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MEET THE TEAM

M

WELCOME

ay is such a delightful month, with long evenings, the hope of sunshine – and mpresario a couple of bank holidays!

30 years It’s the month when he county the county really seems hat didn’t to come to life with to be numerous events on t End offer. We’ve expanded our What’s On guide Tony Mallion e a member to reflect the busy nature of the month which Editor Potters, has the Norfolk and Norwich Festival as its t a star! We tony@h2creativemedia.co.uk highlight. endar Girl There are even a few events that we haven’t lingham managed to squeeze in – I really like the sound of the three day cycle festival, Ride Open Baker who one-man Skies, at Holkham over the first bank holiday weekend while The Broads Outdoors Festival s, Five (May 4-19) offers more than 70 events from wildlife walks to canoe trials. melia And interestingly, one of our best known book pages hotels, The Hoste in Burnham Market, is movie staging more events, including a series of ox office jazz concerts in the new garden room. Owner his own Brendan Hopkins made it sound such fun that ed house I’ve – already booked my tickets for Tina May David Wakefield next month! forward to seeing the new providing I’m also lookingMotors lk-based Great Gatsby film with Leo DiCaprio and Carey

EDITOR’S LETTER SARAH HARDY

sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk

Sarah Hardy

Mulligan – if only for the outfits. I’ve tried to

Assistant Editor give you a few ideas on how to capture this

sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk most gorgeous of trends.

Add in a Latitude preview, a catch up with Marti Pellow who is super busy with a new album and rehearsals for Evita which arrives in our region in July and a look at the fabulous exhibition at Houghton Hall this summer and there’s plenty to entertain.

And, as usual, mainly because we love the finer things in life, the magazine also has a healthy accent on food and drink. Emma Outten has been investigating the growing popularity of real ale, Poppy Seymour is keen to get us investing in fine wine and I’ve been drooling over the smoked goodies at Cley Tony Cooper Smokehouse. They sound just perfect for a Travel picnic and it can’t be long now…

And Richard Barr will have you giggling

with his tale of cleaning out his pantry. We’ve all been there, especially at this time of year, and you don’t want to know what I‘ve found lurking in my kitchen cupboards over the years!

And of course, happy birthday to Wroxham Barns, one of Norfolk’s most popular family attractions. Ian Russell tells us how it all started and it’s a great tale of youthful optimism and good old fashioned hard work.

As ever we love to hear from you, email me at sarah@h2creativemedia.co.uk and you can follow me on Twitter @h2creativeSarah.

Happy reading.

Sarah Hardy

s produced Very tasty

omments. a great read!

MEET THE TEAM COLIN HUGGINS Managing Director

Anne Gould

Rob Sykes

Contributor

Contributor

T 01493 742091 M 07775858862

colin@h2creativemedia.co.uk EMMA OUTTEN Assistant Editor

SCOTT NICHOLSON Designer

SUBSCRIBE PAULA HODDS Publishing Director

CONTRIBUTORS Franck Pontais, Mark Dixon, Scott Oliver, Kevin Bunting, Amanda Sandland-Taylor, Joff Hopkins, Poppy Seymour, James Spicer, Nick Mobbs, Ian Russell, Andrew Florides, Roger Hickman, Neil Shillito, Andy Newman Associates, Richard Barr, Julian Gibbons, Tony Cooper, Emily Aspin, John Myatt Jennifer Read, Anne Gould, Keiron Tovell, Mark Chaston, Columnist Iain Dooley, Paul Shreeve

T 01493 742090 M 07765 886189

Richard Barr paula@h2creativemedia.co.uk Columnist

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Contents

18

You’ll want his jet set life – Anne Gould meets the globe trotting Lowestoft photographer Gary John Norman

36 Emma Outten looks at the Latitude line-up which is diverse as ever

The property of the month is a stunning manor house in Attleborough – built only 10 years ago

COV E R STO RY

INTERVIEWS MAY 2013 £2.95

10 Beauty and the beast – Louise Redknapp

chats about her gorgeous make-up range which is raising money for endangered animals 12 Enjoy a bit of 80s nostalgia with ABC’s

Martin Fry who performs in Norwich this month 15 Actress Helen Fraser celebrates 55 years in

showbusiness with her own show, now touring in our region 16 Emi Wokoma is simply the best as diva Tina

Turner in a new show called Soul Sister

FASHION & BEAUTY CELEBRITIES

FOOD

TRAVEL

FASHION

HOMES & GARDENS

THEATRE

ISSUE 38 www.placesandfaces.co.uk

8 From pop singer to musical star

– Marti Pellow talks new albums, latest roles and loving Norwich!

25 Beaded gowns, strings of pearls and cute

little diamante hair clasps – the Great Gatsby look is both romantic and fun, says Sarah Hardy 31 Go crazy with your nails colours – the more

daring the better!

COLUMNISTS

51 Our French chef Franck Pontais sets us a

challenge – a complicated terrine. Would you succeed?

54 Step inside Cley Smokehouse - one of

Norfolk’s foodie treasures 56 Ever considered investing in fine wine?

Poppy Seymour is confident of good returns for your cash 58 Cheers - Emma Outten is on the real ale trail

in Norfolk

WHAT’S ON 34 Our new two-page guide to the best events

this month 41 Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre is waving the

Union Jack flag in June with a host of patriotic acts 44 Many of Houghton Hall’s superb paintings

are returning home for the first time in more than 200 years. Find out more about this special exhibition

60 Richard Parr has been cleaning out his

47 Telly comic Phill Jupitus headlines the June

pantry – with alarming results 122 SJP is thinking of joining a book club.

Is it really her thing?

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

FOOD, DRINK & DINING OUT

Russell as he recalls the great adventure that was setting up Wroxham Barns

22 It is a trip down Memory Lane for Ian

6

86

programme at St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth

FIVE MINUTES WITH

William Galinsky

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

48

Mark Dixon offers us a decadent dessert for the summer months

William Galinsky is the Artistic Director of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, which takes place this month. Here he takes five minutes out of his busy schedule to answer our allimportant questions

The latest Land Rover Freelander, perfect for both on and off road driving, is reviewed

108

What’s your ideal day out in the area?

shitake rice rolls and jasmine tea.

Lie in on a Saturday morning if my

What do you miss most when you leave

little daughter allows me followed by

the region?

fresh baked goods from Dozen Bakery,

My family: Eimear, Eadaoin, Myrtle and

leisurely food shopping on the Unthank

Cyril.

Road near to where I live in Norwich,

What are you reading at the moment?

a stroll round the park with my two

I am crawling most determinedly

samples afternoon tea in the heart of the capital

dachshunds Cyril and Myrtle, lunch in

through David Foster Wallace’s magnum

town and maybe go poking around old

opus Infinite Jest. I bought a Kindle

78 Tony Cooper visits Bach’s birthplace, the

furniture shops on Magdalen Street.

specially to read it so it’s mammoth

musical city of Leipzig in Germany

Which iconic Norfolk characters do you

size didn’t strain my wrist. Difficult,

most admire and why?

wonderful and hugely rewarding.

Elizabeth Fry. I love the Quakers –

Would you prefer a day on the Broads

they’re like English Buddhists. I very

or a day at Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach?

gardens of Hoveton Hall – now open for all to enjoy

much admire the Norfolk & Norwich

I clearly need to work less and get out

radical spirit.

more.

What’s your favourite pub in Norfolk

Opera, musical, drama or movie - which

72 We show you how to create the perfect

and what do you like to drink there?

would you prefer to watch? And what

The York Tavern late Sunday afternoon.

was the last production/show you saw?

The roast’s in the oven and I am allowed

Drama and Opera – I am lucky to see so

out for a quiet pint accompanied by

much incredible theatre as part of my

7 William Galinsky, artistic director of the

a copy of The Irish Times (I lived in

job. The best thing I’ve seen in recent

Norfolk and Norwich Festival, reveals himself to be quite a foodie

Cork city for four years before moving

years is the work of the Nature Theater

here) or Private Eye. Always Adnams

of Oklahoma who are making their UK

Broadside to drink.

debut at this year’s festival with their

Where do you like to eat out in Norfolk

show Life and Times – it can be seen as

and why? And what do you order?

individual episodes, in its entirety over

Baby Buddha Tea House, Ber St

four nights or in one marathon 12 hour

MOTORS

Norwich. My wife and I are fanatical

Saturday performance that includes

about Chinese food and this is one of

an American barbeque cooked for the

112 The new Honda Civic, a great family car, is

the very best restaurants I’ve eaten at in

audience by the cast!

test driven

the UK. Our daughter will probably learn

Sum up Norfolk in three words

how to use chopsticks before a knife

My home now

and fork. Always the pork filled turnip

Sum up yourself in three words

cakes, BBQ pork buns, chicken and

Show Biz Dad

TRAVEL 76 James Spicer becomes a Sloane Ranger as he

HOME & GARDENS 68 Emma Outten discovers the beautiful

setting for afternoon tea – a treat for all ages

REGULARS

116 Our six pages of High Society photographs

kick off with a special Chinese celebration in Norwich

BUSINESS 98 Meet Brendan Hopkins, owner of The Hoste

in Burnham Market, as he prepares to unveil his £2m extension

For festival details visit www.nnfestival.org

Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

EVITA comes to Norwich Theatre Royal from July 15 to 27. Call 01603 630000.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Marti Pellow

MUSI C A L M A R T I MARTI PELLOW was the frontman of one of the most successful groups of the 80s and 90s. Thirty years after Wet Wet Wet formed, and 10 years since first performing on stage, Marti has released a new album of material from the musicals and he’s appearing in Evita in Norwich this summer.

He’s been chatting to Joff Hopkins

Is it true that you flew a curry from your favourite curry house in Glasgow all the way to America?

Aye! We just sent a wee jet over! Have you never done that? You should get your own private plane and then you can do whatever you want!

How does what you’ve done as a soloist compare to being in the band?

With Wet Wet Wet, it’s a pop band. I love my pop music – but my solo career is a whole different sort of sound. For once, the needs in my career have changed. I never consciously set out to write a ‘number 27’ [chart position] record – but that’s just the way it was.

But from there, you’ve branched out into theatre!

JOFF HOPKINS, presenter on Norwich 99.9, The Beach and North Norfolk Radio

L

et’s begin by going way back to when you were first starting out… how old were you when you decided that this, being a popstar, is what you wanted to do?

I think it started when we [Wet Wet Wet] were all about 14 or 15 – we were at school together in the same class when we decided to start a band. That’s when we started dreaming!

What a great dream for a school kid to have! I gather your family didn’t buy into it?

I think that’s the nature of everybody – when you get involved in the arts, or you want to be an actor or musician, it’s a bit of unknown territory. People get scared of that, because you’re dealing in the land of dreams. When you come from a working class family, you go for a vocation or you go for an apprenticeship, if you’re blessed enough. I guess my mother and father had their fears, but they stuck by us and I’ll be forever indebted to that.

Your father was a builder, wasn’t he?

Yes, and predominantly the family worked in the shipyards.

Alas, when I left school, those gates were padlocked shut. I didn’t want to do it, so my heart wouldn’t be in it… but my father had a genuine love for building, and architecture.

When did you start to realise that, for you and music, it was all coming together and that you were actually going to hit the big time?

About a week last Tuesday! I think naivety, youth and arrogance to me was ‘I’m gonna be in a band, I’m gonna put a record out, be on Top of the Pops’. Woe betide anyone who told me that this wasn’t going to be the case! I think when you have that fire in your belly, then you can make it happen, you WILL create it!

That’s how I go about it!

Love Is All Around – one of the most significant songs of the 1990s… how do you feel about it?

More so, of late: very, very proud.

It spent 15 weeks at number one on the chart – is it true you had it withdrawn?

Bryan Adams stayed there one week longer, which he never stops mentioning! We’d just had enough with 15 weeks at number one, it’s like eating chocolate every day, give someone else a shot!

It was time for us to go and record an album, so it made sense at the time.

You’ve had so much success – what did it and does it feel like to be that famous?

That’s other people’s interpretation… I’m just doing what I do.

That’s the way it kind of lives inside my head, anyway. I sing in a band, it’s a popular band, it’s fantastic.

Yes, over the last 10 years I’ve done a few shows, and have thoroughly enjoyed that. I love getting out on the road, and the live aspect of it – especially Chicago and The Witches of Eastwick… I enjoy musical theatre!

You're performing an iconic role in Evita this summer in Norwich - how do you feel about playing Che?

It seems now that every role I play is iconic - from Billy Flynn in Chicago to the Narrator in Blood Brothers. I guess musical theatre came to me at the right time in my career when I really suited these kinds of roles. Otherwise - my feelings towards this is that I'm really happy to be working with Tim Rice again - being part of a great piece like this is no bad thing! What can audiences expect from the show?

I think its Bill Kenwright's best production and a score that contains loads of hit songs that everyone's familiar with, not just musical theatre, but also in the pop domain. Don't Cry for Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus - these are songs that have been a backdrop to people's lives.

Whose idea was it to get you in to theatre?

Pete Townshend – many years ago, he approached me with the idea of doing Tommy. I thought there might be something in there… and when I was singing with Ruthie Henshall in Chicago, the producers came in from New York and they said they might have a Billy Flynn in there!

And this leads nicely into your new album, Hope?

I decided to make an album because I’ve spent the last ten years, on and off, doing musical theatre – so I thought it’d be a nice idea to make a record that touched on songs from that genre, and let me do my own interpretation of the songs that I enjoy.

There’s a wee bit of entertaining and educating going on with the record, even for me when we were picking the songs! If you enjoy me as a singer, you’ll enjoy this record because the vocals are paramount in the way the songs are arranged.

I hate to use the word ‘simple’ but it is a very simple arrangement on these tracks, isn’t it?

Piano and voice, and that’s predominantly it! A bit of bass or cello – it’s just something simple we wanted to do. Because these songs are so beautifully written, it’s nice to hear them in their starkness. Don’t get me wrong, though, you can still groove on them! It’s important to have those colours within a record. You can only swoon an audience so much, then they’ll fall off their chairs!

You are a regular visitor to Norwich, do you enjoy performing here?

I think it's one of the best theatres in the country - there's a great loving passion and support of the theatre in this community and it shows every time I walk through the front door. It is the heart of the city in my humble opinion.

HOPE is released on BK Records.

9

Places&Faces® | MAY 2013

W I L D A B O U T B E AU T Y SINGER AND TV PRESENTER LOUISE REDKNAPP TELLS US ALL ABOUT HER MAKE UP RANGE – AVAILABLE IN NORFOLK - WHICH IS HELPING TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF LIONS IN AFRICA

WITH ONLY 2000 LIONS LEFT

roaming wild in Kenya, Louise, patron of the Born Free Foundation and co-founder of Wild about Beauty, has brought together two of her passions to raise awareness and funds to help the plight of this noble animal.

H

ow and why did you start creating your own make up range?

It started when I met my friend and make-up artist Kim Jacob at a magazine cover shoot. I had just given birth to my first son, Charley, and had developed a skin pigmentation on my face. I had used an array of products to try and conceal the dark patches but, without feeling I was wearing a mask, nothing worked. I wasn’t feeling very confident about my skin at all.

Kim opened my eyes. That day she created a glowing look to my skin, my make-up looked and felt natural. I asked her where to buy the products and she told me she formulated them herself – that’s where Wild about Beauty began.

Who does it appeal to? All ages?

We’ve created a range of make-up for the woman who wants to look good, feel confident and cares about what she’s putting on her skin. We’ve taken care to make as many of our products multi purpose, which helps save time and, carrying around a bulky make-up bag!

We’ve also ensured our products are packed with beneficial ingredients – rose water, beeswax, aloe vera, sea marine extracts, vitamins and many, many properties to help rebalance and improve the texture and appearance of the skin.

What's your favourite piece in the new collection?

It has to be the Safari Nights /Born Free palette. You can create a beautiful, natural, glowing, sun-kissed look from one palette…I love it! Safari Nights also sees two of my passions coming together; with every sale £4 will be

10

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

donated to the Born Free Lion Proof Boma Project in Kenya.

Do you enjoy running your own business?

From working with Kim on developing the formulas, to producing marketing campaigns to interviewing the staff, it’s been important for me to be there every step of the way. This is my business, and in that way everything has to be my business! I’m really proud of the team and I love the fact that, with the exception of our Financial Director, we’re all women!

How did you get involved with the Born Free Foundation?

It’s no secret how much I love animals. Our household is ruled by two of the most beautiful British Bulldogs, Benny and Bella.

The charity approached me to become a patron last year and I feel very honoured to be involved.

What is it like following in the footsteps of Virginia McKenna - she is a very inspirational woman?

I was introduced to Virginia for the first time this year. She is one of the most inspirational, charismatic and gracious people I have ever met.

She’s dedicated most of her life to the Born Free Foundation and her passion is relentless. I’m delighted that the first project we’re working on is with big cats.

Have you visited the reserves in Kenya - the lions must be magnificent beasts?

We’re planning to go over later this year to visit the Bomas and meet the local farmers who are benefiting from the project. A Boma, put simply, is a security fence which surrounds the farmers’ livestock, keeping the domestic animals in, and the lions out. The lions cease being a threat to the farmers and they no longer have the need to poison or spear these beautiful animals.

What is next for you - any TV work lined up?

There are a couple of lovely projects coming up – that’s all I can reveal at the moment. Sorry!

VIRGINIA MCKENNA, founder of the Born Free Foundation, adds: ‘I’m delighted that Louise has become a patron of our charity and that she has decided to focus, initially, on our Big Cat projects. The Safari Nights palette that Louise and the Wild about Beauty team have created is really attractive. With one purchase you can treat yourself, and bring a huge benefit to our lion Boma project in Kenya!’

THE SAFARI NIGHTS/BORN FREE PALETTE is available at www. wildaboutbeauty.com and from selected Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Louise Redknapp

11

The Look of LamĂŠ Their debut album Lexicon of Love helped define the 1980s. Emma Outten caught up with ABC front man Martin Fry before his appearance in Norwich and discovered that life is as much about Lycra as lamĂŠ these days

ABC performs at Open Venue in Norwich on Saturday May 18. Call 01603 508050 or visit www. ueaticketbookings.co.uk

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Martin Fry If ever there was a pop star synonymous with shiny suits (any shade so long as it was gold) then it had to be ABC singer Martin Fry.

S

O IT COMES AS SOMETHING of a surprise to learn that that the debonair showman has become something of a MAMIL: one of THOSE Middle-Aged Men In Lycra.

It turns out that, in the 30-odd years since ABC’s debut album The Lexicon of Love leapt into the UK album charts at number one, the father of 22-yearold twins has become a bit of a Bradley Wiggins.

So much so that, when ABC follow-up their May date at the Open Venue in Norwich with a gig at Audley End in Essex, Martin, who lives in north west London, is thinking of cycling there. ‘I’m a massive cyclist,’ he says. ‘I do that a lot - sadly!’

Last year he rode the long-distance, mass-participation Levi’s GranFondo in Santa Rosa, California, (more than 100 miles/more than 7000 other riders), but as Martin points out: ‘I noticed a lot of them were a lot younger than me.’ Then again, he says: ‘Life’s about challenges. I love cycling – two wheels are great.'

It must keep the 55-year-old front man fairly fit. ‘It does help for jumping around on stage for an hour or so, definitely - but that keeps you fit, too.’

So what can we expect when he jumps around on stage at Open? ‘Big songs, big choruses, used to be big shoulder pads back in the 80s; big hooks – it’s a bit of a sing-along some days,' he says.

ABC were one of a number of groups who came along and kick-started the 80s with their own brand of new romantic pop for the new decade. On its release in 1982, The Lexicon of Love showcased the hit songs Tears Are Not Enough, Poison Arrow, The Look of Love and All of My Heart, and boasted a majestic production from Trevor Horn.

What had been the idea behind their seminal album? ‘We wanted to do something different at the time,’ says Martin. ‘We’d been quite post punk. We wanted to do something romantic.’ The ‘we’ originally encompassed Mark White and Stephen Singleton, but, it would be fair to say, the band has been through numerous personnel changes.

Martin says he had no idea the polished pop of The Lexicon of Love would end up being number one as well as being voted one of the best albums ever. ‘Making music is an adventure, it really is.’

To paraphrase an ABC song title, That Was Then But This Is Now, how do the lyrics sound, with 30 years of life experience under Martin’s belt? ‘There’s a lot of emotion in the songs from Lexicon of Love. I can still feel that,’ he replies.

As the 80s wore on, ABC was soon conquering America: worldwide hit (and homage to Smokey Robinson) When Smokey Sings had powered its way toward the top of the American charts. Martin observes the State-side success of Adele and One Direction, and reflects: ‘It does remind me of those days.’

Suffice to say, the band is still completing successful American tours, including the sell-out Steel City Arena tour with fellow Sheffield alumni The Human League and Heaven 17. ‘It’s great playing with my band, ABC, but it is interesting playing with other acts, also from the 80s’, (or ‘the usual suspects’ as he refers to his pop peers).

Last year, Martin received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sheffield. ‘That was a great honour. My daughter was graduating in the same year as well.’ Life, he felt, was ‘turning a full circle’. He adds: ‘That really moved me. A lot of good things have happened to me.’ His twins, Nancy and Louis, both study in London nowadays.

But what was it about Sheffield that garnered such pop prowess? Martin has a theory: ‘They put something in Ladybower Reservoir’ (in nearby Derwent Valley). Joe Cocker and Def Leppard also hail from the South Yorkshire city. The self-

deprecating Martin adds: ‘Then there was us pitching in.’

A certain film about steelworkers-turned-strippers, in the 90s, had also put Sheffield on the map. ‘The Full Monty kind of captured that mix of desperation and show-business,’ says Martin, before hastily adding: I’ve never had to take all my clothes off, though!’

In fact, his career has taken a highly decorous note of late.

In 2009, ABC – including original drummer David Palmer performed The Lexicon of Love in its entirety to a sell-out audience at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.

It was the perfect accompaniment, as Martin explains: ‘There’s a lot of orchestra on The Lexicon of Love.’ He adds: ‘It was about me climbing inside The Lexicon of Love and super-charging it.’

Does Martin mind being forever entrenched in the 80s? Martin pauses before he speaks: ‘You know what, I’ve written lots of songs in the 90s and the present day but everybody is defined by when they arrive. Even someone like Bowie is regarded as a 70s artist.’

He adds: ‘Years ago there was an apologetic air among some of my contemporaries but no, those songs are fantastic.’

He makes a fair point, about the song-writing: the first single, The Very First Time, from the last studio album, Traffic (2008), was a huge hit on BBC Radio Two. Now, of course, there’s been a regeneration and resurgence of interest in all things 80s, so no, it doesn’t sound as though Martin minds for a moment (would you turn down a gig in Dubai with Rick Astley?). ‘It’s about getting on stage and making it mean something in 2013. You flip it on its head – people want to feel good, NOW.’ And he adds: ‘On stage it’s about the audience – I love the audience.’

Despite classifying himself as a MAMIL nowadays, Martin was recently described as the missing link between the equally dapper Bryan Ferry and Jarvis Cocker (another one from Sheffield!).

There’s just no getting away from those suits, however hard Martin might pedal. ‘It’s a funny thing, I’ve just walked down Savile Row,’ he muses. ‘Everybody has to have a silhouette, a shape – that’s rock ‘n’ roll.’

13

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Screen shot from the original Billy Liar movie

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Helen Fraser

An Evening With…

Popular Suffolk actress Helen Fraser is celebrating 55 years in showbusiness with her own show which is touring in our region this summer. Sarah Hardy finds out more

S

HE IS ONE OF BRITAIN’S hardest working

actresses and is now putting on her own show to share some of her great memories. Helen Fraser, who lives in Eye, has worked in the theatre, in movies and on television so has, as she admits, plenty of stories to tell.

‘Yes, there is a lot to go at – there will be lots of laughs,’ says Helen. ‘I’ve worked with so many people over the years and when I look on the internet, I can’t quite believe all those credits!’

You might know Helen best as 'Bodybag' in the hit ITV series Bad Girls set in a women’s prison. She played prison officer Sylvia Hollamby and had many an adventure in the series which lasted from 1999 to 2006.

And, more recently she played Doris Babbage in Coronation Street, a marvellously domineering widow who put Gloria Price (played by Sue Johnston) firmly in her place. ‘It was great fun to be back with Sue as we were together in the Royle Family,’ says Helen, revealing just one of the many hit shows she has starred in.

Her career really began when she appeared in the 1963 hit British movie Billy Liar, directed by John Schlesinger. Also starring Tony Courteney and a young Julie Christie in one of her first roles, it was a film very much of its time, looking at youth, the working class and life up North!

The Billy Liar DVD is released on May 6 and is priced at £15.99

For Helen, who played the rather sweet Barbara, one of Billy’s several girlfriends, the movie was especially significant. ‘It was where I met my husband, of course,’ she says.

Helen was married to sound recordist Peter Handford for many years until his death in 2007. They moved to Suffolk in 1969 where Helen has been based ever since.

A special new DVD is being released this month to mark the 50th anniversary of the film, with interviews with Helen and Tom plus, as Helen says, various ‘bits and pieces’. She says: ‘It’s hard to believe it was 50 years ago but yes, I am very proud of the film and it is lovely that they are marking the anniversary.’

She was, she says, destined to act as her mother was a frustrated actress. ‘I was sent to stage school when I was just nine years old and that was that! I never thought of anything else.’

Originally from Oldham in Lancashire, she won a place at RADA where her contemporaries included John Thaw, John Hurt and Edward Fox to name but a few!

