North Norfolk Living Winter 2018

North

Norfolk Winter 2018 Free in Norfolk £1.50 where sold

LIVING

COVERING THE COAST, BURNHAM MARKET, WELLS, HOLT & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Deck the hall!

A R T S , FA S H I O N , F O O D , G I F T S , P E O P L E , W H A T ’ S O N

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Hello!

Contents

Winter 2018

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ELCOME to our winter issue of North Norfolk Living Magazine.

It’s that time of year again… almost, although as I write it’s a gloriously sunny day, but should I forget the season, the geese over-head are a magnificent, and rather noisy reminder.

This issue has been great fun to work on, with our gift guide packed with ideas from local shops, and it was definitely a case of Christmas in October at our fashion shoot at The White House at Sussex Farm! Hattie Goodley shares her top tips for seasonal family fun, plus we talk decking the halls and tucking into festive food and cocktails too.

We’re off on our winter break now and I am looking forward to Christmas here in North Norfolk and that coastal stroll on page 32. Keep in touch via our social media pages and we’ll be back in March.

A very Happy Christmas and New Year to you all!

Am da Loose Editor Front cover image: Holkham Hall © Fisheye Images and Holkham Estate With thanks to Holkham for permission to use this image. www.holkham.co.uk

@NNorfolkLiving @northnorfolkliving North Norfolk Living Magazine www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk Editor & Advertising Manager Amanda Loose Email: amanda@northnorfolkliving.co.uk 07796 645427 Write to North Norfolk Living Magazine, PO Box 208, Stamford. Lincs. PE9 9FY Head of Design Steven Handley Email: steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Design Calum Handley Advertising Designer Sarah Patterson inkdesign@virginmedia.com Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by North Norfolk Living Limited www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk 01780 765571 Printed by Warners of Bourne

5-7 BEACHCOMBINGS What’s on, what’s good and where to go

8 PEOPLE

39-44 CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Sarah Whittley catches up with Wells Harbour Master, Robert Smith MBE

Fab finds from local shops

11-16 ARTS

47-54 LIVING

New from the local arts scene, behind the easel with Jane Hodgson, find out more about author Patrick Hamilton, plus winter reading and gifts for art lovers

News from the home front, plus decking those halls, green-fingered news and seasonal tips from gardening writer Fiona Cumberpatch, and get in the know with our local experts

19-24 FASHION

59-66 FOOD & DRINK

Whether you’re dressing to party, for the great outdoors or to cosy up at home, Katy Coe’s festive fashion fix will help you dazzle till dawn

Meet our new columnist, Atalanta Keirle, and Harriet Cooper enjoys cocktail hour and asks foodies for their festive feast secrets

27-28 BEAUTY & WELLBEING

69-70 WHAT’S ON

Local beauty and wellbeing experts share their simple hacks for looking and feeling your best this Christmas

Diaries at the ready for a fun-packed season!

30-32 REWILDING

SUBSCRIBE TO NORTH NORFOLK LIVING

Go Wild with Sarah Whittley, and Nicholas Rudd-Jones enjoys a stroll from Hunstanton to Thornham

If you would like to subscribe to North Norfolk Living Magazine (5 copies per year), please write to North Norfolk Living Ltd. PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY. Annual rate £15 (UK only) including postage.

Please enclose cheque made payable to North Norfolk Living Ltd. Or you can subscribe via the website at www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk

36-37 LITTLE LIVING Get set for fun and stocking fillers galore, with Hattie Goodley and her little helpers, Willa and Maud

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Beachcombings What’s On, What’s Good & Where To Go!

Screen time

Screen-next-the-Sea at Wells Maltings are showing The Square (15) on Monday 26 November, a satire on the artworld clashing with the world of marketing and money (7pm; tickets £6.50 from 01328 839000 or www.wellsmaltings.org.uk).

Next up is The Leisure Seeker (15) starring Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren, showing at Amy Robsart Hall, Syderstone on Saturday 1 December (7.30pm; tickets £3.50 in advance from 01485 578171 or cinema@syderstone.com or £4 on the door).

Wonderstruck (PG) will be screened at North Creake Village Hall on Tuesday 11 December, telling the stories of two deaf children set 50 years apart, based on the young adult novel by Brian Selznick (7.30pm, tickets £5 from 07905 805388 or pa.lines@tiscali.co.uk).

Finally, don’t miss Lean on Pete (15), the story of Charley, a teenager who finds work caring for ageing racehorse, Lean on Pete, coming up on Wednesday 12 December at Thornham Village Hall (7.30pm; tickets £5 from 07818 028687).

My North Norfolk Living This season Amanda Oldfield is looking forward to…

Eating at: The Waterside in Hunstanton. After feeding my horse and walking the dogs, Nora and Willow, on a weekday evening, I love visiting The Waterside for some hearty food. I enjoy sitting in the conservatory, overlooking The Wash, and watching the sun disappear over the horizon.

Cooking: a Sunday roast for the whole family. After moving house earlier this year I now look forward to Sundays and being able to have everyone over for a roast. Recently discovering Kemps, the new greengrocers down Hunstanton high street, I like being able to buy seasonal fresh produce, that doesn’t come in a plastic bag. It tastes far better, when it’s local and fresh.

Visiting: Holkham Hall candlelight tour. This year will be my second visit and I’m looking © Jake Eastham forward to taking along my son, Harry.

My family love Christmas, so I am looking forward to treating him to this wonderful spectacle.

The Nutcracker. Artists of The Royal Ballet as the Snowflakes. © ROH, 2015. Photo by Tristram Kenton © Holkham Estate

Festive favourite Thornham Village Hall will be screening The Nutcracker on Monday 3 December, live by satellite from the Royal Opera House. It’s curtain-up at 7.15pm, tickets adult £15, child £10. Book on 07787 255597 or at www.thornhamvillagehall.co.uk Holt Community Centre will also be screening the production, on Sunday 9 December at 2pm. Tickets £15, book on 01263 713427.

Spotted by Richard Campey Starling are smaller than blackbirds and have a short tail, pointed head, and triangular wings. They look black at a distance, but up close they feature a glossy green and purple plumage. The starling is one of the most iconic bird species in the UK. This vocal, social and lively species is regularly seen in gardens and towns feeding on any scraps they can find.

With around 1.8 million pairs in the UK, it is often an impressive sight to observe a group of starlings interacting and feeding young. However, it is the winter murmurations that capture the imagination of the public. Throughout the UK huge groups of starlings, up to 100,000 birds, come together to produce fantastic patterns in the winter sky. The marshes of Norfolk are one of the best places to see them perform this act, especially around Burnham Deepdale.

Despite being widespread and common the starling is in rapid decline in the UK so is a red list species.

Walking: my dogs along the Norfolk coast. Holme-next-the-Sea is my favourite beach. On a crisp winter’s day, it blows away the cobwebs and I am always surprised by the winter wildlife down there.

Amanda is Managing Director of The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co, 01485 542516 www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk

© Richard Campey

• Richard is owner of The One Stop Nature Shop, Burnham Deepdale, 01485 211223 www.onestopnature.co.uk. News of the latest sightings can be seen on the board outside One Stop.

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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wells-next-the-sea 01328 316120 07899 701356 jamesisaacstovesandchimneys.co.uk Malcolm Duffey

With over 35 years in the property world, we can help you ind the perfect town, country or coastal property, from a pretty seaside cottage, a family home or country house to a barn conversion or buy-to-let.

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The greenest stoves on earth

CLEARVIEW STOVES

Beachcombings What’s On, What’s Good & Where To Go! WINTER WALKS Seasonal strolls and staycations LUCY DOWNING, BRAND MANAGER AT NORFOLK COTTAGES Nothing fills me with more excitement than wrapping-up warm and heading out for a walk on a crisp winter’s day. I adore our beaches, however at this time of year somewhere with an abundance of wildlife and country views takes some beating.

If I had to pick one walk, it would be the estate wrapping Holkham Hall. I’d start with a hearty Sunday lunch at The Victoria, before walking it off around the estate. I’d finish with a magical candlelight tour of the hall. There surely can’t be a better way to start the festive season.

STAY AT: TUDOR COTTAGE, GREAT WALSINGHAM (top right), available through www.norfolkcottages.co.uk MALCOLM DUFFEY, NORFOLK PROERTY SEARCH A favourite walk is along the ridge at Burnham Overy Staithe. It is unchanged over the 40 years we have lived here - to one side, the harbour with the salt marshes, to the other, the woodland view towards Holkham, and flocks of geese landing at this time of year.

The ridge is ideal for any length of walk, with dogs and people to meet along the way, the odd bench to sit and take in the view, and if you keep going, the dunes open out to a great expanse of sandy beach. www.norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk HELEN MILLIN, CEO NORFOLK HIDEAWAYS Although I love walking on Old Hunstanton beach and along the coastal path to Holme-next-the-Sea, I also recommend walking from Sheringham to Weybourne. Start at the boating lake in Sheringham and end on Weybourne beach or vice versa.

It’s hilly but the views are fantastic, and you might catch a glimpse of the seals bobbing in the sea and cormorants patiently waiting on the groynes. With nice tea rooms at both ends (The Village Store, Weybourne; or The Sitting Room or Whelk Coppers in Sheringham) you can reward yourself with a big slice of cake and cup of tea!

STAY AT: BEACH RETREAT, WEYBOURNE (bottom right), available thorough www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk

HAVE YOU HEARD… There’s a new bespoke Pilates studio and beauty retreat opening in The Old Stables at Brancaster Hall, in the spring. There’ll be daily group mat work Pilates classes from beginners to more advanced, 1-2-1 reformer Pilates by Body Control Pilates teachers Hannah Nicol and Gary Newstead, plus yoga, sports massage and more.

Upstairs, The Retreat will be moving from Docking to a gorgeous new salon accessible to all. Bec and her team will be introducing new treatments to their current menu too!

Follow the story on Instagram @_pilates_with_hannah_nicol pudd’Eng will be at Deepdale Christmas Market

Retail therapy Wells Maltings has produced a collection of bone china mugs, using images from a handstitched quilt designed and made by craftspeople of Wells and surrounding villages. There are three designs, £8.95 each, part of a range of exclusive products available at their Visitor Information Centre. www.wellsmaltings.org.uk

Diary date!

Get set for the 10th annual Deepdale Christmas Market from Friday 30 November to Sunday 2 December (10am to 5pm daily), at Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale.

There’ll be over 130 artisans and producers, food and drink, plus entertainment, but to make this year extra special, there will be more decorations and entertainment, and they’ll also be supporting five extra local charities.

“I can’t quite believe we’re in our 10th year of Deepdale Christmas Market,” says Jason Borthwick, one of the organisers. “A huge thanks to all the artisans and producers who have supported us over the years, and to all the customers who visit us each year.” www.deepdalechristmasmarket.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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People

QUAY MOMENTS Sarah Whittley spent a sunny afternoon quayside, with Wells Harbour Master, Robert Smith MBE, talking harbour history, life at the port and his new book, Crossing the Bar Wells Harbour Master, Robert Smith

Looking down the harbour to the bar

The view over to the East Hills

OR many, Wells Harbour means ish and chips and crabbing on the quay. But a meeting with Wells Harbour Master, Robert Smith, opened up a whole new side of Wells and its harbour for me.

I didn’t realize it was his day off when he agreed to meet me, but having spent some time with him, I’m not sure if a day off is even a thing for him. For Robert Smith, Wells and the harbour are in his blood.

His ancestors have lived in and worked in Wells since the 1800s. Both his father and grandfather were longshoremen and from the age of seven, Robert would rush down to the harbour to get involved with the bustling working life on the quay. I don’t think much has changed! His love and sheer joy in looking after the harbour and all the people associated with it are a pleasure to see.

As we climbed the stairs of the Harbour Ofice (the old lifeboat station, tragically in 1880, 11 of its 13-crew drowned in service) I noticed a large meeting room.

“That’s where we have our commissioners’ meetings,” he explained. Wells is one of 200 Trust Ports in the country, so every decision Robert makes is looked over by a passionate team of local volunteers.

When he was 16, Robert actually applied to the Royal Navy; his father told him he had to ind a job while he waited and 10 years

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

later, Robert was still working for a Wells ship company. He’s also worked as a isherman and longshoreman, but in 1998 Robert joined the harbour team and became Harbour Master to the 350-year-old Port of Wells in 2000.

Now, after nearly 30 years of service to the harbour, this natural born storyteller has shared the port’s secrets in his new book Crossing the Bar: Tales of Wells Harbour; but it’s far more than just a history book and it’s easy to be gripped by the knowledge and enthusiasm he has for this extraordinary part of the world.

I asked Robert to give me an example of a story from the book, and what he told me is still wedged in my thoughts. In 1880 an eightyear-old boy picked up ive brass nails from the sawdusty loor of the shipbuilders’ yard he was working in. He was asked to turn out his pockets at the end of the day and promptly accused of stealing. He was tried in the Court House (now The Crown Hotel), found guilty and deported to Australia. The book is full of many stories from the archives and from Robert’s own personal experience.

There have been some major changes in Wells during Robert’s time at the helm, especially the arrival of 88 wind turbines. In 2010, Robert oversaw the building of the new Outer Harbour for the service crew. He made an important point that well-paid employment is scarce on this coast, so with the promise of at

least 50 full-time jobs, he knew he had to make the harbour accessible.

Although the turnover has increased from £100,000 to £1.5m, Robert explains everyone using the port gets the same treatment. “For me, ishermen are the backbone of this port and need to be supported.”

In 2016 Robert’s was rewarded with an MBE for his work, especially in transforming the port, but he’s very keen to point out it’s not just him but all the team that makes the port work.

He’s also the brains behind the Wells Harbour Maritime Trust, set up to encourage children to get out and learn about the sea and all it offers.

But I’m struck by Robert’s own words from the book. “My favourite time is being out at sea, on my own, in the dead of the night, when everything is quiet and still. As I gently guide a visiting vessel into the Port, with the moon and stars lighting the way and the lights of Wells blinking in the distance, I am often in awe at the peacefulness and beauty of my work place. A place where I can truly breathe - Fresh Air and Freedom.”

Crossing the Bar: Tales of Wells Harbour

by Robert Smith MBE, £19.50, published by and available from Wells Harbour Ofice, www.wellsharbour.co.uk and local bookshops.

Photography © Sarah Whittley

LIVING

DROVE ORCHARDS, THORNHAM. PE36 6LS 01485 525714

www.joyfulliving.co.uk

A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS?

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Arts

IN THE PICTURE Exhibitions and festive music aplenty

Behind the easel with Jane Hodgson Known for working outdoors in all weathers, painting local fishermen, reed cutters, farmworkers and livestock, Jane’s latest oils will be shown at Pinkfoot Gallery this November, in her solo exhibition ‘Out There’

“I

WENT to Great Yarmouth Art College when I returned from New Zealand, where I’d worked as a journalist. After the course and having children, I went to a local drawing class in 2005. My first year painting the fishermen on Cromer beach was spring 2008.

“I was taken on by Sarah at Pinkfoot Gallery, and she suggested I try other beaches. Two of the Weybourne fishermen, Richard Matthews and Gary Mears, asked if I’d like to draw them that winter cutting and cleaning reeds in North Norfolk, and the die was cast.

“I love painting outside, and what’s really nice is that now, the people I paint often, have become friends.

My pictures are informed by the people I’m painting, and what I know of their work.

I’m trying to paint their outside world. And I enjoy their company.”

“I mainly paint bait, crab and mussel fishermen, reed cutters and thatchers on the North Norfolk Coast, and eel catchers on the ‘Lots of Lobsters’ broads. This year I’ve also

by Jane Hodgson painted lambs, and goats at Bure Valley Farm on my beach breaks.

