Market Harborough Living October 2020 by Best Local Living

Market Harborough Living October 2020 Â£2.50

Also covering Rutland, Nene Valley and Stamford HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF OUR REGION

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be inspired... the heart of your home The kitchen has evolved in style, look and technology, but it remains the heart of the home.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM VVI SI SI ITT OOUURR SS H H OOW WRROOOOMM visit our showroom

Like all our services, a Classic Kitchen will be supplied and installed with a level of care and expertise that matches your expectations.

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12 St Leonardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

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Welcome

Contents October 2020

We were very gratified by the response from you to our first issue back. Thank you. Comments included: ‘Love the new-look magazine. Had one through the door this morning.’ ‘How lovely to get our copy this morning... welcome back!’ ‘Congratulations on the revamp. The mag now feels far more vibrant and modern.’ ‘Love the front cover @locallivinguk. So good having it through the front door again.’ ‘What you’ve done to the mag is transformative.’ ‘Absolutely lovely… liked it before, even better now; looks very, very nice…’ Thanks especially to our door-todoor distributors, who got 22,000 copies into the marketplace so quickly. We have also totally re-vamped our digital offering, so that we can keep in touch between issues. You will find the new website at www.locallivinguk.com, and there is a facility there to sign up to our fortnightly newsletter, which will update you on the latest happenings in the region – our last one covered new eating out offers and what was open locally on the Heritage Open Day scheme. Let’s hope for some bright and breezy autumn days.

Stamford Living

Nicholas & Clare Rudd-Jones Editors

Fashion, Health, Beauty & Wellness 15 42 44 46

Autumn Fashion About Face Health, Beauty & Wellness Notes Elysia: 20 Years in Business

Homes & Garden 25 30 34 38

Reasons to be ‘Chairful’ Keep the Home Fires Burning Outdoor Living Moores Estate Agents: Your Property Market Questions Answered

Food & Drink 50 56 58 60 62 64

All of Your ‘5 a Day’ Review: The Chubby Castor Review: The Willow and Brook; East The Olive Branch Great Food Club Awards 2020/21 Christmas Menus

Local Stories & Activities 10 66 68 71 76 80 92 94 98

Picture of the Month: Eyebrook Reservoir Pets: Joy the English Springer Spaniel Local Walk: Lyveden Way Great Days Out: Half-Term Activities Sewing Up a Storm Arts & Culture Ask Leo: The Allerton Project Local People: Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster at Curve History: The Jarrow March

News & Notes 84 87 88 90

Rutland Wines; Witham Hall School Connections Legal Management (CLM); Peters’ Cleaners The Blonde Beet; Landmark IFA and Elder J Wilson Plumbing & Heating; Spaces by Design

Nene Valley Living

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The cover picture is by painter and printmaker Carry Akroyd, who lives and works in the Nene Valley. You can find more of her work at www.carryakroyd.co.uk, including a 2021 bird calendar. She regularly holds exhibitions in our local galleries, and we will alert you to these as they are announced.

Local Living Publisher and Editor Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY Editor Clare Rudd-Jones Head of Design Steven Handley Printed by Warners of Bourne

For advertising, contact:

Market Harborough Living

Stamford: Claudia Bayley, 01780 482828, claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Nene Valley: Bridget Steele, 01733 707538, bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Rutland & Market Harborough: Tracy Watkinson, 01572 813187, rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertising Copy: Rachel Beecroft, 01780 765320, rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk

Visit our new website www.locallivinguk.com and sign up to our new fortnightly newsletter. Follow us on:

@locallivinguk

Rutland Living

Subscriptions: annual rate ÂŁ30 (UK only) for 12 issues. Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with ÂŁ30 cheque payable to Local Living, or go online to www.locallivinguk.com

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Design led... Design led...

BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS

We create unique buildings for discerning clients using traditional French oak alongside modern We create unique buildings for discerning clients designs that can include glass, stone and steel. using traditional French oak alongside modern Our design and build service can cover every designs that can include glass, stone and steel. aspect of your project from initial concept to Our design and build service can cover every completion. Our passionate staff specialise in aspect of your project from initial concept to design led architecture, planning applications completion. Our passionate staff specialise in through to full working drawings, allowing our design led architecture, planning applications projects to seamlessly develop from concepts to through to full working drawings, allowing our full build construction. projects to seamlessly develop from concepts to full build construction.

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sar ah h ar d ing interiors

Professional Interior Design Service Re-Upholstery and Soft Furnishings Suppliers of Colefax and Fowler, Linwood, Zoffany, Designers Guild, Romo, Ian Sanderson and William Yeoward Visit our new website www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk

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On the

radar ...for October

KIBWORTH BOOK OF THE MONTH

October’s Book of the Month at independent bookshop Kibworth Books is brand new hardback The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton, RRP £16.99, Raven Books. Buy this novel – and/or the shop’s children’s book of the month – and you’ll receive a free mystery gift. What’s not to like? kibworthbooks.com

LOCAL LIT: GET STUCK IN!

SNUGGLE UP Cuddle up with Jellycat’s wonderful ‘Vivacious Pumpkin’, £15 from Jollys Toys in Thrapston. Perfect for Halloween and beyond! JollysToys.co.uk

NEST

How beautiful are these stylish Oxford Edge, 100% linen breakfast cushions from the Elizabeth Stanhope Signature Collection? They’re 30 x 40cm with a 5cm edge and a feather inner, £50 each (other sizes available on request). elizabethstanhope.co.uk

A shout out for local author, Uppingham-based Dave Johnson, whose ‘Stuck (In Time)’ is a cracking read. The book (£4.95) is the first in a series aimed at children aged 8+, blending adventure, history and time travel. It’s a very local affair, too – the cover and illustrations are by former Wing resident, Elizabeth Newsham, while the audible version is voiced by Rutland actor Rachel Laurence. stuckdave.co.uk

WRAP UP WARM

Stay warm and stylish in this snuggly, versatile, dark camel ‘Ducks’ duo from Sophie Allport, hat with faux fur pompon, £19, scarf £39.50, both 30% wool and 70% acrylic sophieallport.com

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SPARKLE & SHINE

Dazzle with these citrine and diamond earrings and pendant. Earrings £2,070, pendant £1,235, all from Heidi Kjeldsen in Oakham heidikjeldsen.co.uk

SPICK & SPAN

Tidy those Wellington boots away after an autumn walk with this solid oak boot rack by Melton Mowbray’s From The Oak Tree; various sizes, from £220 fromtheoaktree.co.uk

… AND RELAX!

Warm up on a chilly autumn day with a hot chocolate in the ultimate cosy mug, £12.95, from Harringworth’s Oh Curio, ohcurio.com

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Picture of the month

Eyebrook Reservoir The Eyebrook Reservoir, just south of Uppingham, was formed by the damming of the Eye Brook that feeds into the River Welland. It was built in the late 1930s by the Scottish company Stewarts & Lloyds to supply water to the Corby steel works. It looks a little like a Scottish loch, and some attribute this to the fact that it was built by a Scottish work force who were missing home! During World War II it was used as a practice site for the Dambuster raids, and a plaque commemorates this. The reservoir is an important site for wintering wildfowl, such as wigeon, teal, mallard and pochard. It is also a popular for trout fishing, see www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk Sadly, there is limited walking access. However, we can heartily recommend the path from Lyddington to Uppingham that goes through Stoke Dry Wood (The Rutland Round). You get great views looking down from here over the reservoir. Picture by Richard Brown, richjam71@gmail.com

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Contemporary handcrafted jewellery & adornments

Ada is a beautiful boutique style gallery, where you will discover wonderfully crafted jewellery & metalware by owner Ruth Wood & more than 40 other highly skilled top & emerging UK designer makers. With a unique exclusive selection of contemporary adornments promoting the best of British Craftsmanship. 4 The Courtyard Bennett’s Place 30-31 High Street Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 7NL

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OPEN Tue to Sat 10-5pm --------------------

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RenaissanceHealth Hair, & Health andTherapy Beauty Therapy Beauty Health & Beauty Therapy 15 MaIden lane, StaMford. Mallory alloryllane ane, StaMford taMford ttel el. .01780 01780763768 763768 22M tel,. S01780 763768 Some of of the the most most trusted trusted names names in in beauty... beauty... all all under under one one roof. roof. Some

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Fashion

India wears red ME+EM sweater, ÂŁ40, from Arch Label Agency; Rose wears Isabel Marant wool sweater, ÂŁ60, also from Arch

Autumn knits

Whatever your preference for cosy autumn knits, from fine, supersoft casual sweaters from Hilly Horton in Thrapston to bright cosy sweaters in a new stripe or plain knit from Jacks of Market Harborough or Arch in Stamford, our lovely local independent boutiques have literally got you covered! Sally Stillingfleet supports our local retailers with a nod to hot new trends and new scarves, with some gorgeous seasonal skirts and trousers in our look book too. Thanks to our lovely models India and Rose. Styling and words: Sally Stillingfleet and Kitty Alcorn Photography: Elli Dean

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Fashion

India wears teal pleated skirt, £109, with orange jumper, £119, both by Pour Moi, all from the new collection at Jacks for Women, with geometric print scarf, £12, from Hilly Horton

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Rose wears striped sweater by Derhy, £79, from Jacks for Women

India wears burgundy Fabienne Chapot knit, £170, from Energy, with spotty headband, £8, from Hilly Horton

India wears Stamford hoodie, £45, from Energy; Rose wears Awesome Chalk Tasha top, £32, from Hilly Horton

Sparkly socks, £8 per pair, Iris & Violet; scarf, £20, from Hilly Horton Vegan leather backpack, £35, from Hilly Horton

Headbands, £8 each, from Hilly Horton

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Fashion

Rose wears striped sweater by Jumper 1234, £199, with Red Button jeans, £69, and hot pink cashmereblend scarf, £35, all from the new collection at Jacks for Women

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2020 has seen us spending more time in our homes than ever before. This might mean that you are looking to refresh some areas, but where to start? Charlotte at Mackay Interiors offers a fully remote service so if you aren’t comfortable having someone in your home, this is the interior design package for you. With prices starting from £150, it’s totally possible to have a newly designed, beautiful home even during a worldwide pandemic.

“Her eye for detail is amazing and her ability to make concepts a reality is a gift in itself”

www.mackayinteriors.co.uk charlotte@mackayinteriors.co.uk 07939 062455

Hilly Horton Home 66 High Street Thrapston NN14 4JH

07530 404511 www.hillyhorton.co.uk Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm

FABIENNE CHAPOT OAKWOOD LEATHER LEVETE MARELLA / EMME VILAGALLO RAILS RED BUTTON JEANS YERSE & MANY MORE COLLECTIONS! OPENING HOURS

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm I Sunday: Closed

* Visit our beautiful spacious building, directly on the High Street.

* A relaxing shopping environment with all precautionary measures in place to provide as safe and pleasant experience as possible. * New season interiors, clothing , jewellery and gift collections. * Independent High Street Shopping with two ﬂoors of wonderful products for you, your home & garden.

16 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA T: 01858 431396 ● www.jacksforwomen.co.uk 19

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Fashion DIRECTORY

Arch Label Agency 43 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, 01780 764746, archlabelagency.co.uk Energy 9 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, 01780 765633, energy-clothing.com @wearetheenergygirls @energyclothingstamford Hilly Horton (now stocking a gorgeous fashion collection) 66 High Street, Thrapston, 07530 404511, hillyhorton.co.uk Iris & Violet 31 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, 01780 762111, irisandviolet.shop Jacks for Women 16 Church Street, Market Harborough, 01858 431396, jacksforwomen.co.uk Look out, too, for Border Vintage – new pop-ups full of knits… perfect for autumn! Hand-picked, collectable vintage, modern retro fashion. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK. Follow their social media for upcoming dates @border.vintage

BIG THANKS

• To our amazing models Rose Jones and India Anderson. You are were fabulous! Rose has her own mobile beauty business, based in Oakham. She’s qualified in acrylic nails and gel nails and be contacted on her Instagram @rosejonesbeautyroom • Thanks, too, to Kitty Alcorn, who assisted the shoot and carefully compiled our captions. • Finally, thank you to our fantastic photographer, Elli Dean, 07932 055548, ellideanphotography.co.uk

Rose wears soft, blue, oversized jumper, £36, from Hilly Horton, with Suncoo floral skirt, £95, and Pour Moi orange jumper, £119, both from Jacks for Women

India wears pale grey oversized Chalk jumper, £56, from Hilly Horton, with off-white YaYa trousers, £70, from Energy, with supersoft herringbone scarf, £15, from Hilly Horton

Rose wears chunky striped FRNCH knit, £62, from Iris & Violet

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Interiors

Reasons to be ‘chairful’

‘We’ve all spent more time at home than normal this year,’ writes Rannveig Stone of Anna Stone Design. ‘We’re delighted to be back in the saddle and, like so many of our clients, we can’t wait to refresh areas that might seem a bit jaded. If you don’t have the energy or the budget for a major project, but you’re itching for a quick and easy transformation, why not spruce up one of your favourite chairs? Now more than ever, it’s vital that we support small, independent businesses and shop locally.’

If you’ve become so enamoured with chairs that you just can’t get enough of them, why not use this fabulous ‘Chair’ wallpaper in the ultimate throne room... your loo! Barneby Gates has a fantastic selection of designs that are great for curtains and cushions too; available to order through Anna Stone Design or online at barnebygates.com.

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Interiors Reasons to be ‘chairful’

Introducing a pop of petrol blue can really lift a classic neutral scheme such as this one by Anna Stone Design. Upholstered in stunning ‘Prussian’ velvet, this beautiful soft, curved ‘Waffle’ chair adds a whole new dimension to the room. Sumptuous matching cushions soften the very neutral sofa just visible in the foreground, with a neutral linen cushion tying it all together beautifully.

If you want to continue the quirkiness through the rest of your home, this gorgeous ‘Aspen’ chair by John Sanky is perfect for use as a dining, bedroom or occasional chair. Available to order from Hunters Interiors, the Aspen has a choice of decorative bobbin or straight, tapered legs.

Above: For those with a more subtle style, this ‘Abe’ chair from Elizabeth Stanhope would make an understated addition to the home. Beautifully crafted from sustainable mango wood and upholstered in ‘Charcoal’ linen, it is priced at £895.

Simple decor is given a quirky twist with Delcor’s fun and vibrant ‘Duke’ chair, which has been beautifully upholstered in sumptuous ‘Jungle Jive Velvet’ fabric in navy, from Linwood’s ‘Tango’ collection. If you don’t need a new chair but love the look of the fabric, you could always treat yourself to some curtains or cushions in this design to add a touch of tropical opulence to your home. Take a look at the extensive collections at Delcor’s Stamford showroom.

Left: Embrace your inner Viking with tactile, earthy fabrics that hark back to Scandinavian landscapes. These gorgeous Chase Erwin fabrics are available through Anna Stone Design. They’re simple, soft and perfect for upcycling a vintage armchair. The sheepskin is particularly appealing in its raw, honest feel. Definitely high-end luxury in terms of budget, but worth every penny.

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You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to achieve your desired look; look out for perfect preloved pieces online. This mid-century Danish armchair was bought from eBay and has been given a new lease of life with the addition of a vibrant orange throw, picked up in Stockholm. There are plenty of second-hand chairs out there, just waiting to be rehomed. Charlotte Mackay of Mackay Interiors offers a fully remote interior design package starting from £150. If you’d prefer not to browse showrooms and studios, it’s entirely possible to create your ideal interior from the comfort of your favourite armchair. PHOTO: RACHAEL SMITH

8 27

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Interiors Reasons to be ‘chairful’ Right: If you don’t have the budget to buy a brand-new chair, you could upcycle something you already own. We all have our favourite comfy chair – you know the one; it feels like an old friend. By the time ‘old faithful’ is all scruffy and worn, you’ve been through so much together that you can’t face taking it to the tip. Never fear: The King’s Cupboard in Oakham can give your favourite chair a facelift by re-upholstering it in some fabulous new fabric. Left: For impeccably high quality with an affordable price tag, you just can’t beat Sophie Allport. Freshen up your favourite nook by dressing an upcycled chair with this lovely embroidered cushion, accessorising with matching mugs and finishing off with curtains made with co-ordinating ‘Coastal Birds’ fabric, which can be purchased by the metre. There are lots of other designs available, so you can let your imagination run riot!

LOCAL STOCKISTS

Delcor 30 Bath Row, Stamford PE9 2QX, 01780 762579, delcor.co.uk Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors 17A and 27 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA, 01572 722345, elizabethstanhope.co.uk Hunters Interiors of Stamford The Stables, Copthill Farm, Deeping Road, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD, 01780 757946, huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk Kimbell & Co Interiors Rockingham Road, Market Harborough LE16 7QE, 01858 433444, kimbellinteriors.co.uk The King’s Cupboard The King Centre, Main Road, Barleythorpe, Oakham LE15 7WD, 01572 490920, thekingscupboard.co.uk Mackay Interiors 07939 062455, charlotte@ mackayinteriors.co.uk, mackayinteriors.co.uk Matthew Cox 19 St George’s Square, Stamford PE9 2BN, 01780 481092, matthewcox.com Sackstore Stamford Garden Centre, Road End Farm, Casterton Road, Stamford PE9 4BB, sackstore.co.uk Sophie Allport 26–27 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AY, 01780 751044, sophieallport.com Rannveig Stone is Director of interior design firm Anna Stone Design Ltd

Another investment piece, this elegant, pared-back ‘Artist’s Chair’ from Stamford-based bespoke furniture designer Matthew Cox retails at £1,086. It is high end without being flashy, and its cushion can be upholstered in your choice of fabric. Looking ahead to Christmas, it could be a useful yet beautiful and unique gift for that special someone who has everything.

