Emerging Artists

Over the Christmas period, Hatfield Hines Gallery will be celebrating the work of several local artists who display great emerging talent.

Our selected artists share a creative energy, flair and originality which offers great promise for their future recognition.

We invite you to view these collected works - offered at prices from £100 upwards - during December.

An ideal - and affordable - artistic Christmas present, as well as a great way to support and stimulate emerging local talent.

Officially the most 'Special Place' in the UK - Jigger's Meadow

Congratulations to budding artist seven-year-old Reece Scoble, deserving winner of the Hatfield Hines 'My Special Place' children's art competition.

We asked young artists to send in a picture of their own special place, inspired by the watercolour work of HRH the Prince of Wales, as featured in the Gallery over the summer.

Reece's special place: 'Jigger's Meadow - where my shetlands live' was selected as the winning painting by a panel of judges including local artist Charles Phillips.

Charles commented 'We loved this picture as it is both lively and peaceful. Well done Reece!'

Climate Crisis - Autumn renders Holt Soupless!

Yup - autumn is really here...

1. This morning's school run required a rapid U-turn to don an extra layer.

2. The Gallery heater has been cranked back into service for the first time since last winter.

3. Chilled-out of hiding, Holt's 'invisible army' of lunching lawyers, epicurean estate agents, hungry hairdressers and snacking shop-assistants had drunk Byfords dry of soup by lunchtime!

GirlFriday was thereby rendered lunchless - even the very name of the tasty-looking 'Friday Staple' flavour chalked-up on the blackboard was gone by 1pm!

Falling back on takeaway cappuccino and a micro-ed plastic pot of pesto pasta (just not the same...) an online horoscope instructs 'share fondest fantasies today'.

Thus - by clicking on the above image - this blogger is happy to provide a DIY 'Delia-Deli-dejeuner' for fellow art-n-soup-lovers who might find themselves similarly (dis)-placed...

Sea your name in lights with Cromer's X-Factor

BBC Radio Norfolk, the EDP and the Pavillion Theatre Cromer are in search of a star for Seaside Special 2010...

The lucky hopeful will win a spot in the town's famous End-of-the-Pier show - now in its 32nd year after notching up over a million bums on seats

Entries for 'Norfolk Find a Star' close on 31st October, with successful acts being invited to audition in early November. The best of the board-treaders will then 'face the audience' in a thrilling tenner-a-ticket Showcase Final. (Hopefully the worst ones won't be forced to walk-the-plank...)

Potential stars-in-the-making (who must be aged over 17 on 1st April 2010 and be able to commit to a show season running from June to September) should send details of their act including a biography, colour head and shoulders photos and -if possible - a performance DVD to show what you can do.

Applications should be sent to: Norfolk Find a Star, The Box Office, Cromer Pier, Cromer, NR27 9HE.

Hatfield Hines' Naomi Clements inspires the EDP

Hatfield Hines artist Naomi Clements talks to the EDP about drawing, Old Masters and a room of one's own - down at the bottom of the garden...

"Naomi is a stickler when it comes to drawing. 'For me drawing is the key to good painting - you can tell by looking at a painting if the artist can draw. Drawing forms the basis of everything from the composition to the execution,' she explains.

She is very inspired by the Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi. 'He does these marvellous paintings of interiors where he often paints his wife as well - not as a portrait but as a rather fleeting figure who seems to add something mysterious to the mix.'

She is fascinated by the Old Masters and often visits the National Gallery to research her work. 'For portraits it may be Goya, Rembrandt or Durer. For interiors I may look at Pieter de Hooch, Vermeer and Hammershoi. I long to achieve the depth and beauty of the Old Masters but with comtemporary settings and subjects.'

Naomi's studio - at the bottom of the garden - is pristine and tidy. 'I do find my studio a haven of tranquility after the chaos and noise of family life in the main house. When I get in and close the door I breathe a huge sigh of relief,' she says."

To see more of Naomi Clements' work click here.

Something for the (Heritage) Weekend..?

Fancy getting to grips with gas, plumbing the depths of the Victorian loo or taking a sedate saunter round a stateley pile - all free gratis and for nothing? Griff reckons this weekend's Heritage Open Days event could be for you...

The annual history-fest - England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event - glories in England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to the weird & whacky properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

This year's offering - officially launched by Griff Rhys Jones and Baroness Andrews in uber trendy Brighton - also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture.

Co-ordinated via English Heritage, but organised by volunteers - usually property owners or managers - for local people, the event attracted around 1 million visitors last year.

Sites up for grabs for gratis this year include follies, contemporary buildings, churches, factories, tunnels, temples, offices, private homes, industrial sites, castles, windmills, town halls - guided walks, concerts, re-enactments and trails.

