Places&Faces 64 July

JULY 2015 | ÂŁ2.95 WHERE SOLD

THE Magazine for

A

Cook Book for Norfolk Michael Buerk

comes to

holt

Norfolk & North Suffolk

Say Tomatoes You

Felicity

Kendal IN THE WEST END

Arabia EXPLORED

an indulgent

Spa Treat For 2

GARETH celebrities | food | travel | fashion | homes & gardens | theatre ISSUE 64 2

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5 2

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6 7 6

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EDITOR’S LETTER

COLIN HUGGINS Managing Director

SARAH HARDY

T 01493 742091

sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk

M 07775 858862 E colin@h2creativemedia.co.uk

EMMA OUTTEN Assistant Editor E emma@h2creativemedia.co.uk

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DESIGN Studio Manager: Scott Nicholson scott@h2creativemedia.co.uk Designer: Ashley Coomer ashley@h2creativemedia.co.uk Designer: John Kemp john@h2creativemedia.co.uk

Contributors Franck Pontais, Nick Mobbs, Andrew Florides, Roger Hickman, Andy Newman Associates, Richard Barr, Julian Gibbons, Carl Lamb, Sam Matthews, Ellen Mary, Simon Wainwright, Hayley Philpot, Melanie Cook, Jennifer Read, Ross Hagan, Mark Duffield, Kate Morfoot, Benet Catty, Zoe Dunford, Matt Joy, Richard Aldhous

See all of our Society Photos at our website placesandfaces.co.uk

follow us on twitter @placesandfaces and facebook

12 ISSUES FOR £24

Here is our July issue which we all hope you enjoy. It reflects what a busy month it is for our county, with Latitude and the Holt Festival as two key events. Both are featured as we interview choirmaster extraordinaire Gareth Malone, who is doing the business at Latitude, and news reader Michael Buerk who appears in Holt.

Both are equally gifted and have a true passion for what they do, so be ready to be inspired!

Norwich’s Zoe Telford is one of those actresses who is in constant demand but doesn’t play the celebrity game at all so it is great to have a catch up with her, and Vanessa Scott – what a powerhouse! The Swaffham hotelier is one of the leading lights behind a charity cookbook called Norfolk’s Own Cookbook: Everything Stops For Tea. It’s packed with yummy recipes and is raising money for Marie Curie, too.

Our food writer Andy Newman gets the low down on local tomato grower Cornerways Nurseries and also heads to one of Norwich’s best known restaurants, The Library, while I get to spend the night at the Fritton Arms, one of Lord Somerleyton’s gastropubs – and very nice!

Richard Barr tells us about the joy of helping to organise his daughter’s wedding, Emma Outten drives a top-of-the-range Mercedes and Benet Catty is impressed

by Felicity Kendal in Hay Fever – but not the actual production. He’s a hard man to please!

Finally, we must say congratulations to Abigail Dale from Norwich who wins the John Lewis beauty hamper and treats, as featured in our May issue. Don’t forget to enter this month’s competition which is the chance to win a lovely spa experience for two at Imagine Spa at Blofield Heath, near Norwich.

happy reading!

AND WHAT ABOUT this great bit of magazine publicity from former Radio One DJ Chris Moyles who was on holiday in Norfolk and picked up a copy of our June issue, with Ricky Wilson on the front cover. He Tweeted to his 3.5m followers – which can’t be bad for us! Thanks Chris – and I hope you enjoyed your break.

Sarah Hardy

GENERAL ENQUIRIES call Jane on 01493 742088 or visit our website at www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ magazine-subscribe

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TERMS & CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with H2Creative Media Limited. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were correct at the time of print, and you are encouraged to contact the businesses and venue prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the Editor including contributors. Places&Faces® is a registered Trade Mark of H2Creative Media Limited.

CONTENTS

The Imperial Hotel serves up the perfect summer dessert

68

B

A

CHECK OUT...

10 Michael Buerk on Ethiopia, appearing in I’m A Celebrity and coming to Holt Festival

88

Zoe Dunford and her daughter head to Oman for a real adventure involving dunes and DOLPHINS

CELEBRITIES

12 Norwich actress Zoe Telford isn’t one for the headlines but we catch up with her to hear about her latest movie 16 As the Jersey Boys arrives in Norwich, Sarah Hardy talks to Tim Driesen who plays lead singer, Frankie Valli

FASHION AND BEAUTY

19 The White Stuff – a cool and classy look for high summer 21 Our beauty page suggests the best lipsticks from our favourite shops

14

JULY 2015 | £2.95 WHERE SOLD

THE Magazine for

Norfolk & North Suffolk

A

You Say Tomatoes

Michael Buerk

Kendal

Cook Book for Norfolk comes to

holt

Felicity

IN THE WEST END

Arabia EXPLORED

an indulgent

Spa Treat For 2

GARETH celebrities | food | travel | fashion | homes & gardens | theatre ISSUE 64 2

8

0

5 2

-

4

6 7 6

0 7

www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Choirmaster and UEA graduate Gareth Malone comes to Latitude

Benet Catty reviews TV favourite Felicity Kendal in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, now on in the West End

WEDDINGS

24 Richard Barr is just a tiny bit excited about his daughter’s wedding

WHAT’S ON

FOOD AND DRINK

37 Norwich’s cathedral quarter is explored by Melanie Cook of VisitNorwich 40 West End director Matt Flint is setting up summer school at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. We speak to him prior to a full-scale production of Hairspray in the town

HOMES AND GARDENS

COVER STORY

42

44 Our property of the month is a welldesigned barn conversion in the lovely seaside resort of Hemsby 49 The Lust List takes in modern turn tables – the must have for all music lovers 50 It is all looking ship shape for our homes writers this month as they head to the coast for inspiration 62 Our gardening writer Ellen Mary offers her usual sensible advice for the greenfingered among us as summer takes hold

71 Our French chef Franck Pontais indulges us with juicy moules marniere 77 Sam Matthews reports on his Caribbean holiday – and its beer and rum all the way!

78 Find out more about a new cook book for Norfolk – and one that’s for charity, too 84 Meet one of the country’s biggest tomato growers, Cornerways Nurseries in Wissington, near King’s Lynn 86 Andy Newman heads to The A Library in Norwich – not to borrow a book but for an impressive dinner

34.

Enjoy our regular guide to the region’s best events and activities this month

THIS MONTH'S

Editor’s

CHoicE COMPETITION

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Editor Sarah Hardy picks out the best events and activities this month…

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION

BEST FAMILY EVENT

WIN AN UPMARKET SPA EXPERIENCE FOR TWO

This month’s competition offers the chance to win an upmarket spa experience for two at Imagine Spa in Blofield, near Norwich

TRAVEL

90 Sarah Hardy tries out the new bedrooms at Fritton Arms – and tucks into supper!

B

BUSINESS

92 Emma Outten meets the man in charge of one of Norwich’s most iconic buildings, Tim Bishop

MOTORING

100 The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is put through its paces in Norwich by our very own Emma Outten

REGULARS

108 Our High Society pages kick off with the launch of new bedrooms at The Swan at Loddon 114 Spend five minutes with Rachel Lloyd, from Norwich Theatre Royal’s Arts Course

Matt Joy reports on the Jaguar XE, the latest sports saloon to excite!

104

The annual World Snail Racing Championship takes place on July 18 at Congham village cricket field. The popular event, near King’s Lynn, is open to all and more details are available at www.scase.co.uk.

BEST PROCESSION The Lord Mayor’s Procession takes place in Norwich on July 4 and is the highlight of three days of entertainment in the city which start on July 3.

Look out for a funfair, street entertainers, fireworks, live music and a party in Chapelfield Gardens. The procession starts on Newmarket Road at 5pm and winds itself into the city. More details on www.norwich.gov.uk.

BEST FAIR Holkham Country Fair takes places on July 25 and 26 in the grounds of this beautiful north Norfolk estate. There’s everything you’d expect from a leading show including a grand ring with acts such as Gulliver’s Carnival professional team of stunt riders showing off their dare-devil Victorian stunts on Spanish horses. Add in a RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast by a Douglas C47 Dakota, the chance to try country pursuits, enjoy a fairground and classic side stalls, visit the Fine Food Village and watch the fast-paced British Scurry driving trials and the spectacular Freefall Parachute Display Team and it’s quite an event! Visit www. holkhamcountryfair.co.uk.

BEST SHOW Sandringham Flower Show, now in its 134th year, is one of Norfolk’s most charming events – and much enjoyed by the Prince of Wales. Held on July 29 this year, there are flower and vegetable contests, show gardens and trade stands to enjoy. It all takes place on the royal estate, visit www. sandringhamflowershow.co.uk for more.

BEST NEW MOVIE Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible Rogue Nation – the fifth instalment of this ultra popular franchise. Set to open on July 30, Hunt and his team have to stop the Syndicate, a team as skilled as they are – and who are determined to destroy the IMF. Look out for Simon Pegg, as the gadget guy, in this typically high voltage action movie, shot on location in London.

BEST NEW BOOK Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, publishes her second novel, Go Set a Watchman, which was thought lost before it was re-discovered last year. It was actually written before To Kill A Mockingbird and involves the same characters, some 20 years later. Published on July 14 by William Heinemann, it is simply a treat.

BEST GIG Latitude is here, from July 16-19. Acts include Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Portishead and Alt-J. It’s the tenth anniversary of the Henham Park event so it should be a goodie! Visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk for full details.

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| JULY 2015

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

michael buerk

news

making the

From reporting the famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s for the BBC to appearing in the latest series of I’m A Celebrity, Michael Buerk now heads to Holt Festival. Sarah Hardy interviews the veteran newsman

He’s one of the biggest names in British journalism.

Up there with the likes of Kate Adie, John Simpson and Martin Bell. For decades, certainly in my formative years, Michael Buerk would report from the world’s hot spots, clearly and carefully explaining what was happening there – without fear or favour.

Now aged 68, he spent more than 20 years as a foreign correspondent, and looks back on those years as among the best of his career.

‘I still think being a foreign correspondent is the best job there is, because of the sense of witnessing history,’ he has said.

He is, perhaps, best known for his unflinching reports on the famine in Ethiopia in 1984. He simply told it as it was, letting the pictures tell the story, and it was these TV pieces which so horrified Bob Geldof.

The singer, along with Midge Ure, cajoled fellow pop stars to record Live Aid, which led to Band Aid, which both raised millions of pounds to help those literally starving to death in Africa.

Michael went on to become one of the anchors on the BBC’s Nine O’ Clock News, standing down in 2002. But don’t for a minute imagine that he has retired. I don’t think that it is a word he recognises. Indeed, Michael continues to do much filming, and chats briefly about a C4 programme he is currently doing for Dispatches. ‘It’s about loneliness and old age – I seem to have cornered that market!’ he laughs.

He has reported from more than 50 countries, including a fouryear stint in South Africa, until he was asked to leave the country by the then government because of his uncompromising reporting.

And in 1991 he was airlifted out of Addis Ababa after a munitions dump exploded, killing his Kenyan sound recordist, John Mathai, and injuring Mohammed Amin, the cameraman who had accompanied him to Ethiopia in 1984.

He has also hosted Moral Maze, the ethical debating programme on Radio 4 for more than 20 years, and written several books, including his autobiography, The Road Taken, in 2004.

Subscribe online at www.placesandfaces.co.uk

Michael comes across as confident and at ease with himself.

Clearly well educated and with a sharp, enquiring mind, I imagine he doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Fortunately, as we all saw in I’m A Celebrity, he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

But he is a journalist through and through – we have to have a brief chat about the day’s headlines and their possible consequences before the interview proper can start.

And then he’s straight to the point – the heart of our story: his appearance at Holt Festival this month. He is looking forward to visiting the north Norfolk town as he’s a big fan of arts festivals.

‘I’m doing quite a few this summer – and I’ve done a fair few over the years, too. I do enjoy them: everyone is interested, they all want to contribute; are like-minded.

‘But there is always the danger, of course, that at least two or three people in the audience know more about the subject than you!’

At Holt he is ‘in conversation’ with radio presenter and former BBC Head of Religious Broadcasting, Ernie Rea, and they are tackling the rather large subject of Islamic fundamentalism.

‘We’ll be looking at the origins, the various sections of Islam, and we’ll try to make some sense of it all,’ he says.

Michael doesn’t know Norfolk well but plans to put that right.

‘I’m a West Country boy, and a Midlander, so have never made it much to Norfolk. I’ve done the Way With Words festival in Southwold many times, but I’m looking forward to getting to explore Norfolk a little.’

When I tell him that he’ll enjoy our foodie scene, he perks up – food is still a big issue for him post I’m A Celebrity where he often had to survive on a mere 500 calories a day. ‘It was about two wooden spoons of beans and rice, twice a day. It was hard,’ he says, adding that he lost eight kilos.

‘I didn’t have much to lose, especially that much in three weeks,’ he says, adding that some ‘enthusiastic eating’ followed his jungle departure.

He still keeps in touch with a couple of his fellow camp mates, actress Vicki Michelle and rapper Tinchy Stryder. ‘There is talk that we might bring out our rap single – but I am not sure that the world is ready,’ he says.

Away from work and Michael has been married to Christine - they met on a journalism training course - since 1968. They have twin boys, both now grown up and journalists. And it is the grandchildren that keep Michael working – and his expensive hobbies! He doesn’t dwell on them but it has been reported that he has a sailing boat moored off Turkey, and certainly loves good food and wine!

And the grandchildren? ‘They live abroad and we love to visit them,’ he smiles.

Michael appears at the Auden Theatre, Holt, on July 23 at 2.30pm, visit www.holtfestival.org

11

| JULY 2015

Zoe independent

Norwich actress Zoe Telford discusses her latest movie, a gritty but heart warming drama called Greyhawk, with Richard Aldhous 12

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

zoe telford

‘Speaking as a mother, I could imagine that it must be a very difficult position to be in, if you feel as though you have no control over your children, and if they’re grown up. Mine are still very small, but her son is 15, and I imagine if you watch your child spiralling out of control when nothing you say or do is making a difference, that would just be a very frightening and saddening position to be in.’

The actress, who went to Hewett School and is now in her mid 40s, reveals that taking part in Greyhawk was a slight risk for all involved – but one that paid off. ‘It was a bit of a punt really, because Guy had only done a few things, this was the brothers’ first feature; they’d done a couple of shorts and things like that, so it was a bit of a leap of faith really for us all,’ she says. However, Zoe was driven to take part due to the strength of the script. ‘Greyhawk has really terrific writing, when I read it I thought it was very very good and so met up with Matt and Guy,’ she recalls.

‘Ultimately, I am just so pleased I did it. They did such a terrific job. Greyhawk is just one of those films that OE TELFORD CUT HER becomes more than the sum of its parts.

ACTING TEETH IN BRITISH TV ‘We started with a very strong script from the writer, classics like The Bill, Soldier and Peak a clear vision from the director and we had a great Practice, before becoming a household young cinematographer called Evan Bolter who did name with the role of some lovely framing so it looked Maggie in Teachers. great, and hopefully Alec and I Having enjoyed breakout Hollywood served the piece as well as we parts as Eva Braun in Hitler: The Rise of could.’

Evil and in Woody Allen’s Match Point, Zoe insists that while there is Zoe once again set the small screen ‘not necessarily a love connection’ alight as Dr Sarah Sawyer in Sherlock, between Paula and the lead, and is currently enjoying critical acclaim Mal, there is still a strong bond for her portrayal of Paula in the poignant between the two characters. ‘I new movie, Greyhawk. think that she feels quite deserted The independent film, a screenwriting and doesn’t really know who to and directorial feature debut for turn to for help, then Mal turns up brothers Matt and Guy Pitt, follows the and suddenly there’s a connection; story of blind army veteran Mal (played they form a kind of friendship.

by Alec Newman) whose dog goes She’s got a fragile heart, but she missing on the council estate where sees that Mal needs help and she he lives. Channelling British cinematic goes out of her way to help him. greats Ken Loach and Shane Meadows, It’s a difficult relationship for them the gritty drama depicts Mal searching both to navigate.’

Greyhawk is also out on DVD now. for his lost companion, wherein he The emotional dynamics and meets Zoe’s Paula, who is one of the few slick cinematography have led to residents prepared to help him on his Greyhawk being hailed as ‘one of mission. the most stylish films of the year,’ and it looks set to ‘When we first meet Paula she’s had a rough ride; boost Zoe’s star status. her husband’s left her and her teenage son has fallen ‘It was one of the best things I’ve been a part of in with the wrong kids and is out of control,’ explains and I’m just so excited for Guy and Matt because they Zoe, who received a special commendation for the role are going to go on and do terrific things. It’s just the at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where the beginning for them, and right now we are putting our movie premiered. heads together as we want to do something else as a team.’

Greyhawk has really terrific writing, when I read it I thought it was very very good and so met up with Matt and Guy.

Z

Subscribe online at www.placesandfaces.co.uk

13

in fine Choirmaster extraordinaire and UEA graduate Gareth Malone is one of the headline acts at this month’s Latitude Festival with his new 100-strong Latitude Choir. He tells us all about it

It's being promoted as a very special performance - what can festival-goers expect to hear?

I'll be playing the guitar for the first time at a festival... And the ukulele. And the piano. We've got some cracking soloists as well as some really wonderful songs. James Blake, Sting, Florence and the Machine, and Ed Sheeran to name a few.

We're also doing a Saturday night gig by the water where we get to let our hair down.

Where will you be rehearsing during the weekend (or will it be a secret location)?

Can you tell me a bit about the thinking behind Voices and the Latitude Choir?

It's 10 years of Latitude this year and it'll be the first time that 100 people from the audience have made it onto the main stage. We'll be opening on Sunday: it's pretty daunting. They'll be in good hands; my professional choir Voices will be singing alongside them.

In an underground bunker? In my tent? Not sure yet, but I'll be onsite getting everything ready whilst hoping to see a few performances. It's not all about work, you know.

The Main Stage Sunday lunchtime slot is a coveted slot are you feeling any pressure?

What made you decide on Latitude as a festival to exclusively appear at?

Yes. Very much. Thom Yorke from Radiohead did this slot a few years ago. I've asked for chicken wire to be put up in case things turn nasty! (That's a Blues Brothers reference by the way.)

Voices and an audience choir seems right for Latitude. I've never been but all my friends have said it has a great relaxed, family feel so it's a really good place for us. We'll be doing a wide range of songs and I'm hoping to get the crowd involved too.

Saturday will just feature Voices doing what we do best: beautiful songs with close harmony singing. I've got some new singers this year and I can't wait to show them off!

The applications opened in May - how has the 'choirgathering' gone? Have you found your 100?

I've had about 300 applications and there are some great singers in there. I'll be announcing the final 100 soon. It's been a big job just listening to all the auditions.

And how will the Saturday slot on the Waterfront stage compare?

Is Latitude Festival one you are familiar with? Who are you looking forward to seeing while you're there?

I really hope to catch James Blake. I think his stuff is very atmospheric and I like the soul/gospel vibe. Other than that I'm hoping for happy accidents.

The Choir began in the same year as Latitude: 2006. Do you feel the choral scene has come a long way since then?

Yes! It's totally different. Films like Pitch Perfect have helped and Glee of course.

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

gareth malone Will appearing at festivals be a new way forward for you?

Let's see how it goes shall we? I'd love to. I absolutely love camping and also performing live. Since my tour is coming up in December, there'll be little chance of outdoors performance. I'm hoping for sunshine.

You're coming to Ipswich in December? Is the Regent a venue you know well?

No. I don't think I've had the pleasure although I did a music project in Ipswich with the Royal Ballet a few years ago so it might come flooding back when I get there.

We know you as a UEA drama graduate - how did your university education (and being part of the University Choir) shape you?

I think it was a good grounding in being creative.

‘Do different’ is their motto and that chimes for me.

What did it mean to you to be honoured with an OBE? Likewise, how did you feel when you were awarded the honorary doctorate from the UEA?

It's been extraordinary. My dad writes all my postnominals every time he sends a letter. Takes him ages to address it!

Thom Yorke from Radiohead did this slot a few years ago.

I've asked for chicken wire to be put up in case things turn nasty!

For more information w. about Latitude, visit ww latitude.co.uk and for more information about Gareth’s Ipswich Regent t date on December 3, visi m. www.garethmalone.co

Subscribe online at www.placesandfaces.co.uk

15

| JULY 2015

Just too

good

to be true...

Singer songwriter Tim Driesen puts on the red jacket of the legendary Frankie Valli as the hit musical Jersey Boys catapults itself into town! Sarah Hardy enjoys a chat with him

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

tim driessen

J

ERSEY BOYS IS BECOMING quite a

phenomenon, with a seven year run in the West End and more than 10 years on Broadway and it is now on its first nationwide tour in Britain, playing to packed houses, of course, and arriving in Norwich this month.

The role of Frankie Valli is played by Belgian Tim Driesen – hang on, Belgian? Yes, Tim, now in his mid 30s, was born in Antwerp to a very unshowbiz family.