Anna Stone offers a bespoke design service, specialising in interior architecture and space planning, as well as soft furnishings. Our work is sympathetic to the building and the client’s taste, making it timeless, individual and stylish. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of the projects we undertake. Visit our website at annastonedesign.co.uk. Our studio is at the Stamford Garden Centre, Casterton Road, Stamford PE9 4BB.

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Interiors

Keep the home fires burning Stay cosy by the fire this autumn, as the hour changes, the nights draw in and the chill in the air increases. Our local stockists have a wide range of stoves and accessories to help you achieve that perfect fireside glow

Charnwood Aire 7, from £1,548, Stamford Stoves

Local Chimneysweeps

Stovax Chesterfield 5 Wide MultiFuel Stove, £1,489, Aspect Fires

Charnwood cooking plate, £150, Heatsource of Uppingham

Avondale Sweeps Ltd 01536 510865, chimneysweepnorthants.co.uk Glo-More Ltd 01780 767379, glo-more-ltd.co.uk

Cream tassel throw, £56, baskets, £37.99 for the set of four, blue scallop fringe cushion, £49.99, all from Barefoot Sunday

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STRIKE A MATCH!

Fairtrade pottery match holder with striking rim and matches by Raine and Humble, £16, Hilly Horton

Happy Days matches with striker on bottom of jar, £11.95, Chez Soi

Charnwood toast fork, £35.99, Heatsource of Uppingham

Extra-long luxury matches, £6, Emma Cutmore

Top your fireplace with this heavy, stone candle holder with a rustic finish, available in two sizes (small, shown, 325mm high, £25; large, 380mm, £35), Hunters Interiors of Stamford

Jutland brush and shovel set by Garden Trading, £10, Hilly Horton

Filkins Fireside Tool Kit by Garden Trading £40, Hilly Horton

For a statement mirror to go over your fireplace, what about this one by Seletti, £230, John Lewis

Black firewood baskets with leather handles, £48.95 (large), and £39.95 (small), Heatsource of Uppingham

DIRECTORY

Capital Fireplaces Medway log basket, £46, Aspect Fires

Aspect Fires 37 Market Street, Whittlesey, 01733 202220, aspectfires.co.uk Barefoot Sunday Rutland Garden Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham, 01572 335800, barefootsunday.co.uk Chez Soi 16 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, 01780 757446, chezsoi.co.uk Emma Cutmore 4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, 01780 482870, emmacutmore.co.uk Heatsource 35 High St East, Uppingham, 01572 829953, heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

Hilly Horton Home 66 High Street, Thrapston, 07530 404511, hillyhorton.co.uk Hunters Interiors The Stables, Copthill Farm, Deeping Road, Uffington, 01780 757946, huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk John Lewis Queensgate Centre, Peterborough, 01733 344644, johnlewis.com Stamford Stoves Unit 1A, Station Road, Barnack, Nr Stamford, 01780 769274, stamfordstoves.co.uk

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www.rutlandgardenvillage.co.uk Heatsource of Uppingham provides an extensive range of premier stoves, fireplaces and traditional designer cast iron radiators. Fantastic ranges of products & services Whatever your style needs and design requirements, Heatsource has a whole range of products to suit: • High quality stoves including brands such as: Contura, Charnwood (as pictured), Morso, Jotul, Chesneys, Scan, Clearview and many more. • Designer and traditional cast iron radiators • Handmade stone fireplaces and surrounds • Complete installation service provided by HETAS qualified engineers and builders • Expert installers of biomass & solar thermal renewable heating solutions • Superb range of spares and accessories to accommodate our customers needs Come and see us at our stunning showroom in Uppingham or call 01572 829953. Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 9.45am – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 4pm

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15/09/2020 15:53

Outdoor living What’s happening in the garden this month

BULB PLANTING

Now is a great time to invest in some springflowering bulbs – our local garden centres and plant stalls on street markets all have nice ranges, as do Easton Walled Gardens (see opposite). Buy more than you think you need for an impressive display, especially if you’re planting in pots. For long-flowering pots, we love a bulb lasagne.

Bulb lasagne

UTUMN is officially with us, the leaves are a gorgeous range of reddish, brownish, yellow hues and tumbling to the ground, and while there’s the possibility of first frosts (time to shelter tender plants under cover), there should be some crisp blue skies too. This month, the focus in the garden is on tidying and getting ready for the winter – and on setting things in motion for next year. The list of jobs includes trimming and neatening up hedges, raking up fallen leaves (perfect for leaf mould) and giving the lawn a final cut before you put the mower into hibernation for the winter. It’s time to cut back clump-forming herbaceous perennials that have died down – if they’ve become congested, they can be divided up to create vigorous new plants for next year. Sedums, scabious, heuchera, achillea, etc, can all benefit from this. And it’s bulb-planting season, too!

PERFECT PUMPKINS

Pumpkins that were planted in April, May, June will now be ready – perfect for those Halloween decorations. Harvest them before the first frosts, so that they don’t turn mushy. Once you’ve finished with them after Halloween, don’t just discard them – the Woodland Trust reports that a whopping 18 thousand tonnes of pumpkin get thrown away after Halloween each year. Why not help wildlife by turning your old pumpkin lanterns into bird feeders (fill the pumpkin with bird seed, clean it out every few days and refill; put it on the compost heap once it starts to rot). You can also drop your old pumpkins off at Rutland Farm Park on Uppingham Road in Oakham – there’ll be a wheelbarrow just inside the drive where you can do this – and they end up as a tasty meal for the animals.

A Dutch invention, a bulb lasagne enables you to make maximum use of your pots and enjoy flowers without further replanting throughout the spring. The latest-flowering bulbs form the lowest layer, rising to the earliest-flowering (usually the smallest) bulbs at the top. Three layers work well, but you could equally try just two. Collections of bulbs intended specifically for bulb lasagnes are available online, so you don’t even have to worry about choosing the right flowers; you could also ask at your local garden centre for help with choosing bulbs. How to create a three-layer bulb lasagne: • Cover the holes at the bottom of your pot with crocks to improve the drainage. • Add a layer of compost, then pop in your latest-flowering bulbs (alliums, for example) with the shoots pointing upwards to create the bottom layer. • Cover with about 2.5–5cm (1 or 2in) of compost, then put in the middle-flowering bulbs (eg tulips); cover with compost and repeat with the earliest-flowering bulbs (such as crocuses or hyacinths). • Top your ‘lasagne’ with compost, water it and pop it in a nice sunny spot. • Water it regularly while it gets established and feed from time to time.

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AUTUMN-SOWN SWEET PEAS

Sowing annual scented sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) in autumn can produce sturdier plants in the spring. Growing your own from seed means that you’ll have a much bigger range of varieties from which to choose than if you buy ready-grown plants in spring. We asked Easton Walled Gardens, famed for their stunning displays of sweet peas, for some growing tips: • Sow your seeds from mid-October to mid-November or, as the days start to lengthen, from mid-January until about mid-April, in pots under cover. • The bigger the roots, the better the plants. Autumn-sown peas will have the biggest roots, but avoid keeping them inside, as they will just put on lush top growth. As the experts say, ‘Grow them hard,’ which means they do best somewhere just above freezing, like a covered cold frame. • Put just two seeds in each pot or cell about 2cm below the surface, so that when you plant them out in March or April you don’t have to untangle a mass of roots and risk damaging them. Keep them covered with plastic or glass to prevent mice (who love them!) getting in, until they have true leaves (the second set of leaves to appear). • If you find your plants are not thriving, try a liquid tomato feed.

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE

Autumn is a good time to think about adding shape and focus to your garden in the form of architectural salvage. Statues, pots, planters, urns, sundials, birdbaths, benches and more, made from stone, iron or wood, will add interest, and it’s very appealing to introduce something with a history all of its own into your patch. Local garden centres and antiques centres (Kibworth Antiques Centre, St Martin’s Antiques Centre in Stamford, Uppingham Antiques, etc) have selections that change regularly; the following also specialise in architectural salvage locally:

Easton Walled Gardens close for the year after 27 September, but the Courtyard Shop, selling their tins of sweet peas in many different varieties, will be open from 14 October until 20 December 10am–4pm. You can also buy their tins of sweet pea seeds online at visiteaston.co.uk. Lodge Farm Reclamation (Walton Lane, Husbands Bosworth LE17 6NN, lodgefarmreclamation. com) Just southwest of Market Harborough, this sprawling reclamation yard has items from weathered beams to doors to fireplaces and urns, troughs, statues, chimney pots, etc for the garden. Open every Saturday 9am until 5pm. Rutland Garden Classics (Rutland Garden Village, Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7QN, rutlandgardenclassics.co.uk) Based at the garden centre in Ashwell, Rutland Garden Classics (images above) has an extensive selection of statues, cast-iron and terracotta urns, planters, stone troughs, benches, chimney pots, signage and other architectural salvage. Spencer Architectural (The Barn, Water Lane, Stainby, Nr Grantham, NG33 5QY, spencerarchitectural.com) Barry Spencer specialises in fireplaces, doors (with around 700 in stock, including sets) and unexpected curios (church-related items), but has garden items too, such as urns, weathervanes, troughs and gates. Shown below. By appointment only.

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Homes & Gardens

Moores Estates Agents

Your property market questions answered In this uncertain climate, Moores Estate Agents have worked harder than ever to make sure their clients’ deals have progressed successfully What is your advice for first-time buyers? It’s great to see genuine first-time buyers reappearing in the market just now. As the government has steered the buy-to-let market in a less profitable direction, and with the saving on stamp duty, first-time buyers have re-emerged, which is healthy for the housing market as a whole. My advice is to move as quickly as possible to take advantage of these circumstances and get on the ladder as quickly as you can – nearly a generation has missed this opportunity, so don’t let it pass you by.

How did you keep deals on track during lockdown? Furloughed potential buyers had plenty of time to house hunt online, so actually there was a surge of interest in homes in this area. To meet demand, we encouraged vendors to provide video footage of their own properties, and our team filmed locations across the region to give out-of-town buyers clear information. Our methods were so effective that all the buyers who made offers after virtual viewings upheld those offers when they eventually visited in person. We now employ a professional videographer to supply detailed, high-quality films showcasing all the beautiful villages across the region. Our videos can be viewed at Moores Estate Agents on YouTube. Additionally, all our properties are now also video recorded by an energy surveyor for a completely independent assessment; this has proved immensely popular. Do you think house prices will be affected after the furlough ends in October? Nationally yes… For example, when faced with redundancy or similar financial change, individuals often reassess the cost of their lives in the south east and decide to release equity. When you hear of buyers in London and the Southeast running for the hills… we are the hills. What’s the average time from start to finish for completing a house deal or rental? It used to be four to six weeks, but as people look for cheaper deals using out-of-area legal professionals, the window has increased to eight to ten weeks. This can often be a false economy. My advice is to use local, recommended legal professionals. A couple of hundred pounds more spent can save up to four weeks’ wait.

Vernon Moore

How is your new ‘drive-through’ showroom going to work? The whole concept is based around making everything easier for both buyer and vendor, so Moores is moving to our new retail park site, where ease of access, covered parking, carcharging points and a coffee shop environment will change the face of agency in this region. It’s a one-stop shop – all the professional support will be on site, from solicitors to surveyors, architects and financial services, making buying and selling houses far less stressful and much more enjoyable all round.

Considering a move? Demand is particularly high for homes of all kinds, so act now to find out what your property could be worth. For a no-obligation valuation or expert advice on any aspect of buying or selling property in this region, call the Moores team today. Call Oakham 01572 757979; Uppingham 01572 821935; Melton Mowbray 01664 491610; Grantham 01476 855618; Peterborough 01733 788888; email office@mooresestateagents.com; visit mooresestateagents.com

Is it better to buy a run-down house and do it up, or buy a new build? When improving an older house, you can put your own stamp on a property, but you need to be very sure that improvements will add value. Two and two used to make five, as there was usually profit to be made, but that’s not necessarily the case today. Labour and materials are significantly more expensive than they used to be, plus planning levies need to be factored in. With a newer build there is less opportunity to personalise the structure, and when buying from a developer you are paying the equivalent of VAT. Be prepared to see your property value reduce before it increases. The best deal can be to buy something that has been lived in for a couple of years which has had the ‘homely’ touches such as sheds, summer houses, interior decor and landscaping added already.

‘When you hear of buyers in London and the Southeast running for the hills… we are the hills.’ 38

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Health, beauty & wellness

About face We are lucky in our region to have a fantastic range of professional facialists who are passionate about their businesses and give clients every chance of the best skin possible. Bridget Steele asked local salon owners to tell us their favourite treatment, why they recommend it and what can be achieved

Louise Sharpe of The Old Forge Beauty, Farcet ‘My personal favourite is SkinPen Microneedling – this uses very small needles that repeatedly penetrate the layers of the skin to cause micro injuries that stimulate your natural wound-healing process, while minimising cellular damage. ‘The treatment creates hundreds, if not thousands, of microscopic holes, or microchannels in the dermis, resulting in the effective remodelling of scar tissue, the formation of new collagen and increasing skin thickness. ‘Skin is prepped prior to treatment with a numbing cream for comfort, and each treatment comes with a single-use precision kit, which contains your disposable needle cartridge. A course of three treatments 30 days apart is recommended for optimum results. An individual treatment starts from £200. ‘This is a game changer for all skin types, but primarily for scarring and skin concerned with ageing!’ The Old Forge Hair and Beauty, 12 Cross Street, Farcet, Peterborough PE7 3DE, 01733 245392, theoldforgesalon.co.uk

Lauren Smale from the recently opened Skin & Glo, Stamford ‘My go-to treatment has to be our tailor-made Signature Skin & Glo Facial. They are designed to encompass true results, luxury and relaxation. I use my advanced professional skincare products alongside all of my resultsdriven technologies, which include LED light therapy, Radio Frequency, Lymphatic Drainage, Micro-current, AlumierMD Peels and Lift + Sculpt massage techniques, to highly customise each treatment for every client, making them great for everyone, no matter the skin type or concern. I offer a variety of different times for this treatment to fit everyone’s lifestyle, so 60, 90 and 120 minutes, and I also add on a complimentary skin consultation prior to every one of these treatments to analyse the skin in depth. No one skin treatment fits all, so I believe that each treatment should be designed to each client’s specific needs to help achieve the best results.’ Skin & Glo, 5 West Street, Stamford PE9 2PR, 01780 239321, skinandglo.co.uk

Samantha Hiseman from Equilibrium, Stamford ‘My favourite results-driven facial has to be our CACI ‘Ultimate’ facial. This treatment is a 90-minute anti-ageing, skin-rejuvenating, facial-toning workout that enables you to achieve beautiful skin without surgery. I feel confident knowing that CACI treatments have been around for over 25 years. Our Ultimate facial uses a mixture of the latest technologies and scientific advancements from crystal-free orbital microdermabrasion for exfoliation to LED light therapy to promote a clearer complexion, along with CACI’s wrinkle comb to target fine lines and wrinkles, right through to the microcurrent impulses that will lift and re-educate your muscles, including slackness around the jowls. ‘A course of 10 treatments is recommended, two per week for five weeks, and then a monthly maintenance treatment, just as you would expect from a body workout at the gym. It’s suitable for men and women of all ages and skin types and is only £85 for an individual treatment or £765 for the course – certainly far cheaper than a facelift and less invasive!’ Equilibrium, 21 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DG, 01780 757579, equilibriumstamford.co.uk

Pritpal Matharu from Flawless Body, Stamford ‘My absolute favourite is the iS CLINICAL Fire & Ice Facial. We love it! Pioneered in Beverly Hills and coveted by A-listers globally, this infamous intensive treatment is clinically formulated with the purest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin, reduce fine lines, address problematic skin and encourage cellular renewal. ‘The iS ClINICAL infamous Fire & Ice Facial is a rejuvenating treatment that bridges the gap between a mild facial and an invasive peel, with no downtime. It can help treat acne, hyperpigmentation, dry, compromised and ageing skin. It is safe to use during and after pregnancy and on cancer patients. LED light therapy and Radio Frequency (RF) can be added for even better results. A single treatment is £85, while a course of six is £425. Treatment time is 45 minutes.’ Flawless Body, 18a Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ, 01780 660302, flawlessbody.co.uk