‘It was a very special time,’ she says, saying that she has achieved just about everything she ever hoped to. This include numerous plays and movies, working on the Dick Emery Show, The Two Ronnies, One Foot in the Grave, panto, a hit West End musical, Bad Girls – The Musical, and, recently, being on tour in Calendar Girls.

She says that she has really enjoyed her career, ranking working with Judi Dench as one of the highlights. ‘She is my idol, really, so talented and so generous in everything she does.'

Helen adds: ‘Doing a big musical was really one of the last things I wanted to do. Now I never really know what is round the corner.

Coronation Street came out of the blue, but I have always loved to work.’

The idea for her show, called An Evening With Helen Fraser, came about when she was asked to create a charity event for Eye’s church and village hall.

‘As I started to get some material ready, I thought that I didn’t want to waste it all and people seemed to enjoy themselves – and we raised £1200,’ she says.

‘And I worked out that I have been in the business for 55 years – and I’ve never had a year off!’

Helen, aged 70, is going to be accompanied by pianist Keith Monk and will also perform a couple of numbers from a previous one-woman show, Vesta Victoria, which celebrated the life of the music hall star from Leeds.

But interestingly, even after all these years in the business, Helen admits to suffering from stage fright. ‘Oh gosh, yes,’ she says. ‘It wouldn’t be right, you wouldn’t be in the right frame of mind if you were not a bit nervous, it makes you do your best,’ she explains.

An Evening With Helen Fraser is being performed at various venues. Dates include the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh on May 17, The Cut, Halesworth on July 21 and Diss Corn Hall on July 28

15

Places&Faces® | MAY 2013

It’s hot, sweaty and great fun!

Emi Wokoma tells Sarah Hardy that playing soul sensation Tina Turner is simply the best as the show arrives in Ipswich this month

16

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Emi Wokoma SOUL SISTER comes to The Ipswich Regent from May 13 to 18. Call 01473 433100.

T

HE STORY OF TINA TURNER, that iconic

singer beloved by us all, ticks all the right boxes. It is full of drama, there’s a woman battling against the odds, a love story, and a precious near unbelievable talent.

So playing this musical legend is a real challenge – and one that Emi Wokoma is firmly grasping with both hands.

‘It’s a full on show, I am on stage all the time. I just rush to the wings, gulp a bit of water, get mopped down with a flannel and change my dress and that’s it – I don’t have time to go back to my dressing room until the interval,’ she says.

‘It’s like a Formula One pit stop, we are all so finely tuned!’ she laughs with what quickly becomes her trademark gusty giggle.

She continues: ‘I always knew it was going to be physically very demanding, it is very energetic so I have to be really disciplined. I don’t do much else when I am working.’

Indeed Emi reveals that she doesn’t speak much during the day, drinks plenty of water and eats as healthily as possible. ‘I don’t have to do any more exercise, I do a few weights at home in the day and I’ll go to the gym on Sundays but it will be all low impact.

‘During the day I just relax and then once I’m at the theatre, I’ll do a physical and vocal warm up and I’m good to go.’

Emi is enjoying the high octane show, saying: ‘It is all about having a great time. It’s all a bit crazy and frantic and we just want to cheer people up.

‘It celebrates the music of both Tina and Ike – and looks at Tina’s own story, her growth as an artist. We take a different line to the one that the Hollywood film took a few years ago. Ike was made out as a bit of a monster but we show something else, something a bit deeper.’

And Emi, who is in her 20s, reveals that she was already a massive Tina Turner fan. ‘Sure, 120 per cent, she is a legend. I totally get how people love her. She is raunchy, so sexy and with great legs.

‘But she had the talent as well as the looks – all that raw natural ability. They don’t make them like that any more!’

"It celebrates the music of both Tina and Ike – and looks at Tina’s own story, her growth as an artist. We take a different line to the one that the Hollywood film took a few years ago. Ike was made out as a bit of a monster but we show something else, something a bit deeper."

Emi is a big fan of soul music, saying that she loves the likes of Gladys Knight and Barbra Streisand - and those power ballads of the 80s. ‘That’s what you’ll catch me singing in the shower,’ she says.

The show, which is now on tour after a very successful London run, sees Emi wearing lots of fabulous costumes which she describes as a little daring. ‘You have to be confident in them! I love one particular red dress that has slits to the hips.

And I love all the wigs. I think I have about four and they are fantastic. I wish it was all my hair!’

She's really looking forward to getting to know lots of new cities whilst on tour.

‘I try to see a few of the sights when I’m on tour – I like to take plenty of pictures.’

Although Emi comes across as a full on kind of girl, she admits that she is naturally rather shy. ‘People think that I am gobby and loud but I’m not at all underneath. I get really nervous and have to make sure that I don’t let my nerves get the better of me. I have to focus on doing the job.’

She is extra busy at present as she and her chef husband are relocating from London to Reading where he has a new job. But Emi, who is from the East End, says that as her mum still lives in London, she’ll always have a base there.

‘I’m hoping to get a dog, I love walking and really enjoy having friends round for dinner. My husband is a great cook so I act as the host.’

Can’t wait for the house warming, Emi, hope my invite is in the post!

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

17

Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

LIFE THROUGH A LENS Even when he was a small boy growing up in Lowestoft, award-winning photographer Gary John Norman wondered what was just over the horizon. That curiosity developed further than he could have ever thought possible so now people all over the world are seeing the world through his eyes. Anne Gould finds out more

Gary John Norman

INTERVIEW

"Today his pictures are just as likely to turn up on the BBC website, iPlayer or on promotional material for any number of large international companies"

H

is teachers were simply lost for words when Gary John Norman said he wanted to become a photographer.

‘They didn’t know what to say to me, what advice to give because it just wasn’t seen as a career option,’ he says.

So he left school and applied for a job in a local clothes shop because he didn’t want to go to college.

‘The owner asked me what I wanted to do and when I told him he said that he wasn’t going to give me a job in Lowestoft because he said it was important that I followed my dream.’

Gary says he’s been back to say thank you because it was this decision that put him on track to an international career as a photographer that has taken him around the world - one of his specialities is yacht racing.

For 10 years he lived and worked in Miami, his work has graced the covers of some of the very best magazines and he’s shot the images to front high profile advertising campaigns for the likes of Florida and the British Virgin Isles tourism.

Today his pictures are just as likely to turn up on the BBC website, iPlayer or on promotional material for any number of large international companies.

One of his recent computer video shoots is also being shown on prime time TV and even in cinemas, too.

However, despite the glamour and high life wherever he was in the world there was always a yearning to come back home.

Which is why he now lives in Harleston, conveniently close to Diss railway station and runs his international business – he regularly commutes to Dubai and Florida - from here.

In between times he teaches photography students in London and has also recently started regular sessions in DSLR for beginners, Photoshop and Wordpress in Pulham Market and at The Cut in Halesworth.

Coming up soon is a two-day practical course on landscape photography too.

It’s quite a contrast, but says Gary, the world of photography has changed enormously since he started out.

In the so-called old days there were darkrooms, chemicals and an element of alchemy to photography – and there were also magazines who’d pay handsomely for the right shots.

Today new camera technology and computer programmes have done away with many of the old skills

along with a change in magazine readership, too.

But says Gary, that’s brought new opportunities and with an eye ever towards the horizon he works hard to create images of the future – the sort of stock shots that everyone wants on their website.

‘I’ve got an agent and some of my shots sell for not that much but I’ve just sold one for the price of a small car.’

Even so he had to work hard to build up a solid reputation. ‘I was always interested in boats and went to a specialist magazine and asked for some work. They were covering the Henley Regatta and had already commissioned a photographer to do the work but I asked to go along just for the experience.

‘I was very eager and spent three days there and they loved my pictures so much I ended up getting the cover and page spreads inside,’ he says.

This set him up for lots of work with boats on the south coast but then, having wondered what next, he ended up getting involved in horse photography.

‘I went for an interview for a new equestrian magazine and they said: ‘You can ride can’t you?’ and I replied: ‘Of course’.

‘The next two weeks were spent doing a crash course in horse riding as my first assignment was in the >>

For more information about Gary’s courses, visit his website at www.garyjohnnorman.com

19

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Gary John Norman

INTERVIEW

>> Okavango Delta, Botswana, where I had to take pictures while riding backwards.’

After that there were regular commissions to Spain and Africa and then work with the Commonwealth Development Corporation to take pictures of tea and coffee plantations.

‘In my 20s and 30s other people spent money sending me round the world but then a major yachting magazine in America asked me to go over there and I based myself in Miami.

‘I spent a lot of time photographing luxury powerboats and specialized in aerial and lifestyle shots. Interestingly one of the boats I shot belonged to Bernard Matthews, which was built by Brooke Marine.’

Returning to the UK from the sun though has brought all sorts of benefits – he did an MA in digital art at Norwich and of course he’s now closer to his family who still live in Lowestoft.

And the north Norfolk coast has also brought inspiration. He was walking along in the sand dunes and spotted a woman with her dog that made perfect stock lifestyle photographs.

These pictures are now being used by Axa for one of their insurance products.

Does he miss anything about life in America? ‘The sun and the light, but as a photographer the soft light we’ve got here is nice, too.’

And in reality he doesn’t have to go too long without the sun either – fitting in an interview was a matter of juggling between desert shots in Dubai and a commission in Florida – so despite the UK’s overcast skies he never has to worry too much about topping up the tan.

IAN RUSSELL

talking tourism

G O O D G R I E F, WHERE DID ALL THOSE YEARS GO?!

IAN RUSSELL LOOKS BACK AT 30 YEARS IN HOSPITALITY

A

LL THE BEST ADVENTURES start in a pub

and mine started with two colleagues: Rupert Latham who built steam launches, and the late Jack Chippendale, legendary dinghy builder, daydreaming over the particulars for Dairy Farm in Hoveton.

We hatched a hair-brained scheme - let’s build boats and let the public watch us at work. Maybe we could sell boats, too? However, there was a fly in the ointment, as Dairy Barns were 20 minutes from the nearest water!

But we weren’t deterred: over the coming weeks, we assembled the necessary £40,000, with the help of parents and aunts, and revised our idea into something more feasible. We were also lucky to meet the Development Officer for the English Tourist Board who was 25 then, as was I. He is now the Chief Executive of Tourism South East; back then he gave me a report on what holidaymakers most liked doing – shopping!

So we thought about somewhere where you could buy gifts with origin, see where they were made and chat to the artisans, located in lovely restored barns, with somewhere to picnic. And over the summer, the plan came together and we thought it bound to succeed – after all, I was 25 and bomb-proof!

Then I met the Chairman of the English Tourist Board, a lovely fellow called Michael Montague. He showed real interest in our plans and asked if he could help - yes, I said, you can come to Norfolk on May 24 1983 and open Wroxham Barns. He did not ask and I did not tell him that at the time I hadn’t yet secured planning permission!

But without enough capital and with no experience of tourism, we set about restoring our lovely barns. We won a grant from the English Tourist Board, with the barns recognised as the first 'craft centre' in the UK and received £20,000 - the equivalent of a terraced house! Then the rain came and we worked through some of the wettest months in living memory.

22

We managed to fill all of the studios and gathered a group of local craftspeople who agreed to supply us by sale or return.

We opened just before the Whitsun bank holiday and were completely unprepared for the crowds.

Since then post-traumatic stress prevents me from recalling some of the cringe-making fixes we got ourselves into! But Wroxham Barns now hosts an outstanding group of small businesses, including resident artist Chris Hutchins, who has been with us for 28 years, potter Tricia Francis and stained glass specialist Tim Foord.

In the late 80s/early 90s we widened our appeal to families by adding our children’s fair and Junior Farm. Our tearoom has become an award-winning restaurant, and now we have a trendy coffee shop for young families.

In one sense the place looks much the same as in 1983; look closer, however, and every element has evolved. The changes in retail, tourism and technology over the years have been extraordinary. Back then we had no internet, no inkling of sustainable tourism and no mobile phones, and visitors to the area booked a week’s or a fortnight’s holiday. A good night out meant prawn cocktail and steak, or chicken in a basket, and the Broads were overcrowded, noisy and the province of Watneys Red Barrel.

At the time, tourism businesses felt unloved. Other than Great Yarmouth, there was little being done to promote the destinations or to drive up standards. We are proud that we have helped to influence some of those issues. Wroxham Barns is nothing without the hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and hire boat fleets that attract the region’s visitors. And we need competing attractions to create a vibrant destination where there is so much to see and do.

We need the Broads to be what they are today - an attractive and compelling destination providing a real sense of place.

And throughout the past 30 years, we have always needed our local residents to support us and my word, they have done that!

From the start we wanted to open all year round, which meant offering somewhere for customers to shop, eat and browse, and we still believe in all-year-round tourism, a task which is still a work-in-progress for Norfolk.

The time has flown by and it has been an adventure, but we would definitely do it again. And we’re keen to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs, by employing young people, providing a home for small businesses, and promoting Norfolk, of which Wroxham Barns is so proud to be a part.

Wroxham Barns celebrates its 30th anniversary on May 24 with a special customer day - all welcome. For details, call 01603 783762 or visit www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.

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Terms and Conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Finance supplied by either Santander Consumer (UK) plc, RH1 1SR or GMAC PO BOX 6666. Cardiff, CF15 7YT. Offers available at participating Dealers only and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offers may not apply to all Dealer stock. Warranty expires at 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This offer includes Chevrolet’s standard Customer Care Commitment of a 2 year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, and third year manufacturer’s warranty with a 60,000 mile limitation. Years 4 and 5 are an insurance-backed warranty up to a maximum of 100,000 miles. The warranty excludes wear and tear and serviceable items and the vehicle has to be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s servicing schedule. 5 year warranty is available on retail registrations and at participating Dealers only. Prices correct at time of print. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers, commission may be received.

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Wroxham Barns

30

Come and help us to celebrate our years of welcoming visitors to Wroxham Barns.

We want to thank everybody for supporting us....

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Our lovely holidaymakers

folk You Norfolk & see who come round us all year

Our wonderful award-winning staff

Our talented craftsmen and specialist studios

We have had great fun over the last 30 years welcoming visitors to our shops, studios, Junior Farm, Restaurant and Childrens Funfair.

Come and visit us on Friday 24th May during the day and evening, we will be offering tasty treats, yummy birthday cake and much more.

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Our hoteliers, holiday parks, boatyards, cottage owners and B&B’s who recommend us to their visitors )

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OPEN 10AM TO 5PM ALL YEAR ROUND Wroxham Barns, Tunstead Road, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8QU 01603 783762 info@wroxhambarns.co.uk www.wroxhambarns.co.uk t

FASHION

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The latest Leo DiCaprio movie is the Great Gatsby and the glorious fashions from the Jazz Age are sure to be a key trend this summer, reckons Sarah Hardy

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Main Picture TAKEN FROM THE GREAT GATSBY MOVIE (2013) OUT THIS MONTH

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

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STYLE TIP: Keep your look chic with a sleek blazer and heels – it adds a refined edge to distressed jeans.

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STYLE TIP: Keep your look chic with a sleek blazer and heels – it adds a refined edge to distressed jeans.

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STYLE TIP: Pair your sneakers with a sophisticated skirt for a ultramodern finish.

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Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Makeup Lesson, House of Fraser What a marvellous midday, midweek treat I had – a Pretty Powerful Makeup Lesson, courtesy of Bobbi Brown in Chapelfield’s flagship store, House of Fraser.

Professional Make-up Artist Sammie Mowle took me through Bobbi’s signature 10-step lesson, and judging by the number of make-up brushes fanning out across the counter by the end of the 45-minutes, this is a meticulous makeover.

Sammie showed me the tricks of the trade, laying the foundations with a good skincare routine (including Vitamin Enriched Face Base moisturiser); an Extra Light Bisque Corrector and a Creamy Concealer Kit in Sand; a Long-Wear Compact Foundation; a Pale Yellow Powder; a really natural-looking Desert Rose Blush, plus a pop of Pastel Pink; a Sandwash Pink Lip Colour followed by a Buff Lip Gloss and a Brow Powder.

Sammie opted for a smokey eyed look - Bone eye colour all over, then Malted and Stone cream shadow over the lower lid, and Saddle eye shadow in the crease; Black Ink gel eyeliner and flick of Everyday Mascara. The New Smokey Eye range, being advertised by Katie Holmes is proving very popular, I noticed.

The beauty of Bobbi Brown make-up is that the end result is so natural-looking (no-one did a double-take when I did the school run later in the afternoon) which I think, is what real make-up artistry is all about.

BOBBI BROWN, House of Fraser Norwich.

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Avenue Beauty Clinic and 2nd Avenue Beauty Clinic We are a well established Beauty Clinic offering a wide range of beauty treatments.

Helen Cook salon owner has over 20 years experience in the beauty industry having trained with Elemis, Christian Dior, Revlon, St Tropez, Shellac, Mavala, Finders, Roc, Biotherm, and Bodyshop to name but a few. Come to us for Wedding make ups, St Tropez spray tans classic or dark, shellac nails polish that lasts two weeks ideal for honeymoons. Elemis facials, Brazillian bikini waxing, Eyelash extensions - all the things you might need prior to your holiday or special event. Ask us about our Luxury packages and Gift vouchers. There is free parking at our salons.

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Cream Spa Excellence We are pleased to announce the arrival of DECLÉOR Spa treatments and products to CREAM SPA EXCELLENCE, EXCLUSIVELY on the North Norfolk Coast. DECLÉOR has joined our World Renowned Spa Brands of ELEMIS, C.A.C.I., CRYSTAL CLEAR, JESSICA, MINX, ST. TROPEZ, JANE IREDALE and MII. Highly experienced Therapists ensure any treatment or advice received will be FIRST CLASS. To celebrate the LAUNCH OF DECLÉOR, a FREE GIFT will be given to each client that experiences a DECLÉOR FACIAL between 18th May and 30th June 2013. Please quote ‘Places&Faces’ when booking your appointment.

A 11 High St, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8JP | T 01263 825266 | E email@creamspa.com W www.creamspa.com | Cream Spa Excellence

The Green Room Hair & Beauty Prom Packages available at The Green Room!!

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Bodymatters Bodymatters has been established since 1998 and is one of the leading Beauty Salons in the Great Yarmouth area. Treatments range from the basic manicure, pedicures, waxing etc right up to the more specialised treatments such as CACI Ultra and Ultimate. We pride ourselves in our professional, friendly and caring atmosphere. Mention Places&Faces Magazine on booking and you will receive a 15% discount.

Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9am - 5pm, Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 9pm A Bodymatters Health & Beauty, 70 High Street, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6RQ | T 01493 604804 | E info@bodymatters-online.co.uk W www.bodymatters-online.co.uk/

The Cathedral Street Dental Practice Do you need to look and feel your best? If you are considering facial aesthetics (botox, filler, chemical peels, or teeth whitening) Jamie O’Donnell is now available for consults at the Cathedral Street Dental Practice. Make sure you have the highest standards of care from an experienced practitioner in a clinical setting.

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THEATRE It's the last chance to discover the heady, indulgent days of New York’s Long Island during the glamorous 1920s as Northern Ballet brings F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby to the stage until May 4 at Norwich Theatre Royal. Music by Academy Award nominated and BAFTA winning composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett CBE, will be played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia. Call 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich. co.uk.

WINE Daily Mail wine journalist Matthew Jukes will be bringing his ‘100 Aussie Wines’ road show to the Assembly House on May 1.

He is regarded as the UK’s best-read wine scribe, and the event is being organised by HarperWells Wine Shop. Call the shop on 01603 451098 or email shop@harperwells.com.

What’s On

MAY THIS MONTH HAVE MUCH TO ENTERTAIN AND DELIGHT YOU!

FAYRE The new date for the Daffodil Craft and Country Fayre at Langley School, Loddon (it was postponed due to bad weather) is May 12. Attractions will include a display of classic cars, an array of steam engines, and a large selection of craft stalls. Visit www. langleyschool.co.uk.

EXHIBITION A contemporary art exhibition inspired by the University of East Anglia's iconic architecture, continues this month. Falling Backwards comprises specially commissioned and sitespecific drawings, installation and filmed performance works by the artist Ruth Proctor. The exhibition, which runs to June 9 in the School of Art History and World Art Studies, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, comes as the university celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Visit www.uea.ac.uk.

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OPEN STUDIOS Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios takes place from May 25 to June 9 and once again sees artists across the county opening their home and studio doors to an eager public keen to view their work and see behind-the-scenes of their artistic practices. 2013 is the 19th year that this popular annual event has been managed by the Norfolk & Norwich Festival in collaboration with participating artists. Visit www.openstudios. org.uk.

SINGER A rare chance to get ‘Up Close & Personal’ with Curtis Stigers awaits at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on May 9. Curtis shot to international fame with his worldwide hits I Wonder Why and You’re All That Matters To Me. Here you will be able to see and hear him perform his songs in a stripped-down intimate acoustic setting. Call 01284 758000 or visit www.theapex.co.uk.

CLASSIC CARS A Classic and Supercar Club event, organised by the The Hoste in Burnham Market, takes place on May 23 to 24. Sports car rally driver Charlie Cox will be speaking at this year's event. If you have a classic car (pre-1970s) or a wonderful supercar, then please apply for tickets to join the 100-strong rally and celebrate the opening of the new garden room at the Hoste. Places are limited so please register your interest now. Call 01328 738777 or visit www. thehoste.com.

BLAKENEY Dip your toes into a bit of wildlife at Blakeney Quay, and find out how the National Trust has been caring for this special bit of coastline for over 100 years, on May 10. This will be a unique three-mile trail with an experienced coastal ranger during low tide. But bring wellies or waterproof boots, as you will get your feet wet. Call 0844 249 1895.

WHAT'S ON

Monthly Round Up FELBRIGG Felbrigg Hall is holding a Herb Day on May 29, a new event for 2013. Celebrating herbs, there will be stalls selling all things herbal, plus guided tours of the Felbrigg herb borders. Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk.

LONDON Hot ticket is probably not the most appropriate way of describing Life And Death In Pompeii And Herculaneum, at the British Museum, but it has been described as the most moving exhibition of the year, capturing the moment entire families were burnt alive in Pompeii. Sponsored

by Goldman Sachs, it runs until September 29. Advance booking essential. Visit www.britishmuseum.org.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT In case the Norfolk & Norwich Festival is still not on your radar, multi-talented musician Woodkid is coming to the Theatre Royal on May 13. French performer Yoann Lemoine, is a video director (he made Katy Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teenage Dream and Lana Del Reyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Born To Die) turned singer-songwriter, boasting a Scott Walker-esque voice.

Expect a highly visual treat. Call 01603 630000 or visit www. theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.

WILDLIFE An environment awareness day, Wild About the Wensum, returns to Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens between 10am and 5pm on May 18, to inspire visitors to look after the special Wensum River Valley, which runs through Norfolk. Hosted by the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust to raise money for Operation Turtle Dove, there will be lots of activities running throughout the day including a free wildlife puppet making workshop in conjunction with the Norwich Puppet Theatre.

Visit www.pensthorpe.com.

WOODKID

ART The Assembly House Art Show 2013: ART ALIVE! continues until May 8. Curated by Yvonne and John Millwood, this major contemporary art show features new work by more than 120 artists from Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, including installations, art textiles, sculpture, pottery, paintings, photographs and video.

Visit www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk.

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Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

KRAFTWERK BRINGS AN EXTRA D I M E N S I O N TO

L AT I T U D E THE FAMILY FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR, LATITUDE, IS BACK IN JULY, AND, AS EVER, IT OFFERS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST MUSIC. EMMA OUTTEN LISTENED TO THE LAUNCH WITH INTEREST

LATITUDE FESTIVAL, Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk, July 18 to 21.

Tickets are now on sale, visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

FESTIVALS

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HOUSANDS OF FESTIVAL GOERS standing in a field wearing 3D glasses will be the spectacular spectacle of Latitude Festival this year.

German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk headline on July 20, in the middle of the three-day festival, and it will be a rare chance for festival goers to witness one of the most influential bands of all time perform The Model in a highly celebrated 3D concert.

The official line up for the Latitude festival was announced

by BBC Radio 6 music DJ Steve Lamacq in a special live programme from Maida Vale, London.

At the launch, founder and creator Melvin Benn explained why Kraftwerk is going to be so special. ‘Each and every one of you will be given 3D glasses and it will be amazing. I saw it at Tate Modern - it was just unbelievable.’ He adds: ‘We just can’t wait for it. It will be a very special UK performance.’

First to headline Latitude’s Obelisk Arena, on the Friday, will be Bloc Party and on the Sunday, Oxford quintet Foals, winner of a NME Award for Best Song, will headline.

Now in its eighth year, Latitude won the 2012 Best Family Festival at the Festival Awards (think falafel-eating families and you’re just about there).

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BBC Radio 6 Music will have a presence again this year, reflecting the type of audience the Festival attracts, and on the 6 Music Stage Modest Mouse, Mercury-Prize winners Alt-J and Beach House will be topping the bill. They will be joined

by Norfolk’s very own Beth Orton on the Friday afternoon.

Mr Benn says of the festival’s musical ethos: ‘I felt there was a gap that represented my cultural life and probably everyone else’s cultural life; it certainly fairly accurately represents the 6 Music audience’s cultural life.’

Back on the main stage, and 2013 Brit nominee Jessie Ware and NME Award Best Album winners The Maccabees will also be making appearances.

Headlining the i Arena will be the Japandroids, Purity Ring and Moon Duo, and The Lake Stage will host headliners Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Veronica Falls and The 1975.

Latitude is more than just a music festival, however, (it’s billed as the UK’s favourite multi-arts festival) and the comedy bill is just as impressive: with Dylan Moran, Daniel Kitson and Seann Walsh all joining in the festival fun.

In all, 22 dedicated arts arenas, stages and spaces will offer performances from a mix of artists across comedy, film, dance, theatre, literature, poetry and cabaret.

