Handy (Dec/Jan 2023)

Your first ever festive Handy has arrived! I love this time of the year, exploring the Christmas markets and sipping on a boozy hot chocolate. What with Norwich’s two new food halls; Yalm in the Arcade and Castle Social in Castle Quarter - both with independent vendors - there’s lots of new foodie things to try while Christmas shopping.

There are still a few Christmas markets opening up (p14) and check out the local shops, eateries and community listings (p28). Don’t forget we’re now delivering bi-monthly, so your next issue will arrive in February 2023. See you in the New Year!

Editor Lee

Handy

e Festive Garden

Light it up

Lights are the number one addition to any Christmas scene, and with darkness descending ever earlier, their effect is longer-lasting.

As ever, subtlety is key – placed in jars, through vines or in woven baskets, lights inside will illuminate through the tiny gaps to spray decorative shapes and lines across your outside space. Also consider experimenting with green and red bulbs to create a new ambiance.

A few suggestions to make your outside space joyful and merry this Christmas.

Light projectors are a great way of creating additional lighting and brilliant effects, and Christmas orbs look absolutely enchanting when dotted around the garden or placed on the front steps of your house. Just ensure you set all lights

And of course, a selection of bright red Christmas baubles will make any tree, bush or shrub feel festive. Just be sure that nothing you are hanging outside can endanger wildlife or curious critters.

Window to wonderland

Star quality

Using Christmas shapes hung around the garden will really move the indoors outdoors. Consider Moravian stars in Christmas trees, plus bows, reindeer silhouettes, candy sticks, snowflakes and gingerbread men.

Finally, an easy cheat when looking to create a winter wonderland garden is to use Christmas elements in a window box. Your vision will catch these planted additions and shape the festive view, in the same way as using fake snow around the edge of windows works as a brilliant border effect to the world outside.

Sing When You’re Winning

Gareth Malone, the choirmaster who championed the voices of everyday people.

Through his television show, and its spin-offs, Gareth Malone has made the noble art of breaking into song cool again for everybody from shy school children to moody teenage boys, with emotionally charged and heart-warming explorations of how giving the vocal chords a workout can change lives for the better.

Returning recently in The Great Celebrity Bake Off and Celebrity MasterChef has given the choirmaster and presenter, 47, an appetite for an alternative existence, even though his true passion is to exhale rather than inhale!

“I’ve never thought of it like that,” he laughs. “I’ve definitely enjoyed getting back into the reality TV side of things. I find it totally inspiring to see normal people do things that are fantastically big and grand.

“And I count myself in that – in cooking terms I am very normal, so to challenge myself and try to do something impressive, which is exactly what we ask of people with music, has been a nice shift.”

Malone is of course best renowned for his work with The Choir, and the associated biproduct, The Military Wives, whereby he recorded with widows of British soldiers who had served in Afghanistan. The idea became such a touchstone that it spawned a number one single, Wherever You Are.

“As a choirmaster you are only ever a guide,” he says. “You have the energy and the persuasion and the techniques to pull the very best out of people, but none of those things are actually what makes a project work – it is all about the people who stand up and sing.”

“I view the Military Wives project as the peak of that, because the national impact was so great.

Sometimes, you can affect the life of one person in a seemingly small way and that can be powerful, but there is something so universal about that too. And there was a whole generation of widows who no-one was really thinking about.

“And that’s the great power of music - it goes beyond words. People who hadn’t even seen the

Let’s create a loving home and decorate with Dulux Paints

Your guest list may not be the same as usual this year, but your home decor can still steal the show!

Mindfulness in Art –Linocut Printmaking

I was hooked on linocut printmaking from the first moment I tried it.

Linocut involves using small sharp tools to carve designs and patterns into linoleum sheets (similar to linoleum floor tiles). Whatever you scoop away appears white on your paper and the untouched part is where the ink is rolled.

