Places&Faces 148 - March 2023

SPRING / SUMMER COLLECTION Instore and online now

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Many brands including:

ALLSAINTS

FRENCH CONNECTION

FRNCH

INDI COLD

INWEAR

JIGSAW

MINT VELVET

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SELECTED FEMME

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THOUGHT

WHISTLES

ACCESSORIES

Many brands including:

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KATE SPADE

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MICHAEL KORS

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LAUREN RALPH LAUREN

TO MARCH'S

As we finally start to emerge from the winter months, we’re ready to get our hands dirty with some good oldfashioned gardening. Whether you’re mulching your borders or tending to your lawn (we won’t judge if it’s more dandelions than grass), we’ve got all the tips and tricks from our gardening expert Tom to help your garden look amazing.

For those of you with little ones under 5, we feel your pain. Fussy eaters and the terrible twos are enough to make any parent pull their hair out (or invest in a bottle of wine). But fear not! Our experts have the inside scoop on how to keep your sanity intact while raising those little rascals. And speaking of parenting and special occasions... Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re a mum yourself or just looking to spoil your own dear old mum, we’ve got some great gift ideas and heartfelt sentiments you’ll need to make her feel loved.

But hey, we don’t just focus on the family here. We also know how important it is to take care of yourself, which is why we’re excited to bring you the latest in pilates trends. Trust us, you’ll be feeling the burn (in a good way) in no time.

Springtime is a good time to remember to get stuck in and give new things a go. Like Yoda once said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” So roll up your sleeves and lets all do March, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a good one.

Andrew Hirst EDITOR

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

ADVERTISING SALES

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Sinead Taylor

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DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Andrew Hirst T: 01502 725860

E: andrew.hirst@micropress.co.uk

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E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk

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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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Staying

IN

Don't Miss A Good Person

Released: 24 March

What's on? at the movies

Allison had the perfect life, the perfect fiancé, all leading up to a perfect future. But when Allison is involved in a caraccident that leads to the death of her future sister-in-law, that perfect future fades away. Her fiancé can’t be with her anymore and his family, including his father Daniel, played by Morgan Freeman, blame Allison for what happened. She spirals and tries to find peace at the bottom of a bottle. When things become too much, Allison seeks help and goes to an alcoholic’s support group and to her surprise, she finds Daniel there. Rather than letting her find another group to join, Daniel and Allison build up an unlikely connection as they both try to rebuild their lives. From Zach Braff, star of Scrubs and director⁄writer of the beloved Garden State, this film about finding the strength within yourself and understanding and accepting grief as it tries to consume you, is sure to be a winner with audiences.

Luther: The Fallen Son

Released: 10 March

Adam Driver, that lovable rogue from the Star Wars’ sequel trilogy and powerful films such as Paterson and Marriage Story, stars in this film from the writers of A Quiet Place with what must have been one of the greatest elevator pitches of all time.

Adam is a space-pilot who crash lands on a mysterious planet. Ooooo… mysterious! But, wait - there’s more... He encounters dangerous dinosaurs. And there’s more! He realises that somehow, this mysterious planet is Earth, but 65 millions years ago! AND THERE’S MORE! There’s one other survivor, a little girl, all alone. Sheesh!

A crash-landing, a mysterious planet, dinosaurs, time-travel and a lost child. What a palaver! Adam Driver is going to have to protect her, not get eaten by dinosaurs and then find a way home. I hope he’s had his Weetabix.

Creed III

Released: 3 March

Michael B. Jordan returns as Adonis Creed, son of Rocky Balboa’s rival, Apollo Creed. After building a life for himself both in and out of the ring, Creed is thriving. But things take a turn when his childhood friend, Damian who himself was a former boxing prodigy, is released from prison. Damien wants to prove that he’s just as good as Creed, if not better. Clearly there’s more to this rivalry than just a boxing match. Damien has nothing to lose but Creed could lose everything. This time round, Michael B. Jordan is helming the director’s chair as well. It’s refreshing to see an actor give their all to a role in a three-quel rather just phoning it in for the pay-cheque. Expect a show-down for the ages.

Released:

10 March (Netflix)

It’s time to don the Harris tweed coat and put on that red tie because Luther is back and this time, he’s in a film. Now, you might be like me and think this is a bit of a let-down. Only a film?! I want a whole new series of Luther! But then the last series was only four episodes and the one before that was only two, so to be fair, a film is pretty much the same length. Expect the usual shocks and twists from Neil Cross as Idris Elba clashes with a new character played by Andy Serkis. The film starts with where Luther was left; in prison. But when another psychotic serial killer is on the loose, Luther thinks only he can catch them. So he er.. escapes from prison to save the day. I guess two wrongs make a right? But then with Luther about ten wrongs make a right.

with Adam Gunton

? What's on

IN Staying

The Mandalorian Season 3

Disney+, 1 March

Don't

Miss

He’s more than just a meme you see on Facebook. Baby Yoda, or to use his actual name, Grogu, is a Mandalorian in training. You might be a bit confused if you didn’t watch the Boba Fett series but Grogu decided to forego his Jedi training and re-join his adopted Dad, the titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and follow the way of the Mandalorians. There’s obviously a rich storyline set in the Star Wars universe about Din taking the Darksaber and using it to try and reunite all the Mandalorians on their home planet of Mandalore but let’s be honest; the main reason we’re watching it is for cute little Grogu.

Abbott Elementary Season 2

Disney+, 1 March

The second season of the critically acclaimed mockumentary arrives on Disney+ this March. The show is made in the same format as things like The Office, Parks & Recreation and Modern Family with a documentary crew following a group of teachers around a public school in Philadelphia. The teachers are dedicated and passionate, but their principal is a little tone-deaf. The teachers find themselves are stressed, working with littleto-no budget but they love what they do. It’s full of charm and memorable characters and was unexpected ratings hit. Because of this, the producers took some of the money that had been allocated for advertising and used it to buy supplies for real teachers instead!

The Bay

ITV, March

ITV’s gripping police drama returns for a fourth season. Marsha Thomson’s DS Jenn Townsend will be tackling a new mystery with the rest of the team in Morecambe. Not much has been revealed about the new series yet but it’s sure to be full of suspense, mystery and will be just as additive as before. This might hopefully fill the void that Happy Valley has left us with but those are some big shoes to fill!

Cheat

Netflix, 1 March

No rest for the wicked, Danny Dyer may have left Albert Square but he’s back on our screens as a host for this interesting new gameshow from Netflix. Dyer shares his hosting role with Ellie Taylor as four contestants have a chance to win a potential jackpot of over £50,000. The four players put their knowledge to the test as they work their way through three rounds but if they find their knowledge lacking, they can always try and cheat their way to the top. That’s right, cheating is encouraged and is very much a part of this show. Some of my favourite board-games of recent years use elements of subterfuge so I’m excited to see how this plays out in a gameshow. You can also play a game at home as you watch. You take a drink every time Danny Dyer says “treacle.”

7th March - Bletchley Park £40

Discover the incredible achievements of Britin’s codebreakers, in the place where it actually happened.

15th March - Lakeside Shopping Centre & Ikea £13.50

Anyone for some retail therapy or maybe some Swedish meatballs.

18th March - St. Ives (Cambridgeshire)

Farmers Market £25

Held in St. Ives since 1110. Come and enjoy some traditional artisan fare, straight from the farm.

25th March - Thriplow Daffodil & Country Fair £25

Come and enjoy a warm & friendly atmosphere and help raise funds for charity. Fun activities, 100’s stalls, a smithy, street food & more... Don’t forget the daffodils.

