KL Magazine July 2020

ISSN 2044–7965

ISSUE 117 JULY 2020 PRICELESS

magazine

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welcome

W

elcome to the July issue of KL magazine and it’s great to be back with you after we were unable to publish a magazine last month. If that’s come as news to you please turn to page 10 for details of how you can register as a Friend of KL magazine, because all our friends were told in advance about June’s edition. They were also the first people to be told when this issue would be available, and they knew exactly where they could get their copy.

We’re finally beginning to see light at the end of a very dark tunnel, and it’s time to reflect on just how well the people of west Norfolk stood up to an extraordinary challenge. You can read

about many of their achievements - and vote for your own local heroes - on page 28.

With many public places gradually opening up again, we’re taking a look at several ways to enjoy the summer and enjoy the great outdoors.

The ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle near Holt is a hugely-impressive sight (and has an equally fascinating history), and Blakeney Point is one of the most beautiful locations along the Norfolk coast.

It’s also one of the area’s most important nature reserves, and while we’re on the subject of wildlife please see page 46 and discover a truly amazing fact. Of the ten most rarelyseen animals in the UK, no less than

seven of them are commonly spotted in Norfolk. Here’s your chance to find out what they are - and where you can see them.

And you’ll pleased to learn that after the success of The Big Norfolk Quiz, there’s another chance to find out just how well you know your county on page 24.

Enjoy reading this month’s magazine - and wherever you go this month and whatever you do please remember to stay safe.

Eric Secker EDITOR KL magazine

COVER IMAGE Heacham Beach by Ian Ward

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KLmagazine July 2020

contents

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KLmagazine July 2020

BACONSTHORPE CASTLE The grand remains of a family feud FRIENDS OF KL MAGAZINE Keeping in touch with your magazine THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE Local recipients of the Victoria Cross

JULY 2020

52 58 66

120 YEARS OF CINEMA...

Going to the movies in King’s Lynn

24 28 34

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW NORFOLK? Another local quiz for you to enjoy

40 45 46

A GREAT YEAR FOR OUR SEALS Why the Norfolk coastline is celebrating

WEST NORFOLK HEROES How our community responded to the virus AN ICONIC COASTAL SIGHT...

The tranquil beauty of Blakeney Point

YOU AND YOUR PETS With London Road Veterinary Centre SPOTTING RAREST WILDLIFE Why Norfolk is a natural paradise

70 74 76 82 88 94 98

JULY IN THE GARDEN Expert advice with Wendy Warner FASHION Step into style this summer NORFOLK’S OTHER NAVAL HERO The story of William Hoste RECIPES Delicious ideas for you to try at home FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH With Eric’s Fish & Chips LITTLE AND LARGE...

Inside two unique Chapels of Ease BOOM AND BUST...

The rush for black gold in Setchey UNLOCKING THE ARCHIVE Opening Norfolk’s priceless books ALL THE TOWN’S A STAGE...

The dramatic history of King’s Lynn MICHAEL MIDDLETON You’ve got to be in it to win it

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The grand remains of a historic family fued It looks grand and it sounds grand, but the remains of Baconsthorpe Castle tell a tale of family rivalry and lofty ambitions that ultimately chart the swift rise and fall of one Norfolk family....

J

ust three miles to the east of Holt you’ll find the lonely and atmospheric ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle, but while the formidable gatehouses, deep moat, defensive walls and numerous arrow-slits conjure up visions of knights in armour and medieval seiges the truth about this historic landmark is far more prosaic.

In fact, calling it a castle at all is somewhat disingenuous. The ruins are actually those of a manor house built by an ambitious Norfolk family that managed to go from relatively humble

beginnings to immense wealth and then to poverty and decline in little more than 200 years.

The story began in the 15th century with a talented lawyer of obscure origins called John Heydon, who at some point in time had changed his family name from Baxter. For some unknown reason he obviously felt the grander-sounding Heydon (taken from the village north of Norwich around which his father William had worked the land) better suited his ambitions.

Our understanding of Heydon is coloured by the fact that most of his

portrait is drawn from the letters of his local enemies, the influential and powerful Paston family.

The Pastons themselves had risen from farmers to property tycoons in the space of two generations, and they frequently clashed with the Heydons as both families tried to attain as much property and land as they could.

In 1448 Margaret Paston (now widely acknowledged as the writer of the first Valentine’s Day greeting in English) referred to John Heydon as a “false shrew” and accused him of threatening to cut off his wife’s nose.

This was a Norfolk-based Game of Thrones, and though John Heydon was accused (by his enemies) of being shifty, ruthless and untrustworthy he always seemed to get the better of them.

At one point an armed mob of Heydon’s men expelled Margaret Paston from the manor at Gresham – but the inter-family feud came to a happy end just after Heydon died from the plague and his granddaughter married the heir to the Paston family’s fortune.

Work on Heydon’s ‘castle’ at Baconsthorpe had started in 1460.

Constructed from beautifully-knapped local flint, it featured everything you’d expect from a military fortification. It even had a drawbridge, and you can still see the chains and counterweights that once operated it.

The stones in the ground at the centre of the site today are all that remain of the centre of life at Baconsthorpe Castle. Completed by John Heydon’s son Henry, it included a great hall for banquets, pantries and kitchens, and grand lodgings for visitors, lavishly fitted with fine wall hangings and luxurious bedlinen.

By then, the source of the Heydons’ wealth had changed from law and property to the sheep that grazed

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the surrounding fields, thanks to the rapid rise of the local textile industry. The castle’s bakehouse and brewhouse were converted to a cloth factory, turning the estate’s wool into worsted that was sold across England and exported to the Netherlands.

It was a major enterprise – at the height of the family’s prosperity, the estate employed at least 30 head shepherds.

More wealth meant more additions to Baconsthorpe Castle, but the later Heydons weren’t the greatest businessmen. In the late 17th century, the estate passed to Christopher Heydon, who had far more interest in astrology and alchemy than sheep farming – and the family soon found their grand home an extravagance they could no longer afford. A severe falling off in the wool trade wasn’t helped by the family supporting Charles I in the English Civil War, a decision that saw the victorious Parliamentarians seizing the estate and only allowing the Heydons to buy it back in 1657.

The family’s debts were now so great they demolished most of the castle and sold the building materials to be used elsewhere (much of it was used to construct Felbrigg Hall), and by the end of the 17th century the Heydons gave up completely and sold all their Norfolk estates.

For a while, the only remaining inhabitable part of Baconsthorpe Castle was used as a private residence (initially for a doctor with the remarkable name of Zurishaddair Lang) but even that came to an end with a ferocious gale

in 1920 that brought one of the turrets crashing down.

Eventually, Sir Charles MottRadclyffe gave the abandoned ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle to the Ministry of Works (which eventually became English Heritage), who’ve cared for the site ever since. Today, John Heydon’s truly grand design is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

As for the Heydon family, they’re remembered at the nearby church with a few brass portraits, monuments and windows – while the story of their remarkable rise and fall is told in the evocative ruins of their great family home. As for the great patriarch John Heydon, he’s buried in Norwich Cathedral within a chapel named after him - a project that was financed through the provisions of his will.

VISITING BACONSTHORPE CASTLE The ruins of the great Heydon family home are open throughout the year, and can be visited during the winter at any reasonable time during daylight hours. Entry and parking are free. To enhance your visit, you can download a free 7-minute audio tour to help you explore the history of the castle from www.english-heritage.org.uk KLmagazine July 2020

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More reasons to become a Friend of KL magazine So far almost 1,000 of our readers have registered to become a Friend of KL magazine, and now there’s even more reasons for you to join

I

n our last issue we launched Friends of KL magazine because the impact of COVID-19 meant that our normal publication dates and distribution newtork were seriously disrupted. It was the perfect way to keep our community of loyal readers updated on how you can safely pick up the latest issue - and where from.

Being able to contact our readers directly became even more important when the changing circumstances meant we were unable to publish an issue of the magazine for June.

For everyone who registered as a Friend of KL magazine we were able to tell them as soon as possible - but for many other people we know that it meant frustrating trips in a vain search of your copy.

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Even better, it also meant we could give Friends of KL magazine a taste of the magazine in the absence of a printed version. Over the last few weeks, they’ve been treated to exclusive editorial content that will never appear in the print. This included a specially-commissioned column by Michael Middleton, a fascinating feature about the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s important summer survey, and another Norfolk-based trivia quiz - our friends even voted for the cover image of this month’s magazine!

Perhaps most important of all, Friends of KL magazine were told well in advance when this issue would be available, and received a list of the distribution points. There’s no better way to be sure of picking up your copy - we’re well aware of how quickly they

run out!

It’s fair to say that Friends of KL magazine has been a great success (almost 1,000 people have registered to date) and if you’re not one of our friends yet, there are now even more reasons to do so.

For starters (excuse the pun) we’ll soon be presenting an online ‘cookalong’ with local Michelin star chef Galton Blackiston, owner and chef patron of the multi-award winning Morston Hall.

Friends of KL magazine will be receiving the recipe in advance to give them time to prepare and get the ingredients, and will then receive details of how to join the online event and have a Michelin star chef in their kitchen - albeit virtually.

We’ve also teamed up with SetcheyKLmagazine July 2020

based Norfolk Leisure for a special competition giving Friends of KL magazine the chance to win a stylish outdoor day bed worth £1,000 from their beautiful Tichwell range of garden and exterior furniture.

And that’s all in addition to continue receiving exclusive content and features, regular updates and advance notice of when the next issue of KL

KLmagazine July 2020

magazine is available - and from where.

We’ve got some very exciting future plans in progess for Friends of KL magazine, including special discounts and offers from local restaurants and businesses and the opportunity of winning priceless Norfolk-based experiences.

To register, the only thing we need to know is the best way of contacting you and keeping you up to date - whether that’s by post or e-mail. We certainly won’t be asking you for any sensitive information, and you can rest assured that we won’t be sharing your details with any third parties. After all, that’s what friends are for!

To become a Friend of KL magazine, all you need to do is complete the online form at www.klmagazine.co.uk, or fill out the printed form enclosed with this month’s magazine and post it back to us.

We’re looking forward to hearing from new friends soon, and to all those who have already signed up we’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ you’re all helping keeping KL magazine at the heart of our community.

Sign up today - we’re looking forward to meeting you!

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We Are Open We are pleased to say that we’ve reopened our clinics this month, opening on Saturday’s initially with Dr Deol to keep it safe, we will be doing staggered appointments with the appropriate PPE and checks in place, with the added option of video consultations on Thursday afternoons. We look forward to welcoming new and existing clients back.

To make an appointment call the office: 01553 696886 mobile: 07307111463 email: dermavida@yahoo.co.uk or visit our website: dermavida.co.uk

Derma Vida

COSMETIC & LASER CLINIC

Gayton Road Health & Surgical Centre, King’s Lynn

BARRY L HAWKINS Independent Auctioneer and Land Agent

Independent Expert Advice Since 1850

We offer tailored support to our clients, their businesses and communities aimed at maximising wealth, improving savings and increasing income Our professional services include: • Estate & Asset Management • Land & Rural Property Sales • Planning & Development • Valuations & Professional Services • Residential Sales & Lettings • Online Antique & Collectable Auctions • Machinery Onsite & Online Auctions • Property Auctions • Rural & Commercial Services • Landlord & Tenant

www.barryhawkins.co.uk | 01366 387180 The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market PE38 9NL

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KLmagazine July 2020

Key changes that now apply to all tenancy agreements

T

Hayes + Storr looks at how the new Tenant Fees Act affects tenants, landlords and agents

he Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into force last year and was widely publicised for its effect on the private rented sector, and although it originally only applied to new tenancy agreements entered into after 1st June 2019 (with a transition period for existing tenancies) the legislation was applied to all tenancy agreements from the 1st June 2020.

WHO DOES THE ACT APPLY TO? The Tenant Fees Act applies to assured shorthold tenancies, student accommodation tenancies and licences to occupy housing in the private rented sector - and only applies in England.

WHAT DOES THE TENANT FEES ACT DO? The law prevents landlords and letting agents from charging tenants certain payments. It restricts the amount that can be taken as a deposit and the amount that can be taken as a ‘holding’ deposit and sets a timeframe for those to be repaid.

The Act also prohibits landlords and letting agents from requiring tenants to enter into agreements with third parties for services and insurance, and imposes sanctions for non-compliance.

WHAT PAYMENTS DOES THE ACT PERMIT? Holding deposits can be charged, but are capped at one week’s rent. Landlords are prevented from charging a higher rent at the outset of the tenancy and then reducing the amount of rent payable for the remainder of the agreement. And tenancy deposits are now capped at five weeks’ rent for most tenancies.

Payments for loss of keys are permitted but must be reasonable.

Payments where the tenant is in default of their obligation to pay rent is also a permitted payment, but the rent must be outstanding for a period of 14 days - and the interest that can be charged is capped.

Damages for a breach (or early termination) of the tenancy agreement can still be charged, but they need

to be reasonable and supported with evidence such as invoices or receipts.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY? Penalties of up to £5,000 can be charged for each breach. If a breach is committed within five years of a previous breach, it will amount to a criminal offence liable to prosecution or a further fine of up to £30,000.

If you are a landlord or tenant and require advice on your position in relation to the Tenant Fees Act 2019 please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01553 778900 or email law@hayes-storr.com. If you are a letting agent we can review your agreements and advise on the amendments required to bring them in line with the provisions of the Act.

DANNY TURPIN

Solicitor

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek our specific advice.

The Old County Court, County Court Road, King’s Lynn PE30 5EJ W: www.hayesandstorr.co.uk | E: law.kingslynn@hayes-storr.com OFFICES AT: KING’S LYNN | HUNSTANTON | FAKENHAM | SWAFFHAM | HOLT | WELLS | SHERINGHAM

KLmagazine July 2020

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The greatest award for our greatest heroes For over 160 years, the Victoria Cross has represented the pinnacle of self-sacrifice and bravery - so it seems an opportune time to look at the stories of some Norfolk-born recipients of the famous medal...

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KLmagazine July 2020

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t’s only slightly bigger than a £2 coin, it’s not particularly ornate, and it features only two words (‘for valour’) and a crimson ribbon - but the Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the entire British honours system.

Its monetary value is astonishing.

Only 300 of the medals have been auctioned or advertised for sale since 1879, and they’ve set a new record every time - which currently stands at £1.5million. However, the true value of the VC lies in what it represents - conspicuous bravery, daring selfsacrifice, and extraordinary devotion to duty.

Introduced just over 160 years ago during the Crimean War, only 1,355 men have ever been awarded the Victoria Cross (to date no woman has received one) - and only 15 have been awarded since the Second World War. A long-standing tradition claims that every Victoria Cross is manufactured from two Russian cannons captured at the Siege of Sevastopol in 1854, but recent research by historian John Glanfield has established the metal for most of the medals made since December 1914 comes from two Chinese cannons - and there’s no evidence of Russian origin.

The very first man from Norfolk to be awarded the VC was Henry Ward, who was born in Harleston and was approximately 34 years old when he found himself with the Army during the Indian Mutiny. In Lucknow in late September 1857 Henry spent all night (and much of the next morning) protecting two wounding soldiers - and then escorting them to safety.

