Nene Valley Living May 2011 by Best Local Living

H E L P I N G Y O U T O G E T T H E M O S T O U T O F L I V I N G L O C A L LY

NENE VALLEY Living

Country casual Quirky cottage style

Let’s go gardening £1.50 May 2011

www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 05

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Where to stock your plot

Neighbour wars? How to keep the peace

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Healthcare choices Healthcare services for the whole community at Fitzwilliam Hospital Did you know you can have your healthcare at Fitzwilliam Hospital? The hospital provide services for the whole community through Premium Care for private and insured patients and through Patient Choice for NHS patients. Fitzwilliam Hospital offers all patients:

• • •

Consultant-delivered care

• • • •

Very low infection rates

State-of-the-art equipment Small, friendly hospital in peaceful surroundings High quality care Good nurse-patient ratios Free parking and easy to find

Insured patients

OPTION

NHS patients

OPTION

If you have medical insurance, please use it to enjoy the benefits of private treatment at the Fitzwilliam Hospital which include:

If you are being referred by your GP for NHS treatment you have a right to choose the hospital you are referred to under the Patient Choice charter.

• Your choice of consultant

Fitzwilliam offer a wide range of services to NHS patients at no charge to patient or GP.

• Early and flexible appointments with the Premium Care fast track card • Hotel comforts on admission Ask your GP to refer you for private treatment at the Fitzwilliam.

Ask your GP if you can be referred to the Fitzwilliam for your treatment under Patient Choice.

Self-pay patients

OPTION

Premium Care benefits are available to paying patients on our full range of services. Many patients are now choosing to pay for early treatment of NHS low priority health problems such as varicose veins, sterilisation reversals, lumps and bumps and carpal tunnel treatments. A full range of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments is also available under the Vive brand. Call today for a quote for your healthcare.

If you would like to chat through the options or for general enquiries about Fitzwilliam Hospital and the services offered please contact us today. Email: enquiries@fitzwilliam-hospital.co.uk or visit: www.fitzwilliam-hospital.co.uk

Call us today and find out more 01733 261717 2

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NENE VALLEY LIVING

W W W. B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K

@LocalLivingUK

y a M e u s s i s i h T O

ne of my favourite parts of this job is writing the interiors features, as I love looking inside other people’s homes. Justin and Katie Capp allowed us to go behind the scenes in their gorgeous cottage this month, and I think it has to be one of the most inventive houses that I’ve seen. Their talents extend beyond the interior, as well, with a secluded garden, full of great touches, such as a thatched summer house and paths made from salvaged cobblestones. If you are looking for inspiration for your plot just now, open gardens are a great place to start, and we’ll do our best to let you know about as many of these popular days out as we can. Once you’ve got your plan, why not head off to one of our local garden centres to stock the borders? Dave Phillips has written a comprehensive guide to what’s on offer, starting on page 34. Meanwhile, I’ve just solved a gardening mystery of my own. Who or what was responsible for shearing the tops off my colourful pots of pansies while they were at their peak? After a lot of frantic curtain twitching, the answer, it turns out, is a bold-as-brass muntjac who seems to have adopted our street as her private domain. Now, if only I could train her to eat all the weeds… Have a great month.

Fion a Cu mberpatch Editor SUBSCRIBE TO Nene Valley Living

5 6 10 BEAUTIFUL AND UNUSUAL

Cover shot:

Frank the lurcher, by Lesley Anne Churchill www.lesleyannechurchill.com

Upfront

Green Man Antiques and pension queries

Upfront

Spotlight on Croatia

Upfront

Potters’ exhibition in Oundle

10 Beautiful and unusual

At home in a Northants country cottage

13 Food news

Chapel Bar and Restaurant reviewed

14 Break for brunch Power up your breakfast

17 Chef de cuisine

Proﬁle of Andrew Carrick, The Cherry House

21 GREEN FESTIVAL

19 Sole food A local smokery

21 The art of going green

The pick of Peterborough’s annual event

23 Focus on St Mary’s, Stamford Shopping, eating and more

27 LIVING IN HARMONY Editor Fiona Cumberpatch fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Nene Valley Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.nenevalleyliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Assistant Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: localliving@btopenworld.com Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

27 Living in harmony

Keep things sweet with the next-doors

31 Health and beauty notes Treatments, offers and more

32 “I thought I was too young for breast cancer.”

