Places&Faces® November 2015 by Countrywide Publications

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THE Magazine for Norfolk & North Suffolk

RALPH McTELL ON THE NORWICH STAGE SKIING IN ISCHGL NICOLE KIDMAN WOWS THE WEST END WHAT’S NEXT FOR TV’S

WIN

A DECADENT DINNER AT THE WILDEBEEST

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CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Atkins, John Bultitude, Benet Catty, Melanie Cook, Rebecca Coulby, Andrew Florides, Judy Foster, Julian Gibbons, Pete Goodrum, Ross Hagan, Matt Joy, Roger Hickman, Matt Kimberley, Carl Lamb, Victor Ling, Ellen Mary, Simon Mitchell, Nick Mobbs, Kate Morfoot, Andy Newman, Mark Nicholls, Hayley Philpot, Franck Pontais, Donna Titcombe, Simon Wainright

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WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER ISSUE of Places&Faces‰ which, as always, is packed full of interviews, activities and ideas. I’ve always been a fan of this lovely magazine and so it’s a pleasure to join the team as editor, particularly as Places&Faces‰ always features the latest stage shows – as a keen theatre-goer, they’re always the pages I turn to first. This month’s issue is no different, with a review of Lesley Garrett’s stage show, An Audience With… and a critique of Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of scientist Rosalind Franklin, who was integral to the understanding of DNA, in Anna Ziegler’s award-winning West End play, Photograph 51. Meanwhile, Mark Nicholls chats to acclaimed singer Ralph McTell whose work now spans several decades and who will be performing at OPEN in Norwich this month – another must-see ticket. Strictly fans will be in their element, too, as Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring The Last Tango to the Norwich Theatre Royal as part of a 32-week theatre tour. The fabulous Nutcracker ballet will take place there, too, and with its endearing score, beautiful choreography and festive setting, this particular dance piece is packed with nostalgia and wonder. Elsewhere in this issue, we’re getting ready for the festive season, with striking men’s and ladies’ winter fashion, some fabulous boots and the latest beauty must-haves. And there’s time to relax before the busy season begins, with Kate Morfoot heading to the acclaimed Leicestershire spa Ragdale Hall to find out just why it’s so well known. Plus we travel to Austria to visit Ischgl, one of the world’s most well-known ski resorts, which will be welcoming visitors to its snowy slopes over the next few months. And there’s food and drink galore, with a review of Gorleston’s popular Porterhouse Bar & Grill, a chat with Great British Menu star Richard Bainbridge and recipes from the award-winning Roger Hickman and The Imperial Hotel’s talented Simon Wainwright. We also have a fabulous competition with Daniel Smith’s newest venture, The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross, with a delicious-looking meal in store for the winner, so don’t forget to enter!

Carolyn Atkins PS. Turn to the back of the magazine for a bumper crop of High Society pages and visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk for more.

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CONTENTS

48 CELEBRITIES

COVER STORY

14 £2.95 WHERE SOLD OCTOBER 2015

THE Magazine for Norfolk & North Suffolk

RALPH McTELL ON THE NORWICH STAGE SKIING IN ISCHGL NICOLE KIDMAN WOWS THE WEST END WHAT’S NEXT FOR TV’S

WIN

A DECADENT DINNER AT THE WILDEBEEST

RICHARD BAINBRIDGE?

48 Mark Nicholls hits the Austrian slopes

FASHION AND BEAUTY

60 Raising a glass to Jo C’s Norfolk ales 61 Roger Hickman devises a delicious seasonal dish 62 Clever creations from The Imperial Hotel 65 Tuck into this wonderful chicken salad by our French chef Franck Pontais 66 Gorleston’s Porterhouse Bar & Grill is proving very popular 71 What now for Great British Menu winner Richard Bainbridge?

34 Wrap up warm this winter 37 Take these new boots in your stride 39 Look your best as the seasons change 41 Up-to-date looks for the modern man 43 Kate Morfoot relaxes at Ragdale Hall

WHAT’S ON

10 Events and activities around the region 13 Make the most of November, advises Melanie Cook from VisitNorwich

RELAXING AT

RAGDALE HALL CELEBRITIES / FOOD / TRAVEL / FASHION / HOMES & GARDENS / THEATRE

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Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring their Last Tango to the Norwich stage

NOVEMBER 2015

TRAVEL

20 Famous soprano Lesley Garrett comes to Holt’s Auden Theatre 23 Northern Ballet’s Nutcracker is full of Christmas magic 26 Ralph McTell ventures far beyond the Streets of London 30 Nicole Kidman wows the West End stage 46 Pete Goodrum takes us back to the sounds of the 60s

HOMES AND GARDENS

56 The Dial House development in Reepham offers homes with a difference 75 Meet our new columnist Rebecca Coulby 78 More gorgeous looks for the home 86 Gardening advice from Ellen Mary

FOOD AND DRINK

NEW BOND FILM SPECTRE

NORFOLK LANDSCAPES BY DOUG KENNEDY

Editor’s Choice

Daniel Craig returns to the big screen for 007’s latest adventure in Spectre and gets both shaken and stirred in Mexico, Rome and London. Directed by Sam Mendes, who also directed Skyfall, the plot’s the same – cue cars, gadgets and girls - but this time the blue-eyed British Secret Service agent is joined by Monica Bellucci, Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz, Naomie Harris and Gareth Mallory. This must-see movie also features the Sam Smith hit, Writing’s On The Wall, the first Bond theme song ever to make it to Number One.

Carolyn Atkins, new Editor of Places&Faces® selects her top picks from this month’s events and activities BEST NEW FILM

BEST SONG

As a self-confessed fan of quizzes, I’m looking forward to finding out what Pointless host, Alexander Armstrong’s debut album will be like. As well as being an accomplished comedian - half of Armstrong and Miller - and a popular game show host, he’s also a classically-trained baritone and his first album, A Year Of Songs, will be out this month, before he takes it on the road next year.

BEST EVENT

BUSINESS

91 Our legal expert Julian Gibbons on the importance of appearance 93 The pros and cons of paying for care 122 Five minutes with Hopton’s John Potter

MOTORING

98 What do we make of the new SEAT Ibiza 102 Renault’s Kadjar: the latest crossover car

REGULARS

108 High Society: a bumper crop of social snaps

OK, so I’m biased, but it has to be The Assembly House Christmas Fair. Held on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, this is the sixth year that this popular craft fair has taken place in this lovely, Grade I-listed, Georgian building in Norwich city centre and there will be more stalls than ever, perfect for out-of-the-ordinary Christmas presents and sensational stocking fillers. The event gets busy, though, so come early and remember to bring a bag!

BEST BOOK

There are lots of fab new books hitting the shelves in the run-up to Christmas and Norfolk Landscapes by Doug Kennedy is a beautiful addition. Published this month by Windgather Press, this attractive coffee table-style book features over 100 pages of traditional Norfolk landscapes, villages and towns and features stunning photography (I particularly like the shot of Holkham beach) with text illuminating the history, geography and ecology of the area. Priced at £14.99.

BEST MUSIC EVENT

102

It’s got to be The Darkness who are bringing their Blast of our Kind Tour to Norwich this month, arriving at the UEA on Saturday, November 28 and at OPEN on Monday, November 30. The boys from Lowestoft are promoting their new album, Last of our Kind, with new drummer Rufus Taylor, and Justin Hawkins and Co will be performing both new material and old favourites. I Believe In A Thing Called Love!

NEWTON FAULKNER

Catch the Dream Catch Me singer as he returns to the Norwich stage, performing at OPEN on Friday, November 20; also the release date for his new studio album Human Love, his fifth album to date. www.opennorwich.org.uk

what’s on November’s What’s On round-up features something for everyone

UPLIFTING ART

REMEMBER, REMEMBER

Expect Bonfire Night events across East Anglia in early November, with the Corpusty and Saxthorpe Bonfire and Firework Spectacular among the most famous. Head to north Norfolk on Saturday, November 7 when a life-size guy will be pulled around the village followed by a procession of people carrying flaming torches. Procession from 6pm, bonfire at 8pm. Entry free (donations welcome).

NOVEMBER 2015

Visit The Raveningham Centre on Beccles Road until Friday, November, 20 to see a series of lovely paintings by Darren McMorran. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, the exhibition shows Darren’s new works which begin with a charcoal line on the painted surface then build up with collage, drawing and oils. Entry free.

SEASONAL SPECTACULAR

The largest Christmas show in the country comes alive again this month with a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians, many of whom have performed in the West End. The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a non-stop festive extravaganza featuring songs, dance, music and comedy. From Wednesday, November 11 to Wednesday, December 23 with two daily performances. www.thursford.com/ christmas-spectacular

WHAT'S ON

IMAGES OF NORFOLK

Norfolk Broads-based photographer Stephen Mole returns to the lovely Fairhaven Woodland Garden in South Walsham with an exhibition featuring iconic Norfolk landscapes. Images of Norfolk runs from Saturday, November 21 to Sunday, November 29, and is open from 10am to 4pm daily. Entry to the exhibition is free (normal garden entry fees apply). www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

DELVING INTO THE PAST

The unusual Unlocking The Archive festival celebrates the extraordinary range of archival treasures in Norfolk, especially books and manuscripts from the medieval period to the Renaissance. Members of the public will have the opportunity to handle and work with those documents in hands-on workshops, with a series of free events in public and heritage sites across Norwich from November 18 to 22, including The Forum and the Cathedral. Plus there’s a whole day of family events, to show how historical documents can be exciting for younger children, too. More at: www.beinghumanfestival.org

SINGING THE POSTMAN

Norfolk-based theatre company Crude Apache presents Singing The Postman, a poignant musical comedy drama about Norfolk legend Allan Smethurst, aka the Singing Postman. The production tells the tale of three Singing Postmen tribute acts, Billy, Terence and Geoff who meet in a pub by chance one rainy night on their way to a Singing Postman Birthday Memorial Show. At Horstead’s Tithe Barn on Wednesday, November 4 and at The Guildhall, Norwich, from Thursday, November 5 to Saturday, November 7. See: www.eventbrite.co.uk

COMEDY

Susie Blake swops the cobbles of Coronation Street for the boards of the Norwich Theatre Royal, starring as The Queen in this smash-hit West End comedy. Written by Moria Buffini, Handbagged runs from Tuesday, November 10 to Saturday, November 14 and speculates on what two of the world’s most powerful women – The Queen and Mrs Thatcher – really talked about behind closed palace doors.

GLYNDEBOURNE ON TOUR

Opera fans will be in their element at the Norwich Theatre Royal this November when three exciting and imaginative productions are presented from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21. Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail and Handel’s Saul feature stunning costumes and breath-taking music, with conductor Duncan Ward making his Tour debut with Don Pasquale. www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

CITY LIGHTS

Christmas lights are ready to be switched on around the county. Head to Norwich on Thursday, November 19 for one of the biggest nights in the city’s calendar, with the Norwich Christmas Lights Switch-On featuring festive stalls, music, entertainment, fireworks and a sparkling light show outside The Forum and City Hall (oh, and Father Christmas, of course!). The fun starts at 6pm and the lights go on across the city at 7pm, with Norfolk YouTube sensations Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman doing the honours. www.norwich.gov.uk

DANCING GIRLS

Enjoy an evening of burlesque cabaret, dining and dancing at one of Gorleston’s most popular venues. Christmas Burlesque with Binksy’s Showgirls comes to The Cliff Hotel in Gorleston on Monday, November 30. More at: www.thecliffhotel.co.uk

WAYS WITH WORDS

Southwold has always proved popular with artists and writers and this month’s festival of literature looks as good as any. The Southwold Festival runs from November 5 to 9 and this year’s programme can be viewed at: www.wayswithwords.co.uk. Meanwhile, the International Literary Festival continues at the UEA in Norwich with Amit Chaudhuri on Wednesday, November 11 and David Mitchell on Wednesday, November 18. More info at: www.uea.ac.uk/litfest

SOUND OF NEW ORLEANS

Legendary jazz trumpeter Leroy Jones comes to East Anglia this month as part of his first-ever major solo UK tour. The New Orleans star will be at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Monday, November 9 with two of the most exciting names in British jazz: the highly-acclaimed Ian Shaw and Joe Stilgoe, star of High Society at London’s Old Vic. A member of the New Orleans Jazz Hall of Fame, and having performed around the world, Leroy Jones’ show features New Orleans swing, fiery soul, bebop and tunes of his own. www.leroyjonesuktour.com

Picture NORWICH CITY COUNCIL

SHORT BREAKS

MAKING THE MOST OF IT

Norwich, England’s only Unesco City of Literature, launches into a thrilling season of interactive exhibitions and events, taking you from day to night via everything from art exhibitions and whisky to the paranormal. Melanie Cook reports VISIT NORWICH, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

December is spent running around shopping for Christmas presents and glitzy outfits. It’s usually busy socially, too, with drinks out, parties and work meals. Then we have to consider where we will be on the big day itself and how to prepare for it. So with a crazy month on its way, November is a good time to be calm; 30 days in which to look after and spoil ourselves and to enjoy our weekends and leisure time before the madness begins. We don’t have to travel far these days to break a humdrum routine. Appealing hotels and intimate places to stay are scattered across the county; throw in a good restaurant and some outdoor space and a home-away-from-home short break is suddenly very alluring. The Norfolk Mead is a 13-bedroom, boutique country house hotel on the edge of the Broads in Coltishall - Coltishall itself being a charming market town worthy of a visit, great for country walks by the river or for browsing antiques shops and the like. This lovely hotel is perfect for a mini-break, offering rooms from £130 per night including a sumptuous breakfast. Dinner is a must in the two rosette restaurant, with two courses at £27.50 and £34.50 for three. It’s a pretty perfect one-night break but, if you cannot steal a night away, dinner, Sunday lunch or afternoon tea by the open fire will leave you feeling rather pleased with yourself. Meanwhile, if you love pampering and a round of golf, then the Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf and Spa could be the answer. This impressive place is home to two Championship-standard golf courses, and a spa that uses high quality products: ESPA, St Tropez, Mii and Jessica. Chose individual treatments or opt for packages such as All About Mii and The Gift of Time which range from £65 to £205. Men are not forgotten either; they can relax with experiences such as the ESPA Back, Face and Scalp Treatment at £72. Barnham Broom overlooks 300 acres of attractive countryside, was recently refurbished, and offers a state-ofthe-art gym as well as an indoor pool. Breaks start at £99 and there are also seasonal packages that include dinner in the award-winning brasserie.

Meanwhile, those of us who love a bit of everything - golf, leisure, shopping and culture - may welcome being closer to Norwich, and some of the county’s other luxurious hotels, such as Sprowston Manor and Dunston Hall, are only a hop, skip and a jump away from England’s only Unesco City of Literature. This is a city where independent and high street shopping, museums, restaurants, architecture, history and theatre combine to fashion a diverse, energetic, thriving metropolis. The fantastic independent shops in Norwich are well worth browsing. Country & Eastern on Bethel Street, for example, is situated in a magnificent, historic building, The Old Skating Rink, where Victorians took enthusiastically to their roller skates. The Tannery in the city’s Art Deco Royal Arcade sells gorgeous, high quality leather bags, luggage, shoes and accessories, while if you head over to Elm Hill, which always looks amazing in autumn, you can indulge in antiques, second-hand books, crafts, art, jewellery and even collectable teddy bears from the charming Bear Shop. And while you’re there, pop into the historic Britons Arms for a slice of extremely delicious, home-made cake! In the evening, the Norwich Theatre Royal caters for all tastes, with November’s shows and performances including The Last Tango, the smash-hit West End comedy Handbagged, world class opera from Glyndebourne and a lavish production of the Nutcracker (all featured elsewhere in this month’s issue). The city’s more intimate theatres, The Norwich Playhouse and The Maddermarket, have some great offerings this month, too. At The Playhouse you’ll find 100 Years of Jazz in 99 Minutes and one of the UK’s leading comedians, Ed Byrne. Then over at The Maddermarket, there’s A Remembrance Concert featuring the music of Edward Elgar, and a performance by the Georgia Shackleton Trio, who combine vocals, fiddle, guitar and mandolin in a blend of old time, bluegrass and self-penned material. So remember to make the most of November and treat yourself to some well-deserved time out before the busy December rush.