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Fiona Hood of Renaissance Hair, Health and Beauty, Stamford ‘My favourite go-to facial is one that I introduced in the salon at the end of last year, the Thesera Thread Lift Facial. Looking for a treatment that will bridge the gap between a standard facial and something more invasive? The Thread Lift (TL) Facial comes from Korea, where they are decades ahead of us in skincare, and Renaissance was one of the first salons in the country to offer this treatment. ‘The TL Facial is an anti-ageing treatment that incorporates a peel and specifically a lifting facial. I love it because the results are immediate – it also continues working, with results from a course of four lasting 12 to18 months, and those from a single treatment lasting six weeks. ‘After the peel, natural threads from silkworms are introduced into the surface layers of the skin. These threads then absorb moisture and peptides, giving a lifting effect. They will continue to react to other products that the client puts on their skin at home. ‘A treatment takes 1 hour 15 minutes, and a course is spread out weekly or every 10 days. The results are lifting, pore tightening, wrinkle reduction, volume and boosting elasticity. It costs £150 for a single treatment and £500 for a course of four.’ Renaissance Hair, Health and Beauty, 15 Maiden Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ, 01780 763768, renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Naomi Tzirki from You Beauty, Market Harborough ‘My personal favourite has to be SkinPen because I suffer from adult acne, hyperpigmentation and am forever fighting the signs of ageing as a 40-year-old woman! This precision treatment is non-surgical, and the mechanical micro-needling device treats fine lines, wrinkles, UV damage, hyperpigmentation, loss of skin thickness and acne scaring. It is perfect for treating large pores and areas where skin texture is uneven. Suitable for all skin types, it can be used on other parts of the body too, such as the neck and décolletage. ‘SkinPen comfortably creates thousands of micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the body’s natural wound-healing process. This process results in skin remodelling, including the formation of collagen and elastin, the two proteins predominantly responsible for the structure of the skin. ‘The treatment can be used at any time of the year, and, although it’s only a 30-minute treatment, it leaves long-lasting results with only mild post-procedure effects similar to mild sunburn; skin recovers in 24 hours with three to six procedures recommended for optimal results.’ You Beauty Clinic, 14–16 Manor Walk, Market Harborough LE16 9PB, 01858 469222, youbeauty.clinic

Jane Reading from Pure Health & Beauty, Glapthorn ‘My go-to treatment has to be the CACI Non-Surgical Facial Treatment, as it is so versatile and can be customised to suit any skin, young or mature. This treatment lifts and re-educates the facial muscles (like going to the gym for your face), whilst smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and lifting and firming muscles around the eye area. “Skin Calm” is perfect for acne-prone skin, also reducing scarring and stretch marks. “Lip Booster” gives fuller, plumper lips and softens fine lines. ‘The joy of CACI is you can mix and match all these treatments to enhance your natural features without any needles or surgery. Orbital Microdermabrasion or the Derma Plane can be added, both giving a deep-cleansing exfoliation of the skin, with the Derma Plane removing any vellus hair (soft downy facial hair) from the face, which leaves your skin even more radiant and glowing.’ Pure Health & Beauty, Glapthorn, Church Farm, Main Street, Glapthorn PE8 5BE, 01832 272310, purebeautyglapthorn.co.uk

Rebecca Squires, and so beautiful, Orton Waterville ‘My passion is skin – and more specifically facial skincare products, treatments and technology. As the biggest organ, skin is complex in its varying role all over our body in respect of protection, regulation and sensation. Your skin is simply amazing and deserves to be treated as such! ‘With the above in mind, I am delighted to share with you our OPATRA Signature Facial using galvanic and LED technology – a 90-minute treat, allowing us to clinically and digitally analyse the surface and subsurface layers of your skin, using our OPATRA Skin Analyser as employed by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists. We then use a combination of skincare systems such Caci for microcurrent microdermabrasion and LED light therapy or Glycopeel for older or prematurely aged skin as well as dull, congested or acne-prone skins, tailoring a treatment specifically suited to your skin’s needs. At just £75 (usually £90), we believe this facial will not only treat but also educate you about any subsurface skin concerns, which we can prevent or slow down.’ and so beautiful, Cherry Orton Road, Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5EQ, 07905 926902, andsobeautiful.co.uk

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Health, beauty & wellness notes Compiled by Bridget Steele

Awards Success for Clarke & Roskrow Help for joint pain Maya Qureshi and her husband developed Deflame after he started to develop chronic joint pain and was unable to take part in the fitness and sports activities that he had previously enjoyed. Without this activity, his mental and physical health suffered. Maya set herself a mission to help and researched everything she could on nutrition, functional and plant medicine. She told me: ‘I realized that there were a lot of people who were struggling with the same problems. There was little information available that dealt specifically with the problem beyond ibuprofen. So, I decided to make something myself: a product designed to reduce inflammation, reduce pain and increase mobility – a solution specifically for active people but with zero side effects and suitable for vegans. It took a further 2 years of research and trials to get to where we are now, and I’m really excited about it.’ So what is Deflame? ‘We’ve combined curcumin and Omega 3 with ginger and Indian frankincense to make a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant liquid supplement. The ingredients work together by modulating multiple inflammatory pathways and by reducing oxidative stress in the body.’ Who can benefit from Deflame? ‘Those who exercise regularly, but who tend to suffer from aches, pains and injuries and as a result, struggle to keep up with their fitness goals, and those who suffer from chronic pains in the muscles and joints and are looking for alternative means to manage their pain. ‘Everything from the ethical sourcing of the ingredients from farms in Canada and India, to the organic compliant standard of the ingredients, the liposomal technology, and the fact that it’s liquid (so no more pills), to the quantities of each ingredient – it’s a highly specialised, carefully designed product specifically for active people who want to stay active!’ The RRP is £54.99 but the launch price is 15% off at £46.99. A further discount is available for our readers, if you message Maya at Rhythm Nutrition and reference this magazine – the price is £43.99. For more information or to place an order, email maya@rhythmnutrition.com or visit rhythmnutrition.com

Following on from being finalists in The Optician Awards and winning the Federation of Master Builders Award last year, it was competition time again for Market Harborough Styling Opticians Clarke & Roskrow at the inaugural Harborough District Business Awards earlier this year (pre-Covid –hence not socially distancing in the photo above). They were runners-up in the Retail Business of the Year category. Owner/Director Anthony Clarke said, ‘The awards ceremony was held to celebrate, recognise and reward the town’s hardworking, innovative and enterprising businesses, so I was thrilled that the judging panel put us through to the finals in our category. Being the inaugural event, I was also delighted to support the awards by sponsoring the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award category. Sadly, we weren’t winners on this occasion, but it was great to be involved with what I hope will be an annual fixture in Harborough’s business community’s calendar.’ Many congratulations all round. Clarke & Roskrow, 18 Church Street, Market Harborough LE16 7AA, 01858 462996, clarkeandroskrow.co.uk

Ballroom dancing by Zoom with Nene School of Dancing Many of you will be familiar with Nene School of Dancing from their classes in Stamford and Peterborough and their very popular Tea Dances at Parkway in Peterborough and the Arts Centre in Stamford. Janina Mossman of the School says: ‘Like all of us and all businesses the Covid lockdown has had major impacts on our normal activities. For our dancers who have been really missing dancing we have been running a series of Zoom classes and Zoom social dances for the last three months. From comments made by those taking part, we seem to have helped.

‘One of our couples, Michael and Helen, recently wrote to me, saying “The zoom lessons have been a really convenient way of learning, as we can easily and quickly join in, and it fits in well with a busy life. Janina has done a wonderful job in providing the lessons in a cheerful, friendly and inclusive way – her positivity and enthusiasm for dance are infectious.” ‘We hope to start our classes in the ballroom as soon as we can, but until that time we are starting an absolute beginners class, covering Ballroom, Latin and popular sequences over

Zoom. Zoom is a convenient and safe way of learning a new skill in the comfort of your own home. Full instructions and a practise login for anyone who is not familiar with Zoom will be given. The price is per login, so why not make it a family affair.’ The class starts on Tuesday 6 October, 7–7.30pm; a four-week taster course is £30, payable in advance. To book, email Janina on janina@ neneschoolofdancing.co.uk or call 07931 214211

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Keep on moving with

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Our popular Pick & Mix Packages are available to review and book online at www.andsobeautiful.co.uk Choose 2 for £35, or 3 for £50* Eyelash & eyebrow tint Sienna X full body spray tan Half leg wax Jessica Express manicure Bikini line and underarm wax IBX nail repair Eyebrow, lip and chin wax CACI jowl lift 20 minutes OPATRA LED mask

Choose 2 for £55, or 3 for £80* Hopi ear candles GEL prescriptive manicure Half leg and bikini or underarm wax Indian head massage (30 min) Hollywood wax CACI scarring/stretch mark Intimate chest or back wax Decleor vital eyes Back massage (30 mins)

Choose 2 for £48, or 3 for £65* Eyebrow wax, eyelash & eyebrow tint Jessica Express pedicure Full leg wax Jessica Geleration manicure** Chest wax Calus Peel CACI Microdermabrasion Brazilian wax CACI Hydrotone Jessica Prescriptive manicure

Choose 2 for £75, or 3 for £110* Decleor discovery facial Half leg bikini and underarm wax Full leg, bikini or underarm wax Jessica luxury pedicure Deep tissue back massage (45 mins) Jessica luxury manicure Decleor Indian head massage (45 mins) Aromatherapy back, neck & shoulder massage (45 mins) OPATRA skin analyser OPATRA dermasonic facial Mii make-up consultation

*Treatments can be taken together or separately but must be purchased when first treatment is taken. ** Excludes removal of gel

Cherry Orton Road, Orton Waterville, Peterborough, PE2 5EQ Tel: 07905 926902 45

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Health, beauty & wellness

Elysia celebrates 20 years in business F you wish to slow the signs of ageing, there has never been a better time to do it. Sophisticated aesthetic treatments, delivered using advanced technology, are proliferating. The difficult part is choosing someone to carry out intimate procedures that require both knowledge and integrity. After 20 years running her own business, aesthetician Lisa Claypole is well respected for her experience. She’s usually booked up at least a month ahead, and some clients have been seeing her for years. ‘I never promise miracles, but if my client and I work together, and we put together a plan, they will see a difference in their face and body,’ explains Lisa. ‘For most people, it’s not about looking 20 years younger, their aim is simply to look healthy and good for their age.’ In an industry where new procedures are constantly being promoted and endorsed by celebrities and influencers, Lisa stays true to her core values. ‘I keep up with the latest developments, but I won’t introduce something if it’s a fad,’ she explains. ‘Everything I do here is results-driven. I won’t recommend something that I don’t believe in, and I would not offer anything that I would not be happy to have myself.’ ZO skincare is one of her core treatments. Founded by Dr Zein Obagi, it offers superior skin products that are designed to penetrate the skin’s epidermis (many over-the-counter creams simply sit on top of the skin, moisturising the outer layer, but doing very little else, says Lisa). The products must be ‘prescribed’ by a skincare professional. ‘It is extremely good for antiageing and promoting healthier-looking skin,’ says Lisa. For the last 2 years, she has been offering High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-surgical system for skin lifting and tightening, which stimulates the body to produce more collagen. ‘This is a deep treatment using ultrasound technology – and it really does feel deep. It is like a dull ache. It’s important it doesn’t hurt and that we work within clients’ tolerance levels – we say it is a 5 of out 10 (in terms of the sensation felt),’ says Lisa. ‘It has been around a long time, and it is constantly being improved. Three initial treatments are needed, followed by regular maintenance sessions.’ Venus Viva is another procedure that Lisa is enthusiastic about. Through medical micro-needling, it improves the appearance of acne scars, tightens skin, reduces the appearance of jowls, and smoothes wrinkles on the face and neck. It can also remove superficial pigmentation and help with rosacea. Safe and non-invasive, it works using Radio Frequency waves to deliver energy through the skin’s epidermis to the dermis, generating heat and initiating skin changes that rebuild collagen and improve the skin’s structure. ‘I have some fabulous before and after pictures for this treatment,’ says Lisa. CACI is another option. ‘This is probably the one that most people are familiar with, and I describe it as a gym workout for the face,’ smiles Lisa. ‘Initially, you need a course of treatments to improve skin and muscle tone.

PHOTO: TIM STEELE

Good skincare is all about expert knowledge, effective treatments – and trust. Aesthetician Lisa Claypole of Elysia Skin:Body:Laser in Tansor delivers all three

There is no downtime, and it is understandably very popular.’ Although she enthuses about all of the procedures on offer at her clinic, Lisa is careful to explain that, for optimum results, they must be used in conjunction with sensible eating, good hydration, a healthy sleeping pattern, good sun protection and an excellent skin routine with regular cleansing, moisturising and toning. ‘It is about seeing the whole person and working together, so that everything fits.’ Aesthetic treatments, such as Botox and fillers, are delivered by a doctor who visits the clinic on specific days. ‘They have their place, but we would never over-treat anyone,’ says Lisa. ‘Again, it is very much part of an overall package.’ All of these advantages, combined with a peaceful and private village location with easy parking, make a visit to Elysia a stress-free experience that should guarantee subtle yet effective improvements. For more information, contact: Elysia Skin:Body:Laser, in Tansor, Oundle PE8 5HP 01832 226328 or 07879 620196, elysiaskinbodylaser.co.uk

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Elysia Skin: Body: Laser, Tansor, Oundle, PE8 5HP Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196 Email: lisa@elysiaskinbodylaser.co.uk www.elysiaskinbodylaser.com Follow us: Elysia Skin Body Laser

15/09/2020 09/09/2020 16:00 14:38

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Meadows Dental Care is pleased to announce that it has fully reopened. Our friendly staff continue to be committed to superlative patient care and gentle, pain-free dental treatments.

E are delighted to welcome back our existing clients and we are accepting new patients for both routine and emergency care. We understand the anxiety some people feel about going to the dentist, and we specialise in creating a calming, comfortable environment and taking you through your treatment step by step. For added peace of mind through Covid-19, we have introduced a range of new precautionary measures. When you book your appointment, our friendly team will explain all of these precautions to you and ensure you feel completely comfortable. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions so you know exactly what will happen during your visit to us. As well as asking you to take a few precautions, our team will have additional measures in place to keep the practice safe and secure for all our patients. They will be wearing full PPE and increasing the time between appointments in order to reduce client contact. Our usual outstanding levels of hygiene and infection control have been increased further so you can be confident we offer a Covid-secure environment throughout the practice. This includes an air filtration

system to deliver the best ventilation in each room. Apart from that, our treatments and care remain as good as they have ever been. As always, our treatment plans are tailored to every individual. We offer a range of services from general dentistry to cosmetic dental treatments and anti-ageing therapies, with flexible payment plans available. Whether you want to book a routine appointment or need help with a particular treatment, we are here to deliver the outstanding care for which we are known. We look forward to welcoming you soon to our friendly practice in Helpston.

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COVID SECURE 11/09/2020 15/09/2020 15:12 16:01

Food & drink

All of your ‘5 a day’ Inspired by the increased demand for fruitand-vegetable boxes during lockdown, Debs Pennell takes a look at a number of these excellent schemes run by farms and farm shops in our local region

CREATIVE IMAGE: CALUM HANDLEY

T is now nearly 18 years since the government launched their ‘5 a day’ campaign, on 23 March 2003. This initiative was introduced to encourage people to increase their daily consumption of fruit and vegetables, to at least five portions per day, with a portion of fruit or vegetables being 80 grammes. At the time, the Labour government at the time was clearly looking at the health benefits that vegetables, fruit and salad provide in our diet, and the future effect that this could have on our NHS. It was medically proven that eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day could reduce your risk of cardiac diseases, cancers and diabetes. In more recent months, of course, medical advisors have stressed how important eating a healthy diet is during the Covid-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that: ‘what we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections.’ So how do you buy your fresh fruit and vegetables? Do you rely on the local markets, or have you thought about, or signed up to, one of our fantastic local vegetable box schemes? Veggie box schemes have undoubtedly become more popular, and many local farm shops now have a click-and-collect facility, and a wider selection of fruit and vegetables. It would appear that shopping local has taken an upwards spiral over the last few months, with people analysing the way they shop, and realising the many benefits of buying local.