How Kristin’s experience inspired a charity

34 Reap the benefits

The best of local garden centres

36 How to buy a pre-owned car Tricks of the trade

39 Family tree

Custodians of the forest

41 A thoroughly modern village Titchmarsh open day

42 Woodland walk Strike out for Southwick

45 Diary dates

The pick of local events this month

For £20 (£30 for overseas’ surface mail) you can subscribe to Nene Valley Living for 12 issues. Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: NVL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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Green Man

Antiques & Restoration Ltd

PANDORA BOUTIQUE

Period antiques that complement 21st Century technology & style, Specialising in 17th – 20th Century mahogany, walnut & oak furniture Georgian and collectable silver. Free estimates given. Friendly helpful advice. Restorations and repairs

74 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EJ (opposite Oundle Clock Shop) - Tel: 01832 270970 Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 4pm (Or by appointment)

1 hour parking outside and easy access for loading/offloading

The Oundle Clock Shop specialises in local clocks and we offer advice on full restorations and repairs.

Tel: 01832 272099

Classic fashions for Women - Special Occasions and Every day wear. Bags, Jewellery and Accessories. Personal Service.

10A West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF Tel: 01832 270099,

Providing first class legal services for you, your company and your family

Call 01733 882800

www.hcsolicitors.co.uk hc solicitors – working for you

info@hcsolicitors.co.uk Offices in Peterborough, Oundle and Huntingdon

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

Win! Four tickets to Oundle Festival’s Picnic in the Park What better way to spend a summer evening than catching up with friends over a picnic and a glass of wine while listening to the legendary tracks of Queen, performed live in the great outdoors? Well, that’s exactly what you can do if you attend Oundle Festival’s Picnic in the Park event on Saturday, July 16th. Tribute band Killer Queen will headline the show, with support acts including Alan Price, former keyboard player with The Animals, and ‘Oundle Rocks,’ a showcase of fresh, new local bands. Revellers can dance the night away on a big dance floor, circus entertainers will be on hand to keep the kids amused, and the evening will be rounded off by a stunning fireworks display. Bring your own picnic, or enjoy the catering and bar options on site, including a hog roast, burgers, crepes, paella, real ale, Pimms, wine and coffee. Tickets are on sale, £20 each, via www.oundlefestival.org.uk, in person at the box office, 4 New St, Oundle, or by calling 01832 274734. Children under five go free. The Festival is offering NVL readers the chance to win tickets for a group of four to this year’s event. Just answer this question at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk by May 31st 2011. What’s the name of Killer Queen’s frontman? a) Patrick Maynard b) Patrick Myers c) Patrick Miners Clue: If you get stuck, visit www.oundlefestival.org.uk!

Recycle beautifully – with an antique If you thought of recycled goods as clunky or inelegant, think again. Buying an antique is the ultimate green gesture, and if you choose carefully, you can ﬁnd classic pieces which will survive for generations. Jo Elwood of Green Man Antiques and Restoration in Oundle has a great selection of 17th, 18th and 19th century furniture, chosen for its perfect proportions and ﬁne craftsmanship. “People think that if they live in a modern house, they can’t have antiques, but that’s just not the case. They look good in any setting,” says Jo. “Our prices are comparable to modern furniture, yet you are getting something that has stood the test of time, something with character and longevity that you will be able to pass on.” The shop’s stock usually includes chests of drawers, mirrors, chairs, tables, clocks and pictures. There is also a range of quirky and decorative gift items, which start at around £10. Green Man Antiques, 74 West St, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 272099

Summer party feet If you’re looking for something comfortable and stylish, these cute red sandals from Josef Seibel cost £59.99 from John Lewis, Queensgate, Peterborough.

Ask the expert

Paul Evans, senior partner at accountancy firm Stephenson Smart & Co How can I make sure that I’m making the most of my pension contributions? Making contributions to a personal pension scheme is one of the most tax efficient ways of saving. You can benefit from tax relief on contributions and gain tax-free growth within a registered fund with contributions being invested into a wide range of funds, depending on your attitude to risk and the timescale until your selected retirement age. Some providers also operate self-invested personal pension schemes (SIPPS) which allow you to choose the investments, within the limits of pension legislation. Recent changes, which came into effect from 6 April, ease some concerns that people have regarding pensions: The key features of personal pensions are: • The pension may be taken between the ages of 55 and 75 – the accumulated fund is generally turned into retirement benefits, consisting of a tax-free lump sum (25 per cent of the fund) and an income from the balance, for example by purchasing an annuity. • Annual contributions are restricted to the higher of £3,600 or up to 100 per cent of your earnings, with entitlement to tax relief subject to a maximum allowance of £50,000 per annum (for 2011-12) • Contributions are payable net of basic rate tax – the provider claims the tax back from HMRC • If you are a higher rate taxpayer, the additional relief is given as a reduction in your tax bill by claiming on your tax return The Finance Bill 2011 is introducing legislation to remove the obligation to buy an annuity with the balance of the fund remaining after taking the tax-free lump sum by age 75. From April 6, individuals will be able to defer a decision to take benefits from the scheme indefinitely – this might be particularly attractive to members of SIPPS who choose to take an income rather than purchase an annuity. • Pensions are a complex area, and we’ve only considered personal pensions here. Please speak to your financial adviser for further information.

