KL Magazine March 2012

ISSN 2044–7965

FREE!

ISSUE 18 MARCH 2012

magazine

LIFESTYLE

FOOD

HISTORY

EVENTS

LOCAL LIFE

COVER IMAGE

by Ian Ward

editorial 01553 601201

editor@klmagazine.co.uk

Eric Secker Ian Ward Bel Greenwood Alex Dallas David Learner Graham Murray Ann Weaver Christine Glass Theresa Kelly Michael Middleton

advertising 01553 601201 sales@klmagazine.co.uk

Laura Murray Grant Murray Becky Drew KL magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and KL magazine takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

If you’d like to order prints of any photograph featured in KL magazine, contact us at the address below. Please note this applies only to images taken by our own photographers.

I

f you think your copy of KL magazine feels a bit different this month, you’d be right – it’s actually 23% bigger! Thanks to all the local businesses and people who have made this possible, and we hope you’ll agree we’ve put those extra 16 pages to good use. There’s something for everyone in this month’s magazine, and we hope it inspires you to see or try something new. There’s certainly a lot to choose from – with spring just around the corner, it seems there’s never been so much to enjoy in and around King’s Lynn.

It’s International Women’s Day on March 8th – and you’ll notice that local women feature quite a lot this month. For a touch of local history, you’ll enjoy our look at the lives of Margery Kempe and Fanny Burney (page 30), while you’ll find local women engaged in fascinating work in the shape of sheepdog guru Sue Little (page 24) and taxidermist Dominique Le Drew-Rudd (page 76) – and our local artist this month is the talented Sarah Bowett (page 66).

We hope you enjoy this bigger and better KL magazine – and see you again in April!

KL MAGAZINE

Contact us at KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW Tel: 01553 601201 E-mail: features@klmagazine.co.uk Web: www.klmagazine.co.uk 4

KLmagazine March 2012

Contents 7

WHAT’S ON Forthcoming events in West Norfolk

8

WELLNESS WEEKEND A great chance to start a healthier lifestyle

12-14 HOLKHAM HALL A look at the home’s fabulous interiors 16

THE BIG INTERVIEW We talk to Lions President Chris Lawrence

19

THEN AND NOW The changing face of King’s Lynn

MARCH 2012

24

30

24-26 SHEPHERDS, SHOWS AND SHEEPDOGS We discover some amazing canine talent 29

PETS Help and advice with local vet Alex Dallas

30-32 WOMEN OF LYNN A look at two famous town daughters 35-43 FOOD & DRINK Recipes, reviews and recommendations

44

44-46 EXPLORER Out and about around Walsingham 44-46 THE SECRET LIFE OF CLOCKS A timekeeping history of King’s Lynn 59

BOOK REVIEWS This month’s best reads by Waterstone’s

60-62 HOLLYWOOD ON WHEELS The local man who’s driving the movies 66-68 ARTS PROFILE The work of local artist Sarah Bowett 76-78 NEW LIFE FOR A DYING ART We meet a local taxidermist at work 81

MY KL Readers’ questions and photographs

82

WILD WEST NORFOLK Michael Middleton’s lighter view of things

KLmagazine March 2012

76

66 5

ON SCREEN March 2012

love film. love luxe.

The local cinema experience for serious movie fans

l The Artist l The Woman in Black l The Descendants l John Carter l Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close l Ramparts l The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! l We Bought a View l Bel Ami l This Means War l Chronicle l Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

As lavish as something from the golden days of Hollywood, The Luxe Cinema is an elegantly stylish film lover’s delight. The Luxe Lounge bar sets the mood for a social drink with friends whilst the cinema itself offers luxurious and spacious leather sofas and armchairs – including a selection of Premier Sofas with waitress service! Allowing moviegoers to sit back and relax in true style, enjoying a glass of wine or a coffee whilst watching a wide programme of mainstream, arthouse and classic films. If you love film, you’ll love Luxe.

The Luxe 01945 588808

Alexandra Road Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1HQ

book online:www.theluxecinema.com

MARCH BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Tues 28 Feb - Sat 3 Mar LEGALLY BLONDE Les Dennis, Ray Quinn, Niki Evans star in hit West End musical £6.50 - £42.50

Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar SWALLOWS & AMAZONS Warm hearted family musical adventure £5.50 - £16.50

Sunday 18 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Three local schools with their own operas based on The Nutcracker Free

Wed 21 Mar CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH Gentle singer/songwriter £5.50 - £18.50 Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Mar THE OSMONDS All the hits £6.50 - £29.50

Sat 24 Mar THE HOLLIES 50 Years On £5.50 - £25 Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar Matthew Bourne's NUTCRACKER! One of the most popular dance shows ever staged in the UK £6.50 - £36.50

Swallows and Amazons

Sun 11 Mar STEWART LEE Maverick stand up comedy £5.50 - £19.50

Mon 12 Mar THE DUBLINERS Legendary Celtic folk £5.50 - £22.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk 6

THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

KLmagazine March 2012

WHAT’S ON

March

10 YEARS AGO: In a referendum on March 3rd 2002, the people of Switzerland voted to join the United Nations, thus ending nearly 200 years of neutrality

FRIDAY 16th

FRIDAY 2nd & SATURDAY 3rd WILLOW & SCULPTURAL TEXTILES WORKSHOPS WWT Welney Wetland Visitor Centre (10am–4pm) Learn a variety of “off loom” techniques for sculpture and hangings for interior or exterior pieces. You’ll be able to achieve a variety of techniques as well as at least one completed sculpture.

1-day workshop £35 plus £10 for basic materials.

2-days £55 per person plus £20 for basic materials.

Workshops have maximum 8 places per day. Booking essential. Contact Jane Frost on 01353 861944 or e-mail Jane@FrostArt.co.uk

TUESDAY 6th 4000 YEARS OF SCIENCE IN 400 PAGES Green Quay, King’s Lynn (6:15pm) Dr. Patricia Fara presents an interesting talk preceded by supper at 6:30pm (talk at 7:30pm). Green Quay Members £8, non-members £9. Book early to avoid disappointment. For more information contact 01553 818500 or visit www.thegreenquay.co.uk

FRIDAY 9th to SUNDAY 11th KING’S LYNN FICTION FESTIVAL King’s Lynn Town Hall see writers of international repute alongside new writers, of all ages and from locations across the world.

Meet the authors, hear them read and buy their books.

Authors attending include Mark Illis, DJ Taylor, Jake Wallis Symonds, Yvette Edwards and Carol Birch.

Tickets £8.50. Weekend pass £37.50. Booking recommended. Call Anthony Ellis on 01553 691661 for more details or see www.lynnlitfests.com

BRETT WALES IN CONCERT Central Hall, Emneth (2:30pm–5pm) KeyNote Concerts presents Brett Wales. Brett is constantly in demand and playing to packed out venues all over the country.

As a performer he is renowned for his use of technology to create his own sound with German Wersi instruments.

Tickets are £6.50 and can be bought on the door or online from the website at keynoteconcerts.org.uk

THURSDAY 22nd THE HORRIBLE & DREADFUL MURDER OF LORENZ BEHR Green Quay, King’s Lynn (6:15pm) Dr Julian Litten presents a fascinating talk preceded by supper at 6:15pm (talk at 7:30pm). Green Quay Members £8, Non-Members £9. For more information call 01553 818500 or visit www.thegreenquay.co.uk.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

FRIDAY 30th to SUNDAY 1st April

FRIDAY 9th SUNDAY 4th

ST. WINNOLD’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Downham Market At its height centuries ago, more than 10,000 horses were bought and sold during the fair, beginning on St Winnold’s Day. The fair has long disappeared from Downham Market, but people still line the streets to watch the procession. For further details, contact Downham Market Town Council on 01366 387770

FRIDAY 16th EXPLORE – PAUL ROSE Guildhall Theatre, King’s Lynn (7:30pm) BBC presenter Paul Rose, a professional diver, polar explorer, mountaineer and yachtsman, talks about a lifetime of remarkable adventures from Antarctica to Everest via the planet’s last true remaining wilderness – her vast oceans. Tickets £12, Concessions £11, Under 18s & RGS-IBG members £8.

For more information call 01553 764864 or see www.kingslynnarts.co.uk

HANDS-ON FOSSILS: A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FOSSILS Cromer Museum (10am–3pm) During this one-day workshop, you can view a variety of fossils from Norfolk and beyond, from microscopic pollen to elephants. Find out how to collect, curate and identify fossils, how they came to be preserved and what they tell us about our geological past.

Price £15, Museum Pass £14.

To book call 01263 513543

SANDRINGHAM SPRING CRAFT & FOOD FAIR Sandringham Estate (10am-6pm) Quality crafts from some of the country's finest artists, designers and craftsmen will be on display, together with demonstrations of many rare and unusual skills. There's something for everyone, including puppet shows and amusements for the children and a range of catering facilities. Adults £6, Seniors £5.50, Children £2. For more details, call 01283 820548 or visit www.craft-show.co.uk

If you’ve got an event to publicise, send the details to features@klmagazine.co.uk KLmagazine March 2012

7

WELLNESS WEEKEND: March 24th/25th 2012

A free weekend dedicated to health and well-being!

Whether you’re young or simply young-at-heart, Bodyworks has something for everybody this month – including a lot of fun!

K

ing’s Lynn and West Norfolk has some wonderful leisure facilities which are offering a variety of come and try activities during the Wellness Weekend. Support and guidance from dedicated staff and health professionals can help you lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Over the Wellness Weekend (Saturday March 24th to Sunday March 25th) these four great facilities will be working with their partners – including the King’s Lynn Health Trainer Service, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, the Life 4 Life initiative, Norfolk Pharmacies and the College of

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West Anglia – to open up a whole new world of health and fitness options.

Lynnsport is an award winning service helping customers to live life better through the exceptional leisure facilities, qualified staff and health professionals all dedicated to supporting customers health and wellbeing aspirations.

Downham Market Leisure Centre is a modern facility providing a wide range of facilities and activities to all users, whatever their age, ability or fitness level, and they ensure you have all the support you need – every step of the way.

Meanwhile, in the centre of King’s

Lynn, St. James’ Swimming & Fitness Centre offers a great atmosphere for everyone’s fitness needs, regardless of age, fitness level or ability – from total beginners to more experienced swimmers.

Oasis Sports & Leisure Centre is located along the beautiful Hunstanton seafront, and offers a total of 22 group fitness classes every week in a modern, fully air conditioned aerobics studio together with a full leisure pool programme ranging from length swimming, water aerobics, parent and toddler, swimming lessons and general public sessions in a warm-watered leisure pool.

KLmagazine March 2012

Health Trainer Service The Health Trainer Service provides motivation, encouragement and support to people who want to make changes in their lifestyle. They will be available to provide help and advice on making healthier food choices and stopping smoking.

WELLNESS WEEKEND: March 24th/25th 2012 Lynnsport Saturday 24th March 10am-3pm

Come and try Bodyworks Fitness Studio

Sunday 25th March

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust Diabetes Screening Screening for diabetes is available by a trained nurse who will also provide advice regarding weight, diet and exercise in relation to preventing Type 2 diabetes and to offer support and guidance to those living with diabetes.

10am-3pm

Come and try Bodyworks Fitness Studio

10am-3pm

King’s Lynn Health Trainer Service – help & advice

10am-3pm

NHS Health Check – Norfolk Pharmacies

10am-3pm

Ian Brown – Sports Therapy

10am-3pm

Fitness Testing – College of West Anglia Sports Dept

10am-3pm

Soul Phoenix – Life Coach

10am-12noon

Diabetic Screening – NCHC NHS Trust

10:30am-10:45am

Warm up for Sport Relief Mile

NHS Health Checks Norfolk Pharmacies NHS Health Checks is a national programme for everyone between 40 and 74 years old. It will assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes and will support you to reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored advice.

11am

Sport Relief Mile

11:30-12noon

Bodypump

12:30pm-1pm

Body Combat

1:30pm-2pm

Zumba

2:30pm-3pm

Pilates

Health Assessments The College of West Anglia Students at The College of West Anglia Sports Campus will be on hand to provide free health assessments taking blood pressure, weight, body composition analysis, lung function and will discuss your health and fitness requirements.

Saturday 24th March

Ian Brown Sports Therapist Ian holds regular sports injury clinics at Lynnsport and can assist you to overcome more general aches and pains brought on by your work or home related activities. Ian will be available to talk about any injuries and the benefits of a good rehabilitation programme and will be performing postural assessments and ‘body fat’ tests.

Soul Phoenix Life Coach and Motivator Soul will be available to talk on a one to one basis with anyone who needs motivation to achieve their life goals, whatever they may be. Soul specialises in educating people to effectively set up and stick to a plan to achieve these goals by drawing attention to how motivations work.

For even more information on the Wellness Weekend and how to make the most of it, please see www.west-norfolk.gov.uk. or contact: Lynnsport & Leisure Park 01553 818001 Oasis Sports & Leisure Centre 01485 534227 St James Swimming Pool 01553 764888 Downham Market Leisure Centre 01366 386868 KLmagazine March 2012

Downham Market Leisure Centre 10am-2pm

Come and try Bodyworks Fitness Studio

10am-2pm

Health Consultations

9am-10am

Zumba

10:30am-11:15am

Spin

10:30am-11:30am

Tae Kwon Do Taster

11.30am-12:30pm

Circuits

1pm-2pm

Body Tone

Sunday 25th March 10am-2pm

Come and try Bodyworks Fitness Studio

10am-2pm

Health Consultations

9:15am-10am

Spin

10:15-11:15am

Body Tone

11.30am-12:30pm

Tai Chi

1:30pm-2:30pm

Circuits

2pm-3:30pm

Family Swim Time

Oasis Sports & Leisure Centre Saturday 24th March 8am-9am

Lane Swimming

9am-12noon

Vibrogym – 15 min taster sessions

9:30am-10:30am

Ballet & modern dance

10am-3pm

Come and try Bodyworks Fitness Studio

11.30am-12noon

Bodypump

12noon-12:30pm

Bodypump

12noon-5pm

Health Consultations – Bodyworks Fitness Consultants

1pm-1:30pm

Tai Chi

1:30pm-2pm

Tai Chi

2:30pm-3pm

Zumba

3pm-3:30pm

Zumba

Sunday 25th March 8am-9am

Lane Swimming

9am-12noon

Health Consultations – Bodyworks Fitness Consultants

10am-3pm

Come and try Bodyworks Fitness Studios

12noon-5pm

Vibrogym – 15 min taster sessions

9

It’s time to discover Hector’s Barn...

Welcome to a wonderland of quirky, fun, and distinctive gifts...

V

isit Hector’s Barn and you’ll find an eclectic mix of treasures old and new – and if you like to be reminded of times gone by, then the ever-changing collection of giftware is just what you’re looking for.

Many of the pieces are hand-made, breathing new life into vintage fabrics, mismatched china and pressed glass . It’s a real Aladdin’s cave of unique finds, all under one roof. A handy gift wrapping service is available, making a simple cup and saucer or some essential oil hand cream that little bit special; and if you can’t see exactly what you’re looking for, Hector’s Barn has a ‘Wish List’ – so items can be sourced exclusively for you. The style of Hector’s Barn style can probably best be

described as eclectic but selective – pieces have been chosen for their intrinsic beauty and individual charm, resulting in a look that’s neither too coordinated nor too precious – quirky styling, charming defects and wear and tear from past love all add to the appeal of the pieces. It’s possible to create a totally individual, chic and elegant look for your home by using objects a previous generation has discarded.

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better way to find a charmingly unique gift – our personal favourites are the vintage jelly moulds and jugs that have been re-worked, re-styled and planted with spring bulbs. For more information and a more detailed look at the work of Hector’s Barn, don’t forget to visit the new website at www.hectorsbarn.co.uk.

