EastLife Autumn 2022

www.eastlife.co.uk 

Thursford Christmas Spectacular 

45 Years Anniversary Celebration 

Reading Retreats 

A getaway for bookworms to 

unwind and relax 

Fright Nights 

The ultimate spine-chilling 

experiences throughout the region 

5 Great things 

utumn 

to do with your dog this autumn

Chalkwell 

Grange 

LUXURY CARE HOME 

IN LEIGH-ON-SEA 

HOME-FROM-HOME 

LIVING 

WELLBEING- 

FOCUSED CARE 

COMPASSIONATE 

EXPERT TEAM 

MAKE NEW FRIENDS, BE PART OF A 

COMMUNITY AND LIVE MEANINGFULLY AT 

CHALKWELL GRANGE. 

TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, 

CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM: 

01702 482252 

OPENING 

OCTOBER G R

Chalkwell Grange 

LIVE MEANINGFULLY AT CHALKWELL GRANGE 

The Home 

NESTLED COMFORTABLY WITHIN THE QUAINT 

COASTAL TOWN OF LEIGH-ON-SEA, 

CHALKWELL GRANGE IS THE LATEST LUXURY 

CARE HOME IN THE SANDERS SENIOR LIVING 

COLLECTION TO OFFER QUALITY 

RESIDENTIAL AND DEMENTIA CARE TO ITS 

RESIDENTS. 

THE CHALKWELL GRANGE EXPERIENCE 

MEANS WE WILL ALWAYS HELP YOU FEEL 

PART OF OUR COMMUNITY, A COMMUNITY 

WHERE FRIENDSHIPS FLOURISH AND THRIVE. 

CHALKWELL GRANGE IS SET OVER TWO 

FLOORS, AND FEATURES A PLUSH CINEMA 

ROOM, SERENE SPA SUITE, HAIRDRESSING 

SALON, FULLY-EQUIPPED COCKTAIL BAR, 

BISTRO LOUNGES AND COSY FAMILY ROOMS. 

The Town 

VOTED AS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE 

IN ENGLAND, THE QUAINT AND CHARMING 

COASTAL TOWN OF LEIGH-ON-SEA IS RICH IN 

BOTH CHARACTER AND HISTORY. 

RESIDENTS OF CHALKWELL GRANGE CARE 

HOME WILL HAVE FRUITFUL OPPORTUNITY TO 

EXPLORE THE TOWNS’ CHARMING CAFÉS, 

COBBLED STREETS AND BOUTIQUE SHOPS. 

TREAT YOURSELF TO A DAY ON THE 

BROADWAY, WHICH IS HOME TO A PARADE 

OF LOCAL SHOPS AND QUIRKY CAFÉS. 

FOR LOVERS OF NATURE, THE BELFAIRS 

WOODLAND NATURE DISCOVERY PARK IS A 

TRANQUIL LANDSCAPE OF BEAUTIFUL 

WOODLAND AND LEIGH BELL WHARF BEACH 

IS A PICTURESQUE SPOT TO WATCH THE TIDE 

COME IN. 

The People 

EVERYTHING WE DO WILL MAKE YOU FEEL 

RIGHT AT HOME AT CHALKWELL GRANGE. 

WITH AN EXPERIENCED TEAM, CHALKWELL 

GRANGE SETS A NEW STANDARD OF 

COMFORT AND CONNECTION WITHIN A CARE 

SETTING. 

AT CHALKWELL GRANGE, THE CARE WE 

PROVIDE, THE ACTIVITIES WE ORGANISE, AND 

THE AMENITIES WE HAVE ARE TAILORED TO 

MAINTAIN A FOCAL EMPHASIS ON THE 

WELLBEING, DIGNITY, RESPECT AND 

COMPASSION OF RESIDENTS. 

TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, 

CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM: 

01702 482252 

ENJOY A STROLL THROUGH THE ONCE 

BUSTLING FISHING PORT OF OLD LEIGH, STOP 

FOR A DRINK, ADMIRE THE VIEWS OF THE 

WATERFRONT, AND TRY THE FAMOUS 

COCKLES!

A W A R D W I N N I N G H E A L T H C L U B 

A N D D A Y S P A 

S E T I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E 

R O L L I N G S U F F O L K C O U N T R Y S I D E 

R E L A X - U N W I N D - E S C A P E 

w w w . t h e g a i n s b o r o u g h . c o . u k 

0 1 7 8 7 2 7 9 0 0 9

Welcome 

Magazine Production 

PUBLISHER Christa Hallam 

christa@eastlife.co.uk | 07827 015170 

EDITOR Jacqui Hagen 

jacqui@eastlife.co.uk 

DESIGN Doug Dawson 

doug@dougdawson.co.uk 

SALES ENQUIRIES 

Jim Leishman 

jim@eastlife.co.uk | 07872 469669 

We’re working hard to provide accurate 

content, but these are unusual times 

so please check opening times and 

availability before heading out. Follow 

social distancing guidelines at all times. 

EASTLIFE is published by Local Media 

Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Reproduction, in part or in whole, without 

the written permission of the publisher is 

strictly prohibited. The views expressed by 

contributors are not necessarily those of the 

publisher. All times, prices and dates of events 

were correct at the time of going to press but 

readers are advised to ring and check before 

setting out. 

So, after a long hot summer, 

autumn is here. There is 

so much to love about the 

new season with colourful 

landscapes, falling conkers, 

stunning sunsets, and comfort 

food in cosy pubs. 

As the nights draw in, it’s the 

perfect time to curl up with a 

good book. If this is your 

idea of heaven, you might 

like to take it to the next level 

with a reading retreat. In this 

issue, we show you how to get 

away and indulge in hours of 

uninterrupted page-turning 

bliss. 

If you prefer to celebrate the season with a spine-chilling thrill, 

we’ve rounded up the best Halloween Fright Nights across the 

region too. From horrifyingly haunted houses to shockingly scary 

mazes, visit them if you dare! 

There is also plenty of family fun to enjoy throughout autumn with 

pumpkin patches, apple events, ghoulishly good days out for 

Halloween and spectacular firework displays. It’s a great time to 

pull on your wellies and get outside with the kids. 

Our county pages bring the best in your locality with highlights 

including beautiful autumn walks in Hertfordshire, cosy spots for 

comfort food in Essex and breathtaking views from Bedfordshire’s 

Dunstable Downs. 

Jaci and þe Eastlife Team 

AUTUMN 2022 www.eastlife.co.uk 


Autumn 

DON’T FORGET 

TO DOWNLOAD THE 

EASTLIFE APP AND FOLLOW 

US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

(SEARCH “EASTLIFE”) 

5

YOU’LL LOVE 

THE BIG SKIES 

AND THE LITTLE DETAILS... 

Our pubs, inns, and restaurants, all have a strong sense of place. 

Menus inspired by season and ingredients the area has to offer, interiors 

brimming with atmosphere, stylish details and thoughtful touches. 

Sun filled terraces and gardens perfectly pitched to deliver our 

Chestnut outdoor hospitality. 

Time to linger? Book a room. There’s plenty to choose from – 

coastal, country and market town locations, perfectly placed 

for a wander and an explore. 

We look forward to welcoming you soon, 

just get in touch so we know when to expect you! 

chestnutgroup.co.uk 

@ChestnutCraftedHospitality 

THE PACKHORSE 

MOULTON 

thepackhorseinn.com 

THE RUPERT BROOKE 

GRANTCHESTER 

therupertbrooke.com 

THE NORTHGATE 

BURY ST EDMUNDS 

thenorthgate.com 

THE THREE BLACKBIRDS 

WOODDITTON 

threeblackbirds.co.uk 

THE BLACK LION 

LONG MELFORD 

theblacklionlongmelford.com 

THE WESTLETON CROWN 

WESTLETON 

westletoncrown.co.uk 

THE SHIP 

DUNWICH 

shipatdunwich.co.uk 

THE EIGHT BELLS 

SAFFRON WALDEN 

theeightbellssaffronwalden.com 

THE WEEPING WILLOW 

BARROW 

theweepingwillow.co.uk 

THE CROWN 

STOKE BY NAYLAND 

crowninn.net 

THE GLOBE INN 

WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA 

theglobeatwells.co.uk 

THE CRICKETERS 

CLAVERING 

thecricketers.co.uk 

THE FEATHERS 

HOLT 

thefeathersholt.com 

THE CARPENTERS ARMS 

GREAT WILBRAHAM 

carpentersarmswilbraham.co.uk 

THE MALTINGS 

HOLT 

themaltingsweybourne.com 

THE WIVETON BELL 

BLAKENEY 

wivetonbell.co.uk

Contents 

16 

40 

010 Reading Retreats 

Relaxing Getaways for Book Worms 

016 Fright Nights 

The Ultimate Spine-chilling Experiences 

021 Little East 

Seasonal Family-Fun Activities and 

Events 

035 Education 

News from Around the Region 

040 Tails about Town 

5 Things to Do with your Dog this Autumn 

065 Area Focus 

News, adventure, restaurant 

recommendations and travel inspiration 

for each county 

065 Bedfordshire 

075 Cambridgeshire 

091 Essex 

105 Hertfordshire 

117 Norfolk 

131 Suffolk 

046 Along for the Ride 

Cycling the Tour of Cambridgeshire 

46 

052 On the Canvas 

A Round up of the Region’s Exhibitions 

057 Weddings 

Fairs & Shows throughout East Anglia 

76 

7

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Picture for illustration purposes only.

Orthopaedic 

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We provide a range of services locally for patients who 

require orthopaedic surgery. We are passionate about 

health and the care we provide and are here to reassure 

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Back and spinal or sport injury 

Foot and ankle surgery and joint injections. 

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or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/brentwood

Reading 

etre

Imagine escaping from the hectic demands of 

everyday life to a peaceful place where you can 

indulge in hours of uninterrupted, guilt-free, pageturning 

bliss. A place where you can get lost in books 

because all you do is read. 

Reading retreats, or holidays devoted entirely to reading, 

are a growing trend and an ideal way to unwind and relax. 

With its rolling countryside, tranquil towns and scenic 

coastline, the east of England is the perfect reading retreat 

destination. 

Plan a DIY retreat 

Whether you’re travelling alone or in a group a reading 

retreat is relatively easy to organise, especially in East Anglia 

with its many holiday homes nestled in idyllic spots. With 

so many options, it’s worth focussing your search on these 

main considerations: 

1. Accommodation 

You’ll need plenty of quiet places to sit and read – think 

cosy sofas, armchairs by the fire, window and garden seats. 

Comfy beds are a must and a luxury bath, for reading 

with bubbles, is a bonus. Consider mealtimes – a wellequipped 

kitchen can make these easier or factor in 

takeaways if you can’t tear yourself away from your book 

long enough to cook. 

2. What to pack 

ats 

A getaway for bookworms 

to unwind and relax 

Written by Jacqui Hagen 

You’ll spend the majority of the time lounging and reading 

so here are the essentials: 

Books – classics you’ve always been meaning to read, 

new bestsellers or old favourites 

A cosy blanket or throw for snuggling 

Loungewear – your clothes need to be loose and comfy 

Pyjamas and slippers – you may decide to stay in these 

all day 

Chocolate – the ultimate reading accompaniment 

More books – you don’t want to run out 

3. Where to go 

There are so many peaceful options: from north Norfolk’s 

unspoilt coastline with spectacular sunsets to Suffolk’s 

breathtakingly beautiful open skies; the calm saltwater 

marshes in Essex or Cambridgeshire’s marshy fenland 

and cathedral cities. Not forgetting the rural landscapes of 

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire with the chalk hills of the 

Chilterns and the valleys of the River Ouse. For a true book 

lover’s experience, you could choose somewhere with a 

literary connection. 

Southwold 

This picturesque seaside town on the Suffolk Heritage 

Coast is where George Orwell wrote A Clergyman’s 

Daughter, while still living with his parents. The River Orwell, 

11

which flows through the county, provided his pen 

name. Another Southwold resident was renowned 

crime writer PD James who had a holiday home on the 

market square. Several of her detective novels are set 

in Suffolk. 

The Brecks 

Straddling the Norfolk-Suffolk border, The Brecks 

are characterised by gnarly pines and dry heathland. 

It was here that Helen Macdonald was inspired to 

write H is for Hawk. “I love it because of all the places 

I know in England, it feels to me the wildest. It’s not 

an untouched wilderness like a mountaintop, but a 

ramshackle wilderness in which people and the land 

have conspired to strangeness,” she wrote in her 

memoir H is for Hawk. 

Long Melford 

Edmund Blunden was one of the longest serving First 

World War poets and saw continuous action on the 

front line between 1916 and 1918. Best known for his 

masterpiece Undertones of War, Blunden retired to a 

former mill house in Suffolk for the last decade of his 

life. Now a B&B, you can stay and read in Blunden’s 

former study which has a log burner and private 

garden. themill-longmelford.com 

Great Missenden 

The quaint village of Great Missenden, set within a 

valley of the rolling Chiltern Hills, is where Roald Dahl 

found inspiration for many of his books including 

George’s Marvellous Medicine, The Twits and The 

Witches. Gipsy House, an 18th-century farmhouse on 

the edge of the village, was home to Dahl for 36 years 

until his death in 1990. His regular walks in the nearby 

Angling Spring Wood helped to create one of his most 

charismatic characters, Fantastic Mr Fox. 

Book a packaged retreat 

If organising your own retreat seems too much like 

hard work, there is an easier option. Described as a 

literary pampering delight, Suffolk-based Reading 

Retreats offers guests a getaway where the single 

priority is to give space and time to read. Their venues 

12

are chosen for their tranquil settings and have 

relaxing spaces, other than your room, where you 

can just sit and read. 

You can choose a weekend retreat which runs from 

Friday to Monday, or a weekday retreat from Tuesday 

to Friday. All meals are prepared, tea and coffee is 

on tap and guests can choose solitude or shared 

time with other readers. A published author joins the 

guests for a three-course home-cooked meal where 

you can discuss books to your heart’s content – or a 

supper tray can be provided if you’re in the middle 

of a particularly gripping part of your novel. There 

is even an optional Tailored Reading Prescription 

available if you can’t decide which books to take. 

The retreats encourage relaxation and unlimited 

reading for pure pleasure. As such, phones and 

other electronics are discouraged so that you can 

enjoy a completely distraction-free stay. However, if 

leaving your phone at home feels too scary, they also 

offer a ‘device sitting’ service to keep distraction to a 

minimum. 

Upcoming Reading Retreats include a seaside home 

in Norfolk in November and a quirky beachfront 

house in Suffolk in January. New dates and venues 

are announced throughout the year and can be 

found at readingretreat.co.uk 

If you’re someone who feels lucky to snatch 

10-minutes with nose in book before sleep or find 

yourself re-reading pages or even chapters to remind 

yourself of the plot, a reading retreat might be the 

perfect holiday for you… an escape from reality into a 

world of fiction where you can rediscover your love 

of books. 

Reading retreats, or holidays devoted 

entirely to reading, are a growing trend 

and an ideal way to unwind and relax. 

13

Most older people, if given the choice, wish to 

remain living in their own home, why? 

This is a question we should not need to ask because the reasons are simple: 

1. Home is a familiar environment, a place where we are happiest. 

2. Independence, even when it begins to become limited through ill health or frailty is 

still there in your own home. 

3. Living at home, means you still feel part of a community. 

4. Having care support in your own home means you are still in control as to how that 

support is delivered. 

5. The choice of home care support is wide and flexible, from just a few hours a week, 

to live-in care when dependency levels become more complex. 

Able Community Care is a live-in, care provider and has enabled thousands of older and 

disabled people to remain living in their own homes since 1980 by providing Live-in Care 

Services throughout the UK and the Channel Islands. 

For an information pack or a chat about our Live-in Care, support, please call 01603 764567, 

email to info@ablecommunitycare.com or visit our website at www.ablecommunitycare.com

The Cost of Care for People with High Dependency Care Needs 

People who have high dependency care needs usually want someone to be in 

close contact and to offer support throughout a 24-hour period. 

For a person needing this type of care support there are two choices. First, a 

move into a residential care setting or secondly, to have care in the home 24/7. 

The majority of people, many surveys tell us, that if given a choice, the option 

to stay in their own home, is the favourite. 

24/7 care in a person’s home can be provided in two ways. By care workers on 

a shift system. Shift systems can vary for example a 12-hour shift, a three-day 

shift. Usually, the cost of having care on a shift system is based on an hourly 

rate. Hourly rates can vary, but from April 2022 the UKHCA (United Kingdom 

Home Care Association) suggests that an hourly rate of £23.20 is appropriate. 

The second option is to have a Live-In Care Support Package. This will involve 

a carer moving into a person’s home from one week upwards, who will offer 

domestic, personal and social care support with the cost usually based on a 

weekly, commercial rate rather than an hourly rate. The objective for most care 

providers of Live-in Care Packages is to find two or three carers whom the 

individual is happy to have in their home, finds their support appropriate and a 

rotational system is then established 

The difference between having care support 24/7 based on an hourly rate and a 

weekly rate can be in excess of £2000.00 per week. 

Able Community Care has been providing Live-in Care Packages since 1980 

and has enabled thousands of older and disabled people to remain living in their 

own home using a weekly care rate. 

We provide our care services in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel 

Islands. For a discussion about our care provision or to request an information 

pack, please call us on 01603 764567 or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com 

www.ablecommunitycare.com

FRIGHT 

NIGHTS 

Halloween, the spookiest time of the year, is creeping closer. From 

horrifyingly haunted houses to shockingly scary mazes, we’ve rounded up 

the ultimate spine-chilling experiences throughout the region. Not for the 

squeamish, claustrophobic, frail or faint-hearted, these terrifying events 

will leave thrill-seekers screaming for more! 

16

PrimEvil 

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, 

Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 

5JE 

The award-winning scare 

experience returns this 

October for 13 terrifying 

nights in its 13th year of 

fear, featuring five terrifying 

haunts with unimaginable 

scares. 

Full of suspense and shocking surprises, PrimEvil 

promises to take the scare factor to another terrifying 

level this year, as street performing actors wander the 

park ready to scare anyone who walks by. 

With four haunts already confirmed for 2022, many of 

which have been upgraded since last year, there is one 

mystery haunt yet to be announced. 

From Mayham Manor Hotel where there are mazes 

within mazes, endless corridors and a host of nasties 

who think they own the place to Route 666, where 

a hillbilly family is waiting for visitors to join them for 

supper – or be supper – but first visitors must escape 

the new terror that lurks in the woods. 

There’s also the Crypt, where the hidden chambers 

have been opened, releasing a new evil into the ruins 

and the Circus of Terror, a carnival of fear as the eerie 

jester Malvado has moved into the circus and disposed 

of the old inhabitants. 

For those who don’t run away screaming, there will be 

food to enjoy along with a bar serving blood-curdling 

cocktails and additional entertainment. 

The Howl 

Mead Open Farm, 

Billington Leighton 

Buzzard, Bedfordshire, 

LU7 9JH 

Prepare for a night you 

won’t forget, as The Howl 

returns this year for 14 

nights of frights. Be ready 

for a night filled with 

dazzling special effects, 

immersive scenery, live actors, live music, great food 

and drink and one hell of an atmosphere. 

The five award-winning haunts are back for 2022 plus 

a new one soon to be announced. Climb the stairs of 

The Attic to experience a house of horrors with unlucky 

victims and toxic experiments. Beware of Red, lurking 

in the woods where live creatures will make your skin 

crawl as you twist, turn and run for your life. In Topper’s 

Twist, creepy clowns will turn your laughs into screams 

and shouts, making you wish you had never entered 

the scary nightmare. The Shed is a dark, dreadful place 

where the vengeful undead lurk, while the boys in 

Squealer’s Yard, who like the taste of blood, will give 

you a head start before they start the chase. 

Street theatre, with creatures you’ve only seen in 

your nightmares, a Circus of Horrors, featuring acts 

performed to live rock music, and a theatrical fire show 

will ensure it’s a night to remember. 

Prices £15-£75. Recommended for 15+. 12-14s must be 

accompanied by an adult. thehowl.co.uk 

Prices £25-£35. Recommended for aged 12+. Under 

16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

primevil-scare.com 

17

The Bunker Below 

Kelvedon Hatch 

Secret Nuclear Bunker, 

Brentwood, Essex, CM15 

0LA 

Experience new depths 

of fear with a Halloween 

special in a real exgovernment 

nuclear 

bunker 125ft underground. 

Descend into the depths 

and explore the bunker in an hour-long terrifying 

experience. 

A top secret military organisation, based deep 

underground, has been conducting classified research 

into the science of fear and a terrifying discovery has 

been made. Known only as The Signal, this audio 

recording drives anyone who hears it mad, twisting their 

brain and creating visions from the depths of their worst 

fears. To make matters worse, the device creating The 

Signal can no longer be shut down. 

The Bunker Below is created by industry veterans with 

over 20 years of experience working in TV, film and 

scare events. The team uses film quality props, tech and 

professional actors to create a one-of-a-kind immersive 

experience in one of the most unique locations in the 

UK. Minimum age 14. thebunkerbelow.co.uk 

If you miss the Halloween special, head to the bunker 

on other dates throughout the year for the ultimate 

undead experience. The Last Survivors is an actionpacked 

zombie horror experience featuring story-driven 

combat against the zombie invasion. Armed with 

only your torch and your weapon, will you survive? 

thelastsurvivors.co.uk 

Scaresville 

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9BA 

One of the scariest Halloween experiences takes 

place in the heart of Suffolk when a haunted village 

mysteriously appears in the grounds of Kentwell Hall, 

with frights at every turn. This year Scaresville is back, 

bigger and more terrifying than ever before. 

Entering in small groups during set time slots, visitors 

follow a winding route through woodland, historic 

buildings and open farmland, lit only by flares and 

candles. Scares might be round every corner, in every 

tree or even below you. 

Be prepared for an evening of adventure, filled with 

screams and laughter. As you cross over into a 

twilight world, where reality and imagination merge, 

you will encounter thrills, spills, scares and dares, as 

you traverse the woods, buildings, and parkland of 

Scaresville. 

Visit at your peril to enjoy over an hour of pure 

adrenaline as you journey through dark rooms, forests 

and open farmland. From killer clowns through to pitch 

black mazes, there is no let-up or ‘safe’ zones in which 

to recover. 

Prices £17.95-£31.95. Under 18s must be accompanied 

by an adult over 21 years of age. 

scaresville.co.uk 

18

Cursed 

Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 

Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, 

Essex, SS16 4UH 

Billed as Essex’s No. 1 Halloween event, Cursed 

provides the ultimate scare experience where 

visitors journey through a series of themed mazes 

encountering spooky characters lurking in the dark. 