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

Spotlight on Croatia Paula Cockcroft of Oundle Travel recommends a hidden gem of a holiday destination

he stunning heart shaped peninsula of Istria is tucked into the north west corner of Croatia only 2 hours by catamaran across the Adriatic from Venice. This year Oundle Travel has placed the Istria region in its Top Ten Destinations: this area is the Mediterranean as it once was, there are few destinations less than a three hour ﬂight from the UK that offer the diversity of Croatia. Over 120 of its beaches and marinas have now been awarded the coveted Blue Flag Status. Istria is quite simply stunning: pretty villages with churches and towers, medieval towns with cobbled streets and lush rolling green valleys bursting with vineyards and olive groves. There are numerous bays, coves and islands, fantastic award winning wines and some of the best restaurants in Croatia are in the Istria region. Italian is the second language and the street

signs are usually in Croatian and Italian. Rovinj was once an island, is now a peninsula and is renowned as one of the prettiest spots on the Croatian Adriatic. The old town is a maze of tiny streets, and the architecture is a mix of Venetian, Gothic and Baroque. There are some fantastic bars and restaurants and a buzzing evening scene especially in the high season. Every June, Rovinj becomes alive as it hosts the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival now in its seventh year. There are Cuban bands, world class salsa instructors and six days of dance and music all over this beautiful town. Prices for Croatia for Summer 2011 are very good, but don’t leave booking until the last minute expecting a ‘deal:’ the best prices are deﬁnitely obtained by booking in advance for the summer. The much awaited ﬁve star luxury Hotel

Monte Mulini opened in the summer of 2009, and is arguably one of the best hotels in the Adriatic. Located right by the shore and set in gardens with abundant greenery, this hotel oozes style and is known for providing a highly personalised service. Prices for seven nights mid season from £1299.00 per person with ﬂights from London to Pula. Prices for ten nights also available. A less expensive option is The Hotel Park, located close to the sea, overlooking the marina and tiny Katerina Island. The views are fantastic and the centre of Rovinj is only a ten minute walk away. Prices range from £699 per person in mid season and £928 for ten nights in July and August. • Oundle Travel, Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4EA Tel: 01832273600 www.oundletravel.co.uk

Bring some magic to your garden A garden can really come alive with the addition of a special seat, summer house or even a rustic folly. Local company William Lloyd specialises in the construction of imaginative, bespoke garden structures. Anything from tree seats, to small classical reading rooms, right up to large summer houses are on offer, all built using reclaimed materials. Whether you have a clear idea of something you want, or feel that you need some creative help, William Lloyd can design and sketch your concept, and, if required, a scale model can be produced prior to the build. Over 70 per cent of William Lloyd’s clients come from recommendations, and include Gardeners’ Question Time panellist Bunny Guinness. As every structure is unique, it can be tailored to meet your individual needs and budget. • For further information visit www.williamlloyd.co.uk or call 07974 071551

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Simply Stylish Dresses from Around the World 16 Church Street, 20 Market Place, Market Harborough Oundle Tel: 01858 431396 Tel: 01832 270033 7

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How much do you value your Smile? Vet Dental Examination - £25 Haircut, Wash & Blow Dry £45 Night out in the city - £60 New outfit - £100

Routine Dental Examination, £15.50 @

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NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

Well known local estate agency Sharman Quinney has opened a lettings agency in Peterborough. Headed up by managing director Steve Quinney, the lettings centre will provide a service to tenants in Peterborough, Werrington, Orton, Hampton, Stanground, Yaxley and Oundle. Nationally and locally, estate agents have seen an increase in demand for rented properties, and more properties available to let, as home owners who wanted to move but were unable to sell became accidental landlords. “I’ve been delighted by the level of response already and the number of successful lets we’ve achieved in a short space of time,” says Steve Quinney. • For more information, visit www.sharmanquinney.com

