Eastlife Summer 2021

www.eastlife.co.uk 

Road Trip 

Inspiration 

The Great 

Outdoors 

Family 

PLUS: Wild 

Staycation 

Swimming, 

Destinations 

Watersports, 

Festivals, Gardens 

ummer 

and more

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Essex Wildlife Trust 

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park 

A great place to visittat any time of year! 

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex CO5 7DN 

Peaceful walks, wonderful wildlife and stunning views. Explore and discover over 

200 acres of reserve. 

• Gift shop with nature themed gifts, cards, books, bird seed and binoculars. 

• Cafe serving snacks, cakes, hot and cold drinks. 

• Covid Secure environment please respect current guidelines. 

• Check Facebook or the website for future events, inc children's holiday activities 

• Suggest donation for entry 

• Reserve open 7 days a week 9am-5pm. Visitor Centre opens at 10am 

Info: fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk 01206 729678 

essexwt.org.uk/reserves/fingringhoe-wick 

Registered Charity No. 210065 

Protecting Wildlife for the Future and for the People of Essex

Contents 

Magazine Production 

PUBLISHER Christa Hallam 

christa@eastlife.co.uk | 07827 015170 

EDITOR Emma Kemsley 

emma@eastlife.co.uk 

FEATURES WRITER Jacqui Hagen 

jacqui@eastlife.co.uk | 07990 881546 

GRAPHIC DESIGN Doug Dawson 

doug@dougdawson.co.uk 

SALES ENQUIRIES 

Jim Leishman 

jim@eastlife.co.uk | 07872 469669 

ON THE COVER 

Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge by Tabitha Mary 

Tabitha is inspired by the old railway posters. 

She captures places near and far. You can see 

her collection of 200+ prints on her website 

www.tabithamary.co.uk 

EASTLIFE is published by Local Media Publishing 

Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or 

in whole, without the written permission of the 

publisher is strictly prohibited. The views expressed 

by contributors are not necessarily those of the 

publisher. All times, prices and dates of events were 

correct at the time of going to press but readers are 

advised to ring and check before setting out. 

Printed by Buxton Press. 

DON’T FORGET 

TO DOWNLOAD THE 

EASTLIFE APP AND FOLLOW 

US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

(SEARCH “EASTLIFE”) 

Dear Reader, 

If there was ever a year to make the most of where you live, 2021 is 

it. With lockdown restrictions beginning to lift, many of us are slowly 

starting to take steps back into normality. First came the opening of 

pubs and restaurants with their customised outdoor dining spaces, 

and now it’s the turn of accommodation. 

With oversea holidays still off the agenda, this an opportunity to fall in 

love with where you live, all over again. Parks, forests, riverbanks and 

coastal towns, discover the natural beauty of the region. Pack a picnic 

and embrace the great outdoors. This issue will help you do just that. 

Our area focuses take on a nautical theme discovering the East’s 

coastline. There are locations for wild swimming and water activities, 

and scenic road trips to help you find peace and solitude away from 

the crowds. 

It’s reassuring to see things are changing for the better with a number 

of festivals and events scheduled to go ahead too. For the first time 

in over a year, eastlife is back to bringing you a full guide of shows, 

concerts and events, with safety measures in place of course. 

It’s exciting times. Keep up-to-date with the latest events via 

www.eastlife.co.uk and social media. 

Have a great summer! 

Best wishes 

Emma Kemsley 

We’re working hard to provide accurate content, but these are unusual times 

so please check opening times and availability before heading out. Follow 

social distancing guidelines at all times. 

5

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Contents 

17 

31 

64 

135 

08 Word of Mouth 

A round-up of the region’s news and 

upcoming events 

017 Lifestyle 

Festivals are back! Fill your summer plans 

with days out and events 

031 Travel 

Escape the crowds with a scenic road 

trip. Cool off with our pick of water side 

destinations 

047 Dog Friendly 

Catch up on Tails About Town. Boutique 

hotels for you and your dog 

054 Education 

Mindfulness in schools 

057 Little East 

Keep your little ones entertained with 

adventurous days out 

067 Food & Drink 

The latest food and drink news and 

themed afternoon tea 

071 Health 

How to improve your mental health and 

immune system 

077 Fashion 

Accessories for summer and an inspiring 

interview with a young, Essex-based, 

swimwear fashion designer 

081 Weddings 

Inspiration for small weddings 

083 Motoring 

Sue Cooke reviews Audi Q7 e quattro 

plug in hybrid SUV 

085 Consumer 

Financial advice from Martin Lewis, 

business grants and home security 

091 Interiors 

How to make your home more 

sustainable, wall art, gardens, mortgages 

and an exclusive interview with 

Collingwood Coastal 

101 Arts 

A round-up of the region’s arts news and 

events 

110 Area Focus 

An exciting new look for each county; 

now even more localised information, 

restaurant recommendations and travel 

inspiration for every county 

7

Word 

of 

Mouth 

The latest news from around the region 

Cambridge Country Club’s new 

5* luxury spa experience 

Following an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment, Bourn Golf & Country Club is 

set to reopen this summer, under a new name, ‘Cambridge Country Club’. 

As part of an 18-month renovation project, the 43,000 sq foot complex will include a 

wellness centre complete with a state-of-the-art gym, luxury spa facilities, stylish new 

bar and restaurant, fully equipped conference rooms and function rooms complete with 

panoramic views overlooking the golf course. 

The country club has recently announced partnerships with ELEMIS ®, in-house skin 

clinic with London Harley Street dermatologist, Dr Chopra and celebrity Master Chef, 

Steven Saunders. 

The development will supplement the18-hole par 72 Championship parkland course 

that measures 6,594 yards from the white tees and boasts an excellent reputation for 

both its year-round condition and design. 

www.cambridgecountryclub.com 

8

Explore Norfolk with an E-Bike 

Torque E-Bikes, a family run business in Great Snoring, has 

launched an electric bike hire company available for half 

or full day hire. 

Based in the setting of Thursford Castle, riders can quickly 

access a network of beautiful country lanes and breathtaking 

cycling routes. 

Want to be the Gatekeeper at 

Glemham Hall? 

For the first time in 200 years, the iconic gatehouse at Glemham 

Hall is available for weekend breaks and holidays. 

Surrounded by trees and a large pond, The Gatehouse cottage 

has been sensitively refurbished to offer two bedrooms, 

sleeping up to four. 

The cottage has a fascinating history. Set in stone on the westfacing 

wall of the property is a monogram of two interwoven C’s 

to mark the marriage of King Charles II to Catherine of Braganza, 

who married on 23 June 1661. As well as a dowry of £500,000, 

Catherine of Braganza is famed for popularising tea-drinking 

in England. 

Book a break via Airbnb at 

www.airbnb.com/h/glemhamlodge 

Have you herd the news? 

Colourful Cow 

sculptures will create 

a feel-good factor in 

the streets and public 

spaces of Cambridge 

as the art trail, Cows 

about Cambridge, 

takes place from 28 

June to 4 September. 

Some 40 decorated cow sculptures and 45 mini moos will 

be put out to pasture for 10 weeks so that local residents and 

visitors to the city can enjoy exercise, as they navigate the free 

trail to discover the inspirational designs that regional artists, 

schools and community groups have painted and collaged on 

to these 3D canvasses. 

Produced by global public art event producers Wild in Art in 

partnership with children’s charity Break, and in association with 

principal partner Cambridge Business Improvement District 

(BID) and travel partner Thameslink, the trail was all set to go live 

in March 2020 when the first lockdown hit. 

There is a range of e-bikes to choose from, including 

step-throughs, crossbars, mountain bikes and a fun and 

funky 2-seater. Plus, from mid-June, a Babboe Electric 

Cargo Bike, which can carry up to four small children, will 

be available. 

Torque E-Bikes provide customers with suggested routes, 

including 10-mile circuits through villages to 40 mile 

routes taking in stately homes, walled gardens, beaches 

and boutique shopping. 

www.torque-ebikes.co.uk 

Suffolk Libraries launches new 

digital story-sharing service 

Suffolk Libraries has teamed up with Featherbed Tales 

to provide a new way for people to share stories with 

children or loved ones. 

Suffolk Libraries is the first library service to work with 

Featherbed Tales who make it possible to read, record 

and share one of their special children’s stories using your 

own voice. The service is ideal for those who are not able 

to meet up with other family members and can help to 

boost children’s reading and listening skills. 

Anyone with a Suffolk Libraries account can log into the 

Featherbed Tales website, read and record one of the 

six short stories and then share a link by email. It also 

works both ways and your child can also read the story to 

provide a great present for a grandparent who hasn’t seen 

them during lockdown. 

www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/featherbed 

Braintree Village opens Armani store 

Shoppers to Braintree Village in Essex, can now shop 

Italian luxury fashion brand Armani with up to 35% off the 

RRP across the store. The store is the latest addition to the 

outlet retail village. 

www.braintree-village.com 

Since then, the decorated fibreglass cows have been waiting 

in the stalls, ready to support the city’s recovery from the 

pandemic. The discovery trail, which incorporates many 

outdoor locations, will offer a family-friendly and socially 

distanced form of exercise. It will help locals to reconnect with 

their city, while also promoting climate conversations, and 

supporting the arts – a sector hugely impacted by COVID. 

After the trail closes on Saturday 4 September 2021, the large 

cow sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for Break, while 

the mini moos will find forever homes back with the schools and 

community groups that created them. 

www.cowsaboutcambridge.co.uk 

9

Unique 

show homes 

opening 

June 2021 

Modern, sustainable, design-led homes from 

House by Urban Splash are here at Inholm, 

a new Cambridgeshire neighbourhood. 

Discover a new kind of living in our Town House show homes. 

- 139 sq m across 3 floors 

- Flexible spaces 

- Raised ceiling heights 

- Oversized doors 

- Pitched roofs 

- Solar panels 

- Cambrigeshire countryside 

- Neighbouring water parks 

- 32 mins by bike to Cambridge Science Park 

- 29 mins by Guided Bus to Cambridge centre 

Be first to view the new show homes, 

book your viewing with Brandon today. 

01223 867 000 

inholm@housebyurbansplash.co.uk 

www.housebyurbansplash.co.uk/Inholm

The 

Calendar 

Please ensure you check ahead before visiting any event listed. 

Postponed 

Forest Live Postponed 

Forest Live, the outdoor summer concert series presented by Forestry England, where 

acts perform in woodland locations around the country has been postponed to 2022. 

For new 2022 dates at Thetford Forest visit www.forestryengland.uk/music 

Rediscover Hertfordshire with Treasure Trails 

With restrictions lifted, there’s no better time to step outside and rediscover 

Hertfordshire with Treasure Trails – the perfect solution to safe, socially-distanced 

outdoor entertainment. 

The themed self-guided walking trail booklets (only £9.99 each) take explorers on 

a circular outdoor route of approximately two miles. En route, you have the added 

challenge of working together to hunt down clues and solve a puzzling Detective 

Mystery, Treasure Hunt or Spy Mission. 

There are more than 1,200 Treasure Trails across the UK – and 12 to choose from 

across Hertfordshire including Berkhamsted, Bishop’s Stortford, Buntingford, Hitchin, 

Hertford, Much Hadham, St Albans, Royston, Tring, Ware and Watford. 

Tours & Trails 

Treasure Trails are available to buy online at treasuretrails.co.uk; they can be 

downloaded as a printable PDF or posted as a printed booklet. 

The National Stud Tour 

The National Stud offers an insight into a thoroughbred breeding operation as well as 

the heartwarming sight of foals at play. On the 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour, by 

foot and coach, visitors will see the mares with their newborn foals in the paddocks, as 

well as yearlings and stallions, and hear about the history of the stud and the work that 

goes into producing future champions. www.discovernewmarket.co.uk 

MT FEST: Daisy 

31 May – 6 June 

Norwich Theatre 

This story explores several forms of loss, challenges the resilience of a family, and 

celebrates the healing-power of storytelling. After waking from a coma with no memory 

of life before her accident, a young woman must try to move on knowing little more 

than her name: Daisy. 

www.norwichtheatre.org 

12

John Sergeant 

20 June 

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds 

Theatres have reopened their doors, and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has a 

fanatsic line up. 20 June will see one of the foremost journalists and political experts 

in the UK, John Sergeant, joined by his friend Terry Waite CBE, English humanitarian 

and author, for a fascinating and fun evening of conversation. 

www.theatreroyal.org 

IWM Duxford Events 

Events 

IWM Duxford has announced its summer air display events. On 6 June IWM Duxford 

will celebrate D-Day with vintage ground activities and living history groups, 

which bring the 1940s to life with the chance for visitors to learn more about this 

remarkable Second World War seaborne invasion. Watch as vintage aircrafts, 

including Spitfires and Thunderbolts, take to the skies over this former RAF base. 

‘Thank You Dads’ on Sunday 20 June will celebrate fathers and father figures at a 

themed flying day, complete with crazy golf and displays of contemporary, vintage 

and military aircraft. 

www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford 

GoGoDiscover 

12 July – 11 September 

Norwich 

Get ready to go on a Jurassic jaunt with GoGoDiscover 2021 when 20 large 

Tyrannosaurus-Rex sculptures will stomp into Norwich. The GoGoDiscover 

charity sculpture trail is delivered by East Anglian based children’s charity Break, in 

partnership with Wild in Art. Each T.rex has been decorated by local and national 

artists and sponsored by businesses from across the region. The family-friendly trail 

coincides with and celebrates another prehistoric visitor as the T.rex arrive just days 

before Dippy the Diplodocus at Norwich Cathedral, meaning trail go-ers will have 21 

dinosaurs to visit. 

www.break-charity.org/gogodiscover 

Newmarket Food and Drink Festival 

11-12 September 

The Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket 

The popular free festival, which celebrates the finest food and drink from across East 

Anglia is back! Celebrity chefs topping the bill on the main stage this year include 

chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager; Tristan Welch, a regular on BBC 1’s 

Saturday Kitchen and Chef Director at Parker’s Tavern in Cambridge; and acclaimed 

master chef Hans Schweitzer, who has cooked for the Queen, presidents, dignitaries 

and celebrities across the globe. Each chef will demo a range of dishes to teach 

audiences new skills and offer inspiration in the kitchen. In addition, the organisers 

plan to host over 60 artisan food and drink producers from across East Anglia 

and present a weekend packed full of live music, a selection of bars and family 

entertainment. www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk/food-and-drink 

The Addams Family 

31 August – 4 September 

Milton Keynes Theatre 

The musical comedy has been rescheduled. Samantha Womack and Cameron 

Blakely will revive their much-loved roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams, based on 

the characters created by Charles Addams. 

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre 

13

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5. Able Community Care writes for all references and telephone checks the validity 

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7. Live-in Carers update their training on an annual basis. 

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LIFESTYLE 

Festivals 2021 

Unmissable 

festivals to fill 

your summer 

calendar 

Last year, the 

pandemic put a 

stop to festival 

season, but this 

summer things 

are looking a little 

different. With 

testing available 

and the roll out of 

the vaccination, 

event organisers 

are hopeful. 

Plan your summer 

with our pick of 

festivals and events 

currently scheduled 

to go ahead. For the 

full list visit 

www.eastlife. co.uk 

17

LIFESTYLE 

individual on a shared flight, £950 for 

a couple and up to £1,650 for a party 

of six. 

www.greatballoonrace.co.uk 

The Wildwood Disco 

When: 26 June 

Where: The Woodland Glade, 

Horesheath Racecourse, Linton, Cambs 

Line-up: Krystal Klear, Jackmaster, Dan 

Shake, Seb Fortaine and more 

The Wildwood Disco brings together 

DJs and musical talents for a festival 

At Home Farm 

When: May to September 

Where: Home Farm, Aldenham Road, 

Elstree, Hertfordshire, 

Line-up: Jack Garratt, Rogue Theatre, 

The HandleBards, Showtime Circus 

and more 

At Home Farm makes its debut with 

a line-up of intimate outdoor events 

and residencies designed to leave you 

feeling nourished inside and out, with 

some of the best names in independent 

music, gastronomy, wellbeing and 

outdoor performance. Visitors can expect 

live music, a long table al fresco dining 

experience, comical theatre, circus acts, 

Wildfitness coaching, yoga and more. 

www.athomefarm.live 

Norfolk and Norwich 

Festival 

When: 17-30 May 

Where: Norwich, Norfolk 

Line-up: Don’t Touch Duckie!, Bourgeois 

& Maurice, Tim Spooner, Kaleider and 

many more 

The 14-day event is set to be a specially 

created one-off adaptation including 

outdoor and socially distanced 

performance, art and music as well as 

a digital strand. The Festival will take 

place in venues across the city and 

county, and at the newly reopened 

Festival Gardens, where a brand-new 

festival music weekend has been 

announced in collaboration with Wild 

Paths – Garden Sessions. 

www.nnfestival.org.uk 

Estuary 2021 

When: 22 May – 13 June 

Where: Southend-on-Sea, Essex 

This summer visitors to Southendon-Sea 

will have a feast for the eyes 

as the town hosts a large-scale, 

multi-disciplinary outdoor arts festival. 

Estuary 2021 is curated in response 

to the Thames Estuary and the lives, 

landscapes and histories found there. 

Produced by Metal Southend and 

Cement Fields in Kent, it includes a 

mix of large scale works and intimate 

artistic explorations. Alongside an online 

discussion and events line up, the 

physical programme will explore and 

respond to powerful themes resonant to 

the Estuary, from the climate to rebellion 

and imperial legacy through literature, 

music and film. 

www.estuaryfestival.com 

The Great Balloon Race 

When: 25-27 June 

Where: Shuttleworth Estate 

Line-up: Great Balloon Race, Ibiza 

Classics Orchestra 

Up to 50 balloons of all shapes and sizes 

will fill the skies across Bedfordshire and 

beyond before returning for a dazzling 

night glow display at dusk accompanied 

by the Ibiza Classics Orchestra. The 

Great Balloon Race extravaganza will 

feature a breath-taking Sky Dance from 

a 100ft crane by Incandescence plus 

a dynamic fireworks display. Plots will 

accommodate up to six people, priced 

from £65. For those with a head for 

heights, balloon flights are also available 

with prices starting from £325 for an 

full of energy. Lose yourself under 

the canopy of the trees as the 

glitterball spins and the music plays. 

Accompanied by entertainers, fire pits, 

bars and street food, the festival has 

something for everyone. Boutique 

camping is also available. 

Tickets from £48.15. 

www.thewildwooddisco.com 

18

LIFESTYLE 

Newmarket Nights 

When: July to August 

Where: The July Racecourse, 

Newmarket, Suffolk 

Line-up: Tom Jones, Olly Murs and 

Rick Astley 

Get dressed up for an evening of horse 

racing and live music. Place your bets 

and soak up the summer atmosphere, 

before dancing the night away to live 

music from UK chart toppers. 

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ 

newmarket/events-tickets/ 

newmarket-nights 

Battle of the Proms 

When: 17 July 

Where: Hatfield House, Hertfordshire 

Line-up: Napoleonic Cavalry Display, 

The Red Devils, New English 

Concert Orchestra 

A summer celebration. Enjoy an 

afternoon and evening of entertainment 

including Napoleonic re-enactors, The 

Red Devils, live music and spitfire air 

display. The Battle Proms Orchestral 

performance and a traditional singalong, 

flag-waving and grand firework 

display close the event. 

Tickets from £48. 

www.battleproms.com/venues/ 

hatfield-house/ 

Bedford Park Concerts 

When: 29-31 July and 1 August 

Where: Bedford Park, Bedford 

Line-up: Olly Murs, Café Mambo Ibiza 

in the Park, Ocean Colour Scene and 

Bedford Park Proms 

Bedford Park Concerts are back. The 

event has become somewhat of a 

summer tradition in the county. Over 

four days locals and visitors can enjoy 

a day of live music and summer fun. 

Olly Murs kicks off the event with pop 

hits. Those who missed out on a trip to 

Ibiza will be keen to book tickets to Café 

Mambo Ibiza on 30 July and Ocean 

Colour Scene will be taking us back 

to the 90s. The concerts close with a 

spectacular light show and the 25th 

celebration of the Park Proms. 

www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk 

Heritage Live 

When: 12-14 August 

Where: Audley End House and Gardens, 

Saffron Walden, Essex 

Line-up: Culture Club, James Blunt, Van 

Morrison and Russell Watson 

Enjoy live music in the grand setting of 

a stately home. Find a spot on the lawn 

and listen to some of the biggest names 

in music. Small picnics are permitted but 

alcohol must be purchased on site. 

www.heritagelive.net/venues/ 

audley-end 

Concerts at Chelmsford 

Racecourse 

When: August -September 

Where: Chelmsford City Racecourse, 

Essex 

Line-up: Example and Ministry of 

Sound Classical 

In addition to its schedule of summer 

racing events and popular ladies’ day, 

the racecourse is hosting a number of 

live concerts. Don’t miss the ‘Now that’s 

what I call the 80s’ evening for your 

chance to relive best-loved classics. 

www.chelmsfordcityracecourse. 

com/events 

32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra (USO), 

headline DJs and globally renowned 

vocalists. It’s a symphony for your 

senses. Blickling Estate on 7 August in 

Norfolk is sold out, but you can sign up 

to the waitlist. There are a few tickets 

remaining for the performance at 

Hatfield House. 

www.classicibiza.co.uk 

Red Rooster 


Where: Euston Hall, Suffolk 

Line-up: Richard Hawley, Jade Bird, 

Songhoy Blues, Elles Bailey and more 

You’ll need to be quick to snap up 

tickets to this soulful festival. For the 

past three years, the laid-back music 

festival, set within private gardens and 

countryside of a Suffolk stately home, 

has been a sell-out. Inspired by the 

music and lifestyle of the American 

Deep South, the festival celebrates the 

best of rock’n’roll, blues and country 

music. In addition to a great line-up 

that will have you dancing all day long, 

festivalgoers can cool off with river 

swimming, hop on a pedalo and join 

in games and workshops. It’s a family 

affair with children’s activities and even 

dog agility. There’s a good selection 

of food too – why not sample a fine 

range of bbqs, cajun stews, nachos 

washed down with specialist bourbons, 

sundowner cocktails, real ales, alcoholfree 

cordials? A choice of luxury 

camping options are also available 

including Lotus Belle tents and yurts. 

Weekend ticket priced £89.50. 

www.redrooster.org.uk 

Classic Ibiza 

When: 21 August 

Where: Hatfield House, Herts 

Line-up: Urban Soul Orchestra, Stephen 

Hussey, Goldierocks, Jose Luis 

and more 

If you can’t get to the Balearics this year, 

this is the next best thing! Classic Ibiza 

features a heady blend of Balearicinfused 

house music, performed by the 

Maui Waui Festival 


Where: Hill Farm, Gressenhall, Norfolk 

Line-up: Dub Pistols, Peatbog Faeries, 

Dutty Moonshine Big Band and more 

A family-friendly festival with a host of 

world class bands, full circus shows, 

small upbeat bands and acoustic acts, 

plus cabaret and comedy. 

www.mauiwauievents.co.uk 

19

delivered by 

t f i 

Outdoor Screening 

23 rd July – Toy Story 4 & Aladdin 

13 th Aug – Secret Life of Pets 2 & Yesterday 

Market Square 

First film begins at 18:15pm 

Seats available on a first come first served basis 

Strawberries & Screen 

28 TH JUNE – 11 TH JULY 

Live BBC Coverage of Wimbledon Festival 

Next to Clayton Hotel, Station Road 

Olympics Screening 

23 RD JULY – 8 TH AUGUST 

BBC Coverage of the 2021 Olympics 

Opening Ceremony being shown at Market Square with 

remaining tournament next to Clayton Hotel, Station Road

LIFESTYLE 

On the Big Screen 

Watching a film on the big screen outdoors has to be one of the 

ultimate summer events. Together with friends, pack your picnic 

blanket and popcorn and take your seat under the sky for an 

unforgettable movie experience. 

Luna Cinema, May 

Knebworth House, Herts 

This year event organisers have had to rethink their set-up. With 

social distancing in mind, Luna Cinema has created a drive-in 

experience. Throughout May, movie-lovers can enjoy a retro 

cinema experience. From the comfort of your own car, you 

can watch classics such as ‘Jaws’, ‘Grease’, ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Dirty 

Dancing’ and more. More recent blockbusters are also on the lineup 

including ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Rocketman’. The film 

will be displayed on a huge screen and you’ll be able to listen via 

in-car speaker boxes. 

www.lunadriveincinema.com 

Sundown Cinema, August 

Hitchin Lavender, Herts 

Hitchin Lavender is the location for Sundown Cinema this summer. 

Enjoy an evening in the great outdoors while watching recent 

blockbusters such as ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘A Star is Born’, 

as well as classic films like ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Point Break’. 

www.sundowncinema.co.uk 

Free Outdoor Screenings in Cambridge, 

June to August 

This summer big screens will be popping up in the city to provide 

outdoor entertainment. ‘Strawberries and Screen’ kicks off the 

programme with live coverage of Wimbledon in the Station area. 

There will be around 100 chairs available on a first come first 

served basis. 

Cambridge BID’s alfresco cinema returns to the Market Square 

from 23 July. This year, the programme of free films is set to 

delight audiences of all ages with double screenings in July 

and August. The films start from 6pm and include ‘Toy Story 4’, 

‘Aladdin’, ‘Secret Life of Pets 2’ and ‘Yesterday’. 

On 23 July the screen will be in the Market Square and the 

Olympic Opening Ceremony will be shown before the film 

events starts at 6pm. Start time is around midday until 3pm. The 

screen will then head back at the Station area to show the BBC 

Coverage of the 2021 Olympics Games. Pull up a seat and cheer 

on Team GB! 

Enchanted Cinema, May to June 

Gonville Hotel, Cambridge and The Plough, Fen Ditton 

The popular pop-up cinema returns for another summer of movies 

under Cambridgeshire skies. Watch well-loved films such as ‘Dirty 

Dancing’ and ‘Top Gun’ as well as recent hits like ‘Rocketman’ and 

‘Bridesmaids’ at the pretty inner city hidden garden at The Gonville 

Hotel and the lawn of The Plough in Fen Ditton. 

www.enchantedcinema.co.uk 

21

A unique and attractive 

development of Oakleigh 

Residential park homes and 

Leisure / holiday lodges 

professionally designed for 

over 50’s 

Superbly placed in the heart of 

Essex’s Tendring 

Call 0800 288 9069 to arrange a visit 

Oakleigh Park, Clacton Road, Weeley, Essex CO16 9DH

LIFESTYLE 

The Secret 

Garden 

Picture perfect gardens for your summer picnic 

There’s something special about a garden. A delight for the 

senses, the pretty gardens of East Anglia offer a welcome 

escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re 

looking for a moment of peace, plan your trip to one of these 

green spaces… 

23

LIFESTYLE 

Markshall Gardens and Arboretum 

Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1TG 

Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum near Coggeshall 

form an unmissable attraction in the Essex countryside, 

combining beautiful formal gardens, an enviable 

collection of mature trees from the temperate zones 

of the world and walks through ancient woodland. 

A wonderful place to visit all year round, highlights 

include spectacular snowdrop displays, glorious 

autumn colours, the largest European collection of 

Wollemi pines and a beautiful walled garden boasting 

the longest double border in East Anglia. The garden 

recently rebranded to ‘Markshall’ which dates back to 

the Domesday Book of 1086, under the Anglo-Saxon 

spelling of ‘Mercheshala’. The refreshed identity 

represents a new period for the charity ahead of its 50th 

birthday celebrations which begin in November. The 

2,350-acre estate and its world-class arboretum are 

open six days a week, year-round. 

www.markshall.org.uk 

Bridge End Gardens 

Saffron Walden, Essex 

For serious secret garden vibes, take the time to visit 

this gem hidden behind colourful cottages in the 

market town of Saffron Walden. It’s estimated the 

garden was created in 1840 and unusually, it was never 

attached or designed around a dwelling. Roses and 

hydrangeas bloom through the summer, vines and 

climbers create arches, delicate stone statues stand 

proud and Victorian greenhouses are full of pretty pots. 

Wander the hedge maze for a moment of solitude. 

www.saffronwalden.gov.uk/bridge-end-garden 

24

LIFESTYLE 

© Clive Nichols 

Fullers Mill Garden 

© Clive Nichols © Clive Nichols 

West Stow, Bury Saint Edmunds IP28 6HD 

Fullers Mill is an enchanting seven-acre garden on the 

banks of the River Lark. But it wasn’t always so. In 1958 

it was created by the late Bernard Tickner MBE from 

rough scrub and woodland, into a surprising yet quiet 

waterside oasis. The garden combines a beautiful site of 

light dappled woodland with a plantsman’s collection 

of unusual shrubs, perennials, lilies and marginal plants, 

many of which are extinct in the wild. It is a garden of 

truly year-round interest. The garden is open to visitors 

from April to October. Tea, coffee and cake is available 

to take away from the Bothy Tea Room and plants 

propagated from the garden are for sale. There is also a 

new pop up shop this season. 

www.fullersmillgarden.org.uk 

Fairhaven Woodland and Water 

Garden 

School Road, South Walsham, Norwich, NR13 6DZ 

Set over 130 acres, here plants are wild and natural but 

beautiful. The space is great for wildlife enthusiasts. 

Lose yourself amongst the woodland pathways and 

take in views of the Broad. The garden hosts regular 

water activities and workshops too. 

www.fairhavengarden.co.uk 

Knebworth House 

Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, SG1 2AX 

The stunning house is home to equally beautiful 

gardens. Explore 28 acres of greenery which includes 

a maze, a walled kitchen garden, colourful borders, 

trees and a wilderness area. Those with children in tow 

can follow the dinosaur trail and explore the parkland. 

Knebworth House will host the Hertfordshire Garden 

Show on 19 and 20 June. 

www.knebworthhouse.com/discover/knebworthgardens-dinosaur-trail 

25

INGATESTONE 

HALL 

16th Century manor house & grounds with a wealth of history. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 19th MAY 

Sunday, Wednesday and Bank Holiday afternoons (Noon – 5 p.m.) 

until the end of September 

Adults - £7 * • Pensioners - £6 • Children (over 5) - £3 

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS 

May 20/23 

Jun 19 

Jul 3 

Jul 17 

Jul 18 

Early Doors Theatre presents ALFIE 

CONCERT – Bravissima Choir 

CHARITY JAZZ CONCERT 

Rain or Shine Theatre presents 

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER 

CLASSIC CAR SHOW 

Hall Lane, Ingatestone Essex, CM4 9NR 

(Take Station Lane off the London end of Ingatestone High St.) 

