Eastlife Winter 2021

We all need a touch of Christmas magic this year, which is why we’ve pulled together a guide to festive fun in the region. There’s an event or activity to instil the Christmas spirit in us all. There are Christmas markets, dazzling light trails, winter walks and chic city breaks to see you through the season. If your children are more excited than Santa’s elves, read our guide to the best Santa grottos and festive railway experiences. This issue will see you through the lead up to Christmas, Twixmas and well into winter. There are travel ideas and days out for every county. Use this time as a chance to get out and truly explore the region without the crowds. Of course, Christmas is a chance to support local. This year is more important than ever. Championing local business, we’ve pulled together gift guides full of inspiration from independent retailers. I’d like to thank everyone that has taken the time to read eastlife or comment, like and share on social media this year. We appreciate each and every one of you! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We all need a touch of Christmas magic this year, which is why we’ve pulled together a guide to festive fun in the region. There’s an event or activity to instil the Christmas spirit in us all.

There are Christmas markets, dazzling light trails, winter walks and chic city breaks to see you through the season. If your children are more excited than Santa’s elves, read our guide to the best Santa grottos and festive railway experiences.

This issue will see you through the lead up to Christmas, Twixmas and well into winter. There are travel ideas and days out for every county. Use this time as a chance to get out and truly explore the region without the crowds.

Of course, Christmas is a chance to support local. This year is more important than ever. Championing local business, we’ve pulled together gift guides full of inspiration from independent retailers.

I’d like to thank everyone that has taken the time to read eastlife or comment, like and share on social media this year. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

from eastlife More from this publisher

05.11.2021 Views

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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

GRAPHIC DESIGN Doug Dawson

doug@dougdawson.co.uk

SALES ENQUIRIES

Jim Leishman

jim@eastlife.co.uk | 07872 469669

Dear Reader,

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Printed by Buxton Press.

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We all need a touch of Christmas magic this year, which is why

we’ve pulled together a guide to festive fun in the region. There’s

an event or activity to instil the Christmas spirit in us all.

There are Christmas markets, dazzling light trails, winter walks and

chic city breaks to see you through the season. If your children are

more excited than Santa’s elves, read our guide to the best Santa

grottos and festive railway experiences.

This issue will see you through the lead up to Christmas, Twixmas

and well into winter. There are travel ideas and days out for every

county. Use this time as a chance to get out and truly explore the

region without the crowds.

Of course, Christmas is a chance to support local. This year is more

important than ever. Championing local business, we’ve pulled

together gift guides full of inspiration from independent retailers.

I’d like to thank everyone that has taken the time to read eastlife or

comment, like and share on social media this year. We appreciate

each and every one of you!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Emma Kemsley

Sleep. Eat. Work. Live.

All under one roof.

Stay for a night, a month, or longer.

Now open in Eddington.

Turing Locke, 47 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 1SE

lockeliving.com | @lockehotels

Contents

011 Lifestyle

Plan a Christmas to remember with our

pick of the best things to see and do

069 Motoring

Sue Cooke reviews the CUPRA Formentor

e-Hybrid

11

32

45

120

027 Travel

Chic city breaks and the best winter spas

035 Dog Friendly

A dog’s Christmas dinner; find out what

not to feed your pet this festive season

040 Education

Are face-to-face parents’ evenings a thing

of the past?

043 Little East

A full guide to festive fun; pantos, events,

Santa railway specials and the best

grottos

058 Health

Men’s health – everything you need to

know about testicular cancer

063 Fashion

Winter’s must-have trends and

accessories

067 Weddings

How to plan a winter wedding

071 Consumer

Financial advice from Martin Lewis and

social media tips for small businesses

076 Interiors

Homes are getting a colourful makeover

in 2022. Get advice from industry experts

on how to achieve the look

083 Arts

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

events

087 Area Focus

News, restaurant recommendations and

travel inspiration for every county

– 087 Norfolk

– 099 Suffolk

– 111 Cambridgeshire

– 127 Essex

– 139 Bedfordshire

– 151 Hertfordshire

The Perfect Place to

Celebrate this Christmas

Set Price Christmas Lunches

Throughout December

À la Carte Winter Menu

Boxing Day Lunch

3 courses £49.95, 2 Courses £44.95,

Children (10 and under) 3 courses £24.95

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Live Music, Canapes, Arrival Drink,

5 Course Meal and DJ to ring in the New Year

£125 (per person)

“A Journey Through My Childhood Food Memories,

Where Nothing Is As It Seems”

- DAN PITTS, HEAD CHEF -

Live Music - Friday Nights (7:30pm)

26 TH Nov - The Peppermint Apes / 3 RD Dec - Laura Hawes

10 TH Dec - Squire & Smith / 17 TH Dec - Emma Cummins

Book online at: www.channelsestate.co.uk Tel: 01245 440 005

Channels, Pratts Farm Lane East, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT (Entrance by the Park & Ride)

Walking in a

Winter

Wonderland

Discover the region’s best winter light trails

Light trails and illuminative experiences have become

increasingly popular in recent years. A great winter’s event

for all ages, take a walk through a winter wonderland of

twinkling trees, sparkling stately homes and colourful

characters.

Illuminated Garden Trail,

19 November – 19 December

Helmingham Hall, Suffolk

Add some sparkle to a dark winter’s evening with a stroll

around the dazzling gardens of Helmingham Hall. The trail

begins at the historic drawbridge with mulled wine in the

charming courtyard. Continue into the gardens dressed in

thousands of lights for a magical winter experience. Finish

with s’mores around the firepit and a browse of the Stables

Shops and pop-up stalls.

www.helmingham.com/events/

illuminated-garden-trail

Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light,

19 November – 23 December

Thursford, Norfolk

The home of Christmas in East Anglia, Thursford know

how to put on a show. In addition to its famous Christmas

Spectacular and Magical Santa’s Journey, the Enchanted

Journey of Light creates a fantasy world of illuminated

characters. The route will pass through Santa’s Magical

Journey building with its penguins, polar bears, snowmen

and elves hard at work. Venture outside into the Lantern

Light Extravaganza full of luminous sculptures.

www.thursford.com/enchanted-journey-of-light

Glow at Hyde Hall,

10 November – 1 January

Hyde Hall, Essex

It is the season of sparkle and RHS Garden Hyde Hall is

glowing. The gardens, shrubs and trees will be lit with bright

colours and pretty patterns. Wander through the winter trail,

which this year includes the Australia and New Zealand

garden. From here you’ll see dazzling views back across

the grounds. The willow trees will be draped in twinkling

lights and leaf sculptures lit with festive colours. Finish your

evening by warming up with a festive beverage from the

German style stalls.

www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hydehall-glow

Luminate Sandringham,

12 November – 19 December

Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

The-mile-long winter trail takes visitors on a journey

of twinkling light displays within the country park at

Sandringham. The much-loved rural home of royalty, the

experience will enthral your senses as the lights sparkle

alongside ambient music. End the evening with a whirl on

the vintage fairground rides.

www.luminatesandringham.com

Enlightened at Hylands House,

26 November – 2 January

Due to popular demand, this year’s trail features a longer

route with even more sparkling light installations. Curtains

of fairy lights provide the perfect backdrop for a selfie, trees

are up-lit with bright colours, buildings are decorated in

dazzling displays and laser beams shoot into the sky. The

event is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy

this Christmas.

www.enlightenedmoments.co.uk/events/

hylands-2021

Enchanted at Audley End,

selected dates in December

This December, visitors will be able to enter a fairy-tale

landscape as Audley End’s grounds are transformed into

a winter wonderland of light, colour and sound. There’s

magic at play with giant lilies reflecting in the Cam and

along the wintery trail, families will be able to see Audley’s

formal garden’s aglow and the historic house lit with festive

projections. Experience a kaleidoscope of colours on the

lawn, and for little ones the true magic is to be found at

the secret fairy village. After your festive adventure, treat

yourself to a mulled wine and mince pie, enjoy a fairground

ride and browse for Christmas presents in the gift shop.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Christmas at Wimpole,

26 November-2 January

Enchanted Woodland Walk at Ashridge

House, 26 November – 9 January

A truly magical festive experience, the trail begins at the

Italian Gardens and proceeds into the woodlands where

sparkling light installations bring the grounds to life. It’s

a spectacular illuminated wonderland of festive fun. For

something extra special, book a pre-trail dining experience.

Head chef Paul Patterson will be serving up a delicious

two course set menu in one of the heritage rooms inside

the house – a perfect start to your evening and a fabulous

festive experience to remember.

www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/christmas2021

Tunnel of Light in Norwich,

16 November – 5 January

The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens

is a must-visit event this winter. Be surrounded by

more than a million twinkling lights, colourful trees and

amazing illuminated installations, all choreographed to a

soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music. There will be

burnished lantern trees filled with flickering flames, neon

strings stretched between towering trees, singing trees,

larger-than-life mistletoe and perhaps a glimpse at Father

Christmas too. This year sees some dazzling additions

including the Christmas Cathedral adorned with over

100,000 pea-lights, a neon tree and tree stars for that extra

festive touch. After exploring the lights, warm up with

toasted marshmallows and a hot chocolate.

www.christmasatwimpole.co.uk

Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey,

3-19 December

One of the most magical festive experiences in

Cambridgeshire, wander the trail which takes visitors

on a journey of illuminative displays and creative light

choreography. Taking place Friday to Sunday through

December, this year’s theme is ‘Nature by Night, Nature by

Light’ and promises to be a sensory overload.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/AAWinterLights

A Christmas tradition in the city, the Tunnel of Light returns

for the festive season. Attracting visitors to Norwich from

far and wide, the 45-metre tunnel dressed in 57,000 LED

bulbs is a sight to behold. Norwich Castle projections will

also once again take place. The historic attraction’s façade

will be lit with festive images. Projections have previously

included everything from Fantasia to Father Christmas.

If you’re looking for a festive city break that ticks all the

boxes, put Norwich on your list! www.visitnorwich.co.uk/

article/christmas-events-in-norwich-norfolk

SHOPPING MADE BEAUTIFUL

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WINTER WONDERLAND WALK

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Gift Guide

Family run business established 1967.

For sewing machines, dress & craft

fabrics, haberdashery etc. We pride

ourselves on our personal service and

expert advice.

www.becclessewing.co.uk

JANOME 2200XT

Simple to use

basic machine

£18.00

PFAFF Passport 2.0

Compact full featured

computerised

machine

£519.00

BROTHER Stellaire XJ1.

Top range sewing,

quilting & embroidery

machine

£6,669.00

Independent jewellery, accessories

and gifts shop selling beautiful things.

www.cloudninegems.com

Diamonfire ladies’

jewellery

Fred Bennett Men’s jewellery

Complimentary lingerie styling and

fitting service by appointment at our

boutique in Buckden or buy online.

Call us on 01480 812740

Text 07538 354701

www.elouiselingerie.co.uk

Louis Feraud

Grafics nightwear

From £158

Aubade Fievre

Andalouse

collection

From £58

Empreinte Ellen

lingerie

From £51

The Float Retreat facilitates an experience of pure

relaxation. Set in the Hertfordshire/Essex borders

with easy access to main roads, the Float Retreat

targets your mind, body and soul. The benefits to

floating are endless making this the ideal gift. Try

something different this Christmas.

10% off your first float, using the code ‘float10’.

www.thefloatretreat.co.uk

Gift Guide

Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles & Melts

Create the perfect home ambience

with a softly crackling candle and

beautiful festive fragrance that fills

the room.

Winter Berries

Wax Melt

Segment Pot

£3.29

Over 75

fragrances

available

Cinnamon Apple Wood

Wick Candle

£10.99

www.lylabelle.co.uk

A national equine welfare charity

responsible for over 2,000

rescued horses, ponies, donkeys

and mules across the UK.

www.redwings.org.uk

Brimstone in the snow

Featuring Brimstone

from Redwings Horse

Sanctuary!

£4.50

Sponsor a rescued

horse or donkey

for a year

From

£15.00

Little Donkey

1,000 piece puzzle

£13.00

Sainsbury Centre

University of East Anglia,

Norfolk Road

Norwich NR4 7TJ

www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/members

Looking for a unique present for a

friend or loved one? Give the gift of

art this Christmas. Sainsbury Centre

gift membership features many

great benefits including unlimited,

free entry to special exhibitions,

priority booking, exclusive events,

shop discounts and more. The gift

pack also includes a parking permit

and pen.

Sainsbury Centre Gift

Membership

£40-£50 per year

Christmas

1991 – 2021

at

Blackthorpe Barn

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN

CHRISTMAS SHOP | CRAFTS | TREES

WORKSHOPS | CAFE

Purchase your Crafts Timed Arrival Tickets

and see what else is happening

blackthorpebarn.com

J45 A14. Rougham, 3 miles from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9HZ

Presented by

Party Picks

Hosting a party? We’ve selected the best nibbles and

drinks to serve your guests, all produced in East Anglia.

Fairfield Crisps

Can’t wait until the big day for a taste

of turkey? Serve it up in crisp form at

your seasonal soiree. The potatoes

are grown, picked and crafted into

crisps in Cambridgeshire. It’s a taste

of Christmas with a crunch.

www.fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk

Munchy Seeds Warm

Cinnamon

A bowl of nuts and seeds is a Christmas

party essential. Give your guests a

healthy grab snack option with Munchy

Seeds Warm Cinnamon. Each bite

tastes like winter with its blend of

sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and

a sweet taste of cinnamon. They are

full of naturally nutritious ingredients such as vitamin E,

fibre, iron, zinc and magnesium. Five additional flavours

are available including sweet chilli, mega omega, salted

caramel, honey roasted and mild chilli.

www.munchyseeds.co.uk

LA Brewery

The perfect non-alcoholic option. Impress your guests with

a refreshing mix of bubbles brewed in Suffolk. With bottles

designed to look like wine and beer, the ginger, lemongrass

and strawberry and pepper flavours are a nice alternative

to the usual soft drink flavours. Pour over ice and garnish

to add something a little extra. The drinks are gluten free,

low sugar, vegan and low in caffeine; a satisfying option for

everyone. Choose the Sparkling English Rose to add some

fizz to a seasonal get together.

www.labrewery.co.uk

Fielding Cottage

Whipped up on a small

country farm in Norfolk, the

creamy goat’s cheese is

the perfect ingredient for

a canape. There are three

cheeses available: Wensum

White, Norfolk Mardler and Goats Curd. Simply add to a

cracker or small squares of crunchy loaf, topped with dill

and capers for a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

www.fieldingcottage.co.uk

Blue Aurora

Made by the Long brothers on their

farm in Oundle, Blue Aurora is an

English blueberry wine. Over 45ha

of the farm is dedicated to growing

blueberries. Those that don’t make

the cut for supermarkets are skilfully

turned into an award-winning wine

to reduce waste. Three flavours are

available including Dusk, Midnight

and Ice wine. Try the Ice as an

alternative to port or sherry; it’s the

perfect accompaniment to a

cheese board.

www.blueaurorawine.co.uk

Morton’s Cheese

Hamper

Morton’s Farm may be

well known for its freerange

Norfolk bronze

turkey, but did you know

you can order a few extra

luxury Christmas treats

from its website? This

festive season Morton’s will be offering a range of hampers

filled with artisan East Anglian produce, available for

nationwide delivery. Try the cheese hamper designed to

showcase some of the region’s best cheeses including Mrs

Temple’s Binham Blue, Norfolk Dapple and Baron Bigod.

It also includes butter, crackers and chutney – all sourced

locally too.

www.mortonsfarm.co.uk/product/east-angliancheese-hamper

Harry Specters

After a tasty dinner or one too many wines, a sweet treat is

just the thing. Harry Specters is a Cambridgeshire-based

award-winning chocolatier with a choice of seasonal

selection boxes. Each chocolate is handmade and bursting

with bold flavour. Harry Specters also gives the gift of

goodwill. A business that champions social impact, it is

dedicated to crafting delicious chocolates whilst offering

confidence and hope to young autistic people by providing

employment and free training. Harry Specters also sets

aside 55% of its profit to support personal development and

organise social activities for its autistic employees.

www.harryschocs.co.uk

Winter

Wonderland

Scenic walks to blow

the cobwebs away

With the ground crisp underfoot, and the air so cold

you can see your breath, winter is the perfect time for

an exhilarating walk. Morning mists and frost transform

the bare landscape into a magical world to be explored

throughout the season until the first snowdrops peep

through and announce that spring is on its way.

Southwold to Walberswick, Suffolk

(3 miles)

In a nutshell: This stroll starts on the sea front in Southwold,

with its picturesque lighthouse and colourful beach huts,

and heads south along Havenbeach Marshes to the River

Blyth where you can follow a path along the harbour. Here

you can cross the footbridge and follow the path back to

the coast, passing along the beach, before turning into the

pretty, unspoilt village of Walberswick.

Well-earned refreshment: In Walberswick, enjoy open

fires and home-cooked meals at the 600-year-old Bell Inn,

gastro-dining at the award-winning Anchor Inn or a lighter

lunch and homemade cake at The Tea Shed.

Can I take my dog? Dogs are allowed on Walberswick

Beach, and also Southwold Beach from October to March,

but use a lead near the fenced off areas to protect the

land-nesting birds. The Bell, Anchor and Tea Shed are all

dog-friendly.

Download a map: www.gps-routes.co.uk

Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire

(6.5 miles)

In a nutshell: An exhilarating circular walk from the Chilterns

Gateway Centre across Dunstable Downs’ chalk grassland,

with fantastic views and historical interest. The route takes

you past Neolithic and Bronze Age burial mounds and an

Iron Age hill fort and into the village of Totternhoe. Follow

the bridleway to the base of the downs for an uphill climb

with views of the Vale of Aylesbury and Ivinghoe Beacon

before finishing back at the Centre.

Well-earned refreshment: The Old Farm Inn in Totternhoe,

with open fires and log burners, is ideal for refuelling en route

or enjoy a meal and snacks at the Gateway Centre’s View

Cafe while watching the birds circle overhead.

Can I take my dog? The route is dog-friendly but keep them

on a lead when passing through the fields where sheep may

be grazing. The Old Farm Inn and View Café welcome dogs.

Download a map: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Milton Country Park, Cambridgeshire

(95 acres)

In a nutshell: A country park, just a few miles north of

Cambridge city centre, which is ideal for a winter’s day walk.

With plenty of space to explore, easy parking, and pathways

suitable for bikes and buggies, it’s a great option for the

whole family. Created from old gravel pits, the park offers

a varied natural habitat with lakes, grassy meadows and

woodland, plus two children’s playgrounds to keep the little

ones amused. Look out for the migratory birds that take up

residence in the winter.

Well-earned refreshment: Treat yourself at Grounds, an

independent café within the park, serving hot and cold

drinks, handmade cakes, sandwiches, pastries, and

artisan gelato.

Can I take my dog? Dogs are welcome throughout the park

and in the café, although there are signposted areas where

you’ll need to use a lead.

Download a map: www.miltoncountrypark.org

Hemel Hempstead to Berkhamsted,

Hertfordshire (6.5 miles)

In a nutshell: A linear walk from station to station taking

you along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal and then

uphill along Hertfordshire Way, with beautiful views of the

countryside. After passing through woodland on the edge of

the Ashridge Estate, you’ll reach Berkhamsted Golf Club’s leafy

fairways. Here you can follow a footpath which takes you past

the remains of Berkhamsted Castle to the railway station.

Well-earned refreshment: The Three Horseshoes is a lovely

old pub on the Grand Union Canal at Winkwell serving

great burgers with a pint. At the end of your walk, head into

Berkhamsted where there are plenty of restaurants and cafés.

Can I take my dog? Yes, although you may need a lead near

the golf course and castle. The Three Horseshoes is a

dog-friendly pub.

Download a map: www.ramblers.org.uk

Flitch Way, Essex (15 miles)

In a nutshell: Flitch Way is a former railway line, offering an

easy terrain, perfect for winter walks. The traffic-free route

runs through the beautiful Essex countryside from Braintree

to Bishop’s Stortford but can, of course, be walked in smaller

sections. With interesting sites along the way, including

Victorian railway stations, Hatfield Forest, Great Notley

Country Park, Rayne Station Visitor Centre and Museum,

there’s plenty to see and do.

Well-earned refreshment: You can grab breakfast, lunch and

snacks at the Booking Hall Café in Rayne and The Coffee

Shop at Thremhall Park, Bishop’s Stortford. There are also lots

of pubs and restaurants within a short walk of the Flitch Way.

Can I take my dog? Yes, Flitch Way is very popular with dogwalkers

and dogs are welcome in both the Booking Hall Café

and The Coffee Shop.

Download a map: www.visitessex.com

Horsey Windpump Walk, Norfolk

(3.6 miles)

In a nutshell: A circular walk starting at Horsey Windpump

Car Park which takes you across the broadland

to Horsey Beach. This stretch of the coast comes alive in

the winter with hundreds of breeding grey seals. Enjoy a

stroll along the beach until you reach Horsey Gap and then

head into Horsey village, passing the church with its pretty

thatched roof and round tower. Follow the main road back

towards the Horsey Windpump, an iconic sight on the

horizon of the broads’ landscape.

Well-earned refreshment: The Nelson Head in Horsey is

a traditional pub offering real ale and local food, or visit

Poppylands, a 1940s themed tearoom, for lunches and

freshly baked cakes.

Can I take my dog? Only if you can keep them on a short

lead to avoid distressing the livestock in the fields and the

seals on the beach. Both The Nelson Head and Poppylands

are dog-friendly.

Download a map: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Winter getaway inspiration

Enjoyed your staycation this summer

and want to do it all over again? Plan

a short trip to the region’s bustling

cities and towns with our pick of

the best destinations for a festive or

winter escape.

CAMBRIDGE

Where to stay: The Hyatt Centric,

located in the Eddington District, is a

stunning hotel complete with a roof

terrace. There are four dining options

and an impressive fitness centre on

site. Make your way out to see the

sights on one of the hotel’s bicycles

or electric scooters available to hire to

make exploring easy. For more details

and offers visit

www.hyattcentriccambridge.com

Chic

Winter

Breaks

Written by Abby Knight

Eating out: Restaurant Twenty-Two

serves contemporary British dishes

using seasonal locally sourced

ingredients. Every experience in this

elegant Victorian-style dining room

is special with a menu that changes

daily based on what’s supplied by

its Cambridgeshire partners. For

something a little extra, why not

indulge in the full tasting menu?

For full details visit

www.restaurant22.co.uk

What to see: Taking place between

18-25 November at the Cambridge

Arts Picturehouse, the 40th

Cambridge Film Festival celebrates

film both past and future and offers

guests the chance to watch films

from around the world as well as

meet the actors, writers and directors

behind them. Book your ticket at

www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk

Something not to be missed: Explore

the Christmas trail at Wimpole just

outside the city from 26 November

to 2 January. The magical trail

features spectacular light installations

transporting you to a winter

wonderland with a glimpse of Father

Christmas. There are also some

tempting food and drink stands

to enjoy. Created by Culture Creative

with Sony Music in partnership

with the National Trust, tickets start

from £14.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org/

wimpole to book.

COLCHESTER

Where to stay: GreyFriars is a stunning

Michelin recommended, luxury hotel

with superb restaurant and lounge

bar, which opened in 2015. Situated

at the top of East Hill, at the Eastern

end of Colchester’s High Street,

GreyFriars is perfectly located in the

centre of Colchester’s Cultural Quarter

and only a couple of minutes’ walk

from the town centre. The Cultural

Quarter is home to Colchester Castle,

the largest Norman keep in Europe,

the Hollytrees Museum, the Natural

History Museum, Colchester’s art

galleries and the ruins of St. Botolph’s

12th century Priory. The town centre

has a flagship Fenwick’s store and

some great independent and artisan

shops to explore.

The stylish rooms offer 5-star service

and there are various dining options.

The Baroque Bar serving delicious

cocktails is not to be missed!

For details and winter offers visit

www.greyfriarscolcheser.co.uk

Eating out: The Church Street Tavern

is a Michelin-star restaurant in a

stunning townhouse with a rustic

interior and artwork supplied from

award-winning Essex artist Philippa

Down. Owned by Piers Baker, who

also renovated the award-winning

The Sun Inn in Dedham, the

downstairs bar has an extensive menu

that includes rare breed burgers. In

the light-filled dining room upstairs

you can enjoy the a la carte menu

including vegan options with one of

an eclectic mix of cocktails. There are

attractive rooms to stay in too. To

book and for details of Christmas

menus, visit

www.churchstreettavern.co.uk

What to see: The acclaimed gardener

Beth Chatto created an informal

garden next to her home in 1960.

These five acres had been left empty

for decades because of the poor

gravelly soil and boggy hollows.

Now transformed, the gardens are a

textbook example of how to choose

the right plant for the right conditions

and there’s a nursery to buy plants

as well as a lovely café for a relaxing

break. Visit www.bethchatto.co.uk

for opening times.

Something not to be missed:

Rediscover the real-life murder

mystery, ‘The Ballard of Maria Marten’,

one of Suffolk’s most haunting stories,

at the Mercury Theatre in February

2022. This award-winning production

will have you on the edge of your

seat. Visit www.mercurytheatre.

co.uk for times and tickets.

BURY ST EDMUNDS

Where to stay: Book a room in the

historic town centre at the cosy

Angel Hotel, once a favourite of

Charles Dickens while he worked as

a journalist for the Morning Chronicle.

You can even stay in room 215 or the

Charles Dickens suite, decorated in

true Victorian style. Prices start from

£139 including a hearty breakfast. To

book visit www.theangel.co.uk

Eating out: Home to Suffolk’s only

Michelin star restaurant, Pea Porridge

was opened by Justin Sharp and

his wife Jurga in 2009. The rustic

style dining rooms feature exposed

brickwork and the tasty nose to tail

dishes on the menu change each

day. Make a reservation at

www.peaporridge.co.uk

What to see: Stand amongst the

ruins of the 11th century Abbey of St

Edmunds set in the stunning Abbey

Gardens and appreciate its beauty.