All the prints I create at Stellabox Designs are made using a wooden

It's the flexibility of this medium that is so brilliant - whatever you can think of, a landscape, a pet portrait, a snowy Christmas tree - you can carve and make cards and prints from. It’s also incredibly mindful. I’ve suffered from anxiety for years and not a lot calms me but linocut printmaking does.

It’s one of the best ways of helping me to stay present in what I’m doing in that moment. It’s such a physical medium that you really feel like you’ve achieved something when you pull a print.

I teach linocut workshops around Norfolk and always try to make participants feel as relaxed as possible. I’ve found such joy in teaching linocut and seeing that expression on someone’s face when they pull their first print. I have a couple of workshops left in 2022 and will soon be announcing my first 2023 workshops.

Fnd more information on my website and mailing list; www.stellabox.co.uk I have lots of printmaking videos on my Instagram too Happy printing - and happy Christmas!

Haychley, Stellabox Designs

Bowthorpe

10 Dec, 9am-3pm

Free

Chapel Break Village Hall

Norfolk Farmers Market UK

Holkham Hall

10-11 Dec, 10am-4pm

Free / Parking £5

Holkham Hall holkham.co.uk

Deepdale Christmas Shopping

4 Nov - 24 Dec

Free entry & parking

Burnham Deepdale dalegatemarket.co.uk

Tunnel of Light

17 Nov - 5 Jan

Free Hay Hill, Norwich visitnorwich.co.uk/tunneloflight

Winter Wonderland

18 Nov - 3 Jan

From £4 Norfolk Showground winterwonderlandnorwich.com

St. Mary’s Works

10 Dec, 10am-5pm

Free St. Mary’s Works shoefactorysocial.club

Brew and Friends

11 Dec, 10am-4pm £3

The Halls instagr.am/brewnorfolkandfriends

Christmas at Bressingham

27 Nov - 24 Dec

From £13.50

Bressingham, Diss bressingham.co.uk

Messiah by Candlelight

10 Dec, 7.30pm

From £5 Norwich Catherdral cathedral.org.uk

Santa’s Grotto for Dogs

10 Dec, 10am-3pm

Free Forum Norwich theforumnorwich.co.uk

Earlham Christmas Gift and Craft Fair

11 Dec, 11am-3pm

Free Earlham Scout Hut, NR5 8NW

Taverham Christmas Craft Fair

15 Dec, 4.30pm-7.30pm

Free parking and entry

Taverham High School, NR8 6HP

ABBA Tribute Night

14 Jan, 7pm - 12am £35 Mercure, Boundary Road fb.me/mercurenorwich

Tom Jones Tribute

26 Jan, 7.30pm £25 Epic, Magdalen Street epic-tv.com

80s Party Night

28 Jan, 8pm £12 per person Holiday Inn, Cromer Road retropartyexperience.co.uk

Secrets to a Tasty Christmas

Chestnut, Apple and Sage Stu ng

SERVES 6-8

• 1 tbsp any oil

• 2 small onions - finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic - crushed

• 1 large apple - cored, peeled and grated or finely chopped

• 3-4 sage leaves - roughly chopped

• 40-50g chestnut puree

• 1lb/500g sausage meat

• Seasoning

Heat oil in a frying pan, add the onion and cook for a minute to soften.

Add the garlic, sage and apple, cook for 1-2 mins to ensure all ingredients are married together.

Turn off the heat and leave somewhere to cool.

Add the onion mix to the sausage meat, add the chestnut puree and season well.

Mix it all together and use as you wish.

Roast Parsnips

• 1-2 parsnips per person

• 1 tbsp olive oil per person

• Half tbsp honey per person

• 1/4 tbsp course grain mustard per person

Peel and cut in half length ways (or chunks), place in a bowl and drizzle with the olive oil, honey and mustard.

Season and mix well, then spread out on to a tray. Roast on 170°C or gas 5 for 35-45 mins, until soft and golden.