Tel. 01277 353010 •Email: house@ingatestonehall.co.uk 

WWW.INGATESTONEHALL.COM

Make this Summer one to 

remember at Knebworth House 

knebworthhouse.com

Six 

reasons 

why you 

should plan 

a fishing 

trip this 

summer 

If you are already an angler, then you don’t need us to tell you 

the benefits of sitting on the side of the bank waiting for your 

latest catch to be hooked. The love of fishing is something that 

non-anglers don’t always understand. If you are looking to try 

something new this summer or are keen to take up a new hobby, 

we have put together a list of reasons you may want to give 

fishing a try if you haven’t already… 

Spending time in nature 

After being locked down for the past 12 months, we have learned 

many great reasons why spending more time in nature is good 

for us, plus it is also just an enjoyable thing to do, even with British 

weather! Fishing is a wonderful opportunity to get some fresh 

air. With many fisheries located in the countryside, it’s the perfect 

excuse to leave town life behind. Fishing is an all-weather sport; 

make sure you have good waterproofs and get outside in rain 

or shine! 

Stress relief 

Fishing is the perfect way to relax and unwind, sit back and enjoy 

the ripples of the water and the gentle tug of the line. There is 

something calming about stopping to sit and listen to the wind, 

water and wildlife. You will find all of your stresses of the week 

melt away. Fishing gives you something to focus your mind on 

and is a good distraction from any current worries. 

Enjoy some solitude 

On the flip side, if you are craving some alone time, fishing is one 

of the best escapes and solo experiences. It’s a great way to enjoy 

peace and quiet. 

Competition 

There is a competitive element to fishing which is all part of the 

fun. Fishing is a skill that needs to be learned over many a lost 

catch. It can be challenging, so it’s gratifying when you finally 

land a fish you’ve been after for years. It’s also fun to engage in a 

little healthy competition with your fishing buddies, seeing who 

can catch the biggest fish or catch the most in a day. National and 

regional fishing competitions are so available to enter. 

Fishing for children 

If you have little ones, fishing is an enjoyable activity that you 

can do together – the perfect day out activity during weekends 

or school holidays. Introducing fishing at a young age will help 

children understand about nature in their area, the different 

species of fish and how they live in different environments. 

Whether they take a little net to the beach or you teach them how 

to hold a rod and wait for a bite, they are sure to have a great time. 

Stay active 

While leisurely fishing isn’t usually much exercise, that doesn’t 

mean that it can’t be. Wading through rivers and long walks to 

fishing plots while carrying bundles of equipment can certainly 

feel like a workout. 

If you love fishing, or if we have inspired you to take up a new 

sport, we have listed East Anglia’s best lakes for your next 

fishing trip… 

28

NORFOLK 

Cobbleacre Park 

Brick Kiln Road, Hevingham, NR10 5NL 

Tel: 01603 754305 

A picturesque site with a variety of lakes 

for all ages and abilities. 

Facilities: camping, toilets. 

Waters: five lakes 

Fish: carp, ide, tench, roach, perch, 

silvers, rudd, skimmers, catfish. 

www.cobbleacre.co.uk 

Taswood Lakes 

Mill Road, Flordon, Norwich, NR15 1LX 

Tel: 01508 470919 

A tranquil fishery nestled in beautiful 

countryside. 

Facilities: Lakeside lodges, toilets, 

showers, tackle shop, access for disabled 

anglers. 

Waters: seven lakes 

Fish: carp, tench, roach, chub, barbel, 

bream. 

www.taswoodlakes.co.uk 

Narborough Fisheries 

Main Road, Narborough, Norfolk, 

PE32 1TE 

Tel: 01760 338005 

A site with chalk stream water running 

through the lakes. 

Facilities: camping, toilets, showers, 

tackle shop. 

Waters: five lakes 

Fish: carp, chub, tench, roach, bream, 

perch, trout. 

www.narfish.co.uk 

SUFFOLK 

Field Farm Fisheries 

Guildhall Lane, Wrentham, Suffolk, 

NR34 7HP 

Tel: 01502 675273 

A popular venue near the coast offering 

fishing for all levels. 

Facilities: camping, toilets, tackle shop 

Waters: Six lakes 

Fish: carp, bream, tench, roach, rudd, 

perch, chub, orfe. 

www.fieldfarmfisheries.com 

Broome Pits 

Broome, Beccles, NR35 2PE 

Former gravel pits set on the Suffolk 

heath land. 

Facilities: toilets 

Waters: four lakes 

Fish: carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, 

rudd. 

www.broomepitsfishinglakes.co.uk 

Suffolk Waterpark 

Loraine Way, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk, 

IP8 4JS 

Tel: 01473 832327 

Former quarry works developed into a 

picturesque site. 

Facilities: bait and tackle shop, café, log 

cabins, toilets 

Waters: nine lakes 

Fish: carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, 

rudd, perch, eels, bream, skimmers. 

www.suffolkwaterpark.co.uk/ourlakes/traditional-lake 

ESSEX 

Lake John Fishery 

Aimes Green, Galley Hill, Waltham Abbey, 

EN9 2BJ 

Tel: 07958 938152 

Set in the Epping Forest by the market 

town of Waltham Abbey. 

Facilities: café, main lake suitable for use 

by disabled anglers. 

Waters: two lakes 

Fish: roach, bream, perch, silver fish, 

rudd, chubblets, gudgeon, carp. 

www.lakejohnfishery.co.uk 

Coleman’s Cottage Fishery 

Little Braxted Lane, Witham, CM8 3EX 

Tel: 01376 516383 

Fishery in open countryside on the bank 

of the River Blackwater. 

Facilities: camping, tackle shop, toilets, 

access for disabled anglers. 

Waters: five lakes and a section of the 

River Blackwater 

Fish: carp, tench, roach, rudd, bream, 

crucian carp, chub, gudgeon, pike. 

www.colemansfisheries.co.uk 

BEDFORDSHIRE 

Henlow Bridge Lakes 

Bridge End Road, Henlow, Bedfordshire 

SG16 6LN 

Tel: 01462 812645 

Within a mature conservation area 

providing a countryside backdrop. 

Facilities: camping, tackle shop, 

showers, toilets, children’s play area, 


Waters: four lakes and section of the 

River Hiz 

Fish: carp, roach, rudd, tench, bream, 

perch. 

www.henlowbridgelakes.co.uk 

Lakeside Coarse Fishery 

Lakeside Farm, Wing Road, Cublington, 

LU7 0LF 

Tel: 01296 682201 

Well established lakes on the outskirts of 

the Chiltern Hills. 

Waters: two lakes 

Facilities: fisherman’s lodge, microwave, 

tea and coffee, toilets, access for disabled 

anglers. 

www.lakesidefishery.com 

HERTFORDSHIRE 

Stanborough Lakes 

Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, 

AL8 6DQ 

Tel: 07530 971634 

A coarse fishing gravel pit within the 

126-acre public park. 

Facilities: tackle and bait shop, toilets, 


Waters: one lake and section of the 

River Lea 

Fish: carp, chub, bream, roach, tench, 

pike, zander. 

www.wgc-angling-club.co.uk/ 

stanborough-lakes 

Albans Lakes 

Willows Farm, A414 North Orbital Road, St 

Albans, AL4 0RY 

Tel: 01727 822106 

An ideal rural retreat in beautiful 

surroundings. 

Facilities: tackle shop, catering, toilets. 

Waters: three lakes and a section of the 

River Colne 

Fish: carp, bream, skimmers, roach, 

silverfish. 

www.albanslakes.com 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE 

Head Fen Lakes Fishery 

Main Drove, Little Downham, Ely, 

CB6 2ER 

Tel: 07971 574375 

Complex in the Fenland countryside for 

anglers of all abilities. 

Facilities: camping, log cabins, toilets. 

Waters: three lakes 

Fish: carp, tench, bream, skimmers, 

roach, rudd, perch, gudgeon, chub, 

barbel. 

www.headfenlakes.co.uk 

Ferry Meadows 

Nene Park, Ham Lane, Orton Waterville, 

PE2 5UU 

Tel; 01733 234193 

Linked lakes, open to the River Nene, in 

the country park. 

Facilities: access for disabled anglers, 

café and toilets in the public park. 

Waters: two lakes and a section of the 

River Nene 

Fish: bream, silverfish, tench, pike, 

zander, carp. 

www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk/ 

ferry-meadows 

Decoy Lakes 

351 Drybread Road, Whittlesey, 

Peterborough, PE7 2AD 

Tel: 01733 202230 

One of the UK’s leading coarse fisheries 

for anglers of all abilities. 

Facilities: tackle shop, bar, café, toilets, 

showers, access for disabled anglers. 

Waters: 11 lakes 

Fish: barbel, carp, rudd, crucians, roach, 

tench. 

www.decoylakes.co.uk 

29

And much, much more. AT ELVEDEN 

4x4 off road driving - SKID PAN 

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING - archery - CROSSBOWS 

air rifles and pistols - team building challenges 

4x4 off-road driving and outdoor activities for individuals 

and groups. All activities can be stand alone or 

packaged as a combination. We have activities to 

suit all budgets. 

E enquiries@explore-4x4.co.uk T 01787 320640 w explore-4x4.co.uk

On the 

Road 

Wind down the windows and turn up the 

music, it’s time for an adventure 

Visit www.eastlife.co.uk for a foodie 

and rural road trip through Essex 

31

With travel abroad still uncertain, many of us are looking 

closer to home for a summer holiday. Campervan holidays 

have made a huge comeback with families packing their 

bags and hitting the road. 

Compact with everything you need for an enjoyable holiday, 

campervans are ideal for escaping the heaving tourist 

crowds and social distancing. Driving through countryside 

and along coastal roads provides a sense of adventure. It’s 

great for connecting back to nature which can be hugely 

beneficial for wellbeing too. 

“The excitement I get knowing I am about to hit the road 

in a motorhome is immense,” said Melissa Matthews of 

Road2Freedom, a family owned motorhome hire company 

based south of Bedford. “Closing the blinds one day on a 

blissful beach and opening them again next to a fantastic 

mountain. Going right off the beaten track and exploring 

the great outdoors. The unexpected sights you see, it’s an 

experience like no other.” 

Digital nomads have been springing up on social media with 

their van conversions and freedom for some time, but it’s not 

just for singles or couples. Campervans can be enjoyed by 

families too. Melissa added: “Watching the kids having the 

time of their lives racing around outside; swimming, climbing, 

walking, then back to your fully contained luxurious 

motorhome for a nice hot shower – it’s quality time being 

together, making memories to cherish for a lifetime.” 

With accommodation across the country mostly fully 

booked, a campervan is the perfect holiday on wheels. There 

are a number of rentals across the region, and most offer 

a vehicle delivered straight to your door for a fee. Camper 

Tribe has a fleet of brand-new VW Vans, sleeping up to four 

adults. Collection is available from Tiptree in Essex, and other 

locations across the UK. The campervan arrives with a full 

tank of fuel and features a cooker, sink, fridge and air heating. 

Once you’re acquainted with your vehicle, it’s time to 

embrace vanlife and hit the road. East Anglia has many 

beautiful routes to discover. Drive along country lanes, 

passing pretty pastel-coloured villages with thatched 

cottages and quiet riverside locations. Alternatively, take a 

coastal route and beach hop along the Essex, Suffolk and 

Norfolk coast. 

32

Cool camping 

For a quirky alternative, how about hiring a fully converted 

Land Rover Defender? Imagine waking up in the roof top 

tent to a beautiful sunrise across a meadow or drinking a 

glass of wine while the sun sets on the horizon. 

LandyCampers, based in Essex, have a selection of 

Defenders, ready for your adventure. 

Owner, Max Isham, shared his favourite route to Norfolk: “We 

head North-West, avoiding the M11 and taking the slow 

country roads instead. Our first stop for a long walk is Thetford 

Forest, the UK’s largest lowland pine forest along the Suffolk 

Norfolk border. Parking the Landy at St Helens Picnic Site or 

the High Lodge Car Park, we choose from the countless walks 

to get lost in the woods for an hour or two. 

“From here we head East, with our next special stop in 

Bungay. The next day is spent in one of the most intriguing 

landscapes of East Anglia; the Norfolk Broads National 

Park – a vast network of rivers and lakes formed by the 

flooding of medieval peat works. One of Britain’s largest 

protected wetlands and home to a wealth of birdlife, we 

love to experience the area on the Barton Boardwalk or in 

the Hickling Broads. If we are up for a bit more adventure, 

we explore the endless waterways on SUPs or even a kayak. 

Between November and January, we add a stop at the 

famous Horsey Gap. The extensive system of dunes is home 

to a large colony of grey seals breeding here in winter – which 

means thousands of white woolly seal babies scattered along 

the beach – a sight not quickly forgotten! 

“A great nearby place for a dinner is the King’s Arms in 

Fleggburgh. Hidden in what looks like an inconspicuous 

pub, we find an award-winning restaurant with the mostfriendly 

service and heaps of local produce and fresh fish on 

the menu.” 

The fun doesn’t stop there. Max advises continuing the 

journey with pitstops at Norfolk attractions. He adds: “We 

can never drive past a National Trust property, the next 

day takes us on a little detour back inland to the stunning 

Blickling Estate. An intriguing 15th century stately home, and 

birthplace of the tragic figure of Anne Boleyn, surrounded 

by thousands of acres of wood and parkland. We head 

further North until we hit the A149 – the North Norfolk Coast 

route connecting Cromer and Hunstanton. We take it slowly, 

drawing in the gently undulating landscape and pretty 

coastal villages. If we are up for a longer hike, we might 

tackle a stretch of the North Norfolk Coastal Path, part of the 

National Trail England Coast Path that will eventually let you 

walk the whole coastline of the country. 

“We end the trip with the obligatory fish and chips sitting 

on the quay of the coastal villages of Blakeney or 

Wells-next-the-Sea before we say goodbye (for now) and 

head back home.” 

With the freedom to design your own journey and find 

hidden locations, campervan hire has never seemed 

more appealing. 

To book your road trip with LandyCampers visit 

www.landycampers.co.uk 

Explore Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire 

The Greensand Ridge in Bedfordshire and the Chiltern Hills in 

Hertfordshire are both popular for walkers but provide some 

lovely views from the road too. Here are a couple of routes 

with some perfect pitstops: 

Bedfordshire, approx 28 miles: 

Begin at Leighton Buzzard, taking in Rushmere Park. Head to 

Woburn for shops, cafes, restaurants and, of course, the safari 

park. From here visit Ampthill for Houghton House, then head 

to Haynes for a view of Cardington Hangers – airship sheds 

now used for films including Batman! From here, journey to 

Old Warden and visit the Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss 

Garden. The final stop is Biggleswade for lunch at Jordans 

Mill; a historic mill, garden and café. 

Hertfordshire, approx. 30 miles: 

Start your journey at Great Offley for a traditional pub lunch. 

Stomachs full, drive to Whitwell and visit Water Hall Farm and 

Crafts Centre. The next stop is Harpenden for shops, cafes 

and restaurants. Venture to Great Gaddesden with pitstops at 

the garden centre, River Gade and Gade Valley. Next, make 

your way to beautiful Berkhamsted; browse the independent 

stores and swing by the Frithsden Vineyard. The final stop is 

Ley Hill for dinner. 

Top Tip: www.park4night.com – is an easy to use website 

which allows you to find overnight parking locations. 

33

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Limited availability on a first come first served basis. Pictures for illustration purposes only.

Wild Swi 

Embrace you wild side 

Written by Liz Mattock | www.wolfauthor.com 

We’ve all heard of the saying ‘take 

a walk on the wild side’ but what 

about taking a swim? 

Throughout lockdown we have had to find new ways of 

ensuring we keep on top of our mental and emotional 

wellbeing as well as our physical health. Wild swimming 

has become a popular choice for some, to embrace 

nature and to test their physical and mental limits. 

What is wild swimming? 

Essentially wild swimming is taking a swim in a natural 

pool of water. An area which isn’t man made. All that 

stands between you and the wild is a swimming costume 

or a pair of trunks. 

The location you choose could be a river, lake or the sea. 

The point is, it has to be a naturally occurring stretch 

of water. 

Why should I try wild swimming? 

You are going to get wet and most probably at some 

point very cold but there are actually major health 

benefits to wild swimming. It can be quite scary, 

swimming in the unknown, but it also fuels the body with 

adrenalin and endorphins known as happy hormones as 

you move through the water at one with nature. 

You will come across parts of nature you haven’t 

experienced before in this way which can be beneficial 

for your mental health and wellbeing as you dive (not 

literally unless it’s safe to do so) into your experience and 

forget about daily trials and tribulations. 

On cooler days, you are going to feel the cold, but 

this encourages your body to regulate your body 

temperature to keep you warm which in turn, burns fat, 

so it’s a great way to keep physically healthy too. 

Do I need lots of kit? 

The simple answer is no. Wild swimming is about just 

you and the elements. Ideally you will be a confident 

swimmer with the ability to judge your own limits. You 

don’t want to end your first wild swim having to be 

rescued and pulled floundering to shore. 

A swimming costume or a pair of trunks is a must and 

on colder days you may wish to wear a wet suit. Pack a 

towel and a change of clothes so you can dry off and 

warm up quickly after your dip. 

Research the area you are going to beforehand. You 

may need to consider your footwear particularly in rocky 

areas where you may slip entering and exiting the water. 

Where is the best place to start? 

Instead of venturing off on your own for the first time, 

why not find a local group which you can join to test the 

water? There are numerous wild swimming groups 

up and down East Anglia who get together regularly 

and who have all experienced the call of the wild, just 

like you. 

Search online www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/ 

uk-wild-swimming-groups where you can find out 

how to join groups in your area. 

For inspiration and swimming locations in Norfolk, check 

out @swimspotsnorfolk on Instagram and YouTube. 

36

mming 

A good option for beginners is outdoor swimming 

pools such Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge, Woburn, 

Ware Priory, Beccles and Brightlingsea lidos. If you’re 

looking for the back to nature experience, Grantchester 

Meadows is a popular choice for novices too. 

How can I stay safe? 

This is a very good question because after all you won’t 

have a lifeguard or the sides of the pool marked ‘deep 

end’ to protect you. 

Research, research and research some more about the 

area you are going to swim in. Be aware of the tides and 

always know your exit point from the water before you 

set off. 

Swim with others, including more experienced wild 

swimmers who can guide you, or with a guided group to 

build your confidence. 

We have a natural average body temperature of 

around 37 degrees. It’s likely you will be experiencing 

temperatures in the water below 15 degrees which 

causes the ‘gasp reflex’. Introduce your body to the 

water temperature gradually so your body adapts for a 

more comfortable swim. 

Do not mix alcohol or any recreational drugs with 

swimming. Substances reduce your ability to make clear 

and quick judgements and even though wild swimming 

can be an amazing experience at one with nature, you 

need to have your wits about you and be mindful of the 

elements at all times. 

Remember the SAFE code 

SPOT – the dangers 

ADVICE – follow the safety advice and learn how to 

read signs 

FRIEND – swim with others who are more 

experienced 

EMERGENCY – recognise the signs of drowning 

and learn how to raise the signal for help. 

Find your inner wild, but be SAFE. 

37

COLCHESTER PARK & RIDE 

STRESS FREE 

COMMUTING, SHOPPING 

AND VISITING 

Buses run Monday to Saturday 

7am – 7pm 

Safe Secure Car Park 

WiFi on Bus 

Group Ticket (up to 2 adults / 3 children) 

Children up to 18 £1 

Park and Pedal 

E Scooters 

Contactless & App Payments 

Colchester 

General Hospital 

Northern 

Approach Road 

(southbound) 

Colchester 

Railway Station 

(southbound 

layby) 

Middleborough 

(southbound) 

Colchester 

Town Centre 

Head Street 

Park and 

Ride site 

Colchester Park and Ride 

Route Map 

Colchester Town Centre 

St John’s Street 

Colchester 

General Hospital 

Northern 

Approach Road 

(northbound) 

Colchester 

Railway Station 

(northbound 

layby) 

Middleborough 

(northbound) 

Colchester 

Town Centre 

Head Street 

Postcode: 

CO4 5JA 

0345 603 7631 

essex.gov.uk/parkandride

25 

Things 

to Do in 

Essex 

Discover why Essex should 

be your next staycation 

destination 

6 

Book a Staycation 

Think you know Essex? Well 

think again…discover somewhere 

new in the county and spend a few days 

exploring the local area. Go to 

www.visitessex.com/accommodation 

to find somewhere new. 

7 Racing 

Get dressed up and head to 

Chelmsford City Racecourse. 

There are a number of racing events and 

live concerts scheduled throughout the 

summer. 

8 

Slap up seafood meal 

Local crab, oysters, lobster 

anyone…? Take a trip to The Pier at 

Harwich or Mersea Island for fresh local 

seafood. 

A wonderful mix of old and new, Essex 

combines modern towns and glamour 

with historic villages and rustic charm. 

Boasting stately homes, art galleries, 

vineyards, 350 miles of coastline and 

more, Essex is the perfect location for a 

mini break or day out with family, friends 

or as a couple. 

To help you plan your trip, we’ve listed 25 

things to do during your visit: 

1 

Take a winery tour 

Crouch Ridge and Tuffon Hall 

vineyards are resuming their 

tours this year. Tour the vineyards with 

an expert and sample the local wines, 

paired with a delicious cheese platter or 

charcuterie. 

2 

Ride a steam train 

All aboard! East Anglian Railway 

Museum and Epping & Ongar 

Railway are running steam and diesel 

days once again. Check individual 

websites for details. 

3 

Take a trial, tandem 

glider flight 

See Essex from new heights as 

you take to the sky with a gliding lesson. 

www.esgc.co.uk/buy-a-trial-glidinglessons 

9 

Take a boat trip 

Whether it’s seals, oysters or 

sunsets, Essex is a coastal county 

with 350 miles of coastline and inland 

waterways a-plenty. Take time to enjoy a 

relaxing boat ride. www.visitessex.com/ 

things-to-do/tours-and-sightseeing/ 

boat-tours 

10 

Fossil hunting 

Find historic treasures at 

Walton-on-the-Naze. 

11 

Take a walking 

tour of Colchester 

Learn about Britain’s First City, 

the Roman occupation, Boudicca’s revolt 

and the Norman Castle and the heyday of 

the Victorian era. Then come bang up to 

date with an exhibition at the modern art 

gallery, Firstsite. 

4 

Discover Essex 

Coastal Path walks 

There are miles of glorious 

footpaths to discover. Pack a picnic and 

enjoy the beauty of Essex. 

www.gojauntly.com 

5 

Visit Saffron Walden 

& Audley End 

Pick up the town trail from Saffron 

Walden TIC and discover historic 

buildings, a charming town museum, 

a magnificent church and the hidden 

Bridge End gardens. Audley End is a 

perfect Jacobean manor house, which 

hosts regular events.

12 

Visit the Essex 

Serpent film 

locations 

Clare Danes and Tom Hiddlestone star in 

Apple TV’s adaptation of Chelmsford girl, 

Sarah Perry’s novel, the Essex Serpent. 

Tick off Arlesford Creek, Maldon’s 

Victorian High Street and more. 

13 Windsurfing 

Feel the wind in your hair as 

you to take to the water at 

Mersea Island with Essex Outdoors. 

14 Follow the 40-mile 

Walk the St 

Peter’s Way 

pilgrimage route from Greenstead to St 

Peter’s by the Wall; a remote, ancient 

chapel out on the headland at Bradwell, 

surrounded by beautiful sea views. 

www.britishpilgrimage.org/portfolio/ 

st-peters-way 

15 

Jump Street 

Jump, hop, leap, somersault 

and walk on walls in sticky 

socks at these great Essex indoor 

adventure playgrounds. 

16 

Go Paddle 

Boarding 

Discover Essex by water. 

Keep your balance on a paddle board in 

Maldon. www.frangipanisup.com 

17 

Go White Water 

Rafting 

Take on an Olympic course 

at Lee Valley White Water Centre. 

www.visitleevalley.org.uk/ 

whitewater 

18 

There’s lots of options for 

Book a Spa break 

a relaxing spa day. Check 

out Down Hall Country House Hotel, 

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel and Five Lakes 

Resort to name a few. 

19 A popular choice is the 

Take Afternoon 

Tea 

Wilkins Jam Factory at Tiptree or any 

of the Tiptree tearooms around the 

county for that matter. Enjoy tea at The 

Lock at Heybridge Basin, looking out 

over the River Blackwater or amongst 

the splendour of the medieval Cressing 

Temple Barns. 

20 Beautiful 

Gardens 

Soak up the sunshine in 

beautiful Essex RHS Hyde Hall – The Beth 

Chatto Gardens. 

21 

Farm Shops 

Dig out some great local 

produce from Blackwells 

Farm Shop near Coggeshall or Calcott 

Hall Farm in Brentwood. 

23 

Visit an Essex 

Wildlife Trust 

nature reserve 

Abberton Reservoir or Fingringhoe Wick 

are both special in their own way. 

24 

Stay at the 

Mistley Thorn 

The location is steeped in 

stories of witchcraft. 

25 

Take a cookery course 

Mistley Kitchen 

at the Mistley Kitchen. 

Established by American-born chef Sherri 

Singleton, the Mistley Kitchen Culinary 

Workshops have developed into a 

destination for keen cooks of all abilities 

from around the country offering relaxed, 

informative courses for food lovers. 

For more help with your trip visit 

www.visitessex.com/inspire-me/theessex-bucket-list 

22 Foraging 

Treat yourself and the 

family to a wild, foraged 

food experience at The Foragers Retreat 

in Pebmarsh. 

www.theforagersretreat.co.uk 

41

The Dorrington 

2 great venues for your event! 

The Dorrington for your celebratory 

parties, both large and small. 

WEDDING PARTY NIGHTCLUB FOR HIRE 

ONLY £300 FOR 4 HOURS INCLUDING DJ 

AND BAR STAFF 

WHICH ALSO INCLUDES OUR RIVER LOUNGE 

FOR PRE-PARTY GET TOGETHER & DRINKS 

ALSO AVAILABLE IS HONEYMOON COTTAGE 

FOR THE NIGHT WITH LATE CHECKOUT 

FOR £200 SUBJECT TO AVAILIBILITY 

14 HOTEL ROOMS 

Buffets supplied to your requirements 

The Trinity Nightclub 

The Dorrington Halstead - Essex CO9 1JD 

Tel: 07790955805 www.thedorrington.co.uk 

enquiries to: thedorrington@gmail.com 

42

Braintree Museum Presents 

SPACE 

Fact & Fiction 

Come and explore space from Galileo to Dr. Who! 

29 June - 11 December 

2021 

Open 

Tuesday to Saturday 

10am - 4pm 

Tickets: 

braintreemuseum.co.uk

Make a 

Splash 

Cool off this summer with a day on the water 

There’s nothing quite quintessentially English than enjoying a 

Pimms or pint in the sunshine at the pub – throw in a river view 

and it becomes the ultimate summer experience. The East of 

England is awash with fantastic waterside dining destinations, 

not to mention boat hire and outdoor pools. So, if you fancy 

watching the boats sail on by alongside your Sunday lunch or 

trying a range of water activities, plan a day out at one of these 

waterside destinations. 

Boat Hire 

Feel like a real captain for the day and hire a boat. Spending the 

day on the water is a fantastic day out and a great way of making 

the most of the warm weather. There’s plenty of options for your 

vessel of choice – canoes, canal boats, rowing, sailing, paddle 

boards and motorboats, all of which can be found for hire in the 

East. Those looking to relive childhood memories of Rosie & Jim 

should jump aboard a canal boat at the Lee Valley Boat Centre in 

Broxbourne. There are four styles to choose from for day hire, all 

with essential facilities. The River Lee does involve a lot of locks, 

so you’ll need a bit of strength. Pack a picnic and make the most 

of being on the river or stop at a pub for a bite to eat. Alternatively, 

if you’d rather leave the hard work to someone else, Lee Valley 

offers public cruises too. 

The region’s obvious answer for boat hire, be it for the day or a 

holiday, is the beautiful Norfolk Broads. Your journey can start 

at various marinas along this vast waterway. Barnes Brinkcraft is 

located in Wroxham, known as the ‘capital of the Broads’, and 

home to the famous Roy’s of Wroxham, while Herbert Woods 

is located in the quaint town of Potter Heigham. Richardson’s 

Boating Holidays in Stalham is located between the two and has 

a large and stylish fleet of boats to cater for all purposes. 

Paddle Boarding 

For something a little different and for those who are not afraid 

to get wet, try out paddle boarding, also known as SUP (Stand 

Up Paddle Boarding). Navigate the waterways and reeds of the 

Broads National Park with Canoe Man, which offers kayak, canoe 

and SUP hire and trails. It’s a great way to see the area from a 

whole new perspective. 

Cruises in Cambridgeshire 

One of the best ways to explore the stunning Cambridgeshire 

landscape is by boat. Discover the Fenlands and the county’s rich 

heritage from the water. The River Great Ouse features a number 

of historic buildings, parks and monuments as you travel between 

Ely and St Ives, and the River Nene, which is slightly quieter, takes 

in the sights of Peterborough and Ferry Meadows Country Park. 

Boat hire is available from Fox Narrowboats in March and Black 

Prince located in Ely. 

44

Feel like a real captain for the day and hire a boat. 

Spending the day on the water is a fantastic day out and a 

great way of making the most of the warm weather. 

Punting 

Whether it’s for the first time or tenth, punting along the River Cam 

is a wonderful way to spend a summer’s afternoon in Cambridge. 

Soak up the city’s history as you pass by iconic architecture and 

pretty parkland. Scudamores and Rutherfords are some of the 

most reputable punt hires on the river and offer a number of t 

ours for all occasions including Champagne, gin and afternoon 

tea tours. 

Riverside Restaurants 

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land and watch the world go by as 

you tuck into lunch, visit one of the region’s riverside restaurants. 

The Wroxham Hotel and Swan Inn in Horning, are among the 

most popular places for a pint on the Broads. Both offer al fresco 

dining with river views, and are popular with day boaters. 

The Suffolk coast certainly isn’t short of a restaurant overlooking 

the water, but if you’re looking for something a little more quaint 

head to the Meare at Thorpeness. Much of the original character 

and charm dating back to 1913 is retained, and you can hire a 

colourful row boat before enjoying tea and cake at the café. 

