re all feeling the love.

Happy February to you all, have a good one!

JANUARY COMPETITION WINNERS Brome Grange: A. Beckett-Allen, Scole | Bury Theatre Royal: M. Sayer, Diss Potters Resort: M. Volland, Peterborough | Wordsearch: D. Dann, Harleston Sudoku: A. Thomas, Diss

find us online www.ylm.co.uk t @ylmuk v@ylmuk

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SAIL AWAY

A New Chapter for Thelnetham Mill

T

he windmill was once an essential part of our community.

As a growing economy put more demands on production the tower mill in particular came into it’s own. Brick built, and therefore stronger and more stable, they could be built much higher and be fitted with longer sails. Only the cap turns on the tower mill, and can be directed into the wind by using the fantail, a smaller windmill fitted to the rear. The first of its kind in the area, and now one of the last, Thelnetham Mill near Diss was originally built with cloth sails in 1819. It was not until 1832 that the tower was fitted with its fantail, cast iron windshaft and patent sails. But, before we go any further, we should pause and ask that all too obvious question: what happens when there is insufficient wind and the mill is ‘becalmed’?

“I never get tired of watching the sails turn.”

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Well, one of the various projects planned for the mill this year includes the building of a new shed in which to house the original Ruston and Hornsby oil engine from 1914 which has recently been fully restored. A more modern option to the old steam driven machine, this engine was used to turn the mill stones fitted on the ground floor.

And so back to our story.

Government flour restrictions, introduced because of the war in 1916 meant that flour production dropped dramatically and as the income decreased, so did the condition of the mill. After being handed on, and further deteriorating, a group of mill enthusiasts eventually stepped in and began restoration in 1980. The new cap was fitted in 1983 followed by the sails two years later and the project was complete by 1987. The mill that we see today is a result of that tremendous commitment. But what about moving forward?

The future looks good, the long-term now secure with the transfer of care to the Suffolk Building Preservation Trust (who also own nearby Pakenham Watermill)

And with this security of the Trust comes the return of production. Thelnetham Mill is once again turning out bags of flour! It seems wind is a very patient element and has stayed around especially for the occasion! The grain comes in cleaned and ready to grind. A healthy breeze is enough to drive the mill stones, with each pair producing up to 200kg of wholemeal wheat flour per hour. If you like your ingredients ‘windmade’ and traditional you can find the flour at Hopton Shop, Redgrave Community Shop, and also from the mill itself on Tuesdays and open days (for which see the website).

There are plans in place to not only increase production but to also move into milling rye and spelt. The addition of a flour dressing machine would refine the wholemeal flour to produce white flour.

All the income from flour sales go back into running and maintaining the mill. If your business would be interested in stocking the product do not hesitate to get in touch with the team. Details can be found below.

We went and spoke to Chris Mills - volunteer Mill Manager and part of a committee alongside a group of volunteers, dedicated to preserving the future of the mill, “It’s a privilege.” Chris says, “I enjoy the whole thing... it’s a very different set of skills from what I was doing before.

Much more hands on.” As Chris continues we realise we won’t have to torture him to get him to talk - the passion comes across. We ask about future plans for the adjacent meadow, “It’s ancient, and not been cultivated for around 100 years.”, Chris tells us. The meadow has been fenced off so sheep can graze and main-

tain the grass in a very sheep friendly way. And Chris goes on to list a number of exciting new challenges that the team will face this year with a view to bringing more people in to see the mill and enjoy the grounds. They certainly have nature on their side, the whole vista of the mill is picturesque, it’s a lovely spot in North Suffolk. The plan is to increase the amount of facilities and make the site more visitor friendly. Come spring and summer a tartan blanket, an exploding hamper and a bit of sunshine will help make it a nice day out. Go and sit it out and watch the sails turn, “I never get tired of watching them”, Chris tells us, “It’s quite therapeutic.”

So what’s it all for? Well, how about this? We see and hear the words ‘provenance’ and ‘organic’ everywhere.

Suddenly we care more about what we are consuming. And that’s brilliant. But it’s not about being trendy or being able to brag to your dinner guests about how your eggs came from the most free and happy chicken you could ever meet or how the vegetables just popped out of the ground and onto the plate, it’s about the how... how this flour was produced - with hard work. In modern life we are always trying to escape from the everyday. Perhaps we should stop to think, sometimes it’s all about the grind. The generations before us knew it. It’s how great things are made. •

If you think that you might be interested in volunteering, thelnetham.windmill@gmail.com Also, check out the new video on the website, www.thelnethamwindmill.org.uk

STORIES

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FOCUS

For our bridal photo -shoot see page

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WEDDINGS They popped the question and you said yes, now what?

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f you have met the person that you would like to spend each and every day with and you know that you enhance their life as much as your life is enhanced by them. If you feel good about yourself when you hear

Words by Kim Greenacre

them laugh and witnessing their joy makes your heart smile and thump. If working through a problem is a made much easier because they are close by and you trust the advice they offer you with every fibre of your being. If you freely and gladly admit to yourself that everything in your world would be a lot tougher without their love and support to fortify and encourage you.

If you know that their truth is your truth and that their heart would willingly beat for yours without losing rhythm. If you are sure, that when life pulls you ahead the other will follow, or wait for you when you are left behind. If you are both content in equal measure and have found the balance that allows two people independence of mind and spirit, whilst valuing your partnership over

and above individual need or desires, then I have no doubt that, if it has not happened already, one of you will soon ask the most salient of questions.

When the proposal is accepted and you have shared the delight with family and friends you may find, that once the initial excitement has eased, the prospect of planning a wedding is a little daunting. There is a lot to do

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FOCUS

“Taster days are always a treat and offer the opportunity for you both to really savour the plans you are making.” and, depending on the timescale between proposal and the Wedding Day, you may feel that there is not enough time to explore and research all of the possibilities that will create the perfect wedding day for you and your fiancé.

With the internet offering worldwide purchasing options we sometimes forget to look a little closer to home and this can be a mistake. A mistake which, in the long run, may prove to be costly in time, money and fun! Our local highstreet retailers and service providers now offer very rich pickings; to enable their businesses to thrive their products must compare favourably in

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price and quality to those which can be purchased when sitting in an armchair and clicking. The retailers that trade in our locale must also offer a combination of exemplary customer service and totally divine merchandise to be able to remain commercially viable.

A visit to their premises will also offer you the chance to get to know them; if you cannot establish a positive connection with the person that serves you then you can walk out of the door and move to the next on your list. If you have travelled for hours to get there a whole day which should be devoted to wedding plans, would have been lost!

Supporting local businesses is important for the community we live in but that aside what could be nicer than taking daylong excursions around Norfolk and Suffolk to look for the perfect venue, to choose flowers, meet your photographer and discuss how you would like your Wedding Day captured.

Perhaps, on a chosen weekend, the ladies will go in one direction to look at dresses/hats/ shoes and the gents may go in another to view attire, all meeting later in a well-loved local public-house to compare notes and reward everyone for ticking so much off the to-do list with a good meal and something fizzy!

Another wonderful and delicious experience can be enjoyed when you select the food you will share with your guests at the wedding breakfast; the taster day is always a treat and offers the opportunity for you both to really savour the plans you are making. Days like these will make memories; special memories that will form the pathway you will both walk along until you arrive at your Wedding Day and this particular journey does not have to be long-haul. Everything you need for your perfect day can be found here, where the big Norfolk skies melt gently into the soft Suffolk landscape – why go further? •

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the beautiful bride Hair

Kim Harvey The Strand 01379 640 150 Make - Up

Defining Radiance 07511 383 953 www.definingradiancemakeup.co.uk Dress

Boutique of Dreams 07938 766 326 www.boutiqueofdreams.co.uk Bouquet

Gabriels Garden 01379 677 793 www.gabrielsgarden.co.uk Model

Alice Cater

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FOCUS

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

— Audrey Hepburn

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A HEALTH

good facial is a sublime experience with little wonder that a gift voucher for such a treatment is so popular with women of all ages. For these deluxe pampering appointments, it’s most usual to have a classic facial; a steam cleanse, massage and mask.

But for real transformation and a specialist approach to your skincare, it’s worth seeking out the salons that offer facials with electrical equipment.

This might sound counterintuitive after years of being advised to not put your fingers in the plug socket or use a hair dryer in the bathroom. But the fact that humans do conduct electricity so effectively makes electrical facials very successful.

Aesthetic machines vastly increase the level of absorption of products and create changes within the skin itself.

They have a long history in the beauty industry. Salons as early as 1930 were using such equipment. Now there are many clients aged 40 plus who are concerned with ageing, but don’t want surgery or injectables. These people opt for facials that give instant, and on-going results.

The thought of subjecting yourself to electrical currents can be daunting, but the machines are designed for the job and your therapist should show a good understanding of the process. She should first establish if there are any reasons that you might not be a suitable candidate. These will include epilepsy and pregnancy.

A deep cleansing facial can appeal to men and those who suffer from blemishes or oily skin. A ‘galvanic’ treatment

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YLM

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Lift, Firm and Super Clean Skin with Electrical Therapies

uses metal rollers over the skin, discharging current that reacts with water and salts in your body, making a soapy-like alkaline substance that loosens blockages. Then, the current is reversed and a new process occurs under the hand piece where the skin receives oxygen and the ph is acidic – which is the normal healthy state.