More than travel, an independent Stamford travel agency, has now introduced champagne and wine tasting tours of France and Spain. Richard Dooley, a partner in the business, says: “we have found just the right experts and guides to work with, and have a range of tours to suit all palates. Most include gourmet dining, accompanied by a selection of relevant wines. Most tours are three day, two night itineraries, and you can either travel with a group of like-minded enthusiasts (no more than 12) or go it alone and self drive with pre-organised appointments for tours and tasting.” • If you’d like to register your interest, email sales@morethantravel.co.uk. Or pop into the Stamford ofﬁce at 23 St Georges Street, PE9 2BJ, where you can also be entered into a draw to win a bottle of ﬁne wine

Open gardens Barnwell’s Garden Saunter is being held on May 29th, 10.30am-6pm. The WI will serve refreshments in the village hall. Adults £3.50, children under 18, free. Proceeds to Hospital at Home and local charities. The local church will be open, with special events planned.

STOP PRESSSTOP PRESS

New Peterborough Wine-tasting lettings centre tours

There’s a chance to see work by 20 regional potters at an exhibition at The Dolby Gallery in Oundle. The event, titled Anglian Potters Members Exhibition, will run from Saturday May 7th to Saturday May 21st, and includes work in a wide variety of styles and techniques by artists such as Robert Bibby, Jane Barker, Deborah Baynes, Lola Swain, Katherine Winfrey. Admission is free. • The Dolby Gallery is open Monday –Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. 30 West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF. Tel: 01832 273801 www.dolbygallery.com

Anglian potters exhibition Do you really know your local market town? A handy, at-a-glance map of Oundle, featuring many of its key shops and services, has just been published by the Local Living team and it’s available free at 50 businesses around the town. With the cover and map illustrated by Oundle artist Simon Dolby, it’s a truly local resource to help you get the very best out of living in the area.

Spotlight on Oundle

The latest best selling writer to attend Peterborough Central Library’s series of talks is John Boyne. Author of The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, which was made into a feature ﬁlm, John will be discussing his new novel, The Absolutist, which is about the Great War from the perspective of two young privates. • The event takes place on May 19th, 1-2pm, and costs £3, or £2 for concessions and reading group members. Tickets from the Central Library or Waterstones, Bridge St, Peterborough.

Meet the author

It is almost a year since local company Blossom Cupcakes was launched. Encouraged by family and friends, owner Donna Cutforth decided to go into business after interest spread by word of mouth. After much research, and the subsequent launch of her website, the company she runs from her home in Orton Longueville has gone from strength to strength. Donna feels that recommendation is the best advertisement, and she is building up a base of regular customers, who return again and again. “It’s a fantastic job. Not only do I enjoy making and decorating the cakes, but when I deliver them, it’s lovely to see the reaction the surprise gift box receives,” she says. One of her most popular orders is the Blossom Party Package, which includes cupcakes, the loan of a stand if required, and cupcake-sized clear plastic pods in which to safely transport the cake home. “The cake is a very important part of any birthday, and personalising it with numbers, ages, colours etc makes it even more special,” says Donna. Some customers know exactly what they want, but if not, Donna is always happy to come up with ideas and options. All occasions are catered for, and examples of recent orders can be viewed on Donna’s website. www.blossom-cupcakes.co.uk Blossom Cupcakes. Tel: 01733 649561

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INTERIORS

Beautiful and unusual

Justin and Katie Capp have chosen striking and unusual artefacts to form the basis of each room in their Northamptonshire cottage, writes Fiona Cumberpatch Photos: Lesley Anne Churchill

rom the outside, it’s the archetypal country cottage, standing at the end of a tiny lane, thick vines scrambling over low eaves, with warm, mellow brick walls and pretty little windows. But there is nothing predictable about the interior of Justin and Katie Capp’s home, thanks to their ingenuity. In each room, there is a story to tell, whether it’s the fragile rug on the kitchen floor, left behind by the previous owner, an opera singer who performed at Covent Garden during the war and lived to be 102 years old, or a crooked ceiling beam, rescued from a church in Oundle and given new life. “When I bought the house in 1998, it was such a wreck, it was classed as a barn conversion, but I knew I wanted an old place, and this was all I could afford,” explains Justin, the landlord and chef at The King’s Arms pub in Polebrook, near Oundle, where Katie works front of house. “I grew up next door but one,