In perfect English, he tells me that he always wanted to sing – something that almost fazed his parents. ‘We are just a normal family – they were surprised I think, that I just always wanted to sing! But they were very supportive, and still are; they come over to see me whenever they can.’

At the age of just 12, Tim was already in a Belgian version of S Club Seven, appearing in a TV series called The Bubbles and making an album. And he then came to study in England, at Laine Theatre Arts, explaining. ‘Belgium doesn’t have the same musical theatre history as Britain – you need to come to London or New York if you want to follow it as a career.’

You’ll be amazed by the sheer number of well known And for the past 15 years, Tim has appeared in several top songs in the show – and that they were all hits for the Four musicals, including a visit to Norwich in Starlight Express in Seasons. Think of their breakthrough number, Sherry, then 2005. And also, interestingly, he played the part of Frankie Working My Way Back To You, My Eyes Adored You, Walk Valli in the Dutch version of Jersey Boys, speaking in Dutch Like A Man, Rag Doll and December 1963. and singing in English! ‘As I’m from Belgium, we speak Tim struggles to find a favourite. ‘I guess, if I had to Dutch, so it was not so difficult!’ choose, it would be Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, which is And he also recently played the part of Mark Owen in the such a beautiful number but then, I love rocking out with the Take That! musical, Never Forget, and was also in the Queenband in Big Girls Don’t Cry.’ based musical, We Will Rock You. Apart from the songs, which Tim says he just loves, he ‘So, you see, I am the go-to guy when you need someone to also enjoys all the outfits. ‘They really put you in play a pop star. It’s because I am a failed pop star the zone! Who doesn't look better in a really well myself,’ he laughs. made jacket – especially if it has glitter?!’

But Tim has just released his own debut JERSEY BOYS Tim has also had the privilege of meeting album called In My Corner which is a mixture comes to Norwich Frankie Valli in person. ‘He is a lovely man and of his own compositions and country and pop Theatre Royal such a worker – it is in his soul to sing; he is numbers. Available on iTunes, it is a source of from July 7 to 18. Visit www. still going strong in his 80s. It was a little bit great pride to him and he does, when he has the theatreroyalnorwich. intimidating to meet him but I am not trying to time, continue to write his own songs. co.uk or call 01603 be him but rather to give a flavour of him and the ‘It is another side to me but an important one,’ 630000. music.’ he says.

He also met another band member, Bob Gaudio, He admits that life on the road, performing who wrote all the songs. ‘We met in Nashville and he was so six days a week, is hard and sacrifices have to be made. ‘As sharp. I hadn’t warmed up that well and he knew!’

I’m on the stage all the time – I think I have just two minutes Away from work and Tim is a real foodie and always looks when I am not there – I have to rest. Sure, the others maybe forward to tucking into some great food and drink when on go to a party, stay up late, but I know that I just can’t. tour. ‘I love food and I love trying out great restaurants,’ he ‘But it is worth it all for the role – it is the best role going tells me. ‘I always seek out the Michelin star places and see at the moment – it’s like playing in a super group, in an if I can get in. I love to see food well presented – I think you arena, every night!’ start to eat with your eyes first!’

Indeed playing Frankie is technically challenging as Valli After recommending several of my favourite city eateries, was known for his distinctive falsetto voice and, having seen including, of course, our columnist Roger Hickman’s the show, I do appreciate that some of those top notes are eponymous restaurant, Tim is excited. ‘Sounds great!’ tough.

He also admits to loving cooking himself – and watching ‘I warm up for 45 minutes every night and once a week, cookery programmes on telly. ‘I like MasterChef: The we Skype our vocal coach who checks everything out – Professionals,’ he says. wherever we are in the country. It’s just to see how our Well, if he ever tires of being in musicals, it sounds like voices are, that we are not getting into bad habits,’ Tim there’s a ready-made career all set for him! explains.

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July

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23

| JULY 2015

T

HE SHARK LAY SHREDDED.

Sebastian (our senior cat) looked triumphant, but he sneaked away just in case it was something those bewildering humans did not like. But more about the sharks later…

There is not only spring in the air in Bacton this year.

While the birds are tweeting to burst their lungs, the daffodils, primroses and bluebells are laying their carpets of colour, and the dreaded Alexanders (plants not people) are marching inexorably towards the house, there is a different surge of delight that is, increasingly, absorbing all our energies (and also threatens to absorb our bank accounts in the process).

It started just at the end of last year when my delightful youngest stepdaughter Philippa took time off from her job as a theatre recovery nurse at a local hospital to go to Cologne in Germany for a Christmas Fair with her man, Christian. What we knew, but she did not at the time, was that he planned to make it a life changing event.

On her birthday, he took her to Cologne Cathedral, dropped down on one knee and proposed to her. She accepted with delight, but not before they were both spoken to loudly by a large German priest. Neither of them understood the language, but they were happy (despite the menacing gutteral sound of the words) to assume that this was a form of Germanic congratulation.

Back in England we threw an impromptu party for the betrothed couple. After the last party guest left, the realisation dawned that weddings don’t just happen – they have to be organised. Philippa’s fiancé is a Royal Marine and is used to the planning carried out by the armed forces. However, preparing for a major battle would pale into insignificance compared to the campaign that is now beginning in Bacton.

First you have to name the day. How much time do you need? A couple of months? Three at the most? Not on your life. It takes at least a year, then some. The happy day will not be until August 2016.

Next choose your church. Although not our nearest church, Philippa chose a pretty round-towered church in the next village. It stands high up and alone, surrounded by open fields, its graveyard undoubtedly visited by more rabbits and deer (from Bacton Woods) than humans. It is just visible from our garden.

Church-going is not a family habit, but there was a moral imperative to make some commitment to religion if they were to be joined by a religious ceremony. I had not been to church regularly since I was forced to do so at school. Nonetheless whatever you do or don’t believe in, it is soothing to spend an hour or so in a building that is

24

hundreds of years old, which has seen countless generations of people with all their hopes, triumphs and tragedies. I trust that the few other members of the congregation forgave us for not kneeling at the right time, or getting the responses wrong.

And then there has to be a reception. It started as a silly idea, but like some silly ideas it gained credence and stopped being silly: they wanted it at our house and in our garden.

Those who know us will realise that to describe the house as cluttered and the garden as a wilderness are both generous understatements. Driven by the fervour of young love, Philippa and Christian set about attacking the brambles, the unkempt hedges, the abandoned hen house and the many other impediments to a posh wedding reception. First the garden looked startled, but it is now beginning to be the kind of place where the guests can go without becoming snared in briars.

There are other side effects to a marriage in the offing.

Ever since the wedding was announced, the amount of our post has doubled, with people from all over the country offering their printing, catering, clothing, floristry and other services. They are cunning in their approach, sending hand written envelopes that look as though they could contain greeting cards.

Our mantelpiece is now festooned with wedding invitations. None of them is for us, as they are all specimens from pushy printers, but they look impressive and give the (totally misleading) impression that we are much in demand and have a burgeoning social life.

You cannot, these days, have a wedding without music.

But who to choose to play? From time to time the hills would have become alive with the sound of music in these parts, except that there are no hills in Norfolk and what came alive was our living room as three computers simultaneously blasted out the distilled output of numerous bands and groups: three of us were searching on the internet for possible contenders. The resulting cacophony did justice to none of them. And the jury is still out as to who will entertain the guests during the festivities.

Every wedding has to be different. Possibilities already considered have been to make it a truly bucolic occasion with the hire, at great expense, of milk churns, old ploughs, mangles and stooks of corn – with our sheep undoubtedly playing an active role; or to bring in a life sized tyrannosaurus rex.

Currently another idea is taking shape: and to that end, I was to be seen recently struggling to load a large cylinder of helium into my car. Would some kind scientist please explain why the cylinder did not simply float? You see, it is now possible to buy inflatable radio-controlled sharks and other menacing creatures. One of the plans is to stage a nuptial shark war, with dozens of fighting floating fish at each others’ throats. It would certainly be different, but Sebastian would have to be locked up for the duration as his intervention might well bring hostilities to an end far too soon. Or alternatively we could suspend him from a large balloon (he is a very heavy cat) and he could be a very effective destroyer of enemy sharks.

RICHARD BARR

a look at life

LOVE and

marriage Our Richard is getting caught up in family wedding plans – and loving every minute of it!

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25

Celebrate at Great Yarmouth Town Hall • Wedding Ceremonies • Civil Ceremonies • Wedding Receptions • • Wedding Breakfasts • Evening Receptions • Wedding Parties •

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Great Yarmouth’s beautifully refurbished Victorian Town Hall overlooking historic South Quay has a range of elegantly decorated, spacious rooms with stunning original features and seating up to 200 guests, perfect for any celebratory occasion. Ideal for parties, anniversaries, receptions, functions, dinners, prom nights, gala dinners and balls.

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Celebrate with us in the heart of Great Yarmouth To view or book T: 01493 846125 E: events@great-yarmouth.gov.uk W: www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/celebrate

Ivy Hall is now open for business Set in 21 acres of gardens and marsh on the banks of Oulton Broad, Ivy House is the perfect setting for the venue and we can handle ceremonies / wedding breakfasts from 2 - 250

A fantastic New Luxury venue for Wedding Ceremonies and Wedding Breakfasts up to 250 quests with full bar.

Tel: +44 (0)1502 501 353 Fax: +44 (0)1502 501 539 Email: info@ivyhousecountryhotel.co.uk www.ivyhousecountryhotel.co.uk

The wedding of your dreams at Sprowston Manor Get married in the idyllic setting of Sprowston Manor, Marriott Hotel and Country Club and feel like the Lord and Lady in our beautiful 16th Century Manor House. Let us help you achieve the wedding you have always imagined. With stunning, characteristic event spaces and surrounded by the striking Norfolk Countryside, make your wedding one you and your guests will never forget.

To request your bespoke wedding proposal from our Wedding Coordinator Claire, please call 01603 254 293 and begin your journey to husband and wife.

THE BARN AT WOODLANDS A venue that makes the most of big skies and beautiful countryside to give you a Norfolk barn wedding that is truly unique. Whether you are looking for your perfect country wedding or family celebration, we are here to

www.thebarnatwoodlands.co.uk

help you make your day as personal and as individual as you would like. A beautiful barn, landscaped gardens and Norfolk countryside provide a relaxed, charming wedding venue for you and your guests.

Do give us a ring or visit our website and arrange to come and have a look for yourself

01493 369 114 | THE BARN AT WOODLANDS, WOODLANDS FARM, PRIVATE ROAD, STOKESBY, GT. YARMOUTH, NORFOLK, NR29 3DX

Park Farm Country Hotel and Leisure, Hethersett, visit www.parkfarm-hotel.co.uk or call 01603 810264

getting

hitched

Working out where to get married is one of the hardest decisions you’ll face when planning your big day says Sarah Hardy as she recommends

Park Farm

in Hethersett, on the outskirts of Norwich

S

electing your wedding venue, either for the whole ceremony or simply the reception, is a biggie! There is so much choice these days, with every country house owner, farmer and village hall chairman opening their doors to prospective wedding parties.

But why not just leave it to the professionals? Park Farm, a country hotel in the rather lovely Hethersett, a village just to the south of Norwich, has been organising weddings for more than 30 years.

And you can’t really beat experience for a stress-free day that runs like clockwork, can you?

But there is much more to Park Farm than just the fact they know exactly what they are doing – although, for my money, this is a huge advantage.

Mention must go to the stunning 200 acres of parkland, which incorporates beautifully landscaped gardens currently brimming over with colour as the blooms really take hold.

And the hotel itself is centred around the original, and very attractive, Georgian farmhouse.

Indeed, as you turn into the tree-lined drive and motor up this avenue of limes, you really do feel as if you are arriving somewhere rather special!

28

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

park farm country hotel and leisure by roast rump of lamb on a potato rosti with Madeira jus sound? Children and vegetarians are also well catered for.

Little touches have all been thought of. A ring cushion, for example, is available, there is an in-house DJ for hire, a toastmaster is available and flowers are supplied by Elizabeth florists in Norwich.

Fortunately, all this information and more has been put together in a colourful brochure which you can request and read through at your leisure!

Michael Bannister, front office manager, explains: ‘Most of our couples mention our wedding planner, Sue Dedman, who really goes out of her way to help. She has been with us for 15 years and is very calm, very friendly and irons out everything!’

He adds: ‘People are really free to do what they fancy – we have had harpists, string quartets and more. And we had a barbecue last week which was really fun!’

The hotel remains fiercely independent and has been owned by the Gowing family since 1958 so there is very much a personal feel to it rather than the corporate look adopted by many hotel chains.

It started out as a dairy farm, with farm holidays offered, and meals were cooked in the farmhouse kitchen until the early 80s. It has been tastefully extended over the years, with the family always keen to improve and raise standards. Most recently, a new residents’ lounge has been created, offering guests a peaceful retreat where they can read or simply enjoy a quiet drink.

The hotel has 53 bedrooms so your guests can really make a break of it, staying a few days either side of the big day, and enjoy the leisure facilities which include an indoor heated pool, spa pool, sauna and steam room – plus a fully equipped gym.

And this is before, of course, we mention the honeymoon suites which are very romantic, with four-poster beds and double spa baths!

There is a choice of wedding suites in which you can say your vows, and they are named after local villages such as Colney and Keswick. They all range in size, so depending upon whether you prefer a small, intimate gathering or a larger party, there is the right option for you. Parties tend to range from about 10 people, with up to 100 being catered for with a sit down meal. 150 people can be accommodated at evening receptions.

All the wedding suites are air conditioned, the Colney, Keswick and Melton Suites have dance floors, and all offer access to those wonderful gardens which include many mature trees, a very pretty pond and a gazebo which is a real favourite spot for wedding photographs.

Various packages are also available, again offering brides and grooms the chance to really make the day their own.

Executive chef David Bell is always keen to talk to couples and work out exactly what menu suits them and their guests, and the choice does sound rather mouth-watering. How does beetroot cured salmon gravalax with lemon confit followed

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29

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what’s on Get set for a spectacular summer with the help of our round-up of events in July. There’s a lot going on this month!

FOREST LIVE Tom Odell, whose debut album Long Way Down shot straight to number one in 2013, comes to Thetford Forest as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live gigs on July 5. His special guest will be the talented Rae Morris (one of the featured artists in the BBC’s Music Sound Of 2015). Visit www.forestry.gov.uk.

DOGS Suffolk Dog Day, now in its eighth year, is a cornerstone of Suffolk Community Foundation’s 10th anniversary and will be held once again in the magnificent surroundings of Helmingham Hall and Gardens, on July 26. Brand new spectacle for this year is K9s & Kids Kingdom. Visit www. suffolkdogday.com.

GARDENS The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) has 15 gardens opening during July throughout Norfolk including Bergh Apton Manor on July 5; The Wicken at Castle Acre on July 12; Kettle Hill at Blakeney on July 19, and Brick Kiln House at Shotesham St Mary on July 26. Visit www.ngs.org.uk.

SINGER SONGWRITER Norfolk based singer songwriter Holly Lerski plays The Lawns Hotel as part of Holt Festival on July 20. She has just released her first solo album after fronting the band Angelou, and has been compared to Beth Orton and Jeff Buckley. Visit www.holtfestival.org.

OUTDOOR THEATRE Holkham’s Outdoor Theatre season starts with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest on July 22. This society farce, brought by The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, pokes fun at the Victorian’s tight reins on social etiquette and demonstrates Wilde’s legendary wit. Visit www. holkham.co.uk.

CONCERT The Picnic in the Park Concert takes place at Christchurch Park in Ipswich on July 3. Featuring the Heart of England Strings and special guest soprano Lucy Kay, there will be a varied programme of music from Handel and Bach to Coldplay and Lady Gaga, followed by a firework display. Visit www.ipswich.gov.uk.

knees-up

Rabbit along and have a knees-up when Chas & Dave perform at Potters Resort on July 12. The cockney legends celebrated their 50th anniversary last year and are set to get the Atlas Theatre rocking when they perform their unique rock and roll songs. Visit www.pottersholidays.com.

THEATRE Dereham-based Centre Stage Performing Arts School will mark its first decade with a live performance at Norwich Theatre Royal on July 19. Talented pupils aged from three to 19 will take to the stage in a wide range of different set pieces to showcase their skills and talents. Visit www.theatreroyalnorwich. co.uk.

COMEDY (pictured right) Red Card Comedy Club returns for another massive festival of comedy with Laugh in the Park 2015 between July 23 and 26. This year promises more laughs than ever with a stellar line up of comedy talent, including household names Lee Nelson, Seann Walsh, Jo Caulfield and Simon Evans. Visit www. redcardcomedyclub.com.

WHAT’S ON

monthly round-up CIRCUS (pictured) The Hippodrome Summer Spectacular returns from July 15 with an all new world class circus and water show featuring the world’s best circus artistes in a brand new block buster show. Marvel at Ringling Bros and Barnam and Bailey circus, trapeze-act The Flying Pages, juggler Roberto Karlos, the Togni Brothers, plus favourites Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. Visit www.hippodromecircus.co.uk.

SIXTIES The Bootleg Sixties are coming back to the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton with their sight and sound show, on July 31. There’s very much a summer holiday theme to the show, and it is said to be one of the best of its kind in the UK today. Visit www. princesshunsta anton.co.uk.

OPEN AIR THEATRE A Jane Austen literary classic gets The Pantaloon’s treatment in an innovative new open air theatre adaptation of Pride and Prejudice at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden on July 3. The Pantaloons are known for their anarchic retellings of classic works of literature. Call 01603 270449 or visit www. fairhavengarden.co.uk.

CRAFT The Suffolk Craft Society’s 44th Summer Exhibition comes to the Peter Pears Gallery in Aldeburgh from July 11 to August 24, featuring Susi Hines’ compellingly beautiful jewellery; Emma Buckmaster’s atmospheric prints inspired by the East Anglian landscape; and sculptor Mary Anstee-Parry. Call 01728 451503 (during the exhibition only). Visit www.suffolkcraftsociety.org.

MORE THAN BIRDS Find out why Minsmere is more than just a great place to watch birds, on July 7, 14 and 21.

In summer the reserve comes alive with insects, while an amazing variety of flowers add a touch of colour to the marshes. Join guides who will introduce you to some of the insects and plants.

Visit www.rspb.org.uk.

SHAKESPEARE The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to the beautiful setting of Norwich Cathedral Cloisters on July 15 and 18 to perform their magical production of Twelfth Night – a brand new, action-packed performance of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy. Visit www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.

35

JULY

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Thur 2 July NORWICH SCHOOL GALA Stars of the future £7 - £15

Tues 21 - Sat 25 July PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ Kristina Rihanoff & Robin Windsor (Strictly) star in Hollywood's Golden Age musical £8 - £33

Wed 29 July - Sat 1 Aug PETER PAN RETURN TO NEVERLAND Theatre Royal Youth Theatre with new family musical £7 - £9

Puttin’ On The Ritz

Tues 7 - Sat 18 July JERSEY BOYS Award-winning smash hit musical £8 - £48.50

Sun 19 July 10 Centre Stage Performing Arts School £7 - £15.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk T H E AT R E ST R E E T, N O RW I C H N R 2 1 R L

WHAT’S ON

TOMBLAND

visit norwich

church

take me to

Great eateries, historic buildings, arts and culture immerse yourself in Norwich's Cathedral Quarter, says Melanie Cook VISIT NORWICH, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

One of life’s simple pleasures is to walk and in summer one of the best ways to enjoy Norwich is on foot. One of my favourite things is to stroll along the banks of the Wensum taking the Riverside Walk early on a summer’s day. Start before the city bursts into motion, grab a takeout coffee; relax, listen and breathe deeply.

At Pulls Ferry you can enter the Cathedral Quarter either through Ferry Lane (in medieval times it was a canal where Caen stone was shipped to build Norwich Cathedral) into the Close or walk until you reach Bishop’s Bridge – one of England’s oldest medieval bridges still in use today.

The Cathedral Quarter is one of the most historic areas of Norwich and presents enough to explore and see for a full day and well into the evening. The Great Hospital, an Almshouse founded in 1249 by Bishop Walter de Suffield, has cared for the citizens of Norwich for over 750 years and is a Norwich 12 building. The Great Hospital includes: a church, cloister, medieval refectory and a Victorian hall. It is the only surviving medieval hospital to have its entire records intact since its foundation in 1249. The hospital opens its doors to visitors during Heritage Open Days in September but private tours can be arranged throughout the year.

Take a stroll through the 44-acre site of Norwich Cathedral, the Close and the cloisters relishing the peace, tranquillity and beauty of an early summer’s morning. Enjoy the village like atmosphere – it’s known locally as the ‘village within a city’, discover ancient houses - picture perfect with doors framed by roses, the village green, a herb garden and outdoor sculpture.

Norwich is dominated by its magnificent Norman cathedral, boasting the largest monastic cloisters in England, the second tallest spire in the country and an amazing 1200 carved stone roof bosses – one of the greatest art treasures of medieval Europe. Take a free tour (donations welcome, tours from 11am, takes 60 minutes) to fully appreciate the beauty and historical relevance of this building.