For full details of what's on in the Norfolk area click here to visit English Heritage's website.

To whet your appetite - look out for: Fish 'n' Ships in Great Yarmouth; Charles Darwin Visits King's Lynn; Trials at The Old Courtroom in Norwich and Civil War re-enactors setting off canons at Greenland Fishery..!

King Henry's single handed band-aid for Salthouse

Last weekend St. Nicholas's Church Salthouse was crammed with 'krummhorns', 'nakers' and 'sorduns' in the name of charity, as mad-early-music-minstrel Robert Fitzgerald brought King Henry's Band to town.

As the concert began, it occurred to the uninitiated in the audience that Ye Olde Facebook could be called for, since the 'Band' consists of Fitzgerald plus four 'missing members' (variously dismissed for a string of historic misdemeanours involving excessive imbibing, unseemly lustiness and generally ill-considered merry making).

The ensemble sound is achieved by the layered use of pre-recorded backing tracks (in which Fitzgerald plays each individual instrument) augmented with his live performance of a 'missing' instrument.

Between tunes, Kelling-dweller Fitzgerald waxed lyrical about the history, pedigree and construction of the many wind, string and percussion instruments presented including the bizarre 'gemshorn' crafted from an exotic-looking animal's horn.

The concert continued for a marathon three hours on a revolving come-and-go-as-you-please programme and raised over £400 towards church funds through contributions and CD sales.

Afterwards, Fitzgerald still had enough puff left - incredibly - to furnish groupies with tales of construction ups and downs.

We left with extensive programme notes and a CD, desperate for a peek into his garden shed!

Camden Town meets Kitchen Sink in King's Cross...

A collection of over 100 self-portraits by major British 20th Century artists is on show in a new public exhibition at canal-side King's Place Gallery in London.

The exhibition charts the myriad developing strands of an entire period in British art, spanning figures from the inter-war years through the 50s and 60s, right up to 1971. All kinds of artistic influences are evident: art school academicism, Camden Town, Expressionism, the Euston Road School and Kitchen Sink.

The collection - which represents a remarkable historical archive of the London art world in the period just after the Festival of Britain - was amassed over fifty years by German-born Ruth Borchard, who together with her husband Kurt fled to England in 1939 to escape Hitler's National Socialists.

Originally a collector of diaries, autobiographies and letters, Borchard's interest in artists was ignited after reading Jack Beddington's book 'Young Artists of Promise' and by viewing art school shows and the 'Young Contemporaries' exhibition. It struck her that the idea of introspection in painting truly meant the intimacy of the self-portrait.

With astonishing bravado, she set a ceiling of 21 guineas for any one picture, irrespective of artist, and usually succeeded.

Amongst the artists spotted by Borchard during their student days were: Mario Dubsky, Peter Philips, Antony Green, Ken Howard and David Tindle. As the collection grew, she began to approach artists more advanced in their careers, most of whom were intrigued by the project. Michael Ayrton wrote to her 'I will accept the 21 gns and I much admire anyone who can obtain so many works for no more than that figure.'

The Ruth Borchard Collection: British Self-Portraits in the 20th Century runs until 29th August.
King's Place Gallery
90 York Way, London, N1 9AG
Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 12-6pm
Admission: Free

Prince Charles' artwork to inspire budding painters

Calling all budding landscape artists... Paint or draw your 'Special Place' - inspired by Hatfield Hines' August exhibition of the works of HRH the Prince of Wales - and you could win a set of artist quality art materials.

Prince Charles's favourite places include Windsor Castle, Sandringham, the Yorkshire Dales and the Scottish Highlands - all of which he has captured in watercolour.

We now want you to show us what is special to you about your own environment. Your picture could show your favourite countryside view, a scene from your house or garden, your school, your playground or sportsfield - even your room.

Winning entries will also be featured in the Gallery.

Just the thing for those grim wet days over the long, long, long, long, long summer holidays..!

For full details, and to download an entry form (PDF) to print off at home, visit the Hatfield Hines Gallery website by clicking here.

Closing date for entries: 22nd August 2009.

Exhibition: 'A Sense of our Place: British Landscapes'
1st-29th August 2009 at Hatfield Hines, open during normal gallery hours.

Other artists featuring in the exhibition will include Paul Maze, Frank Beanland and Arthur Knighton-Hammond.

Triple encore as 'the Ukes' get plucky in Lynn

On Wednesday, anarchy hit the UK as the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain rolled into King's Lynn...