NOVEMBER 2015

Pictures by MANUEL HARLAN

the show and had an extensive back catalogue of performances V’S STRICTLY COME DANCING superstars Vincent and routines to dip into when they were pulling The Last Tango Simone and Flavia Cacace left the popular show in 2013 together. but far from the dancing duo’s glitter ball losing its lustre during “We wanted to use as much as we could for this last show, their time away from the small screen, its sparkle has grown ever and the last couple of numbers are amazing,” Vincent said. “We brighter with their bold move into the theatrical arena. have done some incredible routines in the past, many of them Relishing the chance to push their performances to another only performed once, and we felt that people needed to see these level, the Argentine Tango champions have toured the UK with again and to see them live because it is so different to seeing them their sell-out and Olivier-nominated shows Midnight Tango and on TV. It was hard work and took us a while to choreograph. Dance ‘Til Dawn – and now they are out on the road again with “It’s set in The Last Tango. the 1940s, so we The show, their couldn’t go too third and final ‘Strictly’ with the production, will costumes, but visit 36 venues IT ISN’T JUST US DOING ANOTHER they are beautiful around the UK and we have over the next ten brilliant singers, months, arriving dancers and a at the Norwich WE LIKE TO ADD A STORY AND THERE beautiful live Theatre Royal ARE MOMENTS IN THIS STORY WHICH band, and the set from November ARE QUITE SAD is amazing. We are 2 to 7. still challenging Vincent ourselves, but we and Flavia did it with our have recently hearts and we are extremely happy with the show, the music announced it will be their last touring show but, while they will choice, the costumes and the story.” be packing their suitcases away, they won’t be hanging up their The storyline, as with the two previous shows, requires an dance shoes just yet, instead they will be moving on to new element of acting not usually associated with dance shows and ventures. this was part of the challenge for Vincent and Flavia. Four weeks into the tour and speaking to Judy Foster, “You act when you dance, but it is always very exaggerated,” communications officer at the Theatre Royal, Vincent said they Vincent explained. “When I am dancing the rumba, I am were “over the moon” with the reaction so far to The Last Tango. pretending I am in love. When I’m doing the paso doble, I am “We are getting standing ovations which is really rewarding. pretending to be a bullfighter. But it is very exaggerated. In our It’s always hard to keep improving – and the pressure on us to show, I had to put my head down and work hard. It was difficult produce something as good as the last two shows was very hard. because when I hear the music I automatically go into dancing We were worried – but the reaction has been brilliant.” action, so I had to act in a more ordinary way – to be more Vincent said the new show was “more emotional” than the natural.” previous two. “It isn’t just us doing another cha-cha-cha. We Vincent first came to the UK as a 17 year old from Puglia. like to add a story and there are moments in this story which are Dancing is in his blood - both his parents were professional Latin quite sad. We were in bits when we were choreographing it. At and Ballroom dancers, while his sister is a dance teacher. “I come times we would look at each other and we were in tears.” from a large Italian family. My mum was the last one out of nine Vincent and Flavia are both Italians by birth and bring their children and they all had four to five children each, so there are Latin passion to their dance. They have performed together for lots of cousins and there were always big parties when I was 20 years and, while Strictly brought them to the attention of the growing up, and lots of music and pasta and lasagne. But I have television-viewing public, they were dance champions before

CHA-CHA-CHA.

NOVEMBER 2015

INTERVIEW

BORN THIS IS VINCENT SIMONE’S LAST TANGO, BUT DEFINITELY NOT HIS LAST DANCE, AS JUDY FOSTER DISCOVERS

DANCE NOVEMBER 2015

been in the UK for 20 years now, so I am half and half. My mum says I am too English!” Now 36, he has added to the Simone brood himself with two little boys, Luca and Mateo, with his wife, Susan. It was the strain that touring for the past six years has put on personal and family lives for both Vincent and Flavia that led them to decide this would be their last tour. “It is hard on our families and we need a bit of family time. They suffer because we are away so much. Luca is now six and Mateo is two. When Lucca was small, it was me feeling upset when I was away – but I learned to cope with it and I was doing it for them. But now he is older, Luca doesn’t want me to go and it’s heart-breaking. My wife was saying that the little one now realises I am away and he is a bit unsettled.” Vincent recently moved his family to Ireland, his wife’s homeland, and in between venues is hot-footing it back there. “With success you have to pay a price, but I do miss them and they miss me. It is hard but I will do anything for them. But I can’t say ‘no’ to this amazing opportunity, so I have to compromise. We have a week off shortly, so I will be back at home changing nappies and cooking which I love doing.”

NOVEMBER 2015

Pictures by MANUEL HARLAN

INTERVIEW

While his family has a strong pull on him, Vincent is adamant that his passion for dancing will never dim and he and Flavia are looking for the next challenge. “We get offered lots of things which would be fun to do, but because we are on tour we can’t. Now we will be able to do other things and we may go back on TV, or we may make a film. We are taking a break for a while, but definitely not giving up. “I will always dance with Flavia,” he added. “We miss it if we are away from it for even a week. I love spending times with my family, but dancing is what I was born to do.”

THE LAST TANGO runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Monday, November 2 to Saturday, November 7, with performances at 7.30pm nightly and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the box office on 01603 630000 or online at www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2015

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I have a problem. I can’t share with you a

lot of what Lesley Garrett says in her show, An Audience With... It would be unfair and it would spoil it for you if you get a chance to see it – and if you get the chance, you should. Certainly lots of people were there to see her during a packed house at The Maddemarket Theatre in Norwich last month (she has taken the show around the country and also appeared in October at St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth). And this month the famous soprano will be back in Norfolk again, when she visits The Auden Theatre in the grounds of Gresham’s School in Holt on Sunday, November 22. But back to her appearance at The Maddermarket: Prior to her arrival, the set looks pretty basic, with just a piano in one corner, a couple of office chairs and a vase of flowers on a coffee table. But when Lesley Garrett arrives on stage, we soon learn that she doesn’t need much else. Artistic director at The Maddermarket, Stash Kirkbride, gives us an introduction, and suddenly the acclaimed performer is there, wearing an elegant black dress and a scarlet jacket. She’s singing With A Song In My Heart and she has the audience’s hearts instantly. Then the popular singer sits down to talk. Mr Kirkbride is an informed and articulate interviewer and he throws in just the right level of questions to begin the show. And that’s when we discover that she’s funny – very funny. Not far beneath the surface of this internationally renowned classical opera singer is a northern comedienne. She says her childhood was poor in material ways, but rich in love, support, family - and music. The stories of her parents, her school days and her performances all come tumbling out in a stream of often self-deprecating hilarity. This certainly is an entertaining evening. Lesley Garrett is a polished singer who has performed with the English and Welsh National Operas, starred in Carousel and The Sound of Music and appeared on TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Loose Women. She has also performed with all sorts of artists, including Michael Ball, Renee Fleming, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel and Lily Savage. At The Maddermarket she shifts between repertoires, from Franck’s Panis Angelicus and the Stanley Myers and Cleo Lane song He Was Beautiful, for example, with ease and style. The audience is given a list of songs and there’s a show of hands to decide which of these she should perform. This interesting touch adds to the audience’s involvement that characterises the evening. As the north country lass talks further, we learn that her ability to cross genres is a result of her South Yorkshire upbringing, with one half of her family loving classical music and the other half adoring show tunes. And her northern humour continues through her entire performance. The evening in Norwich isn’t without technical hitches, but as Lesley Garrett goes off stage to have her microphone turned on (such is her delivery that most people in the audience hadn’t noticed it was turned off ),

NOVEMBER 2015

she treats us to “Noises Off” as she’s heard talking to Howard, the engineer who has to sort the device out – which is inside her dress. She’s outrageously girlish and flirtatious as she reappears, nodding and winking to the audience as she tosses her hair and shares the experience. Later in the evening, the same errant microphone pack makes a dramatic reappearance. In a moment that would send some divas screeching into the wings, it falls from inside her second, sparkling gold, dress of the evening, and appears dangling beneath her hemline between her legs. In a heartbeat, she turns the situation into a moment of high comedy, with no recrimination, no panic and no fuss. Just another call to Howard and a dazzling display of audience involvement as the 60-year-old performer has everybody laughing once more. “Ooooh”, she exclaims, laughing along with them, “that’s never ‘appened before!” Hitches like these give her an opportunity to raise a laugh, but the Q&A part of the evening provides something truly momentous. There are loyal fans in the house, including a man from her fan club whom she acknowledges by name. The questions begin. “What’s the most important thing for posture and breathing on stage?” asks one lady. “Good underwear”, replies Lesley Garrett, who has already spoken about the technicalities of performance and delivery. And then a young lady asks a question. She tells us that her music teacher says she’ll never make a soloist and that she belongs in the chorus. “I’d give the world to be up there doing what you’re doing,” she says. “How do I get there?” “Come up here now”, is Lesley Garrett’s answer. Blinking into the spotlight, the young lady is plainly nervous. Asked what she’d like to sing she says: “I Dreamed a Dream”. Of course, Lesley Garrett knows the words and the music, as does her excellent pianist Anna Tilbrook. The girl and Lesley Garrett sing together. Garrett delivers a masterclass tutorial, guiding the young woman’s posture and breathing until she, with incredible generosity, stops singing to let the girl go solo. Lesley Garrett lets her finish and exclaims: “That music teacher of yours wants shooting!” The house erupts. The audience claps and stomps and shouts and there is hardly a dry eye in the place. This was a hugely enjoyable evening. The famous singer knows a great deal about music and she shares her knowledge and passion in an engaging and funny show that lives up to its title, as the audience truly is with her. As to her stories – well, here’s one that sums up her style: Talking about an occasion when she met the Queen more than once in the same day, she says that in the evening Her Majesty said to her: “You seem to have a very large wardrobe my dear.” “Well”, says Lesley Garrett: “I thought: you can talk dear! But best not to say it out loud!” As for the young lady who was brought up to the stage? Her name is Michelle Moore. Remember it, because if she does make it, you’ve just heard about the night she got her break. Courtesy of An Audience with Lesley Garrett.

AN EVENING WITH LESLEY GARRETT is at The Auden Theatre in Holt on Sunday, November 22. More info at: www.audentheatre.co.uk

REVIEW

LESLEY GARRETT AN AUDIENCE WITH

Pete Goodrum reviews the show before its arrival at Holt’s Auden Theatre

NOVEMBER 2015

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The Nutcracker comes to Norwich this month and is full of Christmas magic, as John Bultitude reports

WITH ITS ENDEARING SCORE, beautiful choreography and festive setting, The Nutcracker is a piece of dance packed with nostalgia and wonder. Northern Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production is set to bring the magic of Christmas to the Norwich Theatre Royal, and the company cannot wait for its performances in the city. As the clock ticks on Christmas Eve, a host of brightlycoloured presents hides a bounty of festive delights for the Edwards family. A box of performing toys holds particular pleasure and heralds an adventure for young Clara. She makes friends with a Nutcracker Prince who sweeps her away to a beautiful winter wonderland where there are spectacular snow storms and the wonderful Sugar Plum Fairy. This iconic ballet, which is performed to the music of Tchaikovsky, is a staple of the Northern Ballet repertoire. As well as delighting dance purists and theatre-goers, it is also a magical introduction to ballet for the young (and young-at-heart), with its mix of festive memories and fantasy bringing the enchantment of the Christmas season to everyone.

NOVEMBER

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THE NUTCRACKER

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Sun 15 Nov

THE NUTCRACKER Tuesday, November 24 to Saturday November 28 at 7.30pm, with Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets £8 to £37.50. Discounts for over-60s, under-18s, schools, groups and families. Box Office 01603 630000 or book online at www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

It is also a particular favourite of dancer Teresa Saavedra Bordes, who loves the Nutcracker. She explains: “It is just so magical, with this sweet world of marvellous characters. It is lovely for the young because Christmas is a time that is loved by the children.” Teresa enjoys the contrast of the whole piece, with its mix of childhood Yuletide and a host of characters from the world of fantasy. “In the first act, you can see this normal family Christmas. It then becomes this magical world with all these magical colourful characters,” she says. It is also fantastic for fans of dance, thanks to the stunning choreographic input of Northern Ballet’s creative director David Nixon and the music played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia. Teresa explains that a lot of hard work is needed to make the piece look absolutely incredible: “It is technically difficult, with a classical style. This is also a really famous piece with a popular story known by everyone who is a dancer. People love the music and the story. It is a great challenge, though, and we all want to do the best that we can on stage.” The production brings back a lot of memories for Teresa, of her own Christmasses and the excitement of the festive season. “I come from a really big family and I can remember being little and seeing all the presents,” she smiles. Professionally, The Nutcracker is also very important to her, as it was the first production she performed with the Northern Ballet. “I can remember joining the company and wanting to show everyone what I could do,” she says. “It brings back lots of happy memories for me. I got to know people through the rehearsal process. They treated me so well and I fell in love with the company.”

WHAT’S ON

This bond has proved to be important to Teresa during her time with the Northern Ballet. She explains: “If you have a problem or you don’t feel comfortable with something, they are there for you. It is something I really appreciate. It is great to work with people who like you. “When Christmas time comes, we are all together like a family. You have your own family at home but you have your own Northern Ballet family, too. As much as you do a lot of hard work, we are so happy to be together and we show that on stage.” Teresa believes her path to working in the Arts was a genetic one. She comes from a very artistic family, with her grandfather a painter, and both of her parents working as architects. “I was not forced into being creative, though. I loved it and was always inspired to paint and create things,” she remembers. Brought up in Gran Canaria, she studied there before moving to the Royal Ballet School in London and then managed to get a place with Northern Ballet. Teresa admits it is her dream job, saying: “I have fallen in love with dance in general. It is hard, but if you get an opportunity, you go for it.” She is also really looking forward to returning to Norwich when The Nutcracker is performed from November 24 to 28. “I really love it there. Every time I come, the weather seems to be lovely and sunny,” she says. “It is such a relaxing place, with nice shops and places to eat, and Chapelfield Gardens is just beautiful.” So prepare for Christmas to come a little early (on stage, at least) as the Northern Ballet makes its triumphant return.

NOVEMBER 2015

INTERVIEW

A MAN OF MANY

TALENTS

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Ralph McTell speaks to Mark Nicholls ahead of his appearance in Norwich on November 22

NOVEMBER 2015

WITH 34 ALBUMS, more than 300 songs and a career spanning 50 years, Ralph McTell is a national institution. Of course, there is one song above all he is recognised for Streets of London. From the 1969 album Spiral Staircase, it wasn’t released as a single in the UK until 1974 where it reached number two in the charts and today still forms an integral part of his live shows. Ahead of his appearance at OPEN in Norwich on November 22, I asked if it was a burden having one song that’s so dominant in his repertoire? “It can be frustrating at times,” he admits, “but it is what the wider public know me for.” The song, however, was selling 90,000 copies a day at one point, won him the 1974 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically and a Silver disc for record sales. So, it’s not all bad. Ralph – now 70 – reveals it was written as early as 1966 and is a song he is grateful for, one that has underpinned a long and successful career with a loyal fan base that sees far beyond that massive hit. That, he says, has been dramatically highlighted by his plans for a major performance, entitled By Loyal Command, at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 12 next year. “Streets of London has been good for me, but I know you can’t have a career reaching over 50 years with just one hit,” he remarks. “For the Royal Albert Hall show, I asked my ‘trusted friends’ – my fans – what they would like to see in the programme for that evening. “I’ve just been through the first thousand or so responses and Streets of London is not on the list – which is very reassuring for me. Of course, they know I’ll play it anyway, but they have requested many of my others songs and that lifts my heart.” Norwich is the final date in the current UK tour and Ralph, widely recognised for his virtuoso guitar style, says: “It will be a solo show, that is the way I have always done it for the last 50 years, apart from a couple of flirtations with a band and other musicians.”

Admired by musicians and aficionados alike for his dexterous finger-style guitar playing, he is a prolific and gifted songwriter. “My roots are in trying to mimic old ragtime guitar players and rag time blues players from the 1920s and 1930s and learning their techniques. “That is how I started to play guitar and how I write my songs. I say that I write the accompaniment to songs that have yet to be written. Playing my guitar gives me an idea for songs that will eventually be written.” Sofa Noodling – a recent self-effacingly titled album of guitar instrumentals – typifies that and evolved from sitting on the sofa and simply forming pieces of music. It was followed by Somewhere Down The Road, his most recent collection of selfpenned songs. Ralph made his debut in 1968 with the album Eight Frames a Second with Blue Skies, Black Heroes and Stealing Back among his best known guitar albums. His influences are diverse. “They are people I hold in the highest esteem for different reasons and include Bob Dylan because he changed everything; Randy Newman because he was never frightened to take on any subject, and Bruce Springsteen because he brought an intelligence to rock and roll,” he tells me. “I would not be writing if not for Bob Dylan but I also admire poets – from the war poets to modern poets – and those who play guitar but with the vision of poets.” He cites Paul Simon, James Taylor and his close friend Bert Jansch, who died in 2011, as among them. “There are also a lot of unsung heroes out there, too,” he adds. “You just have to go and look for them. But I love acoustic guitar and the sound it brings and over the years various individuals have inspired me.” Ralph, who was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2002, has fond memories of playing Norwich and is looking forward to a return for his show at OPEN. “I first played Norwich 50 years ago at the Jacquard Club in 1965 in a blue grass band and returned later as a solo artist. I think I must have played about every venue in Norwich in the years since and always look forward to coming back.”