Going out

Holkham

7-17 April

With cotton tail trails and Velveteen tales, every bunny is hopping to Holkham this Easter. There is chocolate by the basketful, a box full of toys and activities aplenty in Holkham Hall, Holkham Stories and Holkham Walled Garden. Visitors also have the chance to fill up and feast with Holkham’s Easter food, drink and gift market. With over 50 local and regional artisan producers showcasing their very best produce, gifts and crafts.

www.holkham.co.uk

Macondo

Stage Two, Norwich

4 March

Prue Leith: Nothing in Moderation

Norwich Theatre Royal

19 March

In her first ever live show, Prue will take audiences through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge – feeding the rich and famous, cooking for Royalty and even poisoning her clients. www.norwichtheatre.org

Unexpected Twist

Norwich Theatre Royal

19 March

Unexpected Twist is the re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist , by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen. Combining two stories in one; Rosen’s story and the Dickens classic that inspired it. Two stories that twist together, unexpectedly!

www.norwichtheatre.org

Tommy Blaize & NYJO

Norwich Theatre Playhouse

16 March

A fantastic opportunity to see a 19-piece band of some of the most talented young jazz musicians in the UK take the stage with one of the country’s finest vocalists, Tommy Blaize, who is the lead singer of Strictly Come Dancing. www.norwichtheatre.org

Macondo is an Autoteatro (selfperformed) show inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude , combining instructionbased theatre, binaural sound and poetic writing to create a unique theatre experience.

www.norwichtheatre.org

Sunday 26th March 2023

10am—4pm

See our engines in steam, plus visiting vehicles & models, trade & craft stalls, and refreshments!

Adults: £8 Children (4-16): £4

Concessions: £6

For more information:

www.longshopmuseum.co.uk or Telephone 01728 832189

LADIES FASHION

Stockists: Marble, Adini, Foil, Pomodoro, One Hundred Stars, Capri and more

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE!

OpenMon-Sat10am-4:30pm

info@musebungay.co.uk

01986 895538 or 07413 487487 4 Earsham Street, Bungay NR35 1AG

HEALER

MNFSH

Booking & details:

www.jamesbarley.co.uk

email james@jamesbarley.co.uk

Appointments available at The Space, Burston, Nr Diss & Norwich City Centre

Top tips for Mother’s Day & what to do this month...

Change is in the

It’s

Visit England’s English Tourism Week between 17 March and 26 March. So, make the time to take a good look around your local area, because English Tourism Week is a time to truly recognise the beauty and diverse choice our city and county offer - without having too far to travel!

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is one of my most favourite places to visit, although it has to be said, I have a lot of favourites dotted around the county! And as I’ve written about many times, we’re so lucky here in Norwich and Norfolk to have the breadth and quality of a changing arts and culture scene, year in, year out. With that, let’s see where we all should be heading this month.

The Sainsbury Centre is a place to visit on any day, (except Mondays when it’s closed!). The size of it means you’re guaranteed some peace and quiet to reflect and enjoy the permanent collection. And for all those who particularly appreciate great design, it’s a perfect place to have coffee, lunch, or a glass of wine in the Modern Life Café and look around the shop, where you can

buy some interesting coffee table books, stationary, art, cards, jewellery, and more.

This month we have two incredible exhibitions opening at the Sainsbury Centre and, if you want to see them both, I’d suggest you visit from 18 March. But, if you can’t wait, launching on 12 March, the Sainsbury Centre presents Empowering Art: Indigenous Creativity and Activism from North America’s Northwest Coast (until 30 July). Excitingly, many of the artworks and exhibits will be rarely seen

works – so that’s number one reason to visit. And there will be a mix of historical and contemporary pieces from the earliest colonial interactions to paintings and sculptures from the mid-20thcentury, a time when modern Northwest Coast art was revitalised.

This is a ground-breaking exhibition as it presents artworks on a scale unseen in the UK since the 1970’s (reason two to visit), having been developed in consultation with indigenous artists and leaders from the community across the Northwest Coast from Washington State to British Columbia, and up to Alaska.

See works from Indigenous artists such as Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, Marianne Nicolson and Susan Point, as well as a new generation of artists including Morgan Asoyuf, Phil Gray and Danielle Morsette.

Following closely on its heels is Julian Stair: Art, Death and the Afterlife (18 March - 17 September, free), another thought-provoking event. In this instance, Stair – a leading ceramic artist - has been working closely with the charity Cruse Bereavement and Norwich Death

air. As well as the start of spring, March brings opportunities to do something different or start something new, says Melanie Cook of www.VisitNorwich.co.uk

Bear Mother Drum, Morgan Asoyuf 2018, Elk hide drum, acrylic paint

Norwich Baroque. Photo: Paul Hurst

Café to create his works. This has led to donated ashes of people who have recently died being embedded in clay or contained within Stair’s figural jars to create permanent memorials to their loved ones.

In 2012 in memory of his uncle-inlaw, Les Cox, Stair created Reliquary for a Common Man where, working with Cox’s bereaved family, the artist commemorated Cox’s death by incorporating his ashes into the clay body of an urn.

For this latest show, Stair’s artworks range from forty centimetres to two metres in height, with around 30 new works on display in an incredible exhibition, representing his response to the global pandemic. His works range from cinerary jars to monumental, abstract, figurative forms, which invite the viewer to meditate on the intimate relationship between the clay vessel and the human figure.

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival has launched its full programme of international arts and so, whilst we have until May to experience them, now is the time to pour over the brochure and choose how you want to participate. Start planning some very exciting days, nights and hours out, remembering that a good

years between them!

The Forum in Norwich is a great venue, but it’s also a great event organiser, and annually The Forum presents the Norfolk Makers’ Festival (11 - 19 March). Heavily attended each year, it’s the perfect opportunity to get your creative juices flowing, whether you have an established

amount of the Festival is free.

Part of their offer is a two-mile Art Path linking Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery to the Sainsbury Centre (genius, and much overdue). This will take the form of a day’s activity (a Saturday) where along the route you can expect a few wonderful surprises. I’m hoping many people will take the opportunity to follow the path (which is free to travel), linking these two very important arts venues, which also happen to have around 900

hobby, interest or side hustle, or if you are looking to find something brand new to do with no experience.

The event is designed for artists, artisans and makers to showcase their talents and talk face-to-face with the public. And there is so much to do. Watch a demonstration, enjoy multimedia exhibitions, in-person and online talks, ticketed creative workshops and crafty conversation! There will be experts from embroiderers to printers, from weavers to lace makers, from jewellery designers to wood whittlers – so, something for everyone.

The talented students at Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) are offering stop frame animation to try, chances to meet makeup artists from City College Norwich, learn about lino-cut printing, song writing, quilling, jewellery making and sculpting with plastic cleared from Norfolk’s beaches.

The beauty of this Festival is that many organisations across Norwich get involved, and the Festival is a good hook for venturing further if you find something you enjoy or that sparks an interest. Each summer the NUA annually

showcases work from their graduating students. It’s a must visit event in my eyes, and it’s free. The work is extraordinary. It’s taken place online for the past few years, but I’m hoping it will soon return as an in-person event. Keep your eyes peeled for further information.

Finally, the Museum of Norwich presents the history of textiles and its role and importance to Norwich, as well as following local industries in shoemaking, mustard, chocolate and even wire netting! So, don’t just get involved this month, follow up on the story later in the year and see what other places there are to visit.

Mother’s Day three top tips

1. The Sainsbury Centre’s shop is fab for present buying. Especially if you have a mum or mother figure who’s a bit difficult to buy for!

