Places&Faces 143 - October 2022

AUTUMN / WINTER

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OCTOBER'S PLACES&FACES®

It has

been several weeks since the State funeral for our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and for me it still hasn’t quite sunk in. As with every passing it is the little reminders which are the hardest to overcome. The singing of the national anthem will be of special significance for me personally. After being ever present for so long it will take a long time to adjust.

It was wonderful to see the nation come together for such fitting tributes and especially closer to home with the sea of flowers laid at the gates of her beloved Sandringham. Christmas is such a magical time of year and made even more so with the notion that the Queen is in residence in Norfolk. This year will certainly be different, especially when we have the King’s speech.

It is worth remembering that many of us around the area are experiencing the devastating effects from the loss of a loved one and it is worth remembering that, however challenging it may be, seeking help is incredibly important. There are plenty of groups throughout Norfolk and Suffolk who can offer help and support; even if it is just to have someone listen.

Andrew Hirst EDITOR

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Copyright on all content is with Countrywide Publications. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were correct at the time of print, and you are encouraged to contact the businesses and venues prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the Publisher including contributors. Places&Faces® is a registered Trade Mark of Micropress Printers Ltd. COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS IS A TRADING NAME OF MICROPRESS PRINTERS LTD.

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CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Hirst, Jade Soanes, Mel Cook, Polly Coleman, Rachel Gilbert, Chantel Heath, Tom Strowlger, Adam Gunton, Emily Sparkes, Sarah Hardy, Francesca Armour-Chelu, Charlie Smith-Knight, Melissa Speakman and Atlas the Dog

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IN Staying

What's on? Best of

Best Dramas

with Adam Gunton

As the evenings draw in, our nights would be well spent snuggled up on the sofa with a drink, some snacks and getting lost in some stories. I’ve selected what I think are some of the best original shows on Netflix. If they’ve been sitting on your watch list for a while it’s time to take the plunge and get caught up!

Best Comedies

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

From 30 Rock’s Tina Fey comes a show so weird and wonderful - Kimmy spent years trapped in a bunker and is now living her best quirky life in New York having zany adventures.

The Good Place

Who would have thought a show that focuses on death and philosophy could be this funny? A complete gem that’s as though-provoking as it is hilarious. Ted Danson is on top form as heaven architecht Michael.

Arrested Development

I’m cheating here - this show found a new home on Netflix after season three. It’s comedy gold with jokes planted seasons earlier paying off in spades and delivered by a five star cast. It’s worth a watch for Jessica Walter alone. “I don’t criticise you, and if you’re worried about criticism, sometimes a diet is the best defense.”

Best Reality Show

Queer Eye

More than just a make-over show; the Fab 5 help well deserving people become their best selves from the ground up. It’s powerful, honest and up-lifting. Brace yourself; even the cold-hearted can’t help but shed tears watching this show!

Mindhunter

Created by Gone Girl’s David Fincher, this series set in the late seventies has two FBI agents interview serial killers in an attempt to solve open cases. Tense and addictive.

Better Call Saul

This is the spin-off to Breaking Bad and many consider it to be the better series, which is high praise indeed. We watch the journey of Jimmy McGill as he becomes crooked lawyer; Saul Goodman.

YOU

Joe thinks he’s a hopeless romantic. He’s actually a twisted, psyopath who beceomes obsessed with and stalks women. A horribly likeable lead makes for an engaging story.

American Vandal

This crime mockumentary is so good and so well made, it had many believe it was real. Two teenage filmmakers try to find the true culprit of some “phallic” graffiti.

Ozark

Jason Bateman and Laura Linney effortlessly play against type as a family trying to find their way out of money laundering for a seriously dangerous criminal.

Best Period Pieces

The Crown

The history of the Royal Family, told with some creative license.It follows all the big events in the Queen’s life and is likely to be high on people’s watch list following her sad passing.

Bridgerton

The classic period style genre gets a much needed modern refresh. This show stars a diverse cast and it’s full of drama, lust and intrigue. Pride and Predjudice dialled to eleven

Godless

A murderous out-law leader hunts his ex-protégé who has found refuge in a town, which after a mining disaster, is almost entirely inhabited by women.

Best Scares

What's on?

Staying

IN

Stranger Things

The popularity of this show is well deserved. The quiet town of Hawkins is propelled into mystery when a young boy goes missing. It’s up to his friends and a strange girl with powers to find him.

The Haunting of Hill House

Hill House left a family traumatised after a paranormal encounter. Now the children are grown up and have to deal with the ghosts of their past. Terrifyingly well made.

Best Foreign Languages

Best Feel-Good

Squid Game

Everyone was talking about this. Hundreds of people desperate for money to help rebuild their lives, compete for a huge amount of cash in games that sound simple but could cost them their lives.

Dark

A feat of storytelling that hooks you. This supernatural drama, set in a German town, kicks off when two young children disappear, causing the relationships between four families to be exposed.

Best Comedy Dramas

GLOW

Based on a true story, this hilarious and uplifting show is about a group of women who perform as wrestlers during the 1980s. Alison Brie and Marc Maron lead a five star cast.

Afterlife

Ricky Gervais plays a widower sturggling to live once his soul-mate has passed away. A heartbreaking and honest portryal of grief that still brings the classic Gervais humour.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

A special revival; these four feature-length episodes follow the Gilmore Girls as they reach new stages of their lives. The wit and charm of this extended cast will make you dream of a home in Stars Hollow.

Best Fantasies

The Witcher

Based on the popular series of books, Henry Cavill plays Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter. This is like Game of Thrones but wihout the soap-opera drama. Pure fantasy fun with big action.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

A prequal to the 80’s classic. You’ll soon forget you’re watching puppets and find yourself enthralled by the story and characters, staring in disbelief at how they managed to craft this.

Best Animations

BoJack Horseman

BoJack is a washed up actor living in Hollywood. A show about a talking horse and other animals might seem strange but it wears its heart and soul on its sleeve and you’ll find yourself unexpectedly moved more than once.

Love Death + Robots

Master of None

Aziz Ansari, from Parks & Recreation created and starred in this series which addresses issues from race to dating in hilarious and refreshingly honest ways.

Russian Doll

Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia,a woman living in New York stuck in a death-loop. She dies and keeps returning to the same point. It’s full of dark humour and very addictive.

If you’re looking for something different then look no further. These short stories are strange and addictive and span all sorts of genres, while being beautifully animated.

october

nd

A magical spell has been cast this year with some exciting new activities. It’s time to make the most of your October half term by joining Dippy for the reopening of Weston-Smythe School of Dinosaurs and The Undead!

dinosaurs established in 1850

Going out What's on?

Norwich Theatre Royal

MAMMA MIA!

4-22 October

Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is irresistibly told through the timeless hits of ABBA. Every day’s a holiday at MAMMA MIA!, so have the time of your life at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical. Selected weekend performances can also take advantage of the Hosted Lounge experience.

The Black Blues Brothers

23 October

Join the energy of Africa with a rhythm and blues sound. Five extraordinary acrobats perform their comedy tribute to the cult movie The Blues Brothers. The surroundings become props for acrobatic feats in an elegant nightclub reminiscent of the Cotton Club. Expect breathtaking jumps, fire, somersault routines, human pyramids and much more.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

25-29 October

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller, which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected and lifechanging ways.

Anoushka Shankar and Manu Delago with Britten Sinfonia

30 October

Multi-Grammy-nominated sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar is steeped in the classical Indian tradition her father, Ravi Shankar, brought to a worldwide audience. Prepare for a hypnotic evening from some masterfully attuned musicians.

Norwich Theatre Playhouse

BORN TO EXIST: The woman I know 10 October

Born to Exist forms Joseph Toonga’s third part of his Nationally acclaimed Hip Hop Dance trilogy that invites change and a sense of overcoming stigmas society holds towards ethnic minorities. This third iteration is a response to Joseph’s personal experience of being solely brought up by black women.

Courtney Pine presents Spirituality featuring Zoe Rahman

11 October

The duo are once again reunited for a string of live shows to celebrate and debut brand new material from Courtney’s forthcoming album Spirituality, due for release in the autumn. This touring line up will feature Courtney back on bass clarinet, Zoe on grand piano and, this time, with the addition of a violin quartet for these very special shows.

Graham Cole: So you think you know me 15 October

Spend an evening with Graham Cole OBE, as he shares stories of his 50 years in film, TV and theatre. Graham is best known for his 25-year role as PC Tony Stamp in The Bill, but there is much more to Graham than just a bobby on the beat. Set against a backdrop of photographs and videos cataloguing the most memorable moments in Graham’s life, Graham will share tales from his star-studded career.

Isy Suttie: Jackpot

18 October

As seen as Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show, Isy Suttie returns to live stand-up. She asks whether it’s enough to try and find that buzz on mum’s weekends away or on family walks in the woods and why she continues to hunt for it at all costs.

Going out What's on?

Spontaneous Potter Kidz

29 October

Grab your wands, don your house robes, and apparate yourselves to the box office!

A very magical improv show awaits… The smash hit Spontaneous Potter Kidz is an entirely improvised wizarding comedy show based on your suggestions! Hilarity ensues as wizarding sketches and entirely new Potter stories are magically improvised on the spot.

Norwich Theatre Stage Two

Theatre Cares - A Life in Music

6 October (4 sessions)

An exciting new participatory programme for people living with mild to moderate dementia and their carers. All workshops will be very relaxed and set to a leisurely pace that will explore music in all its forms.

Chronicles of Atom and Luna

15-16 October

Sofie Hagen: Fat Jokes Tour 2022

20 October

Edinburgh comedy award winner Sofie Hagen presents Fat Jokes. A show bursting with big jokes and fat punchlines.