•

Add the cranberries to a pan along with the sugar, juice and zest of the orange and the port. Add all the spices.

Cook on high for several minutes until the berries start to pop open and burst.

Cook on low for 5-15 minutes until thickened to your liking, so it resembles a sauce or chutney.

Braised Red Cabbage

SERVES 4

• Half a small or medium red cabbage - shredded

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar

• Optional handful of raisins, sultanas or a diced apple

Place all the cabbage in a large saucepan and top with the sugar and vinegar, along with a good pinch of salt which will help it soften and pepper to taste.

Cook on a gentle simmer for 30-40 minutes with the lid on, adding a few splashes of water if needed. (The cabbage should lose some of its water content and create its own juices to cook in, eventually caramelising a little with the sugar and pickling with the vinegar until the sauces thicken.)

Nurture and Nature

KACEY JONES

A journey of love, pain and acceptance in society and in all relationships. There are hints of feminism, racism and body positivity discussions. The book has three sections but all are significant to nurture and nature in life.

Publisher: AuthorHouse UK amzn.co.uk/dp/1665593407

Grannysaurus

DAVID WALLIAMS

Bursting with David Walliams' anarchic sense of fun and blessed with Adam Stower's vibrant illustrations,  Grannysaurus is a roar-some picture book about unpredictable grannies, dinosaur discos and staying up late.

A boisterously funny new festive release from the duo, this is perfect for young dinosaur fans!

It turned out to be a recruitment centre for the Royal Marines, and a diversion that changed his life forever.

Pinch of Nom

KATE AND KAY ALLINSON

The healthy eating phenomenon that is Pinch of Nom returns with another hundred scrumptious recipes – from fakeaways to desserts – that are both tantalising to the taste buds and good for the waistline.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Never Give In: The 12 Commando Rules for Life

SCOTTY MILLS

A sudden downpour while Scotty Mills was walking down a street in South London sent him diving for cover into the nearest shop.

Scotty shares his lessons of performance and resilience - a compelling story that combines tragedy with remarkable insight about the power of human inspiration.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Wild Women: A Collection of First-Hand Accounts from Female Explorers

MARIELLA FROSTRUP

In curating this collection of first-hand accounts, broadcaster, writer and traveller Mariella Frostrup puts female explorers back on the map, from the 1700s to the present day, from iconic heroines to lesser-known eccentrics, and over land, sea and air.

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Gulliver Upgrade your gift! We have a gorgeous selection of Adoption Star merchandise available in our online gift store shop.redwings.org.uk

LOCAL AUTHOR Looking for a unique Christmas gift? www.redwings.org.uk/adopt 01508 505246

Sponsor a rescued horse or donkey from Redwings for a whole year from just £15!

If

Winter Escapes

looking for a di erent place to escape to this New Year, why not explore these unique winter getaways?

Reykjavik

Visitor numbers to Reykjavik are surprisingly low, with 1.3 million people venturing to the Iceland capital in 2021. Most would have taken in the spectacular sunsets at Vesturbær beach, or perhaps timed their trip to catch the New Year fireworks; while fine dining afficionados love the city’s range of impeccable restaurants.

Once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the Pummerin bell of St Stephen’s Cathedral chimes.

Shortly afterwards, the city’s favourite song commences, and as Blue Danube echoes through the streets, thousands in attendance start to waltz along walkways and pavement.

Luxembourg City offers the ability to slink away into quiet alleyways where, amongst cool bars and cosy restaurants, you can revel in the architecture and style of a city whose fortified medieval old town tells a thousand stories.

Be sure to journey along the Chemin de la Corniche - an illuminated walkway on the side of the Bock fortress, offering incredible views over the Alzette Valley, plus the Grund district, so renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage.

Alternatively, the Winter Lights Festival between November and January includes ice skating at the Place Guillaume II town square.