Specially ionised products can be propelled deeper into the skin using these machines so that the final effect is a fresh complexion that is clean and rehydrated. With massage,

luxury can be combined with technology. A good therapist should be able to make your treatment bespoke, changing the programmes for each individual.

Non-surgical facelift has also become a familiar phrase to facial devotees over the past decade and there are many manufacturers of this type of equipment. However, they differ very much in how they deliver the goods. If the machine looks basic, it probably is.

Modern lifting machines work on a technology called

“Results are reported to be immediate and continue to improve with each use.”

Microcurrent. It’s a very low current used for many years to promote tissue healing and aid patients with Bells Palsy.

In facial therapies it combats the signs of ageing by increasing circulation, accelerating cell renewal and improving muscle function for lifting and firming. Barely perceptible, it’s very comfortable for clients and doesn’t pull muscles in all directions. Less is definitely more when working with delicate facial tissues.

Usually a pair of probes is used to lift and roll the skin, passing the current between them and the programme can target certain areas, such as the eye. More advanced machines allow the client to rest with pairs of small electrode pads attached to the face and neck which is deeply relaxing.

The popularity of this therapy is testament to its success and results are reported to be immediate and continue to improve with each subsequent use.

Combination facial treatments including microcurrent and galvanism, and other methods, are the key to visible improvement and real change.

Embrace new technology – it can add a real spark to your salon experience. •

Words by Geraldine Walters Btec HND/Cert Ed. www.geraldinewalters.co.uk

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TBS

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FOOD of

Linguine alle vongole

LOVE

Get Things Going in the Kitchen this Valentine’s

Lemon and Limoncello mousse

Words & food by Gemma Harvey Cherry Catering Company rell a ut to, moz za crispy prosci fr esh mint a ith w d la and pe a sa vinaigre tt e

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FOOD & DRINK

“A tasty dish with just a few gorgeous ingredients.”

H

ave you heard the news? It’s almost Valentine’s Day! For many couples, it’s time to spend ridiculous amounts of money going out to dinner with way too many other people who are also trying to have a romantic experience and buying crazy overpriced roses. But why fight the crowds when you could easily have a much better (not to mention cheaper!) experience in your own home?

Surprise your Valentine with a seductively simple homemade dinner – I’ve put together a three course dinner that is light, easy to prepare (much of it can be made in advance), looks stunning and tastes amazing.

First up is crispy prosciutto, mozzarella and pea salad with a fresh mint vinaigrette – all of these ingredients were found in a supermarket in Diss. The only bit of cooking is frying off the slices of prosciutto for a couple of minutes – the rest is just assembly. It couldn’t get any easier; it looks so pretty – and

suitably pink for Valentine’s Day! The main course might look scary but really isn’t. Linguine alle vongole is a tasty dish with just a few gorgeous ingredients. I went to see Cliff, the Fishmonger in King’s Yard, Diss and with just a couple of days’ notice he was able to get me some clams – they were beautifully fresh, needed little preparation and were so sweet.

The longest part of cooking this course is the nine minutes for boiling the pasta! This time the flecks of red chilli hint at the occasion.

You should still have a bit of room for dessert – this zesty treat of Lemon and Limoncello mousse is divine. Fluffy in texture and just a bit sharp – this is the perfect (and ridiculously easy) end to your Valentine’s Day Feast. This time a few raspberries add a touch of colour and the amaretti biscuits provide a crunch. The shot of limoncello that accompanies it can be enjoyed with pudding or could be sipped later in the evening? •

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HOMES & GARDENS

“Quinine was produced chemically from the 1940’s but some strains of malaria are now resistant so the cinchona tree has become the centre of attention again.”

Ginkgo Biloba Leaves

“Many of us want to create a sanctuary in which to escape from our busy lives, just like living in a boutique hotel.”

YOU R sanctuary Retreat to the Warm & Comfort of Your Own Home

T

he current housing trend of ‘Don’t move, Improve’ is having a positive effect on the quality of

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Words by Lanassir Lawes Swank Interiors 01379 687542 www.swankinteriors.co.uk

home improvements, although resale value is always a consideration we are personalising our homes to suit our lifestyle.

Many of us want to create a sanctuary in which to escape from our busy lives, just like liv-

ing in a boutique hotel.

A clutter free space will usually feel more relaxing, although this applies to every room in the home I feel that the bedroom definitely benefits from the’ less is more’ approach. If you have

a spare room to use as a dressing room to free up space in the main bedroom this is advisablein our home we are using two spare bedrooms upstairs as his and hers dressing rooms! >

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HOMES & GARDENS

again restricted to a wood or metal bed-frame this can be softened with lots of cushions, An upholstered bed or headboard has a smart boutique look but if you are printed cushion along with a gunmetal a and satin tucked pin silk, with dressed is bed ed upholster chenille choosing different textures will add depth. Our heavy sequinned throw on top of cotton bed linen.

LAYER FOR COMFORT Creating a cosy room that feels comfortable and cosy is easily achieved by cleverly layering different textures. I also try to avoid layering two items made of the same material directly on top of each other such as an oak table directly on an oak floor, either pop a rug between the two layers or choose a contrasting wood or different material altogether. With a heavily beamed room with an oak floor I have selected glass bedside tables that sit on the rug. As glass is a cold material they have been teamed with heavily textured lamp bases and vibrant silk shades to add warmth.

A real luxury is to have an En-suite, personally I like to have a bath in En-suite and a shower in a room away from the bathroom as I like to close down the house and retreat to bedroom suite and bath before bed. Adding little luxuries where possible such as his and her sinks, heated towel rails and a bathroom TV have made the bathroom feel extra special.

room "Any bath e luxury can have th reful feel with ca .� ng ni plan

SOFT LIGHTING Lighting plays a big part in creating the right feel to the room with low level LEDs washing across the dark marble floor and hundreds of tiny fibre optics star lighting the ceiling along with practically lit mirrors and a decorative pendant that illuminates the whole room- this was possible due to the extra high ceiling.

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YLM

the first signs of spring In the Garden the first of the Hellebores are in Flower

“Vases and jars, filled with freshly picked flowers and glossy foliage make delightfully simple table centres and floral displays.”

Words by Gabi Gabriel’s Garden

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T

he feast of St. Brigid, an old Celtic festival at the beginning of February celebrates and welcomes the arrival of longer and lighter days. Winter Aconites create a glowing carpet of golden yellow, preceding the first Snowdrops and signifying that spring is on the way.

In the garden the first of the Hellebores are up and give an elegant display – perfectly suited to growing in shady areas these garden jewels are amongst the first plants to come into flower in late winter - early spring. They come in a lovely range of colours from pale primrose yellow to snowy white, deep purples and maroons to dusky pinks, some with attractive speckles and intricate markings; they make for a striking cut flower. For a perfect Mothering Sunday bouquet I’m using a beautiful cinnamon pink and creamy white variety with the first of the fragrant Paperwhite Narcissi, early spring blossom and the glossy foliage and sweet smelling flowers of Sarcococca Confusa (Winter Box).

February is the perfect time to coppice the Hazel; coppicing is a traditional, sustainable and productive form of woodland management and on a smaller scale can be used as a pruning technique in the garden. I’ll be cutting Hazel to make my own beanpoles and pea sticks for my Sweet Peas to scrabble up; the larger thicker poles are great for creating rustic arbores and for making stakes which will be so useful later on in the year to support the Dahlias and Delphiniums.

It is important to coppice between November and March, before the sap rises and the plant comes into leaf as all the

plants energy is in the roots during winter. Simply cut all the stems to 2 -2.5 inches (5 -7.5cm ) from the ground, this will encourage regeneration and the vigorous new growth of lovely long straight stems from the base.

I’m going to be using coppiced Willow and Hazel whips to weave into St. Valentine’s heart wreaths for 14th February. I’ll use coppiced stems of the fiery orange and red Cornus (Dogwood) to add a little passion and seasonal colour. These Willow hearts are perfect to fill with flowers or other gathered treasures and will make a perfect gift to surprise and delight this Valentine’s Day. For a fabulously scented and truly beautiful early spring wedding I’m using delicate Narcissi, white Ranunculus and the pale pink buds and flowers of Vibernam Tinus, hand tied together in a natural country garden style. To go with the bridal bouquet, a hair garland of delicate spring flowers entwined with ivy leaves. Vases and jars, filled with freshly picked flowers and glossy foliage make delightfully simple table centres and floral displays.

Gabriel’s Garden specialises in creating unique and natural wedding bouquets, sumptuous corsages, garlands and button holes using the very best of our British grown seasonal flowers throughout the year. We work with the very best wedding venues throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, adorning our beautiful ancient churches with flowers grown and gathered from the gardens here in Gissing.

We are taking wedding bookings for 2015 and 2016. •

HOMES & GARDENS

"February is the perfect time to coppice the Hazel.”

- Dates for your diary Gabriel’s Garden will be taking orders for Mothering Sunday bouquets from the 1st February for collection from the garden in Gissing, Fredricks Fine Foods in Diss or Wyken Vineyard Farmers Market. We will be at the Wyken Vineyard Farmers market on a Saturday morning from the beginning of March, 9am -1pm.