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New Lodge Farm Located in Bulwick, New Lodge Farm Shop is a great example of a business that has rallied to meet the different demands of the local community and created a safe environment for people to shop in times of uncertainty. The Farm Shop has always been a vibrant destination for locals, their camp-site guests, and those travelling from further afield. Owner, Sarah Singlehurst says, ‘we haven’t needed to expand our fruit-andvegetable selection over the last few months, just increase our quantity of stock, but we have become more creative in our positioning of the fruit-and-vegetable area in light of Covid-19. We always have a large selection of local produce and we have also added extra lines, such as bread flour, yeast and baking products, to meet demand.’ Initially, after lockdown eased, produce was sold from an open-sided articulated truck in the car-park area, which offered people more space to browse, without feeling under pressure to make their choice. A newly constructed wooden barn now houses their excellent supply of fruit and vegetables, with plenty of space for a one-way system throughout the shop, and all Covid-19 regulations in place. Local producer, Richard Goodger is in charge of the fruit-and-vegetable area – he grows much of the produce himself and sources additional products locally, where possible. Produce boxes come in two sizes at £15 or £25 and they can be pre-ordered through the New Lodge Farm website, on email at shop@newlodgefarm.com, or by telephone on 01780 450493. Laxton Road, Bulwick, Rockingham Forest, Corby, Northants NN17 3DU newlodgefarm.com

Farndon Fields Farm Shop Situated just southwest of Market Harborough, award-winning Farndon Fields Farm Shop diversified into supplying fruit-and-vegetable boxes as a direct result of Covid-19. They were keen to meet a demand for a regular delivery of fresh produce to help those shielding or unable to leave their homes. As the scheme has proved so successful, they plan to continue the service for the foreseeable future. Ordering pre-made fruit-and-vegetable boxes is simple: a telephone call to their dedicated order line means a truly personal service, with staff taking your order, answering any queries, taking delivery details, adding extra order items and collecting payment. The telephone order line is open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm on 01858 464838. Delivery areas are far reaching, with set days for specific areas such as Cottesbrooke, Kettering, Medbourne, Corby and many of the surrounding villages. An alternative to delivery is their Click and Collect service – orders are placed and then collected from a designated area of the farm shop car park, at an agreed time. Farndon Fields grow a significant amount of the fruit and vegetables that make up their boxes, offering seasonal changes and a good variety of produce. All boxes come in one size for £10. Your fruit and vegetables arrive in made-up cardboard boxes, and packaging is kept to a minimum. Farndon Fields Farm, Farndon Road, Market Harborough LE16 9NP farndonfields.co.uk

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Food & drink All of your ‘5 a day’

Riverford Riverford Organic Farmers have seen a huge increase in demand for their countrywide home-delivery service during lockdown, rising from around 50,000 to 80,000 deliveries each week. With this increased demand Riverford initially had to streamline their range, and focus continues to be on their core fruit-and-vegetable boxes, with the addition of ‘seasonal stars’, regular fruit, veg and salad favourites, plus staples such as milk, eggs and bread, and meat and fish, to top up your delivery. Meat boxes and recipe boxes of various sizes are also available. Riverford said, ‘We have noticed some major changes in how people are eating and cooking in the home during this ongoing crisis, with many people now cooking from scratch. This is a big sustainable lifestyle shift for many, as the weekly contents of our boxes are based on seasonal availability rather than limitless choice. In response, we are offering lots of veg help, recipes and “Veg Hacks” videos to help customers “live life on the veg.” Our Facebook group, Riverford Hive, has also been a great way for people to share and connect with each other.’ Riverford continues to be a reliable source of seasonal organic vegetables and fruit, produced on their farms such as Sacrewell, close to Peterborough, or bought in from growers they know and trust. Boxes start from around £15 and come in a small, medium or large size. Register and order at riverford.co.uk

Gates Farm Shop Adjacent to the large garden centre on the Somerby Road in Rutland, Gates Farm Shop opened in August 2019. It has since built a reputation for quality fruit and vegetables – and for good reason. The team of fresh produce buyers source locally where possible, and they have a real passion for what they do. Packaging is kept to a minimum, with as much loose produce as possible. Paper bags, rather than plastic, are provided. Marketing Manager Ali Bailey says, ‘our customers tell us that it is now more important than ever to know where their food comes from. They are prioritising quality over convenience, though still want great value for money, as purse strings are tighter than ever. Having had more time on their hands, many of our customers have been looking into ethical alternatives to the huge supermarket chains and they are now using the smaller local businesses to supply their weekly shopping. Gates Farm Shop produce boxes are fresh, locally sourced and offer great value for money, with minimal packaging and contents subject to seasonal change.’ Fruit-and-vegetable boxes reflect what is available seasonally and are put together by the fresh produce team. Extra items can be added to meet customer requirements. Look out for offers such as celebratory afternoon tea boxes, Sunday roast boxes and full recipe boxes, including all the ingredients you will need to produce a delicious meal. Orders to be placed on 01664 454309. Local delivery is available, and a designated collection point operates in the car park. Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Nr Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QB gatesfarmshop.co.uk

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15/09/2020 23:44

THE SPECIALISTS IN PODIATRIC MEDICINE

Dentistry with a difference

Why have we received so much positive feedback since opening in 2018?

Self referrals are welcome Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic for all your nail, toe, skin, foot and leg problems Open Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm

Patient-focused general & specialist dentistry

Perhaps because we offer a Friendly and relaxed different style of dentistry with environment our focus on: Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic • preventative and family care State of the art 3D • consultant expertise innail, toe, skin, foot and leg imaging facilities Orthodontics & Oral Surgery

Self referrals are welcom for all your problems

Open Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm Accepting Denplan and private patients

Home Visits Available

opinions, leading Full PPE worn by2nd Podiatrists, Hand to Washing Expected. realistic cost effective Safe Waiting Area. &Social Distancing in place. treatment options Payment preferred Please wear a Mask. Contactless

Full PPE worn by Podiatrists, Hand Washing Expected. Safe Waiting Area. Social Distancing in place. Please wear a Mask. Contactless Payment preferred

Sue Arnold BSc(Hons) MCPod & Associates

Sue Arnold BSc(Hons) MCPod & Associates 26 Priestgate

If you would like to book an appointment, please call

19 Elton Road, Wansford PE8 6JD wansfordinstep@gmail.com

19 EltonPeterborough Road, Wansford PE1 1WG PE8 6JD wansfordinstep@gmail.com reception@priestgateclinic.co.uk

01733 865000

01780 783982

www.priestgateclinic.co.uk

01780 783982

FREE

asses consu sment ltation THE SPECIALISTS IN PODIATRIC MEDICINE

THE SPECIALISTS IN PODIATRIC MEDICINE

The latest laser and injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualified GP or Nurse Practitioner Laser Treatments Include:

• Laser tattoo removal • IPL photo-rejuvenation • Hair removal • Rosacea & facial redness • Facial & leg veins & vascular lesions • Pigmented skin lesions & sun damage

Self referrals are welcome

Self referrals are welcom

AllChiropody in addition to our usual Medical Aesthetic Treatments: & Podiatry Clinicrange for allofyour Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic for all your

• Muscle injections for lines wrinkles • 8 point non-surgical face lift nail, relaxing toe, skin, foot and leg &problems • Non-surgical 15 minute Rhinoplasty • Volite & Restylane Vital skin rejuvenation Open Monday - Friday - 8.00pm • Juvederm & Restylane dermal8.00am fillers • Silhouette Soft Thread lifts • Treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Minor surgical procedures including mole removal & non-scalpel vasectomy

Home Visits Available

Full PPE worn by Podiatrists, Hand Washing Expected. Safe Waiting Area. Social Distancing in place. Please wear a Mask. Contactless Payment preferred

www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk 01476 550056

The Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Lincs NG33 4BB

nail, toe, skin, foot and leg problems

Open Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm

Home Visits Available

Full PPE worn by Podiatrists, Hand Washing Expected. Safe Waiting Area. Social Distancing in place. Please wear a Mask. Contactless Payment preferred

Sue Arnold BSc(Hons) MCPod & Associates

01780 783982

19 Elton Road, Wansford PE8 6JD wansfordinstep@gmail.com

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19 Elton Road, Wansford PE8 6JD 53 wansfordinstep@gmail.com

15/09/2020 16:01

MADE TO MEASURE

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Unit 6, Hereward Estate, off Cherry Holt Road, Bourne, PE10 9LA 54

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15/09/2020 16:04

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15/09/2020 09/09/2020 16:04

Eating out

The Chubby Castor This winner of a restaurant in the village of Castor, 4 miles west of Peterborough, combines picture-postcard architecture and a relaxed, welcoming approach with exceptional cuisine showcasing fresh, seasonal, local ingredients

STABLISHED in 2017 by Chef Patron Adebola Adeshina, who has worked under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing in London as well as acclaimed French chefs Philip Howard and Eric Chavot, The Chubby Castor has been garnering rave reviews for its inventive modern British cuisine ever since. This was our first visit, so our expectations were high, and the anticipation was great. It’s a breeze to get to Castor from all corners of our region, with the A47 and A1 just nearby. Once in the village, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the thatched, Grade II-listed 17th-century building (the Fitzwilliam Arms) in which the restaurant is housed – it evoked a ‘wow’ moment that kicked the evening off perfectly. We were warmly welcomed by the front of house team and taken to our comfortable table in the modern rustic dining room, where we were delighted to be offered a glass of Champagne. This was swiftly followed by some delicious homemade bread and butter, and a light, fresh prawn cocktail-inspired amuse-bouche. It was a celebration night for us, so we had pre-ordered The Chubby Castor’s Tasting Menu, allowing us to sample seven carefully chosen, differing, well-balanced courses – a fantastic showcase for the chef’s talents. First up were steamed mussels with fennel pollen, kohlrabi and chicken sauce – beautifully succulent molluscs, with crunch and texture from the kohlrabi, and a swirl of smooth, flavourful sauce. Course two was a pretty-as-a-picture tart, with artichoke, caramelised onion, deliciously juicy leeks, dinky chunks of vintage Godminster and pine nuts; another winner, it was exquisitely presented, with every mouthful a delight. Course three was smoked breast of duck with lavender honey, perfectly pint-sized pears and delicately fried courgette flowers, served under a ceramic dome, which, when removed, delighted us with its impressive escapee clouds of smoke and drew us in with its inviting fireside aroma.

Pan-fried bass was course four, served with trout tortellini, chervil root, red pepper and chorizo sauce. An exceptional plate, it was creamy but light and just melted in the mouth. Up fifth were Tournedos Rossini: dry-aged fillet with duck liver, brioche, Scottish girolles and truffle sauce. This decadent dish was a successful marriage of textures and indulgent flavours, impressing hugely. On to the pudding course, which I was delighted to see was a soufflé – a lovely light strawberry one, with a refreshing strawberry and mint salsa and a zingy, intensely colourful and bold basil sorbet on the side. The Tasting Menu culminates with homemade Petits Fours, but by this time we were rather full, so we asked to take them away – something that went down very well with the rest of the family back at home. During the meal, Ade popped by to chat to us, and we were happy to hear that things have been going well since lockdown. His hands-on approach and obvious passion for his restaurant and the region are evident. Our evening at The Chubby Castor exceeded even our high expectations. The warm, attentive service, the atmosphere, the exquisitely presented, fresh, seasonal modern British food – it was exceptional. The Tasting Menu (£80 per person, or £130 each with a wine flight) was spot on for our special occasion, but it’s worth noting that there’s also an exceptionally well-priced set menu and an à la carte menu (plus Sunday lunch and afternoon tea), so there’s something for a range of budgets. Highly recommended. The Chubby Castor, 34 Peterborough Road, Castor, Peterborough PE5 7AX. For reservations, call 01733 380801 or email reservations@ thechubbycastor.com. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evening and all day Monday and Tuesday. thechubbycastor.com

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15/09/2020 18:20

Civilised Dining

À la carte

Civilised Dining

From the exquisite presentation, to the flavours and textures, we can ensure our dishes are plated to perfection. It’s all in the detail...

Set lunch & dinner menu Sunday menu Tasting menu Booking is recommended

Afternoon teas

01733 380801 reservations@thechubbycastor.com 34 Peterborough Road PE5 7AX www.thechubbycastor.com

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

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch? Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £11.95 for one course up to £17.95 for three courses

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

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

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

www.farndonfields.co.uk

Tuesday, Wednesday 4pm - 11pm (Food 6.30pm - 9.30pm) Thursday 4pm - 11pm (Food 6.30pm - 9.30pm) Friday, Saturday 12pm - 12am (Food 12pm - 2.30pm/6.30pm - 9.30pm) Sunday 12pm - 6pm (Food 12.30pm - 3pm)

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

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com 57

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15/09/2020 16:04

Eating out

The Willow and Brook, Apethorpe

Words: Bridget Steele Photography: Tim Steele

FIRST met Jim and Suzanne Millar in November 2019. They had moved to Apethorpe (perfectly situated in Northamptonshire between Oundle and Stamford, yet easily accessible from Peterborough) to take over the village pub that had been sitting empty for four years, renaming it ‘The Willow and Brook’. With their extensive experience of working in the hospitality industry, this was their dream come true – the first place of their own. They were busy sourcing local suppliers, planning menus, table plans and decor, employing staff and meeting with the locals to find out what they wanted in their village. Their enthusiasm was obvious, as they showed me sample menus, and their vision in bringing the pub back to life was evident. The doors opened in February this year. Tough timing – with the Covid crisis, the middle part of the year has, of course, proved challenging for everyone. It is open again now, though, and we visited to sample their latest offering; their enthusiasm is undaunted. Congratulations are due, too – the pub is one of Great Food Club’s 2020/21 Finalists. The menu changes each season with a Tasting Menu introducing new dishes to diners. We visited for an Autumn Tasting Menu evening. The tasty canapés of ginger lemongrass mussels, duck leg croquette, and cauliflower and stilton pie started the meal, served with an excellent English sparkling rosé. Over the evening we enjoyed seared pigeon with spiced pear and beetroot coulis and mushroom; crab and queen scallop tortellini with pickled corn and tomato consommé; a palette cleanser of blackberry sorbet

with rosemary foam; fillet of bream with caviar, noisettes, peas and bacon; venison loin with heritage carrot, blackberry rösti and a chocolate jus. The venison – one of Jim’s signature dishes – was one of my favourites, with the subtle chocolate notes perfectly complementing the meat. A cider parfait, with cherry jelly and pine syrup, was a real hit with Tim. The finale was a chocolate dome with a Cointreau and orange mousse garnished with gold leaf – it really had the ‘wow’ factor. We really enjoyed the accompanying wines for each course. Local wine merchants Amps supply wine to The Willow and Brook, and Jim and Suzanne really champion English wines to fit with their ethos of sourcing locally; prices are kept as low as possible to encourage people to try them. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, with a separate menu and plenty from which to choose. Coeliacs and those following a gluten-free diet can choose anything from the main menus, and rest assured that food is prepared and cooked in safe hands. The Willow and Brook, however, isn’t just about fine dining; there are plenty of pub classics, walkers’ specials, sharing platters, afternoon teas and Sunday lunches, as well as themed evenings. One thing is for sure: you will enjoy a warm welcome, with professional, enthusiastic service. The Willow and Brook, Kings Cliffe Road, Apethorpe PE8 5DG, 01780 470509, open Wednesday to Sunday, reservations advised, thewillowandbrook.co.uk

East Twist

Delightfully situated on a barge by the Town Bridge in Peterborough, Oriental fusion restaurant East has just launched an additional new menu, called East Twist, offering a selection of Mediterranean dishes with a Far Eastern twist. It’s two courses for £15 and three courses for £18, and there are five starters and mains, and three desserts, from which to choose. Starters include: wasabi prawns (king prawns in a light tempura batter with a warm creamy mayonnaise) and crispy larb chicken (crispy chicken tossed together with a lime juice and chilli sauce, finished with crushed, roasted rice). Mains include: spicy squid ink spaghetti seafood (prawns, squid and mussels, flavoured with sundried chilli, garlic and basil) and sambal burger (a handmade burger with a Malaysian sambal sauce, kaffir lime leaves, lettuce and mayonnaise, served with rosemary salted chips). East, Town Bridge, Upper Deck Charters, Peterborough PE1 1FP, 01733 315702, east-restaurant.co.uk

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E WITH WITH EF MONDAY TO EAST NEW OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO T Come along to enjoy EAST - NEW OPENINGEAST HOURS: - FROM NEW OPENING HOURS: FRIDAY, WITH EFFECT MONDAY 20 2020:SAS EAST - NEW OPENING HOURS: FRIDAY, WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY 20 JULYFROM 2020:MONDAY 20 JULY your festive WITH EFFECT JULY 2020: TOONLY: THURSDAY - 10:30PM DINNER ONLY: 5PM TO 10: WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAYMONDAY 20 JULYTO 2020: THURSDAYMONDAY DINNER 5PM TO MONDAY TO THURSDAY DINNER ONLY: 5PM TO 10: Introducing FRIDAY, AND SUNDAY: LUNCH 12-3P celebrations atTHURSDAY - DINNER ONLY:FRIDAY, Introducing MONDAY TO 5PM TOSATURDAY 10:30PM AND SUNDAY:SATURDAY LUNCH 12-3PM FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: LUNCH 12-3P DINNER FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: LUNCH 12-3PM DINNER 5-10:30PM Special menu menu5-10:30PM Normanton Park Hotel Special DINNER 5-10:30PM Includes Introducing £15 courses || £18 £18 for for 33courses courses DINNER 5-10:30PM Introducing Includes £15 for for 22 courses Introducing Sunday –– Thursday Thursday Introducing Served Sunday Special menu Served N O R M A N T O N

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£10 Tuesday Special menu £10 Tuesday We East have Twist your whole East Twist Special menu Includes Starters £10 Tuesday £15 for 2 courses | £18 for 3 courses ast Twist Special menu Includes Starters £15 for 2 courses | £18£15 for Served 3 courses £10 Tuesday Includes Starters for 2 courses | £18 for 3 courses Sunday – Thursday Christmas and New Year – Thursday Includes Starters 5 for 2 courses | £18 for 3 courses Served Sunday & Mains Includes Starters & Mains Served Sunday – Thursday & Mains Served Sunday – Thursday Mains covered. & Mains served& 5:30 - 10:30pm Served 5.30pm – 10.30pm served 5:30 - 10:30pm Party Nights, Festive Lunches, Festive Afternoon Teas, Christmas 2 or 3 day Residential Packages, Christmas Day lunch and our New Years Eve Black and White Ball. SESAME PORK

PAD CHA SPAGHETTI PLANT BASED

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Mon –Thu: Lunch 12-2.30pm, Dinner 5pm-10.30pm Fri, Sat & Sun: Lunch 12-3pm, Dinner 5pm -10.30pm 01733 315 702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk 01733 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Upper 1FP UpperDeck, Deck,Charters, Charters,Town TownBridge, Bridge,Peterborough PeterboroughPE1 PE1 1FP