2. Looking for something different? Book tickets to a Norwich Baroque performance at norwichbaroque.org/concerts

3. Visit Juni and Co in The Royal Arcade for skin and makeup advice and bookable experiences from top friendly local experts. juniandco.com

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

The Forum in Norwich is a great venue, but it’s also a great event organiser, and annually The Forum presents the Norfolk Makers Festival

Julian Stair, Figural Jars, Artist’s Studio 2022.

Photo: Matthew Warner

Photo: Norfolk Makers Festival

Julian Stair with Monumental Figural Jars in-progress Industrial Setting 2022. Photo: Matthew Warner

Advance discounted tickets are available to buy online at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline number 01263 735 828

Adult £19

Children (5-16 Yrs) £7.50

Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £50

Under 5’s are Free and Car Parking is Free for all Discounted ticket offer valid until midday 17/04/23. After this time tickets are available to buy on the gate at the 2023 on-the-day rates.

A small booking fee applies to phone orders VIP Memberships and Camping weekend tickets also available at discounted rates if booked in advance.

WIN: a Family one-day VIP Membership ticket

TheEast Anglian Game and Country Fair will take place on 22 Saturday and 23 Sunday April at the prestigious Euston Estate, just off the A11 at Elveden, home to The Duke and Duchess of Grafton.

Every year the show welcomes world class events and attractions each year and 2023 is no different. Main Arena displays confirmed for this year’s show include The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team with a spectacular display, The Squibb Freestyle Motorcross Show performing breath-taking jumps and stunts mid-air and returning due to popular demand, the Horseboarding UK Championships

With a fantastic line up of more free events to watch in the Main Arena and across the show including the much-loved British Scurry and Trials Driving Championships, Lowestoft

Dog Agility Display Team, Gun Dog displays, Fishing demos with World Champion Fly Caster Hywel Morgan, the hilarious Sheep Show, Traditional Ferreting Demonstrations with Simon Whitehead, Live Craft demonstrations and much more!

Join in and ‘have a go’ at a range of country activities from clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge Fly fishing and coarse fishing on the Black Bourn River, ferret racing, archery and axe throwing. Try the air rifle range, enter your dog into the pet dog show or join in with your dog at the K9 Aqua Sports pool.

There are over 350 shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers and fishing products. Children’s activities, traditional fun fair, food and drink hall with Game Fair Country Kitchen, craft and gift marquees and much more.

www.ukgamefair.co.uk

How to enter?

To be in with a chance of winning a Family one-day VIP membership ticket simply complete the form with your contact details at:

www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ competitions

or enter by post sending your contact details to:

EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR Places&Faces Magazine, Micropress Printers Ltd, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Suffolk IP18 6DH.

Competition closes 31 March 2023

Prize details: A Family one-day VIP Membership ticket. Valid for entry to the show either Sat 22nd or Sun 23rd April 2023. Ticket will admit two adults and two children (5-16yrs) under 5s are FOC and do require a ticket. Prioritised car parking and entry to the show with access to the VIP Members Enclosure with licenced restaurant and bar and ringside seating. See page 5 for full terms & conditions, or visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk/competitions.

Pick of the Paperbacks

by Andrew Hirst

Looking for your next favourite book? Or are you just wanting to add to that ever growing reading pile? Here are our latest recommendations for your next reading fix, just make sure you clear a little space on the shelf.

Geiger

by Gustaf Skördeman

How to Kill Your Family

by Bella Mackie

Grace is in prison for a murder she didn’t commit... the six she did are still well hidden. In this brilliantly dark and funny novel Grace writes the story of how she killed each member of her family alongside telling the mundane realities of prison life. Grace is mean, judgemental and a murderer, as well being funny, dry and intelligent, making her the perfect antihero. By the end of the book I was rooting for her. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this book - highly recommended.

A Killing in November

by Simon Mason

DI Ray Wilkins and DI Ryan Wilkins are each other’s opposites. Ray is neat as a pin and a college graduate, Ryan grew up on a trailer park with a violent, alcoholic father. They don’t get on but have to work together to solve two murders in a prestigious Oxford college. The first in this series introduces an unlikely duo from different sides of the tracks in a story full of dangerous turns, troubled pasts and unconventional detective work. Destined to be a hit and I can see this being snapped up for a TV drama?

No spoilers, but the opening to this book is an absolute cracker. This is an engaging and unpredictable spy drama, with all the twists and turns you could possibly need and a strong sense of character and place. The story develops into a chase involving the communist days of the DDR before the Berlin Wall came down, Russian spies and Swedish politics. A real page turner.

The Paris Apartment

by Lucy Foley

When you buy this book don’t make any plans, because you won’t be able to put down until you finish it. Hot off the back of the roaring success of The Hunting Party and The Guest List this is another hit. Another wonderful locked room mystery from Foley who is undoubtedly earning a reputation as a modern day Agatha Christie.

It starts with us

by Colleen Hoover

If you loved the first book It Starts with Us then this is a must read. It picks up where the story of Atlas and Lilly left off. Revealing more about Atlas’s past and following Lily as she embraces a second chance at true love while navigating a jealous ex-husband, it proves that Colleen Hoover can once again give you an emotional read. If you haven’t read It Starts with Us then make sure you read this first, two books to get on your to be read pile, just make sure you have a box of tissues to hand.

The Winter Killer

by Alex Pine

This is the third book in the series featuring DI James Walker and is yet another wellplotted intriguing read. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, DI Walker receives a phone call that puts paid to his Christmas break. During the wedding of the year at a lakeside hotel, the bride’s sister has vanished. Before the wedding night is out, the lake is being searched for a body.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A story of a Hollywood star telling her story of getting to the top, what she did to get there, the loves of her life and the highs and lows. This book is wonderfully written and filled with emotion, whilst still remaining fast paced and fun. This might be a little different from your usual read, but well worth it.

Dog care tips & advice from a very good boy

All geared up for a...

by Atlas (and Melissa Speakman)

The Adventures of Atlas Paw Patrol

Hi Friends!

One of my pawrents’ resolutions for this year was to take me out on more adventures and explore new places. A big part of making these trips successful is to ensure we have everything we could possibly need with us. So, this month we are talking all things practical; backpacks, water bottles, treat bags, coats, whistles and toys!

First up, the backpack. We tried a couple of different styles before we finally found the perfect one for us from a company called Twiggy Tags (sadly this isn’t available anymore but there are lots of other companies out there who sell backpacks designed with doggy adventures in mind). The reason we love ours so much is that it has lots of pockets for all of my toys that we use for training, space for two water bottles and smaller separate compartments where mum and dad keep things like poo bags, brushes etc. The key thing is to find the right bag for you and the kind of walks you like to go on.

As mentioned above, we take two water bottles out with us when we go on bigger walks. One is just a normal bottle for extra water, but we also have a special dog water bottle that allows me to drink from

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

the top section. This is particularly good for me as I have a little habit of knocking over any water bowls that aren’t made of pottery - I personally think it’s a cute personality trait but mum and dad think it’s naughty. These types of bottles are available from lots of different places and come in a wide range of colours.

Next up we have the whistle. We started using this early on in my training and it is such a fantastic tool - and not just for gundogs! Mum and dad use it for lots of different commands including sit, stop and recall. The great thing about the whistle is that it is a consistent sound that carries far and also doesn’t change if mum and dad get cross with me when I ignore them (not that I ever do that of course). Our favourite is the acme whistle - it comes in a huge selection of colours, and you can even jazz them up with fancy lanyards…mum currently has two but I heard her saying she’s got plans to get even more!

