EastLife Summer 2022

www.eastlife.co.uk 

uer

Orthopaedic 

services 

Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital 

We provide a range of services locally for patients who 

require orthopaedic surgery. We are passionate about 

health and the care we provide and are here to reassure 

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Treatments include: 

Hip and knee surgery 

Hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder injury 

Back and spinal or sport injury 

Foot and ankle surgery and joint injections. 

For more information call 01277 886706 

or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/brentwood

New Luxury Care Home 

Castor Lodge Care Home 

Castor Lodge Care Home provides the highest standards of family-led residential and dementia 

care. Our home is luxurious and beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere 

that makes Castor Lodge feel extra special. 

• 68 Spacious en-suite bedrooms 

• 6 Premium self-contained suites 

• Bistro Café and themed Pub 

• Sociable lounge and dining areas 

• Daily fine dining 

• Tailored meaningful activities 

• Roof terrace and landscaped gardens 

• Hair and pamper salon 

To find out more about life at Castor Lodge Care Home contact Laura Mills on 07725 799 217 or 

laura.mills@countrycourtcare.com 

01733 731 455 

Splash Lane, Castor, Peterborough, PE5 7BD 

www.countrycourtcare.com

YARWELL 

MILL 

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Cambridgeshire 

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yarwellmillcountrypark

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. 

Printed by Buxton Press. 

A Summer 

Celebration 

This issue of Eastlife is a big 

celebration. Not only do we 

announce the winners of 

our first-ever awards, we also 

feature The Queen’s Platinum 

Jubilee and the events taking 

place across East Anglia to 

mark this momentous occasion. 

Our summer diary dates feel 

Suer 

celebratory too, as we look 

forward to the biggest line-ups 

for several years. The region’s 

favourite events are finally back 

and there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. With the return of 

concerts, shows, country fairs, outdoor cinema, festivals and more 

- there’s plenty of summer fun for everyone. 

As always, the Eastlife team has been enjoying every corner of 

our region, discovering the highlights which make each county 

unique. In this issue you’ll find a kayaking adventure on the 

Norfolk Broads, dog-friendly walks in Suffolk’s stunning settings, 

an eco-stay at Cambridge’s Turing Locke and an island-hopping 

trip along the Essex coastline. Meanwhile in Hertfordshire, we 

spend a sunny day in St Albans and highlight the county’s 

prettiest places for fresh-air food. And there’s no better time to 

head to Bedford; we give seven irresistible reasons to visit the 

buzzing county town this summer. 

Wherever you are in our beautiful region, have fun! 

Jaci and þe Eastlife Team 

SUMMER 2022 www.eastlife.co.uk 

www.eastlife.co.uk 

DON’T FORGET 

TO DOWNLOAD THE 

EASTLIFE APP AND FOLLOW 

US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

(SEARCH “EASTLIFE”) 

5

‘..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.

Contents 

008 Lifestyle 

The Eastlife award winners plus summer’s 

big events including The Queen’s 

Platinum Jubilee 

064 Consumer 

The best cycling sunglasses and our top 

picks for outdoor kitchens 

08 

41 

60 

027 Travel 

The best day trips by train in East Anglia 

034 Dog Friendly 

A Norfolk adventure 

040 Education 

The rise of gymnastics and regional news 

045 Little East 

Family-friendly festivals, outdoor cinema 

and immersive entertainment 

058 Health 

Rejuvenation at Suffolk’s A-lister wellness 

retreat 

060 Fashion 

Confidence-boosting beachwear for your 

summer holiday 

074 Gardening 

The products no gardener should be 

without 

079 Arts 

A round up of the region’s summer 

exhibitions 

083 Area Focus 

News, adventure, restaurant 

recommendations and travel inspiration 

for each county 

– 083 Norfolk 

– 095 Suffolk 

– 105 Cambridgeshire 

– 117 Essex 

– 127 Hertfordshire 

– 137 Bedfordshire 

122 

063 Weddings 

How to choose the right wedding ring 

7

The votes are in… and we are so excited to announce the winners in our first ever 

Eastlife Awards! Voted by you, the winners are an impressive round up of the 

independent businesses who make East Anglia a great place to live and visit. 

So, without further ado, our brilliant winners in each county are… 

BEDFORDSHIRE 

WINNERS 

Theatres & Venues 

The Sharnbrook Mill Theatre 

103 Mill Rd, Sharnbrook, MK44 1NP 

sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk 

Adrenaline Rush Activities 

Palmer Sport at Bedford Autodrome 

Thurleigh Airfield Business Park, 

Thurleigh Road, Thurleigh, MK44 2YP 

palmersport.com 

Art Galleries & Museums 

The Higgins Bedford 

Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3XD 

thehigginsbedford.org.uk 

Festivals & Events 

Bedford Park Concerts 

Millennium Studios, Bedford 

Technology Park, Thurleigh, MK44 2YA 

bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk 

Attractions & Days Out 

Shuttleworth 

Alder Drive, Biggleswade, SG18 9DT 

shuttleworth.org 

Gastro Pubs 

The Sun Felmersham 

Grange Road, Felmersham, MK43 7EU 

thesunfelmersham.com 

Accommodation 

Woodland Manor Hotel & Restaurant 

Green Lane, Clapham, MK41 6EP 

woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk 

Spas & Wellness 

Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes Resort 

Great North Road, Wyboston, MK44 3AL 

yspa.co.uk 

Country Parks 

Forest of Marston Vale 

Station Rd, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR 

marstonvale.org 

Wedding Venues 

Woodland Manor Hotel & Restaurant 

Green Lane, Clapham, MK41 6EP 

woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk

CAMBRIDGESHIRE 

WINNERS 


Cambridge Junction 

Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX 

junction.co.uk 


Rumble Live Action Gaming 

Grafham Water, Marlow Park, Grafham, 

Huntingdon, PE28 0BH 

rumblelive.co.uk 


Burwell Museum 

Mill Close, Burwell, CB25 0HL 

burwellmuseum.org.uk 


Kimbolton Country Fayre 

Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0EA 

kimboltoncountryfayre.com 


Shepreth Wildlife Park 

Station Road, Shepreth, Nr. Royston, 

SG8 6PZ 

sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk 

Gastro Pubs 

The Plough Coton 

2 High Street, Coton, CB23 7PL 

theploughcoton.co.uk 

Accommodation 

Fuller’s Hill Cottages 

Fuller’s Hill, Little Gransden, Sandy, 

SG19 3BP 

fullershillcottages.co.uk 


The Varsity Hotel & Spa 

Thompson’s Lane (off Bridge Street), 

Cambridge, CB5 8AQ 

thevarsityhotel.co.uk 

Country Parks 

Hinchingbrooke Country Park 

Brampton Road, Huntingdon, PE29 6DB 

huntingdonshire.gov.uk/ 

hinchingbrookecountrypark 


Kimbolton Castle 

Kimbolton, Huntingdon, PE28 0EA 

kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/castle

ESSEX 

WINNERS 


The Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre 

Station Rd, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 7RA 

430 London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA 

southendtheatres.org.uk 


Curve Water Sports 

Mill Street, St Osyth, CO16 8EW 

curvewatersports.co.uk 


Two Tree Gallery 

11 Rectory Grove, Leigh on Sea, SS9 2HB 

twotreegallery.co.uk 


Helen Rollason Cancer Charity 

Yvonne Stewart House, The Street, 

Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2EH 

helenrollason.org.uk 


Colchester Zoo 

Maldon Road, Stanway, CO3 0SL 

colchesterzoo.org 

Gastro Pubs 

Channels Bar & Brasserie 

Pratts Farm Lane East, Little Waltham, 

Chelmsford, CM3 3PT 

channelsestate.co.uk 

Accommodation 

LandyCampers 

Hill Pasture, Broxted, Dunmow, CM62BZ 

landycampers.co.uk 


Julie Court Nutrition 

Church Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester, 

CO7 0GG 

juliecourtnutrition.com 

Country Parks 

Cudmore Grove Country Park 

Broman’s Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, 

CO5 8UE 

explore-essex.com 


Channels 

Pratts Farm Lane East, Little Waltham, 

Chelmsford, CM3 3PT 

channelsestate.co.uk

HERTFORDSHIRE 

WINNERS 


The Factory Playhouse Theatre 

60 Wilbury Way, Hitchin, SG4 0TA 

factoryplayhouse.com 


Lee Valley White Water Centre 

Station Road, Waltham Cross, EN9 1AB 

visitleevalley.org.uk/whitewater 


Natural History Museum Tring 

Akeman Street, Tring, HP23 6AP 

nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring.html 


Standon Calling 

Standon Lordship, SG11 1EF 

standon-calling.com 


Knebworth House 

Knebworth Park, SG1 2AX 

knebworthhouse.com 

Gastro Pubs 

The Fox at Willian 

Willian, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 2AE 

foxatwillian.co.uk 

Accommodation 

Tewin Bury Farm Hotel 

Hertford Road, Welwyn, AL6 0JB 

tewinbury.co.uk 


The Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House 

Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ 

sopwellhouse.co.uk/cottonmill-spa 

Country Parks 

Lee Valley Park 

Broxbourne Riverside, Mill Lane, 

Broxbourne, EN10 7AX 

visitleevalley.org.uk 


Fanhams Hall Hotel 

Fanhams Hall Road, Ware, SG12 7PZ 

exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall

NORFOLK 

WINNERS 


The Princess Theatre 

13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH 

princesshunstanton.co.uk 


Holkham Ropes Course 

Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, 

NR23 1AB 

holkham.co.uk/visiting/ropes-course 


Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse 

Gressenhall, Dereham, NR20 4DR 

museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ 

gressenhall-farm-and-workhouse 


Phoenix Events East Ltd 

St. Georges Works, 51 Colegate, 

Norwich, NR1 1DD 

phoenixeventseastltd.co.uk 


Redwings Horse Sanctuary 

Spa Lane, Aylsham, NR11 6UE 

Caldecott Hall, Fritton, NR31 9EY 

redwings.org.uk 

Gastro Pubs 

The White Horse 

Main Road, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BY 

whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk 

Accommodation 

Riverside Rentals 

17 Lower Street, Horning, NR12 8AA 

riverside-rentals.co.uk 


Thompson Hall Retreat 

Hall Lane, Thompson, Thetford, IP24 1QA 

thompsonhallretreat.co.uk 

Country Parks 

Gooderstone Water Gardens 

The Street , Gooderstone, King’s Lynn, 

PE33 9BP 

www.gooderstonewatergardens.co.uk 


Hockwold Hall 

Hockwold Cum Wilton, Brandon, IP26 4HZ 

hockwoldhallnorfolk.com

SUFFOLK 

WINNERS 


Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds 

Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, 

IP33 1QR 

theatreroyal.org 


Suffolk Ski Centre 

Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich, IP2 8NQ 

suffolkskicentre.co.uk 


The National Horse Racing Museum 

Palace Street, Newmarket, CB8 8EP 

nhrm.co.uk 


Red Rooster Festival 

Euston Hall, Euston, IP24 2QW 

redrooster.org.uk 


Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park 

Pannington Hall Lane, Wherstead, 

Ipswich, IP9 2AP 

jimmysfarm.com 

Gastro Pubs 

The Unruly Pig 

Orford Road, Bromeswell, Nr 

Woodbridge, IP12 2PU 

theunrulypig.co.uk 

Accommodation 

The Great House 

Market Place, Lavenham, CO10 9QZ 

greathouse.co.uk 


Weavers’ House Spa 

High St, Lavenham, CO10 9QA 

theswanatlavenham.co.uk/spa 

Country Parks 

Brandon Country Park 

Bury Road, Brandon, IP27 0SU 

whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/parks/ 

brandon-country-park 


Jimmy’s Farm Weddings 

Pannington Hall Lane, Wherstead, 

Ipswich IP9 2AP 

jimmysfarm.com/weddings

Summer Diary Dates 

Your guide to making the most of the summer 

Festivals and events are back, bringing a mix of music, famous faces, arts and theatre to 

the East. To ensure you don’t miss out on the action, we’ve pulled together a guide to 

the biggest events coming to East Anglia this summer. From main stages with big-name 

headliners to smaller country folk vibes, one-off events and outdoor cinemas, there’s 

something to suit all budgets and moods… 

14

Music Concerts 

Live Music at Thorington Theatre, 5 & 12 June 

Thorington, Saxmundham, Suffolk 

Nothing quite matches the location of Thorington Theatre. 

Located deep in the Suffolk forest, a wooden amphitheatre 

hosts a number of productions throughout the summer 

months. Two dates this June are dedicated to the music 

listened to while the structure was built. One of the most 

played artists during the build was the Alabama 3. They’ll 

take to the stage on 5 June to play their own narco-acoustic 

slant on their current recordings, back catalogue of hits, and 

the music that inspired them along the way. On 12 June, 

Yorkshire based, acoustic singer-songwriter, Jon Gomm will 

be entertaining audiences with his emotive performances. 

thoringtontheatre.co.uk 

Newmarket Nights, June – August 

July Course, Newmarket 

Combining an evening of horse racing and live music the 

Newmarket Nights are a great summer event. This year the 

line-up includes Paloma Faith on 17 June, Rudimental on 

24 June, The Script on 15 July, Anne-Marie on 29 July and 

Pete Tong’s Classic Ibiza on 12 August to name but a few! 

thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket/events-tickets/ 

newmarket-nights 

Classics On The Embankment, 10 June 

Peterborough Embankment, Cambridgeshire 

Iconic dance music brand Café Mambo Ibiza has 

announced ‘Classics On The Embankment’; an unmissable 

outdoor dance music event. The legendary Ibiza brand 

will bring thousands of dance music fans together for an 

unforgettable experience under the stars as they relive the 

massive tunes that provided the soundtrack to generations 

of Ibiza adventures. Serving up the classics are some of 

the biggest DJs in dance music: Paul Oakenfold, Roger 

Sanchez, a huge special guest to be announced, and 

Mambo resident Andy Baxter. lphconcerts.co.uk 

Strawberries & Creem, 17-19 June 

Childerley Orchard, Cambridge 

After announcing themselves as a major new force on the 

UK weekend festival scene last year, Strawberries & Creem 

returns bigger and better for 2022 unleashing a stellar, 

one-of-a-kind line-up for their return. A three-day event, the 

festival will be joined by Lil Wayne. After a 14-year hiatus this 

will be his only Europe show. Other artists taking to the stage 

include R&B singer and songwriter Ella Mai, Mabel and 

upcoming producer Tems. The festival pulls in the crowds 

with its mix of everything from drum and bass, hip hop, 

dance reggae and more. strawberriesandcreem.com 

Elvis Tribute Nights at Stonham Barns Park, 

24 June & 19 August 

Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk 

A series of tribute nights at Stonham Barns Park are coming 

up for summer months. The good time, feel-good nights will 

include a much-acclaimed Elvis Tribute. Andy Ottley has 

earned a reputation as one of the busiest Elvis tribute artists 

in East Anglia having performed professionally now for five 

years touring theatres, hotels and clubs. 

stonhambarns.co.uk 

Paul Weller Summer Show, 30 July 

Bedford Park, Bedfordshire 

British music icon, Paul Weller will be touring this summer, 

bringing his well-known hits to Bedford Park. The former 

frontman of The Jam will be supported by Richard Hawley 

who is widely recognized as one of the UK’s foremost 

songwriters. 

bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk/events/paul-weller 

Queen Symphonic Spectacular Summer Show, 

6 August 

Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire 

Star performers from the smash-hit London West End 

production ‘We Will Rock You’ will take to the stage at 

Hatfield Park, as part of a rock and orchestral spectacular 

celebrating the music of Queen. Queen Symphonic will 

entertain the crowds with one of the biggest rock shows 

they are ever likely to experience. Over 60 performers will 

be on stage, with the ‘We Will Rock You’ star singers backed 

by a full rock band together with The Heart of England 

Orchestra. This outdoor show will be an unmissable date 

on the summer calendar with friends and families enjoying 

picnics in the park, while singing and dancing along to 

classic Queen hits. 

lphconcertsandevents.co.uk 

Rock at the Castle, 7 August 

Hertford Castle, Hertfordshire 

Bringing together local bands and artists, the Castle will 

once again host a day of music to see you through a 

summer Sunday. To date, the event has raised over £50,000 

for local charities. hertford.gov.uk/events 

Classic Ibiza, 20 August 

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire 

Classic Ibiza, an open-air orchestral celebration of White 

Isle-inspired house music, has once again partnered with 

Isabel Hospice for its much-awaited return to Hatfield 

House. With the show due to sell-out, and with the concert 

organisers increasing their charitable donation by 150%, 

it is hoped that considerable funds will be raised for this 

extremely worthy local charity. Classic Ibiza starts with a 

‘Chill-Out DJ Set’ performed by Rich Seam, who has played 

everywhere from the original warehouse parties to Ministry 

of Sound and Glastonbury. The Urban Soul Orchestra (USO) 

and DJ Goldierocks then take to the stage for the ‘San 

Miguel Sundowner Set’. Goldierocks then performs her 

15

very own ‘House DJ Set’, before she is re-joined on stage 

by USO for the ‘Dance Set’ and laser light show. All aboard 

for a magical four-hour tour of the very-best in stately house 

music. classicibiza.co.uk 

Maui Waui Festival of Music and Performing Arts, 

25-28 August 

Hill Farm, near Dereham, Norfolk 

Returning for its ninth year, this event is one of the most 

diverse and creative festivals in the region. The festival 

has six stages and provides four nights and three days of 

entertainment including 80’s ska legends Bad Manners, 

New Zealand meets Dutch Prodigy My Baby, Zimbabwe’s 

Accappella choir and dance group, Black Umfolosi, plus 

Dub Pistols meet Freestylers for a legendry back-to-back 

DJ set. More than 100 bands are set to take the stage, and 

this year sees the addition of a freshly built Pirate Ship Mk 

II – a wooden replica of a pirate ship complete with smokefiring 

canons, sails and pyrotechnics that will make the DJ 

area go with a bang! Sunday is dedicated to an Americana 

theme with a special stage hosting some of the country’s 

leading performers of country, blues, bluegrass and 

American folk music. Without a doubt, this is the place to be 

on August Bank holiday weekend! 

mauiwauievents.co.uk 

Airshows 

Shuttleworth Fly Days, May to October 

Old Warden, Bedfordshire 

Shuttleworth is bringing the skies to life this summer with a 

programme of events. With vintage vehicles on the ground 

and aeroplanes in the sky, there are multiple themed 

events each month to keep the whole family entertained. 

Highlights include the show-stopping Jubilee Flying Circus 

Air Show on 5 June and Flying Proms complete with a 

spectacular air display and wonderful live music from a 

full symphony orchestra on 7 August – to name a few! 

shuttleworth.org/events/airshows 

IWM Duxford Air Shows, 

18-19 June & 10-11 September 

IWM Duxford’s flying season brings the historic airfield 

to life and, this year, a jam-packed programme of events 

promises plenty of thrilling aerobatics, roaring Spitfires and 

entertainment on the ground. The Duxford Summer Air 

Show will be taking place on 18-19 June promising fun 

for all the family with fast-flying, all-action aerobatics and 

spectacular sights in the air and on the ground. The annual 

Battle of Britain Air Show will return on 10-11 September 

offering visitors an immersion into the 1940s when RAF 

Duxford played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, helping 

to defend the United Kingdom against Nazi air attacks. 

Expect plenty of Spitfire nostalgia as history is brought to 

life across the site for this much-loved weekend of flying 

entertainment. 

In addition, the IWM Duxford Air Show team will also 

be welcoming visitors to its Duxford Flying Evening on 

27 August to catch spectacular aircraft in flight as dusk 

descends over the airfield. Whilst Duxford Flying Finale on 

8 October will bring together highlights from the year as we 

say farewell to another fantastic season of flying. 

Clacton Airshow, 25-26 August 

Clacton Seafront, Essex 

Celebrating 29 years of flying, an impressive aerobatic 

display in the skies above the seafront and west 

greensward will wow an audience.. A twilight display will 

take place on the Thursday too. 

clactonairshow.com 

Country Fairs & Dog Shows 

Stonham Barns Park Country Fair, 19 June 

Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk 

This brand-new country show will showcase all that is great 

about farming and the countryside including the legendary 

tug-of-war competition, a digger challenge, trade stands 

16

and food and drink stalls. It has all the thrills and spills 

you would expect from a Young Farmers-inspired show; 

a fun family day out aimed at providing visitors with the 

opportunity to learn, experience, promote and celebrate 

all the great things that come with living and working in 

Suffolk. Run by the Young Farmers, the day will be filled with 

lots to see and do, including shopping and sampling goods 

from a wide variety of local trade stands. 

stonhambarns.co.uk 

Suffolk Dog Day, 31 July 

Helmingham Hall, Suffolk 

A day dedicated to our furry friends! Part of the Festival of 

Suffolk, a two-month programme of events to celebrate 

the county, its history and the Queen’s Jubilee, Suffolk Dog 

Day will be a firm favourite for all dog lovers. Bring along the 

whole family, pooch included of course, for a day of canine 

celebrations. There will be dog classes, hands (paws)-on 

activities, an agility ring, shopping, live demonstrations and 

more. 

suffolkdogday.com | festivalofsuffolk.org 

The Gin & Rum Festival 

3-4 June, Saint Andrews & Blackfriars Hall, Norwich 

22-23 July, Peterborough Cathedral 

Learn more about your favourite tipple. There are over 120 

spirits to try, masterclasses, a DJ and live entertainment. 

New this year is the tequila bar serving up a variety of 

authentic tequila. 

ginandrumfestival.com 

Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival, 18 June 

Melford Hall 

Enjoy watching some of Suffolk’s best foodie talent in 

cookery demonstrations and tuck into great local produce. 

The beautiful grounds of Melford Hall will be filled with 

stalls, stands, funky vans and more selling delicious food. 

tasteofsudbury.co.uk 

Essex Festival of Food and Drink, 18-19 June 

Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree, Essex 

If you like your food and drink, this weekend is guaranteed 

to keep you full on activities and tasty delights. Pick up 

tips from celebrity chefs, including Rosemary Shrager, be 

hands-on with masterclasses and workshops and taste 

some of the region’s best produce. There are events for little 

wannabe chefs too! 

lovefoodevents.co.uk/essexfoodfestival 

Bedfordshire Gin Fest, 25 June 

Russell Park, Bedford 

Bedford’s one-day festival featuring many local and national 

gin brands, plus craft beers, wines and much more. With 

bars, samplings, street food and live music, there’ll be 

something for everyone. 

bedfordshireginfest.co.uk 

The Great British Food Festival, 16-17 July 

Knebworth House, Hertfordshire 

The festival brings together artisan producers, scrumptious 

street food and a selection of bars. Top up your culinary 

skills in the cookery demos or watch warriors take on 

the Men v Food challenges. Chill to live music while the 

children try their hand at a cookery lesson before joining 

a foraging walk. This is a fun, foodie event for the whole 

family – it’s dog-friendly too! 

greatbritishfoodfestival.com 

The Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival, 

28-29 August 

Town Centre, Bury St Edmunds 

With a line-up of cooking demonstrations from top local 

chefs, the chance to taste and purchase food and drink 

from over 100 traders and a popular farmers’ market, this is 

a foodie’s heaven. 

burystedmundsfestivals.com/festivals/417 

17

T. REX: 

THE KILLER 

QUESTION 

AT PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL 

18th July to 3rd September 2022 

BOOK NOW 

tv peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/t.rex 

Join Team T.rex for updates via 

t.rex@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk 

T. rex: The Killer Question was produced and developed 

by the Natural History Museum, London

FANTASTIC 

EVENTS 

COMING UP 

PRE- 

BOOKED 

TICKETS 

DISCOUNTED 

FOR SUMMER 

2022 

SUMMER 

AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE, 

PARK & GARDENS 

INGATESTONE 

HALL 

16th Century manor house & grounds 

with a wealth of history. 

TRANSPORT & ENGINEERING 

HERITAGE IN OUR COUNTY TOWN 

Over 100 major exhibits - all made or used in Ipswich! 

SUNDAYS/BANK HOLIDAY 

MONDAYS (11AM TO 4PM) 

from Sunday 20th March until Sunday 27th November 

Good Friday 15th April 11am to 4pm | Saturdays (Bank Holiday weekends) 

16th April and Saturday 27th August (both 11am to 4pm). 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1pm to 4pm 12th to 14th and 19th to 21st 

April; 31st May to 2nd June; 26th to 28th July; 2nd to 4th, 9 to 11th, 16th to 18th, 

23rd to 25th August; 30th August to 1st September; 25th to 27th October (to 

coincide with school holidays) 

*subject to COVID restrictions – please check website before travel 

See website for details and special events 

We’re on Facebook & 

Google Streetview! 

Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road, Ipswich IP3 9JD 

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Celebrating 

The Queen’s 

Platinum 

Jubilee 

21

This year, on 6 February, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 

became the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum 

jubilee, marking 70 years since her accession to the 

throne. This incredible achievement makes her the 

longest reigning living monarch anywhere in the world. 

To mark this momentous occasion, there will be 

celebrations across the country with plenty of 

opportunities to join in the fun in East Anglia too. During a 

visit to Bury St Edmund’s in 2002, The Queen expressed 

her affection for the region: 

“Our sense of what it is to be British derives as 

much from the treasured towns, villages and 

coastline of East Anglia as it does from the 

great cities like London or Birmingham.” 