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If you’re now in need of sustenance head straight for The Brittons Arms in Elm Hill before any more exploring. It is a 15th century thatched building which has been run by sisters Sue and Gilly for more than 35 years. The smell of freshly ground coffee hits as you enter. Welcoming and delightful, take a window seat to watch the world go by, tuck into a large slice of homemade cake or warm sausage roll.

Elm Hill is an absolute treasure. Norwich’s most complete medieval street cobbled and flanked by Tudor merchants houses some of which are residential, others which are retailers such as Elm Hill Craft Shop and The Bear Shop. The craft shop has been selling delightful trinkets and quirky gifts for 35 years; The Bear Shop has the largest selection of bears anywhere in Britain – over 300 artisan bears, in fact, and hundreds of manufactured ones too. Just around the corner in Tombland discover Tombland Bookshop – the largest bookshop of its type in East Anglia selling and buying antiquarian and second-hand books from £1 to £10,000!

Arts and culture is offered in abundance in the Cathedral Quarter. Anteros Arts Foundation offers free regular changing exhibitions housed in a 15th century Tudor Merchant's house.

This summer see a rare opportunity to view works by Ana Maria Pacheco at Norwich Cathedral and at Norwich Puppet Theatre book yourself or the little ones in your life on a puppet making workshop.

Summer evenings are all about al fresco dining, drinking and theatre. Tombland offers plenty of choice such as Shiki Japanese restaurant or the Maids Head Hotel.

At Norwich Cathedral soak up the atmosphere of the 900 year old Cloisters when the Shakespeare Festival comes to town.

This year The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Twelfth Night (July 15-18). Other celebrations include GoGoDragons 2015 where, just at the Puppet Theatre alone, visitors will find seven heritage dragons; there are another 77 settled in all manner of places across the city!

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Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine with our

NEW menu

R MENU R E STA U RA NT & BA

Palle di risotti

a mozzarella cheese filling, Exquisite risotto balls with sauce. served with a spicy tomato £5.95 Whitebait with deep fried lemon dressing.

cheddar and Herb tomato sauce, mozzarella tomatoes. plum parmesan cheeses, sliced

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minestrone zuPPa

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meats specially selected A platter of cold antipasti fresh melon, olives, by our chefs to compliment focaccia. Serves two. garlic ciabatta and toasted calamari rings, battered A platter of crispy fish, mini fish kebabs. prawns, whitebait and our and focaccia bread.

Toasted garlic ciabatta Serves two.

gamberi in Pastella

sPeziata £6.95

Peroni batter with King prawns in a special sweet chilli dipping sauce.

bruschetta

with parma ham, Baked ciabatta bread topped and buffalo mozzarella. cherry tomatoes, basil

torta di granchio

£5.95

onion cakes with Homemade crab and spring sun blush tomato pesto.

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Please see our daily sPecials board for starters, mains and desserts

barbabietola, mela rosa + feta V

with cherry tomatoes, Homemade crab cakes mixed leaves in a citrus, cucumber, peppers and chilli and mint dressing.

£10.95

herb and tomato sauce, Topped with an Italian with parmesan, mozzarella two layers of pepperoni and fresh basil. £12.95

Pollo, Pancetta e aVocado

di carne mista

tomato sauce, chicken, Topped with a herb and ham, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, Italian sausage, with feta and mozzarella. onions, green olives topped

PolPette sPeziate

£10.95

meat balls and a herb and Topped with chefs spicy and onions complete this tomato sauce, mushrooms finest mozzarella cheese. pizza, not forgetting our

frutti di mare

£12.95

topped pizza.

Specially selected seafood with and crab in co-operation Mussels, prawns, squid sauce and cheeses. our delicate tomato based

www.yu

£9.95

torta di granchio

portion of mozzarella.

£9.95

formaggio di caPra

V

£9.95

caramalised onions, Grilled goats cheese with mixed leaves. Served with walnuts, cucumber and a green pesto sauce. £7.95 V

insalata di Pasta

pasta, sun blushed tomatoes, Combining fine farfalle and parmesan cheese to spring onions, wild rocket salad. create this warm pasta

bistecca

con l’osso

Fine rib-eye £19.95 steak cooked to perfection topped with and mushrooms, spinach and cheese sauce. gorgonzola Served with grilled tomatoe sweet potato chips. s and

£11.45

ta sauce, cream and ricotta Wild mushrooms in a garlic cheese finish. with spinach and mozzarella

bistecca

de girello

21 day aged £14.95 rump tomatoes, roasted steak served with grilled chips and a rocket balsamic onions, hand cut salad.

Wednesdays in School holidays

Pollo e mozz

£9.45

delicate wild Our risotto base with added crisp. mushrooms and a parmesan

asParagi e Piselli Chef arborio infused rice stems and peas.

£8.95 aragus with tender asparagus

to salmone affumica e zafferano

salmon and our unique Fine flavours of smoked risotto base. saffron sauce enrich our

Pancetta ciPolla

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risotto topped with a Pancetta and red onion parmesan crisp. poached hens egg and

| visit us on social media | tel: 01502 562755 mmylowestoft.co.uk

Pollo cacc

iatore

Oven baked £10.95 chicken slowly smoked bacon braised in a tomato, and mushroo with herb roasted m sauce served new potatoe Mediter ranean s and roasted vegetables.

£8.95

£7.95

Giardino Italian Restaurant, Sparrows Nest, Lowes toft NR32 1XG all food is prepared to order. our allergen information pack please ask. is available, Prices include Vat @20% 3731811 reg number 61.

04713881.

Keable and flowers ltd,

ta sPina

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Pork and beef £9.95 meatballs in a traditional penne pasta ragu sauce, and grated parmesa toasted garlic n. Served ciabatta and rocket salad. with a

lasagne

www.yum mylo west

11-3pm

£9.95

desserts

fritte V

insalata

£3.45

crocanti

£4.80

squid.

skewers.

House salad.

£4.80

ls in a arrabati

£3.45

melanzane Aubergines with

oliVe miste Mixed olives.

a sauce.

£3.95

V

a cheese crust, V

£4.80 pomodora sauce. £2.60

children

tiramisu

Layers of rich £5.25 mascarpone cream sponge fingers soaked in espresso and Savoiardi .

brownie

Our own flapjack £5.95 should be! Servedstack featuring everything a brownie with mint choc-ch ip ice-cream.

aPPle and

cinnamon

Apple and Cinnam £4.95 and served with on ice-cream rolled in almonds warm chocola te sauce

coffee &

dessert duo

Your choice of coffee and one of our selected mini desserts.

homemade

desserts

£4.95

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’s menu

sPaghetti bolognese Served with cheddar cheese and a garlic ciabatta lasagne .

Served with hand cut chips also available and a garlic ciabatta as a vegetari . an dish. small batter ed cod Served with hand cut chips and peas. burger in a Served with toasted ciabatta bun hand cut chips.

bianco

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Chocolate ice-cream £4.95 rolled in hazelnut pieces, served s and chocolat with a warm e chocolate sauce.

chocolate

roncino

di casa V

PolPette Mini meatbal

tartufo

£3.45

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insalata

tartufo

Coffee ice-crea £4.95 m topped with served with a warm chocola soft meringue and te sauce.

£2.60

mozzarella.

wild rocket salad.

and green bean.

calamari Crispy fried

£2.95

V

with or without

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A walnut and

fagiolini

Chilli prawn

cante merlu zzo cannellon i

Fine minced beef ragu and béchamel sauce served with a toasted garlic and parmesa ciabatta, rocket n salad. also available as a vegetari an dish.

Potatine

Hand cut chips.

ciabatta aglio

Garlic ciabatta

noce insal

Spicy broad

Smoked haddock £12.95 and peas stirred cheese sauce into a rich blue with parpard elle pasta and wild rocket. croc

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a A breaded chicken £10.95 mozzarella cheese breast topped with buffalo and parma ham potato wedges served with and salad.

linguini

Pan seared king £13.95 prawns with roasted red peppers with red onion and a spiced pomodo sauce and linguini and fresh basil. topped with parmesan ra

raVioli ricot

ci V King prawns £13.95 with in a rich cheese spinach and ricotta ravioli sauce with white coated tomatoes. Served onion, sun blushed with a rocket and a toasted and parmesa garlic ciabatta n salad .

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o Chargrilled beef £10.95 burger with parma ham, plum tomato baby gem lettuce, and in a toasted bun with hand mozzarella served cut chips and salad.

er and with white wine, butter Fine arborio rice infused and finished with a herbs. Cooked with cream crisp. poached egg. Chefs parmesan

NT & BA R MENU sides

Penne pasta, £9.95 smoked bacon, mushrooms chicken breast in a a garlic ciabatta rich cream sauce, served and with .

hamburge

risottos

gamberi e

fagioli

sPezzatino A special Italian £11.50 olives. Served sausage and bean casserol with dauphan e oise potatoe with s.

£10.95

fungo selVaggio

prosciutto and avocado Chargrilled chicken, crispy parmesan and mixed with slow roasted tomatoes, dressing. leaves. Honey and mustard

salsiccia

pinach, spinach,

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ne tomatoes, toasted pine Roasted and sun blushed rella spinach and mozzarella nuts, lemon infused fennel, sauce. cheese with our own pomodoro Lemon dressed salad.

funghi V £7.95

with red apples and Finely sliced beetroot served selection. Served with leaf feta cheese and our mixed a sweet balsamic dressing.

£10.95

tomato sauce, diced Topped with a herb and roasted red pepper, pancetta, chopped pineapple,with a generous ham and fresh basil topped

PePPeroni £4.95

young spinach and Selected pancetta with of pear, create this watercress leaves and pieces mouth-watering salad.

smoked chicken, sliced Topped with a BBQ sauce, a good covering of with red onion, mushrooms mozzarella and fresh oregano.

Pancetta

formaggio cremoso £8.95

Pancetta e Pera

£10.95

bbQ Pollo

£9.95

Piatto di Pesce

garlic butter, fresh Sliced chicken breast with parmesan and mozzarella.

artichoke hearts Chorizo, fresh melon and unique salad dressing. endrenched in our own

tomato sauce, tomatoes, Topped with a herb and red peppers, black olives onion, mushroom, roasted with feta and mozzarella.

£10.45

Pollo

chorizoe e melone

Vegetariana V

with croutons.

Piatto di carne

tomato sauce, chopped Topped with a herb and jalapenos and pieces of onion, mixed peppers, Italian sausage. £6.95

R E STA U RA

Pasta

zzo Pesto

Peroni beer £11.50 battered cod infused with served with pesto pea homemade tartarpuree, hand cut chips and sauce.

meatballs, red onion, Smoked pancetta, spiced and pomodora sauce. melted mozzarella, basil

with baby gem lettuce, Traditional caesar salad baked herb croutons, sun grated parmesan, oven grilled chicken. blushed tomato and flame £9.95

£8.95

italian sausage £6.95

V

classic Italian soup Chefs own design on this

main cou rses fitto merlu

carne

Small £5.95 Large £8.45

caesar insalata

£6.95

margherita V

bianchette imPanati

ingredients and dough as Made using the same fresh k in’ folded by our chefs to ‘lock our pizzas, but this time those fine flavours. £9.95

to and ingredients are used Selected young fresh salads are and textures. Chefs salads secure the best flavours served with toasted ciabatta. of the finest quality and

only thrown and made using Our fresh pizzas are hand dough. With our fresh food the best ingredients and of a great pizza. guarantee you can be sure

£4.95

V

calzone

crisP salads

Pizzas

aPPetisers

Wildlife Wednesdays

all Priced

at £5.95

macaroni cheese Served with a garlic ciabatta . scamPi Served with hand cut chips and peas.

Pizza with a choice of toPPin Cheese and gs tomato, ham and pineapp smoked chicken and bacon, a garlic ciabatta. le, or pepperoni. All served with

All childrens meals are accompa and a bowl of neapolitan ice nied with a choice of sparkling cream. or still Robinson

Join us for fun wildlife activities for all the family (Included with garden entry)

s squash

oft.c o.uk | tel: 0150 2 5627 55 | visit us on socia l med ia

Download it now at

www.yummylowestoft.co.uk LUNCHTIME SPECIALS

12” Sharing Pizza for 2 inc House Salad

NR13 6DZ 01603 270449 www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

Giardino’s Unique Filled Flatbreads

AWARD WINNING

2010 2012 2013

with choice of fillings

G VIN OW SA EL Y RB NE HE MO OUC V

£6.99

Open 19th July to 6th September 2015

from £6.95

GIANT MAIZE MAZE

FUN PLAY PARK

Refreshments picnic area Go-Karts

Giardino Restaurant & Bar, Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft Telephone: 01502 562755 www.yummylowestoft.co.uk

Crazy Croquet Inflatable Fun

Tractor Rides & much more VO H

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Straight after graduating he worked on a production of Beauty and the Beast, and then regularly appeared in the West End...

west end bringing the

to the east coast

West End Director Matt Flint is setting up summer school at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft this month and the end result will be a full-scale musical production of Hairspray as Emma Outten finds out

H

airspray director and choreographer

Matt Flint has been busy talent spotting in Lowestoft recently and so far he has liked what he has seen.

‘We saw a good number of local people who have got lots of talent,’ says Matt, following that first audition for the summer theatre school production of Hairspray, before adding: ‘We’ve got a few people in mind for the principal roles. I was quite impressed.’

Hairspray is something of a cultural coup for Lowestoft, as it will be the first time a project such as this has offered local youngsters an opportunity to work with the award winning West End dream team of Musical Director Benjamin Holder and Matt himself.

40

Matt’s come a long way since moving from Scarborough to London aged 16, and training at Laine Theatre Arts. Straight after graduating he worked on a production of Beauty and the Beast, and then regularly appeared in the West End with a career highlight of appearing alongside Patrick Swayze in Guys and Dolls. Matt recalls: ‘He was a very special person and very generous considering his fame and how big he was - a lovely and genuine guy.’

Alongside all this, Matt taught tap and jazz at various schools in London. ‘I would teach in the day and then head over to a show in the evening. I kind of fulfilled both of my passions.’

Entering BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance in 2011, in a quest to bring tap dancing back into the mainstream, was a game changer for Matt: ‘I’d done a bit of TV but I’d never been considered as a choreographer and I think that show opened people’s eyes.

WHAT'S ON

matt flint ‘Sometimes it can be hit and miss with professionals entering these competitions; sometimes they get you on for good television but it worked out nicely.’

He has a theory on why he went on to win. ‘I came across as a normal bloke who isn’t bad at dancing! I think the audience could kind of relate to that.’

After winning the second series of the BBC show he created Happy Feet Productions - providing dance masterclasses, workshops, choreography, corporate events and private tuition. So You Think You Can Dance? opened doors for Matt: he recently brought his touring dance convention Can You Dance? to Norwich – he is co-creator of the annual competition aimed at finding the UK’s best dance talent.

Matt says: ‘We went to the UEA Sportspark - it’s the third year we’ve done it and it’s getting bigger every year now. We had about 1400 people this year, which was great.

‘We’ve got five in the country now – we tour it around to give people a taste of what London has to offer. To see their faces is kind of priceless.’

His relationship with our region is growing, as he comments: ‘Can You Dance? has kicked off a lot of the connections and doing this summer project at the Marina fitted in quite nicely.’

Up to 50 youngsters aged 10 to 21 will have the opportunity to work together. He comments: ‘Obviously to do a full musical, you have to have a certain amount of experience but the idea of the project is to widen everyone’s experience.’

The two-week project culminates in three performances of a full-scale musical production, under the supervision of a highly skilled creative team, an orchestra and technical team.

He says of his cohort Benjamin: ‘We have worked together before and Ben is a very talented guy. He’s a musical director who is currently working on Bugsy Malone in the West End. Last year we worked on a project for the National Youth Music Theatre and he’s very collaborative and creative.’

What can the audiences in Lowestoft expect when Hairspray comes to town? ‘I hope they will see something they’ve never seen before,’ says Matt. ‘We’re going to put all our knowledge into this and bring as much quality from London as we can to make it as professional a production as possible and hopefully we’ll blow their socks off.’

Following his fortnight at the Marina Theatre Matt will be back down in London choreographing Sweet Charity in Concert at Cadogan Hall. It will star Denise Van Outen, Michael Xavier, Kimberley Walsh and Kerry Ellis, as well as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. ‘It’s going to be a good one,’ says Matt.

And nowadays choreographing for Strictly Come Dancing keeps him busy all year round (along with Children In Need and Comic Relief). ‘I work a lot for the BBC and various Saturday night TV shows.’

He adds: ‘I’ve actually got a pitch meeting on Tuesday with Strictly, to do some group numbers for the professionals.

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We may think of it as primetime autumnal viewing, but Matt comments: ‘The People’s Strictly finished and then it was straight onto the new series of Strictly. A lot of preparation goes into the group routines; they rehearse them prior to the season beginning and then just refresh them as the season goes on.

‘Sometimes we help out with the duets and sometimes we do group dances with the celebrities as well.’

Did he have a favourite to work with? ‘Kevin [Clifton],’ replies Matt, ‘he is actually one of my really good friends in real life. He came to Norwich with Can You Dance?

‘Going forward, Strictly is a big thing,’ notes Matt, ‘then we’ll see what happens for the rest of the year. I’ve got enough to keep me going for now.’ Sounds like it!

The Hairspray Summer Theatre Project takes place at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft from July 25 to August 8 with performances on August 7 and August 8. Visit www. marinatheatre.co.uk.

41

| JULY 2015

42

WEST END REVIEW

Benet Catty turns his nose up at the Noel Coward favourite, Hay Fever, now on in the West End and starring Felicity Kendal

getting sniffy HAY FEVER IS ON AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LONDON, VISIT WWW.DUKEOFYORKTHEATRE.CO.UK

Some plays are constantly in a state of revival in London.

Last year saw a poor production of David Mamet's brilliant comedy Speed-the-Plow, the third revival of that play in 15 years. The recent storming West End triumph of A View from the Bridge was that great classic's fourth in 20 years. Pinter's Betrayal returns at regular intervals. Noel Coward's Hay Fever is in the same category - eminently revivable, easily castable, evergreen in its comedy, unrelenting in its popularity.

This is the third London revival of the Coward classic in less than ten years. Sadly, it is easily the weakest. Whether the show opened in the state in which it now finds itself, or has deteriorated over several months on tour, one can only speculate. But rarely have I been to a comedy so bereft of laughs or seen a classic play so devoid of interest. Those who saw Howard Davies' handsome and mature production at the theatre next door three years ago will find it hard to believe that this is the same play.

Judith Bliss is an actress whose career is behind her. Her children (who call her darling, this being Coward) are either scrumptiously classy or

hay fever

intolerably pretentious depending on your point of view. Their father David, meanwhile, is a novelist who is head down in his latest opus. They invite some friends to come and stay in their country retreat for a weekend party. Thenceforth begins a comedy of manners: there are awkward pauses which nobody knows how to end; a game in which people have to enact a given adverb, and the odd elicit moment, all benefitting from a generous seasoning of self-regard.

This is not a play heavy with plot. This is a piece all about character, whose comedy comes from situation. Something is only funny if it seems accidental or incidental - a basic tenet of stage comedy that, alas, eluded London's press night performance which was full of hammy over-acting (particularly an extraordinarily over-zealous performance from the house maid) and mugging to the audience.

It's not all bad news, though. Felicity Kendal plays Judith Bliss, and what a natural fit she is for a role that has previously been played by such luminaries as Edith Evans, Judi Dench and Geraldine McEwan. For those who only know Kendal from The Good Life and are less familiar with her huge body of stage work, it is wonderful to see that her class and comic timing have if anything strengthened since that most iconic of TV roles 40 years ago.

Alice Orr-Ewing and Edward Franklin as Judith's children give good value, although not coming close to eclipsing the memory of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Freddie Fox playing the same parts three years ago. And Michael Simkins, as always, is witty and natural and completely in style.

Elsewhere, though, the cast fall victim to a lazy production that pitches the play at a sitcom level, playing to the audience rather than each other and consequently rarely engaging with either. As with his recent deeply dull production of Harvey (and indeed the aforementioned Speed-the-Plow last year), director Lindsay Posner fails to bring class or style to plays that require both. Peter McKintosh's set looks cheaper than one expects in a large West End house and indeed a good deal smaller than these characters would be likely to tolerate. It also has quite the most unappealing front curtain I can remember seeing in a West End show.

Those disinclined to spend their money on a trip to the capital to see this dull incarnation of a classy Coward should take comfort from the thought that there will surely be another production of it in London and elsewhere before too long.

Sadly, despite the brilliance of Felicity Kendal and the perennial charm of the play, this particular Hay Fever is not worth a sniff.

Luxury on a Level GUIDE PRICE £700,000

Hembsy

Memories of happy holidays in could be converted into a reality thanks to this well-designed barn conversion, says Emma Outten Hands up who has spent a sunny summer day in Hembsy, that popular Norfolk seaside resort near Great Yarmouth, before now? I know I have and I also hear it was quite the holiday destination back in the day according to my parents! In fact they have more than a few fond memories of staying at Maddiesons Holiday Camp in the 60s.

