Places&faces sept 13 norfolk by Countrywide Publications

SEPTEMBER 2013 ÂŁ2.95

The magazine for norfolk & north suffolk

ISSUE 42 www.placesandfaces.co.uk

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It’s a sprinkle of gossip with your latte! It’s enjoying over 90 fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants nestled in the heart of Norwich.

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to be the next big thing (her latest show starts on C4 this month) and legendary stand up and grumpy old man Arthur Smith who recalls his student days at UEA. My highlight this month was a visit to the Urban Jungle on the edge of Norwich where owner Liz Browne showed me her amazing collection of exotic blooms. It has made me look at my own garden with fresh eyes although I fear that I will never have Liz’s passion or knowledge! The Cliff Hotel in Gorleston just goes from strength to strength and the terrace’s new outdoor grill is simply stunning while Tony Mallion has enjoyed the food and view at the Blakeney Hotel. Our wine writer Poppy Seymour has tracked down a boutique wine from a really exclusive little vineyard in New Zealand and with a very pretty name, and Andy Newman is getting ready to go scrumping – we’ll say no more! Mark Nicholls has a couple of features with us this month – he’s been exploring Cuba and made us all want to go – and interviewed Norwich authors and husband and wife, David Taylor and Rachel Hore, who both have new novels out this month. And Richard Barr has located his passport and escaped to the heat – but not without a few hiccups along the way – he’ll have you chuckling as usual! So, hopefully we have a little bit of something for everyone. Enjoy your plus-sized P&F.

EDITOR’S LETTER sarah harDy

sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk

weLcOme TO Our biGGesT ever issue! so much is happening this month that we have pushed the magazine to a whopping 132 pages – all for free!

The annual Norfolk Food and Drink Festival sees our great producers and chefs on show, with the annual scone baking competition at Wroxham Barns a real highlight. And Yarmouth is buzzing with three festivals taking place, including Out There which sees acts from around the world take part. Add in the Heritage Open Weekend, where you can have an exclusive look around several of the region’s many unusual buildings, and you’ll be busy! As usual, we’ve been busy chatting to many celebrities this month, too, including the delightful Liza Goddard, who is one of the country’s hardest working actresses, and Tom Conti, who still has many admirers following his great role in the hit movie, Shirley Valentine. Plus Olympian boxer Anthony Ogogo travels to the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, for his fourth professional fight and we’re confident of success. Our assistant editor Emma Outten has interviewed celebs at either end of the spectrum – TV presenter Laura Hamilton who is tipped

Follow me on Twitter, @H2CreativeSarah.

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CoNTENTs

Tony and Jenny Mallion thoroughly enjoy their trip to the Blakeney Hotel – their home-from-home!

ceLeBriTieS 10 Meet telly’s rising star, Laura Hamilton, who

has a new series starting this month on C4 14 Living legend Tom Conti stars in a tense courtroom drama at Norwich’s Theatre Royal this month 18 Arthur Smith talks about his student days at UEA as he helps the university celebrate its 50th birthday 22 Norfolk actress Liza Goddard returns to the stage in a classic Agatha Christie whodunnit 26 Operatic brothers Richard and Adam Johnson go straight to the top of the charts with their debut album

Norwich author Rachel Hore talks about her latest novel, The Silent Tide

Great Yarmouth’s busy month of festivals is revealed

WHAT’S ON 34 Don’t miss our regular monthly round-up of the best events and activities in the region 36 Paul Daniels conjures up a little bit of magic as his tour comes to Norfolk 39 Sound the Bugle - The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is ready to rock! 41 St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth offers up its usual diverse programme of entertainment 48 The Sainsbury Centre in Norwich stages its most ambitious exhibition ever

Political comic Mark Thomas gets ready to stir things up a little as he arrives in our region

HOMeS & GArdeNS 52 The property of the month is a glorious

waterside home in Wroxham, with its own lagoon 54 Flooring comes under the spotlight this month in our regular Jarrold’s interiors column 57 Our Lust List tempts you with gadgets and gizmos for the kitchen 58 Sarah Hardy visits the Urban Jungle on the outskirts of Norwich where exotic plants rule

reGuLArS 44 Lenny Henry is simply a triumph in his latest

West End role, Fences 123 Our High Society pages kick off with a Mark Nicholls visits Cuba where he samples a Mojito – and discovers more of the Caribbean island’s chequered history

celebration at Norwich-based financial advisers Almary Green

5 MINUTEs WITh

Sarah de Chair Sarah de Chair is the chairman of this year’s Norfolk Food and Drink Festival which celebrates the county’s great produce and producers. She enjoys delving into the region’s larder – and sampling its micro breweries!

It’s a fruity number from Mark Dixon as he offers up a melon and feta cheese salad

FOOd & driNK 65 Fresh from the sea - Franck Pontais serves up a quick and easy oyster dish 68 Sea air and fabulous food – try DaVino’s at the Cliff Hotel in Gorleston 70 Beautiful wines from New Zealand – Poppy Seymour seeks them out 74 Enjoy Roger Hickman’s tarte tatin and find out more about Norfolk’s apple heritage

FASHiON & BeAuTY 31 Punchy prints are a key look for the autumn 33 Beauty treats this season just got a lot more

tasty!

BuSiNeSS 104 Emma Outten interviews Jonathan Agar, the new CEO at top East Anglia law firm Birketts LLP

MOTOrS 114 Matt Joy test drives the Citroen C4 Picasso 118 Iain Dooley test drives the Chevrolet Trax

cOLuMNiSTS 28 Ian Russell urges us all to get baking as

Wroxham Barns’ annual scone competition arrives 86 Richard Barr is off on his hols but will he get to the airport on time? 130 SJP simply doesn’t ‘do’ barbecues! Read all about her burning hatred!

COVER STORY 12 What Happens in Vegas… Anthony Ogogo

heads Stateside for his latest fight

what’s your ideal day out in the area? In the summer we can be found sailing our Wayfarer at Burnham Overy Staithe. This is such a beautiful place and somewhere I spent much of my childhood. It is also an ideal way of entertaining the grandchildren with picnics on the island and paddling in the sea. which iconic norfolk characters do you most admire and why? I have to mention two people who I learnt about years ago as our prep school houses were named after them. Edith Cavell, a nurse, patriot and martyr executed for helping hundreds of allied soldiers to escape from occupied Brussels during World War I. Elizabeth Fry, a social reformer famous for her work improving conditions for women prisoners. But ultimately it has to be my father, Harry Schulman, who was a Japanese prisoner of war survivor having served with the Norfolk Regiment, an innovative Norfolk farmer and a man who would give the shirt off his back to help others. He died a few years ago aged 100. what’s your favourite pub in norfolk and what do you like to drink there? We are not great pub goers but when the family are here we all like to go out for a treat. My daughter and her partner have just started a microbrewery in Norwich, called Redwell Brewery, and she recently introduced us to the Erpingham Arms who sell their beer. So of course I would have to say the most refreshing drink is their best selling four percent Redwell Pilsner. where do you like to eat out in norfolk and why? and what do you order? My husband maintains that the food we cook at home is so good there seems little need to eat out! But where we live we are surrounded by great restaurants and the cook does need a treat every so often! We recently had a most excellent meal at the King’s Head in Letheringsett where Chris Coubrough, one of our Norfolk Food and Drink Festival patrons, treated some of the festival directors to a superb meal of oysters, lamb, fruit and vegetables all sourced from our great Norfolk larder. what do you miss most when you leave the region? The peace and quiet, tranquillity, and the dawn chorus. what are you reading at the moment? Black Diamonds by Catherine Bailey. It is all about the coal industry in the early 20th century and talks in particular about Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire and the Fitzwilliam family. would you prefer a day on the broads or a day at yarmouth’s Pleasure beach? why? A day on the Broads. We have a boat which we keep on Malthouse Broad, Ranworth and where we potter about in the spring observing wildlife and in the summer explore the area with friends and a boat full of good food and wine. Opera, musical, drama or movie - which would you prefer to watch? and what was the last production/show you saw? This is a difficult question as I like all of these. I am new to opera and was taken to Glyndebourne last year for the very first time to see the Marriage of Figaro and loved it. We go to the movies in the winter and Lincoln was the last film we saw. At the theatre it was War Horse where we all came out mopping our eyes. sum up norfolk in three words Coastline, peaceful and inspiring. sum up yourself in three words This is very difficult for me to answer so I asked my husband! He said: 'Calm, thoughtful and kind.'

The eDP aDnams nOrFOLk FOOD & Drink FesTivaL 2013 runs from august 31 to October 6 and is the largest event of its kind in the uk. held in association with norfolk county council, it features hundreds of activities showcasing norfolk food, drink and producers, and comprises six key weekends, plus many weekday events. For more information, visit www.norfolkfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

LAURA HAMILTON

L A U R A’ S C L I M B I N G U P

THE PROPERTY LADDER She was runner up in Dancing on Ice two years ago and she is about to lead a new competition: Beat my Build. Emma Outten speaks to TV presenter Laura Hamilton on property, pregnancy and more

abies were very much on the agenda when Laura Hamilton was chatting on the phone this summer. Not only had the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge just introduced their baby to the world, the TV presenter was looking forward to the autumn birth of her first child with husband Alex Goward. As well as being one of the faces of Channel 4’s award winning show A Place in the Sun, she has a brand new show, Beat my Build, which will air on Channel 4 this month. In the meantime, her pregnancy has been going well. ‘I’ve been really, really lucky’, says Laura. ‘I’ve had no morning sickness; no cravings. I kind of have to remind myself that I’m pregnant!’ Unlike the Duke and Duchess, there will be no delay in naming the child. ‘We’ve already picked a name for a girl and name for a boy. And Laura adds: ‘Both Alex and I, once we’ve made our minds up about something, we stick with it.’ The baby is due in November. ‘I’m filming A Place in the Sun up until the end of September and there’s A Place in the Sun exhibition at the end of September, so it might be that I have October off.’ She also regularly presents for Daybreak, and is out and about on location fronting some of their live outside broadcasts (she had just finished filming Daybreak for the day, when we spoke). ‘In terms of afterwards, I’m booked in to film (at the end of March) A Place in the Sun,’ says Laura. ‘The baby will come with my mum or my mum-in-law, or my husband.’ ‘I’m very, very lucky in that I have my mum and dad, and neither of them works. It’s their first grandchild. And I love my job so I don’t want to give it up.’ Plus, as she adds: ‘My new show, Beat my Build, is UK-based, so hopefully, after it goes out, it will go into a second series, and I’ll be doing that.’

Laura Hamilton presents brand new Channel 4 show Beat my Build, on screens in September. For updates check www.laurahamilton.co.uk

Laura presents A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun and A Place in the Sun: Home or Away, on Channel 4 now.

ITV’s Fort Boyard will be on screens in October. Follow Laura on Twitter @laurahamiltontv

In her spare time Laura enjoys property renovation and interior design and bought her first property at 19-years-old which was entirely self-funded. Laura has renovated eight houses to date. The 31-year-old says: ‘I’ve never lived in a house for more than two years, apart from the one I’m in now, which I’ve lived in for two years and one month!’ She adds: ‘We did put it on the market at the start of the year and then I fell pregnant in February.’ She imagines giving birth to be like a renovation project. ‘You forget all the mess of beforehand!’ Laura was the perfect choice for the show, in which two teams of renovators go head to head. ‘It’s the first time I’m presenting a brand new show, rather than following in the footsteps of another presenter,’ she observes. There are 20 episodes in all, and she recalls that one was located just outside Ipswich. ‘Between that and A Place in the Sun, it’s hard to remember where I’ve been sometimes!’ Laura has also finished filming her fourth series of the action, adventure show ‘Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge’ for ITV (the previously three series have aired in the UK, USA and throughout Europe). With a passion for travel she has seen many parts of the world. In terms of filming A Place in the Sun, she has been impressed with the properties in Lanzarote; and in terms of getting interior design ideas, she likes Marrakech in Morocco. But she says: ‘It’s too hard to pinpoint one place as being my favourite place in the world.’ Laura is a real adrenaline junkie who has sky dived from 14,000ft! ‘I’ve skied since I was nine, and already Alex and I have said between January and March we want to go skiing.’ This could part-explain why she was such a great contestant on Dancing on Ice. In 2011 she was chosen as one of the 16 celebrities to participate in ITV1’s flagship show. And after 12 gruelling weeks, she was crowned runner up. ‘It changed things massively for me. Never in a million years did I expect to get picked to do that show. ‘I was in children’s television; did Dancing on Ice, and that changed my career path,’ says Laura, who joined A Place in the Sun later that year. ‘One thing I did want to do was get to the final.’ She partnered Canadian professional Colin Rutushniak, and they were only the fourth couple in DOI history to achieve a perfect score of 30.0 out of 30.0. ‘He’s a lovely guy and after we came back from our honeymoon he lived with us for three months,’ says Laura, who got married last September. ‘I made a great friend and it was a great experience.’ Next year will see the last series of DOI with Torvill and Dean. ‘I was at an ITV party a couple of weeks ago and was chatting to Jayne Torvill, and Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins,’ recalls Laura, ‘and I was saying I would love to be part of the last series. It would be a great way to get my body back after the baby, and they were raising their eyebrows!’ Laura continues: ‘I look back and think ‘how on earth did I do that head banger (a highly dangerous spinning move)?’ ‘There’s no way I could get on the ice tomorrow but I’m sure if I trained for five/six/seven weeks doing it, building up my confidence, I’d probably give it a go again.'

BOXING CLEVER CHAMPION LOWESTOFT BOxER ANTHONY OGOGO TALKS ExCLUSIVELY TO SARAH HARDY AS HE HEADS TO LAS VEGAS FOR HIS NExT FIGHT

lympian anthony Ogogo is heading to Las Vegas for his fourth professional bout on September 14. He will appear at the historic MGM Grand, in front of thousands of fans, as part of the highlyanticipated Floyd Mayweather and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez blockbuster title fight. The Lowestoft boxer appears on the undercard of this fight, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in Britain. ‘It’s all about getting experience, I am totally focused on getting a world title and these are all stepping stones for me,’ he says, talking as he returned from an exercise class in Lowestoft. ‘I don’t yet know who I am fighting but once I do, you start to do your research, your video analysis. You look for strengths and weaknesses – where you can catch them!’ The 24-year-old’s previous fights have all ended in success and Anthony, who went to Kirkley High School, is tipped as a future world-beater. The middleweight boxer, who won a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics and then turned professional, ranks Muhammad Ali as his inspiration and follows a vigorous and extensive training programme. ‘I train five days a week. I tend to break it up into three sessions. Say an hour first thing which is usually a run – plus all the warm ups and cool downs. Then I’ll do a weights session in the mid-morning for strength and conditioning. That’s about an hour, too.

‘And then my main session is from 3pm until about 5 or 6pm. That’s when we box – and do more fitness and strengthening work. I guess I would like to do one long session but my body has to rest inbetween.’ He adds: ‘If you see me after a training session, I can be like a walking zombie, I get so tired!’ He trains all over the country, in Lowestoft and Norwich, and also travels to Sheffield and London. ‘I need to see different coaches, try different sparring partners – I am so determined that I will do whatever it takes.’ Anthony has been boxing since he was just 12 years old and was also a very keen footballer in his youth, appearing for Norwich City Football Club’s youth team. He has four sisters and five nieces and nephews, and is close to his mother, Teresa, a former nurse, who was very ill during the Olympic Games. ‘She is doing really well, I can never big up my mum enough,’ says Anthony. And he remains very loyal to his home town and often gives talks at local schools and colleges in a bid to motivate students and find the next sporting champ. ‘I really do appreciate all the support people give me. They still come up to me and talk about the Olympics – and I know they watch my fights on telly!’ he says. ‘I can’t thank them enough.’ He travels out to America on September 2, to give his body two weeks to get over the time difference and get used to the high temperatures. But he’s far too focused to think about seeing the sights. ‘Maybe afterwards but I just want to prepare myself. I am really excited about going, I've never been to Las Vegas before so it will be an amazing experience.’

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

ANTHONY OGOGO

ANTHONY IS CURRENTLY represented by Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions, owned by Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer

“

I AM SO DETERMINED THAT I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES...

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

Tom Does IT

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

TOM CONTI

He’s one of Britain’s favourite actors and he’s coming to Norwich to star in the powerful courtroom drama, Rough Justice. Sarah Hardy meets Tom Conti and reckons he’s still got it!

om Conti is one of those actors who has an army of female fans. and, after meeting him at norwich Theatre Royal while promoting his latest play, it is easy to understand why! He is calm and laid back, very much the gentleman, and while his trademark dark bushy hair now is a distinguished grey, his trim figure and twinkly eyes remain. But it is his voice, of course, that delights. It is rich, deep and super sexy – and instantly recognisable. The sort of voice you could simply listen to all day. So, having established that the Shirley Valentine star is still the housewife’s favourite (and he was recently voted, along with Dame Judi Dench, the most popular actor in the West End over the past 25 years), we need to turn to his latest project. He is starring in a dramatic courtroom drama called Rough Justice which comes to the Theatre Royal this month and explains: ‘I play a well known television interviewer called James Highwood who is a bit like Jeremy Paxman. Or John Humphrys on Radio 4. A real interrogator. ‘He is very self confident, maybe a bit arrogant. But then he is charged with murder – well, he actually admits to murder and the play deals with his trial.’ Tom, who is now in his early 70s, doesn’t want to reveal too much about the piece but does admit that it deals with the rather controversial and topical issue of euthanasia, so called mercy killing. Tom continues: ‘My character decides to defend himself which is a big mistake as he really doesn’t know the tricks of the trade! So the play is set in Court One of the Old Bailey and he meets his match with the prosecutor – some of the cross examination, their verbal battles, are some of the toughest scenes I’ve ever tackled. Neither of us can miss a beat, neither of us can stumble.’ The play was written by Terence Frisby (of There’s A Girl In My Soup fame) in the mid 90s, and this version has undergone a few chops and changes. Tom explains: ‘We end by asking the audience whether they think the defendant is guilty or not guilty. You will be amazed how different audiences give different verdicts.’ It toured last year to great critical success and Norwich is its first date on this year’s tour. ‘We are doing six weeks which is bearable and then we go into the West End, hopefully for about 12 weeks,’ he says. Tom, who was born in Paisley in Scotland, has an Italian father, Alfonso, and a Scottish mother and both sets of parents were hairdressers. He trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and then went to London to seek his fame and fortune and it’s said that he almost gave it all up as he just wasn’t making any headway. He was by then married to fellow Scottish actor and artist Kara Wilson and they had a baby daughter, Nina Conti, who is now a well known ventriloquist who appears at Norwich Playhouse next month.

Rough Justice runs at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, from September 10 – 14. Call 01603 630000.

Fortunately just as he was thinking of jacking it all in around the early 70s, he was cast in a ‘hot’ West End play called Savages and the rest, as they say, is history. But it meant that fame came to Tom in his 30s so he remains very grounded and has a strong social conscience, more of which later. He doesn’t know us very well here in Norfolk although his daughter did study at the UEA. ‘I enjoy getting to know places when I’m on tour, we have time in the day to explore a little. Although I do know Peter Wilson well. ‘When you are on tour, you do get to see the country and to realise that it is very diverse.’ And it is here that you quickly realise that Tom is quite a political creature, with opinions on just about everything, especially local councils and government cuts. Don’t get him started is my tip! He has since appeared almost non-stop in films, plays and on telly – most recently he acquired yet more fans when he appeared in the BBC1 hit comedy series, Miranda, as her dad. And he was also in the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, which keeps him on the A list of Hollywood movie stars. Tom now lives near Hampstead in London in a house, as he explains, with its own salon. ‘My wife wanted one! We can rehearse there which is great.’ Away from work, Tom enjoys spending time with his two grandsons, Arthur and Drummond, although you won’t find him near a gym! ‘Good Lord, no! I think they are dangerous places. I might swim a bit, and I like to walk but not much else.’ You also won’t find him anywhere near a theatre. ‘No!’ he says, almost flabbergasted by the thought. ‘But I am an avid cinema goer. I see the lot!’ And indeed Tom is a member of the Academy who vote for the Oscar winners. ‘We have a little cinema at home so that is a treat – to stay in and watch a really great film.’

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University of East Anglia alumnus and comedian Arthur Smith has happy memories of studying in Norwich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if they did include camping in Bluebell Woods for a term, as he tells Emma Outten in advance of the UEA 50th Anniversary Festival

SLEEPING UNDER CANVAS 18

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

ARTHUR SMITH

self-confessed prankster at the University of East Anglia, it was not unknown for Arthur Smith to move his bed into the main square, or recite poetry from a unicycle. As you do. So one wonders what he will get up to when he returns for the 50 Years of the UEA celebrations later this month. Stand by your beds! ‘I was quite extrovert,’ recalls Arthur, the second time we spoke (the first time we spoke was a touch too early and had elicited the witty riposte: ‘I’m a comedian, not a commuter’). Arthur, who is best known for his stand-up alternative comedy performances, as well as stints on BBC Radio 4 and TV’s Grumpy Old Men, recalls: ‘I was enjoying being 18 and had always been something of a show off.’ The UEA was a mere 10 years old when Arthur arrived, in 1973. What made him choose it? ‘I wanted to go to a new university, I can’t entirely remember why, but I only applied to new universities. ‘UEA was the one that did comparative literature, so I got to spend a year in Paris, France, and also the UEA had this connection with creative writing, which didn’t seem to exist with the others.’ He explains the appeal: ‘Instead of writing about the history of a sonnet, or the form of a sonnet, I could write a sonnet! ‘The whole teaching structure was a more modern one. The approach was not just chronological, it struck me - more traditional places started with Beowulf and finished with TS Eliot.’ Arthur had clearly been encouraged by UEA’s motto: ‘Do Different’. How would he describe the university? ‘It did feel new and also the Denys Lasdun architecture had a certain Brutalist quality, but it felt very modern.’ This year, the Times Higher Education supplement ranked UEA as the 16th best university in the world, under the age of 50 years. Would he concur with that? ‘I can’t say I’ve visited all the other ones, but from my point of view, definitely. I liked campus life because it was quite intense. Thousands of people of a similar age and half of whom were female of course!’ He adds: ‘It was the first time I had come across girls, really. I was at the height of my showing off – I’ve never really stopped, in a way.’ Hailing from London, as he does (he’s become the self-appointed Night Mayor of Balham), Norfolk was a culture shock, and he experienced the well-trodden teenage rite of passage: from leaving parents and brothers behind, to sharing a room with a complete stranger.

He recalls: ‘I had a room in Norfolk Terrace in the first year and then in the second year I moved into accommodation. Initially I lived in a tent in Bluebell Woods in the second year for about a term – I couldn’t find anywhere to accommodate me!’ Arthur doesn’t take life too seriously and his laidback musings have stood him in good stead over the years – his 2009 memoir, My Name is Daphne Fairfax, is testament to that. In his second year, as he details in the book, Arthur found a cheap room in a house in Caernarvon Road, just off Earlham Road (‘I can’t remember what number’), with a builder called Barney and his wife. One winter morning, Arthur recalls entering the bathroom only to find that the roof had been removed during the night! Arthur spent his third year abroad. ‘And then the fourth year, one of my richer friends' parents bought a house in Norwich, he rented it and I moved in,’ recalls Arthur, ‘there were five of us. Seaview Farm we called it. That was a joke! There was no farm and no sea view - we were on the Aylsham Road.’ These days Arthur is marketed as one of those ‘Grumpy Old Men’, but, listening to him, he’s nothing of the sort, really. Although the 58-year-old says: ‘I can be if need be. There are many modern things that are unfathomable when you get to a certain age. I have moments of existential anguish, but so does everyone.’ What has been his career highlight to date? ‘Probably having a big West End show I suppose. I don’t think I’ve had my highlight yet – I’m an optimist.’ His 1991 play, An Evening with Gary Lineker, had garnered him an Olivier Award nomination. Over the summer he has reprised his show, Arthur Smith sings Leonard Cohen, at the Edinburgh Festival. He is looking forward to coming back to Norwich for the 50th anniversary celebrations. ‘It’ll be a laugh,’ he says. ‘You have that shock of seeing people you haven’t seen for 40 years and what age has done to them!’ Whilst at the UEA, Arthur and a group of people had formed a revue company. ‘I’m going to persuade them to come and we are going to recreate a few of those. I think I’m taking part in a Samuel Beckett play in French. No doubt I’ll do a bit of stand-up.’ And he adds: ‘Maybe I’ll take a little private visit to Bluebell Woods and remember my tent.’ Arthur signs off by saying: ‘Give my love to the Earlham Road, and Barney, and Caernarvon Road. He’ll be knocking on a bit now. He’s probably built a castle there now.’

Arthur Smith will appear on September 28 in the Studio Theatre, UEA Drama Studio, as part of the Fifty Years of the University of East Anglia Fringe Festival. Visit www.uea.ac.uk/50years.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

HOT OFF THE PRESS Norfolk-based writer Rachel Hore is widely-recognised for her romantic and historical novels. She spoke to Mark Nicholls about the transition from publisher to author, marriage to fellow writer DJ Taylor, and her new book, The Silent Tide

For the best part of two decades, Rachel hore worked in london publishing houses supporting renowned authors as they developed and made their names in the literary world. But after moving to Norfolk with her three sons and husband – fellow author DJ Taylor – she began writing romantic and historical novels that over the years have won her a loyal readership. Now, her sixth book The Silent Tide brings those strands together dipping into her own history and experience for a storyline that explores the settings of London publishing past and present. The book sees Emily Gordon, an editor at a modern London publishing house, commission an account of the life of English novelist Hugh Morton but she soon finds herself having to steer the tricky path between his widow and second wife Jacqueline – who is determined to protect her late husband’s deepest secrets – and the biographer, the charming and ambitious Joel Richards. Emily also finds herself receiving mysterious missives about Morton’s past, tempting her with a hidden story that just has to be told. The Silent Tide also takes us back to post-war London of 1948 where 19-year-old Isabel Barber, a petite red-head, finds herself on the cusp of a fascinating career having landed a job with publishers McKinnon & Holt. Before long, she develops a close editorial relationship with a young debut novelist – the youthful Hugh Morton – and the professional leads to the passionate as she becomes the author’s first wife. Rachel, who like her character in The Silent Tide met and married one of her authors DJ Taylor while a publisher at HarperCollins, explains: ‘Having worked in publishing myself for many years since the early 1980s up until 2001, I thought that there was a novel in it for me. ‘It seemed natural to look at the two different lives of women from two different periods - Isabel and Emily – and at a time that women were being pushed out of the workplace by men returning from the war. But it was also a generation of women who had good educations and aspirations to prove themselves within the workplace.

