Norfolk on My Mind - Autumn 2017

ISSUE 59

VISIT CROMER The jewel in the crown of the North Norfolk coast

GLAMPING HOLIDAY

WEEKEND BREAKS Luxury hotels to inspire in Grantham and Cambridge

Win a two-night stay for a family of four

Guest of honour at Norwich Film Festival

WHAT’S NEW? | OUT & ABOUT | 3 OF THE BEST | RECIPE | FASHION | GARDENING | THEATRE | & MUCH MORE…

OUT & ABOUT

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WHAT’S NEW? Our report on Norfolk’s latest headlines

10 | OUT & ABOUT

10 ON FILM

3 OF THE BEST

Creepy Halloween capers for all the family

15 | ON FILM Michael Palin is coming to Norwich this November

23 | TOWN FOCUS We visited the historic seaside town of Cromer

30 | 3 OF THE BEST Our pick of the county’s professional catering companies

32 | HARRY’S BLOG

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34 | RECIPE OF THE MONTH Mushrooms on toasted with roasted venison… Mmm!

40 | COMPETITION!

COMPETITION

THEATRE

It’s mussel season for chef Harry Farrow and team

Win a two-night glamping break for four people

41 | TRAVEL GUIDE Two charming hotels, only a short drive away

47 | STYLE FILE Stylist Sarah Morgan says turquoise is the way to go!

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50 | THEATRE TIME Tom Chambers stars in Gershwin’s Crazy For You

TRAVEL

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office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

OWNER

Jonathan Horswell office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk @JonathanHorswel

ISSUE 59

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elcome to our autumn edition of Norfolk On My Mind Magazine. We’ve packed our pages with everything you need to know for the coming months, from local news (p6), art reviews (p8) and Halloween events (p10), to theatre guides (p19, p50), the latest fashion trends (p47) and UK travel inspiration from across the county border (p41). Which of our fabulous features will have you itching to find out more?

Avid traveller and Monty Python genius Michael Palin will be paying us a visit in November when he launches Norwich Film Festival. We bring you a snapshot of the rich and varied programme on page 15. Meanwhile, our resident feature writer Thomas Dick presents his pick of our county’s stately homes and gardens on page 20. Which will be your favourite?

This issue, we’re in Cromer for our regular Town Focus (p23). From where to shop and stay overnight, to where to dine or simply whet your whistle, we’ve got in covered. Plus, did you know that Cromer has its own South American-themed zoo on the outskirts of town (p26)?

When it comes to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients for the two months ahead, you can’t beat juicy Brancaster mussels! Chef Harry Farrow expounds their many virtues on page 32.

What’s more, we’ve got a tried-and-tested recipe for mushrooms on toast with roasted venison courtesy of the lovely Richard Bainbridge, chef-proprietor of Benedicts restaurant in Norwich (p34).

We would like to thank all our fantastic contributors, who help make Norfolk’s premier free bimonthly lifestyle magazine such a wonderful success. It’s a joy to be part of such a lovely team – and a great publication too! Keep up the good work everyone!

Enjoy the autumn

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Daniel May

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SALES POSITIONS AVAILABLE To apply, call us on 01953 456789

CONTRIBUTORS

Angela Youngman

Malcolm Duffey

Tom Dick

Sue Huckle

David Morris

Liddy Goodrum

Harry Farrow

Sarah Morgan

Richard Bainbridge

John Bultitude

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Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2AE PHONE

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Disclaimer All rights reserved. No part of Norfolk On My Mind may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other form, or by any other means, electronic, mechanic, photographic, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the owner of Norfolk On My Mind. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Norfolk On My Mind. However, the owner cannot accept responsibility for the claims made by advertisers or contributors, or inaccurate material supplied by advertisers. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor. Although all reasonable care is taken of material, photographs and transparencies submitted, the owner cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss.

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WHAT’S NEW?

A WEEKEND OF LIVE MUSIC The inaugural Deepdale Festival takes place on Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th September, welcoming bands from the East of England for live music across various stages – the main Brick Barn Stage, the Orchard Stage, the Acoustic Stage, and a Buskers Stage. So far, bands and solo artists confirmed include Jess Morgan, Little Red Kings, Marina Florance, Pepper and Shepherd, Georgia Shackleton Trio, Falling From Trees, Kolin Durier, The Tin Heart Troubadours, Matt Watson, Homefires and Ardeth Bey. What’s more, there will be great street food, entertainment, festival stalls and dancing.

There is limited accommodation available in the hostels and campsite, so be quick if you would like to stay on site!

Adam White

Jess Morgan

Kolin Durier

Georgia Shackleton

HIGH-END FASHION – FOR MEN! Debonair, a new concept in men’s fashion, is now open in Holt. A menswear shop selling nearly-new designer clothes and accessories, this is a rare find for the fashion-conscious man. The brainchild of Mike Boyce, who has spent the summer building up an inventory of interesting, high quality stock, Debonair offers a myriad of designer fashion at affordable prices. Where else in Holt will you find Versace, Armani, Valentino, Burberry, Yves St Laurent and D&G? All prices have been set to realistic local levels, so you can be sure that you are getting a real bargain. Mike is also interested in taking on more stock and operates on the standard commission rates, so do pay him a visit to explore this new world in men’s fashion.

Debonair can be found at 26b High St, just off New Street. For further information, call 07831 770720.

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GET ON THE ROAD Whether you are a nervous driver or just want to get yourself mobile in no time, CDT Dereham can help. Working six days a week, the aim is to fit in with all clients, with a varied selection of training, ranging from standard driving lessons, to tractors and trailers. CDT’s qualified driving instructor, who has been an approved driving instructor since February 2000, runs all the training sessions. There’s also tractor training, which is aimed at young people and was started back in 2001, although it is now growing more popular than ever before. Since 2001, the company has branched out into our other training for trailers and caravans to help improve the variety on offer. If you would like to feel confident on the road, call 01362 693041 or visit www.cdt-dereham.co.uk

A NORFOLK DREAM Living the dream of owning a holiday home in Norfolk is both a delight and a hassle as Calvin and Debbie Fisher discovered when they bought a listed farmhouse in the Norfolk Broads in 2014. Realising that taking care of their house in Cambridge, as well as their dream house in Norfolk, meant that precious holiday times in Norfolk were filled up with organising chimney sweeps, boiler servicing and renovations instead of relaxing and enjoying the countryside with the family, this got more complicated when major renovations needed doing urgently. “We were faced with the dilemma of taking time off work to oversee the renovations or to leave the keys out and keep our fingers crossed that our builder would do things as we’d discussed. We were lucky that they did but it was more stressful than we’d hoped” reflects Debbie. “We realised that this was something that lots of people who own property and especially those who own property at a distance must also be going through, wanting someone to take care of the practical aspects of home management so that their time can be better spent. So when we decided to move to Norfolk permanently we set up Norfolk Home Management and put our many years of professional property management to good use in Norfolk. We provide a range of services from providing access, organising servicing and maintenance, carrying out regular property checks while the property is empty (which is often a requirement for your home insurance to be valid and people don’t realise!), ad hoc visits when the English weather is causing havoc to check all is well, project management oversight of the fitting of that new kitchen or major renovation that your home needs.

We believe time is precious and you should spend it on things you enjoy, so why not let someone else take care of the hassle of looking after your property.”

For more information, call 01493 701444 or visit www.norfolkhomemanagement.com

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Offering second home owners peace of mind We are here when you can’t be

01493 701444

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ART REVIEWS

NELSON & NORFOLK

Angela Youngman reports on two local exhibitions that are worth a look.

The Nelson Bullet (1805) Royal Collection Trust

Norwich Castle Museum, Castle Meadow, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3JQ. Tel: 01603 493625. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk Runs until Sunday 1st October.

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tunned amazement is inevitable when entering the new Nelson & Norfolk exhibition at Norwich Castle Museum.

The sheer scale of the main exhibit virtually fills the entire room!

This vast French Tricolour ensign was captured by Nelson’s flagship HMS Foudoyrant during the Revolutionary Wars. The ensign had belonged to the 74 gun French warship, Le Généraux, which had taken part in the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Two years later, during the Battle of Malta Convoy, Nelson’s ships cornered it along the Barbary Coast. After several broadsides, Le Généraux surrendered, hauling down its ensign and handing it to the victors.

It has not been seen in public for over 100 years. Very few ensigns from the Revolutionary Wars survive, due to the fact that they are so massive and tended to be severely damaged in battle. This particular ensign is even more important because the Tricolor had only been the French national flag for six years before its capture.

Among the other objects on display are paintings, clothes and memorabilia relating to Lord Nelson, especially in connection with his dramatic death and funeral. News clippings from the period highlight the clamour which surrounded his lying in state at the Painted Room in

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Greenwich. The ensign which covered his coffin should have been buried with him, but was seized by sailors and ripped to pieces as a memorial – which is why there are countless pieces scattered around museums throughout the country. One such scrap is on display in this exhibition.

A locket containing the musket ball which killed him is on loan from the Royal Collection. There are paintings portraying him as a hero when he returned to East Anglia, as well as the uniform coat he wore at the Battle of the Nile, complete with perspiration marks and powder from his hair.

Over all, this is a fascinating exhibition which enables visitors to appreciate the role played by Nelson on both a national and a regional basis, since Norfolk is Nelson’s County. It is worth visiting the exhibition just to view the massive Tricolor, as the chances of seeing it displayed on such a large scale in the future are remote. office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

CECIL ALDIN: THE ART OF BLACK BEAUTY Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Bridewell Alley, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AQ. Tel: 01603 629127. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk Runs until Saturday 25th November.

out to write a book, highlighting the heart-breaking way in which horses were treated.

What made Black Beauty stand out was that the book was written from the viewpoint of the horse, growing from colt to full-grown beast, experiencing good homes and bad. Animal activists used the book to promote improvements in horse care and the abolition of practices like the bearing rein, as well as the creation of horse charities.