Details

HECTOR’S BARN The Barn, Rose & Crown, Harpley Norfolk PE31 6TW Tel: 01485 521807 Open: Wednesday –Sunday 10am-4pm Web: www.hectorsbarn.co.uk

Truly sparkling ideas for your Mother’s Day...

Blatchford & Mills Jewellers | Pawnbrokers | Cheque Cashing

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6 Tower Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1EJ Telephone: 01553 661227

KLmagazine March 2012

WHAT’S ON

ABOVE: Leaping dogs and flying mountain bikes (right) are just two of the Fair’s attractions

The East Anglian Game & Country Fair

T

he 2012 East Anglian Game & Country Fair takes place at the end of next month at the Norfolk Showground just outside Norwich, and this year it promises to be bigger than ever.

There’s a new gardening and conservation area with various demonstrations and workshops hosted by local experts and the Fair will also feature the new ‘EcoVillage’ – an area dedicated to promoting green living from renewable energy and cars to skincare and garden furniture.

Several new arena displays will include the UK Polocrosse Association, the British Racing School, hilarious sheep racing trials, tug of war competitions (run by the British Tug of War Federation) and Australian horseman Jason Webb with his horse behavioural workshops – the Fair will also mark the start of the 2012 Horseboarding Championship season (you have to see it to believe it!)

Arena events will include Savage

KLmagazine March 2012

Skills – the UK’s leading freestyle mountain bike stunt team – who’ll be performing their jaw-dropping ‘Ultimate Air Show’ display. There’ll also be an owl display, Mark Turnbull’s horse logging, a sheep dog and duck display and the West Norfolk Hunt’s horse and hound parade. You’ll have the chance to get involved with a range of country activities from clay shooting to Powerkiting with Hunstanton Watersports, and youngsters will be really excited to join in with the new ‘Explore, Experience and Learn’ section of the show. Even dogs are catered for – there’s plenty for them to do at the show, such as the Dog Agility and Jumping competitions.

If that’s not all, there’ll be over 300 shopping stands with a wide variety of local products, live music from the Sheringham Shantymen and the Glenmoriston Pipe Band, plus a central bar area serving a great selection of local beers and drinks over the weekend.

April 28th–29th Norfolk Showground Easton, Norfolk

Ticket details Advance discounted tickets are available online at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling 0871 230 1102.

Prices: £10 Adult, £4 Children (5–16) and £28 Family (2 Adults and 3 Children). These tickets are available until 22nd April and a small booking fee applies).

On the Gate Tickets Prices: £14 Adult, £5 Children (5–16), and £38 Family (2 Adults and 3 Children) Under 5’s and Car Parking is FREE Super Weekend Camping Breaks £89.00 – which includes admission to the show both days for up to 4 people (adults or children), including up to 3 nights camping! See www.ukgamefair.co.uk for more information.

11

LOCAL LIFE

The wonders of Holkham Hall A special look at the interior of one of the most beautiful houses in the country...

12

KLmagazine March 2012

The Marble Hall

O

ften described as the most magnificent entrance hall in England, Holkham’s celebrated Marble Hall was planned as early as 1726, taking its inspiration from sources as varied as the ancient Roman temple of Venus and Roma and the chapel of the palace of Versailles. The plans went through several changes before the hall was finished (sadly Thomas Coke, who built the house, died during construction) – and if you think the vault looks familiar, that’s because the pattern was copied from that of the Pantheon in Rome. The most striking feature of the Hall – the screen of columns that runs around the first-floor level – is made from pink Derbyshire alabaster, which arrived by ship in 1757.

The Landscape Room

A

lthough it was originally part of Holkham Hall’s main guest apartment, this has been known as the Landscape Room ever since it was created in 1756 – hardly surprising, since it’s home to no less than 22 oustanding paintings, including seven by the important painter Claude Lorrain, who John Constable described as “the most perfect landscape painter the world ever saw.” The new crimson damask on the walls and sofas feature an authentic pattern from the William Kent period (early 18th century).

KLmagazine March 2012

13

The Green Bedroom

T

he true master bedroom of Holkham Hall, this lavish climax of the state apartment is packed with opulence and luxury – fittingly, since it was reverved for the house’s most important guests.

The 57 yards of three-colour velvet used for the bed hangings and upholstery was the most expensive in the whole house, costing the equivalent of £70,000 when it was bought.

The wonderful tapestries on the walls represent the four continents, the one you can see opposite (to the right of the fireplace) is Africa.

The room also features elements that point towards marital bliss – there’s a motif of two lovebirds in the centre of the the chimneypiece, and the painting above it (by Gavin Hamilton) shows Jupiter caressing his wife.

The Old Kitchen

A

1756 visitor to Holkham remarked that “such an amazing large and good kitchen I never saw, everything in it so nice and clever,” and it’s still a remarkable sight today – and was still in operation on the outbreak of the Second World War. In a typical month in the 1920s, the kitchen went aking its name from a small but important painting standing in through no less than 250lbs of meat, 54lbs of tea front of the fireplace, the ‘Parrot’ bedroom is one of the three and some 500 loaves of bread. The vast number of original apartments built for guests of the family. As you can see, copper pots and pans seen above were actually used they were treated to great luxury, and many commented on the in everyday cooking, and the row of pewter plates comfortable rooms – especially the provision of water closets, which are those used by the house servants (there were 60 was still a great luxury in the 18th century. in the middle of the 19th century) – workers who are This was actually the last part of the house to be built, and was memorialised in the unusual series of group portraits completed in the 1760s.

by Andrew Festing.

The Parrot Bedroom

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PICTURES: (C) Holkham Estate 14

KLmagazine March 2012

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www.charmed-interiors.co.uk www w.charmed-interiors.co.uk The T he Hy Hythe Hythe, e,, Bridg Bridgee Road, Do Downham wnham Market Market

KLmagazine March 2012

15

PERSONALITY

CHRIS LAWRENCE President King’s Lynn Lions Club KL MAGAZINE: What exactly is the Lions International organisation?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: Lions International is the biggest services organisation in the world. It comprises a network of 44,000 clubs in around 200 different countries – with a total membership of over a million men and women, who are all working together through selfless, effective community service to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.

KL MAGAZINE: Can anyone join?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: Membership is open to all, and we’re always happy to welcome new members.

THE BIG INTER VIEW:

CHRIS CE N E R W A L 16

KL MAGAZINE: What have King’s Lynn Lions got planned for the near future?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: In conjunction with West Norfolk District Council, we’re currently planning a very special Jubilee Funday that will be taking place at the Walks on Sunday, June 3rd. In addition, by kind permission of Mr Michael Schumann, we’ll be at the Norton Hill Light Railway over the August Bank Holiday weekend, and we’re looking forward to another 10,000-plus crowd at Fawkes in the Walks, which is also arranged in cooperation with West Norfolk District Council.

KLmagazine March 2012

KL MAGAZINE: What does your role of President of King’s Lynn Lions entail?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: The President is responsible for running the Lions Monthly meetings and the Directors meetings at a local level. It’s also my responsibility to represent the club at Lions District and Multiple District events.

Unfortunately, I can’t attend every Lions Club Presentation event as I work away from King’s Lynn.

KL MAGAZINE: How did you come to be where you are today?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: I came to this area because of work – I was offered a position by Carters, and there I meet Peter Dixon and John Groom who are both Lions Club members.

KL MAGAZINE: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: The most rewarding part of being Lions President is working with the Lions team to raise funds. We do this with as much enjoyment as we can, and it’s even more rewarding seeing that money being put to use in the community for many deserving causes. The Lions motto is ‘we serve’ – and that’s exactly what we aim to do.

KL MAGAZINE: What do you think you’ve learned from your work?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: From being President, I have learned the importance of working together to achieve things far greater than would be possible for an individual – the importance of friendship and comradeship are vital in all our activities.

OPEN WEEKEND 24th–25th March FGifRt baEgEfor!

all readers of KL magazine! l10% discount on everything in store! lFREE gifts with all caravans sold on the weekend! lMASSIVE display of this year’s new products – including furniture, chairs, windbreaks and lots, lots more! lCOMPLETE range of caravan care supplies lBIG savings on end-of-line stocks! lGREAT prices on used touring caravans from 2-6 berth! lFREE refreshments!

There’s so much to enjoy, make sure you don’t miss our fantastic Open Weekend – from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday!

Martins

Caravans

Anglia Way (off Weasenham Lane) Wisbech PE13 2TY Telephone: 01945 474666 E-mail: info@martins-caravans.co.uk Web: www.martins-caravans.co.uk *10% discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

KL MAGAZINE: What do you think is the biggest issue facing King’s Lynn at the moment?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: I think it’s undoubtedly unemployment – especially among young people in the town and surrounding area.

KL MAGAZINE: What do you like best about West Norfolk?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: I moved to West Norfolk from Somerset – they’re two very beautiful parts of the country, but they’re also very different. I find the people in West Norfolk are very friendly.

KL MAGAZINE: In your free time, how do you relax?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: What with working away from home and my committment to Lions, I don’t have much spare time – but what I have is spent with the family and occasionally tinkering with classic cars.

KL MAGAZINE: Who has been your biggest inspiration?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: Undoubtedly my father.

KL MAGAZINE: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

CHRIS LAWRENCE: My father instilled in me the need to set targets and to always achieve them.

KL MAGAZINE: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people...

CHRIS LAWRENCE: It may not be surprising, but like every member of Lions, I pride myself by being ‘an ordinary person who achieves amazing things.’

KLmagazine March 2012

17

Growing for the Future OLIVES

A fantastic choice of plants available at wholesale prices!

LARGE SPECIMENS

At Tamar Nurseries, you’ll find large selection of quality trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants all year NEW RANGE! round at prices you’ll find hard to beat.

We accept cash and credit cards, and there’s no need to pre-order!

2L shrubs start from just £1.60 (Periwinkle/ Vinca Major or Honeysuckle/Lonicera ‘Maygreen’) 10L, 30L and 45L stock available – together with a large selection of trees from light standards to semi-mature.

Hardy palms such as Trachycarpus Extensive selection of Olive trees in various sizes A selection of durable pots in environmentally Topiary Box (Buxus) – balls, cubes, cones and friendly fibre clay (various sizes available) spirals Topiary Bay (Laurus Nobilis) – spirals, halfstandard, pyramids Compost, pots, bedding plants (in season) and lots more – all at exceptional value!

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For General Enquiries please contact Sadie on 07584 022473, alternatively contact the office number on 01945 464383

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KLmagazine March 2012

HISTORY

West Norfolk: Then and Now

1964

2012 WHO REMEMBERS EASIEPHIT? This picture of the High Street in King’s Lynn was sent to us by KL magazine reader Barry Martin – and just look at those prams! Best of all, we like those old shop names – whatever became of the great-sounding (but oddly spelled) Easiephit? If you know, get in touch

with us. For more photographs of how things used to be in King’s Lynn and the surrounding area, contact Picture Norfolk – you’ll find them at the Norfolk Heritage Centre, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AW.

We’ll be bringing you another nostalgic look at West Norfolk next month.

Remember to send us your pictures too!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

To view thousands of images of Norfolk’s history visit: www.picture.norfolk.gov.uk KLmagazine March 2012

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KLmagazine March 2012

KLmagazine March 2012

21

and a passion for fashion...

A new name in local fashion is growing in popularity, with big name brands and high-quality service. Bel Greenwood takes a trip to Holt to visit the stylish Mrs. Jones...

I

t’s a utopian idea. Just imagine how great it would be to live or holiday in the beautiful North Norfolk countryside and be able to walk into the kind of shop you might expect to find in South Kensington or Covent Garden. But this is no dream.

In Holt – a small country town graced with many fine Georgian buildings – that’s exactly what you can do, because Holt is home to Mrs. Jones.

Mrs. Jones is a woman’s emporium; shop just doesn’t seem like the right word to use here. This is a retail outlet that is much more than a shop. It offers exclusive, high quality fashion and yet is relaxed, friendly and caters for a

22

customer base that ranges from 17 to 75.

Claire Dormer and Nell Bailey, who set up and run the business picked the name Mrs. Jones because it was a name that had no relation to either of them. But there’s something sophisticated and mysterious about Mrs. Jones, a little elusive which suits the boutique. It also carries with it a whiff of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ and there’s that famous song originally

by Billy Paul, ‘Me and Mrs Jones,’ but re-recorded by singers with soul, Michael Buble and the tragic Amy Winehouse. They couldn’t have come up with a name with more widespread allure.

Claire and Nell have always been

passionate about fashion and had known each other for a long time before they opened the shop together two and a half years ago.

“Initially it was slightly different as we wanted it to be like a mini department store,” says Nell, “but now we’re focusing on relaxed, classic pieces.”

“We want to be a destination,” adds Claire.

Open the door of No. 7 Fish Hill (which lies just off Holt’s main street) and step inside a light, airy fashion destination.

There’s space to display items for sale and to move around them. The whole shop exudes an atmosphere of relaxed elegance and warmth. On the left is a wall of large, box-like shelves which

KLmagazine March 2012

7 Fish Hill, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6BD Tel: 01263 715935 Web: www.mrsjones.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2012

house piles of exclusively branded jeans. Mrs. Jones is getting quite a reputation for supplying the perfect pair of jeans to fit any individual shape and it’s rare to find an outlet with such a variety of top names.

Mrs. Jones stocks J Brand and Paige and has just started stocking the Australian cult denim brand Nobody, exclusive to Mrs. Jones on the North Norfolk coast.

There are large bell jars on antique tables holding a glistening and eclectic display of jewellery by Annina Vogel.

Two large fabric hearts nestle in plain cardboard boxes. There are high quality creams and lotions from Green and Spring, and luminous pink pigeons hang above a rail of comfortable, delicately patterned shirts and tops that look both practical and stylish.

To one side there are Ugg boots holding their own at the window and more pigeon holes on the right play host to beautifully styled and exclusive Anya Hindmarsh bags and purses.

Climb the short flight of stairs to the first floor and there are Pretty Ballerina pumps and more fashion – Majestic Jersey and the longest sheepskin gloves ever created are laid out on central table.

Mrs. Jones exudes practical luxury that you want to spend time looking at, feeling and breathing in. There’s always a quality surprise.

What’s wonderful about Mrs. Jones and keeps customers coming back is the quality of service. Some boutiques can be snobbish and off-putting, but Mrs. Jones is gentle and welcoming and in everything there’s the personal touch. There is a modesty which merits success.

“We are slowly building a reputation,” says Claire, “and we’re learning what people want – you have to adapt and we listen to our customers.”

Those customers will come a long way to visit Mrs. Jones. There are many second home owners who visit, a lot of regular holidaymakers come in, and a lot of regulars come out from Norwich looking for something different as well as local customers of all ages. They even have a lady who comes all the way from Arundel for an annual visit.

This spring, Mrs. Jones will be adding more exclusive lines to its website and it will be possible to place telephone orders for all the surprising, practical stylish luxury on offer – but even if you pick up the phone to order that Anya Hindmarsh bag or take a peek at the new summer season on show and get a home delivery, don’t neglect visiting Mrs. Jones in person.

She is becoming, after all, quite a destination.

23

LOCAL LIFE

24

KLmagazine March 2012

ABOVE: Sue Little with just a few of her 11 border collies – including the latest addition to the extended family

Shepherds, shows and sheepdogs...

Sue and Richard Little’s sheepdogs have won countless awards all around the country, as Bel Greenwood discovers as she visits their Kerdiston farm to see them in action. Pictures: Ian Ward

I

n a small field on a bright day, her face flushed with cold in a bitter spring wind, Sue Little encourages Meg, a young border collie, to circle a quintet of sturdy-looking sheep. The dog crouches low and runs first wide so as not to panic the sheep and then closes in. The dog is keen. When she stops, she’s panting. She lies down to wait for further commands, full of excitement and if a dog can be, she’s full of pride too. Meg has done well. She’s in the early stages of being trained to work with sheep and Sue is pleased with her.

