Market Harborough Living January 2016

Healthy Living

Holiday with the Kids!

Room Refresh

Delicious Local Food

MARKET

HARBOROUGH 2016!

LIVING New Year New Look STAY FIT AND KEEN

COVERING MARKET HARBOROUGH, SURROUNDING VILLAGES & RUTLAND

JANUARY 2016 £1.50 01

9 771741 580014

GET IN TOUCH: marketharboroughliving.co.uk MH JAN COVER.indd 1

@MktHLivingMag

MktHLivingMag 15/12/2015 12:27

LAKE GARDA Riva del Garda – The Villa Nicole June 2016 | Half Board 7 NIGHTS | £769.00 pp

LUXURY HOLIDAYS Oundle Travel provides independent, professional and unbiased advice for all your travel needs.

Whether it be a weekend city break, your next family holiday or a bespoke tailor made itinerary we will be there every step of the way.

Call us today 01832 273600 | Email sales@oundletravel.co.uk

www.oundletravel.co.uk 2

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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

January Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk Some worthy events to mention as we begin 2016: • The Good and New Clothes’ Sale is always a popular Rutland event. This year the presale ticket only event is on Friday 4th March 5.00pm8.30pm with doors open to the public on Saturday 5th 8.30am - 1.30pm, by kind invitation of Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.

To purchase tickets call Trish Ruddle on Tel: 01572 724400. The sale will be raising much needed funds for ‘For Rutland-In Rutland’.

PLEA: If anyone has any good quality clothes or accessories, either ladies, men’s or children’s, that they would like to donate please contact Elizabeth Mills on Tel: 07710 873811 or Trish Ruddle on Tel 07801 319222/01572 724400 • Rutland’s Independent Shopping Events opened their doors for the first time late last year. The concept was envisioned by Michelle Pugh who not only wanted an outlet to trade her Avon products but also to provide an exciting shopping experience for locals along with a popup café: “I wanted the events to be affordable for other traders, free to the public and to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust. We have achieved that but now we need even more local support to make the events successful.”

RISE can be found at the All Saint’s Church Hall, Oakham (entry through Church Street Car Park) on the last Saturday of every month.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ RutlandShopping or call Tel: 07740 412287. The January event is on Saturday 31st January from 12-3pm.

I am looking for marathon runners to interview so if that’s your New Year challenge then do please get in touch. And if you run or are a member of any local clubs or societies then do please email me with your details: rutland living@gmail.com.

All the best for a very happy New Year!

Abigail

39 Shops and Services Bag a Bargain

40 Shops and Services

Advice from the Professionals

43 Shops and Services Harborough Happenings

46 Shops and Services Retirement Planning

50 Local Walk

Hallaton and the Upper Welland Valley

7 Editor’s Selection

Welcome to the New Year

8 Health and Beauty Teen Makeover

53 Architecture

Hidden in Plain Sight

54 Profile

Paul McClure, The Rutland Troubadour

10 Fashion

Wardrobe Essentials

13 Health and Beauty You Are What You Eat

16 Clubs and Societies Silver Swans

18 Recipe

31 Travel

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 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

32 Diary Dates

Rutland Living and Market Harborough Living covers: Elli Dean, Tel: 07932 055548, www.ellideanphotography.co.uk.

35 Shops and Services

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

The Olive Branch’s guide to Christmas Spirits

23 Eating Out

The Northwick Arms, Ketton and Lunch for Even Less 2016

24 Food and Drink

Some of the Region’s Best

28 Interior Designs Refresh Your Home With the Kids!

What’s on in our region this month

@RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

Home Ideas from The Wool Room

36 Local History

The Rise of the Gym Cult

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 JANUARY 2016

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Stylish windows and doors whatever your project ORANGERIES, CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS, DOORS AND VERANDAS Visit our showhome at: Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm Weekends by appointment only

01780 400 500

ahorangeries.co.uk 4

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SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE NOW ONSALE SALESALESALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE CoCo Winter sale now on. Come and see our fabulous range of ladies footwear & accessories, with great savings across the brands.

29 High Street . Oakham . Rutland . LE15 6AH Tel: 01572 757646 . www.cocooakham.co.uk

RECEPTION

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Junior School Working Open Morning Tuesday 26 January from 9.30am

Whole School Open Day Saturday 23 April 10.30am-1pm

A small, friendly, independent school for children aged 4 to 18 years.

• Small class sizes ensure individual attention • Excellent academic results

• School bus network • 6th on National, Value Added A-Level League Table

SALE

STARTS Monday 4th January 2016

10% discount on Fabric, Wallpaper and Furniture orders in January Up to 50% off selected beautiful showroom products

SENIOR SCHOOL

SIXTH FORM

For more information, please contact Sonia Kendrick on 01604 880306 office@pitsfordschool.com

www.pitsfordschool.com

6 Market Place, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9QH 01572 823 389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 5

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HAIR

Beautifully crafted cutting and personalised colour Award-winning hairdressing British Hairdressing Awards Finalist three years running

23A Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA

Awarded TIGI Creative Hairdresser of the Year 2009

Telephone: 01572 722774 www.simoncawthorne.com

We believe in better

OAKHAM RUGS

Uppingham yarns

est. 1993 The finest selection of hand knotted rugs in the area.

Traditional and Contemporary. New and Old.

Knitting weaving spinning Announces we have become a Partner

COMING SOON BERGERE EVENTS

www.oakhamrugs.co.uk mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10.00AM TO 5.00PM 6 The Maltings, off Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6EA

01572 724441 Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd t/as Oakham Rugs

www.wools.co.uk 30 North Street East, Uppingham LE15 9QL 01572 823747

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

Welcome to the

New Year

Congratulations to Rutland Cycling who has recently acquired ‘Station Cycles of Cambridge’, bringing its growing family of retail stores to nine!

Need a fresh look? Simply update your living room with a few scatter cushions from Fabniki. To peruse the current designs logon to: www.fabniki.com. (Also see pages 28 and 29 for some design ideas).

Wrap up warm with these quality wool and cashmere scarves from Win or Lose: www.winorlose – the local menswear brand.

Need some inner peace?

This book comes recommended: ‘Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world’

by Prof Mark Williams and Dr Danny Penman.

Order from Walkers Book Shop.

Look stylish in this Tania Coat in Pink Pearl. Was £395, now £299 from Butler Stewart Clothing, www.butlerstewart. co.uk Tel: 0794 1513650

Tempt them into the garden with this gorgeous personalised swing from local company, ‘FROM THE OAK TREE’, www. fromtheoaktree.co.uk.

Bring in the light with this gold, large pillar candle holder from John Lewis, £16 or these stylish LSA light candle holders – www.johnlewis.com

Relax, unwind and welcome the New Year with this Barnsdale Spa Offer, £55. Offer includes a 30 minute shared flotation treatment, a 2 course lunch for two and full use of the facilities. (This is a limited offer, available 9.30am-6pm, Tuesday-Friday throughout January and February 2016. 20% off any additional treatments when booked together with this offer.)

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

From Tweeny to Teen 15 year old Kitty Richardson was tired of being mistaken for age 11 so mum asked Will Wheelwright if he could help make her look older but without looking too mature!

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PUPIL at Stamford School, Kitty is in Year 11 and studying for her GCSEs – she is the youngest in the year and only 4ft 11” so it is understandable that people would think she is younger than her 15 years. Kitty has never been interested in make-up or pampering which has exacerbated the issue.

Will, keen to take up the challenge – “I love a makeover when the person is willing to do something drastic,” firstly convinced Kitty to change her cut to bob length – Kitty had tried this at age 11 and vowed never to wear her hair short again but persuaded by Will she acquiesced.

Shrewdly, Will cut her hair in stages so as not to frighten her and to ensure she was happy with the gradual change.

Will then put Dan Adams in charge of colour and with a “Do you trust me?” he began to apply foils, colour and overall pizazz. Kitty’s best friend, 14 year old and very talented, Tasha Meade set to work on some subtle make-up to complement Kitty’s fair skin tone – “I am not sure about the lipstick,” interfered mum, but Tasha explained that with subtle make up one needs a splash of colour, especially for photographic purposes. Elli Dean agreed and with some photography wizardry on a reluctant model the results speak for themselves.

Says Kitty: “I am really happy with the result but I will need to go back to the salon in order to recreate this exact look or maybe that’s just an excuse to see my new BFFL, Dan!” • With thanks to Will and Dan from Will Wheelwright Hair, williamwheelwright.co.uk, to Tasha Meade for her encouragement and make-up prowess and to patient photographer, Elli Dean, Tel: 07932055548, www.ellideanphotography.co.uk.

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Kitty before

Says Dan, “To create the look, I used the Davines range of colour, which I finished by using one of our glossing toners to add shine. Once I had blow-dried Kitty, I waved her hair with the GHD creative curl tong and finished with the Davines shine spray to make her hair super glossy!”

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F ASHI ON

THE BASICS The mere mention of the word ‘fashion’ can send the most capable of women into a flat spin! It can scare, intimidate and make us feel lost, unattractive and overwhelmed. But it really shouldn’t….

Vanessa Hollander explains. Illustrations by Nicola Hardy

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ASHION and clothes don’t have to be scary! As women, we sometimes have a huge tendency to overthink things – fashion (as with relationships!), can be one of those areas.

One of Coco Chanel’s most famous quotes is ‘simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance’. That was true then and is true now. Fashion changes but style endures.

You don’t have to have THE most fashionable wardrobe to look good. Style is simplicity – it doesn’t have to be complicated or groundbreaking – you just need a few key pieces to create elegant, timeless looks.

Here are the fashion building blocks you need – I promise you it’s not rocket-science and my bet is that you’ll already have all of these in your wardrobe!

The LBD (little black dress) Everyone should have at least one of these in their wardrobe and, ideally, two – one for evening and one for day.

Your LBD for evening will be your ‘go to’ when you want a simple, sophisticated look. It needn’t be heavily adorned or embellished but should be beautifully cut in a shape that emphasises your figure.

This dress will be one you reach for and feel fabulous in every time you put it on. It won’t date and will act as a ‘blank canvas’ to add beautiful accessories to.

Your LBD for day is also a ‘blank canvas’. It can be dressed up or down, layered or worn just as is. It will take you to work or weekend depending on how you style it.

Dress down with a denim or leather jacket, a chunky cardigan and boots; dress up with a blazer, killer heels and eye-catching accessories.

White Shirt There is nothing more classically stylish than a crisp, white shirt. Wear opened at the neck with a necklace or a scarf and beautifully cut pair of jeans and you have a timeless look that will take you anywhere.

Alternatively, wear buttoned at the neck underneath a dress or jumper and this will elevate a normally casual look into something infinitely smarter without being too ‘try hard’.

Knitwear

Jeans

A round-necked jumper in grey or camel and one in black or navy is the best starting point for knitwear. Add into this collection, a longer, chunky knit cardigan (or coatigan – a cross between a coat and a cardigan) and a fitted cardigan in either of the above colours and you have the basics.

The jumpers can be layered over dresses, worn with jeans, trousers or a skirt and accessorized with scarves or necklaces to create a multitude of different looks. Or – if layering is not your thing – why not put either a white or patterned shirt underneath for a slightly smarter look?

Similarly a basic, snugly fitting cardigan is a great wardrobe basic. My tip is not to buy these too big or too long. They look better sitting just on the waist and when they’re form fitting. Use them undone over a dress or do them up and wear them more like a jumper. Alternatively they can be used to bring attention to your waist by just doing up the middle button, creating a sexy silhouette!

Every woman should have at least two pairs of jeans in their wardrobe too.

Again, one pair for day and one more formal evening pair.