A Night with Drew Gasparini

22 October

For one night only, and exclusively here in Norwich, join US musical theatre composer and singer/songwriter Drew Gasparini for a very special performance of his songs. Drew will be joined by some of the workshop company of We Aren’t Kids Anymore, a musical adaptation of his semiautobiographical song-cycle currently in development with Norwich Theatre.

Graffiti Classics

24 October

16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and exhilarating for young and old alike. Graffiti Classics bursts the elitist boundaries of the traditional string quartet with its hilarious, all-singing, alldancing musical comedy show.

Gastronaut: Utterly Revolting Science Show

27 October

A funny, cheeky, thoroughly disgusting, but utterly scientific multimedia journey through the human body from head to bottom. The show explores what really happens to a mouthful of food after you’ve eaten it and visits lots of weird human quirks along the way.

Mark Thomas: Black and White

28 October

Expect creative fun from one of our oldest surviving alternative comics. Taking down politicians. Mucking about. New ideas and finding HOPE. This award-winning comedian asks how did we get here?

Our heroes, Atom and Luna (left home alone by their mother), are saved from starvation by the arrival of their magical childminder, Iffly Sney. And so begins Atom & Luna’s journey, an adventure that will change their lives forever.

Rise and Fall

25 October

A poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. Come and explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature, from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs.

The Ballad of Mulan

28 October

Woman. Warrior. Legend. Mulan, disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire for ten years, but now it is time to go home. The show shines a light on the real Chinese heroine that inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan

Little Boxes

29 October

A comedic and inspiring one-woman show written by and starring Joann Condon (Little Britain). Laugh and cry as Joann explores the boxes she has found herself in throughout life. Joann uses personal anecdotes to highlight assumptions and judgements made about her.

www.norwichtheatre.org

Going out

Royal Norfolk Show Charity Ball

Saturday 26 November

Norfolk Showground

It’s the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s biggest night of the year, and they want you to be there to celebrate the work of the RNAA Charity; Norfolk’s leading charity supporting food production, farming and the countryside; hosted by Karl Minns, part of the Nimmo Twins. On the evening they will be fundraising to enable grants and bursaries to be awarded to Norfolk’s aspiring farmers and producers for training, education and professional development by launching their Opportunities Fund. After enjoying a delicious three course meal by Brasted’s guests will dance into the evening with music from Night Train and there will be several fundraising initiatives on the night including a Charity Art Auction. The event is sponsored by Loveday & Partners.

Book your tickets at www.rnaa.org.uk

What's on?

Wild Oak Workshops

Autumn Wreathing Workshop

Wednesday 19 October | £65 per person

Afternoon Workshop: 1-3pm (Inc. Lunch) |

As we begin to witness the whisper of change and say ‘Hello’ to the magnificent riots of colour that Autumn dazzles us with join your host Katie and enjoy this Golden Season. Learn how to make a beautiful autumnal wreath centrepiece complete with candle, whilst enjoying delicious warming food in the wonderful ambience of Wittles Castle Acre.

Katie will guide you through the creative process of making a wreathed centrepiece. Creating with hedgerow harvested Autumnal coloured oak, silver birch, ivy and lichen covered twigs. Whilst creating your beautiful table decoration Katie will share with you

Evening Workshop: 5-7pm (Inc. Supper)

some lovely ideas of how to dress your table with treasures from the forest floor; including conkers and acorns. To bring an Autumnal glow you will leave with a scented candle to bring the scent of Autumn into your home.

Included in the workshop price will be the delicious seasonal inspired nibbles and refreshments created by Wittles Castle Acre. Enjoy a lunch or supper of home made autumnal soup, artisan bread, delicious sweet treats and a glass of Norfolk’s award winning Cobble Hill Wine.

Place your order by 5pm 12 October www.wildoakworkshops.com

John Lewis - Ipswich

Halloween Treasure Hunt

Throughout October

Visit John Lewis Ipswich throughout October and take part in their Halloween Treasure Hunt. Find all 9 spooky ghosts hidden around the store for a chance to win a Halloween goodie bag worth over £50.

All Things Baby Event

10 November, at 17:30

Join the John Lewis Ipswich Nursery team along with local experts at their All Things Baby Event. These prenatal sessions will include information on all you need to know to prepare for your new arrival and beyond. To reserve your free place email: filipa.silva@johnlewis.co.uk

About

Going out What's on?

Holkham Hall

Classical Music Rocks: Chamber Music 14 October

Al Murray: Gig for Victory

Regent Theatre, Ipswich

20 October

As the dust settles and we emerge blinking into the dawn of a new year, the men and women of this great country will need answers. Answers that they know they need, answers to questions they never knew existed.

And when that moment comes, who better to show the way, to provide those answers, than the people’s man of the people, the Pub Landlord? Steeped in the deep and ancient barroom wisdom of countless lock ins, the Pub Landlord is there to show the way. Wherever you are, he will - within sensible travel limits and theatre booking policy - come, offering people thirsty for common sense a full pint of the good stuff.

www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

PrimEvil

14-31 october

Get ready for 13 nights of terror with five terrifying haunts full of scares, street performing actors, bar, street food vendors and plenty of entertainment on what is their 13th year.

The haunts promise to entertain you with surprise rooms, obstacles, corridors and non-stop twists and turns and jumps around every corner! Form your scare squad and take on the challenge of Norfolk’s biggest and best scare attraction!

Gates open at 6pm, last entry is 9pm, park closes at 11pm.

www.primevil-scare.com

A beautiful selection of works for flute, cello and piano, performed by three international and captivating players. Klio Blonz – Flute, Rebecca Hepplewhite –Cello and Grace Mo – Piano. This event is celebrating Classical Music Rock’s sixth anniversary, a charity organisation which brings high calibre musicians into school settings and the wider community. CMR ‘s objective is to reach and inspire as many children as possible, making classical music accessible and appreciated by all.

Surrounded by the elegant harmony of the Marble Hall, the listener will be transported by the exquisite music of Haydn, Hummel, Telemann and Elgar, not to forget Louise Farrenc, one of the very few women composers who achieved such recognition during her time.

www.holkham.co.uk

October

The month where things may go bump in the night

This month it’s darker evenings, half term and Halloween to look forward to... says Melanie Cook of www.VisitNorwich.co.uk

The smell of damp hangs in the air, the streets eerily lit, and it’s unsettlingly quiet. As Norwich turns dark at the end of another busy day, Halloween is one of the biggest events of autumn and one that big and little kids alike love to celebrate.

For the first time Paul Dickson Tours brings us two dates to enjoy other people’s misery! Taking place on 29 and 31 October, join a Norwich On The Darkside walking tour (£7.50). Over 1 hour and 45 minutes, hear about Victorian murders and executions, grizzly tales of the plague and more. Paul explained; “The tour features a

range of stories from the darker side of Norwich’s history. You can hear about what happened when the Witchfinder General came calling, and when James Blomfield Rush went on trial for the murder of Isaac Jermy. Then there are the poor unfortunates who were burned to death at Lollards Pit and others who spent their last night in the Guildhall

“ Norwich Ghost Walks is the longestrunning show in East Anglia, a fact we are really proud of. This year we celebrate 25 years of our famous street theatre tours.

Norwich has a fascinating history, and it’s important to us to keep its stories alive and to enquire; is there more than meets the eye of some of the city’s

Norwich Ghost Walks celebrate 25 years of ghoulish storytelling this year. For a quarter of a century, they have been thrilling visitors with real-life stories of gruesome goings-on, mysterious visitations and tragic events from antiquity on their unique tours of Norwich.

undercroft and much more.”

Norwich Ghost Walks celebrate 25 years of ghoulish storytelling this year. For a quarter of a century, they have been thrilling visitors with real-life stories of gruesome goings-on, mysterious visitations and tragic events from antiquity on their unique tours of Norwich.

old buildings and cobbled streets? Our tours will take you to many famous places noted for their strange events. Experience, first-hand, the charm of this wonderful city, its beautiful buildings and its frightful history.

This year we have a new storyteller who has joined our team, meaning we

Victorian Wallpaper at Dragon Hall

are bringing back our annual Halloween Specials in Cow Tower Park which are always a lot of fun and quite scary!” The Silent Hand shared.

Witches are what legends are made of and Norwich – in fact East Anglia – has its fair share of stories. If you’re local to Norwich, you’ll probably know Fye Bridge where witches, prostitutes and nagging wives were put into the ducking stool in the early 1600’s.

East Anglia for many, many years was known for witches and the hunting of witches, due to the fame of Suffolk born self-proclaimed Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. Hopkins was responsible for seeking out and executing witches, both male and female, between 1644 – 1647. Using illegal methods for testing the accused witches such as ‘The Swimming Test’ (similar to the ducking stool but with death the inevitable outcome) and sleep deprivation. He could have been responsible for over 300 deaths during this period, far higher in fact than the collective number of witch-related deaths over four centuries.

Mark Twain said, “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.” So why not use this Halloween as the reason to do a bit of research about the history and darker side of your ‘neck of the woods’ Find some inspiration from a true story to perhaps start a new hobby, like writing, maybe taking one of the mentioned tours here could give you some ideas.

Norwich, The City of Stories holds its own when it comes to all things literary: talent, writing and publishing. This year Norwich celebrates 10 years of being a UNESCO City of Literature. In those 10 years we have seen exciting work come out of the National Centre for Writing, the UEA and supporters of literature such as Norfolk & Norwich Festival . So I feel it would be remiss of me not to mention that the National Centre for Writing offers a fantastic array of online

and in-person events, workshops, courses and advice about writing. According to goodereader.com, in 2021, book sales in the UK soared with over 212 million titles sold – the highest in a decade.

