Eastlife March 2018

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eastlife FR

www.eastlife.co.uk

EE

March 2018

Living life in the East

15 fun things to do this

Easter

FREE days out during English Tourism Week TOP 10 brunch cafes in Norwich Mother’s Day gifts & events



Begin your own tradition.

You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.

World Time Ref. 5230G


The A-Class. Athletic at first sight. Introducing the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Its sharp, sporty looks and bold contemporary interior still defines the revived generation of Mercedes-Benz, and with five model lines and a choice of engines available it offers the perfect opportunity to reflect your true individuality. Now with a larger media display, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and CO2 emissions as low as 89 g/km, we understand the importance of detail. Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the A-Class range: urban 30.7(9.2)-72.4(3.9), extra urban 50.4(5.6)-88.3(3.2), combined 40.9(6.9)-80.7(3.5). CO2 emissions 162-89 g/km. Official EU regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Whilst this offer is only available through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance behalf of other finance companies as well. Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz A 160 Sport at £21,210 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Specification imagery may show optional features. Content relating to finance is promoted by Mercedes-Benz Finance. Your Retailer may offer finance on behalf of other companies. *Finance offer based on a A 160 Sport on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement, on 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and Retailer deposit contribution. Orders/credit approvals on selected A-Class models, between 1 January and 31 March 2018, registered by 30 June 2018. Guarantees may be required. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA. Prices, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions correct at time of production.

The best or nothing.

Robinsons Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz of Bury St Edmunds 01284 769676

Mercedes-Benz of Cambridge 01223 401100

Mercedes-Benz of Kings Lynn 01553 777307


Representative example A 160 Sport manual 48 monthly payments of*(Term of agreement) On-the-road price Customer deposit Retailer deposit contribution Optional final payment† Total amount of credit Total amount payable†† Option to purchase fee† Representative APR Fixed interest rate

Mercedes-Benz of Norwich 01603 751000

£199 £21,210 £3,999 £1,974.09 £8,000 £15,236.91 £23,535.09 £10.00 5.0% 4.80%

Mercedes-Benz of Peterborough 01733 294900

www.yourmercedes.co.uk


Cambridgeshire’s Independent Specialist

BMW & MINI

www.bartlett-auto.com Huntingdon 01480 459771 Peterborough 01733 852955


PUBLISHER - Sean Thompson sean@eastlife.co.uk - 01954 267696

EDITOR - Emma Kemsley emma@eastlife.co.uk - 01954 267904

From the

editor

PRODUCTION MANAGER/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER - Paul Balaam

Dear Reader,

paul@eastlife.co.uk - 01954 268142

As I write this the wind is lashing against the windows while the wind blows a gale, but I’m hopeful that spring is just around the corner. Well, I certainly hope so, as this month English Tourism Week is encouraging us to get out and about and make the most of the attractions on our doorstep. There are hundreds of free tickets up for grabs plus special offers, read the full feature on page 29. We also have an exciting giveaway in collaboration with Visit Norwich and the Maids Head Hotel!

SOCIAL MEDIA - Nicole Ranaweera nicole@eastlife.co.uk - 07921 235539

WEB DEVELOPER - Ben Attenborough ben@eastlife.co.uk - 01954 777070

ACCOUNTS / ENQUIRIES accounts@eastlife.co.uk - 01954 268129

SALES ENQUIRIES Darren Marshall - 07826 628680 Stewart Hedges - 07595 894557 Jim Leishman - 01954 267635

HEAD OFFICE Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge, CB23 4EY

Special thanks to our contributors Gerla De Boer, Dolly Osborne, Sue Cooke, Tracey Dean, Wendy Howes, Katrina Otter, Collette Hoefkens, Ruth Essex, Laura Stafford-Smith, Liz Mattock, Ruby Reed, Abby Knight, Shelley Beth EASTLIFE is published by Thompson Media Partners Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. All times, prices and dates of events were correct at the time of going to press but readers are advised to ring and check before setting out. Printed by Buxton Press.

If you’re on the hunt for something to do this Easter, you’ll be spoilt for choice with our pick of events, including spring fairs, egg hunts and family-friendly attractions. Hopefully, we’ll be treated to some glorious spring sunshine too! But if we’re not so lucky, you can always hideaway in one of Norwich’s quirky brunch cafes with a cuppa – we list our top 10 on page 62. Happy Easter!

Emma Kemsley

Find us on online: /eastlifemag

@eastmagazines

@eastlifemag

www.eastlife.co.uk

On the

front cover: ‘Red Beret’ by John Patchett (IEA) - the People’s Choice Exhibition Vote Winner 2017 at www.paintoutnorwich.org John Patchett is a well-known East Anglian professional artist, who is a member of the East Anglian Institute of Artists and whose pastel paintings are much sought after, both in England and abroad.

DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR

EASTLIFE ON THE GO Available on the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Just search “eastlife”

Full bio: www.paintout.org/ artists/john-patchett

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01480 433 087 - info@davincisbar.co.uk


15-19 NEWS FLASH

A round-up of monthly news and events

21-27 HOW TO HAVE THE BEST MOTHER’S DAY

21

Days out, dining and gift ideas

29-33 OUT & ABOUT

The best of English Tourism Week

35 DOG-FRIENDLY Tails About Town

37-49 LITTLE EAST

Mum’s the Word and Easter events 53-55 EDUCATION The benefits of weekly boarding

41

59-65 FOOD & DRINK

News, the Cambridge Foodie, brunch and the best chocolatiers 67-71 HEALTH Holistic happiness and home remedies

73-75 FASHION

How to achieve classic style & the ss18 trends you need to know about

78-79 WEDDINGS

How to plan a dry-hire wedding

29

78

Contents March 2018

85

85-95 INTERIORS

National Bed Month, Easter accessories and online estate agents

97-99 ARTS

83

117-123 ESSEX

Monthly column and the latest news

Spring & summer in Chelmsford plus theatre listings

101-105 BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS

125-133 SUFFOLK

Six ways to enjoy Hatfield & Wewlyn

107 - 115 CAMBRIDGESHIRE Spring days out & The Fens

Felixstowe, Ipswich and events

135-145 NORFOLK

Secret Norfolk, what’s on in King’s Lynn and listings eastlife.co.uk

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GLAMPING Written by Amanda French www.anoseforfood.com

Hot Spots

F

ancy getting back to nature but don’t want to get your hands too dirty? Check out some of our favourite glamping hot spots in the region which will have you breathing in the fresh country air, while also indulging in the very best accommodation and resources. FAMILY FRIENDLY

Choose from the three fantastic options for glamping at Secret Meadows. With luxury lodge tents, traditional gypsy caravans or even a stay in the hobbit box, there’s something to suit everyone. All set in a nature reserve and surrounded by beautiful Suffolk countryside, this is a great place to relax. With little extras such as hot tubs, breakfast hampers and private hen coops, this is a great glamping site for families and couples alike. www.secretmeadows.co.uk

Luxury Lodge Tent at Secret Meadows

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COSY FOR COUPLES The Secret Garden is an Eco glamping site, just a stone’s throw from Cambridge and features a beautiful ‘hobbit hole’ with a luxurious king size bed and fairy lights, a covered camp kitchen and dining area, a herb garden and circular firepit. Relax in the woodland spa area with a private wood fired hot tub and compost toilet. A great base for exploring the local area. www.guildengate.co.uk/glamping/the-secret-garden/


Gypsy Caravan at Secret Meadows

BEST FOR HISTORY LOVERS Enjoy a stay surrounded by history in the grounds of Layer Marney Tower. Choose from one of the six tented encampments named after one of the wives of Henry VIII. Each encampment has a main tent which can sleep up to six people in their own beds with a toilet, running water and lights. Three of the encampments even have their own hot tub to enjoy. www.layermarneytower.co.uk/glamping

BUDGET

DOG FRIENDLY Thompson Hall Retreat in Norfolk has beautiful shepherd’s huts nestled amongst the trees and with views across the Norfolk Wild Life Trust properties. Dog friendly, these huts can host two people along with a furry friend or two. All Shepherd’s huts have a luxury king size bed, kitchen facilities, private bathrooms and a private veranda with a gas fire pit, to enjoy in the evening. www.thompsonhallretreat.co.uk

From only £27 a night, enjoy a stay at Theobalds Park Ready Camp in Hertfordshire. The Ready Camp tents offer a great balance between outdoor and contemporary living. With everything you need for your stay including stylish features, full size beds, sofas and dining facilities…along with a fully stocked crockery cupboard, you don’t need to worry about bringing anything with you. Simply bring along your own bedding and essentials to get started. www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

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Immerse yourself in 1000 years of history at Suffolk’s Cathedral and take a guided trip up our magnificent Millennium Tower* Guided tours of the cathedral also available with our friendly and knowledgeable guides. Browse a huge range of gifts in our shop and refresh yourself in our welcoming Pilgrims’ Kitchen café which serves hot and cold food and drinks and has free Wi-Fi. Help us build history by laying a brick on our LEGO ® model. We’re building our cathedral out of 200,000 LEGO bricks and need your help! Donate £1 and lay a brick on the model. You are assured of a warm welcome at our services and events. For full details of services, events and news go to

www.stedscathedral.co.uk

The Cathedral Office, Abbey House, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LS

*tower tours only available on certain dates. Please check website for details.

Forest Live Thetford Forest NR BRANDON, SUFFOLK

Terry Dash Music presents

TWISTING THE NIGHT AWAY with the Vintage King SI CRANSTOUN and his Band

Thursday 7 June

THE SCRIPT + SPECIAL GUEST TOM WALKER

Saturday 9 June

PAUL HEATON & JACQUI ABBOTT + SPECIAL GUEST BILLY BRAGG

The Doo Wop, Rock n Roll & Rocking R & B show can be seen at the following venues in April Saturday 14 April The Pier Pavilion Theatre, Cromer 8.00pm 01263 512495 Sunday 22 April New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 7.00pm 01473 295900 Friday 27 April The Key Theatre, Peterborough 7.30pm 01733 207239 Sunday 29 April The Broadway Theatre, Letchworth Garden City 7.00pm 01462 681088

Tickets: 03000 680400 Buy online/info: forestry.gov.uk/music

“Wow! How good is Si Cranstoun” Chris Evans BBC Radio 2

“The Heart and Soul of Rock n Roll” R & R Magazine

www.terrydash.co.uk


Around the region

Eastlife Diary Chelmsford Restaurant Festival 2018 1 - 10 March The first Chelmsford Restaurant Festival launching this March, in and around some of the City’s most exciting restaurants, is designed to not only showcase the thriving local eating out scene and well-established restaurants, but also to encourage and provide support to lesser-known and newer businesses.

City gallery set to host exhibition by Colin Self and Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) 1 - 31 March The Fairhurst Gallery in Norwich is set to host an exhibition by one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, Colin Self alongside friend and fellow artist, Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves). Director Nina Fowler said: “I think we should all just be friends will explore the friendship between these two inimitable artists and their relationship to the ‘art world’ at large.”

Grow Your Own Masterclass at Woburn Abbey Saturday 3 March The BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time expert Pippa Greenwood will explain and demonstrate how to grow your own vegetables. What’s more you get to take home everything you need to create your own salad vegetable window box. And, if you’d like to, you can bring your window box back to the Woburn Abbey Garden Show on Saturday 23 June for Pippa to judge, as part of a fun competition.

Extra Dates announced for John Bishop’s Live Tour, 25 March Comedy superstar John Bishop adds new dates to his already extended live tour, WINGING IT including Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on 25 March. Having sold more than 250,000 tickets for the 2017 tour so far, John has added a further 28 shows, with additional dates in previously sold out arenas and new cities across the UK. www.johnbishoponline.com

Ipswich Remembers collaborative commemoration Saturday 17 March To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, music, dance, poetry and animation combine to create an immersive, thought-provoking and moving performance. Ipswich Choral Society in collaboration with other creative groups will remember and learn about personal stories of Ipswich people, at home and on the front line. Tickets: www.ipswichcornexchange.com

Aldeburgh Music Club Choir Concert Saturday 17 March This March, Aldeburgh Music Club Choir are joining forces with the Bury Bach Choir to perform a glorious all-Mozart programme, including the grandest and most dramatic of Mozart’s choral works, the Great Mass in C minor K427. Tickets are available now from Snape Maltings Box Office on 01728 687110 and via the club’s website: www.aldeburghmusic.club

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Humphry Repton

Art & Nature for the Duke of Bedford

New exhibition opens 23rd March

HUMPHRY REPTON a t

Woburn Abbey and Gardens

woburnabbey.co.uk/Repton

Open daily

FIND US ON

J3766 WA Repton 200 Eastlife ad 168x240+3_Feb18.indd 1

19/02/2018 17:40


Spring Ready? NEW SEASON NOW IN

For your country & equestrian needs this Spring

*Terms & Conditions Apply. Sale items subject to availability & selected brands excluded. See online for details, call or ask in-store.


Around region the

New self-catering apartments on the North Norfolk Coast at Le Strange Arms Hotel, Old Hunstanton! Le Strange Arms have opened the first of 5 Garden Lodge self-catering apartments which sits in the grounds of the hotel. The two storey lodge has been designed to make the most of the magnificent sea views and offer guests a home from home with an open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area. Standing just a stone’s throw from the sea, with the Norfolk Coastal path running across the bottom of the lawn, golf on the doorstep and two nature reserves within easy reach, the hotel could not be better placed to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty. www.lestrangearms.co.uk | 01485 534411 Facebook: /Lestrangearms Twitter: @lestrangearms

Norfolk & Norwich Festival announces three world premieres for 2018 This year’s programme, the first presented under the new festival directorship as Daniel Brine takes over from predecessor William Galinsky, will include three world premieres: The Paper Man, from one of the UK’s most inventive theatre companies, Improbable, Shift, from internationally acclaimed UK circus company, Barely Methodical Troupe and Wayfaring, a major piece of new landscape art inspired by the present landscape and ancient routes of the Icknield Way, taking place on Wells Beach, an area of outstanding natural beauty, over the closing weekend. www.nnfestival.org.uk

Photo credit: Chris Nash

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Family run motorhome hire with a difference! In just its second year of operation Maze Motorhomes are expanding with the purchase of a brand new 2-4 berth motorhome, Milo, which adds a smaller brother to the company’s first motorhome Marvin, a 2-6 berth.

Abseil down historic Cambridge Guildhall for EACH Charity supporters with a head for heights will soon have the chance to abseil down Cambridge’s historic Guildhall, taking an 80ft (24m) plunge on Sunday, 13 May to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). 2018 will also see the launch of Maze Mates, an Owner’s club where people, who traditionally have owned their own motorhome and have the hassle of storing, maintaining, insuring for a few weeks a year, can join the club, pay a regular subscription and have the use of modern well maintained motorhomes without all of the other hassle! Benefits include preferential dates and a loyalty discount. Maze is a family run motorhome hire company based near Cambridge who wants to make renting a motorhome as simple and easy as possible. Why not get in touch? Tel: 01480 830562 or 07463 072274 www.mazemotorhomes.co.uk

Those taking part must be aged 12 or older. Entry is £25 and as part of this fundraising challenge participants will have a sponsorship target of £100. Online registration closes at 10am on 11 May. To sign up, go to www.each.org.uk.

Could co-working be for you? Co-working encourages collaboration and innovation, helping businesses to grow. Mantle operates co-working spaces at its CB1 Business Centre in Cambridge and The Officers’ Mess Business Centre at Duxford, where workers from different disciplines can meet, interact and ultimately collaborate with each other. Mantle also has a programme of monthly ‘Go Meet’ networking events at each of its locations in Stansted, Chelmsford, Cambridge, Duxford and Stevenage, designed to help you promote your business and bring a steady stream of new business opportunities straight to you. All our workspaces are managed on-site with everything you need provided, including fast Wi-Fi, complimentary tea and coffee and break out spaces. Your operation can be set up quickly and efficiently, and you’ll have the flexibility to work the way that suits you from as little as £10 per day. For more information, call 0333 00 66 330 or visit mantlebusinesscentres.co.uk

Photo credit: Cambridge Independent

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The Perfect Mother’s Day

Mini breaks, days out, afternoon tea and more!

Written by Ruby Reed

I

t’s time to do something special for Mum! Maybe you’re a wonderful child all year round, but even so, Mother’s Day is the opportunity to show your appreciation with a little bit of extra thought. If you’re unsure how to treat her, I’ve rounded up a few activities that are happening across the region - take your pick!

Dining: Mum may want nothing more than a relaxing lunch. This tends to be the most popular idea of all, so book up in advance! Especially as some places in particular are making that special effort for the day…

The Woburn Hotel, Bedfordshire Enjoy a delicious three course menu designed especially for Mothering Sunday at this classy setting. Choose from the tempting menu at £32.50 per person, £15.95 per child under 12. Options include: Traditional Roast Topside of Beef and Steam Pollock Fillet with Lobster Bisque! Another option is a traditional elegant spread of English afternoon tea - finger sandwiches, cakes and scones galore! For an affordable £22.00 per person. If you want to add to the day, for an additional fee the Woburn Estate offers a tour of their enchanting Sculpture Gallery. For further information or to book call 01525 290441 - act quickly!

Ware Priory, Hertfordshire Ware Priory is creating two special events. Either treat Mum to a delicious Three Course Lunch or a perfect English Afternoon Tea. Lunch is hosted in the Conservatory and includes an assortment of appetisers, a selection of roast meats and the chef’s luxury dessert table followed by tea or coffee. Mum receives a glass of prosecco and a gift. Price per adult is £30 and children, aged 11 and under £15. Afternoon Tea takes place in The Priory Hall and guests can choose from a range of finger sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones accompanied by a pot of refreshing English tea. As before, every Mum receives a glass of prosecco and a gift. Price per adult is £22 and children, aged 11 and under £11. For further information or to book call 01920 460316

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Credit: Ickworth House

Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk For a similar experience, enjoy the beautiful atmosphere within the Ickworth House tea room. Call ahead for dietary requirements such as gluten free. They were very accommodating to my gluten intolerance during my visit. Prices are £21.50 per adult, £10.75 per child. For further information or to book call 01284 735350

Spa Breaks at Centre Parcs: Elveden Forest, Suffolk Who doesn’t enjoy a pamper day? Mums do especially! The Centre Parc’s team are pros when it comes to providing a perfect package day. The spa facilities’ offer a selection of treatments depending on the package you select. Enjoy the sauna and swimming area too.

Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire Packages designed for two include the Twilight taster (4pm onwards relaxation), Twilight treat (antipasti platters and bubbly!) and Brighten and Glow Spa Day. Prices vary. Have a look online to choose the perfect one. Credit: Centre Parcs

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Something Different? Café 7 Surrey Street, Norwich This quirky café present cupcake classes! Learn how to create fabulous, delicious cupcakes, discover how to achieve different special effects with a variety of nozzles, make a selection of fabulous decorations including roses, butterflies and blossoms and try a fantastic array of edible sparkles. Take your 7 creations home in a beautiful display box. A great bonding activity. To book call 01603 666604

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridgeshire The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the greatest glories of the University of Cambridge and is a museum of international stature. It is a proud home to collections including: Greece & Rome, Silver & Jewellery, Textiles and my personal favourite Egypt. Try it for an interesting, peaceful and educational day. Grab lunch in the café or wander onto the many restaurants within the city centre. Free admission. For enquiries call 01223 332900

Colchester Zoo, Essex This is an idea for the dads that want to treat mum with the kids. Colchester Zoo is a guaranteed family friendly activity, with a handy café and play area onsite. So pencil this in your diary - she need not know your pre-arranged plan until the morning! For enquiries call 01206 331292. If you like this idea why not try your local zoo? Whatever your plans, have a lovely day - and don’t forget the card!

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Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea £40.00 per person including a Mother’s Day gift Three course Sunday Lunch £37.50 per person including a Mother’s Day gift


BULL HOTEL Westgate Peterborough • PE1 1RB

Mother ’s Day Afternoon Tea Sunday 11th March 2018 Bookings from 3-5pm

Why not treat your mother to a special afternoon tea in our Brasserie Restaurant £18.95 per person

To make a reservation or for more information please contact our events team on 01733 561364 events@bull-hotel-peterborough.com www.peelhotels.co.uk

BULL HOTEL Westgate Peterborough • PE1 1RB

Mother ’s Day Lunch Sunday 11th March 2018 Bookings from 12 – 2.30pm

Enjoy a glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival followed by a 3 course meal in our Broadway Suite. All mothers receive a gift. £27.50 per adult £15.50 per child under 10 To make a reservation or for more information please contact our events team on 01733 561364

events@bull-hotel-peterborough.com www.peelhotels.co.uk


TO US!


Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a little pampering. Book a day of relaxation at Wyboston Lakes Y Spa. There’s a range of offers to suit all budgets. Try the ‘Get Glow’ package, which includes lunch and a facial or indulge in a tasty afternoon tea! Prices from £69 www.yspa.co.uk

’ Gift guide

M

other’s Day is just around the corner, taking place on 11 March, but what do you get a mum that already has everything she needs? If you’re stuck for gift ideas take a look at our pick of thoughtful presents that will put a smile on her face…

Tea for two! Afternoon tea is a lovely girly day out and where better to sip on Earl Grey, while slathering cream and jam onto scones than in the beautiful surroundings of Down Hall on the Essex/Herts border. Price from £30 per person www.downhall.co.uk

Does your mum have a fur baby she adores? Artist Samantha Barnes paints beautiful dog portraits from photographs in her Suffolk based studio. Be quick to snap up her Mother’s Day offer! Price: £250 – limited time only www.ipaintdogs.com

Give the gift of great skin with the ELEMIS Limited Editions ProCollagen Marine Cream. Not only will it support her skin but a percentage of sales are donated to Women for Women International, which support the lives of women survivors of war around the world. Price: £99 for 100ml John Lewis, Cambridge

Add a little some-gin to your gift! If your mum likes to kick back with a tipple now and again, serve up her favourite cocktail in this personalised long stemmed gin glass. It comes in a luxury box too! Price: £24.99 www.GettingPersonal.co.uk

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Ickworth

From AddMarch someexplore colourthe torole Theodora, 4th Marchioness of your weekend this Bristol, played in shaping autumn at Gibside Ickworth; the impact she made on the collection, the Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest workings ofandthe estate and the teeming with wildlife autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities. people who lived here. nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01284 735270 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

helps usTrust to look after special places <in the region> <like ©support National 2017. The property X, property Z> in for ever, for everyone. National Trust Yisand anProeprty independent © National Trust 2016. registered charity, number The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust 205846. Photography © National #nationaltrust Images. #nationaltrust Trust Images.