Throughout her reign, The Queen has travelled more 

widely than any other monarch and has visited East 

Anglia on numerous occasions both in a private and 

official capacity. 

Perhaps the most memorable visits are the Jubilee tours 

with the Silver Jubilee celebrations taking The Queen to 

Norwich, Ipswich, Felixstowe and Colchester in 1977. 

The Golden Jubilee tour followed in 2002, when The 

Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Ipswich, 

Stowmarket and Bury St Edmund’s on 17 July. The 

following day took them to Norwich Castle Museum 

before they hosted a garden party for Norfolk at 

Sandringham House. 

Ten years later, Hertfordshire was part of the Diamond 

Jubilee tour, when The Queen visited Hitchin’s Market 

Square before heading to Stevenage where she opened 

the Lister Hospital’s new maternity wing. 

Of course, many of The Queen’s visits to East Anglia have 

been to Sandringham, her much-loved country estate in 

Norfolk; a retreat away from the city where she can enjoy 

the benefits of country life. It was here that she chose to 

celebrate her 96th birthday in April this year. 

The Queen takes a personal interest in the breeding 

of thoroughbred stock at her Sandringham Estate and 

enthusiastically attends race meetings at Newmarket. In 

November 2016 she unveiled a statue of herself with a 

horse and foal, a gift from the town in celebration of her 

90th birthday. 

Cambridgeshire has welcomed The Queen many 

times and in 2019 she visited The National Institute of 

Agricultural Botany and Queen’s College before unveiling 

a plaque at the Royal Papworth Hospital commemorating 

the opening of the site. 

The Queen’s visit to Bedfordshire in November 2006 

included a tour of Samuel Whitbread Community College 

as well as St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger in her 

capacity as patron of Sue Ryder Care. She returned in 

April 2017 to officially open the new Centre for Elephant 

Care at Whipsnade Zoo. 

Silver Jubilee Tour in Ipswich, 1977 

Join in the Celebrations 

Celebratory events and activities are planned throughout 

the four-day Platinum Jubilee weekend. Here is The 

Queen’s order of events: 

Thursday 2 June 

More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians 

will come together in the traditional Trooping the Colour 

parade from Buckingham Palace, ending with an RAF 

flypast, watched by The Queen from her balcony. 

Thursday will also see the lighting of the Platinum Jubilee 

Beacons throughout the United Kingdom, Channel 

Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. 

Friday 3 June 

A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign will be 

held at St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Saturday 4 June 

The Queen will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs. 

A special live concert, featuring some of the world’s 

biggest entertainment stars, will also be broadcast from 

Buckingham Palace. 

Sunday 5 June 

The Big Jubilee Lunch is a community event encouraging 

neighbours to come together to celebrate the Jubilee 

with a picnic, street party or tea and cake. Find tips and 

ideas at edenprojectcommunities.com. The Platinum 

Jubilee Pageant will also take place when performers, 

dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and 

volunteers will tell the story of The Queen’s 70-year reign 

in a festival of creativity.

NORFOLK 

Sandringham 

Celebrations begin with the lighting 

of the Jubilee beacon on Thursday, 

accompanied by live music. Katherine 

Jenkins and The Military Wives 

perform at an outdoor concert on 

Friday and a live screening of the 

‘Platinum Party at the Palace’ will be 

shown on Saturday. The weekend 

culminates on Sunday with a motoring 

pageant, live music and aerial displays. 

Norwich 

A Big Jubilee Lunch hosted by the 

Lord Mayor takes place in the city 

centre on Sunday with a traditional 

street party, live music and family 

friendly activities such as balloon 

modelling and circus skills workshops. 

Bring a picnic or enjoy the street food 

available on Millennium Plain. 

Diss 

Join the party at Glow in the Park on 

Thursday with live music, street food 

stalls, a beacon lighting ceremony, 

lantern procession and firework 

display in Diss Park. 

For further details and to find 

more events in Norfolk visit 

platinumjubileenorfolk.org 

SUFFOLK 

Sudbury 

Head to Friars Meadow on Thursday 

for a country fair with mini rowing 

regatta, dog show, circus workshops, 

children’s rides and craft stalls. 

A street party follows on Sunday 

at Market Hill with live music, 

performers, magicians and food stalls. 

Felixstowe 

The Jubilee Carnival brings a 

weekend of music, celebration and 

parades with community groups, 

schools and bands presenting 

songs through all the decades of the 

Queen’s reign. 

Thorington, nr Southwold 

On Thursday Proms in the Woods 

takes place at Thorington Theatre 

with internationally renowned 

coloratura soprano Christina 

Johnston and an ensemble of 

classical musicians. 

For further details and to find more 

events in Suffolk visit 

festivalofsuffolk.org 


Ely 

Celebrations span the weekend 

with a food, drink and craft show on 

Friday, a fete at Oliver Cromwell’s 

House on Saturday and the big Jubileel 

day and street party on Sunday. 

visitely.org.uk 

St Neots 

Join the Jubilee Picnic in the Park 

on Saturday at Regatta Meadow 

for an afternoon of music, food 

and celebration with children’s 

entertainment and live music. visitstneots.co.uk 

Peterborough 

Visit Sacrewell for a four-day event 

with inflatables, live music, children’s 

games, craft activities and a tractor 

display. Pre-book tickets for Saturday 

outdoor theatre and picnic hampers 

for the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday. 

sacrewell.org.uk 

JUBILEE WEEKEND REGIONAL EVENTS 

HERTFORDSHIRE 

Ashridge 

Enjoy a patriotic day at The Best of 

British Car Show on Saturday. The 

Giant Jubilee Picnic will be held 

in the grounds on Sunday, when 

you can meet Tudor kings and 

queens, play historic royal games 

and dance around the maypole. 

ashridgehouse.org.uk 

St Albans 

The Platinum Party takes place 

in the city centre on Thursday 

with live music and market stalls 

and entertainment with children’s 

activities including games, face 

painting, circus skills workshops and 

a magic show. stalbans.gov.uk 

Hertford 

Celebrate at Hertford Castle on 

Thursday with a brass band concert, 

afternoon tea and traditional lawn 

games. hertford.gov.uk 

BEDFORDSHIRE 

Shuttleworth 

The aeronautical museum hosts The 

Jubilee Fly In on Friday with food 

and live music. The Jubilee Flying 

Circus follows on Sunday with a 

show-stopping air show featuring the 

incredible wing walkers. 

shuttleworth.org 

Moggerhanger Park 

A beacon lighting event is planned 

for Thursday with a bouncy castle, 

face painting, music, BBQ, and 

an after-party with dancing in the 

courtyard. 

moggerhangerpark.com 

ESSEX 

Great Dunmow 

Enjoy a secret tea party at Talliston 

House from Thursday to Sunday with 

canapés, fizz, a high tea and exclusive 

use of the house and gardens to 

explore and enjoy. talliston.com 

Burnham-on-Crouch 

Part of the Essex Book Festival, 

Greenwood Words is a special 

Jubilee event taking place on 

Thursday around the Quay. Enjoy 

salty storytelling, The Poetry 

Pharmacy, workshops, witchy 

walks, and the opportunity to 

plant your own Jubilee acorn. 

essexbookfestival.org.uk 

Search for more Jubilee events 

taking place near you at 

platinumjubilee.gov.uk 

23

Track 

On the 

We list the best day trips by train in East Anglia 

If you’re looking to avoid traffic jams and excessive fuel costs this 

summer, a trip by train may be the answer. Stress free and sustainable, 

rail travel provides the opportunity for adventure in nautical towns, 

historic cities, the famous Broads and the East’s coastline. The journey 

is part of the adventure itself. So, pack your bags, hop aboard and plan 

your day trip or mini break with our pick of cheap rail deals this summer. 

27

Essex Coast 

Greater Anglia rail service provides 

links to some of Essex’s most popular 

coastal destinations. The sunshine coast, 

including Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the- 

Naze and Frinton-on-Sea, is perfect for 

families. Clacton and Walton offer awardwinning 

sandy beaches, amusements, 

holiday parks and fish and chips. For 

something a little quieter, stop at Frinton. 

Back in the day, it was favoured by the 

rich and royalty, but today its sweeping 

green lawn on the esplanade and sandy 

beach lined with Victorian-style beach 

huts are perfect spots to kick-back and 

relax on warm, sunny days. Return tickets 

from Colchester cost £10 or less. 

If you’re in London the C2C offers 

direct links to the family seaside town of 

Southend-on-Sea. Home to the world’s 

longest pleasure pier, sandy beach, 

a theme park, and amusements, it’s a 

great day out for families. However, in 

recent years, thanks to the opening of 

the Roslin Beach Hotel and restaurants 

serving cuisine beyond fish and chips, 

it’s become a popular overnight break for 

couples and groups too. People visiting 

from London can catch a direct train to 

Southend Victoria from as little as £6. 

Suffolk Coast 

Whether it’s hitting the beach, 

reconnecting with nature or soaking 

up culture and scenery, Suffolk has 

plenty to offer. Greater Anglia run direct 

trains between Ipswich and Felixstowe. 

However, the beautiful coastal town of 

Southwold is accessible without a car 

too. Simply catch the train to Halesworth 

and hop on First Bus 99A service. Here 

you can spend the day soaking up the 

sunshine on a sandy beach, tasting local 

ales at Adnams Brewery or feasting on 

fresh seafood. Southwold’s landmark 

lighthouse is available for tours and from 

May to September and the Southwold 

Summer Theatre runs a series of shows. 

It’s cheap and easy to explore the Suffolk 

Coast by train. The East Suffolk Ranger 

provides one day’s unlimited travel on 

Greater Anglia’s East Suffolk Lines, which 

runs from Ipswich to Felixstowe and 

Lowestoft. Tickets are valid from 8.45am, 

Mondays to Fridays, and at any time on 

Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. 

It costs just £21 per adult or £13.85 with 

a Railcard. Up to four accompanying 

children can travel for just £2 each. 

28

Norfolk 

For a special railway experience, hop aboard the vintage 

Poppy Line from Sheringham to Holt. Chug through the 

stunning North Norfolk countryside on the puffing steam 

train. The stations provide a glimpse into rail life in the 1800s 

and several historic themed events are held throughout the 

year. 

Combine city and coast during your Norfolk getaway with 

a rail trip from Norwich to either Cromer, Sheringham or 

Great Yarmouth. The city is suitable for families and couples 

thanks to its many attractions, castle adventure, thriving arts 

scene, shopping opportunities and ever-growing indie food 

offerings. The connecting coastal towns are each famed 

for their seaside charm with long stretches of beach, lively 

attractions, and foodie delights including traditional. fish 

and chips, tearooms, street food and, of course, plenty of 

fresh shellfish. 

The Wherry Line Ranger offers one day’s unlimited travel on 

Greater Anglia services from Norwich, through the Norfolk 

Broads to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth (via Reedham and 

via Acle) and costs just £11.50 per adult, accompanying 

children pay half price. 

Head inland and the Broads are waiting to be discovered. 

With boat hire, pubs on the water’s edge, activities and 

nearby attractions, the Norfolk Broads are a fantastic 

summer holiday destination. While extending your trip with 

boat or cottage hire is a great choice, the Broads can be 

explored in just a day too. 

Catch the train from Norwich to Wroxham and pick up a 

day boat. Make your way to Salhouse Broad to soak up the 

surrounding nature before continuing to Horning for a spot 

of lunch at one of the waterside pubs. Nearby Cockshoot 

Broad is a popular choice for fishing. Spend the afternoon 

slowly cruising your way back to Wroxham before hopping 

on the train home. 

The Bittern Ranger offers one day’s unlimited travel on 

Greater Anglia’s Bittern line, which runs through the 

northern part of the Norfolk Broads between Norwich, 

Hoveton and Wroxham and North Walsham to Cromer 

and Sheringham. It costs just £11.50 per adult and 

accompanying children pay half price. 

Whether it’s a day trip or extended stay, this summer make 

the most of East Anglia’s railway connections and swap 

your car for a carriage! 

Combine city and coast during your 

Norfolk getaway with a rail trip from 

Norwich to either Cromer, Sheringham or 

Great Yarmouth. 

29

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Tails About Town: 

A Norfolk Adventure 

Written by Emma Kemsley 

Fletcher bounced through the doors of The Globe Inn, 

ready for his overnight escape in Norfolk’s seaside town of 

Wells-next-the-Sea. 

I worried Fletcher’s enthusiastic screaming would get us 

kicked out before we’d even checked in. However, instead, 

his squeals attracted loving affection from the kind staff. 

It was clear within moments that The Globe Inn treats dogs 

as guests in their own right. 

Set overlooking a pretty green, a five-minute stroll from 

Wells Quay, the rustic gastropub is conveniently located for 

making the most of North Norfolk’s holiday hotspot. 

The pub which has 19 rooms was acquired by The 

Chestnut Group back in 2020. It recently underwent a major 

refurbishment firmly establishing itself as a go-to destination 

for locals and tourists, especially those with dogs in tow. 

Wooden floors, exposed brick work and earthy colours 

set the tone and encourage visitors to kick back in plump 

armchairs with a drink in hand and dog by side. Artwork 

and decorative accessories give a nod to Norfolk’s fishing 

heritage. Staff welcome guests with a smile at the nooked 

check-in desk, a recent addition as part of the new interior 

layout. 

Outside, visitors can sit back at wooden tables in the 

sunshine and admire the grand Georgian houses or during 

summer months retire to the small roof terrace with festoon 

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I was eager to check out The Globe Inn’s dog-friendly 

credentials. Our room was spacious, painted dusky 

pink with Scandi-influenced furnishings, and included a 

wonderful welcome pack for Fletcher. A dog bed (great for 

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provided. Fletcher wasted no time tucking into the coconut, 

mango and fish treats. 

Once unpacked, Fletcher, my husband and I 

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jumped with pure excitement. A huge expansive white sand 

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Best enjoyed out of season if you want the extra space, 

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six-mile circular walk. 

The fresh sea air gave us an appetite and we stopped off 

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For dinner, we booked a table at The Globe Inn. Dogs 

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However, we left Fletcher in our room as he simply doesn’t 

have any restaurant etiquette. Dinner was delicious with 

hearty mains and fresh seafood dishes aplenty. I opted for 

the chef’s special, a tasty sea bream with seasonal veg, but 

the highlight of the meal was the mussel chowder starter 

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Feeling guilty that other doggy guests were accompanying 

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32

option of a dog menu which includes 

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The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast in the restaurant 

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We finished our 24-hour getaway with another long beach 

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We returned home with our bellies and hearts full of Norfolk 

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33

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2022 02 East Life General HP.qxp_107mm h x 148 mm w 07/02/2022 16:51 Page 1 

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NEWS FROM AROUND 

THE REGION 

Whirlpool Inspires Young Engineers 

The fledgling company, whose motto is ‘Sustainably 

Simple’, won Overall Best Company beating off stiff 

opposition with their eye-catching stand in Chelmsford’s 

Meadows Shopping Centre. 

CEO and Lower Sixth student, Olivia Argent, explained: “Our 

quality, natural ingredients come together to form mouthwatering 

cookies. All you have to do is pour the ingredients 

into a bowl and follow a few simple steps as seen on the 

index card tied to the neck of the jar.” 

International kitchen appliance manufacturer, Whirlpool 

Corporation, has launched a sustainability-led challenge 

which tasks secondary school students with re-designing a 

popular appliance to be more environmentally friendly. 

Open to all secondary schools in the areas surrounding 

Whirlpool’s Peterborough headquarters, including 

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, the competition kickedoff 

in April when teams were given eight weeks to re-design 

an appliance before presenting their proposals to a panel of 

judges. As well as developing their design and engineering 

skills, students have the opportunity to win a range of 

exciting prizes. 

Ian Moverley, Communications Director at Whirlpool 

Corporation, commented: “We aim to provide students 

with an insight into the world of engineering and design – 

helping them to realise their potential and inspiring the next 

generation of sustainable engineers in our local area.” 

For Heaven’s Bakes 

So successful are the young entrepreneurs in whipping up 

interest in their Cookies in a Jar, orders are now flooding in 

and the jars are gracing the shelves of key local farm shops. 

College Wins Mental Health Award 

Impington Village 

College, on the 

outskirts of Cambridge, 

has been awarded the 

Gold Status School 

Mental Health Award by 

the Carnegie Centre of 

Excellence for Mental 

Health in Schools 

for the second time. 

This is in recognition 

of its continuous 

commitment to 

outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision for 

students and staff. 

The college offers its students a wide range of mental 

health support and resources, including an in-house 

mentoring programme and online referral system, a 

family support worker, YMCA counselling and access 

to professionals trained in areas including mindfulness, 

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and adolescent 

mental health. 

The college also places a strong emphasis on staff 

wellbeing and mental health. It offers flexible working 

patterns, one paid family day annually and the option to 

work from home, when not teaching. 

For Heaven’s Bakes, a Brentwood School Young Enterprise 

Company specialising in making baking simple, cooked up 

a storm at the Easter Trade Fair in Chelmsford scooping the 

top accolade. 

Victoria Hearn, Principal of Impington Village College, said: 

“I am incredibly proud of the positive, inclusive environment 

we have built, where all of our students and teachers can 

feel safe, secure and looked after.” 

37

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Top College for progression 

EXTEND programme for high achievers 

An average of 10 Oxbridge offers each year 

A timetable built around each student 

Support for all students with ALS needs 

Over 150 academic trips and visits each year 

Apply Now! - www.eastnorfolk.ac.uk 

Stay social - @EastNorfolk

Independent School | Girls and Boys, ages 2-18 | Day and Boarding 

Be an Early Bird 

Register your child for a Year 3 place and watch them fly. Our pupils enjoy 

small class sizes, specialist teaching and a curriculum which is broad and 

balanced. Why wait and fall prey to waiting lists which operate at most 

other points of entry to our ISI rated excellent school. 

One of the Peregrine Falcons of Ely Cathedral 

captured by King’s Ely parent Simon Stirrup. 

www.kingsely.org

Made in 

Cambridge 

Cambridge’s leading boarding 

and day school for girls 

and boys aged 11-18 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

Academic 

Sport 

STEM 

Drama 

Music 

Choral 

Art 

To attend an open morning or arrange a visit contact T | 01223 508904 E | admissions@theleys.net W | www.theleys.net

With seven medals scooped by Team 

GB gymnasts in the 2016 Olympic 

Games in Rio followed by three more 

in Tokyo last year, it’s easy to see why 

gymnastics has become one of the 

most popular sports in the UK. 

With a growing demand to access 

classes, a new programme has now 

been launched by British Gymnastics 

to make the sport more accessible to 

young children. 

Rise Gymnastics is a fun and 

engaging programme that provides 

children with a progressive journey 

through recreational gymnastics, 

while encouraging them to develop 

physically, socially and emotionally. 

It is hoped the programme will 

give all primary school children the 

opportunity to participate in the sport, 

regardless of their experience or 

background. 

The Rise of 

Gymnastics 

Inspiring the next generation 

The programme has been 

developed by British Gymnastics, 

the UK governing body for the 

sport, alongside the gymnastics 

community including primary school 

teachers. Premier Education, the 

exclusive school delivery partner of 

British Gymnastics, will deliver the 

programme to primary schools in 

England. 

David Batch, Chief Executive of 

Premier Education, said: “This is 

a huge opportunity to improve 

engagement and provide specialist 

coaching to children across the UK, 

many of whom may not ordinarily 

have access to gymnastics within 

school time.” 

Through Rise Gymnastics, children 

learn at their own pace, building key 

foundation skills for life and achieving 

rewards through medals and 

certificates. Parents can follow their 

progress in real time on the Home 

Portal in Rise Hub. 

It is hoped the programme 

will give all primary school 

children the opportunity to 

participate in the sport 

40

Rise Gymnastics has three phases: 

1. Discover 

Aimed at preschool children, phase 

one delivers gymnastics through 

imaginative play. Themed sessions 

include jungle antics, dinosaurs 

and ‘people that help us’, and 

develop key life skills and physical 

movement at an early age. The 

activities within the Discover phase 

have been carefully created to mirror 

the approach of learning within an 

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 

environment. Children can earn 

rewards as they progress through the 

exciting themed activities. 

2. Explore 

The second phase gives children 

a platform to develop their skills, 

regardless of ability and experience. A 

flexible award scheme gives children 

the opportunity to progress and 

achieve. This phase will help children 

determine their level of passion for 

the sport. 

3. Excel 

The third and final phase is aimed 

at advanced and ambitious 

recreational gymnasts. These more 

structured sessions lead to festivals, 

competitions and discipline-specific 

pathways. Skills are nurtured 

naturally rather than through a focus 

on awards, enabling gymnasts to 

achieve at their own pace. 

Gemma Barton, Head of Participation 

at British Gymnastics, said: “We are 

extremely passionate about this 

innovative new approach. It is our 

ambition that Rise Gymnastics will 

give every gymnast the opportunity 

to shine, and our partnership with 

Premier Education is key in delivering 

positive experiences to as many 

children as possible.” 

Rise Gymnastics is available to 

UK primary schools hoping to 

improve their sporting offering and 

gymnastics provision within their 

setting. For more information visit 

premier-education.com 

Norfolk pupils spring 

into new gymnastics 

class! 

As a school with a focus on 

promoting healthy lifestyles, 

there was always plenty of 

enrichment and extra-curricular 

activities on offer for students 

of Sparhawk Infant and Nursery 

School in Sprowston, Norfolk. 

Yet when the opportunity 

arose to offer pupils the 

new, expert-led gymnastics 

programme developed by 

British Gymnastics, the school 

launched a Friday after-school 

gymnastics club, which 

quickly became one of the 

most popular additions to the 

calendar. 

Clare Campbell, Headteacher 

at Sparhawk Infant and Nursery 

School, commented: “The fact 

that I have a Friday after-school 

club that’s fully subscribed 

demonstrates the popularity of 

Rise Gymnastics! 

“I think people are nervous 

of offering a subject like 

gymnastics because it’s quite 

skills-based, but you have 

to think about the wellbeing 

aspect for the children – they 

learn foundational skills and 

keep active in a fun and 

inclusive way. 

“The staff at Premier Education 

are excellent and thanks to 

them the children love it, the 

parents love it and I like that we 

are able to bring professionals 

in to widen the children’s skills 

base.” 

Rise Gymnastics lessons are 

tailored to suit different age 

groups. Pupils like those from 

Sparhawk are working on 

early movement, balance and 

co-ordination skills as well as 

learning through imaginative 

themed sessions. 

41

ADVERTORIAL 

Great fun and no school run 

Staying at school five nights a week is an 

opportunity for girls and boys to develop 

important life skills and can really take 

the pressure off busy families, leaving the 

weekends free for quality time together. 

Early mornings can be the most hectic time of the day in 

homes with children to get up, dressed, breakfasted and off 

to school on time, and evenings are often not much better, 

with after-school clubs and homework to fit in. For some 

families, weekdays are a real logistical challenge, so it’s no 

surprise that the number of children choosing to board at 

school during the week is on the rise. 

Many schools now offer a variety of boarding arrangements 

to suit busy families, from staying just one night a week right 

up to full boarding during term-time. In the middle is weekly 

boarding – spending Monday to Friday at school, and the 

weekends at home – and this is a ‘best of both worlds’ 

solution that works well for children and their parents. 

With no commute to school in the mornings, children have 

a more leisurely start to the day, can eat a good breakfast 

and catch up with their friends before lessons start. In the 

evenings, they can make the most of after-school clubs 

and activities – from sports practice and music or drama 

rehearsals, to spending time on artistic or creative projects. 

‘Just hanging out with their friends in the boarding house is 

an opportunity for boarders to develop their social skills,’ says 

George Masters, Deputy Headmaster at Felsted, a day and 

boarding school for girls and boys aged four to 18 in north 

Essex. ‘One of the best aspects of boarding is that the pupils 

learn to live and work well with others, as well as developing 

their independence. Students from all over the world board at 

Felsted, so it’s a chance for young people to understand and 

respect cultures that are different from their own.’ 

Of course, there is still homework to be done, but boarders have 

access to plenty of support. ‘At Felsted, boarders are welcome to 

make use of all the school’s facilities in the evenings, so they can 

work in the library if they like and teachers are always on hand to 

give guidance,’ adds George. ‘Every boarder has a quiet place to 

study in the boarding house.’ 

There are eight boarding houses at Felsted, each one very 

homely and with communal areas furnished with comfortable 

sofas, beanbags and cushions with televisions and even games 

consoles, pool or table tennis tables and other fun equipment. 

Although main meals are served in the dining hall, each house 

has small kitchens where boarders whip up their own snacks 

and drinks if they find themselves peckish between meals. 

Far from the cavernous dorms of children’s literature, bedrooms 

in today’s boarding houses often sleep just one or two, though 

younger boarders often enjoy rooms for four or six, and there are 

plenty of bathrooms and showers. 

‘It’s important that the boarding houses are relaxing places to 

be – boarders’ wellbeing is the top priority,’ says George. ‘Every 

house has full-time houseparents, who live in the boarding 

house and are available for support at any time, as well as a 

matron who takes care of boarders’ day-to-day needs. Of course, 

Felsted also has a fully-staffed Medical facility and a Wellbeing 

Centre, so parents can be reassured that their children are 

extremely well looked after and can make the most of all the 

opportunities boarding has to offer.’ 

