Village People Norfolk / Suffolk border edition – August & September 19 (Late Summer)

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

Norfolk/Suffolk border edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

THE SECRETS of foot reading

PRIMADONNA DONNA Festival

Waveney Valley

Sculpture l Trail

WIN

£100 M VOUC &S HER

Scrapbox, a creative way to repurpose waste Ladies who Lunch go to prison!

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Contents

14

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

Out & About

43 The Garden Enclosure

8

44 On your plot - late summer

Jottings

Good news from our region

14 Waveney Valley Sculpture

beauty

Trail

47 Delicious recipe for vegan

18 Music and song in

rose & lemon cake

Rickinghall

48 Storytelling through

20 Walking for health, a

illustration

selection of local group walks

55 What’s in season - produce

76 South Lopham stores

58 Canine communication with Julia Collins

23 Primadonna literary festival 25 Banter in the saleroom stories from our region

27 WIN £100 M&S voucher 28 Poetry Corner - Dick Gibson from Frenze near Scole

musical trailblazer

73 Women’s pension campaign

57 Gospel from The Saints

Home & Garden

workshops in Norwich

75 Refreshing Waters, being a

51 Memories of Eye for August and September

68

71 ‘Dare to Dream’ craft

60 Village notice board 62 Book review from Bungay library

65 The timeless story of Romeo & Juliet at Theatre Royal Norwich

77 Fashion - be bold this summer

Jobs, Money & Business 79 Smart money secrets insurance switch and save

81 Home hacks - apple cider vinegar

83 Regional reads - what we are loving this issue

Shopping, Health & Beauty

84 Find a local business or

67 Focus on sunscreen

86 Exercise your brain cells with

68 The secrets of foot reading

service in our directory our crossword

32 On the verge with Norfolk Wildlife Trust

31 Falcon Meadow welcomes Greater Bungay Dog Show

35 Charity Scrapbox on repurposing waste for arts and craft

36 Ladies who lunch visit Café Britannia in Norwich

39 History in our region - The Old Guildhall, Laxfield

41 Bungay Bitesize - wings for victory week

23

Are you looking for a particular product or service?

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Welcome W

We’rre surrounded by helpful people in Norfolk N and Suffolk – improvers, listteners, fixers, advisers, solvers, grrowers, beautifiers and The VP drea healers.

Turn to the back of the h m team! magazine and you’ll find lots of local m ocal businesses offering their help to people just like you. b

would you spend a £100 M&S voucher on? Our Bella the Beagle What w etition returns, offering you the chance to be in the draw. Simply compe find a mini version of our ‘pet’ on one of the pages in this magazine, visit www.village-people.info and follow the links to the competition page.

WIN £100 M&S VOUCHER

As usual we have some fantastic bespoke content in the new magazine, with a very interesting article on foot reading, by Jane Sheehan. I’ve had my feet read by Jane and could not believe the truths she told me about myself. She’s on tour in Norwich in July, so find out more in the article.

ADVERTISE WITH US! Reliably delivered by Royal Mail, reaching 60,000 homes every two months. Four editions of Village People provide unrivalled coverage of South Norfolk, reaching more homes than ANY other local magazine. For more information, call our friendly team on 01284 788623 or send an email to editor@village-people.info

Read all our magazines issuu.com/villagepeoplemag

Norfolk/Suffolk border edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Waveney Valley

PRIMAD DONNA ONNA Festival

I love receiving emails from you with news of local stories or ideas for features, so keep them coming please.

Enjoy your summer, folks, and I’ll be back at the end of September with another action-packed local magazine just for you!

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

Bungay & Harleston edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

THE SECRETS of foot reading

Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail

Sculpt l ure Trail

PRIMADONNA FESTIVAL

WIN

£100 VOUCM&S HER

Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail

PRIMAD DONNA Festival

WIN

£100 VOUCM&S HER

October / November (Autumn issue) 28 August South Norfolk edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

THE SECRETS of foot reading

WIN

&S £100 MHER VOUC

Bella agle the Be

NEXT DEADLINE

Lily Goulder editor@village-people.info 01284 788623

Visit our website to find out more www.village-people.info

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

Our Ladies who Lunch took a trip to Norwich and visited the prison, read more ‘inside’, and I’m loving the bold and bright fashion, so I think I’ll take a trip to Norwich to add some zing to my wardrobe.

Lily

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @vpmagazine

THE SECRETS of foot reading

This late summer issue is full of art trails, festivals, village fetes and much more. In addition to our packed Village Notice Board pages, hop onto our website to see the full list, as space is limited in the magazine.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

South Norwich edition

COMMUNITY / LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

WAVENEY VALLEY

Sculpture S l t Trail T il

Primadonna Festival THE SECRETS of foot reading

WIN

&S £100 MHER VOUC

WINNER of five National Publishing Awards 7

Good News from our region

JODY IS GOLDEN! Harleston garden designer Jody Lidgard has scooped a gold medal at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show with his design for The Montessori Centenary Children’s Garden, in the ‘Space to Grow’ category.

Jody’s colourful, child-led and future-driven design showcases a split-level engaging space to nurture children, teaching them about the natural world via futuristic technology. The design features a sunken Victorian greenhouse set among living, edible walls, inspired by the Walipini designs. It leads onto a second space, which showcases hydroponic technology to allow children to grow micro

vegetables and salad leaves.

Jody said: “I have designed many show gardens across the UK, but my Chelsea design debut has been something else!

Getting a gold medal is a real honour and it does the Montessori movement proud too. This is a garden with a strong message and I’m glad the judges appreciated the Montessori approach to education, which encourages children to discover the world around them.”

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Good News

DAISY TAKES UP THE REINS A former Saturday girl at Darrow Farm Equestrian Supplies and Fishing Tackle, just outside Diss, has taken over the long-running business and is expanding the range of products available to customers.

Daisy Bundock, 18, has just completed her A Levels at Diss High School and, rather than going straight on to university, she has decided to become a businesswoman and relaunch the shop as Darrow Farm, Pet and Equestrian Ltd.

CRAFTS

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Daisy said: “The ethos of the shop will remain, and regular customers can rest assured that they will still be able to get their usual items.

However, I’d like to build the business up to incorporate a more comprehensive range of products, from country clothing, saddlery and tack, pet feed, farm supplies and livestock feed, bedding and equipment. In time, I hope Darrow will become a onestop-shop for smallholders, pet owners, and equestrians.

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Good News

SWEET AWARD FOR LOCAL DIABETES GROUP The dedicated and tireless work of The Diabetes UK Wymondham group has been recognised with an Inspire Award from the charity. The group has been running for nearly four years and is committed to raising awareness and understanding of the condition.

Last year the group joined forces with a local residential home and began regular peer support meetings to help residents who live with diabetes.

They also offer advice and share information with carers at the home.

Tony Finon, who collected the award on behalf of the group, said: “I want to thank the committee members for the many hours spent behind the scenes organising and supporting the group’s activities. And a very big thank you to all our guest speakers and members of the public who attend our regular meetings at Fairland Church and Ogden Close in Wymondham. This award is for all of you.

Well done!” For more information on the group go to www.wymondham.diabetesukgroup.org

Tony (right) receives the award from Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands and East Regional Head.

NOR-CON IS ON! NOR-CON, Norfolk’s very own TV, film and comic con (comic convention) returns to the Norfolk Showground on 28 and 29 September for its ninth annual event.

Among the line-up of celebrity guests are Torchwood and Keeping Faith star Eve Myles, Kai Owen (Torchwood), Doctor Who actors Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, plus Red Dwarf stars Chris Barrie and Hattie Hayridge.

Photo opportunities throughout the weekend include the chance to pose with some of film and TV’s most recognisable vehicles, including the Back to the Future DeLorean, KITT from Knight Rider, the A-Team van (complete with a Mr T lookalike) and a fan-built replica of the Blade Runner flying car, known as the Spinner. NORCON also includes the Artist Alley, where some of the most talented comic book artists will be appearing and sketching live.

A wonderful new addition to the Harleston high street.

Mrs Clarke’s brings an eclectic mix of stylish homeware, gifts and interior furnishings.

Plus gourmet coffee bar with locally sourced eats.

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We look forward to seeing you!

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(Past Browne’s the Butchers)

Good News

MOORE INSPIRATION AT HOUGHTON HALL Visitors to Houghton Hall this summer will be treated to two fabulous exhibitions; a show of Henry Moore’s inspiring works, and the FESTIVAL exhibition by Norfolk by Design. Both are taking place until 29 September.

Henry Moore NATURE AND INSPIRATION is a landmark exhibition, as there hasn’t been a significant display of his work in this part of the country for many years. Several of Moore’s sculptures will be installed in the beautiful park and gardens at Houghton Hall, including his large

bronzes, with smaller works and drawings displayed inside the house.

Running alongside is Norfolk by Design’s third pop-up exhibition of art and objects by artists and makers from Norfolk and East Anglia. The exhibition will celebrate and respond to the work of 20th century icon Henry Moore. There will be 26 artists and makers exhibiting their work, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, printmaking, furniture and decorative design.

For more details go to houghtonhall.com

IF YOU HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS TO SHARE EMAIL US AT editor@village-people.info

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Enjoy convenient return travel to London’s spectacular Christmas destination as Winter Wonderland returns to light up Hyde Park with wintertime festivities.

Lincoln is the perfect place to visit over the festive period. Experience cultural entertainment and stroll around over 250 stalls at the traditional Christmas Market.

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Highlands in Late Summer – 7 days Guernsey by Air – 8 days Discover the Isle of Wight – 6 days Ireland – Rails, Coasts & Secret Gardens – 6 days Cornish Getaway – 6 days Lancashire’s Highlights – 4 days Autumn Colours in the Lake District – 5 days Christmas Party in Bournemouth – 5 days Devon Turkey & Tinsel – 5 days Bath Christmas Market – 4 days Bruges Christmas Market – 4 days Christmas on the Rhine – 5 days Christmas Mystery – 5 days Festive Christmas in Rochdale – 5 days

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Burglars are ready to strike WHILE YOU LAZE IN THE SUN

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ow’s the time to enjoy those sunny days – but don’t let an opportunist burglar in at your expense.

A local security company is advising not to become complacent during the warm summer months and to act now to prevent your home being burgled.

House break-ins rise during the summer as many of us become understandably lax with our home’s security and open windows and doors to let heat escape from our houses.

A thief will often strike when we are enjoying a barbecue in our back gardens and plunder our home of valuables.

Malthouse Security says it is surprising how many people will ‘‘pop out to the local shop’’ leaving doors and windows open. ‘‘It only takes minutes for a thief to walk into your home and take what they want, but when you return you are faced with the emotional impact of a burglary that can stay with you for a very long time.

‘‘We also hear about peoplle openly discussing plans for their summer holidays in shops and pubs, which is ever so tempting for burglars who could overhe ear. ‘‘If you are going on holiday y, ask a neighbour to keep an ey ye on your home. Store all yo our garden equipment safely and keep garages and sheds locked,,’’ said a spokesman for the local bu usiness.

Malthouse Security’s message is: “Protect your family. A good CCTV camera system will guard you, reduce insurance premiums and burglars will be forced to look elsewhere for easier pickings.”

Call security system installer Malthouse Security today on 01379 890 606, email sales@malthouse-security.co.uk or visit the website www.malthouse-security.co.uk for more details of how the company can help your home, or your business too.

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Sculpture

WAVENEY VALLEY SCULPTURE TRAIL 2019 first time. We are also happy to welcome back some of the artists from previous years and know that there is a lot of fascinating and beautiful work being created behind the scenes.”

The Trail, which drew almost 4,000 visitors in 2018, is curated again by Sarah Cannell. She said: “My overall vision is to continue to encourage public interaction with contemporary art in a rural setting.”

All artwork on the trail will be available for sale and there will be a pop-up gallery in the farmhouse showing prints, paintings, textiles and ceramics.

Sculptor Simon Turner

T

he sixth Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail is set to return to south Norfolk in 2019. Annually attracting thousands of visitors to the region, this year’s trail will feature the work of 38 artists from across the UK. Organised by Waveney & Blyth Arts, the event takes place at The Raveningham Centre, 10 miles south of Norwich, on a three-acre site of lawns, hidden groves, orchards and walkways.

Each year the organisation hosts a programme of events that highlights the unique character of the Waveney and Blyth valleys, situated in north Suffolk and south Norfolk. In 2019 the sculpture trail will take place over five weeks, from Friday 2 August to Sunday 8 September, and will include site-specific work, 3-D constructions and sculpture.

Sculptor Simon Turner said: “This is my first time exhibiting at the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail and I am working on a much bigger scale than normal.”

Also showing his work is sculptor Andy Jarrett. He said: “I’m thrilled to be taking part in the Waveney Valley Sculpture Trail 2019, it’s a very special occasion when this many sculptors come together to share so much amazing creativity.”

The trail is open every day from 10am until 5pm at The Raveningham Centre, Beccles Road, Raveningham, Norfolk NR14 6NU. Entry is £6 for adults (£5 for members of Waveney & Blyth Arts), under 18s are free. Pay on entry only.

A new area of woodland, which gives views out over neighbouring meadows and pasture land, has been opened up for 2019 to provide a space for large-scale sculpture. Both established and up-and-coming artists will be exploring the theme of The Woven Woodland through their work, using materials, structures and creative ideas in the meadows, woodland and natural spaces at Raveningham.