Helmingham is famous for its Grade 1 Listed gardens, redesigned by Lady Tollemache (a Chelsea Gold Medallist) set in a 400 acre deer park surrounding a moated Tudor Hall. Visitors are enchanted by the herbaceous borders within the walled kitchen gardens, the herb & knot garden, rose and wild gardens. A delicious range of local food is served in the Coach House Tearooms and the Stable Shops offer a wide array of local produce, plants, garden accessories and local crafts. Winner of the HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award 2017 Many special events including The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars and specialist Plant Fairs are held throughout the season and groups are warmly welcomed. Please contact us for further details of group booking discounts. Open May – September Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sun 11:00 – 4:30

Helmingham Hall Gardens, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF t: 01473 890799 e: events@helmingham.com w: www.helmingham.com Photos copyright of Marcus Harper


It’s All On Your Doorstep! ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK: THE BEST OFFERS, EVENTS AND DAYS OUT

O

ur fair isle really is quite spectacular, and this month we’re going to celebrate it in all its green glory with the return of English Tourism Week (ETW) from 17-25 March. The campaign encourages residents to get out and about and explore what’s right on their doorstep! Here in our little corner we’re truly blessed so it’s time to celebrate East Anglia’s best bits enjoying special discounts, offers and events…

Norfolk The teams behind Visit Norfolk and Visit Norwich are shining a spotlight on the wonderful things there are to see and do in the local area. This is a time when we’re all encouraged to make time visiting somewhere we haven’t been or to do something we haven’t done in a while. It is also a great time to share a tourism experience with family and friends. Treat English Tourism Week as an opportunity to be a tourist in your own city. You might think you know the landscape and the architecture you pass regularly, you might think you know your history, but we bet you’ll come across something or someone you didn’t know existed.

Norwich Cathedral | Visit Norwich & Tom Mackie, Norwich Market | Nick Farrow

Guided Walking Tours and City Sightseeing are both offering the opportunity to take free tours between 17 – 24 March and whether you’re done a tour before or not we highly recommend you take up the opportunity. Norfolk is home to bookshops of all shapes and sizes, some well-known and others far from the beaten path. Writers’ Centre Norwich is uncovering over twenty of the region’s independent bookshops, found in the grounds of stately homes, along the beautiful Norfolk coast and nestled within Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature - www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk. Finally, Norwich Castle has some interesting family activities over the week, free with museum admission.

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Try your hand at Science Day: Transformers on the 17 March and giant Lego castle building under the heading King of the Castle on 24 March. Full details can be found at www.visitnorwich.co.uk and if you are out and about on social media please tag @norwich_cityofstories on Instagram and @visitNorwich on Twitter also using #ETW18. Visit www.eastlife.co.uk for a full listing of events!

Cambridgeshire We may be drawn to the city and its colleges but this part of East Anglia has more to discover than you may realise. “Cambridge and the surrounding area is an internationally renowned visitor destination. However as is so often the case, we can so easily overlook and take for granted the outstanding range of attractions that surround us,” explains Emma Thornton, CEO, Visit Cambridge & Beyond. “English Tourism week provides the perfect excuse to venture out and discover the amazing experiences and hidden gems located right on our own doorstep.” This month explore the county with a fresh set of eyes. Start by visiting Great Days Out in & Around Cambridgeshire at www.greatdaysoutaroundcambridge.co.uk, which is made up of some of the leading attractions in the region. Check out one of the Egyptian Mummies amongst the many other treasures housed in ‘the finest small museum in Europe’, the Fitzwilliam Museum. Climb the 170 steps to the top of a medieval tower at Ely Cathedral, learn to ride like a jockey on a racehorse simulator at the National Heritage Centre for Horse Racing and Sporting Art or explore the largest country house in Cambridgeshire at Wimpole Hall. History lovers can hear the stories of the American airmen who fought in the war at the Cambridge American Cemetery, go behind the scenes at the UK’s

Maids Head Hotel Above and right

WIN! A break for two

Win an overnight stay for two at the historic four star Maids Head Hotel in Norwich (www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk). Located in Tombland, across the road from Norwich Cathedral, the hotel claims to be the oldest in Britain! The competition winners will stay in a newly refurbished room and enjoy breakfast and dinner in the AA Two-Rosette Wine Press restaurant. To enter visit www.eastlife.co.uk/competitions

Left; Ely Cathedral. Right; IWM Duxford

30

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Jump aboard and celebrate the 900th Anniversary of Peterborough Cathedral with the Nene Valley Railway, which will be giving away 900 free rides! As part of their open weekend, 17-18 March, which coincides with the start of ETW those visiting the Railway’s Wansford headquarters will be entitled to free entry to the site plus free ride on the shuttle service to Yarwell station and back. There will also be free behind the scenes tours of the Loco sheds and signal box and along the Line Overton station. Kings Head, Holt

Fitzwilliam Museum | Visit Cambridge

headquarters of horseracing at Discover Newmarket and ‘meet’ the staff who worked in one of Essex’s finest houses during the Victorian era at Audley End House & Gardens. If nature is more your thing take a boat ride along fenland waterways at Wicken Fen and discover the amazing wildlife that live there, explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park, hand feed Leemars and come face to face with a Tiger at Shepreth Wildlife Park or experiment with science and find the answers to how our bodies function at Cambridge Science Centre. For more ideas and inspiration on what to do and where to go to visit visitcambridge.org or pop into the Visitor Information Centre on Peas Hill.

Essex The biggest county in our region is going all out for ETW with hundreds of attractions giving away free tickets. The excitement has been building over the last couple of months as more and more Essex attractions and businesses sign up for the second Essex Big Weekend on 24-25 March. Organised by Visit Essex, the Essex Big Weekend is designed to encourage residents to rediscover the amazing things to see and do in their home county. Residents can bid for available tickets to as many attractions as they wish at www.essexbigweekend.co.uk, and two tickets per household will be allocated by ballot to the lucky winners. There also some family tickets available as well! Dozens of attractions including Adventure Island, East Anglian Railway Museum, Lee Vallery Park Farm and Rye House Kart Raceway, to name just a few, have already donated free tickets for the fun-filled weekend, and activities include free entry, tours, high-fuelled experiences and family days out. Get involved and bag your tickets for a free day out, registration is open until 11 March! Left: Wicken Fen| Visit Cambridge

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Ipswich Transport Museum | Visit Suffolk

Hertfordshire Willows Farm, Hertfordshire

SIGN UP for an East Anglia Pass If you’re not lucky enough to secure free tickets to attractions as part of ETW, there’s still the chance for huge savings by signing up for the East Anglia Pass; an exciting new promotional pass that saves people money on over 200 family attractions including the likes of Banham Zoo, Africa Alive!, Pleasurewood Hills and all major cinema chains across the region. The pass will be launched in time for the Easter holidays priced £14.99 per annum! Available at www.eastangliapass.com

Hundreds of pairs of free tickets for attractions and activities across the county are up for grabs in the Herts Big Weekend ballot which is open until 11 March. Registration for the third Big Weekend, which takes place 24-25 March, has 51 attractions offering amazing tickets. Lucky Hertfordshire residents won’t have to pay a penny to see behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, get up close to the animals at Paradise Wildlife Park or see 500 years of Herts history at Knebworth House. Some of the county’s biggest attractions will be opening their doors and offering special gifts to lucky ticket holders as part of Visit Herts’ annual celebration of the county’s tourism industry. These include St Albans Cathedral, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Paradise Wildlife Park, Knebworth House, Hatfield Park Farm, Willows Activity Farm, Vertigo Adventures, Natural History Museum Tring, and Henry Moore Studios & Gardens. Last year, there were more than 19,000 applications for tickets to the big event, so make sure you bid for as many tickets as possible to be in with a chance of winning! To register and to see the full list of attractions taking part, visit www.hertsbigweekend.co.uk

Suffolk Suffolk is one of those glorious counties that has so much to offer that a day is never enough. With its 50 miles of coastline, beautiful countryside and picturesque villages and towns, there’s plenty to discover. Make the most of a weekend and combine a coastal stay with a trip to a bustling market town or historic village. Though the county doesn’t have any promotions for English Tourism Week, it is gearing up for Suffolk Day on 21 June – all will be revealed soon! If you visit during English Tourism Week get involved with the hashtag #ETW18 and #BigTweetend for the final weekend. For more days out in Suffolk visit www.visitsuffolk.com Left: The wild Konik Horses at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk.

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The bar is spacious, but cosy, being partially divided by a large brick built fireplace having open fires in the winter months. Ample seating is provided for lunch time diners and leather sofas with low coffee tables add a further degree of comfort for those who would like to relax with a glass of wine or a coffee. A variety of beers and real ales are available as well as a good range of wines. The bar offers a bar billiards table for light entertainment.

Luxury Self-catering Accommodation in eight Converted Barns on a working Arable and Dairy Farm. We are situated in the beautiful peaceful rural Waveney Valley adjoining the southern tip of the Norfolk Broads. Many fantastic sandy beaches and attractions can be found a short distance from Wheatacre Hall Barns making this a great place to base your visit in your discovery of Norfolk and Suffolk. Facilities include, Games Barn, Fitness Barn, Soft Play Barn and Hot Tub and plenty of outdoor space for fun and games.

Contact Joanna Burroughs on 01502 677208 Wheatacre Hall Barns, Wheatacre, Beccles, NR34 0AS www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk

There is a separate restaurant which is bright and airy and tastefully furnished with some tables overlooking the gardens. Our menus are changed on a regular basis and all our meals are prepared on the premises using fresh, daily delivered produce. We are happy to cater for allergies and special dietary requirements. We have a mini zoo including meerkats and marmoset monkeys within our large gardens and there are picnic tables available for food and beverages. We also offer Al fresco dining on our comfortably furnished patio.

16 London Road, Woolmer Garden, Hertfordshire, SG3 6JP

Minsmere

astt coas ffolklkco Suffo the Su on n fu dly en fri lythe mi on Fa n fu dly en fri lyFami

Kids go fre e! Getyour yourvoucher voucher at at rspb.org.uk/discoverminsmere rspb.org.uk/discoverminsmere Get

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RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, Suffolk coast, IP17 3BY RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, Suffolk coast, IP17 3BY Girl image by Nick Cunard (rspb-images.com), dragonfly by Fotolia and ladybird by iStock. RSPB a registered charity in England &dragonfly Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. 851-1289-16-17. GirlThe image by is Nick Cunard (rspb-images.com), by Fotolia and ladybird by iStock. The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. 851-1289-16-17.

To advertise in the next month’s National Pet Month feature:

enquiries@eastlife.co.uk

eastlife


Tails about town

Dog friendly

Written by Emma Kemsley

Nothing but a hound dog O

ne of the things I love most about Fletcher is that he has bundles of personality, and beyond his daftness he has quite a few quirky canine characteristics. Every morning when he wakes up he makes a peculiar squeal while demanding a belly rub, he can’t drink water properly and instead dunks his snout and ears in the bowl and slops water everywhere, his swimming and diving ability rival Tom Daley and he immediately drops to the floor and plays dead if you tell him off in the slightest. A clever tactic, because come on, how can you not think that’s adorable? On top of this there’s bad table manners, jumping up on anyone and everyone (in his eyes every human is alive to fuss him), pulling on the lead and my personal favourite, howling! Oh yes, he is very chatty my Fletcher (just like his mum), and what started as a cute funny trait has become somewhat out of control. Since he was a puppy he has howled along with emergency service sirens, mimicking the noise shortly after they have passed. He gets really in to it too! Standing on two legs, howling as loud as he can. It doesn’t matter where he is, if a siren is around he will howl. He regularly howls on walks in the village, people stop and laugh. One time, I saw an ambulance driver point and laugh. He has howled in many a pub and restaurant, has stopped people in their tracks in Saffron

Walden market and often interrupts my work calls, leaving me to explain to PRs and clients that I work from home and my dog likes to sing to sirens – oh the embarrassment as we have to wait for him to finish! It actually is really funny and because we have laughed and encouraged it for our own entertainment over the years, he has taken it to the next level. The howl is no longer refined to just a siren. He now howls along if a group of people sing “Happy Birthday”, the smoke alarm (which goes off on a regualar basis as I burn dinner quite often), and the latest is the Lloyds TSB advert! The other day the silly Spaniel howled to the squeaky ball that was still in his mouth – whatever next! I had intended to finish this column with the paragraph above, but I’ve added this just before we go to print. Last night I was woken at 4am by Fletcher howling in his sleep. Yep, that’s what was next, sleep howling! And as I type an ambulance has driven past…cue the howl! Visit www.eastlife.co.uk/dog-friendly to watch Fletcher’s vocal skills in action! If you want to to recieve monthly updates about dogfriendly days outs, walks, accommodation and more sign up to our newsletter at www.eastlife.co.uk/signup-for-newsletter

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35


With permission of EDP - credit Simon Finley

Your legacy can help EACH be there for future generations, helping every child make the most of life – no matter how short. To receive your information pack, call 01223 204913, email supportercare@each.org.uk or complete the coupon below: We value your support and are committed to respecting your privacy. Your details will be kept securely and only shared with service providers who work on our behalf or with us for administration purposes and to further our charitable aims. We will never sell or swap your data. Please send this coupon to: Freepost Plus RSHE-ZRBH-JBJY, EACH, 42 High Street, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6DF www.each.org.uk Registered charity number:1069284

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NEW pool heating & clarity system NEW steam room NEW equipment NEW YOU! MORE REASONS TO JOIN!

The Park & Ride return ticket is £3 and with this ticket up to three children travel for free Concessionary pass holders travel for free with their passes after 9.30am Monday to Friday, and all day at the weekend and on bank holidays The bus fare is £3 return and parking costs £1 for up to 18 hours and can be paid in advance via VIVOPARK – visit www.cambridgeparkandride.info to find out more.

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The Park & Ride Group Ticket is £8.50 and can only be purchased from the driver – it allows a group of up to 5 people to travel together. Park & Ride Weekly tickets cost just £13.50 and are valid for 7 days Further information: www.cambridgeparkandride.info


Little East

MUM’s

The Word

Written by Dolly Osborne

All Grown

UP I

remember my nephew’s 1st birthday: as my sister blew out the candles on the cake she started crying as her baby boy wasn’t ‘a baby anymore’. I was puzzled by it at the time but thought perhaps because my own bundle of joy was still a gurgling six-month-old, that I would grow to understand how she was feeling.

Years have passed and my boy has just turned 10, I’m also step mummy to 13 and nearly 15-year-old girls. Yet I still don’t understand. And here’s the thing, I don’t think it’s my sister that is unusual; my social media is awash with the wail of childhoods disappearing, of babies being too grown up, the almost omnipresent mourning of childishness eroding to adulthood. It’s me who is the strange one, my feelings that seem to be at odds with the folk on the Clapham Omnibus (or certainly on the Mummy Facebook Pages; buses & buggies is a WHOLE other column).

You see I’m excited as my children grow. Sure, babies are very cute and super instagrammable but they are kinda, dare I say, boring. I loved it when my son started to tell me about his day, or when my daughter would give her opinion of the politics of the moment. I love watching them grow and bloom; they become less a little version of me and more a real, wonderful person in their own right. It’s so exciting. My son is so woke; he gets angry about racism, misogyny and the environment. One daughter is a little feminist in the making and the other gives a brilliantly brutal social commentary. I just adore watching them get older. I don’t mourn the days of chubby legs, little giggles and those gorgeous rosy cheeks…well, maybe a little bit but hey, each year older is a step towards grandchildren right? THAT will be exciting! Read more from Dolly at www.raggydollywrites.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter @Osborneosaurus

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37


American Animal UnderAdventure 4’s go FREE

Braziliant value: Admission still at 2014 prices!!

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Explore the Amazona in Cromer

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THE WILD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Grab your discounted tickets at woburnsafari.co.uk

SEE OWLETTE & GEKKO FROM PJ MASKS 4TH MARCH

PJ Masks ©Frog Box/Ent. One UK Ltd/Disney 2014

Just off J13 of the M1 or the A5 (MK43 0XB or MK17 9QN). Open from 9.30am to 3.30pm, closing at 4.30pm. www.woburnsafari.co.uk info@woburnsafari.co.uk Telephone: 01525 290407 J3747 WSP Eastlife Magazine ad March 148x107_Feb18.indd 1

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Built by Robert Cecil over 400 years ago, Hatfield House is a fine example of a Jacobean House full of superb examples of craftsmanship, with State Rooms rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries. The picture perfect garden dates from the early 17th century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants for his new home.

The Coach House Restaurant serves a variety of delicious food throughout the day from morning coffee and light lunches to cooked meals and afternoon tea. The Stable Yard is also the home to unique shops, offering a range of exclusive shops offering beautifully designed gifts, jewellery, toys, and a host of indulgent treats. House, Park and Gardens open from Saturday 31st March Free Parking - Sat Nav AL9 5HX

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KNB EASTER Eastlife Magazine 240x168.qxp_KNB DINO 14/02/2018 10:32 Page 1

EASTER FUN

FOR ALL THE FAMILY

EASTER TRAIL 30-31 MARCH, MEDIEVAL JOUSTING 1-2 APRIL The Easter Trail Quiz Sheet costs £1 extra • Jousting times: 12.30 & 2.30pm (weather dependant)

SAVE 10% BY BOOKING ADMISSION TICKETS ONLINE

ENTRY IS INCLUDED WITH PARK & GARDENS ADMISSION

Enjoy a fantastic value day out in the Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground & Dinosaur Trail.

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Easter Events in the East E

aster is rolling round once more, and East Anglia has some great events planned! From egg-citing egg hunts to new-born animals we’ve put all our favourite eggs in one basket to help you make the most of the Easter hols!

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS Easter Trail, 30-31 March Knebworth House, Hertfordshire | 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Follow the trail around the garden and complete the quiz to claim an exciting reward! Whilst you’re there you can also explore the maze, Dinosaur Trail and adventure playground for a full day out!

Easter Adventure Quest, 30 March – 2 April Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire | 0370 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park Join the hunt at Wrest Park for Dragon eggs this Easter! Crack the clues and claim a chocolate reward!

Easter Egg Hunt, 30 March – 2 April Shepreth Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire | 01763 262226 www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk/event/easter-egg-hunt-2/ Come and join in the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the zoo! Free to attend with normal admission to Shepreth Wildlife Park.

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ESSEX A Very Victorian Easter, 30 March – 15 April

CAMBRIDGESHIRE Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, 24 March – 15 April

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambridge | 01223 336265 www.botanic.cam.ac.uk Enjoy a bit of family fun exploring the 40 acres of Cambridge University Botanic Garden this Easter and discover where the Lindt Gold Bunny is hiding. Uncover the clues and complete the bunny trail to receive a delicious Lindt chocolate treat!

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey | 01992 707307 www.royalgunpowdermills.com Enjoy some Victorian themed fun this Easter along with a special visit from the Pygmy Goats and Ducklings over the Easter Weekend (30-31 March), and surprise visits from the Easter Bunny.

Easter Weekend, 1-2 April Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, Essex | 01206 330725 www.layermarneytower.co.uk With Easter Egg hunts for toddlers to egg & spoon races and Easter Quiz/Trail for the older children, this is a weekend of good old fashioned fun! You can also pop along from 1-15 April to bottle feed the lambs.

Track those Eggs, 26 March Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge | 01223 243830 www.cambridgeppf.org Join the Wandlebury Adventurers and hunt and track in teams to find the hidden eggs. Suitable for children aged 8-12 years.

Easter Egg Hunt, 30 March Ferry Meadows, Peterborough | 01733 234193 www.neneparktrust.org.uk Can you help the Easter Bunny find his eggs in time for Easter? Begin with some seasonal spring craft, explore the park and hunt for eggs!

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Easter Festival, 3-17 April Old MacDonald’s Farm & Fun Park, Brentwood, Essex | 01277 375177 www.omdfarm.co.uk Hunt for eggs with Mr Rabbit in his themed garden, pet the new born animals, and enjoy face-painting, magic shows, circus workshops & arts and crafts! Full details of what’s available each day will be on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pg/omdfarm


NORFOLK Easter Treasure Hunt, 30 March – 2 April Hoveton Hall Estate, Hoveton, Norfolk | 01603 784297 www.hovetonhallestate.co.uk An exciting Easter Treasure Hunt awaits you in the gardens of Hoveton Hall! Follow the clues with help from an Easter Bunny and collect a prize at the end!

SUFFOLK Eastertide, 30 March – 2 April Kentwell Hall, Suffolk | 01787 310207 www.kentwell.co.uk Celebrate Easter Tudor-style in Suffolk this year! Take on the challenge of the infamous Impossible Easter Quiz and crack the clues in the Easter Egg and Family Fun Trails. Of course, you can also explore the house, garden and farm too!

Easter Grotto, 31 March – 1 April Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, Suffolk | 01473 604206 www.jimmysfarm.com Come on down to the farm and meet Mr Bunny and friends in Jimmy’s Easter Grotto! All children will receive an Easter Egg, cuddly Bunny Toy and entrance to the Wildlife Park.

Family Fun & New-born Foals!

Braziliant Easter Amazona Zoo, Cromer, Norfolk | 01263 510741 www.amazonazoo.co.uk One of Norfolk’s leading attractions is offering a special day out this Easter where families can explore and learn about a fascinating selection of animals native to South America. Plus, if you come along on Easter Sunday, each child will receive a free cream egg!

The National Stud, Newmarket | 0844 748 9200 www.discovernewmarket.co.uk/places/national-stud-tour Visit the National Stud this Easter for family fun with colouring competitions and a tour quiz with prizes to be won! Plus, don’t miss the chance to see some new-born foals!

Spring Fling, 10 April Norfolk Showground, Norwich | 01603 748931 www.springfling.rnaa.org.uk Explore the Norfolk Showground on the back of a tractor, sit in the driving seat of a combine harvester, watch sheep dog demonstrations or just enjoy the friendly farm animals at Mr Mawkin’s Farm! There is much fun to be had at the annual Spring Fling!

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Easter Egg Hunt

30, 31 March & 1,2 April

Easter Bunny Visit Children’s Disco “The Bunny Hop” Facepainters

Come and see Chase & Skye – 4 August Marshall & Rubble – 5 August 18/01/2018 09:44 at intervals on each day

See Peppa Pig & George 27 & 28 May Advert-PJMasks-003.pdf at intervals

1

© ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd 2003.

© 2018 Spin Master. All Rights Reserved.

See 26 & 27 August at intervals

www.pjmasks.com PJ Masks ©Frog Box/Ent. One UK Ltd/Disney 2014

Come and see Owlette & Gekko - 5 May Owlette & Catboy - 6 May at intervals on each day

Saturday 31st March to Saturday 14th April

©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Take the tube to Epping Underground Station where our heritage buses pick you up from right outside. Visit our website for more details.

eorailway.co.uk

01277 365200

2018 02 East Life Easter QP.qxp_107mm h x 71mm w 08/02/2018 15:50 Page 1

EASTLEURNSCUHNDAY

EOR2289-A01-EasterPrimaryTimes-90x135mm-003.indd 1

Ufford Park Woodbridge

22/01/2018 16:23

Sunday 1st April

Celebrate Easter with a delicious 2 or 3 course meal in our Park Restaurant, accompanied by Mr Tim & his Saxophone. Served from 12 noon | Pre-booking is essential

£17.95

for 2 courses

£19.95

TRANSPORT & ENGINEERING HERITAGE IN OUR COUNTY TOWN

Over 100 major exhibits - all made or used in Ipswich!