To find out more about boarding at Felsted, please visit 

felsted.org

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 

Colchester Royal Grammar School 

Compassion - Respect - Generosity - Support 

The Sunday Times East Anglia State Secondary School of the Decade 

11+ Open Evening 

Tuesday 28th June, 6.30pm - 9.00pm 

6 Lexden Road, Colchester, CO3 3ND 01206 509100 crgs.co.uk 

No booking required Limited parking at rear of school 

43

OPEN EVENING FOR SEPTEMBER 2023 STUDY 

YEAR 11s ALSO WELCOME 

ATTENTION 

YEAR10s 

Don’t miss out – 

book now! 

www.longroad.ac.uk 

LONG 

OPENROAD 

EVENINGS 

5TH & 6TH JULY 2022, 5–9PM 

Come and discover the right road for you! 

At Long Road Sixth Form College there’s lots 

of choice: A levels, practical Diplomas, a mix 

of the two or GCSE re-sits. Whichever direction 

you take, as a member of our friendly, vibrant 

and dynamic community you can develop 

the skills, independence and focus you need 

to keep moving forward. 

#OPENROAD

Little East

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 

Mum’s the Word 

Up until recently, I thought I had a common-or-garden14- 

year-old boy at home. I mean his spoken word output had 

dropped dramatically whilst his grunt output had increased 

exponentially, and his deodorant use had trebled. However, 

when I found him to be extra grumpy on a Saturday 

afternoon, I soon discovered a keen difference between 

him and his peers. 

You see it was one of the first sunny days of the year and 

my boy wanted to go out and play in the park; most of his 

school friends live around the various edges of a park so 

he tried to coordinate everyone meeting up and he was 

met with resounding nos. According to his friends ‘outside 

was boring’ and the only real way to hang out with your 

friends was virtually, in a computer game. In that moment 

my son went into what he would call ‘full boomer mode’ 

bemoaning a generation who would rather look at a screen 

than a sky and who didn’t see the benefit of physically 

being with their friends. 

I started to wonder however if there was more to it than 

just a generational shift; after all, we just had two years of a 

global pandemic. That’s two years of telling our children to 

stay at home, stay away from others, to isolate. I wondered 

if that had moulded their habits more than addiction to 

technology. 

I still felt sad for my boy as he’s a social little bean with quite 

a lot of energy to burn off and apparently chatting to mum 

whilst washing dishes doesn’t cut it. Indeed my son cooped 

up isn’t fun for anyone and so we had made sure he got 

outside during the pandemic: walking the dog, throwing 

a ball around with his dad, climbing the odd tree. But 

perhaps we had been anomalies? We do live in a city rather 

than rolling countryside but we still have green spaces 

nearby and I balk at the idea of a future where these aren’t 

filled with children playing. 

Maybe parents are still being cautious, that’s 

understandable, and perhaps the reluctance to go out and 

play is a manifestation of that? I really hope it’s a blip. In the 

meantime, I urge you to get outside with your kids. Throw 

a ball, climb a tree, maybe even invent a world that’s not 

made from brightly coloured pixels. Bring on the summer. 

Find Dolly on Twitter @Osborneosaurus 

47

Playdates 

Make the most of summer with our family events guide 

There is no denying that as a parent it can be challenging to keep the children busy for six whole weeks. 

Read our guide to keeping all ages entertained this summer… 

Family-friendly Festivals 

Festivals don’t have to be all rock’n’roll; there’s plenty to 

keep little ones entertained too. 

3foot People Festival, June 

Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex 

The hugely popular 3foot People Festival aimed exclusively 

at pre-school children returns for 2022. Designed to 

broaden little ones’ imagination, the line-up includes a mix 

of music, theatre, storytelling, arts, crafts, play and more. 

chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-theatres-and-museums/ 

festivals-and-special-events/3foot-people-festival/ 

about-the-festival 

Standon Calling, 26-29 July 

Standon, Hertfordshire 

Standon Calling is all about music and fun! It’s quickly 

established itself as one of the most popular festivals of the 

summer, attracting visitors from across the country. The 

festival has become a much more family-orientated event 

in recent years with entertainment including children’s 

theatre, dance, circus, sensory play, storytelling and more. 

There are events for toddlers, tweens and teens. This year 

will see the return of family favourites Horrible Histories, 

How To Train Your Dinosaur and the infamous Dick & Dom 

DJ Battle. As an added bonus, there’s an on-site evening 

babysitting service. 2022 headliners include Ann-Marie, 

Madness, Craig David and more. 

standon-calling.com 

Immersion Theatre presents Rapunzel 

1 August 

Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ 

Let your hair down and get tangled in a brand-new musical 

adaptation of the classic fairy tale! 

This fast-paced, larger-than-life production contains all the 

ingredients Immersion’s loyal audiences have come to 

love and expect, including a laugh out loud script, heaps of 

audience interaction, a host of catchy songs, unforgettable 

characters, and maybe even the odd water gun or two! 

With magic and mayhem throughout, this is one hair-raising 

adventure the family won’t want to miss! 

48

LITTLE EAST 

Maui Waui Festival, 25-28 August 

Hill Farm, near Dereham, Norfolk 

The Maui Waui Festival of Music and Performing Arts has 

become one of the most exciting and well-loved creative 

festivals in East Anglia, attracting around 5,000 people. The 

festival is so much more than just the music; it boasts a full 

circus tent with workshops, displays and shows. Live circus 

acts also happen throughout the weekend, inbetween 

the acts on the stages. The festival has a huge kids’ area 

with a full weekend of free activities throughout the event, 

including wacky racing, craft sessions, bouncy castles, 

bubble craft, storytelling and lots more. The little ones will 

love what’s on offer and have full supervision within the 

special children’s area. There is a special family camping 

area and also quiet camping available. Children 13yr and 

under go free! 

mauiwauievents.co.uk 

Outdoor Cinema 

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

of the best summer family events. Grab your picnic blanket 

and popcorn and find your nearest outdoor cinema. 

Luna Cinema, 1-3 July 

Harpenden Common, Hertfordshire 

The Green Flag award-winning site is the perfect spot for 

a movie night. There are multiple seating options available 

including a luxe sofa complete with a firepit and snuggly 

blanket. Screenings include Spider-Man and Dirty Dancing. 

thelunacinema.com/venue/harpenden-common 

Sundown Cinema 

Multiple locations throughout the region 

The big screen returns to Russell Park in Bedford, Hitchin 

Lavender, The Jockey Club Rooms, Ickworth House and 

Luton Hoo Hotel. Ideal for both film-loving adults and 

movie-mad kids, the cinema provides a good selection of 

screenings including Dumbo and The Greatest Showman. 

sundowncinema.co.uk 

Festivals don’t have to be all 

rock’n’roll, there’s plenty to keep 

little ones entertained too. 

Commonwealth Games, 29 July – 8 August 

Station Road, Cambridge 

If you’re a family of sporting fanatics, make sure you arrive 

early enough to secure your space at the screening of the 

Commonwealth Games on the big screen in Cambridge. 

Bring your flags and cheer on Team GB in the sunshine. It’s 

a great free event for the whole family! 

love-cambridge.com/events/commonwealth-games 

The Nickelodeon Experience 

14 August - 27 August 

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX 

Nickelodeon has announced a brand new outdoor 

immersive event, The Nickelodeon Experience, set to 

launch this summer, promising to be an epic adventure for 

the entire family. 

This first-of-its-kind experience is coming to Hertfordshire 

where families will be able to experience the thrills of 

Nickelodeon in the glorious grounds of Knebworth 

House. Adventure seekers, aged 2-14 years old, can 

explore the worlds of their favourite Nickelodeon TV 

shows and discover ten activity zones. From multi-sensory 

and interactive adventures to creative and skill-based 

challenges, kids get to map their own journey and curate 

their own fun. 

Capacities are limited but you can book your tickets now at 

www.thenickelodeonexperience.co.uk. 

49

LITTLE EAST 

OUT 

OF THIS 

WORLD! 

Step into another dimension with the best 

immersive experiences in East Anglia 

Written by Jacqui Hagen 

From virtual reality to sci-fi themed events, we’re witnessing an explosion of 

immersive entertainment offering escapism and adventure: heart-pumping 

experiences which use sights, sounds, costumes, and technology to 

transport you into another world.

VIRTUAL REALITY 

In recent years, venues have really 

embraced the exciting possibilities 

of virtual reality entertainment. 

Using cutting edge headsets and 

simulators, you can escape from a 

virtual room, hurtle into an adventure, 

or turn your hand to combat in an 

imaginary world. 

NorwichVR.com offers mindblowing 

virtual escape rooms 

including the multi award-winning 

Huxley which transports you into a 

machine-dominated future. Their 

newly launched Eclipse, where 

players rescue a lost space crew, is 

a must for sci-fi and gaming fans. In 

their multiplayer arena, you can fight 

zombies, protect an enchanted tree, 

or shoot your way to victory in a laser 

tag maze. 

Recommended for players aged 12+ 

years. 

New in Peterborough for 2022 is 

The Mind Factory, which has no less 

than ten otherworldly escape room 

adventures with fantasy, horror, 

sci-fi and action themes. Their bodymotion 

trackers allow you to control 

your character’s body as well as see 

your teammates in the virtual world. 

Players must be 14+ years and under 

18s must be accomanied by an adult. 

themindfactory.net 

At Virtuam in King’s Lynn, you can 

immerse yourself into extraordinary 

new adventures. Soar through the 

narrow streets of Paris as a bald 

eagle, race down a mountain range 

on a luge or descend into the depths 

of the ocean. Their simulators take 

you a step further with exhilarating 

vibrational virtual reality and 

interactive motion so that you feel 

every jump, bump, and near miss. 

Suitable for 8+ years. 

virtuam.co.uk 

DINE WITH ROBOTS 

You don’t have to go to a galaxy far, 

far away to step into a scene from a 

sci-fi movie. Just head to Robotazia, 

the robot-themed restaurant and 

museum in Milton Keynes. 

Here, you can immerse yourself in 

a robotic dining experience, with 

friendly robot waiters and waitresses 

who deliver food to your table. You 

can also explore the astounding 

robot creations around the venue. 

Inspired by sci-fi classics such as 

Star Wars, Dr Who, Robocop and 

Transformers, the unique works of art 

are crafted by artisans using recycled 

materials and components you 

would never expect. 

robotazia.co.uk 

ESCAPE ROOMS 

Now one of the UK’s most sought-out 

attractions, escape rooms offer a fully 

immersive experience where you 

have a limited time to save the world 

from a deadly virus, defuse a bomb, 

or simply break free by searching for 

clues and solving puzzles. 

We’re spoilt for choice with rooms all 

over East Anglia. Si5 Spy Missions is 

one of the most popular with centres 

in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Norwich, 

and Milton Keynes. Si5 Spy Missions 

is the brainchild of Bob Richardson, 

an entrepreneur who channelled 

his own characteristics of having 

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 

(ADHD) into creating immersive 

experiences. Eastlife caught up with 

Bob to learn more – (See opposite 

page) 

52

LITTLE EAST 

Bob Richardson, creator and founder 

of Si5 Spy Missions, chats to Eastlife: 

IMMERSIVE EVENTS 

Dress up as your favourite character 

and immerse yourself in one of these 

upcoming events in the region: 

St Albans Comic-Con, 17 July 

Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, 

Hertfordshire 

Film, TV, comic and gaming guests 

along with props and vehicles plus 

comic artists, specialist traders and a 

cosplay zone. 

creedconventions.com 

Tokonatsu, 28 July-1 August 

Boyd Campsite, Henlow, Bedfordshire 

Japanese Culture Festival with anime 

screenings, manga library, matsuri 

events, cosplay, TokoMart, traditional 

gaming and bonkers outdoor events. 

Open to all ages. Parent/guardian 

consent required for under 16 years. 

tokonatsu.org.uk 

SciFiWeekender, 10-13 November 

Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth, 

Norfolk 

The biggest sci-fi festival in Europe 

returns with talks, panels, quizzes, live 

music, entertainment, signings, cosplay, 

artists, dancing, eating and partying. 

scifiweekender.com 

How did you come up with the idea for Spy 

Missions? 

When my sons were small, I designed spy-like missions 

at home. As they grew, we’d go out into the countryside 

with missions which would last a few days. A friend 

encouraged me to turn the idea into a business. So, 

in 2007, I gave up kitchen fitting and opened Si5 Spy 

Missions. It’s all grown from there. 

You sound like the best Dad. How did your puzzles 

develop as your children grew? 

As they got better, I made them harder. I remember one 

puzzle had them stumped. I’d hidden a 30-digit code inside 

a cupboard door which they couldn’t possibly memorise. 

They could only open the cupboard twice for 10 seconds 

or it would be game over. After 20 minutes, they ran 

downstairs, grabbed a camera and took a photo. It’s fun to 

sit back and watch! 

You attribute much of the success of Si5 Spy Missions 

to you having ADHD. Why is this? 

Having ADHD is a real benefit when you’re planning puzzles 

and missions. I never wanted things to get boring or staid 

for my children and now the same applies to the gameplay I 

develop for our customers. 

Do you think your success will change people’s 

perceptions of ADHD? 

I hope so. Already ADHD and Autism are generally accepted 

as conditions that affect you. It’s far different to when I was 

at school. I hope I can show that ADHD is not something to 

sympathise with, but an asset; a different way of thinking that 

can be tapped into, if you understand it. 

Spy Missions is obviously fun but are there other benefits 

for the kids taking part? 

Si5 Spy Missions is all about teamwork and problem solving. 

Children need to collaborate to successfully complete the game, 

and that means allocating tasks, helping each other out and 

cooperating. They also need to listen carefully to our guide, to 

understand what the objective is. 

What are your plans for the future? 

Southend opens in May and then Leicester is planned next, taking 

us to nine centres. The plan is to have 20 UK-wide, plus we have 

developed a play-at-home version that can go across the world. 

And we’re constantly imagining new games and missions, to keep 

game play fresh at all our sites. 

spymissions.co.uk 

53

Make memories 

to last a lifetime at 

Banish the winter blues with a visit 

to Colchester Zoo this spring! 

Watch in awe as some of the most critically 

endangered animals start to enjoy the arrival 

of a new season and, no matter the weather, 

we have a range of undercover areas 

to keep you dry! 

Tickets 

must be 

pre-booked 

online in 

advance! 

Check out our website or social media 

for the latest news, events, 

and information or download 

the Colchester Zoo App. 

www.colchesterzoo.org 

stop by our 

Daily encounters 

Enjoy a variety of animal 

encounters taking place at 

selected times throughout 

the day! 

© Josh Dennington © Tom Smith

12th - 15th August 2022 

Holkham Park, Norfolk 

A weekend of family fun with sporting legends! 

Legends of sport 

Expert coaching 

Camping & glamping 

Open air cinema 

Live music 

Family fun 

Will Greenwood 

Tamsin Greenway 

Austin Healey 

Ryan Sidebottomom 

Kate Richardson-Walsh 

Dean Ashton 

Helen Richardson-Walsh 

Alex Danson 

And more! 

Day and weekend tickets available now! 

festivalofsportuk.com

CORN EXCHANGE 

CINEMA 

OPEN 

7 DAYS A WEEK 

For our listings please visit kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

BED & BREAKFAST 



BED & BREAKFAST BED & BREAKFAST 

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10 en-suite bedrooms in converted farm buildings in Bar 

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10 en-suite 10 en-suite bedrooms bedrooms 10 in converted en-suite lowerfarmbandb@btcomnnect.com 

in bedrooms converted buildings in converted in buildings Barnwell farm buildings in Barn i 

www.lower-farm.co.uk 

near Oundle 

enquiries@lower-farm.co.uk 

BARNWELL BARNWELL BARNWELL 

near Oundle near Oundle 


near Oundle 




www.lower-farm.co.uk www.lower-farm.co.uk 


FREE entertainment 

24 July – 4 September 2022 

Sunday afternoons 

from 12.45 – 4.45pm 

Six locations across Norwich 

Gentleman’s Walk 

St Gregory’s Green 

Millennium Plain 

Westlegate 

Tombland 

Riverside 

View the full line up on: visitnorwich.co.uk 

#HeadOutNotHome #CityofStories 

@norwichbiduk 

@NorwichEvenings 

Programme, locations and timings are subject to change and weather conditions – for up to date information see our social media.

HEALTH 

A-listers Love Suffolk’s 

Newest Wellness Retreat 

Revive your mind with 

a spiritual retreat at 

Ballingdon Hall, Suffolk, 

hosted by celebrity healer, 

Lee Whyberd. 

Reviewed & written by Emma Kemsley 

Celebrities are flocking to the historic Ballingdon Hall, in Sudbury, for its 

programme of wellness retreats taking place from April to October. 

This is no ordinary wellness retreat. Be prepared to escape your reality through 

conscious creation. We’re not talking Hulu’s ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ style, but a 

weird and wonderful escapism that sparks imagination and creativity. 

Perhaps due to the pandemic, wellness tourism is booming with individuals 

looking to seek solitude and spirituality. Collaborating with world famous holistic 

experts, the wellness treats at Ballingdon House are designed to reconnect mind, 

body and soul overcoming the stress and exhaustion of everyday life. 

Last year, aesthetics power duo, Dr Aamer Khan and his wife Lesley Reynolds, cofounders 

of The Harley Street Skin Clinic, took the keys to the 1593 Tudor mansion 

and set to work launching their brand-new aesthetics clinic. Since, they have 

developed a fascinating programme of retreats including spiritual enrichment, 

gut health, men’s health, self-care, yoga and meditation. It’s also set to possibly 

become the first permanent home for couple’s retreats in the country. 

The spiritual enrichment retreats are hosted by celebrity psychic medium and 

healer, Lee Whyberd. Lee, who also runs the successful Lee Wellness clinic in 

Dubai, provides a mix of meditation, reiki and psychic readings to improve mental 

and physical wellbeing. 

58

How much does it cost? 

A two-day wellness retreat costs 

£500 per person. However, local 

accommodation needs to be booked 

elsewhere. 

Eco-lodges are expected to arrive on 

the site soon. A two-day retreat in an 

eco-pod will cost £625 per person. 

Day retreats also available. 

For more information visit 

Ballingdonhall.co.uk. 

The retreat 

During my visit, Lee led me on a journey of meditation and 

spiritual guidance. Day-to-day, my mind is a daily mash of 

deadlines, chores, finances and meetings. Through a mix 

of workshops such as psychic art, meditation and readings, 

Lee helped declutter my mind of irrelevant problems and 

positively changed my mindset and outlook. 

Additional therapies such as bio-well assessment are also 

on offer. Using bio-photonic energy emissions via each 

finger, it maps information about organs and systems in the 

body. Ultimately helping you focus on areas of concern. 

Lucia Light Therapy, a transcendental experience 

using a light machine, was recommended for me to 

restore hormone balance. Said to tap into the third eye, 

the experience provides a deep meditation effect. A 

kaleidoscope of colours flashed in front of my mind; an 

ever-changing palette of colour and patterns. I dreamily felt 

transported to a different realm. A strange but fascinating 

experience. 

Finding your inner goddess and past-life regression are 

also on the agenda. However, perhaps my favourite 

enlightenment of the retreat was colour therapy, a 

holistic holistic treatment dating back to the ancient 

Egyptians. Expert and creator of Colour PsychoDynamics 

methodology Mark Wentworth uses colour to help 

reconnect and remember our true selves. Colour Therapy is 

one of the many retreats taking place this summer. 

Celebrity status 

The opening wellness retreats have attracted the likes of 

Claire Sweeney, Linda Barker and Rustie Lee. However, it’s 

not hard to feel like a VIP here. Ballingdon Hall is grand and 

striking with original features that play homage to its history. 

The hosts are warm and welcoming, and the delicious food 

served at the impressive banquet-style dining table will 

have you feeling like a true star. 

I visited the retreat with an open mind. I left with it blown to a 

world beyond my reality. 

59

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60

Beach 

Written by Ruth Essex | ruthessex.com 

Style 

Confidence-boosting beach outfits for summer holidays 

Though we may dream of feeling the sun’s warmth 

on our skin, going to the beach can cause pre-holiday 

anxiety. What about my fat bits? Stretch marks? Small 

boobs? Skinny legs? Wobbly tummy? Well, let me share 

a style secret I learned from spending summers in Italy; 

the key to beach confidence is preparation. 

Treat going to the beach as a special occasion outfit, 

and plan ahead. Identify at least one, and preferably two 

of your best points. I will start. I have a defined waist and 

a good cleavage. There. Not so hard. 

Next decide on your least favourite part(s). You are 

allowed two points maximum here. Mine are wobbly 

thighs and a post-pregnancy tummy. Now, use this 

information to choose your best cover-up. 

Choose a short-length cover-up to show off good legs, 

and knee-length or maxi if your legs are not your best 

point. Select lightweight fabrics which won’t make 

you hotter. 

To emphasise my waist, I look for elastic to draw in the 

fabric. If you are straight-waisted or apple-shaped, you 

will be more flattered with your waist-shaping coming 

from the empire line, the smallest part of the torso, so it 

skims your tummy. 

With a beautiful décolletage, choose a scoop or V-neck. 

Boob-tube styles flatter smaller chests, and you can afford 

to have a few extra ruffles or frills at your cleavage. 

A wobbly middle can be covered with support swimwear. 

Choose an irregular pattern in your cover-up, as this style 

doesn’t give the eye any place to focus. A bikini is great 

if you love your tummy, with a sarong tied around your 

waist instead. 

Pick a cover-up colour that flatters you, and add flat 

sandals in your best metallic; silver for cool tones or gold 

for warm tones. A stylish beach bag should co-ordinate 

with your cover-up and finish with a wooden bangle. 

Protect your eyes with a pair of large shades and you are 

now both beach and beach-bar ready. 

Your figure may not be perfect, but no one’s is. Big or 

small, young or old, arrive in style and enjoy your day. 

Embrace your curves like Italian women do, and before 

you know it, you will be looking forward to unleashing 

your inner beach goddess. 

61FASHION

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Put a ring on it 

Weddings 

How to choose the right wedding ring 

Platinum is the perfect metal to show 

off a diamond. Being a white metal, 

it reflects the light back into the 

diamonds making them sparkle. 

Though ladies are looking for a 

little pizzazz, gents are looking for 

something classic. Platinum is a 

popular choice for many men due 

to its hardiness as it doesn’t weaken 

or misshape. We would always 

recommend looking at the profile of 

the ring and how that sits on the skin 

– your ring should be comfortable. 

Grooms can find choosing their 

wedding band hard because men are 

not used to wearing a ring. Yet 90% 

of our grooms take longer to choose 

their wedding ring compared to our 

brides and they enjoy the experience. 

The current trend is still very much for 

white coloured metal rings. However, 

platinum is more popular than ever 

before, as for the first time, platinum is 

cheaper than gold! 

If you are newly engaged, planning or 

re-planning the big day, selecting the 

right wedding ring is an exciting part 

of your celebration. Bedford based 

jewellers, Baker Brother Diamonds, 

share their advice for picking the 

perfect wedding band… 

When couples visit, we ask them 

what they do for a living and what 

they like to do in their spare time. 

This is important as it will make a 

difference to what precious metal we 

recommend for their rings. 

As a naturally white and rare precious 

metal, platinum has a purity of 95% 

compared to gold which is only 75% 

pure in 18ct. Platinum is a perfect 

choice for a ring that is to be worn 

every day as it is an incredibly hardwearing 

metal. This means it takes 

everyday knocks and bangs well and 

unlike white gold, platinum does not 

have to be re-rhodium plated. 

The unusually low price for platinum 

means many couples are buying their 

wedding rings now. Though they are 

not getting married for a couple of 

years, they want to take advantage of 

platinum being so affordable. 

This low cost is supporting the 

continuing trend of ladies opting 

for diamond-set wedding rings. 

For more information visit 

bakerbrothersdiamonds.com 

or contact 01234 352343. 

Baker Brother Diamonds is 

located at Diamond House , 

11-13 St. Peters Street, 

Bedford. 

61

Look Sharp 

The best cycling sunglasses and 

how to choose them 

Cycling has boomed in the UK in the past few 

years. If you’re one of those who’s been bitten 

by the bike bug, you’ve probably already 

invested in the basics such as a helmet and 

padded shorts. But, as you take your cycling 

to the next level, you’ll realise that long rides 

demand more and you’ll crave accessories 

that will provide optimum comfort and safety, 

whatever the conditions. 

Cycling sunglasses will be high on your list as 

they’ll protect your eyes from the elements as 

well as airborne hazards such as insects and 

grit. When choosing glasses there’s a lot to 

consider – durability, comfort and, of course, 

you’ll want to look good too. With so many 

options on the market, we’ve selected three 

of the best to get you started. 

Ash Palmer of Melon Optics offers top tips for choosing cycling shades and talks us 

through the latest trends: 

What would you say are the main considerations 

when choosing cycling sunglasses? 

Top considerations would be fit, comfort, and optical clarity. 

You need to consider your face size and shape and find a 

pair of glasses that work for you. As you’ll be cranking out 

hours in the saddle you need to find glasses that won’t start 

to feel uncomfortable, so look for rubber contact points 

(nose and arm tips) and a lightweight frame. Optical Clarity 

will be the first thing you notice when you try any glasses 

on; a high end set of lenses by a leading manufacturer can 

change the world before your eyes and offer a pleasing and 

crisp view of what’s ahead. 

How do cycling sunglasses differ from regular 

shades? 

