Sew Creative – get hands-on at Wroxham Barns in 2012

Sew Creative, the Aladdin’s Cave for patchwork and quilting fans at Wroxham Barns in the Broads, has arranged a very busy January to July programme of courses and workshops mixing old favourites with new ides. Full details are at www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk/workshops.


The popular patchwork and quilting courses are all on offer, but there is much more: crochet, dressmaking, curtains and roman blinds sessions, plus a residential weekend workshop in July, making a machine sewn heirloom quilt, based at Melbourne House, North Walsham.

Children (aged 10–12) are well catered for, with a series of one-day workshops during February and June half-term holidays, featuring kite making, balsa wood and foam glider making, cross-stitch and plastic canvas creations.

Special one-day courses include rag rugs, machine trapunto, tote bags, felt mini wall hangings, mastering your sewing machine, zips, zips and more zips, Sashiko quilting and an Oliver Twist experimental day.

Sew Creative owners Barbara and Stephen Kessel, who took over the business from Sylvia Graham nearly 12 months ago, were ‘bowled’ over by the response to their first programme of courses, which ran from July to December. “We have expanded our offer for the first half of 2012 introducing a wider range of activities, with more day courses and more children’s workshops and are looking forward to a busy 2012! “

For more information about Sew Creative tel. 01603 781665, http://www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk/.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762, is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

The Tagman Press - The Making of a Britflick

New from The Tagman Press, The Making of a Britflick by Robin Squire, available as an e-book from Amazon, here http://amzn.to/trs6D4 - a cautionary tale for screenwriters.


This is a warm, funny, wry and often deeply-moving true-life account of how not to make a feature film. It is also a romantic and touching love story. Assembled from novelist and screenwriter Robin Squire’s genuine private diaries, it describes the heartaches and tragi-comic ups and downs that occurred during the several years it took to complete a UK Indie feature film portraying something spooky and supernatural that also really happened.

And if The Making of a Britflick is itself ever deservedly made into a movie about film-making, perhaps contention for a Hollywood Oscar would provide the epic comic ending this highly original story so richly deserves.

At the heart of the saga is a well-meaning, charming female control freak who somehow manages to take over the hiring and firing of key personnel, and ultimately the script itself, with disastrous results for all concerned.

This tale of filmic woe proceeds side-by-side with the screenwriter’s real-life encounter with a beautiful 1930s/40s-danceband-style singer, whose brilliant move close to the big-time is transformed by the vagaries of misfortune into low-paid yet strangely enriching and sometimes hilarious gigs in Care Homes for the Elderly together with the struggling author, who starts to entertain along with her.

And although it might seem to end in tears for both strands of the story, the indefatigable metaphor-mixing scribe never loses his sense of the absurd and, to his credit, continues to see all the clouds as being lined with dazzling silver.

The Making of a Britflick will be of absorbing interest to anyone who writes, has ever written, wishes to write or is just plain interested in writing films or novels. It involves a diversity of characters from rich moneymen to scheming lawyers, agents, elusive stars, hopeful actors, earnest directors, world-weary producers, cynical editors and other hangers-on who invariably attach themselves to film-making. But above all this is a tale of a creative individual’s survival against the harsh odds of this modern world – and, ultimately, of the transforming and uplifting powers of love and self-belief.

http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk/

Back to the Future – Reepham Church Norfolk Restored for Medieval Use

The £360,000 award-winning restoration of St Michael’s and All Angel Reepham has taken the church ‘back to the future’, so it can be used in the same way as when it was built in the late 14th century.


The church, with its open space in the nave, can host events for all ages: dinners, lunches, breakfast networking events, receptions, concerts, exhibitions, community and business meetings, conferences, community activities and church services that require space and mobility.

The adjacent St Mary’s Church, connected by a corridor to St Michael’s is the parish church where more formal services take place.

The restoration has won the following awards: RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards 2011 – Community Architecture Award (A Squared Architects); Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Award (highly commended); CPRE Norfolk Award 2011 and Broadland District Council Enhancement Scheme (highly commended).

Jo Tym St Michael’s Project Manager explained: “We want St Michael’s to be used and enjoyed by the community just as it was in medieval times. Churches were once at the centre of all community activities not just worship. We have a wonderful historic church, which is equipped for 21st century use and we invite everyone locally to help us take the church ‘back to the future’.”

The £360,000 project was half funded by a legacy. Some £70,000 came from Reepham’s low carbon challenge and paid for heating, a further £47,000 came from public donations and fund raising. There were also major grants from the Norwich Diocese, John Jarrold Trust, Garfield Weston Charitable Trust, Geoffrey Watling Foundation, Love Norfolk and The Rank Organisation.

The chancel in St Michael’s which is separated from the nave by a glass screen, is open daily and welcomes visitors who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the church as well as explore its history. It can be accessed from St Mary’s, also open daily. Services are still staged in the chancel and nave. The famous Kerdiston tomb, one of only three box tombs in the UK, is in the chancel of St Mary’s.

The three parish churches for Reepham (St Mary’s), Whitwell (St Michael’s) and Hackford (destroyed by fire in the mid 16th century) unusually shared the same churchyard. St Mary’s and St Michael’s were separate parish churches until the 1930s. St Michael’s has had some community use since the 1970s, but the new project ensures that the church offers an attractive multi purpose space that meets all the standards required for 21st century community life.

For further information contact Jo Tym 01362 688281, email jo@physiotym.co.uk.

Photograph by John Tym

Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Walks – Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

Join Ian Guest, Head Gardener at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham for a guided walk in the garden on Boxing Day, Monday, December 26 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, both starting at 11am.

Garden admission, including the guided walks, is adults £5.50, concessions £5 and children £3 (under 5 free). The walks last 1½ hours and a free mince pie and glass of mulled wine will be on offer at the end.

Highlight include the massive 950-year old King Oak and other ancient oak and beech trees, the views across South Walsham Inner Broad and the opportunity to look out for kingfishers.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, winner of Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor attraction under 50,000 visitors) EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2011.

Norfolk 2012 Promoted at VisitEngland Travel Media Event

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns is pictured with Lady Cobham Chair VisitEngland at VisitEngland’s December travel media gathering at The Brunswick Art Gallery, Russell Square, London.


Ian Russell delivered a hamper full of Norfolk produce from Wroxham Barns to Lady Cobham. The hamper was first prize in a special Christmas draw, won by Lauren Taylor from the Press Association.

Melanie Cook, VisitNorwich and Paul Dickson, Norfolk Tourism represented the county at the media gathering, which was attended by more than 70 UK and international travel journalists. They promoted Norfolk as a London 2012 destination, as well as showcased key events taking place next year including the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the Torch Relay and the Diamond Jubilee.

http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/

50 Christmas Trees in a Church Dickleburgh - The Winners

The winning trees voted by the visitors to the 8th 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh, which closed on Sunday, December 11, are:

Adult: Dickleburgh Good Companions
Child: Dickleburgh Primary School
The Nick Arnull Plate for the most innovative tree: Eaton Hall School Specialist College.

