Market Harborough Living December 2014

Gift ideas for everybody!

Festive Fashion

MARKET

HARBOROUGH LIVING COVERING MARKET HARBOROUGH, SURROUNDING VILLAGES & RUTLAND

Christmas Time

Mistletoe and Wine

PLUS: LOCAL SHOPPING

DECEMBER 2014 £1.50 12

9 771741 580014

WEBSITE www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk MH NOV COVER copy.indd 1

GET IN TOUCH @MktHLivingMag 21/11/2014 12:00

A Gentleman needs the right time, even when wet.

Loomes of Stamford unveil their entirely new, ready-to-wear, Mermaid watch.

The Mermaid is a classic automatic wristwatch, designed, machined and hand-built in Stamford.

In 1653 Thomas Loomes ran Britain’s largest firm of clock and watchmakers at The Sign of the Mermaid in London. Today Loomes is a watch industry award-winning business, with an outstanding history and reputation.

The first Mermaid watch is a limited edition of one hundred signed and numbered pieces.

It is only available from our historic riverside workshops.

The Mermaid is our first ever fully waterproof watch; each is tested to forty fathoms (75m) and is built to last.

LOOMES & Co. Extraordinary Watchmakers

www.robertloomes.com 01780 481319

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RU T L AN D & M A R K E T H A R BO R O U G H L IV ING

December Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

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f you are keen to avoid the soulless city centre shopping experience and support the county’s local economy, this month sees the launch of newly revitalised Christmas shopping event in Rutland.

On Thursday 4 December Uppingham will begin the festive season with a revamped Christmas shopping event in the town that organisers describe as ‘a wonderful evening of Christmassy fun for everyone’. Beginning at 5.45pm and based around the town centre, there will be a skating rink, entertainers of all kinds, stilt walkers, fire eaters, festive stalls and craft fair, seasonal music, food, choirs, a mummer’s play, children’s games and competitions as well as lots of delights and surprises provided by the town’s independent shop keepers.

7 Editor’s Selection Christmas Decorations

8 Local Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide for Rutland

12 Local Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide for Market Harborough

17 Out and About Stamford Singers

18 Health and Beauty Gifts from Rutland

21 Fashion

45 Diary Dates

Gifts from Market Harborough

What’s on in our region this month

23 Health and Beauty

49 Shops and Services

Gifts from Market Harborough

Updates from Rutland

24 Fashion

54 Village Focus

Christmas Styling

Kibworth at Christmas

27 Health and Beauty

56 Food and Drink

Me Time!

Christmas Tipples

28 Food and Drink

59 Shops and Services

The magical culinary tour

30 Recipe

Harborough Happenings

Chocolate coffee mousse with milk sorbet

The following week on Monday 8 December it will be the turn of Oakham Town Partnership to launch their Christmas Festival. Running between 5pm and 9pm there will be activities and events all over the town plus a program of entertainment including stalls on the High Street, Mill Street and in the Castle and Victoria Hall, fairground rides, a full programme of song, music and performance in All Saints Church, street performers and entertainers, the Water Aid Christmas Festival, storytelling, Santa in his grotto and the Rutland Veterinary Centre have arranged for Santa’s reindeer to be available for stroking as part of a their pets corner. Look out for live music from the Rutland Radio stage.

For the Market Harborough Event turn to page 59.

Let’s shop local!

Abigail @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

34 Food and Drink

Ginger and spice and all things nice…

36 Eating Out

Number 3, The Wine Bar; Hambleton Bakery Christmas produce

62 Local History

The Mistletoe Bough

64 Local Walk

Sheffield & The Porter Brook

67 Out and About Prepare for Skiing

41 Local Shopping

68 Local People

42 Out and About

70 Profile

Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Leicestershire Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk

Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

The Wool Room Winter Training

Miranda’s Story

Laura Pitt-Pulford is Maria

Rutland Living Cover by Robin Stewart www.realfoodphotography.co Market Harborough Living Cover by Martin Norton Tel: 07711 145237

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 (UK only).

Please write to The Editor, enclosing cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd. Or subscribe online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 00:47

We’ve been busy, not just making beautiful oak buildings... we’ve also developed a new website for you to see how wonderful they look.

FREE Design, Planning & Feasibility consultation

Call us or visit our website for further details

01858 545 518 www.naturalstructures.co.uk

naturalstructures specialist oak buildings

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Sarah Harding Interiors Ltd

Ethereal New Collection

• Professional Interior Design Service • • Re-upholstery and Soft Furnishings • Furniture • • Suppliers of Mulberry, Colefax and Fowler, Osborne and Little, Romo, Cole and Son and Linwood. •

info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 6 Market Place, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389 - www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

handmade fine jewellery

5 The Maltings Mill Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 722666 Email: heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk www.heidikjeldsen.co.uk @RockRingLady

Heidi Kjeldsen Ltd

ed ish rs bl a ta Ye Es 21

This Christmas, why not get your loved ones something truly unique?

Itch Gallery are celebrating 4 years in Oakham - pop along to our new premises on Mill St and quote 'Itchgallery4' to receive 10% off all purchases made between now and 14th December!

Original Paintings - Handmade Jewellery Ceramics - Glass - Cards & Gifts 17a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA www.itchgallery.co.uk

We also do Cleaning & RestoRation WoRk 5

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New Gallery Opened in Oakham

We’ve Everything You Need to Create a Wonderful Family Christmas

Showcasing the most exciting and innovative artwork at affordable prices

Huge Christmas studio with 11 different themes for your decoration Gift ideas for everyone Real Nordmann ‘no drop’ Christmas trees Santa’s Grotto: opens from 22nd November Join us in the gallery and let us inspire you with our phenomenal portfolio of original paintings and limited editions from award winning artists.

New restaurant now open

Gates Nurseries and Garden Centre

Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB 11 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 722790 oakham@trentgalleries.co.uk www.trentgalleries.co.uk

01664 454309 | www.gatesnurseries.co.uk

Find us two miles from Langham off the A606 - follow the brown tourism signs.

1 Crown Walk Oakham LE15 6BZ helen@albarsden.co.uk

w ww.k n i gh ts of oa k h a m .c o m 33-37 High Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH • Tel: (01572) 722240 •

Gifts for Home, Garden and Lifestyle

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly...

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am a pushover for a Christmas decoration - preferably glass or silver, but I have been known to put thank you notes through the doors of particularly flamboyantly adorned homes around the Oakham area!

Images from Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton and John Lewis – stores in Leicester and Peterborough.

Check out Itch Gallery for Pop and Slot boxed sets: ‘Birdy Tree’, £4.50 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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CH RI ST M AS G I FT G U I D E R U TLA N D

All I want for Christmas…

‘Unmitigated Uppingham by Peter Ashley. Signed edition of 100, £275 at Goldmark Art

Amander Meade selects some ‘must have’ Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest Beautiful baked goods from award winning Hambleton Bakery, from just 60p each

Cream Stand Mixer by Smeg, £379 from Knights of Oakham

ure Vouchers for portrait ing by award winn ra photographers, Sona Studios from £50

Traditional Kilim Rug £225, The Rug Studio

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Hampers made to order from £15, Ot ter’s Smokehouse and Deli RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Artificial Peony Posy, £11 from Albar’s Den

Year In the Country Half Pint Mug by Emma Bridgewater, £19.95 Sarah Harding Interiors

Tolkien Advent Calendar, £6.99 from Troy

Crystallised Ginger £5.45, Panettoncino Classico £3.50 and Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies, £4.70 from Hambleton Artisan Butchers and Delicatessen

Star Bath and Body Collection by Cath Kidston, £15 at Sarah Harding Interiors

A selection of delicious seasonal deli goodies from the Olive Branch Shop, prices from just £3.99 Pairfum Diffuser Set £30 from Albar’s Den

Bamboo Table Top Lantern £39, Candle £9.50 from Goodwin & Belle

y from Tro aw £11.99 s ig J g in k Home Ba Darci Donkey Felted Slippers, £23.99 from The Wool Room

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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VISIT

OTTERS THIS CHRISTMAS…

❄

❄❄

Lovely cheese knives and elegant slate or olive cheese boards - just add the cheese!

❄

products - from as little as £13.50!

Hamper, Xmas & New Year Order Forms available in store now!

• Otters Gift Voucher • Let someone enjoy choosing their own foodie favourites!

• Foodie Gifts •

❄

• Christmas Hampers • Choose from our selection of hampers containing some of our most popular

• Christmas Orders • Don’t forget to order your Christmas cheeses including whole and baby stilton, charcuterie and hams, savoury tarts and smoked fish, plus sides of smoked salmon and dressed crabs!

Entertaining? Pre-order homemade tarts, canapés, charcuterie, fish and cheese platters.

19 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 756481 Email: info@ottersfinefoods.co.uk www.ottersfinefoods.co.uk | Open Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm

Find your inspiration for a magical Christmas Ladies Wear | Menswear | Accessories Lingerie – free bra fitting service | Cook Shop Gift | Linen | Soft Furnishings | Toys

www.fordsofoakham.co.uk 10

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23B Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel 01572 757577

Stockists of • • • •

Marie Mero Stills • MAC Jeans In Wear • Set • Hartford Gorgeous Christmas Gifts

Affordable fashion for all ages 2 Market Place,Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6DT

T: 01572 757399 25 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1AE

T: 01664 561838 GREAT PLAINS TH ANNIVERSARY DRESS MODELLED BY RUBY TANDOH FROM GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/impactoakham 11

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All I want for Ch CH RI ST M AS G I FTS MA R K E T H A R BOR O U G H

Michelle Hansel selects some ‘must have’ Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest

The Kitchen Range Cookshop Birdy II by Magpie Set of 3 Cake Tins £28.99

Steffans Theo Fennell, Diamond Wing Pendants.

Limited Edition, exclusively designed for Steffans by iconic British designer Theo Fennell. Prices range from £2800 - £3500 18ct White Gold with pave set diamonds.16-18” adjustable Chain.

Available only at Steffans,whilst stocks last.

Croft Wingates’ Gallery Original hand painted pebble by artist, Sarah Ewing. £225, presented in a gift box,

Monster iSport Intensity In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk Mic/ Remote, £79.99

Ada Ruth Wood Cave Treasure Ring by Ruth Wood, £225

John Lewis ghd Curve® Soft Curl Tong, £110

Dorte Kjaerulff Photography Treat your loved one to some “me time” - www.dorte.co.uk

The White Street Gallery, Kibworth Daisy Fawcett Jug, £48

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Christmas…

Jeremy Harnell - Group Of Cyclists 73 x 53cm framed print, £80

John Lewis ROBERTS Revival Mini DAB/FM Digital Radio, £139.95

T J Thornton Jewellers, Classic stainless steel flask by Dalvey, £69 The Kitchen Range Cookshop Robert Welch Signature 3 Piece Knife Set with handheld sharpener. Limited Edition. Gift boxed. Special Christmas offer price: £110

And for just something extra Christmassy….

Gardners Cakery Christmas Character Cupcake platter, £25.00 Marks & Spencer Christmas Cake Liqueur, £9.99

Harborough Lights Splash candle holder, £19 and.

Spot floor lamp, £340

Farndon Fields Farmshop Foodie Hampers made to order, Prices vary RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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NEW SHOP OPEN IN STAMFORD 8 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE T: 01780 757131 18 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 6QH T: 0116 255 5372 2 The Square Market Harborough LE16 7PA T: 01858 410 395 www.denhams.co.uk 15

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l Vintage Treasures l Up-Cycled Furniture l Local Crafts

20 Years Restoration Experience Artisan Teas, Locally-Roasted Coffee, Home-Made Cakes all available in our coffee bar

14 Church Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AA Telephone: 01572 723827 facebook.com/everlastingnow

ELNOakham

OPENING TIMES: Mon - Sat 10am - 5.30pm Sun 11am - 4pm

M

M

I 'cards for connoisseurs' special Christmas cards gorgeous gift wrap random gifts and jewels 11 Melton Road Oakham LE15 6AX 01572 757461

Organisers

IIO M Christmas gifts for all the family

£24.99

• SAVE 30%!

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Brother MultiFunction

From Parker, Cross, Waterman & Sheaffer

£69.99

• SAVE 20%!

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www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk/ giftvouchers Gift options for everyone; Total Beginners, Improvers, Experienced Fly Fishers, Coarse Fishers.

Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups & Corporate Fly Fishing Team Days.

Contact Rob Waddington on 01572 722422 or email rob@learntoflyfish.co.uk

Executive Chair

Horrible Science Kits

£69.99

Rutland Water

Activity Gift Vouchers Now Available Online

Prestige Pens Jigsaws Puzzles

A4 Printer, Scanner, & Copier Wireless

Christmas gifts for all the family

LEARN TO FLY FISH CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS

Paper Shredders From: £19.99

In stock or to order

IIO M www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

Wooden Boxed Art Sets

IIO M Christmas gifts for all the family

SAVE £50 OFF RRP!

From: To: £10.49 £22.49

Oscar Deskware From: £3.99 To: £19.99

From: To: £5.99 £15.99

•Stamford -1-2 St Paul’s Street & 39 High Street

I I •Oakham - 46 High Street •Oundle - 10 New Street O O M I O I O I I I I I I M Please I see www.colemans-online.co.uk for full branch details M

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OU T & AB OUT

Let the Choir Sing!

Since its formation in 2007, local choir Stamford Singers has performed concerts across the region for a variety of good causes and charities and sung services in no less than sixteen cathedrals across the UK, including Westminster Abbey and York Minster.

Members now have their sights set on St. Paul’s Cathedral. Chorister and Secretary Lesley Kirby tells Amander Meade about their plans

“T

he choir was formed by the then Director of Music for the Stamford Endowed Schools, Paul White, in response to an invitation from Belgian brass ensemble, Kalison, to join them in their home town of Haasdonk and give a concert in the local church. A dozen singers from around Stamford and Rutland were gathered together by Paul, and along with organist David Lovell Brown, made the trip to Belgium. The concert was a great success, and the choir was invited to sing at the regular service in the church the following morning. Happy to oblige, Paul and the singers were, disconcerted to discover on arriving at the church that the hymns were to be sung in Flemish, and that the custom was for the congregation to listen to the choir sing rather than join in. An instant and rapid lesson in pronunciation led to an enthusiastic rendering.”

Although it was never the intention that this ‘one-off’ event should mark the beginning of a new choir, the small group of singers were very keen to continue singing together so almost seven years on, under the direction of Paul, now retired, and with David still as accompanist, Stamford Singers continues to thrive. The ensemble has developed into a chamber choir capable of singing services in some of the country’s most prestigious cathedrals.

Opportunities to sing in cathedrals occur when their own choirs are taking a holiday break and as these occasions are limited, applications by visiting choirs often have to be made several years in advance.

Requirements vary from a simple email enquiry followed by a reply with a choice of dates, to the more formal procedure that had to be followed when the choir applied to sing in Westminster Abbey. “Happily our

application was satisfactory and Stamford Singers had the honour of singing services in Westminster Abbey in April 2013.”

“Part of the fun of visiting different cathedrals is discovering the particular resonance of each building,” explains Lesley. “Every cathedral has its own personality and distinctive style of operation, and the choir has become proficient at adapting to the varying requirements of each individual establishment. We may have to negotiate an elaborate walk up staircases and around the building singing as we go, or have just a short walk to the choir stalls. Some of the buildings are surprisingly difficult to sing in, whereas others, such as Derby and Wells have such wonderful acoustics that the voices just sing out effortlessly.”

Recently the choir has adopted The Evergreen Care Trust as its nominated charity, and is hoping to host a fundraising “Come and Sing Messiah” event in the spring of 2015. As they begin preparations for an application to sing in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Stamford Singers are happy to receive enquiries from potential new members and organisations looking for fundraising opportunities. “We really have a lot of fun with social events throughout the year including gatherings at pubs, meals out and parties hosted in members’ homes. Trips to cathedrals usually see husbands and wives of choir members coming along too with a group meal arranged during the stay. There is very much a ‘family atmosphere’ within the choir, and new members comment on how welcome they feel.”

• Full details of how to contact the choir, and more information about forthcoming events can be found on its website at www.stamfordsingers.org

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

CHRISTMAS BEAUTY TREATS

Nicola Hardy discovers the best pamper ideas for the season

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WILL be dropping hints this year (leaving post it notes everywhere) for possible beauty related stocking fillers. Ever since hubby bought me a Barnsdale Spa Day voucher for Mothers’ Day, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I have wanted the products that were so skillfully applied to my face, hands and feet.

The perfect gift for a woman at this festively hectic time has got to be a Spa Voucher and Barnsdale offer an array of different treatments to sooth, smooth and rejuvenate. Have a look at their website to find special offers which change monthly.

Most Beauty and Hair salons offer special packages at Christmas, from Hair styling products, face creams, nail polish and body scrubs to gift vouchers for that special friend who likes to make their own choices.

The Beauty Room sells gift vouchers for their treatments as well as their cosmetics; there are special Christmas gift sets available too.

Active moist Gift set – retail cost £44.10 (worth £58.00) Skin Smoothing Cream Set – £47.00 (worth £60.00) Super Rich Repair gift Set – £62.00 (Retail value – £70.00) This is a free gift when you purchase any products worth £50.00 or over, while stocks last.

I’ll be purchasing these prettily wrapped Decleor delights from Ellique in Oakham for my Mum and possibly my sister too.

Faith of Perch & Preen offers a tempting two sets of gel nails for £30.00, fingers and toes! These will last you all over the festive period for a stress free lasting beauty treatment!

Essence in Uppingham is where you can get your hands on gorgeous Aveda sets for those who crave a natural approach. Travel-size hand relief in 3 aromas: rosemary mint, holiday aroma & original aroma.

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Nicky Stephen from Simon Cawthorne told me…“The party season will soon be upon us and there are lots of great offers on at Simon Cawthorne in Mill Street. Our colour experts have some lovely root stretch techniques to seamlessly blend multi tonal reds, brunettes and warm blondes. So if you fancy a new updated look for that special occasion, call and book for a free consultation. If you have a party date in December, Josh, soon to be our next graduate stylist is offering an amazing shampoo, head massage and blow-dry all for just ten pounds, subject to availability and running up to Christmas! There are lots of Christmas gift ideas in the Salon too from Tigi, Moraccan Oil and Kerastese, beautifully boxed and with huge savings. Our stylists are ready and waiting to offer sleek ponytails, mermaid waves and braids so that you look just right for those Christmas parties.”

William Wheelwright Hair Salon at Barnsdale Lodge have this special deal for Christmas; book a cut and colour in December and get a free blow dry for a Christmas party!

And for those fans of GHD stylers, Thomas Hairdressing Salon has some great offers going on!

The fabulous new GHD ‘Eclipse’ is selling for £145.00 when normally they retail at £199.00 and the new GHD ‘Curve’ (for gorgeous party curls) is just £99.00 and comes with a rose gold bag and free prep spray, the usual price of which is £12.95.

Directory Barnsdale Hall - Rutland, LE15 8AB, Tel: 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Ellique - 55 South Street, Oakham, LE15 6BG , Tel: 01572 723950. Find their Facebook page.

Essence Hair & Beauty - High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY, Tel: 01572 822715, Perch & Preen - 4 All Saints Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2PA. Find out all you need to know on their Facebook page.

Simon Cawthorne - 23A Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel: 01572 722774 www.simoncawthorne.com The Beauty Room - 76 South Street, Oakham, Le15 6BQ, Tel: 01572 755389, www.thebeautyroom.com Thomas - 16 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA, Tel: 01572 756561, www.thomashairdressing.co.uk William Wheelwright Hair Salon at Barnsdale Lodge - Tel: 01572 757137, www.williamwheelwright.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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& Beauty

OAKHAMS PREMIUM TANNING SALON Latest sunbeds with spacious tanning rooms, luxury lie-down room with pink collatan maxi-twist tubes all 0.3 compliant.

• Suntana Spray Tans for the most natural looking tan £12 • Luxurious Vani-T Spray Tans - £18 • BRAND NEW – Vibr8 Oscillation Machine – 20% more effective than other vibration trainers • Large luxurious Beauty Room offering an extensive range of treatments inc ArtDeco Make Up application perfect for your Christmas Party

Like our facebook page to see our latest offers. Olive Tanning Studio.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

COME AND SEE OUR NEW SALON 5 & 6 Crown Walk, Oakham. 01572 755750

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OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY FULL RANGE OF HAIR SERVICES AND FOR GENTS BARBER DAYS WITH DAVID TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 2PM TO 5PM, FRIDAY 9AM TO 5PM SALONS ALSO AT STAMFORD & ROTHWELL

Bookings telephone - 01664 474565 Or 01780 238762 www.cutsnmore.co.uk

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Celebrate in style

4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Tel: 01858 465592

Antique & ANTIQUE AND Modern MODERN Jewellery JEWELLERY 3 COVENTRY ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE16 9BX. TEL: 01858 468858 tim@tjthornton.com

Dower & Hall18ct twinkle rings Edwardian, citrine fromring £120 & pearl £320

Spitfire silver &diamond enamel cufflinks Art Deco, ring £105 £2750

silver pendants SilverAmber rings by Dower & Hall, from£85 £50 from

ring £1350 Selection ofRuby diamond half eternity rings, from £585

Classic diamond stud earrings, 18ct goldfrom diamond £400 cluster ring £2200

Silver hare cufflinks Wedding rings £135in gold, platinum and palladium

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F ASHI ON G I FTS

DELIGHTFULLY DIFFERENT

Isabella Hamnett selects some gifts for that fashion connoisseur

A

jewellery, all of which will thrill my style conscious friends. (Tutti jewellery s November has passed almost as fast as its Guy Fawkes rockets, Heart & Feather long pendants from £34, Tutti beaded feather bracelet I have started wistfully drawing up my Christmas wish-list. For £16). some simply marvellous treats, I really need look no further than the I have to admit to a penchant for bits of frivolous frippery, and the treasure trove of shops in Market Harborough. The only difficulty I have Little Big Bra Shop offer one of the most fabulous personal is narrowing down my selection from the abundance of luxurious levels of service that I have come across. A feast for the trinkets on offer, something I shall have to do, or Father Directory eyes, this tiny shop stocks an array of jewel coloured Christmas may find his sleigh unable to take off this Bebooted, 7 Church lingerie, fit for any glamorous stocking. year… So, here goes, my pick of the best gifts – to Square, Market Harborough, Leics, Not forgetting the men in my life, I popped give or receive this Christmas: LE16 7UF, Tel: 01858 469200 into Ideology in search of a gift just that little I always visit Jacks at Christmas, well in www.bebooted.com different and was pleasantly surprised by fact, all year round! Gill has a great eye Jacks for Women, 16 Church St, Market their interesting retro range of accessories, for unusual pieces, and she suggested Harborough, Tel: 01858 431396 from silk scarves and leather wallets to the most delightfully soft cream knit hat Limehouse, High St, Market Harborough LE16 7AF, watches and collector’s enamel pins. and matching brooch for my BFF (Hat Tel; 01858 432915 They also have a great range of retro £49, Scarf £89, Brooch £19) as well as a Ideology, 31 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, inspired clothing, should you wish to pop few glitzy black bracelets (£19), to add LE16 7DS, Tel: 01858 469977 something larger under the Christmas some seasonal sparkle to fun grown-up Happy Hats, 28 Church St, Market Harborough, tree.

Christmas stockings. I’ll be wrapping mine Leicestershire LE16 7AA, Tel: 01858 466849 Amongst my Christmas shopping in jewel coloured tissue with bright pom Little Big Bra Shop, 4 Adam and Eve St, Market expeditions this year, I have stumbled pom trim and gold ribbons.

Harborough LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 465592 across a real gem of a gift shop. Bunny Limehouse, the very stylish central fashion Bunny and Clarke, The Manor, Main Street, and Clarke is a true find for anyone looking boutique, always have an incredibly inspired Tur Langton, Leicester LE8 0PJ. for something extra-special and unusual. A edit of jewellery and accessories and cater for Tel: 01858 540424 lifestyle store in the truest sense, they have an all manner of tastes. I shall be treating my various excellent selection of homeware, trinkets and fashion, nieces and girlfriends to some fabulously decadent all alongside their own café! I couldn’t resist buying the Ted Baker bags and wraps; whilst surreptitiously dropping incredible ‘Santa Claus: The Book of Secrets – The Story,’ from a rather large hint for one of their striking statement necklaces. the Bunny and Clarke Christmas Shop; not least because, in the feverJust across the road is the utterly charming Happy Hats which really is pitched excited run up to the big day, it just may have what it takes to a jewel in the town’s crown. I picked up a ravishing ruby necklace for my help my 3 little darlings behave! mum, and also treated myself to one of their cosy fur headbands.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Whizzing round to Bebooted, Liz picks out a sumptuous cashmere velvet trimmed scarf, (Denock £49), and a selction of contemporary RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Treat your loved one

to one of our bespoke Elemis treatments this Christmas!

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY G I FTS

Winter Wishes Isabella Hamnett selects some top of the range gifts for the beauty devotee

I

t’s never too early to start planning a beauty wish list. Mine tends to run all year long. But it’s at Christmas that beauty brands really pull out all the stops, making must-have products even more desirable with delectable packaging and all manner of free gift incentives. The festive season really is a beauty lover’s dream, with all that gloss, glitter, sparkle and sheen Market Harborough has a wealth of top notch beauty salons, making it easier than ever to find a luxurious pampering gift for someone deserving, or indeed to indulge a much needed personal respite in the busy run-up to Christmas.

Naomi’s Nails has to be my first port of call, as it is a real sanctuary, tucked away in Manor Walk. As well as utterly divine treatments, they are stocking a fabulous range of decadent gifts for Christmas.

With only limited stocks, the Elemis products look spectacular this year and are exclusive to Naomi Nails & Beauty in the Harborough district; or why not choose a gift voucher if you are undecided?

Elemis takes you on a sublime sensory experience, transforming your skin, whilst delivering extraordinary results.

I am just longing to fill my house from top to toe with BeeFayre’s gorgeous Winter Collection this holiday season. Completely natural, their captivating winter scent range is available in a choice of 3 fragrances; Winter Berries, Clementine & Clove and Winter Scent, all of which come in 3 candle sizes or as a reed diffuser, (Small Candle £7.50, Large Candle £14.95, Box of 3 Tea Lights in glass holders £6.95, Reed Diffuser £140). Embracing the change in seasons, I can divulge that all my friends and family shall be receiving some

of these warming scents this Christmas, and I will be feeling virtuous as 3% of profits go to bee conservation. Beefayre are holding a Christmas shopping day from 1pm – 6pm on 21st November, so why not pop in for some gorgeous inspiration!

It’s the time of year when we not only need to source thoughtful gifts for one and all, but we are also expected to look groomed and glamorous for all those Christmas drinks parties and works dos. So I popped into Moko The Beautique where highly practiced beauticians Rachel and Kim will tend to your every beauty requirement. As I needed to get into the festive spirit, Kim managed to coax me into a sultry red shade adorned with diamante jewels on my third fingers (Shellac gel polish £22), and I was absolutely thrilled with the result. Colourful glamour with just a hint of sparkle, perfect to see me through Christmas!

I shall definitely be dropping more than just a few hints for some of the gorgeous luxury products available at Charlotte Frances, the new boutique hair salon. Run by the lovely Charlotte herself, this is a truly beautiful hair salon.

This Christmas, Charlotte suggests buying a gift from the Ol Davines range, ‘It is a lovely moisturising range perfect for the winter, with natural almond oil which is perfect for rehydration of the hair in winter.’ (Shampoo £14.90, Conditioner £16.10, Oil £14.50) For those of you who just love the natural and eco-friendly approach to hair and beauty,

the well-established Moko salon should be your destination. This quirky and very chic 3 storey town-house salon is extremely welcoming and they have some beautiful Aveda gift-sets available this Christmas. I left with an exclusive Aveda Holiday Soy Candle, which smells deliciously of ginger, ginger lily and clove, (£30), for my mum. I am also hankering after their limited edition Gift of Renewal, surely an essential for this time of year? (£55; Calming body cleanser, Replacement body moisturizer, Travel size soothing aqua therapy and Travel size hand relief with original aroma).

I then visited the renowned Sheeda at The Day Spa@Archway; I have long been recommended her HD Brows, and now is finally an excuse to try them. There will be no looking back; a delicate hand and expert touch means that I leave with perfectly defined brows, surely a festive essential! Sheeda’s also offer an incredible treatment menu, with a unique combination of clinical and holistic therapies.