Nicky Stainton, from Waveney & Blyth Arts, said: “We are so excited about this year’s Trail, as almost half the artists are showing work with us for the

14

For more information about Waveney & Blyth Arts and the sculpture trail visit www.waveneyandblytharts.com

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Disney’s The Lion King

Wednesday 4th December 2019 Wednesday 18th September 2019

A coach day trip to see the fantastic West End show The Lion King.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi-award winning musical The Lion King will redefine your expectations of theatre.

A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney’s much-loved film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart, The Lion King is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the

A Royal Day Out Tuesday 24th September 2019

www.eastonsholidays.co.uk epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. This wonderful, acclaimed show for all ages should not be missed! PLEASE NOTE: Children under 3 will not be admitted to the theatre.

Running time approx 2hrs 30mins. Matinee show starts at 2.30pm Price includes return coach travel and matinee show ticket. Subject to travel time, we aim to arrive in London mid day to give you free time for lunch before the performance.

Seating Information: Royal Circle Pricing Information: £77 0730 Eastons Depot Stratton Strawless (free parking) 0740 Hellesdon Firs Bus Shelter 0800 Norwich, Castle Meadow (Mall entrance) 0810 Harford Park & Ride (free parking) 0840 HSBC Bus Stop, Attleborough 0900 Chase Public House, Thetford

Next you will visit the Royal Mews which is home to the Royal Family’s coaches and carriages including the Gold State Coach which has been used in every coronation since 1821.

Your Royal Day Out will finish with a tour through the magnificent State Rooms in Buckingham Palace which are used by The Queen for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. Each room is furnished with many of the treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens; sculpture by Canova; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.

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Rickinghall

MUSIC AND SONG TO LIFT THE RAFTERS…AND REPAIR THEM!

O

n 10 August, the beautiful roundtowered church of St Mary’s, Rickinghall Inferior will be filled with music and song, old and new. Like many other historic churches in the region, St Mary’s is in urgent need of major repairs and the estimated cost is around £80,000. The chancel roof needs substantial work, both inside and out, to ensure the building is watertight, and the ageing guttering and drains also need replacing.

We are delighted that the early music instrumental trio, Hexachordia (www.hexachordia.com) and The Shakespeare Singers have stepped in to offer a fundraising concert — called Music for a Summer Evening — in aid of the church repairs.

The choir comprises a small group of former girl choristers from St Edmundsbury Cathedral Choir who, during the 1970s and 80s, had the opportunity to sing alongside boys in the main cathedral choir, helping them to gain an invaluable musical education. Some of these girls have since become professional musicians or music teachers, enabling future generations to enjoy music making of all sorts.

As well as enjoying some beautiful singing, the concert audience will also be treated to Hexachordia’s wonderful music and song, performed on instruments of the Middle Ages, including lutes, viols, recorders and the crumhorn.

Music for a Summer Evening will take place on Saturday 10 August at 6pm in St Mary’s Church, Rickinghall Inferior. Admission is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the Rickinghall Inferior Church Fabric Fund.

Free entry!

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Local walks

WALKING FOR Health

The Central Norfolk Walking for Health group put on 6 or 7 walks a week in Norwich and the surrounding area.

W

alks are free and where possible end with a coffee and cake. Walks are divided into three ‘grades’ to help you find the best walk for your fitness level: GRADE 1 Suitable for those who have not walked much before, or are recovering from injury or illness.

They tend to be on flat or gently sloping ground, with firm surfaces and no steps or stiles. The walks should take no more than 30 minutes.

GRADE 2 Suitable for those looking to increase their activity level. They are between 30 to 60 minutes long, and may include moderate slopes, steps, stiles and the ground may be uneven.

GRADE 3 For people looking for more challenging walks.

The walks are between 45 to 90 minutes long, and may include steeper slopes, steps, uneven ground and stiles.

WALKS IN AUGUST

All walks start at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.

Grade

Date

Location

Friday 2 Aug (10.30/10.45)

Foundry, Recorder Rd NR1 1BP (0.9/1.5/2.4m)

Friday 2 Aug

Keswick Mill, Waitrose CP, Newmarket Rd NR4 6NU, Coffee in shop (3.6m)

Monday 5 Aug

Bergh Apton VH, Cookes Rd NR15 1AA (1.8/3.3m)

Monday 5 Aug

Eaton Pk CP, South Pk Ave NR4 7AZ, Coffee in Pavilion (1.5m)

1

Tuesday 6 Aug

Thorpe St Andrew, Rec.Grd, Laundry Ln, NR7 0XP, Coffee @ The Place (2.4m)

2

Tuesday 6 Aug (19.00)

Loddon Ch.CP, High St NR14 6AH (2.6m)

3

Wednesday 7 Aug

Sth Walsham, Fairhaven Gdns, School Rd NR13 6DZ (3.3m)

3

Friday 9 Aug

River&Ridge, Thorn Ln/Rouen Rd NR1 1QT, Coffee in King Centre (1.6m)

2

Friday 9 Aug

Fundenhall, St Nicolas Ch, Church Ln NR16 1AH, Coffee in Church (3.8m)

1/2 3 1/3

3

Sunday 11 Aug (11.00)

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3/4

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Monday 12 Aug

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Tuesday 13 Aug

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Friday 16 Aug (10.30/10.45)

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1/2

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Tuesday 20 Aug

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2

Walkers should register with the Facebook page (Central Norfolk Walking for Health) to receive important messages. To find out more, visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk.

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Primadonna Festival

A fantastic literary festival

P

WITH A DIFFERENCE

rimadonna is a new and inclusive festival celebrating the creative community, giving prominence to work by women and introducing fresh voices alongside famous names in a fun and welcoming environment.

Held in the beautiful surroundings of Laffitts Hall, Suffolk, from Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September, the Primadonna Festival is an entire weekend of eclectic festivities, from interviews, panels, spoken-word performances and workshops, to live music, films and food — and welcomes all genders, on stage and off.

The festival is the brainchild of 17 women from publishing and entertainment. Together, these ‘primadonnas’ have created a festival of brilliant writing, borne out of a desire to give prominence to work by women and spotlight authors from the margins — and to create a thoroughly joyous and accessible experience.

The line-up will include brilliant new talent such as writers Elif Shafak, Michael Donkor, Guy Gunaratne, Diana Evans and Amanda Prowse. They will appear alongside comedian and writer Katy Brand, poet Raymond Antrobus and national treasure Sandi Toksvig.

Helping represent the men will be Ashley Hickson Lovence, Guy Gunaratne and Michael Donkor.

Guy and Michael will introduce their latest work, as well as discuss their recent accolades: winning the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize and being shortlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize respectively. Luke Jennings, creator of Killing Eve’s kick-ass character Villanelle, will join Michael for a panel entitled ‘Her Breasts Preceded Her into the Room’, which will examine whether men really can write women.

For roll-on-the-floor hilarity, Primadonna is delighted to present its very own game show ‘Make Sioned Laugh’, in which host Ayesha Hazarika will invite participants to spend a maximum of three minutes trying to make Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4’s commissioning editor for comedy and one of the Primadonnas, madonnas, laugh.

Some events at the festival are aimed at younger visitors, including an appearance by Konnie Huq, one of Britain’s most loved TV presenters (Blue Peter, The Xtra Factor, King of the Nerds and London Talking) who has signed a three-book deal for her ‘Cookie’ children’s series.

Other events include Sandi Toksvig’s funny, inspiring, engaging and very personal conversation, Ada Campe’s surrealist comedy, and magical campfire storytelling sessions.

Music will play a huge part in the festival, with the best of local talent and names from further afield, plus some music industry-insider ‘tips for the top’.

And you can dance yourself dizzy in the late night disco shed. DJ sets will feature different genres on Friday and Saturday nights.

Primadonna will also be running a film shed throughout the festival, with something for everyone. There will also be a late night campfire film; a silent film with live music accompaniment screened outside by the campfire.

All the food available at Primadonnna has been selected to give best value for money and the most delicious options, including vegan and gluten free.

The beers and ciders have the lowest food mileage of any festival — they will have travelled all of five miles to get there!

For more details and to buy tickets go to primadonnafestival.com

23

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Stories from our region

BANTER IN THE SALEROOM Neil Latham reflects on the sometimes cheeky humour in the old auction rooms

I

n the old days, prior to buyers bidding numbers, the auction room was alive with off the cuff banter. For instance Charles Boardman, who as a young man auctioned for Spellman’s in Norwich, was trying to sell a poor old cow and couldn’t get a bid. He had dropped from £20 to asking for any bid at all when old Jack Scott from out of the crowd said: “Can I bid Mr Boardman?” “Of course you can Jack,” came the reply from the auctioneer, relieved at last that someone was interested, only to be told by Jack: “Then I bid you farewell!”

It’s surprising what goes through your head while on the rostrum, mostly a play on names. One buyer, a Mr Matthews, always shouted: “Two Ts,” when his name was called, until the auctioneer got fed up and said: “Milk and sugar?” Another buyer who kept shouting the name Nelson was told: “I know, spelt with one eye.”

A very smart, well dressed young lady bought a small table and as she took it out to a waiting chaufferdriven Rolls-Royce she was ‘checked out’ by two elderly porters saying: “What a lovely little piece that is,” to one another. “Yes it is,” replied the young lady, oblivious to the fact that they were not talking about the furniture!

then interrupt the auctioneer with a question, usually quite immaterial, but one that a prospective bidder knew the auctioneer could not adequately answer.

It was a knock down, a negative and would affect the bidding.

Having realised what was happening I was determined to always answer in the affirmative, never say no, but quickly qualify it. Mr Bunn (pictured), from Wymondham, was a lovely man and being a baker always brought the office staff a bag of cakes. I saw him move towards a clock one day and as soon as I asked for bidding for it he shouted: “Does it work, sir?” One would normally have to say that you don’t know, otherwise you could be responsible for all sorts of costs. Anticipating what he was up to I replied: “Yes, that can be made to work.” He never forgot it. Just part of a more natural life prior to technology.

Alfread Preston, from Framlingham, was a legend and earned himself a reputation for a quick retort.

Having suffered a lot of gyp from an arrogant horse dealer who got in the ring to look into a horse’s mouth to check how old it was, Alfread told him: “You want to look up the other end, you might learn something.”

Dickie Steele, who held the last weekly horse auction in England, told a group of dealers who appeared not to be bidding against one another: “You hang together like pawn brokers balls.” They loved him for it and even filled one of his pockets with paint while he was selling.

The auction is the place where supply meets demand and anything that deviated from this would be quickly picked up. The usual thing was to wait until the lot in question was just going to be sold,

Neil Latham runs www.oraltraditions.co.uk, a website devoted to spoken word history, traditional folk song, story, wisdom, history and cultural identity. You can contact Neil on 01379 890568, or email traditionsofsuffolk@gmail.com

25

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Visit www.village-people.info and follow the links to the competition page.

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Poetry

Poetryy Corneer Born in Essex in 1937, Dick Gibson mov ved to Frenze, near Scole, in 1973 and hass spent a lifetime in dairy farming. As y yo ou can see, he likes to do “a a bit of scribbling!!”

DISS HAGGIS

t y ginger hair and solidly buil With whiskerry a kilt ring wea er land high a of s Enquiring eye itionally dressed A Scottish highland gillie trad unstated questt his To recapture escaped haggis gis so far south Unbelievably the escaped hag Mere’s mouth Diss to r nea ted Recently sigh surprisingly fleet The haggis with movement, of Mere Streett Were quickly at the other end ftt s of the pudding racce The gillie’s search for chieftain ng on the market placce thro the Now mingling with stalking skill The gillie’s undoubted canny Pump Hill up Soon cut off any escape y lasss ry Norfolk country Having spied and enlisted a olas St Nicho at mpt atte any e trat frus Dispatched her to e rtise e exp y ry ary culin The Saracens Head chef with y to seize ty ing his opportunity wait et Stre nt Mou in d Stoo eftt ning le et and cars turn Folks on foot in Chapel Stre t ft e ed bere Any escape route there look ar the fea The church and churchyard hed reac of ghosts far ert Burrns’ With memories of what ‘Rob once preached wn d of tow r at that end Spotting the only open doo ood t st e ther and The haggis rushed in, Butcher Browne.

THE MISSUS AIN’T HERE

The missus has gone and turned queer They y’ve ’ got her in hospital, she ain’t here Dunno what’s wrong with her, but she will be alright Nu urse reckons she’s strong willed with plenty y of fight The missus has gone and given us a mighty y scare Nev ver thought she would be the one for medical care Alwa ays looked aft fter t every ryon y e, if they did what she said Nobody should ever need a hosp ital bed Don n’t worrry, y those doctors and nurse you can be sure They will keep on working till they find a cure It’s reckoned they have antibiotics and drugs That can cure almost any disease or bugs They keep giving her all sorts of med icine and pills Reck koning that they have stuff to cure every rybo y dy’ y’s ’ ills Wh hen they give her stuff they watch and monitor Take blood pressure and check temp erature with a thermometer Th hey y even use science fiction now in their detection So they can cure any illness or rare infection Nursses come from all over the worl d from foreign parts But are e full of caring kindness to the botto m of their hearts I go to see her everry y day and sit at her bedside Not too far to go only about half an hour’s ride When sh he comes home won’t be able to do much, just rest I willl need to cook and clean and do my very ry y best Yes the missus has gone and turne d queer They’ y’ve ’ taken her to hospital, she ain’t here.