and had no intention of coming back, but when this came up for sale, my dad persuaded me to have a look. I walked into the garden, with 50 different types of roses, and it just seemed to make sense.” Justin’s initial lack of funds meant he had to do up the cottage slowly, often using recycled materials. He describes his taste as ethnic, and Katie’s as “more French.” It’s an unlikely fusion but it works. Take the living room, where a 4,500 year old Chinese pot was the main inspiration. “It is so ancient that it has an almost contemporary feel,” says Justin. The dark clay of the pot sets the mood for this more masculine space. Lived-in leather sofas sit alongside a 17th century bible box, made from a dark wood with simple carving. Vivid throws, a tufted cream rug and a panel of elegant wallpaper lift the mood. Above the enormous fire place is a 17th

century panel, an old bed board which Justin bought in nearby Thrapston. “I find things everywhere,” he admits. “I always know how I can make something work, although I usually rely on local craftsmen to install it for me.” In the kitchen, which is a relatively new addition, Justin designed the room around three old doors, which he found in a skip. “Previously, there was no kitchen, just a leanto with basic fittings,” he explains. Here, in the heart of the home, his ethnic vibe is tempered by Katie’s taste. Two lovely old cupboards, one Cornish and one French are painted in smoky greys. A modern Romo wallpaper, with a blue background and floral design picks up on the vintage colours. A sunset red herringbone patterned brick floor creates a cosy feel, with a black Aga providing the hub. “We found cobblestones in here while we were digging out the kitchen floor, but I’ve relocated those to

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“I like that desert island mentality, where you have to work with what you’ve got.”

the garden,” says Justin. “Nothing is wasted or thrown away. I like that desert island mentality, where you have to work with what you’ve got. It’s the same ethos that I apply to my cooking.” Upstairs, in the bathroom, Justin’s magpie instincts paid off yet again, when two slabs of marble that he’d rescued were used to make the surround for an almost sculptural washbasin. Tooled and painted leather panels, made by Justin, decorate the cupboard beneath. At the windows, white vintage lace tablecloths provide impromptu curtains, hung from poles with clips from Ikea, a homespun contrast to a sumptuous roll top bath. In the couple’s bedroom, the four poster bed is the antique centre piece, offset with witty touches such as a splash of Vivienne Westwood wallpaper. There are interesting objets d’arts everywhere, and the walls are lined with pictures from local artists, including

Carry Ackroyd and John Parfitt. Katie is also an accomplished artist and she recently diversified into a range of cottage flower cookware and accessories, including plates, place mats and tins. Meanwhile Justin has designed a range of home ware, including tagine pots, ceramic storage jars and granite mats - and the differences between the couple’s collections sums up their respective styles. In the garden, Justin and Katie have carried through their make do and mend philosophy. Bricks from an old lean to were used to build a large greenhouse. Cobbles from the kitchen provide a path through a vegetable garden, where hens roam free and Frank the lurcher saunters decoratively. “The box hedge comes from seedlings that I scrounged,” says Justin. “At first, I had no money for plants, so the garden was created using cuttings begged from friends, and dividing things that were already

here. I’ve never missed an opportunity to get something for free!” If anything is spare, it goes to the King’s Arms, which is undergoing the same steady transformation as the cottage. In all, the cottage is a blend of two distinct personalities. “We both respect each other’s taste, although it can sometimes make for heated discussions!” smiles Katie. Yet it is undoubtedly this creative tension which makes the house so original. • For more details of the Katie Alice kitchen range, and Justin Capp designer homewares, contact Creative Tops Ltd on 01536 207710 www.creative-tops.com The King’s Arms, King’s Arms Lane, Polebrook, Oundle PE8 5LW Tel: 01832 272363

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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FOOD & DRINK

Food news All the latest on local food and drink

Champagne culture in Stamford

Opus Dai is the brainchild of two friends who were constantly reminded that the availability of venues where the 30 plus individual can visit, enjoy real freshly cooked food, sip wine, enjoy champagne and cocktails while surrounded by their peers was almost impossible. General manager Darren Dickings has 13 years chef and management experience within the leisure industry from small privately owned high proﬁle restaurants and bars to large corporations such as Luminar Leisure. Darren brings with him his passion for food and customer service. Operations manager David Ball comes from a corporate nightclub background, with over 12 years experience from high capacity ‘super’ clubs to intimate cocktail lounges. “We hope that our drive and passion to create a completely new venue, unique to Stamford, will see something amazing develop in Lincolnshire and beyond,” they comment. In the morning and through the day, coffee will be served by fully trained baristas. There are comfortable seated areas and free Wiﬁ. You can also hold business meetings at Opus Dai, as a private room with waitress service and catering is available. This summer, musicians will be playing in the open air courtyard on summer evenings. Opus Dai has a full menu that will be available throughout the day and into the evening. As the night draws in, you can book a table in the Champagne lounge and enjoy Champagne and spirits by the bottle. The DJ, playing chilled Balearic tunes, will see you into the later hours. • Opus Dai, Broad St, Stamford PE9 1PG Tel: 01780481880 www.opusdai.co.uk