Workshops Saturday 14th February: Wild and Wonderful Willow Hearts The Workhouse, Harleston. 10.30am – 12.30pm £35.00 per place Join me at this fantastic new venue and weave a little love into your own handmade willow heart to give to someone special this Valentine’s Day. Saturday 14th March: Hand tied Mothering Sunday Bouquets The Workhouse, Harleston. 2.30pm – 4pm from £35.00 per place Make a beautiful, hand tied bouquet, full of fresh, fragrant and lovely spring flowers and seasonal foliage, wrapped and ready to give on.

To place an order, to book a place on a workshop or to find out more hello@gabrielsgarden.co.uk or call 01379 677 793 www.gabrielsgarden.co.uk

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KEEP YER HEEL DOWN BOR Wotcha! Oim fair t’ middlin’, thanks fer askin’.

As there ain’t much gooin’ on this toime o’ year I thought I’d hev a bit o’ fun and make a list of my pet hates in gardening. Oi bet you got a fair few an all, so yew can see how your lot compares wiv mine.

1. Moggies. I never understand why people hev ‘em when they know they’re gonna mess in other people’s gardens. It almost tempts me t’ get a dog – ‘cept I hate them as well havin’ been bitten nine times.

2. Watering cans. Where the handle goes over the very hole that you fill it from.

Drives me nuts!

3. Patchy germination. Why is it that farmers never seem to hev this problem? Or is it that they scrub up the crop before we see it? Their corn and sugar beet always look perfect rows – even if not always straight!

4. Petty Spurge (euphorbia peplus). If allowed to mature this weed grows a massive fibrous root that will also pull up anything near it.

5. Hanging Baskets. This is with my courier hat on – or more often not on – as my head gets clonked by these things. Why are they always at the wrong height for couriers? Worse still, some are still hanging when empty or the plants have died.

Dew yew keep on troshin’ and remember, those are my ‘pet’ hates so if it’s raining cats and dogs I’m not a happy bunny!

YLM

W I LLOW Versatile and Poetic

Kilmarnock Willow (S.caprea ‘Kilmarnock’) This is a weeping form of goat willow, first discovered by James Smith on the banks of the River Ayr in the mid 19C. White Willow (S .alba) These were polla rded at head height to give lon g straight poles for fencing.

For cricket bats the stems are felled at 12-15 years and th e bat length is split (not sawn) fro m the trunk thus giving ex tra strength and spring.

Osier (S.viminalis) More a shrub than a tree and is coppiced regularly to grow stems or withies for basket making. The withies are harvested after one year.

O f the 300 species of willow, several are native to the British Isles.

They are short lived and range in height from ground hugging to 90 ft. Common names include osier, withy, palm, sallow or saugh (Scotland). They are found by rivers and wet land. The flowers (catkins) are either male or female, and borne on different trees.

Willow wood is pale yellow/ brown and not particularly durable but tough, pliant and light and used for making bas-

kets, fences, coracles and cricket bats. Waveney Tree Specialists are often asked to pollard willows. This can be a delicate task as they are often hanging well out over water. This is where our 20 metre hoist comes in useful; the wood is also brittle and often dangerous to climb.

The men all wear life jackets just in case of a mishap. •

Weeping Willow (S.babylonica x alba) Thought to be a symbol of mourning – Psalm 137 ‘By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept… on the willows there we hung our harps’.

Goat Willow (S. cap rea) Pussy willow or gre at sallow; so named because goats favoured the young shoots and the female catkins are sof t and furry like a cat ’s tail.

01379 668 636 07990 801 388 waveneytrees@btconnect.com www.waveneytrees.co.uk

or tuosa’) abylonica ‘T Willow (S .b hern rt no in Corkscrew or t cultivated e dragon’s claw sp a as w s Thi as th it is known ce in the China where ed into Fran uc od tr in as w y planted It el . id ow w ill en w then it has be e nc si , ’s 1920 y. as a curiosit

Words by Joan Garnham Waveney Tree Specialists

Mark dayburst@diss.co.uk

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FASHION

PERFECT FOR THE WORKPLACE

Striped cotton shirt Zara www.zara.com/uk £39.99 Meadow Print Tunic Dress Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com £49.50

- FROM THE CATWALK Katty Xiomara Spring-Summer 2015 Collection EMBROIDERED BABYDOLL BLOUSE

um Grandm Just like ear used to w

Mango www.shop.mango.com £27.99

KATIE BROGUE Grenson PALE PINK MOLESKIN COAT

www.grenson.co.uk

scarf

Karen Millen

£150

£8.50

www.karenmillen.com £235 14” Satchel in LEMON The Cambridge Satchel Company www.cambridgesatchel.com £125

top £18

EMBROIDERED BABYDOLL BLOUSE Mango www.shop.mango.com £27.99

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LOVE IT!

COLOURBLOCK NECKLACE Boden pure silk skirt

www.boden.co.uk £29

When the cold weather has you reaching for darker colours, consider lightening up your outfit with some brilliant bright or perfect pale pastel hues. The pastel trend looks set to continue well into spring and summer 2015 so it is well worth investing in a few key pieces now.

£42

Kitty Jules 07969 570 255

PASTEL PERFECT YLM | your lifestyle magazine

FEBRUARY 2015

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FASHION

“The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” — Coco Chanel.

D

o you know someone that seems to know exactly what colours suit them?

They can put colours together effortlessly and even know how to accessorise with just the right ‘pop’ of colour to bring out the best in their outfit. If you try to use exactly the same technique it never has quite the same effect or even worse, you look washed out and in need of a holiday. Understanding colour means understanding your unique colourings – we are all different, so trying to replicate another person’s choices are unlikely to work for you. When you find the colour that’s right for you, then it makes your eyes sparkle, your skin glow and you look generally well.

Dream On have workshops running throughout the year.

On Tuesday 17th February they will be holding the Style and Colour Workshop. It helps you understand the colours that work for you, makes shopping a more enjoyable experience and helps to reduce the risk of making expensive mistakes in the future. If you try on clothes in your colours, you’ll quickly learn that wearing the right colour makes a huge difference in the way you look and feel. We will encourage you to experiment with different tones and see which ones look best on you, as well as which ones you like the most.

Some will be familiar but there will probably be some surprises too. Accessorising is also a great way to introduce colour to your outfit. We will show

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you how by adding scarves, jewellery and even makeup can help bring more colour to your look. As part of the workshop, Dionne, Makeup Consultant from Defining Radiance, will help you identify shades and tones to suit you. Dionne says, “Probably the best way to approach this is to ask the customer to bring along their own make-up bag. Once we have looked at colours which are personal to them we can help them understand how to use their current cosmetics as well as suggesting some new products and perhaps suggesting a few makeup tips as well.”

At Dream On the thinking is very much about giving you the tools to help you understand why and how something works.

The workshops are fun, relaxed and the groups are small so you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the subject. They run from 9.30am to 1.30pm and some dates include Saturdays. At the end of The Style and Colour Workshop you will leave with your own personal colour swatch together with the confidence to shop for colours that will work for you and make you feel great. •

THE BEST COLOUR IN THE WORLD How to Find your Perfect Match

If you would like to find out more about this workshop or any of the others on offer then please take a look on our website www.dreamon.co.uk, call our team on 01379 678483 or email info@ dream-on.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.

Words by Amanda Church Dream On

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Introducing a new monthly page featuring Dream On makeover stories

TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK

YLM

Angela

Angie has retired and her daughter felt she needed to look a little more trendy so she came with this in mind.

She tried on our fabulous CJ

by Cookie Johnson jeans and absolutely loved them‌. apparently she now wears them all the time.

Angie was delighted with her new hairstyle and now visits Sam at her John Oliver salon in Ipswich. She also found the make-up tips really great and is a BB Cream convert.

Angie is a regular Dream On visitor and has been on makeover days in the past and we look forward to seeing her again in the future.

FASHION

WIN

A Makeover page 61

Angie

WATCH THE FILM HERE

Angela is a stylish lady but realised that she wore a lot of black. Her aim on the Makeover Day was to experiment with new looks so we helped her bring colour and pattern into her outfits.

Sam showed Angela how giving her short hair a sharper style would work much better for her, and Dionne helped her look at make-up which enhanced her features.

Although many of us do not enjoy having our photo taken, Angela loved how relaxed and fun Wendy Aiken made the photo-shoot and now she has some wonderful photos to share with her family.

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Dream On was set up to help woman be the best they can be. One of the services we offer is fashion and styling.

If you would like to find out more about Makeover Days then please take a look on our website www.dream-on.co.uk, call our team on 01379 678483 or email info@dream-on.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.

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Great

Escapes It’s Time to Break Away

Words by Sarah Cullen

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W

e ’re getting to that time of year again when the days are dark and cold and we continue to plod along with our good intensions of sticking to those ‘get fit’ New Years resolutions, when all we really long for is a good old fashioned holiday in the summer sunshine. So, lets say so long to Blue Monday and begin dreaming and planning that light at the end of the tunnel escape and make it a little easier on ourselves (and our wallets) by taking a closer look at what’s on our doorstep.

There’s nothing like a blustery day out to the seaside during the winter months to blast away some of the cobwebs, but after a brisk stroll along the pebbles it’s time to hunker down inside with a hot chocolate to thaw out again. However, when was the last time you stayed for a few days and really explored the countryside and towns along the Norfolk and Suffolk coastlines?