Possibly one of my favourite things that the pawrents take with them is my treat pouch! Although I usually have my kibble on walks, dog mum always makes sure she has plenty of treats as well in case we run out of my normal food. We’ve got through a few treat pouches in our time but again, it comes down to personal preference as to what style you choose. Dog mum prefers one with a waist strap for easy access (I appreciate this too…) but it’s also important to have one that can be easily closed, as I have been known on the odd occasion (every time) to try and put my nose in the pouch and sneak extra treats!

To help keep my focus on walks - and also just for fun - the pawrents like to take a couple of my toys with them. We tend to use my training toys, which are a dummy and a fluffy, but I’ve heard rumour that I might also be getting a new ball soon! Although I am having to stay on my longline for the foreseeable future, mum and dad find that if they do some retrieves with me at the start of a walk and get my brain engaged, then I am so much more focussed and happier to ignore any other distractions.

Last up, but by no means least, are coats. Now dog dad took a bit of convincing on this one, but eventually dog mum convinced him that I needed one - well two actually, as I’m lucky enough to have a quilted waterproof one for my walks/ training and then a snuggly drying robe for when I get wet. Although I’ve got a nice thick coat of my own, when the weather gets really cold and/or wet, I need an extra layer and my Digby and Fox coat is perfect - not too thick, but super comfy and hardwearing! For my drying coat, dog mum treated me to one from a company called Ruff and Tumble. Now I don’t want to brag but I’ve had so many compliments when I’ve worn this - I do even believe the word regal was used on one occasion. They are a bit pricey but so worth the money, as they fit beautifully and help to dry you off so quickly! They also have matching drying gloves available (which of course we have) and dog mum couldn’t recommend them more!

So, there you have it, a selection of our essential items to take out with you when you go on adventures!

Until next time Friends!

Dog Water Bottle Woofs and Whiskers

County Dog Drying Coat From £20, Ruff and Tumble Dog Coats

ACME Whistle and Lanyard £12.99

Donk’s Dog Stuff

Large Fluffy Snack Retrieve Toy £13.99

Donk’s Dog Stuff

Company of Animals Treat Bag £10.95 Dragonfly Products

Waterproof Dog Coat

Eco-friendly

Children’s Toys

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• Lanka Kade Wooden Easter Eggs and Bunnies

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• Beautiful soft toys from Moulin Roty

• A wide range of Books for Easter

• Scrunch Silicone Buckets and Spades

• Allergen free chocolate from PlayinChoc Shop online at www.eleandme.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news from our shop in Wells-next-the-sea.

/eleandme /eleandmewells

1 Bolts Close, Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk, NR23 1JP www. eleandme.com

The FussyEater

Thefirst hurdle to over come when tackling the fussy eater is to accept that meal times will never go to plan. Multiple surveys and research have suggested that roughly 8 out of 10 families across the UK are affected by fussy eating habits at meal times. Often this can be less about the food itself and more to do with the child’s environment and their claiming independence. Although part of their development, it can still be frustrating at meal times to see them turn their noses up at anything apart from a pepperoni pizza. As parents, we all want our children to grow up healthy and strong, and a big part of that is making sure they eat a healthy and balanced diet. If you have a fussy eater on your hands, here are some things to consider.

Should I be concerned about their diet?

First of all, it’s important to remember that many children go through a phase of picky eating at some point. It’s not uncommon for young children to be suspicious of new foods and stick to a narrow range of familiar foods. As long as your child is growing and developing normally, there’s usually no need to be overly concerned. Generally speaking children tend to grow out of this when they progress through their teenage years.

Learning by example.

Children tend to learn by example and that applies to eating habits as well. If you’re a fussy eater yourself, your child is more likely to pick up on that behaviour. So one of the best things you can do is to be a good role model and show your child that trying new foods is a normal and enjoyable part of life. Try having the same or similar meals, especially those with a wide variety of foods and allow them to try and experiment with these new and unknown options.

Meal planning.

One way to make mealtimes less stressful is to involve your child in the planning process. Ask them what foods they like and try to incorporate those into meals, along with new foods to try. Let your child help with cooking or setting the table, as this can increase their interest in the food and make them more likely to try it.

Rewards or bribes?

While it might be tempting to bribe or reward your child with dessert for eating their vegetables, this can actually backfire in the long run. Children may begin to view vegetables as something unpleasant they have to endure in order to get to the good stuff. Instead, try to

make mealtimes a positive experience by focusing on the enjoyment of the food itself.

What not to say.

It’s important to be mindful of how you talk about food around your child. Avoid making negative comments about foods you don’t like, as this can make your child more hesitant to try them. Similarly, try not to pressure your child to eat more than they’re comfortable with. Forcing a child to eat can create negative associations with food and lead to more resistance. Try not to focus on one particular food; phrases like “Eat your carrots please.” can cause a child to have an adverse association with that particular food or ingredient. Instead try and have a more generalised comment, “Please eat at least three of everything on the plate.”

Eat your veggies

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that a healthy diet is necessary for your child’s growth and development. While it’s okay for your child to have some picky preferences, it’s important to encourage them to eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Keep offering new foods and be patient; it can take many tries before a child decides they like something.

Having a fussy eater can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay patient and positive. By setting a good example, involving your child in meal planning, and offering a variety of healthy foods, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food. Remember, it’s not about forcing your child to eat, but rather creating a positive environment where they can explore new foods and learn to love a healthy diet.

The battle of meal time looms as we tackle the Fussy Eaters.

Tiny Tornadoes

your child down. Take a deep breath and remember, this too shall pass.

Distraction, distraction, distraction

Distraction is the name of the game when it comes to surviving the terrible twos. Whether it’s a new toy, a silly dance, or a game of peek-a-boo, finding a way to redirect your child’s attention can be a lifesaver. Just make sure it’s not something that will cause even more chaos, like giving them a Sharpie to play with.

Ah, the terrible twos. That magical time in a child’s life where they transform from cute little cherubs to miniature tornadoes of emotion and energy. While it’s a time of discovery and wonder for our toddlers, it can be a time of stress and exasperation for parents. But fear not, dear reader, for we have compiled a comprehensive guide on how to survive the terrible twos and emerge victorious.

Discover the reason

The first step in surviving the terrible twos is to understand the reason behind your child’s tantrum. Is it because they’re tired? Hungry? Did you refuse to buy them the toy they wanted at Tesco? By understanding the root cause of their tantrum, you can better prepare yourself to handle the situation and diffuse it before it turns into a full-blown meltdown.

Keep control

It can be frustrating and exhausting to deal with a screaming child, but it’s important to remember to keep your cool. Responding with anger or frustration will only escalate the situation and make it harder to calm

ALL THINGS BABY EVENT

Nursery department, John Lewis, Norwich

Thursday 18 May, 6.15pm -8pm

Join the John Lewis nursery team at their FREE event for expectant parents. These parental sessions include information to help you prepare for your new arrival and the chance to discover local organisations to support you from birth and beyond.

To pre-book your place at the event visit the nursery department or email emily.smart@johnlewis.co.uk

Territorial fighting

As your child grows and starts to develop their own personality, they may become more territorial over their possessions. This can lead to some epic battles over toys, snacks and even pieces of furniture. The best way to handle this is to encourage sharing and turn-taking and maybe invest in some extra padding for when the inevitable toy missile launches.

Be firm

While distraction and redirection are important, it’s also important to be firm when necessary. If your child is throwing a tantrum because they want to run into the street for example, it’s important to stand your ground and explain to them why it’s not safe. This can be a tricky balance, as being too firm can also escalate the situation. But trust your instincts and remember that you’re the grown-up in the situation.

The pre-emptive strike

Sometimes, the best way to handle a tantrum is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This means being proactive and anticipating your child’s needs before they become overwhelming. Bring snacks and toys on outings, make sure they’re well-rested and fed, and avoid situations that you know will trigger a meltdown. Of course, this is easier said than done, but a little planning can go a long way.