20 handy Dec/Jan 2023 Please mention Handy when contacting advertisers MOT SERVICING REPAIRS PARTS AIR CON MOT’s for just £45.00 01603 898 444 www.mrcgarageservices.co.uk 132 Old Norwich Road, Horsham St. Faith NR10 3JE PEUGEOT & CITROEN SPECIALIST MOT SERVICE & REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES FREE ESTIMATES 01603 742 247 www.lodgefarmholidaybarns.co.uk Disabled Access Ample Parking Lake Views Free WiFi Private Patio Barbecue Children’s Play Area Hot Tub Hire NEW ROAD, BAWBURGH, NORFOLK NR9 3LZ Lodge FarmHOLIDAY BARNS Three self-catering barns in Bawburgh, with a countryside setting and lake views. All within striking distance of Norwich city.

Without a Will you will not have a choice about what happens to your estate when you die. Instead, the state allocates it to the next of kin which is usually a husband and wife.

However, changing patterns of family life, for example, cohabiting couples who have not got married, and the ever-increasing second families has meant that loved ones (such as an unmarried surviving partner) who you wish to be a beneficiary might lose out.

Consequently, the change in family structure makes it even more important to have a Will in place which can address the potential complexity of your arrangements.

Furthermore, it also allows for estranged family members to dispute

Preparing a Will ensures that children are provided for which is especially important, for example, if you have step-children as they would not receive anything if you have not made your wishes clear in your Will. Plus, you can name charities, friends and others, if you wish, and you can also record details, such as personal possessions allocated to family or friends and funeral arrangements, that you would like carried out.

So, which big life events should you update your Will for?

1. Getting married – any existing wills are revoked when you marry in England and Wales (not Scotland)

2. Getting divorced – your married Will isn’t automatically revoked but your exes won’t benefit in England or Wales

3. Having children or grandchildren (and step-children) – you may want to include them as beneficiaries

If your Will needs changing considerably, you will need to start again. A simple Will drawn up by a legal professional can cost between £200 & £300. This could cost more for a couple, depending on your location. The more complex a Will is the more it will cost. You will also need to clearly state that any previous older Wills or Codicils are revoked and destroy any previous versions you possess. It is also important to let your executor know where your new Will is

4. Buying a house – the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your lifetime, it’s good to mention –especially when downsizing

5. Coming into some money – say who you want to leave it to and you could then be liable for inheritance tax

6. Losing a loved one – you may need to update a beneficiary or executor

For help and advice on updating your Will, contact The WillMaker Group: T: 01603 927273 or 01362 288582

Astonishingly, 55% of UK adults do not have a Will. This means that over half of the population have not safeguarded their future wishes.

Do you need to prepare a new Will?

Retire early – repent at leisure?

By Mark Day Financial Planner, Managing Director, Fortyhill Financial Solutions

It is the dream of many to retire early. Indeed, 270,000 people in their 50s and 60s left the UK workforce during the pandemic, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Concerns about retirement poverty

However, two thirds of people aged 50 to 70 who quit work or lost their job during the pandemic left the workforce earlier than expected5. This means that they might not have the funds they need for a longer-than-anticipated retirement, sparking concerns that they could face poverty later in life.

Of particular concern is the financial impact of accessing your pension too early, with research6 showing that doing so before reaching State Pension age could reduce your pot by 59% on

average. Compounding the issue is the fact that those who now want to re-enter the workforce are finding it difficult to get rehired. According to research from the Centre for Ageing Better, unemployed over-50s are twice as likely to be out of work for 12 months or more, than their younger counterparts.

Many factors to consider

Early retirement may be enticing, but it certainly bears thinking about. Before acting, it is always a good idea to take financial advice and think carefully about the following factors:

• Do you know how much you’ll need to live comfortably in retirement? If so, do you have enough in your pension pot for the lifestyle you want?

• Do you have savings or any other source of income?

• Do you still have a mortgage or any other outstanding debt you are still liable for?

• Could working for just a few more years offer you valuable financial security?