The night begins with a ‘mEAT and greet’ with the 

FestEVIL Freaks, but don’t hang around or you’ll be 

their latest victim. You’ll then be thrown into the Safe 

Zone – will you find your way through the farm filled 

with the undead? If you make it this far, you’ll enter the 

AmpiFEARtre where another four terrifying mazes await. 

You’ll be able to catch your breath, have a bite to eat 

and be entertained by fire performers and DREADful DJ 

throughout the night. 

Are you ready for a night filled with horror mazes, 

surprise characters, twists, turns and trails that could 

lead you to an early demise? Only the bravest survive… 

will that be you? 

Min age 14. 14-16 years must be accompanied by an 

adult. thecursed.co.uk 

Brampton Rd, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 3BN 

Voted one of the scariest events in the UK, Horror at 

Hinchingbrooke House returns this year and promises 

to be more terrifying than ever before. 

Located in the famous haunted grounds and house 

in Huntingdon, the immersive horror experience has a 

brand new maze and scare zones for 2022 to push you 

beyond your limits of fear. 

Find out what it’s like to be in a horror movie as famous 

characters from the genre come to life within the house 

to produce a unique, terrifying venture where you 

become the victim. 

Experience pure adrenaline and terror as you journey 

through dark rooms, forests and hedge mazes being 

chased by axe-wielding freaks, chainsaw maniacs, killer 

clowns and demonic creatures. 

With numerous theatrical sets and actors lurking in 

the darkness, it’s an absolutely terrifying experience 

as visitors embark on a terrifying journey, without any 

guide, through a labyrinth of hair-raising shocks and 

surprises. 

Now you can experience the terror of horror movies as 

you explore the darkest corners of the house. Can you 

survive the nightmare and make it out alive? 

Prices from £19.50 -£32.50. Minimum age 12. 

enterifyoudare.co.uk 

19

OPEN ALL YEAR 

ROUND 

Visit our 

Website 

to Pre-Book 

your tickets 

www.thrigbyhall.com 

THRIGBY HALL FILBY GREAT YARMOUTH 

NR29 3DR 

% 01493 369477 

www.thrigbyhall.com 

The place 

to visit

Little East

fun 

things to do 

this autumn 

14family 

With pumpkin patches, 

falling conkers, fireworks 

and apple events, autumn 

is the perfect time for 

outdoor adventures with 

the kids. And, if torrential 

rain stops play, there are 

options for indoor fun 

too. Here are our favourite 

family activities to try this 

season. 

1. Splash in puddles 

Wrap up, pull on your wellies, and 

head outside to enjoy the stunning 

colours of the changing season. With 

muddy puddles to splash in, leaves 

to kick and conkers to collect, there’s 

plenty to keep your little ones happy 

while they let off steam. To find a 

woodland walk or forest trail near you 

visit forestryengland.uk 

2. Celebrate our orchards 

National Apple Day is 21 October with 

events running all through the month 

to celebrate all things apple related. 

Fun and traditional activities include 

apple bobbing, hog roasts (with apple 

sauce), longest peel competitions, 

apple picking and apple pressing for 

juice and cider. Join in with our rich 

apple-growing heritage by visiting 

an apple event in the region. Both 

Bromham Mill in Bedfordshire and 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden 

will be hosting Apple Day on 23 

October botanic.cam.ac.uk 

3. Pick a pumpkin 

Pick your own pumpkin is a fun 

family day out and a great start to 

Halloween. These popular events 

have grown in recent years with 

some sites offering hay bales to 

climb, crafts activities, playgrounds, 

tractor rides, maize mazes, and food 

trucks creating a must-do seasonal 

event. Here’s our round-up of the 

best pumpkin patches in East Anglia: 


4. Get spooky! 

There’s lots of Halloween-themed 

family fun to be had throughout East 

Anglia so gather your little monsters 

for a ghoulishly good day out with 

creepy trails, spooky stories and a 

frighteningly fun fancy dress. Board 

the Halloween Express at Audley 

End Miniature Railway or the Ghost 

Train at Epping Ongar Railway and 

search for more Halloween events 

near you at English Heritage or the 

National Trust. 

22

LITTLE EAST 

6. Play a game 

The great outdoors has lots to offer 

but there are times when we’re stuck 

inside for one reason or another, such 

as torrential rain! Go old skool with 

a board game and gather everyone 

around for some good, competitive 

fun. Fed up with the same games? 

Head to one of the region’s game 

cafés. Geek Retreat has franchises in 

Stevenage, Bedford, Chelmsford and 

Ipswich or head to Ready Steady Roll 

in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire for board 

games and amazing homemade cake. 

7. Explore our history 

5. Make a den 

Autumn is an ideal time to build a 

den as there are lots of fallen leaves 

and branches to use. Whether you 

choose to make a teepee-shaped 

den, a tent-shaped den or even a 

mini den, it’s the perfect activity 

for the whole family to enjoy. The 

Woodland Trust has a great den 

building guide to get you started. 

Heritage Open Days is the largest 

festival of our history and culture. Every 

September volunteers across England 

organise events giving you the chance 

to see hidden places and try out new 

experiences – all of which are free 

to explore. This year’s festival runs 

from 9 to 18 September. Search for 

family events, including the Airships, 

Parachutes & Stowaways workshop 

in Diss and the St Neots Living History 

Festival at heritageopendays.org.uk 

8. Go on a bug hunt 

A minibeast hunt is a great way for 

children to get up close to nature. You 

can find creepy crawlies anywhere if 

you look closely so peak under stones, 

logs and leaves, check cracks in the 

bark of trees and poke your nose into 

the long grass. Head into your garden 

or your local wood to see what you 

can find or try one of the region’s 

popular nature trails. Look out for 

organised events at your local country 

park too. 

9. See spectacular 

fireworks 

Throw on your winter woolies and 

get ready to “oooh” and “aaaah” as 

spectacular fireworks fill the night’s sky 

with beautiful colours. There are lots of 

professional displays throughout East 

Anglia – just make sure you get your 

tickets early! Some of our favourite 

annual displays are the award-winning 

Kimbolton Castle Fireworks Show, 

St Albans Fireworks in Verulamium 

Park and the Cliff Top Fireworks 

Display at Hunstanton. 

23

10. Visit a deer park 

October and November are great 

months to visit a deer park when you 

may be lucky to witness the deer rut. 

The rut is an autumn ritual when the 

young males compete to attract the 

most females by battling it out with 

their antlers. Look out for the bucks 

standing side by side, assessing their 

rival, before they turn head-to-head 

in a clash. Head to one of the region’s 

deer parks: Norfolk’s Snettisham 

Park, Dunwich Heath in Suffolk 

and Woburn Abbey & Gardens in 

Bedfordshire are all well worth a visit. 

13. Cook on a campfire 

There’s something magical about 

cooking over an open flame in the 

middle of nature. You can cook 

anything from toasted marshmallows 

to fried bacon and eggs. Wrap jacket 

potatoes or other root vegetables in 

foil and enjoy a campfire singsong 

while they cook in the embers of the 

fire. Campfires are brilliant fun but 

remember they need to be handled 

with care. Once your campfire is lit, 

have some water nearby in case of 

emergency and keep an eye on the 

bonfire until it’s completely gone out. 

11. Go to a museum 

A museum might not immediately 

spring to mind when thinking of 

fun activities but, with so many 

fascinating venues offering 

interactive experiences, think again. 

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse 

is a working farm and Victorian village 

with a schoolroom and museum of 

workhouse life while the Sedgwick 

Museum of Earth Sciences takes 

you on a 4.5 billion-year journey 

through time with thousands of 

fossils that illustrate the evolution of 

life. For even more fun, head to Great 

Missenden where you can come 

face-to-face with Fantastic Mr Fox 

and pull a power pose next to Matilda 

at the Roald Dahl Museum. 

12. Try star gazing 

With darkness setting in earlier 

each evening, autumn is the perfect 

time of year to go stargazing with 

your children. Big open skies in the 

countryside are best where light 

pollution is low. Download an app 

like Star Walk (iPhone) or Google Sky 

(Android) to your mobile device, and 

they will tell you what stars you can 

see from your current location. Don’t 

forget to take a blanket or camping 

mat to lie on and food and drink to 

keep everyone happy. 

14. Have a tree top 

adventure 

If you’re looking for an exhilarating 

challenge, try a high ropes course. 

With intricate tree-to-tree crossings, 

wobbly bridges and brilliant zip 

wires, it’s adrenaline-filled fun in the 

great outdoors. Most sites offer a 

variety of heights and challenges to 

suit all ages. Vertigo Adventures 

in Welwyn Garden City, Hill Top 

Outdoor Centre in Sheringham and 

Go Ape at Woburn and Thetford 

Forest are great places to start. 

24

A computer and video game 

exhibition the whole family will enjoy! 

A hands-on museum, offering an 

exciting range of educational 

workshops, activities and events. 

Most importantly, we make the history 

of computing relevant and fun for all! 

@computermuseum 

ComputingHistory 

@thecentreforcomputinghistory 

01485 532252 

princesshunstanton.co.uk 

Shone_2022100_Cinderella_Hunstanton_107x148mm_+3mmBleed.indd 1 28/07/2022 19:48

LITTLE EAST 

Mum’s the Word 

The autumn of 

my parenthood 

Written by Dolly Osborne 

raggydollywrites.wordpress.com 

We are moving into autumn: my favourite time of the 

year, especially spooky season. I’ve always been a fan of 

Halloween from a (healthy) childhood interest in the occult 

and the macabre, to an adulthood passion for horror films and 

especially jump scares. There’s just something about feeling 

scared whilst knowing you’re safe and sound. It’s addictive. 

So, you would think I’d be well equipped for the autumn of 

my parenthood; by October both of my stepdaughters will 

be adults and my son is hurtling towards his 15th birthday. I’d 

kind of thought that, by this stage of parenthood, the scary 

bits would be behind me: no more obsessing over weight 

charts and developmental milestones, no longer fearful of the 

clumsy childhood injuries that used to be so commonplace. 

But I was a fool and I’ve been blindsided because the scariest 

part of being a parent is when they start to move away from 

you. It doesn’t help that I understand the science behind my 

child removing himself from my apron strings and building his 

own community of friends, and a huge part of me is glad that 

he has his freedom. I’m proud to see the man he’s becoming. 

But that doesn’t mean I’m equipped for the sick feeling you 

get in your stomach when you’re not sure where your child is 

and whether he is safe. 

Trust is a very important thing in our household. I’ve always 

given my children privacy and had faith that they would come 

to me if they had something they needed to tell me. And, in all 

fairness, that has always been the case. We have navigated 

problems in my family that I wouldn’t wish on my worst 

enemy and my children have always trusted me with their 

problems knowing that I (and my husband) would always 

advocate for them and do the best to help them. 

So now, as I sit gazing at my phone waiting for the text to tell 

me that my son is safe, we are constantly negotiating new 

rules that will feed my need to not picture him beaten up by 

gangs or lying somewhere with a knife in his back, whilst also 

allowing him the space to grow, to have privacy and to be his 

own person. 

You often hear people say, “If you love something set it free”. 

Yet many fail to mention the second part of the saying: “If they 

return, they were always yours and if they don’t, they never 

were”. And whilst I call this the autumn of my parenthood, in 

reality, I will be a mother for the rest of my life. To ensure that 

our relationship blossoms all the way through the winter, I 

have to find a way to nourish it, even through the jump scares. 

Find Dolly on Twitter @Osborneosaurus 

27

Autumn 

play dates 

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 

BEDFORDSHIRE 

Halloween Fun 

23-31 October 

Woodside Animal Farm, Slip End LU1 4DG 

Find the witches and ghosts hidden around the farm and 

win a spooky treat. Make a Halloween decoration to take 

home and keep, decorate a yummy spooky cookie, find the 

golden pumpkin hidden at the farm and win a super special 

prize and more. Tractor rides, hands-on animal encounters, 

funfair rides, crazy golf and indoor soft play will be running 

as normal. 

woodsidefarm.co.uk 

Halloween at Marston Vale Forest 

Spooky Farm 

22-31 October 

Church Farm Ardeley, Stevenage SG2 7AH 

Spooky Farm Pass includes: Farm trail to see the animals, 

creepy fairy woodland play, pumpkin hunt, Halloween 

activity pack, scarecrow trail, stickers for best fancy dress 

costumes and free parking. There will be additional 

activities including pick your own pumpkin and carving, 

spooky woodland trick or treat, ghoulish goat walking and a 

spooky trailer ride which will need to be booked separately. 

churchfarmardeley.co.uk 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE 

Scarewell at Sacrewell! 

25-30 October 

Marston Vale Forest, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PR 

Join in the spooky fun with Halloween themed crafts, a kids’ 

disco and a spooky activity trail this half term. 

marstonvale.org 

HERTFORDSHIRE 

Spook-Fest 

15-31 October 

Aldenham Country Park, Elstree WD6 3BA 

This year Spook-Fest returns, bigger and better than ever. 

Discover frightfully fun offerings such as pumpkin picking 

and carving, horrid hay tractor rides, spooky trail, pumpkin 

bingo, decorations throughout the farm and much more! 

aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk 

22 – 30 October 

Sacrewell Farm, Thornhaugh PE8 6HJ 

Daily fun, crafting, and games! Dare you enter the spooky 

farmhouse and meet the ghouls and ghosts from yesterday! 

Find the witches and enjoy learning wizard and witch skills 

in the Potion and Spell school. Pick you own pumpkin from 

the pumpkin patch and make some chocolate goodies! 

New to this year is an adult evening scare – join in with your 

torches and wind your way around a guided ghost tour full 

or jumps and scares!! 

Online bookings on sacrewell.org.uk 

Keep an eye on Facebook for more details! 

sacrewell.org.uk 

28

LITTLE EAST 

Spooky Express 

30-31 October 

Nene Valley Railway, Stibbington PE8 6LR 

Come and ride the Spooky Express this Halloween 

weekend. You will be joined on board the train by a few 

spooky characters who might make the train go bump in 

the dark. As you travel through the tunnel keep an eye out 

for the Wansford Ghost. He is known to frequent the tunnel 

at this time of year. Look out for his spooky glow as you 

pass through the darkness of the tunnel. 

nvr.org.uk 

come alive with the spirits of All Hallows Eve when it 

gets dark. There will be extra treats for any children in 

fancy dress. 

eatransportmuseum.co.uk 

Halloween Half Term 

NORFOLK 

The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade 

15-31 October 

BeWILDerwood, Norfolk 

A glorious opportunity to see BeWILDerwood by night and 

meet all your forest friends. Start your adventure at Hazel’s 

Hideaway, then journey through the WILD woods as 

lanterns light your way through the enchanting woodland. 

See if you can spot the Grubbles as they pitter-potter 

around their campsite. Listen to the “PAQUAAAAAR!” of 

the Parasquawk in his nest before venturing on to meet 

Swampy, the Marsh Boggle 

norfolk.bewilderwood.co.uk 

Dippy’s Halloween Days 

22-30 October 

ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure, Norfolk NR9 5JW 

A magical spell has been cast this year with some exciting 

new activities. It’s time to make the most of your half term 

by joining Dippy’s School of Witches and Wizards! On 

arrival, you will be allocated to one of the four houses, Terry, 

Raz, Paris and Dippy where you will find out your school 

colour and animal. You will then need to attend lessons 

throughout the day to earn your wand. With potions, creepy 

crawlies, broomsticks and pumpkins, your day will be full of 

magical spells and adventure. 

roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk 

SUFFOLK 

Halloween at East Anglian Transport 

Museum 

29 October 

East Anglian Transport Museum, 

Lowestoft NR33 8BL 

No tricks – just treats, but there’s 

some spooky goings on around 

the site with a free witch hunt 

for the children with a prize for 

every child. The late running of 

our trams trolley buses and train 

into the evening will be a chilling 

experience for all, as the woods 

23-31 October 

Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ 

Come along and enjoy the pumpkin patch and decorating, 

a magic workshop, trick or treat hunt, slime making, arts and 

crafts, hall of mirrors and a spooky maze. 

eastonfarmpark.co.uk 

ESSEX 

Halloween Half Term at Audley End 

22-30 October 

Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF 

Gather your little monsters and prepare for a ghoulishly 

good day out at Audley End. Follow Dennis, Gnasher and 

friends to solve creepy clues on the fun family quest around 

the gardens. Meet costumed performers to hear tall tales of 

the strange, the supernatural and the downright silly. With 

so much spooky stuff to see and do, it’s a phantomtastic, 

great value day out for families. 

english-heritage.org.uk 

Halloween Festival 

15-16 and 22-30 October 

Marsh Farm, South 

Woodham Ferrers, 

CM3 5WP 

Who will you spot around 

the farm this Halloween? 

Witches, wizards, 

vampires? Maybe even 

Frankenstein! Come in 

fancy dress and creep 

through the devilishly 

decorated farm and 

enjoy funfair rides, 

pumpkin picking patch, 

adventure play, bouncy 

pillows, spooky 3D 

cinema and soooo 

much more. 

marshfarm.co.uk 

29

The Sunday Times East Anglia State Secondary School of the Decade 

Colchester Royal Grammar School 

Compassion - Respect - Generosity - Support 

Sixth Form Open Evening 

for prospective day students and boarders 

Tuesday 18th October, 6.30pm - 9pm 

No booking required Limited parking at rear of school 

Deadline for Sixth Form applications is 1st December 2022 

6 Lexden Road, Colchester CO3 3ND 01206 509 100 crgs.co.uk

I discovered 

my passions 

at The Leys 

Achieve the exceptional at Cambridge’s 

leading co-educational boarding and 

day school for ages 11-18 

www.theleys.net 

Scholarships 

Academic 

Music 

Choral 

Sport 

Art 

STEM 

Drama

80 

Subjects to 

choose from 

Enrolment begins on the 

25th August 2022 

eastnorfolk.ac.uk 

99% 

Pass Rate 

92% 

* 

A - C 

Pass Rate 

75% 

* 

A Level 

A - B grades 

#DestinationGorleston 

Stay social - @EastNorfolk

Gretton School welcomes autistic 

children and young people aged from 

5—19 years old, as weekly boarders or 

as day students. 

“Children at this school 

feel immensely well cared 

for. By the child’s own 

admission, the school has 

changed his life beyond 

what he thought possible.” 

- Ofsted 

To visit to the school please contact us: 

T: 01223 277438 

E: info@grettonschool.com 

www.grettonschool.com 

Part of the Cavendish Education Group 

Open Days 

Book Your Place 

Visit our family 

of independent 

co-educational 

schools from 

nursery to 

sixth form in 

Cambridge and 

Saffron Walden. 

We have open days in 

September and October. 

To find out more and book your place please visit stephenperse.com 

Richard Girvan, Principal

A forever 

home is where 

the heart is 

For a young child in care, change isn’t 

necessarily a great thing. What they 

need is the stability of a forever home 

and the support and understanding 

of adoptive parents prepared to love 

them for life. 

Start your adoption journey 

today, simply call 01603 638343 visit: 

www.norfolk.gov.uk/adoption 

A proud partner of…

NEWS FROM AROUND 

THE REGION 

East of England Pupils are Winners at 

The Big Bang 

The Cavendish School Celebrates its 

First Year 

Ryan Stubbs and 

William Bradshaw 

Lily-Mai Spinks 

Pupils of three East Anglian schools scooped prizes at the 

finals of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers 

Competition which rewards young people’s achievements 

in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 

Lily-Mai Spinks, a year 12 student from Sir Isaac Newton 

Sixth Form Free School in Norwich, won the senior 

engineering category for her project titled ‘ISOPOD’. Lily- 

Mai made a tent with a concertina design, aiming to provide 

a user and eco-friendly festival camping alternative. 

Anastasia Herries, a year 11 student from St George’s 

School in Harpenden, was awarded the winner’s prize in 

the intermediate science category. Her project ‘Essential 

Oils as Slug Repellents’ was designed to address the need 

for alternative and eco-friendly slug repellent. 

Ryan Stubbs and William Bradshaw, year 8 students from 

St Faith’s School in Cambridge, won the junior engineering 

category with their project titled ‘ElectroPi’: a seed-planting 

robot designed to plant and water seeds based on soil 

moisture levels. 

The Big Bang competition is open to 11 to 18-year-olds 

from across the UK who have completed a project or 

activity in any field of STEM. The winners were announced 

at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, the 

largest celebration of STEM for young people in the UK. 

thebigbang.org.uk 

Students and their families joined staff at The Cavendish 

School, Cambridgeshire’s first and only state-maintained 

special free school for young people with autism, 

to celebrate the end of their first ever summer term at 

the school. 

Students enjoyed a series of games and sensory activities 

designed for individuals with autism, including bouncy 

obstacle course, football shootouts and cup stacking. It 

was also an opportunity for parents and family members 

to meet other members of the autism community and 

explore the school’s purpose-built campus, which opened 

in January 2022. 

Since opening in September 2021, the school 

has welcomed 60 autistic students from across 

Cambridgeshire. 20 new students will join this school 

this September. Stephanie Smith, Deputy Head at The 

Cavendish School, said: “I am tremendously proud of 

the community that we have built here at the school and 

the day was a fantastic opportunity to come together to 

celebrate our students’ achievements throughout the last 

academic year.” 

35

Superstar School Guitarist Scoops 

Essex Title 

Career-related Programme and will also benefit from 

specialist coaching and training delivered by UEFA and 

FA qualified coaches. The programme also gives students 

the opportunity to represent Norwich City FC RDP, with 

students taking part in the National Alliance Youth League, 

English College League and Cup competitions. 

Victoria Hearn, Principal of Impington International College, 

said: “The programme means that our students can gain a 

highly regarded international education while they pursue 

their passion for football. I am looking forward to welcoming 

our next cohort of football scholars to the college!” 

impingtoninternational.org.uk 

Performing Arts School Premieres 

Open Days 

Brentwood School guitarist, Tom Hodgkinson, is the winner 

of the prestigious Essex Young Musician of the Year 2022. 

Seventeen-year-old Tom, who is also a student at the Junior 

Trinity Laban Conservatoire, captivated the audience at the 

final with his magical playing – also winning the Audience 

Prize. In addition to the prize of £1,000 and the Essex Young 

Musician of the Year trophy, Tom will be offered various 

professional recital engagements. 

A delighted Brentwood School Director of Music and 

Performing Arts, Mr Florian Cooper, said: “This competition 

has an age category of U25, and Tom was up against 

many post-graduate conservatoire students and young 

professional musicians. To win is testament to Tom’s 

sincere musical gift, his dedication and an uncompromising 

work ethic – bravo Tom!” 

College kicks off another partnership 

with Norwich FC 

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is delighted to 

invite talented youngsters from across the UK to attend its 

first Open Days, for 2023 entry into the school. The Open 

Days will take place on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 October 

2022 and include both a morning session for younger 

students entering Years 3 to 11 and an afternoon session 

for those applying for the Sixth Form. 