The main difference is the shape. Cycling glasses need to 

stay in place when you are moving around, when your head 

is tilted down, and when you’re glistening with sweat as you 

grind out the miles. This means the arms need to grip the 

back of your head more than a standard set of shades. They 

also often have a wider and overall larger lens than regular 

sunglasses, as they need to give full coverage to protect 

you from bright sunshine and small debris that may get into 

your eyes as you ride. This also means they have more of a 

curve than normal sunglasses so that they can stay close to 

the profile of your face. 

What are the latest trends in design? 

Oversized lenses certainly seem to be popular at the 

moment: big shields that some would say are inspired 

by the 80s are noticeable on many riders and make a 

real feature of the colourful lens options. They also offer 

practicality as they protect your eyes and give a view that is 

less interrupted by the edges of the frame which helps with 

focus as you ride. 

melonoptics.com 

64

MELON ALLEYCAT 

RRP: £130 

Alleycat, from relative newcomers Melon 

Optics, are designed to be comfortable from 

the moment you set off, all the way to the 

final climb. They’ve teamed up with lens 

giant ZEISS who’ve used their 100+ years of 

experience to produce a lens which Melon 

claims offer an insanely crisp and clear view. 

ZEISS lens technology for 

road or trail 

Light, flexible TR90 frames 

Low light lens in the box 

Customisable to match your 

style 

Free, no hassle UK returns 

Comes with hard case and 

microfibre bag 

Fewer adjustment points 

Maybe too big for those with 

smaller face 

OAKLEY JAWBREAKER PRIZM ROAD 

RRP: £185 

Oakley is known as the king of sunglasses for 

good reason and no guide would be complete 

without them. Their Jawbreaker Prizm Road is 

one of the most popular cycling shades on the 

market, worn in pelotons worldwide. 

Proven track record 

Prizm lens clarity 

Fully customisable 

Easy-to-change lenses 

Can use Oakley prescription 

lenses 

Adjustable at the temple for 

comfort 

No low light lens in the box 

Price 

RAPHA PRO TEAM FULL FRAME 

RRP: £120 

Rapha is a choice brand of many a 

discerning cyclist. Their high-quality 

range extends to sunglasses with 

the light, strong Pro Team Full Frame. 

Their ROSE (Rider Optimised Surface 

Enhancement) lens tech is designed to 

provide more contrast in broad daylight. 

Lightweight frame 

Wrap-around secure fit 

Interchangeable lenses 

Low light lens in the box 

Nose piece in two sizes 

Arm grippers for stability 

Slight peripheral intrusion 

from vents 

Too stylish for hardcore 

cyclists 

65

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Extend your outdoor living space 

with the latest interior trend: an 

outdoor kitchen 

Outdoor cooking is one of summer’s greatest 

pleasures. However, a burnt burger or sizzling 

sausage on the BBQ no longer quite cut it. Put your 

culinary skills to the test and impress your guests with 

our pick of the best outdoor ovens. 

An extension of the home, outdoor kitchens are 

the latest interior trend. Designed to withstand the 

temperamental British summer weather, the sleek and 

stylish kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. 

“Eat-in is the new eat-out, and 

outdoors is the in-thing.” 

Grillo Kitchens 

Ross Worrod, business development at Grillo, an outdoor 

kitchen specialist based in Cambridgeshire said: “Over the 

last couple of years outdoor kitchens and outdoor living 

has massively increased in both popularity and demand. 

More people are discovering the joys of cooking and dining 

outdoors and everything that an outdoor kitchen has to offer. 

“The social aspect of outdoor kitchens has played a key role 

within the growing trend. People are now looking far beyond 

a stand-alone BBQ that sits to one side of the patio – instead 

they want a social space that combines cooking, dining, 

and socialising. Eat-in is the new eat-out, and outdoors is the 

in-thing.” 

Grillo provides full solution outdoor kitchens, allowing 

customers to create bespoke designs to fit their 

requirements or to choose pre-designed outdoor kitchens 

which can be configured to suit individual needs. 

Ross added: “Our online configurator allows users to start 

either from scratch, or by starting with a predesigned layout 

and then editing aspects and configurating something to 

meet their needs.” 

Layouts start from £4,270. 

Best pizza ovens 

worth our dough 

If a pizza party is more your style, we’ve 

selected some of the best pizza ovens 

available to suit all budgets. 

FOR BEGINNERS 

Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, 

price £699 

If you’re new to the 

idea of outdoor 

cooking but are 

tempted to up your 

al fresco dining, the 

Ooni Karu 16 multifuel 

pizza oven is a 

good place to start. 

It has multiple fuel 

options for cooking 

versatility. Try your 

hand at 16-inch 

pizzas, roasted meats, 

seared vegetables or even fresh bread. The hinged oven 

door design with ViewFlame technology to boost visibility 

will help you keep an eye on things too! 

70

HOME&GARDEN 

Neo Outdoor Kitchen by Kettler 

Oxenwood’s Outdoor Kitchens 

For a one-stop fix to all your al fresco cooking needs opt for 

the Neo Outdoor Kitchen by Kettler. The model features a 

six-burner BBQ, beverage cooler, storage compartments, 

sink, tap and wooden chopping board. The kitchen is 

priced £7,499. 

Richard Searle, Kettler product manager said: “Due to the 

pandemic people had no choice but to spend more time 

at home, which has resulted in the demand for garden 

furniture and outdoor kitchens skyrocketing. 

Oxenwood offer the opportunity to create a bespoke 

outdoor kitchen to suit your space, style and supper 

requirements. Kitchens are crafted using solid premium 

grade oak and Belgian bluestone and grills are constructed 

in precision welded, premium stainless steel incorporating 

double-walled stainless steel to eliminate risk of rust or 

holding water. However, designing your own high-spec 

quality kitchen comes with a hefty price tag with bespoke 

designs starting from £21,275. 

“Improving outdoor space is more than just a convenience 

that extends living space – it’s one of the best investments 

we can make to increase the resale value of our homes and 

an outdoor kitchen is the ‘cherry on the top’.” 

Find out what Cambridge chefs 

love to cook outside on page 112! 

MID-RANGE 

ACR Stoves Vita Nero, price from £755 

This pizza oven is 

designed in Italy, so 

you’ll get a taste of 

authenticity. Pizzas 

cook in just minutes 

and the chamotte 

oven base gives the 

ultimate crispiness. 

Two colours are 

available including 

black and a red and 

black finish (Vita 

Rosso, priced £780). 

The pizza oven can also be used for roasting, slow cooking 

and a host of additional delicious delicacies. 

FOR BIG SPENDERS 

The Fontana Rosso Margherita Wood 

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For the pros among 

you, the sleek, stainless 

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garden cooking gadget. 

Featuring a fire floor 

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the pizza oven not only creates tasty pizzas but can 

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breads and desserts. The easily transportable cart 

version means you can pull it to the sunniest part of 

your garden for that Mediterranean vibe! 

71

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The best of Summer 

HOME&GARDEN 

Written by Ade Sellars | adesellars.com 

Having the right tools is essential for any gardener trying to make the most of their growing season. From a handy garden 

trowel to well-worn wellies, we all have our favourite brands. But, until you start using them, it’s hard to know which products 

are high quality and will last. So, to save you time, effort and money this summer, here are my top five gardening products no 

gardener should be without. 

1 – Greenhouse by Vitavia Greenhouses 

Vitavia are a family-run 

company based in Ipswich. 

Their quality and range of 

greenhouses have taken 

growing-your-own to a whole 

new level. With a greenhouse 

to suit every gardening space, 

these structures are built to 

last and come in at a very 

reasonable cost. Furthermore, 

their customer service team gives the consumer complete 

faith that not only do they care about your choice, but they 

also offer plenty of advice and aftercare. 

2 – Compost by Dalefoot Composts 

Good compost is the 

essential ingredient to 

growing strong plants 

and healthy veg. At a time 

when we’re much more 

aware of our environment 

and sustainability, Dalefoot 

Composts has been working 

hard to give the gardener 

what they need. Based in the 

Lake District, this husband-and-wife team have brought 

their surrounding environment and science together to 

create a sustainable, peat-free compost. It’s a compost that 

been blazing a trail, picking up awards as it grows. Using a 

blend of bracken and wool, it’s a compost that guarantees 

maximum results. 

3 – Ladder by Henchman 

Struggling to prune tall trees and 

harvest fruit? A sturdy ladder 

can make all the difference to 

a successful growing season. 

Henchman ladders produce 

a wide range of tripod ladders 

that are lightweight, stable 

and designed to safely work 

on uneven and soft terrain. 

Whether you’re a DIY-enthusiast 

or professional, this piece of kit 

comes in a range of heights, ensuring you’re never short of 

getting the job done. 

4 – Secateurs by Niwaki 

Whether you’re left-handed 

or right, Niwaki brings the 

very best in Japanese design, 

inspiring gardeners to do 

what they love, even better. 

With most of their sharp tools 

made from carbon steel, 

shaped to sit in whatever size 

hand, their secateurs give 

you a clean and accurate 

cut every time. These hand-forged blades can come with 

coloured handles so, if you drop your secateurs, they won’t 

be lost to the garden. Also, with accessories for tool care 

and a handy holster, they have thought of everything to 

keep the gardener one snip ahead. 

5 – Spade by Burgon & Ball 

Every gardener needs a spade 

and, for me, Burgon and Ball’s 

‘Groundbreaker’ spade is 

the only choice. Available in 

two sizes, large and small, its 

pointed, sharpened head will 

cut through the toughest of 

soils. With a breaking strain of 

100kg, it’s 82% stronger than 

the British standard. A mirrorpolished 

stainless-steel head 

coupled with its FSC certified hardwood handle gives it a 

traditional look. Furthermore, not only does it have a lifetime 

guarantee, but it’s endorsed by the RHS. 

Make gardening simple this summer and invest in tools 

that will not only last for years to come but will give you the 

confidence and skills to get outside and grow something 

special. 

Ade is a freelance presenter, blogger, vlogger, writer 

and multimedia producer. Whilst a garden presenter 

on the QVC Channel, he’s also a live speaker, who can 

host stage garden events. adesellars.com 

Both Ade and his wife Sophie run the blog, ‘Agents of 

Field’, which won the GMG Awards ‘Blog of the Year 

2016’. agentsoffield.com 

75

Internet Prices 

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The Arts Column 

Written by Collette Hoefkens | www.nortonwaygallery.com 

matter, his linocuts evolve through a process 

of growth. In Rob’s case, he is growing 

ideas that are seeded by observation and 

sensitivity. He is mindful of the land, noticing 

every blade of grass and cotton-tale! Ears of 

corn and ears of loping hares dart and play 

within the myriad of marks and coloured 

spaces. Strong and rhythmic black lines 

converge and entwine to form pathways, 

copses and borders. Among the gems, you 

will find the wonderful linocuts of renowned 

printmaker Rob Barnes. 

Reflection by Rob Barnes 

With summer nicely on the horizon, one starts to think of 

those lovely coastal areas around the Eastern region. Having 

visited Southwold a couple of times in the last few years, I 

was delighted to find a seaside town so full of art and crafts. 

With no less than three galleries and many speciality shops, it 

is a wonderful go-to destination. 

The Southwold Gallery is situated on the busy High Street 

and is a treasure-trove of light, colour, texture and pattern. 

Beautifully reflecting the land around it, the gallery displays 

a wonderful collection of watercolours, oils, sculpture, glass, 

jewellery, furniture and ceramics. There is a synergy of theme 

within the gallery and it is at one with this beloved Suffolk 

location. Children, beach huts, tractors, animals, flowers and 

sandy, golden shores adorn the walls and shelves in almost 

every possible media. 

Galleries are particularly important to 

an original printmaker such as Rob. 

The complexity and skill of his process 

often needs to be explained for people 

to fully appreciate the intrinsic, artistic 

value of his work. The Southwold Gallery 

do this particularly well, presenting him 

professionally on their website. In addition, 

they reiterate their understanding and admiration, on a daily 

face-to-face basis, with customers both old and new. 

The confidence and investment shown in permanently 

displaying and promoting Rob’s work enhances his wellearned 

reputation. Rob is able to leave his work with them 

and know that it is in good hands. 

When asked why he loves Southwold Gallery so much, he 

replied: “I simply take my work to them and they display it. 

Beautifully, I might add!” 

It is no wonder that the artists you will find here create 

work that is so full of joy and energy. With names such as 

Dee Nickerson and Stephanie Lambourne, the vibe is as 

industrious and uplifting as the town itself. It is a superb 

example of gallery and artists working and fitting perfectly 

together. This is of course no coincidence. The gallery 

will choose its artists carefully, making sure that each 

compliments to the others. 

Among the gems, you will find the wonderful linocuts of 

renowned printmaker Rob Barnes. Rob’s bold and exciting 

original prints, explore beautifully undulating fields and 

coastlines. His work is borne of hands-on cutting and inking. 

Warming his lino and using his specialist tools, Rob is able to 

feel as well as see his work steadily develop. Like his subject 

Field Runners by Rob Barnes 

Rob Barnes at The Southwold Gallery 

64a High Street, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6DN 

southwoldgallery.co.uk 

79

FREE 

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We hold stock on the most popular ranges of cookware and 

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not hold as a stock item at the time of your visit. 

If you ever need our advice we have well trained staff that are 

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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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On the Canvas 

Discover the latest art exhibitions in the region 

Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) “A Life of his Own” at 

The National Horseracing Museum 

The British Sporting Art Trust will present ‘Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) – A Life 

of his Own’ celebrating the life and work of Sir Alfred J. Munnings PPRA which will 

be exhibited at The National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket from 24 May – 

12 June. 

The exhibition comprises 40 paintings, watercolours and drawings spanning 60 

years of the artist’s career. Munnings was one of the most popular and successful 

artists of his generation and the selected works tell the story of his rise from his 

early years working in rural Suffolk and Norfolk to his election as President of the 

Royal Academy in 1944. Some of these works have never been exhibited before. 

bsat.co.uk 

‘Slaves of Fashion: The Singh Twins’ at Firstsite 

Colchester 

The exhibition at Firstsite, ‘Slaves of Fashion: The Singh Twins’ explores narratives 

around empire, enslavement, luxury consumerism, and the relevance of all these 

issues in our world today, through the colonial history of Indian textiles. 

Available until 11 September, the exhibition will showcase artworks by the 

internationally renowned artists, which focus on the relationship between 

Britain and India, hidden details of Europe’s colonial past and its legacies, 

including current debates around ethical trade, responsible consumerism and 

decolonisation and racism. Primarily known for their hand-painted work in a 

modern development of the Indian miniature tradition, The Singh Twins’ latest 

work combines traditional hand-painting techniques with historical archival 

material and digitally created imagery. 

firstsite.uk 

‘SHOWWOMEN’ National Tour comes 

to the East 

A spectacular new show from Olivier award-winning performance maker 

Marisa Carnesky, ‘SHOWWOMEN’ is a feminist rewrite: The untold herstory of 

British working-class entertainment from immigrant, queer, activist and occult 

perspectives. 

© sarah_hickson 

1940’s body magic star Koringa, 1930’s pioneer clown Lulu Adams, 1920’s female 

dare-devil Marjorie Dare and 1880’s teeth-hanging aerialist superstar Miss La La 

have inspired an exploration of lesser-known stories of extraordinary women in 

variety performance from a century ago. ‘SHOWWOMEN’ compares them to the 

lived experiences of exceptional performers today. 

Expect witchy collective going-ons in full leopard print, naked crocodile women 

scaling walls, ladders of swords, live hair hanging, never-ending pom poms and 

ectoplasmic clowns. ‘SHOWWOMEN’ channels entertainment heritage to create 

visons of new matriarchal performance futures. 

20-21 May at Norwich Arts Centre and 8 June at Colchester Arts Centre 

norwichartscentre.co.uk | colchesterartscentre.com/ 

81

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NORFOLK NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Top of the Books 

Norwich bookshop, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, 

has scooped the 2022 Independent Bookshop of the 

Year prize in the regional East of England category. 

Located on Timber Hill, the winner specialises in 

children’s literature and impressed the judges with 

its amazing hands-on activities and events for young 

book lovers. The bookshop is now in contention for 

the overall Independent Bookshop of the Year Award, 

announced at the British Book Awards ceremony 

to be held at Grosvenor House in London in May. 

bookbugsanddragontales.com 

George Clarke Debut Tour Comes to 

the East 

The live shows will include stunning audio-visual 

features as George shares tales from his childhood, how 

he was inspired to pursue architecture, and how he 

stumbled into TV – as well as talking audiences through 

some of the architectural highlights of their local area. 

Tickets on sale at ticketmaster.co.uk 

Too soon to mention Christmas? 

It might be summer but Pensthorpe Natural Park is 

thinking ahead to Christmas and is on the look out for 

the region’s best producers for its annual Christmas 

market – whether that’s food and drink suppliers, artists 

or craft makers. 

Pensthorpe is accepting stall holder applications until 

31 May 2022 and application forms can be found on the 

nature reserve’s website. 

Taking place on 27 November, the festive market will 

provide suppliers from across Norfolk the chance to 

showcase everything they have to offer – from delicious 

food and local produce to stunning crafts and beautiful 

gifts. 

Featuring pop-up stalls in a relaxed outdoor 

environment and music to set the scene, the 

Pensthorpe Christmas market is a popular event for 

shoppers searching for creative gift ideas away from the 

hustle and bustle of the high street. 

pensthorpe.com/event/annual-christmas-market. 

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke has laid the 

foundations for his debut live tour – preparing to share 

stories from a ‘Life In Amazing Architecture’ both on and 

off screen as he travels the country. 

‘George Clarke’s Life In Amazing Architecture’ will visit 

19 towns and cities this autumn, including a date at 

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on 6 October, Ipswich Corn 

Exchange on 7 October and Peterborough’s Cresset 

Theatre on 20 October. 

The tour will give fans a glimpse behind the scenes 

of George’s hit TV shows, including The Restoration 

Man, Amazing Spaces and latest venture, Remarkable 

Renovations. 

Norwich ranked 5th best night 

out in UK 

New research has 

revealed Norwich is 

the fifth best place 

for a night out in 

the UK. 

The study, from Get 

Licensed, analysed 

the number of 

venues per head, 

the cost of a pint 

and a range of 

safety issues to 

reveal the best 

nights out in Britain. 

84

Norfolk 

A university city with a thriving independent food and drink 

scene, it’s no surprise Norwich is creeping towards the top 

spot as great place for a night out. York secured the top 

spot, with Cambridge ranked eighth. 

New store openings at Chantry Place 

Three new stores have opened 

at Chantry Place in Norwich. 

Luxury fashion retailer group 

TFG London brings Hobbs, 

Whistles and Phase Eight to 

the city’s shopping mall. 

The contemporary and luxury 

womenswear brands will offer 

an extensive collection and be 

located on the upper ground 

floor at Chantry Place close 

to H&M. 

ChantryPlace.co.uk 

being a low fat and healthy meat and is often used as a 

replacement for beef or pork in everyday dishes. 

For a protein packed and leaner burger choice, try 

Gressingham’s succulent Duck Burgers. Reared free-toroam 

in barns on Red Tractor assured farms in Suffolk 

and Norfolk, Gressingham Duck® provides an excellent 

source of protein and healthy fat, as well as being rich in 

iron. Gressingham’s Duck Burgers are speedy to grill, fullflavoured 

and one of the leanest meats you can eat. 

Gressingham’s Turkey Burgers are available in Lidl stores, 

RRP £2.99 for a pack of 4. The duck burgers are available 

from Tesco, RRP £3. gressinghamduck.co.uk 

Two Norfolk Restaurants Awarded AA 

Rosettes 

Fee Fi Fo Fun 

Norwich Theatre Royal has announced Jack & the 

Beanstalk as its 2022 Christmas pantomime, taking place 

10 December 2022 to 7 January 2023. 

Jack & the Beanstalk tells the story of hero Jack who swaps 

his family’s cow for a bag of magic beans. By climbing the 

beanstalk of the beans he planted he finds himself on a 

GIANT adventure! 

The show will be jam-packed full of slapstick comedy, 

laugh-out-loud gags, outrageous costumes, dazzling song 

and dance numbers and plenty of chances to cheer, boo 

and hiss. 

norwichtheatre.org/ 

Food & Drink 

Up Your BBQ Game 

Fed up with the 

usual beef burgers 

come BBQ season? 

Gressingham Foods 

have created two 

new healthy options 

that are lower fat, 

higher protein and 

iron-rich. 

Gressingham’s 

Turkey Burgers are a 

fantastic alternative 

to alternative to 

higher fat barbecue 

fare. Turkey is 

renowned for 

The Dial House, Reepham and The Ingham Swan, Stalham 

have been awarded three prestigious AA Rosettes. 

The AA announced its 2022 Rosette Award winners this 

spring, recognising the restaurants achieving the highest 

culinary standards in the UK. Two Norfolk restaurants were 

among 15 restaurants nationwide to be awarded three AA 

Rosettes. 

thedialhouse.org.uk | theinghamswan.co.uk 

New Owner for The Lawns in Holt 

Chestnut, East Anglia’s fastest growing hospitality brand, 

has announced the acquisition of The Lawns in Holt as its 

latest addition of pubs and inns. 

The new acquisition is part of an ambitious three-year 

plan, with the first year alone bringing four new inns to the 

collection, the addition of over 80 new team members 

and year on year revenue growth of 150%. The new sites, 

all in regional tourism hotspots, include The Feathers and 

The Maltings in North Norfolk, The Carpenters Arms near 

Cambridge and The Lawns – its latest acquisition in Holt. 

chestnutgroup.co.uk 

85

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Norfolk 

Secret 

Norfolk 

Kayaking 

the length of 

the Broads 

Getting up close and personal with 

the Norfolk Broads Waterways 

Written by Mauro Solive 

When I unfolded the map on the table, it became 

immediately apparent that the best way to explore 

the Broads was to follow the intricate network of 

canals and rivers that makes this area one of the most 

extraordinary landscapes in the country. What better 

way to do so than gliding silently on the water in a 

kayak, in harmony with nature and in close proximity 

with this unique environment? 

As I wanted this to be part of my broader project of 

traversing, solo and unsupported, all UK National 

Parks by human powered means, I had to be 

completely self-sufficient, packing a tiny tent in, 

rations for the journey and be prepared for minimal. 

comfort for a few days. This was my first microexpedition 

in a kayak, which added excitement and a 

sense of adventure to the trip. 

A further look at the map revealed that starting in 

Geldeston and arriving in Dilham would cover the 

widest part of the Norfolk Broads National Park, 

crossing it from South to North in its entirety. The 

route, with a total distance of 96 miles, was a great 

opportunity to explore most of the Rivers Waveney, 

Bure and Ant. 

Immersed in nature 

To fully enjoy the sense of solitude and the contact 

with nature that I was seeking, I decided to wait until 

autumn, the off-peak season, and be prepared to face 

whatever the weather would throw at me. And so 

it was that on a cold and rainy day in mid-October I 

pushed out into the water hoping that, at some point, 

the weather would improve. 

The banks of the River Waveney were dense with 

tall reeds, limiting my view to the sinuous ribbon of 

water stretching in front of me, with the occasional 

church tower or windmill appearing above the 

vegetation to signal the proximity of a village. Old 

drainage windmills were especially abundant; 

88

Norfolk 

picturesque features 

providing welcome 

reference points to mark 

my progress. Despite the 

incessant drizzle, I was 

enjoying myself, taking 

pleasure in the rhythmic 

movement of the paddle 

and the beauty of the 

surroundings. 

With daylight fading 

quickly, I took advantage 

of an easy landing to stop 

and camp for the night. 

The following morning I 

set off early, determined 

to cover a greater 

distance on my second 

day. The sky remained 

grey and dark but, at last, the drizzle had stopped. Just as 

planned, in the late afternoon I arrived at the entrance of 

Breydon Water, where I prepared to bivouac for the night. 

The end in sight 

Once more I left at first light. Despite the glorious 

sunset, the weather had turned to rain again but 

I could see breaks in the clouds in the distance, 

enticing me to paddle ahead until I finally found the 

perfect spot for my last camp, not far from the final leg 

of my journey, the River Ant. 

Another half-day of paddling and, sooner tan 

expected, my destination was in view. I had made it. 

I was wet, tired, in desperate need of a shower and a 

hot meal but I was really happy to have experienced 

such an adventure and accomplished a full traverse of 

the Norfolk Broads National Park. 

Embracing the challenge 

I was now at a crucial point on the route. Breydon Water is 

a large open expanse compared to the relative safety of the 

river. The banks are far away, strong headwinds give rise 

to some waves and, if that wasn’t bad enough, the area is 

famous for its ripping tidal currents. 

At dawn, I left the safety of the bank with a bit of trepidation 

and, before I realised, I was in the thick of it. Now it was 

a matter of putting all my energy into keeping a steady 

speed to help cut across the waves and glide over the 

whirls generated by the currents. Most of all, despite having 

practised self-rescue techniques, I didn’t want to capsize 

here. 

The most treacherous part was right at the end, with huge 

whirlpools barring the way. Luckily, I had enough strength 

left in me to push through this section and, with relief, enter 

the mouth of the River Bure. All was calm and peaceful 

again; I was exhilarated but exhausted. I dragged the kayak 

over a muddy bank and decided to call it a day. With the 

tent up, I enjoyed a spectacular sunset while savouring the 

first hot brew since morning. 

