Strictly business
February 2012
ONLINE MAGAZINE
Genuine 25% Discount on all quotes leading to orders in February Conservatories
Doors
Windows
Fascias
Glass Balustrade
Garage Doors
Flat Roofs
LANDLORD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE – Ring for further details, ask for Glenn or Roy
01502 585620
7 Pinbush Close, South Lowestoft Industrial Est, Lowestoft www.dreaminstallations.org.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION OF THIS MAGAZINE Email pc-graphics@hotmail.com
LOCAL BUSINESS ACHIEVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION Where Quality Matters • Est. 13 Years At JPR Decorating Specialist we offer all aspects of Decorating from:
Internal and External Decorations Wallpaper Hanging Stain & Varnish Decorative Finishes Coving Airless Spraying Fire & Water Damage Artex Repairs
Channel 4 Make Over Show
Michael Jennings, Amanda Lamb, John Rimmer.
JPR Decorating Specialist has just finished filming for a new T.V home makeover show. We felt very honoured to be asked to take part in the show. We were very pleased to work alongside celebrity Amanda Lamb and the rest of the crew. The show will be on T.V early 2012.
No matter how big or small the job, we are prepared to provide quotations at highly competitive rates.
J.P.R. Decorating Specialist, a local company employing skilled local labour, has recently been awarded membership of The Guild of Master Craftsmen. Membership was granted by The Guild's Council of Management in recognition of the company's commitment to work with skill and integrity, and its agreement to abide by The Guild's publicly declared aims and objectives. This follows approval of references submitted by a number of J.P.R. Decorating Specialist’s satisfied customers. The company is now entitled to display The Guild logo at its premises, on company vehicles and all stationery items. Membership of The Guild of Master Craftsmen offer many benefits to those able to satisfy the selection criteria. These include assistance in marketing skills and techniques, recommendations and advice for managing a growing business, and participation in many specially negotiated costreduction schemes. The Guild is a national organisation, with members in many different trades, crafts and vocations. Applications for membership from suitably qualified individuals and organisations are always welcome.
Contact: John Rimmer Mobile: 07849 039508 Email: johnrimmer@jpr-decoratingspecialist.co.uk www.jpr-decoratingspecialist.co.uk
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 D
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Versatile √ Well built √ Comfortable√ Good for towing √ Sluggish acceleration X
Max speed: 123 mph 0-62 mph: 11.1 secs Combined mpg: 39.2 Engine: 2179 cc turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 154 at 4400 rpm Max. torque (Ib/ft): 280 at 2000 rpm Max. towing weight (braked) 2000 kg CO2: 189 g/km Price: £28,999 on the road
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By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer www.carwriteups.co.uk Twitter: @carwriteups
E ARE 4x4s and there are hardcore pluggers. Mitsubishi’s Outlander falls where in-between.
(Sport Utility Vehicle) crossover is too handsome and nnered to be hammered across fields, rocks and hills y, but it is more than capable of handling slippery ads and muddy fields with ease. It is also robust and l enough to be used as a decent towing vehicle.
n the same new platform as the even better looking well-built Outlander bridges the gap between hi’s conventional passenger cars and its hardcore ers, like the Shogun and L200. Practical, versatile, namic, rewarding enough to drive and fun, the er is as perfect for the school run on road as it is for g up luggage and venturing off the tarmac ally.
ew efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine the er offers respectable, although not mind-blowing, ance - it takes a yawn-inducing 11.1 seconds to get anding start to 62 mph. That said, you won’t be vehicle like this to see how fast it can get off the el economy and low emissions are excellent und 39 mpg out of the SUV over the week I drove it. diesel engine also brings with it a choice of two d gearboxes - there’s a manual, or the quick, n-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (TC-SST) which d to my GX4 press demo.
ander’s off-road capabilities are thanks to its All ontrol (AWC) technology. The system is designed to e Outlander to perfectly tackle all weathers – providing maximum traction, safety and stability in snow, on ice, in n, on mud, or simply to find the most possible grip in the dry. AWC oversees the operation of the electronicallyd 4WD system, the ABS braking with Electronic Brake Distribution and the high-tech Active Stability and Traction ystems. These systems give the Outlander great composure and offer you fabulous security and great sure-footedness. g the system couldn’t be easier, with a rotary controller allowing you to toggle between three settings in an instant: ng only front wheel drive, for maximum fuel economy on dry paved roads. 4WD, shifting 30 percent of available o the rear wheels for added traction on slippery surfaces. And LOCK mode, with torque shifted to the rear wheels up to nt on demand, for extreme weather or unanticipated terrain.
