Market Harboough Living September 2015

Choosing Schools

MARKET

Burghley 2015 Guide

Fabulous Local Food

HARBOROUGH LIVING COVERING MARKET HARBOROUGH, SURROUNDING VILLAGES & RUTLAND

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

September Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

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AST month the Rugby World Cup Trophy visited Rutland and to mark this event a team of runners from Oakham RFC ran a rugby ball, donated by Rutland Sports, along a 15 mile route in order to raise money for Air Ambulance. The run started in the Market Place and was completed by Club Chairman, Simon Harries, who carried the ball across the water to Sykes Lane, coinciding with the arrival of the Rugby World Cup Trophy and staging of the O2 Touch Rugby Tournament. Rain, thankfully, didn’t spoil play – see page 4.

Uppingham Town Cricket Club welcomed England’s Barmy Army and the Lord’s Taverners on the Leicestershire leg of their #BAT2015 tour as well last month –on a much sunnier day. The aim of the tour was to raise money for the Lord’s Taverners, a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged children experience a wide variety of sports and activities. The event raised almost £5000, which the Cricket Club has since rounded up. Barmy Army MD and founder member Paul Burnham was delighted with the show put on by the club after what had been an indifferent start to their tour: “I can hardly believe what they have done; it is amazing the amount of work and the lengths that the club have gone to. There has been some real vision and enthusiasm and Uppingham Town have really bought into the spirit of what this tour is all about. We are sure that this will be our number one day in the entire tour programme.”

Uppingham Town Cricket Club would like to thank all the players, officials: John Hurst and Bill Whittaker (umpires) and Malcolm Rawlings (scorer) sponsors and everybody present on the day for their help in making the event such a success for the charity. Some pics from Jon Wolloff on page 4.

Well done Rultand!

Abigail @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

SoJo Home

Creating beautiful spaces

sojohome.co.uk

4 Editor’s Selection 36 Education The Rugby World Cup Trophy Comes to Rutland and Uppingham hosts the Barmy Army

6 Fashion

Autumn/Winter Season Previews

11 Health and Beauty

Post Summer Hair Rescue

16 Food and Drink The Rise and Rise of the Thurlby Empire

18 Eating Out

The Lake Isle, Uppingham and The Country Lounge Café Bar, Morcott

20 Food and Drink Hedgerow Forays

34 Education

How to Get the Most of Open Mornings and School Visits

54 Out and About

Updates

Activities for Children this Autumn

39 Arts and Culture

59 Local History

Uppingham Unsung

The Oakham Signal Box

41 Design Interiors

62 Local History

A Hint of Nostalgia in Market Harborough

Thomas Cook of Market Harborough

42 Design Interiors

64 Seaside Strolls

Fusion Styling in Rutland

Cromer to Sheringham

45 Design Solutions 68 Motoring Delcor in focus

Safe Journey

46 Shops and Services

Harborough Happenings

48 Shops and Services

70 Local Businesses

The Wool Room’s Complete Sleep Experience

74 Motoring

Upp Property Developments

Super Cars!

50 Shops and Services

76 Property

53 Diary Dates

78 Days Out

The Norton Rickett difference

Updates from Rutland What’s on in our region this month

Heritage Open Days

Pages 25 - 31 Burghley Horse Trials Special Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

Rutland Living & Market Harborough Living Covers: Thanks to Sarah Hatherill, a brand artist who creates bespoke artistic pieces for businesses, homes and gardens. You can view her gallery at www.wellstreetstudio.co.uk. See page 59.

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

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

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Visits Rutland

Uppingham Town Cricket Club and England’s Barmy Army

See page 3 for further details 4

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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F ASHI ON

Oakham may be small but, in fashion terms, it’s perfectly formed! It boasts some of the best and most stylish boutiques around. Vanessa Hollander gives you the lowdown on some of the fabulous shops and what to seek out for the coming autumn/winter season

Fabulous, Fashionable

Oakham!

DUO

www.duoboutique.co.uk 29a High Street, Oakham This fabulous little shop sells the ever popular A Postcard from Brighton brand alongside others such as Cream, Yest and Fransa.

They also sell a fantastic range of jewellery and accessories as well as a selection of hats for all occasions.

Duo has been opened for a year now and its owners Gail and Pam have created a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in which to buy some equally lovely, casual clothes.

New for autumn/winter: New brands Yest, Ichi, Olga Berg handbags and Numph – all offering relaxed yet stylish dressing at its best.

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FORDS DEPARTMENT STORE

www.fordsofoakham.co.uk 8 Church Street, Oakham Fords is Rutland’s only department store and definitely worth a visit. In fashion terms, they cater for both men and women with a selection of quality and affordable, mid-priced fashion brands. Esprit, EDC, Sandwich, First Avenue, Masai and more.

They also have a lingerie department with expert fitting advice and a wide range of styles in bras, swimwear and nightwear.

Tip for autumn/winter: quite simply, pop into Fords. You never know what you might find whether that’s beautiful lingerie, a fashion ‘find’ or great gift ideas.

CAVELLS

www.cavells.co.uk 16 Mill Street, Oakham This iconic boutique sells beautiful, luxury designer brands for both men and women. It’s synonymous with style, sophistication and quality. Fashion brands such as Joseph, Weekend by Max Mara, Michael Kors, Maison Scotch, Paul Smith, Equipment, Armani, Cocoa Cashmere and Chinti & Parker sit alongside shoe brands such as Ash, Penelope Chilvers, Hudson and 87 Vic Matie. Added to this, a selection of bags by Mulberry and Michael Kors and you have one of the most beautiful and well stocked boutiques you will find outside London.

Cavells offers investment dressing at its best. However, don’t despair if you’re on a budget, they have truly amazing sales and a permanent sale corner.

New for autumn/winter: Check out their new brands Munthe, a mid-price range, casual Scandinavian brand; Joie who make adorable silk shirts and Cocoa Cashmere if you’re looking for a beautiful winter jumper.

CAVELLS COUNTRY

www.cavellscountry.co.uk The Old Mill Yard, South Street, Oakham Just around the corner from the main Mill Street store is Cavells Country which houses brands synonymous with a more relaxed, weekend style for both men and women. In this spacious and beautifully laid out store you will find brands such as White Stuff, Avoca, Barbour, Dubarry, Ilse Jacobsen, Gant, Hackett, UGG and Levis.

Plus, it’s great for active wear such as wellies, boots and country clothing.

Tip for autumn/winter: a pair of Ilse Jacobsen boots – a stylish alternative to wellies and definitely worth the investment.

VANILLA

COCO

29 High Street, Oakham Women’s footwear brands such as Paul Green, Peter Kaiser, K&S and more sit alongside jewellery from Hultquist in this stylish shoe shop.

You’ll find a great variety of shoe and boot styles in a range of fantastic colours, together with quality leather bags, belts and purses.

Tip for autumn/winter: Look no further this autumn for your perfect pair of boots and new footwear brand Paula Urban, as well as beautiful bags from Abro.

BAUBLES & BANGLES

www.vanillaboutique.co.uk 23b Mill Street, Oakham Don’t let the small front of this shop fool you, once you step through the door it’s a haven of calm and loveliness and much bigger than it looks! Inside you’ll find brands such as Masai, the iconic MAC Jeans, Hartford, Marie Mero and the quirky Bellerose. Alongside a fabulous selection of clothes is stunning and well priced jewellery, bags and also Neom candles.

Tip for autumn/winter: a pair of MAC jeans – you’ll wear them every day!

www.baublesandbangles.co.uk 2-4 New Street, Oakham Baubles and Bangles is like stepping into accessory heaven! Costume jewellery in an amazing range of styles and colours to suit every budget. They also have a great range of brilliantly priced fashion pieces that won’t break the budget aimed at all ages from teenagers onwards.

Tip for autumn/winter: pop in for a spontaneous treat which won’t break the bank and browse their fabulous range of scarves and accessories to transform existing outfits.

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Whilst the sun might be responsible for our gorgeous, golden tans, it can also hold its hands up to our frizzy, straw-like hair! Catherine Varney goes in search of some TLC for our parched tresses…

GET ON TREND:

If you fancy trying something new with your hair, then now’s the time. Leah Burnell from Head Candy in Market Harborough told me her predictions for autumn/winter style: “This season will see a blend of oriental and western influences fusing together to create a new fashion for hair with adornments such as grips, clips and hair pieces added for a look of ethnic opulence. Traditional hairdressing techniques will be ‘undone’ to make them look effortless and lived-in although if you’re looking to impress then hair up and braiding will look perfect for a night out. If you’re planning on changing your colour then earthy shades with metallic finishes will be popular and will add to the rich and luxurious feel of the season.”

Post-Summer Hair Rescue COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL:

One of the best ways to get rid of brassy, over-bleached hair is to warm it up with a glossy new colour. Daniel Adams from William Wheelwright Hair Salon in Church Street, Oakham, told me about his favourite autumn/winter colour trends: “I saw some great new looks on the catwalk when I was working backstage at fashion week and we can’t wait to use them on our clients so they can start the new season in style. One of the hottest looks was ‘Ronze’ – a colour mash up of red and bronze (think Christina Hendricks and Julianne Moore). Red hair can look beautiful when done correctly: it needs to be shiny and multi-tonal not flat and dull. Putting lighter highlights through an auburn base creates a softer shade with a pearlescent shimmer making it more flattering to your complexion.”

The talented team at Barrie Stephen in Leicester are also big fans of feminine shades for autumn: “Pearly pastels were huge in summer and they’re going nowhere. This trend has captured the hearts of fashion forward females and will continue to top the trend reports throughout autumn. Think subtle flashes of lilacs, silvers, corals and pinks. If you’re a blonde, this iridescent trend is killer: it gives depth, adds warmth and is easy and non-permanent. It’s especially perfect for short, layered styles and gives any look an edge” says Neil.

But if you’re happy with your current colour and would just prefer your hair to look a little healthier then Thomas Potts from Thomas Hairdressing has some advice: “Why not try a clear gloss? It’s lovely and nourishing and can either be applied after a regular colour or simply as a stand-alone product to give depth and shine to your natural hair. It’s cheaper than having a full head colour and even better, there’s no re-growth, so is a great and cost-effective way to give hair a new lease of life.”

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY CLEVER HAIR SAVERS:

Go nutty for the power of Macademia nut oil with the range of Macadamia Professional products. The range comprises three levels of products for all hair types – Weightless Moisture for very fine hair, Nourishing Moisture for medium to coarse hair textures and Ultra Rich Moisturise for hair that is very coarse, thick and curly. In addition to macadamia oil, the products contain argan oil and omegas to intensely moisturise the hair without weighing it down. For sun damage try the fabulous Nourishing Moisture Masque as a once a week treat (£29.70). Available online from www. macadamiahair.co.uk.

Enhance your visit to the salon with an add-on moisturising treatment to improve the condition of your hair. Sally, from Barnsdale Spa uses the latest Wella colours and told me: “If you’re getting your hair cut or coloured and are a bit concerned that it’s been damaged by too much sun, sea or the use of straightening irons, then we offer the Bed Head Colour Goddess Moisturising Mask which is an in-salon treatment for £6.

NEW SALON NEWS:

Uppingham’s favourite hair salon, Essence is relocating to bigger and better premises from the beginning of September. Previously based slightly off the high street in Crown Passage, proprietor Kate told me that they will soon be working from the huge former HSBC building in Market Place: “Our new venture is going to be something quite different: we’ve gone for a real luxurious feel and a high-end finish with walnut floors and crystal chandeliers to ensure our clients feel truly pampered.” As the only Aveda salon in Rutland, Kate and her team will still offer premium colour and cutting services and will also be joined by the 10A Beauty team from Uppingham so they can offer a full hair and beauty service under one roof. Watch this space for more exciting updates in a later edition of Rutland & Market Harborough Living.

GLOW It combines keratin, Provitamin B5 and penetrating oils with moisturising and conditioning ingredients that help smooth the cuticle for a really glossy shine whilst enhancing hair colour vibrancy and depth.”

New from the fabulous Recoffee range of O’Right Hair products is the Hair Oil – a repairing treat which is extracted from 100% recycled coffee grounds and an excellent source of antioxidants. Organic silicone is added to the oil to mend dry ends and damaged scales – simply smooth on after towel drying hair for an ultra-glossy finish. Available from O’Hair Salon in Kibwoth.

DIRECTORY: Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 756561 and High Street, Melton Mowbray, www. thomashairdressing.co.uk O’hair and Beauty, 5-7 Station Street, Kibworth, Tel: 0116 279 1144, www.ohairandbeauty.co.uk Essence, 7 Market Place, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822715 Barnsdale Spa, Oakham, Rutland, Tel: 01572771313, www. barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barrie Stephen Hair, 12 King Street, Leicester, Tel: 0844 445 2888, www.barriestephenhair.co.uk (also in Anstey, Ashby and Narborough) William Wheelwright, 16 Church Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757137, www.williamwheelwright.co.uk Head Candy, 26 Church Street, Market Harborough, Tel: 01858 464395, www.headcandy-mh.com GLOW, Barnsdale Lodge, Oakham, Tel: 01572 720611 Browns Re-loaded, 9 Church Square, Market Harborough, Tel: 0844 999 8365, www.browns-hair.co.uk

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The latest place to be causing a buzz in GLOW and around Oakham is GLOW, the stylish new boutique salon at Barnsdale Lodge.

Owned and run by Gemma Frisby who has previous experience as an Artistic Director, this contemporary salon offers a unique area in which to sit back and relax or catch up with your work if you need. Gemma told me: “I wanted to create a space, away from the hustle and bustle of the high street to enable clients to take a few hours out of their busy days when they’re getting their hair done. Each client has their own dressing table station which comes equipped with wifi codes and chargers if they need to work – plus nail files and nail polish if they fancy just chilling out.”

Gemma specialises in cutting and colouring and uses the very latest L’Oreal products whilst Senior Stylist Catherine is available for all of your wedding and occasion hair needs. Make the most of your time there and order lunch or a snack to be delivered to your chair – the delectable Barnsdale Lodge menu is at every dressing table to tempt you!

Plus there’s plentiful free parking right outside the door to make your visit as easy and as stressfree as possible.

Popular Market Harborough Salon, Browns have opened a second salon in the town, Browns Re-loaded. Located at 9 Church Square, Browns Re-Loaded will feature an exciting look over two levels. With a cooler, more contemporary feel it boasts special features including a colour lounge where clients sit around a large marble table to relax or chat as opposed to sitting at a mirrored work station. Browns Re-Loaded will be run by Elizabeth Sismey who has worked for Browns for three years and has ten years’ experience in the industry. Opening offers include half price colour for clients who book in for a full price cut and finish on a Thursday throughout the year (except December).

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

The rise and rise of the

Thurlby empire From the Tobie Norris in Stamford to the Lord Nelson in Oakham to the Prince Rupert in Newark, Michael Thurlby has the magic touch… By Matt Wright, founder of Great Food Club

A

S someone with fond memories of enjoying the odd pint in the old Black Bull pub – tucked away down Stamford Walk – in the late 1990s, I’ve always followed local publican extraordinaire Michael Thurlby’s exploits with interest. I could be mistaken, but I believe the Black Bull – now PJ’s Bed & Breakfast at The Black Bull – was Mr Thurlby’s first hostelry, and over the proceeding years he’s bought The Periwig (remember when it was The Marsh Harrier?), The Tobie Norris and The Crown Hotel in Stamford, plus The Lord Nelson in Oakham and Bourne pubs Smith’s and The Jubilee. Last but not least, Michael’s pub portfolio also includes The Prince Rupert in Newark. He has also previously run The Exeter Arms at Easton on the Hill and The White Hart at Ufford.

Something of a local legend, Michael Thurlby clearly has a knack for pubs – both restoring and running them – and Stamford pub goers in particular can be thankful for his hard work, passion and investment. The Tobie Norris is one of the best pub restoration jobs you’ll see anywhere, and the Crown today feels like the thriving town centre pub/hotel it

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always had the potential to be. And none of this has been achieved just by writing cheques, getting the builders in and sitting back. Many readers will have seen Michael collecting glasses in his own inns, getting his hands dirty as if he were a trainee. He’s also known for rising at 5am most mornings to help out on his family farm in Tallington.

Five of the seven pubs owned by Michael Thurlby – all except The Periwig and The Jubilee – have recently been branded together under the name ‘Knead Pubs’, which in total now employs 190 staff. I went to catch up with Knead operations manager Ross Dykes and group executive chef Nick Buttress at The Crown Hotel to find out more…

WHY ARE YOU CALLED ‘KNEAD PUBS’?

Nick: “The name relates to ‘kneading’ dough and refers to the fact that we serve freshly-made stonebaked pizza – baked in special pizza ovens imported from Italy – in all Knead Pubs except The Crown, although The Crown might start to offer them soon, too.”

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Ross: “We decided to create Knead Pubs because Mick [Thurlby] wanted the brand to mean something rather than just be his surname, and to link all the sites together, under one umbrella. We also wanted to communicate that fact that you can walk into any Knead pub and feel confident that you will get the same level of quality. Our five pubs might look and feel different, and offer different menus, but the same general high standards applies at each.”

WHAT IS THE KNEAD PHILOSOPHY? Ross: “One of our ‘things’ at Knead is we’re forever reinvesting and changing things to stay fresh – we know that as soon as we stop, we’ll be overtaken. For example, The Tobie Norris didn’t used to serve food on Fridays and Saturdays, but now it’s a critical part of the offering. Similarly, at Smith’s of Bourne we only used to serve baguettes, but now food makes up 50 per cent of the revenue. Sunday night dining has also gone through the roof at all our sites. The market is constantly evolving and we’re constantly adapting to it. Stamford is doing brilliantly compared to five years ago – the Burghley Horse Trials have doubled in size, the Rutland Water Bird Fair has quadrupled, plus there are lots of regular big events at Burghley House – and it’s great to be able to respond to the town’s changing needs and generally play a role here.”

DO YOU SOURCE YOUR INGREDIENTS LOCALLY? Nick: “All lamb and beef (Lincoln Red) come from Andy’s [Michael’s brother’s] farm in Tallington. We like to use the entire animal

where possible – and by the way, Oakham folk like their lambs’ liver! It doesn’t seem to go down anywhere near as well at our other sites. The farm also supplies us with asparagus and whatever falls off the trees, from quince to apples to blackberries.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR KNEAD PUBS? Ross: “The Periwig is our next project. We are thinking of changes next year but are still in discussions as to what we might do. At The Crown we’ve already reinvested a huge amount – we’ve finished the lounge and we’re about 70 per cent through bedrooms – but we have around two years’ work ahead of us. We’ll be refreshing the bar next. We’re also on the hunt for new Knead Pub sites in towns like Lincoln and Cambridge.

Watch this space.”

About the writer

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

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

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

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EA T I NG O UT

The Lake Isle, Uppingham Abigail Richardson and Polly Rubenstein put the world to rights over an elegant lunch

A

hidden gem, The Lake Isle offers superb service and excellent food in their 2 AA Rosettes restaurant. Here you can enjoy an informal weekday lunch, an indulgent afternoon tea or fine dining from the à la carte menu. The menu changes regularly to include local produce and seasonal ingredients.

The lunch menu is extensive; one can choose from a simple toasted sandwich (actually not so simple – Stilton and mushroom or Goats’ cheese and basil roasted summer vegetables for example) with a side salad from a reasonable £5.50 or an Omelette with Focaccia bread and a side salad for £7.95 (Smoked salmon, prawn and asparagus please!).

There is also a selection of pastas – Polly was portion was very generous. pleased to see that gluten free was available I opted for the Glazed goats’ cheese, and ‘Classic’ offerings which include delicacies beetroot, apple and walnut salad, rye croutons such as Salmon and smoked haddock fishcakes with balsamic-honey dressing and it was with homemade tartar sauce and dressed fabulous – delicate, beautifully presented and, in leaves (£8.50) or Spicy lentil cakes with red my opinion, a bargain at £7.95 – I often opt for a onion, coriander and mint salsa, warm mango goats’ cheese salad but never have I had one so dressing, served with a small side salad (£7.95). elegant or flavoursome.

Polly chose the Crispy filo wrapped king We shared the Iced honey yogurt parfait, prawns and salmon goujons, soya seed and peach and apricot compote with pistachio vegetable noodle salad, wasabi-cucumber madeleines but I wished we’d ordered two! It mayonnaise dip (£9.75), which she thoroughly was delicious, light and very tasty. Peppermint enjoyed – succulent prawns, subtle oriental tea for two and we walked away extremely flavours and good value for money as the

satisfied. And this is just the lunch menu! See the website for dinner menus and special offers.

Apart from great food, value for money and excellent service, another of Richard’s (owner) passions is wine and there is a choice of over 160 different wines from 11 countries and a selection of 20 champagnes in the extensive wine cellar.

• The Lake Isle 16 High Street East, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeisle.co.uk

Country Lounge Café Bar A

new all-day diner has just opened at the Morcott Services on the A47. Run by the son and father team of Bradley and Alan Freeman, previously well-known from running the Royal Oak at Duddington, this is a whole new departure for them, but with the same high standards of cooking and hospitality.

They have created a light, open, modern, quirky space which is incredibly inviting, with sliding windows opening out on to a great view of the Welland Valley.

Food is home cooked and available all day – be it for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea (the cakes looked great) or a proper three course dinner. Sunday lunch is a particular speciality. It is full licensed.

“We want to cater for every need,” Bradley told us, “people passing through the area, but also the locals from the surrounding villages.

We had so many folk from Barrowden and Morcott on the opening night!”

Give it a go; this is something quite different and distinct in the region.

• Opening hours: 07.30am-10pm MonFri, 10.30am-10pm Sat/Sun A47 Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DL, Tel: 01572 748731

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HOTEL & RESTAURANT, HAMBLETON, OAKHAM, RUTLAND, LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

For Those Special Occasions Favourite English Country Hotel Condé Nast Traveller Gold List

‘As Good As It Gets’ Harden’s Guide

SPECTACULAR SURROUNDINGS A WARM WELCOME SUPREMELY COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH ROOMS DINING HEAVEN

A brilliant all day café and bar has just opened on the A47 at Morcott

A completely new dining experience in the region!

Amazing contemporary, up-beat ambience with views across the Welland Valley Delicious home-cooked food • Open for breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon teas and dinner • Sunday lunch a speciality • Ample parking •

NEW

OPENING HOURS: 08.00am-10.00pm Mon-Fri 10.00am-10.00pm Sat/Sun A47 Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DL Tel: 01572 748731 find us on Facebook Country lounge cafe bar 19

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F O OD & DRI N K

Hedgerow Forays

By Deborah Pennell

A

UTUMN is on its way, the days are getting shorter and on 23rd September we celebrate the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are of equal length.

The hedgerows are laden with Free Food and if you are super efficient you can even get a few Christmas presents sorted out. Preserve Autumn fruits in jams, jellies and chutneys.

Or make wonderful wines and spirits that ‘knock your socks off’! Great presents for your Granny, Uncle or a distant Cousin, who turns up out of the blue. They also make wonderful gifts for friends if you are asked out for dinner. You can now readily buy jam jars, bottles and Kilner jars as well as sets for finishing off your homemade offerings, which include labels, paper or material tops and ribbon. However, I tend to go for the more rustic look using luggage labels, garden string and some hessian to cover the lids of jars. After all these ingredients have come straight from Mother Earth.

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A mini compendium of Hedgerow Harvest Apples Blackberries (Brambles) Possibly, the most abundant free food at this time of year. They are normally ripe to pick around mid September, depending on the season, and will freeze, preserve, dry and bottle well. A large number of chutneys have apple added as they are a great bulk ingredient.

They are also high in pectin, which is important for setting jellies and jams. Apples marry fabulously with Pork. Try a delicious recipe with Pork cutlets, baked apple, sherry and rosemary. Dry out apples sprinkled with the spices cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla to make great tasting apple chips. Make your apple sauce to accompany all those winter roasts and pop it in sealed bags in the deep freeze, bottle mincemeat for your Christmas mince pies, make chutney to accompany cold meats and Apple cider to drink. What a versatile fruit.

Beechnuts Beech trees only crop every 3 – 4 years.

Beechnuts are bitter and have a high tanin content so should not be eaten in large quantities. They can be toasted and eaten as a snack food, processed to make beechnut butter or added to stews.

Bilberry (Whortleberry) Related to our shop bought blueberries, these smaller and more flavoursome berries are found on low growing shrubs in nutrient poor soils and often in wooded areas. Painstakingly slow to harvest by hand or using a bilberry comb or rake they are really worth the time and effort. They can be found locally in Wakerley Woods, just outside Stamford; but be aware, when picking these tiny gems, as they are very fragile and stain fingers, lips and tongues with their blood red juice. Whilst researching the bilberry I came across a story of WWII RAF pilots, which relates that they used to consume bilberry jam to sharpen their vision for night missions. However, this myth has been dispelled in a recent study by the US Navy, which found they have no such effect. Eat bilberries fresh, poach them and have them on pancakes, bottle them, make sorbet or try your hand at making a wonderful Bilberry liqueur.

Blackberries are normally picked from early September onwards until the first frost, although we already have some ripe ones appearing on the bushes around here and its only mid August! They are ripe when they are black and soft, not mushy. Be prepared for scratched hands and legs, especially if you, like me, reach deep into the bushes, they are seriously prickly! Rich in Vitamin E & C, potassium, soluble fibre and protective polyphenols, blackberries have been ranked among the top 50 foods for antioxidant potency. They freeze well, make great jelly, fabulous spirits and liqueurs, can be used in lots of pudding recipes and accompany rich meats like venison and pigeon really well. Try making an Autumn Pudding (a spin on the more well known Summer pudding), coulis for ice-cream, add them to muffins and red cabbage to make a lovely Autumn vegetable. Steep in brandy, vodka or gin as a winter warmer.

Editor’s note: take a stepladder; then you can reach the blackberries no-one but the birds can reach (but you will get odd looks)

Bullace This is a variety of plum similar to a Damson yet smaller. It is an old-fashioned hedgerow plant and some areas have more availability than others. Normally only suitable for cooking, they are too tart to the palate when raw. Harvest late September to early October. Use in recipes like Bullace Jam, Bullace Pie, Pickle them, or make Bullace Wine or Vodka.

Crab Apples A small apple, found in myriad colours ranging from yellow, through to deep plum purple.

They are rarely eaten raw as they are so sour tasting. Once cooked they provide an amazing vivid ruby coloured juice. Use them to make jellies; they are high in pectin so this is one jelly I can always guarantee sets well.

Last year I made crab apple and chilli jelly, which is great with cheeses and crab apple and mint jelly, which is a great accompaniment to Roast Lamb. It looks great jarred up and makes a really lovely gift. Alternatively, pickle them or turn them into chutney or fabulously bold wine.

There are masses of trees along the A43 where I have regularly seen people ‘scrumping’ – apart from a thorough wash to get rid of the pollution these fruit are good to go.

Damsons Wild Damsons are tricky to find. Don’t get them confused with a plump sloe, they are both the size of a small olive and look very similar with their dark bluish skin and same greyish tinge.

The main distinguishing feature being their shape. The sloe is round and the wild damson is slightly elongated, almost the shape of a rugby ball. Another great fruit for adding to vodka and gin and they make a mean wine. They are great for jams, jellies and chutneys, cobblers, icecream and go wonderfully well with chocolate so add them to a favourite brownie recipe for an Autumn twist – even better if they’ve been steeped in alcohol first, but don’t forget to take the stones out! They create a rich and vibrant sauce, a great accompaniment to both sweet and savoury dishes – serve with a baked orange cheesecake or perfectly pink duck breasts.

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F OOD & DRI N K

Elderberry

Quince

Elderberries grow abundantly in our hedgerows and if you missed steeping their flowers for cordial or wine earlier in the season then don’t miss out on their fantastic berries.

Medicinally, elderberry has been used for hundreds of years. Tests record a measurable effect in treating flu, helping with allergies and boosting respiratory health.

I think this is one of the fruits you need to be most careful about picking. It has a small black shiny berry, which is similar, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, to Privet, Common buckthorn and Dogwood. So do take care as some of these plants are poisonous. Elderberries themselves are poisonous too if eaten raw, as they contain a poisonous alkaloid, this is rendered harmless when cooked. Most commonly turned into jelly, you will also find recipes for elderberry marmalade, wine, liqueur and cordial.

This ancient hedgerow fruit is green with a furry jacket when immature but ripens to a bright yellow.

They remain hard to the touch.

Toe curlingly tart if eaten raw, but delicious when cooked with the addition of tooth rotting quantities of sugar.

The syrup produced tends to be pale amber in colour with hints of vanilla, pineapple and lemon blossom to taste. They are easy to prepare and give off a fantastic fragrance. Treat them like a traditional pear or apple – peel, core and chop. Use to add texture to crumbles, make a quince tart tatin, poach to accompany ice-cream or meats, make quince paste (membrillo) or a winter warming Quince liqueur.

Gorse

Rosehips

The bright yellow flowers of this thorny bush are edible and have a very slight aroma and flavour of coconut. Obviously thick gloves are a good idea when harvesting this free food. Having braved the thorns, the flowers can be turned into cordial, steeped for wine.

Gorse syrup can be churned into ice-cream to make a delicious light coconut flavour dessert which can be decorated with crystallised gorse flowers.

Known to contain as much as 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges, to be an excellent antioxidant and associated with good immune support and alleviation of chronic pain. Harvest preferably after the first frost, as this is when they are sweetest. Choose hips that are firm with a slight give in the skin and bright red or orange in colour. Over ripe hips are sweet but have lost much of their Vitamin C. Although hips can be eaten raw, care must be taken to avoid the fine hairs inside the fruit, which as it happens, are used in the preparation of itching powder! Use to make herbal teas, jams, jellies and chutney. Rosehip vinegar is a fabulous

Hawthorn Haws should be picked late in the season, October and November, ideally when they are as ripe as possible. They are easy to pick but come off the plant with lots of stems. These aren’t required, so need to be removed before cooking. Eaten straight from the bush they don’t taste very exciting, a bit like a dry under ripe apple. Once cooked they produce a deep ruby coloured pulp similar in colour to the berries themselves which is high in pectin and can be used to make jelly. Hawthorn Schnapps is a very potent ‘blow your head off’ alcohol but I think my favourite way to deal with Hawthorn berries is to turn them into ketchup.

Mirabelles (Cherry Plums) Depending on the weather you can still find Mirabelle plums around in early September. This is a semi wild plum, about the size of a 10p piece and generally yellow in colour blushed with red.

Containing a high pectin level it is again great for jams and jellies. De-stoned and poached they make a lovely accompaniment to rack of lamb and there is no reason why you couldn’t use them as an alternative to commercially cropped plums in any recipe.

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5 Top tips for Hedgerow Foraging

• Carry a walking stick with a curved handle for reaching those higher branches, or if all else fails a hockey stick. A pair of thick gloves is also a good idea.

• Do not access land without permission.

Personally I think fruit, nuts and flowers situated next to a public highway or footpath are fair game but some farmers may feel otherwise. Never forget that this Free Food is also a crucial food source for our wild birds and animals to see them through the winter months so always pick with this in mind.

• Soft fruit bruises easily therefore take lots of containers so you don’t have to stack the fruit too thickly • If you feel it is necessary, wash the fruit.

Only wash it when you are about to use it as some varieties bruise easily and will turn mushy • Finally, and most importantly, DO NOT harvest anything unless you can readily identify it.

colour as is the wine and, of course, the syrup.

They can even be used as an effective hangover cure! Another idea is to steep fresh berries in the syrup to add extra flavour to fruit salads, Eton Mess or your morning bowl of porridge.

Rowan Clusters of bright orange-red berries, they are a really good source of Vitamin A & C. It is not advisable to eat this berry raw due to its high astringent properties. Most frequently used to make jelly, which marries perfectly with Autumn game and rich meats such as lamb.

They can also be steeped in alcohol such as vodka.

Sloe Berries Sloes are the fruit of the blackthorn. This year the bushes are laden with this black berry, which on close inspection looks like a miniature plum and has a waxy bloom.

Don’t rush to pick these quite yet though, as they will be sweeter after the first frosts, so normally, October–early November. Be careful when harvesting as blackthorn is known for its savage thorns. Use to make delicious Sloe Gin or Sloe Whisky, turn into jam, add to fruit pies or preserve in vinegar.

Sweet Chestnuts Not to be confused with normal chestnuts these are generally ready for picking from mid October onwards. Encased in a densely spined, pin sharp shell they look like mini-green hedgehogs. The shell case will burst open to reveal 2 to 3 chestnuts but you have to beat the squirrels to them. They can be eaten on their own with a little salt or added to risottos, pies and tarts.

Wild Hazel (Cobnuts) Available to pick in early Autumn they grow in clusters of 2 or 3 and can be eaten straight from the tree whilst they are still green.

Another of the squirrels favourite foods, they seem to have an unerring sense of when they are ripe. Cobnuts are the cultivated form of wild hazel and are readily available at Farmers’ Markets and good greengrocers. They are great roasted as a snack food, ground into pesto or added to stews.

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BARNSDALE LODGE

CHRISTMAS SEASON 2015

Christmas Lunch/Dinner Available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec & Lunch Thurs 24th Dec. Booking essential From £18.00 pp 2 courses Private Dining available - complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 + Traditional Sunday Lunch - £21.95 pp 3 courses will be served on Sundays

Festive Party Nights DINNER/disco in the barn A selection of dates throughout December.

Private parties can be arranged, subject to availability. £28.50 pp (Sun-Thurs) pp | £30 pp (Fri/Sat)

FESTIVE LUNCH

‘let us drive you home!’

Wednesday 23rd December - £22.50 pp • Table magician • 4 course lunch • Free transport within a 10 mile radius – must be pre-booked

CHRISTMAS BALL 2015 Saturday 19th December £49.50 pp • Champage Reception • 4 Course Dinner • Dancing to live band ‘Fat Chance’ • Black Tie

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £85 pp for 5 course lunch. Booking essential.

christmas packageS Please call for details of our Xmas packages in the hotel and our Self-Catered Retreats

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

www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

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MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

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

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

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

New Year's Eve Black & White Ball £79.50 per person Champagne and canapé reception from 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm prompt, a 5 course dinner to follow, table magician and music followed by the chimes of Big Ben and disco music to the small hours. Seating arrangements will be available in tables of 8 upwards.

Individual couples and parties of 6 and below will be put onto tables of 8 sharing. This is an adults only event, no children are permitted.

Stay the night and enjoy our late New Year’s Day Breakfast from £95 per room Why not make a special break of the New Year and stay for an extra night for just £74.50 Bed and Breakfast

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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 £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses Set 3 course menu £15.95 a head Served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm.

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month. Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

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

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

Tel: 01572 757901

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

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OU T & AB OUT

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015 Amander Meade speaks to Carole Pendle about the world famous equestrian competition taking place in Stamford this month About the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

With over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors, six hundred plus trade stands, eighty top international competitors and a prize fund of £225,000 this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will be a far cry from the inaugural event, which took place within the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in 1961, more than fifty years ago.

Today the televised, multi-award winning Event has become one of the most popular and highly regarded within the equestrian calendar and is one of just six CCI Four Star events in the World (the toughest level of equestrian competition) with Burghley considered the most challenging.

Who goes?

Burghley attracts a wide range of visitors.

Horse lovers from across the globe travel to Stamford to watch the very best in equestrian sport. However, Burghley is also a much loved social event. Many visitors know little or nothing about horses, but enjoy the opportunity to socialise with friends and explore the extensive shopping village.

Who are the riders and their mounts?

Around eighty horse and rider combinations will compete at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year. Only the very best combinations take part. This year a strong antipodean presence is anticipated, headed by last year’s champion New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson.

Another former winner, Australian Andrew Hoy, who is now based in nearby Sombery is also expected to enter. William Fox Pitt, the UK’s leading eventer is likely to head the British challenge.

Describe the course

The course is designed by Captain Mark Phillips and is considered the toughest equestrian challenge in the eventing world. It consists of forty five jumping efforts, located across the stunning Capability Brown parkland that surrounds Burghley House.

This year the course will be in reverse formation and while the details remain under wraps, some traditional Burghley favourites like the enormous Cottesmore Leap (1.45metres in high and a huge 3metres wide) and the Trout Hatchery, which has seen many riders take a splash, continue to feature.

Tips for a first time attendee

To get a real insight into the competition and the horses and riders, consider coming along to the Wednesday afternoon horse inspection which takes place in the main arena. Thursday and Friday are dressage days, Saturday the action packed cross country day, before the show jumping climax on the Sunday.

For those whose primary aim is to go shopping, definitely visit on the Thursday or Friday when things are a little quieter and it’s easier to browse the fantastic array of stands. Sunday is also good for shopping with the chance to bag a bargain in the afternoon when stall holders often offer great discounts.

If the reason for your visit is to see the riders tackle Burghley’s famous cross country course, then arrive early on the Saturday to find the best viewing spots.

Aside from the main competition there are

a host of other activities to enjoy including retrained racehorse classes, various displays, the Land Rover Experience area and a dedicated kids area. The final of the prestigious Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Class and the Pony Club Team Jumping can be found in Ring 2.

What else to expect

The world famous shopping offers everything from diamond jewellery and designer clothing to locally produced food, crafts and equestrian goods. Burghley’s Food Walk is exceptional, packed with stands selling delicious seasonal and handmade produce, you certainly won’t go hungry. See the following pages for further details.

• Advance admission ticket prices start at £14. For further information and to book, visit: www.burghley-horse.co.uk

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EV E N T

Land Rover Burghley H 3rd - 6th September Antonia Scott celebrates one of Stamford and equestrian’s highlights of the year

T

HE build up to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials begins over the summer months and encompasses a vast area of Burghley estate parkland. What started out as a last minute stop-gap invitation arranged by the Marquess of Exeter in 1961 when the 3 day equestrian event at Harewood was cancelled due to a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease, has since grown into an annual international equestrian phenomenon, with over 80 global competitors and an incredible 160,000 visitors coming from all corners of the globe to spectate at this prestigious 4 day event. As well as horses, there are plenty of dog lovers at Burghley too – the canine agility classes are

SELECTED STANDS – in order of longevity at Burghley!

ROBINSONS OF STAMFORD – EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY SINCE 1961!

Owner – Anne Brown Contact: info@robinsonofstamford.com Tel: 01780 755378 www.robinsonsofstamford.com What makes you stand out? We believe in supplying high quality items at reasonable prices with a fantastic customer service.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? In previous years we have always taken a range of saddler and equestrian items from other branches – however this year we are taking a wide selection of Country Clothing and leather goods. Items will include Ladies Winter coats, hats, socks, cufflinks, leather holdalls, notebooks and purses. We also have several new brands such as Le Chameau’s wellington boots and Alan Paine’s stunning tweed jackets.

wonderful family fun to watch.

There are over 600 trade exhibitors for shoppers to enjoy, all showcasing a vast array of country living homewares and produce. The specialist food stalls in the Food Walk offer a mouth-watering and diverse selection of local and international goods to sample and take home.

Local Exhibitors: Stamford and its surrounding area has a plethora of entrepreneurial talent and this year nearly 30 local businesses will be exhibiting at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials to proudly display their wares and raise their profile to an international target audience.

TOADSTOOLS – OVER 25 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner - Serena McCall Contact: www.toadstools. co.uk Tel: 07798854131 Email: serena@toadstools.co.uk What makes you stand out?

Bespoke furniture made in Northamptonshire. Footstools of any size, any leg and any cover.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A range of Afghan Kilims, a selection of footstools to whet the appetite – plus a glass or rosé if they time it right!

SCOTTS OF THRAPSTON – OVER 40 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY! Owner – David Scott (Family run business since 1920) Contact: www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk Tel: 01832 732366 Email: info@scottsofthrapston.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our products are displayed as fully finished buildings, so that customers can feel, touch and kick them! We pride ourselves on our quality and British manufacture and we like to demonstrate equine living at its best, even in such a small space at the show. We also display a selection of timber summerhouses, offering more than just equestrian buildings to the wide cross section of visitors.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Customers have the chance to review and compare the quality of our finished product on stand, whether an equestrian building or a summerhouse. We recommend that visitors compare our products with other similar buildings, and suggest they look at the finer details as well as the aesthetics of the overall stables and buildings.

Scotts uses Burghley Horse Trials as an ideal opportunity to meet past customers and thank them for their loyalty over the years as well as a window to trial new products for future customers.

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y Horse Trials 2015

GRASMERE FARM - 17 YEARS AT BURGHLEY Owner – Stuart Stables Contact: www.grasmere-farm.co.uk Tel: 01778 342344 What makes you stand out? Our absolute passion to provide customers with quality products and great customer service. Our Hampshire Cross Pigs are outdoor reared on the farm and our meat is handcrafted on site by our team of experienced butchers.

Our bakers also prepare a range of hand raised pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We offer a range of bacon rolls, jumbo sausage hotdogs, pork and apple burgers, garlic and rosemary burgers and our amazing pulled pork! All freshly cooked on the stand – we open at 7am.

HILL FARM FURNITURE – 10 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Mike Ashwin Contact: www.hillfarmfurntiure.co.uk Tel: 01636 626063 What makes you stand out? Hill Farm Furniture is a family run business that specialises in creating bespoke, handcrafted kitchens and freestanding furniture to fit your home and your unique character. Prices start at £25,000 + VAT. What should a shopper look for at your stand? We take a mobile showroom full of handcrafted furniture, bespoke kitchens and Victorian glasshouses.

JAMES GILLICK – ARTIST - 15 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Contact: www.gillick-artist.com Tel: 01507 600269 email: james@gillick-artist.com What makes you stand out? My stand is one of the only places outside London where shoppers can get to meet and see the work of a top London artist. I also make all my own paints, canvasses, varnishes and mediums using 17th century recipes.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A collection of still life, game and equestrian oil paintings in sizes ranging from the palm of your hand to the size of your living room wall! From £2,000 - £50,000.

HEATSOURCE - 6TH YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Retailer and installer of wood-burners, fireplaces and renewable heating solutions.

Owners – Nathan & Agnes Welham Contact: www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk Tel: 01572 829953 What makes you stand out? The two live Charnwood appliances will give shoppers something to talk about!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? The Country Living Bembridge stove designed and made by Charnwood exclusive at Heatsource of Uppingham. We will also be bringing a complete new range of basket wares to the show.

PEACHY BELTS - 5TH YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Zoe Gibson Contact: www.peachybelts.co.uk Tel: 01664 454994 Email: zoe@peachybelts.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our range of unique designs of detachable buckles made in the UK from solid pewter and brass, and the Swarovski crystal range from Italy. All the belts are handmade in England using the finest Italian vegetable tanned leathers. A number of competitors wear Peachy Belts in the trot up – including Mary King, Pippa Funnell and Nicola Wilson.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? There are a number of specific designs that appeal to equestrian customers, including our new Winter range which is being launched at Burghley, one of which is the ‘Thoroughbred’ - a horse’s head designed by renowned bronze sculptor, Juliet Cursham – available in solid brass and pewter for £65.

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The finest selection of hand knotted rugs in the area.

Modern & traditional OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10.00AM TO 5.00PM 6 The Maltings, off Mill St, Oakham, Rutland. NN6 0PB www.oakhamrugs.co.uk

01572 724441

mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk

Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd t/as Oakham Rugs

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EV E N T THE WOOL ROOM – 5 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Chris Tattersall Contact: www.thewoolroom.com Email: info@thewoolroom.com What makes you stand out? Our ability to bring the British wool beds and bedding together to deliver the very best night’s sleep using the finest British wool from the Stamford and Rutland area.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Wool beds, wool bedding and wool throws – all delivering the best night’s sleep. We will be showing our unique wool beds for the first time on our largest stand to date. The customer can design their own bed with up to 250 British made wool fabrics.

SOPHIE ALLPORT HOMEWARES – 5 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Sophie Allport Contact: www.sophieallport.com Tel: 0845 0177866 Email: info@sophieallport.com What makes you stand out? We’re a local business with unique countryside inspired designs by Sophie. Our homewares hopefully appeal to the Burghley audience. Popular collections include Pheasant, Chicken, Terrier and Labrador. There will be a competition to win £150 worth of Sophie Allport products – pick up an entry form on our stand to enter.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Lots of lovely things to help make your house a home. Extensions to our popular ‘Pheasant’ collection plus the launch of our new ‘Hare’ ‘On the Farm’ and ‘Woodland Party’ collections, plus knitted throws, scarves and cushions to keep you cosy in the Autumn. New Pet products including tinware, dog and cat beds and a gorgeous new range of accessories including wallets, purses, wash bags, key rings, boot bags, weekend bags and book bags.

FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY - 3RD YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Jason Nicholls Contact: Racecourse Farm, Easton on the Hill. www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com What makes you stand out? Every piece of furniture is individually designed to the client’s own ideas and specific requirements. Our furniture is built to last using traditional methods of construction in conjunction with modern furniture technology such as soft-close drawer runners, low voltage LED lighting systems and energy efficient appliances. We take great pride in delivering a truly personal service, working closely with the client to exceed expectations, presenting and inspiring new ideas to achieve superb results.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? This year we have a new layout to the stand. We still have a traditional kitchen but with a modern twist. A stunning dark stained hardwood study and bookcases, plus several new freestanding pieces of furniture designed and built just for Burghley.

OAKHAM RUGS - 3RD YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Christian & Fiona Hawker Contact: www.oakhamrugs.co.uk Tel: 01572 724441 Email: mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk What makes your stand out? Our customers are very important to us and we pride ourselves on our personal service and expert advice. We offer a cleaning and restoration service from our shop in Oakham which has been established for 23 years.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have a very varied selection of high quality hand knotted rugs in traditional and modern designs. We also have kilim and needlepoint rugs and a wide range of cushions and footstools.

THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK COMPANY – 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Spiegl Press Ltd: Jo & Hugo Spiegl Contact: www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk What makes you stand out? We make simply beautiful, elegant notebooks, journals and diaries using British paper and traditional craft bookbinding skills and equipment. Our stunning array of textures and colours means that there really is something for everyone.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Our new 2016 diaries and the new limited edition range featuring A/W16 catwalk colours. We also recently launched two new products, the Traveller’s Journal in two sizes and the Rutland Notebook – Multum in Parvo!

SNUGGLE SACS - 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner - Tina Goldsmith Contact: www.snugglesac.com Tel: 01603 882705 Email: enquiries@snugglesac.com What makes you stand out? Our products – which are unique, distinctive, high quality, fun, practical and utterly desirable!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? The pony snuggle sac – every shopper will want one! New for 2015 is the adult Snuggle Sacs. Perfect for horsebox living, caravans, motor homes – cosy and chic.

COUNTRY TRADITIONALS - 4 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Nicola and Simon Tame Contact: www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Tel: 01780 755409 Email: sales@countrytraditionals.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our beautiful range of Polish pottery is so distinctive - the mostly blue and white pottery really stands out and has the wow factor. All of the pottery we sell is oven/ Aga/microwave/dishwasher/freezer proof, so not only does it look amazing, it really is completely functional and for everyday use. We opened our second shop in Stamford last year, just off the high street in Maiden Lane and it’s absolutely packed to the ceiling with this amazing pottery!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Our oven to table bake ware sells extremely well at country shows. The lasagne dishes in large sizes for family gatherings are a great buy. We have many customers who keep coming back to stock up on more of the range every year.

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FOODWALK THE BROWNIE COMPANY - 5TH YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Amanda Hamblin Contact: www.thebrowniecompany.co.uk Tel: 01780 763392 Email: Amanda@ thebrowniecompany.co.uk What makes you stand out? We offer a top-quality, gooey, ‘moreish’ homemade Brownie at a great value price, using the best Belgium chocolate and local free range eggs. It’s a genuine chocolate brownie, much more satisfying than the typical offering as well as offering a much-needed burst of extra energy to anyone walking the Cross Country course! This is our 10th year in business and we’re so grateful to all the local customers to support us. We offer a 10% discount on our gift tin and brownie assortments to local customers who collect from our kitchen in Easton on the Hill.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have our flavours that are a favourite each year, such as the Original Double Chocolate or the Sour Cherry, but this year the Sea Salted Caramel and the Peanut Butter have been really popular, so we’re looking forward to tempting our Burghley customers with those. We’re also expanding our gluten-free range, as more and more customers are requesting them.

MARQUESS OF EXETER – 3RD YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Brian Baker Contact: www.marquessexeter.co.uk Tel: 01572 822477 Email: info@marquessexeter.co.uk What makes you stand out? We offer delicious food which is a little different to what you would expect!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We will be offering breakfast and lunch. Our delicious Eggs Benedict with either Smoked Salmon or Ham from 6.30am and our renowned Launde Lamb Tandoori wraps or Chicken and Chorizo Paella from 11am onwards.

OGILVY’S HONEY – 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Shamus Ogilvy Contact: www.ogilvys.com Tel 01780 450377 Email: info@ogilvys.com What makes you stand out? Ogilvy’s is the only honey retailer in the Food Walk, offering a diverse selection of raw honey naturally blended by bees!

What should a shopper look for at your stand?

Ogilvy’s have sourced six quintessentially British honeys and six artisan world honeys.

We are also launching a new honey trio gift box – perfect for the honey connoisseur.

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any of the local businesses commented on what a buzz there was to be exhibitor at Burghley and recognise that it is ‘the place to be’ – offering shoppers the Best of British.

For full details: www.burghley-horse.co.uk OTHER LOCAL TRADE STANDS: Aga Shop at Pochin, Burghley House Gift Shop, Dawson of Stamford Joules Clothing, The Rutland Bookshop, Sinclairs of Stamford, Thomas Dainty Brogue Trader, Hambleton, Jules of Stamford Jewellery

Rugby World Cup Trophy Comes to The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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HE Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will not only welcome elite equestrian athletes this year, but will also be introducing another sporting great to the event.

The title sponsor, Land Rover is also a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and on Friday 4th September, the Webb Ellis Cup will be onsite at Burghley as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy 100 day Tour, which culminates on 18th September at the RWC 2015 Opening Ceremony.

Spectators at Burghley will have the chance to get up close and personal with the famous Trophy and see the bespoke RWC 2015 Defender which has been carrying it on its journey around the UK and Ireland. Jason Robinson, OBE – Land Rover Ambassador and Rugby World Cup Winner 2003 will also be coming to Burghley.