Celebrating its 1000th anniversary,

the space is beautiful, especially

on a frosty winter’s morning. The

Abbey was one of the most important

monasteries in medieval Europe but

the whereabouts of St Edmunds still

remains a mystery! Book a tour via

www.burystedmundstourguides.

org

Something not to be missed: Moyses’

Hall is home to a one-off art exhibition

celebrating the world of Mary

Beale, one of the most successful

portrait painters of the late 17th

century and thought to be England’s

first professional female painter.

‘Observations: The Mary Beale

Collection’ will run until 30 January

2022. Entry from £3. Visit

www.moyseshall.org for details.

NORWICH

Where to stay: Dunston Hall, built in

1859, is an Elizabethan-style mansion

that’s been lovingly restored to all

its former glory. Located a short

distance from the city so you can get

the best of Norfolk’s city and country

life, stay in one of 166 bedrooms

and experience the leisure facilities,

including an indoor pool, steam room,

whirlpool and gymnasium. You can

enjoy a winter’s round of golf on the

18-hole championship-level course

before eating in one of three dining

areas including an outdoor terrace

for sunny winter days. For details visit

www.dunstonhallhotel.co.uk

Eating out: Admire the peaceful

surroundings of the stunning Victorian

St John the Baptist Cathedral, one

of the most impressive buildings

in Norfolk, then have lunch in the

pretty garden café – an annex to the

cathedral – serving delicious hot and

cold food, hot drinks and wine. For

details visit www.norwichbid.co.uk

What to see: The South Asia Collection

Museum and Shop, otherwise known

as Country & Eastern, located on

Bethel Street is an old building that

originally sold exotic imports from

countries including Pakistan, Burma

and China. Now it’s been transformed

into an Aladdin’s cave selling beautiful

furnishings such as oriental runs, bed

linen, crafts and even kimonos! The

museum has some fabulous exhibits

form South East Asia to view.

www.thesouthasiacollection.

co.uk/museum-shop

Something not to be missed: Perfect

for a winter’s night, go with one of

the experienced guides at Ghost

Walks Norwich on a journey through

the most haunted areas of the city.

Hear tales of the many lost spirits and

poltergeists who are still seen and

heard to this day. Walks start from

outside the Adam & Eve Pub and last

around 90 minutes. For prices and

details, visit

www.ghostwalksnorwich.co.uk

HERTFORD

Where to stay: Set in acres of idyllic

Hertfordshire countryside, enjoy

an overnight stay at The Manor

of Groves Hotel that starts with a

chilled glass of prosecco and tasty

nibbles before being shown to your

comfortable room. You’ll have access

to the hotel’s leisure facilities and

your break includes a three-course

meal in the Brasserie restaurant,

breakfast and a fun three-hour gin

tasting cruise on the River Lea. Soak

up the views while discovering new

ways to drink gin. Price £289 per

person, email info@globexpert.co.uk

for further details.

Eating out: The Millstream pub,

Port Vale, is one of Hertford’s bestkept

secrets. Peter and Nicky, the

husband-and-wife team who run the

pub, make sure this friendly venue

serves up some of the tastiest food

in the region including daily specials

and Sunday roasts. There’s a brewery

on site with a great selection of real

ales on pump and you can bring your

dog to the gardens where they can

choose from their own menu too. For

details visit

www.mcmullens.co.uk/

millstreatm

What to see: Paradise Wildlife Park

is a fun day out for all the family

and has recently been awarded

Hertfordshire’s best outside attraction

by Trip Advisor. The zoo is home to

over 800 animals including Amur

tigers, snow leopards, European

wolves as well as African penguins

and many more. In 2020, the zoo

launched their first TV series; CBBC’s

One Zoo Three. For details and winter

offers, visit www.pwpark.com.

Something not to be missed: Visit

Hertford Castle this winter as it hosts

its first Christmas market within its

spectacular grounds. Shopping

includes homeware, crafts, jewellery,

as well as festive food and drink to

keep you toasty. Perfect for those

who like to shop early, entry is free,

but you’re encouraged to make a

donation to the Mayor’s charity.

For more information visit

www.hertfordcastle.co.uk

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The winter can play havoc on our skin, health and mental

wellbeing. If the season is taking its toll on you, slip to into a

luxury robe and leave your stresses behind with our editor’s

pick of spas to suit all moods and moments.

Aqua Sana at Elvedon Forest and

Woburn Forest

Set within the Centre Parcs complex, Aqua Sana spas are

also open to day and overnight guests. Surrounded by

forest and featuring multiple sauna options, scented steam

rooms, soothing sounds and outdoor relaxation areas, the

spas are reminiscent of luxury Swiss resorts. Though there’s

no snow-covered mountains in sight, opt for an evening

package for your chance to sip Champagne and bathe

under the stars.

www.aquasana.co.uk

10

Feel-Good

Spas

Escape the cold and retreat to a spa

Written by Emma Kemsley

Sopwell House Spa

The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge

The chic hotel might have a prime location for exploring

the city but it’s also home to a small spa and state-of-theart

gym. During your city break, take time for yourself and

melt your stress away in the sauna and steam room before

relaxing in the bubbling Jacuzzi which overlooks the river.

A choice of massages and facials are available using luxury

Elemis products.

www.theglassworksgym.co.uk/spa-days-packages

Champneys Henlow

The grand Georgian manor will have you feeling as though

you’re on the set of Downton Abbey. Champneys is famed

worldwide for its health focus and spa credentials. This winter

check-in for a ‘Longevity, Life Rejuvenation and Reverse-

Ageing Retreat’. Hosted by Dr Alka Patel, a GP, health coach

and lifestyle medicine physician, the experience centres

around women’s health and how lifestyle can impact the

immune system’s age. Taking place one day a month from

November to March, the retreat features two engaging and

knowledgeable sessions regarding aging and vitality and

includes a biological age test.

www.champneys.com/spa-resorts/henlow

www.dralkapatel.com

Cambridge Country Club, Bourn

Previously known as Bourn Golf & Country Club, the facilities

are sporting a new name and multi-million-pound extension

renovation which includes a luxury spa and gym. Inside the

new 43,000 sq ft development marble adorns the floors and

ceilings, with views from panoramic windows providing the

perfect setting for the ultimate relaxation experience. The

spa is beautifully decorated with marble, antique mirrors

and gold furnishings completed with blush pink highlights.

Facilities include a Himalayan salt spa, relaxation room and

rainforest shower. Guests can make use of the state-of-theart

gym, and swimming pool with whirlpool and poolside

loungers. Guests can indulge in beauty treatments from

Elemis and Gerrard International.

www.cambridgecountryclub.com

Bedford Lodge

Champneys

Down Hall

Weavers House Spa, Lavenham

A little hidden oasis in heart of Suffolk. Surrounded by the

town’s iconic timber framed buildings, the spa features a steam

room, sauna and vitality pool. Take a plunge in the intimate,

heated outdoor pool during the winter surrounded by the

warming glow of the hotel. It’s a small spa but a welcomed

addition to a country break in this pretty Suffolk village.

www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk/spa

Sopwell House, St Albans

For an indulgent overnight spa break check into Sopwell

House. Splash the cash on an overnight stay in a stunning

suite at The Mews, which includes access to The Club at

the Cottonmill. The Club gives visitors entry to areas in the

spa, only accessible to selected groups. The glass-fronted

sauna overlooks the immaculate zen-like gardens and the

swimming pool extends outside for a refreshing experience.

There are multiple areas to relax including a darkened mood

room, plus steam room, gym, and yoga and dance studio.

The treatments are pretty impressive too – sand and sound

massage anyone?

www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/cottonmill-spa/the-club-atcottonmill

Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa,

Woodbridge

If you like to keep active and can’t bear to sit around for too

long, Ufford Park is for you. Set in calming countryside, near

the pretty market town of Woodbridge, the hotel provides

a peaceful environment to relax and rejuvenate. Featuring

the latest thermal spa facilities, including a series of heating

and cooling experiences such as a large hydro-pool,

aroma steam room, mineral grotto and soft sauna, this spa

is all about pampering. Before relaxing, work up a sweat

or embrace your New Year fitness regime at the hotel’s

gymnasium incorporating cardiovascular and resistance

equipment or a challenging 18-hole golf course.

www.uffordpark.co.uk

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, Frinton-on-Sea

Escape everyday life with a day or overnight stay at

Lifehouse Spa and Hotel, near beautiful Frinton-on-Sea. Feel

invigorated with a pool dip and time in the sauna, steam and

salt inhalation rooms. Switch off completely in the relaxation

room which operates a ‘no phone’ policy. Set in 130 acres of

grounds, take time to wander the gardens that bloom with

each season. The spa offers a wealth of treatments to suit

all needs and an extensive activity timetable with classes for

both body and mind.

www.lifehouse.co.uk

Down Hall, Hatfield Heath

Located on the Essex/Hertfordshire border, the stunning

country house with grandeur is ideal for a quiet weekend

break. The hotel offers fine dining and a spa, set within 110

acres of immaculate gardens, parkland and woodlands. If

you’re looking to escape the bustle of everyday life, this is

the spa for you. The spa menu includes a good selection of

treatments, including a luxury double room for couples, plus

hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna to help you detox.

www.downhall.co.uk

The Spa at Bedford Lodge, Newmarket

Retaining the charm and character of a country house whilst

offering modern comforts and luxury, The Spa at Bedford

Lodge is set in the heart of Newmarket, Suffolk. The perfect

place to embark on a wellness journey this January. Guests

can relax and recharge in the hydrotherapy pool, relaxation

room, steam room, sauna and experiential showers. There

are a number of packages on offer this winter including the

‘All About You’ option which includes a 30-minute treatment

such a detoxifying scrub or a dry flotation for a tranquil

state-of-mind, and an exclusive time slot to enjoy a private

experience in the rooftop hot tub. For those who are back to

work, the ‘Evening Bliss’, available from 4pm, could be just

the thing to get you through the dark days of winter.

www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

Tails

About

Town:

The Puppy Boom

Puppy sales soared during the

pandemic with many seeing

lockdown as the perfect opportunity

to seek pet companionship. However,

the puppy boom raised concerns.

Dog theft increased, illegal breeding

was rife and shelters became

overwhelmed with abandoned pets.

A BBC documentary ‘Britain’s Puppy

Boom: Counting the Cost’ shed light

on the impact of the problem.

It’s been awful to read about the

devastating effects. However, I had

no idea how the puppy boom would

filter down to cause problems for

Fletcher too. The pups we’ve seen

on our daily walks are cute and

Fletcher loves playing with them. It

was all fun and games until the five

female puppies of the same age

came into season around the same

time. Cue a very inquisitive and

misbehaved Fletcher.

Next came the problem of finding a

dog sitter during our holiday. I made

some phone calls, but everyone was

full, and I mean everyone! There was

no room at the inn. Our usual lady is

no longer dog sitting which is a real

shame. I relied on recommendations

from others, but they were all fully

booked for at least eight weeks

ahead. At one point I considered a

kennel, though I worried Fletcher

would never forgive me if I took away

his home comforts. It was full.

The search continued for days

and I considered cancelling our

holiday. Finally, a friend of a friend

recommended a sitter and thankfully

(for us) her own holiday had been

cancelled which meant she had

availability for Fletcher. He had a

wonderful time and he bonded with

her child and dogs instantly. That’s

one great thing about owning a

sociable spaniel.

I hope this isn’t standard practice

for the foreseeable. Do I have to

remember to book a dog sitter six

months ahead every time I consider

a holiday? I might start a campaign to

encourage airlines to allow pets on

aeroplanes. I’d happily pay double,

even triple the price, to have Fletcher

in the cabin with me. He already has

a passport. He is ready to go. British

Airways, Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2;

you can expect my email soon!

Speaking of pet friendly. On a recent

visit to Cambridge, I noticed more

stores than usual were sporting a

dog-friendly sticker in the window. I

saw a dog in John Lewis and Zara.

Could this be a reaction to the puppy

boom too?

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9B Chapel Yard, Albert Street, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6HG

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eastlife

Spring issue

Make the most of this Spring

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 7th February

Pet Safety at Christmas

How to keep your dog safe this festive season

Christmas is a time of celebrations. When decorations are

sparkling, gift wrapping is being discarded across the living

room in a frenzy and sweets are aplenty, it’s easy to forget

in the moment, that it’s not just exciting for us, but our pets

too. Christmas might be fun, but it can be hazardous for our

furry friends. Here’s how to ensure the whole family have a

merry Christmas…

A Dog’s Christmas Dinner

We all like to overindulge at Christmas, our pets included.

While you may be tempted to treat your dog this Christmas,

it’s important to understand what foods are suitable for their

sensitive stomachs.

If you’re planning to give your dog a taste of the turkey this

Christmas Day, be careful to ensure there are no bones or

carcass in the meat, even if cooked. Bones are a choking

hazard for dogs. They can easily splinter and become

lodged or puncture your dog’s digestive organs.

Stuffing may be tasty, but it must be avoided by pets. A

mix of sage, onion, leeks and garlic is toxic for dogs. Blue

cheese, nuts and alcohol should also be avoided.

Beware of festive treats especially chocolate. Chocolate

includes a stimulant called theobromine, which is

poisonous to canines. If eaten it can cause vomiting,

diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors and seizures.

It affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys.

Adrian Caunter, clinical director at Vet’s Klinic, said: “The

main dangers are chocolate, raisins and grapes which are

in mince pies, Christmas pudding and many traditional

desserts eaten during the Christmas season. We see

problems like pancreatitis in any dog that overindulges,

especially on fatty foods.”

Décor Dangers

Sparkling Christmas decorations hanging around the home

are tempting for dogs, especially inquisitive puppies. Adrian

added: “Other less common issues are foreign bodies

from Christmas decorations, like tinsel.” If your pet eats a

decoration, or part of, it can cause life threatening intestinal

obstructions.

Be careful where you place your festive plants too. If eaten,

Poinsettia can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach

and lilies are linked to serious kidney damage. Holly and

mistletoe berries may cause upset stomachs, and no one

wants to deal with that on Christmas Day! If your tree drops

its needles, sweep as soon as possible. The sharp points

can pierce paw pads and skin, and are even more harmful

if eaten.

Pet Presents

Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom, there’s still plenty

of ways to include your pet in the family festive celebrations.

Spoil your dog with treats, chews and toys from reputable

pet brands. It will work as the perfect distraction from the

dangers lurking on the dinner table.

Your dog can enjoy a Christmas lunch too. If your pet is

healthy with no allergies, try adding turkey meat with no

skin or bones, green beans, Brussel sprouts, parsnips,

carrots or swede to their dinner for a festive touch!

WIN!

Win a Luxury Dog Hamper!

Visit www.eastlife.co.uk for your chance to win!

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Are face-toface

parents’

evenings

a thing of the

past?

The new academic year is well underway and, after months

of online contact, it’s a relief to see the school day returning

to some sort of normality. However, there is one aspect

of remote school activity that may be here to stay. During

the pandemic virtual parents’ consultations proved very

popular, not only with teachers but with parents too.

Back in November last year, Labour MP Jess Phillips

tweeted: “Last night I attended an online parents’ evening

that gave you five minutes before it cut you off and moved

you on to the next teacher. It was a revelation and the only

thing I think is actually improved by being online.”

It seems she wasn’t the only one to see the benefits. This

year, during lockdown in May, the then Education Recovery

Commissioner, Sir Kevan Collins, said that consultations

would “never be the same again,” adding “Zoom for

parents’ evenings is much better than trying to find a carparking

space on a wet Tuesday and waiting your turn.”

Unexpected benefits

For parents:

• No mad dash to arrive on time

• No need to find a parking space

• No confusion over where each teacher is located

• Appointments are guaranteed to take place on time

• No long queues for a teacher whose appointments

have overrun

• Separated or divorced parents can both attend without

awkwardness

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION

Cambridgeshire school joins Diocese of

Ely Multi-Academy Trust

Headteacher Stephanie

Lockwood with pupils at The

Pathfinder Church of England

Primary School. ©DEMAT

A headteacher of a

Cambridgeshire primary

school says she is delighted

it is becoming part of a

leading educational trust.

The Pathfinder Church of

England Primary School

joined the Diocese of

Ely Multi-Academy Trust

(DEMAT) in September,

having been a local

authority-maintained school

since it opened in 2017.

Headteacher Stephanie Lockwood said the support

provided by the Trust would be beneficial to the school

achieving its ambitions for the future: “Having experienced

leadership at the Trust and the support of other teaching

staff will be hugely valuable to Pathfinder.”

Adrian Ball, CEO of the Trust, said: “We are thrilled to

welcome Pathfinder which has big ambitions for the future

and has worked hard to establish a caring atmosphere and

culture of success among its pupils.”

International recognition for top

educator

Jonathan Barfield Moore,

Brentwood School Deputy Head

(Academic)

Brentwood School Deputy

Head (Academic), Mr

Jonathan Barfield Moore,

has been awarded the

2021 Yale Educator Award

which recognises teachers

from around the world who

inspire and support their

students.

Mr Barfield Moore was

nominated for the award by

former Brentwood School

boarder Din-Ammar Tolj, an

HMC Scholar from Bosnia, who started his scholarship at

the Ivy League university last month.

Mr Barfield Moore, who joined Brentwood in 2014, said:

“This award comes as a great surprise, but also a great

honour. It will take a special place on my desk and remind

me of Din, who was a wonderful student to teach. I have

always wanted to enable my students to become the best

they can be.”

Yale, a private research university based in New Haven,

Connecticut, is one of America’s most prestigious and

highly selective institutions.

• Meetings can be joined from wherever you are,

accommodating other commitments

• A cup of tea (or even a glass of wine – just out of shot)

can be sipped throughout

• It’s a greener option, eliminating the drive to and

from school

For teachers:

• It’s a more efficient use of time

• It’s easier for schools to manage the logistics

• A cup of tea can be grabbed in between conversations

• Less noise in the room results in a more focussed

discussion

• Teachers don’t have to travel home late in the dark

What about the disadvantages?

• With strictly timed sessions, meetings can abruptly end

mid-topic

• The timer counting down on screen can put pressure on

participants

• It relies on parents having good internet connection and

availability of devices

• Sometimes meeting in person is important, particularly

with sensitive issues

• It may be the only time in the year that parents actually

step inside their child’s school

• Body language is not so clear and meetings can feel

more impersonal

Educators are now seeing the benefits of both. The National

Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said it hoped to see

a hybrid model in the future with NAHT General Secretary,

Paul Whiteman, stating: “We know [virtual meetings] have

often made it easier for parents to attend appointments

and have also made it easier for schools to manage the

logistics.”

It seems that many schools agree. A recent survey by

SchoolCloud, the market leading online booking system

for parents’ evenings, found that 60% of schools intend

to use a combination of online and face-to-face meetings

while a third have no plans to go back to traditional parents’

evenings at all.

This is good news for parents who are juggling school

commitments with other responsibilities and also for

those of us who like to pop our slippers on at the end of

a busy day.

New building marks new academic year

at Cambridgeshire college

Sixth Formers enjoying the

new building at Impington

International College

Students at Impington

International College in

Cambridge are reaping

the benefits of a brand

new Sixth Form building

which has opened to

accommodate the 150

students joining for this

academic year: the largest

Year 12 cohort in the last

two years.

The new building has three

large classrooms, a fully

equipped seminar room, an air-conditioned common room

and an outdoor area that provides a dedicated space for

socialising and relaxation between lessons.

Johanna Sale, Vice Principal, said: “Our new building

provides Sixth Form students with an exclusive space,

giving them greater independence and enhancing their

learning experience.”

Year 13 student, Gethin W. said: “The space has breathed

new life into our learning and I appreciate the fact that it

takes less time to get around in between lessons. It has

surpassed all of our expectations.”

Wymondham College commended in the

Bernice McCabe Award

Bernice McCabe and HRH The

Prince of Wales meeting teachers

at the PTI Schools Programme

Day 2011. Credit Benjamin

Ealovega

Education charity, the

PTI, has announced the

History department at

Wymondham College in

Norfolk as commended for

the Bernice McCabe Award

at a ceremony at Merchant

Taylors’ Hall. Bernice McCabe

OBE, who sadly passed

away in February 2019, was

the founding co-director

of the PTI and believed in

the transformative power of

inspiring subject teaching.

The Award has been

created to remember Bernice and to promote and celebrate

excellence in subject leadership in schools. A £5,000

prize and trophy is awarded annually to an exceptional

department which demonstrates the ethos and values of the

PTI through their work within and beyond the curriculum.

The History department at Wymondham College reviewed

their curriculum and to focus on ‘overarching’ and ‘enquiry’

questions and a ‘Story, Source and Scholarship’ approach.

The jury was impressed by the department’s success in

broadening their curriculum.

Little East

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LITTLE EAST

Mum’s the Word:

A Coat of Armour

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

I love shopping. Not just shopping for myself either, I love

shopping with others, for others, for toys, for gifts, for food,

for clothes. I always enjoy shopping. There’s something

about shopping for kids’ clothes though that sucks the

joy out of it for me. I think it’s the seeming endlessness of

replacing clothes that your child wore a handful of times

before then growing out of. It’s like the whole Forth Bridge

thing, just by the time you’ve replaced everything in your

child’s wardrobe, they’ve grown some more, and you need

to start again.

Whilst begrudgingly buying new trainers and steeling

myself for the fact I probably need to buy yet another winter

coat for my son, I thought of my own childhood and the

feelings I had getting a new winter coat and I felt my grip on

my purse strings loosen a little.

As a child you see a winter coat wasn’t the mundane thing

that I see it as through adult eyes. My brand-new coat was

so much more than a necessity, it was the start of a whole

season of adventure.

A winter coat to a child is a suit of armour to protect you

in an epic snowball battle. It’s a storage system for the

conkers that you gather up on the way home from school.

I remember my most beloved childhood coat; it was pink,

puffy and had what felt like a hundred pockets.

When I went out to play in this coat, I didn’t just feel warm,

or fashionable, no, this coat was my detective coat. I had

pockets for hidden gadgets, for my police badge, pockets

for storing evidence or for stashing an imaginary weapon.

Whilst I’m sure my mum felt frustration when I inevitably

grew out of that coat and needed a replacement, I felt

sadness at the end of a rather illustrious season of thwarting

bad guys and saving the day. I knew that, whatever coat

I got the following winter, it wouldn’t be the same as my

multi-pocketed detective gadget coat. And it wasn’t. But it

was the coat that launched a whole new seasonal career as

a travelling minstrel or as a private queen.

So, this year when buying your child’s new winter coat just

try and think of what new adventures you might be igniting.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular,

9 November – 23 December

Thursford, Norfolk

One of the biggest Christmas shows in the UK, The

Thursford Christmas Spectacular blends Christmas

entertainment, with dazzling dancers, beautiful costumes,

and music including seasonal classics and year-round

favourites. It’s a spectacle of colour and talent not to be

missed. There are two performances per day, and this year

promises to be bigger and better than ever before!

Tickets start at £38.

www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular

The North Pole Ice Rink,

19 November – 3 January

Parker’s Piece, Cambridge

Frozen fun is coming to Cambridge this winter with the return

of The North Pole Ice Rink. A great festive day out for adults,

teenagers and children (penguin skating aids are available

for little ones), the rink is available for skating during the day

and evening. The fun continues with the addition of the Big

Wheel and a three lane, real ice slide. After a whizz around

the rink, visitors can warm up at the bar serving traditional

bratwursts, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Prices from £13 per adult, £11 per child.

Family discounts available.

www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk

Santa at Paradise Wildlife Park, selected

dates between

27 November – 24 December

Play

Dates

Enjoy the most wonderful time of year with

our pick of festive and winter events, perfect

for toddlers, tweens and teenagers.

Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Santa’s sleigh is landing at the zoo! Hertfordshire’s leading

outdoor attraction will be dressed for the festive season

featuring a sparkling 20ft Christmas tree and holiday music

to keep you entertained on your walk to see the animals

and dinosaurs. Children can visit the reindeers in the

woodlands before meeting Santa.

www.pwpark.com

LITTLE EAST

Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo,

weekends in December & 18-24 December

Colchester Zoo, Essex

Experience the magic of Christmas at the zoo with festive

treats and activities. Children can visit Santa’s reindeers in

their stables, take part in arts and crafts at the elves workshop

and listen to Christmas tales.

www.colchester-zoo.com

Bedford Christmas Tree Festival,

5-11 December

St Paul’s Square, Bedford

A great way to get into the festive spirit, wander around

the display of creatively decorated Christmas trees from

local businesses and community groups. This year’s theme

is panto!

www.facebook.com/bedfordchristmastreefestival

Santa Sunday’s at Stoke by Nayland,

Sundays in December

Near Colchester, Essex

Escape to the countryside this Christmas and immerse

yourself in the festive spirit at Stoke by Nayland Resort. The

Resort is located in an ANOB and will be transformed into

a magical winter wonderland. Santa comes to town every

Sunday in December to treat families to some festive fun and

a special lunch with the man himself. As well as tucking into

a delicious three-course lunch, each child gets a surprise gift

from Santa and the whole family can join in with the on-site

festive entertainment.

Tickets from £12 per child, aged 2-6 years.

www.stokebynayland.com/christmas/santa-events

IlluminAbbey, 2-4 December

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

The Abbey Gardens will be decorated in a dazzling display of

lights accompanied by music and live entertainment, suitable

for all ages. The 1km route begins at the Eastgate Nursery

entrance, leading through the illuminated gardens and ruins.

Along the way, there will be street theatre, circus acts and

high impact drumming troupe with kaleidoscopic lighting.

The trail takes place 4.30pm-8.30pm.

Tickets; adult £6, child (4-16 years) £4, under 4s go free.

www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/whats-on/

illuminabbey

Christmas Upside Down House,

6 December – 3 January

Lakeside, Essex

Turn your world upside down and capture gravity defying

photos with Santa. The Upside Down House will have a

festive makeover this season. In addition to festive photo

opportunities, visitors will have the chance to enter a

competition to win tickets to other nearby attractions.

www.upsidedownhouse.co.uk

Christmas Spectacular Circus & Water

Show, 11 December – 9 January

Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

The Christmas Spectacular returns with a fantastic display

of music, dance and circus acts. There’ll be sensational

acrobats, aerialists, water displays and the magic of

Christmas with hilarious comedy from Jack Jay and

Ben Langley. This is a great alternative to a traditional

pantomime. Price: Adults £22-£27, children up to 14 years

£13-£17.www.hippodromecircus.co.uk/christmas

Pantomime

It’s that time of year, oh yes, it is! It wouldn’t be Christmas

without a trip to the theatre. This year, pantomime is back

with great casts and hilarity.

