Market Harborough Living September 2016

MARKET

HARBOROUGH LIVING Covering Market Harborough, surrounding villages & Rutland

Fields of Gold Celebrating Harvest and supporting our local farmers

SEPTEMBER 2016 £1.50 09

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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

H

ELLO and welcome to the September 2016 issue of Rutland and Market Harborough Living.

This is my first issue at the helm and I’m honoured to join such a wonderful team of local experts.

I applied for the role because I’m so fond of our gorgeous area, its history and its people. Being Editor of this hugely successful, truly local mag seemed the perfect opportunity to rave about everything wonderful on our doorstep to anyone who would listen.

For me, September is all about new beginnings – how very apt. It’s a month that takes me back to school days – longer ago than I care to mention – of the new academic year and the excitement and challenges that come with it and we’ve got plenty of local education news for you in this issue.

I have vivid memories of going back to school, wearing stiff, shiny shoes and new pencil case in tow.

I would prepare a basket of produce for the Harvest Festival, after which we’d crocodile through town (Loughborough – don’t judge me!) handing out our wares to the elderly. Harvest is a time to give thanks and support to our local farmers, so do take a look at our farm shops and farmers’ markets feature on page 22 and enjoy the delicious food lovingly produced on our very own turf.

While many see September as going ‘back to the grindstone’ after summer, it’s one of my favourite times of the year. Our colourful countryside looks spectacular and there’s so much to enjoy across the region. It really does come into its own.

4 Editor’s selection

A few of Rachael’s favourite things this month

6 Fashion

The Denim Edit

11 Local People

An interview with Matt Hampson

14 Local People

Rutland Running and Triathlon Club

18 Food and Drink

A big day out at The Olive Branch

22 Food and Drink

Farm shops and farmers’ markets

26 Shopping

70 Explore

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2016

Get out there in North Norfolk

30 Food & Drink

72 Where to stay

The Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials

A bed for the night in North Norfolk

35 Education

76 Local History

News and views

Restored to their former glory

40 Education

78 People

43 Interiors – Rutland

Sweet dreams are made of wool

44 Interiors – Market Harborough

Where meals and memories are made

46 Interiors Winning Design

48 Kids’ Clubs

I promise that I will do my best…

50 Shops & Services Rutland Updates

Enjoy!

Rachael @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

Jason Donovan

Extra-curricular activities

55 Out & About

What’s on in our region this month

59 Health & Beauty Autumn Refresh

64 Local Walk

The heights of Charnwood Forest

68 Shops & Services Harborough Happenings

Editor Rachael Bull 07734 218155 rachaelbull@bestlocalliving.co.uk 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 RL cover: Andrew James www.andrewjamesphotos.co.uk MHL cover: David Corfield email: david@davidcorfield.com

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 (UK only).

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

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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EDITOR’S SELECTION New Editor Rachael Bull reveals a few of her favourite things for September

Mill Street Pub and Kitchen One of my favourite pastimes is exploring new places – particularly when there’s food involved.

So I’m very excited that the new Mill Street Pub & Kitchen has now opened its doors in Oakham.

It’s got a big restaurant, a private dining room, seven individually designed rooms upstairs and delicious food. A very welcome addition to the area.

• Mill Street Pub and Kitchen, 6 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA 01572 729600 www.millstreetoakham.com

Rutland Marathon I’m a big fan of being a tourist in my own turf and one of my favourite ways of doing this is exploring the area when out running. So the Rutland Marathon certainly caught my eye – soaking up the stunning scenery while running along the shores of Rutland Water sounds magical to me. The route is metres from the water’s edge and goes through some of the country’s most precious wetland habitats. Not a runner? Pop along and give them a cheer – I can guarantee that having people shouting encouragement makes the world of difference when the legs stop working… Find out more at www.therutlandmarathon.co.uk

Tactile textiles

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, 1 to 4 September

I’ve been going to Burghley ever since I can remember – I have very fond memories of it being our last ‘day out’ before we went back to school. These days, what I love most is seeing so many of our area’s independent businesses, many of whom you’ll find inside our magazine, showcasing their wares to hundreds of thousands passing through the gates. Well, that and all the cheese – it’s sheer foodie heaven.

• Book your tickets at www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

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Tactile is a new shop at The Manor at Tur Langton, near Market Harborough, full of beautiful contemporary items for you and your home. Alongside sumptuous Turkish hamman cottons, ceramics, books, photography and art and a plethora of other goodies, there is an incredible selection of yarns. I can’t knit for toffee but want to start purely so I can buy the entire shop. Interiors heaven.

• Tactile, Unit 39, The Manor, Tur Langton, LE8 0PJ. Tel: 07894 827622 www. tactiletextiles.co.uk.

The World’s Largest Coffee Morning for Macmillan

Something else I love? Cake. And what better way to enjoy it than when raising money at the same time. The World’s Largest Coffee Morning is on 30 September and last year alone raised £25 million towards supporting people with cancer.

There are lots of events taking place across Rutland and Leicestershire - you can find out the coffee mornings taking place near you at coffee.macmillan.org.uk or, even better, host one yourself. The Macmillan website has everything you need.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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F ASHI ON Chambray Jacket - for a relaxed take on double denim, go for this soft cotton quilted jacket in a denim hue.

Robens Chambray Jacket, £150, Vanilla Blue vest, £19, Vanilla Robells jeans (slim fit), £89.99, Duo Boyfriend Jean - go for comfort and casual cool with a boyfriend jean. Roll them up and pair with a feminine top for that thrown-together look For All Mankind boyfriend jeans, £189, Cavells Weekend Max Mara silk blouse, £194, Cavells

Grey Skinny change it up with this classic grey Levi’s jean.

Levi’s 311 grey skinny jean, £79, Cavells Rails check shirt, £135, Cavells

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Denim Edit Every season brings a new denim trend, but here are four timeless styles that never fade FASHION: NIKKI BEATTY PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

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High Waisted – try this magic leg lengthening, high-waisted skinny jean with a simple shirt and flats or a silk blouse and heels for a wear-it-with-everything jean.

Hudson jeans, £179, Cavells Weekend Max Mara blue shirt, £119, Cavells

Flattering Bootcut – some might say it’s back, others that it never really went out of style. Either way this versatile, flattering, waist-slimming, thigh-skimming jean is a must have.

For All Mankind bootcut jeans, £179, Cavells Velvet white t-shirt, £78, Cavells

From L2R - Robells jeans (slimfit), £89.99, Duo; Mac skinny jeans, £105, Vanilla; Hudson jeans, £179, Cavells; Robells skinny jeans, £84.99, Duo; DL1961 Instasculpt jeans, £180, Cavells STOCKISTS Duo, Oakham, Tel: 01572 722116, www.duoboutique.co.uk Cavells, Oakham, Tel: 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk Vanilla, Oakham, Tel: 01572 757577, www.vanillaboutique.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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GLORIOUS AUTUMN! Discover the rich colours of the season

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Hilary Burnett Cooper An Artist of Light & Life

SHOWCASING AT TRENT GALLERIES - 8 - 17TH SEPTEMBER

Join us at Trent Galleries 11 Mill St, Oakham for our Focus Event of Luminous original paintings by Hilary Burnett Cooper.

Hilary seeks out the light wherever it can be found - in a reflection on a lake, in the upraised faces of seaside holiday makers, or slanting over a crumbling Venetian façade. She has always been drawn to compositions featuring the light, especially reflecting on water or on the individuals or groups of people, and this is the combination of fasciation’s is what drew her to painting her subjects of choice - beach scenes and the incomparable city of Venice

Contact the Galleries for more Information 11 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 722790 - oakham@trentgalleries.co.uk www.trentgalleries.co.uk 3 Chain Lane, Newark, NG24 1AU 01636 646426 - sales@trentgalleries.co.uk

Contemporary handcrafted jewellery & adornments

Interior Design

Ada is a beautiful boutique style gallery, where you will discover wonderfully crafted jewellery & metalware by owner Ruth Wood & more than 40 other highly skilled top & emerging UK designer makers.

With a unique exclusive selection of contemporary adornments promoting the best of British Craftsmanship.

4 The Courtyard Bennett’s Place 30-31 High Street Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 7NL 01858 461896 info@adagallery.co.uk

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www.adagallery.co.uk

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

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Is it time to re-discover your hearing?

Missing the odd word during the conversation?

Having to turn the TV up?

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

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

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

Call us today for your FREE hearing assessment

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

With our help your hearing can only get better.

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P EOP L E

Get Busy Living – An Interview with Matt Hampson “It’s a special part of the world. It offers a bit of peace and quiet, time to get your head around things in the fresh air. Being here is a therapy in itself.”

I

N 2005, Rutland-raised former England U21 and Leicester Tigers prop Matt Hampson was left quadriplegic by a collapsed rugby scrum. He was just twenty years old. Not one for resting on his laurels, Matt went on to establish a foundation in his own name to inspire and support other young people who’d been seriously injured through sport.

Now in its 5th year, The Matt Hampson Foundation is expanding with the milestone development of the Get Busy Living Centre (GBLC). Construction will take place in the beautiful village of Burrough on the Hill, with the site for the project an old aircraft hangar on the grounds of Burrough Court. The hangar once housed the aircraft that was commissioned to fly Neville Chamberlain across the North Sea in September 1938 to negotiate with Hitler. Though the main house of Burrough Court was damaged by fire in 1940, the courtyard and grooms’ quarters were restored into offices and meeting rooms in 2001. The hangar is next in line for a rebirth. Jacquie Rumble interviewed Matt to find out more.

Q. Tell us about the new Get Busy Living Centre “I’m really excited about it. It’ll allow the Foundation’s beneficiaries to receive rehab through physiotherapy using state-ofthe-art equipment. Critically, the centre also accommodates social interaction.

It’ll be a place where people get to share experiences, motivating and inspiring each other to move on with their lives. Sharing knowledge and experience is a powerful tool in the rehab process, and that exchange of information can be cultivated by whatever therapies are appropriate at the GBLC. The fundamental aim with the GBLC is to create a place that helps them, and their families, face new challenges. Planning permission has been granted so we hope to start the build in September and we expect it’ll take about a year before it opens.”

a bit of peace and quiet, time to get your head around things in the fresh air. Being here is a therapy in itself. I’ll be involved and around as much as I can. We want to create a community. Local people are already so supportive of the Foundation and our plans for the GBLC. An important part of the centre is the gardens. We’ve got local garden designer June Feehan planning the garden for the centre, and lots of others in the community who’ve volunteered their help.

The support we’ve had from the community has been amazing.”

Q. You inspire so many others, but what still inspires you, and where do you find your resilience?

“The beneficiaries inspire me every day.

People want to help people who want to help themselves. The Foundation’s relationship with the beneficiaries is reciprocal. We do what we can to help them, and what they give back in terms of inspiration is priceless. There are over 100 beneficiaries we’ve helped. People like Spencer Watts, a motocross rider who broke his back. He’s now riding again against ablebodied competition… incredible. Another recent beneficiary is George Robinson from Stamford School who was injured on a rugby tour to South Africa (#teamgeorge).

George has a great team around him, as do

I, and I know how important that is. My family and friends don’t treat me like I’m any different to any other able-bodied person… that helps incredibly.”

Q. What is the future for the Foundation?

“Rugby has always been our key audience for obvious reasons and the rugby family have been amazing and so supportive. Our aim now is to branch out into other sports so that anyone from anywhere in the world who has a serious injury through sport will immediately think of going to the Matt Hampson Foundation for help.”

The Matt Hampson Foundation is looking for help with the GBLC, particularly from our local community. Every contribution is valued by both the Foundation and the lives of the beneficiaries this centre will help. Whether it’s construction materials, alternative therapy volunteering or financial support for the project, if you can help or know someone who can, please email info@hambo.co.uk or call 01664 454742.

Q. Why do you think this area is a good place for the centre?

“It’s a special part of the world. It offers RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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P EOP L E

Running around Rutland is a real joy for members of a thriving club 17 years ago, Rutland didn’t have its own running club. That was until Paul Rogerson met a group of keen fellow runners at a pub one evening. Paul has been telling Nick Rennie about why Rutland Running and Triathlon Club is now flourishing.

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AUL Rogerson used to loathe running when he was growing up. He started jogging with work colleagues later in life, though, and he is now the leading light in the thriving Rutland Running and Triathlon Club.

“I hated running when I was at school,” said Paul (67), who lives in Braunston-in-Rutland.

“In fact, I never ran at all until I was in my 30s. It’s fair to say I love it now.”

A native of the north-east of England, Paul started Rutland’s only running club with a meeting in a pub in May 2000.

Around 20 people attended that first gettogether and, 16 years on, there are around 70 members, some who are casual joggers and others who enjoy competing at a high level.

Paul recalled: “When we came to live in Rutland there were no clubs in the area. The nearest were in Stamford or Melton Mowbray.

“I would often see people running as I drove around the county so I thought that there would be an interest in forming a club for Rutland.”

That first meeting was held at the Blue Ball pub in Braunston. It was advertised and people attended from Oakham and many surrounding villages.

“We had people come along who enjoyed running and those who were interested in running with other people,” said Paul, who is president of the club.

He added, with a chuckle: “A lot of people wanted to get away from their kids for a night, which is probably why we don’t have a children’s section.”

Membership of the club costs a more-thanreasonable £15 a year and members enjoy the social side as well as the running and strong friendships have been forged.

Club night is on Tuesdays. Training sessions are held from 7.30pm, meeting at Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham.

Members also meet on Wednesdays for an easy-paced run around the Hambleton Peninsula at Rutland Water or through Exton Park.

And in these summer months, there is a

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10-week schedule in which the club aims to run around the county boundary.

This year’s first leg was from Oakham to Braunston in early June and the final stint took runners from Whissendine to Oakham on 18 August.

“We love the Rutland Round because we get to see parts of Rutland you wouldn’t normally see,” said Paul.

“One of my favourites is the Uppingham to Lyddington leg and, like most of the legs, there is always a nice pub at the end of the run for us to take refreshments.”

The beauty of the club is that it welcomes runners of all abilities equally.

Two free 10-week beginners’ courses are held every year – starting in April and October – with the aim to get people with no previous running experience to be able to run non-stop for 30 minutes.

Paul said: “Most people just want to exercise and keep fit.

“But I remember one of the first runners who joined in 2000 who asked if we could help get her ready for a 5K Race for Life.

“She enjoyed it so much she went on to run marathons and ultra-marathons.”

Paul’s passion for running shines through when he speaks about his own achievements.

He ran his first marathon in London as a

result of winning the ballot for a guaranteed place at the club’s Christmas party, much to the amusement of fellow members.

Paul also completed his first ultra-marathon recently – a 50km (31 miles) event from Manchester to Sowerby Bridge, called the Canalathon.

Club members compete in distinctive gold and navy vests at races and fun runs across the country. They also compete for an annual club championship, with prizes for males and females and age categories.

The club trains all year round and has the advantage of having Europe’s largest manmade lake on their doorstep.

“Rutland Water is fantastic,” said Paul, whose wife Cheryl is also a member of the club. “Running there is a different experience depending on the season.

“It’s great for training for marathons. If you run around the water and the peninsula it is 23 miles so it is a great last training run before a marathon.”

It started as purely a running club but, because some members also competed in triathlons (swimming, cycling and running), it was decided to incorporate that sport too, under the direction of experienced triathlete Mary Hardwick.

For anyone interested in joining the club, Paul added: “Our club is about meeting like-minded people who enjoy running.

“The thing people like about the club is that it’s not a competitive atmosphere. People are not pushed into taking part in events if they don’t want to. They can just enjoy a jog and the banter with friends.”

• For more details about Rutland Running and Triathlon Club visit www.rutlandrunandtri.co.uk or email club president Paul Rogerson at elpresidente@rutlandrunandtri.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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Advertisement Feature

Moores Estate Agents launch specialist Country Rentals service.

The increasing demand for rural rental properties in this region has prompted one of the most prominent estate agents in Stamford and Rutland to launch a new arm of its business.