‘But the tides of time are against Isabel because there is very much an atmosphere at the beginning of the 1950s of women getting married and then leaving work to nurture their husbands and have children. ‘Publishing, rather like journalism, seemed more ready for women to make some sort of impact. While women were not in serious positions they were able to flourish and publishing seemed more accepting of women being part of that. With the new book I would like to emphasise the aspect of the different women’s lives.’ Half a century or more later, Emily comes into the story as a young aspiring editor working on the biography of the author and she comes across the existence of Isabel, his first wife, much to the discomfort of his widow and second wife Jacqueline. ‘She becomes fascinated by the idea of the first wife whose history has been somewhat suppressed,’ adds Rachel, who has also been inspired by the writing of Diana Athill, born in Norfolk and a British literary editor, novelist and memoirist who worked with some of the most important writers of the 20th century. ‘I am very much enjoying Diana Athill’s books about publishing in the 40s, 50s and 60s and I suppose that is why I thought there was a novel in it for me too.’ The Silent Tide switches between London and rural East Anglia and also embraces the tragic night of January 31, 1953 when homes were swept away and hundreds of lives lost as the sea swept inland with devastating consequences during the terrible floods of that winter’s night. Born in Surrey, Rachel went to live in Hong Kong when she was five when her father’s job moved there. Always an avid reader, she recalls one of the excitements while living in Hong Kong was receiving parcels of books from relatives in the UK. When the tropical heat got to her, which she added it often did being red-haired with fair skin, she’d lie on her bed and lose herself in Enid Blyton, Black Beauty or the Chronicles of Narnia. As a teenager she ‘fell in love’ with English literature - Jane Austen and the Brontës - raided her grandfather’s bookshelf for Dickens and the local library for Virginia Woolf, George Orwell and Wilkie Collins.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

PICTURE JONATH AN RING

RACHEL HORE

After leaving Oxford University she obtained a junior position at Cassells Publishers in Westminster and knew she’d found a career where she felt ‘totally at home.’ Three years later she landed her dream job as an assistant editor at HarperCollins Publishers in the Fiction department, eventually becoming a senior editorial director and looking after her ‘own stable of well-known names’ – including Jenny Colgan, Barbara Erskine and Sidney Sheldon - and acknowledges as an editor she learned a great deal from her authors about the craft of storytelling, how to develop strong characters and write good dialogue. She says: ‘I did not really think about writing while I was a publisher but I did write a few rather self-indulgent poems and the occasional short story and I thought I had learned so much as an editor in terms of the crafting of a novel that I wanted to have a go and see how difficult it was to write a novel.’ She began writing seriously in 2003, two years after leaving the publishing house, and her first book The Dream House sold well while The Glass Painter’s Daughter was shortlisted for the 2010 RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award and A Gathering Storm was shortlisted for the 2012 RNA Historical Novel of the Year Award. Rachel’s stories cover periods from the 18th century to the present day and her next, yet untitled, novel is set in Norfolk, London and World War II Paris. ‘The big breakthrough for me was being chosen by Richard and Judy for Place of Secrets,’ says Rachel who lives in Norwich with her husband and their sons Leo (13), Benjy (17) and Felix (20). Novelist, critic and acclaimed biographer DJ Taylor’s biography of Thackeray was a critically-acclaimed success and his Orwell: The Life won the Whitbread Biography prize in 2003. In recent years, his historical novels, particularly Kept and Booker longlisted Derby Day set in the Victorian era, have been best-sellers and his latest book The Windsor Faction poses the question ‘what if Wallis Simpson had died before Edward VIII abdicated and he had remained king and sought an early negotiated settlement with Hitler’s Germany?’ Despite two renowned authors under the same roof – and both having new books out in September - Rachel stresses there is no collaboration or plans to start writing together, and no competition for readership as a result of the different genres. ‘We are totally different types of writers,’ said Rachel, ‘our styles are completely different and the only thing that brings us together is that we are both historians. We work completely independently.’

The Silent Tide

by Rachel Hore is published by Simon and Schuster

RACHEL HORE

The Windsor Faction DJ Taylor’s new novel The Windsor Faction offers an alternative view of the direction World War II may have taken had the man who later became the Duke of Windsor – a monarch suspected of pro-German sympathies - remained on the British throne. It sees the premature death of Wallis Simpson from natural causes and then Edward VIII behind a King’s Party of peace campaigners working to undermine the war effort, convinced that Hitler is not the real enemy of Britain. The scene switches from the offices of a newly-opened London literary magazine to country houses where MPs conspire in a book which takes us to the heart of government and monarchy, where plot and counter plot are hatched by conspiratorial factions working to promote their own anti-war agenda as the Nazi forces march ever further. The Windsor Faction by DJ Taylor is published by Chatto & Windus

Jarrold s is staging a launch evening for both authors on September 12 at 6.30pm in the Pantry on the third floor. Tickets are £5. Call 01603 660661.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

LIZA GODDARD

Liza Will Keep You Guessing! Leading Norfolk actress Liza Goddard stars in an Agatha Christie whodunnit which arrives in Norwich this month. Sarah Hardy catches up with her

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

Go Back For Murder, Norwich Theatre Royal, September 2 to 7. Call 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

he must be one of our most hard working actresses! Liza Goddard, who has based herself in Norfolk for about 20 years, doesn’t seem to do down time! Ever since she burst on to our screens as a fresh-faced youngster in the hit Aussie TV series Skippy the Bush Kangaroo in the late 60s, she has worked solidly. Now Liza is on an extensive tour of the country in Go Back For Murder, a classic whodunnit by the queen of all crime fiction, Dame Agatha Christie. And, as you’d expect, she is thoroughly enjoying herself. ‘The company gets on very well, we have become like a mini family – and we always try to go out for dinner once a week.’ Displaying her trademark enthusiasm for life and in that cut-glass English accent, Liza continues: ‘Oh, yes it is great fun, and of course the play is so clever, so full of twists and turns. ‘Nobody ever guesses the ending. Well, we had a lady one night who managed to work it out but she has been the only one – and we have toured for 26 weeks!’ Liza, who is now in her mid 60s, plays a spinster governess called Miss Williams in the show, saying: ‘Agatha Christie often had a sensible lady in her pieces – a sort of early women’s libber who wears proper shoes and the like! She is great fun to play.’ The show tells of a young woman’s determination to work out whether her mother really did kill her father. And, unusually, there is no Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot involved and it does flit between two different periods of time, the 1960s and the 1940s. Liza explains: ‘Sophie Ward plays both the daughter wanting to find the truth and then, in the second half, the mother; so there is a little time travelling!’ Liza lives with her husband, wildlife film producer David Cobham, in a small village near Dereham – with the expected collection of animals. ‘But we are down to three dogs, five chickens and a pony now,’ says Liza, a little wistfully, adding: ‘And I haven’t been riding for ages.’ Indeed, Liza’s love of animals is legendary – she is the sort of pet lover that somehow pops out to the supermarket for a pint of milk – and comes back with a rescue dog!

She gives a considerable amount of her time and energy to animal charities, and is heavily involved in the Norfolk-based Hawk and Owl Trust which has helped with, amongst many other projects, the nesting box for the peregrine falcons who make Norwich Cathedral their home. ‘People in Norwich just love them, there is a live web cam so we can all keep an eye on them,’ she says. When I spoke to her she was looking forward to a month’s break in August, saying: ‘I’m going to Italy for a week with my son and his family and then having some time at home. I do miss Norfolk when I am away from it, the first thing I do is go for a walk with the dogs on the beach. ‘And I obviously miss my home as there is always something that needs to be done.’ But Liza is back on the road with the play this month, calling into one of her favourite venues at the start of the month. ‘It is always fab to be back at the Theatre Royal in Norwich – we are all friends there and obviously I get to go home each evening. It is a treat.’ After this second leg of her tour, a mere 14 weeks this time, Liza has an empty diary. ‘Yes, who knows what I’ll do next! I haven’t anything lined up but in this business, you just never know!’ She has spoken at length about the difficulty of getting good TV roles as an older actress but she has certainly appeared in many great stage productions, including several for Alan Ayckbourn and Ray Cooney – both of whom have written parts especially for her. And Liza’s CV also includes many great television series such as The Brothers, a must see mini-series in the 70s where three brothers set themselves against each other; Take Three Girls, another early telly success and the first ever British TV series shot in colour; Dr Who and Bergerac where many enjoyed her portrayal of Phillipa Vale, an ice-cool blonde jewel thief who gave the Jersey detective (played by John Nettles) a run for his money. Indeed, the pair were reunited in Midsomer Murders where Liza played an old flame of square old copper Tom Barnaby – played by John Nettles. Rather clever! She was also a team captain on the game show Give Us a Clue for many years, too, so there is a strong work ethic here. But now she is delighted to be tricking audiences on a nightly basis. ‘Yes, there are plenty of red herrings and false trails – see if you can solve it all,’ she laughs.

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it in Spanish, it’s so different but amazing! We’ve got a couple of Italian tracks on the album as well, but overall we’re so happy with it. It’s got Bring Him Home, which is one of our favourites from Les Misérables, but our all-time favourite song is The Impossible Dream – which is what the album’s called.

Operatic Brothers Brothers Richard and Adam Johnson, of Britain’s Got Talent fame, are making opera ‘cool’ again. Joff Hopkins catches up with the pair as their debut album reaches the number one spot

JOFF HOPKINS, presenter on Norwich 99.9, The Beach and North Norfolk Radio t’s only been a few months since the final of britain’s Got Talent – and here we are now, with your debut album in the shops. has it all been a bit of a whirlwind?

richard: That’s the exact word we’d use! It’s been a really big journey for us, and going through the process of Britain’s Got Talent was a really great experience... it was life-changing! To move on to the record deal, recording the album, doing promotion and photos, the gigs – it’s all been absolutely incredible. The album is The impossible Dream – 10 tracks, many of them really well-known classical pieces like amazing Grace, ave maria, and some of them songs i play on the radio like abba’s The winner Takes it all and The righteous brothers’ unchained melody. it’s

quite an eclectic mix – are your tastes in music equally as diverse?

Adam: Yes, definitely. When we were at home together, we always used to sing the Righteous Brothers – to the karaoke track on YouTube – in our own classical way! We sat down with Sony and threw some ideas around, and they said The Winner Takes It All would work in a classical orchestration. When we went to Surrey to record the album and heard the music, the tracks sounded so BIG and powerful! The label said they wanted us to do it [The Winner Takes It All] in Spanish; we first sang it in English, just to hum it through – but when we learnt it and sang

you’re from holywell in wales… you started singing at the birkenhead Operatic society, over the border on merseyside… and, although it sounds a bit clichéd, i gather your nan was a big inspiration?

Adam: She really has been; we wouldn’t be where we are today without nan! We used to visit her for the six weeks holiday in the summer, and we listened to all the different films and musicals, lots of classical tracks. We did like it, but we never really delved into singing at that point, but we started getting an understanding for it. As we got a little bit older, and we started to realise we had a voice for this sort of music, it’s been just as much a dream for her as for us. you recently performed at the Olympic stadium in London – how does that rate in the grand scale of your achievements?

richard: It was incredible – it’s got to be the biggest gig of our lives! When we got there, there was this stage set up, and when you stand on that stage and you look around, and think ‘am I really here?’ It felt amazing. We also sang in the Birmingham Symphony Hall with an 85-piece orchestra; it’s always been a dream of my nan and grandad’s, who are from Birmingham, to see us there. The Symphony Hall is next door to the theatre where we did Britain’s Got Talent, and there we were, singing in the Symphony Hall, with our relatives in the audience. Let’s talk about that now-infamous ‘egging incident’ on britain’s Got Talent… a very angry natalie holt, the viola player, barging past you to pelt simon cowell in protest at having to pretend to play live… what was running through your mind as you stood there on stage, this charade unfolding in front of you?

richard: It’s a really difficult one – I said to Adam before we went on: ‘This is our one chance now to go out there and absolutely give the performance of our lives.’ When the incident happened, we were extremely upset – we wanted to give it everything, with no disruption – and when it happened, it was all over so quickly, and a bit of a blur. We’d practised the song so much, and we always had the notion in our mind that no matter what happened we would keep singing. Opera music has, traditionally, been the domain of ‘posh people’, but then acts like you, susan boyle and Paul Potts have come along and changed all that. Do you think it’s a slice of the music industry that is evolving?

richard: Definitely – we’ve always loved it, and we see a lot of people who love singing classical music – hopefully it will start to come back and get bigger. The music is amazing, and you can’t beat it! The Winner Takes It All, Unchained Melody – we’re trying to show you can do a classical version of the song, and bring it back. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We go and see a lot of operas and they’re always sold out. you’ve signed a multi-album deal with sony – i guess it’s all one step at a time, but where do you want to see your music take you next?

The Impossible Dream is now available on Sony. Visit www.theoﬃcialjohnsonbrothers.co.uk for more.

richard: We’d just like to keep going on and up and doing the best we can. We’ve got a UK tour starting in February – hopefully we’ll be selling out theatres with an orchestra behind us, doing the big ballads, and hopefully everyone enjoying it!

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

RICHARD & ADAM JOHNSON

Ian Russell

CALLING ALL BAKERS! Wroxham Barns' annual scone competition is a highlight of the Norfolk Food and Drink Festival. Ian Russell can't wait

cones are big business at Wroxham Barns. Our talented pastry chef Janet Sharp has made more than one million during her time here (nearly 30 years), not to mention the 25,000 sponge cakes and 800,000 tray-bake slices she’s made from scratch, too! Janet bakes fresh batches of cakes and scones every day and there are always all kinds of varieties on offer in our restaurant and newly-created coffee shop, The Pantry. But enough about us! This month sees Wroxham Barns' seventh annual scone competition on September 29, when we’d love to see you, along with your scones. The competition consists of five categories – plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and children’s scones, and to enter you simply have to make some scones at home and then bring a freshly-baked batch along to us by 2.30pm. You need to bring four scones along for each category and you can enter as many categories as you like. The five categories are judged by a team of local journalists and last year Places & Faces’ Editor Sarah Hardy judged the freestyle category, ploughing her way through plates of unusual flavour combinations, sampling everything from hot chilli to gin and tonic scones!

The children’s category also proved very popular, where those aged 12 and under can enter plain scones of any shape and size, and last year’s winner was seven-year-old Ioan Beezhold from Strumpshaw with his fantastic rabbit-shaped scone. As far as we know, this is the only dedicated scone-making contest in the country, so if you’re an avid viewer of The Great British Bake Off and are fond of cooking, get out your aprons, rolling pins and cutters and get baking! Entering is simple – all you need to do is to complete an entry form, which can be downloaded at: www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, or call 01603 783762 and we’ll be happy to post one out to you. Then decide which category or categories you want to enter, start baking, then simply bring your scones along on the day. Judging will take place between 3-4pm, and winners and runners-up in each category will receive a special baking-related prize. We had some amazing entries last year, all really professional, and I’m really looking forward to the competition again this month. It’s always great fun and it’s very interesting to see other people’s creations and to hear about their recipes and ideas. Plus, we’ve got a host of other activities planned for the day, with bags of freshly-baked Wroxham Barns’ scones on sale as well as jam-tasting sessions, free recipe sheets and a prize draw, so make sure this year’s competition is in your diary, too. It is part of the EDP Adnams Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, which runs throughout this month and until October 6, and there are all kinds of other local food and drink-related events taking place during this time (see: www.norfolkfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk). I strongly believe in promoting local food and using local producers, so that money is kept in the local economy, and we do our bit by buying our milk from Emily and her family’s dairy farm and herd of self-milking cows at Nortons Dairy in Frettenham. We use duck eggs in all our baking, as these provide a lighter mix, and ours come from Mattishall near Dereham from a company called Watercress Lane. Our free-range eggs come from Dairy Farm just two miles down the road in Coltishall. Most of our meat comes from the Mutimer Family Farm Swannington ‘Farm to Fork’ (meat doesn’t get any better than theirs), our sausages are made by The Norfolk Sausage Company in Great Yarmouth and our traditional cured ham comes from the award-winning Broadland Hams. Then there’s the fish, vegetables and bread; our fish comes from Cole’s of King’s Lynn and our crabs come direct from the fisherman, Richard Matthews of East Runton. Our vegetables are mostly locally-grown, all our bread is baked fresh daily in store at Roys of Wroxham, and our flour comes from Marriage’s Flour Millers in Essex - this is a family-run mill where they have been milling flour since 1824. We’re also proud to offer a great selection of local beers, on sale in The Pantry food store, where you’ll also find a wide range of chutney, pickles and mustard, as well as some local wine. However, it’s the cakes that I’m most fond of, which is why I look forward to our scone competition each year!

Ian Russell MBE owns Wroxham Barns. For more information, visit www.wroxhambarns.co.uk or telephone 01603 783762.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

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Halloween

Thursday 31st October 6 to 8pm Frighteningly fabulous firework finale 7.45pm Pre-booked tickets only Tickets go on sale 5th September Telephone 01603 270449 Adults £6.00 Children £3.50 (3-16 yrs) This event is not suitable for dogs. Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden South Walsham, Norwich, NR13 6DZ www.fairhavengarden.co.uk For Accommodation, Functions, Weddings, Parties, Evening Meals, Sunday Luncheons and Bar Snacks.

d’ote menu urses and coffee sh and Roasts served to our table

ilable - ask at reception

eat Yarmouth, NR30 1EG enquiries@burlington-hotel.co.uk

Are you wearing your jewellery or just insuring it? Many banks are withdrawing their safety deposit box facility and now is the time to reassess the value of your jewellery. Demand for jewellery at auction has never been stronger. Take advantage of this trend and contact your local office to arrange a free and confidential valuation. 01603 871443 norfolk@bonhams.com Bonhams The Market Place, Reepham, Norfolk NR10 4JJ

International Auctioneers and Valuers - bonhams.com/norfolk

FashIoN

AUTUMNAL TRENDS

Anika diamond print dress Collection by John Lewis, £89, John Lewis

CRAZY

RIGHT BOLD PRINTS ARE A KEY TREND THIS AUTUMN, SAYS SARAH HARDY, SO GO GRAB YOURSELF SOME!

NOW! 4

W h E R E

T o

B U Y :

1. Ted Baker Corna jacket, £249, Jarrold’s, Norwich 2. Sommerville Stars scarf, £45, Jarrold’s, Norwich 3. Lola Geometric print shirt, Collection by John Lewis, £69, John Lewis 4. Mina pumps, £59, Dune, Intu Chapelﬁeld, Norwich 5

5. Ronata woven fabric cowboy boots, £139, Bertie, John Lewis 6. Marella trousers, £145, House of Fraser, Intu Chapelﬁeld

BEaUTY

autumnal trends

Rich chocolate eye palette, £39.50, Bobbi Brown, House of Fraser, Intu Chapelﬁeld

MAIN PICTURE

Fa n cy a b i t o f

chocolate? This seasOn, chOcOLaTe is The new bLack! rich, DeeP anD Dense, iT is The new GO-TO hue FOr aLL make-uP LOvers, says sarah harDy

new PrODucT OF The mOnTh

JanJira hanD & bODy LOTiOn £22, visit www.janjira.co.uk

Packed with Thai lime and ginger, this is a great moisturiser for your overstressed skin! It soaks in quickly and easily and has a really lovely, zesty fragrance. Gorgeous actress Sienna Miller is a fan, too.

Mono Panama eye shadow Dior, £22.50, John Lewis

Kohl Shaper for Eyes, Clinique £15, John Lewis

TREAT OF THE MONTH sisLey FaciaL Sisley, John Lewis, Norwich 01603 677802 There is something wonderfully incongruous about lying utterly relaxed in the middle of a city centre department store. I was tucked away in one of the treatment rooms in the beauty department of John Lewis Norwich, in the hands of Sisley facial consultant Sam, who has been based at the Sisley counter for eight years. Sisley Paris was founded by a French count, Hubert d’Ornano, and its expertise is rooted in phytotherapy and aromatherapy: the use of natural plant extracts and essential oils in beauty products. My 45-minute facial included all manner of goodies from a cleansing milk with sage to a lip butter with shea and kokum butter, with a final All Day All Year protective shield which offers eight-hour protection against the environment! Sam knows her Sisley stuff and this was a comprehensive facial experience, with no pore left un-buffed. Emma Outten

John Lewis Festival nail polish £7.50, John Lewis

Pure Color Nail Lacquer, Metallics, Chocolate Foil £14.50, Estee Lauder, Jarrold’s

Double Wear Stay-In-Place Lip Pencil Chocolate £16.50, Estee Lauder, Jarrold’s

BEACH

pIctURE BY JACKI CLARKE

The Marine Conservation Society is looking for volunteers to join them on the beaches for ‘Beachwatch Big Weekend’, from September 20 to 23. The MCS wants to tackle the tide of litter washing up on our shores. Visit www.mcsuk.org

WROXHAM BARNS

WROxHAM BARNS SCONE COMPETITION

FEAST ON THE STREET

What’s On WE MAY BE ENTERING THE AUTUMN OF OUR YEAR BUT THAT’S NO ExCUSE TO SLOW DOWN, AS WE LOOK AT WHAT’S ON OFFER IN SEPTEMBER

JAZZ An Evening of Jazz and Cabaret celebrates its 10th birthday at the Norwich Playhouse on September 15. One of East Anglia’s finest pianists and arrangers, Simon Brown, will be joined by singer Jo Eden, six-part vocal harmony group The Acafellas, comedian Steve Allen and members of the Norwich Ukulele Society – all raising funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Keeping Abreast. Call 01603 598598 or visit www. norwichplayhouse.org.uk

COMEDY A Comedy Club Double Bill for all the family comes to Loddon Mill Arts on September 28. Colin Manford and Jonny Awsum (plus guests) host two stand-up shows: a Kids' Show (for over sevens) followed by an Adult Show (for over 18 years). Call 01508 521800

THE ACAFELLAS, NORWICH PLAYHOUSE, SEPTEMBER 15

Two events at Wroxham Barns are worth a mention: the annual Scone Competition takes place on September 29, plus Sew Creative (which was named Retailer of the Month by the July edition of Patchwork & Quilting Magazine) has just announced a list of workshops that will be available from September to December. Visit www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

food festival The EDP Adnams Norfolk Food & Drink Festival takes place this month. Highlights include Feast on the Street, on September 5 and 6, when 20 different types of food will be cooked by people passionate about great tasting dishes created using local produce (visit www. feastonthestreet.co.uk). Then there's Lloyd Addison's Moveable Feast for Parkinson's UK, on September 17, entailing three courses, each eaten in one of nearly 30 different restaurants in Norwich. Call 01603 617269 or visit www.moveablefeastnorwich.org

BLUES The first ever Norwich Blues Festival takes place on September 14, at Norwich Waterfront. So far confirmed include Paul Lamb, Larry Miller, Jo Harman and Company, Ron Sayer Jnr., Dove & Boweevil. Visit www.norwichbluesfestival.co.uk

WhaT's oN

MONTHLY ROUND-UP

MENG YANG PAN

cinema The full-length feature film charting the career of music legend John Otway, Otway the Movie, comes to Norwich for a special screening at Cinema City on September 24, followed by a Q&A afterwards, with the man who describes himself as ‘Rock n’Roll’s Greatest Failure’! Visit www.otwaythemovie.com

HERITAGE The annual Heritage Open Days take place between September 12 and 15, with 208 free events - including open buildings, guided tours and walks, exhibitions and performances - across Norwich, Thetford, South Norfolk, Broadland, Great Yarmouth and further afield. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

MUSIC FESTIVAL World class musicians return to Fressingfield Music Festival from September 24 to 28. One of the world’s greatest flautists, Stephen Preston opens, inspiring concert pianist Meng Yang Pan performs mid-week and Friday sees the return of the lively Jazz Dynamos. The festival closes with music by Elgar, Mozart and Bach performed by the Commonwealth Orchestra. Call 01379 586459 or visit www. fressingfieldmusic.com

premiere The world premiere of Now Is The Hour comes to the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich from September 19 to 28. The Maddermarket Production, written by David Walter Hall, is an epic story of love, loss and survival based on the accounts of the victims and survivors of the RMS Laconia. Left adrift, one lifeboat spent 28 days at sea. Visit www.maddermarket. co.uk or call 01603 620917

STEAM RALLY

BRITTEN A unique concert in the Britten 100 year series takes place at Norwich Assembly House on September 6. Annabella Ellis (soprano and Norfolk Young Musician of the Year 2012); David Neil Jones (piano), and the Chris Dowding Trio perform rarelyheard early works by Britten: 'Holiday Diary’, and Britten and Pears' piano version of his orchestral song cycle 'Les Illuminations de Rimbaud’. Call 01603 598688

aerial dance

RALLY

A world premiere of an aerialdance theatre work exploring the largest mass-poisoning in history comes to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on September 27 and 28. Well is performed to a rich soundscape of Bengali music and interwoven recorded text forms an atmospheric backdrop for Shreya Kumar's stunning choreographic fusion of classical Indian dance with contemporary aerial circus. Visit www.theatreroyal.org or call 01284 769505

HENHAM STEA M

The Grand Henham Steam Rally takes place at Henham Park on September 21 and 22. This year there will be two pageants taking place in the performance rings: ‘The history of Power on the Farm’ and a ‘Tribute to Land Rover’ telling the story of this iconic British motoring success. Visit www.henhamsteamrally.com

MUSICAL LEGEND Georgie Fame, icon of the British music scene, comes to OPEN Norwich with his blend of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues on September 26. He has released over 20 albums and 14 hit singles, including the number ones: Yeh Yeh, Getaway and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde. Call 01603 763111 or visit www.open247.org.uk

EXHIBITION An exhibition of words, paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures by artists and writers depicting the coastline and rivers of Suffolk, comes to the Peter Pears Gallery in Aldeburgh from September 20 to 25. The Tidal Margins 2 exhibition features James Canton, Julie Garton, Margaret Wyllie, Juliet Lockhart, Karenza Jackson, Heather Hodgson and Jennifer Hall. Visit www.tidalmargins.wordpress.com

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

"People forget that I was once a comic, I did plenty of stand up in my time"

MAGICIAN AND ALL ROUND FUNNY MAN PAUL DANIELS, HEADING TO OUR REGION THIS MONTH, LEAVES SARAH HARDY WONDERING IF SHEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MISSED THE JOKE!