 Rev. Norman Steer, event organiser said: “We had a wonderful week with visitors ranging in age from 2 to 102. There were many more children than last year, who came to hear a story and sing carols. People visiting for the first time were amazed by the display of trees and lights and regulars returned because the festival has become an important part of their Christmas. People wanted to talk; there was a wonderful fellowship with visitors sharing their joys and difficulties. Our prayer tree was filled with cards and more than 800 candles were lit in memory of a loved one.”

"I would like to thank all the exhibitors for their hard work in producing such an excellent ‘crop’ of trees this year,” continued Rev. Steer, “ along with our volunteers for their help, including the organists and Raymond Hubbard who played his concertina every day and told Norfolk stories. Our sponsors Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs gave us invaluable support. I would also like to thank everyone who visited who made it such a special event. We are already planning for next year with three new trees exhibitors wanting to get involved.”

For more information about 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, tel. 01379 854245 http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

Photograph: Dickleburgh Good Companions tree.

World Mince Pie Eating Record Smashed at Wroxham Barns Norfolk

James Smith from East Somerton near Great Yarmouth smashed the world record for eating two mince pies at the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk, on Sunday, December 11. More than £1500 was raised for Macmillan over the weekend.


Mr Smith ate two mince pies in 51.71 seconds, beating the previous record of 60 seconds. The nearest ‘muncher’ came in at 1 minute 22 seconds, in a field of more than 30 challengers. The record breaking time will be submitted to the Guiness Book of World Records.

James Smith said: “I thought it would be good fun to have a go and also help an important cause like Macmillan Cancer Support. I made sure that I drank plenty of water before the start and ate the mince pies in small pieces. I think I will next have a go at the record for eating three mince pies!”

Peter Sheppard, Leathes Prior solicitors tourism and leisure partner, who looked after the stopwatch as independent adjudicator explained: “Once James had eaten his first mince pie in under 30 seconds I knew that the record was going to crumble. I was really pleased to get involved as independent adjudicator for the challenge. As tourism partner at Leathes Prior I am very happy to support the tourism industry in Norfolk, especially during a weekend raising money for such a good cause.”

Ian Russell Director Wroxham Barns added: “We were thrilled with the number of people who came to the barns today to support the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch. The success of our world record challenge was the real icing on the cake.”

Every craft studio and shopping outlet at Wroxham Barns, along with the restaurant café, offered ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan.

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/ , tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Photograph: Peter Sheppard (adjudicator) left with James Smith.

Wroxham Barns Norfolk – World Mince Pie Eating Record Attempt – Sunday, December 11

Head to Wroxham Barns, Hoveton, Norfolk on Sunday, December 11 and have a go at beating or equalling the world record for the most mince pies eaten in a minute. The challenge is part of the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.


Ian Russell Director Wroxham Barns explains: “Mince pie ‘munchers’ who want to have a go at the world record will need to eat two mince pies in a minute. They are welcome to attempt the record at any time between 11am and 3pm on Sunday, and will be asked to donate £5 to Macmillan Cancer Support for taking part in the challenge. We will give £50 to the best ‘muncher’ and a further £50 to Macmillan.”

Every craft studio and shopping outlet, along with the restaurant café, will also be offering ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan. There will be seasonal music from the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band and fun activities in Junior Farm to entertain ‘munchers’.

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns explained: “Already two businesses at the Barns, Model Landscape Co. and Tricia Francis, are supporting Macmillan’s Norfolk business centenary challenge to raise £1000. The Monster Mince Pie Munch will give a boost to our Macmillan fundraising. We will have 2000 ‘free’ fresh mince pies on offer, all made in our kitchen. I don’t want any left!”

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Wroxham Barns is one of Norfolk’s most popular visitor attractions offering a range of shopping and crafts, together with activities for younger family members including the award winning Junior Farm. The restaurant-café serves breakfast, morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea, all freshly made, using local, seasonal produce where possible.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Christmas Craft Workshops

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is staging a series of Christmas Craft Workshops during the week beginning Monday, December 12. Learn how to make Christmas wreaths, Christmas crackers and a mantel swag. All materials are included in the workshop prices along with tea and coffee and a mince pie.

Booking is essential, tel. 01603 270449, email bookings.fairhaven@btconnect.com. Workshop details as follows:

Monday, December 12 at 10.30am, discover how to make a beautiful memory bok, an ideal gift for Christmas - £15 per person.
Tuesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 15, two workshops each day at 10.30am and 1.30pm, create a Christmas wreath using natural materials sourced from the garden - £14 per person.
Wednesday, December 14 at 10.30am, make a luxury box of six crackers to take home, with Val Noon from Natural Crafts - £18 per person.
Friday, December 16, at 10.30am, learn how to make a mantel swag with natural materials from the garden - £20 per person.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, winner of Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor attraction (under 50,000 visitors) EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2011.

Head to Wroxham Barns on Sunday, December 11 and take part in the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch.


The Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, is just one of several special events at Wroxham Barns in the run up to Christmas.

Every craft studio and shopping outlet, along with the restaurant café, will be offering ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan. There will also be seasonal music from the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band and fun activities in Junior Farm.

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns explained: “Already two businesses at the Barns, Model Landscape Co. and Tricia Francis, are supporting Macmillan’s Norfolk business centenary challenge to raise £1000. The Monster Mince Pie Munch will give a boost to our Macmillan fundraising. We will have 2000 ‘free’ fresh mince pies on offer, all made in our kitchen. I don’t want any left!”

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

The Christmas Family Day is on Sunday, December 4 with more seasonal music, face painting and other activities in Junior Farm. Then on the evening of Friday, December 9, the restaurant is offering a traditional three-course Christmas supper with seasonal entertainment. There will be a donation to Macmillan from restaurant takings on the evening.

North Walsham Salvation Army will be playing on Saturday 10 December, from 10am to 12noon and finally Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band returns on Sunday, December 18 from 10am to 3pm.

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/, tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Dickleburgh Church Christmas Tree Extravaganza – Opening Event December 3

An African themed event will launch the eighth annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, at Dickleburgh Church on Saturday, December 3 at 6pm.


This year the festival is supporting Send a Cow http://www.sendacow.org.uk/, a UK based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last. The launch event on December 3 will feature Rwandan carols and African drumming, as well as traditional carols accompanied by Ray Hubbard on concertina.

50 Christmas in a Church will then run from Sunday, December 4 to Sunday, December 11. The festival will be open daily 10am -7pm, except Sunday, December 11 when it closes at 4pm for the prize giving. The festival is being sponsored by Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs.

Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations and children’s groups. The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. There is also a special award for the most innovative tree.

Admission is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave. I would particularly like to thank our sponsors, Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs for their support.”

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards - The Winners

Congratulations to all the winners in the seventh EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards www.edp24.co.uk/tourismawards sponsored by The Hoseasons Group http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/ on Friday, November 18 at Holiday in Norwich North http://www.hinorwich.co.uk/.


Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham in the Broads led the way at the, securing Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors). Martin Goymour of Banham Zoo won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism accolade and The Blakeney Hotel secured Best Hotel for the second year running.