M

oores Estate Agents is now operating Country Rentals to deal with the rising number of requests for cottages and village homes to rent. New director Paula Smith, who has 15 years’ experience of managing rental properties, will oversee the new venture. She will be office-based and will use the skills of sales staff and valuers at Moores’ six offices, in Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham, Melton Mowbray, Grantham and Peterborough (due to open Autumn 2016). Managing director Vernon Moore said: “Having once had a general lettings agency, which grew to such a size that it was difficult to give the quality of service Moores like to offer, on being approached to sell the portfolio we decided that was the best way forward. We are now able to offer a more bespoke service to people with country/village homes which being more individual i.e. cottages through to farmhouses and properties with land, requires a more specialist knowledgeable service.”

“We do a lot of work with people relocating from London,” he said. “Quite often they don’t want to jump in feet first and buy somewhere here so they look for a nice place to rent instead. Over the last year or so we have been helping buyers moving to the area rent character and country properties whilst they have been searching for something to buy. We have found that these people will often pay a premium for the right thing that other letting agents sometimes overlook” “We know from experience that the best service comes from having a dedicated senior manager heading up the business and this is the role Paula will fill with our rental properties.

“We are delighted to have her on board and she will be meeting with owners and bespoking the new service.” Vernon said the rental market was buoyant in this area with no shortage of landlords wanting to put tenants into properties, including thatched cottages, farmsteads and manor houses.

“We are dealing with properties ranging from £700 through to £5,000 a calendar month for country homes.”

• For more information about property services offered by Moores Estate Agents go online at www.mooresestateagents.com , PAULA SMITH email office@mooresestateagents.com or telephone 01572 757979.

VERNON MOORE

Moores Estate Agents sponsor British Touring Car ace Mark Howard Moores Estate Agents are excited about going trackside to cheer on the local motor racing driver who the company is now sponsoring.

T

he business, which has six offices in the area including those at Stamford and Oakham, is supporting Mark Howard, who is taking part in the high profile MSA British Touring Car Championship. They are looking forward to watching Mark compete when he takes to the grid at Rockingham, near Corby, over the late August Bank Holiday.

Moores are inviting staff and clients to a hospitality experience where they will get a chance to meet Mark and see his car and the race up close, for the prize winners they will be able to go on to the grid pre-race as well as other VIP perks.

Managing director Vernon Moore said: “I used to race cars myself, on the rally circuit, so I have an interest in motor racing.

“We thought it would be a good opportunity to support Mark and get our branding on his car.

“The race is shown on ITV with a television audience for this in the UK of more than 20 million people and the races are shown live so we will get some good exposure.”

Mark, who lives in Little Dalby, which lies between Oakham and Melton Mowbray is a new home builder and Moores work closely with his company Grange Developments in both acquiring sites and house sales. Mark races in a Volkswagen Passat CC. He is also a former Renault 5 ELF Turbo UK Cup champion. The touring car event, which dates back to 1958, features high-powered saloon cars and only Formula One and the American NASCAR stock car series have longer histories. The front grid “works” teams spend over a million pounds a year, so privateers need all the support they can get to compete. Another local driver in the past who did well is Frank Sytner who is also a client of Moores and became sponsored by BMW, he then went on to win for many years. Vernon said “We have a pair of VIP hospitality tickets to give away for the event at each of our offices.

Anyone who has a valuation during the month of August will be entered into a prize draw and have a chance of winning the tickets. So call your local Moores office to book your appointment.”

• Melton 01664 491610 • Oakham 01572 757979 • Stamford 01780 484555 • Uppingham 01572 821935 • Grantham 01476 855618 • Country & Equestrian 01780 433000

MARK HOWARD

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BR I N G I N G LO C A L FOO D T O L IF E

A big day out at I The Olive Branch Great Food Club is growing. To celebrate, the new editing team met up in Rutland...

BY GFC FOUNDER: MATT WRIGHT

USUALLY use these two pages to tell you about local producers, pubs and restaurants. This time I wanted to let you know a little bit about my own project – Great Food Club – plus share a top-notch recipe. Hopefully you’re already a member of Great Food Club but if not and you love food and drink, you really should join. It’s free and signing up allows you to save a decent amount of money with your membership card (for example, you can enjoy offers like a free cocktail when you dine at The Olive Branch). The club’s main aim is to support and promote good local food and drink independents and to guide you to some brilliant hidden gems – head over to www. greatfoodclub.co.uk and take a look around.

So, what’s new? Well, back in January 2016 I advertised for a team of regional editors to help with our mission of seeking out and shouting about the best local independent food businesses. Over 150 applications flooded in and after a lengthy selection process we now have 16 troops on the ground. They are now busy searching out gems in their home counties, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and more.

Our new editors are passionate about locally produced food and drink, have great local knowledge, and are constantly adding their recommendations to the Great Food Club website and annual handbook.

As a result, GFC now consists of over 320 recommended pubs, restaurants, producers and food shops, many of which run exclusive offers to our 9,000+ members. The club is growing by two new businesses per day and by around 50 new members per week.

Our criteria for adding new food and drink businesses are simple: first, they have to be independent (so no chains); second, they have to be places we’d happily recommend to discerning friends. If they’re not, they don’t go in. If they are, they do.

The Olive Branch’s head chef and co-owner Sean Hope with Great Food Club founder Matt Wright The new Great Food Club editing team at The Olive Branch in July 2016

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Here’s the recipe for our main course on the day…

Chargrilled breast of corn fed chicken, scorched gem lettuce, pine nuts, poached peach Serves 4

A trip to The Olive Branch With the new editing team finally in place, I wanted to get everyone together for a foodie celebration so they could all meet each other.

What better location, I thought, than The Olive Branch in Clipsham, Rutland? It’s not far from GFC’s Melton Mowbray HQ and it’s a pub that’s still up there with the very best in the UK. So I called The Olive Branch and asked whether head chef Sean Hope would be able to put on a cookery demonstration for us. He agreed and a date was set.

When we all arrived at The Olive Branch one sunny day back in July 2016, The Barn was set up with 17 chairs pointing towards a table topped by a variety of tempting ingredients.

Sean proceeded to show us how to cook two summery dishes ¬– chargrilled breast of chicken, scorched gem lettuce, pine nuts and poached peach, followed by Eton Mess – before serving the same dishes to us all for lunch.

The star of the chicken dish (recipe below) was the scorched gem lettuce, which is incredibly simple to prepare and added a huge amount to the ensemble. In my experience you never really consider griddling lettuce but this works a treat and would enhance so many main courses.

Sean’s cookery demonstrations come highly recommended and if you haven’t experienced one before, you should give one a go, although they do get booked up well in advance. Call the pub on 01780 410355 to enquire when the next one will be held, or if like us you have a team of 20 or under, you may be able to get Sean to put one on specially. The demo plus lunch makes for an exceptional team-building day.

CHARGRILLED BREAST OF CHICKEN • 4 corn-fed chicken breasts • Sprig rosemary • Rapeseed oil • Salt and pepper Method 1. Place the chicken breast between two sheets of cling film and flatten to 1cm thick with a rolling pin. Discard the cling film.

2. Rub the rosemary onto the chicken breast and allow to infuse overnight.

3. Using a hot griddle pan, lay the chicken breast skin side down and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning around halfway to cook evenly.

4. Turn the breast over and grill again for an equal amount of time.

5. When cooked through, remove from the heat and allow to rest for two minutes before serving.

SCORCHED GEM LETTUCE • 4 heads gem lettuce, cut into four wedges and washed • 1 lemon • 1 litre of cold water • 10g table salt • Rapeseed oil

Join Great Food Club

Method 1. Place the prepared gem lettuce into a large bowl.

2. Sprinkle the salt onto the lettuce and pour over the water.

3. Mix well, cover with cling film and chill for 20 minutes.

4. Remove the gem lettuce from the brine solution and rinse under cold water.

5. Pat dry with kitchen paper, drizzle with rapeseed oil then char on a grill or bbq for two minutes.

6. Squeeze the lemon juice over the lettuce and serve.

POACHED PEACH • 3 ripe peaches/nectarines, cut into quarters • 500ml sugar syrup • 1 lime cut into quarters • Small cinnamon stick • Petal star anise • 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar Method 1. In a large saucepan place the sugar syrup, cinnamon, star anise, lime and vinegar and bring to the boil.

2. Add the prepared fruit, bring back to the boil and remove from the heat.

3. Cover with cling film and allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

4. Put everything together and serve with toasted pine nuts sprinkled over the top.

With its new editing team, Great Food Club is on a mission to unearth brilliant food and drink gems in your area and beyond. We currently recommend around 320 pubs, restaurants, producers and food shops, and around 200 of them run exclusive offers for Great Food Club members. Offers include 10% off at Stamford Cheese Cellar, 10% off at The Tobie Norris, a complimentary cocktail when you dine from the a la carte menu at The Olive Branch, 10% off at The King’s Arms in Wing, and 25% off at The Fox & Hounds in Exton. It is completely free to join and get a membership card – no catches – and we never share your data – sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk

About the writer

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

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Advertisement Feature

New Pub in Town

Mill Street Pub & Kitchen, a brand new gastro pub has opened its doors to the residents of Oakham and Rutland, offering EPIC food, drink and the perfect place to rest your head.

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his fantastic new Gastropub offers dishes cooked with quality British ingredients presented beautifully within a modern and stylish setting. Thanks to Sean McGuirk and his team, No. 6 Mill Street has undergone a dramatic transformation into a Gastropub designed to offer something for everybody.

With seven contemporary boutique bedrooms equipped with free-standing baths, walk-in showers, Smart TVs and Elemis toiletries, not only will you receive a comfortable night’s sleep, but have a delicious breakfast in the morning.

PERFECT PLACE FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS One of the best features of this new Gastropub has to be its private dining spaces. They not only have a private dining room that can seat up to twelve but they have turned what once was a flooded and unloved cellar into an intimate function room with its very own private bar. The Cavern has been designed to retain the original features of the building through its exposed brick work and with its intelligent lighting, these details are shown off to their best. It is a multi-functional space allowing for everything from business meetings to family gatherings and could easily be turned into a disco for those big birthday celebrations, and the best part is you can book these rooms for free!

Mill Street Pub & Kitchen offer a fantastic British seasonal menu, along with daily specials created by their talented Head Chef, Nathan Greensmith. Plus, you won’t ever get bored of the food at this gastro pub with bi-monthly menu changes, weekly Steak and Fish nights combined with quarterly drinks list changes, it will keep their guests taste buds tantalised.

Sean McGuirk, Mill Street’s General Manager, says: “We have created a pub for everyone at Mill Street. We are really looking forward to welcoming local people and bringing everyone together in this fantastic new pub.”

So what are you waiting for? Come and enjoy this great new Gastropub and take advantage of alfresco dining in their new modern courtyard for the rest of the summer.

• To keep up to date with Mill Street Pub & Kitchen’s latest news and events including their Christmas menu, sign up to their newsletter via their website. To make a dining reservation or book a room please visit www.millstreetoakham.com or call 01572 729 600

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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

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SH OP P I N G

Farm shops and markets With Harvest now in full swing, there’s never been a better time to celebrate local produce and support our local farmers. Here are a handful of our top picks.

Ashley Farm Shop - pork pies

Northfield Farm This sizeable farm shop stocks the farm’s own award-winning rare breed meat, local honey, jams, pickles, preserves and a huge selection of local cheeses. Open Tuesday to Saturday. They also do home delivery and have an online shop.

Northfield Farm, Cold Overton, LE15 7JD 01664 474271 www.northfieldfarm.com

Hambleton Farm Fine Foods – Butcher, Deli, Pie Maker

This well-established butcher sells delicious local meats and pies along with all the trimmings. Their friendly, helpful staff will guide you through their fantastic range of highquality produce. Open Monday to Saturdays 09:00 to 17:00. Hambleton Farm, LE15 6AQ 01572 724455 www.hambletonfarms.co.uk

Jimmy’s Smokehouse at The King’s Arms

Local Produce Finalists at this year’s CLA Rural Oscars, their amazing smoked products are available online or direct from the pub.

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Everything they smoke is sourced locally – their trout is from Rutland Water while their pheasant and venison is from a nearby Estate.

The stocks varies seasonally so look forward to some hearty game in coming months.

The Kings Arms Inn, Wing, LE15 8SE 01572 737634 www.thekingsarms-wing.co.uk

Farndon Fields Farm Shop

This award-winning family-run farm shop and restaurant has been expanding in the last year to satisfy its increasing number of customers – and with good reason. Autumn means harvest time and the farm shop will be bursting with nearly 30 different Farndon Fields grown varieties on its shelves at the height of harvest time. Open Monday to Saturday.

Farndon Road, LE16 9NP. 01858 464838 www.farndonfields.co.uk

Ashley Farm Shop

Run by Mother and Daughter team Sue and Gill Robinson, this farm shop has gone from strength to strength in recent years, in part

The Langton Farm Shop down to the very high quality of their meat at reasonable prices.

They breed their own lambs and they ‘fatten’ their cows on the 150-acre farm, considered as some of the finest grazing land in the Welland Valley. Alongside the range of delicious sausages, pies, pasties, pork pies and burgers, you’ll find Sue’s mouth-watering cakes, meringues and biscuits and locally produced jams and chutneys, cheeses and all sorts of other delights.

Main Street, Ashley LE16 8HG 01858 565722 www.ashleyherbfarm.co.uk

The Langton Farm Shop

Part of the extensive, family-owned Langtons Garden Centre, this very successful farm shop is home to a vast range of delicious locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, dairy produce and an eclectic mix of speciality produce from across the country including beer, wine and cider. They bake their own bread and have recently started stocking ‘Cook!’ products – ideal for the freezer at home.

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Uppingham Market Weekly on a Friday, with farmers’ markets taking place on the 2nd Friday of every month.

Oakham Market Weekly on a Wednesday, with farmers’ markets on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

Oakham Country Market This WI-style market was established over 45 years ago and is a treasure trove of homegrown, home-crafted and homemade produce. It’s held every Friday from 08.3011.15am in Oakham Congregational Church.

Market Harborough Market and Farmers’ Market Named Britain’s Best Small Indoor Market 2016 earlier this year, the market hall is open six days a week (Tues-Sat) from 8am to 5pm. There’s also a farmers’ market on ‘The Square’ in the centre of the town on the first and third Thursday in every month.

Farndon Fields Farm Shop - Greg and Mark

Hambleton Farm Fine Foods

Northfield Farm Meat RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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

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

www.farndonfields.co.uk

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, Oundle, Market Harborough, Oakham, Stamford & West Bridgford

The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham

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

Exquisite Locally Sourced Food  Cask Ales  Fine Wines

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

01572 787587

www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk

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THE EXETER ARMS - BARROWDEN NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW CHEF, NEW MENU

WE OFFER • A Warm Welcome • A selection of Real Ales • Premium Lagers and Quality Wines • Seasonal and Varied Menu • Sun Terrace and Beer Garden • Parties and Functions • B&B Guest Rooms • Children and Dogs Welcome

OPENING HOURS

FOOD SERVICE

Tuesday

- Thursday

12 noon - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm

Friday

- Saturday

12 noon - 11pm

Tuesday - Thursday Lunchtime Dinner Friday - Saturday Lunchtime Dinner Sunday Lunchtime

Sunday

12 noon - 6pm

Monday

Closed

12 7 12 6 12

- 2pm - 9pm - 3pm - 9pm - 3pm

More information and our current menu on our website

www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk Email: info@exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk

Tel: 01572 747365

MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED

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

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

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

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SH OP P I N G

Land Rover Burghley H 1st – 4th September Antonia Scott celebrates one of Stamford and equestrian’s highlights of the year

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HE Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials encompasses a vast area of Stamford’s Burghley estate parkland. This annual international equestrian phenomenon now welcomes over 80 global competitors and an incredible 160,000 visitors who come from all corners of the globe to enjoy this prestigious 4-day event. As well as horses, there are plenty of dog lovers at Burghley too – the canine agility classes are wonderful family fun to watch. There are over 600 trade exhibitors for shoppers to enjoy, all showcasing a vast array of country living home wares and produce.

LOCAL EXHIBITORS

Stamford and its surrounding area has a plethora of entrepreneurial talent and this year many 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.

HILL FARM FURNITURE 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.

ROBINSONS OF STAMFORD – EXHIBITING AT BURGHLEY SINCE 1961!

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? We’ll have the latest Country Clothing ranges from brands such as Barbour, Alan Paine and Aigle at Burghley, as well as a fantastic selection of footwear from Le Chameau, Zoo and Barbour, alongside a wide range of gifts, handbags and leathergoods.