One of the most interesting stories of these early VC recipients concerns the Rev James William Adams, who was rector of Postwick, Stow Bardolph and Wimbotsham. Acting as the Kabul Field Force’s chaplain during the Second

KLmagazine July 2020

Afghan War in 1879, he rushed into a water-filled ditch to save a number of men and their horses who’d fallen into it while facing the enemy.

Adams dragged the horses off the men, and managed to save them all – although he lost his own horse in the process and had to escape on foot.

The last person to receive the VC during the reign of Queen Victoria came from King’s Lynn. In charge of the stretcher bearers during the Second Boer War, John Shaul was recognised for his bravery after having spent all of 11th December 1899 travelling around an active battleground tending to injured soldiers’ wounds.

The First World War saw almost 50% of all Victoria Crosses ever awarded, and Harry Cator would become Norfolk’s most highly-decorated soldier of the war.

Born in Drayton, this son of a railway worker was no stranger to bravery - during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, he brought 36 wounded men back from no-man’s land after they’d become entangled in barbed wire - for

PICTURES: Norfolk’s William Mordaunt Marsh Edwards (opposite) and Harry Cator (top) both received the Victoria Cross - as did Henry Ward (above), the first man from Norfolk to do so

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“It seems that Norfolk has always had the qualities necessary to be considered for the Victoria Cross...” which he was awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry.

The following year during the Battle of Arras, an unarmed Harry showed extraordinary bravery in capturing an enemy position (picking up a gun and some ammunition on the way) - and added both the VC and France’s Croix de Guerre to his medals.

Perhaps the most amazing story of a Norfolk-born recipient of the VC concerns Sidney Day, who was born in Norwich and has been described as one of the greatest heroes of the First World War. Volunteering at the age of 23 a few weeks after the outbreak of war in 1914, he became separated from his battalion only a month after arriving in France.

He refused to abandon his mortallywounded officer, and took three days to walk back to his unit - by which time he’d been given up for dead.

The following year Sid found himself on the Somme, where he was struck by four bullets, one of which only missed his heart by hitting a pack of postcards in his pocket. He spent all day in a shell-hole before crawling three miles to a field hospital.

After a few months of treatment (he was lucky enough to be sent back to his home city of Norwich to convalesce) he was back in France. Just over a week 16

later, Sid saved his fellow soldiers’ lives by picking up a grenade that had fallen at their feet and throwing it away just before it exploded. And then completed the capture of the enemy position before holding it for the next 66 hours in the face of intense fire.

His astonishing actions led to him being awarded the VC. He possibly deserved two of the medals, but only three people have ever achieved that -

and two of them were doctors.

It seems that Norfolk has always had the qualities (bravery, self-sacrifice, devotion to duty) necessary to be considered for the Victoria Cross. In fact, the Royal Norfolk Regiment set a record during the Second World War by being awarded five VCs – more than any other county regiment during the conflict.

PICTURES: Almost 50% of all Victoria Crosses ever awarded were received by soldiers in the First World War. Above left is Norfolk’s Sidney Day, who’s been described as the greatest hero of the war.

KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

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Your local chartered financial advisers Totally independent and totally professional, Allen Tomas & Co is here to help you make the most of your money and your investments

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llen Tomas & Co was formed over seven years ago, and they’ve grown very quickly ever since, developing a strong reputation for providing sound independent financial planning.

“We believe our growth is down to talented individuals who are actively encouraged to collaborate and develop their skills to best serve our clients,” says Managing Director Ben Allen. “This has led to a client-centered advice proposition, which is underpinned by a sound investment process.”

The company has two Norfolk offices in Dersingham and Fakenham and comprises of three independent financial advisers - Ben Allen, Michael Crisp, Edward Kubiak - together with independent mortgage adviser Rachael Smith. Operations Manager Jenny Belham brings a wealth of experience to the firm and is responsible for its highly trained paraplanners, client

relationship managers and financial administrators.

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6 St Nicholas Court, Church Lane, Dersingham PE31 6GZ • Tel: 01485 541998 2 Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY • Tel: 01328 854706 Website: www.allentomasfinancial.co.uk Email: info@allentomasfinancial.co.uk Allen Tomas & Co Financial Management Ltd is registered in England and Wales with number 8864562 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Financial Services Register number 630427 KLmagazine July 2020

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The years after the First World War were something of a golden age for the many cinemas of King’s Lynn

ABOVE: The old Albion Hall on Broad Street in King’s Lynn became the town’s second (and biggest) cinema for many years

The golden age of Lynn’s silver screens...

People have been going ‘to the pictures’ in King’s Lynn for over 120 years, and the town has one of the most famous cinemas in Norfolk.

We look back at the town’s movie theatres and the films they showed

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he famous King’s Lynn Mart has been entertaining crowds for over 800 years now, but in February 1897 it introduced an incredible new attraction called The Bioscope, which showed pictures on a screen - pictures that actually moved!

Despite the fact none of the ‘films’ lasted for more than three minutes, it was a jaw-dropping glimpse into another world - although the sensationalism of Annabelle Serpentine Dance (in which you could actually see a woman’s ankles!) was somewhat tempered by The Czar in Paris and the equally dour March Past of the Royal Blues. Despite their short running length, these features were hardly KLmagazine July 2020

seamless. Even if it didn’t break, the film had to be changed regularly - the intervals being filled with jugglers, magicians and clairvoyants. As the films gradually turned their attention to the physical attractions of people on local beaches, the entertainment was largely restricted to ‘dancing girls’ - and it swiftly became a men-only spectacle.

However, moving pictures were here to stay.

In 1901 the short-lived Theatre Royal in King’s Lynn featured a novel visual projecting device called The Myriorama (the newsreel-type subjects were more suitable to general audiences) and the following year, something we’d recognise as a cinema was opened for a short time in the Albion Hall on

Broad Street in the town. And it was on the same street that King’s Lynn finally enjoyed its first purpose-built cinema.

Opening in September 1911, The King’s Lynn Electric Theatre offered four ticket prices, presented two screenings a night, and stored the audience’s bicycles for free. Within two years it was employing almost 20

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which more than lived up to its name.

A wonder of Art Deco architecture, it could seat over 1,000 people (who could choose from seven different ticket prices) and featured elaborate stained glass windows, an ornate mosaic floor, a remarkable zodiac ceiling decoration, and imposing Corinthian pillars to the exterior.

ABOVE: The popular Pilot cinema was built in part of the old It even had a large North End in King’s Lynn - its first film was a Disney cartoon and ballroom that king its last was Gandhi in 1983. The site is now home to a new housing development George V used for his hunt balls. Fittingly, the first film at The people, including a pianist who played a Majestic was also epic - the 143-minute live soundtrack to accompany the film silent version of Ben Hur. - even if they hadn’t seen it before.

Although ‘talkies’ came to King’s In fact, ‘The Electric’ proved so Lynn towards the end of the 1920s with popular that another cinema was Lucky Boy at the St James Theatre and needed for the town, and the nearby The Perfect Alibi (“a thrilling drama of Albion Hall was totally remodelled the underworld”) at The Majestic, storm to safely seat 600 people (in a space clouds were gathering on the horizon measuring only 27ft x 70ft. It also featured an angled floor “so that all may and not just over European politics.

After a week-long staging of Fred see” and the notoriously-hot projector Roper and “his wonder midgets” in 1936 was given its own room. the Theatre Royal was destroyed by The new cinema was called The fire, The Electric closed for renovation, Empire and opened in April 1913 with and the St James Theatre also the 70-minute Belinda the Slavey burned down.

Even more ominously, together with highlights of the previous moving pictures were now moving week’s ill-tempered FA Cup Final when into people’s homes thanks to a new Aston Villa beat Sunderland 1-0. invention called the television.

The years after the First World War Although renovated, The Electric were something of a golden age for closed less than a week after rethe cinema in King’s Lynn. The re-built opening with a showing of Bad Guy, St James Hall and Assembly Rooms and plans for “a new luxury cinema” on County Court Road showed its first called The Regal came to nothing - the films (Pollyanna with Mary Pickford and town’s police station now stands on the A Day’s Pleasure with Charlie Chaplin) proposed site. in January 1922, and six years later East On the other side of King’s Lynn on Anglian Entertainments Ltd opened The the edge of the North End, however, Majestic in the centre of King’s Lynn -

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work started on the demolition of several houses, a small orchard, several outbuildings and the Dog & Duck pub - and less than 14 weeks later The Pilot cinema opened with the Disney sensation Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was then the most successful ever sound film. A sign of the changing times (and one that wasn’t universally welcomed) was the inclusion of double seats at the rear of the balcony.

However, despite The Majestic converting the famous old ballroom into a separate 180-seat cinema (Screen 3) in 1977, the growing dominance of the small screen in our front rooms meant the two cinemas in King’s Lynn were facing an uphill battle.

The Pilot eventually lowered its curtains for the last time after the closing credits for Gandhi in 1983, and shortly thereafter The Majestic was threatened with demolition.

It was saved, however (thanks largely to the efforts of The King’s Lynn Civic Society) and is now a Grade II listed building. One of the oldest purposebuilt cinemas in the region still in existence it’s still showing films. In fact, in the year it celebrated its 90th birthday in 2018 The Majestic sold around 200,000 tickets - almost four times the number of people living in King’s Lynn.

The story doesn’t end there, however.

Work has now resumed on the building of a new two-screen cinema for the town at the famous King’s Lynn Corn Exchange - and it’s hoped to be open by the end of the year.

KLmagazine July 2020

Looking forward and switching on the future...

Turning their showroom into a complete experience centre, there’s never been a better time to contact Core Technology Projects

I

t’s been an unusual few months for Core Technology Projects, but it’s also been a very successful time for Jim Garrett and his team of home technology specialists.

“We’ve actually got plenty of projects in progress at the moment and in many ways we’ve never been busier,” says Jim. “Having the showroom closed for a while also gave us the opportunity to revitalise it and look to the future.”

In fact, the King’s Lynn showroom will soon become more of an ‘experience centre’ with the introduction of exciting new technology and a complete upgrade to the on-site cinema room. There’ll be a full suite of equipment available for demonstrations, and there’s already a stateof-the-art driving

simulator in its own room.

“There used to be a time when ‘smart’ technology was seen as something of an extravagance,” says Jim. “Today it’s an essential part of our homes from televisions to home security, and from remote home control systems to hands-free access for domestic and commercial properties.”

Core Technology Projects also works with a number of local suppliers for items such as electrical blinds and even joinery companies to cleverly disguise all the technology.

“People love having all this technology in their home, but the last thing they want to see is a load of unsightly wires and cables and

an array of ungainly speakers,” says Jim. “Thanks to our design expertise and experience we can hide speakers in walls and ceilings - and we can integrate any necessary cabling for a seamless finishing look.”

With over 10 years of successful installations behind them, Core Technology Projects have the perfect answers to all your home technology needs.

Whether you want to explore the idea of turning a spare bedroom or unused garage into a luxurious cinema room or want to keep an eye on your property while you’re away - or you simply want to turn your heating on with your phone while you’re on your way home, contact Core Technology Projects using the details below.

With all of us now looking to the future, Jim and his team can help you switch on to it!

1 APS House, Oldmedow Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn PE30 4JJ Tel: 01553 776413 Web: www.coretechnologyprojects.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@coretechnologyprojects.co.uk KLmagazine July 2020

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Tizzick

Dickey

Test your knowledge of the Norfolk dialect Some people think it’s a load of old squit, but there’s no doubt that Norfolk has a rich linguistic heritage.

Here’s your chance to prove just how local you really are...

1 If you were having a ‘barney’ what would you actually be having? a. A savoury scone b. An argument c. A slap-up meal with your best friends d. A long hot bath

4 If you had a ‘tizzick’ what would you have? a. A dumpling containing orange peel b. A new hairstyle c. A cough d. A lawnmower that didn’t work

7 If you saw a ‘mawkin’ in a field, what would you have spotted? a. A large crow b. A scarecrow c. A strange hollow in the ground d. A horse-drawn plough

2 If someone gave you a ‘dwile’ what would you be receiving? a. A hand-carved wooden sculpture b. A bag of homegrown vegetables c. A floor cloth d. A back-handed compliment

5 If you found a ‘dodman’ in your garden, what would you be looking at? a. A rusty (and worthless) old coin b. A gnome pushing a wheelbarrow c. A rusty bit of metal d. A snail

8 If someone asked you to do a quick sketch of a ‘bishy-barney-bee’, what would you draw? a. A ladybird b. A hedgehog c. A small boat d. A flower

3 If you bumped into a ‘shannock’ what would you have come across? a. A tree stump b. A stray dog c. Someone from Sheringham d. A compost heap

6 If you heard a ‘Jill-hooter’ at night, what would be making the noise? a. An owl b. An angry neighbour c. A car with a defective exhaust d. An early flood warning alarm

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9 If a couple were having a ‘mardle’ what would they be doing? a. Snoozing b. Fighting c. Cuddling d. Chatting

KLmagazine July 2020

10 If you found yourself in a ‘puckaterry’ how would you feel? a. Overjoyed b. Extremely unwell c. Confused d. Scared 11 If a ‘jasper’ came through your window one afternoon, what would you have as a new house guest? a. A chicken b. A wasp c. A stray cat d. A small child

14 If you found a ‘dickey’ in your garden one morning, what would it be? a. A neighbour called Richard b. A molehill c. A ring of mushrooms d. A donkey 15 If someone pointed out a ‘King Harry’ to you, what would you expect to see? a. An unfeasibly large potato b. A house with a recent extension c. A goldfinch d. A man in a three-piece suit and tie

12 If you saw some ‘stannicles’ in the village pond, what would you be looking at? a. Some tadpoles b. Some empty beer cans c. Some bullrushes d. Some weekend visitors from London

16 If you went to work in some ‘buskins’ what would you be wearing? a. Brand new shoes b. Elbow-length gloves c. Clip-on braces d. Leather leggings

13 If someone gave you some ‘cooshies’ what would you do? a. Wear them b. Eat them c. Use them to build a shed d. Hang them on your walls

17 What sort of person would you describe as a ‘mawther’? a. A girl b. A retired soldier c. An imaginary friend d. Someone from outside Norfolk 18 If someone from Norfolk gave you something and told you to ‘hull’ it, what would you do? a. Repair it b. Throw it c. Eat it very quickly d. Smash it to pieces 19 If someone described you as having ‘jollificearshuns’ what would you actually be having? a. Fun and games b. Jelly and cream c. A bacterial tummy bug d. A serious problem in the garden

KLmagazine July 2020

20 If you described something as ‘titty-totty’ what would it be? a. Expensive b. About to collapse c. Small d. Hilarious 21 You find a ‘sowpig’ in your house.

Why should you be worried? a. It’s a burglar b. It’s a debt collector c. It’s a wood louse d. It’s an escaped farm animal 22 If you gave your children a ‘teetermatorter’ what would they do? a. Eat it b. Wear it c. Go to bed with no supper d. Play with it 23 If you were on a countryside walk and saw a ‘spink’ what would you be looking at? a. A pothole b. A chaffinch c. A fly-tipped old tyre d. A hedgehog ANSWERS Rather than being a load of old squit (we thought was rather too obvious to ask about) we hope this quiz has given you an insight into to the rich dialect of Norfolk. All Friends of KL magazine will be receiving the answers in the next few weeks, so if you haven’t joined yet please register on our website at www.klmagazine.co.uk or complete and return the insert in this magazine.