cally, the Outlander looks good from the outside. A bold, distinctive Jet Fighter grille and headlamps make it stand out crossover competition. A sleek profile, boldly flared wheel arches and LED wrap-around tail lights further enhance its peal. Practical touches such as its integrated roof-rails and its very useful split tailgate make you like the Mitsubishi re. Inside, the Outlander has a sporty elegance; soft padding around the centre instrument panel and door trim as well accents either side of the audio system and along the door panels help create a high quality ambience.
he wheel the Outlander has a commanding driving position, yet because of its excellent manners and road holding the hi feels more like a conventional car. The hooded instrument binnacle, within which nestle dials taking inspiration from cle design, creates the perfect driving environment, offering first rate visibility. Comfort behind the multi-function wheel is good, being adjustable for both rake and reach, while rear seat passengers benefit from leg and headroom. e’s the ‘Fold2Hide’ third row of seats, which simply fold out from beneath the floor to create an extra pair of seats egrated head rests), allowing seven to travel in comfort and style effortlessly. And, with the rear seats folded, the er offers a maximum of 1,691 litres of luggage space – easily enough to pack in two mountain bikes.
ORCHARD CARAVANS ORCHARD CARAVAN PARK This quiet exclusive caravan park with 51 holiday plots is situated right on the edge of town a few minutes walk from the shops, quay and the town's central green, the Buttlands. Catering for the more discerning tourist the park is maintained and operated to a very high standard indeed entrance and exit is by a card operated barrier. Open for 11 months of the year from 1st March to the 31st January owners can enjoy Christmas and New Year in this beautiful part of North Norfolk. The Caravan park is licenced for Holiday use only and is strictly non residential. For further details on plot availibility, please contact us on 01328-710394
Wells-next-the-sea Here's a glorious view of Wells harbour to greet you as you stroll along the pathway on what is known as the beach bank. The quayside and marina are very popular with visitors, here children and grown ups can take part in gillying, a long standing tradition, children usually get completely engrossed, and it's not a computer game, whilst the grown ups console themselves with a nice cold pint from one of the local pubs. Take the mile long walk along the beach bank to the Pinewoods, from the lifeboat house, you can walk 5 miles to Burnham Overy Staithe a long some of the best sandy beaches in the country. On the way back pick your way through the sand dunes and pinewoods and back to the town centre, by this time you should be ready for a relaxing evening meal in one of the many pubs and restaurants all ready to serve you.
CARAVAN PARKS IN NORFOLK THAT WE SUPPLY HOLIDAY CARAVANS TO Pinewood Holiday Park, Cromer, Norfolk Forest Park Ivy Farm Holiday Park Merryhill Naturist Club Friary Farm Caravan Park Waveney Valley Lakes Inglenook Caravan Park Rising Sun Caravan Park Snettisham Caravan Park Walcott Holiday Park Woodland Caravan Park Trimingham Golden Beach Caravan Park Sea Palling The Hero Caravan Park, Burnham Overy Staithe Beach Park Caravan Park, Snettisham Diglea Caravan Park, Snettisham
For more details of any of these parks please contact Orchard Caravans
Great Eastern Way,Wells-next-the- Sea, Norfolk Tel: 01328 710394
WWW.ORCHARDCARAVANS.COM
Cromer crab
Ingredients 2 boiled crabs 4 tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs 1 lemon, juice only 2 tbsp malt vinegar Salt Pinch of cayenne pepper 50 g grated cheddar chees
Method: How to make Cromer crab
1
Lay the crabs on their backs and twist off the claws and legs and set aside. Pull the body and shell apart and discard any green matter and the so-called 'dead man's fingers' (the greyish gills). Scoop out all the meat from the shells and put in a mixing bowl. Crack the claws with a hammer to obtain all the white meat and add to the dark meat.
2
Mix the breadcrumbs with the lemon juice, vinegar, salt and cayenne. Add half of this to the crab meat and mix well. Clean the shells and pile in the crab mixture. Top with the remaining breadcrumb mixture and grated cheese and bake in a hot oven 220C/Gas 7 for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is brown.
BANISH THOSE LACK OF SPACE BLUES FOR GOOD! SO here’s the scenario, you have friends over for supper and the sitting room is still in need of a toy-removing tidy up, also there’s that corner where you try desperately to work from home on the laptop which still has a tottering tower of files and folders out on show. Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could wave a wand and all that clutter would disappear from view, leaving a calm, grown up space for you all to enjoy.