Car Park Panto

17 December – Chelmsford City Racecourse –

4.30pm and 7pm

18 December – IWM Duxford – 2pm and 5pm

19 December – London Stansted Airport –

2pm and 5pm

Enjoy the festive cheer of the panto from the comfort of

your car. Car Park Panto in partnership with Birmingham

Stage Company are bringing ‘Horrible Christmas’ to the

region. A festive spin on children’s favourite, ‘Horrible

Histories’, children (and adults) can cheer from their car,

beeping their horn, for an interactive performance. Great

value for money, the event is set to sell out fast!

www.carparkparty.com

Aladdin at Cambridge Arts Theatre,

2 December – 9 January

Aladdin longs for riches, good fortune and his one true love

while stuck working in Widow Twankey’s laundrette. But

when the dastardly Abanazar lures him into the depths of a

deep dark cave, Aladdin’s life is turned upside down! With

the Genie by his side and the magic lamp in his pocket,

Aladdin finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime.

Tickets from £17

www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Dick Whittington and his Cat at Norwich

Theatre Royal, 11 December – 9 January

The classic story of Dick Whittington comes to the stage in

Norwich this Christmas. A rag to riches tale of a young man

who leaves home with only his cat to find fame and fortune.

Audiences can expect lively songs, music, dance and

slapstick comedy.

www.norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/dick-whittington

Beauty and the Beast at Chelmsford Civic

Theatre, 26 November – 3 January

The Disney classic is bought to life on stage and given a

pantomime twist. The story of love and transformation

will include fantastic sets, dazzling costumes and plenty

of singing.

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres/whats-on/childrenand-families/beauty-and-the-beast

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at The

Alban Arena, 10 December – 3 January

Laugh, cheer and boo your way through the story of

Snow White. The performance sees the return of theatre

favourites and familiar faces including Chizzy Akudolu, who

starred in Holby and EastEnders. The theatre promises this

will be its biggest and funniest festive treat to date!

www.alban-arena.co.uk/events/snow-white-theseven-dwarfs-2

Cinderella at Theatre Royal Bury St

Edmunds, 26 November – 16 January

The fairytale of Cinderella and Prince Charming is this year’s

pantomime of choice. It’s a story of love and laughter. For

extra fun, check out the gala performance which includes

fancy dress before the show, a goodie bag, ice cream,

nibbles and drinks.

www.theatreroyal.org/shows/cinderella

Rapunzel at Bedford Corn Exchange,

21 December – 1 January

A Christmas and New Year treat, the Bedford Pantomime

Company return with festive traditional pantomime fun as

they present the tale of Rapunzel and her luscious locks.

www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/rapunzel-atangled-pantomime

Santa Railway Specials

The best festive railway experiences for families

Bring the magic of Christmas to life with a journey on a

steam train to visit Santa. Create special memories with

the whole family as you hop abroad for festive fun and ride

through the countryside. You’ll need to be quick; tickets sell

out fast!

North Norfolk Railway

Weekends 27 November – 19 December,

daily from 20-24 December

A truly magical experience for children, journey through

the glorious North Norfolk countryside to meet Santa. The

festive feeling begins as the puffing steam train rolls into

the platform at Sheringham Station. Grab a warming cup of

soup or hot drink from The Old Luggage Office then hop

aboard. With a toot of the horn, the train starts its route to

the charming Edwardian station at Weybourne. Seasonal

refreshments will be waiting then it’s a stroll through the

beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Kingdom to meet

Santa and his elves. There’s a gift for every child and

photo opportunities before the return journey back to

Sheringham. The railway will also host the ‘Norfolk Lights

Express’ from 15 November to 3 January. The train will

shine brightly, illuminated with colourful lights as it journeys

through the countryside.

Price: From £22, babes in arms £10 for Santa Specials.

Norfolk Lights Express £18 per person.

www.nnrailway.co.uk/santa_specials-2021

Bure Valley Railway, 4-24 December

Departing from Wroxham Station, take a trip to see Father

Christmas in his grotto where he’ll be waiting in his railway

sleigh with gifts for children. There are songs, games and

festive refreshments. With so much fun on offer, it’s no

wonder this Christmas event has been running for over

25 years.

Price: Adult £15, children £15

www.bvrw.co.uk

LITTLE EAST

Leigh Caudwell, NNR Bure Valley Railway

Bressingham Railway

28 November – 24 December

The village and gardens sparkle with rows of festoon

lighting and festive décor. Take a journey on the steam train

on the Fen Railway, then visit Santa, his wife and elves in

the grotto. Though some safety restrictions are in place,

which includes no live entertainment in the village hall and

no sitting with Santa directly, there’s still a magical element

to this event. Tickets include a train ride, visit to Santa with

a gift, a ride on the gallopers and entry to the Dad’s Army

Exhibition which will also be decorated for Christmas.

Price: Adults from £12.50, children aged 3-12 years from

£15.50 and under 3s from £8.

www.bressingham.co.uk

Epping Ongar Railway

Light Fantastic;

19 November – 9 January

Santa Specials; 4-24 December

There’s a choice of two wonderful experiences at the

railway this winter. Steam and diesel trains will sparkle

with colourful lights for the ‘Light Fantastic’ event from 19

November to 9 January, an illuminative experience with

dazzling displays and on-board music and narrative. Then

there’s the ‘Santa Specials’, available on selected dates

from 4 to 24 December. The station comes alive with festive

spirit as the elves keep little ones entertained before they

board the train for a meet and greet. Each child will receive

a gift, there are festive treats and the chance to write a letter

to Santa.

Price: Light Fantastic £20 per person.

Santa Specials from £160 for up to six people.

www.eorailway.co.uk/events

Mid Norfolk Railway

13 November – 23 December

Recreating the magic of the iconic festive film ‘The Polar

Express’, the theatrical train ride will take families on an

immersive experience of sights, sounds and festivities from

Dereham Station. From the moment the conductor shouts

“All aboard”, the magic begins. Chefs and waiters dance

through the carriages serving cookies and hot chocolate

and share the story of The Polar Express. Santa will hop

aboard to spread his festive cheer and deliver a present to

each child. This is one of the most magical family Christmas

experiences of the season so early booking is advised.

Price: Standard from £26, premium from £39.50

www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com

Colne Valley Railway

Weekends in December and

21-22 December

A lovely Christmas day out for children. The experience

begins with a visit to Santa’s grotto, it’s then all aboard the

diesel train to collect a present from Santa’s toy shop.

Price: From £40

www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk

Bure Valley Railway

Create special memories with the

whole family as you hop abroad

for festive fun and ride through

the countryside

Audley End Miniature Railway

20 November – 24 December

One of the most popular railway experiences in the region,

this is a traditional Christmas experience which will create

ever-lasting memories. Designed to be a winter wonderland,

the small train runs through the woodlands adorned in

Christmas decorations, complete with dancing elves and

festive fairies. So much more than a train journey, children

will have the opportunity to send a letter to the North Pole,

meet Santa and receive a gift, visit the gingerbread house

and playground, make reindeer food and watch Mother

Christmas’ interactive show. Tickets sell out fast!

Price: Adults and children over 92cm £18-£25, children

under 92cm £9-£12.50.

www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/events/christmasspecial-2021

Leighton Buzzard Railway

4-24 December

There’s a choice of festive fun this December as the railway

hosts its Santa Steam Specials for children in the lead up to

Christmas with the opportunity to enjoy a 25-minute train

journey and meet Santa in his grotto at Pages Park. While

Santa takes a break over the festive period, the Mince Pie

Specials will offer train enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the

historic narrow-gauge railway and festive refreshments on

27, 28 and 29 December.

Price: Santa Specials; adults £10, children £11.

Mince Pie Specials; adults £8, children £5

www.buzzrail.uk/special-events

Mid Suffolk Light Railway

Weekends in December

A lovely festive event, the train departs from Brockford

Station and takes children on a journey to meet Santa at a

decorated ‘North Pole Halt’. There’s a Christmas market too!

Price: £25 for a compartment for up to two people

www.mslr.org.uk/visit-us/santa-specials

Nene Valley Railway

27 November – 24 December

The traditional railway and steam engine creates the perfect

Christmas experience. Santa will meet and greet each child

with a gift on arrival. It’s then a party aboard the classic

carriages as festive cheer fills the air and everyone tucks

into seasonal food and drink. There are four ticket options

available including the opportunity to have your very own

private first-class lounge with personal server.

Price: Adults from £18, children from £18

www.nvr.org.uk

East Anglian Railway Museum

Selected dates from 4-19 December

A must for Thomas the Tank Engine fans! Children’s

favourite trains, Thomas and friends, steam into Chappel

& Wakes Colne Station for festive fun. Little ones can take

a ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and Sodor

station sweepers, Rusty and Dusty. There is plenty to keep

children entertained with re-enactments, storytelling, model

railways, themed activities and an optional visit to see

Father Christmas.

Price: Adults £16.50, children £12.10, under 2s free.

www.earm.co.uk/days-out-with-thomas

Santa Claus is

coming to town!

The best places in the East of England to

meet Father Christmas

Bring a little magic to the festive season and a smile to the

faces of your little ones with a visit to see Santa.

Father Christmas at Wardown,

11-22 December

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Old Bedford Road,

Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 7HA

Curl up with Miss Christmas for a story in the library before

joining Father Christmas in the dining room for a gift from

under the tree. Afterwards, you’ll be treated to milk and

cookies with the friendly elves.

Child £14, adult £6.

www.culturetrust.com

The Magic of Christmas,

3-24 December

Mead Open Farm Stanbridge Road, Billington,

Bedfordshire, LU7 9JH

Meet Father Christmas, join the Elf Academy,

make a bear, choose a toy in the Magical

Shop, visit Mother Christmas and Merry

Berry’s kitchen, and make reindeer food

to sprinkle on Christmas Eve.

Child from £25, adult from £18.

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Father Christmas at

the Fen,

4-21 December

Wicken Fen, Lode Lane,

Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire,

CB7 5XP

Make a decoration with the

elves, and collect a craft

pack, before popping into the

Fen Cottage where Father

Christmas will be warming his

toes by the fire. He’ll have a

present for you too!

£10 per child (accompanying

adults free).

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

LITTLE EAST

Dine with Santa, 5-23 December

Knebworth Barns, Old Knebworth Lane, Knebworth, Hertfordshire,

SG3 6PY

Enjoy an early Christmas treat with a meal at Knebworth Barns,

complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Lunch

and dinner available with roast turkey or nut roast plus all the

trimmings and a delicious dessert.

Adult £34.20, child £26.40.

www.knebworthhouse.com

Festive Express, 4-24 December

Santa’s Woodland Grotto,

16-23 December

Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Countryside Centre,

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 6DB

Cheeky elves will greet you before you make your way

through the woven willow tunnels, with a few surprise guests

on the way. Santa and Mrs Claus will be waiting for you with a

special gift. From £20 per child (accompanying adults free).

www.ticketsource.co.uk

The Father Christmas Experience,

13 November-24 December

Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers,

Essex, CM3 5WP

Become an honorary elf at the Elf Academy, step into the

Snow Show, visit Mother Christmas’ kitchen and meet

Father Christmas. Back on the farm, enjoy festive rides and

ice skating.

From £35 per person.

www.marshfarm.co.uk

Santa Spectacular,

20 November-24 December

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney,

St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF

Head through Winter Wonderland to Santa’s grotto and

choose a gift. Make a soft toy, decorate gingerbread, hop

aboard Tristan Tractor, and enjoy the funfair rides and ice rink.

Child from £45, under 2s from £22, adult from £23.

www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Christmas at Paradise,

27 November-24 December

White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA

Walk through the fairy light tunnel and visit Santa’s grotto.

The park will be transformed with beautiful decorations,

complete with a 20ft Christmas tree. See Santa’s reindeer in

the Woodland Walk too.

Children from £20, adults from £22.

www.pwpark.com

Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham,

Norfolk, NR11 6BW

Hop on board a steam train to Brampton and enjoy refreshments

in your own heated private compartment. Visit Santa and his

elves in his grotto where each child will receive a personalised

present.

£15 per person.

www.bvrw.co.uk

The Christmas Experience,

4-24 December

Wroxham Barns, Tunstead Road, Hoveton Norfolk,

NR12 8QU

Meet the elves at college, visit the real animal nativity, build a

teddy and join Mrs Claus’ kitchen workshop before story time

with Santa. Enjoy unlimited play at the Fun Park.

Child from £17.95, under 2 £11.50, adults from £14.50.

www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

Santa’s Workshop, 4-23 December

Kersey Mill, Hadleigh Road, Kersey, Suffolk, IP7 6DP

Collect lost gifts for Santa en route to the workshop where you

can take part in the Christmas preparations, including loading the

sleigh. Meet the candy elf, receive a gift and make a craft item.

Child £32.50 including one adult, additional adults £15.

www.kerseymill.net

Kentwell at Christmas, 4-12 December

High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9BA

Step back in time to meet Victorian characters celebrating a

traditional Christmas, with a visit to Father Christmas. The House

and gardens will be also open.

Child 2-3 from £10, 4-11 from £20, 12-15 from £27.50,

adult from £32.50.

www.kentwell.co.uk

Christmas at Easton Park Farm,

4-24 December

Easton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 0EQ

Magical activities including wishing tree craft, meet the Christmas

animals, gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making, elf

workshop present picking and meet Father Christmas.

Children £17.95, adults £10.

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Have you hit a bit of a roadblock when it comes to your personal

or professional goals? Are you struggling with anxiety or finding it

hard to feel confident? Are you finding that you’re having difficulty

maintaining the important relationships in your life?

As a personal life coach, Carrie Johnson is dedicated to helping people

improve their lives by teaching them the tools they need to become

their true, authentic selves.

It’s not just women who can benefit from life coaching. More often

than not, males forget that their mental health is just as important as

their physical health. A big part of what Carrie does is to draw on her

own experience of being a mother to a son who lives a positive life by

focussing on his fitness goals. This not only helps his physical health

but keeps his mind healthy too.

No matter what your goals, if you put your mind to something, you will

and can achieve it. If you would like a life coach who can help you see

your potential, reach out to Carrie Johnson today.

“

To find out more or to book your free introductory

session, you can reach out to Carrie via email

cambridgelifecoaching@gmail.com or on the

phone 07736 344774

While I was sceptical at the start, I have been overwhelmed at the power of the coaching sessions and inspiring

insights into myself that I’ve received. These sessions have definitely helped me to gain a better emotional

understanding of myself and how I have previously allowed the past to impact the here and now. With Carrie’s

help, I have been able to develop emotionally intelligent strategies that influence all areas of my day-to-day.

What a wonderful experience, thank you for inviting me to go on this journey with you.

“

K. Gregory

Are you worried about

a men’s health problem?

At Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital our expert men’s health consultants can

diagnose your symptoms and provide you with quick access to a range of treatments.

Here are just some of the treatments our men’s health experts provide at Brentwood:

• Circumcision

• Colonoscopy

• Cryotherapy

• Cystoscopy

• Enlarged prostate

• Erectile dysfunction

• Gynaecomastia

• Hernia repair

• Kidney stones

• Prostate screening

• Prostate surgery

• Prostatic urethral lift

• Testicular lumps

• Urinary incontinence

• Vasectomy

• Vasectomy reversal.

For more information

Call 01277 886706

Visit nuffieldhealth.com/brentwood

Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital

Shenfield Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8EH

MEN’S HEALTH

Testicular Cancer:

What every man

should know

Testicular cancer is relatively uncommon and little understood. It doesn’t get a

lot of press. This leaves many men uninformed, vulnerable to late diagnosis and

unduly concerned about the condition.

Mr Anil Vohra, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Nuffield Health Brentwood

Hospital, explains the facts:

It’s not that common

• Cancer of the testicle is one of the less common

cancers and tends to mostly affect men between 15

and 49 years of age.

• Testicular cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer,

accounting for just 1% of all cancers that occur in men.

• Around 2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer

each year in the UK.

But it’s the most common cancer in

younger men

Although it is relatively uncommon overall, testicular cancer

is the most common type of cancer to affect men between

the ages of 15 and 49.

So, it’s a key cancer to be aware of throughout this life

stage. Most cases of testicular cancer are found by accident

by the men themselves.

Who’s most at risk?

If you have an immediate family member who’s been

diagnosed with testicular cancer, then your risk is 10 times

higher than average. Men who have low fertility or have

had one or both testicles fail to descend naturally into

the scrotum also have heightened risk. For reasons that

are unclear, white men have a higher risk of developing

testicular cancer than men from other ethnic groups.

If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, you also

need to be observed for signs of recurrence between five

and 10 years, so it’s very important that you attend your

follow-up appointments.

Don’t panic – the overwhelming

majority survive

The number of cases of testicular cancer diagnosed each

year in the UK has roughly doubled since the mid-1970s.

Again, the reasons for this are unclear.

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable types of

cancer, and the outlook is one of the best for cancers.

In England and Wales, almost all men (99%) survive for a

year or more after being diagnosed with testicular cancer,

and 98% survive for five years or more after diagnosis.

You’ll probably lose a testicle

For obvious reasons, many men are alarmed at this

prospect, but it’s a small price to pay. If you have testicular

cancer the first step is usually to remove the affected testicle

(orchidectomy). This is the most effective way to ensure the

cancer doesn’t spread, which could save your life.

Removing one testicle won’t impact your sex life – you’ll

still produce plenty of sperm and testosterone with the

remaining testicle. A prosthetic testicle can even be inserted

into the scrotum to maintain its appearance. When the

cancer is more advanced, chemotherapy and radiotherapy

can then be used to prevent the cancer from returning.

It’s very unlikely you’ll lose both

testicles

Bi-lateral orchidectomy, or removal of both testicles, is

extremely rare and necessary in only one in every 100

procedures. Losing both testicles to cancer will prevent

you from producing sperm and testosterone naturally.

Testosterone can be replaced through injections or skin

patches to help you maintain a healthy sex life. Sperm can

also be banked before the procedure if you wish to father

children in the future.

How to self-check

Self-checking is especially important if you’re affected

by one or more risk factors. But all men can benefit from

understanding what feels normal for them.

Gently roll each testicle between your index finger and

thumb to help identify any irregularities. When you are

checking your testicles, you may feel a rounded tube

towards the back of each testicle that may be tender. This

is normal and is called the epididymis. It is part of the male

reproductive system. It’s easiest to check your testicles

when they’re warm and relaxed – after a shower or bath

is ideal.

Other symptoms

• A hard lump on the front or side of the testicle

• Swelling or enlargement of the testicle

• Sharp pain or dull ache in the testicle or scrotum which

may come and go

• An unusual difference between one testicle and

the other

• A heavy or dragging feeling in the scrotum

Don’t hesitate to see a specialist

If you are concerned that you have a lump or pain in your

testicles, don’t let embarrassment stand in the way of your

health. Get it checked out as soon as possible. Many lumps

are non-cancerous. If there is no problem (which is most

commonly the case) then you will be reassured, and if there

are cancer cells found, early detection greatly improves the

success of treatment.

What to look out for

Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in

one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of

the testicles.

The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea but

may be larger.

Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not in the

testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but they should never

be ignored.

Mr Anil Vohra is a Consultant

Urological Surgeon at Nuffield

Health Brentwood Hospital and

specialises in all aspects of core

urology and erectile dysfunction.

He has a further clinical interest in

laser prostate surgery,

endo-urology, laparoscopy,

and female urology.

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Brentwood Hospital, Shenfield Road, Brentwood,

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Winter

Warmers

FASHION

Are gloves the perfect winter accessory?

Written by Ruth Essex | www.ruthessex.com

Anyone who knows my personal style will be well aware of

my beautiful collection of coloured leather gloves. Indeed,

one of the advantages of the cooler weather is that I get to

wear, and enjoy, my lovely collection. I have a whole drawer

full of them, carefully lined up in a rainbow of colours and a

section just for the neutral ones.

They are mainly leather, but there are also a few pairs in

cashmere and wool ones too. For a nice pair of leather

gloves the price varies enormously from under £20 to over

£200, but I have to admit I found many of mine in charity

shops. It is a testament to good quality lasting.

To determine the quality of a glove, touch them to feel

how soft the leather is. Too thick and they will be stiff; and

too thin and they will snag easily. A sign of a good leather

glove is in the construction. Look for gloves that have a

separate piece of leather between the fingers. This is called

the fourchette and gives flexibillity. The best quality leather

gloves also have a triangle or diamond shaped piece of

leather, the quirk, at the base of the fourchette. This gives

maximum movement of the leather and the best fit.

Gloves are still sized in inches and to find your perfect fit,

measure around your knuckles, the widest part of your

hand. Mine measures seven and a quarter inches which

puts me between two gloves sizes: seven and seven and

a half. As leather gloves stretch out over time, if you are

between sizes then go down, rather than up, so you keep

a good fit.

We might not wear them very often for driving anymore, like

my mother used to do, but you can choose a pair just to add

a little extra style to your outfit. Select a neutral pair, or have

a little more fun by picking a colour you love, and upgrade

even the simplest of your winter outfits.

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FASHION

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We’ve got winter wrapped up with trending styles and gift ideas for

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There’s no need to sacrifice being warm in the name of fashion as this season’s trends are all about

comfort and functionality. Here’s what to add to your winter wardrobe for an instant fashion fix.

Country Cool

Make fashion functional by layering a

gilet for a warm but stylish look. With

the British weather unpredictable,

layering is perfect for long winter

walks. Add a gilet over a jumper and

complete the look with an oversized

coat. For milder days, add a gilet to

a hoody.

Cream borg gilet,

River Island

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Chancellor gilet,

Crew Clothing

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Return of the Puffer

This season is all about padding; the

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the puffer coat is back! There are two

styles; puffer and quilted. Whichever

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you’re wrapped up in a big duvet.

Stone longline

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Tu at Sainsburys

£48

Stella sustainable

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Reboot your footwear with a

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Weddings

How to

Choose

a Winter

Wedding

Venue

Wedding planner, Katrina Otter, shares her top tips for choosing a winter wedding venue

Written by Katrina Otter | www.katrinaotterweddings.co.uk

Winter weddings can be magical and utterly romantic –

think warm cosy fires, toasty blankets, crisp blue skies,

mulled wine, rich and warm berry tones with plenty of

foliage and an abundance of candlelight. There are of

course some inevitable issues and factors that need to be

considered when planning a wedding during the darker

and colder months, especially when it comes to choosing

the perfect winter wedding venue.

What makes a good winter

wedding venue

1. A venue that is weather-proof and warm (even having

the option to bring in additional heaters) so that you

and your guests will remain cosy and comfortable

throughout the day.

2. A venue where the inside is just as spectacular and

intriguing as the grounds and garden, especially as

guests will be spending their time wrapped up indoors.

3. A venue that has plenty of indoor space and

ideally a number of different rooms that are able to

accommodate the various elements of the day such as

separate rooms for a ceremony and reception.

4. A venue that offers plenty of onsite or nearby

accommodation as guests are less likely to want to

travel at the end of the evening.

5. A venue that will work with and compliment a winter

wedding colour palette and can also accommodate

candlelight or additional lighting.

6. A venue that isn’t too far from suitable transport and

road links.

Things to consider

Try to schedule venue visits and recces at a similar time of

year to your wedding so that you’ll know what to expect

on the day. There’s also less risk then of you falling in love

with an element of your venue that might not necessarily be

there during the winter months, for example a rose garden.

Don’t be afraid to ask a potential venue about logistical

issues and weather contingency plan. If possible, try to

have your ceremony and reception in the one venue, or

venues as close to each other as possible as this will make

transport easier in case of bad weather.

When it comes to finding the perfect winter wedding venue

the great news is that there are plenty of gorgeous styles

of venues in East Anglia that lend themselves beautifully to

this season.

Planning a winter wedding? Check out these

great venues in the East:

Hengrave Hall, Suffolk

The Granary Barns, Suffolk

Chaucer Barn, Norfolk

Bassmead Manor Barns, Cambridgeshire

Sibton Park, Suffolk

Bruisyard Country Estate, Suffolk

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Motoring

CUPRA

Formentor

e-Hybrid

Written by Sue Cooke | Twitter @cookecars

When the driver delivered the CUPRA Formentor to me this week he commented that

the styling turns heads and people keep asking what car it is. The same has happened

to me all week but I love a car that is different. This Coupe SUV is absolutely gorgeous.

CUPRA is the sporty brand of the Spanish manufacturer, SEAT. CUPRA stands for cup

racing and links with SEAT’s motorsport involvement. CUPRA was launched in 2018 as

a standalone brand and the Formentor is the first model designed and developed for

the CUPRA brand. This high-performance crossover, which is named after the iconic

cape on the island of Mallorca, combines cutting-edge technology, high-performance

engines and that striking exterior design.

The man letting me into the skip gushed over the wolf head icon on the front grille. I

like the twin exhaust pipes with copper trim, electrically adjustable, folding and heated

door mirrors and LED headlights and taillights with dynamic indicators.

The copper trim edges the three-zone air conditioning and the black nappa leather

heated bucket seats have copper stitching and an embroidered CUPRA logo in the

headrest. I find the seats are very comfortable, particularly on a long journey.

In fact, the longer the journey the better. I didn’t want to get out of this SUV. The digital

cockpit has a huge touchscreen and when reverse is engaged, the rear-view camera

picks up a very good view behind the car. I also find the controls on the touchscreen

are easy to understand and to use. I like that when a car drives alongside me, say on

the motorway, a thin blue line alert shows across the inside of the door.

Between the seats there is a short gear lever which the driver lightly pushes to engage

reverse, neutral, drive and sport. The handbrake, a switch that flicks up or down, is

positioned in front of the gear lever.