“One of the mussel fishermen said to me “you’re like us Jane – you prefer mud to a sunny beach in Spain.” I am not as tough as them, but I do prefer mud and those fleeting flashes of sun that make everything glow – even if I have to wear four pairs of long johns to stand painting outside so I can see it.

“A picture of two Cromer fishermen has been chosen for this year’s ROI show at the Mall Galleries, London – I’ve had a picture accepted there for the last six years. What’s nice is that some of the reed cutters have said they can see how my painting has improved over the years.”

‘Out There’ runs from 17 to 30 November at Pinkfoot Gallery in Cley, 01263 740947 www.pinkfootgallery.co.uk

SEASONAL SOUNDS A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT Thursday 13 December, 7.30pm Head to Wells Maltings for this musical re-telling of Dickens’ tale by GreenMatthews, using an array of traditional and modern instruments. Tickets £12.50 from 01328 839000 or www. wellsmaltings.org.uk FAKENHAM TOWN BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sunday 16 December, 3pm Enjoy an afternoon of festive music with this popular brass band at Wells Maltings. Tickets £8, from 01328 839000 or www.wellsmaltings.org.uk CHRISTMAS CAROLS WITH WELLS LIFEBOAT Sunday 16 December, 6.30pm Traditional lessons and carols led by the Fakenham Town Band and Wells Churches Together choir at the Boathouse. www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm THE CHRISTMAS STORY BY HEINRICH SCHÜTZ Friday 21 December, 7.30pm The Yorke Trust’s festive concert with local choristers performing with young professional and student soloists from music conservatoires. The venue is The Yorke Trust Old Chapel, South Creake.

Tickets are £15 and booking is essential, 01328 738482 or carol.jennings2@btinternet.com CHRISTMAS EVE CAROLS Monday 24 December, 7pm Join Fakenham Town Band for carols and mulled wine in the Market Place, Fakenham. www.fakenhamtownband.com

ART HOUSE The Beach House in Brancaster has been restored by Norfolk by Design, showcasing works by Norfolk artists and makers, to become a holiday rental with a difference. If you like something you see, whether it’s a splashback or sketch, a cushion or ceramic, chances are you can either buy it or commission one for yourself.

Norfolk by Design are hosting their first exhibition there – The Beach House Bazaar – from 15 to 18 November (11am-4pm), with works for sale by more than 50 artists and designer makers from across the eastern region.

Visit www.beachousebrancaster.com and www.barefootretreats.co.uk for more details.

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Arts

ARTY FACTS

Amanda Loose gets the lowdown on what’s happening on the local gallery scene this season Two Turtle Doves and an English Partridge, A.B. Textile Artist, The Red Dot Gallery

‘Running Hare’ bronze by Lewis, Pinkfoot Gallery

‘Dove at Dusk’ by Nicola Slattery, Bircham Gallery Christmas Exhibition: Part 1

‘Curlew’ bronze by Eddie Hallam, The Flint Gallery

‘Doge Dawn III’

by Gerard Stamp, Burnham Grapevine

‘Cheetah’ by Laura Pentreath, Pocock’s the artmonger

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‘High and Dry’ by H.J Jackson, Gallery Plus

VER in Holt, The Red Dot Gallery is getting well and truly into the Christmas spirit. Their festive windows are always a real treat and this year they are presenting a seasonal window of commissioned works by gallery artists celebrating the six days of Christmas including these two turtle doves and partridge (pictured, available separately) by A.B. Textile Artist.

The sister window sounds equally Christmassy, featuring The Night before Christmas.

01263 710287, www.thereddotgallery.com Staying in Holt, Bircham Gallery’s Christmas Exhibition: Part 1 continues until 28 November, featuring works by a wide selection of artists, including paintings by Paula Sharples and Nicola Slattery, prints by Angie Lewin, ceramics from Richard Phethean, mixed media by Zoe Rubens and jewellery by Susi Hines.

Their Christmas Exhibition: Part 2 runs from 1 December 2018 to 9 January 2019, with paintings by Tessa Newcomb and Debbie George, prints by H.J Jackson, glass by Jane Charles, sculpture by Dean Patman, plus textiles from Matthew Harris, and much more!

01263 713312, www.birchamgallery.co.uk Heading to Cley, Louis Rousseau has returned to the Pinkfoot Gallery with a series of large oils on prepared marine ply, capturing the light of the North Norfolk coast. The gallery also has a major solo exhibition by Jane Hodgson from 17 to 30 November (see page 11) and is showing a large collection of sculptures, including stoneware animal forms from Stephanie Cunningham and minimal hare bronzes from new artist, Lewis. 01263 740947, www.pinkfootgallery.co.uk Next up, Blakeney, where The Flint Gallery is exhibiting a selection of bronze wildlife sculptures by ornithologist and bird conservationist Eddie Hallam. The series includes a range of sea and wading birds, as well as those found in the ield and garden. Each piece is hand inished with individually created coloured patinations. 01263 741791, thelintgallery.co.uk Over in Wells, Gallery Plus are hosting their winter exhibition, a colourful collection of artwork, including paintings and original prints by local artists. Look out too for the beautiful handmade jewellery by international glass artists Marina and Susanna Sent, plus ceramic vessels and vases, and glass sculptures. There’s art for the garden too, with natural form sculptures by Toby Winterbourn. 01328 711609, www.gallery-plus.co.uk Meanwhile Pocock’s the artmonger in Burnham Market is brimming with gift ideas for Christmas, including sculpture from Laura Pentreath, jewellery made locally from reclaimed sterling silver by Madeleine Spencer, as well as ceramics, glass, paintings and prints. They’re also rather handy on the stationery, cards and wrap front! 01328 730370, www.theartmonger.co.uk Just down the road, Burnham Grapevine will be showing work from their favourite local printmakers, painters and potters in the run up to Christmas, from Mark Judson’s ceramics with beautiful glazes to linocuts of local wildlife.

They also have some rather exciting news for Gerard Stamp fans – there’s a chance to buy in advance from his new collection for 2019, featuring Italy and Spain. 01328 730125, www.burnhamgrapevine.co.uk

O

‘Fieldfares’ by Kate Heiss, Walsingham Gallery & Framing

‘Flow Country’ by Shaun Fraser, GroundWork Gallery

‘Secret Garden’ by Dana Finch, Birdie Fortescue

Over in Great Walsingham, the festive season kicks off with Heather Green (Walsingham Gallery & Framing) and Sarah Caswell inviting you to West Barn Gallery to celebrate the launch of their Christmas show on Friday 16, from 6-9pm, or Saturday 17 November from 10am-5pm.

The galleries will be chock full of new original work, prints and other items brought together specially for this exhibition. Sarah will be showing new pieces for Christmas and launching the first of her new limited edition silk scarves. ‘No.1’ depicts her new painting ‘Blue Iris Rhapsody’ (see page 53). The exhibition continues until the end of January 2019. Walsingham Gallery & Framing 01328 820900, www.walsinghamgalleryandframing.co.uk; Sarah Caswell 07747 613395, www.sarahcaswell.co.uk Birdie Fortescue and her team are enjoying being able to exhibit more art in their new custom designed showroom in Fakenham, including a selection of oils and works on paper by Dana Finch.

Dana’s work is inspired by the shapes and patterns of the natural world, from the landscapes of Spain, where she travelled extensively as a child, to Cornwall, where she is currently based, with a studio at Trewidden Gardens. 01328 851651, www.birdiefortescue.co.uk ‘Theories of the Earth’ at the GroundWork Gallery in King’s Lynn is examining how contemporary art and artists respond to the environment and issues of climate change. The exhibition, which continues until 16 December, brings together King’s Lynn artist Kabir Hussain, Wayne Binitie, Flora Bowden and Shaun Fraser, and features glass and bronze sculpture, drawings, jewellery and photography alongside cutting-edge video and audio installations. 01553 340714, www.groundworkgallery.com And finally, to Dersingham Pottery & Gallery, where June Mullarkey has new work for Christmas in porcelain with gold lustre, and crackle glaze and translucent pieces alongside her stoneware collection. The gallery is also showing colourful Norfolk paintings in acrylic on canvas

by Ben Mullarkey. 01485 540761, www.dersinghampottery.co.uk Ben and June will also be taking part in the Dersingham Christmas Art Trail on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December with 16 artists showing at 11 locations (10am-4pm on both days). www.dersinghamarttrail.org

‘’Fire Flowers’ by Sarah Caswell

Five minutes with... local artist and illustrator, Nicholas Reddyhoff Nick’s latest collection Audrey Hepburn’ by Nicholas Reddyhoff continues his fascination with icons, and is a nod too, to the world of marketing and branding from which he hails.

Icons & Faded Glory features portraits of Kirk Douglas, Steve McQueen, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn (pictured) and others, all presented in a new, often quirky, light.

“I have tried to capture these incredibly well-known people in less than obvious poses,” says Nick.

“I think that beauty fades more rapidly the more beautiful you are, but all of these characters had a presence and a quality that was undefinable, but always seductive. Take Steve McQueen for example, he has just the coolest man that ever lived.”

Nick also works with his partner Lucinda at Hoffhaus Design, a complete web design service. Some of his images are being sold at Thornham Deli for £95 (open editons). Limited edition prints start at £125. www.nicholasreddyhoff.co.uk

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SOLACE BY THE SEA

Widely regarded as one of the finest writers of his generation, Patrick Hamilton’s novels are currently being reissued by Abacus to bring them to a new audience. Few people, however, are aware that he spent his final years on the North Norfolk coast, writes Alan Tutt THREE TO TRY If you’re new to Patrick Hamilton’s work, I’d recommend starting off with Hangover Square (£8.99), The Slaves of Solitude (£9.99) or Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky (£10.99), all published by Abacus.

Patrick Hamilton, reproduced by permission of A M Heath & Co. Ltd. Authors’ Agents

ATRICK Hamilton’s writing is mainly associated with the seedier side of Brighton and London in the 1930s and 1940s, rather than Norfolk. But after literary success, his life entered a downward spiral and his books fell out of fashion, so he sought solace by the sea.

Born in Sussex in 1904, Patrick spent his childhood living in Chiswick and Hove. His irst novels, Monday Morning, Craven House and Twopence Coloured, caused barely a ripple. His breakthrough came with the play, Rope, which Alfred Hitchcock made into a ilm; and the novel, The Midnight Bell, the irst part of a trilogy entitled Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky, later dramatised by the BBC. Hangover Square (1941), is often considered his best novel. It opens with George Harvey Bone walking on the cliffs in Hunstanton; inhabits the pubs of Earls Court, where Hamilton himself lived, then lowlife Brighton. It deals with drinking and sexual obsession – Bone is in turn captivated and humiliated by the alluring, manipulative Netta – a relection of events in Hamilton’s own life.

It also became a ilm, as did another Hamilton play, Gas Light, starring Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman. Gaslight was performed in 2002 by the Sheringham Players – a suitable homage to a latter day local.

Hamilton’s Gorse Trilogy also made the small screen, morphing into LWT’s The Charmer, starring Nigel Havers.

Patrick’s irst brush with Norfolk came in 1930. Lois Martin, his irst wife, rented a cottage, Harbour View, at Burnham Overy Staithe. It was primitive, with no running water. But he took comfort in the isolation, the bleak marshy landscape, “sombre latness” he called it. London became a place to do business, see old friends, Overy Staithe his refuge; the simple life in a small, tightknit ishing community.

His brother, Bruce, visited and they enjoyed long walks and ireside chats. But Patrick’s despondent boozing merely increased. During this time his wife banned him from the local pub, The Hero, though he would sneak out to The Lord Nelson at Burnham Thorpe and The Ostrich at South Creake.

After the war, in 1946, Bruce and Patrick spent a week in Holt, motoring around the countryside. They played golf at the clifftop links at Sheringham. Patrick returned to North Norfolk for good in 1958.

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

Previously he’d rented houses at Long Acre in Cley and in Blakeney, at Highield House. He described looking south from the latter as “an absolutely unspoiled view of miles of the most rural part of Norfolk – a garden big enough to turn into a miniature golf course, which I’ve done”. He later spurned golf, as the drinking further kicked in.

Patrick had divorced his irst wife, Lois, in 1953. His second wife, Lady Ursula Chetwynd-Talbot, found them a lat in the rambling house, Martincross, on the corner of Boulevard and St Nicholas Place, in Sheringham. There his housekeeper would try and coax Patrick to eat, but it was a liquid diet he wanted.

Whether he wished to or not, Patrick never did leave Sheringham. He died there on 23 September 1962. By then, it was Guinness for breakfast, gin through the day and a bottle of scotch to top it off. His writing, mirroring his life, confronts us with loneliness, failure and futility. He was cremated, and his ashes scattered on the marshes at Blakeney.

A postscript to Patrick’s residence at Martincross is that there is now a blue plaque at the house. He would have smiled wryly perhaps, for it is not dedicated to him but to an earlier resident, composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who wrote Sea Symphony there in 1919. Perhaps Patrick Hamilton deserves one too?

‘Joe’

Oil 10x10 In.

LINDA NICOL BA(Hons)

Portrait Painter Nightingales, Docking Road, Stanhoe, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8QF Tel: 01485 518638 Email: lnicol14@tiscali.co.uk Web: www.linda-nicol.co.uk Big People Little People Animals Country Pursuits

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Arts

WINTER READING

Amanda Loose shares her pick of some of the latest releases, all with a Norfolk connection

Festive fiction

If you’re after a thoroughly Christmassy read, try Norfolk author Heidi Swain’s latest novel, Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland (Simon & Schuster, £7.99).

As Wynbridge gets set for Christmas and the first winter wonderland at Wynthorpe Hall, Hayley the hall’s housekeeper, calls off her engagement.

Deciding to return to her no-strings, fun-loving self, to avoid future heartbreak, is made rather tricky, by a handsome new arrival… The perfect Christmas treat!

Sister act

The fifth novel in Lucinda Riley’s bestselling Seven Sisters series, based allegorically on the mythology of the famous star constellation, has just been published. Like her sisters in the preceding novels, Tiggy D’Aplièse, The Moon Sister (Macmillan £18.99), follows clues left by her adoptive father, to discover her heritage.

Taking the reader from the Scottish Highlands and the gypsy community of Sacromonte in Spain, to South America and New York, this family saga moves between past and present, and is an engrossing read. I’ve read all of the series so far, and this is possibly the best one yet!

age 9+) features magical, sometimes dark and sometimes funny tales, which will enchant children and adults alike.

Beautifully illustrated by Frances Castle, this collection of 50 stories, includes The Pedlar of Swaffham and ‘Sea Tongue’, which both originate from Norfolk.

Word power

I finished reading Sarah Perry’s latest novel, Melmoth (Serpent’s Tail, £16.99) yesterday, and I’m still thinking about it. By the author of bestseller, The Essex Serpent, Melmoth is Norwich based Sarah’s third novel, and one of the most haunting and complex stories I’ve read in some time.

It’s 20 years since Helen Franklin did something she can’t forgive herself for, and 20 years of trying to evade its memory. But when a friend gives her a manuscript which introduces her to Melmoth, a terrifying figure who is condemned to wander the earth for eternity, everything changes. I couldn’t put it down.

Serial thriller

I am a real fan of C J Sansom’s historical crime series featuring lawyer Matthew Shardlake, so I was particularly pleased to discover that the latest instalment, Tombland (Mantle, £20) takes Shardlake to Norwich.

It’s 1549 and investigating a murder case on behalf of the Lady Elizabeth, Shardlake finds himself caught up in Kett’s rebellion. I have just started reading it and am gripped!