Help at hand

While current everyday financial pressures can make saving a difficult task, it is clearly imperative not to neglect your pension if you do want to avoid retirement regrets.

Remember to get in touch with your adviser to help you. Should you not have a financial adviser, and have not reviewed your pensions or investments for some time, please contact me at Fortyhill Financial Solutions, at The Insurance Centre, 8-10 Cromer Road.

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The information contained within this article is for information only purposes and does not constitute financial advice.

“Jason and the Team at JCS were extremely professional, polite and reliable. They not only tackled our inside but some external works too. So happy and cannot thank you enough. 5 stars.”

Sally

“Jason was friendly, knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure his team did a good job. Managed to make a wall with old plaster look great, while going through most of the house. Will be using again.”

“Super service with a smile, well pleased with the job. Definitely be using again.”

Tony

“Jason and his team have just finished painting our house and I couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Claire

“Another really professional job. Such a reliable, friendly and trustworthy team - a pleasure to have in the house.”

Sue

“They turned up on time every day, worked their socks o , were polite and friendly, easy going. They paid attention to detail and kept me informed all the way through. I would highly recommend Jason and his team.”

Ginny

“Jason and his team decorated our grade 2 listed barn, fantastic job nothing too much trouble for the team. We are very pleased with the work and we highly recommend Jason and his team.”

Kevin

Jonathan

FESTIVE TECH

FIZZICS DRAFTPOUR

(around £100)

The Fizzics Draftpour enables a can or bottle to be inserted into the base of what is a slick and stylish looking contraption. You then use it like a beer tap, with the liquid streaming through the device’s Micro-Foam technology, which enhances flavour, aroma and mouth feel.

BIOLITE FIREPIT+

(around £200)

Five pieces of tech that could shape a whole new you in 2023.

GARMIN DASH CAM MINI 2

(around £100)

DJI MINI2

(around £400)

The DJI Mini2 represents the latest breed of drone, and coming in under 250g it avoids many of the operator restrictions associated with heavier versions. Its folded dimensions are tiny (131x81x58mm) and it can easily withstand gusts of up to 25mph (level five wind resistance).

Garmin have evolved from a satellite navigation devices market leader into one of the best brands for dash cam technology, with their Mini 2 succeeding both in its 1080p footage capture, as well as the fact it’s incredibly discreet, fitting, as it does, behind your rear-view mirror.

If you know someone who likes to spend more time outdoors, even in the dirty depths of winter, the BioLite Firepit+ could be the perfect gift.

Powered by an efficient battery pack, this fire put offers a glowing, heat-driven experience that’s great for BBQs, or just for staying warm. It even has a USB port to charge other devices.

THERAGUN PRIME

(around £250)

The Theragun Prime can target annoying knots, sore spots and general muscle discomfort, efficiently getting us back into good shape without the need, or expense, of visiting a physiotherapist!

AC Browne & Son

Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm

Sun: Closed Norwich Road, NR5 0EX fb.me/acbrowneandson 01603 747679

Avenue Fish Chicken & Pizza

Mon-Thu: 12-9pm

Fri: 4.30-9pm Sat: 12-9pm Sun: Closed Upper Stafford Ave, NR5 0AB fb.me/avenuefishchickenand pizzaplace 01603 745555