Fans of the River Deben should book a table at The Ramsholt 

Arms. Situated on the banks, the pub is renowned for its sunsoaked 

terrace and sunset, neighbouring beach and crab 

fishing jetty. 

If you’re not heading to the coast, there’s still plenty to enjoy 

inland. Hertfordshire offers miles of wonderful walks. Take a stroll 

along the River Lea from Ware to Hertford and finish with a glass 

of wine and lunch at The Old Barge. 

Gastro pubs are the perfect place to spend a lazy summer 

afternoon with friends, and where better than The Embankment 

in Bedford, which overlooks the banks of the River Great Ouse. 

Outdoor Pools 

If you’re looking for ways to keep the little ones entertained on 

hot days, there’s nothing quite like a dip in an outdoor pool. The 

region’s lidos are guaranteed family fun, all you need is swimwear 

and sunscreen! Check out the Woburn Lido on Crawley Road, 

which adjoins the Woburn Abbey Estate, and the much-loved 

Peterborough Lido, which features heated swimming pools, 

sunbathing terraces and a children’s play area. There are also 

options in Beccles, Cambridge, Brightlingsea, Ware and Hitchin. 

45

8 b/c Stortford Road 

Dunmow Essex CM6 1DA 

01371 875840 

Read every 

issue on 

our app 

Download from 

Pet & Wild Bird Supplies 

/ Key Cutting 

Director - Jo Rosewell

Tails 

About 

Town: 

Supermodel 

Spaniel 

Written by Emma Kemsley 

Strike-a-paws! 

I had intended this column to be about 

the day Fletcher made a child cry as he 

helped himself to her stick den. However, 

there’s never a dull moment in the life of 

Fletcher, and he recently found himself 

in the spotlight when he was invited to 

Nobu Hotel Portland Square, London, 

to model their new in-room dog robe by 

Tielle Love Luxury; an ethical, luxury linen 

brand and hotel supplier. Yes, I’ve become 

a momager! 

Fletcher played the part of the medium 

dog, alongside a labrador and dachshund. 

The day before the photoshoot, I spent 

time teaching Fletcher how to look at the 

camera. Every time I tried to take a photo, 

he immediately turned his head away from 

the lense or marched out of the room. We 

were off to a great start. 

On the day, in typical Fletcher behaviour, 

he got over excited. Screaming and 

squealing with excitement while we 

made introductions. I knew this may be 

the case, so I came armed with a supply 

of chicken, treats and his favourite toys. 

Unfortunately, nothing could distract from 

his enthusiasm. 

Acquainted with his model buddies, 

Finley and Lola, the shoot began with 

Fletcher entering the hotel in his swanky 

robe. While the labrador walked in, 

Fletcher galloped through the door with 

all his might. 

The next image was Fletcher checkingin 

at reception. I think he performed 

very well. Yes, he made a bit of a noise 

screaming for his chicken bribery, but we 

got the shot. 

It soon became clear to everyone on 

the photoshoot that Fletcher isn’t like 

most dogs. Personally, I’d call the other 

dogs boring, most would call them wellbehaved. 

What can I say, Fletcher has a 

big personality! 

His questionable behaviour meant it 

was best that he missed the in-room 

shots, and instead he had his final photo 

on a duvet and pillow in the park. He 

certainly got the attention of everyone 

as he strutted through Marylebone in 

his robe with his entourage in tow (the 

photographer, PR, my husband and I). 

It was a fun day. Fletcher smiled proudly 

on his shoot and I’m chuffed with 

the images we now have with fond 

memories. However, I have started to 

rethink his excitement issues. It’s not 

normal. Can dogs suffer with ADHD? He 

is showing all the symptoms. I’ve booked 

an appointment with the vet just in case. 

The dog robes are available to purchase 

at www.tielleloveluxury.co.uk/ 

product/dog-towelling-bath-robe 

47

AWARD WINNING 

ON LOCATION DOG 

PHOTOGRAPH 

ALSO FEATURED 

ON BBC TV 

Redwings 

Horse Sanctuary 

A fun, 

family day 

out 

Dog 

friendly! 

We have two 

centres 

in Norfolk! 

Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at 

Redwings Aylsham, nr Norwich, NR11 6UE or 

Redwings Caldecott, nr Gt.Yarmouth, NR31 9EY 

Open 10.30am to 3pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 

Entry is by pre-booked tickets only, please visit our website to book 

www.redwings.org.uk/visiting | 0870 040 0033 

Home & Pet Sitting Service 

All our sitters are professional people who are fully vetted, 

police checked and issued with ID cards. 

We serve a 30 mile radius of Cambridge 

01223 832604 

Or email jill.pendlebury@talktalk.net 

www.happitails.co.uk 

48

2021 04 East Life General HP.qxp_107mm h x 148 mm w 27/04/2021 13:13 Page 1 

Hidden treasure 

for all to enjoy 

A warm welcome and fantastic views await 

you; for business, pleasure or leisure. 

Our family-friendly hotel boasts a fantastic 

18 hole, par 71 golf course (suitable for all abilities), 

thermal suite spa, indoor swimming pool, 

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf Course and 

delicious locally sourced food served all day. 

Why not pop in for a Paddy and Scott’s 

coffee and a piece of homemade cake? 

Everyone is welcome, 

even your four-legged best friend. 

t 01394 383555 

w www.uffordpark.co.uk 

Yarmouth Road|Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW 

Celebrate 

the memory 

of a loved 

one 

Setting up a tribute fund 

is a wonderful way to 

commemorate a life whilst 

making a difference to 

pets in need. 

Wood Green, The Animals Charity, Registered Charity No. 298348 009011KS0221 

Visit www.inmemory.woodgreen.org.uk 

or call our In-Memory Giving team 

on 0300 303 9333 option 3 

49

Dog-friendly 

Holidays 

The best dog-friendly hotels 

Our beloved pets are part of the family so why should they 

miss out on the all the fun when we go on holiday? Forget the 

kennels and check in to one of these dog-friendly hotels… 

Titchwell Manor 

Titchwell, Nr Brancaster PE31 8BB 

This hotel ticks all the boxes for a dogfriendly 

holiday. The pet-friendly hotel 

is located a short distance from some of 

the North Norfolk coast’s finest beaches, 

perfect if your dog loves to feel the sand 

beneath its paws. Friendly staff can’t 

resist a cuddle and offering a biscuit to 

four-legged guests. Rooms are dogfriendly, 

complete with treats for your 

dog, and the lounge, bar and restaurant 

are all dog-friendly, meaning your pet 

can join you for dinner too! Read more 

about the hotel’s dog-friendly features 

at www.titchwellmanor.com 

50

Sitting on a prime spot overlooking the crashing waves and stony 

shores of Aldeburgh, the dog-friendly hotel is a highly sought after 

holiday destination for dog-owners 

Ufford Park Woodbridge 

Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, 

Suffolk, IP12 1QW 

The family-owned hotel, golf and spa 

destination surrounded by parkland 

is loved by owners and their dogs. 

There are a number of dog-friendly 

rooms available, and though pets are 

not allowed in the restaurant, they are 

welcome to accompany their owners 

on the large outside terrace during 

warmer months. There’s also a two-mile 

trail which follows the edge of the golf 

course so your pet can stretch their legs. 

Dogs also get their own doggy bag 

which includes a tasty treat. It’s a great 

location for exploring the River Deben 

and Woodbridge. 

www.uffordpark.co.uk 

Gonville Hotel 

Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1LY 

This is the place for city chic canines. 

The elegant Gonville Hotel allows dogs 

in all classic and superior bedrooms. 

Unlike most hotels, there are little 

restrictions. Dogs are welcome to join 

their owners in the bar and restaurant, 

and there’s a safe and secure outdoor 

space for dogs to stretch their legs. 

The hotel is located opposite Parker’s 

Piece, the perfect green space for an 

enjoyable walk and game of fetch. 

Here, pooches are welcomed by staff 

and treated as a guest in their own 

right. Each dog will receive an in-room 

welcome pack of doggy treats too! 

www.gonvillehotel.co.uk 

Brudenell Hotel 

The Parade, Aldeburgh, IP15 5BU 

Sitting on a prime spot overlooking the 

crashing waves and stony shores of 

Aldeburgh, the dog-friendly hotel is a 

highly sought after holiday destination 

for dog-owners. The beach has 

the usual summer dog restrictions, 

but further along the coast towards 

Thorpeness you’ll find a beach which 

is dog-friendly year round. Dogs can 

stay with their owners in their rooms, 

and every four-legged guest receives 

a welcome tasty treat and their own 

water bowl on arrival in their room. After 

an exhausting walk, dogs can relax 

on the hotel’s sea facing terrace, and 

while their owners might enjoy a coffee, 

glass of wine or sun downer from the 

hotel’s bar, they can indulge in free tasty 

doggie treats and fresh water to quench 

their thirst. 

www.brudenellhotel.co.uk 

Packhorse Inn 

Bridge St, Newmarket CB8 8SP 

The gorgeous boutique hotel and 

restaurant offers a ‘Muddy Paws’ 

break, which includes dinner for two, 

an overnight stay and breakfast for 

humans, and treats and a cosy blanket 

for doggy guests. The small hotel is 

located in a pretty, rural village and is 

great for pre or post-dinner walks. 

www.thepackhorseinn.com 

The Embankment 

6 The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3PD 

The Embankment in Bedford welcomes 

pets to stay overnight. It’s just an extra 

cost of £10 including a rasher of bacon 

or sausage for your dog’s breakfast. 

Dogs are welcome throughout the pub 

as long as they are polite and kept on a 

lead, and the pub is happy to keep 

them watered. 

www.embankmentbedford.co.uk 

51

Norwich High School for Girls 

OPEN DAY 

Wednesday 23rd June 2021 

Visit our website or 

call 01603 453 265 

to register 

Winner 

Wellbeing 

Winner 

initiative 

Wellbeing initiative 

of 

of 

the 

the 

year 

year 

Norwich High School for for Girls Girls 

Where girls 

learn without 

limits 

NORWICH 

HIGH SCHOOL 

FOR GIRLS

New school for children with 

autism opens in Epping, Essex 

The Tower School, part of Options Autism – a new provision 

designed to meet the needs of young people aged 11-18 with a 

primary diagnosis of autism – has opened in Epping, Essex. Situated 

in the heart of the community in what was formerly the town’s historic 

1920’s Blue Star car showroom and next to its Grade II listed water 

tower, the building has been redesigned and refurbished to meet the 

specific needs of young people with autism. It has capacity to take 

up to 62 students referred by parents and local authorities including 

Essex, Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Hertfordshire. 

Classes of no more than 7 young people will be staffed by specialist 

teachers who will deliver bespoke Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 lessons 

that balance academic learning alongside core life skills and 

employability tailored to the individual needs of each young person. 

Alongside the core subjects it will offer a variety of options resulting 

in qualifications including Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2, GCSE 

and BTEC. 

Support listed in each young person’s Education, Health and Care 

Plan will be provided by its multi-disciplinary clinical team which will 

include Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists 

and Educational Psychologists. 

If you are interested in visiting The Tower School, 33 High 

Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4BA, please contact: Kerry Linden, 

Headteacher Email: Kerry.Linden@ofgl.uk Tel: 01992 926011. 

Find out more 

about upcoming events 

on our website 

@brentwoodSchool 

We are an independent day and 

boarding school for pupils aged 3-18 

53

Mindfulne 

in Schools 

Have 

Written by Jacqui Hagen 

you noticed how mindfulness 

has become the latest buzzword? Type 

‘mindfulness’ into a Google search and 

you will get over 200 million results. 

A quick browse through these might 

lead you to think mindfulness means 

relaxation, emptying your mind or even 

yoga. In fact, it is none of these. So what 

exactly is mindfulness, why is it now so 

popular, and how is it being used 

in schools? 

The growth of 

mindfulness 

Despite its current boom, mindfulness is, 

in fact, far from new with its origins found 

in scriptures over 2,500 years old. In the 

past 40 years mindfulness has found its 

way into mainstream medicine, health 

care and psychology, where it continues 

to be studied through clinical research 

and neuroscience. In 2014, an all-party 

parliamentary group was set up to 

examine the role that mindfulness could 

play within the areas of health, education, 

the workplace and criminal justice. Within 

education, the group recommended the 

development of mindfulness training for 

both teachers and young people. 

54

Despite its current boom, mindfulness is, in fact, far from new 

with its origins found in scriptures over 2,500 years old. In the past 

40 years mindfulness has found its way into mainstream medicine, 

health care and psychology, where it continues to be studied through 

clinical research and neuroscience. 

ss 

The Mindfulness in Schools Project 

(MiSP), a charity with over 10 years’ 

experience of delivering mindfulness 

training in schools, was part of the 

group’s consultations within the 

education strand. To date, over 540,000 

children and young people are estimated 

to have benefited from their classroombased 

mindfulness. 

So what is mindfulness? 

Mindfulness brings awareness to what 

is actually happening in the moment, 

whether pleasant, unpleasant or 

neutral. It involves paying attention to 

our thoughts, physical sensations and 

feelings without believing there is a right 

or wrong way to think or feel about them. 

This awareness means we can respond 

more skillfully to whatever the present 

moment throws at us. 

Within education, a whole school 

approach to mindfulness is key. Claire 

Kelly, director of Curriculum and 

Teacher Development at MiSP, told 

Eastlife that training starts with the staff 

as it is essential that they understand 

mindfulness first. Claire was also keen 

to stress that it isn’t a quick fix but, as 

with most things in life, hard work brings 

rewards: “A bit like going to the gym, you 

need to keep doing it to see the benefits. 

But just like going to the gym or learning 

any new skill, there are days when it 

comes easily and days when it doesn’t. 

It’s the days when it’s trickier that the real 

learning happens.” 

Claire is passionate about providing 

young people with the skills to move 

forward in life. She explained how 

mindfulness can help pupils by teaching 

them how to learn, how to concentrate, 

how to look after themselves and others, 

and how to manage relationships. 

Teachers can also benefit as mindfulness 

can help with stress regulation and 

increase teaching efficacy. 

Mindfulness in East 

Anglia 

Whilst making a programme about 

children’s mental health five years ago, 

documentary film maker Katy Sheppard 

was blown away by a school in Liverpool 

and the progress they were making with 

their pupils through mindfulness practice. 

She was so inspired that, when filming 

finished, she enrolled on the MiSP’s 

Ofsted approved course. Now a qualified 

practitioner, Katy teaches mindfulness in 

Holbrook Primary School in Suffolk on a 

voluntary basis. 

Katy’s enthusiasm for mindfulness in 

schools is clear. She praised the MiSP 

curriculum which uses clever ways to 

engage children such as teaching them 

that their mind is like a puppy – sometimes 

it wanders off or makes a mess but, as 

with a puppy, they can learn to train their 

brain using techniques such as kindness, 

firmness, patience and repetition. Katy is 

delighted that the teachers in Holbrook 

Primary have noticed a subtle shift in the 

children’s behaviour with mindfulness 

having a positive effect resulting in calmer, 

clearer thinking. 

Katy acknowledged: “We’re not able to 

solve all mental health issues but the 

training provides all children, regardless 

of need, the opportunity to explore and 

understand mindfulness and gives them 

immediate techniques to help with their 

daily lives.” 

Katy is now looking at ways to introduce 

mindfulness into more schools within the 

county. She is aware of six practitioners 

across Suffolk and yet, due to a lack of 

resources within schools, none of them 

are currently teaching. Katy is working to 

bring the practitioners together to offer 

mindfulness across the region. 

Making Me is a Bedfordshire based 

charity delivering strategies which equip 

primary school children with resources 

to know and communicate their feelings 

and maintain their emotional wellbeing. 

These include a weekly story that builds 

children’s emotional literacy and affords 

them the opportunity to practise mindful 

breathing as a strategy to ‘calm down’ 

in the face of overwhelming feelings. 

Building resilience is another core 

focus of the work they do so that, over 

time, children are equipped with the 

knowledge and skills they need to thrive 

rather than just survive throughout life. 

To find out more about mindfulness 

in schools: 

• Visit mindfulnessinschools.org for 

information about the MiSP 

• Contact Katy Sheppard 

katysheppard@gmail.com to get 

involved in MiSP Suffolk 

• Visit www.makingme.org.uk 

to learn about Making Me in 

Bedfordshire 

55

Steam Heritage|Gardens|Garden Centre 

www.bressingham.co.uk 

EVENTS ALL YEAR 

check www.bressingham.co.uk or call 01379 686900 

for further details 

Find us on Facebook & Twitter 

just search for Bressingham Steam

LITTLE EAST 

Mum’s the Word; 

Self-Esteem 

Written by Dolly Osborne | www.raggydollywrites.wordpress.com 

Children’s self-esteem has made the headlines again recently 

thanks to Dove’s ‘self-esteem project’ and in particular the 

reverse selfie campaign trying to undo the damage being done 

to our teenagers by being a part of ‘the selfie generation’. 

Being step-mum to two teenage girls I have seen this first-hand: 

the constant analysing, hours spent perfecting an Insta worthy 

eyebrow and the pressure to present a perfect blemish-free 

dreamy-filtered face for the world to congratulate you on. 

Clearly social media plays a large part in this pressure, but we all 

know that the solution lies beyond banishing AI face smoothers 

and Vaseline lensed filters. 

Society holds women and girls to impossible standards and 

the messages about how we should look are insidious and 

ever present: Barbie’s biology defying frame, heavily gendered 

clothing that plants little girls into the pretty princess category 

almost from birth, and even the seemingly innocuous arena of 

mobile gaming. 

If you have ever wasted hours on mobile games then you have 

probably seen the advert for the game that makes my feminist 

rage pique: Project Makeover. I’ve never played this game, 

though according to their adverts millions do, but the adverts 

are just disgusting. 

The premise appears to be an ‘ugly’ girl wants to attract a man/ 

be prom queen/not be bullied anymore and so they turn to you/ 

Project Makeover to make them beautiful. The heinous crimes 

that these women commit to make the men in the adverts run 

away screaming (literally, that’s not hyperbole) include body 

hair, body odour, unplucked eyebrows or pimples and blocked 

pores, you know all of the stuff that every teenager already feels 

super conscious about. 

This game’s view of what is acceptably beautiful not only rides 

roughshod over normal, pubescent changes it is also so narrow 

that it leaves no space for the quirky or alternative. It wants 

Stepford teenagers to all look Insta perfect and ready for their 

close ups. 

As parents we need to be aware of all of these influences on 

our children and to maintain a dialogue about what is normal 

and what is unrealistic. We need to show our daughters our 

unshaved legs and unfiltered selves and help them to see that 

they are beautiful because of who they are and not just what 

they look like. 

Find Dolly on Twitter @Osborneosaurus 

57

We’re this 

dot here!

Wildlife 

Adventure 

We list the best days out 

for animal lovers 

More than ever, the region’s zoos need 

our help. Incredible teams work hard to 

care for the animals and their welfare. 

Release your wild side and show your 

support with a trip to the best rated zoos 

in the East of England. 

Shepreth Wildlife Park 

Station Rd, Shepreth, Royston SG8 6PZ 

There’s a variety of animals to excite 

children, especially the tiger! There’s 

animals from all around the world, plus 

plenty of activities throughout the day 

including talks, feeding and animal 

encounters. 

www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk 

Africa Alive 

Whites Lane, Kessingland, Lowestoft 

NR33 7TF 

Explore the sights and sounds of Africa 

and discover lions, giraffes, meerkats, 

hunting dogs and many more animals 

from the African continent. ‘Plains 

of Africa’ is the perfect place to spot 

species of African savannah animals, 

including giraffes and rhinos. There’s a 

variety of experiences, discovery areas 

and free safari road train. 

www.africa-alive.co.uk 

Linton Zoo & Gardens 

Hadstock Rd, Linton, Cambridge 

CB21 4NT 

Linton Zoo is a conservation centre, 

focusing on breeding species which 

are vulnerable to extinction. Expect to 

see a good variety of jungle cats, birds, 

reptiles and smaller animals. The zoo 

struggled during lockdown and the 

team worked tirelessly to care for the 

animals, take the time to show your 

support this summer. 

www.lintonzoo.com 

Lee Valley Animal 

Adventure Park 

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, 

EN9 2EF 

From snakes and insects to meerkats 

and reptiles, visitors have the chance 

to get up close and personal with the 

animals. There are indoor and outdoor 

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LITTLE EAST 

play areas, and themed events are held 

throughout the summer too. 

www.leevalleyfarm.co.uk 

Whipsnade Zoo 

Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF 

One of the UK’s biggest zoos, visitors 

can view lions, elephants, rhinos, 

giraffes, chimpanzees, tigers, bears, 

penguins and more. Hop aboard the 

Great Whipsnade Railway or drive 

across Passage through Asia, where the 

animals roam in acres of open space. 

There’s a good choice of enclosures 

and experiences. 

www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo 

Thrigby Hall Wildlife 

Gardens 

Filby Road, Thrigby, Great Yarmouth 

NR29 3DR 

Among the glorious green gardens, 

you’ll find jungle cats, primates and 

pandas. Take the chance to tour the 

Hall itself and historic gardens, before 

encountering the many endangered 

species that have been rescued. As well 

as large animals you’ll also find reptiles, 

otters, rodents and lots of feathered 

friends – a walk through the aviary is a 

must for all visitors! Special attractions 

include the Tiger Tree Walk and feed 

and talk times. www.thrigbyhall.com 

Colchester Zoo 

Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester 

CO3 0SL 

One of the most popular zoos in the UK, 

Colchester Zoo is a full day experience. 

Learn about the animals as you see 

them up close, watch one of many daily 

displays and take the opportunity to ride 

on the ‘Lost Madagascar Express’ road 

train. This is a real walk on the wild side 

as you come face to face with Komodo 

dragons and see white rhino, giraffes 

and ostrich roaming the Kingdom of 

the Wild. Don’t miss the programme of 

animal feeding and displays. 

www.colchester-zoo.com 

Watatunga Wildlife 

Reserve 

Watlington Road, King’s Lynn, 

PE33 0RG 

Experience an overnight wildlife 

adventure. Located in 170 acres of 

unused wetland in Norfolk, Watatunga 

protects endangered deer and 

antelope. The reserve is dedicated 

to the conservation of threatened 

ungulates and birds. The deer and 

antelope wander the reserve freely; 

grazing on grassland and drinking 

at the lakeside, making tours an 

extra special experience for visitors. 

Tour guides will provide information 

about the endangered species and 

conservation work of Watatunga. If you 

want to take your safari experience up 

a notch, book an overnight stay at the 

Stable Cottage or Major’s Lodge, where 

you can watch the herds from the 

comfort of the sitting room. 

www.watatunga.co.uk 

Amazona Zoo 

Hall Road, Cromer NR27 9JG 

Amazona Zoo offers a fun day out for 

the whole family. It’s home to over 

200 animals specifically from tropical 

South America, including jaguars, 

monkeys, peccaries, macaws, parrots, 

capuchins, spiders, snakes, flamingos 

and many more. The zoo also boasts 

an impressive outdoor play area, an 

education yurt ideal for rainy days, and 

a large, well-equipped indoor play area. 

www.amazonazoo.co.uk 

Banham Zoo 

Kenninghall Rd, Banham, Norwich 

NR16 2HE 

Banham Zoo is a family attraction with 

over 2,000 animals from around the 

world and set in 50 acres of beautiful 

parkland and gardens. Throughout the 

day there are plenty of activities to thrill 

and entertain families, including daily 

animal feeding talks. Go all out and 

book an ‘on the day experience’, which 

includes a feeding experience with a 

tiger, leopard, cheetah or giraffe. 

www.banhamzoo.co.uk 

Woburn Safari Park 

Woburn Park, Bedfordshire, MK43 0TU 

With over 80 species of wildlife 

including lions, tigers and bears, this 

award-winning popular attraction is 

one of the biggest safari parks in the 

UK. Drive through the safari and get 

up close to tigers, lions, rhinos and 

monkeys. You can continue the journey 

on foot to see the penguins, wallabies, 

meerkats and more. Activities also 

include swan boats and the Great 

Woburn Railway. 

www.woburnsafari.co.uk 

* with contributions from Liz Mattock 

61

Explore 

the beautiful, unusual 

and rare species of the 

animal kingdom at 

Tickets 

must be 

pre-booked 

online in 

advance! 

© Jamie Reeve 

Navigate your way around 60 acres 

of stunning parkland and lakes 

to discover over 200 species! 

Learn about animals from all over the 

world, including those that are critically 

endangered, and how you can help them. 

www.colchesterzoo.org 

We need your help! 

Colchester Zoo continues to face 

a challenging time. You can help 

our survival by making a donation 

to Colchester Zoo’s Operating Fund 

online to support Colchester Zoo, 

as well as our charity, 

Action for the Wild.

Summer Fun 

The best family holiday destinations in East Anglia 

Guaranteed to entertain both adults and children, these 

destinations are the perfect place to escape to this summer. 

Lowestoft, Suffolk 

Located on the most easterly point of the British coast, 

Lowestoft provides an ideal holiday location for all ages. It 

offers a mix of lively beaches, pleasant seaside walks and 

quality family attractions, set within a traditional seaside town. 

The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, complete with a long 

promenade and colourful beach huts, some of which are 

available to hire. South Pier provides entertainment with its 

amusements featuring traditional arcade games and a couple of 

restaurants. There’s plenty to see and do including watersports, 

a trip to the Heritage Quay and the Maritime Museum, theatre 

and Africa Alive; a zoo which is home to some of Africa’s best 

loved animals. 

Walberswick, Suffolk 

Untamed and wild, Walberswick is a pretty little village. Think 

windswept grassy dunes, shingle, sand and heathland with old 

world charm. Despite being only a mile away from Southwold, 

it is much quieter, so you’ll be able to escape heaving crowds if 

you have little ones in tow. The beach is one of Walberswick’s 

biggest draws. Great for buckets and spades, it’s also dogfriendly 

year-round. Walberswick is the acclaimed home of 

crabbing; simply set yourself up on a jetty or footbridge and see 

what you can catch! You can visit neighbouring Southwold with 

either a walk along the riverbank or by hopping on the foot ferry 

that operates during the summer months. 

Norfolk Broads, Norfolk 

Better suited to those with older children, a boating holiday 

on the Norfolk Broads is a break you’ll never forget. With its 

beautiful scenery, abundance of wildlife, cycle paths and 

riverside pubs, you can plan a trip at any time of year. Without 

a doubt the best way to see the Broads is by boat. Feel like a 

captain as you navigate the waterway and reeds. Hiring your 

own boat for the day or weekend is an exhilarating experience. 

It’s a chance to get up close with the beauty of the Broads and 

children can learn about the wildlife that lives here. There are 

attractions on dryland too – Wroxham Barns and Junior Farm, 

BeWILDerwood and Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden 

are all worth a visit. 

Cromer, Norfolk 

Cromer is a Victorian gem, with a seafront townscape that 

rises steeply from the promenade. Here you’ll find a sandy and 

shingle beach, lively pier and of course – the famous Cromer 

Crab! One of North Norfolk’s best-known landmarks, Cromer 

Pier, recalls a golden age of British seaside holidaymaking. 

Children can learn to crab from the pier, while the Pavilion 

Theatre hosts summer variety shows, along with concerts for 

64

LITTLE EAST 

all the family throughout the year. Educate the family about the 

town’s heritage at the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and Cromer 

Museum. There’s a great choice of seafood restaurants as well 

as traditional fish and chips. 

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk 

This sandy stretch of the North Norfolk coast is a popular 

choice with families. During the height of summer, it gets busy, 

really busy, but you’ll still find a spot on the large expanse of 

sand. Better still, why not hire your own beach hut for the day? 

See the beauty of the area by hopping aboard the Wells and 

Walsingham Light Railway. Here, it’s traditional seaside fun 

with ice creams, sandcastle building and crabbing off the quay. 

Venture to nearby Holkham where the beach fun continues. 

Visit Holkham Hall to learn more about the area, wander the 

walled gardens, hop on a deer safari tour or hire a boat on the 

lake. The area is mostly dog-friendly so the family pooch can 

have a holiday too! 

Fritton, Norfolk 

Escape to the blissful countryside of Fritton. Get children away 

from their screens and into the great outdoors at Fritton Lakes. 

For a real back to nature experience take a wild lake swim, 

hike, forage for dinner or enjoy a water or jeep nature safari. 

There’s plenty of sporting activities, adventure playgrounds 

and opportunities to learn about the natural ecosystem. It’s 

Scandinavian vibes on the lake with a floating sauna located 

on a pontoon so it can move around. There’s a choice of 

accommodation including woodland cabins, cottages and a 

boutique hotel. 

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex 

Recently listed within The Times ‘top 40 UK beaches’, Frinton is 

a relaxed and pretty seaside resort. Tree-lined avenues sweep 

down to the elegant Esplanade and cliff-top greensward, with 

its colourful Victorian-style beach huts. The sandy beach is 

quiet and secluded and one of the best on the Sunshine Coast. 

If easy-going beach fun is what you’re after this is the place. 

Hire a beach hut for the day or enjoy picnics on the sand, ice 

creams and traditional fish and chips. If you’re after a livelier 

scene, the buzzing amusements of Walton-on-the-Naze is a 

short drive away. 

65

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FOOD & DRINK 

On the Menu 

Into the Sea 

Following the success of ‘For The Love of the Land’ in summer 2020, Jenny Jefferies, a 

South Cambridgeshire based farmer’s wife and author, has released her second book. 

‘For The Love of the Sea’ highlights the hard work and dedication of the men and women 

who work in the British fishing industry, as well as those who support them including the 

Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Marine Stewardship Council. 

Among the businesses and individuals featured are The Sole Bay Fish Company in 

Southwold, The Female Fisherman aka Ashley Mullenger, who operates two working boats 

in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk and Mike Warner of A Passion For Seafood, an East Coast 

native artisan wholesale and retail fish seller who flies the flag for storytelling and herring. 

The hardback book retails at £22. It will be available to purchase from Amazon, bookshops 

including Waterstones and online from www.mezepublishing.co.uk and 

www.jennyjefferies.co.uk 

Swedish inspired café opens in Suffolk 

A new independent coffee shop has opened its doors in Sproughton. Tucked away in 

a former cowshed, Milk Shed Café is serving locally roasted speciality coffee alongside 

baked savouries, cakes and a delicious, freshly prepared, seasonal menu, all sourced 

locally wherever possible. The café is dedicated to the Swedish tradition of Fika 

(pronounced fee-kah), which means “to take a break and make time for friends and 

family to share a cup of coffee and a little something to eat”. 