After recently watching the Hollywood epic Atonement, it dawned on me the one thing keeping the star crossed lovers alive was the romanticised notion of being reunited in a ‘little white cottage with blue painted window frames’ on the South Coast. This idyllic setting reminded me that we have some of the most picturesque holiday destinations and romantic getaways so close to home.

For accommodation in a central location to all our coastal hotspots, Athelington Hall Log Cabins provide a cozy and alternative option. Set in the

TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

"High on the visit list is the working Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum.”

variety of choice for accommodation from B&B’s to hotels and camping sites, it is easy to find somewhere to bed down for the night.

Southwold Most famous for its characterful pier, Southwold provides an upmarket experience on our coastline tour, with a high street that provides a boutique independent shopping experience as well as better-known high street labels. The pier has undergone a transformation in recent years and is arguably at its finest now. Take a stroll along the wooden planked boardwalk and soak up the views of open water at the end, or mull away the time watching the fisherman wait bated for their catch of the day. Alternatively, why not

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step into the wacky world of Tim Hunkin’s ‘Under The Pier Show’ where there is a collection of bizarre arcade games for all to have a giggle at, or catch the famous animated water clock – you’re in for a surprise when it strikes! It is also home to the Adnams Brewery where tours are available, always tempting with beer tasting and a bottle to take home!

Walberswick Just a stones throw away from Southwold, this is easily one of my favourite childhood beaches - picnics, days out with friends and getting stuck on a boogey-board surrounded by jellyfish (not sure who’s idea it was to go swimming that day!). Walberswick is best known for its crabbing;

in 2010 it held the 30th annual British Open Crabbing Championship. This beach is one of the more secluded hotspots on the Suffolk coastline, with marshlands surrounding the harbour classed as official Areas of Outstanding Beauty.

Woodbridge Perhaps not so well known as a coastal town as it is situated on the River Deben, this historic market town offers just as much picturesque scenery and things to do as the towns we have already looked at.

High on the visit list is the working Tide Mill Museum; it was one of the first and last operating mills in the country, working for 800 years, with records dating its existence back to 1170.

Felixstowe Ferry A small fishing village to the north of Felixstowe, this quaint spot gives a true representation of an English seaside working village. It holds strong historical importance, as it over looks Bawdsey Manor across the river Deben, the top-secret birthplace of radar during WWII. It also sports a small collection of places to eat and drink, a boat-yard and sailing club.

So let’s remove the stress about passports, travel money, insurance and expensive flights – instead, take time out for yourself and enjoy the ultimate sun, sea and sand holiday where you don’t have to travel for hours but thoroughly recharge your batteries close to home. •

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FEATURED ARTIST

master cast

Brian Alabaster arbs It’s what you do Based near Halesworth, Bronze Sculptor Brian Alabaster does not have to struggle to find clients who are very passionate about his work.

The demand is always present.

Brian’s work has travelled all over the world, from France to America. Despite all the success he remains very humble.

In his own words: “It’s just what you do isn’t it?”

We went to visit Brian at the studio and chatted about how it all started, setting fire to things and working with giant clients! >

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JANUARY 2015

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So Brian, Bronze sculpture can be quite a messy and dynamic art, you must have had some ‘interesting’ moments learning the techniques required?

Yes I certainly did. My inspiration and primary source of instruction was the autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini.

This was a little sketchy on the details of lost wax casting so my early efforts often ended in failure. I started to cast small pieces in my kitchen, burning out the plaster in the Aga and melting lead in a saucepan.

This was a recipe for disaster and resulted in a number of ‘incidents’, the final straw was setting fire to the kitchen floor!

I was thrown out to a shed in the garden and with the space and freedom to make a mess I started to cast life size figures of my children and began using bronze instead of lead.

You always work from life, why is that?

My inspiration for sculpture has always been the human figure. I studied anatomy

both through reading medical books and though personal observation and life drawing, even working in a morgue as a teenager!

I find that I cannot to do proper justice to my subjects and give my sculptures life without having the living model in my studio. I do also use photographs to capture muscle detail in moving figures and I take plaster casts from feet and hands to stand in for my models when they are not sitting.

Even then I always refer back to the model when finishing the hands and feet.

How long do you normally spend on each part of the process, from drawing and sculpting to casting and pouring ?

I usually spend a day or so choosing the pose and getting to know my models. It is important for them to be relaxed.

The modelling itself takes eight to ten days with four or five of these spent with the model. Once the clay is completed I will take this fragile work to my mould maker in the

Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. He will make the negative mould around the sculpture in sections so it can be removed and reassembled in my studio.

This process is highly skilled and time consuming and takes about three weeks.

When we have the negative form back in Suffolk and we can start to produce a positive copy of the original clay sculpture by painting and slushing hot wax into the mould. This time the sculpture is hollow and made of hard wax. This wax is filled and covered with a mixture of plaster of Paris and crushed brick.

These moulds are put into a giant oven and baked for up to a week, removing any trace of wax or moisture. When ready the moulds are supported in a sandpit and the molten bronze is poured into the space left by the wax. The plaster is then removed and the bronze cleaned.

The final stage is to colour the metal with chemicals and protect the surface with a film of beeswax. The process of casting takes a month or more depending on the size and complexity of the piece.

The sitting must be quite a personal and sometimes lengthy experience for both yourself and your subject?, are there tricks that you use to make it as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for both parties?

When I work with children I always have at least one parent chaperoning. With portrait commissions I prefer to work with my subjects in their own homes. It helps greatly with younger models to put them at ease when they are in familiar

surroundings with their parents and siblings. Nowadays I find an ipad invaluable to keep my models attention.

For my own pieces to be sold as editions, I can pick my ideal models and often ask my friend Sandra Hartley, who runs the Saxted School of Dance to help. She will shortlist a few candidates for a particular piece and speak to the parents to see if they might be interested. I find the ballet students excellent models as they are used to taking instruction and can hold quite difficult poses with ease.

Can you tell us about working with Albert the Bull for Hereford City on the farm location? You must have got to know each other quite well? Did he make for a well disciplined model?

I won the commission, despite my lack of experience modelling animals, largely due to my having worked with stock on various farms as a young man.

So I had some experience but was still a little cautious. Initially the stockman on the farm in Hereford, where the bull was based, caught him and tied him up to a tractor parked next to my clay model. It became apparent that I would need to move him around myself to get the right angles to work. Very soon I was taking a halter into the yard where he was ‘working’ with a herd of cows and, after five minutes of talking to him and scratching his shoulders, was able to get the halter on and lead him out and into my temporary studio.

I only had one mishap when

“The moulds are put into a giant oven and baked for up to a week, removing any trace of wax or moisture. When ready, the moulds are supported in a sandpit and the molten bronze is poured into the space left by the wax.”

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FEATURED ARTIST

“In a flash I was flat on my back about ten feet away and with considerably more respect for my model.”

Commission Hereford City

I made the cardinal mistake of touching his back leg without first running my hand back down from his shoulders to reassure him. In a flash I was flat on my back about ten feet away nursing a very sore thigh, and with considerably more respect for my model.

With your subject weighing in at over a tonne, this project was obviously on the larger side. The logistics must have proved a bit of a challenge?

Yes, my models are usually human size and I can wheel the clay sculptures up a ramp and into my van for transport to the mould maker. The bull was more problematical; I built a large frame to fit snugly between the wheel arches of my van. The bull armature was mounted on two hydraulic jacks, which meant that, with

the hooves removed, the bull could be lowered sufficiently to fit through the back door.

When I finally loaded him up we had to cut one ear off to close the door but otherwise everything went to plan.

Your designs can regularly be found at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Is the experience all work or do you get the chance to have a wander and get inspired?

No, I take the opportunity to have a walk round and look at all the gardens. I am always looking for ideas to use in our own gardens at my studio and in our holiday cottages. We have great fun finding clever detailing in the Chelsea gardens and then perhaps using some of these.

We have put in a natural swimming pond after seeing one at the RHS Hampton Court

Show but took much of the pond edge detail from the Daily Telegraph garden at Chelsea.

Last year we put a dry riverbed garden with a green roofed dining gazebo in our house in Southwold. Many of the details were taken from gardens we had seen at Chelsea. We also had help with the design from our friend the garden designer Timothy Carless who is based locally in Withersdale Street.

Can you tell us about the thermic lance and it’s use?, It looks quite fun but also quite dangerous?

I had seen thermic lances used to great effect on steel and concrete walls in heist movies and thought it might be a way to clear a blockage of solid bronze and cement that had accumulated in the bottom of my furnace. I asked around and looked on the internet, the

principals seemed fairly simple, a combination of pure oxygen and steel wire in a steel tube.

The steel burns at over 2000 °C and will cut through just about anything, as it does the tube, which starts out about 8’ long and gets shorter very quickly, bringing the hot end much too close for comfort.

We rigged one up and my efforts can be seen by searching for ‘Brian Alabaster thermic lance’.

It was very effective but I have made every effort not to block my furnace so I wont have to repeat the procedure.