The Theatre Arena will serve up a whole host of dramatic performances. Mr Benn again: ‘The National Theatre Wales are coming and we can’t wait, because they are amazingly good. They are bringing Neon Neon: perfect for Latitude; the blurring of pop gig and theatre is an absolute must-see.’

On the Waterfront Stage, Sadler’s Wells presents the first full length dance show ever to be taken to a festival from award-winning flamenco dancer, Rocio Molino. Her performance marks Sadler’s Wells’ sixth visit to Latitude. >> 37

MAY

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00

Tues 30 April – Sat 4 May

Mon 20 – Sat 25 May

Northern Ballet with new dance drama £6.50 - £36.50

Michael Frayn’s hilarious backstage comedy £5.50 - £23.50

THE GREAT GATSBY

NOISES OFF

Sunday 5 May

Sun 26 May

Heather Millan School of Dance & Performing Arts £5.50 - £15.50

Tribute to the Electric Light Orchestra £5.50 - £20

ENCHANTMENT UNDER A TREE

Tues 7 – Sat 11 May

NEW JERSEY NIGHTS

Celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons £6.50 - £27.50

ELO EXPERIENCE

Tues 28 May – Sat 1 June

SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE

Imperial Ice Stars in classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious music £6.50 - £29.50

NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

New Jersey Nights

Sun 12 – Sat 18 May

Latitude

FESTIVALS

>> Latitude is extremely proud to present a programme of renowned artists for 2013. David Shrigley, whose instantly recognisable naive style has elevated him into the world of fine art, will be making a rare appearance and presenting from his work How Are You Feeling?

An exciting mix of film screenings and special multi-media live music performances will also be on offer. ‘We had to have David Bowie. Not quite the real David Bowie,’ emphasises Mr Benn, ‘but the ICA are coming to present Bowiefest.’

The hugely popular Poetry Arena features the very best in poetry and this year is no exception with readings from the British Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Murray Lachlan Young and Scottish Poet Laureate Liz Lochhead. Mr Benn jokes: ‘Believe me, the cutting edge bill of the year is this year’s poetry tent at Latitude. Don’t worry about anywhere else. And it is so royal, I half expect the Queen to drop in and read Skyfall!’

The literary line-up will play host to a unique selection of the nation’s most dynamic names, including the legendary Germaine Greer, who has defined the debate about gender for 40 years, will be presenting a discussion on The Disappearing Woman.

So what was Mr Benn particularly looking forward to? ‘I’m obsessed with Foals,’ he says, ‘At Latitude we’ve always given bands the opportunity to make that first headline performance.

Foals are ready to step up and I can’t wait for it.’

Stop Press: Grizzly Bear has been added to the music bill; Sean Lock has been added to the comedy line-up, plus the arts bill gets even better with Marcel Theroux.

IF URBAN MUSIC IS MORE YOUR THING, THE SUNDOWN FESTIVAL at the end of August might be for you - or, at least your offspring!

Now in its third year (the first year it was called the Norfolk Spectacular) the two-day musical event brings a whole host of R&B acts to the Norfolk Showground.

This year Example (real name Elliot Gleave) headlines on the Main Stage on August 31 and Jessie J (presumably her hair will have grown back a bit by then, following her Comic Relief close shave) headlines on September 1.

Tickets are on sale now for Sundown Festival, which will take place at the Norfolk Showground on August 31 and September 1. For more information, or to book tickets for the event, call 0871 224 1112/1113 or visit www.nationalboxoffice.co.uk.

Picture of Example by RANKIN

ALSO, FOLKEAST 2013 will be taking place at Glemham Hall in Suffolk over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Artists confirmed so far include Eliza Carthy, Jim Moray, and Johnny Kalsi.

Organisers are also on a quest to find a free-spirit couple to wed at the festival, which features three days of folk, roots and world music, street theatre, dance, workshops and more. Visit www. folkeast.co.uk.

EXAMPLE is playing at The Sundown Festival

Festivals Further Ahead

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Marina Theatre

RULE B R I TA N N I A !

THERE’S A PATRIOTIC FEEL TO THE MARINA THEATRE IN LOWESTOFT IN JUNE, SAYS SARAH HARDY AS SHE SURVEYS WHAT’S ON OFFER Picture AL MURRAY

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WHAT'S ON

ET YOUR UNION JACK FLAGS READY! A

highlight of June’s programme at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre must be the Last Night of the Proms concert on June 14. Expect a sparkling selection of rousing tunes including Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 to help you celebrate our great country.

The concert is part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra residency at the Marina and sees soprano Lucy Hall and conductor Nick Davies leading the way!

Another great British institution arrives in the town in the shape of legendary comic Ken Dodd who appears on June 9. The king of the tickling stick brings his Tattyfilarious show which can last several hours as Ken loves to chat! You have been warned.

Another top comic - and one quickly becoming a national treasure, too – is Al Murray who brings his Pub Landlord character to entertain us with his The Only Way is Epic show. As you’d imagine, Al has plenty to say on this, that and t’other! The show is not for the faint hearted as Al can be rather risqué.

Continuing the theme of celebrating our great country is There’ll Always Be An England on June 18. This afternoon of nostalgia celebrates some of our best loved memories including the 1953 Coronation Day, the 1966 World Cup, the country’s great musicals, the swinging 60s, cockney sing-a-longs and, bringing the show to a close, a special tribute to the Armed Forces.

It sounds like a jam-packed programme and could be a great Fathers’ Day present, especially if you combine a trip to the show with a meal in the theatre’s lovely little cafe – where the cakes can be very naughty.

Musically there are a couple of excellent evenings on offer.

Vince Hill, a beautiful English singer who has enjoyed a 40-year career, performs from his extensive back catalogue (remember Edelweiss) on June 12.

And tribute band, The Bon Jovi Experience, is set to perform all the band’s great hits such as Livin' On A Prayer and You Give Love A Bad Name on June 15. You need to be ready to rock as those tunes will make you jump to your feet!

For something completely different, mind reader Graham P Jolly arrives on June 16 and is sure to both bemuse and amuse.

He can, apparently, predict where you’ll go on holiday, analyse your handwriting and make a table levitate! Sounds fascinating…

So, there’s the usual fabulous mix to the Marina’s programme, something for all ages and tastes to enjoy. Be sure you book your tickets now.

Have you considered becoming a Friend of the Marina?

There are many benefits which you can enjoy including: • Reduced price cinema admission! (On production of membership card) • Be one of the first to book with priority notification of the majority of new shows • Two seats for the price of one (on up to eight tickets - that’s up to four free) on qualifying nights of certain productions • Special opening night and reduced Friends prices for major productions • Exclusive booking period on the majority of new shows • Film listings sent direct to you by email Price per membership year: • Household: £19.50 • Household Concession (over 60s): £18.50

MEMBERSHIP RUNS ANNUALLY from Oct 1 to Sept 30, but

whatever time you join you can still gain the benefits, just one use of the 2 for 1 deal practically pays for your membership in one go, and you still have until September 30 to enjoy all the other advantages.

THE MARINA THEATRE, Lowestoft, call 01502 533200

or visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk

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WEST END REVIEW

People

PROVOCATIVE FUN Emily Aspin enjoys Alan Bennett’s latest comedy that, as you’d expect, takes a swipe at some of our values and traditions Pictures by CATHERINE ASHMORE

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ET IN A DECAYING 15TH CENTURY stately home in South Yorkshire, Alan Bennett’s latest play takes a mischievous jab at England’s heritage culture.

Pop socks, gym shoes and motheaten fur coats are hardly the conventional get up for a former model of aristocratic descent, but for Dorothy Stacpoole (Frances de la Tour) the life of glamour is all but a distant memory, and that’s the way she likes it.

Surrounded by mould, faded furniture and dust sheets, in a property where the heating hasn’t functioned in over a decade, Dorothy lives with her decrepit companion and illegitimate half-sister Iris (Linda Bassett) and her straightlaced Archdeacon sister June (Selina Cadell).

Both June and Dorothy are at odds with each other - June believes the family home should be donated to the National Trust, whereas Dorothy longs for the house to be left alone, away from people.

During the play, Dorothy is introduced to a fanatical property restorer Ralph Lumsden (Nicholas Le Prevost), who wants to privatise the estate so it can be enjoyed by a select minority, away from the prying eyes of the public. His smarmy, sales pitch (which Dorothy falls for hook, line and sinker) includes bizarre suggestions of moving the entire property to warmer areas such as Dorset or Wiltshire.

And despite being given clear instruction to keep quiet about Ralph’s visit, Iris bubbles over with excitement and reveals all to Dorothy’s furious sister June, which makes for

42

PEOPLE is on at the Lyttelton Theatre at The National Theatre, London, until May 15. Visit www.nationaltheatre. org.uk. However, a touring production of People, with a different cast, comes to Norwich Theatre Royal from October 1 to 5. Call 01603 630000.

excruciatingly hilarious viewing.

But much to Dorothy’s resentment, June is just days away from clinching a deal with the National Trust, which will ensure the house is restored and preserved.

That evening, location film manager Mr Theodore (Peter Egan) arrives on the scene, brandishing his bold ideas of creating a specialist movie in the grounds of the estate.

But with an unexpected arrival, some visual comedy scenes and a secret romance that is about to be uncovered, the filming of this movie will be anything but straight forward.

To make matters worse, Dorothy's hopes of selling the home become shattered when the arrogant property restorer loses interest in the estate.

Dorothy’s fears of prowling tourists with binoculars and cameras, ticking things off their to-do-list, are set to come true, when June announces the National Trust has agreed to take over the estate.

Bringing events to a head, workmen, historians and decorators enter the scene together, leaving Dorothy and Iris to look on in despair as their home is taken apart.

There are a whole-host of first-class performances

throughout, from the splendid Linda Bassett as Dorothy’s charmingly eccentric companion, to Nicholas le Prevost as the enthusiastic National Trust representative and Frances de la Tour’s exquisite portrayal of the hard-faced, sardonic Dorothy Stacpoole.

The staging throughout the play is spectacular – dimmed lighting sets the scene for a crumbling, forgotten house where layers of dust conceals ancient treasures and works of art.

Watch out for the final scene, when a prop lurking beneath a dust sheet is revealed in all its glory, in a breathtaking finale.

Apart from his great writing, Bennett uses the play to make a series of points about how everything in life is becoming a commodity, and manages to get in a few, subtle pops at the National Trust.

And through the character of Dorothy, he highlights that value shouldn’t always be associated with financial gain and estates should be left to decay naturally, rather than be restored and revamped.

With high comedy moments, historic themes and a witty script, Alan Bennett’s latest play is another triumph.

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HOUGHTON HALL REVISITED, May 17 to September 29.

Call 01603 598640 or visit www.houghtonhall.com/houghtonrevisited

Coming home A PRICELESS COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS IS RETURNING TO IT'S NORFOLK HOME THIS MONTH, DISCOVERS SARAH HARDY

S Pieter Paul Rubens Head of a Girl

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

OME OF THE WORLD’S FINEST PAINTINGS

renowned by critics as a rich source of artistic beauty are returning to their original Norfolk home in an extraordinary first.

Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, amassed a collection of art treasures, silver and artefacts which were displayed in the magnificent surroundings of Houghton Hall over 200 years ago.

Now they are set to return to the historic Norfolk building to give a new generation a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the glorious works of art by the likes of Rubens, Sir Anthony Van Dyck, Velázquez and Rembrandt in their original setting as chosen and placed by the former PM. Between May 17 and September 29, visitors from across the world are expected to browse the art treasures, many of which will come to the county direct from their home in Russia’s worldfamous Hermitage in St Petersburg.

Their return is the latest chapter in an extraordinary story which goes back several generations and marks the culmination of a long-held dream for the Marquess of Cholmondeley, Houghton Hall’s current owner.

WHAT'S ON

Carlo Cignani The Nativity

Houghton Hall

Jean Lemaire Consulting the Sibylline Oracles

Sir Robert Walpole was an enthusiastic collector of art amassing a huge collection which was shared between Downing Street and Houghton Hall.

Exhibition curator Dr Thierry Morel explains: ‘Sir Robert had an eclectic but very good taste in art. He bought the best of the best that was available at the time in Europe. He had agents all over the Continent buying works that he had heard of. He also sent his sons to Italy and they brought back many masterpieces too.’

When Sir Robert died, the estate was saddled with debt compounded by the 3rd Earl of Orford. This meant over 200 of the most valuable works needed to be sold to help save Houghton.

Although they were originally due to be sold at auction, Catherine the Great offered to buy the lot for her Hermitage at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg.

Dr Morel adds: ’I realised the Walpole Collection was perhaps the most important collection of works coming from one country to Russia in the 18th century. I had been to Houghton many years ago and thought it was one of the most beautiful houses in Britain.

‘I put two and two together and thought as the house was intact as it was in the 18th century and the pictures are mostly still in the Hermitage, why not reunite the house with the pictures?’

When Lord Cholmondeley took over Houghton Hall over 20 years ago, he made an extraordinary discovery.

He recalls: 'One of the first things I did was look through Sir Robert Walpole’s desk in the library and I came across his original plans for the picture hang in three rooms. It was an extraordinary thing. I don’t think my grandmother knew they were there and I’d certainly never seen them.'

Lord Cholmondeley reckons a visit to Houghton Revisited and his home will bring so much exciting history to life, saying: 'There are many, many great characters involved and that will spark the imaginations of everyone – particularly the children who visit – and I am very keen to attract all ages to come and see it.'

Advance tickets are already on sale and there has already been lots of interest in the exhibition from across the UK and beyond.

Curator Dr Morel adds: ‘This exhibition is a dream come true for me. I hope all the visitors will share that excitement. I am pretty confident they will.’

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

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06/03/2013 10:58

WHAT'S ON

THE MANY FAC E S O F P H I L L London’s longest running comedy and a show entitled Seven Years in the Bathroom are just two of the treats in store at St George’s Theatre, says Emma Outten Picture PHILL JUPITUS

T

HE REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY will

give you an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, if you book your seats at St George’s theatre for June 4.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest running comedy – 10 years in the West End, no less – and now they’re back, all the way from the good old U.S. of A – with the same recycled jokes, just in a different order, so they’ve even added a ‘(revised)’ at the end of the title.

Think Monty Python-style humour and you get the gist.

This is swiftly followed by three of the finest folk violinists anywhere (so says The Washington Post) in Celtic Fiddle, on June 5.

Fiddlers Kevin Burke from Ireland, Christian Lemaitre from France and Andre Brunet from Canada come together to celebrate the violin in all its globetrotting forms (guitarist Nicholas Quemener completes the quartet).

St George's Theatre Kindly Leave the Stage, on June 7 and 8, is a light, frothy and entertaining ‘play within a play’ showing the petty off-stage jealousies and entanglements of actors in a repertory theatre company, very much in a similar vein to Noises Off. Then we have Cafe de Sonhos (Cafe of Dreams) on June 9, a community play set in Yarmouth’s King Street – part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme. The play is free, but please book tickets in advance.

A performance called Seven Years In The Bathroom sounds intriguing! On June 14, Alex Horne, the star of BBC 4’s We Need Answers, crams an entire life’s activity into one evening’s standup (did you know that in an average lifetime you’ll also spend two years shopping, two weeks kissing and 18 months looking for lost things? No, nor did I!).

Evergreen performer Richard Digance will be bringing brilliant self-penned comic songs to St George’s on June 15. Described as a national treasure, he has appeared, before now, to an audience of eight in The Falklands, half a million at Knebworth Festival and done thousands of shows in between (as well as occasionally finding nine letter words on Countdown!).

Then, on June 22, it’s the St George’s Theatre Fundraiser: Race Night, so have a flutter on the Gee-Gees. With bets at just 50p, back your favourite horse and maybe take your winnings home in a shopping trolley! Email info@stgeorgestheatre.com prior to the night for more info.

Star of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Phill Jupitus, brings his 2012 Edinburgh Festival show, You’re Probably Wondering Why I Asked You Here, to the Theatre on June 25. Expect adult content to be delivered childishly, whether he assumes the role of a U-boat captain, a Welsh pornstar or a Dutch roadie.

Finally, on June 28, local magician Sean Goodman brings his Sleight of Mind to St George’s in an interactive show with feats of magic, mindreading and ESP, all delivered in a relaxed and entertaining way.

Sean’s passion for magic started at 10 years old, leading him to become a member of the Magic Circle and a full-time professional magician.

Call 01493 331484 or visit www.stgeorgestheatre.com

Places&Faces® | MAY 2013

A Passionate Pudding

Here’s a stylish dessert from Mark Dixon, head chef at the Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth, which has its roots in Italy but with a fruity little something extra Picture by PAUL SHREEVE

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Recipe

IMPERIAL HOTEL

RECIPE

Coconut Pannacotta with Passion Fruit Soup

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS Passion Fruit Soup 5 passion fruits 2 oranges - juiced 150ml of stock syrup made with equal quantities of sugar and water and bought to the boil until the sugar dissolves 60g glucose syrup

Coconut Pannacotta 60g caster sugar 250ml coconut milk 200ml double cream 21/2 gelatine leaves soaked in cold water

Passion Fruit Soup

To assemble

Put the passion fruit pulp, the oranges and the sugar syrup along with the glucose syrup in a pan and bring to the boil.

Simmer until the seeds from the passion fruit are clean. Puree until smooth and then sieve, pushing through as much as possible. Cool in the fridge until required.

Turn out a pannacotta, spoon some passion fruit soup round, with the diced pineapple and passion fruit seeds, top with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and finally spoon over some melted chocolate and a sprinkling of desiccated coconut.

Coconut Pannacotta Bring the coconut milk, sugar and cream to the boil. Once boiling, add the gelatine and stir.

Divide into six moulds. Place in a fridge to set for at least six hours, preferably overnight.

Garnish Mix the pineapple with the freshly chopped mint leaves. Warm the chocolate in a bowl above warm water until melted.

WINE CHOICE

2006 Chateau Briatte, Sauternes, France NICK MOBBS, director and wine expert at the Imperial Hotel, says: FOR ME THERE is nothing more pleasurable than

enjoying a glass of dessert wine with a pudding such as this pannacotta. And this is why at Café Cru we always have dessert wines available by the glass just in case you cannot manage a complete bottle.

I have gone back to my roots for a dessert wine this month and I recommend the 2006 Chateau Briatte, Sauternes, France. Sauternes is the home and, for me, the leading region in the world for making dessert wines.

By the gift of nature they have the perfect climatic conditions to allow their grapes to over ripen on the vines, a process called Poiture Noble in France which literally translates into Noble Rot. This Château is owned by M et Mme Roudès and is situated in the commune of Preignac. The vineyard covers 10 hectares and is split into three areas. The one next to Château d’Yquem is probably the most famous Chateau in the world for making dessert wine.

Garnish 1 small pineapple - diced Several fresh mint leaves 5 passion fruits One scoop of vanilla icecream 100g good quality dark chocolate 30g of desiccated coconut

The blend of this wine is 90 per cent Semillon with the balance made up of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. It matches the fruit flavours in the dessert, refreshes the palate and the acidity in the wine works well with the pannacotta.

• 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

THE ONLY

BUTCHERY IN NORFOLK

International Award-Winning Butchery Bradwell Butchery are celebrating collecting three Gold & two Bronze Awards at the International Eurobeef Competition 2013 in Belgium

B

RADWELL BUTCHERY have a reputation for their high values as traditional butchers, but they are not afraid to try new ideas and new products.

But on one matter there is no compromise; using high welfare, locally produced meats from farms throughout East Anglia. Beef and lamb are carefully selected, with all prime cuts hung to mature for tenderness and flavour for a minimum of 21 days.

Andrew and farmer David Jermy inspecting heifers and steers on the local Haddiscoe Marshes

Jay Rayner presenting Lisa and Andrew Edmonds their Q Guild Gold Awards at the recent Smithfield awards lunch

All their pork is 100% Free Range, produced especially for them at Blythburgh on the Suffolk coast, the pigs are born and bred spending their time outdoors as they were meant to be. Andrew says “we believe in the welfare of the animals produced, and using locally sourced not only benefits the animal welfare and reduces the stress of travel on the animals, it also benefits the environment with less food miles and our own carbon footprint.

The Shop on Crab Lane, Bradwell was awarded 3 Gold and 2 Bronze Awards at a high profile international food contest in Belgium, for its Pork Pie, Organic Beer & Black Treacle Bacon, Smoked Back Bacon, Andy’s Pork & Herb and their Pork with White Wine & Lemon Thyme Sausages at the leading event for the European fresh food sector, MEAT EXPO 2013 staged at Kortrijk, Belgium. (March 24 – 27).

Butchery owner Andrew Edmonds said: ‘We are delighted with our award wins, we are especially impressed with our Pork Pie and both Bacon cures. This contest offers the opportunity to express our creative side and our Organic beer & Black Treacle Bacon showcased this. We are proud to represent the UK in such an elite competition.’

The bi-annual contest included entries from a strong UK contingent representing the national Q Guild, of which the Bradwell Butchery is a member (the only Q Guild member in Norfolk).

~ Locally produced beef, pork, lamb & chicken ~ Over 50 different types of sausage to choose from ~ ~ Traditional bakery with fresh bread and cakes baked from scratch every day ~ ~ A comprehensive variety of famous Continental cheeses and some outstanding locally-produced cheese ~

6 Crab Lane | Bradwell | Great Yarmouth | Norfolk | NR31 8DJ 01493 661473 | www.bradwellbutchery.co.uk

RECIPE

Franck Pontais SERVES 10

Terrine of duck confit with corn fed chicken, black trumpet mushrooms and streaky bacon METHOD FOR THE TERRINE Peel and dice the potatoes into 1.5cm cubes. Cover with cold water and add the saffron strand. Reserve.

Line the terrine mould with cling film.

Soak the mushrooms in warm water.

Cook the bacon and line the inside of the terrine with it, making sure that you have enough to fold over the top.

Pour the potatoes and saffron water into a pan and cook gently on a medium heat until the potatoes are slightly overcooked.

Meanwhile, poach the chicken in the chicken stock on a medium heat for at least 15 minutes.

Melt the butter in a separate saucepan.

Put the cooked duck confit in a hot oven for 10 minutes and remove the meat from the bones while still hot.

Cook and simmer the mushrooms in their own water for three minutes, drain them. Reserve.

Wash, drain and roughly chop the flat leaf parsley. Reserve.

Drain the saffron potatoes and pour into a mixing bowl, add the chopped parsley, the melted butter and season to taste.

A TA S T Y TERRINE HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A COMPLICATED DISH FROM OUR FRENCH CHEF FRANCK PONTAIS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BUT ONE WORTH THE EFFORT!

Ingredients THE TERRINE 2 legs or 250g of duck leg confit 2 or 250g of corn-fed chicken 1 /2 litre of chicken stock 20g of dry trumpet mushrooms 400g of potatoes 250g of streaky bacon 150g of dry figs 100g of pitted prunes 1g of saffron strand 1 /4 bunch of flat leaf parsley 100g of unsalted butter Season to taste

FOR THE GARNISHES 150g of caramelised shallots 60g of honey 1 tbsp of cider vinegar POACHED PARSNIP 2 parsnips Pinch of table salt PARSLEY OIL 1 /2 bunch of flat leaf parsley Pinch of table salt 250ml of olive oil BAGUETTE BREAD WAFER 1 /2 baguette bread Drizzle of olive oil Pinch of rock salt Pinch of cracked black pepper

pictures: ANDREW FLORIDES, WWW.ANDREWFLORIDES.CO.UK words: FRANCK PONTAIS, WWW.FRANCKPONTAIS.CO.UK

HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE TERRINE Spoon a small layer of saffron potatoes into the bottom of the terrine.

Add a layer of the confit and the mushrooms.

Put half of the figs in the middle (keeping the rest for the garnish); add the prunes and the chicken. If you have any gaps in the terrine at this stage, fill them with the potato mix.

Finish with a layer of potatoes and streaky bacon.

Wrap the terrine in cling film and place in the fridge to set.

METHOD FOR THE GARNISHES Caramelised shallots Peel and poach the whole shallots with a pinch of salt in simmering water for at least five to seven minutes.

Drain and refresh the shallots under cold water.

Once completely cold, cut each shallot into two.

Pour the honey in a small pan and bring to simmer, reduce for one minute and add the shallots into the pan. Reduce for another two minutes, the honey will start to transform into a brown caramel. At this stage, deglaze with vinegar.

Pour the caramelised shallots into a bowl and cool in the fridge.

POACHED PARSNIP Peel the parsnips and cut into 1cm cubes.

Poach in salty water for two minutes. Refresh and keep aside.

PARSLEY OIL Blanch the parsley in salty boiling water for 15 seconds. Drain and refresh in ice-cold water straight away.

Drain once again.

Blitz the olive oil and parsley with a hand blender.

Pass the oil through a muslin cloth. Reserve.

BAGUETTE Place the bread in the freezer for one hour. Then cut into fine slices.

Lay the slices of bread on an oven tray and drizzle with olive oil.

Season.

Toast in hot oven until golden brown. Reserve.

TO SERVE Slice the terrine into 10 slices and lay in the middle of the plate.

Arrange the garnish around, slices of figs, drizzle of oil and bread.

51

Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

THE WATERSIDE, Main Road, Rollesby, opens seven days a week. For seasonal opening hours and more details visit www.thewatersiderollesby. co.uk or call 01493 740531. It is on the A149 seven miles north of Great Yarmouth and 15 miles east of Norwich with plenty of free parking.