OPEN EVERY SUNDAY and BANK HOLIDAY 11am - 4pm until 2nd DECEMBER

Plus MONDAY to FRIDAY 1pm - 4pm during SUMMER & AUTUMN School Holidays

See website for details and special events

for 3 courses

We’re on Facebook & Google Streetview! t 0844 477 1835 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road|Woodbridge|Suffolk|IP12 1QW

Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road, Ipswich IP3 9JD

GIFT SHOP - TEA ROOM - WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE enquiries@ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk


CLACTON FACTORY OUTLET

BIG BRANDS, SMALL PRICES Clacton Factory Outlet, Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4TL Contact us or visit us online to get more news on events, store offers and much more! 01255 479595 www.clactonfactoryoutlet.co.uk

FASHION OU TLETS | LEISURE STORES | CAFES FURNITURE AND HOMEWARES | FREE PARKING

DISCOUNTED FASHION, FOOTWEAR, FURNITURE AND MUCH MORE!


visit our website

highlodge.co.uk do see what else we

A Unique Venue Situated in 100 acres of woodland and delightful countryside High Lodge offers a range of leisure activities, for all the family to enjoy including relaxing short breaks and good food in our modern cafĂŠ.

Clay Shooting | Weddings | Luxury Lodge Accommodation | Golf The Sunday Carvery | Corporate Events | Celebrations | Footgolf

Every Sunday 12 -2.30 pm

01986 784347 | www.highlodge.co.uk | info@highlodge.co.uk

Mid-Norfolk Railway The Dereham to Wymondham Abbey Line

Large & Small Groups Welcome Discounts available for parties of 10 or more Free Coach Parking at Dereham Station On-board catering or meals at Dereham Station available if booked in advance Free meal for driver

Complete Package Tour

to include Train Trip, Lunch and one of the following: Gooderstone Water Gardens, near Swaffham Gressenhall Workhouse Museum, near Dereham Wells & Walsingham Light Railway The Market Town of Wymondham and Wymondham Abbey Broads Tours, Wroxham

For more details and to book, please email marketing@mnr.org.uk or telephone 07585 855350 / 01362 667814


Earsham Home Furnishings

Our extensive showrooms house a large range of pine, oak & hand painted furniture in East Anglia, traditional fireplaces, surrounds and accessories, solid brass lighting, mirrors, prints, giftware and decorative accessories.

Monday - Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm • Sunday 10.00pm – 4.00pm • Bank Holidays 9.00am – 5.00pm Tel: 01986 893 423 - Email: enquiries@earshamhall.co.uk - Web: www.earshamhall.co.uk

EARSHAM HALL, BUNGAY, SUFFOLK, NR35 2AN FURNITURE LIGHTING FIREPLACES GIFTS TEAROOM KITCHENS EVENTS


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WYMONDHAM COLLEGE

MAIN SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 17 March 2018 09:00 - 11:00 Why is Wymondham College one of the UK’s highest performing state boarding / day schools? World Class School Accreditation Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ in both education and boarding Great value boarding fees at just over £10,000 per year with free education for all Over 60 extra curricular activities Outstanding results at GCSE and A-Level

BOARDER TASTER EVENING Friday 16 March 2018 17:45 - 20:30 Registration required for both events. You can register on our website at www.wymondhamcollege.org

Contact admissions for applications for both Main School and Sixth Form admissions@wymondhamcollege.org | 01953 609014 | www.wymondhamcollege.org

WymondhamCollege @WymondhamCol

Farmland Museum

& Denny Abbey

A FASCINATING PLACE TO VISIT FOR ALL AGES A family friendly museum celebrating farming & village life in a beautiful rural setting. Explore the remains of a 12th century Abbey.

Design led furniture and accessories for the home and garden 36 - 38 Station Road, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2SS

01787 312126 www.aglifestyle.co.uk Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 AM - 5.00 PM

Visit website for admission prices & details of all events. Picnic & play area. Gift Shop. Tearoom open weekends, bank holidays & family activity afternoons. Hot drinks available daily. Free Parking. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

OPEN DAILY BETWEEN 1 April until 28 October 2018.

Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm and Bank Holiday Mondays – 11am – 5pm

The Farmland Museum & Denny Abbey,Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire CB25 9PQ We’re on the A10 just outside Cambridge – we look forward to welcoming you!

info@farmlandmuseum.org.uk 01223 860988 www.farmlandmuseum.org.uk


5 family-friendly farms to visit this Easter

Written by Abby Knight

S

pring’s well and truly on the horizon and Easter is a great time to get outdoors with the family. We’ve found five great farms to visit!

Meet the bunnies at Jimmy’s Farm Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich IP9 2AP Tel: 01473 604206 | jimmysfarm.com The perfect venue for foodies and families alike, Jimmy’s Farm has some amazing exotic animals as well as firm farm favourites and over Easter you can meet Mr Bunny as part of a fun day out at the Easter Grotto. Price £10, includes a cuddly bunny and chocolate treat, from 31 March to 1 April.

Get giddy with greedy goats at Wroxham Barns Tunstead Rd, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8Q Tel: 01603 783762 | wroxhamfarmbarns.co.uk At Wroxham Farm Barns there is always a range of familyfriendly activities and at Easter, as part of the Junior Farm you can meet and greet the greedy goats, feed new born lambs and take part in some fun Easter arts and crafts. Prices from £6.50 with special rates for regular guests. Chirpy chicks at Easton Farm Park Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ | Tel: 01728 746475 eastonfarmpark.co.uk Ideal for a great Easter ramble, at Easton Farm Park you can see over 20 different animals. During Easter you’ll be able to join in a fun Easter egg hunt and watch the first of the spring chicks hatch. There’s a café on-site and a chance to win a giant chocolate egg!

Step into spring at Barleylands Barleylands Rd, Billericay CM11 2UD Tel: 01268 290219 | barleylands.co.uk As well as the award-winning farm park at Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village you can browse over 20 craft units and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at the Tiptree Tea Shop serving Wilkin & Son’s world-famous preserves. During the ‘Step into Spring’ event that runs over Easter you can see new born lambs, calves and chicks plus join in a fun Easter egg hunt. Prices from £9. Discover family farm history at Sacrewell Farm Thornhaugh, Peterborough PE8 6HJ Tel: 01780 782254 | Sacrewell.org.uk With over 550 acres of fantastic farm land and countryside to explore, Sacrewell Farm’s history stretches back to the Domesday Book and is now run as part of the William Scott Abbot Trust. There are animals to see, an 18th century watermill to discover, a range of walks plus chocolate egg hunts over the Easter break.

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An independent day and boarding school in Essex for boys and girls aged 3-18 Generous Scholarships and Bursaries from 11+ Come to our Open Morning Saturday 9th June 2018 Register online now www.brentwoodschool.co.uk


“Give a girl the right shoes and she will conquer the world.” Marilyn Monroe

Open Days 2018: Friday 9th March • Saturday 21st April • Friday 27th April

Excellent independent boarding and day

01462 670 511

school located in Letchworth Garden City

admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk

for girls aged 3 - 18 years

www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk


Be Brookes

Be extraordinary... Be inspired... Be unique... At Brookes School, we want every student to flourish and give their best. We want our students to challenge ideas, connect knowledge and be confident in themselves. We prepare our students for the rigour of the IGCSE examinations and International Baccalaureate Diploma. Brookes School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls from three years old.

Brookes | Flempton Road | Risby | Bury St Edmunds | IP28 6QJ www.brookescambridge.org admissions@brookescambridge.org

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01284 760531 05/02/2018 17:41


Education

The benefits of weekly boarding

G

eorge Masters, Deputy Headmaster at Felsted School, explores the benefits of staying Monday to Friday. With more parents working full-time, quality family time can get squeezed out by work obligations, the daily commute, the school run, sports/music commitments and homework. It is not surprising therefore that weekly boarding, for five nights per week, is becoming an increasingly popular option for busy parents – shifting the focus for adults and children alike towards work in the week, so that quality family time can be enjoyed at home at the weekends. Boarding from Monday to Friday gives children an academic boost, thanks to increased access to libraries, computers and assistance from teaching staff, while they are working on homework in the evenings. This is an attractive option for parents, who may prefer not to become an expert in the GCSE history syllabus, and it can also help to avoid counter-productive homework battles. George at Felsted says: “We are receiving a growing number of enquiries regarding weekly boarding, which is not surprising. For many children, this offers the best of both worlds: they can enjoy school during the week, work hard and spend plenty of time with their friends in activities and socialising, then relax at home with their family at weekends. Parents like the fact that they do not have to nag about homework and feel that home time is

then ‘quality time’. Many opt for boarding schools within an hour’s drive so they can easily support their child’s co-curricular activities such as sports matches, concerts and drama productions.” But how do you know if your child would thrive in such an environment? “All children are different,” says George, “but most flourish in modern boarding communities. Speaking from experience, weekly boarding is hugely rewarding; children form life-long friendships with children from different countries and cultures as well as those more local. Contact with parents is available whenever they want it; boarders develop their characters, learning independence, versatility, resilience, leadership, teamwork and communication skills that set them up for life.” He adds: “In comparison with traditional full boarding, where children board for the entire term, many children are much more at ease knowing they will see their family every weekend. Younger children in particular know it won’t be long until they see their parents (and vice versa) so there’s barely time to feel homesick.”

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TRADITIONAL VALUES GOOD BEHAVIOUR RESPECT FOR OTHERS PREP SCHOOL

SENIOR SCHOOL

Purpose-built Prep School and Nursery n Set in mature woodland n Strong English and Maths focus n Specialist teaching in all core subjects

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Extensive facilities set in 110 acres n Engaging and challenging curriculum n Small classes with specialist teachers n Modern, well-equipped Sixth Form Centre

To book your individual tour, please contact 01787 474040 gosfieldschool.org.uk admissions@gosfieldschool.org.uk

Gosfield School, Cut Hedge Park, Halstead Road, Gosfield, Essex, CO9 1PF


Gone are the days of cold showers and weekly phone calls to mum and dad - modern boarding schools now provide a comfortable ‘home from home’ experience, even including en-suite bedrooms, cosy common rooms with flat screen TVs and squashy sofas, WiFi, and kitchens for toast and hot chocolate before bed.

What tips does George have for any parents considering weekly boarding? “Most important is spending time in the schools you are considering. Ask plenty of questions (both parents and children) to really get under the skin of the place and understand the ethos and atmosphere. Talk with other boarders and parents of boarders to get a full picture of life at the school. Many schools offer taster nights, so do take advantage of these. Finally, make sure you meet the people who will be caring for your child, and observe the relationships between both staff and boarders and between the boarders themselves – is there a positive and welcoming atmosphere? Do the children seem relaxed yet purposeful and, above all, happy?”

Felsted School in Essex (located just North of Chelmsford, East of Stansted and South of Cambridge) offers day and contemporary boarding options (3, 5 or 7 nights) for all students from the age of 4 to 18. There are 10 bus routes from across the region, including a new bus for weekly boarders from Cambridge, which will depart from Trumpington Park & Ride on a Sunday evening. A flexi-boarding option is also available for children from ages 8 to 13, whereby parents can book in their child for a single night, or multiple nights on a termly basis. www.felsted.org

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Energy Courage Integrity

King’s Ely Spring Tour

Independent School Girls and Boys, 1-18 years Day and Boarding

Book your place today! 01353 660707 admissions@kingsely.org www.kingsely.org

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL HARPENDEN

A non-denominational Christian day and boarding school

11-18 boarding at one of the UK's top performing non-selective coeducational schools for £3950 per term Only 30 minutes from St Pancras International Less than an hour by road from Heathrow, Stansted and Luton

Herts AL5 4TD | boardingadmissions@stgeorges.herts.sch.uk | 01582 716284

www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

Courses taking place in Peterborough and Cambridge Starting in April

The APMG-International Agile Project Management and Swirl Device logo is a trademark of The APM Group Limited. The APMG-International Change Management and Swirl Device logo is a trademark of The APM Group Limited. ITIL®, M_o_R®, P3O®, PRINCE2®, PRINCE2 Agile® and Swirl logo™ are registered trademarks of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

Education - Consulting - Research To enquire or enrol for our courses, please contact: T. 01733 515275 E. info@zenospace.com

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FORTHCOMING OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 21 April

Open Morning for prospective Boarding Pupils

Saturday 6 October

Open Morning for 11+ and 13+ Entry

“A lovely place to study” GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2016 THE LEYS OPEN MORNINGS FEB 2018.indd 1

CAMBRIDGE’S ONLY BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 11 - 18 TO AT TEND AN OPEN MORNING OR ARRANGE A VISIT CONTACT admissions@theleys.net www.theleys.net 01223 508904

19/02/2018 17:58

T

he Leys is proud of its reputation as a ‘big, small school’; big enough to offer a wealth of opportunities, yet small enough that every pupil is treated as an individual, known by staff and their peers and brought together in a cohesive and close-knit community. A blend of tradition and informality is key to enabling pupils to feel at ease in their environment with the result that they leave the school as confident, hard-working and purposeful young adults. The Leys is, at heart, a boarding school where 70% of pupils are fully immersed in the boarding life of the school. In addition to the traditional Full Boarding option, The Leys offers Home Boarding, giving pupils from local families the best of both worlds; pupils participate in the boarding pupils’ routines, eating supper in school, completing their homework and taking part in evening activities before going home at around 8.30pm to enjoy family life. They are, to all intents and purposes, boarders, fully-fledged members of the boarding houses, balancing their busy school lives with quality family time.


Picnic themed cafe serving local homemade food to eat in or takeaway. VISIT OUR SHOP

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Traditional homemade Italian food served in a friendly & relaxed atmosphere.

91 Dunstable St. Ampthill Tel: (01525) 404666 204a High St. North Dunstable Tel: (01582) 475797

www.donatellospizzeria.co.uk


Food & Drink

&

Food Drink news The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie set to open on Trinity Street this month The Ivy Collection has announced the opening of The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie on 14 March. Located on Trinity Street, the brasserie will offer sophisticated and friendly all-day dining to both residents and visitors alike. The menu will feature modern British classics including breakfast, coffees, elevenses, weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, light snacks, dinner and cocktails. The kitchen will be overseen by Head Chef Stuart Conibear, who is no stranger to Cambridge, having worked as Executive Head Chef at Downing College for five years before his appointment as Personal Chef of Prince Charles at Clarence House. This is the first opening for The Ivy Collection in East Anglia. www.theivycambridgebrasserie.com

The Three Horseshoes taken over by Cambscuisine Cambridgeshire restaurant group, Cambscuisine, has added The Three Horseshoes in Madingley to its growing portfolio. The pub, which was awarded Cambridgeshire Dining Pub of the Year 2018 by the Good Pub Guide, has been given a Cambscuisine makeover, creating an inviting and cosy space to drink and dine. Gone are the white table cloths,

Charity & Chips!

The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie

replaced with oak tables, and interior accessories such as an antique saddle and horseshoes have been mounted to the wall, recalling the building’s history. The menu will include traditional dishes such as sausages and mash and suet pudding, alongside steaks, a fresh fish board and a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Oliver Thain at Cambscuisine hopes to give the pub more local appeal and a relaxed place to drink, and as a result has knocked 70p off the price of a pint! www.cambscuisine.com/three-horseshoes

NEW! Savoursmiths Desert Salt Cambridgeshire crisp producer, Savoursmiths, has launched a brand new flavour, ‘Desert Salt’.

Enjoy a tasty meal of fresh fish and chips at either the Brudenell or White Lion hotels on Aldeburgh’s seafront and support the Alde & Ore Estuary Trust. Both venues, which are members of the TA Hotel Collection, are donating 50p for every fish and chips dish ordered! The Trust raises funds to upgrade and maintain flood defences in the Alde and Ore Estuary.

The flavour features naturally harvested ingredients from a salt pan within the remote and pristine Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. The salt water is drawn up onto the pan and sun-dried in a process that works with the natural rainfall and the surrounding environment. The ancient source and sun-dried method create an exceptional taste, enhancing and enriching flavours. Yum! Available in 40g and 150g bags.

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The German Connection is a retailer of Nolte Kitchens, a renowned innovative German kitchen manufacturer. In working in partnership with Nolte, The German Connection produces its own designs from an extensive array of quality kitchens from classic to the most contemporary styles. Our range of kitchens offer a perfect solution for that particular style and feel you are looking to achieve from textures, natural grain to high gloss lacquer and modernistic chic handle less units. The German Connection use the most modern technology to design and create their kitchens and are backed by designers and accredited skilled craftsman to provide design vision and architectural perspective. Our showroom located in Ely, Cambridgeshire is constantly updated with the latest kitchen designs and our friendly, informed staff are there to assist you when considering all the options available to you when designing your kitchen to blend beautifully with the style of your home.

CONTACT US: 01353 649414 www.thegermanconnection.co.uk


Cambridge The

Gerla de Boer, founder of the Cambridge Food Tour, (www.cambridgefoodtour.com) shares her wisdom of the city’s cuisine…

Foodie

7 must have foods in Cambridge you probably didn’t know existed The Duke of Cambridge Of course, everybody has heard of or has had the Chelsea bun from Fitzbillies. But did you know that they produce another famous biscuit? It is rather royal actually. The Duke of Cambridge biscuit is named after Prince William. This light chocolate biscuit is very popular with the royal family. When Prince William and Catherine got married, they had a stunning wedding cake, but also this chocolate biscuit. It reminded him of his childhood as the chef of the palace used to make it for him. The day after the wedding, the palace released the recipe and a year later, Fitzbillies decided to make it and call it the Duke of Cambridge.

Branston Pickle Pie Without a doubt, the best pies in Cambridge are sold by the Cambridge Cheese Company. They are made by a local family, and the mother, who is well in her 80s is still involved. They also make a pie especially created for the Cambridge Cheese Company, the pork pie with Branston Pickle. Our favourite pie in Cambridge!

Green falafel I can hear you thinking now. Green falafel? Yes, indeed. It is made fresh every day by traders on the market, and is one of the favourite stops on our food tours! They soak the chickpeas overnight in water, the next day they mix it with a hint of spice, sesame seeds and parsley. Then put it in the blender, hence why it turns green!

Gluten-free Scotch eggs Are you a lover of Scotch eggs, but have to follow a gluten-free diet? Not a problem at all. The Scotch Egg Company on the market is now making their own glutenfree Scotch eggs and they are yummy!

Whisky cheese I am a big fan of their ‘sister cheese’ too. Cheese soaked in Barolo. This Italian producer is making a delicious hard Whisky cheese. I am a big fan of it, you only need a small slice as it is quite strong. If you like Whisky, then you should head over to Culinaris asap.

Hidden Cambridge

Pani Puri These delicious round puffs are an Indian street food. It could be filled with anything but should be eaten as soon as it has been filled to avoid it going soggy. The Tiffin Truck sells it as a starter and they serve it with a spicy mint sauce. I highly recommend instead of Popadoms.

Printed food Imagine creating your own food! Nufood printing is the future of food. Get your Nufood app out, simply tap on the design and the app creates your own food. The only thing you need is one of their nifty machines. These funky creations will definitely steal the show. Discover more hidden foodie gems of Cambridge at www.eastlife.co.uk

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10 places for brunch in Norwich Written by Shelley Beth ShelleyBeth.com

Ancestors Coffee 27 Magdalen St, Norwich NR3 1LE. Tel: 07791 774560 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dog-friendly This vegan coffee shop is rather instagrammable. Colourful smoothie bowls sit alongside avocado on toast, breakfast sandwiches and cakes. If you’re a coffee lover, it’s one to add to your list; they serve speciality coffees that you can’t find anywhere else. www.facebook.com/pg/Ancestorscoffee

Cherryleaf coffeehouse 50 St Giles Street, Norwich, NR2 1LW. Tel: 01603 699955 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan Local photographers and artists often display their work in this light and airy Georgian coffeehouse. During the week they offer lighter breakfasts such as porridge and beans on toast. At the weekend they serve their famous full English alongside alternative options. There’s a huge range of coffees, teas and delicious cake too. cherryleafnorwich.co.uk

Franks Bar 19 Bedford Street, Norwich NR2 1AR. Tel: 01603 618902 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan, dogs welcome in the courtyard This chilled out cafe bar offers a locally sourced and seasonally changing menu. Dishes such as pancakes or bacon and eggs sit alongside more unusual ones such as Nduja ragu on toast. Sundays are a special affair there’s a larger menu featuring Full English breakfasts and Bloody Mary’s. www.franksbar.co.uk

No33 Cafe 33 Exchange Street, Norwich, NR2 1DP Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan Arrive early to avoid queuing at this popular local brunch spot. It is worth the wait though! From full English breakfasts to pancakes, muesli and everything in between - their menu has it all. Opt for a window seat and watch the world go by. www.no33cafe.co.uk

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No33 Cafe

North 7 Fye Bridge Street, Norwich, NR3 1LJ. Tel: 01603 620 805 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan, dogs welcome in the courtyard This spacious cafe bar has a quiet creative buzz about it. Their locally sourced menu offers toast with a variety of add-ons and more complex dishes such as Aubergine Shakshushka and toasted sourdough with flaked baked cod. www.norwichnorth.co.uk

Tipsy Vegan 68-70 St Benedicts St, Norwich NR2 4AR. Tel: 01603 666788 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dogs welcome in the raised bar area (recommended to book if you’re dining with a dog) This prohibition style vegetarian and vegan restaurant and bar is known for incredible cocktails and homemade vegan alternatives to popular meat dishes. Choose between three dishes in the week. At the weekend their pancakes, Mexican hash and mushrooms on toast are joined by an Irish breakfast. www.thetipsyvegan.co.uk

The Greengrocers 2-4 Earlham House Shops, Earlham Road, Norwich, NR2 3PD. Tel: 01603 250 000 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan This little gem in the golden triangle has a huge breakfast menu offering locally sourced organic light bites, full breakfasts and healthier options. Tea lovers will be pleased to hear that there are over 50 to choose from! They also run a very popular artisan organic bakery. www.thegreengrocers.co.uk


Ancestors Coffee

Franks Bar

The William & Florence

Wild Thyme

Wild Thyme The Old Fire Station Stables, Labour Lane Vain Yard, Norwich, NR2 1JD. Tel: 01603 765562 Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dog-friendly Tucked away in peaceful cobbled yard, Wild Thyme has a relaxed and social vibe. They are known for their wide ranging, easily adaptable menu packed full of fresh and seasonal dishes. Head there for peanut butter pancakes and sweet potato hash to name but a few. On warmer mornings, sit outside in the courtyard for a side of sunshine! www.wildthymenorwich.co.uk

111 Unthank Road, Norwich, NR2 2PE. Tel: 01603 660706, Good to know: Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dog-friendly This Adnams pub in the golden triangle serves a selection of brunch classics ranging from pastries to a full English. It’s one of the few places in the city that offers a boozy bottomless brunch at the weekend. Certainly worth the walk or number 25 bus ride! williamandflorence.co.uk

Woolf & Social 21-23 Nelson Street, Norwich, NR2 4DW Tel: 01603443658 Good to know: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dog-friendly at brunch (not for evening service) Woolf & Social has a laid back atmosphere with quirky, rustic interior decor. They are well known for their twists on classic British dishes. Their brunch menu is made up of larger plates and smaller ones to share, all created with fresh, local ingredients. Call ahead with dietary requirements so they tailor dishes to you. You can sit outside on a sunny day too! www.woolfandsocial.co.uk

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Calling all Chocolate Lovers!