Telling tales

Retold by award-winning local author and poet, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain & Ireland (Walker Books, £15;

Gifts for art lovers

‘WARM ENOUGH TO PADDLE’ by Rebecca Lloyd, limited edition mounted print £75 07977 227708 www.rebeccalloyd.co.uk

‘MARSH DESIGN’ translucent hand-thrown porcelain vessel with embossed gold lustre by June Mullarkey £75 Dersingham Pottery & Gallery, Dersingham 01485 540761 www.dersinghampottery.co.uk

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

‘BRANCASTER STAITHE’ by Nigel Wallace from £25 for an A3 print Fineline Frames & Gallery, Creake Abbey 01328 258964 www.finelineframes.co.uk

MURANO GLASS BRACELETS by third generation glass-makers Marina and Susanna Sent from £65 Gallery Plus, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 711609 www.gallery-plus.co.uk

CERAMIC VESSEL by Mark Judson £75 Burnham Grapevine, Burnham Market 01328 730125 www.burnhamgrapevine.co.uk

‘MUSSELS’ by Andrew Ruffhead, A3 print unframed £35 (including postage), framed £60 Fish and Ships Coastal Art, Burnham Market 01328 738621 www.fish-and-ships.com

EXHIBITIONS nov 03 to jan 09

Clayton McMillan

Jackson

Hyu Jin

mon to sat 9am to 5pm

14 Market Place, HOLT, Norfolk. NR25 6BW. 01263 713312 www.birchamgallery.co.uk Open 9-5 Monday to Saturday

Interior Design Soft Furnishings Re Upholstery Fabric Wallpaper Paint Lighting Floor Coverings

We now have two stores!

Lots of lovely collections including lifestyle, gifts and tabletop

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 17a and 27 Mill St Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

Colefax and Fowler Crucial Trading Charlotte Gaisford Christopher Farr Designers Guild Fermoie G P and J Baker Jacaranda Jane Churchill Kate Foreman Larsen

CHRISTMAS

Nina Campbell Osborne and Little Pierre Frey Porta Romana Ralph Lauren Roger Oates Romo Sahco Thibaut Vanessa Arbuthnott Villa Nova Voyage William Yeoward Zoffany

Alternative Flooring Andrew Martin Anna French Arte

Linwood Manuel Canovas Mark Alexander Mulberry 17

Art Courses Drawing | Painting | Craft | Print

structured courses taught by experienced artists & tutors for all levels

Church Hill School | 71 Gayton Road |Grimston |Norfolk | PE32 1BG

P: 01485 240 420 | E: art@norfolkcreativearts.co.uk

www.norfolkcreativearts.co.uk DERSINGHAM POTTERY & GALLERY

June & Ben Mullarkey POTTERY PAINTINGS PRINTS + CARDS

46 Chapel Road Dersingham PE31 6PN

01485 540761 www.dersinghampottery.co.uk

Signed, Limited & Open Edition, Original Fine Art Prints

Call or visit my website, for further details or commisions

www.nicholasreddyhoff.co.uk art@nicholasreddyhoff.co.uk Tel: 07768 250000

Prints from £125 18

Fashion

The Festive Fashion Fix TWIST & TANGO VERA VELVET DRESS £189, Nelle-dk; VIOLA CLUTCH £109, The Tannery; ASTRAEUS RING 18k yellow gold and natural coloured “pastel” diamond £5,110 (right hand), COCKTAIL RING 18k white and rose gold Morganite and pink diamond £16,200, both by Raliegh Goss; shoes models’ own throughout

‘Tis almost that season… whether you’re dressing to party, for the great outdoors, or planning to cosy up at home (or all three), fashion editor Katy Coe’s picks from local shops and boutiques will help you dazzle till dawn!

PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM STEELE

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Fashion

ABOVE: Julia (left) is wearing SCHÖFFEL MAYFAIR COAT £379.95, Christopher William Country; NICE THINGS LANDSCAPE SWEATER £113 and SCARF £32, both Nomad & the bowerbird; PIESZAK SKINNY JEANS £109, Nelle-dk; ORIA SHOULDER BAG £119, The Tannery.

Renée is wearing EMILY AND FIN ELOISE COAT £151, Nomad & the bowerbird; FAIR ISLE CARDIGAN £165, Oldield Clothing; DUBARRY HONEYSUCKLE CORDS £99, Christopher William Country; HAT £8.75, The Barn at Artemis; FAUX FUR SCARF £14.95, Barefoot Living; ANGELOU BAG £59, Tilley & Grace ABOVE RIGHT: Renée is wearing LOUCHE SWEATSHIRT £35, Nomad & the bowerbird; GESTUZ TILDE SKIRT £199, Nelle-dk; NECKLACE £495, Urban Armour; ANIMAL PRINT BRACELETS £12.75 each, Norfolk Living at The Townhouse; BAG as before. Julia is wearing MICHA JUMPER £82, Allez Chic; TWIST & TANGO JONI TROUSERS £109, Nelle-dk; NECKLACE £23.25, Norfolk Living at The Townhouse; EDEN CLUTCH £25, Tilley & Grace RIGHT: Julia is wearing SEASALT FALMOUTH DAWN COAT £150, Christopher William Coastal; HICKS & BROWN MAROON FEDORA £95, Christopher William Country; SHAWL (worn as scarf) £35, Allez Chic; VIOLA CLUTCH £109, The Tannery; JEANS as before. Renée is wearing BOILED WOOL DUFFLE £100, Thornham Deli; SOFT B TROUSERS £66, Allez Chic; LOUCHE ARCHIE BEANIE £19, Nomad & the bowerbird; CARLOTTA BAG £159, The Tannery

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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- about Urban Armour started over 20 years ago. We opened our boutique jewellery store in Burnham Market in 2003.

- brands Our most popular jewellery is our own Urban Armour collection, in both sterling silver and 9 & 18ct gold. We also stock a select number of carefully edited brands from suppliers whose standard of quality, design and manufacture matches our own.

- bespoke We design and create one-off pieces speciically for you that are completely unique.

Eternity Rings, Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Signet Rings are our speciality.

BRA FITTING SERVICE Anita | Chantelle | Clara Rossi | Cyberjammies Empreinte | Hanro | Lejaby | Luna di Seta Marie Jo | Marjolaine | Miraclesuit Moonide | Panache | Prima Donna Ralph Lauren | Spanx | Ted Baker | Wolford

2a Shirehall Plain, Holt Norfolk NR25 6HT t: 01263 714011 e: info@pollardandread.co.uk

www.pollardandread.co.uk

- remodelling & repairs We will remodel the pieces in your jewellery box that you love but seldom wear.

Please get in touch to discuss your ideas.

FOLLOW US The Old Chapel North Street I Burnham Market I Norfolk I PE31 8HG PHONE 01328 738880 EMAIL info@urbanarmour.co.uk

WWW.URBANARMOUR.CO.UK 21

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Available instore and online from www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk Fjällräven Kanken Backpack £80

Härkila Hip Flask £44.99 Laksen Flush Silk Tie £55

Dubarry Sligo Boots £349 Laksen Colonial Boot Socks £40

Schöffel Leather Belt £49.95

Schöffel Lambswool 1/4 Zip £89.95

Páramo Women’s Torres Medio Gilet £100

Alan Paine Combrook Mid Length Tweed Coat £284.95

Páramo Men’s Pajaro Jacket £320

Seeland Women’s Woodcock II Jacket £179.99

Schöffel Kensington Down Jacket £299.95

Aigle | Alan Paine | Annabel Brocks | Barbour | Beretta | Dubarry | Fjällräven | Härkila Laksen | Lazy Jacks | Páramo | Schöfel | Sealskinz | Seeland | Seasalt | Toggi

OUR COUNTRY SHOP Creake Abbey North Creake NR21 9LF 01328 738983 22

OUR COASTAL SHOP 55 Staithe Street Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AN 01328 710496

Twitter @CWCountry Instagram @christopherwilliam_norfolk Facebook Christopher William Country Ltd

Follow us on Facebook!

Fashion

LEFT: Julia is wearing LOUCHE MELINE DRESS £65, Nomad & the bowerbird; BRACELET £529, RING £209 (matching, left hand) and EARRINGS (just seen) £189, all Urban Armour ABOVE: Julia is wearing CYBERJAMMIES ZOE FLORAL PRINT PYJAMA SET £48, Pollard & Read. Renée is wearing CYBERJAMMIES HOLLY CHECKED PYJAMA SET £48 and SLENDERELLA FESTIVE BEDSOCKS £6, all Pollard & Read; CASHMERE POMPOM PONCHO £180, Thornham Deli. FAUX FUR THROW £129, Gun Hill Great Outdoors BELOW LEFT: Julia is wearing COVE ALICE CASHMERE JUMPER £195, Christopher William Country; PIESZAK SKINNY JEANS £109, Nelle-dk; CASHMERE WRIST WARMERS £51.50 and SCARF £120, Thornham Deli. Renée is wearing DRESS £55 and SILK SCARF £35, Tilley & Grace; MITTENS £29 and SOFIA CLUTCH £115, The Tannery; NECKLACE £23.25, BRACELET (right wrist) £15 and ANIMAL PRINT BRACELETS £12.75 each, all Norfolk Living at The Townhouse BELOW: LEOPARD STAR JUMPER £65, Thornham Deli; SOFT B TROUSERS £66, Allez Chic; MUFF £55, Gun Hill Great Outdoors; NICE THINGS BAG £49; BRACELETS as before

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Fashion

ABOVE: MICHA JACKET £115 and TROUSERS £82, Allez Chic; GESTUZ VERONICA SHIRT £130, Nelle-dk; SHIELD NECKLACE £4,600, HOOPS £1,250 and RING £340 all 18k gold by Raliegh Goss; EDEN CLUTCH £25, Tilley & Grace BELOW: Julia is wearing CATH KIDSTON VELVET WRAP DRESS £85, Nomad & the bowerbird. Renée is wearing TWIST & TANGO STELLA DRESS £159, Nelle-dk; BRACELET £259, Urban Armour

ABOVE: Julia is wearing INTOWN BLOUSE £42 and NECKLACE £15, Allez Chic; TWIST & TANGO MAY SEQUIN TROUSERS £129, Nelle-dk; HICKS & BROWN MAROON FEDORA £95, Christopher William Country; FAUX FUR WRAP £54.99, Gun Hill Great Outdoors. Renée is wearing TWIST & TANGO UNNI SEQUIN TOP £99 and CORNELIA TROUSERS £89, Nelle-dk; BRACELET £259, Urban Armour; HAT £8.75, The Barn at Artemis THE VENUE With thanks to The White House for this shoot’s stunning location. This secluded country house B&B is situated at Sussex Farm, near Burnham Market. www.stayatthewhitehouse.co.uk THE TEAM Fashion editor: Katy Coe @vintagedeli Models: Julia Bell and Renée Bridges Florist: Victoria Arrowsmith, 07787 100149 www.victoriaarrowsmith.com; decorations from a selection at Barefoot Living Hair and make-up: Renée Bridges 07766 824309 @lapowderbox Photography: Tim Steele, 07909 998216 www.tsteelephoto.com THE STOCKISTS Allez Chic, Castle Rising 01553 631915 www.allezchic. co.uk; Barefoot Living, Burnham Market 01328 738100 www.barefoot-living.co.uk; The Barn at Artemis, Cley 01263 741674 www.thebarnatartemis.co.uk; Christopher William Coastal, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 710496 www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk; Christopher William Country, Creake Abbey, North Creake 01328 738983 www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk; Gun Hill Great Outdoors, Burnham Market 01328 730462 www.gunhill.co.uk; Nelle-dk, Drove Orchards, Thornham 01485 525164 www.nelle-dk.co.uk; Nomad & the bowerbird, Holkham 01328 713093, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 712282 www.nomadandthebowerbird.co.uk; Norfolk Living at The Townhouse, Burnham Market, 01328 730518; Oldield Clothing, 07903 485246 by appointment from The Professional’s Shop, Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, Brancaster and www.oldieldclothing. com; Pollard & Read, Holt 01263 714011 www.pollardandread.co.uk; Raliegh Goss, Burnham Market 01328 738485 www.ralieghgoss.com; The Tannery, Holt 01263 713642 www.thetannery.co.uk; Thornham Deli, Thornham 01485 512194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk; Tilley & Grace, Holt 01263 710201 tilleyandgrace.co.uk; Urban Armour, Burnham Market 01328 738880 www.urbanarmour.co.uk

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

COMFORT AND STYLE FROM MUDD & WATER

Lily & Me, In Town, Soft B, Adini, Pomodoro, Marble, Capri, beautiful Italian coats, Lunar shoes and more…. t: 01553 631915 Open: Monday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm w: www.allezchic.co.uk e: cheryldaubney@allezchic.co.uk

FIND US: The Old School, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn, PE31 6AG

Photographed at www.stayatthewhitehouse.co.uk

Also in stock:

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Beauty & Wellbeing

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS If you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed as 25 December approaches, panic not. Harriet Cooper has asked local beauty and wellbeing experts for their simple hacks for looking and feeling your best this festive season

HOW TO ADD A DASH OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR Bec Newstead, The Retreat, Docking OING for foil or glitter nails is always a good way of adding subtle sparkle to your look. We use Lecente nail art, which does a variety of vibrant glitters.

Any eyelash treatment will add an extra dynamic to the face. The LVL Lashes Treatment (£45) lengthens, volumizes and lifts the lashes for about six weeks.

Lash extensions give even more wow factor if you’re after a party look.

Spray tans are the perfect solution if you’re feeling a bit drab. You can opt for a subtle, gentle tone, but it’s always nice to add a glow.

The right make-up will instantly up the glamour stakes. We retail Jane Iredale, a mineral make-up and skincare brand. The Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream (£39.95) keeps skin dewy, and their new Triple Luxe Lipsticks are long-lasting and hydrating (£24).

It’s all about moisture in winter. Skin is parched from central heating, so having a facial is a good idea. The Elemis Superfood Pro-Radiance facial is great for stressed, dull skin, leaving it plumper and radiant (£55 for 60 minutes).

01485 518729, www.retreat-spa.co.uk

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR ENERGY LEVELS UP Hannah Barratt, a naturopathic nutritional therapist Stress and anxiety use up huge amounts of energy, so inding ways to reduce these will be beneicial. Meditation, yoga and tai chi can all help.

Get a decent night’s sleep. Switch off the television, computer and mobile phone at least one hour before bed. We all require different amounts of sleep, but eight hours is about right.

One of the irst signs of Vitamin B12 deiciency is low energy. B12 can be found in ish, meat, cheese and eggs, so if you are vegan take a good quality supplement.

Whilst you may think sugar gives you energy, it actually increases your blood sugar levels giving you a short burst of energy before ‘crashing’. Eating whole grains will release the sugars more slowly and provide you with sustainable energy.

A lovely little pick-me-up is peppermint and wild orange essential oils, inhaled with several deep breaths and then rubbed into the back of the neck.

07917 337273, www.hannahbarrattnutrition.co.uk

HOW TO FIT IN FITNESS Hannah Nicol, Pilates teacher Make a commitment to yourself and pre-book your classes in advance. You will be more likely to attend if it’s there, in your diary.

Get out and about to do your Christmas shopping; this is far more physically and mentally stimulating than doing it all online.

Plan some outdoor activities with friends and family, such as a walk on the beach - it’s a wonderful way of combining exercising and socialising.

Prioritise your workout. Plan to do it early morning, so it gets done and you’ve got the rest of the day ahead.

Organise to train with a friend. Make sure that together you have a plan in place that covers the festive period - you won’t want to let each other down!

07788 134218, Facebook: @PilatesWithHannahNicol

HOW TO HELP PARTY PROOF YOUR SKIN Susie Brient, Naked Greenz and Naked Creams Hydration is key to a healthy glow. The drier the skin is, the more it emphasises existing lines. Alcohol causes dehydration so drink plenty of water to compensate. And I love my new Marula Oil Facial Serum (£28), which is rich in essential fatty acids that deeply hydrate and reduce redness.