BEFORE
A Suffolk-based company called
The Darn Barn
has been busy designing Space Creators. They are cleverly constructed canvas ‘walls’ to fit any shape and size of home, with installation in seconds they can be used as a temporary or permanent addition to any home. They come in all sorts of colours, are fitted in minutes and can also have windows and zip doors too. The idea came from MD Sarah Blum who’s other business is Sail and Cover, designing, mending and cleaning sails for yachts at Woolverstone Marina.
AFTER
The Darn Barn
Also produces brightly coloured bean bags, garden hammocks and sun shades and cute, mini-sized Space Creators for children’s playrooms. The children’s versions have their own clear plastic windows in animal shapes and special doors for little ones which can be rolled up out of the way during play if needed. With most of us needing to find solutions to our space issues in our homes these ‘walls’ could work for you. If you work from home, have a growing family or both, these new Space Creating walls seem an ideal solution. For more information log onto www.sailandcover.co.uk or call Sarah on 01473 780075 and ask about her Space Creating canvas walls. Follow them on Twitter @sailandcover
www.sailandcover.co.uk
Downham Market The ancient saxon town of Downham Market is a delightful place to visit and is one of Norfolk's oldest market towns. Considered by many to be the gateway to the Fens, and with a network of waterways close by plus lots to see and do in the town and surrounding area, Downham Market is a great place for a weekend break in Norfolk.
Shopping in Downham Market Downham Market certainly lives up to its name having two outdoor markets a week, on Fridays and Saturdays. Very popular with locals and visitors, the market is packed with stalls selling local produce including jams, juices, cheese and breads along with much more. A recent addition to the Saturday market includes a Crafts and Collectables Market, every fortnight in the town square. Around the town you will also find plenty of shops to browse, including some delightful independent stores and boutiques.
Where to eat in Downham Market There are plenty of places to satisfy every taste in Downham Market. From cream teas to hearty pub meals, there is a great range of places to eat. A local favourite is the Crown Hotel with its traditional feel; the Downham Tandoori and Balti House satisfies those with spicy appetites, while the Hare Arms Inn & Restaurant about two miles from the town centre offers a delicious menu if you're looking for somewhere special.
What's on in Downham Market The town also holds a number of events throughout the year including its annual festival and carnival, St Winnold's Fayre, a music festival and even a water festival with Dragon Boat Racing, sailing displays, free arts events on the town square and plenty to entertain children. There's also lots of events on at Church Farm rare breeds centre throughout the year, including Craft Sundays, a Medieval Pageant in August, and celebrations at Halloween and Christmas. Or for a nature spectacle, visit WWT Welney for the Festival of Swans in November, when 9,000 migratory Whooper and Bewick's swans return for the winter
www.visitnorfolk.co.uk
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Genuine 25% Discount on all quotes leading to orders in February Conservatories
Doors
Windows
Fascias
Glass Balustrade
Garage Doors
Flat Roofs
‘A’ Rated Windows available Bi-Folding Doors Secondary Double Glazing 10 year insurance backed guarantee Employed workforce Local Company LANDLORD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE – Ring for further details, ask for Glenn or Roy
01502 585620
7 Pinbush Close, South Lowestoft Industrial Est, Lowestoft www.dreaminstallations.org.uk
Just some of the books you can find At Famous Five Plus www.famousfiveplus.blogspot.com
is a small working art studio in this pretty village near the coast, producing original pen and ink drawings, coastal maps,lino-cuts, driftwood sculptures, prints, cards, gifts, funky key-rings (wooden fish and oyster shells), and unique fish, whales, prawns and lobsters made from beach found wood and ephemera, and pieces of abandoned boats collected from North Norfolk beaches and the marsh.
The Fish and Ships Studio is at Andrew`s home, and is open by appointment and on Open Studio days, if you wish to see his work. Do come and see us and find a quirky gift to remind you of what a great time you have had here in North Norfolk! Prices start at only ÂŁ5. Fish and Ships Coastal Art (just up the drive opposite the Burnham Market Stores), Seashell, Ulph Place, Burnham Market. PE31 8HQ.