PauL brinGs his FirsT FareweLL TOur, From Legend to Leg End, to the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton, on September 13, tel 01485 532252 and to the Playhouse, Norwich, on December 19, tel 01603 598598. Visit www.pauldaniels.co.uk

what's on

PAUL DANIELS

t must be said that Paul Daniels is really very slightly mad! Interviewing him was great fun but I’m not terribly sure that I learnt much from him. You need to picture the scene. Me, all prim and proper as usual, research done, thinking done, clock ticking to the appointed interview hour, finger on the telephone dial… We make contact but it sounds as if he is on a beach holiday in Thailand. He will call me back. Where am I? ‘Norwich,’ I tell him. ‘Ahh, Norwich, nice place. Bye.’ He does dutifully call me but what a strange phone conversation. The ‘lovely Debbie’ McGee, who started out as his assistant and then became his wife, butts in from time to time with general household enquiries, there are clearly builders working on the house near Henley-on-Thames which he freely describes as ‘very posh’ and he is constantly worried about the phone, wondering where the chargers are and if we are going to be cut off. Indeed, he spends a lot of time off script. He appears to talk to himself a fair amount and makes lots of, ahem, jokes. Or maybe asides might be a more accurate description. But they make him giggle so who am I to complain? He is in fine form and getting ready for what looks to me like a fairly gruelling tour. Off he and ‘the lovely Debbie’ go this month and don’t finish until just before Christmas. It’s called the First Farewell Tour, From Legend To Leg End, yet Paul reckons he has a whole new act lined up. ‘People forget that I was once a comic, I did plenty of stand up in my time. Then when I got to the BBC, they wanted to pigeonhole me so it was just the magic. ‘This is so much more fun, I get to tell stories, include the audience, try out new tricks – a bit of everything, really,’ he says. Paul, now in his mid 70s, has been having a thorough clear out at home, getting rid of lots of old props and gadgets from his various acts over the years, saying: ‘Debbie loves it as I am a hoarder. But she doesn’t know that I’m going to get all new stuff.’ Work does seem to dominate Paul’s life – he will only really admit to playing the odd round of golf in his down time and almost drops the phone when I ask him about exercise, despite the fact that one of his three sons (from an earlier marriage) is a personal trainer. He is happiest devising new illusions, attending conferences and workshops on magic, teaching wannabes and running his magic and fancy dress shop in Wigan. He spends a lot of time performing, to both public and private clients, at, say, corporate functions and so on. ‘People always imagine that anyone who has worked in telly has pots of money but it is not always the case. I have to keep Debbie in Jimmy Choos!’ Yes, that was one of his jokes, I think! As he has toured so much he has a great knowledge and enthusiasm for Britain, and admits that he could write a very comprehensive guide book to the country. ‘I do know the country well and I know East Anglia very well. I spent all my summer holidays as a child on the Broads, we loved it.’ He also met the ‘lovely Debbie’, 20 years his junior, in Great Yarmouth when she was a dancer in one of his summer shows. But, all joshing aside, Paul has enjoyed a highly successful career as one of Britain’s best known entertainers. He decided upon a career in show business when he was just 11 years old as he was given a book called How to Entertain At Parties. He had a top rating BBC1 series for 15 years where he created some thoroughly amazing tricks and acts of illusions – long before the likes of David Blaine and Derren Brown. And more recently, he has appeared on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Wife Swap where he has been happy to play the role of court jester. So, did his fears materialise? Were we cut off? That’s a yes from me. So the master of deception struggles with modern technology! You couldn’t make it up it.

◊ 37

t r a t S Cookin’!

eatre h T c i t s a t Fan Street Performers Bar-B-Q All for £3.00!

AS PART OF THE OUT THERE FESTIVAL, WE LAUNCH A BRAND NEW SERIES OF EXCITING PERFORMANCE:-S UNWRAPPED THEATRE. JOIN US FOR A PRE-SHOW ‘CRAZY COOK-UP’ FROM 6PM WHERE WE’LL BE PRESENTINGS SOME ‘OUT THERE’ STREET PERFORMANCE AND HOSTING A FREE* BBQ ON ST. GEORGE’S THEATRE PLAZA S

Wednesday 11 September

Thursday 12 September

Tickets | £3

A Paper Cinema and Battersea Arts Centre co-production

A Kate Tempest and Battersea Arts Centre co-production,co-commissioned by the Albany

Available from St. George’s Theatre

01493 331484 or online

The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey Brand New Ancients By Kate Tempest stgeorgestheatre.com * Free BBQ for ticket holders only

outtherefestival.com

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WhaT's oN

MARINA THEATRE

SOUND THE BUGLE!

September sees the return of hit musical Bugle Boy, based on the life and music of jazz musician Glenn Miller, at the Marina Theatre. Emma Outten hears from playwright Den Stevenson

uGLe bOy, the musical and lyrical Glenn Miller play, returns to the Marina Theatre this month, having been hailed a hit by critics and audiences alike, since its Lowestoft premiere in September 2011. Written by Den Stevenson, Bugle Boy traces the life of legendary music icon Glenn Miller, from leaving college to playing in various bands (including his own), as he searches tirelessly for a unique band sound – all with the constant support and love of his wife Helen. The Glenn Miller Story is one we are familiar with (the 1954 film of the same name, starring James Stewart, ensured that). Although Miller eventually succeeds in his quest, he and his family only enjoy the fruits of fame for three short years. When America joins the Second World War, after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, Miller joins the Army, forms the subsequently famed A.E.F Band and flies to Europe to play to the Armed Forces; then goes missing in mysterious circumstances, at the age of 40. Bringing ‘Bugle Boy’ to the stage had been the dream of its creator, playwright Den Stevenson. When Den was introduced to Glenn Miller’s brother, Herb, it was a meeting that would change the author/playwright’s life: Den became booker for the Herb Miller Orchestra, and the concerts inspired him to write Bugle Boy. He explains: ‘Every year numerous big bands travel the UK, all playing music made famous by Glenn Miller and other well known band-leaders like Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and Duke Ellington. These concerts are annually well patronised, as they have been for decades.’ But Den is keen to explain: ‘Bugle Boy is neither a concert nor a song and dance show, or, heaven forbid, a tribute show! Instead, he asserts: ‘Bugle Boy is a musical on a par with Mamma Mia; even more so on a par with Jersey Boys.’ So, for the first time ever, Glenn Miller’s tunes can be heard linked with constructive dialogue, as the life story of legend unfolds dramatically and emotionally.

Since its Marina Theatre premiere in September 2011, Bugle Boy has attracted packed houses; not to mention standing ovations and dancing in the aisles on its 2012 UK tour. Den recalls: ‘The 2012 UK tour reviews, where Bugle Boy was critically acclaimed and hailed a triumph, say it all really. ‘After Lowestoft the show played a couple of theatres before playing the famous Garrick Theatre in the West End to a full house and standing ovation - which launched the 2012 UK tour.’ If this is not enough, the Marina Theatre also has these standout shows to book for. First don’t forget that the resident Royal Philharmonic Orchestra brings its series of 2013 concerts to a close with A Little Night Music on September 14. Vocalist Anna Jane Casey and Graham Bickley are the perfect pairing to present this magical programme, directed by David Firman. This special selection of songs and overtures will include award-winning music from legendary songwriters Stephen Sondheim, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, and Cole Porter. The West End hit musical, Buddy, on its 25th anniversary tour comes to the Marina Theatre from October 28 to November 2. It’s been seen by over 22 million people worldwide! Buddy Holly’s story, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. It features two terrific hours of great songs including That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many more. Plus, book now for the East Coast’s biggest family pantomime: Cinderella, starring Amanda Barrie and a full supporting cast, from December 17 to January 4. This follows on from the enormous success of last year’s Aladdin, so the theatre has once again teamed up with award-winning producers Paul Holman Associates to present one of the region’s most spectacular family pantomimes. Finally, looking even further ahead, into 2014, everyone’s favourite Northern comedian, Jason Manford, returns with his new show – First World Problems – on March 22.

Bugle Boy

comes to the Marina Theatre on September 6 and 7. Visit www.thebugleboy.info. Call 01502 533200 or visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk

DON 21st ’T MISS I T & 22 in th nd Se pt Henh e love ly a mP hwo ark, nea ld, Su r ffolk

Sout

Over 1000 exhibits of vintage and classic vehicles and machinery plus a full programme of family entertainment. Also presenting this year’s pageants ‘History of Power on the Farm’ and ‘Tribute to Land Rover 1948-2013’ - the history of a tractor icon. Admission £10. Children under 14 FREE & FREE REE parking.

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WHAT'S ON

ST GEORGE'S THEATRE

There’s also a Norfolk link in that Mess is touring in association with Beat (the UK’s leading charity supporting people with eating disorders, which has its HQ in Norwich).

S UCTION SHOT

MESS PROD

Chief Executive Susan Ringwood says: ‘Mess is a truly remarkable piece of theatre. Eating disorders thrive on secrecy and shame, but Mess brings the illness out into the open in a way that will change both hearts and minds. Its honest and insightful portrayal will bring hope to anyone affected by an eating

A FINE MESS October at St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth kicks off with the award-winning Mess, touring in association with the UK’s leading Eating Disorders charity, based in Norwich. Emma Outten reports

disorder. Recovery is possible, life is for living and the fight for a future not ruled by anorexia is worth it.’ Next up is Blow The Wind Southerly, which chronicles the Life, Loves and Songs of Kathleen Ferrier, on October 11. Kathleen was one of the best-loved English singers of the 40s and 50s. A contralto with a lyrical voice, she captured the hearts of a generation through her radio broadcasts; work with CEMA during the war and concerts throughout Britain, Europe and America. Performed by actress Judi Daykin, this one-woman show is part Talking Head and part concert. It tells the story of Kathleen’s life from her own point of view and is full of the songs that made her famous including What is Life, from Orfeo et Euridice (Gluck); Ombra Mai Fu (Handel); Ich Bien Der Welt (Mahler); Down by the Salley Gardens (WB Yeats).

play within a play about anorexia

As we mentioned in last month’s P&F, Stephen K Amos, who

gets the October programme at St

has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world with

George’s Theatre off to an unflinching

his natural, assured delivery and his honest, original material,

start.

comes to St George’s on October 12.

Mess, which became a 2012 Stage

Then we have Morgan & West, the time travelling magicians

Award Winner for Best Ensemble, is a

– no future is left unseen or unaltered as this pair of Victorian

great play with songs not to be missed,

magicians bring you a magical extravaganza on October 23.

and will be presented by Caroline Horton and company on October 5.

In it, protagonist Josephine is putting on a play with Boris

and Sistahl’s help. Themes include obsession, addiction and not

Ladies acapella group Harmonique take to the stage of St.Georges for the first time in an evening of music for everyone to enjoy in aid of palliative care on October 24. And they will be joined by many other talented singers and

wanting to get out of bed, and the play features songs from

musicians spanning many different styles of music, during the

You’re Not Like Other Girls Chrissy creator and 2013 Olivier

evening called Harmonique & Friends.

Award nominee Caroline.

All proceeds from the evening will go to the Louise Hamilton Centre at the James Paget University Hospital, in Gorleston. Then, Them Beatles create a concert experience of The Beatles covering all aspects of their career, on October 25. From the early days of The Cavern Club and Beatlemania to the mind bending psychedelic period; through to the Apple Years and the final Rooftop concert in 1969, Them Beatles give audiences the opportunity to clap their hands and rattle their jewellery to one of the UK's most sought after authentic Beatles tribute shows. Finally, Turn Back Time proudly presents a dynamic cast of singers, dancers and musicians who bring to you the very best of popular music from the 80's, live in concert, on October 26. Their talented cast will take you on a journey through the 80s performing the hits of Spandau Ballet, Cher, Irene Cara, the Pointer Sisters, ABC, Michael Jackson, Deacon Blue, Madonna and many more. Tempting, isn’t it? Ryan Holt, Marketing Manager, says: 'We've got something for everyone during October. If you've not visited the theatre since it has been refurbished, then why not book for one of our shows and come along for an evening of top quality entertainment at

STEPHEN K AMOS

Great Yarmouth's newest venue.'

Visit www.stgeorgestheatre.com or call 01493 331484

MAKI NG

POLITICAL COMEDIAN MARK THOMAS IS OUT TO C A U S E M AY H E M ! S A R A H H A R D Y F I N D S O U T M O R E A S HE ARRIVES ON TOUR IN OUR REGION THIS AUTUMN

YOUR MARK PICTURE BY sTeve uLLaThOrne

what's on

MARK THOMAS

“

Mark made his name on the Mary Whitehouse Experience on BBC Radio 1 in the late 1980s and went on to have his own show, The Mark Thomas Comedy Product on C4, where his political stunts always grabbed the headlines. You might remember him revealing that Conservative MP Nicholas Soames ‘hid’ some of his private art collection when he should have, in order to avoid certain tax payments, had them on public display. He and TV parted company, possibly because TV companies became increasingly concerned about his antics and Mark became increasingly intolerant with their restraints. ‘Now it is just mutual disinterest,’ he says. ‘I am in self imposed exile.’ He tends to set himself a challenge every year, whether it is walking the Israeli Separation Barrier or creating a show about his father. ‘We don’t run out of ideas, I have a small team of people who advise me, and there is always something that needs to be looked at.’ Unlike many performers, Mark is looking forward to his extended tour. ‘It’s good to get out on the road. I like to see people and places. ‘We have great venues this time, intimate places where you can work with the audience. I don’t like those big stadium shows, they don’t work for me.’ He has spent most of August in Edinburgh, working at the Festival, and also appeared at Latitude earlier in the summer. He returns home, to London, whenever he can as he misses his children, Charlie and Izzy. ‘Charlie has just left school so he won’t be around too much longer so I have to make the most of him. Izzy is at secondary school. If it works out, I go home to see them most nights.’ Mark knows the eastern region well as he has relatives in Lowestoft, a town he loves. ‘And we’re actually coming on holiday to Norfolk for a week before the tour,’ he says, adding that he enjoys tucking into samphire, a foodie delicacy grown on the salty marshes of our county. ‘I drive the family mad, going out to harvest it, I love it!’ So there we have it – a man of many passions and beliefs, including a love of our great Norfolk produce!

He and TV parted company, possibly because TV companies became increasingly concerned about his antics and Mark became increasingly intolerant with their restraints.

omedian or political activist? You choose! Certainly Mark Thomas has a reputation for causing trouble. Over the years he has forced governments to change laws, cost companies millions of pounds and generally annoyed those that do need to be stirred up a little! He does, of course, always have a purpose and his work, especially that which has exposed arms trading and human rights violations, has won him many awards, both nationally and internationally. So, in keeping with this, he has a new show called 100 Acts of Minor Dissent which he is bringing to our region this autumn. It includes everything from the smallest and silliest gesture to the grandest confrontation and the results can be anything from subversive to hilarious and … illegal. Mark, now in his early 50s, explains: ‘We launched this idea on May 13 and we have a year to complete it. We are certainly on target. ‘One example would be the Irish party we threw in Apple’s flagship store in London. We thought that, as they pay their tax in Ireland, they would love to celebrate their Irishness. We had Riverdance-style dancing, a fiddle player – all that and more.’ You can, of course, imagine how happy the company were as their store was invaded but for Mark that is all part of the fun – and the poignancy. ‘The new show discusses all this and we look for people to take part, suggest ideas and think about their community. How and why they can make it better – and fairer.’ Quite where this moral fortitude comes from is unclear. He was born in London and his father was a builder and his mother was a midwife. He got into comedy in the 1980s when the likes of Ben Elton and co were shouting the odds, criticising the government, local authorities, the police and just about anyone and anything they could.

Mark performs at several venues in our area this autumn. The Cut, Halesworth, September 21, 01986 873285, Arts Centre, King’s Lynn, October 5, 01553 765565, Playhouse, Norwich, December 6 and 7, tel 01603 598598. Visit www.markthomasinfo.com

y Lenn plays it straight TV COMIC LENNY HENRY CONTINUES HIS TRANSFORMATION INTO ONE OF OUR GREAT

FENCES

TRAGIC ACTORS IN FENCES, HIS LATEST

is on at the Duchess Theatre until September 14. Call 0844 4829672, visit www.nimaxtheatres.com

WEST END HIT. EMMA CURRY REVIEWS

EMMA CURRY

www.backstagepass.biz

enny Henry clearly isn’t shy about taking on challenging roles. Having tackled Shakespeare (as Antipholus in The Comedy of Errors at the National and, most notoriously, as Othello at the WYP (West Yorkshire Playhouse), a performance that shocked the critics and reinvented him as a ‘serious’ stage actor), he is now performing in the West End as Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play Fences, a role previously made famous by James Earl Jones and Denzel Washington. No pressure then.

As the curtain rose on Libby Watson’s intricately dusty wooden set, however, it became almost instantly clear that this role might even trump these other highly-acclaimed performances to be Henry’s best yet. Lounging alongside his friend Bono on payday, tipsily spinning a yarn about a stolen watermelon, Henry instantly embodied Troy’s self-assured, easy charm, whilst simultaneously hinting at the inner rage and frustration he feels at the circumscribed nature of his life. The play is set entirely on the front porch of the house Troy shares with his wife and children, and many scenes revolve around his laborious construction of a fence to surround his property (whether it’s to keep his family in or various interlopers out is a question raised and then left dramatically hanging as the action progresses). It’s clear that Troy feels cut off from the world around him in various ways: having spent his childhood struggling with an abusive father, and then served 15 years in prison for robbery, he also narrowly missed out on the opportunity to play baseball professionally and instead now works as a garbage collector. He has a passionate but volatile relationship with his wife, drinks too much on Fridays, shuns his eldest son Lyons’s music gigs, prevents his younger son Cory from playing football for his college team, and manipulates his mentally-ill brother Gabe in order to profit from his disability benefits.

WEsT END REVIEW

FENCES

It is testament to Henry’s skill as an actor that he can present all of these sides to Troy without ever losing the audience’s interest in his narrative. Whilst Troy is by no means a likeable character, the nuances of his history and his interactions with his family members felt incredibly truthful (devastatingly so at times), and remained gripping throughout. Indeed, the moments where Troy’s rage fully broke out were utterly mesmerising: Henry has a commanding stage presence and incredibly powerful delivery, whether railing at the restrictions placed upon him by his race (at one point he tells his son a black man needs to be twice as good at sport in order to get chosen for a team); or, in a striking scene towards the end of the play, goading Death to come and seize him, baseball bat in hand. This production is by no means Henry’s alone, however. Tanya Moodie is equally good as Troy’s wife, Rose: what could have been a one-note, ‘downtrodden’ role instead becomes a

fascinating study of a woman just as constrained by society and circumstance as her husband. As Rose, Moodie is in turn supportive, sassy, vulnerable, despairing, strong, and stoical, in love with her husband but simultaneously pragmatic, and openly aware of his deficiencies. A scene between the pair in the second half where an indiscretion is revealed was truly compelling, and played perfectly. The other members of the cast are similarly strong: Colin McFarlane is jovial and jocular as Troy’s friend Bono, a frequent (and much-needed) source of light relief, whilst Ashley Zhangazha expertly captures the emotional nuances of Cory’s complex relationship with his father, moving from initial reluctant obedience to heated and even violent defiance as he grows older. Almost 20 years since it was written, August Wilson’s text also still hits home in its head-on confrontation of race relations and Afro-American experiences. This play was the sixth in a series of 10 works that made up Wilson’s so-called ‘Pittsburgh Cycle’, with each set in a different decade. Fences is situated in the mid-1950s, post-Korea but pre-Vietnam, yet despite the temporal gap between then and now the text feels strikingly modern, with Wilson pushing the audience to confront deep-seated prejudices that still resonate today, albeit in different forms. Having said this, there were a few moments when the script made its point a little long-windedly, with the final scene in particular feeling a little more drawn out than it needed to be. Nevertheless, this show is a character piece at its heart, and thus absolutely worth seeing for the central performances. Whether playfully sparring with his wife, tipsily swapping anecdotes with his friend, verbosely offering his sons advice, or simply sawing another piece of wood for his fence, Lenny Henry commands our attention throughout and proves, once again, that he is a theatrical force to be reckoned with.

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WhaT's oN

GREAT YARMOUTH festivals

GET OUT THERE!

GreaT yarmOuTh is The PLace TO be This mOnTh, wiTh FesTivaLs TO enTerTain visiTOrs. emma OuTTen rePOrTs

One of the largest dedicated circus and street arts festivals in the country comes to Great Yarmouth this month, and yet it is not the only festival fun to be had in September.

Prior to the Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Arts we have Great Yarmouth’s annual Maritime Festival, which takes place on South Quay on September 7 and 8. Keen sailors can get ahead of the action by booking a tall ship sailing on the festival’s main attraction - the stunning Dutch tall ship the brig Morgenster - anytime from September 5, when the ship will start the first of five passenger sailing trips. Festival goers will also be able to go aboard the Steam Tug ‘Challenge’, one of the little ships that famously rescued British troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Registered in the National Historic Fleet, it is one of the last tugs to have worked on the River Thames. Great Yarmouth’s very own Lydia Eva – the last steam drifter built in King’s Lynn in the 30s - will also be open to visitors to explore. Several other interesting ships, for example the RASC Humber, the MTV102 and the Excelsior, will also be moored alongside for visitors to view, as well as some more modern boats, including supply vessels and marine survey ships from local company and festival sponsor Gardline. There are three new exhibitors for 2013: Eastern Inshore Fisheries will be bringing along a touchy-feely tank containing local marine species for both adults and children to have a look; the Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre is visiting the festival all the way from the seafront so visitors can find out more about the new breed rescue and protect project across Britain; and the BBC’s Summer of Wildlife stage will also be making an appearance, complete with underwater camera promising to help visitors see creatures filmed off the Norfolk coast.

Add in a range of shanty singers and maritime music performed across the site on three stages from nine different groups, including the Sheringham Shantymen and new bands Baggyrinkle and Nine Tenths Below, as well as old favourites Capstan Full Strength, in Horatio’s Bar, and Crossjack, and colourful, noisy street performance from Inner State and the East Norfolk Militia and you’re all set for two fantastic festival days in Great Yarmouth. Next up is the Out There Festival, now in its sixth year, and bringing a lively mix of UK and international performers to the town for a festival of largely free entertainment from September 11 to 15. Last year saw record attendances estimated at 70,000 people. Produced by SeaChange Arts, the festival has a sense of the weird and wonderful at its core. Chief Executive Joe Mackintosh says: ‘Whether it’s something incredibly beautiful, comical or just plain crazy, the signature of the festival is to find something you’ve not seen before.' This year’s festival sees artists from France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK amongst a record 35 companies. Highlights include La Fête Franglais, a programme of Anglo-French performers in a special cross channel celebration. The celebration will continue into the evening with La Fête Franglais Soirée – a series of performances both in St George’s Theatre and on the theatre’s newly completed plaza. There’s also the Big Bang Factory, at the Hippodrome, a new cocommission with Amiens’ famous Cirque Jules Verne. In addition, new work by a trio of young companies from Ireland, the UK and Sweden will be showcased at St George’s Theatre. Seachange’s own Drill House sits at the very heart of this new so-called circus quarter, and Seachange’s Creative Producer, Laurie Miller-Zutshi further explains the town’s circus links: ‘International circus company Lost in Translation are living and working in the town, and have produced their new show here.’ She adds: ‘Lost in Translation also lead Seachange’s own circus school, Drillaz. The school attracts around 60 local young people each week. Participants from the school will perform a special new show on the Sunday afternoon of the festival.’ And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Great Yarmouth Food Festival, on September 26 and 27, as part of the Love Your Local Market campaign.

so there’s plenty of opportunity to join in the festivities this month. The Maritime Festival takes place on September 7 and 8. Would be voyagers can book tickets on-line for the Morgenster at www.maritime-festival.co.uk The Out There International Festival of Circus and Street Arts, September 11 to 15 in and around St George’s Park. The festival park is free with a small number of ticketed shows taking place at the Hippodrome and St. George’s Theatre. Visit www.seachangearts.co.uk The Great Yarmouth Food Festival takes place in the Market Place on September 26 and 27. Visit www.gytcp.co.uk

STANLEY SPENCER'S SOUTHWOLD, 1937

A Masterpiece of An exhibition The most ambitious exhibition ever staged in the region will be the centrepiece of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the University of East Anglia. Emma Outten takes a look at Masterpieces: Art and East Anglia, at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

Masterpieces: Art and East Anglia, at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, runs from September 14 to February 24 2014, as part of 50 Years of the University of East Anglia. Visit www.scva.org.uk

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

major exhibition of masterpieces celebrating the rich and distinctive culture and artistic heritage of east anglia, from antiquity through to the present day, promises pretty spectacular juxtapositions when it opens at the sainsbury centre for visual arts this month.