Ralph McTell will be at Norwich OPEN on Sunday, November 22 at 7.30. Tickets £20. Bookings on 01603 763111 or www.open247.org.uk or on 01603 508050 and at: www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2015

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THE

SECRET TO LIFE Benet Catty reviews Anna Ziegler’s award-winning play, Photograph 51, starring Nicole Kidman

PHOTOGRAPH 51 is now showing at the Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London

NOVEMBER 2015

THE LAST TIME NICOLE KIDMAN appeared on stage it was a hot ticket in more ways than one. Her performance in The Blue Room - David Hare’s adaptation of the sexual merry-go-round play La Ronde - inspired Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph to describe it as “pure theatrical Viagra”, perhaps the most infamous line in the history of theatre criticism. In New York there were reports that people of the Spencer mentality were publicising which seats offered the best views of her bare behind. Seventeen years later she’s back on stage and, although the production is another hot ticket, the character she plays is a cold fish. Fans of her star turn in Moulin Rouge will find this closer to her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours. Rosalind Franklin was the scientist centrally responsible to the understanding of DNA while working at King’s College London in the 1950s. As she tells us in the play (in one of the many moments of direct address), her father had warned her, if she wanted to pursue a career in science, never to be wrong, as to be wrong could undermine a lifetime’s work. This was advice she took, but the pressure and tension she experienced in the pursuit of the impossible was considerable. Not only was she working alongside (and also against) other scientists who wanted to crack this particular enigma, but she was working in a context in which collaborating with a woman was not good for a man’s credo. This is a woman in a man’s world story and this ingredient is pursued

Photography by JOHAN PERSSON

WEST END REVIEW

in the play with more interest than the science. Franklin’s main colleague, Maurice Wilkins, played by Stephen Campbell Moore (the young teacher in The History Boys), has plenty of problems trying to connect with her as a colleague, a scientist, a woman and a friend, clearly not being adept at dealing with someone on any of these levels. Ironically for a character whose gender was as big a block to achieving success as the science, Franklin died of ovarian cancer aged 37. On Christopher Oram’s characteristically attractive composite set with the King’s College quad towering above and a glowing Perspex floor below (albeit with the latter almost invisible from the stalls), director Michael Grandage keeps the play moving through its many episodic scenes with his customary fluidity. Many of these short scenes are linked with narration by the cast, or sometimes by correspondence exchanged between Franklin and others. It is essentially a docu-drama, and as such puts the telling of the story of Franklin’s time at King’s above any character development. It would be hard to say that any of the characters change over the course of the evening - something that is normally fundamental to a good play; they are all there only to facilitate the telling of an under-appreciated episode of scientific history. The play offers sprinklings of amusing banter and is laced with the understated misogyny of the time and place. But with Franklin herself such a cold and unlovable character (it is indeed this coldness that is the double helix of the evening), we need some substance from the others to give us someone to root for. While we can be impressed by

Franklin’s achievement, it is hard to care for her on a personal level. It’s a story that deserves to be more widely known, and the closing scene makes it clear that this is the author’s view as well. But as a play it’s rather less than the sum of its molecular structure. Kidman, performing with an impressive English accent, plays an unshowy part with commendable unshowiness. Indeed it is a surprising choice of role for a star of such magnitude to make. This is no Elephant Man or Funny Girl; it’s an ensemble piece. It’s a performance much closer to her work in Australia or Rabbit Hole than Moulin Rouge or To Die For. The play would work better had it played in Grandage’s former theatre, the Donmar Warehouse, where one could feel more intimate with a play that largely consists of people in white coats peering at images and delivering monologues. The smallness of the play (and the central performance) makes it an unusual fit for a 1,000-seat West End house. But it is a pleasure (and a rare one) to see such a major star do what she does; Kidman is no mere movie star or celebrity, she has always been a famous movie actor, and she demonstrates this here with ease. The ticket prices are exorbitant at the top end but if you can get yourself a more moderately priced seat (particularly one of the muchpublicised £10 day seats) then Photograph 51 is worth beating a path to. It may focus on cold science but it is definitely one of this year’s hot tickets.

NOVEMBER 2015

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SPA BREAK

IT’S NOT HARD TO SEE why Ragdale Hall, the health hydro and thermal spa in Leicestershire, retains its accolade of being Britain’s number one spa retreat. Just over two hours’ drive from Norfolk, this privately-run health hydro was set up in 1973 and has been under the ownership of Michael Isaacs and the Nesbitt family since 1990. Since then generations of families have been returning year on year. What makes Ragdale Hall special is not just the luxuriously comfortable hotel and facilities but the warm welcome you receive when you arrive. The venue’s wonderful staff cannot do enough to ensure you are having the best time and nothing is too much trouble. At Ragdale, normal life does not carry on. Instead, you are ensconced in a world of fresh-faced people wearing white robes; lotions and potions; and steamy rooms filled with scent. I had three days of wonderful pampering with my husband for our wedding anniversary. We relaxed, swam, read, ate and drank and were in and out of luxurious treatments which left us feeling pampered and restored. We looked around for other couples and, surprisingly, there were quite a few; apparently numbers of male guests are on the rise, although the yearly number is still only 10%. But don’t let that put you off, as there are plenty of men who can certainly do with a break and it’s not all about facials and pedicures. What’s more, this spa escape is perfect

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SPECIAL OFFER Receive a 15% discount on breaks of two nights or more, Sunday to Thursday, before January 21, 2016, by booking through the luxury travel review website www. lovetoeattotravel.com. Two-night midweek breaks are priced from £314 per person including all meals, inclusive treatments and use of facilities, while two-night weekend breaks are priced from £373 per person. Minimum age 16. WHAT’S INCLUDED? Comfortable bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom, breakfast in bed, a threecourse buffet lunch, threecourse dinner, exercise classes, mountain bikes, tennis courts, unlimited use of the Thermal Spa, gym, mind gym, talks, robes, towels and free WiFi.

for friends, and for mothers and daughters, and it was lovely to see everyone relaxing and spending precious quality time together. Ragdale Hall’s range of facilities is all under one roof. The Thermal Spa, with five pools and 11 heat facilities, offers a world class spa experience. There’s also a gymnasium, a mind gym and lots of great exercise classes, plus outdoors you’ll find everything from boot camps to cycling and Nordic walking. On the beauty side, a new retail shop has recently been launched, which stocks the products the therapists use in the treatments. The favoured ones are Clarins, Decleor and Elemis as well as Ragdale’s own brand spa range, Ragdale Hall Spa, which you can find on their website or in Marks & Spencer. A lot of our time was spent in the state-of-the-art Thermal Spa. Being a water-baby, this was perfect for me. The outdoor hot waterfall pool with massage jets was lovely, especially at night time when it was hot and steamy and an ideal place in which to relax and chat. There’s a lovely range of steam rooms, my favourite being the Volcanic Salt Bath which was filled with eucalyptus. Others to indulge in include the Colour Flow Cave, the Thought Zone and a rosescented sauna, while the Candle Pool was also lovely.

THE CANDLE POOL �

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LIT WITH TINY STAR-LIKE LIGHTS IN ITS CAVE-LIKE ROOF WHICH CREATE A TRANQUIL ATMOSPHERE RAGDALE HALL HEALTH HYDRO & THERMAL SPA, Ragdale Village, Near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3PB. Tel: 01664 433000. Twitter @RagdaleHall

Visitors to the Candle Pool walk down steps into a hidden cavern which is lit with tiny star-like lights in its cave-like roof which create a tranquil atmosphere, allowing them to float away in quiet contemplation. For those who are feeling energetic, there’s a wellequipped gym complete with personal trainers, and a 25-metre swimming pool with more massage jets, a waterfall and a whirlpool.

There are lots of loungers on which to relax by the pool or you can choose to spend time in some other areas of the Hall, such as the Garden Room, Verandah Bar, lounge or pavilion. Included in our package were a superb 50-minute facial and a back massage using Elemis products and a Soft Hands Massage. I topped this up with a Decleor Aromatherapy Body massage, which was carried out using aromatic balms. The therapists were brilliant and the care and attention they devote to making you feel on top of the world is truly incredible. Entering the oak-panelled dining room filled with chandeliers for lunch, the chit-chatter of ladies who were all wearing white robes was surreal. The buffet was overwhelming and brimming with all kinds of lovely salads and hot food. We had delicious pea and mint soup, chicken and salmon for lunch, while the evening menu was packed with a great assortment of pasta, steak and meat dishes. Gone are the days of the serious health farm where you were only allowed 500 calories a day. Food is included in your package and you can eat as much or as little as you wish; you can also opt to have breakfast in your very comfortable bedroom. If you want to look busy, you can paddle off to talks on various subjects, such as household remedies, or attend one of the many fitness classes. Alternatively you can simply relax, read or snooze. I tried out the new Beauty Express bar, where you can have super-quick treatments, from a manicure or pedicure, threading or having your hair done. This is a perfect little place to drop into when it’s your last day, so that you can go home looking and feeling great. It’s not surprising that Ragdale has become a regular fixture in the diaries of so many women and men who need to unwind. I have always been curious to know what the draw has been and now I do; this little piece of heaven is going to be booked on a yearly basis. The warm welcome you receive and the care and attention while you’re there deserve the cupboard-full of awards and accolades that Ragdale has accumulated. Best of all, it is an unpretentious home-from-home and lives up to its reputation as being one of the best spas in the UK.

02.

01.

NB. PETE GOODRUMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S look back at the music of the last decades continues next month with the hits of the 1970s. PICTURED

03.

01. Billy Fury & George Harrison 02. Helen Shapiro 03. Adam Faith

BACKTRACK

Or were they? The early 60s were a pre-Beatle world where the rock ‘n’ roll rebellion of the 1950s still sat cosily alongside the music of a previous era. Nobody threw a master switch on New Year’s Eve 1959 to charge up the swinging 60s. In fact, as New Year’s Day 1960 dawned, the record that was topping the charts was by Emile Ford & The Checkmates. Ford was the first black British artist to sell a million copies of a single, and he and his band The Checkmates were voted, by New Musical Express readers, the best new act of 1960. All very impressive. But here’s the thing; the song he had at Number One, the track that saw in the 60s, was a number called What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For? Swinging 60s? That song was written in 1916! To get to Number One, the track had ousted Adam Faith’s What Do You Want? The shortest song to ever reach the UK Number One position, this was a much more modern piece. Written in 1959 by Les Vandyke and arranged by the legendary John Barry, it spent 19 weeks in the charts, three of them at the very top. Indeed, Adam Faith would become one of the most successful chart artists of the era. His famous, almost hiccupping, delivery and surly good looks added to his Soho and skiffle rock ’n’ roll credentials. This was home-grown talent and teenagers loved it. What Do You Want? was the first Number One hit for the Parlophone label and at that time Adam Faith was the only pop act they had. That situation was about to change, however, as we shall see. In truth, Adam Faith’s main career as a pop star was over by 1963; there was a new sound by then. Meantime, the early 60s saw pop music in Britain take several directions. A glance at the top hits of 1961 proves the point. Elvis was there, with Wooden Heart and Surrender. Some purists would say that his fire had gone by then and that the original fervour of his arrival in the late 1950s was spent, but his domination is unquestioned. Britain was constantly trying to deliver its own Elvis, and Cliff Richard was, at least initially, seen as a candidate. His backing band, The Shadows, were notching up hits of their own in 1961, too. A steady stream of Elvis-derived, British stars delivered hits. Each had his own boy next door first name and emotive surname. Besides the aforementioned Adam Faith, there was Billy Fury and the rather less commercially successful Vince Eager. Their records fought for positions in a chart that featured their American heroes, ranging from The Everly Brothers to Sam Cooke, to the sublime, and hugely influential Shirelles. The reality was, however, that, because the charts reflected the tastes of the public, there was a lot more going on. Mainstream acts such as Matt Monro were perpetuating the Sinatra school of crooning with hits such as My Kind Of Girl. Meanwhile, long-time British favourite Petula Clark was charting with ballads, including Sailor; and younger female talent had arrived in the form of schoolgirl Helen Shapiro whose You Don’t Know and Walking Back To Happiness were serious hits and rapidly established her as a star. So much so, in fact, that The Beatles’ first national tour was as her support act! In a Beatle-mad, Mersey Beat world, though, Shapiro would soon be perceived as the Beehive-haired symbol of an era swept away by emerging, cool female stars such as Cilla Black and Sandie Shaw. That said, check out early pictures of Shapiro and compare them with the late Amy Winehouse and you’ll see that Helen’s style left a mark.

PETE

G O O D R U M takes us back

through the tracks that defined the decades and this month he’s concentrating on the S I X T I E S . Looking at the big hits and the main events and covering lesser-known but influential artists, he focuses on the S O N G S and their origins as well as their fascinating local connections

1961 would also see the patchwork of pop produce hits for Andy Stewart, with traditional songs such as A Scottish Soldier as well as a rare jazz hit for Dave Brubeck with Take Five. And, of course, there was comedy. Enter Charlie Drake with My Boomerang Won’t Come Back. There was something else going on, too. Traditional or “trad” jazz had seen something of a revival. The early 60’s charts contained hits such as You’re Driving Me Crazy by The Temperance Seven and That’s My Home by serial charter Acker Bilk. There were also trad jazz hits including Midnight in Moscow for Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. Among the trad jazz band leaders enjoying revivalist fame were Chris Barber and Great Yarmouth-born Ken Colyer. Both of them employed a banjo and guitar player called Lonnie Donegan. He’d go on to have comedy hits including My Old Man’s a Dustman, but his interpretation of American folk and blues music would take centre stage in the intervals of jazz band performances. He went on to typify the skiffle craze, and became an influence on a generation of greats including Eric Clapton and Ronnie Wood. And The Beatles acknowledged him as a hero. By 1963 those Fab Four Donegan fans had the world at their feet. The Beatles had served their apprenticeships in the clubs of Liverpool and Hamburg and honed themselves into the unstoppable writing, performing and recording unit that would change the world. There had been casualties along the way. Tragically, Stu Sutcliffe had died and Pete Best had famously been replaced by Ringo. One-time lead singer, Norwich-born Tony Sheridan was also destined not to be part of the success. Interestingly, while working with Sheridan, The Beatles had recorded numbers such as My Bonnie and Ain’t She Sweet. The first was an ancient folk song with a commercial history dating back to the 1870s, while Ain’t She Sweet was written in 1927. They, too, it seemed, were as happy as Emile Ford to plunder material that long predated rock ’n’ roll in their quest for worldwide stardom. Closer to home, local bands were riding the rock and pop wave. Gary Freeman and The Contours, Ye Highwaymen and a plethora of others were playing all over the county. One such outfit was Rikky Lee and The Hucklebucks, who had a rather important gig in 1963 - we’ll get to it next month!

MUSICAL MEMORIES NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

TRAVEL

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TH E

T H G HFEFIASHION O

NOVEMBER 2015

As you ascend the mountain above Ischgl, the snowy plateau of Idalp comes into view.

NOVEMBER 2015

TRAVEL

t could perhaps be described as the spaghetti junction of ski lifts as, from the Fimbabahn cable car, chairlifts appear to disperse in every direction, conveying skiers to the enormity of the Ischgl ski area. Yet far from needing a mountaintop congestion charge, this is a system that moves skiers quickly, efficiently and comfortably on to their chosen runs without any delay. And it is that which makes Ischgl such a popular resort – with so many great pistes and so many great runs, there’s no queuing for lifts, no crowding on the slopes, and everyone seems to get to where they want, when they want. Much is down to prudent investment in new lifts; every year sees further development of the ski terrain and improved accessibility to friendly blues, interesting red runs and challenging black routes. Cuddled up to the Swiss border, it is possible (and permitted) to ski into Switzerland and the slopes of Samnaun. Over the last couple of decades, Ischgl has become a flamboyant, fashionable, even glitzy resort, developing a reputation as a party town with apres-ski for all tastes. Expect to be served in Niki’s Stadl, the Trofana Alm or Kuhstall by staff carrying beers above their heads as skiers still in boots and mountain wear dance to a unique brand of aprés-ski music.

Over the last couple of decades, Ischgl has become a flamboyant, fashionable, even glitzy resort, developing a reputation as a party town with apresski for all tastes.

A notch down from Euro trash, these sing-along anthems seem to delight the audience and, even if it’s not your scene, it needs to be experienced. But Ischgl also wants to show its mellower side, with bars and restaurants for those who may want to relax a little with a degree of peace and quiet after a day on the slopes. The quality of accommodation is good, often with spa facilities, too, and there’s scope for other activities such as cross country skiing, walks or the adrenalin rush of toboganning. The summer supply route conveniently becomes one of the best and longest toboggan routes in the Alps in the depths of winter. Buoyed by a warming glass of Glühwein, twice a week sledgers set off on small toboggans down a 7km route and the 950m descent back into the village.