Are you a poet from Norfolk or Suffolk? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Email a selection of poems and a bit about you to editor@village-people.info for the chance to be featured in a future issue.

28

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Falcon Meadow

Mutts ON THE MEADOW!

Falcon Meadow Trustee Tim Child looks forward to the annual Greater Bungay Dog Show, and reflects on a terrifying legend that has ‘dogged’ the town for centuries!

Then – just as quickly as it arrived – it was gone.

The creature didn’t hang about, because later that evening it popped up in a church at Blythburgh, where it killed two more villagers.

R

oll up, roll up dog lovers…the annual Greater Bungay Dog Show on Falcon Meadow on Sunday 1 September is an event not to be missed. Here is the chance for our much-loved canine friends to take centre stage and show us what they’re made of – and everyone is invited.

A superb fun-filled afternoon for all the family, there will be a dozen different dog show categories – perhaps more Mutts than Crufts – including ‘best pedigree’, ‘best crossbreed’, ‘happiest pooch’ and ‘cutest couple’ (dog and handler in fancy dress).

There will also be food and stalls, all set in the beautiful surroundings of Falcon Meadow. Once again, the competition judging will be organised

by K9 Capers and proceeds will go to the Falcon Meadow Community Trust.

Much of the fun at The Dog Show will come from a deliberate, albeit tongue in cheek, homage to the Bungay Black Dog legend, with a special prize for the ‘best black dog’ from the Bungay area.

So vicious was the Bungay attack that the survivors later ascribed the beast to be a demonic form and, of course, the rest is legend. Perhaps that’s all it ever was, because not only do Bungay folk bear no grudge, they appear to positively relish dog ownership, with hounds in the town among the highest per head of population in Suffolk.

There are more than 200 dog walking expeditions per day in Bungay and, yes, this has actually been recorded! The most popular locations are Outney Common, on one side of the Waveney, and Falcon Meadow, which lies on the other. So Bungay is definitely a place that celebrates hounds of all types, and they will be here in force at the Dog Show on 1 September. So come along and join us for what promises to be a ‘paw-fect’ event for all the family!

The Greater Bungay Dog Show is on Sunday 1 September, from midday until 4pm. The show is free to attend, but entry into each category is £1 per dog. For more details go to falconmeadow.org.uk

For those who don’t know, the Bungay Black Dog legend is a ghastly but fascinating story that goes back centuries. It was way back in 1577 when Bungay townsfolk rushed into St Mary’s Church to shelter from a mid-summer thunderstorm. A few thunderclaps later they were joined by a huge black mastiff-type animal which proceeded to attack and savage them, killing at least two outright, and injuring several more.

31

Nature

ON THE VERGE

F

By David North, Head of People and Wildlife at Norfolk Wildlife Trust

ew wildflower meadows remain in Norfolk, but we probably all have a roadside verge close to where we live. In many areas of Norfolk, it’s along these edges of lanes and roads that we are most likely to spot wild flowers, with some urban verges supporting a surprising diversity of plant species.

Most people will be familiar with common daisies and dandelions, but some will have noticed for a few weeks in spring the white flowers of Danish scurvy grass edging busy main roads, including the A140.

Originally a saltmarsh species, this plant has adapted to an environment where winter salting of roads to keep them ice free creates a salty niche in a narrow zone edging many busy Norfolk roads.

The flowers of our South Norfolk roadsides mark the changing seasons. February and March see the welcome appearance of celandines and primroses in tones of yellow. April brings patches of magenta with red dead-nettle and the first red campion. May is lacy white with cow parsley. June brings the fire of poppies, sky blues of scabious and waving white heads of ox-eye daisies.

they also help wildlife move through our often hostile modern landscape. These linear grasslands and their fringing hedgerows are vital corridors that birds, bats, badgers, beetles, bees and much other wildlife use, largely unnoticed by us, as their own highways to move through an often inhospitable intensively farmed countryside.

Our roadside verges, when managed sensitively, are hugely important for nature. There are 238,000 hectares of road verge grassland in Britain, with Norfolk alone having more than 20,000km. Across

Ox-eye Daisy

Our verges are like long, thin nature reserves supporting whole communities of wildlife. Crucially,

Photos by David North.

This succession of flowers is vital for our bees, butterflies and other pollinators that both gardeners and farmers benefit from, as well as supporting myriad other invertebrates. In the longer grass small mammals such as shrews and voles can thrive, and their predators — barn owls, kestrels, foxes, weasels and stoats — all hunt along grassy verges.

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Nature Britain, verges support more than 1,000 species of flowering plant, including some species now confined to verges.

With the loss of so many natural meadows in Norfolk, today you are more likely to see a cowslip growing on a road verge than in a wild meadow.

Even orchid species, from common spotted to earlypurple and bee orchid, can be found thriving on a few Norfolk roadsides.

South Norfolk’s verges have also become a vital refuge for the nationally rare sulphur clover. The verges it grows on are perhaps remnants of longvanished former commons and hay meadows.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust, in a project called ‘Seeding the Future’, has been working with local community volunteers to gather green hay from South Norfolk roadside verges to establish new refuges for this threatened species.

Our Norfolk roadside verges have huge potential to support wildlife, some are quite literally a last refuge for endangered plant species lost elsewhere as our grasslands and meadows succumb to plough, spray and fertiliser; the tools of a modern farmland. In Norfolk more than 100 verges have been designated as roadside nature reserves but, sadly, many others are poorly managed for wildlife. Many are in danger of losing their value because of over-frequent or badly timed cutting regimes that don’t allow plants to set seed.

Our landscape heritage is reflected in our road network. Many verges are ancient, lining routes once walked by people long before tarmac and cars.

Cuttings and roadside banks reveal a microcosm of our geology and a time capsule revealing plant life once common across a richer and more varied countryside.

Red Campion

Celandine

Scabious

Common Poppy

Some wider verges were once hand-scythed with cuttings raked up for hay. Others were originally part of a network of trade and drove roads, perhaps dating back to Roman times. Today they deserve our interest, respect and, most of all, our protection. So next time you take a walk on the verge, remember to enjoy the wild flowers that grow there. They reveal the story of our changed and changing Norfolk countryside. www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

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Environmental charity

‘Re-think, Re-create, Re-new’ Scrapbox offers a creative way to repurpose waste for arts and craft projects

J

ust 12 miles north of Norwich, on a small industrial estate on the outskirts of Reepham, lies a little hidden gem of an Aladdin’s Cave, bursting at the seams with art and craft resources – all rescued from landfill.

Scrapbox is a registered re-use resources charity and part of a nationwide group of approximately 70 Scrapstores, all dedicated to collecting and re-distributing clean, re-usable ‘waste’ from local businesses and industry. These items still have a useful purpose for community art, crafts, design and technology, music and drama projects.

The only Scrapstore in Norfolk and Suffolk, Scrapbox is run by Trustees from the Aylsham Group of churches and employs two part-time staff; Tula Chenery and Gina Bailey. Since taking over the charity in August 2016, Tula and Gina have made it their mission to put Scrapbox on the map, both locally and nationally, aiming to increase its sales and membership base and spread the word about the advantages of re-using and upcycling.

Tula, the Charity’s Manager, says: “Our slogan is ‘Rethink, Re-create, Re-new’. We’re encouraging people to re-think how we use world resources, through p y and creativity. y There’s a lot of scope p education,, play to re-use and re-purpose existing resources and re-create something special while having fun at the same time.

“Rejects can be transformed into desirables with a bit of creative imagination, giving them a new lease of life and keeping them out of landfill a while longer. We can’t singlehandedly solve the problem of our overflowing landfill sites, but we can do our bit to encourage people to think again before throwing things out. Even if you can’t come up with a use for it yourself, you can bet someone else can!”

Scrapbox is an inviting goldmine of re-usable resources such as paper and card, fabrics, yarns and haberdashery items; stationery supplies, foam and plastics, cartons and containers, art and craft paints and brushes.

Membership is just £10 for a year’s subscription (which goes a little way towards covering the cost of renting a retail shop and a warehouse), and this gives access to a diverse range of very affordable materials.

Tula adds: “Schools and colleges can particularly benefit from these low-cost resources, which lend themselves perfectly to Art, Design and Technology, Science and History projects. Teachers and Teaching Assistants are always amazed at the huge range of products we stock. Particularly popular is the range p , packed p tiples p of 10 of card die-cut shapes, into multiples or 30, which are ideal for class groups.”

Scrapbox’s shop is open three da ays a week; Wednesdays and Thursdays frrom 2-6pm and Saturdays from 10-2pm. For further information on how Scrapbox co ould benefit your organisation, or for details of how to become a member or a volunteer, please email info.scrapbox@gm mail.com or telephone 016 603 873128.

35

Eating Out

Ladies Who Lunch

CAFÉ BRITANNIA Britannia Road, Norwich NR1 4LU Open every day, 8am — 7pm “So what delightful venue have you got for us today?” asked Alice. “Norwich Prison,” said I. Alice looked dubious, but we set off on the drive to Norwich while I told her what I know about the café.

It’s run by ex-prisoners in the magnificent former Britannia Barracks, close to the prison itself, right at the top of Mousehold Heath, with the best view of Norwich. Plenty of free parking and a very short walk to the entrance gate, which is somewhat hidden at the extreme right of the building. Then a long trek back to the extreme left of the building to find a door that works.

Once ‘inside’ we attached ourselves to the queue and began reading the menu. The first page offers 10 breakfasts from £8 to £3; page 2, lunch and dinner with lots of variations; page 3, burgers and mains: there is nothing in here over £11. Back of page 2; meals for £10; kids favourites with chips and beans. And, finally, elegant afternoon tea.

On the front of the counter were the most scrumptious cakes under glass domes, and behind the counter were two or three great big blokes with earrings, tattoos and enormous welcoming smiles. While we dithered and swapped about, our chap stood patiently deleting and crossing out with resigned acceptance. Finally it was grilled chicken, new spuds and salad for me, and vegetarian lasagne for Alice, with chips and garlic bread. We chose our puds at the same time and water to drink.

It’s a happy, all-inclusive place, with smart elderly couples, families, teenagers and working men. There are about 70 tables; 20 in the main hall, a few in a separate smaller room and about 40 outside where dogs are allowed.

The table we chose was quite close to the coffee machine, which went ‘whoosh’ periodically, but even without it the place was a bit noisy, although there is the separate small room at the back which was quieter.

We shared a table with two smart ladies who were struggling with the amount of chips, but the rest of their food looked promising. Alice’s lasagne came baked in its own little dish and had to be decanted

36

onto the plate, also there were two decent sized bits of garlic bread and chips. My portion of chicken was so big I took half of it home; and astonishingly there was NO RAW ONION in my salad!

There were far too many potatoes for me: did I say last time that Doc Marmite encouraged me to lose weight? Well I have: two stone! So I left most of the spuds with a clear conscience.

Finding the loo in this café is a bit of an adventure; the first place I went had two doors, one saying ‘GENTS’ the other ‘DANGER 250 volts’. So I wandered off to the back of the room and found ‘LADIES’ and the separate little quiet room.

Now for puds; my brownie was a proper one, not just a slice of leftover chocolate cake, and was delicious — crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle. Alice’s lemon loaf was a good size and reduced her to silence for some minutes. The place isn’t licensed and neither of us wanted coffee, so the very low cost reflects this, but our companions on the table said the coffee was good and hot, and the pot of tea was just right.

Bottom line: £23.20.

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History

The Old Guildhall, Laxfield,

A

now the Laxfield and District Museum

t the heart of Laxfield, opposite the Church, on the corner of the High Street and Vicarage Road, is a strikingly beautiful ancient building, The Old Guildhall, built around 1520. The villagers had founded a religious guild early in the 15th century, possibly even earlier, dedicated to St Mary and by 1515-1520 had raised enough money to build a really classy timber-framed building for their communal hall. There is evidence it replaced an earlier building on the same site.

The guildhall is a timber-framed structure with redbrick infill in a striking herringbone pattern, under a tile roof. But the back is rendered cream and looks like a row of ordinary cottages. The first floor is jettied out over the ground floor level, stretching six bays from east to west. The four easternmost bays originally formed one large room, or hall. You can still see the blocked west entrance to the hall. The main chimney stack and attic floor were inserted in the 17th century and newel stairs around 1600.

What were village guildhalls for?

There are splendid merchant and artisan guildhalls in cities like Norwich and London, providing fellowship for members, setting standards for their trade, often also fixing prices and establishing apprenticeship rules. But village guildhalls exist throughout England in towns and villages too and their religious origin was quite different; to provide a spiritual insurance policy for a decent burial and prayers for one’s soul after death.

Guilds also held social activities and raised money for alms. The meetings and socials were originally held inside churches, but popular opinion steadily moved against this, so special guildhalls were built, like the one at Laxfield.

In the Middle Ages huge importance was attached to the doctrine of purgatory, the staging post where sins could be atoned before reaching heaven. Prayer and charitable giving was a means of getting a leg up out of purgatory, and the prayers of the living could shorten a soul’s stay in purgatory. Praying for the souls of the dead was John Noyes burning at crucial. The Protestant the stake, 1557. Print in Reformation, after Henry the British Museum.