Skinny jeans are probably the most versatile in terms of style. They can be worn under a tunic or dress and are actually incredibly flattering on women of most sizes (albeit that mostly no one gets to see what’s underneath these dresses and tunics and they create the illusion of a smooth silhouette!). Similarly they look good with a slightly longer jumper or shirt (which, again, cover a multitude of sins!). They can come with lots of stretch and high waistbands too which make them surprisingly comfortable.

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Accessories

Every woman should own pearls – or at least fake pearls! Be it earrings, a necklace or a bracelet, pearls are as classic as they are timeless and are always in fashion.

Coupled with a couple of colourful statement necklaces, some chandelier and more daytime earrings, these can make a huge difference to your wardrobe and can transform the simple into the wow! Accessories are an excellent way of bringing fashion into a classic wardrobe base by using up-to-the-minute colours, textures and styles.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Unravel Your Potential changing career? feeling stressed?

looking to improve your work life balance? retirement or redundancy?

Working with a life skills coach can help you reach your full potential

Book your first session today: Call: 07763 380357 Email: skillscoach@icloud.com www.dougstewart.consulting

Happy New Year!

10% off making up and all showroom orders: fabric wallpaper trimmings furniture flooring lighting soft furnishings and lots more.

Promotion ends 31st January

BARBER LOUNGE OFFER

Don’t miss out on our BIG SALE in Lyddington Village Hall 8 - 9 January 2016 Stay tuned on our social media pages and website for updates

tuesday to saturday

PLEASE CALL 01572 757137 or visit us at Church Street, Oakham

www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk 01572 722 345 showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 27 Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA

williamwheelwright.co.uk 11

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Who Else Wants to Drop up to 40lbs of ugly FAT in 6 months If you are a busy professional female juggling work and life our holistic Reshape program is developed just for YOU. Our16wk program will help you : Feel Energised, Toned & Terrific Feel Sexy again in your Body & Clothes Wake up every Day feeling full of energy Get compliments again about your body ...Best of all - Keep the weight OFF!

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“I still cannot believe what I have achieved so far. It just all seemed to happen and before I knew it, I was a new person. I realised that it really isn’t as hard to lose weight as I thought it would be - working ha by eating clean, staying hard on top and exercising. It’s safe to say BodyFitness has changed my life” Millie

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Is it time to re-discover your hearing?

Missing the odd word during the conversation?

Having to turn the TV up?

If these situations sound familiar you may benefit from a free hearing assessment.

Healthy Hearing are your local hearing experts. With many years of experience we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive hearing healthcare service and finding the best solutions for your needs.

Call us for: • Free expert hearing advice • Free lifestyle hearing assessments • Free trials of the latest digital hearing aid technology • Home visits available

Call us today for your FREE hearing assessment

01572 759555 Oakham Hearing Centre, 17b Gaol Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AQ

With our help your hearing can only get better.

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

You Are What You Eat We all know that getting enough exercise is the key to achieving a good body but few people understand the vital role that nutrition has to play. Catherine Varney asks the professionals for their diet advice and how you can change your health for good

DIET AND EXERCISE: Been slogging it out on the treadmill for the past few weeks and have nothing to show for it? You’re not alone. There’s a reason why one type of exercise doesn’t fit all and Steve Rutherford-Bate, owner of Body Fitness in Market Harborough offers a holistic approach to achieving your health goals which takes into account physical conditioning, rest and recuperation, supported nutrition, hormonal factors and much more. Steve told me: “The human body is made up of a structure of systems that all rely on one another for your body to function at its best. It does not matter what your health and fitness goals might be, all of your systems must function at optimal levels if you want to burn body fat, lose weight, re-shape your body or manage any health dysfunction. It’s not as simple as just exercising. There are a number of health systems in your body that include your hormonal, neurological, digestive and muscular system that when optimised will help your body reach Peak Physical Condition. Before you do a single workout, we take a highly-detailed assessment of the function of all your health systems, which helps us then design a bespoke, personalised programme for you that is guaranteed to help you lose weight, burn body fat and improve your fitness levels at an accelerated speed.”

Popular Personal Training expert, Anthony Gray who has recently opened his own Fitness Studio in Uppingham, AG Fitness, offers a unique opportunity to re-evaluate your whole approach to food and fitness. Ant provides an exclusive and completely private environment for clients to receive one-to-one personal training with nutritional programmes designed to meet the needs of each individual. He told me: “I train clients of all ages and abilities – in fact, the greater the challenge the better as far as I am concerned.” One client commented: “I had been training in gyms and classes for years and thought I knew what I was doing until my first session with Ant where I found out I had been focused on completely the wrong approach. After just twelve weekly personal training sessions I had lost ten pounds and completely altered my body shape.”

Rob Willcocks offers personal training and fitness classes at BEfit Performance Centre in Oakham. He told me: “As a fitness coach and nutritional adviser I get a lot of questions about diets from young athletes desperate to get to single digit body fat percentage, to middle-aged men and women who want to shed a few pounds for their summer holiday. The truth is, there are different schools of thought, lots of conflicting advice and so many trendy solutions promising to solve every problem but there’s no onesize-fits-all solution. A helpful response for a 20-year-old ruby prop could be detrimental for a 40-year-old mother. That’s why I don’t really have a diet philosophy. Instead, I have a personal, case sensitive approach, one that helps clients find the best diet for them. One that takes into account their small (but still important) physical and biochemical differences and their lifestyle differences, including: family, life demands, stress levels, work situation, income level, environmental pollutants, food availability, cooking experience and knowledge and much more.”

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY IF YOU NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP: Sometimes people find that with the best will in the world, they are unable to change their eating patterns on their own. And this is where surgical intervention can provide an alternative option. Dr Chris Sutton is a consultant weight loss surgeon working at the Spire Hospital in Leicester and told me: “The majority of our patients are selfreferrals who feel they have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without success. I see people with BMI’s ranging from 27 up to the more extreme 100, some of whom are yo-yo dieters, often falling back into the same routine and ending up weighing more than they did originally. I offer a number of surgical and nonsurgical options including the gastric balloon, gastric band, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and revisional procedures (converting one operation to another or amending an operation if a patient has gained weight). I will discuss all of the available options with the patient and decide together with them which would be the most suitable. Sometimes a temporary solution such as the non-surgical gastric balloon which is in place for up to 6 months is all that is needed or it may be that a permanent endoscopic sleeve surgery is required which uses sutures along the entire stomach length, creating a sleeve and reducing gastric volume to ensure they can never consume vast quantities of food again. Throughout, we offer counselling to the patients and afterwards, we offer a comprehensive care package to ensure the patient’s weight loss and health is continually monitored. They are serious procedures which aren’t an easy option – but they do work and can offer light at the end of the tunnel for people who have struggled with their weight for years.”

I

f you are looking for body-shaping rather than drastic weight-loss then pay a visit to the Chaelis Clinic in Kettering where they offer 3D Lipo - the latest in body contouring and a noninvasive alternative to surgery. There are three main treatments on offer which promise different levels of results, depending on the clients’ areas of concern and requirements. The latest method is 3D Cryolipolysis which uses cold temperatures to freeze fat cells, thus destroying them. It’s a one-off treatment and can remove between 2040% of fat cells for good and results are seen over a period of 2-6 months so ideal for clients who have specific problem areas. Clients with at least 3cm of fat to lose would benefit from 3D-Cavitation which tackles deeper levels of fat for permanent removal. It works particularly well on the abdomen, flanks, legs and buttocks: the course is 8 treatments in duration with the inch loss progressively increasing. For the lucky few who don’t have an inch to pinch and just want to smooth cellulite and tighten slack skin on face and body, 3D-Radio Frequency gives very good results lasting a few months after 6-8 weekly treatments. All 3D Lipo treatments can be followed by 3D Dermology which aids lymphatic drainage, increases blood circulation and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Prices vary between treatments and the initial consultation is free, so book now – you have nothing to lose (except those inches!)

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FOOD NO-NOs

Steve Rutherford-Bate from Body Fitness explains the foods you should avoid: Wheat and Gluten – known to slow down metabolism because it interferes with the digestive system.

Dairy products (except eggs and full fat live yogurt) Alcohol - quite simply, alcohol is nutrient deficient, high in calories and completely counterproductive to what you are trying to achieve plus it increases acidity in your cells. You don’t need it!

Sugar - any sugar in a processed state that you consume plays havoc with your blood sugar levels because it causes insulin to be released by the body. Insulin is a fat storage hormone, meaning it tells your body to convert any excess sugars to body fat.

Processed foods - all processed foods have been stripped of nutrient content and had artificial flavourings and chemicals added to them which will damage the health of your cells.

Caffeine - the reason why you feel as if you need caffeine is that you are probably eating some or most of the above so you need caffeine hit to get you through the day. However, caffeine gradually wears down your adrenal glands meaning that you have massive energy fluctuations and resort to quick fix sugary foods that further disrupt your blood sugars and increase your body’s fat storage.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT INSTEAD? Fill up on vegetables, salads, free range or organic poultry, fish, organic red meat, vegetables that are high in protein such as quinoa, legumes, pulses, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, tofu and chick peas. These will be great for ensuring your muscle-building protein requirements and give you all the essential amino acids you would need to function. This, along with fresh water, will clean up the quality of the fluids in your cells and seriously kick-start your metabolism.

DIRECTORY: Anthony Gray Fitness, Tel: 07739 355997, Facebook: Anthony Gray-Fitness Body Fitness, Archway House, Lubenham Hill, LE16 9SZ, Market Harborough, Tel: 01858 410820, www.bodyfitnesspt.com Rob Willcocks, Tel: 07531 047239, Facebook: Rob Willcocks PT BEfit Performance Centre Chaelis Clinic, Sten Beren, Main Street, Lowick, Kettering, NN14 3BH, Tel: 01832 733811, www.chaelis.co.uk Spire Healthcare Clinic, Archway House, Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough.

Appt only on Tel: 0116 265 3021

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS Specialising in treating: • Low self-esteem and loss of confidence • Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking • Anxieties, phobias, obsessions

and ruminations • Significant life events, trauma,

nightmares, flashbacks • Attachment and relationship difficulties • Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) • Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556 www.psychologistuk.co.uk Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Practitioner

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE Church Street Practice, Melton Mowbray LE13 0PN

Before

Results Making the National Headlines…

3D- Lipo.

After

The Latest technology in body coutouring.

Using cryolipolysis (fat freezing), cavitation (ultrasound technology) and RF (radio frequency techniques) 3D-Lipo is a powerful new dimension in permanent non-surgical fat removal, cellulite treatment and skin tightening for face and body.

Treatment is pain-free with no down time, and with immediate results.

New Year New Skin Feed & Fortify Your Skin

Environ Skin Analysis Sessions on 12th January & 10th February Call us today for more details

EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. For more information please visit our website or contact us:

We are the specialists

www.chaelis.co.uk - info@chaelis.co.uk - 01832 733811 Sten Beren, Lowick, Kettering, Northants. NN14 3BH

NaomiNailsBeauty.co.uk 01858 657001 15

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CL U B S & SO CI E TI E S

Silver Swans

Isabella Hamnett meets ex-professional ballerina Nicky Morris at the new dance studios in Oakham

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PHOTOS: ELLI DEAN PHOTOGRAPHY, TEL: 07932 055548, WWW.ELLIDEANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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n what is being hailed as ‘The Silver Swan’ effect in the national media, more and more over-50s and pensioners are taking to the barre in ballet classes specifically targeted for their generation.

Some were dancers in the youth but many are complete beginners. Traditionally associated with younger men and women, ballet has many health benefits, including balance, core strength, motor skills, improved memory and concentration. For the ‘Silver Swans’ it has been seen to stave off dementia and dramatically improve everyday aches and pains.