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KLmagazine July 2020

Fully fitted, totally safe, designed to perfection...

The easiest (and safest) way to have your new bathroom expertly designed and professionally installed is to contact bathco today

O

ver the last few months people have been spending more time than usual looking at their home and thinking of ways to improve it, which partly explains why bathco are so busy at the moment.

“We’ve always gone the extra mile when it comes to customer service, and that’s never been more important,” says general manager Stuart Marsden.

“Despite the events of the last few months our products have never looked better, our installation teams have never been more careful - and our service has never been more professional.”

The company’s three showrooms in in King’s Lynn, Dereham and Thetford have now re-opened, and although social distancing rules are in place for everyone’s benefit, it’s a real pleasure to

be able to see some of the most stylish and finely-crafted bathrooms currently available.

And you won’t be faced with an indefinite wait before you enjoy them.

“Our advanced 3D software requires precise measurements, which means we really need to visit your home,” says Stuart. “There’s no need to worry, however - we’ve recently introduced a number of policies to make sure that you and your family are as safe as possible and your home looks as amazing as it could be!”

With many families understandably concerned about personal budgets, Stuart and his team can talk you through the various payment options and will give you an immediate decision on any finance plans.

It’s good to know that your new bathroom will be overseen every step

of the way by a specially-appointed project manager, but it’s even better to know that the installation team will do everything they can to keep you and your family safe.

“Close and regular communication with our customers has always been at the heart of everything bathco does,” says Stuart, “and that means you can have the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of specially designed, expertly built, and professionally fitted at a time that suits you.”

With the workmanship guaranteed for a year and product warranties lasting as long as a lifetime, there’s never been a better time to treat your bathroom to the bathco experience.

Tel: 0330 1239 334 | Web: www.bathcoeu.com | E-mail: enquiries@bathcoeu.com KING’S LYNN: Hardwick Industrial Estate PE30 4HG | DEREHAM: 35 Yaxham Road NR19 1HD | THETFORD: Unit 1, Station Lane IP24 1ND

KLmagazine July 2020

27

ABOVE: Tower Gardens badge bed created by council’s public open space staff to acknowledge the work of the NHS and key workers.

BELOW: Key workers at the council take part in the Clap for Carers campaign

Thank you - you’ve all been truly amazing...

As we start seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk reflects on the incredible efforts of the people who’ve helped us get through the Covid-19 pandemic

T

he last three months have been challenging in ways many of us could never have anticipated or even contemplated, but thanks to the area’s many key workers, carers, NHS staff, volunteers and a whole host of businesses, organisations and individuals we can all be proud of the way we’ve faced up to the impact of Covid-19.

On 31st January this year, we heard about the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in the UK. By mid-March, we had several confirmed cases in west Norfolk, and by lockdown on 23rd March, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk had already been working with groups and organisations through its Lily network to support individuals across the area.

King’s Lynn foodbank experienced a massive increase in demand. To assist them, the borough council made a donation of £10,000 from the West KLmagazine July 2020

Norfolk Wins community fund, which helped them increase their food supplies, which had reduced due to people not being out and about and shopping. Many individuals also made financial contributions to the foodbank which have been much appreciated by the staff and volunteers.

The Purfleet Trust, along with other support providers, have worked hard to enable the council’s homelessness team to find homes for all rough sleepers and homeless people in the borough during the crisis. They’ve helped with the provision of food and other assistance, which has been invaluable.

Alive West Norfolk, who had to close their doors to the public very early on, continued to provide free activity clubs for the children of staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to enable them to continue

working. This was later also offered to council, police and ambulance staff.

A Norfolk-wide helpline was established, supported by a local community hub to help the many lonely, isolated and vulnerable people in the borough who’d been advised not to leave their homes. In west Norfolk the community hub was based around the existing Lily service, which used its network of volunteers and advisors to link into existing provision

29

and publicised and promoted locally available services.

A new call centre was established to make contact with people on the shielding list or otherwise identified as vulnerable. Council staff were redeployed to make food and medicine deliveries or to handle phone calls.

Thousands of calls have been made, and food and medicine delivered to hundreds of homes, making use of residents who volunteered through Voluntary Norfolk as well as the borough council’s established network of volunteers and the armies of support groups that have come together through the parish or town councils or through other community groups.

We had a tremendous response to the call for volunteers and send our thanks to you all including those who have not yet been called upon.

Throughout the crisis, benefits have still been paid, bins emptied, streets swept and parks and gardens kept in order. In addition, just under £40

million has been paid to local businesses in grants.

Discretionary grants have been made to other businesses, and hardship relief applied to eligible council tax accounts to help alleviate financial pressure on businesses and individuals.

Local businesses stepped forward with offers of food for the food hub or for delivery to the NHS staff or vulnerable people. Some businesses changed direction to provide PPE or hand sanitiser – despite its impact the crisis has shone a spotlight on kindness, generosity and innovation.

Generous public donations to Norfolk Community Foundation have helped fund local groups’ response to Covid19.

Other support has been provided by the way of free online classes to keep people active, mental health support online, and virtual experiences through the arts and museums services, including an online VE Day celebration.

Thanks also go to everybody who has followed the rules, complied with the guidance and helped prevent the spread of the virus.

The list of key workers, care workers, NHS staff, business, organisations, volunteers, and other people that have

HELP US CELEBRATE YOUR #LOVEWEST NORFOLK HEROES As you can see, there have been so many people in West Norfolk doing amazing things throughout the last difficult months. Love West Norfolk wants to celebrate them.

Whether it is the key workers who’ve been delivering their roles in extremely difficult circumstances, or local residents who have been making a difference for their communities, or the young people who have been showing extraordinary resilience – let’s all shout about our #lovewestnorfolk heroes. They are the reasons why we #lovewestnorfolk and why we are so proud of our wonderful area.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS Simply nominate your #lovewestnorfolk hero or heroes via the form on the Lovewestnorfolk.co.uk website.

Nominations open on 10th July 2020 and close on 7th September. All that is needed is some information about

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helped to keep us all safe and well through this unprecedented crisis is endless.

You will know who your heroes have been. Please see the panel below to find out how you can help us celebrate our West Norfolk heroes.

ABOVE: From virtual VE Day celebrations to business support for the local food hub, the people of west Norfolk have made us all proud over the last few months

them and a photo. Make sure you add the following: • Who they are • What you think they have done that has made a difference for West Norfolk over the last few months?

• Whether they are an individual, a team, or an organisation Their story will then be featured on the Love West Norfolk channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Every hero that is featured on the Love West Norfolk channels will receive a special certificate and a badge, and their name will be added to a roll of honour which will be displayed in the borough council offices when they reopen. This roll of honour will also be added to the Love West Norfolk website.

Ten #lovewestnorfolk heroes will be drawn at random to receive a very special video call from the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk or our very own Love West Norfolk Ambassador James Bagge.

And, that’s not all.

When it is safe to do so (and only then) a special reception for these #lovewestnorfolk heroes will be held at the town hall in King’s Lynn.

The scheme opens on 10th July and please get nominating your #lovewestnorfolk heroes then.

Let’s celebrate those people who have made such a difference during these difficult times.

You’ve all made West Norfolk proud!

KLmagazine July 2020

Happiness at home with personalised live-in care Taking care to a new level, Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk is helping people remain independent and happy in their own home...

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esearch shows that 71% of people would rather grow old in their own homes, which is partly why Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk has recently extended its services to include live-in care.

Already the UK’s leading provider of care in the home, Home Instead Senior Care can help you stay connected to your family, friends and local community in a cost-effective way that has your best interests at heart.

And your family can be reassured that all your needs are being taken care of while you continue to live in familiar surroundings - together with your most treasured possessions and memories.

“Our live-in care arrangements are

totally flexible and are built around the individual needs of our clients,” says Tom McEwan of Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk. “It’s a totally personal approach. You decide how many hours practical assistance you need, and one of our CAREgivers will be carefully chosen to be your live-in companion, helping you carry out the tasks you need assistance with - and being both a friendly face and a regular source of company.”

It’s the perfect solution for people with long-term conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, and it’s invaluable for people who’ve been recently bereaved - a situation which can have huge consequences for anyone suddenly finding themselves having to cope alone.

Family has always been at the very

heart of Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk (it was founded after personal experience of poor levels of care) and Tom has ensured the company’s ethos of individual, personal and customerfocused attention is shared by everyone in the office and all its CAREGivers.

“Unlike many care providers, we keep in touch with our clients on a regular basis to make sure they’re satisfied with the service we’re providing and asking if we can help in any other way,” he says. “It’s an incredible testament to our staff and CAREgivers that 100% of our clients have told us they’d recommend Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk to a friend.”

If you’d like more information and details on live-in care or any other of the many homecare services Home Instead Senior Care in Norfolk can offer, please contact your nearest office using the details below.

HOLT KING’S LYNN DEREHAM 01263 650983 01553 387967 01362 357974 www.homeinstead.co.uk/westnorfolk KLmagazine July 2020

31

Are you worried about market uncertainty?

Is your money well positioned during these difficult times?

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Mob: 07739 339 663 | Office: 020 7474 3700 Email: ktrendell@barnsher.co.uk Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers, King’s Lynn Innovation Centre, Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn, PE30 5BY Barnes & Sherwood Professional Advisers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 547997

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Lettingbetter Our monthly round up of the latest news and legislation concerning landlords and tenants in the private rented sector with Edmonton Estates Director

Damien Simone

Quickfact Housing Possession hearings will now resume on 24th August, unless another delaying tactic can be used first.

Landlords at a loss!

W

elcome to July’s Letting Better article. Life has changed significantly for the vast majority of the nation since the start of 2020 and whilst the lockdown restrictions which were introduced to subdue the spread of Covid-19 are now being systematically reviewed and lifted, for many the social and financial implications created by the health crisis will continue to have an enduring effect for a long time yet.

Like most other property agents my time for reflection and forward planning was cut short when the property industry was hurriedly released from its lockdown constraints on 17th May. Promoted under the guise that estate agents would be “leading the economy out of lockdown”. It sounds quite a noble call to arms until you translate what was said to what was actually meant; “We’re short £5 billion in stamp duty since shutting you all down, so get back to work”. All endearing tones seem lost in that version but that’s the reality of the situation and in fairness a

staggering amount of money has been committed to supporting businesses, the self employed and individuals through this crisis and in respect of this I can understand the motivations.

However, what I find beyond any sensible level of comprehension is why on 5th June the Housing & Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the court suspension for housing possession cases would be extended from the end of June until the end of August! To completely disregard landlords’ financial needs and their previous legal rights to possession of their property across the board without discretion for a further 2 months is incredibly poor judgement. Whilst the vast majority of tenants who have encountered financial difficulties have contacted their agents or landlords and agreed temporary payment terms, there are a small minority (and most already under notice to leave) who have used this crisis as an opportunity to generate thousands of pounds of additional debt with their landlords. Rewarding these individuals with a further 2 months of

Edmonton Estates Ltd, St Ann’s House, 18 St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1LT 01553 660615 • www.edmontonestates.co.uk • info@edmontonestates.co.uk KLmagazine July 2020

free living should only have been done so at the government’s own expense.

At Edmonton Estates we are very fortunate to only have 2 cases of tenants behaving in this disgraceful manner. However, we know from several telephone calls that we have received over the past 2 months that many landlords and agents are experiencing a much greater volume of these problems.

On a brighter note, if your tenant has stopped paying rent and is in receipt of Universal Credit there is now a fast-track system in place for agents and landlords to seize direct receipt of the housing benefit element of this payment. If you are a landlord who would like assistance in finding the relevant link online to do this please feel free to contact our agency for this without obligation.

Independent Lettings & Property Management Specialists 33

From saving lives to saving the environment It’s been one of the most famous sights along the north Norfolk coast for over 120 years, and the old lifeboat station at Blakeney is now the centre of one the county’s most beautiful natural wonders

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lose to the villages of Blakeney, Morston and Cley sits Blakeney National Nature Reserve, a stunning natural landscape of sand dunes, salt marshes, mutflats and reclaimed farmland. It’s been studied for over a century, following pioneering ecological work by the famous botanist Francis Oliver and ornithologist (and innovative bird photographer) Emma Turner.

But this beautiful and unspoilt stretch of coastline is also home to the iconic sight of the National Trust’s visitor centre - which the charity’s team of coastal rangers call home for several

months of the year.

This distinctive bright blue building is visible for miles around and actually started life as a lifeboat shed, which was built around 1898 to help support another lifeboat station which had been established some sixty years before and which no longer exists.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had taken over sea rescue operations at Blakeney in the 1860s, and shortly after the construction of the new lifeboat house had given it a new lifeboat named after a local man with the unlikely (but authentic) name of Zaccheus Burroughs.

She was replaced 15 years later by the last lifeboat to operate from Blakeney, and it would prove to be the most successful. Crewed by 17 men, Caroline would find her place in local history thanks to two rescues within the space of 24 hours in January 1918, when she saved the lives of no less than 30 men.

Interestingly, it’s possible to arrive at an average age for the crew members involved, which is almost 55 - the youngest being 36 and the oldest being 68. Almost certainly the

village’s younger men were in France and Belgium fighting in the First World War. It was nature rather than war that brought an end to Blakeney’s lifeboat houses. The gradual silting up of the coastline meant that by the start of the 1920s (by which time the National Trust had been managing the site for almost 10 years) the lifeboats had to be moored in the harbour itself - less than 15 years later it was decided that the idea of having a lifeboat at Blakeney was no longer viable.

Since then the old lifeboat house has provided National Trust rangers with a simply stunning place in which to work, starting with Bob Pinchen in 1923. It has four bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge area, and lookout tower that offers one of the best views in Norfolk. On a clear day you can see as far as Beeston Bump on one side and Scolt Head Island on the other - the space in between being filled with the sounds of skylarks and terns, the sight of grey seals, and the vast open skies of north Norfolk.

In the face of increasingly dire reports about the state of our wildlife, the grey seals at Blakeney Point appear to be thriving. Back in 2001, rangers recorded the birth of 25 pups - but counted over 3,300 in February.

“It’s fantastic really, but I think this part of Norfolk is perfect for the seals,” said National Trust ranger Leighton Newman. “There are no natural predators, people have to walk three miles to get here, and our volunteers do a great job of making people aware of the dangers of disturbing the seals.”

It was nature rather than war that brought an end to Blakeney’s two lifeboat houses...

VISITING BLAKENEY POINT Before you visit Blakeney Point, please check first for your own safety and that of the rangers. The latest information can be found on the official website at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ blakeney-national-nature-reserve but you can also telephone 01263 740241 or send an e-mail to the reserve at blakeneypoint@nationaltrust.org.uk 36

KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

Better for your home, kinder to the planet...

The energy and cost-saving benefits of the lastest air conditioning systems and the professional expertise of the 4 Way Group

T

he summer always sees increased demand for the 4 Way Group’s professionally designed and expertly installed air conditioning systems - and 2020 is proving no different - despite the events of the last six months.

“We’ve been really busy with enquiries, installations and maintenance work recently,” says partner Steve Simpson, “and by investing in full PPE, keeping to rules on social distancing and following the government’s guidelines we’ve been able to complete projects as safely as possible.”