VIII’s break with Rome, put a stop to purgatory and all the paraphernalia that went with it. Most religious parish guilds were swept away after the protestant era began in earnest.

Laxfield village shoemaker, John Noyes, became a fervent protestant and refused to revert to the Catholic faith when Henry’s daughter Queen Mary I tried to reintroduce it. He was burnt at the stake in the village for his faith in 1557.

The Guildhall Museum After the guild closed, the guildhall became a schoolroom in 1597, then Mr Payne’s wholesale business in the 1630s, lodgings for the poor in the 1800s and in living memory the school kitchen and dining hall, a working men’s club, bank, doctors and parish council offices.

The guildhall is now home to the Laxfield and District Museum, which has a wonderfully entertaining collection on the upper floor, including early 20th century shop interiors, together with old tools, toys, costumes and even an old loo! There’s lots of information too on the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, which ran briefly between 1904 and 1923, the 19 miles from Haughley to Laxfield, always at a loss.

Laxfield and District Museum is open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 2-5pm from 27 April to 29 September. Group visits are by appointment and it’s FREE!

The Old Guildhall, Laxfield

Elaine Murphy’s recent book, Monks Hall: The History of a Waveney Valley Manor published by Poppyland Publishing is available online and at local bookshops.

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History

History

BUNGAY BITESIZE

Wings for Victory Week, Ma M May 19433 Local Historian Christopher Reeve steps back in time to explore Bungay’s history ore Bu

B

ungay Museum has a splendid collection of photos depicting Victorian celebrations in the Market Place, particularly for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, and her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. In these photos the balcony above Wightman’s shop is filled with dignitaries, who could make speeches and enjoy a prominent position to view the events.

The balcony was in use again for some special events during the Second World War. In May 1943 the ‘Wings for Victory’ Week was held with the aim of raising £40,000 to purchase a Liberator Bomber aircraft, chosen to express appreciation for the splendid work of the United States Air Force based in this country, and with personnel serving at Flixton airbase.

Ronald Wightman organised the official opening ceremony to take place on Saturday 22 May at 3pm. Dignitaries on the shop balcony included an RAF Air Vice Marshall and a senior officer of the United States Army Air Force. All uniformed organisations in the district were invited to parade to the Drum Head service on the Castle Hills on the following Sunday, when the preacher was Chaplain JA Burris of the USAAF, and four brass bands were provided for the rousing marches and hymns.

The target of £40,000 was soon achieved, and additional funding eventually worked out at £20 per head of population, providing not only the Liberator Bomber but three Spitfire escorts for it. During a following ceremony three giant

four-engined Liberator Bombers flew over the Market Place. A guard of honour was provided by the USAAF and speeches were delivered from Wightman’s balcony by the Town Reeve Mr. RJ Reynolds and American personnel.

There was a display of photos, illustrating the part played by the RAF and USAAF, and a model aircraft competition was organised, Mr. G Parkinson securing first prize for the best scale model of a Liberator Bomber. In the photograph shown, a large aircraft model can be seen displayed on the wall above Wightman’s shop.

It seems that, after the war, Wightman’s balcony was no longer used for special events and celebrations. This was probably due to the rapid increase in motor traffic, so large crowds of people could no longer throng in that part of the town centre. Today, smaller celebrations usually take place in the area around the Butter Cross.

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Gardens

The Garden Enclosure Jottings

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here’s one group of plants that everyone can grow really easily, no matter how poor their gardening skills are, and although planting is not intentional the display thrives on neglect, just leave it alone and it prospers… weeds are the curse of every gardener!

So what is a weed? It’s simply a plant in the wrong place, although if it heralds from our shores then officially it’s a wildflower (still in the wrong place), but if you take a closer look you may find they do have their good points. First of all, if a weed will grow in a certain spot then it proves that something more desirable could be planted there instead. Secondly, nearly all weeds have a role in our biodiversity and some are critical to the survival of certain insects, being the specialist food of many kinds of bugs, moths and butterfly species. The third reason to like them is that they are the distant relatives of many ornamental garden plants, so you may be able to grow a highly attractive version which has the same benefits for nature.

Weeds have no place in the average-sized garden, and allowing them to grow amongst shrubs and flower borders is a little foolish as they will soon outcompete your chosen beauties, popping up to ruin an

organised space and give the impression of neglect.

Nobody wants to be grabbed by brambles or accosted by nettles when walking a path, however if your garden is big enough then leaving a wild area can look tidy and intentional, especially if a path is mown around or through it to keep a sense of control while also doing your bit for nature. No garden is without maintenance, and to help contain undesirable species within an area dead-head them after flowering to reduce seeds spreading elsewhere.

In tended beds and borders apply a thick mulch of chipped bark to smother existing dormant seeds, but perennial species need to be dug out or killed using a systemic weed-killer. For new beds lay a fabric membrane to exclude light from the soil and stop seed germination (it’s not pretty so cover it over with a decorative aggregate or use bark again).

Of course, the best way to control weeds is to cram your garden with gorgeous choices from our exciting range of locally-grown plants, leaving little room for annoying interlopers!

Cheers Ken,

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Gardens

Late summer beauty

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BL LOOMING LOVELY We may be getting to the end of the t growing season, but you u can still get plenty out of your garden with a bit of TL LC. Hanging baskets and co ontainers can last well into au utumn, so don’t neglect th hem. Deadhead, water a apply a liquid tomato and f feed each week to keep t blooms coming. The the w wonderful colour display of dahlias, roses and bedding plants can also be prolonged with regular deadheading. Hardy

geraniums can be cut back a bit to remove tired leaves and encourage lush new growth. But don’t remove flower heads from ornamental grasses, as these will provide winter interest.

Alpines that have developed bare patches of die-back, or become weedy, can be tidied up by in-filling the patches with gritty compost. This will encourage new growth as well as improving their appearance. Most perennial weeds are best dealt with when in active growth, so apply a weedkiller if necessary.

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Gardens

TRIM AND TIDY Most long-flowering perennials have finished blooming now, so cut them right to the ground and water to encourage them to put up a second flush of foliage as soon as possible and prevent the garden looking frazzled and messy. Trim back your lavender once it’s finished flowering to stop it growing leggy. Although weeds will be growing more slowly than in the spring, it’s an idea to continue to hoe the soil to keep them down. This should be done in warm, dry conditions to ensure any weed seedlings left on the surface dehydrate and die.

Stake late-flowering perennials such as asters, echinaceas and rudbeckias. They will have so much more impact in the garden looking perky and upstanding, rather than trailing along the ground. Prune your wisteria after flowering by removing all the whippy side shoots from the main branch framework to about five leaves from the main stem. Prune rambling roses after flowering.

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PICK YOUR OWN September brings an abundance of apples and pears, so harvest them when they can be easily twisted from the stem. Prevent the foliage of apple and pear trees from being defoliated by winter moth caterpillars by wrapping sticky bands around the trunk to stop female moths crawling into the branches to lay eggs.

Tidy gooseberries and blackberries by cutting off shoot tips infected with mildew, and cut canes that fruited this year to the ground. Tie in the strongest new shoots to canes or supporting wires. Plant strawberries in weed-free soil that has been given a boost by digging in some well rotted farmyard manure. Save the last of your tomatoes from frost; cut off entire bunches of fruit waiting to ripen and place out of direct sunlight indoors. In a week or so they should turn red. Sow early carrots in the ground and cover with a cloche for an early crop next year.

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Recipe

VEGAN ROSE & LEMON CAKE

This delightful cake astonishes everyone who tries it. Despite containing no eggs or dairy its texture is great and the flavour even better.

Take care with the rosewater, which should be a concentrated one (from most supermarkets) – as even one drop too much takes it from exotically perfumed to great aunt’s boudoir!

Serves 12

492kcal/80g carbs per serving

INGREDIENTS 550g self-raising flour 400g caster sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder Pinch of salt Zest and juice of 2 lemons 200ml rapeseed or sunflower oil 300ml cold water Rosewater flavouring, to taste

ICING 250g icing sugar About 50ml lemon juice (1 lemon) Rosewater flavouring, to taste Dried rose petals Lemon zest

METHOD 01. Oil a 2lb (900g) loaf tin and line with baking parchment. Preheat the oven to 180oC. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest, mixing well.

02. Beat in the lemon juice, vegetable oil and enough cold water to make a smooth, loose batter. Add the rosewater a drop at a time, tasting to check you’ve got just enough. Pour the batter into the loaf tin.

03. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes, until it’s springy to the touch and a skewer comes out

Tip:

Omit the rosewate r and add a handfu l of fresh ra spberrie s or blueberr ie complete s for a ly differe nt cake.

clean. Rest for 15 minutes in the tin, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

04. To make the icing sift the sugar into a bowl, then stir in about 50ml of lemon juice to make a thick icing that you can spread smoothly on the cake without it running off. Add a drop or two of rosewater flavouring, again tasting as you go.

05. Spread on the cake, then immediately scatter dried rose petals and lemon zest over it. Press the petals down gently so they stick to the icing.

Allow to set, then cut into thick slices. The cake will keep for several days in a tin.

The Pennoyer Centre’s staff and volunteer BakeForce make delicious cakes for the café, which won the EDP Norfolk Food & Drink “Best Baking” Award. The café, in Pulham St Mary, is open Mon-Sat from 9.30am to 3.30pm. www.pennoyers.org.uk 01379 676660

47

Art

Storytelling

THROUGH ILLUSTRATION

Art writer Kristy Campbell showcases two gifted local illustrators and their inspiring work

I

llustration presents itself in our every day, from the moment we open our eyes. Remembering the very first book we opened to begin learning our very first words, to the characters on our television screens, flyers, billboards, adverts and books, these designs and concepts communicate a whole range of ideas, narratives and lessons to us throughout our lives.

Traditionally, illustration was most closely tied with publishing; the reproduction and distribution of printed media. From the age of technology onwards, however, the rise of digital design and multimedia artworks has aided the evolution of illustration, and so the art of illustration has become omnipresent.

In children’s story books visuals are used to assist in meaning making; studying the image can make the writing more accessible and thus inclusive, where everyone is able to comment and respond to the story. These illustrations will draw out key parts of the text and allow more observant eyes to explore intricacies, helping to strengthen their relationship with the text.

It isn’t only in children’s books that we find imagery constructed to develop our understanding of the world; artworks are used publicly to convey and spread messages, adult books have ambiguous and intriguing cover artwork, packaging is fun and brightly coloured and it makes you feel things and so you buy things. Illustration takes us on a journey, often exhibiting a soup of emotions — wonder, fascination and curiosiity — not forgettiing skill, technique, and co olour palettes.

I have had the pleasurre this month of interviewing two fanta astic East

Anglian contemporary illustrators, Sandy Horsley and Beverley Gene Coraldean, who have gifted us a window into the world of illustration. Drawing upon their inspirations, drives and their greatest achievements, employing the art of the narrative, the two have depicted their progress towards a successful career in storytelling.

Sandy begins by reflecting on her love for telling and sharing stories, a love she has honed since childhood. A professional background in graphics, illustration and magazine production encouraged her to embark on an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art (2018), where she concentrated her creative flair that for so long had manifested in painting and printmaking.

Inspiration can be drawn from many of life’s attributes.

Sandy tells us: “Stories and ideas can come from anywhere and often it’s random and unusual connections and combinations that can lead to the most interesting and enjoyable ideas.”

‘Experimentation’ stands out as a prominent theme in her practice, being thorough in her research, while exploring avenues and concepts through drawing

48

Art and reflection to yield surprising results.

These processes materialise in the studio; a space Sandy portrays to be a room with a view, light-filled and peaceful. It seems that the key to producing a strong, experimental portfolio is having a space to create chaos, to play with ingredients, and to be able to divide your work and living space, forging a healthy relationship with your practice.

Sandy secured the ‘Undiscovered Voices’ award (2018), presented by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her considered processdriven method has earned recognition in the field that has led to impressive accomplishments, including the realising of her fantastically on-trend debut picture book Selfie (2020).

Her advice to budding illustrators is to: “Embrace your mistakes and the unexpected marks or splashes you didn’t intend. Be open with your mark-making.”

Beverley’s interest and ability in Animation, Illustration and Design stems from MA study at Norwich University of the Arts (2014). Her work depicts incredible re-imagined environments that encompass densely detailed line work, bringing together lifestyle and architecture. While her work, too, can source inspiration from an interpretation of the world around her, the pieces tend to focus on how to produce narrative or retell a story through the construction of location.

The mass of detailing starring in Beverley’s artworks allows them to exist flexibly on a range of scales, murals materialising as particularly immersive compositions. The production of her designs as screen-printed posters and book illustrations is a direct springboard to success from the contexts that inspire her practice, though commissions for murals and site-specific projects provide the opportunity to showcase her innovative visions.

She tells us of a refreshing recent commission with a user experience company based at St. George’s Works, Norwich, in which a retro game environment design was actualised through the embodiment of tech gear, plants and coffee. Commissions tend to derive from a brief, from shared ideas, a goal, a place where we value collaboration. Beverley says: “Illustration can be an island, so collaborations can get you out of your comfort zone.”

Networking as a freelance artist can be integral to your practice, helping you to balance work and social time, prompting you to participate in the exchange of ideas and nurture knowledge with like-minded professionals.