FUNDRAISING 

So far, Mauro has completed four other National 

Park traverses, by foot and bike, raising nearly 

£3,000 for various charities related to cancer. He 

plans to cross three other National Parks this year. 

If you are interested in Mauro’s adventures, he 

frequently posts on social media platforms (search 

‘Mauro Solive’), where you will find a link to his 

fundraising page. His chosen charity for 2022 is 

Stand Up 2 Cancer 

justgiving.com/fundraising/mauro-solive 

89

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Norfolk 

Benedict’s Street 

The street now has an avenue of designated screened 

off-road paving. Here you will find Don Txoko, Benedict’s, 

Haggle, Sahara and Farmyard. There’s also street seating at 

The Wallow and Café 33, both on Exchange Street. 

Out of the City 

Head slightly out of the city centre and you’ll find these 

summer gems. There’s parking nearby… 

Connaught Kitchen 

80 Connaught Street 

A golden triangle café with a corner plot patio seating area 

and umbrellas – it’s a sun trap. Perfect for early evening 

gourmet pop-ups. 

connaughtkitchen.co.uk 

Norwich Eats 

Where to dine al 

fresco in the city 

this summer 

Written by Zena Leech-Calton 

lovenorwichfood.co.uk 

Pre-Covid there was only 20 per cent of the outdoor 

seating, drinking and eating areas we now have in Norwich. 

The city has certainly opened up its al fresco spaces so we 

can spill on to the streets and enjoy the short spells of city 

sunshine. 

I have selected popular locations to enjoy al fresco drinks 

with friends this summer: 

Roof Top Bars 

Roof Top Gardens 

Union Building, 51-59 Rose Lane 

This bar has the biggest outside space in Norwich with 

lovely views of the cathedral. 

rooftopgardens.co.uk 

Gonzo’s 

68 London Street 

A roof top bar with cosy areas, occasional DJs, cocktails 

and food. 

gonzostearoom.com 

Urban Lounge 

31 Magdalen Road 

Ideal for brunch, lunch and evening cocktails complete 

with a patio area. 

urbanbull.uk 

Nourish Café 

81b Grove Road 

Serving wholesome food created using organic ingredients, 

the café has a good-sized lovely al fresco seating area. 

nourish.norwich.cafe 

Sweet Tree Patisserie 

5 Saint Johns Close 

This little patisserie serves tasty bakes, classic lunches and 

pizza slices. It has a garden out the back too. 

facebook.com/SweetTreePatisserie 

Cocktails in the City 

I couldn’t talk about al fresco dining without mentioning 

some of the great cocktail bars we have in the city – a 

summer cocktail is a must. 

Tipsy Jar 

8 Redwell Street 

The newest and my favourite, offering delicious cocktails 

and shake your own cocktail jars for two. 

tipsyjar.co.uk 

Chambers Cocktail Company 

14 Wensum Street 

Probably the most well-known cocktail bar in Norwich, with 

a long list of all the classics – they know how to make a 

good dirty martini. 

chamberscocktailcompany.co.uk 

Gyre and Gimble 

14 Charing Cross 

The establishment has some street drinking space, but 

you’ll find the bar upstairs above a pub, with its own gin 

school and distillery. It features its own brand gins with an 

ever-evolving seasonal cocktail menu. 

gyreandgimble.co.uk 

91

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Norfolk 

The Royal Norfolk Show 

Wednesday 29 and 

Thursday 30 June 

The largest two-day 

agricultural show 

in the country with 

700 trade stands, 

over 3000 animals, 

a packed grand ring 

programme, Norfolk’s 

biggest food and drink experience and hundreds of 

attractions.There’s something for everyone. 

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT 

royalnorfolkshow.co.uk 

BresSteam 

Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July 

Enjoy a fabulous weekend of Norfolk punkery at 

BresSteam. A celebration of all things Steampunk. A 

festival of the future as Victorians may have imagined 

it. Splendid costumes, creativity, imagination and 

invention. Amongst Bressingham’s magnificent 

collection of functioning steam engines. 

Bressingham Steam and Gardens, Low Rd, Diss, 

IP22 2AA 

bressingham.co.uk 

King’s Lynn Festival 

Sunday 17 July to Sunday 30 July 

King’s Lynn Festival, now in its 72nd year, continues 

to provide high-quality performances of classical 

music, recitals, choral performances, jazz, folk, talks, 

walks, exhibitions and films. The Festival features 

internationally renowned performers and uses beautiful 

historic venues around the town, including England’s 

largest surviving medieval guildhall. The Festival’s 

ongoing success has helped establish King’s Lynn as 

a festival town, and is especially known for bringing 

new compositions to audiences as part of its broad 

programme of music and arts. 

kingslynnfestival.org.uk/ 

find the clues to the quiz and collect stickers on your 

journey to find the way out. Hours of fun for all the family! 

Hirsty’s Family Fun Park, Hirst Farm, Yarmouth Road, 

Hemsby, NR29 4NL 

hirstysfamilyfunpark.co.uk 

Magic Of Thailand Festival 

Saturday 30 July and 

Sunday 31 July 

A two-day Thai 

Festival to 

experience the taste 

of Thailand this 

summer at Eaton 

Park is brought to 

you by Magic of 

Thailand, previously known as Norwich Thai festival. 

Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along 

your families and friends to feel a touch of Thai culture, 

where you can challenge your taste buds and feast your 

eyes on world class food and performances. Unwind 

with a traditional Thai massage and don’t miss the 

unique eating competition and Muay Thai boxing. 

Eaton Park, South Park Ave, Norwich NR4 7AU 

magicofthailand.co.uk 

Festival of Sport 

Friday 12 August to Monday 15 August 

Centred around a programme of core sports, Festival 

of Sport at Holkham Park, provides an amazing 

opportunity for kids to try new sports for the first time 

whilst also receiving expert coaching and learning 

new skills in the sports they love. Sports include rugby, 

hockey, cricket, football, gymnastics, netball, tennis, 

rowing, athletics, trampolining, boxing, archery, MMA, 

dodgeball and many more. 

As passionate advocates of their sports, our legends 

are so excited to be involved – with many even bringing 

their own families. Who knows, you may find yourself 

camping next to a World Champion or having a coffee 

with an Olympic medallist! 

festivalofsportuk.com 

WHAT’S ON 

Holt Arts Festival 2022 

Saturday 23 July to Saturday 30 July 

An annual week-long arts festival, which comprises a 

range of events, from food and theatre to music, fine art 

and more. 

holtfestival.org/ 

Summer Mega Maze 

Monday 25 July – 

Saturday 24 September 

Running for the whole 

of the school summer 

holidays, come and 

explore the giant maze 

made of maize. Get lost, 

Cromer Carnival 

Wednesday 17 August 

Taking place across three weeks in August, Cromer 

Carnival attracts thousands of people to the town 

every year especially on carnival day which falls on 

Wednesday 17 August. The Red Arrows are on the 

schedule for the 2022 Carnival 

Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EF 

cromercarnival.co.uk/ 

For more event listings in your county 

visit www.eastlife.co.uk/events/ 

93

Enjoy a relaxing staycation in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk 

countryside this summer and discover lovely Lavenham. 

Choose from five luxury rooms for the perfect romantic break and the chance 

to enjoy the finest seasonal produce crafted into our range of exquisite dishes. 

The perfect gourmet escape... 

Receive a FREE glass of 

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Quote ‘Eastlife’ when booking 

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to receive a free glass of 

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Only reservations booked directly with The Great House 

will receive a free glass of Champagne. 

Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid until 31.08.2022. 

Market Place, Lavenham CO10 9QZ • info@greathouse.co.uk • www.greathouse.co.uk 

01787 247431

Suffolk 

@Suffhoto / Ryan Newton 

www.suffhoto.co.uk

Suffolk 

SUFFOLK NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Behind the Curtain 

At over 200 years old, Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds 

is one of the most historic theatres in the East and, after 

a pause over 2020 and 2021, has recently re-started its 

well-loved Theatre Tours. 

The 90-minute tours give visitors insight into how 

integral the theatre was to society throughout history 

and explain how this fascinating building has helped to 

shape the history of the town and the lives of the people 

in it. See the stage and hear about how the theatre 

works behind the scenes with its array of staff and 

sponsors. The enigmatic tour guides will show visitors 

around the theatre from the depths of backstage up to 

the gallery and even allow them to stand on the regency 

stage itself. 

Tours are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 

book at theatreroyal.org/shows/theatre-tour-2022/ 

Be a VIP this Summer 

Discover Newmarket’s expert guides will take guests 

around areas of the racecourse that are normally offlimits, 

such as the Commentator’s Box. They’ll also share 

historic insights and racing tales and show anyone new 

to the sport how to read a race card, spot a winner, and 

the basics of how to place a bet. Visitors can relax on 

their own alfresco seats on the Champions Lawn. Set 

away from the crowds yet in the heart of the action, this 

premium enclosure has private betting facilities, cash 

bar and toilets, along with trackside views of the day’s 

racing. 

Price £65 per person, the tours begin at 12.15pm on 

specified race days and take 60 minutes, followed 

by an afternoon of racing action. Dates are available 

to book throughout June, July and August. Book at 

discovernewmarket.co.uk 

Bake Your Way to Happiness 

The Mindful Baker, a Suffolk-based company teaching 

mindfulness through the art of baking, has launched a 

new one-day course in the wake of the pandemic. 

The course, designed with busy professionals in mind, 

teaches meditation techniques as well as how to 

bake artisan sourdough bread and pizza. It provides 

strategies for coping with anxiety and stress, as well as 

practical baking skills. 

The Mindful Baker is run by Tim Leach, a lawyerturned-life-coach, 

who set up the business in 2020. The 

course takes place at Tim’s newly refurbished baking 

studio in the heart of Suffolk’s Constable Country. 

Courses start from £79 for a 5-hour sourdough course. 

themindfulbaker.com 

One to Read 

If you’re looking for your 

next read, add the ‘Red 

Road Green’, the new 

novel by Suffolk-based 

author, Jonathan Franklin 

to your booklist. 

Racing fans will receive VIP treatment on the new 

Champagne Lawn Race Day Experience from Discover 

Newmarket this summer. 

Guests will be offered a privileged peek behind the 

scenes at Newmarket’s famous July Racecourse before 

being treated to one of the best seats for a thrilling 

afternoon of racing. 

Between 1960 and 

1985, two million people 

struggled up Highway 

BR 364 into the Amazon 

in search of a better life; 

the largest migration in 

the 20th century outside 

war. In ‘Red Road Green’, 

Franklin brings these oftenneglected 

stories to life. 

The book’s white male protagonist, Bobby enters Brazil 

ready to impose his views. When he meets Idenea a 

brave young woman who has travelled with her family in 

search of a better life in the Amazon, he ends the novel a 

very different person, changed by the very environment 

he sought to control. 

96

Suffolk 

Food & Drink 

New Look for The Bell Hotel in 

Saxmundham 

Beales Hotels has taken over The Bell Hotel in 

Saxmundham, launching a new era for the historic hotel. 

Beales Hotels, the family-owned hotel group founded in 

1769, is set to open a hotel in Suffolk with the acquisition 

of The Bell Hotel in Saxmundham. The first phase of a 

significant refurbishment took place in spring. 

With plans in place for a phased sensitive but extensive 

renovation, the grade II listed building will eventually 

feature 15 appointed rooms and suites. Beales Hotels 

is working with local businesses; Cotton Tree Interiors 

in Saxmundham, on the fresh and sophisticated interior 

design, and Brooks Architects in Leiston, who specialise 

in complex renovations. The fully refurbished bar, 

dining room and lounge will bring together comfort 

and style that suits both leisure and business travellers. 

thebellhotelsaxmundham.co.uk/ 

The Beer Brand to Watch 

A brewery that 

launched just before 

the pandemic has 

increased production 

with the aim of 

becoming the number 

one beer brand in East 

Anglia. 

Bruha creates a 

range of clean, clear 

and crisp beers that 

have one single aim, 

to appeal to those 

aspirational beer 

lovers that want a 

modern but accessible 

premium beer they 

can enjoy every day. 

Launched by Rob Breakwell and Marc Medland in 2020, 

Bruha now brews 20,000 litres of beer a month in its 

brewery based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. 

There are three beers in the Bruha range, with seasonal 

beers launched throughout the year. Bruha’s range is 

available in 330ml cans, RRP £2, and in both cask and keg. 

bruhabrewing.co.uk/ 

Jubilee ‘Fit for a Queen’ afternoon tea 

Celebrate The 

Queen’s Platinum 

Jubilee at the 15th 

century Swan at 

Lavenham Hotel 

and Spa with a 

special ‘Fit for a 

Queen’ Afternoon 

Tea. To mark the 

occasion, The 

Swan’s pastry 

folk have created 

an afternoon tea 

worthy of a royal, 

treating you to some 

of the Monarch’s 

favourite sweet and 

savoury delights. 

Tempting treats will be presented course-by-course on 

bespoke Royal Worcester fine bone china in either the 

elegant Gallery restaurant, cosy lounge or flower-filled 

courtyard garden. The menu even includes a mini-Victoria 

sponge to take away and continue your celebrations at 

home. 

Available from Saturday, 21 May until Sunday 17 July, the 

menu, priced £25 per person, includes finger sandwiches, 

scones and a selection of specially created ‘royal’ cakes. 

theswanatlavenham.co.uk. 

On the BBQ 

For a healthy take on the summer BBQ, fire up the grill 

and enjoy Newmarket’s Powters Skinny Pig sausages – a 

premium low-fat sausage. 

Proving you don’t have to miss out on having a hot dog 

when sticking to a healthy eating plan, Powters Skinny Pig 

sausages boast less than 3% fat and are only 97 calories 

each, whilst still being packed with protein. 

Skinny Pig sausages are available from Tesco, Morrisons 

and Sainsbury’s. RRP £3.55 per pack of six. powters.co.uk 

97

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Suffolk 

Spotlight 

on Suffolk 

The best summer dog walks in Suffolk 

Are you one of the many who’ve added to your family 

with a puppy or dog in the past two years? It’s been well 

documented that dog ownership nationwide has boomed 

during the past two years and according to research 

by Discover Suffolk, the organisation responsible for 

promoting the county’s walking trails, we’re now walking 

25% further and for longer – and wanting to keep up the 

good habit. 

“Whilst walking has always been a popular hobby, one 

of the only benefits of the pandemic has been exploring 

more of what’s on our doorstep,” says David Falk, Discover 

Suffolk manager. 

Given that the county also has one of the highest densities 

of walking trails in the entire UK, as well as the oldest, we 

asked him to share his favourite dog walks in the county. 

Here’s his selection of ‘woof-walks’, from blowing away the 

cobwebs on our heritage coastline to the most accessible 

parkland trails with ‘loos and a brew’. 

Best for beach 

Suffolk boasts 50 miles of heritage coastline, often through 

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Where better to 

head to if you want to feel the wind in your hair, the sun on 

your face (if you’re lucky) and reap the benefits of Vitamin 

sea? Whilst you’ll need to keep dogs on a lead during 

the summer months, particularly in areas where birds are 

nesting, you can let them run free come September. Whilst 

Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Southwold all have tarmac 

paths to walk along, try the Suffolk Coast Path or the 

Sandlings if you’re wanting to really stretch those legs. Or, 

for a less visited coastal option, try Sizewell beach which 

has parking as well as a long expanse of shingle to romp 

along. 

Best for heathland 

The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural 

Beauty (AONB) is one of Britain’s finest landscapes. It 

extends from the Stour Estuary in the south to the eastern 

fringe of Ipswich and then north to Kessingland. Created 

in the Stone Age when people cleared the wildwood to 

graze animals, it’s now a magnet for dogwalkers year-round. 

While there’s a dedicated dog exercise area at Sutton Heath 

(where you can also park) dogs should be kept on a lead 

everywhere else in this precious landscape. 

Best for parkland 

With on-site parking, café’s and toilet facilities, heading to a 

local park with pooches is one of the easiest and most dogfriendly 

walking options there is. Most parks in the county 

offer a mixture of walking trails, from easy going and easy 

access, as well as some off-the-beaten-track, off-tarmac 

choices, too. What’s more, you’ll meet a whole host of other 

dogs and dog walkers en-route to make friends, whether 

two legged of four. Where you head to, though, depends on 

where you live in the county, from Brandon Country Park in 

the north of the county, which offers four walking trails (we 

love the tree-trail around the arboretum) Nowton Park, near 

Bury St Edmunds in the heart of the county which offers 3 

trails – the café offers dog ice-cream made from sausage 

100

Suffolk 

meat!) or Orwell Country Park near Ipswich, which offers 

several trails including longer circular walks from which 

you’ll get fantastic views of the Orwell Estuary and Orwell 

Bridge. 

Best for lake 

Alton Water, the largest reservoir in Suffolk, can be 

circumnavigated in just under 8 miles along an easy track 

and with parking and a café from which to walk. It’s gently 

undulating terrain, but some of the track is along sandy 

paths, so will be inaccessible for wheelchair users of those 

with pushchairs. En route, you’ll weave in and out of the 

shoreline, see wildlife such as birds and butterflies as well as 

kayakers and windsurfers out on the lake. For a shorter lake 

walk, again with parking and a soon-to-be complete café 

and visitor centre, Needham Lake is one of the most visited 

attractions in the whole of the East of England. Keep to the 

tarmac path for a 1/2 mile lake walk or extend it to a 1.2-mile 

loop trail, stopping at Alder Carr Farm for refreshments. 

Best for forest 

Just a few miles from Woodbridge and situated in an Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rendlesham Forest is the 

most popular place for forest dog walks in Suffolk. There 

are three ‘official’ trails to choose from of varying length 

and terrain includes forest floor, grassy paths and sandy, 

dirt trails. You can also allow your dog off the lead. Head to 

the main visitor centre for parking, toilets, and also hot and 

cold refreshments. A shorter and arguably more peaceful 

forest walk can be found in West Stow Forest, near Bury St 

Edmunds where there’s a 3-mile marked trail. 

Want to know more? Discover Suffolk has just launched a 

new app which as well as providing access to Ordnance 

Survey mapping to help us explore the county more easily 

also includes a wealth of other information including audio. 

The app is free of charge to download and available on the 

App Store of Google Play. Look out for the QR codes on 

Suffolk pathways, too! 

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Suffolk 

Hidden Gardens of Bury St Edmunds 

into a world of dragons, creatures and unique 

characters. 

New for 2022, watch Valerian Dragons face off 

in the village whilst you enjoy music, stories and 

entertainment and find all the dragon friends in this 

family fun day out. 

You can enjoy arts and crafts, storytelling, circus skills 

and much more! 

weststow.org/whats-on/ 

WHAT’S ON 

Latitude Festival 

3 July 

Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LT 

There will be around 30 gardens open on the day and all 

of them will be in the town centre within walking distance 

of each other. 

The event gives people the chance to discover the secret 

patios, lawns, borders, vegetable gardens, greenhouses 

and much more besides. 

Some of these gardens have been tended for many 

generations, while others are only now coming to 

maturity or are still very new. Be prepared to be surprised 

and inspired. 

Tickets are available online or from 10.30am on the day of 

the event from the St Nic’s gazebo on Angel Hill. 

stnicholashospice.org.uk/contact-us/hiddengardens-of-bury-tickets/ 

First Light Festival 

18 & 19 June 

Lowestoft 

A free 24-hour multi arts festival in a beautiful coastal 

setting. Celebrating one cycle of midsummer sun setting 

and rising over the beach in Britain’s most easterly 

town. Highlights include the Sunlight Stage, Wild Beach 

Camping, First Word – a programme brings the best 

in spoken word, theatre, comedy, and story-telling to 

Suffolk’s sunrise coast, kite flying and loads more. 

firstlightlowestoft.com/ 

The Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink 

Festival 

18 June 

Melford Hall, Melford Estate, Long Melford CO10 9AA 

Enjoy over sixty amazing food and drink stalls all set 

outside in the gorgeous paddocks against the stunning 

back drop of Melford Hall. 

The selection of stalls will be a feast for the senses and 

the street food on offer will have your mouth watering! 

There will also be a selections of bars selling local craft 

ales, Suffolk lager and lots of fizz! 

21 – 24 July 

Henham Park, Beccles NR34 8AN 

Set within the stunning surrounds of Henham 

Park, cinch presents Latitude has been creating 

unforgettable memories for over 15 years. Let your 

curiosity guide you through the very best in music, 

dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, 

family activities and wellness. Your summer 

adventure awaits. 

www.latitudefestival.com/tickets/ 

The Suffolk Military Show 2022 

30 & 31 July 

Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Felixstowe Rd, Ipswich 

IP3 8UH 

The family friendly 2-day extravaganza will showcase 

the very finest selection of static military vehicles, 

multi-period living history re-enactment, arena live stage 

entertainment, military and vintage traders market, and 

quality food stalls. All the awesome stuff to make this a 

perfect day out. 

The Show will be the newest and freshest in the 

Military Show annual events calendar and contain 

everything from heavy military vehicles, spontaneous 

re-enactment, explosive battles, period specific display 

and RAF flypast. Not to mention the stage performances 

and guest star appearances by Herr Flick and Helga 

from the iconic hit series ‘Allo, Allo’! 

Displaying all eras from modern day warfare, to way 

back in history, the Suffolk Military Show will take you 

on a journey through military history. This Show will be 

the whole military package to experience. 

suffolkmilitaryshow.co.uk 

Dragon Fest 

25 & 26 June 

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Icklingham Rd, Bury St 

Edmunds IP28 6HG 

Dragon Fest returns for its sixth year at West Stow. This 

year, enter the Anglo-Saxon Village as it is transformed 



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Cambridge 

CAMBRIDGESHIRE NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Take to the Skies 

Aviation enthusiasts inspired by the maiden flight of 

iconic World War Two fighter aircraft, the Supermarine 

Spitfire, in March 1936 can follow in the flight path 

of legends via flying lessons through leading flying 

experience provider, FlyDays.co.uk. 

Widely recognised as one of the most famous aircraft 

of all time, the Spitfire will no doubt have inspired 

many people to one day climb into the cockpit. These 

opportunities are few and far between, but with FlyDays. 

co.uk, thrill seekers can finally take to the skies in what 

will surely be a once in a lifetime experience. 

Experiences are available at Sibson Aerodrome in 

Peterborough and Andrewsfield Aerodrome in Braintree, 

Essex, among other locations in the UK. 

Help Save Bourn’s Windmill 

The local community, mill enthusiasts and supporters 

have been working with independent charity 

Cambridge Past, Present & Future to save the country’s 

oldest windmill near Bourn in South Cambridgeshire. 

Bourn Windmill was found to be at risk of collapse in 

2020 when extensive rot was discovered in the beams. 

A fundraising campaign was immediately launched 

to pay for scaffolding to prevent its collapse. Once the 

mill had been made safe, building conservation experts 

have been working out how to fix it. The cost of repairs 

will be over £150,000. 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic 

England have both awarded vital grants to prevent this 

important heritage building from being lost. The public 

has also been generous by giving nearly £20,000 so 

far. Now, Cambridge Past, Present & Future is appealing 

to people to give what they can so that the repairs can 

begin. This is vital as the schedule of works will take six 

months to complete due to a painstaking conservation 

process using historically accurate materials. It needs to 

be completed before the first frosts in the autumn. 

The famous architect, Lord Norman Foster, has given 

his unreserved support to the project too. Donations 

can be given online cambridgeppf.org/Appeal/savebourn-windmill-appeal 

A Piece of Summer in your Handbag 

Summer just got more 

interesting. Weekends away, 

beach holidays and cocktails 

in the city will all come alive 

with the addition of the new 

Dr.PAWPAW Tinted True 

Coral Balm in your handbag! 

Loved by celebrities such as 

Emma Watson, the smooth, 

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completely vegan, 98% natural 

and armed with the awardwinning 

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Balm formula enriched 

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ingredients including papaya 

fruit, castor seed oil, aloe vera and olive oil. The perfect 

summer balm that will nourish and hydrate skin and lips 

providing the ultimate glow. Available nationwide at 

Boots, Superdrug, Waitrose and Sainsburys. 

Keep on Running 

Good Running Events has announced that local charity 

Anna’s Hope will continue to be the charity partner of 

the 5K Fun Run at the Great Eastern Run. 

A popular fixture in the race calendar in 2022 and in its 

40th anniversary year, the popular Great Eastern Run 

will return this autumn and see leading club athletes 

and charity fun runners tackle a fast, flat route through 

the streets of Peterborough. 

Good Running Events and Anna’s Hope will be working 

together going forwards to grow the 5K Fun Run at 

106

Cambridge 

the event, which is the starting event at the Great Eastern 

Run, alongside the Wheelchair Half Marathon and the Half 

Marathon following afterwards. 

Food & Drink 

On 16 October, the event will kick off with the Anna’s Hope 

5K Fun Run at 10am, before the Wheelchair Half Marathon 

at 10.25am and Half Marathon at 10.30am.Entries are now 

open for all distances within the Great Eastern Run– and 

runners can register via greateasternrun.co.uk 

Fellows House Unveils Townhouses 

Market House Opens in Cambridge 

Market House, Cambridge will open its doors in the historic 

Market Square in May, following on the legacy left by the 

much-missed Don Pasquale restaurant. 

Spread over five floors, the dining and meeting space offers 

an all-day cafe, a more formal restaurant for breakfast, lunch 

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

meeting spaces. 