The extensive sandy beach is still a great place to take the children, followed by a visit to the attractions of Beach Road (children's rides, cafes, shops and amusement arcades) – you get the picture, all offering good old-fashioned seaside entertainment.

More recently the resort has reinvented itself as a destination for rock and roll weekends, but although we may eternally think of Hemsby as home to the self-catering chalet bungalow (Pontins Holiday Park played host to more than 2400 guests in its heyday), the coastal village can also offer a tranquil way of life.

Take at look at this well designed single storey detached barn conversion, which boasts more than 3000 sq ft of space and takes accommodation on one level to, well, a whole new level!

Wheatfields, Bridge Court Barns, Martham Road, certainly has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ve got a fantastic kitchen/dining/ day room with a feature fireplace and vaulted ceiling.

The red brick lined fireplace really is a superb feature, as is the original beamed vaulted ceiling and revealed brick work.

Along with the oak Amtico flooring, which features quite a bit throughout the property, there’s a nice stripped back feel to this home.

estate agents

Bycroft Residential, 14 Regent Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1RN Tel 01493 844484 www.charlesbycroft.co.uk

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

wheatfields, hemsby

“The red brick lined fireplace really is a superb feature, as is the original beamed vaulted ceiling and revealed brick work.”

You will also find handmade kitchen units, a fitted breakfast bar; a built-in stainless steel electric oven and an oil fired Aga, with French doors leading onto a courtyard beyond.

Even the utility room is worth a mention, as there’s a Grant oil fired boiler and slatted shelving providing an ideal drying room. It has modern cream finish Shaker style units plus a large range of larder style units with a central recess which would be perfect for an American style fridge/freezer.

The lounge has an attractive oak fire surround and sliding double glazed patio doors leading onto a conservatory/garden room, which is also a delightful room, providing superb aspects over the garden, plus the pitched glass roof provides additional light into the room. Whereas the sitting room cum office provides views over the garden and could easily be adapted to provide an additional bedroom if required.

Then there’s the bedroom wing, comprising a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, three further bedrooms and a shower room. Plus bedroom five comes with an adjacent shower room/cloakroom.

All of the main bedrooms are on the south side of the property and the master bedroom features a range of handcrafted fitted furniture; plus a white en suite bathroom boasts a cast iron wood panelled bath with Mira electric shower fitting, (the brand also features in the shower room, which has a large walk-in shower cubicle).

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The guest bedroom, on the other hand, overlooks the conservatory/garden room; and has an adjacent shower room/cloakroom.

And that is not all to be found at this Hemsby home. Have I mentioned the fact that there’s a snooker/games room? A full size snooker/billiards table could also be available by negotiation!

Outside, the courtyard garden offers a very private suntrap and there’s a raised area of timber decking flanked by ornate paving and raised brick planters offering a variety of shrubs, bushes and flowering plants. Located off the kitchen, the courtyard provides an ideal morning seating area – perfect for an al fresco breakfast!

Within the double garage is access to a workshop area, providing additional storage space. And how useful is this: not one but two storage sheds?

Beyond are formal landscaped gardens approaching threequarters of an acre, flanked by a variety of established trees and bushes. Plus there is paved sun terrace area – offering even more opportunities to relax in the sun!

The remainder of the garden features raised beds which would be suitable for growing vegetables. Add to this a greenhouse, a covered wood store and an additional workshop and this is a garden which could really work for you. The workshop in particular would provide ideal storage for machinery.

The gardens are adjacent to open farmland, and, if your negotiating skills are up to scratch, there’s a large stable block/ barn with an additional area of land available!

A final note: the property is offered chain free – so what are you waiting for?

5 Bedrooms Snooker Room Kitchen/Dining/Day Room Landscaped Gardens Double Garage Oil central heating Tranquil setting Chain free Flexible living space Numerous outbuildings

45

Aldreds majors on the sale of residential and commercial property in East Norfolk and North East Suffolk. We also have long established letting and auction departments.

We are independent, but involved in the market with presence on leading property websites and portals, five modern offices and 35 experienced and trained staff.

From £299,950

Asking price £365,000

Beach Road, Scratby

Mill Lane, Bradwell

This small development located on Beach Road, Scratby consists of three 4 bedroom detached houses. These homes provide a practical living accommodation with Kitchen/Diners, spacious family Lounge and downstairs Cloakroom to the ground floor. First floor consists of Master Bedroom with En-Suite, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. This development accommodates a comfortable lifestyle in these modern designed houses with gardens, garage and driveway. With pv solar panels for supplementary electric supplythis brand new property offers a more economical way of managing.

This individual architect designed house has been built to an exceptional specification with oak floors, staircase, doors and second fix. The heating system and insulation will mean this house which is approximately 189m2 will be economic to manage. Accommodation comprising of 27ft lounge, 24ft kitchen/ dining room, further reception room, utility room and ground floor cloakroom. On the first floor there is a master bedroom suite with a dressing room and an ensuite shower room as well as three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Tel 01493 844891 | 17 Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1HJ

Carlton Hall Gardens RETIREMENT VILLAGE

PLEASE CALL Hardimans Estate Agents for more information or viewing

Bungalows available at:

£195,000 freehold

Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 8AT

www.aldreds.co.uk

Welcome to Carlton Hall Residential Home and Retirement Village. A perfect combination of SECURE, assisted and independent living, with YOU in mind. We are now starting the construction of the second phase of 10 bungalows, four of which are already sold.

This residential care village is unique, it gives all the support and care you need or might need in the future. Set in twelve acres of beautiful park land and gardens, it helps older people to live longer healthier lives, while still living in their own freehold home.

We call the bungalows a home for life because they are fitted out for future or present care needs, all are disabled friendly with nurse pull cords in every room, directly to the Halls office where care and help is seconds away. Unless the resident contracts a very serious dementia which is a danger to themselves or others, he/she will never have to move.

TELEPHONE:

01502 513208 EMAIL:

carltonhall@hotmail.co.uk

www.carltonhall.co.uk

It is very important, because these homes are freehold and have on site care and maintenance, you will never have to sell or move into a residential home or nursing home.

PROPERTY

norwich waveney

MY Norwich: ADOPTED

Our County City DISTRICT THIS MONTH MARK DUFFIELD LOOKS AT THE FINE CITY OF NORWICH AND THIS MONTH MARK DUFFIELD LOOKS WONDERS IF IT HASFACE IT ALL THE AT THE CHANGING OFAT THE THREE EXPENSE OF OTHERS TOWNS IN THE WAVENEY DISTRICT WWW.ALDREDS.CO.UK | 01493 844891

A FELLOW a solicitor and THE THREECOASTAL TOWNS ofPROFESSIONAL Waveney District(he areisquite distinct might not want toSouthwold, share the appellation with an Estate by Agent) neighbours.

One, functions as Hampstead the describes Norwich as being smug. The youpermanent enter Sea with all its attendant problems of asigns very as small should say ‘Welcome to Norwich Smugrelatively City’. population.

The second, Beccles, aseems prosperous From east of coast looking in, I would is probably from thethe efforts indigenous talent and say the he third and right. The question is might bethrough whetherthe or metamorphosis not the city is entitled largest, Lowestoft, going of to be coastal smug. The answer is alots resounding yes - even more so most towns where of the traditional industry has with the football success of last or season. upped sticks either by expiring by rationalisation.

It does nothas take too understanding of the Lowestoft yet tomuch forgive Great Yarmouth for city the and Middle its history the status evolved.

Everthis since Ages’ righttotosee taxhow the fi sh enviable landed by the town.

Despite the BishopI cannot moved from Thetford in the the town’s Middlecurrent Ages Norwich antipathy help but admire position has enjoyedterms. prominence in many areas of commerce. Wool in property from the county wealth, Quakers started banking Lowestoft is a brought town of two halves (you have heard this and insurance followed, shoes and silk formed part of the business before).

Actually, apart from my Methodist friends, I am not life. Farming patterns brought food of fortwo national sure it is a town of twochanged halves. Iand think it is a town and international (mustard).

From the wealth opinions and thatconsumption may have been settled very recently at the (lots earned ballot box. from Great Yarmouth and offshore - witness Dragon Hall) came buildings, a superb hub Lowestoft’s outerfine harbour was built morecommercial than 100 years and an exceptional shopping centre.

In the 20th century add ago.

The town had investment from economy hotel groups a university, the Sainsbury Centre, an international airport and maybe 25 years ago. theInvestment city has it in all.sixth form education for the town has been For some it does actually not havehoused enoughincritical mass to strong, with reason a new college a 21st century support a Porsche or Bentley garage so maybe I should say building. theLowestoft city has nearly all. town than its neighbour to the north is a smaller I can remember momentthe in the latefor 1970s and at the momentaappears better it. when residential property in my home town wasthe more expensive than in The High Street is surviving retail market changes Norwich. I thought, at that moment, it was still timeintooccupation invest in remarkably well. There are many multiples thethe city - but did not.shops.

Since There then the respective have of London Road is still a Marksvalues and Spencer, reversed and the divergence continues.of the Chadd legacy. not to mention the Palmers movement

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So, we on the east coast jealous?

Probably not. It Theare banks had moved into the retail areas many is a delight to be which close enough to Norwich to enjoy such generations ago gives a vibrancy to the shopping excellent galleries, cinemas andretail other sector.

Allrestaurants, of this suggests that shops, the town’s ‘spend’ downtime facilities. However, I do not envy theand commercial sector is weathering the austerity programme movement rents thateverything have to beand paidretail by business and the traffic jams. to online warehousing.

There are discussion I question: Lowestoft had a fine points. tradition of manufacture but most of Hasmoved Norwich toolast much, and could a more it has ongot in the 20 years.

There is stilleven the excellent government/university spread be better appropriate frozen food business. Much of the rest ofand manufacture and for the whole county? Ion think four government port use is dependent the Norwich off shorehas industry which is authority offices. I shocks know you might argue Broadland braced forhead the ongoing from the oil price slump and is infuture Broadland but actuallywhich it is very much(from insidethe theoutside) urban the with renewables appears conurbation of Norwich at Thorpe. Where would you expect to be ‘sluggish’ moving forward. theHowever, Broads Authority to be based?

At itssignifi gateway or in the port has moved forward cantly with Norwich? recreational yachting facilities and, remarkably, there is still Great Yarmouth had aninArt College national a wholesale fish industry a town thatwith no longer has a recognition.

The Institution departed to Norwich. We are signifi cant fishing fleet. leftOn with very fine Arts and Crafts that is now thearesidential property front, building the movement of in housing use. Such centralisation to the county has the electronics industry from School Road has city given angone on for 50 years there has been movement of central opportunity for and residential redevelopment, creating new government facilities (Coastguard, tax office etc) from Great neighbourhoods within a short distance of the town centre.

Yarmouth, some of them Norwich.

The Local Authority hastobeen quite resolute to move this I looked at Aberystwyth and saw prosperous seaside redevelopment scheme forward and atheir investment starts town, part has one college of the University of to lookinlike anbecause inspireditmove.

Wales.

Such de-centralisation within our The ‘in build’ Local Government offi cescounty on thewould south make side suchgive sense in acentury world offacility, technology and with personal mobility will a 21st I am sure, some very that makes location offor such more open than good efficiency gains theinstitutions district. The Water Company ever.already Furthermore, forown premises and living costs forsite the has moved rents into its new facility on the same students a very positive help as, relatively, they are and their would formerbe headquarters looks likely to bring forward cheapnew in the coastalthis towns. am sure King’s more housing, timeI with a sea view.Lynn would be of These the same (unless it has to face the county's newopinion buildings for the Water Company and thewaste Local and who can blame the town).

Authority, being as they are on the south of Lake Lothing, Should Yarmouth be looking some will re-orientate the and dailyLowestoft spend patterns.

Asdafor located ‘missionary from its clearly richer cousin? thinkso not. nearby maytype’ get ahelp benefi t and Dunelm Ithink too There to be permanent placement forbeen on-going as theyhas bring a modern building that has empty since improvement.into In any event as towns we can fend for construction economic retail use. ourselves but for a few more ‘resident’ enterprises, All goodand so far. areThe doing all right.

It is very based town’s civil service is galling largely when basedcounty north of Lake operations undertake schemes that give no local business Lothing.

The movement to south of Lake Lothing will leave a benefits of or buildings, simply take money from the local number including the Town Hall. ratepayers back to There the richer city. regard it dilemma as a sort of how reverse ‘Robinthose Hood’. will be anI ongoing to bring Sorry, I into should be economic talking about property buildings good use.the It isNorwich the same dilemma in market. most towns where the building redundancy is caused either get involved, in a small way, so my comments byI aoccasionally negative sea change in the market (School Road) or by might nourished view. I think it (High is a a needbe to seen moveastoan ‘fitunder for purpose’ accommodation generally accepted principle that when a certain FTSE 100 Street). share price is looks ‘up’ you property andfor when it is ‘down’ To me, this likebuy an opportunity those that haveyou the buy the shares. strength to take on a residential project in the expectation of Frankly,returns. the property market in Norwich reminds me of excellent ‘Little Horner’.

The Jack demand for private rented accommodation in the town Clearly, you and should be ‘in be there’ investing in shift property seems as strong asI ever.

It might a generational away in thehome city (which will increase divergence disparity from ownership, but youthe might tell me itand is because the but that’s the nature ofof location). price of housing is out the reach of the first time buyer.

Nowway where is that share price? opportunity.

Either it helps the investment

Mark Duffield ALDREDS, 17 HALL QUAY, GREAT YARMOUTH

Duffield, Mark Duffi eld, who is the CEO of Aldreds Chartered Surveyors, was born in Great Yarmouth and has been in business in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft for 39 years. His company is currently office creating new offi ce space in the old Star and Garter pub next firm’s offices door to the fi rm’s offi ces in Great Yarmouth on Hall Quay.

47 53

Kitchen Sense of Harleston For Quality Fitted Kitchens and Appliances

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Bookings must be made before 30th September. Offer excludes bank holidays, August & December. Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

62 London Road, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9BZ Tel: 01379 852592 Fax: 01379 854411 staff@kitchen-sense.co.uk | www.kitchen-sense.co.uk

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49

1

| JULY 2015

NAUTICAL

BUT NICE

n

It’s all aboard with our homes writers Jennifer Read and Hayley Philpot as they head to the coast for inspiration

2

seasalt

1 Towels: hand £14, bath £26, bath sheet £38, 100 per cent cotton Soft cotton hand towels in beautiful stripes and prints.

2 Cornish Stripe Lapis bedding: single cover £80, double £95, king £105, super king £115, pillow case £20 each, 100 per cent cotton Transform your bedroom with the stunning Cornish Stripe Lapis collection. Featuring a wide striped pattern with a blue and white palette and yellow detailing on the edges, it will make any room ship shape!

Colour pop cushion £50, throw £140, 100 per cent cotton These bright cotton throws are perfect for draping over your bed.

Inspired by tidal ripple patterns that show in the sand on Cornish beaches, they are a great way to inject a pop of colour into any bedroom.

50

OT MUCH BEATS that classic blue and white combination – it is fresh, crisp and so very inviting.

Norfolk boasts such a stupendous coastline that creating a nautical look in the home is very popular. But, be warned, don’t overdo it. A little touch here and there is infinitely more impressive than endless mini lighthouses and duvets printed with anchors. Bathrooms and bedrooms are easy areas to tackle, and if you seek out a few shells, pebbles and pieces of driftwood from your favourite beach, you can really start to build your very own, personalised, look. Here are a few ideas for making your home feel like the sand is in your toes and the warm beach air is on your face!

INTERIORS

coastal living

Biederlack

luxury thermosoft throws from £30

HAYLEY & JENNIFER are homeware buyers

Jarrold’s

1-11 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1AL www.jarrold.co.uk

The Granary

5 Bedford Street, Norwich, NR2 1AL www.thegranary.co.uk

3

LEXINGTON (pictured left and below) We spend half our life in bed so why not do it in style? With Lexington’s beautifully made bedding you can combine naturally soft fabrics with colour and style. Why not try this summer’s printed sateen double bedding set £219 or king set £249?Welcome to our home feather filled beach house cushion £69

3 Cast away rope cushions £30 each Add some coastal flair to your home with this eye-catching rope stitch cushion.

4 Lagoon cushions £35 each This fun and quirky cushion features three embroidered fish in a stunning metallic blue sheen with contrast piping and reverse.

5 Crab cushion £35 each Add a great conversation piece to your home with this fun Moroccan patterned crab design. Also available in Natural.

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4

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p Kitchen price is for units only and do not include the price of any handles, worktops, appliances, sink, tap, props, accessories or small worktop appliances. Must be purchased in the exact configuration as offered by Wren. No substitutions or alterations can be made. One per customer. uIf you find a kitchen or fitted bedroom that is of the same style, quality and construction cheaper elsewhere, bring us your valid quotation and Wren will beat it. Ì Buy now pay later example: Cash price £4,000. Minimum 10% deposit of £400 and nothing further to pay for 12 months after delivery & installation date, then pay balance of £3,600. Subject to status, credit terms will be available. Ask in store or visit wrenkitchens.com/finance for details.

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

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Wren way The kitchen experts at Wren know all about the supply and fitting of what has to be the most fullyfunctioning room in the home. Emma Outten profiles the home retail chain which has a branch in Norwich

We all know that

investing in a new kitchen is a big decision and so it’s one you want to feel comfortable and confident about making.

This is where the experts at family run business Wren Kitchens could come in very handy. They quite rightly say they are passionate about kitchens and in providing a great service for their customers, and that's why they've developed The Wren Way; a tailored plan to ensure they put you and your home first, from start to finish.

When you purchase a Wren kitchen you can rest assured knowing that you are buying from a privately-owned independent business. Being a family-run business means that they are truly passionate about what they do and are dedicated to making it a success - family comes first and with that so does their strong commitment and loyalty to putting their customers first.

The Wren brand itself may be new (since 2009 in fact), but the family behind Wren has been leading the way in kitchen manufacturing for more than 35 years. And it is through their wealth of experience in manufacturing kitchens that they have successfully arrived at where they are now.

From the planning stages, right through to the installation and aftercare, they’ll make sure you are completely happy with their service, every step of the way.

Their kitchen collections make the functional beautiful, drawing inspiration from the latest in contemporary trends and the best classical design. Here, you'll find kitchens that come elegant and uncluttered.

For example, take a look at this new kitchen belonging to two happy Wren customers, Tina and Stuart Wilding. They live over the border in Lincolnshire, where the state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities for Wren Kitchens are based.

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When Tina and Stuart moved into their bungalow in 2013 the whole place needed gutting. ‘We ripped everything out,’ says Tina. ‘The kitchen was extremely dated and we ended up completely changing the kitchen layout.’

Tina and her husband had always talked about a kitchen-diner and after searching the internet and visiting showrooms they had a clear vision of what they wanted. They were particularly inspired by the idea of units with no handles. ‘I knew I wanted something that looked nice, was bright and easy to clean,’ explains Tina. ‘My ideal kitchen was something sleek and completely different to my previous one. I wanted it to have a modern feel.’

When Tina and her husband decided to visit the showroom, they were impressed by the efficient service they received.

WREN KITCHENS, ‘The showroom was nicely laid out Sprowston Retail with lots to see,’ says Tina. ‘We didn’t Park, Salhouse Road, have an appointment but a designer Norwich. Call 01603 saw us immediately.’ The Wildings 294686 or visit www. came armed with their kitchen wrenkitchens.com. measurements and explained what they had in mind. They credit the designer for using her experience and knowledge to help them create the perfect kitchen in their 19ft 6 by 9ft 4 space.

The Wildings bought 12 Handleless White Gloss units from Wren, complete with a black sparkly worktop, a breakfast bar and white ceramic sink. They also got a fridge freezer, induction hob and double oven from Wren.

The couple planned to fit the kitchen themselves but were happy to discover that they could get Wren to do one of the trickier parts and fit the work surfaces. ‘Being expensive, we didn’t feel comfortable doing it,’ admits Tina. ‘And I’m glad we asked Wren because the fitter did an excellent job!’ The Wildings had their kitchen delivered, fully assembled and fitted within four weeks, and their designer kept in touch with them along the way.

The couple are thrilled with their new kitchen and are pleased with the Handleless design, which they say is easy to use and maintain. Tina finished off her kitchen with black ceramic tiles and a feature wall in cerise. ‘It’s fabulous,’ beams Tina, who paid little more than £3000 for their units.

Whether you prefer modern or traditional kitchens, there are stylish solutions that meet your storage needs, including gloss and matt options, and Wren's very own take on shaking up Shaker kitchens.

The kitchen experts at Wren are on hand to help you realise your vision, with free 3D planning, a professional fitting service and flexible finance options. And remember, all Wren kitchens are fully assembled, saving you a lot of time and stress.

53

With a brand new showroom in Norwich, Abbeygate Lighting has everything you could possibly need to show your home in its best possible light.