Follow Milk Shed Café on Facebook and Instagram @milkshedcafe 

Coffee Gifts 

Paddy & Scott’s have created the perfect gift for Father’s Day. If your dad is a coffee lover 

pick up the ‘Fuelling Ambition Starter Kit’ which includes a range of delicious, ethical and 

sustainable coffee so he can experiment at his leisure. For just £22.50 the kit includes 

four bags of freshly-ground coffee and a week’s supply of craft coffee brew bags. 

www.paddyandscotts.co.uk 

Doughnuts on Demand 

Crosstown, a sweet treat brand, has opened its first store outside London, in 

Cambridge. Famed for creating sourdough doughnuts, Cambridge locals can now 

order the full range of cookies and doughnuts for collection or on-demand delivery 

direct to their doorstep in under an hour. 

www.crosstowndoughnuts.comcambridge 

Gastropub food to your door 

NNELS 

eddings 

The British weather is unpredictable so if you’d rather not dine outdoors, why not bring 

pub food to your home? Peach at Home is a new box brimming with food to create 

a delicious three course meal in your own kitchen. Brought to you by Peach Pubs, 

which owns the Black Horse in Woburn, The Swan at Salford and The Embankment in 

Bedford, the delivery is available Friday and Saturdays throughout the summer. 

www.makinglifepeachy.com/peach-at-home 

67

FOOD & DRINK 

Afternoon 

Tea with 

a Twist 


Break the traditions of afternoon tea with a little character 

The seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, was a marvellous woman. Thanks to 

her, and her late afternoon ‘sinking feeling’, we now have one of the most quintessential (and 

delicious) English customs: afternoon tea. 

In the 19th century dinner was served fashionably late and so, at around four o’clock, the 

hungry Duchess would request a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake to be brought to her 

boudoir. Realising that this treat would be even better shared, she began inviting friends to 

join her in the drawing room at Woburn Abbey. Word spread and, before long, afternoon tea 

became a fashionable social event for the upper classes. 

Today, although still considered a luxury, afternoon tea is firmly established as one of the 

nation’s favourite culinary traditions. More recently, it has been elevated to new heights 

with themed events increasing in popularity. From seasonal themes embracing Easter, 

Halloween and Christmas to Hollywood, Disney and literary events, the options are endless. 

Here are our favourites across the region this summer: 

68

FOOD & DRINK 

The Parlour at Mad Dogs & Englishmen 

1349-1353 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2AB 

Tel: 01702 714766 

Enjoy a decadent affair from 19 May to 4 July with a ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s Afternoon 

Tea’, inspired by the 1961 film starring the iconic Audrey Hepburn. The Parlour will be 

decorated in the signature Tiffany blue throughout and your afternoon tea will pay 

homage to the favourite delicacies of the era. This will be followed by The Parlour’s ‘Be 

Our Guest Afternoon Tea’, inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, from 10 July to 5 

September. 

Weekday £33pp inc service, weekend £38.50pp inc service. 

www.maddogsandenglishmeninteriors.co.uk 

The Assembly House 

Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1RQ 

Tel: 01603 626402 

Famous for its award-winning themed afternoon teas, The Assembly House is promising 

a summer theme that will be a sweet temptation to diners. Themes are always kept under 

wraps until shortly before they launch with this year’s scheduled to begin on 21 June. 

To give you an idea of the delights to be announced, last summer’s themed tea was ice 

cream inspired and included a chocolate and strawberry Neapolitan macaron, a mintchoc-chip 

gâteau opéra, a knickerbocker glory shot and an ice cream cookie sandwich. 

£23.95pp, £14 for children. 

www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk 

The Ickworth 

Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE 

Tel: 01284 735350 

With both adult and children’s menus available, The Ickworth’s ‘Wind in the Willows 

Afternoon Tea’ features the favourite foods of the much-loved characters in Kenneth 

Grahame’s children’s classic. Along with delicious savouries, adults will be treated to 

Ratty’s lemonade posset and Badger’s chocolate and berry Swiss roll while the children’s 

tea includes a classic breakfast re-imagined. Mole’s Boiled Egg reveals a surprise filling 

of whipped mascarpone mousse and a mango gel with soldiers replaced by a chocolate 

pastry finger for dipping. Available from May through to the end of September. 

£27 per adult, £15 per child 

www.ickworthhotel.co.uk 

Sugar Boutique 

13 Station Road, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG3 6AP 

Tel: 01438 221144 

Sugar Boutique specialises in teas with a delightful twist and they have lots of new 

themes planned for this summer. Join them for an Instagram-worthy experience with a 

selection of delicious savoury and sweet treats inspired by your chosen theme. Indulge 

in a trip through ‘Wonderland’, take part in a magical ‘Hogwarts’ adventure or relax with a 

‘Mary Poppins Tea’ which is, of course, “practically perfect in every way.” 

A non-refundable deposit of £10 will be taken at the time of booking. 

£27.50 per adult, £15 per child 

www.sugar-boutique.co.uk 

69

eastlife 

Autumn issue 

With restrictions slowly 

beginning to ease, make the 

most of this Autumn and let 

our readers know you are 

OPEN FOR BUSINESS! 

Don’t miss out, book your 

space NOW! 

Email ads@eastlife.co.uk 

for more information by 

Monday 9th August 

What's worrying you ... ? 

Low 

Esteem 

Stress Anger Anxiety 

Low 

Mood 

Come to a free introductory consultation 

with a qualified therapist in Norwich 

We are offering face to face sessions in Norwich or online therapy via 

Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp, so that you can access the help 

you need, wherever you are, in total confidence call / text 

07986 488690 or email contactus@emotionalskills.uk 

www.emotionalskills.uk

Keeping 

Mentally 

Healthy 


We are regularly encouraged to look after our physical health 

with plenty of advice about diet, exercise and so on. But what 

about our mental health? Recent studies have found that it’s 

equally important to look after our head space too. 

The five ways to wellbeing are a set of evidence-based public 

mental health messages which are widely used by various 

organisations to help people take steps to improve their 

wellbeing. They are: 

1. Connect 

When it comes to wellbeing, other people matter. Connecting 

with family, friends and neighbours at home, school or in your 

local community will support your mental health. 

Ideas: Meet a friend for coffee, ask a colleague about their 

weekend, message someone you haven’t heard from in a while, 

say hello to a shop assistant, write a letter or send a postcard. 

2. Be Active 

Being active is great for your physical health, but it also releases 

happy hormones. This doesn’t have to mean hours in the gym; 

find enjoyable activities that fit into your daily routine. 

Ideas: Walk to school, go to your local park, do some gardening, 

walk the dog, play your favourite song and dance to it, walk on 

the beach with an ice cream. 

3. Learn 

Learning new skills can be useful and can also boost our mental 

health and self-esteem. There are many ways to bring learning 

into your life. 

Ideas: Solve a crossword puzzle, make something, bake a cake, 

take up a new hobby, learn something new about a topic you’re 

interested in, read a book. 

4. Give 

Small acts of kindness towards others or larger ones such as 

volunteering in your local community, can give a sense of 

purpose and make you feel happier. 

Ideas: Make a friend smile, cook for someone, take a neighbour’s 

dog for a walk, check up on a friend, give unwanted items to a 

local charity shop, donate food to a food bank. 

5. Take Notice 

It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice 

much. Becoming more aware of your own thoughts and feelings 

and of the world around you can improve your wellbeing. 

Ideas: Watch the sun setting, meditate, have a bath with candles, 

listen to music, get out into the park or the countryside, try cloud 

spotting, watch the birds outside, try a new food. 

These strategies can improve your mental health on a day-to-day 

basis. However, there are also many charities, organisations and 

support groups that can help you or someone you know. 

71

Independent Diabetes Trust 

PO Box 294 Northampton NN1 4XS 

I N D E P E N D E N T D I A B E T E S T R U S T 

I N D e p e N D e N t D I a b e t e s t R u s t 

For further information about 

all our FREE leaflets contact us: 

Holiday Tips 

HELPLINE: 01604 622837 

Holiday Tips 

Email: enquiries@iddtinternational.org 

HELPLINE: 01604 622837 

www.iddtinternational.org 


Charity Number 1058284 Registered Number 3148360 

Do You have Diabetes? 

Are You going on Holiday? 

Ask for your FREE copy of our Holiday Tips booklet, 

full of tips for safely enjoying your holiday. 

InDependent Diabetes Trust 

P O Box 294, Northampton NN1 4XS. 


Charity Number: 1058284 

Registered Number: 3148360

Orthopaedic 

services 

Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital 

We provide a range of services locally for patients who 

require orthopaedic surgery. We are passionate about 

health and the care we provide and are here to reassure 

and help you, throughout your journey. 

Treatments include: 

Hip and knee surgery 

Hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder injury 

Back and spinal or sport injury 

Foot and ankle surgery and joint injections. 

For more information call 01277 886706 

or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/brentwood

Developed by Nature, Enhanced by Science 

The biomimetic micelles deliver the well 

proportioned active ingredients, hydrolyzed 

collagen, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and 

vitamins to the skin that we lose by ageing 

and must be supplied to the skin. 

The Klara’s creams, serum and cleanser 

provide the harmonized products for the 

regular skincare routine day and night. Regular 

use of the products will rejuvenate and nourish 

the skin and reduce the signs of ageing. 

klaraskincare.com 

Dr Klara Valko, a published pharmaceutical and formulation 

scientist, has developed a new trademarked technology for 

delivering natural active ingredients to the skin. 

Klara’s anti-wrinkle and rejuvenating skincare products are 

manufactured in the UK by Bio-Mimetic Cosmetics, a trading 

division of Bio-Mimetic Chromatography Ltd. 

Trial size samples are also available at: 

www.klaraskincare.com 

Manufactured by Bio-Mimetic Cosmetics a trading division of 

Bio-Mimetic Chromatography Ltd , Unit 5B, BTC Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2DX United Kingdom.

The 

Sunshine 

Vitamin 

Written by Ailsa Hichens | www.foodfabulous.co.uk 

Our health and immune system are more important than ever. 

During the pandemic many of us become more aware of our 

immunity against infection and disease. The supplement market 

is full of pills and capsules to support our body, but one vitamin 

that is vital to our immune health is vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is a superstar vitamin, or to be correct, a hormone, 

because it supports so many functions in the body. One of the 

key roles is in immunity although it is implicated in all kinds 

of things such as good digestion, hormone balance and 

blood sugar regulation, plus mood disorders like anxiety and 

depression. If any of this is out for you, it’s worth considering 

whether you might be deficient. 

VITAMIN D & IMMUNITY 

One of the reasons people tend to get more colds and flu during 

winter months is we are outdoors less and get less sunlight on 

our skin. Your body makes vitamin D after contact with the sun’s 

UV rays. It’s a combined effort between the liver and kidneys. 

What we’ve come to understand from emerging research is that 

that higher vitamin D levels are associated with the reduced risk 

and severity of COVID-19. We have known for a while that people 

with low vitamin D levels are much more likely to get upper 

respiratory tract infections (think regular flu) than those with 

enough of the hormone in their body. 

HOW MUCH VITAMIN D SHOULD 

YOU HAVE? 

You can get vitamin D from foods – like oily fish, egg yolks and 

whole milk – but the vast majority is made in the body. As an 

aside, do not be fooled into thinking the fortified foods are 

the same or have similar benefits. Fortified foods (like cereals, 

margarine and some yoghurts) contain a synthetic version of the 

vitamin known as D2 (the natural form is D3). Research shows this 

is less effective at raising levels of vitamin D in the blood. 

However, it is hard to get as much as you need from food alone, 

so you may need to top up. 

The optimal way to do that is to regularly spend time outdoors in 

the sun (even winter sun). About 10-30 minutes most days should 

do it. 

If getting out in the sun is not an option, sit in front of a light box 

that supplies 10,000 lux of full-spectrum light for 30 minutes every 

morning. This is an especially good option for winter months and 

for nightshift workers. 

You can of course, take supplement and vitamin drops or spray 

ahead of tablets for absorbability. You’ll also want to choose 

vitamin D3, which is most efficient at raising vitamin D levels in 

the body. 

Even if you already take a supplement, work out whether what 

you are taking is actually what 

you need. 

There are different opinions about what is right and wrong. 

The Department of Health recommends 400IU a day between 

October and March and more if you don’t get outside much or 

if your skin is darker. The reality is this is likely to be a getting-by 

amount where most nutrition professionals aim a bit higher than 

that for optimal health. 

The key is in testing your own vitamin D with a finger-prick blood 

spot test and these are now readily available from companies 

online like Medichecks and Thriva. You can then tailor what you 

will supplement to what you actually need. 

There is such a thing as too much vitamin D (known as vitamin 

D toxicity). You’d have to be going some way to get there but it is 

possible, which is why it is essential you know your levels before 

you start guzzling any supplements. 

WHY DO WE GET TOO LITTLE 

VITAMIN D? 

Among other things that go a bit wrong as you get older, your 

body is less good at turning the rays from the sun into vitamin D. 

Specifically, the kidneys which are less good with age at turning it 

to the active form of calcitriol. 

Problems with the digestive system mean the digestive tract does 

not absorb the vitamin D as well too. 

When you’re stressed, the stress hormone cortisol reduces the 

uptake of vitamin D. 

The darker your skin, the less vitamin D you will make. This is due 

to the higher levels of melanin in your skin that protect against UV 

light. By blocking the sun’s rays, it also curbs the body’s ability to 

make the precursor to the active vitamin D. 

Ailsa Hichens is a registered nutritional therapist & 

health coach at Food Fabulous. 

75

We mainly specialise in silver, gemstone 

and leather jewellery for both men and 

women. We also have a lovely range of new 

baby gifts, handbags, purses, scarves, 

and gifts for all occasions. 

We are now fully open after the Lockdown we have 

altered and improved the shop and we have new stock of 

Yarn and Fabric for you to browse. 

We also remain on line so do visit the On Line shop. 

Local delivery is still available. 

Visit us at www.sewknitcraftltd.com 

01223 350691 

58 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1LN 

13 Market Hill, St Ives, PE27 5AL 

01480 495198 

www.cloudninegems.com 

/CloudNineGems 

76

FASHION 

Tan Lines 

Why tan accessories are the perfect 

neutral for summer 

Written by Ruth Essex | www.ruthessex.com 

Although this summer allows new levels of freedom and travel, there is 

still an element of caution in the air; a sense of testing the waters, rather 

than diving straight back in to life as we knew it. I believe that in order 

to feel balanced, our clothes need to reflect how we are feeling. In my 

Lessons In Style Club, I create quarterly seasonal capsules; designing 

the capsule to not only reflect the season, but also the zeitgeist; the 

mood of the time and place we find ourselves in. 

The summer capsule is a curated collection of clothing and accessory 

pieces, and I purposefully chose tan as the key accessory colour. 

When worn as an accent, tan, a rich, chestnut brown, is a universal 

colour. It doesn’t matter if you have warm or cool colouring, because 

it still works. 

A tan belt works equally well with a pair of black linen shorts, your 

blue denim shirt dress or a pair of white trousers. It is a colour you 

will always find in the shops. Once you have invested in your tan 

accessories, you can re-use those pieces every year, and never feel 

like you are out of fashion. It is almost anti-fashion because it is a 

grounded staple that you can rely on. It won’t date like the colour of 

the season. 

Admittedly, tan won’t set your world on fire, but is that what you are 

looking for right now? It is such a relief to see people stepping away 

from shapeless joggers at last, but we still seem to want the security of 

items we know and love, like our jeans and simple summer dresses. 

By adding a few tan accessories, you can bring new life to all your 

old favourites, making them chic and elegant or natural and boho, 

depending on how you wear them. A touch of something new, but 

grounded in items you already own. It will give you a summer capsule 

that feels harmonious, peaceful and grounded; something we might 

want for ourselves, and by using tan, our wardrobe can reflect this. 

Ruth Essex is a stylist, writer and 

teacher of style. Get in touch at 

style@ruthessex.com

Fenchurch House Care Home 

Vaccinating against Covid-19 

Fenchurch House provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our brand new home is 

beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Fenchurch House feel extra 

special. If you’re concerned about how your relative is coping and would like them to have more support, 

Fenchurch House provides family-led care in a luxurious and homely environment. The Covid-19 vaccine will be 

offered to all those in our care, allowing them to live safely and as they wish. 

• Bistro Café 

• Fisherman’s Arms Pub 

• Tailored meaningful activities 

• Daily Fine Dining 

• Hair and pamper salon 

• Luxury en-suite bedrooms 

01775 711 959 

Spalding Common, Spalding, 

Lincolnshire, PE11 3AS 

www.countrycourtcare.com

Dive In 

Swim with Grace takes us from 

pandemic to pool side 

FASHION 

The last 18-months has been tough 

for us all. As businesses clung to the 

hope of grants to keep afloat and 

redundancies were made, university 

graduates were left with few prospects. 

However, Grace King, a 24-year-old 

fashion graduate, from Saffron Walden, 

Essex, took lockdown as an opportunity 

to follow her passion. 

With her nine-month around the world 

trip cancelled, Grace used her savings to 

create a sustainable swimwear brand 

for women. “All my pay checks from 

Audley End, working with the horses, 

had been saved over four years. 

When I realised, I had to cancel, I was 

devastated,” she said. 

Rather than feel deflated, Grace took the 

plunge and created a collection of five, 

high quality, swimwear pieces which are 

suitable for all body shapes. 

“I had to adapt my way of thinking. I 

thought; I have this money, let me make 

something good of it. I need to spin 

this on its head, so I invested into my 

passion,” she continued. 

Her love for fitness and sports shines 

through the collection with each piece 

carefully designed to be comfortable 

and suitable for watersports with no 

ties and hardwear. “I love surfing in 

Cornwall,” said Grace. “I wanted the 

collection to be flush to the skin for 

comfort.” 

The collection includes both two-pieces 

and swimsuits available in a range of 

colours; the bold orange is a vibrant 

addition to any holiday wardrobe. Each 

piece is perfectly cut and flattering for 

all body types, thanks to the use of 

ECONYL ®; a sustainable material made 

with waste from the ocean. Sourced 

from Bali, every purchase helps support 

women in work and contributes to the 

cleaning of Bali. Each product takes 

longer than average to create as the 

fabric needs to be collected, cleaned 

and created. Consumers are purchasing 

an investment item with durability, 

longevity and little waste, ultimately 

spending more, but buying less! 

Speaking of her journey from idea to 

product, Grace said: “I studied fashion 

buying and design at university, but 

as opposed to a project, reality is quite 

different. When a sale comes through, it 

motivates me.” 

Grace offered her advice to other 

women looking to start their own 

business: “Don’t be afraid, risks are 

worth taking. People will buy into a story 

and passion. Don’t be afraid to ask for 

help. In Essex, there are start-up grants 

available. I joined women in business 

seminars and local business groups to 

make connections.” 

Grace hopes that the push to support 

small businesses will continue as people 

become creative in how the spend their 

money. Swim With Grace is available 

online at www.swimwithgrace.co.uk 

79

PETER’S BRIDAL WAREHOUSE 

Peter Bullman 

WEDDING DRESS FACTORY OUTLET 

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you to try on today 

Priced from 

£299 to £999 

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Just off A142 Soham By Pass, (Behind Scampers Pet Store) 

Call: 07917757862 

www.petersbridalwarehouse.com 

Peter Bridal Warehouse

Weddings 

Less is 

More 

Written by Jordine Bartlett 

As of 17 May, wedding ceremonies and receptions of a 

maximum of 30-guests can be held at Covid-secure venues 

across England – including both indoor event spaces and 

private gardens. 

A trimmed guest list is most certainly not a bad thing. It offers 

brides and grooms the opportunity to incorporate special details 

which might otherwise prove difficult to create on a larger scale. 

Below are our suggestions for how to maximise a wedding with 

a limited bridal party. 

Increase Participation 

Rather than speeches after dinner with a curated guest list, 

newlyweds can introduce several moments throughout when 

groups can share meaningful memoirs. This twist on traditional 

speeches brings people together and increases the atmosphere. 

Live Stream 

Bring the day to those who can’t be in attendance by recording 

the ceremony live. Those tuning in can join in and raise a glass 

from the safety of their sofas. 

Experiment with Entertainment 

A mixologist assigned to each table making signature aperitifs 

could be a nice touch for cocktail lovers or how about asking 

your live band to play a song request from each guest? These 

thoughtful shared experiences are guaranteed to heighten the 

experience of the day for everyone invited. 

Enjoy Socialising 

Another way to ensure a momentous day is to make time to 

mingle. A smaller setting allows brides and grooms to navigate 

the room with ease and have one-on-one time with loved 

ones. It’s also the perfect moment for informal photographs to 

be taken. 

Choose a venue that reflects your 

personality 

Sourcing a venue that accommodates great numbers can 

prove challenging, however finding a location for a select few is 

much simpler. 

Here’s our roundup of some of the best venues for intimate 

gatherings: 

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens, Hertfordshire 

A 70-acre country estate set amongst Henry Moore’s iconic 

sculptures. 

Houchins Wedding Venue, Essex 

A quaint barn recently modernised for civil ceremonies and 

conscious couples seeking an intimate reception venue. 

Voewood, Norfolk 

Renowned for its artistic interior, the beautiful venue is just a 

stone’s throw from the beaches of Norfolk. 

Eggington House, Bedfordshire 

Set within 25 acres of enchanting woodland, couples have the 

option to customise every detail of this venue. 

Woodhall Manor, Suffolk 

An exclusive rural escape steeped in history and an abundance 

of charm. 

Fewer guests mean more time, resource and budget for those in 

attendance so don’t consider it a setback – embrace it! 

Born and raised in Hertfordshire, 

Jordine has a passion for showcasing 

the heritage, history and diversity of the 

county, demonstrated in her storytelling. 

She is the founder of the luxury planning 

platform – Wedding Status, she is a 

great advocate for the wedding sector 

and considered a leading voice within 

the industry. 

@jordinebartlett 

81

Motoring 

Audi Q7 TFSi e 

quattro 

Written by Sue Cooke | Twitter @cookecars 

As pandemic restrictions are slowly eased, there comes the freedom to explore our 

towns and villages as well as places of interest with the family this summer. And 

what better way to do that than in a family SUV and one that has hybrid power, 

which is easier on the purse strings. So more to spend on the family day out. 

No new petrol or diesel powered cars will be built after 2030, so if you don’t have the 

confidence to go all electric, then a step forward is to choose hybrid. In a recent poll 

on used car website DesperateSeller.co.uk, 16% of respondents said they thought 

that hybrid meant the car could run on petrol and diesel. It does not. 

The car I road tested this week was a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The 

Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro is powered by a V6 turbo charged petrol engine and an 

electric motor under the boot floor which is driven by a lithium-ion battery. What this 

means for the buyer is a reduction in CO2 emissions, down to 61g/km. If you keep 

the battery charged, then you can also save on fuel consumption. 

There are three driving modes. Hybrid – which is the default mode when the 

system chooses fully electric, petrol power on its own, or a combination of both. 

In EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, the car relies purely on electric power unless the 

accelerator is pressed, in which case the engine instantly fires back into life. In 

Battery Hold mode, the battery charge is preserved at its existing level. 

The downside of a PHEV in an already weighty vehicle is the addition of the motor 

and battery, both of which impact on fuel economy. If you do not have the ability to 

charge the battery before your journey, you could find that your fuel economy will 

halve. Using a home wall box or a roadside charger it will take two-and-a-half hours 

to fully charge. 

The Q7 has an elevated seat which gives a great view of the traffic ahead. In the rear 

there are three individual seats and a lot of leg space. Boot space is a capacious 650 

litres and the boot lid rose very accommodatingly as I struggled to the car carrying 

suitcases and other holiday items. With the rear seats down the litres of space rise 

to 1835. 

Facts at a Glance: 

Model: Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro Tiptronic 

Price: From £75,030 otr with options 

Engine: V6, motor and lithium ion battery 

Performance: 0-62.1mph in 5.8 seconds 

and on to a top speed of 149.1mph 

CO2 emissions: 61g/km 

Combined fuel consumption: 104.6mpg 

(S Line) (WLTP) 

There is a very clear digital display in front of the steering wheel which includes 

technology to help you drive a little greener. I like the traditional volume button to 

work the audio system. I coped quite well when reversing into a narrow spot as 

there is a very clear picture of the area behind in full colour and there are parking 

sensors. Manoeuvring the Q7 is smooth, cornering is like driving on rails and grip is 

outstanding on wet slippery roads. 

The Vorsprung Durch Technik branded SUV is packed with technology but then 

you would probably expect that with an on the road price starting from £67,670. You 

pay extra for the Daytona grey pearl exterior colour of £750, but it is beautiful. 

The Audi Q7 e quattro is a powerful and technologically advanced family car, which 

with plug in hybrid power is an inspiration to plan ahead for road trips around our 

beautiful country. 

83

Business Accountants for 

Business People 

● Accounting and Bookkeeping 

● Tax and Tax Planning 

● Regulation and Compliance 

● Advice and Support 

● Fixed Fees 

● Straight and Direct Communication 

● Local Presence and National Strength 

● We Do Not Charge By The Hour 

Good Accounting is 

Good Business 

MIKE BARNES ACA 

T: 01 485 521 756 

M: 07969 163021 

E: mike.barnes@aims.co.uk 

www.aims.co.uk

CONSUMER 

Martin 

Lewis 

Claim two years 

tax relief if you 

work from home 

If you’re an employee 

who’s had to work from 

home, even for just a 

couple of days, you could 

be owed up to £280 by 

HMRC. That’s because 

it’s now confirmed that 

if you’ve had to work 

from home during the 

pandemic, and had extra 

costs, you can get relief 

for the entire tax year. I 

understand that sounds a 

bit goobledegooky, so let 

me take you through it… 

What is this tax relief… 

It’s always been the case that if your 

employer has required you to work from 

home, and you’ve had additional costs 

because of it (e.g heating or electricity) 

then you’re able to claim for these 

increased costs – known as the working 

from home (wfh) tax relief. 

For far more help on this see my 

www.moneysavingexpert.com/ 

WFHtaxrelief guide, yet in brief, to 

claim the tax relief you must have, and 

declare that you have had, specific extra 

costs due to working from home. Yet 

apportioning extra costs, such as heating 

and electricity, is tough. Due to that, there 

is a flat rate of £6 a week available to you, 

which you can get either… 

• £2.70 a week for a top 45% rate 

taxpayer (£140.40 a year) 

If you’re not the only employee in the 

house who’s been required to work 

from home, and it’s fair to say that costs 

have increased specifically from each 

individual working from home, you can 

all each claim it. 

Work from home for just a 

day and you get the whole 

year’s relief 

During the 2020 lockdown as millions of 

UK staff were required to work from home 

temporarily – HM Revenue and Customs 

(HMRC) changed the way the working 

from home tax relief operates. 

Previously, you could claim the working 

from home tax relief for each week you 

were required to work from home. Yet 

in Oct 2020 it launched a ‘microservice’ 

which, even if you only needed to work 

from home for ONE day and had extra 

costs, you automatically got the WHOLE 

tax-year’s relief. 

And a few weeks ago, as the new 2021/22 

tax year started on 6 April, HMRC decided 

to continue that microservice for 2021/22 

too – which means many can now claim 

TWO year’s worth of relief – worth up 

to £280. 

Martin Lewis is 

the Founder of 

MoneySavingExpert.com. 

To join the 13 million 

people who get his free 

Money Tips weekly email, 

go to 

www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip 

• An extra £6/week tax-free from your 

employer. They don’t have to give 

you that, and in fact most employers 

aren’t giving it as they are most likely 

struggling. 

• If you’re not getting that from your 

employer, then you can get £6 taxrelief. 

To make the process easy, HMRC 

says that for claims in line with the 

employers’ payment, you won’t need 

to keep receipts or prove information (if 

you have bigger expenses and want to 

claim more, you would need to prove it). 

The tax relief of £6 a week equates to 

a gain of… 

• £1.20 a week for a basic 20% rate 


• £2.40 a week for a higher 40% rate 


How to claim TWO years’ 

relief (or an extra one if 

you’ve already claimed) 

To process claims, most employees 

(including part timers) can use the 

microservice at www.Gov.uk. The 

exception to this is if you do a selfassessment 

tax form, in which case you 

can still claim but it’s a different route – see 

my www.moneysavingexpert.com/ 

WFHtaxrelief guide for help with that. 

To use the microservice you need a 

Government Gateway ID. If you don’t have 

one, you can set one up along the way. 

You’ll also be asked if you’re claiming any 

other work-related expenses. So, if you 

wear a uniform to work, do read about 

the www.moneysavingexpert.com/ 

reclaim/uniform-tax-refund as you may 

be able to claim that too. 

85

Q U ALITY | PRIC E | C U S T O M ISABLE 

BEAUTIFULLY HANDMADE TO ORDER BY WOBURN GARDEN STUDIOS 

Call us on 08456 805286 | Visit www.meritgardenproducts.co.uk 

Woburn Garden Products are part of the Merit Garden Products Group

Business101 

Free business support 

Running a business can be tough and, for many, the pandemic 

and the impact of Brexit have brought a new set of challenges. 

It’s good to know where to find a helping hand, so we’ve put 

together a list of free business resources offering advice and 

support with everything from funding and people management 

to mentoring and business development. 

National Organisations 

Better Business Finance 

Free access to approved finance suppliers. Impartial information 

for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to develop and grow. 

0333 305 0698 

www.betterbusinessfinance.co.uk 

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) 

Free, impartial advice for employers and employees on 

workplace rights, rules and best practice including training and 

help resolving disputes. 

0300 123 110 

www.acas.org.uk 

Innovate UK EDGE 

Advice and funded support for businesses looking to 

commercialise new ideas and succeed in international markets. 

0300 123 3066. 

www.innovateukedge.ukri.org 

Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) 

Government grants available for upgrading to a high-speed 

capable connection for businesses with slow broadband in rural 

areas. Full eligibility criteria on the website. 

www.gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk 

Coronavirus financial support for businesses 

Government business support finder to check eligibility 

for loans, tax relief and cash grants due to the impact of 

coronavirus. 

www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder 

Business Support Helpline (England) 

Free business advice from the government. 

Call 0800 998 1098 or email 

enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org 

Regional Organisations 

South East Creatives 

Business development and grants for creative, cultural or digital 

SMEs in Essex. Offering workshops, mentorship, business 

diagnostics, job creation and internship support. 