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The village of Ischgl sits at an altitude of 1,377 metres in the Paznaun Region of the Tirol and is in the Silvretta Mountains, with the resort having 45 ski lifts accessing 238kms of wellgroomed leisure runs up to 2800m or more above sea level. The latest lift, a 28-seater tri-cable gondola system, rapidly moves skiers over a 1,251m height difference from the base station in the village up to the Pardatschgrat peak at 2,624m. Dining, whether on the slopes or in the village, is of the highest order. On the mountain the huts are friendly and welcoming, offering superb cuisine, or you can experience the Alpenhaus Restaurant at Idalp, which is the home of Ischgl’s exclusive VIP club – the first such club in the Alps. In the village, Hotel Yscla offers sumptuous food and an exquisite dining experience at the hands of up-and-coming young chef Benjamin Parth. Elsewhere, there is a wide choice of restaurants from rustic inns to five-star gourmet dining, as well as in excess of 40 bars, discos and nightclubs, while for a little romance, you can take

a horse-drawn sleigh ride out to the Wilderer Hut Mathon for Tyrolean specialities. Easily accessible from the UK, Ischgl and the surrounding resorts enjoy a long season, from late November until the start of May, with Ischgl also famed for its season opening and closing concerts. Stars such as James Blunt, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Deep Purple, The Killers, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie, Rihanna, Pink and the Scissor Sisters have appeared in these. Yet once in Ischgl, the biggest resort in the Paznaun valley, there are also other resorts with individuality and character nearby. Kappl, actually the largest community in the region, is ideal for families with young children and beginners, with 10 lifts and 42kms of slope. Galtür, at the head of the Paznaun valley, is in a ski area called Silvapark, with six sectors for beginners, children, boarders, cross country and Alpine skiers, with 40kms of piste and 10 ski lifts; and See, which is the smallest of the four villages, has a lovely, family-friendly ski area with nine lifts and 41km of piste. The See ski area has also recently been expanded with a new eight-seat gondola lift, making a new area of piste available but also offering glorious opportunities for off-piste skiers and deep powder snow skiing. But you don’t have to go hard at the skiing all day long. Instead, you can simply laze around in the sunshine on a sun terrace in a deckchair outside a mountain hut and soak up the rays with a glass of beer, or if it’s chillier, a warming mug of hot chocolate (with rum, as required!). Accommodation Mark Nicholls stayed at the 4* superior Hotel Brigitte in Ischgl, which UK tour operator Inghams offers from £1,099 per person including return flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers of about an hour. For more information: visit www.inghams.co.uk or contact 01483 791 114. Lift pass Best value flexible ski pass is the 4+2, allowing four days in one of the ski areas and two in any of the other three and which is priced from €213 for adults and €142 for children. Paznaun-Ischgl Further details on Paznaun-Ischgl are available from the Paznaun-Ischgl Tourist Office on 0043 50990 100 paznaun-ischgl.com or info@paznaun-ischgl.com NOVEMBER 2015

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Believed to date from around 1800 and formerly forming part of the Somerleyton Estate, we are delighted to have the opportunity to offer this delightful, 3-bedroom detached house with a 1-bedroom annex sitting in approximately 0.8 of an acre of well kept gardens. The main property benefits from three reception rooms, 26ft kitchen, conservatory, ground floor shower room, 3 first floor bedrooms, study and a bathroom. The annex benefits from lounge, kitchen, bedroom, shower room and its own heating system. There are various outbuildings, a summerhouse, a double garage and a good size shingle driveway. The property boasts many original and traditional style features.

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ASKING PRICE

Nos 8 and 11 to 16 The Dial are still for sale. This collection of three storey, two and three bedroom homes ranges from £350,000 to £495,000. The Well House, a premium four bedroom, four bathroom property over three floors, is priced at £650,000

IN A NUTSHELL

The Dial House development: “Aims to create memorable homes that provide a combination of both a quality and a lifestyle that is rarely found.”

TRULY UNIQUE

The new housing development at The Dial House in Reepham is something that Norfolk has never seen before

NOVEMBER 2015

DEVELOPER

Wilson Development Ltd is headed up by Iain Wilson who, in addition to The Dial House in Reepham, also owns Byfords and The King’s Head in Holt and The Pigs pub in Edgefield. He is also a director of The Assembly House in Norwich and of the online cake company, Sponge.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Pictures by CHRIS TAYLOR

The word “unique” is an often over-used term when it comes to estate agents’ particulars. However, this is a particularly apt definition when it comes to the new residential housing development at The Dial House in Reepham, as this collection of 17 contemporary houses offers something that simply hasn’t been seen in the county before. The thing that sets these stylish, modern properties apart is their location: situated in the heart of the attractive market town, they are well positioned for the city of Norwich and the county’s famous coastline, but as they’re located just behind The Dial House, they also benefit from everything that this lovely, eight-bedroom Georgian building, comprising restaurant and accommodation, has to offer. The houses are a mix of conversions of listed buildings and new builds, with the first phase of half a dozen conversions recently completed and phase two, the creation of seven new-build properties, now well underway. Five of the six conversions have sold, with The Well House, a fabulous, spacious four-bedroom house, still available. Meanwhile, the completion date for the first five newbuild properties (phase two) is set for the spring. These properties offer a unique location and lifestyle, with all of the hotel’s amenities on their doorstep and their central position and parking making them ideal for those looking to downsize or retire. And while these properties benefit from the proximity to the hotel’s restaurant, café, meeting rooms, catering service and more, the purchasing conditions mean that they cannot be used as holiday lets, encouraging people to live in the houses as opposed to using them as holiday lets or homes. The result is that this high quality development will have a real sense of ownership from the people living there. Work began on this striking collection of houses in November 2013 and, following six months of consultation and planning, building work on this modern-day accommodation began in April 2014, carried out by the newly-formed development company, Wilson Development Ltd. The result is a set of aspirational houses that are truly unique. FOR MORE INFORMATION on the properties at The

Dial House, contact Sarah Tribe on 01603 879900; by email at: info@wilsondevelopment.co.uk or visit the website at: www.thedialhouse.org.uk

NOVEMBER 2015

MARK DIXON & NATASHA ROOKE

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FREE HALF LITRE OF WINE FOR EACH COUPLE! Excellent cuisine – four course dinner, silver service ~ Coffee, mints and festive crackers ~ Wine waiter service during dinner ~ After dinner entertainment and dancing until midnight ~ Heated indoor pool with spa ~ Personal touch of a family hotel

AN AWARD-WINNING, INDEPENDENT ARTISAN BAKERY IN THE HEART OF NORWICH’S ‘GOLDEN TRIANGLE’ If your group is 40 people or more, please contact us to discuss arrangements…

OPEN MON-FRI 8-4PM OPEN SAT 8-1PM CLOSED SUN 01603 764798 INFO@DOZENBAKERY.CO.UK

North Drive, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1EG

01493 844568 | www.burlington-hotel.co.uk

Local Produce from

£15

For Accommodation, Functions, Weddings, Parties, Evening Meals, Sunday Luncheons and Bar Snacks.

n ncheo ay Lu le Sund g Advisab in k o Bo GOLD AWARD WINNING LOCAL PRODUCTS Table d’ote menu Three courses and coffee Large choice of Fish and Roasts served to your table

Free parking available - ask at reception North Drive, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1EG Tel: 01493 844568 Email: enquiries@burlington-hotel.co.uk

Christmas Hampers

Perfect Gift

Purveyors of fine food, more than just a village store..... 01692 678248 www.throwers.co.uk High Street, Ludham, Gt.Yarmouth, Norfolk

Throwers of Ludham

Visit Stall 8 Norwich Market & give you taste buds a treat!

Andy Newman visits a Norfolk woman who has turned the tradition of the ‘alewife’ into a thriving business, and Roger Hickman opens a bottle or two to create a luxurious starter

When you think of beer, you tend to think of

a predominantly male world: blokes standing at the bar downing pints, burly draymen delivering heavy barrels, and stocky brewers heaving big bags of malt into the mash tun. But it wasn’t always like this. Once upon a time, brewing was largely the preserve of women. When drinking water was not safe, beer was the staple drink, and brewing it was traditionally a woman’s job carried out by ‘alewives’ or ‘brewsters’. And it was this tradition which inspired one north Norfolk woman to undertake a complete career change; six years later she is an important part of the county’s craft brewing renaissance. Jo Coubrough originally trained as a teacher and started her working life in the classroom. Although the hospitality industry was set to be a big part of her life (she met her future husband, the well-known chef Chris Coubrough, while working at The Swan in Southwold as a student), she had no inkling that she would be part of an explosion in brewing beer in Norfolk.

NOVEMBER 2015

Helping Chris launch The Crown at Wells and then starting a family meant that Jo’s teaching career was put on hold for several years and, like many mums, when her children reached school age, she faced a choice: return to her former career, or find something else to do. Inspiration came, as it so often does, over the lunch table. Dining with friends one day, Jo got chatting to an old acquaintance who had left the world of TV production and retrained as a lawyer. “This set me thinking,” says Jo. “You only live once, so why not try something completely different?” Serendipity played a part in the choice she made, as two factors neatly slotted into place. Just at the point that Chris’s business, Flying Kiwi Inns, was flying high with a number of establishments, consumer pressure to know the provenance of what they were eating and drinking was emerging – so Chris suggested that Jo start brewing beer to supply his pubs. “How many husbands wouldn’t want their wives’ top brew beer?” laughs Jo. In fact, it was a logical decision. As well as having a ready market for her beer, Jo is based in the part of north Norfolk which is home to perhaps the finest brewing malt: Maris Otter. “The north Norfolk region is equivalent to the Champagne region,” she explains. “It has the chalky soil and the climate to enable fine barley to grow.” If provenance is important, there could not be a better place to base a brewery. Not only is Maris Otter the local barley variety, but it is malted at Great Ryburgh, and the water for Jo’s beer even comes from a borehole on the West Barsham estate where the brewery is based. After a week’s brewing course at Sunderland University, Jo brewed her first beer, a 3.8% abv session bitter flavoured with a mix of hops, including the Green Bullet variety from New Zealand – hence the name ‘Norfolk Kiwi’. Two further ales quickly followed: ‘Bitter Old Bustard’, a 4.3% abv russet-coloured ale, and ‘Knot Just Another IPA’, a proper golden, hoppy pale ale, with a 5% abv kick.

NORFOLK PRODUCE

ROGER HICKMAN’S

BEER-BATTERED LOBSTER CLAWS WITH TARRAGON MAYONNAISE

Jo C’s Norfolk ales are served at a number of Norfolk pubs, including The Ship at Brancaster, The Crown at Wells, The White Hart at Hingham and The Earlham Arms in Norwich. The beers can be bought in bottles or fivelitre mini-casks at many independent shops and delis, including Roys of Wroxham, The Green Grocers in Norwich, and Truly Local in Stalham. A full list of stockists can be found at www.jocsnorfolkale.co.uk, where you can also order the beers online.

Six years on, Jo C’s Norfolk ale has a wide following, largely through word of mouth, and is in demand in pubs and specialist food shops throughout Norfolk and beyond – the brewery even supplies a big pub company in London. This growth does not mean that Jo’s beers are anything but craft ales, in the true sense of the word. She is very much hands-on, and is the only full-time employee of the business. Indeed, Jo C’s is very firmly part of the renaissance of microbreweries which Norfolk has seen over the past five years. “Drinkers have been willing and curious to try something different, which is why craft ales have become so popular,” says Jo. “We are now seeing big brewers calling their brews ‘craft ales’, but to my mind a beer can only be called ‘craft’ if it is made on a small-scale.” In many ways, this new wave of craft ales from microbreweries is turning the clock back, and none more so than Jo’s modern take on the traditional alewife. She could be called a pioneer, but as more women turn their hand to brewing – and as pubs reinvent themselves to take advantage in the growing interest in craft ales - maybe the world of beer is finally turning its back on its male-dominated past.

INGREDIENTS 100g plain flour (plus a little extra for dusting) 100g cornflour, 250ml Jo C’s Norfolk Ales Knot, Just Another IPA, Salt, 4 lobster claws (cooked), 2 egg yolks, Splash of white wine vinegar, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, 125ml extra virgin rapeseed oil, plus more for deep frying, 125ml sunflower oil, Handful of chopped tarragon, Pea shoots to garnish

METHOD

Put the ﬂour,

cornflour, beer and salt into a bowl, and whisk with an electric hand mixer to make a batter. If it appears too stiff, add a little extra beer. Let the batter stand for an hour or so. Remove the meat from the lobster claws, taking care not to break it into too small pieces (ideally, you are looking for evenly-sized chunks of around 2cm). Dust the claw pieces in flour (to give the batter something to cling to), and then dunk the lobster pieces in the batter. Deep fry the battered claw pieces in rapeseed oil at 180°C until they are a light golden colour – you don’t want to overcook them. Remove from the fat and drain on a piece of kitchen roll, or a clean J cloth. To make the mayonnaise, whisk the egg yolks, vinegar and mustard in a bowl. Combine the rapeseed and sunflower oils together, and then, while still whisking, very slowly add a few drops into the egg mixture. Once it starts to emulsify, add a little more (don’t be tempted to add the oil too quickly, or the mixture will split). Once you have a stable emulsion, you can add the oil a little more quickly, until you have added it all and you have a thick, creamy mayonnaise. Then mix the chopped tarragon through this. Serve the lobster claws garnished with pea shoots, with the mayonnaise alongside for dipping.

ROGER HICKMAN is chef-proprietor at Roger

Hickman’s Restaurant in Upper St Giles, Norwich. More details at www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com. THE RESTAURANT HAS JUST WON THE AA NOTABLE WINE LIST AWARD

Pictures by BARKERS PHOTOGRAPHIC, GORLESTON www.barkersphotos.co.uk

PARMESAN & HERB-CRUSTED FILLET OF BEEF

Parsnip Purée, Sautéed Wild Mushroom, Red Wine and Rosemary Sauce

INGREDIENTS 4 x 6oz fillet steaks 100g wild mushrooms 50g Panko breadcrumbs 1 tbsp chopped rosemary 1 tbsp chopped thyme 1 tbsp chopped parsley 2 cloves garlic (diced) 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp olive oil

FOR THE PARSNIP PUREE 1lb parsnips 2 cloves garlic 250ml double cream 250ml milk 2 tbsp butter

FOR THE SAUCE 250g shallots 4 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic 1 sprig rosemary 400ml red wine 400ml beef stock Knob of butter

IMPERIAL HOTEL

Simon Wainwright, executive head chef of the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, shows us how to create this delicious winter warmer METHOD First make the parsnip purée by peeling and thinly slicing the parsnips. Place these in a saucepan along with the garlic, cream, milk and butter then bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until the parsnips are very soft (around 10 to 15 minutes). Uncover and cook until the liquid is reduced by half (about five minutes) season with salt and purée in a blender until smooth. FOR THE SAUCE Dice the shallots and sauté these in a saucepan with the olive oil over a high heat for about three minutes until lightly browned, then add the sliced garlic and rosemary and continue to cook for a further three minutes, stirring often to prevent the shallots from burning. Pour in the wine and cook until reduced by two thirds, pour in the stock, bring to the boil and simmer until again reduced by two thirds to around 250ml. Remove the garlic and rosemary, season with salt and pepper to taste then whisk in a knob of butter. When cooking the steaks, add any juices to the sauce before serving. To cook the steaks, heat a large sauté pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Fry the steaks on both sides until brown, then remove and place on to an oven tray. While the pan is still hot, add the wild mushrooms to it and fry until cooked, then add your sauce. Next mix together the Panko crumb, rosemary, thyme, parsley and garlic. Spread the top of each steak with a little Dijon mustard then sprinkle with the herb crumb and cook in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to be cooked pink. Place a ladle of sauce and mushrooms on to the plate, along with a spoon of parsnip purée and a fillet steak to serve.

Wine Notes

2013 MAS OLIVERAS’ OAK-AGED TEMPRANILLO, BODEGAS ROQUETA, CATALONIA, SPAIN NICK MOBBS, director and wine expert at the Imperial Hotel, says: One of the tougher jobs that I have to do is to search out new wines so I can tell readers of Places&Faces® about my discoveries and recommend them to go with some wonderful dishes created by our head chef Simon Wainwright. So a little while ago, on a cold, dark, grey October morning, I set off to London for a tasting with Corney & Barrow. By 10.30am in the morning, I was tasting wine - it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it! One of the wines that I discovered was the Mas Oliveras’Oak-Aged Tempranillo, which comes from the Catalonia region of Spain. The winery was founded by Ramon Roqueta who planted vines on an ancient olive grove in the foothills of the Catalonian Pyrenees north-west of Barcelona. This area has its own unique micro climate capable of producing very high quality grapes. The grape variety is 100% Tempranillo which is the same grape type that makes Rioja. The wine is bright ruby red in colour, intense and centred on the nose with some wonderful undertones of ripe strawberries and liquorice. The palate offers a subtle, fresh summer berry and black fruit flavour with wonderful warm, rich textures and tannins which work so well with herb-crusted fillet of beef. The beef has the added richness of the sauce and calls out for a wine with structure, fruit and tannins to cut through and refresh the palate and prevent the mouth from becoming too cloying. This is a great find and was well worth a day trip to London to discover.

• A team of brilliant chefs • Superb wine list • Laid-back atmosphere The perfect restaurant for dinner or Sunday lunch. At the Imperial Hotel, North Drive, Gt Yarmouth, NR30 1EQ. To book call 01493 842000

www.cafecru.co.uk

Sunday 12.30 - 2pm Monday - Saturday 6.30 - 10pm The Terrace is open daily. For opening times & menu go to imperialhotel.co.uk

FOOD GA LLE RY: BOOK NOW FOR CH R IST M AS

The

Manor House

Beccles Wine Vaults

Albatros

Acle Tea Rooms

Beccles Wine Vault has an extensive Christmas and New Year Menu from £21 per person – enjoy a pre Christmas meal in our unique venue.

The Albatros, which is moored at Wells-nextthe-Sea, is a 100-year-old Dutch clipper, built in Rotterdam. The beautiful vessel was built for Johannes Muller from Middelhanis, Holland, where she remained until being sold to a Danish owner, believed to be Captain Ramussen, who used her as a cargo ship to export grain from Scandanavia. In 1983 Ton Brouwer bought and fully restored her. The Albatros is a Dutch-style café bar and restaurant serving sweet and savoury pancakes and other Dutch specialities. Have your meal alfresco on the main deck and enjoy the views of the harbour. Fully licensed bar, real ales, live music and bed & breakfast. Private and corporate parties welcome.