The plug-in hybrid version I road tested is powered by a 1.4 litre TSi engine, and a

116PS (85kW) electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. In electric only range, the

Formentor quietly meanders around the local shops with a range of up to 34 miles. The

battery can be charged from 0-100% in 3 hours 33 minutes, using a 3.6kW AC charger.

Facts at a Glance:

Model: CUPRA Formentor 1.4 eHybrid

VZ2 DSG

Price: £40,260

Engine: 1.4 litre TSI and lithium-ion battery

totalling 245PS

Performance: 0-62mph in 7 seconds and

on to a top speed of 130mph

CO 2 emissions: 33g/km (WLTP)

Fuel economy: 176.6-188.3 mpg (WLTP)

This CUPRA can accelerate very quickly when needed for quick overtaking, from

0-62mph in seven seconds, charging on to a top speed of 130mph. The new

powertrain delivers a combined fuel consumption of up to 188.3mpg and produces

CO 2 emissions as low as 33g/km (WLTP).

There is a range of advanced technologies which include keyless entry and start

(KESSY), rain sensing wipers, front fog lamps with cornering function, multi-function

steering wheel, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, park assist

sensors and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

After a week of road testing the CUPRA Formentor e-Hybrid, I can’t find anything I don’t

like about it and I really wish I could road test it for longer. Look out for the first 100%

electric model, the CUPRA el-Born.

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CONSUMER

Martin

Lewis

Get paid to save for

your first home

The stamp duty holiday

may be ending, but there’s

still another route to free

cash for first-time buyers

– if you’re the right age

at least. Put money in a

Lifetime ISA (LISA) and

the state chucks an extra

25% on top, up to £1,000

every year.

It’s the powerhouse financial move. To

open a LISA, which is a tax-free savings

account, you need to be aged at least

18 and you can get one up until the

day before your 40th birthday.

Here are my 10 key need-to-knows.

1. It’s only for someone who’s

never owned or part-owned a

home.

2. You can use it to buy any

residential property (not buy-tolet)

costing up to £450,000.

3. You get a 25% bonus on

everything, up to £4,000 per

tax year, you put in until you’re

aged 50. So, if you save £1,000,

you’ll have £1,250, and if you save

the full £4,000, you’ll have £5,000.

4. Each person has their own LISA,

so couples can have one each.

Two first-time buyers, buying a

property together costing £450,000

or less, can BOTH open one and

save in it, doubling the bonus.

5. A first-time buyer, buying with

someone who’s already owned,

can still get the bonus.

6. You need to have your LISA

open for at least a year to use it

to buy a house (so EVERYONE

should open one with £1+ now).

Even if you’re not ready to start

saving, open it with £1 to get the

clock started, then when you are

ready, there’s no wait (and if not,

withdraw the £1 and you’ll get 94p

back – no biggie).

7. LISAs can be used for your

home exchange and mortgage

deposits. When you’re ready to

buy, your house purchase solicitor

will need to sort out the money for

you.

8. LISAs can also be used for

retirement savings. The money

and bonus can also be taken

out once you hit age 60. Though

putting money in a pension is

more efficient for most.

9. Withdraw cash for owt else,

and there’s a penalty. You can

take your money out whenever

you want, but if it’s not for the

property – or at retirement – there’ll

be a 25% penalty (remember

you’ve already been given a 25%

bonus). The maths works out that

for every £100 you put in, you get

£93.75 back.

10. You can have a LISA alongside

other ISAs. The overall ISA limit

is £20,000 in the 2021/22 tax

year. You’re allowed to split this

between a LISA (up to the max

£4,000) and put the remainder in a

cash ISA, stocks & shares ISA and/

or an innovative finance ISA in the

same tax year.

The number of providers

offering LISAs is limited

There are two flavours of LISA: cash

LISAs, which are savings accounts,

and stocks & shares LISAs for those

who want to invest. Sadly, supply

of LISAs is limited as providers are

nervous that if people put money in

them for retirement when it’s not right

for them, they could face mis-selling

claims. This is a LISA design fault that

I and others warned about from the

early days, but sadly it’s never been

dealt with. Yet that shouldn’t put firsttime

buyers off.

The top LISA providers and rates can

change at any time, so to find the

current top payers go to the constantly

updated guide at

www.moneysavingexpert.com/

LISAs. You’ll also find information

there on the best stocks & shares LISA

options – though those tend to be

best for those planning on not using

the money for at least five years.

Should I shift my Help to

Buy ISA to a LISA?

My full explanation of which is best is

at www.moneysavingexpert.com/

Help2BuyOrLISA, but in a nutshell…

If you’ll DEFINITELY buy a home

for less than the LISA maximum of

£450,000, are aged 18 to 39, and you

WON’T do it within a year of opening,

and can max out the savings, it may be

worth switching to a LISA as you will

get a bigger bonus.

Yet if you’re BUYING QUICKLY, you’re

40 or over, or you’re not 100% sure

you’ll buy at all, then it’s safer to stick

with your H2B ISA.

Martin Lewis is the

Founder and Chair of

MoneySavingExpert.com.

To join the 7.5 millioan

people who get his free

Money Tips weekly email,

go to

www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

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Business

101

Back to Basics

Written by Tara-Louise McCaughey

Over the past year, nearly every

business has gone online. Your

business needed to grow online, but

do you feel like you are still going

round and round in circles? New

updates, algorithms and trying to

keep up with recent trends all while

trying to run your business, is a lot.

Business 101 will help you battle

the online world while still having

the time to run your business on the

ground. Your business social media

profiles will be ready to welcome new

customers with open arms with my

simple tips and tricks.

Let’s go back to basics. When setting

up a business page on any platform,

you have sections to fill out. 90% of

the time, you forget to go back and

update them. It could be anything

from new opening hours, service

updates or maybe just a general

refresh on your message to new and

old customers. Follow my checklist

below to make sure your profiles are

ready for business.

Business Name: Make sure

all your profiles have the same

name. Gone are the days of having

one name for Facebook, one for

Instagram and another for Twitter.

Consistency is key to a strong brand

presence. Plus, it makes it easier for

people to find and interact with you

online.

Page category: This helps

people to see from the start what

your business is about. Page/

account categories are used on

both Facebook and Instagram. They

have a wide range to choose from

but select the closest one to it if your

business sector is not listed. It also

helps when people are searching

for a service, product or business.

Facebook and Instagram will bring

these up in searches. Think of it as a

social network Yellow Pages.

Location: A must-have for local

businesses, make sure your address

is correct on Facebook as they now

have a direction feature that links to

the map on your phone. Again it also

brings you up in searches. Perfect for

tourists who don’t know the area.

Contact details: Keep these

updated and check you have the

correct email address, website and

phone number listed. You could be

missing potential new customers

who cannot contact you.

Website links: If you have a

website, ensure the URL is working

correctly and bringing customers to

your main page. For example, if you

are a restaurant, you would want

to be driving people to either your

booking details or menus. It should

be the landing page linked to your

Facebook or Instagram website links.

You can also use Linktree or another

URL sharing software to add in more

options.

Opening hours: Update this

section each season. Do you open at

different times over the summer and

winter months? Have you changed

your open days? It is the first place

someone will check, and having the

wrong times can lose you customers.

Profile image: If you are using

your logo, make sure it’s clear and of

high quality. It is the first impression

you make on customers viewing your

page. Set a strong image from the

start. If you are using a location shot

inside your business, make sure it’s

clear and lets customers know who

you are. I would advise using a logo

if you are a business and a friendly

headshot or logo of yourself if you

are a service.

For more tips on using your social

media platforms to grow your

business, you can follow me online

@zincmediaagency, or if you would

like help and support growing online,

we are now taking on new clients,

but don’t miss out. We are a bespoke

agency, and our books never stay

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Retire in style

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of wine as the sun sets, as well as having the guest suite

available for friends and family to book.

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Beyond your apartment, there are plenty of amenities to

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Home

Sweet

Home

Interior experts share their top

looks for 2022

This year’s interior design trends take

inspiration from far-flung destinations

and nature. Colour makes a

comeback and classic styles are

revived. For a home that feels

stylish yet warm, read our interior

expert’s advice.

Bold & Bright

Moving away from 2021’s love for all

things neutral, Farrow & Ball’s colour

curator, Joa Studholme, predicts ‘that

simple and familiar colours in clever

combinations will be experiencing a

revival in the home in 2022.’

“There’s something inherently human

in the colours that we are attracted

to for 2022,” explains Joa. “Décor

is moving forward while drawing

inspiration from the modest character

of the world of folk and craft. Function

goes hand in hand with ornament,

using colours and finishes in unusual

ways to celebrate the principles of

utility, kindness and honesty.”

Try adding colour to your home paired

with Farrow & Ball’s School House

White. Joa suggests it’s the ideal

shade that is ‘timeless and familiar but

has a subtle sophistication that makes

it the perfect foil for stronger hues.’

Farrow and Ball’s recommended

colours for 2022 include Babouche

for a hint of sunshine, Incarnadine

for an affect that’s happy and bold,

and Breakfast Room Green – a good

option as a background for art.

Japandi

The combination of Japanese and

Scandi styles hit the interiors scene

in 2021, and it looks set to continue

for the year ahead. A mix of interior

design elements from both cultures,

the look can easily be achieved in the

home by simply adding accessories.

Amy Hillary, interiors writer at

wallsauce.com, said: “Japandi is

about embracing a clean, minimalist

look that finds beauty in the imperfect

– otherwise known as “wabi-sabi”.

For instance, choose handmade

pottery that isn’t perfectly smooth or

symmetrical.”

76

For Scandi vibes natural materials

are essential. Amy adds: “The natural

look will continue into the New Year

where organic materials will show our

growing concern for sustainability.

Seek items made from rattan, hemp

and wicker, such as storage baskets,

lamp shades, rugs and chairs, to

show your home’s connection to the

outdoors. Don’t forget to incorporate

leafy green plants, such as spider

plants and monsteras, to achieve

purified air environments.”

Bring the Japandi look together by

adding emerald-green, which is set

to be one of the hottest colours in

2022. Amy suggests choosing ‘dark

green shaded paint for the walls and

embrace decadent velvet green

upholstered items such as divans and

armchairs.’

Bring the Outside In

Embrace the great outdoors inside

the comfort of your home. While

house plants remain a popular

decorative option, wall art can also

bring a home to life. A cost-effective

way of updating your home, framed

prints can add instant style. Leading

online print shop, Desenio, brings

the wild into your home this autumn/

winter with its ‘Woodland Retreat’

collection. The prints are designed

to create rooms that evoke feelings

associated with wild forests and a

sense of calm. Images combine the

shades of nature with a full spectrum

of green hues from dark to light.

WFH Makeover

We’ve become comfortable with

working from home over the last

18 months. With many businesses

re-evaluating how staff work and

continuing with flexi office hours and

working from home, it’s time to break

free from the colours of the corporate

world and give our home office an

overhaul.

TV Celebrity Interior Designer & Co-

Founder of La Di Da Interiors, Steph

Briggs, advises ‘a glamourous desk

set at the right height’ is what we

need in our home.

She adds: “We are no longer bound

by corporate colours and practical

laminate desks. Splashes of colour,

unique patterns and prints, beautiful

artwork and scented flowers all

make for a delightfully beautiful

and joyfully personal, individual

place of work. Via zoom, your home

office is an extension of your work

wardrobe; a reflection of your style

and personality.”

Whether you go bold or simple,

colourful or neutral, modern or

retro, 2022 interior trends are

diverse and achievable for all

budgets and homes.

Now offering finance packages to spread the cost!

We have a great range of agricultural parts, garden equipment, hand tools, country clothing

and footwear, ride on toys, branded merchandise plus much more available in our online shop.

SCAN HERE

Visit our online shop:

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Written by Ade Sellars | www.adesellars.com

Winter

Colour

in the

Garden

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

Winter can sometimes be a season of struggles. The darker

days and longer nights can make many people irritable

and depressed. Now recognised as a common medical

condition, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known

as winter depression, can dampen your enjoyment of the

festive period.

It’s important to find things that give you a sense of

well-being, and believe it or not, colourful plants are one

solution. Although many gardens can look drab at this

time of year, it’s worth planting a colourful floral display

close to your house, that’s easy to see from the window.

Or try planting alongside garden paths, in containers and

hanging baskets, that will sit on the patio or hang outside

your door, so you can enjoy the hit of colour as you step

outside into the cold.

A good flower to consider is the Christmas Rose. An

evergreen hellebore, it has a long flowering period and

offers white, pink, yellow or purplish-black blooms.

Although it does well in most soils, it prefers a little shade.

As the flower emerges, cut away the foliage for maximum

floral impact.

The delicate cyclamen is a winter must. Try to choose

hardy varieties such Cyclamen hederifolium or Cyclamen

coum. Unphased by the colder weather, they can flower

right through to spring. Plant them in well-drained soil and

give them a little shade. They look wonderful at the front

of borders, under tree canopies or planted in pots and

hanging baskets.

Garden nurseries and online traders recognise the

importance of winter flowers, so there’s never a shortage of

choice. Pansies, violas, primroses or polyanthus all come

in a wide variety of colours and sizes, all you have to do is

decide where to position them. Try planting in a window

box along with some trailing ivy for an eye-catching display.

Don’t overwater and deadhead regularly.

You can also consider plants with coloured berries.

Most people will know about winter holly, but think

about evergreen shrubs such as the Skimmia japonica,

cotoneaster or pyracantha. For a real showstopper, try

Callicarpa (aka beautyberry). A hardy shrub, it produces

clusters of bright purple berries, bringing a real sense of

drama to the garden.

Visit any RHS garden during the winter months and you’ll

see the fiery colours of a cornus, also known as Dogwood,

burning brightly at the back of a border. Their blazing

branches set an empty bed alight with flashes of red,

orange, yellow or green.

Finally, if you have the space, add a touch of magic with a

Witch Hazel. Its bright, spider-like flowers liven up a grey

day. Whether you opt for red, yellow or orange, this mystical

shrub can be planted in partial shade or full sun in neutral or

slightly acidic soil.

So, don’t let the gloom of winter pull you down. Set the dark

days alight with floral colour that will lift your mood and

ease you gently into spring.

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Tel: 01842 766663 www.cosycomfy.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

New

Neighbourhood

in Town

Could Cambridgeshire’s newest town

be the location of your next home?

Northstowe is Cambridgeshire’s exciting new town,

somewhere in which a new quarter is emerging. Known

as Inholm, it is the next big thing and is being created by

modern housebuilder House by Urban Splash.

One of the people helping deliver the vision, Mark Latham,

Regeneration Director, lists all of the great things that make

this such a great place to live, work and play…

You’ve probably heard of Northstowe – a sustainable new

development that’s rich in local history, giving it an identity

that is entirely unique. The area naturally promotes health

and wellbeing, and is surrounded by vast countryside

around which residents can live their best lives, walking,

jogging, running or cycling around their community. This

modern, Cambridgeshire town is also just a short commute

from the city, with central Cambridge just eight miles

away, and London King’s Cross just 49 minutes away from

Cambridge by train.

It’s got great amenities

Northstowe is home to a thriving, active community. It has a

mobile food and drinks scene, neighbourhood play areas,

and its local secondary school, Northstowe Secondary

College, offers top quality facilities that can be used by the

whole community – including a 3G pitch, football pitch,

tennis courts, and a large theatre space with a stage. A

community café opened autumn term of 2021 and a gym is

set to open by January 2022.

It’s the perfect place for families

Northstowe’s schools cover all ages. Northstowe

Secondary College, which opened in 2019, shares its

campus with Martin Bacon Academy – an Area Special

School for children aged from three-to-19-years-old,

dedicated to making education accessible and inclusive

for the whole community. Northstowe Secondary College’s

sixth form is due to open in 2024, making life even easier

for residents who currently have to travel up to 1.5 hours to

reach other local colleges.

The next big thing is

becoming a reality

“The next big thing here is Inholm

– House by Urban Splash, a

neighbourhood of 406 homes at

Northstowe,” says Mark.

“It’s our futureproofed take on

suburbia filled with brilliantly

designed ‘sociable’ streets – spaces

which prioritise people over cars

so that children can safely play,

and neighbours can convene. As

the world has changed so much

over the past 18 months, we’re

creating a neighbourhood which

accommodates work and play –

in an environment created to

enjoy life.”

Each home at Inholm is created in the House by Urban

Splash factory. This precision engineering facility is just 100

miles up the M1 in a little town called Alfreton, the place in

which the team put together each customer’s house on a

slick production line using a timber frame, modular process.

Every house at Inholm has been designed by RIBA awardwinning

architects, shedkm who’ve designed a home

offering a generous 139 sq m of living space – with 2.7m high

ceilings and oversized windows – over three floors. They all

boast exceptional finishes, high-speed broadband, energyefficient

heating and a private bike store too.

There are lots of layout options too, with the main draw being

a choice of either ‘garden living’ – which features an open

plan kitchen downstairs, a bedroom, bathroom, home office

on the second floor and a master suite and guest bedroom

both with ensuite bathrooms on the top floor – or ‘loft living’.

The latter shows an alternative where the downstairs is used

for sleeping, while the upper floors offer living space.

Tempted? Show homes are available to view. Visit

www. housebyurbansplash.co.uk/inholm for details.

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The Arts Column

Written by Collette Hoefkens

www.nortonwaygallery.com

In the darker hours of the shorter days, shed some light

upon your soul with a visit to one of the region’s wonderful,

independent art galleries. So many towns and villages are

home to multiple visual havens. Two such destinations on my

list for this winter are Upingham in Rutland, and Letchworth

Garden City, Hertfordshire.

The lovely market town of Uppingham is blessed with

galleries, antiques centres and design shops. Among them

are the famous Goldmark Gallery, Garners Fine Art, Antiques

and Interiors and the more recently emerged, Peter Barker

Fine Art.

Summer-on-the-Ivel

Peter Barker Fine Art sports such names as David Curtis ROI

RSMA, Peter Brown ROI RSMA and of course, Peter Barker

RMSA; the wealth of skill and beauty is endless. Peter and

his partner Jane opened the gallery in 2015. Since then,

they have gained a super reputation for being warm and

inviting, and bursting with beautiful, representational and

impressionistic works of art.

The gallery will be hosting exhibitions throughout the winter

months. With colourful and textured homage to the seasons,

there will be wonderful still life, portraits and landscapes from

Jenny Aitken, Nigel Fletcher and Peter, himself.

Back in my hometown of Letchworth Garden City, you will

also find several galleries to enjoy, all very different to each

other. In the town centre there is The Wynd Gallery, The

Broadway Gallery and Vilas Arts. Both the Broadway and Vilas

showcase many established names, as well as promoting

those currently on the rise, whilst The Wynd is a superb

cooperative of artists, local to the area.

Interesting and alternative additions are The Eastcheap

Project and the Digswell Arts Trust. Both these venues are

made of a collection of practising artists’ studios. Lastly, just a

short walk from the town, situated on Norton Way North, there

is my very own Norton Way Gallery.

Bijou and filled exclusively with original artworks we were

founded in 2007. With an extensive stable of talent, selected

from across the UK and a little beyond, we are proud to

exhibit the internationally renowned, such as Michael Alford,

Andrew Haslen and Phil Greenwood. Our ‘Autumn and Winter

Collection’ will be launched on Saturday 20 November. We

look forward to welcoming you for a relaxing browse of our

latest paintings, drawings, original prints and sculpture. We

are particularly excited to be showing some rather rare Anne

Songhurst landscapes.

Whichever town, village or city you find yourself in, you will

be sure to be close by to a superb, independent, fine and

contemporary gallery.

After the Rain by Peter Barker

Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire

The Wynd Gallery

www.wyndgallery.co.uk

The Broadway Gallery

www.broadway-letchworth.com/gallery

ICAS Vilas Art

www.vilasart.co.uk

Norton Way Gallery

www.nortonwaygallery.com

Uppingham, Rutland

Goldmark

www.goldmarkart.com

Garners Fine Art, Antiques and Interiors

www.garnersantiques.co.uk

Peter Barker Fine Art

www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk

On the Market Place, in the historical town of Olney, Leo

Antiques has been providing quality antiques since

2003. This year is a particularly challenging one with the

pandemic, nevertheless, here at Leo’s we are following

government guidelines, and all visitors are provided

with gloves so that they may handle goods. HANDS

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.

Social Distancing is followed by only allowing 10

people into the shop at any one time. SPACE

We look forward to welcoming you, and wearing a smile

under our masks! FACE

Open Tuesday – Sunday 11am to 4pm

Tel 01234 240003

36 Market Place, Oundle

Peterborough, PE8 4BE

Tel/Fax: 01832 275414

eagle gallery

AFFORDABLE ART

BY LOCAL ARTISTS

paintings prints sculpture ceramics textiles mixed-media glass jewellery photography

Open Monday - Saturday, 10.30am - 5pm

(check our website and media for December Sunday openings)

wheelchair access available

20 St Peter’s Street

Bedford MK40 2NN

Tel: 01234 346995. For more information on exhibitions, artist galleries & special events

visit our website www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheEagleGallery

On the

Canvas

Discover the latest art

exhibitions in the region

Present Arts at The Gallery at Parndon Mill,

5 November – 23 December

The Gallery at Parndon Mill, Harlow, will present a series of exhibitions of fine art and

crafts by skilled and distinguished artists in the lead up to Christmas. The exhibition

features quality works but with an emphasis on affordable art.

The skills of many of the artists who have studios at the Mill are represented, showing

artworks in glass and ceramics, silver jewellery, paintings and prints. The exhibition is

an opportunity to acquire a special present, something new for the home, individual

cards or even handmade decorations for the Christmas tree. New this year will be

samples of stone carved lettering. Regular exhibitors who work nearby are also

included, alongside new artists to the gallery.

www.parndonmill.co.uk

New at The Sainsbury Centre

‘Rhythm and Geometry: Constructivist art in Britain since 1951’ will be available to

view at the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich until 30 January 2022.

©Mary Webb

The free-entry exhibition celebrates the abstract and constructed art made and

exhibited in Britain since 1951. The show includes around 120 objects across

sculpture, reliefs, mobiles, painting, drawing and print, many of which have not

been exhibited in decades. Running alongside this, Anthony Caro’s 35-metre

long ‘Goodwood Steps’ is sited in the Sculpture Park between the UEA Lake and

Ziggurats. www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk

Cambridge ranked UK’s third-biggest art-buying city

Artfinder, a UK art marketplace, has released new data on the latest art-buying habits

across Britain, revealing the top 10 cities that purchase the most art. Cambridge

ranks in third place, with 471 artworks bought per 100,000 inhabitants.

Alongside Cambridge, Salisbury placed first, with Oxford, Gloucester and

Chelmsford also ranking in the top five, making them the UK’s most arty cities.

Cambridge’s art-lovers buy more paintings than any other kind of art, with oil

and acrylic paintings making up 46% of all pieces bought. All things nature is top

preference when it comes to the subject of artworks, as landscapes, sea and sky

(26% of all purchases) is the most sought after subject, with people and portraits

(18% of all purchases) closely following.

Bloomberg New Contemporaries at Firstsite

In autumn, Firstsite in Colchester, become the launch venue for ‘Bloomberg New

Contemporaries 2021’ as part of the celebrations for its 10th anniversary year.

‘Bloomberg New Contemporaries’ is an annual exhibition that showcases the work

of artists at the beginning of their careers. The exhibition is available to view until 28

November. www.firstsite.uk

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.com

Norfolk

Norfolk

NORFOLK NEWS & EVENTS

News

Hamleys Opens at Chantry Place

Just in time for Christmas, multi-national toy retailer,

Hamleys, has opened at Norwich’s Chantry Place.

Hamleys new 2,750 sq.feet store will transport visitors

to a world of fun, magic and theatre. Across the store,

children will have their pick from a wide range of top

brands, from the iconic Hamleys Bears to super speed

racing cars, Barbie and L.O.L dolls, plus all the classic

family favourites.

www.ChantryPlace.co.uk

Better Two-gether

The Gin Trap Inn, a cosy country pub in Ringstead,

are encouraging visitors to Norfolk this winter with its

‘Better Two-gether’ break offer, where guests get the

second night free when booking between 1 November,

2021 and 10 February, 2022 (excluding Friday arrivals).

Priced from £204 per double room, the stay will include

breakfast each morning and a two-course meal for two.

www.thegintrapinn.co.uk

Food & Drink

Dine in a Pop-Up Igloo

The Assembly House in Norwich are adding a festive

twist to afternoon tea. Start the festive celebrations

by booking a Prenoon Tea or Narnia Afternoon Tea

in your own private pop-up igloo. Breakfast consists

of a cooked breakfast along with a breakfast themed

traditional cake stand including bites such as breakfast

shot glass with granola, yoghurt and fruit compote

and ‘Fried egg’ mango and vanilla cheesecake Cruffin

cinnamon roll. If you prefer sweet treats tuck into

delights such as ‘Raspberry Snowflake Dodger’, and

‘Snowy Black Forest Cheesecake’ with an Igloo Narnia

Afternoon Tea, priced £35 per person. The festive

afternoon teas are available 1 November to 2 January.

www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk

Winter Warmers at Mysabar

Mysabar has reopened for its second winter experience

under the lights of Norwich Castle. Open until early

January, the bar located in the Castle Quarter Gardens,

will serve craft beer, wine and food from local traders

and restaurants under beautifully decorated tent

canopies. Heaters will keep guests warm through the

season. As Christmas gets underway there will be winter

warmers and festive food offerings, plus some one-off

special events with live music. Mysabar will continue

to operate a table-service system and bookings will be

available online in two-hour sittings for tables of 2, 4, 6

(or multiples of/large bookings welcome) plus there will

be some tables available for walk-ins.

www.facebook.com/MysabarNorwich

Norwich Restaurant Awarded Three

AA Rosettes

The Farmyard restaurant in Norwich is celebrating

a culinary win with three AA Rosettes Award. The

Farmyard was praised by AA inspectors for serving up

“innovative combinations and knockout textures”.

It wasn’t the only East Anglian restaurant to receive

recognition at the ceremony; Tuddenham Mill in

Newmarket was awarded four AA Rosettes.