The 4 Way Group takes an equally responsible approach to the products and technology it uses, particularly when it comes to the impact of heating and air conditioning systems on the environment.

“We’re now installing air conditioning that contains the recently-developed

refrigerant R32, which will soon become the industry standard for splittype systems,” says Steve. “It contains up to 20% less refrigerant than older systems, which means super-low emissions and lower energy costs.”

These new systems also help lower a building’s carbon footprint, which makes them the ideal solution for domestic and commercial properties - especially new-build and self-build projects.

Offering year-round comfort (many people are surprised to learn that air conditioning can be used as an effective heating system), today’s units are stylish and unobtrusive and feature benefits such as built-in sensors to optimise energy use and special filters that remove particles, allergens and odours from the air.

Of course, it helps when you specify some of the best products

currently available - and one of the world’s most respected and innovative manufacturers.

“We’ve been a fully approved Fujitsu installer for several years now,” says Steve. “We’ve always preferred to use Fujitsu for our air conditioning systems, partly because of their high quality but also because their performance is outstanding. They’re also extremely reliable.”

These are just a few of the reasons why the 4 Way Group is the area’s leading supplier and installer of professional air conditioning - which can usually be fitted in a day and comes with a full five-year warranty. And don’t forget that the 4 Way Group is always available for help, advice and maintenance support.

Contact the 4 Way Group today for high quality air conditioning that’s kinder to the planet and an approach to installations that’s safer for you and your family.

t 01553 767878 w www.4waygroup.co.uk e sales@4waygroup.co.uk Recognised and accredited throughout the industry:

KLmagazine July 2020

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ABOVE: Norfolk’s seal population along the coastline has increased steadily over the last 15 years - and colonies are now reaching record levels

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KLmagazine July 2020

A record-breaking year for our local seals...

Despite the increasing amount of human intervention and plastic pollution, our local seal population has been celebrating a record number of newborn pups, thanks in part to Friends of Horsey Seals

V

iewed from the wind bleached and marram grassed dunes, the beach at Horsey is a reminder of what’s so magical about Norfolk’s coastline. The expanse of shoreland appears undisturbed - except for what looks like large boulders. But soon there’s movement here, signs of the seals that arrive every autumn to drag their oversized bodies from the surf and lie in relaxed abandonment in the watery winter sunshine. It’s the perfect place for them to mate and prepare for the birth of their pups.

It can be quite sad to observe them hauling themselves from the surf - they’re so much like dogs that you feel like helping them - but you KLmagazine July 2020

should resist the temptation. Signs request visitors to “please adhere to the rules when visiting the beach. Human intervention can prove fatal to the seals and in particular the pups.”

Basking in the sun they play or they simply huddle together in relaxation; they obviously don’t need human help.

The’re at home.

The beaches of Horsey and Winterton are kept under observation by the Friends of Horsey Seals, a charity founded in 2011 from a former Natural England and Broads Authority project set up some ten years previously.

Over 200 volunteer wardens safeguard the welfare of the seals and organise the rescue of any animals showing signs of distress or injury.

Late autumn through winter, when the seals come ashore to give birth, are particularly busy months - but throughout the year the wardens are watching for seals that make it to shore with injuries from debris picked up in the sea.

Last winter the Friends recorded more than 30 callouts to sick or injured seals from concerned members of the public. They varied from animals unable to extricate themselves from netting to more serious injuries from plastic rings and frisbees that require more comprehensive treatment.

“Despite the continued pollution of the sea, the seal population has grown steadily in the past 15 years,” says David Vyse of Friends of Horsey Seals. “This 41

“The record number of pups is good news for the seals, but please remember that they’re not tourist attractions...” season pups have been popping up all along the coast. Most of them are well and just resting up, while others are fully weaned and have shed their white coats and are now looking for a quiet spot away from humans and dogs.”

It’s not an easy life for a young seal, however, which is where the Friends of Horsey Seals come in.

“For any seals or pups that are poorly or injured, we arrange spaces in the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre although that can be tight for space over winter,” says David. “Although there are no natural predators around here, people do tend to get too close to them. It’s very tempting, but it can have serious consequences - and we’ve seen many mothers abandon their pubs because of human intervention. It’s extremely sad when that happens.”

Although the breeding areas have been roped off, the charity desperately needs more wardens to help the seals - a need that was highlighted by the recent live television broadcast of a rescue at Winterton.

“A bull seal had become netted and took a long time to release,” says David.

42

“For the first time we were able to use our new mobile stretcher which proved successful as the seal was very heavy and was a considerable distance from our vehicle.”

Named Colossus for obvious reasons, it took six people to lift him and the volunteers were helped by two members of the Marine and Wildlife Rescue team. The seal was safely taken to RSPCA East Winch, and despite a deep wound encircling his neck began to eat immediately - which is always a good sign.

“We’ve had an extraordinary number of seals caught up in plastics, toy flying rings, discarded fishing nets and ropes over the last year,” says David, “and they’ve caused some horrific injuries.

It’s not all bad news though - at Horsey, Winterton and Waxham we’ve seen well over 2,000 pups this year, and the colony appears to be increasing by about 200 annually.”

The all-time record number of pups is good news for the seals, but it’s important to remember that they’re not a tourist attraction.

“People really need to understand they should respect these wild animals and keep their distance,” says David.

“Please don’t get any closer than 20 metres and always keep your dog on a lead.”

The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich has kindly invited the charity to manage and organise an Open Day at the Bishop’s Private Garden, Norwich Cathedral on Sunday 26th July from 1.00pm. It was still going ahead as this issue went to press, but please make sure before you make the trip.

Friends of the Seals monitor the coastline from Winterton to Horsey throughout the year and the speedy response by rescue teams saving seals and pups along the north Norfolk coast is on ongoing task - and one that you can take part in.

By becoming a warden you can help support the work the charity does in protecting the seals from disturbance.

Wardens are particularly needed during the grey seal pupping season (November-January) so this is a great chance to register your interest at recruitment@friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk Our seals are one of out most treasured natural wonders - and it’s never been more important to look after them.

For more information and details, you can contact Friends of Horsey Seals at 2 Chapel Cottages, Back Lane, Rollesby, Norfolk, NR29 5EB. You can also e-mail the charity at enquiries@ friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk. Remember that if you do see any wildlife in difficulty, please contact the Friends of Horsey Seals on 07706 314514 or the RSPCA on 03001 234999.

KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

Animalmatters Our monthly look at the issues concerning you and your pets with at London Road & Hollies Vets... our Clinical Director

Jennifer Sinclair

Smallbites

When your pets are home alone...

M

any of us have found we have extra time to fill recently, due to not being able to work or go out as many services have not yet reopened.

Some people have found it to be the perfect opportunity to welcome a new furry addition to their household, while others will have naturally been spending more time with their pets anyway. As we move further out of lockdown, we must be aware of the specific behavioural and emotional needs our pets may have, having become used to an increased presence of their owners within the household. It may be that as more people are able to go back to work, this naturally leads to a decrease in the amount of exercise, stimulation and play a pet may receive.

Pets are prone to becoming anxious and unsettled when there are changes to their routines, and a decreased amount of human contact can cause behaviours such as separation anxiety.

The lack of contact with other people other than family members can lead to nervousness and fear, which if left unchecked can develop into

aggression, as we are able to start going out and about more, meeting a wider variety of people.

There are many ways we can help our pets cope with the ‘new normal’, and the following are just some suggestions to make transitions easier all round. This advice has been adapted from advice provided by the British Veterinary Association (BVA):

SEPARATION In order to prepare your pet from being away from you more, try to include some time at least once every day where you leave your pet on his or her own. Start with just small periods of time, and gradually increase these periods to acclimatise your pet.

ROUTINE As much as possible, try to maintain the routine you have developed with your pet; aim to keep feeding, play and walk times as close to the same times each day as possible. If you are aware of changes in your own routine coming up, i.e returning to work for example, try to gradually move your pet’s routine to one which will be sustainable once you are out of the house more. Avoid sudden changes in routine, as these can be distressing and confusing for animals. It may be useful to develop a quiet period during the day, when you are likely to be out of the house in upcoming times, so you pet becomes used to this period being ‘down time’.

STIMULATION Ensure your pet still has the opportunity for some mental stimulation throughout the day for when you are not around, whether that is puzzle feeders (suitable for cats and dogs), filled kongs for dogs, or the availability of toys. When you are at home with your pet once your new routine has started, make sure you still allow for play and exercise time.

If you notice your pet showing any different behaviours, or would like further advice, do not hesitate to contact us at the practice.

LONDON ROAD Hospital Walk, King’s Lynn • 01553 773168 HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market • 01366 386655

KLmagazine July 2020

Did you know we are open and available to see many routine as well as non-routine appointments and surgeries at the moment?

We have a behavioural councillor available for all your queries and worries, whether they are related to changing your pet’s routine or not.

We are working hard to maintain strict hygiene and social distancing protocols in order to make your pet’s visit to the practice as safe and reassuring as possible.

info@londonroadvets.co.uk www.londonroadvets.co.uk

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

45

Normal for Norfolk: the UK’s rarest animals...

According to recent research, no less than seven of the ten most elusive animals in the UK are commonly seen in Norfolk. David North of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust talks about the best places to spot them

B

ack in April, birdwatchers in north Norfolk coast were amazed to see a white-tailed sea eagle flying along the coast - an extremely rare bird which used to be the UK’s largest bird of prey and had been extinct in England for more than 200 years.

It was an incredible sight, but maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised, because Norfolk is home to some of the UK’s rarest wild animals.

When the new series of Sir David

Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities series was launched on the Watch TV channel, a special research project led by conservationist Dr Toni Bunnell was commissioned to assemble a list of the 20 most elusive species in the UK - including night jars, slow worms, adders, stoats and weasels, otters, cuckoos and kingfishers.

The results were astonishing, because 70% of the top ten rarest

animals in the UK are commonly found in Norfolk - the remaining three only being found in Scotland (pine martens and golden eagles) and Wales (ravens).

The National Curiosities report also revealed that around 25% of people in the country had never seen animals such as hedgehogs, foxes, frogs and deer in the wild - it’s another reminder of the very special character of Norfolk.

At the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (the oldest trust in the UK) David North is Head of People and Wildlife and says

PICTURES: A few of Norfolk’s commonly-seen animals which are rarely if ever seen elsewhere - a kingfisher (opposite) a stoat (top) and an adder (below) - at right is the whitetailed sea eagle, one of which was recently spotted in Norfolk’s skies for the first time in 200 years

that Norfolk was one of the best places in the country to spot animals that were so rare the majority of the population thought they’d become extinct.

“We might not have pine martens or golden eagles, and we haven’t had any recent sightings of ravens in Norfolk,” he says, “but the rest of the animals in the top ten are relatively common in Norfolk - and in many cases this is the best place to see them.”

The county may soon be able to tick all the boxes on the list, however.

KLmagazine July 2020

“Ravens are gradually heading our way from Wales because we’ve stopped persecuting them and reduced our use of pesticides,” David says.

“They’ve already reached the Midlands, and I don’t think it will be too soon until we see them in Norfolk - in much the same way that the buzzards returned to the county.”

Night jars top the list as being the species the least number of people in Britain have spotted - at least those who live outside Norfolk.

“We’re actually a national stronghold for night jars,” David says, “and although there are only about 4,500 pairs of the birds in the whole country, they can often be seen in north and west Norfolk and at our reserve at Roydon Common. You’ll normally see them flying at night and they probably make the weirdest call of any British bird.”

Stoats and weasels appear in the top five of the UK’s most elusive animals, even though their numbers stand at around 400,000 each.

“They may be hard to spot in other parts of the country, but you’ll often see them all over Norfolk,” David says.

“You’ll normally see them in roadside verges, rough areas of grassland and heathland - Weeting Heath near Thetford is a great place to spot them because of the fantastic warrens.”

Cuckoos have declined in number in Norfolk over recent years, but are still widespread around the county.

In fact most of us mistake them for sparrowhawks and only ‘recognise’ a cuckoo by its distinctive sound.

David says that the best place to see cuckoos is in wetlands such as parts of Breckland and on the Norfolk Broads.

47

“In Norfolk you’ve got a great chance of seeing creatures you’ll probably never see anywhere else...”

Roydon Common and parts of the Brecks are among the best places to see slow worms (they tend to like graveyards and can be spotted basking in the sun on flat gravestones) while Norfolk has always had a healthy adder population - try Holt Country Park, the Brecks and the county’s coastline.

“It’s a venomous snake, so it’s definitely an animal you should view from a distance,” says David. “As long as you’re careful you shouldn’t worry they’re not to keen on getting close to you either!”

One of our most beautiful birds (and one very few people have seen in the wild) is the majestic kingfishers, but they can regularly be seen along Norfolk’s riverbanks - and even in the urban centres of King’s Lynn and Norwich.

“They’re quite widespread in Norfolk, but they’re quite difficult to spot because they’re very elusive and extremely fast,” says David. “If you’re with a group of people, one person will suddenly spot a flash of blue as a kingfisher flies past and before anyone can turn round, it will be gone.”

With widespread concern about the decline of the country’s wildlife, it’s encouraging to know that in Norfolk the natural environment seems to be thriving.

“If you want to see these elusive animals, come to Norfolk, visit our nature reserves, and you’ve got a great chance of seeing creatures you’ll probably never see anywhere else,” says David. “It’s something Norfolk can be very proud of.”

You can learn more about the county’s incredible wildlife and discover the best places to spot some of the rarest animals in the UK by visiting the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s website at www. norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk 48

PICTURES: Cuckoos (top) are widespread around Norfolk, and the otter (bottom) is another of the UK’s ten most elusive animals - and are rarely seen in other parts of the country KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

49

Thank you for all your support and patience, we’re now fully open for business and are ready to take care of our customers needs, old & new.

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Garden Centre & Coffee Shop KLmagazine July 2020

Get your garden in shape safely & professionally...

As we start enjoying the great outdoors, it’s the perfect time to call on the professional treecare services of Heritage Tree Specialists

A

s the height of summer approaches and the fledglings take their first flight to explore a far quieter world, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on what are arguably the most prominent features of our gardens. This is the best time of year to get your trees and hedges looking their very best - especially as we’re about to start enjoying the great outdoors and spending long summer evenings in the garden.

With more than 30 years of experience behind them, Dan Ashton and his fully-qualified team at Heritage Tree Specialists can help get

your exterior spaces in perfect (and perfectly healthy) condition - quickly, safely and professionally.

“Traditionally, this is the time for reductions, pruning and re-shaping work,” says Dan. “It’s also the ideal time to be removing deadwood from larger trees - and for grinding out all those old tree stumps that make mowing the lawn take twice as long!”

Moreover, with demand for their seasoned firewood increasing year on year, Heritage Tree Specialists can arrange special discounts for customers wishing to remove trees completely - providing the reasons for removal are justifiable (and within current regulations) and the timber is of good quality.

With a long-established reputation

for work of the very highest standards and excellent levels of safety and professionalism, Heritage Tree Specialists can give you all the help and advice you need - together with a free quotation on any tree-related issue.