SCOTTS OF THRAPSTON

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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TOADSTOOLS

Contact: www.toadstools.co.uk Tel: 07798 854131 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!

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y Horse Trials 2016

SOPHIE ALLPORT HOMEWARES

JAMES GILLICK – ARTIST

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

Retailer and installer of wood-burners, fireplaces and renewable heating solutions, based in Uppingham 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 New Arc stove designed and made

by Charnwood exclusive at Heatsource of Uppingham. We will also be bringing a complete new range of basketwares to the show.

Contact: www.sophieallport.com Tel: 01778 560256 Email: customerservice@ sophieallport.com What makes you stand out? We’re a Stamford-based family business with unique countryside inspired designs that make you smile. We sell a wide range of homewares kitchen textiles, tableware, fine bone china, home fragrance and plenty of gift ideas.

Designs range from Labradors, Terriers and Pheasants to Chickens, Hares and Horses!

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We have a wonderful new ‘Horses’ collection for all those equestrian fans plus a brand new ‘Highland Stag’ range that launches at Burghley! We have over 200 new products this Autumn including new bags, wallets, ipad cases, draught excluders, glasses cases, door stops, hats, scarves and more. There’s also a wide range of new children’s bags, toys and melamine and a new ‘Safari’ collection. For those dog and cat lovers there’s a new ‘Woof!’ and ‘Purrfect!’ collection with everything from pet beds and bowls to kitchen linens and key rings! Find us in the Country Living tent.

PEACHY BELTS

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? Our Autumn/Winter 2016 collection will be launched at Burghley and includes some exciting new additions - a Tiger print belt, black cowhide, shocking pink ostrich and a navy ostrich print. There will also be an end-of-season sale of summer colours.

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SH OP P I N G THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK COMPANY

THE WOOL ROOM

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.

SINCLAIRS OF STAMFORD

What makes you stand out? A family-run business for over 40 years offering an unrivalled level of customer service.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? We are a major stockist of Hunter Boots, Barbour, Longchamp, Michael Kors, Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester and Beswick with up to 40% off RRP.

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? For the first time, we are offering onsite personalisation for all items purchased from us. We will have a full range of 2017 diaries - including academic year diaries. Our new Burghley Journal will be the star of the show (for us anyway!) Come and see for yourself!

SNUGGLE SACS

Contact: www.snugglesac.com Tel: 01603 881705 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 message for 2016 is now every member of the family can have a Snuggle sac – toddlers through to adults. There are now eight different adult size Sacs – one of which has a horse print lining!

COUNTRY TRADITIONALS

Contact: www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Tel: 01780755 409 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.

OAKHAM RUGS

Contact: www.oakhamrugs.co.uk Tel: 01572 724441 Email: mail@oakhamrugs.co.uk What makes you 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.

FITTED FURNITURE COMPANY Contact: Racecourse Farm, Easton on the Hill. www.thefittedfurniturecompany.com What makes you stand out? Every piece of furniture is individually designed to the clients’ 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.

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THE RUTLAND BOOKSHOP

What makes you stand out? Serendipity - the pleasure of the unexpected.

What should a shopper look for at your stand? A unique and wide ranging selection of books relating to equestrianism; including first editions and fine illustrations alongside practical manuals and personal reminiscences.

Other local trade stands:

Aga Shop at Pochin Burghley House Gift Shop Daniel Crane Sporting Art Ltd – Market Rasen, Lincolnshire Dawson of Stamford Joules Clothing Legacy – Uppingham, Rutland Thomas Dainty Brogue Trader, Hambleton Many 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

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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

Come and see us on stand B52 at Burghley Horse Trials between 1st-4th September and at our Uppingham showroom or call 01572 829953.

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 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

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F OOD & DRI N K

The Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials Deborah Pennell takes a stroll down The Food Walk at Burghley Horse Trials and sees what delicious local offerings we have in store Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Thu Sept 1-Sun Sept 4th. More info and tickets at www.burghley-horse.co.uk

THE BROWNIE COMPANY

www.thebrowniecompany.co.uk 01780 763392 ‘Proudly baking Chocolate Brownies since 2005’ Great Taste Food Award – Gold in 2008 Based at Easton on the Hill, just outside Stamford, this local company has been part of the Food Walk at Burghley for 6 years. Bringing 8

OGILVY’S HONEY

www.ogilvys.com 01780 450377 This is Ogilvy’s third year at Burghley Horse Trials and they are the only honey retailer in the Food Walk.

Founded by Shamus Ogilvy and based locally in Bulwick, Ogilvy’s pure premium British, World and Super honeys complement other speciality foods on offer. Their diverse selection of honeys are all raw and all naturally blended by bees. “By raw we mean honey which hasn’t been heat treated.

All enzymes and goodness remain in our honey. We believe in leaving it to the bees,” says Shamus. Each honey has an amazing taste and depth of flavour influenced by the natural

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type of delicious sounding brownies to Burghley Horse Trials this year including peanut butter, sea salted caramel, rocky road and the late, Clarissa Dickson Wright’s favourite, sour cherry soaked in cherry brandy brownie. This is one stand I will be visiting on a daily basis; I may even have to go twice a day to try each type! Predominately an online business, The Brownie Company can also be found at local farmers’ markets.

TWO BIRDS COUNTRYSIDE SPIRITS www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk 01858 414256 Market Harborough based company, Two Birds Spirits, was established in 2013 and this will be the fourth year that they bring their delicious range of handcrafted countryside spirits to Burghley Horse Trials.

Expect to find Gins and Vodkas in 70cl and 20cl bottles: GINS – London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, Cocktail Gin, Wood-Aged Sipping Gin & Sloe Gin VODKAS – English Vodka, Salted Caramel, After Dinner Mint, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Blackcurrant & Blackberry.

OTHER SPIRITS - Absinthe is a hard hitting, delicious alternative to their gins and vodkas.

The company produces a special ‘Countryside cocktail’ for Burghley Horse Trials - a delicious alternative to Pimms, it is pre-made, chilled and served with a straw, so ideal for those wanting to walk the course with an accompanying cocktail. Made with their award-winning gin, cloudy apple juice and elderflower syrup – this cocktail represents everything about late summer in the countryside.

For presents, buy their 20cl mixed gift boxes, with flavours such as passion fruit and raspberry or their special mixed taster gift pack consisting of 3 x 20cl gins.

variety of trees and plants found in the British countryside and remote locations around the world. “You have to try them to understand that all honey tastes different. The flavour is all to do with the flowers. Bees only fly in a five mile radius from the hive, so each honey is uniquely regional.” A must on my shopping list is Ogilvy’s recently launched new ‘super honey’ - the Australian Jarrah honey has a range of health benefits proven to have great anti-bacterial qualities, as well as anti-oxidant levels two to three times higher than betterknown Manuka honey. Visit the Ogilvy’s stand and try the wonderful range of honeys for yourself, they are delicious!

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GRASMERE FARM

www.grasmere-farm.co.uk Contact Stuart on 01778 342344 Situated at the top of the Food Walk, Grasmere has had a stand at Burghley Horse Trials for nearly 18 years. A local Butchers, who specialise in all things pork related, they are known for their event catering in the local area. Serving their usual delicious bacon, sausages, burgers, eggs and pulled Pork in a bun, they are also able to accommodate those who are gluten free. With accompaniments such as Heinz ketchup, mayo, BBQ sauce, and apple sauce and stuffing with the pulled pork, this is a meal for anytime of the day. Clive Parker, from Grasmere, who will be on the stand again this year says “Burghley Horse Trials are busy days for us with over 3,000 Jumbo Lincolnshire sausages being sold over the 4 days in 2015!”

DICKINSON & MORRIS

www.porkpie.co.uk 01664 482068 Based in Melton Mowbray, this is another of our local companies who deserve a long service award, having been on The Food Walk at Burghley for nearly 20 years. Dickinson & Morris carry the label of England’s Oldest Pie Shop (established in 1886) and are believed to be the only remaining Pie Bakery in the world.

For Burghley they offer delicious British roasted ham sliced off the bone, the best Melton Mowbray Pork Pies you’ll ever eat, a superb selection of bread delivered daily, Stilton and Red Leicester cheeses, chutneys and pickles.

They are well known amongst the regular competitors and camping fraternity, who stock up here for their early morning fry ups and their picnics. They offer a great selection of packaged sausages and bacon to buy.

THE WHISKY MOUSE

www.whiskymouse.com 01536 711661 Mackenzie Baird, of The Whisky Mouse, sounds like the sort of man who should be selling whisky. This will be his twelfth or thirteenth year at Burghley he reckons, he has lost count now as he’s been so many times! This is mainly an online business but he does appear at one or two events a year and he says, “Burghley has to be my favourite”. Online he stocks 650 single malt whiskies and brings 150 -250 to the Food Walk. If you have a favourite that’s not on the stand, he is able to pop home and restock every night, so you can expect to find it the next day. Try shot taster samples of multiples. For the whisky lover The Whisky Mouse offers something completely original and unique to Burghley Horse Trials; Mackenzie brings a cask of whisky which he bottles on site, each bottle being numbered and marked with the date it was distilled.

MARQUESS OF EXETER WITH LAUNDE LAMB www.marquessexeter.co.uk 01572 822477 Local Head Chef and Proprietor, Brian Baker, of the acclaimed pub/ restaurant The Marquess of Exeter in Lyddington, will be back under the Oak tree at the top of the food walk this year serving his ‘Burghley Feast’.

Brian starts the day offering top class breakfast fayre such as Eggs Benedict; and then teams up with Launde Lamb to create incredibly delicious, locally reared, Lamb Wraps - this is somewhere I make a beeline for at some stage over the four days. Over the weekend, awardwinning Launde Lamb will be providing an incredible 200 legs of lamb – which equates to an enormous amount of lamb wraps!

FEN FARM VENISON

01529 421272 www.fenfarmvenison.co.uk Jane Wesley and her husband established their Red Deer herd in 1994 and like nothing better than sitting on their patio, gin and tonic in hand, watching their deer calves charging around. No stranger to Burghley Horse Trials, having had a stand on the food walk since 2013, Fen Farm Venison is well known amongst regulars as the place to get a sumptuous breakfast bap filled with their home cured bacon and wild boar sausage.

Also on offer, venison burgers and venison steaks with onions, cheese and salad, as well as delicious wild boar sausage sandwiches.

Venison and Wild Boar offer a healthy alternative to a beef burger or pork sausage, being low in fat and cholesterol and I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

PIPERS CRISPS

www.piperscrisps.com 01652 686960 Best snack brand 2015-2016. Winners of 23 Great Taste Award Golds since 2007.

Set up in 2004 by three farmers who hand delivered the first 20 boxes they produced, these days Pipers Crisps has flourished and now makes 24 million bags of crisps a year from their factory in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. Pipers will be bringing two vans, overflowing with more than 2,000 bags of crisps to the Burghley Food Walk this year. With 8 mouth-watering flavours such as Kirby Malham Chorizio, Anglesey Sea Salt and, my personal favourite, Wissington Tomato, there is a variety to suit all tastes. Add them to your picnic basket or just devour alongside a sneaky glass of wine or Pimms.

LYMN BANK FARM

01754 880312 www.lymnbankfarmcheesecompany.co.uk www.postacheese.com This will be the eighth year that Lymn Bank Farm have brought their wonderful range of cheeses and homemade chutneys to Burghley. Expect to find a fantastic selection of 18 different cheeses and 4 homemade chutneys on their stand.

This year they are supporting a special cause and through the sale of their Just Jane cheese and Aviator chutney they are raising funds to help fund repairs to a WW11 Lancaster Bomber named Just Jane. The plane is currently based at the East Kirkby Aviation Centre, undergoing restoration works to make it airworthy again.

Their Aviator chutney is based on a 1945 recipe. Head to their stand to support this great cause and buy some of their other delicious handcrafted cheeses such as Lincolnshire Brie, Skegness Blue and assorted flavoured Lymn Bank barrels.

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The Rug Studio brings life and beauty to any home. Do you have a room revamp project in mind? All of our in house restoration and cleaning is led by Rachel Simpson a trained weaver with over 22 years restoration experience who can clean or restore a damaged fringe or complete a full hole reweave.

Telephone: 01572 829927 or 07885 757 796

Email: info@therugstudio.co.uk Web: www.therugstudio.co.uk

THE RUG STUDIO, 2 High St East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PZ also at London, N4 1TJ

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am ‐ 5pm or by appointment London Sunday ‐ Friday by appointment 32

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SUMMER SALE ENDS 11TH SEPTEMBER Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store

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Do you have a spare room in your home?

Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?

Become a Host Family for an international pupil at a local boarding school Attractive daily rates Occasional weekend and half terms only Contact Imogen to find out more on imogen@pippasguardians.co.uk or call 01684 252757

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Brooke Priory School Oakham, Rutland

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

OPEN MORNING Saturday, 24th September, 2016 9.30 a.m.—11.30 a.m.

Come and see why our boys and girls are happy and successful. We will make you very welcome.

For further information please call Wendy Bromwich on 01572 724778 www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk 34

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EDUCATION UPDATES News & Views

Mana Welcomes Maria!

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ANA Education is proud to announce the arrival of their new manager, Maria Cadwallader.

This comes at a very exciting time for Mana Education, a growing and vibrant education recruitment company based in Glaston, Rutland. The team at Mana now consists of Maria plus five Education Consultants who interview local teachers and then look to place those teachers on supply and permanent assignments with local schools. Supporting the consultants are a Resourcer, a Compliant Officer and a PA. Maria is from a recruitment background, having run a branch of an education agency in the past, and more recently has been an Operations Manager for a national recruitment agency. Maria brings with her a superb background in the sector, a passion for education and a wonderful sense of humour. Maria is looking forward to meeting many of the local schools and teachers and will spread the word about the friendly and thorough service that Mana Education provide for Rutland and the surrounding area. Maria will also look to further her knowledge by asking our consultants, all of whom live in the local area, of their experiences and Maria will look to continually improve the service that Mana Education provide for the local teaching community. Exciting times ahead!

Would you like to become a host family for an overseas student?

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IPPA’S Guardians is a family run company, established 19 years ago by Pippa Hughes herself. It provides an exclusive Guardianship service for students attending UK boarding schools whose parents live overseas and they are looking for hosting families.

Becoming a host family is a wonderful experience, giving the family the opportunity to really make a difference to a student while they are studying here in the UK, a very long way from home in many cases.

As well as receiving a generous daily payment, it is a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and form friendships across the world. For the children of host families it can be really exciting and interesting getting to know other children who have had very different life experiences to them. Their students come from China, Russia, Hong Kong, Africa, India, Thailand and many countries in Europe.

Many of Pippa’s Guardian host families form lifelong friendships with the students and their families and stay in touch even after they have left school for university. The students really do become part of the family, which is both life-enriching and enormous fun!

• If you would be interested in offering a home from home environment to students at occasional weekends, and sometimes at half term, Pippa’s Guardians would love to hear from you. Email imogen@pippasguardians.co.uk or call 01684 252757 to find out more.

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EDUCATION UPDATES News & Views

World champion athlete opens Pitsford School’s new sports centre A

S the new academic year begins, pupils at Pitsford School will be enjoying their brand new £2 million sports centre, which was officially opened by world champion athlete and world record holder Colin Jackson CBE last term.

Offering students some wise words about working hard and preparing for success, Colin said: “It is important to learn from your mistakes; not everything you do is perfect. When I was trying to win an Olympic Gold Medal, the qualifying round was easy and so I didn’t bother warming up for the next round. As I hadn’t prepared, I got injured and although I got through to the final, I finished in seventh place. It was important to learn from that and ask why it happened. Preparation for anything you do in life is key.”

Large enough to hold four, full-sized badminton courts, plus a fully-equipped cardiovascular fitness suite, café area and changing facilities, Pitsford’s new sports centre offers a wide choice of sports facilities including volleyball, badminton and 5-a-side football together with panoramic views across the School’s 26 acres of parkland and sports fields.

Eight things you didn’t know about Leicester High School for Girls

Stoneygate joins Leicester Grammar School Trust

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There is a Rugby Club. In fact Y6 girls play nine sports in six locations.

As a city school, they’ve got access to fantastic facilities such as the running track at Saffron Lane and the Astros at Leicester University.