The National Centre for Writing is a fantastic place to get into writing or further develop something you’ve already started. Apparently, everyone has a book in them, though this wellknown quote goes further by adding “but in most cases that’s where it should stay.” I say - let the National Centre for Writing help. They offer several free courses, so other than investing time and energy you can dip your toe into the water to see how it feels. And I’m certain it will feel good.

Peggy Hughes, Executive Director at National Centre for Writing, offers some wisdom and encouragement, “The National Centre for Writing is based at Dragon Hall, in the heart of England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, so all courses and events take place in a house and a city that’s full of stories. From the tips of our 15th century beams, to the depths of our undercroft, from our Victorian wallpaper to our 17th century witchmarks, we don’t doubt you’ll find as much inspiration in our building as in the writers you’ll encounter here! Whether you want to drop in for some quiet writing time, socialise with other writers, or commit to a course for several weeks or months, there’s something for everyone. (https:// nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/whats-on/)

We also invite you to help us celebrate Norwich’s rich history of storytelling with NCW’s ‘Rumour Has It’ series on Instagram. Have you heard on the grapevine a fact or a half-truth about a famous writer visiting the city? Maybe there’s absolutely no evidence this ever happened but you’re pretty sure it might have. We heard this month there’s a Halloween special featuring Charles Dickens who may-or may-not have attended a public hanging of a murderous convict at Norwich Castle on 21 April, 1849… If you’ve got a rumour you’d like to share, send it in to roisin@ nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk or pop along to the monthly Dragon Hall Social

to slip your story in the rumour box anonymously.

And if you’re looking for more famous quotes from radical local thinkers, pick up one of NCW’s screen prints! Each one is hand-printed by Well Nice Prints, and all of the proceeds go towards supporting writers from the East of England whose voices are underrepresented on UK bookshelves.

Across the globe it seems we have a macabre fascination with witches, ghosts, vampires and gruesome stories which brings us to the celebration of Halloween today. I imagine most of us think very little about where it all derived from. However, it doesn’t all have to be grim and scary. If you want to be entertained by the lighter side of Halloween, then head to the outdoor screen at Whitlingham Country Park for a viewing of Hocus Pocus on Saturday 22 October for two showings (6pm and 9pm). Tickets will sell fast, so book as soon as possible. The cost for a family ticket is £34 (2 adults, 2 kids), £14 for an adult and £9 per child. Go to www.eventbrite.co.uk for full details.

Using your creative talent at Halloween is a far cry from the witch hunting activities of the 17th Century – thank goodness. At Anteros Arts, let your creative juices run wild with a lino cutting workshop where you will work on an A5 black and white linocut print. It takes place 26 October, 6pm-9.30pm and costs £40. You will learn to carve, ink and print by hand and you’ll leave with your Halloween themed carved lino block and several prints. Book at anterosfoundation.com/product-page/ halloween-linocut-printing.

Incorporating half term, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure has another fun packed 10 days of Halloween themed activities in 2022 for the little ones. This year with Dippy’s School of Witches and Wizards! See their website for further information.

Full details of everything mentioned here and loads more ideas can be found at www.visitnorwich.co.uk

Britons Arms Elm Hill

Dragon Hall Norwich

There’s

compromise on your comfort with

You can Add a safe into a divan base to store your valuables.

My name is Atlas, I’m a 21 month old, Fox Red Labrador and I love cuddles, training and… food, of course!

The Adventures of Atlas

Dog care tips & advice from a very good boy

@thereallife_ofatlas

by Atlas (and Melissa Speakman)

Hi Friends!Let’s talk accessories; whether it’s leads, collars, beds or bandanas, there is a huge market for this and a wide range of products to choose from.

Now, believe it or not, when I was younger I was quite naughty and I’ve ruined many a dog bed. Luckily mum and dad found a brilliant company called Ivy and Duke who make the best dog beds (in our opinion), that are strong and tough but oh-so comfortable too. They have a wide range of styles available, from cosy den-beds to the Muttress and even a Chaise Chien (a chaise lounge but for dogs!), so there really is something for everyone. They also have a wide range of colours to choose from including both fabric and waterproof options. I’m lucky enough to have their Lounger bed and also a travel mat for the car and haven’t managed to put even a teeth mark in them - but believe me I’ve tried! They are a little more expensive than some options on the market, but in our opinion it’s better to pay a bit more and buy once than buy a cheaper bed that can’t withstand a good chewing!

How many leads is too many leads? Trick question, you can never have too many! Some of the first leads the pawrents bought were from Donk’s Dog Stuff; they have both short and long lengths available and dog mum says they are incredibly comfortable to hold due to them being nicely padded. The short lead is also a really good length as some can be far too short. Now, fabric leads are great for summer or when the lead won’t be trailing on the ground, but when it gets wet and wintry dog mum would recommend a PVC coated nylon lead, commonly referred to as a Biothane lead (though technically it’s only Biothane if using materials sold by the Biothane Coated Webbing Corp). This is a special material that is waterproof, durable and stainproof and is so easy to clean. Our leads are from a company called Swagger Paws, but there are lots of other companies selling these and there are so many colour options, meaning us dogs can express our individual personalities when we’re out on our walks.

Collars might be an essential piece of kit for us dogs but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish too. As with leads, there are so many styles and fabrics available, so there’s something for every dog and every budget out there. When I was a puppy and growing really fast, mum and dad didn’t want to spend too much on my collars, so they found some really budget friendly options through Amazon, which have even lasted me into adulthood. However now that I’m fully grown, dog mum has treated me to a lovely Harris Tweed collar from Collared Creatures, which is stylish, comfortable and hard-wearing. If tweed isn’t your thing (or if you’re a water dog who loves going for a swim), then there are collars available in the same waterproof fabric as the leads mentioned before. I’ve heard a rumour that if I’m a very good boy then Santa Paws might be bringing me one this year! Again, there is a wide range of companies selling these and some of the ones mum will be checking out are Hounds of Hampshire, Dashwood Dog Coats and Handmade Hound but there are so many great independent companies out there!

You might have noticed it’s been a bit hot recently and one thing that really helped me cope was my cooling bandana from Dog Snug. You just soak it in water, tie it round your neck (maybe get your pawrents to help) and enjoy the sweet relief! But bandanas aren’t just for practical purposes, they also make you look very handsome - or pretty for all you girls out there - and you can often find ones with designs to match the season - perfect with Halloween just around the corner!

I hope I’ve inspired all you doggos and dog pawrents out there to go and explore all that the dog accessories market has to offer - until next time friends!

The Lounger, £105 - £205, Ivy &Duke

Harris Tweed Collar, from £21, Collared Creatures

Airweb Web Lead, from £16.99, Donk’s Dog Stuff

Cooling Dog Bandana, from £16, DogSnug

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Adrian Bell, A Countryman’s Winter Notebook

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The Bullet That Missed

by Richard Osman

Released: out now

This is the third instalment in the Thursday Murder Club Mystery series and fans will not be disappointed.

Trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart. To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed. While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?

Fairy Tale

by Stephen King

Released: out now

Legendary storyteller Stephen King goes into the deepest well of his imagination in this spellbinding new novel about a seventeen-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war, and the stakes could not be higher - for their world or ours.

King’s storytelling in Fairy Tale soars. This is a magnificent and terrifying tale about another world than ours, in which good is pitted against overwhelming evil, and a heroic boy - and his dog - must lead the battle.

The cold evenings are starting to set in so this 592-pager will certainly keep you busy whilst you snuggle up under the duvet with a cuppa.

No Plan B

by Lee Child & Andrew Child

Released: 25 October

The third scintillating Jack Reacher thriller co-written by Lee Child and his younger brother Andrew finds our charismatic hero probing the expansive conspiracy behind an apparent suicide.

Gerrardsville, Colorado. One tragic event. Two witnesses. Two conflicting accounts. One witness sees a woman throw herself in front of a bus - clearly suicide. The other witness is Jack Reacher. And he sees what really happened - a man in grey hoodie and jeans, swift and silent as a shadow, pushed the victim to her death, before grabbing her bag and sauntering away. Reacher follows the killer on foot, not knowing that this was no random act of violence. It is part of something much bigger...

The Book-it

The Atlas Paradox

by Olivie Blake

Released: 25 October

Here we have the much anticipated sequel to the best-selling The Atlas Six In this thrilling next instalment, the secret society of Alexandrians is unmasked. Its newest recruits realise the institute is capable of raw, world-changing power. It’s also headed by a man with plans to change life as we know it – and these are already under way. But the cost of this knowledge is as high as the price of power and each initiate must choose which faction to follow. Yet as events gather momentum and dangers multiply, which of their alliances will hold? Can friendships hold true and are enemies quite what they seem?

The second part of Olivie Blake’s spectacular magical saga ups the ante on excitement and adventure. Well worth a read, even if this is not your usual genre.

WIN: a copy of Sheep Dip

realised that thumb twiddling was not his forte. So, for some strange reason, he decided to create a card game…about sheep!

In developing the game, Steve recalled that one of the best bits he remembered about playing Monopoly was the excitement of turning over a Chance or Community Chest card and set out to create a game in which every turn would echo that thrill, but it would take no longer than 30 minutes to play. In much the same way, with Sheep Dip, players take it in turn to turn over a EWE DO action card and read it out. There are 45 cards and once the last card has been read out it’s game over and the player with the highest score wins.

The object of the game is to score the most points by collecting and holding on to as many sheep or FLOCK cards as possible.