Surviving the terrible twos requires patience, creativity and a healthy sense of humour. Remember, your child is going through a transformative and challenging time; and you’re there to guide them through it. With a little bit of effort and a lot of deep breathing, you can emerge from the terrible twos with your sanity (mostly) intact. Good luck!

Did you know that the Terrible Twos are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges of raising young children? According to child development experts, children under 5 experience a rapid rate of growth and change in their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Here are some interesting facts about the under 5 set: In the first year of life, babies can triple their weight and grow an average of 10 inches. By the age of 5, they will have grown to over half their adult height. The average 2-year-old can say around 50 words and understand many more. By age 5, they’ll know around 2,500 words and be able to use complex sentences.

Toddlers have a remarkable capacity for learning, with their brains forming around 1 million new neural connections every second. This makes early childhood a critical time for brain development and learning.

Children under 5 have a strong need for social interaction, as it helps them develop important skills such as communication, empathy and problem-solving. Play is a vital part of their development, providing opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn through trial and error. Tantrums are a normal part of development for young children, and are often a result of feeling frustrated, overwhelmed or unable to express themselves. While it can be challenging to deal with, it’s important to remember that tantrums are not a reflection of your parenting skills and that all children go through this phase.

So, the next time you’re dealing with a toddler tantrum or trying to decipher the meaning of your 3-year-old’s latest gibberish, remember that it’s all part of the incredible journey of childhood development. With patience and understanding you can help your little ones navigate these early years with confidence and joy.

Terrible Twos: The age where your child becomes a tiny tornado... and you’re left cleaning up the mess.

W en’s Day

to learn from leading Lessons ladies

International Women’s Day is here on March 8th to celebrate women across the globe but what does it mean to be a woman? Quite the contentious question these days. The dictionary definition is ‘an adult female human being’. Very concise. But arguably a little simplistic; we’re daughters, sisters, mums, aunts, grandmas. We have a combination of careers, homes and children and, dare I say it, hopes and dreams. Life can be busier than the ticket line for a Taylor Swift concert. And finding a work and home life balance can be like juggling swords: pay too much attention to one and the other is going to serve you a painful reminder of its existence. But strong women have been successfully adulting since the dawn of time and debatably for things that were afforded to our male counterparts without contention. So, what life lessons can we learn from the leading ladies that led the way?

Learn to fight for yourself like Isabel de Olvera

De Olvera was a woman of mixed heritage living in the 16th century. De Olvera wanted to join an expedition to New Spain but due to her social position needed protection from forced marriage or slavery. As unbelievable as it seems to an audience in 2023, de Olvera had to petition a mayor to provide her with written permission to travel as a free woman, who could not be claimed as the property of a man. After an 8 month legal process, de Olvera won the right to be a free woman. It would have been seen as a ballsy move from a woman of her ethnic background at the time, for what we consider a basic right of freedom. But like a heroic precursor to a L’Oreal advert, she knew she was worth it.

Charlie Smith-Knight looks at life lessons we should embrace in our future by looking at leading ladies from the past.

Learn to stick up for others like Gloria Steinem

The American journalist and activist has been highlighting injustices towards women since the 1960’s. Notably, Steinem worked undercover as a bunny at the Playboy Club in New York. Steinem’s resulting article showcased the exploitative conditions female employees were subjected to and the borderline illegal sexual demands placed on them. Although the assignment had a negative impact on Steinem’s career in the short term, it forced Hugh Hefner to revise the working conditions in his clubs and positively improved the lives of women who were being taken advantage of. Steinem has also championed women’s rights to abortion, highlighted the issue of female genital mutilation and in 2013, shared her support for transgender people. Like a modern-day suffragette, Steinem has been standing on the front line and taking hits better than a pro boxer for literally decades. If you’re having a bad day, you know she’s the sort of friend who’ll tell the waiter that you ordered a Bloody Mary not a Virgin Mary.

Learn to persevere like Queen Elizabeth II

You knew she had to be here. Personally, I’m no royalist but you have to admire the staying power of a person who has done the same job for 70 years- even if it seems like Anne Robinson has been around endlessly, it’s an achievement few live up to. In a world where most people change jobs every 5 years, England’s

longest reigning sovereign provided a constant in a changing world. Despite the scandals and evolving social climate, our Liz weathered the storms with dignity and grace and was an expert in the unspoken response. Providing a masterclass in poise, Queen Elizabeth II taught us all how to persevere. It’s still slightly unbelievable that she was not immortal, forever leading us forward like a beautiful figurehead on the front of a ship. But here we are, and what we can take from Her Majesty’s example is that sometimes the only response is to hold your head up and keep moving forward. Like a shark, just keep swimming.

Learn to live your authentic life like Grotbags

If you’re not familiar with Grotbags (*cough* shame on you *cough*), she’s a vividly green witch dressed in a bin bag who lives in Gloomy Fortress. And let’s be honest, we’ve all spent time there. Although Grotbags is the curve ball on this list, she makes the cut for-quite simply-being herself. For not bowing to the peer pressure and social convention of needing to look or act a certain way in order to be considered acceptable. Grotbags could be loud and mean and her eyebrows were definitely sisters not twins but she was living her authentic life before anyone coined the phrase. The antiKardashian who wouldn’t know a filter if it robbed her broomstick, Grotbags served attitude and an individual look unapologetically. Sometimes, just be more Grotbags.

Learn to overcome adversity like Frida Kahlo

Although she’s probably most famous for her eyebrows, Frida Kahlo should be lauded for her ability to rise above adversity. In 1925, aged 18, Kahlo was involved in a bus accident that saw her impaled on a handrail through her pelvis. Kahlo suffered injuries to her spine, uterus, leg, foot and collarbone. Confined to bed rest for months, Kahlo began to paint. The rest, as they say is history. Where some people might crawl into a pillow fort and cry endlessly whilst listening to Celine Dion on repeat, Kahlo turned her forced repose into a successful career that has made one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century. And that’s according to the Tate Modern, not just me, so you know it holds some weight. Kahlo lived in pain until her death and even attended one of her own exhibitions on a stretcher but left a legacy more beautiful than a supermodel’s offspring. Kahlo has to be the *chef’s kiss* of comebacks and endurance.

It’s not always easy being a woman, or even just human sometimes. None of us are dictionary definitions and why would you want to be? We should celebrate our chaotic existence, acknowledge our achievements, learn from our sisters and be proud to be female. Life can be tough. Nevertheless, she persisted.

Coral Warren Inspiringwomen

Coach Coral

At 85

, Coral Warren is the personification of inspiring. To list her achievements is almost impossible but it’s fair to say that she has had, and is still having, a tremendous impact on those diagnosed with cancer - and their families.

The key to it all is, somewhat surprisingly, badminton. Although more of a keen hockey player as a child, Coral

reveals she always harboured a desire to play the racquet sport. Opportunity came knocking when she was a young married woman, living in Malaysia with her husband Clive and their young children, Simon and Sandra (Daniel came along later).

Her husband, who worked for the RAF as an engineer, was a keen sportsman, excelling at football in particular, but he had started to play badminton so Coral took lessons with, what sounds like, a tough but encouraging Chinese coach.

‘It was eight weeks before he let me on the court,’ she remembers. ‘We went through every shot and he expected me to work. He said: ‘You work, I coach, you no work, I no coach.’