Three year olds play in the ‘Spinney’.

There’s a little woodland area where the youngest girls learn about nature.

The school is a great believer in outdoor education, which starts at 3 and goes up to 18 with the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

The most popular A level is Chemistry, closely followed by maths and biology. There are 6 state-of-theart laboratories. There are 20 A levels to choose from and their results are the best in Leicester.

Girls learn car maintenance. In the Sixth Form, girls follow a ‘Life after LHS’ programme, preparing them for independent living.

Y6 dissect a fish. From Y7 girls study the three sciences separately, so they start early. They also have a Dissection Club, one of over 30 extracurricular clubs in School.

Y3 learn French. They are taught by a fully qualified French teacher. In Y6 girls are taught Italian, followed by French and Spanish.

They are U18 County Badminton Champions for the second year running. Their main sports are netball, tennis, athletics and badminton. But girls also enjoy dodgeball, table tennis, volleyball, rounders, Zumba, yoga and spinning.

They have a full-time nurse. Nurse Abby is a source of professional support for parents and girls every day.

The ‘Excellent’ School – inspected in 2015 and excellent in every category – can be visited any time and they also have an Open Day at 9.30am-12.30pm, on Saturday 8 October, 2016. Contact Mrs Julia Harbage on 0116 270 5338 or j.harbage@leicesterhigh.co.uk for more information, or come on the day to Leicester High School for Girls, 454 London Road, Leicester, LE2 2PP, near Leicester Racecourse.

OEDUCATIONAL day school Stoneygate became a member of the Leicester Grammar School Trust’s family of schools in May this year.

This move began an exciting new phase in the life of a school that was originally founded in 1856 and that has always been one of Leicestershire’s most respected and well-regarded prep schools.

The school offers a distinctive prep school education with small class sizes, committed teachers and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. It educates children holistically, developing each individual pupil to their maximum potential.

Stoneygate welcomes pupils with a broad range of abilities and aims to give each child a well-rounded education, blending notable academic achievement with excellence in each child’s individually discovered talents.

From September 2017, Stoneygate will offer pupils the chance to stay for GCSE study until the age of 16. Pupils will be offered a distinctive choice of subjects based around the traditional core subjects but embracing the arts, sciences and practical subjects.

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Open Morning 1 October Magical memories, Learning for life

Co-educational Day and Boarding Preparatory School, near Rugby

www.biltongrange.co.uk 38

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OPEN DAY Saturday 1 October 10.30am - 1pm • Supervised care from 8am to 5.30pm • Caring, family ethos • Small class sizes ensure individual attention • Excellent academic results • From only £732 per month • School bus network

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

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ED U C AT I ON

Extra-Curricular Activities Oakham School

Research shows that encouraging a child to get involved in extra-curricular activities at school has many benefits and can help a student to develop work and people skills, as well as enhancing time management skills and improving overall productivity. They are also fun and a great way to socialise with peers and make new friends. Abigail Richardson takes a look at what is on offer locally

Brooke Priory school At Brooke Priory School, in Oakham, Elizabeth Bell and her team cherry pick the best bits from the National Curriculum and add their own ‘special mix’ that gives the pupils an all-round and dynamic programme: hands-on activities that bring every subject to life, drama which generates great confidence, a broad spectrum of music and ‘Welly Days’ that develop a love of the outdoors. On top of this, the boys and girls enjoy a raft of unusual and exciting extra-curricular opportunities.

After school clubs run every day and change on a termly basis.

Although Gymnastics is a constant, as the demand is extremely high and the level of achievement even gaining them a place in the National Floor and Vault Finals. During the Summer Term the list of topics is very broad: Petanque was well subscribed and Wildlife Club was enriched by the Rutland Water Osprey Festival that was hosted at the school in July. Languages are always popular and Spanish and Latin are on the Calendar Card. Chess is extremely strong and they have just completed the National Schools’ Chess Challenge, with 8 pupils qualifying for the Midlands Mega Final in May. Many of the children enjoy horse riding and the Brooke Priory inter-school show jumping competition in April.

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The school is always keen to support the pupils’ aspirations and every suggestion for an extra-curricular activity is considered.

Contact: Brooke Priory School, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6QW Tel: 01572 724778

Bilton Grange Bilton Grange offers a vast range of activities in order to help their students find their passion and unlock their talents, as they believe that, “Happy children become confident children who will be successful in whatever avenues they choose to pursue”.

With 90 acres of heritage parkland and woodland to explore, extracurricular activities are clearly key to the Bilton Grange experience.

Wombling is a great favourite with younger pupils who concentrate on ‘making good use of the things that they find’, creating tree art and building dens. Wild Wednesdays and Super Saturdays give children the chance to roam and climb trees in one of three sets of woods; and the School Cub and Brownie clubs are also popular. Children at Bilton can learn to play golf on a 9-hole course, take ballet, Tae Kwon Do or horseriding lessons, swim in the 25m pool, or participate in trampolining or Zumba.

Electronic programming and circuit building using the BBC Micro Bit is also popular, as is the opportunity to undertake additional Design Technology, where pupils are offered the opportunity to sue the laser cutter on loan from Oakham School. For the creative, additional art and sculpture options are available alongside aural musicianship, big band, the BG Glee Club and chamber music. Photography is also popular as is Gardening Club, BookWorms and Chess Club.

Contact: Bilton Grange, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6QU Tel: 01788 810217, www.biltongrange.co.uk

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Wellingborough school

The co-curricular programme at Wellingborough School is extensive.

Friday afternoons offer a choice of activities centred on leadership or service, including Amnesty International, Language Leaders Award, Community Cohesion and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The CCF at Wellingborough is unusual as there are four sections - Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF – and the school is one of only 18 to have the Royal Marines.

All pupils from Year 9-11 take part in the lunchtime enrichment programme, which includes Music, Drama, Dance, DofE, First Aid, bricklaying and darts et al. The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme covers Bronze through to Gold Award and offers cycling, canoeing or walking expeditions, depending on the level.

The School has travelled the world in support of its charities. The annual Sahara trip raised £27,500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK and pupils are looking forward to visiting the Emmanuel Children’s Home, Nepal, in the summer of 2017, which they have supported for many years.

This will include trekking around the base of Annapurna, which some pupils will use this as their Gold expedition.

Contact: Wellingborough School, London Road, Wellingborough NN8 2BX Tel: 01933 222427 www.wellingboroughschool.org

The Combined Cadet Force at Stamford Endowed Schools The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is celebrating its centenary this year at Stamford. Over 250 boys and girls from Years 10-13 volunteer for this weekly activity and get to experience being a part of the Royal Navy, Army or RAF sections where many challenging outside activities take place, whatever the weather. The CCF, as well as giving the cadets a glimpse of the military experience, helps to develop an array of important life skills such as self-reliance, decision-making, teamwork, leadership and communication which are vital to progress after school.

Cadets have the opportunity to go on camps at their respective bases; the Royal Navy section undertake training opportunities at the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth. Sarah Beresford, Marketing Director, comments: “All cadets participate in exciting field days, organised by the CCF staff, often at nearby military bases. By taking part, students learn a huge range of skills, including soft skills that fall outside of the curriculum. It is often these skills which will be very important to them as they enter life.”

Contact: Stamford Endowed Schools, Stamford, Tel: 01780 750310 www.ses.lincs.sch.uk

Brooke Priory

Oakham school Activities are an integral part of life at Oakham and time is protected to take part in them every week. This enables pupils to discover where their passions lie and allows them to develop their hidden talents.

There are 135 activities on offer to students at Oakham, on top of all the opportunities in sport, music and drama, and not including CCF, Voluntary Action and Duke of Edinburgh. These activities range from Dissection Club, Flying, Learning Japanese, Robotics and E-textiles. Oakham also has a plethora of student societies ranging from academic interests to hobbies and causes from Debating Society and Law Club to the Geographical Society.

Contact: Oakham School, Chapel Close, Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT Tel: 01572 758500, www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

Music at Uppingham school Music lies at the heart of Uppingham School. Pupils have the opportunity to learn a huge variety of instruments. In addition to all of the more usual orchestral instruments, pupils can learn jazz piano, bagpipes, classical guitar and drums. The majority of the instrumental teaching team come from Manchester, Birmingham and London, and includes specialist teachers of Alexander Technique, composition and music technology. Their work is supported by state of the art facilities including dedicated performance spaces and recording studios. With more than 50 instrumental and vocal teachers, 600+ instrumental and singing lessons every week, and a hugely varied programme of concerts and events, music is clearly at the heart of School community.

All of this activity is monitored by Director of Music Stephen Williams, who ensures music at Uppingham continues to thrive, building on the rich musical heritage that has been in place for more than a century. In 1865, Uppingham became the first school in the UK to appoint a Director of Music, Paul David, who gives his name to one of three music buildings in the School. A native of Leipzig, David was friendly with Brahms, Schumann and the great violinist Joseph Joachim, who visited Uppingham several times in the 1870s!

To find out more about music at Uppingham contact the Director of Music Stephen Williams at dom@uppingham.co.uk www.uppingham.co.uk

Leicester Grammar school Extra-curricular activities are seen as an integral part of a child’s development; “Opportunities in music, drama and sport are given prominence because we believe that, through involvement in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, the individual personality can grow and our pupils will then be able to leave us with the confidence that they can meet the challenges of the modern world.”

The purpose-built 75 acre campus boasting state-of-the-art facilities was opened in 2008 by HRH Queen Elizabeth II. This means that there are superb, modern facilities for drama and music, as well as a great art space.

Charitable activities are also an important part of school life. The Grammar School returned to Tanzania this July with a party of sixth form pupils under the direction of Dr Boyce. This was the third time they have visited the country and their sister school in Moshi.

Contact: Leicester Grammar School, London Rd, Leicester LE8 9FL Tel: 0116 259 1900 www.leicestergrammar.org.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN T E RI ORS – R U TLA N D

Sweet dreams are made of wool Despite being the room in the house you perhaps spend more time in than any other, the master bedroom often gets overlooked when it comes to refurbs. Now’s the time to change that, Nicola Hardy says.

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WEET dreams are guaranteed when you have a beautiful and comfortable place to rest your head.

The master bedroom should be the most significant room in the house, but it can often be the most forgotten room in your home because no one else sees it.

It should be the exact opposite – it’s the one place we get to relax and recharge. I’ve been researching bedrooms and how to create the ideal ambience for slumber. It’s been quite a revelation – I had no idea how well equipped Rutland was to help me fulfil this ambition.

MATTRESS FIRST The absolute first and foremost thing to consider is to find the perfect mattress. I’ve been hearing great reports about wool being the best fibre to make mattresses with and these are the reasons why…

1. By using natural materials, you can be sure that there are no nasty chemicals lurking inside.

2. Wool is a natural insulator - keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Wool fibre helps to keep your body at the optimal temperature zone for comfort and rest.

3. Wool is naturally absorbent - wool fabrics can absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling heavy or damp. Cotton fabrics begin to feel damp after 15%. The fibres ‘breathe’ by absorbing away moisture from the body and releasing it into the air.

4. It resists mildew and mould in the same way - wool lets moisture pass through its fibres without trapping it. Mildew and mould require moisture to live and grow.

5. Wool is durable, wrinkle resistant, fire retardant and creates a hypoallergenic environment that is 99% dust mite free.

I visited Barefoot Flooring in Oakham to investigate further and their new showroom has a superb selection of incredibly comfy looking beds by makes such as Somnus and Hestia.

• Take a look for yourself at Barefoot Flooring, Unit 14 Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6RA Tel: 01572 759752 www.barefoot-flooring.biz/beds

NORDIC COMFORT If you’re looking to give your bedroom a quick style makeover, the Nordic trend is the current popular choice. A Scandi-styled bedroom instills a cosy calmness - soothing colours in varying neutral shades incorporating subtle tones of blues and mauves. Add layers of textured and occasional embroidered cushions, throws and location rugs as well as fluffy animal skins. Your floor should be timber if you stay true to Scandi tradition, but add a comfortable rug for warmth.

Afghan Ziegler rug £120 Oakham Rugs For rugs and cushions, visit: Oakham Rugs, 6 & 7 The Maltings, Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 724441 www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk The Rug Studio, 2 High St East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 829927 www.therugstudio.co.uk Ideally, no Swedish Interior would be complete without a fireplace or woodburner.

If you would like to install a woodburner in your bedroom (how utterly decadent would that be) go directly to Heatsource in Uppingham.

• Heatsource, 35 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 829953 www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk

BEDDING TO SEND YOU INTO A SLUMBER The Wool Room in Stamford is where you’ll find the most comfortable wool bedding. Jo Dawson founded The Wool Room in 2008 with the aim of becoming the leading destination for highquality wool products for the home. Striving to change the outdated way that the world viewed wool and proving that it’s the perfect choice for a healthy, natural and sustainable filling for mattresses, duvets and pillows.

Many a morning I’ve woken up with neckache caused by lumpy flat pillows, so we took ourselves along to The Wool Room.

We chose two Deluxe Wool ‘Ball Pillows’ adjustable, fluffable and washable with an extra bag of wool should we want to firm them up a bit. We were so seduced by the healthy wool concept that we splashed out on a Luxury all seasons duvet too - comprised of two duvets poppered together for the winter months and can be unclipped and used separately to suit the season. I can truly say we’ve not slept better.

• The Wool Room, 8 Star Lane, Stamford PE9 1PH Tel: 01780 767927 www.thewoolroom.com WINDOW WARMTH Curtains are the finishing touches that complete a room - muffling sound as well as adding warmth. Sarah Harding Interiors stock a huge selection of fabrics and you can browse through wonderful displays of beautiful handfinished curtains, demonstrating new and interesting header treatments.

• Sarah Harding Interiors, 6 Market Place, Uppingham LE15 9QH Tel: 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk FOCAL POINTS Finally, think about including an oversized focal point such as an elaborate pendant light, wallpapered feature wall or fabulous custommade headboard.

Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors will custom build headboards and ottomans to add a touch of luxury to your bedroom.

• Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors, 27 Mill Street & 1 South Street, Oakham LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 722345 www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk

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IN T E RI ORS – MA R K E T H A R BO R O U G H

Where meals and memories are made Have you ever stopped and wondered why family and friends all tend to congregate in the kitchen? Of course, the household kitchen was designed for preparing and cooking meals. Yet over the past few decades, the kitchen has taken on so many other functions and is now considered to be the heart of the home. The kitchen is the best spot in the home to entertain and the place where much of family life takes place. If you are considering a new kitchen project, then Kirstie Mitchell has explored two local companies well worth a visit!

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EADING the way in the bespoke furniture industry is local firm Alexander Lewis. The quality, service and attention to detail has an unrivalled reputation across the UK and their work is regularly featured in national magazines. Producing simply stunning kitchens, bedrooms, studies and libraries for the most discerning clients, the firm employs the best of traditional and modern methods in their 15,000 square foot workshop in Market Harborough.

Established nearly 20 years ago by Matthew Wright, the company has gone from strength to strength and now employs 30 staff, of whom are all the best in their specialised field. The highly experienced design team have worked on everything including grade one listed John Nash terraces in Regents Park, new build grand mansion houses, rural cottages, modern apartments – even riverboats, mills and lighthouses!

With their 20th anniversary approaching, Alexander Lewis has opened a new design studio in the centre of Market Harborough. Matthew explains, “I am extremely excited about our new design studio. Not only can clients visit our manufacturing workshop to see for themselves our high quality craftsmanship, they can now also visit our modern design studio to discuss their forthcoming projects with our designers and view the furniture on display, which includes examples of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.”

Prices for kitchen furniture start at around £20,000 and go through to the limits set by the client. Be it shaker furniture, Georgian splendour, sleek and modern or even their new liquid metal finishes – all tastes can be satisfied.

• NEW DESIGN STUDIO OPEN NOW - 2 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, LE16 7PW www.alexanderlewis.com, 01858 434444

Trick of the light If you have a beautiful kitchen, you’ll want to light it beautifully too.

Lighting in the kitchen has become more important in UK homes because the use of the space has changed so dramatically within a couple of generations.

T

ODAY the space is often much larger, incorporating casual dining areas and maybe a few easy chairs and a television. Kitchen counters are deeper, forming breakfast bars and workstations, and kitchen islands are built into the centre of the room and a smart shiny appliance sits on the counter ready to serve espresso coffee to family and friends.