Emma Outten takes a look

W

ITH MORE THAN 5000 lighting and lifestyle products in store, ranging from £20 to £5000, the new Abbeygate Lighting showroom in Norwich is a shining example of how you can accessorise your home in the brightest way imaginable.

The new, larger premises – located on the corner of Barker Street and Heigham Street - is so much more than a lighting shop, however. As Hannah Green points out, there are plenty of lifestyle products, including sofas and wall art, so there’s a lot on offer if you are into interior design.

She says: ‘We are predominantly lighting – that is our core business – but we are also offering a lifestyle choice.’ So expect to see, for example, giftware with a very distinctive animal theme as well! ‘I’m a dog lover, and animal lover in general,’ explains Hannah.

This is very much a family run business, comprising three sisters – one in each of the branches across East Anglia - plus parents. ‘We’ve been in the business more than 30 years,’ says Hannah. The three shops are based in Norwich, Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds and the name Abbeygate name comes from picturesque Abbeygate Street in Bury. The new showroom in Norwich is the third and final to incorporate the Abbeygate name (after decades of being known as Rush Lighting on Sprowston Road).

54

INTERIORS

abbeygate lighting So what difference can good lighting make to a home?

‘It can transform your home completely,’ says Hannah, simply. ‘You can have a bland room, but if you put in a beautiful light you can transform it, whether it’s a pendant, a table lamp or a floor lamp. You can create different atmospheres and ambiences.’ And she makes this point: ‘I think it can change your mood.’

For example, in a kitchen the lighting needs to be such that you can really see what you are doing, whereas you might want mood lighting for the dining room, and soft lighting for the lounge.

Nowadays lighting has become much more visual and creative. ‘It’s moved on so much’, observes Hannah.

And this is where the team at Abbeygate Lighting are so switched on: ‘We can do anything, from modern to traditional, whether you’ve got a cottage, a barn conversion, a stately home, or a flat – you should be able to come into this shop and find something suitable for it,’ says Hannah, who adds: ‘We try to cater for everybody’s budget.’

It’s not all about interior lighting, of course. At this time of year, when we’re spending more and more time in the garden, later and later into the evening, garden lighting can really come into its own. Get the outside lighting right, and Hannah notes: ‘It makes your living space bigger – you are bringing the outside in.’

Inside or out, one thing remains clear: ‘We are customer service driven’, says Hannah. ‘We help them identify what they are looking for.’

Inside the showroom, you will find different zones, such as a kitchen and a bathroom zone, so you can really see how lighting works in those particular environments. Or else there’s a lampshade section and so on.

What are the trends in lighting at the moment? ‘At the moment vintage bulbs are very on trend,’ Hannah replies. ‘And LED lighting is also the way forward.’

As a business they’ve helped to light up commercial premises, too: ‘Nightclubs, churches, restaurants, hotels – we’ve done all sorts of projects.’

Ultimately, she says: ‘We are a destination shop – people can get exactly what they are looking for with us.’ And with thousands of products in store, there will be plenty of scope for you to have that light-bulb moment.

ABBEYGATE LIGHTING, on the corner of Barker Street and Heigham Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4TN, Tel: 01603 408777.

Visit www.abbeygatelighting.co.uk

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HARDWOOD • CONTEMPORARY ALUMINIUM • DESIGNER uPVC Quality, Service and Installation, with 10 year guarantee, full colour range and made bespoke to your requirements. We install uPVC A+8 rated windows as standard. sales@broadlandwindows.co.uk 148 Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR

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john@thekitchenshopgy.co.uk | www.thekitchenshopgy.co.uk Unit 8, Owen Road, Harfreys Ind Est, Gt Yarmouth, NR31 0NA

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| JULY 2015

A Family Affair

If you’re looking to kit out your first home or simply in need of a new bed, a family-run Great Yarmouth furniture company has the answer. Sarah Hardy enjoys a look around Normans

S

tanding proudly on Great Yarmouth’s Market Place, Normans is a thriving part of the town’s history. Clearly providing a great service to those looking for attractive pieces of furniture for their home in the area, Normans has played a leading part in the seaside town’s development.

It started out in 1820 as a cabinet making business when Simon Norman decided to set up his own company in Blind Howard Street. In 1859, the company moved to Market Place, where they are today, and successive generations took on the mantle of running this popular shop, each one putting their own stamp on it.

Today, sisters Jenny and Yvonne, the seventh generation, run the firm with Tony, their father’s cousin, who is the sixth generation of the family to be involved. And his daughter,

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

normans furniture

HERE ARE SOME of the shop’s most favourite manufacturers: Serene, Celebrity, Alston, Rest Assured, Highgrove, Buoyant, and Kingstown.

NORMANS FURNITURE, 13-14 Market Place, Great Yarmouth, visit www.normansfurniture.co.uk or call 01493 842971.

Hannah, works part time, providing the eighth generation of the family so the future of the company is very secure!

But what of the shop itself? Well, for a start, it occupies a large space so there is much to look at and try out. Well sized showrooms are so much better than anything the Internet can offer. You can sit, lie or just perch on your chosen bed or settee and really get a feel for what you are buying.

And there is so much choice! The shop, which stretches over two floors, sells everything from kitchen tables and matching chairs to beds, bedroom furniture, mattresses, mirrors, pictures, sofas and reclining chairs.

Everything is well presented, with several room sets created so people can see how a particular three-piece suite or group of bedroom furniture might look.

The staff are very friendly and highly knowledgeable, with years of experience between them. And as Yvonne points out, they are always keen to help and advise. ‘We never put pressure on our customers; we are very relaxed and like people to feel comfortable as they browse,’ she says, adding: ‘And because we are all family, we really do care and want the best for our customers.’

Indeed, even the delivery men have worked for the company for many years, with one clocking up an impressive 28 years of service!

The company is continually looking at ways to develop and refresh itself, for example re-designing the showroom, looking at stocking new brands and improving their online presence.

They offer free delivery service to local customers within a 25-mile radius, plus a free assembly service, too. And, for a small fee, will also dispose of your old items, too. They also offer a nationwide delivery service and will price match any item found cheaper online.

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The shop also has a pre owned section where they will sell old pieces of furniture for customers. ‘It is just a service we offer,’ says Yvonne. ‘We find sofas are particularly popular, and they are all in good condition.’

So, whatever you are looking for to brighten up your home, Normans is a place worth exploring!

59

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Get the family together for the all important mantel piece photo. We can suit any style, be it more alternative or traditional, we can come up with something to be perfect in your home.

We can produce lots of different framed prints and even photo gifts, so give us a ring to book your family in for a photo shoot.

Visit our showroom: Unit 1 Tilia Court, Wendover Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6SX (Directions: Turn left into Tilia Court at end of Stratstans premises)

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Entertaining Kitchens Leaving Others Behind.

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| JULY 2015

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE!

Our gardening writer Ellen Mary offers valuable advice - including remembering to water - as summer takes hold

J

ULY IS ALL ABOUT MAINTENANCE and enjoying the fruits and flowers of your labour. Keep on harvesting your vegetables to ensure crops continue to reward you, whilst ensuring the weeds are kept at bay. Make sure you keep a check on your plants for pests and diseases but don’t forget, with all the watering and deadheading, to sit back and have some lazy evenings in the warmth of our special British summer.

Garden and Flowers

To prolong your beautiful blooms keep on deadheading!

Just because they are looking a little forlorn, doesn’t mean you can’t give them a second flush of colour well into late summer. Pinch, clip and remove to continue enjoying your flowers for weeks to come.

July is most often the warmest month of the year which brings with it dry conditions for our gardens. To ensure plants and shrubs don’t wilt and die off, keep them well watered. Hanging baskets and containers need water every day when it’s dry and the garden twice a week. Water at the base of plants and give them a good mulch of organic matter. Don’t forget to use your grey water or a water butt to keep usage down. Try not to use tap water, especially on your rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

It’s extremely satisfying to grow plants for free! Now is the time to take cuttings of hydrangea to give you even more plants for next year. Take a 5 to 6” cutting from a branch, ideally one that hasn’t flowered this year, remove the bottom leaves and cut the largest leaves to half their size. Plant your cuttings in coarse sand, and water well before placing a clear plastic bag over them and placing in a bright but shady place.

What's on

ll be mpetition wi in In Bloom co lby in Fi at The RHS Brita ok lo a ke so why not ta of in full swing e Champion mpeting in th co e ar o wh autifully be Bloom is Th ! ar tegory this ye chard Champions ca glish apple or cludes an En in ge lla me on July kept vi he sc s en rd the Open Ga ul and is part of er the beautif you can wand en wh , 19 d edal m 18 an ld go e ar see why Filby gardens and loom.org.uk www.filbyinb e Se s. er winn

62

GARDENING

jobs for the month

Fruit and Vegetables

If you’ve grown courgettes before you will know just how many can be produced from one plant. Keep on harvesting whilst they are still small because not only will they taste so much better but it will avoid you ending up with huge marrows. If you end up with a glut, there is nothing like the taste of a home made courgette chutney.

It’s that time of year to start planting your brassicas such as sprouts, cabbages and sprouting broccoli. If you are not a fan of sprouts give flower sprouts a try. These fantastic vegetables are a combination of sprouts and kale, and look a little like mini cabbages. Their flavour is simply wonderful.

Who says your potato harvest has to be over at the end of the summer? Fill up your potato sacks with seed potatoes such as Charlotte at the end of the month so you can serve up your home grown spuds at Christmas dinner.

Wildlife Gardening

With the sun and warmth comes algae and blanket weed in ponds, so scoop it out of the pond and leave by the side to allow creatures to make their way back into the water before you discard the debris and waste.

Give the pond a top up of water from your water butt and your pond wildlife will be most thankful.

The ground hardens in the warm weather making it tougher for birds to find food, so make sure you give them a helping hand with a bird feeder full of wild bird food seed and fresh, clean water to quench their thirst.

The best way to help our feathered friends is to think of them when you are choosing new shrubs. Pick shrubs like pyracantha or holly which have attractive berries for birds to feed on. It’s all too tempting to remove hips from your roses but not only do they look attractive, they will also provide valuable food for birds later on in the cooler months.

Ellen Mary Gardening provides no jargon, easy to

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Fudge It!

Fudge and Vanilla Cheesecake with White Chocolate and Baileys Sauce SERVES 4

ingredients CHEESECAKE 1 pack of digestive biscuits 1 /2 pack of salted butter (melted) 500g of cream cheese 250ml of double cream 125g of caster sugar 1 vanilla pod (seeds scraped out) 1 /2 tsp of vanilla essence Fudge cubes WHITE CHOCOLATE AND BAILEYS SAUCE 1 cup of Baileys 1 cup of white chocolate 100ml double cream FUDGE 1 can of condensed milk 150ml milk 450g demerara sugar 115g butter

Pictures by BARKERS PHOTOGRAPHIC, GORLESTON

www.barkersphotos.co.uk

IMPERIAL HOTEL

recipe

This month Simon Wainwright, executive head chef at the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, has a summer cheesecake for us to enjoy

method PLACE THE INGREDIENTS into a large nonstick saucepan and melt over a low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously and scraping the base of the pan. Take care while the mixture boils and during stirring as the fudge will be very hot!

To test that it is ready, drop a little of the mixture into a jug of ice-cold water. A soft ball of fudge should form. Remove from the heat and beat the fudge until very thick and starting to set (about 10 minutes).

Pour into the prepared tin lined with greaseproof paper and leave to cool before cutting into squares. For the cheesecake base,

either crush the biscuits in a food processor or break up in a bag. Mix with the melted butter and gently press into the required cheesecake mould (either 4 individual or 1 large mould).

Bake on 180°C for 4 minutes until light golden.

Cool before adding the topping.

For the cheesecake filling, add all ingredients except the fudge to a large bowl and whisk until thick and creamy. Gently fold in the cubes of fudge as much or as little as you desire, then spread out between the 4 moulds, gently pressing down to fill all the corners of the mould. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

For the sauce, gently heat the white chocolate and Baileys in a metal bowl of simmering water.

Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in double cream. Refrigerate until needed.

wine notes

MORRIS BLACK LABEL MUSCAT, RUTHERGLEN, AUSTRALIA NICK MOBBS, director and wine expert at the Imperial Hotel, says:

To accompany the fudge and vanilla cheesecake I have picked a wonderful dessert wine from a fifth generation wine company in Australia.

Morris of Rutherglen is situated in Victoria, Australia, and is renowned for its dessert wine making. Founded in 1859, it is now run by David Morris who is the most awarded wine maker in Australia of his time.

The world-acclaimed Liqueur Muscats are produced from Brown Muscat which is a clone of the Muscat aux Petit Grains Rouge (Muscat with small red berries) grown at the Rutherglen vineyards. The vines are not irrigated and rely on natural rainfall only. This, combined with hot average temperatures, allows very ripe fruit that can be picked at full ripeness with high sugar content.

When ripe, the grapes are handpicked, crushed and fermented on skins for 24 hours, before draining and pressing the juice. It is then fortified with high strength neutral grape spirit. The fortified Muscat is matured in large oak casks ranging in size from 1500 to 4500 litres until blending.

This wine is a blend of many different vintages in order to give lusciousness, richness, age and freshness.

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RECIPE

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OUR FRENCH CHEF FRANCK PONTAIS SERVES UP LES MOULES MARINIERES. WHAT ELSE?!

serves FOUR Ingredients

2kg of fresh mussels Half a litre of white wine 1 bunch of fresh at parsley 1 banana shallot 1 white onion 100g of smoked pork belly A few sprigs of fresh thyme 60g of unsalted butter 1 garlic clove

Method 1. Peel and finely chop the shallot and onion. Reserve.

2. Finely chop the parsley and garlic. Reserve.

3. Make some lardons out of the pork belly.

4. Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan on a medium heat.

5. Add the shallot and onion to the saucepan and cook for two minutes.

6. Add the lardons and fresh thyme and cook for another minute.

7. Add the mussels and cook. Cover for 1 minute, and then add the wine.

8. Cover and cook for a further 4 minutes.

9. Add the chopped garlic and the fresh parsley and serve immediately.

10. Enjoy with rustic bread and a glass of white wine.

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71

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Heart Village At the

of the

A FAMILY-RUN STORE PROVIDES A VITAL SERVICE AND MUCH SUPPORT TO RESIDENTS IN A SMALL BROADLAND VILLAGE, REPORTS SARAH HARDY Throwers opened its doors in the pretty village of Ludham in 1902, with some predicting that it wouldn’t last more than six months. Now, more than 100 years later, it is a thriving village store, offering everything from fresh veggies to upmarket sausage rolls – and just about everything in between.

It is run by Guy Thrower, the fourth generation of the family to oversee the business, although his parents, Tom and Delia, albeit formally retired, still show a keen interest in the shop and its customers. Indeed dad Tom was helping out with deliveries the day I visited so he’s clearly still very hands on!

The shop, right in the centre of the village and close to St Catherine’s Church, has just enjoyed a refurbishment, with new Post Office counters making for a fresher and more ‘user friendly’ feel, new shelving and a general spruce up!

Tills have been moved to nearer the exit, and this has allowed staff to rearrange the layout of the store, with Guy explaining that this has given more space for customers to browse.

But what does it stock? Well, it is probably easier to say what it doesn’t! There are the essentials, from bread to milk, newspapers, tinned goodies and plenty of fresh fruit and veg.

There is a real accent on local produce, with suppliers including Essence jams, Chillis Galore, Woodfordes, Broadland Eggs, Lakenham Creamery, Nortons’ Dairy, Norfolk Cordial, Ferndale Farmhouse Cheese, Mrs Temple Cheeses,Yare Valley Oils and Letheringsett Water Mill flours and cereals.

And Guy is always keen to hear from local suppliers who would like to be stocked at the shop. ‘People do like to support local producers,’ he comments.

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

throwers of ludham

The deli counter is particularly inviting, being crammed with cheese, charcuterie, cakes, breads and the like. My eye caught market leader Bray sausage rolls! Delicious! And the fruit and veg section oozes freshness, with strawberries and asparagus from nearby Rollesby, for example.

The shop, which opens seven days a week, also offers a delivery service, with staff more than happy to make up personal orders. And the shop will also order in a particular product, say a local cheese, if a customer requests it. What a service!

Mention must go to the hairdresser and beautician who operate from the shop’s first floor. Beautilicious and Chardonnys both offer a full range of services and have a loyal following, too.

Free consultations are available along with all the latest treatments.

But what perhaps really makes the shop appeal is, as ever, the staff who always look smart in their matching aprons and shirts. Guy himself is

clearly dedicated to the family business and many members of the staff, there are 14 in all, are very long serving. One is Avril Futter who has clocked up a very impressive 44 years at the shop and is still going very strong.

She tells us: ‘Yes, Guy says to people who ask if there are any jobs, that the problem is that nobody leaves. We have a lovely atmosphere here, all our customers are friends, and they all come in for a good chat and catch up!’

And Guy adds: ‘We do know many of our customers very well, and we welcome holiday makers, too.’

So what was my haul as I came away? Well, some of those yummy strawberries for a start. Then you can add in some Letheringsett Mill muesli, Tom Coller honey from How Hill, juicy tomatoes from Aylsham, fresh bread from Linzers Bakery in Norwich and a few sausages from Broadland Hams. I managed to resist those sausage rolls – just!

history THE SHOP was set up as a drapers and grocers shop, on the existing site, in 1902, but occupied just one portion of the original building.

It was owned by Albert and Helen Thrower. It was an immediate success and business did so well that in 1968, the shop was expanded and, as was then the fashion, became self service! In 1970, a hairdresser opened in the family accommodation on the first floor, and in 1989, the village Post Office relocated to the shop, too, ensuring the survival of this very important facility.

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THROWERS OF LUDHAM opens seven days a week, High Street, Ludham, tel 01692 678248

75

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It’s a Rum Do!

Sam Matthews BRIMS OVER

WITH EXCITEMENT AS HE TELLS US ABOUT HIS CARIBBEAN HOLS WHICH, NATURALLY, INCLUDED PLENTY OF BEER AND RUM!

I’ve just enjoyed my first proper two-week

holiday since I started my hospitality career some 10 years ago. Months of saving took me to the sunny Caribbean islands of Grenada and Barbados to enjoy some erratic England Test Match performances under the balmy West Indian sunshine.

But that decade in catering means I can’t just go for the cricket. No, as always, for me it’s as much about experiencing the food and drink.

For at least a couple of hours on the long haul flight, between the in-flight movies, I wondered about the food and drink I might encounter on each island - the fresh fish and shellfish, barbecue jerk chicken, lots of fresh fruit, local rums and ice cold beers.

We landed and entered the Customs Hall at Grenada International Airport where one of my beverage prayers was answered, in the shape of a local sweet rum. This is definitely the first time I have ever been handed a strong alcoholic beverage whilst waiting to show my passport to the border police.

Please - Norwich International take note, maybe a frothy Woodfordes’ Wherry for all incoming folk to Norfolk? The sweet, sticky, nutty rum shots in the Customs Hall were all accompanied by a local steel drum band. I’ve managed a good bit of international travel, usually heading for the world’s top restaurants, but this Grenadian welcome was by the far the best first impression I’ve ever had entering a country!

Come to think of it, along with the Woodfordes’ Wherry, maybe a local Morris Dancing group can be employed at Norwich International Airport, too!

DRINKS

caribbean On my travels, by far the best food and drink is usually found off the beaten track. In Grenada small restaurants set up outside people’s homes, jutting out into the road so cars are forced to drive round the dining tables offered the best food, whether it’s a BBQ steak, a fiery bit of succulent jerk chicken, or some fresh swordfish caught within a stone’s throw of where it’s consumed.

It was the same story when it came to the drinks. The restaurants we frequented, of course, had some ‘local options,’ but again it was away from the touristy areas where the ‘good stuff ’ was to be found. Some of the rums served in the small roadside bars from the unlabelled bottles made my face curl up a bit but generally they were the best representation of the local molasses-based tipple.

Making friends with a local barman always pays dividends as well. On one occasion another unlabelled, this time slightly fancier looking bottle appeared with much lighter liquor inside.

Some ice was put in a small tumbler; two big wedges of lime were squeezed and dropped in the glass, followed by a large measure of this unspecified liquid I hoped was rum. It was and by far the best rum I have ever tasted with a light, nutty flavour, not as sweet as the darker rums usually associated with Grenada. This was all enjoyed during the lunch break on day four of the Test Match. And yes Alistair Cook and co did look much better during the afternoon session – to me, at least!

Shortly before my trip I was given a book entitled ‘A thousand beers you must try, before you die.’ I was confident, after a quick scan, of ticking a good dozen off the huge list.

Barely after making it through customs, I ticked off the first, as an ice cold Banks Beer was handed to me. This is widely produced around many Caribbean islands, and is now available in a couple of the big supermarkets here at home. A refreshing sweet lager with a rich finish.