It seems Coral took to the sport like the proverbial duck to water and was soon playing regularly, both socially and in competitions - sometimes, but not always, partnering her husband. But she laughs: ‘No, it was awful partnering with

him - he was self taught, a natural player, and I was the coached player. We had different styles and different ways of playing. I’m a great tactician; I like to evaluate my opponents. I might lose the first game as I’m watching them, seeing their strengths and weaknesses, and working out how I can beat them.’

The pair took their coaching certificates and, when back in Britain, continued to play and coach, both playing for a YMCA team in Norfolk and qualifying as tutor assessors, too.

Coral became the head badminton coach at the Norwich Sport Village in the 1980s and it was here that the idea for her self help group emerged. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer herself, and was contacted by a fellow badminton player called Lorraine, who had just had breast cancer surgery, and was devastated that she could no longer play her favourite sport.

‘We had 10 minutes on the court,

Wymondham’s Coral Warren was awarded an Order of the British Empire Medal for her work with cancer sufferers.

Sarah Hardy finds out more...

Coral with her partner after winning the mixed doubles in the Penang Open Championships 1966

with me throwing shuttlecocks at her racquet to see how she could move, and adapting these movements and her grip,’ says Coral, adding that the tearful Lorraine was overwhelmed at being empowered to continue to play.

This success motivated Coral to set up both badminton and aqua stretch sessions, with yoga classes following on for those a little more frail. ‘It started as a post surgery support group for women who had had breast cancer but expanded to include all cancer sufferers,’ she says.

When the Sport Village closed in 2006, the group moved to the UEA Sportspark and became known as Sport Action for Women With and After Cancer, and the group still meets every Wednesday morning, with badminton and yoga on offer. There is also a cancer support choir called Shades of Pink, which meets at The Willow Centre in Cringleford, Norwich, on Wednesdays, too. ‘We have performed in hospitals, at care homes and so on,’ says Coral.

All the groups are self funding so money is always tight and Coral is keen to see more people take part. She explains that the pandemic saw all classes stop and now there’s a need to encourage people back. ‘Cancer didn’t stop so the need is still there. We just have to let people know that we are here and we welcome everyone. The classes are for all those diagnosed with or recovering from cancer, to get fit, meet others in the same situation and either renew their love of a sport or learn a new skill.’

Apart from running her self-help groups, Coral is also a senior squad

selector for county badminton teams, a voluntary post that can be tricky as you have to choose who plays for what team and when. Our interview was interrupted by a telephone call, as Coral tried to amass her first team squad, with some players feeling a little stodgy post Christmas!

Time away from her sport, and there can’t be much, is spent with her large

family. She still lives in her family home in Wymondham, where she has been based for 50 years. Clive sadly passed away in 2015 from lung cancer, but they had three children, and there are now eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

And although she doesn’t say so, it’s clear to see that she’s delighted that some of them play badminton, including her son Daniel and his children.

‘It is a great sport,’ she says with passion. ‘It has given me everything - a wonderful life with wonderful opportunities. And it is a great sport for children - it is not expensive, you don’t need much equipment, and it is very good for fitness and flexibility.’

Coral’s commitment to her sport and her various groups was rewarded with an email back in early December 2022 when she was informed that she had been nominated for an Order of the British Empire Medal. She says: ‘I just couldn’t believe it and I couldn’t tell anyone for almost a month.’

Now she is looking forward to a local ceremony and turning her mind to that all important question - what to wear? Something new, I tell her and she agrees with a smile.

Find out more about Coral’s groups on 01953 605208.

Coral and her doubles partner Miss Choong Soo Har and their coach Tai Kuan Tai, at the Penang Open championships 1966.

The Sport Action After Cancer group at Norwich Sport Village in the early years.

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     

Ask the Expert

www.jarrold.co.uk

Let her eat cake…

Fromthe multicoloured paintings on the fridge door to the artistic creations which still adorn the Christmas tree, your mum loves homemade gifts from her children.

We have a delicious idea to delight her on Mother’s Day (19th March). At Jarrold, our scones have reached iconic status around the streets of Norfolk and we want to share that love with you and your mother on her special day.

Serve with Richard Bainbridge Strawberry & Rose Preserve (£5.00) and a dollop of fresh clotted cream, and spend the day enjoying a good natter and delicious cake.

METHOD:

- Pre-heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan.

- Tip the flour into a bowl and add butter. Rub in with fingertips until the mix looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar.

- Mix in sultanas and bring together with eggs, milk and cream.

JARROLD’S TOP TIP

Don’t overwork the mix. Just bring together until this makes a consistent dough and isn’t too wet.

- Roll or push to 1”/2.5cm thick, cut with desired cutter. Place on a lined baking tray, Brush to the top with egg or milk and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

- Remove and cool on wire rack.

A Foodie Mum’s Dream

INGREDIENTS: makes approximately 15

• 500g Self Raising Flour

• 125g Butter, unsalted

• 80g Caster Sugar

• 1 medium egg

• 75ml Whole Milk

• 75ml Double Cream

• 175g Sultanas

• A pinch of salt

When she’s partial to a gin & tonic

The afternoon tea is the go-to for treating your mother on that special Sunday in March. Dainty sandwiches with the crusts cut off, small slices of Victoria sponge and the age-old debate of jam-first versus cream-first, you can see why it’s a wonderful English tradition which makes mothers feel special.

Well, Cornish brand G&Tea understand that your mum, grandmother or maternal counterpart may desire something a little stronger. With a desire to make something truly special for gin and tea lovers, they selected the finest whole leaf teas, herbs and fruits to infuse an exquisite craft gin to create an innovative range of alcoholic beverages.

Boella & Sorrisi

White Chocolate Caramel Bar with Salt Flowers

H&J

Ethiopia Sidamo

Ground Coffee

227g | £6.70

Coffee is their rocket fuel so treat them to this full rounded blend with fruit notes.

80g | £4.80

Give them flowers (of salt)… this natural-occurring salt creates flower-like patterns of crystals and is added to chocolate as a garnish, a perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Tenuta

Authentic Italian Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce

500g | £5.50

For the mum who’s love language is making giant plates of food, they’ll love this sauce which is great for pasta, pizza or bruschetta.

Brewed in small batches, the G&Tea range includes a trio of distinct gins including the Great Earl Gin infused with Ceylon and the Cornish Cream Tea Gin blended with Cornish strawberries, Hibicus and Rose. Though for Mother’s Day, why not try something a little frutier with their Orchard & Berry Gin captures the tastes and aromas of a warmer, longer days with apple, blackcurrant and blueberry? Perfect served with a light tonic and some fresh blueberries, serve her a glass of her favourite tipple this March.

It’s a relationship that will last a lifetime… show yourself a little kindness and care with small but significant indulgences which can make your day.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 4

• 170g good quality dark chocolate

• 7 free range egg whites

• ¼ tsp lemon juice

• 40g caster sugar

• 1 x 226g jar of ART’s jam: choose from Bramble Jam, Chocolate Wine Conserve, Jolly Jam or Tayberry Jam

• 1 bag of mini chocolate eggs

Easter Jammy Mousse

METHOD:

- Into four glass individual portion bowls: spoon 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen jam into each bowl and put the bowls in the fridge to chill, so the jam solidifies slightly and does not blend with the addition of the mousse later.

- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (Don’t allow the bowl to touch the water otherwise it will burn the chocolate).

- Whisk the egg whites and lemon juice in a large, clean bowl until they form soft peaks. The lemon will stabilize the egg whites making them easier to work with and help to prevent over-whisking.

- Add the sugar and continue to whisk until firm peaks form on the whisk when it is removed from the mixture. (Be careful not to whisk beyond this point as the egg whites will start to split.)