Norfolk

Diary Dates

Norwich Film Festival, Norwich, 12 – 21

November

Part of the Head East campaign, which encourages visitors

to explore the arts and culture of Norfolk and Suffolk, the

Norwich Film Festival is an exciting place to discover

new talent and to be discovered. A key annual event for

emerging and established filmmakers from all over the

world, the festival programme is curated with original,

diverse, bold and culturally rich content. Films submitted to

the Festival have gone on to win awards at BAFTA and the

Oscars as well as other festivals such as Sundance,

Tribeca, SXSW.

www.norwichfilmfestival.co.uk

Coming up...

Love Light Norwich, 17-19 February

Christmas Crown Trail,

16 November – 5 January

Norwich Business Improvement District and VisitNorwich

in partnership with Norfolk Museum Services celebration of

‘Christmas at the Castle: The Story of the King’, brings a trail

of crowns hidden in the windows of shops and businesses,

Norwich Cathedral and stalls on Norwich Market. Taking

you across Norwich in a quest to find as many crowns as

possible, pick up a map and get going remembering to

look up, down and around along the way! The trail begins

at Norwich Castle and leads visitors to the Tunnel of Light.

www.norwichbid.co.uk/whats-on

Kiefer Sutherland at Norwich UEA,

30 January

This highly popular after-dark event makes its return to the

streets and iconic buildings of central Norwich. With many

artists already confirmed, once again Norwich will play host

to beautiful and unique international, national, and local

pieces of light art works.

Returning for a second year is Nicholas Azidis, artistic

director of ProjectionTeknik. Based in Melbourne, Nick

will present ‘Luminos Pareidolia’, a brand-new glittering

projection. Norwich University of the Arts graduate, Amber

Lights, will also return with ‘Out of the Cocoon’, a butterfly

inspired installation which explores sustainability. This is

Amber’s first project powered by solar power.

Sound is an integral part of the Love Light Norwich

experience and mixing these senses with sculpture the

festival will see artist Pif-Paf appear at Love Light Norwich

for the first time, exhibiting ‘The Celestial Sound Cloud’.

Inspired by galaxies far away, the installation is suspended

in mid-air, creating a dance space for audiences beneath,

which in turn creates music and light sequences.

The event will also include the return of the popular Love

Light City Food Trail. Love Light Norwich is organised by

Norwich BID and supported using public funding by the

National Lottery through Arts Council England.

www.lovelightnorwich.co.uk

Kiefer Sutherland will bring his European ‘Chasing the Rain’

tour to Norwich early 2022. From ‘Lost Boys’ and ‘Stand

By Me’ to ‘24’, everyone knows about Kiefer Sutherland’s

phenomenally successful acting career. Yet in recent

years, he has focused on applying his storytelling ability to

music, with two acclaimed albums spanning a spectrum of

country and Americana. His third album ‘Bloor Street’ is set

for release on 21 January.

www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/whats-on

Brand New Festival – Wide Skies &

Butterflies

August 2022 will see the launch of a major new music

festival in Norfolk, Wide Skies & Butterflies, in the grounds of

Raynham Hall. The event promises festival-goers a strong

90s vibe and a diverse range of live music from both big

names and local bands. The Levellers, Cast and Toploader

have already signed up to perform and will be joined

by dozens more performers as well as comedy, the arts,

equality, pride, local food and culture. The festival will take

place 5-7 August.

www.wideskiesfestival.co.uk

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Norfolk

Norwich

Eats

Cocktails in the city

Written by Zena Leech-Calton | www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk

Mixology is an art form, balancing those tastes, creating

layers and offering boozy colourful flavours of creaminess,

sours and sweetness. I am not a lover of alcohol; you won’t

catch me downing a pint or slamming tequilas, but you will

find me sipping great cocktails around Norwich. Here are a

few of my favourite places for a cocktail in the city:

The Ivy Brasserie

Yes, it’s a chain and I am a lover of all things independent,

but sitting at the art deco bar in the evenings and sipping

one of the well-blended cocktails is a good thing to do. My

top tip is to try the ‘Apple Tart Fine’, order to the bar and

share with a friend. It’s got a 14-minute cooking time but it is

perfect with a cocktail.

Open: Open all week. Price: Cocktails from £10-12

The Urban Lounge

A newbie to the city, it’s a daytime urban café on Magdalen

Road opposite the Stanley (also a good gastro boozer).

It does a mean mojito; you can taste the pounded brown

sugar and mint. They also offer all day brunch.

Open: Thursday to Saturday until 11.30pm

Price: Cocktails from £8-12

Gyre and Gimble

A specialist in gins, not just their own exceptional Cherry,

London Dry and Coastal, but lots of other local ones too.

My favourite cocktail is the ‘Pineapple Express’ – sprayed

with a little absinth.

Open: Wednesday to Saturday

Price: Cocktails all £8.50. Two for £10 Wednesday special

from 5pm

Arboretum

A shop of vintage curiosity and wonder. There’s no menu,

simply tell them what you like, and they’ll mix you a cocktail.

They also sell 80% absinth, and once a month offer a

cocktail masterclass. My top tip? Ask for custard flavour –

it’s sweet and delicious.

Open: Closed Mondays and Sundays – all week from 5pm,

plus Saturdays from midday

Price: Cocktails from £8

The Earlham

Slightly out of the city on Earlham Road with some parking,

you’ll find a lovely newly renovated pub with indoor and

outdoor seating and a great cocktail menu using lots of

local booze.

Open: Closed Mondays. Price: Two for one on cocktails,

Wednesday, 5-8pm

Enjoy a homemade cocktail. Zena shares her

favourite homemade tipple:

My Nut Job

30ml/1 shot amaretto or Disaronno

30ml/1 shot vodka or toffee/caramel vodka

90ml/3 shots cranberry juice

Simply shake over ice in a cocktail shaker and serve

over ice (cubes or crushed) with a wedge of lime.

Tip: It’s even better vigorously shaken with

80–100ml of coconut milk!

∙

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Superb quiet location within 300m/5 min flat walk of: Blue Flag

Lifeguarded Beach, Steam Railway, Theatre, Championship

Golf Course, Shops, Pubs & Restaurants

D I S C O V E R T H E B E A U T Y O F

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Rest & Relaxation

Buy or hire a

beach hut in

gorleston

OPEN AS

USUAL

Take the opportunity to buy or

hire a Gorleston Beach Hut for

use between 8am and sunset.

Tel: 01493 846400

For more details, visit:

www.gorlestonbeachhuts.co.uk

Redevelopment in progress

Central 6 day market

Open Monday to Saturday

Market Days

Wednesday & Saturday all year round,

plus Fridays from May to October

www.greatyarmouthmarket.com

Norfolk

Secret Norfolk

The winter bucket list in Norfolk

Norfolk is one of those wonderful

destinations that lends itself perfectly

to any time of year. If you find

yourself wrapped up, battling the

wild weather during peak winter in

Norfolk, here’s how to make the most

of your trip…

Coastal Walks

Beaches aren’t just for summer,

especially in Norfolk. In fact, the

county’s long stretches of golden

sand are perhaps even more

beautiful in the colder months,

and there’s 83 miles of the Norfolk

Coastal Path to discover. Watch the

wild waves crash onto the shore as

you stroll along windswept sands

backed by pine forest or grassy

dunes. Holkham Nature Reserve,

Wells-next-the-Sea and Brancaster

are popular choices, but the footpath

at Cley-next-the-Sea that takes you

past the iconic windmill, or the walk

from Blakeney to Morston Quay, are

well-worth seeking out too.

Christmas Lights

Head inland and you’ll find Norfolk’s

finest town’s putting on a show

for Christmas. Holt is known for its

dazzling fairy lights hung along

the gables, gutters and roofs,

accompanied by impressive festive

window displays. The Georgian

village of Burnham Market has a

magical atmosphere in the lead up

to Christmas with lights twinkling in

the trees, shopping opportunities and

pubs with cosy corners and roaring

fires to escape the cold. There are lots

of Christmas markets too.

Birdwatching

During the winter months in Norfolk,

nature puts on a show. Look up to

the sky and try to catch a glimpse

of the pink foot geese that fly over

the North Norfolk Coast. Watch the

geese arriving for the winter at RSPB

Titchwell Marsh or visit the Norfolk

Wildlife Trust’s Visitor Centre at Cley

to learn more about the birds that visit

the marshes during the season.

Deer Safari

Pull on your wellies and take a walk

through the countryside where you’ll

find herds of deer, pheasants and

more. Hundreds of deer roam the

estate and woodlands of Holkham

Hall, and it’s worth booking a wild

deer safari.

Seal Spotting

The colony of seals and their pups

with their cuteness draw in visitors

throughout the winter months.

It’s likely you’ll spot a seal on your

coastal walk. Thousands of them

gather along the beaches and are

most likely to be spotted on walks at

Horsey, Blakeney Point and Morston

Quay. If you’d like a closer look, book

a boat trip with Beans Boat Trips or

Temple Seal Trips.

Pub Lunch

A trip to Norfolk wouldn’t be

complete without sampling local

produce. Thaw out after a long walk

at a traditional cosy pub complete

with a warming fire, top grub and

local booze. The Gunton Arms near

Cromer, King’s Head in Letheringsett,

Red Lion in Stiffkey and the Dun Cow

at Salthouse are popular choices.

Despite being winter, these pubs

do get busy so book ahead if you’re

planning to eat.

Stately Homes

The royal family make Sandringham

House their home at Christmas so

why not feel like royalty on your

trip with a visit to a stately home?

Visit Holkham Hall for extravagant

Christmas celebrations, sing carols

at Felbrigg Hall or wrap up warm

and wander the stunning parkland

at Blickling Hall, it’s rumoured to be

haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn!

Seafood

You simply can’t leave Norfolk

without tucking into its delicious,

locally caught seafood. Winter is a

plentiful season. Most pub menus

will have dishes dedicated to daily

catch. Warm up with clam chowder,

try tasty oysters from Brancaster or

juicy mussels in a white wine and

garlic broth.

Antique Shopping

Tucked away down cobbled streets,

alleyways and hidden in country

barns are some of Norfolk’s most

treasured antique stores. Stacked

to the rafters with wooden furniture,

glassware, silver and more, it’s easy to

fall in love with a piece from a bygone

era. Popular antique shopping

locations include Norwich and Holt.

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Norfolk

Tunnel of Light

Hayhill, Norwich

Tuesday 16 November – Wednesday 5 January 2022

The Tunnel of Light has become an iconic sight in the

centre of Norwich every festive season. At 45-metres

long, four metres high and six metres wide with over

57,000 LEDs, the tunnel never fails to bring a smile

to the faces of anyone making a journey through the

dancing sequences of pretty lights.

www.visitnorwich.co.uk

Garden of Lights at Blickling

Wells Christmas Tide

Wells-next-the-Sea

Saturday 4 December, 10am – 8pm

Wells Christmas Tide Festival regularly pulls in

thousands of families lured by the prospect of seeing

Santa Claus arrive in Norfolk from the North Pole by sea.

The town’s main shopping street will then remain the

focus of the festive fun as a whole host of acts keep

visitors entertained from 10.30am to 8pm. A fair will be

operating on The Quay from 10am onwards and the

annual Christmas Tree Festival will take place in the

Congregational Hall in Clubbs Lane from 10am to 4pm.

WHAT’S ON

Christmas lights switch on is at 4.45pm. Santa is due to

arrive on the Quay at around 6.15pm before heading for

his grotto at Playland amusements to see children from

around 7pm onwards.

The crowds will then be further entertained by a

spectacular fireworks display over the Wells Marshes.

The Quay will be closed to all traffic from 4.30pm to 8pm.

www.wellschristmastide.org.uk

Blickling Hall, Blickling, Aylsham

Monday 29 November – Sunday 19 December,

3.30pm – 8pm

Enjoy the colours, smells and sounds of Christmas at

Blickling Hall. Begin your visit through the magically lit

walled garden, before discovering the garden of lights

and lit acorns on the Parterre. Warm up with mulled wine

and a mince pie as you soak up the magical atmosphere

at night.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate/

features/christmas-garden-of-lights-at-blicklingestate

Christmas in the Parks

Great Yarmouth & Gorleston

Friday 26 November – Sunday 28 November

Wednesday 1 December – Sunday 5 December

Taking place in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston with

Christmas markets in both locations.

In Great Yarmouth, find the annual Christmas market in

a new spot for 2021 at St George’s Park. With twinkly

lights on the trees and the smell of Christmas in the air,

browse a selection of stalls, watch festive entertainment

and get yourself in the mood for Christmas.

In Gorleston, a new Christmas market will take place

in Priory Gardens. This beautiful setting will play host

to a selection of stalls, more festive entertainment and

interactive activities for children with friendly elves.

Round off your Christmas in the Parks’ experience with a

visit to Santa in his Grotto at The Waterways.

With fun transport links between each location, you’re

sure to be filled with Christmas spirit by the time you

leave.

Hockwold Christmas Fayre

Hockwold Cum Wilton,

Brandon

Sunday 5 December,

10am – 3pm

With a wide range of crafts,

food, drink and other gifts

on offer, come along for

a visit to a quintessential

Christmas shopping

experience. With exhibitors

joining from all over the

country, along with live

entertainment, samples to

try, and a vast range of activities to try, it’s definitely an

event for the whole family to truly get into the holiday

season mood. Featuring a spectrum of colourful stands,

it promises to be one of the Christmas shopping events

of the year, ideal for visitors looking for unusual gifts

and exciting additions to their enhance their festive

experience.With themed tents and stands, the event

will offer a wide range of tasty and enticing items for

purchase.

www.hockwoldchristmasfayre.co.uk

Christmas Food, Drink and Gift

Market at Holkham Hall

Saturday 18 December – Sunday 19 December,

10am – 4pm

Perfect for some Christmas shopping, or well-deserved

treats for yourself, the Christmas market will see the

best local producers showcasing their seasonal food,

drink and gifts in the Lady Elizabeth Wing. There will be

tasty takeaway stalls in the courtyard to tickle your taste

buds too. www.holkham.co.uk/events

Suffolk

Ryan Newton

www.suffhoto.co.uk

Facebook - @Suffhoto

Instagram - @Suffhoto

Instagram - @iamsuffhoto

Twitter - @suffhoto

Suffolk

SUFFOLK NEWS & EVENTS

News

Ballingdon Hall Reopens with

Personal Wellbeing and Spiritual

Retreat

Lesley Reynolds, co-founder of the award-winning

aesthetics clinic Harley Street Skin, is opening the doors

to her new wellness retreat at the beautiful 16th century

Ballingdon Hall in Suffolk.

The ‘Personal Wellbeing and Spiritual Enrichment’ event

will take place 7 November, with another scheduled for

January 2022.

The three-day residential event is focused on

meditation, yoga and healing along with spiritual

guidance to release stress and improve physical and

mental health.

Lesley explained: “Personal wellbeing and spiritual

enrichment, which is at the heart of this event, has never

been more important given the impact of the pandemic

on the nation’s physical and mental health.”

Ballingdon Hall is famous a 16th century, supposedly

haunted house, that was famously moved up a hill

in 1972.

www.ballingdonhall.co.uk

Magical ‘Fairy Tale in New York’

Christmas party nights at Thorpeness

Country Club

Get in the festive spirit and book your Christmas party at

the Thorpeness Country Club, near Aldeburgh, which

will be transformed into ‘A Fairy Tale in New York’ for this

year’s party season.

The seafront venue will be hosting a variety of party

nights with a three-course dinner and either live

performers and tribute acts, or a disco, to keep you on

the dance floor all evening.

The fun starts on Friday, 3 December with the Jersey

Boys duo tribute act, while the next evening Paul

Reason invites you to sing along to the best of Robbie

Williams. Go along on Friday,10 December for a chance

to show your best Dancing Queen moves with the Abba

Re-arrival Duo, then Saturday, 11 December sees the

return of the Lady GaGa tribute act, back by popular

demand.

Seasonal Stems

Shida Preserved Flowers, an e-commerce florist

based in Bury St Edmunds, is giving homes a festive

floral makeover with their winter range of preserved

flower arrangements. The collection includes Nuit

and Carmen, both incredibly opulent, in four styles; a

bouquet, a posy, a DIY wreath kit and styling stems,

which can be used for little arrangements and present

toppers to tree decorations and place settings. Perfect

for adding a luxurious festive flair to your home or

sending to a loved one, the preserved flowers last for up

to a year.

www.shida.florist

Food & Drink

New Executive Head Chef at Bedford

Lodge Hotel & Spa

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket, has

welcomed Lee Cooper as its new Executive Head Chef

of Squires Restaurant and Roxana Bar.

The final party weekend begins on Friday, 17 December

with a chance to sing and dance to party favourites

performed by the Troubadour Male Vocal Harmony

Group, while on Saturday, 18 December

Gary Goodmaze takes the stage with a tribute to

Freddie Mercury.

Book at www.thorpenesscountryclub.co.uk.

Cooper joins Squires Restaurant from his role as

Executive Chef at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich. He

has also worked at a range of hotels and restaurants,

including Infusions in Bury St Edmunds and The

Oaksmere in Eye.

Cooper will be bringing his wealth of experience in

high-end, gastro-style dining to the restaurant. He vows

to continue Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa commitment

to supporting the suppliers within the local community,

reducing their carbon footprint as a result where

possible. www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

100

Suffolk

Award for The Newmarket Gin

The Newmarket Gin has been awarded a 1-star award by

Great Taste. Out of 5,383 products worldwide to receive

a Great Taste 1-, 2- or 3-star accolade, The Newmarket

Gin will again be able to display the black and gold logo,

a stamp of excellence that is recognised by retailers and

consumers alike.

The Newmarket Gin is handcrafted in small batches by The

British Honey Company. It uses an exclusive combination of

locally sourced ingredients to create a smooth, refreshing,

and delicious English Botanist Gin. It pays homage to

Newmarket, the historic town of horseracing, through its

iconic design which cleverly incorporates a binocular

window with a racehorse storming to victory in one of the

‘Classics’ races at Newmarket.

www.thenewmarketgin.co.uk

Diary Dates

Simon Brodkin Headlines WCB Comedy

at Southwold Arts Centre, 14 November

Comedian Simon Brodkin will break away from his high

selling UK tour to headline this special evening of comedy

in Southwold on 14 November. Simon is best-known for

his comedy creation Lee Nelson. Stand-up comedian and

writer, Scott Bennet, is the opening act, while the MC for the

evening is Dana Alexander, a regular fixture on the British

Comedy circuit performing at clubs like, The Glee, The

Comedy Store, Komedia and The Stand.

Book tickets at www.wcbcomedy.com

Cara Dillon: Upon A Winter’s Night at

The Apex, 14 December

Cara and her band return

with their Christmas show – a

collection of songs ancient and

modern that provide a welcome

reminder that the festive season

can be about more than just

commercialism. Celtic and folksy

rhythms are woven alongside

reverent and atmospheric carols,

while Cara holds the darkness at

bay with the purity of her voice.

www.theapex.co.uk

Amy Winehouse Celebration with

National Youth Jazz Orchestra at The

Apex, 23 January

NYJO alumna Amy Winehouse is undoubtably one of

the greatest musical talents to come out of the UK. Her

unmistakable character, vocal dexterity and masterful

songwriting made her a pop icon. This concert series

celebrates Amy’s enduring legacy, reimagining hits

and revisiting early works she sang with the 24-piece

National Youth Jazz Orchestra as a promising 16-year-old

singer, back in 2000. The NYJO aim to honour her life,

and her work, with a celebratory performance that will be

enjoyed by big band jazz fans, and Amy fans alike.

Tickets from £18.50.

www.theapex.co.uk

Coming up...

Paul Hollywood Live at Ipswich Regent

Theatre, 7 November 2022

Great British Bake Off

star Paul Hollywood is

hitting the road with a

brand-new tour for 2022.

Paul Hollywood Live will

visit 18 towns and cities

across the UK including

a date at Ipswich Regent

Theatre on 7 November

and Southend Cliffs

Pavilion on 8 November

2022. He will be

entertaining audiences

with live demonstrations,

baking tasks and some

very special surprises.

Tickets now on sale at

www.cuffeandtaylor.com

101

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visit us at our showroom nestled in the beautiful village

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Re-upholstery service also available

Edward Charles Interiors, No.9 (rear of), Ringers Yard

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Book your Perfect Suffolk Escape

“Ideally located to explore Suffolk’s heritage coast”

Self Catering Cottages and Studios

& Caravan and Motorhome Club CL

Mollett’s Farm, Main Road, Benhall,

Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1JY

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www.molletts.com bookings@molletts.com

Suffolk

On the Menu

The best dog-friendly pubs in Suffolk

Suffolk has a great selection of

dog-friendly pubs and inns. Enjoy a

country walk then warm up with a visit

to a cosy pub with a fireplace, comfort

food and great drinks selection this

winter.

The Weeping Willow

Bury Road, Barrow

Tel: 01284 771881

Popular for its cosy interiors, Instaworthy

garden tipi and great food,

this pub ticks all the boxes. Starting

at the pub, take a scenic circular

walk around the village of Burrow

(you’ll find a map on the website),

before returning for a hearty lunch.

The pub recently launched its dog

menu consisting of tasty chew treats,

a sausage, pigs ear and alcohol free

doggy beer!

www.theweepingwillow.co.uk

Crown & Castle

Market Hill, Orford | Tel: 01394 450205

Enjoy a lovely long walk along Orford

marshes before visiting for a delicious

dinner. Dogs are welcome in the bar

area. There’s a hosing down area for

pooches that may have truly enjoyed

themselves exercising across the

marshes. As a restaurant with rooms,

you can even extend your stay.

www.crownandcastle.co.uk

The White Hart

High Street, Aldeburgh

Tel: 01728 453205

A cosy pub with coal fire for the colder

months. Stop by after a long beach

walk. The pub has two guest beers

on pump each week. Well-behaved

dogs are welcome and are usually

treated to a dog biscuit! www.

whitehartaldeburgh.co.uk

Masons Arms

Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds

Tel: 01284 753955

The pub is great for food and dogs

will love the attention from staff. The

pub even won a ‘Five Paws’ award for

its dog-friendly service. Water bowls

are provided for doggy visitors. The

building dates back to the early 16th

century and the pub is well known for

its home-cooked food.

www.masonspub.co.uk

White Horse

The Street, Easton | Tel: 01728 746456

A lovely modern pub, great for dining.

Dishes are created using seasonal and

regionally sourced produce. There’s

lots of lovely country walks nearby. Sit

by the fireplace to warm up in winter.

www.eastonwhitehorse.co.uk

The Dog

The Green, Grundisburgh

One of the most dog friendly pubs

in East Anglia. Pooches will be given

a warm welcome, water, treats and

are allowed in the bar, restaurant and

garden. The website even suggests

a local dog walk if you fancy working

up an appetite before your visit. The

pub serves traditional pub grub, has

an extensive wine and gin list and is an

all-round great location.

www.grundisburghdog.co.uk

King’s Head

Front Street, Orford

Tel: 01394 450271

There’s a great circular walk which

starts at the pub and heads north out

of the village. Alternatively take a walk

104

Suffolk

along the river before enjoying a drink

and bite to eat. Dogs are welcome in

the bar and pet friendly rooms are also

available.

www.thekingsheadorford.co.uk

The Ramsholt Arms

Dock Street, Ramsholt

Tel: 01394 411209

A great pub overlooking the water.

There’s a good choice of food,

especially during winter when the

menu takes advantage of the local

game in the area. Try the one-hour

circular walk from the pub through

fields and country paths with your

dog before you settle down for a pub

lunch.

www.theramsholtarms.com

The Plough & Sail

Snape Bridge, Saxmundham

Tel: 01728 688413

A cosy and snug pub perfect for post

winter walks. Tuck yourself away in

a corner, perch in front of the fire or

book a table in the large restaurant

in the original part of the pub where

dogs are welcome.

www.theploughandsailsnape.com

The Harbour Inn

Black Shore, Southwold

Tel: 01502 722381

A traditional fishermen’s pub full of

nautical charm. The dog-friendly pub

is located on the water’s edge. Stop for

a pint or bite to eat – a great option for

seafood and fish dishes.

harbourinnsouthwold.co.uk

The King’s Head

Market Hill, Woodbridge

01394 387750

The pub is exceptionally dog friendly.

There’s a special ‘Mutts Menu’ and

Instagram wall of doggy visitors.

Pooches are given a treat and water

on arrival. The pub itself is rustic but

charming, with worn tables, cosy

corners, a fireplace and traditional

pub grub.

www.kingsheadwoodbridge.co.uk

The Unruly Pig

Orford Road, Bromeswell

Tel: 01394 460310

A good option if you’re looking for

something a bit more upmarket than

a traditional pub. Food is tasty and

beautifully presented and there’s an

extensive drinks menu. Water and

treats available for doggy visitors.

Though the establishment is very

dog friendly, it’s recommended you

request a dog-friendly table when

making your reservation.

www.theunrulypig.co.uk

The Ufford Crown

High Street, Ufford | Tel: 01394 461030

A charming village pub with a stylish

bar and lounge area, where dogs

are very welcome. The food menu is

varied with something to suit all tastes

and appetites. A great location for a

hearty Sunday roast.

www.theuffordcrown.com

105

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What are you doing this

New Year’s Eve?

Leave the organising to us,

let your hair down and just enjoy!

Gala Dinner

Glass of Prosecco and canapés on arrival, a

delicious 3-course dinner, live music from local

musicians ‘Band of Buskateers’, and a glass of

Prosecco at midnight.

Only £99.00 per person

(over 18’s only)

Family Disco and Buffet

Give the babysitter the night off, and celebrate this

special night with the whole family.

£39.00 per adult | £25.00 per child (under 12yrs)

Children under 3yrs FREE

Buffet served 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Why not make a night of it with our NYE stopover packages?

t 01394 383555 ext.300

w www.uffordpark.co.uk

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Suffolk

We Are Handmade Christmas Market

Saturday 20 November 10am – 4pm

Returning to Long Melford for a 10th year, this fair will

be taking place over four rooms in The Old School,

and offers shoppers a wonderful choice of beautifully

designed and handcrafted gifts for Christmas. Makers

will be showcasing the latest in contemporary and

vintage inspired handmade items. Stallholders

include Woodturner Glyn Hall; Peter Clayton Wildlife

Photographer; glass by the Little Lime Design Company;

sculptures by The Happy Hare Co and Nanuk Jewellery.