Barrons Fish Bar

Mon: 4.30-10pm

Tue-Thu: 11.45am-1.45pm, 4.30-10.30pm

Fri: 11.45am-2pm, 4.30-11pm Sat: 11.45am-2pm, 4.30-10pm

Sun: Closed Norwich Road, NR5 0EU 01603 742357

The Bush

Mon-Thu: 12-3pm, 6.30-11.30pm

Fri: 12-4pm, 6.30-11.30pm Sat: 12-11.30pm Sun: 12-10pm

The Street, NR8 5DD 01603 747227

Co-op

Mon-Sat: 6am-11pm

Sun: 7am-10pm

Norwich Road, NR5 0EX 01603 742088

China China

Mon: Closed

Tue-Sat: 12-2pm, 4.30-11pm Sun: 4.30-10.30pm

Upper Stafford Ave, NR5 0AB 01603 745622

The Crown

Mon-Thu: 12-11pm

Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am Sun: 12-10pm

Norwich Road, NR5 0EU fb.me/thecrowncostessey 01603 748974

Easters Bakery

Mon-Thu: 7am-4pm

Fri-Sat: 7am-3pm

Sun: Closed Oval Road, NR5 0DE fb.me/eastersbakery 01603 749154

Forsters Garden Centre

Mon-Sat: 8am-5pm

Sun: 8am-4pm

Gurney Road, NR5 0HH 01603 740069

Happy Valley

Mon-Tue: Closed

Wed-Thu: 5-9pm Fri-Sat: 5-9.30pm Sun: 5-9pm West End, NR8 5AG happyvalleynorwich.co.uk 01603 731199

Harte of Costessey

Mon-Tue: Closed

Wed-Thu: 12-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm

Fri-Sat: 12-3pm, 5.30-11.30pm Sun: 12-6pm Town House Rd, NR8 5BS thehartenorwich.co.uk 01603 742755

Harte Stores

Mon-Sat: 6am-9pm Sun: 7am-6pm West End, NR8 5AG 01603 929905

Nansa

Mon-Tue: 9am-4pm Wed: 10.30am-4pm Thu-Fri: 9am-4pm Sat: 9am-2pm

Sun: Closed Kabin Road, NR5 0LN nansa.org.uk 01603 744123

New Wok

Tue-Sun: 4.30pm-11pm Mon: Closed Norwich Road, NR5 0EX 01603 748246

Stafford Stores

Mon-Sat: 7am-8pm Sun: 8am-8pm

Upper Stafford Ave, NR5 0AB 01603 748749

Urban Jungle

Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm Cafe: 10.30am-3.30pm Ringland Lane, NR8 5BG urbanjungle.uk.com 01603 744997 Cafe: 01603 857196

Village Shop

Mon-Sun: 6.30am-10pm Gurney Road, NR5 0HF 01603 745411

Wensum DIY

Mon-Sat: 8.30am-5.30pm

Sun/Bank Hol: 10am-4pm Norwich Road, NR5 0EG wensumdiy.com 01603 742524

Hire the Scout Hall

Available most daytimes and weekends, private parking, fully equipped kitchen,flexible outdoor space, accessible facilities, heated and air conditioned.

Gunton Lane, NR5 0AE bookings@27thnorwich.org.uk

Match of the Dads

A group of Dads meeting every Monday night for a kickabout and raising money for charity.

Mondays, 8-10pm FDC, Clover Hill Rd, NR5 9ED matchofthedads.com matchofthedads@outlook.com

Hellesdon & Sprowston Brass

We’re looking for players! If you’ve got experience playing a brass instrument, then why not come along to a rehearsal where you will be very welcome. hellesdonsprowstonbrass.co.uk handsband@yahoo.co.uk

Litter Picking

Covers as many streets in New Costessey as possible in an hour. Litter-pickers, bags, gloves, bin liners and hoops provided, or bring your own. Everyone welcome.

Search Costessey Information Board on Facebook or NextDoor.co.uk for dates/times.

Breckland Hall - every first Thursday of the month Co-Op Norwich Rd - every third Saturday of the month

Costessey Coffee Mornings

Costessey Library

Storytime

For parents and their children. Suitable for under 5’s. Mondays, 2pm

Lego Club

For ages 5-11, under 8s to be accompanied.

Tuesdays, 4.30pm

Bounce & Rhyme

Musical fun for young children and families.