Lack of sleep can make the skin appear pale and reduces circulation, which is why dark circles appear. Work out how much sleep you need and

stick to it. A little cat nap is worth its weight in gold.

Always remove your make-up, even at 4am! Leaving residue causes red eyes, allergies and ageing.

A pre-Christmas juice cleanse is a real skin boost. We now supply living food smoothies and juices; sprouted seeds contain an abundance of antioxidants that prevent DNA destruction and cellular breakdown.

Caffeinated tea, organic please, is the perfect remedy for eye pufiness.

Soak tea bags in warm water, allow to chill and apply one on each eye for ive minutes.

07824 098379, www.nakedgreenz.com

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Beauty & Wellbeing

DOMESTIC BLISS Bring a little spa-like luxury to your bathroom this Christmas with these pretty, pampering products

Make a splash The Soap Folk soaps are all certified organic and made with completely natural ingredients. £5.95.

Alan Stockley Pharmacy, Snettisham 01485 541230

Spice it up The Saffron Glow Facial Oil Serum contains pure Norfolk Saffron, known for its rich antioxidant qualities. £45.

07944 577754, www.nudgeboutique.co.uk

Wax lyrical Handmade on the North Norfolk coast, Country Soy candles combine natural wax and high quality fragrance oils. From £14. country-soy.myshopify.com

HOW TO ACHIEVE THAT SALON SWISH Hannah Farthing, The Old School House Hair Company, Hunstanton Use a good conditioning treatment, like the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer (from £18.50), to make hair more manageable and keep it looking glossy. A root booster spray before drying will give great volume, such as the Philip Kingsley Maximizer (£16.50).

Always blow-dry your full head of hair, using a good brush; do it in approximate one-inch thick sections to make sure it’s smooth and 100% dry.

When using a hairdryer, straighteners or curling wand, a heat-protecting spray is essential like the Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Conditioning Spray (£16.50).

A good hairspray is key for finishing off your style. A spritz of Milkshake Strong Hold Hairspray (£14.09) will maintain your style but won’t compromise the natural movement of the hair.

01485 535376, www.theoldschoolhousehaircompany.co.uk

Buy the book Jot down all your thoughts in this pretty Moglea One Line a Day memory book.

Chronicle Books, £14.99.

Thornham Deli, Thornham 01485 512194, www.thornhamdeli.co.uk Butter up Nourish skin with this orange blossom-scented Cocoon of Shea butter from Les Sens de Marrakech. £40.

Joyful Living, Drove Orchards, Thornham 01485 525714, www.joyfulliving.co.uk

HOW TO KEEP A CLEAR HEAD Emilie Joy Garrould, yoga teacher and massage therapist Christmas can be a time of excess. Try to balance this by upping your self-care: attend a yoga class, treat yourself to a massage, drink plenty of herbal tea to detox or cook a balanced healthy meal packed full of veggies.

Don’t end up with an expectation hangover. If you know that members of your family tend to bicker, for example, take the pressure off by doing activities when you all get together, like a nice long walk.

Wherever you are, whoever you’re with, try to see the positives in each situation. Writing down five things each morning to be grateful for is a great way to direct our thinking towards positivity.

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that whatever you are thinking will pass. Breathe deeply; with every exhale envisage you’re letting go of the thought and with every inhale, that you’re drawing in a deep sense of wellbeing and peace.

07909 586993, www.santoshayoganorfolk.com

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Buffer zone Give your tree a Spongellé twist with these body wash infused buffers, available in six different fragrances. £7.95.

The Retreat, Docking 01485 518729, www.retreat-spa.co.uk

Flower power No bath should be complete without the Rose & Lavender Bubble Bath by 100 Acres, a natural range of bath and body products. £14.

The White House, near Burnham Market 07785 439727, www. stayatthewhitehouse. co.uk

You can follow Harriet on Instagram @girlnextthesea

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Gorgeous Christmas gifts now in stock

follow our story on instagram @_pilates_with_hannah_nicol

ScarWork at Tidal Therapies

- Releases tightness - Improves appearance - Releases restrictions - Reduces redness Light painless massage technique for all types of post operative and accident scars.

With Beauty at The Old School House

www.tidaltherapies.co.uk info@tidaltherapies.co.uk Tel 07854 001590 3 Vine House, 3 Oak Street, Fakenham, NR21 9DX

OLD SCHOOL ROOMS, 80 OLD HUNSTANTON ROAD, HUNSTANTON, NORFOLK. PE36 6HX THEOLDSCHOOLHOUSE.HAIRCOMPANY@YAHOO.CO.UK WWW.THEOLDSCHOOLHOUSEHAIRCOMPANY.CO.UK

Wishing all of our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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Rewilding

GO WILD with Sarah Whittley

Pink-footed geese © www. pebblesphotography.co.uk

When Anton Chekhov wrote “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy,” he could have been talking about North Norfolk. I might be in the minority, but for me, winter is a wonderful time to be roaming along our awesome coastline

HIS season is host to three major wildlife events: the spectacle of thousands of wintering geese filling our skies, thousands of grey seals pupping on Blakeney Point, and one of Europe’s largest rook and jackdaw roosts at Buckenham Marshes.

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ZOOM IN One of the most frequent questions I’m asked when out wildlife watching is what are those binoculars, and how much did they cost.

After a cup of strong sweet tea and a seat when I reveal the price, usually the next question is what’s the best for less? Locally we have two great options for buying binoculars (both sell a lot more besides), The One Stop Nature Shop in Burnham Deepdale, www. onestopnature.co.uk and Cley Spy in Glandford, www.cleyspy.co.uk If you’ve ever wondered what 8x42 actually means, the first number is the zoom and the second lens size. Having a wider field of view can get more light - go for either 8x or 10x for birding, but watch out for the weight, a vital component when out for a long time. If you’re an insect watcher, make sure you get a pair with a good close focus, something like the Forest Optic 8x32.

Under £100 Nitrosport 10x34 412g Co Pro 8x34 Lightweight binocular 422g (pictured).

Mine were so good they were elevated from the spare car bins to a trip abroad.

In the run up to Christmas, The One Stop Nature Shop at Burnham Deepdale are offering North Norfolk Living readers a free DK RSPB Pocket Garden Birdwatch book with every pair of these fabulous Co Pro 8x34 binoculars, which they are selling for £99. Offer available whilst stocks last.

Email sales@onestopnature.co.uk or call 01485 211223.

Under £200 Barr & Stroud Series 5 8x42 660g Vortex Diamondback 8x42 MKII 618g, see also the fab 10x42 Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 652g even though they’re a smidge over £200, they had to make the list.

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Thrush watch Keeping your feeders well stocked is a wonderful way to watch and understand bird behaviour, but be careful, it’s addictive. Many places now offer a discount if you reuse their tub; one example is Algy’s Farm Shop, at Bintree, where you can buy their home-grown Bintree Bird Seed, www.algys.co.uk/bird-seed Not only is winter feeding important for birds, it’s a great way to get up close to some unusual garden visitors. Thousands of birds migrate from the northern hemisphere’s harsher winters, so your garden can become a haven. If you see an unusual looking chaffinch, look again, it could be a brambling or an unusual thrush could be a fieldfare.

This season is a good time to look out for winter thrushes feeding on windfall fruit. True thrushes belong to the turdus family, maybe not the most attractive of names, but their character certainly makes up for it. I never tire of watching these plump, lumpy birds lollop around the Brambling garden. © www.pebblesphotography.co.uk The largest is the strikingly marked yet slightly thuggish-looking fieldfare, then the magnificently upstanding mistle thrush, aka, missile thrush, then it’s the smaller soft-featured, chestnut brown song thrush.

My favourite is the redwing, it’s our only thrush with an eye stripe. Don’t forget blackbirds and the visiting ring ouzels Fieldfare © Jody Lawrence Photography (rarely seen after November until spring), they look similar apart from the ouzels’s striking white, crescent-shaped breast band.

Under £300 Viking ED-FF 8x42 850g Barr & Stroud 5 ED 10x42 660g Under £400 Vanguard 8x42 Endeavor ED IV 785g

Mistle thrush © www.pebblesphotography.co.uk

Redwing © www.pebblesphotography.co.uk Blackbird © www.pebblesphotography.co.uk

Under £1000 Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 730g and 10x42 Possibly the best Swarovski EL 8.5x42 and 10x42 WB Field Pro Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 Leica Noctivid 8x42

Look out for The Lookout!

© Holkham Estate

I haven’t been to Holkham for a while, so I had a shock when I walked down Lady Anne’s Drive and saw this brand-new build. After my initial incredulity of “How could they build on one of the best nature reserves in the UK?” I really needed a cup of their tea. And wow, The Lookout is great in many ways.

Although primarily a visitor centre, with information boards and TV screens, the café is stylishly spacious - don’t expect a wide range of food but what they do offer is perfect for birders and walkers particularly the boiled eggs and spinach snack.

It’s worth a visit for the architecture alone and with their pledge to be free of single use plastic, The Lookout is a temple of the recyclability.

The minimal packaging they do have is 100% plant-based and compostable. The ice lollies are wrapper-free, and when finished you’re encouraged to tip your waste into recycling bins. www.holkham.co.uk © Holkham Estate

WINTER FEST It’s all happening in Cley this season! The Cley Calling Wild Winter festival from 6 to 9 December at NWT Cley Marshes, has a great line-up, including two talks by Tristan Gooley, The Natural Navigator.

Regular readers will know I love his books, and in true groupie style, booked my tickets as soon as I heard about them!

Other highlights of this nature-inspired festival include: • Night sky photography with Shaun Reynolds (6 December, 1.30 to 3pm. £8 NWT members, £10 non-members. Includes a light lunch).

• A beach clean with lots of wildlife and mysterious marine objects to be spotted too (8 December, meet at Cley beach car park, 10.30am to noon. Free) • Stargazing for families (8 December, 7 to 9pm. £1.50 children, £3 adults).

• Poetry in ocean with Susan Richardson, whose fourth collection of poetry, Words the Turtle Taught Me, themed around endangered marine species, has just been published (9 December, 2 to 3.30pm. £3.50 NWT members, £5 non-members, children free).

For more details visit www.cleycalling.com or call 01263 740008

AHOY THERE! After a lengthy local community restoration project, Cley Harbour is now open for business. It’s hard to believe this harbour once overlooked the vast Glaven Estuary. In the 15th and 16th centuries it was a busy port until Sir Henry Calthorpe decided to reclaim the marshes by damming the River Glaven. Sadly, this was the beginning of the end for the port.

The plan to restore the harbour was initiated by Cley Parish Council with local boat-builder Simon Read now spearheading the project. With locals giving up their weekends to literally dig out the old harbour, fuelled by bacon butties from the Cley Windmill, the harbour really is a community project. One of their aims was to enable larger boats access to Cley. The plan worked and on 27 October, the Coastal Exploration Company’s 30-foot Whelker, Salford, sailed into the harbour, the largest commercial vessel to visit Cley in more than 50 years.

Everyone can enjoy the harbour - there’s seating which is great for wildlife watching; sightings include otter, water vole, Chinese water deer and bearded tits.

The Cley Harbour Project has just been awarded North Norfolk District Council’s Environment Award, great news for Cley. Apart from the £500 prize, it’s a welcome thank you and recognition for everyone involved.

And if you fancy a good Christmas carol singalong, barbecue, mulled wine and even a guest appearance by boat from Santa himself, visit Cley Harbour on 21 December, 5 to 7pm. www.cleyharbour.co.uk © Sarah Whittley

© Shaun Reynolds NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Rewilding Thornham marshes

STEPPING OUT Nicholas Rudd-Jones enjoys a stroll from Hunstanton to Thornham, complete with local history, beautiful beaches and oodles of opportunities for nature spotting

Walk data

Points of Interest

Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles) Typical time: 2 hours Height gain: none Map: OS Landranger 132 NW Norfolk Start: bus stop adj. Lighthouse Close Finish: bus stop adj. The Orange Tree Parking: Cliff Car Park, Old Hunstanton Terrain: very straightforward. Sturdy footwear needed

Old Hunstanton Lighthouse: the present lighthouse was built in 1840, although there has been a lighthouse on the site since 1665. This irst lighthouse was built of wood with an iron basket of burning coals as a light. Hunstanton Lighthouse had the world’s irst parabolic relector which was built in 1776. The present lighthouse ceased operations in 1922 and is now available as a holiday let.

This route follows the Norfolk Coast Path for its entire length. The path is well signed and the route is marked with an acorn motif.

Holme Dunes Nature Reserve: incredibly, over 320 bird species have been recorded here, superbly located as it is to attract migrating birds.

What spot in autumn/ winter: wigeon, pinkfooted goose, brent goose, snow bunting, longtailed duck, twite, spotted redshank, redstart and pied lycatcher.

Year round: curlew, black-tailed godwit, knot, ringed plover, redshank and lapwing. Find out more at www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk Holme

Twite

Pit stops The Old Boat House Café, next to the lifeboat station on Old Hunstanton beach, has lots of character. 01485 532931 The Orange Tree, Thornham has been named The Good Pub Guide’s Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year from 2013 to 2018. It’s probably best to call ahead to book a table. 01485 512213, www. theorangetreethornham.co.uk

The route

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Thornham Deli (400 metres W of the bus stop) offers light bites, great cakes, excellent coffee and a thriving deli counter. 01485 512194, www. thornhamdeli.co.uk

2

Photos © www.pebblesphotography.co.uk, except the lighthouse.

Walk up Lighthouse Close past the lighthouse, then along the path on the coast side of the car park, taking a track down to the beach at the far side Follow the path along the beach for 2.5kms, then follow the coast path as it heads up a slope onto the dunes; when you reach a multi-way footpath sign, turn left to continue along the coast path, marked by an acorn Follow the well-deined path and, as you enter the wood, keep well to the left of the reserve building Once through the wood, the path bears to the right, up some wooden steps and proceeds along a dyke; stay on this dyke, with a kink left and then right, until you reach the small road called Staithe Lane and the iconic old Coal Barn.

Take a left after about 100 metres on this road (just before you see the derelict base of a windmill) and follow the path until you see a track leading up to the road into Thornham Take this road heading past Thornham Church and you will see the bus stop just adjacent to The Orange Tree

© Crown copyright 2018 Ordnance Survey. Media 020/18

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IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THORNHAM VILLAGE HALL Almost ive years since its oficial opening by Her Majesty The Queen in January 2014, Thornham Village Hall boasts a well-established events programme, and is available to hire for weddings, parties and more.

T

he hall hosts regular art exhibitions, along with the high-quality craft event, The Makers Mark, Textile Forums the annual Winter Gift Fair organised by the BagLadies of Thornham, and the community-based Soup and Sandwich Lunches. The Winter Warmer Supper Talks brighten up the dark evenings, covering wide ranging subjects from cheese to politics!

as a wedding reception and private party venue, looking out over the playing ield and surrounding countryside. Outside, there’s room for a marquee and street food vans too, and the play area will be a great draw for younger guests!

It’s also a mecca for local ilm and opera buffs. The Village Cinema attracts a regular audience for its screening of the latest ilms and Live by Satellite performances from the Royal Opera House in a state-of-the art setting. Audiences enjoy the 12-speaker surround sound system and a full high deinition widescreen projector.

Staying outdoors, there’s a multi-use games area for tennis, ive-a-side football, basketball and netball, and top-class grounds on the playing ield, with seven wickets, a two lane net facility, irst-class changing facilities and an electronic scoreboard.

The resurfaced tennis court, wind breaks and lood lights, offers a irst-class facility for members and non-members alike.