The menu reflects the cultural connections that Market 

House stems from, with modern British dishes sitting 

alongside Asian-influenced plates. On the drink front, 

crafted wines, gins, beers, locally-roasted coffee and a 

diverse list of teas will be on offer. Market House’s carefully 

designed menu will allow the hand-selected, predominantly 

local, ingredients to shine. markethouse.co.uk 

Live music at NOVI 

The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, 

has unveiled its luxury townhouse collection – The Fellows 

House Mews – to encourage a new generation of long and 

mid-term guests to make the area their home. 

With minimum stays of just two-nights and tiered pricing 

options, this collection of four thoughtfully crafted, threestorey 

townhouses are specifically designed for guests 

staying seven-nights or more. The new accommodations 

are ideal for those looking to reside somewhere where they 

can “Feel at home, Feel Inspired and Feel like a Fellow”, 

with each townhouse dedicated to a Fellow of Cambridge 

and uniquely styled and decorated in homage of their 

namesakes: Ramakrishnan, Burbidge, Desai and Appleton. 

NOVI have relaunched its 

live music on Thursday 

nights. The action kicks off 

from 9.30pm until midnight. 

The ticketed events can 

be booked online. Keep 

an eye out for names 

to be announced soon. 

novicambridge.co.uk 

Wagamama’s most popular dish gets a 

summer makeover 

Prices for The Fellows House Mews start from £180 per 

night excluding VAT based on a min stay of 90 nights room 

only. tfhmews.com/ 

Cambridge Most Enterprising City 

Cambridge has taken the top spot as Europe’s most 

enterprising city. The new Enterprising Cities Index by 

takepayments, ranks European cities based on a range of 

factors relating to enterprise opportunity and growth. 

The research reveals Europe’s most enterprising cities by 

calculating a city score which is based on the number of 

start-up procedures required to start a business, number 

of days required to start a business, new businesses 

registered, percentage growth in interest in starting a 

business on google and economic freedom index score 

2022 (national level). 

The city saw high scores across all five categories, never 

falling outside of the top nine. Cambridge saw a 40% 

increase in the number of people searching for advice on 

how to start a business over the past year, the secondhighest 

increase in the research. The city’s links to London 

and a world-class university contribute to making it a prime 

location for enterprising businesses. 

A fan of wagamama’s chicken katsu curry dish? Check out 

its latest summer menu which includes a salad version of 

one of the restaurant’s most ordered dishes. 

The all-time favourite curry has been given a summer 

makeover to produce a lighter, lower calorie meal. Coming 

in at 578 kcal, the chicken katsu salad features chicken in 

crispy panko breadcrumbs, edamame beans, pickled asian 

slaw, pea shoots, Japanese pickles, red chillies and a side 

of curried salad dressing. There is also a tempeh (soybeans) 

version of the katsu salad. 

The launch of the summer menu also sees the return of 

permanent menus with wagamama’s extensive vegan 

options now on the same menu. 

Wagamama, 36a St Andrew’s St, Cambridge CB2 3AR 

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the revolutionary computer scientist 

Alan Turing and is made up of 180 

stylish apartments which each feature 

Locke’s signature fully fitted kitchens, 

living and dining space – ideal for 

extended stay guests. 

The aparthotel also includes Kota; an 

all-day kitchen and bar, cocktail bar, 

coffee shop, retail space, co-working 

area, gym, meeting and events 

space for up to 150 guests, along 

with a seasonal rooftop terrace and 

landscaped courtyard. 

The Interiors 

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning 

architects dRMM and interiors by 

the globally renowned design firm 

AvroKO’s London studio, Turing 

Locke takes design cues from 

Cambridge’s avant-garde movements. 

The aparthotel combines mid-century 

design choices with modernist 

standouts all set against a calm and 

cosy colour palette of greens, pinks 

and teal. 

Our two-bedroom apartment was 

super spacious with a fabulous 

kitchen area, low profile sofa with 

huge TV and an amazing outside 

terrace that stretched across the two 

bedrooms. The bedrooms were great 

Cambridge Scene 

An eco-stay 

at Turing 

Locke 

spaces too with large wardrobes, floor 

to ceiling mirrors and a fabulous walkin 

shower with on trend Aesop bath 

and shower goodies. 

Explore 

We decided to take the bus into 

the centre of Cambridge. There is 

a park and ride service close to the 

building or you can take the U bus 

which serves the whole of the famous 

university city and costs just £3 for a 

day ticket. 

Food and Drink 

Our evening at Turing Locke began 

with delicious botanical-infused 

cocktails: our waiter Ricardo was 

super attentive and the fruity Guava 

Colada and Jinzu Sour with lychee 

syrup were to die for. 

Kota expands across three areas of the 

building and as well as the extensive 

cocktail list offers fabulous craft beers 

and is quickly becoming a go-to for 

boozy brunches and light bites. 

Our starters were Jerusalem artichoke 

with pickled blackberries and a 

heavenly beetroot and gin cured 

Chapel & Swan smoked salmon, both 

beautifully presented. For mains we 

had the innovative butternut squash, 

leek and chestnut wellington and the 

grilled catch of the day served with 

the signature Kota Kachumber. We 

shared a dreamy booze-infused Saint 

Espresso Cambridge burnt cream 

dessert before yummy cappuccinos 

and a nightcap of Cointreau. 

Located in Eddington, this new 

urban area provides new homes, 

green spaces and amenities, all with 

sustainability in mind including an onsite 

renewable energy source and 200 

cycling spaces. The site is delivered 

by the University of Cambridge for 

people to live, learn and socialise 

in and I’m sure Turing Locke is set 

to be real go-to for people visiting 

Cambridge for years to come. 

To book visit lockeliving.com/en 

111

The Cambridge Foodie; 

The newest cooking trend 

is not just for summer 

Written by Gerla de Boer | www.cbtravelguide.co.uk 

Feeling 

inspired to cook al 

fresco? Check out our 

top pick of outdoor 

kitchens on page 70! 

112

Cambridge 

There is something about outdoor cooking which is hard to beat. Whether it’s slow-cooked meat, fish 

slathered with a delicious sauce, or tasty vegetables, cooking over fire takes food to a different level, 

but there is also something cosy about it. Gathering around a fire, watching the flames do their job, and 

enjoying the conversation is not only for the summer months but for any time of the year. 

Outdoor cooking has evolved over the years. Many people moved on from the traditional sausages, 

burgers and chicken wings to the American style of cooking known as smokehouse style cuisine, 

influenced by BBQ restaurants and cookery programmes. 

There is no doubt that the pandemic has been a tough time for us, but it also had some positive side 

effects. Missing the visits to restaurants and pubs, the Brits experimented with recipes and cooking 

styles at home. Al fresco dining not only became a trend but turned into a way of eating to stay, with 

sales in the barbecue market rocketing. 

My love for cooking 

My love of cooking over a fire started when I lived in Cape Town over 20 years ago. I loved 

experimenting with different flavours, putting my hand to cooking a three-course meal in a woodfired 

oven, and taking inspiration from the local produce, spices and resources. However, after moving 

to England, trying to carry on was challenging. Not only because of the lack of good weather, but 

resources too. It has taken a while but finally, times have changed and the UK’s range of available 

equipment for outdoor cooking is endless these days. 

I love cooking outside as it allows you to use cooking styles which you can’t use in a domestic kitchen, 

such as smoking, slow cooking over a fire or making the perfect pizza. Of course, you can bake a pizza 

in a domestic oven but the woodfired oven gives the pizza that traditional crust which is hard to replicate 

in an electric oven. 

What do you need for the perfect outdoor cooking experience? 

I love my Big Green Egg for slow-cooked and barbecued food, but there are many alternatives. The 

traditional barbecues have evolved, giving you a similar experience, or you can opt for a fire pit which 

is brilliant for cooking and entertaining. Adding a spit to your equipment is highly recommended for the 

extra fun and makes it much easier to control your cooking. Pizzas can be cooked on all of them, but the 

heat only comes from the bottom and you will lose it as soon as you lift the lid. 

Pizza ovens have become very popular. The gas fired ones are very user-friendly as they are easy to 

light. However, it is more difficult to control the heat and it might result in burning your pizza. If you are 

looking for the ultimate pizza experience, it’s the woodfired oven you want. To create the perfect pizza, 

you need the heat from the bottom for a crispy bite and flames from the side for the crunchy rim. 

Keen to put your hand to smoking meat, fish or cheese? Dedicated smoke ovens give the best results. 

You don’t need to go over the top. ProQ has an excellent affordable alternative which I use myself. 

Controlling the heat is the key to success. I have gone through many pieces of kit, but my two favourite 

thermometers are the one from Salter by Heston Blumenthal and the absolute ultimate is the one used 

by chefs, the Meater. 

Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to contact me for tips and advice @gerlafoodie 

113

Come & discover 

SWAFFHAM BULBECK 

SUMMER THEATRE 

proudly presents: 

‘THE MIKADO’ 

by W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan 

Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th June 2022 

Evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday 

matinée at 2.30pm 

Doors open 45’ before each performance 

The region’s favourite 

place to get outdoors 

and enjoy nature. 

Downing Farm, Station Road, Swaffham Bulbeck, 

Cambridge CB25 0NW 

Ticket prices Wednesday £9, Thursday £10, 

Friday and Saturday £12, matinée £8 

via our website www.sbsummertheatre.com; 

e-mail sbst.tickets@gmail.com 

or call 07708 577570 

On-site parking; facilities for wheelchair users; 

licensed bar 

For further information (not tickets) 

contact Ruth Dennis on 01638 730659 or 

by e-mail via the website 

Explore our beautiful Park and enjoy.... 

Outdoor Adventures • Paddlesports • Sailing 

Family Events • Camping • Cycle Hire • Boat Trips 

Nature Trails • Gift & Farm Shop • Park Cafés 

www.nenepark.org.uk | @neneparkpboro 

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire 

June 2nd-5th 

HM Queen Elizabeth II 

Platinum Jubilee Celebration 

We have a full programme of events for the Platinum Jubilee 

celebrations. Please visit our website for more information. 

June 2nd - St Mary’s Green 

2pm Town Cry 

The Proclamation 

5pm Musical entertainment 

7-8pm 

8-9pm 

9:35pm 

9:40pm 

9:45pm 

St Mary’s Church Bells 

City of Ely Military Band 

Piper plays ‘Diu Regnare’ 

Bugle plays ‘Majesty’ 

Lighting of the Beacon and 

Song for the Commonwealth, 

performance by Sing! Choirs 

Refreshments provided by 

the Rotary Club of Ely 

June 3rd - Palace Green 

and St Mary’s Green 

10am- The Grand Jubilee Food, 

6pm Drink and Craft Fair 

June 4th - Palace Green 

and St Mary’s Green 

11am Family Fun Day, Town Crier 

competition and Etheldreda fair 

June 5th - Jubilee Gardens 

10:30-11am Eel Parade 

11am- Garden Party Fun, entertainment, 

6pm food, charity stalls and Eel 

Throwing (not real!)

Cambridge 

Cambridge Club Festival 

King Charles Attacks Huntingdon – 

English Civil War Reenactment 

2 & 3 July 

Huntingdon Castle Hills, Castle Hill, Huntingdon PE29 

3TL 

Come and join Colonel John Pickering’s regiment of 

the Sealed Knot and friends to discover the events 

of August 1645 in Huntingdon. Explore the soldiers 

camp, learn about life in the English Civil War and 17th 

century and watch King Charles I and the Royalist Army 

attacking Huntingdon – will they capture the town? 

FREE drop-in event with displays running throughout 

the day on Saturday and Sunday. 

WHAT’S ON 

10 – 12 June 

Childerley Orchard, Cambridge 

Experience the world’s biggest pop, disco, funk, soul and 

R&B legends bringing the boogie to the Main Stage. Find 

your dancing feet in a music tent with a fun-focussed 

philosophy: The Discovery Den. 

Stumble upon comedy, talks and live podcasts in 

the unique Orchard area, The Auditorium of Intrigue. 

Enjoy family fun and educational entertainment in the 

Imagination Station. Stay over on site in the expanded 

campsite The Field of Dreams (with glamping packages, 

pre-pitched and self-pitch tents available), and party 

under the stars ‘til late – with the Party-Time Continuum’s 

after dark DJs playing under the Orchard’s twinkling 

lights. Gorge yourself on delicious street food and drinks 

across site. Plus chill out with wellness activities, yoga, 

and much more. 

thecambridgeclub.co 

Duxford Summer Air Show 

18 & 19 June 

IWM, Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR 

Fuel your senses with fast-flying, all-action aerobatics and 

spectacular sights in the air and on the ground. As well 

as a spectacular four-hour air show which will include 

the world class formation display team The Blades and 

daring aerial acts from the Aerosuperbatic WingWalkers, 

there will be a circus comedy and workshops with Fitup 

Productions. You can also get close to real life exotic 

animals with the team from Zoolab as well as enjoy a 

traditional steam fair and so much more. 

iwm.org.uk/airshows/duxford-summer-air-show 

The Big Weekend 

1 – 3 July 

Parkers Piece, Cambridge 

A full weekend of big-name performers plus local 

musicians, a French market, games, educational activities, 

fireworks, and lots of family-friendly entertainment. The 

Main Stage bursts into life on Friday night with some 

of the UK’s best loved and well-known acts. Saturday 

is family day and Sunday sees the Cambridge Mela, a 

celebration of Asian Culture, take place. 

cambridgelive.org.uk/city-events/big-weekend 

Ely Folk Festival 

8 – 10 July 

Stuntney Estate, Soham Road, Ely, CB7 5TR 

A bijou weekend folk and roots music festival that 

takes place near the wonderful cathedral city of Ely. 

The festival is an opportunity to listen to some of the 

best folk and roots acts in an intimate and friendly 

environment. With on-site camping facilities, a real 

ale bar, lots of kids activities, morris dancing displays, 

ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions, whether you 

visit for a day or the whole weekend, the festival is a 

sure winner for music and festival lovers of all ages. 

elyfolkfestival.co.uk 

Cambridge Folk Festival 

28 – 31 july 

Cherry Hinton Hall in Cherry Hinton 

Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running 

folk festivals in the world. Held each year since 1965 

it attracts around fourteen thousand people, many of 

whom return year after year. 

The Festival is renowned for its unique atmosphere and 

its eclectic mix of music, the best traditional folk artists 

from the UK and Ireland rub shoulders with cutting 

edge contemporary acts, the finest American country, 

blues and roots artists, acclaimed singer songwriters, 

famous names and world music stars. 

cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival 



115

NEW 

Introducing... 

The Chefs Table 

Discover the history of Channels Bar & Brasserie, while Head Chef Dan Pitts and his brigade 

take your taste buds on a one-off culinary journey through plentiful Essex right to your plate. 

The Chefs Table features ‘Menu 25’, inspired by family and childhood memories of Chef Dan 

and uses only the finest local ingredients sustainably sourced. The majority of our suppliers 

come from a 25 mile radius of our door, including our own Chef’s Garden and honeybees! 

£125 per person includes: 

Unique, one off 7 Course Taster Menu with drink pairings throughout 

Meet our Head Chef Dan while he guides you through ‘Menu 25’ 

Exciting surprises along your journey 

Availble Friday lunchtime & evening. Please allow 3 hours to enjoy the whole experience. 

Min. booking of four people, max. of eight. Booking requires a £50 non-refundable deposit. 

Find out more about this unique experience at: www.channelsestate.co.uk 

HOW TO BOOK: Booking can be made via EMAIL ONLY: brasserie@channelestate.co.uk 

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

Essex

Essex 

ESSEX NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Taxi! Uber launches Local Cab in Essex 

Uber has announced that it is launching Local Cab in 

Benfleet and Canvey Island enabling passengers to 

book a trip with a local taxi operator via the Uber app. 

Anyone opening the Uber app in Benfleet or Canvey 

Island will be presented with the Local Cab option, 

which connects them with local taxi operator ABC Taxis. 

Local Cab trips will be booked directly with the local 

operator, and all subsequent customer support will be 

provided by them. 

Since the company’s successful pilot of Local Cab last 

year, the product has launched in over 40 locations 

across the UK. 

Happy Feet 

A Havaianas 

store has opened 

at Braintree 

Village just in 

time for summer. 

However, there’s 

a twist, this store 

is two-in-one. 

Selling the iconic 

flip flops, sandals 

and slippers in 

the summer, the store will become a Happy Socks shop 

in the autumn. 

In preparation for winter and not forgetting the perfect 

Christmas gift, the Havaianas store will transform into 

Swedish hosiery brand Happy Socks for three months. 

Opening in October 2022, Happy Socks will sell its eyecatching 

designs inspired by everything from art and 

fashion to pop culture and foodie favourites. 

The Havaianas store is located near Nike on the centre’s 

South Mall. braintree-village.com 

Up & Away 

Tunisia’s flag 

carrier Tunisair 

has launched 

flights between 

Tunis and London 

Stansted. 

The country’s largest airline will operate twice a week on 

Mondays and Thursdays using an Airbus A319 aircraft. 

Flights depart Stansted at 5.55pm and arrive in Tunis at 

8.55pm, while the return flight departs at 1.50pm and 

arrives at Stansted at 4.15pm. 

The ancient city of Carthage in Tunis, and the 

Amphitheatre of El Jem near Sousse are among 

Tunisia’s many historical attractions. Due to its long 

Mediterranean coastline, it’s also a popular destination 

for beach lovers. 

Get Creative with Thrifty Crafts at ACL 

Essex 

Adult education 

provider, ACL Essex, is 

helping people upcycle 

and get creative with 

crafts. ACL Essex’s 

new range of creative 

craft courses helps 

learners save money 

and make the world 

a more sustainable place. Have you ever wanted to 

make your own clothes, re-upholster a beloved chair, 

or do woodworking and toymaking, but weren’t sure 

about how? Sign up to a range of creative courses and 

ACL Essex’s experts will teach you. Courses include 

upholstery, woodwork and textiles. 

aclessex.com 

Food & Drink 

Become a Wine Expert in your Own 

Home 

Want to impress 

your summer 

party guests 

with your wine 

knowledge? 

Look no further 

than Wine 

Unpacked, a 

wine tasting 

subscription. 

From the comfort 

of your own 

home, you can improve your wine tasting skills with the 

help of online tutorials accompanied by tasting samples. 

Each month, the team at Wine Unpacked curates a 

bespoke box which spotlights different grapes, styles or 

types of wine, including classics such as Chardonnays, 

Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs, with the aim of 

uncovering the key differences between them. 

Subscribers will receive the monthly box delivered 

directly to their door. As well as six fun-sized wines, 

recipients will find everything they need to begin their 

wine tasting journey, including a tasting notes card and 

access to online tutorials. Every box is accompanied 

by a video featuring Holly Willcocks, ex-Noble Rot 

sommelier and co-founder of Camden’s Half Cut 

Market. For the first box, Holly talks through how to taste 

wine before giving in-depth yet accessible information 

on each included wine. 

A one-off box retails at £35.95 while a threemonth 

subscription begins at £89. Available at 

wineunpacked.com. 

118

Essex 

On the Bookshelf 

Join the Club 

Thriller set on Osea Island, Essex is selected as Reese 

Witherspoon Book Club Pick 

This year’s must-read thriller, ‘The Club’ by Britain’s author Ellery Lloyd, is set 

on Essex’s very own Osea Island. Taking on the perennial favourite of the A-List 

– the private members’ club – The Club is a smart, savage and stylish thriller 

that goes straight for the jugular. Think Agatha Christie with a Soho House 

Membership card on a luxury private island, with a supporting cast of homicidal 

Hollywood superstars and a housekeeping staff with some very dark secrets. 

Both addictive and outrageously entertaining, this is one novel you won’t want 

to miss! 

We caught up with husband-and-wife writing duo, Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos 

aka Ellery Lloyd, the writers behind ‘The Club’ and 2021 smash hit novel ‘People 

Like Her’ to learn more about how Essex inspired the gripping thriller. 

What inspired The Club’s storyline? 

Collette: We wanted to do a classic, Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery, but 

in a setting that hadn’t been seen before. I was editorial director at Soho House 

for a few years and, even back then, a members’ club had always struck me as a 

great place for a locked room plot. 

The characters are asked to switch off their phones, do you think you 

could cope without a phone? 

Collette: That is actually inspired by 10 Downing Street! I had a few meetings there when I was 

working at ELLE magazine, and you are required to hand your phone in as soon as you step 

inside the building – it sits in a little mahogany pigeonhole until you return to collect it. 

Why did you choose Osea Island as the location of the novel? 

Paul: It’s a really unique, slightly eerie place. I think the main attraction though was the causeway 

– the idea that, if you time your crossing wrong, the sea can literally swallow your car whole. 

For the full 

interview visit 

eastlife.co.uk 

Why do you think Osea Island is so popular with celebs? 

Paul: It’s owned by a record producer, which helps. But I think the appeal is also the novelty 

– there are so few private islands in the UK, and the fact that there’s such an atmospheric and 

unspoilt one just an hour or so from the capital is mind-blowing. 

Did you have any exciting adventures on Osea Island during your research? 

Collette: We actually had a lovely sunny weekend with our four-year-old daughter, nothing 

murderous or unsettling at all. We did have a celebrity spot though – Stormzy was there 

recording an album! 

What is your favourite part of the Essex coastline? 

Paul: We absolutely love Wivenhoe – you can see why painter Francis Bacon kept a studio there. 

You write under a pseudonym, how did you come up with the name? 

Collette: I wish we had a better story, but we wanted a long first name and short second name, 

and it had to be unisex. 

How does it feel having the book selected as part of Reese Witherspoon’s book club? 

Collette: Incredible and surreal, especially as we had to keep it a secret for three months. We 

didn’t even tell our parents. And to be an instant New York Times Bestseller was beyond our 

wildest dreams! 

Reese is known for producing great TV series from books, do you think The Club could 

be a contender? 

The book has been optioned by a major Hollywood production company – but if we told you 

who, we’d have to kill you…and as you’ll see if you read The Club, we are quite inventive in 

thinking up ways to do that… 

The Club by Ellery Lloyd is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, published by Mantle £14.99 

out now. 

119

The Creek.pdf 1 23/02/2022 15:52 

Creek 

Restaurant 

Bar 

Lounge 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

A multi-award winning family run restaurant & bar set in 

a beautiful Grade ll listed building in Great Bentley. 

British dishes with European influence using only the best 

locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by hand picked 

wines to help complement your dining experience. 

2 Cocktails For £10 

Every Wednesday to Friday 6.30pm - 7.30pm 

CMY 

K 

Colchester CO7 8RE 

01255 317950 

www.thecreekgreatbentley.co.uk 

RESTAURANT OF 

THE YEAR 

"Where Quality & Freshness Counts" 

We're a small family run business, passionate about fresh, local produce and 

quality products and we want you to share our passion too! 

NS Risdon, a top quality traditional butcher is located in store. 

With full traceability his meat is superb. We also now have a cheese counter 

serving a wide range of British and continental cheeses. 

Something for every taste and occasion! 

Monday : Closed Tuesday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

Wednesday : 8.30am – 5.30pm Thursday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

Friday : 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday : 8.30am – 5.30pm 

Sunday : 10am – 2pm 

Café Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 8.30 – 4.30 

and Sunday & Monday CLOSED 

www.calcotthall.com 

Calcott Hall Farm Shop, Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9HS Tel: 01277 264164

Essex Eats 

Essex 

‘Your dinner isn’t rubbish’ 

Caterer launches top tips to keep your barbecue food waste away from the bin 

with leftovers, being savvy with your supermarket shop and 

taking fridge or freezer ‘shelfies’ so you can quickly and easily 

see what food you have at your fingertips. 

1) Plan ahead 

Begin by thinking about how many people you will be 

cooking for, who you will be cooking for, and what you 

are going to eat. When you know how many people to 

cook for, you can plan how much to buy. Remember that 

most people only take a spoonful of salads and potatoes, 

rather than full portion sizes. 

2) Love your leftovers 

Turn remaining barbecue meat into a week’s worth of 

meals – such as sausage sandwiches for lunch, a cheesy 

burger pasta or chicken and king prawn paella for dinner. 

Save time peeling more potatoes by using any left over. 

Barely-touched salads don’t have to go straight into the 

bin – prolong the life of your greens by storing them in a 

large container lined with damp paper towels and secure 

with an air-tight lid, keeping lettuce leaves and tomatoes 

fresh for longer. 

Top chefs have devised a host of handy kitchen hacks for 

home cooks to cut food waste ahead of summer, urging 

people to ‘stop feeding climate change’. 

UK households waste 6.5 million tonnes of food every year, 

4.5 million of which is perfectly edible – enough to fill 38 

million wheelie bins. 

With barbecue season approaching, it is easy to prepare 

more food than is likely to be eaten. Catering company 

Seasoned have come up with a series of top tips aimed at 

helping families reduce their food waste this summer, while 

saving money and doing their bit to help the environment. 

Executive Chef at Seasoned, Paul Yeo, said: “Saving food 

means saving money, but we all need to look at the bigger 

picture too. Reducing food waste is good for the planet, as 

it helps slow down global warming. It’s particularly easy to 

buy far too much food than necessary when cooking for lots 

of people. By using up every edible bit of your food, you’re 

helping to protect the environment for your children and 

generations to come.” 