For example, a flint handaxe worked at least 700,000 years ago will sit alongside an ironstone pebble from the same Norfolk beach carved into a reclining figure by Henry Moore in 1930, in Masterpieces: Art and East Anglia, a truly ambitious exhibition and focal point of the 50 Years of the UEA celebrations. The exhibition will also mark the unveiling of the newly-refurbished galleries by Foster + Partners at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich. The Happisburgh flint handaxe is the oldest object in the exhibition and its starting point. Unearthed in 2000 on Happisburgh beach, Norfolk, its find has radically altered historians’ understanding of our past, revealing that Britain was inhabited by humans 100,000 years earlier than previously thought. The axe will be displayed alongside Reclining Figure, carved from an ironstone pebble found on the same Norfolk beach by Henry Moore (1898-1986) in 1930. Moore, one of Britain’s most renowned sculptors, was a frequent visitor to the north Norfolk coast and a close friend and supporter of Sir Robert and Lady Lisa Sainsbury who gifted their collection to the University of East Anglia, 40 years ago, in 1973. Or how about striking pre-war posters and prints hanging in galleries alongside works by John Sell Cotman and John Constable? Elsewhere a masterly Thomas Gainsborough family portrait will be shown alongside haunting images of Edwardian fishermen by Olive Edis; sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Elisabeth Frink will be

WhaT's oN

JOHN SELL COTMAN'S STORM ON YARMOUTH BEACH, 1831

SAINSBURY CENTRE FOR VISUAL ARTS

Haunting image of Edwardian fishermen by Olive Edis

MASTERPIECES: ART AND EAST ANGLIA, edited by Ian Collins, Sainsbury Centre For the Visual Arts, £35 (hardback), £25 (paperback).

interspersed with sculptural works from the Classical, Medieval and Renaissance periods; Ana Maria Pacheco’s mythical party in a gigantic boat will be moored in the East Gallery whilst the iconic Lotus 72 sports car takes up pole position in the West End. Talk about striking a juxtaposition! All-in-all, Masterpieces: Art and East Anglia will present some 250 objects that the region has inspired, produced and collected, as well as treasures that have long been associated with the area, loaned by over 60 major public and private collections including the Royal Collection, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery. Norfolk and Suffolk have a rich heritage of sites where treasures, hoards and antiquities have been discovered. One of these remarkable finds is the striking life-size bronze head of the Roman emperor Claudius (r. 41-54 AD). The conquest of Britain provided a military triumph for Claudius who had been perceived as a retiring, scholarly man rather than a leader. Fished from the River Alde, near Saxmundham, Suffolk, in 1907, the head is probably part of a statue taken from the Temple of Claudius, in Colchester, by Boudicca and the Iceni tribe when they sacked the Roman capital in 60 AD. East Anglia has always enjoyed strong links with the monarchy and a number of works reflect this special relationship such as the silver, gold and bejewelled King John Cup, c. 1325. This King’s Lynn treasure is the oldest and finest specimen of English secular medieval cups, though it dates from more than a century after the crown jewels of King John were claimed by a Wash tide when en route to Lynn. Sandringham, the country retreat of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, is represented by a number of miniature Fabergé animals, made for Queen Alexandra who had married the Prince of Wales in 1863, including the famed Dormouse. Whilst it may be the smallest exhibit in Masterpieces, it

is certain to steal many hearts. A 20th century artist, not normally associated with the area, is the Berkshire artist Stanley Spencer (1891-1959) who is represented by Southwold, painted in 1937, twelve years after he and his ex-wife Hilda had visited there on their honeymoon. When he painted the picture he was alone, divorced from Hilda and already separated from his short-lived second marriage to Patricia Preece, making this consummate image of a happy family seaside holiday a wistful scene from which the artist himself was excluded. No exhibition of East Anglian masterpieces would be complete without works by masters of the Norwich School of painters which, founded in 1803, was the first provincial art movement in Britain. John Sell Cotman (1782-1842), a leading member, is represented by probably the finest surviving watercolour of a Norfolk scene, Storm on Yarmouth Beach, 1831, which has been chosen for the exhibition by Norfolk Lord Lieutenant, Richard Jewson. It will be shown next to a great oil painting of Yarmouth from the same year by JMW Turner (1775-1851), loaned by the Victoria and Albert Museum. These and other masterpieces will celebrate the cultural achievement of Eastern England through the centuries, as well as the contribution that the UEA and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts have made to the region. Guest curator Ian Collins says: ‘Expect a visual feast of fabulous art and design from the dawn of human time to date. ‘Our magical mix includes Celtic gold, Roman silver, Saxon and Viking-style jewellery, Norman carvings, medieval manuscripts and altarpieces, Old Master paintings, wonderful textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture, modernist sculptures, the classic Lotus racing car, a new stained-glass window for Norwich Cathedral and many more much-loved works and sensational surprises.’

1. FABERGÉ DORMOUSE, 2. HEAD OF CLAUDIUS

SEPTEMBER BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00

Mon 2–Sat 7 Sept GO BACK FOR MURDER All star cast in gripping Agatha Christie £5.50 - £22.50

Sun 22 Sept HA HA HOLMES! Joe Pasquale in hilarious Sherlock spoof £5.50 - £20 Tues 24–Sun 29 Sept HAIRSPRAY Feel-good musical comedy favourite £6.50 - £45

Hairspray

Tues 10–Sat 14 Sept ROUGH JUSTICE Tom Conti stars in suspenseful courtroom drama £6.50 - £26

Mon 16–Tues 17 Sept HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY Radio Show Live! With original cast members and special guest £6.50 - £27

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

Aldreds majors on the sale of residential and commercial property in East Norfolk and North East Suffolk. We also have long established letting and auction departments. We are independent, but involved in the market with presence on major property websites and portals, five modern offices and 35 experienced and trained staff.

£325,000 freehold

£499,500

North Drive, Great Yarmouth

The Rhond, Hoveton

This is a 1970s architect-designed detached house with sea views to the front and open rear aspect. This spacious home benefits from three generous bedrooms and living space including 24’ lounge, dining room and a sun lounge/conservatory. The property is situated approximately one mile from the Golden Mile and Great Yarmouth Town Centre, and is convenient for all amenities. Early viewing is strongly recommended.

Beautifully presented riverside home situated at the heart of the favoured Broadland Village of Hoveton. The property benefits from a superb southerly aspect with outstanding waterside views over Daisy Broad towards the River Bure. This modern property offers spacious, flexible accommodation and benefits from quay headed water frontage and additional mooring dock. Early viewing is highly recommended.

£495,000 freehold

£650,000 freehold Inset: View across the river

Puddingmore, Beccles

Marine Parade, Gorleston

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a modern detached riverside bungalow, one of very few on this stretch of the river, offering spectacular views over the Broadland Countryside. The property has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen diner with pantry and lounge with woodburning stove. The bungalow has two garages, a rond garden and timber quay heading. The raised patio overlooks the garden and river beyond.

At the favoured south end of Marine Parade this delightful house has been made extraordinary by the current owners’ constant improvement and extension. The house has 4/5 bedrooms (two en-suite) and contemporary living space that uses a conservatory which provides additional space, to take advantage of the south and west aspect of the back whilst enabling the residents to enjoy the uninterrupted sea views to the front.

Tel 01493 844891 17 Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1HJ

www.aldreds.co.uk

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

TAWNY LODGE

A Waterside Wonder Imagine having access to your own private lagoon. Emma Outten looks over the particulars of a beautifully positioned and contemporary waterside house in Wroxham

Guide price £1,250,000

e all know that Wroxham is the perfect place to hire a boat and while away an hour or two on the Norfolk Broads.

So we may be used to admiring the large waterside properties houses positioned at the very heart of the Broads network. But what if it could be the other way round, and your view was of the magical water-land at the bottom of your garden? This is what the beautifully positioned Tawny Lodge in Wroxham could afford you. It is situated along the sought-after Beech Road – one of the most desirable roads in Wroxham and where the early 20th-century entertainer, George Formby, once owned a riverside home (a thatched house called Heronby, built in 1907, in case you were wondering). Tawny Lodge is within a mile of Wroxham village centre, a very active community boasting the renowned Roys supermarket and department store – the ‘world’s largest village store’ - as well as a health centre, library, banks, post office, and schools. Wroxham adjoins Hoveton, just over the Wroxham Bridge, and attractions such as Wroxham Barns are on the doorstep. Norwich is only eight miles away, and the Hoveton and Wroxham railway station is on the Bittern Line, which runs from Norwich to Cromer and Sheringham. So far, so perfectly positioned, but what makes Tawny Lodge - a contemporary home of brick construction - exceptional is that it has excellent

mooring facilities which are situated in a private lagoon. A footbridge leads to the lagoon, with Tawny Lodge enjoying around 150ft of timber-built catwalks and key heading. The key heading is split into two, with the private moorings enjoying a small boat port dock (and with electric lift to elevate a small craft out of the water), and additional mooring rights of 65ft along an adjacent jetty, which is approached via a garden gate from the main garden. The private lagoon offers access onto the main River Bure and the river network beyond. And beyond is Wroxham Broad, a popular place for sailing as well as being the home of the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club. Both Wroxham and Hoveton have several boat building and pleasure craft hire yards, and since 2011 Wroxham has been a base for the restoration of the Norfolk wherry. Once restored, these wherries are intended to be available for use by school and youth groups as well as by private charter. But back to Tawny Lodge: it is approached by a pair of electronically operated security gates, leading to a gravel driveway with ample parking and turning for many vehicles; as well as a double garage with electric power door, and adjoining carport. The property was constructed 30 years ago to an individual design, and finished with a high specification. Since 1983 the property has been enlarged and now offers spacious and immaculately presented accommodation with well-proportioned, bright rooms, many of which take advantage of the glorious gardens, grounds and river beyond.

F act F ile 4 bedrooms

½ 4 en-suite bathrooms

½ Garden room

½ Extensive mooring facilities

½ Gardens and grounds in all extend to one acre (est)

E state A gents Savills Norwich norwich@savills.com 01603 229229

The present owners have maintained the property to a high standard and have carried out various improvements and modernisation works (including maintaining the key heading within the lagoon). On the ground floor an entrance lobby leads to a reception hall, which in turn leads to a study; drawing room; garden room (great for appreciating the oneacre grounds); a sitting room and a kitchen/breakfast area which is partially open plan to a dining room. On the first floor, it’s not only the master bedroom which boasts an en-suite bathroom; three guest bedrooms also have en-suites. This is one of the reasons why Tawny Lodge is ideal for entertaining. As well as the aforementioned kitchen/breakfast area and dining room, there’s plenty of scope for outside entertaining: immediately behind the property, on the south side, is an enclosed courtyard, paved ideally for external entertaining, and boasting a built-in barbecue. And there is also a large paved terrace around the garden room. Whilst on the subject of Tawny Lodge’s external features, the gardens at the front are mature, with deep shrubberies, trees and gravelled areas. Beyond the central courtyard area (which provides access to the main hall and drawing room) are the formal gardens, comprising lawn and more deep shrubberies, along with a raised ornamental pond, a wooded area under-planted with bulbs, a rockery and alpine plants. The gardens and grounds, in all, extend to an estimated one acre. And yet the key feature of this property is beyond the gardens and grounds, in a sense. Just imagine what use you could make of those extensive mooring facilities.

From the hallway to the bathroom, the carpet choices available – ranging from sumptuous smooth velvets in subtle shades through to bold coloured boucle stripes and plain twists, all in a fantastic array of colours - can help to create an ambience in your home that is both relaxing and innovative.

The diverse range of ﬂoorings now available, together with the latest hot trend for bright colour palettes for your wall covering and fabric, have fast become the key elements in the creation of today’s home comfort and interior décor. Soft, hardwearing wool is still a first choice for carpets but good quality man-made fibres with their fabulous stain resisting and easy care properties, perfect for modern living, are fast becoming just as popular. Also remember that expert fitting and a good quality underlay are just as important as the suitability of your flooring choice, so good informed advice is an essential when making your selection. Naturals such as sisal, coir and grasses give a look that is inspired by nature but designed for living, with a neutral but textured look providing the perfect backdrop for bright accent colours or bold patterned rugs. Prices vary with natural seagrass starting at around £17 per square metre.

a striped carpet can make a striking statement in any area from the living room to the hallway and a striped runner on the stairs can provide an attractive focal point and is also a great way to experiment with a bold and vibrant pattern on a smaller scale.

Jarrold 1-11 London Street, Norwich NR2 1JF | www.jarrold.co.uk

INTERIORS

FLOORING

Classic Florals from Brintons is a woven Axminster collection from one of our best known British manufacturers. It truly recreates all the beauty of the outdoors in a wool rich masterpiece, with the beautifullyVinyl sheet and luxury tiles are drawn botanical designs being created both beautiful and practical as

in partnership with the RHS. This hasthey are easy to care for; they are resulted in six enchanting broadloomincredibly long lasting and there are designs. Prices start at just over £70an abundance of different styles to per square metre. choose from. Whether you want a

wood or stone look, Karndean Design flooring is a product that is sure to have something ideal for your space, needs and style with prices starting at £21.99 square metre.

T h e Wo rld At Your F e e t Beautiful flooring brings a home to life, says John Stoker who looks at current trends in carpets, rugs and tiles Rugs will add a real wow factor to any room; available in a variety of designs, colours and sizes, you can have anything from elegantly traditional to soft eco to super modern! Kelaty’s New Wave collection is contemporary design at its best, drawing on 1910s Vienna Succession, 30s Art Deco and 50s Abstract art. These beautiful rugs are hand tufted using the finest Chinese wool and feature hand carving for added depth; available in a variety of sizes to order.

All products Vinyl sheet and luxury tiles are both beautiful and practical as they are easy to care for; they are incredibly long lasting and there are an abundance of different styles to choose from. Whether you want a

featured are available to order from Jarrold’s. Prices shown are for a guide only and do not include fitting or underlay.

wood or stone look, Karndean Design flooring is a product that is sure to have something ideal for your space, needs and style with prices starting at £21.99 square metre.

John Stoker is the buyer for the

flooring department at Jarrold's.

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LUST LIST

KITCHEN ACCESSORIES

KitchenAid Artisan 4-slice Toaster, Empire Red, £269.95, John Lewis

'Lottie Day' tea towels, £8.50, The Noverre Gallery & Shop, The Assembly House, Norwich

September is the month when it’s easier to stand the heat and get back in the kitchen. Emma Outten has been busy harvesting some choice accessories

Dressed Colander, £95, by Marcel Wanders for Alessi, www.alessi.com

Magimix Duo Juicer, £149, Jarrold’s

Sage of Heston Blumenthal the Kitchen Wizz Pro Food Processor, Silver, £399.95, John Lewis

Suffolk 3ft wine rack £675, Neptune, www.neptune.com

It’s a Jungle Out There SPICE UP YOUR GARDEN WITH A SMATTERING OF TROPICAL PLANTS, SAYS SARAH HARDY AS SHE VISITS THE URBAN JUNGLE ON THE

OUTSKIRTS OF NORWICH – AND IS AMAZED! isiting the urban Jungle in Old costessey on the edge of norwich is a bit like going on safari! you have to drive through the long two-acre site to get to the car park as weird and wonderful blooms catch your eye and your gardening fingers start to itch!

It is a lush, well stocked spot, dripping with greenery and bursting with exotic plants that might look more at home on the other side of the Equator. Leaves are strangely shaped, stems are gnarled and twisted and flowers are bold and brash in colour. It is immediately exciting! Owner Liz Browne is a charming guide, happy to stroll around the nursery in the Wensum Valley, sharing a few secrets and laying out future dreams. Certainly exotic blooms have become a key gardening trend in recent years as we have all fallen in love with dramatic architectural plants such as grasses, bamboos,

banana trees, palms, cannas, tree ferns and dahlias, which all add a real wow factor to any garden. But Liz is quick to dismiss any thoughts that they are very difficult to grow although she does admit that cold and wet weather can cause havoc! Many are tender and need to be protected as winter takes hold. ‘But many are perfectly hardy and can survive,’ she says. ‘We don’t use any pesticides and are moving towards being organic.’

GaRDENs

URBAN JUNGLE

Liz didn’t start out in life planning to run a nursery. Indeed, she worked for many years in a lab at British Sugar, explaining: ‘I just wanted to work outside. I loved gardening, developing my own patch, trying to grow unusual flowers so I took the plunge.’ She was a customer at the nursery and when it came up for sale, saw her chance! That was in 2002 and with her business partner, Malcolm Browne, she has transformed it into something very inspiring. And indeed, visitors come to see her displays from all over Britain. ‘We have some great gardens in Norfolk so people make a trip out of it – they see us, Will Giles’ exotic garden in Norwich and the Old Vicarage at East Ruston near North Walsham,’ she says. Liz doesn’t have any formal horticultural training but has rather learnt on the job, adding: ‘And there’s the internet – what did we do before that! It is great to research plants and get ideas.’ There is much to enjoy as you wander around the site, which is protected by a ring of trees including oak and silver birch, and there are many carefully positioned chairs, cushions and bean bags where you can relax a while and soak it all in! One particular highlight is the edible jungle where Liz showcases many eye catching plants which can be gobbled up! Look out for pak choi, courgettes, banana trees, Swiss chard, tomatoes, kale – and the list goes on. I really liked the tamarillo trees which give bright orange fruits and the

dahlia Honka Surprise which was very showy! And I really enjoyed her vertical gardens – perfect for those with limited space. This involves planting say a selection of vegetables in rows one on top of the other – a bit like the living wall at Norwich’s Marks and Spencer store. And you must look out for the striking kokedama, hanging from trees around the site. A variation on bonsai, kokedama is the Japanese art form of growing plants in moss balls and suspending them with string. There are also several poly tunnels to explore where all the plants are bursting with vigour and in one is a glorious pond, one of Liz’s first projects, which now demonstrates how water loving exotics can thrive. It is also home to several enormous koi carp! It is, of course, great fun to explore ‘backstage’ areas – the real work areas that Liz probably wouldn’t want you to see - but this is a well run, tidy nursery and best of all, everything is for sale so you can start creating your own exotic garden. And you’ve even got Liz on hand to show you how! Her future plans include running a café at the site – you can imagine that sort of place, with yummy homemade cakes, salads, herbal teas all created using produce from the nursery. Certainly, I reckon, dishes would be ultra healthy – and colourful! And she’s keen to develop her hiring business – renting out particular plants for wedding receptions, parties and the like. ‘Topiary makes a great focal point in an entrance hall or outside a church.’ Entry to the nursery is free but there is an admission fee for the Edible Jungle. It is £2 for adults and proceeds go to local and national charities such as the East Anglia Air Ambulance and the National Garden Scheme.

URBAN JUNGLE, ringstead Lane, Old costessey, norwich tel 01603 744997, visit www.urbanjungle.uk.com. Various workshops and special events are scheduled, with details online.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

SPR UMN ING BUL BS /WIN TER ARRIVIN PAN G SH SIES O NOW RTLY AVA ILAB L

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arnoldskeys.com

selling up | PROPERTY NEWS

DARREN NEAVE ARNOLDS KEYS DARREN.NEAVE@ARNOLDSKEYS.COM | WWW.ARNOLDSKEYS.COM

Moving On Up Darren Neave of Arnolds Keys believes that now is a great time to put your house on the market

eptember: autumn, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness – and traditionally the ‘second peak’ in the residential property market, following on from the early summer rush of May and June. If words like ‘peak’ and ‘rush’ may have seemed a little hyperbolical during some of the last few years, they are certainly appropriate in 2013, which has been the year that optimism has returned. For the first time for some time, we are now experiencing more buyers than there are houses on the market, and that shortage is most acute in the middle of the market. It seems certain that vendors will realise this and that we will see a lot of properties put on sale in the New Year. However, savvy sellers should be considering getting their homes on the market now, to take advantage of the shortage in supply. If you put your home on sale this month, there is a good chance you will be moved by the end of the year. This limited choice for buyers is having an interesting effect on prices, too. Whilst asking prices have risen modestly during 2013, the price achieved has performed even better, with 100 per cent of asking price not uncommon, and sometimes even more – just this week I sold a house at three per cent over asking price, because the buyers simply couldn’t find another property they liked on the market. Imbalances like this have a habit of righting themselves. I believe there are quite a few frustrated vendors out there who have been delaying putting their home on the market because they worried there would not be enough buyers to achieve a sale in the timescale they wanted, and/or at the price they needed to achieve.

These people are sure to realise soon enough that the market is moving again, and the New Year will see a stronger supply of properties, resulting in a better balance between supply and demand. So autumn is looking a good prospect to tap into the current imbalance. It is in the middle of the market where this shortage is most pronounced – perhaps because this is the part of the market which suffered most during the tough years. First-time buyers have been back on the market for a little while now, buoyed by finance from both the bank of mum and dad, and more recently by the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. The top end of the market is always the last to catch up, so it is good-sized family homes that are most in demand. Of course, selling a house in the autumn requires a slightly different approach. At the time of writing, temperatures are creeping towards the 30s, and outside space seems a good selling point – and this may still be the same when you read this. But bear in mind that autumn buyers are more likely to be looking for the warm and cosy, and so the inside space assumes a higher importance. That means clearing out clutter to make rooms look bigger and ensuring that draughty windows and doors are fixed. If you have been putting off selling because you thought there wouldn’t be any interest, my advice to you is to act quickly. The autumn may well be an advantageous window where there are still more buyers than sellers. That means you are likely to find a buyer more quickly (provided of course that you market at a sensible price) – and achieve a higher percentage of the asking price. Don’t wait for the New Year, it’s time to act now.

Darren Neave is Residential Manager for Norwich at Arnolds Keys. More details at www.arnoldskeys.com.

@arnoldskeys

World-wide award winning marketing for the fourth year running. Fine & Country have been awarded ‘Best International Real Estate Agency Marketing’ at both UK and World levels for the past four years by the International Property Awards.

BLOFIELD Guide Price £1,000,000

ORMESBY ST MICHAEL Guide Price £500,000

• A stunning Georgian Residence situated to the centre of Bloﬁeld • Six Bedrooms ; Additional Loft Bedroom ; Three Receptions ; Four Bathrooms/Shower Rooms • Breakfast Kitchen with Separate Utility • A Programme of Re-Wiring, Re-Rooﬁng and Plumbing has been undertaken • Situated in 3 acres of stunning Mature Gardens with a Kitchen Garden and Orchard ; Indoor Swimming Pool • Long Drive Way Approach ; Versatile Range of Original Outbuildings 3,270sq.ft • The Accommodation of the Main Residence extends to 4,585sq.ft • Energy Rating: F

• A stunning Georgian Property in the village of Ormesby St Michael • Four Bedrooms ; Three Bathrooms • Two Receptions ; Conservatory • Breakfast Kitchen • Decorated to a very High Standard Throughout • The Grounds extend to 0.48 acres • The Accommodation extends to 2,134sq.ft • Energy Rating: E

INGHAM Guide Price £450,000

WITTON BRIDGE Guide Price £275,000

• A Beautiful Grade II Listed Brick and Flint Converted Barn • Four Bedrooms ; Three Bathrooms/Shower Rooms • One Stunning Main Hall/Reception which is part divided into Sitting and Dining Areas ; Spacious Breakfast Kitchen ; Conservatory • Original Character is intact and can be found throughout • Front and Enclosed Rear Gardens ; Plenty of Off Street Parking • Versatile Outbuilding which could be used for a number of different purposes • The Accommodation extends to 2,845sq.ft

• A stunning Semi-Detached Cottage dating back to 1749 in the village of Witton Bridge • Three Bedrooms ; Two Bathrooms ; Two Receptions ; Breakfast Kitchen • A Wealth of Period Features can be Found Throughout including an Inglenook Fireplace, Exposed Flint and Exposed Beams • Amazing Views out over Open Fields • Single Garage ; Off Road Parking • The Accommodation extends to 1,189sq.ft • Energy Rating: E

Norwich: 01603 221888 South Norfolk & North Suffolk: 01379 646020

RECIPE

FRANCK PONTAIS

pictures ANDREW FLORIDES, WWW.ANDREWFLORIDES.CO.UK words FRANCK PONTAIS, WWW.FRANCKPONTAIS.COM

Let our French chef cook for your private dinner parties, and for those who really enjoy cooking, he also offers master classes, for all abilities, in your own home. More information is available at www.franckpontais.com

K I C K STA R T Y O U R S U M M E R sE RV E s 6

Poached Oyster and Cauliflower Mousseline THIS MONTH OUR FRENCH CHEF FRANCK PONTAIS DISHES UP THAT WELL KNOWN APHRODISIAC, THE OYSTER!

ingredients for poached oysters 200ml of full fat milk 3 sprigs of fresh thyme 30g of salted butter 12 rock oysters 2 pinches of rock salt 1 pinch of cracked black pepper

ingredients for the cauliďŹ&#x201A;ower mousseline 250g of fresh cauliflower 400ml of full fat milk 20g of salted butter 1 pinch of rock salt 1 /2 pinch of ground white pepper 1 pinch of ground nutmeg 1 pinch of ground white pepper

METhoD 1. Cook the cauliflower in the milk, butter and seasoning. 2. Pass through a chinois and blitz the cauliflower with a hand blender. 3. Add some hot milk if the mixture is too thick. 4. Season to taste and reserve. 5. Open the oysters and reserve the flesh in a bowl. 6. Clean six shells and reserve. 7. Simmer the milk with the seasoning, butter and thyme. 8. Poach the oysters for one-and-a-half minutes. 9. Fill the six oyster shells with the cauliflower puree and place two poached oysters on top of each. 10. Make a milk-foam, using some left-over hot milk and a hand blender. 11. Skim the top and pour over the oysters. 12. Garnish with samphire and scarlet cress.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

Picture by PauL shreeve

RECIPE

Melon and Feta Salad With roasted Pistachio Nuts, Coriander, Lime and Honey Syrup and Galia Sorbet Galia sorbet

For the salad

1. Place the water and sugar into a pan and bring to the boil. 2. Simmer for 2 minutes until all sugar has dissolved. 3. While this is simmering, place the melon and lemon juice in food processor and whizz until a smooth puree. 4. Add the sugar mix and continue whizzing for a couple of minutes, then place into an ice cream maker or a thin metal tray in the freezer and stir every 20 minutes until a sorbet is formed. This will last in the freezer for up to 5-7 days.

1. Cut the sides of the cantaloupe melon, then cut into four quarters and remove seeds. Slice the melon into long strips and keep in the fridge. 2. Again with the watermelon remove sides and as many seeds as you can but instead of slicing, cut into 1cm cubes. 3. Place the nuts into a preheated oven at 180째C for 5-10 minutes. Once roasted, crush slightly with a rolling pin. 4. Chop the coriander leaves.

Lime and honey syrup

To assemble

1. Place all the ingredients into a pan and bring to the boil. 2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half. 3. Pass through a sieve and store.