Local children will have the opportunity to audition to become a Rugby World Cup 2015 mascot – the last chance for 7-13 year olds to win the opportunity to run out onto the pitch with one of the teams. Auditions will take place on Friday 4th Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September and youngsters will be invited to visit the Land Rover Experience area and complete one of three tasks: 1. Sing the national anthem; 2. Offer a piece of advice they would give to the Captain before he runs out for RWC 2015; or 3. Say how they would welcome a visiting team to England for the tournament.

The prize for the two lucky chosen mascots will include two tickets to a RWC 2015 match, official RWC 2015 mascot kit and of course, the walk out!

The final rugby themed element of this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials comprises a bespoke cross country fence, created by Burghley’s Course Designer, Captain Mark Phillips.

Liz Inman, Director of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials said, “There is great synergy between Eventing and Rugby, two of the toughest sports on the planet, both requiring determination, focus and agility.

It is fitting that we are able to acknowledge both sports at Land Rover Burghley in this Rugby World Cup year. At Burghley we always strive to offer our visitors a unique experience that goes beyond the equestrian competition and this is certainly it. To be hosting the Webb Ellis Cup is a huge honour, while many visiting youngsters will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to audition to be Rugby World Cup 2015 mascots.”

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OPEN DAY Saturday 3 October 2015 |10.30am - 1pm • A small, friendly, independent school for children ages 3 to 18 years • Excellent academic results • School bus network • 6th on National, Value Added A-Level League Table • Small class sizes ensure individual attention

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

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Bilton Grange Preparatory School

Co-educational Prep School for children aged 4-13 set in 100 rural acres just outside Rugby

Day and flexi/weekly/full boarding Morning bus from Market Harborough

Open Mornings throughout the year – come along and find out more by calling the Registrar on 01788 818249 or emailing admissions@biltongrange.co.uk

www.biltongrange.co.uk

01604 847292 afj@sprattonhall.com www.sprattonhall.com

Let

Knock your socks off!

Independent Co-educational Preparatory Day School aged 4-13 years in Northamptonshire

Open Morning Friday 25th September 2015 10 am—12 noon Come along to see for yourself all that Spratton Hall can offer your child 33

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ED U C AT I ON

Choosing the Right School: ‘I am coming into the area - how do I choose the right school for my children?’

Abigail Richardson explores how you can tell if a school is right for you and how to get the best out of an open morning or a visit…

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HOOSING a secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions that parents have to make. It is an exciting, yet daunting prospect and with many of the top schools operating admissions criteria, it is important for parents to do their homework in advance. The task can be even harder when you are moving into a new area where you may not have knowledge of the local schools or friends to ask for recommendations. Remember to consider the location of the school, availability of school buses and the length of the school day to ensure that the requirements of the school fit with your lifestyle.

Ahead of any visit, it is always worth narrowing the choice. The Head of a child’s current school is usually the first to ask for advice on the right senior school, while friends and family with children are also usually helpful. In advance of any visit, spend time reading the school’s website and prospectus to gain a sense of the ethos and character of the school. The visit itself should then serve to strengthen your initial impressions and answer the multitude of questions you are sure to have. After reviewing the prospectuses, websites and also league tables (found online) choose a few prospective schools in order to make a more informed decision.

Spratton Hall admissions team advise that you look at as many schools that fit the criteria for your family and offer some questions to consider before finalising the schools you want to view: 1) How far are you prepared to travel?

2) Is it a day school, boarding school (flexi boarding/full boarding)?

3) Is the school coeducational?

4) Is there a Nursery?

5) Does it go all the way up to 18 or break at 13?

6) Is the school selective?

7) Is there an entrance exam/interview to get in?

8) Does it offer hot lunches? Is this an extra?

9) Are their obligatory school trips, which could incur extra costs?

10) How varied is the curriculum offered?

11) What are the sports, music and drama facilities like?

12) Are there scholarships available?

13) Is the Head Teacher new or established?

14) What is the pastoral care like?

15) What are the sports results like?

16) What are the public exam results like?

17) When did they have their last inspection and what did it say?

18) Is the website kept up to date?

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Spratton Hall

Visiting the School OPEN DAYS Open Mornings and Open Days offer a great opportunity to visit schools when there are a lot of planned activities to watch and take part in and these are often on Saturdays which can make it easier for the whole family to attend.

During the Open Morning or Day, prospective parents and children are usually shown around by current pupils. This is a great way to see how your child responds to the school setting and also a chance to look at the current pupils as these pupils are the type of child the school is producing.

Spratton Hall holds two Open Mornings a year where the pupils show around the prospective parents and children. Year 8 carry out the show rounds in the September whilst the Year 7s do the show rounds in May. All pupils carry out a show around and it is usually by a boy and a girl. The Open Morning is on a normal working day and no extra events are put on – it is normal lessons for all. There is an opportunity at the end of the tour to meet other parents and teachers to discuss further any issues over refreshments.

PERSONAL TOUR Oundle School insist that, “Regardless of the type of school you are looking for, there really is no substitute for a personal visit, allowing both parents and children to obtain a genuine feel for the school’s atmosphere and culture.

Some parents will want to visit on their own before involving their child in a subsequent visit, whilst others may want to involve their

child from the outset; there is no right or wrong way to do it. Choosing a school is a significant personal, educational and financial commitment, therefore investing time in visits and research will always be worthwhile.”

The admissions team at Pitsford School agree: “Visiting schools during the normal school day can often give a better feel for the actual day-to-day working environment of the school and can give you the parents, the opportunity to imagine your child in this new setting. Allow yourself a good hour to look around and ask as many questions as you can. Remember that happy children are the ones who thrive and so look for the type of environment that will allow your child to be themselves and to take full advantage of all the school’s opportunities.”

Visits will, of course, vary from prep school to senior school. Copthill School is an exceptionally friendly and open school, and you will experience that friendly flavour from your first visit. You will be met by Mr Jonathan Teesdale, Headmaster, who will give you a guide round the school, where you will see the classes in action, but also an amazing range of other activity including the famous Forest School and the new Music School. In the first instance contact Registrar Mrs Paula Rayner on paula.rayner@copthill.com or call 01780 757509.

And right from the start the eventual goal of the school is clear. “We endeavour to ensure our Year 6 pupils leave us as responsible citizens, team players, independent explorers, creative thinkers, problem solvers and reflective learners.”

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Oundle School Bilton Grange Preparatory School, just south of Rugby, is an independent coeducational 4-13 day and boarding school.

They aim to make the admissions procedure as friendly and straightforward as possible. In the first instance, call the Registrar, Rebecca Bantoft on 01788 818249, to find out more and to order a prospectus. Following this, you are invited to visit on a normal working day, when you will have an opportunity to meet with the Headmaster Alex Osiatynski and have a tour around the school. Many families welcome the opportunity to see the School on Open Morning, when your tour guide will be one of the 6th Form (Year 8) pupils, and for those looking around Pre-Prep, a Year 3 pupil.

At Laxton Junior School (Day school for ages 4 – 11) for example, the Headmaster usually takes the tour and introduces parents

to staff and pupils around the school. The tour is informal, offering plenty of opportunities for parents to meet and chat with current pupils. At Oundle School (day and boarding ages 11-18), tours are a little more formal and are hosted by tour guides, with the Registrar topping and tailing each visit. All visitors to Oundle are invited to lunch with pupils, giving them a valuable opportunity to have private conversations with current boys and girls. In both schools, visits are organised through the Admissions Office, with the Registrar being the key point of contact throughout the process.

Visits are often booked up at least three weeks in advance so early enquiry is advised.

For all types of visits, the advice is simple: do not be frightened to ask questions and do expect to have some time with pupils - besides being a school’s greatest asset, they are usually

the ones to tell you exactly how it is. A school that is prepared to let parents spend time with pupils away from teachers is a good sign of confidence, and trust. Finally, do not be afraid to ask to look at areas of the school that are not part of the ‘official’ tour!

At the end of the visit, consider your experience. Do you and your child feel comfortable? Is there a positive, happy and purposeful ambiance? Do the pupils and teachers seem interested in you and your child’s welfare? Do they relate well to each other? Inevitably you will come away with questions you had wished you had asked but these can always be followed up at a later date.

More important is that you leave the school with the sense that this is an environment in which your child would thrive and be happy?

Most schools hold visits most term time mornings and many parents will combine an Open Day with tailored visits. For further advice contact the admissions teams at your short listed schools, where they will be more than happy to offer advice.

CONTACTS: Spratton Hall, Smith Street, Northampton, Spratton NN6 8HP, United Kingdom Tel: 01604 847292, www.sprattonhall.co.uk Pitsford Hall, Pitsford, Northamptonshire, NN6 9AX, Tel: 01604 880306, www.ngs-school.com Laxton Junior School and Oundle School, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4GH, Tel: 01832 277122, www.oundleschool.org.uk Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3AD, Tel: 01780 757506, www.copthill.com Bilton Grange Preparatory School Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6QU Tel: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk

Oakham School: How you can tell if the school is right for you?

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CHOOLS such as Oakham offer boundless opportunities academically, physically and artistically, with exceptional facilities and teaching. Louise Hitchin, marketing officer, explains why she believes parents need to establish just how the prospective school can help their child to fully realise their ambitions, whatever they may be.

1. “It is important to get a real sense of how a school would nurture your child’s academic talents. At Oakham, we stimulate pupils’ interests to want to learn more, as well as developing their communication skills, to help our students to stand out from the crowd and go on to receive offers not only from Oxbridge, but also at leading universities across the world.

2. As well as looking at a school’s overall academic success, also ask about specific accolades in the departments in which your family is most interested. Each area should have its own success story - from the number of pupils gaining the much-coveted national Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering and Design (19 at Oakham), to how many Duke of Edinburgh awards have been achieved (Oakham has been offering the scheme for over 50 years and has helped more than 5000 pupils achieve

awards).

3. If your child has particular interests, then ask how you can see the school in action in these areas. At Oakham, there is always so much happening and prospective families are always welcome to come along to experience it for themselves. You could see the quality of Oakham’s art, which was described as “exceptional” in our latest ISI report, during one of our exhibitions, or listen to one of the 80 musical concerts held each year or watch one of our five major drama productions.

At Oakham, we feel that one of the most important questions for a prospective parent to ask is ‘How do you prepare pupils for life beyond school?’ In a world which places ever greater demands on young people, it is vitally important that schools provide a genuinely holistic education to prepare girls and boys for the challenges they will face in their lives.

By the time they leave us, Oakhamians are confident, intellectually ambitious thinkers equipped to make a real difference in the world” • For further information contact: Oakham School, Chapel Close, Oakham, LE15 6DT, www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

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ED U C AT I ON

Brooke Priory School Elizabeth Bell, Headmistress of Brooke Priory Prep School, explores the bigger picture and the fine line drawing of open mornings and private school tours

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NVESTING in private education is a big decision to make; it needs to be an informed choice, made with confidence that it has been taken for the right reasons. To support parents in making this decision, Brooke Priory Preparatory School, in Oakham, invites parents to see the bigger picture at Open Mornings (the next being on the 26th September 2015).

Attending an Open Morning allows parents and their children to get a feel of the school and the opportunities (sporting, academic, cultural and social) that pupils at the school experience. A good barometer of feelings would be to register your own as well as others’ smiles; the tone of conversation and the sound of laughter.

The fine-line, detailed understanding of the school is achieved during a tour with the Head. This is the opportunity to test out the accuracy of the perceptions gained at the Open Morning, or during a visit to the school for a sporting fixture. It is the chance to see the school in action without the finery of an Open Morning; it is the chance to note the breadth and depth of the curriculum and to check on the academic achievements of the school. Has it really had a 100% success rate at entrance exams during the last three years? What are the children being taught that is additional to the curriculum? What behaviours and attitudes do the pupils and staff display when the spotlight is not on them? Are the children taught values which will allow them to thrive in the future whilst not forsaking the well-being of all? Is social responsibility and accountability

placed at the heart of the school? Are the children and staff consistently displaying and modelling intelligent thinking, listening and behaviour?

In short, are the children being equipped to cope in a modern, rapidly changing world without a loss of standards and values?

To see whether the fine line drawing really is as good as you suspected, can truly, only be tested by having a personal tour of the school during a full, busy, normal day and by talking to the pupils whilst watching them at work and play.

• For further information logon to: www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk or Tel: 01572 724778

Spratton Hall Spratton Hall is nestled in 50 acres of Northamptonshire countryside and offers boys and girls aged between 4 and 13 a fully rounded education in academia, sport, drama, music and art.

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HE Independent School Inspectorate Report rated Spratton Hall’s pupils’ overall achievement and quality of pastoral care as ‘excellent’ and the effectiveness of the early years’ provision as ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

The facilities at Spratton Hall incorporate old and new exceptionally well throughout the school. The Georgian Manor House retains its beautiful charm and yet the school’s structure and ethos is contemporary and dynamic with technology constantly being kept up to date and modernised to reflect the present advances in our society. The sports grounds include the Jubilee Sports Dome, the floodlit Astroturf, two hard court areas for netball and tennis, a full 400m running track, cricket nets, pavilions, a cross-country circuit and multiple sports pitches as the season requires.

Spratton Hall also enjoys a state of the art Performing Arts Centre used for drama productions, music concerts and assemblies.

Spratton Hall’s pupils flourish in an environment where politeness, courtesy and consideration for others is paramount. Spratton Hall pupils are independent, self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised learners who have the necessary skills to enjoy their future and have been happy

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and fulfilled at Spratton Hall. Senior schools look forward to meeting and enrolling Spratton Hall pupils as they know they will get a pupil who has been able to achieve, thrive and blossom into a confident and capable young person ready for the next challenges in their education.

Entry to Spratton Hall is in Reception for the Pre-Prep school and Year 3 for the Prep school although there are opportunities to join the school in other years.

• If you would like to visit the school or if you would like a prospectus please contact the Registrar, Amanda Fleming-Jones, on afj@sprattonhall.com or Tel: 01604 847292.

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Learn for Life Come and see for yourself Call us now to book an Autumn Open Morning or individual visit 01572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Oakham is a great co-educational boarding and day school for 10-18 year olds offering A Levels and the IB

www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Saturday 26th September 2015 9.30a.m.—11.30a.m Brooke Priory is an outstanding school and nursery, providing an education which goes beyond formal learning, to fully meet each individual’s needs according to their age, ability and interests. You are invited to join us to see how the needs of every pupil (formal and informal) are understood and met. The Headmistress will be available to discuss bursaries and the new, forthcoming academic, creative and pastoral awards, available from February 2016.

For further information please call us on 01572 724778 or email admin@brooke.rutland.sch.uk

OPEN MORNING

Oakham, Rutland, I.A.P.S. Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 2 –11 years

www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk

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Do you need help with a care issue?

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leisha from the Care Advice Centre has extensive experience of assisting the elderly with a multitude of care issues, ranging from care home placements, organising care at home and advice on claiming NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

If you are paying for care due to a primary health need, then it is possible that the NHS should be funding.

Give Aleisha a call to see how she can help or see website for more information on services For further details contact Aleisha on: 01572 720705/07766490473 Email: aleisha@care-advice-centre.co.uk www.care-advice-centre.co.uk

Don’t miss the opportunity to claim back what is rightfully yours If you or a loved one paid for care in the past you may be entitled to a full refund and not have to pay again in the future.

You may even be able to claim if your loved one has passed away.

Magical Maths is looking for people to help run our 1 hour afterschool clubs in local primary schools. The clubs are orientated around making maths fun for primary school children.

Strong rate of pay.

Ways to apply: Email CV to: sarah@magicalmathsclub.com Apply through web: www.magicalmathsclub.com Or phone for further info on: 01858 414 224

Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair Robert Loomes MBHI FRSA 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

Member of The British Watch and Clock Maker’s Guild (Founded 1907)

www.clockrepairer.co.uk

Member of The British Horological Institute (Founded 1858)

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches.

Insured, qualified, guaranteed

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AR T S & C U L T U R E

Uppingham Unsung Dr. Rebecca Thumpston, Music Events and Publicity Manager at Uppingham School, explores the wealth of music-making in Uppingham

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WALK through Uppingham reveals charming tea shops, an enviable Friday market and a wealth of history. But amidst the honeycoloured buildings of this market town is an extraordinarily vibrant and varied musical scene.

Central to the town’s musical life is Uppingham School. In 1865, Uppingham became the first school in the UK to appoint a Director of Music, Paul David. A native of Leipzig, David was friendly with Brahms, Schumann and the great violinist Joseph Joachim, who visited Uppingham several times in the 1870s. This illustrious musical heritage continues today through the School’s richly-varied concert programme.

Every Wednesday at 1.20pm, locals from all over Rutland gather in the Parish Church for the School’s free Lunchtime Concerts Series.

A great opportunity to relax with like-minded individuals, the concerts feature Uppingham’s most talented pupils, with a professional recital beginning each term. Extraordinary clarinettist Han Kim performs Poulenc’s celebrated Clarinet Sonata on 9 September 2015. And on a lighter note, Uppingham’s very own ‘Three Tenors’ will delight audiences with popular classics on 11 November.

The School also puts on regular evening concerts, popular with parents and townsfolk alike. Upcoming highlights include Duruflé’s Requiem to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, and the ever-popular ‘Advent Carols’ on 6 December. Looking ahead to the New Year, world-leading pianist Angela Hewitt performs on 16 January, and March sees the return of the sell-out toe-tapping Cocktails, Canapés and Cabaret evening! Full concert listings can be found at www.uppingham.co.uk/Music-Diary.

Music in Uppingham is by no means limited

to the School. The Goldmark Front Room celebrates great music from great musicians in the most intimate of spaces – Goldmark Gallery’s tiny 65-seat auditorium. In addition to their loyal Rutland audience, fans have been known to travel from all over Europe for the privilege of witnessing magical performances by leading names in folk, jazz and classical music. For advance notice of concerts, sign up to the Goldmark newsletter at www. goldmarkart.com.

Uppingham’s various pubs and bars also offer first-rate music. The Falcon Hotel welcomes the ever-popular Welland Valley Stompers for quarterly Friday jazz nights, while Don Paddy’s hosts quarterly Open Mic Nights and live music on the last Sunday of every month. Next up is local band Tantric Specs on 27 September.

If you want to make music, but Open Mic

Nights don’t take your fancy, why not sing with Uppingham Choral Society? Re-founded in 1959 by local music hero Jim Peschek, formerly Director of Music at Uppingham School, the Choral Society rehearses on Thursday evenings in Uppingham Methodist Church. Directed by Peter Clements, the Society is open to all, with no audition required. Rutland Sinfonia also rehearses locally in the town. A highly respected amateur Symphony Orchestra, their aim is to bring high-quality, enjoyable and inspiring performances of orchestral music to smaller towns and villages in and around Rutland. Their next concert ‘Scandinavian Birthdays’, on 10 October, features Sibelius’ Karelia Suite and Nielson’s First Symphony.

See www.rutlandsinfonia.org.uk for more information. This autumn also sees the launch of Uppingham String Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble with more than half its members from the town.

There are musical opportunities locally for children too. The Uppingham Children’s Choir, directed by Lesley Ffrench, rehearses every Wednesday, providing musical enjoyment for Rutland children aged 7 to 14. With regular concerts and winning smiles, the choir are a hit with audiences locally and further afield.

Should the huge variety of music-making in Uppingham not be quite enough to keep you going, the nearby ‘Music in Lyddington’ concert series offers yet more musical opportunity. You can make a special day in Lyddington with a visit to the medieval Bede House, a specially priced meal at one of Lyddington’s famous pubs, and a concert in the magnificent church.

Tickets are available at www.musicinlyddington.co.uk.

All in all, Uppingham is a fantastic place to experience live music. Let’s keep this rich musical tradition alive and thriving.

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19/08/2015 22:53

TIME TO FILL YOUR LOG STORE

Hardwood Logs 07973982820 01476 562500

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

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

OUTDOOR LIGHTING NOW ON DISPLAY, FROM HIGH QUALITY TRADITIONAL LANTERNS TO ULTRA MODERN LED

David Letts 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting Leicestershire. LE16 9BP and the latest Tel: in LED technology.

01858 467716 Mobile: 07445 532774 Thousands of options and bespoke dal63@hotmail.co.uk manufacture offering an unlimited

NEW AUTUMN RANGES AVAILABLE NOW

choice.

Open 9am until 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Appointments and home visits available.

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

www.harboroughlights.co.uk - 01858 467716 40

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IN T E RI ORS

A Hint of Nostalgia Michelle Hansel takes a look around Market Harborough and finds an array of cool interiors shops just waiting to be explored.

Here she finds some great ideas for creating an interior that is warm, nostalgic, and homely this autumn/winter Kitsch Classics Vintage on Abbey Street No. 1 is a great place to pick up treasures for the home as well as unique gifts and memorabilia. Choose from tea sets to toys and kitsch lampshades through to quirky ornaments, furniture and crockery. A perfect addition to your reading corner this season would be kitsch lampshades you may remember from childhood?

All have fabulous floral designs and fringing to boot! Also, check out intricate patchwork quilts by Zaradeancrafts.

Vintage on Abbey Street No. 1: 1 Abbey Street, Market Harborough, Tel: 07803518837 07468571079

Reading Lights To ensure you can enjoy your home in the evenings you need the right lighting for each purpose and each room, as well as your outside space. Harborough Lights have an enormous selection of quality, decorative lighting, outdoor light fittings, bathroom lighting, kitchen lights and task lights. You can select from many manufacturers catalogues and choose between stylish German and Scandinavian fittings, right through to hand made Italian chandeliers from Merano and everything in between. www.harboroughlights.co.uk, 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough LE16 9BP, Tel: 01858 467716

Unique Antiques

Cosy by the Fire

Felicity Voss of Harborough Stone suggests having a wood burner fitted to fight the upcoming winter. Burley offers the most energy efficient wood burners that look great and ensure you get value for money, as well as keeping you toasty in the cold. For that warm and homely look, pair with rustic wood, beautiful stonework, plush blankets and matching fireside accessories. From log baskets to companion sets, they stock a wide range of styles and finishes in the Market Harborough showroom and from September you can pick up bags of Kiln Dried Logs too. www.harborough-stone.co.uk, 1, Sulley’s Yard, Adam and Eve St, Market Harborough LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 410033

Handmade Furnishings

As the nights draw in and things get decidedly chillier the need for rugs, cushions and blankets is greater and they instantly add much needed texture and warmth to a room. Keals have an interesting selection of home furnishings, recommended is the hand crochet peacock throw, £150 by Butterfly Blankets; Stag cushions, £45 by Weasels Workshop; hand turned buttons from £15 by Keals and Stags Head, £69 by Lavendon Made.

For a closer look at what Keals has to offer, you need to have a browse and take a look at their facebook page for more information about new items in stock.

10a Abbey Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AA, Tel: 01858 419798

Retro Inspired Rugs

At Jeffrey and Day’s new pop up shop you will find a diverse assortment of antiques, decorative salvage, architectural finds and fascinating curiosities. Matthew, an antique dealer with over 15 years experience and Charlie an upholsterer, with a passion for anything old and beautiful, have explored Europe to bring back these finds all in the setting of the historic Old Town Hall in Market Harborough. Choose from ornate mirrors to mid century Danish armchairs. Take a look at the Glazed School Oak Cabinet, obscured glass and brass details, £395, Antiques French drapers counter, painted pine with a scrubbed top with 2 sets of 5 drawers with one large drawer above them, £1400 and a Vintage madeleine tray with the traditional scallop shaped scoop molds for 12 madeleines, £18. There is something for all tastes and budget. hello@jeffreyandday.co.uk, Tel: 0783 4104709

Chevron design rugs add some graphic chic to any space and look incredibly stylish. Even though the design dates back to ancient Greece, the chevron was made famous in fashion in the 1970s and has remained a popular pattern to this day. Rugs by Danish Design Team, House Doctor, are available at Housekeeping on Northampton Road as well as a fabulous array of beautiful everyday household items. Find unique jugs, recycled vases, pots, pans, welsh throws, baskets and clocks, to name but a few. www.housekeepingstore. co.uk, 6 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HB. info@ housekeepingstore.co.uk, Tel: 01858 410875.

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IN T E RI ORS

Fushion Styling Fushion styling is fast becoming an exciting new way to add an individualistic look your home. It’s all about combining an eclectic mix of old and new ideas: sleek and richly textured fabrics, hard and soft lines and recycling previous furniture and accessories you may not want to throw out yet. It requires a sophisticated and daring approach to get the most out of this trend as there are no rules to follow as such. There are, however a few guide lines to take into consideration. Nicola Hardy enlightens…

• Colours should be tonally compatible or attractively contrasting.

• Stay clear of matching furniture, and never match your curtains to your couch.

• Be creative with proportions - try an oversized angle poise floor lamp.

• Really mix up decorating materials: rustic woods, gold and copper metal finishes, artisan touches, ethnic fabrics, marble, silk, coloured glass and geometric patterns.

• Bring the outdoors in; huge yukka plants, trellis designed room dividers and lots of houseplants.

• To breath new life into tired floors, soiled carpets/rugs and stained upholstery give Weaver UK a call, they will restore them to their original beauty: Weaver UK Ltd 24F Pillings Road, Oakham LE16 6QF. Tel: 01572 759899, www.weaverltd.co.uk

GET THE LOOK… For nature inspired fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories: Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors 27 Mill Street. Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 722345. www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market St, Uppingham LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389. www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk For beautiful rugs: The Rug Studio 2 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 829927. www.therugstudio.co.uk Oakham Oriental Rugs 6 the Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 724441. www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk

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For new exciting flooring and carpets: Barefoot Flooring Unit14 Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6RA Tel: 01572 759752. www.barefoot-flooring.biz For blinds and shutters: 5 Day Blinds 9 Melton Road, Oakham LE15 6AX Tel: 01572 759176. www.5dayblinds.co.uk Rutland Shutters 9 Harborough Close, Whissendine, Oakham LE15 7PB Tel: 01664 474013. www.rutlandshutters.co.uk For high quality fireplaces: Heatsource 35 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

MODERNISTIC VINTAGE RETRO 1. Industrial style walls or brick effect wallpaper 2. Soft monotone throws 3. Natural looking textured wallpaper 4. Polished metal ‘vintage’ anglepoise lamp 5. Mid-century inspired wallpapers and fabrics 6. Mustard retro armchair 7. 70s style teak furniture and a wonderful selection of differently finished objects.

SCANDI RETRO COUNTRY 1. Scandinavian simplicity with beautiful painted shutters.

2. Retro styled dining chair.

3. Linen print floral fabrics.

4. Stunning statement pendant light ‘Butterfly’

by Tom Raffield, handmade from sustainably sourced wood.

5. Nature inspired wallpaper.

6. Reupholster a favourite old chair in hand painted style fabrics.

7. Contemporary fireplace.

CONTEMPORARY ETHNIC ARTISAN ANTIQUE RETRO 1. Clean lined contemporary kitchen design with bold pops of colour.

2. Large yukka plant.

3. Gorgeous embroidered ethnic cushions, warm textured fabrics and rugs.

4. Hand painted artisan crockery.

5. Antique oil lamp.

6. Open plan interiors, white with bold colour accents, large comfortable seating areas.

7. Fab retro kitchen appliances.

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Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

www.harborough-stone.com

Led by trained restorer with 21 years experience as a specialist dealer in Antique and Contemporary Hand knotted Oriental & European Rugs, Carpets, Kilims, Textiles & Cushions.

THE RUG STUDIO, 2 High St East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm or by appointment Tel: 01572 829927 or 07885 757 796 Email: info@therugstudio.co.uk Website: www.therugstudio.co.uk 43

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Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 44

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HO M E & GAR D E N

Delcor Furniture – Designed Around You Delcor Furniture has become one of Stamford’s best loved stores, offering British handmade sofas and chairs, tailored size-wise and finish-wise to your exact wishes

Tailor-made Delcor’s business is going from strength to strength as more and more people become familiar and comfortable with the high service levels and Delcor’s ability to offer tailor-made products. “We have noticed recently that as we have become better known, people are coming in with a specific purpose and the conversation is already starting some way down the decision line,” Kathleen Wilkinson, the Stamford’s store very experienced and helpful manager, told us.

Kathleen explained: “We build our business around the customer. We aim to meet the individual needs of every customer – one size fits all is not our style. All our products are tailor-made.”

To be in time for Christmas, orders need to be placed this year by mid-October, so best to start planning now!

New developments

Duke

Delcor never rests on its laurels; it is always innovating and refreshing its product range.

New in is the very stylish, contemporary Duke small sofa – an elegant classic, with turned solid wooden legs in a natural finish.

And the store has just undergone a major refresh, with a re-painted exterior, and the showrooms re-arranged and re-painted.

There are also lots of new accessories as the winter season approaches – exquisite cushions and lamps in particular.

A one-stop shop with Fenland Carpets But the biggest news of all is the arrival of Fenland Carpets, who will be based in the upstairs space. Run by Nick and Brett, they are a very well established carpet and flooring company which already has branches in Spalding and Bourne.

They have a lot of exclusivity on brands, a first-rate fitting service and a 5-year fitting guarantee.

“We have found,” Kathleen told me, “that many people are looking for a new carpet or flooring at the same time as furniture, so this provides them with a very convenient service. I think the synergy will work well.”

• www.fenlandcarpetsandflooring.co.uk • Delcor, 30 Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2QX Tel: 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS What’s new in Market Harborough?

Butler Stewart Clothing B

utler Stewart Clothing is the creation of Anna Louise Butler.

After working in London in the high-end retail industry Anna moved to Stoke Albany in Leicestershire in the spring of 2015.

With the beautiful Leicestershire countryside and picturesque villages as a backdrop for her vision Anna created a brand to cater for the get-up-and-go individuals who live/work in the country or town and participate in country pursuits, activities or sports in their free time.

Butler Stewart offers high quality and traditional clothing and accessories. The tweed collections are made up of unique styles, distinctive features and colourful fabrics - selected and designed

by Anna exclusively for Butler Stewart. Says Anna, “All our tweeds are accompanied with corresponding shirts, jeans and ties enabling you to either buy individual items or a full outfit.”

Anna’s love of the countryside, country life, and country pursuits have influenced her designs from start to finish from seasonal colour palettes to the understanding of traditional and practical clothing whether worn out in the field, on the weekend or in the office.

To welcome in their first autumn Butler Stewart Clothing would like to offer Market Harborough and Rutland Living readers 10% off their first order placed before the end of October. Enter coupon code LIVING at the checkout.

Love Your Local Market T

here has been a market at the heart of Market Harborough since the beginning of the 13th century and today is no different.

At the very heart of the picturesque town and its raison d’etre, you will find Harborough Indoor Market.

The market has over 60 stalls, including a refurbished food hall which offers everything from speciality cheese, fruit and veg, locally sourced meat, fish, celebration cakes, confectionary and food to eat in or take away. There is a central café, Dim Sum, American Diner food and even a traditional fish and chip stall!

The general hall is dedicated to nonfood stalls with books, haberdashery, bags, jewellery, fashion, pet supplies, laptops,

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homewares, picture frames, furniture and much more on offer.

Wednesday sees the addition of an Antiques, Retro and Collectables Market which includes a monthly free of charge valuation day with Gildings Auction House.

On Thursday local makers join us for a Craft Market, where you can pick up a unique, handmade item at a great price and each Sunday there is a popular Antiques Market.

The market, which is operated by Market Place, is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm for the Sunday Antiques Market.

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William Frederick Witherington, Waiting for the Ferry Estimate £3,000–5,000 Provenance: Marquess of Tweeddale and thence by descent.

Fine art & antiques Sale

Tuesday 15th September 2015 Viewing Fri 11th Sept 10:00–16:00, Sat 12th Sept 9:00–13:00 Mon 14th Sept 9:00–19:00, Tue 15th Sept 9:00–9:45 Enquiries Mark Gilding, 01858 410414, sales@gildings.co.uk

gildings auctioneers

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM ThE Mill GrEaT BoWdEn road lE16 7dE T: 01858 410414 SALES@GiLdinGS.cO.UK

Stylish and Inspirational

LIGHTING

design schemes and consultancy

(Add a little bit of body text

1 South Street Oakham LE15 6BG

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

t: 01572 724600 w: lumisonlighting.co.uk 47

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P R OP E RT Y

David Crooke, owner of UPP Property Agents Antonia Scott speaks to local entrepreneurs to find out how they have succeeded in motivating themselves and their team to ensure their company is successful

How it all began....

After university, David had a career in the corporate world of media working for Reed Elsevier for over 10 years, moving from London to Sydney, Australia before settling back in Stamford with his wife Lottie and young family.

In 2007 they both launched Moores Lettings in partnership with Moores Estate Agents, as Moores wanted to focus on sales. This meant they were able to give clients the option of letting their property which was good timing in the aftermath of the credit crunch. “The partnership worked extremely well as Vernon Moore, owner of Moores Estate Agents, and I could focus solely on our core business, offering each client exactly what they wanted.

Moores Lettings grew rapidly achieving 100% increase in turnover each year.”

In 2014 the opportunity arose to acquire Oakham Property Services (OPS), a wellestablished lettings business based in Oakham and during this time, David and Lottie made the business decision to move away from their partnership with Moores and go solo. Their new brand,UPP Property Agents was launched in February 2015 – retaining their recognisable pink branding whilst bringing something new, fresh and distinctive to market. “We didn’t just want to be another local agent calling themselves after their own surname – after all, with a surname like Crooke, it wasn’t going to work anyway!”

UPP Property Agents have now launched a separate sales department, headed up by Adrian McCarthy who has a wealth of local property knowledge and experience, and works alongside both Lottie and Dave who concentrate on the lettings side of the business.

As with their approach to lettings, their sales offering challenges the traditional way of buying and selling a home. Following months of industry research, they have cleverly created a straight-forward three-tier package putting the seller, the experience of a local agent and the power of the internet together. “It is exciting to be the only agent in our area to offer home owners this new type of service and the feedback is great”.

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Inspiration, Motivation, Vision and Drive....

“Historically, estate agents haven’t always had the best reputation, so Lottie and I have always set out to dispel this myth! We are both motivated by the high level of positive feedback we receive and the number of recommendations we get through word of mouth. I am driven to ensure our business has the best processes so that we can deliver the best service to our clients.

We are now one of the largest lettings agencies in Rutland and Stamford, but more importantly for me, is that we have the reputation as the ‘go to’ agent for property advice and service”.

Passion, belief and mantras!

“My background in the corporate world taught me that you need to surround yourself with like-minded people and grow and nurture your business team. By providing our staff with the best tools and processes to operate and giving them the autonomy to manage their own time effectively whilst also having a support system in place. Regular communication is key to any successful business – both with my team and our clients.

I’m a firm believer in leading from the front – my father used to say to me, “ work hard, play hard but always work a little harder!” which I think sums up my work ethos. I also like “The harder I try, the luckier I get”; and Henry Ford’s famous quote, “If you believe you can, or you believe you can’t - you are absolutely right”

Where next?

“Lottie and I have worked extremely hard to create our vision for UPP Property Agents and like many working parents we aim to find the elusive work/life balance. Having relocated from overseas, house hunted in a new area, purchased our family home and invested in a Buy-To-Let property, we feel really well placed to empathise with our clients’ needs and we always endeavour to give sound property advice to people, whatever their situation.”

With offices in St John’s Street, Stamford and Church Street, Oakham, UPP Property Agents will be looking to increase their Sales portfolio this year and are also launching a Property Newsletter and Property blog next month.

• For more information: www.upp-property.co.ukTel: Oakham: 01572 725825 Stamford: 01780 484554

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Move UPP

OPTION ONE

Adrian McCarthy,

upfront and no VAT

Sell your house with UPP Property Agents…

The prominence of the internet in property sales is continuing to gain momentum, putting the homeowner at the front of the property selling process. We also believe in putting our clients first by offering a bespoke service based around the power of the internet, whilst at the same time giving sound local property market advice from an experienced, proactive team.

Choose the most effective way to sell your home from one of our three cost saving hassle free options.

Adrian looks forward to discussing the best way to market your property with you, and to arrange a free, no obligation valuation.

01572 725 825/01780 484 554 adrian.mccarthy@upp-property.co.uk

with us

Managing Director

Sell for £399*

Sales Director

Move

David Crooke,

Move UPP

OPTION TWO Sell for £199*

upfront and 0.5% on completion and no VAT

Move UPP

OPTION THREE No fee upfront*

and 1.2% of the sale price on completion and no VAT

Let your house with UPP Property Agents…

We offer valuable advice and support whether you are looking to buy your first investment property or adding to your existing portfolio, UPP is the perfect partner to maximise your financial return.

The UPP team know Stamford and Rutland intimately and will give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media.

For helpful advice on what makes a great property investment, or to arrange a free, no obligation valuation, contact David.

01572 725 825/01780 484 554 david@upp-property.co.uk

12 St Johns Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB Call: 01780 484554

20 Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA Call: 01572 725825

Find our properties on:

Licensed member of:

www.upp-property.co.uk

info@upp-property.co.uk •

@UPPproperty •

David Crooke

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*Terms and Conditions apply

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S HOP S & SE R V I CE S

UPDATES Celebrating 30 years S

imon Cawthorne, owner of the renowned Simon Cawthorne salon in Mill Street Oakham, has been cutting it for 30 years.

Three decades ago he began his training in Leicester, a process which he describes as rigorous and thorough, where the importance of precision cutting and excellence was drilled into him. It was this firm foundation that inspired him to adopt the same attention to detail when training the apprentices who have worked under him over the years, and to set up a professionally run Training School within his own salon.

Simon has worked in some of the capital’s top salons and honed his skills working with great hair legends such as Daniel Galvin, Nicky Clarke and Toni and Guy. In the mid 1990s he returned to his home town with a vision to take the county’s hairdressing standards to a new level and shortly afterwards, fulfilled his dream to create a bit of London in Leicestershire by opening his first salon.

Simon has a true passion for hairdressing and this passion and desire to ‘believe in better’ has been the driving force behind the salon’s unique client-centric service that promises and delivers beautifully crafted haircuts, styling and personalised colour to clients county-wide.

Simon combines original thinking with superb technical ability, continues to trend set and has built a talented creative team of stylists and dedicated colourists to work alongside him, all of whom share his philosophy and approach to the art of hairdressing.

His involvement in countless photo shoots and London Fashion Weeks has brought him to where he is now - finalist of the British Hairdressing Awards 2008, 2009 and 2010 and TIGI Creative Hairdresser of the Year 2009.

• www.simoncawthorne.com

Holidays in Style S

urrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands in Ashton Wold near Oundle, the three luxury holiday rental houses at the Lady Rothschild Dairy offer a stylish country retreat. Named after artists Constable, Turner and Gainsborough, everything about the warm stone and thatch holiday house apartments, joined together around a U-shaped central courtyard on the historic Ashton Estate, breathes quality, elegance and attention to detail. Many original features have been restored and incorporated into the thoughtful design of the beautifully furnished conversions with their solid oak finishes and strikingly modern kitchens and bathrooms.

The Constable House, with its magnificent vaulted ceiling over the open plan living/ dining and kitchen area, has five bedrooms plus a pull out truckle bed in the study, and can easily accommodate 12 people. The Turner House is full of original features and has four bedrooms and with a sofa bed in the large attic bedroom it is ideal accommodation for up to ten people.

The Gainsborough House has exposed oak beams and an unusual design and accommodates eight people.

Each holiday house apartment has its very own Shepherds Hut and the use of a nearby communal garden.

• For more details see www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk

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Calling families to have fun together in the Anna’s Hope Fun Run C

arole Hughes, founder of local children’s charity Anna’s Hope is calling for families to run or walk and have fun together in the Anna’s Hope 5k Fun Run in the Perkins Great Eastern Run this year on October 11th. You could even dress up as a fairy like Carole and many of the supporters of Anna’s Hope.

The charity has been involved with the run for the last 8 years and thanks to those who have raised funds through sponsorship, the charity is now making a real difference to local children diagnosed with a brain tumour through the Anna’s Hope Therapy which supports a pioneering neurorehabilitation service called Brainbow.

• To enter please visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk.

For those who also want to raise money for Anna’s Hope and help local children with brain tumours please contact Carole Hughes via e-mail: admin@annahope.co.uk

Stamford Artisans Guild

T

he Stamford Artisans Guild will return to Stamford Arts Centre on Sunday 20 September from 10am to 4pm to showcase the creative talent of local artisans. The Stamford Artisans Guild showcases a wide range of local artisans who will be behind their stall so available to talk to visitors about their craft and products including Jandy Photography, Stamford Holistic Candles, Folbar Jewellery, Cards by Lorna, Woodland Creations, Sew Krafty and Knitnaks.

• For further information on this event please call Tel: 07854 637810

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£9

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S * TO ME IDS U PF R A R K O 70 E F E FR

Separation and Divorce with Dignity

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Book a child’s appointment now and choose from over

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* with voucher

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23 Burley Rd, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DH

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“Pinter’s game of happy families” 15 to 19 September, Stamford Arts Centre - 7.45pm Tickets £10 / £8 conc. Box office 01780 763203 A work of dazzling directness and simplicity, on the surface, where the family conflicts create a play that is both comic and menacing.

“A Safe Place to Talk”

Free, confidential & unbiased advice.

Had an abortion, baby loss or miscarriage in the past or know someone that has? Feel the need to be able to talk about it in a Safe Place?

Alternatives offers free confidential unbiased support • • • • •

Tel: 01780 765853/ 07913052159 office@alternativesstamford.co.uk www.alternativesstamford.co.uk facebook.com/alternativesstamford @altstamford

or drop in any Mon or Thur 9-5 Ryhall Road, Stamford PE9 1YA. (located within the Hospital Site behind Sheep Market Surgery)

Registered charity 1129379

Sum

Lamport! t a e r mer is he

• Beautiful house and gardens • Open Wednesday/Thursday afternoons and Bank Holidays • New for 2015 - History of the Working Horse exhibition

NEW

COMING UP: 30/31 August: Antiques & Collectors Fair 10/11 October: Gift & Craft Fair OUTDOOR CINEMA IN SEPTEMBER: Friday18th - Dirty Dancing (12A) Saturday 19th - An Officer & A Gentleman Sunday 20th - The Princess Bride Book online at: www.lunafix.co.uk

Lamport Hall

Lamport, Northampton NN6 9HD

01604 686272

admin@lamporthall.co.uk www.lamporthall.co.uk

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Thursday 20 August to Sunday 20 September MUSICAL THEATRE: Legally Blonde – The Musical The all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy is a winner of no less than 7 major awards, and is the funniest and most fabulous musical around performed by a cast of West End stars.

Kilworth House Theatre Tickets from £30 Tel: 01858 881939 or www. kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk Wednesday 9 September, 1.20pm CONCERT: Han Kim with Alexis Ffrench Han Kim is an extraordinary Korean clarinettist. He will perform the quirky Sonatina

by MartinÐ, Poulenc’s 1962 Clarinet Sonata and a virtuosic showpiece by Jorg Widmann. Kim is accompanied by Alexis Ffrench, Head of Keyboard at Uppingham School.

Uppingham Parish Church Wednesday 9 September, 6pm EVENT: Beating Retreat Ceremony Always well supported this annual ceremony will see the local crowd entertained by the Band of the Parachute Regiment in the presence of Dr Laurence Howard and Jennifer, The Lady Gretton.

A free event with contributions collected on the day donated to the Army Benevolent Fund Oakham Market Place Saturday 12 September 10am to 6pm EVENT: Rutland Food and Drink Festival

Celebrate all that is great about Rutland with excellent food and drink plus family entertainment including cooking demonstrations, locally produced food, live music, stalls and much more.

Sykes Lane, near Empingham Wednesday 23 September Thursday 10 September, 2pm to 4pm EVENT: Creative Writing Workshop All journeys can inspire us, whether it be looking at the familiar with fresh eyes or encountering the new.

In this writing workshop with Anna Chilvers, travel in your own footsteps and find what is waiting for you there.

Oakham Library Tickets £2 Tel: 01572 722918 – early booking advised.

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, 7.30am to 10am EVENT: Bird Ringing Demonstration A senior reserve officer will help you get up close to species you won’t see in your own garden. The team will be netting, ringing and releasing migrant birds passing through the reserve. Afterwards, questions and chat over refreshments.

Anglian Birdwatching Centre, Lyndon £12/£8 for permit holders with early booking advised.

Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm CONCERT: Tre Laude Dolce With a pre-concert talk from 5.15pm to 6pm which

Sunday 6 and Monday 7 September EVENT: Dahlia Festival Celebration of the varied and vibrant display of dahlias that can be found in the historic walled kitchen garden where last year, a further twenty new varieties were introduced. Talks and demonstrations, including flower-arranging.

Kelmarsh Hall Entry fee to the hall, gardens and all the events during the Dahlia Festival £8/£7.50, £4.50 ages 5-14, under-fives free. www.kelmarsh.com Tel: 01604 686543 is free to members and concert ticket holders, Music In Lyddington present this acclaimed trio on piano, cello and guitar.

St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington Tickets in advance £15/£3 students from Music & More, Uppingham Sports and Books or Uppingham Theatre www.musicinlyddington. co.uk Wednesday 23 September, 7.30pm TALK: Who Lived in a House Like This?

Brian Easton is the guest speaker for this month’s talk hosted by Great Easton and District History Society. Brian examines the occupation and social status through the centuries of the inhabitants of some significant dwellings in the Midlands.

Great Easton Village Hall Members free, guests £2 to include refreshments

Sunday 27 September 10.30am to 3pm EVENT: Wedding Fair A chance for couples to meet some of the region’s wedding professionals from caterers to photographers and many more besides.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October MUSICAL THEATRE: Strictly Sondheim Harborough Theatre A tribute to the work of Stephen Sondheim – well known for his work such as Sweeney Todd, Follies, Gypsy and West Side Story among many others. A lively production conceived, directed and choreographed by Dylan Atkinson and Hannah Brown, supported by Rod Iliffe.

Tickets £10/£12 www. mhmt.ticketsource.co.uk, in person at Jessica Mary Flowers or Tel: 07967252823

BOOK EARLY FOR….

Monday 12 to Saturday 24 October MUSICAL THEATRE: Mary Poppins The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £15 Tel:0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk

We buy...Antiques / Jewellery / Watches

(all types of Gold & Silver, from antique to modern day times) FREE APPRAISAL SERVICE AT YOUR HOME To book an appointment please call Nick on 07823 886848 or Helen on 07795 196296 Barrowden Antiques, Main St, Barrowden, Rutland, LE15 8EQ (nickbettles@aol.co.uk) RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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OU T & AB OUT

Alternative Activities for Children Struggling to think of a plan for the weekend, after school or holiday?

We can all run out of ideas for ways to entertain our little ones, so Isabella Hamnett goes in search of some more unusual ways to keep children, and their grown-ups, captivated come rain or shine Phoenix Arts Centre

Film fanatic but fed up of identikit cinemas? Why not take the family to the Phoenix Arts Centre and experience something a little different.

A warm welcome awaits, and with a vibrant children’s corner (board games, dominoes, colouring and jenga, to name but a few), you can relax and take advantage of a fabulous kitchen menu. With all food made on the premises, and a daily specials board, the food here is excellent. I sampled the ham hock salad topped with a poached egg, whilst the children opted for omelettes, sandwiches and awesome burgers, accompanied by shoestring fries. We sat outside to eat, alongside raised beds containing all manner of vegetables, fruits and flowers, attracting numerous butterflies, much to the children’s delight. An added bonus is that included in a child’s film ticket price is a cup of popcorn and glass of squash – making the entire experience not only a great day out, but also super affordable. This is now officially my children’s favourite cinema, by a mile!

• Phoenix Arts Centre, 4 Midland St, Leicester LE1 1TG, Tel: 0116 242 2800, www.phoenix.org.uk

Mini Meadows Farm

Set in 12 acres of rolling Northamptonshire countryside, in the village of Welford, is Mini Meadows Farm, a specialist breeder of rare and unusual poultry. This picturesque farm also offers a lovely little children’s farm boasting a large array of cute, not so cute, small and not so small farm animals; including llamas, alpacas, goats, donkeys, bunnies and guinea pigs - as well as a climbing frame, swings and slide, just perfect for your teeny-tinies. Finish this relaxed visit with a delicious ice cream, cold drink or steaming cup of hot chocolate.

• Mini Meadows Farm, Naseby Road, Welford, NN6 6HZ, Tel: 07824 393517 www.minimeadowsfarm.com

Om-azing Kids Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga is not only taking the adult world by storm, but is also hugely beneficial for children. A fantastic, healthy alternative to time spent on electronic devices, yoga is a fun way of building self-confidence as part of a non-competitive group.

Alishia Read is fully qualified kids yoga teacher; and with four under10’s of her own, you couldn’t wish for a calmer instructor! Alishia runs classes for 3-12 year olds in the Market Harborough and Kibworth areas; through music, games and storytelling, she helps children

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to increase their self-esteem, improve concentration and strengthen their flexibility and motor skills. “I’ve seen improvement in even the most hyperactive children,” says Alishia. “They learn to sit calmly, listen, take time out and even start to practice their yoga at home.” What more could a stressed parent wish for?

• Om-azing Kids Yoga, Tel: 07966 528809, alishiasmoo@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/OKYoga

Hare Pie Café

After being closed for nearly a year, the much loved tearooms at The Bewicke Arms in Hallaton have now re-opened under new ownership as The Hare Pie Café. Named for the traditional Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scramble, this beautifully pared down, new family run café is everything that a countryside eatery should be. Serving locally sourced food, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, the Hare Pie Café puts a firm focus on healthy, nutritious delights for little people, as well as child-friendly treats including marshmallow topped hot chocolates and babyccinos amid their more sophisticated selection of quality loose leaf teas and freshly ground coffees. Think rustic chic, understated style and neutral shades of taupe, grey and white – Simon and Claire have really got it right – this place is all about life’s simple pleasures. Oh, and if you need any groceries when passing by, they do a select line of great local produce alongside a well-stocked deli counter too… Open every day except Mondays from 9am until 5pm. Future plans include later-opening times on selected evenings to accommodate a post-school “kids’ tea”.

• Hare Pie Café @ The Bewicke Arms, 1 Eastgate, Hallaton, LE16 8UB, Tel: 01858 555734

One Stitch Over the Rainbow

With all these activities, you may want to kit your little darlings out in something just that bit different. Market Harborough based mum of three Sarah Welton wanted just that; at a loss to find traditionally inspired, beautifully handmade children’s clothing, she set about making her own. With exceptional craftsmanship, including hand embroidery, handsmocking and vintage inspired prints - combined with an unrivalled level of personal service – you can select your own fabric, trim and pattern – the resulting designs are charming and entirely unique.