KLmagazine March 2012

She calls on Bryn next – he’s just 3 years old but is already the East Anglian Aggregate winner for all four counties.

He can work the sheep from a greater distance. He circles the field edges running low, and Sue uses a series of whistles to call him to move in and then separate two sheep from the rest. It’s as if the dog is an extension of her arm.

Bryn’s concentration is impressive. The level of focus in a dog is called ‘looseeyed,’ or ‘strong-eyed.’ You don’t want either extreme – what you need, says Sue, is something in the middle.

There’s nothing middling about Sue

Little or her husband Richard’s passion for sheepdogs and sheep farming.

Sit in their kitchen in Kerdiston, outside Reepham and you’ll lose count of the shields, cups and rosettes for success in sheepdog trialling from the Outer Hebrides to Cornwall. This is a home that celebrates sheep farming; even the place mats on the dinner table have shepherds as a motif!

Tess, a 12 year old collie, lives in the house – she’s retired (with arthritis), as is Gwen, who at 9 years old was going blind. Sue and Richard dipped into their retirement savings to pay for an eye

25

ABOVE: The control and discipline of Sue’s sheepdogs is remarkable – and largely down to hard work and rigorous training

operation to enable her to keep going.

In a cage in the corner is a 10-week-old puppy. He’s the latest addition to the family pack, the grandson of Tess. He already exhibits the right kind of talent.

“He’s the most amazing puppy I’ve had with sheep,” says Sue. Between them, the couple have 11 border collies and there are always additional dogs in for training. Sue’s dogs bred from her own line are destined for competition work, whereas Richard’s dogs help him to look after his 200 strong flock of Swaledales, Leicester Blue-Face and Tessel crossbreeds. He gives demonstrations in sheep handling to the public and some of the sheep are rotated to work other people’s dogs, hobby triallists who don’t keep their own flocks.

Sue’s reputation for starting dogs is second to none and she has trained many champions for the national team in her long career. As a breeder, she can identify whether a dog has the temperament for trialling, for working or will make a pet. Some sheep can cut up a bit rough and some dogs are afraid of sheep but it’s not just if the dog has what Sue calls, ‘a spark about it, where you have to protect the sheep a little,’ when dog and sheep first meet.

It’s as if the dog has the ability to ‘read’ the sheep, to instinctively understand what the sheep is feeling and how it will act. It’s having the right temperament, stamina and endurance and the development of that ancient relationship between man and dog.

“You have to get a feeling that you’re one with your dog, as if they’re an extension of you,” says Sue. How do you get that rapport?

“The more you think of a dog, the

26

more they think of you,” she adds. “The bond goes both ways.”

That bond is as important in working dogs as it is in competition.

“You’re in life and death situations with the sheep sometimes,” says Richard, “with grazing sheep at the sides of busy roads and you have to have a dog you can rely on.”

And this time of year demands more than normal of dog and man. It’s the lambing season, which runs for a month from mid-March to April.

In The Archers on BBC Radio 4, lambing always takes place under cover and in the middle of the night – but Richard ‘lays’ his sheep outside in a specially-selected field which offers shelter from wind and rain to the pregnant ewes.

“It’s a natural process,” he explains.

“Lambing outside is the most natural system. We have lambing tents set up in the field and a large pen to put the ewe in to check that she has milk available in her teats and most importantly that the cholostrum (the first milk rich in protective antibodies), has come down.”

Before lambing starts, Richard will have scanned all his ewes so he knows how many are carrying twins and triplets. Throughout the day, he and Sue (with one of his six dogs), will trail through the lambing flock every 30 minutes to an hour, checking for signs.

“Sheep will go off on their own, start pawing the ground and then lie down and start straining,” says Richard.

“We see them start to lamb and if there’s a problem, we catch them and help. If everything’s fine we’ll give them a chance to suck, then we catch and number them.”

Numbering is important. Each lamb born has its own unique smell which enables the mother to identify its own lamb, but after a while this smell becomes confused and ewes can mismother lambs. Richard and Sue don’t do 24-hour lambing shifts out in the field.

“The biggest killer of lambs is a tired shepherd,” says Richard.

“We try to leave the lambing field when it gets dark. Most ewes lamb at dawn and dusk – and the more you can leave things naturally, the better.”

Keeping close to nature informs the relationship between Richard, Sue and their dogs.

“You’re building on natural traits,” says Richard. “I can tell which one of our dogs will do which job.”

As if to demonstrate, he calls out one of his dogs from the back of his Land Rover as he hoists a heavy bag of supplementary feed for the pregnant ewes. He needs an escort and a path through the sheep – and without uttering a word, that’s exactly what he gets. Back in the training field and Sue is still working Bryn. His wheeling and control is flawless.

“That’ll do,” says Sue. “That’ll do.” KL

KLmagazine March 2012

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KLmagazine March 2012

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KLmagazine March 2012

PETS

AnimalMatters Our monthly look at the issues concerning you and your pets with Alex Dallas of the London Road Veterinary Centre...

Vet by day... ...rock star at night! People sometimes ask what I do to relax. Well, for me it’s music – not just listening, but performing! I am the lead singer in Blurred Vision, a guitar-based rock band performing covers at various gigs in the area. We even played at Festival Too once – supporting The Buzzcocks.

If you fancy some live rock not taken too seriously, we’re at The Chequers in Feltwell on 17th March and the Old Lodge in Hunstanton on the 4th May. Would love to see you!

Small bites Human pregnancies usually last 9 months, but animal gestation periods vary hugely.

Of all the animals I’ve treated, the shortest pregnancy is a breed of hamster which can be as little as 16 days! Horses are around 11 months, sometimes extending over a year. The common animal species such as dogs and cats are 9 weeks, and (surprisingly) so are guinea pigs.

But spare a thought for the poor elephant mum-to-be, who can be pregnant for up to 24 months – that’s two years!

30 years of animal care...

O

n the first of March 1982 a young and (dare I say) good-looking veterinary surgeon started work at the London Road Vets in King’s Lynn. I had done my apprenticeship in the North of Scotland, long enough to gain some competence and a fiancée, who is now my wife of almost thirty happy years.

Now, I was lucky enough to come back to a job in West Norfolk. I say come back, because I’d been here as a vet student and fell in love with the area, and had always hoped to return.

Back then it was the days of mixed practice, with morning surgery for cats and dogs for the first hour, then out to see cows, sheep and pigs later in the morning and then more pets and horse visits in the afternoon, followed by a hectic evening surgery – where anything could turn up!

I’ve treated llamas, alpacas, ostriches and emus, even a camel from the circus. I’ve operated on horses, cows, pigs and sheep, as well as the more familiar pet species, and it has been a

tremendous privilege.

My practice has also carried out work for the local authority, for the RSPCA involving some very major welfare cases, and for various charities and sanctuaries over the years. We have also been involved with several local food businesses, namely Campbell’s, Master Foods and Plumrose, and I met some really terrific people through this role.

In 1993 we opened our branch surgery in Downham Market and that has also been great fun. Working there is like meeting a load of old friends and their pets, and hopefully helping them.

Now we specialise in small animals only, caring for dogs and cats and other small animals, and we’re equipped for all sorts of advanced treatments and diagnosis.

Do I miss those farm days? Well nostalgically yes I do, and the farmers?

Another yes, but do I miss the physical work and the cold days? Definitely not!

I hope to continue for a good few years yet, but indoors with my patients and my clients, my friends.

Your pets Thanks to Mrs. Barton of King’s Lynn for this charming picture of her pet cat Sunny – who likes three things more than anything else: prawns, birdwatching and sleeping on his favourite cushion!

Don’t forget to keep sending me pictures of your pets (the funnier the better!) to Animal Matters at KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW or you can e-mail them to editor@klmagazine.co.uk

LONDON ROAD 25 London Road, King’s Lynn t: 01553 773168 e: info@lrvc.co.uk HOLLIES Paradise Road, Downham Market t: 01366 386655 e: hollies@holliesvetclinic.co.uk KLmagazine March 2012

29

HISTORY

30

KLmagazine March 2012

ABOVE: St. Margarets in King’s Lynn will have been a familiar place to both Margery Kempe and Fanny Burney

Lynn’s remarkable and rebellious daughters...

PICTURES: THE BRITISH LIBRARY/IAN WARD

It’s International Women’s Day on March 8th, and to celebrate, Bel Greenwood looks back at two famous daughters of King’s Lynn who – quite literally – wrote their way into history books...

I

t must have been a cold, uncomfortable and noisy experience going to church with Margery Kempe in the Middle Ages. She was a passionate woman who didn’t hold back on her devotions, unleashing her religious fervour in a sea of tears.

She wasn’t shy about speaking publicly of her personal relationship with God either – and at a time when women didn’t travel alone or speak publicly of their faith, Margery Kempe did both. She travelled widely and spoke of her visionary conversations with God and Christ, producing an immensely personal narrative of her journeys – The Book of Margery Kempe – which became the first

KLmagazine March 2012

autobiography written in English.

Margery was born in 1373 in King’s Lynn (when the town was still known as Bishop’s Lynn). Her father, John Burnham was a leading local figure and later became mayor of the town five times.

She married a Norwich burger called John Kempe at 20 and enjoyed all the privileges of the town elite, revelling in her fine clothes and living. It was only after the difficult birth of the first of her 14 children that she began her extraordinary spiritual and physical journey that took her to places of pilgrimage, to civil and religious persecution and a trial for heresy.

Margery took a vow of chastity for herself and imposed it on her husband

before she set out in 1413 – and she was still travelling in the 1430s.

Women weren’t expected to travel independently on pilgrimages; nuns were expected to accept the limitations of their sex and express their faith behind walls. But here was Margery, an unlettered laywoman, as bold as Chaucer’s Wife of Bath, tramping through a Europe ravaged by war, pestilence, famine and political uncertainty on her way to Canterbury, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, Jerusalem and the other places on the medieval pilgrim’s itinerary of the time.

There couldn’t have been a greater contrast with her contemporary Julian of Norwich, an anchorite who spent her life enclosed in a stone cell. Here, she

31

had written the first book by a one of a circle of intellectuals, woman, Revelations of Divine writers, artists and actors Love. which included Dr. Samuel But whereas Mother Julian Johnson, Edmund Burke, fulfilled the image of a pious David Garrick and Sir. Joshua visionary, Margery Kempe did Reynolds. Later, she received not. She lived firmly outside in support from the men of the dark, troubling medieval letters but that was after the world. extraordinary success of According to Rosalind Evelina.

Mayo, a local psychotherapist Fanny, who worked for her who’s currently writing a father as a copyist, disguised book about Margery, she her handwriting, afraid it evoked hostility and even would be recognized. She hatred in King’s Lynn. presented it anonymously to The Archbishop of a publisher. The book – Canterbury and the Bishop of which tells the tale of a young Lincoln both put her on trial woman in London society – for teaching and preaching is ‘a comedy of manners,’ and about the scriptures in public was so witty it was an instant and for wearing white success. It was also clothes, which was presumed that the author was considered inappropriate on a a man. married woman.

Her authorship finally She evaded the terrible acknowledged, Fanny was penalties facing those celebrated and became the accused of heresy and in the first woman to make novel1420s began to dictate her writing respectable. Her ABOVE: A portrait of Fanny Burney by her relative Edward Burney – book to two male scribes. It success reconciled her father was completed around 1438, and below the first edition of her book Evelina (below) – note the to her writing – although not lack of the author’s name and no more is heard of her enough to permit her to put after that date. on a play, which was probably under the influence of her Amazingly, the book was lost to considered a step too far down the stepmother, who viewed writing as an history until 1934 when a copy was respectability scale. inappropriate activity for a young discovered in the library of the ButlerFanny spent five years working at the woman.

Bowden Family in Lancashire. The royal court as ‘mistress of the robes’ to It must have been hard to live with manuscript is now housed in the British Queen Charlotte. the compulsion to write and be forced Library.

It wasn’t her dream job, but one to do it in secret. Fanny Burney couldn’t Margery Kempe is closely associated didn’t deny royalty in those days. Her stop her pen and she kept a diary for and remembered in her parish church fears that she’d no longer have the time some 72 years, charting the public and of St. Margaret’s, and King’s Lynn’s to write were well-founded. After five private events of an age that stemmed other rebellious daughter of letters years, and with her health suffering, she from George III to the reign of Victoria, would have spent time under the very was allowed to resign. as well as writing novels and plays. same stained glass windows as a child.

It was after this that she married a The Burney family moved to London Fanny Burney’s father, Charles Burney, a in 1760 but kept close links with King’s French emigre, Alexandre Jean-Baptiste musicologist and composer was the d’Arblay in 1793. Her father didn’t Lynn. Fanny, who was painfully shy, sat organist at the church in the 18th approve of the match and didn’t attend through many evenings of glittering century. the marriage. conversation in her father’s Poland Fanny Burney was born on June 13th, Street home as Her life, which was always 1752 in a house close to the churchyard unusual, played out like a of St. Margaret’s and like plot for one of her books.

Margery Kempe, she created She followed her husband something completely new to France when he returned in the history of writing. to fight with the Royalists Her debut novel Evelina against Napoleon, nursing was the first in its own school wounded English soldiers of fiction, one which and recounting in her depicted women in diaries a mastectomy she contemporary, realistic endured without circumstances. It was Fanny anaesthetic.

Burney who opened up the She died at the age of way for Jane Austen and Maria 87 in 1840 in London, Edgeworth to come along although it took another later. century before the value Fanny began to write as soon of her work started to be as she had learnt her alphabet appreciated and now but, according to the Burney Fanny Burney is firmly Society, burnt all her juvenile part of the English writing at the age of 15 – canon. KL

32

KLmagazine March 2012

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KLmagazine March 2012

RECIPE: WWW.LOVERADISH.CO.UK

FOOD & DRINK

Cod with Fennel & vine-ripened tomatoes The lovely aniseed flavour of the fennel compliments the cod beautifully. Fennel is easy to prepare but make sure you prepare it just before cooking to prevent discolouration.

The flavour of the vine tomatoes becomes more robust when cooked gently like this and adds colour to this simple dish. You can use cherry tomatoes if you can’t get hold of vine ripened tomatoes. Monkfish would make a delicious substitute for cod.

INGREDIENTS 1 small bulb fennel (approx 200g) 1 tbsp olive oil 300ml hot vegetable stock 8 vine-ripened tomatoes, halved (700g) Juice of 1 lemon Small bunch oregano leaves (8g) 4 pieces cod fillets (approx 600g)

INSTRUCTIONS 1 Cut the fennel into quarters and discard the thick core in the middle. Slice into very thin slices.

2 Heat the oil in a large, heavy based frying pan with a lid, add the sliced fennel and fry for about five minutes until it’s just beginning to soften.

3 Add the stock, halved tomatoes, lemon juice and oregano. Season well and place the cod fillets on top.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 KLmagazine March 2012

4 Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

35

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KLmagazine March 2012

COOKS

CORNER

with Melanie Done

Time for a greener kitchen...

T

his year’s Climate Week is 12th–18th March and as Britain’s biggest climate change campaign it endeavours to help create a sustainable future. There are a few simple things we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint; such as eating locally produced ingredients, which haven’t travelled half way around the world, or turning the heating down one degree.

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much quicker and boils much faster – saving energy, and of course money.

Visit us to see this cash-saving appliance in action.

One more economical gadget is the Prestige Duet Pan Set which allows you to cook two different foodstuffs on one heat source. The Aluminium pans have a non-stick finish with stainless steel lids and phenolic handles, and the clever design is great for saving power or if you are limited for space.