A full list of makers will be on www.wearehandmade.

co.uk nearer the event. Visitors can sit down and enjoy

some delicious homemade cakes with a cup of tea, all

served in lovely vintage style crockery, courtesy of Plum

Fairy who will be running the tearoom.

Hall Road, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9DX

www.wearehandmade.co.uk

Whitney – Queen of the Night

Christmas at Kentwell Hall

Saturday 4 December – Sunday 5 December

Saturday 11 December – Sunday 12 December

Step back in time to meet a range of Victorian characters,

including Cooks in the Great Kitchen, Bakers and

Villagers at the Moat House, meet Mr Charles Darwin

himself and the Victorian Ladies in the Parlour. The Great

Hall will be decorated in sumptuous style, with a massive

Christmas tree and the decorated Dining Room will be set

for Christmas Dinner. Then follow the Days of Christmas

Trail through the Gardens and find the animals and

garden crafts at the stables. Take your Christmas Portrait

in Victorian Style in the biggest ‘selfie booth’ anywhere!

Mother Christmas will also be there to welcome you to

Father Christmas’s Cottage, and help you write and post

your Christmas letter. There will be a giant sleigh for you

to sit in, and, of course, a family visit to Father Christmas

for families with children under 11 years of age.

High Street, Long Melford CO10 9BA

www.kentwell.co.uk/events/christmas-at-kentwell

WHAT’S ON

Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh

Christmas Exhibition

Ipswich Regent Theatre 7.30pm

Thursday 25 November

Critically acclaimed international stage sensation

Whitney – Queen of the Night is back with its biggest

ever UK tour. The electrifying show – which has wowed

audiences and critics in the West End and around the

world – is a stunning celebration of the music and life of

one of the greatest singers of all time.

Regent Theatre, 3 St. Helen’s St, Ipswich IP4 1HE

Tickets are on sale now from

www.cuffeandtaylor.com

Chelsworth Christmas Fair

Saturday 4 December 11am – 4pm

A traditional Christmas Fair in a lovely medieval church,

situated in one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages. Stalls will be

selling gifts, crafts, foods and more. Light refreshments

will be available and free parking will be just a short

walk away down the picturesque village street. If you

fancy more substantial refreshments, why not visit the

Peacock Inn, the lovely village pub which is nearby and

if you need exercise after your lunch, why not take a

walk in Chelsworth community woodland which is near

to the parking area.

All Saints Church, Chelsworth, Suffolk

Opens Saturday 4 December

Showing over 30 different artists from all over Britain

from the 20th and 21st century. This is their second

largest exhibition of the year and has a strong tradition

of being able to show off works by well established

artists as well as some newcomers too. This year

they have included a ‘Man and Horse’ lithograph by

Elisabeth Frink, several works by the war artist Edward

Ardizonne, a Cornish scene by Julian Trevelyan,

lithographs by Harry Becker and screen prints by John

Piper as well as an etching by Augustus John. All of

these represent the 20th century side of things.

Representing the 21st century are Scottish artists Mhairi

McGregor, James Tweedie and Judith Bridgland and a

beautiful still life by Norman Edgar as well as other artists

north of the border. They will also be showing new

work by our sell out artists Brita Granström and Emma

Williams, both hugely popular.

Thompson’s Gallery, 175 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk,

IP15 5AN

Cinderella The Christmas Panto

The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe

Friday 17 December – Monday 3 January

Enjoy huge fun for all the family as the ugly sisters do

their best to make sure that Cinderella misses the ball,

while she depends on your help to get there.

With all the usual pantomime ingredients, some new

twists and a great cast, our Panto is the place to be! New

for this year, a launch night Christmas Party with a meal

before the show and a party and dancefloor afterwards.

Perfect for that work or family pre-Christmas celebration!

More details are available from the box office.

www.thelittleboxoffice.com

109

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University Arms – Cambridge

Cambridge

CAMBRIDGESHIRE NEWS & EVENTS

News

Fly into the School Holidays

IWM Duxford have school holidays covered with its

programme of family events. From 27 December to 20

February, the museum will display a large exhibition of

12 historic spitfires, titled ‘Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon’.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of

tours, talks, events and family activities which will delve

deeper into the Spitfire’s history.

‘Duxford in a Different Light’ returns on 19 February

2022. All twelve Spitfires gathered for the exhibition

will be lit by white and coloured lights throughout the

evening, complete with reenactors from living history

groups. Tickets priced £75, include admission to the site

from 3:30pm. www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford

A Touch of Magic

Thomas Sabo have launched

its Magic Stars Collection for

Christmas gifting. Available from

the Cambridge Grand Arcade

store from 28 October, the range

includes more than 30 jewellery

options with cosmetic designs.

www.thomassabo.com

Holistic Health Retreat at

University Arms

Start the New Year afresh with a three-day Holistic

Health experience at the University Arms. Taking place

21-23 January, the industry experts will guide guests

through a programme of movement, mindfulness

and wholesome menus. Holistic Coach, Lizzy Chong

will provide meditation sessions, nutritionist Eva

Humphries will educate guests on diet myths and

performance coach and wellbeing expert Dalton Wong

will lead active sessions. Meanwhile, Chef Patron of

Parker’s Tavern, Tristan Welch, will demonstrate how

to maximise the nutritional value of seasonal produce.

The weekend of wellbeing is a great choice for those

looking to improve on self-care as part of their New Year

resolution. www.universityarms.com

Food & Drink

The Tipsy Vegan opens in Cambridge

Following the success of its Norwich restaurant, The

Tipsy Vegan has opened its doors in Cambridge.

Located in the city’s Quayside area, the eatery will serve

up both vegan and non-vegan food with small plates

inspired by worldwide cuisine. The Tipsy Vegan team

will also be introducing new main courses, brunch and

Sunday lunch. The restaurant will initially be

open Wednesday to Sunday, and seven days per week

from Christmas.

www.thetipsyvegan.co.uk/cambridge

A Honest Christmas

Returning for 2021, Honest’s ‘Christmas’ burger has

become a menu staple for the festive season. Available

at all Honest restaurants from 30 November to 24

December, the ‘Christmas’ combines Honest beef with

smoked bacon, deep-fried camembert, cranberry sauce

and rocket, served with Honest’s signature homemade

rosemary salted chips for £13.50.

www.honestburgers.co.uk/locations/cambridge

Seasonal Dishes at The Ivy Cambridge

Brasserie

This winter The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie is adding

an array of seasonal dishes to its already extensive

menu. From 17 November, guests will be able to enjoy

the likes of roast butternut squash with cranberries

(£15.50), a delicious combination of buckwheat,

chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, sesame and pomegranate

112

Cambridge

with crumbled feta cheese, harissa sauce and coriander

dressing, pan-fried lemon sole with brown shrimps (£24.95),

featuring beurre noisette, lemon, capers and Brussels

sprout leaves.

For those with a sweet tooth, the brasserie is getting into

the spirit of Christmas, with a traditional British treat sure

to get guests tastebuds tingling. Made with the very finest

ingredients including plump fruits, buttery pastry and rich

brandy, The Ivy Cambridge’s mince pies are not to be

missed during this festive time of year.

www.theivycambridge.com

Diary Dates

Cambridge Literary Festival,

17-21 November

from the world’s festival circuit; and the Camera Catalonia

strand; a special window into contemporary Japanese

cinema. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to a screening,

the festival will be hosting its first ever solo UK-wide digital

programme between 21 November – 5 December.

www.camfilmfest.com

Winter at Wandlebury Country Park

This winter, Wandlebury Country Park, is encouraging

everyone to wrap up warm and get outside. There’s a

season of outdoor activities planned to include wreath

making on 5 and 11 December and guided walks to learn

about winter trees on 8 December and 18 January. The

family fun continues during February half term with a

children’s holiday bushcraft from 14-18 February.

www.cambridgeppf.org

Cathedral Choir Christmas Concert,

18 December, 7pm

Get into the festive spirit at Peterborough Cathedral as it

hosts a Christmas choral spectacular performed by the

Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir and Festival Chorus, featuring

seasonal favourites and familiar Christmas carols to sing

along to. A memorable night to get everyone in the festive

mood. Tickets priced £25, £20, and £15 (U18s half price).

www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

This year’s winter festival takes place online with a

programme of recognisable writers, novelists and poets.

Proceedings begin with Dame, Professor and stalwart

Cambridge citizen, honorary patron Gillian Beer, who

talks movingly to fellow honorary patron Alex Clark about

‘Stations Without Signs’, her short memoir recounting her

childhood experiences as an evacuee in World War II. The

festival will discuss a range of topics including climate

change and environmental issues. For the full programme

visit www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

Coming up...

Cambridgeshire County Day,

23 June 2022

Cambridge Film Festival,

18-25 November

Film lovers can rejoice as Cambridge Film Festival (CFF)

prepares for its return with an eclectic showing of 95 titles

from 44 countries, 21 UK feature premieres and a further five

features making their European premieres. Celebrating its

40th anniversary, festival highlights include gala screenings

presenting high-profile films, International Festival

Highlights, showcasing exceptional award-winning cinema

It’s never too early to plan a summer’s day out. 2022 sees

the launch of the first ever Cambridgeshire County Day

at the July Course in Newmarket. The Lieutenancy of

Cambridgeshire, in partnership with key organisations

across the county, have created the event to celebrate all

communities, faiths and cultures that live within the county.

The day will seek to inspire future generations while also

showcasing key achievements in Cambridgeshire during

the 70 years of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. In addition

to horseracing and a garden party, visitors can watch

demonstrations, live music and theatre performances.

www.cambridgeshirecountyday.org.

113

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114

WELCOME TO CENTENNIAL HOTEL BAR & RESTAURANT

Set in six idyllic Cambridge heritage townhouses and located opposite the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, the

Centennial Hotel offers 40 bedrooms in a classic Cambridge charm with a cosy base perfect for exploring our richly historic

city. The Bar & Restaurant, offers a seasonal set menu changed daily by our talented chefs. The lounge meeting room is a

contemporary take on a traditional interior, the perfect space to relax & unwind. A bespoke, hand painted mural map of

Cambridge takes precedence in our lounge, designed to provide an insight into exploring this famous city.

Boutique Hospitality

- in a traditional setting in the heart of Cambridge.

www.centennialhotel.co.uk reception@centennialhotel.co.uk 01223 314652

115

Cambridge

Scene

The best hotels in Cambridge

Cambridge has the edge when it comes to beauty, history

and culture. Famed for its university, it’s one of the UK’s best

loved destinations for a city break. We’ve picked the best

hotels for your stay.

The Fellows House

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the hotel opened earlier

this year. It became an instant hit with tourists and residents,

thanks to its chic café, stylish restaurant, indoor pool and

apartment style rooms. A great location for exploring the city,

the hotel is a short walk from Jesus Green and the River Cam.

Throughout the hotel sculptures stand tall and the walls are

adorned by original artwork playing homage to Cambridge

fellows such as Kipling, Newton, Gormley and Attenborough.

Featuring 131 rooms, the apartment style studios and duplex

split-level apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen, ideal

for families, relocation or extended work trips. Sip cocktails

at the bar, dine at the open plan Folio Kitchen and unwind in

the courtyard complete with a fireplace and big screen.

Check out our full review at www.eastlife.co.uk

Price: Rooms start from £170 per night for 2 people staying in

a Kipling King room on a B&B basis.

www.thefellowshousecambridge.curiocollection.com

Turing Locke

A newly opened aparthotel that prides itself on its sustainable

credentials, Turing Locke is one of the newest editions to

Cambridge’s hotel scene. Named after the revolutionary

computer scientist Alan Turing, it combines avant-garde and

mid-century design, think dreamy hues of soft pink and sage

green. The trendy 180 apartments are perfect for short and

extended breaks and working visits – guests are welcome

to use the complimentary co-working area. In the atrium

guests will find KOTA. From the team behind NOVI, the trendled

eatery serves up boozy brunches, botanical cocktails,

daytime dining and a chargrilled evening menu. There’s no

shortage of beverages here, Dutch, a second site for the

owners of 196 Cocktail Bar on Mill Road, serves a range of

cocktails and small plates.

Price: Room rates at Turing Locke start from £120 per night.

www.lockeliving.com

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Sharing the development space with Turing Locke, the

150-room Hyatt Centric Cambridge is the first opening of the

Hyatt Centric lifestyle brand in the UK. Ideal for short breaks

and overnight stays, guests can take advantage of the

116

estaurant, cocktail bar, co-working space and gym. After a

day of exploring the city, head to the rooftop terrace and kick

back with a drink while you soak up the sunset over

the skyline.

Price: Room rates at Hyatt Centric start from £120 per night.

www.hyatt.com

The University Arms

A Cambridge institution, the University Arms Hotel is

located in the city centre, on the edge of Parker’s Piece. Its

grand façade and ornate and inviting interiors are thanks

to renowned architect John Simpson and interior designer

Martin Brudnizki. Luxury flows throughout –immaculate

design with wooden doorways, shiny brass, historic

fireplaces and buttery tan leather. Rooms are comfortable

and plush, but for extra indulgence check-in to a suite with

a terrace overlooking the park and free-standing bathtub.

Parker’s Tavern, the hotel’s restaurant, is headed up by chef

director Tristian Welch, who alongside a talented team, serve

up British classics with an innovative twist.

Price: Room rates at University Arms from £159 per room per

night. Suites start from £419.

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cbgak-universityarms-hotel-autograph-collection

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

Cool, contemporary and chic, this 44-room hotel ticks all

the boxes for a city break. Sip cocktails on the roof terrace,

dine at SIX with panoramic views of the city, relax in the

spa or workout in the state-of-the-art gym – all this before

you’ve even set foot outside. The hotel is in a prime location

for walks along the Quay, enjoying the city’s parks, punting

and shopping.

Price: Room rates at The Varsity Hotel start from

£170 per night.

www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk

The Holiday Inn Cambridge

Mixing affordability and style, the hotel recently completed

a £1million refurbishment. Updates include a new open

lobby concept providing guests with one multifaceted

public space to eat, meet, relax, socialise and work. Set by

the lake in Impington, the hotel is just two miles from the

city centre, and includes the Spirit Health Centre.

Price: Room rates at the Holiday Inn start from

£100 per night.

www.lghhm.com

117

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

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

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118

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.

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.

For more information on Huntingdon Town Hall weddings,

visit www.huntingdontownweddings.co.uk

119

Written by Gerla de Boer

www.cbtravelguide.co.uk &

www.cambridgefoodtour.com

Having missed out on the big

celebrations last year, everybody

seems to be gearing up for a ‘big

bang’ this festive season. Now that

life has gone back to some kind of

normality, we are looking forward to

enjoying all the good things in life

again. Meeting up with friends and

family, eating out and enjoying a

cocktail at a swanky bar.

The

Cambridge

Foodie;

New

Restaurants

The best 12 new bars and

restaurants in Cambridge

You will certainly not be disappointed

as there is an abundance of choices

in Cambridge. The three new hottest

openings are the Garden House at

Mill Pond, KOTA in Eddington

and The Orator at the Cambridge

Union Society.

The Garden House

Set on the River Cam at Mill Pond, this

sanctuary in the heart of Cambridge

is a perfect location for afternoon

tea. Dine at their Grill with its focus

on seasonal products and celebrate

the best of East Anglian and British

produce by chef Adam Wood. At the

centre of the hotel, the bar offers a

broad range of bespoke and classic

cocktails, wines and specialist beers.

The Orator

This hidden gem is tucked away

behind the Round Church on Bridge

Street. Unknown to many locals, the

Cambridge Union Society bar has

always been open to the public and

not only a privilege for the Cambridge

University students and fellows. The

historical Cambridge Union Society

has long since hosted famous

speakers for drinks after spirited

speeches or passionate debates.

While this history still stands strong,

The Orator Brasserie and Bar, now

provides a perfect destination for

city dwellers and visitors, as well as

Union members.

.

120

KOTA in Eddington

This swanky eatery and bar

specialising in contemporary

wood-fired food and botanical

cocktails is set in North Cambridge

at the Turing Locke aparthotel and

Hyatt Centric Cambridge Hotel

complex’s prestigious development

of Eddington. Sunset cocktails have

never been so good as the views

from their rooftop bar are said to be

the best in Cambridge. This exciting

new addition is the sister restaurant

of the successful bar and eatery NOVI

on Regent Street.

Also, check out:

Restaurants

The Green Dragon Pub

This well-known local pub now

serves Turkish food by Ozzie and

delicious Sunday lunches with a

Turkish twist.

Raja Restaurant

A ballad of East and West, this awardwinning

restaurant in King Street has

had a fantastic make-over, including

a new menu with a modern twist.

Fancett’s Bistro

Fancett’s is a small French-influenced

bistro located on Mill Road in

Cambridge. The setting is relaxed,

personal and intimate, with seasonal

menus based on the best available

produce. Food by the well-known

chef, Dan Fancett.

The Fin Boys

The brainchild of local food heroes

Richard and Jay. This Fish Butchery

and Restaurant are open for lunch,

dinner and Sunday brunch.

Check out their feasting menu for

small groups.

The Tipsy Vegan

From a street food van in Norwich

to brick and mortar. After their

successful restaurant in their

hometown, the Tipsy Vegan have

opened their second restaurant on

the Quayside in Cambridge.

KOTA

Orator

Wine rooms

Bars

The Bird and Worm

Excellent cocktails and small plates

on New Market Road at the premises

of Ninja Theory. Open weekdays only.

The Wine Rooms

A destination wine bar and shop

serving contemporary food by wine

merchants and sommeliers. Located

on Hills Road opposite the Botanical

Gardens.

The Lab Cocktail Bar

Set to open in late October, this

stylish bar on Regent Street will

be the perfect place for innovative

cocktails and delicious small plates.

Dutch

Another new opening at Eddington

is Dutch, the sister bar of the popular

196 on Mill Road. Classic and reimagined

cocktails and sharing plates

in a beautifully designed setting with

a vibrant neighbourhood feel.

Rumour has it that more exciting

openings will be happening soon, so

keep an eye out on our social media!

The Garden House

121

Leather

Cambridge

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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

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122

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124

eastlife-lifestyle-2.indd 1 08/10/2021 13:40:52

Cambridge

Magic & Mayhem at the Cambridge

University Botanic Gardens

Saturday 13 November – Tuesday 23 December

Enjoy exploring the Garden this Christmas but be

warned – the mischievous elves are back! They have

been sprinkling seasonal fun around, with some fun

surprises and entertaining installations hidden around

the Garden. You may discover some unexpected

surprises! A map and colouring in activity will be

available from the ticket offices if you’d like to make

it into a magical hunt and make sure you don’t miss

anything!

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside,

Cambridge CB2 1JE

www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/whats-on/magicmayhem-2021

March Christmas Market

Sunday 5 December 10am – 3pm

Live entertainment, mulled wine, speciality foods,

quality gifts, free rides on the Market Place and activities

in the Town Hall.

www.fenland.gov.uk/events

Rural Magpie Antiques and

Vintage Fair

Sunday 5 December 10am – 4pm

A warm and welcoming fair with approximately 20 stalls

packed full with antiques and collectables including

Moorcroft, antique jewellery and glass, plus much more

enticing dealers, TV production teams, collectors and

the general public.

WHAT’S ON

Peterborough Cathedral – The Angels

are Coming

Wednesday 24 – Saturday 27 November

The stunning light display, timed to coincide with the

start of the Advent season, is designed to capture

the imagination of all the family and point towards

Christmas. It begins outside with a light art projection

onto the three great porticos of the Cathedral, set to

music composed by David Harper. The audience then

enter the Cathedral to see the interior of the nave full of

light projections with accompanying sound.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/peterboroughcathedral?eventref=angels

St Neots Christmas Light Switch On

Sunday 28 November 12pm – 6pm

Christmas market, fun fair, street food, live music and

Santa’s Grotto.

Lights switch on at 5pm

Market Square, St Neots, Cambridgeshire

A Wimpole Christmas

December Weekends

Enjoy a festive day out to Wimpole Estate this Christmas.

Discover the gardens and parkland on a winter’s walk

with family or friends, spotting magical Christmas trees

and sparkling decorations as you explore the estate.

Visit The Stables to listen to Christmas carols sung by

local choirs. Have your spirits lifted by festive tunes,

sip on a warming hot chocolate whilst you enjoy and

perhaps even join in with some well-known yuletide

favourites, sure to leave you feeling jolly.

Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire

SG8 0BW

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/

features/christmas-at-wimpole-2021

Refreshments available offering homemade delights of

sausage rolls, cakes and sandwiches. Outside children’s

play area and free car park.

Village Hall, Hall Lane, Great Chishill, Cambridgeshire

SG8 8SH

Swing into Christmas

Friday 17 December

The Down for the Count Concert Orchestra and

vocalists present a festive celebration featuring the

music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland,

Ella Fitzgerald and many more, in a luscious orchestral

setting evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios

recordings. Expect to hear faithful recreations of the best

music of the swing era including I’ve Got You Under My

Skin, Let’s Face The Music and Dance and ‘S Wonderful,

alongside original arrangements of jazz and festive

standards written by the Orchestra’s principal conductor

Mike Paul-Smith, including Winter Wonderland and The

Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting).

West Road Concert Hall, West Road Concert Hall, 11

West Rd, Cambridge CB3 9DP

www.cambridgelive.org.uk/tickets/events/swingchristmas

Ely Cathedral – Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

at Christmas

Sunday 19 December 7.30pm

In the heart of Cambridgeshire, the walls of Ely

Cathedral will resound to the music of Vivaldi, Corelli

and Mozart, performed by the Piccadilly Sinfonietta. The

Piccadilly Sinfonietta is one of the UK’s most exciting

young ensembles and performs a selection

of well-loved classics including the seasonal

Christmas Concerto by Corelli and Vivaldi’s exquisite

Four Seasons.

Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL

www.elycathedral.org/events/vivaldis-fourseasons-at-christmas

125

STRESS

FREE

SHOPPING

Colchester and Chelmsford

Park and Ride are offering

free travel after 12 on

Saturdays through

November and December

for Christmas shopping.

Pick up your free Christmas

bag at sites.

For prices, route and times go to:

essex.gov.uk/parkandride

Essex

Marie Gofted

Instagram@MarieGofted

m.facebook.com/MarieGoftedd

Essex

ESSEX NEWS & EVENTS

News

Winter Heats Ups at Lakeside

Water activities don’t usually conjure up the idea of

warmth, especially during winter, but that’s about to

change as Skuna Boats, bring the UK’s first hot tub boat

experience to Alexandra Lake at Lakeside.

Heated at a toasty 38°C, the deluxe wood-fired hot tubs

contain fresh filtered water which is changed after each

trip to ensure the highest hygiene standards. Changing

rooms are heated too, and feature lockers, plus mirrors

and sockets to help you get ready for more adventures

back on dry land.

The electric boats are easy to drive and accommodate

up to seven guests, for ages 12+. Perfect for a

celebratory event, the experience is set to become

a must-do activity in Essex. Hot tub boats are also

available at West India Quay, Canary Wharf. Prices start

from £225.

www.skunaboats.com

Hello Future!

A new free training programme has been launched for

18-24 year-olds in Tendring and Colchester to improve

their employability skills or to help them start their own

businesses.

Shop ‘til you Drop

Braintree Village has partnered with Dropit to launch

a carry to car and home delivery shopping service,

offering visitors a new level of convenience during their

trip to the outlet shopping destination.

Many brands at Braintree Village are participating in the

scheme, meaning shoppers can ‘drop as they shop’

and enjoy a bag-free shopping experience – perfect for

Christmas shopping and the January sales.

Guests can choose to have bags delivered to a

preferred location at a convenient time with Dropit

providing delivery to homes, hotels and workplaces

within the Essex area. Shoppers also have the option to

collect all their bags with flexible on-site bag collection

from Guest Services. They’ll even deliver your bags

to your car if parked in the specially marked bays,

conveniently situated in the North Car Park.

www.braintree-village.com/articles/dropit-nowbraintree-village

Plantable Christmas Cards

Colbea has partnered with Tendring District Council

and Colchester Borough Council for its HELLO FUTURE!

training programme. The six-week online programme

helps young adults identify strengths and capabilities,

builds confidence and provides support to find the right

opportunities.

Candidates will also be able to try out networking skills

with a group of people making similar decisions and

hear from real people; business owners and employees,

sharing real experiences, tips, hints, and resources to

support entrepreneurship or employment.

Luxury British sustainable brand, The Seed Card

Company, have you covered for an eco-friendly

Christmas. The family run, Essex based company,

create fully sustainable greetings cards, perfect for

eco-conscious friends and family. Each card is made

from plantable seed card embedded with wildflower

seeds, printed with vegan inks and use zero plastic in all

packaging.

www.theseedcardcompany.com

128

Essex

Plastic Free Fun

Eco toys aren’t just good for the planet, they’re better

for children too. Reduce your plastic consumption this

Christmas and keep little ones protected with a plasticfree

gift from PomPom. Based near Saffron Walden, the

online shop features beautifully crafted wooden toys, raffia

baskets, organic felt kids rugs, sugar cane building blocks

and recycled cardboard wall decorations. PomPom will be

exhibiting at the Newmarket Christmas Fair from

19-21 November.

www.shoppompom.com

Food & Drink

Essex Pub Named Best in the UK

Diary Dates

Essex Festive Gift & Food Show,

6-7 November

Brentwood Centre, Brentwood

Get into the festive spirit and tick off your Christmas list with

a visit to one of the biggest seasonal shopping events in the

county. Browse stalls of decorations, gifts, homewares and

accessories, before sampling delicious food and drink from

regional producers.

www.essexfestiveshow.co.uk/visiting-tickets/

shopping

Robin Hood at Harlow Playhouse,

3 December – 2 January

This festive season Harlow Playhouse celebrates its 50th

anniversary with ‘Robin Hood – the Greatest Pantomime

Adventure’ to entertain audiences. Offering a family-friendly

performance from 3 December to 2 January, the panto

includes theatre favourites Ben Parsley, as Silly Willy Scarlet

and Jimmy Burton Iles as Dame Auntie Dolly. The show

promises hilarious comedy, dazzling dance routines and

spectacular sets and costumes are sure to hit the target!

www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

An Enchanted Christmas at

Colchester Castle, 19 December

Galvin Green Man in Chelmsford – the pub from Michelinstarred,

Essex-born brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin – has

been named as the best pub in the UK, having secured the

top accolade at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

The venue, which was refurbished and opened by the

Galvins in 2016, was commended for its first-class delivery

of food, drink, service and all-round pub experience.