STOP PRESSSTOP PRESS The Harbour Café Bar and Restaurant by the side of Rutland Water at Whitwell is reopening this spring after major refurbishment. Under new ownership, the venue will serve great coffee and award-winning food. Phase two will be a Seafood and Grill Restaurant and Bar offering ﬁsh, shellﬁsh and steak dishes

lthough I’d always greatly enjoyed the food at this attractive restaurant in Oundle, I had previously found the atmosphere a bit hushed. But a recent change of staff has completely changed the ambience. Under new manager Tom Franklin and front of house star Lesley Cheney, there’s a totally different vibe. We popped in for lunch one Tuesday, and found a number of tables occupied, with staff from nearby Oundle School, and groups of friends enjoying lunch. Warm sourdough baguette appeared on the table, with a dish of chilled, unsalted butter, and a bottle of water. Lunch specials were available at £5.95 without wine, or £8.95 with, and all the choices sounded mouth wateringly good. Roast pork loin with tenderstem broccoli and Parisienne potatoes and grilled chicken breast on Caeser salad were just two of the temptations. Bridget decided on gnocchi with char-grilled courgettes and tomatoes, and a salad of marinated vegetables. My choice was the smoked haddock and spring onion ﬁsh cakes with lemon and caper mayonnaise, rocket salad and a portion of beautifully fat ‘brick’ chips. It was a fabulous combination: just the kind of comfort food that I love, lifted with clever ﬂavours such as the zingy mayonnaise and little shots of spring onion. Bridget enjoyed her gnocchi, “a great alternative to pasta” with its accompanying vegetable salad of olives, sundried tomatoes and artichokes. Chef Haydn Laidlow makes amazing desserts, so we were keen to sample some. Bridget selected orange and sultana cake with vanilla ice cream which was beautifully presented, with a little circle of moist, syrupy sponge and a delicate scoop of ice cream. My pavlova with warm berry compote was equally scrumptious: I loved the crisp-onthe-outside-soft-in-the-middle meringue and the contrast of the tart berries. Coffee and a plate of Palmer’s handmade chocolates, from the shop downstairs, rounded off a truly excellent lunch. Fiona Cumberpatch

NENE VALLEY LIVING

RECOMMENDS • Chapel Bar and Dining Room, Oundle •

In a nutshell: Fresh, honest food at reasonable prices Food served: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12-9pm, Sundays 12 -3pm. Closed Mondays. Head chef: Haydn Laidlow Lunchtime specials: £8.95 for one course, including a glass of house wine, plus pre-theatre deals. Evening meal for two with wine: £60, but look out for lunch time specials and offers. The Bazaar, West St, Oundle Tel: 01832 274730 www.chapeldiningroom.co.uk

8 NENE 12 NENEVALLEY VALLEYLIVING LIVINGJuly May 2008 2011

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food and drink

Break for brunch Missed breakfast, but too busy for lunch? Then brunch is the perfect answer to keep those hunger pangs at bay. Chris Clifford offers some local suggestions

esides being a fun alternative to ‘doing lunch’ (which can be a bit of a bore if nothing on the menu takes your fancy), brunch is a great way to socialise and catch up with friends. One of the best local ‘bruncheries’ is Willow Brook Farm’s The Granary, on the road between Marholm and Ufford. This converted 17th Century grain store is light and airy, with space for around 25 people, and has a menu which will please even the hungriest customers. All the meat is locally sourced, and includes Willow Brook’s own high-quality fare. For our visit, I plumped for the impressive Big Willow Brook Breakfast £(6.99), which is splendid value considering what comes on the plate; two sausages, two bacon rashers, a pair of hash browns, two fried eggs, beans, grilled tomato, mushrooms and toast. Extra items can be ordered for just 50p, and the master stroke proved to be a helping of black pudding, which was rich and sticky and topped the meal perfectly. Also, the bangers are a triumph; Willow Brook’s Pork and Sage recipe, with its gloriously gamey flavour and texture, is a real winner. My wife, Lisa, is a vegetarian but was not to be ignored, as in some establishments. She opted for the £4.99 Veggie Breakfast, loaded with a fried egg, hash brown, mushrooms, grilled tomato, beans and toast, but as she was extra-hungry, a side order of chunky chips was ordered for just £1. The whole package produced a satisfied grin, and an unwillingness to move afterwards! The Granary also offers a slightly smaller standard breakfast, at £5.49, but other options include classic beans on toast or a sausage bap with onion relish, each priced at £3.25. If you fancy a little luxury, there’s scrambled egg and smoked salmon on toast for £4.25. Whatever you choose, though, the friendly service and cosy atmosphere will have you completely hooked. North of Peterborough, Lodge Farm Shop & Café in Tallington sits on the Deeping side of the railway crossing on the A16. It’s a small eatery, but