To celebrate the first publication of Black Beauty, the Bridewell in Norwich has a very special exhibition of illustrations by Cecil Aldin, running until November. Norwich-based company, Jarrold & Sons, published the first edition of Black Beauty in 1877, and decided to bring out a new edition in 1910, commissioning 18 watercolour illustrations from a renowned artist named Cecil Aldin. Aldin’s previous work had already included illustrations for Dickens and Rudyard Kipling novels. He was paid £189 – a massive sum for the period.

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After publication, the original watercolours were filed away, and lay forgotten for many years. Then in 1982, the Jarrold family found them in a box. They were framed and exhibited, but because they are watercolours, they can only be displayed for short periods to preserve the vibrant colours. are illustrations from Anna Sewell’s epoch-making novel, Black Beauty, are on display in Norwich, showing why this book has become such a classic.

Few people would have imagined the scale of the impact that Black Beauty had when first published 140 years ago. Not only did it become a much-loved classic which has never been out of print, it has also transformed the way society deals with horses.

Victorian England was a harsh, unforgiving place for horses. London alone had 300,000 working horses – and few of them lived beyond four years. Horrified by what she discovered, Norfolk-born Anna Sewell set

The artwork is stunning. Aldin loved horses just as much as he loved dogs, and this is clearly reflected in his work. He beautifully captured the way in which horses move, showing them pulling carts, jumping and running. You can truly sense the sadness of Black Beauty in the final scenes amid the London streets. It contrasts dramatically with the idyllic scene of the young colt standing beside his mother, which opens the novel.

In addition to the illustrations, visitors can see a special model of Black Beauty in the museum’s courtyard. There are also several different editions of the book on display, including a rare example signed by the author as a gift for her niece.

Traditional Sash Windows • Doors / Frames • Staircases • Kitchens • Furniture • Bedrooms An experienced team, motivated by providing the best products we can for our customers and aiming to exceed their expectations every time.

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OUT & ABOUT

Spooky Halloween shenanigans for your little devils.

HALLOWEEN AT HOLKHAM

HALLOWEEN DAYS

Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB. Tel: 01328 713111. www.holkham.co.uk Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th October, 10am to 5pm.

Adults (£15), children (£7.50), family ticket (£41).

Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norfolk NR9 5JW. Tel: 01603 876310. www.dinosauradventure.co.uk Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October, 9.30am to 4pm.

Adults (£12.95), children (£13.95), senior citizens (£11.95).

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ress in your best Halloween costume and head to Holkham Hall for Halloween thrills galore! Get hands-on with the amazing Kiddy Cook team in the old kitchen and decorate your own terrifyingly tasty creation, or follow the creepy trail to discover frightening factoids, Halloween crafts, and try to solve the mind-bogglingly macabre murder mystery game. Plus, there will be bewitching poetry, spooky skulls, face painting, pumpkin carving, and a chilling quiz to keep you on your toes.

See you there (if you dare!).

SPOOKY EXPRESS

HALLOWEEN AT FAIRHAVEN

Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW. Tel: 01263 733858. www.bvrw.co.uk Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October, 10am to 5pm.

Adults (£13), children (free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult).

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham, Norfolk NR13 6DZ. Tel: 01603 270449. www.fairhavengarden.co.uk Tuesday 31st October, 6pm to 8pm.

Adults (£9), children (£5). Not suitable for under 3s.

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ll aboard the Spooky Express!

Experience a nostalgic trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway, which runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and the bustling town of Wroxham at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. There will be a children’s quiz to see how many scary items can be spotted on the train journey, a colouring corner, plus a Halloween-themed Whistlestop Café. What’s more, the railway’s mascot bear will be dressed up for the occasion to welcome each train at Aylsham Station.

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oin the team at Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade for a week of haunting Halloween Days this October. There will be spooky fun for big and little kids alike, with lots of activities to keep everyone entertained. Dippy the Dinosaur will be in his spooky fun zone, with fancy dress and a brand new trail to delight visitors to the park, whether you’re coming along for the first time or you’re the proud owner of an annual season pass. Follow the trail through the woods and keep an eye out for a whole host of prehistoric creatures along the way.

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elcome to Fairhaven’s enchanted forest, where witches rule the day! Dare you take a walk in the woods at night where witchy malevolence cackles behind every tree? Be sure to stay on the path and don’t be lured into the wood, as we all know that Curiosity killed the black cat. And Curiosity is a very cross witch!

Hot dogs and potions will be served at The Cackling Cauldron, along with spellbinding live music, wicked children’s entertainers and frightful fireworks. You’d be bats to miss it! office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

TRICK OR TWEET! Pensthorpe, Fakenham Road, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0LN. Tel: 01328 851465. www.pensthorpe.com Friday 20th to Sunday 29th October, 10am to 5pm.

Adults (£11.95), children (£10.95), senior citizens (£10.95).

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iscover the grim and gruesome side of nature this October half-term. Avoid the pumpkins and gravestones for a spooktacular day of all things creepy, shivery and mysterious at Pensthorpe Natural Park.

There’ll be spooky craft making and a creepy-crawly trail to get you in the mood for a really exciting Halloween! Don’t worry, there’ll be nothing too scary here, so all the family can enjoy the fun! Park entry also includes admission into the outdoor adventure play area WildRootz and award-winning indoor play area Hootz House.

THE GLORIOUS GLOWING LANTERN PARADE BeWILDerwood, Horning Road, Hoveton, Norfolk NR12 8JW. Tel: 01692 633033. www.bewilderwood.co.uk Sunday 14th to Sunday 29th October, 10am until dusk.

Adults (£16.50), children (£14.50), senior citizens (£9.50). Children under 92cm are free.

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eWILDerwood’s most famous, fantastical event of the year, The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade, will see the forest come to life with your own beautifully crafted lantern for a magical light extravaganza! Have the best day exploring the magical woodland, meeting the BeWILDerbats and seeing the spooky decorations in the grounds, then when dusk sets in, that’s when the real fun begins! What better way than to go out than with a bang, as the park closes its doors for the winter?

To advertise call 01953 456789

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OUT & ABOUT

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS If you’re a lover of all things furry (or prickly!), get yourself down to one of these fabulous autumn events.

DEER SAFARI

HEDGEHOG DAY

Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB. Tel: 01328 713111. www.holkham.co.uk Sunday 1st, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th and Friday 20th to Tuesday 24th October; 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Adults (£5), children (£2.50).

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham, Norfolk NR13 6DZ. Tel: 01603 270449. www.fairhavengarden.co.uk Saturday 21st October, 11am to 3pm.

Adults (£6.50), children (£3.75), concessions (£5.90).

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his is an exciting chance for families to explore Holkham Park and its stunning herd of fallow and red deer on a fun-filled tractor trailer tour. You’ll learn all about the lives of the Holkham deer, with plenty of time for you to ask any questions you may have. Bring along your camera to capture some fantastic wildlife photographs of the deer in their natural habitat, and find out how their behaviour changes with the seasons. Holkham Park offers a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife, so why not see for yourself on this special safari tour?

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ome along and learn how you can help the hedgehogs in your garden ahead of the chilly winter season.

Hodmedod’s Hedgehog Support will be in residence at Fairhaven on Saturday 21st October, offering support to hedgehog rescuers and carers. Find out more about the plight of hedgehogs and the dangers they face, and be inspired to make a positive difference in helping to stop the decline of our prickly friends here in Norfolk. Donations of cat and dog food are always appreciated, so if you would like to help in one small way, this is a great opportunity.

LEMUR LOVE! Banham Zoo, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk NR16 2HE. Tel: 01953 887771. www.banhamzoo.co.uk Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October, 9.30am to 5pm.

Adults (£20.85), children (£15.40), senior citizens (£19).

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et into the carnival spirit, as Banham Zoo goes loopy for lemurs as part of the World Lemur Festival.

Get up close and personal with the charismatic but endangered lemurs of Madagascar in the Lemur Encounters walk-through enclosure, home to a troop of Madagascar’s most recognised inhabitants, the ring-tailed lemur, as well as some of its most noisiest, the red ruffed lemurs. And don’t forget to stop off at the activities and education centre to learn more about these beautiful, furry creatures.

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NORFOLK COAST IN

THE GREAT WAR Come and meet Stephen Browning who will be discussing his new book at The Holt Bookshop, 10 Appleyard, on Friday September 15th, at 6.30 pm.

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orfolk Coast in the Great War is the first study of its kind and deals with places previously neglected including Holt, Cley, Weybourne, Wells, Stiffkey, Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer.

It includes tales of the greatest of the life boatmen, Henry Blogg and his crew; Olive Edis, the first woman war photographer; Bayntun Hippisley and his famous ‘hut’ in Hunstanton; and the early life, war service and terrible death of Harold Davidson, Rector of Stiffkey.

The book contains over 180 photographs, many of them archive and rare.

Tickets are £5, redeemable against the purchase of a book.

R.S.V.P. Call 01263 715858 Email: sales@holtbookshop.co.uk

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based in attleborough, our distribution areas cover the whole of norfolk, particularly north norfolk, norwich, attleborough, diss, wymondham and dereham, as well as bury st edmunds and the county of suffolk we print over 50,000 local interest magazines each month

we have over 2,500 pick-up points across east anglia

our magazines are delivered door to door, and can also be picked up from one of our distribution points

dispatch, fine city, norfolk on my mind and suffolk on my mind are some of the most well-respected magazines throughout norfolk and suffolk

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ON FILM

TAKING A

SCREEN ICON

STAND

Michael Palin is set to be guest of honour when he opens this year’s seventh Norwich Film Festival.

Photos by John Swannell

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“MY FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE NORFOLK MEN, AND FOR THEM, NORWICH WAS THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD”

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orwich Film Festival is back this November, showcasing a selection of the best local, British and International short films, along with several feature films, talks and panels over the festival period. With a line-up of over 90 films screened over the 10 days, it’s not to be missed!