The melee in the foyer of the Corn Exchange was testament to the diverse crossover audiences which pool to form the Ukes fanbase - everything from mad-keen junior school children to pashmina-porting 'prommers' to aged rockers.

It is rare to find a band who can demonstrate classical skill and sophistication without the stuffiness; who can entertain and enthrall as well as excite; who can make the old seem new and the new seem old: that is the magic formula captured by the seven friends and 28 strings of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

With an inventive repertoire which included everything from a 'happy' version of Anarchy in the UK to a 'Cossack' slowed-down version of Formby's legendary Leaning on a Lampost to 'simul-segues' of threads of six different classic rock tunes woven into the fabric of Bowie's Life on Mars, to Teenage Dirtbag sung as a down-tempo, sentimental ballad - there was wall-to-wall delight, suprise and inspiration.

Quite simply, the best £21.50 I have spent in many a long while, and the 'Live' CD of their 16 most popular performance tracks is a bargain at £10. If you get the chance to see them - go!

Arts & Crafts at Voewood Midsummer Fete

This weekend bunting meets bedouin as millionaire book-dealer Simon Finch throws open the gates of Voewood - his amazing arts & crafts country mansion - on the outskirts of Holt.

As well as enjoying vintage clothes, arts and craft stalls, home-made cakes, preserves & teas, and Moroccan 'saw music' (no - I'm not kidding) - in the formal gardens of this listed 'Butterfly House', a number of guided interiors tours are up for grabs on both Saturday and Sunday for the lucky few who pre-book.

Following Finch up and down a plethora of wooden staircases, tour participants will discover the labyrinth of quirky, individually decorated bedrooms, bathrooms and public rooms which house his priceless modern art collection, assembled over many years.

Here's a taster, for those of you who are terribly intrigued but just can't make it...

Enjoy!

GF

Kopylova this...frills, quills & salsa with everything

Sadler's Wells got steamy under the collar this week as the Peacock played host to Strictly Stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova in their West End debut show 'Latin Fever'...

The show follows hot on the heels of Raymond Gubbay's previous offering, Anton and Erin's touring production 'Cheek to Cheek', seen by this reviewer at the London Coliseum back in April.

Indeed, many of the same supporting cast were to re-appear decked-out in skimpy barbie-hued lycra & feathers after undergoing full-on 'Latinification' - sponsored by 'St. Tropez' (no, seriously, I kid you not).

Most notable of the corps was the terrific Emma Slater (an ex pupil of D & L), who for me stole both shows with her amazing blend of technical excellence, individual expressiveness and the infectious communication of her obvious love for dance. Plainly put, it was a joy to watch her move. More please.

The show offered 'Daz n Laz' the tantalizing chance to choreograph and perform their own showcase production. The programme pledged to 'capture the passion and vibrancy of Latin American dance'. The routines and costumes were indeed spectacular, but for me offered the audience a dumbed-down, steak-and-prawn-cocktail version of what Latin dance is all about.

This was underlined by the largely unimaginitive and predictable choice of music e.g. 'Brazil', 'The Coffee Song' etc. etc. etc. The sort of songs which feature on old-fashioned strict tempo latin dance CDs and don't really serve to fire the imagination.

The latin standards were supplied, semi-cheesily, by a latin band complete with both male and female singers. This made for a more interesting and varied performance than was the case with Anton and Erin's show - which relied on a solo singer, Richard Shelton - the self confessed 'Murderer from Emmerdale' - who belted out a string of Sinatra standards, with variable gusto and competence.

Both shows fell down bigtime during the many 'costume change' musical interludes, in that there was no visual backdrop to animate the stage once the dancers had vacated it. It would have been great to have been able to dim the lights and have some behind-the-scenes/talking heads footage rather than an empty looking apron and on-stage musicians who rather resembled a pack of rabbits in headlights.

Why not allow the backing dancers the chance to self-choreograph their own fillers for these sections, in a series of solo or duo 'spotlit dances', to show off what they can really do and provide a true modern interpretation of latin dance? Hey - just a thought...

Dance-wise, I found the 'very varied' programme not actually that varied at all, since the choreography was so heavily doused with elements of salsa and with generic 'latin' movements that were not correctly specific to each individual dance style.

It was impossible on a technical level to split the cha cha from the salsa from the jive from the swing - as all the flavours were stirred up in a big pot a bit like Eton mess. Exceptions were the argentine tango (which Lilia pulled off 100% more competently than Erin), the Paso (pretty hard to 'Salsa-fy' that one) and the rumba, a section of which I enjoyed the most of the entire show, as it was the most 'pure'.

Having said that, I realize I am rather a tough cookie to please when it comes to dance. Judging by the rapturous applause received at the end of the show - especially for the band - I have to tip my hat to Darren & Lilia in their correct assessment of their 'target customer base'.