Players can, swap and steal sheep in a race to win, making some noise along the way…BAAA! There’s one very special, high scoring Rainbow Sheep, but beware of Sneaky Rustlers and the Hungry Wolf. HOWOOOL!

The idea of making the game about sheep came because Steve had been to see The Sheep Show at an event in Norfolk. He found the show hilarious and engaging, so decided to create a game that involved collecting different breeds of sheep and to include some of the sheep he’d seen performing at the show.

With over 70 unique illustrations, including one very special rainbow sheep, no two games are ever the same, ensuring many hours of fun and entertainment for people of all ages.

Once he had illustrated all the cards and the game was thoroughly tried, tested and ready to go, Steve got in touch with Richard Savory from The Sheep Show and asked him if he would like to see a new card game he had created (about sheep). Richard, a bit surprised but always open to new ideas, agreed to take a look and really liked what he saw. He was in no doubt there was some real synergy between the show and the game and as a result the stars of the show Dougal, Sam, Harry and Belinda are all now part of it, appearing on the front of the box too.

Besides being a lot of fun Sheep Dip is informative too, on the back of the playing board Steve has included some background information on the four breeds of sheep featured in the game.

Steve and Richard with their respective wives Julie and Helen are now business partners and their aim is to make Sheep Dip the most talked about and sought-after sheep game in the UK. became very bored stuck in his Norfolk home, just outside Norwich, and soon

The game is available to buy online for £24.50 inc post and packing at www.sheepdipgame.co.uk and will also be available at selected retail outlets in the coming weeks, details of which will also be available on the website.

How to enter?

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Sheep Dip simply complete the form with your contact details at:

www.placesandfaces.co.uk/

competitions

or enter by post sending your contact details to:

SHEEP DIP COMPETITION Places&Faces Magazine, Micropress Printers Ltd, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Suffolk IP18 6DH.

Competition closes 31 October 2022 Prize details: 1 x Sheep Dip game. See page 5 for full terms & conditions, or visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk/competitions.

KeepingAbreast

...more than just fashion shows

Sashay over to the Norfolk Showground on Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 October 2022

If you like fashion, you’ll love the Keeping Abreast ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Shows which will take place at the Norfolk Showground on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 October 2002. These exciting fashion evenings were formerly held at OPEN in Bank Plain, but as that venue has now closed, this year the models will be taking to the catwalk in a new, purpose-built area at the Norfolk Showground, put together by professional events company Production Bureau.

Twenty-four models will show off the latest autumn/winter styles from a range of local retailers including Jarrold, Scarlet, The Style Show and The Rock Collection. Plus some of the models

will be wearing lingerie by Holt-based store Pollard & Read, and others will be accompanied down the catwalk by male models wearing menswear from John Lewis Norwich. Around half the models have been in the Fashion Shows before (they’re allowed to do it twice) while for others it’s their first time under the spotlights.

The difference about these fashion shows – apart from their scale – is that all the models have been through or are going through breast reconstruction following a breast cancer diagnosis or the discovery of a hereditary breast cancer gene. The Keeping Abreast ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Shows will take place

during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and are organised by the Norwich-based breast cancer reconstruction charity Keeping Abreast, which started in the city in September 2007 and which is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The charity now has face-to-face Support Groups around the country, and continues to have a strong presence in Norfolk, with Support and Outreach Groups now in Norwich, King’s Lynn, Stalham and Wymondham. There is also a wealth of breast reconstruction support on the charity’s website, www.keepingabreast.org.uk, including patient stories, FAQs and real-life reconstruction videos.

PHOTO: Julia Holland / All About Image

The charity was established by patients Anna Beckingham and Beverley Birritteri, and Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist Ruth Harcourt, who recognised a need for those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, facing the possibility of a mastectomy, and those considering reconstructive surgery, to be able to meet and talk to others who have been through similar experiences. This peer-to-peer support is also available by phone, email and online, with Keeping Abreast also often arranging ‘Zoom Speaker Sessions’ on different breast reconstruction-related subjects as well as well-being events such as free Reiki Healing Sessions and monthly Mindfulness classes.

The aim is to support breast reconstruction patients in as many ways as possible and the Fashion Shows –which used to take place every two years, but which were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic – are a chance for breast reconstruction patients to show that they can still look great and feel feminine despite having gone through major surgery.

The models are different ages and from different backgrounds, their common ground being that they have all faced breast reconstruction surgery. The Fashion Shows, which have an audience of several hundred people each night, are a wonderful way for them to celebrate the end of their treatment journeys and are a great bonding experience, and these events are open to everyone. As KA support & volunteer officer Carolyn Atkins said: “You don’t need to have any connection with breast cancer and breast reconstruction to come along to these events. The models have been through breast reconstruction and the Shows are a great way for them to celebrate the success of their treatment, but it’s also a chance for local shops to show their support by providing the clothes for each set. The Fashion Shows are a great way to find out what the latest looks will be, while supporting a very worthwhile cause.”

Fundraising officer Jenny Bond added: “The Fashion Shows are also an opportunity to raise funds for the charity to support its on-going work with breast reconstruction patients. Keeping Abreast doesn’t receive any Government funding

The last Keeping Abreast ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Shows took place in October 2018, and the next one should have been held in 2020 but, like so many other events, it had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

Commenting on this year’s events, Keeping Abreast’s business development manager Kerry Kemp said: “It’s fantastic to see the Fashion Shows back in action again this year, after a four-year break. Anyone who has been to a Keeping Abreast ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Show before will know what a dynamic, vibrant, uplifting event this is, and with a new venue this year, and one or two surprises in store, the 2022 Shows are set to be even more special.”

One of the models, Danielle Day, said: “This is my second time as a model and I’m proud to be a part of such an amazing show” while fellow model Joanna Rudram said: “I’m looking forward to returning to the catwalk this year for KA” and the general consensus amongst the models is that this will be a moving, uplifting and perhaps rather emotional event, as well as a fun-filled evening.

Besides the fashion itself, the Fashion

and so events like these are crucial to its continuation. The Fashion Shows can be a key part of the models’ breast cancer and breast reconstruction journeys, but they are also a great night out for the families, friends and supporters. They’re open to everyone – if you like clothes, then come along!”

Shows include talks, music and dancing and there will also be a bar from Crabb & Fox, Express Coffee car, Cute Little Cupcakes counter and a Keeping Abreast merchandise stall. The models will strut their stuff on both evenings, showing off a series of different sets, from daywear, eveningwear, lingerie and partywear

The Fashion Shows are a great way to find out what the latest looks will be, while supporting a very worthwhile cause

PHOTOS: Julia Holland / All About Image

to outdoor wear, and the Shows will be hosted by two local TV presenters, Sascha Williams and Chris Page from ITV Anglia, who will be modelling outfits from Jarrold and John Lewis Norwich respectively.

Those familiar with Keeping Abreast will be aware that well-known local presenter Chris Bailey is a big supporter of the charity, and that he has recently been asked to become a patron of Keeping Abreast by the charity’s Trustees. Chris Bailey will act as the evening’s MC and, besides welcoming the models and speakers, he will also be introducing a team of dancers, together with a group of fashion students from City College Norwich who will be showing off some of their work.

The dancers will be from the Keeping Abreast Dance Challenge Team, made up of friends, family and supporters of the Fashion Show models who have been learning a dance routine over 10 consecutive weeks and who will be performing in front of the public on both the Tuesday and the Wednesday. Besides learning their moves, the dancers have also secured sponsorship for their sessions to raise some money for the charity.

Meanwhile, this year’s Keeping Abreast

‘More Than Just Fashion’ Shows have been supported by a number of different companies, both local and national. The main sponsor of this year’s events is GC Aesthetics, while the supporting sponsors are Hansells Solicitors, Canny Screeding Ltd, Production Bureau, Viking Stage Lighting, Epic Event Hire and the Norfolk Showground.

Profits from the ticket sales will also go to help support those accessing the charity’s services and so the Keeping Abreast team is keen to sell as many tickets as possible. A highlight of the county’s social calendar, the Fashion Shows will take place from 7.30pm to 10pm and are open to everyone aged 14 and over. As Kerry Kemp added: “The Fashion Show is a fantastic night out while supporting a great cause. The Shows are usually a sell-out, so get your tickets soon!”

Tickets are selling fast, with standard tickets priced at £23.50 each, available from www.buytickets.at/keepingabreast/723799 Meanwhile, there is also a limited number of VIP tickets on offer, priced at £40, available from Jenny Bond at: jennybond@keepingabreast.org.uk. Both sorts of tickets include a welcome drink, while the VIP tickets also include early entry,

front row seating, canapés, a dedicated VIP area, a complimentary programme and a goody bag.

As Jenny Bond explained: “The Fashion Shows are a chance to raise muchneeded funds for Keeping Abreast, which are always welcome, but they are also a valuable source of support for those involved. Previous models have commented on how uplifting and lifeaffirming they have found taking part in the Fashion Shows to be, and they are also a great way for family, friends and colleagues to show their support. Breast cancer and breast reconstruction are long, emotional, involved processes which can take their toll both physically and emotionally and so it’s fantastic to have these Fashion Shows to look forward to which not only showcase the wonderful clothes from retailers around the county but show that breast cancer can be beaten and that people can come out the other side feeling motivated and positive about the future.

TICKETS: www.buytickets.at/ keepingabreast/723799 to buy your tickets and for more information visit: www.keepingabreast.org.uk

The Little Lifts & John Lewis Fashion Show

A fun fi lled evening studded with style and glamour awaits.