Offering very competitive rates, Thornham Village Hall can be hired for almost anything, from birthday parties and christenings, to meetings and team building events. The fully equipped hall is extremely popular

WHAT’S ON – REGULAR EVENTS Pilates beginners, intermediate, advanced FABS Fitness Class, Yoga Class and Retreat Days Social Media Class, Photography Class

To book a class visit www.thornhamvillagehall. co.uk/regularactivities.html ANNUAL EVENTS The Makers Mark, Textiles in Action, Sausage Sizzle, Fun Day, Winter Gift Fair

For more information contact Sally Cott on at thornham.villagehall@gmail.com or call 07734 469004; www.thornhamvillagehall.co.uk

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Living

The ever-popular Santa’s Magical Journey into Christmas at Thursford is always a feast for small eyes, taking little ones past polar bears, penguins, giant teddy bears, snowmen and busy elves to the home of the great man himself!

Choose from 24 and 25 November, 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15 to 23 December. Adults £11.50, children £17.50 (inclusive of gift), pre-booking is essential. 25 November is a full relaxed day for children with additional needs. www.thursford.com

Get set for festive fun and gifts galore, with Hattie Goodley and her two little helpers, Willa and Maud

A little seasonal doing…

O

NCE again, we’re thoroughly spoilt for choice with Christmassy children’s activities in North Norfolk - it is really is a case of working out how best to squeeze everything in without overdoing it before the big event itself!

We’ll be choosing from the following Christmas crackers:

Having missed out last year, I’m determined to take Willa and Maud to Felbrigg Hall for their magical sounding Enchanted Felbrigg experience, which is back with a host of new installations. You start off in the Walled Garden and follow an illuminated trail bursting with light, sound, storytelling and crafts, for what promises to be a really fun, Christmassy family night out.

From 7 to 9 and 14 to 16 December, from 3 to 7pm. National Trust Members and under 5s free, adults £6, children £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg

The Wells Christmas Tide Festival is a firm favourite and is being held this year on the 24 November. Christmas street entertainment will be on offer from 10am, as well as a Christmas-themed craft market in the Health Centre car © @Scullridge park and the fabulous Wells Maltings.

The town will be flooded with Christmas lights at around 4.45pm before the children’s lantern parade down to the quay to await Santa’s arrival from the North Pole by boat at 6.15pm, when the skies above the town will explode in a riot of colour with a traditional fireworks display. It’s a lovely way to kick start your festive season and a thoroughly jolly family outing. www.wellschristmastide.org.uk Without doubt one of my personal festive highlights is the annual Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival at Fakenham Parish Church. Now in its 18th year, there’ll be over 50 trees, each decorated by a different charity, which makes for a really spectacular sight.

My girls thoroughly enjoy putting pennies in the donation boxes beneath their favourite trees and it is a truly moving experience walking around, admiring the decorations and learning a little bit more about what all these fantastic charities have been up to in the past year. If you don’t go, you will have really missed out!

The festival runs from 29 November to 6 December, and the church is open 10am to 8pm daily (noon to 7.45pm on 2 December). Entry is free and there’s a gift stall, tombola and raffle, as well as refreshments. www.fakenhamparishchurch.org.uk

A little theatre…

Alongside their brilliant annual Audience with Father Christmas, Holkham are once again running their Christmas Craft Workshops, where children will be able to get creative making decorations using a variety of natural materials collected in the grounds, all topped off with a healthy dose of Christmas sparkle. It’s the perfect pre-Christmas activity and one that I know Willa and her friends will thoroughly enjoy doing.

The workshop will run on 1, 2, 8 and 9 December (10.30am to noon, or 1 to 2.30pm). £8.50 per child, pre-booking is essential. www.holkham.co.uk

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to a pantomime, and North Norfolk has a particularly good selection of shows this year including: • Peter Pan at the Auden Theatre, Holt, 8 December, 2.30pm and 5pm. www.audentheatre.co.uk • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton, from 1 December to 1 January. www.princesshunstanton.co.uk • Beauty and the Beast at Sheringham Little Theatre, 8 December to 1 January. www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com

© Keith Osborn Photography

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

Felbrigg © National Trust Images Rob Coleman © Holkham Estate

A little Christma shopping…

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been on the lookout for original stocking fillers and gifts for the last few weeks already, but don’t panic!

Here’s my pick of the bunch. Whether you’re shopping for a mini creative, a tiny animal lover, a little bookworm or a fashionista in training, we’ve got this year’s small gifts wrapped up: FOR MINI BOOKWORMS… I always aim to include at least one book in my girls’ Christmas stockings

FOR FASHIONISTAS IN TRAINING Recently launched by a local mum, Little Dottie Designs offers a small collection of handmade designs for children, including this gorgeous Ettie blouse in Peach Blossom (£24) and linen Oakley romper (£25) as well as a really lovely selection of tights and socks for little ones.

There’s currently a turnaround of five to six weeks on any made to order pieces.

There’s also a new Christmas collection featuring tartan, velvet and more, available to order now just via Instagram, subject to availability. I’m seriously tempted for Maud… @little.dottie.designs, www.littledottiedesigns.com

The RSPB First Book of the Seashore is right up my street and will definitely be wrapped up and popped in Willa’s stocking. We spend lots of time beachcombing and this looks like a lovely book to consult whilst you’re hunting for beach treasure.

A & C Black Children’s & Educational £4.99, The One Stop Nature Shop Based on historic stories around one of my favourite local towns, newly published Escapades in Holt has been designed to bring history to life and encourage families to explore the town via a trail led by Olly the owl.

The Holt Society £4.99, The Holt Bookshop

FOR LITTLE ANIMAL LOVERS DINO ERASER £3.75, Thornham Deli; WOW! SAID THE OWL £6.99, Courtyard Gift Shop, Holkham; FROG YO-YO £1.50, The Present House and Pentney House; DJECO RATTLE £8.50, Ele and Me; OSTHEIMER FOX £10.50, Marshes & Flint

FOR BUSY BEES PLAN TOYS MY FIRST PHONE £9.95, TEGU MAGNETIC WOODEN BLOCKS £24.90, PLAN TOYS MY FIRST CAMERA £11.95, all Ele and Me; I-SPY DOGS £2.99, Courtyard Gift Shop, Holkham

These cute sheepskin booties for babies (from six months) and tots are a stylish and cosy gift for a little one. £19.95, Barefoot Living

LIEWOOD PANDA SOCKS £7, COCO CHANEL BIOGRAPHY £9.99, LEATHER SADDLE PURSE £10, FABLE HEART HAIR BOW £8, all Marshes & Flint; POM-POM HAIR BOBBLES £6.95, Barefoot Living

FOR BUDDING CREATIVES COLOURING PENCILS £1, The Present House and Pentney House; JUNGLE STICKERS £3.50, Marshes & Flint; LE TOY VAN OWL PUZZLE £9.95 and DJECO MARACA £4.95 Ele and Me; MAKE YOUR OWN OWLS KIT £5, Courtyard Gift Shop, Holkham

by Lynda Turbet and Susan Williams published by The Holt Society illustrated by Andy Ward

Norfolk Folk Tales for Children is a collection of stories reworked for a young readership, in an effort to better connect them with the history of the county through its places, people and dialect. I can confirm it makes excellent bedtime reading!

The History Press £9.99, The Holt Bookshop

SEE PAGE 44 FOR STOCKIST DETAILS NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Wells-Next-the-Sea I NR23 1JP I 01328 712201

Imaginatively and thoughtfully sourced toys and clothing for life’s little adventures.

Next to the Post Ofice in Wells-next-the-Sea Weighing Scales £22.50

Smoothie Maker £34.95

Arctic Playset £19.95

marshesandflint.co.uk Till with Money £26.50

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An exciting family lifestyle boutique.

Visit us in store at Creake Abbey for gift list services and personal advice for the perfect gift this season.

This service is friendly, relaxed and totally free!

Plus we offer free gift-wrapping too!

Open Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm 38

Fish Crate £14.95

www.eleandme.com eleandme

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Christmas gifts PADDINGTON BEAR £31.99, BabyO

For children

GISELA GRAHAM FABRIC FLOWER GARDEN PLAYSET £32, The Old Stores

MELISSA & DOUG VACUUM CLEANER PLAYSET £29.95, Thornham Deli

FABLE HEART GOLD HOODED CLOAK £80, Marshes & Flint

ROCKET & SPACE PRINT PYJAMAS £22, Rumours Boutique LE TOY VAN WOODEN FIRE ENGINE SET £50, Robert & Son JELLY CAT CORAL CUTIE £18, Gone Crabbing

ROCKAHULA EARMUFFS £11, Glitter & Mud

TIDLO COUNTRY KITCHEN £139.99, Ele and Me GREEN TOYS 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC SEAPLANE £20, Gone Crabbing HAND SMOCKED MAUD NIGHTIE (12 months to 5 years) £35, Willa and the Bear

FABLE HEART WAND £15, Marshes & Flint

MAILEG WEDDING MICE £52.50, Moochi modo

TENDER LEAF TOYS ARCTIC PLAYSET £19.95, Ele and Me

SEE PAGE 44 FOR STOCKIST DETAILS NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Christmas gifts

For him TRAIL OVERSHIRT £55, Bringing the outside in Wells

WATCH £299, Urban Armour

FJÄLLRÄVEN BRYON HAT £35, Christopher William Coastal and Christopher William Country

EDGE LIGHT ALARM CLOCK £45, Norfolk Living

FAGUO RED BELT £32, Bringing the outside in Wells

DENTS SUEDE GLOVES £24.95, Christopher William Country and Christopher William Coastal

ANCHOR BOTTLE OPENER £9, Bringing the outside in Wells and Deepdale

GARZINI ESSENZIALE MAGIC WALLET CROC £59, The Tannery

SOAP DAZE BLACK PEPPER AND GINGER SOAP ON A ROPE £8.50, Little Smiths

THE CRAFT BEER DICTIONARY (MITCHELL BEAZLEY) £15, The Old Stores STANLEY CLASSIC FOOD JAR £29.95, Christopher William Country PALLADIUM PAMPA PUDDLE BOOTS £119, Nelle-dk WAX BASEBALL CAP £29, Gun Hill Great Outdoors

CASINO CUFFLINKS, 18K GOLD WITH DIAMOND AND RED ENAMEL £1,675, Raliegh Goss

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

SEE PAGE 44 FOR STOCKIST DETAILS

Christmas Room NOW OPEN

Our best ever range of Winter Coats 10% off with this advert Barbour – Filson – Sloppy Joe – Aigle – Jott – Schoffel All you need to enjoy the great outdoors, including for your dog!

www.theoldstoresroydon.co.uk

Tel: 01485 600 591 58 Market Place Burnham Market Norfolk Tel: 01328 730462

146 Lynn Road, Roydon PE32 1AQ

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Fine Leather To Give And To Hold

Handbags | Briefcases | Satchel Bags Luggage | Shoes | Wallets | Belts | Gloves

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For Christmas gift inspiration, come to The Tannery!

4-6 & 29 Bull Street | Holt | NR25 6HP e: info@thetannery.co.uk t: 01263 713642

WWW.THETANNERY.CO.UK

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Christmas gifts

For her

TOILETRY BAG £12.99, Little Smiths; GRAPEFRUIT LIP BALM £5.95, Barefoot Living; EMERY BOARDS £1.95, The Barn at Artemis

SEASALT NATURALIST HAT £25, Christopher William Coastal

SEA SALT & SPRAY THREE WICK CANDLE £50, Thornham Deli

ANTI-WINKLE HAND CREAM £7.99, Gone Crabbing SLENDERELLA GASPE LONG VELVET GOWN £80, Pollard & Read

SPIKY URCHIN VASE £22.50, Birdie Fortescue LAVOLIO CONFECTIONERY £12.50 (175g tin), Tatty Tides EARRINGS £159, Urban Armour

V & A 20 NOTECARDS FROM ARTS AND CRAFTS PATTERNS BY MORRIS & CO. £5, Pocock’s the artmonger

SEASALT ADUNDANT SNOOD £32.50, Christopher William Coastal

JEWELLERY CASE £85, The Tannery

PURSE £42.50, Allez Chic BECKSÖNDERGAARD GLOVES £36, Nelle-dk

EMILY AND FIN CECE STARRY JUMPER £78, Nomad & the bowerbird Holkham and Wells

SEE OVERLEAF FOR STOCKIST DETAILS NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Christmas gifts

For pets and their owners WATER BOTTLE AND TRAVEL BOWL £16.99, Gun Hill Great Outdoors

CAT BOWL £7.50, Norfolk Living

NERF DOG MEGA TUFF BALL £8.99, Gone Crabbing

SNOW DOGS LOOPED WOOL RUG £145, The Red Dot Gallery

SPANIEL/ LABRADOR SOCKS £17, The Tannery NEW SPECIAL EDITION DOG DRYING COAT IN CRANBERRY AND DAMSON £34-£51.50 AND DRYING MITTS (also available in damson) £18, Ruff and Tumble

SWEET WILLIAM DOG BOWL £17.95, Norfolk Living

EMMA BRIDGEWATER BLACK & WHITE CAT 1/2 PINT MUG £19.95, Bakers & Larners and www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

DOG NECKERCHIEF £37, Gun Hill Great Outdoors

CHRISTMAS GIFTS ADDRESS BOOK Allez Chic, Castle Rising 01553 631915 www.allezchic.co.uk; BabyO, Holt 07748 266565; Bakers & Larners, Holt 01263 712244 www.bakersandlarners.co.uk; Barefoot Living, Burnham Market 01328 738100 www.barefoot-living.co.uk; The Barn at Artemis, Cley 01263 741674 www.thebarnatartemis.co.uk; Birdie Fortescue, Fakenham 01328 851651 www.birdiefortescue.co.uk; Bringing the outside in, Burnham Deepdale 01485 210628, Holkham 01328 713093, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 712282 www.bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk; Christopher William Coastal, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 710496 www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk; Christopher William Country, Creake Abbey, North Creake 01328 738983 www.christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk; Courtyard Gift Shop, Holkham Hall 01328 713118 www.holkham.co.uk; Ele and Me, Wells 01328 712201 www.eleandme.com; Glitter & Mud Wells-next-the-Sea 07920 463643 www.glitterandmud.co.uk; Gone Crabbing, Burnham Deepdale 01485 211111 www.gonecrabbing.co.uk; Gun Hill Great Outdoors, Burnham Market 01328 730462 www.gunhill.co.uk; The Holt Bookshop, Holt 01263 715858 www.holtbookshop.co.uk; Little Smiths, Oak Street, Fakenham @LittleSmithsFakenham; Marshes & Flint, Creake Abbey, North Creake www.marshesandlint.co.uk; Moochi Modo, Holt 01263 711180 www.moochimodo.com; Nelle-dk, Drove Orchards, Thornham 01485 525164 www.nelle-dk.co.uk; Nomad & the bowerbird, Burnham Deepdale 01485 210628, Holkham 01328 713093, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 712282 www.nomadandthebowerbird. co.uk; Norfolk Living at The Townhouse, Burnham Market, 01328 730518; The Old Stores, Roydon 01485 600591 www.theoldstoresroydon.co.uk; The One Stop Nature Shop, Burnham Deepdale 01485 211223 www.onestopnature.co.uk; Pentney House, Burnham Market 01328 738267; Pocock’s the artmonger, Burnham Market 01328 730370 www.theartmonger.co.uk; Pollard & Read, Holt 01263 714011 www.pollardandread.co.uk; The Present House, Wells-next-the-Sea 01328 711659; Raliegh Goss, Burnham Market 01328 738485 www.ralieghgoss.com; The Red Dot Gallery, Holt 01263 710287 www.thereddotgallery.com; Robert & Son, Holt 08452 414 244 www.robertandson.co.uk; Ruff & Tumble, 0333 207 9960 www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com; Rumours Boutique, Holt 07585 112043 www.rumoursboutique.co.uk; The Tannery, Holt 01263 713642 www.thetannery. co.uk; Tatty Tides, Holt 01263 711505 www.tattytides.co.uk; Thornham Deli, Thornham 01485 512194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk; Urban Armour, Burnham Market 01328 738880 www.urbanarmour.co.uk; Willa and the Bear, 07881 823387 www.willaandthebear.com

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1 - 1 Grooming & Coat Care Ruff & Tumble Dog Drying Coats CSJ food & Supplements JR Natural treats

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COVERING THE COAST, BURNHAM MARKET, WELLS, HOLT & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

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A R T S , FA S H I O N , F O O D , G I F T S , P E O P L E , W H A T ’ S O N

Perfect stocking illers!