DIRECTORY Beefayre Tel: 01858 434 492, www.beefayre.com Charlotte Frances Boutique Hair Unit 2 Maxwell Lodge, Northampton Road, LE16 9HE, Tel; 01858 464224 www.franceshairdesign.co.uk Moko 2 Church St, Market Harborough LE16 7AA, Tel; 01858 432525 www.mokohair.co.uk Naomi’s Nails 14 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9BP, Tel: 01858 657001 www.naominailsbeauty.co.uk The Beautique 2 Church St, Market Harborough LE16 7AA, Tel: 01858 432525 www.the-beautique.co.uk The Day Spa@Archway House Archway House, Lubenham HIll, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9SZ, Tel: 01858 432168 www.sheedasbeauty.co.uk

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F ASHI ON

Foxy and festive!

At this time of year, with party invitations coming in thick and fast, a girl needs a little help wardrobe planning for day time and evening events! We sent Vanessa Hollander into Oakham to come up with a few ideas

F

or me, there are two major fashion dilemmas associated with Christmas : what to wear to a Christmas party and on Christmas Day (that is, if you don’t opt to spend the day in your PJ’s!).

MY BEST ADVICE: • Don’t try too hard or over-think it. What’s wrong with a beautifully cut little black dress?

• Don’t discount the wow factor in a great pair of trousers and a beautiful top or jacket – it’s a really stylish look.

• Do wear something that’s ‘you’ and that you feel comfortable in or you’ll feel as trussed up as the turkey!

• Do invest in a gorgeous pair of earrings or a striking statement necklace – it will add a more delicate touch of sparkle and glamour.

• Do think about wearing metallic colours such as gold, silver and bronze – nothing says ‘Christmas’ more!

• Do enjoy yourself – once dressed, forget about what you’re wearing and have a fabulously fun Christmas!

Claire (left) wears Mary jacquard trousers by Diane von Furstenberg, £345 Black lace trim vest by Rosamunde, £50 Embellished neck jumper by Twin Set, £135 From Cavells, Oakham

Claire (left) wears jacquard trousers by Diega, £185 Jacquard blazer by Diega, £265 Black lace camisole by In-Wear, £24.95 Statement necklace, £30 Beaded evening bag, £20 From Vanilla, Oakham Delia (right) wears plum velvet tunic dress by Diega, £230 - From Vanilla, Oakham

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Claire wears black trousers by Fransa, £54.99 Black vest worn underneath top by Fransa, £19.99 Sequin and lace top by Fransa, £34.99 Earrings by Last True Angel, £14.99 From Duo, Oakham

Claire (left) wears gold, sparkly jumper by Collection by First Avenue, £40 Textured black treggings by Esprit, £29 - From Fords of Oakham Delia (right) wears navy, lace sleeved dress by Collection by First Avenue, £45 From Fords of Oakham STOCKISTS Cavells, Oakham, Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk Duo, 29 High Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 722116 www.duoboutique.uk Fords of Oakham, Tel: 01572 722654, www.fordsofoakham.co.uk Vanilla, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757577, www.vanillaboutique.co.uk WITH THANKS TO: Ed, Paul and the Team at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel for being such brilliant, patient and accommodating hosts www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk Kirsti Powell from Smoke & Mirrors for providing the sparkle on every level! See website for how Kirsti can help you transform your home on a budget www.lousmokeandmirrors.wix.com My ‘Dream Team’ models, Delia and Claire – love working with you two!

Faith Bailey from Perch & Preen, 4 All Saints Street, Stamford for the stunning party make up. Let Faith do your Christmas party make up for just £25! mailto:www.facebook.com/pages/PerchPreen/151582008364489 Our photographer, Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk Tel: 07932055548

Delia (left) wears metallic wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg, £430 Leopard print and leather bag by Diane von Furstenberg, £235 Block heel suede court shoe by Unisa, £100 - From Cavells, Oakham Claire (right) wears navy studded jumpsuit by Michael Kors, £190 Metallic ‘Berkeley’ clutch bag by Michael Kors, £195 Block heel court shoe in petrol patent

by Unisa, £130 - From Cavells, Oakham

Delia wears nude lace dress by Cream, £94.99 From Duo, Oakham

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MARCIA MAY SHOES 7b Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 759313

follow us on facebook

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Me Time!

HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Katie Kinder explores the joy of giving – to ourselves!

Girls, take a look at the Rutland Living guide to self-preservation over the festive season...

For The On Trend Head up to Barnsdale Hall Hotel where Annabel and her crack team of therapists will whip you into sparkly shape.

Individual Hollywood Lashes cost £45.00 and can last up to 12 weeks with regular infills, but if readers quote ‘Rutland Living’ they will get a full set for £30.00 (in December). Cluster lashes are also available, which are a more temporary option lasting 3-5 days are cost just £15.

Eyes taken care of, chose from a huge selection of Jessica Geleration nail colours – get these babies on mid December and that’s your party season taken care of – prices start at £41.00, which works out at £1.90 a day over 3 weeks. Result.

For Those in Need of Repair Spend 3 and a half glorious hours at William Wheelwrights salon – way more productive than an afternoon making mince pies.

Hair salvation comes courtesy of Gabi and her super Brazilian Permanent Blow Dry (from £150.00) It reduces frizz to nothing – can you see the pictures? Need I say more? An absolute must for the bedraggled amongst us- saving HOURS of pre party prep.

Whilst you’re sorting out your unruly mop its worth testing the Nu Skin facial using ageloc technology (£30.00) fans claim you can leave the salon looking up to 10 years younger- top of most women’s Christmas pressie list I’d imagine.

Skin in Need of TLC Why wait until January for a new skin regime – all those Christmas parties and family get togethers means a LOT of photographs being taken.

Take a leaf out of those French ladies’ books and start a monthly facial habit – where better place to start than Rutland Health and Beauty?

With over 30 years in the industry they are experts in their field. Ruth will prescribe a facial for your skin – but a great place to start is the Guinot Hydradermie Lift – which stimulates and lifts facial muscles (from £65.00 or £345.00 for a course of 6) All of the above can also be purchased in voucher form should any husband/boyfriend/ father/son be stuck for ideas.

Directory Barnsdale Hall Hotel Spa Tel: 01572 771313 William Wheelwright at Barnsdale Lodge Tel: 01572 757137 Catherine Kaye at William Wheelwright Tel: 07787 505847 Rutland Health and Beauty Tel: 01572 756589 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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B RI N GI N G L O CA L FO O D TO LI FE

The magical culinary tour Matt Wright takes a food trip around Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire…

About the writer Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodmag.co.uk and Greatfoodclub.co.uk, two Leicestershire-based websites that celebrate and promote local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2013/14 is out now.

P

IES. Tons of them. Over 900, including 50 Melton Mowbray, 40 Beef and Stilton, and one Eel and Chocolate. It was while surrounded by these, judging at the British Pie Awards – held annually in Melton Mowbray – that I recently decided to have a go at planning a food road trip of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. So, where to begin?

AMAZING MARKET We’ll start in my home town of Melton Mowbray – at its extraordinary weekly farmers’ market.

This ancient town centre institution offers the food shopping equivalent of a double chilli vodka. Where supermarkets dull the senses, Melton market slaps you around the cheeks.

A collection of huge open barns, up to 6,000 sheep and 300 cattle are sold here weekly via farmers’ mysterious hand signals. It’s not just livestock – also on sale are pies, cheese, meat, honey, fish and veg. Then there’s the Fur and Feather auction, where you can buy a brace of pheasant for around £1.60, or a freshly shot hare for £3. Waitrose this ain’t – it feels like stepping back in time.

Stick your pheasants in the boot: we’re heading north into the Vale of Belvoir. As you drive, look for numerous Long Clawson Dairy signs marking farm entrances.

Clawson Dairy, in the heart of the Vale, is a farmers’ co-operative and is the largest producer of Stilton in the world. It makes 6,700 tonnes of cheese a year using 58 million litres of milk from 42 herds, all grazed within 25 miles.

Join Matt’s food club – Great Food Club – free of charge and discover the very best local food and drink.

Members can enjoy special offers at around 100 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

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BELLE VUE The Vale of Belvoir is beautiful, a prime example being Eastwell village with its tiny, ancient church and rugged farm shop. When I travel from Eastwell to Stathern, home of the excellent Red Lion Inn – the perfect rural pub – I love the way the entire Vale unfurls before you, a tablecloth of lush green fields. The ideal drop to drink while taking in this view would be Blue Brew from Belvoir Brewery, Old Dalby – an ale that uses Stilton whey in the brewing process.

TO THE FENS...

Onwards to Lincolnshire. Heading east from Leicestershire, through Rutland and into Lincs, I’m always taken aback by how quickly the atmosphere changes. Rolling hills vanish, the sky lengthens, dykes appear by road sides and fields fill with sugar beet, cabbages and barley. It’s flat, occasionally eerie and sometimes strangely beautiful. In south Lincs lie acres of English mustard fields. For at least 200 years, the flatlands here have produced almost the entire English mustard crop, supplying Colman’s since 1814. While visiting this area recently, a local grower called George Hoyles told me an amazing tale. “When the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Boston, Lincs in 1623 to discover America, they used to pray six times a day,” he said. “They took mustard seed because, as the bible says, it is the smallest, fastest growing seed. Whenever they prayed they threw down seed so they could retrace their footsteps. These mustard trails can still be picked up by satellite photography today.”

THE LINCS COAST We’re now venturing north-east to the Lincolnshire coast, above the Wash. On the salt marsh at Kirton Skeldyke near Boston sprouts samphire. I used to think the land felt barren out here, but during one samphire hunt a while back, I looked more closely to discover a salt marsh humming with life and transmitting strange tranquility, its lifeforms and vistas ebbing and flowing with the tide. Samphire in the bag, what to serve it with?

There can be few more authentic Fenland ingredients than smoked wild eel, traditionally trapped in Lincolnshire’s rivers and estuaries. Just above Boston, at Friskney, is Smith’s Smokery – and there’s nowhere better to get your smoked eel. Further north, the coastline from Anderby Creek to Skegness comprises mile after mile of golden sand – a beautiful place for blanket and hamper, but don’t expect shops or pubs.

Continue north beyond Skegness, dip inland to Alford and a surprise awaits. Cheese is not associated with Lincolnshire, but the county produces three stunners. Near Alford graze cows whose milk is fermented into Lincolnshire Poacher – a hard, fruity, nutty Cheddar-like cheese. A few miles north-west is Osgodby, home of Cote Hill Blue. And a little further south at Wragby, award-winning goats’ cheese is made at Goatwood Dairy – a relative newcomer to the cheese scene.

A SPECIAL TOWN Before we leave Lincolnshire, we must mention Stamford – and as readers of this magazine you probably know all about it. I grew up in ‘Stammy’ and it is best summed up by three noble things: church spires, old stone buildings and pubs. While there I always try to visit the Tobie Norris – if you live in the town it’s easy to take it for granted but it truly is a unique pub.

IN PARVO MULTUM It would be wrong to end this food trip without venturing into Rutland, England’s smallest county but packer of a weighty food punch.

In the north of the county spins Whissendine Windmill, run by (and personally restored by) one of the food world’s true characters – miller Nigel Moon. Born in the wrong era by several hundred years, Nigel stonegrinds flour and sells some of it to Hambleton Bakery, which bakes award-winning breads and cakes – including its famous Rutland loaf – in a giant oven in Exton.

But for me Rutland is all about great country pubs. For truly local cooking, The King’s Arms in Wing is hard to beat. Run by James Goss, who has a small smokehouse out the back, it’s a hidden gem. Then there’s The Exeter Arms, Barrowden, notable for its microbrewery. There are many more (the excellent Olive Branch, The Jackson Stops, The Fox and Hounds at Exton…) but we can’t mention Rutland without referring to The Grainstore of Oakham, which brews great beers and is also a brewery tap.

A rough-around-the-edges sort of place, I enjoy dipping into the bowls of nuts that pepper the bar and sipping a pint or two of Ten Fifty. Rutland is also good for pies, with Northfield Farm of Cold Overton and Hambleton Fine Foods of Oakham all making crackers. But now we’re back to the British Pie Awards, and I’m getting sweaty palms and flashbacks. Our food tour must end here.

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SEAN HOP E C O O K S

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC PHOTO: ROBIN STEWART

Too much Christmas pudding on top of all that turkey can leave you anchored to the sofa, so here’s a much lighter dessert you can serve during festivities. It’s delicious and also lots of fun to make. In my experience, kids love using a cream-whipper gun and also love making honeycomb! You never know, it might keep them entertained for a little while during the holidays.

“CALL THE OLIVE BRANCH ON 01780 410355 TO FIND OUT ABOUT MY 2015 DEMOS.”

Chocolate coffee mousse with milk sorbet SERVES 6-8 325g hot espresso coffee • 80g white sugar • 13g powdered gelatine • 100g 72% plain chocolate 1. Mix all the ingredients in a container and strain the mixture into a cream whipper gun.

2. Charge the whipper gun with two nitrous oxide gas cartridges, place into the fridge and allow to chill for a few hours.

3. To serve, carefully squirt the coffee and chocolate mixture into a suitable dish or cup, and top with whipped cream, honeycomb and crumbled chocolate.

4. Serve with the milk sorbet.

Pub shop stocked for Christmas The Olive Branch Pub Shop has been stocked with tempting treats and foodie gifts to enhance festivities. On the shelves are our unique bottles of mulled wine, chutneys, whiskies and much more. Do have a look next time you visit.

For the honeycomb 200g sugar • 3 tbsp water • 40g honey • 75g glucose syrup •10g bicarbonate of soda 1. Boil all the ingredients to 150 degrees Celsius and add the bicarbonate of soda.

2. Whisk the mixture and pour it into a grease-proof-lined deep tray and allow to cool.

3. When set hard, break into pieces and store in a large sealed jar in the freezer. Serve when required.

For the milk sorbet 500ml milk • 150g milk powder •240g sugar • 1 tbsp glucose 1. Gently heat the milk in a saucepan, add the sugar until dissolved, then whisk in the milk powder and glucose.

2. Strain, chill, churn, freeze and serve.

Last-minute gift worries solved I’ve now planned all my 2015 cookery demonstrations at The Olive Branch in Clipsham and Red Lion in Stathern. At The Olive Branch the dates are as follows: January 20, March 10, June 9, August 11 & October 6. Did you know that you can buy gift vouchers that can be redeemed for places on my cookery demonstrations? Each session includes the demo, plus lunch, a glass of wine and recipe hand-outs. Call The Olive Branch on 01780 410355 to find out more.

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PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD? If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club.

• Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge.

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas Goodies available from December

Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm

Farndon Fields Farm Farndon Road Market Harborough, LE16 9NP Tel: 01858 464838

Find us on Facebook Twitter @FarndonFieldsFS

www.farndonfields.co.uk

MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

“In control and totally flexible. Food was utterly delicious, staff charming, no hesitation in recommending you ” Ali Crossley

• Fully tailor-made and refined menu • Advance menu tasting • Fixed price quotation • Site visit included • Pay bar and Bar staff available

Our Christmas range will include a selection of delicious goodies, Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies, Tarts, Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Stilton & Celery Scones, Rutland Pippins, all made with the finest ingredients and full of flavour.

Shops: Exton Bakery,

• Supply your own wine – no corkage charges

Market Harborough, Oakham,

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882

Stamford & West Bridgford

The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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Traditional Restoration Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

Timber Renovation Specialists Old sash & casement windows, exterior doors & joinery

Window Repair

Why replace your timber windows when you can restore? Traditional Restoration offers a cost-saving alternative to window replacement.

• Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying • Converting single glazing to double glazing Call James on:

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01572 720524 or 07841 527855 tradrest@hotmail.co.uk

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk @tradrest

Jon Lawson Plastering Ltd. Established for over 20 years providing a professional and reliable plastering service.

• Over skimming • Ornamental plaster work and restoration • External rendering and pebble dashing • Artex removal • Polished plaster

2a Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DE

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MEDBOURNE

Christmas & New Year 2014 The Nevill Arms, a traditional Inn situated in the picturesque village of Medbourne in the beautiful Welland Valley.

• Christmas 5 course menu from 1st to 24th December - £30 • Boxing Day Luncheon - £30 • New Years’ Eve Dinner six course dinner and glass of champagne - £65 • Café Nevill - Christmas afternoon teas for two - £30

Please visit our website www.thenevillarms.net or call 01858 565 288 Nevill Arms Inn and Restaurant Waterfall Way, Medbourne, Market Harborough Leicestershire, LE16 8EE

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F OOD & DRI N K

Ginger and spice and all things nice...

Candied, cooked, ground, grated, pickled or preserved…ginger has been consumed in its various different forms for centuries and is always resonant of the Christmas season. Sarah Lyon finds out where to source all types of ginger locally Sparkling Ginger Belvoir Ginger cordial and pressé – produced in the Vale of Belvoir and made using organic root ginger. The pressé is refreshing and has a real kick to it. Add cordial to whisky to make a great ‘Whisky Mac’ for those cold winter nights.

Pressé sold at Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

Cool Ginger Spicy and aromatic; chopped or grated ginger adds a special flavour to stuffing, sausage meat, fruit and vegetable dishes.

Source root ginger and other root vegetables from the box scheme at Riverford Organic at Sacrewell Farm, PE8 6HJ, www.riverford.co.uk/ sacrewell, Tel. 01780 789700

Liquid Ginger A splash of gingerbread syrup in hot milk or an afternoon coffee from Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford - brings a sip of warmth and memories of hearth side moments Candied, crystallised, stem, ground and fresh consumed as a delicacy, medicine or spice With everything from fresh ginger, dried or crystallised to Ginseng, Silver Lane Wholefoods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford is a small space richly stocked.

A Good Strong Bite Andy Heaps from the Bytham Kitchen produces a very sumptuous Carrot, ginger and garlic chutney. A best seller from the Cheese and Wine Cellar, Stamford or direct from Andy 07717 666422, twitter @ bythamkitchen, www.thebythamkitchen.co.uk Candied Ginger French artisan chocolates with special spices. Candied ginger with dark chocolate is part of the Spicy chocolate collection from Café au Chocolat in Ironmonger Street, Stamford

Cheese with Spice Snowdonia Ginger Spice cheddar with ginger and White Stilton with Mango and Ginger from Long Clawson Dairy in the Vale are seasonal winners. Sweet and refreshing mango pieces and spicy crystallised ginger burst through White Stilton to warm the taste buds. Serve on ginger biscuits with crème fraîche for a quick and tasty dessert, and pair with a medium white wine. Find at the Stamford Cheese and Wine Cellar, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

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Hot and Steamy Ginger Piping hot Ginger & Figgy pudding, rhubarb & ginger, pear & ginger from Pudding & Pie is just the right choice for the festive table. Stocking some puddings at Stamford Delicatessen (across from M&S on the High Street), Tel: 01780 755772; Brew Babu and Seven Wells Butchers, Oundle; The Deli in Uppingham; Stamford Christmas Market – Nov 30; Oundle Christmas Market – Dec 6.

Ginger and Ginseng The Pickled Village produce a lemon with stem ginger and Siberian Ginseng marmalade; a heart boosting start to the morning.

Snappy Ginger The Ginger Snapper Curd, a mellow all butter stem ginger luscious curd with stem ginger bite, it adds a mellow warmth to our morning toast or stir a couple of spoonfuls into the custard for the Christmas pudding for extra oomph!

The Pickled Village, 17 Main Street, Bulwick NN17 3DY, www.thepickledvillage.co.uk Ginger heavy Piccalilli Chef and Patron, James of the King’s Arms Inn, Wing in Rutland creates a seasonal piccalilli made with all the available brassicas – squashes, carrots and pickling onions; which he describes as “quite ginger-y, heavy and very satisfying to make, bottle, mature and enjoy all winter long with some meats or cheeses”. Tel. 01572 737634

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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•STORE CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS• Rutland Organic Poultry Rutland Heritage organic turkeys, cockerels, goose and venison at Cuckoo Lodge Farm. Christmas birds are dry plucked and finished by hand, before hanging to improve flavor and tenderness. The deer are shot, hung and butchered on the farm. All naturally reared and fed on organic pasture and diet.

Pat Taylor – Tel: 01780 722009, www.rutland organics.co.uk

C

hristmas is one of the few times of year when people tend to eat much of the same foods, year in year out. They do so with good reason as the typical British Christmas meal carries with it so much more than just the food itself. Having said that, Christmas is also the time of year when no one wants to leave things to the chance of anything going wrong. Northfield Farm, just off the A606 between Oakham and Melton Mowbray sources and produces the great staples of Free Range Bronze Turkeys and Geese but also champions roasting joints of pork, fore ribs of beef and more unusually, whole beef rump roasting joints. Christmas cockerels and stuffings made on the farm, and of course wonderful pies, all provide a real taste of times gone by Jan McCourt, Northfield Farm, www.northfieldfarm.com, Tel: 01664 474271

Fen Farm Venison Peter and mother Janet can be seen at Stamford Farmers’ Market. Venison is nutritionally low in fat, very low in cholesterol and high in iron and protein. Roast saddle of venison makes for a fabulous festive meal.

Tel: 01529 421272 Woodlands Farm Organic Turkeys Oven ready, organic, free range Norfolk Black and Bronze Turkeys or the farm’s own bred Lincoln Red organic beef. www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk

New Lodge Farm and Farm Shop Everything from your Christmas menu can be sourced from the farm shop – barn reared and hung turkeys, pedigree Aberdeen Angus rib of beef, lamb, hams and vegetables along with assortment of farm shop specialities. Farm shop near Bulwick, Tel: 01780 450493, www.newlodge farm.com

Nelson Butchers Kelly Bronze turkeys are bred and raised by traditional methods free to roam in pastures, stubble fields and woodland. Nelsons are renowned locally for their hand raised pork pies. Red Lion Square, Stamford Lings View Farm pampered Geese and Bronze Turkeys Direct from the farm in Croxton Kerrial, Vale of Belvoir (Tel: 01476 870394) or from Nelsons Butchers, Stamford and Hambleton Fine Foods, Oakham

Rutland Charcuterie in Braunston, Rutland Collect from the cellar door or visit Oakham’s Farmers’ Market. A range of wonderful products: Beef – biltong, bresola, pastrami; duck, game pie; pork (Rutland Smokie); Venison Salami. A course for Christmas: Pork Pie making courses for adults and children Tel: 01572 724655 Otters Deli in Oakham Hand sliced freedom farmed smoked salmon sourced from open lochs where they are hand fed before being slowly smoked over whole Suffolk Oak. Otters Deli for an array of delicious deli foods, Mill Street, Oakham Fosse Meadows produce succulent oven prepared home grown birds. Cockerels/capons give a juicier bolder meat with a gamier flavour than chickens. Alternatively, the farm’s own Bronze Turkeys are delicious too! Birds roam free in fields and are slow grown which is where these birds gain on flavour over other producers. Buy on line at www.fossemeadows. co.uk or contact the farm direct for turkeys, geese and capons. (cockerels). Tel: 07886 340752. Supplying Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough; Seven Wells Butchers, Oundle; Chapmans Butchers, Lutterworth; Waterloo Cottage, Great Oxenden.

Succulent Beef from Hambleton Fine Foods (Gaol Street, Oakham).

Hambleton Farms run herds of pedigree Longhorn, Aberdeen Angus and Dexter cattle.

Raised and grazed naturally near Oakham Hambleton beef rib or rolled sirloin would make a delicious centrepiece to your Christmas feast. Fine birds too or turkey butterfly breasts make for easy carving.

Tel: 01572 724455, www.hambleton farms.co.uk Symington Geese Free ranging on grass and fed on own grown potatoes and corn, help to nourish a distinctive yellow flesh and deep meaty flavour.

Adding to this is their Three Bird Roast – goose stuffed with a boned chicken stuffed with a boned pheasant. Seldom Seen Farm, Billesdon, Leicestershire, Tel. 0116 259 6742

Grasmere Farm Essential Kits for Christmas The Essential Kit includes cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, gammon joint, Lincolnshire sausage meat, Lincolnshire chipolata sausages, streaky bacon and sausage stuffing.

Order from Stamford, Oakham Farmers’ Market or Stamford High Street shop for pork products together with a full range of beef, lamb and poultry products, cooked meats, free range eggs and sauces. www.grasmere-farm.co.uk, Tel: 01778 342344

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EAT I N G O UT

No. 3 The Yard Restaurant

Antonia Scott revisits one of Stamford’s favourite places to eat and is relieved it’s still in very good hands No. 3 The Yard (formerly Jim’s Yard) sits in a quiet courtyard off Ironmonger Street which bisects Stamford’s Broad Street with the High Street. On the night Murray and I went with another ‘foodie’ couple, we meandered past outdoor diners enjoying the last Indian summer evening in the Conservatory, giving the restaurant an air of ‘Mediterranean cool’. I immediately recognised the new signage – done by local illustrator Katie Cardew which gives the place an instant face lift.

We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks of champagne and a choice of different gins and tonic, served by affable co-owner Simon McEnery who previously worked in London running restaurants before moving to Rutland to run two AA Rosette restaurants in Oakham. The Wine List is comprehensive with a wide range of choice and budget.

We all struggled to make our final decision over the seven choices available for each course (plus a Special’s Board) – always a good sign! – before settling on a selection of Chicken Liver Parfait with Crispy Bread and Chutney, Breaded Goats Cheese Crotin with a Red & Yellow Pepper Mousse, Mussels from the River Exe, served with a Marinière sauce and a Smoked Haddock & Queen Scallop Chowder – all priced between £6-£6.50. Each dish was beautifully presented and tasted delicious – a fantastic precursor to the main event – Pan Fried Calves Liver, Creamy Mash, Roasted Red Onion, Onion Gravy & Crispy Bacon (£15), Steamed Plaice, Sautéed Potato, Peas a la Francais (£14.50) and 9oz Ribeye Steak, Mushroom, Slow Roasted Tomato, Onion Ring, Chips & Béarnaise Sauce (£21).

Portions were generous but not overwhelming and were all cooked to perfection. Puddings options were classics with a twist (£6) but we only had room to share a generous Cheese Board (£7.50).

Head Chef and co-owner Tim Luff previously ran the kitchen at the popular Northwick Arms in Ketton and prior to that was Head Chef at The Olive Branch in Clipsham for 8 years – so it’s easy to see why No. 3 The Yard is one of only two establishments in Lincolnshire to hold the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

I spied the mouth-watering Christmas and New Year menus which are very tempting – perhaps I’ll suggest we eat out this year!

• No. 3 The Yard, Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.theyardrestaurant.biz/

The Wine Bar, Stamford The wine bar in St Paul’s St has recently re-opened under completely new ownership and a re-furbishment which has made it very stylish and contemporary.

Alex Way and Stephen Miskell have taken over the business and see a strong future for the business at the heart of Stamford’s ever-expanding hospitality sector.

“Our plan,” Alex told SL, “is to be open 7 days a week from 10am-11pm, so you know we will always be there and available for something to eat and something to drink.”

The wine bar will open its doors in the morning, offering hot drinks and light breakfasts; and at lunch a glass of wine perhaps and a fresh sandwich, prepared by Kelly at The Stamford Deli (they are determined to use local suppliers wherever possible).

In the evening there will be great wine and light bites, including tapas. And they want to celebrate wine, not just go with the crowd. “If you come in and ask for something white or something red, we will give you a really interesting glass of wine, not just another Pinot. We want to help you try new things and enjoy something different.” There is also a great selection of cocktails available.

The wine bar is now incredibly spacious for its size and distinctly stylish. Tanya Vaughan (her showroom is by St George’s Church) helped with the look.

• The Wine Bar, 10 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757844 www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk

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Dameon Clarke re-opens the Wicked Witch Dameon Clarke has recently returned to the Wicked Witch in Ryhall, but this time as owner as well as Head Chef, along with his partner Victoria Lynn who will run front of house.

He will operate 42 covers on the ground floor, and will be offering a set lunch (£14.95) and set dinner (£21.95/£26.95).

“My approach to the food side of things will be exactly the same as before – the quality of the food won’t alter, but I just want to make it more affordable,” he said.

Hambleton Bakery’s Christmas Range Hambleton Bakery’s indulgent range of Christmas is available from the start of December. Especially notable are the Christmas puddings, based on an 1844 recipe handed down through Julian Carter’s family, very rich and rather alcoholic (but they sell out very quickly). Also of great distinction are the Christmas Crowns – 6 buns in a pan, with ginger, calvados apples, golden raisins, sultanas, peel and glaze. There’s also lots else to take your fancy, including individual Christmas cakes, cranberry & white chocolate cookies, mince pies, spiced pear and almond tarts and stilton & celery scones.