Thursday 20 October 2022, 17.30, at The Place To Eat, John Lewis, Norwich, NR1 3LX

John Lewis is hosting a Fashion Show with a difference, the models for the evening have all been affected by breast cancer and are a special part of the Little Lifts Community. Little Lifts is a charity that provides the most thoughtfully handpicked gifts to support people with breast cancer.

After the stunning fashion show you will have the opportunity to shop till you drop under the guidance of professional stylists from John Lewis.

OTHER EVENTS

at John Lewis Norwich

In celebration of Black History Month this October John Lewis Norwich will hold a series of events. From a beauty event to talks and poetry.

Tickets are £10 and include a welcome drink. All money raised on the evening will support more people with breast cancer.

John Lewis will be offering all attendees a special reward on the night, if you spend £50 you will receive £10 off a single fashion and lingerie transaction, the offer will be valid until 17th November 2022.

Parking in the John Lewis car park is free when you enter after 5pm on a Thursday.

Visit the Little Lifts website to book at www.littlelifts.org.uk or scan the QR code above

Beauty and Hair Event

Saturday 8 October

Visit the counters in the Beauty department to enjoy the beauty and hair event; from makeup colour matching to special beauty treatments and complimentary facials. They will also have Hair Braiding in store from 11am-1pm.

Food Tastings

Saturday 15 October

Explore a world of flavour! From chocolate with Indian cocoa to Jamaican Rum!

During Breast Cancer Awareness month, John Lewis will also have visitors from various charities:

Keeping abreast in store 19 October, who offer breast cancer reconstruction support Boobettes in store 15 and 19 October, who create awareness and educate on how to check and get to know your boobs!

Readings and Poetry

Saturday 22 October

Special readings and poetry in celebration of Black History Month.

Norwich Black History Taster Session with Norwich Tour Guide Paul Dickson

Saturday 29 October, 11am-12.30pm at The Mezzanine

Meet Paul Dickson and hear about Pablo Fanque, Norwich’s black circus star, along with 18th and early 19th century Africans who lived and worked in the city, the impact of African Americans during World War II and much more.

Book now, scan me

Inspiringwomen

Lucy Thompson

She’s tanned, athletic looking, and with a wide, welcoming smile. Lucy Thompson looks like she’s thriving and few would guess that she is living with cancer. But Lucy, who lives just outside Norwich with her husband Adam, is very much the proof that life can and does go on, despite a secondary breast cancer diagnosis.

Lucy’s story is challenging and she tells it with candour, not shying away from the reality of her condition - her

over a year and has no plans to stop.

Her tough fundraising activities have included a 400 mile sponsored bike ride, staged virtually last year because of Covid restrictions, a 25km sponsored walk around The Broads and, what sounds like her favourite, a skydive from Ellough helicopter base near Beccles.

She says: ‘My skydive was thrilling! We were at about 12,500 to 13,000ft when the parachute opened and we were falling at 220ft every second. I can’t wait

provides a helping hand, including lots of practical advice and support, to people at a very vulnerable time. ‘It is reassuring to know they are there,’ she says. ‘And the new centre, in Norwich, will be another great resource.’

Lucy, who set up Reality Estate Agency in Norwich in 2009, explains how she first detected a lump in her breast in 2018, saying: ‘It was one Saturday night. Adam and I were watching a film on telly and eating crisps. One went down my pyjama top and when I went to get it, I felt a lump that I hadn’t felt before.’

She went to her GP and was referred to the University Hospital in Norwich where a breast cancer diagnosis was made. A lumpectomy and radiotherapy followed but Lucy was soon back at work and planning her wedding to Adam - a very fun-filled event at Norwich Castle and Cathedral.

Life was firmly back on track when Covid hit and Lucy, determined to stay in first class shape, converted part of her office into a workout station during lockdown. She explains how she felt

cancer is treatable but not curable. She survives, she tells me, by concentrating on the positives of her life: a strong family, a love of animals, a great group of friends and plenty of madcap fundraising ideas for the Norwich-based Big C charity.

Lucy is now in her early 40s and was born in Essex but came to South Norfolk while a schoolgirl. She has - so farraised almost £10,000 for Big C in just

to do another one!

‘The old Lucy, before I had cancer, wouldn’t have considered a skydive for a second, but cancer is one of the most frightening things to face and somehow has given me the courage to make the most of every day, and take on challenges I would never have imagined possible.’

She decided to fundraise for the Big C because it is a local charity and

Norfolk’s Lucy Thompson tells Sarah Hardy about her breast cancer journey and amazing fundraising exploits

The old Lucy, before I had cancer, wouldn’t have considered a skydive for a second, but cancer is one of the most frightening things to face and somehow has given me the courage to make the most of every day

Inspiring Women

unwell again: ‘Myself and Adam had just moved into our new apartment in Norwich when I began to feel bloated. I also had a very pronounced sense of smell. I didn’t think too much of it, until I began to get stomach pain and also in my right side. I thought I might have overdone the exercise in my home made gym, maybe pulled a muscle, but the pain continued so I went to the doctor.

‘At first he thought I might have a hiatus hernia, but unfortunately an ultrasound and CT scan found multiple lesions in my liver and a consultant confirmed that I had secondary breast cancer in my liver. I was told this was not curable but treatable and began chemotherapy in early June 2021.

‘I was fortunate in that I didn’t suffer from too many side effects from the chemo, but I lost my hair and did end up in hospital five times due to very low platelets which required both a platelet and blood transfusion.’

Lucy is now under the care of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and her condition is kept under control by various medications. ‘One tumour has shrunk from 7cm to 4.9cm which is amazing,’ she says. She also continues to exercise and follows a vegetarian diet.

She says that keeping very busy, with a jam packed diary of events and activities, is her coping mechanism, explaining: ‘I’m up at 5.30-5.45am most mornings to walk my dogs (Gronk and Brady, named after two American footballers - her husband’s favourite sport),’ she says, adding that she then heads to a nearby stable yard where she has a horse called Ernie. ‘When I was younger, I wanted to be a riding instructor - we’ve always had horses.’ Again she’s upfront about enjoying the companionship and banter of the group there. She no longer works at her agency, although she remains a director, so the friendship offered at the yard is important to her.

‘I also make sure I see my friends and family a lot, we go out for meals and have lots of fun,’ she says.

She has a bucket list of things she wants to do - although she says she hates the term - and this has included a recent trip to Las Vegas to see Katy Perry perform. ‘She was the loveliest person

- I met her after the concert.’ She is also planning a trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, where several former Presidents of the USA are carved into the rockface.

And Lucy is already thinking about her plans to restart her fundraising for the Big C, possibly with a terrifying Wingwalk, where you’re strapped to the wing of a light aircraft as it whizzes through the skies. Watch this space for more!

Jo Leah, Head of Communications and Fundraising for Big C, adds: ‘We cannot thank Lucy enough for the tremendous support and generosity she has shown Big C. To put others before herself when facing a secondary cancer diagnosis, is selfless, brave and nothing short of incredible. Lucy’s effort and personal courage and the support of her wonderful family and friends, will make a very real difference to others living locally with a cancer diagnosisand-their loved ones.’

Find out more about the Big C at www.big-c.co.uk

Spooky

Give‘em pumpkin to talk about

Spice up your October with fiery orange accessories or some gourd-geous recipes…

Whether you are telling ghost stories or cooking up a witch’s brew, make sure this Halloween is filled with all things spooky and mysterious from Jarrold.

The Squash & Pumpkin Cookbook: Gourd-geous recipes to celebrate these versatile vegetables, by Heather Thomas, (Hardback) £9.99

Kate Spade New York Sam Icon Spazzolato Fiery Orange Leather Small Tote Bag, £350

Trick or treat

Treating yourself this Halloween doesn’t have to mean sweets…

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey 40% 70cl, £39

Grand Illusions Green Tealight Holder, £14.50

Vamp it up

Let out your gothic side with velvet and lace; paired with the perfect

Phase Eight Norah Collar Detail Swing Dress, £99

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick, £24 red lip.

Jarrold

FOOD HALL

alongside a selection of light dishes. Add to this The Coffee Bar and The Exchange where you will find everything from barista style coffees to wood fired pizza, and you will soon discover you are spoilt for choice.

Jarrold has been serving the Norfolk community for over 250 years and has played a part in the lives of generations of Norfolk families. Huge changes have occurred throughout this time including two world wars and the reign of ten monarchs. Jarrold itself has also undergone multiple changes in this time and the opening of their new food hall is the next chapter in their historic story.

Situated on the lower ground floor of the iconic department store the newly renovated space has more than doubled in size and includes a new Wine Bar where you can enjoy excellent wines

Jarrold has always championed the finest produce, from both local producers as well as further afield, and the newly developed Food Hall, with its increased capacity, can now showcase even more. For example, the wines on offer have increased to a whopping 180 and The Chocolate

Library has a vast selection including much loved local brands like Gnaw. The staff are knowledgeable and can offer expert advice on food and wine or beer matching, tailored to your taste; which will certainly wow your guests at your next foodie gathering; worth remembering with the festive season just around the corner.

In my opinion one of the greatest things in life is cheese. A visit to the Cheese Room will make you feel like a kid in a ‘cheese-shop’. With so many fabulous cheeses on offer it is difficult

to show restraint. Dedicated to the artisanal and handmade, you will find an aged-to-perfection array of local as well as further afield cheeses. The cheese experts at Jarrold are on hand to help you curate your perfect cheeseboard and will then cut exactly what you need and wrap your choice to take home.

All of this and we have barely scratched the surface. There is so much on offer; from pastries to pasta and meats to sweets this new foodie destination is one not to be missed. You won’t go home disappointed or empty handed.

www.jarrold.co.uk

Andrew Hirst looks at the scrumptious selection on offer in the new gastronomic paradise.