EAST - NEW OPENING HOURS: WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY 20 JULY 2020: MONDAY TO THURSDAY - DINNER ONLY: 5PM TO 10:30PM FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: LUNCH 12-3PM DINNER 5-10:30PM

£ CHARTERS OPEN OPEN DAILY CHARTERS DAILY MIDDAY MIDDAY --11PM 11PM £10 Tuesday East Twist Special menu £7.50 BB £10 £7.50 Includes Starters BURGER MENU AVAILABLE 5PM 10:30PM £10 CHARTERS OPEN DAILY MIDDAY 11PM BURGER MENU AVAILABLE£10 5PM - 10:30PM £7.50 CHARTERS OPEN CHARTERS DAILY MIDDAY - 11PM & Mains £7.50 OPEN DAILY MIDDAY 11PM £10 Beer S OPEN DAILY MIDDAY - 11PM BURGER MENU AVAILABLE 5PM Beer LUNCH MENU SERVED SAT & SUN 12 - 3PM - 10:30PM LUNCH MENU SERVED FRI, FRI,Beer SAT Bu BURGER MENU AVAILABLE 5PM 10:30PM Beer & & SUN 12 - 3PM Bu BURGER MENU AVAILABLE 5PM 10:30PM & SELECT MENU AVAILABLE 5PM - 10:30PM LUNCH MENU& & SEL SERVED FRI, SAT & SUN 12 - 3PM Burger LUNCH MENU SERVED FRI, SAT & SUN 12 3PM Burger SERVED FRI, SAT & SUN 12 - 3PM Burger SELECTED DRINKS ONLY ENU SERVED FRI, SAT & SUN 12 - LUNCH 3PM MENU 01733 315702 Burger SELECTED DRINKS ONLY 01733 315 702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP www.east-restaurant.co.uk 01733 315 702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

315 702

01733 315 702

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

www.east-restaurant.co.uk

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

Introducing

£15 for 2 courses | £18 for 3 courses

Served Sunday – Thursday

served 5:30 - 10:30pm

SESAME PORK

SELECTED DRINKS ONLY

PAD CHA SPAGHETTI PLANT BASED

CRISPY LARB CHICKEN

www.east-restaurant.co.uk SELECTED DRINKS ONLY

01733 315 702

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

www.east-restaurant.co.uk

Charters Open: 12 noon – 11pm £10 CHARTERS OPEN DAILY MIDDAY - 11PM Burger Menu Available Daily Beer BURGER MENU AVAILABLE 5PM - 10:30PM & Lunch Menu Served: Mon - Thu 12-2.30pm, LUNCH MENU SERVED FRI, SAT & SUN 12 - 3PM Burger Fri, Sat & Sun 12-3pm

£7.50

SELECTED DRINKS ONLY

01733 315700 | www.charters-bar.com | Town Bridge Pet 01733 315700 www.charters-bar.com Town Bridge P

01733 315700 | www.charters-bar.com | Town Bridge Peterborough PE1 1FP

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13/08/2020 12:09 15/09/2020 16:05

Food & drink

How The Olive Branch emerged from lockdown in style!

Extraordinary news and a delicious recipe from the team in Clipsham

HAT an incredible few months it’s been. Last winter, we celebrated our 20th anniversary – that now seems like a lifetime ago. In late March, we closed as a pub – as instructed by the Government – and initially turned The Olive Branch into a village shop. However, we soon decided it wasn’t possible to do this safely and closed our doors from 21 March until 4 July. But we didn’t rest on our laurels! We used lockdown as an opportunity to spend more time with our loved ones and to plan in detail for the uncertain times ahead. We dug out our saucestained recipe book and published 28 classic Olive Branch recipes on our website and social media! And on 3 April we launched ‘20 stories in 20 days’ on social media – publishing some unique Olive Branch tales to remind you all of good times past and better times to come! Fast-forward to late June, and our team Zoom meetings reached a crescendo as we planned for reopening on 4 July. Then we received the incredible news that The Olive Branch was to appear – on 27 June – on the front page of The Times’ Weekend Section as part of its ‘Britain’s Best Pubs with Gardens feature’! What a way to count down to reopening day! The pictures are by Clive Doyle.

On 4 July we reopened The Olive Branch and Beech House and introduced many of you to The Olive Branch’s ‘new special’! This is what we like to call our new post-Covid way of doing things that feels safe and special. Inside, there are fewer tables, while outside, our garden gazebos, each with their own heater, have been a great success. And, judging by your feedback, our team have done a brilliant job of putting you at ease and serving you in style.

Olive Branch Recipe: Thai Green Curry Serves 4 • Sunflower oil, for frying • 4 medium skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2cm thick strips • 200g raw frozen tiger prawns (optional), defrosted • 100g tenderstem broccoli • 8 asparagus spears, peeled and cut in half • 200g mangetout or sugar snap peas • 1 tbsp white wine or rice wine vinegar • 400g tin of coconut milk • 500ml chicken stock • 6 kaffir lime leaves • ½ bunch fresh basil • 2 limes, juice and zest For the curry paste • 2 tsp palm sugar or clear honey • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped • 2 shallots or 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped • 5cm piece of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped • 2 lemongrass stalks, with outer skin removed, roughly chopped • 4 green bird’s eye chillies, roughly chopped • 1 tsp ground cumin or seed • ½ bunch fresh coriander • 2 tbsp fish sauce – optional but gives great umami flavour

1. In a large frying pan, heat one tablespoon of sunflower oil and seal the cut chicken strips for approximately 4 minutes, then leave on a warm plate to one side. 2. Repeat this step with the defrosted raw tiger prawns if you choose to use them. 3. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and season well with salt. 4. Add the broccoli, asparagus and mangetout/sugar snap peas to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. 5. Strain off the cooked green veg and leave to one side in a warm dish. 6. For the curry paste you will need a food processor – add all the curry paste ingredients to the processor and blitz to a paste-like consistency. 7. In a large frying pan heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil, then add the curry paste. 8. Stir and heat the curry paste for 4 minutes, then add the wine or vinegar and cook out for a minute. 9. Add the coconut milk and chicken stock to the pan and bring to the boil for 2 minutes. 10. Turn the pan down to a simmer and add the sealed chicken strips and kaffir lime leaves – cook gently for 7 minutes. 11. Add the prawns (optional) and the pre-cooked green veg and heat through gently. 12. To finish the curry, add the fresh basil leaves and the lime juice and zest. 13. Serve with plain boiled or jasmine rice alongside a chilled glass of wine. We recommend a nice Gewürztraminer, Riesling or Pinot Gris.

The Olive Branch, Main Street, Clipsham LE15 7SH, 01780 410355, theolivebranchpub.com

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15/09/2020 18:22

Michelin starred

THE INTIMATE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

Celebrating 40 years Enviably located overlooking Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall with its 17 classic bedrooms is a haven of gastronomy and a treat for the senses.

1980

Beautifully landscaped gardens and lovingly-curated antiques blend with opulent furnishings to produce an elegant, comfortable bolthole. 2020

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15/09/2020 16:05

Food & Drink

Great Food Club Awards 2020/21: The Finalists Great Food Club Founder, Matt Wright, shares the new shortlist, which contains some brilliant local pubs, restaurants, food shops and producers

S you’ll know if you’re a member, Great Food Club exists to champion excellent local food and drink independents in the East Midlands. Each year we run our awards and we recently revealed the shortlist for 2020/21. You can see it below. It includes some outstanding local talent including Hambleton Hall, Hitchen’s Barn of Oakham, Gates’ Farm Shop and Northfield Farm, both of Cold Overton, and many more. How did we choose the finalists? In July 2020 our readers and members cast nearly 6,000 votes in response to the following question: Which independent food or drink business has brought you the most joy over the past 12 months? We chose the finalists after counting and analysing all the votes. Last year’s winners were excluded to allow us to shine a light on a greater number of exceptional businesses. What happens next? Our team will carefully judge the finalists’ products, cooking, service, facilities and ethos. We’ll then decide the winner in each category. These winners will be named on or around 15 October 2020.

FOOD PRODUCER Bytham Kitchen Bourne, Lincolnshire Fruit Pig Wisbech, Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese Ulceby, Lincolnshire Manor Farm Yoghurt Thrussington, Leicestershire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): Elms Farm Costock, Leicestershire FARM SHOP Grazers of Ashby Parva Leicestershire March House Farm Shop Great Dalby, Leicestershire Northfield Farm Cold Overton, Rutland Tori & Ben’s Farm Kings Newton, Derbyshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): Farndon Fields Farm Shop FINE DINING RESTAURANT Alchemilla Nottingham Hambleton Hall Hambleton, Rutland The Jew’s House Lincoln John’s House Mountsorrel, Leicestershire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): The Hammer & Pincers, Wymeswold CASUAL DINING RESTAURANT The Brownlow Arms Houghon-the-Hill, Lincolnshire Fourwards at Ashfields Earl Shilton, Leicestershire Hitchen’s Barn Oakham, Rutland The School House South Normanton, Derbyshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): House of Feasts, Eye Green, Peterborough DINING PUB The Blue Ball Braunstonin-Rutland The Falcon at Fotheringhay Northamptonshire The Stag & Hounds Burrough on the Hill, Leicestershire The Willow and Brook Apethorpe, Northamptonshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): The Wheatsheaf, Greetham, Rutland

CLASSIC PUB The Blue Cow South Witham, Lincolnshire The Frame Breakers Ruddington, Nottinghamshire The Geese & Fountain Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire The Marquis of Granby Granby, Nottinghamshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): The Black Horse, Aylestone, Leicester

DRINK PRODUCER Braybrooke Beer Co Braybrooke, Leicestershire Brentingby Gin Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Napton Cidery Napton, Warwickshire White Peak Distillery Ambergate, Derbyshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): Round Corner Brewing, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

WORLD CUISINE RESTAURANT Anoki Derby Kushi-Ya Nottingham Orbis Oakham, Rutland Zada Stamford, Lincolnshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): Sanctua, Oadby, Leicestershire

BAKERY The Bakehouse Sherwood, Nottingham Beauvale Priory Bakehouse Moorgreen, Nottinghamshire Bisbrooke Artisans Bisbrooke, Rutland Lily & Honey Oakham, Rutland Last year’s winners (excluded from this year’s awards): Small Food Bakery, Nottingham, and Hambleton Bakery, Exton, Rutland

CAFÉ All Mine Cakes Southwell, Nottinghamshire Apteekki Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Bread & Butterflies West Bridgford, Nottingham The Crimson Tree Sherwood, Nottingham Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): The Larder, Oakham, Rutland SMALL DELI (NEW CATEGORY) Bottle Top Ruddington, Nottinghamshire Christopher James Deli Leicester Thrussington Village Shop Leicestershire Wigston Fields News & Deli Wigston, Leicester FOOD SHOP Croot’s Farm Shop Duffield, Derbyshire Gates’ Farm Shop Cold Overton, Rutland Maxey’s Farm Shop Kirklington, Nottinghamshire Welbeck Farm Shop Welbeck, Nottinghamshire Last year’s winner (excluded from this year’s awards): The Melton Cheeseboard, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

BUTCHER Mould’s Family Butcher Nassington, Northamptonshire Owen Taylor & Sons Alfreton, Derbyshire Roberts of Mountsorrel Leicestershire Robin Maycocks Holloway, Matlock, Derbyshire Last year’s winners (excluded from this year’s awards): The Snobby Butcher (high street) and Price & Fretwell (catering) PRIVATE CHEF (NEW CATEGORY) Craig Floate Nottingham Enterprising Chef Melbourne, Derbyshire Knife, Fork & Spooner Ketton, Rutland Stanley Street Food Barnwell, Northamptonshire STREET FOOD (NEW CATEGORY) Chez Sebastien Artisan Pizza Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Feast & The Furious Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Noni’s Family Kitchen Leicester Smoqued Taqueria Nottingham

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The Kings Head & Old Barn Tea Room WA D E N H O E

3 Course Festive Lunch menu £24.50 Available Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes from 1st-23rd December 2020. For all other menus including our Evening Dinner Menu, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve Menus, please visit our website. Starters Leek and potato soup, baked white stilton and thyme dumplings Smoked haddock arancini, curried mayonnaise, quail’s egg, crispy onions, almonds, pickled raisins and herbs Wild mushroom and celeriac tartlet, blue cheese and winter leaf salad, white port cream, mushroom and herb pesto Twice cooked belly pork, bacon jam glaze, quick sprout kraut, chestnuts, English mustard creme Tarragon and pink peppercorn goats cheese parfait, variations of heritage beetroot, pomegranate, walnut biscotti, apple balsamic Mains Bacon wrapped roast Norfolk turkey, pork and festive fruits stuffing, goose fat roasties, seasonal vegetables and traditional accompaniments

A warm welcome from Andrea and her team awaits you in this fully refurbished 17th century English pub and tearoom situated in an idyllic setting with views down to the river. Surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for walkers and cyclists, why not sit on the beautiful terrace or in the garden and watch the boats go by. Hearty traditional pub fayre served daily along with real ales, ciders, spirits and a selection of wines. In the tearoom, Andreas’s famous scones and cakes along with delicious breakfasts, lunches, snacks and afternoon teas are served 7 days a week. Vegan and gluten free options available too.

Sticky Guinness glazed blade of beef, watercress creamed potato, field mushrooms, celery and petit carrots Salmon wellington, lemon and sorrel paté, saffron croquettes, wilted spinach, warm tartar sauce Rutland Red and chive potato souffle, leeks, charred onions, tomato and ale pickle Butternut, feta and red lentil fritters, winter greens, cashew hummus, Bengali 5 spice dust, tamarind chilli ketchup Dessert Traditional Christmas pudding, mulled plums, brandy sauce Sticky toffee parsnip pudding, poached apples, ginger wine whip Vanilla panna cotta, lemon and almond Florentines Chocolate hazelnut praline pavé, satsuma curd, crème fraîche sorbet Duo of English cheeses, crackers and winter fruits chutney

To discuss your festive requirements or to book a table, please call us on 01572 822951

Walk-ins and private bookings welcome.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 12 noon-11pm, Sun: 12 noon-10.30pm Food Service hours: Mon-Thu: 12 noon-3pm & 6pm-9pm, Fri: 12 noon-3pm & 6pm-9.30pm, Sat: 12 noon-3pm & 6pm-9.30pm, Sun: 12 noon-7pm Afternoon Tea: Mon-Sat 3pm-5pm (24 hour advance booking)

Church Street Wadenhoe Northants PE8 5ST T: 01832 720024 www.kingsheadwadenhoe.com

Restaurant with rooms

16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PZ 01572 822951 info@lakeisle.co.uk www.lakeisle.co.uk

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Eating out

Christmas menus

This Christmas, more than ever, booking ahead and careful planning are required to make sure that you have the festive get together that you deserve after such a challenging year. Nicholas Rudd-Jones takes a look at a selection of establishments across our region. Whilst party nights may not be possible this year, conviviality amongst small groups remains very much on the agenda. I have been incredibly impressed by the determination of our wonderful local restaurateurs to forge ahead and make sure they are offering the very best within the guidelines. 64

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Barnsdale Lodge

Barnsdale Lodge re-opened in early September and has since received glowing reports of its hospitality. Check nearer the time to see what is on offer for Christmas lunches. Barnsdale Lodge, The Avenue, Exton, Rutland LE15 8AH, 01572 724678, barnsdalelodge.co.uk

The Chubby Castor

Undoubtedly some of the finest food in the region, see our review in this month’s issue. The festive offering sounds fabulous. From 2–23 December (normal opening hours), there’s a Set Menu at £25 / £30 A La Carte (ALC); a Tasting Menu at £80/£130 (with wine flight); and Sunday Lunch from £26. On Christmas Day, lunch (12pm) is a five-course tasting menu from £100 per person, while Boxing Day (evening only) the ALC Set Menu starts at £55, while the Tasting Menu is £80/£130 (with wine flight). On New Year’s Eve at 6pm, the Tasting Menu costs £100/£165. Then, from 2–24 January, the ALC Set Menu is from £55, while the Tasting Menu is £80/£130. The Chubby Castor, 34 Peterborough Road, Castor PE5 7AX, 01733 380801, thechubbycastor.com

Exeter Arms

This has become a very popular pub, under new ownership since January. The owner has decided to keep an eye on changing regulations before settling on a Christmas offering, so our advice is to call or check the website nearer the time. They also have heated outdoor space. Exeter Arms, 28 Main Street, Barrowden, Rutland LE15 8EQ, 01572 747365, exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk

The Kings Head

The Kings Head will have its Christmas menu on offer throughout December. On Christmas Eve, from 5–9pm, they’re hosting a Christmas Eve Jumper Party – £25 per head with food and a best jumper competition. On Christmas Day they are offering one sitting only, for a four-course meal at £75 per head. There will also be a Boxing Day Brunch, perfect if you are also planning to do the Lyveden Way walk (featured in this issue). The Kings Head, Church Street, Wadenhoe, PE8 5ST, 01832 720024, kingsheadwadenhoe.com

The Lake Isle

We find dining at The Lake Isle is always an exceptional experience. This year they have a very strong Christmas offering, which runs throughout December. The team here are always that little bit more ambitious and interesting in what they produce, and the three-course Festive menu looks to be truly exceptional value. A sample starter for the Festive lunch, for example, is smoked haddock arancini, curried mayonnaise, quail’s egg, crispy onions, almonds, pickled raisins and herbs. The à la carte Festive dinner is offered from Monday to Saturday evenings; the Festive lunch runs from Tuesday to Saturday (three courses, £24.50).