The school is a day and boarding school for students aged 

7 to 19. Students receive broad training in the performing 

arts with a variety of courses including dance, acting, 

commercial music and musical theatre, alongside a full, 

extensive academic curriculum. 

All Open Day sessions will include a guided tour of the 

school, a welcome talk by the Principal, Stefan Anderson, 

and the opportunity to meet pupils and staff. There will also 

be a live performance featuring pupils who are currently 

studying across the many courses available at the school. 

For more information and to book your place on one of the 

Autumn Open Days, visit tringpark.com 

Impington International College has renewed its twoyear 

contract with Norwich City Football Club Regional 

Development Programme to provide its post-16 Football 

and Education Scholarship, which enables students to 

combine their academic studies with specialist football 

coaching. Impington International College is just one of four 

providers across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. 

Students undertaking the Scholarship will study the 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and 

Royal Recognition for Prep Pupil’s 

Kindness 

A Brentwood Preparatory pupil’s volunteering work, 

supporting a Barking & Dagenham-based foodbank, has 

received royal recognition. 

Eleven-year-old Raghav Sharma started working at the 

Humdum foodbank when he was just six years of age and 

36

with a painting which the pupils in Ghana had created as a 

special ‘thank you’. During the assembly, the children also 

saw some lovely photos of the pupils in Kenya wearing the 

Pilgrims uniform with pride. 

Jo Webster, Headteacher at Pilgrims School, said: “We 

will build on the strong links we have with both schools in 

Africa; it is lovely for the children to have a connection to 

other children who live so far away.” pilgrims-school.info. 

he and fellow volunteers were thrilled to be awarded The 

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

Whirlpool Competition Winners 

Announced 

Raghav said he was inspired by his dad, Tarun Sharma, 

to start volunteering: “My dad has been volunteering for 

years and one day he asked me to accompany him. When 

I realised how good it was for others and how satisfying it 

was for me, I continued to do it by choice.” 

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest 

award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and 

is equivalent to an MBE. The volunteers at Humdum, a 

Community Interest Company, prepare fresh, nutritious, hot 

meals several times a week for local people who are facing 

hardship. 

Preparatory School Headmaster, Jason Whiskerd, said: 

“Raghav is a kind and considerate boy in every respect. 

We are particularly proud of him, and his work resonates 

strongly with our values.” 

School Donates Uniforms to Youngsters 

in Africa 

Team Power Washing Ranger from Sir Robert Pattinson 

Academy has been announced as the winner of the 

first-ever Whirlpool Purposeful Innovation competition, 

which challenged secondary school children to redesign a 

popular appliance to be more environmentally friendly. 

Over 40 students from schools across Cambridgeshire and 

the surrounding areas attended the live final hosted at the 

World of Whirlpool centre in Peterborough to present their 

designs to a panel of expert judges, while taking part in 

STEM-themed activities. 

A pre-preparatory school in Bedfordshire has spread joy to 

children thousands of miles away – after donating uniforms 

to two schools in Africa. 

Pilgrims School in Bedford has sent dozens of second-hand 

uniforms to Riverside Academy, in Kakamega, Kenya, and St 

Nicholas Preparatory School, Tema New Town, Ghana over 

the last two years. 

The scheme has been supported by Bedford Modern 

School student D’Arcy McGlashan, who has been washing, 

ironing and packing uniforms ready for shipment as part 

of her Duke of Edinburgh award. D’Arcy recently took part 

in an assembly at Pilgrims School to present the children 

Each member of the winning team received a new kitchen 

appliance of choice for their homes, as well as one 

appliance for their school, for their re-design of a washing to 

use both less water and energy. The team will also receive a 

behind-the-scenes tour of Whirlpool’s Yate factory in Bristol. 

The runners up were Sawtry Village Academy and Arctica 

from Nene Park Academy and who will also receive a tour 

of the factory as well as an appliance for their schools. In 

addition, Whirlpool will donate an appliance to the chosen 

charity of the winners and the runners up. 

Ian Moverley, Communications Director at Whirlpool 

Corporation said about the winners: “Their idea was 

brimming with purposeful innovation! The team designed 

a washing machine with two drums, which means both a 

white and coloured wash can be done together, cutting 

down on energy and water while appealing to the timestrapped 

consumer.” 

37

New Hall School 

A Catholic independent ‘diamond model’ 

boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 1-18 

The best start in life 

for your child 

Open Morning: Saturday 24 September 

The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3HS 

newhallschool.co.uk | 01245 236 192 | admissions@newhallschool.co.uk

‘With gifted leadership, OBH is enjoying a deserved surge 

in popularity. 

Pupils flourish academically and socially. 

The Good Schools Guide - 2022 

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. 

www.obh.co.uk 

Brettenham Park Brettenham Ipswich Suffolk IP7 7PH 

01832 273220 

lowerfarmbandb@btconnect.com 

www.lower-farm.co.uk 

£99 BREAKS 

ARE BACK 

Book a 2 night midweek stay in a Gold 

Grade Luxury Holiday Home for only 

£99 including Breakfast* 

Waldegraves Family Holiday Park, 

Waldegraves Lane, 

West Mersea, 

Colchester, 

Essex 

CO5 8SE 

01206 382898 

holidays@waldegraves.co.uk 

www.waldegraves.co.uk 

Take a break on the beautiful Mersea Island at Waldegraves Family Holiday 

Park. Enjoy walks along the sparkling Blackwater Estuary, sample the 

famous Mersea Oysters and take time out to relax in a luxury holiday home. 

*Breaks are valid to arrive Mon, Tues or Weds throughout November, and December (up to 14th). The accommodation sleeps up to 6 people. 

Breakfast includes 4 people - additional people need to pay full menu price.

Tails about Town 

Great things 

to do with 

your dog 

this autumn 

Written by Abby Knight 

Now the heat of the summer months is over, it’s the perfect 

time to head out for some furry-friend activity. Here’s what’s 

on offer in East Anglia this autumn. 

1. CHECK IN FOR A FURRY BREAK 

Tucked away on the banks of Oulton Broad and set within 

21 acres of gardens, ponds, marshes and thatched barns, 

all with easy access to the glorious broads, the Ivy House 

Hotel in Suffolk makes an ideal stop for dog walkers 

exploring the area. 

Serving a delicious range of food sourced with locally 

produced ingredients, their dishes include corn-fed chicken 

wrapped in pancetta, halloumi burgers as well as tasty 

salads and there are dog-friendly eating and drinking 

spots throughout. 

Feeling refreshed? Head off to nearby dog walks that 

circle the Waveney River Centre and Carlton Marshes or to 

Lowestoft’s beaches which are most dog friendly from the 

end of September. ivyhousecountyhotel.co.uk 

2. HEAD TO THE MOVIES 

Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds loves dogs so 

much it’s putting on screenings you can enjoy with your 

canine companions. Every few weeks, well-behaved dogs 

and their friendly owners are welcome at a select film 

screening – usually on a Monday morning. It’s a great way 

for dog owners to enjoy the cinema without having to leave 

their best friend at home. 

As well as a great movie to watch, there are snacks and 

water for dogs who are invited to sit on a blanketed seat 

to avoid any hair or mess. After the screening, the venue 

is thoroughly cleaned. Gareth Boggis, General Manager, 

said: ‘Bury St Edmunds is such a dog-friendly town, this 

seemed like a no-brainer for us – we even dip the volume 

for our furry friends.’ Check all the details and book tickets 

at abbeygatecinema.co.uk 

3. GET OUT IN THE WILD 

Dr Ciara Clark, in-house vet for fresh pet food company 

Butternut Box, says: ‘Spending time outside improves 

mood, reduces stress and counts towards your daily step 

count and because dogs need regular exercise it’s the 

perfect reason for you to enjoy some healthy time together.’ 

In Thetford Forest dogs can go lead-free as long as you 

keep a watchful eye – there are several walking routes to 

40

Tails about Town 

HOME AND AWAY 

follow and there’s nothing nicer than crunching up the 

autumn leaves. Or head to Norfolk’s stunning Knettishall 

Country Park; with 375 acres of Breckland Heath and mixed 

woodland, it’s the perfect place to take a long dog walk 

and they can even head into the river to cool off. Be sure to 

check the signposts for dog-friendly guidance too. 

Around 33% of UK homes now have a dog, and 

online home swap site Love Home Swap has seen 

a big jump in the demand for pet-friendly swaps. 

So much so, they’ve launched a travelogue film 

with the help of pet behaviourist Professor Peter 

Neville. The five-minute film investigates what 

makes a good place for a pooch to stay, including 

their sensory experience and the locality, which 

can make all the difference to the success of your 

stay. What’s more, many of the properties are in 

great places for exploring East Anglia with your dog. 

lovehomeswap.com 

4. TAKE YOUR PUP TO THE SHOPS 

Weather not up for a walk? Why not head off for some retail 

therapy and take your dog along! At the Braintree Village 

outlet shopping experience in Essex, around 80% of the 

stores welcome well-behaved dogs and water bowls can 

be found at the Guest Services suite as well as in some 

stores and cafés. The stores are recognisable at Braintree 

Village via a small ‘Dogs Welcome’ vinyl in the windows. 

There are over 75 premium stores including Ted Baker and 

Polo Ralph Lauren and the outlet village is open seven days 

a week. For more details, visit braintree-village.com 

5. ALL ABOARD 

Take a relaxing punt along the River Cam with your dog in 

tow. Scudamore’s Punting has been offering river trips since 

1910 and welcomes your pooch on tours and its private 

hire boats. If you are on a shared boat and someone is not 

happy for a dog to be onboard you may have to wait for 

the next one but otherwise, Fido is welcome to join you. 

scudamores.com 

41

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Along 

for the 

Ride 

Tour of Cambridgeshire 

With The Sharnbrook Cyclist 

The people of Cambridgeshire made my first 100-mile 

closed roads Sportive particularly special. 

It’s hard to comprehend the numbers until you see the 

riders at the start line. My nerves had only increased when 

I saw the scale of the Tour of Cambridgeshire Sportive, 

which included 50, 70 and 100-mile routes. There were 

thousands of cyclists who, unlike me, looked like they knew 

what they were doing. I felt like the classic “all the gear, no 

idea” imposter. 

We had arrived early at the showground in Peterborough 

and had time to enjoy coffee and breakfast before making 

our way to the start of our 100-mile event. We joined 

individuals and cycle clubs from Whitby, Cumbria, Carlisle 

and no doubt all other parts of the country and beyond. 

And to be honest, after the half-hour walk and roll to the 

start, I was wondering if the faff would be worth the 

effort they had made to travel the length of the country to 

get there. 

I needn’t have worried. Once over the line the field broke 

wide open and everyone set off at their own pace. Including 

our group where, despite promises to ride together, our 

two strongest riders shot off like rockets. It took me about 

ten seconds to decide I could never keep up, so away they 

went and our six became four! The experience of riding on 

closed roads was excellent. It’s very liberating to know there 

will be no vehicles coming towards you and only fast riders 

coming from behind, usually shouting “on your right” as 

they fly past. It was slightly unnerving to be on the road with 

so many other cyclists as you need to be vigilant; with feet 

clipped into pedals accidents can develop very quickly. 

The varied route took in a number of pretty villages out to 

the east of Peterborough, through rolling countryside and 

over one or two climbs which made most of us puff. The 

majority of the 698m of climbing happened out here, at the 

start of the ride. To me, late spring is the best time of the year 

and we were joined by skylarks, goldfinches and other birds 

enjoying the hedgerows. After an interesting circuit around 

some of the Alconbury air base we headed out to the Fens 

where it was the wind, not terrain, which made us blow. 

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the incredible 

support from the residents of the villages we passed 

through. I wasn’t expecting it at all, but I must thank the folks 

46

of Alconbury Weston, Buckworth, Leighton Bromswold, 

Ramsey St Mary’s and many others who clapped, cheered 

and clattered pots and pans as we went by. And then later in 

the day the cheers became louder from the pub gardens as 

the customers stayed well lubricated. It was a continuation 

of the Jubilee atmosphere, with parties and picnics out by 

the roadside, and we even spotted a dinosaur… in Upwood! 

As a novice cyclist, back to riding for the first time since my 

teens, I completely enjoyed the day. Riding 100 miles is 

always an achievement and I’m happy that I made it, with the 

help of my mates. It was tough riding across the Fens with 

the wind blowing but the camaraderie between riders kept 

everyone going. As did the fantastic staff and volunteers 

who looked after us at the food and drink refuelling stops. 

There were four on the route; all good places get out of the 

saddle to stretch the legs and get some food and water on 

board. There are professional photographers around the 

route; sadly, they captured the spare tyre I always carry. And 

they might even have snapped the most unfortunate riders 

of the day who were asking which way the 70-mile route 

went, ten miles past the junction. They would have had to 

carry on. I’m not sure an unexpected thirty would have been 

too welcome! After 6 hours and 19 minutes we crossed the 

line and were handed our medals, with time to spare for 

a beer before heading home. Cambridgeshire, you were 

wonderful and I’ll be back soon. 

Follow Ant’s rides around East Anglia 

@thesharnbrookcyclist on Instagram 

Tried & Tested 

The Tour of 

Cambridgeshire was 

the first time I’d used 

the Wahoo Elemnt 

Bolt bike computer. 

Easy to set up and 

configure with the 

Elemnt app, this piece 

of kit is a gem. 

For an amateur like 

me right through to 

the pros, the Bolt keeps the most important ride metrics 

at a glance. I found the excellent screen easy to see, 

even in the bright June sunshine, and there’s 16GB of 

memory to store plenty of routes. 

The re-route capabilities are superb; in an instant the 

Bolt gets me back on track when I take a wrong turn. 

The engineering and mount is superb too, keeping 

the cockpit on point. And after seven hours of use, 

the battery remained over half full. I love the colour 

gradients and the seamless pairing with Strava. 

I can’t wait to work out all the features that are still 

undiscovered! Highly recommended. 

wahoofitness.com 

47

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Autumn just around the corner, cooler days 

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SalyDunham,Organiser:07850286566 

Maybe you will be needing some ambient 

lighting, or perhaps some new wall art to 

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Antiques we have various table lamps and plenty 

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rooms. Decorative and useful glass wares from 

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odd chairs, or even sets of six for dining. We 

also offer re-upholstery to give your existing 

furniture a new lease of life! Come along and pay 

us a visit, you will be made most welcome.

On the Canvas 

Discover the latest art exhibitions in the region 

Pictures Around Cromer, The National Gallery Collection 

2 September 2022 – 30 April 2023 

Cromer, Norfolk 

An outdoor exhibition across the seaside town of Cromer in Norfolk, comprising 

up to 30 life-size replica artworks from the National Gallery Collection. 

Following the successful Bigger Picture initiative devised by Cromer Artspace 

whereby reproductions of great works of art from all over the world were 

displayed in various outdoor locations around the town of Cromer during 

lockdown, this second iteration will see National Gallery Collection works in 

multiple locations throughout the town. The exhibition can be explored with the 

aid of a printed guide and map, while additional resources can be found online via 

QR codes displayed next to each work. nationalgallery.org.uk 

Visions of Ancient Egypt supported by Viking 

3 September 2022 – 1 January 2023 

Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Norfolk Road, Norwich NR4 7TJ 

A major new exhibition exploring the enduring appeal of ancient Egypt in art, 

design and the cultural imagination featuring nearly 200 works drawn from 

collections in the UK and internationally. Painting, sculpture, photography and 

design will be shown alongside rare books, film, fashion and jewellery, with 

objects spanning two millennia. 

From antiquity, when the Great Pyramid was revered as a wonder of the ancient 

world, to the Cleopatra of Shakespeare’s stage, this ground-breaking exhibition 

explores this ongoing engagement with ancient Egypt and charts its many forms 

across centuries of art and design. The exhibition examines how the iconic 

motifs and visual styles of Egypt have been re-imagined and re-invented over 

time – revealing a history closely entwined with conquest and colonial politics. 

sainsburycentre.ac.uk 

Mehdi Jalalaghdamian: Art in Exile 

3 September 2022 – 3 September 2023 

Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH 

A special year-long exhibition by Iranian rug maker, Mehdi Jalalaghdamian. 

Currently living in temporary accommodation in Bournemouth after being moved 

from Colchester, Mehdi is seeking asylum in the UK. 

Art in Exile features three rugs, made during Mehdi’s time as a refugee in 

Stockholm, Sweden. Each rug illustrates a part of his journey from Iran to the UK. 

The pain-staking method of making each piece is a metaphor for Mehdi’s journey 

to establish a new life far from his home in the city of Tabriz, one of the centres of 

the hand-made carpet industry in Iran. 

The largest of the three rugs (150cm x 174cm) is titled Tragedy of Refugees 

and took 18 months to make, with Mehdi working alone for eight hours a day to 

complete it. The rug includes woven depictions of high-profile images featured in 

the media, alongside depictions of Mehdi’s lived experience as an asylum seeker. 

firstsite.uk 

52

Frederic Kitton – From Pickwick to Preservation 

16 September 2022 to 2 January 2023 

St Albans Museum + Gallery, Town Hall, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3DH 

A talented artist and journalist, Frederic Kitton was also an expert on Charles 

Dickens and published a number of books on the celebrated author. 

After moving to St Albans, Kitton’s growing fascination with the historic buildings 

of the town saw him becoming involved with the foundation of the County 

Museum. An early advocate of the heritage movement, Kitton moved from 

drawing the historic past of St Albans to actively trying to preserve it. 

© St Albans Museums 

This exhibition considers Kitton’s time in St Albans including his work on Dickens, 

his illustrations of the area and his developing interest in preserving the town’s 

historic past. stalbansmuseums.org.uk 

From Southwold to Alice Springs: Selected Works from 

the Collection of Robert Cripps 

21 September – 11 October 2022 

Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Trinity Lane, 

Cambridge, CB2 1TN 

A small snapshot of the paintings, drawings and engravings acquired over many 

years by a remarkable collector, reflecting both his deep roots in the countryside 

and coast of East Anglia and his championing of the indigenous art and artists of 

his adopted Australian home. 

For the landscapes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the exhibition ranges from the early 

nineteenth-century art of the ‘Norwich School’, through Harry Becker’s scenes 

of rural life, to British impressionism and post-impressionism, and modern 

realist works. For Australia, the exhibition displays examples of Lionel Lindsay’s 

engravings, the vibrant watercolours of the Hermannsburg School, and modern 

pictorial responses to the indigenous peoples’ dreaming landscapes of the 

continent’s arid core. magd.cam.ac.uk 

Norfolk Open Studios 2022 

Countywide 

24 September – 9 October 2022 

Hundreds of artists will open their studio doors across Norfolk to share their 

creative processes this autumn. Visitors can explore the county in early autumn 

through studio visits and an array of art trails, events and demonstrations. 

Artists at all stages of their careers will be taking part, from school and college 

students through to emerging artists and established and professional creators 

and makers. Visitors will find painters, sculptors, weavers, furniture makers, wood 

workers, jewellery makers, ceramicists, textile artists and lots more throughout the 

varied landscapes of Norfolk. 

Many artists will be offering additional events, demonstrations and workshops 

to share their skills and practice. Norfolk Open Studios is free to attend. 

norfolkstudios.org.uk 

53

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What to expect on a life coaching journey – my diary, by Anna Hilton, aged 39¾ 

The day before 

Got my first life coaching session tomorrow - bit 

nervous as even though I’ve been considering it for a 

while I’ve no idea what to expect and no idea what I’m 

going to talk about! Just know I feel like I need some 

direction and want to stop feeling so helpless. 

Session 1 

Carrie put me at ease straight away as soon as we 

started the session (via Facetime on my iPad) - I said I 

was excited but also nervous and she told me not to 

worry and to see this as taking time out for myself. 

Carrie’s easy to talk to, kind and professional. She let 

me talk so I could ramble on and find out what my 

goals might be without even realising it! I felt different 

straight away after the session and it feels like there’s 

already been a change in the way I’m thinking about 

things. 

Session 2 

I was looking forward to my appointment and felt 

comfortable again right away. I was able to open up 

without feeling self-conscious. Carrie’s helping me see 

things in a new light, without pushing her own opinions 

on me. I cried and felt very emotional at certain points. 

But it felt good. I don’t think I’d have been able to 

recognise some important issues if she hadn’t been 

there to guide me. She’s naturally intuitive, genuine, 

honest and inspirational. I feel I can trust her not to 

judge me - no matter what I say! I spoke about things 

I’d not thought about for a long time which was quite 

eye opening. 

Session 3 

Today felt liberating. I can totally feel my mindset 

changing and I have Carrie to thank for that. If I say 

something I’m not sure about, she asks why I’m 

feeling a certain way without making me feel silly or 

wrong. She’s helped me recognise things I’ve been 

ignoring without realising it... I actually feel hopeful 

for the first time in a long while and I’m looking 

forward to the revelations that might come out next 

time. Talking to Carrie is like talking to a 

knowledgeable friend, without the judgement. 

Session 4 

Tonight’s session was really helpful as we went back 

over lots of things we’d already talked about - a great 

reminder of what I should be thinking about for my 

goals. It was an emotional session, and even though 

there were no tears, I feel stronger thanks to Carrie’s 

wise words – she’s giving me the tools I need to 

coach my own life, I’m not quite there yet - I know I 

need to thoroughly believe what she’s telling me 

first. 

Final session 

Final session this evening and I feel so much 

stronger thanks to everything Carrie’s been coaching 

me through. Carrie says she can see a difference in 

me, even though we were conducting the sessions 

over video call, and I believe her. She created a safe 

space for me to talk, to let me to see things from a 

different perspective and helped me realise my own 

self-worth - for this I will be eternally grateful.

Cambridgeshire (2, 3, 4, 5)_Cambridgeshire 25/08/2015 16:38 Page 1 

Cambridgeshire (2, 3, 4, 5)_Cambridgeshire 25/08/2015 16:38 Page 1 

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57

RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE 

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GREENFINGERS… 

the Alan Titchmarsh column 

He’s a brilliant presenter, 

accomplished gardener, 

talented novelist and 

all-round horticultural 

inspiration. This month, 

Alan Titchmarsh discusses 

the changing seasons, and 

why he ventures out into 

his garden in any weather. 

62

HOME&GARDEN 

I’ve been talking to a number of people over these summer 

months and it’s always a pleasure. Naturally, it feels like 

the part of the year where we all come out and celebrate 

what it is to have a space that is all ours – we all share in the 

successes and, okay, some of the failures too! 

Yet what’s interesting is the fact the longer the summer 

goes on, the more the chat seems to evolve to become 

nervy and negative. There is an unspoken devil in the 

air, and it goes by the name of winter, where gardeners 

all across the UK dread not just the hibernation of some 

of the creatures in their garden, but their own removal or 

withdrawal from service as the skies grow darker and 

rain threatens. 