Jarrold has always championed the finest produce, from both local producers as well as further afield, and the newly developed Food Hall, with its increased capacity, can now showcase even more.

The Perfect Pairing

Bruha and Dough&co have come together to celebrate their East Anglian heritage by creating a dual branded pale ale, available across all 16 Dough&co sites from September.

Bruha is renowned for producing clean, clear and crisp beers and the new 330ml Lager and Session Pale will be no different. The new beers are made using the best-quality heritage malted barley from the region to create a wonderfully balanced, light and refreshing ale to enhance Dough&co’s freshly-made pizzas.

Dough&co’s authentic and Italian sourced pizzas are made using the fi nest ingredients and baked in wood-fi red ovens. Since opening the fi rst Dough&co restaurant in 2018, the brand has continued to expand its reach in East Anglia and beyond. The new joint-branded beer will be available for consumers to drink in or take out across all sites.

“We’d admired Dough&co from afar as it began to expand its portfolio. When a mutual friend of our businesses suggested we collaborate on a joint branded beer it felt like a natural partnership,” comments Rob Breakwell, Bruha MD.

The new 330ml Lager and Session Pale are available to drink in or take out across all Dough&co sites from midSeptember. For more information on Dough&co and locations visit www.doughandcopizza.co.uk.

To find out more about Bruha visit www.bruhabrewing.co.uk

Autumnal tastes

With autumn well and truly underway, The Ivy Norwich Brasserie is adding an array of new and exciting dishes to its already extensive menu. From White Onion Truffle Soup, featuring caramelised onion, artichoke purée, truffle mascarpone and artichoke crisps to Flat-Iron Chicken with creamed polenta, rocket, pine nuts, parmesan and lemon with a red wine sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, the brasserie has added a truly luxurious dessert; Coconut Panna Cotta featuring pineapple carpaccio, coconut, chilli and lime zest.

As the days get shorter and nights get longer, be sure to enjoy what The Ivy Norwich Brasserie has to offer this season.

October also sees the restaurant celebrate all things Halloween with a limited edition dessert. From Saturday, 29 until Monday, 31 October guests will be able to sink their teeth into the Chilling Praline Parfait, a spooktacular combination of a frozen hazelnut coffin with chocolate soil and raspberry sauce.

Lindsey Clifton, General Manager at The Ivy Norwich Brasserie, says: “Autumn is my favourite season of all, and the team and I are very much looking forward to welcoming guests and locals alike into the restaurant”.

The Ivy Norwich Brasserie is open seven days a week and offers everything from breakfast, lunch, cream tea, dinner and cocktails. www.theivynorwich.com

Taste

From award-winning actor and food obsessive Stanley Tucci comes an intimate and charming memoir of life in and out of the kitchen.

Before Stanley Tucci became a household name he grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the table. He shared the magic of those meals with us in The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, and now he takes us beyond the recipes and into the stories behind them.

Written with Stanley’s signature wry humor and nostalgia, Taste is a heartwarming read that will be irresistible for anyone who knows the power of a homecooked meal.

www.waterstones.com

Japanese Kitchen Knife Shop in Rendlesham, Suffolk

Kin Knives is a family run company importing high quality and bespoke kitchen knives from Japan as well as producing handmade chopping boards in their on-site workshop.

The shop is open Monday-Friday 10:30am to 4:30pm and on Saturdays by appointment only.

We have always seen Restaurant Week as an opportunity to celebrate Norfolk’s vibrant culinary scene and enjoy the social occasion with friends, family and colleagues.

With almost 60 restaurants to choose from, we hope you will take the opportunity to sample restaurants you have always wanted to try and even visit again.

Restaurant Week menus will be offered Monday - Friday, excluding weekends and any closed days. To avoid disappointment, booking is always recommended. No passes, tickets or vouchers are required, simply book your table direct with your chosen restaurant and mention Norfolk Restaurant Week.

Buttermilk Pudding

Often confused with the forever favourite pannacotta, this take on the classic brings a refreshing citrus addition which with the buttermilk ensures a welcome lightness. Rhubarb, raspberries or strawberries could all compliment the pudding in different seasons as the blackberries used here.

www . t h eguntonarms. co

METHOD:

- Soak gelatine in cold water.

- In a pan, add the cream, vanilla pod, lemon peel and sugar bring to the boil.

- Put buttermilk into a bowl.

- Take boiling cream off the heat, squeeze gelatine out of the water and mix through the cream.

- Pour cream mix through a sieve into the buttermilk and mix.

- Scrape vanilla pod into mix and stir.

- Pour into moulds and set in the fridge.

This month’s recipe comes from The Gunton Arms Chef, Stuart Tattersall. Stuart cooks with local ingredients and seasonal produce. Venison from the deerpark and beef from the local herd at Blickling, are cooked over a large open fire in the Elk Room. The Gunton Arms also has its own seafood, mussels and Cromer crab, which are all caught by local fishermen.

BLACKBERRY COMPOTE:

INGREDIENTS:

• 150g Blackberries

• 60g Sugar

METHOD:

- Put the ingredients into a pan on a low heat (60°C) and let them cook out, stirring occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t boil.

TO SERVE:

- Decorate with fresh blackberries and blackberry compote to finish. with blackberries

- Gently warm the outside of the mould in warm water to loosen the pudding from the mould.

- Place the mould in the centre of the bowl and tap to release.

Stuart Tattersall Chef – Gunton Arms

This is my simple twist on the traditional shakshuka. This warming, hearty dish is pure comfort food for the whole family, perfect as the colder evenings starts to set in.

Southwold Sandfire Shakshuka www. artscraftkitchen.co.uk

INGREDIENTS: serves 4

• 2 green peppers

• 2 red peppers

• 4 eggs

• 70g basmati rice

• 1 carrot

• 1 stick of celery

• 150g frozen petit pois

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 100g goats cheese

• 25g homemade breadcrumbs (preferably made the day before)

• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes

• 226g jar of ART’s Southwold Sandfire chutney

METHOD:

- Pre heat the oven to 200°C and start a pan of slightly salted water boiling on the hob.

- Prepare everything into separate bowls ready to assemble the dish. Thinly slice the carrot and celery, dice the garlic and roughly chop the goats cheese.

- De-seed and cut each bell of pepper into 8 pieces. Melt a knob of butter in a large pan and soften the carrot for 5 minutes. Add the pepper and celery and cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the peppers start to brown.

- Add the garlic, peas, tinned chopped tomatoes and a jar of ARTs Southwold Sandfire chutney. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 10

minutes until bubbling and hot.

- While the sauce is simmering, put the rice into the pan of boiling water and cook this for 10 minutes. Drain the rice and take the sauce off the heat.

- In a medium baking dish, line the bottom with the rice; pour over the sauce and scatter over the grated

cheese and breadcrumbs. Using the back of a spoon make 4 wells and crack an egg into each. Place in the oven or under the grill for about 10 minutes until the cheese softened and the eggs are cooked but still have runny yolks.

- Serve with a lovely chunk of fresh bread. Alternatively you can make individual portions or double portions as a sharing bowl.

Alice Rebecca Talbot owner of ART’s – Craft Kitchen

Portobello Mushroom Burger with Stilton

INGREDIENTS: serves 2

• 2 red onions, finely sliced

• Pinch of Maldon salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp caster sugar

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 large portobello mushrooms

• 100g stilton cheese

• 25g wild rocket

• 2 brioche buns, toasted

• Dijon mustard, for spreading (optional)

METHOD:

- Preheat the grill on a high setting.

- First start by preparing the caramelized red onions. In a pan heat up 2 tbsp olive oil and add the sliced red onions along with a good pinch of Maldon salt. Turn the heat down low and allow the onions to slowly cook down for 10 minutes until soft.

- While the onions are cooking, place the two portobello mushrooms onto a foil lined baking tray. Remove the stem and then stuff the mushroom with the crumbled stilton cheese. Season with some cracked black pepper and then place them under the grill for 5 minutes; until the mushroom is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

- Going back to the onions, after they have softened for 10 minutes add the balsamic vinegar and caster sugar and cook gently for another 5 minutes until sticky and caramelized. Remove from the heat.

- Now you can assemble your burgers. Start with the toasted brioche bun base, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on, if desired. Next top with the stilton filled portobello mushroom, season with some Maldon salt and then pile on some of the caramelized onions. Finally top with the wild rocket and the brioche burger lid. Serve with some more Dijon mustard, if you’d like.

& Suffolk:

We have a reliable, honest and highly skilled team of roofers, which enables us to offer you one of the most professional and cost effective services throughout the local area.

We offer the complete roofing service: From major re-roofing projects to minor domestic roof repairs that’re not only competitively priced, but also providing you with peace of mind.

Specialists in all aspects of Solar Panels:

Solar panel systems, being a source of green electricity, save carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. You generate your own electricity, becoming more self-sufficient - meaning lower energy bills.

All of this can be achieved whilst offering substantial financial savings, meaning you can be green, and be rewarded for it at the same time.

Coffee Crumb

Doughnuts

- Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease an 8 hole silicone doughnut mould.

- Mix the flour, espresso and baking powder together. Now whisk in the milk, maple syrup and oil until thick and smooth. It will be a thick batter. Spoon into a piping bag.

- Pipe the dough into the doughnut holes and smooth over the top. Press in the small pieces of protein ball and bake for 12-13 minutes until risen and fluffy.

- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the doughnut holes and then cool fully on a wire rack.

- Meanwhile, add 1 tbsp coconut oil to a frying pan and add the oats. Toast for 2 minutes. Add 1 tbsp maple syrup and stir well before stirring in the chopped protein balls. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes and remove from the heat.