Hambleton Hall

Hambleton Hall celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, and its offering remains as supersmooth, impressive and exhilarating as ever. The six-course Christmas Day Lunch or Dinner Menu costs £190 per person and would surely be the ultimate treat! Hambleton Hall, Hambleton, Rutland LE15 8TH, 01572 756991, hambletonhall.com

The Hatton Arms

The Hatton Arms is an incredibly welcoming and convivial pub, and their Christmas menu always represents great value. Check out their website for details. 14 Arnhill Road, Gretton, Corby NN17 3DN, 01536 770268, thehattonarms.com

Hitchen’s Barn

Hitchen’s Barn has become Oakham’s go-to eating establishment. You can be sure that the Christmas menu will be great value and equally excellent quality. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner, on Boxing Day for lunch, on 27 December for lunch, and 28 December for lunch and dinner. They are then closed for their winter break, reopening with the Lunch for Less campaign on Friday 15 January 2021. Hitchen’s Barn, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DH, 01572 722255, hitchensbarn.co.uk

On Christmas Eve, the four-course menu is £49.50, then on Christmas Day there is a five-course menu for £99.50, which includes a glass of Kir Royale on arrival. We feel sure their Christmas main will be one of the best around: ‘Roast breast of Norfolk turkey, pancetta sage and onion stuffing, honey roast chestnuts, goose fat roasties, traditional accompaniments.’ On Boxing Day, the three-course lunch menu is £49.50. The New Year’s Eve offering is £70 and looks strong too, offering something a little lighter after the Christmas festivities, for example ‘Monkfish and Atlantic scallops, saffron arancini, paprika almonds, charred stem broccoli and sauce vièrge’. Subject to COVID guidelines pertaining at the time (at time of printing, the ‘Rule of Six’ had just been introduced), they have a number of upstairs ‘snug’ rooms for private dining for tables of five upwards – also available on Monday lunch times and Sunday nights for bespoke parties and groups. For full menus, please visit the website. The Lake Isle, 16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PZ, 01572 822951, lakeisle.co.uk

Normanton Park Hotel

Normanton Park has had fresh energy injected into it under new ownership, and as always, has stellar views across Rutland Water. The

Festive Lunch is available Monday to Saturday throughout December and is £15.95 for two courses or £18.95 for three. Santa Sunday Lunch is available on 20 December for £21.95. Enjoy a three-course Sunday lunch with a visit from Santa and a gift for all under 12s. Festive Afternoon Tea is also available throughout December. Festive High Tea is £14.50, with mulled wine £16.95, and with a glass of fizz £19.95. The Christmas Eve Menu includes a welcome fizz or orange juice and costs £35. The Christmas Day Lunch Menu is £79 per person and £39.50 for children (under 12). Normanton Park Hotel, Normanton Park Road, Normanton, Rutland LE15 8RP, 01780 720315, normantonpark.co.uk

The Olive Branch

Throughout December, the unfailingly impressive team at The Olive Branch will be offering their Winter Lunch (for Less) – two courses for £22.50 and the third course £6: a choice of four starters, four mains and four desserts, all seasonal dishes. Also on offer throughout December for lunch is a five-course Festive Tasting Menu £55 – festiveinspired dishes plus snack, coffee and festive treat. There’s also the option of adding matching wines or matching beers with each course. And in the evening, they have a Winter Dinner Menu (two courses for £32.50 and £39.50 for three courses; includes a choice of six starters, seven mains and six desserts – all seasonal dishes) and a seven-course Festive Tasting Menu at £75, with festive-inspired dishes plus snack, coffee and festive treat. There’s also the option of adding matching wines or matching beers with each course. Parties on separate, socially distanced tables of six in the Barn can pre-book any of these menus. The Olive Branch team will also be warming up the gazebo and offering outside festive dining! The restaurant is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. It will be open on Boxing Day, when lunch is three courses plus coffee and treats for £65. The Olive Branch, Clipsham, Rutland LE15 7SH, 01780 410355, theolivebranchpub.com

The Willow and Brook

Married couple Jim and Suzanne took over the pub this year just before Covid-19 struck, but nothing would deter them, and they are now back to great acclaim. Jim has 25 years of culinary experience under his belt, and Suzanne has a passion for delivering excellent service and warm, memorable hospitality. We expect great things of their Christmas menu – it will be their first festive season, and we wish them all the very best. Check out the menu at thewillowandbrook.co.uk. The Willow and Brook, Kings Cliffe Road, Apethorpe PE8 5DG, 01780 470509, thewillowandbrook.co.uk As more menus come online, we will be alerting you to them in our regular fortnightly email. Just go to our new website locallivinguk.com to sign up.

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Local pets

Sharing Joy Amander Meade meets Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog Joy, and her owner Aimee Mearkle

‘I get so much pleasure from sharing our lovely dog with people who treasure her company.’

N the manner of a royal baby, Joy’s destiny was taking shape even before she was born. Aimee Mearkle and her husband Rick love English Springer Spaniels and thoroughly researched ethical breeders before eventually meeting both Joy’s parents at home on a smallholding in Suffolk. Completely satisfied that both were family dogs, the couple ordered a puppy. Joy was one of 11 pups and took up residence with her new owners at 12 weeks old. ‘I already had volunteering for Pets For Therapy (PAT) in mind, as I had heard about the charity and correctly thought it would be immensely rewarding,’ remembers Amy. ‘I have loved dogs all my life and know how much joy they can bring – hence her name.’ PAT dogs have to be assessed at a year old to establish their suitability, but Aimee was confident that Joy’s calm disposition would stand her in good stead. ‘The test involves the dog being happy to sit and stay with the owner out of sight, as well as being calm around sudden noise, multiplestimuli and not being afraid of equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches etc. Aimee asked the charity for a posting to the applicant that had been waiting the longest, and, having passed her test, Joy was given a first assignment at a residential home for individuals with cognitive decline. ‘The home had been waiting four years for a Pets for Therapy dog, and the team and residents there were so delighted to meet Joy. Some residents were keen to be involved; others less so. Joy visited rooms meeting and greeting and even getting onto the beds of some residents who were unable to get up. The staff enjoyed our visits as much as the residents for sure.’ Following a house move, Joy and Aimee became involved with a school in Cambridgeshire for students aged between 7 and 19 years, with special educational needs and disabilities. Joy’s weekly visits began as just one afternoon, but the requests to spend time with her were so prolific that

she now spends a whole day at the school with a break to rest between morning and afternoon sessions. ‘The students adore Joy,’ reports Aimee. ‘They play with her, cuddle her, read and talk to her as well as sometimes just sitting quietly with her. When Joy’s special harness goes on, she knows she is in “work mode”, and I am always there at the end of her lead.’ To anyone considering finding out more about Pets As Therapy – pets can include rabbits and other animals – Aimee advises careful thought. ‘Volunteering regularly is a big commitment, as the organisations make arrangements around you. It’s a quiet process – it’s not you that is the star but your pet. I have found it immeasurably rewarding just as I had hoped. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. With the cognitive-decline residents, Joy would stimulate memories of childhood pets never previously expressed, and the tactile element is important too. One young man at the school just lies quietly snuggled with Joy, and it brings him so much peace. I get so much pleasure from sharing our lovely dog with people who treasure her company. Truly sharing the Joy.’

Pets As Therapy Pets As Therapy is a national charity aiming to enhance health and wellbeing in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their behaviourally assessed animals. They provide a visiting service in hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, specialneeds schools and a variety of other venues all across the UK. To find out more, visit petsastherapy.org

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New complete healthcare plan covering all routine preventative care and including flea and worming treatments. Delivered to your door for added convenience. Dogs £14.99 per month Cats £12.99 per month. See website for full details.

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Local walk

Lyveden Way This walk has just about everything you could wish for – a charming village, a winding river, contours, ancient buildings, woods and heathland… oh, and red kites. And because it’s a well-maintained path with a welcoming pub at the end, it’s a good bet for a walk with the family KEY DATA

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.4 km) Typical time: 2.5–3 hours OS map: Explorer 224 or Landranger Start & finish: The Kings Head, Wadenhoe (public car park 20 yards beyond it) Terrain: Very well looked-after tracks Stiles: None Getting there: 2 miles to the west of the A605, 4 miles south of Oundle

POINTS OF INTEREST

Wadenhoe Mentioned in the Domesday Book. In 1298 it was part of the Earl of Lincolnshire’s Deer Park. There is a useful information sheet on the notice board in the car park. Apparently, the name means ‘Wada’s spur of land’. St Michael and All Angels Church enjoys a wonderful hilltop setting overlooking the village, along the River Nene. In between the church and the village is an early medieval settlement site. Lyveden New Bield Begun by Sir Thomas Tresham to symbolise his Catholic faith, Lyveden remains incomplete and virtually unaltered since work stopped on his death in 1605. There are tranquil moats, viewing terraces and an Elizabethan orchard to explore, as well as an enigmatic garden lodge covered in religious symbols. The full extent of Sir Thomas’s symbolic design remains unexplained. Lyveden, which is part of the National Trust, does have a tea room, serving homemade treats, including cake, cream teas and soups, but the property is currently closed. Check up-to-date details on 01832 205358 or by visiting nationaltrust.org.uk/lyveden.

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DIRECTIONS

The walk begins from the public car park at the end of the road just beyond The Kings Head. Climb up the steep hill towards the church and then take the path beyond it. After a couple of hundred yards you will go over a cattle grid and reach a small road. Turn left along the road, and after a short distance a footpath takes off on the right along a field boundary. Take this to the next minor road. At this road, turn left through metal gates onto a wide track. Follow this for about 0.5 miles, then turn right along a footpath leading northwest toward the large woods. The path starts to go through the edge of the wood. After about 0.5 miles in the wood, you reach a more defined track, which you follow. Shortly, you reach a bigger, metalled track – turn right here and follow this track until you are almost out of the wood on the western side. Just before emerging, there is a tiny track through a copse on the right, which brings you out onto the edge of a field. Turn right after about a hundred yards, heading straight towards Lyveden New Bield (another part of the Lyveden Way takes you to Fermyn Woods in the other direction – ignore this). From Lyveden New Bield a bridleway takes you southeast through Lilford Wood. You emerge on the other side, cross a footbridge over a brook and ascend onto a metalled track. Follow this all the way past Wadenhoe Lodge and back to the small road. Turn right at the road, then shortly left, along the edge of a field to another road. Cross the road and go into a field (great views), which takes you back to Wadenhoe. The track skirts just to the right of some dips and then goes between two houses back onto the village street.

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PIT STOP

The Kings Head at Wadenhoe (01832 720024) is full of character, good food and good ales. When the weather is fair, you can sit in the delightful garden on the banks of the Nene. The pub has recently re-opened under the management of the team that brought you the excellent Old Barn at Wadenhoe tea rooms (which are now closed). Dog friendly.

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15/09/2020 16:07

Great days out

Half-term activities

A fun round up of outdoor adventures and activities for the whole family this half term. Louise Goss looks at whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening locally to keep everybody entertained

The Burghley Halloween Trail

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Great Days Out Half-term activities

ROCKINGHAM CASTLE The team at Rockingham Castle are putting on some fun activities this half term for the whole family. The witches of Rockingham will be gathering to celebrate a Spooktacular Halloween, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful castle grounds. Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October rockinghamcastle.com

HALLOWEEN TRAILS BARNSDALE GARDENS SCARY SPOOKTACULAR There are Halloween activities and frightening fun for all the family at the Barnsdale Scary Spooktacular. You can carve your own petrifying pumpkin and follow the trail around the gardens to find all the spooky sites. Children in costume get in free! Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October, 12–4pm. Cost is included with normal garden entry: Adults £10, Child £6 (or free if in costume). barnsdalegardens.co.uk BURGHLEY HALLOWEEN TRAIL For a lovely family day out, the Burghley Halloween trail is still going ahead this year. For children, there is a Halloween-themed trail to follow with a special treat at the end; for adults, it all takes place in the beautiful Sculpture Garden – perfect for a crisp, autumn day. To warm up afterwards, the Garden Café is open for drinks and refreshments. Monday 19 to Saturday 31 October Admission is included with a House & Gardens or Gardens-only ticket and is free to annual pass holders. burghley.co.uk

Barnsdale Gardens Scary Spooktacular

Sacrewell Farm

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ONE FOR TRAIN SPOTTERS NENE VALLEY RAILWAY The enduringly fun Thomas specials are back at Nene Valley Railway. For a half-term day out with the family, this will definitely put a smile on your face. It’s a delightful ride for children being pulled by Thomas and even the grown-ups get to enjoy the magic of steam travel. There will also be a special Thomas Ghost train for Halloween too! Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 October and Saturday 31 October to Sunday 1 November, nvr.org.uk

AUTUMN IN THE PARK NENE PARK AUTUMN FESTIVAL You’ll be spoilt for choice down at Nene Park over half term. With a different activity on every day of the holiday, there is a plethora of events to keep the family entertained. Young children will love the Witches and Broomsticks event, which focuses on different tree species in the park, and they’ll be able to make their own broomstick. There will also be a trail to follow around the park. For the chance to see some of the mammals making their home in Nene Park, there will be a ’Meeting Magical Mammals’ event, and there will autumnal arts and crafts to take part in. Other events over the week include survival skills with campfire cooking, a guided cycle ride, a guided walk, archery sessions, and pay-and-play watersports (swan pedalos, kayaks, paddleboards, rowing boats). Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. Activities need to be prebooked, as numbers will be limited to comply with Government guidance. There will be a small fee for each activity. nenepark.org.uk

Nene Valley Railway

Nene Park Autumn Festival

FUN ON THE FARM SACREWELL FARM Sacrewell becomes Scarewell for Halloween. There will be lots of fun down at the farm and their giant pumpkin patch. You’ll be able to visit the usual animals on the farm, while children of all ages can enjoy an interactive walk with live actors. Stamford Heavenly Chocolates will also be making Halloween-themed chocolate treats. Check online for full dates and details. Sessions are: 9am–12pm and 1–4pm. Cost: There will be an extra charge for a Scarewell Pass on top of general admission. sacrewell.org.uk RUTLAND FARM PARK This lovely farm on Uppingham Road in Oakham will be open as usual throughout half term and is a great way to entertain the family, especially if you’re not afraid of a bit of mud. You can feed lots of the animals including goats and alpacas, who may come close for a stroke as well. There’s a friendly shire horse and lots of smaller animals to pet such as rabbits and guinea pigs. The farm has plenty of hand sanitising stations and a children’s play area, where they can run off steam while the adults enjoy a coffee and refreshments from the café. (Note you can drop your old pumpkins off at the farm after Halloween – they’re used as food for the animals.) Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm Admission: Adult £6, Child £5, family ticket, £18. Under threes go free. rutlandfarmpark.co.uk

Rutland Farm Park

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Brooke Priory School To be the best we can be…

www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk

Rutland’s Independent Co-educational Preparatory School for girls & boys aged 2 to 11 Brooke Priory School, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6QW

Call our Admissions Team to request a tour with the Headmaster (01572) 724778

• Purpose built pre-school with garden and outside teaching area • 3 Outside Play areas • Separate baby unit • Home-cooked meals • High quality childcare from specialist staff

Day Nursery and Pre-School

Open 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday Overton House, 42 Cold Overton Rd, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6NT

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Local people

Sewing up a storm Sarah Chase meets Lucy Findlay of The Stamford Fabric Company to talk about the joys and challenges of running her business, plus a look at other sewing/knitting firms in the region

IFE’S come full circle for Lucy Findlay, owner of the re-opened fabric shop and haberdashery on Stamford Walk (repositioned earlier this year from No.5 to No.10). She was born and grew up here – visiting that same shop as a teenager when it was The Cloth Market and buying fabric to make her own clothes: ‘I remember it as an Aladdin’s cave of Liberty linens mixed with beautiful Sanderson curtain fabrics,’ Lucy says. ‘My parents could be coerced to buy fabric for me in place of a clothing allowance, and I’d make myself all sorts of outfits including a ballgown in glazed cotton curtain fabric – this was the ’80s, after all!’ Lucy moved away to study, spending a year doing an art foundation course before turning her focus to fashion. As part of a BSc in Textile and Knitwear Technology she was offered the opportunity to experience a year in industry, abroad. ‘I was sent to Zimbabwe, where I met David,’ she says. ‘We married in 1994 and took over the small refrigeration and domestic appliance repair company that he was working for – because that’s the obvious choice for a Textiles graduate!’ The pair moved back to Stamford in 2008 with their three girls, and Lucy revisited the shop of her youth – at that time in its incarnation as CallyCo. ‘Cally offered me a job in 2010, and I worked for her until last year, when she decided it was time to hang up her scissors, and offered the shop to me,’ Lucy explains. A series of events has led to the premises moving this year, just around the corner from

its original position. ‘It was a wrench, leaving the old place, which had been a fabric shop for 37 years,’ says Lucy, ‘but my two wonderful assistants, Meg and Sarah – who are founts of dressmaking and creative knowledge – came with me when I moved, and the benefits of the new place are many.’ Crucially, there is more space now – and a better layout for the current Covid restrictions. ‘It’s been lovely to welcome our old customers back after lockdown,’ says Lucy. ‘We try to offer fabrics and accessories that cater to all tastes.’ Curtain- and dressmaking fabrics to suit all budgets can be found there or sourced through the shop’s collection of fabric books. Lucy has brought in a new range of patterns from independent pattern houses, suitable for

everyone from the novice needleworker to the more experienced dressmaker. ‘We provide a meticulous making-up service for curtains, cushions and Roman blinds,’ says Lucy, ‘as well as one-off bespoke items such as bunting, bedspreads, pinboards and lampshades. All our makers live within a 10-mile radius of Stamford, and most of them grew up here as well.’ And what are Lucy’s ambitions for her shop? ‘I’d love to carry on selling beautiful fabrics, and to be regarded as providing a good service at a reasonable price,’ she says. ‘It’s really rewarding to help someone put together everything they need to make something that will, hopefully, end up being loved.’ thestamfordfabriccompany.com