In a large bowl, place five slices of cantaloupe melon, crumble the feta, add the watermelon and pistachio nuts, then the coriander, a couple of spoons of lime and honey syrup and a scoop of galia melon sorbet.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

RECIPE

IMPERIAL HOTEL

Let’s Take This Outside MARK DIXON PUTS A BIT OF OOMPH INTO SEPTEMBER WITH THIS FRUITY NUMBER – PERFECT FOR THOSE LAST FEW AL FRESCO EATING OPPORTUNITIES

WINE ChoICE

2010 Vouvray, Didier Champalou, Loire Valley, France n i c k m O b b s , D I R E C TO R A N D W I N E E x P E R T AT T H E I M P E R I A L H OT E L , SAYS :

maTChInG WIne with fresh fruit can be fairly tricky unless you get your acidity and sweetness ratios correct. If you pick a very dry wine and pair it with fresh fruit, it tends to make the wine taste even drier to the point where it becomes unpleasant. So I have picked a Vouvray from the Loire Valley in France. The wine is made by Catherine and Didier Champalou who are two dynamic growers who have gradually built up an impressive 19-hectare domaine, planted solely with Chenin Blanc. Their aim is to bring out the maximum expression of character from the grape while reflecting the different terroirs on which the vines are planted. Harvesting is manual and selective to give the optimum maturity and balance of fruit. All Vouvrays are made from Chenin Blanc. It has hints of pear and quince on the nose, is ripe and juicy on the palate with a strong chalky minerality, lots of fruit layers and balanced by a benchmark freshness.

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTs For the salad

1 ripe cantaloupe melon ½ water melon 200g of good quality feta cheese Handful of pistachio nuts (shelled) Handful of fresh coriander

For the sorbet

5 cups of chopped galia melon (remove skin and seeds) 1 lemon, juiced 1 cup of caster sugar ½ cup of water

For the lime and honey syrup 1 cup of orange juice 1 lemon sliced into six 1 lime sliced into six ½ cup of caster sugar 3 tbsp of honey

• A team of brilliant chefs • Superb wine list • Laid-back atmosphere The perfect restaurant for dinner or Sunday lunch. At the Imperial Hotel, North Drive, Gt Yarmouth, NR30 1EQ. To book call 01493 842000

www.cafecru.co.uk

Sunday 12.30 - 2pm Monday - Saturday 6.30 - 10pm The Terrace is open daily. For opening times & menu go to imperialhotel.co.uk

T H E

D aV i n o Code Paula Hodds gets lucky and is one of the first to try a stunning new grill restaurant at the stylish Cliff Hotel in Gorleston

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

he Cliff Hotel in Gorleston is fast becoming one of the best dining options on the east coast of Norfolk. It is hitting just the right note with classy interiors, locally sourced ingredients and a top chef who wants to push the boundaries.

Its glorious all-weather terrace, with vast, sweeping views over the North Sea and Gorleston’s fabulous sandy beach, has been the place to be seen this summer. A perfect spot for ladies who lunch, families, and businessmen, it is a buzzy, friendly place where everyone enjoys good food and wine! But, not content with just this terrace, with its top of the range rattan furniture, heaters, retractable roof and tasty menu, there is now another addition to the al fresco options available! DaVino’s opened about a month ago, and really injects a bit of Mediterranean spirit into the hotel. With a large charcoal grill and an authentic pizza oven, its menu came under the scrutiny of yours truly, myself a keen chef, in a specially arranged private tasting session. Dishes on offer included chicken skewers with a piri piri dip accompanied by pommes frites (chips to you and me), pitta bread and salad which were magnificent while ‘posh’ sardines on toast - local sardines cooked to perfection and served on ciabatta bread with a homemade tomato sauce were very tasty.

REsTaURaNT REVIEW

DAVINO'S

DAVINO’S SERVES PIZZAS The pizzas, prepared right in front of your eyes, are to die for – with a ‘secret’ ingredient being the addition of a little polenta (cornmeal made from dried, ground maize) in the actual base which gives a really authentic Italian taste! There are several choices including the classic Margherita and Funghi although I tried the Buffalo one ( just £11.95) which included fresh buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, Parma ham and rocket. My favourite dish was, however, the chargrilled lobster. Served with a mango salad and hollandaise sauce, it was ultra fresh and disappeared, I will admit, very sharpish! Indeed, the hotel maintains its own lobster pots which are checked daily so you can’t really get much fresher than that! Other options include venison burgers, Dexter Black fillet steaks and chargrilled whole red gurnards – mouth watering yet? And that’s before we mention the delicious accompanying salads and breads.

from 11.30am to 9.30pm every day, with the grill running from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 5.45pm to 9.30pm. Call 01493 662179 or visit www.cliﬀ-hotel.co.uk

The menu will change with the seasons to ensure it maintains its commitment to local produce and producers. Norfolk suppliers currently include meat from Swannington Farm to Fork, and vegetables from Nurtured in Norfolk, near Dereham, and Accent Fresh in Downham Market. The man behind the hotel’s gastronomic developments is executive chef David Tumber who has a first class pedigree. Originally from east London, he trained at the renowned River Café with Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers before spending time in France, surely the home of all classical cooking. He returned to Britain as head chef at the equally well respected Three Horseshoes in Madingley near Cambridge and worked at several Norfolk restaurants including the White Horse at Blakeney before arriving at the Cliff Hotel last year. He has put a lot of his energies into reshaping the Cliff’s various eating options and creating a really passionate team around him, including sous chef Nicky Thompson, who has been charged with running DaVino’s and Susan Feek, a very keen trainee, who is on an apprenticeship currently studying towards her NVQ. ‘It’s all about offering something a bit different, something not available in the area – it gives the hotel another selling point. And it is great fun for us! And people do like to see their food being prepared, to see the raw ingredients all come together into something special,’ David says. General Manager Daryn Ferguson is very proud of the progress the hotel is making and you cannot help but look forward to the next exciting chapter in its noble history.

Hello. I’m Little Beauty. Pleased to meet you.

What a

Beauty!

I’m a Limited Edition, aromatic and mouth-water ing Marlborough Sauvignon Blan c. I’m uniquely New Zealand .

Try me! I’m proudly Kiwi and I’m a Little Beauty.

Our wine writer Poppy Seymour travels to New Zealand to track down an exclusive vineyard with five beautiful numbers to sample

www.littlebeauty.co.nz

what was your original inspiration for starting a vineyard?

Being born and bred Kiwis, growing up in rural New Zealand, the idea sprung from a true love of Mother Nature. For us, one of life’s real pleasures is the joy of sitting with your friends and family enjoying good food and good wine. That’s how it all started.

picTure kevin JuDD

where exactly is the vineyard?

Once an old sheep farm, now a discreet and intimate location in the Southern Valleys region of Marlborough, 37 kilometres from the sea and 100 metres above sea level. This area is world famous for Sauvignon Blanc of course. which grape varieties do you grow?

There are five in the team: a mouth-watering and cheerful Sauvignon Blanc, an elegant and silky Pinot Noir, a racy and thirstquenching Dry Riesling, a moreish little Pinot Gris and an exotic and intriguing Gewürztraminer. who is your winemaker?

i recently had the opportunity to meet

the lovely, lively Fleur McCree, proud coowner and managing partner of Little Beauty Vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand. Before tasting her sensational wines, I quizzed her about the dream that became a reality.

The wonderfully talented and experienced Eveline Fraser. Formerly winemaker at Cloudy Bay, her attention to detail is extraordinary and she works very closely with the viticultural team, aspiring to wines that are balanced, elegant and made with integrity. how many people work at the vineyard?

Grape growing is very seasonal so we have a core team of five and then lots of helpers at certain times of the year to help with pruning, hand harvesting etc. Once the occasional workers have worked a vintage with us they always want to come back to our little corner of paradise.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

WINE REVIEW

LITTLE BEAUTY, NEW ZEALAND

“LITTLE BEAUTY IS A PHRASE MUCH USED IN THE ANTIPODES, A PHRASE THAT IS CELEBRATORY, A TERM OF ENDEARMENT, THE TWO WORDS HAVE SUCH CHARISMA AND SUCH A POSITIVE CONNOTATION SO IT WAS PERFECT” when was your first vintage?

Little Beauty is spritely and youthful. Her first vivacious vintage was in 2008. how many bottles do you produce in a vintage?

That all depends on Mother Nature. Generally, though, the volumes are tiny. Only 3000 cases of Sauvignon, less than 1000 for Pinot Noir, around 600 of Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and about 400 cases of Pinot Gris – hen’s teeth! how did you choose the name Little beauty?

We wanted our wine to have a real sense of individuality, to be distinctive, charming, engaging and importantly authentic. New Zealand is known as being a little nation, with very beautiful scenery….and we’re a little company, aiming to make beautiful wines. Little Beauty is a phrase much used in the Antipodes, a phrase that is celebratory, a term of endearment, the two words have such charisma and such a positive connotation so it was perfect. Little Beauty it was and as she would say: ‘I’m proudly Kiwi and I’m a Little Beauty!’

picTureS kevin JuDD

POPPY IS AN INDEPENDENT

who designed the label and what was the thinking behind it?

wine consultant offering expert advice on which wines to buy, whether for a celebration, investment purposes or simply quaﬃng! She will be delighted to hear from you so please feel free to contact her on 07760 793996 or poppy@belleepoque-life.com for more information.

Some wonderfully talented Kiwis, anchored around a set of ideologies, design-led, spirited, experiential, understated confidence. We were very determined for it not to look or sound like others, ‘me too’ is just not us, it had to be very special and stand out from the crowd. have you won any awards?

We’re very lucky, we’ve won a lot. Mainly in Decanter (both Europe and Asia), the International Wine and Spirits Challenge and Mundus Vini (a large European show run from Germany). Most recently, we’re very proud to announce that the Little Beauty 2010 Dry Riesling was awarded the Regional Trophy ‘Best in Show’ at the very prestigious 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards. what are your plans for the future?

2011 Limited edition sauvignon blanc

To have fun. To try to get better with what we do. To try not to think about all the difficult things about our life - global recessions, unrepentant earthquakes, bludgeoned exchange rates and so on.

A fresh summer morning in Marlborough. Fresh lemon grass and juicy mango lead you onto tropical fruits first, followed by pink ripe grapefruit, finally a hint of basil. Beautifully balanced and utterly more-ish.

would you do it all again?

Yep, without a doubt - but perhaps a little differently. That’s the benefit of hindsight, of course. where can people buy your wine in the uk?

It is coming soon to a well-known East Anglian independent wine merchant – so watch this space. Meanwhile, amongst other places, you can enjoy Little Beauty at Claridges, The Savoy and Gleneagles. shall we taste the wines?

2010 Limited edition Pinot Gris

Oozing delightful aromatics of tangerine and quince with a touch of vanilla pod. A really creamy, full palate with hints of apricot and butterscotch rounding off the finish. 2010 Limited edition Gewürztraminer

A heady, perfumed nose where rose and jasmine mingle with fragrant spices. Complex, mouth-filling, unctuous lychee flavours are full of intrigue and smoky hints of Eastern promise.

I thought you’d never ask! Let me introduce you to the dream team 2011 Limited edition Pinot noir 2010 Limited edition Dry riesling

Enticing yellow nectarine and honeysuckle on the nose, then a vibrant minerally palate with lip-smacking, tooth-tingling lemon and lime freshness. This is a real wake-up call for the tastebuds and a fabulous apéritif.

Awash with aromas of dark cherries and raspberries with even a suspicion of black liquorice. Deliciously silky texture with luscious fruit and a smoky, peaty, forest floor palate to savour. Winemaker Eveline sums the Pinot up perfectly: ‘This is the friend we all want at our table, gorgeous company.’

Country Inn & Fine Dining

F ood G a ll e r y : R estaurants & F ood produce

Albatros

The Parlour Tea Rooms

River Green Café

The Albatros, which is moored at Wells-nextthe-Sea, is a 100-year-old Dutch clipper, built in Rotterdam. The beautiful vessel was built for Johannes Muller from Middelhanis, Holland, where she remained until being sold to a Danish owner, believed to be Captain Ramussen, who used her as a cargo ship to export grain from Scandanavia. In 1983 Ton Brouwer bought and fully restored her. The Albatros is a Dutch-style café bar and restaurant serving sweet and savoury pancakes and other Dutch specialities. Have your meal alfresco on the main deck and enjoy the views of the harbour. Fully licensed bar, real ales, live music and bed & breakfast. Private and corporate parties welcome.

The Parlour tea rooms in the historic Corn Exchange has now opened it's huge doors! This exquisite 1940s Tea Room, a sister to Loddon Mill Tea Rooms, will offer tasty tea time treats, cakes from vintage recipes, a selection of Tea-Pigs teas, home-made scones with clotted cream and various other goodies. Housed in the magnificent setting of the Corn Exchange in Harleston with its lovely fountain, antiques, collectables and vintage street scene - it's an ambiance not to be missed.

Fine vegetarian food and drink Overlooking Trowse Village Green and just 10 minutes from Norwich City Centre, River Green Café serves internationally inspired vegetarian and vegan food along with a selection of organic and locally sourced wines and beers. A: River Green Café, The Street, Trowse, Norwich, NR14 8AH T: 01603 622448 W: www.rivergreencafe.co.uk

Open: Seven days a week, 10am-5pm closing at 4pm on a Sunday A: 5 Exchange Street, Harleston IP20 9AB

Open: 12 noon until late A: Quayside, Wells-next-Sea, NR23 1AT T: 07979 087228 W: www.albatros.eu.com

Courtyard Café

Orchard Farm Shop

Planet Spice

Situated within Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens, the renowned Courtyard Café offers a wide variety of high quality, locally sourced meals. Even if you do not have time to explore the wonders of the Pensthorpe reserve, the fully licensed Courtyard Café is well-stocked with a great variety of teas, cakes and pastries; making it a perfect place to stop for delicious home-cooked food or a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

We look forward to you visiting us at Orchard Farm Shop. Pork is reared on the farm and butchered in the shop, along with local lamb. We cater for your BBQ needs, including gluten-free sausages, gluten-free pork burgers and also low fat sausages. Free range eggs collected daily, a selection of local jams, chutneys, honey, rape seed oil and apple juices are also available. Low food miles and friendly service. Orders taken. Find us on the A146 five miles south of Norwich.

THE SPICE TRAIL... Planet Spice is an Indian restaurant in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Our aim is to provide an exquisite, unrivalled range of authentic and imaginative Indian dishes to all food lovers in the area. We are dedicated in our approach to healthy eating, which demands we use the highest quality, fresh, organic ingredients. All spices are freshly ground to maintain natural flavours and aromas. Absolutely no additives are used in our kitchen.

Open: Thurs 10am-6.30pm; Fri 9am-6.30pm; Sat 9am-4pm A: Orchard Farm Shop, Holverston, Norwich NR14 7PH T: 01508 480369 W: www.orchardfarmshop.com

Open: Every day for lunch 12-2pm and dinner 5.30-11pm A: 2 Filby Lane, Ormesby St Margaret, Great Yarmouth, NR29 3JR T: 01493 731111 / 01493 731101 W: www.planetspiceormesby.co.uk

Open: Every day from 9am-5pm (food served 12-2.30pm) A: Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN T: 01328 851465 W: www.pensthorpe.com

An Apple A Day

This month, food writer Andy Newman takes a look at apple production on a truly community scale, while top Norfolk chef roger Hickman creates a traditional and delicious dessert to show the autumn fruit off at its best

orfolk was once covered with apple orchards, but nowadays you have to look pretty hard to find any at all. The rise of supermarkets has meant that the kind of hard-to-grow, irregularly-shaped apples provided by our county’s native varieties have been usurped by easier, more reliable crops. It just doesn’t seem viable to grow the ancient varieties, and without people who care about them, they would probably disappear completely. This is why it was such a delight to find myself walking along a country lane in south Norfolk with Lucy Whittle and Christine Grey-Wilson, who are amongst a group of volunteers who have done something about keeping these rare varieties alive.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

Christine Grey-Wilson and Lucy Whittle in the Kenninghall Community Orchard

picTureS BY anDy newman assOciaTes, nOrwich

Kenninghall is a thriving village of 800 people about four miles south of Attleborough. Unlike so many rural villages, here you will still find a village store, and not one but two pubs - and all seem to be prospering. ‘There is an extraordinary balance of people in Kenninghall, and many of them both live and work in the village, which is the key to its vibrancy,’ explains Christine. Lucy and Christine are leading lights in the Kenninghall Lands Trust, which, according to its website, exists to ‘promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the landscape and natural environment of the village’ – or, as Lucy puts it rather more succinctly: ‘We want to build a green belt around the village.’ As well as a 4½ acre Millennium Wood, a genius part of this plan was to plant a community orchard in 2001. On the site of some former allotments, the orchard has plums, cherry, greengage, medlar, pear, quince, walnut and mulberry – but it is the 26 apple trees that I wanted to see. Here at last are many of the endangered varieties: Adam’s Pearmain, Dr Harvey, Green Roland, Harling Hero, Hubbard’s Pearmain, Norfolk beefing, Norfolk Summer beefing, Norfolk Honey Russet, Norfolk Beauty and Tom Putt, as well as Lucy’s and Christine’s favourite, Ashmead Kernel. This was a true community undertaking. The cost of the trees was covered by individual villagers sponsoring each tree (something which gives them no rights over the fruit, just a simple metal plaque with their name on). And an army of village volunteers came down to clear the ground and help with the planting.

NoRFoLK PRoDUCE

APPLES

RECIPE

you can learn more

Roger hickman’s Tarte Tatin

about the Kenninghall community Orchard

SERVES TWO

at www.kenninghalllandstrust.org.uk. A list of other community orchards can be found at www.england-inparticular.info/orchards/ o-norfolk-i.html. This website also lists where you can buy Norfolk apple varieties, Norfolk cider, and even Norfolk apple trees.

INGREDIENTS 200g of caster sugar, 40g of butter, 3 small or 2 large apples: Cox s Pippins or Pink Lady are ideal, 1 roll of readyrolled puff pastry, a splash of cream, a splash of Calvados, Norfolk vanilla ice cream I recommend Ronaldo s

So what about the fruit? Well, that is simple. Anyone – and that really means anyone – can simply wander down to the orchard and help themselves. This is true community food production, and it works well. I rather like the fact that walkers are encouraged to pick an apple from any tree and eat it, a kind of permissive scrumping. ‘There is plenty for everyone, and that includes the wildlife,’ explains Lucy, pointing out that the unregimented way the orchard is managed, with only one annual mowing, has provided a haven for all sorts of fauna. ‘We are picking from September right through to December, and many of these varieties are excellent keepers, making the village more or less self-sufficient in apples for much of the year.’ This is something to be celebrated, and the inhabitants of Kenninghall are no slouches when it comes to doing just that. Resurrecting the ancient tradition of wassailing, the village holds parties in the orchard, including a turn-of-the-year revel in which the trees are blessed with cider, everyone wears silly clothes and Morris Men dance. A lot of our food is necessarily produced in industrial quantities – that is required if we are to feed ourselves sustainably. But it is delightful to find a little corner of Norfolk where things are being done on a truly community scale. I for one will be going back this month to indulge in some permissive scrumping. It’s too good to resist.

Amateur cooks all over Norfolk will be relieved to learn that not even Roger Hickman makes his own puff pastry, except on very special occasions. So it’s official – it’s fine to use ready-rolled!

Apple trees in the Kenninghall Community Orchard

Take a small oven-proof pan about six inches across – a cast iron frying pan is ideal, providing it doesn’t have a wooden handle. Put the sugar in the pan and cover with just enough water to dissolve it. Now gently heat the pan to the point of boiling. You need to watch like a hawk at this stage, as you are aiming to lightly caramelise the sugar, but not burn it. When the caramel is a light fudge colour, add the butter and take the pan off the heat. Whisk the caramel so that everything is dissolved. Put the pan aside to allow the caramel to cool. Meanwhile, peel and core the apples and cut into six (if using small apples) or eight (if using larger apples). It is important that you choose a variety which is not going to break up into mush during cooking. Place the apple pieces onto the cooled caramel, still in the pan, packing them tightly. Now place a circle of puff pastry, cut about half an inch bigger than the pan all round, on top of the apples, and tuck in the edges so that there are no gaps. Prick the top of the pastry to let steam escape. Place the pan in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes – you are aiming to just cook the pastry. Remove from the oven and allow to cool a little, and then turn the tarte out onto a plate, with the pastry on the bottom. Reheat the pan, which will have the remains of the caramel still in it. Add a splash of cream and a splash of Calvados, and there is your sauce. Serve the tarte with the sauce poured over and around it, and with the vanilla ice cream.

Roger Hickman is chef-proprietor at Roger Hickman's Restaurant in Upper St Giles, Norwich. More details at www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com

"Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all very excited that they chose Hollywood Cinema in Norwich for the world premiere of Alan Partridge"

CUBAN CONTRASTS

M ark N icholls E X P L O R E S T H E I N T O X I C AT I N G M I X T H AT I S C U B A

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

TRaVEL

eL FLOridiTA - ONe OF erNeST HeMiNGWAY'S FAVOuriTe HAuNTS

CUBA

"...the streets of Havana are a throwback to a different era with the roads dominated by hundreds of big American cars from half a century ago; Chevrolets, Buicks, Plymouths and Cadillacs..."

uba is an island of Caribbean surprises;

stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, small towns and harbours that have remained unchanged for decades and a fascinating capital city. It is a country where the soundtrack is of salsa and the rumba beat - from every bar and restaurant the irresistible Latino rhythms seep out onto the streets – strong rum, the aroma of cigar smoke and fading Spanish colonial architecture. Yet Cuba is unique, a country arguably trapped in a time warp where the clock has barely moved on since the late 50s when Fidel Castro led the revolution which transformed the country into a Caribbean communist country and which has since suffered the imposition of economic sanctions from America. Once the holiday haunt of millions of American citizens that all ended when Castro, with Che Guevara by his side, took over the island. As a result, the streets of Havana are a throwback to a different era with the roads dominated by hundreds of big American cars from half a century ago; Chevrolets, Buicks, Plymouths and Cadillacs which have been nursed and revived over the decades and are still going strong.

In shades of vivid red, green, blue, yellow and even pink, they complement the pastel colours of the flaking Spanish colonial architecture of a capital, which has so much to offer. And it is this which offers Havana, a city to enjoy on foot, its inimitable charm. You can wander through Obispo to Plaza des Armas with its booksellers and on to Plaza la Catedra or Plaza San Francisco. You will stumble across the haunts of American author Ernest Hemingway who spent time in Havana in the 30s and 40s. El Floridita, a bar where he spent many an evening, still trades off his connections and a bronze statue of the author oversees drinkers as they enjoy his favourite cocktail, the daiquiri. But it is all part of the experience. Enjoy also the Malencon and the landmark Nacional Hotel, built in the 30s at a time that Cuba was a playground for the super-rich and where Hollywood’s finest stayed, before Castro intervened. This island of 12 million people and less than 100 miles from Florida has had more than a passing role in the history of the 20th century; taken over by Castro in 1959, it was home to the Bay of Pigs failed invasion fiasco, housed US terror detainees at Guantanamo Bay (US owned since 1902), and most significantly was at the core of the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 – a period in Cold War history that saw the world come closest to nuclear holocaust as the Soviet Union threatened to base nuclear weapons on the coastline of Cuba. The Soviets backed down under pressure from Kennedy but for several days, the world held its breath. »

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

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TRaVEL

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» The country is poor, some essentials are still rationed, and people live on a relatively low income but it has much to offer. Havana has numerous good restaurants and bars and is great if you want to buy rum, cigars and souvenirs. In recent years, as restrictions on private business slowly relax, there has been an increase in the number of family-run restaurants - the Paladares - with excellent seafood and a blend of Cuban/Spanish cuisine. Here, as almost anywhere, you will pay in Cuban Convertible Pesos – the tourist currency – but don’t get confused, or conned by the Cuban Peso used by the locals which is worth a 25th of the CUC. Away from the capital, four hours drive across the island, is Trinidad. Timeless Trinidad, a town of cobbled streets and alleys built on the wealth of sugar plantations two centuries ago, is a peaceful haven set between mountains and the beach. Many visitors arrive for the ambience of the old town where only horses and carts and cycle rickshaws pass, and lie low during the day before the streets come to life in the evening with the sound of rumba and salsa. The focal point is the steps of Casa de la Musica but every bar and restaurant has its band. Trumpets, guitars, drums, flutes and percussion are the backbeat to some beautiful Cuban voices. Trinidad is a town for nonchalantly wandering around taking in the galleries and small shops, pausing for a coffee or a cocktail and simply enjoying the timeless architecture and ambience of this town comfortably and consensually trapped in a different age. There is the magnificent cathedral opposite Plaza Mayor and the square itself with its original setting intact. One museum worth a visit is the Cantero Palace, now the city museum, and climbing the tower for the most rewarding view. What Cuba has in charming towns and a rural idyll, it matches in wonderful beaches and turquoise seas. Varadero, back on the north of the island, is a 20km long peninsula of hotels, white sandy beaches, warm seas and a climate which will offer you relaxation and a sun tan. Whether you want to lie by the pool or on the beach, or enjoy sailing, diving or a range of water sports, Varadero is an ideal location to enjoy the fineries of Cuba’s coastline. At the end of a day, there’s nothing better than relaxing at the poolside bar with a daiquiri (Ernest Hemingway’s favourite), or a Mojito…a cocktail Cuba calls its own.