Apply online. 

www.southeastcreatives.co.uk 

Wenta Mentor Scheme 

Free mentoring from a fully trained mentor for businesses in 

Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 

mentoring@wenta.co.uk or 01438 310020. 

www.wenta.co.uk 

Get Enterprising 

Free growth support programme for early-stage businesses in 

Hertfordshire offering training, access to finance, networking 

opportunities and events. 

info@wenta.co.uk or 01438 310020. 

www.wenta.co.uk 

Business Growth Loans 

For companies in Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire 

and Norfolk that can’t get funding from banks and other 

mainstream providers. 

www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk 

Business Advice and Masterclasses 

Advice, workshops, loans and grants for businesses in 

Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. 

01603 227840 or info@nwes.org.uk 

www.nwes.org.uk 

Business Advice in Essex 

Marketing, finance, distribution, sales, premises, employment 

and product development advice for businesses in Essex. 

01206 548 833 

www.colbea.co.uk 

Invest East Investment Readiness Programme 

Free investment readiness programme for SMEs in Norfolk and 

Suffolk including mentoring, seminars, masterclasses and pitch 

feedback sessions. 

growthhub@newanglia.co.uk or 0300 333 6536. 

www.investeast.co.uk 

Scale Up New Anglia 

Business health analysis, peer-to-peer learning, industry and 

academic expertise, workshops, supplier visits and support 

from advisers for businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk. 

www.scaleupnewanglia.co.uk 

Local Growth Hubs 

Free business support, advice and sources of finance: 

Cambridgeshire: www.cpcagrowthhub.co.uk 

Hertfordshire: www.hertsgrowthhub.com 

Norfolk and Suffolk: www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk 

Essex: www.southeastbusiness.org.uk 

Bedfordshire: www.semlepgrowthhub.com 

87

INTERIORS 

Safe & 

Secure 

Written by Emma Kemsley 

How safe is your home? 

“People only ever buy a camera after a burglary because they never think it will 

happen to them.” That’s the exact statement the police officer said to me on a cold 

Wednesday evening in January 2020. As I looked numbingly at the shattered glass 

of my French doors covering the living room, I knew he was right. I’d been naïve. I live 

in a small village, in an area that regularly tops The Times ‘best places to live’ poll. A 

place where everyone knows everyone, and we smile at those we don’t know and 

wish them a good day as we pass by. 

How could I have become victim to a burglar? What made my house so special? 

It’s certainly not the biggest or most attractive in the village. I am on a main road for 

goodness sake. How is it possible to slip in and out with no one seeing? The answer 

was obvious. I had no security. No camera. No alarm. A dark garden. The burglar saw 

an empty house and took their opportunity. 

After the initial shock wore off, I wasted no time researching security options. Yes, 

the damage had been done, but I would sleep better at night knowing I had safety 

measures in place. I quickly stumbled upon Ring. I had previously heard of their 

doorbell camera system, but I had no idea about their extensive range of products. 

Ring is on a mission to make neighbourhoods safer by creating a ‘Ring of Security’ 

around homes and communities with its affordable and stylish home security 

products and services. I initially bought three Ring cameras and the alarm system 

which allows you to place sensors at key points of entry. Easy to install, all products 

connect with our Alexa, and my husband and I both have apps on our phone 

which show all camera views and alert us if a camera or sensor is triggered. For an 

additional annual fee, if the alarm is set off, an automated alert will call our mobile 

phone. Our kind neighbour also gets a notification if we are unavailable. 

The system has been flawless. The only small issue we’ve encountered is the camera 

that is most active, for example, the one we pass daily in and out of the house, runs 

low on battery and requires charging every two weeks. It hasn’t been a problem, but 

not wanting to risk forgetting to charge it, we recently switched it to the Spotlight 

Cam Solar, and it’s made life much easier. The HD camera with two-way talk and 

spotlights, connected to a solar panel for non-stop power has provided a 

continuous level of reassurance. The spotlight is surprisingly bright and covers a 

good distance too! 

With Ring and other similar products available, a full home security system no longer 

needs to be an extravagant expense. You’ll always think you are safe until it happens 

to you. I’ve learnt the lesson, so you don’t have to; it’s time to evaluate your security 

at home. 

89

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90

INTERIORS 

Sustainable Home 

Improvements 

Eilidh Gallagher | www.justeilidh.com 

Nine tips for saving energy and money in your home 

Improving the sustainability of your 

home isn’t just good for the planet, your 

home will be more comfortable to live 

in and your wallet will thank you too! 

Making your home greener can also 

boost your house price. Here are my top 

energy-saving tips: 

Change to LED Lightbulbs 

You’ll be surprised! Yes, it’s only 

lightbulbs and you can change them 

yourself, but LEDs use up to 80 per cent 

less energy than regular bulbs so there 

is money-saving potential here over the 

longer term. 

Switch energy supplier 

If you’re not already with a green energy 

provider then look to switch to one. It’s 

the simplest way to go green without 

having to make any physical changes to 

your home. 

Get a smart meter 

Keep an eye on your energy usage with 

a smart meter. Most energy providers 

install them free of charge and watching 

the pennies go up on the gauge will 

soon make you more efficient at turning 

things off when they’re not in use or 

dropping the heating down a degree 

or two. 

Consider replacing your 

showerhead and toilets 

Another small improvement that will 

make a big difference is changing 

to a low-flow system for your toilet 

and showerhead. The average home 

toilet is responsible for 30% of water 

consumption, making it one of the 

costliest systems in your house. 

Go natural 

Mainstream household cleaning 

products are packed with nasty 

chemicals so switch to eco-friendly 

brands or try natural products such as 

vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to get 

rid of grime. 

Upgrade your home’s 

insulation 

As much as 40% of a home’s heat loss 

is down to a lack of insulation. You can 

improve this by better insulating your 

loft and cavity walls. Fix any draughts 

coming through windows or consider 

upgrading them. You could even look 

into adding shutters to help lock in heat. 

Reclaim, reuse and 

upcycle 

Whether it’s upcycling an old item of 

furniture or reclaiming building materials, 

reusing items that are already out there 

is great for the environment and will save 

you money too. 

Decorate with ecofriendly 

finishes 

From eco-paints to environmentally 

friendly wood varnishes, to green options 

for cleaning and preparing walls. There 

are so many ways to decorate your 

home in an eco-friendlier way. You could 

also consider sustainable wallpapers 

which include natural coverings made 

from materials such as hessian, cotton 

and wool. 

Invest in solar panel 

systems 

Solar panel systems are definitely an 

investment however they can be used to 

produce hot water or generate electricity. 

They don’t need direct sunlight to 

work – so you can generate on a cloudy 

day – but you’ll need to attach them to a 

roof or wall that faces within 90 degrees 

of south. 

91

URN29_Norfolk_1.2020_EarshamHomeFurnishings_HP.ai 1 26/02/2020 12:23:20 

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92

INTERIORS 

Just Hang 

in There 

Update your home with wall art 

Let’s face it, after lockdown we’re 

all a bit tired of staring at the walls 

of our home. If your living room, 

bedroom, bathroom and kitchen 

are in need of an update, framed 

prints are a simple, easier alternative 

to paint and wallpaper. 

From multi-coloured abstracts to 

playful patterns, Instagram home 

accounts have plenty of cool art 

inspiration, but why have prints 

become so popular? Annica 

Wallin, executive creative director 

at Desenio, which specialises in 

high quality prints and frames, said: 

“With people spending more time 

at home than ever before, keeping 

on-trend and implementing new 

ideas into living spaces has never 

been more important. 

“There’s no easier way to transform 

a room than by adding a gallery 

wall. You get to set the rules: mix and match prints to get a look and feel that’s 

perfect for you. Once you have the frames in place, you can switch prints easily and 

affordably whenever you want to change your style. It’s the perfect way to prepare 

your home for a new season.” 

If you love the concept but unsure of what to choose for your home, Annica added: 

“Don’t be afraid to mix and match 

colours, styles, and sizes! Use large 

prints for elegant feature walls, or 

many small prints to create a cosy 

and personalised feeling. 

“Whether you’re looking to 

introduce a sense of calm to your 

surroundings or want to add 

vibrancy, colour and the “wow” 

factor, choosing new prints is an 

instant fix! It’s a fun way to get 

creative and add some personality 

to your home. Choosing a wall 

colour that reflects the tones in your 

new prints is going to take your look 

to the next level.” 

The Desenio website features at 

handy gallery wall tool for selecting 

prints too. Whether you opt for a 

trend or choose a style to suit your 

personal taste, the wall gallery is 

here to stay. 

93

Making Waves 

Written by Phoebe Taylor | www.phoebegracetaylor.journoportfolio.com 

How seafaring adventures, 

North Norfolk landscapes 

and lockdown inspired a 

wallpaper brand 

If it hadn’t been for COVID, Zoe Dunford 

might never have started her wallpaper 

business. 

“It was during that first lockdown,” she 

says. “When I was feeling hemmed in, 

I just took myself back onto the water, 

onto the marsh, and got my sketch pad 

out.” Normally a skipper for the Coastal 

Exploration Company (CEC), based in 

Wells-next-the-Sea, she wasn’t able to sail, 

and so found herself drawn to sketching 

boats instead. “I couldn’t go and smell 

the wood or feel those canvas sails 

beneath my hands. But I could draw them 

and transport myself back to them in 

that way.” 

Zoe also runs a holiday let business 

and was looking for nautical-themed 

wallpaper for a renovation. Nothing she 

found was quite the right fit, therefore 

she decided to create her own. Inspired 

by her previous sketches, she came up 

with elegant, blueprint-like designs – and 

Collingwood Coastal was born. 

A prestigious pedigree 

Admiral Lord Collingwood, Collingwood 

Coastal’s namesake, was Nelson’s friend 

and comrade-in-arms. When Nelson 

was fatally shot at the Battle of Trafalgar, 

Collingwood took over command of the 

British fleet. Thanks to his leadership, not 

a single British ship was lost, either during 

the battle, or during the violent, week-long 

storm which followed swift on its heels. 

To Zoe, he’s not just an historical figure, 

but someone with great personal 

significance. A direct relation on her 

mother’s side, Zoe remembers tracing her 

connection back to the Admiral through 

family trees brought out at gatherings and 

special occasions. 

In the present day, Collingwood Coastal 

is also a family matter. While Zoe is the 

mastermind behind each design, she 

collaborates with youngest brother 

Richie to bring them to life. First, Zoe 

creates the sketches by hand, and comes 

up with a concept, layout and colour 

palette, then Richie helps turn them into 

graphic designs using Illustrator. “We 

share the screen and work together, 

which is really nice,” Zoe says. “He’s an 

actor in London, and I don’t see him very 

often.” It’s a way to stay connected with 

each other. 

Boats for treacherous 

waters 

Take a closer look at Zoe’s wallpaper 

designs and you’ll notice that the boats 

featured all have their own distinctive 

identity, very specific to the North 

Norfolk coast. 

94

INTERIORS 

partnership with One Tree Planted. “I’m 

also really aware,” she notes, that “a little 

tree is no replacement for an old tree, an 

old rainforest that’s already got all that 

biodiversity.” Thus, she’s also partnered 

with the World Land Trust, which helps 

to protect endangered habitat. “Having 

suffered from eco anxiety for years, it just 

feels really good to be doing something 

positive,” she adds. 

You can buy Collingwood Coastal 

wallpapers at collingwoodcoastal.com, 

or at local stockists Tatty Tides in Holt and 

The Alder Tree in Wells-next-the-Sea. 

“If you look on the charts of the North 

Norfolk coast,” Zoe explains, “It’s got 

lines of sand flats. And over the centuries, 

there have been many people wrecked 

and killed. It can be quite treacherous if 

you don’t know what you’re doing.” The 

traditional fishing boats depicted in her 

designs – crab boats, whelk boats, and 

mussel flats – can sail in water just a few 

feet high. Flat bottoms and tall masts 

allow them to glide over sand flats and 

through marshy creeks. 

As a skipper, this landscape can be 

challenging. Wells’ long, flat beach 

means that tides sweep in swiftly and 

powerfully. The tides are so strong, in 

fact, that Zoe had to spend a year weight 

training in order to build the strength 

required to scull against them. The 

creeks shift as the sand moves, meaning 

that each year their positions need to be 

re-learned through long, circuitous walks. 

But the landscape is also rewarding. 

North Norfolk and its huge expanse of 

salt marsh is one of the UK’s last great 

wildernesses, Zoe says: “You can’t build 

on it, because it’s flooded by the tide 

each day. Not everybody explores it, so 

you can get out and find your own tiny 

bit of isolation, even on an August day 

when the harbour is heaving. It just feels 

like a wild place...there’s a bit of jeopardy 

about it.” 

Staying sustainable 

At the core of Collingwood Coastal 

is Zoe’s deep love of nature, and so 

sustainability was essential for her. 

“I worked as a science writer, and I 

couldn’t just ignore that and become 

another company that contributes to the 

problems that we’ve got,” she says. 

For every 10-metre roll sold, a tree will 

be planted in Uganda’s Albertine Rift in 

95

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96

INTERIORS 

Gardens 

with Ade 

Written by Ade Sellars 

The skies are blue, the air is warm, and the birds are singing. 

Summer has arrived! For the past few months, we’ve been 

working up to this glorious season: sowing seeds, potting on and 

planting out. And now it’s time to reap the rewards. With flowers 

blooming and crops ready for the picking, gardens and allotments 

have never looked so fine. But with pests lurking and diseases 

only too keen to spoil your prized veg, it’s important to remain 

vigilant. 

Summer won’t last forever, but while it’s here, take the time to relax 

in the garden with a glass of something cold. 

If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to introduce a plant 

feed. Nutrients in pots, containers and hanging baskets will have 

quickly depleted, so give them a weekly feed and ensure you 

maintain a regular watering regime. 

With heavy flowerheads and ever-growing stems, plants such 

as dahlias and gladioli will need staking. This extra support will 

not only prevent damage, but discourage ground pests from 

attacking low-lying plants. Also, what’s the point of growing tall 

flowers if you can’t see their glorious blooms? 

Hot temperatures outside will mean even warmer temperatures in 

your greenhouse. Just a few extra degrees can cause your young 

plants to shrivel and die. So, introduce shading to your glass roof, 

keep all vents and doors open to encourage a steady airflow, and 

water the floor daily to increase humidity and deter red spider mite. 

For vegetables such courgettes, beans and peas, the key is to pick 

them regularly. This will ensure the plant continues to produce. 

Letting crops grow past their best can encourage pests, or send 

a signal to the plant to stop growing altogether. Carrots, beetroot 

and onions will also be ready for harvesting. 

By now, you should have five or six trusses on your cordon 

tomatoes, so, before your plants reach the greenhouse roof, 

pinch out the growing tips. The energy will transfer into setting 

your tomatoes. Also, feed regularly, and pinch out all side shoots. 

Don’t let plants dry-out, or water irregularly, as this can encourage 

blossom end rot. Finally, remove any leaves beneath the first truss 

of tomatoes, as this will help circulation and prevent the build-up 

of pests and diseases. 

You mention winter, and people shudder. Yet it’s something 

we need to keep at the back of our minds. If you’re hoping for a 

harvest of winter veg, then you should be thinking about planting 

your winter veg out into their final growing positions. Vegetables 

to consider are, brassicas, leeks, swede…and do I dare say it? 

Christmas potatoes. One of my favourites is purple sprouting 

broccoli, a must-have winter veg. 

But for now, let’s make it a summer to remember. So, take 

stock of your gardens, smell the flowers, and savour those 

summer harvests. 

Ade is a freelance presenter, 

blogger, vlogger, writer and multimedia 

producer. Whilst a garden presenter on the QVC 

Channel, he’s also a live speaker, who can host 

stage garden events. adesellars.com 

Both Ade and his wife Sophie run the blog, 

‘Agents of Field’, which won the GMG Awards 

‘Blog of the Year 2016’. agentsoffield.com 

97

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98

The Self-Employed 

Mortgage Guide 

INTERIORS 

Being self-employed has its benefits, but when it comes to 

mortgages, securing a lender can be challenging. Add to this the 

effects of the pandemic and East Anglia as a desirable place to 

live, the application process can be complexed. 

If you’re newly self-employed, we’ve asked the questions that 

are no doubt on your mind, to a mortgage expert. Joanne Leek, 

marketing manager, mortgages, at Ipswich Building Society 

shares her advice: 

What initial steps should be taken by 

those who are self-employed to help 

secure a mortgage? 

“A way to improve your chances of having a mortgage 

application approved is by having your business accounts 

signed off by a suitably qualified accountant and obtaining a 

SA302 certificate to evidence your income. You will usually be 

required to submit at least two years of accounts and SA302/Tax 

Calculations. 

“If you’re approaching a year end, it can help to have predictions 

of your year end position, as well as credible business forecasts to 

show that earnings in future years are likely to remain at the same 

level or above. You may also wish to consider providing evidence 

of contracts, along with any evidence of work history in your 

chosen field prior to becoming self-employed. 

“Those with particularly complicated applications could consider 

the help of a mortgage intermediary who has experience in this 

market; they will have expertise in finding a suitable lender and 

helping you provide all of the information needed to package the 

case for the mortgage company.” 

Is a larger deposit required to secure a 

mortgage? 

“You may find you’re expected to save a larger deposit too. Most 

lenders will look for at least a 10-20% deposit, and for those 

without a long history of accounts, you might need an ever bigger 

deposit to show a lender you’d be a reliable borrower. 

“With any house purchase, regardless of circumstances, the 

bigger deposit you’ve got, the easier it could be to secure a 

mortgage, and, importantly, a mortgage at a potentially better rate. 

If you can afford to wait a little bit longer and put together a higher 

deposit, that’s good advice whoever you are.” 

Many people have been made redundant 

due to COVID, but now work freelance. 

Will this affect a mortgage? 

“Switching from being employed to a freelancer is a change that 

could affect your mortgage application. If you’re still working in 

the same industry and indeed at the same company, that will 

give the mortgage provider some comfort that you can make a 

success of these changes in employment circumstances. On the 

other hand, freelancers and contractors can sometimes secure 

a higher day rate and therefore they may be able to borrow more 

than they could have done previously, as long as they have a 

continuous employment history. It’s important to have your new 

freelance contract available to share with the provider during 

the application process. Consider applying to a provider who 

undertakes a manual underwriting approach as they’ve got the 

resources to really understand your new employment status.” 

Will the pandemic affect self-employed 

first-time buyers? 

“First time buyers, who can’t afford a large deposit, are faced with 

challenges getting a foot on the property ladder, especially in East 

Anglia where property prices are higher than average. 

“In addition, those in existing mortgages could find themselves in 

a tricky situation too. It’s been a difficult year financially for many, 

and as product terms come to an end, borrowers will naturally 

want to avoid having to revert to a more expensive standard 

variable rate (SVR), however, for those who have been furloughed, 

their options of a new deal or moving lender may be limited.” 

99

The Arts Column 

Written by Collette Hoefkens 

Proprietor at Norton Way Gallery and artist 

www.nortonwaygallery.com 

Short Eared Owl by Jennifer Tetlow 

Farm in the Usk Valley by Lynda Jones 

As the summer settles, our wonderful regional galleries are 

opening their doors for seasonal exhibitions. Many venues will 

take this opportunity to introduce exciting new artists to their 

stables of talent. My very own Norton Way Gallery in Letchworth 

is no exception. We are delighted to be premiering, painter in 

oils, Lynda Jones and stone carver, Jennifer Tetlow. 

Our summer show will start on 5 June until 28 August. You 

will be able to browse in person or visit our exhibition page for 

a full, wonderful viewing. Among over 10 artists, Lynda and 

Jennifer will be showing their very latest pieces. Some have 

been created specifically for the gallery, celebrating our famous 

nature theme. 

Living and practicing in Wales, Lynda’s work has been 

exhibited and collected for many years and is particularly 

admired for its magical, narrative quality. Vistas of woodland 

and nestling dwellings suggest stories that our imaginations are 

commanded to conjure. Colourful foliage, secret pathways and 

deep sheltered glades, remind us of fairy tales and folklore from 

many moons ago. 

There is more than a touch of the sublime and surreal about 

these compelling landscapes. Intense, vividly painted trees and 

ferns seduce the viewer into a land of luscious green and hope. 

Offering a creative antidote to some of our darker fears, they bid 

you to enter, but mind that you tread carefully. 

Lynda’s oil paintings are fluid and at the same time beautifully 

controlled. Hues of viridian and ultramarine provide atmosphere 

and layers of wonder and depth. Precise patterns and 

contrasting highlights bring order to the natural wilderness, 

making these real and dreamt places, inviting and serene. 

No less magical are the stunning carvings of Jennifer Tetlow. 

Also, much exhibited and collected, Jennifer is already a very 

established name across the country. Her beautiful, classical 

and symbolic sculptures are imbued with character and love. 

Each piece is individually carved from a block, chosen for its 

inspiring nature. 

Jennifer first began carving in stone after a chance encounter 

with masons, dressing wall-stones. The sound and rhythm of 

hammer on chisel and the neat-handed skills of the quarrymen 

impressed her so greatly that she quickly purchased her first 

stone working tools. She soon began her career, capturing 

the natural world around her. With close observation and 

dedication, she is able to convey its beauty in simple, exquisite, 

shape and form. 

Where and however, you choose to browse, keep safe and 

thoroughly enjoy! 

Summer Collection, 5 June – 28 August 

Norton Way Gallery 

51 Norton Way North, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG61BH 

Tel: 01642 685139 

www.nortonwaygallery.com 

101

RONALD 

RONALDSON 

(1919-2015) 

A Chappel 

Galleries artist 

EXHIBITION 2021 

OPENING SATURDAY 22ND MAY 

Paintings in oil: Country and Coastal Scenes, Still life 

Apply for exhibition booklet in full colour free of charge. 

Exhibition continues until 20th June, 2021. 

200 Years of Bedford’s Art 

GOING TO TOWN 10 July 2021 – 20 March 2022 

FREE ENTRY 

The Higgins Bedford 

Castle Lane 

Bedford, MK40 3XD 

Email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk 

Website www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk 

or call us on 01234 718618 

102

On the 

Canvas 

Discover the latest art 

exhibitions in the region 

A Passion for Landscape: Rediscovering John Crome, 

17 May – 5 September 

Stop by Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery for an exhibition celebrating the work of 

one of Britain’s great romantic artists John Crome (1768-1821) on the bicentenary of 

his death in 1821. 

The exhibition features approximately 90 paintings, watercolours, drawings and 

etchings. Alongside Norwich Castle’s pre-eminent collection of works by John Crome, 

the exhibition will present loans from private and public collections, including Tate, the 

V&A and Fitzwilliam Museum. 

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle 

Michael Landy’s Welcome to Essex, 

25 June – 5 September 

2021 is the 10th anniversary of Firstsite’s award-winning building, designed by Rafael 

Viñoly. To celebrate, the Colchester gallery is continuing its year of celebration projects 

and commissions, which kicked off with The Great Big Art Exhibition, with a major 

exhibition of brand-new works by Michael Landy CBE (b.1963). 

© Norfolk Museums Service © Michael Landy 

Michael Landy grew up in Ilford during the 60s and 70s, at a time when the town 

transitioned from being in Essex to Greater London. For his first major public gallery 

exhibition in the UK for almost a decade, and on the 20th anniversary of one of his 

most famous works ‘Break Down’, Michael Landy is producing a body of new work 

that explores, celebrates and questions the recent history of his home county and its 

contemporary portrayal in popular culture. 

The exhibition will unpack origins and question the influence of the media in 

conjunction with political agendas, in forming regional and national identities and often 

harmful stereotypes that deviate from on-the-ground reality. 

www.firstsite.uk 

New exhibitions at Tide Mill, Woodbridge 

Upon its reopening the Tide Mill in Woodbridge has announced a summer programme of 

exhibitions and events. 

There are four exhibitions planned at the Mill, one of which highlights the work of the 

craftsmen that built and maintained the Mill, and another which celebrates Jean Gardner’s 

contribution to saving the Mill. The ‘Bushels & Balances’ exhibit will consist of the newly 

interpreted bushels, the French Platform Scales, the large Mill balance scales and the 

recently acquired chondrometer. The ‘Staff of Life’ exhibit will highlight how flour is the raw 

material for the staple that is bread. Dates are to be announced soon. 

Additional summer events include the 850th+ Anniversary Celebration from 25-27 June 

and the Friends Harvest Celebration on 28 August. 

www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk. 

103

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105

ANGLIAN POTTERS 

Online Exhibitions 

Sign up now to be among the first 

to hoar about our shows 

Anglian Potters run online exhibitions with 

hundreds of pots and ceramic art several 

times 3 year. Join our mailing list to be at the 

front of the queue. 

Just email – mailinglist@anglianpotters.org.uk 

Or go to: bit.ly/APmailinglist 

THE WILDLIFE SHOP 

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Selling everything you need to care for 

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the wildlife Quality Wild in Bird your Foods, garden. 

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Droll Yankee Feeders Insect Seeds, Habitats, and 

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accessories, Hedgehog Habitats, 

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Relax on the North Norfolk C oast 

Six delightful Four Star & Families Welcome Graded houses, 

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Free use of Woodlands Leisure providing Main & Children’s 

pools, Steam room, Jacuzzi & Gym. 

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Telephone 01502 714234 

106

Norfolk 

Whether you’re passing through en route 

to your coastal destination or plan to 

spend the day, Holt is a great place to 

enjoy the best of Norfolk. 

Shopping in Holt 

The beautiful Georgian town of Holt is a must-visit during your travels to Norfolk. One of 

the larger market towns before you hit the coast, the High Street of washed stone and 

flint lined yards offers a collection of independent boutiques, stores, delis, tearooms 

and antiques. 

While many high streets across the country struggle with empty stores, Holt continues 

to grow with a healthy mix of retailers. A haven for artists, photographers, walkers and 

tourists at any time of year, Holt is booming. 

Start your visit with a wander along the main Market Place, home to the 250-year-old 

department store, Bakers & Larners. Often described as the Fortum and Mason of 

East Anglia, the food hall is great for a browse. There’s no shortage of food in Holt. 

Hidden amongst the cobbled streets and yards are delis and tearooms. Pick up fresh 

bread at Krusty Loaf, enjoy a taste of the Med at Casa Blanca, an Iberian gourmet store 

and sample ale at the Chubby Seal, a rustic beer café. If you’re after something more 

substantial The Wandering Whelk serves up a good all-day brunch. Keep it traditional 

with afternoon tea at Folly Tearoom, Owl Tea Room or Byfords which also offers B&B 

accommodation. 

The colourful shop fronts and architecture of Holt is visually pleasing itself, but if you’re 

after art seek out the Seahorse Studio on Albert Street for handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts. 

The Gallery Holt, Bircham Gallery and Red Dot Gallery showcase collections of original 

arts, ceramics, sculptures and more. 

The beauty of Holt is its mix of curated stores. For original homewares visit Make Holt or 

for scents to fill your home as a reminder of your time spent in Norfolk check out Natural 

Living Norfolk, a wellbeing and fragrance store. 

Whether you’re passing through en route to your coastal destination or plan to spend 

the day, Holt is a great place to enjoy the best of Norfolk. 

107

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108

Buy or hire a 

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Take the opportunity to buy or 

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use between 8am and sunset. 

Tel: 01493 846400 

For more details, visit: 

www.gorlestonbeachhuts.co.uk 

Redevelopment starts THIS April 

Central 6 day market 

Open Monday to Saturday 

Market Days 

Wednesday & Saturday all year round, 

plus Fridays from May to October 

www.greatyarmouthmarket.com 

Kitchen Worktops | Bathrooms | 

Fireplaces & Wood Burners | 

Overstock Material 

Come and see us in our newly renovated 

showroom, no project is too big or too small. 

13 Dewing Road, 

Rackheath Industrial Estate, 

Norwich, NR13 6PS 

01603 721995 

office@premiermarble.co.uk 

www.premiermarble.co.uk 

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Norfolk 

Secret 

Norfolk; 

Golf Clubs 

Written by Liz Mattock | www.wolfauthor.com 

When you think of Norfolk, you associate this beautiful part of the 

country with beaches, lavender and lazy pub lunches but did you 

know that Norfolk is blessed with a number of top golf courses and 

some lesser-known secret spots? 

110

Norfolk 

Royal West Norfolk Golf Club 

Beach Road, Brancaster, King’s Lynn PE31 8AX 

This not-so-secret club is located on the coast at beautiful 

Brancaster. Access depends on the tide, so always check 

ahead. At high tide the access road can make things tricky 

and completely change the way you play the course, if 

at all. If you fancy a challenge this is the course for you. 

Accurately navigate expanses of water, salt marshes and 

the coastal breeze over 18-holes and you could be onto 

a good round here. Upcoming events include The Ladies 

Open on 7 July. Entries can be made via the website. 

www.rwngc.org 

Nestled in its cliff top location 

the course provides a classic coastal 

challenge for all abilities with 

panoramic views. 

Hunstanton Golf Club 

Golf Course Rd, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6JQ 

Hunstanton has a secret. It has the only dog-friendly 

18-hole course in the area which means your four-legged 

friend can accompany you as you make your way over 

the fairways. Accompanied by breath-taking views of 

The Wash, the course is playable every day of the year 

due to its improved drainage system, so you won’t be 

disappointed. Visitors are required to book in advance. 

Open events are scheduled throughout July, August 

and September. 

www.hunstantongolfclub.com 

Mundesley Golf Club 

Links Rd, Mundesley, Norwich NR11 8ES 

This club offers a friendly 9-hole course situated on 

the rolling hillside overlooking the River Mun and is the 

perfect place for a quiet spot of golf as most players 

head to the larger sites along the coast. Mundesley should 

not be overlooked and provides an excellent challenge 

irrespective of your golfing ability, opportunities to 

improve your skills or introduce someone new to 

the game. Open events take place throughout the 

summer months. 

www.mundesleygolfclub.com 

Gorleston-on-Sea Golf Club 

Warren Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, Hopton, Great Yarmouth 

NR31 6JT 

This club is the most easterly course in the country as views 

span out to the North Sea. Nestled in its cliff top location the 

course provides a classic coastal challenge for all abilities 

with panoramic views. Before teeing off be mindful of the 

coastal breeze, welcome on warmer days but you may 

need to make last minute adjustments to your choice of 

club and angle here. The secret is in the swing! Visitors are 

welcome and must book in advance. Open events are held 

throughout the summer months and entries are now being 

taken for the Men’s Open scheduled for September. 

www.gorlestongolfclub.co.uk 

Unless specified all clubs have onsite facilities including 

bar, café, restaurant, shop and toilets. 