• Stamford Shop, 1 Ironmonger St, Stamford PE9 1PL To order: 01780 754327 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Black Bull Inn Restaurant & Steakhouse

Bookings now being taken for Christmas

2 Teigh Road, Market Overton 01572 767677 www.blackbullrutland.co.uk

THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Powering chimney sweeping into the 21st Century

AVONDALE SWEEPS • NO FUSS – NO MESS

• FULLY RECOGNISED CERTIFICATES ISSUED • FULLY TRAINED & QUALIFIED TO A HIGH STANDARD • HETAS REGISTERED RUSSELL PEACE…01536 510865 MOBILE – 07725 795394 EMAIL– russell.peace@virgin.net www.chimneysweepnorthants.co.uk

www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk

Now taking bookings for Christmas Country Inn and Restaurant A warm welcome is assured at our quintessential old English county pub, bringing you the best of British home cooked meals and a choice of well kept Real Ales.

FESTIVITIES AT THE MARQUESS FESTIVE SET LUNCH

From 1st to 23rd December we will be offering a 2 x course set lunch of Traditional Roast Turkey followed

by Christmas Pudding Soufflé Monday to Saturday for £15.95 per person.

NEW YEAR DINNER & DANCE

Come and enjoy a seven course dinner followed by dancing and bring in the New Year with us. £79.50 per person and why not stay over; £75 for a standard or £85.00 for a superior or suite.

THE DELI SHED

Our very own deli in the grounds of the Marquess is bursting with delicious homemade meals and essential produce, including • Herbs & Vegetables • • Chutneys, Jams & Oils • • Homemade Frozen Meals • • Eggs & Cheeses • • Meat & Fish to Order • Festive Hampers • Also taking orders for your festive Turkey!

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 11AM-4PM AND WEEKENDS 8AM-4PM

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch?

Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses

Mid Week Offer

Set 3 course menu £15.95 a head Served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm.

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month. Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head Tue, Wed, Thur 12pm – 11pm (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/5.30pm – 9.30pm) Fri, Sat 12pm – 12am (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sun 12pm – 6pm (Food 12.30pm – 3pm).Closed Mondays

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com

For more information on our festive events or to make a booking, just email or call.

52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9LT • Tel: 01572 822 477 email: info@marquessexeter.co.uk www.marquessexeter.co.uk 37

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Fired Earth Zoffany

OUTSTANDING INTERIORS FOR INDIVIDUAL HOMES WITH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Visit our showroom five days a week:A16 Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone:

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Little Greene

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HUNTERS INTERIORS

www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

Wallpaper Sanderson

Doorstops, draught excluders and much much more!

Purchase locally at: Lakeland l Van Hage l Dobbies l John Lewis Sinclairs l Burghley House l Jupes Portess of Oakham l Gates Garden Centre Sarah Harding Interiors l Waterside Garden Centre or contact Dora Designs directly

w: www.doradesigns.co.uk l t: 01733 305452 l f: 08432 161879 l e: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk

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90 shops

OVER

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places Thousands to eat of brands

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Late night shopping in December until 9pm weekdays and 7pm Saturdays with free parking after 5:30pm weeknights.

From 1st until 23rd December.

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13/11/2014 17:01 14:12 19/11/2014

Workshops and Classes; Sewing Machines and Servicing Dress Fabrics and Patterns; Patchwork and Quilting; Knitting Yarns and Patterns; Books and Gifts

w w w.r utl andsewi ng. co. u k

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SUC C EEDI NG I N BU S I N E S S

Chris Tattersall Co-Owner of The Wool Room Antonia Scott speaks to local entrepreneurs, to find out how they have succeeded in motivating themselves and their team to ensure their start-up company is a winner How it all began...

Chris Tattersall is the joint owner of The Wool Room whose Head Office is based in Empingham, Rutland, with a shop on Star Lane in Stamford since September 2012. Since graduating from St Andrew’s University in 1991, Chris’s background has always been in textiles, working initially for Osborne and Little and latterly running Relyon beds.

In 2008, Bradford based Jo Dawson, established The Wool Room as a company that predominantly set out to promote and sell the finest wool interiors products, as a result of real frustration at the price of wool. Chris joined the company in 2012 and re-located the business from its origins in Bradford, in order to establish a more centrally located base to expand into a multi-channel operation.

The Wool Room has gone from strength to strength, growing its own retail base to four shops and stockists across the UK and Ireland, including Heals of London. The powerhouse has been the growth of on-line business, delivering over 100% growth year-on-year and this trend looks set to continue into next year. The aim of The Wool Room is to double in size every year for the next three years, making it the key market destination in bedding for natural, healthy sleep.

The latest exciting news for The Wool Room is that Dr Christian Jessen, from Channel 4’s popular ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ series, has agreed to work with them in order to highlight the natural health benefits to wool products, in particular for allergy sufferers.

Inspiration, Motivation, Vision and Drive....

Chris explains that he is inspired by “Developing and selling high quality products that make a real difference to people’s lives. I am driven by a strong desire to make a success of this business and do something for myself and my fellow co-owner, rather than for a larger, faceless corporate organisation. What really motivates me is the fact that I know that we are helping to change people’s lives, by delivering such an immediate improvement to the quality of their

“The aim of The Wool Room is to double in size every year for the next three years, making it the key market destination in bedding for natural, healthy sleep.”

CHRIS GREATLY ADMIRED THE LATE STEVE JOBS, FOR HIS UNRIVALLED PASSION FOR BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED PRODUCTS THAT DELIVERED LIFE CHANGING BENEFITS TO THE CONSUMER; AND HIS MANTRA: “ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE CUSTOMER.”

that we sell. As a team, we are all professional with a strong work ethic and our vision is to improve people’s health and wellbeing by using wool to deliver the best natural and sustainable sleep solutions. Over time, we have discovered that this desire really resonates with the consumer and as a consequence, our focus on delivering the best natural, deeper sleep has been re-confirmed.”

Chris says he greatly admired the late Steve Jobs, for his unrivalled passion for beautifully designed products that delivered life changing benefits to the consumer; and his mantra: “Always listen to the customer.”

sleep and health by using our wool beds or bedding.”

“I like to motivate my team by leading from the front, demonstrating a strong work ethic that incorporates all our key values.

Communication is key and as we are a very small, tight team this is made easier, but we regularly discuss the latest challenges and I like to empower the decision making, where possible to the team. I like my employees to come to me with solutions to problems rather than just the problem itself. We then discuss their solution which helps the team work more effectively and efficiently.”

Passion, belief and mantras!

Chris’s ability to get his team to share in his passion and beliefs is by “Communication regular formal and informal discussions. I share the Company’s financial performance and we work through any areas that might need improvement, before moving on to the key objectives of the next quarter.”

“My ultimate aim for The Wool Room is to make people stop and think before they purchase their next bed or set of bedding, and to consider the huge benefits of natural wool products, which are a sustainable alternative that really does deliver significantly better sleep. Our key company values are simple - we care that our customers are using sustainable, natural, healthy wool products that improve their well being. I am passionate and knowledgeable about wool and the products

5 REASONS TO BUY WOOL BEDDING: • 25% better sleep than other bedding types • Temperature regulating – no more night sweats or waking up cold!

• Hypo allergenic – official seal of approval from The British Allergy Foundation – ask Dr Jessen!

• Machine washable products • Supports British farmers DID YOU KNOW? • That even after washing or freezing synthetic, feather or down bedding, it will be completely re-colonized by dust mites after only 6 weeks! In comparison, no live house dust mites or allergens were detected in The Wool Room bedding.

• You can test-sleep The Wool Room’s bedding in a variety of guest houses and B&Bs nationwide – the nearest being Chris’s local pub – The White Horse in Empingham.

• For more information: www.thewoolroom.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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SP O RT S & L E I S U R E

YOUR GUIDE TO WINTER TRAINING

As the nights draw in and there’s a real nip in the air, it’s tempting to ease off when it comes to your fitness but this needn’t be the case. Melton Sports has come up with 10 top tips to help you maintain your training regime throughout the winter months so you emerge fitter and stronger in the spring

1

EAT RIGHT Foods such as pasta, soups and baked potatoes are great choices as they provide a slow release of energy. To keep your energy levels topped up pack a snack or a sports gel or bar, too. One common mistake in winter is not to drink enough. You may not feel thirsty but your body uses up a lot of water through respiration in order to maintain your body temperature. It’s important you replenish these fluids and electrolytes so give your body some fuel such as Lucozade Sport or have a recovery drink after your session.

2

5

TRAIN WITH A FRIEND OR GROUP Make your fitness sessions safe and social. If you’ve arranged to meet someone it’s harder to make excuses and cry off. You can always go for a coffee and cake afterwards!

6

TRY OUT NEW ROUTES Running or riding the same old routes can become a chore so try out some new ones. Go off road and hit some trails if you can as they are good for building strength and power. If you’re working away or having a weekend break take your kit with you. When you’re out, if possible, start into the wind. This way you’ll have the wind at your back on your way home and avoid getting chilled by the wind after you’ve been sweating.

LAYER UP Give your body a hug by wearing a base layer. They trap the heat in and the fabric works to maintain your body temperature by aiding the evaporation of sweat. When it gets really cold wear a layer that blocks the wind, gloves and a hat or headband. But be careful not to overdress.

As a rule of thumb dress for 15 to 20 degrees warmer than it actually is to allow your body temperature to increase and reduce the risk of overheating and excessive sweating. In this case less is more. Cyclists will need to prepare their bikes for winter as well as get their kit sorted.

INCREASE YOUR INTENSITY Keep constantly on the move and up the intensity to make your body really work and stay warm in the process. If you’re on a tempo run or ride mix bursts of speed work into your session. To keep things fresh, though, it’s important to take every fourth week a bit easier. Time out and rest is important. too.

3

8

EXTEND YOUR WARM UP Your body will warm up more slowly in cold weather, especially first thing in the morning. One tip is to put your kit in the airing cupboard overnight or in the clothes’ dryer for a few minutes before heading out.

And don’t forget to do some decent stretching or run up and down the stairs a few times. The cold doesn’t feel so cold when you’re warm but remember it may still take 10 to 15 minutes or running or riding before you are completely warmed up and hit your stride.

4

BE SAFE, BE SEEN lf possible, exercise during daylight hours and absorb what sunshine there is. If it’s dark out, wear bright, reflective clothing. Lights are a must for cyclists and a headlamp or flashing armbands will make runners stand out. Don’t forget to look ahead - there will be more hazards around and everyone’s vision tends to be reduced in winter.

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7

SET A SPECIFIC GOAL Look back at your sporting summer and ask yourself if you performed as you’d hoped. Set some goals and/or enter a competition.

Knowing you have to train for a race or hit a mileage target or fitness goal is a real motivator. Remember to reward yourself when you achieve it, then set another one!

9

GO TO THE GYM When it’s bone-chillingly cold or icy outside, treadmill running, a spin cycle class or turbo trainer or gym session/activity class is a good way to stay fit without risking injury.

10

CHANGE QUICKLY AFTERWARDS As soon as you stop running or cycling or the final whistle blows your core body temperature will drop so change quickly from top to toe and, if possible, drink something hot, then relax . . .

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Gretton Garden Services Reliable landscape gardener located in the Gretton area and offering a range of gardening services including: • Grass Cutting • Hedge Cutting • Fencing • Decking • Patios

• Driveways • Turfing • Weed Spraying • Scarification • Pressure Washing

Call Chris Stubbs to see how his practical knowledge can turn your dreams into reality

Mob. 07976 286664/Home. 01536 772434 email chrisstubbs57@hotmail.com

Tel: 01572 Tel: 01572 723583 723583 Licensed cafe, serving delicious cafe, serving delicious All your Allgarden your garden requirements requirements Licensed hotcold andfood coldand fooddrinks and drinks hot and under under one roof one roof

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Friday 28 November 2014 to Saturday 17 January 2015 (Matinees available) FAMILY SHOW: The Sound of Music This timeless classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein is based on a true story and set against the landscape of the Austrian Alps. With an incredible score, this family classic continues to entrance audiences across the globe.

Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £21.50 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk Dates between Saturday 29 November and Saturday 6 December (matinees available) PANTOMIME: Cinderella The traditional family favourite complete with songs, laughter, fabulous costumes and the ugly sisters who will try to make Cinderella’s life as difficult as possible of course. Will her handsome Prince find her in time to make all her dreams come true? Melton Theatre Tickets £11/£8 Tel: 01664 851111 www.meltontheatre.co.uk Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 December (morning, lunchtime and afternoon performances) FAMILY SHOW: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Direct from a smash hit West End season, Michael Rosen’s award winning book is brought to the stage. Catchy songs, interactive scenes

and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises.

Curve Studio, Leicester Tickets £12 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk Friday 5 December, 6.30pm for a 7pm start EVENT: Lyddington Film Night This month’s film stars James Stewart in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ – a beautifully heart-warming Christmas tale and a great way to get into the festive spirit.

Lyddington Village Hall Tickets are £5 on the door from 6.30pm.

Wednesday 10 December, 7pm EVENT: Uppingham Film Night The film showing is ‘Belle’. Bring your own refreshments, free nibbles provided.

Uppingham Town Hall Tickets £5 from the Falcon Hotel or on the door.

Thursday 11 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Celtic Christmas Strings A feast of harp and guitar

by Mari Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman. Their show features a breath taking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass plus festive favourites – a spellbinding treat for mid-winter.

South Luffenham Village Hall Tickets £10 Tel: 01780 720687

Saturday 6 December, 7pm for 7.30pm start EVENT: Swing Song Merrily On High The world famous Opera Dudes perform a show of seasonal cheer with something for everyone - wonderful singing, audience participation and ridiculous sketches.

Ashley Village Hall Tickets Tickets £10 Adults £8 11-16 year olds Tel: 01858 565410

Friday 12 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: A Little Christmas Magic Chater Community Choir will be giving their seasonal concert in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the British Heart Foundation.

The choir will be joined this year by children from Brooke Hill Academy in Oakham, providing wellknown festive delights.

Oakham School Chapel Tickets are £5 Tel: 01780 729006 or Tel: 01572 821197.

Saturday 13 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015 PANTOMIME: Cinderella Starring CBeebies presenter Alex Winters as well as Carly Thoms in the title role. Expect pumpkins galore, fantastic costumes, slapstick and lots of audience participation.

De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £14/£13.50 Tel: 0116 233 3111 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 December (morning performances and matinees available) PANTOMIME: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Will Prince Lorenzo rescue his beloved Snow White from the Wicked Queen’s evil spells? Will the Seven Dwarves get to the poisoned apple before Snow White? Starring EastEnders’ ‘Lucy Beale’, Melissa Suffield as Snow White.

Melton Theatre Tickets £13/£11 Tel: 01664 851111 www.meltontheatre.co.uk Throughout December Lots to do this month at Rutland Water – courses include Natural Christmas Crafts and Willow Weaving with a Christmas theme or you can join in a free Family Coppicing morning followed by a tasty lunch to reward your efforts.

Information on booking and all details can be found at www.rutlandwater.org or Tel: 01572 770651

Friday 12 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015 PANTOMIME: Puss In Boots The purrfect family treat based on the original fable by Charles Perrault.

Puss, resplendent in his magical boots, transforms his master’s fate from rags to riches.

All the sparkle and shine, fun and laughter audiences expect The Little Theatre, Leicester Tickets £14/£12 Tel: 0116 255 1302 www.thelittletheatre.net

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Fine Bespoke Timber Windows, Doors, Conservatories and Bi Folding Door Systems

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RETIREMENT NEEDN’T FEEL RETIRING! Have you closed your eyes and imagined life after work?

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ollowing the 2014 Budget, there are now more ways than ever to contemplate new horizons.You probably know what you want retirement to look like, but how do you get there? If the range of new investment and pension options baffles you, we can help.

As a local, privately owned independent wealth management firm applying the highest personal, regulatory, ethical and commercial standards, we apply effective and appropriate investment, tax based and trust advice to estate planning, investment and retirement portfolios.

www.rutlandwealthcare.co.uk Rutland Wealthcare - 18A Leicester Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9SD clients@yourwealthcare.co.uk 01572 897310

Rutland Wealthcare is a Trading Style of Wealthcare (1985) Ltd (FCA Reg 569260), an Appointed Representative of The Whitechurch Network Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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S H OP S & SE R V I C E S

UPDATES Duo Boutique, Oakham T

wo Rutland friends have recently partnered to set up Oakham’s newest ladies’ fashion boutique, appropriately named Duo. Duo opened its doors on Oakham High Street in September and is already proving a big hit with fashionable shoppers, based on its quality, range, value and excellent personal customer service.

Pam Giblin and Gail Neville first met 13 years ago on a badminton court, when they both played in the ladies’ team for Oakham. They soon realised they had many other interests in common.

After working together in a local ladies’ clothes shop, their shared passion for fashion was re-ignited, so when an opportunity arose to open their own boutique, their dreams became reality and within three months Duo boutique was created.

“Our major emphasis is on customer service. We want to offer a bespoke personal service, get to know our customers and their requirements and buy stock with them in mind. We feel every lady should feel good about themselves no matter their size, shape or budget.”

“We have sourced good quality branded British and European clothing, beautiful jewellery, scarves, bags, hats and gifts, with attractive price tags. A hat studio will also be opening on the first floor in the New Year.”

• Pam and Gail are happy to open outside normal hours for groups of ladies or individuals by appointment. Contact Duo on Tel: 01572 722116.

Girls Succeed in Science at Leicester High

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Carrying science success on at university…

Emily and Alice gained places at Cambridge University in 2014. Emily is studying Veterinary Medicine and Alice Natural Sciences.

here’s something about girls’ schools that really works when it comes to science. It is a sad indictment of our schools today that girls are not choosing ‘A’ levels and careers in science and technology. However, 50% of the A level entries at Leicester High in 2014 were for the sciences, ICT and maths. Half of these entries gained A*/A grades. How? Part of the answer is reflected in a story about Charlotte who joined Leicester High in Y9 and is now studying medicine at Nottingham University. She said that when she joined it was a relief to be able to admit at long last that she just loved science. She could work, she could enthuse, she could embrace her love of science without appearing different or ’swotty’. She felt at home amongst girls who were keen and willing to work. A teacher at the school recently said that it is ‘cool to learn here’, and the work ethos of the school along with support, small classes and outstanding pastoral care is a powerful combination across all subjects. To build on the school’s success in the sciences, there is now a funded Ogden Trust Physics Scholarship in the Sixth Form for an able, UK-born student from a state school, who would normally need financial assistance to attend an independent school.

• Please contact Mrs Julia Harbage, Registrar, on Tel: 0116 270 5338 or see the website www.leicesterhigh.co.uk for more information about the Ogden Scholarship.

Cuts ‘n’ More Relocates

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uts ‘n’ More has now taken the opportunity of relocating the Oakham branch by taking over the hairdressing salon at a new fabulous Rutland village location. The newly acquired branch can be found at 39 High Street, Whissendine - next to the award winning Mace store.

“We can now offer a full range of services including colours and high lights using AFFINAGE”, explaines owner David Moore.

Current stylist at Whissendine, Sarah PalmerSkelton will continue her Tuesdays and Charlotte Moore will be available on Wednesdays, who also offers a full bridal service for both hair and makeup using the latest in Air brush techniques. New stylist Bianca Leeming is also joining the team.

David will be offering gents and boys haircuts with set ‘barber days ‘ on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and all day Friday .

Says David, “The new salon is a super addition to our established salons at Stamford and Rothwell. We have already had a lot of support from the local people who have welcomed having a full hairdressing service in the village.”

• Bookings can now be made on Tel: 01664 747565.

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S H OP S & SE R V I C E S

UPDATES Caught on Camera

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here was a time when CCTV was an expensive commodity only used by the rich or the paranoid. Today the modern family is realising it is a sensible low-cost deterrent to burglars and an invaluable tool should a burglar break-in. CCTV can provide police with pictures which may quickly identify the thief leading to a swift arrest and retrieval of stolen property.

Most people think having an alarm system fitted is enough to stop them burgled. It isn’t. Research shows 57% of burglaries are committed while someone is at home, therefore an alarm system is likely to be switched off. Burglars are well aware that alarms aren’t always activated, and if do they go off it is very unlikely neighbours will take any notice. However, intruders are well aware of the power of CCTV and reformed burglars will be the first to say they will pass by a house with CCTV and move onto the next one they find without it.

Crime statistics show Stamford and surrounding villages are experiencing around 47 reported burglaries each month.

Today’s high-tech CCTV systems are simple to use and live images can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet 24/7. Peace of mind if you’re away from home.

That burglary down the road, or even next door, could make you think you have got away with it. But burglars escape scotfree too many times and re-offend regularly in the same area. Today’s home CCTV packages don’t need special software and with fast speed broadband you can log on to your remote viewable image from anywhere in the world. The infra-red cameras give a clear night vision and images are recorded for at least two weeks.

Knowing you are well protected gives a feeling of security that should not be underestimated.

Trent Galleries in Oakham With over 20 years’ experience, Tracey & Stuart Morris have opened a new gallery at 11 Mill Street, Oakham

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rent Galleries offers an eclectic mix of contemporary fine art, specialising in Original Paintings and Collectable Limited Edition Prints and Sculpture from a host of critically acclaimed artists.

Says Tracey, “Our philosophy of presenting artwork and making the experience of buying art a completely relaxing and enjoyable one, means that we have captivated the attention of an entirely brand new audience to the world of collectable fine art. Having two galleries already, Trent Galleries philosophy of ‘delivering more than is expected’ has guaranteed it a fine reputation within the art industry and the community it serves. We understand that at first glance galleries can often feel intimidating, so have created a welcoming space with a friendly atmosphere.”

The Newark gallery has already hosted exciting events this year, with appearances from the ‘modern day Lowry’, Rebecca Lardner and the internationally acclaimed Doug Hyde. he Barrowden Shop Fayre and Christmas Market are back again on December 6th between 10am and 4pm. In the village hall, the Christmas or eight years Samuel Robson owned an art gallery in the heart of Oakham, Market will consist of before becoming a private independent dealer and working from his home 12 stalls offering a good in Rutland in 2013. This year he has started to present some Open Weekend selection of exciting, Exhibitions, showcasing a selection of Modern British Art, which he specialises unusual and affordable in. The exhibitions take place in a home interior environment, which lends an gifts, with proceeds going opportunity to see how the works look in an open residential setting. to support St Peter’s Following the success of their inaugural Summer Open Weekend, Samuel Church in Barrowden.

Robson Fine Art is pleased to hold their first Winter Open Weekend on Santa Claus will be at December 6th and 7th from 12 - 4pm. Join them for a selection of canapés and the shop with gifts for champagne. This event will showcase a mix of Modern British artists and will younger customers. include, amongst others, John Piper, Edward Seago, Anthony Gross, Fred Yates Hot soup and rolls, cakes, and Andrew Macara and will take place at 44a Main Street, Empingham, LE15 savouries, Mulled Wine 7PE. This will be an opportunity to view a mixed exhibition of Modern British Art. and coffee available all • The exhibition will be available to view by appointment following the Open Fred Yates, Le Mairie day.

Week. For further details of the works that will be shown during the weekend, Watercolour contact Samuel at robson@srfagallery.com or on Tel: 0789 4086836.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

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Samuel Robson Fine Art

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Lee Kang-hyo Exhibition

Goldmark Gallery until 14th December 2014 Goldmark Gallery is hosting the first major UK exhibition by the leading Korean potter, Lee Kang-hyo

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ee Kang-hyo, born in Seoul in 1961, is widely regarded as one of the finest Korean potters working today. He has exhibited all over the world and his work is held in many important public and private collections including the V&A Museum, British Museum, London, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Art Institute of Chicago and International Ceramic Museum, Italy.Lee’s work is rooted in the two Korean traditions of Onggi pottery and Buncheong decoration and he is renowned for being the first modern Korean potter to bring these two traditions together.The Goldmark Team went to South Korea to photograph and make a film about Lee Kang-hyo which will be available to buy on dvd or watch online.

• Works, essay and films are available to view on www.goldmarkart.com. goldmarkart 14 Orange Street, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9SQ

Don’t Dispose, Donate!

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he build up to Christmas and the New Year is causing acute problems for Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. Whilst their shops are doing particularly well on sales, they are running into problems with donations of saleable items and are desperately short of stock, particularly furniture and bric-a-brac but also books and clothing.

“During and after the festive season, many people will be contemplating how they will make space for their presents or dispose of household furniture in order to accommodate new purchases made in the sales. Our motto is: ‘Don’t Dispose, Donate!’”, says Peter Ralphs of the local Age UK. “All I can say is that we desperately need help from the public so that we can continue to help needy local older people through the money which is taken through our shops. All of our 23 charity shops around the two counties will gladly accept donations whilst furniture can also be collected from homes by calling Tel: 0116 2781208.”

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S H OP S & SE R V I C E S

UPDATES Everlasting Now – For Vintage Inspired Arts, Crafts and Gifts R

ecently opened on Church Street in Oakham and reporting a fantastic response from new customers is new vintage, arts and crafts emporium, Everlasting Now. Described as a treasure trove of ideas, Everlasting Now stocks a large range of stylish products that are either upcycled or original vintage pieces given a modern twist. As well as a host of gorgeous and unusual lamps, pictures and decorative art you will find beautiful capes, jackets, rings, corsages and bags all of which would make wonderful gifts and are guaranteed to not be found on the main stream High Street.

Co-owners and business partners Anne Stringer and Helen Chapman told us it has been their ambition to open a shop of this calibre for some time. Anne said, “We are pleased to offer a unique shopping experience to Oakham. We offer all kinds of affordable gifts priced from just £4 so there is something for all budgets. We are particularly proud of our exciting and eclectic range of home wares, carefully selected to suit different styles of home.” If you are a local maker or artist, the shop also invites you to place your pieces for sale at a modest percentage with no rental costs making Everlasting Now the perfect forum to show your wares.

If you need to relax between purchases, Anne and Helen have cleverly combined their shopping experience with the opportunity to enjoy a coffee from their artisan Silver Oak range, an organic tea or delicious piece of cake.

“Why not pop in for a visit next time you are in Oakham, you won’t be disappointed?”

• Contact: Everlasting Now, 14 Church Street, Oakham Tel: 01572 723827 or email Helen at helen@everlastingnow.co.uk

Gates Garden Centre Expands Set in a beautiful Leicestershire rural location, just 4 miles from Oakham, Gates truly has everything you need for Christmas. Built within an original 1818 Victorian walled garden, formerly part of Cold Overton Hall, the nursery was founded by Fred and Ivy Gates when they created a market garden back in 1948. Today, it is a popular destination for garden fanatics from all over the UK and with the widest choice and quality of goods, ranging from indoor and outdoor plants, gorgeous gifts, garden and conservatory furniture, clothing as well as the finest display of Christmas decorations, trees and ornaments you really need go nowhere else to shop this season.

Gates has always enjoyed a reputation locally for being the Harrods of the Midlands at Christmas time but this year they have outdone themselves with a whole barn dedicated to their famous Christmas Display, located next to the extensive gift section.

Santa’s Grotto is always a huge hit and Santa and his helpers are now ready to receive visitors in their newly extended, spectacular grotto - a treat for young and old. And if that’s not all, why not pay a visit to the new expansive restaurant for the usual light, or now more substantial, lunches, coffees and afternoon teas?

• For excellent service, quality gifts and a fun day-out head to Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham, Tel: 01664 454309. Open: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.

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Olive Tanning and Beauty Olive Tanning studio recently launched Olive Tanning & Beauty at Olive, No.5 & 6 Crown Walk. The spacious studio hosts a luxury Beauty Room with new treatments including Hot-Stone Massage as well as a luxurylLie-down Sunbed Room, a new Spray Tan Suite, a relaxing, comfortable and cool waiting area with a health bar and ice cold drinks. And finally brand new to Olive is the Vibr8 Oscillation machine, 20% more effective than other body vibration trainers – in its own spacious room for privacy and comfort.

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Tried & Teste Thai Massage Oakham

Recently opened in the town centre, Oakham is a Thai massage and Thai Yoga Massage Salon on Market Street offering traditional Thai massage, Thai Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Yoga Massage as well as aromatherapy oil massage, hot stone massage and reflexology. Tamita came to the UK eight years ago to work at Ragdale and then at Ban Saabi in Stamford but trained in Thailand and returns annually for refresher courses. If you need a good sports’ massage then this is the place to go!