Does this multi-functional space need more than a ceiling light in the middle of the room? Well of course it does!

The kitchen should be a cosy and inviting room and, as the heart of the home, it needs the perfect lighting for all of those many functions. Harborough Lights has an extensive selection of suitable lighting solutions – whether you just want one pendant to finish off a room perfectly, or require advice on a larger project.

They recommend having zoned areas and changing the mood between a bright cool light while preparing and clearing up, and having warmer pendants for a more intimate atmosphere when dining and relaxing.

• 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP www.harboroughlights. co.uk 01858 467716

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Harborough Lights Lighting Design Consultancy David Letts 13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. LE16 9BP Tel: 01858 467716 Mobile: 07445 532774 dal63@hotmail.co.uk

Light up Your Life In Style...

Displaying the very best in British and European decorative lighting and the latest in LED technology.

Thousands of options and bespoke manufacture offering a virtually unlimited choice.

NEW SEASON RANGES NOW ON DISPLAY LIGHTING With a huge selection of indoor and outdoor lighting from the best British and European manufacturers, we can cater for every style and taste.

KEALS

With brands such as Franklite, Elstead, Endon, Metal-Lux and many others, we can also supply a huge range of lighting to suit every taste, décor and mood.

CONSULTANCY If you’re not sure exactly what you’re after, then we would be more than happy to suggest a lighting solution just for you.

From our extensive range of suppliers, we can source everything from a single wall light to fully integrated lighting systems – and if you can’t make it into the shop, we can visit you in the comfort of your own home.

BESPOKE MANUFACTURE Further to our extensive range of offthe-shelf lighting options, we also offer a bespoke manufacture and design service for that extra special lighting solution.

Contact us for further information.

13 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

www.harboroughlights.co.uk 01858 467716

VIN-DUSTRIAL DESIGN

Interiors & Lifestyle Gifts & Homeware

The Old Fire Station, 10a Abbey St, Market Harborough LE16 9AA 01858 419798 Open Tues-Sat 9.30-5pm

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.

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

Before

After

Before

After

Exterior joinery repair

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

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk @tradrest

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INT ER IO R S

Winning Design QKS Home Improvements have been announced as Atlas’s May winner of the ‘Installation of the Month’ competition with a gorgeous orangery

L

ONG established Stamford firm, QKS Home Improvements Ltd, are specialists in all types of orangery and garden room installations having traded since 1981 and with an excellent reputation. They have undertaken many projects which include bespoke hardwood, UPVC, and aluminium garden rooms.

A recent project QKS’s clients were looking to replace their old conservatory with a bespoke orangery. Their existing conservatory was in need of repair to a point where they could no longer use it for most months of the year.

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The clients approached QKS to design and build an orangery that could be used all year around, becoming a focal point for their entertaining. Switching from a conservatory to a contemporary orangery using aluminium products was essential to creating a luxurious living space.

The orangery measures 9m x 5m and features a dual colour lantern roof; white inside grey outside. QKS used two roof lanterns which were strategically positioned to maximise the natural light into the property.

QKS carried out the complete design to build programme, which included all the hard landscaping and garden design as well as

the interior décor. The clients are absolutely delighted with their completed project, and can now relax or entertain in their large, open, contemporary new living space.

Nick Clipston, owner of QKS Ltd, commented, “Our customers loved the slimline appearance – especially the slim bars. The result is a new living space full of light and style that is really transformative whilst still totally in harmony with the original house.”

• QKS Home Improvements Limited. The Conservatory Showroom, Unit 4, Priory Industry, Cherryholt Lane, Stamford, PE9 2EQ Enquiries: 01780 757977.

Sales 01780 756666 www.qks-ltd.co.uk

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Es

FROM DESIGN TO BUILD

c t Lo

Est

al Comp

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y

1981 - 35 Years

Tel:01780 756666 www.qks-ltd.co.uk Showroom: Unit 4, Cherryholt Lane, Stamford, PE9 2EQ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

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OU T & AB OUT

I promise that I will do my best…

The UK has a great history in providing enriching opportunities for children and young adults to experience fun, adventures and challenges with the chance to help others. Katie Mitchell has been investigating some of the life-changing and life-enhancing opportunities available in our local area through Girlguiding, The Scouts and Air Cadets.

ONE FOR THE GIRLS Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, providing a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities. Depending on age, there are different groups: • Rainbows is for girls aged five to seven and they follow a programme called the ‘Rainbow Jigsaw’, through which they can take part in lots of different activities with girls their own age.

• Brownies are girls aged seven to ten who become a member of a ‘Six’ and follow a programme called the Brownie Adventure.

Brownies opens up a world of exciting challenges and the opportunity to try new things and to make brilliant friends.

• Guides are girls aged 10 to 14 given the chance to explore their individual skills and abilities and try out new challenges as part of a team. Girls can get involved in anything from adventure sports to performing arts,

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Around a quarter of all eight-year-old girls in the UK are Brownies.

travel and taking part in community action projects.

• The Senior Section offers young women aged 14 to 25 the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities through a flexible and inspiring programme that offers a huge variety of challenges, activities and opportunities for personal development.

• With opportunities available across our region including Oakham, Cottesmore, Whissendine, Uppingham and in and around Market Harborough, there’s lots to explore by visiting www.girlguiding.org

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Join Squadron 2248 – the Rutland Air Cadets

SCOUTING FOR ADVENTURE The Scouts is the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation, providing fabulous opportunities for 6 to 25 year olds to have fun, learn new skills and make a positive impact in communities.

Depending on age, Scouts take part in activities as diverse as kayaking, expeditions, photography, first aid and even computer programming – all whilst making new friends, having fun and gaining new experiences.

• Beavers are for youngest members aged around 6 to 8 years old, and generally meet for an hour per week. They enjoy all that Scouting has to offer – being introduced to outdoor activities, having the opportunity to be creative, explore their local community and experience the excitement of a Beaver Scout Sleepover with their friends.

• Cub Scouts are young people aged between 8 and 10½ and adventure and excitement are key. The programme offers a huge range of activities including adventure, fitness and creative opportunities, as well as camps and residential experiences.

• Scouts are for kids aged 101/2 to 14 years with outdoor activities featuring prominently, the highlight being camping with skills such as map reading, camp cooking and first aid being learnt throughout the year.

• Explorer Scouts is for 14-18 year olds and includes opportunities to learn leadership skills as well as exciting activities such as sailing, What mountaineering and expeditions. do Bear Grylls, David Beckham, Tim • There are lots of Peake, Paul McCartney, The opportunities to get involved Duchess of Cambridge, Richard including groups in Oakham, Branson and Jamie Oliver all Uppingham, Stamford, have in common? They were (or North Luffenham, Market are) all Scouts!

Harborough and Foxton. Visit The Scouts offer over 200 www.scouts.org.uk for more activities, from abseiling information. and coding to drama and archery.

Aimed at young people aged between 13-19 years old, Air cadets are given the chance to learn to fly, develop skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries, become target shooting marksmen, join a band and learn about aviation and aerospace.

Running on a Thursday evening in Oakham, those interested in joining won’t be thrown in at the deep end. Rather, they will join the local squadron as a trial, where they get to know the other cadets and start basic training and then are gradually introduced to activities as they progress, making the most of every opportunity on offer.

Cadet life is all about learning through doing, so here’s what potential cadets could experience: • Camping – developing survival skills and working as a team • Easter / Summer camps – as a cadet advances in rank they will participate in popular camps held at RAF stations around the UK • Overseas camps – from spending time in Cyprus swimming and sailing, or heading to Europe to visit a city or cemetery from the First and Second World Wars or maybe even getting to fly in helicopters another exciting possibility for cadets.

• Adventurous training - a huge part of cadet training takes place at cadet centres, at Windermere in the Lake District and Llanbedr in coastal Wales.

Rock climbing, abseiling, highlevel hill walking, mountain-biking, HRH The Duchess of canoeing, high Cambridge is the Air Cadets rope work and Honorary Air Commandant! sailing are all par for the course.

• Flying - with The flying of course being central, there are Air Cadets loads of opportunities to take to the skies is sponsored – including gliding, air experience flights, by the Royal Air pilot and navigation schemes.

Force • If this sounds exciting, visit www. aircadets.org for more information.

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UPDATES Shops & Services

Get garden inspiration at Welland Vale

W

HETER you’re a born gardener or haven’t a clue, Welland Vale Garden Inspirations is a great place to start. Originally a plant nursery for the gardening trade only, today it is a welcoming oasis open to all, brimming full of colourful plants and shrubs, striking garden feature pieces, trees, barbecues and furniture together with a fabulous cafe serving delicious locally produced foods and drinks.

Best of all, you’ll find the staff incredibly knowledgeable, so if you’re looking for a particular plant, or have a disease problem with something in the garden, there will be someone to help. And if you fall into the category of someone not knowing where to start, then you’ll find helpful advice and instant inspiration.

Located on the Uppingham to Glaston road, just moments from the A47, Welland Vale has ample car parking space, showrooms, polytunnels and open areas full of plants to explore. Pots, fruit trees, herbs and hanging baskets are just some of the lovely things on display.

The shop also has a wide range of indoor plants, seeds, tools and great gift ideas.

Regular visitors are encouraged to apply for a Privilege Card, which offers a series of discounts and card holders are invited to gardening talks given by industry experts.

The Orchard Cafe is a lovely place to stop for coffee or a glass of wine in the summer on its Mediterranean terrace, and in the winter its cosy sofas and warming hot drinks, homemade soups and cakes are ideal comfort food.

Scrumptious Sunday lunches are also extremely popular – so make sure you book ahead.

• Follow Welland Vale Garden Inspirations and The Orchard Cafe on Facebook and Twitter for regular gardening news and special menu items or visit www.wellandvalegarden-inspirations.co.uk.

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On the hunt for group lodgings?

T

HEN look no further than The Garden House, in the heart of Old Stamford’s, St Martin’s area. It’s just a short walk away from Burghley House and Stamford town centre, with its large selection of independent shops, sophisticated bars, arts and a fine choice of restaurants.

Located just off the A1, The Garden House is a former hotel that is now the boarding house for students of the Football CV Academy, the UK’s first private International Football Academy.

Throughout the year, including Christmas and New Year, The Garden House is available for exclusive use – making it ideal for groups of friends, schools, sports clubs or large family gatherings who wish to visit Stamford or the Academy.

With its stunning manicured gardens, impressive conservatory, private car park and wifi throughout, it boosts a large dining room, lounge and kitchens with the opportunity for self-catering or meals prepared by the catering team. All 19 ensuite rooms can be configured to suit your needs - visit www.gardenhousestamford.co.uk or call 01780 430310.

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Close to Burghley Park in Stamford, The Garden House provides en-suite accommodation throughout the year. Catered or self-catered we are flexible to suit your needs.

The house is perfect for– events, families, student groups, sports clubs, golf societies, school trips, conferencing.

visit www.gardenhousestamford.co.uk or call reservations on 01780 430 310 info@gardenhousestamford.co.uk

 Newly extended facilities  Nurse clinics including weight management and dental care  Evening & weekend appointments available  Cat Friendly Clinic gold level status  Pet Health Club packages  FREE Puppy Preschool classes  Extensive free parking (including disabled and parent/child)  24 hour emergency service on site

Caring for your best friend

For all your routine veterinary needs and 24/7 emergency care.

Oakham Veterinary Hospital, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QH

Small Animal: 01572 722646 Equine: 01572 722647 small.animal@oakhamvethospital.co.uk

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Trust the domestic cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID A GOLD STANDARD CARE AGENCY Enabling Mum and Dad to continue living safely in their own home

Small bespoke family run agency.

That’s what tens of thousands of people around the world do!

• Uniformed and professionally trained staff • 100% guaranteed and fully insured

We specialise in 24 hour live in care.

• Regular or occasional cleans

Permanent or Respite.

• Free in-home estimate

All levels of care considered.

• All materials supplied

Phone Bridget to discuss our friendly personal service

More affordable than you think!

• No contracts

01572 869138

9 High Street, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6AH www.alwaystakecare.com

01858 439925 susan.garon@mollymaid.co.uk

www.mollymaid.co.uk

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UPDATES Shops & Services

Rutland Homeowners’ Brexit vote affects local property market

T

HIS month, our local buy-to-let expert and property investment advisor, David Crooke, author of the ‘Rutland and Stamford Property News’, online blog www. rutlandandstamfordpropertyblog.co.uk and managing director of UPP Property Agents analyses the age demographics of Rutland homeowners and the impact of their Brexit decision on the local property market.

The residents of the Rutland County Council area voted as follows...

Rutland County Council ‘Remain’ Votes 11,353 (49.4% of the vote) Rutland County Council ‘Leave’ Votes 11,613 (50.6% of the vote) Rutland County Council Turnout: 78.1% There is some evidence to indicate younger voters were vastly more likely to vote ‘Remain’ than their parents and grandparents and, whilst the polling industry’s techniques may have been widely criticised (following them wrongly predicting both the 2010 General Election and the Brexit results), anecdotally, many surveys seem to suggest there was a relationship between age and likelihood to support leaving the EU. Interestingly, the average age of a Rutland resident is 42.4 years old, which is above the national average of 39.3, which might go someway to back up the way Rutland residents voted.

Putting aside whether you were a ‘remain’ or ‘leave’ voter, the vote to leave has, and will, create uncertainty and the last thing the British property market needs is uncertainty (because as with previous episodes of uncertainty in the UK economy – UK house prices have tended to go down).

Interestingly, looking at the homeownership rates in the Rutland County Council area, of the 10,716 properties that are owned in the Rutland County Council area (owned meaning owned outright, owned with a mortgage or shared ownership), the age range paints a noteworthy picture.

Autumn clean is the new ‘spring clean’

O

F course, spring has traditionally been the time of year that we associate with giving our homes a deep clean ready for summer. But is once a year really enough?

With health experts suggesting we should really be tackling it twice a year, autumn is the perfect time to do it.

When the temperatures start to drop (even further), all we want to do is shut the windows and switch on the heating, but reduced ventilation and an increasingly moist environment create ideal conditions for bacteria and dust mites to flourish.

Here to help with an autumnal deep clean is the Molly Maid service. On top of the regular Molly Maid clean, they’ll also empty out your kitchen cupboards and units and give them a thorough clean and also wash all of your painted and commonly touched surfaces such as doors, window frames and skirting boards.

MOLLY MAID staff are fully insured, work in teams of two bring with them all the necessary cleaning equipment and supplies. Between them, they carry out more than three million home cleans every year across the world.

• If you are interested in a deep clean this autumn and want to find out more about the Molly Maid service, you can contact Susan Garon on 01858 439 925 or email susan.garon@mollymaid.co.uk

Incredibly, 94.9% of Rutland homeowners are over 35 year old! So, with the high proportion of older homeowners, one assumption is that all the Rutland County Council area homeowners would vote ‘remain’ to keep house prices stable and younger people would vote ‘out’ so house prices come down and they could afford to buy.

But, there’s a risk in oversimplifying this. The sample of the polling firms are in the thousands, whilst the country voted in its millions. Other demographic influences have been at play in the way people voted, as early evidence is starting to suggest that class, level of education, the levels of immigration and ethnic diversity had an influence on the way the various parts of the UK voted.

Don’t assume everyone over the age of 50 voted ‘Leave’ and don’t assume most 20 somethings backed ‘Remain’ - because many didn’t!

• For advice on buying, selling, renting and managing your homes and investments in Rutland and Stamford, please call UPP Property Agents on: 01572 725 825 or email: david@upp-property.co.uk

Age 16 to 34 homeowners 538 or 5.0% (Nationally 9.6%) Age 35 to 49 homeowners 2,636 or 24.6% (Nationally 29.2%) Age 50 to 64 homeowners 3,605 or 33.6% (Nationally 30.7%) Aged 65+ homeowners 3,937 or 36.7% (Nationally 30.5%)

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13-17 September 2016

ford Stam Exchange Corn

r a l u c a t c pe

S

Performed by our resident amateur theatre company by david lindsay-abaire

Stamford Arts Centre 7.45pm Tickets - £10 £8 conc.