British Monty Python actor, Michael Palin, will be heading to Norwich to launch this year’s festival. Norwich Film Festival Co-Director, Craig Higgins, said, “We couldn’t think of a better guest to open the festival. Michael has got an amazing back catalogue of film and TV credits, as well as being one of the most famous globetrotters around.”

A screening of the British classic, A Private Function, in which Michael stars alongside a host of other notable English actors, will be followed by a Q&A with the man himself. The talk will be lead by the brilliant Peter Bradshaw, who is Film Critic at The Guardian. Craig added, “As you can imagine, we are beyond excited to welcome Michael to the festival, and to Norwich, for what will be an amazing event.”

Speaking of his impending visit, Michael Palin commented, “It’s always good to come up to East Anglia. My father and grandfather were Norfolk men, and for them, Norwich was the centre of the world. I’m sure they would have appreciated how much of Monty Python was filmed in and around the city. And Private Function is, of course, a quintessential portrait of Yorkshire, where I grew up.”

Other highlights of the programme include the regional premieres of Double Date, Butterfly Kisses, and Noel Fielding’s latest film, Brakes. Plus, this year’s official selection of 65 short films features exceptional acting talent from the likes of BAFTA nominated actors Peter Mullan (Edith), George McKay (Infinite), and David Bradley (Edmund The Magnificent), to name a few.

The East Collection will showcase talent from those who have made films in the local area, while the Student Selection will provide a platform for the rising stars of tomorrow. Another stand-out event is the Shorts Documentary Screening, highlighting powerful stories from around the globe.

Debuting this year is the Industry Day, which features talks and panel discussions, kicking off with a discussion on Making Movies Sound Great with two-time BAFTA winning Sound Editor Eddy Joseph (Casino Royale, Harry Potter, Evita). This will be followed by talks on Writing for The Screen Panel, Directing: From Shorts to Features, and finishing off with How to Publicise Your Short Film.

The festival team is delighted to welcome star of stage and screen Tim McInnerny (Blackadder, Notting Hill, Eddie The Eagle, Games of Thrones) to an In Conversation about his work. The organisers have also teamed up with Creative England to screen some Officially Selected Short Films. Following this event, there will be a drinks reception, which will allow like-minded filmmakers and film lovers to mingle over a glass of wine.

Craig said, “Norwich Film Festival is historically a short film festival and we are thrilled to be screening some of the best short films from all around the world, as well as local ones. We wanted this year to be our most ambitious and we are thrilled that we get to bring a host of filmmakers, actors and writers to the city as part of our festival line-up.”

Norwich Film Festival runs from Thursday 9th to Sunday 19th November.

For tickets and the full programme, visit www.norwichfilmfestival.co.uk

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Abigail Prudames and Joseph Taylor in The Little Mermaid

BALLET UNDER THE SEA Northern Ballet’s new adaptation of The Little Mermaid is heading to Norwich this autumn.

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elling the story of a young mermaid who is willing to give up everything she knows in search of love and the desire to gain a human soul, The Little Mermaid ballet is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal as part of its world tour.

Northern Ballet’s artistic director, David Nixon OBE, who choreographed and directed the production, said, “The Little Mermaid is an enchanting story and the fantastical underwater world of the mermaids evokes such beautiful imagery. So many people have grown up with an awareness of this classic tale, and so I am looking forward to introducing audiences to the world beyond the waves.”

Sally Beamish, who recently wrote the music for Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Tempest, was commissioned to write the score, while the sets have been given a modern, contemporary look by Japanese designer Kimie Nakano, with lighting by Tim Mitchell.

David explained, “It will look different to how our productions normally look. It’s made up of plastic and mirror, so I’m hoping it will have a phenomenal water look to it.”

seems to be an attachment to mermaids and the Disney version is quite famous – and I knew that it would work in dance because it is about movement.”

But there is one element of the look of the ballet over which David has firmly kept control and that is costume design. He said, “I’ve always done the costumes for most of my ballets because, for me, that’s my inspiration. When I see what they wear, how that moves, that gives me the character, that gives me a way in. When others do the designs, I don’t understand it as well. Of course, I can ask them those questions, but it’s not quite the same as coming up with it yourself, and I have just always enjoyed that element.”

Northern Ballet has a tradition of nurturing talent and in promoting younger choreographers. David had started to move away from that role himself, but The Little Mermaid tempted him back. He added, “I am sort of in there by default, as I wasn’t going to be choreographing anymore, so the Little Mermaid is a blip on my radar. I always say I didn’t intend to be a choreographer, and I don’t think of myself as one. I think of myself first as an artistic director who choreographs, and it’s always been about creating dancers.”

In choosing this particular story, David said he was looking for something accessible. “I think you want to make your audience comfortable so that they can come at any age. A lot of people know The Little Mermaid – there

Seeing some of those former dancers now spreading their wings creatively is immensely rewarding for David. In supporting young talent in their journey into narrative work, he is enjoying passing on his experience.

The Little Mermaid is at Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th September.

For further information, call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk To advertise call 01953 456789

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ON TOUR

HISTORIC HOUSES Written by Tom Dick

Feature writer Thomas Dick explores North Norfolk’s stately homes.

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ur county is well-served for lovers of historic properties, many of which are open to the public. Of course, there are estates owned by the National Trust – Felbrigg Hall, Blickling Hall and Oxburgh Hall – but there are many more homes and gardens that are still in private hands, but open to the public on a regular basis.

Houghton Hall

HOLKHAM HALL The ancestral home of the Earl of Leicester, Holkham offers a spectacular day-out. Entry is free to HHA friends and members. However, no visit to the hall should be made without seeing Holkham Beach. A vast expanse of sand surrounded by pine woods, it is widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the world. Once a year, the horses of the Queen’s guard are brought to Holkham to exercise in the sea.

A truly wonderful sight.

SANDRINGHAM HOUSE A favoured retreat of the Royal family since 1862 when Queen Victoria bought it for her son, later Edward VII. The house, remodelled extensively by Edward VII, stands in 24 hectares of beautiful gardens, which, in turn, are part of the 8,000 acres of the Sandringham Estate.

The 60 acres of spectacular gardens were first

Hoveton Hall

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to allow up to four hours for a visit to really have a chance to see everything. Sandringham is a member of the Historic Houses Association.

opened to the public in 1908; the museum, in 1930; and the house, to commemorate the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977. The house is open from early April until the end of October, and admission to the house, gardens, museum and church costs £15.50 (£13.50 for senior citizens). A visit to Sandringham gives visitors access to the ground-floor public rooms, actually used by the Royal family when in residence. The décor, furniture and furnishings are a virtually unchanged throwback to Edwardian elegance. Visitors are recommended

Exterior view of Holkham Hall showing the South elevation and the surrounding park © Holkham Estate

Mannington Hall Gardens

HOUGHTON HALL Found between Holkham and King’s Lynn, Houghton Hall was built around the same period as Holkham for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first prime minister. It is a key example of the Palladian style of architecture, set in 1,000 aces of magnificent parkland. The house boasts an impressive stone hall, marble parlour, cabinet room, and red velvet salon. It is also home to a fabulous art collection and recently played host to a priceless group of paintings on loan from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, paintings which originally belonged to the Walpole art collection. The mansion and park passed to the Cholmondeley family through marriage. The park was redesigned in the 18th century – a process which entailed the demolition of Houghton village. The park today is home to a herd of 600 white fallow deer and a collection of 18th century ancient oaks and sweet chestnut trees. The current Lord Cholmondeley has installed a number of modern works of art in the sculpture park.

The stunning walled garden includes a number of themed areas, notably an Italian garden, a double-sided herbaceous border, formal rose gardens (with some 150 varieties of rose), a fruit and vegetable garden, a rustic temple, statues and fountains. Normally, entry is free to HHA friends and members, but there is a reduced fee of £5 to enter the exhibition of the statues of Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Long.

HOVETON HALL GARDENS Set in the Norfolk Broads, the 15 acre gardens of Hoveton Hall offer an ever-changing seasonal panorama of colour. There are narcissi, daffodils and other bulbs in spring; rhododendrons, azaleas, peonies and other herbaceous plants in the summer, as well as hydrangeas and buddleias in the autumn. Once again, entrance is free to HHA friends and members.

MANNINGTON HALL GARDENS Another must-see in Norfolk. The hall is a beautiful 15th century moated manor house, owned by Lord Walpole, a descendent of Sir Robert Walpole’s younger brother, Horatio.

Mannington Hall Gardens are home to a heritage rose collection, although they are also famous for roses generally. Tours of the house are available by arrangement, while the gardens are free to HHA members. There are over 1,000 different species of rose in the gardens, a knot garden containing scented plants, plus a sensory garden full of plants grown for touch, scent, sound, taste and colour. There is also a wonderful vegetable garden with an unusual water feature, and from there, the woodland walk leads to the stump garden where evergreen ferns have been encouraged to grow. A walk through the wet flower meadow allows you to get close to nature by spending some time in the specially constructed bird hide.

WOLTERTON HALL This beautiful house was sold by the current Lord Walpole to private individuals. The To advertise call 01953 456789

“A VISIT TO SANDRINGHAM GIVES VISITORS ACCESS TO THE GROUND-FLOOR PUBLIC ROOMS, ACTUALLY USED BY THE ROYAL FAMILY WHEN IN RESIDENCE”

Sandringham House

original gardens were redesigned in 1828

by George Stanley Repton, 4th son of the renowned Humphrey Repton, when a new parterre for the front, new curved drives, woodlands, and the construction of an artificial island in the lake were conceived. If you are lucky enough to visit, you can see Walpole’s study, explore the collection of family portraits, and admire the grand marble hall. The estate also contains the remains of Wolterton village with its most notable feature – the cylindrical church tower standing alone in the landscaped parkland. The walled garden is now run as a commercial smallholding, while artist-blacksmith Baron Tremain has taken over Wolterton forge. Wolterton Hall is only open on Friday afternoons, or by appointment, but the grounds are open every day.