Of course, I can see why so many of us sink into this 

mindset of what is effectively a subconscious filling of time 

before things start to pick up again in early spring. Though 

as I have said on many occasions, there are still so many 

plants that flourish across the winter months that we can 

take real pleasure from, so I would be firm in encouraging 

people to look at winter as a lot more than just a time when 

we feel like stepping off the gardening carousel. 

As people, we are so used to conflict and contrast, and 

embracing that only serves to highlight the good stuff when 

it comes round. 

Mostly, what I tell people about their gardens is that the 

most special feeling you can have will never be whether or 

not you can produce some floral spray of colour and texture; 

nor will it be if your water feature resembles something like 

the Victoria Falls. 

Ultimately, what it’s all about is being out there, and 

believing you are making a difference. I’ve always thought 

however tiny a patch of ground you have, if you look after it 

well when you shuffle off your mortal coil you’ve paid your 

rent for your life on Earth. 

To leave that space just a little bit better than how it was 

previously is a very special thing, and no wintry rainstorm 

should stop us from wanting to achieve that! 

Certainly, my routine in those quieter months never 

changes. Whether rain, hail, sleet or snow, I will always 

potter around the garden. Okay, so in the winter months 

it’s a lot more difficult to sit still in a garden anyway, but just 

getting out there, soaking up the air and feeling the natural 

goodness around you, is really inspiring. 

I get mucky every day when I’m at home, and if I’ve got 

a day of work or filming that will take me away from the 

house, I’ll always make sure I step out and spend some 

peaceful time alone before I leave – it sort of sets me up for 

the day. 

What I will say about late autumn and winter in the garden is 

its arrival follows much the same school of thought as going 

out in the rain – namely that it makes you appreciate the 

summer, or the sunshine, all the more. 

63

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Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire 

Dunstable Downs 

in Autumn 

Nestled in the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 

the National Trust’s Dunstable Downs is the highest point 

in Bedfordshire. And from its elevated position, it is possible 

to see five counties on a clear day; the views are simply 

breathtaking. 

Comprised mainly of chalk grasslands, designated as 

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their nature 

conservation importance, there are miles of footpaths 

that criss-cross this beautiful landscape. As well as an 

abundance of wildlife to discover, there are historical 

features to explore such as the Five Knolls Neolithic burial 

grounds and medieval rabbit warrens, both Scheduled 

Ancient Monuments. 

The cooler autumn days can see the mist and fog roll 

in across the valley giving Dunstable Downs a very 

atmospheric feel. The wide-open skies make it a perfect 

place for cloud watching and you can often see the 

rain clouds roll in. It is not unusual at this time of year to 

experience all four seasons in one day so definitely pack 

your waterproofs, just in case. As the leaves on the trees 

turn from green into hues of reds, oranges and browns, 

the lower autumn light in late afternoon can really make 

them glow. 

Take a walk along the hedgerows and keep a look out for 

birds feeding on fruiting hawthorn and blackberries. If you 

are lucky, you might see flocks of fieldfare and redwing 

feeding and taking shelter in the hedgerows. Both species 

are very social birds and can often be seen together in large 

flocks in grassland and woodland areas. These birds fly 

south from northern Europe spending the winter here in our 

much milder climate. 

Red kites can be seen soaring above the Downs, riding the 

thermals on warmer days. Easily identifiable with its forked 

tail, this large bird of prey was nearly hunted to extinction 

in the UK but thanks to recent reintroduction programmes, 

this magnificent bird can now be seen most days above 

Dunstable Downs. The Chilterns are a particular stronghold, 

and the red kites remain one of the biggest conservation 

success stories in history. 

About a one mile walk from the Chilterns Gateway Centre 

at Dunstable Downs is the intriguing Whipsnade Tree 

Cathedral. Planted by Edmond Blyth in the 1930s, he built 

a medieval cathedral from trees, hedges, and shrubs, in 

the spirit of ‘faith, hope and reconciliation’ in response 

to his memories of the First World War. The first religious 

service was held at the site in 1953, and an annual service 

continues to this day. 

66

Bedfordshire 

©National Trust Images/John Millar 

For those with impaired mobility, trampers are available 

to hire from the National Trust enabling you to explore 

the Downs. These are free but donations are welcomed 

towards their upkeep. Booking is recommended at least 

three days prior to your visit to avoid disappointment. To 

book, call 01582 500920 or email dunstabledowns@ 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

If you prefer getting about on two wheels, then the National 

Cycle Network Route 574 starts from Dunstable Downs. 

This short route takes you along the Icknield Way towards 

Dunstable and then connects to other routes nearby. For 

more information, see sustrans.org.uk 

Family Activities 

The National Trust has loads on offer for families looking to 

make the most of the autumn weather. A naturally windy 

spot, Dunstable Downs is perfect for kite flying and there 

is even a designated kite-flying area. If you don’t have your 

own then there is a selection of kites, from beginners to the 

more advance, available to purchase from their shop. 

A new geocaching trail is available for those looking to 

explore and take on this treasure-hunting challenge. This 

trail is roughly one mile long with six hidden boxes for you 

to discover. Swap and change items in these boxes and 

leave a note for the next intrepid adventurer. 

Throughout October half term there will be a Halloweenthemed 

trail for the whole family to enjoy. 

If exploring is not for you, then you sit and relax with a 

warm hot chocolate inside The View Café whilst enjoying 

the landscape. Throughout the autumn the café offers a 

variety of seasonal hot drinks and food and is open daily, 

10am to 4pm. 

Explore nearby 

Sharpenhoe Clappers just north of Luton is also a 

wonderful place in the autumn. Beech woodlands are 

synonymous with the Chiltern Hills and Sharpenhoe 

Clappers is no exception. Its beech woodland sits on the 

site of an Iron-Age hillfort and provides stunning autumn 

displays of colour. 

For more information about Dunstable Downs visit 


©National Trust Images/Justin Minns 

©National Trust Images/John Miller 

©National Trust Images/Robert Morris 

67

Bedfordshire 

Food&Drink 

Dinner & Cocktails 

written by Lydia Pettet 

The leaves in the trees have started to 

change from green to the vibrant oranges, 

reds and browns of autumn. As the evenings 

are drawing in and we swap sunny days out 

for cosy settings, what better way to spend 

an evening than indulging in delicious food 

and a few drinks? Check out our run down 

of some of the best places for dinner and 

cocktails in the county. 

The Oakley Arms 

98-104 High St, Harrold, MK43 7BH 

Nestled in the picturesque north 

Bedfordshire village of Harrold, the Oakley 

Arms is a rustic village pub that has been given a new 

lease of life by owners Andy and Lizzie. The menu offers 

modern, elevated comfort food and makes the most of the 

fantastic local produce from the surrounding areas such 

as Harrold venison and Bevistan Dairy. Expect comforting 

pies, effortless twists on classic dishes and freshly baked 

bread and sweet treats. The menu changes regularly, often 

daily, so there is always something new and exciting to try. 

The cocktail menu changes with the seasons too, perfectly 

pairing with your meal. 

Open Wednesday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and 

dinner. Sunday lunch is served 12-4pm. 

www.theoakleyharrold.co.uk 

FatCap Smokehouse 

15 Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3NT 

Bedford’s only all-American barbecue joint is a must-visit. It 

is the place to go for good vibes, big portions and a cocktail 

or two. The meat, fresh from the smoker, is the specialty 

here. Think thick St. Louis ribs that fall off the bone and 

juicy brisket. The FatCap Feast is an outrageous sharing 

platter for two, piled high with all the smoked meats and 

a selection of sides. For £49, it will fill you up and give you 

leftovers for another day. There’s also a hearty list of burgers 

and other dishes straight out of the USA. The cocktail list 

has all the classics to get the party started, as well as a great 

choice of mocktails. For the ultimate experience, upgrade 

your favourite bourbon to an old fashioned. 

Open Wednesday to Sunday. Bottomless brunch 

is available at the weekend. Happy hour is every 

Friday, 5-7pm. 

www.fatcapsmokehouse.co.uk 

Fratelli Cicchetti 

First Floor, 111 Dunstable St, Ampthill, MK45 2NG 

Head up the glamorous staircase at the Fratelli restaurant 

in Ampthill and you’ll find its effortlessly stylish sister 

restaurant, Fratelli Cicchetti. This modern Italian restaurant 

has a focus on simple flavours and top-quality produce, 

68

Bedfordshire 

Open seven days a week from 7am during the 

week and 8am at weekends. Breakfast, lunch, 

afternoon tea and dinner are available. 

www.knifeandcleaver.co.uk 

The Foresters Arms 

either sourced locally or straight from Italy. Indulge in big 

bowls of handmade pasta, fresh seafood or share a few 

Cicchetti dishes with a cocktail. The cocktails are worth the 

trip alone. Book in for bottomless brunch for the ultimate 

cocktail and dining experience. 

Open Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm. 2 for 1 cocktails 

on Thursdays. Brunch is available on Saturdays, 12-4pm. 

Sunday lunch is available 12-5pm. 

www.fratelli-italian.co.uk/cicchetti 

The Knife & Cleaver 

The Grove, Houghton Conquest, MK45 3LA 

Houghton Conquest is a quiet village tucked away in the 

rolling Bedfordshire countryside, and at its centre is the 

bright and airy Knife & Cleaver. It’s a pub that does it all, 

from breakfast to afternoon tea, to a Sunday roast. It’s also a 

hotel and wedding venue. The menu has a combination of 

pub grub and fine dining. Start with small plates, tackle the 

sharing surf & turf and finish with a hearty pudding. There 

are plenty of options for cocktails too: start the meal with an 

aperitif and a couple of oysters or try a specialty hot drink to 

warm you up. 

41 Union Street, Bedford, MK40 2SF 

The Foresters Arms reopened over the summer to bring 

something new and exciting to Bedford town centre. In 

collaboration with local cocktail company, Liquid Mobile 

Bar, the pub is now offering an exciting menu of small plates 

and delicious cocktails. The pub has plenty of cosy nooks 

for whiling away the hours whilst working through the vast 

cocktail list. The menu is designed for sharing, including 

Spanish-inspired dishes such as quesadillas and patatas 

bravas. Order a few sharing platters between friends. 

Another spot for indulging in a cocktail-fueled bottomless 

brunch. The cocktails are available without alcohol too. 

Open seven days a week from midday till late. Details of 

monthly events including bottomless brunch, happy hour 

and live music can be found on the website. 

www.forestersarmsbedford.com 

Find Lydia on Instagram @lydeatsfood 

69

Bedfordshire 

BEDFORDSHIRE NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Join the Walking Festival and Explore 

the County 

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival returns this year from 

10 to 18 September with walks every day across the 

county. Routes vary from short heritage walks to half 

and full-day walks, right up to the 40-mile Greensand 

Challenge. 

The informative heritage walks include Leighton 

Buzzard, Aspley Guise, Marston Vale Forest Centre, 

Henlow and also Stewartby, a once polluted village 

that is now clean and picturesque. For those who 

prefer something a little different, there is a flexible walk 

and river cruise along the Great Ouse and there are a 

number of longer routes for more seasoned walkers, 

including the North Bedfordshire Village meander. 

For those who like a challenge, the 40-mile Greensand 

Ridge over two days should appeal. The walk crosses 

the county from west to east through the picturesque 

Greensand Country. 

Bedfordshire has a very varied landscape with the 

chalk hills of the south, the wooded ridge of Greensand 

Country in the middle and the wold-like landscape 

of the north. Most walks are free and do not require 

booking. www.bedswalkfest.co.uk 

Community Boat Receives The 

Queen’s Award 

to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to 

celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. 

Since its launch in 2013, The John Bunyan Community 

Boat has carried more than 45,000 passengers on 

its scenic river cruises along the River Great Ouse in 

Bedford, enabling both local people and visitors to 

Bedford access to the wonderful river environment. 

The boat’s public cruising season starts in April and 

runs through until the end of October each year. 

bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat 

Construction of New Leisure Centre 

to Start 

Plans have been approved for a new £25 million 

Houghton Regis Community and Leisure Centre which 

will offer residents a range of modern sports facilities and 

community amenities within the Kingsland Campus. 

The two-storey community and leisure hub will include 

a 25-metre eight-lane pool, a fitness suite, a spinning 

bikes studio, multi-use exercise studios and two squash 

courts. The new centre will be sited near to the new 

Houstone School with the school’s first-class sports 

facilities also available for the community to use. School 

facilities will include a new sports hall as well as a range 

of outdoor grass pitches and a 3G artificial floodlit pitch. 

Construction is expected to start this autumn with the 

new centre opening in 2024. 

50 Things to Do Before you’re Five 

An exciting app for families in Bedfordshire has been 

launched by HEART Academies 

Trust in collaboration with Bedford 

Borough Council. 

50 Things is a free, universal, 

smartphone app-based initiative 

available to families with children 

under the age of five. It offers 

suggestions for easy, low cost and 

free play and experiences that 

support children’s language and 

learning. 

The John Bunyan Community Boat, a completely 

volunteer-based group in Bedford, has been awarded 

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the 

highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the 

UK and is equivalent to an MBE. 

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to 

recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups 

The app is localised to Bedfordshire, giving tips on a 

wide range of resources such as parks, woodlands and 

museums as well as the very best local bridges to play 

Pooh Sticks and local spots to play with echoes! 

For more information visit 

bedfordshire.50thingstodo.org where you can also 

download the app for free. 

70

To download the 

app, scan the QR 

code with your 

smart phone, 

or visit: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEY: 

 

 

 

Bedfordshire 

Step into the New Walking Tour 

Invisible Folk and Bedford 

Borough Council are inviting 

people to take a journey into 

Bedford High Street’s rich 

heritage. 

The exciting new scheme, 

launched as part of the High 

Street Heritage Action Zone, 

7 

5 

6 

invites people to discover some 

2. Joe Clough 

4. Huddleston Bust 

of the untold stories of Bedford 

5. Bedford Market 

https://izi.travel/en/app 

7. La Piazza 

High Street through a free virtual 

walking tour. The stories are 

told by local historic figures and 

residents who lived through and experienced the events. 

Jon Bickley, Director at Invisible Folk, said: “We were 

delighted to give a voice to the people of Bedford; their 

pride in their town came across strongly. We heard many 

interesting stories from a range of backgrounds and 

communities.” 

This free tour is self-guided, meaning anyone with a 

smartphone or tablet can take part at a time that suits 

them. Free printed maps are also available at The Higgins 

Bedford, although they are not essential for taking part in 

the tour. To take part in the tour, visit izi.travel/en 

Starship and Co-op roll-out Delivery 

Robots 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Invisible Folk 

WALKING TOUR OF 

BEDFORD HIGH STREET 

4 

3 

1 

2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. John Bunyan Statue 

3. Silver Street Faces 

6. St. Paul’s Church 

Food & Drink 

Carlton pub wins CAMRA’s top award 

The Fox at Carlton has been 

crowned North Bedfordshire 

Pub of the Year in the CAMRA 

(Campaign for Real Ales) 2022 

awards. 

The traditional village pub, 

which offers home cooked 

food and real ales, is run by 

Alison who describes herself 

as the proud owner of a proper village pub. 

A spokesman from North Bedfordshire CAMRA said: “After 

many years of winning a variety of awards, this year the 

country free house has come away with the top award. We 

are delighted to hand Alison this award, as she is committed 

to running a fine establishment and always has a selection 

of interesting beers available.” 

thefoxatcarlton.pub 

Coming Soon… 

Spookiest Festival Returns 

A fleet of grocery delivery robots is heading to local 

neighbourhoods in Bedford and Kempston thanks to an 

exciting pilot project between Bedford Borough Council 

and Starship Technologies, in partnership with the Co-op. 

Residents will be able to choose grocery items, schedule 

their delivery, then drop a pin where they want their delivery 

to be sent. They can watch in real-time via an interactive 

map as the robot makes its journey to them. Once the robot 

arrives, they receive an alert and can meet and unlock it 

through the app. 

Starship’s robots are powered by zero-carbon electricity, 

with an average delivery consuming as little energy as 

boiling a kettle to make just one cup of tea. Orders are made 

through the Starship food delivery app, which is available 

for download on iOS and Android, with groceries picked 

fresh in local Co-op stores and delivered quickly and 

conveniently in as little as one hour or less. 

The robots are lightweight and travel at the speed of a 

pedestrian (no faster than 4mph). They use a combination 

of sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning to 

travel on pavements and navigate around any obstacles, 

while computer vision-based navigation helps them map 

their environment to the nearest inch. 

Halloween Town Festival, which launched last year, returns 

to The Great Meadow in Bedford for three nights of music 

amid spectacular immersive Halloween entertainment from 

28 to 30 October. 

The Wombats have been announced as the Sunday 

headliners with the much-loved indie band taking to the 

stage on the final night of the UK’s biggest Halloween 

event. Bedford’s own rising star, Alfie Templeman, has been 

confirmed as their support act. 

Halloween Town Festival takes place in a huge big top, 

festival-style tent and takes guests on a journey through 

the eerie entertainment to a massive night of music. With 

incredible makeup artists ready to turn them into creatures 

of the night, and bizarre and scary performances along the 

route, guests become part of the Halloween Town itself. 

halloweentownfestival.com 

71

Now 

Open 

Riverside 

Pub 

With 

Rooms 

01234 270044 

enquiries@thekingfisherbedford.co.uk 

thekingfisherbedford.co.uk 

Barns, Cardington Road, Bedford, MK44 3SA 

The 

Kingfisher 

RIVERSIDE PUB & ROOMS

Bedfordshire 

Race Day Air Show 

29 October 

Join Woodland Manor Hotel for a special Murder 

Mystery at the Manor evening. Experience a unique, 

theatrical and immersive experience that compliments 

a sumptuous three course meal. The interactive show 

offers you and your friends a chance to play suspects 

in the Murder Mystery, with elements of escape rooms, 

panto and a significant amount of drama. 

woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk 

WHAT’S ON 

2 October 

The Shuttleworth Collection 

Rounding off the 2022 season, Shuttleworth’s Race Day 

air show brings together wings and wheels along the 

grass runway. Expect to see vintage cars thundering 

down the runway in sprint style, before a flying display 

with speed firmly on the menu! Not forgetting, there 

will be plenty of kids’ activities to keep the little ones 

entertained. 

shuttleworth.org 

Bedfordshire Festival of 

Remembrance 

Mind, Body & Spirit Fair 

16 October 

The Olde Watermill 

Shopping Village, 

Barton-le-Clay 

Come and enjoy 

a mindful day with 

over 20 stalls stalls to 

peruse. Reiki, candles, 

jewellery, tarot, to 

name a few. There 

will also be a static 

display of live owls 

on the day. Set in the 

grounds of a beautiful 

Dickensian Shopping Village in the heart of Bedfordshire, 

where you can walk the local foot paths or come inside 

and explore over 20 independent retail boutiques. Maybe 

even treat yourselves to a tasty lunch in the Mill House 

Coffee Shop. 

oldewatermill.co.uk 

12 November 

Bedford Corn Exchange 

The Royal British Legion Bedfordshire invites you to 

join with them for a Festival of Remembrance to raise 

money for the 2022 Poppy Appeal. This year there will 

be a special performance to commemorate the 40th 

anniversary of the Falklands War, where they plan on 

remembering those service personnel who participated 

in this conflict. Join in and remember that their service 

and sacrifice is not forgotten in an uplifting evening 

of music, song and poetry with a generation that 

contributed to our great nation’s victories. 

bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 

Murder Mystery at the Manor 

For more event listings in your county 

visit www.eastlife.co.uk/events/ 

73

Cambridgeshire

Cambridge 

A visit to 

St Neots 

written by Noah Keate 

Located in the west of the county, nearly 30 miles 

from Cambridge and not far from Bedfordshire, St 

Neots is one of the county’s largest towns. With 

a quaint setting, nestled around the banks of the 

River Great Ouse, this charming market town 

offers plenty to see and do and is well worth a visit. 

St Neots is steeped in history, with remains from the Iron 

Age discovered within the town. The original settlement 

was founded by a holy man called Neot while in April 

1648, during the English Civil War, a battle commenced 

here between the parliamentarians and royalists. With 

widespread industries in corn and transport during the 

1700s and 1800s, St Neots has a rich past. 

Today, like many towns, St Neots’ defining feature is its 

High Street. Running through the centre of the busy town, it 

boasts a mix of familiar national brands, indie stores, places 

to eat and charity shops where you can grab a bargain 

while helping a good cause. 

Of course, no market town would be complete without 

its farmers’ market. Held in the central Market Square on 

the High Street, it takes place on the second and fourth 

Saturday of every month between 8am and 2pm. A 

Thursday Charter Market also runs every week between 

9am and 4pm, selling produce and homewares. 

For something to please all the family, Crafty Monkey on 

Moore’s Walk provides a welcoming space for pottery 

painting and for children to build a bear. With a range of fun 

craft activities for all ages and abilities, it’s an ideal place to 

relax and enjoy some artistic endeavours. 

St Neots offers a range of options for eating out. Elsie 

May’s Electric Lounge is a café, bar and bakery on Market 

Square. Meanwhile, Art & Soul on New Street blends food 

with creative art to please any visitors. Back on Market 

Square, the Bridge House offers wonderful food within a 

historic tavern atmosphere. However, perhaps one of the 

best places to eat in St Neots is Buffalo on Huntingdon 

Street, offering Mediterranean dishes including falafel and 

moussaka. With friendly service and a great atmosphere, it’s 

a restaurant well worth your time. 

The Priory Centre on Priory Lane offers the perfect culture 

fix. Don’t fret about heading to Cambridge or the West End 

when local culture is right here. From amateur dramatics to 

comedy nights and tribute groups, there’s something for 

everyone. Located not far from the main town centre, it 

76

Cambridge 

provides a great night out to ensure your time in St Neots is 

unforgettable. 

Urban areas are enhanced by a degree of greenery and, 

thankfully, St Neots has that in spades. Sudbury Meadow, 

just past the High Street, offers a place of relaxation 

surrounded by trees, plants and natural beauty. Similarly, 

the expansive Riverside Park offers visitors and residents 

a location to unwind and enjoy their environment. With 

the Ambience Café Restaurant and Riverside Miniature 

Railway, there is plenty of scope for enjoyment. 

If you would like to learn more about the town’s history, 

head to St Neots Museum on New Street. Housed in a 

former police station, it includes the original 1907 cell 

block where prisoners were detained. Now, this has aptly 

become a popular escape room experience. 

Such is the depth of St Neots’ past, that a Living History 

Festival will take place on Saturday 10 September 

between 11am and 4pm on the Market Square. Part of 

the annual Heritage Open Days festival, the event offers 

the chance to meet a variety of characters including 

medieval knights, Georgian historians and Second World 

War soldiers who can tell you all about their period of 

history. With replica food to try and games to play, it 

promises to be a fun and educational day out. 

The rich combination of food, nature, shopping and 

culture will ensure you enjoy your time in St Neots and 

make you keen to return to the thriving town again. 