The Winners

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Martin Goymour Banham Zoo http://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/

Best Visitor Attraction (over 50,000 visitors) BeWILDerwood http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/

Best Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors) Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/

Best bed & Breakfast Dairy Barns Hickling http://www.dairybarns.co.uk/

Best Caravan or Holiday Park Clippesby Hall http://www.clippesby.com/

Best Hotel The Blakeney Hotel http://www.blakeney-hotel.co.uk/

Best Self-Catering Partridge Barn, Wheatacre Hall Barns http://www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk/

Best Visitor Information North Norfolk Information Centre Cromer

Sustainable Tourism Kelling Heath Holiday Park Weybourne http://www.kellingheath.co.uk/

Best Broads Holiday Experience Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/

Customer Care Potters Leisure Resort Hopton on Sea http://www.pottersholidays.com/

Business Impact Thursford Christmas Spectacular http://www.thursford.com/  

Best Marketing Initiative Merrivale Model Village Great Yarmouth http://www.greatyarmouthmodelvillage.co.uk/

Lydia Smith Director Norfolk Tourism http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/ said: “Congratulations to the all the winners in the seventh EDP Tourism in Norfolk awards, particularly Martin Goymour who is well known for his work at Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! and more recently the Dinosaur Adventure Park. Norfolk’s tourism industry is very buoyant as we look forward to 2012 with The Diamond Jubilee and London 2012. Norfolk is proud to be a Royal county with HM The Queen’s Sandringham Estate located near King’s Lynn. We are also well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities presented by London 2012 with our direct rail service from Norwich to Stratford and the Olympic Park.”


Peter Waters, Editor Eastern Daily Press (EDP) said: "The EDP Tourism in Norfolk awards are our opportunity to applaud this vital local business sector for the huge contribution it makes to Norfolk life and the county’s prosperity. The evening is also a celebration of our tourism industry, its endeavours and triumphs, and we are thrilled that we are able to highlight and showcase the people and businesses doing so much to ensure we have the best tourism offering of any county in the country."

Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2012 – Broads launch with Grand UK Holidays

Norfolk Tourism’s Travel Trade Manual 2012, the 13th edition of the essential guide to group travel in the county, was launched on November 17 at Wroxham Barns, with the help of a coach full of Grand UK Holidays customers, from Eastbourne, en-route to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.


The travel trade manual is packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events. Go to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/groups to plan itineraries and order a copy of the manual.

Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park, making it the ideal base for groups heading for a day trip to the Games. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King’s Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King’s Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin® service.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “The Travel Trade Manual is the essential group guide to exploring our rich and diverse county. The Olympic Park is an easy day visit from Norfolk. Rather than stay in London, which will be very busy next year, combine a trip to the Games with a break in our county. We have 90 miles of stunning coastline and the beautiful Broads, as well as peaceful countryside with atmospheric medieval churches, picturesque villages and historic market towns. We have a great mix of attractions plus Norwich, a top 10 shopping destination that is easy to explore on foot, with fantastic historic buildings round every corner.”

Norwich based company The UK Holiday Group http://www.theukholidaygroup.com/ brings thousands of customers to Norfolk each year through its brands Grand UK Holidays providing escorted holidays for the over 55's, Grand UK Hotels, which has a portfolio of 13 properties, and also its group travel division Just for Groups!. Sales Director, Harold Burke said: “Norfolk has always been a prime destination and the company offers tours and events throughout the region with many based at its own property, the Nelson Hotel in Great Yarmouth, and other Norfolk locations such as Potters and Warner's.”

“Popular tours include 'Royal Norfolk' which features Sandringham House & Garden, the 'Rivers & Railways of Rural Norfolk' which features the Museum of Norfolk Life, the 'Poppy Line' - North Norfolk Railway, Wroxham and a Norfolk Broads Cruise and the 'East Coast Safari' with an exclusive Banham Zoo guided tour.”

Photograph: Grand UK Holidays customers at Wroxham Barns

Swaffham ‘Calendar Girls Style’ Calendar Supports Church Restoration Appeal

Eleven Swaffham businesses including the George Hotel and The Greyhound Inn are in a special ‘Calendar Girls style’ 2012 Calendar in aid of St Peter and St Paul Church Swaffham’s restoration appeal http://www.facebook.com/pages/2012-Calendar-Launch-in-aid-of-Swaffham-Church/202887466440395?v=info. The calendar features ladies from the church and staff from the businesses.

The church is staging a fundraising Christmas Tree Festival from Tuesday, November 29 to Thursday, December 8, daily 10am to 4pm featuring 20 trees trimmed by local charities.

Calendars are available in the church and at Pedlars Gold, Market Cross Bistro, Starlings and Just Hair in Swaffham or call 01760 721237 email keithcreed@aol.com.

Beccles Books – Talk from Anthony Grey Author of The Hostage Handbook

Anthony Grey, journalist, author and founder of Norwich based The Tagman Press, http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk/ will be speaking at Beccles Books on Thursday, November 17 from 7pm.


Mr Grey will be talking about his two years captivity in China at the time of the Cultural Revolution and will be signing copies of his book about his experiences – The Hostage Handbook.

Beccles Books is at 1 Exchange House, Exchange Square, Beccles NR34 9HH,
tel. 01502 716806.

Whispering Reeds Dane Dane’s Seventh Biennial Broads Exhibition

David Dane is staging his seventh biennial exhibition of oil paintings, inspired by the Broads, at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, from Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, December 4, open daily 10am to 4pm.

The exhibition titled, Whispering Reeds, features 20 original paintings of the Broads, including a collection of eight paintings of Wheatfen, the nature reserve at Surlingham created by the late Ted and Phyllis Ellis. Whispering Reeds is sponsored by Norfolk Country Cottages, whose Chairman, Richard Ellis is Ted Ellis’ nephew. Entry to the exhibition is free. Normal entry charges apply to the garden.

David Dane explained: “One of my first memories of the Broads is standing by a reed bed and being fascinated by the gentle swishing sounds of the breeze stirring the reeds. Over the past four decades that I have lived and worked as an artist, there are few paintings that have not included reeds, if only on the roof of a cottage. Unfortunately, there has been a substantial loss of reed in many areas of the Broads since my childhood. I remember well the excitement when large ‘huvvers’ would break off reed beds on the Broads and float into narrow channels and staithes.”

“Thankfully, reed is still to be found in many areas of Broadland,” added David Dane. “To my creative mind, reed is the most elegant and beautiful plant in the world. From the vibrant green in early summer, to the russet of autumn and winter, whispering reeds will continue to inspire me.”

“My sincere thanks go to Richard Ellis of Norfolk Country Cottages for his support and the company’s sponsorship of this exhibition and to David Nobbs, the warden of Wheatfen for his advice and assistance. Phyllis Ellis was a great supporter of my early exhibitions and I am very pleased to be featuring the Wheatfen collection this year. I would also like to thank Whispering Reeds boatyard Hickling and the River Green Café Trowse for their help and Louise Rout and the team at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden for hosting Whispering Reeds.”

Jenny White writing about David Dane’s work in Artists and Illustrators magazine said: “David Dane’s Norfolk is a land of mystery, poised between this world and the next.”

Louise Rout, manager Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said: “We are pleased to be hosting David Dane’s exhibition. I hope visitors to Whispering Reeds will take to the time to explore our garden, enjoy the tranquillity by our broad and reflect on David’s work.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), entry: adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3 (under five free); tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

To contact David Dane tel. 01692 584938,

Painting: The Reedcutter's Cottagewww.dfdaneoilpaintings.co.uk.