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More than a deli!

Festive retail therapy... gifts for everyone... including the dog!

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WE’VE MOVED!!!!!!

Tatty Tides

Wishing all our customers a wonderful Christmas & Happy New Year.

We welcome old and new customers to our Open Day on 12th January 2019.

www.cooperandco.shop 01406 365 522

living country to coast

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Please check winter opening times on website

r e d i s n I The

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Gifts for the home

MIMI EMMETT ENGLAND GARDEN BIRDS CUSHION RRP £55, www.mimiemmettengland.com and The House & Garden Shop

HAND-THROWN PORCELAIN CRACKLE GLAZED CACHEPOT £85

by June Mullarkey, Dersingham Pottery & Gallery

TULIP COASTERS (SET OF SIX) £24, The Red Dot Gallery STONEGLOW NUTMEG, GINGER & SPICE REED DIFFUSER £21.50, Barefoot Living

Pressing On! It’s been a busy year for mother and daughter team, Michelle and Stephanie Witts, aka Witts Design. This spring they opened their shop, Mitographie, in Holt, selling their range of colourful printed fabrics, cushions and other homewares, made using traditional screen printing and digital techniques.

Next up, was the launch of their new design and printing studio on the Stody Estate, in August. “We’ve been looking for a studio where we could do all our designing and printing from one place for a while, and when we found Stody, it was the perfect it,” says Stephanie.

“This now allows us to hand design, prototype and do small manufacturing of our products from these premises, as well as to run screen printing courses, which will launch in 2019.”

And to top the year off, their Christmas design has just landed (pictured), available as greeting cards, tea towels, coasters, and more, from £7.99.

Mitographie, Holt 01263 478238 www.mitographie.com www.wittsdesign.com

ANTIQUE CRICKET BAT WITH COAT HOOKS £65, Annie Moses Decorative

STOCKISTS Annie Moses Decorative, Burnham Market 07881 657944 www.anniemosesdecorative.co.uk; Barefoot Living, Burnham Market 01328 738100 www.barefoot-living.co.uk; Dersingham Pottery & Gallery, Dersingham 01485 540761 www.dersinghampottery.co.uk; The House & Garden Shop, Holt 01263 711586 www.house-and-garden.co.uk; The Red Dot Gallery, Holt 01263 710287 www.thereddotgallery.com

The inside track Who KDLoves, a new product range designed exclusively for Kelling Designs What “Inspired by an appreciation for the beautiful and quirky, we’re bringing together a collection of pieces we adore for the home,” says Sophie Girling of KDLoves. “We have just launched a wide range of products providing texture, colour

and fun, from lamps, cushions and throws, to headboards, rugs and furniture.”

And another thing KDLoves will be working with different fabric houses, to create beautiful, bespoke pieces of furniture. Their launch collection is in collaboration with Bernard Thorp.

Get in touch Shop the collection online at www.kdloves.com, or view by appointment at Priory House, Field Dalling NR25 7LG, 01328 830449

PSSST…

Norfolk paint manufacturer, Fenwick & Tilbrook, have recently launched Winter Garnet, a new, special edition colour, inspired by the festive season. It’s available in their complete range of inishes and priced from £22.50 per litre. Sample pots, painted cards and paint are available to order at www.fenwickandtilbrook.com

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Whether it’s cleaning, linen hire, general maintenance or the full works, you will be guaranteed of attention to detail from people who take pride in their work.

Likewise, your visitors will be greeted with a spick and span property in which to while away their holiday.

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Introducing a new collection for the home from

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r e e d i v i t s s n e I F The

Living

Birdie’s home

Gisela Graham Christmas Pudding Candle Paddywax Cinnamon & Spruce Candle £21, Nomad small £4.99, large (pictured) £9.99, The Old & the bowerbird Holkham, 01328 713093 and Wells Stores, Roydon, 01485 600591 01328 712282 www.nomadandthebowerbird.co.uk www.theoldstoresroydon.co.uk

SEASONAL SCENT-SATIONS Noel Candle £20, Boudicca Design, Burnham Market, 01328 738080 www.boudiccadesign.co.uk Neom Organics Christmas Wish Candle single wick £32, three wick (pictured) £45, Joyful Living, Drove Orchards, Thornham, 01485 525714 www.joyfulliving.co.uk

DECKING THE HALLS

A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS

How local interior designers decorate their homes at Christmas

Courses to help you get creative!

SOPHIE ALLSOPP

• I love getting the house ready for Christmas. I normally keep it quite simple with eucalyptus and lots of warm white lights and two trees - one with traditional felt decorations in red and white which is the children’s tree.

The second tree I usually decorate with white lights and a few white/ silver decorations.

• I love decorating the dining table with candles and greenery. My friend from Stiffkey Stores always makes me the most amazing natural looking eucalyptus wreath for the door.

• On 1 December I hang wrapped and numbered little advent presents and lights as a homemade advent calendar from the stairs (pictured).

Sophie & Boo, 07813 177330 www.sophieandboo.co.uk

BIRDIE FORTESCUE

• I always like to decorate as much of the house as possible for Christmas as we tend to have lots of family for the day, so most rooms get used! I do think it’s nice to have an overarching look that can be gently tailored to each space rather than too many different colours and styles.

• We always gather lots of foliage and branches from the garden to use as a starting point for the house decorations.

• We are hoping to hold some festive workshops in our new showroom in Fakenham, in the run up to Christmas including wreath making and this is something that I would love to have a go at!

Birdie Fortescue, 01328 851651 www.birdiefortescue.co.uk

NANCI GILLETT

• I decorate my home with lots of traditional decorations which I have collected and inherited throughout the years. I always buy at least one new decoration every year to add to my collection. I really enjoy shopping for this before Christmas.

• I like to use seasonal flowers and foliage along with lovely scented candles from Joyful Living (they have the best), and during the holiday season we keep a fire going throughout the day to make the house cosy and welcoming.

Burnham Interiors, 01328 730989 www.burnhaminteriors.co.uk

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP plus two-course lunch, at Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell, with the Swaffham Florist. £60 per person.

When: Friday 30 November. Arrive at 10.30am; workshop 11am-1pm, then lunch.

Book: 01485 210742; www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk ONE DAY WILLOW WORKSHOP at Norfolk Creative Arts, Grimston. Make a handmade willow wreath and Christmas decorations. £80 per person, including all materials, refreshments and two-course lunch.

When: choose from Saturday 1 or Sunday 2 December, 10am-4pm Book: www.norfolkcreativearts.co.uk MODERN CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOPS for beginners with Kirstie Bird at The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe. £55 including materials and refreshments.

When: Sunday 2 December, 4-6pm and 6.30-8.30pm Book: www.bumblebeecollective.uk FESTIVE FLOWERS with Jo Thomas from Constance Rose Florists at Holkham. Create your own table centrepiece using greenery from the estate. £50 including materials and refreshments.

When: Tuesday 18 December, 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm Book: www.holkham.co.uk

PSSST If you need a hand with your festive decor, then consider enlisting the help of The English Home Maker, recently launched by North Norfolk based Hannah Bingley, founder of The English Canapé Company.

“As part of my seasonal decorative services, I can create a bespoke theme for your Christmas décor, including the tree and present wrapping. I’ll arrive for a pre-booked day to style and stage with baubles, ornaments, accessories, foliage and handmade embellishments, topped off by wrapping your gifts,” says Hannah.

The English Home Maker, 07790 323945 www.theenglishhomemaker.co.uk

Your Colour, Your Finish, Your Style!

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Choose from our extensive range of fabrics; in house or supply us with your own material.

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NORFOLK DECORATIVE ANTIQUES SP EC I ALI STS

Floor Lamp

I N

ANT I Q UE

LI G HT I NG

&

R E STO R AT I O N

Anique Wall Lights

Anique Lanterns

Anique Chandeliers

Anique Lamp Bases

Mirror Gallery

Table Lamps

Norfolk Decorative Antiques I Units 8D and 8E Millers Close I Fakenham Industrial Estate I Fakenham I NR21 8NW 01328 856333 I 07818876778 I mail@ndalighting.com I Instagram @norfolkdecorative

www.antiquelighting.co.uk

Burn Valley Nursery Bespoke extensions, one-of houses and developments Contact us: 01485 211 224 e: info@sensusarchitecture.co.uk www.sensusarchitecture.co.uk

PLANT SALES

Decoraive services perfecing the homely touch l Interior styling and staging l Seasonal decoraive schemes, interior dressing and consultancy, plant and loral subscripions To celebrate her launch, The English Home Maker is ofering a 10% discount on bookings to North Norfolk Living readers made before Christmas. Quote NNL when booking.

M I S S H A N N A H B I N G L E Y, N O RT H N O R F O L K 07790323945, enquiries@theenglishhomemaker.co.uk www.theenglishhomemaker.co.uk

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GARDEN DESIGN

TREES & SHRUBS

SUNDRIES & GIFTS

TOPIARY HIRE

Leicester Road, South Creake, Norfolk, Sat Nav / Post Code NR21 9PW www.burnvalleynursery.uk 01328 823333

Living

CUTTINGS Seasonal green-fingered tips from gardening writer Fiona Cumberpatch

DECORATING NATURALLY Berries, seed heads and leaves make a beautiful alternative to baubles and glitz at Christmas, and pots of flowering bulbs are perfect for sills and tables.

Honesty seed heads These naturally pearlescent discs need little embellishment. Use a needle and thread to string them together and wind them around a Christmas tree or pin across the top of a dresser to make delicate bunting. For a shot of green, thread some ivy leaves in between.

Artichokes If you’re lucky enough to have some in your garden, snip some of these top heavy seed heads and bring them indoors to dry, or try asking at your local allotments to see if there are any spare. A spritz of gold spray and a striking vase is all it takes to elevate them into something really special.

Try Joyful Living at Drove Orchards, Thornham for a selection of statement containers. 01485 525714, www.joyfulliving.co.uk Teasels You can hang them on a string for a garland, using florist wire to fix in place, or arrange them in a vase with evergreens to add texture.

GARDENING GIFTS What to give the gardener in your life this Christmas?

This new limited edition pure silk scarf is designed by artist Sarah Caswell, who works from a studio at Great Walsingham Barns. It measures 90cm by 90cm and is exquisitely gift packaged.

Introductory price £115, rising to £125 as the edition sells out. 07747 613395, www.sarahcaswell.co.uk Soothing hand cream for weathered hands, parabenfree and rich in natural oils and beeswax. We like the bluebell fragrance, £10.95 from The Barn at Artemis, Cley. 01263 741674, www. thebarnatartemis.co.uk This Bird Bistro will help to keep feathered friends nourished over winter. £8 from the National Trust shops at Felbrigg and Blickling. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Indoor bulbs There’s nothing prettier than fragrant pots of white hyacinths, blue muscari or pale narcissi to embellish a Christmas table, and November is the time to plant them for a festive show.

Choose forced or prepared bulbs which have been placed in a chiller for six to ten weeks to trick them into thinking that winter has passed. Once planted inside, they will burst into life. Choose pretty containers, pack them in tight, tips showing, and watch them grow!

Put the garden to bed • Once dahlias have succumbed to frost and turned black, cut the stalks off at the base. You can leave the tubers underground to flower next year.

• Clear out and compost old bedding plants from pots and containers then store them safely in the shed until you’re ready to plant up your spring displays. Clean your tools and put those inside too.

• Drain water features for the winter months. It helps to prevent frost damage which occurs when water repeatedly freezes and thaws.

A tree print brings the outside in! Birch tree canvas, £49.99 from The Old Stores, Roydon. 01485 600591, www. theoldstoresroydon. co.uk

SEASONAL STUNNER Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (Red barked dogwood) What’s so good about it?

At a time of year when the garden lacks lustre, the bright red stems that are revealed when the leaves of this hardy shrub fall almost seem to glow on dull days. It flowers in May and June, with small creamy white blooms, but it’s the winter stems that make it a winner.

How do I look after it?

It does best in full sun or part shade, and is a fast grower, reaching 2.5m height and spread. To keep the stem colour bright, prune back hard to within 5-7cm in March, and mulch with well rotted compost or manure.

Where to buy?

This, and other dogwoods, are available from Burn Valley Nursery, South Creake, 01328 823333 www.burnvalleynursery.uk

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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W O N K E H T IN News and advice from local experts

Shining bright

Green energy

Jill Perry of Norfolk Decorative Antiques advises how to keep your antique lighting looking tip-top

We’re often asked by clients whether wood burning stoves or burning wood, damages the environment, says James Isaac of James Isaac Stoves

Chandelier cleaning is not the laborious task it used to be, and only stately homes with chandeliers which are museum quality, go through the process of cleaning each part by hand with secret solutions.

We use vinegar and water for our most delicate stock, and Antiquax who sell online a product in a can which sprays on (remember to turn the lights out irst). This cleaning spray also works a treat on mirrors.

Follow the instructions on the can.

Cleaning brass is not advised unless you like it shiny, and the only way to do that is to lacquer after cleaning. Patinas built up over the years are adding value (this is not to say the dirt is!), but the natural oxidation of metal parts adds to the charm of an antique light and should not be removed. The same applies to natural verdigris on copper. A quick lick with a feather duster most weeks will remove cobwebs.

Silver tarnish may be prevented by a quick coat of furniture polish. Glass parts on antique table lamps can be cleaned gently with baby shampoo. Never scrub with an abrasive on anything antique.

Norfolk Decorative Antiques, Fakenham 01328 856333 www.antiquelighting.co.uk

We care passionately about the environment and this is one of the reasons we only supply Clearview stoves, the leading manufacturer of clean burning wood stoves.

They’ve been designing and manufacturing the inest wood burning stoves, from their 20-acre site in the Shropshire hills since 1987, combining the latest robotic technology equipment with traditional hand inishing techniques.

Clearview have patented their hot airwash system which not only keeps the glass clear from tarring but results in highly eficient heating and clean burning meaning they are approved for use in smokecontrolled areas.

The 5kW Pioneer 400 model is so fueleficient it will burn only one kilo of wood an hour, stay in over-night, boil a kettle on the stove top, and is equally at home in a country cottage, modern coastal home or even a boat!

We have a selection of working Clearview stoves to view by arrangement within our home environment in Wells-next-the-sea and are happy to advise on the consultation, design and installation of your wood burning stove.

James Isaac Stoves, 07899 701356/ 01328 316120 www. jamesisaacstovesandchimneys.co.uk

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

Legal eagle It is commonly believed that parties who live together for any significant length of time gain similar legal rights to a married couple, but is this true? Daniel Sims, a Solicitor at Fraser Dawbarns LLP, considers the facts

M

ARRIED couples can make inancial claims against each other in the event of divorce and the courts have a range of powers in order to deal with these claims but the situation for unmarried couples is very different.

Even though there are over 3 million cohabiting couples in the UK, the law has not yet ‘caught up’ with the way society has changed. Currently, cohabitees have no automatic inancial claims upon their partners in the event of a relationship breakdown - there is no ‘common law’ spouse in the eyes of the law.

Unmarried couples have no claim against the other for maintenance or pension sharing, regardless of how long they have been together, or whether one was the breadwinner and the other raised the children.