www.fish-and-ships.com
It has been quite a journey so far in 2011 we were finalists in the best supporting business category of the Mumpreneur UK awards which we were delighted with, we were then awarded a place in the finals of the Great British Care awards, and a place in the good nanny agency guide so pretty good going for such a young company. You can imagine our joy when we found out last week that we had been awarded a place in the top 100 Mumpreneur businesses in the UK, wow what a way to start 2012! Lucy and I have worked tirelessly to create a business model which addresses the needs of families requiring high quality care at affordable prices, our testimonials speak for themselves but it is wonderful to receive this recognition for our efforts. We are immensely proud of our achievements and the excellent team of staff that we have recruited. The social impact of our business model has been huge, we have placed many care workers and nannies with families of special needs and main stream children and young people whilst supporting our chosen charities. Through our work so far and help from the Masonic Hale lodge based in Harrow we have donated £1000 to a wonderful Cambodian charity “Thoeuns Trust “ Ingrid Morris the founder explains how the donation will be used. “As a journalist I’m not often lost for words – but I don’t know how to thank you enough for the cheque that arrived in the post this weekend. It’s a huge sum; even more so in Cambodia where money goes a long way. It will, for example, fund more than a quarter of all the desks, chairs, blackboards and teaching equipment needed for a village school serving 400 children. Our second school opened this month and I’ll be going to Cambodia in January to visit it and to determine the site of the next project. Every last pound of your amazing donation will be put into that project and I’ll obviously keep you posted on progress when building work gets under way” www.thoeunstrust.com We wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. Lorraine and Lucy
www.jcsp.org.uk
Gastric Hypno-Band The alternative to dieting and gastric surgery
Lynn Willert Hypnotherapy has developed a revolutionary weight loss system without the need for dieting or invasive surgical procedures.
Those that perpetually try and fail at diets often see a gastric band or bypass as their last and best option for permanent weight loss. However, surgery is both expensive and high risk. Our ‘Band For Health’ is a real alternative and a guaranteed method for significant and lasting weight loss. With only four sessions we help you visualise a surgical procedure and its impacts. Through suggestion and visualisation alone we can reprogram your mind to believe that your stomach is smaller and therefore fuller. This natural restriction on your calorie intake is a long-term solution to your weight problems. The process uses hypnotherapy NLP and cognitive behavioural techniques to help you achieve your ideal weight and stay there! Put all fad diets and thoughts of surgery behind you! Contact us now to find out more or arrange an appointment.
Telephone: 01502 518275 Email: lynnwillert@btinternet.com
www.lynnwillert-hypnotherapy.co.uk
Nelson's County Charity Ball 2012 26th May 2012 – The Royal Norfolk Showground Raising money for the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital’s Cancer and Haematology Department Getting all of Norfolk’s finest Bors and Gals together for a bootyful meal, a few drinks, a charity auction and a good ol’ knees up to raise money for a good’un of a cause!
Tickets only
£35.00 For more information, or to book your tickets please contact us now on: info@nelsonscountyball.co.uk www.nelsonscountyball.co.uk Amy - 07557 0435 77 Jess - 07557 0472 13
Registered charity number 1 048170
Come you on, lets show ’em how its done!
norfolk hideaways
a real norfolk success story.... Opened in Feb 2009 with 6 houses, now we have over 160 properties in our portfolio. We delivered 1675 holidays last year valued at ÂŁ1.25 million. 25.1% of our guests booking this year to date are repeat guests from last year. We are now ranked No. 2 on Google for the search term Norfolk Cottages and No. 1 for Holiday Cottages Norfolk We manage the housekeeping for nearly 50 properties and employ local ladies to look after the houses 2011 our bookings were up 26% from 2010 and we are looking to smash that this year
Hetti believes that the huge success of her business is due in no small part to the increasing trend for Brits to holiday at home and the fact that for a lot of second homeowners their lovely Norfolk Hideaways need to contribute something to their upkeep for them to continue to be viable.
Our aim is to find everyone their perfect self-catering holiday cottage in North Norfolk for the perfect coastal holiday. www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk
2012 EVENTS IN NORFOLK from NORFOLK HOLIDAY GUIDE
Do you want some entertainment during your holiday in Norfolk? Do you want something to keep the kids happy? Are you interested in gardening, steam train rides, carnivals and fetes, vintage and classic cars, art, theatre, music – classical, jazz, modern? Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is something to interest everyone. Take a look at the father and daughter run website, here at www.norfolkholidayguide.com, where you will find an extensive ‘Events/What’s On’ listing of events throughout Norfolk, from January to December. Whether you want a stroll round a country garden or a ride on a steam train, listen quietly to classical music or dance ‘til you drop at a music concert, treat the kids to an Easter egg hunt, take them to a scary Halloween themed event or meet Father Christmas by train there is an event for you somewhere in beautiful Norfolk. You will find them all on Norfolk Holiday Guide’s Events Listing, with links to the events’ own articles and websites where you will find all the information you need to plan your activity. Key events planned so far this year include:-
An array of events throughout the year at Fairhaven Themed train rides throughout the year East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival Festival Too Martham Carnival Wells-next-the-Sea Carnival Sandringham Flower Show VW Whitenoise music festival Norwich Motor Show and Family Fun Event North Norfolk Music Festival Musical performances in the Marble Hall at Holkham and more Don’t forget to keep visiting our website as the list is constantly growing, as we discover on your behalf more and more exciting events taking place in the popular county of Norfolk. If you have an event you would like us to promote for you, we are happy to do so FREE OF CHARGE. Please contact us via email: info@norfolkholidayguide.com or call 01280 860146.