The twelve students attending Nicky Morris’s weekly ballet class in Sarah Gott’s gorgeously intimate Oakham Studios are a testament to the wonders of ballet. Nicky herself was trained at The Royal Ballet School and went on to pursue a classical career. She has been running the class for the year and half since the studios first opened their doors. Inspired by her neighbour, who had developed secondary cancer, Nicky began the class to combine her friend’s love of music and creativity with exercise and since then the class has grown purely based on word of mouth. Nicki, the class’s original ‘muse’ still attends now, stating that it is her ‘favourite thing to do,’ above and beyond drawing, painting and singing. What is perhaps most incredible is that whilst Nicki cannot stand for extended periods of time, she is able to do this hour long ballet class without once sitting down.

Nicky describes the class as self-healing and incredibly supportive of every ability. This is perhaps the most surprising element of the older generation studying ballet - beyond the obvious health benefits, the class acts as serious therapy for most, if not all, its students.

This extends into the hour’s coffee and cake after the class, which is hosted convivially by Sarah in the ground floor café (which also serves as a pottery painting workshop). Over delightful enamel mugs of fresh coffee, the women form a camaraderie that is seldom seen with any ordinary aerobics class.

The environment that Nicky and Sarah have created is secure and safe, allowing women from all walks of life, and with very different characters, to develop new skills and also to have an outlet for any emotional issues that they may be undergoing at home.

The nurturing atmosphere means that these women, none connected by anything greater than this weekly class, find themselves sharing their lives. Each week may see an emotional outpouring, whether that be laughter or tears, that can be utterly transformative for each and every single student. This occurs both during and after the classes, often instigated by a particular piece of music – the music ranges from everything from 1960s’ pop to classical – and is a way for these women to both lose and

find themselves.

One of the youngest students, Camille, describes the class as her ‘anchor.’ This young French mother of 2 used to bring her baby to the class and Sarah would babysit whilst Camille danced.

Camille found this ballet class to be complete escapism, and a welcome relief from having to concentrate on speaking English all the time.

Other advocates include Liz and Elizabeth, who both grew up longing to be ballet dancers, with posters on their walls, voraciously reading ballet annuals and novels, but who never had the chance to realise their dream until now. ‘Life got in the way,’ says Elizabeth, ‘I was a wife, mother, grandmother… and now it is a dream come true.’ And for everyone else, the Oakham Dance Studios really do offer something for everyone of every age. Why not call in for a coffee - you may just find yourself dancing?

• Oakham Dance Studios, 38A Melton Road Oakham Rutland United Kingdom LE15 6AY, 01572 724047 www.oakhamstudios.co.uk Nicky Morris teaches other dance classes throughout Rutland, contact her at nicolamorris66@hotmail.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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SEAN HOP E C O O K S

Keep Your Spirits Up A

t this time of year we all need a little pick-me-up every now and again. Never mind giving up booze and calorific foods in January – this is the time of year we need them the most – short days, long night, plummeting temperatures! With that in mind, here’s The Olive Branch’s guide to some of the finest spirits money can buy, plus a cocktail recipe to make sure the first month of 2016 goes with a fizz. Most of these bottles are available to buy in our Pub Shop, while the cocktails are available at The Olive Branch bar.

1) CARDENAL MENDOZA ANGELUS SEVILLE ORANGE & BRANDY LIQUOR Cardenal Mendoza Angelus is an orange liqueur made by Bodegas Sanches Romate in Jerez, Andalucia. The colour is clear mahogany with a touch of amber. Taste it and you’ll experience delicate citrus, spice notes and sweet dried fruit aromas with hints of bitter oranges. We combine it with Spanish Cava at The Olive Branch to create a warming winter cocktail.

2) WARNER EDWARDS GINS Distilled down the road on Falls Farm in Harrington, Northamptonshire, Tom Warner and Sion Edwards have done amazingly well since launching in 2012. And for good reason – their gins, which comprise Dry, Elderflower, Rhubarb and Sloe – are wonderful. The range of botanicals they use creates a unique flavour and a silky smooth gin.

3) MELTON MOWBRAY SLOE GIN This most local of drinks is made by Sloeberry Spirits, who are based on Northfield Farm in Cold Overton on the Leicestershire/Rutland border. The sloes are picked from hedgerows around Melton Mowbray each year and the result is a winter warmer that has won a gold star in the Great Taste Awards.

4) NIKKA TAKETSURU PURE MALT This Japanese blended malt has hints of plums, vanilla and coffee, which come out during the 10 year ageing process, when it is left to mature in a variety of different cask types, including some sherry wood for extra richness. It is dry and characterful, with a lovely smoky undertone. Next time you’re tempted to order a whisky, give it a try – the Japanese can certainly give the Scots a run for their money these days.

5) LUSTAU BRANDY Lustau Brandy is made in Spain with sherry grapes. It is beautifully complex, thanks in part to it being aged for 10 years in 40-50 year old oak casks that previously contained Amontillado and Oloroso Sherry. The colour is copper colour with dark golden tones and the flavours are walnut and nougat, with toffee background and some sweet spices in the nose.

6) RL SEALE’S FINEST AGED BARABADOS RUM The RL Seale distillery is located in the south of Barbados and its Finest Aged Barbados Rum is possibly the best winter warmer possible, bringing to mind warm breezes, white sandy beaches and a much-needed reminder of summer. This rum has a big body but a light vanilla accent that comes from the oak.

Lunch For Even Less 2016 The Olive Branch and our sister pub The Red Lion Inn at Stathern, along with seven other local eateries, are running ‘Lunch for Even Less’ offers starting this month. The others are The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham; The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington; Hambleton Hall near Oakham; Hart’s in Nottingham; Langar Hall in Langar; The Wicked Witch in Ryhall; and The Wheatsheaf in Greetham. The Olive Branch offer runs from January 11 to March 31 (two courses for £16.50) and The Red Lion Inn from January 12 to March 31 (two courses for £13.50). All the other venues have slightly different pricing and dates – check each website for details.

18

Olive Branch co-owner Ben Jones guides you to some warming tipples of exquisite quality…

And now… a bacon cocktail?

Yes, you read that correctly. We are now serving a bacon cocktail at The Olive Branch to a recipe created by our exbarman, mixologist Craig Paterson. Next time you’re in, give it a try!

FAT WASH WHISKY (OR BOURBON) WITH BACON 1) Cook five or six strips of good quality bacon.

2) Drain 42g of the hot/warm grease from the bacon into a widemouth jar.

3) Add 750ml of bourbon – we used Maker’s Mark.

4) Let the infusion sit for about four hours so the flavours can infuse and the solution can cool to room temperature. Then put the jar in the freezer.

5) After at least two hours in the freezer, the bacon fat will congeal on top, leaving a clear bourbon liquid on the bottom.

6) Take a spoon and break a hole in the hard bacon fat.

7) Strain the bourbon CREDIT: ROBIN STEWART through a cocktail strainer.

Then strain again through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to get all the bacon fat chunks out.

8) Serve and enjoy!

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.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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2387 ORC-Full Page Full Service Stamford Living Advert_ORC-Full Page Full Service Stamford Living Advert 20/02/2015 12:25 Page 1

Windows | Doors | Garden Rooms | Orangeries | Conservatories | Kitchens From the initial design consultation right through to the fitting of your windows, doors and kitchen, Orchard will ensure the quality of service you receive is second to none!

Visit one of our showrooms to see more‌ Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Showroom Opening Times

01780 481 850 orchardkitchens@live.co.uk www.orchardstamford.co.uk

01780 753 343 orchardwindows@live.co.uk www.orchardwindows.co.uk

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Saturday: Windows 9am - 1pm Kitchens 9am - 3pm

22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ

1 Meadow View, Uffington Road Stamford, PE9 2EX 19

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MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

Country Inn and Restaurant

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

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

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.

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 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

Friday Lunchtime Special

2 Portions of Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas for £10

• Fully tailor-made and refined menu • Advance menu tasting • Fixed price quotation • Site visit included • Pay bar and Bar staff available • Supply your own wine – no corkage charges

Tue, Wed, Thur 12pm – 11pm (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Fri, Sat 12pm – 12am (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sun 12pm – 6pm (Food 12.30pm – 3pm).Closed Mondays

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882

LAST ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD IS STOPPED SERVING

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

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

New Sunday set menu x2 delicious courses for just £16.50 or x3 courses for £19.50!

Enjoy our tasty all fresh seasonal menus with a twist served every day!

Our Lunch menu ~ Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm Dinner Menu ~ Mon-Thurs 6-9pm and 6-9.30 Friday & Saturday! Not forgetting our hugely popular Traditional Sunday Lunches served 12-5 every Sunday - not to be missed!

To help beat the January blues book a table for dinner Monday-Wednesday throughout January and enjoy 10% off your bill! *terms and conditions apply. *you need to present this advert (voucher) to your server on the day and one voucher can only be used per table. The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and food has to be ordered from the main a la carte menu.

All new Sunday menu!

New Sunday set menu x2 delicious courses for just £16.50 or x3 courses for £19.50!

01604 847351

23 Brixworth Road, Spratton, Northants, NN6 8HH

@b23kingshead

kingsheadspratton.co.uk

/brasserie23atthekingshead

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www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

what’s on barnsdale lodge ~ january ~

Wedding Open Day Sunday 31st January 2016 between 11am and 3pm

Fort Henry

The open day will showcase Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Exton Hall and Rutland’s newest and most unique wedding venue, Fort Henry, as well as featuring a number of other independent, bespoke wedding suppliers, to help you plan your special day.

Entry is free, with a complimentary glass of fizz.

Burns Night ~ January 2016 ~

The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham

Join us for our 2016 Burns Night on Saturday 23rd January 2016. ~

£28.00 per person to include...

4 course meal, a traditional piper, readings of Robert Burns’ poems and Celidh dancing. ~

Special accommodation rates available to anyone attending Burns’ Night £75.00 B&B based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room.

Single rooms available for £65.00 B&B

Award Winning Country Pub Michelin Bib Gourmand Award 2012, 2013 & 2014 Melton Times Business Award Best Eating Experience 2011 & 2014 Countryside Alliance Awards - Highly Commended 2013

Exquisite Locally Sourced Food  Cask Ales  Fine Wines

01572 787587

www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk

The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH tel: 01572 724678 enquiries@barnsdalelodge.co.uk 21

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Showroom: Unit 4, Cherryholt Lane, Stamford, PE9 2EQ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

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SK RO

BRIDGE THE

EA T I NG O UT

The Northwick Arms, Ketton Sandra and Kiernan Darnell, along with Chewie, their Basset hound, provided a warm welcome on a chilly evening when Alysia Anderson and friends visited the refurbished Northwick Arms recently

T

HE Darnells had been running a pub in Spalding but were attracted by the joint charms of Ketton and the 200-year-old building. “We really liked both the quaint pub and the village,” said Sandra. The couple threw themselves into the pub’s refurbishment last year, doing most of the work themselves. The result is a clean, fresh interior with a central bar dividing the dining area on the right, lined with chunky wooden tables and the more casual drinking corner on the left. The latter is furnished with cottage-kitchen chairs and tables, although we felt it needed a couple of squashy armchairs to encourage drinkers to linger over their Oakham Grainstore beers. No doubt Sandra is on the case, however, as she and Kiernan are continuing to improve the pub.

Not only have they added an upstairs function

room hosting everything from dances to film showings but are also extending the kitchen and employing an additional chef ready for midJanuary.