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Colinette Yarns

Sewing and knitting businesses across the region Two Little Birds With the restrictions of lockdown, Vicky Palmer of Stamford-based company Two Little Birds thought she’d have time on her hands. ‘My sewing clubs for schools and classes for adults came to an end with the need for social distancing, but my workload didn’t lessen!’ she says. ‘I’d always taken on commissions for bespoke dressmaking and interiors, and these orders increased enormously – presumably because lots of people had time for planning whilst being stuck at home.’ As lockdown has eased, Vicky is finding that, while the commission work continues, she is also being asked for one-to-one tuition. ‘I have been able to meet new clients, both adults and secondary school-age children individually in their homes, or mine, to undertake specific projects, usually dressmaking,’ she says. ‘I hope to be able to restart my regular social sewing groups soon, in a safe environment.’ Visit Two Little Birds’ website for details on tuition and to view their inspirational blog and gallery, and to read more about special projects including ‘textile taxidermy’. twolittlebirds.co.uk

Ewe Wool Shop Stamford Walk’s Ewe Wool Shop, a flagship store for Rowan yarns, has built a loyal following over the past decade. Its friendly atmosphere, combined with the expertise of the Ewe team, mean that knitters from near and far come back for advice, a chat and – of course – the fabulous choice of yarns. ‘As well as having the satisfaction of making a sustainable garment, knitting has many health benefits,’ says owner, Rachel Parry-Arch. ‘It’s very therapeutic and can reduce anxiety, stress and depression as well as helping with chronic pain.’ i-love-ewe.com

Colinette Yarns Sam Sansbury runs this family business, started by his mother 36 years ago, helped by Elin Styles, an experienced local craftswoman and knitter. ‘Our newly opened shop in Wansford offers customers a shot of colour therapy,’ says Sam. ‘All of our yarns are our own brand and are hand-dyed using traditional methods, as they’ve been since we began.’ The shop is open by appointment until there’s a little more normality: customers can call Sam on 07856 138606 to book an appointment. There is a wide variety of yarns and patterns available to buy through the website, too. colinetteyarns.com

Leicestershire Craft Centre The Leicestershire Craft Centre in Market Harborough has opened its doors again following lockdown. ‘We’ve found lots of people have discovered wonderful new skills during lockdown and are enjoying the therapeutic benefits of being creative,’ says Katharine Wright, who runs the Centre. ‘We’re lucky to have a light, airy studio with plenty of space, so we are able to bring back our workshops in line with social distancing guidelines. We welcome everyone, whatever level they are, to learn and get crafty with our tutors!’ The Centre, handily situated on the High Street in Harborough, includes a shop where everything you need to get crafting is available, from fabrics to felting wool, and buttons to sewing machines. leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk

Rutland Sewing Centre Situated within Rutland Garden Village, the garden centre and retail community in Ashwell, this one-stop shop offers all the supplies you need for any stitchcraft project. Classes and workshops are reopening slowly following lockdown, so check the website for updates. rutlandsewing.co.uk

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Arts & Culture

A selection of cultural highlights taking place across the region over the next few weeks – plus a shout out for Stamford Shakespeare Company’s #SaveOurTheatre campaign Nic Fiddian Green, Horse at Water Nevill Holt

LIVE MUSIC NATIONAL POETRY DAY The first Thursday in October (the 1st) is National Poetry Day. Keep up to date with Stamford’s Poet Laureate for 2020/21, Rob Ellks, on @Stamford Poetry’s Facebook page. If you’re reading this before midday on 1 October, there’s still time to enter Oundle Library’s Haiku competition. The topic is ‘Life since 23rd March 2020’ – email your 3 lines and 17 syllables to haiku@ friendsofoundlelibrary.org.uk. More information at friendsofoundlelibrary.org.uk. There’s also the online event with Georgie Jones and Stamford Arts Centre (see below).

Book ahead for Nevill Holt’s Candlelit Winter Weekend on 28 and 29 November. Nevill Holt successfully staged several outdoor events over the summer, including open gardens and outdoor concerts, so this winter event is one to look forward to. nevillholtopera.co.uk Be a Chorister for a Day On 3 October, 10am–1.20pm, Peterborough Cathedral is recruiting choristers for a September 2021 start. Year 2 children only. Booking essential. peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

It was wonderful to see Burghley Fine Food Fair taking place on the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August, and October brings a couple more such events: • 10 & 11 October: Rockingham Castle Food & Drink Fair Pre-booking essential – visit rockinghamcastle. com for details. • 25 October: Rutland Food & Drink Festival Stalls along Oakham’s Mill Street, Market Place and in and around the Castle, 10am until 3pm, free entry, no booking required.

CULTURAL SITES

LOCAL CULTURE ONLINE

This year’s events have forced many of us to change the ways in which we experience the arts and culture. The following can all be enjoyed from the comfort of your own sofa: • Stamford Arts Centre Although still closed, the Arts Centre uses its Facebook page and YouTube channel to share online events including Music in Quiet Places, Mrs Siddons in Lockdown and Jazz in the Yard. A Gravity Fields Festival day (26 September), a show from Georgie Jones for National Poetry Day (1 October, 7.30pm), plus further classical and jazz concerts are planned for online viewing. Organised by film programmer Ben Reynolds, Cinema Speak (Tuesday 29 September, 13 and 27 October, 8pm) gives audiences the chance to stream a film, then talk about it using Zoom. • Oakham School Lunchtime concerts online at oakham.rutland.sch.uk/the-arts/music/musicat-lunchtime-concerts • Uppingham School YouTube channel showcasing lunchtime and evening concerts. • Goldmark.tv Gallery tours, interviews and documentaries, giving art aficionados, local and remote, access to the collection 24/7.

FOOD & DRINK FAIRS

EXHIBITIONS

At Goldmark Gallery (14 Orange Street, Uppingham; open by appointment; goldmarkart.com) an exhibition celebrating 50 years of Leicestershire’s Jenny Grevatte is running until 18 October. Until 25 October, Goldmark are showcasing the work of French artist Jean-Nicolas Gérard, the ‘potter’s potter’, who makes beautiful, functional earthenware in naturalistic tones. At Gallery Stamford (3 Maiden Lane, Stamford, gallerystamford.co.uk), exhibitions include Mick Stump (until 24 October) and David Cromack (26 October to 21 November). Artist workshops are also held at the gallery. A note for Hockney fans, Mr & Mrs Clark’s run by David Hockney specialists Roland and Sally Clark, has moved from opposite The George in Stamford to Cambridge. They’re now The Hockney Gallery, at 67 Bridge Street, Cambridge. You can follow their progress at mrandmrsclarks.co.uk.

Excellent news that Oakham Castle and Rutland County Museum are open again. The Castle is welcoming visitors on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10am– 1pm; the Museum on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 1.30– 4.30pm. Numbers are limited, so you may need to queue. You will also need to give contact details for NHS Test and Trace.

Note that any events are subject to late cancellation or postponement due to the situation with Covid-19, so always check with the organiser nearer the date.

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SPOTLIGHT ON… Stamford Shakespeare Company at Tolethorpe Hall #SAVE YOUR THEATRE

TAMFORD Shakespeare Company (SSC), with its open-air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall, has launched a fundraising campaign. Its aim is to raise crucial funds to keep the theatre company afloat and to ensure the summer season of plays can continue next year. The impact of Covid-19 on SSC has been enormous. The Theatre and Hall were closed in March this year, and the Company has lost a forecasted £240,000 worth of ticket sales. As a charity who receive no funding from any arts organisations or formal sponsorship, SSC relies on income from tickets sales to fund the productions, maintain the beautiful grounds and upkeep the Grade II*-listed Elizabethan Hall. The future of SSC is now at great risk. Although the government has lifted some of the restrictions on theatres, allowing outdoor venues to re-open with social distancing in place, the creative team at Tolethorpe have not been able to rehearse, they have not finished the construction of their sets, or the costumes for their actors and therefore their productions could not proceed. Caroline Stephenson, Chair of SSC Board of Directors, said: ‘We are all so lucky to have this theatre on our doorstep. To date, we have welcomed over a million audience members, to share experiences with friends and family through theatre, giving volunteers a place to be valued, and inspiring young people to dream big. Losing this wonderful, unique and special place would leave a void in our community. We have been putting on Shakespeare plays for over 50 years and we are determined that Covid-19 will not put an end to this, but without the help from the community, we will not survive. ‘Since the launch of our fundraising campaign last week [early September], we have raised over £20,000 and we are overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of our patrons. The local community have really connected with the campaign, and we have received hundreds of emails and letters from locals giving their support. Everyone is hoping that their theatre survives, and I thank each and every one of them.’

‘We are enormously grateful to our patrons and overwhelmed by their continued generosity and kindness. We now need you more than ever.’ Caroline Stephenson, Chair of SSC Board of Directors HOW TO DONATE

Just Giving At justgiving.com/campaign/SSCsaveyourtheatre Cheque Made payable to Stamford Shakespeare Company Cash Sent in a secure envelope to: Stamford Shakespeare Company, Tolethorpe Hall Little Casterton, Stamford PE9 4BH For more information Please take a look at the Stamford Shakespeare Company’s fundraising website: saveyourtheatre.co.uk

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News & Notes

Covering Stamford, Rutland, Market Harborough and Nene Valley RUTLAND

Rutland Wines Rutland Wines launched in November 2019 and was the brainchild of local residents Murray and Antonia Scott with their friend Marcus Welford, who saw a gap in the market for a friendly, knowledgeable wine merchant offering exceptional-quality wines at affordable prices, delivered free to your door in Rutland and the surrounding area. Murray, whose background is as a Sales Director in retail and Coca-Cola, has been delighted with the enthusiasm for Rutland Wines. He explained: ‘We have seen a huge rise in support from local residents wanting to use independent businesses that can provide a personalised service. People’s shopping habits have definitely changed during this pandemic, and we are seeing more customers shopping online or asking for recommendations over the phone.’ His wife Antonia grew up in Rutland and helps out with the marketing and PR. ‘Many of my local school friends have moved back to the area and they been really supportive of our new business. We both really enjoy recommending great wine at great prices and have been delighted with so many word-ofmouth recommendations. People are buying wine not just for themselves, but also for postlockdown, and as gifts for loved ones.’

Rutland Wines has a huge catalogue of over 1,300 wines and can source bottles from all over the world, starting from a £7.50 Sauvignon Blanc to a premium Grand Cru and everything in between. Marcus, who was a co-founder of The Olive Branch pub in Clipsham, is Rutland Wines’ resident wine expert, helping to choose a selection of his 50 favourite wines for the website. Marcus provides tasting notes for each wine and can recommend food and wines pairings, working to individual budgets and requirements. ‘Over the summer, the Provence rosé L’Aumérade, the Faultline Sauvignon

WITHAM-ON-THE-HILL

A new Headmaster for Witham Hall School William Austen joined Witham Hall School as Headmaster at the start of the academic year, having previously held the position of Deputy Headmaster at Ludgrove School. Educated at Stowe School, Mr Austen went on to achieve a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews. Upon leaving university, he followed his passion of equestrianism to become an assistant trainer on the jumps at a yard in the Cotswolds. It was during his time in Oxfordshire that a fantastic opportunity arose to join the teaching staff at Summer Fields School, where he duly completed his PGCE and taught Science. Mr Austen and his wife Jossie, whom he met at St Andrews, went on to run a boarding house at Summer Fields School, where they gained a wealth of experience in pastoral care during their 10-year tenure. Hailing from New York, Jossie achieved a first-class degree in History of Art at St Andrews. She brings significant expertise from roles at Oxford University and MoMA to her position in External Relations at Witham Hall and is already playing an incredibly supportive role in pastoral

Blanc and the Ondarre Rioja have all been really popular for alfresco picnics, or to take on staycation holidays around the UK.’ Rutland Wines are looking forward to hosting wine tastings in local venues, so that people can try before they buy for Christmas and the New Year. The minimum order is just one case of six bottles, with a no-quibble returns policy and free delivery. Event dates will be announced on the Rutland Wines Facebook page. Contact Murray at Rutland Wines on: 07966 396707 rutlandwines.com

care. Their two sons, Archie and Sebastian, have enjoyed settling in to their news too since the start of the Michaelmas Term; Archie in Year 3 with Mrs Brewster and Sebastian in Reception with Miss Jenkins. Having recently celebrated a record number of scholarships and with pupil numbers thriving following the gentle expansion of the Pre-Prep, Mr Austen arrives at an exciting time for Witham Hall, commenting that, ‘The School is in a terrific shape, and I am looking forward to building on the legacy left by Mr and Mrs Welch. ‘We will continue to develop and expand our curriculum opportunities to ensure our teaching and learning is first class, while maintaining the unique, family-friendly community spirit so abundant at Witham Hall. Embracing traditional values, while striving to provide a cutting-edge provision, will enable us to offer the breadth of opportunity that will allow our pupils to continue to excel and flourish.’ To find out more or to arrange a visit, see withamhall.com

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HETHER your loved one needs standard live-in care or 24-hour comprehensive personal care, Elder will help you find the right carer(s) using their unique matching technology. Elder has thousands of registered carers across the UK and have helped hundreds of customers get the right full-time live-in care. They work with a broad range of professionals with experience caring for many conditions and circumstances such as: Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke Recovery and Cancer care to name a few. Through this partnership, both firms will work together in offering another solution to long-term care. Where care homes and domiciliary care providers have been supporting people across the UK, live-in care offers an additional bespoke, one-to-one solution allowing individuals to remain at home and retain their independence. ‘Covid-19 means people increasingly want to receive care away from a residential setting. It’s impossible to deliver truly person-centered care without observing the profound shift in attitudes that’s taken place. Surveys from IPPR and Policy Exchange show that 64% of the

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over 65s are less likely to consider residential care for themselves, in light of Covid’, Elder finds in one of their local authority case studies. ‘Landmark has, for several years, offered advice around care fees planning and the different options available to fund such care. We now feel there’s a very attractive alternative to going into a care home. Our role is to work with Elder and the family to ensure that the best outcome, in terms of both the care itself and the funding, can be achieved. This is done by working with the family to understand the specific needs of the individual requiring care and designing a bespoke solution so that these needs can be met. Every case has its unique circumstances, so it’s never a one size fits all solution’ said Landmark Director, Kevin Mullins.

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16/09/2020 15:06

News & Notes RUTLAND

CLM wins SBS Award! Ketton-based land rights company Connections Legal Management (CLM) has recently been awarded the prestigious Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday award. The SBS Twitter campaign, launched by former Dragon’s Den Paphitis, promoted CLM to his half a million followers, which highlighted the outstanding services offered to the firm’s clients. CLM acts on behalf of statutory undertakers and private landowners, negotiating and managing the seamless legal completion of easements, land acquisitions and consents associated with new utility connections. This recognition for outstanding work raises the profile of land rights and the integral part that CLM plays in energising developments. Directors Laura and Hamish Wilson attended the SBS Event 2020 (pre-Covid), meeting Theo Paphitis and attending a variety of talks discussing innovation, brand alignment and marketing projection as well as a ‘Fireside Q&A’ session with Paphitis himself and fellow Dragon, Sara Davies. CLM director, Laura Wilson, said, ‘We are thrilled to join the engaging #SBS community, who have made us feel so welcome. We all support each other via various social media platforms and the weekly #SBSwinnershour, so the #SBSevent2020 is a terrific opportunity to meet other business owners over lunch and strengthen those relationships.’ Hamish Wilson, director of CLM, added: ‘At CLM we help our clients by taking the stress out of land rights, and our aim for 2020 is to help even more clients by delivering an efficient, reliable and seamless service.’ To learn more about CLM, visit clm-ltd.co.uk, check out the firm’s social media accounts @clmltd or call the friendly team on 01788 755355 PETERBOROUGH

Peters’ Cleaners awarded best dry cleaning business 2020 Peters’ Cleaners has been awarded Best Dry Cleaning Business 2020 in the 2020 UK Enterprise Awards. ‘This has been a huge boost for us at a challenging time,’ said Vicky Whiter, owner and Managing Director of Peters’ Cleaners. ‘We were going from strength to strength and had been awarded Best Dry Cleaner in Cambridgeshire earlier this year, when Coronavirus hit.’ The judges complimented the Peterborough-based, multi-awardwinning dry cleaner on their longevity, exceptional customer service and innovation. Founded in 1963, Peters’ Cleaners was highlighted for its

innovating POD at Serpentine Green, the only fully automated drop-off and pick-up for dry cleaning and laundry in Europe. The cash point-style POD at Serpentine Green (next to the Barber’s POD at the entrance to Boots) means that customers can drop off or pick up their dry cleaning and laundry at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. It is not only convenient but also Covid safe, as there is no human interaction. ‘We have always been known for consistently good cleaning and have gained a reputation over the last 4 years for exceptional customer service, but we wanted to be more accessible to more customers,’ explained Vicky. ‘The POD is so easy to use, you simply scan your membership card to drop your bag and do the same to collect your cleaning once we have notified you it is ready. We do the rest and at the moment we are offering 25% off the cleaning of all clothes deposited at the POD, so now is the time to sign up!’ The POD contains a conveyor that delivers the clean clothes to the pickup door once the membership card is scanned. The concept has been used in 5-star and 6-star hotels around the world for staff laundry, but this is the first time the concept has been targeted at paying customers. Peters’ Cleaners is due to launch a second POD at Peterborough Station (at the back of Waitrose) in October. Launch had been planned for earlier in the year but was delayed due to Covid-19. If you want to use the POD, you can sign up now at peterscleaners.co.uk to receive your membership cards.