Cuba's very own Mojito

1. Rooftops of Trinidad 2. Fruit and veg cart in Trinidad

Travel Information Mark Nicholls visited Cuba with luxury travel company Journeys of Distinction. It’s all-inclusive History, Havana and the Beach tour costs from £2185 per person and includes return flights from London Heathrow, accommodation throughout and a fascinating sightseeing itinerary. After the delights of Havana and Trinidad, you can relax by the beach at Varadero. Forthcoming departure dates for the nine-day tour are September 19, November 7, December 5, February 20 and April 3. For more details and a copy of the Journeys of Distinction brochure call 0161 491 7616 or visit www.jod.uk.com

Varadero Beach

Re-Visiting

an Old Friend

TO n y a n D J e n n y m a L L i O n r e T u r n TO T h e b L a k e n e y h OT e L w i T h i T s s P e c Tac u L a r v i e w s

ERE’S A QUESTION. Is this the most photographed

and painted hotel in Britain? It’s the sort of inquiry that would keep one of those notes and queries columns in a national newspaper going for ages and, if isn’t in the number one slot, then the Blakeney must surely be up there in the top 10. It’s not that this warm flint and tile building announces itself with neon lights or any ostentation – perish the thought – but Blakeney quay with its moored boats is a familiar scene which so typifies our beloved north Norfolk. And you simply can’t take a photo or paint this view without the Blakeney Hotel being the unwitting centre of attention. The main building with its higgledy-piggledy roof lines and tall chimneys, together with the adjoining Granary Annex, hug the quayside and help create this distinctive character. The hotel faces the salt marshes with its richly varied birdlife and the distant view of Blakeney Point, an understandably spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty. And where

better to enjoy it than snuggled up inside those welcoming flint walls, warmed by open log fires looking out on the ever changing scudding clouds and big Norfolk skies? This is one of life’s rich pleasures and something my wife and I have been enjoying regularly for over three decades. And I’m happy to report that this welcoming old friend has gently moved with the times, simpler getting better and better. Though it may look as if it has been there for ever the hotel was created in the 1920s from a small pub, the Crown and Anchor, which formerly occupied part of the site. The original framed plans in the foyer show the emphasis was originally to meet the needs of boating types. Over the years the hotel has grown considerably, adding both rooms and facilities. It’s aimed fairly and squarely at the leisure market and is the perfect place for sheer relaxation. I discovered the village of Blakeney almost by accident in the early 1970s when some friends briefly rented a cottage

Prices aT The bLakeney hOTeL vary depending on the room, whether it has an estuary view, and also on the time of year. Stays in November and early December can be combined with a trip to the famous Thursford Spectacular nearby. Call 01263 740797 or visit

www.blakeney-hotel.co.uk

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BLAKENEY

in the High Street. That first visit was in November and I’ve always loved north Norfolk in the winter when visitors are few and the weather unpredictable – sometimes snow, sometimes the unexpected bonus of warm sunshine. Shortly after that Blakeney acquired mild fame when Jack Higgins wrote his best seller The Eagle Has Landed; the hotel being the starting point of this gripping wartime adventure about an attempt to kidnap Churchill. By the time my wife and I began staying at the hotel, it had gained a large heated pool and function room, the Mayflower Suite. As I recall there were no changing facilities for the pool which, for a time, meant strolling nonchalantly along a minstrels gallery above the Mayflower wrapped in a towel and hoping no-one in the room below looked up! Always family owned and run, it passed to a new generation about eight years ago and has developed apace since then. What by then had become tired leisure facilities were transformed in a luxury spa with a full sized proper pool (previously it was smaller and kidney shaped), steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym with superb changing facilities and endless supplies of fluffy towels and bath robes. All of this overlooking a hidden oasis of private gardens. The rooms have been stylishly updated without losing their individual charm. We’ve sampled many over the years. The lounges - especially the upstairs one with the most spectacular view of the marshes - and reception areas have been given a contemporary look with those fashionable (but not 50) shades of grey. It’s all so cool and relaxing in this world of Farrow and Ball; clearly so many inquire about the paint colours that reception thoughtfully provide a here’s-one-I-prepared-earlier slip with the details already printed! Of course, you don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the catering, whether it is just coffee, a snack, afternoon tea or a full meal. The dining room retains its charm and high standards. The menu has evolved over the years, always good

"BLAKENEY QUAY WITH ITS MOORED BOATS IS A FAMILIAR SCENE WHICH SO TYPIFIES OUR

but in recent years even more outstandingly so. Over a couple of recent stays we’ve enjoyed once more the mainly local produce and tasty choices, both fixed price and a la carte (you can mix and match). Fish is a specialty but equally so the meat; lamb with vegetables cooked to perfection was memorable; pheasant wrapped in ham with winter vegetables and ‘a really yummy sauce’ was a highlight for my wife. The dessert trollies wheeled to your table – a wonderful almost antique tradition which has never changed – offer tempting treats. A walnut meringue, key lime pie with a mouth-watering passion fruit jus and a cappuccino/mocha mousse with a shortbread which more than passed the Mary Berry snap test were all worthy of note. The home made truffles accompanying the coffee served in the lounge were, so to speak, simply the icing on the cake. And then the breakfast……. as well as all the usual selection on the buffet table, the cooked food is prepared to order. While it may have a hint of the stately home and Jeeves in attendance I can’t speak too highly of the kedgeree! Being a leisure destination (not that business people and conferences don’t seek it out), the Blakeney operates a very civilized late breakfast until 10am every day. One morning as we read the papers, oblivious of the time, the waiter came up, offered more coffee and said: ‘Don’t rush, you carry on reading your paper. We’re going to have a cup of tea ourselves and we won’t be back for half an hour to clear up.’ Now that’s what I call making you feel at home!

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aDVERTIsING FEaTURE

LODDON

2 1

MiLL ViNTAGe TeA rOOMS, 3. LOddON cHurcH, 4. FArMerS' MArKeT

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Hidden Gem LO DDO N RE MA I N S O N E O F N O R FOL K’S L I T T L E KNOW N G EMS W H I C H SA R A H HA R DY E NJ OYS G ET T I N G TO K N OW

hen a friend said, about 10 years ago, that she was leaving the Fine City for the country, for a place called Loddon, we were all a little surprised. ‘Where?’ was the general remark!

Well, Loddon is really one of those places that keeps itself under the radar but is actually doing really

rather well, thanks very much. It is a large village, lucky enough to have a bypass on the A146 Norwich to Lowestoft road and is about 10 miles from the city and a bit less from Beccles – so, nicely positioned. It has the River Chet, a tributary of the River Yare running through it, with an active staithe and is within the Broads National Park so it is a popular spot with the boating fraternity. What I like about it is the architecture. There are some very charming houses, plenty of pretty red brick properties dating from the Edwardian and Georgian periods, and a lovely weatherboard watermill spans the river. New houses are being built on edge of the village, at Broadland Meadow, by Taylor Wimpey, showing that it is a desirable spot – and I also noticed an exclusive little development of contemporary home at the staithe which look right up my street – with lovely gardens leading down to the water. Loddon also benefits from having a ‘proper’ centre where you’ll find the 15th century parish church, a library, a decent sized car park where parking is free for the first couple of hours, a bank and the High Street, lined with plenty of shops, cafes and those essentials such as a Post Office, estate agents and newsagents.

Independent shops are a key feature of the village and you must be able to buy everything you need from a new pair of reading glasses to a weekly shop. I also spotted a couple of very nice looking beauty centres so you can keep your nails and hair colour in tip top shape without having to travel. The village has three pubs, and a handful of cafes where homemade cakes caught my eye so there are plenty of places to pop to meet friends for coffee or lunch. And there are also a few take-aways including an Indian and that most traditional of favourites, good old fish and chips. Country markets are held every week and farmers’ markets are every fortnight, so there’s no excuse for not eating well and making the most of the fresh goodies grown and produced locally. The village also boasts its own schools; an infant, junior and high school (Hobart High) so children can walk to and from school and enjoy a freedom that many in large towns and cities cannot. And there’s a pre-school, too. As you’d expect there are plenty of open space – lots of parks and playing fields, with everything kept in good order by the active local councillors! And many clubs and activities are based at the Jubilee Hall – where you might catch the Loddon Players perform one of their latest pieces! It is often used as a cinema, too, and I noticed The Great Gatsby was due to be shown. The Loddon Grasshoppers is very popular with wannabe David Beckhams and the town has a thriving cricket club and swimming club, too. The 35-mile Wherryman’s Way, from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, which takes its name from the traditional cargo boats that were used on the waterways, passes through the town so there are numerous walks to try. Keep your eye out for wildlife and water birds – and even the odd otter. And, naturally, you might end up at the Swan, a recently refurbished gastropub, right at the heart of the village, which is gaining quite a reputation for great food under head chef Alan Leech. So, how is my friend doing, 10 years down the line? Thriving – her son is doing well at the high school and she has become very settled in the village, has performed with the Loddon Players, is a member of a book club and has made some very good friends. Sounds perfect!

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S E E I N G

R E D

THIS MONTH OUR RICHARD LEAVES NORFOLK FOR A RED SEA SOJOURN WHICH, AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE WITH HIM, IS NOT WITHOUT DIFFICULTY

LOOK AT LIFE

RICHARD BARR

‘M

y god what are those fumes?’ gasped my wife, just before she nearly passed out. We were driving across Norfolk after returning from buying a ferocious instrument for shearing sheep (as one does in this household). She noticed it first. It was like driving with your nose against the exhaust pipe of an elderly lorry. With all the windows open we just managed to get home before dying of carbon monoxide poisoning. That was only days before we were due to drive to Gatwick for a brief holiday in Egypt. The friendly local garage soon found the cause – a fuel injector leak. Because my car is old and cranky, they had to spend several days attacking it with WD40 to free it. The date for our departure drew closer and closer. Each day I checked and each day I was told that they could not be sure that the patient would be fit to travel. I was dreading the prospect of buying another car. Cars do not excite me and even when I do replace a car, its interior soon resembles a wheelie bin and I have to be careful not to park it outside on dustbin days for fear that the whole car will be emptied into the refuse lorry. Happily, just before closing time on the day before our departure the garage rang to say they had wrenched off the fuel injector, stemmed the leak and now my car smelt sweet again. The following morning we set off slightly late and made good progress until we reached the M25. It is a characteristic of our country that the convenience of members of the public is always secondary to the whims of those who dabble in digging up roads. For mile after mile we travelled at no more than 5mph with no hope of finding an alternative route (and no warning of the problems till we got into them). We took a good look at the intense activity involved in improving this major road. This mainly consisted of stationary vehicles with their lights flashing, or two men working, closely supervised by four or five others who were doing nothing. As we crawled along we calculated how many hours in total were going to be lost by people affected by this delay. We concluded that it would undoubtedly be many people years. Our time of arrival crept back minute by minute until it looked as though we would be late for our check-in, but still the traffic crawled. Just when we seemed doomed to miss the flight, the cones vanished without warning, and we sped to the long-term car park, raced to the bus stop and urged the driver to do a wheelie to get us to the terminal in record time. We then nearly broke the international record for suitcase sprinting as we careered towards the check-in desks where – no one was in a hurry at all. In contrast to our earlier sprinting, the local racing snails would have checked in faster than we did. Then there was the further wait to go through security, spiced by a gratuitous body search (I had removed everything metal but I was gently groped anyway). Then it

was onto the plane where we squeezed into our seats and poked around in the pocket in front of us for something interesting to read – and failed. We waited, and waited. Eventually the pilot broke the news that there was ‘a technical issue’. This prompted many people with clipboards in day-glow jackets to board the plane, walk to the flight deck and return with frowns on their faces. After more than an hour of further delay we were told that the plane was broken and would fly nowhere. Eventually another plane was found and our luggage, the complete crew and we transferred to it. More than three hours behind schedule we arrived at our holiday destination. If only we had known, we could have relaxed and enjoyed the sights on the M25. The journey back a week later was not much better. The plane ran out of food (at least of our first four choices). When we arrived at Gatwick we were introduced to the Gatwick passenger marathon (future Olympic organisers please note). Passengers are required to cover vast distances, including at one stage going up a very long escalator, only a few steps later to come down the other side. What was all that about? Did we go over a runway? Exhausted we made it to the finishing line – otherwise known as passport control. At 3am you would have thought that not much would be happening here, but instead we were penned into rows: back and forth we went, passing the same faces at each back and each forth. Nearly half an hour later we presented our passports to an unsmiling officer who eyed us with great suspicion before letting us through (with the unspoken suggestion that next time we might not be so lucky). Surely nothing more could go wrong now? Wrong. We were dropped at the incorrect bus stop (and no I had not forgotten the zone and row). Have you tried to find a nondescript car in a field of cars? If only it had kept up its fumes we might have been able to find it with our noses. With tempers frayed, we scoured the car park until we found it crouching between two large four-by-fours. On the way back to Norfolk, my car thought it needed a holiday. Without warning it diverted to Stansted and took us an extra 20 miles before I could find a way back. I was, of course, blamed for this, but I had nothing to do with that error. My car has a mind of its own. It was daylight by the time we eventually rolled in exhausted from our holiday. Sandwiched between the nightmare of going and returning, there was an oasis – literally. While the terrible riots were taking place a few hundred miles north of us, the Taba Heights resort, on the edge of the Red Sea was the epitome of peace, calm, rest and hospitality. Our package was all-inclusive – which meant that from the moment of our arrival, to the day of our departure we did not need to spend any money: all accommodation, food, drinks, even beach towels were provided. We were pampered – and the Egyptian staff were wonderful. It was delicious and delightfully restful – almost, but not quite offsetting the trauma of the outward and return journeys. Roll on Star Trek technology: Oh, to be beamed out and back painlessly.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

SOUTH QUAY IN THE WAR YEARS

A Quay Change for HKB Wiltshires

a 100-year history comes to a close at the end of this month when Great Yarmouth solicitors HKB Wiltshires move from South Quay to nearby Hall Quay. Emma Outten hears the history

unther Young may be a relatively new partner at HKB Wiltshires but he has certainly made it his business to know the history of the solicitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; firm, having written hundreds of pages on the subject.

hkb wiLTshires will be moving from 16/17 South Quay to 21 Hall Quay at the end of this month. Call 01493 855676 or visit www.hkbwiltshires.co.uk.

THE LEATHER POUCH PULLEY SYSTEM

For the Lowestoft office call 01502 582338.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

HKB Wiltshire is about to move out of its main office in South Quay exactly 100 years after its predecessors Ferrier & Ferrier moved in. The history includes a couple of pages on the first thing you notice when entering the reception area: an old leather pouch attached to a pulley system running top to bottom of the threestorey stairwell, used for transferring papers and documents between floors and saving much ascending, and descending, of the stairs in the process. Adorning the stairwell are countless pictures of many of the former partners of the firm over the years including some of the founders. The partners joke that it is a sure-fire way of knowing whether they have either retired or died overnight: whether or not their face is in a frame on arrival at work in the morning! Howard Killin & Bruce (HKB) grew out of three firms founded in Great Yarmouth in the mid-Victorian era by Henry Robert Harmer in 1845, Frederick William Ferrier in 1850 and Frederick Danby Palmer in 1861. These firms progressively merged with each other until they emerged as one firm after the Second World War. Through these firms, HKB traces its ancestry back to the earlier Yarmouth legal practices of Reynolds & Palmer, Henry Palmer, Thomas Milles, John Spendlove and Clement Feltham.

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

SOUTH QUAY TODAY

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COURT PROCEEDINGS TAKING PLACE

Whereas the practice that became Wiltshire Sons & Tunbridge was begun by John Cufaude, who at the age of 24 was admitted as an attorney in 1789. He died in 1836 but the practice was continued by his son John Lomas Cufaude. In 1862 he went into partnership with Charles Henry Wiltshire, and from 1869 until 2000 the senior partner had always been a member of the Wiltshire family. The presence of the firm in Lowestoft was strengthened by the acquisition in 1937 of the practice of Messrs. Seago Son & Allerton there, which had been begun 102 years previously by William Rix Seago. In 2000 Howard Killin and Bruce merged with Wiltshires to become HKB Wiltshires The firm and its predecessors have served and intend to continue to serve the communities of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft in virtually all aspects of the law – from Residential

and Commercial property transactions, Divorce and Child proceedings, Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Licencing, Wills, Trusts and Probate and Notarial Services. At the end of this month the firm will move its Great Yarmouth office from 16/17 South Quay to 21 Hall Quay, the former HSBC bank premises (and The Yare Hotel prior to that). The new offices have been completely redesigned and fully refurbished by local firm A C (Pembroke Builder) Ltd on behalf of Breitling Homes Ltd Senior Partner Alistair Low, who has been at the firm the longest (41 years and counting) admits he will be sad to leave 16/17 South Quay but says: ‘We are all eagerly looking forward to our move to our new prominent offices which are closer to the centre of town where we will be nearer to other businesses and services which are essential for our business. A plus point is that our new offices will essentially be on one floor and will be more accessible for our clients. We are looking forward to seeing new and old clients at our new offices and using our services Alistair further adds: ‘We will certainly be looking to increase our public image by being more central. We have to adapt and we have to look to the future.’ The six-strong team of partners includes Senior Alistair Low, Philip Tuttle, Samantha Brannigan, Gunther Young, Sarah Harris, and Jonathan Puxley. There is also an Assistant Solicitor, a Legal Executive and three Legal Assistants making up the team. Alistair’s dog Pepper will also be making the move from 16/17 South Quay. The leather pouch and pulley system will, no doubt, remain in use until the very last day of September, (after all, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’) but there will be no use for it in the new premises. Perhaps it will be retired and be placed in a frame.

fosters solicitors | aDverTiser's annOuncemenT

Plan ahead for peace of mind

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Our skilled and experienced lawyers can help you to manage your affairs. Our areas of expertise include; • Wills • Probate • Trusts • Estate & Tax Planning

• Powers of Attorney • Court of Protection

Norwich William House, 19 Bank Plain, NR2 4FS Tel: 01603 620508 Wymondham 1Middleton Street, NR18 0AB Tel: 01953 607724 Lowestoft 17 Clapham Road South, NR32 1PG Tel: 01502 573307 Bungay 3 Trinity Street, Suffolk, NR35 1EQ Tel: 01986 895251 Appointments also available at Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds,Thetford & Gorleston Home appointments are also available but may incur an additional fee. www.fosters-solicitors.co.uk

Wenke Lie-Critchley

Wills,Trusts & Probate Department Wymondham Office

When you make your vows make sure you have made your Will

f all the things to think about when planning your wedding, civil ceremony, or civil partnership, making a Will probably isn’t top of your list. It should however be at the front of your mind. Did you know that:-

• Marriage automatically revokes any existing Will (unless it is made specifically with marriage in mind and this is stated in the Will itself ). • Two out of three people in the UK have not made a Will. • Just because you are married it does not mean that your new spouse/civil partner will automatically inherit everything. Other issues you may need to think about are:

• If you already have children with your partner or if one or both of you have children from a previous relationship, you need to consider who you would like to appoint as guardians if you and/or your partner die before your children reach the age of 18. • If you have children from a previous marriage or you have children but were not married to that child’s other parent, you also need to consider whether you would like to leave anything to your existing children.

• If you already own property either in your own name or jointly with your intended partner or you intend to purchase another property with your intended partner, you need to consider how that property is held (legal title) as whether you hold it as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common may affect the rest of your Will. You might wish to consider giving children from a previous relationship or your partner what is known as a life interest in a property. Finally, you need to consider who you would like and who you trust to carry out your wishes in the event of your death. The duties and responsibilities of Executors, particularly if there are young children and/or guardians to be considered, are important so it is equally important that you appoint somebody who is able to carry out the job. You may wish to appoint someone independent e.g. your solicitor. Getting married should be one of the happiest times of your life and with good planning and preparation you will want to have a day to remember but in the words of Benjamin Franklin, the only two certainties in life are 'death and taxes'. None of us can avoid the former and taking professional advice may help to minimise the latter. Fosters Solicitors have an extremely experienced Wills, Trust & Probate department who are able to advise you on all aspects of making a Will whether you are planning marriage or another form of recognised legal partnership.

We can be contacted by phone on 01603 620508 (all oﬃces) or by e-mail to: wtp@fosters-solicitors.co.uk. Enjoy planning for your special day but add just one more thing to your 'To Do' list. Make a Will – it’s probably the most important thing that you hadn’t thought about.

aDVERTIsER's aNNoUNCEMENT |

wedding

A Bride’s Tale Norfolk PR supremo and bride-to-be Rachael Paddick offers a few tips on planning the perfect and stress-free - wedding

sure enOuGh, within days of our engagement, my coﬀee table was awash with the obligatory wedding planning journal and a sea of bridal magazines.

People kept remarking how I should just enjoy being engaged and not rush into any fast decision-making, but on reflection getting an early start was the best thing I did. Planning a wedding is a bit like running a marathon; sound preparation will see you in good stead until the closing straight. So start by taking the essential elements of venue, date and budget. Work out how much you want to spend, start making appointments to see venues you like and approach them early to see what dates are available to you, particularly if you want a summer wedding. Our wedding date was dictated by the availability of our venue but in having both arranged well in advance we’d instantly given ourselves some structure; a time frame to work within and a date to count down to. Next pick the important roles of best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids and ushers. By selecting these people you’re indirectly recruiting a team of people to help you! You’ll be surprised how much everyone will want to help and take advantage of that. For example, we laid on a dinner party for some friends and in return asked them to bring their iPods. Why? To start the foundations of a playlist which would appeal to all tastes and age groups. One evening later and our entire playlist was formed! Looking and feeling good on your big day is paramount so make sure you start dress shopping early. You’ll naturally think ‘what if I find something better months later?’ or ‘what if I change my mind?’ but trust me, you KNOW when it’s the one. If you’ve got a favourite hairdresser book them up, it doesn’t hurt to be organised. Plus get any beauty treatments booked up too – don’t worry if you’re looking months ahead. They’re all easy jobs to tick off the list without having to worry about squeezing in appointments at the eleventh hour.

rAcHAeL pAdd icK

ANd TiM SHAK

eSpeAre

As you start to get appointments and timings arranged, start a schedule for the wedding day and the days running up to it. As soon as you know them, log timings for things like the suit collection, photographer’s arrival, florist drop-off, wedding rehearsal and travel arrangements. That way, you’ll have a trusty record of key timings and commitments without having to look back over months of emails to source that allimportant information. Be realistic with your finances and be prepared for a few last minute surprises. No matter how organised you are, there will always be little expenses and added extras that even the super organised can’t be ready for! Everyone says the guest list can cause a headache. My simple advice is to invite everyone YOU want to have there on the day. Try not to be influenced by others and, quite often, once you’ve worked out the total cost per head (gulp!) that will naturally aid the selection process! We’ve learnt a few important tips for the boys too. It’s incredibly tempting to opt for slim fit suits for the men. Whilst it ticks the stylish box, consider how those suits will look in photographs in 20 years time. There’s a lot to be said for opting for classic tailoring as it has a timeless quality and will never age. Speeches are often seen as the most nerve-wracking bit of the day but this needn’t be the case. Reassure the groom that he’ll never have an audience more willing for him to succeed, and to start noting down his ideas well in advance. That way he’s giving himself plenty of time for editing and rehearsing! One final tip - don’t forget to enjoy it! When the inevitable post-wedding blues set in you’re bound to miss the buzz of the planning stages. Relish the opportunities to be creative, have fun and above all be organised; any job you can tick off the list in advance will lighten the load when you cross that finish line. Rachael Paddick is a Director of Jungle PR and will marry Tim Shakespeare, a structural engineer, in Norfolk this October.

Andrew Florides award winning wedding photographer

Parts of this former Family Farmhouse date from the early 18th Century, giving it a unique atmosphere that comfortably blends traditional style with modern facilities. 20 en-suite rooms | Licensed for civil marriages | Large free car park A selection of traditional function rooms including the elegant marquee Pets welcome | WiFi t 01502 730322 e mail@parkhillhotel.co.uk

www.parkhillhotel.co.uk

07710 496070 www.andrewflorides.co.uk

Parkhill Hotel, Oulton, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 5DQ

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Your special day... Premier service in magnificent & unique surroundings n n n n

weddings wedding receptions civil partnerships renewals of vows THE IDEAL WEDDING VENUE www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk 01493 842527

Sunday 13th October at Drayton Old Lodge 10am - 3pm Over 70 exhibitors all under one roof!

In the Heart of

Great Yarmouth

GREAT YARMOUTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HISTORIC TOWN HALL IS A MAJESTIC AND FLExIBLE WEDDING VENUE, SARAH HARDY DISCOVERS

GreaT yarmOuTh TOwn haLL is available any day of the week for a civil ceremony or wedding reception. For more information, please contact the events team on 01493 846125 or email events@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

WEDDING VENUE

GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN HALL

reat Yarmouth’s beautifully refurbished Victorian Town Hall on Hall Quay is the perfect location for civil ceremonies or wedding receptions, and can also cater for all sorts of parties and celebrations.

Built between 1878 and 1882 next to historic South Quay and officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1882, the red brick and sandstone Renaissance-style structure has been a focal point for the borough ever since and is the town’s most prestigious and elegant venue, ideal for weddings, events and functions. The Town Hall has a choice of five beautifully decorated rooms available for civil ceremonies and to hire for meetings, conferences, special occasions, parties and wedding receptions. These high vaulted, airy, and spacious rooms can each seat a different number of guests and are all perfectly suited to the occasion. Care has been taken to make the most of the building’s original features. Heritage paint colours are used throughout, the splendid oak panelling is polished to perfection, glorious floorboards have been exposed and there are several wonderful oil paintings, in gilt frames, positioned on the walls which add to the sense of history. Special mention must go the stain glass windows in the entrance which are another key feature of this building. Depicting flowers and fruits, these original works of art give a lovely light to the main reception area – and provide a great talking point for guests. Starting this month, prospective brides and grooms who contact Great Yarmouth registry office will have the choice of getting married in the library or in the graceful Rambouillet Room at the Town Hall overlooking Hall Quay. Named for Great Yarmouth’s French twin town, this lovely room seats 30 guests and has a wide window with beautiful views over former merchants’ houses along the quayside.

The stunning high vaulted, wood panelled Assembly Room can seat 200 guests for a wedding ceremony, but is perhaps better suited as a wedding reception or party venue. The Assembly Room stretches the full length of the Town Hall with views over South Quay and has a full catering kitchen and an integral bar, as well as an optional dance floor, ideal for wedding breakfasts as well as for conferences, corporate events or parties. Just next door and catering for up to 50 guests, the tranquil Supper Room at the top of the Town Hall’s grand curving staircase could be the venue for a civil ceremony or used as a slightly smaller and more intimate function room for a wedding breakfast or drinks reception. For something completely different and a little bit quirky, you could consider the historic Council Chamber on the first floor which can seat 70 guests and also has the benefit of a hearing loop system. Perhaps better suited for debates, some couples have nonetheless chosen this most historic of rooms for their special day. Alternatively, located on the ground floor, the newly revealed and refurbished central Atrium with glass roof makes for a more unusual ceremony venue for up to 25 seated guests. Used in conjunction with the Town Hall foyer, it is also ideally suited for refreshments or a champagne reception for the wedding party and guests after the nuptials have taken place, using the grand staircase as the most perfect of backdrops for some stunning post-ceremony photographs. Photographs can also be taken just outside the Town Hall near the beautifully planted flowers beds. So, this glorious building, right in the heart of Great Yarmouth, offers much for prospective couples to consider. Whether they want a large wedding with many guests or a smaller more selective gathering, the Town Hall has the flexibility to cater for all choices – and with much style!