They got it spot on that Joe Public who books a ticket for this West End experience is not looking for perfect basics, purity of form nor technical excellence. He is after 'pizzaz' i.e. frilly skirts, skimpy, spangly, gravity-defying, bubblegum-coloured leotards, 'proper dancing' i.e. lots of 'lively action', cheeky winks (or did Tanya Perera simply have an eyelash stuck in her eye for two hours?) and fixed grins combined with 'proper music' they have heard before on the telly.

Darren and Lilia take a bow and count the cash. You deserve every penny: you rule.

World's fastest man set to rev up in Norfolk...

Lovers of Lotus cars are set to max-out on the famous marque this weekend at Snetterton...

Racers to feature in this year's two-day Lotus festival will include the world's fastest man, Wing Commander Andy Green OBE.

Taking a break from preparing to be the first man to break the 1,000mph barrier on land in Bloodhound SSC, Andy will be taking part in his first ever race.

The speed demon will also be leading a much more sedate record attempt: the largest number of Lotus cars to take part in a single moving parade, with over 500 Lotus cars expected to join in.

For a full schedule of events click here.

Tickets: available at the track each day: £12/ children under 12 free.

Face Fits...doppelganger drama in 'The Ugly One'

In an era dominated by PR and the attainment of physical perfection, Marius von Mayenburg's pacey four-hander slashes across the cult of beauty and lifts the concept of identity to the flourescent glare.

Designer Richard Matthews has crafted a Godot-like, monochrome, minimal set of over-exaggerated perspective. Through an electronic fog of white noise, strip lights punctuate a ceiling-grid of white rope. Beneath the harsh glare, fabric panels - stitched in a mosaic of seams - stretch down a corridor which flexes between the environs of a component factory and a hospital. The effect is one of a shattered mirror, a mesh of windows or a web of bandages.

Like the set, the work plays with powerful contrasts. The play opens when Lette (a gifted engineer) is to be excluded by Scheffler (his boss) - in favour of Karlmann (his junior and a much younger man) - from fronting his own invention at a sales convention. This leads Lette to confront the harsh realization - in the words of Fanny, his own beautiful wife, that he is 'unspeakably ugly'.

Sensing the demise of his career, Lette opts for transformative surgery at the hands of a second Scheffler - a materialistic plastic surgeon. Von Mayenburg plays with the unforseen consequences of this operation, as Lette revives to discover he has become physically irresistible.

The naturalistic, and comedic dialogue of the work leads to an initial delusion of accessibility. As the play unfolds, the audience is moved imaginitely through a series of increasingly demanding levels: actors take on and switch between their primary and secondary characters without devices of set, prop or costume to orientate them.

The technique builds incredible pace, as interacting characters switch more rapidly - often mid-gesture, to comedic effect. This is achieved with greater proficiency by Hastings, Marsden and Pryal in the characters of Lette, Fanny and Karlmann.

The play is both powerful and thought-provoking, both because of and in spite of its unexpectedly happy ending.

The Ugly One runs at Norwich Playhouse until 6th June 2009.

Tickets £12 available here.

Chelsea-on-Sea: herbaceous high teas down in Norfolk's 'secret gardens'...

For a taste of Chelsea close to home, part the shrubbery this summer and grab a glimpse of the many 'secret gardens' on offer in Norfolk's Open Gardens scheme...

SATURDAY 30th May
The Break Teddy Bears' Picnic. Bring a rug, a picnic and the family and join Geoffrey, the Break Bear and the Jayne May-Sysum Jazz Band. Tractor & Trailer Rides, Woodland Walks, Colouring Competition, Decorate Bear Cookies.
Location: Stody Estate 10-4pm £10 per car
Details: (01263) 822161

SUNDAY 31st May
Chestnut Farm 11-5pm
3 Acre plantsman's garden with colourful borders, shrubs and trees in an informal setting. Teas, coffees and light lunches. Plant sales. Admission £3, children free. Ample parking. Proceeds to St. Helen and All Saints Church, West Beckham.
Location: Chestnut Farm, West Beckham, Holt. Further information: (01263) 822241

Derwen and Sol. 11-5pm
Herbaceous borders, shrubs, fruit trees, ponds, gravel garden, vegetable plots, unusual plants and shrubs, lawned areas. 2 greenhouses, chickens. Gravel driveway, some narrow paths.
Location: Between B1146 & A1065. Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NL. Alan & Maureen Piggott. 2m S of Fakenham. (Colkirk not signed from A1065), follow NGS signs. Homemade teas. Adm £4, children free.