We would also like to extend our November 2011 offer. Readers of Strictly Business Magazine qualify for 50% off our advertising costs – 12 months advertising for just £50! We look forward to helping you promote your business in 2012.
www.NorfolkHolidayGuide.com
Richard Alston Dance Company 2012 Tuesday 14th February Wednesday 15th February 2012 (Dance) Music and dance come together in exquisite harmony in the choreography of Richard Alston. No other dance company places such emphasis on the importance of music and the deep magic it can conjure together with movement. RADC’s programme features two brand new Alston pieces, to strikingly different music. A CEREMONY OF CAROLS is choreographed to Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece for boys’ voices and harp. The music is of magisterial simplicity, conjuring up a rich world of rapt and devout adoration; the dance is a celebration of a sheer surge of breath, a purestream of sound. The second new Alston piece is performed to Mozart’s achingly beautiful Piano Sonata No.15.
Under 25s Special Price: Bands A & B £6 all perfs Group Rates: All perfs - call for details MEET RICHARD ALSTON Richard Alston will give a FREE pre-performance talk at 6.30pm on Tuesday 14 February. He will speak about the evening’s programme and answer any questions you might have about his company and his choreography. Because places are limited, tickets must be booked in
www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
An article by Paul Violet, who had worked in financial services for over 45 years.
Money! Boring? Worrying? Important? Overrated? We all have a view on money but one thing is for sure, and that is that, like it or not, we can’t do without it. But every day we’re being bombarded with messages of gloom and harder times to come, and although that’s true, do we really need to keep being reminded of it quite so regularly? Well perhaps we do need to be reminded all the time, but is it really helping? How can we convert the messages of gloom into opportunities to create better things to come? Indeed, can we?
Now before we begin it is important that I point out that I do not and will not provide any financial or investment advice, nor make any financial or investment recommendations. I will provide only facts that are in the public domain, if you know where to look! Please be aware that this article contains personal views and comments and none are to be used as a basis for making personal financial decisions. OK, that’s the legal bit, but it seems to me that if we can’t use the information we’re receiving for our good, then we’re missing the point. We’re not supposed to simply batten down the hatches and pray a lot, but we should be looking at what we have and finding out how to make the best of it.
So what exactly am I talking about? Let’s look at some facts. What do most of us do? 1. Find our eyes glazing over at the mention of things like pension funds, equities, securities, bonds etc. 2. Become nervous about making decisions that will affect our financial future. 3. Rather make no decision than make one about something we don’t fully understand. As is the case in many industries, it helps to make things appear complicated. That way most people are a little scared, and therefore rely on experts for advice and assistance. Now that is no bad thing. We all need experts to help when we don’t understand, but maybe we would understand a little more if things were explained clearly to us. For instance, perhaps if we knew just how much of our pension fund is ‘lost’ on service charges, or if we were aware of just how much we need to be saving in order to have even a basic retirement fund. Perhaps if we knew exactly what has been happening to our savings and pensions over the last 10+ years, and what real value they now have…………………..then perhaps we would WANT to know more in order that we could start to take control of our own future! I have no desire to fill the next few paragraphs with numbers and percentages, but what I would like to say is that there are two very clear facts of which we should all be aware. The first is that the way in which we have been saving for our future over the last 10-15 years hasn’t worked. The second is that we need to look at the alternatives.
Not a lot to argue with there. I would suggest that, from the many statements made by financial experts over the last weeks and months, the best way for individuals to make the most of what they have is “anyone’s guess”. Not a whole lot of help for those who need to understand the options. So what to do? Well, I would suggest that the first port of call should be to someone who will explain, in simple terms, where we (and you) are currently at financially. Someone who will explain the options, leaving you to make decisions about your own future. Being a tad biased I could suggest just where to look for that help, but modesty prevents me!! There is another fact that we really should digest. It is that if we do nothing then nothing good will happen, because the future really is not bright (not even orange!) However, if we do something, then we give ourselves a chance of a brighter future. The something only needs to be to find out. That’s step one, then once you’ve found out you can decide whether or not you would like to take step two. But if you don’t find out what the options are, then sure as eggs is eggs, your future will remain as bleak as it may appear. OK. No article should end on a downer, so let’s all start to look on the Paul Violet bright side. Perhaps there’s no need to go as far as singing the song, paul.violet@btconnect.com but for many there could be a bright side, but you’ll never know if you 01992 899036 don’t enquire.