77

‘..NIVERSITY ARMS AND PARKER’S TAVERN.’ 

WE SEEM TO BE MISSING U. 

VISIT WWW.UNIVERSITYARMS.COM/CAREERS OR 

EMAIL APPLY@UNIVERSITYARMS.COM TO FIND OUT MORE.

Christmas at 

Anglesey Abbey 

Thur 1 December to 

Sun 1 January 

*Closed 24 - 26 December 

Experience a magical Christmas 

in the country at Anglesey 

Abbey, just 5 miles from 

Cambridge. Enjoy seasonal 

sparkle as you explore the richly 

decorated ground floor rooms in 

the House. In the wider estate, 

visit the sensory winter garden, 

indulge in festive shopping and 

embark on a wintry adventure in 

the Hoe Fen woodland play area. 

Find out more and book your tickets at 

nationaltrust.org.uk/ChristmasAtAngleseyAbbey 

or call the NT Box Office on 0344 249 1895. 

Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November 2022 

Huntingdon Market Square 

Fri: 12noon – 7.30pm Sat: 10am – 5.30pm Sunday: 10am – 4pm 

d Meet Father Christmas d Children’s entertainment d Festive food and drinks 

d Live music and performances stage d Christmas gifts & stocking fillers 

HUNTINGDON 

TOWN COUNCIL 

www.huntingdonchristmasmarket.co.uk

Family friendly self catering at Fuller’s Hill Cottages 

on a family run farm in South Cambridgeshire. 

Featuring 7 unique cottages with hot tubs and pretty gardens 

which can sleep individual families or larger gatherings and hen 

parties! 

For a love of the outdoors, local attractions, dog friendly, a new 

sundown spot to watch the beautiful sunsets, and a play area, 

choose us for your next staycation! 

Download our Little Pink Book for ideas, contacts and discounts! 

Please call Kirstie on 

Email bookings@fullershillcottages.co.ukshill 

www.fullershillcottages.co.uk 

@fullershill.cottages Fullers Hill Cottages Official @fullershill 

Our products and services we offer are wide and varied and we 

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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. 

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Cambridge 

Food&Drink 

Comfort food that won’t break the bank 

written by Gerla de Boer 

www.cbtravelguide.co.uk 

Looking for the best comfort food in 

Cambridge? Fancy something spicy, 

a steaming bowl of pasta, or prefer 

to tuck into a pizza smothered with 

Nduja or good old pub grub at one 

of the locals instead? 

Whether it is sizzling hot outside or 

freezing cold, there is nothing better 

than a plate of comfort food. For 

me, it can be anything from spicy 

Asian noodles to a delicious pie or 

a Sunday roast at one of the great 

pubs. Don’t get me wrong, I love a 

nice crisp salad, but comfort food is 

all about warming the soul. 

So, where to find the best places for 

comfort food in Cambridge? Move 

away from Kings Parade and go to 

areas where the locals like to hang 

out. Mill Road is top of the list for 

them. This quirky road is lined with 

spice shops, cafés and fantastic 

restaurants. East Cambridge is a 

rising star too. Many people flock 

here for the beauty of the River Cam, 

especially during warmer months. 

Instead of aimlessly walking around 

Cambridge or scrolling Google to 

find the best places for comfort food, 

I have munched my way through the 

city to bring you the best places and 

I can assure you they won’t break 

the bank! 

The Tiffin Truck – 

Regent Street 

Serving street food-style dishes, the 

Tiffin Truck is one of Cambridge’s 

favourites for Indian food. Make sure 

you book a table, especially 

on Saturdays. 

Free Press Pub – 

Prospect Row 

This quaint neighbourhood pub 

is only a stone’s throw away from 

John Lewis and the Grafton Centre. 

Famous for their Scotch eggs and 

excellent pub grub, but their Asian 

food comes highly recommended 

too. The menu changes four times 

per year to include seasonal food. 

Noodles Plus – Mill Road 

Not difficult to spot as most of the time 

there is a long queue outside this local 

favourite for their excellent Chinese 

food. The star of the show here is the 

‘soup dumplings’. These homemade 

Xiao Long Baos are a real delicacy. 

Noodles Plus is a tiny restaurant and 

doesn’t take bookings so be prepared 

to queue. It’s worth the wait! 

The Mill – Mill Road 

Looking for a Greek vibe in 

Cambridge? This lovely place on Mill 

Road is the only Greek café in the 

city. Since opening in March, it has 

become one of the local favourites. 

Not a surprise with their lovely cakes, 

savoury snacks, excellent Greek 

deli products and secluded garden. 

Don’t forget to order one of their 

showstopper pancakes! 

82

Cambridge 

Maurizio Dining – 

Mill Road 

Planning a date night or a fun night 

out with your friends? Maurizio 

Dining should be on the cards! This 

Italian restaurant and Negroni bar not 

only has the most extensive offering 

of Negronis in Cambridge but also 

serves comforting home-style Italian 

food and excellent pizzas. Must-have 

here is their tiramisu! 

Zhonghua – 

Norfolk Street 

Tucked away in Norfolk Street, this 

tiny Chinese restaurant is easy to 

miss. Serving delicious homemade 

dumplings and a good variety of 

Chinese mains and desserts, it’s an 

excellent choice if you’re looking for 

authentic Chinese food. BYO alcohol. 

The Wrestlers – 

Newmarket Road 

Located next to Tesco on Newmarket 

Road, The Wrestlers was the first pub 

in Cambridge to offer Thai food over 

thirty years ago. Serving mains only 

and all cooked to order varying from 

mild, medium and hot. 

The Green Dragon – 

Water Street, Chesterton 

East Chesterton is not often on the 

cards for Cambridge residents, 

but the locals here know that the 

Green Dragon Pub is a hidden 

gem. Boasting one of the best beer 

gardens on the river in Cambridge, 

it serves excellent Cypriot food and 

Sunday lunch cooked by Ozzy, the 

son of Carlos from Mill Road. The 

kitchen is open from 

Tuesday-Sunday. 

Othersyde – Riverside 

Just a short walk from the Green 

Dragon, this quirky restaurant and bar 

is one of the places to go for delicious 

pizzas. The chef is from Persia so 

expect a slight twist. Overlooking the 

River Cam, it’s an excellent spot to 

meet up with friends. 

Street Food at the Station 

Looking for something more casual? 

On Fridays, foodPark is rocking up 

next to the Clayton Hotel from 12 to 

2pm with street food vans opposite 

the railway station. AlChile Mexican 

Street Kitchen is one of them and is 

labelled the best tacos in Cambridge. 

Fancy something spicy, a steaming bowl of pasta, or prefer to 

tuck into a pizza smothered with Nduja or good old pub grub at 

one of the locals instead? 

83

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Cambridge 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Chicago Bears Spotted in Cambridge! 

Local children from Cambridge learned a whole new 

ball game as legendary NFL team Chicago Bears held 

an American Football masterclass to kick off their Mini 

Monsters tour across the UK. 

Over 250 children from 12 local schools in the area 

attended the activity at One Leisure St. Ives, Outdoor 

Centre. Former Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox 

helped to put on a session focused on healthy eating, 

physical activity and hydration through fun, non-contact 

American football drills. 

Chicago Bears are one of the most successful teams 

in the history of American Football and have brought 

their Mini Monsters Clinics from Chicago to the United 

Kingdom for the very first time. The Bears arrived in 

Cambridge on day three of their nine-date tour, which 

will see the 90-minute clinics reach approximately 1,400 

kids up and down the country. 

Local secondary school students from Hinchingbrooke 

School in Huntington helped run the session under 

the guidance of the Bears coaches. Aged 14-15, the 

students were able to learn from the Bears staff to 

improve their leadership and communication skills, 

as well as learning more about American football 

throughout the camp. 

Chariots of Fire is 30 this Year 

its name from the famous 1981 film, has been a staple 

of the Cambridge event calendar since its inaugural run 

in 1992. The first run was held on the grounds of Perse 

Boys School but now the race regularly hosts over two 

thousand runners and crosses the entire city centre. 

Throughout its 30-year lifetime, Chariots of Fire has 

gone on to raise over £1.5m for charitable causes 

across the region including building the helipad at 

Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the purchasing of children’s 

ambulances for the Addenbrooke’s Charitable 

Trust, and the funding of pioneering research into 

heart transplants for Papworth Hospital. This year’s 

official charity is the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity 

(ARHC), which provides crucial support for people in 

Cambridgeshire with life-limiting conditions, and those 

at the end of life. 

Chariots of Fire starts and finishes on Queens’ Green, 

Cambridge on Sunday 18 September. To enter a team 

or find out more information visit chariots-of-fire.co.uk 

Local Author Publishes Third Book 

Hot on the heels of ‘For 

The Love of the Land’ 

and its companion ‘For 

The Love of the Sea’, 

author and farmer’s 

wife Jenny Jefferies has 

compiled a third book 

full of delicious recipes 

and fascinating stories 

from the British farming 

community. 

Her previous titles have 

seen amazing success; 

For The Love of the 

Land was shortlisted for 

the Great British Food Awards and won Best Cook Book 

by Woman and Home Magazine, while Jenny herself 

now writes a column for Rural Life Magazine and is a 

member of The Guild of Food Writers. 

Celebrating our farmers and the food they produce, her 

timely and topical sequel highlights 40 of the UK’s most 

influential and innovative farms including Riverford, 

Yeo Valley, Belvoir and the Michelin-starred restaurant 

L’Enclume, which has its own farm in Cumbria. For 

The Love of the Land II also features a foreword by 

Jimmy Doherty as well as a chapter on Jimmy’s Farm & 

Wildlife Park. 

Suitable for home cooks of any skill level, ‘For the 

Love of the Land II’ is also the perfect read for anyone 

who is interested in where their food comes from. The 

192-page hardback, which retails at £22, is available 

from bookshops including Waterstones as well as the 

author’s own website jennyjefferies.co.uk 

Chariots of Fire is back and better than ever, as it 

celebrates turning 30 this year. The race, which takes 

86

Cambridge 

Food & Drink 

A Unique Dining and Meeting Space 

Weeping Willow in Suffolk, the restaurant includes a striking 

glass front, which wraps around the rear of the pub, filling 

the colourful interior with light. The history of the building 

is celebrated with exposed beams, warm oaks and open 

fires while bold modern prints, add snapshots of colour and 

texture. 

The Carpenters Arms is surrounded by a wealth of local 

suppliers and produce and Head Chef, Seb Mansfield, will 

be creating a seasonal menu of the best food that East 

Anglia has to offer. 

The bedrooms have also been newly decorated and 

thoughtfully designed to be pooch perfect with doggy 

beds and treats as four-legged friends are welcome. 

A one-of-a-kind dining and meeting space has opened 

in Cambridge’s historic Market Square. Spread over five 

floors, Market House comprises an all-day café, a formal 

restaurant, an evening wine bar, a food lab, and flexible 

meeting spaces plus an alfresco terrace. 

The venue also offers private dining and meeting space, 

and the Food Lab provides an intimate space for recipe 

testing, product tastings and workshops. 

Chestnut, one of the UK’s fast-growing hospitality 

businesses, has been shortlisted for a number of national 

awards in the hospitality sector. 

carpentersarmswilbraham.co.uk 

Coming soon… 

Wimpole Christmas Trail Returns 

The Market House team has selected the best local 

suppliers including Stir Bakery, Brew Project Coffee, 

The Saffron Walden Ice Cream Company, Pump Street 

Chocolate, Pol Roger Portfolio, Cambridge Wine Merchants, 

Saffron Grange Vineyard, Stickleback Fish Company, 

Andrews Butchers Cambridge, The Cambridge Cheese 

Company, The Cambridge Juice Company and more. 

Market House has been sympathetically restored and plays 

tribute to its history with a wall dedicated to Cambridge 

gone by and the building’s long standing in the area. 

markethouse.co.uk 

Village Pub Reveals Vibrant New Look 

Following the success of its first year, the Christmas trail at 

Wimpole will return between 25 November and 1 January 

2023. 

The magical trail, which features spectacular light 

installations, will enchant visitors with seasonal Christmas 

classics and transform the estate’s landscaped grounds 

and garden. Curated installations include colourful 

Rainbow Trees, glowing Spin me a Yarn, romantic glittering 

Heart Arches and the Instagram favourite Christmas 

Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights 

are woven into the landscape. Independent street food 

vendors will offer tasty treats including hot chocolate and 

toasted marshmallows. 

The Carpenters Arms in Great Wilbraham has reopened 

following a dramatic refurbishment. 

The 250-year-old traditional village pub has been 

transformed incorporating an old stable as the new 

open kitchen. Emulating another Chestnut property, The 

Christmas at Wimpole provides a special way to celebrate 

the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. 

The trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy, and 

tickets are on sale now. nationaltrust.org.uk 

87

We mainly specialise in silver, gemstone 

and leather jewellery for both men and 

women. We also have a lovely range of new 

baby gifts, handbags, purses, scarves, 

and gifts for all occasions. 

13 Market Hill, St Ives, PE27 5AL 

01480 495198 

www.cloudninegems.com 

/CloudNineGems

Cambridge 

Wimpole Harv’Fest 

Huntingdon Fireworks 

WHAT’S ON 

September 

For the first time, the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate 

in Cambridgeshire invites visitors to Harv’Fest, a 

celebration of the harvest season and all that is grown, 

cultivated, and produced on the Estate. Visitors can 

enjoy a programme of events, talks, demonstrations, and 

workshops throughout September. Harvest season plays 

an important role in the calendar year for Wimpole. As the 

National Trust’s only in-hand arable farm, the 1000-acre 

farmland produces a large crop of organic produce every 

year and is grazed by the rare-breed cattle and sheep 

which are cared for on the Estate. The Walled Garden and 

Orchard, favourites with visitors to the Estate, produce 

fruit, vegetables and over 50 varieties of apple, which are 

used to make Wimpole apple juice, for sale at certain times 

throughout the year in the shop and restaurant. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate 

28 October 

Huntingdon Racecourse 

Take in a spectacular fireworks display that will take your 

breath away, choreographed to the soundtrack of 

the circus. Roll up, roll up! Buy your tickets now to join 

the greatest show of Huntingdon with spectacular 

fireworks, funfair rides and games, entertainment, stalls, 

food and drinks. 

komodoevents.com 

Cambridge Literary Winter Festival 

Peterborough Festival of Antiques 

17-20 November 

A busy weekend filled with seminars, talks, panels, 

workshops, readings and a few other ad hoc events. 

Thousands of wordsmiths, writers and authors have 

graced the festival stages and have enthralled, 

entertained, educated and sometimes enraged 

audiences. They now welcome over 350 writers and 

speakers to Cambridge each year and stage events that 

cover a huge variety of topics. 

cambridgeliteraryfestival.com 

23 September 

Peterborough Showground 

One of the biggest antiques markets in the country 

offering a spectacular array of antiques and collectables 

for sale within four permanent buildings, a variety of trade 

marquees and several acres of outdoor pitches. 

If you love antiques, collectables, vintage, and upcycled 

items then this is the antique market for you! 

iacf.co.uk/peterborough/ 



89

The ultimate destination 

Bar & Restaurant in Chelmsford 

GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS! 

PARTY NIGHTS IN THE ESSEX BARN 

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Essex

ESCAPE 

TO CONSTABLE COUNTRY FOR A RESORT STAY TO REMEMBER 

Written by Abby Knight 

After a hectic few weeks, I was more than ready 

for some R & R and the idea of spending 

time in the tranquil surrounds of the Apple 

Tree Lodges, part of the family-owned Stoke 

by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, was 

something I was very much looking forward to. 

My husband Chris and I were met at reception by Elaine, 

one of their many friendly and knowledgeable staff, who 

escorted us via golf buggy to the Apple Tree Lodges. A 

short journey, they’re set just enough apart from the main 

resort to feel peacefully rural but close enough to enjoy all 

the wonderful facilities. 

The five eco-lodges are hand-built, using sustainable 

materials such as cedar wood roof tiles and iroko wood 

walls. They all have spacious, open plan areas with floor-toceiling 

glass windows and USA-style wraparound wooden 

deck terraces. With solar panels and air-source heat pumps, 

all of their power comes from green energy sources. 

Elaine showed us to our penthouse style suite on the 

second floor and our home for the next 24 hours. It looked 

as if it could sleep 10 with a lovely timber vaulted ceiling, a 

huge kitchen and living area and a light and airy bedroom 

with a king-sized bed and Jack and Jill bathroom with a 

luxury shower. From our window we could see the original 

water tower that’s been cleverly renovated and now 

houses a space for parties, intimate weddings and 

corporate events. 

We enjoyed a delicious evening meal at The Lakes 

Restaurant, an AA double rosette holder but Apple Tree 

Lodge visitors can self-cater quite easily with great fridge 

and cupboard space, good sized dining table and freestanding 

BBQ for warmer nights. The onsite Pippin Shop 

sells meal and picnic items as well as fresh berries and 

apples from the family orchards. 

The Lakes Restaurant is just one of the great places to enjoy 

good food at Stoke by Nayland. It also has the Sports Bar 

92

offering hearty, casual meals to golfers and visitors, and 

the Orchard Lounge and Terrace serving lighter bites. Spa 

guests are served lunches and snacks in the Spa Bistro. 

The next morning, after enjoying breakfast on the terrace, 

we headed to the spa for our longed-for pamper session. 

The Signature Spa Days are updated four times a year to 

give guests a seasonally inspired experience. Each one 

includes a welcome refreshment and afternoon tea or a 

lunch platter, both with a glass of prosecco. The spa 

has a good-sized pool, jacuzzi and steam rooms with 

plenty of relaxer beds, both inside and outside, with 

spectacular views. 

As well as the two award-winning championship golf 

courses, the family plans to create another nine-hole par 

three course, while the spa has its own gym which caters 

for resort guests as well as members. 

Leaving just 24 hours later feeling blissfully relaxed and 

happy, I made a note that the venue is perfectly placed to 

explore the rest of the county – we will definitely be making 

a return visit. 

Explore nearby 

Visit Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural 

Beauty (AONB) and take a rowing boat out on the 

river Stour. 

Take a ramble through the countryside. Box Valley 

offers easy walking routes between 9km and 14.5km. 

The picturesque Polstead Circular is a 10km ramble, 

which takes in Stoke by Nayland’s 15th-century church 

(painted by John Constable in the first half of the 17th 

century). 

Take a trip, just a few minutes down the road, to the 

Suffolk Distillery to sample delicious gin, rum and vodka 

handcrafted in Suffolk. You could even try your hand at 

distilling your own gin! 

Stop by Prettyfields Vineyard in nearby Ardleigh. Walk 

through the vines and discover how great English wines 

are produced here in Essex, before enjoying a tutored 

tasting and spot of lunch. 

Make the time to visit Flatford Mill, a Grade 1 listed 

watermill on the River Stour. Originally built in 1733, it 

was owned by John Constable’s father and is noted 

as one of the locations for many of the great artist’s 

works. It’s a great place to pack a picnic and relax by the 

river too. 

stokebynayland.com 

appletreelodges.com 

APPLE TREE LODGES 

EXCLUSIVE OFFER 

From September to December 

Eastlife readers can enjoy the 

following on bookings placed by 30 

September 2022: 

20% discount on a 3-night stay 

arriving on a Friday or a 4-night 

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Excludes Christmas and New Year 

dates. T&Cs apply. 

For telephone bookings call 

01206 265805 or for more information 

email info@appletreelodges.com 

93

Colchester 

Park and Ride 

Stress-free commuting, 

shopping and visiting 

Buses run between 7.00 - 7:30 Mon to Sat 

Safe Secure Car Park 

WiFi on Bus 

Group Ticket (up to 2 adults / 3 children) 

Contactless & App Payments 

12 tickets for the price of 11 

Colchester Park and Ride site 

Park and Ride 

a 

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Hospital Path 

Hospital Path 

North Station 

› 

› 

North Station 

Middleborough 

Middleborough 

Head Street 

› 

St Johns Street 

Town Centre 

High Street 

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Monday : Closed Tuesday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

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Essex 

Food&Drink 

Cosy spots for comfort food 

Written by Krista Price 

There’s nothing like good food in a cosy atmosphere to make us almost glad that the nights are getting darker. As the leaves 

start to change colour and autumn approaches, here’s a round-up of a few of my favourite spots in Essex for you to try. 

The Hoop 

High Street, Stock, CM4 9BD 

If anyone asks me for a good pub recommendation, 

The Hoop always springs to mind. Situated in the 

picturesque village of Stock, The Hoop is an awardwinning 

pub with traditional decor, wooden beams, 

and an open fire. Tuck into a classic dish such as ‘Toad 

in the Hoop’ from the tempting menu, or pop by for an 

Essex Spirits Co cocktail (or two!). I highly recommend 

trying the mouth-watering Bolognese arancini dusted 

with parmesan and truffled mayonnaise. The menu 

also offers many plant-based options and a traditional 

Sunday lunch. Keep an eye on the pub’s Instagram 

account for details of pizza nights when they make 

fresh sourdough pizza in an artisan oven. 

thehoop.co.uk 

The Secret Garden 

Writtle Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3BL 

The Secret Garden Tea Rooms is one of Chelmsford’s 

hidden gems. If you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy 

a coffee and a slice of delicious homemade cake, this 

is the place. Offering breakfast, lunches and afternoon 

tea, it’s the perfect place for a special occasion or 

catching up with friends. Booking ahead is advised 

(24 hours in advance for afternoon tea), especially as 

the colder weather starts to creep in and the demand 

for the charming inside space increases. If you can’t 

find a table inside, and definitely on the warmer 

autumn days, take a seat in the large garden where 

you will find covered seating and a beautiful pergola. 