Kiernan, a chef since he was 16, likes to use local produce in his cooking and our dishes were certainly full of flavour. My starter of mini fishcakes came with home-made tartare sauce and nut-strewn salad leaves while others enjoyed a generous slab of pork and chicken liver pâté on soda toast. Main courses were equally well proportioned and my slow-cooked Lincolnshire beef bourguignon, bathed in a rich Merlot gravy was tasty and tender. Accompanying vegetable dishes included broccoli gratin, buttered carrots and dauphinoise potatoes: just the ticket on a cold

night. My neighbour declared her aubergine, tomato and courgette melanzane, prettily presented in a row of colourful discs, one of the nicest aubergine dishes she’d ever had. I then succumbed to the Northwick’s slab of steamed date sticky pudding in smoky toffee sauce, easily large enough to share, while others chose a chocolate marquise with pistachio and chilli brittle.

At two courses for £14.50 and with reasonably-priced wines sourced from Amps, the Northwick Arms is a welcome and affordable addition to Ketton’s High Street.

• The Northwick Arms, High Street, Ketton, Tel: 01780 720238, www.thenorthwickarms.com

LUNCH FOR EVEN LESS 2016 2 Course Lunch from £12.95 3rd Course from £2.50 Nine Local Top Restaurants Team Up to offer a fine lunch at an especially low price.

Valid Monday to Saturday, the offer is variable to each restaurant.

To make your reservation, please call the restaurant of your choice and quote the ‘Lunch for Even Less’ offer. Subject to availability.

The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham 2 courses for £12.95 (3rd course for £4.00) Offer Valid - Wednesday, 20th January to Thursday, 24th March Closed on Mondays Tel: 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk

Langar Hall, Langar 2 courses for £17.50 (3rd course for £5.00) Offer Valid - Monday, 11th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Saturdays, Good Friday & Easter Monday Tel: 01949 860559 www.langarhall.co.uk

The Red Lion Inn, Stathern 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £3.00) Offer Valid - Tuesday, 12th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Good Friday & closed on Mondays Tel: 01949 860868 www.theredlioninn.co.uk

Hambleton Hall, Nr. Oakham 2 courses for £26.00 (3rd course for £6.50) (Including 12.5% discretionary service) Offer Valid – Monday, 18th January to Friday, 26th February Excluding Saturdays Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com

The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £2.50) Offer Valid - Monday, 4th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Good Friday & Easter Monday Tel: 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall 2 courses for £14.95 (3rd course for £3.00) Offer Valid - Tuesday, 19th January to Saturday, 2nd April Closed on Mondays Tel: 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk

Hart’s, Nottingham 2 courses for £16.00 (3rd course for £5.00) (Excluding 12.5% discretionary service) Offer Valid - Monday, 4th January to Friday, 26th February Tel: 0115 9881900 www.hartsnottingham.co.uk

The Olive Branch, Clipsham 2 courses for £16.50 (3rd course for £3.50) Offer Valid - Monday, 11th January to Thursday, 31st March Excluding Good Friday & Easter Monday Tel: 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com

The Wheatsheaf, Greetham 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £2.50) Offer Valid - Tuesday, 19th January to Thursday, 31st March Closed on Mondays (open Easter Monday, closed Tuesday, 29th March) Tel: 01572 812325 www.wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk

T

he Kings Head, Spratton are running a10% off voucher throughout January to beat those January blues on the Lunch Menu ~ Mon-Wed 122.30pm and the Dinner Menu ~ Mon-Wed 6-9pm.

There is also an offer on the popular Sunday menu: 2 courses for £16.50 or 3 courses for £19.50. All homemade, using the freshest seasonal local produce with all the trimmings.

The Kings Head, Spratton, 23 Brixworth Road, Spratton, Northants, NN6 8HH, Tel: 01604 847351, www.kingsheadspratton.co.uk

Lake Isle Restaurant 16 High St East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeislehotel.co.uk The Lake Isle has a fabulous ‘Dining for Less’ offer to get 2016 going: a 3-course lunch or dinner, all for just £16.50.

Call them now to book your table for any Monday to Thursday evenings and Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes, (5th January to 20th February) quoting ‘Dining for Less’.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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

Some of the Region’s Best?

Matt Wright drills into Great Food Club members’ recommendations to find out which places are impressing the most…

W

HENEVER someone signs up to Great Food Club online, we ask them if they have a favourite independent local pub, restaurant, farm shop or deli. With over 7,500 members and around 50 new people joining each week, it’s fair to say that we have a good idea which venues are impressing local foodies the most. This is a different data set to our 1,700 awards votes (cast in summer 2015) because this is from people who haven’t visited our website to deliberately vote for someone, rather they have recommended the first place that sprang to mind while signing up.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to see which places in the Stamford, Rutland and Market Harborough areas have been recommended the most.

In Stamford, The Tobie Norris and The George are battling it out for top spot with 27 and 23 individual recommendations respectively. Following close behind is The Fine Food Store with 16, and then there are several places on single figures, namely Cloisters, The Crown and The Mad Turk.

In Rutland and Market Harborough, The Olive Branch in Clipsham is way out in front – in fact it leads the entire Great Food Club league table – with 64 separate recommendations. Also doing well is The King’s Arms at Wing (13), Ascough’s in Market Harborough (11), Hambleton Hall (10), the recently re-opened Fox & Hounds at Exton (8), The Wheatsheaf in Greetham (8), The Lord Nelson in Oakham (7), The Marquess of Exeter at Lyddington (6) and Barnsdale Lodge (5).

Looking slightly further afield, The Red Lion at Stathern is clearly impressing many, with 47 separate recommendations. And so is The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham (27), Boboli in Kibworth Harcourt (22), The Chequers at Woolsthorpeby-Belvoir (21), Groovy Foods of Bourne (16) and Clarke’s of Peterborough (10).

Opposite is a table of some of Great Food Club’s most recommended independents in this magazine’s neck of the woods, plus a few leading lights from further afield.

Why not join Great Food Club yourself – it’s free – and recommend your favourite place? Go to www.greatfoodclub.co.uk/join

24

A dish photographed at The Olive Branch, the region’s most recommended venue by Great Food Club members. PHOTO: ROBIN STEWART

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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PLACE

LOCATION

NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Olive Branch

Clipsham

64

Gonalston Farm Shop

Gonalston

49

Red Lion

Stathern

47

Berkeley Arms

Wymondham

27

Hammer & Pincers

Wymeswold

27

Tobie Norris

Stamford

27

The George

Stamford

23

Boboli

Kibworth Harcourt

22

Chequers

Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir

21

Lighthouse

Kibworth Beauchamp

19

Fine Food Store

Stamford

16

Groovy Foods

Bourne

16

Hart’s

Nottingham

14

Joiner’s Arms

Bruntingthorpe

14

King’s Arms

Wing

13

Delilah

Nottingham

12

Harker’s Farm Shop

Clipston-on-the-Wolds

12

Ascough’s

Market Harborough

11

Doddington Hall

Doddington

11

Farndon Fields Farm Shop

Market Harborough

11

The Grey Lady

Newtown Linford

11

Tom Browns

Gunthorpe

11

Clarke's

Peterborough

10

Golden Fleece

South Croxton

10

Hambleton Hall

Hambleton

10

Curzon Arms

Woodhouse Eaves

8

The Fox & Hounds

Exton

8

Jackson Stops

Stretton

8

Wheatsheaf

Greetham

8

Cholmeley Arms

Burton Coggles

7

Iberico

Nottingham

7

Lord Nelson

Oakham

7

Baker’s Arms

Thorpe Langton

6

The Crown

Stamford

6

Delice

Loughborough

6

Garage Bakehouse

Market Harborough

6

Marquess of Exeter

Lyddington

6

Fosse Meadows Farm wins UK award

I

t’s always great to hear about a local producer doing well. So I was happy to find out that Fosse Meadows Farm of North Kilworth, Leicestershire, has been named Best Small Meat Producer for its free-range chicken by national magazine Good Housekeeping. The producer is a traditional free-range poultry farm that rears slow-reared Cotswold White and Cotswold Gold chickens and cockerels.

Good Housekeeping cookery director Meike Beck wrote: “Just five minutes after I put a Fosse Meadows Farm chicken in to roast, I could already smell that it was going to be good… A real, quality bird with an intensely tempting aroma…

This, coupled with the care and ethics behind the farm’s poultry rearing, means we’re proud to award it this prize. We highly recommend trying its plump, succulent birds,” Fosse Meadows Farm owners Nick Ball and Jacob Sykes were delighted by the news. “It’s fantastic,” said Nick. “We’re so pleased that Good Housekeeping readers and the expert judging panel voted for our slow-grown free-range chicken as having the best for taste and quality.”

Fosse Meadows produces heritage-breed chickens, cockerels and turkeys. You can buy them from the Fosse Meadows Farm website and Great Food Club members and Stamford/Rutland Living readers can get 10% off using the code ‘CLUB’ when ordering online.

PHOTO: ANDREW BRACKENBURY

GREAT FOOD CLUB HANDBOOK 2016 OUT NOW! The 100-page Great Food Club Handbook 2016 is now available to buy for £4.25 including postage. It’s a handbag- or glovebox-sized publication with one simple aim: to guide you to some of the best independent restaurants, pubs, farm shops, breweries, food producers, delis and cafes in the Midlands. Laid out in an A-Z format with an easyto-use map index, it features 160 must-visit independents. You can order online at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk/mag

About the writer

Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodclub.co.uk, a Leicestershire-based website that celebrates and promotes local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2016 is out now

Join Great Food Club – free of charge – and discover the very best local food and drink Members can enjoy special offers at over 220 handpicked independent local pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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15/12/2015 12:35

Stylish and Inspirational

LIGHTING

design schemes and consultancy

1 South Street Oakham LE15 6BG

(come and visit our showroom on the corner of mill street and south street)

t: 01572 724600 w: lumisonlighting.co.uk

ORANGERIES, CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS, DOORS AND VERANDAS Visit our showhome at: Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm Weekends by appointment only

01780 400 500

ahorangeries.co.uk

Let the outside in SEE YOUR HOME IN A NEW LIGHT

26

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RY S UA R N E JA OFF

Out with the old... ...and in with the brand new flooring that’s going to transform your home for 2016!

Choose from a wide range of quality carpets, wood flooring, laminates and luxury vinyl tiles at very special prices.

Up to 40% off Carpets & Luxury Vinyl Tiles 10% off all Wood & Laminates 10% off all Vinyls Try before you buy with our free sample loan Free Fitting on all carpets* Visit Barefoot Flooring now - fantastic service from people who know floors.

FREE ESTIMATES & FREE FITTING Open: Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 4pm

|

Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland

01572 759752 | www.barefoot-flooring.biz

Y

M R O A EW O U N WREBR O F SHENS P O

From February 1st Barefoot are opening a brand new showroom. So you’ll soon be able to discover beds, divans and mattresses by leading manufacturers like Somnus and Hestia.

Visit in Feb and ask us how you can create a luxury, handmade bed that’ll match your personal décor ideas perfectly.

BAREFOOT STEPS INTO

THE BEDROOM

Beds@Barefoot are all backed by the personal service, commitment to competitive pricing and familybusiness touch that our flooring customers enjoy. So there are no sleepless nights when you buy our beds.

FREE ESTIMATES & FREE FITTING Open: Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 4pm | Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland

01572 759752 | www.barefoot-flooring.biz 27

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DESI G N SOL U TI O N S

Shape-Up for 2016 Shape and colour are strong Trends for 2016 and an exciting way to rejuvenate a tired room.

Nicola Hardy expounds

T

HE living room always manages to look a little bedraggled post-Christmas festivities mostly due to the aftermath of the tree, decorations and visitors. As well as a good thorough clean I’m often tempted to update and refresh certain elements to bring it back to life. The sales are a good place to start looking for replacements and you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve an inspired and creative makeover. Cushions, or simply buying or making new covers, are an effective way to revamp your sofa but don’t make the mistake of overcrowding it. Consider the depth of your sofa as well as the length. If you have to kick a couple of cushions off to sit comfortably, then you have too many! Look for directional designs that’ll add tonal or contrasting colour, pattern and texture.