• For an appointment call Tel: 729337 or 07788926485

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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VI L L AG E F OCU S

Kibworth

at Christmas

Kibworth is a large, vibrant, community focused South Leicestershire village, with a host of festive events happening this year

The Village

Kibworth Beauchamp is an old settlement but with a very modern outlook. Comprising of agriculture and industry; it has many small businesses thriving today, some of which are know worldwide. The village became known nationally in 2010 when TV historian Michael Wood chose Kibworth Beauchamp, Kibworth Harcourt and Smeeton Westerby as the location for his ground breaking 'Story of England' series. It has many local amenities, including a bustling High street and good transport connections to Market Harborough and Leicester.

Kibworth Brass Band Christmas Concert The Kibworth Band will present its Christmas Concert on the 20th December 2014 at the Old Grammar School, Kibworth. The concert, which starts at 7.30pm is an annual event giving the Band the opportunity to entertain the village and also to showcase its youth group. The Band was formed in the early 1900’s as a village band and at that time its members all lived and worked in Kibworth or the surrounding area. Now members come from all over Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The youth group is open to anyone over the age of 8 and currently there are around 20 children taking lessons in the Bandroom, on a Monday or Thursday evening and at Great Glen School. Some of the children, under the direction of Carol Smith, an experienced and longstanding player in the band, will be playing at the Christmas Concert. Further information about both the Band and the Youth group can be found at www.kibworthband.co.uk, or by contacting the Band Manager at d.bingham4@ntlworld.com.

Other concerts this Christmas will be at St Katherine’s Church, Burton Latimer, on December 13th, with outdoor carol singing at The Dog & Gun, Kilby and The Langton Arms, Church Langton.

If you are planning a party or event soon, why not consider the Kibworth Grammar School Hall? Built in 1936, the hall has been a recognised community centre since 1999 and has four great rooms available for hire – main hall, lounge, studio and a small meeting room. All rooms enjoy access to free Wi-Fi and come with full use of a clean, well-equipped kitchen.

• For more information, Call Kelly, Hall Officer on Tel: 0116 2796389, email: info@kgsh.org.uk

Christmas Shopping events On Wednesday, 3rd December until 8pm Kibworth will have its late night shopping event where you will be able to find gifts ranging from Art, books, fashion, Flowers, Children and Nursery gifts, through to fantastic food and drink. The White Street Gallery are stocking a host of items great for Christmas presents this year, from large impact oil paintings, exquisite agricultural inspired pencil drawings by Mark Langley. Hand made tableware by local ceramist Daisy Fawcett and Gifts in a Tin. From now until Christmas, every Thursday, the Kibworth Antiques Centre will be posting pictures on their facebook page of unique presents that are available in the centre too. Take a closer look and why not stop off for a coffee? For more gift ideas take a look at the Boboli Bazaar on Friday 28th November, featuring Gifts, Arts and Crafts, as well a chance to chat, drink coffee and eat cake! All proceeds go to Hope for Cancer. www.bobolirestaurant.co.uk.

That should get your Christmas completely wrapped up!

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New Year’s Eve at the Lighthouse For a memorable night out to bring in the New Year why not spend it at The Lighthouse in Kibworth? With a sumptuous menu, starting off with a glass of prosecco and including such delights as Tiger Prawn with Chirozo and squid ink risotto, Venison Steak with celeriac fondant and Halibut with Lobster Bisque, it is sure to be a wonderful feast and promises to be a fantastic night.

Enjoy it all for £55 per person, pre-orders by 15th December.

Go to: www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk

Xmas Cracker Weekend at the Cricket Club A Christmas Festive Food, Drink and Gift Market will be held at the Kibworth Cricket Club on Sunday 7th December. The event will be open between 10am and 4pm, with entry for adults £3, children under 12, free.

This will be a perfect opportunity to buy those special gifts, garlands, trees and decorations for the house and lots of locally sourced food and delicious wines for your festive table.

Full details of this fabulous weekend can be obtained by Contacting ‘The Confident Cook Ltd’ on Tel: 07745 283928 or email info@confident-cook.co.uk

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1 Coventry Road, Market Harborough We offer Residents with a life limiting condition opportunity visit www. a utu mann-ca re. co. u k to live their lives www.lawson-west.co.uk as fully as their condition allows.771722 or e ma il: kira n@rklventu re s. co m ca ll 01536 Our aim is to provide a quality of care that is person centred, seeing each Resident as unique with individual physical, social, psychological, emotional 55 and spiritual needs.

Well-trained, professional staff that are supportive and empathetic to residents, • RL Dec ADS.indd 55 19/11/2014 families and friends.

17:03

F OOD & DRI N K

DUNCAN MURRAY WINES CHRISTMAS DRINKING SUGGESTIONS Hands up who’s having turkey for Christmas dinner? In our experience, the hand count seems to get lower each year as people try alternatives – game, beef... and for vegetarians the world’s your oyster (mushroom). Therefore, our Christmas drinking suggestions are all about versatility – if you’re going traditional, spicing it up, focusing on fish or simply opening a tin, these bottles will see you admirably through the big day and beyond UK Exclusive Sparkling Wine Mustillant (£12.99): A fantastic fizz for festive gatherings with notes of apple and a hint of fresh bread. For Prosecco lovers looking for something a little different.

Wonderfully Versatile White Catarratto Terra Firma (£8.99): Be transported to Sicily with this zesty, clean citrus and tropical-fruited white. It’s very fish-friendly and will also work fantastically if you’re having salad, cold meats and tapas-type nibbles.

Merlot Merriment Merlot du Donjon (£11.99): A medium-bodied beauty with juicy fruit, soft spice, vanilla and chocolate hints.

We’ve road tested this wine with rich tomato sauces and nut roasts, turkey, gammon, pork, duck… it all works.

Classic Bordeaux Chateau Tour Grand Faurie, St-Emilion Grand Cru (£24.99): Enjoy a wonderfully intense mouthful of plum, blackberry and blackcurrant. If you’ve gone for beef, this is a perfect partner. It’s grand with game and great with cheese too.

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Sensational Sweetie Samos Grand Cru (37.5cl, £8.99): A Greek sweetie bursting with flavours of honey, rich raisin and spice. Sweet yet refreshing, this is just great with Camembert, goats’ cheese and Red Leicester.

Local seasonal stunners Two Birds Christmas Spiced Vodka (70cl, £39.99, 20cl, £12.99): Containing wonderful aromas of mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas pudding, this is sheer seasonal genius from Market Harborough-based, Two Birds. And for more festive fun, there’s Two Birds’ After Dinner Mint Vodka (70cl, £34.99, 20cl, £11.99). It does exactly what it says on the bottle!

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Are you already thinking about Christmas and that certain person who is always difficult to buy for?

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To book a course or find out more, please visit: alternatively we can deliver it direct to your recipient in a Bridge 67 Gift Pack. www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk or call 0116 279 6155

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For more information please contact Jill Vickers on 01162 796155. Email jill@bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk

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Set in the idyllic surroundings of The Manor, Tur Langton, Leicestershire, Bunny & Clarke offers a huge variety of Home Accessories, Gifts and a Fabulous Range of Ladies Clothings, Jewellery and Accessories. We also have a selection of Paintings by Local Artists.

A TRULY UNIQUE PLACE TO VISIT AND SHOP. Within the Lifestyle Shop, is our very own COFFEE SHOP, selling freshly ground Illy Coffee, Light Lunches and Homemade Cakes. Visit our dedicated Christmas Shop situated next to the Main Shop, within the Manor Courtyard. A Huge Selection Of Beautiful Christmas Decorations and Great Gift Ideas For All The Family.

https://www.facebook.com/bunnyandclarke @bunnyandclarke Bunny & Clarke, The Manor, Main Street, Tur Langton, Leicester LE8 0PJ Tel: 01858 540424 Email: info@bunnyandclarke.com Shop Online: www.bunnyandclarke.com

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EV EN T S & SE R V I C E S MA R K E T H A RB O R O U G H

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS Christmas Events Galore from Sosennah Every this December

The Market Harborough Christmas Fayre – Friday 5th December, 6pm

Running for the first time in its new guise the late night shopping event in Market Harborough is being transformed into an amazing night of live entertainment, local stalls, lights and fun. Roads will be pedestrianised and all the shops will be open, so do come along and kick start your Christmas shopping.

The evening starts at 6pm with a concert by The Rock Choir on the main stage, opposite The Angel Hotel; followed by the Harborough Choral Society and The Riff Raff Element.

At the Old Grammar School, there will be lots of activities for children: Father Christmas, face painting, real Reindeer and a chance to join in with lots of singing.

A Victorian Food Quarter with authentically costumed sellers will have a mouth-watering selection of food to both try and buy. The ice rink will be open on the main square from midday on the 5th all day and as soon as the sun sets Market Harborough will be shining bright with a Christmas tree festival of all shapes and sizes lighting up the town.

The organisers have even spoken to the weather-man and booked snow!

The event will end with carols on the main stage from 8.45pm and a tribute to the Christmas Truce that took place in WW1 with a rendition of Silent Night.

• www.marketharboroughchristmasfayre.com

Christmas At The Manor – 6th & 7th December, 10am til late The Manor at Tur Langton is being transformed into a Christmas Winter Wonderland with an ice rink, a relaxation clinic, Christmas markets, live music and more. The Christmas experience is the brainchild of the three small businesses at The Manor: Bunny & Clarke, Commstel Connect and Lemon Jelly Arts. There is a Santa’s Grotto with a unique opportunity to write a wish list to Father Christmas and receive a reply from the North Pole. Adults who want to take a little ‘me-time’ can book a 20 minute head massage, reflexology or shoulder massage for just £15.

The ice-rink is open for late-night skates up to 10pm with music and snow booked too!

Tickets for the ice rink & clinic are booking fast so book online soon to avoid disappointment.

• The Manor, Main Street, Tur Langton, Leicester, LE8 0PJ 01858 322079 or www.themanorexperience.co.uk

Carols by Candlelight in Ashley – 21st December, 6pm A wonderful way to kick off Christmas week is by singing carols by candlelight in the beautiful atmospheric surroundings of St. Mary’s Church in Ashley. There will be a pay bar open from 6pm and the concert will start at 6.30pm. Talented local musicians will be playing instruments or singing solos as well as lots of group participation required to sing a selection of the most popular carols. The concert will end at 7.30pm when the bar will reopen and canapés will be served. Free entry.

Santa Fun Run – Sunday 14th December, 2pm Market Harborough’s first Santa Fun Run is being organised by Race Harborough and sponsored by Snap Fitness. It will see 250 runners taking part in a 5km or 2km race in Santa costumes (provided free) all descending on Welland Park to raise money for local charity, The Squires Effect.

To add a competitive edge, all runners will be challenged to chase the Christmas pudding –the first Santa to catch the pudding will win a £100 donation to a charity of their choice. All finishers will receive a medal.

The Santa Fun Run will start from Welland Park Café at 2pm on Sunday 14th December.

Entry is £12 or £6 for under-16s, with Santa costumes included within the entry price.

Places are limited and registration closes at midnight on 7th December.

• To book your place visit www.raceharborough.co.uk.

Wistow Café and Rural Centre – 13th December onwards Wistow Café is going to have a Santa’s Grotto for the first time this Christmas.

Santa will be available in a specially built log cabin with log fire from the 13th December every day. Entry is £7 per child and photo opportunities with Santa are also available.

In the Café, delicious Christmas lunches will be served or if you just want to pop in and buy some mouth-watering Christmas cakes (fruit or sponge) and Christmas puddings, to pass off as your own, there are lots of options and sizes available. Wistow Catering is available to provide canapés, platters for office parties or entire meals if the Christmas party planning is taking its toll!

• Wistow Café and Bistro Wistow Rural Centre, Kibworth Road, Wistow, Leicester, LE8 OQF Tel: 0116 259 3756

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

The Mistletoe Bough Festive greetings to all from Caroline Aston…

B

Y the time you read this you will almost certainly have embarked on the countdown to Christmas. If you are REALLY organised your presents will already be wrapped, ribboned and labelled and your cards written, maybe even posted. You may even have already decked your hall with boughs of holly and hopefully hung a lavishly –berried bunch of inviting mistletoe in a place where no visitor can avoid passing beneath it!

And mistletoe (and an unusual local link to it) is the theme of my festive offering this December.

There are literally hundreds of legends and beliefs attached to this popular Christmas decco, many of them lost in the mists of time.

Celtic druids and Norsemen held this greenery sacred: Vikings believed it could raise the dead while druids harvested it with golden sickles and distributed sprigs as charms against ill fortune.

It was known as ‘Allheal’ to folk medicine practitioners and it was the plant of peace too: if you met an enemy beneath mistletoe tradition had it that you had to lay down your weapon, embrace your foe and call a truce....for a limited period! North American Indians used it to cure toothache, measles and dog bites and it bestowed fertility. Unmarried wenches put a mistletoe spray under their pillows so that they might dream of a future lover and when our Victorian ancestors stole a kiss beneath the seasonal bunch they had to remove a berry: once all the berries had gone, the kissing had

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to stop!

Fast forward to Rutland, and in particular to Exton Park. One of my favourite strolls takes me up the track that leads to the parish church, right on the edge of Exton Hall grounds. In winter stark tree branches are silhouetted against the often greyish sky and standing near to the monument-packed church is the skeleton of the old Exton Hall. The original Hall was Elizabethan and might still be standing today had it not been for a catastrophic fire that broke out there early one May morning in 1810.

The then owner Gerard Noel appears to have left a candle alight which set fire to his papers.

Despite the best efforts of estate workers part of the house was completely gutted – but not all of it. Some remained habitable, including some kitchen facilities. Indeed, 23 years later a local paper tells us that a tenants’ dinner was held in ‘the remains of the long-neglected hall’.

The Noel family moved into a nearby late 17th century house which was radically enlarged in the mid-19th century, leaving the damaged Old Hall to lapse into picturesque dereliction, which is how we see it today.

The ruin lends itself to fantasy: it looks as though it has stepped straight out of some Gothic novel. Indeed it is reputed to be the inspiration for a favourite Victorian parlour song frequently performed at Christmas and rather appropriately entitled ‘The Mistletoe Bough’. Written by Sir Henry Bishop (who also

wrote the lyrics of ‘Home Sweet Home’) and T.H. Bayly (who composed the haunting music) the song tells the story of a young girl playing hide and seek who suffocates in an oak chest she has chosen as her hiding place. Frantic attempts are made to find her, but she seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. Some years later the old chest is opened and her skeleton, still in party dress, discovered – this is the stuff of ghost stories told round a Christmas fire in the dusk! I ought to add that one or two other country houses also lay claim to inspiring the ballad but we do know that round about 1700 Catharine Noel of Exton Hall met her end in this way during a theatrical entertainment causing shock and horror at such a tragedy.

So what better way to end the tale than to quote from the song itself:‘So they sought her that night, and they sought her next day And they sought her in vain till a week passed away….

The years past by and their grief at last Was told as a sorrowful tale, long past At length an oak chest that had long laid hid Was found in the hall and they raised the lid A skeleton form lay mouldering there In the bridal wreath of a lady fair……..

Oh, the mistletoe bough, oh, the mistletoe bough……….

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Uppingham Surgery, Northgate, Uppingham, LE15 9EG • RL Dec ADS.indd 63

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UR B AN R AM B LE S

SHEFFIELD & THE PORTER BROOK This is a simply unbelievable walk that takes you from the ruggedness of the Peak District Moors to the heart of Sheffield in six gripping miles of stream-side rambling and culvert hugging

WALK DATA Distance: 6 Miles (10 kms) Height Drop: 300 metres Typical time: 3 hours Map: Sheffield & Barnsley Explorer 278 Parking: Q-Park, Sheffield Station, Turner Street, S1 2B Start: Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow; this can be reached by taxi from the station, approx ÂŁ10; or by Bus 84 from Sheffield Interchange, which is just a couple of hundred yards up from the station, check times and bus number prior to travel Finish: Sheffield Station Terrain: Assuming you start in Ringinglow (much preferable), all downhill; sturdy boots required for the initial downhill section

Cityscape

POINTS OF INTEREST The Porter Brook derives its name from its brownish colour, similar to the colour of Porter beer, a brownish discolouration obtained as it passes over iron-ore deposits on its course from the source. Like the other rivers in Sheffield, the Porter Brook is ideally suited for providing water power, as the final section falls some 450 feet in a little over 4 miles. This enabled dams to be constructed reasonably close together, without the outflow from one mill being restricted by the next downstream dam.

By 1740 Sheffield became the most extensive user of waterpower in Britain and probably in Europe. Ninety mills had been built, two-thirds of them for grinding. By 1850 these mills numbered well over 100. In the Porter Valley alone 21 mill dams served 19 waterwheels, mostly used for grinding corn, operating forge-hammers, and rolling mills, grinding knives and the various types of blade that made Sheffield famous. Most were active during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Forge Dam was a forge and rolling mill used for the production of saws, while two drop-hammers were used to beat heated metal ingots into wrought-iron. Today the cafĂŠ is a popular spot for Sheffield families walking up the valley or bringing their family to play in the playground there.

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The Shepherd Wheel first started generating power in the 1550s, became derelict in the 20th century and was lovingly restored in 2011 by the Friends of the Porter Valley with Heritage Lottery & Council funding, reopening as a working museum (open Sat & Sun). We were left spellbound watching the water feed into the mill wheel , turning the axles, the crown wheel, the pinions, the drums, the belts, the lion shaft, all finally connecting up with the grind stones.

Endcliffe Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Near the entrance is a statue of Queen Victoria and mid-way up the path towards Whiteley Woods is an obelisk also in honour of Queen Victoria. It was laid out by William Goldring, a nationally acclaimed park designer, who was responsible for work on nearly 700 different garden landscape projects across England and was in charge of the Herbaceous Department at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836, and comprise 19 delightful acres. Originally designed by Robert Marnock in the Gardenesque style, the site now has fifteen different garden areas featuring collections of plants from all over the world, including Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rockand-water plantings. The Gardens contain several listed buildings including the restored Grade II* listed curvilinear Glass Pavilions, some of the earliest ever built.

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©Crown copyright 2014 Ordnance Survey Media 052/14 Sheffield General Cemetery was also opened in 1836, in what was then countryside. The graveyards in town were overflowing and there was an urgent need to find more space for the bodies.

The Cemetery was also intended to be a fit place where people could be buried in a way that reflected their earthly wealth and status. It became established as the principal burial ground in Victorian Sheffield containing the graves of 87,000 people.

But it was also intended as a place for the living. It has sweeping vistas and inspiring architecture - the grand scheme celebrated the designers’ attitudes towards life (Robert Marnock was a landscape adviser). The cemetery was one of the first in Britain to promote this type of landscape, with the purpose of creating an uplifting place, in which people could contemplate the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings.

THE ROUTE 1.

Porter Brook Start from the Norfolk Arms in Ringinglow. Take the road just to the west of the pub, called Fulwood Lane, heading NW; after less than 1km you reach a kink in the road, where the Porter Brook crosses (head a little beyond this point to the next road junction for a brilliant cityscape) You have now reached the start of the Porter Brook path, and you essentially follow this route east, never far from Porter Brook, through Whiteley Woods to Forge Dam From Forge Dam continue on down, always taking the path that keeps you closest to the brook Eventually, you reach the restored Shepherd Dam & Wheel on your left; from here you continue on down the valley until you reach the Oakbrook Road; cross over, walk down a few yards and then enter the western end of Endcliffe Park, which you walk down to the eastern exit at the Hunter’s Bar roundabout Cross the roundabout to the left and proceed along the left side of Eccleshall Rd (the Porter Brook remains on your left); take the first left up Botanical Rd and enter the Botanical Gardens via the Botanical Rd Entrance at the top. Head East across the gardens, and eventually exit at the SE end Go down Thompson Rd, return to the Eccleshall Rd, cross over, turn left, then take the fourth right down Cemetery Avenue Head in through the gates of the cemetery, and proceed east along the main path of the cemetery to the east exit into Montague St; then cross diagonally right past a play area into Cemetery Rd; head down it until you reach Boston St on the right; take this east until you reach the Bramall Lane; turn left and down into the underpass, coming out on the NE side into St Mary’s Rd Shortly take a left into Hereford St and then a right into Mary St, along which you will see the Porter Brook running once again; turn left into Shoreham St, passing Matilda St on your left (under which the Porter Brook flows); then when you get to the cinema in Shoreham St, turn right down to the station and once again (and for the final time) you will see the Porter Brook culvert.

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PIT STOPS Forge Dam Café For over 80 years, the Forge Dam Café has been a well-loved spot for walkers and cyclists.

Thelma’s Café, 345 Sharrow Vale Rd (just off the Hunter’s Bar roundabout), Sheffield, S11 8ZG (Tel: 0114 268 3674) original, fun and friendly.

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GE T AC T I VE

SKI EXERCISES

Georgie Fenn suggests how to get ready for the ski season

O

f course you can get on the plane to the Alps after not seeing snow for heaven knows how long and your idea of a squat is something impoverished students live in – no one will stop you – however you may suffer for it and it is much easier to have a sore bottom in Stamford getting yourself prepared than it is to have it on the slopes. It is also likely you will avoid an injury if you have built up a bit of muscle beforehand.

These first few exercises you can do absolutely anywhere and will tone up your core, bottom and thighs.

If you use a gym regularly it is also worth getting your cardio up on the cross-trainer; resistance training is great for skiing so turn up that resistance and go for it for 2 minutes and then rest for 2 and repeat until you fall off!

To actually get some skiing practice in, why not make the most of the great local facilities at Tallington Lakes. Although it may be getting on a bit, Tallington is still a brilliant place if you want to learn from scratch or just have a refresher lesson to find that old muscle memory. You don’t have to worry about the dark nights after school either as both slopes are fully lit at night. They have a beginner run and a steeper run for when you start getting more confident and can use the lift. There is also a store with all the latest skiwear from top brands if you need to get kitted out! For a bit more information and some really great tips for most things snow – visit Tallington’s blog at www.blog.tallingtonlakesproshop.com - there is also some really good information if you are starting out such as ‘Ski legs or Snowboard legs’.

LUNGE: A lunge is a nice simple exercise that is nice and effective to tone your thighs. Do 10 lunges on each leg then hold the lunge position and gently bounce where it burns for 20 seconds on each side.

SQUAT: Make sure you keep your back straight and don’t go down to low, your knees shouldn’t go past your feet. Try and do 20 squats then rest and do 10 more.

HEEL KICK: This is a great exercise for the Gluteus maximus in your bottom, make sure you keep your back straight, don’t dip and then kick as high as you can, do 40 of these exercises with each leg.

SQUAT JUMP: As well as toning your thighs this exercise is actually really good for you abs! You have to use a lot of core strength to pull your legs up in front of you, try and do 10 jumps and then rest followed by 15 more.

PLANK: Make sure you keep your bottom up and push up through your shoulders. Try and hold the plank for 1 minute but if you feel yourself dipping do 10 second intervals for 1 minute instead so that you don’t lose your position.

WALL SQUAT: Make sure you get down low enough on the wall to feel a burn, then hold this position for at least 1 minute, try and hold it for as long as you can, then record this time so next time you can try and beat it.

If you want to go a bit further afield for a day out you could always visit the incredible indoor slope at Milton Keynes www.snozoneuk.com where you can have lessons, or just ski with friends and then have a good shop after!

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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PEO PL E

Miranda’s Story Gretton resident Miranda Ponsonby was born into a farming family as a man. She tells Lucy Banwell why she made the decision to change her life

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OR as long as he could remember, Rhodri Davies felt like a girl trapped in a boy’s body. But, born as he was into an aristocratic military family, he had no choice but to follow the traditional male path assigned to him: public school, the Household Cavalry and then on to run his family’s farm in the Welland Valley.

But when his marriage ended, Rhodri finally found himself in a position to achieve his dream of becoming a woman. “For the first time in my life I had no responsibilities, so I was free to do what I wanted,” says Miranda Ponsonby, the woman Rhodri became. “When I set about having gender reassignment surgery, it all happened very quickly. I found a private surgeon in Rotherham who agreed to do it the following week for £6,000.” Now, the NHS supports transgender people with a programme of counselling and treatment options, but when Miranda, now 81, was seeking help, the subject was less understood.

With Miranda’s new life came a new career.

The time was right to pass the family farm onto her eldest son and as she’d always harboured a desire to become a doctor she approached several medical schools with that aim in mind.

Unfortunately her age – she was now 56 – ruled her out, so she decided to train as a nurse instead.

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Having taken 10 years off her age to put her in better position to be accepted as a student nurse, the only thing standing in Miranda’s way was her gender status.

“Trying to get into nursing was an almost impossibly difficult task,” says Miranda. “It took 25 interviews and there was a constant fear that someone might spill the beans about my sex change. But eventually Guy’s Hospital took me on and I ended up becoming the oldest ever student nurse to qualify at the age of 60.”

A nursing career A role on Kettering General Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit followed and Miranda is now a wellknown figure in the area having looked after so many patients during her 17 years at the hospital.

“I found nursing incredibly rewarding,” says Miranda, who is now a governor at Kettering Hospital. “In a way it’s very similar to the army because you’re dealing with life and death.

And then there’s the camaraderie you feel. I’ve always got on awfully well with all the other nurses. I’m proud to say I worked jolly hard and in my 20 years of nursing I never missed a single shift.”

Miranda did enjoy relationships with men, but she’s now single. “I’m too old for romance now, but it was important for me to be with a man, to establish my new identity as Miranda.” She

has written a book telling the story of her life.

“I wrote it as a cathartic experience,” she says.

“I sat down under the apple tree in the garden one summer and it just poured out.”

Her only regret in life is the sacrifices she’s had to make in order to make her gender transition. Sadly, she no longer sees her two sons or her grandchildren, and many friends have fallen by the wayside.

“I very much hope that one day my grandchildren will get in touch with me,” she says. “There have been advantages and disadvantages with this whole thing, as there are in everything in life. I’ve lived on my own now for more than 20 years. I don’t relish it, but I’ve adapted to it. I have a Lassie dog called Teddy who is great company for me.

“It’s helped that I’ve always been very determined in whatever I’ve done. I might not have always made the right decisions, but I’ve always succeeded in whatever I’ve chosen to do.

And I’ve always had a sense of humour which is I believe is the main thing which has carried me through.”

• Miranda’s memoir ‘The Making of Miranda’ can be purchased via www.themakingofmiranda.com or www.amazon.co.uk For details about transgender issues, contact Transgender Peer Associates www.tgpals.org

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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P ROF I L E

Laura Pitt-Pulford plays Maria The Sound of Music opens this month at Leicester’s Curve Theatre and is the show that will mark Paul Kerryson’s last as artistic director. Abigail Richardson chats to Laura Pitt-Pulford

O

RIGINALLY a hit Broadway and West End musical, then followed by the beloved 1965 movie version, The Sound of Music remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set against the idyllic landscape of the Austrian Alps, this heart-warming tale based on a true story follows spirited young nun Maria and her relationship with the Von Trapp family. Laura Pitt-Pulford plays the role of Maria and Micheal French (EastEnders, Holby City) takes the role of Captain Von Trapp.

Laura graduated from Drama School in 2005 and has had an incredible career to date.

Recent roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Lucille in Parade and Mable in Mack and Mable. Laura has also appeared in Piaf and Hello, Dolly! at Curve, as well as The Light Princess at the National Theatre.

You are clearly a rising star and have already enjoyed many roles in musical theatre – which has been your favourite so far?

When I left Mountview (a drama school specialising in Musical Theatre), I had a wish list of roles that I would love to perform and I feel blessed that I have been able to play so many already- Charity, Lucille and Mable. It really was a dream to play Mable as she has such wonderful songs.

Maria was also on the list and, like Lucille, it is so interesting and such a responsibility to play someone real. When I was young, mum and I watched the film of The Sound of Music all the time – she is so excited to see the performance and I am very grateful that my parents will be there on press night as I will be feeling very nervous; it’s good to know there are people in the audience that love you regardless!

In the future, I would love to play Sally in Follies and Dot in Sunday in the Park with George; I am a huge Sondheim fan.

Is it true that one should never work with children and animals?

Not at all – the children in the cast are absolutely incredible – they are such a joy. They arrive at 4.30pm, after I have been rehearsing all day, and bring a renewed energy. They are amazing and make my job really easy. Curve did an incredible job of casting, as not only do they have to be talented – they can sing, dance and act, but they also have to have the right look and most importantly be the right height.

What is Michael French like to work with?

Michael is my favourite Von Trapp. He is such a lovely man, so humble, generous and nice and he is wonderful with the children. My favourite scenes are the ones I play with Michael.

Have you had any opportunity to experience Leicester?

I am from Rugby so I know Leicester well and I absolutely love Curve – they know their audience and balance their shows perfectly by mixing familiar ones with new material. I only have one day off a week and so I try to go home to see my family and particularly my young niece.