Image credit: My Chocolate Making Events

Written by Abby Knight

INDULGE YOUR SWEET PASSION

F

UN EVENTS TO TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS There’s nothing like the fun of making your own chocolate creations and there are some fabulous workshops you can get involved with this spring. Here are our favourites:

BRING CHOCOLATE HOME The team at My Chocolate Company Event can transform your office, kitchen, favourite restaurant or even your gazebo into a place of chocolate making magic! With a network of contacts and locations over the UK including Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire they can help you source a location too. The most popular workshops include Original Chocolate and Luxury Chocolate Making plus there are cocktail and chocolate workshops where you can learn how to make the perfect Chocolate Martini as well as themes for hen parties and children. Visit www.mychocolate.co.uk or call 0207 269 5760 for more details and prices.

See Mike Simmons owner of Maldon Chocolates and chocolate maker whip up some sweet delights in his shop including bitter orange and dark chocolate and his new range of Maldon chocolate containing the famous Maldon salt – we love the Maldon Walnut! You can also learn more about the history of chocolate at one of his regular talks and demonstrations. Entry is free but space is limited so you need to book early. For details visit www.maldonchocolates.co.uk or call 01621 927090.

CHECK INTO THE CHOCOLATE HOUSE Sarah Knights an accomplished patisserie and chocolate maker runs workshops from her pretty chocolate shop in Chappel, just outside Colchester, including learning how to make Belgian chocolates and speciality truffles for adults and children. There are plenty of chocolates to drool over too and boxes can be personalised. There’s a new Chocolate House outlet opening at the Poplar Nurseries, Mark’s Tey this spring too! Visit www.chappelchocolatehouse.co.uk for more information or call 07787 506846.

LEARN TO SCULPT IN CHOCOLATE Multi-award winning mother and daughter chocolatiers Cheryl and Amy Brighty have taken chocolate making to a new level in their shop in Newmarket, Cambridge. Here the popular workshops include chocolate and lollipop making for children, learning how to decorate with chocolate and making full-blown chocolate sculptures! All the chocolate is of superior quality containing 73% cocoa solids and over Easter there are some fun – but sure to be messy - chocolate egg making workshops. For details visits www.artistryincocoa.co.uk or call 01603 660503. Image credit: Chappel Chocolate House

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Quantum-Directory-advert.pdf 1 30/10/2017 11:45:21

Providing high quality care in comfortable homely surroundings. All homes are committed to preserving family values in a safe, friendly environment; Quantum Care understand the importance of the little things in life and our staff will always go that extra mile to make life as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible for all our residents and day centre members.

Our Care Homes offer: Dedicated and well trained staff, providing person-centred care. Comfortable surroundings with both indoor and outdoor facilities. A variety of events and activities to participate in as well as planned outings and live entertainment. C

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Health

Holistic Happiness The rise of wellbeing in the East Written by Hannah Brown

I

t has become an engrained philosophy that we are greater than simply the sum of our parts, that each part of our person, as precious and valuable as they are, form us to create a whole person. These parts include our mind, body, spirit and emotions and in caring for ourselves, we must pay attention to these parts; attention and care that often far surpasses the remit of a GP. New and emerging treatments in the form of holistic therapies are exponentially rising in popularity, encouraging us to care for the whole person and retaining the balance of all of our parts. It is an inevitable fact that imbalance occurs in one’s life and this of course negatively impacts our overall health. With the increasing plethora of holistic therapies, we are now given the opportunity to take control of our whole being, and seek the treatment that is right. At the core of holistic therapies is the ethos that we are real people, not defined by an illness, experience or disease. For me this is particularly relevant, I am adamant that I am not defined by my weight and as someone who has suffered with an eating disorder I know too

well that I am more than my diagnosis. Holistic therapies give us the empowerment to make changes to our lives and wellbeing, to make those treatment options and to engage in care that restores our whole being, mind, body, soul and emotions. It is estimated that the holistic therapy industry is estimated to be worth ÂŁ4.5 billion, after a rise of 50% in the last five years. Many of these therapies have been practised for centuries such as acupuncture, reflexology and of course the practice of yoga. The benefits of a massage far exceed simply a chance to indulge and relax. They are used to treat chronic pain but also as a way of promoting general wellbeing for people with cancer and dementia. Similarly, yoga, when practiced mindfully serves to promote stillness from mental health chatter and discord, encouraging reflection. Due to the wide spectrum available to us, there are so many groups who may benefit from some form of holistic therapies and because of their inherent non invasive nature, there is that valuable distinction between more routine medicinal interventions. Studies have shown that anorexia patients who received a fortnightly course of

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We are introducing Brig-ayd’s 40-kilo boot hoist.

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This hoist is reliable and compact; it can be used to lift small motorised scooters and manual wheelcha of up to 40 kilograms. The hoist can be neatly installed to either the nearside or offside rear corner of the vehicles boot area. suitable for most type of vehicles, including hatchbacks, estates and saloon cars. The boom and uprigh arm have a unique folding design. This enables you to fold the post neatly when not in use. To control the hoist’s Up and Down movement, you can either use the built-in control located on the ma body of the hoist, or use the attached two-way handset, which is designed for easier usage Brig-ayd has paid particular attention to the design and usability, we make sure that every single user Suppliers ofbe able operate the hoist alone without any difficulty. Medical Suppliers of Medical and Mobility Products The simple design also enables the user to transfer the hoist to any other suitable vehicles. and MobilityofProducts Suppliers Medical Mojo Partners will fit the hoist in to every car.

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We are introducing Brig-ayd’s 40-kilo boot hoist. We are introducing Brig-ayd’s 40-kilo boot hoist. This hoist is reliable and compact; it can be used to lift small motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs Weof up to 40 kilograms. are introducing Brig-ayd’s 40-kilo boot hoist. .tsioh to This hoist is reliable and compact; it can be used to lift small motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs

The hoist can be neatly installed to either the nearside or offside rear corner of the vehicles boot area. It’s of up to 40 kilograms.

This hoist is reliable and compact; it can be used to lift small motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs sriahcleehw launam dna sretoocs de suitable for most type of vehicles, including hatchbacks, estates and saloon cars. The boom and upright m Chair takes powered chairs to a new level using The hoist can be neatly installed to either the nearside or offside rear corner of the vehicles boot area. It’s of up to 40 kilograms. arm have a unique folding design. This enables you to fold the post neatly when not in use. suitable for most type of vehicles, including hatchbacks, estates and saloon cars. The boom and upright ht but powerful motors and batteries in a very The hoist can be neatly installed to either the nearside or offside rear corner of the vehicles boot area. It’s s’tI .aera toob selcihev eht fo renroc To control the hoist’s Up and Down movement, you can either use the built-in control located on the main arm have a unique folding design. This enables you to fold the post neatly when not in use. active design. suitable for most type of vehicles, including hatchbacks, estates and saloon cars. The boom and upright thgirpu dna moob ehT .srac noolas body of the hoist, or use the attached two-way handset, which is designed for easier usage To control the hoist’s Up and Down movement, you can either use the built-in control located on the main arm have a unique folding design. This enables you to fold the post neatly when not in use. .esu ni ton nehw yltae Brig-ayd has paid particular attention to the design and usability, we make sure that every single user will body of the hoist, or use the attached two-way handset, which is designed for easier usage ght, strong frame niam eht no detacol lortnoc ni-tliub To control the hoist’s Up and Down movement, you can either use the built-in control located on the main be able operate the hoist alone without any difficulty. e Brig-ayd has paid particular attention to the design and usability, we make sure that every single user will egasu reisae rof dengi body of the hoist, or use the attached two-way handset, which is designed for easier usage mpactly in just 2 seconds The simple design also enables the user to transfer the hoist to any other suitable vehicles. be able operate the hoist alone without any difficulty. lliw resu elgnis y reve taht erus ekam Brig-ayd has paid particular attention to the design and usability, we make sure that every single user will Mojo Partners will fit the hoist in to every car. The simple design also enables the user to transfer the hoist to any other suitable vehicles. tored in a small place be able operate the hoist alone without any difficulty. Mojo Partners will fit the hoist in to every car. responsive, joystick control .selcihev elbatius reh The simple design also enables the user to transfer the hoist to any other suitable vehicles. f range options up to 27 miles The Freedom Chair Mojo Partners will fit the hoist in to every car. The The Freedom Chair takes powered chairs to a new level using Freedom Chair sation feature the latest light but powerful motors and batteries in a very The Freedom Chair takes powered chairs to a new level using ehT The Freedom Chair e just the easiest chairs to fold. modern attractive design. rF ehT tal eht redom giL • loF • aC • mS • hC • mi • t dnA

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When we consult a GP we are often prescribed a course of treatment whether that be through medication, counselling or a form of secondary care provision, but holistic therapies are there to compliment and facilitate recovery. They encourage us to own our symptoms, to manage them and find our own way through illness. It is a pure form of power that we are all blessed to be given. Hannah is the founder of AnEartoHear, a specialist online peer support service. She is the southern Lead for Youth Mental Health Matters and regularly speaks on an array of mental health issues.

Relax your mind, body & soul: massage had decreased levels of body dissatisfaction, stress and anxiety and increased levels of the hormones Dopamine and Norepinephrine, the naturally occurring ‘Happy Hormones’. Palliative care has started to incorporate all forms of therapy but namely homeopathy and reiki, bring calm to a turbulent and quite terrifying time. Yoga can act as the perfect opening to our inner beings, giving us the opportunity to pause, reflect and consider our individual needs. Poses such as the strong warrior moves empower us, a deep back bend opens our heart and the deep breathing alone allows us to switch to rest/digest state, relaxed and ready to explore rising thoughts, emotions and anxieties. By becoming more in-tune, we become intuitive to the balance we are trying to claim for ourselves, what does our body need, how can the mind be calmed, are our emotions erratic or stable and at the end of that we can choose how to deal with them.

YogaED, Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm Evergreen Studio, 607 Works Rd, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1NA Includes half an hour post class for peer support discussion where you can discuss any issues that have arisen for the group over the week or in the class. www.aneartohear.co.uk | yogaeduk@gmail.com Rex Wellbeing, Every Monday Wells Community Hospital, Mill Road, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1RF Rex Wellbeing is joining the growing list of services and clinics available at Wells Community Hospital. The holistic health clinic will be available to support the health and wellbeing of the local community and provides yoga classes, clinics and workshops in areas such as reiki and stress management. www.facebook.com/RexWellbeing

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www.all-hallows.org.uk | 01986 892728

Convalescence

Supported by regular visits from a local doctor our caring and dedicated professional team made up of Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Physiotherapists and Therapy Assistants provide high quality care. Activity Programmes, Therapy Rooms & Gym

Providing peace of mind in a friendly and supportive environment. “Recovery is such a small word for such a huge subject. Without you it just wouldn’t have been possible for me! I'm eternally grateful”.

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Natural Skin Care & Rooms are tastefully furnished and fully wheelchair accessible, have wonderful views Beautiful Botanicals Gifts across the large garden and fitted with an emergency call system, TV and radio, telephone and have free Wi-Fi. There is also a chapel and sensory room on site too.

All Hallows Hospital Ditchingham NR35 2QL

Community Hospital | Daycare | Homecare | Neurological Services| Nursing Home | Therapy Services

With over a decade of supplying the highest quality giclée print and framing services around, Bob & Gary really are the only people to visit in 2017 2018 for your fine art print & framing.

Natural Skin Care & Beautiful Botanicals Gifts

Natural plant based creams, lotions and gels made with 100% pure essential oils. Natural plant based creams, lotions and gels made withfree 100% puretested essentialon oils. Parabens and Sulphates · not

animals · talks and workshops · wholesale and Made in Cambridgeshire bespoke designs forandshops and Parabens Sulphates free gardens

Call us on 01223 904032 E-mail us at info@photoartgb.com · not tested on animals · talks and Visit us at www.photoartgb.com workshops · wholesale and bespoke Rectory Farm designsgo for to shops and gardens 1 Brewery For our Road full range of products Pampisford For our full range of products go to Cambridge www.boxworthbotanicals.com CB22 3EN

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Nature’s Medicine Written by Angela Deavall, owner at Boxworth Botanicals (www.boxworthbotanicals.com)

H

erbs, flowers and essential oils are often not the first things that spring to mind when struggling with coughs and colds and dull chapped skin, it’s mostly a quick trip to the chemist to make us feel better. However, now is the time to think again, and discover the use of natural products.

Parsley It’s a great time of year to plant herbs and flowers. Choose ones you like the smell or texture of, or those that can be used in cooking. Try planting parsley and peppermint as well as chives, tarragon or thymes together with colourful calendula and fragrant lavender. Why? Well, parsley, which has been relegated to a garnish these days is a nutrient rich green herb containing Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Vitamin A (great for the skin). Plant some seeds on Good Friday ready to chop liberally into omelettes, salads, sandwiches and casseroles!

FACT FILE

How to make your own calendula balm: 1. Dry a cup full of calendula flowers and place in a cup of oil (light olive oil, coconut, sweet almond) 2. Leave on a windowsill to infuse for 2 or 3 weeks. Strain the oil. 3. Gently heat the oil in a double boiler and add beeswax, a one ounce piece, heat until it has dissolved. Carefully pour into tins or jars. Leave to cool completely before use. Remember never use essential oil directly on the skin, use a carrier oil to mix them with. Only use a few drops, as they are very powerful. Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant.

Peppermint Peppermint has a myriad of uses at home. Not only is it used in everyday things like toothpaste, tea and soap, a few drops of pure peppermint essential oil mixed with an oil like coconut or grapeseed is really effective for indigestion or stomach ache. Just massage gently around the stomach. Do you suffer from car sickness and nausea? Simply smell the peppermint from the bottle to help you feel better. If you have a cold, stuffy nose or sinuses, breathe it in deeply to open the airways and invigorate the senses!

Lavender Everyone knows and loves lavender! It is certainly one of the most useful flowers for health and wellbeing. It is soothing, calming and easy to grow and looks beautiful too. Harvest the flowers in summer and leave in a muslin bag by your bedside to help with those sleepless nights. You can strengthen it by adding pure lavender essential oil to the bag or putting a drop on your pillow. Mix some flowers with salt for a calming bath or even use that mixture as a seasoning for barbecues in the summer.

Calendula Calendula flowers are a stunning orange colour that will last through until autumn. The flowers grow easily and reseed themselves and come back each year. Calendula is one of the oldest natural healing remedies for skin infections, for sore chapped skin, rashes or bug bites. It’s gentle, anti-inflammatory, fragrance free and can be helpful for skin prone to eczema.

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Your Big Day Out

Plan your big day out at www.thegalleria.co.uk Plan your big day out at www.thegalleria.co.uk

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Fashion

The Secrets to

Looking Polished Written by Ruth Essex

Picture credit: accessorize.com

Three years ago, I undertook a 30-day style challenge as part of my continuing professional development, and one of the key lessons I learned is: no-one ever died from an extra accessory! Accessories can add the polish to your look, but to achieve this, it helps to have a completer-finisher mindset, when it comes to building your outfit. That is the difference between just wearing clothes, and the creation of an outfit that not only looks good, but makes you feel great. And this is regardless of your style being avant-garde minimalist or completely eclectic. My personal style of dressing means that clothes are just the basics for most of my outfits; it is the accessories that are usually the star performers which finish the look. It is worth taking time to choose your accessories. They don’t have to cost a lot either; have a look on eBay or in charity shops for a plethora of scarves, belts and gloves at very little cost. (I found a gorgeous, genuine Mulberry handbag in my local charity shop last year for only £20!) Local boutiques offer independent ranges you won’t find on every high street too, so if you prefer a more individual look, then this is also a good place to search.

Picture credit: spring/summer at accessorize

However, even if you spot a bargain, only buy accessories you love. If you can, avoid compromising on ones you only quite like. Accessories should make you happy and excited, and not be able to wait to wear them. I have collected many beautiful bags and shoes I love, and I make a point of actually using and wearing them. It is a lot of fun to choose a different bag each day, that will enhance your outfit, and it really doesn’t take that long to move the contents over, especially if you use a handbag organiser. It helps you stop being a kitchen sink type of girl too. Add a bracelet or two, a pair of coloured leather gloves and you are ready to meet the world, one stylish step at a time. Ruth Essex, - Stylist & Image Consultant ruthcrofts@btinternet.com - Tel: 07900 910 666

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NEW! Spring Collections

now in store

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eve st clair of Long Melford Spring is almost here! Our new stock is arriving daily.

Colourful collections from our favourite stockists Marble, Emreco,Robell, Erfo, Bianca, Lebek and more.

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01787 312182 info@evestclair.com


Five key trends you need in your wardrobe this season Bag it up Believe it or not the bum bag is back! Now better known as the ‘belt bag’, this season it has been given a sophisticated makeover and now sits stylishly on your belt. Perfect for festivals and travel, come summer you’re definitely going to want one! Belt bag priced: £22 River Island | www.riverisland.com

Totally wasted This season is all about the silhouette. Give oversized clothing a feminist look with a cinched waist using a stylish belt. Price: £19 Accessorize | www.accessorize.com

Wrap up There’s never been a better time to invest in a trench coat. It’s ideal for those chilly days and will keep you looking stylish should you get caught in April showers. Price: £99 House of Fraser | www.houseoffraser.co.uk Tailor made Forget shades of grey and black, tailoring has a fresh look with spring with pastel colours galore. A matching blazer and trouser combo is a perfect look to take you from day to night. Price: blazer £45, trousers £25 Miss Selfridge | www.missselfridge.com

Dot on Polka dots are having a major moment. Coming in all shapes and styles, it’s the print you’ll want to be spotted in. Keep it classic with monochrome or go bold with colour such as red. Price: £13, Primark

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Mother of the Bride/Groom Wedding Guests Race Day Outfits Special Occasion Wear Evening & Cocktail Wear Cruise Wear Prom Dresses

7 High Street, Fenstanton, Cambs PE28 9LQ

01480 461187 www.cream-rose.co.uk OPEN: Tuesday 11:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm. Sunday by Appointment.

HUNTINGDON TOWN HALL The beautifully restored Grade II* Listed Georgian Town Hall is situated on the historic Market Square in Huntingdon. The building boasts two renovated Court Rooms to provide a unique and intimate setting for up to 60 guests. For larger ceremonies and receptions, the Assembly Hall and Council Chamber provide elegant spaces for parties of up to 120. The Town Hall is available for viewing via appointment. Should you wish to visit, please contact Hayley Burns on 01480 410380 or email hayley.burns@huntingdontown.gov.uk

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on Sunday 15th April 2018, from 11:00 – 15:00. For more information visit www.huntingdontownweddings.co.uk/wedding-fairs

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NOW IN STORE FOR 2018 Latest trends and styles of Mother of outfits and a large selection of Bridesmaid dresses... Sizes start from 8 to 24 come and get styled!!! 1st Floor Dagnall House, Stanley Court, Olney, Buckinghamshire, MK46 5NH


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with your closest friends and family. The party has only just begun…


Planning a Dry Hire Wedding Written by Katrina Otter

W

hen you’re planning your wedding, you’re sure to come across the phrase ‘dry hire venue’. These venues are essentially blank canvas spaces where you have the freedom to literally start from the beginning and create the wedding day that you want. However, starting from scratch can mean extra work and there’s certainly a lot to consider. So, with that in mind, here’s my guide to planning a dry hire wedding: The first thing to think about, as always, is your budget. When you investigate dry hire venues, it’s easy to look at the bottom line figure and assume that this style of wedding is a budget friendly option. It’s important to remember that this is just the figure for the venue itself whereas quotes you’ll receive from fully serviced venues often include so much more. So, to make sure that you’re comparing like with like, it’s crucial that you confirm with your venue what’s included and understand what’s not. Some might include furniture and others won’t. For some you might need to bring in generators, lighting, heating, staff, toilets and waste disposal as well as caterers and all the other suppliers that you’ll need. Once you know what’s included in the dry hire quote, create a draft budget to add in all the other elements that you might need, and only then should you compare this figure to those provided by serviced wedding venues. Remember to also check through contracts and terms and conditions. Question anything you don’t understand and make sure you’re totally comfortable with your responsibilities. I’d also recommend working with suppliers who are used to the challenges of dry hire venues. With these experts by your side, you’ll have people that you can always call on for advice and opinions. For example, caterers used to working at dry hire venues will know what equipment they’ll need, will know to conduct

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Photographs by: Hannah Duffy Photography - hannahduffy.com

a site visit to determine access, loading requirements etc. and will therefore effectively ensure that all goes smoothly on the day. It’s likely that they’ll also be able to help you out with recommendations for other suppliers who know all about dry hire weddings too. As you’ll already have gathered, working with a dry hire venue also means that you’re going to be working with more suppliers so it’s essential that you’re organised throughout the planning process and totally on top of everything when it comes to planning the logistics of the day. To create your wedding day timeline, you need to communicate with your suppliers. How long will it take your


florist to set up? When do your caterers need to begin their preparations? Once you have this information, you’ll need to create a detailed timeline for set-up, on the day and pack down as well. It’s absolutely vital that you communicate with all suppliers involved to ensure that everyone has plenty of time to get ready, as everything takes much longer with dry hire venues. It’s also absolutely acceptable to put suppliers in touch with each other so that they can make arrangements without everything having to go via you! When you’re thinking about set up, especially in a city centre, check parking options, access times and even loading and unloading times. Depending on the area you’re in, you might also need to have someone on hand to coordinate these arrivals.

Finally, enlisting the help of family and friends is key to planning a great dry hire wedding. There’s a lot to manage and a lot to coordinate, especially in the run up to the wedding and on the day itself. Say yes to those offers of help and delegate! Setting up your venue and preparing for your wedding with all your family and friends helping you can be a huge amount of fun so enjoy yourself! Katrina Otter is a Cambridgeshire based wedding planner and event organiser with over 10 years experience. Find out how she could help you plan your wedding day at www.katrinaotterweddings.co.uk

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SPRING 2018 SWEETSHOP REVOLUTION

FRIDAY 9 MARCH

MARK BRUCE COMPANY

FRIDAY 23 & SATURDAY 24 MARCH

2FACED DANCE COMPANY

FRIDAY 13 & SATURDAY 14 APRIL

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FRIDAY 4 MAY

The Lady Rothschild Holiday Houses

We mainly specialise in silver, gemstone and leather jewellery for both men and women. We also have a lovely range of new baby gifts, handbags, purses, scarves, and gifts for all occasions.

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Spectacular self-catering holiday houses located on the famous Ashton Estate nr. Oundle surrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands. The houses are finished with an emphasis on quality, in a style that is both comfortable and elegantly modern. Perfect for family get-togethers, celebrations, wedding groups and short breaks. The Constable House – Sleeps max.12 The Turner House – Sleeps max. 10 The Gainsborough House – Sleeps max. 8 Newmarket Rooms – Sleeps max. 4 Morland Manor – Sleeps max. 10

www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk estateoffice@ashton.ohllimited.com Tel: 01832 272264 @rothschildholidayhouses

13 Market Hill, St Ives, PE27 5AL www.cloudninegems.com

01480 495198

METHING O S R O F K C STU WEEK? TO DO THIS Visit us www.eastlife.co.uk for the latest events in your area.


Consumer

Martin Lewis Talks...