SodaStream is a supporting partner of Climate Week 2012 as they have excellent green credentials with their reusable plastic bottles. We are an Official SodaStream Centre which means that as well as the normal benefits of SodaStream, we can now offer a gas exchange loyalty scheme.

Every time you purchase a replacement gas bottle, we’ll stamp your savings card, so that after 6 gas exchanges you’ll

receive the 7th one FREE! On the 17th March we’re being visited by a team from SodaStream who’ll be demonstrating the benefits of SodaStream and allowing you to taste the all flavours for yourself. Later in the year there are several NEW flavours in the pipeline, such as the much-awaited Premium Cola and several cocktail mixers – for example Cosmopolitan and Mojito.

We are holding a Climate Week contest to win a SodaStream starter pack worth almost £100, comprising of a white Genesis SodaStream drinks maker with one plastic bottle and gas cylinder, a twin pack of bottles, an extra gas cylinder and three flavours (Cola, Diet Cola and Zero Cola). To enter this competition all you need to do is come into the store (before the closing date of March 31st) and guess how many Jelly Beans there are in the SodaStream bottle!

PROUD SPONSORS OF

M el

From March 4th we’ll be open on Sundays from 11am to 4pm – and you! we’re looking forward to seeing

MELANIE DONE is the joint owner of Cook to Perfection 47 High Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1BE Telephone: 01553 767575 Website: www.cooktoperfection.co.uk

KLmagazine March 2012

37

FOOD & DRINK

RestaurantReview

We’re continuing to sample some of the area’s very best dining experiences, and this month, we sent KL magazine’s food expert Theresa Kelly off to Thornham for a taste of celebrity cuisine at The Lifeboat Inn...

I

was very excited at the prospect of dining at the Lifeboat Inn after all the media coverage of Marco Pierre White’s recent takeover.

Having visited the restaurant some time ago, I was keen to see what changes had taken place and what mark the celebrity chef had made.

Upon arrival, the location is every bit as picturesque as I remembered, situated on the North Norfolk coast overlooking Brancaster Beach. Our first impression was the lovely homely atmosphere, with roaring fires and a warm, rich decor. My fellow diner recommended we request a table in the conservatory (as he prefers this area to the bar) and it certainly was a great tip as the area was more private with only four tables in the room.

The staff were very courteous and attentive, and talked us through the wine list and specials. I have to admit I was quite surprised by the menu, as it was more traditional than what I was expecting. Fish, chips and mushy peas, fish pie, scampi and chips... with all the kudos of a celebrity chef owner, I had a pre-conceived expectation that it would be more of a fine dining experience.

38

But the choice on the menu is phenomenal – rarely do you see a menu with so many options, and it did make choosing very difficult! There’s certainly a dish for each and every taste. For starters, I ordered the chicken liver pate and my dining friend ordered the Brancaster mussels in white wine sauce. It may have been a more traditional-based, pub food menu but every starter was cooked and presented to the very highest quality and was thoroughly enjoyable.

For main course I couldn’t resist ordering the fish and chips as I saw other diners tucking into the largest and most succulent fish I’ve ever seen. The portion was so generous the fish was even larger than the plate – and perfectly balanced on top of a generous helping of chips. Again the taste and presentation offered another example of taking good old-fashioned dishes but serving them to the highest quality. The fish was so light and fluffy it was exactly what you’d hope from a restaurant positioned on the North Norfolk Coast. My friend ordered the steamed smoked haddock fillet, with prawn and artichoke risotto, Parmesan shavings and crispy rocket.

Unfortunately, we both had to pass on desserts (we were so full from the more than generous portions!) but we still enjoyed coffees to end a very satisfying meal. The bill came to £51.40 which we felt was very reasonable.

Overall, it was a thoroughly pleasant experience, with great food and great service in beautiful surroundings. The only disappointment we had was the lack of change from the takeover.

Having a flamboyant celebrity chef owner was surely the chance to do and offer something a bit different – but there hadn’t been a single change. Of course, you could argue that if you’re serving good honest food that’s cooked exceptionally well, there’s very little need to change.

I’d thoroughly recommend a visit – and the only advice I’d offer is to make sure you go there hungry!

FOOD

SERVICE

VALUE

45 45 55

THE LIFEBOAT INN Ship Lane, Thornham PE36 6LT Tel: 01485 512236 W: www.lifeboatinnthornham.com

KLmagazine March 2012

CafeReview

A

fter moving into larger premises just across the road, the Filling Station has reopened in the centre of King’s Lynn with a new look, a revised menu and more space for diners to sit and enjoy a quick bite whilst in the town.

Situated in Norfolk Street, the Filling Station is known for its fresh sandwiches and baguettes as well as a large selection of different fillings. First impressions of the new deli were very good – ample seating in a colourful yet charming setting. The mismatching styles of polka-dot and floral designs work really well to lift the mood.

I ordered a Chicken Washington and and my partner opted for a Hog Roast – both served in a white baguette accompanied by a side salad. Both looked delicious – especially the Hog Roast, which the Filling Station has become somewhat famous for. My Chicken Washington was very tasty; the filling had a good consistency and the bread tasted very fresh. The Hog Roast which my partner ordered looked fantastic, served with the traditional (though it’s optional) crackling, stuffing and apple sauce. Our only gripe was with the side salad that accompanied the sandwiches – the salad was drowned in balsamic vinegar, making it rather unpleasant. For dessert, I ordered a piece of Millionaire’s Shortbread, and my partner chose the Victoria Sponge, both of which were on display on the counter, making them hard to resist! The serving sizes were very generous, and they both tasted fabulous. The shortbread’s caramel filling was buttery and the chocolate smooth. The Victoria Sponge tasted very fresh with a heavenly butter icing and strawberry jam filling.

Both were really enjoyable, but we both agreed the serving size could have been smaller.

Although we visited on the day of the opening, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The Filling Station has become a charming little diner in the centre or King’s Lynn and we’ll definitely be visiting again soon for lunch.

THE FILLING STATION 13 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn Tel: 01553 772282 KLmagazine March 2012

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER!

STUNNING NEW BATHROOMS AND FANTASTIC NEW KITCHENS...

KITCHENS – BEDROOMS – BATHROOMS FURNITURE – LIGHTING – ACCESSORIES

Nelson House, Bergen Way, King’s Lynn PE30 2JH Telephone: 01553 766578

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.TOWNCOUNTRYKITCHENS.COM 39

FOOD & DRINK

LocalTastes Selected by Jenna Ballard

TAVERN TASTY PIES – HANDMADE PIES www.taverntasty.co.uk Handmade pies using fresh local ingredients.

Choose from a wide selection of pies including Pork and Cider, Beef and Horseradish, Sausage and Onion and Mince and Carrot. Stockists throughout Norfolk.

BRAYS COTTAGE PORK PIES www.perfectpie.co.uk If you’re looking for the perfect pork pie, why not try a Bray’s Cottage Pork Pie? Rated the perfect pie by Times food editor Giles Coran, Bray’s Cottage Pork Pies are produced in North Norfolk using locally-sourced produce.

Stockists throughout Norfolk.

Who ate all the pies?

T

here are few things better than a really good pie – and if you still think your choice is limited to beef, chicken and pork, it’s time you discovered some of the fabulous tastes on offer from our many local producers. Here are just a few of our favourites, but there’s plenty more where they came from! Make a point of buying local and you’ll never look at a pie in the same way again!

MR KEW’S PIES www.mrkewspies.co.uk All ingredients come from local suppliers dedicated to keeping it local and producing the best. Why not try something a bit different?

Some of our favourites are Chicken & Binham Blue Cheese, Spicy Moroccan Lamb Pie and Steak & Oyster Mushroom Pie. Based in North Walsham, you’ll find them at Farmer’s Markets throughout Norfolk.

BRADWELL BUTCHERY www.bradwellbutchery.co.uk The delicious Steak Pies are packed full of tender beef with superb tasty gravy which can be eaten cold or heated up for a quick but hearty meal for all the family. Based in Bradwell, Norfolk.

% 0 0 1UalITY Q

% 0 0 1local Don’t miss our great speciality pies from our in-store bakery!

Free range pork

Free range lamb Scottish beef Buy local and taste the difference!

John’s

quality butchers

4 Wales Court, Downham Market, Norfolk Tel: 01366 388377 E-mail: john@johnsqualitybutchers.co.uk

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KLmagazine March 2012

Eating Out The Ancient Mariner Inn Galley Restaurant Golf Course Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 536389

The Crown Inn Gastro pub The Green, East Rudham 01485 528530 www.thecrowneastrudham.co.uk

Bank House Brasserie Brasserie food, British Classics Bank House Hotel King’s Staithe Square, Kings Lynn 01553 660492 www.thebankhouse.co.uk

The Deer’s Leap 361 Wootton Road, South Wootton King’s Lynn 01553 671919 www.thedeersleap.co.uk

Best Western Knight’s Hill Hotel Garden restaurant South Wootton, King’s Lynn 01553 675 566 Best Western Le Strange Hotel Golf Course Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 536389

D’Inacios 9 Newmans Yard, Norwich Road, Fakenham 01328 851247 www.dinacios.co.uk The Duck Inn Good locally-sourced food Burnham Road, Stanhoe 01485 518330 www.duckinn.co.uk

Bradley’s Restaurant and wine bar 10 South Quay, Kings Lynn 01553 819888 www.bradleysbytheriver.co.uk

The Gin Trap Inn Gastro Pub 6 High Street, Ringstead, Hunstanton 01485 525264 www.gintrapinn.co.uk

Brewer’s Fayre Premier Inn West Lynn, King’s Lynn 01553 772221 www.premierinn.com

The Hare Arms Varied fine dining Stow Bardolph, Kings Lynn 01366 382229 www.theharearms.co.uk

Briarfields Titchwell, Hunstanton 01485 210742 www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk

Heacham Manor Hotel Varied fine dining Hunstanton Road, Heacham 01485 536030 www.heacham-manor.co.uk

Caley Hall Hotel Gastro pub Old Hunstanton Road, Hunstanton 01485 533486 www.caleyhallhotel.co.uk Congham Hall Fine dining Lynn Road, Grimston 01485 600250 www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk The Crown and Mitre King’s Lynn’s only traditional riverside pub. Great English food using only fresh locally-sourced ingredients. Ferry Street, King’s Lynn 01553 774669

KLmagazine March 2012

The Hoste Arms Fine foods and wine The Green, Burnham Market 01328 738777 www.hostearms.co.uk The Jolly Sailors Pub favourites Brancaster, Kings Lynn 01485 210314 www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk The Kings Head Hotel Award-winning fine dining Great Bircham, King’s Lynn 01485 578265 www.thekingsheadhotel.co.uk

The King William IV Country Inn and Restaurant Heacham Road, Sedgeford 01485571765 www.thekingwilliamsedgeford.co.uk Leziate Park Local English Cuisine Brow of the Hill, Leziate, King’s Lynn 01553 630393 www.leziatepark.co.uk The Lodge Old Hunstanton 01485 532896 www.thelodgehunstanton.co.uk Market Bistro English Cuisine 11 Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn 01553 771483 www.marketbistro.co.uk The Neptune Inn and Restaurant 85 Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton 01485 532122 www.theneptune.co.uk The Old Bank Fine food, local ingredients 10 Lynn Road, Snettisham 01485 544080 The Orange Tree New takes on pub classics and seafood High Street, Thornham 01485 512213 www.theorangetreethornham.co.uk

The Riverside Restaurant English Cuisine 27 King Street, King’s Lynn 01553 773134 The Rose and Crown Traditional pub favourites Old Church Road, Snettisham 01485 541382 www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk The Rose and Crown Great food in a great atmosphere Nethergate Street, Harpley Norfolk PE31 6TW 01485 521807 The Sandboy Pub favourites and Thai cuisine Gayton Road, Bawsey 01553 630527 www.thesandboy.co.uk The Swan Inn South Wootton, King’s Lynn 01553 672084 Timbers Hotel & Restaurant A la carte and traditional pub food Lynn Road, Fincham 01366 347747 www.timbershotel.co.uk Titchwell Manor Traditional and modern infusion Titchwell, Kings Lynn 01485 210221 www.titchwellmanor.com W4 Authentic Italian cuisine 1 Exchange Square, Wisbech 01945 584454 www.w-four-restaurant.com

Palmers British Brasserie 45 High Street, Downham Market.

01366 388124 www.palmersrestaurant.co.uk

A taste of West Norfolk If we’ve missed your favourite local restaurant from this list, we’d love to hear from you – and so would our readers. Send the details to us at features@klmagazine.co.uk, and remember to pass on any fine dining tips, advice or recommendations as well!

41

FOOD & DRINK

IN THE KITCHEN WITH TERESA KELLY

More than meets the eye

D

uring the Battle of Britain in the autumn of 1940, to help explain why they were so much more effective than the Germans at shooting down enemy planes – especially at night – the RAF circulated a story about the carrot consumption of their pilots. Although this was a clever attempt to cover up the RAF’s discovery and use of radar and red light in aircraft instruments (a pretty successful attempt, as it turned out), the story does have a basis in fact.

Carrots get their characteristic bright orange colour from beta-carotene, which is metabolised into vitamin A in humans – and a lack of vitamin A can indeed cause poor vision (including night vision) – a deficiency that can be restored by adding it back into the diet.

It was this idea that eating plenty of carrots could help you see in the dark that encouraged the British (who were spending most evenings in a state of blackout) to grow more and more of them – and today carrots are one of the most versatile, reasonably-priced

42

and popular vegetables in the UK. Carrots have a lovely sweet flavour and a super crisp texture, but before you start munching your way to better night-time vision, it’s worth noting that only 3% of that beta-carotene is released when you digest raw carrot – a figure which jumps to 39% by cooking them.

When buying carrots, make sure to choose ones that feel firm to the touch, have a smooth skin and a bright colour – however you plan on using them. Actually, I don’t know of many vegetablers that are quite so versatile.

Raw grated carrot can be a great addition (in terms of looks, texture and taste) to a simple rice, pasta or nutbased salad.

Cooked carrots make a popular accompanying vegetable to virtually any meal and combine particularly well with other root vegetables such as swede or parsnip – and they can be included in soups, stews and pies.

If you want to be a bit more creative, you’ll find there are plenty of things that go particularly well with cooked

carrots – spices such as cardamom, cumin and coriander, and herbs such as parsley and chives (but not all at the same time!) Carrots can also be used in a variety of sweet recipes such as carrot cake and Christmas pudding.

However you plan on using them, your carrots should be peeled, topped and tailed and washed before cutting into rounds, cubes or strips. If you’re using baby carrots they’ll still need to be scrubbed, topped and tailed, but don’t start chopping them up – they’re supposed to be cooked whole.

Instead of simply boiling them, however, why not try baking them by preheating the oven to 190°C (gas mark 5) and placing your sliced carrots in an ovenproof dish with a knob of butter, 5 tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of clear honey. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid, and cook for 50-55 minutes or until they’re tender.

Although they don’t really have the mystical power to enable you to see in the dark, there’s no doubt that there’s more to the humble carrot than meets the eye.

KLmagazine March 2012

Ask the

EXPERT

Stuck for a recipe? Can’t find an ingredient? Don’t know whether garlic should be crushed or sliced? Ask Teresa and she’ll point you in the right direction...

Q

Some Indian recipes call for ghee instead of butter for frying things in – but ghee is just ‘clarified’ butter isn’t it?

Does using it really make that much difference?

A

The general rule with cooking is ‘butter for flavour, oil for high temperatures’ – and using ghee gives you the best of both worlds, since ghee can be heated to a higher temperature than butter without burning. It’s easily available, but it’s reasonably easy to make as well – all you do is slowly melt the butter, skim off the surface and pass it through a piece of muslin – and you’ve got clarified butter.