The Green Man is said to be one of the oldest pubs in Essex,

built in 1341. It was also one of 15 pubs to be named as the

best in its region.

“To come through the last year and a half and be

recognised like this is fantastic,” says Chris Galvin.

“Everyone’s a winner here, but I’m particularly proud of our

head chef Chris Ball, and general manager Katie MacKay

who runs a really tight ship. It’s all about looking after our

locals and anyone that visits. We try our best day in, day

out. It’s important to mention our suppliers, who have been

on the same difficult journey and often get forgotten. They

redoubled their efforts when we reopened.”

www.galvinrestaurants.com/restaurant/galvin-greenman-chelmsford

During a two-hour session, children can meet the snow lion,

snow queen and Father Christmas, and take part in craft

activities. With displays and interactive exhibits, including

the Castle’s latest exhibition, ‘Decoding The Roman Dead,’

it’s a fun, festive yet educational event for the whole family.

www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

anenchantedchristmas

New Year’s Day Walk, 1 January,

11am-1pm

High Woods Country Park, Colchester

Blow away the cobwebs with a three-mile ranger led walk

through the park. There’s no need to book, simply meet

outside the Visitor Centre at High Woods.

Talliston House & Gardens Guided Tour,

29-30 January, 26-27 February and

26-27 March

51 Newton Green, Great Dunmow

An exclusive opportunity to explore behind the doors of

Talliston House & Gardens, in which lies a labyrinth of

rooms, each set in a different time and place. A project,

which took 25 years to complete, the property used to be

an ex-council house, but is now home to unique rooms and

gardens which comprise 13 locations. The full guided tour

takes visitors on a journey of the property, followed by tea,

coffee and cake.

www.talliston.com/talliston-tours

129

130

Orion Heating

Essex Wildlife Trust

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Garden fires

Featuring a chimney

and windows for

maximum comfort

Realistic Inset

Gas Fires at

Orion Heating

A great place to visittat any time of year!

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

OrionHeating.co.uk

01279 813591

Quality Danish

stoves and fires

by Heta

Visit or phone our Essex

showroom now to discuss

your cosy new fireplace

SHOWROOM AT

Takeley Business Centre, Dunmow Road,

Takeley, Essex, CM22 6SJ

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

"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!

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!

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

131

Creek

Restaurant

&

Bar

Christmas Parties

4 courses from £34.95

Christmas Day

5 courses £105

New Years Eve

“Champagne Lunch” 4 Courses £45

eek, Flag Hill, Great Bentley,

Colchester CO7 8RE

01255 317950

www.thecreekgreatbentley.co.uk

RESTAURANT OF

THE YEAR

Essex

On the Farm

The best farm shops in the county

Farm shops no longer just sell fruit and veg. With

in-house butchers and bakeries, delis and cafes, we

list the best places for a cup of coffee alongside your

grocery shop.

Calcott Hall Farm Shop

Ongar Road, Brentwood CM15 9HS

A family run business for over 40 years, Calcott Hall

features produce from over 60 regional suppliers.

The shop has a homely feel with rustic wood floors

and stacked crates stock-piled with fresh fruit and

veg. There’s an in-house butcher, a huge choice of

freshly baked bread (the sundried tomato bread is a

must-try) and selection of cakes for sweet cravings.

Stop by The Barnyard Café for breakfast, light bites

and hearty baked potatoes.

www.calcotthall.com

Sparrows End

Farm Shop

Sparrows Hill House,

Newport, Saffron

Walden CB11 3TU

The wooden cladded

building is perched

on a green space

complete with a

terrace decked out in

style. Festoon lighting

hangs from the

entrance and quirky

outdoor furniture sits

invitingly on the lawn; the perfect pitstop for a light

lunch. The farm shop may be small, but it stocks

a good range of local produce and freshly baked

goods are delivered every morning, though you’ll

need to be quick to snap them up. There’s a good

selection of wine, and tastings are held throughout

the year. The next event takes place on Saturday 4

December.

www.sparrowsendfarmshop.co.uk

the farm is full of festivities with Christmas trees and

wreaths and the opportunity for young visitors to see

Santa. www.greenbarnfarmshop.com

Ashlyns Farm & Restaurant

Epping Rd, Epping CM16 6RZ

Housed in a big wooden building, a trip to this farm

shop is a day out. The shop itself stocks a wide range

of produce, features an on-site butcher and deli,

which sells fresh homemade scotch eggs, sausage

rolls and fluffy pastries. The menu at the restaurant

is a tempting mix of small plates, egg dishes,

sandwiches and hearty meals. Next door children

can visit the animals on the farm and run wild in the

softplay barn. Wine lovers can pick up a bottle of

plonk at The Black Dog Wine Company and keen

anglers can fish for carp on the lake.

www.ashlynsfarmshop.co.uk

Blackwells Farm Shop

Herons Farm, Colne Road, Coggeshall, CO6 1TQ

Set in the glorious Coggeshall countryside, the farm

shop has a number of awards to its name. Selling the

best of the best, most produce is sourced within a

20-mile radius. The on-site butcher is on hand to offer

advice and recommendations, and the farm hosted

its first butchery class this autumn. Once you’ve

chosen your goodies, grab a hot drink and slice of

cake, and take a seat on the decking area.

www.blackwellsfarmproduce.co.uk

Sarah Green’s Organics

Mark Farm, Tillingham, Essex

If you can’t find the time to get out and about to do

your shopping, why not have it delivered to you?

Each week’s new crops are listed on the website.

Just pick the items you want, place them in your

online hamper basket, pay and they will be with you

shortly. Boxes range from £8.50 to £20.

www.sarahgreensorganics.co.uk

The Green Barn Farm Shop

North Benfleet, SS12 9JR

Located on a working farm, the shop stocks

homegrown produce including its home reared

Aberdeen Angus beef and dairy from the

neighbouring farm. Visitors are welcome to browse at

a leisurely pace and enjoy a hot drink while watching

the cows. The farm hosts a regular market with

goods on offer from local businesses. In November,

133

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

Luxury Vinyl Tiles & Planks • Rugs • Carpets • Vinyl Flooring

Cowdray Carpet Centre

01206 768376

Unit 5, Cowdray Centre, Mason Road (off Cowdray Avenue), Colchester CO1 1BX

www.cowdraycarpetsltd.co.uk | enquiries@cowdray-carpetsltd.co.uk

Home Service Available Select your flooring in the comfort of your own home

134

Ready

set

shop

Essex is a great shopping destination. Whether you’re

Christmas shopping, browsing for a bargain in the January

sales or simply fancy treating yourself, the county’s large

malls, designer outlets, boutiques and markets offer plenty

of choice.

Braintree Village

Shop smart at Braintree Village. Get the best for your money

with over 75 outlet stores featuring premier brands such as

Armani, Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

Definitely a place to visit for the shopaholics among you.

You’ll find designer clothing, accessories and homewares

with up to 60% off the RRP. During the festive season the

store canopies are draped with fairy lights and there’s a

magical buzz in the air. The village hosts promotion days

throughout the year and is also home to a cinema and a

selection of chain restaurants, so you won’t go hungry!

www.braintree-village.com

Lakeside Shopping Centre

One of the biggest malls in the county, it’s a shopper’s

paradise with big brand names and retailers all under one

roof. If you’re shopping for a special occasion, use the free

personal styling service, simply call ahead to arrange an

appointment. Stop by the Harrods Champagne Bar for a

glass of bubbles alongside your beauty fix. More than a

shopping destination, Lakeside has become a family day

out with its extensive leisure facilities including Nickelodeon

Adventure, Hollywood Bowl, Puttshack, Flip Out trampoline

park, an Upside Down House and Rock Up climbing wall.

It recently announced the addition of Boom Battle Bar; a

restaurant and cocktail bar with crazy games such as axe

throwing and beer pong.

Chelmsford

Home to shopping centres and glorious parks, Chelmsford

has established itself as one of the most popular places

in Essex. The city has grown immensely over the last few

years with property developments and improvements to the

centre. The Bond Street shopping area features a number

of high street stores including John Lewis’ first Essex-based

store, a cinema and restaurants. The city centre has an

additional two shopping malls; The Meadows and High

Chelmer Shopping Centre. Drive a short distance out of town

and you’ll discover Chelmer Village Retail Park.

Clacton Factory Outlet

The lure of Clacton may be its sandy beach and lively pier,

but for shoppers, Clacton Shopping Village, is the place to

visit. The pedestrianised shopping complex features a range

of stores such as fashion, jewellery, gifts and homewares,

plus a few outlet stores.

Colchester

Britain’s oldest town is a great location for a spot of shopping.

Colchester’s Charter Market dates back close to a millennium

and continues to be a vibrant place to shop along Culver

Street West, Long Wyre Street and Culver Street East every

Friday and Saturday. The town centre is home to two large,

indoor shopping centres, Culver Square and Lion Walk, that

between them, house many of the country’s most popular

high street retailers. The Fenwick store is also the perfect

place to indulge your favourite retail passions.

135

Moving?

De-cluttering?

Clearing the garage?

YOUR LOCAL STORAGE

SOLUTION BASED IN MALDON

Short and

long term

Boxed storage,

250 Cubic feet

and more

Can collect by

prior arrangement

Monday to Friday access

- Out of hours with prior notice

Tel: 01245 225420

Fax: 01245 227672

Mob: 07799 654107

www.allcrates.co.uk

We are

open for

admissions

EXCEPTIONAL CARE

IN WOODBRIDGE

Grove Court is one of a select

group of care homes operated by

Elizabeth Finn Homes and offers

a home from home for discerning

guests who appreciate comfort,

quality and exceptional care.

We offer personal or nursing care

on a permanent or short stay basis,

as well as end of life care, all to the

same exceptional standard.

From award-winning restaurant

style dining to beautiful landscaped

gardens and industry leading social

engagement, Grove Court provides

the highest level of service and

facilities.

TOP

20

AWARD 2019

Why not come and see for yourself?

Call Helen Jones, our General

Manager on Tel: 01394 446500

or email:

enquiries.grovecourt@efhl.co.uk

GROVE COURT

Beech Way,

Woodbridge,

Suffolk IP12 4BW

No hidden charges | Charity Owned | Well-established | Reputation for high quality care

www.efhl.co.uk

136

Essex

Maldon Christmas Festival

Thursday 25 November 4pm – 9pm

Christmas shopping, Punch and Judy show, reindeers,

Father Christmas in his grotto, live music and

entertainment along the high street between 4pm and

9pm.The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.30pm.

Southend Seafront Fireworks Display

Jack ’n’ the Beanstalk

The Headgate Theatre

Friday 3 December – Saturday 11 December

A fast-moving, up-to-date retelling of this classic folk tale

about brave young Jack Nimble, Daisy the dancing cow

and a life and death struggle with the cannibal giant Mr.

Bigg. Will love triumph over greed? Can Greenville be

saved from the forces of evil that threaten to swallow up

the village and everyone in it? All will be revealed as this

traditional English panto unfolds! Suitable for all the family.

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester

CO2 7AT

www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/colchester/

headgate-theatre

WHAT’S ON

Throughout November 7.30pm

Wrap up warm, round up your friends and family and

head on down to the seafront every Saturday night

during November and the first Saturday in December.

Embrace the exciting atmosphere, the smell of chips,

the sounds of Adventure Island, the buzz of the seafront

arcade machines. Each display lasts approx. 10 minutes

but that’s plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular night

sky. Start practicing your oooohhhs and ahhhhhs now!

For more information, visit

www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guide/fireworks

Saffron Walden Christmas Gift Fair

Friday 3 December 9am – 8pm

Saturday 4 December 9am – 5pm

Sunday 5 December 9am – 4pm

Come and shop for Christmas gifts, handmade and

vintage items at this three-day Christmas Gift Fair.

Refreshments will be available.

Saffron Walden Town Hall, CB10 1HR

Hylands Estate Christmas Open Day

and Farmers’ & Craft Market

The Colchester Town Hall Christmas

Market

Saturday 27 November – Sunday 28t November

10am – 5pm

Stalls will include cards, festive refreshments, jewellery,

beauty, ornaments, personalised gifts and more. With

everything being sourced and made locally,

your guaranteed to find the perfect gift for all your

loved ones.

Colchester Town Hall, High Street, Colchester CO1 1PJ

Sunday 19 December 10am – 4pm

Hylands House opens its doors free of charge to

reveal the secrets behind its history with an exhibition

displayed in the library – this month’s exhibition is

‘Weddings and Royalty! ’. Browse Hylands House at

your own leisure, or enjoy a free guided tour at 11am led

by their knowledgeable team.

The Farmers’ & Craft Market is located both outside the

front of Hylands House and inside the Grand Pavilion.

The market is a treasure trove of fresh, local food,

drink, and crafts direct from the producers and makers.

Christmas wreaths, macramé, mulled wine and sweet

treats are just some of the delights you’ll find. The Stables

Cafe will offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and

sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.

Hawthorn Heavy Horses will be providing estate carriage

tours throughout the day. Tour times will be available to

book via the website after Sunday 21 November. To top

it all off, Santa will also be making an appearance!

Hylands House, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, Essex

CM2 8WQ

https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events

137

Gift Vouchers

love bedford

town centre

Redeemable at over 270 different

businesses in Bedford Town Centre

Vouchers are available to purchase at

Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour in The Arcade

and Michael R Peters on The Broadway.

Alternatively, you can purchase them

online for delivery through our website.

www.lovebedford.co.uk

www.facebook.com/lovebedford @lovebedford

info@lovebedford.co.uk @lovebedford1

Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire

BEDFORDSHIRE NEWS & EVENTS

News

Bedford Proms just £1 for NHS

workers

Bedford Park Proms celebrated its 25th Anniversary in

September with a spectacular classical picnic concert.

A poignant moment of the show was a special guest

appearance by Hannah Ingram-Moore and Benjie

Ingram-Moore who talked about their late father/

grandfather Captain Sir Tom Moore and his amazing

achievement raising £38.9m for NHS charities.

Hannah went on to announce that the promoter of

Bedford Park Concerts, Mark Harrison, is giving 8000

tickets for the 2022 Proms to NHS workers for just £1.

This £1 will be donated straight back to the NHS and

given to The Bedford Hospital Charity.

Bedford Park Proms 25th Anniversary (Part 2) takes

place on Sunday 31 July 2022 and tickets for NHS

workers can be purchased at

www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

It’s Panto at the Christmas Tree

Festival

‘It’s Panto!’ is the theme for this year’s Christmas Tree

Festival, which runs from 1-5 December, at St Paul’s

Church, Bedford. With 60 illuminated trees and daily

concerts, the event is the must-see start to the Christmas

season.

Bedford’s Pipe Band opens the Festival on the morning

of 1 December and, in the evening, ‘Fizz at the Festival’

is a private viewing in memory of Jayne Beard, a former

Chairman of the Bedford Hospitals Charity. The annual

Festival Concert will be held on the evening of Friday

3 December with the Minerva Piano Trio performing

pieces by Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart & Vivaldi.

The popular event is organised jointly by and is

in aid of the Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends,

together with the church. www.facebook.com/

bedfordchristmastreefestival

New academy for young performers

Milton Keynes Theatre has launched a brand-new

academy, providing performing arts training to young

people aged 4-14 in a series of classes, workshops, and

holiday projects.

The weekly youth theatre classes will be led by a DBS

certified drama specialist who will take young people on

a journey of creativity, self-expression, and confidencebuilding

to develop essential performance and life skills.

Free trials are available, so young people can have a

taste of what to expect. No auditions are necessary to

take part, and the course welcomes young people of all

abilities and backgrounds.

For further information, get in touch with the

Milton Keynes Theatre Creative Learning team at

miltokeynescreativelearning

@theambassadors.com

Classical music returns to Bedford

Bedford Music Club is a charity that promotes

professional classical music concerts each season

under the umbrella ‘Music on Thursdays’. This season’s

concerts, which began in October, are as eclectic as

ever with music spanning six centuries from three

continents, exploring classical music in all its endless

variety.

The concerts run through to April 2022 and include

a recital for French horn; a concert of classical Indian

ragas; songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov,

Brahms, and Schubert; piano trios by Haydn and

Beethoven; and operatic selections performed by a

brass quintet.

Visit www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk for more

information and tickets.

140

Bedfordshire

Food & Drink

A taste of things to come in Woburn

The Elves and the Shoemaker

18 – 24 December

Join Full House Theatre back at Luton Library Theatre this

Christmas with a joyful family show. With original toetapping

music, laugh-out-loud characters, puppetry and

real magic, The Elves and the Shoemaker is a festive story

sure to make the whole family feel all warm and cosy inside.

www.culturetrust.com

Christmas Adventure Quest

26 December – 2 January

If you’re heading inside now the evenings are getting cooler

or are in search of a cosy spot after a brisk weekend walk,

make for The Black Horse in Woburn. Head chef Roger

Hayward, who came to the pub via The Birch in Woburn

and before that the four-star George Hotel in Colchester,

has created a new winter menu with hearty dishes made

with top-notch British produce. Warming curries plus

satisfying slow braises are plentiful, as are classic puds.

You can make Christmas special and help those most

in need by having your celebration at The Black Horse.

This year, the pub is Making Life Peachy by supporting

FareShare, a charity network that aims to relieve food

poverty and reduce food waste in the UK.

www.blackhorsewoburn.co.uk

Diary Dates

The Woburn Luxury Gift Fair

16 November

Shop in the delightful surroundings of Woburn Safari Lodge

in the grounds of the Safari Park. With over 40 stalls of

inspiring gift ideas from stocking fillers to sheer indulgence,

there’s something for everyone. Tickets are £5 and all

proceeds go to the NSPCC to support Childline.

www.woburn.co.uk

Head to Wrest Park for a festive adventure quest! Follow

the trail, find the clues, and discover the garden’s amazing

stories and secrets. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate in

beautiful surroundings. It’s a great way for the whole family

to get out and about in Christmas week.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Coming Up...

Les Misérables

Milton Keynes Theatre, April 2022

The UK and Ireland tour of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les

Misérables reopens this November and will visit Milton

Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 26 April to Saturday 21

May 2022. Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived

this acclaimed new production in 2009 to celebrate the

show’s 25th anniversary, it has taken the world by storm.

Seen by over 120 million people in 52 countries and in

22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the

world’s most popular and contemporary musicals. Tickets

are now on sale.

www.atgtickets.com

Bedford River Festival

23-24 July 2022

Shuttlemas – A Christmas Party

3-18 December

Party the night away at Shuttleworth House with resident

DJ, magic mirror photo booth, magician, and festive glitter

face painting. Two fantastic food vans will be offering

wood-fired pizza and turkey spit roast with all the trimmings.

With 15 ensuite bedrooms, why not really make a night of it

and stay over? www.shuttleworth.org

This ever-popular event takes place in July every other

year, and will be back bigger and better for 2022. As always,

the River Festival is free to attend and offers something for

everyone – including countless river activities, live music

and performance, a continental market, funfair, spectacular

firework display, raft and dragon boat races, plus the

heritage village, sports village and water sports arena.

www.riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk

141

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

142

Bedfordshire

Fine Dining the ultimate treat

by Jacqui Hagen

Winter is a season of celebrations

with Christmas, New Year and

Valentine’s Day providing good

reason to treat ourselves and others.

It’s a time for extravagance and

indulgence. With exquisite dishes,

meticulous attention to detail and

phenomenal service in glamorous

surroundings, fine dining is perfect

for your special occasion. Here are

our favourite places in Bedfordshire

for a truly unforgettable dining

experience.

Paris House

Paris House, Woburn Park, London

Road, Woburn, MK17 9QP

An elegant restaurant, set in the deer

park of the Woburn Estate, offering

inspirational menus from awardwinning

chef and owner, Phil Fanning.

In a sumptuous dining room with

rich turquoise and golds, attentive

staff will wow you with their food

and wine knowledge, while getting

the right balance between first class

service and a relaxed environment.

Festive menus are available from

11 November until Christmas. The

restaurant closes over the Christmas

period, reopening on 6 January with

the winter menu.

Six-course tasting menu priced £80

per person, with accompanying wine

pairing £69.

www.parishouse.co.uk

Eileen’s

86a Dunstable Street, Ampthill,

MK45 2JP

Eileen’s celebrates local produce in a

friendly, non-pretentious atmosphere

with dishes thoughtfully crafted by

head chef, Steve Barringer, who shot

to prominence as runner-up on the

BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals

in 2011. Named after Steve’s

grandmother, who was the inspiration

for his career as a chef, Eileen’s is a

small, intimate restaurant with tasting

menus featuring innovative dishes

and bold flavours.

Five-course tasting menu priced £60

per person, with accompanying wine

pairing £40.

Seven-course tasting menu priced

£80 per person, with accompanying

wine pairing £50.

www.eileensampthill.co.uk

St Helena

High Street, Elstow, MK42 9XP

Named after the nearby Abbey

Church, St. Helena is a stylish

restaurant within a period country

house in a village setting. Elegant

dining rooms, adorned with fine

paintings and antiques, and a

contemporary conservatory provide

the perfect setting for your special

occasion. Head Chef Lorenzo and his

team create a varied menu with daily

specials encompassing innovative

flavours and textures, often adding a

modern twist to classic favourites.

Three-course menu priced £52.50 per

person includes chef’s appetiser and

coffee with petit fours.

www.sthelenarestaurant.co.uk

Wernher Restaurant

Luton Hoo, The Mansion House,

Luton, LU1 3TQ

For exquisite fine dining there can

be few more spectacular settings

than The Mansion House at Luton

Hoo Hotel. Remodelled in the early

20th century by the architects of

the Ritz Hotel in London, its exotic

marble panelwork and richly coloured

fabrics are reminiscent of the Palace

of Versailles. The festive menu is

available from 1 to 24 December

and a lavish five-course gourmet

dinner, with Champagne and canapé

reception, will be held on New Year’s

Eve, priced £145 per person.

Three course menu priced £52

per person.

www.lutonhoo.co.uk

The Kings Head

2 Station Rd, Ivinghoe,

Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9EB

A 16th century, grade two listed

building set at the foot of the Chilterns

where you can savour a glass of your

favourite tipple and nibble canapés

in the welcoming bar before moving

through to the opulent dining room.

Head Chef, Jonathan O’Keeffe, offers

contemporary French and English

cooking which brings new vigour to

traditional dishes and novel tastes to

modern cuisine.

Three-course menu priced £38-60

per person includes chef’s appetiser

and coffee.

Six-course tasting menu, £63.50 per

person (not available in December).

www.kingsheadivinghoe.co.uk

143

Brand new & exclusive Bungalow style development

The Grange

Moorbarns Lane, Lutterworth LE17 4QJ

IMMEDIATE

OCCUPATION

AVAILABLE

Homes available

from £189,995 *

● Over 45’s retired and semi-retired community

● 100% current market value part exchange

● Bespoke design your home

call: 0330 133 1950

sales@montecarloparks.co.uk

www.montecarloparks.co.uk

Through our Part Exchange Scheme we are able

to offer you 100% market value for your property

so you don’t have to worry about completing a

sale before purchasing your park home.

Thanks to this seamless transition you can also

save the estate agents fees and all the stress that

goes with it, by selling your property through us.

Let us make your move a wonderful experience

so you can concentrate on all the important

things in life.

*Terms and conditions apply. The park homes advertised are on a first come first served basis and limited availability.

Picture for illustration purposes only.

145

1. Fly and Surf

Located in Milton Ernest, Twinwoods

Adventure is an extreme sports

centre where you can experience

the exhilaration of sky diving and the

thrill of catching a wave…indoors!

Twinwoods’ wind tunnel is an

adrenalin rush for those who dream

of flying while FlowRider’s continual

cascade of waves will challenge any

wannabe surfer. With a climbing wall,

soft play, health club and more, there’s

plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

www.twinwoodsadventure.com

2. Expand your mind

Luton is home to the Stockwood

Discovery Centre, with interactive

exhibitions and the biggest carriage

collection in Europe, and also to

Wardown House, a museum which

transports you back in time to a

wealthy Victorian family home.

www.culturetrust.com

The Higgins is celebrating 200 years

of Bedford’s art with their exhibition,

Going to Town, which runs until 20

March 2022. View artworks by JMW

Turner, Dora Carrington, Thomas

Fisher and Stanley Orchart which

highlight their fascination with the

town and River Great Ouse.

www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

10

Things to do

6. Escape!

Can you use your wit and skills to

crack puzzles and decipher codes?

Can you keep calm under pressure

and work as a team? An escape

room is the perfect indoor activity

for a family or group of friends.

Try the Escape Rooms (www.

bedfordescaperooms.co.uk)

and Don’t Get Locked In (www.

dontgetlockedin.com) in Bedford,

or Locked Escapes in Dunstable and

Luton (www.lockedescapes.com).

Some venues are now really upping

their game with themed cocktails

when you break free!

7. Indulge in a Spa Day

Escape into a world of relaxation,

bliss, and rejuvenation in one of the

county’s top locations. Visit Woburn

Forest at Center Parcs for fantastic

poolside views

(www.aquasana.co.uk), Luton Hoo

Hotel for a country club experience

(www.lutonhoo.co.uk) or

Champneys Henlow Grange to relax

in Scandi-inspired pods and poolside

cabanas (www.champneys.com).

Not forgetting Yspa at Wyboston

Lakes Resort which reopens,

following refurbishment, in January

2022 (www.yspa.co.uk).

8. See a Show

Bedfordshire has some super small

theatres offering a full programme of

comedy, dance, drama, and music.