What can audiences expect from this production?

The stage production is a little different to the film – the songs are in a different order and many of the scenes have been adapted for the stage, as they simply would not translate otherwise. We are trying to represent the characters as truthfully as possible because, not only is it a beautiful story, but it is a true one and we are conscious that there was a real sense of fear in Austria at the time.

What next?

I am performing in A Little Night Music at the Palace Theatre in London on Monday January 26th, which is the 40th anniversary since its West End debut in 1975. I am also looking forward to recording a cast album of The Light Princess in the New Year.

• The Sound of Music runs from November 28th to January 17th. Book online at www.curveonline.co.uk or call Tel: 0116 242 3595.

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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19/11/2014 17:05

28 NOV – 17 JAN A CURVE PRODUCTION

DIRECTED BY PAUL KERRYSON MUSIC BY RICHARD RODGERS LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II BOOK BY HOWARD LINDSAY AND RUSSEL CROUSE Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’ By Maria Augusta Trapp Presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

HICCUP THEATRE PRESENT

10 DEC – 3 JAN

A NEW VERSION BY MICHAEL ROSEN

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21/10/2014 14:41 10:06 20/11/2014

Gift ideas for everybody!

RUTLAND LIVING

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COVERING RUTLAND, MARKET HARBOROUGH & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

DECEMBER 2014 £1.50 12

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21/11/2014 00:46

A Gentleman needs the right time, even when wet.

Loomes of Stamford unveil their entirely new, ready-to-wear, Mermaid watch.

The Mermaid is a classic automatic wristwatch, designed, machined and hand-built in Stamford.

In 1653 Thomas Loomes ran Britain’s largest firm of clock and watchmakers at The Sign of the Mermaid in London. Today Loomes is a watch industry award-winning business, with an outstanding history and reputation.

The first Mermaid watch is a limited edition of one hundred signed and numbered pieces.

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The Mermaid is our first ever fully waterproof watch; each is tested to forty fathoms (75m) and is built to last.

LOOMES & Co. Extraordinary Watchmakers

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RU T L AN D & M A R K E T H A R BO R O U G H L IV ING

December Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

I

f you are keen to avoid the soulless city centre shopping experience and support the county’s local economy, this month sees the launch of newly revitalised Christmas shopping event in Rutland.

On Thursday 4 December Uppingham will begin the festive season with a revamped Christmas shopping event in the town that organisers describe as ‘a wonderful evening of Christmassy fun for everyone’. Beginning at 5.45pm and based around the town centre, there will be a skating rink, entertainers of all kinds, stilt walkers, fire eaters, festive stalls and craft fair, seasonal music, food, choirs, a mummer’s play, children’s games and competitions as well as lots of delights and surprises provided by the town’s independent shop keepers.

7 Editor’s Selection Christmas Decorations

8 Local Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide for Rutland

12 Local Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide for Market Harborough

17 Out and About Stamford Singers

18 Health and Beauty Gifts from Rutland

21 Fashion

45 Diary Dates

Gifts from Market Harborough

What’s on in our region this month

23 Health and Beauty

49 Shops and Services

Gifts from Market Harborough

Updates from Rutland

24 Fashion

54 Village Focus

Christmas Styling

Kibworth at Christmas

27 Health and Beauty

56 Food and Drink

Me Time!

Christmas Tipples

28 Food and Drink

59 Shops and Services

The magical culinary tour

30 Recipe

Harborough Happenings

Chocolate coffee mousse with milk sorbet

The following week on Monday 8 December it will be the turn of Oakham Town Partnership to launch their Christmas Festival. Running between 5pm and 9pm there will be activities and events all over the town plus a program of entertainment including stalls on the High Street, Mill Street and in the Castle and Victoria Hall, fairground rides, a full programme of song, music and performance in All Saints Church, street performers and entertainers, the Water Aid Christmas Festival, storytelling, Santa in his grotto and the Rutland Veterinary Centre have arranged for Santa’s reindeer to be available for stroking as part of a their pets corner. Look out for live music from the Rutland Radio stage.

For the Market Harborough Event turn to page 59.

Let’s shop local!

Abigail @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

34 Food and Drink

Ginger and spice and all things nice…

36 Eating Out

Number 3, The Wine Bar; Hambleton Bakery Christmas produce

62 Local History

The Mistletoe Bough

64 Local Walk

Sheffield & The Porter Brook

67 Out and About Prepare for Skiing

41 Local Shopping

68 Local People

42 Out and About

70 Profile

Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Leicestershire Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk

Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

The Wool Room Winter Training

Miranda’s Story

Laura Pitt-Pulford is Maria

Rutland Living Cover by Robin Stewart www.realfoodphotography.co Market Harborough Living Cover by Martin Norton Tel: 07711 145237

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 (UK only).

Please write to The Editor, enclosing cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd. Or subscribe online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 00:47

We’ve been busy, not just making beautiful oak buildings... we’ve also developed a new website for you to see how wonderful they look.

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19/11/2014 16:55

Sarah Harding Interiors Ltd

Ethereal New Collection

• Professional Interior Design Service • • Re-upholstery and Soft Furnishings • Furniture • • Suppliers of Mulberry, Colefax and Fowler, Osborne and Little, Romo, Cole and Son and Linwood. •

info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 6 Market Place, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389 - www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

handmade fine jewellery

5 The Maltings Mill Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 722666 Email: heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk www.heidikjeldsen.co.uk @RockRingLady

Heidi Kjeldsen Ltd

ed ish rs bl a ta Ye Es 21

This Christmas, why not get your loved ones something truly unique?

Itch Gallery are celebrating 4 years in Oakham - pop along to our new premises on Mill St and quote 'Itchgallery4' to receive 10% off all purchases made between now and 14th December!

Original Paintings - Handmade Jewellery Ceramics - Glass - Cards & Gifts 17a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA www.itchgallery.co.uk

We also do Cleaning & RestoRation WoRk 5

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19/11/2014 16:55

New Gallery Opened in Oakham

We’ve Everything You Need to Create a Wonderful Family Christmas

Showcasing the most exciting and innovative artwork at affordable prices

Huge Christmas studio with 11 different themes for your decoration Gift ideas for everyone Real Nordmann ‘no drop’ Christmas trees Santa’s Grotto: opens from 22nd November Join us in the gallery and let us inspire you with our phenomenal portfolio of original paintings and limited editions from award winning artists.

New restaurant now open

Gates Nurseries and Garden Centre

Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB 11 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 722790 oakham@trentgalleries.co.uk www.trentgalleries.co.uk

01664 454309 | www.gatesnurseries.co.uk

Find us two miles from Langham off the A606 - follow the brown tourism signs.

1 Crown Walk Oakham LE15 6BZ helen@albarsden.co.uk

w ww.k n i gh ts of oa k h a m .c o m 33-37 High Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AH • Tel: (01572) 722240 •

Gifts for Home, Garden and Lifestyle

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly...

I

am a pushover for a Christmas decoration - preferably glass or silver, but I have been known to put thank you notes through the doors of particularly flamboyantly adorned homes around the Oakham area!

Images from Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton and John Lewis – stores in Leicester and Peterborough.

Check out Itch Gallery for Pop and Slot boxed sets: ‘Birdy Tree’, £4.50 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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CH RI ST M AS G I FT G U I D E R U TLA N D

All I want for Christmas…

‘Unmitigated Uppingham by Peter Ashley. Signed edition of 100, £275 at Goldmark Art

Amander Meade selects some ‘must have’ Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest Beautiful baked goods from award winning Hambleton Bakery, from just 60p each

Cream Stand Mixer by Smeg, £379 from Knights of Oakham

ure Vouchers for portrait ing by award winn ra photographers, Sona Studios from £50

Traditional Kilim Rug £225, The Rug Studio

8

Hampers made to order from £15, Ot ter’s Smokehouse and Deli RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Artificial Peony Posy, £11 from Albar’s Den

Year In the Country Half Pint Mug by Emma Bridgewater, £19.95 Sarah Harding Interiors

Tolkien Advent Calendar, £6.99 from Troy

Crystallised Ginger £5.45, Panettoncino Classico £3.50 and Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies, £4.70 from Hambleton Artisan Butchers and Delicatessen

Star Bath and Body Collection by Cath Kidston, £15 at Sarah Harding Interiors

A selection of delicious seasonal deli goodies from the Olive Branch Shop, prices from just £3.99 Pairfum Diffuser Set £30 from Albar’s Den

Bamboo Table Top Lantern £39, Candle £9.50 from Goodwin & Belle

y from Tro aw £11.99 s ig J g in k Home Ba Darci Donkey Felted Slippers, £23.99 from The Wool Room

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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20/11/2014 23:59

VISIT

OTTERS THIS CHRISTMAS…

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Hamper, Xmas & New Year Order Forms available in store now!

• Otters Gift Voucher • Let someone enjoy choosing their own foodie favourites!

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• Christmas Hampers • Choose from our selection of hampers containing some of our most popular

• Christmas Orders • Don’t forget to order your Christmas cheeses including whole and baby stilton, charcuterie and hams, savoury tarts and smoked fish, plus sides of smoked salmon and dressed crabs!

Entertaining? Pre-order homemade tarts, canapés, charcuterie, fish and cheese platters.

19 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 756481 Email: info@ottersfinefoods.co.uk www.ottersfinefoods.co.uk | Open Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm

Find your inspiration for a magical Christmas Ladies Wear | Menswear | Accessories Lingerie – free bra fitting service | Cook Shop Gift | Linen | Soft Furnishings | Toys

www.fordsofoakham.co.uk 10

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23B Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel 01572 757577

Stockists of • • • •

Marie Mero Stills • MAC Jeans In Wear • Set • Hartford Gorgeous Christmas Gifts

Affordable fashion for all ages 2 Market Place,Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6DT

T: 01572 757399 25 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1AE

T: 01664 561838 GREAT PLAINS TH ANNIVERSARY DRESS MODELLED BY RUBY TANDOH FROM GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/impactoakham 11

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19/11/2014 16:57

All I want for Ch CH RI ST M AS G I FTS MA R K E T H A R BOR O U G H

Michelle Hansel selects some ‘must have’ Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest

The Kitchen Range Cookshop Birdy II by Magpie Set of 3 Cake Tins £28.99

Steffans Theo Fennell, Diamond Wing Pendants.

Limited Edition, exclusively designed for Steffans by iconic British designer Theo Fennell. Prices range from £2800 - £3500 18ct White Gold with pave set diamonds.16-18” adjustable Chain.

Available only at Steffans,whilst stocks last.

Croft Wingates’ Gallery Original hand painted pebble by artist, Sarah Ewing. £225, presented in a gift box,

Monster iSport Intensity In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk Mic/ Remote, £79.99

Ada Ruth Wood Cave Treasure Ring by Ruth Wood, £225

John Lewis ghd Curve® Soft Curl Tong, £110

Dorte Kjaerulff Photography Treat your loved one to some “me time” - www.dorte.co.uk

The White Street Gallery, Kibworth Daisy Fawcett Jug, £48

12

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Christmas…

Jeremy Harnell - Group Of Cyclists 73 x 53cm framed print, £80

John Lewis ROBERTS Revival Mini DAB/FM Digital Radio, £139.95

T J Thornton Jewellers, Classic stainless steel flask by Dalvey, £69 The Kitchen Range Cookshop Robert Welch Signature 3 Piece Knife Set with handheld sharpener. Limited Edition. Gift boxed. Special Christmas offer price: £110

And for just something extra Christmassy….

Gardners Cakery Christmas Character Cupcake platter, £25.00 Marks & Spencer Christmas Cake Liqueur, £9.99

Harborough Lights Splash candle holder, £19 and.

Spot floor lamp, £340

Farndon Fields Farmshop Foodie Hampers made to order, Prices vary RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 00:10

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21/11/2014 10:59

NEW SHOP OPEN IN STAMFORD 8 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE T: 01780 757131 18 Belvoir Street, Leicester LE1 6QH T: 0116 255 5372 2 The Square Market Harborough LE16 7PA T: 01858 410 395 www.denhams.co.uk 15

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l Vintage Treasures l Up-Cycled Furniture l Local Crafts

20 Years Restoration Experience Artisan Teas, Locally-Roasted Coffee, Home-Made Cakes all available in our coffee bar

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www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk/ giftvouchers Gift options for everyone; Total Beginners, Improvers, Experienced Fly Fishers, Coarse Fishers.

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OU T & AB OUT

Let the Choir Sing!

Since its formation in 2007, local choir Stamford Singers has performed concerts across the region for a variety of good causes and charities and sung services in no less than sixteen cathedrals across the UK, including Westminster Abbey and York Minster.

Members now have their sights set on St. Paul’s Cathedral. Chorister and Secretary Lesley Kirby tells Amander Meade about their plans

“T

he choir was formed by the then Director of Music for the Stamford Endowed Schools, Paul White, in response to an invitation from Belgian brass ensemble, Kalison, to join them in their home town of Haasdonk and give a concert in the local church. A dozen singers from around Stamford and Rutland were gathered together by Paul, and along with organist David Lovell Brown, made the trip to Belgium. The concert was a great success, and the choir was invited to sing at the regular service in the church the following morning. Happy to oblige, Paul and the singers were, disconcerted to discover on arriving at the church that the hymns were to be sung in Flemish, and that the custom was for the congregation to listen to the choir sing rather than join in. An instant and rapid lesson in pronunciation led to an enthusiastic rendering.”

Although it was never the intention that this ‘one-off’ event should mark the beginning of a new choir, the small group of singers were very keen to continue singing together so almost seven years on, under the direction of Paul, now retired, and with David still as accompanist, Stamford Singers continues to thrive. The ensemble has developed into a chamber choir capable of singing services in some of the country’s most prestigious cathedrals.

Opportunities to sing in cathedrals occur when their own choirs are taking a holiday break and as these occasions are limited, applications by visiting choirs often have to be made several years in advance.

Requirements vary from a simple email enquiry followed by a reply with a choice of dates, to the more formal procedure that had to be followed when the choir applied to sing in Westminster Abbey. “Happily our

application was satisfactory and Stamford Singers had the honour of singing services in Westminster Abbey in April 2013.”

“Part of the fun of visiting different cathedrals is discovering the particular resonance of each building,” explains Lesley. “Every cathedral has its own personality and distinctive style of operation, and the choir has become proficient at adapting to the varying requirements of each individual establishment. We may have to negotiate an elaborate walk up staircases and around the building singing as we go, or have just a short walk to the choir stalls. Some of the buildings are surprisingly difficult to sing in, whereas others, such as Derby and Wells have such wonderful acoustics that the voices just sing out effortlessly.”

Recently the choir has adopted The Evergreen Care Trust as its nominated charity, and is hoping to host a fundraising “Come and Sing Messiah” event in the spring of 2015. As they begin preparations for an application to sing in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Stamford Singers are happy to receive enquiries from potential new members and organisations looking for fundraising opportunities. “We really have a lot of fun with social events throughout the year including gatherings at pubs, meals out and parties hosted in members’ homes. Trips to cathedrals usually see husbands and wives of choir members coming along too with a group meal arranged during the stay. There is very much a ‘family atmosphere’ within the choir, and new members comment on how welcome they feel.”

• Full details of how to contact the choir, and more information about forthcoming events can be found on its website at www.stamfordsingers.org

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 00:11

HE AL T H & B E A U TY

CHRISTMAS BEAUTY TREATS

Nicola Hardy discovers the best pamper ideas for the season

I

WILL be dropping hints this year (leaving post it notes everywhere) for possible beauty related stocking fillers. Ever since hubby bought me a Barnsdale Spa Day voucher for Mothers’ Day, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I have wanted the products that were so skillfully applied to my face, hands and feet.

The perfect gift for a woman at this festively hectic time has got to be a Spa Voucher and Barnsdale offer an array of different treatments to sooth, smooth and rejuvenate. Have a look at their website to find special offers which change monthly.

Most Beauty and Hair salons offer special packages at Christmas, from Hair styling products, face creams, nail polish and body scrubs to gift vouchers for that special friend who likes to make their own choices.

The Beauty Room sells gift vouchers for their treatments as well as their cosmetics; there are special Christmas gift sets available too.

Active moist Gift set – retail cost £44.10 (worth £58.00) Skin Smoothing Cream Set – £47.00 (worth £60.00) Super Rich Repair gift Set – £62.00 (Retail value – £70.00) This is a free gift when you purchase any products worth £50.00 or over, while stocks last.

I’ll be purchasing these prettily wrapped Decleor delights from Ellique in Oakham for my Mum and possibly my sister too.

Faith of Perch & Preen offers a tempting two sets of gel nails for £30.00, fingers and toes! These will last you all over the festive period for a stress free lasting beauty treatment!

Essence in Uppingham is where you can get your hands on gorgeous Aveda sets for those who crave a natural approach. Travel-size hand relief in 3 aromas: rosemary mint, holiday aroma & original aroma.

18

Nicky Stephen from Simon Cawthorne told me…“The party season will soon be upon us and there are lots of great offers on at Simon Cawthorne in Mill Street. Our colour experts have some lovely root stretch techniques to seamlessly blend multi tonal reds, brunettes and warm blondes. So if you fancy a new updated look for that special occasion, call and book for a free consultation. If you have a party date in December, Josh, soon to be our next graduate stylist is offering an amazing shampoo, head massage and blow-dry all for just ten pounds, subject to availability and running up to Christmas! There are lots of Christmas gift ideas in the Salon too from Tigi, Moraccan Oil and Kerastese, beautifully boxed and with huge savings. Our stylists are ready and waiting to offer sleek ponytails, mermaid waves and braids so that you look just right for those Christmas parties.”

William Wheelwright Hair Salon at Barnsdale Lodge have this special deal for Christmas; book a cut and colour in December and get a free blow dry for a Christmas party!

And for those fans of GHD stylers, Thomas Hairdressing Salon has some great offers going on!

The fabulous new GHD ‘Eclipse’ is selling for £145.00 when normally they retail at £199.00 and the new GHD ‘Curve’ (for gorgeous party curls) is just £99.00 and comes with a rose gold bag and free prep spray, the usual price of which is £12.95.

Directory Barnsdale Hall - Rutland, LE15 8AB, Tel: 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Ellique - 55 South Street, Oakham, LE15 6BG , Tel: 01572 723950. Find their Facebook page.

Essence Hair & Beauty - High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY, Tel: 01572 822715, Perch & Preen - 4 All Saints Street, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2PA. Find out all you need to know on their Facebook page.

Simon Cawthorne - 23A Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel: 01572 722774 www.simoncawthorne.com The Beauty Room - 76 South Street, Oakham, Le15 6BQ, Tel: 01572 755389, www.thebeautyroom.com Thomas - 16 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA, Tel: 01572 756561, www.thomashairdressing.co.uk William Wheelwright Hair Salon at Barnsdale Lodge - Tel: 01572 757137, www.williamwheelwright.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Celebrate in style

4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Tel: 01858 465592

Antique & ANTIQUE AND Modern MODERN Jewellery JEWELLERY 3 COVENTRY ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE16 9BX. TEL: 01858 468858 tim@tjthornton.com

Dower & Hall18ct twinkle rings Edwardian, citrine fromring £120 & pearl £320

Spitfire silver &diamond enamel cufflinks Art Deco, ring £105 £2750

silver pendants SilverAmber rings by Dower & Hall, from£85 £50 from

ring £1350 Selection ofRuby diamond half eternity rings, from £585

Classic diamond stud earrings, 18ct goldfrom diamond £400 cluster ring £2200

Silver hare cufflinks Wedding rings £135in gold, platinum and palladium

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F ASHI ON G I FTS

DELIGHTFULLY DIFFERENT

Isabella Hamnett selects some gifts for that fashion connoisseur

A

jewellery, all of which will thrill my style conscious friends. (Tutti jewellery s November has passed almost as fast as its Guy Fawkes rockets, Heart & Feather long pendants from £34, Tutti beaded feather bracelet I have started wistfully drawing up my Christmas wish-list. For £16). some simply marvellous treats, I really need look no further than the I have to admit to a penchant for bits of frivolous frippery, and the treasure trove of shops in Market Harborough. The only difficulty I have Little Big Bra Shop offer one of the most fabulous personal is narrowing down my selection from the abundance of luxurious levels of service that I have come across. A feast for the trinkets on offer, something I shall have to do, or Father Directory eyes, this tiny shop stocks an array of jewel coloured Christmas may find his sleigh unable to take off this Bebooted, 7 Church lingerie, fit for any glamorous stocking. year… So, here goes, my pick of the best gifts – to Square, Market Harborough, Leics, Not forgetting the men in my life, I popped give or receive this Christmas: LE16 7UF, Tel: 01858 469200 into Ideology in search of a gift just that little I always visit Jacks at Christmas, well in www.bebooted.com different and was pleasantly surprised by fact, all year round! Gill has a great eye Jacks for Women, 16 Church St, Market their interesting retro range of accessories, for unusual pieces, and she suggested Harborough, Tel: 01858 431396 from silk scarves and leather wallets to the most delightfully soft cream knit hat Limehouse, High St, Market Harborough LE16 7AF, watches and collector’s enamel pins. and matching brooch for my BFF (Hat Tel; 01858 432915 They also have a great range of retro £49, Scarf £89, Brooch £19) as well as a Ideology, 31 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, inspired clothing, should you wish to pop few glitzy black bracelets (£19), to add LE16 7DS, Tel: 01858 469977 something larger under the Christmas some seasonal sparkle to fun grown-up Happy Hats, 28 Church St, Market Harborough, tree.

Christmas stockings. I’ll be wrapping mine Leicestershire LE16 7AA, Tel: 01858 466849 Amongst my Christmas shopping in jewel coloured tissue with bright pom Little Big Bra Shop, 4 Adam and Eve St, Market expeditions this year, I have stumbled pom trim and gold ribbons.

Harborough LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 465592 across a real gem of a gift shop. Bunny Limehouse, the very stylish central fashion Bunny and Clarke, The Manor, Main Street, and Clarke is a true find for anyone looking boutique, always have an incredibly inspired Tur Langton, Leicester LE8 0PJ. for something extra-special and unusual. A edit of jewellery and accessories and cater for Tel: 01858 540424 lifestyle store in the truest sense, they have an all manner of tastes. I shall be treating my various excellent selection of homeware, trinkets and fashion, nieces and girlfriends to some fabulously decadent all alongside their own café! I couldn’t resist buying the Ted Baker bags and wraps; whilst surreptitiously dropping incredible ‘Santa Claus: The Book of Secrets – The Story,’ from a rather large hint for one of their striking statement necklaces. the Bunny and Clarke Christmas Shop; not least because, in the feverJust across the road is the utterly charming Happy Hats which really is pitched excited run up to the big day, it just may have what it takes to a jewel in the town’s crown. I picked up a ravishing ruby necklace for my help my 3 little darlings behave! mum, and also treated myself to one of their cosy fur headbands.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Whizzing round to Bebooted, Liz picks out a sumptuous cashmere velvet trimmed scarf, (Denock £49), and a selction of contemporary RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY G I FTS

Winter Wishes Isabella Hamnett selects some top of the range gifts for the beauty devotee

I

t’s never too early to start planning a beauty wish list. Mine tends to run all year long. But it’s at Christmas that beauty brands really pull out all the stops, making must-have products even more desirable with delectable packaging and all manner of free gift incentives. The festive season really is a beauty lover’s dream, with all that gloss, glitter, sparkle and sheen Market Harborough has a wealth of top notch beauty salons, making it easier than ever to find a luxurious pampering gift for someone deserving, or indeed to indulge a much needed personal respite in the busy run-up to Christmas.

Naomi’s Nails has to be my first port of call, as it is a real sanctuary, tucked away in Manor Walk. As well as utterly divine treatments, they are stocking a fabulous range of decadent gifts for Christmas.

With only limited stocks, the Elemis products look spectacular this year and are exclusive to Naomi Nails & Beauty in the Harborough district; or why not choose a gift voucher if you are undecided?

Elemis takes you on a sublime sensory experience, transforming your skin, whilst delivering extraordinary results.

I am just longing to fill my house from top to toe with BeeFayre’s gorgeous Winter Collection this holiday season. Completely natural, their captivating winter scent range is available in a choice of 3 fragrances; Winter Berries, Clementine & Clove and Winter Scent, all of which come in 3 candle sizes or as a reed diffuser, (Small Candle £7.50, Large Candle £14.95, Box of 3 Tea Lights in glass holders £6.95, Reed Diffuser £140). Embracing the change in seasons, I can divulge that all my friends and family shall be receiving some

of these warming scents this Christmas, and I will be feeling virtuous as 3% of profits go to bee conservation. Beefayre are holding a Christmas shopping day from 1pm – 6pm on 21st November, so why not pop in for some gorgeous inspiration!

It’s the time of year when we not only need to source thoughtful gifts for one and all, but we are also expected to look groomed and glamorous for all those Christmas drinks parties and works dos. So I popped into Moko The Beautique where highly practiced beauticians Rachel and Kim will tend to your every beauty requirement. As I needed to get into the festive spirit, Kim managed to coax me into a sultry red shade adorned with diamante jewels on my third fingers (Shellac gel polish £22), and I was absolutely thrilled with the result. Colourful glamour with just a hint of sparkle, perfect to see me through Christmas!

I shall definitely be dropping more than just a few hints for some of the gorgeous luxury products available at Charlotte Frances, the new boutique hair salon. Run by the lovely Charlotte herself, this is a truly beautiful hair salon.

This Christmas, Charlotte suggests buying a gift from the Ol Davines range, ‘It is a lovely moisturising range perfect for the winter, with natural almond oil which is perfect for rehydration of the hair in winter.’ (Shampoo £14.90, Conditioner £16.10, Oil £14.50) For those of you who just love the natural and eco-friendly approach to hair and beauty,

the well-established Moko salon should be your destination. This quirky and very chic 3 storey town-house salon is extremely welcoming and they have some beautiful Aveda gift-sets available this Christmas. I left with an exclusive Aveda Holiday Soy Candle, which smells deliciously of ginger, ginger lily and clove, (£30), for my mum. I am also hankering after their limited edition Gift of Renewal, surely an essential for this time of year? (£55; Calming body cleanser, Replacement body moisturizer, Travel size soothing aqua therapy and Travel size hand relief with original aroma).

I then visited the renowned Sheeda at The Day Spa@Archway; I have long been recommended her HD Brows, and now is finally an excuse to try them. There will be no looking back; a delicate hand and expert touch means that I leave with perfectly defined brows, surely a festive essential! Sheeda’s also offer an incredible treatment menu, with a unique combination of clinical and holistic therapies.

DIRECTORY Beefayre Tel: 01858 434 492, www.beefayre.com Charlotte Frances Boutique Hair Unit 2 Maxwell Lodge, Northampton Road, LE16 9HE, Tel; 01858 464224 www.franceshairdesign.co.uk Moko 2 Church St, Market Harborough LE16 7AA, Tel; 01858 432525 www.mokohair.co.uk Naomi’s Nails 14 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9BP, Tel: 01858 657001 www.naominailsbeauty.co.uk The Beautique 2 Church St, Market Harborough LE16 7AA, Tel: 01858 432525 www.the-beautique.co.uk The Day Spa@Archway House Archway House, Lubenham HIll, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9SZ, Tel: 01858 432168 www.sheedasbeauty.co.uk

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F ASHI ON

Foxy and festive!

At this time of year, with party invitations coming in thick and fast, a girl needs a little help wardrobe planning for day time and evening events! We sent Vanessa Hollander into Oakham to come up with a few ideas

F

or me, there are two major fashion dilemmas associated with Christmas : what to wear to a Christmas party and on Christmas Day (that is, if you don’t opt to spend the day in your PJ’s!).

MY BEST ADVICE: • Don’t try too hard or over-think it. What’s wrong with a beautifully cut little black dress?

• Don’t discount the wow factor in a great pair of trousers and a beautiful top or jacket – it’s a really stylish look.

• Do wear something that’s ‘you’ and that you feel comfortable in or you’ll feel as trussed up as the turkey!

• Do invest in a gorgeous pair of earrings or a striking statement necklace – it will add a more delicate touch of sparkle and glamour.

• Do think about wearing metallic colours such as gold, silver and bronze – nothing says ‘Christmas’ more!

• Do enjoy yourself – once dressed, forget about what you’re wearing and have a fabulously fun Christmas!