• One Stitch Over the Rainbow, www.facebook.com/ onestitchovertherainbow, email: rahrahspencer24@gmail.com

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Advertisement Feature

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The Orangery in the showroom is extra height, giving all the advantages of a classic period room whilst being flooded with light from the lantern lights above. Finished off with a pair of classic doors leading to the main house, it instantly becomes an integral part of your home. There are also several other conservatories on show to take a look at, from the ultra modern to the traditional. QKS are also specialists in doors and windows, and no job is too small.

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Oakham Signal Box An iconic figure within the Rutland landscape, the signal box at Oakham is an important part of our industrial and community heritage. One which Network Rail and the National Railway Museum have recognised with the establishment of the Signalling Heritage Forum. English Heritage keen to preserve this disappearing national treasure has listed 48 signal boxes on a preservation list, including our very own Oakham signal box. The essence of which has been captured for us by Rutland brand artist, Sarah Hatherill

“I

WAS working for a local tea room, helping them with their brand when we decided to put some images on the walls capturing the feeling of Rutland. As the smallest county in the country Rutlanders are proud of their heritage and my client wanted some imagery that reflected this. Through this project, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Rutland, its people and its history,” says Sarah.

Sarah set about taking photographs of iconic scenes from around the county, including the many blue plaques on various walls, Oakham Castle Gate and Mill Street. Back in the studio Sarah worked her artistic magic to create a series of images including the signal box. Sarah was so moved by the image that she decided to do some research: “Oakham signal box was built in 1899 and followed a standard design. Its windows are in perfect proportion to the size of the building.

The cladding may be utilitarian but it seems to echo the railway lines it is placed next to. It is a classic signal box. Hence Airfix choosing to create it as a model signal box.

Passenger safety has always been of paramount importance since the first public lines were opened over 180 years ago.

Originally the railway men signalled with flags or operating boards and it wasn’t until 1840 that this process was mechanised. The signal box was developed to make this process much

safer for everyone involved.

It was not until John Saxby had invented the mechanical interlocking system used between points and signals, for which he obtained a patent in 1856, that the signal box was truly born.

His original design was only ever slightly amended when the lower operating floor was closed in to contain the signal man’s locking apparatus (as at Oakham).

During the 1970s and 80s the old signal boxes began to be replaced and modernised.

From the late 1990s Railtrack started a massive upgrade of the signal boxes, installing UPVC windows and putting in new facilities for the signal men. Obviously this work has resulted in many of the original boxes losing their historic fabric.

Sadly, advances in signalling technology has spelled the end of the signal box. Network Rail announced in 2011 that it will be concentrating signalling on 12 centres over a 30 year period which will result in 80% of signal boxes being closed. It will effectively mean an end to this type of iconic building on the rail network.

Unfortunately many signal boxes are already being removed; recently the box at Deeping St James was taken down to be replaced with electronic barriers. (See Stamford Living Magazine).

Since then local residents have started up a group to try and get this historic building re-built, which shows the emotional resonance that these little buildings have within the community. They have been offered a site to re-build it and their local MP has managed to secure funding for its rebuild.

We should cherish the history on our doorstep. Sometimes the buildings and landscape we take for granted are so much part of our daily lives we don’t see them anymore. It would be a tragedy if these important historic building were lost to future generations.”

• Sarah Hatherill is a brand artist who creates bespoke artistic pieces for businesses, homes and gardens. These can be created in a range of mediums from aluminium and glass art to paper, fabric and wallpaper. She is currently accepting commissions for inspirational pieces that reflect the values of a brand, company or family. You can view her gallery at www.wellstreetstudio.co.uk Signal box is available as an open edition giclee print from the Well Street Studio website.

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Thomas Cook Teetotaller and Philanthropist!

Caroline Aston discovers the origins of one of Britain’s most successful travel agents

O

N a balmy June night in 1841 33 year old cabinet maker Thomas Cook set out on the long walk from Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough to Leicester to attend a temperance meeting.

Cook had been a Baptist minister and was firmly of the belief that alcohol was the root of all evil. He was certain that if working class people could be persuaded to sign the pledge and were given better education then many of the social problems plaguing Victorian Britain could be conquered. That long walk to Leicester gave him ample opportunity to ponder and he was later to write ‘…the thought suddenly flashed across my mind as to the practicability of employing the great powers of railways and locomotion for the furtherance of this social reform’.

Steam technology was the huge success story of the 19th century. From the early experiments of people like James Watt the potential of steam power had radically changed the face of Britain’s core industries while the development of a railway system had a huge impact on society. By the time a breathless Mr Cook took his seat at the temperance meeting

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an idea had formed in his head. He knew that a ‘Down with Drink’ rally was to be held in Loughborough in about a month’s time and suggested to his fellow enthusiasts that they charter a special train to carry supporters there. So positive was their response that the very next day Cook approached the Secretary of the Midland Railway Company to set things in motion. On 5th July 1841 500 teetotallers boarded the special and travelled the tremendous distance of 12 miles from Leicester to Loughborough. A return ticket was a shilling.

Ginger beer and lemonade were quaffed, sandwiches eaten and as Cook watched another idea took shape in his fertile mind. ‘Thus’, he was to write,’ was struck the keynote of my excursions, and the social idea grew upon me’.

During the following three summers Cook organised a succession of day trips between Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham.

Thousands of people, usually members of temperance societies and Sunday School groups, had their first experience of rail travel while Thomas Cook learnt valuable lessons which were to lead to the foundation of a flourishing business. Initially he made no money at all, confining himself to publicity via handbills and posters, a period he termed ‘enthusiastic philanthropy’. By 1845 his confidence had grown to the point where he organised his first big trip, this time to Liverpool. Tickets cost 15 shillings first class and 10 shillings second, prices he had negotiated – but this time he also researched and published a handbook of the route, the true ancestor of our modern holiday brochures.

After that there was no stopping this remarkable Market Harborough man. In 1851 he transported 150,000 people to London to view the Great Exhibition in the sparkling Crystal Palace. Four years later he took his first tourists across the Channel to Europe. Ten years later the growing middle classes were clamouring to join his tours of Switzerland, Italy and the Alps.

In 1868 he launched the hotel coupon, enabling his clients to exchange these for food and accommodation without using cash and in 1874 he created the circular note, the forerunner of our traveller’s cheques. A Cook’s note could be exchanged for local currency. In 1872, aged 63,

Thomas Cook led his first 222 day world tour, something that came to be an annual event.

Thomas’ s son John had the real business brain but the two quarrelled and broke their partnership in 1878, by which time the firm was operating out of London. It was John Mason Cook that the government approached in 1884 to organise the expedition to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum in Egypt. Cook’s completed the unbelievable logistics on time but Gordon was murdered in January 1885 and Khartoum fell.

Thomas Cook died in 1892 and John followed him in 1898. But their name lives on, sometimes provoking bad publicity like the recent furore over family deaths in Corfu.

Thousands of us use their currency service, cruise on their ships, stay in their resorts and hotels. Market Harborough can be rightly proud of Mr Thomas Cook. Thank goodness he was so committed to temperance that he took that June walk to Leicester 174 years ago….. great oaks from little acorns grow!

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Farndon Fields Farm Farndon Road Market Harborough LE16 9NP

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SEASI DE ST R O LLS

Sheringham to Cromer This walk features two delightful small towns full of vitality and seaside charm, plus stunning seascapes and the chance to walk back along the beach POINTS OF INTEREST The North Norfolk Railway (NNR) connects Sheringham to Holt and runs steam trains. To view train times, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Sheringham has a delightful and traditional high street. It has always had an active fishing fleet, and today its focus is crabs, lobsters and whelks. Sheringham Museum on the seafront merits a visit, especially for the town’s maritime history. Find out more at www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk Beeston Bump is an unexpected protuberance in the landscape. Known as a ‘kame’, it is the result of glacial activity, created when glaciers retreated northwards at the end of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.

Beeston Hill and Roman Camp is one of the high points in the county at 103 metres. No actual evidence of Roman occupation has ever been found, but in medieval times iron ore was dug from the ground accounting for the many pits that can be seen around and could easily be mistaken for earthworks.

Cromer is famous for its historic pier and seaside charm. Aside from the pier itself, The Henry Blogg (Lifeboat) Museum (Tel: 01263 511294, on the gangway E of the pier) merits a visit, as does the Cromer Museum (Tel: 01263 513543, Tucker St, NR27 9HB), where you can step inside a tiny fisherman’s cottage and imagine life in Cromer at the end of the 19th century.

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WALK DATA Distance: 8 kms (5 miles); an extra 6kms (3 1/2 miles) if you walk back along the beach Typical time: 2 hrs (3.5hours including beach back) Height gain: 100 metres Map: OS Landranger 133 NE Norfolk Start: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Sheringham, Railway Approach (opposite NNR) Finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Cromer, Cadogan Rd (S side of Evington Gardens) Parking: Sheringham Station Car Park (NR26 8RA) Terrain: straightforward; sturdy footwear recommended Norfolk Coast Path: this route follows the Norfolk Coast Path for almost its entire length. The path is well signed and the route is marked with an acorn motif.

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From the Coasthopper Bus Stop at the NNR, head left (N), first along Station Rd and then along the High St to the promenade Turn right (E) here, following the North Norfolk coast path, which takes you out of town and to the top of the Beeston Bump, standing proud above the town Descending on the other side, the path turns right (S) after 200 metres and you cross the railway line, still following the North Norfolk Coast Path which heads inland at this point Cross the main coast road, take a turning left on the other side, then a right following the track up into the hills On reaching the woods, bear left, then veer right up a mini-wooded valley, always following the acorn signs Pause on Beacon Hill & the Roman Camp and enjoy the views, before crossing the road at which point the metalled track heads left (N) After about 400 metres the track turns to the right (E) and then heads in an easterly direction all the way to Cromer, with one kink then a road crossing and going under the railway As you approach the town and go past a camp site on your right, you have a choice. On reaching the road, continue straight following the coast path signs along Sandy Lane to join the main road heading into Cromer; or if you prefer a slightly quieter route, head left (N) at this point, cross over the railway line, turn right and then shortly left (NE) across a green space; at the other side of which you turn right (E) onto Howard’s Hill Rd and head into the centre of Cromer.

Route back: catch the Coasthopper Bus back from Cadogan Rd, on the S side of Evington Gardens; or walk along the beach, depending on the tides, which you can check at www.tidetimes.org.uk/cromer-tide-times

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PIT STOPS No1, Cromer, New Street, NR27 9HP, just to the W of the pier) Fish & Chips Take Away and Restaurant in Cromer by Michelin Star Chef, Galton Blackiston. 01263 512316

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Rocket House Café (on Cromer’s East Beach) has a balcony overlooking the sea and good food, especially seafood.

Walk along the coast and catch the bus back! Tel: 01553 776980 www.coasthopper.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Near Market Harborough,

and intercom service, chef, complete laundry and cleaning service, utility bills, council tax and much more included in the price.

www.autumn-care.co.uk

Our professionally trained carers are on site 24 hours a day to assist you at your request and a private minibus is available for shopping or social visits.

Specialist Dementia Unit Tel - 01536 771722

m nHouse Assisted, a n or Houdementia se, 58-60unit M afor i n people Street, in the The Orchards Unit atAutu Manor is a M specialist Middleton, M a rket Ha rborou gh, LE16 8 Y U t: 01858 881500 e: woodlands@hothorpe.co.uk advanced stages of the condition with complex behavioural problems.

We offer Residents with a life limiting condition opportunity visit www. a utu mann-ca re. co. u k to live their lives /woodlandbreaks @WoodlandBreaks as fully as their condition allows.771722 or e ma il: kira n@rklventu re s. co m ca ll 01536 Our aim is to provide a quality of care that is person centred, seeing each 66 Resident as unique with individual physical, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs.

Well-trained, professional staff that are supportive and empathetic to residents, • RL September ADS.indd 66 19/08/2015 families and friends. off the A4304 in Theddingworth

14:18

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M OT O RI N G

Safe Journey

As we move through late summer into the autumn, the region’s roads require a different approach to safe driving according to the experts from the Corby branch of the Institute of Advanced Motoring. Amander Meade gathers advice for trouble free travelling during the long, dark days ahead Low sun, no fun…

One of the biggest challenges when driving in the autumn months is dealing with low sun and dazzle. These tips offered by Peter Rodger, Britain’s top advanced driver should help: ■ Keep a good pair of sunglasses in the car – they really do make a big difference.

■ If you can’t see then do the obvious thing and slow down keeping an eye on the vehicle behind in case the driver can’t see you against the sun. Be aware that if the sun is behind you it will be in the eyes of oncoming drivers who might not see you or the road markings between you and them.

In these conditions, dip your rear view mirrors when necessary and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.

■ Low sun highlights scratches and grime on windscreens so keep your washer bottles topped up with good quality screen wash and change your wipers every year. During colder weather, using heaters can blow traffic fumes, suspended oil and smoke onto the inside of the screen building up a film of grime which is a major cause of glare. Clean your screen inside and out with glass cleaner at least once a week – it’s worth remembering that if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows you could face a hefty fine.

■ Turn on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so it is easier for other drivers to see you in twilight.

Coping with cold, snow and ice….

According to the Automobile Association, the number of breakdowns nearly doubles during cold spells. Their advice should keep you on the road should the weather take a nasty turn.

■ Batteries rarely last longer than five years so replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road. Maximise the power of your battery by turning down heaters once the windows are clear. If your car stands idle most of the weekend, a regular overnight trickle charge is a good idea.

■ Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for winter. (Check the handbook if unsure what type to use). Without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.

■ Don’t wait for the snow before packing your winter essentials. These might include a torch, a blanket, warm clothes, food and drink, first aid kit, a spade, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and a well charged phone for emergencies.

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Danger signs…

■ A continuous squealing noise as soon as the engine is started is a sign that the water pump is frozen. Stop the engine immediately and allow thawing – preferably in a heated garage.

■ If the car begins to overheat a few miles from home, the radiator may have frozen, preventing coolant from circulating. Stop straight away to avoid serious damage and allow the radiator to thaw.

Dos and Don’ts

■ Get your tyres checked. Allow at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring and certainly no less than 2mm.

■ Consider changing to winter or all season tyres for better performance in wet conditions. Don’t reduce tyre pressure to get more grip – it doesn’t work and reduces stability.

■ Remember to allow an extra ten minutes to prepare the car and clear the windows.

If you make yourself late, rushing will be counterproductive and dangerous.

■ Use a lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock; don’t breathe on the lock or the moisture will condense and freeze.

• The Institute of Advanced Motoring offer advice all year round as well as the opportunity to take an advanced driving test. For more information Tel: 01832 730125 or 01572 821354 e: infor@corbyadvancedmotorists.org or www.iam.org.uk Find lots of motoring advice from the AA at their website www.theaa.com

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19/08/2015 23:11

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

Window Repair

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

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

THE COURSES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

• Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying • Converting single glazing to double glazing

Before

After

Exterior joinery repair

Call James on:

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

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk

Before

@tradrest

After

Monday 12th October Tuesday 3rd November

Wednesday 17th March Thursday 24rd March

10.00-12.00 14.00-16.00 14:00-16:00 10.00-12.00

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

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

For more information or to book your place telephone 01572-758248 or email tbarnwell@rutland.gov.uk THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Powering chimney sweeping into the 21st Century

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T: 01949 81019 E: sales@e-uk.com 69

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19/08/2015 14:18

HO M E & GAR D E N

The Wool Room: The Complete Sleep Solution Frankly you will be amazed if you go and take a look around the Wool Room in Star Lane, Stamford – if you’re just thinking a throw or a wool duvet, then think again. The Woolroom now has the potential to do much more than that – it can provide you with an all-round better sleeping experience

A

FTER all, we spend up to a third of our lives in our beds; it’s a really important part of our lives. It’s estimated for a couple celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary will have spent 20+ years in bed together!

And yet, we often spend more time selecting our flat screen TV than we do our bed, which is crazy. Which is where The Woolroom comes in – it can transform your sleeping experience.

The Wool Room offers the complete sleeping experience – the divan, the mattress, the mattress topper or protector, the duvet, all made of natural wool.

And not just any old wool. It is sourced from the Central Wool Growers based in Essendine, so you know it has come from East of England sheep. Unlike what goes into other commercially produced products where, however grand the filling sounds, you have no idea of its provenance. And the beds are made in Yorkshire. So you are buying British throughout.

SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WOOL? Well, in a word, enormous.

Wool products give you a better night’s sleep – research has shown a 25% deeper, more gentle sleep.

First and foremost it is the most adaptable filling known to man, which means it adjusts to your individual body temperature. If your partner gets hotter or colder than you (which is almost always the case) it will adapt to each of you so you are both at the right temperature throughout the night. Wool is the only fibre that can do this.

Second, being natural, it is ideal for allergy or asthma suffers. The Woolroom’s products are the only natural sleep solution endorsed by Allergy UK. Third, wool is non-flammable; so they pass all flammability regulations without the need to be sprayed with brominated flame retardants as other commercial mattresses need to be. You are sleeping on something 100% natural with no added chemicals.

Finally, wool products are beautiful, comfortable and desirable. Modern, classic

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design, with a choice of over 250 British made wool fabrics, you can tailor the bed exactly to your needs, and all at a price which is competitive with other high street retailers.

You can find out much more about the unique benefits of wool at their website at: www. thewoolroom.com/5reasons Chris Tattersall runs and owns the business and is a passionate advocate of wool. In his words: “Our complete sleep solution will deliver you the very best natural, healthy night’s sleep and will work with the individual in providing the ultimate in sleeping comfort.”

WHAT DO THE PUNTERS THINK? “I love your products very much and my sleep has much improved with your woollen pillows and the mattress topper, thank you for quick delivery!”

“Absolute bliss, the comfort of the mattress topper on a firmish bed for bad back giving support and comfort.”

“We have been so impressed that we’ve bought the all seasons duvet and deluxe pillows. The quality is excellent and the sleeping experience second to none. My morning asthma attacks and sneezing has gone and it is a joy to sleep in the warm summer nights. We’re so confident in the wool room’s products that we recently put an order in for a mattress! Can’t wait :)” “I ordered 3 woollen duvets and they arrived very promptly. We are very very happy with them and both children are sleeping very well. Our daughter who was also very “hayfevery” in the mornings is now totally cleared up now that we have removed the feather down duvet inners. I would recommend both the Wool Room and the duvets we got.”

To look at other reviews, visit www.reviews.co.uk and type in ‘the woolroom’ To see the products and find out the difference that wool products can make and how beautiful they look, just visit the store in Star Lane.

• The Wool Room, 8/9 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH. Tel: 01780 767927 www.thewoolroom.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Yvette’s Design Solutions

Bespoke Garden Design by Yvette D. Smith,

BSc(Hons)

Garden Design Planting Design Planting Implementation Project Management Garden Coaching Talks and Lectures

Call James on 01780 752119 info@marramgardens.co.uk www.marramgardens.co.uk

Garden Design & Construction

FREE CONSULTATION Tel: 01949 843186 www.yvettesdesignsolutions.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Plan ahead to get more out of your garden!

Why not take advantage of the cooler months by having your hard landscaping done? Then you’d be free to enjoy your garden to the full next season!

!

01780 479184/ 07447079693 rdhort@icloud.com www.rdhorticulture.com

R D Horticulture, A family business!

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS HELP!

Natural Designs @ Barham Stone Ltd Suppliers & Manufactures Of Natural Stone & Quartz For Kitchen Worktops Unit A Eckland Business Park, Desborough Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8HB Opening Times - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-12.30pm 01536 764744 • info@barhamstone.com • www.barhamstone.com

Handcrafted Memorials with a friendly service

with design problems, hot, dry or shady places, screening issues or just with that idea

You need somebody?

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www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

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Help for life’s ups and downs on your doorstep...

Barristers’ Chambers We are a well-established, www.newwalkchambers.co.uk friendly and approachable

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72 21078-104046 NewWalkChambers HP.indd 1 • RL September ADS.indd 72

13/3/14 11:09:34 19/08/2015 14:19

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19/08/2015 14:19

M O T O R ING

Paul Bailey with the LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 at Silverstone Photo: www.jakobebrey.com

“Collecting super cars is our passion” For most couples, owning just one car worth over £1 million might be a far off dream. But local businessman Paul Bailey and his wife Selena have amassed a collection comprising more than 70 of the world’s most exotic sports cars. And they are still collecting! Jonathan Craymer reports

P

AUL and Selena Bailey hit the headlines back in January when in a single day they became the only people on the planet to own three of the world’s fastest and most desirable cars – the so-called “Holy Trinity” of the motoring world.

On that particular Saturday morning they climbed into their £866,000 McLaren P1, drove to a Ferrari dealer in the Midlands to pick up the £1.2 million La Ferrari they’d ordered two years previously. Then Paul drove away in the vehicle (with Selena at the wheel of the McLaren) and the pair headed to a Porsche dealer in Cambridgeshire to pick up a brand-new 918 Spyder, completing the trio. These particular vehicles have one thing in common – they’re part of a new breed of incredibly fast cars employing hybrid technology to deliver fuel economy of up to 94 mpg.

All this was made possible by the couple selling their telecommunications business in 2012 for a reported £28 million. As I chat with them over coffee, Paul explains: “In 1982 when Margaret Thatcher deregulated telecoms, I was looking for a new challenge. I didn’t know much

74

about it, but then unless you’d worked for the GPO, neither did anyone else! So I gave up a safe job and went self-employed, which was a big risk at the time.”

He’d met Selena when she was working at a former BMW dealership in Huntingdon – and in 2001 they set up the Worldwide Group in Peterborough - as Paul puts it, just to pay the bills.

An office was established in Peterborough which eventually began turning over £40 million a year. Is there a secret to their success?

“In telecoms, pricing is nearly always the same so in my opinion the differentiator is service. We did what we said we’d do,” adds Paul.

He was keen on cars and driving while still at school. Some of the older boys who’d already passed their tests allowed him to drive them on his provisional licence. He secured a loan (on which he paid interest) from his dad, enabling him to buy his first car. “I promised myself I’d own a Ferrari by the time I was 30. I missed the target and was actually 32 when I got the first one, but we now have 21!”

After selling the business even though he

was in his early 50s, Paul decided to take up race driving – something he clearly excels at it.

The company he set up, Horsepower Racing, hires some of his race cars out, and the revenue supports his racing activities. Currently he’s driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GT Cup where he’s leading his class, and it’s still only half-way through the season.

Paul’s first experience on a race track followed the purchase of his first brand-new Ferrari, when he was given tuition on a track with an instructor – something he thinks is extremely sensible, as it lets the driver know both theirs and the car’s limitations. “It teaches you safety tips like being able to steer around an obstacle while braking hard using the car’s ABS anti-skid system.”

Before leaving the race track, Paul was also given a go in a full-blown race-prepared Ferrari and guess what: he bought one.

“At first I used it for track days, just for fun, but people kept telling me I was good enough to race, so I did my first year and won the top class in the championship. When we sold the business, that gave me the funding to do it

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seriously. So I did some endurance racing. We won the top class of the British endurance championship – Brit Car - which consists of threehour races on average, with two drivers. And then we entered British GT in the GTC class, which I won, before moving up to the top class.

“To be perfectly honest it was a step too far. It’s still competitive racing, but I find it hard to celebrate being in the top 10. So I’ve moved one step down to a different championship and I’ve got a cabinet full of trophies from the start of the season.”

Paul chats about owning cars such as the La Ferrari costing unreal amounts of money, like someone of more modest means might talk about buying T-shirts. “You can’t just buy one of these cars - you have to be invited by the factory, as we were - by the president of Ferrari,” he beams proudly.

The Daily Mail covered the story of the La Ferrari and Porsche 918 being picked up that day. Paul and Selena had the whole event filmed, and soon realised the level of interest that ownership of the three amazing cars was creating. Also its usefulness as a way of raising money for charity. “Later in the year we want to take all three cars on three different race circuits to have them tested against each other, then film the whole exercise and charge £1 a time on YouTube. We’ve already raised £40,000 by allowing these cars to be shown at events, and we want to increase this to £100,000 by the end of the year,” says Paul.

“Originally we partnered with Bluebell Wood, a hospice for terminally ill children in Sheffield, but we’ve also raised money for Sporting Bears, another charity supporting soldiers who’ve lost limbs, Peterborough Cathedral, and yet another organisation helping racehorses re-train.”

Selena & Paul Bailey seated inside their LaFerrari

Some people might ask Paul why he doesn’t just give the money to charity instead of buying the cars in the first place?

“Admittedly it would be cheaper that way.

The point is we’re ploughing money into this to give people a chance to experience these cars.

One of the wonderful things is seeing the joy on the children’s faces. Some of these children are so ill, all they can do is sit in the car or just see the car from their wheelchair and say ‘Wow I’ve never seen a La Ferrari before’. Nobody in the world uses such cars like this. We’ve clocked up 15,000 miles on these cars in our charity work so far this year, which costs us a lot in terms of depreciation, but we don’t care.”

Selena – who also runs wedding service Serenity (previously featured in Nene and Stamford Living magazines) was born into the motor trade. Paul had been one of her best customers and when he learned she was intending to emigrate to Canada, he told her if

she gave him a week he’d convince her not to go. Successful salesman that he is, it took just four days!

The pair haven’t put the brakes on one iota in their buying zeal. Currently there are four cars on order, including the new Porsche GT 3RS, which was due to leave Germany the day after our interview (probably making it the first in the UK), a convertible Ferrari 458 Aperta (meaning ‘open’ in Italian) and two Lamborghinis – an Aventador SV (for delivery in 2016) and a Huracan Spyder.

Paul’s favourite car of all time? “Right now it would have to be the La Ferrari, simply because it’s taken me 22 years to get an invitation from the factory allowing me to buy one. There are multi billionaires who’ve had to go for secondhand as they couldn’t buy direct from Ferrari.

But for everyday enjoyment I’d say it’s my gullwinged-door Mercedes-Benz SLS. I just love that car and have done more miles in it than any of the others.”

Would he consider using one of the supercars as everyday transport? “Yes we do. The Lamborghini outside the front door I take to work almost every day. We’ve even taken the La Ferrari, a £2 millioncar in to town to get some shopping. We really do use them all the time. We just got back from Italy where we did just over 1000 miles in the Porsche 918.”

Paul reckons their collection is worth £18 million which he admits is a huge amount, especially as it’s three times more than their house is worth.

“But it’s a passion. I won’t sell any of them, however the children – we have four kids and three grandchildren – will do very well out of them. Right now we’re enjoying doing the charity work. We’ve been lucky in life and it’s nice to give something back.”

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P R OP E RT Y

‘Everything Matters’ at Norton Rickett Norton Rickett Estate Agents has just celebrated its third anniversary and are looking to the future with confidence, offering a highly distinctive service in the local property market. Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to visit them

Y

OU know as soon as you visit their offices to expect something different: a delightful cottage at the back of Wittering Grange Farm, with the door wide open and a warm welcome, proper coffee and biscuits.

Norton Rickett pride themselves on the breadth and depth of service. “To us, everything matters,” Nick Rickett, Director, told me. Together with his business partner Paul Norton and negotiator Louise Fox, they have 50 years combined experience in the estate agency business.

Norton Rickett specialise in local properties that offer fabulous lifestyle opportunities: properties with land, properties with swimming pools and tennis courts, barn conversions with stunning architectural features, quaint village cottages, classic Georgian properties with stunning, classic looks.

Their geographic reach extends to the border of Rutland to the west, Bourne and beyond to the north, Thorney to the east and Thrapston to the south.

And what makes the Norton Rickett service so notable?

First of all, excellent marketing and reach Norton Rickett’s marketing package is enviably good, comprising: • Professional Photography that truly captures the beauty of your home and its gardens – often taking a new angle or shot that will surprise you, perhaps an elevated view • High quality videos, giving your buyer a full sense of the ‘lifestyle’ your home offers.

Example videos can be viewed on the website • Top quality brochure – first class presentation and, very importantly, floor plan as standard • Press advertising; both in the local press and national magazines, including Country Life • A London office on the edge of Mayfair – a vital market, which accounts for up to 50% of viewings; instrumental in introducing new buyers, as well as securing editorial coverage for properties across a wide range of newspapers and magazines, including Country Life, The Field and The Week • Online marketing via Righmove and Zoopla which guarantees a broad reach, including enquires from overseas, including the USA, Europe and South-East Asia.

Secondly, good communication Norton Rickett is a close-knit team of three, all based in the same office, so that all information, both large and small, is immediately shared.

They take time to listen carefully to buyers, fine-tuning their requirements to provide them with an optimum set of properties to view, rather than bombard them with all properties in their price range

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Nick

Louise

Paul

Thirdly, full support right up to completion Nick explained: “We know that securing and negotiating an acceptable offer is only part of our responsibility. After sales encompasses a complicated process from accepting the offer right through to the new owner moving in. We never let up until a great result is achieved.”

and I had no need to be present. Regular progress information was provided, and Nick, Paul or Louise were always available to answer questions or provide advice. In all respects their service well exceeded expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending their agency to anyone.” April 2015

Client Satisfaction The best proof of all is that much new business now comes from referrals and new projects with existing clients.

Here are a few extracts from feedback you can see more of on their website: “Norton Rickett has been very professional but approachable agents. The sale of my property went through very smoothly. I could not have asked for a better service. I would highly recommend Norton Rickett.” July 2015

“We just wanted to thank you for all you effort in helping us sell our home recently. From our first meeting, when you valued our property, to securing our buyer and completing the transaction we can only praise your courtesy, expertise and common sense. Your (very polite) photographer took time and a great deal of care and we were more than happy with the results.

With a fantastic offer from our first viewing, through to a seamless completion we can’t see how it could have gone any better. So thank you Norton and Rickett for making what can be a difficult process such a success.”

December 2014 • Norton Rickett, Wittering Grange Cottage, Old Oundle Road, Wansford, PE8 6NR Tel: 01780 782 999 www.nortonrickett.co.uk

“I would like to express my complete satisfaction with the way NR dealt with the sale. The brochure was of the highest quality and promotion extensive but appropriate. Viewings were managed in conjunction with the tenant

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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ishers of

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Please enclose a cheque for £3.50 per booklet, made payable to Local Living, select which title you wish and return to: PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY.

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OU T & AB O UT

Heritage Open Days Sept 10th-13th Heritage Open Days are some of my favourite days of the year.

From knitters’ cottages to classic car shows, Tudor classrooms to Modernist factories, prisons to pumping stations, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Starting out in 1994 with just 700 sites, Heritage Open Days has grown from strength to strength to become England’s biggest and most popular annual heritage event.

This year, between 10th and 13th September, some 1,500 sites across the country will open their doors free of charge in a celebration of history, architecture and culture LINCOLNSHIRE For the past number of years, a theme has been set to run through Lincolnshire events.

This year it is ‘Tudor Lincolnshire’; a topic which could easily seem stale, but Heritage Lincolnshire have imaginatively revitalised.

Spalding’s Gentleman’s Society Museum invites you to join a Tudor household, as they set the table, challenge myths, discuss manners and sample sweetmeats, while at King’s School, Grantham you can learn about the Tudor classroom, in the same halls were Isaac Newton and Lord Burghley studied. At Woodhall Spa’s Edwardian Petwood Hotel, discover the architectural deceptions use to re-imagine the Spa Village and Petwood House as ‘Merrie England’. While the Grange & Links Hotel, Mablethorpe offers a chance to see John Lyly’s late 16th century play, “Gallathea”, which is set on a Lincolnshire coast and features a cruel Neptune threatening to drown the villagers unless a virgin is sacrificed to him.

If archaeology is what interests you, at Grimsthorpe Park, Bourne, a team will be on hand to present archaeological survey data of the site, enabling virtual exploration of Vaudey Abbey, built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey. Learn how its decline and destruction led to the construction of one of Lincolnshire’s finest houses.

It is disappointing to learn that Browne’s Hospital is the only site in Stamford taking part in this year’s event. Stamford has one of the richest histories and interesting townscapes in all of Britain; it would be wonderful to gain a glimpse of a buried crypt or tour the town with a historian. Hopefully next year more of an effort will be made. Luckily, however, in easy reach of Stamford, there are countless sites in which you can wander through history.

NOTTINGHAM In Nottingham this year, the embers of the industrial past glow once more. At the Framework Knitters’ Museum, you can explore the lives of the workers in preserved cottages and outbuildings, learning about the appalling

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working and living conditions which led to the Luddite Revolt. As the appeal of this craft unravelled, Nottingham’s lace industry developed; it developed to such heights that the town became the centre of the world’s lace industry. A tour of the Nottingham Industrial Museum weaves a tale from threads of the industrialists, the workers and the world-renowned lace itself.

Much unlike his forebears of industry, Jesse Boot, of Boots Pure Drug Co., sought to create a spacious, light and healthy environment for his workers. This, coupled, with the rapidly evolving production process, led to the development of the Boots D10 Building for wet production processes.

Built in the 1930s, the factory is an icon of British Modernism. Guided tours throughout the weekend take visitors through the interior and exterior, detailing the design and history of the building.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE To celebrate its glorious architectural legacy, Ely has a laid on a feast of heritage delights. Tours will take groups through the Old Porta – once the main entrance to the monastery, the courtroom and cells of Sessions House, and the 15th century Old Bishop’s Palace. There is also a general tour through the ancient paths and settlements of the town. At the magnificent Cathedral, the South Triforium will be accessible for a late night study of the stained glass, which spans from the 13th century right up to the present day.

Other fascinating buildings and events in the area include the Bridge Chapel at St Ives which dates from 1426. Chapels were built on bridges for the spiritual needs of travellers arriving in the town, yet they often served multiple purposes. In its lifetime the St Ives bridge chapel has been a home, toll-booth, pub and surgery…!

At Peterborough, visit a Napoleonic War Prison, which could hold 7,000 French prisoners.

Throughout the weekend, there will be tours charting the history of the war, building and site, as well as the results of a recent Time Team dig.

As such, I cannot urge you enough to go out and explore this weekend, to discover some of the richness and wonder written across every street for yourself.

• To learn more about the events and to find a place to explore near you, visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

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

September Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

L

AST month the Rugby World Cup Trophy visited Rutland and to mark this event a team of runners from Oakham RFC ran a rugby ball, donated by Rutland Sports, along a 15 mile route in order to raise money for Air Ambulance. The run started in the Market Place and was completed by Club Chairman, Simon Harries, who carried the ball across the water to Sykes Lane, coinciding with the arrival of the Rugby World Cup Trophy and staging of the O2 Touch Rugby Tournament. Rain, thankfully, didn’t spoil play – see page 4.

Uppingham Town Cricket Club welcomed England’s Barmy Army and the Lord’s Taverners on the Leicestershire leg of their #BAT2015 tour as well last month –on a much sunnier day. The aim of the tour was to raise money for the Lord’s Taverners, a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged children experience a wide variety of sports and activities. The event raised almost £5000, which the Cricket Club has since rounded up. Barmy Army MD and founder member Paul Burnham was delighted with the show put on by the club after what had been an indifferent start to their tour: “I can hardly believe what they have done; it is amazing the amount of work and the lengths that the club have gone to. There has been some real vision and enthusiasm and Uppingham Town have really bought into the spirit of what this tour is all about. We are sure that this will be our number one day in the entire tour programme.”

Uppingham Town Cricket Club would like to thank all the players, officials: John Hurst and Bill Whittaker (umpires) and Malcolm Rawlings (scorer) sponsors and everybody present on the day for their help in making the event such a success for the charity. Some pics from Jon Wolloff on page 4.

Well done Rultand!

Abigail @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

SoJo Home

Creating beautiful spaces

sojohome.co.uk

4 Editor’s Selection 36 Education The Rugby World Cup Trophy Comes to Rutland and Uppingham hosts the Barmy Army

6 Fashion

Autumn/Winter Season Previews

11 Health and Beauty

Post Summer Hair Rescue

16 Food and Drink The Rise and Rise of the Thurlby Empire

18 Eating Out

The Lake Isle, Uppingham and The Country Lounge Café Bar, Morcott

20 Food and Drink Hedgerow Forays

34 Education

How to Get the Most of Open Mornings and School Visits

54 Out and About

Updates

Activities for Children this Autumn

39 Arts and Culture

59 Local History

Uppingham Unsung

The Oakham Signal Box

41 Design Interiors

62 Local History

A Hint of Nostalgia in Market Harborough

Thomas Cook of Market Harborough

42 Design Interiors

64 Seaside Strolls

Fusion Styling in Rutland

Cromer to Sheringham

45 Design Solutions 68 Motoring Delcor in focus

Safe Journey

46 Shops and Services

Harborough Happenings

48 Shops and Services

70 Local Businesses

The Wool Room’s Complete Sleep Experience

74 Motoring

Upp Property Developments

Super Cars!

50 Shops and Services

76 Property

53 Diary Dates

78 Days Out

The Norton Rickett difference

Updates from Rutland What’s on in our region this month

Heritage Open Days

Pages 25 - 31 Burghley Horse Trials Special Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

Rutland Living & Market Harborough Living Covers: Thanks to Sarah Hatherill, a brand artist who creates bespoke artistic pieces for businesses, homes and gardens. You can view her gallery at www.wellstreetstudio.co.uk. See page 59.

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 (UK only).

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

porterandmay.com

Porter &May ESTATE AG ENTS

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Visits Rutland

Uppingham Town Cricket Club and England’s Barmy Army

See page 3 for further details 4

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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CELEBRATING OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE

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F ASHI ON

Oakham may be small but, in fashion terms, it’s perfectly formed! It boasts some of the best and most stylish boutiques around. Vanessa Hollander gives you the lowdown on some of the fabulous shops and what to seek out for the coming autumn/winter season

Fabulous, Fashionable

Oakham!

DUO

www.duoboutique.co.uk 29a High Street, Oakham This fabulous little shop sells the ever popular A Postcard from Brighton brand alongside others such as Cream, Yest and Fransa.

They also sell a fantastic range of jewellery and accessories as well as a selection of hats for all occasions.

Duo has been opened for a year now and its owners Gail and Pam have created a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in which to buy some equally lovely, casual clothes.

New for autumn/winter: New brands Yest, Ichi, Olga Berg handbags and Numph – all offering relaxed yet stylish dressing at its best.

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FORDS DEPARTMENT STORE

www.fordsofoakham.co.uk 8 Church Street, Oakham Fords is Rutland’s only department store and definitely worth a visit. In fashion terms, they cater for both men and women with a selection of quality and affordable, mid-priced fashion brands. Esprit, EDC, Sandwich, First Avenue, Masai and more.

They also have a lingerie department with expert fitting advice and a wide range of styles in bras, swimwear and nightwear.

Tip for autumn/winter: quite simply, pop into Fords. You never know what you might find whether that’s beautiful lingerie, a fashion ‘find’ or great gift ideas.

CAVELLS

www.cavells.co.uk 16 Mill Street, Oakham This iconic boutique sells beautiful, luxury designer brands for both men and women. It’s synonymous with style, sophistication and quality. Fashion brands such as Joseph, Weekend by Max Mara, Michael Kors, Maison Scotch, Paul Smith, Equipment, Armani, Cocoa Cashmere and Chinti & Parker sit alongside shoe brands such as Ash, Penelope Chilvers, Hudson and 87 Vic Matie. Added to this, a selection of bags by Mulberry and Michael Kors and you have one of the most beautiful and well stocked boutiques you will find outside London.

Cavells offers investment dressing at its best. However, don’t despair if you’re on a budget, they have truly amazing sales and a permanent sale corner.

New for autumn/winter: Check out their new brands Munthe, a mid-price range, casual Scandinavian brand; Joie who make adorable silk shirts and Cocoa Cashmere if you’re looking for a beautiful winter jumper.

CAVELLS COUNTRY

www.cavellscountry.co.uk The Old Mill Yard, South Street, Oakham Just around the corner from the main Mill Street store is Cavells Country which houses brands synonymous with a more relaxed, weekend style for both men and women. In this spacious and beautifully laid out store you will find brands such as White Stuff, Avoca, Barbour, Dubarry, Ilse Jacobsen, Gant, Hackett, UGG and Levis.

Plus, it’s great for active wear such as wellies, boots and country clothing.

Tip for autumn/winter: a pair of Ilse Jacobsen boots – a stylish alternative to wellies and definitely worth the investment.

VANILLA

COCO

29 High Street, Oakham Women’s footwear brands such as Paul Green, Peter Kaiser, K&S and more sit alongside jewellery from Hultquist in this stylish shoe shop.

You’ll find a great variety of shoe and boot styles in a range of fantastic colours, together with quality leather bags, belts and purses.

Tip for autumn/winter: Look no further this autumn for your perfect pair of boots and new footwear brand Paula Urban, as well as beautiful bags from Abro.

BAUBLES & BANGLES

www.vanillaboutique.co.uk 23b Mill Street, Oakham Don’t let the small front of this shop fool you, once you step through the door it’s a haven of calm and loveliness and much bigger than it looks! Inside you’ll find brands such as Masai, the iconic MAC Jeans, Hartford, Marie Mero and the quirky Bellerose. Alongside a fabulous selection of clothes is stunning and well priced jewellery, bags and also Neom candles.

Tip for autumn/winter: a pair of MAC jeans – you’ll wear them every day!

www.baublesandbangles.co.uk 2-4 New Street, Oakham Baubles and Bangles is like stepping into accessory heaven! Costume jewellery in an amazing range of styles and colours to suit every budget. They also have a great range of brilliantly priced fashion pieces that won’t break the budget aimed at all ages from teenagers onwards.

Tip for autumn/winter: pop in for a spontaneous treat which won’t break the bank and browse their fabulous range of scarves and accessories to transform existing outfits.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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HAIR

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN HAIRDRESSING Simon Cawthorne has been providing beautifully crafted haircuts and creative colour services to clients for three decades.

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GARY BENFIELD

OUTSTANDING HIGHLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST

Trent Galleries are proud to announce that Gary Benfield will be holding a Solo Exhibition in November. For further information or if you would like to be invited to this Exculsive Event please contact us on...

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ee r ff ye co is fl ee h f r th t i w

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Monday 7th September 7.30 - 9pm

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Everybody welcome!

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Whilst the sun might be responsible for our gorgeous, golden tans, it can also hold its hands up to our frizzy, straw-like hair! Catherine Varney goes in search of some TLC for our parched tresses…

GET ON TREND:

If you fancy trying something new with your hair, then now’s the time. Leah Burnell from Head Candy in Market Harborough told me her predictions for autumn/winter style: “This season will see a blend of oriental and western influences fusing together to create a new fashion for hair with adornments such as grips, clips and hair pieces added for a look of ethnic opulence. Traditional hairdressing techniques will be ‘undone’ to make them look effortless and lived-in although if you’re looking to impress then hair up and braiding will look perfect for a night out. If you’re planning on changing your colour then earthy shades with metallic finishes will be popular and will add to the rich and luxurious feel of the season.”

Post-Summer Hair Rescue COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL:

One of the best ways to get rid of brassy, over-bleached hair is to warm it up with a glossy new colour. Daniel Adams from William Wheelwright Hair Salon in Church Street, Oakham, told me about his favourite autumn/winter colour trends: “I saw some great new looks on the catwalk when I was working backstage at fashion week and we can’t wait to use them on our clients so they can start the new season in style. One of the hottest looks was ‘Ronze’ – a colour mash up of red and bronze (think Christina Hendricks and Julianne Moore). Red hair can look beautiful when done correctly: it needs to be shiny and multi-tonal not flat and dull. Putting lighter highlights through an auburn base creates a softer shade with a pearlescent shimmer making it more flattering to your complexion.”

The talented team at Barrie Stephen in Leicester are also big fans of feminine shades for autumn: “Pearly pastels were huge in summer and they’re going nowhere. This trend has captured the hearts of fashion forward females and will continue to top the trend reports throughout autumn. Think subtle flashes of lilacs, silvers, corals and pinks. If you’re a blonde, this iridescent trend is killer: it gives depth, adds warmth and is easy and non-permanent. It’s especially perfect for short, layered styles and gives any look an edge” says Neil.

But if you’re happy with your current colour and would just prefer your hair to look a little healthier then Thomas Potts from Thomas Hairdressing has some advice: “Why not try a clear gloss? It’s lovely and nourishing and can either be applied after a regular colour or simply as a stand-alone product to give depth and shine to your natural hair. It’s cheaper than having a full head colour and even better, there’s no re-growth, so is a great and cost-effective way to give hair a new lease of life.”

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY CLEVER HAIR SAVERS:

Go nutty for the power of Macademia nut oil with the range of Macadamia Professional products. The range comprises three levels of products for all hair types – Weightless Moisture for very fine hair, Nourishing Moisture for medium to coarse hair textures and Ultra Rich Moisturise for hair that is very coarse, thick and curly. In addition to macadamia oil, the products contain argan oil and omegas to intensely moisturise the hair without weighing it down. For sun damage try the fabulous Nourishing Moisture Masque as a once a week treat (£29.70). Available online from www. macadamiahair.co.uk.

Enhance your visit to the salon with an add-on moisturising treatment to improve the condition of your hair. Sally, from Barnsdale Spa uses the latest Wella colours and told me: “If you’re getting your hair cut or coloured and are a bit concerned that it’s been damaged by too much sun, sea or the use of straightening irons, then we offer the Bed Head Colour Goddess Moisturising Mask which is an in-salon treatment for £6.

NEW SALON NEWS:

Uppingham’s favourite hair salon, Essence is relocating to bigger and better premises from the beginning of September. Previously based slightly off the high street in Crown Passage, proprietor Kate told me that they will soon be working from the huge former HSBC building in Market Place: “Our new venture is going to be something quite different: we’ve gone for a real luxurious feel and a high-end finish with walnut floors and crystal chandeliers to ensure our clients feel truly pampered.” As the only Aveda salon in Rutland, Kate and her team will still offer premium colour and cutting services and will also be joined by the 10A Beauty team from Uppingham so they can offer a full hair and beauty service under one roof. Watch this space for more exciting updates in a later edition of Rutland & Market Harborough Living.

GLOW It combines keratin, Provitamin B5 and penetrating oils with moisturising and conditioning ingredients that help smooth the cuticle for a really glossy shine whilst enhancing hair colour vibrancy and depth.”

New from the fabulous Recoffee range of O’Right Hair products is the Hair Oil – a repairing treat which is extracted from 100% recycled coffee grounds and an excellent source of antioxidants. Organic silicone is added to the oil to mend dry ends and damaged scales – simply smooth on after towel drying hair for an ultra-glossy finish. Available from O’Hair Salon in Kibwoth.

DIRECTORY: Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 756561 and High Street, Melton Mowbray, www. thomashairdressing.co.uk O’hair and Beauty, 5-7 Station Street, Kibworth, Tel: 0116 279 1144, www.ohairandbeauty.co.uk Essence, 7 Market Place, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822715 Barnsdale Spa, Oakham, Rutland, Tel: 01572771313, www. barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barrie Stephen Hair, 12 King Street, Leicester, Tel: 0844 445 2888, www.barriestephenhair.co.uk (also in Anstey, Ashby and Narborough) William Wheelwright, 16 Church Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757137, www.williamwheelwright.co.uk Head Candy, 26 Church Street, Market Harborough, Tel: 01858 464395, www.headcandy-mh.com GLOW, Barnsdale Lodge, Oakham, Tel: 01572 720611 Browns Re-loaded, 9 Church Square, Market Harborough, Tel: 0844 999 8365, www.browns-hair.co.uk

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The latest place to be causing a buzz in GLOW and around Oakham is GLOW, the stylish new boutique salon at Barnsdale Lodge.

Owned and run by Gemma Frisby who has previous experience as an Artistic Director, this contemporary salon offers a unique area in which to sit back and relax or catch up with your work if you need. Gemma told me: “I wanted to create a space, away from the hustle and bustle of the high street to enable clients to take a few hours out of their busy days when they’re getting their hair done. Each client has their own dressing table station which comes equipped with wifi codes and chargers if they need to work – plus nail files and nail polish if they fancy just chilling out.”

Gemma specialises in cutting and colouring and uses the very latest L’Oreal products whilst Senior Stylist Catherine is available for all of your wedding and occasion hair needs. Make the most of your time there and order lunch or a snack to be delivered to your chair – the delectable Barnsdale Lodge menu is at every dressing table to tempt you!

Plus there’s plentiful free parking right outside the door to make your visit as easy and as stressfree as possible.

Popular Market Harborough Salon, Browns have opened a second salon in the town, Browns Re-loaded. Located at 9 Church Square, Browns Re-Loaded will feature an exciting look over two levels. With a cooler, more contemporary feel it boasts special features including a colour lounge where clients sit around a large marble table to relax or chat as opposed to sitting at a mirrored work station. Browns Re-Loaded will be run by Elizabeth Sismey who has worked for Browns for three years and has ten years’ experience in the industry. Opening offers include half price colour for clients who book in for a full price cut and finish on a Thursday throughout the year (except December).

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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

The rise and rise of the

Thurlby empire From the Tobie Norris in Stamford to the Lord Nelson in Oakham to the Prince Rupert in Newark, Michael Thurlby has the magic touch… By Matt Wright, founder of Great Food Club

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S someone with fond memories of enjoying the odd pint in the old Black Bull pub – tucked away down Stamford Walk – in the late 1990s, I’ve always followed local publican extraordinaire Michael Thurlby’s exploits with interest. I could be mistaken, but I believe the Black Bull – now PJ’s Bed & Breakfast at The Black Bull – was Mr Thurlby’s first hostelry, and over the proceeding years he’s bought The Periwig (remember when it was The Marsh Harrier?), The Tobie Norris and The Crown Hotel in Stamford, plus The Lord Nelson in Oakham and Bourne pubs Smith’s and The Jubilee. Last but not least, Michael’s pub portfolio also includes The Prince Rupert in Newark. He has also previously run The Exeter Arms at Easton on the Hill and The White Hart at Ufford.

Something of a local legend, Michael Thurlby clearly has a knack for pubs – both restoring and running them – and Stamford pub goers in particular can be thankful for his hard work, passion and investment. The Tobie Norris is one of the best pub restoration jobs you’ll see anywhere, and the Crown today feels like the thriving town centre pub/hotel it

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always had the potential to be. And none of this has been achieved just by writing cheques, getting the builders in and sitting back. Many readers will have seen Michael collecting glasses in his own inns, getting his hands dirty as if he were a trainee. He’s also known for rising at 5am most mornings to help out on his family farm in Tallington.