The main tipple of choice was a cold local beer. With the temperatures topping 30 degrees, it was the natural choice. The Caribbean islands each produce their own pilsner style lagers. The favourite that I came across was the Antiguan produced Wadadli beer. It ticked the box for me firstly for always being cold and refreshing and it had a great depth of hoppy flavour usually associated with a European pilsner. A beer of this quality in the UK would probably be upwards of £4 per bottle. The cricket did rather induce the need for a few beers either in celebration or despair.

The good thing, however, was over there, four quid could pretty much fund an afternoon’s beers! I’m saving up again already.

SAM MATTHEWS

is Food & Beverage Manager at The Assembly House, Norwich. www. assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk

Subscribe online at www.placesandfaces.co.uk

77

78

FOOD

picture courtesy of WWW.NORFOLKFOODANDDRINK.COM

norfolk cookbook

FOR

A COOKBOOK

Norfolk

Norfolk chef and hotelier Vanessa Scott is one of the leading lights behind a new cookbook, packed with recipes from the county’s foodies - and it is for charity. Sarah Hardy finds out more

t

here are always countless cookbooks hitting the shelves but one new one, Norfolk’s Own Cookbook: Everything Stops For Tea, is something a bit special.

For a start there are almost 80 recipes from local chefs, producers, celebrities and key players on the region’s food and drink scene. Each contributor, explains Vanessa Scott who, with her husband Les, runs Strattons Hotel in Swaffham, has paid £200 to be included. ‘That way it means that every single penny from the sale of the book will go to Marie Curie – and we mean every single penny.’

The full colour book went on sale at selected outlets last month, with 5000 printed at £20 each, meaning, if you are quick at maths, that a massive £100,000 could be raised for the charity.

‘By asking people to contribute, we have covered the print costs, the photography, the design – all that so the actual cover price will be profit,’ she says.

And indeed, the book is a triumph. There are recipes from well known chefs such as Galton Blackiston, Chris Coubrough, Roger Hickman, Richard Hughes, - and Vanessa herself, of course!

And artisan producers such as Bray’s Cottage Pork Pies, Essence Foods, and Chillis Galore!

Subscribe online at www.placesandfaces.co.uk

The Bishop of Norwich, former MI5 boss turned author Stella Rimington and artist Anthony Gormley also contribute.

The cookbook, with stunning photography by Kieron Tovell, has three sections: sweet, savoury and drinks. ‘So there are ideas for all occasions,’ says Vanessa.

Look out for a Breckland blueberry, lavender and honey cake from Mermaid Sandelson who won the junior section of the Great Brecks Bake-Off in September 2014, spicy Cromer crab cakes from Mike Guerney in Burnham Market and those famous pancakes from the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth!

Vanessa is quick to point out that three people have been involved in the project which took around 18 months to complete. ‘Mary Kemp and Melinda Raker were on board from the start.’

Melinda is the patron of Marie Curie in Norfolk and Mary is a well known local food hero who runs regular cookery courses from her family’s farm in south Norfolk.

Vanessa also tells us that the sale of one book pays for an hour of care from a Marie Curie nurse. ‘They provide care and support for someone who is terminally ill,’ she explains.

Norfolk chef Delia Smith adds her support to the project, saying: ‘Everyone should own a copy of this very beautiful cookery book, and know that every time they cook and serve one of the excellent recipes therein, they are giving support to the vital care that Marie Curie provides for the people of Norfolk.’ >>

The book is on sale at selected outlets including Jarrold’s and the Book Hive in Norwich and Ceres Bookshop in Swaffham. Visit www. norfolksowncookbook. com for more.

79

FOOD

norfolk cookbook

Bunnings

G R Bunning & Co are legendary fishmongers based in the old village blacksmiths at Cranworth, in the heart of Norfolk. Known locally as ‘Bunning’s Fish’, it is a family business selling fresh local fish and shellfish, traditional home smoked fish and some of the finest sourced fish from around the world. Customers travel miles to visit the shop or find the Bunnings’ stalls at local weekly and farmers’ markets. The Bunning family links to the sea can be seen the moment visitors arrive at the shop. Sitting outside is the 'Annabelle', the last fishing trawler used by George Bunning. Seasonal fish from local producers, such as cockles, whelks, winkles and shrimps are sourced from King’s Lynn whilst Cromer crabs and lobsters, along with cod, plaice, dover sole, skate and wild bass are brought in from just along the coast at Lowestoft.

The Bishop of Norwich’s Curried Crab Mayonnaise on Tomatoes SERVES 6

ingredients

3 or 4 medium sized vine tomatoes 5 tablespoons good quality mayonnaise Pinch of turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger, chilli powder 1 /2 teaspoon lemon juice 2 dashes Tabasco sauce 500g fresh white crab meat Salt and freshly ground pepper 6 slices of sourdough or ciabatta 50g washed and dried lambs lettuce – roots trimmed 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

method

1. Thinly slice the tomatoes.

2. In a bowl measure out the mayonnaise and stir in

the turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger and chilli powder; then add the lemon juice and Tabasco sauce.

3. Fold the crab into the mixture and season to taste.

4. Lightly toast the slices of bread.

5. Place 3 or 4 slices of tomato on each piece of toasted bread and spoon on the crab mayonnaise. Decorate with the lambs lettuce tossed in olive oil.

On my second Sunday as Bishop of Norwich I went to Cromer (back in February 2000). I was launched into the sea on the Cromer Lifeboat before leading a great service in the parish church. Within a week or two I was back to watch Cromer crabs being dressed and in those first few weeks in the Diocese I tasted Cromer crabs on many occasions.

I’d not thought about Norfolk in relation to food much before coming here to live. But the freshness of crabmeat in Cromer meant that I felt like I was tasting it for the first time. Then I discovered samphire, delicious and unusual in a different way. Within a month or two I’d even eaten my first Yarmouth Bloater. I’d arrived! There are lots of reasons to love living in Norfolk and its food is one of them.”

81

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| JUNE 2015

N GRTOEME ATOES Andy Newman

CORNERWAYS TOMATOES can be found in most supermarkets, and in markedorigin packs in East of England Co-op stores. Their tomatoes are also served in a number of leading Norfolk restaurants and gastropubs, including Morston Hall, the Neptune at Hunstanton, the Hoste Arms at Burnham Market, and The Hare Arms at Stoke Bardolph.

A

S A FOOD WRITER, it is somewhat ingrained that if you are looking for superb ingredients, produced in a way which is sustainable and environmentally-friendly, then ‘small is beautiful’. Month after month I write in these pages about artisan producers, many of whom regard themselves as the complete antithesis of ‘factory-scale’ production.

So it has come as a bit of a shock this month to find myself writing about one of the greenest food stories I have seen, in that it could not be on a larger scale. The farm I visited on a blustery June day is simply staggering in its scope: home to Britain’s biggest single glasshouse – covering a massive 45 acres, and producing 10 percent of the country’s tomatoes.

Jonny Lambert, commercial manager at Cornerways Nurseries at Wissington, near King’s Lynn, is not your typical big-business corporate bigwig. Young, full of enthusiasm and clearly a true believer in producing top quality food at the same time as reducing their carbon footprint, Cornerways has been a part of Jonny’s life since student days.

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VISITS THE UK’S BIGGEST GLASSHOUSE TO FIND AN ENVIRONMENTAL MARVEL PRODUCING SUPERB TOMATOES, WHILST ROGER HICKMAN CREATION SHOWCASES THE PRODUCE IN A SIMPLE AND COLOURFUL STARTER

A local lad, he spent summers picking tomatoes at the nursery, and continued doing so during breaks from his Environmental Sciences degree studies at UEA. On graduation, he was tempted back into the business, owned by British Sugar, which has a large plant next door.

This connection is important, and it explains the thinking behind building such a huge glasshouse in Norfolk. ‘The rationale is simple,’ explains Jonny. ‘Sugar production is really energy intensive, and its two main by-products are heat and carbon dioxide. Rather than wasting the heat in cooling towers and releasing the CO2 into the atmosphere, it made a lot of sense to try and find a way of using these resources.’

Tomatoes might not immediately appear the obvious solution, but, in fact, the very two things that are needed to grow and ripen them in the UK are heat and CO2. So in 2000, the first glasshouse was built, measuring 12.5 acres, with hot water from the sugar plant used to heat them, and the CO2 pumped into them to be absorbed by the tomato plants.

The result was so successful that a 14-acre extension was built in 2007, and a further 20 acres added in 2011. The vast glasshouse is now Britain’s biggest, and can lay claim to being amongst the country’s most environmentally friendly as well.

NORFOLK PRODUCE

tomatoes

RECIPE

ROGER HICKMAN’S NORFOLK TOMATO SALAD WITH COMTE MOUSSE AND RED PEPPER PUREE

serves four as a starter “Nine main varieties are grown here, ranging from cherry vines tomatoes right through to the standard ‘breakfast’ tomato.”

The figures are truly staggering: over 240 miles of piping carries hot water from the sugar plant’s combined heat and power plant around the glasshouse; over 115 million litres of rainwater are harvested from the immense roof to irrigate the plants; and they are pollinated by thousands of bumble bees, living in 170 beehives situated amongst the plants. Including peak season pickers, up to 400 people are employed here.

These are impressive figures, but of course, large-scale production does not always translate into good quality food.

And this is production on an industrial scale: more than 7000 tonnes of fruit is produced every year.

As we step into the huge enclosed space, Jonny is keen to demonstrate that the taste of his tomatoes is just as important to him as the environmental credentials of the process. He invites me to help myself; you can’t get fresher than this, and freshness is the key.

‘The advantage of home-grown tomatoes is that we can let them develop and ripen on the plant,’ he says. ‘Many imported tomatoes have to be picked well before they are ripe, and this compromises the flavour. When they are ripened on the vine, and get to the shelves quickly after they are picked, the taste is far more intense.’

With an on-site packhouse, fruit can be on the shelves within 24 hours of picking, a far cry from the lengthy supply chains of much of our imported fruit.

The proof is in the eating, and Jonny presents me with a small crate laden with all sorts of varieties to try. Although they are all different, the common thread is an intensity of flavour. Whilst they perhaps can’t quite match those fresh tomatoes we eat on holiday in the Mediterranean, these are as good as any tomatoes I have tasted in Britain.

Nine main varieties are grown here, ranging from cherry vine tomatoes right through to the standard ‘breakfast’ tomato. In addition, a trial area has a combination of the weird and wonderful, with brown, striped green and even pink fruit grown, ever popular with chefs seeking to create plates which look as good as they taste.

Encouragingly, Cornerways does not just concentrate on the supermarkets (although they are a big supplier here too). A commitment to the local market sees small-scale supplies to East Anglian retailers and restaurants, with even the local butcher stocking Cornerways tomatoes.

INGREDIENTS

1 beef tomato, a variety of cherry tomatoes: yellow, orange, brown and red, 1 large yellow tomato, 1 large green striped tomato, 4 banana shallots, 100ml white wine vinegar, 100ml olive oil, a pinch of sugar, 2 red peppers, rape seed oil, some basil, 100g Comte, grated 500ml double cream, 40ml milk, 100g pine nuts, 2 leaves gelatine, soaked in water, fennel fronds Slice the beef tomato very thinly. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on size, and slice the large yellow tomato and the striped green tomato.

Slice two of the shallots. Put the water, wine vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt into a pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and add the shallot slices, and allow to cool – this will give you gently pickled shallots to dress the dish.

Halve the other two shallots and then slice. Deep fry these in the rape seed oil at 180°C until a light golden colour – this will take four or five minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on a clean J cloth.

Chop the peppers and soften in a pan with any remaining trimmings from the shallots and a little rape seed oil. Do this over a low heat – you don’t want to colour the peppers – until they are soft, which should take around five minutes. Blitz the whole lot in a food processor, and pass through a fine sieve to give you a smooth puree.

To make the mousse, bring the milk and cream to the boil in a pan with the pine nuts, and leave to infuse. Strain the pine nuts out, warm the mixture again, and add the grated cheese and the soaked gelatine. Season, pour into a container, and leave to set in the fridge.

Chop the basil and put it in 250ml rape seed oil in a pan.

Bring to the boil, and then leave to infuse as it cools. Blitz this in a food processor, and then pass through a fine sieve.

Serve the mousse on the beef tomato slices, with the crispy shallots on top. Put a smear of pepper puree on each plate, and dress with the rest of the tomatoes and the pickled shallots and fennel fronds. Dress the plate with the basil oil.

ROGER HICKMAN is chef-proprietor at Roger

Hickman’s Restaurant in Upper St Giles, Norwich.

More details at www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com.

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A New Chapter

Andy Newman finds great food served in a historic setting in what was Britain’s first lending library WWW.THELIBRARYRESTAURANT.CO.UK

RESTAURANT REVIEW

the library restaurant

No-one who was in Norwich on August 1 1994 can forget the terrible shock as Norwich’s central library went up in flames. The tragedy was not the loss of the unlovely building, but the 400,000 books and 370,000 archival items which were lost. The only silver lining was that the destruction of the ugly 1960s concrete building paved the way for our monumental Forum.

But this was not Norwich’s first library, nor indeed its first book-based conflagration. In 1898, unbelievably on the same date, August 1, our city’s – and Britain’s - first lending library was also gutted by fire. Situated on Guildhall Hill, the building was restored and rebuilt, re-opening in 1914 – and its Victorian magnificence is still open for all to see, because today it is home to The Library Restaurant.

Opened by Jayne and Nigel Raffles in 2006, some 120 years after the Norfolk and Norwich subscription library opened its doors, The Library has recently benefitted from a £40,000 refurbishment, including a new bar area and flooring, sofa-style seating and a mezzanine floor.

Alongside the makeover has come a broadening of the food on offer, with tapas-style light bites, coffee and cakes and cocktails offered alongside lunch and dinner. The new lounge offers craft ales and wines by the glass with an all-day menu; the all-day opening hours (11am-10pm Monday to Saturday, 11am – 3pm Sunday) reflect this extended appeal.

But it was for dinner that we approached the imposing building, set back from the street directly opposite the 15th century Guildhall. Always the flagship of the Raffles food empire, this is now where they are concentrating their efforts, so we approached with high hopes.

The first impression is exactly that: impressive. A large, highceilinged room, the decor has been carefully chosen to reflect the building’s origins. The walls are still lined with bookshelves, although the room probably has a more contemporary look nowadays, emphasised by Scandi-cool furniture.

The whole of one end of the room is given over to the kitchen, open-plan for everyone to see. And there is the pleasant, but not overpowering, aroma of the genuine wood grill over which steaks, chops and ribs are cooked.

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The menu is shorter than I remember, and better for it. Six starters are on offer, plus local rock oysters. Tempura artichoke with Iberico ham, manchego and saffron aioli (£6.50) was a generous offering of three globe artichokes in a light tempura batter, served on a slate with the ham and golden aioli. It looked quite a substantial dish for a starter, but was surprisingly light.

Ham hock terrine has become one of those trendy restaurant dishes, too often a pale imitation of what it should be, offered in vast quantities to compensate. But here, served with a crispy poached egg, piccalilli puree and pea shoots (£6.50), it was deepcoloured, well-seasoned and intense, with a real depth of flavour.

The egg, which had been poached, breaded and then deep fried, had a perfectly runny yolk. How do chefs do that?

Alongside the offerings from the wood-fired grill, there are six main courses on the menu, as well as half a dozen burgers – the table next to us were enjoying the burgers, which looked substantial and above all homemade.

But you can’t ignore the grill, and so I chose a steak. This simplest of cooking tasks is often the one which catches professional kitchens out. Too often the meat is left to steam, overcooking in the middle, and lacking that caramelised chargrilled flavour on the outside.

No such problems here with the famous wood grill. My 8oz sirloin was perfect, properly rare, but unmistakeably from a searingly hot grill. It came with a mini-bucket of French fries, battered onion rings, Californian coleslaw and salad (£17.50), and I chose to add a mini jug of peppercorn sauce (an extra 75p).

My companion went for crispy confit of duck leg with a flageolet, broad bean, green bean and picante chorizo casserole, new potatoes and crispy chorizo (£13.50), a lengthy menu description that accurately describes what you might call a Spanish cassoulet. The duck was tender and fell off the bone, although immersion in the casserole rendered it less crisp than it might have been – but that is a minor quibble.

The wine list is a well-chosen combination of the familiar and the less well-known, and is sensibly priced. We opted for a big, fruity, spicy Argentinean Malbec (£21.95), accurately described as ‘exuberant’ on the list, and the perfect foil for the steak.

The generous portions might well have ended it there, but devotion to duty (I know, it’s a tough life) drove us to order pudding, helped by the presence of a dish called ‘Tastes of Chocolate’ (£6.50), which turned out to be a dark chocolate and raspberry delice, a hazelnut and chocolate macaron, chocolate and rum mousse, caramel and raspberries. It was as rich and unctuous as it sounds.

More creative was a homemade ginger and apricot Battenburg, served with granitas of the same flavours. Beautifully balanced, with a strong ginger flavour, this was a grown-up and clever pudding which finished off the meal perfectly.

After a long and varied history, the refurbishment has opened a new chapter for Norwich’s first library. With well-executed food – much of it from local suppliers, who are listed on the menu - and sensible prices, The Library looks set to be making history for some time to come.

The Library Restaurant, Bar and Grill, 4a Guildhall Hill, Norwich | Tel: 01603 616606

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| JULY 2015

TRAVEL

OMAN

The modern face of

ARABIA

Zoe & Rosa

travelled with Families Worldwide www. familiesworldwide.co.uk Age guideline for the trip is seven to 18 years.

Cost: ÂŁ1829 per adult and from ÂŁ1649 per child.

The full itinerary also includes a cruise on a traditional dhow, snorkelling, exploring the fort at Nizwa and visiting the souks of Nizwa and Muscat. All accommodation and most meals are included.

ZOE DUNFORD AND HER NINE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER ROSA HEAD TO

Oman,

FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY WITH

C

DOLPHINS AND DUNES!

rouched on a beach behind a huge female green turtle in Oman, I can see perfect soft white egg after perfect soft white egg land in the safe haven of her nest of sand. I am stunned that my nine-year-old daughter and I are able to witness this natural wonder of the world.

The experience is towards the end of a nine-day Dolphins and Dunes tour of Oman with Families Worldwide.

Oman seems an odd choice to many of our friends, being right at the tip of the troubled Arabian Peninsula. The Sultanate shares a coastline with Yemen – in the news for fierce fighting with Houthi rebels - and with the United Arab Emirates, whose human rights record has been condemned by the EU. However, we check the foreign office advice repeatedly, receive reassurance from the travel company and speak to friends who have travelled to Oman and found it safe, friendly and relaxed.

The dominant form of Islam here is Ibadism and Ibadis are sometimes also known as ‘quietists’ for their tolerance and their dignified approach to solving problems.

When we step off the plane, we are greeted by distant mountains in the haze of a recent sandstorm, towns dominated by ornate domed mosques and heat that leaves us gasping. The iPads are at home, the mobile phone is relegated to a fancy watch and there’s just too much to soak up to even think about TV. We hardly even read our books or play cards, falling asleep after a quick chat about each day.

The first stop outside Muscat is to Oman’s ‘green mountain’, Jebal Akhdar. It seems incredible that cities and crops could rise out of the seemingly barren land. The secret lies in the mountain ranges and the water they provide. A complex network of irrigation ensures that different towns and villages get their share at allotted times.

The word for irrigation, falaj, seems a favourite to be included in hotel names, probably indicating those with a pool. We are grateful to bask in the water at the end of each day and to feel our swollen fingers return to normal size.

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A walk through Oman’s Grand Canyon is particularly gruelling and some of our party head back early. The destination is an abandoned village surrounded by terracing carved out of vertiginous rock and a lakeside picnic accompanied by goats.

We shout echoes around the canyon before climbing back, with shade now cooling the path.

Shorter walks to the gorges at Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab have even greater rewards. Date palms, banana trees and dramatic datura flowers provide a lush backdrop and I spot two Old World swallowtail butterflies. Turquoise pools are fed by fresh spring water and many are deep enough to dive or jump into. At Wadi Shab, we swim through a rock crevice into a beautiful cave containing a waterfall you can swim behind or climb up. Small fish provide a natural pedicure if you’re not too ticklish and the children are delighted to find frogs.

On the fifth day, as we drive away from the best hotel pool of the trip, we pause to have the jeep’s tyres deflated. This is the last stop before the desert landscape of Wahiba Sands. I’m excited to camp in the desert but fearful about forgoing creature comforts in such an unforgiving environment. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried about comfort as we find ourselves in a small resort complete with pool.

Being with so many other tourists is not my cup of tea, but our group forms a breakaway birthday celebration and we blow party horns into the starlit night. We end up demonstrating the Hokey Cokey in return for a display of traditional music and dancing.

When we camp on the beach it is more like how I had imagined. We eat beside a camp fire and in the morning watch the sunrise and take a dip in the sea before the heat of the day can hit us.

The dolphins are having a day off on our dolphin-watching day, but the turtles more than make up for it. I worry the volume of tourists could put the turtles off, but the guides are vigilant and no photography is allowed. Some people do try to get too close but are quickly reprimanded by the children in our group.