Claire (left) wears Mary jacquard trousers by Diane von Furstenberg, £345 Black lace trim vest by Rosamunde, £50 Embellished neck jumper by Twin Set, £135 From Cavells, Oakham

Claire (left) wears jacquard trousers by Diega, £185 Jacquard blazer by Diega, £265 Black lace camisole by In-Wear, £24.95 Statement necklace, £30 Beaded evening bag, £20 From Vanilla, Oakham Delia (right) wears plum velvet tunic dress by Diega, £230 - From Vanilla, Oakham

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Claire wears black trousers by Fransa, £54.99 Black vest worn underneath top by Fransa, £19.99 Sequin and lace top by Fransa, £34.99 Earrings by Last True Angel, £14.99 From Duo, Oakham

Claire (left) wears gold, sparkly jumper by Collection by First Avenue, £40 Textured black treggings by Esprit, £29 - From Fords of Oakham Delia (right) wears navy, lace sleeved dress by Collection by First Avenue, £45 From Fords of Oakham STOCKISTS Cavells, Oakham, Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk Duo, 29 High Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 722116 www.duoboutique.uk Fords of Oakham, Tel: 01572 722654, www.fordsofoakham.co.uk Vanilla, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757577, www.vanillaboutique.co.uk WITH THANKS TO: Ed, Paul and the Team at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel for being such brilliant, patient and accommodating hosts www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk Kirsti Powell from Smoke & Mirrors for providing the sparkle on every level! See website for how Kirsti can help you transform your home on a budget www.lousmokeandmirrors.wix.com My ‘Dream Team’ models, Delia and Claire – love working with you two!

Faith Bailey from Perch & Preen, 4 All Saints Street, Stamford for the stunning party make up. Let Faith do your Christmas party make up for just £25! mailto:www.facebook.com/pages/PerchPreen/151582008364489 Our photographer, Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk Tel: 07932055548

Delia (left) wears metallic wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg, £430 Leopard print and leather bag by Diane von Furstenberg, £235 Block heel suede court shoe by Unisa, £100 - From Cavells, Oakham Claire (right) wears navy studded jumpsuit by Michael Kors, £190 Metallic ‘Berkeley’ clutch bag by Michael Kors, £195 Block heel court shoe in petrol patent

by Unisa, £130 - From Cavells, Oakham

Delia wears nude lace dress by Cream, £94.99 From Duo, Oakham

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MARCIA MAY SHOES 7b Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 759313

follow us on facebook

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Me Time!

HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Katie Kinder explores the joy of giving – to ourselves!

Girls, take a look at the Rutland Living guide to self-preservation over the festive season...

For The On Trend Head up to Barnsdale Hall Hotel where Annabel and her crack team of therapists will whip you into sparkly shape.

Individual Hollywood Lashes cost £45.00 and can last up to 12 weeks with regular infills, but if readers quote ‘Rutland Living’ they will get a full set for £30.00 (in December). Cluster lashes are also available, which are a more temporary option lasting 3-5 days are cost just £15.

Eyes taken care of, chose from a huge selection of Jessica Geleration nail colours – get these babies on mid December and that’s your party season taken care of – prices start at £41.00, which works out at £1.90 a day over 3 weeks. Result.

For Those in Need of Repair Spend 3 and a half glorious hours at William Wheelwrights salon – way more productive than an afternoon making mince pies.

Hair salvation comes courtesy of Gabi and her super Brazilian Permanent Blow Dry (from £150.00) It reduces frizz to nothing – can you see the pictures? Need I say more? An absolute must for the bedraggled amongst us- saving HOURS of pre party prep.

Whilst you’re sorting out your unruly mop its worth testing the Nu Skin facial using ageloc technology (£30.00) fans claim you can leave the salon looking up to 10 years younger- top of most women’s Christmas pressie list I’d imagine.

Skin in Need of TLC Why wait until January for a new skin regime – all those Christmas parties and family get togethers means a LOT of photographs being taken.

Take a leaf out of those French ladies’ books and start a monthly facial habit – where better place to start than Rutland Health and Beauty?

With over 30 years in the industry they are experts in their field. Ruth will prescribe a facial for your skin – but a great place to start is the Guinot Hydradermie Lift – which stimulates and lifts facial muscles (from £65.00 or £345.00 for a course of 6) All of the above can also be purchased in voucher form should any husband/boyfriend/ father/son be stuck for ideas.

Directory Barnsdale Hall Hotel Spa Tel: 01572 771313 William Wheelwright at Barnsdale Lodge Tel: 01572 757137 Catherine Kaye at William Wheelwright Tel: 07787 505847 Rutland Health and Beauty Tel: 01572 756589 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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B RI N GI N G L O CA L FO O D TO LI FE

The magical culinary tour Matt Wright takes a food trip around Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire…

About the writer Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodmag.co.uk and Greatfoodclub.co.uk, two Leicestershire-based websites that celebrate and promote local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2013/14 is out now.

P

IES. Tons of them. Over 900, including 50 Melton Mowbray, 40 Beef and Stilton, and one Eel and Chocolate. It was while surrounded by these, judging at the British Pie Awards – held annually in Melton Mowbray – that I recently decided to have a go at planning a food road trip of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. So, where to begin?

AMAZING MARKET We’ll start in my home town of Melton Mowbray – at its extraordinary weekly farmers’ market.

This ancient town centre institution offers the food shopping equivalent of a double chilli vodka. Where supermarkets dull the senses, Melton market slaps you around the cheeks.

A collection of huge open barns, up to 6,000 sheep and 300 cattle are sold here weekly via farmers’ mysterious hand signals. It’s not just livestock – also on sale are pies, cheese, meat, honey, fish and veg. Then there’s the Fur and Feather auction, where you can buy a brace of pheasant for around £1.60, or a freshly shot hare for £3. Waitrose this ain’t – it feels like stepping back in time.

Stick your pheasants in the boot: we’re heading north into the Vale of Belvoir. As you drive, look for numerous Long Clawson Dairy signs marking farm entrances.

Clawson Dairy, in the heart of the Vale, is a farmers’ co-operative and is the largest producer of Stilton in the world. It makes 6,700 tonnes of cheese a year using 58 million litres of milk from 42 herds, all grazed within 25 miles.

Join Matt’s food club – Great Food Club – free of charge and discover the very best local food and drink.

Members can enjoy special offers at around 100 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

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BELLE VUE The Vale of Belvoir is beautiful, a prime example being Eastwell village with its tiny, ancient church and rugged farm shop. When I travel from Eastwell to Stathern, home of the excellent Red Lion Inn – the perfect rural pub – I love the way the entire Vale unfurls before you, a tablecloth of lush green fields. The ideal drop to drink while taking in this view would be Blue Brew from Belvoir Brewery, Old Dalby – an ale that uses Stilton whey in the brewing process.

TO THE FENS...

Onwards to Lincolnshire. Heading east from Leicestershire, through Rutland and into Lincs, I’m always taken aback by how quickly the atmosphere changes. Rolling hills vanish, the sky lengthens, dykes appear by road sides and fields fill with sugar beet, cabbages and barley. It’s flat, occasionally eerie and sometimes strangely beautiful. In south Lincs lie acres of English mustard fields. For at least 200 years, the flatlands here have produced almost the entire English mustard crop, supplying Colman’s since 1814. While visiting this area recently, a local grower called George Hoyles told me an amazing tale. “When the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Boston, Lincs in 1623 to discover America, they used to pray six times a day,” he said. “They took mustard seed because, as the bible says, it is the smallest, fastest growing seed. Whenever they prayed they threw down seed so they could retrace their footsteps. These mustard trails can still be picked up by satellite photography today.”

THE LINCS COAST We’re now venturing north-east to the Lincolnshire coast, above the Wash. On the salt marsh at Kirton Skeldyke near Boston sprouts samphire. I used to think the land felt barren out here, but during one samphire hunt a while back, I looked more closely to discover a salt marsh humming with life and transmitting strange tranquility, its lifeforms and vistas ebbing and flowing with the tide. Samphire in the bag, what to serve it with?

There can be few more authentic Fenland ingredients than smoked wild eel, traditionally trapped in Lincolnshire’s rivers and estuaries. Just above Boston, at Friskney, is Smith’s Smokery – and there’s nowhere better to get your smoked eel. Further north, the coastline from Anderby Creek to Skegness comprises mile after mile of golden sand – a beautiful place for blanket and hamper, but don’t expect shops or pubs.

Continue north beyond Skegness, dip inland to Alford and a surprise awaits. Cheese is not associated with Lincolnshire, but the county produces three stunners. Near Alford graze cows whose milk is fermented into Lincolnshire Poacher – a hard, fruity, nutty Cheddar-like cheese. A few miles north-west is Osgodby, home of Cote Hill Blue. And a little further south at Wragby, award-winning goats’ cheese is made at Goatwood Dairy – a relative newcomer to the cheese scene.

A SPECIAL TOWN Before we leave Lincolnshire, we must mention Stamford – and as readers of this magazine you probably know all about it. I grew up in ‘Stammy’ and it is best summed up by three noble things: church spires, old stone buildings and pubs. While there I always try to visit the Tobie Norris – if you live in the town it’s easy to take it for granted but it truly is a unique pub.

IN PARVO MULTUM It would be wrong to end this food trip without venturing into Rutland, England’s smallest county but packer of a weighty food punch.

In the north of the county spins Whissendine Windmill, run by (and personally restored by) one of the food world’s true characters – miller Nigel Moon. Born in the wrong era by several hundred years, Nigel stonegrinds flour and sells some of it to Hambleton Bakery, which bakes award-winning breads and cakes – including its famous Rutland loaf – in a giant oven in Exton.

But for me Rutland is all about great country pubs. For truly local cooking, The King’s Arms in Wing is hard to beat. Run by James Goss, who has a small smokehouse out the back, it’s a hidden gem. Then there’s The Exeter Arms, Barrowden, notable for its microbrewery. There are many more (the excellent Olive Branch, The Jackson Stops, The Fox and Hounds at Exton…) but we can’t mention Rutland without referring to The Grainstore of Oakham, which brews great beers and is also a brewery tap.

A rough-around-the-edges sort of place, I enjoy dipping into the bowls of nuts that pepper the bar and sipping a pint or two of Ten Fifty. Rutland is also good for pies, with Northfield Farm of Cold Overton and Hambleton Fine Foods of Oakham all making crackers. But now we’re back to the British Pie Awards, and I’m getting sweaty palms and flashbacks. Our food tour must end here.

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SEAN HOP E C O O K S

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC PHOTO: ROBIN STEWART

Too much Christmas pudding on top of all that turkey can leave you anchored to the sofa, so here’s a much lighter dessert you can serve during festivities. It’s delicious and also lots of fun to make. In my experience, kids love using a cream-whipper gun and also love making honeycomb! You never know, it might keep them entertained for a little while during the holidays.

“CALL THE OLIVE BRANCH ON 01780 410355 TO FIND OUT ABOUT MY 2015 DEMOS.”

Chocolate coffee mousse with milk sorbet SERVES 6-8 325g hot espresso coffee • 80g white sugar • 13g powdered gelatine • 100g 72% plain chocolate 1. Mix all the ingredients in a container and strain the mixture into a cream whipper gun.

2. Charge the whipper gun with two nitrous oxide gas cartridges, place into the fridge and allow to chill for a few hours.

3. To serve, carefully squirt the coffee and chocolate mixture into a suitable dish or cup, and top with whipped cream, honeycomb and crumbled chocolate.

4. Serve with the milk sorbet.

Pub shop stocked for Christmas The Olive Branch Pub Shop has been stocked with tempting treats and foodie gifts to enhance festivities. On the shelves are our unique bottles of mulled wine, chutneys, whiskies and much more. Do have a look next time you visit.

For the honeycomb 200g sugar • 3 tbsp water • 40g honey • 75g glucose syrup •10g bicarbonate of soda 1. Boil all the ingredients to 150 degrees Celsius and add the bicarbonate of soda.

2. Whisk the mixture and pour it into a grease-proof-lined deep tray and allow to cool.

3. When set hard, break into pieces and store in a large sealed jar in the freezer. Serve when required.

For the milk sorbet 500ml milk • 150g milk powder •240g sugar • 1 tbsp glucose 1. Gently heat the milk in a saucepan, add the sugar until dissolved, then whisk in the milk powder and glucose.

2. Strain, chill, churn, freeze and serve.

Last-minute gift worries solved I’ve now planned all my 2015 cookery demonstrations at The Olive Branch in Clipsham and Red Lion in Stathern. At The Olive Branch the dates are as follows: January 20, March 10, June 9, August 11 & October 6. Did you know that you can buy gift vouchers that can be redeemed for places on my cookery demonstrations? Each session includes the demo, plus lunch, a glass of wine and recipe hand-outs. Call The Olive Branch on 01780 410355 to find out more.

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PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD? If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club.

• Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge.

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas Goodies available from December

Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm

Farndon Fields Farm Farndon Road Market Harborough, LE16 9NP Tel: 01858 464838

Find us on Facebook Twitter @FarndonFieldsFS

www.farndonfields.co.uk

MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

“In control and totally flexible. Food was utterly delicious, staff charming, no hesitation in recommending you ” Ali Crossley

• Fully tailor-made and refined menu • Advance menu tasting • Fixed price quotation • Site visit included • Pay bar and Bar staff available

Our Christmas range will include a selection of delicious goodies, Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies, Tarts, Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Stilton & Celery Scones, Rutland Pippins, all made with the finest ingredients and full of flavour.

Shops: Exton Bakery,

• Supply your own wine – no corkage charges

Market Harborough, Oakham,

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882

Stamford & West Bridgford

The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 31

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Traditional Restoration Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

Timber Renovation Specialists Old sash & casement windows, exterior doors & joinery

Window Repair

Why replace your timber windows when you can restore? Traditional Restoration offers a cost-saving alternative to window replacement.

• Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying • Converting single glazing to double glazing Call James on:

Before

After

Before

After

Exterior joinery repair

01572 720524 or 07841 527855 tradrest@hotmail.co.uk

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk @tradrest

Jon Lawson Plastering Ltd. Established for over 20 years providing a professional and reliable plastering service.

• Over skimming • Ornamental plaster work and restoration • External rendering and pebble dashing • Artex removal • Polished plaster

2a Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DE

T: 01858 681593 M: 0793 066 8477 Jon.lawson3@btinternet.com Registration No: 07749260 Registered in England

Es

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Est

al Comp

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1981 - 33 Years

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Bespoke and Handmade Kitchens

!

The areas LARGEST INDEPENDENT Kitchen Showroom 30 room settings on show NEW displays now being fitted - more to follow

Please check our website for the most up-to-date promotions The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk www.qksstamford.co.uk 32

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MEDBOURNE

Christmas & New Year 2014 The Nevill Arms, a traditional Inn situated in the picturesque village of Medbourne in the beautiful Welland Valley.

• Christmas 5 course menu from 1st to 24th December - £30 • Boxing Day Luncheon - £30 • New Years’ Eve Dinner six course dinner and glass of champagne - £65 • Café Nevill - Christmas afternoon teas for two - £30

Please visit our website www.thenevillarms.net or call 01858 565 288 Nevill Arms Inn and Restaurant Waterfall Way, Medbourne, Market Harborough Leicestershire, LE16 8EE

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F OOD & DRI N K

Ginger and spice and all things nice...

Candied, cooked, ground, grated, pickled or preserved…ginger has been consumed in its various different forms for centuries and is always resonant of the Christmas season. Sarah Lyon finds out where to source all types of ginger locally Sparkling Ginger Belvoir Ginger cordial and pressé – produced in the Vale of Belvoir and made using organic root ginger. The pressé is refreshing and has a real kick to it. Add cordial to whisky to make a great ‘Whisky Mac’ for those cold winter nights.

Pressé sold at Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

Cool Ginger Spicy and aromatic; chopped or grated ginger adds a special flavour to stuffing, sausage meat, fruit and vegetable dishes.

Source root ginger and other root vegetables from the box scheme at Riverford Organic at Sacrewell Farm, PE8 6HJ, www.riverford.co.uk/ sacrewell, Tel. 01780 789700

Liquid Ginger A splash of gingerbread syrup in hot milk or an afternoon coffee from Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford - brings a sip of warmth and memories of hearth side moments Candied, crystallised, stem, ground and fresh consumed as a delicacy, medicine or spice With everything from fresh ginger, dried or crystallised to Ginseng, Silver Lane Wholefoods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford is a small space richly stocked.

A Good Strong Bite Andy Heaps from the Bytham Kitchen produces a very sumptuous Carrot, ginger and garlic chutney. A best seller from the Cheese and Wine Cellar, Stamford or direct from Andy 07717 666422, twitter @ bythamkitchen, www.thebythamkitchen.co.uk Candied Ginger French artisan chocolates with special spices. Candied ginger with dark chocolate is part of the Spicy chocolate collection from Café au Chocolat in Ironmonger Street, Stamford

Cheese with Spice Snowdonia Ginger Spice cheddar with ginger and White Stilton with Mango and Ginger from Long Clawson Dairy in the Vale are seasonal winners. Sweet and refreshing mango pieces and spicy crystallised ginger burst through White Stilton to warm the taste buds. Serve on ginger biscuits with crème fraîche for a quick and tasty dessert, and pair with a medium white wine. Find at the Stamford Cheese and Wine Cellar, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

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Hot and Steamy Ginger Piping hot Ginger & Figgy pudding, rhubarb & ginger, pear & ginger from Pudding & Pie is just the right choice for the festive table. Stocking some puddings at Stamford Delicatessen (across from M&S on the High Street), Tel: 01780 755772; Brew Babu and Seven Wells Butchers, Oundle; The Deli in Uppingham; Stamford Christmas Market – Nov 30; Oundle Christmas Market – Dec 6.

Ginger and Ginseng The Pickled Village produce a lemon with stem ginger and Siberian Ginseng marmalade; a heart boosting start to the morning.

Snappy Ginger The Ginger Snapper Curd, a mellow all butter stem ginger luscious curd with stem ginger bite, it adds a mellow warmth to our morning toast or stir a couple of spoonfuls into the custard for the Christmas pudding for extra oomph!

The Pickled Village, 17 Main Street, Bulwick NN17 3DY, www.thepickledvillage.co.uk Ginger heavy Piccalilli Chef and Patron, James of the King’s Arms Inn, Wing in Rutland creates a seasonal piccalilli made with all the available brassicas – squashes, carrots and pickling onions; which he describes as “quite ginger-y, heavy and very satisfying to make, bottle, mature and enjoy all winter long with some meats or cheeses”. Tel. 01572 737634

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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•STORE CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS• Rutland Organic Poultry Rutland Heritage organic turkeys, cockerels, goose and venison at Cuckoo Lodge Farm. Christmas birds are dry plucked and finished by hand, before hanging to improve flavor and tenderness. The deer are shot, hung and butchered on the farm. All naturally reared and fed on organic pasture and diet.

Pat Taylor – Tel: 01780 722009, www.rutland organics.co.uk

C

hristmas is one of the few times of year when people tend to eat much of the same foods, year in year out. They do so with good reason as the typical British Christmas meal carries with it so much more than just the food itself. Having said that, Christmas is also the time of year when no one wants to leave things to the chance of anything going wrong. Northfield Farm, just off the A606 between Oakham and Melton Mowbray sources and produces the great staples of Free Range Bronze Turkeys and Geese but also champions roasting joints of pork, fore ribs of beef and more unusually, whole beef rump roasting joints. Christmas cockerels and stuffings made on the farm, and of course wonderful pies, all provide a real taste of times gone by Jan McCourt, Northfield Farm, www.northfieldfarm.com, Tel: 01664 474271

Fen Farm Venison Peter and mother Janet can be seen at Stamford Farmers’ Market. Venison is nutritionally low in fat, very low in cholesterol and high in iron and protein. Roast saddle of venison makes for a fabulous festive meal.

Tel: 01529 421272 Woodlands Farm Organic Turkeys Oven ready, organic, free range Norfolk Black and Bronze Turkeys or the farm’s own bred Lincoln Red organic beef. www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk

New Lodge Farm and Farm Shop Everything from your Christmas menu can be sourced from the farm shop – barn reared and hung turkeys, pedigree Aberdeen Angus rib of beef, lamb, hams and vegetables along with assortment of farm shop specialities. Farm shop near Bulwick, Tel: 01780 450493, www.newlodge farm.com

Nelson Butchers Kelly Bronze turkeys are bred and raised by traditional methods free to roam in pastures, stubble fields and woodland. Nelsons are renowned locally for their hand raised pork pies. Red Lion Square, Stamford Lings View Farm pampered Geese and Bronze Turkeys Direct from the farm in Croxton Kerrial, Vale of Belvoir (Tel: 01476 870394) or from Nelsons Butchers, Stamford and Hambleton Fine Foods, Oakham

Rutland Charcuterie in Braunston, Rutland Collect from the cellar door or visit Oakham’s Farmers’ Market. A range of wonderful products: Beef – biltong, bresola, pastrami; duck, game pie; pork (Rutland Smokie); Venison Salami. A course for Christmas: Pork Pie making courses for adults and children Tel: 01572 724655 Otters Deli in Oakham Hand sliced freedom farmed smoked salmon sourced from open lochs where they are hand fed before being slowly smoked over whole Suffolk Oak. Otters Deli for an array of delicious deli foods, Mill Street, Oakham Fosse Meadows produce succulent oven prepared home grown birds. Cockerels/capons give a juicier bolder meat with a gamier flavour than chickens. Alternatively, the farm’s own Bronze Turkeys are delicious too! Birds roam free in fields and are slow grown which is where these birds gain on flavour over other producers. Buy on line at www.fossemeadows. co.uk or contact the farm direct for turkeys, geese and capons. (cockerels). Tel: 07886 340752. Supplying Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough; Seven Wells Butchers, Oundle; Chapmans Butchers, Lutterworth; Waterloo Cottage, Great Oxenden.

Succulent Beef from Hambleton Fine Foods (Gaol Street, Oakham).

Hambleton Farms run herds of pedigree Longhorn, Aberdeen Angus and Dexter cattle.

Raised and grazed naturally near Oakham Hambleton beef rib or rolled sirloin would make a delicious centrepiece to your Christmas feast. Fine birds too or turkey butterfly breasts make for easy carving.

Tel: 01572 724455, www.hambleton farms.co.uk Symington Geese Free ranging on grass and fed on own grown potatoes and corn, help to nourish a distinctive yellow flesh and deep meaty flavour.

Adding to this is their Three Bird Roast – goose stuffed with a boned chicken stuffed with a boned pheasant. Seldom Seen Farm, Billesdon, Leicestershire, Tel. 0116 259 6742

Grasmere Farm Essential Kits for Christmas The Essential Kit includes cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, gammon joint, Lincolnshire sausage meat, Lincolnshire chipolata sausages, streaky bacon and sausage stuffing.

Order from Stamford, Oakham Farmers’ Market or Stamford High Street shop for pork products together with a full range of beef, lamb and poultry products, cooked meats, free range eggs and sauces. www.grasmere-farm.co.uk, Tel: 01778 342344

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EAT I N G O UT

No. 3 The Yard Restaurant

Antonia Scott revisits one of Stamford’s favourite places to eat and is relieved it’s still in very good hands No. 3 The Yard (formerly Jim’s Yard) sits in a quiet courtyard off Ironmonger Street which bisects Stamford’s Broad Street with the High Street. On the night Murray and I went with another ‘foodie’ couple, we meandered past outdoor diners enjoying the last Indian summer evening in the Conservatory, giving the restaurant an air of ‘Mediterranean cool’. I immediately recognised the new signage – done by local illustrator Katie Cardew which gives the place an instant face lift.

We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks of champagne and a choice of different gins and tonic, served by affable co-owner Simon McEnery who previously worked in London running restaurants before moving to Rutland to run two AA Rosette restaurants in Oakham. The Wine List is comprehensive with a wide range of choice and budget.

We all struggled to make our final decision over the seven choices available for each course (plus a Special’s Board) – always a good sign! – before settling on a selection of Chicken Liver Parfait with Crispy Bread and Chutney, Breaded Goats Cheese Crotin with a Red & Yellow Pepper Mousse, Mussels from the River Exe, served with a Marinière sauce and a Smoked Haddock & Queen Scallop Chowder – all priced between £6-£6.50. Each dish was beautifully presented and tasted delicious – a fantastic precursor to the main event – Pan Fried Calves Liver, Creamy Mash, Roasted Red Onion, Onion Gravy & Crispy Bacon (£15), Steamed Plaice, Sautéed Potato, Peas a la Francais (£14.50) and 9oz Ribeye Steak, Mushroom, Slow Roasted Tomato, Onion Ring, Chips & Béarnaise Sauce (£21).

Portions were generous but not overwhelming and were all cooked to perfection. Puddings options were classics with a twist (£6) but we only had room to share a generous Cheese Board (£7.50).

Head Chef and co-owner Tim Luff previously ran the kitchen at the popular Northwick Arms in Ketton and prior to that was Head Chef at The Olive Branch in Clipsham for 8 years – so it’s easy to see why No. 3 The Yard is one of only two establishments in Lincolnshire to hold the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

I spied the mouth-watering Christmas and New Year menus which are very tempting – perhaps I’ll suggest we eat out this year!

• No. 3 The Yard, Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.theyardrestaurant.biz/

The Wine Bar, Stamford The wine bar in St Paul’s St has recently re-opened under completely new ownership and a re-furbishment which has made it very stylish and contemporary.

Alex Way and Stephen Miskell have taken over the business and see a strong future for the business at the heart of Stamford’s ever-expanding hospitality sector.

“Our plan,” Alex told SL, “is to be open 7 days a week from 10am-11pm, so you know we will always be there and available for something to eat and something to drink.”

The wine bar will open its doors in the morning, offering hot drinks and light breakfasts; and at lunch a glass of wine perhaps and a fresh sandwich, prepared by Kelly at The Stamford Deli (they are determined to use local suppliers wherever possible).

In the evening there will be great wine and light bites, including tapas. And they want to celebrate wine, not just go with the crowd. “If you come in and ask for something white or something red, we will give you a really interesting glass of wine, not just another Pinot. We want to help you try new things and enjoy something different.” There is also a great selection of cocktails available.

The wine bar is now incredibly spacious for its size and distinctly stylish. Tanya Vaughan (her showroom is by St George’s Church) helped with the look.

• The Wine Bar, 10 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757844 www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk

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Dameon Clarke re-opens the Wicked Witch Dameon Clarke has recently returned to the Wicked Witch in Ryhall, but this time as owner as well as Head Chef, along with his partner Victoria Lynn who will run front of house.

He will operate 42 covers on the ground floor, and will be offering a set lunch (£14.95) and set dinner (£21.95/£26.95).

“My approach to the food side of things will be exactly the same as before – the quality of the food won’t alter, but I just want to make it more affordable,” he said.

Hambleton Bakery’s Christmas Range Hambleton Bakery’s indulgent range of Christmas is available from the start of December. Especially notable are the Christmas puddings, based on an 1844 recipe handed down through Julian Carter’s family, very rich and rather alcoholic (but they sell out very quickly). Also of great distinction are the Christmas Crowns – 6 buns in a pan, with ginger, calvados apples, golden raisins, sultanas, peel and glaze. There’s also lots else to take your fancy, including individual Christmas cakes, cranberry & white chocolate cookies, mince pies, spiced pear and almond tarts and stilton & celery scones.

• Stamford Shop, 1 Ironmonger St, Stamford PE9 1PL To order: 01780 754327 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Black Bull Inn Restaurant & Steakhouse

Bookings now being taken for Christmas

2 Teigh Road, Market Overton 01572 767677 www.blackbullrutland.co.uk

THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Powering chimney sweeping into the 21st Century

AVONDALE SWEEPS • NO FUSS – NO MESS

• FULLY RECOGNISED CERTIFICATES ISSUED • FULLY TRAINED & QUALIFIED TO A HIGH STANDARD • HETAS REGISTERED RUSSELL PEACE…01536 510865 MOBILE – 07725 795394 EMAIL– russell.peace@virgin.net www.chimneysweepnorthants.co.uk

www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk

Now taking bookings for Christmas Country Inn and Restaurant A warm welcome is assured at our quintessential old English county pub, bringing you the best of British home cooked meals and a choice of well kept Real Ales.

FESTIVITIES AT THE MARQUESS FESTIVE SET LUNCH

From 1st to 23rd December we will be offering a 2 x course set lunch of Traditional Roast Turkey followed

by Christmas Pudding Soufflé Monday to Saturday for £15.95 per person.

NEW YEAR DINNER & DANCE

Come and enjoy a seven course dinner followed by dancing and bring in the New Year with us. £79.50 per person and why not stay over; £75 for a standard or £85.00 for a superior or suite.

THE DELI SHED

Our very own deli in the grounds of the Marquess is bursting with delicious homemade meals and essential produce, including • Herbs & Vegetables • • Chutneys, Jams & Oils • • Homemade Frozen Meals • • Eggs & Cheeses • • Meat & Fish to Order • Festive Hampers • Also taking orders for your festive Turkey!