So, all that’s left to do is book your place, pack your clubs 

and enjoy the courses on offer. Fore! 

Heacham Manor Golf Course 

Hunstanton Road, Heacham, Nr Hunstanton PE31 7JX 

Heacham is another of the lesser-known courses along 

the Norfolk coast but it doesn’t fail to deliver. 

Navigate four lakes along the course, nine open fairways 

and nine rustic holes with a variety of native trees and 

shrubs to add varied difficulty to the course as play 

progresses. Visitors must book in advance and entries for 

open competitions such as the seniors and junior events 

are now being taken. This club also hosts various charity 

events throughout the summer months. 

www.heacham-manor.co.uk 

111

ADVERTORIAL 

North Norfolk 

Concierge 

North Norfolk Concierge is a brand-new local concierge service, 

specialising in property management for time-poor local 

residents with second homes, as well as planning bespoke 

staycations showcasing the best that North Norfolk has to offer. 

Property Management 

The property management service offers peace of mind for your 

holiday or second home with a key holding service. 

The team will manage maintenance of your property so you 

can relax in the knowledge that it is being well taken care of. 

Properties will be inspected on a weekly or twice weekly basis 

depending on your needs. 

From cleaning and gardening through to food shopping ahead 

of guest arrival and regular checking of the property both 

internally and externally, North Norfolk Concierge ensures your 

second home is in tip top condition. 

Staycations 

North Norfolk Concierge also plans bespoke staycations to 

North Norfolk for those further afield looking for a unique holiday. 

The journey begins with a consultation with the owner Ashton, 

where you’ll discuss your needs for your Norfolk holiday. The 

team will then create a fully bespoke itinerary based on your brief 

and budget. With access to the best hotels, holiday lets, rental 

properties, services and products in the area, your trip to Norfolk 

will be second to none. 

For larger families or big groups, you can look forward to 

sprawling out in the likes of the 8-bedroom Holly House, a 

stunning Georgian cottage set within the secluded Worstead 

Park, complete with your own garden, BBQ, and hot tub. Spend 

the day by horseback, exploring the bridleways on the 2,000 acre 

Worstead Estate or enjoy cycling through the private footpaths. 

Top off your day with an at-home chef experience, where you’ll 

indulge in the finest Worstead Wagyu beef. 

Couples can enjoy a romantic stay at Cley Windmill in the idyllic 

Cley-next-the-Sea, a beautiful windmill B&B conversion with 

nine quaint rooms and panoramic views over the salt marshes. 

Explore the local markets just south of the mill or try your hand at 

saltwater fly fishing. 

Restaurant reservations can be hard to come by these days 

and North Norfolk Concierge can help with booking some 

of Norfolk’s most exclusive restaurants as well as offer expert 

recommendations for hidden gems in the area so you can always 

discover something new. 

North Norfolk Concierge takes pride in making your stay extra 

special and can arrange surprises such as chilled Champagne 

on arrival, fully stocked fridges with award-winning produce, 

locally catered meals ready for minimal prepping or reheating, 

and arranging private classes in water sports, cooking, cocktail 

making and landscape photography. They can also act as a 

one-stop-shop for holiday essentials hire, removing the hassle of 

travelling with excessive luggage. You can hire baby and small 

children equipment and toys as well as pet essentials such as 

beds and feeding bowls. Whatever you need – they can source 

it for you! 

Celebrations 

Intimate drinks, a dinner party or a large scale celebration, North 

Norfolk Concierge also specialise in planning and executing 

bespoke events. Calling on their hand-selected preferred supplier 

list, they can tailor each event from start to finish. Whether you’re 

after a private dining room, a catering service to host at your 

home or a bar team to shake up some cocktails for your friends, 

the team will work closely with you to build your ideal event 

based on brief and budget. 

No matter how big or small the request, North Norfolk Concierge 

is on hand to help with your second home, create a bespoke 

staycation for you or plan the party of a lifetime! To learn more, 

please visit www.nnconcierge.co.uk 

112

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113

Norfolk 

SUMMER IN THE CITY 

Why Norwich should be your next 

staycation destination 

Lockdown restrictions are easing and it’s time to seek new 

adventure on our doorstep. Norwich is making a comeback 

with a season of socially distanced events and activities to keep 

tourists and residents entertained. Show your support for the city 

and its businesses at one of the many upcoming events. We’ve 

listed our favourite to help you plan your trip. 

Boat trips on the River Wensum 

From 21 June the most historic hotel in Norwich launches their 

new elegant Edwardian style Frolic 31 electric launch called The 

Myrtle Fish. Open to book for guests and non-guests alike, the 

boat will tour for two-hour trips to Whitlingham Country Park – 

part of the Broads National Park. As well as enjoying the scenery, 

guests on board can also enjoy afternoon tea, canapes, grazing 

boards, and cheese and wine. The boat gets its name from The 

Myrtle Fish Tavern which was once on the site of the hotel today. 

The Maids Head claims to be the oldest hotel in the UK with 

the site having been a place of hospitality since the middle of 

the1090s. www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk 

City Sightseeing Bus Tours of Norwich 

Having not operated since 2019, it’s great to see the open-top 

City Sightseeing bus back in Norwich. It will be resuming from 18 

May running all summer until 26 September with four tours a day 

(two in the morning, two in the afternoon), six days a week from 

Tuesday to Sunday. 

www.city-sightseeing.com/en/98/norwich 

Gin Making at Gyre & Gimble 

During lockdown 2020 Gyre & Gimble decided they had to do 

something if the bar wasn’t open. And with that they began 

making their own gin. Now it’s your turn. For 2.5 hours you can 

participate in a Gyre & Gimble Gin Academy and become a 

‘distiller for the day’. During your experience you will choose from 

over 30 botanicals. You will weigh them, learn how to dilute your 

spirit, distil and label your very own secret recipe gin to take home 

with you. Your recipe will be filed so it can be reproduced at any 

time. During your gin making you will sip refreshing gin and tonics 

and learn about the history of gin. Priced £85. Available Saturdays 

from May. www.gyreandgimble.co.uk/experiences/bookan-experience 

Castle in the Spotlight: A Masterpiece 

by Bellotto from the National Gallery, 

London, 17 May – 4 July 

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery 

Bernardo Bellotto’s The Fortress of Königstein from the North 

is one of the most original and impressive examples of 18th 

century landscape painting. In 2017 it was saved for the nation 

with support from Art Fund and other donors, and to celebrate 

its acquisition, the National Gallery has loaned the painting to a 

number of institutions so that audiences around the country can 

appreciate this important masterpiece. The enormous painting – 

over two metres in length – will be on display in Norwich Castle’s 

Colman Project Space from 17 May. 

Tickets for the museum must be booked in advance via Art Fund 

at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle/whats-on/ 

exhibitions 

Macbeth in the Cloisters of Norwich 

Cathedral, 9 – 10 July 

Make a date for some outdoor theatre this summer with the Lord 

Chamberlain’s Men who will perform Macbeth over two nights in 

the beautiful setting of Norwich Cathedral Cloisters – the largest 

monastic cloisters in the country. Bring a picnic and seating and 

settle in to watch an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes, 

music and dance. 

114

Norfolk 

OF NORWICH 

Norwich City Food Trail, 12 July – 

22 August 

Enjoy a brand-new City Food Trail giving people the chance 

to explore Norwich, whilst enjoying the best meals the city has 

to offer. Running from 12 July – 22 August, the summer City 

Food Trail is dinosaur themed, to celebrate Dippy’s arrival at 

the Cathedral and GoGoDiscover’s T.rex trail. Restaurants from 

across Norwich are participating with special dino menu items for 

everybody to enjoy. 

GoGo Discover T.rex sculpture trail 

GoGo on a Jurassic jaunt this summer with Break and 20 

large Tyrannosaurus-Rex sculptures from Monday 12 July 

until Saturday 11 September 2021. The 2021 family-friendly 

trail coincides with and celebrates another prehistoric visitor 

as the T.rex arrive just days before Dippy the Diplodocus at 

Norwich Cathedral, meaning trail go-ers will have 21 dinosaurs 

to visit! As well as sponsoring a T.Rex, Chantry Place, one of 

Norwich’s shopping malls, is one of the presenting partners of 

GoGoDiscover 2021, along with Norwich BID, and will be home 

to some of the trail’s T.rex this summer. The trail is free to follow. 

Dippy on Tour at Norwich Cathedral, 

13 July – 30 October 

Dippy, the Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus cast, will 

be taking up residence in Norwich Cathedral’s Nave in July, and 

the Dippy on Tour exhibition will run from Tuesday 13 July until 

Saturday 30 October 2021. Norwich Cathedral is the eighth and 

final stop for the exhibition that aims to inspire people of all ages 

to engage more with nature and explore the natural world on 

their doorsteps. The exhibition is free to visit. 

www.cathedral.org.uk/dippy-on-tour 

For more events and activities visit www.visitnorwich.co.uk 

Where to stay 

Make the most of your visit to Norwich with an extended 

stay in the city. 

Hotels in Norwich 

Gothic House: charming two-bedroomed B&B, adults 

only 

The Assembly House: posh B&B with three new rooms 

opening this summer, some family rooms, one accessible 

room 

The Maids Head Hotel: city centre location, 4*, family 

rooms available 

18A at The Grosvenor: two-bedroom, stylish city 

apartment in the Norwich Lanes over two floors, perfect 

for families 

Best Western Annesley House: 10-minute walk from the 

city centre 

Stay on the outskirts of Norwich 

Stower Grange: Set in wooded grounds just 15 mins from 

Norwich 

The Norfolk Mead: 4*, on the edge of the Broads and 

only six miles from Norwich 

Park Farm Hotel: Located just outside Norwich, includes 

hotel rooms, plus three standalone lodges with leisure 

facilities 

Barnham Broom Hotel: features a spa, pool, leisure 

facilities and championship golf courses 

Spixworth Hall Cottage: Self-catering cottage just outside 

Norwich with outdoor pool, ideal for groups 

Poolside Lodge: Self-catering accommodation located 

just outside Norwich with an outdoor pool, good for 

groups 

Norfolk Broads Direct: Boating holidays and 

accommodation on land in the Broads 

Fielding Cottages: Just outside Norwich, and set on a 

farm, this a great option for families and groups. 

115

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Destination shopping! 

Enjoy over 90 fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of Norwich.

Norfolk 

Norwich Eats: 

New Openings and Events 

Written by Zena Leech-Calton | www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk 

Ok I’m two stone heavier than pre-lockdown but I’ve enjoyed every bite, even that 

tinned chilli mash up I made to get rid of lockdown jars and cookery school supplies. 

So, as I look down on my ever-expanding waistline which used to be as flat as a 

pancake with Pilates three times a week, I ponder on my favorite lockdown Norfolk 

treats. Let’s start with cake – after all that’s what’s brought me to this stage. 

Megsy Bakes is just one of the amazing young bakers born out of COVID. An ex-ballet 

dancer with a passion to bake and boy, does she do it well. 

Life is also better with chocolate. Saffire Chocolates has been around for a couple of 

decades and they have developed, in my opinion, into the best chocolate box makers 

in the region. 

Topokki is a Korean comfort food, made deliciously by Kimchi Norwich. It’s sliced fish 

cakes and tofu in a very spicy but bearable Korean chilli sauce. 

If you’re looking to get out and about in the city this summer, here are my pick 

of new Norwich openings: 

Oishi, an Asian takeaway pop up, has moved into The Earlham. Meanwhile Fupburger 

have moved into The Dog House and have a £250,000 refurbishment planned. 

The Yard opened where Rabbit used to be in Pottergate, and offers pasta, cocktails 

and beers. 

Upcoming events for 

the diary 

Mysabar has dates confirmed until 

May, but they hope to continue 

in some capacity on top of Castle 

Quarter for the summer. 

www.mysabar.co.uk 

Sausage & Cider Festival, 

Saturday 24 July 

St Andrews Hall 

www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk 

Local Flavours, 

Wednesdays 

29 September 

Norfolk Show Ground 

www.localflavours.co.uk 

Clear Company are a charity 

organizing travelling fayres across 

Norfolk, featuring street food, local 

musicians and artists. 

Announced dates include Saturday 

29 May and 26 June in Wymondham. 

www.clearcompany.org.uk 

The Blues Kitchen is a pop up at The Rosebery, feeding us roast dinners and meal kits 

through lockdown. It is delighting us with an exciting menu. 

Holy Guacamole is a Mexican takeaway from the chefs at Brix & Bones, located above 

Gonzo’s Tea Room. It went so well over lockdown they hope to continue. 

117

Norfolk 

WHAT’S ON 

THEATRE, FILM & SHOWS 

25 May – 12 October Summer Showtime 

A brand new show and welcomes both new and familiar 

faces to the Pavilion stage. Our amazingly talented cast 

are ready to entertain you every Tuesday from 18th May 

through to October. From Elo to a tribute to Broadway there 

is something for every taste in our biggest show yet. 

Pavilion Theatre Gorleston, Pier Gardens, Gorleston, Norfolk 

NR31 6PP 

www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk 

14 July Wind in the Willows 

The Wind in the Willows is a beautiful and enchanting 

musical production written by Academy Award winner 

Julian Fellowes with music by the award-winning Stiles & 

Drewe, presented by the Turbine Theatre, London. Last 

seen at the London Palladium in 2018, The Wind in the 

Willows has been specially adapted for a more intimate 

outdoor performance. 

Norwich Theatre, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL 

www.norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/wind-in-thewillows 

19 - 20 and 26 - 27 June. Harleston & 

Waveney Art Trail 

A collective of professional artists living and working within 

central Waveney Valley open their studios to the public 

annually, offering works for sale, and generating interest 

and understanding between the local community, the 

artists and makers. 

www.hwat.org.uk 

28 July – 31 July Holt Arts Festival 

An annual arts festival, which comprises a range of events, 

from food and theatre to music, fine art and more. The 

festival week has been adapted to meet CV19 restrictions 

but will still be home to musicians, poets, actors, dancers, 

artists and comedians. 

www.holtfestival.org 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

MUSIC 

2 July The Manfreds 

British blues/pop-outfit featuring original Manfred 

Mann members (except for Manfred): Paul Jones, Tom 

McGuinness, Mike d’Abo, Mike Hugg, Rob Townsend and 

Marcus Cliffe. 

St Andrew’s Hall, St Andrew’s Plain, Norwich, 

Norfolk NR3 1AU 

www.thehallsnorwich.com/standrews 

15 Aug Tom Jones 

Knighted and awardwinning 

Welsh singer who 

has managed to sustain his 

success from the 60s, selling 

over 100 million records since 

1965 including the familiar 

“It’s Not Unusual”, “Delilah”, 

“Green Green Grass of Home”, 

“What’s New Pussycat?”, 

“Thunderball”, “Kiss” (Art of 

Noise feat. Tom Jones), “Burning Down the House” (Tom 

Jones and The Cardigans), “Sex Bomb” (Tom Jones with 

Mousse T) and “Islands in the Stream” (with Rob Brydon, 

Ruth Jones and Robin Gibb). 

Earlham Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ 

ARTS & CULTURE 

5 – 28 June King’s Lynn Festival 

Started in 1951 and running for 2 weeks each July, with 

30+ events and dozens of fringe events around King’s 

Lynn and West Norfolk. There is also a year-round event 

schedule. This year they will be celebrating their 

70th festival. 

www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk 

13 – 15 August Festival of Sport Holkham 

Centred around a programme of core sports, Festival of 

Sport at Holkham provides an amazing opportunity for 

kids to try new sports for the first time whilst also receiving 

expert coaching and learning new skills in the sports 

they love. Sports include rugby, hockey, cricket, football, 

gymnastics, netball, tennis, rowing and athletics. 

Each sporting zone is led by a famous face from the 

sporting world. From Olympians to World Cup winners, 

you’ll be rubbing shoulders with a whole host of sporting 

legends all weekend. 

Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB 

www.festivalofsportuk.com 

29 – 30 August All About Dogs 

Bring your dog to the Norfolk Showground on Sunday 

29th and Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2021 for 

a weekend packed with exciting arena displays, expert 

advice, shopping and lots of have-a-go activities – and if 

you don’t have a dog, there’s plenty of fun for humans too! 

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT 

www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk/norfolk/ 

AUCTIONS & ANTIQUES 

4 July Watton Antiques & Collectors Outside Street 

Market & also inside The Queens Hall Fair Come join the 

fun, the quality is usually high and vendors tend to be 

knowledgeable about what they’re selling. For this July 

date we will be in our Regular place with stalls in The 

Queens Hall & also along the full length of Watton High 

Street with stalls selling an eclectic range of treasures & 

delights, 

Watton High Street & inside The Queens Hall, Norwich Road, 

WATTON, Norfolk, IP25 6DA 

118

Suffolk 

Instagram: danielianphotography 

Twitter: @danielianphoto 

Facebook: Daniel Ian Photography 

www.danielianphotography.com

Suffolk 

Lowestoft 

The Perfect Seaside 

Staycation 

Written by Emmanuelle Gammage | Insta @emmanuelle.gammage 

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Suffolk 

Located along the Suffolk Coast, 

Lowestoft is famous for being the most 

easterly town in the UK, so it’s the very 

first spot to see the beautiful sunrise 

each morning. 

Staycations are booking up fast and you 

may have overlooked this traditional 

seaside town, but it’s got a lot to 

offer; surrounded by quaint villages, 

marvellous sandy beaches and plenty of 

fun activities. 

Whether you’re a family looking for an 

adventure or are a couple desperate 

for a romantic getaway by the sea, 

Lowestoft is the perfect holiday location. 

Things to do 

Relax on a glorious sandy beach 

Also known as Victoria Beach, this 

golden fine sand and clear water has a 

Blue Flag award. With miles of beach, 

it’s the perfect place for impressive 

sandcastle creations or soaking up the 

sunshine. If you’re an early riser, start 

your day right with a stroll along the 

beach and watch the sky turn lavish 

shades of red and orange. For an 

adventurous day, you can book a horseriding 

experience with Pakefield Riding 

School or try your hand at a selection of 

water sports. 

FUN FACT: The famous composer 

Benjamin Britten was born in 

Lowestoft and it’s believed that 

Victoria Beach was the inspiration 

for his first masterpiece. 

Africa Alive 

Only 15 minutes away from the town, 

you’ll find giraffes, meerkats, lions and 

rhinos set over 100 acres of Suffolk 

countryside. Your family will have the 

chance to learn some interesting facts 

about the inhabitants, take a safari 

train ride and experience the animals 

up close. You can even book a special 

experience to feed the giraffes or 

meet the rhinos. There’s a brand new 

addition too; three Red River Hogs 

called Kinshasa, Rebecca and Rosie 

have arrived in a new interactive habitat 

called ‘Hog Snorts’. 

East Anglia Transport Museum 

Entirely run by volunteers, this is the 

only museum in East Anglia where 

you can actually take a ride on an old 

tramway. It’s also home to vintage cars, 

renovated vehicles and traditional 

trolleybuses. You’ll have fun soaking up 

history in style. 

Sail along the Broads 

Just a couple of miles west of Lowestoft 

lies Oulton Broads where you can put 

on your captain hat and sail along the 

River Waveney or hop on the Waveney 

Princess for a relaxing boat tour. Enjoy 

the tranquil views and the famous 

floating yellow water lilies that begin 

blooming in May. 

Lowestoft is also renowned for its 

beautiful wealth of wildlife. Perched 

along the River Waveney, you’ll find all 

sorts of birds like red kites and shrikes, 

and at Oulton Broad you’ll find rich 

botanical life in the marshes; marigold, 

ragged robin and perhaps even an 

otter lurking about. Managed by Suffolk 

Wildlife Trust, it’s a great opportunity to 

relax in nature or teach the little ones 

about the world around them. 

Pleasurewood Hills 

With over 35 rides, shows and 

attractions for both thrill seekers and 

little ones, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Try 

and stay dry on Timber Falls or brace 

yourself 60 feet high in the sky atop of 

the Jolly Rodger. If rides aren’t for you, 

you can watch a parrot show, visit the 

sea lions or run around the play area 

instead – plenty of fun for everyone! 

Where to stay in 

Lowestoft 

Ideal for families, Broadland Sands 

Holiday Park is situated between 

two seaside towns: Great Yarmouth 

and Lowestoft. It’s the perfect spot to 

explore the joys that both Suffolk and 

Norfolk have to offer. Even if you don’t 

feel like venturing far, there’s family 

entertainment, a restaurant and a 

swimming pool right on site. 

Lowestoft also has an array of romantic 

or family friendly hotels. Directly 

overlooking the sea on top of Kirkley 

Cliff stands Hotel Victoria with 24 ensuite 

rooms, while The Hog Hotel is a 

new farmhouse turned luxury boutique 

hotel in the local village of Pakefield. 

If you prefer to self-cater, there’s a huge 

choice of holiday accommodation to 

suit all size parties and budgets. 

Where to eat in Lowestoft 

The Hog Hotel has a popular restaurant 

with outside seating in the summer 

months. It has a monthly changing 

menu with daily specials and signature 

sharing dishes, so you’re bound to find 

something to your taste. Mark Gee also 

has an ever-changing menu that uses 

rustic and seasonal ingredients that they 

find on the day. With over 100 pubs in 

Lowestoft, you won’t have to look far for 

a traditional home-cooked pub meal. 

Book your Lowestoft staycation now 

and enjoy relaxing in the sunshine or 

adventuring around the Suffolk Coast. 

121

Come to 

Bury St Edmunds 

A historic town with lots to offer… 

HUNDREDS OF UNIQUE AND 

CREATIVE INDEPENDENT SHOPS 

POPULAR NATIONAL BRANDS 

SHOPPING CENTRE 

AWARD-WINNING FOOD 

AND DRINK 

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT 

VENUES AND EVENTS 

OPEN AIR MARKETS 

www.ourburystedmunds.com 

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124

Book your Perfect Suffolk Escape 

“Ideally located to explore Suffolk’s heritage coast” 

Self Catering Cottages and Studios 

& Caravan and Motorhome Club CL 

TRANSPORT & ENGINEERING 

HERITAGE IN OUR COUNTY TOWN 

Over 100 major exhibits - all made or used in Ipswich! 

OPEN EVERY SUNDAY and 

BANK HOLIDAY 11am - 4pm 

23rd MAY to 28th NOVEMBER 

Plus MONDAY to FRIDAY 1pm - 4pm during 

SUMMER & AUTUMN School Holidays 

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS 1pm to 4pm in 

JULY and SEPTEMBER 

*subject to COVID restrictions – please check website before travel 

See website for details and special events 

We’re on Facebook & 

Google Streetview! 

Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road, Ipswich IP3 9JD 

GIFT SHOP - TEA ROOM - WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE 

enquiries@ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk 

Mollett’s Farm, Main Road, Benhall, 

Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1JY 

+44 1728 604547 

www.molletts.com bookings@molletts.com 

Open Daily - free admission 

Visit Suffolk’s Cathedral alongside the award-winning 

Abbey Gardens and the atmospheric ruins of the 

Abbey of St Edmund 

We look forward to welcoming you back for Guided Tours, LEGO®, 

Recitals, Shop, Pilgrims’ Kitchen, exhibitions or just to sit and enjoy 

Located in historic Bury St Edmunds 

www.stedscathedral.org 

125

Beautiful hand crafted soft furnishings created 

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126

Suffolk 

A Guide to 

Beccles & 

Bungay 

Plan your trip to the 

Waveney Valley this 

summer 

Beccles and neighbouring Bungay, are 

two gorgeous Georgian towns, nestled 

in the Waveney Valley. Suffolk’s coastal 

towns may often steal the limelight but if 

you’re looking for an enjoyable day out 

or weekend away, you’ll be pleasantly 

surprised with what the historic towns 

have to offer. 

Beccles is home to the most southerly 

navigable point of the Broads National 

Park, perfect for taking to the water 

with a day hire boat or canoe. Local 

company Hippersons have a fleet of 

boats and can advise on routes along 

the Broads, rivers and waterways. If 

you prefer to let someone else do the 

driving, hop aboard the Big Dog Ferry, 

which offers a 40-minute boat journey 

along the River Waveney. 

If you’d rather stay on dry land, Beccles 

has many beautiful walks where you’ll 

still get to take in the beauty of the river 

and spot some wildlife. The Beccles 

Marsh Trail is a popular option with a 

series of walks and cycle routes. 

The charming town of Bungay is home 

to an array of independent boutiques, 

local produce, beautiful walks, historic 

architecture and the legendary Black 

Shuck fable. A must-visit is the remains 

of a Norman Castle. Discover the history 

at the visitor centre, where displays help 

you imagine what the castle would have 

been like in the early 12th century. Entry 

is free but donations are welcomed. 

You simply can’t visit Bungay without 

sampling the local produce. Within the 

area you’ll find traditional pubs selling a 

range of local brews. If you want to find 

out more, St Peter’s Brewery is close by 

and offers a brewery tour and tastings 

from Easter to December. If you prefer 

grape to grain, book a tour of Flint 

Vineyard. Learn about the wine 

making process, sample the awardwinning 

wine and enjoy a tasty lunch 

created from produce sourced within a 

15-mile radius. 

For an experience to remember during 

your trip, book a slot at the Secret 

Sauna. Perched on the banks of the 

River Waveney, off-grid and hidden, 

the cabin allows you to relax with 

undisrupted views of nature. Two-hour 

slots for two to four people are available 

six days week. 

Whatever you choose to do on your trip, 

you won’t be disappointed by this part 

of Suffolk. 

127

Suffolk 

WHAT’S ON 


22 – 24 June Austentatious 

An improvised comedy play starring a cast of the country’s 

quickest comic performers. Every single show the cast 

conjures up a brand new ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on 

nothing more than a title suggested by the audience. 

Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR 

www.theatreroyal.org/shows/austentatious 

26 – 27 July Romeo & Juliet 

Duke’s Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s tragic 

love story, ‘Romeo & Juliet’. Packed with live music, 

uproarious comedy and heartbreak, this vital and energised 

outdoor production from The Duke’s Theatre Company 

promises to pack a punch, whilst delivering the classical 

text with modern clarity and relevance. This story is as 

current and relatable today as it was 400 years ago. 

Thorington Theatre, Thorington, Nr. Southwold, Suffolk, 

IP17 3RB 

www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/events/romeo-andjuliet-26-july 

MUSIC 

30 July Olly Murs 

English pop singer and songwriter from Essex. He came 

second in the 2009 series of The X Factor, with his debut 

2010 single ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’ hitting the top of the 

UK charts. Other releases include “Thinking of Me”, “Heart 

Skips a Beat” and “Dance With Me Tonight”. 

Newmarket Racecourse Westfield House, The Links, 

Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 0TG 

www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk 

21 August Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 

British Fleetwood Mac tribute band, playing songs from the 

Peter Green era, through the ‘70 ‘Rumours’ era up to ‘Tango 

in the Night’. 

“With over 500 major concert events behind them to date 

the British rock anthology concert production ‘Rumours 

of Fleetwood Mac’ has now performed to over 550,000 

Mac fans Worldwide. This show has now established itself 

across the world as the Ultimate Celebration Concert to 

Fleetwood Mac and tours with Mick Fleetwood’s golden 

seal of approval”. 

Regent Theatre, 3 St Helens Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1HE 

www.ipswichregent.com 

chatting with us from the comfort of their own homes in the 

UK and beyond! 

Harvest House, Cobbold Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7SP 

www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk 

27 June – 7 November Spirit of Place 

A Series of seven afternoon soiree events on the first 

Sunday of each month. Live music, words, film, art 

installations and more to lift the spirits of Woodbridge and 

beyond. Leave the darkness behind and celebrate the light 

of Summer! With live music music from Aartwork & friends, 

art exhibition & installations, poetry and more! 

The Longshed, TideMill Way, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1FP 

www.spiritofwoodbridge.com 


21 June Suffolk Day 

A county-wide party to recognise our great icons, 

attractions, landscapes, institutions, special events and 

more. From guided walks and treasure hunts to live 

broadcasts and competitions, there is something for 

everyone to enjoy and get involved with. 

www.suffolkday.co.uk 

17 – 18 July Family Fun Fest 

Family Fun Fest is a family festival fun day celebrating the 

best entertainment on the Eastcoast. One event 4 Festivals! 

KidzFest, DogFest, DinoFest & RideFest 

Trinity Park Conference & Events Centre, Felixstowe Road, 

Ipswich IP3 8UH 

kidzfest.eventbrite.co.uk/ 

22 – 25 July Latitude Festival 

The popular family festival boasts a weekend of music, 

theatre, comedy, workshops and more. Latitude’s 

eclectic programme spans from main stage headline 

sets to stand-up comedy, and theatre productions from 

esteemed companies. Acts headlining this year include 

Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol and Bastille, with more to be 

announced! The festival also includes late night DJ sets, 

interactive art installations, families fun, dance, poetry, 

comedy and wellbeing activities. 

Henham Park, Beccles, Suffolk NR348AQ 

www.latitudefestival.com 


28 May – 27 June Sculpture in the Valley 

Enjoy sculptural and site specific artworks by over 30 artists 

in the magical setting of Potton Hall, with views across 

to Dunwich heath and woodland. Potton Hall offers an 

extensive site including wild-flower meadow, cascading 

waterfall, rose garden, lawns with formal planted beds, 

pergolas and pond. There will be lots to explore and 

plenty of space to enable social distancing. Lunch, snacks, 

afternoon tea, and drinks are available at The Yurt Café. 

Potton Hall, Blythburgh Rd, Westleton, Suffolk IP17 3EF 

www.waveneyandblytharts.com 

26 – 27 June Felixstowe Book Festival 

Felixstowe Book Festival takes place at Harvest House in 

Felixstowe. This year’s Festival includes a programme of 

live, in person events, complimented by an exciting online 

programme of live streamed events where authors will be 


21 – 22 August Clare Antiques Fair 

A great collection of antiques and vintage wares, from 

dealers all over the region and grab a delicious home-made 

lunch in our ‘Café under the Stage’. Situated in the heart of 

Suffolk, in the beautiful village of Clare. 

Old Town Hall, Market Hill, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NN 

www.clarefair.co.uk

Essex 

Cobbles to the Sea 

Leigh-on-Sea, Essex 

December 2020 

www.florencegeary.co.uk

Orion Heating 

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01279 813591 

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Takeley Business Centre, Dunmow Road, 

Takeley, Essex, CM22 6SJ

Essex 

A Day Trip to 

Maldon 

Spend the day amongst the sailing barges, waterside pubs 

and heritage of Maldon 

Maldon has a rich and varied history waiting to be explored. 