Q

I can never get my pepper mills to work after I’ve refilled them. They’re the ordinary type that you twist and I’ve had three now. What am I doing wrong?

A

If you tighten the knob on the top too much, you won’t leave any space for the peppercorns to pass through the grinder mechanism. You can test this by turning the pepper mill upside down. Twist it a couple of times to free any corns that are stuck in the grinder, adjust the knob to get about 2mm movement when you pull the mill’s top up and down, then try again. Quite often, peppers that are too large to get into the milling mechanism accumulate at the bottom of the mill and form a blockage. If they do, simply tip them out and crush them enough to go through – that should sort it out!

Q A

I keep ending up with too much pepper in my homemade soup – is there a simple way to lessen the taste?

The simplest way is to not put as much pepper in your soup to begin with! If you do find you’ve used too much, though, you’ll find a little cream or plain yoghurt can really help calm things down (and they’ll help the soup as well). If you have a similar problem with salt, adding a bit of potato is one pretty good solution.

Q

How can I avoid the lime peel in my marmalade becoming tough? The batch I’ve just made is really horrible and I need to remove it to make the marmalade palatable! If I gently warm the marmalade to make it liquid and fish out the peel, will it reset?

A

I think the problem may be that you haven’t cooked the marmalade for long enough. For lime marmalade, you should cook the peel first until it’s soft. With limes this can take a couple of hours (or you could use a pressure cooker). Then slice it extremely fine and add it to the juices and flesh of the limes. I think you’ll find picking out the peel now will spoil the set.

KLmagazine March 2012

A GREAT WAY TO MAKE YOUR MOTHER’S DAY! MUMS EAT FREE AFTER 4PM! Fantastic food, first-class service, a great atmosphere and real value for money!

CALL NOW TO BOOK: 01553 772221 Terms and conditions apply – please ask for full details

Playzone Kid’s Par ties!

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Hot and cold buffet food, party bags, balloons, cake, invitations, choice of activity and lots more!

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Clenchwarton Road, West Lynn King’s Lynn PE34 3LJ

Tel: 01553 772221 43

LOCAL LIFE

D

espite its turbulent history, the charming village of Walsingham (technically it’s the two villages of Little Walsingham and Great Walsingham combined) has changed little over the centuries – it still has beautiful streets of medieval timberframed buildings, it still has a market place fronted by imposing Georgian houses and hostelries, and it still has shops selling religious mementos for the thousands of pilgrims who visit every year.

Walsingham was once known as the Nazareth of England, and it ranked alongside Rome and Jerusalem in importance as a place of pilgrimage, but its origins as a holy site are now lost in the mists of time. However, a ballad of 1465 relates how some 400 years earlier the lady of the manor, Richeldis de Faverches, had a series of visions of the Virgin Mary, in which she was taken to the Virgin’s house in Nazareth, told to memorize its dimensions and to build an exact replica in Walsingham.

According to the story, the original building wasn’t quite right, but after some earnest prayers the house was completed overnight – albeit some 200 yards from its original site, and to standards the workers couldn’t have achieved by themselves. Word of the miracle spread, and Walsingham’s reputation and importance grew.

However accurate the ballad was, it’s certainly true that in 1150 the Augustinians built the Priory of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (St Mary’s for short) and the Franciscans established a small Friary on the edges of the village in 1347. Such was Walsingham’s importance that several English kings visited the shrine, including the great Edward I, who visited twice.

The village of Walsingham developed in response to the increasing importance of the site –hostelries and inns were built to serve the needs of ever more pilgrims, it was granted a charter to hold a weekly market on Fridays and an annual fair. Walsingham became England’s holiest shrine and was visited by pilgrims from all over the British Isles and Europe.

Ironically enough, it was one of the royal visitors – Henry VIII – who was later responsible for the destruction of both the shrine and abbey when they

44

KLmagazine March 2012

OUT & ABOUT

Walsingham Pictures: Ian Ward

OUT & ABOUT

WALSINGHAM

fell victim to the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Once the instability resulting from the Reformation and Counter-Reformation passed, pilgrims slowly returned to Walsingham, but in far fewer numbers, and the priory never reopened (the first pilgrimage to Walsingham since the Reformation took place on August 20th 1897).

Walsingham itself, however, continued as a successful and popular site for visitors – and today the streets are full of friendly local businesses, including shops which once again are selling statues of Our Lady of Walsingham and bottles for filling with holy water. Once more, Walsingham is England’s national shrine and thousands of pilgrims visit every year from all around the world.

When you visit Walsingham, you should certainly make a point of wandering out to the Slipper Chapel (it's about a mile outside the village) – it was rescued from being a cattle shed and barn – and today it’s one of England’s smallest and most

46

atmospheric churches.

Back in Walsingham itself, make sure you don’t miss the Anglican shrine (it’s across from the priory ruins) – a large complex set in attractive and peaceful gardens, complete with artificial caves supposed to be a copy of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The church contains a replica of the Holy House in Nazareth and a large statue of Our Lady of Walsingham. There’s also a natural spring in the basement that’s open to the public on Fridays.

Today, the priory is a peaceful garden dominated by the ruined east window of the church. It’s a delight to wander through the ruins and surrounding woods and meadows – and don’t miss the picturesque little humpbacked bridge that crosses the river Stiffkey.

Although most visitors come by road, there’s another way to visit Walsingham, and it’s a truly unforgettable experience – a twentyminute trip from Wells on the world’s longest 10¼ inch narrow gauge steam railway. It’s a unique way to make a pilgrimage to a unique location.

KLmagazine March 2012

Pay for 30%, Get 70% free!

It’s easy to see why more people are heating their homes with Air Source Heating from 4 Way Refrigeration...

W

ith winter fuel bills about to arrive, it’s not difficult to think of the ever-rising costs of traditional fuels – and the increasing importance of looking for easier ways to lessen our impact on the environment. The good news is that there’s a solution to both – changing to safe, renewable energy and saving money at the same time!

The good news is Daikin Altherma Air Source Heat Pump system from 4 Way Refrigeration – it’s the perfect answer if you’re looking for total control of your heating system and a way of genuinely saving money.

As one of the leading names in the refrigeration industry, 4-Way has a highly-skilled team of engineers based at our head office in King’s Lynn, providing a reliable and efficient service for all your domestic and commercial needs (that’s why we’re employed by many national 'blue chip' companies in the UK).

So, without further ado, what’s all this about Air Source Heating?

I’VE NEVER HEARD OF AIR SOURCE HEATING – WHAT IS IT? Essentially, it’s a domestic heating and hot water system that works using a process called air source heating technology (it’s sometimes shortened to ASHP).

It works by using a heat pump, which simply extracts the ‘heat’ from outside your home (even though it may not be particularly hot outdoors), condenses it

and then compresses it to a higher temperature – which can then be used to efficiently run your water and heating system.

In a way, it’s just like a refigerator – only in reverse!

I UNDERSTAND THAT – BUT HOW CAN IT SAVE ME MONEY? Remember that the ‘heat’ taken from outside is condensed and compressed.

That means that for every 1Kw of energy the pump takes in, around 4Kw of energy is given out – so you only pay for a quarter of the energy you actually use.

HAS THIS TECHNOLOGY BEEN TRIED AND TESTED? It’s a well-established system that more and more people are discovering all the time. It incorporates the very latest in inverter and heat exchanger technology, uses the most efficient non ozone depleting refrigerants and stateof-the-art electronic controls.

These technologies have been harmonised to achieve operating efficiencies in all weather conditions (down to -15°C), producing water temperatures up to 55°C without the need for any supplementary electric heating.

CAN IT BE FITTED TO ANY HOME? Without a doubt. Most people have the machinery fitted to an outside wall (it’s pretty unobtrusive), but since there are no emissions and no need for a flue, it can actually be fitted to an internal wall – which makes it ideal for flats and apartments as well.

It can work with your existing radiators or (as in the case of the many new builds choosing to install it) via efficient under-floor heating.

IS IT SAFE? Because it doesn’t involve using a boiler that runs on hazardous fuels such as oil and gas, Air Source Heating is completely safe. In fact, it’s often referred to as a ‘fit and go’ system – because after the initial installation, very little maintenance and upkeep is needed.

ALL THIS CONDENSING AND COMPRESSING MUST BE NOISY? You might think so, but you’d be more than surprised just how quiet the system is – so much so, if fact, that it’s actually been granted the Super Quiet certification from the Noise Abatement Society. Now that’s quiet!

SURELY IT MUST TAKE A LOT OF TIME TO BE INSTALLED? In properties with existing heating and hot water systems already in place, the installation of Air Source Heating can usually be completed within a day.

Our skilled engineers have a wealth of experience in installations of this kind (and they’ve worked in all types of properties) and they ensure your system is up and running as quickly (and efficiently) as possible.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? Why not see the system at work for yourself? Our office (details below) has a fully-functioning demonstration unit.

Or we can arrange an initial visit to explain the available options and identify the best installation for your home. We look forward to seeing you!

4 WAY REFRIGERATION LTD Unit 25, Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn PE30 2JG Tel: 01553 767878 E-mail: sales@4wayref.co.uk Web: www.4wayref.co.uk KLmagazine March 2012

47

WHAT’S ON

A sparkling Spring at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange!

F

rom the opera to the circus, from fabulous musicals to rock (and roll!) shows, there’s something for everyone over the next few weeks at the Corn Exchange. For full listings visit the website at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

Moscow State Circus T

Blood Brothers Presented by Bill Kenwright

B

lood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited, by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet.

It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. A sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performance make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.

Monday 19th – Saturday 24th March | 7:30pm Matinees Wednesday & Saturday | 2:30pm Evenings & Saturday matinee: £24-£27 (£18 under 16s) Wednesday matinee: £19-£22 (£16 under 16s) Friday & Saturday 7.30pm: £24.50-£29.50 (£19.50 under 18s) 48

he Moscow State Circus brings its latest and most spectacular show to date to the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange with the sensational extravaganza Babushkin Sekret.

Inspired by the legend of The 12 chairs, the new show takes us on an incredible journey in the company of, without a doubt the greatest circus performers on earth. A Mammoth cast of Russia's greatest and most talented circus artistes, many of which have never performed in Britian, transform the most famous circus in the world, combining contemporary and classical circus in a way never before witnessed.

The newly devised show includes the beautiful queen of Russian Circus Yana Alievia on a revolving ariel chandelier.

The Whirlwind Rubsovs troupe who acrobatically catapult themselves at breakneck speed across the stage.

The Doktrov, flying and spiralling in the apex of the auditorium with grace, beauty and elegance. The high flying bouncing and back flipping Vaisilliov’s bamboo bravados on the Russian Vertical bars and The hilarious trampoline capers of Professor Balakov.

If all this isn’t enough to keep you sat on the edge of your seat then the award winning clowns, Valik & Valerik will have you falling off them with laughter.

Friday 9th – Sunday 11th March | various times Tickets: £23.50, £20.50, £9.50 Family (of 3) £60 (of 4) £80 the Box Office on SPECIAL OFFER: Call ote ‘Ringmaster’ to 01553 764864 and qu ts (does not apply to get 2 for 1 on all ticke hased) tickets already purc

KLmagazine March 2012

Get behind the scenes Have you registered? Why not tell us what you think and what you’re interested in by registering online at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk. It’s the best way to get all the behind-the-scenes gossip, be the first to hear about top names performing and benefit from exclusive offers. So what are you waiting for? Register today!

Madama Butterfly Ukranian National Opera of Kharkiv

A

Buddy Holly A legend reborn

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uddy Holly is played by the UK’s number one Buddy, Marc Robinson. Marc revives classic hits like Peggy Sue, That’ll be the Day and Oh Boy, backed by a band reminiscent of the Crickets in their 1950s heyday. It’s an authentic slice of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia that ensures Buddy’s incredible legacy of unforgettable hit songs lives on. The all-star cast has appeared in Royal Variety Performances and includes winners from TV’s Stars in Their Eyes.

n Ellen Kent Production featuring the Internationally Acclaimed Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv. With handpicked soloists, a highly praised chorus, and full orchestra. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, the inspiration behind the smash hit musical Miss Saigon, returns, with exquisite sets, such as the stunning Japanese garden and spectacular costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

Based on a real-life incident one of the world’s most popular Operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heartbreaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

Performed in Italian with English surtitles, the highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. This sumptuous traditionally staged production of Madama Butterfly, packed with raw emotion and passion, will feature a host of international soloists and a live orchestra.

This will be an unmissable operatic experience.

Wednesday 14th March | 7:30pm £35, £31 (£33, £29 concessions) Groups – buy 10 and get one FREE!

Saturday 14th April | 7:30pm £21.50 (£20 concessions)

Thank You for the Music Ultimate ABBA and Bee Gees tribute

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ow in their fabba-ulous 19th year, the superb all-star cast of Thank You for the Music has entertained the nation for longer than the original line-up of Bjorn, Agnetha, Benny and Frida did during the 70s and 80s! The famous live concert show features solid-gold ABBA hits Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Waterloo and lots more.

Meanhile, ever-popular show stealers Bee Gees Magic will be performing Staying Alive, Massachusetts, Night Fever, How Deep is Your Love and more of the Gibb brothers’ millionsellers such as Islands in the Stream, Heartbreaker and Chain Reaction.

Saturday 31st March | 7:30pm £20.50 (£19.50 concessions)

KLmagazine March 2012

are available Tickets for all shows 01553 764864 from the Box Office e at or you can book onlin .co.uk exchange www.kingslynncorn 49

l FREE estimates l Full fitting service with uplifting and removal l Home selection available l 100s of Remnants and Rugs in stock l Solid wood and ceramics

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KLmagazine March 2012

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FeetFirst

with Elizabeth Dutton

The easy way to get rid of painful and unsightly verrucas and corns!

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errucas (or verrucae) can be a real pain in the foot!

Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), they appear as lumps, usually on the sole of the foot. This month we’ll look at the frequently asked questions we get about verrucas. You can also get hard corns on your feet, and soft corns between your toes – they can all be painful. They’re usually caused by friction and we’ll look at some FAQs for those, too.

Q How do I know what I have is in fact a verruca?

A You can tell a verruca because it has little black dots across the top and, if you squeeze the sides of the lump, it hurts.

Q Do children get verrucas?

A Yes, they do. However, for children under twelve we usually find their verrucas disappear of their own accord.

Q Can we use over the counter treatments?

A Yes, but many aren’t effective, and you run the risk of damaging the surrounding skin. Should you want to go down this route, ask for a preparation that includes salicylic acid and get the pharmacist to explain exactly how to use it. If you’re doing this on a child you have to be really, really careful – it’s best see a professional if you can.

QWhat if a child’s verrucas don’t go of their own accord?

A We would treat their verrucas using laser – it’s safe (see panel) and we don’t run the risks of having a scalpel near a wriggling body! Your child would need several treatments close together.

Q Do adults get verrucas?

A Yes, they do. They don’t often disappear of their own accord, though, so usually need treatment. Adults who are stressed, ill, or on medication can be more prone to verrucas.

Q What if an adult’s verrucas don’t go of their own accord?

A If your verrucas don’t clear up of their own accord within a few months, you can have treatment with a footcare

KLmagazine March 2012

professional. Some clinics, ours included, offer cryosurgery and laser treatment as well as scalpel treatment.

The best way to treat your verrucas is using cryosurgery and laser therapy.

The ‘cryo’, often liquid nitrogen, has a freeze-thaw action which kills the virus, and the laser helps repair and tissue damage and also reinforces the action of the cryo. See our website for further details (details below).

Q How are corns formed?

A Corns form like an ice cream cone working from inside the foot to surface.

They can be found wherever there is pressure or friction from poorly fitting shoes and socks, or where there is something like a tiny stone caught in the socks.