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 11AM-4PM AND WEEKENDS 8AM-4PM

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch?

Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses

Mid Week Offer

Set 3 course menu £15.95 a head Served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm.

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month. Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head Tue, Wed, Thur 12pm – 11pm (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/5.30pm – 9.30pm) Fri, Sat 12pm – 12am (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sun 12pm – 6pm (Food 12.30pm – 3pm).Closed Mondays

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com

For more information on our festive events or to make a booking, just email or call.

52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9LT • Tel: 01572 822 477 email: info@marquessexeter.co.uk www.marquessexeter.co.uk 37

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Fired Earth Zoffany

OUTSTANDING INTERIORS FOR INDIVIDUAL HOMES WITH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Visit our showroom five days a week:A16 Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone:

01780 757946

Little Greene

Candida, Rachel, Georgie - designers

HUNTERS INTERIORS

www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

Wallpaper Sanderson

Doorstops, draught excluders and much much more!

Purchase locally at: Lakeland l Van Hage l Dobbies l John Lewis Sinclairs l Burghley House l Jupes Portess of Oakham l Gates Garden Centre Sarah Harding Interiors l Waterside Garden Centre or contact Dora Designs directly

w: www.doradesigns.co.uk l t: 01733 305452 l f: 08432 161879 l e: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk

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90 shops

OVER

15

places Thousands to eat of brands

LATE NIGHT

Shopping

Late night shopping in December until 9pm weekdays and 7pm Saturdays with free parking after 5:30pm weeknights.

From 1st until 23rd December.

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Workshops and Classes; Sewing Machines and Servicing Dress Fabrics and Patterns; Patchwork and Quilting; Knitting Yarns and Patterns; Books and Gifts

w w w.r utl andsewi ng. co. u k

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SUC C EEDI NG I N BU S I N E S S

Chris Tattersall Co-Owner of The Wool Room Antonia Scott speaks to local entrepreneurs, to find out how they have succeeded in motivating themselves and their team to ensure their start-up company is a winner How it all began...

Chris Tattersall is the joint owner of The Wool Room whose Head Office is based in Empingham, Rutland, with a shop on Star Lane in Stamford since September 2012. Since graduating from St Andrew’s University in 1991, Chris’s background has always been in textiles, working initially for Osborne and Little and latterly running Relyon beds.

In 2008, Bradford based Jo Dawson, established The Wool Room as a company that predominantly set out to promote and sell the finest wool interiors products, as a result of real frustration at the price of wool. Chris joined the company in 2012 and re-located the business from its origins in Bradford, in order to establish a more centrally located base to expand into a multi-channel operation.

The Wool Room has gone from strength to strength, growing its own retail base to four shops and stockists across the UK and Ireland, including Heals of London. The powerhouse has been the growth of on-line business, delivering over 100% growth year-on-year and this trend looks set to continue into next year. The aim of The Wool Room is to double in size every year for the next three years, making it the key market destination in bedding for natural, healthy sleep.

The latest exciting news for The Wool Room is that Dr Christian Jessen, from Channel 4’s popular ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ series, has agreed to work with them in order to highlight the natural health benefits to wool products, in particular for allergy sufferers.

Inspiration, Motivation, Vision and Drive....

Chris explains that he is inspired by “Developing and selling high quality products that make a real difference to people’s lives. I am driven by a strong desire to make a success of this business and do something for myself and my fellow co-owner, rather than for a larger, faceless corporate organisation. What really motivates me is the fact that I know that we are helping to change people’s lives, by delivering such an immediate improvement to the quality of their

“The aim of The Wool Room is to double in size every year for the next three years, making it the key market destination in bedding for natural, healthy sleep.”

CHRIS GREATLY ADMIRED THE LATE STEVE JOBS, FOR HIS UNRIVALLED PASSION FOR BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED PRODUCTS THAT DELIVERED LIFE CHANGING BENEFITS TO THE CONSUMER; AND HIS MANTRA: “ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE CUSTOMER.”

that we sell. As a team, we are all professional with a strong work ethic and our vision is to improve people’s health and wellbeing by using wool to deliver the best natural and sustainable sleep solutions. Over time, we have discovered that this desire really resonates with the consumer and as a consequence, our focus on delivering the best natural, deeper sleep has been re-confirmed.”

Chris says he greatly admired the late Steve Jobs, for his unrivalled passion for beautifully designed products that delivered life changing benefits to the consumer; and his mantra: “Always listen to the customer.”

sleep and health by using our wool beds or bedding.”

“I like to motivate my team by leading from the front, demonstrating a strong work ethic that incorporates all our key values.

Communication is key and as we are a very small, tight team this is made easier, but we regularly discuss the latest challenges and I like to empower the decision making, where possible to the team. I like my employees to come to me with solutions to problems rather than just the problem itself. We then discuss their solution which helps the team work more effectively and efficiently.”

Passion, belief and mantras!

Chris’s ability to get his team to share in his passion and beliefs is by “Communication regular formal and informal discussions. I share the Company’s financial performance and we work through any areas that might need improvement, before moving on to the key objectives of the next quarter.”

“My ultimate aim for The Wool Room is to make people stop and think before they purchase their next bed or set of bedding, and to consider the huge benefits of natural wool products, which are a sustainable alternative that really does deliver significantly better sleep. Our key company values are simple - we care that our customers are using sustainable, natural, healthy wool products that improve their well being. I am passionate and knowledgeable about wool and the products

5 REASONS TO BUY WOOL BEDDING: • 25% better sleep than other bedding types • Temperature regulating – no more night sweats or waking up cold!

• Hypo allergenic – official seal of approval from The British Allergy Foundation – ask Dr Jessen!

• Machine washable products • Supports British farmers DID YOU KNOW? • That even after washing or freezing synthetic, feather or down bedding, it will be completely re-colonized by dust mites after only 6 weeks! In comparison, no live house dust mites or allergens were detected in The Wool Room bedding.

• You can test-sleep The Wool Room’s bedding in a variety of guest houses and B&Bs nationwide – the nearest being Chris’s local pub – The White Horse in Empingham.

• For more information: www.thewoolroom.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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SP O RT S & L E I S U R E

YOUR GUIDE TO WINTER TRAINING

As the nights draw in and there’s a real nip in the air, it’s tempting to ease off when it comes to your fitness but this needn’t be the case. Melton Sports has come up with 10 top tips to help you maintain your training regime throughout the winter months so you emerge fitter and stronger in the spring

1

EAT RIGHT Foods such as pasta, soups and baked potatoes are great choices as they provide a slow release of energy. To keep your energy levels topped up pack a snack or a sports gel or bar, too. One common mistake in winter is not to drink enough. You may not feel thirsty but your body uses up a lot of water through respiration in order to maintain your body temperature. It’s important you replenish these fluids and electrolytes so give your body some fuel such as Lucozade Sport or have a recovery drink after your session.

2

5

TRAIN WITH A FRIEND OR GROUP Make your fitness sessions safe and social. If you’ve arranged to meet someone it’s harder to make excuses and cry off. You can always go for a coffee and cake afterwards!

6

TRY OUT NEW ROUTES Running or riding the same old routes can become a chore so try out some new ones. Go off road and hit some trails if you can as they are good for building strength and power. If you’re working away or having a weekend break take your kit with you. When you’re out, if possible, start into the wind. This way you’ll have the wind at your back on your way home and avoid getting chilled by the wind after you’ve been sweating.

LAYER UP Give your body a hug by wearing a base layer. They trap the heat in and the fabric works to maintain your body temperature by aiding the evaporation of sweat. When it gets really cold wear a layer that blocks the wind, gloves and a hat or headband. But be careful not to overdress.

As a rule of thumb dress for 15 to 20 degrees warmer than it actually is to allow your body temperature to increase and reduce the risk of overheating and excessive sweating. In this case less is more. Cyclists will need to prepare their bikes for winter as well as get their kit sorted.

INCREASE YOUR INTENSITY Keep constantly on the move and up the intensity to make your body really work and stay warm in the process. If you’re on a tempo run or ride mix bursts of speed work into your session. To keep things fresh, though, it’s important to take every fourth week a bit easier. Time out and rest is important. too.

3

8

EXTEND YOUR WARM UP Your body will warm up more slowly in cold weather, especially first thing in the morning. One tip is to put your kit in the airing cupboard overnight or in the clothes’ dryer for a few minutes before heading out.

And don’t forget to do some decent stretching or run up and down the stairs a few times. The cold doesn’t feel so cold when you’re warm but remember it may still take 10 to 15 minutes or running or riding before you are completely warmed up and hit your stride.

4

BE SAFE, BE SEEN lf possible, exercise during daylight hours and absorb what sunshine there is. If it’s dark out, wear bright, reflective clothing. Lights are a must for cyclists and a headlamp or flashing armbands will make runners stand out. Don’t forget to look ahead - there will be more hazards around and everyone’s vision tends to be reduced in winter.

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7

SET A SPECIFIC GOAL Look back at your sporting summer and ask yourself if you performed as you’d hoped. Set some goals and/or enter a competition.

Knowing you have to train for a race or hit a mileage target or fitness goal is a real motivator. Remember to reward yourself when you achieve it, then set another one!

9

GO TO THE GYM When it’s bone-chillingly cold or icy outside, treadmill running, a spin cycle class or turbo trainer or gym session/activity class is a good way to stay fit without risking injury.

10

CHANGE QUICKLY AFTERWARDS As soon as you stop running or cycling or the final whistle blows your core body temperature will drop so change quickly from top to toe and, if possible, drink something hot, then relax . . .

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Gretton Garden Services Reliable landscape gardener located in the Gretton area and offering a range of gardening services including: • Grass Cutting • Hedge Cutting • Fencing • Decking • Patios

• Driveways • Turfing • Weed Spraying • Scarification • Pressure Washing

Call Chris Stubbs to see how his practical knowledge can turn your dreams into reality

Mob. 07976 286664/Home. 01536 772434 email chrisstubbs57@hotmail.com

Tel: 01572 Tel: 01572 723583 723583 Licensed cafe, serving delicious cafe, serving delicious All your Allgarden your garden requirements requirements Licensed hotcold andfood coldand fooddrinks and drinks hot and under under one roof one roof

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Friday 28 November 2014 to Saturday 17 January 2015 (Matinees available) FAMILY SHOW: The Sound of Music This timeless classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein is based on a true story and set against the landscape of the Austrian Alps. With an incredible score, this family classic continues to entrance audiences across the globe.

Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £21.50 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk Dates between Saturday 29 November and Saturday 6 December (matinees available) PANTOMIME: Cinderella The traditional family favourite complete with songs, laughter, fabulous costumes and the ugly sisters who will try to make Cinderella’s life as difficult as possible of course. Will her handsome Prince find her in time to make all her dreams come true? Melton Theatre Tickets £11/£8 Tel: 01664 851111 www.meltontheatre.co.uk Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 December (morning, lunchtime and afternoon performances) FAMILY SHOW: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Direct from a smash hit West End season, Michael Rosen’s award winning book is brought to the stage. Catchy songs, interactive scenes

and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises.

Curve Studio, Leicester Tickets £12 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk Friday 5 December, 6.30pm for a 7pm start EVENT: Lyddington Film Night This month’s film stars James Stewart in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ – a beautifully heart-warming Christmas tale and a great way to get into the festive spirit.

Lyddington Village Hall Tickets are £5 on the door from 6.30pm.

Wednesday 10 December, 7pm EVENT: Uppingham Film Night The film showing is ‘Belle’. Bring your own refreshments, free nibbles provided.

Uppingham Town Hall Tickets £5 from the Falcon Hotel or on the door.

Thursday 11 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Celtic Christmas Strings A feast of harp and guitar

by Mari Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman. Their show features a breath taking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass plus festive favourites – a spellbinding treat for mid-winter.

South Luffenham Village Hall Tickets £10 Tel: 01780 720687

Saturday 6 December, 7pm for 7.30pm start EVENT: Swing Song Merrily On High The world famous Opera Dudes perform a show of seasonal cheer with something for everyone - wonderful singing, audience participation and ridiculous sketches.

Ashley Village Hall Tickets Tickets £10 Adults £8 11-16 year olds Tel: 01858 565410

Friday 12 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: A Little Christmas Magic Chater Community Choir will be giving their seasonal concert in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the British Heart Foundation.

The choir will be joined this year by children from Brooke Hill Academy in Oakham, providing wellknown festive delights.

Oakham School Chapel Tickets are £5 Tel: 01780 729006 or Tel: 01572 821197.

Saturday 13 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015 PANTOMIME: Cinderella Starring CBeebies presenter Alex Winters as well as Carly Thoms in the title role. Expect pumpkins galore, fantastic costumes, slapstick and lots of audience participation.

De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £14/£13.50 Tel: 0116 233 3111 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 December (morning performances and matinees available) PANTOMIME: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Will Prince Lorenzo rescue his beloved Snow White from the Wicked Queen’s evil spells? Will the Seven Dwarves get to the poisoned apple before Snow White? Starring EastEnders’ ‘Lucy Beale’, Melissa Suffield as Snow White.

Melton Theatre Tickets £13/£11 Tel: 01664 851111 www.meltontheatre.co.uk Throughout December Lots to do this month at Rutland Water – courses include Natural Christmas Crafts and Willow Weaving with a Christmas theme or you can join in a free Family Coppicing morning followed by a tasty lunch to reward your efforts.

Information on booking and all details can be found at www.rutlandwater.org or Tel: 01572 770651

Friday 12 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015 PANTOMIME: Puss In Boots The purrfect family treat based on the original fable by Charles Perrault.

Puss, resplendent in his magical boots, transforms his master’s fate from rags to riches.

All the sparkle and shine, fun and laughter audiences expect The Little Theatre, Leicester Tickets £14/£12 Tel: 0116 255 1302 www.thelittletheatre.net

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RETIREMENT NEEDN’T FEEL RETIRING! Have you closed your eyes and imagined life after work?

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ollowing the 2014 Budget, there are now more ways than ever to contemplate new horizons.You probably know what you want retirement to look like, but how do you get there? If the range of new investment and pension options baffles you, we can help.

As a local, privately owned independent wealth management firm applying the highest personal, regulatory, ethical and commercial standards, we apply effective and appropriate investment, tax based and trust advice to estate planning, investment and retirement portfolios.

www.rutlandwealthcare.co.uk Rutland Wealthcare - 18A Leicester Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9SD clients@yourwealthcare.co.uk 01572 897310

Rutland Wealthcare is a Trading Style of Wealthcare (1985) Ltd (FCA Reg 569260), an Appointed Representative of The Whitechurch Network Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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S H OP S & SE R V I C E S

UPDATES Duo Boutique, Oakham T

wo Rutland friends have recently partnered to set up Oakham’s newest ladies’ fashion boutique, appropriately named Duo. Duo opened its doors on Oakham High Street in September and is already proving a big hit with fashionable shoppers, based on its quality, range, value and excellent personal customer service.

Pam Giblin and Gail Neville first met 13 years ago on a badminton court, when they both played in the ladies’ team for Oakham. They soon realised they had many other interests in common.

After working together in a local ladies’ clothes shop, their shared passion for fashion was re-ignited, so when an opportunity arose to open their own boutique, their dreams became reality and within three months Duo boutique was created.

“Our major emphasis is on customer service. We want to offer a bespoke personal service, get to know our customers and their requirements and buy stock with them in mind. We feel every lady should feel good about themselves no matter their size, shape or budget.”

“We have sourced good quality branded British and European clothing, beautiful jewellery, scarves, bags, hats and gifts, with attractive price tags. A hat studio will also be opening on the first floor in the New Year.”

• Pam and Gail are happy to open outside normal hours for groups of ladies or individuals by appointment. Contact Duo on Tel: 01572 722116.

Girls Succeed in Science at Leicester High

T

Carrying science success on at university…

Emily and Alice gained places at Cambridge University in 2014. Emily is studying Veterinary Medicine and Alice Natural Sciences.

here’s something about girls’ schools that really works when it comes to science. It is a sad indictment of our schools today that girls are not choosing ‘A’ levels and careers in science and technology. However, 50% of the A level entries at Leicester High in 2014 were for the sciences, ICT and maths. Half of these entries gained A*/A grades. How? Part of the answer is reflected in a story about Charlotte who joined Leicester High in Y9 and is now studying medicine at Nottingham University. She said that when she joined it was a relief to be able to admit at long last that she just loved science. She could work, she could enthuse, she could embrace her love of science without appearing different or ’swotty’. She felt at home amongst girls who were keen and willing to work. A teacher at the school recently said that it is ‘cool to learn here’, and the work ethos of the school along with support, small classes and outstanding pastoral care is a powerful combination across all subjects. To build on the school’s success in the sciences, there is now a funded Ogden Trust Physics Scholarship in the Sixth Form for an able, UK-born student from a state school, who would normally need financial assistance to attend an independent school.

• Please contact Mrs Julia Harbage, Registrar, on Tel: 0116 270 5338 or see the website www.leicesterhigh.co.uk for more information about the Ogden Scholarship.

Cuts ‘n’ More Relocates

C

uts ‘n’ More has now taken the opportunity of relocating the Oakham branch by taking over the hairdressing salon at a new fabulous Rutland village location. The newly acquired branch can be found at 39 High Street, Whissendine - next to the award winning Mace store.

“We can now offer a full range of services including colours and high lights using AFFINAGE”, explaines owner David Moore.

Current stylist at Whissendine, Sarah PalmerSkelton will continue her Tuesdays and Charlotte Moore will be available on Wednesdays, who also offers a full bridal service for both hair and makeup using the latest in Air brush techniques. New stylist Bianca Leeming is also joining the team.

David will be offering gents and boys haircuts with set ‘barber days ‘ on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and all day Friday .

Says David, “The new salon is a super addition to our established salons at Stamford and Rothwell. We have already had a lot of support from the local people who have welcomed having a full hairdressing service in the village.”

• Bookings can now be made on Tel: 01664 747565.

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S H OP S & SE R V I C E S

UPDATES Caught on Camera

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here was a time when CCTV was an expensive commodity only used by the rich or the paranoid. Today the modern family is realising it is a sensible low-cost deterrent to burglars and an invaluable tool should a burglar break-in. CCTV can provide police with pictures which may quickly identify the thief leading to a swift arrest and retrieval of stolen property.

Most people think having an alarm system fitted is enough to stop them burgled. It isn’t. Research shows 57% of burglaries are committed while someone is at home, therefore an alarm system is likely to be switched off. Burglars are well aware that alarms aren’t always activated, and if do they go off it is very unlikely neighbours will take any notice. However, intruders are well aware of the power of CCTV and reformed burglars will be the first to say they will pass by a house with CCTV and move onto the next one they find without it.

Crime statistics show Stamford and surrounding villages are experiencing around 47 reported burglaries each month.

Today’s high-tech CCTV systems are simple to use and live images can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet 24/7. Peace of mind if you’re away from home.

That burglary down the road, or even next door, could make you think you have got away with it. But burglars escape scotfree too many times and re-offend regularly in the same area. Today’s home CCTV packages don’t need special software and with fast speed broadband you can log on to your remote viewable image from anywhere in the world. The infra-red cameras give a clear night vision and images are recorded for at least two weeks.

Knowing you are well protected gives a feeling of security that should not be underestimated.

Trent Galleries in Oakham With over 20 years’ experience, Tracey & Stuart Morris have opened a new gallery at 11 Mill Street, Oakham

T

rent Galleries offers an eclectic mix of contemporary fine art, specialising in Original Paintings and Collectable Limited Edition Prints and Sculpture from a host of critically acclaimed artists.

Says Tracey, “Our philosophy of presenting artwork and making the experience of buying art a completely relaxing and enjoyable one, means that we have captivated the attention of an entirely brand new audience to the world of collectable fine art. Having two galleries already, Trent Galleries philosophy of ‘delivering more than is expected’ has guaranteed it a fine reputation within the art industry and the community it serves. We understand that at first glance galleries can often feel intimidating, so have created a welcoming space with a friendly atmosphere.”

The Newark gallery has already hosted exciting events this year, with appearances from the ‘modern day Lowry’, Rebecca Lardner and the internationally acclaimed Doug Hyde. he Barrowden Shop Fayre and Christmas Market are back again on December 6th between 10am and 4pm. In the village hall, the Christmas or eight years Samuel Robson owned an art gallery in the heart of Oakham, Market will consist of before becoming a private independent dealer and working from his home 12 stalls offering a good in Rutland in 2013. This year he has started to present some Open Weekend selection of exciting, Exhibitions, showcasing a selection of Modern British Art, which he specialises unusual and affordable in. The exhibitions take place in a home interior environment, which lends an gifts, with proceeds going opportunity to see how the works look in an open residential setting. to support St Peter’s Following the success of their inaugural Summer Open Weekend, Samuel Church in Barrowden.

Robson Fine Art is pleased to hold their first Winter Open Weekend on Santa Claus will be at December 6th and 7th from 12 - 4pm. Join them for a selection of canapés and the shop with gifts for champagne. This event will showcase a mix of Modern British artists and will younger customers. include, amongst others, John Piper, Edward Seago, Anthony Gross, Fred Yates Hot soup and rolls, cakes, and Andrew Macara and will take place at 44a Main Street, Empingham, LE15 savouries, Mulled Wine 7PE. This will be an opportunity to view a mixed exhibition of Modern British Art. and coffee available all • The exhibition will be available to view by appointment following the Open Fred Yates, Le Mairie day.

Week. For further details of the works that will be shown during the weekend, Watercolour contact Samuel at robson@srfagallery.com or on Tel: 0789 4086836.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

T

Samuel Robson Fine Art

F

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Lee Kang-hyo Exhibition

Goldmark Gallery until 14th December 2014 Goldmark Gallery is hosting the first major UK exhibition by the leading Korean potter, Lee Kang-hyo

L

ee Kang-hyo, born in Seoul in 1961, is widely regarded as one of the finest Korean potters working today. He has exhibited all over the world and his work is held in many important public and private collections including the V&A Museum, British Museum, London, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Art Institute of Chicago and International Ceramic Museum, Italy.Lee’s work is rooted in the two Korean traditions of Onggi pottery and Buncheong decoration and he is renowned for being the first modern Korean potter to bring these two traditions together.The Goldmark Team went to South Korea to photograph and make a film about Lee Kang-hyo which will be available to buy on dvd or watch online.

• Works, essay and films are available to view on www.goldmarkart.com. goldmarkart 14 Orange Street, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9SQ

Don’t Dispose, Donate!

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he build up to Christmas and the New Year is causing acute problems for Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. Whilst their shops are doing particularly well on sales, they are running into problems with donations of saleable items and are desperately short of stock, particularly furniture and bric-a-brac but also books and clothing.

“During and after the festive season, many people will be contemplating how they will make space for their presents or dispose of household furniture in order to accommodate new purchases made in the sales. Our motto is: ‘Don’t Dispose, Donate!’”, says Peter Ralphs of the local Age UK. “All I can say is that we desperately need help from the public so that we can continue to help needy local older people through the money which is taken through our shops. All of our 23 charity shops around the two counties will gladly accept donations whilst furniture can also be collected from homes by calling Tel: 0116 2781208.”

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UPDATES Everlasting Now – For Vintage Inspired Arts, Crafts and Gifts R

ecently opened on Church Street in Oakham and reporting a fantastic response from new customers is new vintage, arts and crafts emporium, Everlasting Now. Described as a treasure trove of ideas, Everlasting Now stocks a large range of stylish products that are either upcycled or original vintage pieces given a modern twist. As well as a host of gorgeous and unusual lamps, pictures and decorative art you will find beautiful capes, jackets, rings, corsages and bags all of which would make wonderful gifts and are guaranteed to not be found on the main stream High Street.

Co-owners and business partners Anne Stringer and Helen Chapman told us it has been their ambition to open a shop of this calibre for some time. Anne said, “We are pleased to offer a unique shopping experience to Oakham. We offer all kinds of affordable gifts priced from just £4 so there is something for all budgets. We are particularly proud of our exciting and eclectic range of home wares, carefully selected to suit different styles of home.” If you are a local maker or artist, the shop also invites you to place your pieces for sale at a modest percentage with no rental costs making Everlasting Now the perfect forum to show your wares.

If you need to relax between purchases, Anne and Helen have cleverly combined their shopping experience with the opportunity to enjoy a coffee from their artisan Silver Oak range, an organic tea or delicious piece of cake.

“Why not pop in for a visit next time you are in Oakham, you won’t be disappointed?”

• Contact: Everlasting Now, 14 Church Street, Oakham Tel: 01572 723827 or email Helen at helen@everlastingnow.co.uk

Gates Garden Centre Expands Set in a beautiful Leicestershire rural location, just 4 miles from Oakham, Gates truly has everything you need for Christmas. Built within an original 1818 Victorian walled garden, formerly part of Cold Overton Hall, the nursery was founded by Fred and Ivy Gates when they created a market garden back in 1948. Today, it is a popular destination for garden fanatics from all over the UK and with the widest choice and quality of goods, ranging from indoor and outdoor plants, gorgeous gifts, garden and conservatory furniture, clothing as well as the finest display of Christmas decorations, trees and ornaments you really need go nowhere else to shop this season.

Gates has always enjoyed a reputation locally for being the Harrods of the Midlands at Christmas time but this year they have outdone themselves with a whole barn dedicated to their famous Christmas Display, located next to the extensive gift section.

Santa’s Grotto is always a huge hit and Santa and his helpers are now ready to receive visitors in their newly extended, spectacular grotto - a treat for young and old. And if that’s not all, why not pay a visit to the new expansive restaurant for the usual light, or now more substantial, lunches, coffees and afternoon teas?

• For excellent service, quality gifts and a fun day-out head to Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham, Tel: 01664 454309. Open: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.

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Olive Tanning and Beauty Olive Tanning studio recently launched Olive Tanning & Beauty at Olive, No.5 & 6 Crown Walk. The spacious studio hosts a luxury Beauty Room with new treatments including Hot-Stone Massage as well as a luxurylLie-down Sunbed Room, a new Spray Tan Suite, a relaxing, comfortable and cool waiting area with a health bar and ice cold drinks. And finally brand new to Olive is the Vibr8 Oscillation machine, 20% more effective than other body vibration trainers – in its own spacious room for privacy and comfort.

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Tried & Teste Thai Massage Oakham

Recently opened in the town centre, Oakham is a Thai massage and Thai Yoga Massage Salon on Market Street offering traditional Thai massage, Thai Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Yoga Massage as well as aromatherapy oil massage, hot stone massage and reflexology. Tamita came to the UK eight years ago to work at Ragdale and then at Ban Saabi in Stamford but trained in Thailand and returns annually for refresher courses. If you need a good sports’ massage then this is the place to go!

• For an appointment call Tel: 729337 or 07788926485

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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VI L L AG E F OCU S

Kibworth

at Christmas

Kibworth is a large, vibrant, community focused South Leicestershire village, with a host of festive events happening this year

The Village

Kibworth Beauchamp is an old settlement but with a very modern outlook. Comprising of agriculture and industry; it has many small businesses thriving today, some of which are know worldwide. The village became known nationally in 2010 when TV historian Michael Wood chose Kibworth Beauchamp, Kibworth Harcourt and Smeeton Westerby as the location for his ground breaking 'Story of England' series. It has many local amenities, including a bustling High street and good transport connections to Market Harborough and Leicester.

Kibworth Brass Band Christmas Concert The Kibworth Band will present its Christmas Concert on the 20th December 2014 at the Old Grammar School, Kibworth. The concert, which starts at 7.30pm is an annual event giving the Band the opportunity to entertain the village and also to showcase its youth group. The Band was formed in the early 1900’s as a village band and at that time its members all lived and worked in Kibworth or the surrounding area. Now members come from all over Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The youth group is open to anyone over the age of 8 and currently there are around 20 children taking lessons in the Bandroom, on a Monday or Thursday evening and at Great Glen School. Some of the children, under the direction of Carol Smith, an experienced and longstanding player in the band, will be playing at the Christmas Concert. Further information about both the Band and the Youth group can be found at www.kibworthband.co.uk, or by contacting the Band Manager at d.bingham4@ntlworld.com.

Other concerts this Christmas will be at St Katherine’s Church, Burton Latimer, on December 13th, with outdoor carol singing at The Dog & Gun, Kilby and The Langton Arms, Church Langton.

If you are planning a party or event soon, why not consider the Kibworth Grammar School Hall? Built in 1936, the hall has been a recognised community centre since 1999 and has four great rooms available for hire – main hall, lounge, studio and a small meeting room. All rooms enjoy access to free Wi-Fi and come with full use of a clean, well-equipped kitchen.