- Melt the chocolate and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp maple syrup until silky and glossy.

- Dip each doughnut into the chocolate and then sprinkle over the crumble topping. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Why are Lasting Powers of Attorney so important?

It is a common misconception that a spouse/family member has an automatic entitlement to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity short or long term, but that is not true To protect you and your loved ones against a short or long term situation where your husband, wife, partner, children cannot make decisions for you, we highly recommend that you contact us to book a FREE FIRST APPOINTMENT to discuss putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place

There are 2 different types of Lasting Powers of Attorney one for financial and property decisions and the other for health and care decisions Setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney can be likened to the purchase of a home insurance policy. You hope that your house won’t burn down, but if it did, then knowing that you have house insurance in place can make a real difference in putting your mind at ease

We are all living longer and statistics show that 1 in 3 of us will develop dementia. Covid and lockdowns have made Lasting Powers of Attorney even more important, especially if you become housebound or are isolating

It is vital to release the burden from loved ones to allow them to access your money and pay for your care. Banks can freeze accounts if capability is lost, even if in joint names

A Lasting Power of Attorney negates these issues and gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Please contact us to make a F R E E F I R S T

P P

M E N T to discuss this further.

We offer home visits at no extra cost.

01263

or email clare@silverandward co uk

Seasonal Self-Care

Charlie Smith-Knight looks at how we should invest some time in to ourselves.

As the Swedish sauna

that was this summer slides away in the rear-view mirror, autumn is on the horizon, bringing a lull in the heat and a well-earned break from BBQs and beer gardens. In the spirit of the shedding season, it is time to drop some social weight and cruise leisurely towards the Christmas period. With this in mind, here are some seasonal self-care ideas before the glitter and canapes of party season are knocking on the door like an uninvited charity worker.

Layer Up and Get Out...

Of course, the weather will be on the turn and as unpredictable and often savage as an episode of Game of Thrones BUT now is not the time to go into hibernation. Being outside for just 20 minutes a day, or around two hours a week, has serious health benefits including improved sleep, more mental energy and better breathing. We live in a society more overstimulated than a toddler drinking espresso, and it is important to remember to be engaged in the world without draining our mental batteries to depletion. So, wrap up, put on your wellies, bundle the kids/dogs/ emergency breakdown kit in the car and get out in the great outdoors. Grab your umbrella, a large flask of your favourite hot beverage and possibly one of those medical tin foil capes-just to be on the safe side. Norfolk and Suffolk offer both stunning coastlines and leafy woodlands so you can still get some colour in your face even if it’s the product of windburn. Pick a pumpkin, collect some pinecones, take in the wildlife but just get out. Trust me on this one, it’s science.

Dear Reader…

As an avid reader, this one is an easy sell for me. Set some time aside from binge-watching TV box sets, put your phone on silent and pick up a book. I’m not suggesting you run headfirst into Tolstoy - I doubt even he actually read War

and Peace back - but you can pick up paperbacks cheaply at charity shops, or free at your local library. From Peter James’ thrillers, to JoJo Moyes’ romance and some Bill Bryson anecdotals, charity shops have a plethora of options and something for everyone, including the brownie points you’ll earn on your carbon footprint. If you find you’ve picked a story with less narrative structure than a perfume advert, pick another. Reading is a gateway skill that can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and will help prevent cognitive decline as you get older. So, it’s worth investing some time in and may just help

A change is as good as a rest...

you remember where you left your keys in later life. Start at 30 minutes a day, drop out of socials for a while, get a blanket and just read. Read by yourself, read to the kids, join an online book club, read and discuss with a friend. You won’t regret it and you can soon catch up on what Susan at Number 12 had for dinner or what Mark from work has done to embarrass himself on TikTok.

Or so Winston Churchill once said. During lockdown, many of us tried new things and found that stepping out of our comfort zones was genuinely enjoyable. Post pandemic, there’s many more options for the new things we can experience. Don’t be put off by instructors whose names read more like a strong password suggestion than an actual moniker and sign up to a class. Yoga, painting, learn a language… the options in the outside world are much more limitless than the ones we had behind closed doors. Join a sports club, attend a community cinema, be creative. Burn some grey matter and infuse some positivity into your week. Trying new things builds confidence, allows us to meet new people, encourages development of new brain cells and breaks up the routine of everyday life. It doesn’t need to be expensive or time consuming to provide new opportunities and you don’t need to wait until the New Year to discover a new you. Get ahead of the game.

So as Santa looms around the corner, like a clown with a pie in his hand, make the first present one for you and indulge in some me-time. You’ll be more wellrounded than the jolly man himself and ready to hit those holiday parties faster than an ex-Love Islander on the media circuit. Because, as they say, you’ll never go broke investing in yourself.

Norfolk & Suffolk offer both stunning coastline and leafy woodland so you can still get some colour in your face even if it’s the product of windburn.

October October Top picksTop picks

Here's a few lovely new autumnal-toned items to welcome in the spooky season from some of my favourite local high street stores...

Print Wrap Peplum Top, £29.99

Left: Brakeburn Abstract Print Pleat Detail Tunic Dress, £64.99

By Polly Coleman

327

Trainers,

Seasalt Oak

Black Faux-Croc Buckle Lace up Chunky Boots, £36.99, New Look

, John Lewis , QUIZ

Above: Plum Velvet Jumpsuit, £22, George at ASDA

Left: Eleanor Black Tote Bag, £40, ACCESSORIZE

Above:

Below: Phase Eight Elianna Sheer Bodice Splatter Dress, £99, John Lewis

Above:

Pumpkin Halloween Charm,

Above: Black Floral Button Up Tea Dress, £16, George at ASDA

Below: Eliza Plain Cord Dress, £70, MONSOON

Above: Orange Knitted Jumper, £19.99, H&M

Bead Metal Drop Earrings, £12.50, White Stuff

5th Avenue Brown Leather Heeled Ankle Boot, £59.99, DEICHMANN

Above: Dudley Luxe Leather Cross Body Bag, £135, Joules

Right: Hayley Tan Yellow Gilet, £75, Mabel Fair Isle Ivory Jumper, £55, Chesham Vintage Pale Girlfriend Jeans, £52 & Pixie Suede Tan Boots, £79, all FatFace

Feet in Suffolk FIRMLY

Rosanna Calvert-Lyons from Feet Pray Love Reflexology has a treat for your feet.

I ran a busy reflexology practice in central London treating city workers, doctors, nurses, surgeons, teachers, tourists and taxi drivers. There didn’t seem to be anyone who couldn’t benefit from reflexology and I thrived on easing the hustle and bustle of city life. Then, two years ago, my husband was appointed Artistic Director and CEO of the Theatre Royal and so we moved Feet Pray Love Reflexology (and ourselves) to Bury St Edmunds, and it is here that my feet have finally found their ground and we have found our home.

I don’t know if it’s due to the huge Suffolk skies, the ancient architecture or magnificent coast and countryside, but my Suffolk clients seem to value their health and wellbeing even more; they have a deep appreciation of life and want to live it as well and as happily as they can. So, Feet Pray Love Reflexology is thriving in the centre of Bury St Edmunds. I’m proud that my beautiful treatment room is just one minute’s walk from St John’s Street – Bury’s famous street of independent shops, businesses and cafes.

I specialise solely in Reflexology because of its extraordinary range of emotional and physical health benefits.

There are reflexes in the feet that pertain to every organ and muscle in the body. By massaging these reflexes, I seek to optimise the function of each organ, relax muscles, stimulate digestion, boost metabolism, balance your hormonal system, promote a healthy respiratory system, bolster immunity, alleviate pain and stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. You name it; there’s a reflex for it!

You’ll be amazed what the feet reveal. I once treated a gentleman who had a blocked reflex on his little toe. This implied an issue with his cheekbone, but there was no mark on his face so I

www.feetpraylove.com

thought I must be mistaken. However, I tentatively asked, “do you have a problem with your right cheekbone?” He looked at me in amazement and said that he had broken it in a car accident some 20 years earlier and that the residual scar tissue can flare up and feel terribly sore, as it did that day. I continued to massage his foot and it relieved his discomfort. He said to me gratefully, “a few hundred years ago they’d have burnt you.” I took that as a compliment!

adrenaline (the ‘stress hormones’) so she is biologically more relaxed now. I also believe that we hold emotions in different parts of our body. Be it tension in the head, fear in the bladder, self-criticism in the liver, anxiety in the digestive tract or grief in the chest. My hope is that by energising and unblocking the reflexes in our feet, we’re not only optimising the function of the corresponding organ, joint or muscle, but also expelling whatever negative emotion or memory is lingering there. As my client says, “happy feet, happy mind.”

Another extraordinary aspect of reflexology is that it can help support fertility. A client and her partner had been trying for a baby for a year before turning to Feet Pray Love Reflexology. Last month I opened the door and there she stood, beaming from ear to ear. “We wanted you to be the first to know,” she said, “we’re having a baby.”

Clients often look at me as if I’ve just seen into their soul but it’s not me that’s magic; it’s the reflexology. Your life-story is imprinted on your feet and it gives me endless joy to practice this effective, non-invasive, holistic therapy because my clients tell me time and again how it improves their physical and mental health.

A client said recently that she feels like a different person since finding reflexology. She no longer worries endlessly; instead she feels calm and confident. She laughed when she asked how it was that reflexology had enabled her to like herself. And the answer… Well firstly, I think it’s lowered her levels of cortisol and

So, when you’re next in central Bury (seeing Robin Hood pantomime at the Theatre Royal or Christmas shopping on St John’s Street), why not treat yourself to an hour of reflexology for just £45? Or, perhaps you’d like to buy a Gift Voucher for someone. What better gift to give this Christmas than health and happiness! I’ll be delighted to hear from you so please visit feetpraylove.com and get in touch at rosanna@feetpraylove.com

Clients often look at me as if I’ve just seen into their soul but it’s not me that’s magic; it’s the reflexology.