A Waterside Playground For All The Broads has many yummy eateries but only one which offers as much as The Waterside in Rollesby

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ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

The Waterside Rollesby along your fishing gear in the open season. You can also hop aboard the Edwardian-style electric launch, the Gentleman Jim, and enjoy a half hour (guided and informative) trip around this unspoilt Broad.

And there is also the opportunity to enjoy a delicious picnic on the Lady Belinda pleasure boat (two hours of fun and seating up to eight persons), or hire the specially designed wheelyboat for those with physical or learning disabilities which comfortably takes four wheelchairs plus four companions.

But pride of place must go to the dining area with its large outdoor terrace which is simply the ideal place for an alfresco lunch in the warmer months. Tuck into a hearty brunch – who can resist the smell of bacon - or a tasty lunch with salads, soup, panini, jacket potatoes and many other dishes including the ever-popular beer battered fish and chips all on the menu. And of course our scrumptious traditional afternoon tea with scones made fresh daily.

The Sunday roast is also a firm favourite with families!

On selected evenings The Waterside is transformed into an elegant restaurant offering a hint of fine dining for which head chef has devised a mouthwatering menu of contemporary dishes. How does slow roasted pork belly with potato rosti, braised red cabbage, curly kale and plum and port puree sound? The vast majority of produce is sourced locally including meat from a local butcher and fresh herbs from The Waterside’s own garden. On long summer days what could be better than watching a fabulous sunset over the water from the terrace with a chilled glass of wine?

On Saturday evenings until October there is always live music to accompany the fine dining experience, with rhythm and blues, easy listening and jazz from some top Norfolk talent - so be sure to book in advance.

Whatever the weather you’ll be spoilt for choice at The Waterside, Rollesby. It is a great place to eat and be entertained.

IF YOU’VE SPENT THE DAY walking, cycling,

sailing or simply exploring then you need a great place to refuel and refresh yourself.

S

O THE WATERSIDE, SET ON ROLLESBY BROAD,

is a great place to head for. It is really like a mini Broadland with boat trips, fishing, mini putting course, bird watching and more all available in one fabulous location. Plus a first class restaurant of course!

The owners found the undeveloped site nine years ago and realised the potential for a new eaterie whilst providing an opportunity for the public to sample the beauty of the Trinity Broads.

Now nestling amongst the reed banks, The Waterside is a great family destination with free admission and plenty for all ages to enjoy. You might like to stroll to the bird hide to see what birdlife is visiting today – you may see the resident family of herons or even be lucky enough to see the iconic bittern; you may hear its ‘boom’ even if you don’t manage to catch a glimpse. Binoculars are available for hire, but you won’t need them to see the swans who choose to build their nest right next to the terrace each spring.

Enjoy watching your children exhaust themselves at the newly expanded play area with its own pirate ship or challenge them on the mini putting course. All is safely enclosed, with seating provided so you could be savouring a caramel latte whilst soaking up the sunshine as the little ones play.

Getting out on the water is a real must and there are several options on offer. Electric dinghies and rowing boats are available to hire so you can explore the Broad at your own pace or even bring

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

53

The full range of Cley Smokehouse products is available from the shop in Cley High Street, and online at www. cleysmokehouse.com.

A range is also stocked

by Walsingham Farm Shops, Howells Deli, and Weybourne Stores.

LOCAL PRODUCE

Cley Smokehouse

Smoke gets in your eyes

In the latest of our monthly series profiling some of the region’s top food producers, food writer Andy Newman discovers an uplifting personal story in Cley, while top Norfolk chef Roger Hickman creates a deceptively simple salad which makes the most of Cley’s smoky flavours Pictures by ANDY NEWMAN ASSOCIATES, NORWICH

THE JOY OF TRAVELLING around Norfolk meeting our wonderful food producers is in discovering the human stories which fuel the passion behind so many of our county’s wonderful products.

That passion can come from burning ambition, or from a desire to preserve a certain lifestyle. Today’s story shows how the former can morph into the latter without losing the essence of what producing food is all about.

Glen Weston 1 is a fisherman. Born into a north Norfolk fishing family going back three generations, inevitably he was going to sea almost before he was going to school. Such a life was more or less pre-determined.

‘I didn’t really have a choice,’ he admits. ‘Fishing is such a nonconformist life – fishermen are the gypsies of the sea.’

Soon Glen was skipper of his own offshore fishing boat operating out of Wells, bringing home the crabs and lobsters for which the north Norfolk coast is rightly famous. With others in the family also

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

at sea, both on and offshore, and driven by the ambition which was rapidly becoming his trademark, Glen’s business was developing into a large concern, supplying customers all over the UK. So it is a little incongruous to find him ensconced in his tiny mezzanine office, literally ‘above the shop’. He still loves to fish but his living is now made on a relatively small-scale, and on dry land.

If the burning ambition to conquer the world has diminished, the passion for seafood certainly hasn’t, for nowadays he runs one of Norfolk’s worst-kept foodie secrets: the Cley Smokehouse.

At his own admission, he is happier and more relaxed now than at any stage before in his life – so how did a third generation, died-inthe-wool fisherman come to be so settled on terra firma?

As is so often the case, it was a combination of circumstance and luck. Eleven years ago, Glen and his new wife Andrea were expecting their first child, and that brought into focus how precarious an existence, in every sense of the word, fishing was. At the same time, Glen was dealing with Crohn’s Disease, making the physical exertions of a life at sea a struggle.

As luck would have it, a solution appeared from an unlikely source.

Glen was already supplying Cley Smokehouse, at that time run by Mike Rhodes. Delivering some crabs one day in 2002, Glen found Mike in an unhappy mood. Out of nowhere, Glen suggested that Mike sell the business to him; a suggestion which found a positive response.

‘It was very spur of the moment,’ recalls Glen. ‘I hadn’t talked about it to my wife, but I made Mike an offer, even though I didn’t have two pennies to rub together. I just knew it was right in my heart.’

Raising money from savings, family and the bank, and completing a steep three-month learning curve working alongside Mike, Glen took over the Smokehouse in the same year. He freely admits he knew nothing about smoking, but being passionate about seafood, and a good logical thinker, he soon got to grips with the process.

‘Every smokehouse has its own flavour,’ he explains. ‘It’s a combination of the wood, the raw materials and the particular way of doing things.’ When pressed for details, he will reveal that he only uses oak for smoking, but everything else remains a closely-guarded secret.

2 1

Although there is smoked duck and chicken available, it is seafood which dominates, from beautiful, plump kippers to smoked haddock, kiln-smoked salmon, delicately smoked prawns and crevettes. And, of course, you’ll also find the classic Norfolk bloaters, as well as the crabs and lobsters which define Glen’s past life.

That trademark ambition did make its mark in Glen’s early years at the Smokehouse, with expansion to a dozen members of staff and nearly 100 different products. But three years ago, as he entered his 40s, Glen decided to go back to basics and produce a smaller number of core products.

‘It is like a weight lifted off my shoulders,’ he says. ‘I don’t feel the need to be ambitious any more. Now we can concentrate on supporting local fishermen, and providing a truly personal service for our customers. I now want to remain north Norfolk’s little secret. In 2002 I was going to set the world alight. I’ve not really changed this business; this business has changed me as a person.’

SERVES FOUR 2 Roger Hickman’s kiln-smoked salmon & smoked prawn salad with avocado puree & marinated fennel

Ingredients 1 kiln-smoked salmon fillet 24 smoked prawns 2 ripe avocados 1 tbsp crème fraîche The juice of 1 lime 400ml rapeseed oil 2 egg yolks 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 bulb of fennel 1 blood orange 4 Jersey Royal potatoes 15ml lemon juice A sprig of dill, chopped A handful of whole roasted almonds

METHOD Flake the salmon, and peel the prawns, keeping the heads and skins.

To make the avocado puree, chop the avocados, and put in a food blender with the crème fraîche and the lime juice, and blitz until smooth.

Now for the mayonnaise. Warm 250ml of rapeseed oil, remove from the heat, and put the prawn shells and heads in to infuse for about an hour. Pass the oil through a sieve. Now whisk the egg yolks, white wine vinegar and mustard in a bowl, and then, very slowly, start adding the oil, whisking all the time. Once it has started to emulsify, add more oil, until you have whisked it all in, to form a deep yellow mayonnaise.

Chop the fennel bulb quite finely, and marinade the pieces in 100ml of rapeseed oil for 10 minutes. This will soften the fennel, but leave it with a raw ‘bite’. Cut the blood orange into segments.

Scrub the potatoes and cook in boiling water for about 15 minutes, depending on their size. Refresh in iced water, and then slightly crush the potatoes.

To make the dressing, combine the lemon juice, 50ml of rapeseed oil, and the chopped dill. Dress the prawns with this dressing.

Chop the almonds – it’s nicest if you chop some quite coarsely, and some really fine – this will give you a mixture of textures on the plate.

Now to assemble the dish: smear some puree on the plate, and arrange some salmon flakes and six prawns on each plate. Scatter over some fennel, blood orange segments and crushed potatoes. Finally, garnish with the chopped almonds, and some dill or fennel leaves.

ROGER HICKMAN is chef-proprietor at Roger Hickman's Restaurant in Upper St Giles, Norwich. More details at www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com.

55

Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

DRINK OR SWIM? THIS MONTH OUR WINE WRITER POPPY SEYMOUR DISCUSSES THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF INVESTING IN A TASTY TIPPLE OR TWO

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WINE

Investment Buying

W

INE IS FUN, wine is appealing, wine is

delicious. Everyone loves a glass, but there is also a serious side. Investment. Is this something that should be left to the city types or is it worth serious consideration by the rest of us?

Generally speaking, investing in fine wine is considered relatively low-risk, offering stable returns backed up by a tangible asset.

One of the components of SWAG (silver, wine, art, gold), wine is certainly a better bet than leaving your money in the bank these days. Over the last two decades, returns of at least 15 per cent per annum have been realised and in certain circumstances it may be free of capital gains tax.

SWAG investments have outperformed traditional investments such as shares and bonds by a country mile in recent years. Wine is a slightly longer term option requiring a minimum of three years patience or, ideally, five to 10 years and sometimes longer in the case of very fine and rare wine.

Following a relatively static period towards the end of 2012, there have been positive whispers of growth since the beginning of this year as investors and brokers become enthusiastic regarding the upward trend envisaged for 2013 and beyond.

Liv-ex is a recognised global barometer for professional buyers and sellers of wine and provides a reference point for the market in general. Their Fine Wine 50 Index and Fine Wine 100 Index represent the leading benchmarks for the industry. They monitor the price movements of the most desirable and frequently traded fine wines in the world.

Traditionally, the principle markets for the top Bordeaux Châteaux have been Europe and the USA. In terms of where activity is currently most lively and influencing prices, the fastgrowing and rapidly evolving economies of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are supremely important. These relatively new asset-driven markets have had a significant impact on prices and made it more crucial to buy wisely, to spread your portfolio and to get your timings right.

As Sir Richard Branson said in one of his keynote speeches: ‘Before you enter into any new venture always ask yourself these four simple questions:-

Does it make sense to me?

Am I excited about the concept?

Can I see myself using this product?

Do I trust the key players?’

The entire process of fine wine investment can be managed by a specialist adviser, someone with plenty of knowledge and experience, someone whose judgement you can rely on and, finally, someone with top notch contacts in his or her little black book.

I recently advised a European client who wanted to create a portfolio for his family, something that would grow into a significant asset by the time they reached their 21st birthdays. The easy option would have been to go into the market and buy, buy, buy then wait for prices to appreciate along with the general trend.

However, it’s not quite as simple as that. Putting together a valuable and viable collection needs a measured approach and requires bespoke purchasing of stock that is tailored to the individual.

Far more interesting and certainly likely to be more lucrative is the plan we developed together. Essentially, we will purchase in the region of £5000 of carefully selected wines every year for the next 18 to 20 years. This gives us flexibility and we may consider ‘en primeur’ (when the wine is still in the barrel) investment with each new vintage. I may even sell some and re-invest the gain.

Buying ‘en primeur’ can be a tricky business but also a financially rewarding one. Again, the answer is to cherry-pick the very best buys and to steer clear of any vintages that do not come up to scratch.

Take Château Lascombes (Margaux) for example, a property that did not perform at all well in years gone by and yet, once purchased from Bass Charrington in 2011 by US private equity group, Colony Capital, the transformation was sensational.

The new owners invested heavily in the vineyards, installed a state-of-the-art winery and attracted the former winemaker of Château Lafite. In 2000 the ‘en primeur’ release value was ¤22 by 2010 it had risen to ¤72, an increase of 227 per cent, and that’s just the cost price!

The first growths of Bordeaux, Lafite, Latour, Mouton, Margaux and Haut Brion, can come onto the market at astronomical prices but even so, the demand for these wines is such that they will never let you down.

Global wealth is now so strong that many of these wines are actually being drunk (particularly in China) rather than just ‘sat on’ and that, in its own way, creates even more demand.

An example is Pavillon Rouge, the second wine of Chateau Margaux, was released at ¤900 in 2009 and rose to ¤1400 a year later.

Super second Bordeaux wines are always worth consideration.

These are the second growth Châteaux that are at virtually the same quality level as the first growths but generally at a more affordable level.

Names such as Leoville Las Cases, Pichon and Cos d’Estournel fall within this category. Ones to watch also include Château Pontet Canet, a fifth growth but ‘right up there’ with the big names, an amazing success and beautiful wine.

Increasingly these days, Burgundy is a reliable source of investment opportunities but, again, it is imperative to buy only the right stock from the best growers and negociants. This region can be an absolute minefield for the uninitiated, with myriad properties and countless cuvées.

By all means dive into the wine pool but keep swimming, don’t tread water and beware anyone who tells you ‘if all else fails you can always drink it’. Make your money first then, as a result of continued, well-advised buying and selling for optimum results, you will be in a position to enjoy drinking the profits!

POPPY is an independent wine consultant offering expert advice on which wines to buy, whether for a celebration, investment purposes or simply quaffing! She will be delighted to hear from you so please feel free to contact her on 07760 793996 or poppy@belle-epoque-life.com for more information.

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57

Real TIME TO GET

A record number of real ale campaigners came to Norwich last month for the CAMRA AGM. Emma Outten meets the new faces on the campaign trail and finds out how tastes are changing

DRINK

Real Ale

A

MOTHER-OF-TWO FROM THAILAND is not,

perhaps, the first person who springs to mind when thinking of notable campaigners for real ale.

And yet ‘tiny’ (her description) Aey Allen, is on a one-woman mission to put Norwich’s smallest pub, The Vine, on the map, as well as real ale on the menu in her Thai restaurant upstairs.

The 42-year-old mother of two is extremely knowledgeable about beer and is very adept at matching beer styles to Thai food. In case you are wondering, she believes that JHB – a golden beer from Oakham Ales in Cambridgeshire - complements her spicy cuisine perfectly.

Originally from Bangkok, Aey found herself in Norwich in 2000, after marrying an Englishman. The city was the perfect place for her to develop a taste for real ale – it is, after all, being marketed as the UK’s City of Ale - and Aey, previously a whisky and lager drinker, was soon converted. 'For starters,' she explains over a pint of Woodforde’s: ‘It’s not gassy!’

She reopened The Vine in 2008. ‘I wanted to have a restaurant and I wanted to have a pub but it had to be a real ale pub.’ Nowadays there are four real ale pumps on the bar (the day we met JHB was joined by Woodforde’s Norfolk Gold, HMY Britannia from Lincolnshire, and Old Fakir’s Gold from Norfolk).

During The Vine’s bi-annual beer festival at the pub (next one: June 24-29), an extra dozen barrels are rolled out. Perhaps not surprisingly, then, this small but perfectly formed pub has made it into the Good Beer Guide, along with the likes of Take 5, the Ribs of Beef and the King’s Arms, and was shortlisted for the 2013 Campaign for Real Ales’s Norwich Pub of the Year.

Jo Coubrough, of JoC’s Norfolk Ale Brewery at West Barsham, is one of The Vine’s suppliers and one of Norfolk’s newer brewers. Married to Chris Coubrough – he of the Flying Kiwi Inns – the 37-year-old mother of two is happy to describe herself as a ‘bird brewing beer’ on her website. ‘Women were the original brewers, which I love, and were known as brewsters.’ Although she adds: ‘It’s such a male dominated industry now.’ She has a point, of course. Of CAMRA’s 2700 members Norfolk-wide, 763 are female.

Jo, originally a primary school teacher, decided to go into brewing following many visits to micro breweries, a brew lab university course, and cultivating contacts within the industry. Norfolk was the perfect place to set up the brewing business as it’s where some of the best malting barley is grown. ‘Norfolk is the Champagne region for growing malt and barley. That’s one of the main reasons why I started.’

She began brewing three years ago, and has been at the site near Fakenham for the past two. The Maris Otter barley seed, the field, the malting and the brewery all sit within five miles of each other.

‘It’s really lovely because I’m literally a stone’s throw away from the seed, the grower and the maltster. It’s really all on tap here.’

Jo has a growing customer list across East Anglia, the Midlands and the North. Closer to home she won a Bronze award at the CAMRA Norwich Beer Festival in 2011 for Norfolk Kiwi, and the same award the following year for Bitter Old Bustard.

She’s just finished brewing a third, a strong bitter called Knot Just Another IPA, to coincide with the recent CAMRA Member’s Weekend and AGM at St Andrew’s Hall, also home of the Norwich Beer Festival.

It’s hardly surprising that Norwich should be at the centre of

CAMRA’s radar. After all, this is the city where there used to be a pub for every day of the year. It still has over 130 pubs selling over 500 real – or cask-conditioned – ales, ciders and perries between them. The city is also home to four breweries – Chalk Hill, Fat Cat, Golden Triangle and Winter’s - plus there are another 20 within the surrounding area, including Wolf Brewery, Norfolk Brewhouse, Oakham Ales, Humpty Dumpty Brewery, Panther Brewery and Ole Slewfoot Brewery.

Jo said of the AGM: ‘It’s great because Norwich does so much for real ale, and it’s got so many great pubs.’

She believes there’s been a revival in real ale’s fortunes. ‘It’s becoming much more on trend now. No two beers are identical, even if you took the same recipe and two brewers brewed it. You’ve got so many flavours and aromas and colours.’ If you fancy a vegan, an organic, or a 10.5% real ale, all tastes are catered for. Financially, microbrewers like Jo have been helped by the Small Breweries’ Relief.

As well as some serious business to discuss at the AGM – how to protect pubs against closure for a start - there were sell-out brewery trips to the likes of South Norfolk brewery Grain (owners of the popular Plough in Norwich), mid-Norfolk’s Beeston, and Lowestoft’s Green Jack.

Over 1300 CAMRA members from across the nation had preregistered for the event, something of a record according to Emma Pinder, press officer for the Norwich Campaign for Real Ale. The event helped boost visitor numbers to Norwich and many hotels were fully booked for the weekend.

Emma asserts that there are plenty of passionate characters involved in running pubs and breweries in Norfolk, and would even go as far as to say: ‘There’s certainly a lot of women power in Norwich!’

Real Cider is also rising in popularity. Last year, The White Lion in Oak Street was named East Anglian cider pub of the year by CAMRA, and two popular producers in Norfolk are Crones, in Kenninghall, and Jonty’s in Banham.

Overall, it feels as though something very real is brewing. Men and women of all ages are starting to move away from blithely ordering two pints of lager and a packet of crisps.

FESTIVALS IN MAY include the Dragon Hall Beer Festival, Norwich (May 3 to 5); Oliver Twist Cider Festival, Gt Yarmouth (May 4 to 6); Norwich City of Ale 2013 (May 23 to June 2); Green Dragon Beer Festival, Wymondham (May 24 to 27); Gt Yarmouth Beer and Cider Festival, at St George’s Theatre (May 23 to 26).

59

RICHARD BARR

A Look at Life

HAVING A SOUPER TIME OUR RICHARD IS TASKED WITH FINDING SOME NEWT SOUP – WILL HE SUCCEED? I WAS ON THE TELEPHONE to headquarters. Headquarters is

where the pantry is and where, recently, we completely filled a wheelie bin with food that was not only past its sell by date but also had started to come back to life because it was so old.

I was shopping, had just spotted a packet of Newt soup and wanted to know if we already had some.

There was so much food in the pantry that we did not know what was there, so we bought more jars of pickled onions, then forgot we had them so bought still more. That applied to cans of tuna, jars of thyme, packets of flour and 17 little tins of anchovies (which we almost never eat, so how they came to clutter the shelves I cannot say).

The shelves had also been so weighed down with all this merchandise, that they had started to bow and tilt - occasionally propelling unsuspecting condiments onto the floor. But they did not break because there was a thick fluvial layer of partially emptied packets of cereal to cushion their fall.

Over one weekend we cleared the pantry, reinforced the shelves and scrubbed the walls. The only trouble was that it now looked very neat, but it lacked food.

Our problem – one of our problems I should say – is that we do live in a certain amount of clutter. Books overflow their shelves. Horizontal surfaces tend, in a short time, to become covered in newspapers, unopened post (usually bills, and friendly communications from our not so friendly tax man) and cats. Yes we have a clutter of cats too – ever since Missy went out one night and came back with a glint in her eye.

Several weeks later, at a weekend (when vets’ bills are at their highest), she tried to give birth but one of the kittens became stuck and she had to have a Caesarean section. We were warned that the kittens were unlikely to survive and her life might be in danger too.

The resulting relief when she and eight kittens survived somehow took away our resolve to send them to good homes when they grew up.

Cats actually like clutter. There is nothing so pleasurable for them than sitting on a thick newspaper, particularly if someone is reading it. They also drape themselves over every available piece of furniture.

There have been news reports that tidy people have tidy minds.

I am pleased to report that Einstein had a very untidy desk, and research has apparently shown that people think more clearly when all around is chaos. That explains why I am writing so lucidly(?) through a sea of paper.

So let me return to the pantry. I predict that in the months to come it will fill up again and once more we will have a glut of jars of pickled onions. In order to achieve this I have to go shopping. And that gives me pause.

Our main shopping town is the pretty metropolis of North Walsham, with its varied architecture, market cross and strangely crumbling church. But North Walsham, like most small Norfolk towns, is struggling for survival at the moment.

I feel for the local traders. They are being hit in all directions.

The town now has three supermarkets, all with convenient car parks and all offering a range of goods that individual traders cannot aspire to supply. They are also being attacked by online shopping. It is now so easy to order a book or a gadget, only to have it delivered early the following day in a white van.

Alexander McCall-Smith (the author of the Ladies No 1 Detective Agency series) lamented the towns that no longer have book shops (sadly North Walsham does not) and he gave advice on how to fight back against mail order businesses. The advice has general application.

In a nutshell the answer is to offer something special in addition to the standard goods you sell. It could be coffee when you buy books, a deal to deliver newspapers free for half a year (one North Walsham shop is trying this), or simply extra special service so that customers positively want to go back. I cite the North Walsham post office as an example of that: most days I have something to drop off there, and I always find the staff friendly, welcoming and helpful. They have infinite patience not only with customers who are bewildered by all the forms we have to fill in these days, but also with me when I arrive at 5.27pm with my arm full of special deliveries.

But I do have a gripe. Why on earth does the North Norfolk District Council think it is a good idea to make people pay for parking? It puts town centre traders at a complete disadvantage against the supermarkets and mail order companies. There should be a parking free for all, so that we can spend time browsing the shops and using local services.

Which brings me back (in a completely uncluttered way) to Newt soup. You see, I was instructed to buy more soup for the empty shelves in the pantry. Soup comes in much greater variety these days, but I had never before seen newt soup. I was most disappointed when I put my glasses on and read that it was New! soup (I had mistaken the ! for a t). Regrettably it was tomato and basil – and we already have seven cans of that – and rising.

"WE BOUGHT MORE JARS OF PICKLED ONIONS, THEN FORGOT WE HAD THEM SO BOUGHT STILL MORE"

F O O D G A L L E R Y: R E S TA U R A N T S & F O O D P R O D U C E

Orchard Farm Shop

Planet Spice

Wine Cellar

We look forward to you visiting us at Orchard Farm Shop. Pork is reared on the farm and butchered in the shop, along with local lamb. We cater for your BBQ needs, including gluten free sausages, gluten free pork burgers and also low fat sausages.

Free range eggs collected daily, a selection of local jams, chutneys, honey, rape seed oil and apple juices. Low food miles and friendly service. Orders taken. Find us on the A146 five miles South of Norwich.

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.

The Wine Cellar is a piece of gourmet heaven born from an ethos of gorgeous wine, great food, and generous service.

Tucked away in the heart of Norwich, just a few steps away from the vibrant Market Place, a beautiful courtyard steeped in history is the setting for this charming hidden gem that has so much more to offer than just fantastic fine dining. Ambient and chilled, The Wine Cellar is the perfect place to mingle and socialise. Ideal for a sophisticated, lazy lunch or a wallet friendly supper.

Open: Thursday 10am-6.30pm, Friday 9am-6.30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm A: Orchard Farm Shop, Holverston, Norwich NR14 7PH T: 01508 480369 W: www.orchardfarmshop.com

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

Open: Monday 11am - 10pm, Tues, Wed & Thurs 11am - 11pm, Friday & Saturday 11am midnight, Sunday 10.30am - 3.30pm A: The Wine Cellar, Guildhall Hill, 8 Woburn Court, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1JG T: 01603 886100 E: admin@winecellarnorwich.co.uk W: www.winecellarnorwich.co.uk

W E D D I N G DAY: I D E A S & I N S P I R AT I O N

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A: 32 Market Row, Great Yarmouth T: 01493 855039

John Field Formal Hire We are the only specialist men's Formal Hire company in Norfolk. We are a family business, owned and run for the last 25 years by John and Liz Field. During this time, we have built an unrivalled reputation for the quality of our formal wear, with a stylish range of both traditional and contemporary suits - specialising in lightweight and ultra lightweight formal wear. We are renowned for providing a friendly, high quality service in a relaxed atmosphere to assist our customers in selecting suits for every occasion.