•

To find out more about Brian’s work, brianalabaster@gmail.com www.brian-alabaster.com

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H new

ello! Well here I go, a columnist at last. I am wondering whether I should regret or embrace the somewhat flippant suggestion to the publisher, Wendy, that I could put a few words down each month for her beloved YLM. We were at a Christmas dinner, which was the second time I had met the publisher (my first impressions of Wendy..a big heart and a tiny bit mad, sorry Wendy!) One thing I found out about her straight away was her passion and commitment to her magazine, so having almost forced the suggestion upon her (spurred on maybe by the Mistletoe Mohito cocktail) I then conveniently forgot about my foolhardiness until a couple of weeks ago, when my husband came back from a breakfast meeting with Wendy saying “Do you remember suggesting you write a column for YLM...how about it?”

So, for as long as the publisher is happy, I look forward to sharing a little bit of my life and opinions with you. You may agree sometimes but at other times, disagree.

I regard myself as an average woman,with average intelligence and looks who, over the years has formed opinions/ likes and dislikes about things that I encounter in my life (not to mention the constant battle to try lose a few pounds too!)

I am lucky that I have a good stable job with a good company (and hopefully a good pensionwhich is looming ever nearer).

I am happily married and have two children in their twenties (more to come on them). I am also fortunate enough to live in a lovely part of the country.

I first came to Norfolk in my late twenties and lived near

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Diss before venturing north to Norwich. After several years there. and a brief spell I Essex, I returned to South Norfolk where I have now resided for the best part of twenty years.

Does that make me a local?

So as its my first chance to say it...Happy 2015 to you!

I wonder whether you are glad to see the back of 2014 or regretful about letting it go?

I admit I am not too good at taking a day at a time. I always seem to be striving for the next thing (whatever it is ).

I learnt an old Buddhist saying many years ago which goes: “Don’t look backwards with anger or forwards with fear but around with awareness.”

It seems such a sensible outlook on life. How many of you actually take this on board, honestly? I admit I rarely look around me and think “this is great!”. Having said, that I can fondly look back at many events in my life (there are a few angry moments too!). I have to have something to look forward to, whether it’s a mini break, family gathering or just a back massage!

I am fortunate to have my parents still alive and my children healthy and happy. Plus a devoted husband (who some may describe as long suffering!)

You can’t believe that can you?

I hope you enjoy sharing a tiny part of my life and thoughts.

You may even agree with me and if you don’t, well then that’s your prerogative!

I hope we will become friends as we get to know each other and I sincerely hope that 2015 is a good year for you. I have a good feeling for this coming year, I am, after all, a columnist with YLM (thank you Wendy).

•

STORIES

“I can fondly look back at many events in my life”

SOMETHING TO SAY Welcoming our New Contributor

Words by Louise Priest Broadcast Journalist

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VENTURE

“Be cautious about making hasty decisions without seeking legal advice.”

WHEN MARRIAGE BREAKS DOWN How to Manage Financially

A Q.

fter 10 years of marriage my husband and I decided to separate after Christmas. I am keen to move on with my life and would like to start divorce proceedings. However, I am concerned about the costs involved, as friends have warned that these can spiral out of control. We own our own home, have no children and the split is as amicable as these things can be. Can I get divorced with some certainty about the costs involved up-front?

A. Getting divorced is a big step for anyone and concerns over finances can add to the burden.

Sadly it is common for family solicitors to receive an increased number of new enquiries from spouses or partners requiring advice in relation to divorce or separation at this time of year.

This trend appears to be

attributable to the fact that Christmas is a trigger for spouses or partners who feel that they cannot continue with the relationship any longer.

Some clients see the start of a New Year as a symbol of a fresh start and often couples already considering separation will decide that they will wait until the New Year before they take any action, which suggests that the rise in separation at this time of year is not just down to the festivities.

Couples are increasingly trying to reduce the costs of resolving their problems by dealing with their own divorce or dissolution, as well as an increased number of couples willing to consider mediation.

In order to address some of the concerns held by clients, Steeles Law launched fixed fee services in 2014, which help to provide certainty as to the cost of a divorce or dissolution. The costs of the fixed fee divorce start from £450 plus VAT. We have also recently started to offer a ‘pay as you go’ ser-

vice, giving clients the flexibility to instruct us as and when they need help at various stages of the separation and divorce process.

At Steeles Law our family team strives to help you deal with the issues in an empathetic and timely manner and in the most cost effective way for our clients as possible.

If you are considering divorce, dissolution or separation, the outcome always depends on the circumstances of each case and therefore we would urge anyone about to embark on this to seek independent legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

out seeking legal advice.

Don’t assume There are many myths associated with divorce and separation, therefore assume nothing.

Remain amicable and consider mediation The days of parties going to court for a judge to make a decision in respect of financial matters are becoming infrequent.

Get organised regarding your finances Ensure you know what bank accounts and debts are held in joint names. •

Top 5 practical tips Get legal advice at an early stage It is always advisable to have an initial chat to establish your legal position.

Don’t panic Be cautious about making hasty decisions, for example moving out of a property, with-

Words by Emma Alfieri Chartered Legal Executive Steeles Law family team

Find Us 2 Mount Street, Diss

Email info@steeleslaw.co.uk

Telephone 01379 652141

Visit our Website www.steeleslaw.co.uk

F YLM

ebruary 14th, Valentine’s Day. Britons are generally expected to spend an estimated £1 Billion on gifts and going out this year. So, what exactly is this money being spent on?

Red roses? Chocolates perhaps? Could this money be better spent?

Life and health insurance protection is the underpin of most good financial planning.

These types of insurance can ensure that, if the worst should happen, the right amount of money will reach the right hands at the right time.

In 2012 the Association of British Insurers was able to put a value on what it estimates to be the shortfall in cover: £2.6 Trillion in the UK, a dramatic increase over the last decade.

After all, nobody ever expects it to happen to them, do they?

Life insurance puts money in the hands of those who need it when a person dies. There are many reasons why this money might be needed, including paying off a mortgage (or other loan), paying inheritance tax (IHT) or simply to ensure that the ones left behind can continue to live a comfortable life.

Income protection – sometimes called permanent health insurance – pays a weekly or monthly income if you cannot work because of illness or disability. You may think you don’t need to worry about this kind of cover, but the state benefits you would receive would be relatively low and unlikely to provide sufficient income to meet your needs, especially if you have rent or mortgage payments to make.

VENTURE

“The advantage of critical illness insurance is the benefit is paid shortly after diagnosis of the illness, without any significant delay.”

Are you and your loved ones protected?

Thinking Outside the Chocolate Box

Virtually everyone who is working needs some kind of health insurance to provide financial protection if their earnings are affected by serious illness or disability. Even if you have no financial dependants, there’s a very strong chance that you will need health insurance.

Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed as suffering from a specified illness. The advantage of critical illness insurance is the benefit is paid shortly after diagnosis of the illness, without any significant delay. It’s also in the form of a lump sum that can allow you to make rapid adjustments to your lifestyle and pay off loans.

Insurers are constantly looking at new ways to meet people’s needs, such as through life insurance that includes critical illness and/or income protection insurance, which may be cheaper. It’s important to look at your options and seek the assistance of a trusted advisor. •

Words by Samuel Duncan To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Protection, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Samuel Duncan of 6 St. Nicholas Street, Diss on 01379 641211 or email samuel.duncan@sjpp.co.uk

YLM | your lifestyle magazine

C YLM

an anyone be creative? – it’s a question I used to ask myself.

I’ve always admired people with artist talents.

At school, I certainly didn’t show much talent in art lessons. My friend and I decided to become abstract artists as we felt it was a way of hiding the fact we couldn’t draw. When we were given marks of 3/10, I guess our interpretation of abstract art wasn’t what the art teacher was looking for. It’s not surprising I lost my confidence in artistry.

A few years ago, my husband and I went to an art exhibition by a local lady, Mary Harding.

Chris mentioned to her that I’d like to be able to paint. She looked at me and said “Anyone can paint and create art, I’ll teach you if you’d like”.

And so started the building of my understanding of creativity.

I was so delighted when I went with a friend to our first art lesson and left with a picture of a daisy that I could actually frame. Mary started to build my confidence that I could be creative.

I started to learn that creativity is far broader than the narrow definition I had in my mind.

I had confused artistic and creative ability. I had thought that if I can’t paint or draw, I’m not creative but that isn’t the case. I read articles about this.

I realised that we are creative all the time and often don’t realise it.

Simple examples of this are: putting a meal together from what’s left in the cupboard and fridge, seeing a traffic jam ahead and, working out an alternative route or putting together an outfit for a special occasion.

All these examples need the

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VENTURE

“Creating helps make people happier, less anxious, more resilient and better able to problem solve.”

use of both our experience added with a bit of imagination to apply a creative solution to the situation.

I’ve also learnt that finding ways to be creative is good for me. Research shows that there is a strong link between creativity and better physical and mental health. Creating helps make people happier, less anxious, more resilient and better able to problem solve.

The thing is, when you let yourself be creative, the more you think and act creatively, the more creative you become. It’s a bit like exercising muscles.

The more you use your muscles, the stronger they become.

My view has changed on creativity over the years. I have discovered a love of doing things that are creative. It’s often the process rather than the output!... and I’ve found it helps me across my life if I am being creative. I decided that we should run a workshop on creativity at Dream On. It’s a workshop where by the end, we hope you can build your confidence in being creative. You even leave with a picture that you have painted that can be framed.