Visit Norfolk – Closer than you think to London 2012

Norfolk Tourism has launched a microsite http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/ to promote the county as a London 2012 base for visiting the Games.

Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King’s Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King’s Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin® service.

The microsite is a one-stop shop for visitors arranging a holiday in Norfolk combined with a visit to the London Games. It features information about Games venues and transport, as well as links to accommodation in Norfolk, things to do and key events including the Cultural Olympiad and Torch Relay in the county. An interactive map of Norfolk helps plan a stay.

Norfolk Tourism is also running a series of competitions on http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/ to win short breaks to the county in 2012. The first competition (open from November 12 to December 16) features Norwich, with two nights at De Vere Dunston Hall, an evening meal at Three Ways Lebanese Restaurant and a free pass to the city’s attractions, including Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and the historic Dragon Hall.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “The Olympic Park is an easy day visit from Norfolk. Rather than stay in London, which will be very busy next year, combine a trip to the Games with a break in our county. Explore the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland and the historic city of Norwich, which is also a Top 10 shopping destination. Or head to the beautiful North Norfolk Coast and visit King’s Lynn and nearby Sandringham, HM the Queen’s home in Norfolk, or base yourself in Great Yarmouth and enjoy the family fun on the seafront.”

Jo Artherton, Marketing Manager BeWILDerwood and Norfolk’s London 2012 champion added: “Norfolk has attractions to suit any age or interest as well as an exciting programme of special events. Our attractions and hotels are providing large screen TVs, so visitors can keep up to date with the action in London. There’s also a BBC Big Screen outside Chapelfield Shopping Centre in Norwich, where you will be able to capture all the atmosphere of the Games.”

Part of the VisitNorfolk 2012 campaign, run by Norfolk Tourism and its partners and funded by Norfolk County Council, the microsite has been designed with support-in-kind by Norwich based award-winning creative digital agency Selesti.

Take Part in Dickleburgh Church Eighth Annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza

The eighth annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, is set to take place in Dickleburgh Church from Sunday, December 4 to Sunday, December 11. The Christmas Tree festival is open daily 10am -7pm, except Sunday, December 11 when it closes at 4pm for the prize giving.

Local organisations, businesses and children’s groups still have the opportunity to enter decorated trees in the event and win cash prizes. To enter a tree contact event organisers, Rev. Norman Steer and Rosemary Steer, tel. 01379 854245.

Proceeds from the event will support Send a Cow http://www.sendacow.org.uk/, a UK based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last.

Admission to the event is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the Christmas Tree festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave.”

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

Former Norwich Hotel School Head – Working with Young Chefs in Bulgaria

Mick Cooper, former Head of the Hotel School at City College, Norwich visited the city last Thursday with three young people from a children’s home in Bulgaria. The visit was part of the work of Mr Cooper’s Phoenix Inspire NGO http://www.phoenix-inspire.org/, set up in Bulgaria in 2008 to teach catering skills to young people at the children’s home in the village of Novo Selo, Vidin region, the poorest region in Europe.

The visit to Norwich included an overnight stay at De Vere Dunston Hall and trips to Debut Restaurant, City College and Norfolk & Norwich NHS University Hospital catering.

Mick Cooper explained: “I visited Novo Selo and its children’s home in 2008. The children had no opportunities and faced a difficult future after leaving the home aged 20. There were no jobs in the area – as many as 80% of the young people ended up working in prostitution. I thought that I could do something, so sold up and moved to Novo Selo and set up the Phoenix Inspire NGO.”




“The children never had Christmas presents or birthday parties. But thanks to supporters in the UK, we have been able to ensure that these significant dates are celebrated. We also teach English and catering skills to the children. They are now motivated and can see that they have a future”



“The reason for the visit to England was to show Maria, Iglika and Elvis the variety of jobs available in the catering industry,” added Mick Cooper, “four star hotels like Dunston Hall, hospitals, restaurants and cafes.”

Denis McEvoy, General Manager De Vere Dunston Hall said: “Mick Cooper’s work in Bulgaria is inspirational. I was pleased to welcome his group to Dunston Hall and support the education work that he is doing in Novo Selo.”

For more information about Phoenix Inspire see http://www.phoenix-inspire.org/. To contact Mick Cooper email mick@phoenix-inspire.org.

Photograph taken at De Vere Dunston Hall: front L to R Maria Petrova (16), Iglika Aleksieva (13) and Elvis Milkov (18), the students from the children’s home; back L to R Latinka Petrova (social worker), Mick Cooper, Valentin Asparohov (translator) and Denis McEvoy General Manager Dunston Hall.

Enjoy Fairhaven Garden's Majestic Autumn Colours

Visit Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday, November 6 and enjoy a fabulous autumn colours tour with Head Gardener, Ian Guest.

 The Autumn Colours tour begins at 11am and will last for 1½ hours. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5.50, concessions £5 and child £3 (under five free).

The autumn colours are spectacular and will be at their best on November 6, especially the many ancient oak and beech trees. Pride of place goes to the huge 950 year-old King Oak, which was a sapling at the time of the Battle of Hastings – believed to be the oldest tree in Norfolk – along with its near neighbour the Queen Oak.

The tour will take visitors down the Beech Walk, along the Broads Walk with its views of the garden’s private broad and past tree-lined dykes.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day). There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Norfolk Deaf Association Launches new Friends Group

The Friends of Norfolk Deaf Association is a new group aiming to support the work of Norfolk Deaf Association (NDA) and raise much needed funds for the charity.

The Friends group will be officially launched at a special open event at St James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich on Thursday, November 3, courtesy of Jarrold and Sons Ltd. The evening will begin with a canapé reception at 6.30pm followed by a presentation at 7.15pm by Peter Prinsley FRCS, Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich and James Paget University Hospitals. Mr Prinsley will talk about ‘What can surgeons do for deafness?’

 During his time in Norfolk, Mr Prinsley has introduced bone-anchored hearing aid devices and the use of lasers in surgery for deafness. He writes regular articles about ear disorders and balance problems. A recent feature for the British Medical Journal identified the possible dangers to hearing for people who play golf.

To book a place at the November 3 event contact Karen Shepperd at NDA tel 01603 404440 (suggested donation for attending the evening is £5).

Frank Eliel, Chairman of the Friends of NDA said: “NDA as a charity relies on donations for most of its income, backed by some welcome financial support from Norfolk PCT and charitable trusts. In these difficult times none of these sources is assured.” “It costs just £15 a year to be a Friend of NDA (£28 a couple),” continued Mr Eliel. “As a Friend you will know that you are helping secure the future of a vital charity that has served the people of Norfolk since 1898. Our Friends will also be invited to social events and lectures that will give them the chance to meet each other, have fun and learn about the latest research into issues surrounding hearing loss.”

Tony Innes, Chairman of the NDA added: “I would like to thank the Friends committee, led by Frank Eliel, for their support. For many of our clients NDA is a lifeline fulfilling more than 6000 appointments a year and offering our services free of charge. The Friends are going to play a key role in helping the charity maintain its proud record of caring for Norfolk residents for more than 100 years. Peter Prinsley is a good friend and it was my pleasure to work with him for many years. I am delighted that he has agreed to come and talk to us.”