Should you need them, heaters and blankets are 

provided to keep you warm and dry while you enjoy a 

scone and pot of tea in this oasis of calm. 

secretgardentearooms.co.uk 

96

Norfolk Essex 

The Peterboat 

High Street, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 2EN 

Take a stroll along the waterfront of Old Leigh and 

you’ll come across The Peterboat, a popular pub 

serving food and drinks with views across the 

Thames estuary. No matter what time of year you 

visit, you’ll always find people enjoying a beer and 

bite to eat on the spacious patio area. If you prefer 

to be inside, grab a window seat, and watch the 

boats go by. You can’t visit without trying the famous 

creamy cockle chowder, served inside an enormous 

cob! Takeaway coffee is also available, so grab a 

cappuccino and continue your walk in the fresh sea 

air. For those visiting for the day, the tide times can 

also be found on the pub’s website. 

the-peterboat.eastangliapubs.com 

The Bakehouse 

Wyse’s Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3SN 

Just a short drive out of Chelmsford on the A414, 

you’ll find this stunning coffee spot surrounded by 

beautiful Essex countryside and next door to its sister 

restaurant The Fox and Goose (which serves an 

amazing Sunday roast). The Bakehouse offers a wide 

selection of homemade sweet and savoury treats, 

breakfasts, afternoon tea and even its own artisan 

‘Bakehouse Barista’ coffee which is roasted nearby in 

Writtle. No trip to The Bakehouse is complete without 

indulging in a blondie, and there is a good selection 

of vegan and gluten-free options. Make sure you 

book yourself into one of the fire pit evenings as 

the nights close in, where you can snuggle around 

the fire toasting marshmallows and sipping hot 

chocolate. If Chelmsford is a little far for you, they also 

have coffee shops in Maldon and Witham. 

bakehousecoffeeshop.co.uk 

The Griffin 

64 Main Road, Danbury, CM3 4DH 

The Griffin is a recently renovated pub and seafood 

restaurant in Danbury, which now has its very own 

champagne and oyster bar. The grade II listed 

building is full of character with carved beams 

that were originally ship timbers dating back to 

the 15th century, and fireplaces creating a cosy 

feel throughout. In partnership with Essex Oyster 

Company, fresh seafood is served from its truck 

outside and, if you are driving by, you can also pop 

in and buy some local oysters. In the restaurant, I 

recommend trying the warm octopus salad which 

is delicious and beautifully presented as are all the 

dishes on the menu. This is definitely somewhere to 

put at the top of your date-night list. 

griffindanbury.co.uk 

Find Krista on Instagram @thehungrykp 

97

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Essex 

ESSEX NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Jane Asher is New Patron of Frinton 

Theatre 

Frinton Summer 

Theatre has 

announced 

that renowned 

theatre, TV and 

film actor, author 

and entrepreneur, 

Jane Asher, is to 

become its new 

patron. 

Asher, who had 

her first ever stage 

appearance in 

Frinton at the 

age of 13, has 

fond memories 

of happy family 

holidays to the town, which she credits as the reason 

for her stage debut there in 1959. “I acted in film and 

on television from the age of five but Housemaster at 

Frinton was definitely the first time I was ever on stage. 

The happy experiences I had there inspired a life-long 

love of working in live theatre. I’ve always felt proud 

to be part of the long list of actors who began their 

stage careers in Frinton, and I am even more proud to 

have been given the special honour of becoming the 

next Patron.” 

Jane Asher takes over the patronage of Frinton Summer 

Theatre from renowned stage and screen actor Richard 

Wilson, who has been supporting the Theatre for many 

years. frintontheatretickets 

£3.5m Facility for University of Essex 

Experimental Plant Suite (STEPS) at Essex’s Colchester 

Campus to future-proof crop production in a changing 

and challenging world. 

IAG will be installing its innovative and patented 

GrowFrame – a modular system which uses aeroponic 

irrigation and closed loop water recycling – as well as 

an advanced technology system, which will include 

artificial intelligence, environmental sensors and water 

management systems. 

Through the installation, the University of Essex will 

have an unrivalled facility for extended education, UK 

outreach, research, experimentation and knowledge 

transfer for the real-world application of CEA (Controlled 

Environment Agriculture). The £3.5million facility is due 

to be open by summer 2023. 

Colchester Theatre Hosts Captioning 

Exhibition 

Mercury 

Theatre, led 

by Executive 

Director 

Steve Mannix, 

Executive 

Producer 

Tracey Childs 

and Creative 

Director Ryan 

McBryde, is to 

host the world’s 

first exhibition 

on open 

captioning in 

the arts from 3 to 29 September. 

Created by Stagetext, the deaf-led captioning charity, 

Captions Speak Louder guides audiences through the 

history of theatre captioning and will be on display at 

Mercury Theatre as it embarks on a UK tour following its 

debut at the Barbican Centre in November 2021. 

Agricultural technology company, Innovation Agri-Tech 

Group (IAG) and the University of Essex are creating a 

£3.5 million facility to enable the university to continue 

its world-leading plant productivity research. 

The research has been made possible by a £1 

million pledge from The Wolfson Foundation for 

the development of a unique Smart Technology 

The exhibition shows how captions were brought to 

the UK following a captioned American tour of Anthony 

and Cleopatra in 1999 and spread to venues across 

the country. Following how Stagetext was founded as 

a charity, the exhibition charts the evolution and art of 

captioning. 

The free exhibition explores this history through 

the stories and memories of the users, the charity’s 

founders, and the staff and supporters who worked to 

make the arts accessible to deaf, deafened and hard of 

hearing people over the last 21 years. 

You can visit the online section of the exhibition and see 

the other tour locations at stagetext.org 

Future Builders to Launch in Essex 

An innovative new scheme is launching in Essex to give 

young people first-hand experience of working on all 

stages of a construction project, from design and build 

through to demolition. 

100

Essex 

The gourmet kebab chain promises high quality doner 

kebabs inspired by those sold in Berlin. Freshly prepared 

in front of customers, the kebabs are made using premium, 

lean, succulent meats and fresh local vegetables, served in 

handmade toasted breads with signature sauces. 

The new restaurant in Chelmsford is the brand’s 105th site 

in the UK. Daniel Bunce, GDK Global COO, said: “Our gamechanging 

kebabs are revolutionising the kebab in the UK, 

and we are excited to be bringing a new fast-casual dining 

experience to the area, offering great tasting fresh food in a 

relaxed and modern setting.” germandonerkebab.com 

Essex Inn Reopens its Doors 

Future Builders is being established by Chelmsfordbased 

charity Essex Youthbuild and Essex-based 

housing association CHP to give young people from all 

backgrounds a chance to learn construction outside the 

classroom. 

CHP is supporting the project by providing space at its 

Chelmsford office where students will build and demolish a 

purpose-built studio flat. Students will construct the studio 

flat using timber frame materials and install a working 

kitchen and bathroom inside the building. As well as 

developing practical skills such as bricklaying, plumbing 

and electrical installation, they will also work on design, risk 

assessments and cost analysis. 

At the end of the project the students will plan and carry out 

the demolition of the building, before a new group of Future 

Builders starts work on site. 

Food & Drink 

GDK Opens its Doors in Chelmsford 

The White Hart Inn on Mersea Island has reopened, 

following a £1m investment which has transformed it into a 

contemporary pub and restaurant with rooms, minutes from 

the sea. 

The White Hart Inn has been brought back to life by local 

hospitality leader, Piers Baker of Baker Hospitality which 

also owns the award-winning The Sun Inn in Dedham and 

Church Street Tavern in Colchester. Eliot Craven joins the 

team as Head Chef. He was previously sous chef at Church 

Street Tavern. The front of house team will be led by Jack 

Tuck, who has been part of the Bakery Hospitality team 

since 2019 as a manager at The Sun Inn. 

Mersea Island is a lovely place to get away from it and 

is only connected to the mainland by a causeway that 

disappears at high tide. It feels old fashioned and laid 

back, there are unspoiled beaches, creeks, boardwalks 

- somewhere to walk, watch the boats go by, relax 

on the beach or tuck into delicious native oysters. 

whitehartinnmersea.co.uk 

German Doner Kebab has opened its doors in Chelmsford, 

bringing a new fast-casual dining experience to the city. 

The new restaurant, which is located on Moulsham Street, 

offers a full dine-in experience, plus takeaway with click and 

collect and delivery through GDK’s delivery partners. 

101

FRINTON SUMMER THEATRE PRESENTS 

LYRICS BY TIM RICE, MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER 

PRODUCED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LTD 

19 TH AUGUST TO 4 TH SEPTEMBER 2022 

THE GREENSWARD TENT | FRINTON-ON-SEA 

01255 775727 

frintonsummertheatre.org 

Copyright 1996 RUG Ltd 

LukaTDB / iStock 

INGATESTONE HALL 

Hall Lane, Ingatestone Essex, CM4 9NR 

(Take Station Lane off the London 

end of Ingatestone High St.) 

16 th Century manor house & grounds with a wealth of 

history. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

From Easter until the end of 

September 

Sunday, Wednesday and 

Bank Holiday afternoons 

(Noon – 5 p.m.) 

Adults - £8.50/Pensioners - 

£7.50/Children - £4 

Forthcoming Special Events 

Sept. 24 OONCERT –Brabissima Choir 

Sept . 29 - Hedges Productions present 

to 

GLASS HOUSES 

Oct. 1 

and 

STICK OR TWIST 

Nov 9 

Dec. 1/2 

KIDS INSPIRE CHRISTMAS MARKET 

PANDEMONIUM THEATRE 

Tel. 01277 353010 

Email: house@ingatestonehall.co.uk 

Website: www.ingatestonehall.com 

Celebrate Autumn at Markshall Estate 

• Stargazing • Bat Walk • Photography Workshops • Pumpkin Trail 

• Not So Spooky Stories for Kids • Dark and Twisted Tales 

Coggeshall, Essex • www.markshall.org.uk • 01376 563796

Essex 

Classics at the Castle - Porsche Event 

25 September 

Hedingham Castle 

Porsche Classics at 

the Castle is returning 

to Hedingham Castle 

this September for the 

celebration of road and 

competition models 

built between 1948 and 1973. This year, to mark the 

50th anniversary of its production and presentation to 

the public, the main theme of the event will focus on the 

1972-73 Carrera RS and RSR with an ambitious display 

fronting the Keep Tower. Tickets must be purchased in 

advance, with no facilities to take payments on the gate. 

porscheclubgb.com 

Southend Seafront Free Fireworks 

Display 

16 October 

Colne Valley Railway 

Enjoy a day of unlimited rides on the resident diesel 

locomotives from the shunters through to the DMU’s 

and HST. 

colnevalleyrailway.co.uk/diesel-gala/ 

Epping Ongar Light Fantastic 

18 November – 

15 January 

Epping Ongar 

Railway 

The magic 

begins as soon 

as you arrive at 

North Weald. 

The exterior of 

the train looks 

fantastic but, 

once on board 

the train, let the magic unfold as the festive music plays 

and the story begins. As you experience the fantastic 

illuminations, keep your eyes peeled for amazing 

displays that can only be seen from the comfort of 

your seat and, if you believe in magic, look out for the 

mystical Tomte hiding along the way. 

eorailway.co.uk 

WHAT’S ON 

8 October – 19November 

Fizz, pop, bang, whooo! The free Southend BID Seafront 

Fireworks are back! Wrap up warm, round up your 

friends and family and head down to the seafront every 

Saturday night during October and November. Embrace 

the exciting atmosphere, the smell of chips, the sounds 

of Adventure Island, the buzz of the seafront arcade 

machines. Each display lasts approximately. ten minutes 

but that’s plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular 

night sky. 

visitsouthend.co.uk 

Diesel Gala 

Enlightened 

24 November – 1 January 

Hylands Estate, 

Chelmsford 

Enlightened returns 

to Hylands Estate 

with a new longer 

route and even 

more magical 

lighting installations 

for 2022. Once 

again, the grounds 

will be transformed 

into a magical illuminated trail for visitors to enjoy 

with all the family. Book now via the website to see 

mesmerising light displays and enchanting moments 

along a specially crafted route. 

hylandsestate.co.uk 



103

JOHN LADBURY 

Beautiful Handcrafted Kitchens 

40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE 

DESIGN • BUILD • INSTALLATION 

TEL: 01707 262966 WWW.JOHNLADBURY.CO.UK 

Showroom: Unit 11 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green AL9 7NT

Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire 

©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler 

In autumn the countryside is a 

spectacular kaleidoscope of colour 

with landscapes of gold, red and 

orange. We’ve rounded up some of 

the best walks in the county so that 

you can grab your coat, pull on your 

wellies and venture out into the crisp 

autumn air. 

1. Autumn Colour Trail at 

Ashridge 

5.9 miles (9.4 km) 

In a nutshell: 

A circular walk with breathtaking 

views, starting and ending at the 

Visitor Centre. Ashridge is renowned 

for its beech trees which turn from 

green to orange to pure gold. The 

route includes Lady’s Walk, one of the 

most spectacular areas of the estate 

during the autumn, and Golden Valley 

which was constructed by Capability 

Brown in the 18th century. If you’re 

lucky, you may catch a glimpse of 

some of the resident wildlife, from 

muntjacs and fallow deer herds to 

nine different species of bat. 

5beautiful 

autumn 

walks 

Well-earned refreshment: 

Enjoy a coffee and light meal (outdoor 

seating only) at the Visitor Centre 

before or after your stroll. Walk half a 

mile downhill into Aldbury village and 

you’ll find The Greyhound Inn offering 

home-cooked food and delicious 

Sunday roasts. 

Download a map: 


2. The Lea Valley Circle 

4.3 miles (6.9 km) 


The Lea Valley Walk in its entirety is 

an impressive 80.5 km, following the 

River Lea all the way from Luton to 

©National Trust Images/Michael Caldwell 

106

Hertfordshire 

London. This route covers a short 

section where you can walk over 

the River Lea and gaze across its 

magnificent valley. The tranquil 

trail starts in the pretty village of 

Wheathampstead before heading 

down a Roman road surrounded 

by foliage with autumn hues and 

on to Marshalls Heath which is rich 

in wildlife. After crossing the river 

at Leasey Bridge, the final stretch 

back to Wheathampstead takes 

you through stunning fields of gold 

running parallel to the river. 


There is a great choice of coffee 

shops, pubs and restaurants in the 

centre of Wheathampstead where 

the trail starts and ends. 


wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk 

©National Trust Images/Michael Caldwell ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler 

3. The Chess Valley Walk 

10 miles (16.1 km) 


A 10-mile linear walk following the 

River Chess, one of the Chiltern’s 

chalk streams, from Rickmansworth 

to Chesham in Buckinghamshire. The 

waymarked route passes through the 

beautiful scenery of the Chess Valley 

and several picturesque villages. 

You’ll discover the site of a Roman 

farm-villa at Latimer, pass 

the 13th-century Chenies Manor 

visited by Elizabeth I and see the 

watercress beds at Sarratt, the only 

commercial watercress farm left in 

the Chilterns. The walk starts from 

Rickmansworth Station and finishes 

at Chesham Station. 


There are plenty of pubs and 

restaurants close to the route in the 

towns and villages along the way. 

The Bedford Arms in Chenies is an 

ideal halfway stop or treat yourself at 

DeVere Latimer Estate, an impressive 

manor house. 


chilternsaonb.org 

4. Three Springs Walk, 

Offley 5.4 miles (8.7 km) 


Explore the gentle hills of the 

northern Chilterns with this leisurely 

walk which takes in Lilley Hoo 

Common, ancient hedges, sunken 

lanes and small woodlands. The 

circular route takes you through 

some of the loveliest countryside 

of the Chilterns near Hitchin. For 

the best views, follow the walk in a 

clockwise direction, turning left out 

of the Red Lion pub and taking the 

Enjoy the autumn colours 

in the Chilterns by joining 

in with the next Chilterns 

Walking Festival which takes 

place from 15 to 30 October. 

For more information and 

details of the walks visit 

visitchilterns.co.uk 

footpath on the other side of the lane. 

There is also a short route of 1.75 

miles (2.8km) if preferred. 


The walk starts and finishes at the 

Red Lion pub making it an ideal 

Sunday walk before enjoying a 

delicious roast. Or try it the other way 

round and walk off your pudding! 


chilternsaonb.org 

5. Broxbourne Woods 

Sculpture Trail 

0.6 miles (1km) 


Broxbourne Woods is one of 

four woodlands that make up 

Hertfordshire’s only National Nature 

Reserve and is home to a host of 

wildlife and waymarked walking 

routes. These include the Sculpture 

Trail, a short easy-access route with 

nine stunning sculptures carved out 

of oak and inspired by local history 

and the woods. It’s an ideal walk 

for little ones who have the added 

interest of finding the sculptures 

along the way. 


There are no refreshments along the 

Sculpture Trail but there are wooden 

seats at various points if you would 

like to take a picnic. 


hertfordshire.gov.uk 

©National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole 

107

Hertfordshire 

Food&Drink 

Chef Interview: Joseph Nesbitt-Larking 

Demo chef and 

course instructor at 

Riverside Barbecue 

School in Hertford and 

official Traeger Grills 

Ambassador 

How and when did you 

learn to cook? 

It’s been a long journey of trial and 

error. Russell, the founder of Riverside 

whom we sadly lost to cancer in 

2019, was extremely generous in 

allowing me to play with the grills and 

I basically practised until I was good 

at it. 

Do you create your own 

recipes at Riverside 

Barbecue School? 

Absolutely. Everything is devised 

and tested by me or the other chef, 

Andrew Dickens. The courses are 

technique-driven, with recipes to 

reinforce what we’re trying to teach. 

There’s a real mix of meat, fish and 

vegetables which surprises people 

who think barbecues are only for 

searing burgers and sausages. Once 

people have learnt a few techniques 

and realise how versatile their 

barbecue is, there’s no stopping them. 

Are barbecues just for 

summer? 

No! I encourage people to use them 

at every opportunity. It’s actually 

lovely being wrapped up and stood 

next to a warm barbecue, especially 

when it has snowed. It does help if 

you can cover your grill in case of 

rain, but a cheap gazebo will suffice. 

Is it mostly men who 

attend your courses? 

Yes, but we have seen a steady 

increase in women attending. There 

is a perception that barbecuing is 

the preserve of men; we do all we 

can to ensure that we’re promoting 

inclusivity rather than perpetuating 

outdated stereotypes. 

Tell us your best 

cooking tip. 

Making the effort to prepare ahead 

of time can make a huge difference. 

Salting meat the day before will help 

season it throughout. Leaving meat 

uncovered in the fridge overnight will 

allow it to lose a bit of moisture so the 

flavour will be intensified and it will 

brown more readily. 

What are your favourite 

foodie places in the 

county? 

By far the best restaurant is Alex 

Parker at The Rose & Crown in 

Essendon. That’s the kind of food 

for which it’s worth travelling any 

distance. French & Day Delicatessen 

in Ware is an incredible place to 

shop for ingredients, and they also 

sell wine by the glass, draught beer 

and small plates of cured meat and 

cheese. I’ve spent a lot of money in 

there as it’s walking distance from 

my house! Some other hot spots are 

Cawsburger in Hitchin (best burger 

I’ve ever had), The Fox & Hounds in 

Hunsdon (superb game dishes) and 

Casa Lua in Ware (great tapas). 

Describe your food style. 

It’s rustic and unfussy with big, wellbalanced 

flavours. I love cuisines 

from all corners of the world and draw 

inspiration from those I’ve visited 

and ones I’d like to visit. That said, I’m 

ultimately invested in championing 

the extraordinary produce we have in 

this country and celebrating our rich 

culinary heritage. 

What is your favourite 

autumn dish? 

Oh, it’s impossible to pick just one. 

At the beginning of the season, 

it’s nice to cling on to the lingering 

summeriness so something from a 

hotter climate like satay chicken with 

a zingy peanut, lime and coriander 

dipping sauce would hit the spot. At 

the end of autumn, beautiful root veg 

comes into season and my recipe for 

a Scotch broth pearl barley ‘risotto’ 

makes use of this, as well as neck 

of old-season lamb, hogget or even 

mutton if you can get it. 

What do you like to do 

when you’re not cooking 

or eating? 

I write and perform music under my 

pseudonym ‘Baron Goodlove’ along 

with my band ‘Baron Goodlove & 

The Dreadful Noise’. I also love being 

outdoors and am getting more into 

hiking with the dog. The next thing 

to tackle is some wild camping, 

hopefully with a bit of fire cooking. 

108

Hertfordshire 

Joe’s Hasselback Butternut Squash 

There is a proliferation of excellent 

meaty recipes in the barbecue world 

and plenty of inspiration for incredible 

vegetable side dishes, but you seldom 

come across a vegetarian dish that 

holds its own as a main event. Not only 

does this hasselback butternut squash 

put a smile on the face of the meatdodgers, 

but I have also seen even 

the most fervent carnivores tuck in for 

seconds. The preparation is a bit fiddly, 

but the results are well worth it. This 

recipe is very autumnal with brighter 

flavours built on top of it – perfect for 

the warmer days we occasionally get 

in September and October. 

Equipment: 

Barbecue 

Large foil tray 

Sharp knife 

Peeler 

Aluminium foil 

Two chopping boards of equal 

thickness (wooden spoons or 

chopsticks will also work) 

Basting/pastry brush 

Ingredients: 

One whole butternut squash 

50g butter 

Glug extra virgin olive oil 

Runny honey 

40g chopped walnuts 

Large handful chopped parsley 

150g good quality feta cheese 

(crumbled) 

Salt 

Method: 

1. Preheat the barbecue to about 180°c with an area of indirect heat. On a 

charcoal barbecue, this means not directly above lit coal, so bank your fuel to 

one side. On a gas barbecue, this means not directly above a lit gas burner, 

so have some burners switched off. The cooking area on the Traeger I used 

is completely indirect. 

2. Peel the butternut squash, leaving the ends intact. Cut in half lengthways and 

scrape out the seeds and any stringy bits in the cavity. 

3. Place half the squash face-down on the counter with the two boards, spoons 

or chopsticks either side. Using a sharp knife, slice every 2-5mm being 

careful not to cut all the way through – the board, spoons or chopsticks 

should prevent this. Repeat with the other half of the squash. 

4. Place the halves face-down in a foil roasting tray and rub with olive oil, before 

seasoning generously with good quality sea salt. Wrap the tray in foil and 

place on the barbecue where it is not over direct heat. Cook the squash for 

about 35 minutes, or until it is soft and cooked through. 

5. Increase the heat to 250°c. This could mean adding more lit charcoal, 

increasing the heat with the gas burners or turning your Traeger up using 

the control panel. Discard the foil covering and add the butter to the foil tray. 

Squeeze a generous pouring of honey over the squash, brushing to ensure 

full coverage. 

6. Place the tray back on the barbecue and allow the squash to cook in the 

butter and honey mixture for another 10 minutes before basting again using 

the liquid in the bottom of the foil tray. You can achieve a bit of colour on the 

bottom of the squash by briefly cooking it over a direct heat but keep a close 

eye on it as such fierce heat could burn it in a matter of moments. 

7. Continue basting the squash every 3-5 minutes for another 15 minutes or so 

and, while it finishes cooking, mix the chopped walnuts with the chopped 

parsley and crumbled feta. 

8. Remove the squash from the barbecue and allow to cool for five minutes 

before transferring to a serving dish. If it breaks (mine did!) you can simply 

push it back together on the plate. Cover it with a drizzle more honey before 

topping with the walnut, parsley and feta mix. 

Follow Joseph on Instagram @cookfood.eatfood 

109

Explore, visit, take part and connect 

with Creative Hertfordshire 

www.creativehertfordshire.com 

You’re a click away from a county full of possibilities 

Find out what’s on, what to do, where to go and how to take 

part across Hertfordshire. Dance, make, sing, visit – Creative 

Hertfordshire is the one website that’s got it all covered. All 

you need to do is sign-up for our regular news alerts - it’s quick, 

easy, and FREE. Are you a creative individual, organisation 

or business? Showcase your work, expand your network and 

attract new customers by creating a free online profile. 