MOROCCAN/ARTISAN 1

Fabniki

KIRA (Aqua) - Zoffany Veranda Trellis wallpaper 2 Kamala table lamp - Lumison 3 Knitted pouff - John Lewis 4&5 Hand loomed Artisan throws and rugs 6 Globally influenced colours and patterns for cushions 7 SURIN printed Ikat wallpaper Sanderson 8 Rug - Oakham Rugs

Fabniki

C

ushions don’t need to match but they should relate in palette or style so your room feels unified, unless you want a deliberate eclectic mis-matched look. Contrasting textures create warmth and are visually appealing.

Chunky knitted cushions, faux fur and suede work well on leather chairs, while ethnic embroideries, artisan weaves and brushed velvet are fabulous on linen.

I have picked two colour ways - the first is Moroccan/Artisan with a subtle earthy palette, the second, Optic/Geometric, in bold brights.

28

P

atterns and surfaces inspired by Moroccan tiles are a warm soulful spin on geometrics.

The focus here is on hand spun textiles made by indigenous artisans the world over. Don’t be afraid to mix local and global crafted goods, vintage finds and mass produced items. Harness the power of textiles to create a colourful, warm and unique environment.

Metallic lustre is strong within this trend - try swapping an old lamp base with a lovely copper one. Shimmering metallics can be found in textiles too so keep an eye out for them.

Introduce organic shaped hand-crafted pottery in biscuit and turquoise shades - source from local potters and galleries.

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OPTIC 1 Harlequin Array Striped Throw John Lewis 2 Optic rug - John Lewis 3 Polygon Tealight holder - John Lewis 4 Selection of geometric towels 5 Vibrant patterned cushions 6 Black & white optic fabric 7 ELLIPSE Fabric - Sanderson

B

right and playful - This trend adds a sense of fun and draws from design influences of the sixties.

Create bold, statement-colour combinations, injecting geometric patterns in the form of rugs, throws and, of course, cushions. Blocks and splashes of colour, lively prints and colourful accent pieces will bring your space alive. Pay attention to different types of finishes for accessories. Colourful plastics can play a part in this theme. Too many strong shapes, however, can be difficult to relax in so be economical and add one or two into an overall scheme to give a contemporary edge. Also add some fresh green plants - from small tabletop ones to large luxurious tropical palms.

Where to get the look CUSHIONS & THROWS Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors, 27 Mill Street. Oakham LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 722345, www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors, 6 Market St, Uppingham LE15 9QH. Tel: 01572 823389, www. sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk Fabniki: www.Fabniki.com FOR RUGS & FOOTSTOOLS The Rug Studio, 2 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Tel: 01572 829927, www.therugstudio.co.uk Oakham Oriental Rugs, 6 the Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA. Tel: 01572 724441, www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk FOR POTTERY Goodwin and Belle, 11 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY Itch Gallery, 17A Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6QQ. Tel: 01572 755333. www.itchgallery.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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T RAVEL

A New Year, a New Adventure with the Kids

If the winter gloom is making you wish for an escape but the idea of travelling with small children is making you anxious then read on as Katie Mitchell asks some of our local travel experts where one should holiday with young children in 2016

imba “Fu n ti me s with Z 40 £ the Z e bra” R R P i. co. u k k ava ila ble at tru n

Hitting the slopes

“A maa aa aa azing” SnowFi nders

A little bit of sunshine goes a long way...

“There are some great family skiing and snowboarding holidays around this winter, with plenty of on and off-piste activities to keep the whole family happy,” explains Nick from Market Harborough based Snow-Finders. “When introducing your children to skiing for the first time, it is crucial to find the right resort for your family. Proximity to the slopes, snow quality, suitable terrain and a userfriendly lift system should all play their importance in your final decision and there are now some great companies who cater specifically for kids - including wrap around childcare, ski lessons and nannies, helping create the perfect, stress-free family ski holiday.”

When to go: If you can avoid the school holidays do so. March offers warmer days and longer hours of sunshine.

Nick’s recommendations for 2016: Consider La Rosiere, Avoriaz (both in the French Alps) or Obergurgl in Austria which offer great nursery slopes, kids facilities, shorter transfer times and a great introduction to family skiing.

Factor in: Taking children to the slopes involves a lot of clobber (skis, gloves, helmets...) so expect things to take rather longer than you remember.

Visit snowfinders.co.uk or call Tel: 01858 466888 for more information.

City Breaks City Breaks aren’t just for adults and although you might not be as fancy-free as pre-kids it is certainly do-able and can be fabulously fun.

How to get there? If you want to fly check out some of the budget airlines who fly locally. As a relatively small airport East Midlands Airport is nice and straightforward with children. There are also some great train offers for cities like London, York and Edinburgh especially if you get a Friends & Family Railcard and book ahead.

And it is worth knowing that under 4s are free on Eurostar (although be aware they have to sit on your lap).

Where to stay? Hotel rooms with small people can sometimes feel very, very small so it’s worth considering renting an apartment which gives additional space, facilities and could work out cheaper than a hotel. Some child friendly destinations to consider include Copenhagen (short flight, small enough to explore on foot, clean and green), Barcelona (beaches, parks and great food) and Rome (ice cream, pasta and a bit of Roman soldier spotting).

“Roman holiday...” Italy tr ip

“The trick to a successful holiday with young children is all in the planning,” says Helen Dooley of Uppingham and Stamford based More Travel. “The first question you need to ask yourself is how you want to spend your holiday, not where! Do you want to spend the time together having an adventure? Do you want to the children to be entertained whilst you relax or do you want a home from home?”

When to go: Let the temperatures guide you for example Dubai is much more manageable in the spring and the Caribbean is spot on from December till April.

Helen’s recommendations for 2016: If you are after a relaxing environment where you can enjoy a degree of privacy there are some fabulous properties that offer villa style accommodation with all the facilities of a 5* hotel. Domes of Elounda in Crete have 40 two and three bedroom villas all with private pools.

Children are treasured guests and the little details even extend to children’s bathrobes and slippers! The onsite store offers a wide selection of baby essentials that can even be delivered to the villa. For something a little further away the beautiful Six Senses Resort at Zighy Bay in Oman offers beautiful beachfront villas with sizeable pools. If a swanky hotel is more your style then consider Almyra in Paphos, Terre Blanche in Provence, Romanos in Costa Navarina which are all super family friendly. Further afield Carlisle Bay Antigua One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai are superb for family holidays. Club Med also stands out as a great option - this All Inclusive French company have a brilliant emphasis on family activities and childcare options.

Factor in: If you are going overseas check with your doctor at least two months before you leave to see if any vaccinations are required.

Visit: www.more-travel.co.uk for more information.

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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 Throughout December until Sunday 10 January 2016 FAMILY SHOW: The Witches This Christmas, Roald Dahl’s scariest book is brought to life in a tremendously terrifying treat for the whole family. Witches absolutely detest children. They find them revolting and are planning to wipe them out like weasels but one brave young boy and his grandmother have a plan to get rid of the witches for good… if only they can avoid being turned into mice. The show contains stupendously scary bits and is recommended for children aged 7 years plus and their brave grown-ups.

Tickets from £10 Curve, Leicester

Also at Curve throughout December and until Saturday 16 January 2016 MUSICAL THEATRE: Oliver!

Consider yourself in for a treat and book for the must see family favourite at Curve this year - Lionel Bart’s multi-award winning Oliver! Transport the family to Victorian London for this timeless tale about the boy who asks for more.

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel and starring Peter Polycarpou as Fagin, Oliver! has a sensational score including classics ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Where is Love’ and ‘I’d Do Anything.’

Tickets from £15 each.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased at the Box Office Tel: 0116 242 3595 or at www.curveonline.co.uk

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Friday 8 January, 7.30pm (doors at 6.45pm) EVENT: Lyddington Film Night This month’s film is ‘Selma’ – the unforgettable true story which chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when the revered leader and visionary Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition and prompted change that forever altered history.

Lyddington Village Hall Tickets are £5, doors open at 6.45pm, films start at 7.30pm. Snacks and water are available to buy but you can bring your own wine and beer. Everyone is welcome. For further information please contact Katherine Gregg on Tel: 01572 822296.

Tuesday 12 January, 7pm for 7.30pm TALK: Hardy Geraniums Julie Ritchie is this month’s specialist speaker at the Rutland Hardy Plant Society and will speak to the group about hardy geraniums.

Uppingham Methodist Church. Admission is £3 for members and £5 for non-members to include refreshments. All are welcome.

Jannuary, 9am to 4pm EVENT: Winter Wildfowl Day Ornithology expert Terry Mitcham will accompany a small group across Rutland Water Nature Reserve in search of some of the unusual wildfowl overwintering in Rutland.

Previous highlights have included the American Wigeon, Scaup, Eider and Great Northern Divers. A packed lunch is required.

Beginning at the Anglian Water Visitors Centre at Lyndon, places are £12 each with booking at www.rutlandwater.org.uk

Wednesday 13 January, 7pm for 7.30pm showing EVENT: Uppingham Film Night January’s film is ‘Love and Mercy’ (18) which tells the story of Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys.

Uppingham Town Hall £5 on the door. Home-made nibbles supplied, bring a bottle of whatever you enjoy and maybe a cushion to make you extra comfortable. where you can find details of all the events planned for this year, or Tel: 01572 770651.

Opera Minima Saturday 16 January, from 6.30pm EVENT: Opera Minima’s New Year Party – singing, sipping and supping. A congenial evening of cabaret entertainment to Minima’s usual high professional standard accompanied by good old hearty bangers and mash. Artists are bass Graham Stone, versatile tenor Patrick Ashcroft and the esteemed pianist Nicholas Bosworth.

Raffle and wine bar.

Great Easton Village Hall.

Tickets £15 from the Great Easton Village Shop or www.wegottickets.com/ operaminima For further information Tel: 01536 770298 Saturday 16 January, 7.30pm RECITAL: Angela Hewitt Angela will play sonatas by Scarlatti as well as pieces

by Bach and Beethoven.

Uppingham School Memorial Hall. Tickets £17.50/£15/£5 for students from the Box Offices Tel: 01572 820820 or Uppingham Sports and Books

Tuesday 9 February, 6pm to 8pm EVENT: Joules (Seconds) Sale A fundraising event for Church Langton Primary School with lots of fabulous Joules bargains to be snapped up. Joules womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and homeware all at amazing discounted prices.

Langton Community Hall, Church Langton (LE16 7SZ) with parking to the rear of the hall. Tickets £4 in advance (available from the school office) or £4.50 on the door

Patrick Ashcroft

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Angela Hewitt

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

in Recital

Saturday 16 January 2016, 7.30pm Uppingham School Memorial Hall “I know of no musician whose Bach playing on any instrument is of greater subtlety, beauty of tone, persuasiveness of judgement or instrumental command than Hewitt’s” (BBC Music Magazine) Sonatas by Scarlatti Bach: Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826 Beethoven: Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 81a (“Les Adieux”)

January Sale Leisure day with flotation treatment and lunch for two… £55.00 Relax and unwind and welcome the New Year with this fantastic sale offer.

Arrive and enjoy the full use of our leisure facilities, 22 metre pool, sauna, steam room and spa pools, a 30 minute shared flotation treatment and then a 2 course lunch for two.

(Due to health contraindications please check with the spa staff if you suffer from any medical conditions).

This is a limited offer, available 9.30am-6pm Tuesday-Friday throughout January and February 2016.

20% off any additional treatments when booked together with this offer.

Tickets: £17.50 Concessions: £15.00 Students: £5.00 Tickets available via Uppingham Theatre Box Office: 01572 820 820 online at www.wegottickets.co.uk, or in person at Uppingham Sports and Books

Call the spa to make your reservation now on 01572 771313

• This is a limited offer •

Nr Oakham | Rutland LE15 8AB www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

Tel: 01572 757901 33

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DE SI G N I NT E R I O R S

Detox Your Home!