22nd OCT

S OAR’ DLST A‘TE N R ELIOTN O H T SELLING HIT 60’S MIL RAY ENNIS ORIGINAL

UE JEANS BL HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE, YOU’RE NO GOOD!

Box office

01780 763203 www.stamfordshoestring.com Produced by special arrangement with WME Entertainment

“Drawn To Paint Botanicals” Botanical Art For Beginners

MARK HALEY

Learn how to draw and paint the wonderful colours and textures of Nature, with structured and encouraging teaching, whilst working at your own pace.

SOUNDS FORCE 5

Based in Oakham, classes start

FROM THE KINKS AND THE RUBBETTES

BBC, ITV AND STARS OF THE CAVERN

Tickets Call: 01780 766455

Autumn 2016.

For more info contact Dawn: 07976 051545

djw.illustrations@hotmail.co.uk

www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

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: Friday 23rd September Monday 12th October Thursday 6thNovember October Tuesday 3rd

Wednesday 17th March Friday 10th March Thursday20th 24rdMarch March Monday

10.00-12.00 10.00-12.00 2.00-4.00 14.00-16.00 14:00-16:00 10.00-12.00 10.00-12.00 2.00-4.00

Council Council Chambers, Chambers, Oakham Oakham Council Chambers, Oakham Uppingham Town Hall

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

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

of Maxey

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Book a relaxing break that’s packed with added extras!

GIFT VOUCHERS

– the perfect present for any occasion Contact our friendly & experienced team today for a brochure or to book

01778 342224 enquiries@shawscoaches.co.uk www.shawscoaches.co.uk 49 High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9EF

Clocking up the miles since 1922

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OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month.

Friday 2 September, 6.45pm for 7.30pm EVENT: Lyddington Film Night – Bridge of Spies Tense negotiations over the recovery of U2 pilot Gary Powers in 1960s Berlin are the real-life backdrop to this thriller by the Coen brothers.

Lyddington Village Hall Tickets £5 on the door Saturday 3 September COURSE: The Art of Viniyoga This introductory day is followed by three weekends on 1 and 2 October, 12 and 13 November and 7 and 8 January 2017. The course offers a thorough grounding in the principles that underpin this approach and is ideal for students wishing to study to become a Yoga teacher as well as trained teachers from other approaches.

Wing Village Hall The total cost of the course is £625. Contact Em Goldmark Tel. 07792 818680

Sunday 4 and Sunday 18 September, 11am to 5pm EVENT: Dahlia Festival A celebration of the impressive collection of dahlias in the gardens at Kelmarsh Hall. In recent years, new American-bred varieties have been added to the collection as a nod to former resident Nancy Lancaster’s American roots. For those wishing to find out more about how to grow, care for and get the most from these magnificent flowers, there will be special dahlia clinics led by gardening experts as well as garden tours led by the Head

Gardener, flower arranging demonstrations and a daily talk. The hall will be open for visitors to view at their leisure from 2pm to 4pm on a freeflow basis.

Single entry fee to the hall, gardens and all the events during the Dahlia Festival is £8 for adults, £4.50 for children aged 5-14, free entry for under-fives and a 20% discount for RHS members (£6.40). Kelmarsh Hall For more details Tel: 01604 686543 or visit www.kelmarsh.com Wednesday 7 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm FAMILY EVENT: Wild Walk for Parents and Tots Ideal for parents and very small children (plus grandparents, aunties and uncles...) Explore Rutland Water Nature Reserve on this very relaxed introduction to wildlife. Meet your guide at the Lyndon Visitor Centre before a voyage of discovery during a lovely walk in a beautiful location. Suitable sturdy walking shoes/boots or wellingtons and appropriate clothing are essential. At the time of booking please advise if you are a wheelchair user, have limited mobility or if your child will be in a pushchair.

Pets are not allowed on this particular walk. Places are £5 for adults and £3 for children with car parking included. A similar Wild Walk for all the family takes place on Sunday 18 September between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. To book Tel: 01572 770651 or on line at www.rutlandwater.org Wednesday 7 September, 6.30pm EVENT: Beating Retreat Ceremony Always well supported, this annual ceremony will see the local crowd entertained by the Band of the Queen’s Division in the presence of Dr Laurence Howard and Jennifer, The Lady Gretton. A free event with donations to the Army Benevolent Fund Oakham Market Place

Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 September The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Recognised as the premier equestrian and social event in the international sporting calendar and a focus for the best horses and riders in the world, the parkland of Burghley provides a stunning location for the popular shopping village of more than 600 exhibitors – making sure Burghley is now almost as famous for the fabulous shopping as for the equine action. For tickets, booking and more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk

Friday 16 September, 7.45pm CONCERT: Resolution 88 This terrific funk jazz band have sold out Ronnie Scott’s and headlined at the Cambridge Jazz Festival so this is sure to be a high-energy evening.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Oakham School Tickets £10 (free for school age children) from Walkers Bookshop in Oakham and www.wegottickets.com

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Wednesday 21 September, 7.30pm GARDENING TALK: Orchids – How to Keep the Blooming Things Alive and Flowering Ray Creek will speak about getting the best from your orchids.

Great Easton Village Hall All welcome, non-members £2 Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 September THEATRE: Jekyll and Hyde Dr Henry Jekyll believes that there are two distinct sides to men, one good and one evil. Intent on separating the two, he succeeds in his experiments but in doing so he unleashes ‘Hyde’, a monstrous and uncontrollable alter ego.

(Recommended for ages 7 and above) The Core at Corby Cube Tickets from £13.50 Tel: 01536 470470 www.thecorecorby.com Sunday 18 September, 11am to 4pm EVENT: Wedding Fair Brides to be and their fiancés have the opportunity to consult lots of local wedding professionals and enjoy a glass of fizz and canapes on arrival. Victoria Hall, Oakham Admission is free Sunday 18 September, 6.30pm MUSIC: An Evening with De Montfort University Gospel Choir This gospel choir has sung for the Queen, Dionne Warwick and Gareth Malone and were finalists in the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year in 2016. Ashley Church Tickets are £15 for adults (under 16s are free) from Lisa Newell Tel: 01858 565196. Price includes a glass of wine, profits to Church funds and Cransley Hospice.

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Tuesday 27 September to Saturday 1 October, 7.45pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm THEATRE: Go Back for Murder by Agatha Christie The Drama Society begins their season with this recent adaptation on Christie’s ‘Five Little Pigs’. Caroline Crale was convicted of the murder of her husband and died in prison. Years later, a letter written on her deathbed casts doubt over her guilt and her daughter sets out to clear her name and answer the question of ‘whodunit?’

Harborough Theatre Tickets £10/£8 available by phone at Tel: 0333 666 3366, from the theatre Box Office on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 9.30 – 11.30 or online at www.harboroughtheatre.com Wednesday 28 September, 7.30pm HISTORICAL TALK: Unknown Leicestershire Guest speaker Bob Trubshaw will give an illustrated presentation about ‘Unknown Leicestershire’.

Great Easton Village Hall Admission is £2 for visitors

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September, 10am to 5pm EVENT: Rockingham Fair Expect all day entertainment in the great park including birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment, arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. Rockingham Castle Admission is £7.50 for adults/concessions £6/children 5-16 years £3 with under-fives free. Family ticket 2+2 is £19. All prices include car parking.

Sunday 9 October EVENT: The Perkins 2016 Great Eastern Run The Anna’s Hope Team invite local runners to register in support of their work to assist children in the region with brain tumours. For a fundraising pack Tel: 01780 740492 or to enter the run visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk

Friday 30 September, 7.30pm MUSIC: Music in Uppingham A recital by Alexander Hohenthal, violin and David Hill, piano performing pieces

by Beethoven, Bach, Ysaye and Faure. Uppingham School Memorial Hall Tickets £10 on the door.

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Victoria Hall, Oakham

Friday 30 September 2016, 7.30pm

Alexander Hohenthal Violin David Hill Piano Sunday 18 th September 2016 Free Entry 11am - 4pm Canapés and sparkling wine on arrival For more information, please contact Carolyn Acton: 07974 810771 info@carolynactonevents.co.uk

Sunday 18th September 2016 11am - 4pm Free Entry

Canapés and sparkling wine on arrival For more information, please contact Carolyn Acton

07974 810771

info@carolynactonevents.co.uk www.carolynactonevents.co.uk

Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin in A minor, Op. 23 Bach Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 Ysaÿe Ballade from Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 27 Fauré Violin Sonata No. 2 in E minor, Op. 108

Uppingham School Memorial Hall Tickets £10 available on the door

Image Hohenthal © ViePhotography, Image Hill © JohnWood

www.carolynactonevents.co.uk

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

and ruminations • Significant life events, trauma,

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Johan Truter

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

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

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

REBECCA COUTURE Bespoke handmade headpieces Book an appointment to visit our showroom and choose from a range of ready to wear pieces or have your own bespoke one made especially for you.

23b Suite 9, Oakham Enterprise Park Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7TU info@rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk 07977703367 www.rebeccacouturemillinery.co.uk

Studio & location portraits

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

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

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Catherine Varney pays a visit to the region’s fabulous hair and beauty salons to discover what’s new in the beauty world this September...

Autumn Refresh Bye-bye beach hair

If you’ve been abroad, you can pretty much guarantee that your hair will have suffered some sort of trauma from the sun, salt water and swimming pool chemicals. Blondes may have found their caramel hues have taken on a greentinge whilst brunettes are likely to look faded and lacklustre.

Fear not, help is at hand in the form of the fabulous Redken Shades EQ glosses from Creme Hair and Beauty. Long lasting and ammonia free, they are enriched with wheat amino acids and conditioning agents to give amazing cameraready shine. A no-lift formula guarantees hair that feels healthy and shiny with a deep, rich colour finish and the condition improves each time you have it applied, so hair gets smoother and glossier over time. So whether you are looking to refresh your colour, cover grey or enhance shine, a gloss is the perfect answer to combating dull, dry and straw-like hair.

So much more than tanning

There are exciting times ahead at Olive Tanning and Beauty Studio.

In addition to a considerable expansion, owner Janine Donlan has welcomed three new beauty therapists in recent weeks, offering an even wider range of treatments to her loyal clients, seven days a week.

Rebecca Tidd joins the team offering LVL lashes (to give you natural length, definition and volume) as well as Gelish nail polish, which guarantees chip-free colour for up to three weeks.

If it’s more of a holistic treat you’re after, therapist Jane Sumner offers a variety of massages and reiki. And if you’re short on time,

Shannon Beeby specialises in express beauty treatments – manicures, pedicures, waxing and tinting; all perfect for a lunchtime pick-me-up.

In addition to the beauty treatments, there is still a vast range of tanning options - both sunbeds and spray tans - the newest and one of the most popular being the Skinny Tan as seen on Dragon’s Den. And if you fancy taking your tanned look to the next level, Janine will shortly be introducing spray tan contouring, as she explains: “Airbrush contouring isn’t just for the fitness model or bodybuilder. It can be used to define your shape, enhance muscle definition, give you the abs you’ve always dreamed of, slender thighs, firmer glutes, striking collarbones, impressive cleavage and so much more!”

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Great skin starts here

Show-stopping hair

Silkysmooth skin

Back to basics

If you’ve been having problems with your skin or simply want to find out if you’re getting the most out of your products, pay a visit to Naomi Nails and Beauty in Market Harborough. This award-winning salon has a whole host of skincare treatments and product ranges that are ideal for all skin types.

From high-tech options such as IPL skin rejuvenation and Regenlite laser treatment to the more gentle cool peels and collagen stimulation, the talented team here have achieved impressive results for acne-scarred skin, sun-damaged ageing skin, rosacea, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and much more.

They also stock the full range of Environ products, which contain high doses of Vitamin A to effectively make the skin more youthful, clearer and refreshed; with visible results seen immediately.

Already known for their fabulous facials and nail services, Julianne and her team at Ellique in Oakham have added two new treatments to their repertoire from September: threading and electrolysis.

These gentle methods of hair removal are ideal for all areas of the body to remove hair effectively with minimal trauma to the skin.

Threading is the perfect option for removing hair on the face and because it is so exact, it can remove hairs that are finer than those that can be removed by waxing or plucking. It takes the hair off in one clean line all at once unlike individual hairs in tweezing, meaning you’ll have tidy brows in an even faster time.

For a more long-lasting result, electrolysis is a proven method of permanent hair removal; using a small electrical current, the hair follicle is destroyed completely making it ideal for embarrassing body and facial hair.

Always keen to promote training and development amongst his team of junior stylists, Thomas Potts from Thomas Hairdressing recently held an inter-salon competition to find the most creative stylist.

“The young apprentices and stylists were asked to produce a model showing their views on trends for 2017,” he told me. “We asked them to do the hair cut and colour, style the outfit and apply the make-up as well. Then they were given an hour to style it on the night and present the model to the staff from all three salons; 28 of us in total, so quite nerve-wracking for some of them!

“All of the girls did amazingly well and they went out of their way to use extras such as glitter, fake tattoos and pastel dip dies; it was really amazing to see. We eventually chose the winner - Kirby Wright who won £250. It’s a fantastic way to get the junior stylists to think creatively and push themselves to come up with new and innovative ways with cut and colour.”

If you’re looking to give your skin a little TLC after sun exposure, the Katherine Daniels Deep Cleansing Back Treatment, available at the Body and Beauty Studio in Langham, is a great option.

Salon owner Nicola Harrold told me: “It’s a really relaxing treatment to deep cleanse and detoxify your back and shoulders; blocked pores will be released, leaving your back smooth and decongested.” This would also be ideal if you have a special occasion coming up and you’re planning on wearing an outfit that bares your back and shoulders; it’s the one area of your body that probably receives the least attention so would most benefit from a thorough cleanse.

Say Aloha to Aroha!

Brand new to Uppingham is Aroha Beauty House run by Lottie Davies, who told me about all of their exciting treatments: “I offer all waxing, including intimate waxing and have trained in that both over in New Zealand when I was working there and here with Kim Lawless, who is the best waxing trainer in the UK; so I guess that makes me something of a ‘waxing expert’!

“I also offer massage in time slots from 30 minutes up to 90 minutes so the client can opt for the areas they feel they need it most, or all over, depending on how much time they have. All of the facials I offer are carried out with Botanical products – they’re made and blended near Melton Mowbray and, as the name implies, they are completely natural and organic. I’ve had some great feedback on them already.

“I also have something a little bit different to offer my clients: a separate room containing a big, freestanding, roll-top bath. I offer treatment baths either as stand-alone options or to compliment other treatments. There are four different bath options: invigorating lemon, ultimate relaxation rose, mind and body lavender and skin nourishing milk and honey. It’s quite glamorous and offers a bit more pampering and escapism.”

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DIRECTORY: Creme Hair and Beauty, The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel 01572 723823, www.cremehairandbeauty.co.uk Olive Tanning & Beauty Studio, 5&6 Crown Walk, Oakham, Tel: 01572 755750 Naomi Nails and Beauty, 14-16 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP, Tel: 01858 657001, www.naominailsbeauty.co.uk Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 756561, www.thomashairdressing.co.uk Ellique, 55 South Street, Oakham Tel: 01572 723950 The Body & Beauty Studio, 12 Cold Overton Road, Langham, Tel: 07917 672815 Aroha Beauty House, 43 High Street East, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822853

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Someone once told me that if you listen to an audiobook for 30 minutes each day, in five years you would have amassed the same level of knowledge as a university education. I was always sceptical and although having A Levels in English Literature and English Language at school my reading was always forced. Now I am older however, I cannot seem to get enough education and books are a great source.

It just goes to show whether like me you are brushing up on your French via audiobooks on the way to work, or learning a completely new skill it’s always important to keep improving ourselves in what is a very competitive world.

This is never more apparent in hairdressing, a person will attend college for three years, receive their NVQ and then practise hair for the rest of their careers, never revisiting the teaching methods nor updating with new fashions and trends. Staff training is something we take very seriously at all of the THOMAS salons and our recent soiree allowed some of our younger employees show their inspirations and indeed their growth into creative and skilled hair stylists, whilst also showing the more senior stylists (myself included) some amazing new techniques and trends.