“There’s a famous old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - and that’s particularly true when it comes to trees,” says Dan. “If they’re old, if they’re diseased or if they’re overgrown they can become a real danger to you and your home - so it’s always best to have a professional assessment before things get to that stage. And that’s what we’re here for.”

For a comprehensive (and free) survey of your trees and hedges and a service of the very highest quality, contact Dan and his team at Heritage Tree Specialists today by using the details below.

Heritage Tree Specialists

T: 01553 617008 | W: www.heritagetreespecialists.co.uk E: info@heritagetreespecialists.co.uk | Willow Farm Industrial Units, Saddlebow, King’s Lynn PE34 3AR

KLmagazine July 2020

51

By any other name it’s our national flower...

Many people think the growing of roses is a fine art for the experienced gardener, but as Wendy Warner explains, it’s not as difficult as you may think - and you don’t need any specialist knowledge either

R

egularly voted Britain’s favourite flower, the rose is beautiful and can be used in many different ways throughout the garden.

There are very few gardens without a rose in some form or another, as there are so many types to choose from; Hybrid Tea, Shrub, Floribunda, Ground Cover, Climbing, Rambler or Patio.

Roses are versatile, hardy and they give magnificent colour (often for a long time if repeat-flowering) and many have a wonderful fragrance.

Traditionally, many gardens just had a rose bed. This area of the garden was just planted with roses and looked amazing for six weeks of the year, but it was pretty boring for the other 46 although it did produce some lovely stems that were used for cut-flowers.

As our gardens get smaller and we require more space for leisure activities, a bed dedicated to one plant group which just resembles thorny sticks for a good part of the year is likely to be a thing of the past.

If you want to create a rose bed, underplant with bulbs for early spring colour and a wonderful low, spreading blue catmint, Nepeta, for additional summer colour. Roses can also look lovely planted amongst herbaceous perennials in a border and will give a real cottage garden feel. If space is at a premium, a climbing rose can make a stunning show on the front of the house along a fence or over an arch.

If using on an arch that is regularly walked through, try the variety called Zephirine Drouhin which has thornless stems.

Roses will grow in a wide range of soils and situations, although they prefer a neutral, clay soil which is well drained. They don’t like to sit in water, but they’re heavy feeders and drinkers - and clay soils retain more water and nutrients. Therefore, dig in plenty of organic matter (either homemade garden compost or manure) to improve drainage and the retention of both moisture and nutrients. Most roses will do best in an open situation with plenty of sun - patio roses are ideal for growing in pots and should be planted in John Innes No.3 or a special rose and shrub compost.

To give roses a headstart when planting, use ‘Rootmore’ Mycorrhizal fungi which will bond with the roots and help strengthen them. This product can also be used to overcome ‘replant disease’ if there’s a need to plant a new rose in the same spot as where an old one has died.

KLmagazine July 2020

53

Feed with a powder or granular rose food at least twice a year, first in Spring and again just before and after the first flush of flowers. For roses planted in the ground, sprinkle the directed quantity of food around the base of the plant and then mulch with rotted organic matter. For roses in pots or containers, use a general-purpose liquid feed fortnightly from mid-spring until flower buds form and then a high potash liquid feed such as Tomorite. A quick nutrient boost can be given in the form of a foliar feed of diluted liquid seaweed.

One of the disadvantages of heavy feeding (which roses require) is that soft, lush growth attracts pests.

Planting so that air can circulate through the plant will minimise the risk of pests and disease - and if you do spot aphids on your roses, use a spray such as Roseclear - which will not only kill bugs but also act as a fungicide against black spot and powdery mildew.

Black spot often occurs on leaves in particularly damp summers, and any fallen leaves should be collected in the autumn and destroyed - and not allowed to rot into the ground around the roses because this could increase the problem next year. If you rather not use chemicals, the RHS at Wisley have been spraying a concentrate of garlic on their roses to help promote growth

54

and create a barrier against black spot.

Regular deadheading acts as summer pruning, and for repeat-flowering varieties encourages new shoots and flower buds to form. Any very long shoots can be pruned back by about half their length in autumn. Main pruning should be carried out just prior to the appearance of new growth in spring.

Prune to an outside facing bud to produce an open-centred bush which again will help air circulate throughout the plant and reduce pest and disease problems. Hard pruning will produce stronger growth and later flowering, whilst plants pruned lighter will be weaker growing but earlier flowering.

Obviously there are so many different roses to choose from and it’s often best to decide on the ones you’d like by seeing the flower in ‘real’ life at the garden centre - because the colour will be more accurate than anything shown in a book or catalogue. And of course, you’ll actually be able appreciate the fragrance!

Please look out for the new Timeless collection of roses - with its floristquality, scented, long-lasting blooms in a range of beautiful colours.

Enjoy your roses, and don’t forget what Shakespeare said - it doesn’t matter what you call them, they’ll still smell as sweet!

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN Wendy Warner is the Manager of Thaxters Garden Centre in Dersingham. See the website at www.thaxters.co.uk or telephone 01485 541514 for more details.

FRIENDS OF KL MAGAZINE Wendy is writing a 12-month calendar of jobs for the garden which is exclusive to Friends of KL magazine.

See the feature on page 10 for more details on how to join!

KLmagazine July 2020

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

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KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

We’re full of bright ideas for enjoying the summer Enjoy the long summer evenings for even longer with professional outdoor lighting from the expert team at Bircham Electrical

W

e’ve all spent more time than usual in our gardens over the last few months, and that’s set to continue as we head into the best part of the summer - so there’s never been a better time to contact Bircham Electrical to design and install an outdoor lighting system and highlight your home’s very best features.

“Regardless of how big or how small your garden is, professional outdoor lighting can make a world of difference,” says general manager Darren Goldsby. “In fact, when the sun starts going down you’ll probably find

the exterior of your home looks just as impressive as the interior!”

From simple low-level patio lights to elaborate installations that show your entire home and garden in an entirely new light (literally!), Bircham Electrical have many years’ experience in designing, installing and maintaining outdoor lighting - and it’s something that can still be done under current restrictions and social distancing.

“Because of the nature of our work the safety of our installation team and our customers has always been at the heart of our business,” says Darren.

“We very rarely have to spend any time inside the property for outdoor lighting, but if we do need to access any interior wiring we’ll contact you well in advance and complete the work quickly, responsibly and safely.”

Whatever style you’re looking for and whatever effect you’re trying to create, 4 Wymans Way Industrial Estate Fakenham NR21 8NT

KLmagazine July 2020

Bircham Electrical uses high-quality and energy-efficient British suppliers such as Davey (who’ve been lighting people’s homes for over 130 years) and architectural lighting specialists John Cullen - who’ve lit up everything from superyachts to the Marylebone Hotel in spectacular fashion.

“You can light up your patio for longer-lasting barbecues or you can illuminate the entire house,” says Darren. “People usually worry about seeing cables all over the garden, but if the design is planned and installed at the correct time, you won’t see a single wire!”

For an easy and affordable way to light up your home - and make the summer nights last longer, contact Bircham Electrical today.

Tel: 01328 851824 Web: www.bircham-electrical.co.uk E-mail: admin@birchamelectrical.com

57

With summer in full swing it’s time to head to Norfolk’s incredible coastline and stand out with a sunburst of bright colours and bold prints. Feel fabulous and enjoy a fresh new wardrobe as you soak up the sun…

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Watch our weekly fashion videos by visiting www.cindysfashions.co.uk & follow us on Facebook @cindysfashionssuttonbridge 108 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 9SA KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

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KLmagazine July 2020

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By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Purveyor of Dress Fabrics and Haberdashery P.F.Day & Son King’s Lynn

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Our premises are COVID-19 safe, we have a one way system in place and social distancing practices in the shop.

Card payment is preferred. Our new opening hours are:

9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday Please follow our Facebook page for the latest update, you can order over the phone and there is a small selection of goods to buy on our website.

Dress Fabrics Net Curtains

Curtain Fabrics Craft Fabrics Knitting Wool Haberdashery

41 Broad Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1DP T: 01553 768613 | W: www.thefentshopkingslynn.co.uk

www.allezchic.co.uk

Open Again Drop In Shopping Thurs/Fri/Sat/Mon The shop is open to the public with social distancing measures in place

By Appointment Only Shopping

Contact us to arrange appointment For those who are vulnerable only & virtual can have the shop to themselves shopping Tues/Weds

Virtual Shopping

Shop with us through video call and we’ll try clothes on so you see how they fit!

41 Market Place, Swaffham | 01760 724948 | www.artichokecollection.co.uk | sales@artichokecollection.co.uk

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QE

KLmagazine July 2020

Face & Neck Before

After 10 treatments

Sutha

Time to discover the best version of yourself...

About to celebrate its first anniversary, Sutha Aesthetics takes a very different approach to beauty - and proves that it’s more than skin deep

I

f you’re looking for an inspirational story, look no further than Sutha Bausbacher, whose career as a theatre specialist working with plastic surgeons was interrupted when her husband left her with £20 and two young children.

Now she’s about to celebrate the first anniversary of Sutha Aesthetics, which opened last August and takes a refreshingly different look at beauty treatments.

“Lots of people think that aesthetics is all about injections and fillers but it goes a lot deeper than that,” she says. “If you want a genuinely natural, healthy and subtle look it has to start from within - I just help you become the best version of yourself!”

And people concerned about needles and surgical procedures will be glad to learn that one of Sutha’s most popular treatments is the revolutionary

Venus Freeze - which has been taking the world by storm and has also been described as “the facial without the knife.”

Using radio frequencies and magnetic fields, it smooths fine lines, tightens the skin, and delivers an instant and healthy glow.

“At the moment there really is nothing like it,” says Sutha, who has over 25 years’ nursing experience both locally and in Harley Street. “There are no after-effects such as redness and skin irritation, it’s totally painless, and the results are amazing. It’s actually quite relaxing. It’s very quick as well so you can easily fit it into your lunch break!”

At Sutha’s comfortable and warmly welcoming clinic in the centre of King’s Lynn you’ll find a large choice of beauty treatments including dermal fillers, micro-needling, Dermalux Flex light therapy - together with a wide range of high-quality skincare products from prestigious brands such as AlumierMD

Sutha Aesthetics KLmagazine July 2020

and Skinade.

The results are incredible, but Sutha is equally passionate about combining beauty, self-confidence and empowerment.

“I’m very proud of raising my children and building a successful business on my own,” she says. “I want to engage with the local community and help men and women of all ages to discover just how beautiful they really are.”

St Ann’s House, St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1LT Telephone: 07506 133091 • E-mail: admin@suthaaesthetics.co.uk Website: www.suthaaesthetics.co.uk

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W

Transform your hair at home with Monat products

E L

• 100% plant-based & Cruelty-free • Fuller, shinier, more manageable & faster growing hair If you’re interested in having these products delivered to your door please call us on: 01366 347999 or email chris@thewishsalon.co.uk

COME B

A

C

K

!

We have taken every precaution to make your visit a SAFE one.

Call us now to book your eye examination or to discuss your eye care needs

D.A. Seaman Optometrists Tel 01760 722661 | www.daseaman.org.uk 44 Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7QH.

Norfolk House, High St, Fincham, Norfolk PE33 9EL

OPENING TIMES For up-to-date news please visit our Facebook page or give us a call

FIREPLACES | STOVES | GRANITE WORKTOPS

The LARGEST fireplace & stove showroom in King’s Lynn

Please c all: 079846 87389 for deta ils on our lates t opening hours

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn, PE30 1PH tel: 01553 772564 | web: www.krfireplaces.co.uk 64

Call us today: 01485 524189 Visit: www.supreme-carpets.com Foresters Hall, 49 Manor Rd, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6LH

KLmagazine July 2020

The totally safe way to free yourself from pain...

Discover how Free Your Body Therapy has adapted to the new normal and is using revolutionary techniques to free people from chronic pain

A

t Free Your Body Therapy in the centre of King’s Lynn, Terry Connolly and Jane Cole are continuing to use amazing new techniques to free people from a life of aches and pains - despite the unprecedented impact of the last few months. In fact, Free Your Body Therapy has always had the safety of clients at the top of its list of priorities.

“Because of the work we do we’ve always used alcohol gels and PPE, and we’ve always wiped down high-touch areas between client appointments,” says Terry. “We’re now going above and beyond to ensure the safety of ourselves and our clients - and we’ve taken our precautions to another level.”

Following the very latest official guidelines (and keeping up to date with international research) Free Your Body Therapy now triages all customers

before any appointment, delivering a safe, effective and client-focused prescreening process.

While Jane Cole specialises in sports injuries and acupuncture, Terry Connolly is one of the few people in the world currently offering P-DTR (Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex) as a form of treatment. He combines that with ‘Anatomy in Motion’ gait therapy – a cutting-edge method of correcting postural problems helping with the repair and rehabilitation of past injuries and the relief of pain.

All of his clients are simply amazed at the results and the speed at which they’re achieved, but there are no secrets to Terry’s treatments - he simply looks at the body and the causes of chronic pain in a completely different way.

“For too long we’ve forgotten that the body has been designed

to work as a complete system,” he says. “An injury in one area will often cause nearby muscles and nerves to overwork, compensating for the damage - which means that lingering pain in your shoulder may actually be the result of an old knee injury you’ve totally forgotten about!”

There’s no need to suffer - contact Free Your Body Therapy today to book an appointment. You’ll be safe, you’ll be in very good hands, and you’ll finally be free of pain.

Old Dairy Units, Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 277520 www.freeyourbodytherapy.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2020

Jane & Terry 65

ABOVE: The famous Hoste Arms in Burnham Market is named after Sir William Hoste (opposite) - who spent many years with Horatio Nelson

The story of Norfolk’s other naval hero...

Everyone’s heard of Horatio Nelson, the county also produced Sir William Hoste - who served with Nelson as a young boy, led a glittering naval career, and gave his name to Burnham Market’s pub

T

he Hoste Arms is one of focal points of the beautiful village of Burnham Market, and this popular pub, restaurant, hotel and spa is steeped in history - the bar itself dates back 400 years.

Admiral Lord Nelson (who was born in nearby Burnham Thorpe) is known to have stayed there on a regular basis and used the bar as a recruiting post and though his life and career is well known, fewer people are aware of the man after whom The Hoste Arms is named - and who became one of the greatest captains of the Napoleonic wars.

William Hoste was the second of eight children and was born at Ingoldishorpe in August 1780 (his father was the rector of Godwick and

KLmagazine July 2020

Tittleshall), being educated in King’s Lynn and later at the Paston School in North Walsham - by which time his career path was already set.

When William Hoste was only five years old, his father arranged for his son’s name to be entered in the books of HMS Europa as a captain’s servant, even though he wouldn’t go to sea until he reached the age of 12 or 13 - which was the time war broke out between England and France.

Hoste’s father had little influence and no naval contacts, so he approached his landlord Thomas Coke (who later became the 1st Earl of Leicester, of Holkham Hall) - who in turn introduced him to Horatio Nelson.

Nelson had recently been appointed Captain of HMS Agamemnon, and he

accepted the young William Hoste to join him as a captain’s servant. Hoste boarded his first ship at Portsmouth at the end of April 1793 and became part of the Mediterranean Fleet.

He instantly made a good impression on Nelson, who frequently mentioned the young man in letters to his wife.

“Without exception one of the finest boys I ever met with,” he wrote once.