- When the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the heat, whisk in a third of the egg whites quickly and vigorously into the hot chocolate until thick and well combined. (If you add it too slowly then their cold temperature will make the chocolate solidify and result in a lumpy mousse.)

- Fold the remaining egg whites into the mixture, using a spatula, until all of the egg is completely incorporated into the chocolate.

- Spoon the mousse evenly over the jam in the glass bowls and chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours, until set.

- To serve, garnish with a couple of mini eggs for each mousse and then put the rest in a bowl to accompany your dessert.

Alice Rebecca Talbot owner of ART’s – Craft Kitchen

Herby goatscheese porcini

Risotto &

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 2

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 200g mushrooms, sliced

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 190g pack Cooks&Co Porcini

Mushroom Risotto

• 150ml white wine

• 500ml vegetable stock

• 75g Cooks&Co Sweety

Drop Peppers

• 1 knob of butter

• 25g Parmesan, finely grated

• 1 Tbsp chopped chives

• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley

• 50g soft goat’s cheese

METHOD:

- Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the mushrooms and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the risotto mix and then the wine and cook until the wine has reduced by half. Add the stock, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a further 5 minutes.

- Stir in the sweety drop peppers, butter and parmesan, the sprinkle in the herbs crumble in the goat’s cheese but just allow to melt without stirring before serving.

Cooks tip

Try swapping the goat’s cheese for mascarpone or cream cheese.

Interior Trends

Interior designer Laura Ruddy owner of the stylish Norfolk Luxury Furniture gives us advice to keep our homes on trend this year.

Feeling blue

Norfolk Luxury Furniture is a new on-line Company that specialises in supplying ontrend desirable items of furniture and furnishings. The owner, Laura Ruddy set up the business after spending many hours searching the internet for quality, luxurious items at competitive prices.

@norfolkluxuryfurniture

www. norfolk luxury furniture .com

Is it time

to give your home a make-over? Bored of your interior and need to give it a little love? Take a look at my top five trends and tips for this year and you will soon be back on trend.

Stripes are back!

I love seeing striped wallpaper in a children’s room or playroom. I think it’s a great way to give your interior space more interest without too much effort. Stripes going horizontal will also make your room look and feel bigger too.

Ralph Lauren Spalding

stripe wallpaper, navy/white from www.styleideasdirect.co.uk £50.40

The colour blue is going to be a big hit this year. After all, it is a bright, super saturated and luscious colour. Add blue to any room by placing a statement chair and accessories such as lamps, cushions and vases. Fancy a big change? Why not paint the room blue or wallpaper it to create the vibe you want this year.

Villi Luxe Feature Chair from www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com £590

Going for gold

Going gold has been dubbed ‘limitless luxe’ and is set to be a huge trend this year and it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere soon! Fancy going gold but don’t want to spend too much? Accessorise your room or just change the handles of the doors and draws from silver to gold. I love this gold hexagonal tray; this looks great on a coffee table!

Gold Finish Hexagonal Tray from www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com £70

Light up your life

Wall lights are taking centre stage too! Light up your favourite photo, pair them either side of your TV or cover your walls in light. My favourite lighting brand currently is RV Astley. They’re modern, unique and very stylish. I have these in my living room, either side of my tv... it looks great!

Colmar antique brass wall lamp from www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com £169.99

Local art

I recently came across this great artist called Tabitha Mary. She has some amazing prints; this print of Holkham beach really caught my eye! Have a look at her website www.tabithamary.co.uk ...and she accepts commissions too!

La a L es

The Strips Collection by Skyline Design

I have this collection at home. I always get lots of comments on my outdoor furniture because it is different to the standard rattan. Surprisingly, the most useful item in my garden is the parasol. We are south facing so a large parasol that tilts is great for staying in the shade. Normally, I am guilty of leaving the cushions outside, so I made sure I bought a storage box. All I need to do now is remember to bring them in! I have the Opal Trunk, which works well with the Strips Collection. Have a look on www.norfolkluxuryfurniture.com to view the full range.

Gardening with Tom Strowlger

will pay floral dividends in the warmer months to come.

As the soil warms up so will roots and you will start to see the leafy shoots of perennial plants like delphinium, bergenia, hosta and lupins make their presence known. If the month is mild then our resident slugs will start their hungry work, so we need to be aware of their fondness for green shoots and protect our plants with a layer of fine sand or eggshells around the base of plants.

If the month remains cold then it’s our last call to prune roses, cut back any overwintered fuchsias by one to two buds, snip off spent hydrangea mop-heads, grapevines (only if without

Tom Strowlger @garden_with_tom

Thefirst month of meteorological spring is upon us, we can now breathe a pleasant sigh of relief that our gardens are finally entering the spring gardening season. The green shoots of spring are with us and wildlife will be going about its daily routine with real enthusiasm and energy. The first round of seasonal flowers is all around us; these being daffodils, crocuses, irises and hyacinths all showing off their colourful flowers.

March is a changeable weather month. It can bring sunny and warmer days but also late frosts and even snowfall. We can use any milder days to get into our gardens and crack on with some jobs. The garden in spring is a place of newness and freshness and we should use our time in the garden to dig, plant and sow, as any work put in this month

opening buds) and buddleia. We can cut back old brown foliage of perennials before the green shoots become longer leaves, we don’t want to risk cutting any new growth amongst the old branches and leaves.

The lawn will need some love after the long winter, so tidying the border edges and giving some attention to any patches will make the lawn look refreshed. The existing lawn grass is now actively growing, so we can give it the first cut of the season on the highest lawnmower setting. We can hand sow grass seed into bare patches, raking the seed into the soil to assist with germination. We can use a half moon edging tool to straighten off our lawn edges, making our gardens look neat and tidy ready for the warmer days to come.

We can joyfully start to hand sow the annual seeds of our favourite summer flowers including borage, cosmos, cornflower, poppies, foxglove, wild carrot, corncockle, oxeye daisy and many more. We should plant out begonia, lilies, ranunculus, agapanthus, gladioli, freesia and dahlia on milder days, so to create a long lasting colourful flower display from summer through to the first frost of autumn. These flowers will give us so much pleasure during the long and bright days of summertime.

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

March

TOP TIPS

Sow grass seed into any bare patches in the lawn

Feed Roses with rose feed or a balanced fertiliser

Mulch your borders, it will reduce weeds and keep in the moisture

Weed your garden, lifting roots to prevent future growth

Repot containers, pots, planters and tubs with fresh compost

The garden in spring is a place of newness and freshness and we should use our time in the garden to dig, plant and sow

Able Community Care has been in the same family for 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: Due to a new disability I have to use some quite bulky disability aids and need therefore to replace some of my furniture. e.g. settee. I live in the country, do not drive, how do I get rid of it?

Answer: One way is to give your local Council Customer Services a call. Most councils will collect items such as old sofas, fridges or washing machines for a fee and dispose of them for you.

Ask Angela

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

Question: I am over seventy years of age, fit and healthy. I would like to get a job, to explore opportunities but opinion is I am too old to find work. Any ideas?

Answer: Based on your previous working experience you could try registering with local employment/ recruitment agencies. However, some local Age UK offices run projects to help get people into work. Google ‘Helping older people look for work/Age UK’ and you can put in your postcode for local details.

Question: My parents are thinking of moving into a retirement home and we are looking to find out as much as we can about them, costs to buy or to rent, maintenance charges and what else is available on site for social activity etc. Where should we begin to look for information?

Answer: A good place to begin is to visit Lottie.org . This organisation offers a free service that helps families and retirees find the UK’s best elderly care homes and retirement living communities. Another organisation which can help is the Elderly Accommodation Council, a national charity with a mission to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care www.eac.org

Question: My nephew is in his 20’s and has a disability which prevents him from taking part in lots of sports and activities. Other than holidays

catering for people with a disability, do you know of an organisation, charity or business that provides more stimulating breaks?