I started this article with a question. The answer to which is “Yes, anyone can be creative” •

To find out more about the workshop on creativity visit the Dream On website www.dream-on.co.uk The next creativity workshop is on 12th February, 9.30am-1.30pm.

ARE YOU CREATIVE?

Words by Bridget McIntyre Dream On

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WOMAN IN BUSINESS

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VENTURE

Josie Allen Suffolk Surplus Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, near Stonham Aspal, Suffolk Surplus sells anything and everything from kitchenalia and collectables, to antiques, shabby chic furniture , items for the garden and even a super 1976 Volkswagen bay window camper van!

Come along and have a browse!

Kate Bowden Essential Interiors If you are considering changing or updating your soft furnishings Kate will visit you in the comfort of your home with pattern books, trimmings and lots of exciting ideas.

Essential Interiors offers a complete design to installation service and the first consultation is free.

Charlotte Nicholls The Forge

They have supported the businesses on this page and would love you to do so too.

Open seven days a week, all year: April to Sept 10am to 5pm, October to March 10am to 4pm.

Nicki Porter Mrs. P Creative Nicki, aka Mrs P, is an experienced freelance graphic designer providing a range of services including branding , logos and promotional materials and communications for print and web, illustration and web site design.

Nicki enjoys working with clients on a one to one basis from project inception to final delivery.

For more information, 01379 678483 www.dream-on.co.uk

The Blossom Charity supports women in business through coaching and workshops in, for example, marketing yourself and your business, business budgeting and how to lead teams.

Whether you have just had a bracing stroll around the beautiful Thornham Walks or need a great place to meet up with friends or family, The Forge has a warm welcome. From delicious lunches with a nice glass of wine, to tea and cakes or light snacks.

YLM

MOTORING

Welcome LEIGHTEN to GM rallying AUTOTECH 12 Cars, Hot Tea & Biscuits Behind the Origins of the Badge

M

ost of us will know rallying from the big budget, hi-tech, hi-speed spectacle that is International Rallying - navigators calling the road ahead – “fast left, 150, into 90 right don’t cut….”, driver’s feet dancing on the pedals whilst quick hands keep the car on track (well, most of the time!).

Bobble hatted spectators waiting patiently in the bitter cold, often within touching distance of their heroes as they blast by, the air heavy with the smell of spent Shell Optimax, burnt brakes and tortured rubber, not to mention the accompanying armageddon soundtrack. Ok, that’s probably a bit over dramatised but you get the picture.

But what about the other end of the scale? Well, you could start with a 12 Car Rally as I did last November.

“The key to 12 car rallying is not speed but accurate navigation.”

Organised by local car clubs and limited to a total entry of 12 cars (surprise) per event, ‘12 Cars’ can be a great introduction to the sport. The aim is to navigate around a 60 mile course of minor roads over a couple of hours or so at night.

Most 12 Cars are held on a Friday evening and finish up at a local hostelry for a bite to eat whilst results are calculated and trophies awarded. Equipment needed: one road legal car (can be your mum’s shopping trolley if you like, but remember to ask her first), one OS map, a couple of pencils and a head torch. Oh, and you’ll be needing a navigator – ask nicely because he/ she will be your most treasured accessory. So, with some trepidation I asked my daughter Didi if she’d like a break from her homework (I needed to dress it up a bit) to navigate for me on a local 12 Car. Answer – an immediate “Yes”! Ok, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised as she likes telling me what I should be doing, and the opportunity to hold a position of power (navigators must always be obeyed) over me was not to be missed.

The evening didn’t start well.

Our normally reliable 1973 Triumph 2.5 PI saloon started to misfire on the way to the start, and with no time to fix it, an alternative car had to be sought asap. No option but to return to the garage and grab the only car available: one of our trusty Skoda Fabia courtesy cars (as I said, your mum’s shopping trolley will do!). Scrutineering of the car was quick and we were soon ensconced at rally HQ with hot tea and biscuits.

The key to 12 car rallying is not speed but accurate navigation, and as complete beginners, we were given a map with the route already marked. The more experienced crews had to plot their own map from a set of instructions (not always straightforward), with the expert crews only allowed to access their instructions once on the move – ‘plot and bash’ as they say. As car No 10 we were released into the pitch black some 20 mins after the designated start time (cars are released at 2 min intervals).

With the marked map our navigation was straightforward, but spotting other teams taking different turnings or travelling on the same road

“Spotting other teams taking different turnings was a little disconcerting.”

but in a different direction was a little disconcerting – who was right, them or us? So how did we do? Well, Didi was amazing - we almost managed to complete the course within the specified time, but a minor navigation error close to the end cost us a few precious minutes. All finishers gathered at The Flixton Buck for a bite to eat, where we were delighted to learn that we’d come 2nd overall. And our trophy? - a punnet of mushrooms from rally sponsor and organiser, David Mann of Waveney Mushrooms – thank you David, perfect!

If you’d like to get involved in local motorsport then join your local club, SCCON (Sporting Car Club of Norfolk) – you’ll find them at www.sccon.co.uk •

Words by Leighten Ball GM Autotech

YLM | your lifestyle magazine

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EASY GOING

I

Good Loooking, Comfortable and Charming, The DS5 is easy to love

t is always risky to go in a different direction to everyone else, but if any company can pull off ‘individual’ then Citroen can.

The French firm has a long history of challenging convention with models such as the DS proving that trailblazing machines can be successful.

With all the niche markets in the automotive world now, era-defining cars like the Citroen DS, Mini and Fiat 500 just won’t appear any more.

However, it is still possible to think outside the box, if you will forgive the corporate parlance, and the DS5 is proof of that.

Citroen seems determined to

YLM | your lifestyle magazine

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prove that a French manufacturer can still cut it in the prestige market – and the DS badge is part of that, separating the model a little from the rest of the Citroen brand.

The DS5 is a similar size to the Citroen C4 but it is very different to look at and sit in – pitched as it is, not against the likes of Vauxhall’s Astra but aimed at BMW’s 3-Series. This would normally require Citroen to build a saloon and try to make it sporty.

Citroen realised though that there are plenty of sports saloons about including Audi’s A4 and the Mercedes C-Class – all the usual small exec suspects. This being the case, what is the point of building

another one? The German giants have the market cornered, so instead Citroen has built a large hatchback which sits tall and shuns the low slung style favoured by others.

Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I think that the DS5 is an excellent looking machine. The front might have a few too many flashes of chrome and details about the nose, but on the whole it’s a well-designed car that looks different but stylish nonetheless.

Likewise, the interior is a step away from the norm with some luxurious armchairs in the front and similar seating in the rear. The DS5 is quite capable of seating five but it is

clearly more designed to deal with four occupants – each of which will have huge amounts of space.

There is a large expanse of glass along the length of the car and a bank of overhead switches in the middle – everyone loves an overhead switch after all – and the cabin is a nice place in which to sit, cosseting passengers well.

The ride is not superb but it is comfortable for most journeys, especially cruising along at motorway speeds. It must be said that the model tested was one with a new suspension setup, which was designed to fix some of the criticisms of the previous system. The original springs transmitted the lumps

MOTORING

and bumps of everyday roads without enough damping, but the new suspension has improved this considerably.

Along with excelling at motorway cruising, the DS5 is also suited to town driving, soaking up pot-holes and speed bumps

able figures indeed.

With the recent changes, Citroen has produced a very good car indeed. It isn’t perfect, and some will argue that a German saloon will be a more sensible choice, but that can easily be disputed.

“ The driving experience is not up there with a 3-Series but there is far more space inside.” well. In fact the only habitat in which the Citroen struggles a little is on a twisty B-road. This is no hot-hatch, but there are plenty of options out there for those who want to blast along their favourite route. That sort of opportunity only comes along rarely anyway and the DS5 is a far more useful car for the majority of the time, focusing on offering a comfortable journey.

Keep the DS5 in its natural habitats and it performs well, especially with the new diesel engine installed up front.

The 2.0 litre BlueHDI diesel unit not only has reduced emissions than before but also has more power. The figures have ended up at a powerplant producing 180bhp and a very useful 295lb/ft of torque.

These numbers allow for a 0-62mph sprint in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 137mph – not blistering but plenty quick enough. The in-gear acceleration makes the DS5 feel quicker than it is with all that torque pulling the Citroen along rapidly.

Despite the extra power, the DS5 will return 64.2mpg and only emits 118g/km CO2, which are very respect-

The Citroen has a charm and distinction to it that you don’t get with other cars. The styling sets it apart from many other vehicles on the road and it is an extremely comfortable cabin to sit in. The diesel engine has a strong balance between performance and economy, while the driving experience is not up there with a 3-Series there is far more space inside.

Trying to stay objective, the Citroen DS5 falls a little short of its small-executive saloon rivals, but it does prove good value for money compared to the German models. Losing that objectivity, you can analyse a car as much as you want but sometimes all it comes down to is whether you like it or not – and I like the DS5. •

Words by Chris Lilly

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BOOK CLUB

Something I’ve been Meaning to Tell You

by Alice Munro £8.99 (paperback)

Book club

A remarkable collection of stories, originally published in 1974, that focus on relationships and the women in them. Each story is full of love, hope, anger and reconciliation that will keep the reader gripped until the very end.