STODY LODGE GARDENS Close to Holt, Stody Lodge Gardens are noted for their formal rhododendron and azalea gardens surrounding the house, which were laid out in the 1930s. The woodland walk to the Japanese water garden boasts one of the largest expanses of azalea mollis in England.

Stody Estate was owned by the Earl of Lothian in the latter part of the 19th century. Today, the farm is run by the stepson of George

Knight. A visit to Stody would be incomplete without visiting St Mary’s Church, constructed from flint in Saxon times, complete with 15th century stained glass windows and a 13th century Purbeck marble font.

WALSINGHAM ABBEY The gardens contain the remains of an Augustinian priory founded in 1153 on a site next to the Holy House. The gardens offer woodland and riverside walks, with eyecatching displays of seasonal bulbs and glorious autumn colour alongside the ruins of one of England’s most famous mediaeval pilgrimage shrines.

OTHER HOUSES AND GARDENS Hindringham Hall – a moated Tudor house nestling at the bottom of a river valley.

Kirstead Hall – a very fine Elizabethan manor dating from around 1570.

For further information on the Historic Houses Association, call 01462 896688 or visit www.hha.org.uk www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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WET DOG SURF SHOP CROMER Wet Dog is a small, active lifestyle store in Cromer on the North Norfolk coast.

W

e have an unstoppable passion for beach living. Life on the coast is great, laid back, relaxed and easy. It’s all about enjoying yourself and feeling good, whether on the beach, in town or in the water.

We bring you surf and skate brands including: Animal, Billabong, Quiksilver, O’Neill, Saltrock, Roxy, Reef, Santa Cruz, Vans, Weirdfish, Brakeburn, Tiki, Alder and Osprey.

For Scooters & Skateboards we offer Penny, Grit, Chilli, Element, MGP & Osprey as well as Santa Cruz. We are always on the lookout for new and exciting brands to introduce you too and are super stoked to have recently brought VISSLA and URBAN BEACH on board!

You’ll find us in the middle of Cromer on the stunning North Norfolk Coast. Just near the Church and a short walk to the Promenade and the famous Cromer Pier. And now you can also visit us in nearby Sheringham, where we are just a short walk from the bus/train station and the beach in the centre of the town.

Cromer - 01263 519703 • Sheringham - 01263 821444 www.wetdogsurfshop.co.uk

A local shop passionate about local food and good husbandry.

Support your local independents.

15 Tucker St, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9HA • Tel: 01263 513677

www.cromerfarmshop.co.uk

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TOWN FOCUS

We headed north to explore this much-loved traditional seaside town.

Photo by Daniel Tink www.danieltink.co.uk

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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Photo by www.TourNorfolk.co.uk

ABOUT

C

romer, perched on the edge of the North Norfolk coast, overlooking fine sandy beaches, is famous for its delicious local crabs and traditional seaside pier, with perhaps the most famous pier in the county. A vibrant seaside town, it boasts a thriving tourist industry and rich fishing heritage, as well as a wide variety of shops, galleries, pubs, cafés, restaurants and accommodation, mostly independently owned and passed down through the generations. A resort that was popularised during Victorian times when the growth of the railway meant well-to-do Victorians could head to the coast on holiday to take in the sea air, many of the great landmark hotels of the day still stand. You may also catch sight of one of the town’s iconic lifeboats. For those interested in the history of the work done by the men and women of Cromer’s lifeboats, the Henry Blogg Museum provides a fascinating insight into this valuable service.

WHERE TO EAT

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irtually every place in Cromer will have crab on the menu, so you must give it a try when visiting for the first time. Rocket House Café serves a fabulous array of dailychanging seasonal specials, often featuring lots of Cromer crab and lobster. The large balcony offers beautiful views out to sea, so what better place for a leisurely spot of lunch? If fish and chips is the order of the day, No1 has earned a reputation for the best in town. As well as the takeaway counter, there’s an eat-in restaurant, where kids’ meals are presented in cute buckets and spades! For light bites or tea and cake, try Art Café, North Norfolk’s only vegetarian café, with a sunny courtyard for summer and a cosy wood-burning stove for the cold Norfolk winters. Plus, that’s not forgetting the Lifeboat Café at the bottom of the gangway, a delightful little coffee shop run by the lovely Becky.

WHERE TO SHOP

WHERE TO STAY

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otels in Cromer remain extremely popular and get booked up quickly during the summer months. Hotel de Paris is one of the town’s most historic, and is thought to be the place where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote The Hound of the Baskervilles. If you’d prefer a great quality bed and breakfast, Cambridge House is an attractive family-run Victorian guest house in the heart of the action, situated on the sea front, a stone’s throw from the pier, with steps to the promenade directly opposite the front door. Enjoy uninterrupted sea views and an excellent full English breakfast made using fresh local produce and tasty homemade marmalades and preserves. Or, perhaps a self-catering Norfolk cottage or local campsite is up your street? The options are endless!

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or shopaholics, Cromer is awash with quirky independent shops selling all manner of seaside gifts, homewares, and men and ladies fashions. Upstairs Downstairs is an amazing three-storey gift shop packed to the rafters with interesting and exciting things including jewellery, ceramics, glassware and greeting cards.

Meanwhile, Lily B is a gorgeous ladies boutique stocking clothes and accessories from a range of great labels, suitable for all shapes and sizes. What’s more, there’s a wonderful selection of local art galleries in the town. Check out Garden House Gallery for original artwork, prints and gifts, and be sure to step inside The Gallery Norfolk, a lively gallery offering a stunning selection of paintings, limited edition prints, jewellery and crafts, plus expert inhouse picture framing. office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

WHERE TO DRINK

F

ancy whetting your whistle?

The Red Lion has a relaxing bar and lounge area showcasing many original features. Unwind with a real ale, cider, or pot of tea whilst making the most of those wonderful views out the window. The pub also boasts an extensive wine selection from around the world, with a ‘wine of the moment’, priced just £12.95 per bottle. If you crave a traditional pub atmosphere, The Wellington is a friendly local with a great vibe. As well as serving real ales, cocktails and spirits, the Courtyard Restaurant cooks up some mouth-watering homemade food. Or, if you’re looking for the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a glass of something special in hand, head to the Pavilion Bar on the pier, and sit back and watch the world go by from this unique vantage point as the waves roll in to shore.

DID YOU KNOW? Cromer Parish Church has the tallest church tower in the county.

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Cromer is also home to Amazona Zoo, a South American-themed animal adventure park on the outskirts of town.

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ne of the county’s most unique and fun days-out, families can discover over 200 tropical animals set within 15 acres of North Norfolk parkland at Amazona Zoo in Cromer.

Home to a wide range of South American wildlife including capuchin and spider monkeys, snakes, otters and tapirs, highlights include a feline forest with ocelot, pumas and jaguar, and a tropical house and spider enclosure with spectacled caiman, anaconda snake and iguanas.

Get up close and personal with Brazilian wild animals! There are mara wandering freely, which resemble small deer but, in fact, are related to the guinea pig. Speaking of which, there’s a guinea pig village where you can admire these furry little creatures running around.

To advertise call 01953 456789

If you’re a bird lover, there are plenty of Chilean flamingos, rheas, parrots, birds of prey and South American wildfowl to see. The wildfowl walk around the flamingo lagoon offers a relaxing stroll, spotting various ducks, swans and birds along the way. The black-necked swan is the largest waterfowl native to South America, and it is quite unlike those that we are used to feeding!

forget to check out the feeding times to watch your favourites have their lunch.

Feeling peckish? Enjoy a picnic beside the tapir lookout, head to the Jungle Café for refreshments, or pick up some treats from the gift shop before you go!

There is lots to entertain little visitors including indoor soft play area, Jungle Tumbles, featuring slides, ropes, bridges, tunnels and interactive toys.

Plus, outside, there’s a well-equipped play area called Rainforest Springs, with two large jumping pillows for hours of Brazilian bouncing fun!

The zoo is open daily, 10am to 5pm until Tuesday 31st October (it is open 10am to 3.30pm during the autumn/winter season).

Adults (£11.50), children aged 4-16 (£8.50), concessions (£10), under 4s (free).

Amazona Zoo is on Hall Road, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9JG.

Visit the education yurt to learn facts about the South American animals in residence. And don’t

For further information, call 01263 510741 or visit www.amazonazoo.co.uk

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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OFF THE WALL

KEEPING IT LOCAL Written by David Morris

Photographer David Morris mixes business with pleasure.

H

ave you noticed the pictures hanging in your local pub or restaurant lately? If you have, what did you think? “My pet monkey could paint better than that!” Or, perhaps you were pleasantly surprised, feeling the temptation to crowbar the moths out of your wallet. In other words, were you having the same reactions you would have had in an art gallery?

Rather than buy art to decorate their walls, pubs, hotels, cafés and restaurants have traditionally relied on the great queue of painters and photographers keen to show their work in a public space for free, the incentive being they may make a sale. But, flogging art in a food and drink environment has always been considered a bit suspect.

People are out for a meal and a bit of a laugh; they didn’t plan on buying anything other than another round of drinks. So, the artwork either sells slowly or not at all, but times may be a-changing.

‘Artist in Residence’ or, in my case, ‘Photographer in Residence’ may be a better way to go. Perhaps it’s time both sides got

a bit more serious about what they are doing. Artists shouldn’t passively accept they are just part of the décor, but try to excite interest, even court controversy, and proprietors should get behind their artists, because it’s actually in their own interests.

As my friendly local, I was Photographer in Residence at The Red Lion in Cromer long before I ever won the official title! Jo and Callum, who run the hotel, were not only enthusiastic about my work – they bought it for themselves. When they asked me to have a permanent, rotating exhibition of photography in their lounge, I wasn’t expecting much more than a place to park my work between exhibitions.

But, Jo and Callum were way ahead of me in their thinking. They not only arranged lighting to show off my work at its best, but they encouraged me to display more experimental photographs. ‘The girl who danced into an aquarium’ is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it does create conversation and divide opinion, and what better place to hear a frank exchange of views than your local?