• For more information, Call Kelly, Hall Officer on Tel: 0116 2796389, email: info@kgsh.org.uk

Christmas Shopping events On Wednesday, 3rd December until 8pm Kibworth will have its late night shopping event where you will be able to find gifts ranging from Art, books, fashion, Flowers, Children and Nursery gifts, through to fantastic food and drink. The White Street Gallery are stocking a host of items great for Christmas presents this year, from large impact oil paintings, exquisite agricultural inspired pencil drawings by Mark Langley. Hand made tableware by local ceramist Daisy Fawcett and Gifts in a Tin. From now until Christmas, every Thursday, the Kibworth Antiques Centre will be posting pictures on their facebook page of unique presents that are available in the centre too. Take a closer look and why not stop off for a coffee? For more gift ideas take a look at the Boboli Bazaar on Friday 28th November, featuring Gifts, Arts and Crafts, as well a chance to chat, drink coffee and eat cake! All proceeds go to Hope for Cancer. www.bobolirestaurant.co.uk.

That should get your Christmas completely wrapped up!

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New Year’s Eve at the Lighthouse For a memorable night out to bring in the New Year why not spend it at The Lighthouse in Kibworth? With a sumptuous menu, starting off with a glass of prosecco and including such delights as Tiger Prawn with Chirozo and squid ink risotto, Venison Steak with celeriac fondant and Halibut with Lobster Bisque, it is sure to be a wonderful feast and promises to be a fantastic night.

Enjoy it all for £55 per person, pre-orders by 15th December.

Go to: www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk

Xmas Cracker Weekend at the Cricket Club A Christmas Festive Food, Drink and Gift Market will be held at the Kibworth Cricket Club on Sunday 7th December. The event will be open between 10am and 4pm, with entry for adults £3, children under 12, free.

This will be a perfect opportunity to buy those special gifts, garlands, trees and decorations for the house and lots of locally sourced food and delicious wines for your festive table.

Full details of this fabulous weekend can be obtained by Contacting ‘The Confident Cook Ltd’ on Tel: 07745 283928 or email info@confident-cook.co.uk

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Our professionally trained carers are on site 24 hours a day to assist you at your request and a private minibus is available for shopping or social visits.

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m nHouse Assisted, a n or Houdementia se, 58-60unit M afor i n people Street, in the The Orchards Unit atAutu Manor is a M specialist Middleton, M a rket Ha rborou gh, LE16 8 Y U advanced stages of the condition with complex behavioural problems.

1 Coventry Road, Market Harborough We offer Residents with a life limiting condition opportunity visit www. a utu mann-ca re. co. u k to live their lives www.lawson-west.co.uk as fully as their condition allows.771722 or e ma il: kira n@rklventu re s. co m ca ll 01536 Our aim is to provide a quality of care that is person centred, seeing each Resident as unique with individual physical, social, psychological, emotional 55 and spiritual needs.

Well-trained, professional staff that are supportive and empathetic to residents, • RL Dec ADS.indd 55 19/11/2014 families and friends.

17:03

F OOD & DRI N K

DUNCAN MURRAY WINES CHRISTMAS DRINKING SUGGESTIONS Hands up who’s having turkey for Christmas dinner? In our experience, the hand count seems to get lower each year as people try alternatives – game, beef... and for vegetarians the world’s your oyster (mushroom). Therefore, our Christmas drinking suggestions are all about versatility – if you’re going traditional, spicing it up, focusing on fish or simply opening a tin, these bottles will see you admirably through the big day and beyond UK Exclusive Sparkling Wine Mustillant (£12.99): A fantastic fizz for festive gatherings with notes of apple and a hint of fresh bread. For Prosecco lovers looking for something a little different.

Wonderfully Versatile White Catarratto Terra Firma (£8.99): Be transported to Sicily with this zesty, clean citrus and tropical-fruited white. It’s very fish-friendly and will also work fantastically if you’re having salad, cold meats and tapas-type nibbles.

Merlot Merriment Merlot du Donjon (£11.99): A medium-bodied beauty with juicy fruit, soft spice, vanilla and chocolate hints.

We’ve road tested this wine with rich tomato sauces and nut roasts, turkey, gammon, pork, duck… it all works.

Classic Bordeaux Chateau Tour Grand Faurie, St-Emilion Grand Cru (£24.99): Enjoy a wonderfully intense mouthful of plum, blackberry and blackcurrant. If you’ve gone for beef, this is a perfect partner. It’s grand with game and great with cheese too.

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Sensational Sweetie Samos Grand Cru (37.5cl, £8.99): A Greek sweetie bursting with flavours of honey, rich raisin and spice. Sweet yet refreshing, this is just great with Camembert, goats’ cheese and Red Leicester.

Local seasonal stunners Two Birds Christmas Spiced Vodka (70cl, £39.99, 20cl, £12.99): Containing wonderful aromas of mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas pudding, this is sheer seasonal genius from Market Harborough-based, Two Birds. And for more festive fun, there’s Two Birds’ After Dinner Mint Vodka (70cl, £34.99, 20cl, £11.99). It does exactly what it says on the bottle!

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Are you already thinking about Christmas and that certain person who is always difficult to buy for?

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for of 12cookery months the recipient canallchoose With a wideValid variety courses to suit levels whatever course, of skills, you are sure to have a wonderful day set in a date and time suits them. relaxed environment.

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Set in the idyllic surroundings of The Manor, Tur Langton, Leicestershire, Bunny & Clarke offers a huge variety of Home Accessories, Gifts and a Fabulous Range of Ladies Clothings, Jewellery and Accessories. We also have a selection of Paintings by Local Artists.

A TRULY UNIQUE PLACE TO VISIT AND SHOP. Within the Lifestyle Shop, is our very own COFFEE SHOP, selling freshly ground Illy Coffee, Light Lunches and Homemade Cakes. Visit our dedicated Christmas Shop situated next to the Main Shop, within the Manor Courtyard. A Huge Selection Of Beautiful Christmas Decorations and Great Gift Ideas For All The Family.

https://www.facebook.com/bunnyandclarke @bunnyandclarke Bunny & Clarke, The Manor, Main Street, Tur Langton, Leicester LE8 0PJ Tel: 01858 540424 Email: info@bunnyandclarke.com Shop Online: www.bunnyandclarke.com

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EV EN T S & SE R V I C E S MA R K E T H A RB O R O U G H

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS Christmas Events Galore from Sosennah Every this December

The Market Harborough Christmas Fayre – Friday 5th December, 6pm

Running for the first time in its new guise the late night shopping event in Market Harborough is being transformed into an amazing night of live entertainment, local stalls, lights and fun. Roads will be pedestrianised and all the shops will be open, so do come along and kick start your Christmas shopping.

The evening starts at 6pm with a concert by The Rock Choir on the main stage, opposite The Angel Hotel; followed by the Harborough Choral Society and The Riff Raff Element.

At the Old Grammar School, there will be lots of activities for children: Father Christmas, face painting, real Reindeer and a chance to join in with lots of singing.

A Victorian Food Quarter with authentically costumed sellers will have a mouth-watering selection of food to both try and buy. The ice rink will be open on the main square from midday on the 5th all day and as soon as the sun sets Market Harborough will be shining bright with a Christmas tree festival of all shapes and sizes lighting up the town.

The organisers have even spoken to the weather-man and booked snow!

The event will end with carols on the main stage from 8.45pm and a tribute to the Christmas Truce that took place in WW1 with a rendition of Silent Night.

• www.marketharboroughchristmasfayre.com

Christmas At The Manor – 6th & 7th December, 10am til late The Manor at Tur Langton is being transformed into a Christmas Winter Wonderland with an ice rink, a relaxation clinic, Christmas markets, live music and more. The Christmas experience is the brainchild of the three small businesses at The Manor: Bunny & Clarke, Commstel Connect and Lemon Jelly Arts. There is a Santa’s Grotto with a unique opportunity to write a wish list to Father Christmas and receive a reply from the North Pole. Adults who want to take a little ‘me-time’ can book a 20 minute head massage, reflexology or shoulder massage for just £15.

The ice-rink is open for late-night skates up to 10pm with music and snow booked too!

Tickets for the ice rink & clinic are booking fast so book online soon to avoid disappointment.

• The Manor, Main Street, Tur Langton, Leicester, LE8 0PJ 01858 322079 or www.themanorexperience.co.uk

Carols by Candlelight in Ashley – 21st December, 6pm A wonderful way to kick off Christmas week is by singing carols by candlelight in the beautiful atmospheric surroundings of St. Mary’s Church in Ashley. There will be a pay bar open from 6pm and the concert will start at 6.30pm. Talented local musicians will be playing instruments or singing solos as well as lots of group participation required to sing a selection of the most popular carols. The concert will end at 7.30pm when the bar will reopen and canapés will be served. Free entry.

Santa Fun Run – Sunday 14th December, 2pm Market Harborough’s first Santa Fun Run is being organised by Race Harborough and sponsored by Snap Fitness. It will see 250 runners taking part in a 5km or 2km race in Santa costumes (provided free) all descending on Welland Park to raise money for local charity, The Squires Effect.

To add a competitive edge, all runners will be challenged to chase the Christmas pudding –the first Santa to catch the pudding will win a £100 donation to a charity of their choice. All finishers will receive a medal.

The Santa Fun Run will start from Welland Park Café at 2pm on Sunday 14th December.

Entry is £12 or £6 for under-16s, with Santa costumes included within the entry price.

Places are limited and registration closes at midnight on 7th December.

• To book your place visit www.raceharborough.co.uk.

Wistow Café and Rural Centre – 13th December onwards Wistow Café is going to have a Santa’s Grotto for the first time this Christmas.

Santa will be available in a specially built log cabin with log fire from the 13th December every day. Entry is £7 per child and photo opportunities with Santa are also available.

In the Café, delicious Christmas lunches will be served or if you just want to pop in and buy some mouth-watering Christmas cakes (fruit or sponge) and Christmas puddings, to pass off as your own, there are lots of options and sizes available. Wistow Catering is available to provide canapés, platters for office parties or entire meals if the Christmas party planning is taking its toll!

• Wistow Café and Bistro Wistow Rural Centre, Kibworth Road, Wistow, Leicester, LE8 OQF Tel: 0116 259 3756

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 00:35

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

The Mistletoe Bough Festive greetings to all from Caroline Aston…

B

Y the time you read this you will almost certainly have embarked on the countdown to Christmas. If you are REALLY organised your presents will already be wrapped, ribboned and labelled and your cards written, maybe even posted. You may even have already decked your hall with boughs of holly and hopefully hung a lavishly –berried bunch of inviting mistletoe in a place where no visitor can avoid passing beneath it!

And mistletoe (and an unusual local link to it) is the theme of my festive offering this December.

There are literally hundreds of legends and beliefs attached to this popular Christmas decco, many of them lost in the mists of time.

Celtic druids and Norsemen held this greenery sacred: Vikings believed it could raise the dead while druids harvested it with golden sickles and distributed sprigs as charms against ill fortune.

It was known as ‘Allheal’ to folk medicine practitioners and it was the plant of peace too: if you met an enemy beneath mistletoe tradition had it that you had to lay down your weapon, embrace your foe and call a truce....for a limited period! North American Indians used it to cure toothache, measles and dog bites and it bestowed fertility. Unmarried wenches put a mistletoe spray under their pillows so that they might dream of a future lover and when our Victorian ancestors stole a kiss beneath the seasonal bunch they had to remove a berry: once all the berries had gone, the kissing had

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to stop!

Fast forward to Rutland, and in particular to Exton Park. One of my favourite strolls takes me up the track that leads to the parish church, right on the edge of Exton Hall grounds. In winter stark tree branches are silhouetted against the often greyish sky and standing near to the monument-packed church is the skeleton of the old Exton Hall. The original Hall was Elizabethan and might still be standing today had it not been for a catastrophic fire that broke out there early one May morning in 1810.

The then owner Gerard Noel appears to have left a candle alight which set fire to his papers.

Despite the best efforts of estate workers part of the house was completely gutted – but not all of it. Some remained habitable, including some kitchen facilities. Indeed, 23 years later a local paper tells us that a tenants’ dinner was held in ‘the remains of the long-neglected hall’.

The Noel family moved into a nearby late 17th century house which was radically enlarged in the mid-19th century, leaving the damaged Old Hall to lapse into picturesque dereliction, which is how we see it today.

The ruin lends itself to fantasy: it looks as though it has stepped straight out of some Gothic novel. Indeed it is reputed to be the inspiration for a favourite Victorian parlour song frequently performed at Christmas and rather appropriately entitled ‘The Mistletoe Bough’. Written by Sir Henry Bishop (who also

wrote the lyrics of ‘Home Sweet Home’) and T.H. Bayly (who composed the haunting music) the song tells the story of a young girl playing hide and seek who suffocates in an oak chest she has chosen as her hiding place. Frantic attempts are made to find her, but she seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. Some years later the old chest is opened and her skeleton, still in party dress, discovered – this is the stuff of ghost stories told round a Christmas fire in the dusk! I ought to add that one or two other country houses also lay claim to inspiring the ballad but we do know that round about 1700 Catharine Noel of Exton Hall met her end in this way during a theatrical entertainment causing shock and horror at such a tragedy.

So what better way to end the tale than to quote from the song itself:‘So they sought her that night, and they sought her next day And they sought her in vain till a week passed away….

The years past by and their grief at last Was told as a sorrowful tale, long past At length an oak chest that had long laid hid Was found in the hall and they raised the lid A skeleton form lay mouldering there In the bridal wreath of a lady fair……..

Oh, the mistletoe bough, oh, the mistletoe bough……….

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Consultant Care in Uppingham The Woodland Hospital is providing a NEW outpatient clinic at Uppingham Surgery This service allows GP’s to refer their patients, whether insured, self-paying or NHS funded to Mr Sanjay Chaudhri, a Consultant General Surgeon for colorectal, hernia and gall bladder treatment, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and inflammatory bowel disease, without the need to visit a Hospital.

Any surgery required will be performed at the Woodland Hospital, Kettering.

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For more information on our NEW General Surgery Outpatient Clinic, please call:

01536 485 466 www.woodlandhospital.co.uk

Uppingham Surgery, Northgate, Uppingham, LE15 9EG • RL Dec ADS.indd 63

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UR B AN R AM B LE S

SHEFFIELD & THE PORTER BROOK This is a simply unbelievable walk that takes you from the ruggedness of the Peak District Moors to the heart of Sheffield in six gripping miles of stream-side rambling and culvert hugging

WALK DATA Distance: 6 Miles (10 kms) Height Drop: 300 metres Typical time: 3 hours Map: Sheffield & Barnsley Explorer 278 Parking: Q-Park, Sheffield Station, Turner Street, S1 2B Start: Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow; this can be reached by taxi from the station, approx ÂŁ10; or by Bus 84 from Sheffield Interchange, which is just a couple of hundred yards up from the station, check times and bus number prior to travel Finish: Sheffield Station Terrain: Assuming you start in Ringinglow (much preferable), all downhill; sturdy boots required for the initial downhill section

Cityscape

POINTS OF INTEREST The Porter Brook derives its name from its brownish colour, similar to the colour of Porter beer, a brownish discolouration obtained as it passes over iron-ore deposits on its course from the source. Like the other rivers in Sheffield, the Porter Brook is ideally suited for providing water power, as the final section falls some 450 feet in a little over 4 miles. This enabled dams to be constructed reasonably close together, without the outflow from one mill being restricted by the next downstream dam.

By 1740 Sheffield became the most extensive user of waterpower in Britain and probably in Europe. Ninety mills had been built, two-thirds of them for grinding. By 1850 these mills numbered well over 100. In the Porter Valley alone 21 mill dams served 19 waterwheels, mostly used for grinding corn, operating forge-hammers, and rolling mills, grinding knives and the various types of blade that made Sheffield famous. Most were active during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Forge Dam was a forge and rolling mill used for the production of saws, while two drop-hammers were used to beat heated metal ingots into wrought-iron. Today the cafĂŠ is a popular spot for Sheffield families walking up the valley or bringing their family to play in the playground there.

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The Shepherd Wheel first started generating power in the 1550s, became derelict in the 20th century and was lovingly restored in 2011 by the Friends of the Porter Valley with Heritage Lottery & Council funding, reopening as a working museum (open Sat & Sun). We were left spellbound watching the water feed into the mill wheel , turning the axles, the crown wheel, the pinions, the drums, the belts, the lion shaft, all finally connecting up with the grind stones.

Endcliffe Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Near the entrance is a statue of Queen Victoria and mid-way up the path towards Whiteley Woods is an obelisk also in honour of Queen Victoria. It was laid out by William Goldring, a nationally acclaimed park designer, who was responsible for work on nearly 700 different garden landscape projects across England and was in charge of the Herbaceous Department at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836, and comprise 19 delightful acres. Originally designed by Robert Marnock in the Gardenesque style, the site now has fifteen different garden areas featuring collections of plants from all over the world, including Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rockand-water plantings. The Gardens contain several listed buildings including the restored Grade II* listed curvilinear Glass Pavilions, some of the earliest ever built.

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©Crown copyright 2014 Ordnance Survey Media 052/14 Sheffield General Cemetery was also opened in 1836, in what was then countryside. The graveyards in town were overflowing and there was an urgent need to find more space for the bodies.

The Cemetery was also intended to be a fit place where people could be buried in a way that reflected their earthly wealth and status. It became established as the principal burial ground in Victorian Sheffield containing the graves of 87,000 people.

But it was also intended as a place for the living. It has sweeping vistas and inspiring architecture - the grand scheme celebrated the designers’ attitudes towards life (Robert Marnock was a landscape adviser). The cemetery was one of the first in Britain to promote this type of landscape, with the purpose of creating an uplifting place, in which people could contemplate the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings.

THE ROUTE 1.

Porter Brook Start from the Norfolk Arms in Ringinglow. Take the road just to the west of the pub, called Fulwood Lane, heading NW; after less than 1km you reach a kink in the road, where the Porter Brook crosses (head a little beyond this point to the next road junction for a brilliant cityscape) You have now reached the start of the Porter Brook path, and you essentially follow this route east, never far from Porter Brook, through Whiteley Woods to Forge Dam From Forge Dam continue on down, always taking the path that keeps you closest to the brook Eventually, you reach the restored Shepherd Dam & Wheel on your left; from here you continue on down the valley until you reach the Oakbrook Road; cross over, walk down a few yards and then enter the western end of Endcliffe Park, which you walk down to the eastern exit at the Hunter’s Bar roundabout Cross the roundabout to the left and proceed along the left side of Eccleshall Rd (the Porter Brook remains on your left); take the first left up Botanical Rd and enter the Botanical Gardens via the Botanical Rd Entrance at the top. Head East across the gardens, and eventually exit at the SE end Go down Thompson Rd, return to the Eccleshall Rd, cross over, turn left, then take the fourth right down Cemetery Avenue Head in through the gates of the cemetery, and proceed east along the main path of the cemetery to the east exit into Montague St; then cross diagonally right past a play area into Cemetery Rd; head down it until you reach Boston St on the right; take this east until you reach the Bramall Lane; turn left and down into the underpass, coming out on the NE side into St Mary’s Rd Shortly take a left into Hereford St and then a right into Mary St, along which you will see the Porter Brook running once again; turn left into Shoreham St, passing Matilda St on your left (under which the Porter Brook flows); then when you get to the cinema in Shoreham St, turn right down to the station and once again (and for the final time) you will see the Porter Brook culvert.

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PIT STOPS Forge Dam Café For over 80 years, the Forge Dam Café has been a well-loved spot for walkers and cyclists.

Thelma’s Café, 345 Sharrow Vale Rd (just off the Hunter’s Bar roundabout), Sheffield, S11 8ZG (Tel: 0114 268 3674) original, fun and friendly.

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GE T AC T I VE

SKI EXERCISES

Georgie Fenn suggests how to get ready for the ski season

O

f course you can get on the plane to the Alps after not seeing snow for heaven knows how long and your idea of a squat is something impoverished students live in – no one will stop you – however you may suffer for it and it is much easier to have a sore bottom in Stamford getting yourself prepared than it is to have it on the slopes. It is also likely you will avoid an injury if you have built up a bit of muscle beforehand.

These first few exercises you can do absolutely anywhere and will tone up your core, bottom and thighs.

If you use a gym regularly it is also worth getting your cardio up on the cross-trainer; resistance training is great for skiing so turn up that resistance and go for it for 2 minutes and then rest for 2 and repeat until you fall off!

To actually get some skiing practice in, why not make the most of the great local facilities at Tallington Lakes. Although it may be getting on a bit, Tallington is still a brilliant place if you want to learn from scratch or just have a refresher lesson to find that old muscle memory. You don’t have to worry about the dark nights after school either as both slopes are fully lit at night. They have a beginner run and a steeper run for when you start getting more confident and can use the lift. There is also a store with all the latest skiwear from top brands if you need to get kitted out! For a bit more information and some really great tips for most things snow – visit Tallington’s blog at www.blog.tallingtonlakesproshop.com - there is also some really good information if you are starting out such as ‘Ski legs or Snowboard legs’.

LUNGE: A lunge is a nice simple exercise that is nice and effective to tone your thighs. Do 10 lunges on each leg then hold the lunge position and gently bounce where it burns for 20 seconds on each side.

SQUAT: Make sure you keep your back straight and don’t go down to low, your knees shouldn’t go past your feet. Try and do 20 squats then rest and do 10 more.

HEEL KICK: This is a great exercise for the Gluteus maximus in your bottom, make sure you keep your back straight, don’t dip and then kick as high as you can, do 40 of these exercises with each leg.

SQUAT JUMP: As well as toning your thighs this exercise is actually really good for you abs! You have to use a lot of core strength to pull your legs up in front of you, try and do 10 jumps and then rest followed by 15 more.

PLANK: Make sure you keep your bottom up and push up through your shoulders. Try and hold the plank for 1 minute but if you feel yourself dipping do 10 second intervals for 1 minute instead so that you don’t lose your position.

WALL SQUAT: Make sure you get down low enough on the wall to feel a burn, then hold this position for at least 1 minute, try and hold it for as long as you can, then record this time so next time you can try and beat it.

If you want to go a bit further afield for a day out you could always visit the incredible indoor slope at Milton Keynes www.snozoneuk.com where you can have lessons, or just ski with friends and then have a good shop after!

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PEO PL E

Miranda’s Story Gretton resident Miranda Ponsonby was born into a farming family as a man. She tells Lucy Banwell why she made the decision to change her life

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OR as long as he could remember, Rhodri Davies felt like a girl trapped in a boy’s body. But, born as he was into an aristocratic military family, he had no choice but to follow the traditional male path assigned to him: public school, the Household Cavalry and then on to run his family’s farm in the Welland Valley.

But when his marriage ended, Rhodri finally found himself in a position to achieve his dream of becoming a woman. “For the first time in my life I had no responsibilities, so I was free to do what I wanted,” says Miranda Ponsonby, the woman Rhodri became. “When I set about having gender reassignment surgery, it all happened very quickly. I found a private surgeon in Rotherham who agreed to do it the following week for £6,000.” Now, the NHS supports transgender people with a programme of counselling and treatment options, but when Miranda, now 81, was seeking help, the subject was less understood.

With Miranda’s new life came a new career.

The time was right to pass the family farm onto her eldest son and as she’d always harboured a desire to become a doctor she approached several medical schools with that aim in mind.

Unfortunately her age – she was now 56 – ruled her out, so she decided to train as a nurse instead.

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Having taken 10 years off her age to put her in better position to be accepted as a student nurse, the only thing standing in Miranda’s way was her gender status.

“Trying to get into nursing was an almost impossibly difficult task,” says Miranda. “It took 25 interviews and there was a constant fear that someone might spill the beans about my sex change. But eventually Guy’s Hospital took me on and I ended up becoming the oldest ever student nurse to qualify at the age of 60.”

A nursing career A role on Kettering General Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit followed and Miranda is now a wellknown figure in the area having looked after so many patients during her 17 years at the hospital.

“I found nursing incredibly rewarding,” says Miranda, who is now a governor at Kettering Hospital. “In a way it’s very similar to the army because you’re dealing with life and death.

And then there’s the camaraderie you feel. I’ve always got on awfully well with all the other nurses. I’m proud to say I worked jolly hard and in my 20 years of nursing I never missed a single shift.”

Miranda did enjoy relationships with men, but she’s now single. “I’m too old for romance now, but it was important for me to be with a man, to establish my new identity as Miranda.” She

has written a book telling the story of her life.

“I wrote it as a cathartic experience,” she says.

“I sat down under the apple tree in the garden one summer and it just poured out.”

Her only regret in life is the sacrifices she’s had to make in order to make her gender transition. Sadly, she no longer sees her two sons or her grandchildren, and many friends have fallen by the wayside.

“I very much hope that one day my grandchildren will get in touch with me,” she says. “There have been advantages and disadvantages with this whole thing, as there are in everything in life. I’ve lived on my own now for more than 20 years. I don’t relish it, but I’ve adapted to it. I have a Lassie dog called Teddy who is great company for me.

“It’s helped that I’ve always been very determined in whatever I’ve done. I might not have always made the right decisions, but I’ve always succeeded in whatever I’ve chosen to do.

And I’ve always had a sense of humour which is I believe is the main thing which has carried me through.”

• Miranda’s memoir ‘The Making of Miranda’ can be purchased via www.themakingofmiranda.com or www.amazon.co.uk For details about transgender issues, contact Transgender Peer Associates www.tgpals.org

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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P ROF I L E

Laura Pitt-Pulford plays Maria The Sound of Music opens this month at Leicester’s Curve Theatre and is the show that will mark Paul Kerryson’s last as artistic director. Abigail Richardson chats to Laura Pitt-Pulford

O

RIGINALLY a hit Broadway and West End musical, then followed by the beloved 1965 movie version, The Sound of Music remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set against the idyllic landscape of the Austrian Alps, this heart-warming tale based on a true story follows spirited young nun Maria and her relationship with the Von Trapp family. Laura Pitt-Pulford plays the role of Maria and Micheal French (EastEnders, Holby City) takes the role of Captain Von Trapp.

Laura graduated from Drama School in 2005 and has had an incredible career to date.

Recent roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Lucille in Parade and Mable in Mack and Mable. Laura has also appeared in Piaf and Hello, Dolly! at Curve, as well as The Light Princess at the National Theatre.

You are clearly a rising star and have already enjoyed many roles in musical theatre – which has been your favourite so far?

When I left Mountview (a drama school specialising in Musical Theatre), I had a wish list of roles that I would love to perform and I feel blessed that I have been able to play so many already- Charity, Lucille and Mable. It really was a dream to play Mable as she has such wonderful songs.

Maria was also on the list and, like Lucille, it is so interesting and such a responsibility to play someone real. When I was young, mum and I watched the film of The Sound of Music all the time – she is so excited to see the performance and I am very grateful that my parents will be there on press night as I will be feeling very nervous; it’s good to know there are people in the audience that love you regardless!

In the future, I would love to play Sally in Follies and Dot in Sunday in the Park with George; I am a huge Sondheim fan.

Is it true that one should never work with children and animals?

Not at all – the children in the cast are absolutely incredible – they are such a joy. They arrive at 4.30pm, after I have been rehearsing all day, and bring a renewed energy. They are amazing and make my job really easy. Curve did an incredible job of casting, as not only do they have to be talented – they can sing, dance and act, but they also have to have the right look and most importantly be the right height.

What is Michael French like to work with?

Michael is my favourite Von Trapp. He is such a lovely man, so humble, generous and nice and he is wonderful with the children. My favourite scenes are the ones I play with Michael.

Have you had any opportunity to experience Leicester?

I am from Rugby so I know Leicester well and I absolutely love Curve – they know their audience and balance their shows perfectly by mixing familiar ones with new material. I only have one day off a week and so I try to go home to see my family and particularly my young niece.

What can audiences expect from this production?

The stage production is a little different to the film – the songs are in a different order and many of the scenes have been adapted for the stage, as they simply would not translate otherwise. We are trying to represent the characters as truthfully as possible because, not only is it a beautiful story, but it is a true one and we are conscious that there was a real sense of fear in Austria at the time.

What next?

I am performing in A Little Night Music at the Palace Theatre in London on Monday January 26th, which is the 40th anniversary since its West End debut in 1975. I am also looking forward to recording a cast album of The Light Princess in the New Year.

• The Sound of Music runs from November 28th to January 17th. Book online at www.curveonline.co.uk or call Tel: 0116 242 3595.

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