This season’s highlights include

Robin’s Winter Adventure at Luton

Library Theatre (www.culturetrust.

com); The Pantaloons’ Humbugged:

A Christmas Carol 2 at The Place

Bedford (www.theplacebedford.

org.uk); and The Ultimate

Commitments & Blues Brothers

Experience at The Quarry Theatre

Bedford (www.quarrytheatre.org.

uk). And, with pantomimes back this

year, don’t miss the fun-filled Aladdin

at Grove Theatre in Dunstable

(www.grovetheatre.co.uk).

146

3. Bounce!

Kids need to let off steam? Then head

to Orbital Trampoline Park in Luton,

a huge warehouse with hundreds of

interconnecting trampolines, where

they can experience over a dozen

ways to bounce, flip, and spin. Navigate

the freestyle course, compete in team

dodgeball, go head-to-head on the

battle beam, and test your agility and

skill with the Ninja Warrior course and

spinning Wipeout challenge. There are

also Whipper Snapper sessions for little

ones under five.

www.orbitaltrampolinepark.co.uk

4. Shop in a Special

Village

Based in Barton-le-Clay, The Olde

Watermill Shopping Village is set

in and around a historic water mill.

With cobbled streets, alleyways,

and Dickensian shop fronts, it’s

a shopping experience unlike

any other. Home to more than 20

independent retailers, a tearoom,

antique centre, children’s play barn

and crazy golf, there’s something for

everyone, come rain or shine.

www.oldewatermill.co.uk

5. Cuddle a Cat

On a gloomy day, lift your mood with

a visit to Bedford Cat Café where you

can relax while enjoying a cuddle

with a cat. Research has shown that

stroking a cat for just 10 minutes can

reduce stress hormones and improve

your mood. Meet Radish, a lap cat

who is partially deaf; Kitty Donut, who

has white fur and striking yellow eyes;

Steve, the boss of all the café cats;

and the rest of the Peterborough Cat

Rescue gang. Go to

www.bedfordcatcafe.wixsite.com

to book and read the house rules.

in Bedfordshire

on a Winter’s Day

Written by Jacqui Hagen

The weather outside may be frightful but that

doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Whether

you’re looking for something invigorating,

cultural, relaxing, or even mind boggling, there are

plenty of options throughout the county. Head to

one of these attractions for a great day out.

9. Play a Game

For old-school fun visit Ready Steady

Roll, an award-winning board game

café and shop in Sharnbrook. Set in

a rural location, it’s a beautiful place

to try a fantastic range of board, card

and dexterity games while enjoying

coffee and irresistible homemade

cake (www.readysteadyroll.co.uk).

Geek Retreat, in Bedford’s Harpur

Centre, stocks some of the biggest

brands in geekdom and has a

collection of free to play board

games to enjoy over a geek-themed

milkshake or a tasty burger. It’s also

an events hub with learn to play

sessions, games tournaments and

quizzes. www.geek-retreat.com

10. Put your Foot on the

Gas

Racegoers and thrill seekers will love

the indoor go-kart track at TeamSport

in Dunstable. With a multi-level circuit,

18 nail-biting bends, exhilarating long

straights and jaw dropping ramps, it’s

the ideal destination for an actionpacked

day out. Whether you’re a

karting newbie or a seasoned pro,

there’s something for everyone with

a range of events for individuals,

families, and groups.

www.team-sport.co.uk

147

Now taking Christmas Bookings

in our Dining Room and Yurt

WWW.THESUNFELMERSHAM.COM

Tel: 01234 781355 Email: info@thesunfelmersham.com

The Sun, Grange Road, Felmersham, MK43 7EU

Bedfordshire

Shuttleworth in Lights –

A Festive Special

Thursday 25 November – Sunday 19 December

This year the illuminated trail will take on a festive

twist! With a bevvy of wonderful Christmas and festive

elements to find along your walk as you discover

an enchanting world of light and colour. Start the

adventure at the World Famous Shuttleworth Collection

Hangars from here enter the Swiss Garden, head into

the Paddock 4 for a special display, re-join the route at

the Shrubbery walk, pop past the Summer House, then

stroll down the wonderful Lakeside Parkland and back

into the Swiss Garden, finishing with a visit to the Gift

Shop and Runway Café.

www.shuttleworth.org/product/shuttleworth-inlights-festive-special

Pamper and Christmas Shopping

Evening

Friday 26 November 7pm – 10.30pm

Treat yourself to an evening of pampering, relaxation

and shopping! Find some unusual and thoughtful

Christmas gifts then reward yourself with a beauty

treatment...or three!

Therapists offer a variety of treatments from top to toe,

and local stallholders will be selling a range of gifts and

beauty products as well as handmade crafts. All monies

raised on the night is for the Forest of Marston Vale,

helping care for your local community woodlands and

plant more trees!

£5 per person for entry – parking is free for this event.

Food and a fully licensed bar will also be available

courtesy of the Lakeside Café, for an additional cost on

the night.

The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine

MK43 0PR Tel 01234 767037

www.marstonvale.org

A Christmas Carol at Wardown House

Thursday 2 December – Saturday 18th December

This magical promenade piece takes you around the

beautiful rooms in Wardown House. Telling us the story

of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, be prepared

to be hear this classic tale told in a way you have never

heard before.

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Old Bedford

Road, Luton LU2 7HA

www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/christmas-carol-1

Christmas Market Weekends at

Rushmere Country Park

Saturday 4 – Sunday 5th December

Saturday 11 December – Sunday 12th December

Saturday 18 December – Sunday 19th December

Three festive weekends with gift stalls for you to browse,

locally sourced and Fairtrade festive food and drink,

seasonal music and of course Christmas trees for sale!

The Festive Fairy trail will be available throughout and

Father Christmas will be dropping by on Sunday 19

December.

Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and

Reach, LU7 0EB

www.greensandtrust.org/Event/christmas-marketweekends

Stockwood Illuminated

Friday 30 December – Thursday 23rd December

Your invited on a journey of light and sound in the

historic gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre.

Throughout the seasonal period you can explore

Stockwood in a new light. Weave your way on a

self-guided trail through the illuminated pathways, set

against the backdrop of the lush greenery.

Running time: 60 mins, with slots available every 30

minutes

Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road,

Luton LU1 4LX

Jordans Mill Christmas Craft & Food

Fayre Spectacular

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 December 9.30pm – 4pm

Come along for a browse and bag yourself some

amazing Christmas Gifts, made by a host of talented

local businesses. Whilst you’re there spoil yourself this

festive season with a Jordans Festive Afternoon Tea, or

sit back and relax with with their Festive Mains Menu.

Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Southill Road, Broom,

Bedfordshire SG18 9JX

www. jordansmill.com/events

Castle Comedy Christmas Special at

The Quarry Theatre

Thursday 16 December 8pm

Castle Comedy is back at The Quarry Theatre with a

Christmas Special. The show will feature star names,

mince pies, crackers and loads of Christmas cheer!

26 St Peters St, Bedford MK40 2NN

www.castlecomedy.co.uk/home

Richard Shuttleworth Murder Mystery

Saturday 29 January

It is 112 years since Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth was

born, on 16 July 1909. Guests (and suspects) are invited

for a meal to celebrate what would have been his 112th

birthday. However, some of the guests are interested in

more than just the party…

Enjoy a wonderful evening of Shakespeare’s best-loved

romantic comedy, complete with beautiful Elizabethan

costumes and a splendid musical score. A glorious

welcome back to theatre under the stars for family,

friends, and children of all ages.

Old Warden Aerodrome, Biggleswade SG18 9DX

www.shuttleworth.org/product/richardshuttleworth-murder-mystery/

WHAT’S ON

149

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

Plan your visit at

enjoystalbans.com

or scan me

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

Mike Carroll, Lens2Print, www.lens2print.co.uk

Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire

HERTFORDSHIRE NEWS & EVENTS

News

Watford Market Lates: a big success

Watford Market welcomed over 600 town centre visitors

to its first-ever night event ‘Market Lates’.

A soundtrack of live music and delicious street food

from around the globe brought a relaxed festival vibe to

the covered outdoor space, offering a feast for the eyes,

ears and the belly.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The

Market Lates event was a big success. It was a great

opportunity for people to discover some of the market’s

popular traders, whilst enjoying a night out with friends

and family. I’m really looking forward to attending future

events.” www.watfordmarket.co.uk

Winter in St Albans: It’s a cracker!

St Albans is

magical in winter

and is a mustvisit

destination

for Christmas

shopping, fantastic

entertainment and

delicious food and

drink.

This year, the

fun starts on 6

November with

the Fireworks

Spectacular in

Verulamium Park.

The festive season

then kicks off on 21 November at The Christmas

Cracker event, a street festival with family entertainment,

rides, and festive market stalls.

There’s plenty more planned throughout November

and December, with a pop-up public art exhibition, a

family trail, carol concerts, live street entertainment and

more. Visit www.EnjoyStAlbans.com for details.

Jack To The Future

This year, during

lockdown, Hertford

schoolboy Jack

Andrews created his

own podcast as he

wanted something

fun to do and to keep

in touch with other

people. “It’s called

Jack To The Future

because my favourite

film is Back To The

Future and I just

changed the name!”

explained Jack.

From the future of science and technology to the arts

and issues affecting our planet, Jack talks about what’s

changing in the world, what the future could be like and

how we can help. “I’d really like people to listen in so

that we can all make the world a better place,” said Jack.

Jack, who is eight years old, does most of the artwork

for his episodes and his mum, Laura Andrews, manages

the social media coverage due to his age. They are

proud members of the Kids Listen community, an

organisation that encourages high quality audio content

for children. Jack will be interviewing Dr Holthaus from

The Robot House, University of Hertfordshire in January

and has lots of fascinating podcasts lined up for the

winter months including The Future of Maths, English,

Housing, Radio, Clothing and Fast Food.

Jack To The Future offers other young people the

chance to share their views about the future, and any

children or grown-ups are asked to get in touch if they

are interested in being a guest.

To listen, visit www.linktr.ee/Jtothefuture. Jack to

the Future is available on all the usual major podcast

platforms. You can also follow @jtothefuture on

Facebook and Instagram.

Food & Drink

Lussmanns to Open 5th Restaurant

The multi-award-winning Lussmanns Sustainable

Restaurant Group is opening a fifth restaurant in

Hertfordshire, in the pretty canal-side historic market

town of Berkhamsted.

152

Hertfordshire

Andrei Lussmann, Founder and MD of Lussmanns, said:

“Over the past 20 years, we have built a restaurant brand

that the people of Hertfordshire trust. I am looking forward

to bringing accessible sustainable dining to the people of

Berkhamsted.”

The partnership of Andrei and his Group Head Chef, Nick

McGeown, is a pioneering one: the Group has won multiple

national awards and Lussmanns has also been included in

The Times 100 Best Places to Eat in the UK.

www.lussmanns.com

Hertford Christmas Gala,

26 November

Taking place in Hertford Town Centre, the Christmas Gala

will kick off the festive weekend on Friday evening with

market stalls, a performance stage, street entertainment,

fairground rides and the famous Christmas tree lights

switch on. The Hertford Castle Christmas Market will take

place on the Hertford Castle Lawn, running alongside the

Christmas Gala on the Friday evening and throughout the

whole weekend. www.hertford.gov.uk

A Farr Brew Christmas

Farr Brew is gearing up

for a busy Christmas

period as it has already

started bottling up

its extremely popular

Brewdolph the Red

Nose Rein-beer ale,

which it will be taking

to Christmas markets

across the county

from the beginning of

November.

Farr Brew will also be taking its other popular beers such as

Lock In, Farr Apart, Porter and Chief Jester as well as its very

own Farr Brew gin, spiced rum and whisky. The ales will be

available in three and six-bottle gift packs.

www.farrbrew.com

Diary Dates

The Remarkable World of Trees,

Until 23 January

Trees play a vital role in our world, and St Albans Museum

+ Gallery is celebrating them with a new exhibition, inspired

by local author Kate Bretherton’s book, The Remarkable

Trees of St Albans.

The exhibition explores the vital role that trees play in our

environment and what we can do to support sustainability.

Attendees will be able to examine trees and hedges and

look at the animals that call them home. Adults and children

will be encouraged to look at trees through different

mediums, including music, poetry, and artwork from local

artists. The Remarkable World of Trees is free to attend.

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Coming soon...

Get Set for Classic Ibiza

Kattam Katti by Pagrav Dance Company,

12 November

A chance to see this new

dance/theatre show at

Watford Palace Theatre

before its world premiére in

London. The Asian dance

company combines

neo-classicist movement

with live music to tell tales

inspired by the colourful

yet ruthlessly competitive

Uttarayan kite festival,

highlighting the parallels with

today’s divided societies.

www.

watfordpalacetheatre.

co.uk

Tickets are now on sale for Classic Ibiza which returns to

Hatfield House on 20 August 2022. Revellers can once

again expect awesome performances by Stephen Hussey’s

Urban Soul Orchestra, live vocalists, and headline DJs,

including Goldierocks and Jose Luis.

From an atmosphere similar to one of Ibiza’s iconic chillout

bars, the rhythm steadily builds and as night falls the

Hatfield audience will be transported to a magical alfresco

nightclub, accompanied by a breathtaking laser and light

show. www.classicibiza.co.uk

153

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.

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.

Explore, visit, take part and connect

with Creative Hertfordshire

www.creativehertfordshire.com

You’re a click away from a county full of possibilities

Hertfordshire

Creative

Visit www.creativehertfordshire.com now and start

discovering a county full of possibilities.

Because one site is all you need to get creative.

In the Kitchen

with Scott Barnard, Head Chef at Crockers Chef’s Table

Interviewed by Jacqui Hagen

Perhaps best known as a

MasterChef: The Professionals

finalist, Scott Barnard began his

culinary career at a local catering

college. After progressing

through a number of prestigious

kitchens, Scott spent nine years

at The Grove in Watford before

heading up the kitchen at the

original Crockers Chef’s Table in

Potten End. He now continues to

wow guests at Crockers Tring.

When and how did your love of cooking

begin?

No romantic stories of baking bread with my Nan, I’m afraid.

I chose to do food at school probably because there were

more girls in the class, although I enjoyed doing a bit of

basic cooking at home too. We always went camping in

France, as kids, and I used to love running to the onsite

bakery in the mornings and grabbing pain au chocolat,

croissants and French sticks, then covering them in jam.

I was adventurous as a child, tasting things like rabbit.

I decided to study food at Barnfield College in Luton. I

wanted to do something practical.

How would you describe your style of

cooking?

Modern British. We source the best ingredients from the UK.

We are an island, surrounded by great fish and shellfish. I

have fantastic suppliers who I’ve built relationships with for

years.

Coming second in Masterchef: The

Professionals in 2015 must have been

an amazing experience. Can you tell us

about the highs and the lows?

Highs are definitely getting great feedback from Marcus

Wareing and Monica Galetti. Also, going through the

journey with other great chefs who have now become

friends. The low point was not winning twice; I came

second in the rematch 2018 too. But, like all parents say, it’s

the taking part! Haha!

How did your Masterchef success impact

on your life and career?

I did Masterchef because I wanted to create an opportunity

for myself. I wanted to show people what I’m about and the

food I like to cook. It hasn’t changed my life, but I’ve been

given the platform to express myself.

156

The Chef’s Table at Crockers sounds

like a fun way of dining, tell us more

about it?

Crockers Chef’s Table is a great dining experience. Fifteen

guests arrive for pre-dinner drinks in our basement bar

and are then brought upstairs and seated at our bespoke

U-shaped oak table, looking on to the pass and kitchen.

You can ask the team questions and get as much out of it as

you want. We cook set seasonal tasting menus in a relaxed

and fun way. It’s fine dining, without the fuss. We call it fun

dining not fine dining.

Where do you get your inspiration for

your dishes?

I would say amazing produce first, eating out, social media

and going back and tweaking dishes I have loved cooking

over the years.

What are your favourite ingredients to

cook with and why?

I love cooking anything really. But hand-dived Scottish

scallops are the best. Also, Cornish turbot, lobsters, and

amazing herdwick hogget and aged beef from the Lake

District farmers in Cumbria.

What was the best meal you’ve

ever eaten?

It was at Eleven Madison Park, a three-star Michelin

restaurant, in New York. Absolutely faultless.

When it’s your day off, what do you like

to do?

I spend time with the kids, Esme and Elliott, and my wife

Dee. Family time is so important.

What do you have in your fridge at home

right now?

Not scallops or hogget. More like beers, cheese, and bacon

for a sarnie on Sunday.

Can you suggest a simple festive recipe

for our readers to cook at home?

Smoked Salmon Pâté

with pickled beetroot, apple and bitter leaves

Serves 10

For the salmon pâté:

500g flaked hot smoked salmon

200g cream cheese

200g crème fraîche

chopped chervil

chopped dill

lemon zest

Mix the cream cheese, crème fraîche, herbs and lemon zest.

Fold the smoked salmon through, but don’t break it up too

much.

Taste for seasoning. Divide into bowls of your choice.

For the pickled beetroot and apple:

(make a few days before)

2 large red beetroots, peeled

2 Granny Smith apples

200g water

100g sugar

75g red wine vinegar

2 sprigs thyme

Slice the beetroot and apple on a mandolin, we use the

attachment to give you thin strips.

Bring the rest of the ingredients to the boil and strain onto

the beetroot and apple.

Allow to cool down. Drain off when needed.

For the garnish:

favourite salad dressing

grilled sourdough

red chicory

frisée

watercress

sliced Granny Smith apple

Dress the bitter leaves with the dressing, add a pinch of sea

salt.

Spoon a pile of the pickles onto the salmon.

Arrange the leaves. Serve the sourdough on the side.

Christmas is a great time for cooking

for family and friends, what are your

top tips for a delicious and (relatively)

stress-free meal?

I love Christmas time. The best tip is, don’t try and please

everyone. Use the microwave if it helps.

Keep it simple and enjoy that special time with loved ones.

Crockers Tring

74 High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4AF

www.tring.crockersuk.com

157

5

Reasons

to

Visit

Aldbury

Hertfordshire

Aldbury is a pretty

village nestled among

the Chiltern Hills, with

spectacular views in

every direction. Its

quaint centre and

picturesque landscape

make it a popular

destination for ramblers,

dog walkers, horse

riders and cyclists…not

to mention film and TV

crews!

Written by Jacqui Hagen

1Chocolate

Box Charm

With timber-framed cottages

clustered around a pretty duck

pond, Aldbury is one of the

most picture-perfect villages

in Hertfordshire. Take a stroll

around the lanes and you’ll

feel as if you’ve stepped back

in time, with much of its fabric

unchanged for centuries – even

the medieval stocks and whipping

post, once used for punishment

and humiliation, remain in the

village centre. Designated a

Conservation Area to protect its

character and heritage, Aldbury

remains relatively untouched by

modern development and a world

away from the busy towns that

surround it. It’s little wonder that

this quintessential English village

has been a popular setting for

television programmes and films

including Midsomer Murders,

Inspector Morse and Bridget

Jones.

2

National

Trust

Countryside

Aldbury sits at the foot of the

Chiltern Hills and adjacent to the

5,000-acre Ashridge Estate, with

vast woodlands, chalk downlands,

and lush meadows to explore.

From the village centre, a short

but steep wooded track takes

you to Ashridge Visitor Centre

with its popular café and shop

offering products made by local

crafters, second-hand books,

and plants. It’s an ideal place to

grab some refreshment before or

after venturing further. From the

Centre you can embark on one of

three waymarked walks through

the Estate or visit the Bridgewater

Monument, a towering granite

column, built in 1832 in memory

of the third Duke of Bridgewater

who once lived in Ashridge House.

During weekends, from April to

October, you can climb the 172

steps and look out across rolling

countryside.

158

Hertfordshire

4

Food &

Drink

In a perfect spot, overlooking

the village pond, you’ll find The

Greyhound Inn which seamlessly

combines a traditional pub with a

restaurant offering gastro dining. It’s

definitely worth calling ahead as we

found the restaurant fully booked

on a gloomy Wednesday. Happily,

there was plenty of covered space

on the outside terrace where

we devoured sweet potato and

halloumi fries with a sweet chilli dip

and a homemade steak and ale pie

with chips. Just a short drive away

is Ashridge House where you can

enjoy a light lunch in the Courtyard

Café or indulge in an afternoon tea

served in one of the historic dining

rooms, followed by a walk in the

beautiful grounds and gardens.

3 5

Cycling

An Ideal

Base

Aldbury sits within the Chilterns

Cycleway, a 170-mile circular cycle

route which takes in the best of the

beautiful scenery along with plenty of

opportunities to spot magnificent red

kites soaring above. The route, which

is mainly on-road, is popular with

experienced cyclists but includes

a 4.5km gravel trail through the

Ashridge Estate, ideal for leisurely

riders and families. Aldbury also

boasts the cool and trendy Musette, a

cycle themed café, gallery and shop,

located in a former racehorse stable

on the outskirts of the village. Popular

with the lycra-clad crew as well as

dog walkers and ramblers, it’s well

worth stopping here to sip artisan

coffee with a piece of homemade

cake or refuel with a nutritious

brunch.

The Greyhound Inn has cosy B&B

rooms, as well as a two-bedroom

cottage, where you can stay over and

explore the surrounding area. Nearby

attractions include Tring, a buzzing

market town with museums, shops,

cafés, bars and restaurants, along

with a brewery offering tasting tours.

If you like to play a round, Ashridge

Golf Club, set within 350 acres of

tranquil surrounds, welcomes visitors

for casual green fee play and just

seven miles away is Whipsnade,

where you can enjoy a day out at

the UK’s biggest zoo. If, after all your

adventures, you need to rest your

tired legs and ease the tensions

in your muscles, head to nearby

Pendley Manor or Champneys for a

relaxing and rejuvenating spa day.

159

Free

entry

ANgLiAN POTTerS

Christmas exhibition

Vastrangeofnewworkfrom50+localmakers

Moreonlineatwww.anglianpottersexhibition.com

PerfectforChristmaspresents

AllSaintsChurch

JesusLane,CambridgeCB58BP

13thNovemberto12thDecember

OpenTuesday-Sunday10amto4pm

anglianpotters.org.uk

Followus@anglianpotters

Hertfordshire

The Adult Panto – Little Red Riding….!

The Market Theatre, Hitchin

Friday 26 November – Saturday 26 February

They’re back again! (Already!) Oh yes they are! The

fearless company of three actors return to bring you

an evening of corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant

sexual innuendo using a minimum of set props and

costume. Get ready for another evening of slick, fastmoving,

farcical fun and bawdy sexual innuendo (did

we mention the innuendo?) for adults only. Not suitable

for under 16’s.

www.markettheatre.co.uk/whats-on

The Hospice of St Francis Concert

St Albans Cathedral

Sunday 5 December 3pm

A magical afternoon of popular carols, guaranteed to

get you in the festive spirit! With special performances

from talented local choirs, the hour and 15-minute

concert will feature a mix of solo recitals, thoughtful

festive readings and plenty of opportunity for merry

audience participation. Standard tickets cost £12.

For tickets for the Carol Concert call 01727 890290

(Cathedral Box Office)

WHAT’S ON

Hertford Castle Christmas Market

Friday 26 November

– Sunday 28

November

Come down to

Hertford Castle this

winter as it hosts

its first Christmas

market within its

spectacular grounds. The event will be free of charge to

attend and boast an array of Christmas market stalls on

the Castle Lawn.

Offerings include homeware, crafts, jewellery, and much

more! Perfect for those who like to shop early and local

for Christmas.

In addition, there will be festive entertainment for you to

enjoy and food and drink stands providing festive treats

to warm you up!

Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HR

Letchworth Christmas Lights

Switch On

Saturday 27 November

As the evenings draw in and the weather turns chilly,

our little ones might be hearing sleigh bells or reindeer

hooves in the distance, while the grown-ups can smell

mulled wine in the air!

It’s time to light-up Letchworth for a magical Christmas!

From midday on Saturday 27 November Santa and

his Elves will be in town, to watch the Christmas Lights

being switched on. You’re invited to an afternoon

and evening of festive celebrations, with stalls, food,

drinks music and fun in the fresh air of our spacious

Letchworth town centre.

St Albans Vintage Market

Sunday 5 December 9am – 3pm

An outdoor street market right in the heart of this

amazing Cathedral City bringing all manner of antiques,

vintage, brocante and architectural salvage...An

amazing atmosphere...and inspirational dealers.

St Peters Street, St Albans AL1 3DH

Hitchin Christmas Market

Wednesday 8 December 11am – 7pm

Come down to the Market Place this winter as it hosts

its annual two-week Christmas Market. The event will be

free of charge to attend and boast an array of Christmas

market chalets.

Offerings include homeware, crafts, street food, and

much more! Perfect for those who like to shop local

this Christmas and support the town centre. For more

information visit marketing@hitchinherts.com

Come along to experience the magical atmosphere, you

won’t want to miss out.

Market Place, Hitchin SG5 1DL

Frosty Footsteps at Hatfield House

Thursday 9 December – Sunday 12 December

Wrap up and get outside to enjoy the crisp, frosty air.

Remember, it’s not time to hibernate yet!

Stroll along the Woodland Walks to enjoy and

experience everything this magical season has to offer.

There’s nothing quite like a Winter Walk and you never

know what you might find on your journey.

In addition, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere within

The Stable Yard. Enjoy the lights and decorations, as

well as all that our independent retailers have to offer.

www.hatfield-house.co.uk/your-visit/openingtimes-prices

The Borrowers

Abbey Theatre, St Albans

Friday 17 December – Tuesday 28 December

Arrietty Clock lives with her parents under the floorboards

of a country house. The diminutive family ‘borrow’ from

the human owners to furnish their home below-floor.

But Arrietty longs for freedom, fresh air, and sunshine

on her face. When they are discovered by the ‘human

beans’, they set off to find a new home and their long-lost

relations, facing many challenges along the way.

This delightful play will enchant young and old alike,

making it the perfect festive treat for everyone.

www.abbeytheatre.org.uk/whats-on/theborrowers/

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 stone’s 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

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

dementia care in apartment style accommodation. Residents can enjoy a varied programme of

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

and rigorous additional health protocols – often setting industry fi rsts.

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

Eastlife Winter 2021

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