Equally challenging is a photograph of Paul, one of the Cromer fishermen. He has such a disturbing stare that the girls serving at the bar asked me to move him out of their eye-line.

Who would want to buy a huge black and white image of some mean-looking bloke they don’t know? Well, seven people to date, as it happens. I was shocked, but this photograph helped raise my profile.

I make a point of putting the stories behind the photographs next to the images. Jo said visitors have gone around the whole room, reading them then talking about what they’ve seen with the bar staff. When I was asked to put work into the dining room, I was a little less enthusiastic. It felt like a bit too much overexposure in one spot. But, Jo loves my Barlife work – a study of places where people and alcohol mix – and was very keen to have it on permanent show. Then she surprised me by agreeing to have the photographs produced as acrylic images. This is an expensive process, but sets the work off beautifully with its stunning depth of colour. After that show of confidence, any further dithering on my part was out of the question. So, next time you are in Cromer, do pop in for a drink and judge for yourself.

“ARTISTS SHOULDN’T PASSIVELY ACCEPT THEY ARE JUST PART OF THE DÉCOR, BUT TRY TO EXCITE INTEREST, EVEN COURT CONTROVERSY, AND PROPRIETORS SHOULD GET BEHIND THEIR ARTISTS, BECAUSE IT’S ACTUALLY IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS”

Sea horses

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Shutters France

Competing with food and drink

Explain your work and engage people

And Frankenstein looks on

Paul and Jo and Calum

Jo and The Red Lion staff

You can view more of David’s work at www.davidmorrisphotographer.com

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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3 OF THE BEST

PRIVATE DINING Ever thought of hiring a professional catering company? We present three of Norfolk’s finest.

Owsley-Brown Catering Co

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OWSLEY-BROWN CATERING COMPANY

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n outside catering company with a difference, OwsleyBrown strives for the highest standard of food at reasonable prices, taking pride in making everything from scratch using only the best regional ingredients. Matthew and Caroline Owsley-Brown have many years of experience in hospitality and know how important it is to have a team of enthusiastic people working hard to make your day or event extra-special. Designing a menu to suit your every need, be it a wedding, dinner party, birthday celebration or corporate event, leave it in Owsley-Brown’s capable hands to ensure a uniquely memorable, stress-free experience. Matthew and Caroline previously owned much-loved seafood restaurant, Fishes in Burnham Market, before setting up their outside catering business, as well as running cooking workshops and hosting monthly pop-up restaurants in a giant tipi in their paddock.

Catering for events in and around Norfolk.

Tel: 01553 840190. www.owsley-brown.com Prices on request.

SOCIUS

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odern British cooking with an international twist, Socius started as a concept to bring food and people together in an informal, relaxed environment whilst delivering amazing food, drinks and service. Bringing the Socius ethos to homes and venues across Norwich, the team of highly talented chefs, event managers, waiting staff and cocktail bartenders will arrive with everything they need, leaving you to enjoy the evening with your guests. Whatever the occasion, bespoke food and drinks menus can be created to fit your exact requirements, whether it’s the renowned small plates and cocktails, or a full seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing that you crave. So, if you have a dinner party, shoot dinner, birthday celebration or anniversary lunch to plan, get in touch with co-owners Natalie and Dan today.

Catering for events in Norwich, Norfolk.

Tel: 07969 355723 or 07808 643986. www.sociusnorwich.co.uk Prices on request.

PURPLE PLUM CATERING

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professional Norwich-based company specialising in locally sourced and produced food, Purple Plum provides exceptional catering for weddings, corporate events, light lunches, intimate dinners at home, or larger parties at outside venues. Delivering high quality food for every taste, there’s a huge selection of gluten, wheat and dairy free alternatives to suit every guest. With a passion for experimenting with different flavours from around the world, Purple Plum has launched a new Lebanese menu, as well as a wonderful Indian wedding menu and fantastic Scandi sharing menu. Founded by foodie Julia Martin, the team combines many years of experience and skills from all fields of the industry, with a food consultation service available to help you run your event, whatever the size or duration.

Catering for events in Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond.

Tel: 07957 162369 or 07884 254462. www.purpleplumcatering.co.uk Prices on request.

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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HARRY’S BLOG

SEASONAL RAMBLINGS Written by Harry Farrow @HarryFarrowChef

Chef Harry Farrow of The Anchor Inn, Morston and The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe is excited about the return of the mussel this autumn.

A

fter having spent time in France recently, gathering inspiration for our autumn/winter menus, it is always nice to come back home to Norfolk. After all, our home county is a haven for food lovers, with an abundance of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, packed full of flavour.

from Monday 30th October to Friday 10th November. A culinary celebration of our county’s vibrant restaurant scene, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy our special Norfolk Restaurant Week menu at unmissable weekday prices. No doubt the popular Brancaster mussels will be making an appearance!

For me, October is a wonderful time of the year, as it marks the return of the Brancaster mussel. Local fisherman Jon Brown provides both pubs with delicious juicy mussels. Jon has been involved in fishing and nature conservation for over 45 years in Brancaster Staithe, and he knows a thing or two about harvesting these little beauties. The classic dish of moules marinière, combining white wine, garlic, shallots, cream and parsley, is always a bestseller when it makes a comeback for the autumn. We have also had a good response from our Thai-style mussels, which are a favourite down at The Hero, while our Belgianstyle version, served with Woodforde’s Wherry and celery, has been a big hit too.

As soon as the weather starts to turn, I look forward to serving up hearty pub dishes made using traditional cuts of meat, such as Arthur Howell’s beef brisket or ox cheek, for instance. These cuts have experienced enduring popularity, mainly because when cooked well, they just melt in the mouth.

Popular choices for post-shoot dinners this November!

This year, The Anchor Inn and The Hero will be taking part in Norfolk Restaurant Week

What’s more, we’re already thinking ahead to our festive Christmas party season. If you’d like to plan a Christmas meal with us, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Plus, we are also taking bookings for our Anchors Away outside catering service for 2018. Ideal for weddings, private parties and corporate events, get in touch if you would like us to assist with your next special occasion.

“FOR ME, OCTOBER IS A WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, AS IT MARKS THE RETURN OF THE BRANCASTER MUSSEL” For further information on The Anchor Inn, call 01263 741392 or visit www.morstonanchor.co.uk For further information on The Hero, call 01328 738334 or visit www.theheroburnhamovery.co.uk

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The Anchor Inn is open from 9am until 11pm daily, serving food from 12-3pm and 6-9pm.

We serve high quality local fish, game, meats and vegetables, cooked to perfection.

01263 741392 www.morstonanchor.co.uk The Street, Morston, Norfolk NR25 7AA

We are hiring! Visit our website for details

CONTACTS Jon Brown Tel: 07775 728904. www.brantacruises.co.uk Woodforde’s Brewery Tel: 01603 720353. www.woodfordes.co.uk Norfolk Restaurant Week www.norfolkrestaurantweek.co.uk Arthur Howell Tel: 01328 710228. www.arthurhowell.com Anchors Away Tel: 01263 741392. www.morstonanchor.co.uk/anchorsaway To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

HOT STUFF Written by Richard Bainbridge

Richard Bainbridge, chef-proprietor of Benedicts in Norwich, shares his take on mushrooms on toast – with an added twist!

T

his is a beautifully simple dish that is classy and grown-up. It just sings autumn! The girolle might be a small mushroom, but it is certainly big on flavour, adding a peppery taste to this classic

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recipe. When combined with rich venison, it’s a winning flavour combination. This triedand-tested dish would work perfectly well as either a starter or main course at your next dinner party. office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

MUSHROOMS ON TOAST WITH ROASTED VENISON (SERVES 4)

INGREDIENTS 1 venison loin, trimmed and ready for roasting 50g salted butter 4 slices of sourdough 200g British girolles 1 small shallot, ďŹ nely chopped 10g flat-leaf parsley, chopped 30g 90% bitter dark chocolate Rapeseed oil for frying

METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°c.

Place a small frying pan onto a high heat. Lightly season the venison loin with salt. Once the pan is hot, add a splash of rapeseed oil and carefully place in the loin. Turn the venison loin round slowly until well-coloured all over.

This should take about 5 mins. Place in the oven for 8 mins, turning every 2 mins. Once cooked, remove and allow to rest for at least 10 mins before serving.

Place a frying pan on a medium heat and add the butter.

Once the butter is melted and starting to foam, add the sourdough and colour on both sides until golden. Season lightly with sea salt.

To advertise call 01953 456789

Place a small pan on a high heat and line with rapeseed oil. Add the girolles and season with a little salt. After about 2 mins, add the chopped shallots and parsley. Remove from the heat and strain on a kitchen towel. Check the seasoning and keep warm until ready to serve.

To serve, place the sourdough in the middle of the plate, add the girolles on top, and slice the venison and place it on top of the mushrooms. Just before serving, grate over the dark bitter chocolate.

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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PACKING TO MOVE

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n average, we move five or six times in our lifetime, and in between, we manage to accumulate quite a lot. When it comes to packing it all up, you may wish you were a minimalist!

Where to start? The loft, cupboards, or boxes of old photographs, children’s toys and holiday souvenirs? There are so many things that we all keep, especially clothes that will come back into fashion one day, or you may get into again.

On one occasion, I was contacted by a surveyor looking at a house we were marketing, to ask whether I was aware of a large pile of empty gin bottles in the attic.

I had, in fact, been offered a gin and tonic

on the many times I had visited the house.

The wife saved the bottles in the hope that her husband would never find them! With another very old cottage, the wife died, and the husband decided it was time for a sortout, as they had lived there for 50 years. His wife had kept every copy of her local paper, storing them in the spare room where the floor was beginning to bow.

In the 1970s, we had various shortages, and people began to hoard. I remember one house with a cupboard stocked full of sugar.

Shops had started rationing it to customers, and the owners were worried they may have to get used to tea without sugar.