Five of the seven pubs owned by Michael Thurlby – all except The Periwig and The Jubilee – have recently been branded together under the name ‘Knead Pubs’, which in total now employs 190 staff. I went to catch up with Knead operations manager Ross Dykes and group executive chef Nick Buttress at The Crown Hotel to find out more…

WHY ARE YOU CALLED ‘KNEAD PUBS’?

Nick: “The name relates to ‘kneading’ dough and refers to the fact that we serve freshly-made stonebaked pizza – baked in special pizza ovens imported from Italy – in all Knead Pubs except The Crown, although The Crown might start to offer them soon, too.”

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Ross: “We decided to create Knead Pubs because Mick [Thurlby] wanted the brand to mean something rather than just be his surname, and to link all the sites together, under one umbrella. We also wanted to communicate that fact that you can walk into any Knead pub and feel confident that you will get the same level of quality. Our five pubs might look and feel different, and offer different menus, but the same general high standards applies at each.”

WHAT IS THE KNEAD PHILOSOPHY? Ross: “One of our ‘things’ at Knead is we’re forever reinvesting and changing things to stay fresh – we know that as soon as we stop, we’ll be overtaken. For example, The Tobie Norris didn’t used to serve food on Fridays and Saturdays, but now it’s a critical part of the offering. Similarly, at Smith’s of Bourne we only used to serve baguettes, but now food makes up 50 per cent of the revenue. Sunday night dining has also gone through the roof at all our sites. The market is constantly evolving and we’re constantly adapting to it. Stamford is doing brilliantly compared to five years ago – the Burghley Horse Trials have doubled in size, the Rutland Water Bird Fair has quadrupled, plus there are lots of regular big events at Burghley House – and it’s great to be able to respond to the town’s changing needs and generally play a role here.”

DO YOU SOURCE YOUR INGREDIENTS LOCALLY? Nick: “All lamb and beef (Lincoln Red) come from Andy’s [Michael’s brother’s] farm in Tallington. We like to use the entire animal

where possible – and by the way, Oakham folk like their lambs’ liver! It doesn’t seem to go down anywhere near as well at our other sites. The farm also supplies us with asparagus and whatever falls off the trees, from quince to apples to blackberries.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR KNEAD PUBS? Ross: “The Periwig is our next project. We are thinking of changes next year but are still in discussions as to what we might do. At The Crown we’ve already reinvested a huge amount – we’ve finished the lounge and we’re about 70 per cent through bedrooms – but we have around two years’ work ahead of us. We’ll be refreshing the bar next. We’re also on the hunt for new Knead Pub sites in towns like Lincoln and Cambridge.

Watch this space.”

About the writer

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

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

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

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EA T I NG O UT

The Lake Isle, Uppingham Abigail Richardson and Polly Rubenstein put the world to rights over an elegant lunch

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hidden gem, The Lake Isle offers superb service and excellent food in their 2 AA Rosettes restaurant. Here you can enjoy an informal weekday lunch, an indulgent afternoon tea or fine dining from the à la carte menu. The menu changes regularly to include local produce and seasonal ingredients.

The lunch menu is extensive; one can choose from a simple toasted sandwich (actually not so simple – Stilton and mushroom or Goats’ cheese and basil roasted summer vegetables for example) with a side salad from a reasonable £5.50 or an Omelette with Focaccia bread and a side salad for £7.95 (Smoked salmon, prawn and asparagus please!).

There is also a selection of pastas – Polly was portion was very generous. pleased to see that gluten free was available I opted for the Glazed goats’ cheese, and ‘Classic’ offerings which include delicacies beetroot, apple and walnut salad, rye croutons such as Salmon and smoked haddock fishcakes with balsamic-honey dressing and it was with homemade tartar sauce and dressed fabulous – delicate, beautifully presented and, in leaves (£8.50) or Spicy lentil cakes with red my opinion, a bargain at £7.95 – I often opt for a onion, coriander and mint salsa, warm mango goats’ cheese salad but never have I had one so dressing, served with a small side salad (£7.95). elegant or flavoursome.

Polly chose the Crispy filo wrapped king We shared the Iced honey yogurt parfait, prawns and salmon goujons, soya seed and peach and apricot compote with pistachio vegetable noodle salad, wasabi-cucumber madeleines but I wished we’d ordered two! It mayonnaise dip (£9.75), which she thoroughly was delicious, light and very tasty. Peppermint enjoyed – succulent prawns, subtle oriental tea for two and we walked away extremely flavours and good value for money as the

satisfied. And this is just the lunch menu! See the website for dinner menus and special offers.

Apart from great food, value for money and excellent service, another of Richard’s (owner) passions is wine and there is a choice of over 160 different wines from 11 countries and a selection of 20 champagnes in the extensive wine cellar.

• The Lake Isle 16 High Street East, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeisle.co.uk

Country Lounge Café Bar A

new all-day diner has just opened at the Morcott Services on the A47. Run by the son and father team of Bradley and Alan Freeman, previously well-known from running the Royal Oak at Duddington, this is a whole new departure for them, but with the same high standards of cooking and hospitality.

They have created a light, open, modern, quirky space which is incredibly inviting, with sliding windows opening out on to a great view of the Welland Valley.

Food is home cooked and available all day – be it for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea (the cakes looked great) or a proper three course dinner. Sunday lunch is a particular speciality. It is full licensed.

“We want to cater for every need,” Bradley told us, “people passing through the area, but also the locals from the surrounding villages.

We had so many folk from Barrowden and Morcott on the opening night!”

Give it a go; this is something quite different and distinct in the region.

• Opening hours: 07.30am-10pm MonFri, 10.30am-10pm Sat/Sun A47 Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DL, Tel: 01572 748731

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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HOTEL & RESTAURANT, HAMBLETON, OAKHAM, RUTLAND, LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

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F O OD & DRI N K

Hedgerow Forays

By Deborah Pennell

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UTUMN is on its way, the days are getting shorter and on 23rd September we celebrate the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are of equal length.

The hedgerows are laden with Free Food and if you are super efficient you can even get a few Christmas presents sorted out. Preserve Autumn fruits in jams, jellies and chutneys.

Or make wonderful wines and spirits that ‘knock your socks off’! Great presents for your Granny, Uncle or a distant Cousin, who turns up out of the blue. They also make wonderful gifts for friends if you are asked out for dinner. You can now readily buy jam jars, bottles and Kilner jars as well as sets for finishing off your homemade offerings, which include labels, paper or material tops and ribbon. However, I tend to go for the more rustic look using luggage labels, garden string and some hessian to cover the lids of jars. After all these ingredients have come straight from Mother Earth.

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A mini compendium of Hedgerow Harvest Apples Blackberries (Brambles) Possibly, the most abundant free food at this time of year. They are normally ripe to pick around mid September, depending on the season, and will freeze, preserve, dry and bottle well. A large number of chutneys have apple added as they are a great bulk ingredient.

They are also high in pectin, which is important for setting jellies and jams. Apples marry fabulously with Pork. Try a delicious recipe with Pork cutlets, baked apple, sherry and rosemary. Dry out apples sprinkled with the spices cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla to make great tasting apple chips. Make your apple sauce to accompany all those winter roasts and pop it in sealed bags in the deep freeze, bottle mincemeat for your Christmas mince pies, make chutney to accompany cold meats and Apple cider to drink. What a versatile fruit.

Beechnuts Beech trees only crop every 3 – 4 years.

Beechnuts are bitter and have a high tanin content so should not be eaten in large quantities. They can be toasted and eaten as a snack food, processed to make beechnut butter or added to stews.

Bilberry (Whortleberry) Related to our shop bought blueberries, these smaller and more flavoursome berries are found on low growing shrubs in nutrient poor soils and often in wooded areas. Painstakingly slow to harvest by hand or using a bilberry comb or rake they are really worth the time and effort. They can be found locally in Wakerley Woods, just outside Stamford; but be aware, when picking these tiny gems, as they are very fragile and stain fingers, lips and tongues with their blood red juice. Whilst researching the bilberry I came across a story of WWII RAF pilots, which relates that they used to consume bilberry jam to sharpen their vision for night missions. However, this myth has been dispelled in a recent study by the US Navy, which found they have no such effect. Eat bilberries fresh, poach them and have them on pancakes, bottle them, make sorbet or try your hand at making a wonderful Bilberry liqueur.

Blackberries are normally picked from early September onwards until the first frost, although we already have some ripe ones appearing on the bushes around here and its only mid August! They are ripe when they are black and soft, not mushy. Be prepared for scratched hands and legs, especially if you, like me, reach deep into the bushes, they are seriously prickly! Rich in Vitamin E & C, potassium, soluble fibre and protective polyphenols, blackberries have been ranked among the top 50 foods for antioxidant potency. They freeze well, make great jelly, fabulous spirits and liqueurs, can be used in lots of pudding recipes and accompany rich meats like venison and pigeon really well. Try making an Autumn Pudding (a spin on the more well known Summer pudding), coulis for ice-cream, add them to muffins and red cabbage to make a lovely Autumn vegetable. Steep in brandy, vodka or gin as a winter warmer.

Editor’s note: take a stepladder; then you can reach the blackberries no-one but the birds can reach (but you will get odd looks)

Bullace This is a variety of plum similar to a Damson yet smaller. It is an old-fashioned hedgerow plant and some areas have more availability than others. Normally only suitable for cooking, they are too tart to the palate when raw. Harvest late September to early October. Use in recipes like Bullace Jam, Bullace Pie, Pickle them, or make Bullace Wine or Vodka.

Crab Apples A small apple, found in myriad colours ranging from yellow, through to deep plum purple.

They are rarely eaten raw as they are so sour tasting. Once cooked they provide an amazing vivid ruby coloured juice. Use them to make jellies; they are high in pectin so this is one jelly I can always guarantee sets well.

Last year I made crab apple and chilli jelly, which is great with cheeses and crab apple and mint jelly, which is a great accompaniment to Roast Lamb. It looks great jarred up and makes a really lovely gift. Alternatively, pickle them or turn them into chutney or fabulously bold wine.

There are masses of trees along the A43 where I have regularly seen people ‘scrumping’ – apart from a thorough wash to get rid of the pollution these fruit are good to go.

Damsons Wild Damsons are tricky to find. Don’t get them confused with a plump sloe, they are both the size of a small olive and look very similar with their dark bluish skin and same greyish tinge.

The main distinguishing feature being their shape. The sloe is round and the wild damson is slightly elongated, almost the shape of a rugby ball. Another great fruit for adding to vodka and gin and they make a mean wine. They are great for jams, jellies and chutneys, cobblers, icecream and go wonderfully well with chocolate so add them to a favourite brownie recipe for an Autumn twist – even better if they’ve been steeped in alcohol first, but don’t forget to take the stones out! They create a rich and vibrant sauce, a great accompaniment to both sweet and savoury dishes – serve with a baked orange cheesecake or perfectly pink duck breasts.

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F OOD & DRI N K

Elderberry

Quince

Elderberries grow abundantly in our hedgerows and if you missed steeping their flowers for cordial or wine earlier in the season then don’t miss out on their fantastic berries.

Medicinally, elderberry has been used for hundreds of years. Tests record a measurable effect in treating flu, helping with allergies and boosting respiratory health.

I think this is one of the fruits you need to be most careful about picking. It has a small black shiny berry, which is similar, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, to Privet, Common buckthorn and Dogwood. So do take care as some of these plants are poisonous. Elderberries themselves are poisonous too if eaten raw, as they contain a poisonous alkaloid, this is rendered harmless when cooked. Most commonly turned into jelly, you will also find recipes for elderberry marmalade, wine, liqueur and cordial.

This ancient hedgerow fruit is green with a furry jacket when immature but ripens to a bright yellow.

They remain hard to the touch.

Toe curlingly tart if eaten raw, but delicious when cooked with the addition of tooth rotting quantities of sugar.

The syrup produced tends to be pale amber in colour with hints of vanilla, pineapple and lemon blossom to taste. They are easy to prepare and give off a fantastic fragrance. Treat them like a traditional pear or apple – peel, core and chop. Use to add texture to crumbles, make a quince tart tatin, poach to accompany ice-cream or meats, make quince paste (membrillo) or a winter warming Quince liqueur.

Gorse

Rosehips

The bright yellow flowers of this thorny bush are edible and have a very slight aroma and flavour of coconut. Obviously thick gloves are a good idea when harvesting this free food. Having braved the thorns, the flowers can be turned into cordial, steeped for wine.

Gorse syrup can be churned into ice-cream to make a delicious light coconut flavour dessert which can be decorated with crystallised gorse flowers.

Known to contain as much as 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges, to be an excellent antioxidant and associated with good immune support and alleviation of chronic pain. Harvest preferably after the first frost, as this is when they are sweetest. Choose hips that are firm with a slight give in the skin and bright red or orange in colour. Over ripe hips are sweet but have lost much of their Vitamin C. Although hips can be eaten raw, care must be taken to avoid the fine hairs inside the fruit, which as it happens, are used in the preparation of itching powder! Use to make herbal teas, jams, jellies and chutney. Rosehip vinegar is a fabulous

Hawthorn Haws should be picked late in the season, October and November, ideally when they are as ripe as possible. They are easy to pick but come off the plant with lots of stems. These aren’t required, so need to be removed before cooking. Eaten straight from the bush they don’t taste very exciting, a bit like a dry under ripe apple. Once cooked they produce a deep ruby coloured pulp similar in colour to the berries themselves which is high in pectin and can be used to make jelly. Hawthorn Schnapps is a very potent ‘blow your head off’ alcohol but I think my favourite way to deal with Hawthorn berries is to turn them into ketchup.

Mirabelles (Cherry Plums) Depending on the weather you can still find Mirabelle plums around in early September. This is a semi wild plum, about the size of a 10p piece and generally yellow in colour blushed with red.

Containing a high pectin level it is again great for jams and jellies. De-stoned and poached they make a lovely accompaniment to rack of lamb and there is no reason why you couldn’t use them as an alternative to commercially cropped plums in any recipe.

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5 Top tips for Hedgerow Foraging

• Carry a walking stick with a curved handle for reaching those higher branches, or if all else fails a hockey stick. A pair of thick gloves is also a good idea.

• Do not access land without permission.

Personally I think fruit, nuts and flowers situated next to a public highway or footpath are fair game but some farmers may feel otherwise. Never forget that this Free Food is also a crucial food source for our wild birds and animals to see them through the winter months so always pick with this in mind.

• Soft fruit bruises easily therefore take lots of containers so you don’t have to stack the fruit too thickly • If you feel it is necessary, wash the fruit.

Only wash it when you are about to use it as some varieties bruise easily and will turn mushy • Finally, and most importantly, DO NOT harvest anything unless you can readily identify it.

colour as is the wine and, of course, the syrup.

They can even be used as an effective hangover cure! Another idea is to steep fresh berries in the syrup to add extra flavour to fruit salads, Eton Mess or your morning bowl of porridge.

Rowan Clusters of bright orange-red berries, they are a really good source of Vitamin A & C. It is not advisable to eat this berry raw due to its high astringent properties. Most frequently used to make jelly, which marries perfectly with Autumn game and rich meats such as lamb.

They can also be steeped in alcohol such as vodka.

Sloe Berries Sloes are the fruit of the blackthorn. This year the bushes are laden with this black berry, which on close inspection looks like a miniature plum and has a waxy bloom.

Don’t rush to pick these quite yet though, as they will be sweeter after the first frosts, so normally, October–early November. Be careful when harvesting as blackthorn is known for its savage thorns. Use to make delicious Sloe Gin or Sloe Whisky, turn into jam, add to fruit pies or preserve in vinegar.

Sweet Chestnuts Not to be confused with normal chestnuts these are generally ready for picking from mid October onwards. Encased in a densely spined, pin sharp shell they look like mini-green hedgehogs. The shell case will burst open to reveal 2 to 3 chestnuts but you have to beat the squirrels to them. They can be eaten on their own with a little salt or added to risottos, pies and tarts.

Wild Hazel (Cobnuts) Available to pick in early Autumn they grow in clusters of 2 or 3 and can be eaten straight from the tree whilst they are still green.

Another of the squirrels favourite foods, they seem to have an unerring sense of when they are ripe. Cobnuts are the cultivated form of wild hazel and are readily available at Farmers’ Markets and good greengrocers. They are great roasted as a snack food, ground into pesto or added to stews.

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BARNSDALE LODGE

CHRISTMAS SEASON 2015

Christmas Lunch/Dinner Available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec & Lunch Thurs 24th Dec. Booking essential From £18.00 pp 2 courses Private Dining available - complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 + Traditional Sunday Lunch - £21.95 pp 3 courses will be served on Sundays

Festive Party Nights DINNER/disco in the barn A selection of dates throughout December.

Private parties can be arranged, subject to availability. £28.50 pp (Sun-Thurs) pp | £30 pp (Fri/Sat)

FESTIVE LUNCH

‘let us drive you home!’

Wednesday 23rd December - £22.50 pp • Table magician • 4 course lunch • Free transport within a 10 mile radius – must be pre-booked

CHRISTMAS BALL 2015 Saturday 19th December £49.50 pp • Champage Reception • 4 Course Dinner • Dancing to live band ‘Fat Chance’ • Black Tie

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £85 pp for 5 course lunch. Booking essential.

christmas packageS Please call for details of our Xmas packages in the hotel and our Self-Catered Retreats

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

www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

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MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

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

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

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

New Year's Eve Black & White Ball £79.50 per person Champagne and canapé reception from 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm prompt, a 5 course dinner to follow, table magician and music followed by the chimes of Big Ben and disco music to the small hours. Seating arrangements will be available in tables of 8 upwards.

Individual couples and parties of 6 and below will be put onto tables of 8 sharing. This is an adults only event, no children are permitted.

Stay the night and enjoy our late New Year’s Day Breakfast from £95 per room Why not make a special break of the New Year and stay for an extra night for just £74.50 Bed and Breakfast

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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 £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses Set 3 course menu £15.95 a head Served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm.

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month. Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

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

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

Tel: 01572 757901

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

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OU T & AB OUT

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015 Amander Meade speaks to Carole Pendle about the world famous equestrian competition taking place in Stamford this month About the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

With over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors, six hundred plus trade stands, eighty top international competitors and a prize fund of £225,000 this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will be a far cry from the inaugural event, which took place within the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in 1961, more than fifty years ago.

Today the televised, multi-award winning Event has become one of the most popular and highly regarded within the equestrian calendar and is one of just six CCI Four Star events in the World (the toughest level of equestrian competition) with Burghley considered the most challenging.

Who goes?

Burghley attracts a wide range of visitors.

Horse lovers from across the globe travel to Stamford to watch the very best in equestrian sport. However, Burghley is also a much loved social event. Many visitors know little or nothing about horses, but enjoy the opportunity to socialise with friends and explore the extensive shopping village.

Who are the riders and their mounts?

Around eighty horse and rider combinations will compete at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year. Only the very best combinations take part. This year a strong antipodean presence is anticipated, headed by last year’s champion New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson.

Another former winner, Australian Andrew Hoy, who is now based in nearby Sombery is also expected to enter. William Fox Pitt, the UK’s leading eventer is likely to head the British challenge.

Describe the course

The course is designed by Captain Mark Phillips and is considered the toughest equestrian challenge in the eventing world. It consists of forty five jumping efforts, located across the stunning Capability Brown parkland that surrounds Burghley House.

This year the course will be in reverse formation and while the details remain under wraps, some traditional Burghley favourites like the enormous Cottesmore Leap (1.45metres in high and a huge 3metres wide) and the Trout Hatchery, which has seen many riders take a splash, continue to feature.

Tips for a first time attendee

To get a real insight into the competition and the horses and riders, consider coming along to the Wednesday afternoon horse inspection which takes place in the main arena. Thursday and Friday are dressage days, Saturday the action packed cross country day, before the show jumping climax on the Sunday.

For those whose primary aim is to go shopping, definitely visit on the Thursday or Friday when things are a little quieter and it’s easier to browse the fantastic array of stands. Sunday is also good for shopping with the chance to bag a bargain in the afternoon when stall holders often offer great discounts.

If the reason for your visit is to see the riders tackle Burghley’s famous cross country course, then arrive early on the Saturday to find the best viewing spots.

Aside from the main competition there are

a host of other activities to enjoy including retrained racehorse classes, various displays, the Land Rover Experience area and a dedicated kids area. The final of the prestigious Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Class and the Pony Club Team Jumping can be found in Ring 2.

What else to expect

The world famous shopping offers everything from diamond jewellery and designer clothing to locally produced food, crafts and equestrian goods. Burghley’s Food Walk is exceptional, packed with stands selling delicious seasonal and handmade produce, you certainly won’t go hungry. See the following pages for further details.

• Advance admission ticket prices start at £14. For further information and to book, visit: www.burghley-horse.co.uk

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Land Rover Burghley H 3rd - 6th September Antonia Scott celebrates one of Stamford and equestrian’s highlights of the year

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HE build up to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials begins over the summer months and encompasses a vast area of Burghley estate parkland. What started out as a last minute stop-gap invitation arranged by the Marquess of Exeter in 1961 when the 3 day equestrian event at Harewood was cancelled due to a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease, has since grown into an annual international equestrian phenomenon, with over 80 global competitors and an incredible 160,000 visitors coming from all corners of the globe to spectate at this prestigious 4 day event. As well as horses, there are plenty of dog lovers at Burghley too – the canine agility classes are

SELECTED STANDS – in order of longevity at Burghley!

ROBINSONS OF STAMFORD – EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY SINCE 1961!

Owner – Anne Brown Contact: info@robinsonofstamford.com Tel: 01780 755378 www.robinsonsofstamford.com What makes you stand out? We believe in supplying high quality items at reasonable prices with a fantastic customer service.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? In previous years we have always taken a range of saddler and equestrian items from other branches – however this year we are taking a wide selection of Country Clothing and leather goods. Items will include Ladies Winter coats, hats, socks, cufflinks, leather holdalls, notebooks and purses. We also have several new brands such as Le Chameau’s wellington boots and Alan Paine’s stunning tweed jackets.

wonderful family fun to watch.

There are over 600 trade exhibitors for shoppers to enjoy, all showcasing a vast array of country living homewares and produce. The specialist food stalls in the Food Walk offer a mouth-watering and diverse selection of local and international goods to sample and take home.

Local Exhibitors: Stamford and its surrounding area has a plethora of entrepreneurial talent and this year nearly 30 local businesses will be exhibiting at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials to proudly display their wares and raise their profile to an international target audience.

TOADSTOOLS – OVER 25 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner - Serena McCall Contact: www.toadstools. co.uk Tel: 07798854131 Email: serena@toadstools.co.uk What makes you stand out?

Bespoke furniture made in Northamptonshire. Footstools of any size, any leg and any cover.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A range of Afghan Kilims, a selection of footstools to whet the appetite – plus a glass or rosé if they time it right!

SCOTTS OF THRAPSTON – OVER 40 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY! Owner – David Scott (Family run business since 1920) Contact: www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk Tel: 01832 732366 Email: info@scottsofthrapston.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our products are displayed as fully finished buildings, so that customers can feel, touch and kick them! We pride ourselves on our quality and British manufacture and we like to demonstrate equine living at its best, even in such a small space at the show. We also display a selection of timber summerhouses, offering more than just equestrian buildings to the wide cross section of visitors.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Customers have the chance to review and compare the quality of our finished product on stand, whether an equestrian building or a summerhouse. We recommend that visitors compare our products with other similar buildings, and suggest they look at the finer details as well as the aesthetics of the overall stables and buildings.

Scotts uses Burghley Horse Trials as an ideal opportunity to meet past customers and thank them for their loyalty over the years as well as a window to trial new products for future customers.

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y Horse Trials 2015

GRASMERE FARM - 17 YEARS AT BURGHLEY Owner – Stuart Stables Contact: www.grasmere-farm.co.uk Tel: 01778 342344 What makes you stand out? Our absolute passion to provide customers with quality products and great customer service. Our Hampshire Cross Pigs are outdoor reared on the farm and our meat is handcrafted on site by our team of experienced butchers.

Our bakers also prepare a range of hand raised pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We offer a range of bacon rolls, jumbo sausage hotdogs, pork and apple burgers, garlic and rosemary burgers and our amazing pulled pork! All freshly cooked on the stand – we open at 7am.

HILL FARM FURNITURE – 10 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Mike Ashwin Contact: www.hillfarmfurntiure.co.uk Tel: 01636 626063 What makes you stand out? Hill Farm Furniture is a family run business that specialises in creating bespoke, handcrafted kitchens and freestanding furniture to fit your home and your unique character. Prices start at £25,000 + VAT. What should a shopper look for at your stand? We take a mobile showroom full of handcrafted furniture, bespoke kitchens and Victorian glasshouses.

JAMES GILLICK – ARTIST - 15 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Contact: www.gillick-artist.com Tel: 01507 600269 email: james@gillick-artist.com What makes you stand out? My stand is one of the only places outside London where shoppers can get to meet and see the work of a top London artist. I also make all my own paints, canvasses, varnishes and mediums using 17th century recipes.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A collection of still life, game and equestrian oil paintings in sizes ranging from the palm of your hand to the size of your living room wall! From £2,000 - £50,000.

HEATSOURCE - 6TH YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Retailer and installer of wood-burners, fireplaces and renewable heating solutions.

Owners – Nathan & Agnes Welham Contact: www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk Tel: 01572 829953 What makes you stand out? The two live Charnwood appliances will give shoppers something to talk about!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? The Country Living Bembridge stove designed and made by Charnwood exclusive at Heatsource of Uppingham. We will also be bringing a complete new range of basket wares to the show.

PEACHY BELTS - 5TH YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Zoe Gibson Contact: www.peachybelts.co.uk Tel: 01664 454994 Email: zoe@peachybelts.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our range of unique designs of detachable buckles made in the UK from solid pewter and brass, and the Swarovski crystal range from Italy. All the belts are handmade in England using the finest Italian vegetable tanned leathers. A number of competitors wear Peachy Belts in the trot up – including Mary King, Pippa Funnell and Nicola Wilson.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? There are a number of specific designs that appeal to equestrian customers, including our new Winter range which is being launched at Burghley, one of which is the ‘Thoroughbred’ - a horse’s head designed by renowned bronze sculptor, Juliet Cursham – available in solid brass and pewter for £65.

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The finest selection of hand knotted rugs in the area.

Modern & traditional OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10.00AM TO 5.00PM 6 The Maltings, off Mill St, Oakham, Rutland. NN6 0PB www.oakhamrugs.co.uk

01572 724441

mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk

Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd t/as Oakham Rugs

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EV E N T THE WOOL ROOM – 5 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Chris Tattersall Contact: www.thewoolroom.com Email: info@thewoolroom.com What makes you stand out? Our ability to bring the British wool beds and bedding together to deliver the very best night’s sleep using the finest British wool from the Stamford and Rutland area.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Wool beds, wool bedding and wool throws – all delivering the best night’s sleep. We will be showing our unique wool beds for the first time on our largest stand to date. The customer can design their own bed with up to 250 British made wool fabrics.

SOPHIE ALLPORT HOMEWARES – 5 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Sophie Allport Contact: www.sophieallport.com Tel: 0845 0177866 Email: info@sophieallport.com What makes you stand out? We’re a local business with unique countryside inspired designs by Sophie. Our homewares hopefully appeal to the Burghley audience. Popular collections include Pheasant, Chicken, Terrier and Labrador. There will be a competition to win £150 worth of Sophie Allport products – pick up an entry form on our stand to enter.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Lots of lovely things to help make your house a home. Extensions to our popular ‘Pheasant’ collection plus the launch of our new ‘Hare’ ‘On the Farm’ and ‘Woodland Party’ collections, plus knitted throws, scarves and cushions to keep you cosy in the Autumn. New Pet products including tinware, dog and cat beds and a gorgeous new range of accessories including wallets, purses, wash bags, key rings, boot bags, weekend bags and book bags.

FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY - 3RD YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Jason Nicholls Contact: Racecourse Farm, Easton on the Hill. www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com What makes you stand out? Every piece of furniture is individually designed to the client’s own ideas and specific requirements. Our furniture is built to last using traditional methods of construction in conjunction with modern furniture technology such as soft-close drawer runners, low voltage LED lighting systems and energy efficient appliances. We take great pride in delivering a truly personal service, working closely with the client to exceed expectations, presenting and inspiring new ideas to achieve superb results.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? This year we have a new layout to the stand. We still have a traditional kitchen but with a modern twist. A stunning dark stained hardwood study and bookcases, plus several new freestanding pieces of furniture designed and built just for Burghley.

OAKHAM RUGS - 3RD YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Christian & Fiona Hawker Contact: www.oakhamrugs.co.uk Tel: 01572 724441 Email: mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk What makes your stand out? Our customers are very important to us and we pride ourselves on our personal service and expert advice. We offer a cleaning and restoration service from our shop in Oakham which has been established for 23 years.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have a very varied selection of high quality hand knotted rugs in traditional and modern designs. We also have kilim and needlepoint rugs and a wide range of cushions and footstools.

THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK COMPANY – 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Spiegl Press Ltd: Jo & Hugo Spiegl Contact: www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk What makes you stand out? We make simply beautiful, elegant notebooks, journals and diaries using British paper and traditional craft bookbinding skills and equipment. Our stunning array of textures and colours means that there really is something for everyone.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Our new 2016 diaries and the new limited edition range featuring A/W16 catwalk colours. We also recently launched two new products, the Traveller’s Journal in two sizes and the Rutland Notebook – Multum in Parvo!

SNUGGLE SACS - 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner - Tina Goldsmith Contact: www.snugglesac.com Tel: 01603 882705 Email: enquiries@snugglesac.com What makes you stand out? Our products – which are unique, distinctive, high quality, fun, practical and utterly desirable!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? The pony snuggle sac – every shopper will want one! New for 2015 is the adult Snuggle Sacs. Perfect for horsebox living, caravans, motor homes – cosy and chic.

COUNTRY TRADITIONALS - 4 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Nicola and Simon Tame Contact: www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Tel: 01780 755409 Email: sales@countrytraditionals.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our beautiful range of Polish pottery is so distinctive - the mostly blue and white pottery really stands out and has the wow factor. All of the pottery we sell is oven/ Aga/microwave/dishwasher/freezer proof, so not only does it look amazing, it really is completely functional and for everyday use. We opened our second shop in Stamford last year, just off the high street in Maiden Lane and it’s absolutely packed to the ceiling with this amazing pottery!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Our oven to table bake ware sells extremely well at country shows. The lasagne dishes in large sizes for family gatherings are a great buy. We have many customers who keep coming back to stock up on more of the range every year.

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FOODWALK THE BROWNIE COMPANY - 5TH YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Amanda Hamblin Contact: www.thebrowniecompany.co.uk Tel: 01780 763392 Email: Amanda@ thebrowniecompany.co.uk What makes you stand out? We offer a top-quality, gooey, ‘moreish’ homemade Brownie at a great value price, using the best Belgium chocolate and local free range eggs. It’s a genuine chocolate brownie, much more satisfying than the typical offering as well as offering a much-needed burst of extra energy to anyone walking the Cross Country course! This is our 10th year in business and we’re so grateful to all the local customers to support us. We offer a 10% discount on our gift tin and brownie assortments to local customers who collect from our kitchen in Easton on the Hill.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have our flavours that are a favourite each year, such as the Original Double Chocolate or the Sour Cherry, but this year the Sea Salted Caramel and the Peanut Butter have been really popular, so we’re looking forward to tempting our Burghley customers with those. We’re also expanding our gluten-free range, as more and more customers are requesting them.

MARQUESS OF EXETER – 3RD YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Brian Baker Contact: www.marquessexeter.co.uk Tel: 01572 822477 Email: info@marquessexeter.co.uk What makes you stand out? We offer delicious food which is a little different to what you would expect!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We will be offering breakfast and lunch. Our delicious Eggs Benedict with either Smoked Salmon or Ham from 6.30am and our renowned Launde Lamb Tandoori wraps or Chicken and Chorizo Paella from 11am onwards.

OGILVY’S HONEY – 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Shamus Ogilvy Contact: www.ogilvys.com Tel 01780 450377 Email: info@ogilvys.com What makes you stand out? Ogilvy’s is the only honey retailer in the Food Walk, offering a diverse selection of raw honey naturally blended by bees!

What should a shopper look for at your stand?

Ogilvy’s have sourced six quintessentially British honeys and six artisan world honeys.

We are also launching a new honey trio gift box – perfect for the honey connoisseur.

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any of the local businesses commented on what a buzz there was to be exhibitor at Burghley and recognise that it is ‘the place to be’ – offering shoppers the Best of British.

For full details: www.burghley-horse.co.uk OTHER LOCAL TRADE STANDS: Aga Shop at Pochin, Burghley House Gift Shop, Dawson of Stamford Joules Clothing, The Rutland Bookshop, Sinclairs of Stamford, Thomas Dainty Brogue Trader, Hambleton, Jules of Stamford Jewellery

Rugby World Cup Trophy Comes to The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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HE Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will not only welcome elite equestrian athletes this year, but will also be introducing another sporting great to the event.

The title sponsor, Land Rover is also a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and on Friday 4th September, the Webb Ellis Cup will be onsite at Burghley as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy 100 day Tour, which culminates on 18th September at the RWC 2015 Opening Ceremony.

Spectators at Burghley will have the chance to get up close and personal with the famous Trophy and see the bespoke RWC 2015 Defender which has been carrying it on its journey around the UK and Ireland. Jason Robinson, OBE – Land Rover Ambassador and Rugby World Cup Winner 2003 will also be coming to Burghley.

Local children will have the opportunity to audition to become a Rugby World Cup 2015 mascot – the last chance for 7-13 year olds to win the opportunity to run out onto the pitch with one of the teams. Auditions will take place on Friday 4th Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September and youngsters will be invited to visit the Land Rover Experience area and complete one of three tasks: 1. Sing the national anthem; 2. Offer a piece of advice they would give to the Captain before he runs out for RWC 2015; or 3. Say how they would welcome a visiting team to England for the tournament.

The prize for the two lucky chosen mascots will include two tickets to a RWC 2015 match, official RWC 2015 mascot kit and of course, the walk out!

The final rugby themed element of this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials comprises a bespoke cross country fence, created by Burghley’s Course Designer, Captain Mark Phillips.

Liz Inman, Director of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials said, “There is great synergy between Eventing and Rugby, two of the toughest sports on the planet, both requiring determination, focus and agility.

It is fitting that we are able to acknowledge both sports at Land Rover Burghley in this Rugby World Cup year. At Burghley we always strive to offer our visitors a unique experience that goes beyond the equestrian competition and this is certainly it. To be hosting the Webb Ellis Cup is a huge honour, while many visiting youngsters will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to audition to be Rugby World Cup 2015 mascots.”

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OPEN DAY Saturday 3 October 2015 |10.30am - 1pm • A small, friendly, independent school for children ages 3 to 18 years • Excellent academic results • School bus network • 6th on National, Value Added A-Level League Table • Small class sizes ensure individual attention

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

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Bilton Grange Preparatory School

Co-educational Prep School for children aged 4-13 set in 100 rural acres just outside Rugby

Day and flexi/weekly/full boarding Morning bus from Market Harborough

Open Mornings throughout the year – come along and find out more by calling the Registrar on 01788 818249 or emailing admissions@biltongrange.co.uk

www.biltongrange.co.uk

01604 847292 afj@sprattonhall.com www.sprattonhall.com

Let

Knock your socks off!

Independent Co-educational Preparatory Day School aged 4-13 years in Northamptonshire

Open Morning Friday 25th September 2015 10 am—12 noon Come along to see for yourself all that Spratton Hall can offer your child 33

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Choosing the Right School: ‘I am coming into the area - how do I choose the right school for my children?’

Abigail Richardson explores how you can tell if a school is right for you and how to get the best out of an open morning or a visit…

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HOOSING a secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions that parents have to make. It is an exciting, yet daunting prospect and with many of the top schools operating admissions criteria, it is important for parents to do their homework in advance. The task can be even harder when you are moving into a new area where you may not have knowledge of the local schools or friends to ask for recommendations. Remember to consider the location of the school, availability of school buses and the length of the school day to ensure that the requirements of the school fit with your lifestyle.

Ahead of any visit, it is always worth narrowing the choice. The Head of a child’s current school is usually the first to ask for advice on the right senior school, while friends and family with children are also usually helpful. In advance of any visit, spend time reading the school’s website and prospectus to gain a sense of the ethos and character of the school. The visit itself should then serve to strengthen your initial impressions and answer the multitude of questions you are sure to have. After reviewing the prospectuses, websites and also league tables (found online) choose a few prospective schools in order to make a more informed decision.

Spratton Hall admissions team advise that you look at as many schools that fit the criteria for your family and offer some questions to consider before finalising the schools you want to view: 1) How far are you prepared to travel?

2) Is it a day school, boarding school (flexi boarding/full boarding)?

3) Is the school coeducational?

4) Is there a Nursery?

5) Does it go all the way up to 18 or break at 13?

6) Is the school selective?

7) Is there an entrance exam/interview to get in?

8) Does it offer hot lunches? Is this an extra?

9) Are their obligatory school trips, which could incur extra costs?

10) How varied is the curriculum offered?

11) What are the sports, music and drama facilities like?

12) Are there scholarships available?

13) Is the Head Teacher new or established?

14) What is the pastoral care like?

15) What are the sports results like?

16) What are the public exam results like?

17) When did they have their last inspection and what did it say?

18) Is the website kept up to date?

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Spratton Hall

Visiting the School OPEN DAYS Open Mornings and Open Days offer a great opportunity to visit schools when there are a lot of planned activities to watch and take part in and these are often on Saturdays which can make it easier for the whole family to attend.

During the Open Morning or Day, prospective parents and children are usually shown around by current pupils. This is a great way to see how your child responds to the school setting and also a chance to look at the current pupils as these pupils are the type of child the school is producing.

Spratton Hall holds two Open Mornings a year where the pupils show around the prospective parents and children. Year 8 carry out the show rounds in the September whilst the Year 7s do the show rounds in May. All pupils carry out a show around and it is usually by a boy and a girl. The Open Morning is on a normal working day and no extra events are put on – it is normal lessons for all. There is an opportunity at the end of the tour to meet other parents and teachers to discuss further any issues over refreshments.

PERSONAL TOUR Oundle School insist that, “Regardless of the type of school you are looking for, there really is no substitute for a personal visit, allowing both parents and children to obtain a genuine feel for the school’s atmosphere and culture.

Some parents will want to visit on their own before involving their child in a subsequent visit, whilst others may want to involve their

child from the outset; there is no right or wrong way to do it. Choosing a school is a significant personal, educational and financial commitment, therefore investing time in visits and research will always be worthwhile.”

The admissions team at Pitsford School agree: “Visiting schools during the normal school day can often give a better feel for the actual day-to-day working environment of the school and can give you the parents, the opportunity to imagine your child in this new setting. Allow yourself a good hour to look around and ask as many questions as you can. Remember that happy children are the ones who thrive and so look for the type of environment that will allow your child to be themselves and to take full advantage of all the school’s opportunities.”

Visits will, of course, vary from prep school to senior school. Copthill School is an exceptionally friendly and open school, and you will experience that friendly flavour from your first visit. You will be met by Mr Jonathan Teesdale, Headmaster, who will give you a guide round the school, where you will see the classes in action, but also an amazing range of other activity including the famous Forest School and the new Music School. In the first instance contact Registrar Mrs Paula Rayner on paula.rayner@copthill.com or call 01780 757509.

And right from the start the eventual goal of the school is clear. “We endeavour to ensure our Year 6 pupils leave us as responsible citizens, team players, independent explorers, creative thinkers, problem solvers and reflective learners.”

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Oundle School Bilton Grange Preparatory School, just south of Rugby, is an independent coeducational 4-13 day and boarding school.

They aim to make the admissions procedure as friendly and straightforward as possible. In the first instance, call the Registrar, Rebecca Bantoft on 01788 818249, to find out more and to order a prospectus. Following this, you are invited to visit on a normal working day, when you will have an opportunity to meet with the Headmaster Alex Osiatynski and have a tour around the school. Many families welcome the opportunity to see the School on Open Morning, when your tour guide will be one of the 6th Form (Year 8) pupils, and for those looking around Pre-Prep, a Year 3 pupil.

At Laxton Junior School (Day school for ages 4 – 11) for example, the Headmaster usually takes the tour and introduces parents

to staff and pupils around the school. The tour is informal, offering plenty of opportunities for parents to meet and chat with current pupils. At Oundle School (day and boarding ages 11-18), tours are a little more formal and are hosted by tour guides, with the Registrar topping and tailing each visit. All visitors to Oundle are invited to lunch with pupils, giving them a valuable opportunity to have private conversations with current boys and girls. In both schools, visits are organised through the Admissions Office, with the Registrar being the key point of contact throughout the process.

Visits are often booked up at least three weeks in advance so early enquiry is advised.

For all types of visits, the advice is simple: do not be frightened to ask questions and do expect to have some time with pupils - besides being a school’s greatest asset, they are usually

the ones to tell you exactly how it is. A school that is prepared to let parents spend time with pupils away from teachers is a good sign of confidence, and trust. Finally, do not be afraid to ask to look at areas of the school that are not part of the ‘official’ tour!

At the end of the visit, consider your experience. Do you and your child feel comfortable? Is there a positive, happy and purposeful ambiance? Do the pupils and teachers seem interested in you and your child’s welfare? Do they relate well to each other? Inevitably you will come away with questions you had wished you had asked but these can always be followed up at a later date.

More important is that you leave the school with the sense that this is an environment in which your child would thrive and be happy?

Most schools hold visits most term time mornings and many parents will combine an Open Day with tailored visits. For further advice contact the admissions teams at your short listed schools, where they will be more than happy to offer advice.

CONTACTS: Spratton Hall, Smith Street, Northampton, Spratton NN6 8HP, United Kingdom Tel: 01604 847292, www.sprattonhall.co.uk Pitsford Hall, Pitsford, Northamptonshire, NN6 9AX, Tel: 01604 880306, www.ngs-school.com Laxton Junior School and Oundle School, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4GH, Tel: 01832 277122, www.oundleschool.org.uk Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3AD, Tel: 01780 757506, www.copthill.com Bilton Grange Preparatory School Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6QU Tel: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk

Oakham School: How you can tell if the school is right for you?

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CHOOLS such as Oakham offer boundless opportunities academically, physically and artistically, with exceptional facilities and teaching. Louise Hitchin, marketing officer, explains why she believes parents need to establish just how the prospective school can help their child to fully realise their ambitions, whatever they may be.

1. “It is important to get a real sense of how a school would nurture your child’s academic talents. At Oakham, we stimulate pupils’ interests to want to learn more, as well as developing their communication skills, to help our students to stand out from the crowd and go on to receive offers not only from Oxbridge, but also at leading universities across the world.

2. As well as looking at a school’s overall academic success, also ask about specific accolades in the departments in which your family is most interested. Each area should have its own success story - from the number of pupils gaining the much-coveted national Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering and Design (19 at Oakham), to how many Duke of Edinburgh awards have been achieved (Oakham has been offering the scheme for over 50 years and has helped more than 5000 pupils achieve

awards).

3. If your child has particular interests, then ask how you can see the school in action in these areas. At Oakham, there is always so much happening and prospective families are always welcome to come along to experience it for themselves. You could see the quality of Oakham’s art, which was described as “exceptional” in our latest ISI report, during one of our exhibitions, or listen to one of the 80 musical concerts held each year or watch one of our five major drama productions.

At Oakham, we feel that one of the most important questions for a prospective parent to ask is ‘How do you prepare pupils for life beyond school?’ In a world which places ever greater demands on young people, it is vitally important that schools provide a genuinely holistic education to prepare girls and boys for the challenges they will face in their lives.

By the time they leave us, Oakhamians are confident, intellectually ambitious thinkers equipped to make a real difference in the world” • For further information contact: Oakham School, Chapel Close, Oakham, LE15 6DT, www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

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ED U C AT I ON

Brooke Priory School Elizabeth Bell, Headmistress of Brooke Priory Prep School, explores the bigger picture and the fine line drawing of open mornings and private school tours

I

NVESTING in private education is a big decision to make; it needs to be an informed choice, made with confidence that it has been taken for the right reasons. To support parents in making this decision, Brooke Priory Preparatory School, in Oakham, invites parents to see the bigger picture at Open Mornings (the next being on the 26th September 2015).

Attending an Open Morning allows parents and their children to get a feel of the school and the opportunities (sporting, academic, cultural and social) that pupils at the school experience. A good barometer of feelings would be to register your own as well as others’ smiles; the tone of conversation and the sound of laughter.

The fine-line, detailed understanding of the school is achieved during a tour with the Head. This is the opportunity to test out the accuracy of the perceptions gained at the Open Morning, or during a visit to the school for a sporting fixture. It is the chance to see the school in action without the finery of an Open Morning; it is the chance to note the breadth and depth of the curriculum and to check on the academic achievements of the school. Has it really had a 100% success rate at entrance exams during the last three years? What are the children being taught that is additional to the curriculum? What behaviours and attitudes do the pupils and staff display when the spotlight is not on them? Are the children taught values which will allow them to thrive in the future whilst not forsaking the well-being of all? Is social responsibility and accountability

placed at the heart of the school? Are the children and staff consistently displaying and modelling intelligent thinking, listening and behaviour?

In short, are the children being equipped to cope in a modern, rapidly changing world without a loss of standards and values?

To see whether the fine line drawing really is as good as you suspected, can truly, only be tested by having a personal tour of the school during a full, busy, normal day and by talking to the pupils whilst watching them at work and play.

• For further information logon to: www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk or Tel: 01572 724778

Spratton Hall Spratton Hall is nestled in 50 acres of Northamptonshire countryside and offers boys and girls aged between 4 and 13 a fully rounded education in academia, sport, drama, music and art.

T

HE Independent School Inspectorate Report rated Spratton Hall’s pupils’ overall achievement and quality of pastoral care as ‘excellent’ and the effectiveness of the early years’ provision as ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

The facilities at Spratton Hall incorporate old and new exceptionally well throughout the school. The Georgian Manor House retains its beautiful charm and yet the school’s structure and ethos is contemporary and dynamic with technology constantly being kept up to date and modernised to reflect the present advances in our society. The sports grounds include the Jubilee Sports Dome, the floodlit Astroturf, two hard court areas for netball and tennis, a full 400m running track, cricket nets, pavilions, a cross-country circuit and multiple sports pitches as the season requires.

Spratton Hall also enjoys a state of the art Performing Arts Centre used for drama productions, music concerts and assemblies.

Spratton Hall’s pupils flourish in an environment where politeness, courtesy and consideration for others is paramount. Spratton Hall pupils are independent, self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised learners who have the necessary skills to enjoy their future and have been happy

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and fulfilled at Spratton Hall. Senior schools look forward to meeting and enrolling Spratton Hall pupils as they know they will get a pupil who has been able to achieve, thrive and blossom into a confident and capable young person ready for the next challenges in their education.

Entry to Spratton Hall is in Reception for the Pre-Prep school and Year 3 for the Prep school although there are opportunities to join the school in other years.

• If you would like to visit the school or if you would like a prospectus please contact the Registrar, Amanda Fleming-Jones, on afj@sprattonhall.com or Tel: 01604 847292.

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Learn for Life Come and see for yourself Call us now to book an Autumn Open Morning or individual visit 01572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Oakham is a great co-educational boarding and day school for 10-18 year olds offering A Levels and the IB

www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Saturday 26th September 2015 9.30a.m.—11.30a.m Brooke Priory is an outstanding school and nursery, providing an education which goes beyond formal learning, to fully meet each individual’s needs according to their age, ability and interests. You are invited to join us to see how the needs of every pupil (formal and informal) are understood and met. The Headmistress will be available to discuss bursaries and the new, forthcoming academic, creative and pastoral awards, available from February 2016.

For further information please call us on 01572 724778 or email admin@brooke.rutland.sch.uk

OPEN MORNING

Oakham, Rutland, I.A.P.S. Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 2 –11 years

www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk

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Do you need help with a care issue?

A

leisha from the Care Advice Centre has extensive experience of assisting the elderly with a multitude of care issues, ranging from care home placements, organising care at home and advice on claiming NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

If you are paying for care due to a primary health need, then it is possible that the NHS should be funding.

Give Aleisha a call to see how she can help or see website for more information on services For further details contact Aleisha on: 01572 720705/07766490473 Email: aleisha@care-advice-centre.co.uk www.care-advice-centre.co.uk

Don’t miss the opportunity to claim back what is rightfully yours If you or a loved one paid for care in the past you may be entitled to a full refund and not have to pay again in the future.

You may even be able to claim if your loved one has passed away.

Magical Maths is looking for people to help run our 1 hour afterschool clubs in local primary schools. The clubs are orientated around making maths fun for primary school children.

Strong rate of pay.

Ways to apply: Email CV to: sarah@magicalmathsclub.com Apply through web: www.magicalmathsclub.com Or phone for further info on: 01858 414 224

Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair Robert Loomes MBHI FRSA 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

Member of The British Watch and Clock Maker’s Guild (Founded 1907)

www.clockrepairer.co.uk

Member of The British Horological Institute (Founded 1858)

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches.

Insured, qualified, guaranteed

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AR T S & C U L T U R E

Uppingham Unsung Dr. Rebecca Thumpston, Music Events and Publicity Manager at Uppingham School, explores the wealth of music-making in Uppingham

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WALK through Uppingham reveals charming tea shops, an enviable Friday market and a wealth of history. But amidst the honeycoloured buildings of this market town is an extraordinarily vibrant and varied musical scene.

Central to the town’s musical life is Uppingham School. In 1865, Uppingham became the first school in the UK to appoint a Director of Music, Paul David. A native of Leipzig, David was friendly with Brahms, Schumann and the great violinist Joseph Joachim, who visited Uppingham several times in the 1870s. This illustrious musical heritage continues today through the School’s richly-varied concert programme.

Every Wednesday at 1.20pm, locals from all over Rutland gather in the Parish Church for the School’s free Lunchtime Concerts Series.

A great opportunity to relax with like-minded individuals, the concerts feature Uppingham’s most talented pupils, with a professional recital beginning each term. Extraordinary clarinettist Han Kim performs Poulenc’s celebrated Clarinet Sonata on 9 September 2015. And on a lighter note, Uppingham’s very own ‘Three Tenors’ will delight audiences with popular classics on 11 November.

The School also puts on regular evening concerts, popular with parents and townsfolk alike. Upcoming highlights include Duruflé’s Requiem to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, and the ever-popular ‘Advent Carols’ on 6 December. Looking ahead to the New Year, world-leading pianist Angela Hewitt performs on 16 January, and March sees the return of the sell-out toe-tapping Cocktails, Canapés and Cabaret evening! Full concert listings can be found at www.uppingham.co.uk/Music-Diary.