Open: Tues - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm A: 30 St. Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4AQ T: 01603 766300 E: jfield2131@aol.com W: www.johnfieldformalhire.co.uk

The Cathedral Street Dental Practice On your special day you need to look and feel your best. If you are considering facial aesthetics (Botox, filler, chemical peels, or teeth whitening), Jamie O’Donnell is now available for consultations at the Cathedral Street Dental Practice. Make sure you have the highest standards of care from an experienced practitioner in a clinical setting. Why not come and have a chat and meet the team?

A: 10 – 12 Cathedral Street Norwich NR1 1LX T: 01603 628963 W: www.cathedralstreet.co.uk

Country Inn & Fine Dining

A WEDDING IN THE W E N S U M VA L L E Y CALDECOTT HALL HOTEL IN THE WENSUM VALLEY IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND THAT MEANS A WHOLE DIFFERENT APPROACH AS A WEDDING VENUE. EMMA OUTTEN PAID A VISIT Pictures by CHARLOTTE PHILIP PHOTOGRAPHY, VISIT WWW.CP-PHOTOS.COM

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

Caldecott Hall Hotel

EXPECT TO SEE Caldecott Hall Hotel on the wedding fayre trail this year. They can offer a back-to-back Saturday and Sunday wedding service, with half a dozen staff staying overnight in an on-site lodge to make sure they are ready for the second day of wedding festivities. But don’t wait too long before booking – eager brides and grooms are booking as far ahead as 2016!

HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT IS ON OFFER: A three course Fathers’ Day lunch with the Best of the Rat Pack, June 16 Sunday lunches with jazz Murder mystery evenings Las Vegas casino nights Fabulous 50s nights Christmas parties New Year’s Eve Ball TO FIND OUT MORE, call 01493 488535.

T

HE NEW OWNER of Caldecott

Hall Hotel, Mike Higgins may be single (and a Yorkshire man to boot) but he is still looking forward to the wedding season which begins in earnest this month.

‘I’m all for weddings’, he says.

‘I like attending them and I like putting them on.’

Mike is perfectly placed to do exactly that, having taken over the hotel in March. Caldecott Hall Hotel is also perfectly positioned.

Caldecott Hall Golf and Leisure is opposite and comprises a 400-acre country estate enjoying the scenic views stretching from an historic Viking burial ground to the Waveney Forest. One could imagine being part of a wedding party, staying at the hotel and enjoying the view of the 18-hole golf course.

Plus the Barn Works is as good as next door, a fitness spa which has been created out of a 16th century barn complex, and Redwings Horse Sanctuary Visitor Centre is also nearby.

Back to the hotel itself, Mike has brought on board the services of Hot Gossip Media and Events Managing Director, Beccie Amer, to guide brides and grooms through their wedding planning.

Beccie says: ‘There are not many other places like Caldecott in the area, in that if you hire all the rooms you’ve almost got exclusive use of the hotel.’

She has a point. The eight-bedroom hotel includes a designated honeymoon suite. ‘It’s a beautiful room with a four-poster bed and a Jacuzzi bath,’ says Beccie.

All the bedrooms are being redecorated in time for the first weddings, booked for late May. The rest of the hotel is also being redecorated, and the restaurant area and marquee will also boast new bars in time for

the start of the wedding season. ‘The marquee has been given a makeover,’ says Beccie, ‘the canopies and drapes are being renovated.’

The marquee, which is available all year round, accommodates up to 200 wedding guests. There is also the Randolph Room inside the hotel which accommodates up to 50 people.

Beccie adds: ‘We are really trying to provide a firstclass service to brides and grooms and get to be the area’s number one wedding venue.’

There have also been improvements made to the grounds, with replanting and relaying of the lawn area – perfect for giant Jenga, if a family-friendly wedding is what you are after.

It sounds as though they have great plans for the hotel. ‘We are hoping that Caldecott will accommodate all styles of wedding, whether they are big, family ones or more sophisticated, classic weddings, where you have a three-course, sit-down meal.’

There’s a new head chef Andy Dyas with Mike, who was in the hotel business in the Lake District saying: ‘I’ve worked with 150 chefs in my career and he is one of the best.’

Beccie again: ‘The chef is here to work with couples, and make sure they get the wedding day menu that they want.

‘We want to attract people who have got quite specific ideas about what they want their wedding to be like. The way the marquee, and the hotel, are set up allow people to be quite creative.’

For example, they have a vintage-style wedding booked in. It also lends itself to other functions: summer balls, Christmas balls, and even a Las Vegas themed night are on the cards.

The hotel also puts on regular jazz nights and Sunday lunches, (including one on Fathers’ Day next month).

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THE SECRET GARDEN Among the 14 gardens opening, for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk during May, is one of Norfolk’s best-kept secrets: Hoveton Hall Gardens. Emma Outten pays a visit

S

ET ON THE EDGE OF THE NORFOLK BROADS,

Hoveton Hall Gardens is a magical mix of formal and informal planting across the seasons, and never more so than in spring and early summer.

It is said to be one of Norfolk’s best kept secrets, offering a rare mixture of experiences for gardeners, walkers and families.

On the one hand there are the woodlands, the water garden and the park. And on the other hand there are the walled gardens: the Spider Garden (with its unique spider gate) and Old Kitchen Garden; as well as the 18th century Ice Well and the early 19th century glass house.

There are also adventure trails and activities for children – which my daughter, for one, loved. And with around 100 species of bird seen on the estate each year, she took her binoculars, and was excited to spot a mother duck nesting in the protective confines of the walled gardens.

The 15-acre gardens and grounds certainly take you through the seasons. We went on one of the Daffodil Sundays in April, where we enjoyed hundreds of different daffodils carpeting the floors of the gardens and woodlands.

But, come May 1, when the gardens will open every day (with the exception of Mondays and Saturdays), the daffodils will make way for the rhododendrons and azaleas.

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

With over 200 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, Hoveton Hall Gardens has probably the largest collection in Norfolk, started, as it was, in the 1920s.

As spring progresses more and more varieties will come into bloom and by May the display is glorious, according to Hoveton’s Head Horticulturist Dr Stewart Wright.

Moving further along to the Water Garden, the scene from the Stone Bridge is dominated by the bright yellow flowers of the Giant Marsh Marigold Caltha polypetala and the Skunk Cabbage Lysichiton americanus (‘It’s a sweet corn!’ exclaimed my daughter).

The Weeping Pear Pyrus salicifolia is in blossom at this time of year and catkins can be seen on the various willows planted in the area.

The walled Kitchen Garden and layout of the Spider Garden are shown on maps as early as 1841. The latter was named after the ornamental wrought iron Spider’s Web gate, made in 1936 by Eric Stevenson. The flower garden contains over 600 different plant varieties, some very rare, creating colours and textures that change with the seasons. For example, the paeonies are at their best in

GARDENS

Hoveton Hall

HOVETON HALL GARDENS will be open for charity as part of the National Gardens Scheme, on May 12, and August 20. Visit www.ngs.co.uk for more details.

The Gardens will also be holding a Craft Fair, from May 25 to 27, showcasing the best of Norfolk produce.

There will be a Guided Garden Tour on May 1, as well as a Guided Wildlife Tour on May 15.

Both start at the tearooms at 11am.

Admission prices are £7 for adults, £3.50 for children (under fours are free). Call 01603 782558 or visit www. hovetonhallgardens.co.uk.

early summer, when there is a fine display of roses.

The Kitchen Garden has much for the garden enthusiast to feast their eyes on. It includes a central herb garden, which was begun in 2002. Within the circular hedge of Japanese Privet lies a collage of lavender, box and thyme. The Gallica roses Versicolor and Officinalis are planted in the inner bed among varieties of sage, hyssop and cotton lavender. Tulips and irises add colour during spring and early summer.

The area of parkland known as the Arboretum has over 200 specimen trees: several of the trees have blossom in the spring, including the Japanese Crab Malus floribunda, the Whitebeam Sorbus aria Lutescens and cherries such as Prunus sargentii and P. Serrula.

Following a visit to the gardens, there’s always the plant sales area next door to the tearooms. Most stock has been propagated from the plants in the gardens, including hostas and ferns from the water garden and a vast array of herbaceous plants from the wonderfully-gated Spider Garden.

AMONG THE 14 GARDENS OPENING for the National

Gardens Scheme in Norfolk during May are: On May 6 at HILL COTTAGE, Edingthorpe NR28 9SY. The garden is organically cultivated, never watered and a master class on how to achieve the maximum interest and production in a quarter acre plot. Shirley Gilbert is also holding her popular monthly garden workshops throughout 2013. This is the last year, so do not miss out. Call 01692 403519.

On May 12 at CLERMONT HOUSE, Little Cressingham IP25 6LY, you have the opportunity to explore a collection of rare trees and shrubs making up the arboretum garden. Owner John Davies has created 13 acres of naturalistic gardens over the last 30 years. The collection now attracts visitors and interest worldwide and contains over 800 species of trees and shrubs.

On May 19 at CHESTNUT FARM, West Beckham NR25 6NX, John and Judy McNeil Wilson are opening a real plant paradise carefully developed and nurtured over many years and regularly featured in the national and local gardening press, both in Britain and Europe. Their three-acre plot has many rarities and a particular highlight is a Davidia involucrate (Handkerchief Tree).

On May 27 WARBOROUGH HOUSE, Stiffkey NR23 1QH, has some great plant combinations in colourful borders; a particular feature is the use of alliums to provide an extra dimension to the displays. This family of ornamental onions is one of the unsung heroes in border planting.

On May 11, between 10am and 5pm, there will be an open garden at THE LABURNUMS, St. James South Elmham, Halesworth IP19 0HN - parking at the nearby village hall.

The one-acre garden has been featured in Garden News.

There will be an all day BBQ and cake stall, and in the afternoon a concert by the Waveney Valley Brass Ensemble in the sunken garden.

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

69

A great day out for

all the family

Highway garden and leisure is now better than ever, supported by a strong, local, family owned retail firm, so come and spend a day out with the family. y& Well stocked Nurser

Garden Centre

Tropical, Cold Water &

Marine

Aquatics Centre

Come and have a carvery for only ÂŁ7.50 Available daily in our restaurant

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Find us on the A146 (Norwich to Lowestoft Road), only 5 minutes from the Norwich Southern Bypass, NR14 7PW

01508 494665 general.enquiries@roysonline.co.uk highwaygardenandleisure.co.uk

Damien Wiles

Ed Stratton

Store Manager

Aquatics Manager

Describe your role

Describe your role

I manage the business to maintain its high standards, the staff and make sure our customers are happy!

I manage the Aquatics Centre with my team Anna and Gordon.

We look after our wide range of tropical, cold water and marine fish, clean the tanks, change the water, check the filters, feed the fish, order stock and look after our customers - from beginners to experts.

Things I most enjoy about my job Working with our great team (many of whom have worked at Highway for years) and seeing customers enjoy their visit. We’re very focused on providing a high quality range of products and service and we have both old and new customers return time and again, so we must be doing something right.

Why should customers come to Highway Garden & Leisure?

Things I most enjoy about my job Looking after the fish and seeing customers, both young and old, enjoy the fish too. We want our customers to develop their hobby and receive the best advice possible; so we take time to understand their needs then recommend the right fish and equipment for them. Our honest, expert advice has led to many happy customers returning time and again.

We have a wide range of quality plants and gardening equipment/accessories in our Garden Centre; a great range of cookware, clothing from the likes of Joules and Hunter, indoor and garden furniture, barbeques and more in our Department Store, one of the best Aquatics Centres around and a superb Restaurant and Café that offers a welcome break from shopping.

We even sell local food and drink items in our shop. We’re open 7 days a week so why not come and see for yourself?

Why should customers come to Highway Garden & Leisure?

Mark White

Kevin Hayter

We have one of the largest aquatics centres in East Anglia, with a wide variety of fish, tanks, filters, plants, food and other accessories for sale. If you keep fish as a hobby, or you’re thinking of starting, come and see us for helpful, impartial advice.

Nursery Manager

Head Chef

Describe your role

Describe your role

I manage our team of nursery staff who work very hard to make sure we order the seeds, compost, new plants and other materials needed to produce and look after the wide range of plants we sell.

I’m responsible for producing the wide variety of food, the vast majority of which is freshly made on the premises, using meat and produce from local suppliers for our restaurant and café.

Things I most enjoy about my job Working with my experienced team and making sure we produce a high quality range of plants that have been well looked after. I really enjoy meeting customers and I’m very happy to pass on tips and advice. I have 31 years’ experience as a nurseryman, but learn new things everyday! This experience has given me a good idea of what customers are looking for in terms of service, advice and plant types.

Why should customers come to Highway Garden & Leisure?

For one of the best ranges of quality plants, seeds and gardening equipment in East Anglia, combined with friendly, helpful staff who will happily give you the gardening advice you need.

Things I most enjoy about my job I’m very lucky - I really enjoy my job. I not only enjoy producing a wide variety of food, from roasts for our carvery to cakes and sandwiches, but like meeting our customers, many of whom are regulars. I’m proud of the team that works for me and the quality of food and customer service we offer.

Why should customers come to Highway Garden & Leisure?

Whether you’re looking for a freshly cooked breakfast, coffee and pastries, a light lunch or carvery, afternoon tea or early dinner - or simply a break from shopping, we offer a delicious range of quality, mostly handmade food and drink, combined with a very friendly service.

AFTERNOON DELIGHT Forget about going out to lunch; hosting a traditional afternoon tea is the way to get together with friends these days. Jennifer Read shows us how to create the perfect table for a sumptuous tea party at home Food supplied by CAFÉ BENJAMIN AND THE DELI AT JARROLD'S

Traditional Afternoon Teas are available in Café Benjamin. £12.50 pp. Please book in advance 01603 697269

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T

HE RITUAL OF AFTERNOON TEA has seen quite a revival

in the past couple of years, with more and more of us rediscovering the simple pleasures of a perfectly brewed cup of tea coupled with some delicious and indulgent delicacies.

Although going out somewhere special to experience a traditional afternoon tea is a real treat, it’s also a great way to entertain a group of friends at home. Less time-consuming than serving up a full-blown dinner party, with a beautifully laid table you can still create a real sense of occasion and as all the food is prepared in advance, all that’s left to be done is to put the kettle on!

The occasion of afternoon tea is suited perfectly to the shabby chicvintage vibe. Mix and match prints, pastel colours and quirky pieces help create an effortless look that lends itself perfectly to a laid-back afternoon with friends. If you have some of granny’s old bone china tea set at the back of the cupboard, now is the time to dust it off - mixed with some of your everyday pieces it will add real charm to your tea party. If you don’t have any hand-me-downs at home, have fun finding your own pieces at antique fairs, charity shops and car boot sales or discover some of the new vintage-inspired ranges now available in stores.

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Afternoon Tea

INTERIORS

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The wonderful Pip Studio range is absolutely perfect for this occasion; their collection of delicate china pieces are beautifully embellished with floral designs, exotic birds and pretty colours to bring an unashamed opulence to the table; so pretty, they are set to become family heirlooms of the future. I love to mix and match the different items to To finish off your table, add create a casual but special setting. The large glass jugs for serving range includes everything you need for up elderflower cordial and serving up a stylish afternoon tea and encourage everyone to help also works well when mixed with other themselves. pieces including plain white china and pretty coloured glassware.

LSA

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11. Basis water jugs from £14 Pip Studio Teapot Gisela from £26.25 Graham Jugs from £7.75 12. Strawberry water jug Sugar bowl £25; £9.95 tumbler £7.50 each Cup and saucer £12.75 Mugs from £8 Plates from £7.25 Whether you are treating your guests to home-baked fare or are buying in some delicious patisserie, make sure you present your goodies on a tiered cake stand, it really makes everything look extra-special and will act as a centre piece to your table. Pip Studio’s beautiful cake stands have a delicate gold stem and come in a choice of colours. Alternatively stack up individual footed cake plates to create a similar effect, as seen here with coloured glassware from Eddingtons.

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Pip Studio 3 Tier cake stand £45 Eddingtons Glass footed cake plate from £12.50 There are some great cutlery options available too, from the fun decorated cake forks by Taylor’s Eye Witness to Sophie Conran’s stylish cake knife. A favourite of mine is the fabulous range from La De Da. This family-run business take vintage silver plated cutlery pieces and hand stamp them with quirky or sentimental quotes to create a practical keepsake. Look out for their ‘Spread Love’ butter knife and ‘Loving You is a Piece of Cake’ server, certain to be a talking point at any table.

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Taylor’s Eye Witness Cake forks – set of 4, £15

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La De Da vintage cutlery ‘Spread Love’ butter knife £15 LSA Basis water jugs from £14

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Gisela Graham Strawberry water jug £25; tumbler £7.50 each

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All pieces from Jarrold’s, Norwich

To finish off your table, add large glass jugs for serving up elderflower cordial and encourage everyone to help themselves.

JENNIFER is the homewares buyer at Jarrold’s and The Granary.

Jarrold, 1-11 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1JF 01603 660661 www.jarrold.co.uk The Granary, 5 Bedford Street, Norwich, NE2 1AL www.thegranary.co.uk 73

Dunston Hall AMAZING AFTERNOON TEA AT DUNSTON HALL

Set in 150 acres of wooded Norfolk parkland Dunston Hall is the perfect setting to enjoy our traditional homemade afternoon tea. Sit back and relax on the garden terrace and let us treat you to an exquisite experience, served daily from 2pm – 5pm. You can choose from our range of teas and hot beverages to accompany our fantastic homemade cakes and scones. Please book to avoid disappointment.

Great food in spectacular surroundings.

A Dunston Hall Hotel, Ipswich Road, Norwich NR14 8PQ | T 01508 470444 W www.devere-hotels.co.uk

Mardle Café A home from home where a warm welcome and hearty food are assured.

• Sumptuous handmade pies baked fresh everyday • A wide range of homemade cakes to be savoured • Fresh bean coffee and a range of teas • Thick homemade soups served with artisan breads • Homemade scones fresh from the oven between 2 to 4pm everyday • A wide range of gluten and lactose free options • Fresh artisan breads, rolls, sour doughs and baguettes.

NOW delivering high quality lunches to offices and work-places. Call for delivery.

A 51 The Street, Lound, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 5LP | T 07775 267724

The Galley Cookshop The Galley Cookshop with 'a bite on the side' is to be found in Smallgate, Beccles, and should not be missed.

Competitive, intimate and welcoming with customer satisfaction first and foremost - it is an 'Aladdin's Cave' of kitchenalia with the added bonus of a unique coffee shop reputed to serve the best homemade scones and cakes in the area!

A 41-43 Smallgate, Beccles | T 01502 217075

The perfect setting for your afternoon tea...

TAKE YOUR TEA on our stunning terrace overlooking the stunning settings of one of Norfolk's greatest beaches.

Or why not make it a real experience with a pre-booked fabulous Cliff Hotel High Tea (also available with Champagne!) a fashionable and sophisticated way to while away a tranquil afternoon?

Call us now to arrange your high tea or just pop in to enjoy an afternoon tea in the area's finest, newly refurbished venue.

T 01493 662179 | W www.thecliffhotel.co.uk | E reception@thecliffhotel.co.uk

THE CLIFF HOTEL, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6DH

ADVERTISING FEATURE

It's Tea Time Sara's Tearooms Sara's Tearooms is a family run, dog friendly cafe focused on delivering great service and value-for-money quality food. From freshly ground coffee to delicious clotted cream teas, or lite-bites to main meals, our menu offers a wide variety of choices including many homemade meals and cakes. Located on the edge of Great Yarmouth's South Beach, visitors can relax in our newly refurbished restaurant area or dine alfresco in our Gold Award winning gardens or take in stunning sea views on our covered Beach Terrace.

A Sara's Tearooms, The Pleasure Beach Gardens, South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3EH | T 01493 845546 | W www.thetearooms.co.uk

Loddon Mill Vintage Tea Rooms We are delighted to invite you to join us for refreshments, traditional teas and coffees or light lunches in a beautiful setting. Loddon Mill Tea Rooms straddle the River Chet with stunning views down the river – kingfishers, swans, ducks, yellow wagtails and wrens are common visitors. Listen to the river underneath as you enjoy a refreshing break from your strolls along the Broads. This historical building with its industrial ironwork and exposed beams provides a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of town. Our vintage furnishings make a real eclectic mix with everything up for sale, the dining experience changing as the furnishings and decorations are sold and replaced. We look forward to seeing you here.

Open Monday closed; Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm | A 45 Bridge Street, Loddon NR14 6NA | T 01508 528085 | W www.loddonmillvintagetearooms.com

COMING SOON

The Parlour Tea Rooms at the Corn Exchange, Harleston This exquisite 1940’s tea room, a sister to Loddon Mill Tea Rooms, will offer tasty tea time treats, cakes from vintage recipes, a selection of Tea-Pigs teas, home-made scones with clotted cream and various other goodies. Housed in the magnificent setting of the Corn Exchange with its lovely fountain, antiques, collectables and vintage street scene its an ambiance not to be missed. Why not plan yourself an afternoon tea dance in our beautiful surroundings? If you would like to rent a shop cabinet or floor space please contact Glen or Charlie on 01508 528085 to express your interest. We look forward to welcoming you soon - watch this space...

A 5 Exchange Street, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 8AB | T 01508 528085 (until opening)

Peggy's Kitchen Peggy's Kitchen offers something a little bit different. Recently re-furbished, Holly has created a vintage ambience with her hand picked china and shabby chic furniture.

With down to earth appetising food, home made cakes, paninis and toasted sandwiches, you can relax and enjoy the old fashioned charm, homely atmosphere and waitress service. We have a full coffee menu and loose leaf teas. Set in the peaceful, rural setting of Henstead Arts & Crafts Centre, but only just off the A12 - Peggy's Kitchen looks forward to meeting you.

A Toad Row, Henstead, nr Beccles | T 07990 738210 | W www.hensteadartsandcrafts.co.uk

Courtyard café Situated within Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens, the renowned Courtyard Café offers a wide variety of high quality, locally sourced meals. Even if you do not have time to explore the wonders of the Pensthorpe reserve, the fully licensed Courtyard café is wellstocked with a great variety of teas, cakes and pastries; making it a perfect place to stop for delicious home-cooked food or a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Open Every day from 9am-5pm (Food served 12-2:30pm) | A Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN | T 01328 851465 | W www.pensthorpe.com

SHORT BREAK

London

London Calling Sampling five-star treatment in the heart of ‘Sloane Ranger’ land, James Spicer looks at the fascinating history of the Cadogan Hotel, in London

L

ondon’s five-star hotels can produce guest lists to make the mouth water.

The Savoy’s celebrity visitors have included Noel Coward, Frank Sinatra, Enrico Caruso and Charles Chaplin. Seen at Claridges over the years were Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Bing Crosby, while the Dorchester welcomed the likes of Danny Kaye, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock and Nelson Mandela.

But what of the Cadogan Hotel, which sits quietly but elegantly on Sloane Street, an area which can safely be termed London’s epitome of ‘posh’? Not so much celebrity gloss here, but what makes it all the more fascinating for visitors is that the hotel, built in 1887, and part of the fabulously wealthy Cadogan estate, was unwittingly connected with a scandal that rocked British society in the late 19th century.

Oscar Wilde, whose ill-fated decision to prosecute the Marquess of Queensberry, father of his lover Lord Alfred Douglas, for libel led to his own prosecution for indecency, was arrested at the Cadogan – an incident immortalised by Sir John Betjeman in his 1937 poem The Arrest of Oscar Wilde At The Cadogan Hotel, which finishes thus:

A thump, and a murmur of voices Oh why must they make such a din?

As the door of the bedroom swung open And two plain clothes policemen came in: “Mr. Woilde, we ’ave come for tew take yew Where felons and criminals dwell: We must ask yew tew leave with us quoietly For this is the Cadogan Hotel.”

He rose, and he put down The Yellow Book.

He staggered — and, terrible-eyed, He brushed past the palms on the staircase And was helped to a hansom outside.

Wilde was found guilty and sentenced to two years hard labour; but the incident, notorious as it was at the time, has fascinated Cadogan guests ever since! They can, if they like, even stay in what was Oscar’s suite, room 118.

The hotel was also once the home of Lillie Langtry, the famous actress and ‘close friend’ of King Edward VII. After she sold the house, Lillie still used to stay in her old bedroom (109) by then part of the hotel.

The influence of the Cadogan line on this part of London is a long-standing one, starting in 1717 when the 2nd Baron Cadogan married Elizabeth Sloane (see the connection?) daughter of Sir Hans Sloane who had purchased the Manor of Chelsea in 1712.

Over the years the family acquired vast tracts of land in the Knightsbridge and King’s Road area. The modern estate was largely formed in the 19th century when Chelsea became part of the metropolis of London with the opening of the Sloane Square station on the then Metropolitan District Railway.

Over the years the Cadogan family has donated land and buildings around Chelsea for charitable and community purposes including schools, social housing, churches, a seminary, the town hall, fire station and a hospital.

So there is heritage here a-plenty, and, arriving at the hotel in 2013 it is easy to simply melt into an atmosphere that is restful and quiet, with an easy pace punctuated by courteous and unobtrusive staff.

Enter the Cadogan’s bar and drawing room and the ‘country townhouse’ atmosphere is almost tangible featuring, as it does, original stained glass windows and oak wood panelling. The drawing room is a popular and charming venue in which to enjoy afternoon tea, while the hotel restaurant Great Taste at The Cadogan (recently featured on BBC TV’s Masterchef ) is a showcase of high sculptured ceilings, a magnificent marble fireplace, oversize mirrors and chandeliers.