It would come as no surprise to me if the success of our two illustrators had moved you to dig out any long-forgotten books, or unroll commemorative posters, or even start sketching out some patterns and points of interest you’ve stored intrinsically over the years. It is commitment, drive and a desire to express that has fed the journeys of these designers, and I am excited to see their names featuring more and more in our every day.

Kristy Campbell (artist and writer) Kristycamp17@gmail.com www.axisweb.org/p/kristycamp Beverley Gene Coraldean instagram, twitter and facebook: @genealityart www.genealityart.com Sandy Horsley www.sandyhorsley.com Instagram: @sandyhorsley hello@sandyhorsley.com

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LOCAL HISTORIAN

MEMORIES OF EYE Local historian, Dennis Cross from Diss, shares with us his fascinating collection of old postcards, focusing on a different village in every issue. issue, we take a walk down memory lane lan in Eye. issue This issue

Church Street 1910. Church Street takes its name from St Peter and St Paul Church, and in this view alongside the Guildhall and Grammar School you can see the long-closed Six Bells Public House on the right.

The thatched cottage and castle.

This 1912 postcard shows children posing for the camera, as their school was just around the corner at the time.

Magdalen Street, also called Station Road. This view was taken in 1909 outside the entrance to the station and opposite the now-closed Railway y Public House.

This postcard of Broad Streett d St dated t d 1906 shows h the Kerrison Memorial. It’s overlooked by The White Lion Hotel, plus many shops, banks and the Post Office.

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History Station Road, leading to the railway station and brake yard, was a charming road with its thatched cottages. Passengers were carried in horse drawn vehicles from the station, as shown in this 1910 postcard.

Eye Station and the 3-mile branch line from Mellis was opened on 2 April 1867 by Mellis & Eye Railway Company. A passenger train pulled by a James Holdens GER E22 Class (LNERJ65) 0-6-0 tank locomotive is seen here, having just arrived at the station. Andrew Swift was station master. The passenger service closed on 2 February 1931, but freight traffic continued until 13 July 1964. A poultry processing factory now stands on the site of the station.

This 1915 postcard view of Castle Street shows The Star Public House behind the horse and cart, and on the left is the longclosed Horseshoes Pub. Eye had more than 20 pubs, including The Kings Head, The Crown, The Red Lion, The Cherry Tree, The White Lion Hotel, The Malt and Hops, The Black Swan and The Railway Tavern.

The Queens Head is now the only pub in the town.

The Norfolk Postcard Club meets regularly in Trowse in Norwich and new members are very welcome. The next meeting is on 11 September.

Dennis is also the author of several local history books that can be purchased by contacting him direct.

p This card,, postmarked 1925,, shows two motor cars being inspected by passing townsfolk. The population around this time was 2,000.

52

If readers h have any local l l postcards d off Diss or the surrounding villages, please get in touch with him after 7pm on 01379 651897. Š

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Seasonal food

WHAT’S IN Season?

Keep an eye on what’s in season and you’ll get the most out of all the fresh local produce that Norfolk and Suffolk have to offer. Juliette from Fredrick’s Fine Foods in Diss shares her favourites for August and September.

VEGETABLES

FRUIT

n Courgettes – we love the yellow courgettes, which look so pretty even in ratatouille. Add them to red onion and halloumi cheese for a delicious skewer on your barbecue, or try a courgette and Cheddar cheese quiche – delicious.

n Apricots – if you can get local ones from your farm shop do try them, otherwise the fresh foreign ones are very good. They are such a pretty colour and wonderful raw, in an almond frangipane or even as a tarte tatin – see our recipe in this issue!

n Chicory – not the most popular salad crop in the UK, the leaves are crisp and slightly bitter, but delicious when paired with blue cheese such as Stilton or Roquefort. They also make a tasty and unusual salad with burrata, fennel and orange.

n Raspberries – when you make a crème caramel try hiding some raspberries as a surprise at the bottom, the fragrant and sharp fruit are a great contrast to the rich custard and crisp sugary top.

n Fennel – roasted fennel bulbs are lovely for a more summery roast, and bulb fennel is also great if you add it to a coleslaw or a tomato salad dressed with salty olive tapenade. n Runner Beans – we like to eat them young and tender; lovely in a salad with broad beans, crisp lettuce and fresh herbs like parsley and a French dressing, or add them to a smoked haddock chowder for a bit of extra crunch. n Squash – autumn is on the way by September and it’s time to use e some of these wonderfully egetab odd shaped veg bles. Roasted butternut not only y deli squash is n licious but colourful and ost all sq quash make e lovely light tagines and almost so soups.

FISH n Crab – why not have a picnic on the beach with a delicious crab sandwich? n Mackerel – have you ever tried a jacket potato with smoked mackerel, horseradish and sour cream filling – gorgeous? n Scallops – lovely and sweet, they are delicious quickly pan fried and paired with chorizo or with fresh herbs, lemon and butter.

MEAT n Lamb – something different to try; marinate a boned out leg of lamb with lemon zest, rosemary, bay leaf, garlic, a little chilli and some olive oil and then cook either in the oven or on a barbecue – tend der and delicious. n Venison – try making a game terrin rrine, llovely with a salad and som me new pot me po potatoes. otatoes

Juliette at

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Village Life

Village Life

Gospel from THE SAINTS

By Julia Collins, who lives in Saint Nicholas

W

ith grubby uniforms no sooner stuffed into laundry baskets and scuffed plimsolls still cooling in under stairs cupboards, giant posters of menacingly sharp pencils loomed in shop windows, proclaiming ‘Back to School!’

Well, hardly. The children had only just broken up, and six glorious, school-run-free weeks stretched ahead like a sun-warmed country lane. So why the compulsion to muscle tropically bright picnic wares off the shelf in favour of multi-packs of ‘easy-care’ polo shirts and pristine school socks?

By now, the wonderful expansive holiday feeling is entrenched. Light, bright days, clothing and meals are the norm. The weather is frequently hot. We keep a friendly eye on neighbours’ houses before, in turn, issuing instructions about watering the tubs and taking custody of our post. Time has been deliciously syrupy, lazily consumed in back garden, local pool and friends’ houses.

As sun-fried t-shirts and shorts are washed and worn time after time, the squashed uniforms lining the ironing basket elicit a small pang as August Bank Holiday approaches and – then passes. A nip of anxiety in the air propels us shopwards in quest of shiny new shoes and grey apparel in readiness for September.

But there is still much to enjoy. When idling along the lanes and footpaths, glossy brambles promise jams and jellies. For my part, this remains complete fantasy. ‘Naked’ might be the trendy description for the efficient mitt to mouth method I have always found entirely satisfactory, sharing the plunder with my dog who is quite a hedgerow gourmet.

Sloes are another bounty and we have plenty if you know where to look. Although gathering them is an autumnal rather than late summer occupation, it does depend upon weather conditions. I can remember picking them after an unusually wet and cold August.

Making sloe gin is easy and very rewarding (as in delicious). Two large bottles resulted from less than an hour’s picking from my own hedgerow, and the recipe was delightfully simple. The washed sloes split during a sleepover in the freezer and then we simply popped them into a sterilised bottle before adding sugar and topping up with inexpensive gin.

Although both the local Flower and Produce Show and Village Barbecue are history, the Harvest Supper is something to very much look forward to. Nearly everyone seemed to be there last year and it was lovely to have a gathering before the cosy, more autumnal quizzes set in.

Our second Village Litter Pick will soon be on the horizon. Back in April we hawk-eyed pickers were skilfully lured back to the Village Hall for tea and homemade cakes after spreading ourselves out across verges and footpaths. Although we amassed a sizeable heap of bulging bin liners, it was decided that waiting until the vegetation wasn’t quite so lush would allow an even deeper ‘saintly’ clean on the next operation!

As for the ‘Back to School’ ogre, once home, swapping uniform for shorts takes seconds and the evenings are still long and light.

57

Canine Behaviour

Parlez Vous POOCH?!

Blogger Julia Collins looks at how we communicate with our four-legged chums

O

ur dogs are far more intelligent and sensitive than we give them credit for.

They know this, even if we don’t. We may not share a verbal language, but with a sense of smell vastly superior to our own and the ability to perceive the energy we project (almost even before we do so), our beautiful, clever companions have us sussed long before it dawns on us that perhaps the reverse is not happening.

I chose my Labradoodle puppy because he had a noble, domed forehead and a particular air about his small, silky body. He didn’t actually come with bow tie and tortoiseshell glasses but, right from the start, it was clear that he was a thinker. Games clearly needed an educational purpose, or he simply wasn’t interested.

He had compiled a dossier on me before I’d even considered teaching him more than coming when called and sitting back on his enormous, kangaroo legs to gaze up at me adoringly. Actually, he was profiling my behaviour against his hardwired templates, pegging me within the pack hierarchy and, for good measure, testing just how far freestyle add-ons like adorably tugging at clothing and issuing cute, baby barks could take him.

Fast forward (my timeline) to ‘proper training’ – I was deflated to find my previous experience counted for very little. Not entirely ineffectual, my repertoire thinned as requests met with not so much failure but more of an insouciant shrug.

What was so clever and infuriating was his ability to translate instructions into an approximation that was technically correct, but not really what I wanted.

“My nose is pointier and more sensitive,” he exuded, persistently walking just a few inches ahead of me. Any sort of pressure or tugging met with canine counterforce and if I remonstrated he’d simply study me quizzically. “But you consistently miss all the good smells and edible grot, what is the point of you being in charge?” he would counter.

One day, out of frustration, I actually said out loud: “I am going for a walk. You are welcome to come, but I’m sick and tired of nagging. You understand exactly what I’m asking you to do. It’s up to you.”

58

Toffee-brown eyes fixed on mine, he bared his little front teeth in a smile and trotted alongside perfectly.

“Respect his ‘dogginess’,” whispered the breeze.

“Don’t assume superiority. Be someone he respects and wants to be with.” My ego cringed.

The message was right.

From that moment I have tried my best to understand the silent, but unmistakeable connection that clearly can exist between us. His energy is pure and natural, mine is not. He is an invaluable gauge/mirror to my progress. Calm, genuine and positive…and he is mine. Impatient, cross and selfish – he is not. Most humbling of all is when I pretend to be ok he keeps well away!

I have learned a great deal and would like to connect with people who share my experiences, or perhaps would like to hear more about what I have learned. www.walksoflife.co.uk

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59

What’s on this month

VILLAGE NOTICE BOARD EVENT

SALE

EXHIBITION

LOPHAM’S VINTAGE RALLY

EARSHAM CAR BOOT AND YARD SALE

SOLO ART EXHIBITION

SUN 28TH JUL 10AM - 5PM Lophams Village Hall, Church Road IP22 2LP

SATURDAY 10TH AUG 9AM Free copies of the map for the Yard Sale will be available from outside the Village Hall. Hot and cold refreshments will be available.

EVENT STAR THROWERS GARDEN PARTY

Adults £5 Children £2 Under 5’s Free, Vintage Tractors, Steam Engines, Classic Cars, Dog Show, Food & Beverages, Gipping Valley Sheepdogs, Falconry Displays, Motorcycles, Military & More…

EVENT STAR THROWERS CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE OPEN DAY

FRIDAY 2ND AUG 10AM Star Throwers Centre, Melton Road, Wymondham NR18 0AD Come along to find out how we support people affected by cancer with free information and holistic therapies. Meet our staff, volunteers and therapists – all day Call to book a trial complementary therapy on 01953 423304.

MUSIC SUMMER LUNCHTIME CONCERT

SATURDAY 3RD AUG 1PM St James Church, Great Ellingham, near to Attleborough This is a very special FREE concert of the Holst Singers , an internationally famous and very well regarded choir from London who are coming to Great Ellingham for the day. The concert will last for about one hour and is a programme of classical well-known music.

60

SAT 10TH AUGUST 11AM - 2PM Star Throwers Centre, Melton Road, Wymondham NR18 0AD Already confirmed Bollywood Dancing and Pyjama Drama.

All welcome! Garden Games, Refreshments, Pimms Tent, Stalls, Entertainment, Raffle & Tombola. Entry £2 per adult, £1 per child. To book a stall or donate a raffle/tombola prize call 01953 423304 or email victoria@starthrowers.org.uk

MUSIC MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING

SATURDAY 10TH AUG 6PM Rickinghall Inferior Church, Bury Road IP22 1HA Music and song, old and new performed by The Shakespeare Singers and Hexachordia.

MARKET BECCLES ANTIQUES STREET MARKET

SUNDAY 11TH AUG 8AM Beccles Town Centre NR34 9HA A hundred dealers selling a mixture of antiques, collectables, vintage and retro in the town centre of Beccles. Good quality street food and local shops open throughout the day.

17TH AUG TO 1ST SEP 11-4PM Solo Art Exhibition, Wingfield Barns Arts Centre, Wingfield.

Maria Rosier is a trained teacher of Art and Design who has developed her own style of artwork using shape, texture and colours found in natural forms.

Weds to Sun, including Bank Holiday Monday. Private View Friday 16th August 6-8pm.

FAIR KNETTISHALL FAIR

SUNDAY 18TH AUG 11AM Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve near Thetford IP22 2TQ Celebrating the wildlife, history and culture in local crafts. Come along for craft stalls and demos, not forgetting activities such as bug-hunting and exploring the world of moths!