The Mowle 1.30-5.30pm
Approx 21/2 acres running down to marshes. The garden includes several varieties of catalpa. Japanese garden and enlarged wildlife pond with bog garden. A special border for gunnera. Home-made teas.
Location: 5 W ofWroxham. B1062 Wroxham to Ludham 7m. Turn R by Ludham village church into Staithe Rd. Garden 1/4 m from village. Adm £3.50, chd free. Visitors also welcome by appt anytime, please call first. 01692 678213, ann@mowlegreen.fsnet.co.uk.

Oulton Hall 11-5pm
C18 manor house (not open) and clocktower set in 6-acre garden with lake and woodland walks. Chelsea designer’s own garden - herbaceous, Italian, bog, water, wild, verdant, sunken and parterre gardens all flowing from one tempting vista to another. Developed over 15yrs with emphasis on structure, height and texture, with a lot of recent replanting. Silver Gilt medal - RHS Award Chelsea Show. Home-made teas, in aid of Oulton PPC.
Location: Oulton, Aylsham NR11 6NU. Clare & Bolton Agnew. 4m W of Aylsham. From Aylsham take B1354. After 4m Turn L for Oulton Chapel, Hall 1/2 m on R. From B1149 (Norwich/Holt rd) take B1354, next R, Hall 1/2 m on R.
Adm £4, children free. Visitors also welcome by appt, by written application.

SUNDAY 7th June
11 Bank Road 11-4pm
Small 1/4 -acre landscaped garden with interesting features. Pond, shrubbery, island beds, rock garden, Mediterranean area, seating. Collection of favourite and unusual plants incl bearded iris, heucheras, hostas, ferns. 6-acre allotment site, reputedly one of the best kept in Norfolk, will be open for viewing, adjacent to the garden. Home-made teas in aid of Dersingham Day Centre for the elderly.
Location: Dersingham PE31 6HW. David & Ruth Mountain. 8m NE of King’s Lynn A149 N then B1440 into Dersingham. Bank Rd is 3rd L exit (by recreation ground).
Adm £4, children free.

Burgh in Bloom - Open Gardens 12-5.30pm
Eleven gardens open to the public. Admission £4, children under 12 free - in aid of St. Mary's Church. Ample free parking. Lunches and teas available. Produce and plant sales. Arts and crafts exhibition. Songs of Praise in the church at 6pm, accompanied by the Broadland Brass Band.
Location: Burgh-next-Aylsham NR11 6TP

Old Sun House & Sallowfield Cottage. 11-5pm
Plantsperson’s and artist’s garden, approx 11/3acres, borders, mature trees, river frontage, old roses, bog garden, fruit trees, wild flower meadow, new mini arboretum. Hens, shrubs, ferns, interesting out-buildings. Colour and interest at all times of yr. Gravel drive, lawn and woodchip paths. Home-made teas in aid of St John Ambulance, Wymondham branch.
Location: At T-lights on B1172 at edge of Wymondham turn to town centre. Immed turn L, follow main st, 50 metres past market cross, turn L into car park. From top of car park down Chandlers Hill turn R then L into Damgate. Adm £3, children free.


SUNDAY 14th June
Beck House 11-5pm
11/2 acres, packed borders of unusual perennials, shrubs and trees, large natural pond and paths through wild areas with lovely views across the river. S-facing front garden with drought-loving plants; sit and enjoy the tranquil views on the many seats provided. Featured in ‘Amateur Gardening’. Gravel drive, assistance given if needed.Bridge Road, Colby, nr Aylsham NR11 7EA.
Location: 14m N of Norwich. Take B1145 from N Walsham to Aylsham, after 31/2 m turn R into Bridge Rd opp Banningham Bridge Old Garage, next to school (Colby). Home-made teas. Adm £3, children free. Visitors also welcome by appt. Hazel &Tony Blackburn, 01263 733167 (evenings).

The Dutch House 2-5pm
Long, narrow garden of approx 21/2 acres leading through marsh and wood to Womack Water. Designed and planted originally by the painter Edward Seago and recently replanted by the present owner. Access to Womack Water limited due to steep bridge and uneven paths. Further re-planting in hand. Wheelchair access possible but difficult, terrace, cobbles and steps.
Location: Ludham NR29 5NS. 5m W of Wroxham. B1062 Wroxham to Ludham 7m. Turn R by Ludham village church into Staithe Rd. Garden 1/4 m from village. Home-made teas. Adm £3.50, children free. Mrs Peter Seymour, 01692 678225. Visitors also welcome by appt.