How to be a smart traveller Y

ou’ve found your flight, got the hotel, and so the holiday is sorted. WRONG. With the mid-winter travel booking boom now nearly over, millions are exposed because they haven’t finished the job – risking having to overpay on extras, or even being turned back on arrival. So I’ve four key things to do now, to save and protect you when you go… 1) Check your passport & EHICs are valid Most passports are valid for 10 years but some countries require you to have at least six months left on yours, if not you can be refused entry. So don’t delay – check both yours and your children’s now to see whether it’ll still be valid when you travel and the rules for that country. Plus, over 5.4m EHIC cards will expire this year, check your card to see. To renew go to www.ehic.org.uk (don’t Google, it could be a site tricking you into paying a charge – if you have to pay you’re in the wrong place) or call 0300 330 1350.

2) Get your travel insurance ASAB (As Soon As you’ve Booked) I can’t stress this enough. In the run up to summer, I get people asking me questions such as, “Just found I’ve a breast lump and treatment will be needed all summer, I’d booked to go away in three months but my airline won’t refund my ticket, what can I do?” Well, being blunt and dispassionate, you’ve no rights. The airline seat isn’t faulty. No more than a tennis racket wouldn’t be faulty if you broke your arm and couldn’t play with it. Half the point of travel insurance is to protect you if something happens and you can’t go on holiday. So as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, book your travel insurance too. If not, you won’t be covered should anything happen beforehand, such as an illness, cancellation, death of a family member etc. There are many cheap, decent value policies available online with prices from just £9 to cover a year’s holiday. Full help, and best buys, including over 65 and pre-existing conditions see www.mse.me/travelinsurance.

3) Book car hire as early as possible to slash the cost Don’t leave it to the last minute. If you do you could pay massively over the odds – for example, walk in now, and if they’ve got spare cars, you could pay £40+/day. Yet book now for August and it can cost as little as £8/ day for Tenerife and £13/day for Malaga. To find your cheapest, use as many comparison sites as you’ve time for including www.kayak.co.uk, www.travelsupermarket. com and www.carrentals.co.uk. Then once booked double check the details with the car firm.

4) Get car-hire excess insurance BEFORE you go and save up to 80% Often when you’re at the kiosk picking up your hire car they’ll try and fear-sell you a car insurance excess policy saying: “Hey señor, you need excess insurance too - if not and there’s a problem, you’ll pay €1,000.” I can’t tell you how often I’ve hired a car and wanted to intervene when I hear this happening next to me. This insurance can cost as much as €20 a day, so to avoid it get standalone cheap excess insurance before you go for as little as £2/day. The www.moneymaxim.co.uk comparison site can find you a cheap policy. Though be aware that if you do book this way, hire firms may say “you still need to pay us”, and this is true. You’ll need to pay a deposit of €600 - €1,350 on a credit (not debit) card, from which they’ll take the cost of any incidents. Yet you can then reclaim the cost on your standalone insurance policy. Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 12 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

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Motoring

JAGUAR

XF R-Sport AWD

Written by Sue Cooke - Twitter @cookecars

M

y son has just brought his new car round to show me. The palpable excitement in his voice was catching as he described the long list of gadgets. Not once did he describe its performance! It is technology that sells and that is why manufacturers are continuously adding yet another innovative device to new cars. A long list of optional and standard gizmos can be found in the Jaguar XF I drove this week. The saloon has the world’s first in-car cashless payment. Rather than using a card at the pump, or queuing in the forecourt shop, owners who have the Shell App can use the touchscreen on a mobile or in the car to select how much fuel they require and pay using PayPal or Apple Pay. A receipt is sent to the driver’s email address which is great for business users. The other piece of technology I found useful this week is the Gesture Boot Lid. It was a freezing cold day. The car key was in my pocket and I came out of the supermarket loaded with bags. I waved my foot under the rear bumper and the lid of the 540 litre luggage area opened automatically. There is a definite sense of pride which a Jaguar evokes. Whether sitting on my drive, or when pulling up on the car park at work, I felt such a vain sense of conceit. And why not! Press the start button and a large circle, which is the eight-speed transmission with Jaguar sequential shift, rises majestically from the central console, ready for operation. The all leather premium cabin in my road test car has an optional sliding panoramic roof which makes the interior light and spacious but I did find visibility hampered on the odd occasion by the very wide A frames. The XF is one of the most comfortable cars I have driven for a long time. The adjustable front seats have been

FACTS AT A G L A N C E

MODEL: Jaguar XF R-Sport AWD PRICE: from £41,835 otr ENGINE: 2 litre turbocharged petrol 250PS PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 147 mph CO2 EMISSIONS: 159g/km COMBINED FUEL CONSUMPTION: 40.9MPG

boosted with the availability of winged headrests and there are manual side wing supports in the 2018 model. Drivers can also personalise the gear shift, throttle and steering settings to change the dynamics to suit the road. The 2018 model sees the debut of Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Ingenium engines in the XF. I drove the 250 PS 2 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine but there is a 240 PS diesel engine. All have cleaner combustion and deliver improved efficiency, lower running costs and enhanced performance. The 2018 Jaguar XF has a sophisticated design, the comfort for easy long journeys, which I find sadly lacking in many new cars and has fuel technology that has been labelled a world first. With the added technology of all-wheel drive and the useful gesture boot lid, there are so many reason to buy this premium saloon.

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Home & Garden

Sweet dreams

I

t’s time for a lie in as March is National Bed Month. The yearly campaign aims to remind us why a peaceful sleep is good for our health. If you’re one of the many who toss and turn and fail to get enough shut eye on a nightly basis, read our guide to simple hacks to turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary:

One in ten of us will send a work email from our bed, which means that although 20 million of us across the UK suffer from poor sleep, (making us one of the most poorly slept nations), we are continuing to prioritise technology above a good night’s sleep. So, here are nine simple ways to make your room a sanctuary for blissful sleep, helping to put your smartphones down and your sleep first.

Keep your cool As we sleep our body temperate drops slightly, so it is important that the temperature of the room compliments this. Dr. Marilyn Glenville (www.marilynglenville.com), author of The Natural Health Bible for Women, advises: “Pay attention to the temperature in your room and make sure it’s not too warm and not too cold. Cooler is better than warmer. Keep the room restful: a quiet, dark, cool environment sends signals to your brain that it is time to wind down.”

Lighting is key If you spend time pottering around your room before bed, a gentle glow will help your body relax rather than a powerful bright light. Marilyn says: “Using dimmer switches in living rooms and bathrooms before bed can be helpful.”

Swap the Bluetooth for a bookmark If the last thing you check at night is your phone, then you may be setting yourself up for a night of tossing and turning. This is due to the fact that the blue light emitted by electrical devices such as phones and tablets stimulate the brain making it harder for it to switch off when we turn the lights out. So rather than scrolling down your Instagram feed, pick up a book and let your brain properly wind down.

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Cool off your colour palette Psychedelic wallpaper and clashing prints may be to your taste but they’re not conducive to a good night’s sleep. In your bedroom at least, opt for a soft, neutral colour scheme to help release your inner sense of calm before settling down for a good night’s rest.

Refresh the nest Swapping your old threadbare sheets for fresh clean sheets is a simple way to refresh your sleeping environment and create a clean space for you to snuggle down in. Choose natural-fibre bedding, such as linen or cotton, over synthetic material as it won’t cause you to over-heat during the night.

Keep those tootsies toasty Research by The Sleep Council has shown that cold hands and feet are often associated with sleeplessness, so although it’s important to keep your bedroom cool make sure you keep your feet warm by always having a pair of thermodynamic socks, such as Carnation Footcare’s Silver Socks [£12 at www.firstaidfast.co.uk] in your sock draw.

Smell the sweetness Allow your bedroom to engage all your senses in your efforts to drift off to sleep. As well as low level lighting and a cool temperature, fill your room with natural relaxing scents such as vanilla, lavender and bergamot. Try spraying your pillow with linen spray or light a candle such as Janjira’s Jasmine & Ylang Ylang therapy candle [£32.00, www.janjira.co.uk], which will help contribute to a sense of calm.

Go the full cycle Getting through a full nights sleep cycle, without any interruptions is extremely difficult for many, so it might be worth adding the right kind of technology to your room to help you sleep well. A sleep device, such as Somnuva (£420, www.somuva.com), uses a patented sound algorithm to repair your sleep cycle and guide you through a full night of quality sleep, helping to make your room a true sanctuary from the outside world.

Leave it at the door To encourage a full night’s sleep it is important that your head doesn’t fill with worry as soon as it hits the pillow. Marilyn suggests: “Write down what you need to do the next day at least an hour before bed. The aim is to stop the dialogue in your head which can end up stopping you from drifting off to sleep or else waking you up in the middle of night as you suddenly remember something else that has to be done.”

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SUFFOLK SUFFOLK HOT TUBS HOT TUBS

Deckworld half page Jan-Feb. 2017.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2016 10:38 Page 1 Deckworld half page Jan-Feb. 2017.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2016 10:38 Page 1

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with The Barn

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M MA AD R NE CH SS !

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The Say hello to Wendy Howes, our gardening columnist, who will be revealing the trials and tribulations of her garden restoration project every month…

W

ell what an incredibly long winter that felt like! So it is an absolute joy to be greeted by March and all the wonders that has to offer in the garden. With the days lengthening we can now see life where just a few weeks ago everything was looking bleak and held captive by winter’s grasp. Helleborus niger

Water Lily

Over the last few weeks we have been working to reduce an old hawthorn hedge that runs along the north boundary of the garden. Like most other aspects of the garden it has suffered many years of neglect. Having been granted permission from our local planning office, the entire hedge will be reduced to ground level in an attempt to invigorate the hedge and encourage fresh new growth. We are leaving one half of the hedge, closest to the house, until next year or the year after to retain some habitat for the wildlife. However, that didn’t stop a very indignant squirrel from giving our gardener a good telling off for removing his shortcut to the oak trees! Of course there will still be the odd wet and miserable day for quite a few weeks to come, but even those are brightened up with the blast of yellow from Wordsworth’s favourite, the daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). They are one of my favourite flowers for the simple reason that they mark the turning point from winter into spring. There has been plenty of evidence of life in our garden for a few weeks now. First we had the beautiful Helleborus niger flowers, which looked even more delightful once I had trimmed all the foliage back to showcase their blooms. The Magnolia stellata ‘Water Lily’ which we planted in the autumn, whilst small, is absolutely covered in buds. I can’t wait to see it bloom for the first time. Some of the young shrubs are looking a bit weary after a winter doing battle with storm after storm. The garden is situated on a very exposed site; the yew hedge cannot grow back too soon in terms of offering some much needed shelter from the prevailing south westerly winds.

Read more on Wendy’s blog at www.wendyswholeworld.com

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

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Is the online estate agent trend really worth it? U

sing an online estate agent to buy or sell a property has quickly become a trend in the UK. They promise to save homeowners thousands of pounds compared to their high street counterparts but are they really a sensible option?

Drawing on over 17 years of experience working in the property industry, Elliot Castle, founder of the UK’s leading home buying service We Buy Any Home (www.webuyanyhome.com), explains how online estate agents work, and outlines the pros and cons:

WHAT IS AN ONLINE ESTATE AGENT? “The services offered by online estate agents are like those offered by traditional high street agents. For example, an online estate agent will value and market your home for you, and arrange property viewings. Some may also accept and negotiate property offers on your behalf, and liaise with your solicitor and buyers until the sale is complete. However, there is one significant difference in the way online estate agents operate compared to high street agents - the cost. Unlike high street estate agents who charge commission on the sales that they have arranged, online estate agents generally charge a fixed fee upfront.” WHAT ARE THE PROS? “The main attraction for using an online agent is that you are likely to save money. Online estate agents offer a low cost, fixed-fee service anywhere from £300-£1,500 to sell a property. So, in most cases, using an online agent will be a lot cheaper than using a traditional high street agent. The more expensive your home is, the more you stand to save if you are being charged an upfront fee. Online agents are also praised for the level of support and convenience that they offer. Online agents do not have a physical office with traditional 9-5 opening hours, so they can be more flexible with how often you contact them.

Generally, there is no contract period with an online estate agent, which means you can instruct other estate agents should you wish to.”

WHAT ARE THE CONS? It’s important to be aware that some online agencies claim to have certain expertise and specialisms that they don’t – which means you may not be getting the same service or expertise you would with a traditional estate agent. For example, because they are not based in the area, online estate agents lack the intimate local market knowledge that traditional estate agents will have, which can be used to persuade a buyer to proceed with a sale and dig that bit deeper. Much of the work that traditional estate agents do happens behind the scenes, holding deals together by regularly communicating with the solicitors for both parties and keeping lines of communication open so everyone is up to date. An online estate agent also cannot call a buyer’s lawyer to push along negotiations (only a property professional can do that) which can make the buying process a lot slower. In addition to the above, it’s also worth taking ‘time’ into account. If you use an online agent to sell your home, you may need to do a lot of the work yourself. For example, depending on which online estate agency service you choose, you may have to create your own property advert, manage and respond to buyer enquiries, arrange and conduct your own viewings, or negotiate with interested buyers to secure an offer.

TO HELP YOU DECIDE… “Whether you decide to sell your property through a traditional estate agent or an online agency, it’s important to obtain more than one valuation from different agents to determine the value of your property. Don’t be sucked in by the highest valuation, as this is not always correct and you will end up being disappointed in the long run if you don’t match that figure. Don’t be afraid to challenge the agents to back up their valuations and give you examples of previous properties they have sold recently that are like yours – you will then get a good idea of who has given you a fair estimate.”

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Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/broadway


Arts

The Arts Scene Written by Collette Hoefkens, proprietor at Norton Way Gallery and an artist in her own right. www.nortonwaygallery.com

Ia cold threat of frost and snow endeavours to

write this month whilst the wind is howling and

invade the land. With no signs yet of spring, why not come out of the cold and enjoy the garden indoors at the wonderful Sculpt Gallery, Tiptree, Essex? March is the month that this excellent gallery launches its annual calendar of events. On 3 March it reopens its doors, after a short winter break, and welcomes us to venture inside and enjoy the delights of its ‘Outside-In’ exhibition.

51 Norton Way, Letchworth Garden, City, Herts SG6 1BH | Tel: 01462 685139 www.nortonwaygallery.com

More akin to Art Nouveau in style are the stunning and serene, abstract sculptures by Lucy Lutyens. On a medieval farm near Colchester, Lucy lives and works finding her inspiration in the nature, wildlife and the old farm machinery that surrounds her. Lucy has exhibited regularly with the Sculpt Gallery since 2012 and has become a much admired addition to their superb catalogue of artists. Complementing and completing the group, John Brown offers us further contemporary, stylized sculpture. This time the focus is on the human form. Reminiscent of Henry Moore these figurative sculptures explore and express emotions and relationships. Ranging from small maquettes to larger works, these wonderful stone, bronze and bronze resin pieces, can also be proudly placed both inside and out. This warm and invigorating exhibition is a must for all lovers of three-dimensional art and with light refreshments being served all day, it will be a super outing for anyone with an eye and heart for the creative. If you wish to visit the gallery before 3 March, please contact gallery owner Debra Blik on 07980768616 to arrange a visit. ‘Outside-In’, 3 March -28 April 2018 Sculpt Gallery, Priory Mews, Braxted Park Road, Tiptree (Nr Gt Braxted), Essex CO5 0QB Tel: 07980768616 | www.sculptgallery.com

Barn Owl by Paul Harvey

Celebrating the inspired works of three featured artists, this exhibition sets out to explore the impact of sculpture on both inside and outside spaces. It brings together the works of John Brown, Paul Harvey and Lucy Lutyens. Paul’s beautiful sculptures in bronze, metal resins and marble resin reflect his passion for the Art Deco period. Harmoniously balanced shapes and lines produce stylised birds of grace and power. Exhibited widely across the UK, his work is sought after throughout the world. Developing two distinct lines of work Paul creates open-edition, long lasting pieces that are suitable for the garden and rare limited edition works in bronze. The latter can be viewed by appointment.

Constancy by John Brown

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String Pins tenpin bowling at One Leisure St Ives

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Arts News for March

Pastel Society Exhibition at Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh

Jeanette Hayes Pink Trees, St James pastel 19” x 30” current President of Patel society

Thompson’s Gallery in Aldeburgh is holding its third exhibition by selected members of The Pastel Society which opens on Saturday 31 March until Saturday 21 April 2018.

‘Vladimir Piven: Adventures in Impasto Painting’ at Riverside Art & Glass, Wroxham

The Pastel Society UK is a registered charity and is recognised for promoting and encouraging the use of pastels within the contemporary art world. The exhibition will showcase works created in pastel, pencil, chalk and charcoal and reflects that the diverse nature of the dry medium is limitless.

Riverside Art & Glass in Wroxham has announced a permanent exhibition of Vladimir Piven paintings. Admirers of the artist’s work travel to Wroxham from all over the UK and abroad to add to their collections.

The exhibition of contemporary artists will show abstract and experimental works by such artists as Angela A’Court, Joanne Last and Keith Roper alongside the traditional representation of John Tookey, Cheryl Culver, Margaret Glass and Peter Vincent, to name but a few. 175 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5AN Tel. 01728 453743 | www.thompsonsgallery.co.uk

Vladimir has gained a great reputation in his home country of Ukraine for his expressive and audacious style of painting. His mastering of the impasto technique is the key to his success. Riverside Art & Glass is the only gallery in the UK to stock Vladimir’s work and has an extensive range of paintings including a series of traditional subjects, such as landscapes, mountains and rivers, horses and swans, available to purchase with prices range from £495 to £2,200. Tel: 01603 784000 | www.riversideartandglass.co.uk

Exhibition on the centenary of the Arab Horse Society ‘Arabian Horse: From the Desert to the World’, is a new exhibition at Palace House Newmarket that will present a rich selection of key works to mark this memorable anniversary and to celebrate the history of the world’s oldest horse breed. The exhibition opens on Thursday 22 March until Friday 13 July 2018. The exhibition will tell the story of the Arab horse from its earliest Bedouin origins to the present day. Complementing the exhibition will be two parades of Arabian horses in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena on Saturday 7 April at 3pm and Saturday 28 April at 2.30pm. www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk Image: Wilfrid Scawen Blunt on Pharoah, Lady Anne Blunt (c) Philip Viscount Knebworth

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Beds, Bucks & Herts

Six reasons to visit

Hatfield & Welwyn Below: Hatfield House. Right: Vertigo Adventures

S

uperb sites and a wealth of history beckons in wonderful Welwyn Hatfield – just 25 minutes from London by train. And with spring flowers, longer, warmer days and Easter holidays on the horizon, now really is the perfect time to head outside and explore this diverse area. To get you started, Visit Herts have pulled together six sure-fire ways to spend a day in this buzzing borough…

1

Discover historic Hatfield House

3

Action & (Vertigo) Adventures

4

Enjoy a tipple or two at The Eight Bells Public House

Fun, thrills and nerve-jangling challenges – find it all at Vertigo Adventures, Stanborough Park. The high and low-ropes course is one of the toughest in the UK, with zipwire action, breath-taking plunges and daring challenges to test even the hardiest of adventure seekers! For those who want to take it easy, the Monkey Trail is the perfect starting point, or real dare devils can tackle the Hawks View at over 40ft high.

The Eight Bells is the oldest pub in Hatfield and is renowned as having been featured in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist as the “small public house” where Bill Sykes retreated for a drink after murdering Nancy. Today the historic pub retains much of its original character and is a favourite pit stop for visitors to Hatfield.

A quintessential English manor house fit for a Queen - Hatfield House was once the childhood home of Elizabeth I and is now a treasure trove of historic mementos, period detail, and sumptuous scenery. Today, spend some time wandering the glorious gardens, stick your wellies on and get muddy down on the farm, or relax and enjoy a bite to eat in the Stable Yard.

Take a trip into Welwyn Garden City, where you’ll enjoy everything you’d expect from a vibrant town centre but with all the beauty and pleasure of the countryside. Indulge in the array of big-brand names on offer in Welwyn’s town centre or take a stroll in the peace and tranquillity of nearby Stanborough Park.

2

6

Tee off at Brocket Hall

One of England’s finest golf and residential country estates, Brocket Hall oozes charm, romance and (of course) luxury. Explore 543 acres of parkland, spend the day on one of two championship golf courses and the renowned Golf Academy, or simply indulge in the award-winning restaurant, Auberge du Lac. Treat yourself!

5

Wander Welwyn Garden City

Shop ‘til you drop at The Galleria

With over 80 shops and 15 places to eat, The Galleria Outlet Centre in Hatfield has a great selection of great brands at outlet store prices, and fantastic dining. With the centre’s brilliant on-site jungle themed adventure area Get Wild, children will be entertained for hours… giving you more time to shop until you drop! For more information on days out in Hertfordshire, visit www.visitherts.co.uk

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Whoever you are... Wherever you are going...

work college leisure A GROUP EXPLORER ticket could get you there.

A day’s unlimited travel on the bus network for up to 4 people for just

£17

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*£9 daily ticket and £35 weekly ticket also available for people travelling alone. Ticket valid on most Hertfordshire bus services. Can be purchased on the bus. For information please visit www.intalink.org.uk/explorer.

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What’s on: Beds, Bucks & Herts THEATRE, FILM AND SHOWS 1-24 Mar Broken Glass Brooklyn, 1938. Phillip and Sylvia Gellburg are a married couple living increasingly separate lives. Phillip is obsessed with getting ahead, in a real estate company where he is the only Jew. Sylvia is disturbed by news of Kristallnacht from Germany. In a single night, the Nazis destroyed thousands of Jewish homes and businesses, smashing windows and burning synagogues. Haunted by these images, she becomes ill and is unable to move. Phillip takes her to see the popular and attractive Dr Harry Hyman, whose ‘talking cure’ has unexpected consequences. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ . 01923 235455 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk 6-10 Mar Son of a Preacher Man Welcome to the Preacher Man, the swinging Soho joint where the kids used to dance the night away and dared to dream of love, while the legendary owner, The Preacher Man himself, dispensed advice to cure the loneliest of hearts…until now. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607 www.atgtickets.com 7-10 Mar The Crucible ‘The Crucible’ is an unsettling reminder of the frailty of reason in the face of hysteria and asks the question: ‘How innocent can we really be as we stand by and watch a witchhunt unfold?’. The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring, HP23 5QY www.courttheatre.co.uk 5-10 Mar Fat Friends - The Musical Join the infamous group of TV’s most loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmers by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 www.atgtickets.com

9-Mar Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room Britain and Canada’s first woman to have a worldwide Netflix special, Katherine Ryan will be extending her Autumn tour into 2018 with her brand new show. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 01923 571 102 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 9-Mar Larry Dean Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Larry Dean brings his critically-acclaimed new show on tour following a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run and a debut appearance on BBC1’s Live At The Apollo. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU 01908 280800. www.stables.org 11-Mar Norwich Puppet Theatre: The Pied Piper Norwich Puppet Theatre’s humorous and irresistible one person show combines a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling and will have audiences young and old entranced.Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500. www.hertfordtheatre.com 11-Mar I Believe in Unicorns ‘I Believe in Unicorns’ sparks imagination in both young and old. We challenge you not to believe in unicorns after joining Tomas’ spellbinding journey. Broadway Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD. 01462 681300 www.broadway-letchworth.com 13-Mar Suggs - What A King Cnut: A Life In The Realm of Madness... If the first show was about how on Earth he got there, ‘Suggs: What a King Cnut’ is about the surprises that awaited him when he did. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UG. 0844 871 7607. www.atgtickets.com 13-Mar Carry on Jaywick ‘Carry on Jaywick’ is a story of hope amongst the hopeless, of laughter in the darkest times and a celebration of what it means to fight for where

you come from. Quarry Theatre, 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN. 01234 362337 www.quarrytheatre.org.uk 14-Mar Teechers ‘Teechers’ brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the unique eyes of Salty, Gail and Hobby; three Year 11 students about to leave school for good. Broadway Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD 01462 681300 www.broadway-letchworth.com 15-Mar Jonathan Pie: Back To The Studio The frustrated News reporter is back and he’s angrier than ever. Pie attempts to host a night of serious discussions on current affairs whilst simultaionously attempting to smash the system from within. Join him for a night of political comedy that soon descends into chaos. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk 15-17 Mar Bill Bailey: Larks In Transit ‘Larks in Transit’ is a compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of 20 years as a travelling comedian. With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 01923 571102. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 15-Mar Life of Brian Monty Python delivers a scathing, anarchic satire of both religion and Hollywood’s depiction of all things biblical with their second film Life of Brian. Quarry Theatre, 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN. 01234 362337. www.quarrytheatre.org.uk 20-24 Mar Crazy For You High energy, high kicking and gloriously glamorous, the acclaimed Watermill Theatre production of ‘Crazy for You’ is the ultimate

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Discover Britain’s foremost modern sculptor at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens. Explore Henry Moore’s studios, home and sculptures in over 70 acres of glorious countryside, plus a new exhibition of the artist’s carvings.

HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS Perry Green, Herts, SG10 6EE 01279 843333

30 MARCH - 28 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAYS TO SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS 11AM-5PM www.henry-moore.org Registered Charity Number 271370

Book now for Mothers Day (limited availability )

Come & visit our garden during Easter Holidays From the lovely open fires to the ample beer We have sought to highlight diversity in the While the food served is certainly of restaurant garden, which has been recently refurbishment. menus. You will find modern British cuisine standard, The Red Lion has not forgotten its This is the perfect place to while away those long elegantly presented alongside an offering of status as a pub - we have a wonderful premium summer afternoons and enjoy a spot of traditional pub meals such as the homemade beef gin menu, craft ales and an extensive wine menu. al fresco dining. burgers and fresh fish and chips. This is what the Red Lion is all about.

Don’t forget to bring your furry friend along with you as they are very welcome in our bar areas and our garden.

Mon - Friday 12 - 3, 6 -11pm Sat - 12-11pm | Sun - 12-7pm

01525 210 044 www.miltonbryanpub.co.uk


feel-good musical. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 www.atgtickets.com 22-Mar Jason Manford: Muddle Class ‘Muddle Class’ promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’ - causing much confusion! Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 01923 571102. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 22-24 Mar Gangsta Granny Friday nights are about to get more exciting than Ben could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS. 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com 25-Mar Brian Conley - Still The Greatest Entertainer (In His Price Range) Featuring brand new comedy, sketches and songs alongside some of his best-known material from stage and screen. Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ. 0844 8717652 www.atgtickets.com 29 Mar - 2 Apr Sleeping Beauty: The Musical This classic fairy tale is brought to life with original music and a host of magical characters. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200. www.gordon-craig.co.uk 31-Mar Henry Blofeld: 78 Retired The cherished golden voice of cricket has decided to celebrate by touring the country with his brand-new show, jam-packed full of unheard anecdotes from on and off the pitch, as well as stories from the TMS box not allowed on the radio! Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG. 01279 710200. www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk MUSIC 7-Mar The Best of Queen ‘The Best of Queen’ show features a selection of the most loved and

iconic classics from across Queen’s entire back catalogue creating a live stage show which really catches the essence of this most incredible British band. The Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ. 01438 363200. www.gordon-craig.co.uk 10-Mar The Joni Mitchell Story ‘The Joni Mitchell Story’ takes you on an emotive journey through the life of nine-time Grammy Award winner and folk music pioneer Joni Mitchell. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 www.stables.org 11-Mar Ultimate Bublé For Mothers Day Critically acclaimed tribute artist Mark Daniels performs the biggest hits of Michael Bublé in this stunning tribute show. Mark’s mesmerising likeness to the modern day Canadian crooner will have fans of Michael Bublé and big band music dancing at the tables after enjoying their Sunday lunch! Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. 01923 571 102. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 18-Mar Frankly Sinatra Featuring the swing, the swagger and the velvet vocals of Frank Sinatra in concert, enjoy a not-to-be-missed evening with world renowned vocalist Stephen Triffitt. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury HP20 1UG . 0844 871 7607 www.atgtickets.com

3-10 Mar Mark Cheng and Carol Ann McDermott: One Week Show Two of the gallery’s longest serving members take over the gallery for one week only. The Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP. 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk SPECIAL EVENTS 9 & 23 Mar Haunted Hertford An atmospheric guided walk through the ghostly haunted sites of Hertford. £6 – Booking is essential. 7.30pm9pm. White Hart Pub, Salisbury Square, Hertford. 01992 584322 24-25 Mar Herts Big Weekend During English Tourism Week, Hertfordshire residents get the chance to enjoy an amazing day out in their county for FREE in the Herts Big Weekend! Some attractions are open for free over the weekend, even without tickets from the ballot. Various venues, Hertfordshire www.hertsbigweekend.co.uk

24-Mar Jackson Live In Concert ‘Jackson Live in Concert’ sees long-time fan and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU. 01908 280800 www.stables.org

25-Mar Dogs & Daffs Charity Walk Banish those winter blues and put your best foot forward in aid of Riding for Disabled – Digswell Place Group. Come along to the Stable Yard at Hatfield House with your pooch to register and stroll the grounds of Hatfield Park. The day includes a fun dog show with 10 categories. Hatfield House, Hatfield Park, AL9 5NB. 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk AUCTIONS & ANTIQUES 17-Mar Stable Yard Antiques & Collectables Market A free monthly antiques market featuring a huge range of antiques and collectibles. Pick up unusual curiosities including furniture, mirrors, hats and ornaments! 10am-5pm. Stable Yard, Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NF. www.hatfield-house.co.uk

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 27 Feb - 25 Mar Jeanie Sondheimer Jeanie is a Hertford-based artist – mostly self-taught with a predominant interest in colour and texture – making work with palette knives and brushes. Her work includes land and seascapes. Hertford Theatre Gallery, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS

18-Mar Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair Over 45 stalls offering a wide range of antiques from silver, quality jewellery, vintage, pictures, small furniture and more. Open 9.30am-4pm. Admission £1.50. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH

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Cambridgeshire

Cambridge The

Written by Tracey Dean (www.traceydean.co.uk)

Scene

Spring Days Out T

he beautiful season of spring has arrived, bringing with it pretty daffodils, longer days and the perfect opportunity to explore the charming city of Cambridge. Must try activities to experience this season include punting with Scudamore’s (www.scudamores.com) on the picturesque River Cam. Their punting tour is the ideal outing to view the spectacular college backs and breathtaking scenery that Cambridge has to offer. The tour, complete with a chauffeur, also provides commentary on all the must know interesting and historical facts about the city. Credit: Visit Cambridge | www.visitcambridge.org

You can also view Cambridge, a city famous for its cycling with a relaxing bike tour! The Cambridge Bike Tours (www.cambridgebiketours.co.uk) offer a variety of tours including their popular City Tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a cycle ride to discover the amazing sights of the city including Jesus Green, the historical Round Church and Kings College.

Another spring activity to try is a visit to Cambridge University’s Botanical Garden (www.botanic.cam.ac.uk) The garden is spread over 40 acres and features a range of plants and flowers from all over the world. One of the many activities to take part in is a fun and interesting seasonal trail that you can follow to discover the many spring bulbs, flowering trees, meadow flowers and much more! Sticking with the flower theme, you will not want to miss making an Easter wreath with the Cambridge Flower School (www.thecambridgeflowerschool.co.uk). During the class which takes place on the 28 March 2018 you will create a stunning spring inspired wreath decorated with flowers, foliage and Easter additions making it the perfect front door or table decoration. Lastly, this spring also sees the much anticipated opening of the famous ‘The Ivy’ (www.theivycambridgebrasserie. com) restaurant who will be opening their doors in the heart of the city. Based in Trinity Street the Brasserie will be serving an all-day menu that includes delicious British classics and there will also be a stylish bar where you can enjoy your favourite cocktail!

Credit: Cambridge Bike Tours

It’s time to get out and about!

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01353 861677 info@swanontheriver.co.uk www.swanontheriver.co.uk Five rooms overlooking the river Great Ouse

Pub Dining Rooms

1 Sandhill Littleport Ely Cambs CB6 1NT

Sleep in your en-suite riverside room, wake to morning coffee on your own balcony, overlooking the river

Littleport sits on the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge borders, centrally placed for exploring East Anglia, in particular Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Kings Lynn and Bury St Edmunds - all accessible from the village rail station which is on the direct line from London Kings Cross.


March in March

D

streetscape has already featured in several period films and TV dramas.

Once upon a time, the pretty market town of March was an island surrounded by marshes. As the land was drained and made more fertile, the town grew and flourished and today is a great place to visit for exploring the River Nene.

On your visit list should be The Wisbech & Fenland Museum, which houses a number of important collections relating to local history and the National Trust’s Peckover House and Garden; a gorgeous Georgian house with beautiful walled gardens. Spend the afternoon wandering around marvelling at its beauty, browse the second-hand book store and plant trolley, before stopping for tea and cake at the café.

iscover the Fens this spring with a trip to March.

The river winds through the town centre, passing park and riverside gardens and is often busy with colourful boats cruising the Fenland waterways. For a historic insight into the old course of the River Nene, follow the Riverside Trail. The walk begins at the Town Bridge and takes in the views and sights of March such as Broad Street, War Memorial and The Fountain. Maps are available to download at www.fenland.gov.uk. The river is a popular place for boaters to stop with free moorings available. In the town centre Broad Street is lined with shops and is headed by an elaborate fountain, which was built to commemorate the coronation of King George V. March lies between the towns of Wisbech and Chatteris, which are both worth a visit while you’re in the area. Steeped in history, Wisbech is renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture. Unsurprisingly, this elegant

This month sees the arrival of the Wisbech Mart from 2-10 March. The town will be buzzing with a carnival atmosphere, fairground rides and stalls as the event occupies the Chapel Road car park, part of Somers Road car park and the western half of the Market Place. Following on from this, the March Spring Fair will be held for two weeks from 15 March at the City Road car park. Nearby, the small town of Chatteris offers a range of amenities and busy street market on a Friday. The Chatteris Museum focuses on the history of the town and the surrounding Fenland area. Those looking to learn more should visit the Ely Library Local History Fayre on 17 March, 9.30am-12pm, where local history experts will be on hand to provide an inspiring and informative insight into the past of this beautiful part of Cambridgeshire.

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With a great range of bikes, cycle accessories and a fully stocked workshop, we can provide for all of your cycling needs! Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am - 5.30pm

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If you only require a part for an accessory then please ask as we also carry many of these on the premises too.

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What’s on: Cambridgeshire THEATRE, FILM AND SHOWS 4-11 Mar Footlights Cambridge Footlights are the world-famous comedy troupe who first aired the talents of some of the foremost British comedians and actors of this century. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

terborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

8-Mar A Girl and a Gun This is a show about girls and guns. It’s a show that asks two people to take to the stage and play out a film script in front of you. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX 01223 511511. www.junction.co.uk

13-18 Mar This House In an era of chaos, both hilarious and shocking, fist fights break out in the parliamentary bars, high-stake tricks and games are played, while sick or dying MPs are carried through the lobby to register their crucial votes as the government is close to falling apart. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

8-Mar Jason Manford: Muddle Class ‘Muddle Class’ promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’ - causing much confusion! Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QE. 01223 357 851 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 8-Mar Bobby Mair: Loudly Insecure Over the past couple of years, Bobby has become an instantly recognisable face on British television and the UK comedy circuit. This year, he returns to the Edinburgh Fringe for his latest show Loudly Insecure. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com 10-Mar Cracked Voices This ‘incredible project’ (Cambridge105) gives voice to forgotten characters from the borderlands of Cambridgeshire. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT 0845 196 2320. www.anglia.ac.uk 11-Mar Shappi Khorsandi She has whip-crack jokes and is effortlessly funny as she handles every subject with a razor sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously mischievous delivery and endless charm. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Pe-

12-13 Mar Teechers Classic comedy about life at a struggling ‘sink school’ for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new drama teacher. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT . 0845 196 2320 www.anglia.ac.uk

14-24 Mar The Producers A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his diffident accountant come up with an illicit, lucrative scheme to produce the biggest flop in history. ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS. 01223 359547 www.adctheatre.com 16-Mar Lucy Porter: Choose Your Battles Lucy Porter’s brand new stand-up tour. In these combative times, it’s easy to be irritated, offended or downright enraged by other people. How do we know which causes are worth fighting for? The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX 01223 511511. www.junction.co.uk

his experience as a modern day explorer. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705. www.cresset.co.uk 22-Mar Jon Richardson Since his last show he has become a husband and father, seen the UK vote to leave the EU and watched the rise of Donald Trump, all of which leaves him asking one question, why does it seem that no one else alive can correctly load a dishwasher? Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QE. 01223 357 851 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 23-Mar Science Blast- The Great Scientists A blast of a show that brings you the life and experiments of 9 famous scientist. Live demonstrations, experiments and audience participation. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com 28-Mar Circus of Horrors: Voodoo The spectacular features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre & fantastic circus acts all woven into a sensational shock/horror story and the darkest of magic! Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239. www.vivacity-peterborough.com

20-24 Mar The Jungle Book An exciting new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, ‘The Jungle Book’, comes to life in this colourful new show. Cambridge Arts Theatre, St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ. 01223 503333 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

29-Mar Knot This is the story of two hearts making sense of perfection. The Knot is the invisible string that connects two people. Sometimes strong, sometimes just about to break, it is the complex yet simple bond that we juggle with our whole lives. This piece follows the journey of individuals through the absurdity, joy and mundane experience of making things work. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX. 01223 511511. www.junction.co.uk

20-Mar An Evening with Ant Middleton Ant Middleton; adventurer, survival expert, ex-elite forces soldier and TV presnter will be touring and sharing

MUSIC 7-Mar Dusty and The Shades ‘Dusty & The Shades of the 60s’ celebrates the life and music of one of the most iconic female artistes of our

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Visit The Dyke’s End at Reach HRH The Prince of Wales did – and described it as “a splendid pub”

The Dyke’s End at Reach offer their guests an exceptional dining experience. Our menus change as different produce and game come into season but they always include favourites, such as local sausage and mash, outstanding fish and chips and Parisian steak-fries and we will gladly cater for vegetarians and those with food intolerances. Our Lunch and Dinner Menus are very popular and our customers tell us they love the food. However, every day we have an extensive ‘Special Menu’ which changes regularly. If there is something special you’d like our chefs to prepare, just give us a call and we’ll do our best to make it happen (give reasonable notice). Our Sunday Lunches are very popular too so you are advised to reserve a table. Our upstairs dining room complements the main bar areas and, after a complete refurbishment has an ‘olde country pub’ feel about it offering the atmosphere of an Edwardian grandeur with a contemporary feel. Importantly, it not only offers a beautiful alternative to eating downstairs, but also doubles as a private dining room for parties of up to 20 guests. Service charge is discretionary. Christmas Menu Starters Winter root vegetable, pearl barley broth with homemade bread and horseradish cream. Coarse pork paté with smoked bacon, apple cider chutney, pork scratchings and granary toast Beetroot, orange and dill cured salmon with cucumber crème fraîche, grilled lemon and crispbreads

Main Courses Traditional roasted breast of turkey with pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, duck fat roast potatoes, bread sauce and turkey gravy served with a selection of seasonal vegetables Roast supreme of pheasant with chestnuts, cabbage, bacon, fondant potato and a redcurrant, honey and thyme jus Pan fried cod fillet with sauté potatoes, curly kale, curried mussel stew and crispy capers Winter vegetable crumble with cheddar cheese, beer, mustard sauce, baby gem salad and a garlic peppercorn dressing Puddings Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter and brandy sauce Mulled wine spiced poached pears with chantilly cream and shortbread biscuits Chocolate and chestnut torte on a biscuit base with passionfruit sorbet and honeycomb A selection of cheeses with biscuits, celery, grapes and chutney This menu is available from Dec 1st on weekdays only The cost per person is £29.50 and there will be a non-refundable deposit of £10 per person upon booking.

The Dyke’s End

8 Fair Green, Reach, Cambridge Tel: 01638 743816 e: info@dykesend.co.uk www.dykesend.co.uk


900th anniversary year 2018

Visit Peterborough Cathedral One of England’s most important surviving medieval buildings

• Free entry and tours • Visitor Centre and Tea Room • Inspiring worship • Amazing events

Visiting: *9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Saturday, 12.00 noon – 3.00pm Sunday Worship: Daily prayers. 5.30pm Choral Evensong Monday to Friday in Term Time, 3.30pm Sunday * Times may vary so please check before visiting

peterborough-cathedral.org.uk 01733 355315


time, the legendary Dusty Springfield. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. www.vivacity-peterborough.com 9-Mar The Tina Turner Experience This fully live energetic show charts the life and career of one of the worlds iconic performers. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk 10-Mar Shane Filan Hot off the back of the hugely successful ‘Love Always Tour’, which took place in autumn 2017, Shane Filan has announced the second leg. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QE. 01223 357 851. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 16-Mar T.Rextasy With Bolan’s special ingredient of Rock-a-Boogie songs, the band had a string of huge hits throughout the 1970s including Love to Boogie, Telegram Sam, Jeepster and 20th Century Boy. Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QE. 01223 357 851 www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 22-Mar Anglia Chamber Choir A concert of choral music ranging from the early Renaissance master of polyphony Johannes Ockeghem to the American experimentalist John Cage, famous for his 4’33” of composed silence. Mumford Theatre, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT 0845 196 2320. www.anglia.ac.uk 23-Mar Ferocious Dog Ferocious Dog offer a full-on sixpiece sound that encompasses folk infused with rock, reggae and Celtic vibrations. The Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX 01223 511511. www.junction.co.uk 24-Mar City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra The symphonic poem Tintagel provides us with Arnold Bax’s musical impressions of the eponymous castle perched above the rugged Cornish landscape and fronting the huge Atlantic Ocean beyond. West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, CB3 9DP. www.anglia.ac.uk

25-Mar The Bob Dylan Story ‘The Bob Dylan Story’ is the stunning and definitive live concert celebration of rock music’s greatest icon. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com 28-Mar Coldplace Coldplace are a tribute band whose quality and experience on the tribute scene are second to none. The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. 01733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 2 Mar - 1 Apr Nature in Mind 2018 Sculpture, craftwork, picture, hand made original print and jewellery. Byard Art, 14 King’s Parade, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ. 01223 464646 www.byardart.co.uk 6 Mar - 1 Jul Flux: Parian Unpacked Exploring themes of mass production, celebrity, colonialism and our notion of history, this impressive installation by ceramic artist and curator, Matt Smith, features over 100 sculptural Parian busts from the Glynn collection. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB . 01223 332900. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk 16 Mar - 8 Apr Art Opposites: Ted Coney & Francis Jeans Two Cambridgeshire artists have joined together to exhibit their work at the Babylon Gallery. Although friends for many years and both work in oils, their practice is very different. Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely, CB7 4AU. 01353 616991 www.babylonarts.org.uk SPECIAL EVENTS Sundays March - August Science on Sundays A programme of informal, monthly drop in plant science talks. Each 30-minute talk begins at 11am and is repeated at 2pm. Just drop-in to the Classroom. Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE. 01223 336265. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

11-Mar Peterborough Book Fair Up to 14 dealers will offer a wide range of books and ephemera covering a wide variety of subjects. Admission £1. Highgate Hall, Overend, Elton (nr Peterborough) 12-15 Mar Cambridge Science Festival The Science Festival provides the public with opportunities to explore and discuss issues of scientific interest and concern and to raise aspirations by encouraging young people to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Various venues, Cambridge www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk 17-18 Mar Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country Fair Every year, up to 10,000 people visit Thriplow to experience the warm and friendly atmosphere of our Daffodil Weekend charity fund raising event. This year our nominated charity is East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Thriplow, South Cambridgeshire. www.thriplowdaffodils.org.uk 17-18 Mar Cambridgeshire Spring Crafts & Food Fair A wide range of food, home, art and craft stalls. Wood Green, Godmanchester, PE29 2NH 01206 263088 17-Mar Hedge Laying Courses An introduction to hedge laying using axes and billhooks where you will learn how to lay a Midland style hedge. Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, SG8 0BW. 0344 2491895. www.nationaltrust.org.uk AUCTIONS & ANTIQUES 18-Mar Orwell Vintage & Antique Fair A warm and welcoming Antique and Vintage Fair that has been running for over 25 years. Orwell Village Hall, High Street, Orwell Cambridge 30-31 Mar Peterborough Festival of Antiques One of the largest showground Antiques Fairs in the country. The event has over 1,900 stalls. Entry from £5. East of England Showground, Peterborough

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5 reasons to visit

Chelmsford C

helmsford may be one of Essex’s most popular shopping destinations, but beyond the high street stores and chain restaurants there is so much more to discover. Whether you’re the arty type, have a family to entertain or just want some good old fashioned fun, read our guide to making the most of a visit to Chelmsford this year… Art at Chelmsford Museum 2018 promises to be an interesting year for art lovers at Chelmsford Museum, with a full program of artists lined-up for both the Gallery Wall and the temporary exhibition space. Starting off is the current display of Jo Gross’s ‘Modern Retro Woman’, which features portraits of modern women who have embraced the style of the mid-20th Century. The exhibition will be on display at the Gallery Wall until Sunday 1 April. The Hive Artist Studios will be presenting ‘Renewal’ at the temporary exhibition space from Saturday 17 March until Sunday 3 June. The Chelmsford based artist collective will be displaying their mixed media work exploring themes around war: freedom, sacrifice, courage and peace. James Wilkinson, who is the artist in residence at Hylands Estate and the official artist to the V Festival, will be displaying his work ‘VFlections’ from Saturday 16 June to Sunday 2 September. Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museumevents for more details.