FILM THE FAVOURITE (15) AT NEWTON FLOTMAN CINEMA TUESDAY 20TH AUG Newton Flotman Village Centre, Grove Way NR15 1QE Lady Churchill sees herself supplanted in the Queen’s favour and bed by the upstart Abigail Masham. Bar opens at 6.30pm, film starts at 7.30pm.

EXHIBITION ‘INSPIRED BY NATURE’ ART EXHIBITION 24TH - 26TH AUGUST 10AM Redgrave & Lopham Fen, Low Common Road, Diss, IP22 2HX Original artwork, by local artists inspired by nature, will be on display and for sale in the Learning Centre at Redgrave and Lopham Fen. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes and snacks will also be available. FREE.

100s

Village Notice Board FETE

FUN DAY

SALE

KENNINGHALL KICKING CANCER - MINI FETE

FAMILY FUN DAY

YARD SALE

SAT 24TH AUG 10.30AM - 14.30PM Langstrath, Banham Road, Kenninghall Tombola, Cake Stall, Raffle, Teas & Coffees, Lunches, Crafts, Name The Teddy.

MONDAY 26TH AUG 11AM Recreation Ground, Wilderness Lane, Harleston

SAT 24TH AUG 2PM - 10PM Swans Meadow, Mount Pleasant, Rocklands NR17 1XG Come and join us for a fun afternoon in this unique setting and an evening of musical entertainment as we help two

local girls raise funds to join the Britain V Cancer trek in Jordon.All funds raised go towards Cancer Research UK.

MUSIC THE SOLO BEATLES

SATURDAY 24TH AUG 7.30PM St. John’s Church, Broad Street, Harleston The Solo Beatles pride themselves in getting the music right. A must for any Beatles fan.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

FETE AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY FETE

MONDAY 26TH AUG 1PM New Buckenham Village Hall, Moat Lane, New Buckenham Traditional Fete with lots to do. This includes various entertainments and games for all the family, refreshments, sales and a display of classic vehicles

SATURDAY 7TH SEP 9AM Kenninghall Yard Sale held in aid of St Mary’s Church Fund. There will be various Yard, Garage and Tables in the church selling their wares for this event.

EVENT

EVENT GARDEN PARTY FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

of oth her er events online too

ANTIQUES’ VALUATION DAY

Crafts and gift stalls, food and drink, beer tent, plus loads of entertainment including mini waltzers, megaslide and assault course. Popular local band, Pirate Joe and the Foreign Locals and our brilliant Classic and Vintage Car show.

SATURDAY 7TH SEP 10AM St. Andrew’s Church, Deopham, nr Wymondham NR18 9DR 1 item - £2, maximum 3 items - £5. Parking and refreshments available. Proceeds to Deopham Roof and Fabric Fund.

FETE

EVENT

SUMMER FETE

BRINGING LOCAL HISTORY ALIVE

SAT 31ST AUGUST FROM 2PM Syleham Manor, Syleham, Eye IP21 4LN Burgers, bar, cream teas, varied stalls and family fun. Ample parking but no dogs please.

EVENT DENTILL

SUNDAY 1ST SEP 10AM Glebe Farm, Denton IP20 0BB

SUNDAY 8TH SEP 10AM Rickinghall Village Hall, Hinderclay Road IP22 1HD Quatrefoil local history group invites you to their annual Bringing Local History Alive event. Illustrated Talks. Displays of documents and maps - old photographs - local history books for sale. FREE.

EXHIBITION BLO’ NORTON VILLAGE SCHOOL REMEMBERED

A vintage working day.

Experience a bygone era in action whilst raising money for 5 local charities. Troshing display, Working Tractors, Static tractors, Vintage vehicles, Heavy horses, Craft and trade stalls, Food and bar, Childs play area, Trailer Rides, Church activities, Pets Corner, Static displays. Adults £5 Under 16s free

SATURDAY 14TH SEP 2PM Blo’ Norton Village Hall, Middle Rd, Blo’ Norton IP22 2GA An Exhibition of photos, memories together with afternoon tea hosted by BN Local History Group.

Admission free.

WANT TO ADVERTISE?

List your local event for FREE by submitting details online www.village-people.info

For more information on all events including ticket purchase please see www.village-people.info/whats-on

61

Book Review

BOOK REVIEW from Bungay Amanda King, Library Manager at Bungay Community Library, reviews her pick for a late summer read

A

fter a raft of recommendations from library customers and colleagues, I was delighted to discover the author Ruth Hogan. Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel is her third novel and her writing just gets better and better.

A book with great characterisation, at turns hilarious and heartbreaking and yet still able to take you completely by surprise. It is full of real hopefulness, of warmth and of good things to come.

Like her previous novels, there are two storylines, but this time both feature the same character.

Firstly we meet the six-year-old Tilly, who sees ghosts, is accompanied by a dead dog and adores her slightly feckless father. Then we find Tilda, the grown up Tilly, who is fighting the grip of OCD and armed with a daily battle of charms and rituals — and still haunted by her childhood banishment to boarding school.

The novel opens with a startling line that paves the way for a voyage of discovery into Tilly’s life — from the time spent at the magnificent Queenie’s hotel with her mother Grace, through growing up and the complexities of the mother/daughter bond. bungay.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

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SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Tues 16 July – Sat 17 Aug MATILDA THE MUSICAL The multi-award-winning musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book Tues 3 - Sat 7 Sept Matthew Bourne’s ROMEO & JULIET A passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story from award-winning New Adventures

Sun 8 Sept SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON Celebrating the life and career of a man who has interviewed the most important cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries

Tues 17 - Sat 28 Sept KINKY BOOTS A heart-warming and hilarious musical treat which takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan

Wed 11 & Thur 12 Sept IN THE NIGHT GARDEN Magical family show based on the ever popular children’s TV programme

Tickets from £10 Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

64

RSC Matilda

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00

A timeless love story

Theatre

ROMEO AND JULIET

S

Theatre Royal Norwich — 3-7 September

ix fast-emerging dance talents are getting the chance to star in a passionate and contemporary adaptation of a Shakespeare classic alongside members of one of this country’s best-known companies.

The half dozen have been specially selected to perform in Romeo and Juliet, which is being presented

by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and comes to Norwich Theatre Royal from 3-7 September.

The literary world’s story of star-crossed lovers is being injected with youth, vitality and Matthew’s trademark love of storyt ytelling. Casting up-andcoming performers to give added layers to The Bard’s timeless tale of young lo ove was important to the world-renowned choreo ographer.

He said: “The thing that really made me want to do it was the opportunity to work with young people. It’s a story about them and d young love. I got even more excited when it was suggested we cast it with young peoplle and work with young creative associates in all the different departmen nts of the show alongside my usual worldclass team. It is all about nurturing them and telling the sto ory.” ry y Romeo and Juliet’s plot also lends itself to choreography because of its themes. Matthew said: “Dance is very goo od at extreme emotions, and Romeo and Juliet as a sttory ry y is certainly full of those. It has passion, love againsst the odds, and several extremes of murder and violence.

It’s all those big emotion ns.

Shakespeare captured it very ry y well. Young people are very ry y hot headed and react very quickly to things.”

The production is a case of second time lucky for one of the six chosen to perform. Joe Barbrook, who lives near Southwold, was a reserve for a previous New Adventures interpretation of Lord of the Flies, which came to Norwich Theatre Royal. He was later selected to dance in a specially commissioned piece for the company at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, but this will be his first full-length production for them.

Taking on the lead roles of Romeo and Juliet will be Cordelia Braithwaite and Paris Fitzpatrick. Cordelia has been dancing with New Adventures since 2013, taking on roles in Swan Lake, The Car Man, The Red Shoes and Cinderella, while Paris spent a year dancing and touring with Northern Ballet after graduation. He also starred in the Early Adventure es tour, showcasing Matthew Bourne’s early work in 20 017, which marked the company’s 30th anniversary ry. y The touring cast also inclu udes Reece Causton, from West Norfolk,, who returns to the theatre after prreviously coming to the Theatre Royal in both Swan Lake and Cinderella for New Adventure es.

He is also relishing the chance to mentor some of the dance talent of tomorrow.

Reece said: “I see a lot of myself in the young people’s faces and I would have loved to have done something liike this, especially with a company like New Adventures, when I was their age. It is a real honour to help these young artists develop and see the sort of joy they get from m being around us.”

Romeo and Juliet, Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 September at 7.30pm, and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets £10-£42. Discounts for Friends, Over-60s, Under-26s and Groups.To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

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Health

Getting physical, or chemical, WITH SUNSCREEN

Did you know there are both physical and chemical sunscreens? With skin cancers at an all time high, it’s worth knowing the difference and the pros and cons of each.

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hemical sunscreen is absorbed by the skin and then absorbs UV rays. The rays convert into heat, which is released by the skin’s surface from the body. The active ingredients to look out for in a chemical sunscreen include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone.

Physical sunblock simply sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Think of the pink or white stripey lines on the faces of cricketers or surfers.

The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical blocks.

Almost all sunscreens for children will be a physical block – the colour makes them a bit more fun!

However, it’s not a simple choice between the two formulations. Here are some things to consider before making your choice: Physical sunblock tends to be less irritating and so more suited to sensitive skin. It’s a thicker consistency, which can feel heavy on the skin and can be hard to fully rub in. However, newer brands now offer matte and tinted versions that have less of a white cast and can give the skin a smooth, even appearance.

Chemical sunscreens absorb more quickly into the skin. They’re a better option if you’re swimming and need a water-resistant formulation, play sports or sweat a lot during the day. But remember, because they absorb heat they can cause some discomfort and irritation which often shows as a heat rash.

Whether you choose physical or chemical sun protection factor (SPF) there are several things to look for on the label to check you’re making

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the best choice. You want a broad spectrum that protects from both UVA and UVB rays (UVB rays penetrate superficially and cause burns. UVA rays penetrate a little more deeply, break down collagen and elastin and cause the skin to age). Ideally they should be fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), paraben-free and have an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Both types of damage can lead to skin cancers.

If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, the right sunscreen won’t make you break out — in prove the ap ppearance of your skin. fact it can imp Some sunscreens can reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration because they contain niacinamide, which is in the vitamin B3 family and is a great antiinflammatory ingredient. Some also have retinol (vitamin A) to promote cell turnover and stimulate healthy cell regeneration.

Application can make a difference too. Read the instructions and if the label advises you to apply before going out, or to re-apply, then make sure you do. It could be a matter of life or death.

Geraldine Walters @skinprof_norfolk www.facebook.com/geraldinewaltersadvancedskincare

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Foot Reading

The secrets of FOOT READING

As a foot reader, practicing since 1999, Jane Sheehan is often asked to talk about the secrets that feet can reveal. Here she answers the top eight questions she is most often asked.

What does it mean if I have a bunion?

When I’m reading a bunion I’m not thinking about the medical condition, I’m thinking about the angle of the lean of the big toe towards the little toe. So you can have a bunion reading even if you don’t have a medical bunion. It’s all about the angle of the lean.

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Bunions tell you that you are bending over backwards doing too much for others and not enough for yourself! The degree to which the big toe is deformed towards the little toe shows the degree that you are out of balance in this area of your life. Ask yourself, what would I be doing with my time if I had more time for me?

Foot Reading Many people with bunions can’t answer this and, until they work out what they really want to spend their time on for themselves, they will continue doing too much for others. If you want some clues as to what you would possibly enjoy doing if you had more time, think back to what you did when you were a child in the school holidays. Perhaps you could spend more time doing that now.

What does it mean if I have wide feet?

Very wide feet are what I call the ‘carthorse’ foot!

This person is very, very hardworking. They are constantly doing things and find it very difficult to sit down and do nothing. If I offer you a drink, you will be getting the cups out of the cupboard to help me rather than sitting back and letting me wait on you.

What does it mean if I have narrow feet?

Very narrow feet are what I call the ‘princess’ foot!

You are much happier sitting back and letting others run around after you. “Peel me a grape”!

You are very good at delegating to others without appearing to do so! You appreciate the good things in life.

What does it mean if I have a high arch?

High arches are commonly found on people with strong inner resources. You enjoy spending time on your own. That’s not to say that you aren’t sociable, but if you do go to a party you need the next day as quiet time to re-energise. You are very resourceful, but find it hard to accept help from others because you feel you can do it all yourself.

whose feet grew like this when she gave up her administration job to become a teacher.

What does it mean if my feet have shrunk a shoe size?

It is possible for your feet to shrink a shoe size because of tension in the tendons and ligaments of the feet. When your feet shrink it’s because something has changed in your life and you now feel you want to take time to assess situations and watch what is happening before you push yourself forward. You no longer need recognition and value your privacy more. You want to sit back and watch before you jump in.

What does it mean if I have a gap between my big toe and my second toe?

You have delayed reactions between your logical reaction and your emotional reaction. You need to learn to make more space to think before you make decisions. Do you find that you often agree to do something and the next day you think: “Gosh, why did I agree to do that?” Or someone says something to you and the next day you think: “I can’t believe I let them get away with that?”

It’s just that your first reaction was your logical reaction, but you hadn’t had time to assimilate how you feel about it. The bigger the gap between these toes, the more the delayed reaction.

What does it mean if I have flat feet?

This shows that you love the company of others.

You are very sociable and you just don’t like being left on your own. You need lots of support in your life and you’re happy to accept help from others… lots of it!