Visit www.creativehertfordshire.com now and start 

discovering a county full of possibilities. 

Because one site is all you need to get creative.

Hertfordshire 

HERTFORDSHIRE NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Popular Wildlife Park is Back on 

our Screens 

TV show One Zoo Three, featuring Paradise Wildlife 

Park in Hertfordshire and their sister site The Big Cat 

Sanctuary, has returned to CBBC and BBC iPlayer. 

The CBBC show is a fun, educational series with 

brother’s Cam, Tyler and Aaron taking viewers on a 

wild animal adventure. One Zoo Three goes behind 

the scenes at Paradise Wildlife Park and The Big Cat 

Sanctuary to show the hard work and passion that goes 

into the day to day running of the sites as well as the 

conservation work undertaken to protect and conserve 

the natural world. 

One Zoo Three is available now on CBBC and BBC 

iPlayer with more episodes coming later in the year and 

in 2023. 

Rare Opportunity to Visit Manor 

House 

Rothamsted Manor is a Grade 1 listed manor house, set 

in beautiful grounds on the Rothamsted Research estate 

in Harpenden. Usually closed to the public, the Manor 

is throwing open its doors to visitors on Saturday 17 

September as part of Heritage Open Days. 

eldest centre for science and innovation. Join them for 

self-guided house and garden tours, science activities, 

cream teas, lawn games and outdoor activities. 

rothamstedenterprises.com 

Music Junction comes to 

Hertfordshire 

The acclaimed London Chamber Orchestra is 

expanding its innovative music outreach programme, 

Music Junction, into Hertfordshire. Hundreds of young 

people in Hertfordshire will benefit from the programme, 

which particularly supports young people with 

disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Music Junction uses shared music making experiences 

to bring together young people from different 

backgrounds. Now into its 10th year, Music Junction 

has helped thousands of young people develop skills 

in listening, communication, creativity, leadership, 

teamwork, and organisation. Participants also enjoy a 

long-lasting relationship with the orchestra by attending 

rehearsals, concerts, and playing side by side with LCO 

musicians. 

In Hertfordshire, Music Junction will operate in one 

senior school, two state primary schools, and at least 

one SEND school. LCO will work with the schools and 

local community over several years to deliver sustained 

impact and support local Hertfordshire musicians. For 

more information about Music Junction, visit lco.co.uk 

Free Mental Health Programme for 

Sports Clubs 

© Harry Mitchell 

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of 

history and culture when visitors get the chance to 

see hidden places across the country and try out new 

experiences for free. 

This year, the theme of Heritage Open Days is 

‘Outstanding Inventions’ celebrating great British 

inventions. And what better place to celebrate than at 

Rothamsted Manor, the world’s longest running and 

A new partnership between sports clubs and a mental 

health platform is aiming to help tackle suicide amongst 

younger adults. The Govox Sports Programme will 

112

Hertfordshire 

initially see Govox offer its platform completely free of 

charge to all sports clubs in Hertfordshire for one year, 

through a partnership with Herts Sports Partnership (HSP). 

This equates to £1m-worth of support from Govox being 

offered to around 2,500 sports clubs. 

Waltham Cross Pub Reopens with 

New Look 

Members of the clubs, such as players and coaches, 

complete simple ‘check ins’ where they answer a set of 

short questions that analyse their overall mental health, 

providing a ‘wellbeing score’ and flagging any concerning 

findings to their club’s mental health representative. The 

platform is not only aimed at saving lives but improving 

them, by monitoring and supporting the mental health and 

wellbeing of all players and coaches. 

Former England football international Andrew Johnson, 

who is supporting Govox’s Sports Partnership said, “All 

sports and activity clubs need to think about what they 

are doing to support their member’s mental health and if 

nothing else, make sure they all know that leaders within 

the club are there for a chat if they need one – sometimes 

that alone can help massively.” 

Food & Drink 

Hertford Business Scoops Award 

Following a stunning refurbishment, The Goffs Oak in 

the heart of Waltham Cross has reopened with a stylish 

new look. 

The updated menu features fresh flavours inspired by the 

seasons and world-food trends with a broad range of grilled 

dishes, fresh fish that’s delivered daily, Asian influences 

and plenty of lower calorie options. The extensive cocktail 

menu includes classics with a twist, such as a Koko Colada, 

favourite martinis and a selection of spritzers. On Sundays, 

diners can enjoy a hearty roast with all the trimmings. 

The much-loved eating and drinking spot has received 

a full makeover giving it a contemporary feel with a new 

layout offering more seating for customers. 

thegoffsoak.co.uk 

Coming Soon… 

New Illuminated Trail at Hatfield Park 

Alcohol-free craft beer brand UNLTD. has been recognised 

at the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce annual 

business awards ceremony. The Hertford-based business 

picked up the Most Promising New Business award at this 

year’s Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, held at the Warner 

Bros. Studios in Leavesden. 

Despite launching during the global pandemic when the 

hospitality sector was predominantly closed, UNLTD. has 

continued to go from strength to strength expanding its 

range of beers and exceeding crowd-funding campaign 

targets, resulting in a 133% YTD revenue growth since 

May 2021. 

UNLTD was praised for its low-calorie nutritious beers, 

which are rich in vitamins B6 and B12, low in sugar, vegan 

friendly and gluten-free. The already award-winning brand 

is sold to pubs, restaurants and retailers as well as being 

available to purchase online via its website 

www.unltd.beer and Amazon. 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with a brand 

new after-dark illuminated trail opening at historic Hatfield 

Park from 25 November to 31 December. Created by the 

producers of Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim 

Palace, over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds 

will fill the air with festive fun. 

With sparkling tunnels of light, giant baubles and glistening 

trees drenched in jewel-like colour, the trail is designed 

for picture-perfect gatherings. Independent street food 

vendors will bring a twist to tempting treats, so that you can 

end your walk under the stars with a festive spiced winter 

warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows. Tickets 

are on sale now hatfield-house.co.uk 

113

Hertfordshire 

Firework Champions 

Big St Albans Antique & Vintage Fair 

20 November 

Herts Oaklands 

College, St 

Albans 

Huge indoor 

venue packed 

full of stalls 

selling all manner 

of weird and 

wonderful items. 

From quality 

antiques to vintage fashion, furniture to jewellery, 

collectables to curios and art. 

www.haddonevents.co.uk/ 

WHAT’S ON 

24 September 

Come and see what Hatfield House has turned into one 

of the best firework events in the UK. Bring a picnic or 

grab food and drink at the event. Sit down at the stunning 

stately home and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying 

the music and interviews before a splendid evening of 

four spectacular displays all precisely set to music. 

You’ll also witness an amazing drone light show, lasers 

and lights. 

fireworkchampions.co.uk 

Hertford Christmas Gala 

Hertfordshire Oktoberfest 

25 November 

Taking place in Hertford Town Centre from 3.30- 8pm, 

the Christmas Gala will kick off the festive weekend on 

the Friday evening with market stalls, a performance 

stage, entertainment and fairground rides, plus the 

Christmas light switch on at 6pm. Running alongside 

this Christmas Gala, is the Hertford Castle Christmas 

Market which will take place on the Hertford Castle 

Lawn on the Friday evening and throughout the 

whole weekend. 

hertford.gov.uk 

30 September – 2 October and 

7- 9 October 

Hertford Common 

An authentic German experience with live oompah 

band, Bavarian beer, German food, axe-throwing and 

local artists. 

hertsoktoberfest.com 



115

Norfolk 

@Ashley Taylor 

norfolkphotography

Norfolk 

A Mini Adventure on the 

a weekend hike from 

Sherringham to Happisburgh 

© Hayfield Hideaways 

Written by Hannah Parry 

From boggy marshland to jagged cliffs, the Norfolk 

Coast Path transitions through many beautiful 

vistas along its 50-mile route. Here’s how to enjoy 

a weekend experiencing a bite-sized chunk of 

one of the UK’s most beautiful National Trails. 

There are many ways to spend the weekend on the 

Coast Path. It’s great to start at the most westerly point, on 

Hunstanston’s red cliffs, and complete the entire trail. But if 

you’re short on time, we’ve just the route for you. 

Sheringham is a traditional seaside town some 30 miles 

along the route. A beautiful beach, plenty of cute cafés 

and convenient transport connections (less than an hour 

from Norwich) make it an ideal starting point. There’s an 

opportunity to fill up with a full English at Submarine Café 

and Takeaway or to grab a hipster coffee at Grey Seal 

Coffee, both of which lie almost directly on the marked 

Coast Path. 

From here, the steps lead down to the promenade and signs 

point towards Cromer, with the vast expanse of the North 

Sea lying to the left. The colourful beach huts gaze out to 

sea for a few hundred metres, before the route rises up and 

away from the waterfront. Look out for seals in the water. 

Grey seals are common in this area and their heads can 

often be seen bobbing above the waves. 

The approach to East Runton, with the pristine beach down 

below, affords a view of Cromer Pier jutting out into the 

bluish-grey sea. As you arrive in this popular town, the hustle 

and bustle of fish and chip shops, amusement arcades and 

happy visitors enjoying the beach and gift shops greet the 

weary hiker. A lunch break at The Rocket House Café might 

be in order. The café has stunning views of the beach from 

the balcony above the RNLI museum where you can watch 

people surfing and bodyboarding in the waves. Plus, there 

are vegan and vegetarian options available here too. 

Beyond Cromer, there’s a choice. Walk on the sand and 

pebble beach when the tide is out or climb back to the 

cliffs. When the tide isn’t too high, you’ll want to be on the 

lookout for some resident hermit crabs. The Banksy artwork 

is on one of the sea defence walls. “Luxury Rentals Only” is 

confirmed as an original piece by the famous graffiti artist 

and is now coated in a protective varnish to shield it from 

weather erosion and defacements. 

118

Norfolk 

Norfolk Coast Path 

© Neil Mewes 

© Hayfield Hideaways © Hayfield Hideaways 

Both routes pass the bright green expanse of the Royal 

Cromer Golf Club before you reach Overstrand. The small 

cliff-top café is a reward after the enormous flight of steps 

from the beach to reach it. 

The next destination is the quaint village of Trimingham. 

With an interesting church, the little streets offer some 

accommodation options in traditional flint houses 

characteristic of the North Norfolk Coast but, for more 

amenities, it’s just two more miles to reach Mundesley. 

With its post office and village shop, Mundesley is a 

quiet village, making up for the charm that Cromer lacks. 

Now 12 miles from the starting point of Sheringham, 

accommodation options are inviting! The Royal is a truly 

historic building, offering a 16th-century bar (frequented 

by none other than Lord Nelson apparently) and fourposter 

beds. And the award-winning (and dog-friendly) 

Ship Inn styles itself as a gastropub – with a sophisticated 

menu. Alternatively, to stay connected with nature, Hayfield 

Hideaways campsite prides itself on tranquillity just outside 

the village – a breath of fresh air compared with the bustling 

caravan parks elsewhere along the route. 

From Mundesley, continuing east, the route lies atop the 

cliffs again. Coastal erosion has been a cause of concern for 

residents for many years. Within the last year, a significant 

part of the cliff collapsed after heavy rains, leaving mud and 

sand piled on the beach and houses above teetering nearer 

the edge than ever before. The benefit, however, has been 

the unearthing of significant fossils, giving insight into life 

thousands of years ago. 

The next landmark will be the crucial yet unglamorous 

Bacton gas terminal. Supplying up to a third of the 

country’s energy, the hydrocarbon plant is the prelude to 

a bigger town where shops and cafés are easier to come 

by. The historic lighthouse of Happisburgh, seven miles 

from Mundesley, will soon be visible – the red and white 

striped building dates from 1709 and pierces the skyline. 

Happisburgh (pronounced Haze-bruh for any non-locals!) 

used to be 250 metres from the sea, but severe erosion 

now leaves houses dangerously close to crumbling onto 

the beach below. Hill House Inn is fortunately still at a safe 

distance. This quirky pub and microbrewery hosts beer 

festivals and themed nights – what better place to end an 

energetic weekend of hiking the Norfolk Coast Path. 

Find Hannah on Instagram @hannah_the_traveller 

119

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Norfolk 

Food&Drink 

The latest foodie news from around the county 

Written by Zena Leech-Calton 

Foodie News from 

Norwich 

The long-anticipated Jamie O 

building takeover in the Royal Arcade 

by the people from Mysabar is still 

on the cards, just taking a little longer 

than anticipated with accessibility 

issues, so look out for the new food 

hall this autumn. 

The Castle Quarter food court is also 

on its way with a new street food 

concept using local vendors. 

Norwich Market Nights continue 

with Sir Toby’s Beers opening late 

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 

with two or three street food stalls 

including Cocina Mia serving the 

best Chilean food. There is also an 

additional seating area. I’ve enjoyed 

the tapas at Churros for the People 

on a few nights lately. They have a 

licensed bar menu including white 

sangria and some limited seating. 

churrosforthepeople.co.uk 

New company alert! Surplush is an 

electric grocery bike that whizzes 

around Norwich delivering locally 

from market stall holders. 

surplush.co.uk 

New opening: Hanks Dirty, a small 

family-run chain in East Anglia, 

will be serving up vegan fast food 

in Norwich. This will be the fourth 

Hank’s Dirty in the region alongside 

Ipswich, Colchester and Felixstowe. 

hanksdirty.com 

Hidden gem: tucked away at the 

bottom of Elm Hill, behind a medieval 

church, is Curious Directive, a theatre 

company that not only puts on 

amazing professional productions 

in the church but opens its botanical 

garden to the public for pizza nights 

with a fully licensed bar, creative 

platters and delicious desserts – all 

with a hint of something from the 

garden. The last time I was there we 

shared a flowerpot dessert which 

came with dramatics by way of a 

table-presented lavender foam and 

edible flowers from the garden. 

curiousdirective.com/botanicalgarden-bar 

Foodie News from 

Norfolk 

Fizz and Fromage in Hoveton 

have introduced midweek £20pp 

bottomless deli and cheese plates. 

fizzandfromage.com 

Shambles in North Walsham, 

which has an attic cocktail bar and 

delicious Middle-Eastern food, is 

now extending the patio area at 

the front of the premises. I’ve also 

heard they have a new head chef. 

shamblescafenorfolk.co.uk 

Over the border in Suffolk, East Point 

Pavilion in Lowestoft has opened 

with a dedicated bar run by Norwich 

boys Sir Toby’s Beers along with 

Oishi who have their first restaurant 

in Norwich. You’ll also find local 

companies serving pizza, ice cream 

and Mexican food. 

sirtobysbeers.co.uk 

New opening: The plant-based 

Huggers opened in Long Stratton 

a few months ago and are now 

extending their hours and menu 

choices from brunch to afternoon tea.

Norfolk 

Zena’s Light Carrot Cake 

Dates for the Diary 

Holkham Food and Drink Festival 

takes place on 3 and 4 September 

from 10am until 4pm. Entry is free but 

there is a charge of £5 per car for the 

car park. 

Norwich and Norfolk Cocktail Week 

returns this year after a break with 

events and special cocktails on 

offer all from Friday 14 to Sunday 

23 October. There will be lots of 

cocktail-themed events throughout 

the county with bars offering Cocktail 

Week cocktails at reduced prices plus 

an opening night party at Tipsy Jar 

and an already booked out Cocktail 

Tour beforehand led by me. 

Makes 6 slices 

2 eggs, large or medium 

200g caster sugar 

125ml cold pressed rapeseed or sunflower oil 

150g grated carrots (180g unpeeled) 

175g plain flour, sieved with the dry ingredients below 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1 tsp ground ginger 

1 tsp mixed spice (optional) 

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 

1/2 tsp baking powder 

100g currants or sultanas 

The Castle Quarter food court 

is also on its way with a new 

street food concept using 

local vendors. 

Preheat oven to gas 4/180° 

Whisk the eggs and the sugar in a bowl until very light, creamy and pale in 

colour. 

Whisk in the oil and then stir in the carrots. 

Gently stir in the dry ingredients (except currants) until well mixed, but still 

light and smooth. 

Lastly, stir in the currants. 

Spoon into a greased 2lb loaf tin or other suitable tin (the cake will rise.) 

Bake on a middle shelf for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer comes out of the 

centre clean. 

Cool in the tin for 20 minutes before turning out. 

Will keep fresh for a few days and can be frozen. 

Variations: 

Add 60g of nuts to the mix eg. walnuts, almonds or pistachios 

Serve plain, dusted with icing sugar, or spread with a cream cheese, 

icing sugar and lemon frosting. Or replace the lemon juice for lime or 

orange juice or mango or peach purée. 

Top with cream cheese, icing sugar and finely diced stem ginger with 

some of the syrup. 

Top Tips: 

When opening the oven to check if a cake or Yorkshire pudding is 

ready, never whip open or slam the oven door. Shut it very gently as a 

gust of wind will cause your baking to sink in the middle. 

When using dried fruits in cakes, to stop them from sinking, toss them in 

a little flour before mixing into the cake batter. 

Find Zena on social media Love Norwich Food or lovenorwichfood.co.uk 

123

10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday • Closed Mondays 

Tel: 01986 893 423 - Email: earshamhomefurnishings.co.uk - Web: earshamhomefurnishings.co.uk 

EARSHAM HALL, BUNGAY, SUFFOLK, NR35 2AN 

FURNITURE LIGHTING FIREPLACES GIFTS TEAROOM KITCHENS EVENTS 

@EarshamHome earshamhome @earshamhomefurnishings

Norfolk 

NORFOLK NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

East of England’s Biggest Art Fair 

Returns for 2022 

One of the biggest 

contemporary art 

fairs outside of 

London is set to 

return for 2022. Art 

Fair East annually 

hosts artists, galleries 

and art dealers 

from across the 

world, attracting 

thousands of visitors 

to St Andrew’s Hall in 

Norwich, Norfolk. 

The fair was founded 

in 2015 by leading 

Norfolk-based 

artists Will Teather and Brian Korteling, who will both be 

exhibiting at the event. The pair are passionate about 

bringing contemporary art to the region, supporting 

artists and creating excitement around the visual arts. 

With around 1,000 artworks on display, a range of 

contemporary art will be exhibited including painting, 

sculpture, drawing, photography, video art, installation 

and original limited-edition prints. This year’s fair will 

run from 2-4 December at St Andrews Hall in Norwich. 

artfaireast.com 

Redwings takes on World-Famous 

Anna Sewell House 

Redwings, the biggest 

horse sanctuary in 

the UK, has taken on 

Anna Sewell House – 

the birthplace of the 

Black Beauty author 

- in Great Yarmouth, 

Norfolk. 

The Grade 2 listed 

building has become 

a place of pilgrimage 

for fans of Anna and 

her novel. Gemma 

Walpole, Executive 

Director for Income 

and Engagement 

at Redwings, said: “We could not be more honoured 

to be able to look after this important building and use 

it to showcase Anna’s story and share how our work 

addresses the horse welfare challenges of today.” 

© Sophie-Laslett 

Over 100 years later, in 1984, Redwings Horse 

Sanctuary was established and is currently responsible 

for over 2,000 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and 

mules across the UK, including 700 living out on 

permanent loan in Guardian homes. redwings.org.uk 

New Long-Distance Cycling Route for 

Norfolk 

Cycling UK is launching a new long-distance cycling 

route in Norfolk, which will be ready for the public to ride 

from October. Called the Rebellion Way, the 228-mile 

(364km) route will begin and end in the city of Norwich. 

It is designed to be ridden over four to five days in one 

go but can be comfortably split in half at King’s Lynn 

with easy onward transport options. 

The Rebellion Way takes in a varied mix of country 

lanes, bridleways, byways, cycle paths and quiet ways 

chosen for their suitability for anyone with reasonable 

fitness on the vast majority of bikes. The route also takes 

in parts of the Peddars Way: an ancient long-distance 

trail that has been in use for thousands of years, as 

well as the Bure Valley Path, which has recently been 

improved by Norfolk County Council. 

As well as passing through well-known places such as 

Norwich, King’s Lynn and Sandringham, the route also 

takes in some local delights including Castle Acre, Little 

Walsingham and Holkham. Along the way, riders will 

see huge forests, endless coastline and even make a 

quick visit to the famous Norfolk Broads. 

Food & Drink 

Norfolk Distillery voted Best of the 

Best 

Black Beauty was the only book that Anna Sewell 

published. She died shortly after the novel was released 

in 1877, and never witnessed its enormous success 

or the influence it had on changes to horse welfare in 

Victorian Britain. 

126

Norfolk 

The English Whisky Co has won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s 

Choice Best of the Best Award. Based on a full year of 

Tripadvisor reviews, the Traveller’s Choice Awards honour 

the best in travel, recognising the places that delivered the 

most exceptional experiences. 

The prestigious Norfolk-based company is known for its 

award-winning ‘The English’ range of English Single Malt 

Whiskies and is firmly established as England’s oldest and 

most prestigious whisky maker. 

Katy Nelstrop, Director of The English Whisky Co, said: 

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised by 

Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travellers’ Choice award winner. This 

accolade is a testament to our amazing team at the distillery 

and their continued commitment to providing incredible 

experiences for our visitors.” englishwhisky.co.uk 

The Feathers Reopens after 

Refurbishment 

Ramsay. This year’s shortlist hails from across the UK with 

the twelve nominated chefs showcasing a huge breadth of 

cuisines and styles. 

The winner of the Chefs’ Chef Award will be crowned at 

the AA Hospitality Awards on Monday 26 September at JW 

Marriott Grosvenor House London, hosted by celebrated 

broadcaster and presenter Gaby Logan. Recognising the 

excellence of hotels, restaurants and their teams across the 

UK, the AA Hospitality Awards is one of the industry’s most 

prestigious and highly anticipated events. 

morstonhall.com 


Sandringham Winter Light Trail is Back 

The Feathers, situated in the heart of Holt’s bustling High 

Street, has reopened its doors to guests after an extensive 

refurbishment The traditional pub and restaurant was 

bought by East Anglian-based hospitality group, Chestnut 

in October 2021. 

The interior has been redesigned and now features various 

dining spaces, an outdoor terrace, coffee and cocktail bar 

as well as a private dining area. The Feathers is perfect 

for those venturing inland from the nearby Norfolk Coast 

where dogs and muddy boots are encouraged. The 

property’s 14 bedrooms have also been redesigned to offer 

a welcoming bolthole after a day of exploring the coast. 

Chestnut, one of the UK’s fast-growing hospitality 

businesses, has also recently acquired The Lawns and The 

Wiveton Bell, both in the local area. thefeathersholt.com 

Holt Chef Shortlisted for AA’s Chef’s 

Chef Award 

The AA has unveiled the shortlist for this year’s Chefs’ 

Chef Award with Galton Blackiston, from Holt’s Michelinstarred 

Morston Hall, among those nominated for the 

coveted prize. 