Music in Uppingham is by no means limited

to the School. The Goldmark Front Room celebrates great music from great musicians in the most intimate of spaces – Goldmark Gallery’s tiny 65-seat auditorium. In addition to their loyal Rutland audience, fans have been known to travel from all over Europe for the privilege of witnessing magical performances by leading names in folk, jazz and classical music. For advance notice of concerts, sign up to the Goldmark newsletter at www. goldmarkart.com.

Uppingham’s various pubs and bars also offer first-rate music. The Falcon Hotel welcomes the ever-popular Welland Valley Stompers for quarterly Friday jazz nights, while Don Paddy’s hosts quarterly Open Mic Nights and live music on the last Sunday of every month. Next up is local band Tantric Specs on 27 September.

If you want to make music, but Open Mic

Nights don’t take your fancy, why not sing with Uppingham Choral Society? Re-founded in 1959 by local music hero Jim Peschek, formerly Director of Music at Uppingham School, the Choral Society rehearses on Thursday evenings in Uppingham Methodist Church. Directed by Peter Clements, the Society is open to all, with no audition required. Rutland Sinfonia also rehearses locally in the town. A highly respected amateur Symphony Orchestra, their aim is to bring high-quality, enjoyable and inspiring performances of orchestral music to smaller towns and villages in and around Rutland. Their next concert ‘Scandinavian Birthdays’, on 10 October, features Sibelius’ Karelia Suite and Nielson’s First Symphony.

See www.rutlandsinfonia.org.uk for more information. This autumn also sees the launch of Uppingham String Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble with more than half its members from the town.

There are musical opportunities locally for children too. The Uppingham Children’s Choir, directed by Lesley Ffrench, rehearses every Wednesday, providing musical enjoyment for Rutland children aged 7 to 14. With regular concerts and winning smiles, the choir are a hit with audiences locally and further afield.

Should the huge variety of music-making in Uppingham not be quite enough to keep you going, the nearby ‘Music in Lyddington’ concert series offers yet more musical opportunity. You can make a special day in Lyddington with a visit to the medieval Bede House, a specially priced meal at one of Lyddington’s famous pubs, and a concert in the magnificent church.

Tickets are available at www.musicinlyddington.co.uk.

All in all, Uppingham is a fantastic place to experience live music. Let’s keep this rich musical tradition alive and thriving.

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19/08/2015 22:53

TIME TO FILL YOUR LOG STORE

Hardwood Logs 07973982820 01476 562500

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

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

OUTDOOR LIGHTING NOW ON DISPLAY, FROM HIGH QUALITY TRADITIONAL LANTERNS TO ULTRA MODERN LED

David Letts 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting Leicestershire. LE16 9BP and the latest Tel: in LED technology.

01858 467716 Mobile: 07445 532774 Thousands of options and bespoke dal63@hotmail.co.uk manufacture offering an unlimited

NEW AUTUMN RANGES AVAILABLE NOW

choice.

Open 9am until 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Appointments and home visits available.

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

www.harboroughlights.co.uk - 01858 467716 40

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IN T E RI ORS

A Hint of Nostalgia Michelle Hansel takes a look around Market Harborough and finds an array of cool interiors shops just waiting to be explored.

Here she finds some great ideas for creating an interior that is warm, nostalgic, and homely this autumn/winter Kitsch Classics Vintage on Abbey Street No. 1 is a great place to pick up treasures for the home as well as unique gifts and memorabilia. Choose from tea sets to toys and kitsch lampshades through to quirky ornaments, furniture and crockery. A perfect addition to your reading corner this season would be kitsch lampshades you may remember from childhood?

All have fabulous floral designs and fringing to boot! Also, check out intricate patchwork quilts by Zaradeancrafts.

Vintage on Abbey Street No. 1: 1 Abbey Street, Market Harborough, Tel: 07803518837 07468571079

Reading Lights To ensure you can enjoy your home in the evenings you need the right lighting for each purpose and each room, as well as your outside space. Harborough Lights have an enormous selection of quality, decorative lighting, outdoor light fittings, bathroom lighting, kitchen lights and task lights. You can select from many manufacturers catalogues and choose between stylish German and Scandinavian fittings, right through to hand made Italian chandeliers from Merano and everything in between. www.harboroughlights.co.uk, 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough LE16 9BP, Tel: 01858 467716

Unique Antiques

Cosy by the Fire

Felicity Voss of Harborough Stone suggests having a wood burner fitted to fight the upcoming winter. Burley offers the most energy efficient wood burners that look great and ensure you get value for money, as well as keeping you toasty in the cold. For that warm and homely look, pair with rustic wood, beautiful stonework, plush blankets and matching fireside accessories. From log baskets to companion sets, they stock a wide range of styles and finishes in the Market Harborough showroom and from September you can pick up bags of Kiln Dried Logs too. www.harborough-stone.co.uk, 1, Sulley’s Yard, Adam and Eve St, Market Harborough LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 410033

Handmade Furnishings

As the nights draw in and things get decidedly chillier the need for rugs, cushions and blankets is greater and they instantly add much needed texture and warmth to a room. Keals have an interesting selection of home furnishings, recommended is the hand crochet peacock throw, £150 by Butterfly Blankets; Stag cushions, £45 by Weasels Workshop; hand turned buttons from £15 by Keals and Stags Head, £69 by Lavendon Made.

For a closer look at what Keals has to offer, you need to have a browse and take a look at their facebook page for more information about new items in stock.

10a Abbey Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AA, Tel: 01858 419798

Retro Inspired Rugs

At Jeffrey and Day’s new pop up shop you will find a diverse assortment of antiques, decorative salvage, architectural finds and fascinating curiosities. Matthew, an antique dealer with over 15 years experience and Charlie an upholsterer, with a passion for anything old and beautiful, have explored Europe to bring back these finds all in the setting of the historic Old Town Hall in Market Harborough. Choose from ornate mirrors to mid century Danish armchairs. Take a look at the Glazed School Oak Cabinet, obscured glass and brass details, £395, Antiques French drapers counter, painted pine with a scrubbed top with 2 sets of 5 drawers with one large drawer above them, £1400 and a Vintage madeleine tray with the traditional scallop shaped scoop molds for 12 madeleines, £18. There is something for all tastes and budget. hello@jeffreyandday.co.uk, Tel: 0783 4104709

Chevron design rugs add some graphic chic to any space and look incredibly stylish. Even though the design dates back to ancient Greece, the chevron was made famous in fashion in the 1970s and has remained a popular pattern to this day. Rugs by Danish Design Team, House Doctor, are available at Housekeeping on Northampton Road as well as a fabulous array of beautiful everyday household items. Find unique jugs, recycled vases, pots, pans, welsh throws, baskets and clocks, to name but a few. www.housekeepingstore. co.uk, 6 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HB. info@ housekeepingstore.co.uk, Tel: 01858 410875.

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IN T E RI ORS

Fushion Styling Fushion styling is fast becoming an exciting new way to add an individualistic look your home. It’s all about combining an eclectic mix of old and new ideas: sleek and richly textured fabrics, hard and soft lines and recycling previous furniture and accessories you may not want to throw out yet. It requires a sophisticated and daring approach to get the most out of this trend as there are no rules to follow as such. There are, however a few guide lines to take into consideration. Nicola Hardy enlightens…

• Colours should be tonally compatible or attractively contrasting.

• Stay clear of matching furniture, and never match your curtains to your couch.

• Be creative with proportions - try an oversized angle poise floor lamp.

• Really mix up decorating materials: rustic woods, gold and copper metal finishes, artisan touches, ethnic fabrics, marble, silk, coloured glass and geometric patterns.

• Bring the outdoors in; huge yukka plants, trellis designed room dividers and lots of houseplants.

• To breath new life into tired floors, soiled carpets/rugs and stained upholstery give Weaver UK a call, they will restore them to their original beauty: Weaver UK Ltd 24F Pillings Road, Oakham LE16 6QF. Tel: 01572 759899, www.weaverltd.co.uk

GET THE LOOK… For nature inspired fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories: Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors 27 Mill Street. Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 722345. www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market St, Uppingham LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389. www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk For beautiful rugs: The Rug Studio 2 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 829927. www.therugstudio.co.uk Oakham Oriental Rugs 6 the Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 724441. www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk

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For new exciting flooring and carpets: Barefoot Flooring Unit14 Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6RA Tel: 01572 759752. www.barefoot-flooring.biz For blinds and shutters: 5 Day Blinds 9 Melton Road, Oakham LE15 6AX Tel: 01572 759176. www.5dayblinds.co.uk Rutland Shutters 9 Harborough Close, Whissendine, Oakham LE15 7PB Tel: 01664 474013. www.rutlandshutters.co.uk For high quality fireplaces: Heatsource 35 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

MODERNISTIC VINTAGE RETRO 1. Industrial style walls or brick effect wallpaper 2. Soft monotone throws 3. Natural looking textured wallpaper 4. Polished metal ‘vintage’ anglepoise lamp 5. Mid-century inspired wallpapers and fabrics 6. Mustard retro armchair 7. 70s style teak furniture and a wonderful selection of differently finished objects.

SCANDI RETRO COUNTRY 1. Scandinavian simplicity with beautiful painted shutters.

2. Retro styled dining chair.

3. Linen print floral fabrics.

4. Stunning statement pendant light ‘Butterfly’

by Tom Raffield, handmade from sustainably sourced wood.

5. Nature inspired wallpaper.

6. Reupholster a favourite old chair in hand painted style fabrics.

7. Contemporary fireplace.

CONTEMPORARY ETHNIC ARTISAN ANTIQUE RETRO 1. Clean lined contemporary kitchen design with bold pops of colour.

2. Large yukka plant.

3. Gorgeous embroidered ethnic cushions, warm textured fabrics and rugs.

4. Hand painted artisan crockery.

5. Antique oil lamp.

6. Open plan interiors, white with bold colour accents, large comfortable seating areas.

7. Fab retro kitchen appliances.

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Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

www.harborough-stone.com

Led by trained restorer with 21 years experience as a specialist dealer in Antique and Contemporary Hand knotted Oriental & European Rugs, Carpets, Kilims, Textiles & Cushions.

THE RUG STUDIO, 2 High St East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm or by appointment Tel: 01572 829927 or 07885 757 796 Email: info@therugstudio.co.uk Website: www.therugstudio.co.uk 43

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Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 44

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HO M E & GAR D E N

Delcor Furniture – Designed Around You Delcor Furniture has become one of Stamford’s best loved stores, offering British handmade sofas and chairs, tailored size-wise and finish-wise to your exact wishes

Tailor-made Delcor’s business is going from strength to strength as more and more people become familiar and comfortable with the high service levels and Delcor’s ability to offer tailor-made products. “We have noticed recently that as we have become better known, people are coming in with a specific purpose and the conversation is already starting some way down the decision line,” Kathleen Wilkinson, the Stamford’s store very experienced and helpful manager, told us.

Kathleen explained: “We build our business around the customer. We aim to meet the individual needs of every customer – one size fits all is not our style. All our products are tailor-made.”

To be in time for Christmas, orders need to be placed this year by mid-October, so best to start planning now!

New developments

Duke

Delcor never rests on its laurels; it is always innovating and refreshing its product range.

New in is the very stylish, contemporary Duke small sofa – an elegant classic, with turned solid wooden legs in a natural finish.

And the store has just undergone a major refresh, with a re-painted exterior, and the showrooms re-arranged and re-painted.

There are also lots of new accessories as the winter season approaches – exquisite cushions and lamps in particular.

A one-stop shop with Fenland Carpets But the biggest news of all is the arrival of Fenland Carpets, who will be based in the upstairs space. Run by Nick and Brett, they are a very well established carpet and flooring company which already has branches in Spalding and Bourne.

They have a lot of exclusivity on brands, a first-rate fitting service and a 5-year fitting guarantee.

“We have found,” Kathleen told me, “that many people are looking for a new carpet or flooring at the same time as furniture, so this provides them with a very convenient service. I think the synergy will work well.”

• www.fenlandcarpetsandflooring.co.uk • Delcor, 30 Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2QX Tel: 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS What’s new in Market Harborough?

Butler Stewart Clothing B

utler Stewart Clothing is the creation of Anna Louise Butler.

After working in London in the high-end retail industry Anna moved to Stoke Albany in Leicestershire in the spring of 2015.

With the beautiful Leicestershire countryside and picturesque villages as a backdrop for her vision Anna created a brand to cater for the get-up-and-go individuals who live/work in the country or town and participate in country pursuits, activities or sports in their free time.

Butler Stewart offers high quality and traditional clothing and accessories. The tweed collections are made up of unique styles, distinctive features and colourful fabrics - selected and designed

by Anna exclusively for Butler Stewart. Says Anna, “All our tweeds are accompanied with corresponding shirts, jeans and ties enabling you to either buy individual items or a full outfit.”

Anna’s love of the countryside, country life, and country pursuits have influenced her designs from start to finish from seasonal colour palettes to the understanding of traditional and practical clothing whether worn out in the field, on the weekend or in the office.

To welcome in their first autumn Butler Stewart Clothing would like to offer Market Harborough and Rutland Living readers 10% off their first order placed before the end of October. Enter coupon code LIVING at the checkout.

Love Your Local Market T

here has been a market at the heart of Market Harborough since the beginning of the 13th century and today is no different.

At the very heart of the picturesque town and its raison d’etre, you will find Harborough Indoor Market.

The market has over 60 stalls, including a refurbished food hall which offers everything from speciality cheese, fruit and veg, locally sourced meat, fish, celebration cakes, confectionary and food to eat in or take away. There is a central café, Dim Sum, American Diner food and even a traditional fish and chip stall!

The general hall is dedicated to nonfood stalls with books, haberdashery, bags, jewellery, fashion, pet supplies, laptops,

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homewares, picture frames, furniture and much more on offer.

Wednesday sees the addition of an Antiques, Retro and Collectables Market which includes a monthly free of charge valuation day with Gildings Auction House.

On Thursday local makers join us for a Craft Market, where you can pick up a unique, handmade item at a great price and each Sunday there is a popular Antiques Market.

The market, which is operated by Market Place, is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm for the Sunday Antiques Market.

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William Frederick Witherington, Waiting for the Ferry Estimate £3,000–5,000 Provenance: Marquess of Tweeddale and thence by descent.

Fine art & antiques Sale

Tuesday 15th September 2015 Viewing Fri 11th Sept 10:00–16:00, Sat 12th Sept 9:00–13:00 Mon 14th Sept 9:00–19:00, Tue 15th Sept 9:00–9:45 Enquiries Mark Gilding, 01858 410414, sales@gildings.co.uk

gildings auctioneers

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM ThE Mill GrEaT BoWdEn road lE16 7dE T: 01858 410414 SALES@GiLdinGS.cO.UK

Stylish and Inspirational

LIGHTING

design schemes and consultancy

(Add a little bit of body text

1 South Street Oakham LE15 6BG

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

t: 01572 724600 w: lumisonlighting.co.uk 47

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P R OP E RT Y

David Crooke, owner of UPP Property Agents Antonia Scott speaks to local entrepreneurs to find out how they have succeeded in motivating themselves and their team to ensure their company is successful

How it all began....

After university, David had a career in the corporate world of media working for Reed Elsevier for over 10 years, moving from London to Sydney, Australia before settling back in Stamford with his wife Lottie and young family.

In 2007 they both launched Moores Lettings in partnership with Moores Estate Agents, as Moores wanted to focus on sales. This meant they were able to give clients the option of letting their property which was good timing in the aftermath of the credit crunch. “The partnership worked extremely well as Vernon Moore, owner of Moores Estate Agents, and I could focus solely on our core business, offering each client exactly what they wanted.

Moores Lettings grew rapidly achieving 100% increase in turnover each year.”

In 2014 the opportunity arose to acquire Oakham Property Services (OPS), a wellestablished lettings business based in Oakham and during this time, David and Lottie made the business decision to move away from their partnership with Moores and go solo. Their new brand,UPP Property Agents was launched in February 2015 – retaining their recognisable pink branding whilst bringing something new, fresh and distinctive to market. “We didn’t just want to be another local agent calling themselves after their own surname – after all, with a surname like Crooke, it wasn’t going to work anyway!”

UPP Property Agents have now launched a separate sales department, headed up by Adrian McCarthy who has a wealth of local property knowledge and experience, and works alongside both Lottie and Dave who concentrate on the lettings side of the business.

As with their approach to lettings, their sales offering challenges the traditional way of buying and selling a home. Following months of industry research, they have cleverly created a straight-forward three-tier package putting the seller, the experience of a local agent and the power of the internet together. “It is exciting to be the only agent in our area to offer home owners this new type of service and the feedback is great”.

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Inspiration, Motivation, Vision and Drive....

“Historically, estate agents haven’t always had the best reputation, so Lottie and I have always set out to dispel this myth! We are both motivated by the high level of positive feedback we receive and the number of recommendations we get through word of mouth. I am driven to ensure our business has the best processes so that we can deliver the best service to our clients.

We are now one of the largest lettings agencies in Rutland and Stamford, but more importantly for me, is that we have the reputation as the ‘go to’ agent for property advice and service”.

Passion, belief and mantras!

“My background in the corporate world taught me that you need to surround yourself with like-minded people and grow and nurture your business team. By providing our staff with the best tools and processes to operate and giving them the autonomy to manage their own time effectively whilst also having a support system in place. Regular communication is key to any successful business – both with my team and our clients.

I’m a firm believer in leading from the front – my father used to say to me, “ work hard, play hard but always work a little harder!” which I think sums up my work ethos. I also like “The harder I try, the luckier I get”; and Henry Ford’s famous quote, “If you believe you can, or you believe you can’t - you are absolutely right”

Where next?

“Lottie and I have worked extremely hard to create our vision for UPP Property Agents and like many working parents we aim to find the elusive work/life balance. Having relocated from overseas, house hunted in a new area, purchased our family home and invested in a Buy-To-Let property, we feel really well placed to empathise with our clients’ needs and we always endeavour to give sound property advice to people, whatever their situation.”

With offices in St John’s Street, Stamford and Church Street, Oakham, UPP Property Agents will be looking to increase their Sales portfolio this year and are also launching a Property Newsletter and Property blog next month.

• For more information: www.upp-property.co.ukTel: Oakham: 01572 725825 Stamford: 01780 484554

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Move UPP

OPTION ONE

Adrian McCarthy,

upfront and no VAT

Sell your house with UPP Property Agents…

The prominence of the internet in property sales is continuing to gain momentum, putting the homeowner at the front of the property selling process. We also believe in putting our clients first by offering a bespoke service based around the power of the internet, whilst at the same time giving sound local property market advice from an experienced, proactive team.

Choose the most effective way to sell your home from one of our three cost saving hassle free options.

Adrian looks forward to discussing the best way to market your property with you, and to arrange a free, no obligation valuation.

01572 725 825/01780 484 554 adrian.mccarthy@upp-property.co.uk

with us

Managing Director

Sell for £399*

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David Crooke,

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Let your house with UPP Property Agents…

We offer valuable advice and support whether you are looking to buy your first investment property or adding to your existing portfolio, UPP is the perfect partner to maximise your financial return.

The UPP team know Stamford and Rutland intimately and will give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media.

For helpful advice on what makes a great property investment, or to arrange a free, no obligation valuation, contact David.

01572 725 825/01780 484 554 david@upp-property.co.uk

12 St Johns Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB Call: 01780 484554

20 Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA Call: 01572 725825

Find our properties on:

Licensed member of:

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info@upp-property.co.uk •

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*Terms and Conditions apply

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10/08/201514:15 09:30 19/08/2015

S HOP S & SE R V I CE S

UPDATES Celebrating 30 years S

imon Cawthorne, owner of the renowned Simon Cawthorne salon in Mill Street Oakham, has been cutting it for 30 years.

Three decades ago he began his training in Leicester, a process which he describes as rigorous and thorough, where the importance of precision cutting and excellence was drilled into him. It was this firm foundation that inspired him to adopt the same attention to detail when training the apprentices who have worked under him over the years, and to set up a professionally run Training School within his own salon.

Simon has worked in some of the capital’s top salons and honed his skills working with great hair legends such as Daniel Galvin, Nicky Clarke and Toni and Guy. In the mid 1990s he returned to his home town with a vision to take the county’s hairdressing standards to a new level and shortly afterwards, fulfilled his dream to create a bit of London in Leicestershire by opening his first salon.

Simon has a true passion for hairdressing and this passion and desire to ‘believe in better’ has been the driving force behind the salon’s unique client-centric service that promises and delivers beautifully crafted haircuts, styling and personalised colour to clients county-wide.

Simon combines original thinking with superb technical ability, continues to trend set and has built a talented creative team of stylists and dedicated colourists to work alongside him, all of whom share his philosophy and approach to the art of hairdressing.

His involvement in countless photo shoots and London Fashion Weeks has brought him to where he is now - finalist of the British Hairdressing Awards 2008, 2009 and 2010 and TIGI Creative Hairdresser of the Year 2009.

• www.simoncawthorne.com

Holidays in Style S

urrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands in Ashton Wold near Oundle, the three luxury holiday rental houses at the Lady Rothschild Dairy offer a stylish country retreat. Named after artists Constable, Turner and Gainsborough, everything about the warm stone and thatch holiday house apartments, joined together around a U-shaped central courtyard on the historic Ashton Estate, breathes quality, elegance and attention to detail. Many original features have been restored and incorporated into the thoughtful design of the beautifully furnished conversions with their solid oak finishes and strikingly modern kitchens and bathrooms.

The Constable House, with its magnificent vaulted ceiling over the open plan living/ dining and kitchen area, has five bedrooms plus a pull out truckle bed in the study, and can easily accommodate 12 people. The Turner House is full of original features and has four bedrooms and with a sofa bed in the large attic bedroom it is ideal accommodation for up to ten people.

The Gainsborough House has exposed oak beams and an unusual design and accommodates eight people.

Each holiday house apartment has its very own Shepherds Hut and the use of a nearby communal garden.

• For more details see www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk

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Calling families to have fun together in the Anna’s Hope Fun Run C

arole Hughes, founder of local children’s charity Anna’s Hope is calling for families to run or walk and have fun together in the Anna’s Hope 5k Fun Run in the Perkins Great Eastern Run this year on October 11th. You could even dress up as a fairy like Carole and many of the supporters of Anna’s Hope.

The charity has been involved with the run for the last 8 years and thanks to those who have raised funds through sponsorship, the charity is now making a real difference to local children diagnosed with a brain tumour through the Anna’s Hope Therapy which supports a pioneering neurorehabilitation service called Brainbow.

• To enter please visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk.

For those who also want to raise money for Anna’s Hope and help local children with brain tumours please contact Carole Hughes via e-mail: admin@annahope.co.uk

Stamford Artisans Guild

T

he Stamford Artisans Guild will return to Stamford Arts Centre on Sunday 20 September from 10am to 4pm to showcase the creative talent of local artisans. The Stamford Artisans Guild showcases a wide range of local artisans who will be behind their stall so available to talk to visitors about their craft and products including Jandy Photography, Stamford Holistic Candles, Folbar Jewellery, Cards by Lorna, Woodland Creations, Sew Krafty and Knitnaks.

• For further information on this event please call Tel: 07854 637810

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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£9

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“Pinter’s game of happy families” 15 to 19 September, Stamford Arts Centre - 7.45pm Tickets £10 / £8 conc. Box office 01780 763203 A work of dazzling directness and simplicity, on the surface, where the family conflicts create a play that is both comic and menacing.

“A Safe Place to Talk”

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Had an abortion, baby loss or miscarriage in the past or know someone that has? Feel the need to be able to talk about it in a Safe Place?

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Tel: 01780 765853/ 07913052159 office@alternativesstamford.co.uk www.alternativesstamford.co.uk facebook.com/alternativesstamford @altstamford

or drop in any Mon or Thur 9-5 Ryhall Road, Stamford PE9 1YA. (located within the Hospital Site behind Sheep Market Surgery)

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COMING UP: 30/31 August: Antiques & Collectors Fair 10/11 October: Gift & Craft Fair OUTDOOR CINEMA IN SEPTEMBER: Friday18th - Dirty Dancing (12A) Saturday 19th - An Officer & A Gentleman Sunday 20th - The Princess Bride Book online at: www.lunafix.co.uk

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Thursday 20 August to Sunday 20 September MUSICAL THEATRE: Legally Blonde – The Musical The all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy is a winner of no less than 7 major awards, and is the funniest and most fabulous musical around performed by a cast of West End stars.

Kilworth House Theatre Tickets from £30 Tel: 01858 881939 or www. kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk Wednesday 9 September, 1.20pm CONCERT: Han Kim with Alexis Ffrench Han Kim is an extraordinary Korean clarinettist. He will perform the quirky Sonatina

by MartinÐ, Poulenc’s 1962 Clarinet Sonata and a virtuosic showpiece by Jorg Widmann. Kim is accompanied by Alexis Ffrench, Head of Keyboard at Uppingham School.

Uppingham Parish Church Wednesday 9 September, 6pm EVENT: Beating Retreat Ceremony Always well supported this annual ceremony will see the local crowd entertained by the Band of the Parachute Regiment in the presence of Dr Laurence Howard and Jennifer, The Lady Gretton.

A free event with contributions collected on the day donated to the Army Benevolent Fund Oakham Market Place Saturday 12 September 10am to 6pm EVENT: Rutland Food and Drink Festival

Celebrate all that is great about Rutland with excellent food and drink plus family entertainment including cooking demonstrations, locally produced food, live music, stalls and much more.

Sykes Lane, near Empingham Wednesday 23 September Thursday 10 September, 2pm to 4pm EVENT: Creative Writing Workshop All journeys can inspire us, whether it be looking at the familiar with fresh eyes or encountering the new.

In this writing workshop with Anna Chilvers, travel in your own footsteps and find what is waiting for you there.

Oakham Library Tickets £2 Tel: 01572 722918 – early booking advised.

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, 7.30am to 10am EVENT: Bird Ringing Demonstration A senior reserve officer will help you get up close to species you won’t see in your own garden. The team will be netting, ringing and releasing migrant birds passing through the reserve. Afterwards, questions and chat over refreshments.

Anglian Birdwatching Centre, Lyndon £12/£8 for permit holders with early booking advised.

Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm CONCERT: Tre Laude Dolce With a pre-concert talk from 5.15pm to 6pm which

Sunday 6 and Monday 7 September EVENT: Dahlia Festival Celebration of the varied and vibrant display of dahlias that can be found in the historic walled kitchen garden where last year, a further twenty new varieties were introduced. Talks and demonstrations, including flower-arranging.

Kelmarsh Hall Entry fee to the hall, gardens and all the events during the Dahlia Festival £8/£7.50, £4.50 ages 5-14, under-fives free. www.kelmarsh.com Tel: 01604 686543 is free to members and concert ticket holders, Music In Lyddington present this acclaimed trio on piano, cello and guitar.

St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington Tickets in advance £15/£3 students from Music & More, Uppingham Sports and Books or Uppingham Theatre www.musicinlyddington. co.uk Wednesday 23 September, 7.30pm TALK: Who Lived in a House Like This?

Brian Easton is the guest speaker for this month’s talk hosted by Great Easton and District History Society. Brian examines the occupation and social status through the centuries of the inhabitants of some significant dwellings in the Midlands.

Great Easton Village Hall Members free, guests £2 to include refreshments

Sunday 27 September 10.30am to 3pm EVENT: Wedding Fair A chance for couples to meet some of the region’s wedding professionals from caterers to photographers and many more besides.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October MUSICAL THEATRE: Strictly Sondheim Harborough Theatre A tribute to the work of Stephen Sondheim – well known for his work such as Sweeney Todd, Follies, Gypsy and West Side Story among many others. A lively production conceived, directed and choreographed by Dylan Atkinson and Hannah Brown, supported by Rod Iliffe.

Tickets £10/£12 www. mhmt.ticketsource.co.uk, in person at Jessica Mary Flowers or Tel: 07967252823

BOOK EARLY FOR….

Monday 12 to Saturday 24 October MUSICAL THEATRE: Mary Poppins The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £15 Tel:0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk

We buy...Antiques / Jewellery / Watches

(all types of Gold & Silver, from antique to modern day times) FREE APPRAISAL SERVICE AT YOUR HOME To book an appointment please call Nick on 07823 886848 or Helen on 07795 196296 Barrowden Antiques, Main St, Barrowden, Rutland, LE15 8EQ (nickbettles@aol.co.uk) RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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OU T & AB OUT

Alternative Activities for Children Struggling to think of a plan for the weekend, after school or holiday?

We can all run out of ideas for ways to entertain our little ones, so Isabella Hamnett goes in search of some more unusual ways to keep children, and their grown-ups, captivated come rain or shine Phoenix Arts Centre

Film fanatic but fed up of identikit cinemas? Why not take the family to the Phoenix Arts Centre and experience something a little different.

A warm welcome awaits, and with a vibrant children’s corner (board games, dominoes, colouring and jenga, to name but a few), you can relax and take advantage of a fabulous kitchen menu. With all food made on the premises, and a daily specials board, the food here is excellent. I sampled the ham hock salad topped with a poached egg, whilst the children opted for omelettes, sandwiches and awesome burgers, accompanied by shoestring fries. We sat outside to eat, alongside raised beds containing all manner of vegetables, fruits and flowers, attracting numerous butterflies, much to the children’s delight. An added bonus is that included in a child’s film ticket price is a cup of popcorn and glass of squash – making the entire experience not only a great day out, but also super affordable. This is now officially my children’s favourite cinema, by a mile!

• Phoenix Arts Centre, 4 Midland St, Leicester LE1 1TG, Tel: 0116 242 2800, www.phoenix.org.uk

Mini Meadows Farm

Set in 12 acres of rolling Northamptonshire countryside, in the village of Welford, is Mini Meadows Farm, a specialist breeder of rare and unusual poultry. This picturesque farm also offers a lovely little children’s farm boasting a large array of cute, not so cute, small and not so small farm animals; including llamas, alpacas, goats, donkeys, bunnies and guinea pigs - as well as a climbing frame, swings and slide, just perfect for your teeny-tinies. Finish this relaxed visit with a delicious ice cream, cold drink or steaming cup of hot chocolate.

• Mini Meadows Farm, Naseby Road, Welford, NN6 6HZ, Tel: 07824 393517 www.minimeadowsfarm.com

Om-azing Kids Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga is not only taking the adult world by storm, but is also hugely beneficial for children. A fantastic, healthy alternative to time spent on electronic devices, yoga is a fun way of building self-confidence as part of a non-competitive group.

Alishia Read is fully qualified kids yoga teacher; and with four under10’s of her own, you couldn’t wish for a calmer instructor! Alishia runs classes for 3-12 year olds in the Market Harborough and Kibworth areas; through music, games and storytelling, she helps children

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to increase their self-esteem, improve concentration and strengthen their flexibility and motor skills. “I’ve seen improvement in even the most hyperactive children,” says Alishia. “They learn to sit calmly, listen, take time out and even start to practice their yoga at home.” What more could a stressed parent wish for?

• Om-azing Kids Yoga, Tel: 07966 528809, alishiasmoo@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/OKYoga

Hare Pie Café

After being closed for nearly a year, the much loved tearooms at The Bewicke Arms in Hallaton have now re-opened under new ownership as The Hare Pie Café. Named for the traditional Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scramble, this beautifully pared down, new family run café is everything that a countryside eatery should be. Serving locally sourced food, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, the Hare Pie Café puts a firm focus on healthy, nutritious delights for little people, as well as child-friendly treats including marshmallow topped hot chocolates and babyccinos amid their more sophisticated selection of quality loose leaf teas and freshly ground coffees. Think rustic chic, understated style and neutral shades of taupe, grey and white – Simon and Claire have really got it right – this place is all about life’s simple pleasures. Oh, and if you need any groceries when passing by, they do a select line of great local produce alongside a well-stocked deli counter too… Open every day except Mondays from 9am until 5pm. Future plans include later-opening times on selected evenings to accommodate a post-school “kids’ tea”.

• Hare Pie Café @ The Bewicke Arms, 1 Eastgate, Hallaton, LE16 8UB, Tel: 01858 555734

One Stitch Over the Rainbow

With all these activities, you may want to kit your little darlings out in something just that bit different. Market Harborough based mum of three Sarah Welton wanted just that; at a loss to find traditionally inspired, beautifully handmade children’s clothing, she set about making her own. With exceptional craftsmanship, including hand embroidery, handsmocking and vintage inspired prints - combined with an unrivalled level of personal service – you can select your own fabric, trim and pattern – the resulting designs are charming and entirely unique.

• One Stitch Over the Rainbow, www.facebook.com/ onestitchovertherainbow, email: rahrahspencer24@gmail.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Advertisement Feature

Orangeries and Garden Rooms QKS has just installed a new Orangery in its Cherryholt Lane showroom. It is a structure of great beauty and craftsmanship, which thoroughly merits a closer look.

N

ick Clipston, the owner, described some of the attractions of the Orangery: “Because it’s made of hardwood, you have the opportunity to create great detailing and features that allows it to blend in seamlessly with a period home. Or you could fashion it in a more contemporary style. And everything is bespoke, so you can have exactly the dimensions and finishes that you desire.

The Orangery in the showroom is extra height, giving all the advantages of a classic period room whilst being flooded with light from the lantern lights above. Finished off with a pair of classic doors leading to the main house, it instantly becomes an integral part of your home. There are also several other conservatories on show to take a look at, from the ultra modern to the traditional. QKS are also specialists in doors and windows, and no job is too small.

And a complete after sales service is provided, all backed by a full 10 Year Guarantee.

• Showroom: Unit 4, Cherryholt Road, Stamford PE9 2EQ. Tel: 01780 756666. www.qks-ltd.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

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19/08/2015 14:16

5 Day Blinds

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Luxury Vinyl Flooring Our luxury vinyl flooring is so stylish, they inspire you to create your own, bespoke look – giving your home a unique, designer appeal. For the latest in luxury vinyl, classic wood and laminate floors, plus beautiful carpets, visit Barefoot; your friendly local experts.

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All of our orangeries & conservatories are available in a range of styles, materials and colours to compliment your home, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

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All of our windows & doors are available in a range of styles, materials and colours to compliment your home, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

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Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Weekends by appointment only

Auburn Hill 01780 400500 www.ahorangeries.co.uk

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Oakham Signal Box An iconic figure within the Rutland landscape, the signal box at Oakham is an important part of our industrial and community heritage. One which Network Rail and the National Railway Museum have recognised with the establishment of the Signalling Heritage Forum. English Heritage keen to preserve this disappearing national treasure has listed 48 signal boxes on a preservation list, including our very own Oakham signal box. The essence of which has been captured for us by Rutland brand artist, Sarah Hatherill

“I

WAS working for a local tea room, helping them with their brand when we decided to put some images on the walls capturing the feeling of Rutland. As the smallest county in the country Rutlanders are proud of their heritage and my client wanted some imagery that reflected this. Through this project, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Rutland, its people and its history,” says Sarah.

Sarah set about taking photographs of iconic scenes from around the county, including the many blue plaques on various walls, Oakham Castle Gate and Mill Street. Back in the studio Sarah worked her artistic magic to create a series of images including the signal box. Sarah was so moved by the image that she decided to do some research: “Oakham signal box was built in 1899 and followed a standard design. Its windows are in perfect proportion to the size of the building.

The cladding may be utilitarian but it seems to echo the railway lines it is placed next to. It is a classic signal box. Hence Airfix choosing to create it as a model signal box.

Passenger safety has always been of paramount importance since the first public lines were opened over 180 years ago.

Originally the railway men signalled with flags or operating boards and it wasn’t until 1840 that this process was mechanised. The signal box was developed to make this process much

safer for everyone involved.

It was not until John Saxby had invented the mechanical interlocking system used between points and signals, for which he obtained a patent in 1856, that the signal box was truly born.

His original design was only ever slightly amended when the lower operating floor was closed in to contain the signal man’s locking apparatus (as at Oakham).

During the 1970s and 80s the old signal boxes began to be replaced and modernised.

From the late 1990s Railtrack started a massive upgrade of the signal boxes, installing UPVC windows and putting in new facilities for the signal men. Obviously this work has resulted in many of the original boxes losing their historic fabric.

Sadly, advances in signalling technology has spelled the end of the signal box. Network Rail announced in 2011 that it will be concentrating signalling on 12 centres over a 30 year period which will result in 80% of signal boxes being closed. It will effectively mean an end to this type of iconic building on the rail network.

Unfortunately many signal boxes are already being removed; recently the box at Deeping St James was taken down to be replaced with electronic barriers. (See Stamford Living Magazine).

Since then local residents have started up a group to try and get this historic building re-built, which shows the emotional resonance that these little buildings have within the community. They have been offered a site to re-build it and their local MP has managed to secure funding for its rebuild.

We should cherish the history on our doorstep. Sometimes the buildings and landscape we take for granted are so much part of our daily lives we don’t see them anymore. It would be a tragedy if these important historic building were lost to future generations.”

• Sarah Hatherill is a brand artist who creates bespoke artistic pieces for businesses, homes and gardens. These can be created in a range of mediums from aluminium and glass art to paper, fabric and wallpaper. She is currently accepting commissions for inspirational pieces that reflect the values of a brand, company or family. You can view her gallery at www.wellstreetstudio.co.uk Signal box is available as an open edition giclee print from the Well Street Studio website.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Your local specialist bespoke builder and developer with a passion and reputation for building exceptional homes.

Visit to see our portfolio & current jobs

The Old Pump House, Manton Road, Edith Weston, Rutland, LE15 8HB

T: 01780 729027

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

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

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

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Over 90 shops, 15 places to eat, thousands of brands, late night shopping.

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Thomas Cook Teetotaller and Philanthropist!

Caroline Aston discovers the origins of one of Britain’s most successful travel agents

O

N a balmy June night in 1841 33 year old cabinet maker Thomas Cook set out on the long walk from Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough to Leicester to attend a temperance meeting.

Cook had been a Baptist minister and was firmly of the belief that alcohol was the root of all evil. He was certain that if working class people could be persuaded to sign the pledge and were given better education then many of the social problems plaguing Victorian Britain could be conquered. That long walk to Leicester gave him ample opportunity to ponder and he was later to write ‘…the thought suddenly flashed across my mind as to the practicability of employing the great powers of railways and locomotion for the furtherance of this social reform’.

Steam technology was the huge success story of the 19th century. From the early experiments of people like James Watt the potential of steam power had radically changed the face of Britain’s core industries while the development of a railway system had a huge impact on society. By the time a breathless Mr Cook took his seat at the temperance meeting

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an idea had formed in his head. He knew that a ‘Down with Drink’ rally was to be held in Loughborough in about a month’s time and suggested to his fellow enthusiasts that they charter a special train to carry supporters there. So positive was their response that the very next day Cook approached the Secretary of the Midland Railway Company to set things in motion. On 5th July 1841 500 teetotallers boarded the special and travelled the tremendous distance of 12 miles from Leicester to Loughborough. A return ticket was a shilling.

Ginger beer and lemonade were quaffed, sandwiches eaten and as Cook watched another idea took shape in his fertile mind. ‘Thus’, he was to write,’ was struck the keynote of my excursions, and the social idea grew upon me’.

During the following three summers Cook organised a succession of day trips between Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham.

Thousands of people, usually members of temperance societies and Sunday School groups, had their first experience of rail travel while Thomas Cook learnt valuable lessons which were to lead to the foundation of a flourishing business. Initially he made no money at all, confining himself to publicity via handbills and posters, a period he termed ‘enthusiastic philanthropy’. By 1845 his confidence had grown to the point where he organised his first big trip, this time to Liverpool. Tickets cost 15 shillings first class and 10 shillings second, prices he had negotiated – but this time he also researched and published a handbook of the route, the true ancestor of our modern holiday brochures.

After that there was no stopping this remarkable Market Harborough man. In 1851 he transported 150,000 people to London to view the Great Exhibition in the sparkling Crystal Palace. Four years later he took his first tourists across the Channel to Europe. Ten years later the growing middle classes were clamouring to join his tours of Switzerland, Italy and the Alps.

In 1868 he launched the hotel coupon, enabling his clients to exchange these for food and accommodation without using cash and in 1874 he created the circular note, the forerunner of our traveller’s cheques. A Cook’s note could be exchanged for local currency. In 1872, aged 63,

Thomas Cook led his first 222 day world tour, something that came to be an annual event.

Thomas’ s son John had the real business brain but the two quarrelled and broke their partnership in 1878, by which time the firm was operating out of London. It was John Mason Cook that the government approached in 1884 to organise the expedition to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum in Egypt. Cook’s completed the unbelievable logistics on time but Gordon was murdered in January 1885 and Khartoum fell.

Thomas Cook died in 1892 and John followed him in 1898. But their name lives on, sometimes provoking bad publicity like the recent furore over family deaths in Corfu.

Thousands of us use their currency service, cruise on their ships, stay in their resorts and hotels. Market Harborough can be rightly proud of Mr Thomas Cook. Thank goodness he was so committed to temperance that he took that June walk to Leicester 174 years ago….. great oaks from little acorns grow!

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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SEASI DE ST R O LLS

Sheringham to Cromer This walk features two delightful small towns full of vitality and seaside charm, plus stunning seascapes and the chance to walk back along the beach POINTS OF INTEREST The North Norfolk Railway (NNR) connects Sheringham to Holt and runs steam trains. To view train times, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Sheringham has a delightful and traditional high street. It has always had an active fishing fleet, and today its focus is crabs, lobsters and whelks. Sheringham Museum on the seafront merits a visit, especially for the town’s maritime history. Find out more at www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk Beeston Bump is an unexpected protuberance in the landscape. Known as a ‘kame’, it is the result of glacial activity, created when glaciers retreated northwards at the end of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.

Beeston Hill and Roman Camp is one of the high points in the county at 103 metres. No actual evidence of Roman occupation has ever been found, but in medieval times iron ore was dug from the ground accounting for the many pits that can be seen around and could easily be mistaken for earthworks.

Cromer is famous for its historic pier and seaside charm. Aside from the pier itself, The Henry Blogg (Lifeboat) Museum (Tel: 01263 511294, on the gangway E of the pier) merits a visit, as does the Cromer Museum (Tel: 01263 513543, Tucker St, NR27 9HB), where you can step inside a tiny fisherman’s cottage and imagine life in Cromer at the end of the 19th century.

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WALK DATA Distance: 8 kms (5 miles); an extra 6kms (3 1/2 miles) if you walk back along the beach Typical time: 2 hrs (3.5hours including beach back) Height gain: 100 metres Map: OS Landranger 133 NE Norfolk Start: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Sheringham, Railway Approach (opposite NNR) Finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Cromer, Cadogan Rd (S side of Evington Gardens) Parking: Sheringham Station Car Park (NR26 8RA) Terrain: straightforward; sturdy footwear recommended Norfolk Coast Path: this route follows the Norfolk Coast Path for almost its entire length. The path is well signed and the route is marked with an acorn motif.

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THE ROUTE: 1 2

From the Coasthopper Bus Stop at the NNR, head left (N), first along Station Rd and then along the High St to the promenade Turn right (E) here, following the North Norfolk coast path, which takes you out of town and to the top of the Beeston Bump, standing proud above the town Descending on the other side, the path turns right (S) after 200 metres and you cross the railway line, still following the North Norfolk Coast Path which heads inland at this point Cross the main coast road, take a turning left on the other side, then a right following the track up into the hills On reaching the woods, bear left, then veer right up a mini-wooded valley, always following the acorn signs Pause on Beacon Hill & the Roman Camp and enjoy the views, before crossing the road at which point the metalled track heads left (N) After about 400 metres the track turns to the right (E) and then heads in an easterly direction all the way to Cromer, with one kink then a road crossing and going under the railway As you approach the town and go past a camp site on your right, you have a choice. On reaching the road, continue straight following the coast path signs along Sandy Lane to join the main road heading into Cromer; or if you prefer a slightly quieter route, head left (N) at this point, cross over the railway line, turn right and then shortly left (NE) across a green space; at the other side of which you turn right (E) onto Howard’s Hill Rd and head into the centre of Cromer.

Route back: catch the Coasthopper Bus back from Cadogan Rd, on the S side of Evington Gardens; or walk along the beach, depending on the tides, which you can check at www.tidetimes.org.uk/cromer-tide-times

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PIT STOPS No1, Cromer, New Street, NR27 9HP, just to the W of the pier) Fish & Chips Take Away and Restaurant in Cromer by Michelin Star Chef, Galton Blackiston. 01263 512316

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Rocket House Café (on Cromer’s East Beach) has a balcony overlooking the sea and good food, especially seafood.

Walk along the coast and catch the bus back! Tel: 01553 776980 www.coasthopper.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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M OT O RI N G

Safe Journey

As we move through late summer into the autumn, the region’s roads require a different approach to safe driving according to the experts from the Corby branch of the Institute of Advanced Motoring. Amander Meade gathers advice for trouble free travelling during the long, dark days ahead Low sun, no fun…

One of the biggest challenges when driving in the autumn months is dealing with low sun and dazzle. These tips offered by Peter Rodger, Britain’s top advanced driver should help: ■ Keep a good pair of sunglasses in the car – they really do make a big difference.

■ If you can’t see then do the obvious thing and slow down keeping an eye on the vehicle behind in case the driver can’t see you against the sun. Be aware that if the sun is behind you it will be in the eyes of oncoming drivers who might not see you or the road markings between you and them.

In these conditions, dip your rear view mirrors when necessary and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.

■ Low sun highlights scratches and grime on windscreens so keep your washer bottles topped up with good quality screen wash and change your wipers every year. During colder weather, using heaters can blow traffic fumes, suspended oil and smoke onto the inside of the screen building up a film of grime which is a major cause of glare. Clean your screen inside and out with glass cleaner at least once a week – it’s worth remembering that if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows you could face a hefty fine.

■ Turn on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so it is easier for other drivers to see you in twilight.

Coping with cold, snow and ice….

According to the Automobile Association, the number of breakdowns nearly doubles during cold spells. Their advice should keep you on the road should the weather take a nasty turn.

■ Batteries rarely last longer than five years so replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road. Maximise the power of your battery by turning down heaters once the windows are clear. If your car stands idle most of the weekend, a regular overnight trickle charge is a good idea.

■ Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for winter. (Check the handbook if unsure what type to use). Without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.

■ Don’t wait for the snow before packing your winter essentials. These might include a torch, a blanket, warm clothes, food and drink, first aid kit, a spade, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and a well charged phone for emergencies.

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Danger signs…

■ A continuous squealing noise as soon as the engine is started is a sign that the water pump is frozen. Stop the engine immediately and allow thawing – preferably in a heated garage.

■ If the car begins to overheat a few miles from home, the radiator may have frozen, preventing coolant from circulating. Stop straight away to avoid serious damage and allow the radiator to thaw.

Dos and Don’ts

■ Get your tyres checked. Allow at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring and certainly no less than 2mm.

■ Consider changing to winter or all season tyres for better performance in wet conditions. Don’t reduce tyre pressure to get more grip – it doesn’t work and reduces stability.

■ Remember to allow an extra ten minutes to prepare the car and clear the windows.

If you make yourself late, rushing will be counterproductive and dangerous.

■ Use a lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock; don’t breathe on the lock or the moisture will condense and freeze.

• The Institute of Advanced Motoring offer advice all year round as well as the opportunity to take an advanced driving test. For more information Tel: 01832 730125 or 01572 821354 e: infor@corbyadvancedmotorists.org or www.iam.org.uk Find lots of motoring advice from the AA at their website www.theaa.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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

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HO M E & GAR D E N

The Wool Room: The Complete Sleep Solution Frankly you will be amazed if you go and take a look around the Wool Room in Star Lane, Stamford – if you’re just thinking a throw or a wool duvet, then think again. The Woolroom now has the potential to do much more than that – it can provide you with an all-round better sleeping experience

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FTER all, we spend up to a third of our lives in our beds; it’s a really important part of our lives. It’s estimated for a couple celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary will have spent 20+ years in bed together!

And yet, we often spend more time selecting our flat screen TV than we do our bed, which is crazy. Which is where The Woolroom comes in – it can transform your sleeping experience.

The Wool Room offers the complete sleeping experience – the divan, the mattress, the mattress topper or protector, the duvet, all made of natural wool.

And not just any old wool. It is sourced from the Central Wool Growers based in Essendine, so you know it has come from East of England sheep. Unlike what goes into other commercially produced products where, however grand the filling sounds, you have no idea of its provenance. And the beds are made in Yorkshire. So you are buying British throughout.

SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WOOL? Well, in a word, enormous.

Wool products give you a better night’s sleep – research has shown a 25% deeper, more gentle sleep.

First and foremost it is the most adaptable filling known to man, which means it adjusts to your individual body temperature. If your partner gets hotter or colder than you (which is almost always the case) it will adapt to each of you so you are both at the right temperature throughout the night. Wool is the only fibre that can do this.

Second, being natural, it is ideal for allergy or asthma suffers. The Woolroom’s products are the only natural sleep solution endorsed by Allergy UK. Third, wool is non-flammable; so they pass all flammability regulations without the need to be sprayed with brominated flame retardants as other commercial mattresses need to be. You are sleeping on something 100% natural with no added chemicals.

Finally, wool products are beautiful, comfortable and desirable. Modern, classic

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design, with a choice of over 250 British made wool fabrics, you can tailor the bed exactly to your needs, and all at a price which is competitive with other high street retailers.

You can find out much more about the unique benefits of wool at their website at: www. thewoolroom.com/5reasons Chris Tattersall runs and owns the business and is a passionate advocate of wool. In his words: “Our complete sleep solution will deliver you the very best natural, healthy night’s sleep and will work with the individual in providing the ultimate in sleeping comfort.”

WHAT DO THE PUNTERS THINK? “I love your products very much and my sleep has much improved with your woollen pillows and the mattress topper, thank you for quick delivery!”

“Absolute bliss, the comfort of the mattress topper on a firmish bed for bad back giving support and comfort.”

“We have been so impressed that we’ve bought the all seasons duvet and deluxe pillows. The quality is excellent and the sleeping experience second to none. My morning asthma attacks and sneezing has gone and it is a joy to sleep in the warm summer nights. We’re so confident in the wool room’s products that we recently put an order in for a mattress! Can’t wait :)” “I ordered 3 woollen duvets and they arrived very promptly. We are very very happy with them and both children are sleeping very well. Our daughter who was also very “hayfevery” in the mornings is now totally cleared up now that we have removed the feather down duvet inners. I would recommend both the Wool Room and the duvets we got.”