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Norwich High School GDST (3-18 years)

Take a tour of our Junior and Senior schools at

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 28th September 10.00am - 12.30pm

93-95 Newmarket Road, Norwich, NR2 2HU

01603 453265 . admissions@nor.gdst.net . www.norwichhigh.gdst.net

INVEST IN YOUR COMPANY’S FUTURE WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP AT LOWESTOFT COLLEGE Apprenticeships combine training in the workplace with college sessions giving people the chance to earn while they learn. Lowestoft College has apprentices ready to start and offers Apprenticeships in:

Beauty Therapy

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DID YOU KNOW THAT LOWESTOFT COLLEGE IS IN THE TOP 30 PER CENT OF COLLEGES IN ENGLAND FOR ITS OVERALL SUCCESS RATES? For more information about taking on an apprentice and how it could help your business please ring 0800 854695, email apprenticeships@lowestoft.ac.uk or visit www.lowestoft.ac.uk You could be eligible for a grant of £1,500* per apprentice.

* Terms and conditions apply.

We are large enough to give you

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Open Day

Thursday 24 October 09.00 – 12.30, 13.30 – 15.15 17.00 – 19.00

Celebrating

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Church Lane, Gorleston NR31 7BQ 01493 662234

Come and see for yourself info@eastnorfolk.ac.uk www.eastnorfolk.ac.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

EDUCATION

Y Getting a sense of sixth form Going back to school feels very different when you start sixth form. Emma Outten speaks to the head teacher of Norwich School, Steffan Griffiths, to gain a sense of what lies ahead for new sixth formers

ou are just two years away from the world being your oyster when you start sixth form. It represents those final two years of secondary education, where students between the ages of 16 and 18 prepare for their A-level exams, and aim for either higher education or the socalled university of life beyond. Moving up into the sixth form is an educational rite of passage; entering a world where the Lower Sixth and the Upper Sixth (or Year 12 and Year 13) combine. Sixth form remains the traditional collective term for both, and can conjure all sorts of memories of the common room for those of us of a certain age! By now, of course, pupils will have already made the decision about where to study. As well as staying on at secondary school with an attached sixth form, there are also Sixth Form colleges. Both are in the business of concentrating on this important phase of a pupilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. And, as you may or may not be aware, as of this month sixth form becomes compulsory, with students having to stay for Year 12. From a state perspective, there are 28 sixth forms or sixth form centres; two sixth form colleges, and four colleges of further education, in Norfolk. Alternatively, there are the independent schools. So how do pupils (and parents for that matter) prepare for the first day of sixth form, and the ultimate goal of A-levels? >>

Hethersett

Old Hall School

Independent day school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11 with boarding for girls from 9 Hethersett Old Hall School is the perfect environment in which your daughter or son can flourish. Our small, friendly independent school for pupils 3-18, is located in a rural setting just five miles from Norwich. • Small class sizes of 11 pupils on average • Excellent pastoral care and a warm family environment • High academic achievement

FORTHCOMING EVENTS PREPARATORY SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Thursday 19th September 9.15am – 10.45am SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Monday 30th September 6.30pm – 8.00pm OPEN MORNING (PREP & SENIOR SCHOOL) Saturday 5th October 10.00am – 12.00noon

Please call our Registrar, Mrs Borrer, on 01603 810390 for further information or to book an individual tour or taster day for your child.

www.hohs.co.uk

enquiries@hohs.co.uk

01603 810390

Hethersett Old Hall School | Norwich Road | Hethersett | Norwich | NR9 3DW

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER, 10AM12.30PM

we are delighted to invite prospective students and parents to visit saint felix school to meet our staff and pupils. Saint Felix is a thriving independent co-educational school on the outskirts of Southwold. We are known for our warm, friendly, family atmosphere. At Saint Felix School boys and girls aged 1-18 ‘learn for life’. They achieve outstanding academic results and master the habits of mind they will need for a fulfilling life beyond school.

SAINT FELIX PUPILS LEARN FOR LIFE

FOR MORE INFORMATION TELEPHONE: 01502 727048 EMAIL: MBRIDGMANSTFELIX.CO.UK OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.STFELIX.CO.UK

ADVERTISING FEATURE

EDUCATION

>> After all, this is advance studying for teenagers, and the school rules have changed ever so slightly. Steffan Griffiths is the headteacher of Norwich School, a co-educational independent school for pupils up to the age of 18 – which enjoys a large intake of pupils at age 16. This will be Mr Griffiths’ third academic year in the role. He says: ‘The vast majority of pupils at Norwich School do stay on, so for us, it’s part of the journey – not the end.’ Would he agree that going back to school but starting Year

the world around them as much as possible. After all, Norwich School prides itself preparing pupils for a life of leadership and service. The school is used to helping pupils, and parents for that matter, make that transition. They have been welcoming 150 pupils a year into sixth form, for years. Mr Griffiths believes that sixth form life is an important part of a pupil’s development. ‘Many of the best opportunities come to pupils in their sixth form years.’ A whole new world of exciting opportunities, such as landing the best part of the play, for example, seem to open up once you start the Lower Sixth. ‘We very much enjoy watching our pupils take these new opportunities and growing into the people they are going to be when they leave us,’ adds Mr Griffiths. ‘The other major point to make is that it’s the time when you are able to choose the actual subjects that you enjoy the most.’ Norwich School sixth form education involves learning in new and different ways. ‘Part of being in Sixth Form at Norwich School is making a contribution to the wider community,’ says Mr Griffiths. Hence pupils in the Lower and Upper Sixth are encouraged to get involved in some form of community service. ‘We do expect them to spend a little bit of time each week helping others – helping in a primary school, for example.’ Secondly, continues Mr Griffiths: ‘We ask them to undertake an independent study; a piece of research on something they are interested in. ‘We think that’s a helpful stepping stone, from secondary to tertiary level education – and university studies.’ This month, countless numbers of new sixth formers across Norfolk will be taking that important first step.

...there are 28 sixth forms or sixth form centres; two sixth form colleges, and four colleges of further education, in Norfolk 12 was a major change? ‘Absolutely,’ he replies. ‘Our sixth form pupils would say that their experience in the sixth form is significantly different to their experience up to that point.’ Learning how to manage your time for the first time is one of the things new sixth formers need to learn, and fast. At Norwich School, the groundwork has already taken place at the end of the summer term, after the Year 11s took their GCSEs, with those staying on and those starting receiving an invite. Mr Griffiths says: ‘We invited them in for a week at the end of the summer term and they did community service, and also some work on their chosen academic subjects, as a way of introducing them to sixth form life.’ And he adds: ‘We’ve got a couple of induction days, before term starts in September, as well.’ Parents also have a part to play, particularly parents of those pupils who will be starting at Norwich School for the first time. They are encouraged to get their children to be curious about

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

101

OPEN EVENING Thursday 26th September 6.30pm to 9pm FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 7 - 2014

LYNN GROVE has a tradition of academic excellence and superb care. We are very proud of our school; the achievements of our pupils present and past, the skills and enthusiasms of our staff and our excellent facilities. We firmly believe in upholding traditional values of courtesy and respect for one another and the environment. Combining the best of the modern teaching and technology with traditional values, we provide a firm foundation for future success amongst our young people. By working closely and collaboratively with our families and the community, we know that what we can achieve together with our young people is impressive and will equip them well for their futures. At Lynn Grove we are determined to provide something special for everyone, to be a place where enthusiasms are ignited making us a truly dynamic and vibrant community.

In October of 2010, Ofsted acknowledged the quality of the education and care we provide when they judged our provision as outstanding. The extract below summarises the views of the inspectors: Lynn Grove High School is an outstanding school. Morale is very high. Throughout the school the emphasis on high expectations and high standards is clearly demonstrated. The school motto ‘fidelitas in parvis’ – care in little things – is clearly evident in the way the school works for the benefit of students, each and every one of whom matters. Adults and students alike extend a warm welcome and show a real depth of respect for each other. Students are polite, helpful and co-operative. Their behaviour in and around the school, and in relation to their work, is outstanding.

The Governors, Headteacher, Staff and Pupils of Lynn Grove High School warmly welcome parents and prospective pupils to our Open Evening. You will have the opportunity to meet our teachers and view our splendid facilities. Our pupils will be on hand to show you around and share some of their work with you. Headteacher, Alison Mobbs, will make a presentation to parents and pupils at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm in the Main Hall. We are able to offer up to 10% of our places to children with aptitude in Design Technology. Application forms available from the school. Closing date for receipt of applications Tuesday, 1st October. (Testing will be done week commencing 7th October).

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BIRKETTS BRING HIM HOME picTure emma OuTTen

He spent six years as a royal Green Jacket and was most recently a COO for Deutsche Bank. So how does Jonathan Agar, the new CEO of top UK law firm Birketts LLP, plan to transfer his skills? Emma Outten went to the Norwich office to find out

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placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

BUsINEss PRoFILE

JONATHAN AGAR

ecOminG chieF eXecuTive of East Anglian law firm Birketts is something of a homecoming for Jonathan Agar.

Not only is he Norfolk born and bred (born in Ditchingham; raised in Kirby Bedon); he was schooled in Cambridge (his family still live between Newmarket and Cambridge), and has lived in Suffolk (the Shotley Peninsula) for the past six years, with his wife and three daughters, aged 10, eight and six. ‘They love living in Suffolk,’ says Jonathan, whose career has meant living in Canada, Cyprus and London over the years. After reading history and economics at university, Jonathan served in the British Army, with the Royal Green Jackets, until 1999. Although Jonathan notes in the Norwich office of Birketts, in Gilders Way: ‘Whilst there was Bosnia and Northern Ireland, they were picnics compared to Iraq and Afghanistan.’ How does his military training enhance his capabilities as the new CEO? ‘What it does is make you very goal orientated,’ says Jonathan. ‘I’m very focused on what we want to achieve and I then plan very carefully to achieving that by giving people very clear personal objectives,' replies Jonathan. ‘Everyone understands what’s expected of them and that’s quite a military thing, I think.’ Then, following his stint in the army, Jonathan held positions at Fidelity International and Schroders Investment Management; and most recently, he was working for a world leading financial service provider based in London, as Chief Operating Officer of Deutsche Bank’s Corporate & Investment Banking Finance division. ‘I’m a very team orientated person, and everything about a military background and my time in the city was always about the team,’ he notes. ‘Contrary to what’s been written about banks, my experience was that it was all about doing things together,’ says Jonathan. ‘That’s very much the sense I get at Birketts – it’s a real team.’ He certainly doesn’t miss commuting to London and he enjoys all that living in this part of East Anglia has to offer (he had just taken his family to see Red Rose Chain’s Theatre in the Forest at Jimmy’s Farm, when we met). It is not the first time Birketts has recruited a non-lawyer CEO. Jonathan follows in the footsteps of Alistair Lang, who handed over the reins, after more than 11 years, at the end of May. Jonathan has been in the role since June 1. By all accounts this is a landmark year for a new CEO to join the business. First and foremost, Birketts is celebrating its 150th year: when Benjamin Birkett came to Ipswich in 1863, aged 43, little did he know that one day his legacy would employ more than 400 people with a turnover of £29m, reaching across East Anglia and into London. To celebrate this anniversary year Birketts is well on course to reach its goal of raising £150,000 for the 150th year. Not only that, Birketts had cause to celebrate, with a record turnover for the 2012/3 financial year, of £28.9m. Jonathan says

the budget forecast for this financial year is £30.2m, and Birketts has already made a good start in the first quarter. Moreover, in 2011 Birketts became a nationally recognised top 100 UK law firm for the first time. This is, therefore, a key time for Jonathan to build on Alistair’s legacy: during his predecessor’s tenure, Birketts had grown to four offices across East Anglia (nowadays there are offices in Ipswich; Norwich – opened in 2004 – Cambridge and Chelmsford). And there are more than 60 partners in total. Although it is pan-regional, Birketts champions ‘a county town approach, around four offices.’ And Jonathan observes: ‘At the start of the century it was probably a fairly standard, small, single office practice - and it is now a regional force with a platform to grow further.’ So how is Jonathan planning to drive Birketts to the next level? He has a track record in strategic organisation – design and implementation. Will there be any more office i’m a very team openings? ‘A new office orientated person, and is always a temptation,’ he says, ‘but we think everything about a our reach is already military background and there with our footprint as it stands.’ my time in the city was The projection is for always about the team... staff levels to increase to 460 this financial year, and Jonathan certainly aims to build on the Chelmsford office’s close links to London, by using his institutional London connections. ‘We already have some national clients and national relationships, where we act for some FTSE 100 firms and we act for some household names – and we really want to do more of that.’ His first-hand experience in global enterprise will no doubt be put to good use. And yet he has a strong affiliation with the firm’s East Anglian roots. ‘We’ve got so much more to do here in Norwich and – especially - in Cambridge where we’ve only been going for three and a half years.’ He adds: ‘We’ve just signed a new lease on a new building which will effectively provide for 75 people in 2015, in Cambridge.’ The nearby bioscience industry is an exciting prospect for Birketts, and he adds: ‘We have a growing expertise in energy and renewables, so we are very actively tapping into that exciting market on the East Coast.’ The firm’s core business is divided into four main disciplines – corporate and commercial; commercial property; commercial and personal litigation; and private client. Jonathan is at the Norwich office, which has 80 staff, at least once a week. ‘Norwich is a really important, strategic market for us.’ There is serendipity about Jonathan being hired as the head honcho at Birketts. During the recruitment process he couldn’t help but notice his old home in Kirby Bedon in the corner of a large photograph hanging on a wall in the Norwich office. ‘It feels very comforting to come back to areas that I’m very familiar with.’

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When Change Isn’t Always For The Best

Then something happened. The profession was continuously being told that its practices were outdated and it needed to modernise. Many restrictions were regarded as unnecessary and not in the public interest. Over a relatively short period of time these were swept away and legal services became a free market, or as the cynical might say, a free for all. One of the less contentious rule changes was to allow

Julian Gibbons continues to fear for the future of those in the legal profession

solicitors to advertise. This seems relatively unremarkable today and one is used to almost all solicitors’ firms having a web site and many advertising in the press and occasionally radio and TV. Of course, whilst there is no reason not to allow it, advertising is actually no guarantee of a good service, an efficient service or a cheap service. Plus, as with most advertising, no business will obtain a clear lead over its rivals unless it is prepared to throw

I find myself drawn increasingly to the perilous state of the legal profession in England and Wales. There is no

more money at publicity than most solicitors earn in a year. More pernicious have been the rules allowing referral fees. It

apology made as the reduction in the availability of legal advice

was for decades totally contrary to the ethics of the profession

on most high streets is something which threatens the rule of

for a solicitor to pay for any type of work. Suddenly it became

law and the fundamental right of people to seek and be given

acceptable. Then, from April it ceased to be acceptable and

advice. In truth though, the profession might be the author of its

became illegal, at least for personal injury work, as government

own current decline.

concluded that allowing solicitors to pay fees for such referrals

A few weeks ago I chatted with a notable local ex solicitor.

escalated costs and pay outs and the insurance premiums of

He is only ex because not only has he long retired but he

motorists and employers. The irony of the ban is that insurers

has come off the roll of solicitors, disillusioned with the legal

themselves had contributed to the problem, by selling lists of

profession and what it has become, but also resenting the fact

their customers involved in accidents to claims management

that the Law Society demands £25 per year for the privilege

companies. They fed the claim culture.

of remaining on their data base. Of more significance to me

These changes accompanied an increased specialisation

was his statement that there are just too many lawyers. He may

amongst firms generally, including specialist providers of family

indeed have a point.

and criminal work in particular, encouraged by increasingly

When I qualified in 1981 there were approximately 48,000

rigid legal aid rules making it virtually impossible to do the

solicitors holding practicing certificates, i.e. in active practice.

work unless you do it in bulk. Now the government has turned

This year I believe the figure is approaching 120,000. One must

off the tap in dramatic style, removing most family legal aid

of course be cautious of figures. Some of this is explainable by

and, cutting fees paid for remaining legal aid work and for

the rise of London as a global centre for dispute resolution. This

accident claims. The protests from the profession are met with

is healthy, as it brings to the country many millions in foreign

accusations that this is pure self interest at work. That is only

earnings and supports many other businesses. Placing to one

partly the case.

side the international litigators, one finds a profession that has somehow gone off the rails.

In the week leading to the writing of this article at least three significant firms have gone into administration. Over the past

In the bad old days when I qualified, most firms outside the

six months the number of firms either becoming insolvent or

cities were general practices. Such firms often offered legal aid

just closing their doors is much greater. The truth is that legal

as part of a wide package of work that they did. They had no

services are not an infinitely deep pool in which lawyers can fish.

trouble with the low legal aid rates paid, because this was only

The demand is finite and there are only so many cases to go

one small part of many solicitors’ work and to act for those who

around. Now that the drivers of case numbers such as referral

could not afford to pay sat well with the ethos of placing the

fees and legal aid have gone, be prepared for fewer firms – and

client first, before the interests of the solicitor.

fewer lawyers.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

107

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tax | WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Kevin Bunting LOVEWELL BLAKE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 01493 335100 | www.lovewellblake.co.uk

On The Ball, City! This month Kevin Bunting looks at the tax implications for new signings at Norwich City Football Club

s a Norwich City fan, I’ve been watching the transfer market rumours and purchases with particular interest this year. Chris Houghton and the club have an important year ahead especially with the increased television revenue and the lack of player movement from middle tier premier league clubs. Whilst ‘us’ fans always get excited about the lack of player movement for clubs perceived to be around us in the League, and hence an opportunity exists to finish above them, I think this year there are clubs we can aim to be ahead of before the season even starts. Looking at Norwich’s player purchases, and those linked in paper talk, there are certainly a number who will be playing football in the UK for the first time. As a tax specialist I often think about the complexities of internationally mobile craftsmen (yes I would define a footballer in this category!) because their personal affairs can become quite complex due to dual residence, non-domicile (non dom) status and international income streams. Being classed as non dom can be tax efficient in the UK but it also adds layers of complication. It is very important they seek specialist tax advice because a tax liability can arise in circumstances a lay person would not expect. Domicile is a key term in UK law and tax. It can become very complicated but essentially a non dom is someone whose father was born outside of the UK and so was the taxpayer. Domicile can be changed by choice which again can be advantageous for UK tax purposes for those who have the ability to do it. Footballers in the UK are increasingly from other countries (and thus non doms) which opens up a number of tax compliance obligations and planning opportunities. So far this

summer Norwich City have signed several non doms so let’s look at some of the things they need to consider. Tax residence is the first thing because it creates taxing rights. In all cases footballers will be spending sufficient time, and have an ‘employment’ contract, to be considered UK tax resident on the day of arrival. This will need to be notified to HM Revenue & Customs and consideration given to the impact in their home country. The UK has spent a considerable amount of time negotiating Double Tax Agreements with other countries and now has the most of any nation which is a good thing for business and mobile taxpayers. Each player will be subject to UK income tax and capital gains tax on any income generated or assets held in the UK. They will only be subject to these taxes on income/gains outside the UK if they remit proceeds here. This means funds can be held offshore to mitigate UK tax, although a tax charge can apply later because income/gains are pooled to stop the ability of cancelling out a tax charge by deferring the remittance to a later time. This can become complicated with high profile sports persons because they can command sponsorship, royalties and endorsements where control can be exercised on where the funds are paid from and to. Sophisticated rules try and combat tax avoidance which can occur but it is a constantly changing environment. All non doms can elect to only be taxed in the UK on income/ gains generated here. For the first seven tax years of continuous presence in the UK there is no charge for this beneficial treatment (called remittance basis). From year eight a charge of £30,000 a year is payable and after twelve years the annual cost increases to £50,000. For inheritance tax purposes non doms are only subject to tax on assets sited in the UK. This normally means their UK property, deposit funds and UK investments. Again assets held outside the UK can be free from UK inheritance tax. After 17 years of continuous presence in the UK they will become subject to UK inheritance tax on their worldwide assets. If they marry a UK domicile it is possible for their death estate to become complicated because the UK tries to restrict value leaking out of the UK via differences in spouse domicile. This is a very brief overview of the main taxes non doms have to consider and get right. Incorrect advice or an innocent movement of funds can create a tax problem which could be avoided. I just hope that the Norwich City signings get the right advice and concentrate solely on winning football matches!

109

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investment | WEALTH MANAGEMENT

DENISE LITTLEWOOD Denise Littlewood Financial Adviser 01493 384255 | www.deniselittlewoodfinancialadviser.co.uk

It’s A Goal! Denise Littlewood looks at the prospects for future investments

he media regularly seeks the views and opinions of leading economists, analysts and market commentators on where equity markets are heading. Unsurprisingly, the only consistency in their response is the lack of consistency. So what are the real prospects for equity markets for the next three months, twelve months or three years? The short answer is that we don’t really know – and in reality, nor does anyone else. What we do know is that, historically, taking a medium to long term view of investment is a proven route to success for the future. Generally, investors should always try to avoid concerns over short term market fluctuations – no matter how volatile the past few years have been – and stay focussed on long term goals, allowing investments sufficient time to realise their potential. When it comes to both capital growth and income, equities have historically outperformed all other asset classes over the longer term. And while this cannot be guaranteed to happen again in the future, the prevailing investment climate provides opportunities for those willing to take a long term view. Clearly, the performance of investments can make a critical difference to your future financial well-being, so reliable financial advice, investment products and fund managers you can trust are important.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning contact Denise Littlewood Financial Adviser on 01493 384255 or email denise.littlewood@sjpp.co.uk

Successful investment can help to be achieved by adhering to five guiding principles:

1. Invest for the longer term, because the shorter term is so unpredictable. 2. Keep enough money aside in liquid assets to meet shorter term needs and any emergencies. 3. Never ignore the risk of having to face a period of significant inflation and place longer term investments into real assets that stand the best chance of outpacing it. 4. Diversify investments as widely as possible by spreading money between a number of investment managers with different styles of investing. 5. Find the very best managers you can. The most important consideration for the long term investor is a clear understanding of their financial objectives and a clear plan to achieve those goals within an acceptable level of risk. Attitude to risk is a key factor in successful investment and a skilled adviser will be able to determine how cautious or adventurous an investor is likely to be in their approach. The turbulence of stock markets since the near collapse of the global banking system in 2008 and, more recently, the European sovereign debt crisis have tested the resolve of the most experienced investors. However, the only market prices that ever matter are those an investor buys at and sells for – not what happens in between. The key to successful investing is to invest with proven investment managers who have the skills, knowledge and ability to deliver strong performance. Investing can be a rewarding experience if it is done properly, wisely and consistently. By following these simple rules - and seeking specialist advice from an experienced and trusted adviser - a substantial portfolio of investments can be built up that can provide real rewards over the long term.

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

111

retirement | FINANCIAL PLANNING

scott & paul SCOTT OLIVER & PAUL DASHWOOD | THE FINANCE SHOP 0844 8006990 | www.FINANCESHOPGROUP.COM

Wishing You a Happy Retirement Paul Dashwood shows us how to enjoy our retirement years

Talk to us about new pension opportunities One way of looking at planning for retirement is to think about the number of paydays you have before you retire, and the number you hope to have afterwards. Imagine you start your pension planning when you’re age 20, and you plan to retire when you’re age 65. You have 540 paydays between starting your pension plan and retiring to achieve financial independence. Take action to fund your retirement In the 2013/14 tax year the additional rate of tax on earnings over £150,000pa has been reduced from 50 per cent and replaced by a new lower rate of 45 per cent. While this means that the highest rate of tax relief available on pension contributions has reduced, it is still important to take action to fund your retirement. Carry Forward of unused reliefs You may be able to contribute in excess of the Annual Allowance of £50,000 for the 2013/14 tax year (this will reduce to £40,000 from April 2014) and receive tax relief at up to 45 per cent using Carry Forward if you have contributed less than £50,000 in any of the previous three tax years. As this is a potentially complex area, particularly where Defined Benefit schemes are concerned, professional advice should be sought. Annual and Lifetime Allowance reducing As of April 6 2014, the Annual Allowance for retirement funding is reducing to £40,000, while the Lifetime Allowance is reducing from its current £1.5m ceiling to £1.25m. The Annual Allowance reduction represents a significant opportunity to fund a higher level of pension contributions prior to this reduction. The reduction in the Lifetime Allowance means that professional advice is even more important to ensure that you are optimising your retirement planning and are For genuinely independent, face to face financial advice, contact Scott or Paul at The Finance Shop on 0844 8006990

benefiting from the latest Lifetime Allowance protection opportunities. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax reliefs depends on individual circumstances. The value of a pension will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. What should you do? Contact your financial adviser immediately to ensure you are maximising your

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112

retirement benefits.

Lost your financial adviser? Many banks and building societies have either withdrawn from offering financial advice or have significantly restricted their offering. Do you need help and ongoing advice, or would like to know how the changes will affect you? Finance Shop will continue to offer local, face to face, genuinely independent financial advice covering all aspects of financial planning, and will be delighted to welcome new clients. Established in 1990 Finance Shop are one of East Anglia’s leading IFA firms with over £200M of funds under management. For a no-obligation meeting, please contact us on 0844 800 6990 quoting reference: PF1

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HERE’S ONLY ONE problem with success, and that’s how to follow it. It’s a tricky one alright; the first generation Citroen Picasso (based on the Xsara) was a solid-gold hit and sold by the shipload thanks to keen pricing and tons of space. The next generation did well too, but had tougher rivals to contend with. Now there’s a brand new C4 Picasso MPV, and once again it faces a difficult task. The competition is hotter than ever, and buyers are more demanding than ever too. Just having space isn’t enough; comfort, attractive design and fuel efficiency appear on the shopping lists of most – this is a tough crowd to please. This new C4 Picasso is a much more sophisticated device however. The key advance is that the C4 Picasso is the first of a series of Citroens to use the new EMP2 platform. Because of its modular design it can be lengthened to create a whole range of vehicles and it’s also been created to save weight; the new C4 Picasso is 140kg lighter than the previous model depending on the model. Despite this, Citroen claims it is stronger and stiffer than the outgoing car, which is good news for occupant protection in the event of a crash.