Bedrooms feature muted and warm colour tones to match the velvet and textured materials of the furniture. And, while the rooms are thoroughly modern in as much as they have the usual gadgetry demanded by customers these days, walk outside and be confronted with a real ‘blast from the past’ – a genuine caged lift much as would have been installed when the hotel was built. Such things are a rare delight and quite made my visit!

Situated between Knightsbridge and Sloane Square, The Cadogan - crowned the Best UK Luxury Boutique Hotel in the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2011 - has an enviable address.

Turn left, walk for five minutes and you come to Harrods and Harvey Nicholls; go right for a similar distance and it is Sloane Square and then the King’s Road. Your walk will be lined by labels such as Fendi, Gucci, Prada and Armani; or, taking a slightly different slant, Tiffany and Cartier.

See what I mean by ‘posh’?

ROOMS AT THE CADOGAN start from £210, including VAT, per night.

For reservations, call 0207 235 7141 or visit www.cadogan.com JAMES SPICER’S TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS between Norwich and London were courtesy of Greater Anglia. For details of services, visit www.greateranglia.co.uk

AFTERNOON TEA, said to have its origins in the early 19th century when Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of ‘having that sinking feeling’ during late afternoon (I know what she means!). She had a pot of tea and a light snack in her boudoir – and we’ve been following suit ever since.

The afternoon tea industry, particularly in London hotels, is a large one, and that served at the Cadogan is rather special as it features the Chelsea Bun, first made in the 18th century at the famous Old Bun House on the borders of nearby Chelsea and Pimlico. A nice little touch.

The Cadogan’s afternoon tea is £26.50, or £33.50 including a glass of champagne. Those with a steady head can indulge in a bottle if they wish – the Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut is offered at £65, or the Perrier-Jouet Blasson Rose at £95.

My wife and I declined as we were already savouring the thought of the delicious teas supplied to the hotel in this, the 60th anniversary of the Coronation, by Partridges, of Chelsea, which holds the Royal Warrant as grocers to HM The Queen.

A wide choice is available, but my wife stayed true to form by asking for Earl Grey, the prince of teas so far as she is concerned.

I finally settled for the Darjeeling, and its slightly floral flavour drunk, naturally, without milk or sugar. Not an easy choice with so much to select from.

We began with beautifully cut, crust-less and symmetrical sandwiches (do they use a template to get them all the same size?) of roast beef and piccalilli, egg mayonnaise and cress, cream cheese and cucumber and salmon and horseradish…well, what else?

Then on to the second tier of our cake stand and the tiny Chelsea buns and light-as-a-feather milk scones. The ‘Chelseas’ were bursting with spicy flavours, while the scones went so well with the jam and fresh cream provided.

Almost full by now we couldn’t resist trying the cakes – the star of which was the delicious and very gooey little lemon meringue tart. Life was pretty good, and another cup of the Darjeeling finished things off nicely before we reluctantly made our way back to Liverpool Street and home.

We were, nevertheless, grateful to Anna 7th Duchess of Bedford, for being the inspiration for a genuine treat.

And I cannot recommend it enough to readers…

To inquire about times for afternoon tea call the Cadogan on 0207 235 7141. Anyone interested in Partridge’s products can visit the website, www.partridges.co.uk; or, if in London, drop in to their shop near the Charles Saatchi Gallery in the King’s Road.

Places&Faces® | MAY 2013

Bach's Birthplace Tony Cooper enjoys a musical heritage tour to the birthplace of JS Bach in Germany

I

’M STROLLING THROUGH the lovely and welcoming city of

Leipzig in the company of my erstwhile travelling companion I always affectionately refer to as Miss X. Both of us, for some reason or other, feel there’s a touch of magic in the air! Maybe it’s because we’re lost in the mists of time in the company of that great German baroque composer, JS Bach. Who knows!

But it’s Bach who’s most definitely at the centre of our attention and we’re here to get a basin full of him at the annual BachFest. Only founded 13 years ago, it has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top echelon of European music festivals.

After attending the event for the first time, I can see why. Miss X is already looking forward to next year. She simply adores Bach and the 18th century but is unimaginative and uncaring about Wagner and the 19th. In Leipzig, I think, she’s found Seventh Heaven.

Although not born in Leipzig, it was here that Bach’s fame lay mainly through working as organist, choirmaster and director of music at St Thomas’ Church. He reigned supreme from 1723 until his death in 1750 but, surprisingly, he was only the third choice of the city fathers for the post. Who were the first applicants, I wonder? A tireless worker, he knocked off compositions (and produced children) 13 to the dozen.

However, during his lifetime, Bach was not recognised as the great composer he is today - a revival of interest in his music was led in the first half of the 19th century by the young Felix Mendelssohn. He conducted (at the age of 20 in 1829) the St Matthew Passion, the first performance since the composer’s death. That started the Bach ball rolling - and, thankfully, it hasn’t stopped. And Leipzig plays its role to the full as the BachFest is nothing but brilliant.

Mendelssohn was special, though. He also flourished in Leipzig like no other, becoming conductor of the famous Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in his mid 20s and going on to found the Leipzig Conservatoire while only in his early 30s.

A frequent visitor to England, the Birmingham Triennial Festival commissioned Mendelssohn and he delivered to them that momentous and inspiring oratorio, Elijah, composed in the spirit of his baroque predecessors, Bach and Handel. The work (his final composition) received its première in Birmingham Town Hall in 1846, conducted by the composer.

It proved to be one of the high points of Mendelssohn’s illustrious career. He died a year later. Soon afterwards Elijah was heard in Norwich at a Triennial gathering in St Andrew’s Hall.

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CHECK OUT this year’s festival, held from June 14-23, by visiting www. bach-festival-leipzig.de www.ryanair.com www.greateranglia.co.uk www.radisson-leipzig.com

TRAVEL

Leipzig

Mendelssohn, in fact, agreed to write a new oratorio for the 1848 Norwich Triennial but, of course, he died in 1847. There’s a rather touching letter from Mendelssohn to the committee dated 27/9/1846 in which he says: ‘... but if I live and in good health, I’m almost sure that I will have something new by that time.’ He wrote again in October 1847 (a month before his death) to explain that he wouldn’t have anything ready that year.

In fact, there’s an interesting (and historic) musical link between Birmingham and Norwich (and Leeds, too) which has become hidden over the years. Just as the Three Choirs Festival rotates between the cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, Birmingham shared their early festivals with Norwich and Leeds.

I made doubly sure that I visited Mendelssohn’s house at Goldschmidtstraße 12 - now a museum devoted to his life and work. He lived here for the last 12 years of his life. Looking here, there and everywhere, I soon clasped my eyes on the original score of Elijah. And another thing that grabbed my attention was Mendelssohn’s piano. I just stared at it and wondered and thought that the creativity that came from this ‘work-desk’ is still alive today being enjoyed by thousands and thousands of concertgoers the world over.

Mendelssohn, I also found out, was a very accomplished artist.

At the early age of 15, a three-month family trip to Switzerland in 1822 afforded him a wonderful opportunity to devote himself to drawing and he completed more than 40 landscapes rendered in ink-over-pencil. A few are on show at the museum.

But wherever you turn in Leipzig, history (from a musical point of view) hits you slap bang in the face! Richard Wagner was born here, Robert Schumann lived here, Georg Philipp Telemann worked here and just up the road in Halle, George Frideric Handel was born. And that’s just for starters.

However, Leipzig’s not just about art and music but, like so many great German cities, it’s hard to get away from it. Not that I would want to, anyway! But it’s nice to ring the changes and, therefore, exploring the city and its surrounding area proved to be just as rewarding as attending a performance. Well, nearly.

One thing Miss X and I always look out for on our travels is zoological and botanical gardens. We simply adore spending time in them and in Leipzig we discovered some gems. The city’s botanical garden - the oldest in Germany - kept us happy for half a day, while its zoo - housing one of the world’s largest facilities for primates - filled the other half but not without recourse to a couple of pints of the best and its proverbial accompaniment - the bratwurst. Eating on the hoof is easy in Germany.

Food and drink, of course, is an important part of one’s life and, indeed, of one’s travels and the hearty dishes and good helpings you get in Germany are not to be sneezed at. We both enjoyed tucking into a large bowl of Leipziger allerlei, a regional German vegetable dish, with ingredients similar to a stew, which proved tasty to the extreme.

A pint of Gose wheat beer provided the perfect complement, but beer usually does in Germany. Originating in the town of Goslar in Lower Saxony in the 18th century, the brew’s fame spread far and wide and it became so popular in Leipzig that Gosenschänke (Gose inns) sprung up in the city like wildfire. A ‘local’ brew was automatically born - Wunderbar!

Another dish pertinent to Leipzig sorted us out for dessert Leipziger lerche (lark). A short-crust pastry lovingly filled with crushed almonds, mixed nuts and strawberry jam. The name derives from a lark pâté which was a local speciality until songbird hunting was banned in Saxony in the late 19th century.

What more can I say apart from Auf wiedersehen?

The journey to Leipzig was comfortably undertaken by air from Stansted straight into the city. We stayed in luxury at the citycentre Radisson Blu Hotel very conveniently situated opposite the Gewandhaus and on the tram network. The hotel possessed a really good kitchen plus their breakfast table boasted everything that you could possibly want to set you up for the day.

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Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

Escape Route PAULA HODDS TAKES TO THE ROAD IN A LUXURIOUS MOTOR HOME FOR A FEW DAYS OF FREEDOM

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

Simpsons Motorhome

S

OME OF YOU MAY REMEMBER that last

year I was fortunate enough to be loaned a luxurious motorhome by Simpsons of Great Yarmouth to try.

Well, the weather last Easter was fabulous (T-shirts) and we had a great time.

So when the lovely Belinda at Simpsons asked if we would like to borrow another model this year we jumped at the chance!

However, as the day approached to pick up the beast it got progressively colder and colder! Was our latest adventure going to be ruined by the great British weather?

Millie the dog became excited the minute the vehicle came into our drive. She decided to stand guard, just sitting beside it as if to say you are not leaving me behind.

Some friends organised for us to meet them for a pre holiday briefing just before we left for our weekend away in north Norfolk as we were due to look after their chickens while they were away skiing.

As we chatted over supper at the pub, we explained our planned expedition and Jane and Duncan were very intrigued as they plan to travel through America in a motorhome.

So they came back home with us to take a look inside and we made coffee – as it snowed outside – and it was so very cosy with the heating on, that we gossiped until midnight.

The next day we headed to north Norfolk, to the awardwinning Kelling Heath which has great facilities and masses of open space.

"A motor home provides you with all the home comforts you need and, most important of all, freedom. Once you’ve explored one area for long enough, you can simply pack up and head off into the sunset."

It is a firm favourite with Places&Faces readers who love the family feel, the great food – and the indoor pool.

But we were there for fresh air and Millie just loves walking in the glorious countryside around the park.

On Day One we strolled to Weybourne, across the heath, and found a very nice watering hole in The Ship, a pub which offers real ale and a menu that features local produce including a fresh fish platter which looked very impressive.

On Day Two we walked alongside the North Norfolk Railway, the so-called Poppy Line, from Kelling (which boasts its own railway stop) to Sheringham.

It was market day and the popular seaside town was buzzing with both locals and visitors. We had arranged to meet friends at the Lobster pub which is near the beach, and its log fire was very welcoming on a very cold day. Plus they serve great home cooked food, again using local ingredients, which we all enjoyed.

But back to our stylish motor home. It was lovely to return to each teatime after a hard day of enjoying ourselves. You can really be completely self-sufficient as any and every need is catered for. Indeed, it never ceases to amaze me how every single bit of space is put to such good use.

There is a really efficient dual fuel gas/electric heating system that not only has a wall heater but also has warm air ducts throughout the van so you can keep warm and cosy.

And facilities include a full size cooker complete with extractor fan, a decent-sized fridge and a microwave, and the power shower is perfect to get you going each morning!

It is so easy to drive – and park – and has strong green credentials, too.

My husband and I, and Millie, of course, had a lovely few days away. A motor home provides you with all the home comforts you need and, most important of all, freedom. Once you’ve explored one area for long enough, you can simply pack up and head off into the sunset.

Children especially love their own mini castle and what can be nicer than waking up in a new destination every morning?

Paula tried a Sundance Swift 630L, and prices start at £43,995 saving £4370 for a pre-registered vehicle with very low mileage. Call 0843 320 1498 (local rate) or visit www.simpsonsmotorcaravans.com

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www.thelivingrooms.co.uk/barlowtyriegardenfurniture

TO THE MANOR BORN This month’s property is not exactly an old manor; it was built less than 10 years ago.

Emma Outten imagines herself as lady of the manor and casts an eye Guide Price £1,100,000

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

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MODERN MANOR HOUSE has a nice

residential ring to it. The Manor House, in Attleborough, was built less than a decade ago, and so it offers all the advantages of modern living but with the abundant charm and character of a period home.

From the carriageway drive to the travertine floor of the entrance portico, there's a real sense of arrival.

With luxury finishes throughout, wherever you go within this fine home you cannot help but notice the quality of the design and finish, with large windows and classic tasteful decoration throughout. The reception rooms have solid oak floors, deep decorative skirting boards and ornate cornicing.

The hallway boasts a stunning staircase with exquisite design and craftsmanship - it brings to mind Gone With The Wind (albeit minus the red carpet).

The lavish bathrooms are spacious and well equipped with limestone floors and quality fittings. According to the owners: ‘The Jacuzzi room has only been used a couple of times and some of the en-suites have never been used at all.’ (Imagine having so many bathrooms that you haven’t needed to use them all!)

Sunken into a ceramic tiled floor, the luxurious hot tub says that this is a room devoted to pampering.

Both the sitting and dining rooms have open fires, and the sumptuous master bedroom suite is a master-class in luxury with a wealth of storage, generous dressing room and wonderful bathroom.

It has a ‘tardis’ like contemporary steam shower cabinet made for two, that seems to do everything – including a hands-free phone, radio and CD, plus the obligatory multi jets and foot spa.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

The Manor

E S TAT E AG E N T S Fine & Country, 7 Bank Plain Norwich NR2 4SF T: 01603 221888 E: norwich@ fineandcountry.com

The vanitory facilities are similarly impressive with ‘his and hers’ sinks, but perhaps the highlight of the room is its main bathing area: step up through the archway and imagine relaxing in the Jacuzzi style bath under twinkling lights!

This is a home that you can move straight into – everything has been done for you and to the highest standards to suit today’s busy family.

It is well insulated with modern windows, making it efficient to heat, yet it’s full of the elegant charm of a much older property.

And this is a nice touch: ‘The dining room has a beam from the cottage that originally stood on the site of the house,’ the owners explain. ‘It’s a lovely warm room and we enjoy hosting dinner parties here. The bedrooms are all large enough to accommodate guests in great comfort.’

The kitchen is another favourite spot, as is the sunny garden room where they can watch their grandchildren playing outside.

It has an extensive range of cabinets finished in cream – in every sense luxurious, with its combination of decorative effect, quality materials (granite) and integrated appliances (built-in Neff dishwasher; fridge/freezer; microwave, and the latest ovens and hob). The fabulous island is a centrepiece, with its solid wood work surfacing, cabinets and built-in Miele computerised wine cooler. It’s also worth noting the dual Villeroy and Boch butler style sink units sat beneath the kitchen window.

The large garage building contains an office and the block has the potential to be converted into an independent annexe subject to planning permission. This would still leave plenty of room for parking in the cart bay and on the driveway.

‘The location is a huge attraction,’ explain the owners, ‘as you feel you’re in the heart of the country but actually you can walk into Attleborough in just a few minutes and there’s a Sainsbury’s at the end of the road.’

It’s a popular area for dog walkers, with a path looping round from close to the back of The Manor House and returning on the Hargham Road.

Another path takes you right to the other side of Attleborough – and there are plenty of others to choose from, too. The house benefits from good size gardens, with a large shed and log store and field views all around. The owners enjoy seeing rabbits, pheasants, partridge and much more, both from their home and in the surrounding areas.

The charming market town of Attleborough has all the amenities you need, including a station, high school, library, supermarkets and a superb butcher.

This, and the fact that the Manor House has more en-suites than you could possibly need, is a home that Audrey fforbesHamilton from To The Manor Born would be more than proud of.

FAC T F I L E Six Bedrooms Six Receptions Five Bathrooms Two Cloaks/WCs and Hot Tub Room Six Bay Clock Tower Garaging plus Office Garden of under an acre

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ESTATE AGENTS • VALUERS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Darby & Liffen Ltd are here to provide you with a comprehensive service for buying, selling, and letting property in the East Norfolk coastal area. We are totally independent and offer a first class service for buyers and sellers, based upon our extensive local knowledge and many years of experience in all aspects of property sales and management.

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Cowtrott Lane

£525,000

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Just a selection from our current collection of quality properties

Beccles Road

£265,000

Kennedy Avenue

£239,950

Darby & Liffen Ltd, 42 Bells Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR31 6AN

T: 01493 600411 F: 01493 600611 E: info@darbyandliffenea.co.uk

www.darbyandliffenea.co.uk

bradwell Guide Price £465,000

beCCles Guide Price £650,000

• A stunning Converted Barn in a sought after location between Gorleston and Bradwell • Five Bedrooms ; Two En Suites ; Family Bathroom • Original Character can be found throughout with Vaulted Ceilings and Exposed Beams • Generous Well Kept Gardens • Double Garage ; Parking for Several Vehicles • Beautiful Rural Location with Stunning Views • The Accommodation extends to 3,152sq.ft

• An imposing Grade II * Listed, 18th Century Residence situated within the historic town centre of Beccles • Six/Seven Bedrooms ; Two Bathrooms ; One En-Suite • Breakfast Kitchen ; Four Receptions ; Cellar • Many Period Features can be found throughout including an Oak Staircase, Sash Windows, Stone Floors and Fireplaces • The Grounds extend to 0.45 acres • Triple Garage with further Storage Above extends to 575sq.ft • The Accommodation extends to 5,469sq.ft

Kirby Cane Guide Price £425,000

ilKetshall st lawrenCe Guide Price £450,000

• A creatively Converted Former Methodist Chapel situated centrally within the village of Kirby Cane • Sympathetically renovated, it has retained many of its Period Features including Arched Windows, Vaulted Ceilings and Timber Floors • Four Bedrooms ; Two Bathrooms • Stunning Open Plan Kitchen, Breakfast and Living Areas • An Additional Large Reception, once again with Part Vaulted Ceilings • Off Street Parking ; Sunken Terrace ; Rear Garden • The Accommodation extends to 2,838sq.ft

• A Grade II Listed Detached Farmhouse standing in 1 acre within the village of Ilketshall St Andrew • Four Bedrooms ; Two Bathrooms • Three Receptions and a Conservatory • Character can be found throughout with a wealth of Exposed Beams and a Beautiful Inglenook Fireplace • Stables and All Weather Menage ; Opportunity to Rent Further Land Nearby • The Accommodation extends to 2,127sq.ft

sponsors of the

east anglian Game & Country Fair april 27th & 28th 2013 Norwich: 01603 221888 South Norfolk & North Suffolk: 01379 646020

CELEBRATING ThEIR 10 yEAR ANNIVERSARy ST WITh ThE BIGGE ShOW EVER !

Eaton 01603 506697

Norwich (HO) 01603 620551

Aylsham 01263 733195

Unthank Road, Norwich

Wroxham 01603 782053

GP £495,000

Gurney Lane, Cringleford

GP £375,000

Contact Eaton Office

Contact Eaton Office

For sale by auction at 12 noon on Friday 17th May 2013 (venue to be confirmed). In arguably the most sought after of South City locations, number 387 Unthank Road is a classic house of the period with some fine features. Set well back from the road, the elegant facade hints of the huge potential throughout the house, which is in need of a programme of updating throughout. There are six bedrooms and three reception rooms which, when renovated, will provide a most accommodating family home.

The gardens are a delight, with extensive lawns & planned to provide an unusually good degree of privacy and a sunny aspect. EPC Rating E.

This early 19th century, former estate cottage has been carefully renovated and restored to provide the perfect balance of modern comforts and energy saving measures whilst preserving the original character which abounds throughout. From the lattice windowed entrance hall with highly polished stone floor to the beamed ceiling and open fire place in the sitting room, number 8 Gurney Lane is a special home indeed. With spacious bright reception rooms, modern kitchen and generous bedrooms it has delightful and private gardens & enjoys a sunny aspect and elevated views with garage and off street parking. It is hard to believe you are so conveniently situated, being within walking distance of the village centre and the nature reserves adjoining the UEA to the University Teaching Hospital. The heart of Cringleford is justifiably popular but to be offering such a characterful but eminently practical home is a rare find. EPC Rating E.

arnoldskeys.com

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E: mw@charlesbycroft.co.uk 14 Regent Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1RN

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E: mw@charlesbycroft.co.uk 14 Regent Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1RN 14 Regent Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1RN L ELETTINGS TTINGS

‘We will look after your property, like it’s one of our own’ T

Tel: (01493) 844489

Tel: (01493) 844489 E: mw@charlesbycroft.co.uk

LANDLORDS

WE URGENTLY REQUIRE GOOD QUALIT Y PROPERTIES FOR WAITING GOOD QUALIT Y TENANTS

LANDLORDS WE URGENTLY REQUIRE GOOD QUALITY PROPERTIES, ‘We will look after your property FOR WAITING GOOD QUALITY TENANTS LANDLORDS like it’s one of our own’

Efficient management systems ‘We will look after your property •• Dedicated staff like it’s one of our own’ • Regular property inspections

• Full tenant checks • systems • Efficient Detailed management inventory including photographs and DVD • Efficient management systems • Full tenant checks • • Dedicated Unrivalled staff professional service • Regularand property • Dedicated staff • Detailed inventory including photographs DVD inspections Full tenant checks A PROFESSIONAL LETTING• SERVICE •WE • Unrivalled URGENTLY REQUIRE GOOD QUALITY PROPERTIES, Regular property inspections professional service • Detailed inventory including photographs and DVD FOR WAITING GOOD QUALITY TENANTS • Unrivalled professional service

www.charlesbycroft.co.uk A PROFESSIONAL LETTING SERVICE

A PROFESSIONAL LETTING SERVICE

PROPERTY | ARNOLD KEYS

MARK CHASTON ARNOLDS KEYS MARK.CHASTON@ARNOLDSKEYS.COM | WWW.ARNOLDSKEYS.COM

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT THE A11 CORRIDOR IS BOOMING, WHICH IS GREAT NEWS FOR NORFOLK’S ECOMONY, SAYS MARK CHASTON

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O-ONE CAN PRETEND that the property market has been easy over the past three or four years, but for the A11 corridor at least, 2013 looks like it could be a year when things become more robust.

The big news is that January finally saw work start on the longawaited dualling of the remaining section of the A11, finally removing Norwich’s long-held and unenviable record of being the largest urban area in Britain not yet connected to the country’s trunk road network.

Although this development will certainly benefit the economy of Norwich, from a property point of view, the biggest effect will be to bring our part of the county closer to Cambridge. Suddenly that city will be considerably less than an hour away from the A11 corridor, and this is certain to open up this part of Norfolk as a viable place to live for people working in that over-priced and cramped city.

Of course, a sustainable property market is dependent above all on a stable employment environment, and this infrastructure development is making Norwich and the A11 corridor more attractive to employers who might previously have perceived the city as a backwater.

Alongside the road improvements, next year we will see the awarding of a new rail franchise; this time around it will be a 15-year deal, which should mean considerable investment – at last – in our Cinderella rail service.

First in line for that extra cash will be the Norwich to Cambridge line, bringing much of the county into sensible commuting distance. Last month saw serious calls for trains on that line to be run half-hourly, putting on a par with the Norwich/London line.

Mark Chaston is senior valuer at Arnolds Keys’ Eaton office. He can be contacted at mark.chaston@ arnoldskeys.com, or on 01603 506697

In addition, air travel in the region – already strongly boosted by the performance of 'our' airports (Stansted and Norwich) – has been further strengthened by the increased number of flights announced by KLM into their Schipol hub, making much of the world accessible with just a 35-minute hop from Norwich.

All of this is likely to boost the market, attract buyers and even drive up property values at last. This year could see the emergence of some real hotspots: places like Attleborough and Hethersett, both of which offer a great location coupled with fantastic facilities.

Hethersett, for example, boasts good schools, shops, a library and a thriving, active community. It is very close to Norwich and the A11, yet has a village character which is still much sought-after. Prices in Hethersett have held up well during the recession, and we predict that it will fare much better than the general market in 2013.

Of course, that village character could be put at risk through over-development, but the fact remains that our county – and the A11 corridor – desperately needs more homes. Whilst many people prefer small, local developments over large ones brought forward by national housebuilders, there is room for both.

The bigger developments bring considerable new infrastructure benefits through Section 106 agreements – ‘planning gain’ - such as a new school for Cringleford. And that in turn benefits the value of existing properties. We should not believe the ‘all development is bad for house prices’ argument; appropriate schemes can enhance quality of life and the economy simultaneously.

The fact that the market in London and the Home Counties has remained strong has driven increased enquiries from people from these areas for homes in southwest Norwich and along the newly-dualled A11.

It is 10 years this month since Arnolds Keys opened our office in Eaton to meet the demand for housing in this part of the world. It is safe to say that the intervening decade has seen some tough times, but the level of interest and activity suggests that this part of the world has once again regained its vitality.

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

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Open Day Saturday 22nd June Norwich School is a co-educational, independent day school for pupils aged 7 to 18. Set in the historic surroundings of Norwich Cathedral, the school inspires pupils to achieve their full potential.