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PETS CORNER Fantastic mini zoo in Oulton Broad, Suffolk Pets Corner is the perfect day out for all of the family Why visit Pets Corner? Wide range of beautiful animals Interact with our animals by feeding and petting Refreshments available in our brand new T hut Free bouncy castle Friendly and welcoming atmosphere
We provide a fun day out at affordable prices: Adults ÂŁ3.90 Children ÂŁ2.90 Children under three go Free We are fully licensed by Suffolk County Council.
Visit Pets Corner for a fantastic day for all the family Call us on 01502 563 533 Opening Hours: Easter to November (and all school holidays) - 10am - 5pm seven days a week Winter months - 10am -5pm weekends only Email: info@petscornerlowestoft.co.uk
www.petscornerlowestoft.co.uk
A message for our (future) sponsors As we come into February we start running out of milestones. Christmas has gone as has New Years’. Fortunately we are not too far from Valentine’s Day or Pancake Day in order to celebrate a special occasion and eat sweet things. Valentine’s Day is a day for love. For me, working on Reynard City is a lot like a relationship. You need the other people (because in this context it’s plural!) and you want to do your bit to please them. We rely on sponsorship as we want people to be able to view the comics for free. This is two fold- we’re not big enough for a major publisher yet and we can’t currently afford printing on the scale we’d like to do. What we can do is get the word out. This is why we have changed the sponsorship packages to include adverts in the comic itself. We want to give creative people with projects of their own the chance to show them off with a space for samples of their work. We want to do our bit to help local businesses. Most of all we want to offer support to the people who offer us support. As well as plugging on the site, we also do this at events such as Norcon 2012 and the recent comedy showcase with UEA Headlights. We include Strictly in this as well obviously! It’s fantastic to be able to keep you updated. While we’re here we recommend getting up to speed on the issues at www.reynardcity.com in time for Issue 19 Temptress Returns, our first issue to feature advert pages. If you want to be a part of this or want more information go to www.reynardcity.com/advertise or email reynardcity@gmail.com
Experience the magic of the Norfolk Broads with Richardson's Established for over 60 years Richardson's own the largest fleet of cruisers on the Norfolk Broads, a unique and beautiful environment which has gained national and international recognition. Richardson's Group is a family run business started by Mr.R.J.Richardson who hired out his first pleasure cruiser from the Stalham boatyard in 1958 having originally started out at Oulton Broad in 1947.
Richardson's is heavily committed to investing in the manufacture of new cruisers and is in the process of building new boats for its fleet - the first to arrive is the Broadsman. We recognise the importance of conservation and are developing a low wash hull which has less impact on the riverbanks, thus helping to preserve the wonderful wildlife this area is famous for. We are also introducing new, more efficient solar panels on our new boats. The great thing about a Richardson's boating holiday on the Broads is that you can take things at your own pace. You don't need any experience. When you arrive at Richardson's we give you a full demonstration on how to drive your boat and instructions on all the facilities on board. Our highly knowledgeable holiday bookings team are here to give advice on which boat best suits your requirements to ensure you have a great holiday. Richardson's is special because our family has been associated with boats for over 6 generations which is something we are very proud of. We have many loyal customers who return year after year and to thank you we have our loyalty scheme. Be sure to ask for your loyalty card when you arrive for your holiday.
www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
The RSPCA East Norfolk branch are needing to find loving homes for the many cats coming into our care. All our cats are beautiful and will make loving companions. We are desperately short of space and need to rehome some before we can help others. If anyone has a large dog crate they no longer need then we would be most grateful if they could drop it into one of our charity shops – they are very useful for sick/elderly cats or kittens until we have space available at the cattery.
Please note we do not rehome stray/abandoned cats back to the area they were found. We will shortly have many kittens looking for new homes. The adoption fee is ÂŁ45 per cat and all cats will be microchipped, vaccinated and neutered before being rehomed. They will also be up to date with flea & worm treatment. This fee in no way covers the amount it costs the RSPCA East Norfolk Branch to care for the animals. Please remember we receive no state or government funding, we raise our own finances in the area to support the animal welfare work we do.
For more information or to find out about any other cats that need homes, call the Rehoming line on 07867972870 or visit www.rspcaeastnorfolk.co.uk (charity no 206296) for updates on other animals that require homes.