Q Can I self treat my corns?

A It’s best not to! Get a footcare professional to treat your corns and then take their advice on how to prevent re-growth. Some small areas can sometimes be treated by rubbing with a pumice stone and using foot cream, but they’ll return if you carry on wearing the same shoes and boots as before.

Q What do I do if my corns keep returning?

A We can assess what the cause is.

Often it’s due to ill-fitting footwear, and we can give you advice on proper shoes and boots. We can even make you custom-made orthotics on site at the Foot Care Centre if we think they will help you. See our site for further details (details below).

CRYOSURGERY is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. It can get rid of your persistent verrucas by freezing and killing the cells the virus is infecting. It reaches far lower temperatures than over-the-counter remedies can, meaning your verruca can be properly zapped. You may feel some slight discomfort – but a mild pain killer such as Paracetamol can help alleviate this.

Cryosurgery is not appropriate for children under 10, or if you’re anaemic, on steroids or anticoagulants, or have some forms of cancer. If you are in any doubt, get medical advice first.

LASER TREATMENT safely penetrates the surface of the skin and helps promote the healing of damaged tissues. Sometimes we use it in conjunction with cryosurgery.

When it’s used just after cryosurgery, it prevents any discomfort and helps speed up healing around the area where the verruca was.

Special Offer for our readers this Month To say thank you to our loyal readers, we’re offering you the chance to book a Laser or Cryosurgery Treatment in March and receive a 5% discount! To claim your discount, quote LT-0312 when you book, or bring this coupon in with you.

All you need to know...

ELIZABETH DUTTON is a qualified foot health care practitioner and trainer. Elizabeth and her qualified team offer treatments from the Foot Care Centre, 4B Tower St, King’s Lynn, PE30 1EJ. For more information, details, help and advice please contact Elizabeth’s centre in King’s Lynn. You’ll find the Centre’s website at www.TheFootCareCentreKingsLynn.co.uk For details of how to train as a foot care practitioner please see the website at www.TheCollegeOfFootCarePractitioners.co.uk (note that the QR code on the right will also take you there) Finally, you can call us on 01553 768661 (clinic) or 07973 230293 (mobile) or send an e-mail to enquires@thefootcarecentrekingslynn.co.uk

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LOCAL LIFE

ABOVE: The famous Moon Clock of St Margaret’s in King’s Lynn and (opposite) the turret clock of Downham Market

Marking time: the secret lives of local clocks...

Our local towns are full of glorious clocks that do a lot more than tell time – they’re a part of local history itself. Bel Greenwood takes a moment or two to discover more about them...

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here’s something romantic about public clocks. It’s hard to see them as purely utilitarian objects; maybe it’s to do with their longevity when life is so fleeting. Maybe it’s because they’re part of our everyday lives, but we only notice them when they stop working. Would our towers and town centres be barren without clocks? What are their hidden histories?

They certainly have secret lives.

In 1978, a special centenary celebration was held in Downham Market. The whole town came together and Knight’s the Baker made an enormous cake that was distributed

KLmagazine March 2012

around the town. A commemoration medallion the size of an old penny was struck and given to every schoolchild.

This was the kind of civic festival usually associated with royalty.

But the cake had been baked in the shape of the town clock, and the medallion was a replica of a coin handed out to mark the arrival of Downham Market’s turret clock in 1878, when a similarly big party had been held. This was a well-loved public clock with celebrity status.

“It was fashionable to have a tower clock in Victorian times,” says Kathleen Wiseman of Downham Market’s Heritage Society.

“The Town Council tried to raise the money by subscription but it was taking too long.”

At this point, local draper and clothier James Scott stepped in and bought the clock for the town. It cost him £450, a fortune then and the equivalent of £34,000 today.

What was unveiled was a beautiful clock on a cast iron tower designed by Cunliffe of London. The clock was illuminated at night with its own private gas supply, and the dial face must have had a flush of red because of the rubycoloured glass in the corners. It was wound by hand, and first the Giscard family of clockmakers took on the task,

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ABOVE: St Margaret’s second clock, installed in 1845 and (right) the original position of Gaywood’s time-keeping War Memorial

followed by others. These days (like most public clocks) the intricate mechanism of cogs, pulleys and pendulums has been replaced by a little black box which keeps time with electronic efficiency.

Downham Market’s iconic clock picked out in black and white isn’t the only public timekeeper to have lost its cogs and wheels. There was a widespread trend in the 1960s and 70s to modernize, and many historic mechanical workings have been lost over the years. Part of the workings of the rare Moon Dial and clock on the

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sturdy frontage of St. Margaret’s (now King’s Lynn Minster) in Saturday Market Place have been lost.

Early records give St. Margaret’s a striking clock in the 1300s, predating the famous medieval clocks in Salisbury and Rouen. But it’s the remarkable behest of a long-lived local gunsmith and clockmaker who became church warden of St. Margaret’s, Thomas Tue, which is most noted today.

In 1681, he donated three extraordinary clocks to the town.

The most famous is the Moon Clock, which looks out over the river and shows the lunar phases – it was possible to calculate the exact hour of the day and (with enough skill) the tides. It became a modern tidal clock after the steeple collapsed onto the nave in a 1741 storm, and it was restored and resurrected.

The other clock Tue had donated to King’s Lynn was damaged beyond repair and was replaced. This new clock is mentioned in 1774 because it was the conductor for a lightning strike.

When it was repaired in 1818 it was ‘much decayed’ and was given two dials looking east and west.

The present clock was erected in 1845, built by Moore’s of Clerkenwell but supplied by local clockmaker John King.

The third clock Tue donated was to St. James Chapel, which became part of the town workhouse in 1682. This clock stopped ticking at precisely 10.45am on the morning of 23rd June, 1854. A local clockmaker called Andrews climbed the workhouse tower to inspect the mechanism but the tower collapsed and Mr. Andrews was killed.

It used to be a weekly local ritual to wind the clocks, recalls Church Secretary Liz James. Liz herself used to climb the tower to regulate the hour with British Summer Time.

She remembers the excitement of getting up to the old mechanical workings and altering the hands. One year, she recalls, they wound the clock the wrong way and time ran backwards.

These days she just throws a switch.

The workings have been moved down a floor to a dark recess to make way for the newlyrefurbished bells as part of the Bells and Clocks Restoration Project in 2005.

“It’s sad to think of them in darkness,” adds Liz, referring to the old clock workings which had been cleaned and restored by Michlmayr Clock and Watchmakers of Norwich

over a three-month period.

Clock-making seems to run in families, and Simon Michlmayr is no exception. He was only six when he started sweeping floors in his father’s workshop.

“This isn’t the type of job you do as a job,” he says, “it’s a calling.”

About 40% of his company’s work is on public clocks, and involves travelling up and down towers all over the country. It’s a fusion of precision engineering and physical derring-do as the ability to abseil bears testimony.

“Dirt is the biggest problem for old clocks,” says Michlmayr, “and people who think what they are doing is right but it’s not.”

In his workshop there are the workings for a public clock that has just come in for repair. It’s hard to imagine how this pile of grease and dirty metal will become the insides of a clock, but even in its dismantled state the process is exciting and it won’t be long before it is cleaned and re-connected. But nowadays most clocks are run from compact electrical boxes which just don’t have the same visual appeal.

Downham Market’s mechanism used to jam in high winds – but now the only thing that will stop the clock is a power cut. It has its own special maintenance budget, and it’s worth every penny according to town councillor, Frank Daymond.

“As far as we’re concerned, it’s irreplaceable,” he says.

“It’s what identifies Downham Market, and we use it for everything.”

The Downham Market clock isn’t just a symbol of place; it’s a central meeting place. There must be countless memories of young couples – like the local tale of the land army girl who met and married her man under its dial. It also (according to local legend) stopped at the exact moment the old man who wound the mechanism, died.

In Gaywood, the War Memorial is also a public clock – it was constructed in 1920 and now stands north of Lynn Road, holding the memory of the men who gave their lives in the Great War, a record of much more than the passing of minutes. KL

KLmagazine March 2012

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Mr Sivanandy NAGENDRAN Mr Sivanandy Nagendran is a Consultant Ophthalmologist working at BMI The Sandringham Hospital. In the article below, he answers your questions about glaucoma

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA? Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions where the optic nerve suffers a form of damage at the back of the eye which is often associated with a raised level of intraocular pressure. The optic nerve damage causes patchy loss of vision that varies in severity. Without treatment, the loss of vision usually gets worse over months or several years.

Most patients with glaucoma are not aware of problems with their vision. This is because the central vision is only affected when glaucoma has advanced to a late stage. Even when central vision is still good, glaucoma may affect the vision needed for driving and getting about (for instance, seeing steps and curbs). It is worth noting however that blindness from glaucoma is rare.

TYPES OF GLAUCOMA The term ‘glaucoma’ covers several different conditions: The most common condition is chronic (primary open angle) glaucoma. This usually affects both eyes and develops slowly so that loss of sight is gradual. There is no pain, redness of the eye or dramatic change in vision. With acute (angle closure) glaucoma, there is a sudden increase in the pressure within one eye. The eye becomes red and painful. Often there is mistiness of vision and episodes of seeing halos around lights.

Sometimes, other diseases of the eye cause a rise in the pressure within the eye – this group of conditions is called secondary glaucoma. Congenital glaucoma (buphthalmos) is a condition where glaucoma is present from birth. An increase in the pressure within the eye causes it to enlarge. For the majority of glaucoma patients, the main effect of the condition is the inconvenience of taking eye drops.

DIAGNOSIS OF GLAUCOMA When you see your ophthalmologist, you are likely to undergo some simple, pain-free tests. These tests will allow the consultant to make a diagnosis and help determine what kind of treatment you will need. You are advised not to drive to clinic appointments, as some of the eye drops used can temporarily blur your vision. Your consultant will examine the results of the tests and will use these to help decide on the best method of treatment for you.

TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA Glaucoma can be treated but not cured. The aim of treatment is to lower the pressure within the eye and prevent further damage to the optic nerve and visual loss. Because treatment can only control, not cure, the condition, it must be continued throughout life. There are three different treatments: eye drops, laser treatment and surgery. Your consultant will agree the most appropriate treatment with you.

Eye Drops The first form of treatment is usually eye drops which lower the eye pressure. Putting drops in properly and as prescribed is essential to try to prevent any further sight loss.

Laser Treatment Also known as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a simple, yet highly effective laser procedure that reduces the intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. It is performed in your ophthalmologist’s office and typically takes no more than five minutes.

Surgery For some forms of glaucoma an operation may be necessary. The most common operation is a trabeculectomy, where a microscopic piece of tissue is removed to make a new opening for the fluid to escape from the eye. The escaping fluid is absorbed into the tissues which form the outer coat of the eye.

HOW DOES GLAUCOMA AFFECT QUALITY OF LIFE? Glaucoma can affect quality of life for several reasons: the diagnosis itself, the functional loss, the inconvenience of the treatment, the side effects and cost of the treatment. For the majority of glaucoma patients, the main effect of the condition is the inconvenience of taking eye drops.

Everyone should have a routine eye examination once every two years and those who are most at risk of glaucoma (e.g. people aged 40+ with a family history of the condition) are entitled to annual eye examinations paid for by the NHS.

e Sandringham Hospital

For more information, please call BMI The Sandringham Hospital on 01553 769770 or visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/sandringham

KLmagazine March 2012

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Why 2012 is full of promise at Leziate Park There can’t be a more picturesque local location than Leziate Lake View Park, and 2012 looks set to be full of new things to see and facilities to enjoy – whatever you’ve got planned!

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eziate Lake View Park is one of West Norfolk’s most idyllic locations, set on the shore of a beautiful tranquil lake and surrounded by mature woodland – it offers a relaxing lounge and stylish restaurant area, a large function room (complete with dance floor and bar) and it’s all only three miles from King’s Lynn.

As you’ll shortly see, 2012 looks set to be a really exciting year for Leziate Lake View Park, and whatever plans of your own are in the making – whether it’s a business conference or a charity dinner dance – it’s the perfect setting for a

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truly successful event.

Of course, there’s no bigger day than your wedding, and Leziate Lake View Park can host the reception or party in the delightful marquee-style Lakeside Suite, which is complete with stunning views over the lake – making it perfect for those special photographs.

Moreover, Leziate Lake View Park has a Civil Wedding Licence, so it’s possible to have the wedding ceremony itself in this beautiful location. Book your wedding before the end of March, and you can also enjoy a 10% discount!

Planning a wedding can be a pretty stressful time, so it’s good to learn that

the professional and experienced team at Leziate Lake View Park are on hand to organise and coordinate everything to the finest detail, ensuring your dream ideas become a dream reality.

On 1st April 2012, Leziate Lake View Park will be holding their second Wedding Fair, giving you the ideal opportunity to discover the new wedding packages (that offer even more value for money) and meet the team. Alternatively, if you’d like more information, you can contact Mary or Bambi using the details opposite and they’ll talk you through the latest offers specially created for brides-to-be.

KLmagazine March 2012

This professional approach to special events also makes this a very suitable location for funeral receptions – both the team and the location itself help create an appropriately peaceful and understated atmosphere.

Leziate Lake View Park is also good for business, being able to cater for all types and all sizes of corporate meetings and conferences – and all the necessary equipment is readily available on site.

In the restaurant, the start of the year has seen the menus move in some exciting new directions. There’s now lots of tasty treats – including a Pie of the Day, a lovely range of fresh sandwiches, an unmissable beerbattered fish and chips, and even a new menu for children (and the younger customers will certianly enjoy the sandpit that will be introduced over the summer).

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s the ideal time to enjoy a taste of Leziate Lake View Park for yourself (and your mum!) with a special menu – but you’d be well advised to book your place now. It actually comes as a surpise to many people that you don’t need to be a member to enjoy everything the bar and restaurant has to offer – everyone’s invited and everyone benefits from the high standards of service.

Outside, Leziate Lake View Park will be KLmagazine March 2012

offering ‘glamping’ later this year in the form of some very luxurious yurts (together with a view of the lake), and as for the lake itself, plans are currently well under way to create a permanent Treasure Trail around it.

Soon to be fully stocked with carp (which is good news for local anglers), the lake is also looking forward to seeing the growth of the sailing school (it’s RYA-affiliated) and you’ll soon be able to hire canoes, kayaks and pedalos in which to enjoy it. The lake is even going to be hosting a National Triathlon Event in July.

On the subject of sports, the superb tennis courts at Leziate Lake View Park will be home to a new tennis club starting shortly on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm – and everyone’s welcome to join.

In fact, there’s never been a better time to discover everything Leziate Lake View Park has to offer, as Mary Hegarty (who’s been the driving force behind the changes) explains: “A venue like this should offer something for everyone of all ages,” she says. “And by introducing new ideas and facilities, and by reaching for higher standards all the time, we’ve created an really inviting atmosphere which can be enjoyed by everyone – exactly how we want Leziate Lake View Park to be seen.”

Brow of the Hill, Leziate King’s Lynn PE32 1EN Tel:01553 630393 Fax: 01553 630074 Web: www.leziatepark.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@leziatepark.co.uk 57

Superb quality stoves custom-made for your home

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KLmagazine March 2012

Books SORRY ZORAN DRVENKAR This is the sort of thriller that gets TV execs slavering for the rights.

Four friends, united behind a simple idea for a PI agency that exacts vengeance for its clients, those who have had the slur of ignominy painted large across them. Hustle meets Miss Marple; it’s a creepy and brilliant book.

THE WOMAN WHO WENT TO BED FOR A YEAR SUE TOWNSEND What if you popped yourself under the duvet and stayed there? That premise, from the creator of Adrian Mole, the writer who has had us guffawing long into the night with her acerbic, truthful and wonderfully deleterious observations of modern life for over thirty years, does it again.