Christopher Doggett, Group Finance Director, Jarrold and Sons Ltd said; “Jarrold is pleased to support the launch of the Friends of NDA. I have been NDA Treasurer and Trustee for six years and view the creation of an active Friends group, with supporters from the local community, as an important development in securing a sustainable future for the charity.”

The launch of the Friends of NDA is being supported Mr Richard Jewson, HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Patron of NDA, Cozens-Hardy LLP, Jarrold and Sons Ltd, M+A Partners and Mills & Reeve LLP.

Norfolk Deaf Association, http://www.norfolkdeaf.org.uk/, tel. 01603 404440 (voice/minicom) was founded in 1898, originally as a benevolent society. The charity aims to improve the lives of young people and adults with all degrees of hearing loss through information, support, awareness and communication. The key services are Hearing Support Service, Befriending Service, Tinnitus Support Group, Deaf Awareness Training and Hard of Hearing Club.

Chamber Orchestra Anglia 10th Birthday Concert at The Forum Norwich

Chamber Orchestra Anglia (COA) is staging its 10th birthday concert at The Forum in Norwich on Sunday, November 6 at 7pm.

Returning to the venue where the professional orchestra was launched in 2001, COA is presenting a programme of music from medieval to contemporary. The Forum event is the first of a monthly series of 10th anniversary concerts in the Norwich 12 buildings, in association with Norwich HEART (Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust).

The main work on November 6 is Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. Nigel Rees, presenter of BBC Radio Four’s Quote, Unquote, will take the role of narrator. The evening will be compered by BBC Radio Three presenter Christopher Cook. The Soldier’s Tale was written and first performed in 1918. This Faustian story focuses on a young soldier who gives his fiddle to the Devil in return for riches and luxury and then battles to regain control of his life.

Animations by Virtual Past of the Norwich 12 buildings will also be shown in The Forum’s Fusion Gallery as part of the evening’s celebrations.

Tickets are £12 for the main atrium (cabaret style seating) or £15 on the Pizza Express bridge. A three-course meal at Pizza Express, price £12.95, is available for bridge ticket holders from 6pm. Tickets from the Theatre Royal Box Office, tel. 01603 630000, http://www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/.

Other dates arranged so far are: Aviva Atrium, Surrey Street, December 14, The Guildhall, Caley’s Cocoa Café, January 14, St Andrew’s Hall, February 3, featuring Griff Rhys Jones and The Assembly House, March 2. For up to date information on the programme see http://www.chamberorchestraanglia.co.uk/.

Sharon Andrea Choa, COA founder and Artistic Director said: “We are very excited to be returning to The Forum to mark our 10th birthday and launch the Norwich 12 series. I would like to thank The Forum, Norwich HEART and all the members of the Norwich 12 for their support. Using music to connect with the community and connect people is always what we aspired to do. This series of concerts will hopefully do just that and more. It is going to be a memorable 12 months.”

Chamber Orchestra Anglia’s key aims are to forge new links and relationships with other art forms and scientific disciplines and present inspiring and accessible classical concerts. The orchestra’s artistic director and principal conductor, Sharon Andrea Choa is Director of Music at UEA and conductor of the UEA Symphony Orchestra. The leader of the orchestra is Simon Smith, an outstanding violinist who has performed extensively as a soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Festival of Architecture Pecha Kucha Evening at Cinema City Norwich

FANN-XI, the Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk, brings a first to Cinema City, Norwich on Wednesday, October 26, 8pm for 8.30pm start – Pecha Kucha 20 x 20.

Pecha Kucha 20x20 features quick fire presentations on architectural themes. Devised in Tokyo in 2003 as a way for young architects and designers to network and show their work in public, Pecha Kucha allows each architect just 20 seconds to show 20 images. The name comes form the Japanese term for ‘chit chat’.

Tickets for Pecha Kucha are £4 from Cinema City box office, www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Cinema_City.

Jon Greenfield, Chair FANN-XI steering group said: “Some of our best young architects will be putting their presentational skills to the Pecha Kucha test. It will be a fun evening showcasing some excellent work.”

For more information about FANN-XI see http://www.fann-xi.org.uk/.

Fairhaven Garden Halloween Spooky Trail Monday, October 31

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham invites you to scare yourself silly on the haunted trail round the garden – the 12th annual Halloween Spooky Trail on Monday, October 31, from 6pm to 8pm.

Admission is adults £5.50, senior citizens £5 and children £3. Visitors can go round the trail as many times as they dare and should bring their own torch.

New this year is Thundermental with fire breathing, fire poi and body grinding. The Rockin’ Monks will be back with a selection of spooky songs. Watch out for Chinese firecrackers, Dracula appearing from his coffin, the Grim Reaper in his boat and zombies, mummies and witches on the trail, along with a firework finale.

Hot soup, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale in the tearoom. For further information telephone 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted of the A47 at the B1140 junction. The garden is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm.

Art Architecture Trail – Norwich – FANN-XI - Festival of Architecture

FANN-XI (Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk) is staging an art trail in cafés and galleries around Norwich from 10 to 28 October, featuring work art by architects, as well as artists who use architecture and the built environment as their inspiration.

The Workshop Café Bar, 53 Earlham Road – Cityscapes, Toni Hayden, gouache cityscapes including Venice, Gozo, Marrakech and Corfu, 2 to 29 October, open daily 10am to 11pm (Mondays 5pm to 11pm).

Bicycle Shop, 17 St Benedicts – Tour de France, Jeannine Gavaghan, a series of freehand ink sketches produced on a cycling trip around Europe, and Interlocking, Rajhita Mahendran, a series of abstract mixed media artwork inspired by interlocking objects and structures, 4 to 30 October, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to midnight, Sunday 11am to 11.30pm and Monday 12noon to midnight.

The Playroom, Norwich Playhouse, St George’s Street, Annie Hall, a series of semi-abstract plan-like cityscapes, 8 to 29 October, daily 10am to 11pm (from noon on Sundays).

Grapevine Gallery, 109 Unthank Road, artist Gerard Stamp, and architects Trevor Price and Vaughan Keal, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm.

St Andrews House, Art and Designs students from City College on the Access to HE diploma, work includes paintings, designs for textiles and images of constructions, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm.

Expresso Café, St George’s Street – Unidentified Buildings, Philip Walmsley, a series of small and large drawings showing the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces of unidentified buildings, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Saturday 7am to 5.30pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

Studio Urban Blu, Princes Street – as Portrait, Andi Gibbs, a series of 2D work provoking thought around the relationship between the city, movement, people and change, 10 to 28 October, Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.

Plot_One - Art meets Architecture, 3 St James Court, Whitefriars . Exhibition curated by architecture student Frankie Bainbridge Plot_One brings together the best of this year’s Art Trail and a myriad of other fascinating artists who's work explores the connections between art and architecture. Monday 10 to Friday 28 October, 11am-4pm.

Gallery 18/21, Tombland – Present Practice featuring Jeremy Taylor, John Maddison, David Rock, Birkin Haward, Sir Bernard Feilden and Will Allsop, 16 to 28 October, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

For more information see http://www.fann-xi.org.uk/, email info@fann-xi.org.uk, tel. 01603 706632.