“His gallantry never can be exceeded, and each day rivets him stronger to my heart.”

In fact, when Nelson moved to HMS Captain in 1796, Hoste went with him and took part in the Battle of Cape St Vincent, when the British defeated a Spanish fleet almost twice its size partly thanks to Nelson disobeying his orders.

67

PICTURES: The destruction of L’Orient at the Battle of the Nile as painted by George Arnald. William Hoste (above right) was only 18 at the time. One of the highlights of his later career was capturing Ragusa (below) from the French - it’s now known as Dubrovnik

The following year William Hoste was transferred (along with Nelson and a few handpicked officers) to HMS Theseus, primarily to restore order and prevent a possible mutiny. Within months, the ship was present at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife - and although Hoste remained aboard and took no part in the assault, he was soon promoted to lieutenant. And before the year was out he took part in the famous British victory at the Battle of the Nile, and it was Nelson’s report that led to William Hoste being appointed actingcaptain of HMS Mutine.

He was still only 18 at the time.

Hoste would command the Mutine until he contracted malaria and then developed a lung infection, which forced him to convalesce with Lord and Lady Elgin in Athens - where he took the opportunity to begin an education in classical antiquity.

Although his career had partly stalled and his health would never be the same again, William Hoste was reunited with Nelson when he was summoned to Spain and given command of the 32-

68

gun ship HMS Amphion. On a delicate diplomatic mission to Algiers, Hoste missed the Battle of Trafalgar by a matter of days, and only learned of Nelson’s death when he returned.

Both events affected him deeply.

“Not to have been in the battle is enough to make one mad,” he wrote to his father, “but to have lost such a friend besides is really sufficient to almost overwhelm me.”

William Hoste now enjoyed the most successful period of his career.

In the Adriatic, he conducted an aggressive campaign against enemy shipping and coastal installations, and brought the enemy’s coastal trade to a halt. By the end of 1809, Hoste and his crew had captured or sunk over 200 enemy ships.

His endeavours were rewarded with the command of a small fleet - and Hoste managed to dominate the Adriatic with just four ships. In fact, in March 1811 Hoste’s small fleet was attacked by twice as many ships - and twice as many guns - in what became known as the Battle of Lissa. Signalling ‘Remember Nelson’ to rally his men, Hoste won a famous victory - and went on to force the French garrison at Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) to surrender.

By then Hoste’s health was diminishing and he was forced to return to England, to be made a baronet and finally

Sir William Hoste in 1815. Aged 48, he developed a cold which affected his already-weakened lungs, and he died of tuberculosis in London, being laid to rest in St John’s Chapel, London.

Today William Hoste is immortalised as ‘Captain Jack Aubrey’ the principal character in over 20 books by Patrick O’Brian, and Hoste Island in Chile is named after him. On a small island in Croatia you’ll find The Sir William Hoste Cricket Club - founded because he once organised a game there.

And, of course, he gave his name to Burnham Market’s famous pub.

Perhaps the last words should be left to his famous mentor.

“His worth as a man and an officer exceeds all which the most sincere friend can say of him,” Nelson once said of Hoste. “I pray God to bless my dear William.”

KLmagazine July 2020

COMING SOON

Exculsively for Friends of KL magazine....

a virtual cookalong with Michelin star chef

Galton Blackiston of Morston Hall

A unique opportunity to have a celebrated and award-winning chef take you step-by-step through a specially selected recipe in your very own kitchen. See below for details of how to join Friends of KL magazine - and cook along with Galton!

For this experience and many more...

Register to become a Friend of KL magazine - simply visit www.klmagazine.co.uk or complete and return the insert in this magazine.

We look forward to welcoming you beck to The Heron

Open on 4th July subject to the government guidelines

During the pub’s period of closure we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring our customers a fabulous new decking area in a safe and idyllic setting. We’ve also been helping the community with our pop-up shop, take-away service and specially delivered afternoon teas.

See you all soon! -Tracey & Stuart

• NEWLY REFURBISHED PUB SET BETWEEN TWO RIVERS • TRADITIONAL HOME-COOKED FOOD • GIN SHELF • AFTERNOON TEAS • B& B • TOURING CARAVAN PARK

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 4TH & 5TH JULY Due to the current circumstances we can only accept pre-bookings at this time

01366 384040 | www.theheronstowbridge.com | The Heron Stowbridge, The Causeway, Stowbridge PE34 3PP

ORIENTAL PALACE

CHINESE RESTAURANT Peking Szechuan & Cantonese Cuisine

Choose as many dishes as you want from the à la carte menu and they’ll be freshly cooked to order - all for one set price!

A message from Oliver Lamps he Oliver amps team hopes this message finds you safe and well during these unprecedented times.

We would just like to let you know that, in line with government business lockdown guidance, we are still trading and able to deliver lamps to anyone who needs them. ll you have to do is drop us a line at the number or email address below and our lighting specialists will help you identify and order the products you require.

We are also pleased to announce that our store on Oak treet will also be open from st uly, strictly observing social-distancing business guidelines.

We look forward to seeing you soon In the current climate, our team will do everything they can to ensure that each order is shipped with limited contact for your peace of mind.

OPENING TIMES

Please visit our website www.orientalpalacewestwinch.co.uk or Facebook page for up-to-date news on our opening times

204 Main Road, West Winch, King’s Lynn, PE33 0NP 01553 842255 | DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

70

OLIVER LAMPS est 1958

T 01328 855028 E sales@oliverlamps.com W www.oliverlamps.com A 26/28 Oak Street, Fakenham NR21 9DY

KLmagazine July 2020

Roast duck breast with stir fry vegetables, potato rosti, pak choi & spiced orange sauce Serves: 2 INGREDIENTS 2 duck breasts 1 pak choi Sesame oil drizzle Knob of butter For the rosti 2 large potatoes Salt and pepper 1 tbsp duck fat For the stir fry 2 carrots 1 red and yellow pepper 2 courgettes 2 red finger chillis Sesame oil drizzle For the sauce 3 oranges juice, zest 2 green cardamoms ¼ stick cinnamon 2 star anise 1 tbsp honey Pinch of salt Cornflour to thicken

1

Prep stir fry, peel, wash vegetables, cut the vegetables fine julienne (you can get a peeler that does this for you really quick).

2 3

Using a pan toast the cracked cardamoms, cinnamon, and star anise.

Juice and zest the oranges, add both to the pan with toasted spices, bring to the boil and simmer for approx. 10 minutes to infuse the flavour, add honey check seasoning and thicken with cornflour to desired consistency.

4

Grate the potatoes heavily salt and pepper them, leave 10mins, add duck fat squeeze juice out mould into a ring and press (I used a burger press however you could layer in a grease tray). Bake at 210°c for approx 10/15 minutes until golden brown.

5

Prep, wash pak choi, (only slice root very finely so it holds together), cut in half lengthways and lightly pan fry on medium heat cut side down to get a good colour use sesame oil and butter.

6

Score duck breast skin in a criss-cross pattern (keep duck in fridge until ready to score this will make it easier to score), In a dry cold pan lay duck breasts season salt, pepper sear on a medium heat until the fat has rendered down, put in oven at 210°c for approx 8-12 minutes depending on how you like it cooked, rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

7 8

Stir fry veg hot pan with sesame oil, this takes very little time.

When slicing duck breast slice diagonal with skin side down this will enable neater slices.

9

Plate as photo drizzle sauce over the sliced duck breast.

Recipe by David Plumb, Head Chef at The Heron The Causeway, Stowbridge PE34 3PP 01366 384040 www.theheronstowbridge.com KLmagazine July 2020

71

Crawfish Inn

T h a i Re staura n t a nd Bar

We are still open for

Takeaway Service We are following government guidelines ~ We can take payment over the telephone ~ Restaurant quality food in a takeaway box View our menu online at:

www.crawfishinn.com tel: 01328 878313

Holt Road, Thursford NR21 0BJ

Takeaway coffee now available in Massey & Co 8am-5pm daily

We look forward to welcoming all guests, old and new back soon!

Keep up to date with us on our social media: thedukesheadhotel dukesheadhotelkingslynn The Dukes Head Hotel, 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS T: 01553 774996 E: reception@dukesheadhotel.com W: www.dukesheadhotel.com

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KLmagazine July 2020

Lamb rump with sour cream mash, chargrilled courgette & anchovy, garlic and rosemary sauce Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 4 x 200g lamb rump 750g peeled potatoes 50g butter Salt 4 x 3inch piece of courgette 500ml beef stock 100ml red wine 2 sprigs rosemary 1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly 200g chopped anchovy 12 roasted garlic cloves

1 2

Boil the potatoes, drain and mash. Add the butter and sour cream.

5

Arrange on the plate, mash first, then lamb, courgette and sauce as you wish.

Garnish with rosemary sprig.

Cut the courgette in half, on an angle.

Blanch for 5 minutes, oil and then chargrill.

3

Add beef stock, red wine, rosemary and redcurrant jelly over heat and reduce until it thickens. Add anchovy and roasted garlic.

4

Seal rump in frying pan, season with salt and then roast in oven at 180°c for 6 minutes. Leave meat to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe by Stuart Deuchars Head Chef at The Dukes Head Hotel 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JS 01553 774996 www.dukesheadhotel.com KLmagazine July 2020

73

b

the berney

See you soon!

We’re really missing our lovely customers and can’t wait to welcome you back. By the time you’re reading this we hope to be even closer to opening, but in the meantime we’re all wishing you were here!

Follow us on social media for our opening date

E theberney Q @theberney

The Berney, Church Road, Barton Bendish PE33 9GF | www.theberney.co.uk

CURRENT OPENING TIMES: Tuesday-Saturday 7am-2pm

NEW! Coming very soon take away lunches & dinners We cook the fish for you freshly prepared to order.

NEW SEASON SAMPHIRE

We also have new fresh produce supplies including salads, vegetables, herbs, every ingredient you need to complete the perfect meal.

LOCAL LOBSTERS

Recipe box of the week: try cooking your perfect fish or seafood dish at home.

Our weekly recipe boxes contain a recipe card and all the ingredients in exact measurements for you to follow at home.

Our produce is locally sourced Follow us on Facebook @Donaldsons Fishmongers or call us to find out more

D NALDS NS A fresh taste of the sea

Austin Fields, King’s Lynn | Tel: 01553 772241

74

KLmagazine July 2020

Flavour of the Month

A safer way to enjoy some of the best fish and chips in the UK

L

ast summer was a particularly hectic time for local restaurateur and chef Eric Snaith. In addition to overseeing the kitchens at Titchwell Manor and Eric’s Fish & Chips at Drove Orchards at Thornham, he’d also managed to find time to open two new restaurants.

In June he’d launched Eric’s Fish & Chips in St. Ives in Cambridgeshire, and the following month opened his third fish and chip shop in Holt.

In fact, things were looking very promising for the deliciously different fish and chip experience - so much so that in April this year Eric’s Fish & Chips (Holt) was voted one of the 10 best fish and chip shops in the whole of the UK

by Fry Magazine.

KLmagazine July 2020

But by then, of course, everything had changed - and the hospitality industry was hit particularly hard by the impact of COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdown.

Now however, Eric and his restaurants can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

“We’re currently offering an online click and collect service at all our restaurants which is proving really popular and effective at controlling the number of orders we take and the amount of people on site at any one time.”

Eric’s kitchen and service teams are continuing to adjust their working practices to keep things as safe as possible for customers and staff, and they’ve already been making changes to give customers confidence and create a truly safe environment when they’re finally allowed to reopen.

At the Thornham restaurant, Eric’s been working with a Thetfordbased friend in the design and creation of a robust, attractive and modular screen system to partition

tables, dining and service areas, which will allow Eric’s Fish & Chips to re-open and protect the health and welfare of all customers.

“The results are fantastic and the feedback we’ve received has been great,” says Eric. “Warren Screens has recently been launched at www.

WarrenScreens.co.uk to offer this brilliant solution to all businesses in the hospitality sector - which could make all the difference to many venues in making reopening viable or not.”

Which is great news for everyone who’s fallen in love with Eric’s Fish & Chips over the last few years especially the brilliant fish burgers, the famous black garlic mayonnaise and those perfectly-cooked chips.

ERIC’S FISH & CHIPS Online Click & Collect www.ericsfishandchips.com Thornham 12-2pm and 4-8pm seven days a week

Holt Wednesday 4-8pm only, Thursday to Saturday 12-2pm and 4-8pm daily

St Ives Wednesday and Thursday 12-2pm and 4-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12-8pm only

75

ABOVE: From one extreme to the other - the tiny Chapel of Ease at Guyhirn makes a stark contrast agains the grandeur of St Nicholas in the centre of King’s Lynn (opposite)

Little and large: our local Chapels of Ease They’re probably the biggest and the smallest examples in the whole country. Russell Lyon traces the origins of our Chapels of Ease and compares St Nicholas in King’s Lynn with Guyhirn Chapel...

T

o all appearances it would seem that apart from being places of worship, the inconspicuous little chapel in the small Fenland village of Guyhirn and the towering magnificence of St Nicholas Chapel in King’s Lynn have very little in common.

But they do have a common link.

They are both Chapels of Ease, and while St Nicholas is reported to be the largest Chapel of Ease in England, I suspect the one at Guyhirn may be the smallest.

Chapels of Ease were built to make it easier for parishioners to get to church when their designated parish church KLmagazine July 2020

was some distance away. It sounds odd, but getting around in those distant times largely meant walking - which was was particularly unpleasant when the weather was bad.

Guyhirn’s (very) little chapel was built around 1660 during the last year of the Protectorate before Charles II was restored to the crown. It must have been a non-conformist puritan chapel at first, but after the Act of Uniformity it became a Chapel of Ease to save parishioners from having to walk three miles across the wet and muddy fen to get to the parish church in Wisbech St Mary. Guyhirn would have to wait another 200 years before it got its own

parish church.

Meanwhile, St Nicholas Chapel in King’s Lynn sits within the parish of The Minster, which is only half a mile away across the town. You may think such a short journey hardly justified a Chapel of Ease, but the town’s devout Christians may have faced some particular local difficulties in medieval times.

When the chapel was rebuilt from the original Norman foundations and completed in 1429 (50 years after work had started) the lanes of King’s Lynn were tightly packed together, very filthy, frequently dangerous and often flooded thanks to unpredictable tidal

77

PICTURES: The restrained interior of the Chapel of Ease at Guyhirn is a beautifully calm place

Chapels of Ease were built to make it easier for parishioners when their church was a distance away waters. Of course, the chapel may also owe its existence to the growth of the ‘north end’ of King’s Lynn which had developed significantly and was populated by many prosperous merchants.

The chapel in Guyhirn is now redundant, but is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. It’s set back from the road in a very tranquil spot. The plain rectangular building has a small wooden bell tower on top of the west wall and is surrounded by ancient headstones and some large trees. Inside, it consists of a single room with a pulpit in one corner high enough for any preacher to see and notice any transgressions and naughty restless children.

The oak pews are now a beautiful silvery grey colour and are set close together to make kneeling for prayer (a Roman Catholic tradition) impossible.

The room is wonderfully bright due to 78

the flood of light through the mullioned windows, which I suspect kept the interior of the chapel reasonably warm.