Our family run tea rooms has oodles of charm The Green, Acle, and character, nestled in the village of Acle Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 3QT just a short distance from Norwich and Great Tel: (01493) 751811 Yarmouth, why not get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy a light lunch in our charming eclectic surroundings, or just stop off for afternoon tea and enjoy a slice of home made cake. We can also arrange for you to take home a cake for the family so they do not miss out on our fantastic home made delights.

Open: Mon-Thurs - 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat - 11am -1am, Sun - 10am-11pm A: 2a Blyburgate, Beccles, nr34 9TA T: 01502 713381 W: www.beccleswinevaults.co.uk

Open: 12 noon until late A: Quayside, Wells-next-Sea, NR23 1AT T: 07979 087228 W: www.albatros.eu.com

Open: 10-6 (closed Mondays) A: The Green, Acle, Norfolk NR13 3QT T: 01493 751811

Acle Bridge

Café Britannia

Planet Spice

Phil and Vanessa welcome you to a family run pub.

Enjoy a festive feast with family, friends or colleagues in one of the café’s luxury, private rooms. Everywhere will be full of Christmas cheer and there’s a variety of seasonal menu choices including a three course meal, buffet selection or festive afternoon tea. Santa will also be in the cafe’s grotto for the first three weekends in December, and on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd December between 11am and 6pm. Plus Christmas Eve between 11am and 4pm.

THE SPICE TRAIL... Planet Spice is an Indian restaurant in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Our aim is to provide an exquisite, unrivalled range of authentic and imaginative Indian dishes to all food lovers in the area. We are dedicated in our approach to healthy eating, which demands we use the highest quality, fresh, organic ingredients. All spices are freshly ground to maintain natural flavours and aromas. Absolutely no additives are used in our kitchen.

Sample Pre-Christmas Menu: Feta, pomegranate and pecan salad with a light honey and Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Roast Norfolk turkey served with chestnut stuffing, bacon wrapped chipolata, roasted new potatoes, brussel sprouts, roast winter vegetables. Toffee and pecan cheesecake with a rich butterscotch sauce Only a few tables left for Christmas day and New Years Eve

You are assured of a warm welcome from all the staff here at the Acle Bridge pub and restaurant on the Norfolk Broads. At Acle Bridge we can cater for all your Christmas and New Year functions, or book a table with family and friends and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Contact us for our Christmas lunch menus. Come and see the New Year in with us at The Acle Bridge. Open: Mon-Sat – 11am-11pm, Sun – 11-10.30pm, Food served 12-9pm A: Old Road, Acle NR13 3AT T: 01493 750288

Acle TeA Rooms

Our daily specials board is full of tempting treats, catering for all dietary needs.

For more information or to book call 01603 708600 or follow Café Britannia on Facebook for more updates. Open: Mon to Fri - 7.30am-10pm, Sat - 8am-10pm, Sun - 8am-10pm A: Britannia Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4LU T: 01603 70860 W: www.cafebritannia.co.uk

Open: Every day for lunch 12-2pm and dinner 5.30-11pm A: 2 Filby Lane, Ormesby St Margaret, Great Yarmouth, NR29 3JR T: 01493 731111 / 01493 731101 W: www.planetspiceormesby.co.uk

RECIPE

RULING THE ROOST SMOKED CHICKEN SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE AND PEARS

Photography by ANDREW FLORIDES, www.andrewflorides.co.uk

Our French chef Franck Pontais creates a decadent winter dish, perfect for those blustery November days

INGREDIENTS For the main dish 50g cooked smoked chicken breast, 1 small little gem Cos lettuce, 40g pears in syrup, 40g blue cheese sauce dressing, 30g Stilton, 5g caramelised nuts, 2g balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper For the spicy caramelised nuts 70g whole hazelnuts, 20g icing sugar, 20g pumpkin or sunflower seeds, a few crushed chilli flakes

SERVES 1

For the blue cheese sauce 100g Stilton, 100g double cream, 140g olive oil, pinch of salt, 40g hot water

METHOD For the main dish Sear one wedge of pear and dice the rest. Slice the lettuce and place it in a bowl, then add the diced pears and pour the cheese sauce on top. Slice the chicken breast finely. Arrange the salad on the middle of the plate and place the smoked chicken breast on top then crumble the Stilton on top of the chicken. Place the seared pear on top and add a few caramelised nuts. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar around the salad to form a neat circle before serving. For the spicy caramelised nuts Place the whole hazelnuts with the icing sugar in a saucepan and heat gently. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved and starts to

caramelise. Take the pan off the heat and stir the chilli flakes and pumpkin seeds in quickly. Pour the nuts on to a tray and leave these to cool down (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if they stick to each other a little, as they will come apart once cold). Store the nuts in a dry area until use. For the blue cheese sauce Place the Stilton and cream in a bowl in a Bain Marie on a stove or in the microwave. Once the mixture is melted, whisk the olive oil in slowly and then add the salt. Add the hot water and mix well, then leave to cool down and store in the fridge until use.

Let our French chef Franck Pontais cook for your private dinner. Plus, for those who really enjoy cooking, he also offers masterclasses for all abilities in your own home. More information is available at www.franckpontais.com

NOVEMBER 2015

�THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF BURGERS,

GOOD OLD FISH & CHIPS, AVOCADO AND CHICKEN SALAD, AND WHOLE TAIL SCAMPI�

NO PRIZES FOR GUESSING what kind of food is on offer at Gorleston’s new Porterhouse Bar & Grill. The Porterhouse – a larger version of the T-Bone steak, sometimes known as the ‘King of the T-Bones’ - is the pinnacle of the menu and sits among half a dozen other steak choices; sirloin, rib-eye, fillet, tomahawk and gammon. The chef’s favourite is part fillet and part sirloin and is served on a rectangular slate dish which looks great; appealing and tasty, the steak is grilled to your liking and accompanied by roasted vine tomatoes and a wire basket of fries. This is a clever menu which has clearly taken some thought. Besides the many tempting steaks, there is a wide range of burgers as well as good old fish and chips, avocado and chicken salad, and whole tail scampi. There are also two types of chilli – a five-way chilli made with beef and a chilli made with Tuscan beans. What’s more, everyone’s welcome. This restaurant is aimed at all ages and it’s refreshing to see this stated on the menu, which has a separate ‘Little People’s’ section and which says: “Kids? Love them – in fact we used to be them, went to school with hundreds of them! Pretty much all our menu can be served plainer and in smaller portions and with ketchup for the younger!” This fab new venue is owned by the town’s Cliff Hotel and opened towards the end of the school summer holidays, and it’s been doing a roaring trade ever since. Set in a trendy new development on Lower Marine Parade, directly opposite Gorleston’s famous wide, sandy beach, the Porterhouse is an industrial-looking place, with bare wooden tables, teale-coloured chairs and walls, exposed brickwork and a

long, modern bar. With a bright, fluorescent chiller in the corner and a neon sign advertising the roof top space, it looks like a cross between an American diner and a micro-brewery. You can see through the large, wooden hatch to the kitchen where the chefs are busy working, while the waiting staff, dressed in jeans and black, Heineken-sponsored tops and aprons, are also a hard-working, happy bunch. Shaun, who served us, was friendly and attentive and clearly loves working in the hospitality industry; his kind of enthusiasm is great to see. He told us that trade has been excellent, particularly at the weekends, when the place is routinely fully booked, so make sure you call ahead if you’re planning give the Porterhouse a try. When we were there, on a Tuesday night at the end of September, the place was bustling with all sorts of diners, from a lone businessman with a laptop to groups of friends seated at the round tables in the middle of the room. We sat by one of the large windows and, with another group of four right behind us, it was a bit of a squeeze, but generally there’s lots of space – the main room is big and there’s another smaller room next door, again with great views, which looks ideal for works nights out and parties. And the piece de resistance – still to come – will no doubt be the roof top area, which was still under construction when we visited, and which will be open until 10pm at night; no doubt proving a real bonus to the venue in the summer. But back to the food. Knowing that we had substantial mains to come, we chose the bread and dips between us – hot and tasty strips of pitta bread served with houmous, taramasalata and tsatsiki.

NOVEMBER 2015

Relaxed fine dining in a 14th century coaching inn with luxury rooms and Michelin award-winning food just a stones throw away from the North Norfolk coast. RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

01692 581099 WWW.THEINGHAMSWAN.CO.UK The Ingham Swan, Sea Palling Road, Ingham, Norfolk, NR12 9AB

The Porterhouse Bar & Grill 14-17 Lower Marine Parade, Gorleston-On-Sea, Norfolk, NR31 6BT | T: 01493 600889 www.porterhouse.restaurant

Other appetisers were bread and olives and garlic bread and we could also have gone for all kinds of starters: salt and vinegar squid, slow-baked ribs, bruschetta bites, crispy chicken fillets, Porterhouse-loaded skins, hot ‘n’ kickin’ chicken (chicken wings served with piri piri dressing) and Porterhouse prawns. I chose chilli for my main course and, unsurprisingly, my husband, Miles, went for the Porterhouse steak. He was very impressed, choosing to have it cooked medium rare and with his wooden-handled steak knife simply falling through the dish. The menu has been devised by executive chef David Tumber and his team and everything has been thought through. Just like the new venue itself, the food is attractive, modern and impressive, and we couldn’t fault it. My chilli was hot and tasty, served with red kidney beans, red onion, cheese and sour cream, with a wire basket of nachos on the side. The portions were generous and there are all the accompaniments you could wish for, with a wooden box full of condiments and sauces on each table. What’s more, you can add to your dishes in all kinds of ways, with Bearnaise, peppercorn and blue cheese sauces available to accompany the steaks, along with a host of relevant side orders, such as battered onion rings and home-made slaw. Reviews on Tripadvisor and social media have been mixed, but it seemed to us that any teething problems have been addressed, because our food was great, the staff keen and the general ambience very welcoming. There’s easy WiFi access, so diners can leave their comments there and then, should they wish to, and comment cards are also given out with the bills. The new Porterhouse Bar & Grill is a success and it’s dancing to its own tune, with nothing else like it nearby. This modern, fresh place has given Gorleston a lift and, on Friday and Saturday nights, DJ Tony Chtyla takes to the decks for the ‘Porterhouse Nights’ – music and dancing until the early hours.

�MY CHILLI WAS

HOT & TASTY, SERVED WITH RED KIDNEY BEANS, RED ONION, CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM�

The drinks menu features an extensive list of cocktails and shots, and there are all kinds of craft beers as well as wine, spirits, whisky and soft drinks plus, very helpfully, a product list detailing everything that’s in stock behind the bar. The desserts on offer when we visited were toffee apple pie, cookie dough cheesecake and Black Forest fudge gateau, so not for the faint-hearted, and there were also brownies as well as vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream. This popular place is open daily and also serves breakfast from 9am to 11am (either a Full English or a selection of bagels), while for those wanting a quick lunchtime bite there are also hot dogs, sandwiches and hot baguettes. We left feeling very full and very impressed, and a return visit is definitely on the cards.

NOVEMBER 2015

Relaxed fine dining with brand new menus created by Chef Patron Daniel Smith, located close to central Norwich in the South Norfolk village of Stoke Holy Cross. RESTAURANT

01508 492497 WWW.THEWILDEBEEST.CO.UK Norwich Rd, 82-86 Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8QJ

INTERVIEW

MAN OF THE

PEOPLE Richard Bainbridge’s appearance on TV’s Great British Menu has brought him attention from across the country, as Carolyn Atkins discovers

ICHARD BAINBRIDGE IS A POPULAR MAN. Two-and-a-half million people were glued to their television screens recently while the Norwich chef chopped, whisked and stirred his way into the finals of BBC Two’s Great British Menu and, as he sits at a table by the window in Benedicts, his recently-opened city restaurant, countless people smile and wave at him as they walk past. This was the fourth time that Richard had appeared on the popular TV programme and the first time that his

Pictures by RICH BROWN @MRRICHBROWN

dishes made it on to the final menu. He beat other contenders Pip Lacey, head chef at London’s Murano, and Jason Hodnett, head chef at The Raven Hotel in Shropshire, to represent the Central region and went on to cook his cuisine at a lavish banquet at London’s Drapers’ Hall marking the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Institute. This celebration of inspirational women struck a chord with Richard, who was brought up single-handedly by his mother, Jill, and whose German wife Katja and baby daughter, Holly Hilda, have been both his support and his motivation.

And while the other finalists, Michael O’Hare, who runs The Man Behind The Curtain in Leeds, and Matt Gillan, head chef at The Pass at the South Lodge Hotel in Surrey, created the fish course and main course respectively for the banquet, Richard was tasked with two courses, both inspired by the WI: a striking starter called We All Stand For Jerusalem and a luxuriouslooking dessert, Inspiring Women, which paid homage to his late grandmother, “Nanny Bush”, and his sister, Gemma Boyd. Served in rustic pottery bowls from Made In Cley in north Norfolk and brought out to the rousing hymn, Jerusalem, Richard’s starter featured Jerusalem artichoke, parsley sponge, poached yolk, lamb loin and pearl barley risotto, while the desserts were pretty, individual-sized summer trifles served with Sister B’s Cocktail – effectively a Victoria sponge cake in a glass. The banquet went perfectly and social media went mad. Richard says: “Everybody had supported me, so I was really focused on trying to make sure that it was perfect and that everybody really enjoyed it. I was so happy and proud to be there.” People around the country were rooting for him to do well, with people stopping Richard in the street to congratulate him and 3,000 people following him on Twitter in just one week. Richard is incredibly thankful for their support and took the time to answer everyone’s tweets personally. He says: “For people to take the time to come up to say: ‘You did really well on Great British Menu’ means loads. Like on Twitter – it took me two-and-a-half hours every single night after work to say; ‘Thank you very much, I really appreciate it’… “I think the least I can do is reply personally and say: ‘Thank you, I really appreciate your thoughts.’ I was overwhelmed really, because when I served my dessert on the Thursday, the first time, my computer crashed twice with Twitter – it was ridiculous!” While Richard’s TV success may have been a long time coming, he has been successful off-screen for many years. Having spent

NOVEMBER 2015

the last seven as head chef at Michelin-starred Morston Hall in north Norfolk, Richard has also worked at many other top restaurants including the Roux brothers’ acclaimed Waterside Inn in Bray and Kevin Thornton’s in Dublin. He has also spent stints in New York and in New Zealand, where he met his wife-to-be Katja. His first job was washing dishes in the kitchens at The Bull pub in Hellesdon, which his mother secured for him when he was just 13 (she worked part-time there doing their book-keeping). And after going to school in Hellesdon and training to be a chef at City College, Norwich, Richard hasn’t looked back. He says: “The amazing thing is, the day after my 13th birthday, at six o’clock, I started my first shift in the kitchen and the day after my 33rd birthday, at six o’clock on the Friday, I walked through the door of my own restaurant.” Word has spread about Benedicts, Richard’s rustic-looking neighbourhood restaurant on St Benedict’s Street in Norwich, with Friday and Saturday nights now fully booked months in advance and people travelling from around the country to try his food. Richard confides: “The great thing for me is that we can now really concentrate on making Benedicts great. We’ve got the people coming in, so we’ve just got to make sure that they have a great time.” Of course, all Richard’s dishes from the Great British Menu are available at Benedicts and customers have even been ordering the famous Victoria Sponge cocktail as a starter. The Jerusalem artichoke starter is served in the same bowls as it was on TV, with the words “Jerusalem”, “educate” and “inspire” around the edge, and the attractive trifles are served in the little cloth tents that Katja made for the TV programme, where the presentation of the food was just as important as its taste. The dishes certainly impressed the judges – restaurateurs Prue Leith and Oliver Peyton and food writer Matthew Fort, who were joined by representatives from the WI.

All pictures by KATIA BAINBRIDGE

INTERVIEW

Richard explains that he couldn’t have had the TV success without the support from his family, or from his team. He has surrounded himself with familiar staff at Benedicts, with restaurant manager Maddy Johnson and sous chef Ashley Williamson both having worked with him at Morston Hall. Richard is thankful for Galton Blackiston’s support, saying: “Morston Hall has got a dear, dear place in my heart. I owe Galt a lot.” And, as Richard says, the Great British Menu “couldn’t have been timed any better”; Benedicts opened on June 17 and Richard confides: “I’m so happy that, because we know the bookings are there so far in advance, we can now just really concentrate on the daily running, making sure everything is perfect.” He is at the new restaurant six days a week, with Sundays nicknamed “Hollyday” – a big family day that centres around the couple’s 18-month daughter. Meanwhile, Tuesdays and Saturdays are Benedicts’ busiest days (it’s open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday) and those familiar with Richard’s food from Morston Hall will know that it is focused on local produce and seasonality. Richard spent seven years as head chef at the Michelin-starred Morston Hall, while his time on the Great British Menu meant that he has also got to know some other big name chefs such as Tom Kerridge from The Hand & Flowers in Marlow and Daniel Clifford from Midsummer House in Cambridge. Richard says: “Daniel Clifford is like my big brother - he’s been so supportive in the setting up of Benedicts.” However, Richard adds: “I’m not a chef who wants a big, flash car or who wants to be everywhere; I just want a really successful restaurant.” He and his team eat together every afternoon, along with his baby daughter, and Richard says: “It’s their restaurant as much as it is mine.”