Our concern earns us some extra watching time.

As well as witnessing egg-laying, we see hopelessly small hatchlings emerge from a nest and flip flop to the sea. Ghost crabs wait their chance to pounce, gulls circle overhead and foxes prowl the beach. Only one in a thousand will make it to adulthood and we are privileged to bear witness to the start of a potentially epic life cycle.

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FRITTON'S GOT TALENT The Somerleyton Estate includes two pubs, with Sarah Hardy heading to the for supper and to sample the new bedrooms

Fritton Arms

VISIT WWW.FRITTONARMS.CO.UK

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I have a confession

to make. Despite planning to go a few times, I’d never yet made it to the Fritton Arms. It sits by Fritton Lake, in a rather peaceful area inland from Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft where people simply get on with their lives in a quiet yet fulfilled manner – the lucky devils!

But what a mistake by yours truly! The gastro pub is certainly my cup of tea, with that eclectic shabby chic look, plenty of local produce on the menu, decent beers, and an estate setting. What is not to like?

It is one of two pubs on the Somerleyton estate, the other being the Duke’s Head in the actual village of Somerleyton.

Both are now under the control of Lord Somerleyton, Hugh Crossley, with Ben Davenport, the estate food and beverage manager, and Stuart Pegg, executive chef, both overseeing the smooth running of the pubs, restaurants and rooms.

Somerleyton is an estate with 5000 acres of mainly arable land producing rapeseed oil, potatoes and barley. There are also 90 head of cattle, 300 Norfolk Horn sheep, plus a distinguished stately home with fine gardens, including a yew maze.

The Fritton Arms opened in a former estate manager’s home a year ago, though the nine rooms were finished last December. Down a gravel drive surrounded by fields, you arrive at the mustard-yellow façade of the building, which dates from the 15th century.

You still get a sense of it being a home, with several rooms to choose from, including a stunning new room which has been dedicated to a love of fish and fishing, a billiards room and three cosy fireplaces.

There are plenty of original beams, bright prints, bold art work and wooden tables with candles which all give an unpretentious, chilled out feel to the whole place.

My husband and I were staying overnight, as a little birthday treat for me, and the new bedrooms are a great addition to the place and, as the photos show, are decorated with real panache! Our room was enormous, with two big windows really letting the light flood in, and giving us great views of the surrounding parkland.

TRAVEL

norfolk

Fritton Arms,

CHURCH LANE, FRITTON, TEL 01493 484008

There are lots of great touches – oh so soft bath robes, decent toiletries, fresh flowers and a very comfy bed that simply demanded a lie in!

We arrived in good time to take advantage of the 200-acre park, with its lake for swimming, boating and fishing, plus plenty of mature grounds to simply stroll in. We enjoyed inspecting the water’s edge gardens, which are being restored to their Victorian splendour, and just soaking up Mother Nature.

As we worked up a bit of an appetite, it was time for a quick change and straight into the main bar area, which was nice and buzzy. Indeed, Lord Somerleyton has been quoted as saying that he was keen to create somewhere for locals to enjoy a beer, and he certainly seems to have succeeded.

The bar serves several local beers, including ones from Greene King, and my husband had a pint from the Grain Brewery in Alburgh, near Harleston, while I tackled a gin: the Fritton Arms has quite a reputation for its list of spirits and my eye was taken by a dry Elephant gin from Germany which had quite a kick!

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We moved through to the main dining room, overlooking the pub’s lovely garden, where we settled down to regard the menu. It offers a choice of about six options per course which seems sensible to me and, as it changes most days, is highly seasonal.

Local suppliers include Swannington Farm to Fork, Mrs Temple’s cheeses, and Ronaldo’s ice creams – plus plenty from the estate – so zero food miles there!

After plenty of healthy debate, we shared an antipasto starter which was served on a chunky wooden board and crammed with cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, breads and more. It was, as it sounds, quite a feast and all the more fun for sharing!

Other options included an artichoke soup, pan seared scallops and tempura king prawns – all of which were great possibilities and priced from £7.50 upwards.

Main courses were divine, with lots of fish options which were most welcome after such a hearty starter. I decided upon a sole dish, grilled with new potatoes, greens and a lovely buttery sauce with capers and brown shrimps at £16. It was as good as it sounds, with the fish just falling off the bone.

My husband also chose fish, but went for sea bass, served with tiger prawns, chorizo, potatoes, spinach and crayfish butter at £16.50. Again, another success, with a lovely combination of flavours.

The pub also offers beef from the estate’s own herd of Welsh black cattle and a selection of daily specials including sausages and mash, and posh burgers.

Also look out for Hot Chips, a range of chips with a twist served at the estate’s upmarket chippie in Norwich, and also the delicious sounding pizzas, all cooked in a wood fired oven.

Mmm! Desserts are on the decadent side, with cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding and warm banana bread all available, but we decided to share a dark chocolate nemesis at £6.50 which did indeed just about finish us off. But we would have died happy as it was top notch: rich, gooey and perfect with a dollop of ice cream, too.

Breakfast the next morning was another triumph with cereals, fresh fruits, juices, enormous pastries, charcuterie and more. And that’s before we started on the cooked options! My scrambled eggs with smoked salmon were first class while Sir’s full English was much enjoyed, too.

So, head to Fritton Arms for a stylish yet relaxing break – and the estate is opening a new campsite at the nearby church so there are even more options for overnight stays!

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Tim Bishop Picture by NICK GARROD

at the forefront of

THE FORUM This summer’s GoGoDragons! Trail in Norwich will ultimately end at The Forum, when the sculptures are auctioned off. Emma Outten interviews Chief Executive of The Forum Trust, Tim Bishop, to find out how this landmark building has become the place for people (and dragons) to meet

BUSINESS PROFILE

tim bishop

It’s the height of summer, the sun is streaming through the panes of glass and a snowman is walking about inside The Forum in Norwich.

That’s the funny thing about The Forum – there’s always something going on, and on this particular day the Christian community were taking their turn. Sitting in Cafe Bar Marzano, Chief Executive of The Forum Trust Tim Bishop looks up but doesn’t look surprised: ‘All life is here – it’s one of the nice things about working in the building. You never really quite know what you’re going to see.’

He’s been in charge of the independent, self-financing educational charity that runs The Forum since 2012, and his new job only involved a short walk across the building as his previous job was Head of East Region for the BBC, also based in the building.

However, Tim makes the point: ‘Although I was working here I spent a lot of time away dealing with the region, and national stuff, so it’s nice to come back and work in one city.’

Tim got the chance when former Chief Executive, Robin Hall, retired, and draws parallels between old and new employers: ‘There were a lot of similarities between the aims of the Forum Trust and the aims of the BBC, the only real difference being the BBC broadcasts and The Forum doesn’t.

‘The BBC core mission is to educate, inform and entertain and so is The Forum’s, through a wide ranging programme of free events.’ He adds: ‘I’ve seen The Forum from both sides.’

Next door to the Trust’s offices is MINT, a project set up by City College Norwich which helps young people, aged between 16 and 25. The education side of The Forum appeals to Tim, as a former education correspondent and also senior lecturer for the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

The Forum is the Education Partner for GoGoDragons! which follows on from Break Charity’s GoGoGorillas! in 2013.

From July 4 until September, resident dragon Tuppence will be joined by some of the 120 baby dragons painted as part of the Schools Project (which is ‘double the number of gorillas,’ as Tim observes).

‘When Gorillas was on it more than doubled the footfall here and there’s every expectation that dragons will be as big if not bigger,’ says Tim of The Forum, which attracts up to 2.5m people per year.

This summer The Forum will also be involved in Norfolk’s newest 10km road race, Run Norwich. ‘We’ve been working on it for around two years,’ says Tim. Of future plans he hints: ‘We’ve been looking at really big events in the future that you might just go ‘wow’ about.’

But did he miss journalism? ‘I loved being a journalist and in lots of ways miss it but I just thought it would be nice to do something different. I loved it you had an excuse to be nosy about everything.’

Nowadays part of his brief is ‘to keep the building to the standard that Norwich wants and deserves’.

The Trust is able to do this thanks to three main sources of income: the underground car park, rent from tenants (such as Pizza Express), and the hiring of the spaces.

Tim comments: ‘The people who set The Forum up long before my time were remarkably clever because it is independent and yet it’s sustainable. Quite a lot of the Millennium projects weren’t.

‘We don’t owe anyone any money and we’re not dependent on any public subsidy and there’s lots going on – what’s not to like?’

He adds: ‘In a relatively short space of time Norwich has taken The Forum to its heart. Meet you at The Forum has almost become a Norwich catchphrase hasn’t it?’

The library has become the most popular in the UK. ‘About a third of The Forum space is actually library space. It’s quite a deceptive building.

‘If I didn’t work here I’d still come here for quite a lot of things.

My family love the library.’ His family includes two grown up daughters, a step daughter and a son, nearly three. They live, along with a ‘bonkers’ Cockapoo dog, ‘a hop, skip and a jump’ away, in Poringland. Personally, Tim likes sitting in the Cafe whenever he gets the chance. ‘My wife says I do that too much!’

Wife is Lynn Crombie, who has worked for the BBC and CNN, and who currently works for Archant as a reporter in Beccles.

Tim concludes that working at The Forum isn’t so different to working in a busy newsroom. Both involve ‘walking round the corner and not quite knowing what you’re going to see that day.’ And that could mean seeing anything from a snowman to a dragon.

“It was officially opened by the Queen in 2001, and a couple of years later The BBC moved its headquarters from All Saints Green to The Forum.”

Raised in Suffolk, Tim became a reporter in Hertfordshire following university, then came to Norfolk to work for the Eastern Daily Press, becoming news editor in Great Yarmouth, and ultimately Editor of the Evening News in Norwich. He then moved to the BBC, becoming editor of Radio Norfolk and editor of Look East.

It was during his tenure on Look East, that The Forum opened its doors. After the former Central Library was destroyed by fire in 1994, Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council decided to combine two adjacent city centre sites to create a substantial community project. The Trust was formed as a charitable organisation in 1997, to operate the East of England’s Millennium project, without public subsidy, for a 125 year period.

Most of the capital funding for the £67m development, designed by award-winning architect Sir Michael Hopkins, came from the Millennium Commission.

It was officially opened by the Queen in 2001, and a couple of years later The BBC moved its headquarters from All Saints Green to The Forum. ‘It was a big change, going from a lovely Georgian building to being here,’ says Tim. But he adds: ‘It was a good move for The Forum because the BBC brings loads of things with it - BBC Voices is a studio used by lots of communities and lots of schools.’

He has always been a fan of The Forum: ‘It fits in well with the heritage buildings of Norwich and reflects St Peter Mancroft Church back.’ Plus, he’d ‘always talked about running The Forum.’

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93

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

seeking help

Left out in the cold

With increasing pressure on margins and resources, a number of IFA firms are taking the difficult decision to close their doors. Carl Lamb looks at what is happening in the industry WWW.ALMARYGREEN.COM | 01603 706740

T

here is a growing phenomenon in the

world of financial advice: the Orphan Client. Faced with new challenges and vulnerabilities, a number of advice firms have decided to close their doors, leaving clients out in the cold. One Norfolk firm has recently placed a message on their website saying simply that the business, as a result of regulatory changes, has become unviable.

The first changes to hit firms came into effect in January 2013 and prompted many advisers to leave the industry.

At that point, authorised advisers had to attain minimum qualification standards in order to deliver advice, ensuring minimum standards of knowledge and experience in the sector. In addition, the traditional way that advisers were paid for advice was abolished: commission payments for retail investment products were outlawed and advisers will now charge you a fee agreed in advance. By separating the cost of advice from the product, the industry has achieved greater transparency and protects itself against any suggestion of bias.

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Since 2013, the financial services industry has undergone further reviews with the Financial Conduct Authority focusing on the need for absolute accountability in the advice process and introducing further changes to the sector’s regulatory framework. Whilst this can only be for the good in theory, in practical terms it has resulted in an increased workload for advice firms and subsequently in increased costs.

The Orphan Client is faced with the decision about where to go to get advice in the future. Many will rely on word of mouth recommendations from friends or colleagues or will use the industry’s directory of authorised advisers at www.unbiased.co.uk. Choosing a new adviser is not an easy process: please make sure that any adviser you consider is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Many firms will offer a free initial discussion to allow you to meet a potential adviser to discuss both the service they are offering and the fees they will charge. If you have an accountant or solicitor, ask them for their views too, as most independent financial advisers will have strong links to other professionals.

However, as the advice market shrinks, an increasing number of savers and investors are making decisions without recourse to independent expertise, relying on the providers’ own marketing material, with the resultant risk that they are jeopardising their long-term financial strategies.

April’s changes to pension rules allowing pension savers greater access to their pension funds are a case in point.

While they do offer new opportunities and flexibility, they also bring inherent risks. As a firm, we have taken the decision to insist that any client wanting to consider withdrawals from their pension fund goes through a full advice process, ensuring that the client understands the implications of going down this route.

I truly believe that independent advice is important, not just for pensions but for all your financial provisions.

Independent advisers will offer advice on the full range of investment options from all providers in the marketplace, without any influence or bias and without limiting their advice to a specific product area. In addition, the Chartered Financial Planners designation for firms is considered the industry’s gold standard and is only awarded to firms committed to developing and maintaining the knowledge and capability of their people so they can deliver the highest quality advice. We were proud to have been named the Personal Finance Society’s Chartered Financial Planners of the Year 2014 in November.

Carl Lamb

ALMARY GREEN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS

For independent advice, contact Almary Green on 01603 706740 or email enquiries@almarygreen.com.

Please remember that the advice here is generic and we recommend that you get individual personalised advice.

95

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE NUMBERS

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Keep It In The Family THIS MONTH OUR LEGAL EXPERT JULIAN GIBBONS LOOKS AT THE CHANGING FACE OF HIS CHOSEN PROFESSION WWW.NORTONPESKETT.CO.UK | 01493 849200

O

ne of the interesting things

about writing articles is that you sometimes have to delve into areas which are unfamiliar. One such for me is family law. The last time I practised any such law was probably 15 or more years ago. In those days it was called matrimonial law.

Since I last handled a divorce much has changed.

For one thing, there is now a Family Court. This was being talked about in the 1980s but has only just come into being.

It combines the previous jurisdictions of the Magistrates', County and High Courts, which had evolved over time and whose jurisdictions often overlapped and caused confusion and extra costs as cases were transferred back and forth between courts.

The latest rationalisation of the whole process is to centralise the issue of Family Proceedings for divorce. Across the country will be around ten centres where petitions will be issued; in our area it is Bury St. Edmunds. Everything will be done from there unless a hearing is needed, when it will be transferred to the appropriate local County Court hearing centre. As part of the process, there is a new form for the issue of a divorce petition. This can be obtained online.

However, like so much of the drive towards what is clearly an effort to save money on the Ministry of Justice budget, only half a job seems to be done.

In the case of divorce, the form is now a ‘petition form’.

The tendency to call everything a ‘form’, e.g. a Claim Form for starting civil proceedings rather than issuing a writ, as we used to do, has been around for some years. In fact, a petition was the method of starting proceedings in the Ecclesiastical courts in the 19th century, but the term has survived into the 21st and is still referred to in legislation, hence you still have to ‘issue a petition’.

However, this ‘petition form’ cannot be lodged online.

The petitioner (not yet a mere Claimant) has to print the form in duplicate and post it to the court with the large fee for issue. All this assumes that he can first deal with such questions as confirming whether or not the court's jurisdiction to hear the case is under ‘Article 3(1) of the Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003!’ When served the Respondent likewise has to post his form of acknowledgement.

For a process which these days is undefended almost all the time it is puzzling that the Ministry has not gone a step further and made the whole process electronic, as they have largely done with undefended civil claims, where not one sheet of paper needs to be printed or posted. The cynic might say that government is happy to cut but never as happy to invest, even when that investment will improve access to justice and save money long term.

An example of this contradictory poise is over the question of use of email by the courts system. Since many courts have switched to a form of amalgamated helpline it is no longer possible to ring up a court officer to try and sort out an issue. One instead has to be filtered through their system by someone at the help desk then sending an email to the person concerned, who may or may not reply within five working days. Such have the difficulties been in rapid communication with the court, for example when an agreed order needs to be finalised, that I have in the recent past found myself (and my opposite number) in direct communication with the judge, this being the only way of ensuring that a matter is quickly dealt with. This would never ever have happened in the past.

This really is no way to behave in the modern technological era. If I or other solicitors took the same approach to emails as does the courts then we would have no clients.

Despite this resistance to emails by the courts, the government has recently announced that all Magistrates and Crown Courts will have WiFi by mid 2016. Yet, rather like one of those new airports in certain EU countries built with piles of European money which actually has no flights, it is not clear how the brave new wireless world will be used by the Courts Service. As one poster on a legal forum put it: ‘1969: Manned spacecraft lands on Moon; 2015: Wifi finally arrives at your local Court’.

Julian Gibbons NORTON PESKETT SOLICITORS

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| JULY 2015

HOMEOWNERS MORE LIKELY TO CRY OVER SPILT WINE THAN MILK ‘It’s no use crying over spilt milk,’ or so the saying goes.

But, according to the latest claims figures from NFU Mutual, specialist provider of insurance, pensions and investments, homeowners are more likely to be left crying over spilt wine.

As summer arrives, many people may consider enjoying the evenings by uncorking a bottle of wine. However, accidental damage claims released by NFU Mutual reveal that red wine, in particular, is responsible for almost a quarter of claims where drinks are spilled over electrical appliances, mobile phones, soft furnishings and carpets.

The insurer revealed that, during 2014, it paid out £6.5 million in claims for accidental damage, with mishaps involving drinks accounting for 10 percent of this type of claim.

Commenting on the figures, Nicki Whittaker, a high-value home specialist at NFU Mutual, says: 'According to our claims figures, homeowners spill eight times as many glasses of wine than milk over their carpets and computers. And it’s not just adults who drop their drinks: in one incident a child emptied the contents of his potty over a laptop and, in another, a cat knocked a glass of water over an iphone.

ENSURE THE THINGS YOU TREASURE ARE PROPERLY PROTECTED

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'Claims for accidental damage are some of the most common made under a home insurance policy and, when it comes to damage caused by liquids like red wine or tea, it is carpets, upholstery and electrical appliances (such as laptops and phones) that see the most claims for damage.'

Top of the list of tipples which cause the most damage was red wine, closely followed by coffee, soft drinks and tea. Carpets and soft furnishings were the items most commonly damaged by red wine, accounting for 73 percent of claims with laptops accounting for 26 percent and phones a mere 1 percent. Guitar amplifiers, pianos and items of clothing were also amongst the items damaged by red wine, with the most expensive claim submitted potentially costing £26,000.

KEEP DRINKS AND LIQUIDS away from laptops and other electrical devices; do not use phones and other electrical devices whilst in the bath; there are lots of myths about stain removal and particularly the removal of red wine stains. One old wives’ tale is that you should sprinkle salt on a red wine spill but experts recommend that you should never do this as red wine contains tannin which can be set permanently with salt; remember that tea and coffee also contain tannin, so don’t use salt to treat this type of stain; the best advice for treating any stain is to deal with it while it is still fresh; dab, rather than rub a stain and make sure you use white paper towels or a clean, white lint-free cloth.

For further information please contact: Nicki Whittaker, high-value home specialist 01789 202044 | Nicki_whittaker@nfumutual.co.uk

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| JULY 2015

IN A-CLASS OF ITS OWN Sharp, stylish, sporty – the chance to test drive a Mercedes-Benz A-Class in Norwich was simply too good to turn down, says Emma Outten

FIRST THINGS FIRST – even the

Mercedes-Benz showroom in Norwich has an air of sophistication about it, and that’s before setting a foot on the pedal of the new generation A-Class.

Let’s face it, Mercedes-Benz is a benchmark manufacturer for motoring excellence, from the sophisticated A-Class to the elegant C-Class and luxurious E-Class and Mercedes-Benz of Norwich do seem to have one to fit your lifestyle and budget.

The A-Class represents your entry level model of Mercedes-Benz - a compact car produced by the German automobile manufacturer.

I was here to test drive the new generation A-Class.

With unparalleled performance and design in the compact sector, its sharp, sporty looks and bold contemporary interior defines the new generation Mercedes-Benz. And with five model lines and a choice of engines, there are certainly a number of options on offer.

The particular model I tested was the Mercedes-Benz A200 AMG Sport CDI. From the outside it is more than apparent that AMG, the high performance division of Mercedes-Benz, was involved in the design process right from the very start.

DEALER DETAILS Mercedes-Benz of Norwich, Barker Street, Norwich NR2 4TN | Tel 01603 751000 | Visit www.mercedes-benzofnorwich.co.uk

MOTORING

mercedes-benz

Facts at a glance MERCEDES-BENZ A200 AGM SPORT CDI Engine: 2.1 litre diesel Transmission: Seven-speed automatic driving

THE A-CLASS RANGE STARTS AT £20,715 OTR CO2 emissions: 98-154 g/km Fuel economy: 42.8–76.4 mpg combined Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 6.5–11.6 sec Boot capacity: 3411 Vehicle dimensions: Length 4292 mm, Width 2022 mm, Height 1433 mm

The AMG Sport features the signature AMG bodystyling bringing added muscle and aggression to its looks but please don’t think that this is just a boy’s toy!