Top of the list for cutting food waste is planning ahead to 

ensure all people have enough to eat, without having too 

much remaining. Other handy hints include getting creative 

3) Savvy shopping 

Create a list and stick to it! Use the ‘shared notes’ features 

in your smartphone and family members can add to it 

throughout the week when you run out of a particular 

product. Only buy what you know you need. Look for 

food with the longest use-by date and fresh foods that 

can be frozen – this helps if you don’t get round to eating 

them in time. 

4) Take a ‘shelfie’ 

On the day of your shop, take a photo of your fridge, your 

freezer and your cupboards as you leave home, so you 

have a quick reference to see what’s already in there as 

you tackle the aisles. 

5) Use it all 

We’re all guilty of only using the ‘prime’ parts of food but 

the other bits that end up in the bin are often just as tasty. 

Use the tops of your Pimms’ fruit to flavour table water 

and potato and vegetable peelings can be turned into 

crisps within minutes in an air-fryer while stale loaves 

can be rescued and turned into breadcrumbs or used in 

desserts. 

6) Invest in a reusable barbecue 

Not only holding a fire risk, the plastic and charcoal in 

disposable barbecues are often single-use and not 

sustainably sourced. Investing in a long-lasting barbecue 

will result in better food for longer. 

For further details about Seasoned visit 

seasonedevents.co.uk 

121

Essex 

Explore the Isles of Essex 

Pack your bags for an island-hopping adventure 

Article courtesy of Visit Essex | visitessex.com 

Essex has a 350-mile-long coastline 

and is second only to Cornwall for 

its length. However, did you know 

that Essex has more islands along its 

coast than any other English county? 

Visit Essex, the county’s tourism 

body, is keen to highlight the ‘Isles of 

Essex’, to encourage people to take a 

second look at Essex and encourage 

more visitors to its fascinating 

coastline. 

Mersea Island 

Probably the most well-known island 

in Essex is Mersea; cross the ‘Strood’ 

at low tide and enter a rural idyll, 

which provides the perfect backdrop 

for a British summer holiday. Located 

just a few miles outside Colchester, 

it’s famed for its oysters, which are 

landed daily before heading to top 

restaurants in London and Paris. Or 

pop down the Coast Road and enjoy 

the fruits of the oyster harvest in one 

of its beach-side seafood restaurants. 

All are well worth visiting to sample 

the freshest oysters straight from 

the sea. Mersea is also renowned 

for its colourful beach huts, golden 

beaches strewn with pretty oyster 

shells and country parks. 

Canvey Island 

To the south of the county lies Canvey 

Island, the fourth most populated 

island in the UK. Situated in the 

Thames Estuary, a stone’s throw from 

Southend, Canvey became known in 

the 70s as the home to the sounds of 

‘The Essex Delta’ when local bands Dr 

Feelgood and Eddie and The Hotrods 

hit the charts. These bands are still 

celebrated around the island with 

murals and plaques on bars, hotels, 

and seawalls. 

History pours through Canvey’s soul, 

the much-loved 17th century Lobster 

Smack pub, was the inspiration for 

the pub in Charles Dickens’ ‘Great 

Expectations’. The historic pub is also 

a great starting point to explore the 

island along Canvey’s coastal path. 

Ramblers will be led through salt 

marshes, meadows and golf courses, 

as well as a mix of heavy industry. 

Canvey is also home to a thriving 

group of oil refineries; the large 

metallic structures of industry 

predominate the southside of the 

island yet the coastal path offers a 

fascinating mix of wild and urban 

Canvey. Along the path check out 

the stunning Labworth café – a listed 

modernist building. Once in Canvey 

you’ll soon discover that there’s more 

to the isle than you thought! 

Foulness Island 

Foulness Island, just north of 

Southend, is the largest island on 

the Essex coast, but only has 160 

residents. Owned by the Ministry of 

Defence, Foulness has an intriguing 

military history but much beauty that 

belies its name. 

The island is a haven for birdlife, a 

fact underlined by the island’s name 

‘Foulness’ meaning ‘of birds’. It’s also 

a Site of Special Scientific Interest 

(SSSI); there’s mud flats, beaches, salt 

marshes and grasslands to explore 

and it provides a ruggedly beautiful 

escape from the bustling coastal 

resorts of Clacton and Southendon-Sea. 

Public access to Foulness is 

limited to between 12pm and 4pm on 

the first Sunday of the month, April to 

October and it’s well-worth exploring. 

Horsey Island 

The calm backwaters of Hamford 

Water near Walton-on-the-Naze, are 

home to Horsey Island. In Roman 

times the island had a salt works and 

122

Essex 

the ‘Red Hills’ on the island are the 

last remains of the ancient industry. 

The isle was also the inspiration for 

novelist Arthur Ransome’s Swallow 

Island in the childhood favourite, 

‘Swallows and Amazons’. Horsey is 

linked to the mainland from Kirby-le- 

Soken by a 0.6-mile-long path known 

as ‘The Wade’, which can be walked 

across at low tide. 

The island is managed by Natural 

England and Essex Wildlife Trust and 

permission is required to visit. The isle 

also attracts seal watching tours that 

depart daily from Harwich Quay from 

Seal Watching. 

Osea Island 

Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary 

near Maldon, has long been the 

getaway destination for the rich and 

famous. Pete Townshend of The Who 

enjoyed family holidays here, whilst 

from 2005 to 2010 it became home 

set-up to support the British effort. 

Today, Osea recently sprung to fame 

when it provided the backdrop for 

Sky’s series ‘The Third Day’ which 

starred Jude Law. Osea is available 

for weddings and events, whilst its 

houses and cottages are available 

to rent for an opulent night away, or 

longer stays. 

Two Tree Island 

Another paradise for wildlife is Two 

Tree Island, which was reclaimed 

from the sea in the 18th century 

when a sea wall was constructed to 

enclose the land. The island is now 

a nature reserve run by the Essex 

Wildlife Trust, and its mudflats and 

salt marshes are the perfect habitat 

for brent geese, curlew and short 

eared owls. Two Tree Island is close 

to the quaint fishing port of Leighon- 

Sea, and is open all year round 

with car parking spaces and defined 

footpaths. 

Northey Island 

To experience a real sense of 

wilderness, head to Northey Island. 

The isle is owned by the National 

Trust and you need to apply to the 

trust for a permit to visit. Once you 

have crossed the exposed causeway 

you can take in Northey’s bleak, yet 

stunning salt marsh landscape and 

fully understand why it’s known as 

‘the Wuthering Heights of Essex’. A 

circular walk winds you across the 

island and takes about an hour and 

a half. 

Read our review of 

‘The Club’; a murder 

mystery inspired by 

Osea Island, on page 119. 

to an addiction clinic, which helped 

many celebrities. Coincidentally, 

Osea was host in the Victorian era 

to a ‘home for inebriates’ run by 

Frederick Charrington, of the brewing 

firm Charringtons. Osea is currently 

owned by music producer Nigel 

Frieda, and in 2019 Rihanna hired the 

island’s Miloco Studios to record an 

album whilst living on the isle. 

Osea’s history is again one that 

saw action during the world wars. 

A torpedo manufacturing base was 

Smaller islands 

Some of the other Isles of note, that 

all share the classic Essex coastal 

view of big skies and stunning 

landscapes, are the RSPB reserve at 

Wallasea Island, Rochford, home to 

saline lagoons, salt marshes, wildfowl 

and three walking trails. Rushley, 

Cindery and Lower Horse Islands 

are all uninhabited with no access 

on to them, but make fascinating 

environments to either paddle or sail 

round. 

Essex offers some of the most varied 

and stunning coastlines in Britain. 

The Isles are a home to wildlife and 

provide the perfect place to ramble, 

sail, kayak or SUP around. This 

summer take a second look at Essex 

and explore its Isles. 

123

Essex Wildlife Trust 

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park 

A great place to visit—at any time of year! 

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

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

200 acres of reserve. 

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

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

• Check Facebook or the website for events, inc guided walks, children's holiday 

activities and birthday parties 

• Suggested donation for entry 

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

Registered Charity No. 210065 

Info: fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk 01206 729678 

essexwt.org.uk/reserves/fingringhoe-wick 

Facebook: EWTfingringhoe 

Protecting Wildlife for the Future and for the People of Essex

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Essex 

Foodies Festival 

17 – 19 June 

Hylands Estate, Writtle Gate Entrance, Chelmsford, Essex 

CM2 8FS 

A family friendly food festival showcasing national and 

local producers, with live chefs’ theatres, kids’ cookery 

theatre, artisan food & drink exhibitors, street food traders 

and live music. Enjoy a 90’s music throwback with music 

from Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe from Blue, Liberty X 

and 911, plus Scouting for Girls. 

hylandsestate.co.uk/events/ 

Sausage & Cider Fest 

5 August 

Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex 

The Sausage & Cider Festival will return to Chelmsford 

and a brand new home of Central Park, Chelmsford for 

a spectacular day of festival fun! 

Expect Ciders from around the nation, fruity festival 

ciders, weird and wonderful cider flavours, artisan 

ciders, craft beers, prosecco and more! 

Live music from the UK’s best tribute acts, live DJs, onstage 

games and eating competitions. 

sausageandciderfest.co.uk/chelmsford 

WHAT’S ON 

Colchester Food Festival 

25 & 26 June 

Lower Castle Park, St Peters Street entrance (Ryegate) 

Colchester, C01 1HL 

Set in Colchester’s beautiful Castle Park, there will be 

lots of old favourites and some new and exciting stalls 

and products to tempt you. Relax in the wonderful 

atmosphere of this much-loved festival where you can 

have a picnic, listen to the music, and stroll around the 

stalls trying some of the artisan produced local goodies. 

foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk/colchester-foodand-drink-festival/ 

Classic & Vintage Car Show 

1 August 

Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Halstead, Essex 

CO9 3DJ 

Featuring a huge range of vintage, pre 1940s classic and 

modern classic vehicles, this show is a must for all car 

lovers and the perfect way to spend a Sunday. 

Food and drink stalls will be available throughout the day. 

Picnics welcome and dogs on leads permitted (dogs are 

not allowed inside the Castle) 

hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events 

Clacton Airshow 

Festival of Wheels 2022 

6 August 

Trinity Park Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UH 

One of the best all action family motoring weekends 

on the show calendar, Festival of Wheels is one not to 

be missed! Visit for the Day or stay over for the most 

amazing four-day camping spectacle of speed, family 

entertainment, amazing vehicles, live stunt shows, 

shopping, live music, artisan food and drink and a 

whole lot more. A fun-fueled car show weekend for the 

whole family! The event is set in 350 acres at Suffolk’s 

finest venue with more to see and experience than you 

could do in one day so why not make this a trip one to 

remember. With four days and three nights of camping, 

there’s something for everyone with an intoxicating mix of 

entertainment from the big top circus, monster truck rides, 

wall of death experience and multiple live action arenas. 

motorshowevents.com/festival-of-wheels-carshow-ipswich-suffolk/ 

25 & 26 August 

West Greensward, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1XB 

Two days of thrilling flight displays and spectacular 

twilight flights (Thursday only) in the skies over Clacton’s 

stunning seafront as well as a host of ground events on 

the West Greensward! 

clactonairshow.com 

Brightlingsea Food & Drink Festival 

27 & 28 August 

This event will showcase the best local food and drink 

suppliers, alongside a great range of international 

street food, arts, crafts and gifts. There will be a real ale 

marquee featuring beers from local breweries, and a 

prosecco bar too if fizz is more your thing. Come and 

browse the market for some quality produce or relax 

with a picnic and listen to the music. With free entry for 

kids, bouncy castles and ice cream, it will be a feast of 

fun for all the family. 



127

Come along and visit Lee 

Valley Boat Centre at 

Broxbourne Valley Boat in Centre the heart at of Lee Valley Regional Park 

and Broxbourne experience in the a boat heart trip of along the tranquil parkland 

on Lee the Valley River Regional Lee. Whether Park you prefer to spend the 

day and or experience just an hour a boat on the trip river or enjoy a meal while 

cruising along the along, tranquil all parkland tastes are catered for. 

Situated on the River midway Lee. Whether between you Enfield prefer and to spend Hertford just off the A10 on 

A1170 the day where or just you an hour will on find the free river parking or enjoy opposite a the Boat Centre. 

For meal further while cruising information along, please all tastes visit are our catered websites: for. 

www.leevalleyboats.co.uk Come Come along along and visit and Lee visit & www.riverleecruises.co.uk 

Valley Lee Valley Boat Boat Centre Centre at at 

Call 

Situated 

us Broxbourne on 

midway 

01992 

between 

Broxbourne 462085 in the in heart 

Enfield 

or the email heart of 

and 

Lee leevalleyboats@btconnect.com 

Hertford 

of Valley Lee Valley Regional Regional Park 

just off the A10 on A1170 where you will find 

Park 

and experience and experience a boat a trip boat along trip along the tranquil the tranquil parkland 

free parking opposite the Boat Centre. 

parkland 

on the on River the River Lee. Lee. Whether Whether you prefer you prefer to spend to spend the the 

For further day or information 

day just or an just hour please 

an on hour the visit 

on river our 

the 

websites: 

river or enjoy or enjoy a meal a meal while while 

cruising cruising along, along, all tastes all tastes are catered are catered for. for. 

ated Situated midway midway between www.leevalleyboats.co.uk between Enfield Enfield and Hertford and Hertford just & off just the off A10 the A10 on on 

70 A1170 where where you will www.riverleecruises.co.uk 

you find will free find parking free parking opposite opposite the Boat the Boat Centre. Centre. 

further For further information information Call 

please 

us on please visit 

01992 

our visit websites: 

462085 our websites: or 

w.leevalleyboats.co.uk www.leevalleyboats.co.uk & www.riverleecruises.co.uk 

& l us Call on us 01992 email 

on 01992 462085 leevalleyboats@btconnect.com 

462085 or email or email leevalleyboats@btconnect.com

Hertfordshire 

Verulamium Park, St Albans

Hertfordshire 

HERTFORDSHIRE NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Paradise to rebrand as Hertfordshire 

Zoo! 

Hertfordshire is set to see a wild shake-up in 2024 as 

Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne revealed it will be 

rebranding as Hertfordshire Zoo. 

One of the most popular destinations in the county, the 

park has seen dramatic changes with new habitats for 

the animals such as Land of the Tigers and the Amazon 

and Beyond, as well as new attractions including World 

of Dinosaurs and Sun Bear Heights. 

Founder of Paradise Wildlife Park, Peter Sampson, said: 

“By becoming Hertfordshire Zoo, we want to establish 

ourselves as a zoo that everyone across our county is 

proud of. We will shine a spotlight on Hertfordshire 

as a positive beacon for animal welfare, conservation, 

and education.” 

Hertfordshire Zoo will officially launch on 1 April 2024, 

the park’s 40th anniversary, and begin an exciting new 

chapter in the zoo’s history. With less than two years 

to go, the park will be releasing updates on its website 

and across social media in the build-up to this exciting 

change, not only for the zoo but the whole county. 

pwpark.com 

The best shut-eye 

Famed for its softness for thousands of years, mulberry 

silk is non-absorbent, allowing your skin to stay hydrated 

throughout the night with no excess heat. 22 momme 

silk strikes the perfect balance between breathability 

and luxurious softness. 

The mask uses a classic ‘wraparound’ design that stays 

secure through the night, holds hair in place, and avoids 

the pitfalls of thin elastic bands which can move easily. 

Owl + Lark spent hundreds of nights testing and refining 

an ergonomically designed nose bridge that prevents 

light from getting in. 

Priced at £52 the Owl + Lark Sleep Mask is available to 

order now at owllark.com 

This is not just any store…. 

After much anticipation, Marks & Spencer has opened 

its show-stopping new store in Stevenage. 

Located in 9Yards Stevenage, formerly the Roaring Meg 

Retail Park, the new M&S Stevenage store offers local 

shoppers a fresh, market-style food hall, a spacious 

new clothing, home and beauty department, and a 

174-seat café. The new store marks a big investment 

for M&S in Stevenage and is designed with customers 

and local families at its heart, helping to make shopping 

convenient and inspirational. 

In line with the M&S commitment to cut plastic from 

its business and halve food waste by 2030, M&S 

Stevenage is offering a Fill Your Own section where 

shoppers can bring their own re-usable containers to 

stock up on store cupboard essentials. M&S Stevenage 

is also the first store to introduce M&S Refilled, offering 

local customers home cleaning products in reusable 

stainless-steel bottles which customers can refill in store 

every time they shop. 

Big Bandstand is back! 

Another swinging summer of free live shows has 

been announced at Watford’s iconic bandstand in 

Cassiobury Park. 

Watford-based sleep brand Owl + Lark, has launched a 

new plush range of luxury sleep masks. 

The Owl + Lark Sleep Mask uses 22 momme mulberry 

silk and multiple blackout layers to make it a technical 

but decadent accessory for home and travel. 

Over the summer months, the jam-packed programme 

of live shows will include everything from jazz to ukulele 

and, of course, lots of traditional brass bands for visitors 

to enjoy. Other acts include indie rock bands Leech 

and SymhaTree, Easy Street Swing Band and 

community choirs. 

128

Hertfordshire 

A new outdoor dining area in the Cathedral Quarter in St 

Albans will be also open in mid-June with the restaurant’s 

outside tables arguably affording diners the best views 

of any Hertfordshire town restaurant, as it is located in the 

centre of the city, right next to the stunning 11th century 

cathedral and its walled Vintry Garden. 

The new outdoor dining areas are in addition to the 

courtyard garden space Lussmanns already offers in 

Harpenden and its pavement dining spots in Hitchin. 

Watford will also join thousands of towns and cities around 

the world to celebrate international Make Music Day, the 

largest annual celebration of music, on Tuesday 21 June. 

Acts will include the Tony Oliver Jazz Band and Anglo- 

Cuban band the Swanvesta Social Club. The popular music 

and dance extravaganza, Big Jive Swing follows on Sunday 

31 July. 

Andrei Lussmann, founder and MD of Lussmanns, said: “We 

are excited to open the Berkhamsted walled garden this 

June as it is the largest al fresco dining area in the vicinity, 

and also the St Albans restaurant’s terrace which provides 

stunning views of the prettiest part of the city.” 

Plans unveiled for the Wheat Quarter 

The Big Bandstand is part of the Big Events programme, 

a series of outdoor events organised by Watford Borough 

Council. You can view the full list of acts and events at 

watfordbigevents.co.uk. 

Food & Drink 

Eating al fresco is easy in Herts 

The Wheat Quarter development in Welwyn Garden City 

is to launch in 2023 with an array of drinking and dining 

options. 

The site will transform Welwyn Garden City’s old Shredded 

Wheat Factory and industrial areas, aiming to bring the local 

area back to life by introducing a new modern centre for 

locals to enjoy. 

A Food Hall and Arts Hub, with a mix of kiosks and open 

bars, will be a melting pot of cuisines under one roof, 

spilling out into outdoor spaces and glazed atriums. Visitors 

can expect independent kitchens, a coffee shop and a 

bar serving the best local and British craft beers, plus a 

selection of wines and cocktails. Throughout the hall there 

will be co-working spaces and galleries for local artists and 

students to display their works, with a display of classic 

motorbikes. 

A sustainable restaurant group is claiming the most al 

fresco dining spots in Hertfordshire this summer, with 

around 150 outside dining spots in Harpenden, St Albans, 

Hitchin and Berkhamsted. 

The multi-award-winning Lussmanns recently opened its 

fifth restaurant in the pretty canal-side historic market town 

of Berkhamsted and its garden, boasting 70 outside covers, 

opens in the first week of June. 

A second offering brings to life one of Welwyn’s most wellknown 

structures in the most dynamic way possible. Sitting 

on top of the iconic Silos, 120ft above the town with views 

across Hertfordshire, will be the Falcon Bar. Accessed via an 

external lift, this will become one of the must-visit spaces in 

the whole area: a cocktail bar with special views, perfect for 

all occasions and events. 

The Wheat Quarter will announce further details of the 

space in the coming months 

artshub.thewheatquarter.co.uk 

129

Hertfordshire 

A Sunny 

Day in 

St Albans 

From exploring historical sites and enjoying 

a leisurely lunch, to browsing the bustling 

market and eating ice cream in the park, 

discover the top things to do in St Albans on 

a sunny day. 

Explore Historic Streets 

The best way to soak up the sun and get 

to know the city is by going on a guided 

walking tour. Take an amble through the 

ancient marketplace and listen to the 

tales of events that have taken place there 

over hundreds of years. Hear the stories 

of the famous and infamous residents 

of St Albans, the battles and scandals of 

days gone by. Explore one of the finest 

examples of a Roman theatre in Britain. 

Stop at the Clock Tower, the only surviving 

medieval town belfry in England, and 

climb the 93 steps for magnificent views. 

stalbanstourguides.co.uk 

Browse the Bustling Market 

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, St Peter’s 

Street and the Market Place are lined with 

stalls selling local produce, handcrafted 

goods and an irresistible range of street 

food. Vibrant and bustling, the street market 

is a great place for browsing and chatting 

on a sunny day while enjoying tasty treats. 

If you want to shop some more, follow the 

winding streets to find independent stores 

set in beautiful medieval buildings and 

attractive pedestrianised shopping areas 

hosting well-known brands. 

Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch 

Make the most of the weather by 

lunching in a sunny spot. L’Italiana serves 

homemade pasta and pizza on one of 

the prettiest cobbled streets in St Albans, 

close to the Clock Tower. litaliana.co.uk. 

At the end of the Village Arcade you’ll find 

Abigail’s, a quaint tea room in a charming 

setting with a terrace overlooking the 

cathedral’s Vintry Gardens. For a special 

treat head to Thompson St Albans which 

offers tasting menus on Friday and Saturday 

lunchtimes in their Victorian-style courtyard. 

thompsonstalbans.co.uk 

On our recent visit, we escaped the sun for 

a while and ducked into Little Marrakech 

on the Market Place where we dined on 

Moroccan tagines, merguez sausages, 

falafel and flatbread among brightly 

coloured fabrics, geometric patterns and 

ornate lanterns. littlemarrakech.co.uk 

132

Hertfordshire 

Learn some History 

Discover 1700 years of fascinating 

history by visiting the magnificent 

cathedral and its grounds. Located 

close to the city centre, St Albans 

Cathedral is an impressive landmark 

which stands on the site where 

Alban, Britain’s first Saint, was buried 

over 1,700 years ago. Find a bench 

or piece of grass to sit on in the Vintry 

Gardens and bask in the sunshine 

or find some dappled shade under 

one of the many beautiful trees. 

The gardens are so peaceful and 

secluded, it’s hard to believe the High 

Street is nearby. 

Eat Ice Cream in the Park 

For an escape from the hustle 

and bustle of the city head for 

Verulamium Park, a beautiful, serene 

area with an ornamental lake which is 

home to a wealth of wildlife and play 

areas for children. The park is named 

after the Roman city of Verulamium 

on which it stands, and the city walls 

and outline of the London Gate can 

still be seen. Verulamium Museum 

displays hundreds of remarkable 

objects that have been excavated 

from the ground. 

Refresh Yourself with a 

Cocktail 

St Albans has a great selection of bars 

with outdoor seating: brilliant spots to 

relax after a day of exploring. 

Take yourself back to the 1920s 

at Punchin’ Palooka on Verulam 

Road, where you can enjoy classic 

cocktails in a Great Gatsby inspired 

bar with beer garden which is 

flooded with sun in the summer. 

punchinpalooka.co.uk 

Located on Holywell Hill in a 

stunning Grade Two listed building, 

The Yard is a small bar serving 

signature and classic cocktails 

with a rotating selection of pop up 

restaurants and street food vendors. 

theyardstalbans.co.uk 

The Peahen sits at the crossroads of 

London Road with the High Street 

and Holywell Hill serving traditional 

cocktails with fresh ingredients. On a 

very hot day, try a ‘Frozen Fix’ created 

by Peahen’s mixologists each day. 

peahenstalbans.co.uk 

Have Fun at a Summer 

Event 

Running from June through to 

September, you won’t want to miss 

Tudor Summer at St Albans Cathedral 

where you’ll be transported back 

400 years for fantastic themed 

events, talks and performances. 

enjoystalbans.com 

St Albans Comedy Garden returns 

with five nights of open-air stand-up 

comedy in the glorious surroundings 

of Verulamium Park from 27 to 30 

July. stalbanscomedygarden. 

co.uk 

Join The Hairy Bikers and Simon 

Rimmer at Pub in the Park from 9 

to 11 September, the UK’s biggest 

celebration of food and music. 

Party to Kaiser Chiefs, General Levy, 

Melanie C, Beverley Knight, Sophie 

Ellis Bextor, ASWAD, Dodgy and 

more. pubintheparkuk.com 

133

Hertfordshire 

Eat Al Fresco 

Hertfordshire’s hotspots for outside dining 

The lazy, hazy days of summer are here. Enjoy them to the full with long lunches in the sunshine and 

drawn-out dinners beyond dusk. Here’s our pick of the prettiest places in the county for fresh-air food. 