Great Barn Farm (Combined with Manor Farm) 12-5pm
Established farmhouse garden going through transitional phase. Long established herbaceous borders and kitchen garden. Fruit cage and small orchard area. Newly planted low maintenance bed for yr round interest. Established pond and patio. Children’s lawn. Woodland garden with den. Child friendly. Limited wheelchair access, some gravel paths. Moderately sloping garden.
Location: Gayton Thorpe PE32 1PN. 7m E of King’s Lynn. On B1145, R onto B1153, 1st L to Gayton Thorpe, continue through village towards B1145, last house on L. Homemade teas. Adm £4 (share to Gayton & Thorpe PCC).

Manor Farmhouse 2-6pm
Charming 4-acre garden surrounds an attractive farmhouse. Many interesting features. Formal quadrants with obelisks. ‘Hot Spot’ with grasses and gravel. Small arboretum with specimen trees, pleached lime walk, vegetable parterre and rose tunnel. Unusual ‘Taj’ garden with old-fashioned roses, tree peonies, lilies and pond. Small herd of Formosan Sika deer. Featured in local press.
Location: Wellingham PE32 2TH. 7m from Fakenham, 8m from Swaffham, 1/2 m off A1065 N of Weasenham. Garden is beside the church. Home-made teas. Teas in aid of The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House. Adm £3.50, chd free. Visitors also welcome by appt. Robin & Elisabeth Ellis, 01328 838227, www.manor-house farm.co.uk.

Summer Cottage 11-5pm
A ‘Tardis’ created from an old apple orchard in 2000, behind a pink cottage. 5 small gardens in
1/3 -acre linked by brick, grass and gravel paths, featuring wild flowers with pond and summerhouse. Formal English borders, intimate sundial retreat, model kitchen garden and walled area with bamboos. Possibly cricket match on High Common.
Location: High Common, Swardeston NR14 8DL. 4m S of Norwich. Take B1113 out of Norwich, turn R at Swardeston Village sign, down Short Lane, then L round bend on unmade rd to High Common. Park on edge of cricket pitch or by village hall. Home-made teas. Adm £3, children free. Richard & Deidre Cave.

Make clay whilst the sun shines...the Morphing of Chelsea

Visitors to Chelsea Flower Show might be in for a sticky surprise this year, courtesy of BBC Top Gear's James May...

His version of 'Paradise' - incorporating a veg patch, grapevine, palm trees, lawn, rockery, pond - complete with fish - and even a tasty picnic - is crafted from 2.5 tonnes of plasticine in 24 colours.

But hey, no man is an island - no matter how unique his utopia. To fashion his fakery, May pulled in a fistful of favours from his mates over at Aardman Animations - creators of the famous Wallace and Grommit, as well as a batallion of Chelsea pensioners (who made the poppies), a squad of schoolkids (who made the daffs) and cake superstar Jane Asher (official picnic-on-the-rug consultant).

This year, the RHS is keen to encourage newcomers, especially youngsters, to take up the spade, trowel and dibber. This certainly seems to have worked - erm - to some extent - in May's case: "(to date) my experience of gardening has been limited to digging holes," he said, "I do make sure the hosepipe is untangled."

Oh well, he did have a stab at making some Plasticine flowers and apples, bless him. "Coming at it from a science and engineering point of view, I found model making deeply engrossing," he says.

Hot Jazz & cool Broads? Deep South - head East!

For the ultimate escape from headlines, bottom lines and the latest outbreak of MP expenses (aka 'swine fever') head down to the Deep South...it's closer than you think.

This weekend, the Southern Comfort Mississippi paddle steamer plays host to 'The Festival All Stars' jazzmen - in one of the classiest closing events of the NN09 Festival.

Sailing from her summer moorings beside the Swan at Horning, she’ll glide along the river Bure to Ranworth Broad, passing some of Norfolk’s most beautiful old thatched houses, windmills and Norfolk reed beds on the way, not to mention a wealth of ever-amusing boat and bird life.

But what is a Mississippi ship doing on the Norfolk Broads anyway?

Well, firstly, both waterways share the common trait of being relatively shallow, making the shallow-hulled riverboat an ideal vessel design for the Broads. Secondly, the leisurely turning of the paddle at the stern of the vessel minimises the wake generated. This is a key environmental advantage, as excessive wash generated by river craft can quickly erode the soft peat of the river banks.

So now you know!

Tickets: £12, available here

Bright ideas - go green at Chapelfield Luminarium

For a surreal experience this month, head South to Chapelfield Gardens, surrender your shoes and be swallowed up by the multi-coloured karma of a giant Islamic 'bouncy cathedral'...

Architects of Air's Notts - made 'Levity III' luminarium is a gigantic, multi-chambered sculpture which people enter to become immersed in an experience of radiant light, colour and sound.