With modern houses becoming better insulated (and more contained) and with current lifestyles using hard floors, modern furniture using pressed timbers and MDF containing formaldehyde and all upholstered beds and furniture in the UK having to pass stringent flame retardant standards using nasty chemicals, consumers are just not aware of the air quality that they are living in every day. Can we live healthier naturally?

T

HE answer is yes and the Wool Room, based in Rutland and with its store in Stamford, has some simple solutions and recommendations that will detox your home within hours. Wool and in particular British Wool has an amazing ability to absorb and lock away naturally occurring VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as Formaldehyde, Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide naturally.

These are toxins that are produced by everyday items such as hard floors, modern flat pack furniture, prefab constructions and boilers or stoves.

We spend over a third of our lives in bed and yet how much time do we spend on thinking about the environment that we sleep in. 5 million people in the UK are being treated with asthma and dust mite allergies, 75% of all couples sleep at two different temperatures resulting in poor sleep for one partner or the other with no solution being provided by typical bedding solutions, and we are all surrounded by an increasing volume of nasty chemicals as the world increases its use of synthetic fibres particularly in beds and mattresses. All of these will have an impact on how well we sleep at night.

The Wool Room is passionate about delivering the very healthiest night’s sleep and recommends taking the following steps to ensure that you give yourself the very best chance of waking up every day healthier and ready for the day ahead!

FIVE STEPS TO DETOXING YOUR BEDROOM: STEP 1 Look at investing in a 100% wool carpet. This is the equivalent to an indoor air purifier as it will lock away all those nasty VOCs within hours of being laid within your house and will maintain a healthy indoor environment for its life.

STEP 2 Invest in a Wool bedding set - research shows that by sleeping on and under wool will deliver 25% deeper, more regenerative sleep by managing sleeping temperature and comfort and is the only natural bedding solution that is also effective for allergy sufferers without any need for chemicals or regular washing.

STEP 3 If you have hard floors and cannot afford a new carpet then consider a 100% wool rug. This too can act as an air purifier and will be of particular benefit in children’s bedrooms.

STEP 4 Consider how old and what your mattress is made from? 99% of mattresses sold and bought in the UK use brominated flame retardants on the mattress ticking (outer cover) which one must then sleep next to night after night. Consider buying a new mattress that is free from these nasty chemicals. The Wool Room now has extended its total sleep solution to include the only complete range of chemical free mattresses in the UK that meet all the UK regulations naturally through the natural flame retardant properties of wool. No more nasty memory foam that makes you overheat or synthetics that need these unnecessary chemicals.

STEP 5 Use 100% natural bed linen as this will allow the bed or mattress to breathe and will enhance sleep by allowing our wool bedding and mattresses to work effectively.

• The Wool Room, 8 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH Tel: 01780 767927 www.thewoolroom.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

The Rise of the Gym Cult Knees up, knees up… head the ball, Nervous energy makes him tick. He’s a health fanatic And he makes you sick’…

John Cooper Clarke’s 1978 poem ‘Health Fanatic’ probably ticks a lot of post-Christmas indulgence boxes!

Gym membership numbers rocket after festive fun has degenerated into flaccid flab. The workout morphs into an after-Yule guilt offering as vain attempts are made to tone and lift what has drooped and dropped!

But how has the gym become so central to modern life… and what might be the connection with Rutland in particular? Caroline Aston investigates

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HE Ancient Greeks set huge store on the body beautiful, especially the male body. One only has to look at the regiments of marble men that fill our museum statue galleries, light reflected from lovingly carved muscle under polished flesh. Some experts argue that these figures still set the gold standard for masculine fitness and attractiveness. For the Greeks ‘arete’ - the reaching of your full potential in life - meant, among other things, physical development to the utmost. Gymnasium actually means ‘school for naked exercise’ but these places were as important for their social and political functions as for working out and iron-pumping. During the Renaissance there was a revival of interest in the relationship between exercise and body culture. But our idea of the modern gym really emerges in the early 19th century: the swift advance of the Industrial Revolution and the growth of empire required a healthy population to fuel demands. In Germany, educator Friedrich Jahn (the ‘Turnvater’ or father of gymnastics) established the idea of the ‘Turnplatz’, an outdoor site for exercise while the Turner Movement established gym clubs. In 1852 Adolph Speisse built what was probably the first indoor gymnasium in Germany at Hesse……..which brings me to Rutland’s gymnastic significance

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Some readers might remember a piece I wrote about that indefatigable Victorian educator Edward Thring of Uppingham School.

Arriving there in 1853, the year after Speisse’s gym opened, Thring was Headmaster ,for 34 years and totally transformed the place. Six years later Uppingham became the first English school to have a purpose-built gymnasium.

In 1859 athletics were introduced to the sports curriculum and 1860 saw the creation of a ‘bathing place‘. By 1883 this had been superseded by yet another national first: a heated, indoor swimming pool. Schools like Uppingham were producing Empire builders, healthy young men who would travel all over the globe to every corner of an empire that the sun never set on. Thring and his disciples believed that this boundless energy needed channelling into healthy recreation. The house systems typical of such schools provided readymade competition at every level: gym, cricket and football field. Toughness and endurance were the by-products of this new emphasis.

Uppingham also employed the first professional cricket coach appointed in a school. A games committee was formed and the great Thring himself played in the teams.

But social graces and culture were not ignored: Thring felt that music should have a place in the timetable and appointed a music master

in 1855. Ten years later Paul David was appointed official Music and Choir Master (the equivalent of today’s Director of Music), the first appointment of its kind at any school. One observer wrote that, schools like Uppingham under Thring aimed to produce men who were ‘acceptable at a dance and invaluable in a shipwreck’. To become shipwreck -ready Thring’s boys would probably have used parallel bars and balance beams designed by Adolphe Speisse who is credited with designing much of the gym equipment we are so familiar with today. Victorian magazines and papers also show us just how much home equipment could be installed to ensure physical fitness. Some of it is spookily familiar, although one advert shows just how difficult it must have been to use something very like our modern cross trainers wearing a crinoline skirt and corsets!

Dr Ernst wrote in 1860 that ‘Far more benefit is to be derived from a quarter of an hour’s practice repeated four times a day than from one hour’s continuous use ….of equipment’….. sentiments worth of the Daily Mail today!

So there we have it as we layer on our leotards and break out our sports bras - there is nothing new under the sun and our own Uppingham occupies a unique place in the rise of the gym cult.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S

Snap Up A Bargain!

Coco

Nothing banishes the post-Christmas blues faster than the thrill of a genuine bargain. Amander Meade finds out what some of Rutland’s independent retailers have on offer this month

The Rug Studio

Coco

Oakham Rugs

Knights of Oakham

Winter weather and the festive season can take its toll on your décor so if your flooring has taken a beating why not consider installing something new in time for spring?

The team at Barefoot Flooring have forged a formidable reputation for exceptional customer service and have been so successful they have expanded their base at Station Approach in Oakham. Lisa told us, “Doubling our floor space has allowed us to offer many more products including plenty of new ranges such as the ‘I Love’ Collection by Lifestyle and luxury vinyl tiles by Moduleo, both of which are already topping the order lists.” With up to 40% off all ranges this month, there’s no better time to browse the new showroom and bag a Barefoot bargain.

Trained weaver Rachel Simpson owns The Rug Studio in Uppingham where you can find 30% off selected items this month. Running alongside the sale is an exclusive event showcasing Persian hand spun wool, naturally dyed gabbeh rugs woven in the Zagros Mountains in Southern Iran. Also in store is a new range of Rex Ray rugs produced to commemorate the anniversary of the designer’s death. “Unavailable in the UK for almost four years, the range is colourful, bold and very contemporary. I think they will be a massive hit in Rutland,” says Rachel.

Oakham Rugs always offer a huge selection of traditional and contemporary rugs from all over the world including Oriental, Persian and Afghan rugs. There will be up to 50% off

Fords of Oakham

many beautiful rugs and homewares as well as discounts on restoration, cleaning and repair if your current rug has suffered with spills during the festivities. One of the best bargains in the showroom is a Nepalese contemporary, hand knotted wool rug measuring six feet by four feet which was originally priced at £450 and is now offered at £225 – a great buy.

Fashion and homewares discounted too….

Discerning ladies who love definitive footwear will be delighted to hear that the sale at Coco is already underway. All ranges of shoes and boots including styles by Paul Green and Peter Kaiser will be discounted by up to 50% but you will need to be quick as popular sizes will not be around for long. Look out for Coco’s new spring ranges from the end of next month.

If your kitchenware is looking a little forlorn post-Christmas Fords of Oakham can supply great discounts of up to 50% across the board.

Juliana recommends iconic brands Pyrex and Tefal as some of the best bargains for the kitchen, while the discounts available on childrenswear brands Kite, Blue Seven and Not So Bad represent brilliant value for money too.

Sarah Harding Interiors in Uppingham are offering a tempting 10% discount on all orders for wallpaper, fabric and furniture placed this month. You’ll also find up to half price off selected ranges throughout the store.

Renowned for their friendly customer service, the team offer their experienced eye and inspirational ideas to give your home a fresh

new look, tailoring your requirements within any budget.

During January, Knights of Oakham will have discounts and reductions off a wide range of electrical appliances from TVs, fridges freezers, washing machines, dryers, cookers, heating and small appliances and audio products from leading manufacturers such as Bosch, Dyson, Hotpoint, SMEG, Toshiba, Electrolux, Toshiba, and many more.

If Christmas overload has signalled the end for any of your appliances this year, Knights will offer free, same day delivery within a 15 mile radius on stocked items and will also install, take away and recycle your old appliance too if required.

DIRECTORY: Barefoot Flooring Tel: 01572 759752 www.barefoot-flooring.biz Coco Tel: 01572 757646 www.cocooakham.co.uk Fords of Oakham Tel: 01572 722 654 www.fordsofoakham.co.uk Knights of Oakham Tel: 01572 722240 www.knightofoakham.co.uk Oakham Rugs Tel: 01572 724441 www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors Tel: 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk The Rug Studio Tel: 01572 829927 www.therugstudio.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S

Ask the Professionals When it comes to some of the most important issues in your life, such as making investments, business goal setting, planning for your retirement and going through a divorce, it makes sense to seek the advice of a qualified professional. Michelle Hansel picks up some top tips and advice from local experts on things to consider in 2016

TAKING FINANCIAL CONTROL JWT Wealth Management provides an experienced wealth management service and offers specialist advice in a wide range of areas, including: • Retirement Planning • Tax Efficient Investment Planning • Tax Planning • Protection Planning • Estate Planning • For further details contact: James Tucker on Tel: 07899 052562 or Email james.tucker@sjpp.co.uk PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS The improving economic climate in the UK has proved the catalyst for increased business activity. Established companies and an increasing number of start-ups are now expanding their activities. This often means that they are drafting contracts of their own or are entering into new contracts with others. A solid legal framework for any business arrangement is always advisable and should reduce potential disputes and give all involved clarity as to their roles, duties and expectations.

Appropriate contracts, or contractual advice, in many cases, need not be expensive. Sometimes standard business contracts will suffice. However, it is always advisable to have a lawyer cast their eye over a contract prior to signing. This will give you assurance that an expert believes you are safe to sign and that your best interests are being served. The lawyer can also make you aware of any potential pitfalls and any liabilities that your business may encounter. Direct access barristers are specialists and can help you with all areas of law, but specifically with the following: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Reviewing contracts, terms and other documents • Negotiation advice • Advice in relation to dispute resolution • For more information contact New Walk Barristers Tel: 0116 255 9144, www.newwalkchambers.co.uk

WRITE A WILL WITH CONFIDENCE Bray and Bray Solicitors recommend not going for a so called “DIY Will” as in the long run it may not save you time or money and could result in a Will that does not fulfill all of your wishes.