Looking through things, it can transport you back to different times in your life. Why

didn’t you get round to sorting and labelling all those old photos? Nowadays, it is sad to think that history won’t be recorded in this way anymore, as photos are now stored on a phone or computer for a while, but rarely printed.

With 35 years of experience, Malcolm operates Norfolk Property Search.

For further information, call 07434 934 579, email malcolmduffey652@btinternet.com or visit www.norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk

COME TO THE NORFOLK PROPERTY EXPERTS Are you looking for a home in Norfolk and want to make it a reality? The Norfolk Property Search Team has over 35 years experience in the Norfolk Property Market.

If you are looking to purchase a property in Norfolk, we are the property experts on the ground.

Whether it is a dream beach holiday getaway, a village retreat or a family home, we can help you to find the perfect property.

Norfolk Property Search is committed to providing a professional, friendly and reliable service for people looking to search for: Town, Country and Coastal Property Cottages

Family Homes

Second Homes

Country Houses Barn Conversions

Buy-to-let Property Executive Rental Properties

Tel: 07434 934 579

Email: office@norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk Visit: www.norfolkpropertysearch.co.uk

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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EACH SUPPORT

HEROIC

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has launched a brand new event to raise vital funds for the charity.

Heroic, a 5km obstacle course, is for the brave and adventurous among us.

O

n Saturday 23rd September, participants will get muddy, wet and dirty as they take on obstacles at Old Buckenham in Norfolk. The event is for people aged 14 and above with individual entry costing £20.00. There is also a group price of £17.50 per person (minimum of 6 people).

Early bird prices are available and the charity is welcoming any additional sponsorship that participants are able to raise. Anyone raising over £100 in sponsorship will be entered into a special grand draw for some fantastic prizes.

Participants will be testing their strength and agility on obstacles such as tyre runs, a double sea saw, scrabble nets and many surprises along the way!

To register for Heroic, visit www.each.org.uk/heroic

Tal Williams, EACH Fundraiser said: “We are really excited about the first Heroic event for EACH. The day is guaranteed to be a challenge, but also good fun and great for spectators too.

“All funds raised will be to enable us to continue supporting local children and young people with a life-threatening condition, and their families. We are grateful to our headline sponsor Bateman Groundworks for their support.

“This is an ideal challenge for individuals or groups and company teams. We have already had a lot of interest for the event and spaces are limited.”

The charity is also looking for volunteers to help on the day so if a fitness challenge isn’t your thing, but maybe helping to sign in participants or hand out water is in your comfort zone, then please contact Tal on 01953 666767.

EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and supports their families. For both families accessing care and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. It costs the charity almost £6 million a year to deliver its services and all funds raised at this event will help.

AN UPDATE ON THE NOOK APPEAL

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oney raised will be used to build a new hospice – called the nook - on a five-acre woodland site in Framingham Earl, just south of Norwich.

It is necessary because EACH has outgrown its current hospice in Quidenham, which restricts the care staff can offer to families. Jane Campbell, EACH Service Manager, explains more: “Due to lack of space, I’ve had to convert the nurses station to an office for the physio and occupational therapist, and am currently planning the conversion of one of the bedrooms to an office for the symptom management team, a decision I have not taken lightly but one that is required to ensure professional and confidential delivery of care. Until we have more room at the nook, I continue to have to juggle rooms and decide what services we can offer.

“The new hospice is not simply about in-house care or bedrooms and play. We’ll be able to offer families improved facilities including residential accommodation,

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confidential counselling rooms and a hydrotherapy pool, plus large music and art studios.

“It will also provide us with the necessary hub for the delivery of services from a diverse staff team. This includes our increasingly popular child support, parent and bereavement groups, which currently take place off site at a cost and with considerable planning.

“Many years ago children stayed in hospital for months, but now they are surviving longer and being sent home on ventilators with tube feeding and requiring increasingly complex, technologically dependent care. This has increased demand for our highly skilled palliative care services and the nook will provide the vital central hub for Norfolk families who need our support.”

EACH is pleased to report that the nook appeal total has reached £6.3 million and wishes to thank all the individuals, charitable trusts and companies that have given gifts and pledges so far.

For more information about the nook appeal and how to support it, visit www.each.org.uk/the-nook.

office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

GREEN FINGERS

CATCHING THE LAST RAYS Sue Huckle of Posh Plants is embracing the final days of sunshine.

Written by Sue Huckle

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Still on the plant and glass theme, another recent addition to the Posh Plants online shop is this eye-catching Hanging Terrarium in glass. The simple organic shape comes with 70cm of thick natural hemp rope for hanging indoors, perhaps above a plant collection, or in a kitchen or bathroom window. Fill with succulents, ferns or cacti, depending on the position and the type of look you are trying to create.

ow lovely it has been to work outside under those big blue Norfolk skies. How liberating to enjoy a glass of something cold alfresco and then a snooze on the patio!

But the unpredictable British weather can never be relied upon, as happened the other weekend.

Just as the last dish was placed on the table, the heavens opened! Huddled close under a large parasol, my family and I kept surprisingly dry, as the rain drummed and dripped. Our spirits were not dampened, and the food was delicious.

In the nursery, the polytunnels are in the process of being emptied, swept and cleaned, ready for protecting the plants in the cooler months ahead. I may plant a crop of autumn/early winter chrysanths. I love the deep pinks and russets and, if I time it right, I could sell bunches at the festive fair at The Forum in late November. Better get planting!

Near our table outside, I have three rooftop mulberry trees. These have two metre long

stems with horizontal lush green growth. This gives dappled shade when needed, and also is a green ceiling on which are attached the gorgeous Festoon Lights. As the sun goes down, these create a festival-style atmosphere.

Each bulb has five copper wire LEDs inside, which give off a sparkle up in the foliage canopy.

For a standalone glass sculptural piece, this organic Wells Bubble Vase is crafted from 100% recycled glass. It looks lovely on a table with one or two stems of eucalyptus, the colour toning beautifully with the turquoise glass. Each piece has a soft hue, reminiscent of our lovely Norfolk coast, from where it takes its name.

So, whether you’re an outside or an inside sort of person, just take a moment to enjoy the last of the sunshine, paving the way for the autumn.

We should really count ourselves fortunate to be living in such a fine county!

Posh Plants is at Seven Acres Nursery, Common Road, East Tuddenham, Norfolk NR20 3NF. For further information, call 07703 347014 or visit www.poshplants.com

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COMPETITION!

A NATURE LOVER’S PARADISE Norfolk On My Mind has teamed up with Forest Park Wigwams to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a two-night glamping break for a family of four!

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ituated on the stunning North Norfolk coastline, Forest Park Wigwams is one of the county’s best-known holiday parks, located one mile east of the seaside town of Cromer, nestling among 100 acres of outstanding stunning Norfolk woodland and rolling countryside. Hilltop viewing points provide panoramic views out to sea and over the famous Royal Cromer Golf Club, with Overstrand’s beautiful beach just a short stroll away.

With 12 heated en-suite Running Water Deluxe Wigwam cabins, coupled with the holiday park’s fantastic facilities, Forest Park offers an unrivalled glamping experience in the heart of rural Norfolk. The cabins are spacious and

accommodate up to two adults and two children easily, providing plenty of room to relax and unwind. However you choose to spend your time, you’re sure to create some special holiday memories to treasure for years to come.

Forest Park includes an indoor swimming pool, on-site shop, the Foresters Club serving tasty food, an outdoor children’s play area, and even a laundrette should you need one! So, whatever your dream holiday, a Wigwam® glamping break is sure to tick the box.

To find out more about Forest Park Wigwams, call 01263 513290 or visit www.wigwamholidays.com/Cromer

ENTER THIS COMPETITION To enter, send your name, address and daytime telephone number on a postcard to: Norfolk On My Mind, Queens House, Queens Square, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2AE or email your details to: office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk Competition rules: 1) One winner will win a two-night glamping break for a family of up to two adults and two children at Forest Park, Cromer. Stay must be taken before 7th May 2018 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, half terms, Bank Holidays, all Easter Holidays). The Winner will be notified after the closing date of Thursday 30th November 2017. 2) There is no cash alternative, prize is nontransferable, non-refundable, and subject to availability and booking restrictions. Once the date is booked it cannot be altered. 3) Open to residents in the UK aged 21 or over; employees of Norfolk On My Mind and the TA Hotel Collection and their agencies are not eligible for entry. 4) Only one entry per person.

5) The Editor’s decision is final. 6) Winner will be selected at random from entries received before the competition closes. 7) Correspondence may be entered into unless marked ‘no offers’.

8) Please note Forest Park Wigwams are closed from January to mid-March each year.

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TRAVEL GUIDE

WEEKEND BREAKS Uncover the charms of the nearby counties of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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HOTEL FELIX Whitehouse Lane, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0LX. Tel: 01223 277977. www.hotelfelix.co.uk One night’s stay starts from £190 (B&B basis with free parking and Wi-Fi).

For further information or seasonal discounts and packages, visit the website.

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riginally built in 1852 for an Addenbrooke’s surgeon, Hotel Felix boasts traditional Victorian architecture with a twist of contemporary design, and is the idyllic resting place for business, leisure and day guests. An independent luxury four-star boutique hotel on the outskirts of Cambridge, it is conveniently located for sightseers, set in its own attractive leafy grounds, just one mile from the city centre.

Offering a breath of fresh air, it is somewhere you can relax and will immediately feel at home.

All of the well-appointed bedrooms are comfortable and spacious, making them the perfect place to unwind. The fabulous penthouse suite and three king rooms are situated in the Victorian mansion, while the remaining rooms are located in the more modern east and west wings. Expect beds that feel like sleeping on clouds, fine Egyptian cotton sheets, indulgent White Company toiletries, and fresh milk in the fridges for that early morning cup of tea. Plush soft furnishings and a lovingly styled décor ensure a stunning setting for some dedicated me-time. For the ultimate luxury, why not treat yourself to an in-room treatment? You can choose from a variety of beauty therapies including massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. Go on… Spoil yourself!