What does it mean if my feet have grown a shoe size?

Even though your feet have stopped growing, your feet can grow a shoe size because of a relaxation of tension in the tendons and ligaments of the feet. When your feet go up a shoe size, it’s because something has changed in your life and you now want recognition for your merits.

You’re much happier to thrust yourself into the limelight than you were before. I know one person

Jane is bringing her foot reading seminar tour to Norwich on 30 and 31 July. For further information, or to see Jane’s books, go to www.footreading.com

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Heritage Open Day

POWER TO THE PEOPLE Gentle protest through creativity

T

his year, England’s largest festival of culture and history, Heritage Open Days, celebrates its 25th anniversary with an exciting new arts project that explores the themes of people power, positive change and gentle protest.

‘Dare to Dream’, which is coming to Norwich Forum on Sunday 15 September, is a series of free ‘craftism’ workshops – combining craft and activism – designed by Sarah Corbett, founder of the global Craftivist Collective. Participants will have the opportunity to think about issues that matter to them and how they can take an active part in bringing about change both locally and globally.

Against a backdrop of Brexit – a time of unprecedented social division and uncertainty – hundreds of events across the country will celebrate change-makers; those whose visions and dreams have brought positive developments to our society, both large and small.

At the workshops, participants can hand-stitch their positive visions for the future onto fabric ‘dream clouds’, to hang in meaningful locations and share on social media; provoking thought without being confrontational.

“By having a vision, rather than just fixating on a problem, our brains start finding ways to turn those visions into reality,” says Sarah Corbett. “Join us and craft your creation, while you think deeply about what your dream for a better world will look like, and how you can be part of making it.

Stitch by soothing stitch, we can become positive change-makers.”

Each workshop will take inspiration from changemakers of the past to build on stories of those who dreamt of a brighter future, and the Norwich workshop will focus on the building of The Forum after fire devastated Norwich’s central library in 1994.

After the worst library fire the country had ever seen, local residents and community groups came together to try and save as much as they could, and a decision had to be taken whether to simply rebuild the library, or create something more substantial, something that would have more

effect, more outreach and more benefits for the local community.

After extensive public consultation, Norwich County Council and Norwich City Council put in a bid to the Millennium Commission, and today the Forum is one of the most successful Millennium projects in the UK, with 1.8 million people engaging with the building each year. The Forum is Norwich’s phoenix; a grand-scale community and social hub, catering for a wide variety of local needs, that genuinely did rise from the ashes.

This Forum workshop will be on Sunday 15 September. Free tickets are available from www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/unsungstories/dare-to-dream.

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If you are looking for top class care, Oaklands is sure to tick all the boxes An elegant home in superb location Minutes away from Diss Top class person centred care Fun activities

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Enjoying a fulfilling life at Hartismere Place Residents at Hartismere Place enjoy the very best lifestyle, thanks to luxury facilities, a range of activities, fantastic food and the very best care.

Peace of mind At Care UK, we support older people to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. We’re known for our standards of care, but a fundamental part of the ethos of our care homes is helping people to enjoy meaningful lifestyles. As an established, award-winning care provider we know that

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independence is not about where you live, but how you live, and our 100-plus care homes are enabling more than 7,000 people to continue living active and fulfilling lives in supportive, safe and comfortable surroundings.

We understand how difficult it can be to make the decision to move into a care home, and we’ve been helping and supporting families for over 30 years in making that transition easier. Our compassionate and experienced care teams will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring that you or your loved one receives the warmest welcome and an entirely personalised care plan, tailored to your individual needs and wishes.

The best of care in Eye Hartismere Place care home in

Eye is no exception; you’ll find all the comfort of home, dedicated nurses and carers and a family atmosphere from the moment you step inside. At Hartismere Place we provide all-round care and support for you and your family, plus a range of impressive facilities that ensure residents can get the most out of every day. What’s more, the variety of activities organised by our lifestyle team will give you the chance to reconnect with old hobbies or find new interests, all while making new friends.

To book a viewing or to find out more about living at Hartismere Place, call 01379 888422 or email angela.hodge@careuk.com Hartismere Place care home, Castleton Way, Eye IP23 7DD careuk.com/hartismere-place

Pension Action

Women’s pension campaign GAINS NCC SUPPORT Norfolk campaigners adversely affected by pension reforms have gained the support of Norfolk County Council to help them keep their plight on the agenda.

M

embers of the Norfolk Broads – PAIN (Pension Action in Norfolk) Group have met Leader of the Council Andrew Proctor at County Hall to hear that the Council has almost unanimously passed a motion to back more than 45,000 Norfolk women who were born in the 1950s, plus many more born in the 1960s, who have had their state pension age increased twice from 60 to 66 by 2020.

Mr Proctor will now write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to call on the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for affected women.

which helps keep the pressure on the Government to right a wrong affecting not only us but our children and grandchildren in the future.”

The group, which has 200 members, campaigns locally against the increase in state pension age for women born in the 1950s and the 1960s. The national campaign group ‘BackTo60’ took the Government to the High Court on 5-6 June for a Judicial Review into how ministers raised the retirement age for women. The result was reserved and will be announced at the beginning of August.

The Norfolk Broads do not expect the state pension age to go back to 60, but they do claim women were given insufficient personal notice by the Government about the changes. Many have been left in financial hardship, as they were unable to make alternative pension plans in time.

The group’s leaders; Lynn Nicholls, Lorraine White and Annette James, thanked Judy Oliver, County Councillor for Sheringham and Chairperson of the NCC Pensions Committee, for her help and for putting the motion forward to the full Council.

The trio said: “We are delighted to gain this support

To find out more search norfolkbroadsPAIN on Facebook or email norfolkbroadspensions@gmail.com

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Real lives

Music Trailblazer Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory.

For more stories visit www.refreshingwaters.co.uk

A

dramatic divine encounter took Rob Hillman into a radical new realm as a music facilitator and pioneer without prior experience. Rob’s heart and mission changed 25 years ago after receiving a powerful vision of Christ on the cross and a new desire to use music to share God’s love.

He was quickly drawn to contemporary music to share the gospel message. Rob also began networking with the American gospel music industry to explore a largely untapped UK outlet for black gospel, reggae, hip hop and much more.

He helped release their upbeat rhythm and Godcentred lyrics to those on the margins of society as well as a youthful audience, especially the black community, who were perhaps not well served then by the worship music generally available through the Christian market.

“If I was going to reach the tough environments it had to sometimes be done with music they could relate to, and I saw the potential to change lives and communicate the word of God,” says Rob. Later, the opportunity arose to market music CDs abroad and through established UK Christian retailers. He also joined forces with a few Norfolk churches to stage a variety of music performances.

Now retired in Ashwellthorpe, Rob remains excited to see the impact a single music track can make to even the most broken of lives. He says: “God always has a plan if we just believe and trust him and sometimes the need is to step out of the ordinary and let the extraordinary take over. Music can really do that.”

He recalls when that began. “I had started to go to my local Methodist chapel, and I was intrigued — the people were lovely and there was a strong sense of community. But I was not a Christian, although I was interested in Jesus, mainly from a historical viewpoint.”

After returning from a Good Friday service, a series of events unfolded which quickly threw his life into chaos. “Everything I believed in and held dear fell apart and I was facing a seemingly impossible situation. With no idea what to do next I simply fell

on my knees in my living room and cried out to God: “If you are real how do I get out of this mess?”

“I looked up and there was an unforgettable vision of Christ on the cross. I immediately knew it was my sin that had put him there, but I received instant forgiveness. As I looked into his eyes, they were full of overwhelming love and compassion.”

Rob found reassurance and peace that day. “I was to simply let go of everything and at Christ’s request to use music to reach others for him, but I was puzzled because I knew nothing about music or the industry.”

A series of remarkable events soon unfolded. “I met a lady from my local chapel who had studied the bible for years. Talking with her, and sharing my experience, helped deepen both our faiths. From that Godly connection came the offer of a free holiday. I was worn out and close to the edge from the collapse of my life and it proved to be a key to my recovery and future direction.”

While there, a “chance” discussion with another guest — a concert pianist —revealed that she urgently needed sheet music to enlarge her repertoire, but she was struggling to get it from publishers in America. Rob soon found the right connection and a huge box of sheet music arrived free of charge; it heralded the birth of his business ‘Spirit Music’, which he sold in 2011 at the age of 69.

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South Lopham

Memories of SOUTH LOPHAM STORES As told to Maggy Chapman by her late grandmother

M

y grandmother Harriet Emma Bowhill, née Sare, died in 1976 aged 91 and lived all her life in South Lopham. She loved to reminisce to me about the long ago days when her family home, The Stores, was the hub of the village.

In 1871, at the age of 21, my great grandfather William Sare married local farmer’s daughter Sarah Rush and purchased a piece of land opposite the now car park of the White Horse pub in South Lopham with a legacy from his uncle. He built the house, which still stands, and shop premises and called it South Lopham Stores.

Sarah ran the shop and William, a master shoemaker, made and repaired shoes in an outbuilding at the back, reared 10 children and helped many needy villagers. Sarah rose at 4am every day to bake bread to sell in the shop, using her oven in the wall next to the fire, which could hold 18 loaves at a time.

At Easter she made hot cross buns and in summer harvest cakes (similar but flatter) which she sold for a half pence each to local women to take to the men in the fields. Not every housewife was lucky enough to own an oven and many prepared their pies and took them to Sarah to bake. One old lady turned up with a tin containing a blackbird surrounded by sparrows to be baked! It was not uncommon for poorer folk to eat such birds.

The shop opened every day except Sunday, and stayed open late on Saturday night so the wives of the farm workers who received their wages on Saturdays could shop – and gossip – while the menfolk went to the White Horse. Travellers called from Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge and Bury St. Edmunds to supply goods.

Sugar in hundredweight bags was collected by pony and trap from Diss railway station, along with many other commodities. Once back at the shop everything was weighed out for customers.

Huge lumps of salt were sawn into ‘pennoth’ and ‘hapoth’ sizes. Blue paper squares had to be folded into bags.

Apart from general groceries, the shop sold pig meal, maize, coal, all types of machine oil, paraffin

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oil and, later, petrol in gallon cans, as well as clothing, haberdashery, boots and shoes – some made by William. A popular line was Sarah and William’s W homemade grap pe and blackcurrant wine!

The family had a pony and ‘rally-car’ trap, which Sarah took to Diss twice a week to do errands for herself and other village folk. She would tether the pony in the yard of a particular public house and on her return call in the back room for a glass of port with other ladies. She helped birth babies, some mothers having nothing but a heap of rags on the floor to give birth on, and when late one night a man was taken ill, Sarah drove the pony and trap to Hopton to summon the doctor, then on to Diss for medicine.

On Christmas Day, William refused to sit down to lunch until his daughters had distributed a hot meal to the poorest in the village, and every Christmas gave a party in his living room for village children with a Christmas tree bearing penny toys for all, ending with a sing-song around the piano.

There will be more of grandma’s South Lopham memories in the next issue.

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Money

INSURERS DON’T DESERVE CUSTOMER LOYALTY

F

Time to switch and save

or years our car and home insurance providers have been raking in huge profits on the back of loyal customers who stick with the same insurer year after year.

The renewal papers pop through the letterbox a few weeks before renewal and I, like many others, just accepted that the premium had gone up by the odd £5 or £10 and put the paperwork in the drawer – but not anymore!

I’d been a home insurance customer of Legal & General for the last five or six years and, despite never making a single claim on my policy, the cost of my premium edged a little higher each year.

This time, I thought, enough is enough and I should practice what I preach and try to search for a better deal.

reasons the cost of cover keeps rising.

Neither Aviva or Direct Line are on the price comparison sites, so I opted to get a quote from the latter before making my final decision and boy I’m glad I did! Direct Line offered me the exact cover and excess I wanted for £188 – that was another £18 saved against the meerkat quote and almost £90 saved compared with my existing deal.

So next time your insurer sends you your renewal papers, use it as a trigger to search for a cheaper deal. There’s no reward for staying loyal to a particular provider and a £50 to £100 saving isn’t bad going for half an hour or so tapping away on the laptop.

Don’t pay over the odds – shopping around for your insurance really can pay dividends.

My first port of call was a price comparison website, yes the pesky meerkat one! I input my requirements from my existing renewal schedule and it probably took 15 minutes maximum of online form filling before I was presented with a list of cheaper quotes in ascending order.

I fliccked tthrough the various insurance offers on my screen to ensure each offered the right excess I wan nted – you need to be careful with this element as some s of the results show a higher excess figure o than n you request – yes, very sneaky I know!

By Andrew Hagger Founder of Moneycomms.co.uk

Eventually I decided that the deal offered

by Admir A al Platinum cover at £206 ticke ed all the boxes and would save me over £ £70 compared with my currrent Legal & General rene ewal. However, it’s worrth rem membering thatt some e of the biggest insu urers a are not on the price comparison web bsites due to the high com mmissiion payments they y take on any new bussiness – one of the

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Volunteering

Volunteers breathe new life into WYMONDHAM WOODLAND

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olunteer Group Greening Wymondham has been working with the Norwich Fringe Project and the Town Council to restore the woodland on the edge of Kett’s Park playing fields. The trees, which were planted some 25 years ago, have never been managed and tree cover has become so dense that wildlife has been unable to thrive.