But creating great food is Richard’s overall driving force, as well as investing in the 50-seat restaurant as time goes on. The restaurant has 34 covers downstairs and 16 upstairs in an elegant private dining room which caters for parties (eight is the maximum number for a table downstairs). Richard and his wife Katja re-mortgaged their house in Briston, north Norfolk, in order to take on Benedicts, which they have invested in on their own, and they stay in their flat above the Norwich restaurant five nights a week. Richard’s Mum Jill continues to be supportive, looking after little Holly Hilda while Richard and Katja work in the restaurant downstairs. Richard says: “We looked all around Norfolk – we went from guesthouses to pubs, to restaurants to bistros, and then it got to the point where we went, well if we’re going to open, you might as well stick me in the middle of the lion’s den!” He adds: “We’re lucky, we’ve had Michelin in twice already – we had Michelin and AA within two weeks through the door - and then Michelin have already been again. “The big thing for me is that if people are happy and they’re enjoying my food, and my staff are happy and proud of where we work and that doesn’t come with a Michelin star, then I’m happy. If a Michelin star came our way, then I would obviously embrace it with open arms.” However, Richard confesses that gaining a Michelin star is: “Not at the top of my agenda at the moment – it’s making sure that people are happy and they want to come back.” Judging by the number of people waving and smiling at Richard as they pass the restaurant’s window, it certainly looks as if he has got plenty of potential customers.

BENEDICTS is at 9 St Benedict’s Street, Norwich, NR2 4PE 01603 926080. www.restaurantbenedicts.com @chefbainbridge @restbenedicts www.facebook.com/restbenedicts

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HOMES & INTERIORS

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

VISIT

AFTER MOVING BACK to her home town of Norwich in 2004, interior designer Rebecca Coulby decided to follow her passion and establish her own interiors business with a difference. “After 10 years of being out of the workplace, concentrating on raising my two children, I was extremely nervous about taking such a big step, but the desire to offer a different kind of interiors service to the general public was my driving force – it just felt like the right thing to do,” she confides. Rebecca has a First Class BA Honours Degree in the History of Design and Decorative Arts from the University of Brighton, where she met her husband Thomas, who runs Coulby Interiors with her and who has a Fine Art degree. The couple has roots in Norfolk, as Rebecca grew up in Reepham, and they have a daughter, Ella, nine, and a son, Alex, who’s 11. Their company’s emphasis is on tailor-made, personal service and a complete project management approach. Rebecca says: “Having grown up watching my late father, an architect and interior designer, run his own business, I had long ago discovered a real demand in the market for a company that was able to offer one complete service. A service encompassing professional design through to the supply of all materials, with a team of skilled and dedicated craftsmen and tradesmen on hand to complete all necessary build and installation work.” “You can’t be an expert overnight”, she says, adding: “I firmly believe that in general people are not receiving a good enough design service, particularly when it comes to kitchen or bathroom design. The end result is often a poorly functioning room and dissatisfied customers who have wasted a good deal of money. I believe it is essential to view a design holistically, taking into consideration the building as a whole and its style, the various rooms and the individuals living within that space. Every design opportunity should be fully explored in order to create the best possible design.” Over the years Coulby Interiors has gone from strength to strength and has built up a team of dedicated and skilled tradesmen and craftsmen. Headed up by Rebecca as project manager, this talented team covers all the necessary trades required to complete all of Rebecca’s designs, from kitchens to bathrooms, bedrooms or even complete renovations. “Having all the trades available and on site means that we are able to complete our projects to the highest of standards and in the shortest amount of time. This is an aspect of our service that many clients value the most, especially those who have previously tried to project manage themselves in the past and discovered how time consuming, stressful and often costly it can be,” says Rebecca.

W WW.CO ULBYIN T ERIO RS.CO.UK

Introducing our new columnist, Rebecca Coulby from Coulby Interiors, who has plenty of plans for the future

“These days the service we provide is all the more important – people are often wanting to re-design their whole living space and yet simply don’t have the time to take on board such a large project, or even know where to start. “The most popular request is for the knocking down of one or more walls to create one large kitchen diner. The kitchen has become the absolute centre of the home again and many people will sacrifice their dining room to have a large, open-plan kitchen area. Today’s kitchen is multifunctional and can be a cooking, cleaning, eating, living and social space all in one. Of course, this requires careful design and planning.” Testament to the level of service Rebecca and her team provide is the number of recommendations and amount of repeat business they receive. The company has a wealth of happy clients who have provided testimonials, such as Mr and Mrs Clarke who stated: “We were so impressed. I have no hesitation to recommend Rebecca’s services to anyone and we have already discussed future projects.” Five years after its establishment, the future certainly looks bright for Coulby Interiors, with a recently renovated base in Loddon and a fabulous contemporary website. Rebecca and her team are looking forward to the years ahead and Rebecca is looking forward to her monthly new column in Places and Faces offering advice and tips for readers’ own interior design projects.

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Spode Glen Lodge decanter £25.50, set of four glasses £31 To match the superb tableware, this sand-blasted glass collection would make any tipple taste even more delicious, but is just absolutely tailor-made for a good malt whisky.

Spode Glen Lodge bowl £15, plates from £10.50, mug £13 Step into the wilderness of the great British countryside with this unique tableware collection inspired by the Highlands. Pheasants and stags provide a truly rustic feel with deep moss green accent pieces, and argyle and plaid patterns.

COUNTRYSIDE COMFORT

Make nature your guest this winter and invite the countryside into your home. Some of Britain’s most beautiful rural areas are on our doorstep – farmland, heathland, woodland and marshes – and they’re full of glorious flora and fauna. Rustic shades - rich and vibrant or soft and warm - can still be found in the landscape at this time of year and these, together with our favourite country creatures, form the heart of one of the most popular current trends in interior design. Simply add cosy textures, soft tweeds and warm wools, and any home can be transformed into the perfect rural retreat Tetrad Castlebay petite sofa was £2,499, now £1,850 What a centrepiece for your rural heaven! This quintessentially British Chesterfield comes with a wide selection of excellent Harris Tweed fabrics. It’s individually hand-buttoned and has the most gorgeous feather-filled seat cushions. You can even choose your own colour of hide for the contrast piping to match the Hebridean cloth. The expert craftsmanship, quality and style can be seen clearly, providing all the family with comfort for years to come.

Malini cushions deer and squirrel 45 by 45 cms £15 each For a more rustic highlight, these soft faux suede animal designs in rich woodland shades will add a touch of charm to any room. The stag could not be more majestic, proud of his splendid antlers, and the cutest of squirrels is nibbling happily away.

INTERIORS

Malini cushions Zora-Burn orange £25, Dasher £30 Renowned for their exceptional soft furnishings for over 20 years, these beautiful cushions are just made for our current theme. The sophisticated patterned jacquard with a piped edge measures 50 by 50cms and is in a glorious shade of burnt orange. The Dasher is 45 by 45cms and features a series of beautiful gold metallic foil stags’ heads.

Fallen fruits squirrel bird feeder £15, deer boot scraper £19, stag decoration £20 The garden or patio need not be excluded from this lovely theme and these delightful cast iron pieces are ideal. The bird feeder and the boot scraper are both attractive and practical, and the stag can be used indoors or out. You can almost hear him baying – establishing his territory or fending off other suitors!

HAYLEY & SIMON are the buyers at The Granary THE GRANARY 5 Bedford Street, Norwich, NR2 1AL www.thegranary.co.uk

Voyage Maison cushions leaping hare and calling pheasant 40 by 60cms £50 each The original designs for these tapestry-style cushions are from ink and watercolour paintings lovingly created at their UK factory. Skilled local craftsmen will then use print, weave and embroidery techniques on Scottish linen to reproduce the innovative and stylish images. The cushions are backed with hard-wearing tweed and have a delightful fringe trim.

The Lyndon Company, Crawford faux fur throws 130 by 170cms £125, cushions 50 by 50cms £55 The softness and beauty of this plush faux fur range is breathtaking. The pinnacle of quality, sophistication and sumptuous luxury, it captures the essence of the season and all things warm and cosy during the cold winter months.

NOVEMBER 2015

ADVERTORIAL

BEAUTIFUL LINDA BARKER KITCHENS Wren Kitchens is exceptionally proud to present an exclusive range of Linda Barker kitchens, which incorporates the thoughtful finishing touches you’d expect from the experienced interior design specialist

he collaboration began back in 2012 when Wren Kitchens donated a kitchen to a family of flood victims, which was shown on a programme that Linda was presenting. Wren started talking to Linda and it soon became clear that they shared the same values; Wren is proud to be a family-owned business, with roots in Yorkshire where Linda herself is also from. Linda admired Wren’s ambition to completely transform the UK kitchen market, and the collaboration blossomed from there, with Linda becoming Wren’s creative director. They soon began working on an exclusive kitchen collection which would provide consumers with the biggest choice of kitchen door styles and colours in the UK. And all manufactured here in the UK at Wren’s own factories in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. This collection was a year in the making, and was launched to the UK-wide market at the end of 2013. There are eight door styles to explore and 40 sumptuous shades chosen exclusively by Linda for her collection - each available in a gloss, eggshell or matt finish. Traditional dovetail jointing on solid oak drawer boxes reflects the level of quality: another opulent feature unique to the Linda Barker collection, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Last year Linda had her own Wren kitchen installed in her beautiful Yorkshire home. Linda wanted to make the most of her space, while creating a social environment where she could entertain her family and friends, incorporating the panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside through her floor-to-ceiling windows. She chose the Sculptured door style with complementary colour palette, combining Gullwing, Royal Purple and Damson to great effect. “All the internal fittings are beautifully lined in oak, which means I never worry about my cupboard doors being left open. The design maximises the space available and, although no structural changes were made, I feel as if I have a much bigger, more efficient kitchen with infinitely more storage space,” she says. Linda is now heavily involved with Wren’s Kitchen Designer training at their head office, The Nest, in north Lincolnshire. At the end of the designers’ two-week induction, Linda provides a specialist interior design session, encouraging them to experiment with colour and offering advice on everything from kitchen layouts to the latest appliances and trends. Linda has become a part of the Wren family, and she is more than just the face of Wren; it’s a synergy that is cemented in her passion for interiors and love of the brand. To view the entire range and book a design appointment, visit www.wrenkitchens.com NOVEMBER 2015

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A BLAZE OF COLOUR

Our gardening writer Ellen Mary enjoys the fabulous autumn colours, while making plans for vibrant flower displays next year

Plants & Flowers

The cold nights have set in but gardening is always about planning for the following season. To give you splashes of pretty colours in early spring, now is the time to plant out your pansies, primulas and violas in beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets. You will be pleased you made the effort when the colours give you a lift next year. November to March is also the ideal time of year to plant out bare root roses. They are cheaper and a healthy way to grow new roses than buying a mature plant the following year. Get in quick, though, as they sell up fast due to demand. Flowering from June to September, why not try a Floribunda rose such as Rose Korresia, which is a stunning yellow colour? Another favourite for spring colour is the magnificent magnolia tree, which never fails to impress. Autumn is a great time for planting these in a spot with full sun. They require little pruning and, although they can take a couple of years to flower, they are well worth the wait.

NOVEMBER 2015

Fruit and Vegetables

Now is the time to spread some muck around your vegetable plot. Grab some bags of well-rotted manure and rake it all over your beds to allow the nutrients to be absorbed in the soil over the winter. It’s an easy way to improve the soil where your prize-winning vegetables can grow next year. If you are growing top-heavy brassicas such as Brussells sprouts, work some soil around the base to help support them so that they don’t break in strong winds. As they take many months to mature, you don’t want them ruined in the last weeks before it’s time to harvest them ready for your Sunday lunch! Before winter really sets in, make sure you remove dead leaves and runners from your strawberry plants and weed the soil, allowing air to circulate around the plants. This will help to control any pests or diseases and allow the plants to start growing new leaves ready for fruiting next year.

Wildlife Gardening

Whilst enjoying a fire on Bonfire Night, do remember to check all piles of leaves and wood before lighting it. Hedgehogs may have rustled their way underneath to keep warm and hibernate. Try not to build the bonfire too far in advance, to help ensure that there are no creatures at risk underneath. Give your nest boxes a good clean out now, too, to ensure that there are no pests or old nesting materials harbouring diseases. It can be helpful to add some wool or hay in the bottom to provide a comfortable, safe place for your roosting garden birds. Nest boxes are perfect for this. More than ever, ensure your garden birds have a plentiful supply of food and water to help them through the cold months. And if you do start feeding our feathered friends, try not to stop, as they can become reliant on us over the winter period.

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LEGAL

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES Last year the legal press were greatly amused by a spat between a certain solicitor-advocate and a Crown Court judge WWW.NORTONPESKETT.CO.UK | 01493 849200

THESE EVENTS TOOK PLACE at Cardiff Crown Court at the end of a trail which resulted in a conviction and imprisonment. The solicitor-advocate concerned was a Mr Alan Blacker. He is known, it would be fair to say, as something of an eccentric. He sometimes refers to himself as ‘Doctor Blacker’ and on other occasions as ‘Lord Harley’, though there is no such title in the peerage of the United Kingdom or Ireland. On the occasion in question, Mr Blacker had appeared in wig and robes, as he was entitled to do, for the trial. What incurred the wrath of the judge was that Mr Blacker had apparently sown ribbons and a medal on to his gown, these apparently something to do with St John Ambulance! The judge was not impressed and told Mr Blacker that he looked like something out of Harry Potter, warning him that any repeat of such behaviour could result in the judge declining to hear him. These events raised debate about what sort of behaviour is expected of criminal advocates. In the case of Mr Blacker, his wearing of a wig was in itself a change from past practice. Until comparatively recently, barristers fought an increasingly rearguard action to both preserve the wig and to limit it to members of the bar. Some of the arguments raised were comical. For instance, the bar argued that the wig gave anonymity, presumably protecting judges and barristers from revenge attacks by disgruntled defendants or their families. One might have said that if they really needed anonymity they should have adopted a mask like the Lone Ranger or even a paper bag!

For solicitors who had obtained the right to appear in the higher courts, not being able to wear the wig could single them out as second class citizens and could lead to both the jury and the defendant asking why the defence lawyer was “different” because he was bare-headed and therefore questioning his competence. One is bound to ask what all this has to do with the actual administration of the law. Given that the press nowadays show none of their historic reluctance to criticise bad judgments and perceived bad judges, the addition of robes and wigs would appear to add little to the process. In fact, when the new Supreme Court was created, the new Justices of the Court adopted the approach “Having been brought up of their on a diet of shows such as predecessor, the Law Lords, Perry Mason, it appeared and sat without robes or wigs. that American lawyers Indeed, they got away with murder in went a stage further and court and could wander encouraged around the courtroom barristers appearing in their ordinary attire before them to whilst incisively crossdrop the gowns and appear examining a witness.” in ordinary smart suits, which is what generally happens now. Thus the highest court in the land rejects all formality of dress. No-one would argue that their judgments are the poorer and anyone who has viewed the proceedings of the Supreme Court (filming proceedings and putting them on YouTube is another innovation by the Justices) cannot fail to be impressed by the quality of the arguments and the sharpness of the judges. English law is very conventional, something I was struck by when I entered the profession. Having been brought up on a diet of shows such as Perry Mason, it appeared that American lawyers got away with murder (not literally, of course) in court and could wander around the courtroom in their ordinary attire whilst incisively cross-examining a witness. English advocates, on the other hand, were bound up in wigs, gowns and bands, the latter being starched winged collars which can still only be attached to a shirt with a detachable collar, and were rooted to their places on the advocates’ bench (although, for some reason, in Scottish courts wandering around the court is quite acceptable). The case of Mr Blacker is, however, distinguished not so much by issues of informality as by the question of when behaviour becomes self-centred and sheer buffoonery. Whatever the arguments over court dress, we should never lose sight of the fact that this is a serious business affecting people’s lives. Using the court as one’s personal catwalk is never acceptable.

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As life expectancies rise, more people than ever are finding that they need to pay for care. Carl Lamb looks at whether going into care means that the family home must be sold WWW.ALMARYGREEN.COM | 01603 706740

Paying for care is something that many people worry about when they plan ahead for their later years. This isn’t surprising: recent figures quoted by the BBC have shown that the average cost of residential care in the Norfolk County Council area is £522.69 per week. Meanwhile, Local Authority help with care fees is currently available to anyone in England with assets of less than £23,250. Owning your own home will almost certainly put you above the asset threshold, but your home won’t always be counted in the assessment. If you have a partner, a child under the age of 18, or a family member who is over 65 or incapacitated living in the property, then your home will not be included. However, if none of these apply, and you own your own home, then it will be included and you will be expected to use the value of your home to generate the money to pay for your fees. If you own your home jointly with someone else, then only your share of the value will be taken into account in the assessment. You are also given a period of 12 weeks before the cost of the home is taken into account, which gives you time to sell it, if you wish to do so. Even if your home must be included in the assessment, you won’t automatically have to sell it. Since April 2015, councils have been obliged to offer what is known as a Deferred Payment

Agreement. This is an arrangement whereby the council will pay your care fees until either the property is sold, or until you die – whichever is soonest. It does give families a bit of breathing space to make decisions about the future of their property, but the money spent by the council on your fees will ultimately have to be repaid: it is a deferral of the fees, not support funding. There may be additional costs to bear in mind, too, as the council is likely to charge both a set-up fee for the arrangement and interest on the money it is, in effect, lending to you. It’s worth noting that, under a Deferred Payment Agreement, it is possible to let the house out to tenants and use the rental income to reduce the amount you ask the council to defer. There are commercial options available, too, where the value of a property can be pre-paid in advance of a future sale but, again, there will be fees and interest involved. For those who have the ability to pay for their own care, an Immediate Care Plan can be purchased that provides a top-up to their other income to pay for care fees. Whilst these do require an initial capital sum, they are tax-efficient as they are paid direct to the care home, so they’re not counted as income and so allow those purchasing them to limit the erosion of their family’s wealth. The Chancellor announced in his July 2015 Budget that plans to shake up the way that care fees are supported have been deferred until 2020. The proposed changes will raise the asset threshold for getting local authority help with care fees to £118,000, although support will be on a sliding scale until the individual’s total assets are worth less than £17,000. The plans also include the introduction of a cap on the total amount that anyone will spend on the cost of care in their lifetime: the figure being proposed is £72,000. However, this will only apply to the cost of personal care, not to other costs such as accommodation, meals and other services provided by the care home.