Free days out at Hylands House Hylands Estate is perhaps Chelmsford’s most iconic attraction. But did you know its castle themed adventure playground is completely free? A great place to keep the children entertained this summer, it boasts four-metrehigh castle battlements. There are ladders, scramble nets and boards with lots of opportunity to climb, run and jump, as well as slides at varying heights, sensory equipment, a musical wall and spinning games discs. It’s no wonder the play area has been voted runner-up at the Primary Times Essex Star awards 2018. For more information visit www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Music in March If you fancy a sing along and dance this month, make your way to Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre and Cramphorn Studio which has some great acts lined-up. Jackson Live in Concert will be hitting the Civic’s stage on Friday 9 March at 7.45pm and The Everly Brothers Dream will be donning their smooth voices on Sunday 11 March. ‘Crooners’ is a rip-roaring, warm-hearted parody of a genre epitomised by the music of the Rat Pack and the great American Songbook at The Civic Theatre on Saturday 17 March, while ‘D’Ukes’ return to the Cramphorn’s stage on Saturday 24 March, after previously playing many sold-out shows here. Full line up at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres

Get your skates on There’s something magical about watching a Disney performance on ice, and this year’s ‘Cinderella on Ice’ at the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre is no exception. Taking place from 11-15 April, the show performed by members of the Riverside Ice Skating Club will be full of glitzy costumes and catchy songs as the classic tale is bought to life. Tickets from £7.30 at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/iceshow

Have a fling This summer the Fling Festival celebrates its 10th birthday at Hylands Park on 30 June. A playground for adults, the festival has firmly established itself as one of the most quirky and fun festivals around. Expect a diverse mix of music, comedy, theatre, cabaret and much more. Tickets are now on sale at www.flingfestival.com

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CoMinG uP At SAffron hALL

Drumming – Colin Currie Group Sat 10 March, 7.30pm Paul Lewis Sun 18 March, 3pm 8 Minutes – Alexander Whitley Dance Company Sat 28 April, 7.30pm

Box Office www.saffronhall.com or 0845 548 7650


What’s on in Essex THEATRE, FILM AND SHOWS 8, 25 & 26 Mar John Bishop: Winging It Having just bounced through all the arenas in the land John is now loading up the trucks for more fun on the road. This latest show is his biggest, best and funniest one yet! Grab your tickets now. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 www.southendtheatres.org.uk 8-24 Mar Kindertransport A deeply moving and timely modern classic about a woman’s struggle to come to terms with her past by Diane Samuels. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333. www.queens-theatre.co.uk 13-14 Mar Dear Zoo This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 www.southendtheatres.org.uk 13-17 Mar Brighton Rock Fred is found dead – they deny it was murder. Rose is in love – they say she’s in danger. And that boy, Pinkie…They say he’s evil – but what has he done? An unmissable version of this gripping noir thriller. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Inspired by the horror movies of the 1950’s, ‘The Thing That Came From Over There’ is a fast-paced rollicking ride, mixing paranoia, suspense and hilariously gruesome deaths. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT. 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk 16-Mar Andy Kirkpatrick A leading expert on climbing gear, Andy is also an award-winning writer and film-maker with an ability to captivate any audience with his unique brand of humorous and motivational story-telling. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505. www.chelmsford.gov.uk 16-Mar The Sensational 60s Experience 2018 With the definite feel good factor this is the must see 60s show for 2018. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1LE. 01255 433344.www.westcliffclacton.co.uk 17-Mar The Best Of James Bond All the greatest music and songs from the nation’s favourite secret service agent. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135. www.southendtheatres.org.uk 17-Mar Stephen Bailey: Can’t Think Straight Meet your new potty-mouthed best friend, who supported Katherine Ryan and Jenny Éclair on their recent sell-out UK tours. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 www.playhouseharlow.com

15-Mar Jason Donovan And His Amazing Midlife Crisis At aged 49 ½ and with a wealth of tantalising tales under his belt, this autobiographical show will take Jason’s looming 50th birthday as its starting point and will zigzag back and forth through his life. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliffon-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 www.southendtheatres.org.uk

19-Mar Sally Morgan World renowned psychic, television and theatre star and the UK’s favourite award winning medium Sally Morgan is back and better than ever with her phenomenal interactive stage show. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA 01702 351135. www.southendtheatres.org.uk

16-17 Mar The Thing That Came From Over There

19-24 Mar Great Expectations Peopled by some of Dickens’ most

colourful and memorable characters and painted in rich, vivid colours across a vast landscape of people and locations, this stunning new version promises a powerful and theatrical telling of Dickens’ universally loved masterpiece. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135 www.southendtheatres.org.uk 21-22 Mar Sarah Millican - Control Enthusiast You’ll learn about Rescue Men, farting in hospital pants, what can happen at a bra fitting, the benefits of casserole, plus tips on how to talk to shop assistants and the correct way to eat a biscuit. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA. 01702 351135. www.southendtheatres.org.uk 28-29 Mar Grumpy Old Women To The Rescue Fed up with flogging their guts out and always having to be in charge, the Grumpy Old Women have put their knobbly old feet up in glorious retirement, free at last to practise their extreme colouring-in, ukelele orchestra and novelty fudge- making. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA. 01702 351135. www.southendtheatres.org.uk 30-31 Mar The Wind in the Willows Meet all your favourite characters including loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and wise old Badger as they do their best to keep the mischievous Mr Toad out of trouble. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505. www.chelmsford.gov.uk 31 Mar - 5 Apr Alice in Wonderland Join Alice as she takes a tumble down the rabbit hole into the wonderful world of Wonderland! Grin along like a pack of Cheshire cats as we go on this epic adventure, meeting zany new friends along the way. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 www.playhouseharlow.com

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UPCOMING SHOWS MARCH

Saturday 17th March

Saturday 14th April Showaddywaddy

The Neil Diamond Story

Fri 16th

Jimmy Jones

Sat 17th

Bob Drury’s – the Neil Diamond Story

Sun 25th

Cilla and the Shades of the 60s

Fri 30th

Someone Like You – The Adele Songbook

Sat 31st

Seven Drunken Nights The Story of the Dubliners

APRIL

Sunday 22nd April

Thur 5th

Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor

Sat 7th

Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story

Sun 8th

Alice in Wonderland – Easter Pantomime

Sat 14th

Showaddywaddy

Sun 15th

Blake – The Anniversary Tour

Sat 21st /PrincesTheatre

Walk Like a Man – the Ultimate Tribute to Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons

Sun 22nd

Pasha Kovalev – The Magic of Hollywood

@PrincesTheatre

Sat 28th

Money for Nothing – Dire Straits

Saturday 28th April Money for Nothing – Dire Straits

The Magic of Hollywood

Box Office: 01255 686633 - www.princestheatre.co.uk

INGATESTONE HALL

Come Lee Valley Boat Centre at Comealong along and and visit visit Lee Broxbourne the heart of Lee Valley Regional Park Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Valley Boat in Centre at and experience a boat Essex CM4 9NR Broxbourne in the hearttrip of along the tranquil parkland (off the London on theValley RiverRegional Lee. Whether the end of Ingatestone High St.) Lee Park you prefer to spend 16th Century manor house & grounds with a wealth of history. day just an hour on the andorexperience a boat trip river or enjoy a meal while cruising along, all parkland tastes are cateredOPEN for. TO THE PUBLIC along the tranquil Wednesday Situated midway betweenyou Enfield and Hertford just offSunday, the A10 on and on the River Lee. Whether prefer to spend BankCentre. Holiday afternoons A1170 where you will find free parking opposite the Boat the day or just an hour on the river or enjoy a (Noon – 5 p.m.) from Easter For information websites: mealfurther while cruising along, please all tastesvisit are our catered for. until the end of September ComeCome alongalong and visit Lee Valley Boat Boat Centre at at www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & www.riverleecruises.co.uk and visit LeeHertford Valley Centre Situated midway between Enfield and - £7 Broxbourne in the heart of Lee RegionalAdults ParkPark Call us on 01992 462085 or leevalleyboats@btconnect.com Broxbourne theemail heart of Valley Lee Concessions £6 just off the A10 on A1170inwhere you will find Valley Regional and experience a boat the tranquil parkland experience a trip boatalong trip along the tranquil parkland Children (over 5) - £3 free parkingand opposite the Boat Centre. on theonRiver Lee. Lee. Whether you prefer to spend the the the River Whether you prefer to spend Guided tours available for For further please visit our websites: day orinformation just an hour on the river or enjoy a meal while day or just an hour on the river or enjoy a meal while cruising along,along, all tastes are catered for. for. groups or school parties cruising all tastes are catered at other times by prior www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & off Situated midway between Enfield and Hertford just onappointment. Situated midway between Enfield and Hertford justthe offA10 the A10 on A1170A1170 wherewhere you will opposite the Boat Centre. www.riverleecruises.co.uk youfind willfree findparking free parking opposite the Boat Centre. For further information visit our For further information please visitwebsites: our websites: Callplease us on 01992 462085 or The House and/or Gardens are also www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & www.riverleecruises.co.uk www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & www.riverleecruises.co.uk available for hire for public or private email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com Call usCall on us 01992 462085 or email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com on 01992 462085 or email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com events such as weddings, concerts, exhibitions or corporate events

Tel. 01277 353010 Email: house@ingatestonehall.co.uk Website: www.ingatestonehall.com


MUSIC 27 & 30 Mar Fastlove The show is packed with crowd 5-Mar You’ve Got A Friend pleasing anthems. From the Wham! ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ celebrates two classics of the new pop revival to of the World’s greatest songwriters the chart-topping success of the of all time - James Taylor and Carole eighties album Faith. Cliffs Pavilion, King. Palace Theatre, 430 London Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA SS0 7RA. 01702 351135 01702 351135 www.southendtheatres.org.uk www.southendtheatres.org.uk 9-Mar Jackson Live in Concert The 2018 show features one of the world’s best Michael Jackson tribute artists performing an uncanny representation of the King of Pop, with incredible vocals and dance moves. Civic Theatre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG. 01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk 16-Mar The Neil Diamond Story Bob Drury and his band return with a brand new show celebrating the life and music of the legend that is Neil Diamond. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE. 01255 686633. www.tendringdc.gov.uk › Leisure › Princes Theatre 17-Mar The Best of WHAM! A new show featuring the best of George, Andrew, Pepsi and Shirlie with sensational vocals, choreography, costumes and an awesome live band. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1LE 01255 433344 www.westcliffclacton.co.uk 17-Mar Ministry Of Cheese ‘The Ministry Of Cheese’ takes you back in time to your youth celebrating the best cheesy classics of the 80s, 90s and 00s. The Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS. 01279 431945 www.playhouseharlow.com 25-26 Mar Greatest Hits of Motown You’ll be ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many more. Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT. 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk

28-Mar Material Girl With incredible vocals, amazing dancers, video footage and narration, audiences are taken on a journey through the scandals, the controversy and of course the music of one of the world’s most iconic figures. Cliffs Pavilion , Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA 01702 351135. www.southendtheatres.org.uk 30-Mar Someone Like You - The Adele Songbook Katie Markham has the show-stopping voice and captivating charisma to deliver all your favourite Adele hits in an enthralling concert performance. Princes Theatre, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE 01255 686633. www.tendringdc.gov. uk › Leisure › Princes Theatre ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 25 Jan - 7 Apr Harlow Open 2018 Open can be entered by any artist who was born, studied, currently resides or is working in Harlow, Uttlesford, East Herts, Epping and Broxborne. Gibberd Gallery, The Water Gardens, Harlow, CM20 1WG 01279 446404 www.gibberdgallery.co.uk 17-25 Mar Suzanne Cooper Suzanne Cooper was one of the rising stars of British art. Her work has been overlooked for decades, but now at last - with exhibitions scheduled for 2018 at The Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden, and at the Printroom Studio in Suffolk - this forgotten figure of British Modernism is set to receive the recognition due to her. The Fry Art Gallery, Castle Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1BD. 01799 513779 www.fryartgallery.org

21-Mar Cezanne - Portraits of Life ‘Exhibition on Screen’ is thrilled to present one of the most talked-about exhibitions of the year. Dedicated to the portrait work of Paul Cézanne, the exhibition opens in Paris before travelling to London and Washington. Cramphorn Studio, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG 01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk SPECIAL EVENTS 8-Mar Wine Tasting Suitable for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike the opportunity to come and enjoy the wonderful world of wine. Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT. 01206 573948. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk 10-Mar Bazaar | Art & Food Market A vibrant and friendly way to buy and sell locally made art, craft and food supporting all that the local community had to offer. Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester, CO1 1JH 01206 713 700. www.firstsite.uk AUCTIONS & ANTIQUES 3-Mar The Curiosity Fair Antiques and Collectables 25 stalls of vintage, antiques, crafts and collectables on market day in this lovely town. Cafe for refreshments. 10am - 4pm £1 entry. Saffron Walden Friends meeting house, High street, CB10 1AA, 07803 167982 4-Mar Essex Mountnessing Antiques & Collectors Fair A great choice of items ranging from stamps, ephemera, glass, china, postcards, figurines, retro, art deco, coins, pottery, jewellery and lots more. Homemade Refreshments Free Parking - Admission only £1. Mountnessing Village Hall, Roman Road, Mountnessing, CM15 0UG 25-Mar Ongar Antiques & Collectables Fair 3-4 rooms plus the atrium for up to 30 tables with glass, china, stamps, coins, ephemera and lots more. Free parking and entry is only £1. Open 10am-3.30pm. Zinc, Great Stony, High Street, Ongar, CM5 0AD

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Over 20 years in Felixstowe

Wainwrights 156-158 Hamilton, Felixstowe. IP11 7DS

01394 275276


Why you need to go to

Felixstowe in 2018 Written by Liz Mattock

L

ooking for somewhere new to visit this spring. Why not head for the charming seaside town of Felixstowe in Suffolk? With a fashionable mix of attractions and the hustle and bustle of the town centre, we have listed five reasons why you should put Felixstowe at the top of your list of places to visit this year.

1

Felixstowe Seafront Gardens have recently had an overhaul to help it live up to its name; ‘The Garden Resort of East Anglia’, home to eight Grade II listed gardens. The majority of the plants that thrive here are over 100 years old with the aim of promoting health and wellbeing – and the tradition continues. Home to natural springs, a 1km prom and a heritage trail, all accredited with the prestigious Green Flag Award, who wouldn’t want to be beside the seaside in this beautiful part of East Anglia? Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe, IP11 2DX

2

Felixstowe is a shopper’s paradise offering a mix of high street, big brand names and boutique shops scattered along Hamilton Road, not forgetting the obligatory souvenir shops for trinkets and postcards to take home.

3

Explore a little further and you’ll find Felixstowe Ferry, a little foot ferry that takes visitors back and forth to neighbouring Bawdsey. Meander down the banks of the River Deben. Shop for fresh fish before returning home!

4

You will be spoilt for choice for places to eat out in Felixstowe. Towards the prom off The Pram Walk, you’ll find trendy bars, fish and steak restaurants dotted between cafes and fish and chips shops. Head back to Hamilton Road and Orwell Road and you’ll find tasty Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

5

Why not make your trip extra special? Get in touch with Suffolk Coastal District Council and book a beach hut. You can hire them by the day from March to August, and it provides the perfect base for shopping, walking and somewhere sheltered to bring your fish and chips back to and tuck right in. www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/visitors/beach-huts

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Four things to do in

Ipswich Article courtesy of Visit Suffolk (www.visitsuffolk.com)

I

pswich is one of those Suffolk gems that ticks all the boxes for a day out, especially during the warmer months. Its pretty Waterfront is a great place to watch the boats bob about while enjoying a drink or bite to eat, yet it’s still close to the coast and surrounded by countryside so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

3. Discover art at Christchurch Mansion

Throw into the mix a vibrant arts and culture scene and some of the region’s best grub and you can see why its becoming a go to destination for an overnight escape. If that’s got you thinking, Visit Suffolk have listed their reasons why a visit should on your agenda this spring:

4. Take a trip to the theatre

1. Get walking!

Built in the 16th century as a gentleman’s town residence, Christchurch Mansion now houses an eclectic range of displays, including a wonderful collection of work by artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. Entry to the museum is free and many events take place in the grounds throughout the year.

If you fancy an evening of cultural entertainment, there is plenty of choice in Ipswich. If your preference is for theatre, live music or comedy, there is a range of venues offering exciting events. The 400 seater New Wolsey Theatre is central to cultural life in Suffolk and is host to many dynamic new productions.

The best way to get a feel for a place is to take a guided walk with a qualified guide. Learn about the history of the town and hear about some of the characters who have made their mark over the centuries. Don’t miss the statue of ‘Grandma’ which is based on the character created by cartoonist Ronald “Carl” Giles. Rather touchingly, ‘Grandma’ looks up at the office window where Giles worked for many years, as if waiting for him to peer out and wave! Regular walks take place from May to September.

2. Hop aboard and sail the River Orwell What could be better than soaking up Suffolk with a trip along the beautiful River Orwell? There are several options which start from the bustling marina at the Ipswich Waterfront. The scenery changes dramatically as you leave Ipswich, sail under the elegant Orwell Bridge and drift peacefully along the river, passing by the picturesque Shotley Peninsula. Cruises are available from a variety of operators and include brunch or afternoon tea trips, birdwatching expeditions, candlelit supper cruises and more.

Dancers at Dance East, credit Visit Suffolk

If you are in the mood for music and dance, take in a performance at Jerwood Dance House, on the waterfront. There’s an innovative programme of modern dance from internationally renowned choreographers and dancers, with productions which will appeal to both adults and children. Find out more about Ipswich by visiting www.visitsuffolk.com

Photo credit: Paul Coghlin and Visit Suffolk

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Lesley & Ken look forward to meeting you at The SHED soon. We have three huge showrooms filled with Antique, Vintage, Retro items and fabulous stripped pine furniture too. We have an amazing Tea Room, delicious food baked daily by Jill & Ian, come and enjoy a browse then have lunch or just coffee and cake.... We are open 6 days a week, closed Mondays. Opening times Tues - Sat 10-4.30. Sunday 11-4

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What’s on: Suffolk THEATRE, FILM AND SHOWS 6-10 Mar Great Expectations A powerful and theatrical telling of Dickens’ universally loved masterpiece. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR 01284 769505. www.theatreroyal.org 8-Mar So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Ben talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet. Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich, IP1 1DH. apps.ipswich.gov.uk 13-17 Mar The Producers Impoverished by a string of flops, Max Bialystock recruits timid accountant Leo Bloom to pull off a showbiz scam by producing an all-singing all-dancing love letter to Hitler. They aim to produce the worst show ever and escape with millions, but fate has a shock in store. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org 14-16 Mar King Lear King Lear has grown tired of ruling the land and decides to give it all up to spend time with his daughters. His daughters, however, have other ideas. Can he be saved? The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726 www.theseagull.co.uk 16-Mar Whitney - Queen Of The Night A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 Saint Helen’s Street , Ipswich, IP4 1HE. 01473 433100 17-Mar Cut Loose Poets Get into a new groove with your writing in 2018 under the friendly influence of the ever inventive Michael Laskey and Dean Parkin, two of the most experienced workshop leaders and poets around. The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY 0300 3033 211. newcut.org

18-Mar Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 www.marinatheatre.co.uk 19-21 Mar The Scary Bikers When retired miner Don and former private school teacher Carol meet at a bereavement group, they thought they’d found a new beginning. But a bike ride through Europe would test their budding romance, and the road to love is rocky when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505. www.theatreroyal.org 22-Mar Julius Caesar Caesar returns in triumph to Rome and the people pour out of their homes to celebrate. Alarmed by the autocrat’s popularity, the educated élite conspire to bring him down. After his assassination, civil war erupts on the streets of the capital. Haverhill Arts Centre,High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8AR. 01440 714140 www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk 22-24 Mar Mindgame When Mark Styler, a writer of glossy ‘true crime’ paperbacks, tries to get an interview with Easterman, a notorious serial killer, he has no idea what he’s walking into. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org 25-Mar The Love Gala A night of comedy, cabaret, readings and West End show routines. Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org 27-28 Mar Guess How Much I Love You Explore this playful story of love

and nature as it unfolds on stage through puppets, live music and interactive play for children 3 years and up. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 www.marinatheatre.co.uk 27-Mar Bernstein Centenary The programme includes two world premieres by Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon, marking each artist’s first foray into Bernstein. At the heart of the programme is the first revival of Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett’s The Age of Anxiety, created in 2014 to Bernstein’s soul-searching Second Symphony. The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY. 0300 3033211. newcut.org 29-31 Mar Ladies In Lavender ‘Ladies in Lavender’ tells the tale of two sisters, Ursula and Janet, who live in a close-knit Cornish fishing village in 1936. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH 01502 589726. www.theseagull.co.uk 30-Mar Measure for Measure Passion, injustice, hypocrisy and power are at the centre of Shakespeare’s darkly comic exploration of social justice and sexual politics. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130. www.fishertheatre.org MUSIC 9-Mar The Eagles – Solo Tribute Tommy’s voice soared as he belted out number after number in what can only be called a must see for any Eagles fan. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH 01502 589726. www.theseagull.co.uk 10-Mar Boogie Night 8 ‘Boogie Night’ returns to The Apex for the 8th edition featuring Chic Le Freak, The Sounds of Sister Sledge and Johnny 2 Bad - UB40. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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16-Mar Beyond the Barricade Recreating original West End/ Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, this a blockbusting two hour show! Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH. 01502 533200 www.marinatheatre.co.uk 17-Mar Gin City This five piece band driven by boogie woogie keyboard, harmonica and guitar, fronted by Carol Nicholls on vocals also has drums and bass guitar to produce a very full sound. The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH. 01502 589726. www.theseagull.co.uk 21-Mar Liza Sings Streisand This is no Stars In Their Eyes, this is no Channel 5 biopic, this is sexy, sassy Liza, weaving together history, humour and harmony, as she celebrates the songs of the great Barbra Streisand, with her six piece band - the Stardust Ensemble. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000. www.theapex.co.uk 22-Mar A Salute to the 1940s Featuring authentic and passionately recreated tributes to some of the leading artistes from the era, including George Formby, Frank Sinatra, Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields. Keeping everyone in check is Warden Braithwaite - your very own air raid warden. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000. www.theapex.co.uk 25-Mar The Elvis Years With a top line-up of actor-musicians, multiple costume changes and nostalgic film footage, this glittering two-hour production charts the musical and emotional highs and lows of Elvis’ amazing journey. Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH . 01502 533200 www.marinatheatre.co.uk 27-Mar Ladies of the Blues Three of the best loved female European Blues artists have come together to form this stunning line up; Connie Lush, Erja Lyytinen and Kyla Brox. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000. www.theapex.co.uk

31-Mar Thank You for The Music The hugely popular show, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by an all-star cast that’ll have you thanking ABBA for the music again and again! Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 13 Mar - 8 Apr Portraits of the Heath Art Branches is a social enterprise based in Bury St Edmunds. ‘Portraits of the Heath’ showcases a selection of Art Branches’ work across the local community over the past year. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk 22-28 Mar Exhibition: Lesley Dabson RBSA An exhibition of oil paintings focused on the sea. Local scenes, wave and dinghy paintings, London and Venice will all be featured. The Garage Gallery, 152 High St, Aldeburgh. snapemaltings.co.uk 24 Mar - 15 Apr Raymond Leech Exhibition Southwold Gallery, 64a High Street, Southwold, IP18 6DN. 01502 723888. www.southwoldgallery.co.uk 28-Mar Vincent Van Gogh Delving deep into Van Gogh’s fascinating and sometimes deeply troubled world with this definitive, award-winning documentary directed by David Bickerstaff. Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, NR35 1EE. 01986 897130. www.fishertheatre.org 30 Mar - 4 Apr Exhibition: Sudbourne Park Printmakers Easter Show Sudbourne Park Printmakers is an established group of artists based in a well equipped workshop near Orford, Suffolk. A wide variety of printmaking techniques will be represented including woodcuts, etchings, monoprints and screen prints. Framed and unframed work for sale. Peter Pears Gallery, Aldeburgh. snapemaltings.co.uk