“Below are some mistakes that we see far too often, which are very easy to make with a DIY Will, but are often very difficult (and expensive) to rectify”: • Missing out key provisions • Using ambiguous wording • Making amendments by crossing through the document • Having the wrong person witness the Will • Having the wrong person sign the Will “DIY Wills tend to be very basic and may not take into account all of your wishes. For example, there may be further clauses to include that are not apparent at first glance, which you would ideally need to discuss with a solicitor.”

• So, if you are considering reviewing an existing Will or making a new Will, speak to an expert. For more information and advice call the Market Harborough office on Tel: 01858 467181 or email ajhitchon@ braybray.co.uk TOP TIP FROM LAWSON-WEST SOLICITORS Financial Disclosure in Divorce Proceedings In light of a recent Supreme Court ruling in favour of two ex-wives who wanted their divorce settlements re-analysed on the basis that their ex-husbands misled them about their true worth, Lawson-West Solicitors suggest there are lessons to be learned from this. If you are some years past a divorce settlement, the judgement shows that if you later find evidence that assets had been concealed from you, then the Court will not hold this against you in future.

If, on the other hand, you are the party who has the most assets, the lesson to be learned is that disclosure is everything! The ruling shows that there is no limitation period in bringing a claim so your ex-spouse could look to reopen a claim many years after your divorce. In financial terms it is likely to cost you a lot less to disclose the true situation now rather than fight over a larger sum at a later date.

• For more information and advice on Divorce, contact Lawson West Solicitors on Tel: 01858 445 480, www. lawson-west.co.uk and the Leicester office on Tel: 0116 212 1000

40 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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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 What’s new in Market Harborough?

Brand New SPAR Store Opens in Market Harborough I

ndependent retailer Raj Aggarwal has opened a brand new SPAR store within the historic Symington building on Adam and Eve Street. Located in the entrance to the building it showcases a fantastic range of fresh produce, fine foods and artisan products as well as your everyday essentials.

Focusing on its fresh offer, the store stocks meat sourced from local butcher Joseph Morris, locally sourced products from Mellow Yellow Oils, fine cheeses from Clemency Hall Cheeses as well as fine meats and olives from Rowcliffe Foods to name but a few.

The store also features SPAR’s Daily Deli food service offer, complete with a fresh salad bar and hot serve-over counter perfect for lunchtime snacking.

If you don’t feel like cooking there is a range of Cook frozen ready meals. Made using only the finest ingredients they taste just like they are homemade. To accompany your meal there is also a selection of wine barrels from Borough Wines, from which you can fill your own wine bottles in-store.

Raj commented: “The store is aimed at people who want something a little bit different we stock a wide range of artisan foods from flavoured oils to balsamic vinegars and have an extensive range of exclusive wines and specialist bottled beers.”

New Year, New YOU – Happier and Relaxed N

agarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre at Kelmarsh is set in the beautiful countryside of Northamptonshire where it serves as a special place of peace and refuge. It is a Buddhist centre that offers a wide range of courses: • Mindfulness • Learning to Meditate • Combat Stress • Relaxation weekends • Developing a calm mind • Family positive thinking and meditation classes The Centre has three beautiful meditation rooms, a relaxing World Peace Café, gardens and en-suite guest and residents’ rooms. It is home to a diverse community of people of all ages living in accordance with Buddha’s teachings.

The Centre offers an exciting spiritual programme for all levels of interest through a variety of meditation classes, day and weekend courses, and retreats.

You do not have to be a Buddhist to take part or to benefit from it.

WORLD PEACE CAFÉ & SHOP Open every day from 11am - 4pm The World Peace Café is a peaceful oasis serving the finest Italian coffee, a variety

of teas, scones, cakes and freshly cooked vegetarian meals. Also on site is a shop stocking books on Buddhist meditation and philosophy, meditation CDs, and gifts.

Also check out the on-line clothing store at www.nagarjuna.spreadshirt.co.uk MEDITATION DROP-IN CLASSES A typical class consists of relaxing guided meditations and a teaching on how to improve our well-being by developing positive states of mind and inner peace in our daily life. Suitable for all, the dropin classes are self-contained and can be joined at any time. Just turn up during the term-times listed below. You can sit on a chair or on cushions on the floor and no physical exercise is involved.

EVENING CLASSES The class fee is £5.00, or a 5-class course card for £20 free to members Mondays 7 - 8.15pm With resident teacher Kadam Bridget Wednesdays 7.30 - 9pm LUNCHTIME CLASSES The class fee is £3.50 and includes a hot

drink in the World Peace Café. Free to members Mondays- Thursdays1 - 1.40pm Fridays1 - 2pm COURSES COMING UP IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2016 • 23rd January - Learn to Meditate ½ day 10.30am – 1.15pm • 24th January Open day – drop-in to the centre and experience a free taster meditation • 29th January – Stop the Week – Friday evening meditation and 3 course homemade meal.

• 12-14th February Relaxation weekend • 13th February – Mindfulness ½ day 10.30am – 1.15pm • 19th February - Stop the Week – Friday evening meditation and 3 course homemade meal.

• 21st February – Introduction to Buddhism day course.

• To view the programme for the rest of the year, download a brochure from www.meditateinnorthants.com. For further information call Tel: 01604 686778.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Laxton House, 191 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 2PN Tel: 01733 530580 Email: info@midco-care.co.uk 44

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BIG SALE LYDDINGTON

FRIDAY 8 JANUARY 9:00AM-6:00PM SATURDAY 9 JANUARY 9:00AM-6:00PM

HUGE DISCOUNTS ON STOCK ITEMS Fabric Furniture Lighting Glassware Cashmere Cushions Throws Candles Diffusers Home Accessories The Big Sale @ Lyddington Village Hall: 29 Main Street Lyddington Oakham LE15 9LR SHOP AT THE BIG SALE AND RECEIVE A 25% OFF VOUCHER FOR DINNER AT THE MARQUESS OF EXETER, LYDDINGTON For more information contact us: showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 01572 722345 www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S

What’s Your Bucket List?

With so much talk about pensions and your freedom to draw down your savings and cash in your annuities, we asked top financial planner and founder of Rutland based Efficient Portfolio, Charlie Reading to give us some clarity

G

EORGE Osborne’s pension reforms have been hailed a huge success. The reality is that many of the people I see are unsure what to do and are in danger of losing their life’s savings and pension pots. It’s a sad fact that pension fraudsters are targeting savers’ nest eggs with dozens of scam websites being shut down by authorities daily. People have some big choices to make – a wrong move could land them with a whacking great tax bill and at worst penniless. More so than ever before I would recommend you seek professional advice if you want that ‘Dream Retirement’ that you have worked and saved for.

Picture yourself cruising the Caribbean, eating leisurely lunches with your friends, or even simply having the time and freedom to look after your grandchildren. Retirement seems heavenly doesn’t it? But can you actually afford it?

In terms of money, your required retirement income will be different to anyone else’s, because your life is different to anyone else’s.

Rather than accepting the hand that you are dealt, like so many people do, make sure you know how much money you need and how you can best generate it.

TRY OUT MY 5-POINT PLAN TO HELP YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR ‘DREAM PENSION POT’.

1. Create a retirement budget, so you know what your essential and your luxury expenditure will be. Only once you know this, can you plan.

2. Build a Lifetime Cash Flow Forecast to tell you whether you have accumulated enough or are saving a sufficient sum to deliver that required income. A Financial Adviser can help with this, but there are also free templates available to download online.

3. Make sure the money you have saved for your retirement is delivering the best return possible for a level of risk that you are comfortable with.

4. Don’t have all your eggs in one basket, so make sure you don’t just have property, shares or cash, as otherwise you will get a nasty shock in the future.

THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO PLAN YOUR ‘DREAM RETIREMENT’ Wealth is important, but time is our most precious resource; without it no amount of money, love or fast cars will benefit you.

Retirement creates a huge shift in what you do with your time. In my mind, there are several very clear steps you can take maximise your time and create a dream retirement:

46

MY 5 TOP PIECES OF ADVICE FOR BUILDING THE ‘DREAM RETIREMENT’.

1. Build the ‘Bucket List’ of your dreams, so that you have some exciting plans. It could a safari in Africa, an underwater adventure in the Caribbean or even buying a property on the Cornish Coast.

The important consideration here is to document your goals so that you have something clearly written to follow and aim for.

2. Make sure you know what your purpose is in retirement, as otherwise you will feel rudderless.

Why not use your retirement to study the subject you always dreamt of? Or take up a creative hobby that you’re passionate about?

3. Design your Ideal Retirement Week, so that you have a clear structure.

4. Structure a balance of healthy activities into your week to make sure you have the wellbeing to enjoy the activities you’re passionate about and to ensure you don’t experience a short lived and illness stricken later life.

5. Financial clarity is king. Forecasting your financial future allows you to spend what you can afford to, and no more.

BUILDING BUCKET LIST Remember, your retirement is the time to do those things you have wanted to do all your life. My advice is to really put some thought into what makes you tick. Then get visual; find pictures that will inspire you to go off and achieve these things! Here are some pictures from my Bucket List to help you get on your way.

Charlie Reading was recently rated by the Sunday Telegraph as one of the UK’s top financial planners. To read more about how to positively impact your wealth, health and happiness in retirement, download your FREE copy of Charlie’s book, ‘The Dream Retirement: How to Secure Your Money and Retire Happy’ by visiting www.dream-retirement.com/book and clicking on the image of the book.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Oak House Residential Care Home for the Elderly

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Our Services We offer everything from: personal care, companionship, shopping services, cleaning and more, in fact everything you may need to stay in the comfort of your own home. Our service is flexible, from one call a day up to 24 hour live in care. We have teams of professional carers with specialised training in Dementia & Alzheimer’s. For more information and details please visit our web site or call our office.

Get in touch To talk about how we can help, simply call to speak to a member of our professional friendly team, or visit our web site for more information; Tel: 01780 480 881 Email: peterborough@bluebirdcare.co.uk

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Studio & location portraits

I specialise in weddings, portraits & commercial photography, working from my studio in Oakham Enterprise Park or on location.

Please email or call me on 07932 055548 to book a photoshoot or for more information. ellideanphotography.co.uk

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Creating beautiful bespoke kitchens Mark Goodacre creates individually handcrafted kitchens for people who appreciate a higher standard of design and finish in their homes

Come and visit our show room for more examples of our work, or call to make an appointment to discuss your requirements

Telephone 01476 586 159 | email info@markgoodacre.com | www.markgoodacre.com

Rutland Living Do you enjoy walking and want to earn some extra money each month?

Distributors required to deliver Rutland Living Please contact Bob on

01780 460358 or email bobwillars@sky.com Applicants must be 13 years old or over.

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WEEKE N D W A LK

Hallaton and the Upper Welland Valley This is a lovely walk which makes you feel on top of the world (albeit only 163ms), with long views over the Welland Valley and a start and finish in the delightful village of Hallaton.

WALK DATA Distance: 5.5 miles Typical time: 2.5 hours OS map: Explorer (1:25 000) 233 or Landranger (1: 50 000) 141 (always walk with an OS map) Start & finish: Hallaton, Leics Terrain: A fair amount of ups and downs, generally good paths Stiles: About 6, and lots of gates Getting there: Hallaton is 3miles S of the A47 at East Norton, which is 5 miles W of Uppingham Refreshments: Bewicke Arms, Hallaton (Tel: 01858 555734 www.thebewicke.com) is under new ownership and the food is very impressive

POINTS OF INTEREST Hallaton A beautiful village dating from the 14th century. The museum is open on Sat/Sun & Bank Holidays from 2.30pm-5.00pm, but only from May to end of September. Also open Easter Monday.