THE HAIRY BIKERS’ BIG BOOK OF BAKING DAVE MYERS & SI KING Take two bikes and two blokes and set them off on a voyage of baking discovery from Bergen to Barcelona. Throw in a raised pinkie as they breathe warm crumbs over the sachertorte and the smorrebrod and this is the result – every bit as tasty as its cover price.

THE HEDGEROW HANDBOOK ADELE NOZEDAR Just yesterday, it seems, we were murderously ripping out hedgerow to create grain mountains, so losing sight of the patchwork elegance of Britain and tearing down the habitats of more than 65 varieties of songbird. Much has changed and this lovely title is a hymn to the hedgerow, to remind us how full they are of the practicality of natural cures, culinary secrets and the essence of life itself.

KLmagazine March 2012

David Learner

It’s World Book Day on March 1st and fourteen million children will receive a £1 book token to spend on words. For the rest of us it’s a reminder of the importance and sheer joy of reading. Here’s a six-pack to protect you from the mad March storms...

TURING’S CATHEDRAL: THE ORIGINS OF THE DIGITAL UNIVERSE GEORGE DYSON In 1801 it was the Jacquard loom which offered the spark that would lead to the binary world of computer decisiveness.

On/off: a single choice with infinite answers. In 1945 American academics would set out to create Alan Turing’s theoretical ‘universal machine’ – and in 2012, we’re all part of that uncompleted experiment. A chilling and engrossing tale of things to come.

OVER THE MOON – THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY DAVID ESSEX Born in Plaistow (then in Essex... oh, right) David Cook has enjoyed the sort of career that now warmly assumes a biography. Singer, actor and OBE for his services to Voluntary Service Overseas, the breadth of his success from number one single Rock On to departure from Albert Square last October is as evocative a diary of four domestic decades as you could wish. Terrific.

March

Events

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Tell your children you’re taking them to meet KEVIN PRICE at Waterstones on Saturday 3rd and you’ll get a) huge smiles and b) a million Brownie points. Kevin will be here from 11:00am to sign copies of both THE BEAUTY CONTEST AT THE ZOO and THE SILLY SOLAR SYSTEM.

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Her talent for capturing the turmoil of life on the home front during WW2 has gained MARGARET DICKINSON a worldwide following in its millions. She’ll be with us at 2.30pm on Tuesday 6th to sign copies of JENNY’S WAR – once again we’re delighted that she’s found time to be with us in King’s Lynn.

DAVID LEARNER is Assistant Manager for Waterstone’s at 137 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1AU Telephone: 01553 660111

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PICTURE: Concorde Filmverleih GmbH

LOCAL LIFE

RIGHT: Tony Hansford didn’t just supply vehicles suitable for Tom Stoppard’s WWI–based screenplay for Parade’s End (2012) – he even dressed up for the part!

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PICTURE: Anchorage Entertainment

ABOVE: Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady (2011) – a stunning performance made all the more authentic by Tony Hansford’s supply of Margaret Thatcher’s original Daimler Sovereign

KLmagazine March 2012

PICTURE: Hammer Film Productions ABOVE: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarán Hinds and another of Tony’s cars during the production of The Woman in Black (2012)

The local man who’s driving the movies...

Some of the unsung heroes of Hollywood are the vehicles that help make movies more authentic – and many come from just outside King’s Lynn! Bel Greenwood meets Tony Hansford...

D

ownton Abbey may not have won the ratings war on Christmas Day against EastEnders, but it definitely had the bestlooking cars. The 1911 truck that drove up to the front steps of Highclere Castle with a 10-foot Christmas tree on the back was sourced, fitted out and driven by Tony Hansford, the founder of The Movie Car Company, based at Terrington St. Clement just outside King’s Lynn.

And if you happened to switch on to Endeavour, the prequel to Inspector Morse, that lovely white police Jaguar also comes from the Hansford stable of classic cars.

KLmagazine March 2012

Name a film and it’s highly likely The Movie Car Company will have been involved in some way – either by supplying a car, driving it, maintaining it, or preparing it for special effects – and training the actors how to use the pedals in a pre-war classic. And nothing beats staging a car chase like a day’s clear-road speeding in the Highlands for Made of Honour with Patrick Dempsey.

“It’s just fabulous,” says Hansford, “as the police block all the roads for us!”

They weren’t old cars with a top speed of 15mph either – but Aston Martins.

In The Iron Lady, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Hansford supplied Margaret Thatcher’s original government car

(yes, the real thing!) that she drove around in during her period in office.

The Daimler Sovereign relived its old role with Meryl Streep as the first British female Prime Minister, sitting on the beautifully upholstered back seat.

When Thatcher was out of a job, then so was the car and it was sold off.

“I found it locally in Snetterton,” says Hansford.

“It was in bits, but we bought it and put it back together.”

It must have given an added edge to the film shoot knowing that the car was more than a period piece but had actually been part of the story being told.

Hansford can’t remember a time

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PICTURE: Carnival Films/ITV ABOVE: If this vehicle looks familiar, you’re right – it’s the Christmas tree truck from the Downton Abbey Christmas Special!

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a request to have a van on the other side of Belgium by 6am the following day! He did it. And that’s the thing – no matter what, you have to pull the car out of the bag and have a bag of tricks in the boot.

“The directors are all very understanding with old cars but they don’t have any time to wait for problems,” Hansford says. And old cars have specific problems on set.

“Most of the older cars need forward movement to keep them cool.”

Keeping an old car running without moving forward means overheating –

PICTURE: BBC

when he wasn’t into cars.

“It was just a boy’s love,” he says, and he started collecting models early, starting with Morris 8s and Sunbeam Talbots first produced in the early 1930s. It was no surprise that although he trained as a carpenter, Hansford set up The Marriage Car Company to give weddings a touch of romance on wheels, and then ten years ago he was approached to provide a car for Sad Cypress, a Poirot film.

It starred David Suchet and a very youthful Rupert Pendry-Jones, who climbs into the gleaming vehicle parked on a Kensington Street.

The producers had seen the Jaguar on Hansford’s website. Hansford used the fee to set up The Movie Car Company.

Both companies run side by side and complement each other perfectly, as some couples will hire a wedding car specifically because it’s been on screen.

After Poirot came Kingdom, the ITV series starring Stephen Fry as a Norfolk solicitor. Filming was in Swaffham, Holkham, Hunstanton and Thetford.

“I did the first series and met all the wonderful actors,” says Hansford. “It really was a lighthearted, friendly job.”

The company went on to spend three months filming all over the country for When Did You Last See Your Father with Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent.

“It went on from there. My face seemed to fit, and generally the work came in one job after the other.”

It comes in at all hours too. Hansford can get a call at 11pm with a request to be on set anywhere in the country at 6am the next morning.

On one occasion, Hansford remembers being called at 2.30pm with

and at night the problem can be flat batteries because the lights are on while the car remains stationery. The secret is to always be prepared on set.

“You try to cater for every event,” Hansford explains. “I’ve got spare petrol, spark plugs, batteries, my tools, and you carry fuel pumps – the spares are unbelievable. We’ve never been in the situation where the car hasn’t done the job. We have tricks – anything to get a car going. Older cars are easier to fix because they have a mechanical problem, but on modern cars when it’s a problem with an electrical system, there’s nothing that can be done.”

Sometimes, a car has to be prepared for stunts. In The Iron Lady, Hansford had to find two identical Cavaliers – one had to go to the special effects people to be made to look as if it had been blown up by the IRA. The other stayed intact.

It’s not all excitement and glamour, however. There can be long, dull waiting periods before being called on set, and it can be freezing and wet – but in the end there’s nothing to beat the excitement of finding just the right car, working with great crews and actors and being part of the making of a quality film like The Woman in Black with Daniel Radcliffe.

What can’t be found can often be put together, and Hansford and Tim Compson – who works for the company with a background in rally cars and building racing cars – repair and renovate classic vehicles when they’re not on a film job ready for the next call.

Hansford has between 30-40 period vehicles in his personal collection and a database of 1,500. And he’s always happy to hear from anyone who might like their vehicle to shine on screen. KL

ABOVE: Filming another car from the Tony Hansford stable for the 2010 version of Upstairs Downstairs

KLmagazine March 2012

From renovation work and conservation work to new builds and extensions, taking on a building project has never been in safer hands – thanks to the quality work of Wisbechbased SLOAN BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

I

t is often at this time of year with hordes of friends and relatives arriving unannounced when we realise a little extra room in our house could go a long way – perhaps an extra bedroom or two, or maybe a larger entertaining space. Whatever the idea, the discerning home owner needs a company they can trust to give the best service and advice from concept to completion.

With more than 20 years invaluable experience, Sloan Building and Maintenance Ltd (SBM) is a local building company working hard to change the image of the construction industry.

Boasting an impressive client base built from hard work, reputation and recommendation SBM can

take on any project from small renovations and extensions to substantial new build properties.

“When a client comes to us with an issue they would like to resolve,” says director Andrew Sloan, “it’s up to us to use our knowledge and experience to come up with the best solution. Any form of building work is a major undertaking and we understand how daunting it can seem to our customers who aren’t in the industry.”

But the dreams you put on paper can become a reality far easier than you imagined thanks to their comprehensive and complete range of services including helping you identify a suitable property or plot, architectural services, build and even interior decoration.

107 Hollycroft Road, Emneth, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 8BD Tel: 01945 581684 Web: www.sloanbuild.co.uk E-mail: sbandmltd@googlemail.com

ARTS

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KLmagazine March 2012

ABOVE: Norfolk artist Sarah Bowett and her work Walsingham Cows, and (left) a typically impressionistic detail from Storm Hill Rising

An impressionistic view of Norfolk...

Art gallery curators describe her as an abstact landscape artist, but Sarah Bowett sees herself as a colourist. KL magazine talks to the acclaimed Norfolk artist about her work...

F

ollowing a recent exhibition at West Acre Theatre, Sarah Bowett was described as an abstract landscape painter by an art gallery curator. It came as something of a surprise to the Norfolk-based artist.

“Upon reflection,” she explains, “I realized that because my work is more about the suggestion of the subject rather than a literal representation, the KLmagazine March 2012

curator may well have been right.

Personally, I would describe myself as a colourist.”

Born and educated in Norfolk, Sarah Bowett studied art at Norwich School of Art before graduating in sculpture at Loughborough. Following a successful career in advertising and publishing, Sarah and her journalist husband travelled and lived in Hong Kong, Brussels and New York before returning

home to the wide open spaces so close to her heart – and her work. In 2005 Sarah was awarded the Syd Davison Memorial Award by the West Norfolk Artists Association. She is a member of the West Norfolk Artists Association and a juried member of the Mamaroneck Artists Guild in New York.

“Having traveled extensively,” Sarah explans, “I’ve found there’s nothing quite like north west Norfolk for 67

ABOVE: Sarah Bowett’s Holme Creek, and (below) a detail from Green Bank Summer

changing light conditions. It seems as if the same piece of landscape can look completely different depending upon the time of day, the season and the weather. These variables make for inspiring conditions and interesting subject matter. Of course, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I never seem to tire of the Norfolk landscape. I think I just want to share the joy of a Norfolk sky and the variety of moods they reflect.”

Sarah paints in what she describes as an immediate and gestural style, quickly putting down colours as she sees them and building up a colour study.

“I’m often found out in a field somewhere building up an impression of the colours and composition,” she says.

“Because light changes so quickly in Norfolk, I have to be quick and if needs be, I continue working at home later on. Thanks to digital photography I can also photograph a particular scene that I’m working on to record composition and light conditions if I run out of time.”

As a largely experimental artist, Sarah may use collage or three-dimensional works to express the nature of her surroundings, using found objects such as chunks of wood, fabric and past drawings to enhance her work.

Currently working as a Teaching Assistant at King Edward VII School in King’s Lynn, Sarah is also a great supporter of Autism Anglia and the valuable work they do locally for people on the Autistic spectrum.

If you’d like to see more of Sarah’s work, you’ll find her exhibiting at the 14th Grimston Celebration of Art at St. John the Baptist in Grimston between May 1st and 7th, while later that month she’ll be taking part in a joint exhibition

by Breckland Area Artists for the Norfolk Open Studios in Gallery Dereham between May 22nd-29th.

Sarah is also one of the EcoTech Artists, and will be exhibiting in the EcoTech Centre Swaffham as part of the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2012 in June.

And in the unlikely event you can’t visit any of those, you’ll find paintings

by Sarah Bowett regularly feature at Sarah Caswell’s Gallery in the Walsingham Great Barns at Walsingham.

To contact Sarah Bowett or for latest exhibition dates and news on her current projects, see her website at sarahbowett.com.

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KLmagazine March 2012

For everything oak we’re all you need to know...

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KLmagazine March 2012

d West of King’s Lynn an l ci un o C h ug ro The Bo

Norfolk

LOCAL LIFE

s d r a w A y t i n u Opport 2012

Celebrating those who make a real difference...

The Borough Council’s West Norfolk Disability Forum is currently seeking nominations for this year’s Opportunity Awards – celebrating the truly remarkable achievements of local people...

T

he search is currently on for individuals and organisations in West Norfolk who have demonstrated innovation, imagination and commitment in ensuring equality of opportunity for people with disabilities in the local community – or for people who have overcome the challenges that a disability can present with determination and spirit.

The Opportunity Awards were first launched in 1989, and seek to recognise outstanding contributions which have helped people with disabilities with everyday life. In the past, winners have been from a diverse range of backgrounds, but the thing they all have in common is that they

KLmagazine March 2012

have made a very real difference to disabled people – either by being an inspiration to others or by their provision of activites and services.

This year, the Opportunity Awards ceremony will be hosted by the Borough Mayor at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on Tuesday 24th April, and awards will be made in (but won’t limited to) the following categories: l Young Carers l Voluntary Organisations l Service Providers l Employers l Achievement in Sport l Volunteering and helping others l Charity Work

If you know of a local person or a local business or organisation who deserves to be recognised, you have until the end of the month to make your nominations.

Please contact Allison Bingham of the West Norfolk Disability Forum at King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1EX. You can e-mail Allision at allison.bingham@west-norfolk.gov.uk or you can download a nomination form from the Borough Council website at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk.

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ABOVE: Aldiss in Fakenham today – the company has been serving local people since 1892

Celebrating 120 years of Aldiss quality...

As the famous and much-loved store approaches a landmark anniversary this Easter, Bel Greenwood looks at how Aldiss has become so popular with generations of local shoppers...

T

his Easter, Aldiss will celebrate 120 years of continuous retail service.

William J. Aldiss (left) first opened doors for trading from a single house on the Market Square in Fakenham in 1892 – but nowadays the family business own 53,000 square feet of trading space in Fakenham and Norwich.

In those early days, Queen Victoria was still on the throne and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had just published the first Sherlock Holmes adventure. Aldiss was a haberdashery that soon started

74

stocking everything that the local farming community and townspeople could possibly need – hurricane lamps as well as needles and thread.

The business soon expanded into two other houses and a façade was put up across all three properties. The façade was supposed to look like Harrods because W.J. Aldiss had an ambition to build a business on value-for-money and giving the people of Norfolk what they had in London.

“He brought London to Norfolk,” says present-day Managing Director Paul Clifford.

KLmagazine March 2012

Over three generations spanning three centuries, that ambition and passion to supply the best quality goods and service for the best price has remained – even as the range of products has changed over the years.

W.J. Aldiss’ son, Mr. Val (it’s a tradition to call the Aldiss’ sons Mr and their first name) was brought up living above the shop, and it wasn’t very long before he was working in it too.

It was Mr. Val who brought royal fashions to Fakenham. He would bring pictures of what Princess Margaret was wearing back home after forays in the capital and host local fashion shows.