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News & Notes STAMFORD & RUTLAND

The Blonde Beet Jo, The Blonde Beet, has been cooking up vegetarian feasts in her kitchen for years, and, following the opportunity to take redundancy in October 2019, she took a leap of faith, and headed to Bath to the prestigious Demuth’s Cookery School, where she undertook a vegan food diploma. This opened her eyes to the possibilities of bringing plant-based food to Stamford in a new and exciting way. And so, in January 2020, after 12 years working with communities across the UK on sustainability education and engagement campaigns, The Blonde Beet was created! Jo also heads up the cook’s team at Second Helpings (Stamford’s food surplus project), and The Blonde Beet aims to mix her love of sharing good food with her passion for sustainability, creating exciting meals that give a delicious new perspective on what it might mean to be ‘green’. Hoping for a sustainable future, she loves experimenting with predominantly plant-based dishes, aiming to help everyone find the joy in vegetables. The Blonde Beet launched with an informal series of Bistro Nights, with eight people around the table in her modern kitchen, sharing an evening of huge platters of vegan food and great company. As lockdown affected her ability to host, she quickly switched to offering small but inventive menus of seasonal dishes, with free delivery (by electric car) across Stamford and the surrounding villages. Firm favourites from her menus have been her spiced vegetable tart tatins, delicious tandoori chickpeas and home-grown lemon thyme custard tarts. Jo’s food is generous, fun and bursting with flavour, with affordability and sustainability at its heart. You can find Jo on Instagram at @the_blonde_beet and on Facebook at @theblondebeet – she is always keen to chat about new ideas and menus. THE REGION

Landmark IFA and Elder Landmark IFA Ltd has recently set up a partnership with Elder, a leading specialist in live-in care. Elder has thousands of registered carers across the UK and helped hundreds of customers to get the right full-time livein care. They work with a range of professionals with experience caring for many conditions and circumstances such as Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke recovery and Cancer care to name a few. ‘Covid-19 means people increasingly want to explore care away from a residential setting. It’s impossible to deliver truly person-centred care without observing the profound shift in attitudes that’s taken place. Surveys show that 64% of the over 65s are less likely to consider residential care for themselves, in light of Covid,’ Elder finds in one of their local authority case studies. ‘Landmark has, for several years, offered advice around care fee planning and the different options available to fund such care. We now feel there’s a very attractive alternative to going into a care home. Our role is to work with Elder and the family to ensure that the best outcome can be achieved. Every case is different, we tailor to the needs of the individual,’ said Landmark Director, Kevin Mullins. Live-in care offers an additional, bespoke, one-to-one solution, allowing individuals to remain at home and retain their independence Elder recently interviewed a family that have been with the agency since 2017, and they asked what the best thing about care in the home was: ‘If Mum had gone into a care home, I don’t think she would be here now. But she’s happy and has a lovely life. And, ultimately, if my mum is happy, the rest of the family are happy too.’ Find out more about the services that Elder and Landmark offer at elder.org

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15/09/2020 16:11

News & Notes STAMFORD

J Wilson Plumbing & Heating donate a boiler to a local family in need Stamford-based J Wilson Plumbing and Heating has teamed up with local charities and businesses to donate and fit a new boiler to a local family after they fell on hard times due to illness. Adrian Chen, who lives near St George’s Primary School, Stamford, had been suffering with diabetes for several years but recently started to experience worsening symptoms, which resulted in periods of hospitalisation. As a result, Adrian has been unable to work, so, when the family started having issues with their boiler, it was a worrying time. A faulty or broken boiler can cost an average household approximately £2,500 to replace. J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Managing Director, Justin, wanted to help a local family to mark the company’s 15th birthday and to help address the issue of fuel poverty that is on the increase across the UK. With the help of Buildbase Stamford, The Trussell Trust Foodbank and St George’s Christians Against Poverty, J Wilson was able to identify the family as being in need and help by supplying and installing a brand-new boiler. The Trussell Trust Foodbank is a nationwide

charity that teams with local foodbanks to help provide much-needed provisions for families in need. The Stamford Foodbank has been running since 2012 and is supported by Churches Together in Stamford, who work with the Stamford community to help keep this vital provision running. Christians Against Poverty is also partnered with St George’s Church and provides a vital support system for local people who are experiencing financial difficulty. Both organisations worked together to help to identify a suitable family and ensure all the

necessary checks and surveys were carried out prior to installation. Managing Director, Justin Wilson, commented: ‘I’d like to thank BuildBase, who very kindly donated the boiler, and the other charities and organisations who made this donation possible.’ If you would like to find out more about the fantastic work carried out by these charities, email info@stamfordoundle.foodbank.org.uk. For more information on the services provided by J Wilson Plumbing & Heating, visit jwilsonplumbing.co.uk

STAMFORD

The faces behind Spaces Most of us have spent far more time at home these last months than we could ever have imagined. If your four walls could do with a fresh new look, Spaces by Design, the brand-new kitchen, bedroom and bathroom showroom on Scotgate, in Stamford, promises plenty of interior inspiration. For designers Marie and Andrew Pope lockdown was the catalyst to launch a unique business venture that would combine their professional design expertise with state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to help customers visualise and then realise their dream interiors. The couple met when they both worked at luxury yacht manufacturer, Fairline, Oundle, where Andrew was Chief Designer and Marie created interiors designed to make a big impact in often-restricted, multifunctional spaces. When Daniel, their son, was born in 2013, Marie continued her design career closer to home, with ngi design in Stamford. The couple are committed to bringing this unique design experience and passion for quality materials to a wider market. Marie explains, ‘Spaces will champion the passion and craftmanship of British brands and their commitment, not only to producing premium-quality furniture but also more environmentally sustainable production methods. We want to prove that great design and unique, made-to-measure interiors can be accessible to all.’ With both contemporary and classic themes running through their displays, Marie and Andrew promise to help find a style to fit any home, perfectly. They are proud to be working with Orchard for installations. The new Spaces by Design showroom opens this month on Scotgate. If you would like to discuss a new project, Marie and Andrew can be contacted on 01780 481850 or by email at stepinside@spacesbydesign.co.uk

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15/09/2020 16:11

Local history

Ask Leo The Allerton Project at Loddington Sue Lee and Jean Orpin visited Phil Jarvis at Loddington in the rolling countryside of East Leicestershire. The village is about 12 miles north of Market Harborough, and home to the Allerton Project

Visitor Centre when under construction

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Allerton Project research farm at Loddington is one of the most wildlifefriendly farms in the country. It has an enviable track record of demonstrating how wildlife and modern commercial farming can co-exist for the benefit of both.

Loddington Although mentioned in the Domesday Book, Loddington has always been a small settlement. There has been a church since the 12th century, and the earliest record of the Hall is 1475. Before the Dissolution of the Monasteries the land belonged to Launde Abbey nearby. In the 17th century it was owned by the Pretyman family. John Pretyman was a Royalist and after the Restoration was made a Baronet. In the latter part of the 19th century the potential of the estate for hunting and shooting was realised. The population of the village grew, as successive owners arrived with their household staff, grooms, stable boys and blacksmith.

The Allertons The fortunes of the Jackson family of Yorkshire originated in the leather industry. William L. Jackson, born 1840, built up the business and was still a young man when he entered local and national politics. He served as a Lord Mayor of Leeds and in several ministerial posts in the Conservative government of Lord Salisbury. In 1902 he gained the title Baron Allerton of Chapel Allerton. It was his grandson, George William Jackson the 3rd Baron, who came to the Loddington

Estate in 1934. He was one of the best-known figures in sporting circles, with a great interest in hunting, shooting and the countryside. These interests were shared by Lady Allerton, whom he married in 1947. During World War II Loddington Hall was requisitioned and used to house paratroopers. When it was returned, it was in a very poor state, so the Allertons moved out and spent the rest of their lives living at Loddington House. Following their deaths, this was to become the headquarters of the Allerton Project when they left the estate to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The Allerton Project Originally known as the Allerton Research and Educational Trust, the Allerton Project was set up in 1992 by Lord Allerton’s executors under the terms of his will. From the beginning the Project explored the relationship between wildlife, game and the environment on the Loddington estate. Over the years it has been broadened to include numerous research projects into pollination, soil, water and waste. Their raison d’être is to consider the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment and share their results through educational activities. Their work has resulted in over 200 research papers, some sponsored by universities and the government.

Visitor Centre today

The Visitor Centre

Early on, a disused cattle shed was converted into a small visitor centre, but in 2012 this was replaced by a larger one. Straw bales were used for the walls, sheep fleece for insulation, wood chips from the estate fuel the biomass boiler, and rainwater is used for toilets and showers. Sixteen solar panels on the roof generate electricity, with excess sold onto the grid. Barn owl boxes and bat boxes were placed in the roof. The car park and fencing materials are made from recycled silage plastics. The building won the 2012 Property and Construction Award for sustainable development. The Visitor Centre is now central to the work of the project. Up to 4,000 visitors – including farmers, agronomists, students, schoolchildren and politicians – are welcomed in a normal year, with many coming for study days or short courses. All leave with an increased understanding of the relationship between the land, wildlife and production. You may like to see for yourself – look out for Open Farm Sunday, which it is hoped will resume in 2021.

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‘Wealth is a hollow concept if we haven’t got a planet to enjoy it on’ Phil Jarvis

Loddington Farm The 333-hectare mixed farm is managed by the Project to address climate change, manage water and look after the planet. Some land is always tied up with research into the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment. It is a demonstration farm, but it has to be commercially viable. They grow winter wheat, oil seed rape, winter oats, spring oats, spring beans and grass. On the farm they have aimed to make their soils more durable by widening rotations, introducing cover crops and direct drilling. Wheat and oats are grown to an environmental standard and used in breakfast cereals for both Jordans and Kellogg’s. Thirty hectares of permanent pasture are grazed by a flock of 280 mule ewes and a small flock of Leicester Longwools, bred originally by Robert Bakewell over 200 years ago and now a rare breed. Beetle Bank

Winter Bird Food

HE above statement is the abiding principle on which Phil Jarvis has managed the Allerton Project’s farm at Loddington. Having studied at Harper Adams (a specialist provider of higher education for the agricultural and rural sector), Phil worked on his father-in-law’s farm then applied for the job of working farm manager at Loddington in 1992. He is now Head of Farming, Training & Partnerships for the Allerton Project and Chairman of the NFU Environment Forum. He says, ‘I am passionate about British farming, environmental stewardship and rural employment. It’s important that farmers keep the bigger picture in mind; we must make sure we can produce food and look after the environment.’

The wide field margins at Loddington are full of wild flowers and they provide a habitat for butterflies and other insects that help to pollinate and control pests. Beetle banks have been created to make ideal nest sites for harvest mice and shelter in winter for pest-eating insects who will reduce greenfly in crops in spring and reduce the need for insecticides. There are 20 hectares of woodland, as well as numerous streams and ponds, within the farm boundaries. Hedges are taller, providing berries and nesting sites for the birds and also absorbing carbon. Providing bird food has also increased the number of songbirds on the farm.

To sum up in Phil Jarvis’ words: ‘I am proud to be part of a great team that has helped to bring about a more sustainable approach to farming. We have pioneered techniques for carbon storage, renewable energy, environmental habitats, soil protection and water protection. People get inspiration from what we are doing, and we are held in some esteem by our peers. Allerton provides a place for people to discuss their options and share ideas. Our techniques are being adopted and adapted; as a result, the impact of our work is spreading.’

The future The way in which farming influences the landscape, wildlife, climate change and carbon footprint is key moving into the future. If the farm is to continue to spread its ideas, land management has to be concerned with both producing food and taking care of the planet for the benefit of all. Currently there is period of transition after leaving the EU during which the emphasis of funding will change from set aside to positive support for the environment. The Allerton Project is very much involved in this process, sharing the results of its findings and expressing concerns about trade deals and food standards. Experiments continue at Loddington. Some 50 acres of trees have been planted to test the possible benefits on carbon footprint, while at

To find out more about this interesting work, visit: • Allerton Project: gwct.org.uk/allerton • NFU Countryside: nfuonline.com • phil.jarvis

the same time providing shade and shelter for sheep. This has been somewhat hindered by the sheep who have taken a liking to nibbling the young trees, which have had to be given temporary protection.

WHAT WE CAN DO • Look for food with the red tractor logo • Buy local produce where it is available • Know where your food comes from – at the moment the UK has high food standards • Be aware of marketing that tries to deceive us into buying cheap food • Remember that if something is cheap, someone somewhere may be being exploited • Be aware of your carbon footprint – a loaf of bread is high not because of the farmer but because of the consumer who wastes half of it or toasts it

Ask Leo would like to hear from you. Email them at askleo@btinternet.com 93

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15/09/2020 23:49

Local people

Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster

Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster are respectively the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Leicesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curve, one of the most innovative and inspiring theatres in the UK. In this most challenging year for the arts, Chris and Nikolai discuss their responses to closure and strategies for welcoming audiences back to Curve Words: Amander Meade Photography by Ellie Kurttz

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What were your immediate thoughts when Boris closed the theatres? It was truly heart-breaking to close our doors back in March, not only because of the brilliant productions due to appear on our stages (we were opening a new tour of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Grease’ had just started rehearsals, and ‘Maggie May’ and ‘I Think We Are Alone’ were both on tour), but also because Curve is a community building. Every week countless gatherings, workshops and classes take place here. We were faced with the monumental task of contacting all customers affected by our closure, rescheduling upcoming shows and, unfortunately, cancelling some productions. We began devising creative ways in which we could keep people engaged and entertained online instead. What did you do in the lockdown period? We immediately began creating and sharing a range of online content from children’s activity packs to archive recordings of our Made at Curve productions, in-depth interviews with leading theatre-makers, special digital commissions with local artists, and more. All of the content has been available for free, so everyone can access and enjoy the work we’ve shared. It’s been heartening to see so many people engaging with the digital work – those who might have missed out on seeing a production live on our stages can now experience the piece at home and support us in the process. It’s also been thrilling to see people tuning in from all over the world, and we’re so proud to have flown the flag for Curve and Leicester in six continents – just Antarctica to go! We’ve also arranged and hosted a number of online sessions for industry friends and colleagues in order to plan vital support going forwards and help rebuild our sector for all.

Left to right: Nikolai Foster and Chris Stafford

What is the longer-term effect of Covid-19 going to be on regional theatre? All theatres across the country are working in extremely challenging circumstances, and it’s difficult to know exactly what lies ahead. That said, this industry is filled with the most extraordinarily talented, hard-working

people, who are dedicated to making sure audiences are able to access arts and culture. In the long term, regional theatres will play a very important role in revitalising the sector and providing a further boost to our economy. What are the plans moving forwards – through autumn and into the Christmas period? Currently all shows for 2020 have been cancelled or postponed, including our Christmas production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, which has now moved to Christmas 2021. However, if the Government permits us to safely (and affordably) open this year, we have a number of surprises in the pipeline to present in 2020. How supportive have Curve audiences been throughout? Undoubtedly our audiences are THE best one could ever ask for. The support from our communities, audiences and artists has been phenomenal, and the kind messages, donations and creative contributions we have received have kept every single member of Team Curve going over the last few months. What can readers do to support Curve to ensure its long-term future? Everyone can use their voice to raise awareness of the devastating effects the current situation is having on arts and culture across the UK. Writing to your MP to state your support for all those in the industry, sharing content on social media or simply talking about Curve and theatre with friends and family – keeping us front of mind is crucial for our future. Of course, donations are gratefully received at this time, but we understand that times are difficult for many. If you are able to give, however large or small, you will be able to do so on our website. Personally, what positives have you taken from 2020? We’ve been reminded what Curve means to people and how our lives would be much less rich without it. Having such a clear goal fighting for our survival has been a positive, galvanising force. curveonline.co.uk

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