To look at other reviews, visit www.reviews.co.uk and type in ‘the woolroom’ To see the products and find out the difference that wool products can make and how beautiful they look, just visit the store in Star Lane.

• The Wool Room, 8/9 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH. Tel: 01780 767927 www.thewoolroom.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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M O T O R ING

Paul Bailey with the LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 at Silverstone Photo: www.jakobebrey.com

“Collecting super cars is our passion” For most couples, owning just one car worth over £1 million might be a far off dream. But local businessman Paul Bailey and his wife Selena have amassed a collection comprising more than 70 of the world’s most exotic sports cars. And they are still collecting! Jonathan Craymer reports

P

AUL and Selena Bailey hit the headlines back in January when in a single day they became the only people on the planet to own three of the world’s fastest and most desirable cars – the so-called “Holy Trinity” of the motoring world.

On that particular Saturday morning they climbed into their £866,000 McLaren P1, drove to a Ferrari dealer in the Midlands to pick up the £1.2 million La Ferrari they’d ordered two years previously. Then Paul drove away in the vehicle (with Selena at the wheel of the McLaren) and the pair headed to a Porsche dealer in Cambridgeshire to pick up a brand-new 918 Spyder, completing the trio. These particular vehicles have one thing in common – they’re part of a new breed of incredibly fast cars employing hybrid technology to deliver fuel economy of up to 94 mpg.

All this was made possible by the couple selling their telecommunications business in 2012 for a reported £28 million. As I chat with them over coffee, Paul explains: “In 1982 when Margaret Thatcher deregulated telecoms, I was looking for a new challenge. I didn’t know much

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about it, but then unless you’d worked for the GPO, neither did anyone else! So I gave up a safe job and went self-employed, which was a big risk at the time.”

He’d met Selena when she was working at a former BMW dealership in Huntingdon – and in 2001 they set up the Worldwide Group in Peterborough - as Paul puts it, just to pay the bills.

An office was established in Peterborough which eventually began turning over £40 million a year. Is there a secret to their success?

“In telecoms, pricing is nearly always the same so in my opinion the differentiator is service. We did what we said we’d do,” adds Paul.

He was keen on cars and driving while still at school. Some of the older boys who’d already passed their tests allowed him to drive them on his provisional licence. He secured a loan (on which he paid interest) from his dad, enabling him to buy his first car. “I promised myself I’d own a Ferrari by the time I was 30. I missed the target and was actually 32 when I got the first one, but we now have 21!”

After selling the business even though he

was in his early 50s, Paul decided to take up race driving – something he clearly excels at it.

The company he set up, Horsepower Racing, hires some of his race cars out, and the revenue supports his racing activities. Currently he’s driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GT Cup where he’s leading his class, and it’s still only half-way through the season.

Paul’s first experience on a race track followed the purchase of his first brand-new Ferrari, when he was given tuition on a track with an instructor – something he thinks is extremely sensible, as it lets the driver know both theirs and the car’s limitations. “It teaches you safety tips like being able to steer around an obstacle while braking hard using the car’s ABS anti-skid system.”

Before leaving the race track, Paul was also given a go in a full-blown race-prepared Ferrari and guess what: he bought one.

“At first I used it for track days, just for fun, but people kept telling me I was good enough to race, so I did my first year and won the top class in the championship. When we sold the business, that gave me the funding to do it

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seriously. So I did some endurance racing. We won the top class of the British endurance championship – Brit Car - which consists of threehour races on average, with two drivers. And then we entered British GT in the GTC class, which I won, before moving up to the top class.

“To be perfectly honest it was a step too far. It’s still competitive racing, but I find it hard to celebrate being in the top 10. So I’ve moved one step down to a different championship and I’ve got a cabinet full of trophies from the start of the season.”

Paul chats about owning cars such as the La Ferrari costing unreal amounts of money, like someone of more modest means might talk about buying T-shirts. “You can’t just buy one of these cars - you have to be invited by the factory, as we were - by the president of Ferrari,” he beams proudly.

The Daily Mail covered the story of the La Ferrari and Porsche 918 being picked up that day. Paul and Selena had the whole event filmed, and soon realised the level of interest that ownership of the three amazing cars was creating. Also its usefulness as a way of raising money for charity. “Later in the year we want to take all three cars on three different race circuits to have them tested against each other, then film the whole exercise and charge £1 a time on YouTube. We’ve already raised £40,000 by allowing these cars to be shown at events, and we want to increase this to £100,000 by the end of the year,” says Paul.

“Originally we partnered with Bluebell Wood, a hospice for terminally ill children in Sheffield, but we’ve also raised money for Sporting Bears, another charity supporting soldiers who’ve lost limbs, Peterborough Cathedral, and yet another organisation helping racehorses re-train.”

Selena & Paul Bailey seated inside their LaFerrari

Some people might ask Paul why he doesn’t just give the money to charity instead of buying the cars in the first place?

“Admittedly it would be cheaper that way.

The point is we’re ploughing money into this to give people a chance to experience these cars.

One of the wonderful things is seeing the joy on the children’s faces. Some of these children are so ill, all they can do is sit in the car or just see the car from their wheelchair and say ‘Wow I’ve never seen a La Ferrari before’. Nobody in the world uses such cars like this. We’ve clocked up 15,000 miles on these cars in our charity work so far this year, which costs us a lot in terms of depreciation, but we don’t care.”

Selena – who also runs wedding service Serenity (previously featured in Nene and Stamford Living magazines) was born into the motor trade. Paul had been one of her best customers and when he learned she was intending to emigrate to Canada, he told her if

she gave him a week he’d convince her not to go. Successful salesman that he is, it took just four days!

The pair haven’t put the brakes on one iota in their buying zeal. Currently there are four cars on order, including the new Porsche GT 3RS, which was due to leave Germany the day after our interview (probably making it the first in the UK), a convertible Ferrari 458 Aperta (meaning ‘open’ in Italian) and two Lamborghinis – an Aventador SV (for delivery in 2016) and a Huracan Spyder.

Paul’s favourite car of all time? “Right now it would have to be the La Ferrari, simply because it’s taken me 22 years to get an invitation from the factory allowing me to buy one. There are multi billionaires who’ve had to go for secondhand as they couldn’t buy direct from Ferrari.

But for everyday enjoyment I’d say it’s my gullwinged-door Mercedes-Benz SLS. I just love that car and have done more miles in it than any of the others.”

Would he consider using one of the supercars as everyday transport? “Yes we do. The Lamborghini outside the front door I take to work almost every day. We’ve even taken the La Ferrari, a £2 millioncar in to town to get some shopping. We really do use them all the time. We just got back from Italy where we did just over 1000 miles in the Porsche 918.”

Paul reckons their collection is worth £18 million which he admits is a huge amount, especially as it’s three times more than their house is worth.

“But it’s a passion. I won’t sell any of them, however the children – we have four kids and three grandchildren – will do very well out of them. Right now we’re enjoying doing the charity work. We’ve been lucky in life and it’s nice to give something back.”

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P R OP E RT Y

‘Everything Matters’ at Norton Rickett Norton Rickett Estate Agents has just celebrated its third anniversary and are looking to the future with confidence, offering a highly distinctive service in the local property market. Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to visit them

Y

OU know as soon as you visit their offices to expect something different: a delightful cottage at the back of Wittering Grange Farm, with the door wide open and a warm welcome, proper coffee and biscuits.

Norton Rickett pride themselves on the breadth and depth of service. “To us, everything matters,” Nick Rickett, Director, told me. Together with his business partner Paul Norton and negotiator Louise Fox, they have 50 years combined experience in the estate agency business.

Norton Rickett specialise in local properties that offer fabulous lifestyle opportunities: properties with land, properties with swimming pools and tennis courts, barn conversions with stunning architectural features, quaint village cottages, classic Georgian properties with stunning, classic looks.

Their geographic reach extends to the border of Rutland to the west, Bourne and beyond to the north, Thorney to the east and Thrapston to the south.

And what makes the Norton Rickett service so notable?

First of all, excellent marketing and reach Norton Rickett’s marketing package is enviably good, comprising: • Professional Photography that truly captures the beauty of your home and its gardens – often taking a new angle or shot that will surprise you, perhaps an elevated view • High quality videos, giving your buyer a full sense of the ‘lifestyle’ your home offers.

Example videos can be viewed on the website • Top quality brochure – first class presentation and, very importantly, floor plan as standard • Press advertising; both in the local press and national magazines, including Country Life • A London office on the edge of Mayfair – a vital market, which accounts for up to 50% of viewings; instrumental in introducing new buyers, as well as securing editorial coverage for properties across a wide range of newspapers and magazines, including Country Life, The Field and The Week • Online marketing via Righmove and Zoopla which guarantees a broad reach, including enquires from overseas, including the USA, Europe and South-East Asia.

Secondly, good communication Norton Rickett is a close-knit team of three, all based in the same office, so that all information, both large and small, is immediately shared.

They take time to listen carefully to buyers, fine-tuning their requirements to provide them with an optimum set of properties to view, rather than bombard them with all properties in their price range

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Nick

Louise

Paul

Thirdly, full support right up to completion Nick explained: “We know that securing and negotiating an acceptable offer is only part of our responsibility. After sales encompasses a complicated process from accepting the offer right through to the new owner moving in. We never let up until a great result is achieved.”

and I had no need to be present. Regular progress information was provided, and Nick, Paul or Louise were always available to answer questions or provide advice. In all respects their service well exceeded expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending their agency to anyone.” April 2015

Client Satisfaction The best proof of all is that much new business now comes from referrals and new projects with existing clients.

Here are a few extracts from feedback you can see more of on their website: “Norton Rickett has been very professional but approachable agents. The sale of my property went through very smoothly. I could not have asked for a better service. I would highly recommend Norton Rickett.” July 2015

“We just wanted to thank you for all you effort in helping us sell our home recently. From our first meeting, when you valued our property, to securing our buyer and completing the transaction we can only praise your courtesy, expertise and common sense. Your (very polite) photographer took time and a great deal of care and we were more than happy with the results.

With a fantastic offer from our first viewing, through to a seamless completion we can’t see how it could have gone any better. So thank you Norton and Rickett for making what can be a difficult process such a success.”

December 2014 • Norton Rickett, Wittering Grange Cottage, Old Oundle Road, Wansford, PE8 6NR Tel: 01780 782 999 www.nortonrickett.co.uk

“I would like to express my complete satisfaction with the way NR dealt with the sale. The brochure was of the highest quality and promotion extensive but appropriate. Viewings were managed in conjunction with the tenant

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OU T & AB O UT

Heritage Open Days Sept 10th-13th Heritage Open Days are some of my favourite days of the year.

From knitters’ cottages to classic car shows, Tudor classrooms to Modernist factories, prisons to pumping stations, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Starting out in 1994 with just 700 sites, Heritage Open Days has grown from strength to strength to become England’s biggest and most popular annual heritage event.

This year, between 10th and 13th September, some 1,500 sites across the country will open their doors free of charge in a celebration of history, architecture and culture LINCOLNSHIRE For the past number of years, a theme has been set to run through Lincolnshire events.

This year it is ‘Tudor Lincolnshire’; a topic which could easily seem stale, but Heritage Lincolnshire have imaginatively revitalised.

Spalding’s Gentleman’s Society Museum invites you to join a Tudor household, as they set the table, challenge myths, discuss manners and sample sweetmeats, while at King’s School, Grantham you can learn about the Tudor classroom, in the same halls were Isaac Newton and Lord Burghley studied. At Woodhall Spa’s Edwardian Petwood Hotel, discover the architectural deceptions use to re-imagine the Spa Village and Petwood House as ‘Merrie England’. While the Grange & Links Hotel, Mablethorpe offers a chance to see John Lyly’s late 16th century play, “Gallathea”, which is set on a Lincolnshire coast and features a cruel Neptune threatening to drown the villagers unless a virgin is sacrificed to him.

If archaeology is what interests you, at Grimsthorpe Park, Bourne, a team will be on hand to present archaeological survey data of the site, enabling virtual exploration of Vaudey Abbey, built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey. Learn how its decline and destruction led to the construction of one of Lincolnshire’s finest houses.

It is disappointing to learn that Browne’s Hospital is the only site in Stamford taking part in this year’s event. Stamford has one of the richest histories and interesting townscapes in all of Britain; it would be wonderful to gain a glimpse of a buried crypt or tour the town with a historian. Hopefully next year more of an effort will be made. Luckily, however, in easy reach of Stamford, there are countless sites in which you can wander through history.

NOTTINGHAM In Nottingham this year, the embers of the industrial past glow once more. At the Framework Knitters’ Museum, you can explore the lives of the workers in preserved cottages and outbuildings, learning about the appalling

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working and living conditions which led to the Luddite Revolt. As the appeal of this craft unravelled, Nottingham’s lace industry developed; it developed to such heights that the town became the centre of the world’s lace industry. A tour of the Nottingham Industrial Museum weaves a tale from threads of the industrialists, the workers and the world-renowned lace itself.

Much unlike his forebears of industry, Jesse Boot, of Boots Pure Drug Co., sought to create a spacious, light and healthy environment for his workers. This, coupled, with the rapidly evolving production process, led to the development of the Boots D10 Building for wet production processes.

Built in the 1930s, the factory is an icon of British Modernism. Guided tours throughout the weekend take visitors through the interior and exterior, detailing the design and history of the building.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE To celebrate its glorious architectural legacy, Ely has a laid on a feast of heritage delights. Tours will take groups through the Old Porta – once the main entrance to the monastery, the courtroom and cells of Sessions House, and the 15th century Old Bishop’s Palace. There is also a general tour through the ancient paths and settlements of the town. At the magnificent Cathedral, the South Triforium will be accessible for a late night study of the stained glass, which spans from the 13th century right up to the present day.

Other fascinating buildings and events in the area include the Bridge Chapel at St Ives which dates from 1426. Chapels were built on bridges for the spiritual needs of travellers arriving in the town, yet they often served multiple purposes. In its lifetime the St Ives bridge chapel has been a home, toll-booth, pub and surgery…!

At Peterborough, visit a Napoleonic War Prison, which could hold 7,000 French prisoners.

Throughout the weekend, there will be tours charting the history of the war, building and site, as well as the results of a recent Time Team dig.

As such, I cannot urge you enough to go out and explore this weekend, to discover some of the richness and wonder written across every street for yourself.

• To learn more about the events and to find a place to explore near you, visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

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

September Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

L

AST month the Rugby World Cup Trophy visited Rutland and to mark this event a team of runners from Oakham RFC ran a rugby ball, donated by Rutland Sports, along a 15 mile route in order to raise money for Air Ambulance. The run started in the Market Place and was completed by Club Chairman, Simon Harries, who carried the ball across the water to Sykes Lane, coinciding with the arrival of the Rugby World Cup Trophy and staging of the O2 Touch Rugby Tournament. Rain, thankfully, didn’t spoil play – see page 4.

Uppingham Town Cricket Club welcomed England’s Barmy Army and the Lord’s Taverners on the Leicestershire leg of their #BAT2015 tour as well last month –on a much sunnier day. The aim of the tour was to raise money for the Lord’s Taverners, a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged children experience a wide variety of sports and activities. The event raised almost £5000, which the Cricket Club has since rounded up. Barmy Army MD and founder member Paul Burnham was delighted with the show put on by the club after what had been an indifferent start to their tour: “I can hardly believe what they have done; it is amazing the amount of work and the lengths that the club have gone to. There has been some real vision and enthusiasm and Uppingham Town have really bought into the spirit of what this tour is all about. We are sure that this will be our number one day in the entire tour programme.”

Uppingham Town Cricket Club would like to thank all the players, officials: John Hurst and Bill Whittaker (umpires) and Malcolm Rawlings (scorer) sponsors and everybody present on the day for their help in making the event such a success for the charity. Some pics from Jon Wolloff on page 4.

Well done Rultand!

Abigail @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

SoJo Home

Creating beautiful spaces

sojohome.co.uk

4 Editor’s Selection 36 Education The Rugby World Cup Trophy Comes to Rutland and Uppingham hosts the Barmy Army

6 Fashion

Autumn/Winter Season Previews

11 Health and Beauty

Post Summer Hair Rescue

16 Food and Drink The Rise and Rise of the Thurlby Empire

18 Eating Out

The Lake Isle, Uppingham and The Country Lounge Café Bar, Morcott

20 Food and Drink Hedgerow Forays

34 Education

How to Get the Most of Open Mornings and School Visits

54 Out and About

Updates

Activities for Children this Autumn

39 Arts and Culture

59 Local History

Uppingham Unsung

The Oakham Signal Box

41 Design Interiors

62 Local History

A Hint of Nostalgia in Market Harborough

Thomas Cook of Market Harborough

42 Design Interiors

64 Seaside Strolls

Fusion Styling in Rutland

Cromer to Sheringham

45 Design Solutions 68 Motoring Delcor in focus

Safe Journey

46 Shops and Services

Harborough Happenings

48 Shops and Services

70 Local Businesses

The Wool Room’s Complete Sleep Experience

74 Motoring

Upp Property Developments

Super Cars!

50 Shops and Services

76 Property

53 Diary Dates

78 Days Out

The Norton Rickett difference

Updates from Rutland What’s on in our region this month

Heritage Open Days

Pages 25 - 31 Burghley Horse Trials Special Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

Rutland Living & Market Harborough Living Covers: Thanks to Sarah Hatherill, a brand artist who creates bespoke artistic pieces for businesses, homes and gardens. You can view her gallery at www.wellstreetstudio.co.uk. See page 59.

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

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Visits Rutland

Uppingham Town Cricket Club and England’s Barmy Army

See page 3 for further details 4

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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F ASHI ON

Oakham may be small but, in fashion terms, it’s perfectly formed! It boasts some of the best and most stylish boutiques around. Vanessa Hollander gives you the lowdown on some of the fabulous shops and what to seek out for the coming autumn/winter season

Fabulous, Fashionable

Oakham!

DUO

www.duoboutique.co.uk 29a High Street, Oakham This fabulous little shop sells the ever popular A Postcard from Brighton brand alongside others such as Cream, Yest and Fransa.

They also sell a fantastic range of jewellery and accessories as well as a selection of hats for all occasions.

Duo has been opened for a year now and its owners Gail and Pam have created a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in which to buy some equally lovely, casual clothes.

New for autumn/winter: New brands Yest, Ichi, Olga Berg handbags and Numph – all offering relaxed yet stylish dressing at its best.

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FORDS DEPARTMENT STORE

www.fordsofoakham.co.uk 8 Church Street, Oakham Fords is Rutland’s only department store and definitely worth a visit. In fashion terms, they cater for both men and women with a selection of quality and affordable, mid-priced fashion brands. Esprit, EDC, Sandwich, First Avenue, Masai and more.

They also have a lingerie department with expert fitting advice and a wide range of styles in bras, swimwear and nightwear.

Tip for autumn/winter: quite simply, pop into Fords. You never know what you might find whether that’s beautiful lingerie, a fashion ‘find’ or great gift ideas.

CAVELLS

www.cavells.co.uk 16 Mill Street, Oakham This iconic boutique sells beautiful, luxury designer brands for both men and women. It’s synonymous with style, sophistication and quality. Fashion brands such as Joseph, Weekend by Max Mara, Michael Kors, Maison Scotch, Paul Smith, Equipment, Armani, Cocoa Cashmere and Chinti & Parker sit alongside shoe brands such as Ash, Penelope Chilvers, Hudson and 87 Vic Matie. Added to this, a selection of bags by Mulberry and Michael Kors and you have one of the most beautiful and well stocked boutiques you will find outside London.

Cavells offers investment dressing at its best. However, don’t despair if you’re on a budget, they have truly amazing sales and a permanent sale corner.

New for autumn/winter: Check out their new brands Munthe, a mid-price range, casual Scandinavian brand; Joie who make adorable silk shirts and Cocoa Cashmere if you’re looking for a beautiful winter jumper.

CAVELLS COUNTRY

www.cavellscountry.co.uk The Old Mill Yard, South Street, Oakham Just around the corner from the main Mill Street store is Cavells Country which houses brands synonymous with a more relaxed, weekend style for both men and women. In this spacious and beautifully laid out store you will find brands such as White Stuff, Avoca, Barbour, Dubarry, Ilse Jacobsen, Gant, Hackett, UGG and Levis.

Plus, it’s great for active wear such as wellies, boots and country clothing.

Tip for autumn/winter: a pair of Ilse Jacobsen boots – a stylish alternative to wellies and definitely worth the investment.

VANILLA

COCO

29 High Street, Oakham Women’s footwear brands such as Paul Green, Peter Kaiser, K&S and more sit alongside jewellery from Hultquist in this stylish shoe shop.

You’ll find a great variety of shoe and boot styles in a range of fantastic colours, together with quality leather bags, belts and purses.

Tip for autumn/winter: Look no further this autumn for your perfect pair of boots and new footwear brand Paula Urban, as well as beautiful bags from Abro.

BAUBLES & BANGLES

www.vanillaboutique.co.uk 23b Mill Street, Oakham Don’t let the small front of this shop fool you, once you step through the door it’s a haven of calm and loveliness and much bigger than it looks! Inside you’ll find brands such as Masai, the iconic MAC Jeans, Hartford, Marie Mero and the quirky Bellerose. Alongside a fabulous selection of clothes is stunning and well priced jewellery, bags and also Neom candles.

Tip for autumn/winter: a pair of MAC jeans – you’ll wear them every day!

www.baublesandbangles.co.uk 2-4 New Street, Oakham Baubles and Bangles is like stepping into accessory heaven! Costume jewellery in an amazing range of styles and colours to suit every budget. They also have a great range of brilliantly priced fashion pieces that won’t break the budget aimed at all ages from teenagers onwards.

Tip for autumn/winter: pop in for a spontaneous treat which won’t break the bank and browse their fabulous range of scarves and accessories to transform existing outfits.

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• RL September ADS.indd 10

19/08/2015 14:09

HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Whilst the sun might be responsible for our gorgeous, golden tans, it can also hold its hands up to our frizzy, straw-like hair! Catherine Varney goes in search of some TLC for our parched tresses…

GET ON TREND:

If you fancy trying something new with your hair, then now’s the time. Leah Burnell from Head Candy in Market Harborough told me her predictions for autumn/winter style: “This season will see a blend of oriental and western influences fusing together to create a new fashion for hair with adornments such as grips, clips and hair pieces added for a look of ethnic opulence. Traditional hairdressing techniques will be ‘undone’ to make them look effortless and lived-in although if you’re looking to impress then hair up and braiding will look perfect for a night out. If you’re planning on changing your colour then earthy shades with metallic finishes will be popular and will add to the rich and luxurious feel of the season.”

Post-Summer Hair Rescue COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL:

One of the best ways to get rid of brassy, over-bleached hair is to warm it up with a glossy new colour. Daniel Adams from William Wheelwright Hair Salon in Church Street, Oakham, told me about his favourite autumn/winter colour trends: “I saw some great new looks on the catwalk when I was working backstage at fashion week and we can’t wait to use them on our clients so they can start the new season in style. One of the hottest looks was ‘Ronze’ – a colour mash up of red and bronze (think Christina Hendricks and Julianne Moore). Red hair can look beautiful when done correctly: it needs to be shiny and multi-tonal not flat and dull. Putting lighter highlights through an auburn base creates a softer shade with a pearlescent shimmer making it more flattering to your complexion.”

The talented team at Barrie Stephen in Leicester are also big fans of feminine shades for autumn: “Pearly pastels were huge in summer and they’re going nowhere. This trend has captured the hearts of fashion forward females and will continue to top the trend reports throughout autumn. Think subtle flashes of lilacs, silvers, corals and pinks. If you’re a blonde, this iridescent trend is killer: it gives depth, adds warmth and is easy and non-permanent. It’s especially perfect for short, layered styles and gives any look an edge” says Neil.

But if you’re happy with your current colour and would just prefer your hair to look a little healthier then Thomas Potts from Thomas Hairdressing has some advice: “Why not try a clear gloss? It’s lovely and nourishing and can either be applied after a regular colour or simply as a stand-alone product to give depth and shine to your natural hair. It’s cheaper than having a full head colour and even better, there’s no re-growth, so is a great and cost-effective way to give hair a new lease of life.”

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY CLEVER HAIR SAVERS:

Go nutty for the power of Macademia nut oil with the range of Macadamia Professional products. The range comprises three levels of products for all hair types – Weightless Moisture for very fine hair, Nourishing Moisture for medium to coarse hair textures and Ultra Rich Moisturise for hair that is very coarse, thick and curly. In addition to macadamia oil, the products contain argan oil and omegas to intensely moisturise the hair without weighing it down. For sun damage try the fabulous Nourishing Moisture Masque as a once a week treat (£29.70). Available online from www. macadamiahair.co.uk.

Enhance your visit to the salon with an add-on moisturising treatment to improve the condition of your hair. Sally, from Barnsdale Spa uses the latest Wella colours and told me: “If you’re getting your hair cut or coloured and are a bit concerned that it’s been damaged by too much sun, sea or the use of straightening irons, then we offer the Bed Head Colour Goddess Moisturising Mask which is an in-salon treatment for £6.

NEW SALON NEWS:

Uppingham’s favourite hair salon, Essence is relocating to bigger and better premises from the beginning of September. Previously based slightly off the high street in Crown Passage, proprietor Kate told me that they will soon be working from the huge former HSBC building in Market Place: “Our new venture is going to be something quite different: we’ve gone for a real luxurious feel and a high-end finish with walnut floors and crystal chandeliers to ensure our clients feel truly pampered.” As the only Aveda salon in Rutland, Kate and her team will still offer premium colour and cutting services and will also be joined by the 10A Beauty team from Uppingham so they can offer a full hair and beauty service under one roof. Watch this space for more exciting updates in a later edition of Rutland & Market Harborough Living.

GLOW It combines keratin, Provitamin B5 and penetrating oils with moisturising and conditioning ingredients that help smooth the cuticle for a really glossy shine whilst enhancing hair colour vibrancy and depth.”

New from the fabulous Recoffee range of O’Right Hair products is the Hair Oil – a repairing treat which is extracted from 100% recycled coffee grounds and an excellent source of antioxidants. Organic silicone is added to the oil to mend dry ends and damaged scales – simply smooth on after towel drying hair for an ultra-glossy finish. Available from O’Hair Salon in Kibwoth.

DIRECTORY: Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 756561 and High Street, Melton Mowbray, www. thomashairdressing.co.uk O’hair and Beauty, 5-7 Station Street, Kibworth, Tel: 0116 279 1144, www.ohairandbeauty.co.uk Essence, 7 Market Place, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822715 Barnsdale Spa, Oakham, Rutland, Tel: 01572771313, www. barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barrie Stephen Hair, 12 King Street, Leicester, Tel: 0844 445 2888, www.barriestephenhair.co.uk (also in Anstey, Ashby and Narborough) William Wheelwright, 16 Church Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757137, www.williamwheelwright.co.uk Head Candy, 26 Church Street, Market Harborough, Tel: 01858 464395, www.headcandy-mh.com GLOW, Barnsdale Lodge, Oakham, Tel: 01572 720611 Browns Re-loaded, 9 Church Square, Market Harborough, Tel: 0844 999 8365, www.browns-hair.co.uk

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The latest place to be causing a buzz in GLOW and around Oakham is GLOW, the stylish new boutique salon at Barnsdale Lodge.

Owned and run by Gemma Frisby who has previous experience as an Artistic Director, this contemporary salon offers a unique area in which to sit back and relax or catch up with your work if you need. Gemma told me: “I wanted to create a space, away from the hustle and bustle of the high street to enable clients to take a few hours out of their busy days when they’re getting their hair done. Each client has their own dressing table station which comes equipped with wifi codes and chargers if they need to work – plus nail files and nail polish if they fancy just chilling out.”

Gemma specialises in cutting and colouring and uses the very latest L’Oreal products whilst Senior Stylist Catherine is available for all of your wedding and occasion hair needs. Make the most of your time there and order lunch or a snack to be delivered to your chair – the delectable Barnsdale Lodge menu is at every dressing table to tempt you!

Plus there’s plentiful free parking right outside the door to make your visit as easy and as stressfree as possible.

Popular Market Harborough Salon, Browns have opened a second salon in the town, Browns Re-loaded. Located at 9 Church Square, Browns Re-Loaded will feature an exciting look over two levels. With a cooler, more contemporary feel it boasts special features including a colour lounge where clients sit around a large marble table to relax or chat as opposed to sitting at a mirrored work station. Browns Re-Loaded will be run by Elizabeth Sismey who has worked for Browns for three years and has ten years’ experience in the industry. Opening offers include half price colour for clients who book in for a full price cut and finish on a Thursday throughout the year (except December).

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

The rise and rise of the

Thurlby empire From the Tobie Norris in Stamford to the Lord Nelson in Oakham to the Prince Rupert in Newark, Michael Thurlby has the magic touch… By Matt Wright, founder of Great Food Club

A

S someone with fond memories of enjoying the odd pint in the old Black Bull pub – tucked away down Stamford Walk – in the late 1990s, I’ve always followed local publican extraordinaire Michael Thurlby’s exploits with interest. I could be mistaken, but I believe the Black Bull – now PJ’s Bed & Breakfast at The Black Bull – was Mr Thurlby’s first hostelry, and over the proceeding years he’s bought The Periwig (remember when it was The Marsh Harrier?), The Tobie Norris and The Crown Hotel in Stamford, plus The Lord Nelson in Oakham and Bourne pubs Smith’s and The Jubilee. Last but not least, Michael’s pub portfolio also includes The Prince Rupert in Newark. He has also previously run The Exeter Arms at Easton on the Hill and The White Hart at Ufford.

Something of a local legend, Michael Thurlby clearly has a knack for pubs – both restoring and running them – and Stamford pub goers in particular can be thankful for his hard work, passion and investment. The Tobie Norris is one of the best pub restoration jobs you’ll see anywhere, and the Crown today feels like the thriving town centre pub/hotel it

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always had the potential to be. And none of this has been achieved just by writing cheques, getting the builders in and sitting back. Many readers will have seen Michael collecting glasses in his own inns, getting his hands dirty as if he were a trainee. He’s also known for rising at 5am most mornings to help out on his family farm in Tallington.

Five of the seven pubs owned by Michael Thurlby – all except The Periwig and The Jubilee – have recently been branded together under the name ‘Knead Pubs’, which in total now employs 190 staff. I went to catch up with Knead operations manager Ross Dykes and group executive chef Nick Buttress at The Crown Hotel to find out more…

WHY ARE YOU CALLED ‘KNEAD PUBS’?

Nick: “The name relates to ‘kneading’ dough and refers to the fact that we serve freshly-made stonebaked pizza – baked in special pizza ovens imported from Italy – in all Knead Pubs except The Crown, although The Crown might start to offer them soon, too.”

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Ross: “We decided to create Knead Pubs because Mick [Thurlby] wanted the brand to mean something rather than just be his surname, and to link all the sites together, under one umbrella. We also wanted to communicate that fact that you can walk into any Knead pub and feel confident that you will get the same level of quality. Our five pubs might look and feel different, and offer different menus, but the same general high standards applies at each.”

WHAT IS THE KNEAD PHILOSOPHY? Ross: “One of our ‘things’ at Knead is we’re forever reinvesting and changing things to stay fresh – we know that as soon as we stop, we’ll be overtaken. For example, The Tobie Norris didn’t used to serve food on Fridays and Saturdays, but now it’s a critical part of the offering. Similarly, at Smith’s of Bourne we only used to serve baguettes, but now food makes up 50 per cent of the revenue. Sunday night dining has also gone through the roof at all our sites. The market is constantly evolving and we’re constantly adapting to it. Stamford is doing brilliantly compared to five years ago – the Burghley Horse Trials have doubled in size, the Rutland Water Bird Fair has quadrupled, plus there are lots of regular big events at Burghley House – and it’s great to be able to respond to the town’s changing needs and generally play a role here.”

DO YOU SOURCE YOUR INGREDIENTS LOCALLY? Nick: “All lamb and beef (Lincoln Red) come from Andy’s [Michael’s brother’s] farm in Tallington. We like to use the entire animal

where possible – and by the way, Oakham folk like their lambs’ liver! It doesn’t seem to go down anywhere near as well at our other sites. The farm also supplies us with asparagus and whatever falls off the trees, from quince to apples to blackberries.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR KNEAD PUBS? Ross: “The Periwig is our next project. We are thinking of changes next year but are still in discussions as to what we might do. At The Crown we’ve already reinvested a huge amount – we’ve finished the lounge and we’re about 70 per cent through bedrooms – but we have around two years’ work ahead of us. We’ll be refreshing the bar next. We’re also on the hunt for new Knead Pub sites in towns like Lincoln and Cambridge.

Watch this space.”

About the writer

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

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

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

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EA T I NG O UT

The Lake Isle, Uppingham Abigail Richardson and Polly Rubenstein put the world to rights over an elegant lunch

A

hidden gem, The Lake Isle offers superb service and excellent food in their 2 AA Rosettes restaurant. Here you can enjoy an informal weekday lunch, an indulgent afternoon tea or fine dining from the à la carte menu. The menu changes regularly to include local produce and seasonal ingredients.

The lunch menu is extensive; one can choose from a simple toasted sandwich (actually not so simple – Stilton and mushroom or Goats’ cheese and basil roasted summer vegetables for example) with a side salad from a reasonable £5.50 or an Omelette with Focaccia bread and a side salad for £7.95 (Smoked salmon, prawn and asparagus please!).

There is also a selection of pastas – Polly was portion was very generous. pleased to see that gluten free was available I opted for the Glazed goats’ cheese, and ‘Classic’ offerings which include delicacies beetroot, apple and walnut salad, rye croutons such as Salmon and smoked haddock fishcakes with balsamic-honey dressing and it was with homemade tartar sauce and dressed fabulous – delicate, beautifully presented and, in leaves (£8.50) or Spicy lentil cakes with red my opinion, a bargain at £7.95 – I often opt for a onion, coriander and mint salsa, warm mango goats’ cheese salad but never have I had one so dressing, served with a small side salad (£7.95). elegant or flavoursome.

Polly chose the Crispy filo wrapped king We shared the Iced honey yogurt parfait, prawns and salmon goujons, soya seed and peach and apricot compote with pistachio vegetable noodle salad, wasabi-cucumber madeleines but I wished we’d ordered two! It mayonnaise dip (£9.75), which she thoroughly was delicious, light and very tasty. Peppermint enjoyed – succulent prawns, subtle oriental tea for two and we walked away extremely flavours and good value for money as the

satisfied. And this is just the lunch menu! See the website for dinner menus and special offers.

Apart from great food, value for money and excellent service, another of Richard’s (owner) passions is wine and there is a choice of over 160 different wines from 11 countries and a selection of 20 champagnes in the extensive wine cellar.

• The Lake Isle 16 High Street East, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeisle.co.uk

Country Lounge Café Bar A

new all-day diner has just opened at the Morcott Services on the A47. Run by the son and father team of Bradley and Alan Freeman, previously well-known from running the Royal Oak at Duddington, this is a whole new departure for them, but with the same high standards of cooking and hospitality.

They have created a light, open, modern, quirky space which is incredibly inviting, with sliding windows opening out on to a great view of the Welland Valley.

Food is home cooked and available all day – be it for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea (the cakes looked great) or a proper three course dinner. Sunday lunch is a particular speciality. It is full licensed.

“We want to cater for every need,” Bradley told us, “people passing through the area, but also the locals from the surrounding villages.

We had so many folk from Barrowden and Morcott on the opening night!”

Give it a go; this is something quite different and distinct in the region.

• Opening hours: 07.30am-10pm MonFri, 10.30am-10pm Sat/Sun A47 Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DL, Tel: 01572 748731

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HOTEL & RESTAURANT, HAMBLETON, OAKHAM, RUTLAND, LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

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F O OD & DRI N K

Hedgerow Forays

By Deborah Pennell

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UTUMN is on its way, the days are getting shorter and on 23rd September we celebrate the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are of equal length.

The hedgerows are laden with Free Food and if you are super efficient you can even get a few Christmas presents sorted out. Preserve Autumn fruits in jams, jellies and chutneys.

Or make wonderful wines and spirits that ‘knock your socks off’! Great presents for your Granny, Uncle or a distant Cousin, who turns up out of the blue. They also make wonderful gifts for friends if you are asked out for dinner. You can now readily buy jam jars, bottles and Kilner jars as well as sets for finishing off your homemade offerings, which include labels, paper or material tops and ribbon. However, I tend to go for the more rustic look using luggage labels, garden string and some hessian to cover the lids of jars. After all these ingredients have come straight from Mother Earth.

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A mini compendium of Hedgerow Harvest Apples Blackberries (Brambles) Possibly, the most abundant free food at this time of year. They are normally ripe to pick around mid September, depending on the season, and will freeze, preserve, dry and bottle well. A large number of chutneys have apple added as they are a great bulk ingredient.

They are also high in pectin, which is important for setting jellies and jams. Apples marry fabulously with Pork. Try a delicious recipe with Pork cutlets, baked apple, sherry and rosemary. Dry out apples sprinkled with the spices cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla to make great tasting apple chips. Make your apple sauce to accompany all those winter roasts and pop it in sealed bags in the deep freeze, bottle mincemeat for your Christmas mince pies, make chutney to accompany cold meats and Apple cider to drink. What a versatile fruit.

Beechnuts Beech trees only crop every 3 – 4 years.

Beechnuts are bitter and have a high tanin content so should not be eaten in large quantities. They can be toasted and eaten as a snack food, processed to make beechnut butter or added to stews.

Bilberry (Whortleberry) Related to our shop bought blueberries, these smaller and more flavoursome berries are found on low growing shrubs in nutrient poor soils and often in wooded areas. Painstakingly slow to harvest by hand or using a bilberry comb or rake they are really worth the time and effort. They can be found locally in Wakerley Woods, just outside Stamford; but be aware, when picking these tiny gems, as they are very fragile and stain fingers, lips and tongues with their blood red juice. Whilst researching the bilberry I came across a story of WWII RAF pilots, which relates that they used to consume bilberry jam to sharpen their vision for night missions. However, this myth has been dispelled in a recent study by the US Navy, which found they have no such effect. Eat bilberries fresh, poach them and have them on pancakes, bottle them, make sorbet or try your hand at making a wonderful Bilberry liqueur.

Blackberries are normally picked from early September onwards until the first frost, although we already have some ripe ones appearing on the bushes around here and its only mid August! They are ripe when they are black and soft, not mushy. Be prepared for scratched hands and legs, especially if you, like me, reach deep into the bushes, they are seriously prickly! Rich in Vitamin E & C, potassium, soluble fibre and protective polyphenols, blackberries have been ranked among the top 50 foods for antioxidant potency. They freeze well, make great jelly, fabulous spirits and liqueurs, can be used in lots of pudding recipes and accompany rich meats like venison and pigeon really well. Try making an Autumn Pudding (a spin on the more well known Summer pudding), coulis for ice-cream, add them to muffins and red cabbage to make a lovely Autumn vegetable. Steep in brandy, vodka or gin as a winter warmer.

Editor’s note: take a stepladder; then you can reach the blackberries no-one but the birds can reach (but you will get odd looks)

Bullace This is a variety of plum similar to a Damson yet smaller. It is an old-fashioned hedgerow plant and some areas have more availability than others. Normally only suitable for cooking, they are too tart to the palate when raw. Harvest late September to early October. Use in recipes like Bullace Jam, Bullace Pie, Pickle them, or make Bullace Wine or Vodka.

Crab Apples A small apple, found in myriad colours ranging from yellow, through to deep plum purple.

They are rarely eaten raw as they are so sour tasting. Once cooked they provide an amazing vivid ruby coloured juice. Use them to make jellies; they are high in pectin so this is one jelly I can always guarantee sets well.

Last year I made crab apple and chilli jelly, which is great with cheeses and crab apple and mint jelly, which is a great accompaniment to Roast Lamb. It looks great jarred up and makes a really lovely gift. Alternatively, pickle them or turn them into chutney or fabulously bold wine.

There are masses of trees along the A43 where I have regularly seen people ‘scrumping’ – apart from a thorough wash to get rid of the pollution these fruit are good to go.

Damsons Wild Damsons are tricky to find. Don’t get them confused with a plump sloe, they are both the size of a small olive and look very similar with their dark bluish skin and same greyish tinge.

The main distinguishing feature being their shape. The sloe is round and the wild damson is slightly elongated, almost the shape of a rugby ball. Another great fruit for adding to vodka and gin and they make a mean wine. They are great for jams, jellies and chutneys, cobblers, icecream and go wonderfully well with chocolate so add them to a favourite brownie recipe for an Autumn twist – even better if they’ve been steeped in alcohol first, but don’t forget to take the stones out! They create a rich and vibrant sauce, a great accompaniment to both sweet and savoury dishes – serve with a baked orange cheesecake or perfectly pink duck breasts.

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F OOD & DRI N K

Elderberry

Quince

Elderberries grow abundantly in our hedgerows and if you missed steeping their flowers for cordial or wine earlier in the season then don’t miss out on their fantastic berries.

Medicinally, elderberry has been used for hundreds of years. Tests record a measurable effect in treating flu, helping with allergies and boosting respiratory health.

I think this is one of the fruits you need to be most careful about picking. It has a small black shiny berry, which is similar, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, to Privet, Common buckthorn and Dogwood. So do take care as some of these plants are poisonous. Elderberries themselves are poisonous too if eaten raw, as they contain a poisonous alkaloid, this is rendered harmless when cooked. Most commonly turned into jelly, you will also find recipes for elderberry marmalade, wine, liqueur and cordial.

This ancient hedgerow fruit is green with a furry jacket when immature but ripens to a bright yellow.

They remain hard to the touch.

Toe curlingly tart if eaten raw, but delicious when cooked with the addition of tooth rotting quantities of sugar.

The syrup produced tends to be pale amber in colour with hints of vanilla, pineapple and lemon blossom to taste. They are easy to prepare and give off a fantastic fragrance. Treat them like a traditional pear or apple – peel, core and chop. Use to add texture to crumbles, make a quince tart tatin, poach to accompany ice-cream or meats, make quince paste (membrillo) or a winter warming Quince liqueur.

Gorse

Rosehips

The bright yellow flowers of this thorny bush are edible and have a very slight aroma and flavour of coconut. Obviously thick gloves are a good idea when harvesting this free food. Having braved the thorns, the flowers can be turned into cordial, steeped for wine.

Gorse syrup can be churned into ice-cream to make a delicious light coconut flavour dessert which can be decorated with crystallised gorse flowers.

Known to contain as much as 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges, to be an excellent antioxidant and associated with good immune support and alleviation of chronic pain. Harvest preferably after the first frost, as this is when they are sweetest. Choose hips that are firm with a slight give in the skin and bright red or orange in colour. Over ripe hips are sweet but have lost much of their Vitamin C. Although hips can be eaten raw, care must be taken to avoid the fine hairs inside the fruit, which as it happens, are used in the preparation of itching powder! Use to make herbal teas, jams, jellies and chutney. Rosehip vinegar is a fabulous

Hawthorn Haws should be picked late in the season, October and November, ideally when they are as ripe as possible. They are easy to pick but come off the plant with lots of stems. These aren’t required, so need to be removed before cooking. Eaten straight from the bush they don’t taste very exciting, a bit like a dry under ripe apple. Once cooked they produce a deep ruby coloured pulp similar in colour to the berries themselves which is high in pectin and can be used to make jelly. Hawthorn Schnapps is a very potent ‘blow your head off’ alcohol but I think my favourite way to deal with Hawthorn berries is to turn them into ketchup.

Mirabelles (Cherry Plums) Depending on the weather you can still find Mirabelle plums around in early September. This is a semi wild plum, about the size of a 10p piece and generally yellow in colour blushed with red.

Containing a high pectin level it is again great for jams and jellies. De-stoned and poached they make a lovely accompaniment to rack of lamb and there is no reason why you couldn’t use them as an alternative to commercially cropped plums in any recipe.

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5 Top tips for Hedgerow Foraging

• Carry a walking stick with a curved handle for reaching those higher branches, or if all else fails a hockey stick. A pair of thick gloves is also a good idea.

• Do not access land without permission.

Personally I think fruit, nuts and flowers situated next to a public highway or footpath are fair game but some farmers may feel otherwise. Never forget that this Free Food is also a crucial food source for our wild birds and animals to see them through the winter months so always pick with this in mind.

• Soft fruit bruises easily therefore take lots of containers so you don’t have to stack the fruit too thickly • If you feel it is necessary, wash the fruit.

Only wash it when you are about to use it as some varieties bruise easily and will turn mushy • Finally, and most importantly, DO NOT harvest anything unless you can readily identify it.

colour as is the wine and, of course, the syrup.

They can even be used as an effective hangover cure! Another idea is to steep fresh berries in the syrup to add extra flavour to fruit salads, Eton Mess or your morning bowl of porridge.

Rowan Clusters of bright orange-red berries, they are a really good source of Vitamin A & C. It is not advisable to eat this berry raw due to its high astringent properties. Most frequently used to make jelly, which marries perfectly with Autumn game and rich meats such as lamb.

They can also be steeped in alcohol such as vodka.

Sloe Berries Sloes are the fruit of the blackthorn. This year the bushes are laden with this black berry, which on close inspection looks like a miniature plum and has a waxy bloom.

Don’t rush to pick these quite yet though, as they will be sweeter after the first frosts, so normally, October–early November. Be careful when harvesting as blackthorn is known for its savage thorns. Use to make delicious Sloe Gin or Sloe Whisky, turn into jam, add to fruit pies or preserve in vinegar.

Sweet Chestnuts Not to be confused with normal chestnuts these are generally ready for picking from mid October onwards. Encased in a densely spined, pin sharp shell they look like mini-green hedgehogs. The shell case will burst open to reveal 2 to 3 chestnuts but you have to beat the squirrels to them. They can be eaten on their own with a little salt or added to risottos, pies and tarts.

Wild Hazel (Cobnuts) Available to pick in early Autumn they grow in clusters of 2 or 3 and can be eaten straight from the tree whilst they are still green.

Another of the squirrels favourite foods, they seem to have an unerring sense of when they are ripe. Cobnuts are the cultivated form of wild hazel and are readily available at Farmers’ Markets and good greengrocers. They are great roasted as a snack food, ground into pesto or added to stews.

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BARNSDALE LODGE

CHRISTMAS SEASON 2015

Christmas Lunch/Dinner Available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec & Lunch Thurs 24th Dec. Booking essential From £18.00 pp 2 courses Private Dining available - complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 + Traditional Sunday Lunch - £21.95 pp 3 courses will be served on Sundays

Festive Party Nights DINNER/disco in the barn A selection of dates throughout December.

Private parties can be arranged, subject to availability. £28.50 pp (Sun-Thurs) pp | £30 pp (Fri/Sat)

FESTIVE LUNCH

‘let us drive you home!’

Wednesday 23rd December - £22.50 pp • Table magician • 4 course lunch • Free transport within a 10 mile radius – must be pre-booked

CHRISTMAS BALL 2015 Saturday 19th December £49.50 pp • Champage Reception • 4 Course Dinner • Dancing to live band ‘Fat Chance’ • Black Tie

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £85 pp for 5 course lunch. Booking essential.

christmas packageS Please call for details of our Xmas packages in the hotel and our Self-Catered Retreats

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

www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

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MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

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

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

Barnsdale Hall Hotel

New Year's Eve Black & White Ball £79.50 per person Champagne and canapé reception from 7pm, followed by dinner at 8pm prompt, a 5 course dinner to follow, table magician and music followed by the chimes of Big Ben and disco music to the small hours. Seating arrangements will be available in tables of 8 upwards.

Individual couples and parties of 6 and below will be put onto tables of 8 sharing. This is an adults only event, no children are permitted.

Stay the night and enjoy our late New Year’s Day Breakfast from £95 per room Why not make a special break of the New Year and stay for an extra night for just £74.50 Bed and Breakfast

Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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 £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses Set 3 course menu £15.95 a head Served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm.

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month. Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

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

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

Tel: 01572 757901

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

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OU T & AB OUT

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015 Amander Meade speaks to Carole Pendle about the world famous equestrian competition taking place in Stamford this month About the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

With over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors, six hundred plus trade stands, eighty top international competitors and a prize fund of £225,000 this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will be a far cry from the inaugural event, which took place within the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in 1961, more than fifty years ago.

Today the televised, multi-award winning Event has become one of the most popular and highly regarded within the equestrian calendar and is one of just six CCI Four Star events in the World (the toughest level of equestrian competition) with Burghley considered the most challenging.

Who goes?

Burghley attracts a wide range of visitors.

Horse lovers from across the globe travel to Stamford to watch the very best in equestrian sport. However, Burghley is also a much loved social event. Many visitors know little or nothing about horses, but enjoy the opportunity to socialise with friends and explore the extensive shopping village.

Who are the riders and their mounts?

Around eighty horse and rider combinations will compete at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year. Only the very best combinations take part. This year a strong antipodean presence is anticipated, headed by last year’s champion New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson.

Another former winner, Australian Andrew Hoy, who is now based in nearby Sombery is also expected to enter. William Fox Pitt, the UK’s leading eventer is likely to head the British challenge.

Describe the course

The course is designed by Captain Mark Phillips and is considered the toughest equestrian challenge in the eventing world. It consists of forty five jumping efforts, located across the stunning Capability Brown parkland that surrounds Burghley House.

This year the course will be in reverse formation and while the details remain under wraps, some traditional Burghley favourites like the enormous Cottesmore Leap (1.45metres in high and a huge 3metres wide) and the Trout Hatchery, which has seen many riders take a splash, continue to feature.

Tips for a first time attendee

To get a real insight into the competition and the horses and riders, consider coming along to the Wednesday afternoon horse inspection which takes place in the main arena. Thursday and Friday are dressage days, Saturday the action packed cross country day, before the show jumping climax on the Sunday.

For those whose primary aim is to go shopping, definitely visit on the Thursday or Friday when things are a little quieter and it’s easier to browse the fantastic array of stands. Sunday is also good for shopping with the chance to bag a bargain in the afternoon when stall holders often offer great discounts.

If the reason for your visit is to see the riders tackle Burghley’s famous cross country course, then arrive early on the Saturday to find the best viewing spots.

Aside from the main competition there are

a host of other activities to enjoy including retrained racehorse classes, various displays, the Land Rover Experience area and a dedicated kids area. The final of the prestigious Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Class and the Pony Club Team Jumping can be found in Ring 2.