It is a plain little building and very austere, but somehow it’s all the better for it - the faith of the generations is somehow accentuated by the lack of ecclesiastical decorations.

Sir John Betjeman had a passion for old churches and the Poet Laureate wrote a short verse while he was President of the Friends of Guyhirn Chapel of Ease: In brick and stone and glass and wood Three centuries has this beacon stood Puritan relic of the past Built to shine and built to last Long on its one East Anglian level It praises God and shames the devil By way of contrast, St Nicholas in King’s Lynn (rebuilt from the original church) now has an impressive Victorian spire designed by George Gilbert Scott. Not many Norfolk churches have steeples and this distinctive one was used by ships entering the town’s port as an aid to navigation.

It’s a triumph and a great tribute to the grand restoration project completed in 2015 which was supported by the Lottery Heritage Fund.

This beautiful chapel is very large - it’s about 200 feet long.

The late medieval

wooden roof with its individuallycarved angels soaring high above the nave is truly awe-inspiring. Every angel holds a different musical instrument – there’s even one with a recorder.

As at Guyhirn, this chapel is anything but dark and dingy. Much light radiates through its huge windows.

There is so much to admire within the chapel itself, including the christening font that was first used to baptise baby Anne Raylie in 1627 (she sadly only lived for 24 days), the beautiful stained glass windows, the huge ship’s anchor and the medieval latten eagle bolted to the floor.

One very unusual feature on your immediate left as you enter the nave are some benches arranged around a table. In the 17th century this was the setting for an ecclesiastical court, where the archdeacon of the time would preside over mostly family matters such as marriage disputes and divorce.

For me, the most striking features of the chapel are the many family memorials to parents and little children arranged around the walls. The lifelike effigies are realistic and brightly painted, and while they’re slightly macabre and unsettling they’re also a fascinating glimpse into a long-lost world.

I’m not sure where I’d rather spend time in peaceful reflection. Both chapels have their unique charms, from the grandeur of St Nicholas to the intimacy of the little chapel in Guyhirn.

KLmagazine July 2020

An exclusive development of eight elegant town houses and one apartment.

Prices from ÂŁ175,000* Launching Saturday 18th July Viewing by appointment only.

For further information please contact Savills

01603 229229 | fcooper@savills.com | www.savills.co.uk Computer generated images of Swan Court development *Prices correct at time of going to press

Subject to terms and conditions

Become a friend of KL magazine Now there’s even more reasons for you to join...

• Be the first to know when the next issue is available • Receive advance notice of where to find your copy • Keep up to date with our latest news • Help us keep our KL magazine community together See the feature on pages 10-11 for more details and information

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Become a Friend of KL magazine by visiting www.klmagazine.co.uk and completing the online form, or fill in the special insert enclosed in this issue and post it to us.

Treat your home to a totally unique new look Individually designed and expertly crafted in Norfolk, Rudd Joinery’s exquisite range of bespoke timber products has to be seen to be believed...

F

or over 20 years family-run business Rudd Joinery has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries in modern joinery techniques, and this continues today with a superior range of products that blend the beauty of the past with the very latest performance technology.

From the company’s workshop just outside Fakenham, Rudd Joinery produces exquisitely-crafted bespoke joinery from responsibly sourced and FSC-certified timber. Which means you can treat your home to a totally unique and individual look - safe in the knowledge you’re being kind to our planet.

“As we manufacture all our products, we can tailor them to suit our clients’ brief, so they’re not forced to choose from a limited range of styles,” says Jamie Rudd. “Over the years we’ve worked on countless refurbishments, new build projects, heritage properties and smaller-scale home improvements - and every single one has been made to the

KLmagazine July 2020

customer’s exact requirements.”

Rudd Joinery is one of the very few companies in the area currently offering windows that have passed the latest PAS24 standard for enhanced security - including their Performance flush and Performance Storm window designs, along with popular sliding sash windows. All are available with a choice of colours, hardware and glazing options.

The company’s range of doors tell a similar story in terms of quality and performance - whether you choose entrance doors, French doors, bifold doors, sliding doors or even the attractive Norfolk Bead & Butt door that adds a timeless touch to any property.

Rudd Joinery also designs, manufactures and installs a stunning range of staircases, conservatories and garden rooms - all of them crafted to the very highest standards demanded by the company’s association with the British Woodworking Federation.

There are many advantages of timber over plastic or aluminium alternatives.

“Timber today requires minimal

maintenance, is a natural insulator, is more tactile than aluminium and more attractive than plastic - and it actually lasts far longer,” says Jamie. “And of course, don’t forget that from cradle to factory gate a uPVC window creates twice as much carbon as a timber window - and an aluminium window creates almost four times as much!”

For a totally new look at windows, doors and conservatories, contact Jamie and the team at Rudd Joinery to talk through your ideas, and don’t worry - Rudd Joinery has already introduced a safe approach to installations according to the very latest guidelines.

81

ABOVE: Workers of English Oilfieds Ltd at Stechey, where they were at the centre of a hive of industry - and a west Norfolk oil rush

Norfolk’s boom and bust rush for ‘black gold’ Located a few miles south of King’s Lynn, Setchey is a quiet and peaceful village, but as Alison Gifford explains it was the rapidlydeveloping centre of the country’s search for oil during the 1920s

Y

ou might think the idea of finding an oil well in a Norfolk back garden is a rather unlikely one, but in 1918 ‘black gold’ was discovered in the village of Setchey (known locally as ‘Setch’) just outside King’s Lynn.

The Kimmeridge oil shales at Setchey were first found when the Puny Drain was cut, and the race for oil began.

In fact, the Setchey Oil Works were planned as “the largest retorting, condensing, and refining plant in England.” At the time there was deep concern in the British government following the First World War about dependence on foreign oil imports from the Middle East and the USA KLmagazine July 2020

which could have cost the allies victory over Germany because the Royal Navy had moved from coal to oil before the war, mistakenly confident in continuing foreign oil supplies.

The Royal Navy was the main user of oil at this time - and while coal was still preferred by industry, ships, lorries and tanks for the war effort all needed oil.

After the war the race was well and truly on to find and produce British oil.

Setchey could well be described as THE original fracking site, but crucially it lacked the modern technology needed to extract the oil from the shale.

English Oilfields Ltd was launched in 1918 to progress the project, which was fronted by the charismatic William Forbes-Leslie who’d been involved

in mining in South Africa and quickly established himself as a national leading authority on oil shales. ForbesLeslie was appointed as managing director and the company’s principal spokesman, proving to be a persuasive orator - and his presentations to shareholders were often met by applause.

The company was successful in raising capital and soon began construction of works, mines and a railway.

In the space of 18 months, normallytranquil Setchey was transformed into a noisy, bustling hive of industry with a canteen and its own football team. The local pubs were packed with lodgers, and anyone who wanted a job turned 83

“Setchey could well be described as the original fracking site, but it lacked the modern technology...” up and got one - the money was good too.

Up went the distillation works, the retorts, a refining plant and the workshops needed for the oil producing process - even a railway was built to link the sprawling complex with the main line between King’s Lynn and Ely. A 200-foot pit and several seams were to be mined together.

A wooden township sprouted up beside the King’s Lynn to Downham Market road, providing offices and accommodation for the hordes of men and their families who poured into the village from far and wide.

“We have found that mining in the shale is economical and cheap,” pronounced the company, “roofs and floors being available, and the structure of the seams giving natural facilities for mining.”

In theory, three gallons of oil could be refined from 20 tons of shale - so it would have to be a very efficient process indeed to make any profit.

The site eventually covered 25 acres, and in September 1920 it was reported that a batch of eight retorts were working. Shale was heated in the retorts to extract the oil which still needed considerable chemical processing to produce anything like useable oil.

Despite intensive experimentation with various designs of retort, it proved impossible to develop a means of extracting oil from the shale that didn’t retain an unacceptably high level of sulphur.

While that research continued, a succession of good news stories were released to the press throughout 1920 in which Forbes-Leslie announced great new discoveries and breakthroughs that would seal the success of the company. This included a fanciful conjecture that liquid petroleum and other mineral riches 84

ABOVE: The oilfield at Setchey was so large it even had its own football team, but the search for oil (and riches) ultimately came to nothing and by the 1950s it was virtually abandoned

lay beneath the shale throughout the company’s lands - extensive boring would subsequently disprove this.

Regardless, construction continued on an ambitious scale before a practical process had been developed to produce any oil. Although not designed as a scam, lots of money was still being invested to develop the oilfield - when the chances of success was probably known to be vanishingly small.

After about 1926, English Oilfields abandoned most of the site and began to dispose of the plant, and gradually the unused land returned to farming.

Part of the works remained to extract sulphur for medicinal uses, while shale ash was turned into fertiliser and some experimental work continued at the plant until the 1950s.

Aerial photographs from the 1950s show the many disused buildings, including the 150foot tall furnace chimney, which was constructed with bricks made from clay discovered on site.

English Oilfields went into

liquidation in 1960, its one and only dividend to shareholders being paid out with the money from the plant sale and the towering chimney being demolished the following year.

“After dominating the little village on the A10 to Cambridge for 40 years the giant stack now lies a river of red brick across the common,” reported the local press, adding that a crowd gathered “to watch the death of the giant.”

A story of boom and bust and a rush for black gold in Norfolk? It sounds incredible, but it’s absolutely true.

KLmagazine July 2020

West Norfolk: Then & Now

STILL MAKING A GRAND ENTRANCE...

The iconic South Gate of King’s Lynn was originally built in the 15th century and offered a spectacular welcome to the historic town. It used to straddle the

entire width of the road until London Road was widened in 1899 to help improve traffic flow.

The image above was sent to us by KL magazine reader Barbara Welch, but she is unsure of the date it was taken she thinks it may be from the early 20th century and may have been taken to celebrate the new-look London Road.

Following a £80,000 restoration in

1982 it’s still as impressive as it ever was - and its unique nature and importance is reflected in its status as a Scheduled Ancient monument and a Grade I listed building.

If any readers can help date the original image more accurately we’d love to hear from you - and we’ll be taking another trip down memory lane in our next issue.

You can share your old photos of the area with us on social media@klmagazine 86

KLmagazine July 2020

Insuranceinsights Our monthly look at insurance issues for you and your family with the experts at Adrian Flux...

Catch-up time to enjoy the open road in your classic car

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With lockdown beginning to ease the open road could soon be beckoning, especially if you have a classic car that has been gathering dust in the garage for the past few months...

efore you venture out there are a number of easy DIY checks you should make. Top priority is to check the engine oil and coolant levels. Spot for leaks by looking under the car for telltale signs of dripping oil or water.

You should also examine your tyres, checking for cracks, bulges or deflation, wiper blades, screen wash, lights and other electrical components.

Rather discover a dodgy brake light now and pay a couple of pounds for a replacement bulb than getting a £60 fixed penalty notice a mile along the road.

Don’t forget to check the spare tyre too, it could be a number of years since it saw the light of day and it may well have lost pressure.

It sounds rather obvious but you will also need to check the car is still street legal. Does it still have tax and MOT (if they are required) and it is insured?

Some classic owners may have taken

advantage of laid-up cover during lockdown. Laid-up cover is a better option than simply cancelling your insurance because even when unused and parked in a garage, cars can get damaged by accident or by fire and they can be targeted by thieves or vandals.

With laid-up cover you save money because there’s no third party or liability insurance needed while you’re off the road, but the vehicle is still protected.

You will need to amend your insurance once you want to bring the car back into service and if it’s a classic you may want to consider a limited mileage policy.

The fewer miles you drive, the more you save. King’s Lynn-based Adrian Flux was a pioneer of limited mileage insurance and they can offer cover for vehicles driven for as few as 1,500 miles a year, which would be perfect for helping maintain a concours condition classic.

Adrian Flux is equally happy finding value for money deals for classic cars in everyday use too.

What constitutes a classic car can sometimes be a matter of dispute, but Adrian Flux has a broader definition than many competitors. They will consider cars as young as five years old for classic status.

They can arrange great cover whether your car is a Vauxhall VX220, Austin Seven or even a trusty Ford Cortina. Other classic car schemes offered by Adrian Flux include cover for popular models such as the Hillman Imp, Morris Marina, MGB and MX5, and historic marques such as Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Triumph and Opel.

The best deals with classic car insurance experts Adrian Flux are only available over the phone and cannot be found on price comparison sites. Call 01553 400399 for a quote.

TEL: 01553 400399 | EMAIL: contact-us@adrianflux.co.uk WEB: www.adrianflux.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2020

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ABOVE: The spectacular library of Blickling Hall contains over 12,000 books and is part of the Unlocking The Archive project to make our county’s priceless collections more accessible

Unlocking the archive and uncovering heritage For the last five years a team of scholars have been working on a remarkable project to shine a new light on Norfolk’s priceless and unique collections of historic books - and making them accessible

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orfolk’s literary heritage is well documented, and includes such famous names as Anna Sewell, Bill Bryson and Philip Pullman - and the county has attracted some of the greatest writers in English literature. The poet WH Auden went to school in Holt, Jane Austen wrote about the north Norfolk coast, The Hound of the Baskervilles was inspired by the local legend of Black Shuck and Arthur Conan Doyle’s visits to Cromer Hall, and Charles Dickens used Great Yarmouth as the main setting for David Copperfield.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, to learn that Norfolk is also home to some of the most important book collections in the country – and for the last five years a team led by scholars at the UEA has been raising the awareness of this unique store

KLmagazine July 2020

of priceless books, which is probably the county’s greatest (if little-known) treasures.

Unlocking The Archive (UTA) was founded in 2015 by Dr Tom Roebuck, lecturer in Renaissance Literature at the UEA – who was soon joined by lecturer in Early Modern Literature Dr Sophie Butler.

The project’s initial aim was to increase the public awareness and appreciation of the outstanding collection of Renaissance books held in the Norfolk Heritage Centre in the centre of Norwich, and a series of ongoing initiatives have demonstrated the different ways these publiclyowned books can still be living sources of inspiration and use today.

Now safely housed in Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library in the centre of Norwich, The Norfolk Heritage Centre can trace its roots back

to 1608 when the city’s mayor founded the first public library in England outside London.

Still in public hands, the centre contains thousands of volumes including illustrated books from the earliest years of the printing, local maps covering the last 500 years, the very first book printed in Norwich, and some of the most important English translations of the Bible. It’s an extraordinary collection which offers fascinating insights into the ways readers engaged with these texts (thanks to the frequent handwritten notes) and for more information about the library’s contents and to access the rare books collection for yourself, you can visit the Norfolk Heritage Centre website.

Two years after its foundation Unlocking The Archive teamed up with graphic designer Darren Leader

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PICTURES: The Unlocking The Archive project is revealing how our medieval and Renaissance books can be living sources of inspiration

Norfolk is home to some of the most important and valuable book collections in the entire country... (of Darren Leader Studio) to create New Impressions, a remarkable research project and exhibition which used contemporary designers, artists and print makers to redesigning and reimagine the county’s treasure trove of Renaissance books.

The results were so successful, in fact, that New Impressions was also presented through a week-long exhibition in early 2018.

It was the same year that UTA teamed up with the National Trust and embarked on a five-year conservation project in the spectacular library at

90

Blickling Hall – which contains some 12,500 books.