With 75 miles of coastline and big skies over the marshes, it 

provides the perfect backdrop for summer picnics and sunny 

days filled with ice creams. If you’re planning a trip to this part 

of Essex, we’ve listed the best activities to ensure you make the 

most of your day… 

Moot Hall 

Built in the 15th century, you can explore this fascinating 

building on a tour and enjoy its panoramic rooftop views of 

Maldon and beyond. www.themoothall.co.uk 

Promenade Park 

A huge hit with families, the award-winning park on the bank 

of the River Blackwater makes a great day out. Bring a picnic 

and spend time lazing on the grass with an afternoon of games. 

Children can let off steam at the Valley Adventure play area, 

Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, splash park, crabbing lake and 

sandpit. www.visitmaldon.co.uk/promenade-park 

Thames Sailing Barge 

Maldon is home to the iconic sails of the Thames Sailing Barge. 

There is a schedule of trips where you can experience sailing on 

a historic vessel and visit various locations around the Thames 

Estuary. www.thamesbarge.org.uk 

Microbreweries 

Visit two award-winning microbreweries; Maldon Brewing 

Company and Mighty Oak Brewing Company. Both breweries 

are part of the Grape and Grain Trail, which showcases 

vineyards, breweries and distilleries in the district. It’s a great 

opportunity to learn about the local produce. 

Beach Huts 

For the ultimate traditional summer day out, hire one of the 

pretty pastel-coloured huts at Promenade Park. Equipped with 

lighting, a plug socket and deckchairs, they make a great base 

for a family day out. 

Crabbing 

A classic British tradition and great fun for both kids and adults. 

Take your line, bait and bucket along to the boating lake in 

Promenade Park, the estuary edge or Hythe Quay. See how 

many you can catch before releasing the little nippers back into 

the water. 

Hythe Quay 

Walk along to the Quay to get an insight into the town’s 

maritime past. Home to the Thames Sailing Barge and some 

award-winning pubs, it’s a great place to spend a sunny 

afternoon. For a better view of Hythe Quay, hop aboard The 

Viking Saga. The 40-minute cruise departs from Maldon 

Promenade and takes you on a journey past Heybridge, Osea 

Island and Hythe Quay. 

131

SAFFRON WALDEN MUSEUM 

"Where Quality & Freshness Counts" 

We're a small family run business, passionate about fresh, local produce and 

quality products and we want you to share our passion too! 

Our new café serves tea, coffee, light lunches and delicious cakes. 

NS Risdon, a top quality traditional butcher is located in store. 

With full traceability his meat is superb. We also now have a cheese counter 

serving a wide range of British and continental cheeses. 

Something for every taste and occasion! 

Now with In store fish counter, Star Fishmongers 

Monday : Closed Tuesday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

Wednesday : 8.30am – 5.30pm Thursday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

Friday : 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

Sunday : 10am – 2pm 

Café Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 8.30 – 4.30 

and Sunday & Monday CLOSED 

www.calcotthall.com 

Calcott Hall Farm Shop, Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9HS Tel: 01277 264164 

Discover a world of hidden treasures 

at this family-friendly museum 

Rolling programme of special exhibitions, activities and events 

Ancient Egypt • Archaeology 

• Ceramics and Glass • Costume and Textiles 

• Furniture and Woodwork 

• Geology • Local and Social History 

• Natural History • World Cultures 

Please check our website 

for current opening times 

prior to your visit 

SAFFRON WALDEN MUSEUM 

Museum Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1BN 

(01799) 510333 museum@uttlesford.gov.uk 

www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org 

Entrance Fees: Children (18 and under) FREE, Adults £2.50, Discounts £1.25, Season Tickets £8.00 and £4.00 

Opening Hours: March – October: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (Sundays and Bank Holidays 2pm – 5pm) 

November – February: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4.30pm (Sundays and Bank Holidays 2pm – 4.30pm) 

132

Essex 

A Day in 

Leigh on Sea 

© James Ball | www.jamesballphotography.com 

Fall for Leigh’s cockle sheds, 

cool bars and coastal charm 

With most of us not wanting to venture too far for a summer 

holiday or day out, now is the time to make the most of the 

treasures on our doorstep in the East. Cue Essex’s rustic 

seaside towns. 

While families are drawn to the likes of Clacton-on-Sea, Waltonon-the-Naze 

and Southend-on-Sea with their large sandy 

beaches, funfairs and traditional seaside attractions, Leigh on 

Sea strives for the attention of city slickers, cool 20-somethings, 

couples and creatives. Less than an hour by train from London, 

crowds are drawn to its atmospheric old town, cool bars and 

chic boutiques. 

On the buzzing Broadway, groups of friends dine al fresco in 

the bistros over bottomless brunch, cocktails and long lunches. 

Among the bars and restaurants are independent, quirky 

fashion boutiques, antiques stores, and home-ware emporiums, 

elegantly placed alongside high-street stores. 

Old Leigh takes on a different persona; sails clunk together 

in the breeze, fishermen boats are moored by timber-clad 

buildings and the smell of fresh seafood fills the air. Most days 

throughout the summer, the wooden picnic benches beside 

the cockle sheds are full of visitors tucking into tubs of seafood 

accompanied by a pint of beer or glass of white wine from 

the pub opposite. Ye Old Smack Inn is a popular pub with its 

waterside location and family-friendly beer garden. The pub 

regularly screens sporting events and hosts live music from 

local bands. 

Leigh-on-Sea spoils visitors with its many food and drink 

options. There are a number of fine dining restaurants including 

the popular Boatyard with a deck over the estuary. The 

Peterboat pub is a firm favourite with its views across the water. 

The terrace is generally heaving on warm days, and on colder 

days, diners huddle under the patio heaters while enjoying the 

traditional pub grub served here. 

The cobbled street of Old Leigh is also home to Sara’s Tea 

Garden – a cute, dog-friendly cafe, ice cream shops and an art 

gallery. Towards the end where the road stops, you’ll be greeted 

with a small but clean beach, ideal for families with its splash 

pools and crabbing spots. The water is also a good location for 

paddleboarding. 

Leigh-on-Sea ticks all the boxes for an enjoyable summer’s 

day out. 

133

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Essex 

A Staycation 

on Mersea 

Island 

For a slower pace of life, enjoy the charm of this stretch of Essex Coast 

There’s a magical quality to Mersea Island that captures the 

hearts of those that visit. Perhaps it’s the seashell shores lined 

with pastel coloured beach huts or the fact the island is cut off 

from the outside world during high tide, either way this quaint 

seaside town in Essex should be on your agenda. 

West Mersea is the popular choice for day visitors and 

holiday makers. Here you’ll find sandy dunes and fish shacks 

accompanied by the gentle hum of boat sails flapping in the 

wind. The pace of life is generally a little slower and there’s no 

loud clanking of amusements or fairgrounds, it’s coastal bliss. 

The beach is long enough to not become too overcrowded on 

hot days and the water offers the chance for paddle boarding 

and swimming, though be careful of the fast-changing tide 

and under currents. At low tide, children gather in the shallows 

to hunt for crabs and seashells. The draw of this beach is the 

iconic beach huts, some of which are available to hire. Check 

out our review at www.eastlife.co.uk/article/beach-hutsjust-got-cool. 

Away from the huts and along the beach in the 

direction of Coast Road, you’ll find creeks and broadwalks that 

interconnect the marshes. The beach here is part sand, part 

shingle and offers a feeling of escapism. An added bonus is that 

the beach is dog-friendly year-round. 

There’s nothing quite like fish and chips at the beach, if it’s fluffy 

chips and chunky haddock you’re after pop by the Mersea 

Island Fish Bar. If you prefer to sit in comfort with table service, 

The Coast Inn and The Peldon Rose are a good option too. 

Accommodation is relatively limited. Continue the traditional 

coastal vibes at Monkey Beach Cottage. A stone’s throw from 

the beach, the charming, weatherboard, 300-year-old property 

is a cosy bolthole, which sleeps up to seven. 

For families and couples looking for a wealth of facilities in one 

site, Coopers Beach Holiday Park or Waldegraves Holiday Park 

is ideal. 

If you’re looking to get away from it all and discover this 

county’s old world charm then pack your bags and have a 

break in this corner of Essex. 

When you tire of the beach, make your way to the rustic 

seafood shacks that overlook the estuary. Nestled along the 

far end of Coast Road, The Company Shed and West Mersea 

Oyster Bar pull in the crowds with their no fuss, back to basics 

menu of seafood platters, grilled prawns, garlic mussels, crab 

and crayfish. It’s simplicity at its finest, however expect to a long 

wait on sunny days, queues are often out the door. Of course, 

you can’t visit Mersea Island without sampling the local oysters. 

Wash down the delicacy with a glass of Mersea Mehala; a dry 

white full of aroma and the flavour of elderflower from the 

local vineyard. 

135

Essex 

WHAT’S ON 


15 June Exhibition On Screen: Sunflowers (U) 

A unique opportunity to see, as never before, this series of 

spectacular paintings. The Van Gogh Museum opens its 

doors to Exhibition on Screen. 

Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, 

CO1 1JH 

www.firstsite.uk/event 


26 June Frinton Open Gardens 

2021 will see the first nationally co-ordinated Royal National 

Lifeboat Institution Open Gardens initiative; the RNLI is 

entirely funded via voluntary contributions. Frinton On 

Sea’s established biennial event will assume a lead role 

in this new initiative with our local event benefitting the 

Walton / Frinton Lifeboat Station Funding Guild. At least 

eight diverse Frinton gardens will be open to the paying 

public from 10am to 4pm on the day. 

www.frintongardens.wixsite.com/open 

11 July Orsett Classic & Vintage Show & 

Family Fun Day 

A great family day out and a must for vintage lovers. There 

will be something to make everybody happy, from the 

young to the not so young. Expect great live music, rides, 

side shows and stalls. Not forgetting the hundreds of 

classic, vintage & custom cars, bikes, scooters, trucks and 

oddities which make the event so special. 

Orsett Showground, Rectory Road, Orsett, Essex RM16 3JN 

www.haddonevents.co.uk/ 

24 June and 29 July 

Her & ‘The Change’ In Me Inside the Brain of 

Menopausal Woman 

Real-life pub landlady Debbie Baisden invites us inside 

her mind to talk about the menopause and the workings of 

her brain. 

Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion, Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, 

Southend-on-Sea, Essex. SS0 7RA 

www.southendtheatres.org.uk 

MUSIC 

25 June The House & Garage Orchestra 

Bringing back the iconic sounds of House & UK Garage 

featuring Shelley Nelson, MC Neat, Lifford Shillingford, 3 of 

a Kind, Shy Cookie, Kele Le Roc, Sweet Female Attitude and 

Shola Ama 

Admirals Park, Admirals Walk, Chelmsford CM1 2XS 

8 Aug Writtle Jazz Festival 

Headline act SNOWBOY & THE LATIN SECTION! 

Supporting bands include the Nicola Farnon Quartet and 

The Fellowship which includes our very own Zak Barrett on 

Saxophone and Guthrie Govan on Guitar. There will be a 

variety of bars and food offerings on the day 

Writtle Village Green, The Green, Writtle, CM13DU 

www.writtlejazzfestival.co.uk 


26 June – 5 September 

Michael Landy’s 

Welcome to Essex 

Explore, celebrate and 

question the recent history of 

Essex and its contemporary 

portrayal in popular culture. 

Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High 

Street, Colchester, Essex, 

CO1 1JH 

firstsite.uk/event/michael-landys-welcome-to-essex 

20-22 Aug Smoke & Fire Festival 

The UK’s largest BBQ festival experience. This alternative 

and all-inclusive food festival delivers new and exciting 

taste sensations, as well as sparking an everlasting interest 

in the alchemy and techniques of cooking with smoke and 

fire. At Smoke & Fire Festival Colchester you’ll watch some 

of the top BBQ chefs and open-fire cookery, pitmasters’ live 

demonstrations and masterclasses – whilst feasting on a 

tremendous variety of BBQ’d and open-fire cooked food. 

Colchester Castle Park, High Street,Colchester, CO1 1UG 

www.smokeandfirefestival.com 

27 Aug - 29 Aug Essex Sausage & Cider Music Festival 

The Festival caters to all age groups with something for 

everyone! We have loads of kids entertainment, a wide 

variety of high-quality food vendors, a wide selection of 

beverages including our famous cider collection! 

Barleylands Farm, Barleylands Road Billericay CM11 2UD 

www.ontick.co.uk/event/essex-sausage-cider-musicfestival-2021 


Sunday 13th June - Antique & Vintage Outdoor 

Market at The Museum of Power 

Following the continued success of the market. We again 

return to the Museum of Power for our second Antique & 

Vintage outdoor market of the season. The majority of stalls 

will be outside, on the show field and in the courtyard, with 

some inside a marquee. Expect to find stalls selling antique 

and vintage items including, jewellery, silver, coins, vintage 

fashion, handbags, furniture, sculpture, garden ornaments, 

household effects, curios, art, collectables, ceramics, bric-abrac 

and much more.. 

Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QA 

www.haddonevents.co.uk/ 

136

Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire 

The Cambridge Foodie: 

Best places to dine out 

in Cambridgeshire 

Written by Gerla de Boer | www.cbtravelguide.co.uk & www.cambridgefoodtour.com 

It has been the most awaited re-opening 

of the hospitality industry. After a long 

and cold winter, everybody was keen 

to get out of hibernation and meet up 

with friends and family. A year ago, we 

couldn’t have imagined that socialising 

would be so special. 

Many businesses had to reinvent 

themselves. From one day to the other, a 

good online presence was essential, and 

unfortunately, some didn’t survive. Much 

to my surprise, some great new ventures 

have sprung up. I am even more pleased 

that they are all indie businesses. 

For alfresco dining this summer, read my 

pick of places to eat out: 

From the Sky 

Six at the Varsity Hotel is one of the top 

venues in Cambridge to meet up and 

have a bite to eat. Sip cocktails or bubbly 

while you are soaking up the stunning 

views of Cambridge from this rooftop bar. 

Mill Pond 

This pretty area of Cambridge, where the 

towpath along the river ends, is a popular 

location to meet up with friends for a 

picnic from Fitzbillies or a pint from the 

Mill Pond pub. It is now becoming even 

better. If you like it swanky, then you are 

in the right place. The Graduate Hotel is 

set to open during the summer of 2021, 

and with the stunning views of Mill Pond, 

this is definitely the place to meet up. 

Wood and Fire 

Just on the outskirts of Cambridge, you’ll 

find Provenance in Whitlesford. Famous 

for cooking over a fire, this fantastic 

restaurant boasts a wonderful garden, 

which they have turned into an alfresco 

experience.


Craft Beer and Pizzas 

The home of craft beer, the Pint Shop 

on Peas Hill, has teamed up with Lylas; 

a pizzeria to complement their fantastic 

selection of craft beer. Just in case you 

weren’t aware, they stock one of the 

largest gin collections in Cambridge! 

Quintessentially English 

Do you like a bit of glam? Then the 

Gonville Hotel is the place to go! One 

of the top hotels in Cambridge, it has 

turned its lawn into a quintessentially 

English dining experience, featuring 

a lavishly decorated tent and using 

individually designed plates. On Friday 

and Saturday nights you’ll be graced 

with live jazz music. 

Gin on the River 

One of the most successful products of 

Cambridge has hit the river. Rutherford’s 

punting company has teamed up with 

the award-winning Cambridge Gin 

Company, and you now can sip gin 

on the exclusive Cambridge Gin 

Company punt. 

Eastern Mediterranean 

Tapas 

One of the most popular pubs in 

Cambridge has changed hands. 

Moaz, from Tel Aviv, is serving an array 

of Mediterranean tapas and oysters 

complemented with one of the best 

selections of wines at the Kingston Arms, 

just off Mill Road. 

Under a Willow Tree 

This charming and independent 

hideaway in Bourn offers a special 

alfresco dining experience. At the Willow 

Tree, sip drinks in a deck chair in their 

peaceful willow garden, dine under an 

awning on the terrace or book one of 

their posh dining pods, which was a big 

hit last year among Cambridge’s foodies. 

At a Mill 

Escape the crowds and head to the 

east of Cambridge. Meet up with friends 

or family at the Outside Inn at Quy Mill 

Hotel. Enjoy pizzas and light snacks 

while you enjoy the tranquil setting 

around an old mill. 

Oyster Bar on the River 

Cafe Foy has always been one of my 

favourite places in Cambridge for a drink 

and a bite to eat, but it has become even 

better. The Oysterlab is popping up 

here during the summer, every Friday 

and Saturday from 4pm. The variety of 

preparations is impressive. Booking is 

recommended as they sell out quickly. 

Historic Views 

For many years I hoped that the stunning 

setting of King’s Parade would introduce 

more terraces so you could enjoy the 

views of the colleges whilst you ate. For 

the time being, the council has relaxed 

the rules to assist the businesses on this 

stretch of road. Let’s hope they will allow 

terraces in future too. 

Church Garden 

One of the most unique settings for 

alfresco dining is in the church garden 

of St.Bene’t’s. Tucked away behind 

the church, you can enjoy the fantastic 

sandwiches or bowls with slow-cooked 

meat from nearby Bread & Meat. 

Vegetarian options are also available. 

At a Museum 

The OtherSyde is one of the funkiest 

restaurant gardens in Cambridge. Set 

in the city’s Old Pumping Station on 

the riverside in east Cambridge, it offers 

entertainment, Escape Games and a 

relaxed dining experience. 

Turkish Grub 

Just a stone’s throw away from the 

OtherSyde on the other side of the 

river, you’ll find the Green Dragon. 

Overlooking Stourbridge Common, 

it offers one of the best views of the 

River Cam. One of the oldest pubs in 

Cambridge, it is now the home of 

Stuff My Pitta offering excellent 

Turkish cuisine. 

At a Cookery School 

Famed for their Scandi cuisine, delicious 

brunches and salads, the Cambridge 

Cookery School have teamed up with 

Levante. Enjoy authentic Ligurian cuisine 

at their pop-ups during the summer. 

139

140


Cambridge Scene: 

Perfect Picnic Spots 

in Cambridge 

Written by Bob Cox Wrightson | Twitter @bobcw 

We’re finally able to get outdoors 

and enjoy the city, but if you’d 

still rather keep your distance, 

we’ve picked the best locations 

to bask in the sunshine with a 

picnic in the city and beyond. 

Grantchester 

Meadows 

Cambridge’s iconic picnic spot, 

and with good reason. These 

grazed meadows meander 

alongside the winding River 

Granta towards the beautiful 

village of Grantchester, offering 

many shady spots for a picnic. 

Start by walking across Lammas 

Land by the River Cam to 

Grantchester Street, where you 

can stock up on strawberries 

and bubbly from the Co-op. 

From there it’s an easy walk to 

the Meadows, where you can lay out 

your blanket and watch the punts go 

by. If you don’t fancy carrying your own 

food and drink, it’s a short walk from the 

Meadows to the Orchard Tea Garden, 

where you can enjoy afternoon tea under 

the trees. 

www.theorchardteagarden.co.uk 

Cambridge University 

Botanic Garden 

This oasis of calm in the centre of the city 

is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing 

afternoon. Spread out over 40 acres, 

with many types of gardens, lakes and 

greenhouses, there are plenty of picnic 

benches and shady spots to sit and relax. 

If you don’t fancy bringing your own 

picnic, you can dine al fresco with tasty 

treats from the Garden Cafe. 

www.botanic.cam.ac.uk 

Picnic Punt 

Punting and afternoon tea are two 

summer pastimes that are not to be 

missed in Cambridge. Why not enjoy a 

punt tour down the River Cam, sitting 

© Cambridge University Botanic Gardens 

back to immerse yourself in the beautiful 

architecture of Cambridge, whilst 

enjoying a tasty traditional treat or two? 

The Traditional Punting Company have 

teamed up with Harriet’s Tearooms 

to provide a truly high-quality English 

experience. 

www.traditionalpuntingcompany. 

com/cream-tea-picnic-punting 

Anglesey Abbey 

Anglesey Abbey is a National Trust 

property in the village of Lode, 

approximately five and half miles 

northeast of Cambridge. The gardens are 

the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a picnic 

– choose from the South Glade, the East 

Lawn, the Pinetum or the Arboretum. 

You can even top-up your picnic from 

the restaurant. You can take your picnic 

blanket or try to nab 

a deckchair in the 

Skylight Garden and 

recline amongst the 

cherry blossoms. 

www.nationaltrust. 

org.uk/angleseyabbey-gardens-andlode-mill 

Wimpole 

Estate 

This National Trust 

property comprises an 

impressive mansion 

and a working country 

estate. Take a stroll through the pleasant 

gardens and explore the bustling 

farmyard. You can also venture further 

across the landscaped park, through 

woodlands, lakes and fields – you’ll find 

lots of lovely spots under trees and in 

meadows to unfurl your blanket. The Old 

Rectory Restaurant counter is on hand to 

serve a range of takeaway hot and cold 

drinks and light snacks. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpoleestate 

141


Peterborough: 

From Humble Saxon 

Beginnings To 

Thriving New Town 

Written by Abby Knight 

Peterborough is the city at the heart 

of rural East England, bridging the 

Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire 

and Northamptonshire borders. As 

well as being a heritage city – once 

the smallest city in the UK – it has lots 

of reasons to visit with regular events, 

cosmopolitan shopping and leisure 

areas. 

Originally a Saxon settlement, 

Peterborough was called 

Medehamstede or meadow homestead 

and after an original abbey was torn 

down by the Danes in 870, a new one 

was built in the late 900s and more 

houses were built around. 

In about 1000AD a wall was also built 

around the village to protect it from 

attack and it was called St Peters Burgh 

– burgh was the Saxon word for fortified 

settlement. Under the watchful eye of 

the Abbot, the village grew into a small 

town with a busy market. 

Despite another attack during the time 

of William the Conqueror, the spirited 

people of the small town survived and 

rebuilt. A new marketplace was set up to 

the west of the abbey and new streets 

sprung up too, including Cowgate and 

Priestgate – the names coming from the 

Danish word for street or gata. 

During the middles ages the main 

industry in Peterborough was weaving. 

An annual fair was created to attract 

buyers and sellers from neighbouring 

counties and its popularity grew. 

142


WHAT KING HENRY DID 

After King Henry VIII closed all the 

monasteries and abbeys in England 

including Peterborough Abbey, it wasn’t 

until 1541, the abbey church was made 

a cathedral and King Henry founded 

the King’s School, which is still a statefunded 

Church of England school. 

Peterborough was now a city, a small 

one with a population of just 1,500, but it 

was beginning to grow. 

Wool was still the most important 

industry but maltings for grains to 

be distilled were built and clay pipes 

started to be made in the city and, 

although like all cities in the country, the 

plague inevitably took its toll, each time 

it recovered. 

Significantly Mary Queen of Scots was 

buried in Peterborough Cathedral after 

her execution, in a tomb opposite one 

of King Henry’s wives Catherine of 

Aragon, she was later re-buried in 

Westminster Abbey. 

TIME TO THRIVE 

As the city became bigger, the first 

theatre was built for visitors in 1774. The 

Custom House was built in 1790 and, 

when an act of parliament created the 

Improvement Commissioners – a group 

of men responsible for the maintenance 

of the town, from 1795, the streets were 

lit with oil lamps. 

While Peterborough was still a relatively 

small market city it became the focus of 

the surrounding villages and, when the 

Napoleonic wars brought prosperity to 

the area, the demand for its goods and 

industries grew. 

As more people moved to the UK’s 

smallest city, improvements were made 

too. A hospital was built in 1821 and gas 

street lighting lit up shops and houses. 

Just like the capital London, a corn 

exchange was set up so that grain 

could be traded and the famous 

architect Sir George Gilbert Scott built 

the St Peter’s Training College for 

teachers, a huge gothic building that’s 

used for offices today. 

Thanks to its fairly central location, new 

industries including an iron foundry 

were opened and while clay pipes were 

no longer in demand brick making was, 

and it meant more people moved to the 

area for work. 

The city was given a corporation and 

later in the early 20th century, electricity 

was switched on with trams running 

through the streets and the first cinema 

opened its doors to show the movies 

of the day in 1911. By now industries 

including tool making had also been 

set up. 

NEW BEGINNINGS 

It was in 1967 when the city’s 

population stood at around 80,000, 

that government decided to give 

Peterborough new town status. 

A new development corporation was 

formed, and the city grew rapidly. 

New suburbs including Bretton and 

Orton were built together with a new 

district hospital and three shopping 

centres including the still popular 

Riverside Centre. 

With a museum and art gallery, regular 

events including the Festival of Antiques 

and nearby Fen and river walks as well 

as water sports to enjoy, Peterborough 

is a thriving and attractive place to 

live with over 200,000 people and 

a growing tourist industry. Why not 

explore this summer? 

143

HUNTINGDON TOWN HALL 

The beautifully restored Grade II* Listed Georgian Town Hall is situated on 

the historic Market Square in Huntingdon. The building boasts two 

renovated Court Rooms to provide a unique and intimate setting for up to 

60 guests. For larger ceremonies, the Assembly Hall and Council Chamber 

provide elegant spaces for parties of up to 120. 

Our products and services we offer are wide and varied and we 

are a small independent company which means we can stock 

what we want and are not controlled by the manufacturers of 

the products we stock. 

We hold stock on the most popular ranges of cookware and 

bakeware and can order in if required, anything that we do 

not hold as a stock item at the time of your visit. 

If you ever need our advice we have well trained staff that are 

always on hand to help with advice on our product ranges. 

If you only require a part for an accessory then please ask as 

we also carry many of these on the premises too. 

We are currently taking bookings for 2021. If you are interested in booking, 

please get in touch by emailing Hayley.burns@huntingdontown.gov.uk or 

call 01480 410380. Please be assured that in the event that your booking is 

impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, we will work with you to reschedule or 

cancel your booking at no cost. 

36 Market Place, Oundle 

Peterborough, PE8 4BE 

Tel/Fax: 01832 275414 

For more information on Huntingdon Town Hall weddings, 

visit www.huntingdontownweddings.co.uk 

Rumble Live Action Gaming brings popular battle royale 

video games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty to real life 

with team-based fun! Located outdoors in eight acres of 

beautiful woodland, scavenge your environment to find 

utility boxes containing extra ammo, respawns and 

special weapon upgrades to take down the other team. 

PrIcE: £15 per person 

Suitable for adults and children aged 8+ 

LoCaTiOn: Grafham Water, 

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire 

BoOk nOw aT 

wWw.rUmBlElIvE.cO.uK 

01480 592135 

Experience state of the art technology with the best laser 

rifles and grenades that track your performance 

throughout the game. Unlock kill streaks and discover 

how you and your team performed at the end on a big 

screen at the ranger's cabin. 

Due to the vast size of the arenas, it's ideal for some 

socially distant fun! All equipment is sanitised between 

sessions too. 

Although walk-ins are possible, it's advised to book online 

in advance to avoid disappointment as peak periods 

often sell out in advance. 

144

FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY SERVICE 

You can order your prescription medicines from us and 

we can deliver to your door free of charge. 

We deliver for free to these areas: 

Cambridge - CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 & CB5. 

It is quick and easy to arrange, just give us 

a call on 01223 354383 or visit: 

www.petersfieldpharmacy.co.uk/sign-up-today/ 

Come and see us for all your summer health needs 

including hayfever treatment and advice, travel 

vaccinations and suncare information. We also provide 

professional health and wellbeing guidance. 

Petersfield Pharmacy, 56 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AS 

“Excellent and helpful staff. Very polite. Fast and free 

delivery of prescriptions. I would highly recommend.” Lucy A. 

Cambridge’s Premier 

Giclée Print Provider 

With full in-house bespoke 

Picture Framing Services 

“Their print reproduction 

expertise and framing 

craftmanship is beyond 

professional and my customers 

never fail to be delighted with 

their work. Highly recommended.” 

Andy Robinson, Artist 

Rectory Farm, Pampisford, CB22 3EN 

www.photoartgb.com 

info@photoartgb.com 

01223 

831144 

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • TILES • BEDROOMS • PLUMBING SUPPLIES 

Step into 

spring with 

a beautiful 

new kitchen 

Are you looking to revamp your 

kitchen or bathroom this year? 

Visit us to discuss your ideas and 

be inspired by our stunning 

displays at one of the area’s 

largest independent showrooms. 

THE QUAY CENTRE OFFERS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE... 

We project manage your new installation from start to finish, co-ordinating all trades needed so that it’s a stress-free process 

Address 28-31a North End, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1PE | Tel 01945 476797 | Fax 01945 463495 | Web www.quaycentre.co.uk 

145


WHAT’S ON 


9 - 11 July Cambridge Comedy Festival 

3 Days, 4 Stages, 150 Acts. A spectacular event featuring 

superstar household names, the very best circuit acts, 

left-field fringe performers, live podcast shows plus brilliant 

family shows and all set in a beautiful countryside open air 

location. 

Grange Farm, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon PE28 2PH 

www.cambridgecomedyfestival.com 

31 August – 1 September Zog - Live on Stage 

The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions 

(the team behind Stick Man, Tiddler and Other Terrific 

Tales and Tabby McTat) is back and promises to be bigger, 

brighter and more roar-some than ever before! With lively 

songs from Joe Stilgoe (The Jungle Book, The Midnight 

Gang) and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and 

Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production 

for all ages. 

Cambridge Corn Exchange. Wheeler Street, 

Cambridge CB2 3QE 

www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex/events 

17 – 31 July Cambridge Summer Music Festival 

A programme of high-quality concerts by outstanding 

soloists, chamber ensembles, choirs, orchestras and bands, 

presented in historic and beautiful venues, including 

college chapels, city churches, concert halls and the 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden. 

www.cambridgesummermusic.com 


18 May – 1 Aug The Human Touch 

Drawing on works of art spanning four thousand years 

and from across the globe, this exhibition explores the 

fundamental role of touch in human experience, and 

offers new ways of looking. The curators explore anatomy 

and skin; the relationship between the brain, hand, and 

creativity; touch, desire and possession; ideological touch; 

reverence and iconoclasm. A final section collects a range 

of reflections, historic and contemporary, on touch. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge 

CB2 1RB 

www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk 


23 – 25 July Cambridge Foodies Festival 

The biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, 

delicious drinks and live music including renowned tributes 

Maybe Gaga, Ultimate Coldplay & Kylie on Show. Watch 

MasterChef Champions, Michelin star and top local chefs 

cooking their signature summer recipes in The Chefs 

Theatre and giving you top tips. 