The structure features a series of winding passages, mood chambers, relaxation pods and small domes all inspired by the architectural forms found in Iranian bazaars.

The spectacular lighting effects to be found within the modular, zipped-together structure are created by the effects of natural daylight shining through the various coloured sections of plastic.

Take something for the kids to play with in the queue if you go at the weekend..! However, once you're ushered inside the airlock rest-assured, they will be satisfyingly wow-ed...

Opening times: 3pm-8pm Mon-Fri
11am-8pm Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Monday

Admission: £4 adults, £3 under 16.

Newsflash - exclusive Private View

Phil and Clare are very pleased and proud to announce the arrival of Alice Edith Allen who joined the Gallery team just after eleven ten this morning.

The new staff member - weighing in at seven pounds three ounces - will be an exciting addition to the team. Both Mum and baby doing well.

Rural idyll? Snap quotes in N. Norfolk & win a Wii!

Budding photographers have another chance to shine this summer in a new competition from Norfolk's Rural Community Council.

A picture tells a thousand words, so the RCC are on the hunt for local photographers who can help them raise awareness of rural issues.

Each photo entered must encapsulate one of the following quotes (only one entry per quote allowed):

1. Affordable housing - desirable, comfortable, affordable?
2. Services, access - are you being served?
3. Rural isolation - idyllic or isolated?
4. Many people - one community
5. Healthy environment, healthy community
6. Live local, shop local

First prize will be a Nintendo Wii games console, with camera centre and gardening vouchers up for grabs for the runners-up.

For an entry form either email photocomp@norfolkrcc.org or check the website, www.norfolkrcc.org.uk for a downloadable version.

Closing date Friday 12th June, 2009

Make-Your-Own-Marathon North Norfolk Style

Well done to all those clients, artists and friends who took part in last weekend's Flora London Marathon, especially Emma Dale, Head of Music at Beeston Hall School, who ran the road race for the first time this year, and completed the course in an amazing 4 hours 44 minutes.

For those who are less keen on crowds or who like their roadside scenery a little more 'scenic' and a lot more local, there is now a very handy tool to 'make your own marathon' route back home.

Norfolk runners (or walkers) can register a User ID at www.buzz.com to gain access to a wealth of pre-defined routes at various distances - complete with maps and way markers. For those with GPS systems, these routes can be downloaded at the click of a button. Users of this system can also plot and publish personal favourite routes, in order to share their own particular tours of the great outdoors with others...

Chocaholic heritage-loving sleuths, read on ...

This Easter weekend offers a rich bounty for North Norfolk's chocaholic heritage lovers, with a myriad calorific treasure hunts on offer...

Easter Eggspress - Join everybody at the Bure Valley Railway, Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway for some Easter Fun. Free Easter Egg for every child when accompanied by a full fare-paying adult. Friday 10 Apr 09 to Monday 13 Apr 09. Station open from 0930 and trains service start from 10:05. Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Norfolk NR11 6BW

www.bvrw.co.uk

EASTER TRAIL - Follow the clues around the grounds of Felbrigg Hall and claim your Easter egg prize. Friday 10 Apr 09 to Monday 13 Apr 09 - 11am - 4pm. Child £2. National Trust. Tel:Beverley Cook, 01582 500920 Felbrigg Hall, Garden & Park Norfolk NR11 8PR

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&propertyid=52

Easter Egg Trail - Fun self-guided Easter Trail through Sheringham Park, Friday 10 Apr 09 to Monday 13 Apr 09 - 10.30am - 4pm. Child £1.50 Includes Prize. National Trust. Tel:Visitor Centre, 01263 820550 Sheringham Park Visitor Centre Wood Farm Upper Sheringham Norfolk NR26 8TL

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&propertyid=55

Fairhaven Garden Easter Treasure Hunt - Join the Easter Treasure Hunt at Fairhaven and search the garden for the biggest Easter Egg – free egg for evry child. Admission charges: adult £5, senior citizen £4.50 and child £2.50, under fives free; dogs welcome on leads (25p charge for pooper scooper). Tel 01603 270449/270683. Friday 10 Apr 09 to Monday 13 Apr 09 - 10am to 5pm every day. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham Norfolk NR13 6DZ

http//:www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

Easter Trail - Complete the Easter Animal trail at Oxburgh Hall and receive a chocolate prize. Egg rolling and special children’s menu in the tearoom. Saturday 11 Apr 09 to Monday 13 Apr 09 - 11am - 4pm. Child £1.50 Trail fee per child. National Trust. Tel:Kay Donachie, 01366 328258, Oxburgh Hall, Garden & Estate Norfolk PE33 9PS