Gardening with Tom Strowlger

The garden will always look like it needs more colour this month, so by planting cyclamen, primroses and winter pansies into beds, borders, tubs and pots we can give it a brightly coloured boost. The bright pinks and whites of Cyclamen look like beacons of light on a dark autumnal day, and primroses and hardy pansies burn bright with yellow, red, blue and white colours.

The most exciting job of this month is continuing to plant our spring bulbs; we can design and create our spring flower displays. The spring bulb range is wonderful, it includes daffodil, hyacinth, crocus, allium and tulip bulbs. They are

all ready to bring our gardens alive again from late winter into springtime. We must make sure borders, beds, planters, tubs and pots have well-drained soil with part to full sun to get the best floral results from our bulbs.

The rule of thumb for planting spring bulbs is to measure the depth of the bulb and dig a hole three times its depth. This helps to ensure they are snuggled deep enough into the ground to establish solid roots, be protected from frosts and hungry wildlife. We can plant a formal row of beautiful tulips or randomly scatter daffodil bulbs into borders and beds. That’s the joy of bulb planting we pick what we want to grow and display, but whatever the preference we will need a reliable hand trowel and spade.

Tom Strowlger @garden_with_tom

I love gardening in October, it has a cosy yet productive feel about it. We can still enjoy slight warmth from the sun on ever shortening days whilst knowing that much cooler days are ahead. The garden is now a cornucopia of autumnal colour and has a truly magical feel about it. This month has several important gardening jobs for us ranging from clearing leaves, weeding, composting and most excitingly to plant spring bulbs.

The orange and brown leaves are falling from branches into every nook and cranny of our gardens and we should tidy those up before they become set in for the rest of autumn and winter. The falling leaves will naturally accumulate over autumn, so to ensure they don’t suffocate and damage the grass, we should rake leaves off the lawn and sweep them off paths and heap them up onto a compost.

This is the perfect time of year to create a compost, the garden is full of green and brown waste that can be heaped up into an unused part of the garden. The art of composting is to keep turning the compost heap with a garden fork to ensure air gets into it. The decomposition of the garden waste is slower in the colder months and quicker in the warmer months. It will create our own supply of compost and mulch to use next year.

The Autumnal smell of a garden is with us with every spadeful of moist soil and touch of browning leaves. It feels like Mother Nature is freshening up our gardens and ensuring the green spaces are deep cleaned in readiness for next Spring. We can work alongside Mother Nature to enjoy our gardens at this homely time of year, as to achieve in the garden and come indoors to a hot drink is a simple but wholesome pleasure.

Please do follow me on Instagram @garden_with_tom for more seasonal gardening advice and tips.

October

TOP TIPS

Cut the lawn grass on the highest lawnmower setting.

The last month for trimming any hedges and shrubs.

Give the garden a general tidy up including sheds, greenhouses and ponds.

Maintain fences, trellises, sheds and gates in readiness for windy days.

We can support the birds by feeding them.

The art of composting is to keep turning the compost heap with a garden fork to ensure air gets into it.

NEW IN STORE

Laura Ashley Studio, o ering

range

Laura Ashley Fabrics, Poles

Paints,

Wall Art

Your local hearing experts have found a new home in Ipswich!

From the 3rd of October you can find us at 691 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4NA, just a few minutes’ drive from our previous location at Upper Brook Street.

Our brand new bespoke clinic, which has a rich history, offers a quiet and calm atmosphere for our patients

Able Community Care has been in the same family for nearly four decades and now provides live-in care services throughout the UK.

Since 1980 we have provided care and have met with thousands of families who are seeking an alternative to moving into a residential care home.

Meeting people inevitably leads, either at the time of an assessment or even years later, to questions for which people are looking for answers.

Information around all aspects of care is available but the road to finding out, especially at a time of crisis, about specific factors can be difficult and stressful.

Able Community Care receives calls and emails on a regular basis with people asking if we can help with their search for information.

Recently these questions have been asked of us...

Question: Not living near my elderly parents and with the current electricity situation of possible black outs and rationing being mentioned, is there anything I can do to protect my parents supply?

Answer: There is a Priority Services

Register in place with suppliers and network operators for vulnerable people (Each network may have a slightly different model) which, if you are eligible to register, offers free support and services such as advising in advance of power cuts, possibly offering alternative heating facilities if supply is disrupted and an ID and Password scheme.

The eligibility as advised by Ofgem is:

• You have reached your state pension age

• You are disabled or have a long term medical condition

• You are recovering from an injury

• You have a hearing or sight condition

• You have a mental health condition

• You have young children or are pregnant

Ask Angela

• You have communication difficulties.

• You may also be eligible if you need short term support after being in hospital.

Contact your energy supplier and give them your details and if you have more than one supplier, contact both of them.

Question: Can you explain what the Social Care Cap is and when does it apply from?

Answer: The Social Care Cap, which was announced in September 2021 and is to be implemented in October 2023, refers to the amount of £86,000 which is the amount any person in England will have to spend on their personal care needs over their lifetime.

The practical aspects of implementing the Social Care Cap are complex; relating to assessment and personal, financial situations.

Local Authorities are to be responsible for determining local financial plans for this change in the provision of personal care support. Currently, the cost for an hour’s personal care paid to care providers varies

from authority to authority and this will be relative as to how soon the Social Care Cap is reached in each area.

Not included in the Social Care Cap is any care paid for prior to October 2023 or costs related to rent, accommodation costs in a care home setting, food or utility bills.

Further information will be published as implementation of this change draws nearer.

Question: With the difficulty of getting an appointment at my local GP Surgery, is it possible to purchase anti-biotics from my local Chemist?

Answer: There are over 8,000 chemists in the UK who have a qualification for prescribing and can prescribe any medicine for any medical condition. Give your nearby chemists a call to see if they have a prescribing chemist in situ.

Question: I have mobility problems and am often unable to go shopping for my weekly food shop. Is there any help available?

Answer: Age UK offer services to help older people, who for a variety of reasons are unable to shop for themselves. It can be helping you to form a food order and then ordering on your behalf an online delivery or providing a volunteer to take and accompany you to the local supermarket. (There may be a small charge for transport costs). Give your local Age UK a call to see what is available in your area.

ABLE COMMUNITY CARE LTD

T: 01603 764567

E: info@ablecommunitycare.com

www.ablecommunitycare.com

Angela Gifford, Managing Director of Able Community Care, answers your questions...

INSTAGRAM

@ChantelHeathFitness

www.chantelfitness.co.uk

I'm a 41 year old mother of two & Personal Fitness coach. I work one to one, in person & online with clients aged 18-80. My specialisms include pre & postnatal training, cancer rehab, pilates, & GP exercise referrals. I run fitness classes online and in person in the Suffolk Coastal area. I am also a Mental Health First aider.

Do you struggle to find the motivation to exercise? Maybe you have tried slimming clubs, bootcamps, diet shakes, exercise programmes and perhaps they have worked to begin with... but after a while you just lose momentum?

It’s a common problem and a lot of people are constantly on the lookout for something or someone to give them that motivation to get back on track.

However, the unpopular truth is that nothing will ever work long term while you are looking elsewhere for the solution to your problem.

Let me explain. When it comes to motivation there are 2 forms:

Fitness

Why you have to be your own motivation

EXTRINSIC motivation

This comes from outside influences, and can motivate us to do something that we dislike (like exercise!) to avoid punishment or receive a reward. It can be really useful for short term goals, but often this is where people get stuck. For example going on a 6 week extreme exercise plan because you’re going on holiday in a month and want to lose half a stone; or sticking to a diet plan that’s basically starving yourself, because you are losing weight and you have paid a large sum of money for the privilege! But we know that results like these are usually temporary and not sustainable long term. This is yo-yo dieting at its worst. The motivation is extrinsic and is often more to do with your outward appearance, or short term aims, than your actual health or fitness.

INTRINSIC motivation

This is what we need to help us achieve our goals in the long term. This is doing something because it is personally rewarding to you and you can see how it will benefit you as a person. This motivation comes from within and goes much deeper than fitting into a holiday bikini. To find your intrinsic motivating factors you need to stop looking at ‘being fit and healthy’ as a destination that you can arrive at in just a few weeks and look at it as a lifestyle. We all know people who seem to be really motivated and for whom going to the gym or eating a well balanced diet just seem to be a part of their everyday life. But for most of these people, if you ask them what motivates them their answer will be intrinsic. It will be something relating to their long term health and fitness, such as losing weight to reduce their high blood pressure, or running because it helps their mental health.

Still struggling to find that intrinsic motivation?

Listed below are just a few of the many bonuses to eating a well balanced diet, taking regular exercise and generally being kinder to your body and mind!

• Better cognitive functioning

• Improved mental health.

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke

• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

• Stronger immune system

• Building and maintaining bone density

• Can help with managing chronic pain

• Reduces chances of developing cancer, aids recovery and reduces chances of relapse.

• Helps hormone health, which can ease menopause transitions symptoms.

• Reduces risk of developing dementia.

• More energy

• Better skin and hair

The NHS webpage linked below goes into more detail about the long term benefits of exercise.

www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercisehealth-benefits/

Chantel Heath

To find your intrinsic motivating factors you need to stop looking at ‘being fit and healthy’ as a destination that you can arrive at in just a few weeks and look at it as a lifestyle.