LSI Architects (Norwich and London) has won a RIBA East (Royal Institute of British Architects) Spirit of Ingenuity Award for The Haven at Horning. The Haven is a low energy new private residence in the heart of the Broads that required sensitive design due to its prominent location and used best environmental practice. The Haven was one of two winners in the Residential Design category.


LSI Architects has also won the Galvanizers Association Sustainable Award 2011 for The Haven, as well as Norfolk Association of Architects New Residential and Specialist Trade – Carpentry and Joinery awards. The Haven has been shortlisted for the CPRE Norfolk Awards 2011.

The RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards recognise the design ingenuity and architectural excellence of architects and their clients across the East of England for schemes designed within the region. There are seven award categories.

The Haven replaced an existing house in an area subject to frequent flooding. Its prominent location on the riverbank required a contemporary design that would complement the local area.

Trevor Price, LSI Partner who led the project said: “We are delighted that our work to develop a high quality, low energy modern dwelling to enhance the local area, has been recognised with a RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Award. The Haven was created using the sustainable design principles that are set out in the sustainability guide that we researched and produced for the Broads Authority, which is now part of the National Park’s local development framework.”

“To solve the problem of flooding risk, the house was raised 1.3m above the ground,“ added Trevor Price. This combined with the open structure of the boathouse allows flood water to flow across the site and gives the owners a superb elevated view.”

Maria Hammond, Planning Assistant at the Broads Authority commented that the project makes “a positive contribution to the character of the Horning riverside and the wider Broads landscape, demonstrating how a sensitively designed contemporary solution can be a welcome addition to a familiar scene.”

Sustainable Design

The building is insulated above current standards and constructed mainly in timber, is clad with Accoya and also uses galvanised steel. The house has a sedum moss roof. The energy for underfloor heating comes from a ground source heat pump and photo-voltaics on the boathouse roof provide the electricity. The house in-use is virtually carbon neutral.

www.LSIarchitects.co.uk

Photograph: Blue Pearl Photographic

FANN-XI, Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk 2011

Perspectives talks at The Forum, Millennium Plain, Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1TF



info@fann-xi.org.uk, http://www.fann-xi.org.uk/ 


Terry Hickman Smith (Lucas Hickman Smith) and Sheila Moss King – The Pennoyer Centre

Tuesday 11 October 6pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Cube, The Forum – free event

Terry Hickman Smith of Wymondham-based architects Lucas Hickman Smith will present the Pennoyer Centre Pulham St Mary, an award-winning conversion of a C15th guild chapel into a multi-use centre for education, business and community use. Sheila Moss King, Chair of the Pennoyer Centre Charity, will give a client’s account of assembling a ‘big society’ project, before the advent of the Big Society.

Alan Powers – Tayler and Green: Refusing to Indulge the Un-Homely

Wednesday 12 October, 6pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Curve, The Forum – free event

Professor Alan Powers (University of Greenwich and the Twentieth Century Society) will present an illustrated talk on Norfolk’s architectural anti-heroes Tayler and Green, who built nearly 700 homes for Loddon Rural District Council in the 30 years after 1945. The talk will be supported by an exhibition of new photographs of key Tayler and Green projects by Jim Stephenson.


Anthony Hudson, Hudson Architects – Buildings with Character, The Salvation Army HQ and other projects


Tuesday 18 October, 6.00 for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Cube, The Forum – free event

Anthony Hudson Architects’ Salvation Army HQ building was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2010 and won an RIBA East Award this year. Anthony Hudson, principal of the Norwich-based practice, will talk about this highly acclaimed project and other recent work, addressing the question ‘What makes a building special and unique to its setting?’

Jonathan Smales, Beyond Green – ‘We Shape Our Cities…Thereafter They Shape Us’

Wednesday 19 October, 6.00pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Cube, The Forum – free event

Jonathan Smales is a former MD of Greenpeace UK and has acted as a sustainability advisor to The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the 2012 Olympic Games legacy project. He is also joint founder of sustainability consultancy turned developer Beyond Green, which is drawing up plans for a large site in the north-Norwich ‘growth-triangle’. Jonathan’s talk will focus on general principals of sustainable urbanism – how the design of our towns and villages shapes our behaviour as consumers and citizens.

Patty Hopkins (Hopkins Architects) and Meredith Bowles (Mole Architects): ‘Living Architecture & The Long House, Cley’

Thursday 20 October, 6pm for 6.30pm to 7.30pm, The Curve, The Forum – free event. Meredith Bowles of Cambridge-based Mole Architects will describe Alain de Botton’s Living Architecture project, which offers ‘Holidays in Modern Architecture’ through its contemporary rental properties in the east of England. Patty Hopkins of Hopkins Architects will present the Long House, Cley, Living Architecture’s only Norfolk project.

Baking Fun at Wroxham Barns - UK's only Scone Competition

Sixty-six plates of scones greeted judges on Sunday afternoon at Wroxham Barns for the fifth annual scone competition, part of the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival.


Believed to be the only dedicated scone competition in the UK, regular competitors and new entrants combined for a fun afternoon with a serious edge – who was going to be crowned champion scone maker in the five categories, plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and under 12 plain?

“This has undoubtedly been the best yet,” said Wroxham Barns Director, Ian Russell. “The quality was very high, and we were pleased to see some the best scone makers from previous competitions returning for another go. We think we are the UK’s only scone competition and will continue to develop. This year we introduced a children’s category for under 12’s and hope that it will grow in 2012.”

Emma Lee from the Eastern Daily Press judged the cheese scone category. “I was hugely impressed by the standard. The winning scone’s flavour hit me instantly. The texture was perfect and the scone wasn’t too dry or doughy.”

Margaret Paul from Taverham wowed the judges with her rosemary, raisin and vanilla scones to win the freestyle category. Teresa Grant from Thorpe St Andrew, a previous winner, took the fruit crown. Ruth Peake for Fleggburgh baked the top cheese scone. Ann Moore from Norwich had the best plain scone and Lewis Wakefield from Wisbech was the first winner of the under 12 category.

Wroxham Barns Scone Competition – the winners

Fruit

1. Teresa Grant, Thorpe St Andrew

2. Barbara Hollis-Graves, Thorpe End

3. Ena Smith, Hoveton

Freestyle

1. Margaret Paul, Taverham

2. Marion Skinner, Neatishead

3. Catherine Howe, Hemblington


Cheese

1. Ruth Peake, Fleggburgh

2. Marion Skinner, Neatishead

3. Pamela Simkins, Swanton Morley

Plain

1. Ann Moore, Norwich

2. Catherine Howe, Hemblington

3. Teresa Grant, Thorpe St Andrew


Children (Under 12)

1. Lewis Wakefield, Wisbech

2. William Shipley, Tunstead

Wroxham Barns tel 01603 783762, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/.

Photograph: plates of  Freestyle Scones

Evocations - Norfolk Sculptors at Wymondham Arts Centre

Norwich sculptor, Ros Newman is curating, Evocations an exhibition featuring work from 12 of Norfolk’s top sculptors, a special autumn show at Wymondham Arts Centre, Norfolk. Evocations runs from Tuesday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12noon to 5pm, free entry, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.