The English & Their History

by Robert Tombs £35 This book could not have come at a more interesting time in English history, especially after the recent Scotland debate. Robert Tombs has managed to write an exceptionally well-written and highly readable history of England. Professor Tombs has new insights that will surprise and challenge – a seminal work of our history.

Reviews by Diss Publishing 01379 644612 www.disspublishing.co.uk Many thanks to Amadines Café in Diss for the use of the restaurant for photography

MEXICO: THE COOKBOOK

by Margarita Carrillo Arronte £29.95

! ve it We lo

Once Upon an Alphabet

by Oliver Jeffers £20 An irresistible book that tells a story for each letter of the alphabet. This collection of stories is cunningly funny in a way that will please both children and adults with lovely illustrations throughout. The stories and characters are interconnected in such a way that it completely raises the bar for any future books that will explore the alphabet.

YLM | your lifestyle magazine

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A cooking bible! Full of authentic Mexican recipes from all of the regions. This massive 700 page book is full of recipes of varying difficulty with preparation and cooking times and region of origin.

There is also included an index at the back of the book where you can purchase ingredients in the country where the book has been published.

The Way We Live in the Country

by Stafford Cliff & Gilles de Chabneix £6.99 A book that celebrates the many ways in which people choose to live in the country all around the globe. It explores not only homes and interiors but the landscapes and elements of the rural lifestyle that draw people from the town or city to the countryside. Packed with beautiful photos that are sure to inspire!

FEBRUARY 2015

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W in

COMPETITION TIME

a dream on makeover

The perfect day from start to finish, The Makeover Day comprises of the following...

Hair being styled by Sam from John Olivers, make up and Gelvarnish nails by Dionne and Rachel of Defining Radiance, styling with the Dream on experts, a light lunch and refreshments and professional photos taken by Wendy of Wendy Aiken photography.

You will receive a disc of the photos to keep as a record of your day plus 10% off any purchases on the day.

ABOUT DREAM ON

One lucky reader will win a Dream On Makeover Day, worth £95 To enter, simply answer the question below:

Q

Where is the Dream On studio located? a) Eye b) Thorndon c)Thornham Magna

Enter via email to competitions@ylm.co.uk using the word ‘Makeoverwin’ (Please include name, address and telephone number) Rules of entry - The winner will be picked at random out of a hat, the judge’s decision will be final. This prize is non exchangeable. The Publisher reserves the right to suspend, cancel or modify the terms of the competition at any time without notice. YLM will contact the winner by letter. Closing Date 15/03/2015. Entries after this date will be accepted but not entered into the prize draw.

Dream On was set up to help woman be the best they can be.

If you would like to find out more about makeover days then please take a look on our website, www. dream-on.co.uk, call our team on 01379 678483 or email, info@ dream-on.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.

YLM

what’s on FEBRUARY Sunday 1st a country music charity dance in aid of the Ebola Crisis.

Entertainment will be provided by The Dave Drain Band, Merv And Maria and Applejack. Light refreshments, tea, coffee and licensed bar. This event is being supported

by Dumplin Country.

Wreningham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Wreningham | Doors 1pm | Music 2pm - 6pm | £5 in advance/£9 on the door | Tickets are available from the Dave Drain Band on 01728 605728 or John & Teresa Stannard 01603 433918

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Tuesday 3rd Cash Prize Bingo All welcome - Just come along. Cash Prizes.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | 6.30pm for 7pm | Bar open from 6.30pm, eyes down 7.00pm | £7 for 7 games | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Wednesday 4th - Saturday 28th ART: Cattle • Surinder Warboys An exhibition in Diss Corn Hall Gallery Diss Corn Hall | Box Office Opening Hours | Evening viewing Wed 4th 6.30pm – 7.45pm | Free | 01379 652241 / www. disscornhall.co.uk

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Friday 6th Evening Inn Come along to this popular monthly event. Local ale on tap, our ‘cocktail of the month’, bacon butties and Tapas on sale. All welcome.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | 6.30pm - 11:30pm | Free | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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MUSIC: Will Pound Band Diss Corn Hall | Advance £10 / Door £12 | 8pm | www.willpound.com | 01379 652241 / www.disscornhall.co.uk

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Sinatra, Sequins & Swing Don't miss the most exciting Big Band Swing show to hit the UK for years ‘Sinatra, Sequins & Swing (The Capitol Years Live!) - a key event for any fan of Frank Sinatra, Big Bands, the Rat Pack, Swing & 50s Hollywood.

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds | 7:30pm | £20 | 01284 758000 / www.theapex.co.uk

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Saturday 7th FAMILY: The Saturday Club PRESENTS Arthur's Dream Boat • Long Nose Puppets Diss Corn Hall | £6 / Children £4 (28yrs) | 2pm | 01379 652241 / www. disscornhall.co.uk

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Songbird: The Music of Eva Cassidy The show features a brilliant on-stage

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live band, fantastic video footage and some of the best classic Eva Cassidy arrangements. Starring Sarah-Jane Buckley, who has already made her name as one of the world’s leading Eva Cassidy interpreters.

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds | 7.30pm | Box Office 01284 769505 / www.theatreroyal.org / booking@theatreroyal.org

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Zoë Gilby Quartet Zoë Gilby is a jazz vocalist and songwriter who has been making a real impression on today’s jazz scene.

The Fisher Theatre, Bungay, Suffolk | 7:30pm | £10 / £8 concession | Box Office: 01986 897130 / www.fishertheatre. org

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MUSIC: A Brief History of Music Diss Corn Hall | £8 | 7:30pm | www. blastfromthepast.org.uk | 01379 652241 / www.disscornhall.co.uk

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February Farmers’ Market Come and enjoy one of Suffolk’s finest food markets, a wonderful array of fresh produce and delicious artisan products all under one roof.

Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh | 01728 688303 / www.snapemaltings.co.uk

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SUNDAY 8th The Silver Dollar Country Music Club, The Park Hotel, Diss presents MERV AND MARIA. The Park Hotel, Diss | Doors 7pm - music 7.30pm until 10.30pm | Members £5. NonMembers £6 | John & Teresa Stannard 01603 433918

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Wednesday 11th LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST Summer 1914. In order to dedicate themselves to a life of study, the King and his friends take an oath to avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their idealistic pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve. Royal Shakespeare Company.

The Cut, Halesworth | £12 Online | 7pm | 01986 873285 / info@newcut.org / www.newcut.org

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Thursday 12th Comedy Night Get ready for a belly full of laughs!

Fantastic new comedians every time! A scrumptious three course meal followed by hilarity and tomfoolery.

Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich | 7pm | £30 per head for a scrumptious 3 course meal | 01473 604206 / www.jimmysfarm.com

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Friday 13th An intimate evening of Magic Join us for an evening of head-spinning magic with two UK-based, French professional magicians.

The Fisher Theatre, Bungay, Suffolk |

7:30pm | £12 | Box Office: 01986 897130 / www.fishertheatre.org

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Friday 13th - Thursday 19th Think Spring, Mixed Media Exhibition A joint exhibition from Gillian Plumber (Photographer), Louise Mock (Ceramics), Jennifer Mackay Windle (Pastels) and Margaret Grenham (Clay & Porcelain).

Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh | 01728 688303 / www.snapemaltings.co.uk

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Saturday 14th Valentine’s Vintage Afternoon Tea & Music To Celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends and loved ones, enjoy a relaxing afternoon and take tea in the company of ‘The Topcroft String Quartet’. Afternoon Tea consists of finger sandwiches, cream scones, homemade cakes all served on vintage mismatched china and accompanied by a big pot of tea for two.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | 2pm4pm | £13 per head or £15.50 with a glass of fizz! | Booking Essential | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Dance to the band: BEAT DELUXE Licensed bar, tea, coffee and rolls Wreningham Village Hall | Music 8.30pm until midnight | £6.50 | Christine Minns 01508 488123.

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Valentines Dinner at Jimmy's Farm Join us in the Restaurant for a wonderful night of food and romance! Soak in the romantic ambience in our beautiful converted barn.

Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich | 7:30pm | £45 per head price includes a welcome glass of Prosecco, and a delicious 3 course meal | 01473 604206 / www.jimmysfarm.com

Tuesday 17th All My Sons It is 1947 and Joe and Kate Keller, an all-American couple, are living with the ghosts of World War II. Joe is a successful, self-made businessman, a loving family man and a pillar of the community. He is a partner in a machine shop building fighter plane parts. Joe and Kate’s happiness is clouded by one thing – their son is missing in action, presumed dead by all but his mother…

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich | 7pm | 01473 295900 / www.wolseytheatre. co.uk

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Buskers Night Bring along your instrument & speak to Dave when you arrive. Bar with real ale & snacks available. All welcome.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | 7pm | Free Entry | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Little Pigs Pancake Day Come and join us at the farm to celebrate pancake day! We will clean up the mess for you!

Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich | 4pm | £4.95 per child, includes: 2 pancakes per child with choice of many toppings, glass of squash, a pancake flipping station! An afternoon tea menu will be available for accompanying Mums and Dads | 01473 604206 / www.jimmysfarm.com

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THURSDAY 19th THEATRE: United We Stand by Townsend Productions Diss Corn Hall | £10 / Concessions £9 | 7.30pm | www.townsendproductions.org.uk | 01379 652241 / www.disscornhall. co.uk

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Sunday 15th Apollo Country Music Club presents Kay D A great night of live country music with a fully licensed bar, hot meals and raffle available.

Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 7.30pm-10.45pm | £5 members, £6 non members | 01379 854205 / www.apollo-club.co.uk

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Monday 16th - Friday 20th Heroes and Villains Deadly enemies and bitter battles, choose your side and start your training. Pick up your sword and advance in the drill, hear astonishing tales of your favourite rogues and plot your ambush of Framlingham Castle. Ticket price includes entry to the castle and grounds.

All children are welcome to join in these events. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member, to help us fund this entertainment activity.

Framlingham Castle, Suffolk | 11am - 4pm | 01728 724922 / www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Jurassic Adventures A brand new production, set on a magical island, where anything might happen, with a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course DINOSAURS Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T. REX mother who wants her egg back!

Theatre Royal, Norwich | 01603 63 00 00 / www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk / boxoffice@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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Eric Clapton Tribute Cliff Stevens faithfully recreates the music of three-times Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eric Clapton.

The Fisher Theatre, Bungay, Suffolk | 7:30pm | £12 | Box Office: 01986 897130 / www.fishertheatre.org

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Thursday 19th - Friday 20th Goldilocks and The 3 Bears They only went out for a stroll… to let the food cool down. But when the three bears got home the house was a mess

EVENTS

a selection of forthcoming events in our region

and Baby Bear’s porridge had vanished completely! And that was just the beginning!

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds | Box Office 01284 769505 / www.theatreroyal.org / booking@theatreroyal.org

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Friday 20th Film: What we did on our Holiday A comedy about a couple and their three children who travel to Scotland for a family birthday party. The children get on well with their grandfather but are very poor at keeping family secrets!

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | Bar open at 7.15pm for 8.00pm start | Booking advisable - £4 in advance, £4.50 on the door | Ices on sale | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Rhiannon Mair "Engaging, melodic, confident – everything you want a solo artist to be" - Birmingham Review. Rhiannon Mair has music in her blood; her DNA a dancing double-helix of vibrant musicality and song-writing savvy.

The Bank, Eye, Suffolk | Advance Tickets: £8 | 8pm (Doors Open 7:15pm) | 01379 873495 / www.thebankeye.org

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MUSIC: The Electric Swing Circus Diss Corn Hall | Advance £8 / Door £10 | 8pm | www.electricswingcircus.com | 01379 652241 / www.disscornhall. co.uk

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Thorpe Marshes Guided Walks, Thorpe Marshes Join local naturalist, Chris Durdin to explore NWT Thorpe Marshes, in the Norfolk Broads, yet on the edge of Norwich. It’s a charming mix of grazed and ungrazed marshes, ditches and the open water of St Andrew’s Broad. Bring binoculars and a camera if you have them.

Wellies are recommended.

Thorpe Marshes, pedestrian railway bridge at the end of Whitlingham Lane. Please note NWT Thorpe Marshes has no parking.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust | 10am – 12 noon | Free | 01603 625540 / www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

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Saturday 21st TANNAHILL WEAVERS The Tannahill Weavers are Scotland's beloved musical ambassadors, with scores of recordings and countless tours over forty years to their credit. Originally hailed for introducing the mighty Highland pipes in a folk-band setting, the Tannies' concerts remain forever fresh to their fans—a blend of powerful instrumentals, ballads with three part harmonies, and on-stage banter that turns the space between the songs into a show of their own.

The Cut, Halesworth | £12 Online | 7:30pm | 01986 873285 / info@newcut.org / www.newcut.org

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Claude Bourbon “This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision. His sound instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz, Claude Bourbon provides both a rich evening of music for lovers, and a real treat for music lovers…”, BBC, UK. The Bank, Eye, Suffolk | Advance Tickets: £8 / £10 | 8pm (Doors Open 7:15pm) | 01379 873495 / www.thebankeye.org

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Sunday 22ND SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Singalonga Productions are delighted to announce that Disney’s Frozen is the new Singalonga must see! A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Anna and Elsa during the film. Introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some hand actions and heckles before you sit back and “Let it Go”.

Theatre Royal, Norwich | 01603 63 00 00 / www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk / boxoffice@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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Starring Clive Webb and Danny Adams Winners of the Ken Dodd Comedy Award and CFA Best Comedy Award.

Dubbed "The Superstars of Slapstick", father and son Clive and Danny's particular brand of lunacy runs throughout the show, causing havoc and chaos on stage, and screams of laughter from all the family.

The Cut, Halesworth | £14 Adult, Children & Concession £12, Family ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £46 | 2:30pm | 01986 873285 / info@newcut.org / www.newcut.org

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Monday 2nd March An Afternoon with Monty Don Hear him speak about his life and travels visiting gardens all over the world, what really happens behind the scenes when filming, about how he made his own organic garden from a bare field and how understanding and working with nature enriches and empowers us all.

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds | 2pm | £18 | 01284 758000 / www.theapex.co.uk

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MONTHLY

The Silver Dollar Country Music Club, The Park Hotel, Diss presents THE BILL CONLON TRIO. The Park Hotel, Diss | Doors 7pm - music 7.30pm until 10.30pm | Members £5. NonMembers £6 | John & Teresa Stannard, 01603 433918.

Every Monday

Odd Balls Knitting Club Just bring along your needles and ‘knit & natter’.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | 1pm – 3pm | Free | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk admin@pennoyers.org.uk

Thursday 26th audience with The Royal Air Force An opportunity to learn more about what the RAF does and how it does it.

The Fisher Theatre, Bungay, Suffolk | 7:30pm | £15 includes a Buffet Supper | Box Office: 01986 897130 / www.fishertheatre.org

Mondays & Saturdays PC Help Club One-to-one PC help from keen and knowledgeable volunteers. All abilities welcome.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | Mondays 1.30pm – 5.30pm, Saturdays 9.30am – 12 noon | £4 for a one hour session | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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Friday 27th Bistro Night Enjoy a delicious home cooked meal – main course starting from £9.

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | Bar opens at 6.45pm for 7.30pm | £9 - Book early to avoid disappointment | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers.org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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THEATRE: Charles Dickens' Bleak House • The Pantaloons Theatre Company Diss Corn Hall | Tickets £12 / Concessions £10 | 7.30pm | www.thepantaloons.co.uk | 01379 652241 / www.disscornhall. co.uk

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SATURDAY 28th MUSIC: Barb Jungr • The songs of Bob Dylan & Leonard Cohen Diss Corn Hall | Tickets: £12.50 | 8pm | www.barbjungr.com | 01379 652241 / www.disscornhall.co.uk

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CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS

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EVERY TUESDAY Tuesday Time Together Come along for a chat, fellowship, refreshments or quiet space.

St John’s Church, Harleston | 10.00am4.00pm | Free | 01379 851148

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FIRST & THIRD TUESDAY DISS & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Grasmere Club, Denmark Street, Diss | 7:30pm-9:45pm | www.disscamera.org.uk

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First Tuesday Waveney Bereavement Group Number 7 - Prayer & Counselling Centre, 7-8 Mere Street, Diss | 2pm | 01379 658956

Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St. Mary | 7pm | Free | 01379 676660 / www.pennoyers. org.uk / admin@pennoyers.org.uk

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First Thursday Diss Computer Club The Residents’ Meeting Room, Taylor Road | 7.00pm - 10.00pm | Bob Morgan 01379 650977 / disscomputerclub@gmail.com

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First Friday & third Sunday African Djembe Drumming Lessons ‘Backspace’, Angel Cafe, Fair Green, Diss | Friday: 10 - 12pm & Sunday: 3 - 5pm | £12 per session | Jane 01379 641233

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The Wyken Vineyard Farmers Market The Wyken Farmers’ Market is about farmers, producers, bakers, makers, friends and family.

Wyken Road, Stanton, Bury St Edmunds | 9am - Noon | 01359 250262

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Every Saturday Strictly Saturdays Dump the shopping and come dancing at The Apex in the upstairs bar! Ballroom, Latin and Rock & Roll.

The Apex, Bury St. Edmunds | 2.30pm4.30pm | Free | 01284 758000 / enquiries@theapex.co.uk

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FIRST Saturday Indoor Flea Market Vintage, antique, collectables, etc.

Swan Hotel, Harleston | 9.00 - 1.00pm | Stalls £10 | 01379 855486

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Second & fourth Saturday Bingo for Cash Prizes Apollo Social Club, Harleston | £6 for 6 games | 8.00pm | 01379 854205 / www.apollo-club.co.uk

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Every Sunday Stonham Barns CAR Boot Sale Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal | 8am for Sellers / 9am for Buyers | Simon Tilley 07817 539168

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EVERY FIRST & THIRD SUNDAY Come Dancing If you love to dance this is a great night!

Professional DJ, fantastic dance floor & fully licensed bar.

Apollo Rooms, Harleston | 7.00pm10.00pm | £5 | 01379 854205 / www. apollo-club.co.uk

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Third Tuesday Buskers Night A relaxed evening with all types of music including modern, blues and folk. Bring along your instrument & speak to Dave when you arrive. Bar with real ale & bacon butties.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to make this listing as accurate as possible, we recommend that you verify times and dates prior to attending any events.

Entries for March by 15th February via info@ylm.co.uk

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