Work started in autumn 2017 and considerable progress has been made to coppice and thin out the overgrown trees.

Two large glades have been opened out, and logs used to make habitat piles for wildlife. New trees are being planted where areas have been opened up, coppiced trees are re-growing and the remaining trees now have room to spread and grow — and birds and other wildlife are returning.

The volunteer Project Team Leader, Peter Knights, would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in the work. The team meets every other Tuesday until March. Peter says: “Working in the wood is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while doing something really worthwhile for your community. The volunteers have a good time and learn some useful skills on the way.”

The woodland walk running through the wood has always been a problem in the winter, when the clay soil gets saturated and turns into a mud bath.

Now, Greening Wymondham has raised £24,000 from the European Rural Development Fund, the Town Council, the Big Lottery Fund and others, to resurface the footpath. This means it can be used throughout the year and provide level access for prams, wheelchairs and buggies.

Work was carried out by local contractors NCL Ltd. and was opened by the Deputy Mayor Jack Hornby on 1 June. Greening Wymondham Chairperson Ann Rostron says: “We plan to work with local groups such as the Wymondham Access Group, Wymondham Athletics Club and the Forest Schools Co-ordinator so that local people can make the best of this beautiful amenity on the edge of Wymondham.”

If you want to get involved email Peter at greening.wymondham@gmail.com

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Home Hacks

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

A wonder product for health and home By author and food critic Michael Chandler

W

ith the summer months here, many households are enjoying an array of different salads and searching the cupboards for apple cider vinegar to make a delicious dressing. But in this issue of Village People I want to share with you the other amazing ways this wonder product can help health issues and be very useful in the home too.

A group with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure took a spoonful of the vinegar before bedtime, and within a short period of time it improved the insulin sensitivity to meals that are high in sugars and refined carbs. As a diabetic I am one of a large following who enjoy a vinegar drink prior to each meal, as it makes you feel fuller on a smaller portion and helps with weight loss. I add to the drink a pinch of cayenne pepper and a ½ teaspoon of good quality honey.

The probiotics in the vinegar help to destroy candida yeast, which forms foot fungus, and due to its high acidic content it can help with heartburn caused by eating spicy foods. It can also help those with acid reflux and heartburn by increasing stomach acid, and this can go on to prevent a backfl flo ow into the oesophagus.

We all get a sore throat sometimes, but if you gargle twice a day with apple cider vinegar in water with table salt it will kill the bacteria very quickly and help you feel better faster. This wonder

product with its natural anti-bacterial and antibiotic content can also help with acne, cleaning dirt from the skin, drying out blemishes and continuing to keep skin clear and healthy.

Summer sunburn is common, but having a cool bath mixed with the vinegar, along with half a cup of coconut oil and a few drops of essential oils, will quickly ease the pain.

Apple cider vinegar is also a great helper to have in your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

It acts as a cleaning agent built up with acetic acid that’s safe to use on all surfaces and kills bacteria on a cellular level.

Mix one cup of the vinegar with a gallon of water and table salt to remove dirt, grime, mould and E. coli. I have also found the vinegar excellent for removing stains from carpets. Using a damp cloth, blot as much of the stain as you can and then mix a solution of the vinegar with table salt into a spray bottle. Spray the area and then blot again after about three minutes, then repeat until the stain has gone. For a more natural fresh smelling home, avoid the usual commercial air fresheners and deodorising sprays and instead just mix the vinegar with water.

Michael Chandler is also a historian, so if you are looking to find historical information on people, homes, buildings or anything else, then please email history@cwhs.co.uk and quote this magazine for a 15% discount.

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Recruitment that works for you

Whether you are looking for temporary, permanent, ffull or part time work – we have local opportunities that are right for you

Diss: 01379 777877 Norwich: 01603 764044 Thetford: 01842 750222 www.contract-personnel.com 82

Books

Regional Reads

THIS ISSUE WE L VE COUNTING ON KATHERINE

Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk Pan Macmillan 9781529005592 £10.99

View our region from a different perspective with this fascinating selection of local titles from Holly Ainley of Jarrolds’ Book Department

Katherine Johnson is the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible, and made sure Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger. July 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first humans landing on the moon on July 20 1969.

IPSWICH IN 50 BUILDINGS Caleb Howgego Amberley 9781445679990 £14.99

A selection of Ipswich’s architectural gems, from medieval churches and Tudor treasures such as Christchurch Mansion, to modern masterpieces such as the groundbreaking design of the Willis Building.

THE BOY FROM ROD ALLEY John Loveday Troubador 9781789017564 £9.99

UNNATURAL CAUSES

Dr Richard Shepherd Penguin 9781405923538 £8.99 Dr Richard Shepherd has performed over 23,000 autopsies, including some of the most high-profile cases of recent times; the Hungerford Massacre, the Princess Diana inquiry, and 9/11. He has faced serial killers, natural disaster, ‘perfect murders’ and freak accidents. His evidence has put killers behind bars, freed the innocent, and turned open-and-shut cases on their heads. Unnatural Causes tells the story of not only the cases and bodies that have haunted him the most, but also how to live a life steeped in death.

An account of a 1930s childhood growing up in a Norfolk village. This depiction of one boy’s experience blends into a story of a decade, in the aftermath of the Great War, as ex-soldiers ride their old army bikes, ‘widow-women’ are familiar figures and ‘Umbrella Joe’ paces in shell-shock aimlessness.

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: GRANT HOLT Dan Brigham Twocan 9781912692361 £20.00

Grant Holt’s path to the Premier League was far from conventional. A series of rejections made him give up football at the age of 21, yet nine years later he was scoring at Anfield, the Emirates and Stamford Bridge on his way to becoming England’s second highest goal scorer.

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STOP PRESS very limited space left in the

LOCAL DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS Anthony James Brice 78 KJ Accountancy 78 Newman and Co Accountants 78 Tax Assist Accountants 78 AERIAL SERVICES Andy’s Aerials 62 ANIMAL SERVICES Darrow Farm, Pet and Equestrian 21 Norfolk Dog Training 19 Uplands Way Vets Ltd 38 ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING Andrew P R Love 30 Keith Day Architects 78 ARTS & CRAFTS Susan’s Work Basket 9 BATHROOMS AHM Installations 29 Supreme Bathrooms & Kitchens 53 BUILDERS, HANDYMEN & SUPPLIERS A Abercrombie Limited 30 Dem Strip 56 Jeff West 19 NSH Developments Ltd 22 Sadler Traditional Building 53 The Floor Sanding Co 22 CARE & MOBILITY Care UK 72 First Choice Home Care Harleston 70 Independent Lives 70 Oaklands 72 Purely Care 66 CARPENTERS & JOINERS R B Joinery 56 CARPETS & FLOORING Eye Flooring 3 CARS, CARAVANS & GARAGES Caravan & Trailer Services 67 CHIMNEY SWEEPS Anglia Chimney Sweeps 53 CLEANING Crystal Clean 53 Home Maid 21 Maid2Clean(Suffolk) Ltd 46

COMPUTER, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES Bailiwick IT Ltd 46 Centiflex 56 Philippa Green Web Design 37 CURTAINS, BLINDS, SHUTTERS & SOFT FURNISHINGS Garnet House Drapes 32 Natalie Canning 73 Swift Blinds 37 The Curtains & Blinds Lady 46 DAYS OUT, TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS Art in the Barn 8 Eastons Holidays 16 Galloway Coach Travel Ltd 12 Peter Beales Garden Centre 9 Planet Laser 18 Redwings Horse Sanctuary 18 Simonds 12 ELECTRICIANS Dave Ramstead Electrician 30 Harling Electrical 59 ESTATE AGENTS, LETTINGS & PROPERTY Hopkins Homes Ltd 6 FOOD & DRINK East of England Co-op Long Stratton 4 FUEL MERCHANTS Diss Firewood 32 FUNERALS Rosedale Funeral Home 74 Susan Whymark Funeral Services 70 GARAGE DOORS, GATES, SHUTTERS & AWNINGS Chapel Doors Ltd 34 Cooks Blinds & Shutters Ltd 24 The Doors Group Limited 59 GARDEN SERVICES A. Waterfield 29 Bespoke Outdoor Spaces 15 Betts of Brandon 30 Eclipse Gardening 45 Eye Gardens 44 Foundry Nurseries Ltd 42 Gard n Cox Garden Care 46

Heritage Surfacing & Landscaping JDMA Paving & Landscaping Lake and Pond Aquatics Modpods Noble Paving East Anglia P.D. Garden Services R G Garden Offices Resin Drives The Garden Enclosure Tree Fellas GAS SUPPLIERS Bur Services Ltd GROUNDWORKS, DRAINAGE & SEPTIC TANKS M W Surfacing Rory J Holbrook Ltd HEALTH & BEAUTY Coltishall Clinic Ltd Diss & Harleston Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic Ear Irrigation East Elaine Brown Complimentary Therapies Geraldine Walters Lucy Keil Foot Health Practitioner Nicola Clarke Foot Health Practitioner HEALTHCARE Contact Care Lifelines IRONING SERVICES Ironed4U Pressed-to-Go JOBS Contract Personnel Ltd Hales Group Ltd Home Cleaning Vacancies Key Education Services Ltd KITCHENS Kitchen Sense of Harleston Supreme Bathrooms & Kitchens Voyager Kitchens OPTICIANS Cecil Amey Ltd PEST CONTROL Carole Mole Catcher

Village People is a trading name of Village People Magazines Ltd. Village People accepts no liability for loss, damage, or difficulties resulting from contracts made through the magazine, nor from errors, omissions or claims made by advertisers. Publication of any entry does not imply a recommendation. Readers must make their own enquiries to establish the credentials of each entry. Magazine, adverts, design, layout and content Copyright © Village People Magazines Ltd. 2008-2019

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59 56 66 74 74 70 66 73 74 74 53 37 82 82 27 78 46 53 54 66 45

next issue to feature local businesses PLUMBING, HEATING, BOILERS & DRAINAGE Andy’s Oil Boiler Service 50 Barnards Heating Solutions Ltd 50 Else Heating & Plumbing 50 Gasworks South East 40 Kevin de Waal 30 P & D Tank Services Ltd 40 Pat The Plumber 50 T W Services 33 Waterson Plumbing & Heating 50 Widdrington Heating Ltd 50 REMOVALS John Ryder Removals 22 Van and a Man 41 RESTAURANTS, PUBS, HOTELS, CATERING & FUNCTIONS Fredericks Fine Foods 55 Marsh Larder 19 Momiji 8 The Apiary Harleston 37 The Good The Bad & The Hungry 38 The Park Hotel 19 The Swan Inn 33 Wyken Vineyards 13 ROOFING A & L Roofing 56 PAC Roofing 40 SECURITY Malthouse Security Ltd 13 SHOPPING, BUYING & SELLING Glasswells Ltd 63

John Doe Carpets & Furniture Ltd 88 Mrs Clarke’s General Store 10 SPORT, FITNESS & RECREATION Amanda Pilates 74 Langmere Leisure 70 Madgetts Cycles Ltd 59 STONE MASONRY Cutstone Ltd 29 STORAGE Local Self Storage Diss 40 Rookery Self Storage 29 STOVES & FIRES Nexus Stoves 24 Norfolk Woodburners 19 THEATRE & CINEMA Theatre Royal 64 WATER SOFTENERS, SALT & SOLUTIONS A D Veale 34 WILLS Accord Legal Services Ltd 11 EACH 46 WINDOW CLEANING AK Window Cleaning 41 Cottrell Cleaning 30 WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Cloudy2Clear Windows 26 Quayside Conservatories 42 Stratton Glass 17 Waveney Windows 22

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Crossword

Exercise your brain cells

CLUES ACROSS 4 8 9

CLUES DOWN

Usually has a sweet smell (7)

1

Where you’re led when you leave the straight and narrow (6)

2

That left over which may be discarded (7) Having no beginning and having no end (7)

3

Expedition especially across East Africa (6)

Produced without artificial fertilizers (7)

5

Revolt exhibited by violent disturbance (8)

10 Links dirty teeth with encrusted wine (6)

6

What may occur without warning or plan (6)

11 If it gets out, it isn’t one any longer (6)

7

Creature for which many folk feel horror (6)

12 Dame Edna’s delight (8)

13 Inhabitant of a corrective institution (8)

18 Small sculpture of human or animal form (8)

14 Just a little, sounds like a very small mother (7)

20 Tenth part of a larger period of time (6)

15 Bendable, almost elastic (7)

21 Cash and cheques, wherewithal, dough (6)

16 Do what you have to do, correctly, properly (6)

22 Something arranged in an artistic fall (7)

17 Musical mover in an artistic sense (6)

23 As might be seen for impact (6)

19 Thomas More’s idea of perfection (6)

24 They carry the burden as bid (7) LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 5) Arc, 7) Right Wing, 8) Brat, 10) Bungalow, 11) City, 12) Legwork, 14) Cave, 16) Earl, 17) Extinct, 18) Brew, 20) Campaign, 22) Away, 24) Grand Prix, 25) Sad DOWN: 1) Minus, 2) Thug, 3) Twilight, 4) Snow, 5) Air, 6) Cot, 8) Bucket, 9) Actor, 12) Leeway, 13) Ornament, 15) Arrow, 19) Again, 20) Card, 21) Alps, 22) Ass, 23) Aid

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