WELL DONE TO ALL THE GIRLS, WAS AN AMAZING EVENING.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We at Oakham are proud to announce that our long serving apprentice JEMMA WALLACE has now qualified her level 3 NVQ in hairdressing and has completed the in salon training with Rachel and Wayne. Jemma is now taking bookings. It’s amazing to see her development and her skill is not going unnoticed as she is fast becoming one of the busiest stylists in the THOMAS group.

We are doubly lucky this month with the arrival of the amazing KELLY YEOMANS. Kelly has worked in and around Oakham for many years and we are so privileged that she is now in Thomas Oakham. We are all thankful she is choosing to work with us and look forward to learning from each other going forward.

Loughborough is also becoming busier and our experienced stylists Beasha Campion and Paul Frith are now doing late nights to accommodate demand. Check out their amazing colour work and sharp barbering skills on our Instagram page @thomasandjospehhair I look forward to seeing you soon.

Thomas

Oakham, 16-17 The Maltings, 01572 756561 Melton Mowbray, 2 High Street, 01664 566812 Loughborough, 13-14 Churchgate, 01509 211010 Email: thomas@thomashairdressing.co.uk

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Bespoke Joinery and Furniture

01858 445480

Divorce:

We’ll help clarify your situation If you’re facing divorce, our local experts are here to help with free initial advice and free walk-in clinics.

Clinic Timetable

FOR ALL YOUR BESPOKE JOINERY NEEDS

Tuesdays 12:30 - 2pm Thursdays 4 - 5pm Call Alistair or Rina today for honest and constructive advice about divorce, separation, children and finances on 01858 445 480.

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www.lawson-west.co.uk

Friendly family law advice Speak to friendly, experienced legal professionals who understand your concerns and can talk you through all the available options.

Our accomplished Family Law experts can discuss any aspect of your situation and offer practical, helpful advice. To help keep costs under control we offer fixed fee packages starting from just £90 including VAT. • Discuss all aspects of divorce, separation, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial arrangements & financial advice • Advice on child living and contact arrangements that take into account the best interests of the children involved • Members of ‘Resolution’ - supporting a non-confrontational approach that considers the needs of all the family.

To speak to one of our friendly Family Law experts please call Julia Weber today on 01572 771 301 or email julia.weber@hegarty.co.uk.

Stamford | Oakham | Peterborough

www.hegarty.co.uk

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Happy Birthday Bluebird Care Celebrating five years

A huge thank you to all our customers, staff and everyone who are part of the Bluebird Care community for their support, dedication and loyalty over the last five years, through the continued provision of the highest quality of care.

It’s been a fantastic journey so far.

At Bluebird Care, we are totally committed to making a positive difference to all our customers’ lives. Here’s to the next five years and the future, delivering award-winning care within our local community. Happy birthday everyone.

To find out more about our range of care services call 01780 480881

24 hour and live in care | Homecare and support | Night care and support | Specialist care www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/peterborough-rutland • 01733 459907 • 01536 688115 • RL Sept ADS.indd 63

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L OC AL WAL K

The heights of Charnwood Forest This walk will amaze you with its mini-peaks and long views – it almost feels like a miniature version of Derbyshire. Nicholas Rudd-Jones was impressed

POINTS OF INTEREST

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any of the craggy rocks of Charnwood Forest are of volcanic origin and are very old, dating back through 600 million years. It was the site of the first ever recorded discovery of Charnia masoni, the earliest known large, complex fossilised species on record. It was discovered in 1957 by a local schoolboy named Roger Mason (thus masoni) who, with friends, was exploring a quarry near Woodhouse Eaves.

The rocks of Charnwood Forest remain the only place in Western Europe where these Precambrian fossils have been found. David Attenborough, whose father was principal at the university, spent his childhood here collecting fossils.

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ld John Tower is a folly atop the highest hill in Bradgate Park. It was built in 1784, by Thomas Sketchley of Anstey as a mock ruin. It was adapted in the 19th century by the seventh Earl of Stamford and Warrington to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses.

WALK DATA Distance: 14 kms (8.7 miles) Typical time: 3 3/4 hrs Height gain: 248 metres Map: OS Explorer 246 Location: 8 miles northwest of Leicester city centre Start & Finish: Swithland Woods North Car Park Terrain: lots of ups and downs; sturdy footwear recommended

Bradgate Park rocks

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eacon Hill was the site of a Bronze Age hill fort. Today a toposcope indicates landmarks which can be seen from the 248 metres summit. On a clear day Belvoir Castle can be seen as well as the hills in the Peak District. Derby, Nottingham, and the tower of Lincoln Cathedral can be seen with a pair of binoculars.

PIT STOPS Old John Tower There is a SPAR convenience store in Woodhouse Eaves on the crossroads, for sandwiches, snacks and drinks.

The Old Bull’s Head, 134 Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8RZ Tel: 01509 890255 Curzon Arms, 44 Maplewell Rd, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8QZ Tel: 01509 890377 View from Beacon Hill

Wheatsheaf Inn, Brand Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SS Tel: 01509 890320 All three are well rated by trip advisor, so take your pick!

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Woodhouse Eaves

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THE ROUTE

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Leave Swithland Woods North car park by the permissive footpath at the west end.

When you come to a clearing in the woods take the footpath heading south. Keep bearing right along the tracks through the woods, aiming for the bottom right-hand (SW) corner.

Cross the road and follow the footpath opposite uphill towards Bradgate Park.

Go through the gate into Bradgate Park, then head straight uphill, skirting the right side of the copse of trees. Continue over the open countryside, ascending the first of the three peaks to the Old John Tower.

Descend the hill from Old John towards the exit gate to the Hunts Hill Car Park, travelling in a north-westerly direction. Pass through the gate and car park to reach the main road.

Cross the road at the car park entrance and walk down the road immediately opposite. You will find a stile marking the Leicestershire Round long-distance footpath about 150m down the road on the right-hand side.

Cross the stile and head downhill. The path crosses another stile at the bottom and then crosses the golf course to a road.

Cross the road and the footpath continues immediately opposite. The well-marked path crosses several more fairways of the golf course before you reach a stile into a field on the left.

Cross the stile into the field, crossing diagonally to a second stile. Crossing this takes you across a second field, which exits onto a farm track. Follow the track round a sharp left-hand corner to reach the road at the top. Turn right down the road for about 200 metres before turning left onto the permissive track across Broombriggs Farm Country Park.

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Follow the waymarked path along the field, keeping the hedge to your lefthand side, until you reach a stile on the left.

Cross the stile and head uphill, keeping the woods and wall to your right. Continue until you reach a gate and stile on the right.

Cross the stile and head for the top righthand corner of the field. Go through the gate into the next field, then continue to the top of the hill, keeping the wall to your left. You have reached the top of Broombriggs Hill - the second peak! Carry on downhill with the wall on your left until you reach a gate out of the field, then follow the path downhill.

When you reach the farm road at the bottom, turn left for a short distance and then cross the main road into Beacon Hill Country Park. Follow the path to your left and climb to the summit of Beacon Hill, marked by the triangulation point. You have reached the third peak!

Take the path downhill from the triangulation point, heading east. This soon joins the main track down to the lower car park (and toilets). Just as you reach the car

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A woodland barn in Swithland Wood

park there is a track off to the right.

Follow this track until you reach a fork to the left that heads down towards the road. Descend the bridleway to the road and cross into the entrance to Windmill Hill.

Follow the footpath to the left of the car park, heading uphill in a south-easterly direction. Pass through two gates and enter the woods. The main path goes straight through and down the hill into Woodhouse Eaves, becoming a road at the start of the houses. (A short, optional, diversion uphill to the left will take you to the remains of the old windmill at the top of Windmill Hill, before rejoining the path to the bottom).

At the bottom of Windmill Hill (Mill Drive) turn left down the road into Woodhouse Eaves village centre. Turn right at the crossroads.

At the T-junction at the bottom of Brands Hill, turn right. Pass a cottage on the right before reaching a road junction with a grassy triangle at its centre. Take the right fork and you will shortly be back at the start.

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• Walking World is a brilliant online walking resource, featuring this walk and nearly 7,000 other walks across the country. Unlimited access and OS downloads for only £15 per year, go to www.walkingworld.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS HELP!

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

You need somebody?

01780 481624

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

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

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

Garden Design & Construction

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Sarah Laing Ltd Building, Renovation & Project Management

Listed Building works Bespoke Kitchens & Bathrooms Extensions Interior & Exterior Alterations

Call: 01780 765809

07966 275403 or 07960781489

www.sarahlaingmanagement.com

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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HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS Shops & Services in Market Harborough

GP appointments and dementia screening service without the wait

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USY schedules and long waiting lists can make it difficult to see your local GP. Spire Leicester Hospital is offering a convenient way to access Private GP services, with clinics in both Oadby and Stamford.

Take the time to talk through your health concerns with an understanding and caring doctor in one of our Spire clinics.

Appointments with experienced GPs are available at short notice from Monday to Friday, and offer minimal waiting time for results for your peace of mind.

You can choose to visit a male or female doctor who can provide diagnostic tests, often within the same visit, if appropriate. All of Spire’s GPs can also refer you for further treatment, to see a consultant or direct you to one of their specialist clinics.

Spire also offer appointments for immigration, HGV, DVLA and pre-employment medical checks all at a time to suit you.

And if you’re worried that a friend or family member may have dementia, diagnosis may be just a phone call away.

Spire Leicester Hospital is now offering a Dementia Screening Service for a thorough assessment and speedy diagnosis of those with symptoms of dementia.

The Dementia Screening Service joins together an experienced Neuropsychologist and Neurologist to discuss your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and refer on for treatment where necessary.

• For more information, visit www.spireleicester.com or call 0116 272 0888.

Support Rainbows children’s hospice at their annual open day

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AINBOWS Hospice is opening its door to the public for their annual open day on Saturday 17 September.

As the East Midlands’ only hospice for children and young people, Rainbows is a place where children with life-limiting conditions and their families can find care and support.

It offers them the chance to build memories as a family and enables them to make the most out of life, as well as providing nursing and medical care that can help to relieve distressing symptoms caused by their condition. Support includes short breaks, tailored nursing care, emergency and end-of-life care and bereavement support.

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A visit to Rainbows will reveal much more than a hospice. You’ll meet an incredible team of people who bring care to life-limited children, young people and their families every day. You’ll see the fantastic facilities on site resulting from generous donations over the years, including the hydrotherapy pool, music room and multisensory room. It’s also the perfect time to drop off any unwanted clothes and accessories to help raise funds for the hospice and the families that it supports.

• Rainbows Hospice open day: Saturday 17 September between 10.30am and 3pm. Lark Rise, Loughborough LE11 2HS. Find out more at www.rainbows.co.uk or call 01509 638000.

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bright ideas....

Visit our Oakham showroom to view our extensive range of stylish inspirational lighting Talk to our experienced design team and discover more about our lighting design service

1 South St | Oakham | LE15 6BG

www.lumisonlighting.co.uk

01572 724600

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

AVONDALE SWEEPS • NO FUSS – NO MESS

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

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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

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OU T & AB OUT – E X PLO R E N O R TH NO R F O L K

Get out there!

Alison at the beach

Our local experts share their top tips for making the most of the great outdoors in North Norfolk

Pooches’ paradise

Alison Priestley gives us a dog’s eye view of where her three canines, Daisy, Lulu and Twiglet, like to head to for fun and food in North Norfolk

Above: Kelling Heath © Sarah Whittley Top right: Bayfield hare © Sarah Whittley

Above: Sea lavender and Cley Windmill © Sarah Whittley Right: Juno on the sand bar, Blakeney Point © Sarah Whittley

Putting your best foot forward

Local nature lover Sarah Whittley shares some of her favourite North Norfolk walks GLANDFORD FORD TO BAYFIELD HALL Grid ref: TG045414 Postcode NR25 7JR From here you can walk on a permissive path, following the breath-taking River Glaven all the way to the Hall. Highlights include a precious chalk stream habitat, rolling fields with buzzards overhead and possible sightings of deer on the woodland edge.

CLEY TO BLAKENEY VIA THE FRESHES Grid ref: TG 04275 43818 Postcode NR25 7RA This is the walk I do almost every day; the patterns and habits of the landscape have become ingrained and if I ever go away, it’s this walk I long for. This pristine freshwater marsh holds a staggering diversity of wildlife, including the ever-present calls of the redshank.

BLAKENEY POINT Grid ref: TF 99804 45900 Postcode NR25 7RZ This walk isn’t for the faint-hearted; this beautifully bleak shingle bar separates the bay from the North Sea, but walking on shingle is gruelling, although at low tide you can walk on the sand.

There’s also nowhere to hide if you catch a

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passing shower, but any discomfort pales into insignificance when you’re out there - you might just believe you’re the last person left in the world. You have to start or finish the walk at Cley Beach.

KELLING HEATH Grid ref: TG118414 Postcode: NR25 7HW Just inland from the coast you’ll find good examples of rare lowland heathland. The winding scent-laden paths through banks of canary-yellow gorse and pink carpets of heather sometimes reveal shy wildlife, such as adders and Dartford warblers.

HOLME DUNES WALK Grid Ref: TF 69574 44202 I have happy childhood memories of exploring these dunes. Running along the narrow network of sandy paths and rolling down the dunes decorated with spikes of tufty marram grass, flushing skylarks and pippits as you go.

WALKIES! Burnham Overy Staithe: walk out along the sea wall to the beach. Walking through the dunes and onto the white sandy beach is magical. It takes about 45 minutes each way and the dogs really love playing in the sea there. If we are feeling particularly energetic, we sometimes walk along the beach to Holkham.

Brancaster Beach: turn left when you get onto the beach. This brings you to Titchwell Creek where there is a small seal colony - my favourite place in the world, though I always put the dogs on the lead around the seals. A great spot for a flask and a sandwich to sit and watch the seal antics!

Wells Beach: walk through the gorgeous sandy wooded area from the Beach Café and out onto the sandy beach, which is great for the dogs. The Café has a dog wash and a watering station and they sell lots of doggy related items including our Ruff and Tumble Dog Drying Coats!

Thornham Harbour: we like to walk out from the harbour along the sea wall where the track eventually leads to the nature reserve, (about 30 minutes). Put your dogs on leads when you reach the wooded area just before the reserve’s shop.

DINING OUT The Orange Tree, Thornham: they have a doggy menu and the human food is excellent too! We have stayed in their reasonably priced dog-friendly rooms, which I highly recommend.

The Jolly Sailors. Brancaster Staithe: family and dog friendly and the pizzas are a great attraction!

Also try: The Gin Trap Ringstead, The White Horse Bar area, Brancaster Staithe and Briarfields Titchwell.

• Alison owns local business Ruff and Tumble Dog Drying Coats, 0333 207 9960 www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

• Sarah owns Pinkfoot Gallery in Cley-nextthe-Sea, specializing in Modern British nature paintings, sculpture and prints.

01263 740947 www.pinkfootgallery.co.uk

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Cycle hire at Holkham © Holkham Estate

Pedal power Avocets © Richard Campey

Nature notes

The North Norfolk coast and its environs provide such a varied number of habitats that there’s always something to see, says Richard Campey, owner of The One Stop Nature Shop

Getting on your bike is a great way to explore the country lanes and villages of North Norfolk with routes aplenty

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umerous sites along the North Norfolk coast, from RSPB Snettisham to NWT Cley Marshes will see their mudflats and saltmarsh become increasingly busy, as many thousands of waders prepare for their migration south to wintering grounds in Africa.

Waders will include Black-tailed godwits, redshank, ruff, dunlin and of course one of Norfolk’s most iconic birds, the avocet.

Avocets breed all along the coast and make their nests from a scraped out hollow, sometimes with a few pebbles or shells, on exposed mud islands at the edge of pools and more often than not very close to one another. Extremely aggressive, they will chase away predators and other wading birds if they get too close to the nest.

In recent years spoonbills have been a common sight at Cley, Holkham and RSPB Titchwell Marsh. This large white heron is unmistakable with its large spatulate bill.

Into September the North Norfolk coast is supplemented by waders from further north undertaking their first migration south - many, like the little stint, having nested as far north as Russia.

Finally, when you’re travelling along country lanes, don’t forget that Norfolk is one of the best places to see barn owls hunting in fields by the roadside.