We offer academic rigour, creative opportunities in the visual and performing arts, pastoral care judged ‘outstanding’ in a 2010 inspection, and a host of sports and other activities that help pupils develop the skills and character they will need to succeed in later life.

Our results speak for themselves. In the Daily Telegraph’s league tables for 2012, Norwich School was placed 38th out of 374 independent schools at A level (students achieving A*/A or equivalent), and 45th out of 438 at GCSE (students receiving A*/A). These results make Norwich School the top independent school in Norfolk and Suffolk.

For further information or to request a prospectus, contact the registrar’s office or visit our website.

www.norwich-school.org.uk Registered Charity No. 311280

Better yet, come and see Norwich School for yourself – our next open day is on Saturday 22 June, from 10.00am to 12.00 midday. We look forward to welcoming you.

Norwich School 70 The Close Norwich NR1 4DD T: 01603 728449 E: admissions@norwich-school.org.uk www.norwich-school.org.uk

Exceptional opportunites For boys and girls aged 7–18

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Education

MOST OF US CAN STILL REMEMBER the horror of the exam season.

That sickening feeling when you are told that you may now turn over your paper and begin! Ugh. While many of us may believe that there is still too much continual assessment in schools, pupils, it seems, are tested from a very early age.

In Year Two, when they are aged just six and seven, they face their first ‘formal’ exam papers and there are more in Year Six, when they are 10 and 11 and just before they head off to high school. And interestingly, this helps to put them into graded sets for certain subjects such as maths and science.

Once into secondary school, you start to talk about the big ones – GCSEs and A levels. And it is here that the pressure to do well really starts to bite as they are gateways to bigger and better things, usually university where you face, yes, you’ve guessed it, more exams.

I recall that some people, damn them, just seemed to be good at exams. They could memorise huge chunks of Shakespeare to just regurgitate at length and they could recall numerous historical facts whenever they liked.

Others, maybe ones who suffered from hay fever and the heat, struggled more than they should have and many of us were just nervous wrecks, unable to spell our names let alone string a coherent sentence together about some French classic.

It is a hard time for all – both students and their parents. Children become over stressed, snappy monsters. Some have to be nagged into doing anything while others bury themselves in their revision and clock up so many hours at their desk that you become seriously concerned for their health.

Tell-tale signs of a child under too much pressure include an inability to sleep, a poor appetite, unexplained aches and pains, headaches, spots, dizziness and more.

Naturally schools do their best to prepare children and there is a lot of support from pastoral departments for those that need it.

Students will really have covered all the required topics and done plenty of those past papers in class so, all being well, they should be ready to do well.

So, how to survive this most tricky time of year? Well, The BBC has produced this ‘yoof’ friendly list of a few essential does and don’ts: Learn to recognise when you're stressing out. A break or a chat with someone who knows the pressure you're under will get things into perspective.

EXAMS

Under pressure It’s the time of year when thousands of students face exams. Here’s our guide to staying cool when the going gets tough

Avoid comparing your abilities with your mates. Those 'Oh my God I've only read Macbeth 17 times' conversations are such a wind up.

Everyone approaches revision in different ways, so just make sure you've chosen the method that works best for you. Make a realistic timetable. Stick to it.

Eat right. Treat yourself like a well honed machine. Fresh fruit and veg. Proper breakfasts. No one can think straight on just coffee and cornflakes.

Sleep well. Wind down before bed. Don't revise under the duvet your bed is a sanctuary not a desk. Get your eight hours.

Exercise. Nothing distresses the mind faster than physical activity.

Build it into your timetable. Being a sloth makes our mind sloppy too.

Panic is often triggered by hyperventilating (ie quick, shallow breaths). So if you feel yourself losing it during the exam, sit back for a moment and control your breathing. Deep breath in and out through the nose. Counting to five each way.

Steer clear of any exam 'post-mortem'. It doesn't matter what your mate wrote for Question 3(b). It's too late to go back and change your answers, so it will just make you worry even more.

Ultimately, don't lose sight of the fact that there is life after exams.

Things might seem intense right now, but it won't last forever.

Overall, deep breath, think of how you’re going to spend that long summer holiday and remember you can always take 'em again!

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www.andoverhouse.co.uk work |

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20 en-suite rooms

“An ideal space with impressive service.

We booked overnight for the Directors, they were thrilled with their rooms and dinner!” Tim Clayton, Great Yarmouth

educate. excite. unite. your team.

Enjoy a motivational day or weekend away from the office.

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Discover the great outdoors, challenge yourself and inspire your team at Eaton Vale.

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make it happen make a booking 01603 501228 Eaton Vale Activity Centre, Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich NR4 6NN Registered Charity No. 1073816. A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered N. 3659373.

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MEET @ AH...half day hire £75, full day hire £120 Up to 18 around one table or more theatre style. CALL US TO BOOK!

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Your Ideal Conference Venue · Comprehensive options · Competitive room hire rates · Day delegate packages · High quality catering For more information or to discuss how we can help, please get in touch.

01493 662179 www.thecliffhotel.co.uk reception@thecliffhotel.co.uk

THE REGAL ROOM accommodates up to 50 guests theatre style. An 8' drop down screen, ceiling-mounted projector and speakers make your audio/visual presentations simpler and air conditioning adds extra comfort so you can concentrate on achieving that successful meeting!

OUR NEW TERRACE offers fabulous views of Gorleston beach and the harbour entrance.

Delegates are welcome to enjoy The Terrace for their coffee break.

Arrange your meeting outside for some “Blue Sky thinking!”

THE MUSIC ROOM can accommodate up to 160 delegates theatre style and up to 60 delegates classroom style. The room is also used for parties and receptions if you would like to hold a more social event.

10% DISCOUNT if you mention at the time of your order*

Full Circle Supplies Ltd

NORWICH FAMILY GOLF CENTRE Modern Conference Room Seats up to 50 in various layout styles

Multiple plug socket locations

Additional ‘teachers’ style desk at the front

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Private WiFi ideal for file sharing and emails A1 Flipchart with Pens

Full Circle Supplies Ltd is a family run business with a combined knowledge of over 15 years experience covering office supplies, inks and toners, print management and much, much more. We can offer great prices and excellent service on anything your office needs. If there is something you can’t find on the site or if you require help finding a product please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly members of staff who will be more than happy to help.

We stock approximately 30,000 products so you can be rest assured that you won’t need to go anywhere else for all your office needs. We will happily source other items not on our site using our specials service and outsourced Supplier base that we have built up since the day we started.

Hot water urn with convenient self-service beverages.

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Hold a meeting with a difference Build up your business relationships with a round of golf or a bucket of balls!

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conferences and corporate events High Lodge is the ideal venue for corporate events, conferences, annual dinners, training and team building days, product launches and exhibitions.

It has a function room to comfortably sit up to 300 guests which can be used for a relaxed business meeting or as a more formal seminar room. Our attention to detail and professional service will ensure that your corporate event is a great success.

• Delegate packages to suit • Full multimedia facilities • On-site accommodation • Parking for 100 plus vehicles • Peaceful setting • Prime location

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

TEAM SPIRIT THERE’S A SERIOUS AND FUN SIDE TO TEAM BUILDING, SAYS SARAH HARDY AS SHE RECALLS HER EXPERIENCES AT MORALE BOOSTING EVENTS!

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OTHING BEATS getting your

team together and enjoying a day out of the office. And boy will it reap rewards, too, as people are refreshed, have actually enjoyed each other’s company and no doubt seen each other in a different light.

There are countless ways to do a spot of team building from challenging high ropes courses to a simple round the table ‘blue sky’ thinking session – with a decent lunch, of course!

Ivy House Country Hotel

The Ideal Conference Venue

The Garden Suite

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Room hire from £50 Delegate packages available

» Large private car park » Complimentary WiFi » Special dietary/menu requests catered for » En-suite accommodation also available For further information please contact Lucy 01502 501353 | conf@ivyhousecountryhotel.co.uk Ivy Lane, Oulton Broad, Suffolk, NR33 8HY

Team Building The 80s saw really rather too tough assignments when it was the rage to humiliate your staff by sending them trekking in the Peak District or white water rafting in Wales.

Now we’re a bit more gentle and lovely treats such as pamper days, fashion workshops and afternoons at the rugby are more the norm as we perhaps realise that staff should be cherished!

Bosses can select indoor or outdoor options and they can really complement conference schedules. As we all know, much more work is done when people have let off a bit of steam, cleared their minds and, naturally, had a good gossip.

Many activities require individuals to work together, to take it in turns to lead, to problem solve and, of course, use skills and talents that are not normally on display.

So what of my experiences? Yes, I’ve been on an overnight camp in deepest Yorkshire, dragged myself through the mud on some hike or other, trying to map read in the driving rain, and I’ve endured many a postconference session in the bar where the loud mouths take over.

Would I prefer a day out at a lovely hotel with maybe an interesting speaker, someone who could actually make you think about things differently and inspire you to challenge previously held beliefs?

Maybe a tasty supper and a nice activity – archery, golf? You bet.

It would endear me to the company more, reinvigorate me and of course, what fun to see your stuffy colleagues in a fluffy white dressing gown or befuddled at a tough treasure hunt.

Ultimately, though, companies do have a responsibility to aid their staff’s professional development. They need to stretch them, offer up new opportunities and give them that most important gift – the time to actually stop and think about their work and their role within an organisation.

Places&Faces速 | MAY 2013

THE HOSTE, The Green, Burnham Market, tel 01328 738777, visit www.thehoste.com Picture by KEIRON TOVELL, VISIT WWW.KEIRONTOVELL.COM

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

Brendan Hopkins

BUSINESS PROFILE

The Host with the Most He’s taken over one of the most iconic hotels in Norfolk – the Hoste. Now Brendan Hopkins is determined to put his own stamp on it. Sarah Hardy hears more

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HE HOSTE – it has dropped the Arms bit – has built up a solid reputation for sheer unadulterated luxury.

It is one of the best known hotels in our region and beloved by many celebrities such as Amanda Holden and Stephen Fry. Much was due to the charismatic previous owner, Paul Whittome, who lost his fight against cancer three years ago. His wife, Jeanne, carried on for several months but the business was sold to one of Paul’s friends, Brendan Hopkins and his wife Bee, last year.

Brendan, in his 50s, has enjoyed a stellar career in the media. He was formerly Chief Executive of Tony O’Reilly’s Independent News and Media’s UK business and until recently CEO of one of the largest Australian media groups, APN News and Media.

In a change of direction and with a desire to come back to Britain where he and his wife have had a home in north Norfolk for many years, he bought the luxury hotel group, which has an annual turnover of £7m, and includes The Hoste, Vine House, The Railway Inn, the Hoste Beauty and Wellness Spa and the company’s Burnham Market holiday cottages.

Many of us imagined that it would be a nice little quasi retirement role for Brendan, something of an indulgence, but a few minutes in his presence and wow, you are quickly corrected.

Brendan is one of life’s natural leaders. He is putting just about everything he has and a bit more into his latest project and is determined to raise standards and gain more national plaudits for the group.

Indeed the Hoste has just become one of only two four star hotels in north Norfolk – the other is the Blakeney Hotel – and Brendan is aiming for five stars, as you’d imagine!

And he says, quite firmly: ‘No personality is bigger than a place.’ So the Hoste isn’t going to be a shrine to Paul but rather, as Brendan says: ‘It will evolve, we are on a journey as you simply cannot stand still.’

He’s starting as he means to go on as his first project has been the creation of a new £2m garden room area which should burst into life next month. ‘It allows us to increase the capacity of the restaurant and also gives us four new bedrooms’ he says.

The space will, he continues, be great for events, especially weddings, and special evenings and a new jazz season with stars such as Tina May and Simon Brown is helping to launch it next month.

The development is also allowing the hotel to have a new, bigger entrance and reception area and the kitchen is also gaining more space with large glass windows so people can have a sneaky peek at what is happening in the engine room!

The dining rooms have been refurbished, the menus are being simplified and changed each month – although there is still an accent on local produce with fish remaining a firm favourite.

Andrew McPherson, one of the original management members, is back at stove while Iris Rillaerts has joined the team as front of house boss, having previously worked in Switzerland, the mecca of the hospitality industry. ` Brendan is keen to develop links with local tourist attractions such as Fakenham Racecourse and has already started to offer special VIP packages and you get the feeling he won’t be short of ideas for yet more plans – the spa, for example, is to be expanded.

He’s started up a chatty newsletter and also commissioned Norfolk based freelance writer – and Places&Faces contributor - Mark Nicholls to write a book of the Hoste’s history, including, of course, details on Lord Horatio Nelson who was a regular visitor to the Burnham Market hot spot.

Brendan has a house on the north Norfolk coast where he lives with his wife, Bee who worked in marketing, and they have one daughter, Tor. So don’t be afraid that your favourite hotel will be too different. At its heart it remains a luxuriously welcoming spot where good food, wine and company are always available.

Almary Green Investments Ltd

Advising clients throughout East Anglia Tel: 01603 706740

www.almarygreen.com

Norton Peskett SOLICITORS for Everyone

All our rooms are en-suite and can be decorated to your taste. Our home is very clean and with hands-on owners.

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Carlton Hall RESIDENTIAL HOME

Phone Tanya, Shirley, Jo, Gerald or Rachel

We have no rules, your room is your home, and we do all we can to make it so. So come and have a look around.

We have wonderful home cooking and lovely gardens and meadows. We have constructed over Âź mile of level paths in our grounds and have planted 18,000 bulbs.

We are like a hotel with care.

on 01502 513208

Look at us on www.carltonhall.co.uk.

Chapel Road Carlton Colville, Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 8AT

E-mail us on carltonhall@hotmail.co.uk Call us on 01502 513208 or visit CQC website and check us out.

LEGAL

| PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

JULIAN GIBBONS NORTON PESKETT SOLICITORS 01493 849200 | WWW.NORTONPESKETT.CO.UK

I N S U LT TO I N J U RY THIS MONTH JULIAN GIBBONS LOOKS AT PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

IT IS PROBABLY FAIR TO SAY that morale amongst the legal profession is lower than at any time in its history.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of legal firms going to the wall. Most people will not have heard of the likes of Cobbetts, Atteys or most recently, Blakemores, but these are just some of the well established firms which have shut their doors.

Reasons for such failures are complex, but all of these companies have succumbed to either the economic climate, with firms not quick enough to cut staff and other costs in the face of a shrinking market, or to significant changes of government policy. Behind the headlines are, of course, hard working lawyers and support staff who suddenly find themselves out of work.

Some of the most contentious changes, and ones which have hit specialist personal injury firms, are those which concern the way in which personal injury claims are handled and the costs which a successful claimant’s solicitor can recover.

Some years ago the government decided to abolish legal aid for personal injury claims (clinical negligence, i.e. claims arising from poor medical treatment were not affected).

Instead of legal aid, the government decided, stung by accusations that they were restricting access to justice, to allow lawyers to act for their clients on a no win, no fee arrangement. Part of such an arrangement is to allow the lawyer to charge a success fee – a percentage of the lawyer’s base fees – if the case was won.

This was intended to compensate the lawyer for the fact that if the case is lost he recovers nothing and has probably spent many £100s in medical and other fees.

The government moreover allowed the success fee to be recovered from the losing party, who is usually insured. Also recoverable would be the insurance premium paid by the claimant to cover him against the risk of losing and having to pay his opponent’s costs.

For the personal injury solicitor this scheme worked well and it encouraged the spread and growth of personal injury firms. It enabled them to advertise a service to clients which meant that the client could expect to keep 100 per cent of their damages. Unfortunately, it also encouraged the spread of claims management companies, who would harvest likely claims and then sell these to solicitors for a referral fee.

Over several years the insurance industry has become increasingly displeased with the system, arguing that not only have claims been encouraged but that the cost of dealing with such claims has lead to an increase in insurance premiums, for motorists in particular. Whether this is the whole reason for a rise in premiums is open to debate.

However, the industry has gained the ear of the government, resulting in some very radical changes to the personal injury landscape.

The biggest impact will be felt where the majority of claims are dealt with, namely with claims up to £10,000.

There, the solicitor’s fee for dealing with such a claim is reduced by some 60 per cent. Whilst many may have little sympathy with solicitors losing fees, the harsh reality is that if a claim attracts so little in fees that it ceases to be profitable, then fewer will be prepared to deal with them.

This would appear to make the insurance industry very happy, as they have seriously argued that cutting out the lawyer will enable claimants to get their compensation much more quickly.

This is the legal equivalent of putting the fox in charge of the hen house, as experience shows that where a defendant’s insurance company gets in touch with the claimant direct, the offer put forward to settle is usually way below what the claim is worth and what they would therefore get if the case goes to trial. Added to that, claimants are put under a lot of pressure to settle, including personal visits to the claimant’s house, often unannounced, or repeated calls to persuade them to settle.

This is the brave new world of personal injury claims.

Fewer lawyers doing the work at all, fewer prepared to take on the low value claims and nothing to protect the claimant from the pressure of a hugely well resourced insurance industry seeking only to cut costs. Cutting a claimant’s ability to instruct a lawyer to represent their interests is not speeding up justice, it is denying it altogether.

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

101

Kitchen Sense of Harleston For Quality Fitted Kitchens and Appliances

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You can

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After all, it’s what we do for a living. Lovewell Blake will always guarantee a professional, friendly service, with that something extra when you need it, helping you to get on with running your business.

• Accounts & Audit • Tax planning

• VAT, CIS, PAYE & NIC • Corporate finance

• Pensions & Investments • Family business support

• Self assessment • Business recovery

• Payroll & Bookkeeping • Human resources consultancy

Russell Leggett | 01493 335100 | ral@lovewell-blake.co.uk

www.lovewell-blake.co.uk Offices: Great Yarmouth 01493 335100 | Halesworth 01986 873163 | Lowestoft 01502 563921| Norwich 01603 663300 Thetford 01842 755032 | Market day offices: Aylsham, Diss and North Walsham

Registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk, under reference number C002613207.

Lovewell Blake LLP is an appointed representative of Lovewell Blake which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

| TAX

KEVIN BUNTING LOVEWELL BLAKE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 01493 335100 | WWW.LOVEWELLBLAKE.CO.UK

NO ESCAPE KEVIN BUNTING EXPLAINS HOW THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO GET THE RICH TO PAY THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TAX

IN THE 2012 AUTUMN STATEMENT, the government announced an additional investment of £5m in HMRC’s affluent compliance teams, which are dedicated to making sure the rich pay their fair share of tax. These teams are relatively unknown, but are getting results and I thought readers may like to know a little more about this secretive department.

The extra money is being used to recruit 100 more inspectors and specialists to cover the tax affairs of around 300,000 people with an annual income of more than £150,000 and wealth of between £2.5m and £20m.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘affluent unit’, it currently has 200 staff based in 17 teams in six locations across the UK and its overall target is to collect £586m by the end of 2015.

People are being recruited from within HMRC and externally to ensure the unit has the knowledge and expertise to understand its taxpayer population. The teams have been operational since April.

To give readers further insight into the work of the affluent teams, I will examine some of the methods now being adopted to assess these taxpayers.

Risk profiling This model is risk and intelligence based and focuses on the following areas: • Taxpayers who habitually use avoidance schemes • People who have a low effective rate of tax across their

total income • Taxpayers with bank accounts in foreign and offshore locations • Taxpayers who fail to file their self-assessment return on time • People who appear to be avoiding or evading stamp

duty on property purchases.

Affluent benchmarking HMRC use two population methods to identify individuals suitable for enquiry.

The first affluent risk model (ARM) was developed to improve risk profiling of affluent taxpayers. ARM provides a scoring framework built around specific risks.

The model produces a score based on a wide range of component factors drawing upon information within the tax return, a predictive analysis of patterns and behaviour indicators across several tax years and third party information from other departments and organisations.

The model outputs a score combining an analysis of the individual and his spouse or partner. The higher the score, the greater the potential tax investigation.

The second model is designed to provide an analysis across the affluent population of effective rates of tax.

The profile enables HMRC to focus efforts on people with suppressed effective rates of tax due to participation in avoidance schemes or artificial arrangements.

In addition, the output indicates whether the level of tax has been distorted by arrangements seeking to disguise income as capital to take advantage of more favourable tax rates.

Acting on intelligence A dedicated team has been created to maximise the effective use of intelligence and third party data. This team uses a range of tools and sources, including suspicious activity reports, information obtained from HMRC’s hotlines and information obtained from overseas tax authorities. It also works closely with other HMRC departments and other law enforcement agencies to identify those with hidden and unexplained wealth.

HMRC has numerous cases involving tax risks arising from property ownership in the UK and overseas. A sophisticated data-mining ‘robot’ is used to trawl the internet to identify and extract the details of overseas (and UK) properties owned by UK individuals that are being advertised for holiday letting.

The web robot is operated by a dedicated team of experienced data analysts working in conjunction with risk specialists. The data obtained is used in combination with other intelligence (including HMRC’s powerful intelligence gathering system, Connect) to identify taxpayers who are not compliant.

This process is able to identify a range of potential noncompliance risks, including those failing to declare foreign and UK letting income and those who declared income inconsistent with owning such assets.

Summary These are just a few of the latest initiatives which indicate greater focus on IT based data collection. The intention behind this is to collate quality evidence to improve the efficiency of tax collection when triggering an investigation into a taxpayer.

As the Treasury expands the use of IT, and increases disclosure agreements with other countries, the quality of data is enabling a more targeted approach to tax collection.

KEVIN BUNTING can be contacted on 01493 33500, or k.bunting@lovewell-blake.co.uk for further advice.

103

SOPHISTICATED STOCKBROKING WITH 24HR ACCESS TO YOUR ONLINE PORTFOLIO. WANT A SHARE?

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If you want a proactive stockbroker who tells you what is happening before you read about it, provides you with real time valuations online at any time and uses proven technology to help you make gains and minimise losses, then please contact us because what we say we will do, is what we do.

53-57 St Martin’s Lane, Norwich NR3 3SA. +44 (0) 1603 760866 post @ sgwealthmanagement.co.uk www.sgwealthmanagement.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Register No.196001.

Lost your financial adviser?

The following banks and building societies have either withdrawn from offering financial advice or have significantly restricted their offering: • Lloyds TSB • HSBC • Barclays • Santander • RBS • Norwich & Peterborough Do you need help and ongoing advice, or would like to know how the changes will affect you?

Finance Shop will continue to offer local, face to face, genuinely independent financial advice covering all aspects of financial planning, and will be delighted to welcome new clients.

Established in 1990 Finance Shop are one of East Anglia’s leading IFA firms with approaching £200M of funds under management.

For a no-obligation meeting, please contact us on 0844 800 6990 quoting reference: PF1

Independent Financial Advisers - Finance Shop is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Tel: 0844 800 6990 Norwich Gorleston Lowestoft

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NEIL SHILLITO SG WEALTH MANAGEMENT WWW.SGWEALTHMANAGEMENT.CO.UK

UNDERSTANDING THE LINGO NEIL SHILLITO EXPLAINS EXACTLY WHAT HEDGE FUNDS AND ABSOLUTE RETURN FUNDS ARE

H

EDGE FUNDS and Absolute Return Funds, as they are known, have grown in popularity over the past 15 years. In fact, they are a huge industry which amounts globally to over $2 trillion. An industry of this size deserves some form of explanation since it has considerable power and influence within the financial sector.

Neil Shillito Director SG Wealth Management Ltd Norwich | Tel: 01603 760866 www.sgwealthmanagement.co.uk

Hedge Funds have been known for their high octane and big earning trades and have a reputation for representing the ‘alpha end’ of the investment community. Hedge Fund is a generic term and is best defined as a fund which invests in a large range of different but complex and opaque investment processes.

The term ‘hedge’ relates to ‘hedging ones bets’ and this may mean that a manager might bet that a particular asset will go down while another will go up (currency trading being a good example). Absolute Return funds appeared much later and, although similar, are normally associated with lower risk in an attempt to achieve a steady and constant positive performance in all market conditions.

The processes for both funds are usually designed to provide absolute positive returns in all market conditions. But, as one might expect, these promises very rarely match the enthusiasm with which they are sold. In fact, many of these fund types have underperformed the major markets in the last four years – a long time.

Both fund types can make extensive use of derivatives which will allow them to make ‘bets’ on the movement of assets.

An example of a derivative is a Traded Option which is a contract made around the future price movement of an asset in either direction. The managers of the funds will make value judgments on the economy and future price directions of particular asset

types by using, for example, Traded Options.

The above should give an indication of the complexity of these funds. Where there is such complexity investors should not take for granted that these funds will work because they are supposedly run by very clever people. The people may be clever, but the risks they take are not necessarily clear to them or their end investors. The other main risk is ‘leverage’ (borrowing to buy more assets), this borrowing can produce large gains when the managers are right, but huge losses when they are wrong.

The ordinary investor needs to understand what they are buying – a leveraged hedge fund or an unleveraged - more straightforward - Absolute Return Fund?

Advisers should know the answer to this but often these fund managers do not reveal the complexity of what they are doing. The most important question an investor can ask is: ‘Does this fund use leverage and if so how much?’ The concept of absolute positive returns in all market conditions every year is a very attractive one, but the manager’s remit and process should be understood.

Of late, both types of funds have performed better than in recent years but there are other ‘mainstream’ investment processes that have achieved comparable returns.

Instead of ‘second guessing’, seek out a good adviser who will be able to help build a suitable portfolio.