Parker’s Piece, Cambridge, CB1 1NA 

www.foodiesfestival.com/cambridge 

24 July Shazia Mirza: Coconut 

Following the success of her critically acclaimed recent 

shows; With Love From St. Tropez, a riot of brexit, buquas 

and butt-plugs through the lens of The Periodic Table, 

and The Kardashians Made Me Do It, a searing and urgent 

exploration of life, love and Jihadi brides, Shazia is taking on 

the burning (and infectious) issues of our time in her latest 

show; ‘Coconut’. 

Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX 

www.junction.co.uk/shazia-mirza 

MUSIC 

29 June Skunk Anansie 

Powerful English rock-band from London, formed in 1994. 

The Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB 

www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex 

9 – 11 July Ely Folk Festival 

A bijou weekend folk and roots music festival that takes 

place in the wonderful cathedral city of Ely. The festival is 

an opportunity to listen to some of the best folk and roots 

acts around in an intimate and friendly environment. With 

on-site camping facilities, a real ale bar, lots of kids activities, 

morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops and music 

sessions, whether you visit for a day or the whole weekend, 

the festival is a sure winner for music and festival lovers of 

all ages. 

Ely Tigers Rugby Club, Downham Rd, Ely CB6 2SH 

www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk 

19 June Duxford Flying Days – Model Aircraft 

Spectacular flypasts, aerial displays and aerobatics. All in 

miniature form! Join the celebration of model aircraft flying 

with our friends from the British Model Flying Association. 

Enjoy expertly made model aircraft and chat to their 

builders of the hand crafted masterpieces before watching 

them take to the skies. Just like watching the real thing! 

Expect a variety of life-like Radio Control model aircraft both 

on-show and in the skies over IWM Duxford. 

Duxford Airfield, Duxford CB22 4QR 

www.iwm.org.uk/airshows/events 

ANTIQUES & AUCTIONS 

29 – 30 August St. Ives Antiques Fair 

A fun and friendly Antiques Fair with around 50 dealers 

offering affordable quality antiques and vintage pieces. 

Including ceramics, glass, silver, china, jewellery, small 

items of furniture, paperweights, postcards and other 

interesting treasures of yesteryear at prices to suit all 

pockets. 

Burgess Hall, One Leisure, Centre, Westwood Road, St Ives 

PE27 6WU 

www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk

Hertfordshire 

Knebworth House

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM 




For more information 

enjoystalbans.com 

148

Hertfordshire 


5 

Berkhamsted 

Reasons 

to visit 

Berkhamsted 

is a charming market town surrounded by the 

rolling green Chiltern Hills. With its half-timbered buildings, 

cobbled streets and chic shops, it’s a great place to while 

away an afternoon. Looking to extend your stay? Here are five 

reasons to linger longer in this attractive town. 

Take an Historic Adventure 

Explore 950 years of history by visiting the ruins of Berkhamsted 

Castle, one of England’s oldest motte and bailey castles. From 

the Norman Conquest onward, numerous royals and notable 

historical figures have lived within the castle walls including 

Edward the Black Prince, Thomas Becket and Geoffrey 

Chaucer. Take your historical adventure further with an escape 

room style game played in the Castle grounds. Book at 

www.adventureoutgames.co.uk and work as a team 

searching for clues and solving puzzles. 

Visit the most Beautiful Cinema 

Set in a glorious art deco building, The Rex is an independent 

cinema showing vintage classics to modern blockbusters on 

a huge screen with luxurious seating throughout. There’s no 

dress code, yet most arrive in their best to sit at the cabaret style 

tables with swivel chairs in the stalls. Don’t expect a bucket of 

popcorn here; it’s a far more civilised experience with cheese 

boards and wine to enjoy anywhere in the auditorium while 

watching the film. 

Revel in the Roaring Twenties 

Located in what was the original foyer of the restored cinema, 

The Gatsby Restaurant and Piano Bar evokes all the glitz and 

glamour of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. Here, you can sip 

cocktails and dine on modern European cuisine with a piano 

accompaniment in ornate, art deco surroundings. If you have 

tickets for a movie, the lunch menu doubles as a pre-cinema 

two or three-course feast and includes a glass of wine or half 

of beer. 

Walk in the Footsteps of a Literary Great 

Born in Berkhamsted in 1904, Graham Greene became one 

of the most successful British authors of the 20th century. The 

Graham Greene Trail takes you through the town that Greene 

knew so well, highlighting the local places which had an 

influence on his life and work. If you’re visiting in September you 

can catch the International Graham Greene Festival, a four-day 

celebration of the author with talks, films, exhibitions and social 

events. www.grahamgreenebt.org 

Enjoy a Waterside Stroll 

The Berkhamsted Waterways Walk starts at the station and 

explores the River Bulbourne chalk stream and Grand Union 

Canal which run through the town. Along the walk you’ll find 

The Boat pub, with its waterside terrace, and The Rising Sun, a 

great place for canal side refreshments. Cross the canal bridge 

on Castle Street and you’ll be met by an unexpected sight. 

Situated on the tow path is a genuine Canadian totem pole 

traditionally carved in cedar. Some believe the carving to be a 

fertility symbol and that women wishing to conceive should visit 

and make three wishes for the child they dream of! 

149

Exceptional care, companionship and support for your total peace of mind 

Signature at Bentley House has an unwavering commitment to creating safe and welcoming 

environments for our residents. We are proud to announce that all of our residents and staff hav e 

now been off ered the COVID-19 vaccine, providing total peace of mind and reassurance as we look 

forward to summer. 

We are actively welcoming new residents to Bentley House off ering assisted living, nursing and 

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activities and entertainment in expansive communal areas that allow for social distancing. 

Safety remains at the forefront of everything we do, having invested in specialist training, equipment 

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To find out more about how Signature at Bentley House can provide total peace of 

mind for you and your loved ones, please contact Kendra or Dominic today. 

01992 721 108 | enquiries.bentley@signaturesl.co.uk | signature-care-homes.co.uk

Hertfordshire 

In the Kitchen 

…with Andrei Lussmann, 

MD and founder of Lussmanns 

Sustainable Dining 

Interview by Jacqui Hagen 

Fifteen years since launching a 

small café on the Portobello Road, 

Lussmanns has evolved into a 

successful, independent collection 

of four locally driven restaurants 

with a focus on making ethical 

and sustainable dining accessible 

to all. We caught up with Andrei 

Lussmann to ask him about his 

restaurants in Hertford, Harpenden, 

Hitchin and St Albans. 

How did you first get into the hospitality sector? 

My parents thought I would be good in hospitality and I was 

a huge fan of Keith Floyd when I was younger, so this just 

cemented it really and here I am 30 years later. 

What would you say is the most important thing you’ve 

learned during your 30 years’ experience? 

There are three things really and they are: 

- The importance of resilience 

- The relevance of a sense of humour 

- The value in knowing your numbers; you may have good 

profit margins but if you don’t have cashflow then your 

business is not working well. 

In what ways are your restaurants sustainable? 

Our environmental footprint is lightweight. All the decisions we 

make are underpinned by a strong ethical position, from using 

green energy to recycling everything and the provenance of our 

ingredients. Our meat is either organic or from high welfare British 

farmers. Our fish is MSC certified, and our menus have become 

more veg driven and less reliant on meat dishes. We have a 

strong social responsibility too, whereby we raise between 

£5-10K a year for a rotating chosen local charity. 

Describe dining at Lussmanns 

Dining at Lussmanns is stylish but non-fussy; it can feel smart 

but it’s not pretentious and fits the bill for most occasions and all 

walks of life. Our dishes are true crowd-pleasers and are great 

value, making them accessible to a wide demographic. 

It’s been a tough year for hospitality. What’s your vision of 

the future for Lussmanns? 

We just can’t wait to get back to what we do best and to open 

more restaurants. 

Where are you happiest? 

When I have a buzzy restaurant with lots of happy diners enjoying 

their food and the company of the others. 

What would be your perfect meal? 

It would have to be a quiet spot on the Med, enjoying a fresh 

grilled fish and a chilled glass of rosé. 

What can we all do to ensure we’re making more 

sustainable food choices? 

Demand more answers about where your food comes from and 

eat less meat. When you do eat meat, ensure it’s ethically farmed 

and top quality. Also, eat MSC certified fish where you can. 

151

Welwyn Garden City 

Al Fresco 

Find us on 

social media

Hertfordshire 

Discover 

Welwyn Garden City 

One of only two garden cities in the country, Welwyn Garden City 

was founded in 1920 by Sir Ebenezer Howard who envisioned 

‘a town for healthy living’, combining urban life with green 

spaces and surrounding countryside. With recent lockdowns 

highlighting the benefits of the outdoors for our mental health, 

you’d be forgiven for thinking that Howard was a man ahead of 

his time. 

Fortunately, Howard’s utopian vision remains intact today. Visitors 

to Welwyn Garden City will discover a vibrant town centre with 

contemporary shopping and entertainment venues set among 

tree-lined roads, beautiful floral displays and award-winning 

parks. If you’re planning a weekend or day out in Welwyn Garden 

City, there is plenty to see and do. 

Shopping 

The Howard Centre, named after the town’s founder, houses 

big brands alongside smaller outlets and plenty of coffee shops 

where you can rest and refuel. Conveniently located in the heart 

of the town, it offers plenty of parking with direct access to the 

railway station. Welwyn Garden City also boasts a large John 

Lewis department store, complete with café and further parking. 

Entertainment 

With a three-screen cinema, roller skating rink, soft play area, 

live theatre venue, café and bar, Campus West is the town’s 

entertainment hub. A short walk from the town centre is Gosling 

Sports Park with a dry ski slope, driving range, trampoline park, 

gym and tennis courts, plus a luxurious spa to restore both body 

and mind. 

Award-winning parkland 

Enjoy a visit to Stanborough Park, set in the picturesque countryside 

on the outskirts of the town. With nature walks, children’s play area, 

high and low ropes courses, boating lake plus a restaurant and café, 

there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Splashlands play area 

An exciting new leisure facility opened in Stanborough Park last 

July. Splashlands centres around a 600m sq water play area 

surrounded by a nautical-themed adventure playground, featuring 

a large pirate ship and a variety of play equipment for children of 

all ages. There is also an outdoor gym and sports pitch providing 

fitness options for teenagers and adults. 

Local history 

Visit the bronze statue of Ebenezer Howard, installed in 

Howardsgate to mark the centenary of the town he founded in 

1920. The 2.2m (7.2ft) bronze sculpture depicts Howard giving a 

speech before digging the first spade of earth of the garden city. 

There’s more to discover in the surrounding area. Visit the Mill 

Green Museum where you can see local art displays and find out 

about the region’s history. Learn about the Romans’ culture of 

bathing at the Welwyn Roman Baths which are preserved under 

the nearby A1(M) motorway and marvel at The Welwyn Viaduct, 

an impressive monument of the railway age. 

153

Hertfordshire 

WHAT’S ON 


11 July Gyles Brandreth: Break a Leg! 

They say all political careers end in tears. In Brandreth’s 

case it’s tears of laughter as the actor, author, ex-MP, 

One Show reporter and QI, Have I Got News For You 

and Countdown star is back on tour with his new show 

celebrating all things theatrical. 

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD 

www.alban-arena.co.uk/events 

14 July Anton & Giovanni: Him & Me 

Strictly Come Dancing professionals ANTON DU BEKE and 

GIOVANNI PERNICE join forces in 2021 for their first ever 

tour together! 

Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Herts, 

SG1 1LZ 

www.gordon-craig.co.uk 

8 August Garden Theatre – Macbeth 

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are back on the Sunken Lawn 

of Knebworth House this Summer, this time performing 

their rendition of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Bring a chair and 

a picnic. Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. 

Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage 

SG1 2AX 

www.knebworthhouse.com/events 

24 July Noo Limit Fest 

Set to make its spectacular debut, Noo Limit Fest is set 

to push the barriers and limits with a Superstar LineUP 

including Millionz, Wstrn, Alicai Harley, Ard Ardz, Heartless 

Crew and IQ. An intimate festival for up to 5000 people 

showcasing the diverse mix of urban and BAME inspired 

sounds from across the UK and overseas live on our 

festival stages. 

Springfield’s Farm, St. Albans. 

www.noolimitfest.com 


20 May - 24 October The 

Young Generation - Art by and 

about children 

A good number of artworks in 

the Museum’s collection involve 

children, including portraits of 

children; pictures that feature 

children; art specifically directed 

at children, and artwork by 

children. The exhibition encompasses all this, as well as 

children’s costumes and toys. 

Anne Blessley Gallery, Bushey Museum & Art Gallery, 

Rudolph Road, Bushey Hertfordshire WD23 3HW 

MUSIC 

16 – 18 July Todd in the Hole Festival 

The ultimate family friendly festival, set in stunning 

Hertfordshire countryside. This year’s stellar line-up 

includes The Killerz, A Tribute to George Michael and 

Wham, Who Are You UK, Amy Winehouse - A Tribute, 

Wrong Jovi, Mused, 7 Wonders of Fleetwood Mac, Women 

in Rock, Definitely Could be Oasis, Tom Petty & The 

Heartbreakers, Dave Pearce, 80’s icon Pat Sharp, plus loads 

more! 

Bury Wood, Todd’s Green, Stevenage, Hertfordshire 

SG1 2JE 

www.toddinthehole.co.uk 

18 July Folk by the Oak 

A family friendly one day summer festival of fine folk, roots 

and acoustic music, with delicious food from around the 

world and inspiring activities for all ages. 

Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5HX 

www.folkbytheoak.com 

June - Frozen in Time: early photographs of 

North Herts 

The Museum Service has an extensive collection of historic 

photographs covering all North Hertfordshire, which was 

home to some pioneering photographers. They have 

chosen a sample to give you a taste of local life more than 

a hundred years ago. See if you can spot familiar places 

and work out how much has changed as well as what has 

remained from Victorian and Edwardian times. 

North Herts Museum, 14 Brand Street, Hitchin, Herts 

SG5 1JE 

www.northhertsmuseum.org/events 


17 & 18 July The Great British Food Festival 

The Great British Food Festival is returning to Knebworth 

Park this Summer, bringing amazing artisan producers, 

scrumptious street food and brilliant bars. The perfect 

recipe for a fun, foodie, family day out! 

Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage 

SG1 2AX 

www.knebworthhouse.com/events/the-great-britishfood-festival 

28 July – 1 August St Albans Comedy Garden 

The ultimate remedy this summer with five nights of 

stupendous open-air stand-up comedy in the glorious 

surroundings of Verulamium Park! Featuring comic master 

DARA Ó BRIAIN, multi-award winning SARA PASCOE, the 

riotous TOM ALLEN and many (many) more! 

www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk 


25 June Fine Art Sale 

Viewing 23, 24 June 10am – 5pm 

Tring Market Auctions, Brook Street, Tring, Hertfordshire 

HP23 5ED 

www.tringmarketauctions.co.uk 

154

Bedfordshire 

Bedfordshire

Weddings 

Ceremonies & Evening Receptions 

In the heart of rural Bedfordshire 

Spacious Wedding Suite 

Wedding Garden for Outdoor Photographs 

Wedding Ceremony Licence 

Dedicated Wedding Team 

Free Parking for Guests 

Treat our space like a blank canvas and make it your own 

We don’t have set packages or insist you use particular suppliers 

The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH 

Tel: 01525 631905 Email: events@therufuscentre.co.uk 

www.therufuscentre.co.uk

Bedfordshire 

On the Plate; A Taste of 

Italy in Bedfordshire 


Discover Bedfordshire’s 

best Italian dining 

From rustic plates of pasta to modern 

fine dining, Bedfordshire has plenty of 

delicious destinations for Italian food. 

Here’s our pick of the best… 

Fratelli Cucina Italiana 

40 George Street, Woburn, MK17 9PY 

Tel: 01525 290105 

If you enjoy hearty, fresh and authentic 

Italian dishes served in a lively, vibrant 

and bustling setting, then you’ll love 

Fratelli. An award-winning restaurant 

managed by three brothers Carmelo, 

Mario and Antonino Di Giorgi who share 

a love of simple Italian produce, prepared 

and cooked with passion. 

Customer favourites: 

Linguine Gamberetti – king and Atlantic 

prawns, white wine, garlic and red 

chilli in a vine tomato and basil sauce, 

topped with wild rocket and lemon 

breadcrumbs. 

Pizza Picante – plum tomato sauce, fior 

di latte mozzarella, pepperoni, fresh 

red chilli, red onion, roasted peppers, 

Kalamata olives and wild rocket. 

www.fratelli-italian.co.uk/woburn 

Mamma Concetta 

35-37 Harpur St, Bedford, MK40 1LA 

Tel: 01234 215048 

Mamma Concetta is a family-run pizzeria 

that will take you back in time to the 

more traditional Italian values of food and 

hospitality. Authentic Neapolitan style 

pizza and rustic dishes are cooked in 

their wood fired ovens while ingredients 

are imported from Italy, using the finest 

San Marzano tomatoes from the hills of 

Vesuvio in Naples. 


Salsiccia e Friarielle – a white base pizza 

with no tomato, Italian fennel sausage, 

wild broccoli tips and fior di latte 

mozzarella. 

Al Tartufo Nero – signature pizza with 

smoked mozzarella, black truffle, 

caramelised red onions, toasted walnuts 

and truffle infused olive oil. 

www.mammaconcetta.co.uk 

Martini Ristorante 

Italiano 

19-21 Hockliffe St, Leighton Buzzard, 

LU7 1EZ 

Tel: 01525 853796 

A family-run restaurant serving classic 

and modern Italian dishes using fresh 

ingredients from local farmers’ markets. 

Keen to expand the perception of Italian 

food, fortnightly tasting menus showcase 

dishes from the different regions. Eat al 

fresco in the attractive courtyard and 

you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a little 

part of Italy. 


Pappardelle al Cinghiale – large egg 

pasta with slow cooked wild boar ragout, 

truffle and aged parmesan cheese. 

Pâté di Fegato – homemade chicken liver 

pâté served with crostini, caramelised red 

onions and pistacchio. 

www.martini-restaurant.co.uk 

Rustico Italian Bistro 

7 New Road, Linslade, LU7 2LS 

Tel: 01525 217225. 

Rustico is a trendy, yet intimate, bistro 

opened in 2018 by Valentina and 

Giovanni who came to England from 

Lake Como. Gio and Vale share a passion 

to create traditional Italian dishes with 

a modern twist. These are served in an 

authentic, friendly atmosphere to make 

you feel you are dining in Italy. 


Homemade potato gnocchi with clams, 

razor clams, mussels, squid and prawns 

in a cherry tomato, garlic, chilli and white 

wine sauce. 

Paccheri pasta from Gragnano with 

nduja and burrata mozzarella. 

www.rustico-italian-bistro.co.uk 

Carriages at The Linton 

Hotel 

136 Tennyson Road, Luton, LU1 3RP 

Tel: 01582 407644 

Offering an authentic Italian and 

European menu, Carriages have entered 

into a partnership with executive chef 

Fabrizio Morelli – the former executive 

chef of celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo. 

Having worked for 20 years in top Italian 

restaurants, Morelli’s expertise brings a 

modern twist to Italian favourites with 

new and creative dishes. 


Linguine al Astice – linguini pasta with 

half a lobster, shallots, brandy and a 

cherry tomato sauce. 

www.carriagesrestaurant.com 

157

Bedfordshire 

Cultural 

Luton 

Once a thriving industrial town, boasting hundreds of hat 

factories, Luton is now perhaps best known for its international 

airport and not thought of as a destination town. However, 

boosted by recent investment along with a growing celebration 

of the town’s cultural heritage, there is a rich history to explore 

and a vibrant future in the making. 

Stockwood Discovery Centre 

Originally a country estate, Stockwood is now a public park. 

While the original house was pulled down in the 1960s, the 

former stables and walled gardens now host the Stockwood 

Discovery Centre. With interactive exhibitions, an outdoor 

children’s play area and beautiful gardens, it’s a great day out 

for the family. The museum galleries bring the stories of local 

people to life, dating back from prehistoric times to the present 

day. Highlights include the largest horse drawn carriage 

collection in Europe and the Wenlock Jug, a rare medieval 

masterpiece. Entry is free and the Garden Café is open every 

day, serving homemade food using fruit and vegetables from 

their garden. 

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery 

A Grade II listed building situated in the beautiful grounds of 

Wardown Park, Wardown House is now a museum which 

transports you back in time to a wealthy Victorian family home. 

Every room tells a story with interactive displays, a treasure 

trove of local curiosities and the largest hat collection in the UK. 

The Morning Room art gallery displays exhibitions throughout 

the year and the Dining Room café, which overlooks the park’s 

stunning floral displays, serves delicious coffee and cake. 

There is plenty to see in the park too with a boating lake, a 1908 

ornamental iron suspension bridge and a children’s playground. 

Hat Factory Arts Centre 

The Hat District regeneration project has seen the town 

restore the historic hat factories and transform them into arts, 

culture and creative spaces. Working with local talent and 

leading artists from across the UK, the newly refurbished Hat 

Factory Arts Centre offers an exciting programme of live music, 

contemporary dance, drama and film. With a theatre, gig 

space, basement bar and workshop zones you can experience 

incredible performances, enjoy Luton’s thriving arts scene or 

allow your own creativity to flourish. Open Monday to Saturday 

from 11am, The Hat Factory Café serves delicious food in a 

buzzing atmosphere and is a great place to meet. 

158

Bedfordshire 

Luton International Carnival 2021 

The UK’s largest one-day carnival usually takes place in Luton at 

the end of May. Originally introduced by the town’s West Indian 

community in the 70s, the annual event has blossomed into a 

vibrant cultural celebration with a funfair, dancing, international 

food stalls and live music. Community groups from around the 

town create colourful costumes and spectacular floats. With 

the pandemic preventing this year’s party and parade, a new 

National Children’s Carnival Week will take place from 12-18 

July instead, allowing all children everywhere to celebrate the 

Luton Carnival’s 45th birthday. Covid safe activities are planned 

for schools and youth groups so that they can create their 

own costumes, learn carnival culture and history and organise 

their own carnival celebration. Based in Luton, the UK Centre 

for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) will also bring the Carnival to the 

community with online activities for families at home and mini 

carnival experiences popping up all over the town. Join in the 

fun at www.carnivalarts.org.uk 

The Big Trunk Trail 

From 10 July to 8 October, Luton will come alive with a parade 

of beautifully decorated elephant sculptures. Over 30 giant 

elephants will form a free, fun and family-friendly art trail around 

Luton’s key landmarks, streets and open spaces. It will be the 

biggest outdoor public art event Luton’s ever seen with smaller 

sculptures – adopted and decorated by schools, colleges and 

community groups – also displayed as part of the big adventure. 

Trail explorers can have fun rediscovering Luton, learning about 

the artwork and getting outside together. You can join in on 

social media via @bigtrunktrail and download The Big Trunk 

Trail app for even more fun. Following the event, the sculptures 

will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Keech Hospice Care. 

159

Have you visited our 

Heritage Centre 

and Tearoom? 

Join us for breakfast, lunch, 

coffee and cake or afternoon tea 

We’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 

10am to 4pm. Just pop in! 

The 

Shuttleworth 

25-27 June 2021 

Bookings for afternoon tea must 

be made in advance: 

Call 01525 287120 

Email tearoom@bedsrcc.org.uk 

We also have gift cards available 

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Station Road, Ridgmont MK43 0XP 

www.ridgmontheritage.org.uk 

Come and visit us! 

Café serving brunch and lunch 

Fully stocked deli 

Homemade cakes 

Fesh vegetables 

Gourmet frozen food 

Woburn Country Foods butchery 

Other local suppliers 

We’re open 8.30am - 5pm Tuesday 

to Saturday and 10am - 4pm Sunday 

Call 07939 030377 

Cople Road, Cardington, Bedford. MK44 3SH 

www.thebarncardington.com 

Family friendly self catering at Fuller’s Hill Cottages 

on a family run farm in South Cambridgeshire. 

Featuring 7 unique cottages with hot tubs and pretty 

gardens which can sleep individual families or larger 

gatherings and social bubbles! 

For a love of the outdoors, local attractions, dog friendly, 

a new sundown spot to watch the beautiful sunsets, and a 

play area, choose us for your next staycation! 

GET IN TOUCH 

Please call Kirstie on 07544 208959 

Email bookings@fullershillcottages.co.uk 

www.fullershillcottages.co.uk 

@fullershill.cottages Fullers Hill Cottages Official @fullershill 

160

Bedfordshire 


2 July Treasure Island 

This swashbuckling tale will be lifted from the pages of 

Robert Louis Stevenson’s much loved novel and brought to 

life with sea shanties and sword fights galore! 

The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford 

MK40 2NN 

www.quarrytheatre.org.uk 

6 July Francis Rossi 

In Francis Rossi: I Talk Too Much, the founder, lead singer 

and lead guitarist of Status Quo will talk about his mishaps 

and adventures of life on the road with one of the biggest 

and most loved bands ever. 

Corn Exchange Bedford, St Paul’s Square, Bedford 

MK40 1SL 

www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 

30 July Jane Eyre 

Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece is brought vividly to life in 

this new stage adaptation. 

The Place Bedford, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE 

www.theplacebedford.org.uk 

Wednesday 2nd June – Saturday 12th June 

Anthony MacKay Solo Show 

Many of the works displayed are inspired by the ups 

and downs of a recent family drama involving travelling 

through landscapes which changed in mood as the 

circumstances moved from despair and foreboding to relief 

and celebration. 

St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN 

www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk 


25 - 27 June The Great Balloon Race 

This 3 day event will see the skies filled with colour as 

these gentle giants take flight. Together with fantastic 

entertainment including aerial acrobatics, balloon night 

glow and giant fireworks display. 

The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Nr 

Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 9EP 

www.shuttleworth.org/events/greatballoonrace 

WHAT’S ON 

MUSIC 

4 July Rock Choir LIVE 

You will witness a spectacular display of uplifting, feel-good 

pop, rock and contemporary chart songs performed by 

Dunstable, Hemel Hempstead, Amersham and Welwyn 

Garden City Rock Choir. 

Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP 

www.grovetheatre.co.uk 

Bedford Park Concerts 

29 July OLLY MURS Special Guests - Scouting for Girls 

30th July Café Mambo – Ibiza in the Park 

31st July Ocean Colour Scene Special Guests – Dodgy, 

The Wholls and Marquis Drive 

1st August Bedford Park Proms 

www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk 

21 August Noasis 

With two shows sold out back to back in January 2020 

Noasis are back by demand by adding a high summer 

show at Bedford Esquires. 

Esquires, 60A Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QG 

www.bedfordesquires.co.uk 

4 September AmpRocks 

Headline Act - McFly 

Special Guests – ASH 

Ampthill Great Park, Woburn Street, Bedfordshire MK45 2GU 

www.ampthillfestival.com 


3rd October 2020 - 27 June 2021 

Under the Same Sky 

In this art and social history exhibition, discover the local 

impact of the weather alongside artists depictions of the 

sky above. Highlights include stories of the founders of the 

National Meteorological Society, the weather forecasters 

for the airships at Cardington and the recorders of rainfall, 

accompanied by artworks by JMW Turner, Alfred Sisley, 

Eric Ravilious, Paul Nash, Edouard Manet and more. 

The Higgins Bedford, Wixamtree and Connections Gallery, 

Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD 

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Exhibitions 

4 July & 1st August Flying Day Picnic 

Bring a rug and a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with 

family and friends among the vines. You can take a free 

self-guided or virtual tour too, and enjoy chilled wine from 

our marquee. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. 

The picnic coincides with the nearby Shuttleworth airshow 

and there’s usually a chance to spot planes heading our 

way, although this may depend on which way the wind is 

blowing. 

Warden Abbey Vineyard, Bedford Rd, Old Warden 

SG18 9LS 

www.wardenvineyard.org.uk 


6 August Collectable Toys Auction 

A fascinating mix of dolls, teddy bears, tinplate and other 

toys from the 19th century through to 

more recent times. 

Viewing 

Friday 30th July – 9am to 5pm, 

Saturday 31st July – 9am to 1pm, 

Thursday 5th August – 9am to 5pm, 

Morning of sale from 9am 

W&H Peacock, Bedford Auction Centre, Eastcotts Park, 

Wallis Way, Bedford MK42 0PE 

161

ACCOMMODATION 

Accommodation 

Varsity Hotel 

The Varsity Hotel is situated amidst the 

Cambridge Colleges with views from many 

of the rooms across Kings, St Johns and 

Trinity. It is also a stones throw from the 

main punting area and has many great 

shops nearby. 

Cambridge 

T: 01223 306030 

E: res@thevarsityhotel.co.uk 

www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk 

Cambridge 

Lower Farm 

Lower Farm Bed and Breakfast is situated 

in the attractive East Northamptonshire 

village of Barnwell, three miles from the 

historic town of Oundle. We can provide 

you with a comfortable and relaxed country 

retreat tucked away from busy roads in a 

picturesque and traditional farm setting. 

Northamptonshire 

T: 01832 273220 

E: lowerfarmbandb@btconnect.com 

www.lower-farm.co.uk 

Northamptonshire 

162

So much more than just a 

retirement apartment 

New Retirement Apartments 

FOR SALE 

A brand new Churchill apartment is safe and secure, with a Lodge Manager 

to keep an eye on things. What’s more, you’ll have a sense of community with 

like-minded neighbours, use of the beautiful garden, and a sociable Owners’ 

Lounge, so you can enjoy your retirement to the full. 

SHELDON LODGE High Street, Berkhamsted - FINAL FEW REMAINING 

MEADOW LODGE Laindon Road, Billericay - 50% SOLD 

WEAVERS LODGE Camps Road, Haverhill - 50% SOLD 

DOVEHOUSE LODGE Wratten Road West, Hitchin 

MOORHOUSE LODGE Edison Bell Way, Huntingdon 

COOPER LODGE Pole Barn Lane, Frinton-on-Sea - 50% SOLD 

Call us TODAY to find out more 

or to book an appointment 

0800 458 1847 

churchillretirement.co.uk 

OUR HERITAGE • YOUR FUTURE 

BUILT ON INTEGRITY AND TRUST

Eastlife Summer 2021

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