This is where a Cohabitation Agreement can help. This allows unmarried couples to record their wishes and provides a framework for sorting out issues such as a shared mortgage and responsibility for debits if the relationship breaks down. The Agreement can also include clauses to protect assets owned by one party.

There is no guarantee that the Agreement will be completely legally binding and upheld in its entirety by a court, but they are becoming more common and usually carry more weight when the parties have received independent legal advice.

This article supplies general information, but it is not legal advice. We try to ensure that information provided is correct and to avoid statements which may mislead. However, no duty of care is assumed and no liability is accepted.

Fraser Dawbarns LLP, King’s Lynn 01553 666600 www.fraserdawbarns.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE REAL LIFE HEIR HUNTERS Many of you will have enjoyed TV shows like Heir Hunters, where long lost relatives receive a life changing inheritance from a distant relative they were not even aware of, but this is rarely the reality, says Amy Pettitt, Associate Solicitor at Fraser Dawbarns LLP.

W

hat really happens to an estate when somebody dies without leaving a Will depends on the family that the deceased left behind. In a case where the deceased did not leave a Will, solicitors look to the Intestacy Rules. These rules determine how the estate will be divided according to a strict formula based on the family tree. This is fairly straightforward when there is a surviving member of their immediate family. This can include spouses, children, siblings or even parents but the process becomes much more dificult when there is no immediate surviving family.

have to trace the aunts and uncles on both sides of her family. With the help of Heir Hunters, we discovered that she had eight aunts who had all died before her, but who had left children of their own (the deceased’s cousins). Some of the cousins had also died before her again leaving children of their own (the deceased’s second cousins). The Intestacy Rules require her estate to be split into eight equal parts with each part passing to the children and/or grandchildren of the deceased’s aunts.

so easily avoided if the deceased had made a Will. It is unclear why she didn’t make a Will, it is possible she thought that she didn’t have enough to need one. However, if she had made a Will she could have left what she did have to a few people that she really cared about rather than having it divided between a lot of people that she didn’t even know.

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is The family tree is vast. So far we have correct at the date of publication and managed to identify 70 beneiciaries, to avoid any statement which may many of whom had never met or even mislead. However, no duty of care That is when we need to call in the real heard of the deceased. It is now over is assumed to any person and no life Heir Hunters. Understandably, this 10 years since the deceased died and liability is accepted for any omission is less glamorous than when it is shown nobody has yet received a penny from her or inaccuracy. Always seek our speciic on TV, but what really happens? In my estate because we have still not been able advice. Fraser Dawbarns LLP are always experience it is a long, frustrating and to trace all of the beneiciaries and we happy to provide such advice. expensive process, as well as potentially can’t pay out until we have. There will not upsetting or disappointing for the be much left for any of the beneiciaries Amy is based at Fraser Dawbarns beneiciaries. It is almost certainly not as the estate was only worth £20,000 LLP’s Wisbech ofice. how the deceased would have wanted and most of this will go towards the cost their estate to be administered. of tracing the beneiciaries. So these beneiciaries will not be getting the nice In a recent example, the deceased was surprise that we see on television. an only child, both of her parents had died, she had never married and she Surely this is not what the deceased Fraser Dawbarns 21 Tuesday Market Place, Kin had no children. In such a case, we next would have wanted. It could have been gs Lynn, PE30 1JW 01553 666600; info@frase rdawbarns.com or visit www.fraserdawbar ns.com

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Food & Drink

Season’s eatings

TOP TIP

With local chef Atalanta Keirle

Smoky braised beef chilli T

HIS recipe was developed as a result of my husband’s mince “phobia”. It’s my twist on the classic chilli con carne and by slow cooking the beef for hours it results in a delicious smoky chilli that is perfect for cold evenings. It also freezes well.

I like serving this with grated cheddar, dollops of sour cream and guacamole and either crispy tortilla or corn bread. Local bakery Krusty Loaf do a great corn bread which is stocked in many local farm shops and delis.

Ingredients (serves 6-8) • 75g salted butter • 2 large chopped onions • 4 chopped garlic cloves • 1kg stewing steak cut into 2cm chunks • 1 heaped tsp each of chilli powder, ground cumin and cinnamon • 2 tbsp tomato puree • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 4 tbsp black treacle • 2 x 400g kidney beans, drained • 500ml beef or chicken stock • 1 shot of The Norfolk Malt ‘n’ Rye Single Grain Whisky (optional) • salt and pepper Method 1 Preheat your oven to 110C 2 Melt the butter over medium heat on the hob in a large casserole dish, and cook the garlic and onions for ive minutes, stirring until soft.

Try serving with pickles by Norwich based Le Digestif (info.ledigestif@gmail.com), whose handmade sauerkrauts and kimchi I discovered at the North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival at Holkham in September.

They’re available at the Creake Abbey and Bayield monthly farmers’ markets. They’re also stocked at The Norfolk Deli in Hunstanton, 01485 535540 www.norfolk-deli.co.uk

Remove from the pan.

3 Brown the beef well in batches, adding a bit of oil to prevent burning. Return the onions and garlic to the pan and mix it all together with the three spices.

4 Add tomato puree and chopped tomatoes, bring to the boil and turn down to a simmer. Stir in the treacle, whisky (if using), beans, stock and salt and pepper.

5 Cover with a tight-itting lid and put in the oven for an hour, then check seasoning and adjust if necessary.

6 Cook for up to six more hours, stirring occasionally and adding more stock if necessary.

7 The beef should be soft with a delicious rich sauce.

KITCHEN KIT With Christmas around the corner I like to get ahead and freeze tasty stews and soups ready for the masses. If you need a little help, try the Bhaji Man, who is based in Norwich. His mouth-watering curry kits have step-by-step instructions, separate spice packets and a shopping list, enabling you to create a foolproof, homemade and authentic curry from your kitchen. All kits are gluten free and are available from some farm shops, delis and online at www.bhajiman.co.uk

I

N preparation for the festive onslaught I’ve been making delicious juices and smoothies using local fruit, veg and herbs. Even my girls are loving them!

TWO TO TRY

EATING OUT As a family we love Sunday lunch at The Duck Inn in Stanhoe. Their consistently delicious food and wonderful staff make it a irm favourite for many, but Sunday lunch goes to another level, ensuring you don’t need to eat again for a while!

I particularly love the fact that the roast comes served with caulilower cheese in a teacup (pictured).

Booking is essential, 01485 518330 www.duckinn.co.uk

NORFOLK CORDIAL WITH SPARKLING WATER My favourite of the moment is Rhubarb, Orange and Ginger, delicious with some orange or tangerine zest added to it for a festive non-alcoholic treat. Available at www.norfolkcordial.com and many local delis and farm shops.

DURATION BEER My husband is very excited by this new craft brewery in West Acre now selling its irst beers online, ‘Turtles All The Way Down’, an American Pale, and ‘Bet the Farm’ a Continental Pale. shop.durationbeer.com

You can follow Atalanta on Instagram @feastnorfolk

NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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A pub with real character

Humble Pie Delicatessen 28 Market Place, Burnham Market Above Gurneys info@humblepiedeli.co.uk 01328 738 581 OPENING HOURS: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm 60

Enjoy hearty food made from local produce.

Renowned for pies and puddings, real ales and ine wines.

Private parties welcome. Book now for Christmas!

Christmas party menu available from 1st – 30th December (excluding 25th) 2 courses for £20 or 3 for £25, all dietary requirements catered for.

he hree Horseshoes 69 The Street, Warham NR23 1NL 01328710547 www.warhamhorseshoes.co.uk

Food & Drink

ON THE (BUTCHER’S) BLOCK

HOT STUFF

PARTY TIME!

Creake Abbey Café & Food Hall in North Creake is a go-to gourmet destination, with its array of regional produce, deli items and cheeses.

Now there’s even more reason to visit thanks to a new addition - award-winning butcher Arthur Howell, whose locally-sourced meat and game will now be sold there seven days a week. (Pictured: Creake Abbey Café & Food Hall owner Diana Brocklebank Scott and Arthur Howell).

01328 730399, www.creakeabbey.co.uk

Due to demand, The Three Horseshoes in Warham will be continuing its series of kitchen takeovers, which take place on the last Wednesday of every month. Next up is curry night on Wednesday 28 November, followed by a Thai-themed evening on Wednesday 30 January, both cooked by Justin Unsworth, the man behind food truck The Cabin Norfolk. 6 to 9pm; booking is recommended.

01328 710547, www.warhamhorseshoes.co.uk

Add pizzazz to your Christmas with a festive get-together at The King William IV Country Inn & Restaurant in Sedgeford. This cosy venue is offering two- and three-course Pre-Christmas Party menus from £18.95 to £23.95 per person, including crackers, for up to 60 guests. Head Chef Chris Marshall has worked his culinary magic to create dishes brimming with flavour and unique local tastes; alongside a variety of traditional choices, diners can enjoy warming parsnip and thyme soup, slow-roasted pork belly and delectable crème brûlée, with tasty vegetarian options also available. The pub has nine luxury en-suite rooms, making it the perfect spot if you fancy staying over.

01485 571765, www.thekingwilliamsedgeford.co.uk

Season’s Greetings

The festivities will be in full swing at the King’s Head in Letheringsett this yuletide. As well as a Christmas party menu (two courses £26 per person, three courses £32pp), they’ll also be doing a five-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and a festive drink (£65pp), Boxing Day lunch, as well as a New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day lunch - the perfect way to see in 2019.

01263 712691, www.kingsheadnorfolk.co.uk

Food News FUN AND GAMES

Head down to The Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe on Friday 30 November at 9pm, where comedians Cerys Nelmes, Dan Thomas and Michael Legge will you have you in stitches at the ‘A Jolly Good Laugh’ comedy night. Tickets, available to buy at the bar, are £12 with £2 from each sale going to local charity West Norfolk Mind.

01485 210314, www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk

A Festive Feast Join Galton Blackiston, owner and chef patron of Morston Hall, at his half-day cookery demonstration ‘Christmas on our minds’ on Tuesday 11 December. The event, which takes place at the Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant, kicks off at 10am with coffee and homemade biscuits, before drawing to a close at 2pm, after a light lunch of the dishes prepared and a glass of wine. £90 per person.

01263 741041, www.morstonhall.com

Corner The Market

Stock up for the holiday season at the monthly Bayfield Farmers Market in Glandford on Saturday 15 December (9am to 1pm). Alongside all the usual local, handmade produce, Rutlands will be offering turkeys, geese and sausages, plus there’ll be Christmas puddings, cakes, and more. @BayfieldFarmersmarketnorfolk King’s Head in Letheringsett NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Food & Drink

Entering into the spirit of things From tantalizing twists on the G&T to the ever-popular Espresso Martini, Harriet Cooper raises a glass to North Norfolk’s cocktail scene. Cheers!

HAPPY HOUR

Here’s where to kick off your festive celebrations No Twenty9, Burnham Market Order… The Dirty Banana, a fruity combination of Banana Bols, Glen’s White Rum, Monin coconut syrup, pineapple juice and fresh lime.

01328 738498, www.number-29.com

Dirty Banana, No Twenty9

Titchwell Manor, Titchwell Order… The Eric-spresso (named after head chef and owner Eric Snaith), a mix of espresso, Kahlua, Grey Goose and Creme de Cacao.

01485 210221, www.titchwellmanor.com

© Season

ITH Christmas fast approaching, what better excuse to let the good times flow than with a moreish Margarita or a wickedly delicious Whisky Sour. Cocktail culture is stronger than ever, with bartenders (aka mixologists) shaking, stirring and blending appetizing - and inventive - alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions, not least across the bars, pubs and restaurants of North Norfolk.

“The cocktail is something a little different and showcases the skills of a mixologist, who gets a free hand to put his or her twist on the classics, as well as creating new cocktails,” says Tim Roberts, owner of No. Twenty9 in Burnham Market.

“We offer the old favourites and a weekly cocktail, which our mixologists create.”

“Cocktails offer a great variety,” continues Rachael Parke, Manager of Season in Wells-next-the-Sea, who has been working on festive drinks recipes with such flavours as Black Forest, Apple Pie and Chocolate Orange. “Most people can find a perfect cocktail for their mood. They also offer a social aspect to drinking out and can be a good conversation starter at the bar.”

Many drinking establishments serve the classics and some, like The Hoste, even have their own specialist gin menus, perfect for creating that perennial favourite - the gin and tonic.

That said, there’s also a move towards using locallyproduced, sometimes quirky, ingredients to create more unusual drinks. “I try to use local, seasonal ingredients in my cocktails to reflect what Norfolk has to offer,” says Phil Liddell, mixologist at Titchwell Manor, which currently has a limited edition cocktail menu to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

“We often add a seasonal cocktail to the menu, using produce such as rhubarb, elderflower or strawberry mixed with sparkling French wine,” agrees Holly Minns, owner of North Street Bistro in Burnham Market.

And let’s not forget the mocktail - these days you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to grown-up, non-alcoholic drinks.

“One of our most popular mocktails is Seedlip,” says Natalie Stuhler, Operations Director at Socius in Burnham Market.

“We use the Seedlip Garden. We simply serve it with tonic, cucumber and thyme, and it’s a deliciously refreshing nonalcoholic alternative to gin.”

W

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

The Hoste, Burnham Market Order… A Black Shuck Norfolk Gin, which combines traditional botanicals with Norfolk lavender and sea buckthorn - mix it with a FeverTree tonic.

01328 738777, thehoste.com Season, Wells-next-the-Sea Order… The Naughty Nelson, which includes Nelson’s Gold caramelised vodka made with Norfolk barley and sugar beet.

01328 807034, www.seasoninwells.co.uk North Street Bistro, Burnham Market Order… One of their Kirs (they add peche, framboise or cassis) is perfect as an aperitif or digestif.

01328 730330, www.20northstreet.co.uk

© Socius

The Duck Inn, Stanhoe Order… The Aspall Cider Mimosa (see barman Harry’s recipe below).

01485 518330, www.duckinn.co.uk Socius, Burnham Market Order… The Apple, Elderflower and Mint Martini, made using local Norfolk apple juice, elderflower cordial, fresh mint and Adnams East Coast Vodka.

01328 738307, www.sociusnorfolk.co.uk

THE DUCK INN’S ASPALL CIDER MIMOSA (Per glass) • 75ml Ayala Champagne • 50ml Aspall Suffolk cider • 2 tsp sugar • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • A splash of local cloudy apple juice On a small plate, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Dip the Champagne flute in water to wet the rim, then dip it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour the cider into the flute, then top up with Champagne and a splash of the apple juice.

© Socius

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Food & Drink

Season of goodwill...

AND GOOD FOOD Who better to share their Christmas culinary know-how than some of North Norfolk’s leading chefs, foodies and producers? Harriet Cooper asks for their festive feast secrets

THE CHEF Kieran Aubrey, Sous Chef at The Feathers Hotel, Holt Christmas is a chance for everyone to come together and food is always a great centre point - I don’t like to stray too far away from the traditional roast. It’s everyone’s favourite - I aim to please! A little top tip for keeping your turkey nice and moist is to apply butter under the skin as this crisps the skin up a treat.

Brussel sprouts... you either love them or loathe them, but one of my favourite ways to prepare them is to slice them up and gently fry them with a little smoked bacon until crisp. Keeping things simple with great flavours is key.

Most vegetables can be prepared well in advance. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen whilst everyone else is enjoying themselves. For a stress-free Christmas, have a plan of action and stick to it.

01263 712318, www.thefeathershotel.com

THE DELI OWNER Mark Kacary, Norfolk Deli, Hunstanton Christmas is always a family affair. Bucks fizz breakfast, opening of presents and then a whole load of us joining in preparing lunch. That’s one of the advantages when you’re a family of foodies, we all like to cook.

We’ve tried doing something different in the past, like a goose, but that idea started a minor riot, so we now stick to turkey, usually with all the trimmings. When it’s cooked well, can you really beat a traditional Christmas lunch?