cosy, and the food is of a good standard. A full English breakfast is £4.75, and comprises egg, bacon, tomato, mushrooms, beans and toast, with tea, coffee or fresh orange juice. Super value for those on a budget, but if you need something less filling, there are breakfast baps starting at a wallet-friendly £1.75. Even hearty porridge is on the menu. Once you’ve eaten, you can explore the farm shop’s fresh produce, and various plants and garden items are also for sale. On Peterborough’s western reaches, Archies of Oundle sits in the town’s historic market place, and is a brunch heaven. How about Portobello Eggs (grilled mushrooms topped with scrambled egg, served with sauté potatoes) for £6.75, or a classic Eggs Benedict with delicious hand-cut ham, at £6.95? For the less ravenous, toasted tea cakes or croissants

with butter, marmalade or jam will still hit the spot. Over the road at The Chapel Bar & Dining Room, you can get an appetising brunch on the second Saturday of each month, to coincide with the town’s popular Farmer’s Market. Try yoghurt and berry compote £2.50), poached haddock (£4.50) or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs £6.50. The Granary Willow Brook Farm, Scotsman Lodge, Stamford Road, Peterborough, PE6 7EL Tel: 01780 749483 www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk Lodge Farm Shop & Café Barholm Road, Tallington, PE9 4RJ Tel: 01778 341582 www.lodgefarmtallington.co.uk Archies of Oundle 2-3 Crown Court, Market Place Oundle, PE8 4BQ, Tel: 01832 273366 www.archiesofoundle.co.uk The Coffee Tavern 34 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BE, Tel: 01832 272524 Chapel Bar & Dining Room The Bazaar, West St, Oundle, PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 274730

8 NENE 14 NENEVALLEY VALLEYLIVING LIVINGJuly May 2011 2008 14 BRUNCHES.indd 1

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FOOD & DRINK

Chef de cuisine English ﬁne dining with a French inﬂuence is how Andrew Corrick describes his food at The Cherry House in Werrington. Sue Dobson met him there

nug under thatch, 600-year old stone walls gleaming white in the spring sunshine, The Cherry House Restaurant in Werrington has a welcoming air. The garden is bright with colour, squirrels play tag in the weeping willow tree and two stunning magnolia trees are in full bloom. Inside, under wood beams and low ceilings, all is cosily comfortable. Huge inglenook fireplaces are fine backdrops to restaurant rooms, one blue and snugly romantic, one airily stylish in red, where silver and glass sparkle on white tablecloths and swags and drapes decorate windows. Here, you forget that Peterborough’s commerce, trade, industry and traffic-busy Lincoln Road are all a short distance away. Chef/patron Andrew Corrick has presided over this oasis of fine dining in the city for 17 years. It’s a consistency that’s appreciated by regular customers and for Andrew, “getting to know people, their likes and dislikes, is part of the fun of owning a restaurant.” When he was growing up in the quiet seaside resort of Sidmouth in Devon, the Westcliffe Hotel was the smart place to stay. It was there as a young teenager that Andrew discovered a fascination for food. “I was employed to wash up, but I was always looking over my shoulder, watching the chefs. I knew I wanted their job!”

Route to the top After Exeter College, where he was Student of the Year for two consecutive years, Andrew moved to Bournemouth, to be a commis chef at the then independently-owned and 5-star