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Not only does Hotel Felix offer a stylish and characterful alternative to the ordinary, but its award-winning Graffiti restaurant is a mustvisit. Inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients, the team of talented chefs has created a selection of well-presented, delicious dishes that combine local flavours with impressive technical skill. With its bright colour palette, stylish design and pretty views over the gardens, Graffiti is the ideal spot for pre-dinner cocktails, or alfresco dining when the sun shines. On a cooler day, the open fire in the middle of the restaurant guarantees a cosy and intimate atmosphere for diners, ideal for a romantic meal for two. It’s sure to impress your dinner date!

Make the most of the last of the sunshine with a Champagne afternoon tea on the garden terrace, which is adorned with sweet-smelling wisteria. Or, perhaps you’d prefer the comfort of the light and airy orangery? Complete with cosy sofas, contemporary artwork and its own bar, what better spot for an informal business meeting or impromptu catch-up with friends?

So, whatever the nature of your trip, Hotel Felix has got it covered, and being dog-friendly, all your family members can escape for this much-needed break! office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

BELTON WOODS HOTEL Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2LN. Tel: 01476 593200. www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/belton-woods A one-night spa break costs from £80 per person.Visit the website for special offers.

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et in 475 acres of stunning Lincolnshire countryside, Belton Woods in Grantham offers the ultimate retreat for a relaxing short break, with the welcome addition of a gorgeous spa to guarantee some allessential R&R. Get away from it all thanks to the hotel’s tranquil surroundings, and be sure to pay a visit to its pièce de résistance, the hotel spa, to ensure you will leave feeling instantly reenergised. Let the weight lift from your shoulders the moment you step inside!

Complete with heated indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and steam room, sit back and unwind as your worries are soothed away. And don’t forget to book yourself in for a heavenly spa treatment, from a luxurious ESPA facial, to a deeply relaxing massage therapy... Pure bliss!

If you’re an adventure seeker, there are plenty of fun-filled activities in close proximity to keep everyone entertained, from a spot of quadbiking or archery, to a round of croquet, or simply a walk in the woods. And then there’s the golf. Belton Woods is a golfer’s paradise! A PGA championship approved venue no less, there’s nothing quite like that final chip over the water to the 18th hole for the perfect finish.

With three challenging courses to play, you won’t find anything like it in the whole of the East Midlands.

To advertise call 01953 456789

Having worked up an appetite, you’ll be keen to discover the hotel restaurant. At Belton Woods, the food philosophy is simple, from the lightest lunchtime bite in the Claret Jug bar, to the mouth-watering home-cooked cuisine of Stantons Brasserie, where only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients will do. Enjoy the classic British dishes of the à la carte menu, or tuck into the brasserie’s legendary carvery dinner, which offers a choice of roast meats, fish dishes and vegetarian options, served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes. If you have room for something sweet, satisfy your sugar cravings thanks to the fabulous selection of scrumptious desserts and hot puddings.

As for the bedrooms, they offer everything you could need for the most peaceful of stays. Go for a classic room with a golf course view, or a decadent suite with en suite marble bathroom! All the rooms are beautifully furnished with exquisite little details to make you feel most welcome.

What’s more, the beds are so cosy that if you fancy a lie-in, room service will be happy to bring you breakfast in bed.

Combining the finest of food, sumptuous rooms and activities for all the family, Belton Woods promises to make your visit one to remember...

The perfect destination to recharge those batteries! www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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WEDDING PLANNING

TO THE HAPPY COUPLE! Written by Liddy Goodrum @littlehorsebox

Liddy Goodrum, owner of The Little Horse Box mobile wine bar, says your wedding drinks should be at the top of your to-do list.

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lanning a wedding is all about the details. These days, there is so much inspiration that, if you are anything like me, you can spend hours on Pinterest.

Wedding drink trends have moved beyond bucks fizz and Champagne. There’s nothing wrong with these traditional options – in fact, I quite like them – but there’s so much fun to be had when organising your beverages. Our most popular wedding drinks package is our bespoke option, where couples can choose from our wine list, fill the horse box with their favourite tipples, or they might like to come up with their own signature wedding cocktails. The choices are endless, but where do you start?

A good starting point would be to consider your theme and colour schemes. For a vintage wedding, why not include some vintage cocktails? There are some old recipes online just waiting to be tried and tested! Or, speak with older family members about drinks of their era. Mismatched glassware will also

complement a vintage theme – the more higgledy-piggledy, the better!

When it comes to colour, you can find drinks to match every shade of the rainbow. Whether your bridesmaids are dressed in red, pink or blue, having a cocktail that enhances your colour scheme will provide a great talking point for guests.

It’s also important to consider the month in which you are getting married. What will the weather be doing? For a spring wedding, an elegant wedding punch will refresh the palette, while a summery and light raspberry limoncello prosecco will work well for an August wedding. Planning an autumnal gathering? How about setting up an apple cider bar? Whin Hill Cider is located in the beautiful seaside town of Wells, producing exquisite cider that your guests will adore. As for a winter wedding, mulled wine springs to mind. Broadland Wineries offer a Chocolate Drop mulled wine – an imaginative blend of red wine and luxurious dark chocolate flavours. Perfect for chocoholics! After all, the drinks you serve on your big day have to reflect your own individual preferences.

The way you serve them offers another fun way to express your personality. I love using an old wheelbarrow filled with beers. It acts as such a statement and is sure to please the avid beer drinker!

“OUR COUNTY IS BURSTING WITH BEAUTIFUL BOOZY OFFERINGS THAT ARE SURE TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS, FROM DELICIOUS GINS TO REAL ALES” 44

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If, like me, you prefer to shop local, why not see what Norfolk has to offer drinks-wise? Our county is bursting with beautiful boozy offerings that are sure to impress your guests, from delicious gins to real ales. And if your roots don’t lie in Norfolk, how about sourcing some beers from your old home town? There are so many ways to make your drinks meaningful. Perhaps you have a tipple that reminds you of a much-loved holiday, or a toast you made when you and your loved one first met?

Planning your drinks does not have to be complicated – it could be as simple as putting your own twist on a classic cocktail. The main thing is to choose something you will love, and to enjoy your special day. Cheers!

For further information on The Little Horse Box, call 01362 420491 or visit www.thelittlehorsebox.co.uk

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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STYLE FILE

COLOUR PERFECTION Written by Sarah Morgan @SarahLoisRelove

Hue Midi Tie Back dress, £79.50, at Oliver Bonas

To advertise call 01953 456789

In the fashion world, colours come and go.

But one might just change the world, says personal stylist Sarah Morgan.

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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“DARK BRUNETTES WILL DAZZLE IN BRIGHT TURQUOISE, WHILE LIGHT BRUNETTES AND REDHEADS SUIT TEAL AND PEACOCK”

Teal Cigarette trouser, £35, at Wallis

Alicia Green Velvet jacket, £79, at Monsoon

Linen oversized shirt, £75, at East

turquoise A word that covers a myriad of blue-greens, from teal to petrol, from duck egg to aqua.

Emily Broderie Jersey tee, £35, at White Stuff

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office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

‘IS THERE A COLOUR THAT SUITS EVERYONE?’

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t’s a question I’m asked often, and of the handful that are universally flattering, one is about to get trendy.

And without getting la-la, I think it’s a colour the world truly needs.

It’s a colour that speaks of serenity, peace and friendship, and the certainty of nature’s cycles. Safe, expansive, creative and calm.

It’s reminiscent of warm seas, shady foliage and glossy feathers. It’s often voted as the world’s favourite colour and works equally well for holidays, interviews, weddings and popping to the supermarket.

It’s created by mixing warm and cool colours, so flatters most skin, eye and hair tones. Healers use it to balance emotions, and in Feng shui, it’s aligned with creatively and flow.

And this season, it’s bang on trend!

So, what is this super-cool colour?

Well, it’s turquoise, a word that covers a myriad of blue-greens, from teal to petrol, from duck egg to aqua.

It plugs that seasonal hiatus – deep enough to speak of autumn, light enough to keep summer alive.

If your eyes are blue or green, it’ll make them sparkle like gemstones. If your hair is golden blonde or auburn, it’ll bring out warm highlights.

Dark brunettes will dazzle in bright turquoise, while light brunettes and redheads suit teal and peacock. Golden blondes glow in aqua, cool blondes smoulder in soft teal and duck egg. If you’re grey, clearer shades work best.

What we wear sends out a message. And what we send out, we get back in spades.

So, if you want to add some serenity, clarity and creativity into your life, be sure to embrace turquoise this season.

Sarah Morgan is a personal stylist and owner of Lois Reloved boutique dress agency.

For further information, call 07919 608692 or visit www.sarah-morgan.co.uk

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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THEATRE TIME

“TAKING ON CRAZY FOR YOU WAS A NOBRAINER FOR ME. IT IS ABSOLUTELY MY FAVOURITE MUSICAL” Tom Chambers

Tom Chambers as ‘Bobby’.

Photo by Richard Davenport

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office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

GLORIOUS GERSHWIN Written by John Bultitude

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Tom Chambers is fulfilling a teenage dream by starring in Crazy For You, coming soon to Norwich Theatre Royal. John Bultitude finds out more.

y the time the curtain came down on a production of Crazy For You in the early nineties, a 15 year-old Tom Chambers knew his heart lay in performing. He recalled, “It was the very first live musical I ever saw on stage and it just filled me with so much wonder. It was amazing to see what they did with the theatre space and how the story was told.”

And in a career that has featured a number of crazy twists of fate, as well as some fantastic roles, Tom is relishing the chance to recapture that teenage dream in playing the lead role of Bobby, a banker sent to close down a failing theatre who falls for the daughter of the building’s proprietor. Determined to win her heart, he adopts the guise of a Hungarian impresario in order to save the theatre. An all-singing-all-dancing story set to a Gershwin soundtrack, it features the likes of They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Bidin’ My Time and, of course, I’ve Got Rhythm.