Wednesdays, 10.30am

Staffed Hours

Mon: 9.30am - 7pm

Tue: 2pm - 7pm Wed: 9.30am - 7pm

Thu: Closed

Fri: 2pm - 7pm

Sat: 11am - 4pm Sun: Closed

Open Library

Mon: 8am - 9.30am

Tue: 8am - 2pm

Wed: 8am - 9.30am

Thu: 8am - 7pm

Fri: 8am - 2pm Sat: 8am - 11am Sun: 10am - 4pm

fb.me/costesseylibraryofficial 01603 742669

38 Breckland Rd, NR5 0RW

The Crown Pub, NR5 0EU fb.me/sunnysweettreat fb.me/thecrowncostessey

Become a Visitor Centre Volunteer at HMP Norwich

We are looking for people to join us in welcoming families to the Visitors Centre at HMP Norwich. It can be a scary time visiting a family member in custody and our volunteers play a really important role welcoming and registering families on site.

Saturdays 12.45pm-3pm Sundays 8.45am-11am

HMP Norwich, Knox Rd, NR1 4LU volunteering@ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Volunteer with Scouts

Looking to try something new? Make friends, do something good for your community or keep your brain and body active and happy? Scouts volunteering could be for you.

Gunton Lane, NR5 0AE 27thnorwich.org.uk gsl@27thnorwich.org.uk 07754 718877

Message Lee on social media @MyHandyGuide or email: editor@myhandyguide.co.uk

Convenience Food & Drink Garden Centre Key Cutting Pets Post Office Pub

Leave a li le sparkle wherever you go...

By Stevie-Marie Curtis

rowing up, I loved gymnastics, baton twirling and dancing - all the typical things little girls do! But the one thing that I loved the most; the glitter and sparkle of the outfits.

The gorgeous colours, glitters, sequins and diamantés; they just had me in awe. The more glitter and sparkle, the better! Even growing up I’ve always been the first one in the “Face & Body Glitter” queue at a festival or on holiday. The one thing you can always guarantee is that on every new set of nails, there’s glitter.

Like most people, I’ve always wanted a job that I love and enjoy (though I’m well aware that not everyone is fortunate enough to achieve this). When looking for new careers over the years, the same question kept getting asked “well what do you enjoy doing?”.

Now I’m not going to lie; I don’t know why it took me nearly 32 years to realise the passion I have for glitter, but I got there in the end. At the end of this summer I took the leap of faith, and decided to start my own glitter business “Glitterized”.

I’ve already hosted some special occasions with the likes of some cracking

adult parties. The ball is seemingly still rolling as the calendar fills up with Halloween celebrations and Christmas parties.

I want “Glitterized” to not only be every child’s dream, but to be a unique experience. That’s why I’ve recently introduced hair braiding, glitter tattoos and some special surprises on the horizon...

I cannot put into words how it makes me feel seeing the joy in the children’s faces, when they see their glittered face in the mirror. Absolutely priceless! Glitterized is very early days, but I can honestly say that I FINALLY have a job that I LOVE.

ANIMALS & PETS

Redwings 19 01508 505246 www.redwings.org.uk/adopt

CLEANING

Rugs2Riches 8 07881 406563 www.rugs2riches.com

Gutter Pro 13 01603 851507 www.gutterpro.co.uk

EDUCATION & LEARNING

Little Riders 15 hello@littleridersuk.co.uk www.littleridersuk.co.uk

Victory Driving Tuition 15 07943 040731 www.victorydrivingtuition.co.uk

ELECTRICAL, HEATING & PLUMBING

Anglia Safety 8 01603 480460 www.angliasafety.co.uk

LMB Electrical 11 07920 394708 www.lmbelectrical.info

M. A. Middleton Electrical Services 27 07770 733840 / 01603 880497 marcmiddleton@btinternet.com

Richmond Plumbing & Heating 27 07800 606457 richmondph.enquirys@gmail.com

FINANCE & LEGAL

The WillMaker Group 24 01603 927273 www.thewillmaker.co.uk

Fortyhill Finance Solutions 24 01603 788461 / 07981 537693 www.fortyhillfs.co.uk

GARDEN

Norfolk Garden Sheds 6 01603 555775 www.norfolkgardensheds.com

Pristine Homes & Gardens 7 01603 747789 / 07484 744692 www.pristinehomesandgardens.co.uk