Selected by AA Rosette-awarded chefs, the Chefs’ Chef 

Award is a unique award recognising the best chef in the 

UK, as chosen by their peers. Previous winners include Tom 

Kerridge, Raymond Blanc, Marco Pierre White and Gordon 

Luminate Sandringham returns for its third year this 

winter, with new and exciting light play and illuminated 

installations. 

The spectacular mile-long light trail runs through the Royal 

Parkland with illuminated trees and mesmerising light 

elements, set to ambient music. Visitors can stroll under 

the stars then toast marshmallows by fire pits or indulge in 

festive food and drinks from Sandringham Courtyard. 

Luminate Sandringham runs nightly from Friday 11 

November to Sunday 18 December. Tickets must be 

pre-booked online in advance and are on sale now. 

sandringhamestate.co.uk 

127

Redwings 

Horse Sanctuary 

A fun, 

family day 

out 

Dog 

friendly! 

 

Wish you were here... 

IDYLLIC HOLIDAY COTTAGES ON 

THE NORFOLK BROADS. 

PET-FRIENDLY. DAY BOAT HIRE 

We have two 

centres 

in Norfolk! 

Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at 

Redwings Aylsham, nr Norwich, NR11 6UE or 

Redwings Caldecott, nr Gt.Yarmouth, NR31 9EY 

Open 10am to 4pm daily throughout August and September 

Please visit our website for more information and to book 

www.redwings.org.uk/visiting | 01508 505246 

WWW.RIVERSIDE-RENTALS.CO.UK | 01493 368300

Norfolk 

Out There Festival 

16-18 September 

This festival brings the best 

in street arts and circus 

entertainment to Great 

Yarmouth for the weekend 

with acrobatics, dance, 

juggling, theatre, comedy, 

circus acts and more. 

The festival has built up 

quite the reputation for its 

diverse programme, with over 50,000 people attending 

throughout the weekend. Best of all, almost everything 

at the festival is free! So, it makes for a fantastic day out 

while you’re staying in the local area. 

outtherearts.org.uk/out-there-festival-2022- 

programme/ 

Kelling Heath Star Party 

NORCON 

25 September 

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 0TT 

Norfolk’s TV, film and comic con. Comic, film and TV 

fans will be able to enjoy a fantastic mix of exhibits, 

celebrity appearances, stage talks and demonstrations, 

photo opportunities and a multitude of traders selling 

memorabilia and merchandise from every corner of 

the galaxy. 

nor-con.co.uk 

WHAT’S ON 


Kelling Heath Star Party is the largest in the UK when 

hundreds of amateur astronomers meet under the 

dark skies of North Norfolk with various telescopes and 

equipment. Public members are welcome to attend as 

overnight stargazers staying on-site along with day/ 

evening visitors. 

las-skycamp.org 

Sausage and Cider Festival 

Cromer Pier Show 

Until 1 

October 

Situated at 

the end of 

Cromer’s 

151-metrelong 

pier, 

you’ll find 

the Pavilion 

Theatre. One 

of only five end-of-pier theatres in the country and home 

to the Cromer Pier Show. The theatre plays host to this 

traditional variety show every year. It brings together 

performers in fields such as comedy, magic, music and 

dance for a magical theatre experience. 

In its 42 years, the show has played host to several 

well-known entertainers including Darren Day, names 

from Britain’s Got Talent and Bradley Walsh who once 

claimed that he owed his career to a ‘wonderful theatre 

on the end of a pier in Cromer’. 

cromerpier.co.uk 

24 September 

Hosted at The Halls in Norwich, there will be an array of 

amazing food and drink on offer plus a fastest sausageeating 

contest, a chilli-eating contest, live music, DJs, 

gin bar, craft beers and lots more. 

sausageandciderfest.co.uk/norwich 



129

Image credit - SA (I): HC439/A/E/2 

21 OCTOBER 2022 – 8 JANUARY 2023 Free entry 

Picture Books For All explores pioneering Ipswich printers W.S. Cowell Ltd. 

Established in 1818 Cowell’s printed the first UK editions of Babar the Elephant. The printers went on to 

become key in the launch of Puffin Picture Books, and worked with leading artists including Kathleen Hale, 

Edward Ardizzone, Eric Ravilious and Pablo Picasso. 

This exhibition uncovers the journey of W.S. Cowell Ltd through a vibrant selection of books, prints, 

and original artwork. Picture Books for All is an engaging exhibition for all ages. 

CURATOR TOUR £5/£4 concessions 

Go beyond the displays with a special 1 hour tour from our exhibition team. Find out more, hear new stories, 

and ask your burning questions. Ticket includes tour and exhibition admission. 

11am Sat 5 November, 2pm Wed 9 November, 11am Sat 19 November, 2pm Wed 23 November, 

2pm Wed 7 December, 11am Sat 17 December, 2pm Wed 21 December. 

@suffolkarchives l www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

Suffolk

Suffolk 

Suffolk 

History & Heritage 

Discover Suffolk’s past by exploring the county’s ancient sites, castles, museums 

and stately homes. 

Framlingham Castle 

Surrounded by parkland and a picturesque lake, Framlingham Castle was once a 

stronghold of the powerful earls and dukes of Norfolk. 

©National Trust Images/James Dobson 

Visitors can embark on a journey of discovery around the magnificent wall walk. 

At over ten metres high, the castle’s curtain wall has stood for more than 800 years 

and boasts spectacular views of Framlingham and the surrounding countryside. 

Take a look inside Framlingham’s workhouse, the only building remaining inside 

the castle walls today. Built around the shell of the castle’s medieval great hall, the 

workhouse provided work and lodgings for the town’s paupers from the 17th to 

19th centuries. There is also an interactive exhibition where you can discover more 

about the history of Framlingham Castle and its former residents, including Mary 

Tudor who was proclaimed Queen of England at the castle in 1553. 

english-heritage.org.uk 

Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds 

Ickworth house, with its classical Rotunda, forms the centrepiece of the Ickworth 

estate. It was built as an 18th-century palace to showcase the many treasures and 

art collected by the flamboyant 4th Earl of Bristol. 

Head into the Rotunda see Ickworth’s array of treasures and follow the eccentric 

Hervey family’s history through portraits by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Reynolds. 

Downstairs, you’ll find the 1930s servants’ basement, restored using real stories 

and memories of former staff who kept this country estate running. 

The immaculate Italianate gardens surround the Rotunda. The earliest surviving 

example of their kind, the 1st Marquess designed the gardens as pleasure grounds 

for his family and guests to enjoy. There are also acres of parkland and a new 

all-weather path to enjoy. Visit for free from 9 to 18 September as part of Heritage 

Open Days. 


Kentwell Hall, Long Melford 

Kentwell Hall is an impressive Tudor house that stands within an extensive moat 

and almost 30 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. The Hall showcases 

Tudor portraits, interesting artefacts and historic tapestries while its moat house, a 

rare survivor of a 15th-century service building, contains a working dairy, bakery, 

brewhouse and stillroom. 

Kentwell is renowned for its living history events and this autumn’s highlight is the 

Tudor Michaelmas Weekend & Apple Days on 24 and 25 September. Don’t miss 

the fully interactive experience with crafts, cooking, music and dancing with a 

whole community going about everyday life, as if you had travelled in time back to 

the year 1549. Kentwell’s garden team will also be on hand to tell you all about the 

many varieties of apples and pears in Kentwell’s Walled Garden. kentwell.co.uk 

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Suffolk 

East Anglia Transport Museum, Lowestoft 

A living museum where visitors can not only view vehicles of yesteryear but 

also ride on public transport from the earlier part of the 20th century. Hop 

aboard the working trams, trolley buses and narrow-gauge railway and 

experience the atmosphere of days gone by with a walk through the period 

street scenes. 

The museum accommodates examples of trams, trolleybuses and motor 

buses from various parts of the country, with a number of examples of motor 

buses built at the Eastern Coach Works in Lowestoft. Other vehicles include 

vintage cars, lorries, vans and taxis, some in various stages of renovation. Hear 

the swish of trolley poles, the purr of the diesel engine and the rhythmic hiss of 

steam, making this a real trip back in time. 

Visits are free on Saturday 10 September as part of the Heritage Open Days 

eatransportmuseum.co.uk 

Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge 

This beautiful 255-acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben, 

is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, an 

Anglo-Saxon royal burial site. Visitors can walk around the site and discover 

the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured 

possessions before heading into Tranmer House to find out about the 

archaeological work that took place at Sutton Hoo. 

A fascinating exhibition brings together original treasures from the Sutton 

Hoo Great Ship Burial alongside objects from the Stafford Hoard – the largest 

hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found. Swords of Kingdoms: The 

Staffordshire Hoard exhibition runs until 30 October 2022. 

© National Trust Images / Phil Morley 

The estate also offers several walking trails including the River View Walk 

which takes you through tranquil woodland with a sculpture trail, featuring 

beasts of Anglo-Saxon design. 


Halesworth Airfield Museum 

During its short four-year run of active service, Halesworth Airfield played host 

to some of World War Two’s most influential participants. The airfield was 

mainly used as an American base and both the 56th Fighter Group and the 

489th Bomb Group stayed there. Towards the end of the war and afterwards, 

the base took on a rescue and training function before finally closing in 

February 1946. The Airfield Museum houses an extensive collection of World 

War Two memorabilia 

Visit during Heritage Open Days when free talks will be given about the airfield, 

the ground-breaking Market Garden raids and the development of the Long- 

Range Fuel Tanks first used at Halesworth so that the fighters could escort the 

bombers to the target and back. 

Other events are planned in Halesworth and the surrounding villages for 

Heritage Open Days when you can visit Holton’s Grade II listed Windmill, 

Walpole Old Chapel, and join in with the Halesworth to Southwold 

Narrow Gauge Railway Society’s open day at Blythburgh Station. 

halesworthairfieldmuseum.co.uk 

Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, takes 

place between 9-18 September 2022. To find out more and discover events 

near you, visit heritageopendays.org.uk 

133

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Suffolk 

Food&Drink 

Chef Interview: Lydia Chipperfield 

Pastry Chef at Two Magpies Bakery 

From small beginnings with a bakery 

in Southwold, Two Magpies now has 

a central bakery and Bake School 

in Darsham plus bakery cafés all 

over Norfolk and Suffolk including 

Aldeburgh and Woodbridge. Eastlife 

caught up with pastry chef, Lydia 

Chipperfield, to find out more. 

Who or what inspired you 

to become a pastry chef? 

It would be my dad. He’s a chef 

and growing up we’d always be 

in the kitchen making and talking 

about food. As I got older, with more 

cooking programmes on TV like 

The Great British Bake Off and social 

media, my love for pastry grew. 

What was the first pastry 

you ever made? 

I remember making short or sweet 

pastry at home with my mum but at 

college, the first pastry I made was a 

pithivier. Even now I crave to make 

another one. 

Tell us about the Two 

Magpies Bakery cafés. 

What makes them so 

special? 

This year we opened our seventh 

site in Woodbridge. There has been 

a big growth over the last year, going 

from a small team of seven pastry 

chefs to now close to 20. We make 

everything in-house and our counter 

is constantly evolving which gives us 

a great opportunity to be creative. But 

the most special thing is the Magpie 

family we’ve created. We have many 

different sites around Suffolk and 

Norfolk, but we are still one team 

helping each other out when needed. 

136

Suffolk 

What do you love most 

about your job? 

Having an idea and seeing it come 

to life and out on the counter. But 

mostly my team. 

What are the top three 

qualities for success as a 

pastry chef? 

Attention to detail, passion and 

creativity, and resilience because 

sometimes things don’t always work 

the first time. 

What are your favourite 

flavour combinations? 

I like any sharp citrus flavours, like 

passion fruit and lemon. 

The Two Magpies Bake 

School courses look 

amazing. Which is your 

favourite? 

I would have to say the Introduction 

to Sourdough class. It’s a full day 

of learning about long fermented 

dough, where you get to make and 

shape your own loaves. At the end 

of the day, you go home with a box 

full of freshly baked bread that you’ve 

made along with your very own 

sourdough culture. 

Everyone loves a 

celebration cake. What’s 

the secret to creating a 

real showstopper? 

The height and also the decoration. 

We love using fresh flowers and fruit 

on our cakes. Also, having a vision 

and going with it. 

What would you say 

have been the top baking 

trends for 2022? 

That’s a tough one! I still think 

making your own sourdough is a 

popular one. 

Are there any cooking 

gadgets that you can’t 

live without? 

I love my Kitchen Aid, both at work 

and at home. There are so many 

different attachments; one day you 

can be making pasta and the next 

churning your own ice cream. But 

at work, the piece of equipment 

I couldn’t live without is a dough 

scraper. 

What’s your favourite 

thing to bake at home? 

If I have the time, I love to make bread 

or croissants. It’s a long process but I 

love the final product. If I have friends 

and family coming over, I like to make 

an array of desserts with an option for 

everyone: cake, meringues, a fruit tart, 

cheesecake… I go overboard! 

Do you still lick the bowl? 

Um no, sorry! 

137

Suffolk 

SUFFOLK NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Suffolk Hotel sold to Family- 

Run Resorts Group 

A popular east Suffolk 

hotel, golf and spa 

has entered a new 

era after it was sold 

to a fellow familyrun 

firm. Ufford Park 

Hotel, Golf & Spa near 

Woodbridge has been 

sold to LQ Resorts, 

owned by the Bansal 

family. The hotel will 

be renamed Ufford 

Park Resort. 

The hotel, which 

had been run by the 

Aldous family since 

its construction in 

1992, joins LQ Resorts’ 

portfolio which also 

includes Lion Quays Resort in Oswestry and Langstone 

Quays Resort in Portsmouth. Ufford Park is their first 

resort with a golf course. 

Dr Bansal said: “We are excited to build on the 

exceptional job completed by the Aldous family and 

plan to invest heavily in developing the product and 

services across our new resort.” uffordpark.co.uk 

Museum adds STEM Education Project 

© Tim Curtis Video East 

Tide Mill in Woodbridge is one of only a handful in 

the world still producing flour on a regular basis and 

among the first tide mills in the country, working on 

the same site for over 850 years. Trust Chair, John 

Carrington, said: ““We hope this project will show visitors 

sustainable ways that energy can be generated and 

think about what changes they may be able to make to 

conserve the natural surroundings as well as consider 

how their lives can be enhanced.” 

woodbridgetidemill.org.uk 

New Homes unveiled at Henley Gate 

Award-winning housebuilder Crest Nicholson has 

unveiled its brand-new Seaton and Winkfield show 

homes at Henley Gate in Ipswich. Situated within the 

first of three neighbourhoods that will form the Ipswich 

Garden Suburb (IGS), the three- and four-bedroom 

homes have been designed by leading interior 

designers Phoenix with modern lifestyles in mind, giving 

homeowners the opportunity to envision themselves 

living at Henley Gate. 

Thanks to the development’s prime position, with 

Ipswich town centre within a 10-minute drive away, 

residents will be able to make the most of the 

restaurants, high street retailers and independent stores, 

as well as a monthly Farmers’ Market. Henley Gate is 

also ideally located near the Suffolk Coast & Heaths 

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ideal for exploring 

nature and outdoor activities. crestnicholson.com 

Pop-up Choir Celebrates The Beatles 

Woodbridge Tide Mill is to install a micro-generator 

inside the Mill to demonstrate electricity generation 

from hydropower. The purpose is to educate and 

provide activities around STEM (Science, Technology, 

Engineering, and Mathematics) themes for the many 

KS1, 2 and 3 students who visit the Mill. 

The micro-generator will take its energy from the Crown 

Wheel Lay Shaft in the Mill. It will be coupled to outputs 

such as phone chargers, a light bulb and a voltmeter 

so visitors can see the electricity generated. Students 

will be given accompanying materials to explain the 

process and the importance of sustainable energy 

sources. There will be hands-on activities such as 

simple circuit building. 

Suffolk choirmaster Chris Rowbury has created a choir 

from scratch in just six rehearsals to celebrate 60 years 

since The Beatles came together as we know and 

love them. 

Chris has taken a group of singers from Ipswich and 

knocked them into shape ready for a one-off concert in 

Ipswich, All You Need is Love. All the songs have been 

arranged especially for voice only (not an instrument or 

backing track in sight) and include many of The Beatles’ 

most famous and well-known tunes. 

138

Suffolk 

The group will perform songs from The Beatles’ back 

catalogue, ranging right through the 1960s, at St. Peter’s by 

the Waterfront in Ipswich on Saturday 22 October. 

Joining the pop-up choir for the concert will be Calling 

Birds. Featuring a blend of guitar, violin, bass guitar, ukulele, 

flute, melodeon and harmony singing, Calling Birds will 

bring a unique flavour to their set of Beatles songs. Tickets 

are available at chrisrowbury.com 

Food & Drink 

The Suffolk launches in Aldeburgh 

Dishes include chicken 

liver parfait, olive 

tapenade, fresh salads 

and chocolate mousse 

with salted butter caramel 

which can all be enjoyed 

with a glass of wine or a 

cold beer in the Greene 

Room. Each dish is 

created in a traditional 

glass French preserving 

pot which will be 

collected and reused by 

Maison Bleue. 

All food options must 

be pre-ordered up 

to 72 hours before 

performances as each dish is made fresh to order by the 

LÉA team. Booking is available through the Theatre Royal 

website at theatreroyal.org 


Tom Allen comes to Suffolk Theatres 

George Pell, one of the owners of Soho’s iconic L’Escargot, 

has launched a new restaurant in Adeburgh following a 

successful L’Escargot Sur-Mer pop up over the past two 

years. 

The Suffolk, which is housed in a 17th century former inn, 

offers a 60-cover restaurant, rooftop terrace with sea views, 

and six bedrooms. The seafood focused menu, headed 

up by Head Chef James Jay, champions Suffolk’s plentiful 

bounty and is designed to remind guests of nostalgic 

memories of holidays by the British seaside. 

George Pell said: “For me, this is the realisation of a 

childhood dream to have a restaurant beside the sea and 

the fact we’re opening in Aldeburgh is such a treat; there is 

truly nowhere else like it on the planet. The Suffolk will be 

a place for the locals to enjoy - to treat as their own, to read 

the paper and have a glass of wine in but it should also be 

special enough to make people want to travel to enjoy a 

long leisurely lunch with a lobster and chips.” 

the-suffolk.co.uk 

Gourmet Dishes for Theatre Audiences 

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has announced a new 

partnership with award-winning independent restaurant 

Maison Bleue and will be serving its gourmet LÉA Ready 

Meals in the theatre bar before performances. 

Tom Allen is back on the road next year with his brand-new 

UK show Completely, with dates across East Anglia from 

February to June 2023. 

With his signature acerbic wit and riotous storytelling, Tom 

Allen is a star on both stage and screen. Tom is the hilarious 

host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired and co-hosts Cooking 

With The Stars, Bake Off: The Professionals and he is also a 

regular on Bake Off: An Extra Slice and Alan Carr’s There’s 

Something About Movies. 

Tom Allen: Completely will be at Marina Theatre Lowestoft 

on 17 February and The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on 4 

March. Tickets are on sale now. tomindeed.com 

Based in Churchgate Street in Bury St Edmunds, 

restaurateurs Pascal and Karine Canevet of Maison Bleue 

created LÉA as an additive-free, gourmet ready meal range 

to give people a flavour of their restaurant at home. 

139

New style QR Code 2022 Trinity Park l A4 Poster 24-25 Sept 2022_Layout 1 23/03/2022 12:08 Page 1 

Suffolk 

Mind Body Spirit Festival 

An experience to nourish your heart and soul 

Trinity Park 

24-25 Sept 2022 10am-5pm 

TRINITY PARK EVENTS CENTRE, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK IP3 8UH 

Talks, Workshops & Demos 

Delicious Healthy Food 

Natural Body Products 

Crystals & Jewellery 

Spiritual Gifts & Art 

Taster Treatments 

Mindfulness 

Live Music 

Wellbeing Advice 

Readings 

Life Arts 

A Chris Cozens Event 

85+ Stands 

FREE entry for under 16’s 

Event info & advance tickets - www.lifearts.co.uk 

EAST ANGLIA’S 

BIGGEST CHRISTMAS FAIR 

ROWLEY MILE RACECOURSE, 

NEWMARKET, SUFFOLK 

25-27 NOVEMBER 2022 

Proudly supporting 

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM £8: 

PRESENTSGALORE.ORG

Suffolk 

Suffolk Mind Body Spirit Festival 

2 October 

National Horseracing Museum 

Join us at the Peter O’Sullevan Arena from 11-12.30pm 

or 2.30-4pm for a special Suffolk Punch display. This 

rare breed of workhorse is a sight to behold, and 

one not to be missed. You will be able to meet these 

beautiful horses and find out more about Suffolk 

Punches, so save the date for what is sure to be a 

fantastic day! 

visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/events/suffolk-horseson-display 

WHAT’S ON 


Ipswich 

A weekend packed with holistic treatments, workshops, 

music, readings and food. You will find a wide range of 

stalls including crystals, jewellery, body products, taster 

treatments, readings, talks and expert wellbeing advice. 

lifearts.co.uk 

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival 

Framlingham Sausage Festival 

9 October 

During this 

one-day festival, 

sausage makers 

take over the town 

of Framlingham, 

offering the finest 

selection of sizzling 

sausages for you 

to try. In addition to 

the mouth-watering 

array of bangers, 

there’s entertainment, free workshops and food and 

drink stalls for you to browse. 

framlinghamsausagefestival.com 


Snape Maltings 

Over 100 Suffolk food and drink producers, many from 

just a few miles away, all gathered to sell their produce 

including raw milk, organic vegetables, sourdough bread, 

award-winning beer and spirits from sponsors Adnams, 

cyder from Aspall and delicious street food. The festival is 

truly family friendly with free tickets for under 15s plus free 

children’s activities and hands-on cooking workshops. 

aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk 

Suffolk Horses on Display 

St Edmunds Day Weekend Spectacular 

17-20 November 

A spectacular 

light show will 

take place every 

evening during 

St Edmund’s 

Day weekend 

between 17 and 

20 November as 

part of the celebrations for the 1000th anniversary of 

the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund. 

The Weekend Spectacular experience begins at the 

Norman Tower. View the projection on the building, 

then follow the special effects light trail through 

the Abbey Gardens taking in the Abbey ruins, Rose 

Garden and the Pilgrims Herb Garden. The trail 

emerges into the Cathedral car park, where you can 

view the second projection on the side of the Cathedral 

Tower. Fully accessible, it will take around 20-30 

minutes to walk through the light trail with timed and 

ticketed admission. 

www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/whats-on 



141

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EastLife Autumn 2022

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