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

105

FINANCIAL PLANNING | PAYING TAX

SCOTT & PAUL SCOTT OLIVER & PAUL DASHWOOD | THE FINANCE SHOP 0844 8006990 | WWW.FINANCESHOPGROUP.COM

TA X T I P S SCOTT OLIVER OFFERS US THE SECOND PART OF HIS THOUGHTS ON SENSIBLE TAX PLANNING

T

AX CONTINUES to be a hot topic with March’s budget being digested and debated in the media. To follow the theme of last month’s article on sensible tax planning, it remains the case that in a world of low returns, ensuring that you are not paying tax unnecessarily is still key to making the most of your capital both now and in the future.

I am always being asked by clients for ways of reducing an ever increasing tax burden so here are a few basic tax tips that are worth considering, to help shelter your hard-earned savings from the dreaded tax man: 1. Using your ISA allowances 2. Using your Capital Gains Tax allowance 3. Making the most of your pension contribution allowances 4. Moving savings to a lower rate tax paying spouse 5. Ensuring that you are registered for gross interest on your savings if you are a non tax payer 6. If you are a higher or additional rate tax payer, ensuring that you claim back any additional tax relief

that you are due on pension contributions as this doesn’t happen automatically 7. Claiming back any overpaid tax from HMRC (this can be done for up to five years and I once obtained a tax refund of over £5000 for a client) This is just a short list of ways to help ensure you are maximising your allowances and minimising your tax liability and merely scratches the surface of the tax efficient planning that can be undertaken. More complex solutions can drastically enhance your tax position, such as a pension contribution that has the result of receiving over 70 per cent tax relief for a client in the right circumstances, or Inheritance Tax planning that can save tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds of unnecessary tax.

There is an old saying in the industry that you should ‘not let the tax tail wag the investment dog’ meaning that you should not do something just for the tax benefit if the underlying investment is not suitable and this remains valid today. Therefore, before taking any action, you should always seek professional advice from a suitably qualified independent financial adviser who can take the time to ensure that any solution is right for you.

The information provided is based on our understanding of current tax legislation which is subject to change.

For genuinely independent, face to face financial advice, contact Scott or Paul at The Finance Shop on 0844 8006990/www.financeshopgroup.com

106

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

ALL THREE VAT FREE* Alto from £5,999 Splash from £7,999 Swift from £8,999 Which will grab you? The eco-friendly Alto?

The streetwise Swift? Or the spacious Splash?

It’s a good job they’re affordable, because they’re irresistible.

Request a Test Drive today: suzuki.co.uk/mrking

M R King & Sons

Horn Hill, Lowesoft, Suffolk, NR33 0PX 01502 525425 Models shown: Alto 1.0 SZ4 available at £7,999 on the road, includes customer saving of £1,600 (metallic paint available at £399). Splash 1.2 SZ4 available at £9,899 on the road, includes customer saving of £1,980 (metallic paint available at £415). Swift 1.2 SZ4 5dr available at £11,415 on the road, includes customer saving of £2,284 (metallic paint available at £430). Alto, Splash and Swift range official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban from 40.9 (6.9) to 55.4 (5.1), extra urban from 56.5 (5.0) to 78.5 (3.6), combined from 49.6 (5.7) to 67.3 (4.2). Official CO2 emissions from 131 g/km to 99 g/km.

*VAT free offer on Alto, Splash and Swift range: Alto 1.0 SZ available from £5,999, including customer saving of £1,200 to Alto 1.0 SZ4 A/T available at £8,625 including customer saving of £1,724 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £7,199 (SZ) and £10,349 (SZ4 A/T). Splash 1.0 SZ2 available at £7,999, including customer saving of £1,600 to Splash 1.2 SZ4 A/T available at £10,645 including a customer saving of £2,129 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £9,599 (SZ2) and £12,774 (SZ4 A/T). Swift 1.2 SZ2 3dr available at £8,999, including a customer saving of £1,800 to Swift 1.2 SZ4 5dr A/T available at £12,257 including customer saving of £2,452 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £10,799 (SZ2 3dr) and £14,709 (SZ4 5dr A/T). VAT Free offer excludes Swift Sport, Swift Sport SZ-R and Swift Attitude. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st April 2013 and 30th June 2013 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print.

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Places&Faces® | MAY 2013

Born Free IAIN DOOLEY TEST DRIVES THE LAND ROVER FREELANDER

If you look closely you might spot the changes Land Rover has made to its popular Freelander model. Don’t worry, it’s not a trick question – it really is different.

F

OR ANYONE STRUGGLING, the subtle exterior

changes amount to a new front bumper, headlights and grille. At the rear, the car’s tailgate has been smartened up and there are new tail lights. You also get to choose from new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the cabin has also received some attention. Again, it’s all detailed stuff, with subtle improvements to trim materials, switchgear and instrumentation. Granted, you will need to look closely, but there’s more to this 2011 model year Freelander than a new bit of strategically placed trim.

As environmental concerns are now part of the mainstream conversation, it’s fitting that the revised Freelander should come with a cleaner diesel engine. Available in two states of tune – 190 and 150 horsepower – the engine follows the trend of being an EU5 motor. And it’s with the 150 horsepower motor that Land Rover has taken things a step further on the economy front by offering a front-wheel driver variant. Fewer moving parts means greater efficiency gains, you see.

The purists might call it heresy but the reality is that, with rivals offering two-wheel drive SUVs, the benefits of improved fuel economy and CO2 figures cannot be ignored. It’s also fair to say that, despite Land Rover’s tradition of building cars capable of going anywhere, not everyone buys them for that reason.

For many it’s the lifestyle angle that appeals more than the ability to scale a nearby mountain. The rugged nature of the Freelander is still a considerable attraction. Its lofty driving position and sizeable load carrying capacity also makes it a family favourite.

Land Rover’s desire to further reduce the Freelander’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions take the familiar form of an engine stop-start system. This is new territory for the firm, but the technology works well and does a good job of cutting the 2.2-litre diesel’s output when stationary. Of course, there’s also a manual override for when you really do need to frequently stop and start yet keep the engine running.

Factoring in this particular Freelander’s trick engine assistance plus a manual six-speed gearbox that’s standard issue with the two-wheel drive variant and the numbers stack up pretty well. Emissions and consumption ratings are 158g/km and 47.1mpg respectively.

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PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

Out on the road, the low power engine reveals itself to be a flexible powerhouse. As refined as something in a regular family car, the 2.2-litre turbo unit is as happy to trickle around town on just a few revs as it is to work hard to help the Freelander scale inclines or tow something.

Along with the absence of a propshaft, this eco-mined Freelander also dispenses with Land Rover’s now trademark Terrain Response system. If you’re not going to be scaling the heights of Ben Nevis you’re hardly going to need the electronic assistance that goes with the task in hand, right?

That doesn’t mean you need to abandon any chance of surviving even a mild off-road excursion, though. Through a combination of the car’s grippy tyres, the diesel engine’s ample torque reserves, sensible gearing and an appropriately calibrated traction control system you can still tackle fields, rough tracks and surprisingly steep inclines.

Of course, common sense is the other standard fit item you’ll need to call upon, but with that activated you soon appreciate the car’s limits and drive accordingly. Dry surfaces, unsurprisingly, yield the best results – even a full-blown 4x4 with tyres clogged with mud will struggle – although you can afford to approach some hazards a bit quicker than in a ‘soft-roader’ thanks to the Freelander’s generous approach and departure angles.

Fortunately, whatever the conditions, the Freelander isn’t a testing experience when you’re sat behind the wheel. With its lofty driving position and excellent all-round visibility, Land Rover’s baby SUV makes light work of the road ahead. Be it the urban commute or towing a trailer. And in flagship HSE trim, you gain leather upholstery, a high quality audio system and sat-nav, for example, while all models pack a spacious rear load area and numerous cabin oddment storage locations.

No car company can think itself immune from financial and environmental changes. Even Land Rover, a firm whose USP has been built on the go-anywhere ideal, recognises that a considerable number of buyers like its products because of what they stand for, not necessarily because of what they can do.

As such, for those who will use the car on road more than off it, the economical and environmental savings make perfect sense. And, in this context , it’s done without any hint of a compromise.

Land Rover Freelander

MOTORING

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Land Rover Freelander 2.2 eD4 HSE (2WD) 5dr, from ÂŁ33,005.

Engine: 2.2-litre diesel unit developing 150bhp.

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 112mph, 0-62mph 11.7 seconds.

Economy: 47.1mpg.

CO2 Rating: 158g/km.

DEALER HAMMONDS LAND ROVER Norwich Road, Halesworth, IP19 8HX Tel: 01986 834700 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Prices correct at time of going to press

PLACESANDFACES.CO.UK

109

In our showroom now.

THE NEW FORD FIESTA

Call or pop in to the showroom for more details and to book a test drive.

Pertwee & Back Ltd. Gapton Hall Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk 01493 664 151

www.pertwee-and-back.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): Ford Fiesta Titanium (16” tyre shown: urban 53.3 (5.3) extra urban 76.4 (3.7) combined 65.7 (4.3). O!cial CO2 emission 99g/km

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MOTION & EMOTION

M R KING & SONS

Horn Hill, LOWESTOFT, NR33 0PX Tel: 01502 573955 www.mrking.co.uk the official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for: the 107 range: urban 52.3 – 55.4 (5.4 – 5.1), extra urban 70.6 – 74.3 (4.1 – 3.8), Combined 62.8 – 65.7 (4.5 – 4.3) and CO2 104 – 99; 208 range: urban 34.9 – 78.4 (3.6 – 8.1), extra urban 62.8 – 88.2 (4.5 – 3.2), Combined 48.7 – 83.0 (5.8 – 3.4) and CO2 135 – 87. #terms and conditions apply, participating dealers only or visit www.peugeot.co.uk. *the first year Road Fund licence (RFl) is included in the on the road price. the Dealer will provide customers with a cheque equivalent to twice the current RFl cost. the customer must apply for years 2 & 3 RFl. Just Add Fuel (JAF) is subject to status. †Minimum age 21, 25 or 30 on selected models, maximum age 75. Policyholder must have a minimum of 2 years NCD to use on the vehicle. All drivers must meet eligibility criteria including minimum 2 years’ full uK licence, driving convictions/claims limits. excesses apply. 3 years motor insurance is provided and underwritten by u K insurance limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A guarantee may be required. Written quotations available from Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. JAF is incorporated into a Personal lease contract. 107 Active 3 dr initial rental £1,650, optional final rental £4,072, 35 monthly rentals. 208 Active 1.0vti 68 3dr initial rental £1,651, optional final rental £5,358, 35 monthly rentals. if you choose to pay off the optional final rental, you can pay an annual rental equivalent to one of your monthly rentals but will not own the car. Ownership is possible with JAF Passport, ask your Dealer for details. Rentals quoted for a typical customer and will vary according to age, post code and annual mileage. excess mileage charges may apply. Routine servicing included only. excludes wear parts. this offer is not available in N i. Offer available on cars ordered and registered by 30th June 2013. Calls may be recorded for training purposes.

F A M I LY FAV O U R I T E IAIN DOOLEY TEST DRIVES THE NEW HONDA CIVIC DIESEL

Prices correct at time of going to press

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MOTORING

Honda Civic

N

ow that we've all had time to get to grips with Honda's latest generation Civic, you'd be right in thinking there was still something missing.

For all the car's swoopy exterior styling and the welcome reintroduction of a rear wiper, there's been a hole the size of a small capacity diesel engine in the Civic's range since the car was first launched. The only option for buyers has been Honda’s longserving 2.2-litre unit.

That's now been fixed with the long-awaited appearance of the firm's new 1.6-litre unit, which at last puts the Civic on a more competitive footing within the company car community.

And to prove that it's been paying attention in the intervening years, Honda has come out fighting with a sub-100g/km CO2, 70-plus mpg motor to challenge the efforts of the more established players.

While the basic Civic package hasn't changed, the new engine boasts plenty of intelligent engineering.

In a bid to reduce losses - the enemy of any ecocentric strategy - Honda has focused on minimising friction in the engine. Along with reducing weight, such as lighter pistons, Honda's efforts have resulted in a headline-grabbing 94g/km CO2 and 78.5mpg.

Clearly these figures will please fleet managers greatly, and if you're a company car driver the resulting low real world running costs will be hard to ignore.

However there's got to be a catch, right? Unlike in the past when you'd have to choose between meaningful performance or planet-saving economy, Honda's 1.6 motor outputs a healthy 120 horsepower, which is more than enough to make the daily commute a pleasant experience.

So no, there really isn't a catch. This Civic delivers brisk performance around town and is equally happy keeping up with faster traffic on motorways.

And it's this aspect of the car that Honda is keen to promote: the ability to choose it with your head plus satisfy your heart and enjoy its no compromise performance.

Continuing the enjoyment theme, while the Basic Civic package hasn't changed since its launch the 1.6 diesel unit's low weight has resulted in a car that's noticeably more engaging and willing to change direction than its 2.2 diesel stablemate.

It's on country roads where you'll see the biggest improvements, but even in urban situations the reduced weight over the car's nose results in a more direct, responsive driving experience.

Factor in Honda's trademark slick manual gearshift and it's clear that the engineers have been keen to retain as much tactile appeal as possible despite the increased focus on squaring the economy circle.

Another upside to Honda's determination to avoid going down the 'hair shirt' economy route is the Civic's general air of refinement, be it the lack of any

DEALER LINGS HONDA Riverside Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0TQ Tel: 01502 537444 www.lings-honda.co.uk

distracting noise entering the cabin or a poorly setup suspension system.

As a result of this ‘better late than never’ approach, Honda has succeeded in giving the Civic’s appeal a welcome and noticeable boost – at least in the new 1.6 diesel guise.

A long overdue increase in the car’s company car appeal is sure to follow the introduction of this green and engaging 1.6 diesel engine variant, while keen drivers will be pleasantly surprised by the car’s agility and polished road manners.

As for the rest of the car, the Civic still offers buyers a well-built and high quality cabin that has no problem swallowing a full complement of adults.

The car’s equally voluminous boot – complete with false floor – puts rivals to shame. The inclusion of trick folding rear seats that allow fold flat and forward options to further enhance the Civic’s load carrying capacity do much to cement the hatchback Honda’s versatility credentials.

Once viewed by some critics as a largely left-field choice for mainly private buyers, the arrival of this super-green diesel variant for the latest generation Civic should do much to enhance the car’s chances in the ultra competitive family hatch and company car markets.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC, from £19,400 on the road.

Engine: 1.6-litre diesel unit developing 120bhp.

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 129mph, 0-62mph 10.5 seconds.

Economy: 78.5mpg.

CO2 Rating: 94g/km.

NOTE that the model mentioned is the 1.6-litre at £19,400, but there is also a 2.2-litre diesel at £20,300 on the road.

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LINGS HONDA

Riverside Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0TQ Call 01502 537444 or visit lings-honda.co.uk

WARRANTY 100,000 MILE

Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall

Station Road Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0HB 0844 770 0522

Station Road Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9QQ 0844 770 0523

www.thurlownunn.co.uk

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). ADAM Range: Urban: 38.2 (7.4) – 43.5 (6.5), Extra-urban: 62.8 (4.5) – 67.3 (4.2), Combined: 51.4 (5.5) – 56.5 (5.0). CO 2 emissions 130 – 118g/km.

Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of first registered keeper, 100,000 mile limit. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/warranty

MOTOR CLASSIFIEDS

FIAT SPECIALISTS

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The oldest established M.O.T Station in this area • Servicing • Repairs

& Anglia Auto Centre, Barford, Norwich T: 01603 759799

BODY REPAIRS & RESPRAYS

1-3 Victoria Road, Gorleston Telephone: 01493 662166

TYRES & WHEELS

Always a selection of over 60 Diesel Cars in stock mostly under 4 years old.

From £3995 to £12,995.

We alsoa specialise Always selection ofinover Estates 60 Dielsel Diesel Cars in stock mostly under 4 years old. www.diesels-direct.co.uk From £3995 to £12,995.

SALTGATE, BECCLES 01502 712650 We also specialise in Dielsel Estates www.diesels-direct.co.uk SALTGATE, BECCLES 01502 712650

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Tyres Batteries Brakes Exhausts Alloy Wheels SOUTH QUAY SERVICE STATION Gt Yarmouth 857 099

Simpsons ŠKODA New, Used & Aftersales Retailer of the Year 2008, 2009 & 2011

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Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0LN 0843 320 1503 (local rate) www.simpsonsskoda.com East Anglia’s largest motorhome supplier

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Our Mercedes-Benz trained technicians carry out all your servicing and repair work in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. We offer a similar standard of service as a Mercedes dealership at a fraction of the price.

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Chinese New Year, Riverbank Restaurant Norwich The Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, was celebrated with a colourful display of lion dancing, a buffet dinner and an auction. The event was hosted

by Toni Patching and Piang Fui Pun at their Riverbank Restaurant in Norwich.

More than £4700 was raised for this year’s Norwich Civic Charity, Future Projects, educational programmes for disadvantaged young people.

Guests included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Norwich, and the Sheriff of Norwich and the Sheriff’s Lady.

AMANDA SANDLANDTAYLOR, NEWSMAKERS PR Picture & words by

Daniel Cox and Katie Waghorn

Bob McClenning and Clive Lewis

Ann and Andrew Sinclair

Surrey Beddows and Carey Briggs

Greg and Rebecca Smith

Martine Holden and Fizzy Bron

The Lord Mayor of Norwich Cllr Ralph Gayton and The Lady Mayoress Brenda Gayton

Abraham Eshetu, Pete Wilson, Hau Yee Lam and Howard Marriott

Ski Cator and the High Sheriff of Norfolk Henry Cator

Gavin Thorpe and Roger Holden

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HIGH SOCIETY

The team at the Riverbank Restaurant

Sheriff of Norwich John Jennings, Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lady Jane Waters and Swee Peng Kok

Hosts of the Chinese New Year, Piang Fui Pun, Toni Patching and Sean Phan

Sylvie Waller and Barbara Drake

Roy Blower and Rosalind Wright

Jill and Brian Miller

Jeremy and Janet Hooke

Jeremy Wood and Simon Wright

Nick Farrow and Sally Stubbs

Brenda and Derek Wood

The Chinese Dancing Lion outside Riverbank Restaurant

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Norwich Philharmonic, St Andrew's Hall Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus demonstrated its skill and stamina with a triumphant performance of Edward Elgar’s The Apostles in St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. The audience included world Elgar diary expert Martin Bird and his wife Jane Bird, guests of Norwich Philharmonic Society and sponsors Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers. Elgar was a friend and client of Norfolk solicitor Walter Hansell, a partner of Hansells. Their friendship is recorded in the Elgar Diaries.

AMANDA SANDLANDTAYLOR, NEWSMAKERS PR Picture & words by

Lisa Cornish and Matt Rudling

Peter Callf, Freya Wild and Lyndon Wild

Nick Dixey and Chris Mitchell

Jane Stockings and Norwich Philharmonic Chairman Caroline Jarrold

Gisele Walker, Diana Fordham and Brenda Arthur

Sally Stubbs and Nick Farrow

Hugh and Rosie Lansdell

Nick Sutherland, Nick and Pam Butcher

Brian Horner and David Walker

Roger Holden, Jane Bird and world Elgar diaries expert Martin Bird

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Norfolk and Norwich Law Society Annual Dinner Norfolk and Norwich Law Society held its annual dinner at the Top of the Terrace. Society President, solicitor Roger Holden introduced guest speakers The Lord Bishop of Norwich, The Rt Rev Graham James and Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust. Internationally-acclaimed musician and comedian Earl Okin provided entertainment.

AMANDA SANDLANDTAYLOR, NEWSMAKERS PR Picture & words by

Tim Eagle, Philip Norton and Dawn Towns

Tim Sutherland, Hugh Lansdell and Nick Harvey

Clare van Poortvliet, Lisa Cornish and Harry Mitchell

Tim Eagle and Alistair Mullis

Michael Loveday, Norfolk & Norwich Law Society President Roger Holden, The Rt Rev Graham James

HH Judge Alasdair Darroch, Rachael Hipperson and Duane Plant

Julie James and The Lord Bishop of Norwich, The Rt Rev Graham James

Andrew Hawker and Pamela Hoare

Earl Okin and Chris Bailey

Philip and Alison Holmes

Laura Tanguay, Tom Bailey and Ian Robotham

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Access Community Trust Re-Launch Access Community Trust (formerly St Johns Housing Trust) celebrated its new name with a re-launch event in Lowestoft officially opened

by MP Peter Aldous. Staff and clients from the charity showcased the array of services they offer the community including a relaxation ‘spa station’ for guests to sample auricular acupuncture to alleviate stress. There were moving accounts from clients who shared their stories of homelessness and volunteers and trainers promoted the training courses offered in the community. The Waveney Warblers Community Choir gave an uplifting performance and guests enjoyed a delicious lunch of homemade pizzas and canapés made by the Trust’s catering training projects. Visit www.accessct.org.

Andrew Regent and John Bunyard

Anita Vigrass and Jools Savage

Stephen Singleton and John O'Sullivan

Richard Moore, Nicola Roberts and Jason Whitlam

Councillor Peter Collecott Chairman of District Council

Rachel Harris and Emma Ratzer

Graham Jermyn and Rita Carter

Chris Wyer and Wendy Evans-Hendrick

Emma King, Steve Wright and Katherine Ellis

Keith (a volunteer at The Crossing) and Peter Aldous MP

Dan Mobbs and Andy Gallant

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New exhibition at Norwich Theatre Royal Around 80 invited guests attended the opening night of Will Teather's Night Carnival, an exhibition of performance inspired artworks. They enjoyed drinks and chat at Norwich Theatre Royal as they admired the Norwich-based figurative artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest creations. The exhibition features a new portrait by Will of Norwich Theatre Royal Chief Executive Peter Wilson. It runs until July 9 and has been organised by Target Follow.

Jane Fielding and Marcel Pfrang

Stephen Ong and Rachel Allen of Mandells Gallery

Jo Jenson

Holly Rumble and Eleanor Stokes

Stephen Daultrey and Andy Breen

Louise and Vicky Kuhn

Peter Wilson, Chief Executive, Norwich Theatre Royal and Will Teather

William Black with Will's new portrait of Peter Wilson

Prue Dobinson, Organiser of recent 'Art and Soul of Paper' exhibition in Norwich

Diana Lamb, Emma Brough and Andy Reeve

Until next time

Places&Faces® | MAY 2013

SJP

B O O K WO R M SJP IS KEEN FOR HER SOCIAL LIFE TO TAKE ANOTHER DIRECTION…

SOMETHING RATHER ALARMING has occurred in my life! Do I look like the type of person that seemingly and obviously needs intellectual cerebral stimulation? I can think of more interesting ways to be stimulated!

But, shock, horror, I have had the invitation of all invitations – to join a book club.

The last time I managed to read a book cover to cover was Nelly the Elephant at nursery, so it got me thinking about the benefits of joining such a club. And reading between the lines, maybe it would force me to read a wider variety of styles and genres, and to pick up books outside my comfort zone (ie not Jackie Collins or Jilly Cooper), plus maybe I’d meet new, interesting, people and would benefit from new opinions. Hmmmmm.

Do I really want to sit in a circle being forced to wade through numerous books and then politely discuss them? Inevitably some of my fellow club members will be frustrated academics who will run on about the ‘profound childhood emotions’ the books ‘provoked and reawakened.’ Or I’ll get the quasi psychologists who act like smug know-alls, believing they possess esoteric knowledge and a deep understanding of what makes me tick.

Maybe I’m just being cynical. Perhaps I’ll find it engaging, reflective and illuminating.

There might be those who appear to be lava lamps (pretty to look at but not very bright), but will suddenly shine and string words together to form a sentence that blends fact, memory and poetic literary descriptions.

But If I’m brutally honest, I can imagine joining such a club in my latter years when my brain needs a prod with an electric stick. By then, I’ll be spending half my day looking for my glasses which are on a beaded string that would have sat on my impressive cleavage 30 years ago, and the only thing I might take to bed to cuddle is a Kindle.

So, I had better start practising. I need to balance my glasses on the tip of my nose, whilst studiously and engagingly peering over the top of the frames. I can’t look discerning as I’ve had too much Botox in my forehead!

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I also need to collect journalistic critique vocabulary such as ‘unputdownable’ for a frothy thriller and a ‘moving compelling personal journey’ as a description for an autobiography written by a 12- year- old.

If the worst comes to the worst and I fail to open the first page I’ll have to pretend that I personally know the author and inform the group something like: ‘Did you know that she was an illegitimate child conceived in a dark alley somewhere in Paris? She had a drug addict father whom she never knew and grew up in a dysfunctional family?’

Or I could just describe the French author’s style of writing as ‘very French’!

I hope that the fluency of our discussion will be lubricated by several pints of wine and not a flask of tea and a plate of digestives. I’m sure that I’d be the only one to choose wine and will then feel so apologetic that you’d think it was a sin to knock back four units in half an hour.

Anyway, I must fly. I’ve got a book to read and I must impress everyone at my meeting tonight. Let’s hope the first book under the microscope is a short story about a sleepy

village in East Anglia where the most exciting thing that happens throughout is that Mr Smith who lives at number 27 paints his back door red!

In other words, there’s no need to actually read it as nothing actually happens!

SjP PS Frankly, I prefer a book you can pick up and put down – like the Kama Sutra – which reminds me, must do yoga next week.

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If you’d like to book a test drive, please speak to a member of our team.

Norwich Audi 17 Meridian Way Norwich Norfolk NR7 0TA 01603 709200 www.norwich.audi.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures for the A6 Saloon in mpg (l/100km): Urban: 26.2 (10.8) – 48.7 (5.8) Extra Urban: 42.8 (6.6) – 64.2 (4.4) Combined: 34.4 (8.2) – 57.6 (4.9). CO2 emissions: 190 – 129g/km.