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested.

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.

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SEAT’s baby Ibiza has been refreshed for 2015 with some clever new tech and a subtle makeover

RARING TO GO REVIEW BY MATT JOY

DEALER DETAILS

Duff Morgan - Norwich Whiffler Road, Norwich NR3 2AZ Tel: 01603 775477 Duff Morgan - King’s Lynn 49 Bergen Way North Lynn Industrial Estate King’s Lynn PE30 2JG Tel: 01553 770144 www.duffmorgan.citroen.co.uk

WHAT’S NEW? SEAT’s Ibiza has done a sterling job of bringing buyers into the brand in what is a cut-throat sector of the market. It’s also managed to look youthful and sharp despite having been around since 2008. Now it’s time for the Ibiza’s second facelift, however, and it’s on the receiving end of plenty of new kit. The outside gets a mild makeover, while inside you’ll find new materials and a re-sculpted dashboard which help up the quality feel alongside greater personalisation options and increased technology. There are also some new engines to choose from and tweaked suspension aimed at improving the quality of the ride. LOOKS AND IMAGE It’s a sign of confidence from SEAT that they have chosen to change so little of the Ibiza’s exterior. Compared to the 2012 model, the exterior is distinguished only by LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and some new alloy wheel options, but otherwise it’s the same attractive shape. The bold lines

make it stand out from its more conservative rivals and it’s still the best looking car in the class, which no doubt helps its youthful image. SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Small cars certainly aren’t as small as they used to be, but the Ibiza strikes a good balance between a compact exterior and a cabin that is usefully sized. In the front there’s a good driving position, legroom and headroom are good enough even for taller folk, and it’s not a narrow cabin either. In the back it’s fine for kids and you can squeeze adults in there, too, although three across the back requires a degree of intimacy. Boot space remains at 292 litres which isn’t the outright biggest in the class, but it’s a good shape and can cope with reasonable demands. BEHIND THE WHEEL The pick of the new engine line up is 1.0-litre three cylinder, which is now available in turbo-charged form with two power outputs,

Prices correct at times of going to press

MOTORING

FACTS AT A GLANCE

SEAT Ibiza Connect 1.2 TSI 90PS five-door, £14,620 Range price from £10,000-£15285 Engine: 1.2-litre unit producing 89bhp and 118lb/ft of torque; Transmission: Five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels; Performance: Top speed 114mph, 0 to 62mph in 10.7seconds; Economy: 57.6mpg combined; Emissions: 116g/km of CO2

but the larger 1.2 TFSI tested here is still an excellent device even in the lower 90PS form. Quiet and torquey, it behaves much like a larger capacity engine and there’s very little to betray the fact that it is turbo-charged. It delivers some impressive numbers too; 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds and 57.6mpg. Elsewhere the Ibiza switches to electric power steering and, while that does mean the steering is light and a little less feelsome than before, it only takes one corner to realise it is pleasingly accurate and makes it a fun car to drive. The retuned suspension smoothes out bigger road imperfections well, too. In this Connect model you get the full infotainment experience with Apple Car Play or MirrorLink depending on your choice of smartphone, which seamlessly displays a select number of your phone apps on screen. The upgraded speaker system for a modest £155 is also a worthwhile investment.

VALUE FOR MONEY Even though the Connect model isn’t at the top of the Ibiza tree it’s still generously equipped. The key element is the five-inch infotainment system including navigation and DAB, but there are also 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminium sill trims and tasteful cloth seating. All Ibizas get air conditioning, a version of the touchscreen, a USB port, Bluetooth and air conditioning, too. WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The Ibiza is an ideal car for the younger generation, with its impressive kit list and smart exterior, but its appeal is much broader than that. It’s a cinch to drive and is a doddle to park, so it would suit older folks, too, and there’s enough space in the rear for two children in comfort. The other big plus point is the range of very frugal petrol engines, some of which manage to break the crucial 100g/km barrier.

NOVEMBER 2015

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BIG PERFORMANCE BIG PERFORMANCE SMALL PAYMENTS SMALL PAYMENTS 2015 MAZDA6 £2392015 PERMAZDA6 MONTH £239 PER MONTH*

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REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

Book a test driveº today, call us on 01502 713885 Book a test driveº today, call us on 01502 713885 Wrights Mazda, Beccles Common Lane North, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9BL Wrights Mazda, Beccles 01502 713Lane 885 North, www.wrights-motors.co.uk Common Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9BL 01502 713 885 www.wrights-motors.co.uk

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

- 36 Monthly Payments of £239 - 36 Monthly Payments £239 £1,500 Mazda Deposit of Contribution - £1,500 Mazda Deposit Contribution Customer Deposit £4,226.75 -- Customer Deposit £4,226.75 Optional Final Payment £6,124.25 OptionalMileage Final Payment -- Annual 9,000 £6,124.25 Annual Personal Mileage 9,000 -- Mazda Contract Purchase - Mazda Personal Contract Purchase

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda6 range: Urban 36.7 (7.7) - 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9) - 76.3 (3.7), Combined 47.1 (6.0) - 68.9 The fuel consumption (4.1).official CO 2 emissions (g/km) 139figures – 107. in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda6 range: Urban 36.7 (7.7) - 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9) - 76.3 (3.7), Combined 47.1 (6.0) - 68.9 (4.1). (g/km) 139EU-regulated – 107. test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results. 2 emissions The mpgCO figures quoted are sourced from official The mpg figures sourcedavailability from official test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for*0% comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving results. Retail sales only,quoted subjectare to vehicle forEU-regulated vehicles registered between 01.10.15 and 31.12.15 at participating dealers. T&C apply. APR Mazda Personalonly Contract Purchase available on all 2015 Mazda6 models over 24, 30 or 36 months with no minimum deposit required. Retail subject to vehicle availability for(i)vehicles between 01.10.15(ii) andRetain: 31.12.15 at the participating dealers. T&C apply. *0% Mazda Personal Purchase allbe 2015 Mazda6 models 24, 30or ormileage 36 months with no minimum At the sales end ofonly, the agreement there are 3 options: Renew: registered Part exchange the vehicle. Pay Optional Final Payment to own the APR vehicle or (iii) ReturnContract the vehicle. Furtheravailable chargeson may made subject to theover condition of the vehicle. Excessdeposit mileagerequired. charge of At theper endmile of the agreement there 3 the options: (i) Renew: exchange vehicle. (ii) Retain: the Optional to own the vehicle or required. (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges mayModel be made subject toMazda6 the condition mileage thefrom vehicle. Excess mileage charge of 14.9p applies. You will notare own vehicle until allPart payments arethe made. Finance subjectPay to status. 18s orFinal over.Payment Guarantee/indemnity may be Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. shown: 2015 Saloonor145ps SE, of OTR £19,795. Model shown features 14.9p perSoul mileRed applies. Youpaint will not own the until allVAT, payments made. Finance status. 18s or over. Guarantee/indemnity mayor be60,000 required. Mazda Financial RH1 1SR. Model shown: 2015 Mazda6 Saloonsubject 145ps SE, OTR fromstatus £19,795. shown Details features optional Metallic (£660). OTRvehicle price includes numberare plates, delivery, 12subject months’toroad fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year mile warranty and 3Services years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives to applicant andModel availability. optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Wrights Motors Ltd, trading as Wrights Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. Wrights Motors Ltd, trading as Wrights Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

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www.thurlownunn.co.uk Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Urban: 12.7 (22.3) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 23.9 (11.8) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined: 18.0 (15.7) - 88.3 (3.2). CO 2 emissions: 373- 85g/km.# *£2,000 Scrappage Allowance towards a new car is offered on condition that the traded-in car has been registered in your name as the owner for at least 90 days and the registration document is in your name and address. Offer available to private individuals and small businesses 1-24 units (purchase only). All other sales categories are excluded. Offer applies to selected new vehicles ordered between 8 October 2015 and 15 December 2015. ^Excludes VIVA, ADAM JAM, New Corsa Sting, New Corsa Sting R. Ts&Cs apply. Participating Retailers only. UK supplied vehicles only. #Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors.

DEALER DETAILS

Mitchells of Lowestoft 50 to 58 Long Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 9DQ Tel: 01502 500950 www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

Prices correct at times of going to press

MOTORING

FAMILY ORIENTATED

The new Renault Kadjar is a crossover car with families firmly in its sights, but it could prove popular with business users too REVIEW BY MATT KIMBERLEY

WHAT’S NEW? Renault has finally climbed on to the family-sized crossover bandwagon after watching the Nissan Qashqai run away with sales for the last eight years. And the new Kadjar has a good starting point: it’s based on the same chassis as the dominant Nissan. This is a car designed to build on the runaway success across Europe of the Captur compact crossover. Expect bold colour options and neutral, easy-going driving dynamics. LOOKS AND IMAGE You’ll find the svelte Renault styling quite distinctive from the front, but less so from the rear, where it simply mirrors the Clio’s styling and raises it up a bit. That’s not a bad thing, though; the Clio has a fine derrière, but those hoping for a more mature look will have to deal with the Kadjar’s more youthful visage. SPACE AND PRACTICALITY There’s plenty of room in the cabin. While the Kadjar isn’t especially wide, it makes good use of its interior space and rear passengers shouldn’t feel cramped for legroom unless the two seats are filled by NBA stars determined to stretch out. The door pockets are a bit narrow, but the storage bin between the front seats is huge. The glovebox is evenly shaped but will interfere with

your knees if you’re sitting too close. The boot has two panels that can be adjusted to form different layouts, two of which involve dividing the large bay into two smaller chunks – handy to stop things sliding around. The rear seats can be lowered remotely from inside the boot. BEHIND THE WHEEL The TCe 130 petrol version isn’t quite as beefy as other versions. The 130-horsepower diesel is more powerful, muscling the Kadjar along with no worries. It’s tuned for flexibility, sitting at a relatively busy 2,160rpm at 70mph, but that does mean no down-shifts are needed on the motorway. The top trim level feels particularly premium, and the navigation and media interface is marvellous; sharp and responsive with good graphics (and adjustable colour themes). You’ll enjoy the composed and settled ride, despite a healthy dollop of body roll in corners. To add to the refinement, the Kadjar is a quiet beast with either engine, both of which we put to the test at the launch event. Neither engine gets overly rowdy even when revved hard. VALUE FOR MONEY For anyone venturing outside suburban limits and on to faster

roads, the diesel really is necessary, but it adds £1,700 to the price of the petrol version. Likewise, the higher trim levels are all but essential to make the car feel truly desirable, and it’s a £3,700 jump from the murky base of the tree to the lush greenery at the top. The Kadjar will be worth more than all its key rivals when you come to sell it, though – even than the Volkswagen Tiguan. WHO WOULD BUY ONE? A lot comes down to the styling. There’s plenty of space for five, a good boot and what seem like easilycleanable surfaces, so families are an obvious target. But the Qashqai against which the Kadjar is so boldly pitched sells a huge number as company cars, so it will be interesting to see whether Renault targets business users as well.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Renault Kadjar Signature Nav dCi 130, from £24,795 Range from £17,995-£26,295 Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-charged petrol producing 296bhp and 280lb/ft; Transmission: Six-speed manual driving the front wheels; Performance: Top speed 119mph, 0 to 62mph in 9.9 seconds; Economy: 65.7mpg combined; Emissions: 113g/km of CO2

NOVEMBER 2015

103

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Here at Great Yarmouth Coachworks we offer everything for the motorist in the Norfolk and North Suffolk area of East Anglia. Sales of quality vehicles Servicing and repairs

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For instant access to our constantly changing vehicles, see our website www.greatyarmouthcoachworks.co.uk 15 Queens Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3HT, 01493 843835 We are open every day (Sunday : mornings only)

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Renault Business The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault KADJAR Dynamique Nav TCe 130 are: urban 41.5 (6.8); extra-urban 57.7 (4.9); combined 50.4 (5.6). The official CO2 emissions are 126g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Price excludes VAT. *36-month contract hire based on 10,000 miles and 6+35 profile (6x monthly payment in advance followed by 35 monthly payments). At the end of the contract you will not own the vehicle. Further charges may apply subject to the mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 149, WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. Over 18s. Excludes the Channel Islands. We may introduce you to other finance providers. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.renault.co.uk or participating dealer for full details. Offers are valid on eligible vehicles when ordered by 31 December 2015 and registered by 31 March 2016.

MITCHELLS LOWESTOFT 50–58 Long Rd, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9DQ Tel 0844 875 9626 www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

Book a test-drive

ADVERTORIAL

IN THE FAST LANE

Mercedes Benz is on track to meet all its customers’ demands, with different models for different generations MARK ALLMAN

AN ICONIC BRAND, Mercedes Benz is a car at the very top of its appeal. It’s a name on everybody’s lips with the pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dominating the F1 grid, yet the technological developments that have created winners on the racetrack is also cascading down to road car drivers. Mercedes Benz of Norwich general manager Mark Allman reflects on how the technology developed for the race circuit is transforming road cars into the most innovative and advanced on the highway. “When you buy a Mercedes Benz, there is innovation behind that and the technical side developed for F1 is being carried through into the new models and, in turn, being passed on to our customers,” he said. Mark, who has long experience within car dealerships in the east, joined Mercedes Benz in 2001, soon becoming sales manager and branch manager in King’s Lynn and Bury St Edmunds before returning to Norwich in 2009. He oversaw the move from the Heigham Street premises – which has seen Mercedes bought and sold since 1964 – to the sophisticated showroom on Barker Street. And it is this showroom – light, airy, spacious, bright and welcoming – that is an integral part of the customer journey in becoming a Mercedes Benz owner. Within the automotive industry, the marque has always worked to create a product for everybody and with its range of A-class, C-Class, E-Class and attractive SUVs, it now offers something for more mature clients as well as a new younger generation of Mercedes drivers. And the modern refurbished dealership has created a very special owner experience. “We have a showroom for 16 to 17 cars and a beautiful handover area where the customer can take delivery as we ‘unveil’ their new car,” explained Mark. “Mercedes remains an iconic car and many of the new models have a sportier look but within a range that has opened up the market place, particularly with the A-class for our new generation of customers. “It is a car for people who are ambitious and successful – and today Mercedes Benz is not a car for the end of that journey to success but one that is right for the start of it too.”

The showroom covers three branches: the Mercedes Benz passenger car, the Smart Range and the AMG sports style model. A team of more than 70 staff ensures a smooth and fulfilling customer experience and, in addition to a dedicated and experienced sales team, there are admin and marketing personnel and 14 technicians in the back area, with individual bays for MOTs, four-wheel geometry checks and servicing. “We take pride in offering a high-level customer experience, starting right from when they drive into our premises and the parking area with our meet and greet staff,” added Mark. “We also have a ‘star’ expert on site, offering test drives and helping with product information to enhance customer knowledge.” Of the range, the three-door hatch A-class is the most popular. But the C-class range of saloons, coupes and estate versions is a strong market, as is the executive E-class, which will see the launch of a new model in March 2016, following the new C-class coupé at the end of 2015. As well as the new models, there is a first class range of used Mercedes on offer. Mercedes is not only enjoying unrivalled success on the F1 stage, but latest sales figures show how popular the brand is on the roads across the UK. In 2010, Mercedes Benz sold 74,000 models in the UK, but for 2015 had already achieved that mark by June. “That is an indication that in the space of five years, we have doubled our sales nationally and that picture is being reflected within the dealership here in Norwich,” said Mark. Sales are up 18% on last year with fleet sales also enjoying success, up 23%. And the range is constantly evolving; new on the scene will be the Smart Cabrio, an SUV event is being held on November 7 and 8 at the showroom, new M-class GLC models are imminent and the dealership is also supporting next year’s Norwich Fashion Week. “We are proud of our customer journey and experience, which is an integral part of what we do,” added Mark. “With a strong customer focus, we are a first class business which offers the service to match. “But it is our staff which makes that happen and as a result we have high levels of customer satisfaction.”

105

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Vehicle shown for illustration purposes only. Details correct at time of going to print. Subject to availability. CO2 120g/km, Urban 57.7 mpg (4.9 L/100km), Extra Urban 64.2 mpg (4.4 L/100km), Combined 61.4 mpg (4.6 L/100km).