Paul Thomson Arboricultural 7 01603 740216 / 07775 510365 www.paulthomsontrees.co.uk

Sheds2Fencing 26 01603 514199 www.sheds2fencing.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Free the Mind Hypnotherapy 11 07891 253475 www.freethemind.info

Centenary Opticians 18 01603 362447 / 07359 088327 centenaryopticians.co.uk

Helen’s Fitness 18 07730 193934 helensfitness.co.uk

Slimming World 18 07961 046619 / 07894 087044 www.slimmingworld.co.uk

The Fern Garden 29 07818 508064 theferngarden@outlook.com

Rebecca Mobile Hairdresser 29 07810 538991

Reflexology with Sarah 29 07828 479923 www.reflexologywithsarah.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Martin’s Carpets 3 01603 880087 www.martinscarpetsltd.co.uk

Longwater Construction Supplies 9 01603 731555 www.longwatersupply.com

Bladewater Flooring 10 01603 861043 www.bladewaterflooring.co.uk

BBH Home Improvements 13 01603 897350 www.bbhltd.co.uk

Coopers Bathrooms & Wetrooms 23 01603 400134 www.coopersbathroomsandwetrooms.co.uk

JCS Decoration 25 07901 751539 www.jcsdecoration.co.uk

AD Home Interiors 26 01603 745757 www.adhomeinteriors.com

Wensum DIY 26 01603 742524 www.wensumdiy.com

LEISURE, TRAVEL & MOTORING

IC Travel 14 01603 868680 www.ictravel.co.uk

Courtesy Taxis 15 01603 446644 www.courtesytaxis.com

Lodge Farm Holiday Barns 20 01603 742247 www.lodgefarmholidaybarns.co.uk

MRC Garage Services 20 01603 898444 www.mrcgarageservices.co.uk

MOBILITY, CARE & FUNERAL

CareLift Services Stair Lifts 2 01603 433603 www.careliftservices.co.uk

Corton House 22 01603 620119 www.cortonhouse.co.uk

Home Instead Senior Care 32 01603 361003 www.homeinstead.co.uk/norwich

MOVING HOME

Russen & Hill Estate Agents 21 01603 744359 www.russenandhill.co.uk

Rush Removals 23 07900 644417 www.rushremovals.co.uk

SHOPPING, FOOD & DRINK

The Goat Shed 5 01603 880685 www.fieldingcottage.co.uk

Easters Bakery 17 01603 749154 www.fb.me/eastersbakery

Food & Drink Walking Tours 17 01603 742247 www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk

WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFING

RG Leverett Ltd Roofing & Roofline 7 01603 418818 www.roofsuk.co.uk

P.Nunn Installations 12 01603 260405 / 07833 225895 www.pnunninstallations.co.uk

NC Windows 31 01603 528022 / 07747 882883 www.ncwindows.co.uk

“The team at NC Windows did a great job at installing a new composite front door and UPVC back door. They even did the cut out for the cat flap so our new rescue cat can come and go as she pleases! I am very pleased with the workmanship and the final results.”

“A very professional and hassle free experience from survey to the fitting of my windows and doors. They sourced exactly what I was looking for at a very competitive price with no hard sales which made me feel at ease.”

“Highly recommend NC windows very professional and tidy and just done what they said for the price they said, very happy with the end result and would recommend them to family and friends.”

Max Medhurst

“I would highly recommend this company. They quoted for and fitted bifold doors for me, they were very professional and e cient and o ered great value for money. The whole process was made extremely easy by them from the initial quote to the installation.”

Lee Sandford

Wayne

Kerry Lant

home is where you feel the most comfortable and the happiest. It’s the place you know the best. If you want to stay living safely and well at home, Home Instead ® can help make that possible.