Now in its 17th year, the festival has hosted many global and local talks some of which you will find philosophical, others extremely amusing! Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, Crabbe St, Aldeburgh, IP15 5BN www.aldeburghbookshop.co.uk 10 & 24 Mar Crafts & Gifts at The Apex Local exhibitors offer a great selection of handmade crafts & gifts. 10am-4.30pm. Free entry. The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD. 01284 758000. www.theapex.co.uk 11-Mar Stokes Sauces Tasting Come and visit Stokes Sauces tasting station and meet with Tim in the Food Hall. He will showcase a range of their luscious products, including their award winning ‘Tomato Ketchup’, made with the juiciest Italian tomatoes. Also on offer will be their creamy mayonnaises made with British free range eggs and Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Free event. Food Hall, Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh . snapemaltings.co.uk 31-Mar Easter Farmers’ Market Buy high quality, local foods and treats for Easter direct from Suffolk’s artisan producers located at a world class music venue. It provides the chance to talk to producers directly and find out about where they source their ingredients from. 9.30am - 1pm. Snape Maltings, Snape, IP17 1SP. snapemaltings.co.uk AUCTIONS & ANTIQUES 24-25 Mar Long Melford Antiques and Vintage Fair A monthly two-day antiques and vintage fair featuring 50 tables selling: antiques, jewellery, ceramics, collectables, kitchenalia etc. £1 entry. Open 9.30-4 both days. The Old School, Hall Street, Long Melford

30 Mar - 1 Apr Southwold Fine Art & Antiques Fair Over 50 dealers in antique furniture, ceramics, clocks, jewellery, glass, silver, artworks and much more. Open 11am - 5pm each day. Admission £4, under 16s free. St Felix School, Southwold, IP18 6SD. 01379 586134 SPECIAL EVENTS 1-4 Mar The Aldeburgh Literary Festival 2018

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Wine Tours and Tastings at Chet Valley Vineyard in Bergh Apton South Norfolk John Hemmant wine maker and vineyard owner welcomes you to Chet Valley Vineyard nestled in the South Norfolk Village of Bergh Apton. Your Chet Valley experience will start with a tour of the vines followed by a visit to the winery where there is an opportunity to see the wine making process in action plus taste wines straight from the vat (subject to season). Finally you will be offered a tasting of 6 wines accompanied by local cheese and charcuterie if you wish. Allow 2 hours for the tour and tasting. Tasting for over 18s only. Cost is £12 per person. Under 18s free. Booking in advance by phone or email is essential

Bircham Windmill in Norfolk

Chet Valley Vineyard, Loddon Road, Bergh Apton, NR15 1BT Telephone 01508 333002 www.chetvineyard.co.uk Email: chetandwaveney.vineyard@gmail.com We are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and also Tripadvisor. @ukwinemakerwife Chet and Waveney Valley Wines @ukwinemakerwife

Sheringham Cottages

NorTh NorFoLk CoAST

 Local family run business  Six delightful 4 star / families welcome graded holiday properties sleeping from 2 to 15 in Sheringham  Foresters, Augusta & Madge are all rated suitable for wheelchair users by Visit England, as well as being great for families  Superb quiet location. Blue flag beach, shops, family pubs, theatre and 18-hole golf course all within 200 metres  Free use of local leisure centre, inc. swim and gym, Sky TV, sports and movies, Wi-fi, gardens and off road parking  Free pick up from Sheringham train & bus station

Trevor Claydon 01263 577560 www.sheringhamcottages.com


Secret

Norfolk

Norfolk Life in a Fine County

Written by Nicole Ranaweera

F

rom gifts and gadgets to books, food and wine, there is no denying that Norfolk boasts a plethora of wonderful small businesses. Buying local not only supports small businesses and boosts the local economy, it can also be the more ethical and sustainable choice, especially when it comes to local produce. This month, I’m taking a look at some of the best local businesses Norfolk has to offer… FOODIE HEAVEN Walsingham Farm Shop (www.walsingham.co) Stocking seasonal fruit & veg, meat and other local produce, you can be sure to find local, independent products on their shelves. The original farm shop is based in the historic North Norfolk village of Little Walsingham, but you can also find them at Norfolk Lavender in Heacham. Norwich Market (www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20181/norwich_market) From fruit & veg to a foodie stalls galore you can find anything from vegan street food (Bia’s Kitchen), a Nigella Lawson approved madeleine (Jakey Le Bakey) or hard-to-find Spanish deli items (Cocina Mia). Norfolk Brewhouse (norfolkbrewhouse.co.uk) With a brewery slap-bang in the middle of the country’s finest malting barley-growing region, and a well that offers chalk-filtered water, Norfolk Brewhouse Ales are well and truly home grown. Oh, and they taste pretty good too!

ONE OF A KIND Lucy Loveheart (www.lucyloveheart.com) From original art to fine art prints, cards and gifts, local artist Lucy Loveheart will rekindle some childhood magic with her enchanting art. Norwich Lanes (norwichlanes.co.uk) This article wouldn’t be complete with a mention of the Lanes. Clothes, jewellery, music, antiques, gifts & more – you can find pretty much anything in the wonderful independent stores just a stone’s throw away from each other. Norfolk Gift Box (www.norfolkgiftbox.com) Offering products and memorabilia in a gift box, from companies or artists genuinely local to Norfolk, this web based business source products which would not only make an ideal gift, but are also largely produced within Norfolk. Keep up to date with events in Norfolk this spring, and join our Facebook group: What’s On in Norfolk with Eastlife: www.facebook.com/groups/whatsonnorfolk

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Easter Holiday Activities 29 March – 13 April

Lynnsport, St James Pool, Downham Leisure & Oasis

Holiday & Breakfast Clubs Swimming/Football Gymnastics/Roller Skating Archery and loads more!

aliveleisure.co.uk

Discover the history of King’s Lynn Tour the old gaol cells, see the magnificent King John cup, and more! Fascinating for all ages. Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 5DQ Open Daily | 01553 774297 www.storiesoflynn.com App available now


10 reasons to visit Written by Liz Mattock

King’s Lynn

S

pring is here and as the better weather means we can get out more, why not visit King’s Lynn? From March to May there’s plenty going on in the historic Norfolk town. Here are 10 events you won’t want to miss:

Cocktail Week, technically the week that celebrates the cocktail, starts on 23 February, but it carries on until the first weekend in March. With tastings, talks, walks and quizzes held in the bustling selection of Kings Lynn’s finest wine bars and pubs, you are bound to find the right alcoholic concoction to tickle your taste buds.Visit www.klcocktailweek.co.uk for a full list of participating venues and events. Wristbands priced at £5 are now available to purchase online and open the wearer up to fantastic offers every day and evening throughout the week. If Cocktail Week left you wanting more King’s Lynn Gin Festival begins on 9 March. For two days only, St Nicholas Chapel is hosting the annual boozy bash offering visitors both local, national and international gins. Visit www.facebook.com/KLGinFestival for full details.

King’s Lynn Fiction Festival takes place between 16-18 March and a series of talks by some of the most contemporary writers will be on offer. Visitors can read up ahead of their visit as the website provides literature lovers with a reading list so you can join in talks and get involved. Tickets are priced at £8 per session or £37.50 for a weekend pass, more information can be found at www.lynnlitfests.com

Jazz lovers will not want to miss Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, all the way from London, taking to the stage to present The Great American Songbook. The band will perform at St George’s Guildhall on 6 April, combining narration, archive photos and world class jazz in their performance. Tickets are on sale now, priced at £22, call the box office on 01553 764 864 or visit www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk

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Our self catering Garden Lodge and Boat House accommodation have splendid views overlooking the sea.

Self catering Breaks by the Sea

Located in the picturesque seaside town of Old Hunstanton on the north Norfolk coast, the Le Strange Arms Hotel is the perfect venue for the ultimate relaxing seaside break. Tel: 01485 534411 Email: reception@lestrangearms.co.uk Old Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6JJ www.lestrangearms.co.uk


From 26 April, Kings Lynn local tennis league is inviting budding tennis players to sign up to take part in local league matches. Now in its 11th year the league starts in April and matches are played until 20 June. So, grab your racket and a clean set of whites and sign up now to see if you have what it takes to win point, set and match. www.localtennisleagues.com Are there any George Michael fans out there? On Friday 23 March, the Corn Exchange is hosting Fastlove: a tribute to George Michael, one of the world’s most-loved singers. Known for tracks such as ‘Careless Wisper’ and ‘Faith’, well known and some not well known sounds will fill the venue with this musical talent for one night only. Tickets are on sale now, priced at £26.95. Book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

If art is more your thing or you just want to explore your creative side, local artists in Kings’ Lynn will be opening their studio doors during Norwich and Norfolk Open Studios Festival between 26 May and 10 June. More than 400 artists will be displaying work including textiles, paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramics for visitors to browse. Some artists will also be running workshops and demonstrations so you can put your creative side to work. Visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk for full details.

If you are just looking for a great night out, to dance, have a few glasses of fizz and not worry what time it is, throughout March, April and May, Bar and Beyond claim they’ll be hosting the best night out in King’s Lynn. Bar and Beyond blur the lines of bar and club offering a tasty menu, extensive drinks menu and late-night music. Entry is by ticket only ranging from £2 to £4 and you can even reserve your own private table. Find out more at www.barandbeyond.co.uk Now, for those fitness fanatics the town is hosting The Grand East Anglia Run on 6 May in partnership with the Borough Council of Kings Lynn. Online entries for the 10km distance are now open. Entrants must be 15 years and over and tickets cost £22 which includes chip timing, finisher’s goodie bag, a t-shirt and exclusive medal. Visit www.runforall.com

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Rolling Garage Doors

4 London Road, Harleston Tel: 01379 853258

KNITTING & SEWING Beautiful yarns and patterns from Sirdar, Debbie Bliss, Patons, Katia and Stylecraft. Haberdashery and sewing sundries. The RollMatic TDL roller garage door creates more room in front of and inside the garage. It is available in stylish Traffic White, Anthracite Grey (shown) or Golden Oak, which gives a natural timber look. • Particularly space-saving tubular operator with emergency manual gear • Trouble-free to maintain curtain cover as standard • Control incl. 2 Hand transmitters • Closing edge safety device with sensors

• Standard emergency crank handle for opening the door in case of a power failure • Quiet door travel through track rollers

• Handy belt system for the easy fitting of the curtain to the barrel • Size range: Width: 1200–3050mm Height: 1500–2300mm

CURTAINS & BLINDS Made to measure curtains, roman blinds and net curtains. We now also offer roller blinds, venetian and vertical Blinds. 100s of fabrics to choose from in store

Blinds & Doors Established 1965

Come and visit our showroom. www.cooksblinds.co.uk Tel: 01603 410304 Email: sales@cooksdoors.co.uk Showroom: Burnet Road, Sweet Briar Ind. Est, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 2BS

That’s not all.... we also offer an in-house Clothing Alterations and Repairs Service, and Dry Cleaning too.

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open daily easter to mid-July and early august to october (closed good Friday) www.sandringhamestate.co.uk or 01485 545408


What’s on: Norfolk THEATRE, FILM AND SHOWS 5-10 Mar The Kite Runner Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship which spans cultures and continents, follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL 01603 630000. www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 March Lilies on the Land A revealing, funny, moving portrait of four women who sign up to join the Women’s Land Army during World War II. Based on true accounts. Westacre Theatre, River Road, Westacre, PE32 1UD. 01760 755800 www.westacretheatre.com 11-Mar Material Girl The Madonna Story With incredible vocals, amazing dancers, video footage and narration, audiences are taken on a journey through the scandals, the controversy and of course the music of one of the world’s most iconic figures. Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE. 01263 512495. www.cromerpier.co.uk 12-17 Mar Fat Friends the Musical Join the infamous group of TV’s most loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmers by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 18-Mar Sarah Millican: Control Enthusiast You’ll learn about Rescue Men, farting in hospital pants, what can happen at a bra fitting, the benefits of casserole, plus tips on how to talk to shop assistants and the correct way to eat a biscuit. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

21-Mar The Audit With the true value of money and the human cost of greed firmly in their sights, Proto-type Theater tell the story of how a nation raised their voices in protest and railed against the currents. Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG. 01603 660352 norwichartscentre.co.uk 23-Mar Tassels Prepare for a show that breathes new life (and a touch of fire) into the much-loved genre. Be seduced by glamorous dancers while contortionists flex their wares and acrobats defy gravity from above. Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 www.princesshunstanton.co.uk 23-Mar Fast Love The show is packed with crowd pleasing anthems. From the Wham classics of the new pop revival to the chart-topping success of the eighties album Faith. Plus the awesome tunes of the nineties and noughties, including the irresistible Flawless. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW 01553 764864. www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 26-31 Mar Legally Blonde The smash hit Broadway and West End Musical based on the best loved movie follows sorority sister Elle Woods who, after being dumped, puts down the credit cards and picks up the books to bag herself a place at the prestigious Harvard Law School to try and win him back. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 28-Mar Frankie Vah by Luke Wright Luke Wright’s second verse play deals with love, loss and belief, against a backdrop of grubby indie venues and 80s politics. Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG. 01603 660352 norwichartscentre.co.uk

28-Mar The Magic of Hollywood This amazing new show will be jam packed with sequins, glitz and glamour as Pasha takes to the stage with his sensational dancers and they perform ‘Oscar worthy performances’ all set to a Hollywood theme. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW. 01553 764864. www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 30-31 Mar The Wardrobe Across five centuries of British history, small groups of children seek sanctuary in the same, solid old wardrobe. It’s the safest place they know – but is it safe enough? Maddermarket Theatre, St Johns Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR. 01603 620917 www.maddermarket.co.uk 31-Mar Some Guys Have All The Luck ‘Some Guys Have All The Luck’ is a fantastic theatrical production celebrating the career of one of rocks greatest icons, Rod Stewart – from street busker through to international superstar! Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE 01263 512495. www.cromerpier.co.uk/whats-on MUSIC 10-Mar De-lovely ‘De-lovely’ celebration of the vivacious, flirtatious melodies of the 1930s. Cruise along the Great White Way in a celebration of the greatest songwriters of the era, as the works of George Gershwin, Dorothy Fields, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter are whisked into a luxurious blend of romantic and playful musical magic. Sheringham Little Theatre, 2 Station Road, Sheringham, NR26 8RE 01263 822347. www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com 11-Mar Mahalia A storyteller at heart, Mahalia’s unassuming songwriting manages to express an instinctively innocent gift for melody with a mature complexity in composition and a natural affinity for imaginative narratives. Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG. 01603 660352

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Steam Heritage|Gardens|Garden Centre

w w w. br e s s i n g h a m . c o . u k

2018 Season Opens Wednesday March 28th check www.bressingham.co.uk or call 01379 686900 for further details Find us on Facebook & Twitter just search for Bressingham Steam


Advertorial

Bressingham Steam Museum

2018 EVENTS

W

elcome to the home of Bressingham Steam & Gardens, generations of fun for everyone since 1961. Take a trip on one of the four railways at Bressingham, the collection of working locomotives will take you round our magnificent gardens and woodland, or ride on the steam Gallopers.

Everything Goes Easter Monday - Mon 2 Apr 2018 We will aim to operate as many available steam engines within the Bressingham collection as possible!

A trip to the locomotive sheds brings the power and the glory of mighty steam engineering up close. The National Dad’s Army collection lets you wander through Walmington-on-Sea looking at original props and vehicles from the series, you’d be a stupid boy to miss it! Whether your passion is Gardens, Steam, Exhibits, Rides or even a mixture of them all, we are confident that Bressingham has something for all.

The Gruffalo Visits Sun 1 Apr 2018 The Gruffalo will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. Included in the standard unlimited train rides price.

Heritage Steam Gala Sat 5 May 2018 to Mon 7 May 2018

A celebration of steam at Bressingham Steam Museum. featuring guest 2ft gauge locomotives with 2ft railway passengers trains and freight trains. Traction engine gathering. Miniature traction engines. Standard gauge railway rides in a restored LMS brake van. Plus all of the Bressingham Steamable collection will be in operation

For more info and more events got to www.bressingham.co.uk eastlife.co.uk

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OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR from

10.00am

The place to visit Group bookings call: 01493 369477 or email: mail@thrigbyhall.co.uk

THRIGBY HALL FILBY GREAT YARMOUTH

N R29 3DR 01493 369477 www.thrigbyhall.co.uk

% Seahorse StudioAdforUNN1#AW:Layout 1 09/05/2017 11:37 Page 1

Seahorse StudioAdforUNN1#AW:Layout 1 09/05/2017 11:37 Page 1

1 Albert Street, Holt NR25 6HX

01263 478020 www.seahorsestudio.co.uk 1 Albert Street, Holt NR25 6HX seahorsestudio@icloud.com

the giggly goat

craft shop & gallery

01263 478020

Find me on Facebook! Unique glass beads, www.seahorsestudio.co.uk www.facebook.com/ seahorsestudio@icloud.com jewellery and gifts Findseahorsestudioholt me on Facebook!

Unique glass beads, jewellery and gifts

www.facebook.com/ seahorsestudioholt

20 lower goat lane, norwich nr2 1el 01603 663299 www.thegigglygoat.co.uk info@thegigglygoat.co.uk open mon-fri 10-5, sat 9.30-5.30 & sundays 11-4 in november & December


16-Mar The Lionel Richie Songbook Endorsed by Lionel Richie, this brand-new production features a stellar line-up of world class musicians including Talon’s own Jonny Miller and the awesome talent of Malcolm Pitt as the voice of Lionel Richie in this high octane show which includes all the greatest hits. Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE 01263 512495. www.cromerpier.co.uk/whats-on 16-Mar Heatwave & Odyssey Live In Concert Return to the glory days of disco, funk and soul with real dance music legends and enjoy a sensational evening of non-stop, dancefloor anthems including Boogie Nights, Going Back to My Roots and Use It Up Wear It Out. Princess Theatre,13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH. 01485 532252 www.princesshunstanton.co.uk 17-Mar Jackson Live in Concert The 2018 show features one of the world’s best Michael Jackson tribute artists performing an uncanny representation of the King of Pop, with incredible vocals and dance moves. King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 1JW 01553 764864. www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 22-Mar A Country Night in Nashville Recreates the scene of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music. Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL. 01603 630000 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk ARTS & EXHIBITIONS 24 Feb - 21 Mar Spring Mixed Exhibition Paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, glass & jewellery by new & established artists. Bircham Gallery, 14 Market Place, Holt, NR25 6BW 01263 713312. www.birchamgallery.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 March John Hughes’ Art Classes These classes are perfect for those just starting out wanting to gain

Gardener. Every mother receives a experience and for more experienced primrose.Fairhaven Woodland and painters looking to develop their Water Garden, School Road, South ideas. Westacre Theatre, River Road, Walsham, NR13 6DZ. 01603 270449. Westacre, PE32 1UD. 01760 755800 www.fairhavengarden.co.uk www.westacretheatre.com 17-Mar Science Day: Transformers 12 Mar - 7 Apr Makers’ Month The science of transformation: How Exhibitions does the chrysalis change into a Be inspired by the free exhibitions butterfly and what happens to the throughout Makers’ Month showhuman body as we age? Plus, handscasing contemporary and traditional on alchemy, and date the Castle with crafts in a new light. The Forum, deduction, talks, quizzes and more. Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF 24 Castle Meadow, Norwich, 01603 727950. NR1 3JU. www.museums.norfolk.gov. www.theforumnorwich.co.uk uk/norwich-castle 23 Mar - 2 Sep Superstructures: The AUCTIONS AND ANTIQUES New Architecture 1960-1990 11 & 25 Mar Blakeney Antique & In celebration, the Sainsbury Centre Collectors Fair is launching a major exhibition to Maximum 24 Tables. Well attended shine a light on developments in throughout the year. Free parking. architecture from the 1960s to the Open 10am-4pm. Admission £1. 1990s. Superstructures tells the story Blakeney Village Hall, Blakeney, of architecture’s fascination in the NR25 7NQ. 01263 713120 post-World War Two decades with new technology, lightweight struc13-Mar Antiques & Collectors Fair tures, pioneering building techniques Community Hall and innovative engineering solutions. Dealers in glass, porcelain, ceramics, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, books, coins, bank notes, medals, UEA, Norwich,NR4 7TJ. scva.ac.uk jewellery, retro accessories, shabby chic, small furniture and much more. 25 Mar - 15 Jul Damien Hirst at Free Admission. Community Hall, Houghton Hall: Colour Space Garden Street, Cromer, Paintings & Outdoor NR27 9HH Sculptures A series of new paintings by Dam25-Mar Hingham Antiques ien Hirst. The exhibition will also Fair include a number of the artist’s most 50+ stands to include furniture, celebrated sculptures which will be jewellery, ceramics, glass and much installed throughout the 18th-century more. Open: 9.30am-3.30pm, Entry house and gardens. Houghton Hall, £2. The Sports Hall, Springfield Way, King’s Lynn, PE31 6UE. Hingham, NR9 4HB. 01953 483691 www.houghtonhall.com 31-Mar Norfolk Snettisham SPECIAL EVENTS Fleamarket 4-Mar The Stunning Spring WedAround 20 stalls selling antiques, ding Fair vintage & retro collectables & curios Over 50 of Norfolk’s top wedding and more! Open 9am - 3.30pm. 50p suppliers under one roof with admission (early bird £2.00) & under everything you need to help plan 16’s go free. The Memorial Hall, your special day. The Forum, MillenOld Church Road, Snettisham nium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF. 01603 Norfolk, PE31 7LX 727950. www.theforumnorwich.co.uk 11-Mar Mothering Sunday Guided Walk For full listings visit: Explore the spring woodland garden with its predominantly yellow-flowwww.eastlife.co.uk ering plants: wild primrose, skunk cabbage and daffodils, as well as wood anemones and camellias on this guided tour with, Ian Guest, Head

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The Social Scene Keep up with every Like, Tweet, Snap and Website competition /eastlifemag

@eastmagazines

READER PHOTOS of the

MONTH...

@eastlifemag

www.eastlife.co.uk

DON’T

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COMPETITIONS

Credit: Will Khul, Aldeburgh, Suffolk This month we’re helping you to enjoy English Tourism Week in style as we join forces with Britain’s Oldest Hotel – The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich! Located in Tombland, just a stone’s throw from Norwich Cathedral, you’re in an ideal position to easily explore the historic streets of Norwich after enjoying an overnight stay for 2 (including dinner & breakfast).

Credit: Artist, Liam O’Farrell, shares his painting of Morston on the Norfolk Coast

This month, share your images using the hashtag #weloveeastlife

Visit www.eastlife.co.uk/competitions to enter – you have from the 1-31 March!

What’s on near you… Spring is in the air and things are finally beginning to warm up across the region! From exhibitions to gigs, shows and fairs there’s bound to be something that can put a smile on your face this March. Take a look at our full listings online or join one of our Facebook event groups – just pop over to www.facebook.com/eastlifemag and click on ‘Groups’.

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