Scents of Being My last article, "Scents of Happiness", talked about the benefits of laughter - something that helped me through some challenging times at the end of last year. Another thing I have found helpful in life is what I have come to know as 'mindfulness', or what I have called a 'sense of being'. No matter what is happening in life, it is possible to experience some calm, some respite, by letting go of any thoughts that are adding to your pressures or woes, even for only a few minutes. The benefits from taking a little time off from thinking and spending some time just being are well worth it; it's been shown to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and can improve your general sense of well-being. Different things work for different people, but if you find something that helps you to empty your mind for a while, build it in on a regular basis and see how different you feel. Some people find running or cycling almost meditative and miss it if they can't go for any reason, not just on a physical level but mentally too, as it is a 'stress buster' for them. For others it could be walking, gardening, or singing, or something creative - anything that enables you to stop thinking for a while. Whenever you are doing this kind of thing, be mindful of your 5 senses and experience the relaxation in every sense, and if possible add a memorable scent too, for future recall of that relaxed feeling and 'scents of being'. Spending a little time being in the moment is very precious and restorative, which reminds me of a saying I love: "Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is a gift - that's why we call it the present." Find out more about how to use your 5 senses and mindfulness to gain some peace and perspective in your life on my " Sense of Well-being Retreat" in April. Contact me for more information, info@successcents.co.uk or 07887 707761. Tricia Davies
Seals at Horsey, Norfolk During the months of December and January the grey seal colony heads on to the beach to give birth to seal pups, providing a fantastic opportunity to get a close look at the seals and pups. How to find the seals at Horsey The easiest way to find the seals is to start at Horsey Gap, as shown on the map with a purple marker. Parking is available down a track at the entrance of the gap (be warned though its a bit narrow and bumpy!). To find the seals requires a bit of a walk (usually a mile) along the coast heading south easterly towards Winterton on Sea. A recommended walk through the dunes gives a nice view of the surrounding countryside to your right with the sea to your left. You may spot some seals laying on the beach during the mile walk, but you'll eventually stumble upon concrete viewing areas, where you have a good chance of seeing seals a couple of feet below you, if not, then on the beach in front of you, or even in the dunes.
www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk
'Beauty trends for 2012!' A part of my job that I really enjoy is working with the media.I'm asked, fairly regularly, to give comments, opinions & tips related to my industry & contribute to articles on the 'hottest topics' in the land of skin & beauty. So recently I was asked 'What are the trends for 2012?' 'What's happening with product development, client/customer behavior & the spending habits of the public when it comes to caring for their skin? ’Here I share with you my guide to the 'Beauty trends for 2012!' Products are going to continue to blind us with science with ingredients that claim to brighten,defend,repair, strengthen & plump our skin, on the increaseBright, even toned skin also sets the bar for a younger looking skin. Foundations will give flawless finishes in skin identical shades using more natural ingredients. I am seeing a move towards client’s wanting ‘Power facial’s’ instead of opting for the quick fix of Botox. Great news for me as a skin therapist & also as there is a real buzz surrounding treating the skin from within. I have been following this philosophy with my client’s for the last 10 years. (If you haven't already booked your place on my 'Healthy Ageing' workshop, March 26th, with Nutritional Therapist Glen Matten there is still time.) Customer spending will move towards utilising the 'high-tech beauty gadgets' that are available to remove hair, power cleanse or firm the skin at home.Real value for money is being seen in skin treatments now & the habit of spending hundreds a month on quick fix fillers is fading as clients’ seek out long term skin health. So to get ahead when it come to improving your skin book my signature 'U and your skin' facial...you can be sure to be right on trend for 2012.
Louise Thomas-Minns CIBTAC CIDESCO BABTAC Cert Ed www.uandyourskin.co.uk
enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
M. 07810 872 633
STARTING AGAIN
Love is On The Air
It’s Valentines Day
this month and lo ve is in the air. Or
in my case
on the air! Since the New Year I have been using th e power of radio to clients and I’ve foun promote myself an d it to be very effec d other tive. I was asked by loca l BBC radio to talk ab out my fledgling bu media as I’d actually siness and the role responded to a call of social on Twitter for a busin It went really well. ess guest. The presenter and myself chatted abou reviewing the Satu t what I was doing rday morning pape before rs. As result of this a fe w days later I secure d an interview for a about what busines PR client as an expe ses need to do to pl rt, talking an for the year ahea d. Then I was asked on again to talk about my blog and what inspired me to star t writing it. I have a couple mor e clients now who have, off the back of going on radio. Som this success also as e are more nervous ked about than others, which but media training is completely unde is simple enough to rstandable do and I am able to help them with that . The important thin g to remember is th at this isn’t advertisi special offers or fig ng. You don’t talk pr ures. This is PR. You oducts, mention your com a whole new audien pa ny name of course ce gets to meet you but mostly as a person. It give promote your idea s you the opportun s and your story. It ity to gives your busines edge. s a human voice an d a personal So if you thought pu blicity was just all ab out the newspaper friends with your lo s then think about cal radio station. making It’s not as scary as it looks. Or should I sa y sounds!