COMPETITION

TO ENTER, simply answer the following question and send your answer, along with your name and contact details to: competitions@ placesandfaces.co.uk by the closing date below. QUESTION: in which Norfolk village is The Wildebeest located?

A smart and stylish dinner experience for four people (perfect for foodies) is up for grabs at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross LOCATED JUST FAR ENOUGH out of Norwich to enjoy the tranquillity of the Norfolk countryside, The Wildebeest offers a fine dining experience in relaxed surroundings. A restaurant with heritage, The Wildebeest has seen a few changes in its time. Records first show it in 1837 as a free house and it was damaged by enemy action in May 1942. In 1994 the village pub was transformed into an African-themed gastro pub and that’s when it got its current name. This April it was bought by the owners of the award-winning Ingham Swan – chef patron Daniel Smith and his business partner Gregory Adjemian – and has seen further changes, with stylish new décor and contemporary signage. The kitchen sees EDP Norfolk Chef of the Year 2014 Daniel Smith and his team create menus around the best available produce, working with suppliers who share their passion for top quality meat, sustainably-sourced fish and local artisan cheeses.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables are hand-picked on their farm which is a partnership with The Tacons at Rollesby where The Wildebeest grow and manage much of their own seasonal British produce; selecting, tending and harvesting crops for a fresh, seasonal and traceable menu. The locally-inspired menu changes daily for lunch and dinner. Diners can choose from an extensive selection of hand-selected world wines and spirits plus there are excellent beers and ales from local breweries such as Woodforde’s and Grain and choice tipples from The English Whisky Company and Adnams. The competition prize is a three-course Dinner du Jour menu for four people with a bottle of wine as well as coffee and petits fours. The closing date for entries is January 31, 2016, and the prize must be taken by March 31, 2016. The prize excludes February 12, 13 and 14 and is subject to availability.

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EAST ANGLIAN INDEPENDENT VOICE Event at The Assembly House

A prestigious East Anglian Independent Voice (EAIV) event took place at The Assembly House, Norwich, last month. EAIV is made up of the principals from the region’s leading firms of independent financial advisers who meet regularly to discuss and resolve the issues facing the profession. The evening included drinks and supper and a talk by guest speaker Ed Parker, co-founder of Walking with the Wounded. There was also a raffle in aid of the charity.

Photos by ROSS HAGAN

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1. Amanda Hasell and Carl Lamb 2. Andrew Hipper, Diane Fish and Harry Scott 3. Andrew Ridout and Bhargav Trivedi 4. Ann Richardson and Ginny Colman 5. Brenda Gostling and Teresa Henderson 6. Robert Chalmers 7. David Laws and Jackie Collinson 8. David Pring, Nik Knight and Jeremy Richards 9. Simon Jones and Sean Cashman 10. Roy Durrant and Steve Jones

11. Fiona Rider and Daniel Williams 12. Brenden and Martin Seymour 13. Richard and Francesca Lovett 14. Harriet Edwards and Alexandra Clark 15. Ian Roberts, Simon Lister and Nick Catchpole 16. Jane and Fergus Anderson 17. Jeremy Hooke and Gordon Dean 18. Jeremy Woodruff, Richard Barker and Ian Barlow

19. Karl Jermyn 20. Kevin Dearden and Gwen Dearden 21. Richard Innes and Anders Rasmussen 22. Lisa Tuck, Mark Hambling and Graham Roberts 23. Margaret Smith and Fiona Hewitt 24. Tom Lawrence and Amy Walpole 25. Paul Roberts, David Hughff and John Simpson 26. Natalie Barker and Jane Woodruff NOVEMBER 2015

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RETIREMENT PARTY AT LOVEWELL BLAKE

Staff, partners and clients of Lovewell Blake raised a glass at the Imperial Hotel to mark the retirement of the firm’s Senior Partner Russell Leggett. Russell started with the firm in 1972 and was promoted to partner in 1982. In his retirement, Russell is looking forward to spending more time with his family and travelling. Photos by ROSS HAGAN

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Brenda Clarke and Wendy Cole Cedric and Joanna Copping Celia and Thomas Watts Craig Osben, Chris Soards, Ben Makepeace 5. Russell and Yvonne Leggett and Natalie Howlett-Clarke 6. David and Julie Watts 7. Douglas Young, Phillip Norton 8. Holly Jacobs, Donna Farmese

9. Ian and Ginny McCreadie 10. Kevin Bunting, Philip Bartram, James Shipp 11. Sue Riseborough, Brian Vyse, Richard Keeler 12. Mark Chapman, Jonathan Hunn 13. Guy Warde-Aldam, Sean, Susan and Steve Thompson 14. Murray Graham, Nick and Alistair Drew 15. Paul and Gloria Dashwood 16. Phillip Powles, Steph Smith

17. Maureen and Berndt Edmonds 18. Roly Beazley, Tony Green 19. Paul Ward, Steven Alger 20. Reece Watts, Neil Orford 21. Ralph Reed, Lyn Knights, Alistair Low 22. Tony Grier, Toby Harris 23. Sue Evans, Julie Jones, Donna Turner, Paul Hubbard 24. Ian and Fiona Cecil and Mark Goodall

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LAUNCH EVENING AT THE WILDEBEEST

Over 100 guests attended the launch evening at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich. Money was raised on the evening for the Sandra Chapman Centre at the James Paget University Hospital. This exclusive invitation-only event was hosted by Daniel Smith, chef patron at The Wildebeest, Ingham Swan and The Mad Moose. Photos by ROSS HAGAN

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Ryan Heaphy and Nick Symeou Becky Ingham and Gary Winter Hannah and Matt Hanford Vishnu Joory, Katya Krasnova and Nick Lane 5. Gregory Adjemian, Daniel and Natalie Smith, Lewis Gadson 6. Leah and Lilian Larwood 7. Donna and John Killett

8. Dan and Lucy Bycroft 9. Sarah and Colin De Chair 10. Rex Humphrey and Caroline Jarrold 11. Gregory Adjemian, Charles and Sara Thurston 12. James Ramm and Clare Millar 13. Jo and Drew Payne 14. Josh Ratcliffe, Dawn Wilson, Jackie and Glenn Ratcliffe

15. June and Mo Skutela 16. Alex Dunlop and Susie Fowler-Watt 17. Lauren and Jordan Blyth 18. Val Chitty and Gareth Hacon 19. William and Kate Morfoot 20. Maxine and Gary Howard 21. Melissa Loucas and Greg Allan 22. Michelle and Nick Norris, Catherine Leggate 23. Nick and Penny Franklin

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AN EVENING OF JAZZ & CABARET

At The Norwich Playhouse A mix of music, song and wit delighted a full house at Norwich Playhouse for Chris Bailey’s 13th annual Evening of Jazz & Cabaret which raised £2,640 for charities Keeping Abreast and Breast Cancer Now. The Big Band Special starred The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band and special guests Olly Day, Earl Okin, Lee Gibson, Gary Winter and Julie Mullins. For the 10th year the show was sponsored by Newsmakers PR. Photos by NEWSMAKERS PR

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1. Julie James, The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr Brenda Arthur, Brian Horner, The Lord Mayor’s Consort and The Rt Rev, Graham James, The Lord Bishop of Norwich 2. Performer Gary Winter, left, Janet Hooke with performer Olly Day and Christine Perfect 3. Jonathan Wyatt of Jonathan Wyatt Big Band with Carey Briggs, Newsmakers 4. Katie Cox and Heather Tew 5. Pianist Simon Brown with performer Julie Mullins 6. Lavinia and Dr Hugh Bailey with Chris Bailey, event organiser 7. Jeremy Hooke and Mindagas Bukauskas

8. Fez and Julie Bird and Ian Bartlett 9. Andy and Karen Bash 10. Performer Earl Okin 11. Stacy Collins and performer Lee Gibson 12. Robert Todd, Roy Murphy, Emma Hamilton-Smith and Peter French 13. Roger Holden, AmandA Sandland-Taylor, Newsmakers PR, concert sponsors, with Ray Hopes and Margaret Allan 14. Mike and Julie Srokowski with Sandy Gannon and Tim Eagle 15. Jeremy Clarke and Chris Cooper

16. Surrey Beddows, Newsmakers PR, with Helen McFayden 17. Illuminee Nganemariya, Caroline and Nick Dixey 18. Angie and Richard Batson, Newsmakers PR 19. Maria Todd and Newsmakers’ Lily Thompson

NOVEMBER 2015

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GETTING OUT THERE IN GREAT YARMOUTH Seachange Arts celebrated the launch of the Out There International Festival of Circus & Street Arts in a tented bar in St George’s Park, Great Yarmouth. Guests were treated to wine, music and a road-train trip along Marine Parade to see a spectacular Italian outdoor show C’Era Una Volta. More at: www.seachangearts.org.uk Photos by ROSS HAGAN

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Amy Vaughan and Steve Forster Izaa Trigg and Josephine Burns Hedley Swain and Shirley Weymouth Hubb Heye, Tanja Ruiter Jonah Russell James Bensley and Joe MacKintosh Jaine Lumsden, Verena Cornwall, Sarah Jean Couzens

8. Richard and Estelle Packham and Barry Coleman 9. Jeremy Stacey, Rhonda Fleming 10. Tas Carter and Nicholas Squires 11. Keith and Alison Cotterell 12. Soren Nieslson, Danizla Essart and Olga Sorzano 13. Roseanna Miles and Owen Calvert-Lyons

14. Liz Wickham and Michaela H 15. James Roberts and Stewart Pemberton 16. Vicky Amedume, Brian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell 17. Kriste Beaumond, Pete Gunson, Jon Cirstrum 18. Mark Lester, Christian Hodgkinson 19. Tom Garrod and Mick Castle 20. The Great Bullzini

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FANN15 LAUNCH The Forum The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Brenda Arthur officially launched FANN15, the Norfolk Association of Architects’ biennial Festival of Architecture for Norfolk and Norwich, at a reception at The Forum. The festival included an exhibition of Norfolk architects’ current work, lectures, guided walking tours, special events for children and exhibitions of architecture-inspired art at venues throughout Norwich. Photos by NEWSMAKERS PR

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1. Philip Bodie, the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Brenda Arthur, the Lord Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consort, Brian Horner and Anthony Hudson 2. Kirstin Aitken, Neal Lewis, Amy Tyrrell and Rupert Kitchen 3. Frank Davey and David Hawkes 4. Steve Cotton, Mirja Mainwaring and Chris Lappin 5. Chris Sargisson, Sian Davies and Paul Harris 6. Martin Lewis and Jerene Irwin 7. Simon Rossi and Ruth Brennan 8. James Bailey and Charlotte Pession

9. Daniel Swift Gibbs, Jerome Tsui and Michael Lewis 10. Aaron McGrady, Emily Barnstone and Paul Norris 11. John Dixon, Charlotte Dunne and Jon Boon 12. Michael Innes and David Ford 13. Chris Murch, Russell Canham and Jonathan Burrell 14. Professor John Last and Professor Hilary Carlisle 15. Ed Thuell and Matthew Stearn

16. Steven Drake and Adam Griggs 17. Paul Kings, Sandra Muller and Iain Walker 18. Gary Groom and Chris MacDonald 19. David Drew, David Monney and David Farrow 20. Shaun Long, Amanda Sandland-Taylor and Saul Humphrey 21. Claire Armstrong, Diane Wilkinson and James Watkins 22. Matt Wood and Ian Hill

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UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH TOYAH WILCOX

A full house at St Georges Theatre in Great Yarmouth enjoyed an up close and personal evening with multi award-winning singer and actress Toyah Willcox. Between a set of acoustic versions of her hits and favourite songs ably supported by her two acoustic guitarists, she gave behind the scenes stories and anecdotes of some of the stars she has worked with in a career spanning fi ve decades in the music, television and film industries. Photos by SHAUN COOMER

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St Georges staff and volunteers Janet and Gary Bicknell Alix Dimarco and Gavin Dean Angela and Ian Douce Rachel and Les Harris

6. Mark Skinner and Alison Cornish 7. Jane Sprunt and Tracy Palmer 8. Clive and Liz King 9. Toyah Willcox 10. Lindsey Fackman, Graham Fackman and Deb King

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KEEPING ABREAST PORTRAIT EXHIBITION

At The House Of Commons Norwich-based breast reconstruction charity Keeping Abreast took a fascinating photographic exhibition to Parliament last month. Photographed by Julia Holland and hosted by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, the exhibition is now touring the country. More at: www.keepingabreast.org.uk 6

Photos by JULIA AND PAUL HOLLAND

1. Baroness Gillian Shephard with photographer Julia Holland 2. Julia Holland with the Keeping Abreast Portrait Exhibition 3. Julia Holland, Diane Kenwood, Woman’s Weekly editor, KAPE model Sue Henry and Geoffrey Palmer, Woman’s Weekly 4. Julia Holland, Keeping Abreast co-founder Anna Beckingham, Norwich North MP Chloe Smith 5. Chris Bailey, Carolyn Atkins 6. Anna Beckingham, Dr Christian Jessen from TV’s Embarrassing Bodies

7. Ginger Mars, plastic surgeon Elaine Sassoon 8. Anna Beckingham, TV presenter Victoria Derbyshire, Julia Holland 9. Julia Holland (centre) with Tracey Burlingham, Anna Beckingham, Kerry Kemp and Chris Bailey from Keeping Abreast

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five minutes with

JOHN POTTER

As managing director of Potters Resort in Hopton-on-Sea, John Potter is responsible for a team of almost 600 staff and is keen to continue the legacy of his enterprising late father, Brian How about your favourite local restaurant? What does your job entail? When my daughter was very young, the teacher asked the class what their parents did for a job and my daughter put her hand up and said simply: ‘My Daddy’s job is to make people happy!’ Well that really is how I see it.

What are you working on at the moment? We are constantly re-investing in Potters Resort and very recently invested more than £1m on a smart new reception area and a modern game zone which has been a hit on our family breaks. We’re also now gearing up for our Christmas breaks with our 2015 Christmas Spectacular Show. January ticket sales are also underway for when we proudly host the only world event in Norfolk, the BBC-televised World Indoor Bowls Championships. We are also developing the Potters Friends Foundation CIC in memory of my late father, designed to carry on his good works and support our wider community.

Are you Norfolk born and bred?

That has to be the restaurant that was designed out of my love of a fondue set when I was a kid. Later in life I was skiing with family and we experienced cooking at the table on a hot rock in France; it was like the sociable, fun fondue experience without the fire risk. Within six months of returning to Norfolk, I built and created the first of its kind in the UK and called it The Black Rock Grill. I am a very slow eater and it suits me to cook on the rock at my own pace. It is also very popular with locals who like the fact that they can add on a post-meal show at Potters Resort for a complete entertaining night out.

What do you miss most when you’re away from the region? The friendliness of the local people and our guests. I love chatting to people, and our success is down to an amazingly friendly culture at Potters. When I am away, I miss the friendly bubble we enjoy every day at Potters.

What are you reading at the moment?

That I be boy! Born at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital (the old one, of course!) and bought up at Potters amongst our lovely guests; as a result many of whom are genuinely very longstanding family friends. I have had my stints away in London and elsewhere, but I will always be a Norfolk boy.

Apart from The Hobbit when I was a boy, I have never read a book of fiction. I have, however, read just about every nonfiction business book ever written, but I won’t bore you with my favourites!

Which Norfolk characters do you most admire?

I listen to audible books in the car and am currently re-visiting Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy - always an inspiration.

My father, Brian Potter MBE, who took on re-inventing the holiday centre when many others gave up against the competition of foreign holidays. Suffice to say he is sorely missed, but will always be my inspiration.

How would you spend a day off in the area? Norwich is such a friendly city. Having lived there in my student years and again later with Celia and our children in Eaton, it’s always a pleasure to run my errands on a day off in Norwich. However my perfect day is to spend it with family in north Norfolk. As a child we had a bolthole in Blakeney and now with my family we enjoy Holkham and Wells beach when time allows, with perhaps a meal and occasionally an overnight stay at The Hoste.

Which is your favourite Norfolk pub? As long as I am with good friends, I am not fussy where I drink, but notable worthy establishments would include the King’s Head in Bawburgh, Bar 11 in Norwich and The Commodore in Oulton Broad. Generally I try and stick to lager - I refuse to drink shots these days!

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And what are you listening to? Film, musical, drama or opera – which do you prefer?

Musicals. I am very proud of Potters Theatre Company who perform 365 nights a year to packed houses, with guests always surprised by the quality and West End talent to be found in Hopton-on-Sea. They get regular standing ovations with new shows always in production. The talent the Company has produced is mind-blowing, with many leading West End careers launched from their ranks. The likes of Lee Mead, winner of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Any Dream Will Do, Kerry Ellis who went on to lead in Wicked, Leanne Mitchell who was the overall UK winner of The Voice on BBC TV, Olivier Award nominee Ian McIntosh, Andy Mace who has many West End leading credits and many more who have honed their craft as part of The Potters Theatre Company.

What are your plans for the future? Whilst we are extremely proud of our history, the future plans are designed to rid ourselves of any holiday camp perceptions. So my plan is to persuade all of you still reading this to book a short break with friends and see for yourselves just what’s on the doorstep. www.pottersholidays.com

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