What else to expect

The world famous shopping offers everything from diamond jewellery and designer clothing to locally produced food, crafts and equestrian goods. Burghley’s Food Walk is exceptional, packed with stands selling delicious seasonal and handmade produce, you certainly won’t go hungry. See the following pages for further details.

• Advance admission ticket prices start at £14. For further information and to book, visit: www.burghley-horse.co.uk

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EV E N T

Land Rover Burghley H 3rd - 6th September Antonia Scott celebrates one of Stamford and equestrian’s highlights of the year

T

HE build up to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials begins over the summer months and encompasses a vast area of Burghley estate parkland. What started out as a last minute stop-gap invitation arranged by the Marquess of Exeter in 1961 when the 3 day equestrian event at Harewood was cancelled due to a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease, has since grown into an annual international equestrian phenomenon, with over 80 global competitors and an incredible 160,000 visitors coming from all corners of the globe to spectate at this prestigious 4 day event. As well as horses, there are plenty of dog lovers at Burghley too – the canine agility classes are

SELECTED STANDS – in order of longevity at Burghley!

ROBINSONS OF STAMFORD – EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY SINCE 1961!

Owner – Anne Brown Contact: info@robinsonofstamford.com Tel: 01780 755378 www.robinsonsofstamford.com What makes you stand out? We believe in supplying high quality items at reasonable prices with a fantastic customer service.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? In previous years we have always taken a range of saddler and equestrian items from other branches – however this year we are taking a wide selection of Country Clothing and leather goods. Items will include Ladies Winter coats, hats, socks, cufflinks, leather holdalls, notebooks and purses. We also have several new brands such as Le Chameau’s wellington boots and Alan Paine’s stunning tweed jackets.

wonderful family fun to watch.

There are over 600 trade exhibitors for shoppers to enjoy, all showcasing a vast array of country living homewares and produce. The specialist food stalls in the Food Walk offer a mouth-watering and diverse selection of local and international goods to sample and take home.

Local Exhibitors: Stamford and its surrounding area has a plethora of entrepreneurial talent and this year nearly 30 local businesses will be exhibiting at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials to proudly display their wares and raise their profile to an international target audience.

TOADSTOOLS – OVER 25 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner - Serena McCall Contact: www.toadstools. co.uk Tel: 07798854131 Email: serena@toadstools.co.uk What makes you stand out?

Bespoke furniture made in Northamptonshire. Footstools of any size, any leg and any cover.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A range of Afghan Kilims, a selection of footstools to whet the appetite – plus a glass or rosé if they time it right!

SCOTTS OF THRAPSTON – OVER 40 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY! Owner – David Scott (Family run business since 1920) Contact: www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk Tel: 01832 732366 Email: info@scottsofthrapston.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our products are displayed as fully finished buildings, so that customers can feel, touch and kick them! We pride ourselves on our quality and British manufacture and we like to demonstrate equine living at its best, even in such a small space at the show. We also display a selection of timber summerhouses, offering more than just equestrian buildings to the wide cross section of visitors.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Customers have the chance to review and compare the quality of our finished product on stand, whether an equestrian building or a summerhouse. We recommend that visitors compare our products with other similar buildings, and suggest they look at the finer details as well as the aesthetics of the overall stables and buildings.

Scotts uses Burghley Horse Trials as an ideal opportunity to meet past customers and thank them for their loyalty over the years as well as a window to trial new products for future customers.

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y Horse Trials 2015

GRASMERE FARM - 17 YEARS AT BURGHLEY Owner – Stuart Stables Contact: www.grasmere-farm.co.uk Tel: 01778 342344 What makes you stand out? Our absolute passion to provide customers with quality products and great customer service. Our Hampshire Cross Pigs are outdoor reared on the farm and our meat is handcrafted on site by our team of experienced butchers.

Our bakers also prepare a range of hand raised pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We offer a range of bacon rolls, jumbo sausage hotdogs, pork and apple burgers, garlic and rosemary burgers and our amazing pulled pork! All freshly cooked on the stand – we open at 7am.

HILL FARM FURNITURE – 10 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Mike Ashwin Contact: www.hillfarmfurntiure.co.uk Tel: 01636 626063 What makes you stand out? Hill Farm Furniture is a family run business that specialises in creating bespoke, handcrafted kitchens and freestanding furniture to fit your home and your unique character. Prices start at £25,000 + VAT. What should a shopper look for at your stand? We take a mobile showroom full of handcrafted furniture, bespoke kitchens and Victorian glasshouses.

JAMES GILLICK – ARTIST - 15 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Contact: www.gillick-artist.com Tel: 01507 600269 email: james@gillick-artist.com What makes you stand out? My stand is one of the only places outside London where shoppers can get to meet and see the work of a top London artist. I also make all my own paints, canvasses, varnishes and mediums using 17th century recipes.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A collection of still life, game and equestrian oil paintings in sizes ranging from the palm of your hand to the size of your living room wall! From £2,000 - £50,000.

HEATSOURCE - 6TH YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Retailer and installer of wood-burners, fireplaces and renewable heating solutions.

Owners – Nathan & Agnes Welham Contact: www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk Tel: 01572 829953 What makes you stand out? The two live Charnwood appliances will give shoppers something to talk about!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? The Country Living Bembridge stove designed and made by Charnwood exclusive at Heatsource of Uppingham. We will also be bringing a complete new range of basket wares to the show.

PEACHY BELTS - 5TH YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Zoe Gibson Contact: www.peachybelts.co.uk Tel: 01664 454994 Email: zoe@peachybelts.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our range of unique designs of detachable buckles made in the UK from solid pewter and brass, and the Swarovski crystal range from Italy. All the belts are handmade in England using the finest Italian vegetable tanned leathers. A number of competitors wear Peachy Belts in the trot up – including Mary King, Pippa Funnell and Nicola Wilson.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? There are a number of specific designs that appeal to equestrian customers, including our new Winter range which is being launched at Burghley, one of which is the ‘Thoroughbred’ - a horse’s head designed by renowned bronze sculptor, Juliet Cursham – available in solid brass and pewter for £65.

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The finest selection of hand knotted rugs in the area.

Modern & traditional OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10.00AM TO 5.00PM 6 The Maltings, off Mill St, Oakham, Rutland. NN6 0PB www.oakhamrugs.co.uk

01572 724441

mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk

Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd t/as Oakham Rugs

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EV E N T THE WOOL ROOM – 5 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Chris Tattersall Contact: www.thewoolroom.com Email: info@thewoolroom.com What makes you stand out? Our ability to bring the British wool beds and bedding together to deliver the very best night’s sleep using the finest British wool from the Stamford and Rutland area.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Wool beds, wool bedding and wool throws – all delivering the best night’s sleep. We will be showing our unique wool beds for the first time on our largest stand to date. The customer can design their own bed with up to 250 British made wool fabrics.

SOPHIE ALLPORT HOMEWARES – 5 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Sophie Allport Contact: www.sophieallport.com Tel: 0845 0177866 Email: info@sophieallport.com What makes you stand out? We’re a local business with unique countryside inspired designs by Sophie. Our homewares hopefully appeal to the Burghley audience. Popular collections include Pheasant, Chicken, Terrier and Labrador. There will be a competition to win £150 worth of Sophie Allport products – pick up an entry form on our stand to enter.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Lots of lovely things to help make your house a home. Extensions to our popular ‘Pheasant’ collection plus the launch of our new ‘Hare’ ‘On the Farm’ and ‘Woodland Party’ collections, plus knitted throws, scarves and cushions to keep you cosy in the Autumn. New Pet products including tinware, dog and cat beds and a gorgeous new range of accessories including wallets, purses, wash bags, key rings, boot bags, weekend bags and book bags.

FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY - 3RD YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Jason Nicholls Contact: Racecourse Farm, Easton on the Hill. www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com What makes you stand out? Every piece of furniture is individually designed to the client’s own ideas and specific requirements. Our furniture is built to last using traditional methods of construction in conjunction with modern furniture technology such as soft-close drawer runners, low voltage LED lighting systems and energy efficient appliances. We take great pride in delivering a truly personal service, working closely with the client to exceed expectations, presenting and inspiring new ideas to achieve superb results.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? This year we have a new layout to the stand. We still have a traditional kitchen but with a modern twist. A stunning dark stained hardwood study and bookcases, plus several new freestanding pieces of furniture designed and built just for Burghley.

OAKHAM RUGS - 3RD YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Christian & Fiona Hawker Contact: www.oakhamrugs.co.uk Tel: 01572 724441 Email: mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk What makes your stand out? Our customers are very important to us and we pride ourselves on our personal service and expert advice. We offer a cleaning and restoration service from our shop in Oakham which has been established for 23 years.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have a very varied selection of high quality hand knotted rugs in traditional and modern designs. We also have kilim and needlepoint rugs and a wide range of cushions and footstools.

THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK COMPANY – 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Spiegl Press Ltd: Jo & Hugo Spiegl Contact: www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk What makes you stand out? We make simply beautiful, elegant notebooks, journals and diaries using British paper and traditional craft bookbinding skills and equipment. Our stunning array of textures and colours means that there really is something for everyone.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Our new 2016 diaries and the new limited edition range featuring A/W16 catwalk colours. We also recently launched two new products, the Traveller’s Journal in two sizes and the Rutland Notebook – Multum in Parvo!

SNUGGLE SACS - 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner - Tina Goldsmith Contact: www.snugglesac.com Tel: 01603 882705 Email: enquiries@snugglesac.com What makes you stand out? Our products – which are unique, distinctive, high quality, fun, practical and utterly desirable!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? The pony snuggle sac – every shopper will want one! New for 2015 is the adult Snuggle Sacs. Perfect for horsebox living, caravans, motor homes – cosy and chic.

COUNTRY TRADITIONALS - 4 YEARS EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owners – Nicola and Simon Tame Contact: www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Tel: 01780 755409 Email: sales@countrytraditionals.co.uk What makes you stand out? Our beautiful range of Polish pottery is so distinctive - the mostly blue and white pottery really stands out and has the wow factor. All of the pottery we sell is oven/ Aga/microwave/dishwasher/freezer proof, so not only does it look amazing, it really is completely functional and for everyday use. We opened our second shop in Stamford last year, just off the high street in Maiden Lane and it’s absolutely packed to the ceiling with this amazing pottery!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? Our oven to table bake ware sells extremely well at country shows. The lasagne dishes in large sizes for family gatherings are a great buy. We have many customers who keep coming back to stock up on more of the range every year.

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FOODWALK THE BROWNIE COMPANY - 5TH YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Amanda Hamblin Contact: www.thebrowniecompany.co.uk Tel: 01780 763392 Email: Amanda@ thebrowniecompany.co.uk What makes you stand out? We offer a top-quality, gooey, ‘moreish’ homemade Brownie at a great value price, using the best Belgium chocolate and local free range eggs. It’s a genuine chocolate brownie, much more satisfying than the typical offering as well as offering a much-needed burst of extra energy to anyone walking the Cross Country course! This is our 10th year in business and we’re so grateful to all the local customers to support us. We offer a 10% discount on our gift tin and brownie assortments to local customers who collect from our kitchen in Easton on the Hill.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have our flavours that are a favourite each year, such as the Original Double Chocolate or the Sour Cherry, but this year the Sea Salted Caramel and the Peanut Butter have been really popular, so we’re looking forward to tempting our Burghley customers with those. We’re also expanding our gluten-free range, as more and more customers are requesting them.

MARQUESS OF EXETER – 3RD YEAR AT BURGHLEY Owner – Brian Baker Contact: www.marquessexeter.co.uk Tel: 01572 822477 Email: info@marquessexeter.co.uk What makes you stand out? We offer delicious food which is a little different to what you would expect!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We will be offering breakfast and lunch. Our delicious Eggs Benedict with either Smoked Salmon or Ham from 6.30am and our renowned Launde Lamb Tandoori wraps or Chicken and Chorizo Paella from 11am onwards.

OGILVY’S HONEY – 2ND YEAR EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY Owner – Shamus Ogilvy Contact: www.ogilvys.com Tel 01780 450377 Email: info@ogilvys.com What makes you stand out? Ogilvy’s is the only honey retailer in the Food Walk, offering a diverse selection of raw honey naturally blended by bees!

What should a shopper look for at your stand?

Ogilvy’s have sourced six quintessentially British honeys and six artisan world honeys.

We are also launching a new honey trio gift box – perfect for the honey connoisseur.

M

any of the local businesses commented on what a buzz there was to be exhibitor at Burghley and recognise that it is ‘the place to be’ – offering shoppers the Best of British.

For full details: www.burghley-horse.co.uk OTHER LOCAL TRADE STANDS: Aga Shop at Pochin, Burghley House Gift Shop, Dawson of Stamford Joules Clothing, The Rutland Bookshop, Sinclairs of Stamford, Thomas Dainty Brogue Trader, Hambleton, Jules of Stamford Jewellery

Rugby World Cup Trophy Comes to The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

T

HE Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will not only welcome elite equestrian athletes this year, but will also be introducing another sporting great to the event.

The title sponsor, Land Rover is also a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and on Friday 4th September, the Webb Ellis Cup will be onsite at Burghley as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy 100 day Tour, which culminates on 18th September at the RWC 2015 Opening Ceremony.

Spectators at Burghley will have the chance to get up close and personal with the famous Trophy and see the bespoke RWC 2015 Defender which has been carrying it on its journey around the UK and Ireland. Jason Robinson, OBE – Land Rover Ambassador and Rugby World Cup Winner 2003 will also be coming to Burghley.

Local children will have the opportunity to audition to become a Rugby World Cup 2015 mascot – the last chance for 7-13 year olds to win the opportunity to run out onto the pitch with one of the teams. Auditions will take place on Friday 4th Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September and youngsters will be invited to visit the Land Rover Experience area and complete one of three tasks: 1. Sing the national anthem; 2. Offer a piece of advice they would give to the Captain before he runs out for RWC 2015; or 3. Say how they would welcome a visiting team to England for the tournament.

The prize for the two lucky chosen mascots will include two tickets to a RWC 2015 match, official RWC 2015 mascot kit and of course, the walk out!

The final rugby themed element of this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials comprises a bespoke cross country fence, created by Burghley’s Course Designer, Captain Mark Phillips.

Liz Inman, Director of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials said, “There is great synergy between Eventing and Rugby, two of the toughest sports on the planet, both requiring determination, focus and agility.

It is fitting that we are able to acknowledge both sports at Land Rover Burghley in this Rugby World Cup year. At Burghley we always strive to offer our visitors a unique experience that goes beyond the equestrian competition and this is certainly it. To be hosting the Webb Ellis Cup is a huge honour, while many visiting youngsters will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to audition to be Rugby World Cup 2015 mascots.”

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OPEN DAY Saturday 3 October 2015 |10.30am - 1pm • A small, friendly, independent school for children ages 3 to 18 years • Excellent academic results • School bus network • 6th on National, Value Added A-Level League Table • Small class sizes ensure individual attention

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

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Bilton Grange Preparatory School

Co-educational Prep School for children aged 4-13 set in 100 rural acres just outside Rugby

Day and flexi/weekly/full boarding Morning bus from Market Harborough

Open Mornings throughout the year – come along and find out more by calling the Registrar on 01788 818249 or emailing admissions@biltongrange.co.uk

www.biltongrange.co.uk

01604 847292 afj@sprattonhall.com www.sprattonhall.com

Let

Knock your socks off!

Independent Co-educational Preparatory Day School aged 4-13 years in Northamptonshire

Open Morning Friday 25th September 2015 10 am—12 noon Come along to see for yourself all that Spratton Hall can offer your child 33

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ED U C AT I ON

Choosing the Right School: ‘I am coming into the area - how do I choose the right school for my children?’

Abigail Richardson explores how you can tell if a school is right for you and how to get the best out of an open morning or a visit…

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HOOSING a secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions that parents have to make. It is an exciting, yet daunting prospect and with many of the top schools operating admissions criteria, it is important for parents to do their homework in advance. The task can be even harder when you are moving into a new area where you may not have knowledge of the local schools or friends to ask for recommendations. Remember to consider the location of the school, availability of school buses and the length of the school day to ensure that the requirements of the school fit with your lifestyle.

Ahead of any visit, it is always worth narrowing the choice. The Head of a child’s current school is usually the first to ask for advice on the right senior school, while friends and family with children are also usually helpful. In advance of any visit, spend time reading the school’s website and prospectus to gain a sense of the ethos and character of the school. The visit itself should then serve to strengthen your initial impressions and answer the multitude of questions you are sure to have. After reviewing the prospectuses, websites and also league tables (found online) choose a few prospective schools in order to make a more informed decision.

Spratton Hall admissions team advise that you look at as many schools that fit the criteria for your family and offer some questions to consider before finalising the schools you want to view: 1) How far are you prepared to travel?

2) Is it a day school, boarding school (flexi boarding/full boarding)?

3) Is the school coeducational?

4) Is there a Nursery?

5) Does it go all the way up to 18 or break at 13?

6) Is the school selective?

7) Is there an entrance exam/interview to get in?

8) Does it offer hot lunches? Is this an extra?

9) Are their obligatory school trips, which could incur extra costs?

10) How varied is the curriculum offered?

11) What are the sports, music and drama facilities like?

12) Are there scholarships available?

13) Is the Head Teacher new or established?

14) What is the pastoral care like?

15) What are the sports results like?

16) What are the public exam results like?

17) When did they have their last inspection and what did it say?

18) Is the website kept up to date?

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Spratton Hall

Visiting the School OPEN DAYS Open Mornings and Open Days offer a great opportunity to visit schools when there are a lot of planned activities to watch and take part in and these are often on Saturdays which can make it easier for the whole family to attend.

During the Open Morning or Day, prospective parents and children are usually shown around by current pupils. This is a great way to see how your child responds to the school setting and also a chance to look at the current pupils as these pupils are the type of child the school is producing.

Spratton Hall holds two Open Mornings a year where the pupils show around the prospective parents and children. Year 8 carry out the show rounds in the September whilst the Year 7s do the show rounds in May. All pupils carry out a show around and it is usually by a boy and a girl. The Open Morning is on a normal working day and no extra events are put on – it is normal lessons for all. There is an opportunity at the end of the tour to meet other parents and teachers to discuss further any issues over refreshments.

PERSONAL TOUR Oundle School insist that, “Regardless of the type of school you are looking for, there really is no substitute for a personal visit, allowing both parents and children to obtain a genuine feel for the school’s atmosphere and culture.

Some parents will want to visit on their own before involving their child in a subsequent visit, whilst others may want to involve their

child from the outset; there is no right or wrong way to do it. Choosing a school is a significant personal, educational and financial commitment, therefore investing time in visits and research will always be worthwhile.”

The admissions team at Pitsford School agree: “Visiting schools during the normal school day can often give a better feel for the actual day-to-day working environment of the school and can give you the parents, the opportunity to imagine your child in this new setting. Allow yourself a good hour to look around and ask as many questions as you can. Remember that happy children are the ones who thrive and so look for the type of environment that will allow your child to be themselves and to take full advantage of all the school’s opportunities.”

Visits will, of course, vary from prep school to senior school. Copthill School is an exceptionally friendly and open school, and you will experience that friendly flavour from your first visit. You will be met by Mr Jonathan Teesdale, Headmaster, who will give you a guide round the school, where you will see the classes in action, but also an amazing range of other activity including the famous Forest School and the new Music School. In the first instance contact Registrar Mrs Paula Rayner on paula.rayner@copthill.com or call 01780 757509.

And right from the start the eventual goal of the school is clear. “We endeavour to ensure our Year 6 pupils leave us as responsible citizens, team players, independent explorers, creative thinkers, problem solvers and reflective learners.”

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Oundle School Bilton Grange Preparatory School, just south of Rugby, is an independent coeducational 4-13 day and boarding school.

They aim to make the admissions procedure as friendly and straightforward as possible. In the first instance, call the Registrar, Rebecca Bantoft on 01788 818249, to find out more and to order a prospectus. Following this, you are invited to visit on a normal working day, when you will have an opportunity to meet with the Headmaster Alex Osiatynski and have a tour around the school. Many families welcome the opportunity to see the School on Open Morning, when your tour guide will be one of the 6th Form (Year 8) pupils, and for those looking around Pre-Prep, a Year 3 pupil.

At Laxton Junior School (Day school for ages 4 – 11) for example, the Headmaster usually takes the tour and introduces parents

to staff and pupils around the school. The tour is informal, offering plenty of opportunities for parents to meet and chat with current pupils. At Oundle School (day and boarding ages 11-18), tours are a little more formal and are hosted by tour guides, with the Registrar topping and tailing each visit. All visitors to Oundle are invited to lunch with pupils, giving them a valuable opportunity to have private conversations with current boys and girls. In both schools, visits are organised through the Admissions Office, with the Registrar being the key point of contact throughout the process.

Visits are often booked up at least three weeks in advance so early enquiry is advised.

For all types of visits, the advice is simple: do not be frightened to ask questions and do expect to have some time with pupils - besides being a school’s greatest asset, they are usually

the ones to tell you exactly how it is. A school that is prepared to let parents spend time with pupils away from teachers is a good sign of confidence, and trust. Finally, do not be afraid to ask to look at areas of the school that are not part of the ‘official’ tour!

At the end of the visit, consider your experience. Do you and your child feel comfortable? Is there a positive, happy and purposeful ambiance? Do the pupils and teachers seem interested in you and your child’s welfare? Do they relate well to each other? Inevitably you will come away with questions you had wished you had asked but these can always be followed up at a later date.

More important is that you leave the school with the sense that this is an environment in which your child would thrive and be happy?

Most schools hold visits most term time mornings and many parents will combine an Open Day with tailored visits. For further advice contact the admissions teams at your short listed schools, where they will be more than happy to offer advice.

CONTACTS: Spratton Hall, Smith Street, Northampton, Spratton NN6 8HP, United Kingdom Tel: 01604 847292, www.sprattonhall.co.uk Pitsford Hall, Pitsford, Northamptonshire, NN6 9AX, Tel: 01604 880306, www.ngs-school.com Laxton Junior School and Oundle School, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4GH, Tel: 01832 277122, www.oundleschool.org.uk Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 3AD, Tel: 01780 757506, www.copthill.com Bilton Grange Preparatory School Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6QU Tel: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk

Oakham School: How you can tell if the school is right for you?

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CHOOLS such as Oakham offer boundless opportunities academically, physically and artistically, with exceptional facilities and teaching. Louise Hitchin, marketing officer, explains why she believes parents need to establish just how the prospective school can help their child to fully realise their ambitions, whatever they may be.

1. “It is important to get a real sense of how a school would nurture your child’s academic talents. At Oakham, we stimulate pupils’ interests to want to learn more, as well as developing their communication skills, to help our students to stand out from the crowd and go on to receive offers not only from Oxbridge, but also at leading universities across the world.

2. As well as looking at a school’s overall academic success, also ask about specific accolades in the departments in which your family is most interested. Each area should have its own success story - from the number of pupils gaining the much-coveted national Arkwright Scholarship for Engineering and Design (19 at Oakham), to how many Duke of Edinburgh awards have been achieved (Oakham has been offering the scheme for over 50 years and has helped more than 5000 pupils achieve

awards).

3. If your child has particular interests, then ask how you can see the school in action in these areas. At Oakham, there is always so much happening and prospective families are always welcome to come along to experience it for themselves. You could see the quality of Oakham’s art, which was described as “exceptional” in our latest ISI report, during one of our exhibitions, or listen to one of the 80 musical concerts held each year or watch one of our five major drama productions.

At Oakham, we feel that one of the most important questions for a prospective parent to ask is ‘How do you prepare pupils for life beyond school?’ In a world which places ever greater demands on young people, it is vitally important that schools provide a genuinely holistic education to prepare girls and boys for the challenges they will face in their lives.

By the time they leave us, Oakhamians are confident, intellectually ambitious thinkers equipped to make a real difference in the world” • For further information contact: Oakham School, Chapel Close, Oakham, LE15 6DT, www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

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ED U C AT I ON

Brooke Priory School Elizabeth Bell, Headmistress of Brooke Priory Prep School, explores the bigger picture and the fine line drawing of open mornings and private school tours

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NVESTING in private education is a big decision to make; it needs to be an informed choice, made with confidence that it has been taken for the right reasons. To support parents in making this decision, Brooke Priory Preparatory School, in Oakham, invites parents to see the bigger picture at Open Mornings (the next being on the 26th September 2015).

Attending an Open Morning allows parents and their children to get a feel of the school and the opportunities (sporting, academic, cultural and social) that pupils at the school experience. A good barometer of feelings would be to register your own as well as others’ smiles; the tone of conversation and the sound of laughter.

The fine-line, detailed understanding of the school is achieved during a tour with the Head. This is the opportunity to test out the accuracy of the perceptions gained at the Open Morning, or during a visit to the school for a sporting fixture. It is the chance to see the school in action without the finery of an Open Morning; it is the chance to note the breadth and depth of the curriculum and to check on the academic achievements of the school. Has it really had a 100% success rate at entrance exams during the last three years? What are the children being taught that is additional to the curriculum? What behaviours and attitudes do the pupils and staff display when the spotlight is not on them? Are the children taught values which will allow them to thrive in the future whilst not forsaking the well-being of all? Is social responsibility and accountability

placed at the heart of the school? Are the children and staff consistently displaying and modelling intelligent thinking, listening and behaviour?

In short, are the children being equipped to cope in a modern, rapidly changing world without a loss of standards and values?

To see whether the fine line drawing really is as good as you suspected, can truly, only be tested by having a personal tour of the school during a full, busy, normal day and by talking to the pupils whilst watching them at work and play.

• For further information logon to: www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk or Tel: 01572 724778

Spratton Hall Spratton Hall is nestled in 50 acres of Northamptonshire countryside and offers boys and girls aged between 4 and 13 a fully rounded education in academia, sport, drama, music and art.

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HE Independent School Inspectorate Report rated Spratton Hall’s pupils’ overall achievement and quality of pastoral care as ‘excellent’ and the effectiveness of the early years’ provision as ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

The facilities at Spratton Hall incorporate old and new exceptionally well throughout the school. The Georgian Manor House retains its beautiful charm and yet the school’s structure and ethos is contemporary and dynamic with technology constantly being kept up to date and modernised to reflect the present advances in our society. The sports grounds include the Jubilee Sports Dome, the floodlit Astroturf, two hard court areas for netball and tennis, a full 400m running track, cricket nets, pavilions, a cross-country circuit and multiple sports pitches as the season requires.

Spratton Hall also enjoys a state of the art Performing Arts Centre used for drama productions, music concerts and assemblies.

Spratton Hall’s pupils flourish in an environment where politeness, courtesy and consideration for others is paramount. Spratton Hall pupils are independent, self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised learners who have the necessary skills to enjoy their future and have been happy

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and fulfilled at Spratton Hall. Senior schools look forward to meeting and enrolling Spratton Hall pupils as they know they will get a pupil who has been able to achieve, thrive and blossom into a confident and capable young person ready for the next challenges in their education.

Entry to Spratton Hall is in Reception for the Pre-Prep school and Year 3 for the Prep school although there are opportunities to join the school in other years.

• If you would like to visit the school or if you would like a prospectus please contact the Registrar, Amanda Fleming-Jones, on afj@sprattonhall.com or Tel: 01604 847292.

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Learn for Life Come and see for yourself Call us now to book an Autumn Open Morning or individual visit 01572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Oakham is a great co-educational boarding and day school for 10-18 year olds offering A Levels and the IB

www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Saturday 26th September 2015 9.30a.m.—11.30a.m Brooke Priory is an outstanding school and nursery, providing an education which goes beyond formal learning, to fully meet each individual’s needs according to their age, ability and interests. You are invited to join us to see how the needs of every pupil (formal and informal) are understood and met. The Headmistress will be available to discuss bursaries and the new, forthcoming academic, creative and pastoral awards, available from February 2016.

For further information please call us on 01572 724778 or email admin@brooke.rutland.sch.uk

OPEN MORNING

Oakham, Rutland, I.A.P.S. Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 2 –11 years

www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk

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Do you need help with a care issue?

A

leisha from the Care Advice Centre has extensive experience of assisting the elderly with a multitude of care issues, ranging from care home placements, organising care at home and advice on claiming NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

If you are paying for care due to a primary health need, then it is possible that the NHS should be funding.

Give Aleisha a call to see how she can help or see website for more information on services For further details contact Aleisha on: 01572 720705/07766490473 Email: aleisha@care-advice-centre.co.uk www.care-advice-centre.co.uk

Don’t miss the opportunity to claim back what is rightfully yours If you or a loved one paid for care in the past you may be entitled to a full refund and not have to pay again in the future.

You may even be able to claim if your loved one has passed away.

Magical Maths is looking for people to help run our 1 hour afterschool clubs in local primary schools. The clubs are orientated around making maths fun for primary school children.

Strong rate of pay.

Ways to apply: Email CV to: sarah@magicalmathsclub.com Apply through web: www.magicalmathsclub.com Or phone for further info on: 01858 414 224

Clock & Watch Restoration and Repair Robert Loomes MBHI FRSA 4, St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP 01780 481319

Member of The British Watch and Clock Maker’s Guild (Founded 1907)

www.clockrepairer.co.uk

Member of The British Horological Institute (Founded 1858)

House visits, all domestic clocks repaired, high grade repairs to all makes of watches.

Insured, qualified, guaranteed

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AR T S & C U L T U R E

Uppingham Unsung Dr. Rebecca Thumpston, Music Events and Publicity Manager at Uppingham School, explores the wealth of music-making in Uppingham

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WALK through Uppingham reveals charming tea shops, an enviable Friday market and a wealth of history. But amidst the honeycoloured buildings of this market town is an extraordinarily vibrant and varied musical scene.

Central to the town’s musical life is Uppingham School. In 1865, Uppingham became the first school in the UK to appoint a Director of Music, Paul David. A native of Leipzig, David was friendly with Brahms, Schumann and the great violinist Joseph Joachim, who visited Uppingham several times in the 1870s. This illustrious musical heritage continues today through the School’s richly-varied concert programme.

Every Wednesday at 1.20pm, locals from all over Rutland gather in the Parish Church for the School’s free Lunchtime Concerts Series.

A great opportunity to relax with like-minded individuals, the concerts feature Uppingham’s most talented pupils, with a professional recital beginning each term. Extraordinary clarinettist Han Kim performs Poulenc’s celebrated Clarinet Sonata on 9 September 2015. And on a lighter note, Uppingham’s very own ‘Three Tenors’ will delight audiences with popular classics on 11 November.

The School also puts on regular evening concerts, popular with parents and townsfolk alike. Upcoming highlights include Duruflé’s Requiem to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, and the ever-popular ‘Advent Carols’ on 6 December. Looking ahead to the New Year, world-leading pianist Angela Hewitt performs on 16 January, and March sees the return of the sell-out toe-tapping Cocktails, Canapés and Cabaret evening! Full concert listings can be found at www.uppingham.co.uk/Music-Diary.

Music in Uppingham is by no means limited

to the School. The Goldmark Front Room celebrates great music from great musicians in the most intimate of spaces – Goldmark Gallery’s tiny 65-seat auditorium. In addition to their loyal Rutland audience, fans have been known to travel from all over Europe for the privilege of witnessing magical performances by leading names in folk, jazz and classical music. For advance notice of concerts, sign up to the Goldmark newsletter at www. goldmarkart.com.

Uppingham’s various pubs and bars also offer first-rate music. The Falcon Hotel welcomes the ever-popular Welland Valley Stompers for quarterly Friday jazz nights, while Don Paddy’s hosts quarterly Open Mic Nights and live music on the last Sunday of every month. Next up is local band Tantric Specs on 27 September.

If you want to make music, but Open Mic

Nights don’t take your fancy, why not sing with Uppingham Choral Society? Re-founded in 1959 by local music hero Jim Peschek, formerly Director of Music at Uppingham School, the Choral Society rehearses on Thursday evenings in Uppingham Methodist Church. Directed by Peter Clements, the Society is open to all, with no audition required. Rutland Sinfonia also rehearses locally in the town. A highly respected amateur Symphony Orchestra, their aim is to bring high-quality, enjoyable and inspiring performances of orchestral music to smaller towns and villages in and around Rutland. Their next concert ‘Scandinavian Birthdays’, on 10 October, features Sibelius’ Karelia Suite and Nielson’s First Symphony.

See www.rutlandsinfonia.org.uk for more information. This autumn also sees the launch of Uppingham String Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble with more than half its members from the town.

There are musical opportunities locally for children too. The Uppingham Children’s Choir, directed by Lesley Ffrench, rehearses every Wednesday, providing musical enjoyment for Rutland children aged 7 to 14. With regular concerts and winning smiles, the choir are a hit with audiences locally and further afield.

Should the huge variety of music-making in Uppingham not be quite enough to keep you going, the nearby ‘Music in Lyddington’ concert series offers yet more musical opportunity. You can make a special day in Lyddington with a visit to the medieval Bede House, a specially priced meal at one of Lyddington’s famous pubs, and a concert in the magnificent church.

Tickets are available at www.musicinlyddington.co.uk.

All in all, Uppingham is a fantastic place to experience live music. Let’s keep this rich musical tradition alive and thriving.

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TIME TO FILL YOUR LOG STORE

Hardwood Logs 07973982820 01476 562500

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

Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy

OUTDOOR LIGHTING NOW ON DISPLAY, FROM HIGH QUALITY TRADITIONAL LANTERNS TO ULTRA MODERN LED

David Letts 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting Leicestershire. LE16 9BP and the latest Tel: in LED technology.

01858 467716 Mobile: 07445 532774 Thousands of options and bespoke dal63@hotmail.co.uk manufacture offering an unlimited

NEW AUTUMN RANGES AVAILABLE NOW

choice.

Open 9am until 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Appointments and home visits available.

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

www.harboroughlights.co.uk - 01858 467716 40

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IN T E RI ORS

A Hint of Nostalgia Michelle Hansel takes a look around Market Harborough and finds an array of cool interiors shops just waiting to be explored.

Here she finds some great ideas for creating an interior that is warm, nostalgic, and homely this autumn/winter Kitsch Classics Vintage on Abbey Street No. 1 is a great place to pick up treasures for the home as well as unique gifts and memorabilia. Choose from tea sets to toys and kitsch lampshades through to quirky ornaments, furniture and crockery. A perfect addition to your reading corner this season would be kitsch lampshades you may remember from childhood?

All have fabulous floral designs and fringing to boot! Also, check out intricate patchwork quilts by Zaradeancrafts.

Vintage on Abbey Street No. 1: 1 Abbey Street, Market Harborough, Tel: 07803518837 07468571079

Reading Lights To ensure you can enjoy your home in the evenings you need the right lighting for each purpose and each room, as well as your outside space. Harborough Lights have an enormous selection of quality, decorative lighting, outdoor light fittings, bathroom lighting, kitchen lights and task lights. You can select from many manufacturers catalogues and choose between stylish German and Scandinavian fittings, right through to hand made Italian chandeliers from Merano and everything in between. www.harboroughlights.co.uk, 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough LE16 9BP, Tel: 01858 467716

Unique Antiques

Cosy by the Fire

Felicity Voss of Harborough Stone suggests having a wood burner fitted to fight the upcoming winter. Burley offers the most energy efficient wood burners that look great and ensure you get value for money, as well as keeping you toasty in the cold. For that warm and homely look, pair with rustic wood, beautiful stonework, plush blankets and matching fireside accessories. From log baskets to companion sets, they stock a wide range of styles and finishes in the Market Harborough showroom and from September you can pick up bags of Kiln Dried Logs too. www.harborough-stone.co.uk, 1, Sulley’s Yard, Adam and Eve St, Market Harborough LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 410033

Handmade Furnishings

As the nights draw in and things get decidedly chillier the need for rugs, cushions and blankets is greater and they instantly add much needed texture and warmth to a room. Keals have an interesting selection of home furnishings, recommended is the hand crochet peacock throw, £150 by Butterfly Blankets; Stag cushions, £45 by Weasels Workshop; hand turned buttons from £15 by Keals and Stags Head, £69 by Lavendon Made.

For a closer look at what Keals has to offer, you need to have a browse and take a look at their facebook page for more information about new items in stock.

10a Abbey Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AA, Tel: 01858 419798

Retro Inspired Rugs

At Jeffrey and Day’s new pop up shop you will find a diverse assortment of antiques, decorative salvage, architectural finds and fascinating curiosities. Matthew, an antique dealer with over 15 years experience and Charlie an upholsterer, with a passion for anything old and beautiful, have explored Europe to bring back these finds all in the setting of the historic Old Town Hall in Market Harborough. Choose from ornate mirrors to mid century Danish armchairs. Take a look at the Glazed School Oak Cabinet, obscured glass and brass details, £395, Antiques French drapers counter, painted pine with a scrubbed top with 2 sets of 5 drawers with one large drawer above them, £1400 and a Vintage madeleine tray with the traditional scallop shaped scoop molds for 12 madeleines, £18. There is something for all tastes and budget. hello@jeffreyandday.co.uk, Tel: 0783 4104709

Chevron design rugs add some graphic chic to any space and look incredibly stylish. Even though the design dates back to ancient Greece, the chevron was made famous in fashion in the 1970s and has remained a popular pattern to this day. Rugs by Danish Design Team, House Doctor, are available at Housekeeping on Northampton Road as well as a fabulous array of beautiful everyday household items. Find unique jugs, recycled vases, pots, pans, welsh throws, baskets and clocks, to name but a few. www.housekeepingstore. co.uk, 6 Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HB. info@ housekeepingstore.co.uk, Tel: 01858 410875.

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IN T E RI ORS

Fushion Styling Fushion styling is fast becoming an exciting new way to add an individualistic look your home. It’s all about combining an eclectic mix of old and new ideas: sleek and richly textured fabrics, hard and soft lines and recycling previous furniture and accessories you may not want to throw out yet. It requires a sophisticated and daring approach to get the most out of this trend as there are no rules to follow as such. There are, however a few guide lines to take into consideration. Nicola Hardy enlightens…

• Colours should be tonally compatible or attractively contrasting.

• Stay clear of matching furniture, and never match your curtains to your couch.

• Be creative with proportions - try an oversized angle poise floor lamp.

• Really mix up decorating materials: rustic woods, gold and copper metal finishes, artisan touches, ethnic fabrics, marble, silk, coloured glass and geometric patterns.

• Bring the outdoors in; huge yukka plants, trellis designed room dividers and lots of houseplants.

• To breath new life into tired floors, soiled carpets/rugs and stained upholstery give Weaver UK a call, they will restore them to their original beauty: Weaver UK Ltd 24F Pillings Road, Oakham LE16 6QF. Tel: 01572 759899, www.weaverltd.co.uk

GET THE LOOK… For nature inspired fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories: Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors 27 Mill Street. Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 722345. www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk Sarah Harding Interiors 6 Market St, Uppingham LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389. www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk For beautiful rugs: The Rug Studio 2 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 829927. www.therugstudio.co.uk Oakham Oriental Rugs 6 the Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 724441. www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk

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For new exciting flooring and carpets: Barefoot Flooring Unit14 Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6RA Tel: 01572 759752. www.barefoot-flooring.biz For blinds and shutters: 5 Day Blinds 9 Melton Road, Oakham LE15 6AX Tel: 01572 759176. www.5dayblinds.co.uk Rutland Shutters 9 Harborough Close, Whissendine, Oakham LE15 7PB Tel: 01664 474013. www.rutlandshutters.co.uk For high quality fireplaces: Heatsource 35 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

MODERNISTIC VINTAGE RETRO 1. Industrial style walls or brick effect wallpaper 2. Soft monotone throws 3. Natural looking textured wallpaper 4. Polished metal ‘vintage’ anglepoise lamp 5. Mid-century inspired wallpapers and fabrics 6. Mustard retro armchair 7. 70s style teak furniture and a wonderful selection of differently finished objects.

SCANDI RETRO COUNTRY 1. Scandinavian simplicity with beautiful painted shutters.

2. Retro styled dining chair.

3. Linen print floral fabrics.

4. Stunning statement pendant light ‘Butterfly’

by Tom Raffield, handmade from sustainably sourced wood.

5. Nature inspired wallpaper.

6. Reupholster a favourite old chair in hand painted style fabrics.

7. Contemporary fireplace.

CONTEMPORARY ETHNIC ARTISAN ANTIQUE RETRO 1. Clean lined contemporary kitchen design with bold pops of colour.

2. Large yukka plant.

3. Gorgeous embroidered ethnic cushions, warm textured fabrics and rugs.

4. Hand painted artisan crockery.

5. Antique oil lamp.

6. Open plan interiors, white with bold colour accents, large comfortable seating areas.

7. Fab retro kitchen appliances.

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Louvred and Solid Window Shutters

www.harborough-stone.com

Led by trained restorer with 21 years experience as a specialist dealer in Antique and Contemporary Hand knotted Oriental & European Rugs, Carpets, Kilims, Textiles & Cushions.

THE RUG STUDIO, 2 High St East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm or by appointment Tel: 01572 829927 or 07885 757 796 Email: info@therugstudio.co.uk Website: www.therugstudio.co.uk 43

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Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 44

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HO M E & GAR D E N

Delcor Furniture – Designed Around You Delcor Furniture has become one of Stamford’s best loved stores, offering British handmade sofas and chairs, tailored size-wise and finish-wise to your exact wishes

Tailor-made Delcor’s business is going from strength to strength as more and more people become familiar and comfortable with the high service levels and Delcor’s ability to offer tailor-made products. “We have noticed recently that as we have become better known, people are coming in with a specific purpose and the conversation is already starting some way down the decision line,” Kathleen Wilkinson, the Stamford’s store very experienced and helpful manager, told us.

Kathleen explained: “We build our business around the customer. We aim to meet the individual needs of every customer – one size fits all is not our style. All our products are tailor-made.”

To be in time for Christmas, orders need to be placed this year by mid-October, so best to start planning now!

New developments

Duke

Delcor never rests on its laurels; it is always innovating and refreshing its product range.

New in is the very stylish, contemporary Duke small sofa – an elegant classic, with turned solid wooden legs in a natural finish.

And the store has just undergone a major refresh, with a re-painted exterior, and the showrooms re-arranged and re-painted.

There are also lots of new accessories as the winter season approaches – exquisite cushions and lamps in particular.

A one-stop shop with Fenland Carpets But the biggest news of all is the arrival of Fenland Carpets, who will be based in the upstairs space. Run by Nick and Brett, they are a very well established carpet and flooring company which already has branches in Spalding and Bourne.

They have a lot of exclusivity on brands, a first-rate fitting service and a 5-year fitting guarantee.

“We have found,” Kathleen told me, “that many people are looking for a new carpet or flooring at the same time as furniture, so this provides them with a very convenient service. I think the synergy will work well.”

• www.fenlandcarpetsandflooring.co.uk • Delcor, 30 Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2QX Tel: 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS What’s new in Market Harborough?

Butler Stewart Clothing B

utler Stewart Clothing is the creation of Anna Louise Butler.

After working in London in the high-end retail industry Anna moved to Stoke Albany in Leicestershire in the spring of 2015.

With the beautiful Leicestershire countryside and picturesque villages as a backdrop for her vision Anna created a brand to cater for the get-up-and-go individuals who live/work in the country or town and participate in country pursuits, activities or sports in their free time.

Butler Stewart offers high quality and traditional clothing and accessories. The tweed collections are made up of unique styles, distinctive features and colourful fabrics - selected and designed

by Anna exclusively for Butler Stewart. Says Anna, “All our tweeds are accompanied with corresponding shirts, jeans and ties enabling you to either buy individual items or a full outfit.”

Anna’s love of the countryside, country life, and country pursuits have influenced her designs from start to finish from seasonal colour palettes to the understanding of traditional and practical clothing whether worn out in the field, on the weekend or in the office.

To welcome in their first autumn Butler Stewart Clothing would like to offer Market Harborough and Rutland Living readers 10% off their first order placed before the end of October. Enter coupon code LIVING at the checkout.

Love Your Local Market T

here has been a market at the heart of Market Harborough since the beginning of the 13th century and today is no different.

At the very heart of the picturesque town and its raison d’etre, you will find Harborough Indoor Market.

The market has over 60 stalls, including a refurbished food hall which offers everything from speciality cheese, fruit and veg, locally sourced meat, fish, celebration cakes, confectionary and food to eat in or take away. There is a central café, Dim Sum, American Diner food and even a traditional fish and chip stall!

The general hall is dedicated to nonfood stalls with books, haberdashery, bags, jewellery, fashion, pet supplies, laptops,

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homewares, picture frames, furniture and much more on offer.

Wednesday sees the addition of an Antiques, Retro and Collectables Market which includes a monthly free of charge valuation day with Gildings Auction House.

On Thursday local makers join us for a Craft Market, where you can pick up a unique, handmade item at a great price and each Sunday there is a popular Antiques Market.

The market, which is operated by Market Place, is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm for the Sunday Antiques Market.

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William Frederick Witherington, Waiting for the Ferry Estimate £3,000–5,000 Provenance: Marquess of Tweeddale and thence by descent.

Fine art & antiques Sale

Tuesday 15th September 2015 Viewing Fri 11th Sept 10:00–16:00, Sat 12th Sept 9:00–13:00 Mon 14th Sept 9:00–19:00, Tue 15th Sept 9:00–9:45 Enquiries Mark Gilding, 01858 410414, sales@gildings.co.uk

gildings auctioneers

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM ThE Mill GrEaT BoWdEn road lE16 7dE T: 01858 410414 SALES@GiLdinGS.cO.UK

Stylish and Inspirational

LIGHTING

design schemes and consultancy

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

t: 01572 724600 w: lumisonlighting.co.uk 47

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P R OP E RT Y

David Crooke, owner of UPP Property Agents Antonia Scott speaks to local entrepreneurs to find out how they have succeeded in motivating themselves and their team to ensure their company is successful

How it all began....

After university, David had a career in the corporate world of media working for Reed Elsevier for over 10 years, moving from London to Sydney, Australia before settling back in Stamford with his wife Lottie and young family.

In 2007 they both launched Moores Lettings in partnership with Moores Estate Agents, as Moores wanted to focus on sales. This meant they were able to give clients the option of letting their property which was good timing in the aftermath of the credit crunch. “The partnership worked extremely well as Vernon Moore, owner of Moores Estate Agents, and I could focus solely on our core business, offering each client exactly what they wanted.

Moores Lettings grew rapidly achieving 100% increase in turnover each year.”

In 2014 the opportunity arose to acquire Oakham Property Services (OPS), a wellestablished lettings business based in Oakham and during this time, David and Lottie made the business decision to move away from their partnership with Moores and go solo. Their new brand,UPP Property Agents was launched in February 2015 – retaining their recognisable pink branding whilst bringing something new, fresh and distinctive to market. “We didn’t just want to be another local agent calling themselves after their own surname – after all, with a surname like Crooke, it wasn’t going to work anyway!”

UPP Property Agents have now launched a separate sales department, headed up by Adrian McCarthy who has a wealth of local property knowledge and experience, and works alongside both Lottie and Dave who concentrate on the lettings side of the business.

As with their approach to lettings, their sales offering challenges the traditional way of buying and selling a home. Following months of industry research, they have cleverly created a straight-forward three-tier package putting the seller, the experience of a local agent and the power of the internet together. “It is exciting to be the only agent in our area to offer home owners this new type of service and the feedback is great”.

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Inspiration, Motivation, Vision and Drive....

“Historically, estate agents haven’t always had the best reputation, so Lottie and I have always set out to dispel this myth! We are both motivated by the high level of positive feedback we receive and the number of recommendations we get through word of mouth. I am driven to ensure our business has the best processes so that we can deliver the best service to our clients.

We are now one of the largest lettings agencies in Rutland and Stamford, but more importantly for me, is that we have the reputation as the ‘go to’ agent for property advice and service”.

Passion, belief and mantras!

“My background in the corporate world taught me that you need to surround yourself with like-minded people and grow and nurture your business team. By providing our staff with the best tools and processes to operate and giving them the autonomy to manage their own time effectively whilst also having a support system in place. Regular communication is key to any successful business – both with my team and our clients.

I’m a firm believer in leading from the front – my father used to say to me, “ work hard, play hard but always work a little harder!” which I think sums up my work ethos. I also like “The harder I try, the luckier I get”; and Henry Ford’s famous quote, “If you believe you can, or you believe you can’t - you are absolutely right”

Where next?

“Lottie and I have worked extremely hard to create our vision for UPP Property Agents and like many working parents we aim to find the elusive work/life balance. Having relocated from overseas, house hunted in a new area, purchased our family home and invested in a Buy-To-Let property, we feel really well placed to empathise with our clients’ needs and we always endeavour to give sound property advice to people, whatever their situation.”

With offices in St John’s Street, Stamford and Church Street, Oakham, UPP Property Agents will be looking to increase their Sales portfolio this year and are also launching a Property Newsletter and Property blog next month.

• For more information: www.upp-property.co.ukTel: Oakham: 01572 725825 Stamford: 01780 484554

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Move UPP

OPTION ONE

Adrian McCarthy,

upfront and no VAT

Sell your house with UPP Property Agents…

The prominence of the internet in property sales is continuing to gain momentum, putting the homeowner at the front of the property selling process. We also believe in putting our clients first by offering a bespoke service based around the power of the internet, whilst at the same time giving sound local property market advice from an experienced, proactive team.

Choose the most effective way to sell your home from one of our three cost saving hassle free options.

Adrian looks forward to discussing the best way to market your property with you, and to arrange a free, no obligation valuation.

01572 725 825/01780 484 554 adrian.mccarthy@upp-property.co.uk

with us

Managing Director

Sell for £399*

Sales Director

Move

David Crooke,

Move UPP

OPTION TWO Sell for £199*

upfront and 0.5% on completion and no VAT

Move UPP

OPTION THREE No fee upfront*

and 1.2% of the sale price on completion and no VAT

Let your house with UPP Property Agents…

We offer valuable advice and support whether you are looking to buy your first investment property or adding to your existing portfolio, UPP is the perfect partner to maximise your financial return.

The UPP team know Stamford and Rutland intimately and will give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media.

For helpful advice on what makes a great property investment, or to arrange a free, no obligation valuation, contact David.

01572 725 825/01780 484 554 david@upp-property.co.uk

12 St Johns Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB Call: 01780 484554

20 Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA Call: 01572 725825

Find our properties on:

Licensed member of:

www.upp-property.co.uk

info@upp-property.co.uk •

@UPPproperty •

David Crooke

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*Terms and Conditions apply

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S HOP S & SE R V I CE S

UPDATES Celebrating 30 years S

imon Cawthorne, owner of the renowned Simon Cawthorne salon in Mill Street Oakham, has been cutting it for 30 years.