Follow me on www.twitter.com/#!/r andomhousehold Like me on Facebook www.facebook.com /randomthoughtsfro marandomwoman
Victorian Nights Festival
The first ever Victorian Nights Festival to take place in North Norfolk in May 2012 On 18 and 19 May 2012, the North Norfolk towns of Cromer, Sheringham and Wells will be transported back to the Victorian Britain thanks to a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The first ever Victorian Nights festival will celebrate the lavish Victorian Age, a significant period in North Norfolk's history, as it heralded the coming of the railways and marked North Norfolk as the popular holiday destination for tourists it remains today. Participating venues in the three towns will be opening their doors after-hours for a packed programme of special events to entertain and amaze. The programme features Victorian fire eaters, escapologists, an old fashioned photo parlour, fairground attractions, circus acts, a traditional train ride, cottage craft workshops, film, guided walks and the chance to meet lots of costumed characters. All events, the majority of which are free, are aimed at families, the local community and visitors to the area. The festival is part of the national Museums at Night campaign, the annual after-hours celebration of arts, history and heritage. The campaign is co-ordinated by Culture 24, a not-for-profit online publisher, working across the arts, heritage, education and tourism sectors. The initiative is the work of eight cultural organisations across the three towns: Cromer Museum, RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, Cromer Preservation Society, North Norfolk Railway, The Mo Museum, Sheringham Little Theatre, Sheringham Preservation Society and Wells Maltings. The project is being co-ordinated by Laura Crossley, a freelance museums and heritage consultant. Laura Crossley, Victorian Nights Co-ordinator, said: “Victorian Nights offers people a fantastic opportunity to have fun and do something different, whilst exploring North Norfolk’s stunning cultural and heritage venues after-hours. This is a special chance to take part in a brand new festival, with all kinds of activities to amaze and intrigue.” As well as coming along to our exciting events, there are lots of opportunities for local people to get involved with Victorian Nights. The festival’s volunteer programme features a range of interesting roles, from marketing, to photography, to driving a minibus! A special volunteer scheme, in co-operation with the Norfolk Library Service, will see 20 local people attend a certificated literacy and blogging training course, before promoting the festival via fortnightly blogs. A dedicated schools programme will also give local children the opportunity to get involved via a competition and education pack which can be used in schools. We would also like to invite local businesses to take part in the fun by opening late during the festival. To find out more about this exciting new project, or to get involved, please visit our website: www.victoriannightsnorthnorfolk.com. We can also be found on Facebook (Victorian Nights North Norfolk) and Twitter (@victoriannights).
Top 10 UK walks: Blakeney Freshes, Norfolk National Trust UK walk 4, best for birdwatching: this route takes you past coastal reed beds and marshes - prime sites for a wealth of sea birds such as bittern, red shank and avocet
Photograph: Alan Copson/JAI/Corbis The Norfolk coast is one of the best parts of the country for bird watching as there are so many nature reserves all the way along it with lots of salt marshes and other good habitats. This walk takes you between an area of reed beds and marshes with Blakeney Harbour on the other side. The landscape is full of big open skies and you can see up and down the coast for several miles in both directions, while looking straight out to the North Sea. At this time of year you can spot marsh harrier, bittern, red shank, avocet, breeder wading birds and the occasional muntjac and Chinese water deer – so make sure you bring your binoculars. If you follow the way markers about half a mile in, you get really good views of Blakeney harbour and out to Blakeney Point – my favourite part of the walk. David Wood, head warden, National Trust
Distance: three miles (5k)
For more Norfolk Walks visit the National Trust website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Enjoyment for all the family Rural craft centre set in 18th. Century restored barns. 13 craft workshops, gifts, clothes,fudge and foodstuffs. Fun fair. Junior Farm and restaurant. An enjoyable day out means different things to different people, so it’s not always easy to find one place that appeals to every member of the family. Here at Wroxham Barns, we work hard to provide just that, priding ourselves on being the ‘must visit’ for ALL the family. There are craft studios and superb shopping facilities for the grown-ups, while the youngsters will love our Junior Farm and Children’s Funfair. We are constantly updating and extending the activities on offer so there is always something fresh to see and do. We are open all week and all year, so we hope you will pay more than one visit and bring the whole family, whatever their age or interests.
Wroxham Barns 24hr information line Tel: 01603 783911
www.wroxhambarns.co.uk
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