• The One Stop Nature Shop, Burnham Deepdale, is open daily and has a bird identification board. 01485 211223 www.onestopnature.co.uk

ustrans and the National Cycle Network have two linear routes in Norfolk, National Route 1 from King’s Lynn in the west as far as Wighton near Wells-next-the-Sea where it becomes regional route 30 onwards to Cromer and Great Yarmouth,’ says Jonathan Savory from On Yer Bike Cycle Hire in Wighton.

‘The Norfolk Coast Cycleway follows route 30 and other loop routes where there are wonderful sea views and fascinating places to explore.’

Bakers & Larners in Holt also offer cycle hire. Their suggested routes include a 10mile circular ride from Holt to Salthouse and Cley with a visit to NWT Cley Marshes nature reserve. Or how about a 29-mile ride south of Holt through villages and countryside to the National Trust property, Blickling Hall?

You can also get pedalling at Huff and Puff Cycles at Kelling Heath Holiday Park.

Set in 250 acres of woodland and heathland between Sheringham and Holt, the Park offers traffic free trails. Or why not try one of their suggested routes to Holt and its Country Park or Weybourne beach or Sheringham Park, just a short ride away.

Cycles are also available to hire over at Holkham Hall. The traffic-calmed routes through Holkham Park are perfect for cycling and an opportunity for visitors to explore more of the estate. Or explore the local area including Nelson’s birthplace at Burnham Thorpe or ride to nearby Holkham beach.

• Bakers & Larners Cycle Hire, 01263 712244 www.bakersandlarners.co.uk • Holkham Cycle Hire, 01328 713071/ 01328 713111 www.holkham.co.uk • Huff and Puff Cycles, 07500 865095 www.huffandpuffcycles.co.uk • On Yer Bike Cycle Hire, 01328 820719/ 07584 308120 www.norfolkcyclehire.co.uk

Barn owl © Richard Campey

Holkham beach © Holkham Estate

Black-tailed godwit © Richard Campey

Spoonbill © Richard Campey RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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WH ERE T O STA Y I N N O R TH N O R FOL K

A bed for the night Whether you’re planning a visit North Norfolk or live here and fancy a staycation, take a whistle stop tour of just some of the places to stay in the area, complete with top tips on what not to miss nearby!

Thornham Harbour and the Coal Barn, a short walk from The Lifeboat Inn www.pebblesphotography.co.uk

Congham Hall Hotel

The view from the terrace at The White Horse

The Decking at Briarfields

Cockleshed House, available through Barefoot Retreats

F

IRST up is Congham Hall Hotel in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Set in 30 acres of parkland including orchards, the 26-room boutique hotel is renowned for its Herb Garden with over 400 varieties.

If you fancy a bit of ‘me time’ check in to the hotel’s Secret Garden Spa. Their Herb Garden Signature Treatment was exclusively designed by the hotel’s principal product supplier, Elemental Herbology - a 75-minute face, back and scalp massage featuring rosemary, lavender and mint handpicked from the grounds.

Top tip: Congham Hall Hotel is celebrating the Year of the English Garden 2016 with ‘The Magnificent Seven … Norfolk Gardens’, a free trail guests can download, including the nearby Sandringham Estate and Houghton Hall.

If you’re heading up to the coast, the historic Lifeboat Inn in Thornham offers uninterrupted views across the salt marsh to the sea and 13 en-suite double bedrooms. The rooms have undergone extensive refurbishment by the Inn’s new owners.

Each bedroom is named after the crew of the Licensed Victuallers III, the last pulling lifeboat at Hunstanton Lifeboat Station. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay too. The Lifeboat has a dining room, conservatory restaurant

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(complete with a 200 year old vine which still fruits and flowers) and a bar.

Why not: walk down to Thornham harbour with its famous Coal Barn and along to the beach via the Norfolk Coast Path, enjoy a spot of retail therapy at nearby Thornham Deli and Drove Orchards – the latter includes a Farm Shop with produce grown on site, a fishmonger, lifestyle shopping, a pop-up gallery and garden nursery.

Head east to the next village Titchwell and you’ll come to Briarfields Hotel, situated between the RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve and the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club at Brancaster. A range of accommodation is available at the hotel including family rooms.

Dogs are welcome in some bedrooms.

Briarfields has stunning views of the Titchwell salt marshes, the natural home for freshwater and saltwater wildlife – head to the hotel’s decking area, relax and enjoy the view!

Don’t miss: Briarfields’ Posh Afternoon Tea, the beach at Brancaster, perfect for walkers, dogs and families alike, RSPB Titchwell Marsh, a trip to Holkham Estate, just a short drive away – visit the Palladian Hall and enjoy a walk round the grounds.

With the Norfolk Coast Path running past the bottom of its garden, The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe overlooks the marshes and

harbour across to Scolt Head Island. Each of the 15 rooms are en-suite and decorated with the seascape in mind. The eight ground floor rooms have their own terraces and well-behaved dogs are welcome in these.

Head to The White’s terrace, the perfect spot to watch the tide come in and the fabulous sunsets.

Barefoot Retreats specialize in laid-back luxury accommodation on the North Norfolk coast and offer guests a concierge service whether you’re looking for a babysitter or fancy a fishing trip, they’ve got it covered.

Barefoot has Cockleshed House in Brancaster Staithe on their books, with a large garden running down to the harbour. The house has a chilled-out feel and its stripped floorboards and crisp white linens give a beach house vibe. Sleeping eight, dogs are welcome.

Enjoy: crabbing down at the harbour, hike up to Barrow Common for fabulous views along the coast, bird watching across the tidal marsh, shopping at Dalegate Market, in Burnham Deepdale.

A few miles inland from Morston, holiday cottage agency Norfolk Hideaways have Ellis Farm in the village of Field Dalling on their books, a perfect self-catering retreat for a group of family and friends. Sleeping 10 in five

➧

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Wellingborough School Open Day

Saturday 15th October 2016 9.30am-12.30pm We invite you to experience the everyday magic of life at Wellingborough School. Meet the pupils, talk to staff and learn how your family could be a part of the Wellingborough School community.

Scholarships and bursaries available.

For more information, please call us on 01933 222427 or email registrar@wellingboroughschool.org

Northamptonshire’s leading independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18

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WH ERE T O STA Y I N N O R TH N O R FOL K

A bed for the night Ellis Farm available through Norfolk Hideaways

The Wiveton Bell

Beachcomings Park it!

The new large car park in Burnham Market, which opened earlier this year, is just a short walk from the shops at both ends of the village.

And as well as all day unlimited time places in the Market Place, there are plenty of 45 minute ‘Stop, Pop & Shop’ timed spaces too.

Once you’ve parked, why not enjoy some retail therapy and then unwind at The Hoste - relax over lunch or afternoon tea in the sunny sheltered garden or pamper yourself in the Spa, complete with hot tub.

The Hoste 01328 738777 www.thehoste.com

A new gallery on the block

The Holkham available through Norfolk Country Cottages

bedrooms, an existing barn and cottage have been joined, offering plenty of living space and a large kitchen dining room with a vaulted ceiling, all set in extensive gardens. Pets are welcome.

Head to: The Shell Museum at Glandford, the oldest purpose built museum in Norfolk, Wellsnext-the-Sea to eat fish and chips on the quay and watch the fishing boats unload their catch, Morston to take a boat trip to see the seals at Blakeney Point.

Just a mile from Blakeney, The Wiveton Bell features six boutique bedrooms complete with their own private entrances and patios. Each of the stylish rooms is individually designed with features including antique French furniture, Moroccan chandeliers and Victorian claw baths.

The rooms are filled with all you need to relax including vi sprung beds with Egyptian linens, flat screen TVs, blue ray DVD and media library and complimentary Prosecco.

Explore: the nearby Georgian town of Holt with its galleries and shops, walk to Blakeney, check out Cley with its deli and the Pinkfoot Gallery, have coffee at Artemis Coffee Shop with views across Cley’s reed bed to the coast and go bird watching at NWT Cley Marshes nature reserve.

A few miles from Cromer, The Holkham in Roughton is a traditional Norfolk flint barn (formerly a granary) forming part of the Jonas

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Farm Barns complex, which until very recent times, was a working farm. Sleeping eight and available through Norfolk Country Cottages, The Holkham has a well-equipped farmhouse kitchen and spacious living areas, plus access to a heated indoor swimming pool and children’s play area within the grounds.

Make sure you: head to Cromer with its beaches and pier with its own theatre, enjoy a ride on The North Norfolk Railway from Sheringham, get out walking – there are lovely walks nearby from National Trust parkland to cliff-top walks, country lanes and footpaths.

Barefoot Retreats 01485 512245 www.barefootretreats.co.uk Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell 01485 210742 www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk Congham Hall Hotel, Grimston 01485 600250 www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk Norfolk Country Cottages 01263 715779 www.norfolkcottages.co.uk Norfolk Hideaways 01485 211022 www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham 01485 512236 lifeboatinnthornham.com The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe 01485 210262 www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk The Wiveton Bell, Wiveton 01263 740101 www.wivetonbell.co.uk

Local artist Martin Kinnear and his wife Jane have just launched The New British Art Gallery, transforming the old school at Church Street, North Creake into a contemporary art space.

Described by the artist as ‘an autobiography in paint’, their inaugural show The Painted Garden features over 30 new works by Martin, inspired by his garden at nearby Shammer House and recovery from a sudden and devastating stroke at the age of 34.

The Painted Garden is open at weekends and by appointment until 4th September.

The New British Art Gallery 01328 730203 www.newbritishart.com

Get Creative

The Norfolk Painting School is one of the UK’s leading painting schools and specialises in teaching oil painting.

With two-day courses for beginners to diplomas, the School attracts artists from as far afield as Australia and Kenya.

Jane Kinnear manages the school and her husband Martin is course director.

Booking in advance is essential.

The Norfolk Painting School, Tattersett Business Park 01485 528588 norfolkpaintingschool.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Restored to their former glory September is often a golden month, nature’s apology for a soggy summer – and Rutland and Leicestershire’s ironstone buildings seem to absorb the mellow early Autumn light and positively glow.

WORDS: CAROLINE ASTON

T

“That the place still exists and has been miraculously restored to life and health is down to one man and his vision for these palaces of the past. That man was architect Kit Martin...”

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HAT’S certainly true of stately Dingley Hall, near Market Harborough. Built on what was once the site of a Knights Hospitaller building dating from Norman times, this great house, a blend of that warm-toned ironstone and soft limestone, has a towered gatehouse and porch dating from the time of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1680, during the reign of that merry monarch Charles II, a perfectly crafted new wing was added in the Italianate style. The setting is breathtaking: set atop a high ridge overlooking the Welland Valley, the Hall seems to rear up above massed cedar and beech trees, offering stunning views.

Over the centuries it has been home to a host of notables. One of the last of these was famous World War I naval officer Admiral Lord Beatty, whose wife was buried in the church in 1932. But sadly, as was the case for so many of Britain’s architectural treasures, the place went into a sad decline after the Second World War. By the 1970s, Dingley Hall was a striking example of what unchecked dry rot can do, a Grade 1 listed wreck that faintly hinted at its former glory.

That the place still exists and has been miraculously restored to life and health is down to one man and his vision for these palaces of the past. That man was architect Kit Martin, whose work can also be seen at Burley House, near Oakham, the former seat of the Earls of Winchilsea and Nottingham and latterly the Hanbury family. Martin, one of Prince Charles’ advisors on the preservation of historic buildings, was a pioneer of the trend for restoring great houses and converting them into modern housing units so that a group of owners could enjoy their ambience, grandeur and heritage and avoid the problem of crippling maintenance costs falling on one family.

So historic houses got a new lease of life and their futures were assured. Back in 1975, Sir Roy Strong organised a groundbreaking exhibition at the V&A

Museum called ‘The Destruction of the Country House’, cataloguing vanished gems that had disappeared from the landscape forever. As a result, the ‘Save Britain’s Heritage’ movement came into being and people like Kit Martin rallied to its cause.

Architecture was in his blood: his father, Sir Leslie Martin, was Professor of Architecture at Cambridge and designed, among other things, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. In 1976 Kit Martin made a leap of faith, left his own architectural practice and bought what was left of Dingley Hall for £38,000. The rest is history, in every sense of the word.

Dingley today is smaller than originally – Mr Martin had to demolish parts where the dry rot was terminal – and consists of three apartments and seven houses, the first of which was occupied 25 years ago. Burley on the Hill, a grandiose Palladian mansion boasting a sweeping colonnade and set above Rutland Water (a much newer addition to the county’s landscape!) hit the headlines when discredited ‘Polly Peck’ millionaire Asil Nadir bought it and planned his own, far-from-sympathetic alterations: his plan was to create a golf course and club. But after his empire went into receivership, Kit Martin bought the house and immediate parkland in 1992 and went into a partnership with former owner Joss Hanbury. He worked his magic there too, just as at Dingley, creating one of the showplaces of Rutland.

Much the same has been done at Stocken Hall, Stretton, another Rutland village. This Grade 2 listed building was on the way out too but a similar rescue operation was carried out and the stately house gazes proudly out at its meadow setting. How fitting for the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington’s famous charger, Copenhagen who frolicked in those Stocken fields as a foal! I think we should raise a glass or two of Autumn ale or wine to Kit Martin and his disciples who have literally stopped the rot and saved so much for us to enjoy as we travel round our counties.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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17/08/2016 14:29

P EOP L E

Jason Donovan stars in Million Dollar Quartet at Curve

S

INCE his big break in the Australian TV soap ‘Neighbours’, Jason Donovan has become a household name. He has experienced international success as an actor and singer, combining the two to extend that success to the stage, making his West End debut in the lead role in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. It was a box office sell-out and also brought him his second solo number one hit with ‘Any Dream Will Do’.

‘The Rocky Horror Show’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ followed in quick succession.

Currently Jason can be found on Heart Radio on Sunday nights, where he has been presenting the All 80s show and this month he stars in a new smash hit juke box musical at Curve.

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time when they met at the studios of legendary record producer Sam Phillips, the Sun Records in Memphis.

Jason takes on the role of Sam and Amander Meade chatted with him just before rehearsals began.

Can it really be 25 years since you began a new career in musical theatre? What have been the highlights?

‘Well I never really set out to forge a career in musical theatre but have been so lucky in how things have evolved. Hopefully there will be lots of highlights to come but ‘Priscilla’ will always have a special resonance with me as the show has been so good to me. I have just returned from performing the show in Tel Aviv recently.’

Are there any dream roles still on the list?

‘I don’t have a list as such. Luckily the roles that have come my way have suited me and I like to wait and see what comes along. I guess Billy Flynn in ‘Chicago’ is a box I’d like to tick and I’d like to explore more serious drama too. I did ‘The King’s Speech’ last year, which was something completely different for me and a great change of pace.’

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ is a relatively new show; what attracted you to the production?

‘When I was asked to take part I didn’t know the show at all, but was intrigued. Sam was a shrewd

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businessman ahead of his time. As well as an accent to deliver, there’s some great dialogue and a tremendous energy within the cast, which always makes for a great show.’

Are you a fan of the music of the era?

‘Not until now! Everyone is aware of the raw energy the 50s contained and the originality of those groundbreaking artists of course.’

So what do you listen to these days?

‘Like all parents with teenagers, I tend to listen to what they are playing. I did see Coldplay recently who were awesome.’

Do you feel that the UK is home now?

‘Originally it was work that brought me here but it’s definitely through choice now as my family is British.’

What are your plans after completing the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ tour?

‘I really enjoyed playing lots of festivals over the summer and would like to plan more of that. I also have some more solo shows running up to Christmas, fitting in towns we didn’t have time for earlier in the year on my ‘Ten Good Reasons Tour’.’

Have you visited Leicestershire before?

‘Only once, for one night to perform but the countryside looks beautiful. I’m hoping to explore the city too. Curve is a phenomenal theatre to work in and one of the very best regional theatres in the UK so I’m looking forward to Million Dollar getting the audience reaction to the show. It’s exciting Quartet plays at to be part of something new.’

Curve, Leicester from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 24 September. Book online at www.curveonline.co.uk or Tel: 0116 242 3595

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING SEPTEMBER 2016

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British Made Fine Furniture

Celebrating 20 Years Central England Showroom Millers Yard, Market Harborough, LE16 7PW 01858 434 444 London and South East 020 3764 2004 www.alexanderlewis.com

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ADAPTOR DAVID WOOD DIRECTOR MAX WEBSTER

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