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&propertyid=54

EGG HUNT Easter Sunday - Join the fun on Easter Sunday in the EGG HUNT at The Animal Ark. Enjoy exploring the park while you look for Gold and Silver vouchers. Each voucher wins a child’s chocolate Easter Egg. Egg hunt open to children 3 - 14yrs. FREE bag of mini eggs on arrival! Lots of fun with Keeper talks, Prize competitions and puzzles. Adult £6.50, Child £5.50, Conc £5.50 Sunday 12 Apr 09 - Open 28th March 2009 from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm) The Animal Ark, Fakenham Road, Gt Witchingham, Norwich Norfolk NR9 5QS

www.theanimalark.org

Easter Trail - Bring the family and enjoy a children’s Easter Trail around the Blickling Gardens. Includes chocolate gift. Sunday 12 Apr 09 to Monday 13 Apr 09 - 11am - 4pm. Child £1.50 plus garden entry. Tel: 01223 810080 Blickling Hall, Gardens & Park, Blickling, Norfolk NR11 6NF

Calling all Norfolk Artists and Makers...

Only two weeks remain to get your submissions in for the Fakenham Contemporary Art exhibition 2009.

Entries are invited to the categories of: ceramics; collage; drawing; installation; painting; photography; printmaking; sculpture; textiles.

Entrants must be resident in Norfolk, and all submissions (maximum of four per artist) must be original work, completed within the last two years.

For further details and an exhibitor's application form click here.

Above work 'Jet Sky' featured courtesy of Hatfield Hines' own multi-talented Charles Phillips

Pipe Dreams - Hirst follows Beatle down the tunnel

Kiev's Pinchuk Art Centre, brainchild of Ukrainian metal pipe billionaire Viktor Pinchuk, is poised to stage Requiem a major retrospective of the work of Damien Hirst from April 25th onwards.

The exhibition will showcase a hundred of the artist's most iconic works, including 'A Thousand Years', 'Away from the Flock' and 'Death Explained' a sculpture of a bisected shark, preserved in formaldehyde. It will also premiere a series of skull paintings done by Hirst between 2006 and 2008.

Unlike fellow oligarchs who plough their funds into football squads, Pinchuk - at $2.5bn rated the world's 246th richest man by the latest Forbes poll, is a vulture for culture and already boasts iconic works by Brit Hirst and American Jeff Koons in his personal art collection.

Crisis-hit Ukraine, where industrial production is plummeting by over 30% each month, may seem an unlikely venue for such an exhibition - the latest cultural extravaganza since Pinchuk jetted ex-Beatle Macca to Kiev for a major concert last June.

However, in a public statement, the gallery insisted Kiev was the perfect location "In hosting a major retrospective of one of the most important artists working today, the Pinchuk Art Centre is testament to Ukraine's ongoing cultural development."

To view further details of this exhibition click here.

Bottoms up on the Broads this Mothers' Day

Stuck for something a bit more original than daffs, chocs and fighting through an obligatory elbow-to-elbow "Sunday roast 'n' gateau" special at the packed local this Mothers' Day?

Why not lay off the calories, soak up some scenery and take to the water with your brood this year instead.

Broads Tours are running two special Mothers' Day cruises on Sunday 22nd March, each offering a free 'chill-out' glass of wine to Mums accompanied by their children... ah - how very civilized...

The trips depart from Wroxham at 11.30am (returning 1pm, £7 adults, £5.50 children) or 2pm (returning 4pm, £8 adults, £6.50 children). Under fives go free.

Bookings: 01603 782207

Frogger Frenzy on Briston backroads

It's not easy being a frog. You've avoided being scoffed as spawn, evaded the tadpole pond-dip nets of toddlers, made it through that - hey, where's my tail gone? - teenage phase, escaped beady-eyed herons and crawled off for a well-earned rest under a clump of grass.

Then before you know it, the nights start warming up, dusk falls, the dew twinkles invitingly outside your trusty clump and you have this sudden, irresistible urge to go a wooing...

As ever - as per the iconic 1970's arcade game - the course of true love often involves a major trek across a hairy stretch of asphalt...

Hop, hop - SPLOT!

Such is the nightly flattened fate of hundreds of frogs and toads squished by oblivious motorists on local roads during the March-May breeding season.

The Department of Transport have now designated a one mile stretch of the Holt-Briston Road an 'Amphibian Crossing Zone'.

So on mild, wet nights keep your speed down, watch out for the frog alert roadsigns and toad patrol wardens (who lift the little fellas across the road to safety - hmm, rather them than me!) and - go on - do your bit for amphibian romance...