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Important stuff then, but it’s the outside that will get your attention first. Much more than a box on wheels, the C4 Picasso has a large glass area and slim LED headlights that help to create a more distinctive look. It’s clearly related to the previous generation model but with more character; it’s certainly benefitted from the impressively-stylish DS models elsewhere in the range. You can have one parked on your drive and your neighbours won’t automatically assume that you’ve given up on life because you now have children, which is surely the point. This is an MPV however so it’s the inside that matters most. The first thing you notice is the amount of light coming into the cabin, particularly with the glass roof, and the windscreen extends almost over the heads of the front seat occupants. There are lots of clever features, such as an airline-style footrest for the front passenger and 40 litres of under-floor storage, while the rear seats are divided into three and fold easily to give lots of versatility. Citroen has also made a big noise about the layout of the dashboard, which does away with conventional instruments and instead gives you two large screens. The upper one can display all sorts of information as well as images uploaded from a USB stick (if you wish) and is configurable in numerous ways, while the lower one is a touchscreen and controls many of the vehicle functions. It all looks very smart and generally works very well,

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although sometimes you are required to push a button on the steering wheel to confirm a choice which can be confusing at first. Under the bonnet there’s a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines, but it’s the 1.6-litre diesels that grab the headlines. The 115 e-HDi unit offers a useful blend of performance and economy; it’s as quick as you would need unless you’re in a big hurry but the prospect of 70.6mpg and 105g/km of C02 is impressive for a car that’s designed to be more than just a green machine. But it is the C4 Picasso’s excellent ride that really impresses. It soaks up bumps very well and without becoming too soft in the corners; it behaves like a much bigger car. Press on and it hangs in gamely but that’s not what it’s best at – instead sail along on the torque of the engine, enjoy the panoramic view out and let the suspension deal with all the road imperfections. It’s good from behind the wheel and your multiple passengers will thank you for it too. Compared to its key rivals, the C4 Picasso certainly looks smart, is well-equipped and impressively versatile. It may be a fraction behind in absolute dynamics but it more than makes up for this with the good ride, arguably more important in a car such as this. Maybe Citroen has another success story on its hands.

www.duﬀmorgan.citroen.co.uk

115

www.citroen.co.uk

NEW CITROËN FROM

C4 PICASSO £17500*

• Up to 74.3mpg∆ for New Citroën C4 Picasso models • 9 New Citroën C4 Picasso models 130g/km CO2 or less with £0 road tax² • Panoramic windscreen

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DUFF MORGAN

*On the road recommended prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying new Citroën vehicles ordered & delivered 01/07-30/09/13 & include VAT, delivery to Dealer & number plates, Government First Registration Fee, & 12 months’ graduated Vehicle Excise Duty. Black/metallic/pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. From price shown: New Citroën C4 Picasso VTi 120 manual VTR. ∆Combined cycle. ²First year only. Offers, prices & specification correct at time of going to press/publication from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: New Citroën C4 Picasso VTi 120 manual VTR+ 8.5/33.2, 4.9/57.6, 6.3/44.8, 145. Lowest: New Citroën C4 Picasso e-HDi 90 Airdream ETG6 VTR+ 4.2/67.3, 3.5/80.7, 3.8/74.3, 98. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

DUFF MORGAN KING’S LYNN 01553 770144

49 BERGEN WAY, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 2JG www.duffmorgankingslynn.citroen.co.uk

DUFF MORGAN 01603 775477

WHIFFLER ROAD, NORWICH, NORFOLK, NR3 2AZ www.duffmorgan.citroen.co.uk

Competitive low rate finance on 2 year Ford Options With a £500 Deposit Allowance available on the entire FORD KUGA range

“It’s a winner” topgear.com topgear.com

4.9% APR representative

Pertwee & Back Limited Gapton Hall Road, Gapton Hall Industrial Estate, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0NJ 01493 664151

www.pertwee-and-back.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Kuga range: urban 44.8-27.7 (6.3-10.2), extra urban 60.1-44.8 (4.7-6.3), combined 53.3-36.7 (5.3-7.7). Official C02 emissions 139-179g/km.

Retail only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Subject to availability at a Ford Authorised Dealer for new vehicles contracted between 20/08/2013 – 30/09/2013 and registered between 20/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Deposit Allowance available only when financed with Ford Credit. Pertwee & Back Limited only offers finance products from Ford Credit.

FROM ON

£239#

PER MONTH

JUST ADD FUEL®

NEW PEUGEOT 2008 CROSSOVER – SEE THE CITY IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT

The new Peugeot 2008 blends SUV styling with a compact body that’s perfect for the city streets. Surprisingly spacious, it’s loaded with features like a colour multifunction touchscreen, Bluetooth with USB, alloy wheels and air conditioning. Plus, it’s available with 3 years’ comprehensive insurance† and all your major motoring costs covered with Just Add Fuel. Contact us to arrange a test drive and you’ll see the city in a different light.

MOTION & EMOTION

M R KING & SONS

Horn Hill, LOWESTOFT, NR33 0PX Tel: 01502 573955 www.mrking.co.uk

The official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 2008 range are: Urban 36.7-68.9 (7.7-4.1), Extra Urban 58.9-78.5 (4.8-3.6), Combined 47.9-74.3 (5.9-3.8) and CO2 135-98.

MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. # Terms and conditions apply, participating dealers only or visit www.peugeot.co.uk. To finance your [lease/purchase] we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. *The first year Road Fund Licence (RFL) is included in the on the road price. The Dealer will provide customers with a cheque equivalent to twice the current RFL cost. The customer must apply for years 2 & 3 RFL. Just Add Fuel (JAF) is subject to status. †Minimum age 25 or 30 on selected models, maximum age 75. Policyholder must have a minimum of 2 years NCD to use on the vehicle. All drivers must meet eligibility criteria including minimum 2 years’ full UK licence, driving convictions/claims limits. Excesses apply. 3 years motor insurance is provided and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A guarantee may be required. Written quotations available from Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. JAF is incorporated into a Personal Lease contract. 2008 Active 1.2VTi initial rental £1,936, optional final rental £6,281, 35 monthly rentals. If you choose to pay off the optional final rental, you can pay an annual rental equivalent to one of your monthly rentals but will not own the car. Ownership is possible with JAF Passport, ask your Dealer for details. Rentals quoted for a typical customer & will vary according to age, post code and annual mileage. Excess mileage charges may apply. Routine servicing included only. Excludes wear parts. This offer is not available in Northern Ireland. Offer available on cars ordered and registered by 30th September 2013.

Off Road C Heading

IAIN DOOLEY TEST DRIVES THE NEW CHEVROLET TRAx AS DEMAND FOR COMPACT SUVS SOARS

118

placesandfaces.co.uk | september 2013

HEVROLET IS QUICK to raise its hand to claim ownership of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) concept. Long ago in a galaxy far, far away (let’s call it 1930s America) the company developed the huge off-road capable Suburban, but things have moved on and these days SUVs this side of the Atlantic are a little smaller. Sales in the sub-compact SUV sector have been booming. You can already buy a Chevrolet compact SUV in the shape of the Captiva, but the spirit of downsizing is strong in Europe and the latest breed of high-riding, good-looking soft-roaders are little longer than superminis. This sector of the market is the Trax’s back yard, although you wouldn't guess at a glance. It’s chunky, muscular and imposing, with a deep side profile thanks to low ride height and a high roof line. Frankly it looks brilliant, and certainly bigger than it is. But in reality it slots into parking spaces as easily as a hamster into that gap beneath the sofa. What Chevrolet has tried to do with the Trax is give buyers maximum value in a product that feels a little bit premium. That comes in several strands, starting with the sort of chiselled looks that endow it with the elusive X(pensive) factor.

MOTORING

PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS

CHEVROLET TRAX

F A C T S AT A G L A N C E

D ealer D etails

Chevrolet Trax from £15,495 on the road.

Hammond Chevrolet

Engine 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol producing 138bhp and 147lb.ft.

www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Transmission Six-speed manual gearbox driving all four wheels (on demand).

01986 834735

Performance Top speed 121mph, 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds. Fuel economy 44.1mpg. Co2 rating 149g/km.

Then there’s the sheer amount of space Chevrolet has carved out of the shell. A modest boot is backed up by a huge under-floor storage well that could (and can) hold a spare wheel, with special compartmentalised storage boxes available for the main boot area too. But then inside there are three – yes, three – useful pockets in both front doors, a large open-faced storage bin, two glove boxes, two storage slots on the dashboard, an under-seat drawer and four cup holders. The everyday usefulness of the design is staggering. Rear passengers get a surprising amount of legroom, too. Even journeys of 150 miles or more are perfectly possible with two adults in the back. An additional touch is the 230-volt power socket between the front two seats, which means kids can take their electronic devices and charge them from the car. The materials quality is somewhere in the middle of the road. It’s solid enough and premium enough under the fingertips, and although one or two little sections let it down where injection moulding lines are more visible than they could be, it’s unlikely to draw any strong objections. As for the driving experience, the Trax comes apparently prepared for anything, with four-wheel drive an option and technology like hill descent control designed to ensure a safe journey off the beaten track. But the truth is that the Trax, however many wheels it sends power to, is very much built

for the streets. The front skirt is aggressively low and catches on ruts, dips and rocks if you do venture off the beaten track. Chevy would be better to reduce the unnecessary tech and sell the car for less. The ride is generally good, tuned chiefly for slower suspension movements like those from rolling, uneven lumps in the road. Scarred and pitted surfaces do introduce jiggling and vibrations through the cabin - as with the majority of cars. At launch there will be a basic 1.6-litre petrol engine and two turbocharged upgrades; a 1.4 petrol and a 1.7 diesel. The latter can trace its roots back to Moses and despite its decent performance it can’t hide just how noisy it is, so the star performer is the 1.4, which has a hearty midrange with a cheeky background growl and returns respectable fuel economy if driven to the in-built gear change indicator. With the petrol engine the Trax is a thoroughly likeable car for many reasons. It convincingly bridges the gap between practicality and panache, even if some of its electronic offroad gadgetry is superfluous. These days new cars have to stand up to closer scrutiny than ever, and the Trax does so with style.

119

The place where you will find a team of dedicated professionals waiting to help you get back on the road in a replacement vehicle whether it’s a fault or non fault accident

DEFY CONVENTION

M{zd{. ADDING EXCITABILITY TO MOTABILITY

M{zd{ 3 From ^

NIL

Advance Payment

ALl-NEW M{zd{ 6 From ^

£899

Wrights Mazda, 101 Cromer Road, Norwich NR6 6XW. Tel: 01603 427011 Wrights Mazda, Common Lane North, Beccles NR34 9BL. Tel: 01502 713885

Visit our website at: www.wrights-motors.co.uk

M{zd{ CX-5 From ^

Advance Payment

Getting into a new Mazda with the higher rate disability allowance couldn’t be easier. Simply choose your model* then look forward to reliability, low running costs and impressive standard specification. You’ll also enjoy the full benefits of the Motability scheme including 3 years’ insurance, servicing, maintenance and road fund licence, plus full RAC breakdown assistance.

Visit Wrights Mazda for a chat with our Mazda Motability Specialist for more information

£999

Advance Payment

Not sure if you qualify for a Motability car? Call 0800 953 4002

www.motability.co.uk

Motability sales only. Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles ordered between 01.07.2013 up to and including 30.09.2013. ^NIL Advance Payment is available on specific Mazda3 models. £899 Advance Payment is available on specific all-new Mazda6 models. £999 Advance Payment is available on specific Mazda CX-5 models. Advance payments on the Motability Car Scheme for those individuals receiving the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. Subsequent rental payments are made by the diversion of this component of the living allowance. Additional charges may be payable, including excess mileage, damage excess and early termination charges. *Not all Mazda models are available on the Motability scheme, please ask your specialist dealer for more details. Models shown: Mazda3 1.6 5dr Tamura, OTR from £15,995. All-new Mazda6 2.0 145ps Saloon SE, OTR from £19,595. Mazda CX-5 2.0 165ps SE-L 2WD, OTR £21,595. Mazda3 model shown features optional Pearlescent paint (£500). All-new Mazda6 model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). Mazda CX-5 model shown features optional Pearlescent paint (£530).On the road prices include number plates, delivery, 1st registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance. Advance payment prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.

Protect your investment, whether it be vehicle refinishing or major accident damage

The MPG fi gures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not refl ect your actual driving results.

P R O U D LY W O R K I N G W I T H L O C A L M A N U FA C T U R E R S

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 25.4 (11.1) - 55.4 (5.1). Extra Urban 45.6 (6.2) - 78.5 (3.6). Combined 35.3 (8.0) - 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions (g/km) 188 – 108.

Norfolk’s Premier Accident Repair Centre 16-20 Concorde Road Norwich | NR6 6BN

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AT TH

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Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth Station Road, Station Road, Great Yarmouth, GreatNR31 Yarmouth, Norfolk 0HB Norfolk NR31 0HB

On List Price

• 17-inch alloy wheels • Mobile phone system with Bluetooth • LED daytime running lights • USB connection with iPod control 17-inch alloy wheels • Mobile phone system withprice Bluetooth ••Leather covered sports steering wheel • List £17,555

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Beccles

Beccles Station Road, Station Road, Beccles Beccles NR34 9QQ NR34 9QQ

Tel: 01493 Tel: 01493603 603677 677 Tel: Tel:01502 01502 714 714 618 618

www.thurlownunn.co.uk

All calls to Thurlow Nunn are charged at 5p per minute from a BT landline.

Official Government TestTest Environmental Data. Fuel consumption andCO CO2 2emissions emissions(g/km). (g/km). Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Official Government Environmental Data. Fuel consumptionfigures figuresmpg mpg(litres/100km) (litres/100km) and Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), 85.6 (3.3). (3.3).CO CO2 2emissions: emissions:324 324 - 88g/km. Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1),Combined: Combined:20.6 20.6 (13.7) (13.7) -- 85.6 - 88g/km.

Offers are available for registrations between 02.07.13 and 01.10.13 subject to availability andand areare available totoprivate businesses1-24 1-24(purchase (purchaseonly). only). Savings shown against list price at time of publication, for details Offers are available for registrations between 02.07.13 and 01.10.13 subject to availability available privateindividuals individualsand and small small businesses Savings shown areare against list price at time of publication, for details refer to Vauxhall’s currentcurrent price guide. All other salessales categories are excluded; cannot be be used in conjunction notapply applytotoall allretailer retailerstocks. stocks. UK-supplied vehicles Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty lifetime refer to Vauxhall’s price guide. All other categories are excluded; cannot used in conjunctionwith withany anyother otheroffer. offer.Offers Offers may not UK-supplied vehicles only.only. Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty coverscovers lifetime ownership of first registered keeper,keeper, 100,000 mile limit. Terms and conditions apply. Official Government Test EU-regulatedtest testdata dataare areprovided provided comparison purposes actual performance will depend on ownership of first registered 100,000 mile limit. Terms and conditions apply. Official Government TestEnvironmental EnvironmentalData. Data. Official Official EU-regulated forfor comparison purposes and and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and non-technical other non-technical factors. driving style, road conditions and other factors.

MoToR CLassIFIEDs

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Anglia Auto Centre, Barford, Norwich T: 01603 759799

www.toftmonkscars.hpi.co.uk bODy rePairs & resPrays

1-3 Victoria Road, Gorleston Telephone: 01493 662166

Tyres & wheeLs

Always a selection of over 60 Diesel Cars in stock mostly under 4 years old. From £3995 to £12,995. We alsoa specialise Always selection ofinover Estates 60 Dielsel Diesel Cars in stock mostly under 4 years old. www.diesels-direct.co.uk From £3995 to £12,995. SALTGATE, BECCLES 01502 712650 We also specialise in Dielsel Estates www.diesels-direct.co.uk SALTGATE, BECCLES 01502 712650

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Almary Green Celebration, Norwich Clients and professional contacts of Norwich based Independent Financial Advisers Almary Green gathered to celebrate the opening of the newly expanded and refurbished offices in Meridian Business Park.

Valerie and Alan Clark

Bob and Bridget Fielden

Elaine and Ben Turner

Almary Green Managing Director Carl Lamb with a Lotus loaned from the Stratton Motor Company

David Jefford and Michael Innes

Barbara and Peter English with Martin and Barbara Miller

Jean and Ken Williams

Steve Turton and John Chenery

Laetitia Webb, Hayley Tink and Steve Rudd

Tom Lawrence and March Porch

Helen Garrett and Robert Booty

Mark Ring, Avril and Chris Carey

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Summer Drinks Reception, Birketts, Norwich The Norwich office of Birketts hosted its summer drinks reception at Kingfisher House. Guests were greeted at the entrance by Birkett the owl, and our GoGoGorilla, Bling Kong. Once in the building, they enjoyed Adam Possener playing the piano in reception and were then shown through to the boardroom for drinks and canapés. Harper Wells provided a wine tasting on the balcony, providing a fun and competitive twist to the evening. Jeanette Wheeler welcomed and thanked the guests for attending before handing over to the new CEO Jonathan Agar for a short speech. The rest of the evening was enjoyed on the balcony, with magnificent views of the cathedral whilst listening to the Blythe String Quartet. Birkett the owl and Linda Kent

Geoff Kinlan, Stuart Morton, Tom Sharpe, Sam Kingston and Dan Milburn

David Missen, Robin Key and Charles Birch

Jonathan Agar and Robert Gurney

Rory Quinn

Lorna Spear and Rhona Bulwer-Long

Shaun Long and Paul Clarke

Claire Richards and Richard Utting

Linda and William Jones with Tim Proctor

Mike Savage

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Holkham Country Fair 40,000 people flocked to the Holkham Country Fair for an impressive line up of entertainment and ‘have a go’ countryside pursuits. The Fair, which is to be held annually from now on, drew an envious line-up of Grand Ring entertainment from the King’s Troop to the Dancing Diggers. Pictures by

JUNGLE PR LTD

Bryon Scoging with Janey

Suzanne and Dominic Reid OBE Hugo and Emma Hamilton-Shaw (Organisers)

William Morfoot and Dr Richard Hughes

Lisa and Sam Paton with children Neve and Mia

Maxim, Mark, Helen and Edward Field

John Manchett and Kate Morfoot

Arthur Mason and Thomas Kidner

Kip Bertram and John Cushing

Basil and Vicky Craske in a 1908 Stanley K

Anne Brand and Dee Manchettand

Alex Bartrum and Ally Landale

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MacMillan Summer Ball, Town Hall, Great Yarmouth Around 170 guests enjoyed a summer ball in the stunning Assembly Room at Great Yarmouth’s Town Hall. The event was organised by the town’s MacMillan Cancer Support committee and saw guests tuck into a fourcourse dinner and dance to a live band. More than £4.500 was raised and a winter ball is now planned for November 29.

Maureen and Burt Collins

Mayoress and Mayor Gillian and John Burroughs and Judy and Brian Potter

Barry and Mary Coleman

Sharron Plattord and Mike Erskine

Brian and Elsie Hall

Ian and Ginny McCreadie

Victoria Chilvers and Annastasia Fitzgerald

Claire Smith and Daniel Barsley

Carol Calver, Julie Burrows, Tracy Cox and Gillian Mays

Kerri Phillips and Jodene Barron

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Romantic Garden Nursery Open Day Visitors sipped Pimm’s and Champagne as they admired new season shrubs, trees and topiary at the Romantic Garden Nursery open day. John Powles’ Swannington nursery specialises in instant impact gardens. The nursery also features Brian Turner’s bespoke lead planters and fountains. The nursery has exhibited at many national flower shows including the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and The Chelsea Flower Show, gaining 10 RHS Gold Medals. AMANDA SANDLAND-TAYLOR, NEWSMAKERS PR

Pictures & words by

John and Barbara Cushing with Roger Holden and Simon Sandland-Taylor

Jayne and Brian Turner

Romantic Garden owner John Powles with Julia and Justin Marozzi

Celia Allibone and Christine Powles

Becky Taylor and Nick Smith

Colin and Kim Fleet

John Carrick and Julie-Anne Meen

Debbie and Jason Palmer

Henry Powles

Janet and Tom Mutimer

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Greyhound Racing, Yarmouth Stadium Worshipful Master Dion Dionysiou and the Yarmouth-based Lodge of Friendship 100 staged a charity racing event at Yarmouth Stadium. Around 40 guests enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner as they watched the dogs compete – and plenty of good conversation. Around £2000 was raised and it is hoped that it will go to a small, local charity.

Heather, Jess, Sylvia and Worshipful Master Dion Dionysiou

Johnathon and Sarah Ling

Steven and Janet Docwra

Gary and Wendy Allan

Wendy and Alan Styles

Debbie King and Jackie Smith

Gerry and Kim Firth

Tony Jacobs and Kim Plane

Paul Welch and Jane Goodley

Alan Ellis and Beverly Taylor

Vasos, Peter and Rosalind Symeiou

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Opening of The Maddermarket Kitchen New Norwich restaurant, The Maddermarket Kitchen, opened with a Fizz and CanapĂŠ party. Guests also enjoyed a private viewing of artist Thorayya Mearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fold series of paintings, which merge two or three dimensions to create distinctive, unconventional art. The Maddermarket Kitchen is co-owned by Suhayla Bewley and head chef Stewart Duffield. Previously Stewart has worked with Nigel Raffles in Norwich, Tom Aikens in Chelsea and Flying Kiwi Chris Coubrough in north Norfolk. AMANDA SANDLAND-TAYLOR, NEWSMAKERS PR

Pictures & words by

Aey Allen and Julie Thetford

Simon Button and artist Thorayya Mears

Margaret and David Hutchins

Stuart White, Elizabeth White and Spencer Elliott

Michelle Finnie and Samia King

Stewart Duffield and Nick Snell with Jethro and Maria Evans

Nick Michael and Theresa Mathias

Restaurant Manager Umar Crinnion with co-owners Suhayla Bewley and Stewart Duffield

Rebecca Pottage and Nell Gibbs

Amrik Wahiwala and Martin Mulloy

Hadi Saadat with Alison and Bill Glover

Keith Rackham with Beverley and David Woodward and Dawn Rackham

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

A Burning Question This month SJP is licensed to grill

MG - we actually had a summer. Yes, warm balmy nights, blue skies, and gentle breezes. But this means just one thing - we all turn into muscle flexing, testosterone driven Australians and decide that it is time to fire up the barbecue! I thought that I loved a good barbecue. But I have to say that, apart from slowly being poisoned by digesting tons of carcinogenic carbon, I suddenly find them boring and annoying. To start with, you can forget the designer clothes and shades. Just turn up in a gas mask, with plenty of scented body spray to diminish the stench of incinerated sausages. You know? That ‘manly’ smell?! I find it really irritating that some men can’t or won’t cook inside a well equipped kitchen. They can’t even prepare beans on toast 364 days of the year and have never located or opened the utensil draw. But then, regardless of their culinary skill, they are super keen to become prehistoric Fred Flintstones, real hunter/ gatherer types, and cook over charcoal! And what is the woman’s (Wilma’s) role in all this? Plenty! For a start, she will have to crawl up and down the supermarket aisles on a Friday night, buying joints of meat already slaughtered and covered in shiny clingfilm.

Your other tasks will include: • Responsibility for all invites • Buying all food and booze • Preparing the garden and all furniture (including new fencing, back washing the pool, landscaping and tidying up the 20 years of rubbish in the garage) • Preparing all food for cooking • Placing all food on trays and in multiple bowls • Gathering all tools, utensils, sauces • Cleaning up the kitchen • Making multiple trips back and forth, in and out of house

At the end of the day everyone will thank the man before he falls into the rose bed after 35 cans of beer! And the woman will be left to clear up a garden which looks as if the bin man has emptied the entire street’s rubbish everywhere. Naturally, everyone will hope that she has enjoyed her ‘day off’! So as Man is being an over protective baby sitter who constantly prods the grill, only stepping away to grab another beer from the ice filled dustbin, the female species is running around, meeting and greeting everyone. She is silently praying that the chicken and cheap burgers have not been under cooked and that nobody will be rolling around on the grass, clutching their stomachs and screaming in three hours’ time! She is seriously multi-tasking: juggling plates, sauces, and paper napkins while also topping up people’s drinks. She is hoping no one gets third degree burns as they tackle a flimsy plate of bits of coal that only an hour earlier were moist pink meat, fresh from the cellophane. Frankly, the only barbecue that I want to attend is a sophisticated affair. One with solid chairs that have four legs and a matching table (not a plastic one). I want to sit down properly with proper breakable crockery, a fabric serviette in a ring, a stainless steel knife and fork, and a descent wine glass from which I can sip a classic Shiraz packed with ripe blackberry and damson flavours with spicy vanilla notes that will get me pleasantly tipsy! And all this will take place under a colonial parasol on a table free from six-month-old crusty bird excrement. In other words, just imagine that you have been parachuted into the page of a John Lewis summer living catalogue! In reality it goes like this. I am handed a piece of A4 paper which is, apparently, commonly referred to a disposable paper plate. I have to balance and juggle this with a plastic glass which has unidentified floating particles of fruit in it (often called Pimms) as this helps to wash away the charcoal debris that has stuck in my throat and pearly whites. Then there’s the instant ‘snap in half’ naff white plastic cutlery which I use to spear a genetically modified tomato and a cremated donkey burger while simultaneously fending off a family of persistent flies and a lone wasp. On top of all that, the world’s most tedious person has decided to strike up a conversation with me and I am supposed to look animated and engaging, and express interest in his monumentally dull life as a five pound lump of carbon ceremoniously rolls off my plate to hit the lawn where it leaves a crater the size of a land mine! Fido the family dog won’t leave me alone because he has sussed out that if he hangs around me long enough, it’s only a question of time before I lose another inedible piece of ‘food’. But whilst looking up in expectation with his big brown eyes, he gets bored and decides to properly make friends and ingratiate himself by clamping himself to, and humping, my leg! My only distraction tactic is to tilt my plate at an acute and sudden angle so the burger rolls off and randy Fido dies of ketchup poisoning! As I make my excuses, someone points at my bottom and announces that I have a large lump of pigeon poo on my white linen trousers! When I get home I will make myself a decent cheese sandwich!

All pictures for illustration purposes only.

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