Owning a deli, we’re fortunate to have a good selection of East Anglian wines, spirits and ales to choose from. We’ll make cocktails with Boadicea’s Winter Gin and have Flint Vineyard’s Sparkling Rosé at lunch. To go with our Norfolk cheeses, we’ll drink St Elvan Norfolk Amber, a traditional mead, or some Ice Cider from Harleston Cider Co, a great alternative to port.

01485 535540, www.norfolk-deli.co.uk

THE CHEESE EXPERT Peter Bone, Creake Abbey Café & Food Hall The traditional Christmas blue is Stilton; at Creake Abbey, ours is matured and very creamy. I’d serve it at the end of the festive meal with biscuits and a good glass of red wine or port. If you’re having it at a party, it works well on a slice of sourdough.

When buying your cheese, you don’t want any that looks dried around the edges; nor do you want a blue cheese that’s not blue to the edge of the rind, as this means it’s too young and not ripe enough.

Cheese makes a great gift - we’ve got Norfolk White Lady from Wymondham, Catherine Temple’s Baby Binham Blues, Copy’s Cloud and Gurney Golds. One of our homemade festive chutneys with the cheese and maybe a packet of oatcakes would make a nice little present.

01328 730399, www.creakeabbeycafe.com

THE BUTCHER Arthur Howell, Wells-next-theSea and Creake Abbey Café & Food Hall I normally have the full Christmas lunch with turkey and the works. I cook my turkey 15 minutes to every pound in an Aga; I normally turn it upside down for the first three quarters of its cooking time and then for the last quarter, I turn it upright.

Use a probe to make sure the turkey has reached 75C in the meatiest part of the bird.

Personally I like a really big breasted turkey, rather than a very narrow one. Go for a pound per person if you’re using it for one day. If you want a little extra for Boxing Day then a pound and a half per person.

I am also partial to an oak- or beech-smoked ham, which I boil and then roast for the last bit.

When it comes to geese, there’s an old adage that a goose is too big for four and not big enough for six. Personally, I find there isn’t a lot of meat on a goose - if there are several of you, you’re probably better to go for a turkey or a large chicken.

01328 710228, www.arthurhowell.com NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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Food & Drink THE CHARCUTIER Lisa Wheeler, Norfolk Charcuterie, Burnham Thorpe Charcuterie is so versatile - continental breakfast, starter, platter, cheese partner, stocking iller… the possibilities are endless.

Last year, though we’re pretty traditional and always include a bird and a ham for our Christmas meal, we had igs stuffed with Coppa with our pre-dinner drinks.

Being an ambient product, charcuterie is a great standby for feeding unexpected guests or taking as a gift. This year I’m making two new products for the festive season: Holkham pheasant and walnut salami, and Sandringham partridge with ig salami. Game is a massively underrated ingredient and is abundant during the winter.

We are incredibly lucky as a county to have amazing local wine, cheese and chutney producers. To make a simple festive meal, grab your favourites at a local farmers’ market, alongside some British charcuterie, and make up a huge sharing platter with a glass of something lovely and fresh bread.

07742 492436, www.norfolkcharcuterie.co.uk

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP Delicious edibles, festive tableware and essentials for cooks… the perfect gifts for the foodie in your life

BASKET CASE Thornham Deli do pretty ready-made and bespoke hampers, including the Norfolk Hamper which contains local ales, tea, honey and granola. £35.

Thornham Deli, Thornham 01485 512194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk

GO NUTS We’re loving Izzi Rainey’s new fun and festive Nutcracker design, especially on their oven gloves (£28, pictured) and oven gauntlet (£22). www.izzirainey.com

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED Drink a toast to the new year with these stylish, goldrimmed Martini glasses. £8 each.

Interior Deli, Bayield Hall 01263 715538 www.bayieldhallantiques.com

THE DELI OWNER Holland Thomson, Humble Pie, Burnham Market We are hosting a family Christmas this year, which will involve a lot of food and drink! We tend to go traditional, too many side dishes and a good bit of meat.

For something a little different, one pot dishes are a great option at Christmas. A pork belly slow-braised in shaoxing wine, soy sauce and palm sugar, or a cassoulet made with delicious Brindisa cooking chorizo, Navarrico butter beans, or a conit duck leg.

Or why not get the taste buds geared up with a curry?

For Christmas Day, a good ready-made stufing will save you time. Humble Pie’s will feature shitake mushrooms and cranberries steeped in wine. During the festive season, when everyone is busy, it’s a great idea to have a few frozen meals tucked away, which you can just pop in the oven. We’ve recently introduced a great new range made in-house, including Beef Lasagne, Cottage Pie, Indian Butter Chicken and Slow Roast Teriyaki Pork Belly.

01328 738581 Facebook: @humblepiedeli

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

COCKTAIL HOUR This snazzy stainless steel cocktail shaker, complete with built-in strainer, can only mean one thing… Margarita time! £24.95.

The Barn at Artemis, Cley 01263 741674 www.thebarnatartemis.co.uk

FESTIVE FLAME These Susie Watson Design hand-painted dinner candles will add seasonal cheer to any gathering.

From £3.95 each.

Tatty Tides, Holt 01263 711505 www.tattytides.co.uk

CHEERS! Every ale lover will appreciate a gift box of Barsham Brewery’s traditional craft beer, brewed from locallygrown barley. £3.19 RRP for a single bottle, £10 RRP for three bottles.

Barsham Brewery, West Barsham 01328 864459, www.barshambrewery.co.uk

TOUCH WOOD Entertain friends tapas-style with this handmade Norfolk oak board (£59) and these pretty dishes (£2.95 each).

Joyful Living, Drove Orchards, Thornham 01485 525714 www.joyfulliving.co.uk

HAPPY BUNNY Brighten up your Christmas table with these Winter Hare placemats by Andrew Haslen. £12.95 each.

Red Hare Publishing, Cley 01263 740947 www.redharepublishing.co.uk

THE NORTH NORFOLK

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“Daniel and his team always work with meticulous attention to detail.

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What’s on

LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN! Diaries at the ready for a fun-packed season, with festive fairs and activities galore

FAIR DOS THE NORFOLK CHRISTMAS FAIR Browse the wares of over 30 of the region’s best designers, traders and artisans at this annual event, being held this year at Godwick Great Barn, Tittleshall. Expect to see goodies including organic cosmetics, stationery, clothing, homewares and jewellery. Entry £5. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Thornage Hall.

When: Thursday 22 November, 9am-3pm. www.thornagehall.co.uk/our-events/ CREAKE ABBEY CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR Get set for the biggest gift fair yet at Creake Abbey, North Creake, with over 60 stands including festive wreaths and decorations, local artisan food and drink, jewellery, sculpture and crafts. Browse the Courtyard Shops and enjoy a pit stop in the Creake Abbey Café.

When: Saturday 24 November, 10am-3pm. www.creakeabbey.co.uk

THORNHAM WINTER GIFT FAIR More than 20 stall holders will be joining the BagLadies of Thornham for the annual Winter Gift Fair at Thornham Village Hall. There’ll be lots of Christmas shopping opportunities with stalls selling jewellery, household gifts, chocolates, candles, Christmas wreaths and more, including refreshments!

When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November, 10am-4pm. www.thornhamvillagehall.co.uk PENSTHORPE CHRISTMAS MARKET Head to Pensthorpe Natural Park for pop-up food, drink and craft stalls, plus live music and the switch on of the Pensthorpe Christmas lights.

When: Sunday 25 November, 10am-4pm. www.pensthorpe.com Creake Abbey Gift Fair

Sophies Ribbons will be at The Norfolk Christmas Fair

in aid of The Norfolk Hospice.

When: Wednesday 5 to Monday 17 December, 10am-4pm. Closed on 11 December. www.norfolkcreativearts.co.uk WINTER MARKET AT WELLS MALTINGS This new festive fair will feature East Anglian arts and crafts, seasonal food and drink, live music, a charity book and bauble stall, tombola and lots more. Fortify yourself with a glass of mulled wine, and sing along to carols.

When: Saturday 8 December 10am-5pm and Sunday 9 December 11am-4pm. www.wellsmaltings.org.uk THE COASTAL FESTIVE FAIR Browse homewares, gifts and treats from local businesses at this new event at Brancaster Staithe Village Hall, including food, children’s clothing, and festive floral decorations. There’ll even be a champagne cart to get you in the Christmas spirit!

When: Saturday 15 December, 10am-4pm. www.mimiemmettengland.com

BLAKENEY CHRISTMAS MARKET Stalls with great gift ideas and refreshments at St Nicholas Church, Blakeney, raising funds for Blakeney VA Primary School.

When: Saturday 24 November, 10am-4pm.

THE NORFOLK HOSPICE FESTIVE FAIR This annual event at The Norfolk Hospice in Hillington includes craft stalls, jewellery, foodie treats, knitted goods, stationery and Hospice Christmas cards.

When: Saturday 24 November, 11am-2pm. www.norfolkhospice.org.uk

DEEPDALE CHRISTMAS MARKET Now in its 10th year, there’ll be over 130 stalls offering gifts, decorations, food and drink, plus there will be entertainment to enjoy throughout the weekend.

When: Friday 30 November, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December, 10am-5pm. www.deepdalechristmasmarket.co.uk CHRISTMAS POP UP SHOP Norfolk Creative Arts in Grimston will be showcasing artists, makers and traders from the eastern area. There’s also a café on site. Donations

HOLKHAM FESTIVE FOOD FAIR Stock up on produce from local and regional producers, from wines and gins to chocolate, cheeses and chutneys in the Lady Elizabeth Wing, and tick a few gifts off your list! There will also be a cookery theatre with a difference, with demonstrations from local chefs.

When: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December, 10am-4pm. www.holkham.co.uk CHRISTMAS FARMERS’ MARKET As well as their usual Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of the month, Creake Abbey will be hosting an extra market in December, with over 45 of their regular stalls plus special attendees, including The Norfolk Oystermen. There’ll also be wreaths, trees, decorations and gifts.

When: Saturday 22 December, 9.30am-1pm. www.creakeabbey.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

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What’s on

LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN! Diaries at the ready for a fun-packed season, with festive fairs and activities galore

THE GREAT OUTDOORS A WINTER’S TAIL This festive family event at Pensthorpe Natural Park will feature a winter-inspired self-guided trail through the reserve and craft activities.

Learn about creatures who hibernate, those who adapt to the cold and others who migrate to warmer climes. Included in admission price.

When: Wednesday 19 December 2018 to Wednesday 2 January 2019. www.pensthorpe.com © Holkham Estate

LIGHTING UP TIME ALL LIT UP Be sure to check out the pretty twinkling Christmas lights in Holt and Burnham Market. Switch on in Holt is on Wednesday 14 November, with the festivities beginning around 5pm. Head to Burnham Market for a day of seasonal fun on Saturday 17 November, with a Christmas market from 10am, world food stalls from noon, and the big switch on. www.holtchristmaslights.org; www.burnham. market HUNSTANTON CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM The organisers have applied for this year to be a Guinness World Record for ‘the most people swimming in fancy dress’, so they need as many people to join in as possible, in fancy dress. Visit Hunstanton Round Table’s website www.hunstanton615.wordpress.com to download your sponsorship form and register at the Oasis Leisure Centre on the day.

When: Tuesday 25 December, 10am.

CROMER NEW YEAR’S DAY FIREWORKS Start 2019 with a whizz, bang, pop at this annual display on Cromer Pier. And if your resolution is to be more active, the North Norfolk Beach Runners will be hosting a family fun run on the promenade at 3pm (registration from 2.30pm at the Pier Forecourt).

When: Tuesday 1 January 2019, fireworks from 5pm. www.cromer-tc.gov.uk

© Robert Hubbard, competition winner, sponsored by Titanium Fireworks

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NORTH NORFOLK LIVING WINTER 2018

CANDLELIGHT TOURS Get booking for this magical tour round state rooms of Holkham Hall, which are bedecked

IT’S SHOW TIME!

The Cromer Pier Christmas Show Press Day, 2017

THE CROMER PIER CHRISTMAS SHOW Now in its 14th year, this show is packed with festive fun and sparkle. Norfolk entertainer Olly Day will be joined by Mark James who combines comedy, sleight of hand magic, juggling and other vaudevillian skills, vocalist Harvey James, classical soprano Fiona Jessica Wilson, the Seaside Special Dancers and the little stars from Marlenes School of Dance. Ticket prices from £15 adult, and £10 for under 16s. Family ticket (two plus two) £55. Box Office 01263 512495 or www.cromerpier.co.uk When: Saturday 24 November to Sunday 30 December, 2.30pm or 7.30pm.

each year with show-stopping decorations.

Booking is essential. Adult £20, child £12.

When: selected dates and times from Thursday 29 November to Monday 17 December. www.holkham.co.uk DECK THE HALLS This year, the gardens at Blickling Hall will be decorated with 19,000 lights, and they’ll be staying open until 6.30pm so you can enjoy the full effect! Enter via the famous tree-lined driveway before exploring the house in its festive splendour. Standard admission applies.

Entry to the house requires a timed ticket.

When: Saturday 1 to Friday 21 December, 10.30am-6.30pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling

PANTO TIME! The Briston Players will be performing Snow White and The Seven Dorks at The Copeman Centre Village Hall, Briston. Adult tickets £6, child £3, family ticket £16. Book via 07500 047732 or tbpboxoffice@gmail.com When: Friday 30 November, 7.30pm; Saturday 1 December 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday 2 December 2.30pm.

THE BIG BAND AT CHRISTMAS Sing along to festive favourites given the big band treatment by the Five Star Swing, at The Auden Theatre in Holt, with all the classics including Santa Baby, White Christmas and Jingle Bells.

Tickets £19; £17 concessions. Box Office 01263 713444, or www.audentheatre.co.uk When: Sunday 16 December, 7.30pm.

THE CHRISTMASSY CHRISTMAS SHOW Or to give it its full title, The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness, presented

by Squashbox at Wells Maltings, will celebrate all things festive, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes, to crackers, carols, presents and puddings. Adult £10, child £6. Box Office 01328 839000 or www.wellsmaltings.org.uk When: Wednesday 19 December, 6.30pm.

ET Laid-back luxury holiday cottages in Nor th Norfolk

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If you’re interested in maximising the potential of your property we would love to hear from you! With competitive rates, absolutely no restrictions and no joining fees, we understand that letting your home should be as enjoyable for you as it is for our guests.

Spend the festive season in North Norfolk

Plan ahead and book your 2019 break today

Take advantage of short breaks and long weekend stays

Barefoot Retreats,Church House, Overy Road, Bur nham Market, Kings Lynn, PE31 8HH 01485 512245 • www.barefootretreats.co.uk

GIFT GUIDE No Filter Pocket Mirror: £9

Nice Things Lateral Zipper Tote: £69

Tassel Pencil Pouch: £11

Converse: £18 / Lobster: £8.50

Roe Deer Antler Mount: £22

Medium Blue Jellyfish Paperweight: £22

Astrid Jumper: £79

70’s Style Tea Pot: £28

Little Starfish Studs: £19

Under The Big Top Dress: £75

Nice Things Cross Body Tassel Bag: £76

Leather Flat Bootie: £143

Paddywax, Glee Festive Candles: £21

Holkham: Main Road, NR23 1AD T. 01328 713093

Wells-next-the-sea: 17–19 Staithe Street, NR23 1AG T. 01328 712282

70’s Extra Large Mug: £11

Large Metal Whale: £86 / £60

Lambswool Men’s Lobster Socks: £21 Deepdale: The Old Granary, Deepdale, PE31 8FB T. 01485 210628

Large Fish Box: £38 Open: 10:30am – 4:00pm bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk nomadandthebowerbird.co.uk