It was a school play that saw Tom tread the boards for the first time. He said, “I was playing football during a school break and the English teacher, who was directing the play, said no one had auditioned for it, so there was a compulsory three o’clock audition. I ended up getting the title role in Dracula Spectacular.”

Drama school followed, which included a stint understudying Keith Chegwin in the pantomime, Cinderella, at Basingstoke. Tom laughed, “I thought I was going to get nonstop work!” But things did not quite work out like that. He had to turn down a role in The Bill because they needed an HGV driver, and when he said no to a role in the arena tour of Bob The Builder, his agent fired him, leaving him in a quandary about what to do next.

It was the part of Sam Strachan in BBC hit show Casualty that catapulted him to stardom, staying in the role for three years as the fiercely driven doctor who also had a bit of a roving eye. And it was this role that To advertise call 01953 456789

And now Crazy For You is set to take up the rest of his year. Tom added, “Taking on Crazy For You was a no-brainer for me. It is absolutely my favourite musical. I think it has the perfect balance of humour, story and singing. There are so many musicals that are heavy on just one element, but this show has the perfect combination of everything.” led him into Strictly Come Dancing where he partnered Camilla Dallerup, winning the coveted glitterball trophy. Looking back on his time on Strictly, Tom admits a lot of it is a blur. “People ask if I can do a quickstep or a samba. I have to explain that I had a five-day intense work-out on each of those routines. It is such a quick short-term memory injection. If I watch anything online of one of our dances, I am looking at it as if I am watching someone else. At the time, you are performing, your brain is just in flight mode.”

After a run in White Christmas opposite Aled Jones, Tom won the part of Jerry Travers in Top Hat, which helped make him a mustsee stage performer. He says the show was a steep learning curve for him, particularly in the early days. During those first weeks, he became ill and realised his diet needed a complete overhaul in order to cope with the demands of such an energetic production, with so many dance routines and songs to perform.

But, the hard work was worth it, and the show became a huge success. Since then, Tom has become a sought-after theatre performer, although he reprised the role of Sam Strachan for Casualty prior to the Crazy For You tour.

He said, “I loved going back to the show.

When I played the part originally, I knew if I wasn’t careful, I would want to stay for ever, as it was a great part with great people. I needed to branch out and fulfil other ambitions, and do a lead role in a musical. Sam is a bit of a rogue as a character and he is fun to play. It is like stepping back into your favourite pair of shoes.”

So, how does Tom feel about going on tour?

He said, “Touring is great. You get to see places that you would not normally go to. I always love being anywhere near water, or being near the sea.”

Caroline Flack

And as a big fan of the music of Gershwin, Tom is in performing heaven. “After seeing Crazy For You as a teenager, I went and bought the original score. I used to have a singing lesson once a week at school, and it would be my favourite lesson. When I was at drama school, they used to ask me to stop singing Gershwin! I love Cole Porter as well, but Gershwin has that sex appeal and a bit more pizazz.”

To end with the words of his musical idol, Nice Work If You Can Get It! Crazy For You is at Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday 31st October to Saturday 4th November. For further information, call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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Lowestoft Town Football Club has announced its first ever stadium sponsor.

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owestoft Town Football Club is delighted to announce an agreement with Amber Dew Events Limited, who will become the club’s first ever stadium naming rights partner.

The Trawlerboys home, Crown Meadow, will now be called The Amber Dew Events Stadium, after a two-year deal with the company was agreed.

The initial term will be until the summer of 2019, with the Trawlerboys officially playing their first game under the Amber Dew Events brand against Norwich City on 8th July for their first major pre-season friendly.

The agreement will also see the Amber Dew Events name and branding prominently visible, both internally and externally at the stadium, along with our digital media.

Amber Dew Events Limited, who were formed in November 2015 and based in Norwich, are a dynamic event management company, providing event promotion and organisation primarily across the sporting spectrum, as well as delivering bespoke tournaments, events and unique experiences for corporate, sports fanatics, enthusiasts, amateurs and novices across Norfolk, East Anglia and the UK. Featuring a range of sports including darts, snooker, cycling, white water rafting, rowing, beach volleyball, formula one, football, boxing and athletics, they create professional sporting events, designed to engage their audience, challenge competitors and, most of all, inspire all who take part.

Anything from tournaments, corporate entertaining and fundraising, to individual pursuits, challenges and team building, they can work with you to create a truly exclusive and inspirational event. With their professional connections and contacts in the world of

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“ON BEHALF OF AMBER DEW EVENTS LTD, I AM PERSONALLY DELIGHTED AND EXTREMELY EXCITED ABOUT ENTERING INTO A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH LOWESTOFT TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB” Lord Russell Baker, Managing Director and Founder of Amber Dew Events Ltd

office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

sport, Amber Dew Events also offer unique opportunities to include sporting legends, medallists, Olympians and icons at your event, providing a perfect opportunity for corporate organisations, clubs and individuals.

and the drive and ambition within the club is very evident with all involved. A good run in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy tournaments would provide great exposure to both the football club and Amber Dew Events brands as both national cup tournaments, and provide additional TV, radio, news editorials and other media coverage. Amber Dew Events are looking forward to working closely with Lowestoft Town Football Club, and as two sporting businesses, we are sure this partnership is well-aligned, providing a mutual platform to further enhance the success and ambitions of both the football club and Amber Dew Events.”

LTFC Commercial Manager, Sam Hossack, said, “This is undoubtedly a ground-breaking agreement for Lowestoft Town Football Club, and one that we are all absolutely thrilled about. We look forward to welcoming Amber Dew Events as our stadium naming rights partner.”

“This is a deal we have worked hard towards on both sides for a number of weeks. After initially speaking with Lord Russell Baker in regards to hosting an Amber Dew Event here at the football club last year, we stayed in touch. This was an opportunity that he was very interested in, and after a few weeks of talks, we came to a mutual agreement, an agreement that we are very excited about.’ ’ Lord Russell Baker, Managing Director and Founder of Amber Dew Events Ltd, said,

“On behalf of Amber Dew Events Ltd, I am personally delighted and extremely excited about entering into a partnership agreement with Lowestoft Town Football Club. The new ground name, The Amber Dew Events Stadium, presents an exciting opportunity to raise the Amber Dew Events brand in East Anglia and beyond. Lowestoft Town Football Club aims to regain their national league status,

Lowestoft originally played at the Crown Meadow Athletics Ground, which shared part of the same site as the modern Crown Meadow. In 1889, they moved to a ground in North Denes, but returned to the new Crown Meadow in 1894. It was opened with a match against Lowestoft Harriers on 22nd September 1894. And for the first time in its rich history, the club has found its first ever stadium sponsor, now named The Amber Dew Events Stadium.

Congratulations!

Photo by Shirley D Whitlow

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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IN CLOSING

INSIDER’S GUIDE Lucy Downing, Brand Manager at Norfolk Country Cottages, is a Norfolk girl through and through.

Where is home for you?

A. A converted barn in the middle of fields in Norfolk, with views over lush countryside, and the coast isn’t too far away. My décor choices are heavily influenced by Finish and Danish design. You’ll also find art and ceramics by local makers, and a fridge full of locally-produced treats – a result of my passion for all things Norfolk.

Q. Have you always had a keen interest in property?

A. Yes, as far back as I can remember, I have created storyboards for interiors. I have also always had a passion for architecture – from church vernaculars to grand stately homes, from brutalist minimalism to Dutch-gabled cottages. I am the sort of person who can book a holiday based on the property, and not the location.

Q. Do Norfolk Country Cottages have properties across the whole of the county?

A. Yes, we have a portfolio of more than 480 properties throughout Norfolk. The properties range from rural barn conversions and impressive manor houses, to cosy fishermen cottages and quirky railway carriages. Visitors can stay on the coast, by the water on the Norfolk Broads, or in a contemporary abode in the cosmopolitan city of Norwich.

Q. What’s your idea of the perfect Norfolk holiday?

A. That is difficult! I would have to opt for a retreat up on the Norfolk coastline, big enough for my family, and one that would happily

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“WHEN I’M NOT FERRYING MY CHILDREN AROUND, I LIKE TO ESCAPE TO THE COAST OR TO ONE OF NORFOLK’S IMPRESSIVE STATELY HOMES FOR A LONG WALK” welcome my collie, Tilly. Location-wise, I would choose somewhere quaint, such as Brancaster Staithe or Holme-next-the-Sea. My days would be filled with long, coastal walks, sea-swimming, greedy breakfasts from Thornham Deli, lunches at Eric’s Fish and Chips, and suppers of local shellfish at The White Horse.

Q. How do you like to spend your free time?

A. When I’m not ferrying my children around, I like to escape to the coast or to one of Norfolk’s impressive stately homes for a long walk. You can also find me at the Creake Abbey farmers’ market or Walsingham Farm Shops, stocking up on local goodies.

Q. Do you have a favourite spot on the coast?

A. As a family, you’ll often find us up at Morston catching a boat trip to see the seals, walking at Holkham beach, or around the lake at Blickling Hall. Anywhere where the vista is beautiful and the atmosphere is calm.

Q. Eat in or dine out?

A. Both! As a wife and mum of two, eating in is more the norm nowadays – but always freshly prepared and made using locally-sourced ingredients. When eating out, I’d recommend The Victoria Inn at Holkham, The Ingham Swan and, as mentioned above, The White Horse at Brancaster.

Q. What do you love most about our county?

A. Above all, the inspiration that Norfolk’s coast and countryside seems to give its people, whether that’s in terms of locally-produced food and drink, or the vibrant cultural and arts scene. It also has a rich heritage, with magnificent historic buildings like Houghton Hall and Norwich Castle.

For further information on Norfolk Country Cottages, call 01263 715 779or visit www.norfolkcottages.co.uk office@norfolkonmymind.co.uk

To advertise call 01953 456789

www.norfolkonmymind.co.uk

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