The Boat 

Gravel Path, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EF 

Not many things are more relaxing than sitting by a towpath watching the 

narrowboats pass by. A charming pub in an idyllic spot with views over the 

canal, The Boat serves sandwiches, British classics and specials made fresh 

from scratch every day with a changing range of ales and ciders on tap. 

boatberkhamsted.co.uk 

The Alford Arms 

Frithsden, HP1 3DD 

If you like to feel you’ve earned your lunch, head to the Alford Arms, nestled in a 

secluded wooded valley. With the Ashridge Estate on its doorstep, you can walk 

around the forest before resting your legs in the garden with the backdrop of the 

Chiltern Hills. One of the few restaurants in the county to make it into the Michelin 

Guide, the menu follows the seasons using local suppliers. alfordarms.co.uk 

The Grove 

Chandler’s Cross, WD3 4TG 

Set in 300 acres of countryside, The Grove has beautiful options for al fresco 

dining. Enjoy the Estate to Plate à la carte menu on The Glasshouse terrace with 

views of the formal gardens, or lighter bites and refreshing cocktails at The Stables 

overlooking the golf course. This summer’s pop-up restaurant in the Walled 

Garden is Verde Kitchen, inspired by the cuisine of Naples and Campania – a 

perfect choice on a balmy summer’s day. thegrove.co.uk 

The Cricketers 

East Common, Redbourn, AL3 7ND 

Overlooking the large village common, The Cricketers is ranked among the 

best in Hertfordshire in The Good Pub Guide. The garden has plenty of seating 

where you can enjoy a range of freshly cooked dishes including pub classics and 

daily specials, with bookable state-of-art dining pods for those chillier evenings. 

thecricketersofredbourn.co.uk 

Auberge du Lac 

Brocket Hall, Welwyn, AL8 7XG 

Housed in Brocket Hall’s former hunting lodge, Auberge du Lac has a stunning 

lakeside setting overlooking the 543-acre country estate. Reopened this spring, 

the restaurant is welcoming guests back to enjoy their seasonal set or indulgent 

seven-course tasting menus. With its picturesque terrace at the water’s edge and 

views of the grand hotel beyond, it’s the ultimate al fresco experience. 

brocket-hall.co.uk 

134

Hertfordshire 

Hertfordshire Big Band Concert 

St Albans Comedy Garden 

27 – 31 JUL 

Verulamium Park, St Albans 

Following last summer’s epic first edition, St Albans 

Comedy Garden returns to Verulamium Park for an 

astounding series of open-air shows featuring the finest 

comedians of the moment. 

This year’s comedy extravaganza will be brimful with 

bars serving up a tastemaker selection of craft beers, 

cocktails and more, plus an array of street-food stalls 

from the leading lights of the local street food scene. 

stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk 

WHAT’S ON 

Saturday 25 June 

Shenley Park Walled Garden, Shenley Park, Shenley WD7 

9DW 

Join the Herts Big Band for a summer’s afternoon of the 

best in jazz from swing, latin and funk. Feel free to bring a 

picnic and enjoy! Bring a picnic and something to sit on. 

Gates open one hour before. Dogs welcome on a short 

fixed lead. 

shenleypark.co.uk/events/ 

The Big JiveSwing Festival 

Todd in the Hole Festival 

15-17 July 

Bury Wood, Todd’s Green, Stevenage SG1 2JE 

An incredible three days of live music across five stages, 

from some of the world’s biggest tribute acts to the 

best local bands, all set in the beautiful Hertfordshire 

countryside, Todd in the Hole really does have a unique 

community feel. From little ones to grandparents and all 

in between, there’s something for everyone. 2022 will see 

the return of the Todd after parties with Dave Pearce and 

Pat Sharp, a bigger and better kids’ arena, camping and 

glamping plus loads more. 

toddinthehole.co.uk 

Folk by the Oak 

17 July 

Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ 

This year’s headline act is The Proclaimers. They join the 

legendary Richard Thompson on the main stage ‘line-up 

of headliners’, plus two simply incredible collaborations in 

the form of Spell Songs and AKA Trio. 

Folk by the Oak is just outside London, but feels a million 

miles away. This one-day festival is surrounded by the 

leafy green parkland of Hatfield Park, where you will be 

immersed in music, history, ancient oaks, bunting, fun 

and laughter. 

From the intimacy of the Acorn Stage to the open air 

festival buzz of the Main Stage, they will bring you award 

winning musicians and inspiring new talent in one 

memorable day. 

For younger ‘Folk by the Oakers’ there is a world of 

creative workshops to discover onsite as well as a 

dedicated family friendly area. 

folkbytheoak.com/festival-info/ 

Sunday 31 July 

Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7HY 

One of the UK’s largest free jazz festivals featuring some 

of the best internationally acclaimed Jazz musicians, 

bands and dancers within the UK. It’s a great family day 

out with live cabarets, dance classes for children and 

adults and a vintage photo booth, all for free! 

There will be a variety of food & drink vendors on site 

and there will also be vintage stalls on the day too. 

watfordbigevents.co.uk/big-jiveswing-festival 

Benington Chilli Festival 

27-29 August 

Bennington Lordship, nr Stevenage SG2 7BS 

A hugely popular family event attracting thousands of 

visitors over three days, offering a chance to buy chilli 

plants, products and sample foods from around the 

world. Stalls are set up throughout the garden and a 

wide range of refreshments is provided to help you 

cool down, including cold beers and ice creams. Come 

worship the pepper at Benington Chilli Festival next 

August bank holiday weekend! 

beningtonlordship.co.uk/chilli-festival/ 



135

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Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire 

BEDFORDSHIRE NEWS & EVENTS 

News 

Green Space Dark Skies is coming to 

the Chilterns 

Hundreds of local people are invited to come together 

on Friday 15 July to create an artwork in the Chilterns 

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as part of 

UK-wide celebration of creativity. 

Leading outdoor arts company Walk the Plank will 

be working with local people, organisations and 

community groups to bring the gathering to life. The 

artwork will be created at dusk by participants, referred 

to as Lumenators. With choreography, sound and smart 

lights, the gathering will be captured on film for all to see 

afterwards. 

The event is part of the Green Space Dark Skies project 

which features 20 large-scale outdoor artworks in 

the UK’s most outstanding landscapes. The series 

of gatherings will celebrate the countryside and 

people’s right to explore it as well as encouraging our 

responsibility to take care of it for future generations. 

The Chilterns gathering will feature local and national 

artists and everyone is welcome to register for free to 

take part in the artwork at greenspacedarkskies.uk 

Richard Hawley to join Paul Weller on 

stage 

© Dave-Olinski © Chris Saunders 

since gone on to forge an impressive and diverse solo 

career and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s 

foremost songwriters. 

Eastlife caught up with Richard who explained, 

“Opening up the show for one of the greatest English 

songwriters in history is a real honour. Paul’s an old 

friend and trusted comrade as well so I think we’ll 

have a great time together. Our music is a bit different 

from each other but there’s a link there that I think the 

audience will enjoy. For everyone’s sake let’s hope it’s 

not raining.” 

“I don’t know much about Bedford, but I have played 

there before. I played a memorable night at the 

wonderful Bedford Esquires with the Longpigs many, 

many years ago - I remember it being a great gig!” 

Tickets are on sale now at 

lphconcertsandevents.co.uk 

The fairest panto of them all! 

Comedy actress and musical theatre star Lesley Joseph 

will be heading to Milton Keynes this Christmas to star 

as The Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven 

Dwarfs. On hand to offer Lesley some legal advice will 

be favourite TV judge, Rob Rinder as The Man In The 

Mirror. 

Packed with the traditional pantomime ingredients 

Milton Keynes audiences have come to expect, Snow 

White and the Seven Dwarfs will be brought to life with 

side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and 

plenty of festive magic. 

Richard Hawley has been added to the lineup for 

Paul Weller’s huge outdoor show in Bedford Park on 

Saturday 30 July. The highly respected songwriter 

started out as a member of Britpop favourites The 

Longpigs before becoming Pulp’s guitarist. He has 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs begins its spirited 

adventure at Milton Keynes Theatre from Saturday 10 

December until Sunday 8 January with tickets from £13. 

For more information, or to book, visit AGTtickets.com/ 

MiltonKeynes 

138

Bedfordshire 

Food & Drink 

Gin Festival debuts this summer! 

The Flying Horse in Clophill has relaunched following 

a significant investment, giving the much-loved pub a 

spectacular new look. 

The design is a top to tail transformation, taking inspiration 

from the UK’s most luxurious country dining and drinking 

hotspots. The brand-new bar, which is over nine meters 

long, makes a bold statement while a feature wine wall 

divides the space, giving an intimate feel. The warm colour 

palette is complemented with eye-catching art and rich 

velvets to give an opulent look. 

Jonathan Webb, General Manager at the Flying Horse 

for six years, said: “We’re thrilled with the transformation. 

The team and customers alike have been wowed by 

our new bar and the feature wall. We’ve kept our open 

fires for guests to cosy up next to and have a new private 

dining area, perfect for celebrating special occasions. The 

re-opening marks a new chapter, and we can’t wait to see 

what the future holds!” theflyinghorse.co.uk 

Is Bedford the new food hotspot? 

Russell Park in Bedford will come alive on Saturday 25 

June with Bedfordshire’s largest outdoor Gin Festival. 

The event will feature many local and national gin brands 

including Willow Tree, Hustle, Far Reaches and Black 

Bridge Distillery, plus craft beers, wines and more. With bars, 

samplings, street food and live music, there’ll be something 

for everyone. 

Bedford’s independent craft beer shop Beerfly will be 

manning a craft beer bar, serving hazy, hoppy, sour and 

stout beers to suit all palates. The ‘Talks & Tastings’ tent will 

host meet-the-maker interviews with winemakers, breweries 

and gin producers, all on hand to talk through their stories 

and offer a few tasters! 

Taste Bedford is providing hand-picked street food 

traders, a farmers’ market and local produce stalls. Street 

food includes the ever-popular smokery Feast, with their 

locally-sourced meats from Woburn Country Foods, Saf’s 

kitchen with Punjabi street food, award-winning Good 

Times truck with their grilled cheese sandwiches and la 

Crepe Franglaise. Bedford’s favourite Foxy Wings will be 

collaborating with Wabadubgrub, so you can find their 

famous spicy chicken in a unique Mexican menu for the 

event. 

Tickets for Bedfordshire Gin Fest are available now at 


Popular pub given luxurious new look 

With amazing selection of restaurants, café and bars, 

Bedford is fast becoming a top destination in the county for 

food and drink. Well known chains are easily outnumbered 

by independents and new vendors continue to pop up all 

over town. 

The latest must-try establishments to land on the town’s 

food map include the Japanese restaurant Kazoku. With 

a branch already established in Hitchin, their menu is now 

wowing Bedfordians with freshly made sushi, tempura, 

Katsu, sashimi, noodles, mochi ice cream and more. 

Bedford is home to many superb Indian restaurants, so 

you’d be forgiven for thinking there wasn’t room for another. 

That is until you taste the colourful dishes at the new Chaat 

Haus on The Broadway. Run by chef and owner Anwar 

Miah, the menu offers a contemporary take on ‘Chaat’, the 

popular Indian street food. 

Started as home kitchen offering salads, Veggie Crush and 

has now opened on High Street offering handmade vegan 

and vegetarian salads, soups, juices, smoothies, wraps 

and overnight oats. With food that’s both nutritious and 

delicious, it’s proving to be a big hit. 

139

Bedfordshire 

Summer in Bedford 

7 reasons to visit the historic county town 

With its Victorian buildings, river setting, parks and indie cafés, Bedford is the perfect place for a summer day out 

1 

River Festival 

The Great Ouse river runs through Bedford 

and is often described as the jewel in its crown. 

Central to town life, it’s celebrated at the biannual 

River Festival which attracts over 250,000 visitors 

across two days. Free to attend, the event returns on 23 and 

24 July with music stages, a huge funfair, raft and dragon 

boat races and more. This year, the celebrations continue 

along the High Street with the Festival of Motoring, a display 

of 100 eclectic vehicles. riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk 

2 

Fun on the water 

Bedford’s river is also a hub for water sports and 

activities. Hop aboard The John Bunyan Boat 

for a scenic cruise, giving you a completely 

different view of the town. Themed trips include evening 

jazz, family eye-spy, gin tasting and Motown party cruises. 

bmkwaterway.org 

If you’re looking for action-packed fun, head to Canoe Trail 

where you can hire canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle 

boards for an hour, half day or even a full day to really 

explore Bedford by river. canoetrail.co.uk 

Water fun doesn’t stop at the river as Box End Park has two 

lakes offering water-skiing, wakeboarding and a floating 

aqua park. After your efforts, you can relax with a drink on 

the lakeside decking of the Patio Bar. boxendpark.com 

3 

Open Spaces 

Bedford’s parks and open spaces are enjoyed 

all year round but in the summer they really 

come alive, bursting with flora and buzzing with 

people. The riverside promenade, which runs through the 

centre of town taking in the Embankment Gardens, Russell 

Park and Mill Meadows, is idyllic with floral displays, swans 

and boats on the river. 

A short walk away is Bedford Park, a Victorian gem with 

sports facilities, play areas, attractive planting and the 

Pavilion Café. Close to the marina, Priory Country Park is 

ideal for quiet walks, fishing, boating, play areas and bird 

hides. You can also grab a snack at Cloverdale Café with 

lovely views over the lake. 

4 

Art, History and Culture 

Find out more about the people of the town 

and its development at The Higgins art gallery 

and museum. With its changing exhibitions and 

activities, there is always something new to see and do. A 

highlight for this summer is the ‘Body & Soul’ exhibition, 

exploring the way women have been represented in 

art with works by Edgar Degas, Edvard Munch, Dora 

Carrington, Henri Matisse, Gwen John, Lucian Freud and 

Chila Burman. 

140

Bedfordshire 

Head to St Paul’s Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays for 

the popular Charter Market and Bedford’s Flea, Affordable 

Art and Local Produce Market every second Sunday of the 

month. You can also browse the work of local creatives at 

the Made in Bedford Jubilee Artisans Market on 4 June, 

Green Earth Vegan Fayre on 28 June and the Artisans Fayre 

at the River Festival from 23 to 25 July. 

The museum is also home to The Higgins Pantry, a familyrun 

Italian restaurant and café serving light lunches and 

evening meals. thehigginsbedford.org.uk 

5 

Independent Shops 

Shopping in Bedford is a different experience. 

Here, you won’t find an abundance of national 

brands. Instead, explore the historic high street, 

arcades and lanes for the friendly independents the town 

has become known for. Pick up a bath bomb at Charisma 

or visit Baker Brothers for diamonds, jewellery and watches. 

The Store, in St Cuthbert’s Arcade, sells loose staple foods 

to minimise packaging and stocks eco-homeware and gifts 

from local businesses. You’ll also find quality womenswear 

in Boutique Planet and men’s designer wear at Maysons. 

6 

A World of Food and Drink 

Bedford is a cosmopolitan town and this 

is reflected in its eateries where you’ll find 

everything from Caribbean to Japanese. 

Riverside Bedford, the town’s newest restaurant quarter, 

was initially filled with well-known chains but has recently 

seen some fantastic independents moving in on the space. 

Try The Olive Tree for authentic Turkish cuisine, Foxy 

Wings for chicken and cauli wings or Bridges for coffee and 

cocktails with breakfast, brunch or lunch. 

On the other side of town, St Cuthbert’s Street is home to 

more independents. Vanilla Tree is a great place for lunch 

with their handmade bagels, cakes and pastéis de nata. By 

day, Herd is open for coffee, cake, brunch and lunch; by 

night, they serve their legendary burgers and drinks in their 

lively bar. Beerfly shop and tap room is a must for craft beers 

and ciders or you can enjoy signature cocktails in the small 

but perfectly formed Bears & Tales. 

7 

Music in the Park 

Bedford is a town that likes to party and every 

summer crowds of music fans are entertained 

with four nights of music in Bedford Park. 

This year, Simply Red take to the stage on Thursday 28 

July with support from Lisa Stansfield. Friday sees the 

house music brand Café Mambo Ibiza with DJs spinning 

new tracks and club classics to get the crowd on their feet. 

Music and style icon Paul Weller headlines on Saturday with 

new material alongside classics from his back catalogue. 

The weekend concludes on Sunday 31 July with Bedford 

Park Proms, an evening of patriotism, pomp and glory. The 

musical celebration culminates with rousing favourites for 

flag-waving and singing along as thousands of lasers and 

fireworks light up the sky. bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk 

141

Live Music • Boat Parades • Dragon Boat Races • Raft Races 

Funfair • Arts & Theatre • Sports & Heritage Villages • Festival of Motoring 

Food & Drink • Trade & Craft Stalls • Water Sports • and so much more! 

https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk 

events@bedford.gov.uk 

@BedfordEvents bedfordevents BedfordEventsUK

Bedfordshire 

Chef Interview: 

Phil Fanning 

Eastlife sits down with 

Phil Fanning to find 

out what’s cooking this 

season at Paris House 

Interview by Jacqui Hagen 

When did you start cooking? 

I started at an early age. My mum declared Sundays her ‘day 

off’ so if I wanted to eat, I needed to cook! I’m grateful as I 

grew to love it and started testing out different ideas. When I 

was 14, I reached the finals of the BBC’s Junior Masterchef, 

despite an explosive blender event that featured on the 

credits! I went on to study at Henley College before taking 

my first job as a Commis Chef at Danesfield House under 

Michael McDonald. 

How is your interest in Asian cooking 

reflected in your dishes? 

We borrow Asian cooking techniques and dip into the 

colourful range of ingredients from the Asian world. We use 

these to enhance a British-style dish or to create Asian-stye 

dishes such as the Chalk Stream Trout with a cuttlefish and 

ginger gyoza, wakame, braised radish and hot and sour 

broth. 

What’s the best dish you have ever 

eaten? 

An incredible creation from Heston Blumenthal at the Fat 

Duck. It started with a forest-flavoured dissolvable tab (!) 

followed by truffle and radish toast on a smoking bed of 

moss, served with intensely flavoured pigeon jelly, pea puree, 

langoustine cream and a foie gras parfait. It will take some 

beating! 

What seasonal highlights will we see on 

your menu this summer? 

Undoubtedly, there will be Isle of Wight tomatoes and 

Scottish berries. And, if we can keep our resident squirrel 

under control, there will be strawberries, courgettes, and 

globe artichokes from the kitchen garden. We’re also 

planning an English Wine Flight in June to celebrate Her 

Majesty The Queen’s Jubilee. 

It’s your day off, what do you do on a 

sunny day in Bedfordshire? 

I’m all for the simple life on my days off, so it would be footie 

and a dog walk in Ampthill Park with the kids followed by a 

few hours in my ‘man cave’ working on my latest woodwork 

project and an evening with friends around a BBQ or a spit 

roast suckling pig. 

Paris House, Woburn Park, London Road, Woburn, MK17 9QP 

parishouse.co.uk 

BEDFORDSHIRE ON THE PLATE 

Who influenced your cooking? 

I loved Gary Rhodes; he was a bit of a hero. Ken Hom 

introduced me to Asian cookery that has inspired me 

throughout my career. Nowadays, Thomas Keller for his 

attention to detail, craftsmanship and respect for artisan 

suppliers. 

Describe dining at Paris House. 

Paris House is fine dining but not in its classic sense. We offer 

the knowledge, craftsmanship and professionalism without 

the pretension and intimidation! We have been described as 

‘other worldly’ with the arrival through our stone gateway and 

sweeping driveway (often lined with grazing deer), a warm 

welcome and then fabulous flavour combinations. Our frontof-house 

staff put guests at ease and our sommelier, Howie, 

is second to none when it comes to tales of wines and the 

interesting pairings he’s chosen. 

143

John Bunyan museum 

Join us for a summer of fun and celebration! 2022 marks 

the 350th Anniversary of several landmark events in our 

history: John Bunyan was freed after 12 years in prison for 

illegal preaching, the land Bunyan Meeting still stands on 

was purchased and licensed for use as a place of worship 

and John Bunyan was made their minister. 

Last year we celebrated 75 years of John Bunyan Museum 

and the 5th Anniversary of the Basement at Bunyan gallery. 

Arts Council England have funded a two-year project to 

ensure these key dates are celebrated in style! 

Explore the history of Bunyan Meeting Church and it’s 

people and enjoy the showcasing of crafts and artwork 

inspired by Hidden Highlights in our collection. The 

exhibition is on at the Basement at Bunyan from 2nd- 23rd 

August, 11am-4pm entry is free. 

Join Bunyan Meeting for special anniversary services, led 

by guest ministers at 11am, on 7th and 21st August. 

Get creative and help us make our commemorative 

patchwork quilt with our Faith in Fabrics project: share your 

experiences of Bunyan Meeting as a place of creativity, 

heritage, and faith. Packs can be collected from the Church 

Office. Free Workshops will take place on 30th July and 

20th August. 

Looking for family fun? In addition to our anniversary 

celebrations, we’ll also be running our Crafty Thursdays 

every Thursday in August from 11am-3:00pm. Drop in - no 

booking required- £2 per participating child. 

We look forward to seeing you! 

John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday* 11am- 

4pm. Last entry 3:45pm. 

*Closed Good Friday 

John Bunyan Museum & Library, Bunyan Meeting, Mill 

Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU 

01234 270303 

curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk 

www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum 

Twitter - @JBunyanMuseum 

Facebook – JohnBunyanMuseum 

Weddings 

Ceremonies & Evening Receptions 

In the heart of rural Bedfordshire 

Spacious Wedding Suite 

Wedding Garden for Outdoor Photographs 

Wedding Ceremony Licence 

Dedicated Wedding Team 

Free Parking for Guests 

Treat our space like a blank canvas and make it your own 

We don’t have set packages or insist you use particular suppliers 

The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH 

Tel: 01525 631905 Email: events@therufuscentre.co.uk 

www.therufuscentre.co.uk

Bedfordshire 

Bedfordshire GinFest 

25 June 

Russell Park, The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3RH 

A one-day festival that will bring all of your favourite gins, 

spirits, fizz, craft beer and more together in one place 

offering a unique opportunity for you, your family and 

friends to celebrate their favourite juniper-based tipple. 

Over 20 gin distilleries ranging from local independent 

companies from Beds, Herts and Bucks to your betterknown 

favourites, a craft beer marquee offering a large 

range of local, national and imported modern beers and 

ciders, a street food market and much more! 

TASTE BEDFORD will provide a quintessentially British 

produce and craft market with family activities and BEER 

FLY will be providing educational talks, taster sessions 

from the craft beer marquee. There really is something for 

everyone. 


Bedford Park Concert Series 

28 July Simply Red with special guests Lisa Stansfield 

29 July Café Mambo Ibiza in the Park 

30 July Paul Weller with special guest Richard Hawley 

31 July Bedford Park Proms with special guests Wynne 

Evans and Marisha Wallace 

Get down to Bedford Park for a fantastic four days of 

music this July. 

www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk/festivals/ 

bedford-park-concerts/ 

The Linslade Canal Festival 

WHAT’S ON 

Teddy Bears picnic / flying day 

3 July 

Warden Abbey Vineyard, Bedford Road, Old Warden 

SG18 9LS 

Bring your teddy bears, your picnic, chairs and blankets. 

Have fun with the bears and watch out for planes from 

Shuttleworth military air display. Icecream Joe will be 

calling in at 3pm. There will also be a Teddy Trail, Teddy 

Tots Bear-aerobics, Teddy Tales with our storyteller and 

Fuzzy Bee Crafts. The picnic coincides with the nearby 

Shuttleworth airshow and there’s usually a chance to spot 

planes heading our way, although this may depend on 

which way the wind is blowing. 

wardenvineyard.org.uk/event/teddy-bears-picnicflying-day/ 

Bedford River Festival 

30 July 2022 

Tiddenfoot Waterside Park 

The event, which celebrates canal life, conservation, the 

countryside and rural crafts, includes music, a licensed 

bar, historic and trade boats, crafts exhibits, food stalls 

and family activities. 

Along the canal side a vibrant mixture of working, 

historical and trade boats will display and sell their 

wares moored amongst the colourful pleasure boats 

which visit the festival annually. Throughout the day 

the main stage in the Paddocks will feature a mixture 

of traditional folk and English country music, together 

with some more contemporary numbers from local 

performers. 

Around the site demonstrations of old English crafts will 

be found along with sellers of handmade and handcrafted 

goods. With a wide range of food stalls and a 

licensed bar on site, eating/drinking whilst taking in 

the sights and sounds of the festival is one of the many 

draws for families of all ages. 

leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/council_events/ 

linslade-canal-festival/ 

23 & 24 July 

The Embankment, Bedford 

Bedford River Festival is a fantastic free event with so 

much on offer across the weekend for the whole family, 

with multiple music and performance stages, dragon boat 

races, raft races, food and drink, dedicated Sports and 

Heritage Villages, arts and crafts, water sports, a funfair 

and so much more! The BBC Music Introducing stage 

will be making its first ever appearance at the Bedford 

River Festival this year, curated by the team at BBC Music 

Introducing in Beds, Herts & Bucks and also for the first 

time in the history of Bedford River Festival there will be a 

major vegan presence. 

riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk 

Family Air Show 

7 August 

With fantastic funfair attractions, kids activities, our 

beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden, vintage bus rides, 

a thrilling air display, and much more – you won’t want 

to miss out on our Family Air Show. 

With all your Shuttleworth favourites and an array of 

visiting surprises, there is something to keep the whole 

family entertained! 

shuttleworth.org/product/familyairshow/ 



145

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Picture for illustration purposes only.

Fenchurch House Care Home 

Fenchurch House provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. If you’re 

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EastLife Summer 2022

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