Sculptors featured in the show are Andrew Campbell, Chedgey, Polly Cruse, Mark Haywood, David Holgate, Rachael Long, Ros Newman, Vanessa Pooley, Joanna Reynolds, Ann Richardson, Louise Richardson, and Chris Wade.

Photograph: Bird Flight 3 by Ros Newman - at Wymondham Arts Centre.

Wroxham Barns stages UK’s only dedicated scone baking competition

Wroxham Barns stages what is believed to be the only dedicated scone baking competition in the UK on Sunday, September 25.


Last September judges munched their way through 83 plates of scones. This year organisers have introduced an additional children’s category – plain scones baked by the under 12s. So a bumper crop is expected at 3pm on Sunday, when judging begins at this EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival event, part of the Produced in Norfolk Taste the View weekend.

“We have found scone competitions in the USA and Australia but none in the UK,” said Wroxham Barns director Ian Russell, “so can lay claim to ours being a unique British event. Competition Sunday is a great day at the Barns and to add to the fun we also have a Produced in Norfolk Food Market and beer sampling with Stuart Evans at our resident Uncle Stuart’s Brewery”.

To enter Wroxham Barns Scone Competition bring four freshly baked scones in the category or categories of your choice – plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and under 12 plain – to the Barns by 2.30pm on Sunday 25 September. Judging should be completed by 4pm. All competitors are offered a complimentary cup of tea while they wait. Prizes are awarded to the top scone maker in each category. For more information see http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/ (what’s on).

An Audience with Griff Rhys Jones and his Ghanaian ‘fantasy coffin’

Griff Rhys Jones will at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich on Wednesday 2 November, for a special ‘Audience with Griff Rhys Jones’ event. The visit coincides with the loan of his ‘fantasy’ Ghanaian coffin to the Sainsbury Centre. The TV camera coffin is the focal point of a new display about Ga art and culture from Tuesday 27 September until Sunday 4 December.


The coffin, which is remarkably realistic despite its scale, was created last year for Griff Rhys Jones as part of the BBC television series Hidden Treasures of Africa. It is the first time since the television programme was broadcast that the general public has seen the ‘fantasy coffin’. The display makes links with African objects in the Centre’s Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, and in the spirit of the Collection, shows that art can be found in all manner of objects. 

The ‘Audience with Griff Rhys Jones’ evening on Wednesday 2 November is a fundraising event for the Sainsbury Centre. Griff Rhys Jones will talk about his experiences filming the BBC television series Hidden Treasures of Africa and the creation of his ‘fantasy’ coffin in conversation with Sainsbury Centre director Paul Greenhalgh. The event includes a two-course meal with wine and music from Norfolk’s Anna Mudeka Band, Tickets are £55 or £75, (£75 ticket includes exclusive drinks and canapé reception with Griff Rhys Jones). Doors open 6pm with dinner at 7.30pm, tel. 01603 593199 for more information or to book tickets.

The ‘fantasy coffin display’ runs from Tuesday 27 September to Sunday 4 December 2011. The Centre will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays including Bank Holiday Mondays, http://www.scva.ac.uk/.

Photograph: Griff Rhys Jones in the ‘fantasy coffin’ at ‘Hello Design Coffins’, Accra, 2010

(Modern TV).

Mary Webb: Journeys in Colour Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

The largest ever exhibition of works by the artist Mary Webb opens at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, on Tuesday 27 September and runs until Sunday 4 December.


Mary Webb has been producing bold abstract work for nearly 50 years and taught at Norwich University College of the Arts (then Norwich Art School) from 1966 - 1990. Writing in the Observer, art critic Tim Hilton described Mary Webb as "a little known but treasurable artist".

Journeys in Colour celebrates Webb’s work from 1965 to the present day and includes 60 paintings together with screen prints, drawings and collages. A new series of works never seen before, which have been inspired by a trip to Utah, USA, will be on display. The exhibition also includes a number of works by the artist from the UEA Collection of Abstract and Constructivist, Art, Architecture and Design, which is permanently housed at the Centre.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 27 September to Sunday 4 December, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays .

Admission (includes entry to the The Face of the Artist) £4, concessions £2. Family admission (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £8, concessions £6.

T. 01603 593199, http://www.scva.ac.uk/.

Photograph: Mary Webb in her studio (Andi Sapey)

Fairhaven Garden Supports Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham is supporting the Lymphoma Association http://www.lymphomas.org.uk/, during Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week, Monday 12 to Sunday18 September.

Fifty pence from full paying adult admissions to the garden will go to the Lymphoma Association, along with £1 from every cream tea purchased during the week.

Louise Rout Fairhaven Garden Manager said: “The Lymphoma Association is now in its 25 year and provides vital support for people with lymphatic cancer. We have decided to make the association our nominated charity and will be doing other fundraising activities over the next 12 months.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; admission charges are adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3, under five free.
Free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival at Wroxham Barns - September

Events at Wroxham Barns during the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival

Produced in Norfolk Food Market, Thursday 15 September, 10am to 1pm.

Launch of Uncle Stuart’s Brewery’s Beer Experience and Tasting, Sunday 25 September, 12noon to 5pm. Meet brewer Stuart Evans, watch our new film about the story of beer and brewing in Norfolk and Uncle Stuart’s craft brewing process, and sample some of his special Norfolk beers, including the exclusive Wroxham Barns Bitter.

Annual Scone Competition Sunday 25 September

Deliver your scones by 2.30pm, judging at 3pm, winners announced 4pm approx.

We’ve made well over half a million scones in our kitchens since we opened in 1983. We think we’re pretty good at it, even if we say so ourselves, but maybe you think you could do better?

There are five categories in our Annual Scone Competition: plain, fruit, cheese and freestyle – any ingredients allowed - and NEW this year a special children's category for under 12s, plain scones only.

Entrants should bring along four of their best freshly baked scones by 2.30pm on Sunday, 25 September for judging. A complimentary cup of tea will be given to all entrants, while they wait for the judges’ decision.

Prizes for the champion scone maker in each category and runners up.

Produced in Norfolk Food Market Sunday 25 September, 10am to 1pm. Food stalls include Yare Valley Oils, who will be giving tasters of oil and dressings, Norfolk Finest Foods, who produce 30 different pickles and chutneys using fresh, local, seasonal produce, and Norfolk Heatwave and Certain Death Chilli Oils.

Also during September
Daily tastings of Norfolk Cider and Apple Juice at the Apple Shop
Daily tastings of fudge at the Fudge Shop
Free tastings at weekends in September at The Pantry of our extensive range of preserves, pickles and chutneys.

Tel 01603 783762, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/

Fairhaven Annual Dog Show - Saturday, September 10

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is staging its second Annual Dog Show on Saturday, September 10,from 10am to 4pm.

The event, which is sponsored by James Wellbeloved and Acle Feed and Seed, is a fun day for all dog lovers and a great opportunity for local residents to demonstrate their pride in their dogs.

There are 11 categories in the Dog Show including best puppy, waggiest tail, best young handler, scruffiest mutt, prettiest bitch and most handsome male. It costs £1 to enter each category and all proceeds will go to FAITH Animal Rescue, The Dogs Trust and Canine Partners. There is no need to enter in advance, just bring your dog along on the day and join in the fun.