Answer: The organisation Anyone Can is run by a husband and wife team who advise that they plan adventures that can be adapted, are never toned down, enabling and maximising adventure inclusion. They have a very comprehensive website at www.anyonecan.uk. Here you will find giving details of organised trips and how to make your own trip more personalised.

www.ablecommunitycare.com

A THRIVING, FAMILYRUN FRUIT, VEG AND DAIRY WHOLESALERS

Delivered to your business 6 days a week, including most Bank Holidays

We have been supplying of fresh produce to local restaurants, hotels, pubs, schools, shops, factories, contract and outside caterers for over 40 years

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Fitness

Pilates, 2023’s big fitness trend?

Chantel Heath

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.

If you watch

This Morning , you may have heard that Pilates is expected to be the biggest fitness trend of 2023. But what exactly is it?

The origins of pilates go back over 100 years, so it’s hardly new! Joseph Pilates began developing his method originally called ‘Contrology’ as a teenager in the late 19th century to help cure himself of the many physical ailments he suffered as a child such as rickets and rheumatic fever. Fast forward a few years and he was working with doctors, using his methods to rehabilitate disabled and injured residents in the WW1 internment camps.

By the mid 1920s he had set up a movement studio in New York where

his methods quickly became popular

among dancers to help with cross training, injury prevention and even rehabilitation.

In simple terms pilates exercises are intended to promote strength, stability, mobility and better posture by focusing on muscular effort that stems from the core muscles (the muscles surrounding the torso).

Although pilates exercises will cover all areas of the body, there will usually be an emphasis on the muscles of the hips, back, pelvic floor, abdominals and glutes. Pilates will often be performed on a mat, but can also utilise various equipment such as bands, mini balls and reformer machines.

continued on page 54 ➤

focusingonmusculareffortthatstemsfromthecore

Pilates exercises are intended to promote strength, stability, mobility and better posture

emphasis onthe muscles of the hips, back, pelvic floor, abdominals &glutes

Some of the main principles of

Pilates include:

CENTERING

This means bringing awareness to the area of your body between the lower ribs and pubic bone, as this central region is the core of all pilates exercises.

CONCENTRATION

To get the maximum benefit from each exercise, you must focus with your full attention.

CONTROL

For muscular control your movements should be deliberate with conscious control. We use intention, not momentum.

PRECISION

Maintaining awareness helps to make each movement precise. This means focusing on correct alignment and positioning of each body part.

BREATH

Many of the pilates exercises will coordinate movement with the breath, as this is an integral part of engaging the core muscles and controlling the movements.

FLOW

In pilates we aim to perform the exercises in a flowing, fluid motion.

Is it the same thing as Yoga?

The short answer is no. While some of the movements and exercises may look similar, that’s where the similarities end. Generally speaking, yoga is a much more holistic approach, focusing on connecting universal consciousness and human consciousness through the physical practice of yoga which alongside the actual exercises may include meditations, chanting and deep breathing practises to promote relaxation. There are many different types of yoga though, and not all will include the spiritual and meditiative element.

Pilates on the other hand, is purely a physical fitness system. It is based

around Joseph pilates original 34 mat based exercises and uses precise movements along with the principles mentioned above to increase overall strength, mobility and stability.

Why should I do it?

RELIEF FROM ACHES AND PAINS. Strengthening the muscles of the core helps to improve posture. This in turn can then help to relieve some of the muscular tension that can build up throughout the day in our backs, legs, and shoulders when our posture is not as good as it could be!

INJURY PREVENTION.

Because pilates helps to build strength, as well as increasing mobility and stability it’s a great addition to any workout routine. If you’re a regular exerciser already it can help to ward off potential overuse injuries that can occur from repetitive exercises such as running or cycling. If you’re someone just looking to improve your overall health, it’s a great way to strengthen your whole body.

ALL YOU NEED IS A MAT!

Although there are classes that use all kinds of equipment such as reformer machines, all you need to get started is a comfy mat. While you can book yourself onto a class locally, there are literally thousands of pilates classes available online to suit all levels and abilities.

Can anyone do it?

I work with clients who use wheelchairs, have had hip/knee replacements, are unable to get down onto the mat, are suffering with spinal injuries, the list goes on! The point is pilates is so adaptable. The main principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow can be applied in all sorts of positions. If you are unable to work from the traditional mat based position, you can even do pilates standing or sitting on a chair. There are modifications available for each exercise to suit individual abilities and requirements.

I work with clients who use wheelchairs, have had hip/knee replacements, are unable to get down onto the mat, are suffering with spinal injuries, the list goes on!

AT

PLATINUM PROMISE

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION

At Broadland Hearing Care, we evaluate your hearing, your communication needs and the goals for your life.

RECOMMEND ONLY WHAT NEEDS RECOMMENDING

We recommend a treatment plan that is unique to you and designed to meet your needs.

A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE JOURNEY AND THE RESULTS

We make sure that you understand what steps will be taken on your journey to better hearing and what the realistic outcomes are of those steps.

TREATMENT IS MORE THAN JUST AN OFFICE VISIT

We work with you to create a long-term treatment plan, regular ongoing evaluations and any additional care that you may need to make sure you stay satisfied with your hearing in the years to come.

SEEING AND HEARING THE BENEFIT

We verify that the hearing instruments and any accessories that go with them are working to provide the benefit you need.

BROADLAND HEARING CARE COMMIT TO YOU FOR A LIFETIME

All Audibel products will receive FREE cleaning and testing for their lifetime.

Barry Jones is a highly-skilled Audiologist with over 15 years in the profession.

At Broadland Hearing Care we pride ourselves on understanding your needs and take our time to get to know you, so that we can offer you a solution that complements your lifestyle. So

Mother's Dayfashion Sunday19March

Whether you're looking for something heartfelt and sentimental or something practical and useful, there are plenty of fashionable options to choose from when it comes to gifts for mum this year.

From beautiful jewellery to soft and cosy dressing gowns, there's definitely something out there for every mum. Across the next few pages, I'll take a look at some of the nicest items that are brand new in the shops to buy this Mother's Day, to hopefully inspire you with some ideas and options that will make her feel special and loved.

So, whatever you're thinking of getting, or if you're completely stumped for ideas, don't panic, I've got you covered!

By Polly Coleman

UGG Scuffette ll Slippers, £85, NEXT

B by Ted Baker Cosy Dressing Gown, £64-£66 , NEXT

'Gorgeous Mum' Compact Mirror, £8, Lisa Angel

Mum Sentiment Mug, £8, NEXT

Double Heart Split Dangle Charm, £45, Pandora

£129

101 Dalmatians 'Best Mum' Adults Sweatshirt, £24, George at ASDA

Camera Cross Body Bag, £35, Joules

Georgia Pop Over Top, £59.95, Joules

Clinique

£50, Boots

Queen of Mums Mother's Day Card, £2.95, Oliver Bonas

Murica Ribbed Cashmere Blend Ankle Socks Pack of 3, £49 , hush at John Lewis

Hi-Pile Oversized Lounge Hoodie, £28.80, John Lewis

Apothecary Tranquil Scented Candle, £8, M&S

Mama Lavender, Eucalyptus & Ylang Ylang Unwind Set, £25, Oliver Bonas

Gin-credible Mother's Day Card, £2.20, Lisa Angel

Casa Mia Grey Slipper Boot, £9.99, Deichmann Happy Mother's Day H-box, £14.50, Hotel Chocolat Chocolat