During the Second World War, the fabric in demand was no longer for dresses but blackout material to make curtains. Fakenham was surrounded by aerodromes, and Aldiss serviced their needs.

“The fabric department used to sell more fabric than the whole of John Lewis,” remarks Paul Clifford.

When Mr. Tim took over the business in the early 1980s from his father, his vision was to build up the furniture element and to build a touch of lifestyle in store.

Enter Aldiss today and you can buy everything you can possibly imagine for your home under one roof. This can be as small as a coffee mug and as large as a Tempur double bed. Many lines are world-sourced. It’s not just that there’s a vast range of quality possibilities either – a lot of thought put into the range of homes out there, so the store can supply furniture that will suit both farm cottage and stately home. For example, Aldiss furnishes all the National Trust properties that are rented out in Norfolk.

The cornerstones of value, best service and quality established the founding ethos of the company and is still central today. Aldiss works with a lower margin because it doesn’t have to factor in a percentage to cover rent for store space (it has the freehold on its properties), but it’s not just about

KLmagazine March 2012

money. There’s a strong sense of community.

“All our staff live here and work here, they’re here from cradle to grave,” says Mr. Clifford.

On the day of the Royal Wedding last year, the store was open as usual, although the staff worked on a shift pattern so they could watch the event on TV in turns.

“The customers are going to expect us to be there,” says Mr. Clifford, “so we were.”

Customer loyalty has been built up over the generations.

“There are customers today who can still remember when deliveries were made by bicycle and money would be collected weekly,” he adds.

Methods of payment may have changed, but not gentlemanly agreements. Next door to the Fakenham store is Kinnerton, Britain’s largest chocolate manufacturer. When they needed more space than their factory shop gave them and approached Aldiss for space within the store – and now chocolate is also on sale to the mutual benefit of both companies.

Mr. Tim may have retired from the shopfront, but he remains Chairman of the Board and is a frequent visitor. It’s a mark of the company’s commitment and passion that six years ago Paul Clifford was persuaded out of his retirement plans to take over as Managing Director, and now drives up from London every working day.

“All roads lead to Fakenham” he says.

“It’s the middle of nowhere but in the centre of everywhere.”

It will certainly be at the centre of this Easter’s anniversary celebrations on 5th April.

Last year Marilyn Monroe jumped out of a cake. This year’s plans are still shrouded in secrecy but it’s a ‘massive milestone,’ the company is intent on celebrating with the customers who have supported the company through all the long decades of successful trading.

75

LOCAL LIFE

Breathing new life into a dying art...

Bel Greenwood meets up with local taxidermist Dominique Le Drew-Rudd Pictures: Ian Ward

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KLmagazine March 2012

ABOVE: It looks like a study for a still-life painting, but this is the raw material for Dominique’s work – which takes place in her Reepham studio (opposite)

I

n those distant days when schoolchildren got to carry out their own dissections in Biology class, Dominique Le Drew-Rudd, was never one to wrinkle her nose with distaste at the smell of formaldehyde or shrink from exposing the inside of a frog or rat. From an early age, she had a fascination for what lay under the skin of an animal or bird and the shape of their skulls. Her mother, in that old, self-sufficient country way, used to show her how to prepare meat, whether pheasant or rabbit.

Dominique attended

KLmagazine March 2012

Reepham High School where she gained CSE’s and went on take her O Levels.

After school she knew she wanted to do something creative and by chance, she stumbled across a local taxidermist. She rang him up and asked if she could learn from him. She was 16. It was a long apprenticeship.

Dominique would visit him at weekends, learning gradually the ancient art of preserving life in death.

Taxidermy has been around for a long time and its appeal comes in waves.

At the moment it’s undergoing a resurgence, partly fuelled by its take up

77

by big name Brit Artists like cabinet of drawers, each Damien Hirst, who’s used labelled with the handmade the art of animal glass eyes of different bird preservation in headlinespecies. sculptures like Shark. Hirst Dominique is a green was able to draw on the taxidermist, which means talents of Emily Mayer, a most of her subjects are pioneering sculptress and brought to her and have taxidermist from Flying died naturally or in Bear Studio near Norwich. accidents. Local people But the spread of interest bring in birds and animals and theatrical ingenuity of killed on the roads to be taxidermy is widespread. In preserved. There are so ABOVE: Dominique’s work captures and preserves all the drama and beauty London, Tour De Force many different reasons to of the natural world – and is becoming increasingly in demand Theatre invited the public keep something that is to have tea and learn dead. mammal and although she will stage a about the ancient art of Taxidermy with “It is the beauty of the bird or bird, it’s in its natural pose. The a master class given by Amanda’s creature,” says Dominique, “and they imposing seagull in her studio in Autopsies (her website hosts a circus of can’t bury it. Once it’s buried then it’s Reepham is perched firmly on a grey stuffed, performing mice). gone.” pillar of wood like a weathered stump Polly Evans creates macabre and Dominique sees herself as keeping an on a shore, with seaweed, shells and a delicate bird sculptures for A-list clients ancient, traditional craft alive and works drift of sand. It ‘s currently under repair, from her East London studio. For many in the old way. The early part of the and Dominique has just finished contemporary artists the appeal of process requires an iron stomach and painting its claws. Her studio is full of working with taxidermy is the an ability to cope with strong smells dead-alive creatures; by the door hang anthropomorphic and theatrical (the worst smell she’s ever had to a trio of ducks, a crow beadily watches aspects. It’s the taxidermy of Victorian endure was tortoise). from the corner. A rabbit is pinioned by spectacle and the macabre.

When it’s difficult to clean out the a weasel just as it might if it was caught For Dominique, her allegiance to interior of an animal, Dominique buries on the edge of woodland. On one of taxidermy lies in its historical roots the corpses in a hole in her garden and the work tables on a sheet of when taxidermy was a way of collecting waits for nature to take its course. It can newspaper is the thawed out body of a and collating knowledge about the take between two months and a year rabbit, fresh from the freezer. Coils of natural world. Before the 17th century, for thorough decomposition depending wire hang on the wall and a thicket of methods of preservation were on the size of the creature. These days, tools, gouging, scoring implements, inadequate. The science of taxidermy Dominique confines herself to birds wood-wool and string, and a small advanced slowly until the days of the and smaller mammals although she hunter-collectors of the 19th century. won’t touch wild rats because of the This led to collecting specimens from risk of Weil’s disease. far-flung places and a fashion for Every bird that comes in has to be trophies, the heads of the hunted logged with details of who brought it in erected on wooden plaques for the and how the bird died – information walls of stately homes. then has to go to DEFRA, who issue Taxidermy became ubiquitous and licences for birds of prey before they many a Victorian parlour was graced are sold. with a pheasant preserved in a The skill of taxidermy, once learnt is naturalistic pose inside a glass case. never lost, says Dominique. All the bird Most museums held a collection of feathers are washed in detergent and glassy-eyed tigers, polished turtles and dried with a hairdryer, the skull is filled exotic birds and it is how generations of with clay, upholstery material is used to schoolchildren learned about animal form muscles and wires to hold the bird life. Taxidermy was about conservation into a natural position and the body of and education. It was a craft in a class the bird is stuffed with bound wood of its own and exclusively a male wool. The wires are stapled or nailed occupation. into place. The final act is usually the These days, women make up 40% of eyes being slotted into the sockets. the Guild of Taxidermists’ membership The art is in knowing how the bird or and it is women artists who are pushing the creature acts, moves and thinks the boundaries of the science of when it’s alive. taxidermy and preserving the traditions “There’s a rhythm and a pace to of the craft. bringing a bird back to life,” says For Dominique, her art is all about Dominique, as she carefully moves the capturing the life in death of the bird or Seagull to catch the light. KL

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KLmagazine March 2012

Welcome to Worzals!

More and more people are enjoying a taste of real quality from this local farm shop...

W

orzals Farm Shop is the brainchild of local farmer and landowner Kevin Curson, who’s one of of the biggest pumpkin growers in the country – producing no less than six million a year! Kevin was used to regularly supplying the big supermarkets with his plants and vegetables, but he thought a local farm shop would be the ideal opportunity to connect directly with his customers – providing high quality, locally-grown produce straight from local fields to local people.

Opening last Autumn, Worzals has proved a huge success – with people travelling from far afield to sample some home-grown goodness.

The farm shop itself is packed with a huge range of fresh vegetables and

KLmagazine March 2012

locally-sourced meat, together with a specially-selected collection of local preserves and foods – and the friendly staff are always ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

And for that after-dinner drink, Worzals also has an impressive stock of local beers and wines.

But there’s more to Worzals than just great tasting food and drink – you’ll also find a fully-stocked garden centre with a fantastic collection of plants, flowers and bulbs, together with a selection of top quality gardening supplies and products.

If you’re serious about food and keen to support local growers and producers, then a visit to Worzals Farm Shop is essential – there’s just so much to discover!

Details WORZALS FARM SHOP Lynn Road, Walton Highway, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE14 7DA

79

FAKENHAM

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Next month’s race meeting: EASTER MONDAY: 9th April, 2012 (2:00pm)

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KLmagazine March 2012

My KL

e page that’s

made by KL magazine readers...

The Great Reading Takeaway...

If you love great books but you’re not sure which titles to choose, then help is at hand at your local library.

During March, Norfolk Library and Information Service will be feeding your appetite for great books and films with The Great Reading Takeaway, featuring 4 reading menus based on 4 countries. The reading menus include adult, teenage and children's books, featuring fiction, cookery and travel writing.

British Menu The Last Letter from Your Lover – Jojo Moyes The Point of Rescue – Sophie Hannah We Bought a Zoo – Benjamin Mee The Thirty-nine Steps – John Buchan Young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud – Andrew Lane Great British Bake Off: How to Bake – Linda Collister Chinese menu Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother – Xinran Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress – Dai Sijie Little Hut of Leaping Fishes – Chiew-Siah Tei China Road – Rob Gifford The Firework-maker's Daughter – Philip Pullman China Modern – Ching-He Huang Italian Menu The Snack Thief –Andrea Camilleri Amore and Amaretti – Victoria Cosford Pompeii – Robert Harris The Italian Wedding – Nicky Pellegrino The Sewer Demon – Caroline Lawrence The I Diet – Gino D'Acampo Indian Menu Bitter Sweets – Roopa Farooki Q and A – Vikas Swarup The Case of the Missing Servant – Tarquin Hall The White Tiger – Aravind Adiga Indian Takeaway – Hardeep Singh Kohli Seasons of Splendour – Madhur Jaffrey/Michael Foreman You can find out more about the promotion through March at www.library.norfolk.gov.uk, and to celebrate the start of the Great Reading Takeaway, Gaywood Library will be hosting an event called Stories from China on Sunday, March 4th at 10:30am, followed by half an hour of Dragon Dancing from 11am. This is a great chance to listen to some Chinese stories, have a go at Dragon Dancing, and take part in lots more fun activities. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult, and for further information contact Gaywood Library on (01553) 768498

KLmagazine March 2012

A classic experience...

For the very first time, the Classics Department of a rural school in Norfolk plans a trip to visit the wonders of ancient Italy. Meanwhile, a rather hapless (and falsely-accused) bank robbing taxi driver and the world’s most deadly assassin are sprung from their respective prisons, and it appears that an unknown force wants them to join the trip.

Join the hoity 6th formers, the swats, the less-thanenthusiastic teachers, the police, the inept agents, crass waiters and ladies of the night on a journey that will prove to be more educational than many can handle!

Based on a KES school trip to Italy, A Classic Performace is a production by the King’s Lynn Youth Theatre, the local community group for children aged 10-18 that enables them to take part in weekly acting classes and work to yearly performances written specifically for the actors by Luke Goold.

THE KING’S LYNN ACADEMY 16th and 17th March, 2012 (7pm) Tickets £5.00 For tickets call 07760 564061, 07549 596679 or e-mail kingslynnyouththeatre@yahoo.co.uk

Born to Dazzle Fashion Show Briarfields Hotel at Titchwell are holding a Born To Dazzle Fashion Show in aid of Save the Children on Friday March 16th at 2pm.

Enjoy a free glass of sparkling wine on arrival, and then enjoy a special Fashion Show by Artichoke (who sell British and European designer clothes, often at a fraction of the original price). There’ll also be a Posh Afternoon Tea at 3:15pm and a prize raffle. For tickets (£15 per person) please contact Briarfields Hotel on 01485 210742 or e-mail: info@briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk.

CONTACT US: We’d love to hear from you! Send your letters and photos to KL magazine, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW or e-mail editor@klmagazine.co.uk

81

LOCAL LIFE

Michael Middleton’s

WildWestNorfolk

Y

ou may remember that last month I was a bit sceptical of a 100-year-old prediction that by the year 2000 the letters C, X and Q would no longer be in the alphabet. I may have been unfair on John Watkins because if you’ve ever spent much time at the bus station in King’s Lynn, you’ll have probably noticed the sad demise of the letter Q. Or at least its meaning.

Anyway, I only bring that up as a way of mentioning my recent visit to the cinema, where I was standing in a queue (bus station users take note).

While waiting, I was looking at a poster for a forthcoming film and was struck by a notice in a white box towards the bottom. It read WARNING: this film contains extended accident peril and moderate injury detail.

The more I thought about it, the more it struck me as being decidedly odd, rather unneccesary, and a bit of a shame.

If you rate a film 18, it means the content is unsuitable for anyone aged under that – for any number of reasons. Surely that’s all you need to know, isn’t it? If you go to see a film called Terror of the 50-Foot Scorpions, surely you’ve got a reasonable idea of what you’re about to see.

Do you really need to be told that the film will contain a considerable amount arachnid-related threat, a great deal of peril, a fair amount of dodgy science and extended scenes of anthrapods on the rampage? Isn’t that exactly the kind of thing you’re hoping to see?

Moreover, doesn’t letting people know what’s just around the corner (or in the next few scenes) give the game away a little?

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If the characters in the forthcoming film (I can’t remember its title) get on an airplane at some point, you’ll already know there’s going to be a very real danger (an extended danger, no less) of there being an accident and that someone’s going to be injured (at least moderately).

Surprise and the suspense are essential parts of a good story – and they don’t work very well when you defuse them. Imagine seeing a poster for The Sixth Sense that contained this advisory message – WARNING: this film contains a lead character who is actually a ghost. See what I mean?

Since that day I’ve been looking a bit closer into these advisory notices and I’m wondering who on earth writes them. One of the most bizzare I’ve come across is the warning for Alien vs Predator (2004), which was rated PG13 and was accompanied by the warning that it contained violence, language, horror images, gore and slime.

Now I’m not about to enter the thorny old debate about whether violence, language, horror images and gore are suitable for a 13-yearold – but I am slightly stunned by the fact that someone somewhere felt it necessary to warn potential viewers that they were about to witness moving images of slime.

Slime? Since when was slime a physical or psychological danger?

Not since Steve McQueen’s first film, I fancy.

It’s certainly come to something when Thunderbirds (2004) has to be given a warning that it contains mild violence and peril – surely that’s what Thunderbirds is all

about! They’re a group of brothers (apart from Lady Penelope) who save the world on a weekly basis from all sorts of evildoers bent on taking over (if not destroying) the planet by any number of means – and if it didn’t contain a little (puppet-related) violence and peril you’d be asking for your money back wouldn’t you?

We’ve certainly come a long way from the days when cinemas proudly advertised the fact they’d hired nurses to look after people who couldn’t take all the peril and moderate threat in the films. It’s even further from the days when cinema seats were wired up to provide a mild electric shock to further enhance the threat and peril (The Tingler, way back in 1959).

Of course, there’s always another side to things.

And if the people who write these advisory notices had seen the film I was waiting for, I think the poster would have been graced with the following: WARNING: This movie is a complete waste of time and money. Now you don’t see that one very often.

KLmagazine March 2012

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