Three decades ago he began his training in Leicester, a process which he describes as rigorous and thorough, where the importance of precision cutting and excellence was drilled into him. It was this firm foundation that inspired him to adopt the same attention to detail when training the apprentices who have worked under him over the years, and to set up a professionally run Training School within his own salon.

Simon has worked in some of the capital’s top salons and honed his skills working with great hair legends such as Daniel Galvin, Nicky Clarke and Toni and Guy. In the mid 1990s he returned to his home town with a vision to take the county’s hairdressing standards to a new level and shortly afterwards, fulfilled his dream to create a bit of London in Leicestershire by opening his first salon.

Simon has a true passion for hairdressing and this passion and desire to ‘believe in better’ has been the driving force behind the salon’s unique client-centric service that promises and delivers beautifully crafted haircuts, styling and personalised colour to clients county-wide.

Simon combines original thinking with superb technical ability, continues to trend set and has built a talented creative team of stylists and dedicated colourists to work alongside him, all of whom share his philosophy and approach to the art of hairdressing.

His involvement in countless photo shoots and London Fashion Weeks has brought him to where he is now - finalist of the British Hairdressing Awards 2008, 2009 and 2010 and TIGI Creative Hairdresser of the Year 2009.

• www.simoncawthorne.com

Holidays in Style S

urrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands in Ashton Wold near Oundle, the three luxury holiday rental houses at the Lady Rothschild Dairy offer a stylish country retreat. Named after artists Constable, Turner and Gainsborough, everything about the warm stone and thatch holiday house apartments, joined together around a U-shaped central courtyard on the historic Ashton Estate, breathes quality, elegance and attention to detail. Many original features have been restored and incorporated into the thoughtful design of the beautifully furnished conversions with their solid oak finishes and strikingly modern kitchens and bathrooms.

The Constable House, with its magnificent vaulted ceiling over the open plan living/ dining and kitchen area, has five bedrooms plus a pull out truckle bed in the study, and can easily accommodate 12 people. The Turner House is full of original features and has four bedrooms and with a sofa bed in the large attic bedroom it is ideal accommodation for up to ten people.

The Gainsborough House has exposed oak beams and an unusual design and accommodates eight people.

Each holiday house apartment has its very own Shepherds Hut and the use of a nearby communal garden.

• For more details see www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk

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Calling families to have fun together in the Anna’s Hope Fun Run C

arole Hughes, founder of local children’s charity Anna’s Hope is calling for families to run or walk and have fun together in the Anna’s Hope 5k Fun Run in the Perkins Great Eastern Run this year on October 11th. You could even dress up as a fairy like Carole and many of the supporters of Anna’s Hope.

The charity has been involved with the run for the last 8 years and thanks to those who have raised funds through sponsorship, the charity is now making a real difference to local children diagnosed with a brain tumour through the Anna’s Hope Therapy which supports a pioneering neurorehabilitation service called Brainbow.

• To enter please visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk.

For those who also want to raise money for Anna’s Hope and help local children with brain tumours please contact Carole Hughes via e-mail: admin@annahope.co.uk

Stamford Artisans Guild

T

he Stamford Artisans Guild will return to Stamford Arts Centre on Sunday 20 September from 10am to 4pm to showcase the creative talent of local artisans. The Stamford Artisans Guild showcases a wide range of local artisans who will be behind their stall so available to talk to visitors about their craft and products including Jandy Photography, Stamford Holistic Candles, Folbar Jewellery, Cards by Lorna, Woodland Creations, Sew Krafty and Knitnaks.

• For further information on this event please call Tel: 07854 637810

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“Pinter’s game of happy families” 15 to 19 September, Stamford Arts Centre - 7.45pm Tickets £10 / £8 conc. Box office 01780 763203 A work of dazzling directness and simplicity, on the surface, where the family conflicts create a play that is both comic and menacing.

“A Safe Place to Talk”

Free, confidential & unbiased advice.

Had an abortion, baby loss or miscarriage in the past or know someone that has? Feel the need to be able to talk about it in a Safe Place?

Alternatives offers free confidential unbiased support • • • • •

Tel: 01780 765853/ 07913052159 office@alternativesstamford.co.uk www.alternativesstamford.co.uk facebook.com/alternativesstamford @altstamford

or drop in any Mon or Thur 9-5 Ryhall Road, Stamford PE9 1YA. (located within the Hospital Site behind Sheep Market Surgery)

Registered charity 1129379

Sum

Lamport! t a e r mer is he

• Beautiful house and gardens • Open Wednesday/Thursday afternoons and Bank Holidays • New for 2015 - History of the Working Horse exhibition

NEW

COMING UP: 30/31 August: Antiques & Collectors Fair 10/11 October: Gift & Craft Fair OUTDOOR CINEMA IN SEPTEMBER: Friday18th - Dirty Dancing (12A) Saturday 19th - An Officer & A Gentleman Sunday 20th - The Princess Bride Book online at: www.lunafix.co.uk

Lamport Hall

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Thursday 20 August to Sunday 20 September MUSICAL THEATRE: Legally Blonde – The Musical The all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy is a winner of no less than 7 major awards, and is the funniest and most fabulous musical around performed by a cast of West End stars.

Kilworth House Theatre Tickets from £30 Tel: 01858 881939 or www. kilworthhousetheatre.co.uk Wednesday 9 September, 1.20pm CONCERT: Han Kim with Alexis Ffrench Han Kim is an extraordinary Korean clarinettist. He will perform the quirky Sonatina

by MartinÐ, Poulenc’s 1962 Clarinet Sonata and a virtuosic showpiece by Jorg Widmann. Kim is accompanied by Alexis Ffrench, Head of Keyboard at Uppingham School.

Uppingham Parish Church Wednesday 9 September, 6pm EVENT: Beating Retreat Ceremony Always well supported this annual ceremony will see the local crowd entertained by the Band of the Parachute Regiment in the presence of Dr Laurence Howard and Jennifer, The Lady Gretton.

A free event with contributions collected on the day donated to the Army Benevolent Fund Oakham Market Place Saturday 12 September 10am to 6pm EVENT: Rutland Food and Drink Festival

Celebrate all that is great about Rutland with excellent food and drink plus family entertainment including cooking demonstrations, locally produced food, live music, stalls and much more.

Sykes Lane, near Empingham Wednesday 23 September Thursday 10 September, 2pm to 4pm EVENT: Creative Writing Workshop All journeys can inspire us, whether it be looking at the familiar with fresh eyes or encountering the new.

In this writing workshop with Anna Chilvers, travel in your own footsteps and find what is waiting for you there.

Oakham Library Tickets £2 Tel: 01572 722918 – early booking advised.

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, 7.30am to 10am EVENT: Bird Ringing Demonstration A senior reserve officer will help you get up close to species you won’t see in your own garden. The team will be netting, ringing and releasing migrant birds passing through the reserve. Afterwards, questions and chat over refreshments.

Anglian Birdwatching Centre, Lyndon £12/£8 for permit holders with early booking advised.

Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm CONCERT: Tre Laude Dolce With a pre-concert talk from 5.15pm to 6pm which

Sunday 6 and Monday 7 September EVENT: Dahlia Festival Celebration of the varied and vibrant display of dahlias that can be found in the historic walled kitchen garden where last year, a further twenty new varieties were introduced. Talks and demonstrations, including flower-arranging.

Kelmarsh Hall Entry fee to the hall, gardens and all the events during the Dahlia Festival £8/£7.50, £4.50 ages 5-14, under-fives free. www.kelmarsh.com Tel: 01604 686543 is free to members and concert ticket holders, Music In Lyddington present this acclaimed trio on piano, cello and guitar.

St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington Tickets in advance £15/£3 students from Music & More, Uppingham Sports and Books or Uppingham Theatre www.musicinlyddington. co.uk Wednesday 23 September, 7.30pm TALK: Who Lived in a House Like This?

Brian Easton is the guest speaker for this month’s talk hosted by Great Easton and District History Society. Brian examines the occupation and social status through the centuries of the inhabitants of some significant dwellings in the Midlands.

Great Easton Village Hall Members free, guests £2 to include refreshments

Sunday 27 September 10.30am to 3pm EVENT: Wedding Fair A chance for couples to meet some of the region’s wedding professionals from caterers to photographers and many more besides.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October MUSICAL THEATRE: Strictly Sondheim Harborough Theatre A tribute to the work of Stephen Sondheim – well known for his work such as Sweeney Todd, Follies, Gypsy and West Side Story among many others. A lively production conceived, directed and choreographed by Dylan Atkinson and Hannah Brown, supported by Rod Iliffe.

Tickets £10/£12 www. mhmt.ticketsource.co.uk, in person at Jessica Mary Flowers or Tel: 07967252823

BOOK EARLY FOR….

Monday 12 to Saturday 24 October MUSICAL THEATRE: Mary Poppins The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £15 Tel:0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk

We buy...Antiques / Jewellery / Watches

(all types of Gold & Silver, from antique to modern day times) FREE APPRAISAL SERVICE AT YOUR HOME To book an appointment please call Nick on 07823 886848 or Helen on 07795 196296 Barrowden Antiques, Main St, Barrowden, Rutland, LE15 8EQ (nickbettles@aol.co.uk) RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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OU T & AB OUT

Alternative Activities for Children Struggling to think of a plan for the weekend, after school or holiday?

We can all run out of ideas for ways to entertain our little ones, so Isabella Hamnett goes in search of some more unusual ways to keep children, and their grown-ups, captivated come rain or shine Phoenix Arts Centre

Film fanatic but fed up of identikit cinemas? Why not take the family to the Phoenix Arts Centre and experience something a little different.

A warm welcome awaits, and with a vibrant children’s corner (board games, dominoes, colouring and jenga, to name but a few), you can relax and take advantage of a fabulous kitchen menu. With all food made on the premises, and a daily specials board, the food here is excellent. I sampled the ham hock salad topped with a poached egg, whilst the children opted for omelettes, sandwiches and awesome burgers, accompanied by shoestring fries. We sat outside to eat, alongside raised beds containing all manner of vegetables, fruits and flowers, attracting numerous butterflies, much to the children’s delight. An added bonus is that included in a child’s film ticket price is a cup of popcorn and glass of squash – making the entire experience not only a great day out, but also super affordable. This is now officially my children’s favourite cinema, by a mile!

• Phoenix Arts Centre, 4 Midland St, Leicester LE1 1TG, Tel: 0116 242 2800, www.phoenix.org.uk

Mini Meadows Farm

Set in 12 acres of rolling Northamptonshire countryside, in the village of Welford, is Mini Meadows Farm, a specialist breeder of rare and unusual poultry. This picturesque farm also offers a lovely little children’s farm boasting a large array of cute, not so cute, small and not so small farm animals; including llamas, alpacas, goats, donkeys, bunnies and guinea pigs - as well as a climbing frame, swings and slide, just perfect for your teeny-tinies. Finish this relaxed visit with a delicious ice cream, cold drink or steaming cup of hot chocolate.

• Mini Meadows Farm, Naseby Road, Welford, NN6 6HZ, Tel: 07824 393517 www.minimeadowsfarm.com

Om-azing Kids Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga is not only taking the adult world by storm, but is also hugely beneficial for children. A fantastic, healthy alternative to time spent on electronic devices, yoga is a fun way of building self-confidence as part of a non-competitive group.

Alishia Read is fully qualified kids yoga teacher; and with four under10’s of her own, you couldn’t wish for a calmer instructor! Alishia runs classes for 3-12 year olds in the Market Harborough and Kibworth areas; through music, games and storytelling, she helps children

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to increase their self-esteem, improve concentration and strengthen their flexibility and motor skills. “I’ve seen improvement in even the most hyperactive children,” says Alishia. “They learn to sit calmly, listen, take time out and even start to practice their yoga at home.” What more could a stressed parent wish for?

• Om-azing Kids Yoga, Tel: 07966 528809, alishiasmoo@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/OKYoga

Hare Pie Café

After being closed for nearly a year, the much loved tearooms at The Bewicke Arms in Hallaton have now re-opened under new ownership as The Hare Pie Café. Named for the traditional Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scramble, this beautifully pared down, new family run café is everything that a countryside eatery should be. Serving locally sourced food, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, the Hare Pie Café puts a firm focus on healthy, nutritious delights for little people, as well as child-friendly treats including marshmallow topped hot chocolates and babyccinos amid their more sophisticated selection of quality loose leaf teas and freshly ground coffees. Think rustic chic, understated style and neutral shades of taupe, grey and white – Simon and Claire have really got it right – this place is all about life’s simple pleasures. Oh, and if you need any groceries when passing by, they do a select line of great local produce alongside a well-stocked deli counter too… Open every day except Mondays from 9am until 5pm. Future plans include later-opening times on selected evenings to accommodate a post-school “kids’ tea”.

• Hare Pie Café @ The Bewicke Arms, 1 Eastgate, Hallaton, LE16 8UB, Tel: 01858 555734

One Stitch Over the Rainbow

With all these activities, you may want to kit your little darlings out in something just that bit different. Market Harborough based mum of three Sarah Welton wanted just that; at a loss to find traditionally inspired, beautifully handmade children’s clothing, she set about making her own. With exceptional craftsmanship, including hand embroidery, handsmocking and vintage inspired prints - combined with an unrivalled level of personal service – you can select your own fabric, trim and pattern – the resulting designs are charming and entirely unique.

• One Stitch Over the Rainbow, www.facebook.com/ onestitchovertherainbow, email: rahrahspencer24@gmail.com

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Advertisement Feature

Orangeries and Garden Rooms QKS has just installed a new Orangery in its Cherryholt Lane showroom. It is a structure of great beauty and craftsmanship, which thoroughly merits a closer look.

N

ick Clipston, the owner, described some of the attractions of the Orangery: “Because it’s made of hardwood, you have the opportunity to create great detailing and features that allows it to blend in seamlessly with a period home. Or you could fashion it in a more contemporary style. And everything is bespoke, so you can have exactly the dimensions and finishes that you desire.

The Orangery in the showroom is extra height, giving all the advantages of a classic period room whilst being flooded with light from the lantern lights above. Finished off with a pair of classic doors leading to the main house, it instantly becomes an integral part of your home. There are also several other conservatories on show to take a look at, from the ultra modern to the traditional. QKS are also specialists in doors and windows, and no job is too small.

And a complete after sales service is provided, all backed by a full 10 Year Guarantee.

• Showroom: Unit 4, Cherryholt Road, Stamford PE9 2EQ. Tel: 01780 756666. www.qks-ltd.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

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Oak House Residential Care Home for the Elderly

Award Winning Care Home

Blinds & Curtains Made to Measure & Fitted Fast Locally

We Cover Stamford, Peterborough, Rutland & Melton

Are you feeling like you need a break?

Respite care & long term care (subject to availability) Call or email now To request a brochure or for more information

please telephone us on 01572 812647

FREE QUOTES!! FREE FITTING!!

Call Richard on 01572 759176 Fitting Blinds & Curtains Fast: Oakham, Rutland, Stamford, Melton & Bourne

9-5 Mon - Fri

5 Day Blinds

9-1 Saturday

www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

9 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AX

Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7NW

www.conservatoryroofshades.co.uk www.5DayBlinds.co.uk www.7daycurtains.co.uk

or e-mail us on info@oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

A GOLD STANDARD CARE AGENCY Small bespoke family run agency.

We specialise in 24 hour live in care.

Long and short term placements.

Update and refurbish your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.

A complete range of market leading colours available, including popular heritage and National Trust colours.

Before Spray

Before Spray

After Spray

All levels of care.

Phone Heather to discuss our friendly personal service

01572 869138

9 High Street, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6AH www.alwaystakecare.com

After Spray

• Dulux Fellow – Awarded April 2013 • Dulux Select Decorator of the Year 2011 • Dulux Select Decorator of the Year Runner Up 2009/2010

C.F. Painting & Decorating

01664 823 929 079033 24055 www.respraykitchen.co.uk Facebook: CF Painting & Decorating

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Luxury Vinyl Flooring Our luxury vinyl flooring is so stylish, they inspire you to create your own, bespoke look – giving your home a unique, designer appeal. For the latest in luxury vinyl, classic wood and laminate floors, plus beautiful carpets, visit Barefoot; your friendly local experts.

YOUR HOME. YOUR DESIGN.

“…M ark and Lis a at Bare f o o t helpe d us ac hie ve e x act l y t h e fas hionable lo o k we want ed.

Our home loo ks s tunning and we’re re co mme nding Ba r ef o o t to all our frie nds .”

Ian Woods, Rutland

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

01572 759752 • www.barefoot-flooring.biz

All of our orangeries & conservatories are available in a range of styles, materials and colours to compliment your home, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

Orangeries & Conservatories by

Orangeries . Conservatories . Windows . Doors . Verandas Visit our showhome at:

Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Weekends by appointment only

Auburn Hill 01780 400500 www.ahorangeries.co.uk 57

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All of our windows & doors are available in a range of styles, materials and colours to compliment your home, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

Windows & Doors by

Orangeries . Conservatories . Windows . Doors . Verandas Visit our showhome at:

Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Weekends by appointment only

Auburn Hill 01780 400500 www.ahorangeries.co.uk

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Oakham Signal Box An iconic figure within the Rutland landscape, the signal box at Oakham is an important part of our industrial and community heritage. One which Network Rail and the National Railway Museum have recognised with the establishment of the Signalling Heritage Forum. English Heritage keen to preserve this disappearing national treasure has listed 48 signal boxes on a preservation list, including our very own Oakham signal box. The essence of which has been captured for us by Rutland brand artist, Sarah Hatherill

“I

WAS working for a local tea room, helping them with their brand when we decided to put some images on the walls capturing the feeling of Rutland. As the smallest county in the country Rutlanders are proud of their heritage and my client wanted some imagery that reflected this. Through this project, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Rutland, its people and its history,” says Sarah.

Sarah set about taking photographs of iconic scenes from around the county, including the many blue plaques on various walls, Oakham Castle Gate and Mill Street. Back in the studio Sarah worked her artistic magic to create a series of images including the signal box. Sarah was so moved by the image that she decided to do some research: “Oakham signal box was built in 1899 and followed a standard design. Its windows are in perfect proportion to the size of the building.

The cladding may be utilitarian but it seems to echo the railway lines it is placed next to. It is a classic signal box. Hence Airfix choosing to create it as a model signal box.

Passenger safety has always been of paramount importance since the first public lines were opened over 180 years ago.

Originally the railway men signalled with flags or operating boards and it wasn’t until 1840 that this process was mechanised. The signal box was developed to make this process much

safer for everyone involved.

It was not until John Saxby had invented the mechanical interlocking system used between points and signals, for which he obtained a patent in 1856, that the signal box was truly born.

His original design was only ever slightly amended when the lower operating floor was closed in to contain the signal man’s locking apparatus (as at Oakham).

During the 1970s and 80s the old signal boxes began to be replaced and modernised.

From the late 1990s Railtrack started a massive upgrade of the signal boxes, installing UPVC windows and putting in new facilities for the signal men. Obviously this work has resulted in many of the original boxes losing their historic fabric.

Sadly, advances in signalling technology has spelled the end of the signal box. Network Rail announced in 2011 that it will be concentrating signalling on 12 centres over a 30 year period which will result in 80% of signal boxes being closed. It will effectively mean an end to this type of iconic building on the rail network.

Unfortunately many signal boxes are already being removed; recently the box at Deeping St James was taken down to be replaced with electronic barriers. (See Stamford Living Magazine).

Since then local residents have started up a group to try and get this historic building re-built, which shows the emotional resonance that these little buildings have within the community. They have been offered a site to re-build it and their local MP has managed to secure funding for its rebuild.

We should cherish the history on our doorstep. Sometimes the buildings and landscape we take for granted are so much part of our daily lives we don’t see them anymore. It would be a tragedy if these important historic building were lost to future generations.”

• Sarah Hatherill is a brand artist who creates bespoke artistic pieces for businesses, homes and gardens. These can be created in a range of mediums from aluminium and glass art to paper, fabric and wallpaper. She is currently accepting commissions for inspirational pieces that reflect the values of a brand, company or family. You can view her gallery at www.wellstreetstudio.co.uk Signal box is available as an open edition giclee print from the Well Street Studio website.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Your local specialist bespoke builder and developer with a passion and reputation for building exceptional homes.

Visit to see our portfolio & current jobs

The Old Pump House, Manton Road, Edith Weston, Rutland, LE15 8HB

T: 01780 729027

E: Richard@brownandjones.co.uk www.brownandjones.co.uk

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

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

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

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Over 90 shops, 15 places to eat, thousands of brands, late night shopping.

61 QUE376 Brands Rutland Living A4.indd 1

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Thomas Cook Teetotaller and Philanthropist!

Caroline Aston discovers the origins of one of Britain’s most successful travel agents

O

N a balmy June night in 1841 33 year old cabinet maker Thomas Cook set out on the long walk from Adam and Eve Street in Market Harborough to Leicester to attend a temperance meeting.

Cook had been a Baptist minister and was firmly of the belief that alcohol was the root of all evil. He was certain that if working class people could be persuaded to sign the pledge and were given better education then many of the social problems plaguing Victorian Britain could be conquered. That long walk to Leicester gave him ample opportunity to ponder and he was later to write ‘…the thought suddenly flashed across my mind as to the practicability of employing the great powers of railways and locomotion for the furtherance of this social reform’.

Steam technology was the huge success story of the 19th century. From the early experiments of people like James Watt the potential of steam power had radically changed the face of Britain’s core industries while the development of a railway system had a huge impact on society. By the time a breathless Mr Cook took his seat at the temperance meeting

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an idea had formed in his head. He knew that a ‘Down with Drink’ rally was to be held in Loughborough in about a month’s time and suggested to his fellow enthusiasts that they charter a special train to carry supporters there. So positive was their response that the very next day Cook approached the Secretary of the Midland Railway Company to set things in motion. On 5th July 1841 500 teetotallers boarded the special and travelled the tremendous distance of 12 miles from Leicester to Loughborough. A return ticket was a shilling.

Ginger beer and lemonade were quaffed, sandwiches eaten and as Cook watched another idea took shape in his fertile mind. ‘Thus’, he was to write,’ was struck the keynote of my excursions, and the social idea grew upon me’.

During the following three summers Cook organised a succession of day trips between Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham.

Thousands of people, usually members of temperance societies and Sunday School groups, had their first experience of rail travel while Thomas Cook learnt valuable lessons which were to lead to the foundation of a flourishing business. Initially he made no money at all, confining himself to publicity via handbills and posters, a period he termed ‘enthusiastic philanthropy’. By 1845 his confidence had grown to the point where he organised his first big trip, this time to Liverpool. Tickets cost 15 shillings first class and 10 shillings second, prices he had negotiated – but this time he also researched and published a handbook of the route, the true ancestor of our modern holiday brochures.

After that there was no stopping this remarkable Market Harborough man. In 1851 he transported 150,000 people to London to view the Great Exhibition in the sparkling Crystal Palace. Four years later he took his first tourists across the Channel to Europe. Ten years later the growing middle classes were clamouring to join his tours of Switzerland, Italy and the Alps.

In 1868 he launched the hotel coupon, enabling his clients to exchange these for food and accommodation without using cash and in 1874 he created the circular note, the forerunner of our traveller’s cheques. A Cook’s note could be exchanged for local currency. In 1872, aged 63,

Thomas Cook led his first 222 day world tour, something that came to be an annual event.

Thomas’ s son John had the real business brain but the two quarrelled and broke their partnership in 1878, by which time the firm was operating out of London. It was John Mason Cook that the government approached in 1884 to organise the expedition to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum in Egypt. Cook’s completed the unbelievable logistics on time but Gordon was murdered in January 1885 and Khartoum fell.

Thomas Cook died in 1892 and John followed him in 1898. But their name lives on, sometimes provoking bad publicity like the recent furore over family deaths in Corfu.

Thousands of us use their currency service, cruise on their ships, stay in their resorts and hotels. Market Harborough can be rightly proud of Mr Thomas Cook. Thank goodness he was so committed to temperance that he took that June walk to Leicester 174 years ago….. great oaks from little acorns grow!

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Farndon Fields Farm Farndon Road Market Harborough LE16 9NP

www.farndonfields.co.uk

We bake a selection of delicious breads, savouries, cakes & desserts.

Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients we develop the real taste of our products, full of flavour with no preservatives or enhancers.

Shops: Exton Bakery,

Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless Beautiful lingerie, hosiery and shape wear solutions

Market Harborough, Oakham, Stamford & West Bridgford

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 63

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SEASI DE ST R O LLS

Sheringham to Cromer This walk features two delightful small towns full of vitality and seaside charm, plus stunning seascapes and the chance to walk back along the beach POINTS OF INTEREST The North Norfolk Railway (NNR) connects Sheringham to Holt and runs steam trains. To view train times, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Sheringham has a delightful and traditional high street. It has always had an active fishing fleet, and today its focus is crabs, lobsters and whelks. Sheringham Museum on the seafront merits a visit, especially for the town’s maritime history. Find out more at www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk Beeston Bump is an unexpected protuberance in the landscape. Known as a ‘kame’, it is the result of glacial activity, created when glaciers retreated northwards at the end of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.

Beeston Hill and Roman Camp is one of the high points in the county at 103 metres. No actual evidence of Roman occupation has ever been found, but in medieval times iron ore was dug from the ground accounting for the many pits that can be seen around and could easily be mistaken for earthworks.

Cromer is famous for its historic pier and seaside charm. Aside from the pier itself, The Henry Blogg (Lifeboat) Museum (Tel: 01263 511294, on the gangway E of the pier) merits a visit, as does the Cromer Museum (Tel: 01263 513543, Tucker St, NR27 9HB), where you can step inside a tiny fisherman’s cottage and imagine life in Cromer at the end of the 19th century.

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WALK DATA Distance: 8 kms (5 miles); an extra 6kms (3 1/2 miles) if you walk back along the beach Typical time: 2 hrs (3.5hours including beach back) Height gain: 100 metres Map: OS Landranger 133 NE Norfolk Start: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Sheringham, Railway Approach (opposite NNR) Finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Cromer, Cadogan Rd (S side of Evington Gardens) Parking: Sheringham Station Car Park (NR26 8RA) Terrain: straightforward; sturdy footwear recommended Norfolk Coast Path: this route follows the Norfolk Coast Path for almost its entire length. The path is well signed and the route is marked with an acorn motif.

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THE ROUTE: 1 2

From the Coasthopper Bus Stop at the NNR, head left (N), first along Station Rd and then along the High St to the promenade Turn right (E) here, following the North Norfolk coast path, which takes you out of town and to the top of the Beeston Bump, standing proud above the town Descending on the other side, the path turns right (S) after 200 metres and you cross the railway line, still following the North Norfolk Coast Path which heads inland at this point Cross the main coast road, take a turning left on the other side, then a right following the track up into the hills On reaching the woods, bear left, then veer right up a mini-wooded valley, always following the acorn signs Pause on Beacon Hill & the Roman Camp and enjoy the views, before crossing the road at which point the metalled track heads left (N) After about 400 metres the track turns to the right (E) and then heads in an easterly direction all the way to Cromer, with one kink then a road crossing and going under the railway As you approach the town and go past a camp site on your right, you have a choice. On reaching the road, continue straight following the coast path signs along Sandy Lane to join the main road heading into Cromer; or if you prefer a slightly quieter route, head left (N) at this point, cross over the railway line, turn right and then shortly left (NE) across a green space; at the other side of which you turn right (E) onto Howard’s Hill Rd and head into the centre of Cromer.

Route back: catch the Coasthopper Bus back from Cadogan Rd, on the S side of Evington Gardens; or walk along the beach, depending on the tides, which you can check at www.tidetimes.org.uk/cromer-tide-times

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PIT STOPS No1, Cromer, New Street, NR27 9HP, just to the W of the pier) Fish & Chips Take Away and Restaurant in Cromer by Michelin Star Chef, Galton Blackiston. 01263 512316

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Rocket House Café (on Cromer’s East Beach) has a balcony overlooking the sea and good food, especially seafood.

Walk along the coast and catch the bus back! Tel: 01553 776980 www.coasthopper.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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A fresh alternative to a care home...

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Move into one of our new, modern apartments, enabling you to live your own life and retain your independence in a quaint village setting. There I promised she and wouldn’t are a choice of suites mu withmcare security on into a care home… hand 24 hours agoday.

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Enjoy fresh home cooked cuisine made to your taste and never worry about the laundry or cleaning.

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All of this for £ 395 per apartment per week inclusive of all costs.

Call 01536 771722 for a free trial or Email frances@autu mn-care.co.uk Relaxation

Leaving the family home to move into a care home can be a daunting prospect, moving into a one or two bed serviced apartment with lounge, diner, kitchenette, and en suite bathroom at Autumn Assisted is a reassuring cost effective alternative from only £495 per week per apartment all inclusive.

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Our professionally trained carers are on site 24 hours a day to assist you at your request and a private minibus is available for shopping or social visits.

Specialist Dementia Unit Tel - 01536 771722

m nHouse Assisted, a n or Houdementia se, 58-60unit M afor i n people Street, in the The Orchards Unit atAutu Manor is a M specialist Middleton, M a rket Ha rborou gh, LE16 8 Y U t: 01858 881500 e: woodlands@hothorpe.co.uk advanced stages of the condition with complex behavioural problems.

We offer Residents with a life limiting condition opportunity visit www. a utu mann-ca re. co. u k to live their lives /woodlandbreaks @WoodlandBreaks as fully as their condition allows.771722 or e ma il: kira n@rklventu re s. co m ca ll 01536 Our aim is to provide a quality of care that is person centred, seeing each 66 Resident as unique with individual physical, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs.

Well-trained, professional staff that are supportive and empathetic to residents, • RL September ADS.indd 66 19/08/2015 families and friends. off the A4304 in Theddingworth

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M OT O RI N G

Safe Journey

As we move through late summer into the autumn, the region’s roads require a different approach to safe driving according to the experts from the Corby branch of the Institute of Advanced Motoring. Amander Meade gathers advice for trouble free travelling during the long, dark days ahead Low sun, no fun…

One of the biggest challenges when driving in the autumn months is dealing with low sun and dazzle. These tips offered by Peter Rodger, Britain’s top advanced driver should help: ■ Keep a good pair of sunglasses in the car – they really do make a big difference.

■ If you can’t see then do the obvious thing and slow down keeping an eye on the vehicle behind in case the driver can’t see you against the sun. Be aware that if the sun is behind you it will be in the eyes of oncoming drivers who might not see you or the road markings between you and them.

In these conditions, dip your rear view mirrors when necessary and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.

■ Low sun highlights scratches and grime on windscreens so keep your washer bottles topped up with good quality screen wash and change your wipers every year. During colder weather, using heaters can blow traffic fumes, suspended oil and smoke onto the inside of the screen building up a film of grime which is a major cause of glare. Clean your screen inside and out with glass cleaner at least once a week – it’s worth remembering that if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows you could face a hefty fine.

■ Turn on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so it is easier for other drivers to see you in twilight.

Coping with cold, snow and ice….

According to the Automobile Association, the number of breakdowns nearly doubles during cold spells. Their advice should keep you on the road should the weather take a nasty turn.

■ Batteries rarely last longer than five years so replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road. Maximise the power of your battery by turning down heaters once the windows are clear. If your car stands idle most of the weekend, a regular overnight trickle charge is a good idea.

■ Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for winter. (Check the handbook if unsure what type to use). Without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.

■ Don’t wait for the snow before packing your winter essentials. These might include a torch, a blanket, warm clothes, food and drink, first aid kit, a spade, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and a well charged phone for emergencies.

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Danger signs…

■ A continuous squealing noise as soon as the engine is started is a sign that the water pump is frozen. Stop the engine immediately and allow thawing – preferably in a heated garage.

■ If the car begins to overheat a few miles from home, the radiator may have frozen, preventing coolant from circulating. Stop straight away to avoid serious damage and allow the radiator to thaw.

Dos and Don’ts

■ Get your tyres checked. Allow at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring and certainly no less than 2mm.

■ Consider changing to winter or all season tyres for better performance in wet conditions. Don’t reduce tyre pressure to get more grip – it doesn’t work and reduces stability.

■ Remember to allow an extra ten minutes to prepare the car and clear the windows.

If you make yourself late, rushing will be counterproductive and dangerous.

■ Use a lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock; don’t breathe on the lock or the moisture will condense and freeze.

• The Institute of Advanced Motoring offer advice all year round as well as the opportunity to take an advanced driving test. For more information Tel: 01832 730125 or 01572 821354 e: infor@corbyadvancedmotorists.org or www.iam.org.uk Find lots of motoring advice from the AA at their website www.theaa.com

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

Window Repair

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

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

THE COURSES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

• Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught proofing • Reglazing and reputtying • Converting single glazing to double glazing

Before

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Call James on:

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

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@tradrest

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Monday 12th October Tuesday 3rd November

Wednesday 17th March Thursday 24rd March

10.00-12.00 14.00-16.00 14:00-16:00 10.00-12.00

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

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

For more information or to book your place telephone 01572-758248 or email tbarnwell@rutland.gov.uk THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Powering chimney sweeping into the 21st Century

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• RL September ADS.indd 69

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HO M E & GAR D E N

The Wool Room: The Complete Sleep Solution Frankly you will be amazed if you go and take a look around the Wool Room in Star Lane, Stamford – if you’re just thinking a throw or a wool duvet, then think again. The Woolroom now has the potential to do much more than that – it can provide you with an all-round better sleeping experience

A

FTER all, we spend up to a third of our lives in our beds; it’s a really important part of our lives. It’s estimated for a couple celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary will have spent 20+ years in bed together!

And yet, we often spend more time selecting our flat screen TV than we do our bed, which is crazy. Which is where The Woolroom comes in – it can transform your sleeping experience.

The Wool Room offers the complete sleeping experience – the divan, the mattress, the mattress topper or protector, the duvet, all made of natural wool.

And not just any old wool. It is sourced from the Central Wool Growers based in Essendine, so you know it has come from East of England sheep. Unlike what goes into other commercially produced products where, however grand the filling sounds, you have no idea of its provenance. And the beds are made in Yorkshire. So you are buying British throughout.

SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WOOL? Well, in a word, enormous.

Wool products give you a better night’s sleep – research has shown a 25% deeper, more gentle sleep.

First and foremost it is the most adaptable filling known to man, which means it adjusts to your individual body temperature. If your partner gets hotter or colder than you (which is almost always the case) it will adapt to each of you so you are both at the right temperature throughout the night. Wool is the only fibre that can do this.

Second, being natural, it is ideal for allergy or asthma suffers. The Woolroom’s products are the only natural sleep solution endorsed by Allergy UK. Third, wool is non-flammable; so they pass all flammability regulations without the need to be sprayed with brominated flame retardants as other commercial mattresses need to be. You are sleeping on something 100% natural with no added chemicals.

Finally, wool products are beautiful, comfortable and desirable. Modern, classic

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design, with a choice of over 250 British made wool fabrics, you can tailor the bed exactly to your needs, and all at a price which is competitive with other high street retailers.

You can find out much more about the unique benefits of wool at their website at: www. thewoolroom.com/5reasons Chris Tattersall runs and owns the business and is a passionate advocate of wool. In his words: “Our complete sleep solution will deliver you the very best natural, healthy night’s sleep and will work with the individual in providing the ultimate in sleeping comfort.”

WHAT DO THE PUNTERS THINK? “I love your products very much and my sleep has much improved with your woollen pillows and the mattress topper, thank you for quick delivery!”

“Absolute bliss, the comfort of the mattress topper on a firmish bed for bad back giving support and comfort.”

“We have been so impressed that we’ve bought the all seasons duvet and deluxe pillows. The quality is excellent and the sleeping experience second to none. My morning asthma attacks and sneezing has gone and it is a joy to sleep in the warm summer nights. We’re so confident in the wool room’s products that we recently put an order in for a mattress! Can’t wait :)” “I ordered 3 woollen duvets and they arrived very promptly. We are very very happy with them and both children are sleeping very well. Our daughter who was also very “hayfevery” in the mornings is now totally cleared up now that we have removed the feather down duvet inners. I would recommend both the Wool Room and the duvets we got.”

To look at other reviews, visit www.reviews.co.uk and type in ‘the woolroom’ To see the products and find out the difference that wool products can make and how beautiful they look, just visit the store in Star Lane.

• The Wool Room, 8/9 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH. Tel: 01780 767927 www.thewoolroom.com

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M O T O R ING

Paul Bailey with the LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 at Silverstone Photo: www.jakobebrey.com

“Collecting super cars is our passion” For most couples, owning just one car worth over £1 million might be a far off dream. But local businessman Paul Bailey and his wife Selena have amassed a collection comprising more than 70 of the world’s most exotic sports cars. And they are still collecting! Jonathan Craymer reports

P

AUL and Selena Bailey hit the headlines back in January when in a single day they became the only people on the planet to own three of the world’s fastest and most desirable cars – the so-called “Holy Trinity” of the motoring world.

On that particular Saturday morning they climbed into their £866,000 McLaren P1, drove to a Ferrari dealer in the Midlands to pick up the £1.2 million La Ferrari they’d ordered two years previously. Then Paul drove away in the vehicle (with Selena at the wheel of the McLaren) and the pair headed to a Porsche dealer in Cambridgeshire to pick up a brand-new 918 Spyder, completing the trio. These particular vehicles have one thing in common – they’re part of a new breed of incredibly fast cars employing hybrid technology to deliver fuel economy of up to 94 mpg.

All this was made possible by the couple selling their telecommunications business in 2012 for a reported £28 million. As I chat with them over coffee, Paul explains: “In 1982 when Margaret Thatcher deregulated telecoms, I was looking for a new challenge. I didn’t know much

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about it, but then unless you’d worked for the GPO, neither did anyone else! So I gave up a safe job and went self-employed, which was a big risk at the time.”

He’d met Selena when she was working at a former BMW dealership in Huntingdon – and in 2001 they set up the Worldwide Group in Peterborough - as Paul puts it, just to pay the bills.

An office was established in Peterborough which eventually began turning over £40 million a year. Is there a secret to their success?

“In telecoms, pricing is nearly always the same so in my opinion the differentiator is service. We did what we said we’d do,” adds Paul.

He was keen on cars and driving while still at school. Some of the older boys who’d already passed their tests allowed him to drive them on his provisional licence. He secured a loan (on which he paid interest) from his dad, enabling him to buy his first car. “I promised myself I’d own a Ferrari by the time I was 30. I missed the target and was actually 32 when I got the first one, but we now have 21!”

After selling the business even though he

was in his early 50s, Paul decided to take up race driving – something he clearly excels at it.

The company he set up, Horsepower Racing, hires some of his race cars out, and the revenue supports his racing activities. Currently he’s driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GT Cup where he’s leading his class, and it’s still only half-way through the season.

Paul’s first experience on a race track followed the purchase of his first brand-new Ferrari, when he was given tuition on a track with an instructor – something he thinks is extremely sensible, as it lets the driver know both theirs and the car’s limitations. “It teaches you safety tips like being able to steer around an obstacle while braking hard using the car’s ABS anti-skid system.”

Before leaving the race track, Paul was also given a go in a full-blown race-prepared Ferrari and guess what: he bought one.

“At first I used it for track days, just for fun, but people kept telling me I was good enough to race, so I did my first year and won the top class in the championship. When we sold the business, that gave me the funding to do it

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seriously. So I did some endurance racing. We won the top class of the British endurance championship – Brit Car - which consists of threehour races on average, with two drivers. And then we entered British GT in the GTC class, which I won, before moving up to the top class.

“To be perfectly honest it was a step too far. It’s still competitive racing, but I find it hard to celebrate being in the top 10. So I’ve moved one step down to a different championship and I’ve got a cabinet full of trophies from the start of the season.”

Paul chats about owning cars such as the La Ferrari costing unreal amounts of money, like someone of more modest means might talk about buying T-shirts. “You can’t just buy one of these cars - you have to be invited by the factory, as we were - by the president of Ferrari,” he beams proudly.

The Daily Mail covered the story of the La Ferrari and Porsche 918 being picked up that day. Paul and Selena had the whole event filmed, and soon realised the level of interest that ownership of the three amazing cars was creating. Also its usefulness as a way of raising money for charity. “Later in the year we want to take all three cars on three different race circuits to have them tested against each other, then film the whole exercise and charge £1 a time on YouTube. We’ve already raised £40,000 by allowing these cars to be shown at events, and we want to increase this to £100,000 by the end of the year,” says Paul.

“Originally we partnered with Bluebell Wood, a hospice for terminally ill children in Sheffield, but we’ve also raised money for Sporting Bears, another charity supporting soldiers who’ve lost limbs, Peterborough Cathedral, and yet another organisation helping racehorses re-train.”

Selena & Paul Bailey seated inside their LaFerrari

Some people might ask Paul why he doesn’t just give the money to charity instead of buying the cars in the first place?

“Admittedly it would be cheaper that way.

The point is we’re ploughing money into this to give people a chance to experience these cars.

One of the wonderful things is seeing the joy on the children’s faces. Some of these children are so ill, all they can do is sit in the car or just see the car from their wheelchair and say ‘Wow I’ve never seen a La Ferrari before’. Nobody in the world uses such cars like this. We’ve clocked up 15,000 miles on these cars in our charity work so far this year, which costs us a lot in terms of depreciation, but we don’t care.”

Selena – who also runs wedding service Serenity (previously featured in Nene and Stamford Living magazines) was born into the motor trade. Paul had been one of her best customers and when he learned she was intending to emigrate to Canada, he told her if

she gave him a week he’d convince her not to go. Successful salesman that he is, it took just four days!

The pair haven’t put the brakes on one iota in their buying zeal. Currently there are four cars on order, including the new Porsche GT 3RS, which was due to leave Germany the day after our interview (probably making it the first in the UK), a convertible Ferrari 458 Aperta (meaning ‘open’ in Italian) and two Lamborghinis – an Aventador SV (for delivery in 2016) and a Huracan Spyder.

Paul’s favourite car of all time? “Right now it would have to be the La Ferrari, simply because it’s taken me 22 years to get an invitation from the factory allowing me to buy one. There are multi billionaires who’ve had to go for secondhand as they couldn’t buy direct from Ferrari.

But for everyday enjoyment I’d say it’s my gullwinged-door Mercedes-Benz SLS. I just love that car and have done more miles in it than any of the others.”

Would he consider using one of the supercars as everyday transport? “Yes we do. The Lamborghini outside the front door I take to work almost every day. We’ve even taken the La Ferrari, a £2 millioncar in to town to get some shopping. We really do use them all the time. We just got back from Italy where we did just over 1000 miles in the Porsche 918.”

Paul reckons their collection is worth £18 million which he admits is a huge amount, especially as it’s three times more than their house is worth.

“But it’s a passion. I won’t sell any of them, however the children – we have four kids and three grandchildren – will do very well out of them. Right now we’re enjoying doing the charity work. We’ve been lucky in life and it’s nice to give something back.”

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P R OP E RT Y

‘Everything Matters’ at Norton Rickett Norton Rickett Estate Agents has just celebrated its third anniversary and are looking to the future with confidence, offering a highly distinctive service in the local property market. Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to visit them

Y

OU know as soon as you visit their offices to expect something different: a delightful cottage at the back of Wittering Grange Farm, with the door wide open and a warm welcome, proper coffee and biscuits.

Norton Rickett pride themselves on the breadth and depth of service. “To us, everything matters,” Nick Rickett, Director, told me. Together with his business partner Paul Norton and negotiator Louise Fox, they have 50 years combined experience in the estate agency business.

Norton Rickett specialise in local properties that offer fabulous lifestyle opportunities: properties with land, properties with swimming pools and tennis courts, barn conversions with stunning architectural features, quaint village cottages, classic Georgian properties with stunning, classic looks.

Their geographic reach extends to the border of Rutland to the west, Bourne and beyond to the north, Thorney to the east and Thrapston to the south.

And what makes the Norton Rickett service so notable?

First of all, excellent marketing and reach Norton Rickett’s marketing package is enviably good, comprising: • Professional Photography that truly captures the beauty of your home and its gardens – often taking a new angle or shot that will surprise you, perhaps an elevated view • High quality videos, giving your buyer a full sense of the ‘lifestyle’ your home offers.

Example videos can be viewed on the website • Top quality brochure – first class presentation and, very importantly, floor plan as standard • Press advertising; both in the local press and national magazines, including Country Life • A London office on the edge of Mayfair – a vital market, which accounts for up to 50% of viewings; instrumental in introducing new buyers, as well as securing editorial coverage for properties across a wide range of newspapers and magazines, including Country Life, The Field and The Week • Online marketing via Righmove and Zoopla which guarantees a broad reach, including enquires from overseas, including the USA, Europe and South-East Asia.

Secondly, good communication Norton Rickett is a close-knit team of three, all based in the same office, so that all information, both large and small, is immediately shared.

They take time to listen carefully to buyers, fine-tuning their requirements to provide them with an optimum set of properties to view, rather than bombard them with all properties in their price range

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Nick

Louise

Paul

Thirdly, full support right up to completion Nick explained: “We know that securing and negotiating an acceptable offer is only part of our responsibility. After sales encompasses a complicated process from accepting the offer right through to the new owner moving in. We never let up until a great result is achieved.”

and I had no need to be present. Regular progress information was provided, and Nick, Paul or Louise were always available to answer questions or provide advice. In all respects their service well exceeded expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending their agency to anyone.” April 2015

Client Satisfaction The best proof of all is that much new business now comes from referrals and new projects with existing clients.

Here are a few extracts from feedback you can see more of on their website: “Norton Rickett has been very professional but approachable agents. The sale of my property went through very smoothly. I could not have asked for a better service. I would highly recommend Norton Rickett.” July 2015

“We just wanted to thank you for all you effort in helping us sell our home recently. From our first meeting, when you valued our property, to securing our buyer and completing the transaction we can only praise your courtesy, expertise and common sense. Your (very polite) photographer took time and a great deal of care and we were more than happy with the results.

With a fantastic offer from our first viewing, through to a seamless completion we can’t see how it could have gone any better. So thank you Norton and Rickett for making what can be a difficult process such a success.”

December 2014 • Norton Rickett, Wittering Grange Cottage, Old Oundle Road, Wansford, PE8 6NR Tel: 01780 782 999 www.nortonrickett.co.uk

“I would like to express my complete satisfaction with the way NR dealt with the sale. The brochure was of the highest quality and promotion extensive but appropriate. Viewings were managed in conjunction with the tenant

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OU T & AB O UT

Heritage Open Days Sept 10th-13th Heritage Open Days are some of my favourite days of the year.

From knitters’ cottages to classic car shows, Tudor classrooms to Modernist factories, prisons to pumping stations, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Starting out in 1994 with just 700 sites, Heritage Open Days has grown from strength to strength to become England’s biggest and most popular annual heritage event.

This year, between 10th and 13th September, some 1,500 sites across the country will open their doors free of charge in a celebration of history, architecture and culture LINCOLNSHIRE For the past number of years, a theme has been set to run through Lincolnshire events.

This year it is ‘Tudor Lincolnshire’; a topic which could easily seem stale, but Heritage Lincolnshire have imaginatively revitalised.

Spalding’s Gentleman’s Society Museum invites you to join a Tudor household, as they set the table, challenge myths, discuss manners and sample sweetmeats, while at King’s School, Grantham you can learn about the Tudor classroom, in the same halls were Isaac Newton and Lord Burghley studied. At Woodhall Spa’s Edwardian Petwood Hotel, discover the architectural deceptions use to re-imagine the Spa Village and Petwood House as ‘Merrie England’. While the Grange & Links Hotel, Mablethorpe offers a chance to see John Lyly’s late 16th century play, “Gallathea”, which is set on a Lincolnshire coast and features a cruel Neptune threatening to drown the villagers unless a virgin is sacrificed to him.

If archaeology is what interests you, at Grimsthorpe Park, Bourne, a team will be on hand to present archaeological survey data of the site, enabling virtual exploration of Vaudey Abbey, built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey. Learn how its decline and destruction led to the construction of one of Lincolnshire’s finest houses.

It is disappointing to learn that Browne’s Hospital is the only site in Stamford taking part in this year’s event. Stamford has one of the richest histories and interesting townscapes in all of Britain; it would be wonderful to gain a glimpse of a buried crypt or tour the town with a historian. Hopefully next year more of an effort will be made. Luckily, however, in easy reach of Stamford, there are countless sites in which you can wander through history.

NOTTINGHAM In Nottingham this year, the embers of the industrial past glow once more. At the Framework Knitters’ Museum, you can explore the lives of the workers in preserved cottages and outbuildings, learning about the appalling

78

working and living conditions which led to the Luddite Revolt. As the appeal of this craft unravelled, Nottingham’s lace industry developed; it developed to such heights that the town became the centre of the world’s lace industry. A tour of the Nottingham Industrial Museum weaves a tale from threads of the industrialists, the workers and the world-renowned lace itself.

Much unlike his forebears of industry, Jesse Boot, of Boots Pure Drug Co., sought to create a spacious, light and healthy environment for his workers. This, coupled, with the rapidly evolving production process, led to the development of the Boots D10 Building for wet production processes.

Built in the 1930s, the factory is an icon of British Modernism. Guided tours throughout the weekend take visitors through the interior and exterior, detailing the design and history of the building.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE To celebrate its glorious architectural legacy, Ely has a laid on a feast of heritage delights. Tours will take groups through the Old Porta – once the main entrance to the monastery, the courtroom and cells of Sessions House, and the 15th century Old Bishop’s Palace. There is also a general tour through the ancient paths and settlements of the town. At the magnificent Cathedral, the South Triforium will be accessible for a late night study of the stained glass, which spans from the 13th century right up to the present day.

Other fascinating buildings and events in the area include the Bridge Chapel at St Ives which dates from 1426. Chapels were built on bridges for the spiritual needs of travellers arriving in the town, yet they often served multiple purposes. In its lifetime the St Ives bridge chapel has been a home, toll-booth, pub and surgery…!

At Peterborough, visit a Napoleonic War Prison, which could hold 7,000 French prisoners.

Throughout the weekend, there will be tours charting the history of the war, building and site, as well as the results of a recent Time Team dig.

As such, I cannot urge you enough to go out and explore this weekend, to discover some of the richness and wonder written across every street for yourself.

• To learn more about the events and to find a place to explore near you, visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

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