The famous Hallaton Bottle Kicking Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scrambling takes place on a hill to the south of the village on Easter Monday each year. It is one of the few survivors of the ancient football games of England, the ancestors of soccer and rugby.

Thousands of people come to watch or to take part. The game is the last stage in a complex ritual that includes a church service, processions down the High Street, the ceremony of dressing the bottles, distribution of small loaves and scrambling for the hare pie.

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DIRECTIONS: 1

Hallaton Wood

5

2

6

Goadby Road

7

Hallaton

Castle Hill Motte & Bailey

Midshires Way

2

Horseclose Spinney

Church Hill

4

Leicestershire Road

3

Othorpe House

Cranoe

Park in the main street close to the Bewicke Arms and walk down towards the church, then take the lane to the right of it which bends round past the charming village primary school.

The path takes off along the left of a minifootball ground, through a gate, where the path divides; at this point you can see the remains of an old motte and bailey dating back to the 12th century; take the left hand path, down towards the brook and up the other side, and then bearing SW across four fields.

The path descends steeply to a spinney and a tiny stream, then on through the farmyard of Othorpe House; follow the farmyard round, and continue in a SW direction through a gate on the far side.

After about 0.75 miles the path reaches the tiny hamlet of Cranoe, where there is a stile where the Leicestershire Round (on which you have been) meets the Midshires way heading north (which you want to take); only cross the stile if you want to visit attractive Victorian church. Otherwise, take the Midshires Way nearly due north for about 2.5 miles, signposted to Tugby.

About 200 yards after you have crossed the Goadby Rd (not made up, but passable for cars), a path takes off to the right (SE) heading straight back to Hallaton.

The path crosses several fields. On crossing a stile and reaching a small vehicle track the path goes diagonally across a large field; when we did this, there were no markings, but aim for a tree at the end of a hedge which juts out into the field; or if you are not feeling confident, take the vehicle track which re-joins the road into the village.

On reaching the road, follow it up a hill for about 200m yards; where the road turns sharp left, go through a gate and head back into the village at the same point where the walk begun.

1

3

4

5

6

Hallaton by local artist, Michael Edwards, www.michaeledwardsartist.co.uk

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AGA ENGINEER

GAS SERVICES

MARTIN WELSH Independent Aga Engineer

• Professional Aga specialist • Legitimate Aga spare parts for regular servicing and maintenance • Over 15 years experience Call: 07735 304452 or 0116 2813219 Email: martinsagaservice@hotmail.co.uk www.aga-servicing-leicestershire.co.uk

CARPENTRY

Chris Clarke Gas Service Engineer Mobile: 07979 425262 Telephone: 01572 771309 E-mail: info@rutlandplumbing.co.uk www.rutlandplumbing.co.uk

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Council Chambers, Chambers, Oakham Oakham Council Uppingham Town Hall Council Chambers, Oakham Cottesmore Village Hall Town Hall, Uppingham Tinwell Village Hall

For more information or to book your place telephone 01572-758248 or email tbarnwell@rutland.gov.uk

• Custom fitted furniture

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Thursday 17thOctober March Monday 12th

These courses are for Rutland residents who would like to update their knowledge as well as learn how to drive more safely and efficiently. There will be an opportunity for a practical driving session at a later date.

• Bespoke handmade kitchens and joinery

• Installation services

Rutland County Council is offering some FREE refresher driving theory courses aimed at drivers in Rutland.

OVEN CLEANING Do you want the fairies to clean your oven?

Or would you rather do it yourself?

Ovens, Ranges, Agas, Hobs, Extractors, Microwaves, Start from £39 Fridges, FreezersPrices & BBQ’s • Prices start from £42 T: 01572 767678 M: 07785 987112 t. 01572W: 767678 - m. 07785 987112 www.ovenfairy.co.uk Ovens, Ranges, Agas, Hobs, Extractors, Microwaves, Fridges, Freezers & BBQs

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Treating ovens today, tonight and tomorrow

WINDOW CLEANING

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COMPUTER SERVICES MOBILE VALET & DETAILING SERVICE For all your new PC and Laptop requirements

All types of PC and Laptop repairs and upgrades undertaken Broadband & wireless installation Data recovery • Hardware sales info@acrcomputers.co.uk www.acrcomputers.co.uk

Services • Interior Deep Clean • Exterior, Mini & Full Valet • Waxing • Clay Bar Treatment

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Head Valeter / Detailer

COMPUTER SUPPORT

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CURTAINS & BLINDS

01572 768961

To place an advert in next month’s magazine please call Tracy on 01572 813187 for Rutland and Sosennah on 07884 124 316 for Market Harborough

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ARC HI T E C T UR E

Hidden in Plain Sight I never fail to be astonished by the number of churches in England.

Even the tiniest village can boast a magnificent place of worship.

From tombs, brasses, graffiti and pews, they chart the hopes, fears and beliefs of people long forgotten. For me, no feature illustrates this more than wallpaintings. By Rachel Morley

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EDIEVAL wall-paintings took figurative and ornamental forms.

The images sought to not only honour God, but to inspire the Corby Glen unconverted to Christianity and remind the converted that salvation lay in worship.

Wisely, before undertaking this work, wallRomanesque paintings were stylised affairs paintings specialist, Clive Rouse, was appointed with Christ in Majesty a popular depiction; to inspect the plasterwork for traces of historic however, the International Summit of Bishops decoration. Almost immediately the outline of an in 1215 standardised the relationship between ancient mural scheme was revealed. the clergy and congregation and wall-paintings, The images along the north aisle are a happy a means of teaching, changed accordingly. muddle of 14th century paintings peeking From the 13th century, saints feature heavily, through white-wash and 15th century decoration figures become expressive and Christ is and reward careful deciphering. When built circa often seen suffering on the cross. In the 14th 1320, this aisle was decorated with a murals century, portrayals of the Seven Deadly Sins including St Anne teaching the Virgin Mary and Seven Works of Mercy emerged, providing and St Christopher carrying the Christ child in further instruction on leading a good Christian peacock robes. Despite the intervening centuries, life. Rebuilding of churches in the 15th and these images retain their vibrancy.

16th centuries created fresh canvas for wallIt is believed that less than 100 years later, paintings, and whilst themes followed previous alterations led to complete redecoration of this centuries, Renaissance influences are evident.

Pickworth wall. The 15th century paintings present many Yet, this blaze of artistry was extinguished peculiarities. Close to the west door, St Michael as Henry VIII began his dissolution of Britain’s weighs souls - at one side a devil leans on the scales tipping the judgement, while at the other ecclesiastical buildings in1534 and churches the Virgin Mary protects souls under her cloak - an image common in continental wall-paintings across the country were drained of colour. but not recorded anywhere else in this country. Also unique is the Pieta surrounded by men in By outlawing worship to these ‘false idols’, contemporary dress: a warning to swearers and blasphemers who deepen our Lady’s suffering and paintings were attacked, defaced, destroyed, sorrow with their actions. Running above this, hideous devils have been identified in representation whilst others were white-washed out of sight. of the Seven Deadly Sins.

As congregations dwindled in later centuries A wholly original presentation of the Nativity adorns the nave: each character is set out and churches fell into neglect, it would individually - the shepherds are seen with their flock and the magi are clothed in seem like the Victorian Restoration sumptuous robes. Sadly, severely deteriorated plaster led to the loss of one magi came as a saviour to these and shepherd. King Herod is enthroned opposite the Virgin and Christ. This buildings. However, despite delightful depiction of mother and child is accompanied by a decayed figure of best intentions, walls were presumably St Joseph, a midwife, ox and donkey. stripped back to bare Interestingly, Clive Rouse also uncovered the paintings at Pickworth. He masonry, obliterating undertook his investigations after 1945 and believed that the falling of a bomb centuries of images to nearby helped loosen some of the overlying material to reveal the 14th century which people had pitched paintings. their faith and sins. Of St Andrews presents a spectacular Doom or Last Judgement scene course, not all were lost and positioned, over the chancel arch. The upper section was damaged by the many were discovered and lowering ceiling in the 15th century, yet clearly visible are Christ’s wounded feet saved.

Corby Glen resting on an inscribed orb. To Christ’s right, St Peter welcomes redeemed souls to Throughout Lincolnshire Heaven whilst on his left a group of shackled bodies are led to Hell by a demon. On the and Rutland, there are many fine south return wall this scene continues with the damned being stirred in a cauldron. survivals, including churches at Braunston The north arcade of the aisle bears equally macabre scenes of the weighing of the souls and the and Empingham, as well as Corby Glen and Three Kings confronted in a flowering garden by three skeletons - their future selves; all providing Pickworth. lessons in mortality and morality.

Uncovered in 1939 when the Vicar decided Once upon time the walls of every church in England would have danced with intense colours. Who to redecorate the interior, Corby Glen flaunts a knows what wonders remain hidden in plain sight? most interesting example of medieval painting.

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P ROF I L E

The Rutland Troubadour,

Paul McClure

Minstrel, singer, balladeer, poet and teacher – Rutland musician Paul McClure can accurately be described as any of these but has lately become known as the Rutland Troubadour during his travels the length and breadth of the UK playing to audiences ranging from thirty to thousands. He tells Amander Meade about his eagerly awaited second solo album, ‘Songs for Anyone’

A

FTER years playing with bands, you seem very happy writing and working alone these days…I have loved the last eighteen months touring and writing as a solo artist. Playing with bands is a lot of fun but I have found a certain flexibility and independence as a solo performer. If a venue ring me and ask me to play, I can jump in the car and just head straight there which is much more difficult to do if there are four or five musicians to consider. I also love the fact I can adapt a song or a show at a minute’s notice and there is great freedom in that. Having said that, when I showcase the new album live, I plan to use musicians from time to time to layer up the sound and present a different aspect to the songs which were all written by me with just a guitar.

The album was recorded with just a handful of musicians and produced by Joe Bennet.

Did it come together quickly?

This is not the album I set out to make. It’s not the album I thought I’d have the opportunity to make but it is, however, one that I’m very excited to be putting out into the world.

The good thing about working with a multiinstrumentalist like Joe is that you don’t have to get too many people in the room all throwing ideas in - you can hold on to the identity of the songs. We recorded the whole album in just six sessions. It was important not to over think it; I wanted the album to happen naturally, which it did.

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What does the Rutland Troubadour tag represent?

I just love the whole idea of the troubadour folklore – the storytelling element which is steeped in the tradition of folk and country singing. There’s a lot of talking in my shows which is quite unusual but I find audiences love to hear about the origins of a song, what it’s about and what it means. I’m also proud to unofficially represent the county on my travels – I love Rutland and am happy to carry the name.

You have said you are happy to play anywhere. Have the home concerts become a bit of a speciality?

They have! I love playing to people in their own homes. The idea is that a group of forty or fifty friends come together and I play a private show at someone’s house. I was brought up with music in the house and my grandparents’ generation all owned a piano and everyone learned a song to perform. I love the idea of bringing live music back into the home and connecting with people in the most fundamental way by playing to them where they are most relaxed. I don’t have any snobbery or pretensions about playing live – there’s no-one I won’t play for whether it’s a home gig or a festival, the numbers don’t matter to me. Rutland struggles with a lack of live music venues so it solves a problem there too.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be playing across the region during February and March promoting ‘Songs For Anyone’ with dates announced on my website where you can also buy the album. I’m hoping to keep playing live all over the UK and am always interested in home gigs here in Rutland of course.

• ‘Songs For Anyone’ is available from 27 January 2016 through www.paulmccluremusic.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING JANUARY 2016

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15/12/2015 12:55

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