Think concave curves and convex sweeping lines and you’re just about there, and I have to say it looks as athletic as a coupe on the forecourt.

Before I jumped in, it was explained to me that it had a 2.1 litre engine, and came complete with a Night package (privacy glass; black gloss beltline and mirror caps; dark 18 inch alloy wheels; black gloss and chrome accents – you get the idea).

Once inside, everything about the new A-Class cabin says quality. High-grade materials range from the carbon-fibrelook trim to Artico man-made leather upholstery.

In front of you are such things as multi-function screen, and tablet-style central display and behind are sports seats with integrated head restraints – a great start.

Air conditioning comes as standard, which was an absolute blessing on the particular summer’s day I went for a drive! And I really liked the digital hub feel of this car, and the fact you are ably assisted electronically on the multi function screen (how ever did we manage to function before?).

Safety is paramount, of course, so it’s comforting to know that the new A-Class comes loaded with state-of-the-art safety systems and electronic assistants as standard.

Standard features include Pre-Safe® anticipatory safety system; Collision Prevention Assist and Attention Assist; Adaptive Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Tyre pressure loss warning; Active Bonnet –providing extra protection for pedestrians – all good to know.

As I was about to drive a seven-speed automatic gear box with a dual clutch, I had to quickly readjust (the last time I had driven an automatic was back in the 90s), but, once I’d got to grips with it I could kind of see the attraction. Let’s face it, automatic is far less laborious! Apparently, automatic is the way forward as 80 per cent of sales at the showroom are automatic as opposed to manual these days.

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After a short spin around the fine city of Norwich, really taking in the sights, it was time to see what the A-Class could do and so the A47 – that all-too-familiar road which takes me to where it all happens at Places&Faces® – was the only way to go. This, compared to driving within the city limits, is where the Mercedes-Benz A-Class really gets into gear – all seven of them (and with no effort on my part whatsoever).

Believe me when I say the A-Class offers a VERY comfortable ride – thanks, in part, to the contoured sports seats, but also to its low centre of gravity and multilink suspension - the new A-Class really hugs the road effortlessly. The electromechanical Direct-Steer system gives precise, deft handling and response. And it’s good to know that CO emissions are as low as 98 g/km* – lowest ever in a Mercedes-Benz..

This would be an ideal car to cruise down to London, say, and really get motoring - another time maybe.

After it more than passed the test on the A47, it was time to drive back into the city, around the inner ring road and back to the show room itself.

My verdict on the new A-Class is this: if your commute is more than just a short trip into the city and if you, like me, have to navigate Norfolk’s major roads (not to mention the Acle Straight!) then this could easily be the new car for you.

The A-Class will always be in a class of its own – compact and yet sharp and sporty – it’s a great starting point if you are thinking of going down the road of buying into a little bit of luxury with a Mercedes-Benz.

101

FORD FIESTA STYLE 3 DOOR IN RACE RED £10,625

Pertwee & Back Ltd

www.pertwee-and-back.co.uk

Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Subject to availability at participating UK Ford Approved Used de facilities fee is payable with the first instalment. **Purchase fee is payable with the Optional Final Payment if you wish to own the vehicle at agreement. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle if the vehicle is returned at the end of the agreement. Vehicle 36 months old and purchased between 01/06/2015 and 30/06/2015. †Deposit allowance available only when financed with Ford Credit. Pertwee Yarmouth acts as a credit broker in relation to finance products and not a lender.

DRIVETO TOAADIFFERENT DIFFERENT BEAT BEAT DRIVE

° ° ALL-NEW MAZDA CX-3.

ONEOFOFTHE THEFIRST FIRSTTOTOTEST TESTDRIVE DRIVE BEBEONE ALL-NEW MAZDA CX-3.

With its distinctive design, premium interior and exhilarating driving dynamics, all-new Mazda CX-3 hits the right note in so many ways.

With its distinctive interior and exhilarating driving dynamics, all-new from Mazda CX-3 hits the right plus noteinitial in so rental many ways.

Newly composeddesign, financepremium offers are also available, with all-new Mazda CX-3 available just £219 per month on Newly composed finance Personal Contract Hire.offers are also available, with all-new Mazda CX-3 available from just £219 per month plus initial rental on Personal Contract Hire. ° °

CALL WRIGHTS MAZDA 01502 885TOTOBOOK BOOKYOUR YOURTEST TESTDRIVE DRIVE CALL WRIGHTS MAZDA ONON 01502 713713 885

Wrights Mazda, Beccles Wrights Mazda, Beccles Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9BL

Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9BL 01502 713 885 www.wrights-motors.co.uk 01502 713 885 www.wrights-motors.co.uk

Wrights Mazda, Norwich Wrights Mazda, Norwich 101 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6XW

101 Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6XW 01603 427 011 www.wrights-motors.co.uk 01603 427 011 www.wrights-motors.co.uk

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results.

Personal contract hire offer on all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE on orders received between 19.06.15 and 30.09.15, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with Personal contract hire offer on41 all-new Mazda CX-3of120ps 2WDExcess SE on miles ordersover received between 19.06.15 and 30.09.15, subject to charged availability 18+ only.

Figures based onapply a non-maintenance contract hire servicing package with advance rental of £1,750.75, then monthly rentals £219.00. contracted mileage of 31,500 over 42 months at and 7.60status. pence Age per mile.

Excess charges also if you breach manufacturer advance rental of £1,750.75, 41 monthly £219.00. miles overfor contracted mileagewhen of 31,500 over 42 to months at Hire.

7.60 pence perincludes mile. Excess also and apply if youAssistance. breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if then the car exceeds rentals BVRLA of Fair Wear &Excess Tear guidelines its age/mileage it is returned Mazdacharged Contract Package road charges fund licence Mazda Guarantee/indemnity maintenance guidelines or if the exceeds BVRLAwithout Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when ityour is returned to Mazda road fundLtd., licence andas Mazda Assistance. mayorbe required. Prices and details arecar subject to change notice.

For full specification and T&Cs contact local retailer.

YouContract will notHire. own Package the car. includes ALD Automotive trading Mazda Contract Guarantee/indemnity Hire, BS16 3JA. may be required.

Prices and details are subject to change without notice.

For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer.

You will not own the car.

ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Mazda Contract Hire, BS16 Model shown: all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE, OTR from £17,595. Model shown features optional Ceramic Metallic paint (£540). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 3JA. mile Model shown: all-new Mazda CX-3 120ps 2WD SE, OTR from £17,595.

Model shown features optional Ceramic Metallic paint (£540).

OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile°Test warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. warranty years’ European Roadside Assistance. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. °Test drives subjectand to 3 applicant status and availability. drives subject to applicant status and availability.

C-MAX

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda CX-3 range: Urban 34.9 (8.1) - 64.2 (4.4).

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda CX-3 range: Urban 34.9 (8.1) - 64.2 (4.4).

Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 74.3 (3.8). Combined 44.1 (6.4) - 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions (g/km) 150 – 105.

Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 74.3 (3.8). Combined 44.1 (6.4) - 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions (g/km) 150 – 105.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results.

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| JULY 2015

Retailer Details

H.A. Fox, Jaguar House, Cromer Road, Norwich NR6 6NB Tel: 01603 944812 www.hafoxjaguar.co.uk

Facts at a glance JAGUAR XE 2.0 DIESEL PORTFOLIO, ÂŁ33,675 Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit producing 178bhp and 317lb/ft of torque Transmission: Six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels Performance: Top speed 142mph, 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds Economy: 67.3mpg combined Emissions: 109g/km of CO2

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MOTORING

jaguar xe

THE SPORTS SALOON

- REDEFINED

It’s arguably the most important car launched this year and is the new entry-point into the Jaguar range, but is the XE good enough? asks Matt Joy

All prices correct at time of going to press

WHAT’S NEW? This car is a big deal for Jaguar. Not only does it have to take on two very popular German rivals, it also aims to boost its sales volume considerably and bring new customers into the brand. No surprise then that it’s practically 100 per cent new.

An all-new aluminium and steel architecture, new engines and new suspension are wrapped in a brandnew exterior design. Inside there’s a new generation infotainment system as well as more personalisation options. Jaguar is making some big claims for the car, particularly that the most efficient diesel version can hit 99g/km.

LOOKS AND IMAGE There’s a familiar air to the XE but this is no bad thing.

Look at it alongside the existing XF saloon and the resemblance is clear, but the XE is a little more compact and has a much shorter overhang at the rear. It also has the sporty look that buyers are really keen on, although models like this Portfolio have a more restrained and luxurious feel.

Halo cars like the F-Type have transformed Jaguar’s image in recent years and the XE will be trading on this in order to bring new buyers to the brand. With its smart appearance and obvious kerb appeal it should prove to be a winner from a stylistic point of view.

The cabin itself is clearly laid out and easy to use, with the new infotainment system offering attractive graphics and slick operation. Storage space is good too, although the overall design is a little more conservative than the exterior.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Jaguar set itself the modest target of being the best driver’s car in the class, but it has the potential to do so. The brandnew 2.0-litre diesel engine is usefully brisk in 180PS form as long as there is 2,000rpm showing and the six-speed manual gearbox is slick and satisfying to use. At a cruise the engine is impressively refined, and although the noise levels go up when worked hard it never becomes coarse or unrefined.

Without doubt, however, it is the XE’s chassis that impresses. Overall there is clear sporting bias to the suspension set up but the ride quality is excellent; controlled over undulations but with no harshness even on a variety of surfaces. Yet it is beautifully balanced and free from roll when pressing on; there is excellent grip front and rear and the XE delights in hustling through bends, remaining composed and entertaining. The final ace card is the steering which, although not packed with feel, is sharp without being nervous, accurate and rewarding. Keen drivers will love it; everyone else will just think it’s just right.

VALUE FOR MONEY There’s no skimping on the standard specification either.

Even the base SE model comes with satellite navigation and DAB radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a leather steering wheel. This top-specification Portfolio comes with double-stitched leather in a choice of colours, aluminium trim, 10-way electric seats, high-specification Meridian audio system, bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? There’s a great deal to love about the XE and although it wears a premium badge it’s the kind of car that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. Executive types will love the way it drives and the sharp looks, but it’s also sufficiently spacious that a modestly-sized family could use it all the time. If you have to have a saloon then there’s almost certainly a version to suit your tastes.

This car summed up in a single word: Impressive If this car was a…hooligan it would be doing doughnuts on BMW’s front lawn right now.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY It might be a compact saloon but the space inside the XE is generous. Up front there’s a good view out thanks to the low-set dashboard although the high waistline gives a welcome enclosed feeling. The seats are very supportive and offer a good range of adjustment, while head, leg and hip room are all good enough for those over six feet tall. In the rear space it is a little tighter but there’s enough legroom to take adults comfortably. The boot is well-shaped and offers up to 455 litres of space.

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105

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| JULY 2015

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THE SWAN AT LODDON LAUNCHES BOUTIQUE BEDROOMS

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To celebrate the opening of The Swan’s new four star boutique bedrooms, Landlord Andrew Freeland invited customers and acquaintances to a tour of the new rooms. Guests enjoyed local ales, fine wines and tasty canapés prepared by Head Chef Jason Wright, all served

by Front of House Manager Kelly Wright and her team in the bar and restaurant.

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Photos by KEIRON

TOVELL Words by NICK LANE MARKETING

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01. Joan and Andrew Freeland 02. Megan Knights, Emma Potts, Alice Flannery 03. Jason and Kelly Wright 04. Sara, Paul and Georgia Minister 05. Nick Lane, Richard Maxwell 06. Megan Knights, Carol Wilder

07. Nick Reeve, Maggie Commiss 08. Hermione Shirley, Edward Crisp 09. Julie Cocks, Simon Knights 10. Lisa and Liam Holmes 11. Michael FitzRoy, Thomas Ward 12. Esme, Daniel and Vanessa Flannery

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GREAT YARMOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL OPENING The Mayor of Great Yarmouth started the proceedings by cutting a willow chain between two enormous mammoth tusks made of willow in front of the Minster. It had been made by Willowy Arts. Following this, more than 100 people returned to the Minster for a reception and heard the Bishop of Norwich officially open the Arts Festival and the Preview of ‘Art in the Minster’. This exhibition brings together the East Anglian Group of Marine Artists, the Great Yarmouth Society of Artists, the Great Yarmouth Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and the Great Yarmouth Photographic Society. In addition the Quill Writing group had a display of writings and poems.

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01. Ann Watkins, Val Murray 02. Caroline Fernandez, Stephen Lavan 03. Colin Scoll 04. Paul Davis 05. Pam Battly, Barry Cross 06. Sheila Thompson, Judith Daniels, Elly Trett

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07. Shirley Weymouth 08. Patricia Beech, Jacki Snowman 09. John Shave, Sue Williams 10. Leslie Seabert, Maurice Hood 11. Sarah and Ken Dyball 12. Jan Heath, Pat Stewart, Jane Duffield

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CITY OF ALE 2015 – LAUNCH EVENT

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The fifth annual Norwich City of Ale 2015 festival kicked off with a launch party held at the Narthex in the Roman Catholic Cathedral. The 10-day celebration saw hundreds of events put on by 45 pubs and 40 breweries including beer tasting festivals, live music, quizzes and much more.

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MORFOOT, JUNGLE COMMUNICATIONS

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01. Lucy Bennett, Russell Evans, Matt Peplow 02. Philip Cutter and Dawn Leeder 03. Michelle and Rick Gant 04. Funny Guest!

05. Steve Magnall and Ryan Crisp 06. Shelley Cobbe, Martin Pettigrew

07. Richard Smith 08. Lesley George and Jo Coubrough 09. Claire and Dale Brooks 10. Jon Worley, Michael Murphy, Louise Thompson 11. Emma Moore, Chris Riches 12. Monica Armstrong, Paul Roberts, Councillor Judith Lubbock

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GREAT YARMOUTH YACHT CLUB 1883-1937. REFORMED 2015 Club Admiral Chris Dicker and Gail Dicker hosted a cocktail party for members of the reformed Great Yarmouth Yacht Club at Gorleston Life RNLI Station.

The club was originally established in 1883. Members all have strong Yarmouth connections and several are sons and grandsons of members of the club in its earlier incarnation. Commodore David Bullen thanked the hosts and members. The club will promote the Great Yarmouth One Design yacht and lug sail dinghy racing.

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01. Glynn Howarth, Maynard Watson 02. George Prior, Wendy Dyson, Allen Goodchild 03. Peter and Sue Prentice 04. Terry Burn 05. Carol and Commodore David Bullen 06. Leslie Edwards, Norman Willgress, Neil Statter 07. Penny Mack, Jeremy Harrison

8. Phillip and Tamsin Highfield 9. Ralph Lamb, George Blake 10. Simon and Felicity Daniels, Peter Black 11. Stuart and Melody Ward 12. Neal Duffield, Richard Tacon

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OPENING OF ROBINSONS’ SKODA SHOWROOM, NORWICH

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Guests, customers, friends and family joined the team at Robinsons’ Skoda to celebrate the business’s new home on Wingate Way, Norwich. The longest serving member of staff, sales advisor, Dale Colk cut the ribbon.

A weekend of activities included an appearance by Felix English, one of the brand’s pro-cycling champions, and a large scalextric track! The new showroom displays 10 new models and a line up of used vehicles on the forecourt.

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01. Ann and Gus Beato 02. Bill Barnes, Terry Holman 03. Dale Colk 04. Eline Newstead 05. Penny and Graham Peirce 06. Mark Godfrey, Caroline Eaton

07. Margret and Keith Chettleburgh 08. Peter and Katherine McNamee 09. Jane and David Perkins 10. John and Mary Dye 11. James Glover 12. Edward Mace, Susan Mace, Keith Stanton

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MACMILLAN SUMMER BALL, GREAT YARMOUTH

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The Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Macmillan Committee held their annual summer ball at the Great Yarmouth Racecourse. An evening of good food, fun and dancing was enjoyed by all. The committee raises vital funds for the local community and, without the support of others, would not be able to continue the sterling work that they do.

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01. Simon and Hilary Searle 02. Brenda and George Jermany 03. Shane Francis, Jess Martin 04. Luke Francis, Ebony Dewick 05. Brian McDonnell, Carol Calver 06. Barbara and Bob Bailey, Joanne Hunt

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07. Jinny and Ian McCreadie 08. May and Charlie Kember 09. Rebecca and Martin Jermany 10. Lynn, Sandra, Amanda and Stuart Bensly 11. Diana and Malcolm Loveland 12. Linda and Keith Futter, Carol Christmas

when to move it into view on stage and out of view, I tell the person operating the lights when to change them and the crew when to move the other scenery. I am also in contact with the cast and use a tannoy to call them backstage to ensure they get from their dressing room to the side of the stage in time for their entrance!

I am also one of the Stage Door keepers so I see all sorts of the comings and goings back of house and get to meet many people from the visiting companies.

Are you Norfolk born and bred?

I was born in the old N&N Hospital that doesn’t exist anymore.

I lived in Liverpool whilst training at LIPA, worked in St Albans for six years and have toured fairly extensively. However, after being made redundant four years ago, I moved back to Norwich and I don’t plan on leaving again!

What’s your ideal day out in the area?

5 minutes with

Rachel LLoyd

As a key player in Norwich Theatre Royal’s highly successful Arts Course, Rachel Lloyd has encouraged hundreds of prospective actors in Norfolk. We find out a little bit more about her Describe your job to us

Taking my four-year-old niece out to one of the great parks we have in the city. There is one just down the road from her house, which she refers to as ‘our park’!

Which iconic Norfolk characters do you most admire and why?

It has to be Stephen Fry as he is a great supporter of the city, both theatrically and sportingly!

What’s your favourite pub in Norfolk and what do you like to drink there?

Anyone who knows me will know the answer to this: the Coach & Horses on Bethel Street. It has been the theatre pub for years and there is always someone in there I know, which is what I love about it. When the previous landlords left in 2014, I launched a Twitter campaign in an effort to save the pub from closure. With the help of some celebs who have drunk in there in the past, I have a feeling we made a bit of a difference in Greene King's decision to refurbish it. I’m really glad that Lewis and Marianne, the (not so new now) landlords are doing well and I especially like the great range of real ale and gin they have!

I have three roles at Norwich Theatre Royal. I am the Administrator and Stage Manager for the Arts Course. This means that I handle all of the enrolments and applications for Where do you like to eat out in Norfolk and why? And what people to join our courses, keep up with absence notifications do you order? and I manage our social media. As well as the 300+ The Waffle House – every time! I love everything on juniors we have on the Saturday courses we also run their menu but you can’t beat a wholemeal waffle The latest Norwich Theatre Royal exam and adult courses during the week. with bolognese and cheese, followed by a chopped Youth Company As Stage Manager, I attend the rehearsals of all of the nut waffle with maple syrup (I’m hungry now). production, Peter public performances we present throughout the year.

Pan Return to During the autumn and spring terms, the Youth Theatre What do you miss most when you leave the Neverland, runs at Company (aged 16+) and the Studio Theatre Company region?

Norwich Theatre (adults) perform three or four shows at The Garage. I Royal from July 29 to My friends and family. I’ve been based here all my August 1. Call 01603 help the director of each show in rehearsals, making life and have a great circle of friends. I also love 630000 for more notes of when the actors move, when they sit down, and spending time with my niece - seeing the world details. when they leave the stage. through her eyes is a joy.

I also assist with sourcing props, furniture and scenery depending on what the show needs – every time we What are you reading at the moment? need something different, from fans from Spain (I was actually Paper Towns by John Green as I wanted to read it before the film in Spain on holiday and was still buying props!) to scouring the comes out. charity shops for a sideboard! During the summer term, the STC rehearsal schedule remains similar to the other terms but things Would you prefer a day on the Broads or a day at shift a gear for the juniors.

Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach? Why? The small military operation that is the summer shows comes A day on the Broads, with lots of pub stops along the way. into effect and we somehow manage to give more than 300 students, aged eight to 20, the opportunity to perform on stage at Opera, musical, drama or movie - which would you prefer to the Theatre Royal. watch? And what was the last production/show you saw?

I am the Deputy Stage Manager for this production as my role Movie is always my first choice as going to the theatre is a bit slightly changes due to being in a different theatre. The fantastic of a busman’s night out! My last film was The Avengers: Age of backstage crew assist us with our show and my job becomes desk Ultron, the midnight showing. I can be a bit of a geek… bound. For every rehearsal and performance at the theatre I sit at what is called the prompt desk.

Sum up Norfolk in three words From here I can communicate with all of the people involved Beautiful, cultural, home. in the show. I tell the person operating the scenery (‘Flying’) Sum up yourself in three words

Busy, always hungry.

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