Largely composed of religious and historical works the incredible visual appearance of Blickling’s library collection hides the fact that it was a collection assembled intended for scholarly use rather than to impress visitors.

In the last few years the UTA team has been making the library more accessible to visitors in a number of innovative ways, such as interactive, hands-on public events and rare books training sessions with Blickling’s volunteers.

One of the UTA’s most interesting recent projects has been the creation of a freely-downloadable ‘walking’ map that enables you to retrace the steps of the actors, entertainers and audiences (and even the visit of Elizabeth I in 1578) that contributed to Norwich’s extraordinarily rich cultural past. The map – called Festive Tudor and Stuart Norwich - is based on the latest research, and it allows visitors to enjoy the city in a completely different way and uncover a fascinating past.

During this period Norwich had a very active culture of musical performance centred on the activities of its civicfunded minstrels (known as the Waits) and on the choirmasters, singers and composers associated with the city’s Cathedral.

Based on public engagement and regular

events, the work of UTA has obviously been put on hold over the last few months, but it’s been an incredible journey so far. And we can’t wait to read the next chapter.

You can read more about Unlocking the Archive (and download the Festive Tudor and Stuart Norwich walking map) on the project’s official website at www.unlockingthearchive.co.uk

KLmagazine July 2020

TheBigRead Few things are better than a good book - especially if they’re this good!

SHIP OF THESEUS V. M. Straka (allegedly)

Is it a book? Is it an elaboratelyproduced puzzle? Is it a work of art? Actually, Ship of Theseus is probably all three. To all intents and purposes, what you have in your hands is a library copy of a book that was written by an enigmatic writer in 1949 - but the yellowed and stained pages are covered in handwritten notes that chart the growing relationship between a couple called Jennifer and Eric. It’s also full of postcards, handwritten letters, maps, photocopied articles, photographs and press cuttings the pair have inserted into the book at relevant points. It’s an astonishing book and you’ll find it hard to believe you’re not in sole possession of a unique item.

It’s a genuine treasure.

FROM CRIME TO CRIME Richard Henriques

Retired High Court judge Richard Henriques has been involved in some of the most famous cases of the late 20th and early 21st century - from the trials of Harold Shipman and the killers of James Bulger to the appeals of Jeremy Bamber and the man accused of murdering Jill Dando. His first sentence (excuse the pun) makes clear that he’s not particularly interested in publicity or becoming a celebrity. His gripping accounts of the trials are fascinating in themselves, but it’s his outspoken and insightful analysis of the current state of the British legal system that will stay with you.

THE FEAR BUBBLE Ant Middleton

You’ve probably seen him shouting and swearing (a lot) on Channel 4’s popular SAS: Who Dares Wins, but there’s a lot more to Ant Middleton than the odd f-word. In his latest book, Middleton retells the story of his death-defying climb of Mount Everest and reveals the concept of the ‘fear bubble’ - showing how it can be used in our lives to help us break through our limits. A powerful, unflinching and an inspirational call to action, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to push themselves a little bit further, harness their fears and conquer their own personal Everests.

THIS IS BIG Marisa Meltzer

When New York housewife Jean Nidetch was mistakenly asked if she was pregnant in 1963 (she wasn’t) she swiftly lost five stone and went on to found Weight Watchers, a company that would shape the next five decades of diet culture. Put on her first diet at the age of five, Marisa Metzer read about the death of Nidetch and signed up for a year of Weight Watchers - counting points, weighing in and listening to other members’ stories of struggling with their bodies. The result is a truly fascinating book - part biography of an idiosyncratic entrepreneur, part history of body politics, and a personal (and often hilarious) account of a woman’s journey towards a different way to live.

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KLmagazine July 2020

FLASH CRASH Liam Vaughan

On May 6th 2010, financial markets around the world suddenly crashed and more than £1 trillion was lost in less than five minutes. What on earth happened? No one had a clue. Enter Navinder Singh Sarao, who was brought up in a working-class West London neighbourhood and played the markets in his bedroom like a video game - and managed to amass almost £80 million in the process. He built his own system to protect himself from unscrupulous traders and everything was great until the FBI knocked on his door.

This real-life financial thriller uncovers the remarkable stories of a mystifying market crash and a globe-spanning investigation into international fraud and the man at the centre of both.

THE IRON MAN Ted Hughes

Often described as a novel, this wonderful story is little more than 60 pages long - but it manages to have more depth, more interest, more atmosphere and more impact than most books ten times its length. For many, many people this is the book that introduced them to the pleasures of reading - and they never looked back. It really is that good. Ted Hughes may have received a rather harsh press lately because of his relationship with his his equally-talented wife Sylvia Plath, but there’s a reason why he was voted the 4th greatest British writer since 1945. Stunningly entertaining, brilliantly bared back and compelling from start to finish, this is an astonishing work of art that proves the pen really is mightier than the sword.

THE FIREMAN Joe Hill

You can forgive Orion Books for giving this three-year-old book a new cover, because it’s a a chilling novel about a worldwide pandemic that (literally) spreads across the world like wildfire.

There’s no vaccine and no one is safe.

The central character is a nurse called Harper Grayson (who’s obsessed with Mary Poppins) and she not only has the virus - she’s pregnant as well.

Oh, and then there’s The Fireman of course. It’s a great story for our times - it’ll have you laughing on one page, crying on the next, and making sure all your doors and windows are safely locked on the third. And you’ll never listen to a Christmas carol in quite the same way again.

KING’S LYNN HISTORY TOUR Paul Richards

Paul Richards hardly needs an introduction to local readers, and we’re eagerly anticipating his new book on the history and development of the Hanseatic League. While we’re unable to join him in person for one of his endlessly fascinating walks, this unique guide is a brilliant way of discovering the captivating past of this wonderful market town. Paul Richards guides the reader through the town’s many historical streets and shows how the famous landmarks and hidden gems of King’s Lynn have transformed over time. You may think you know King’s Lynn, but with the help of Paul Richards you’ll soon realise that there’s a lot more to this town than meets the eye.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP

For almost 40 years, Waterstones has been championing the joy of the written word, the pleasure of the printed book, and the value of the local bookshop. We’ve really enjoyed sharing some of our favourite reads this month, and we’ll have some more personal recommendations for you next month. We love books and we love introducing the best ones to new readers. Please come see us at 137-138 Norfolk Street in King’s Lynn or follow us on Facebook (Waterstones King’s Lynn) or Instagram @WaterstonesKingsLynn

KLmagazine July 2020

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ABOVE: Groups of travelling players regularly left London for King’s Lynn to perform in pubs and in grand venues such as St George’s Guildhall

All the world’s a stage especially in King’s Lynn For almost 600 years, King’s Lynn has been a favourite venue for actors - and the world’s most famous playwright. Paul Richards looks back at a dramatic tradition and the buildings that staged it...

F

rom the 15th to 17th centuries Lynn ranked in the premier league of England’s towns and seaports – changing its name from Bishop’s Lynn to King’s Lynn in 1537. Alderman John Spence had owned Clifton House and The Bull in the town’s High Street (on the site of today’s Nip & Growler alehouse), and in 1610 he described Lynn as “a lardge [sic] and populous towne [sic] and there is a great resorte [sic] of people there both by sea and by land.”

During these three centuries Lynn’s high urban status was reflected in a rich tradition of civic drama and festivities, and its two imposing guildhalls and KLmagazine July 2020

two market places - as well as the courtyards of the larger inns - were the theatres. The Holy Trinity Guildhall and St George’s Guildhall became the property of the Corporation in 1548 as the Reformation initiated by Henry VIII unfolded, which meant that town theatre no longer sprang from its nowdefunct religious guilds - but groups of travelling players who left London when the plague was rife there.

The mayor’s band (they were called ‘waites’) played in the Trinity Guildhall in the Saturday Market Place and the surrounding streets during the winter.

Their music accompanied the nativity plays in the hall which were organised

by the Holy Trinity Guild, such as the one that took place in January 1445.

Supported by Lynn’s many other guilds, it also organised Easter plays in the town’s two market places.

Groups of travelling players were performing for the mayor and Corporation in the Trinity Guildhall by the 1580s and 1590s - such companies were regular visitors to Lynn, and the Queen’s Players visited the town seven times between 1585 and 1595. They were obliged to call on the mayor for a licence to perform, which was usually granted since the companies usually had VIP and aristocratic patrons. Their audiences in the hall were composed 95

“Lynn’s high urban status was reflected in a rich tradition of civic drama and festivities in its many inns and theatres...” of the town’s merchant rulers and local landed gentry.

Only the outbreak of the plague caused the Corporation to deny travelling players entry to the town, something it had to do during no less than 10 epidemics between 1584 and 1636. In addition, the onset of Puritanism in the 1620-30s made these troupes of actors even more unwelcome in English towns. Actors might not only carry the plague but the plays themselves were regarded as lewd, sinful and ungodly!

A few hundred yards from the Trinity Guildhall stands St George’s Guildhall on King Street - which isn’t just a medieval building of national importance, but is also the oldest working theatre in England. This exceptional building was completed by 1428 and was funded by the wealth generated by the overseas trade of Lynn’s merchant princes. The earliest record of a theatrical production is of the nativity play with local actors that was also performed in the Trinity Guildhall in January 1445. The event

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was hosted by the mayor and included a supper attended by Lady Bardolf.

Travelling companies of actors played in the hall following the dissolution of Lynn’s religious guilds in 1548, and the evidence is compelling that Shakespeare himself played in the hall with the Earl of Pembroke’s Men in 1593.

Literary scholar and Shakespearean expert Professor Andrew Gurr has pointed to the hard evidence indicating the Bard was with the company over 1592/3 when they played at Lynn.

ABOVE: Inns often had large courtyards in which players could perform and balconies from where the public could watch. The grandest in Shakespeare King’s Lynn was the (now vanished) King’s Head may also have visited Lynn alongside Robert Players from London also performed in Armin, who’d been born in the town Lynn’s market places on stages outside in 1565. His father was a tailor, and the principal inns. the family home and workshop were The restoration of Charles II in located at today’s 78 High Street.

1660 liberated the theatre from the Robert was apprenticed to a London constraints imposed by the Puritans on goldsmith, but became an actor with travelling players, and they developed the King’s Men after 1603, played the circuits based on provincial capitals Fool in King Lear (among several other such as Norwich and Ipswich. Theatre roles) and is credited with being a companies came to King’s Lynn and formative influence on Shakespeare. used St George’s Guildhall during In Tudor and Stuart times, travelling the Mart season in February and into players also performed in the March. In fact, so successful was this courtyards of inns to entertain the ‘Comedia House’ that the Corporation majority of townspeople outside the built an Elizabethan style theatre inside ‘magic circle’ of local merchant rulers. the medieval Hall in 1766 for £450, Before The Duke’s Head dominated the and England’s greatest Shakespearean Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn actors performed there until it closed in in 1686 and took away its custom, the 1814 to become a warehouse - until its grandest inn in King’s Lynn was The restoration as a theatre in 1951. Today, King’s Head (or Great Inn) which was rather fittingly, it’s home to the King’s situated between The Maid’s Head and Lynn Festival - continuing a dramatic St Nicholas Street and had a courtyard tradition that stretches back almost 600 and stables in 1605. years.

Inns of the time had balconies around their courtyards which offered excellent Paul Richards is currently composing a viewing platforms from which to watch town walk called ‘Festive Lynn’ and is the plays performed below. Payment involved with the research committee was more easily secured by a travelling of the Shakespeare’s Guildhall Trust. For company when the public had to more details, see the website at enter through a gate into such spaces. www.shakespearesguildhalltrust.org.uk

KLmagazine July 2020

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Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

I

must confess that I haven’t played the National Lottery since the day it was launched (it was actually my birthday and I won £10) but I’ve always been fascinated by the lengths people will go to in order to improve their chances of winning.

Mrs Middleton does what most people do every week, and chooses numbers based on the household’s birthdays - which in our case includes the cat. The numbers are 2, 3, 11, 19, 25 and 28 if you’re interested.

What few people realise is that a random draw does exactly what it says on the tin - it’s totally and utterly random. Which means anything can happen. In Bulgaria on September 6th 2009, the winning numbers were 4, 15, 23, 24, 35 and 42. Nobody won, but over the next seven days 18 people chose exactly the same numbers in the hope they’d come up again. And they did. That’s randomness for you.

Talking of which, on March 23rd 2016 the winning numbers in the UK Lottery were 7, 14, 21, 35, 41 and 42 and maths teachers will have already spotted that’s an almost perfect run of multiples of seven. Incredibly, over 4,000 people chose those numbers that week, so the first prize had to be shared between about 80 times more people than normal. In fact, the winners of that week’s lottery received a meagre £15 - considerably less than the £25 given to people who matched only three numbers!

If you’re one of the 10,000 people who choose the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 every week I’d suggest it’s time to re-think your strategy.

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In fact, when it comes to lotteries there’s really only one strategy - you need to choose numbers that other people are less likely to pick. Don’t select numbers in an obvious sequence, avoid numbers likely to be dates or anniversaries, and don’t be tempted into thinking it’s about time that a certain number was picked.

The rather sobering reality is that if you play the lottery every week you can expect to win the top prize once in every 780,000 years.

It used to be slightly easier. Five years ago, Camelot decided that instead of trying to match six numbers from 49, you’d now needed to do it from 59 numbers. It was great, they said. You now had “more numbers to pick from” - which was obviously true, but also ignored the fact that the chances of winning the lottery had reduced from 1 in 14 million to 1 in 45 million.

Which means you’ve got a much greater chance of being struck by lightning (don’t worry, 90% of people survive), winning an Oscar, becoming an astronaut, being eaten by a shark, being killed by a vending machine, or achieving sainthood. NASA has estimated you have a 1 in 3,000 chance of being hit by a meteorite, and official statistics suggest you have a mere 1 in 10,000 change of visiting A&E because of what are rather charmingly described as “toilet-related injuries.”

Don’t think for a moment that I’m suggesting you stop buying lottery tickets, because they do an awful lot of good. To date, the National Lottery has raised over £40 billion for good causes around the country, providing much-

needed funds for our health system, our education, arts projects, preserving our heritage and countless charities.

In our area, the National Lottery Community Fund has helped almost 300 projects to the tune of nearly £10 million - the most recent being a £10,000 grant to the Castle Acre Playing Field Association. Last February it even gave the West Norfolk Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Club in South Wootton £5,000 for a new projector.

And I can assure you (I’m a bit of a Blade Runner fan and I love South Wootton) that it was money well spent.

And that’s the real point, I think.

Buy a lottery ticket in the knowledge that your ‘gamble’ will help the local community. Please don’t buy one with the expectation that you’ll make the next Sunday Times Rich List, because you won’t. The Queen only just managed to get into the top 400 people on the latest list - although it was good to see that Cromer-born James Dyson topped it.

I think my favourite lottery-related story concerns the 97-year-old Vietnamese peasant Nguyen Van Het, who’d lived most of his long life in poverty and suddenly found himself (in 2010) the winner of some £230,000 which the average worker in Vietnam would need almost 500 years to earn.

He gave virtually all of the money away to friends and relatives, only leaving enough for a new TV set, some meat, and a sack of rice for himself and his neighbours. I think that’s a lesson we could all learn. Money doesn’t buy happiness - but it can certainly help spread it.

KLmagazine July 2020

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