Other activities are terrier racing, doggy line dancing and face painting. The Dogs Trust, F.A.I.T.H Animal Rescue Centre and Canine Partners will all be at the show,
along with doggy stalls.

Admission is £2 adults, £1 children (under 5 free) and dogs free. The Dog Show is being staged next to the main car park. There will be plenty of free parking.

Full List of Dog Show Categories
10.45am best puppy
11.05am best senior dog
11.25am prettiest bitch (puppy to 5 years)
11.45am prettiest bitch (6+ years)
12.05pm handsome male (puppy to 5 years)
12.25pm handsome male (6+ years)
1.15pm best rescue
1.35pm best young handler
1.55pm waggiest tail
2.15pm scruffiest mutt
2.45pm best in show

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, also signposted from Acle, tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. Admission: adult £5.50, concessions £5, child £3 (under 5 free).

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Dig! – Archaeology in Action at The Forum – Sunday, September 4

BBC Dig! with Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service, Norwich HEART, The Mo: Sheringham Museum, Norfolk Family Learning, Sedgeford excavation, Caistor Roman Town, The Forum and The Millennium Library are staging a free Archaeology in Action day at The Forum.

Activities include:

drop-in session with archaeologists and local finds officers who will be on hand to discuss your discoveries.

artefacts excavated from Sedgeford - see items from the Anglo Saxon settlement and cemetery on display including skeletons of the people who were buried there.

handling geological specimens.

children’s activities including storytelling, pot making, rock painting and making fossils to take home.

drop in sessions run by Norwich HEART exploring the archaeology of Norwich – what the excavations unearthed and what were the people like who lived there?

talk by Dr Will Bowden project leader at Caistor Roman Town excavation at 2pm in the Millennium Library.

view over 55,000 records that make up the historic environment of Norfolk.

This is just one of a series of ancient and archaeology themed events taking place across Norfolk. Full details can be found at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/dig and www.bbc.co.uk/handsonhistory .

Raveningham Gardens Opening in aid of Priscilla Bacon Lodge September 4

Raveningham Gardens is opening in aid of Priscilla Bacon Lodge on Sunday, September 4 from 2pm to 5pm. Priscilla Bacon Lodge is a centre for specialist palliative care services in Norwich.

Enjoy the herbaceous borders, 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses, orchard, arboretum, herb garden, contemporary sculptures and views across the new lake established at the turn of the Millennium.

Admission is adults £4, concessions £3.50 and children under 16 free. The gardens (NR14 6NS) are 10 miles south east of Norwich, signposted off the A146 at Hales, then B1136, tel. 01508 548152, email office@raveningham.com , www.raveningham.com.

Evocations – Top Norfolk Sculptors at Wymondham Arts Centre

Norwich sculptor, Ros Newman is curating, Evocations an exhibition featuring work from 12 of Norfolk’s top sculptors, a special autumn show at Wymondham Arts Centre, Norfolk. Evocations runs from Tuesday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12noon to 5pm, free entry, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.

Sculptors featured in the show are Andrew Campbell, Chedgey,
Polly Cruse, Mark Haywood, David Holgate, Rachael Long, Ros Newman, Vanessa Pooley, Joanna Reynolds, Ann Richardson, Louise Richardson, and Chris Wade.

“I have chosen sculptors for Evocations with whom I have worked and whose work I enjoy,” explained Ros Newman. “They are mainly members of Norwich Twenty Group, which comprises many of Norfolk’s best artists across all disciplines. The exhibition will feature new work from each sculptor.”

Professor Arthur Lucas, Chairman of Wymondham Arts Centre’s steering group, said: ”The ambience of Becket’s Chapel is especially suited to sculpture, and we invite a practising sculptor to curate a show each autumn. I was pleased that Ros Newman accepted our invitation. Her show will engage the imagination of the viewer and give an opportunity to compare excellent work in a variety of 3-Dimensional media.”

Evocations – The Sculptors

Ros Newman (Norwich) specialises in creating small steel sculptures using oxy-acetylene welding. Her passion for the medium, coupled with her love of the human form, is undiminished nearly 40 years after being introduced to welding at Hammersmith College of Art, and continues to yield sculpture reflecting the variety of her personal view. Involvement in the first Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail (1997) broadened her work to outdoors and she has become well known for chickens, cockerels and flights of birds in stainless steel.

Andrew Campbell (Norwich) captures personal fleeting moments that convey his interest in the past and future of landscapes. He makes reference to isolated, significant objects within the landscape and delights in the rediscovery of things forgotten.

Chedgey (Norwich) is a painter and sculptor who specialises in surreal self-mocking works. Last year he began developing Honoré as his alter ego, initially as a children’s story. Honoré has come to life in a series of automaton’s and sculptures.

Polly Cruse (Norwich) constructs objects and photographs, which capture moments of dreamt freedom. The work is open to viewers’ imagination and alludes to times of much needed escape referencing childhood fantasies.

Mark Haywood (Happisburgh) explores the landscapes of clouds, waves, fire and smoke, often sculpting these usually ephemeral objects in translucent materials. Mark is also commissioned to develop and run community arts projects. From 2001-2008, he was the creator and co-ordinator of the highly acclaimed Lightbox Project, a community art project to improve Guy Street Park in South East London.

David Holgate (Norwich) David served as apprentice and assistant to David Kindersley (Cambridge) for seven years. He now runs a small workshop in Norwich with his assistant Philippa. Most of the workshop output is commissioned – work for churches, architectural practices, new buildings and private clients with a very occasional piece made specifically for exhibition. David works in stone, slate, wood, metal and glass. He has taught at all levels of education from first school workshops through to degree courses at art schools and universities. He is also a musician.

Rachel Long (Wreningham) is fascinated by the skeletons and musculature of animals and birds. She transforms redundant industrial and agricultural iron and steel machine parts into a form that conveys the essence of living creatures.

Vanessa Pooley (Norwich) creates figurative bronze sculptures focussing on the female form. Her ‘Mother and Child’ series has been well received – ‘Mother and Child’… is a world apart, a full stop: a portrayal of intimacy so strong that you can catch your breath – Telegraph Magazine. Vanessa has started the Dancer series of sculptures that explore movement inspired by the ballet The Nutcracker.

Joanna Reynolds (Norwich) domestic panoramas investigate and celebrate the ordinary. Through the medium of pen and ink drawings and paper cutouts she takes a snap shot of family life.

Ann Richardson (Norwich). Ann’s subject matter is animal and human form, carefully worked from observation, but always expressive and full of character.

Louise Richardson (Norwich), storytelling and humanity form the basis of Louise’s work. Garments and sculptures made from a diverse selection of materials give a glimpse of untold tales.

Chris Wade (Norwich), a professional civil engineer creates small, mainly figurative, sculpture in bronze welded steel and carvings in alabaster and soapstone.

Wymondham Arts Centre is at Becket’s Chapel, Church Street, Wymondham, NR18 0PH, email info@wymondhamarts.com, http://www.wymondhamarts.com/.

Photograph: Ros Newman - red current tart