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

17 FOOD.indd 1

Carlton Hotel. Having worked his way around the kitchen for 18 months he headed for London and spent four years at the fashionable Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge. “By then, nouvelle cuisine had hit the scene and I wanted to explore new horizons.” Fredericks in Camden Passage, Islington, was one of London’s trendiest restaurants and life as sous chef there was an eye opener. “It was buzzing all the time,” Andrew smiles. “To have 60 in for lunch was considered very quiet. The head chef was French and had a different way of working from other chefs I’d worked for and I learned a lot. Nouvelle cuisine has inﬂuenced food presentation to this day.” As head chef at the prestigious Park Lane Hotel, Andrew oversaw both restaurants and room service. When he spotted an advertisement for an executive chef at the Swallow Hotel (now the Marriott) in Peterborough, “I applied out of curiosity. My then partner’s parents lived in the city and we’d bought a second home nearby. The interview went well and I was offered the job.” Andrew describes his four years there as “some of the happiest days of my career”. Although he likes the management side of an executive chef’s role, “I prefer to be in the kitchen.” At the Swallow he was allowed to be creative and a particular thrill was gaining an AA Rosette for the A La Carte restaurant there. “It was a signiﬁcant achievement, the only one awarded in the area at that time.”

Reputation for quality When The Cherry House came on the market in 1994, Andrew took the plunge and opened his own restaurant, building a strong reputation for quality food, attentive service and value for money. His ﬁxed price table d’hôte menu changes every two weeks and offers a choice of ﬁve starters, six main courses, desserts or cheese, plus coffee and handmade petits fours. The popular Sunday lunch menu changes every month and he’s planning to introduce a twocourse ‘express’ lunch during the week. The wine list is extensive and includes some unusual wines at realistic prices. When we met, Andrew was about to visit an asparagus farm near Thorney. He sources quality produce locally wherever possible and has started a vegetable garden among the fruit trees behind the restaurant to grow tomatoes, peppers, herbs and shallots for use in the kitchen, where both his sous chef and commis chef are graduates of New College Stamford. His partner, Paula Jex, is the restaurant manager. Is there a key to Andrew Corrick’s success in a tough industry? He nods. “Yes, attention to detail.” • The Cherry House Restaurant, 125 Church Street, Werrington Village, Peterborough PE4 6QF. Tel: 01733 571721. www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk Open for lunch, Tuesday to Friday 12-2pm and Sunday, 12-2.30pm; dinner Tuesday NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

15/4/11 14:23:31

fro 15 m m inu Ha te mp s ton

A great day out and a barbecue at Vine House Farm Join us for a tour of our conservation award winning farm: See many species of breeding bird How we grow our own bird seed How we manage the whole farm with wildlife in mind

Traditionally home-reared & locally sourced meat & poultry at affordable prices!

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The Granary café Tel: 01780 749483

Open: Tue to Fri 9am – 4pm, Sat 8.30am – 5pm, Sun 9am - 4pm

Willow Brook Farm, Scotsman Lodge, Stamford Road, Helpston Heath, Peterborough. PE6 7EL

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The first tour of the year takes place on 21st May, and two more on 18th June and 6 August. Each tour starts at 10am and lasts for about 2 hours, ending back up at the main farm where the barbecue will be served.

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FOOD & DRINK

Sole food George Enderby’s Grimsby traditionally smoked fish is naturally smoked in 100 year old traditional brick smoke houses above smouldering embers of wood shavings. Sarah Lyon reports

days containers of fresh fish arrive in port and are sold at auction market. We are fortunate to have fish from fisheries in Norway and Iceland where the waters are well managed.” Unique to Grimsby are the traditional smoke raditional fish smoking is a natural and slow houses of the early 1900s that have survived process where brined fillets of haddock are the test of time. Richard explains: “a cluster of placed on speats (long stainless steel rods) to traditional smoke houses, each with their own drain throughout the day before being placed unique and individual features, stand cheek by in smoke house chimneys to be cold smoked jowl to each other. Most are listed but leasehold, overnight. The chimneys have openings at the leaving them vulnerable to the restructuring top and bottom to allow a draught of cool fresh efforts of their landlord, the Association of air to mingle with the smoke as it rises, creating British Ports. It is important that this cluster the special ‘cold smoking’ which the process of traditional smoke houses remain an requires. The walls of the chimneys have been integral part of our cultural and culinary allowed to gather a coating of tar over heritage.” many years – essential in imparting Terry For more information go to the unique flavouring that Smith is out on www.alfredenderby.co.uk, cannot be produced by any of the rivers and washes Tel contact 01472 other method. a s day The Fens three to four 342984 “Because of the eeling since week. Terry has been • Source the Enderby’s nature of the process, ays caught he was a lad, “I have alw Smoked Haddock capacity is limited,” ” ck. stu just them,” says Terry. “It from Smith’s says Richard Enderby, oak chippings Eels are smoked over Smokery on Stamford who runs the company n, sto home in Bo and logs from Terry’s Farmer’s Market with brother George. ny ma h wit along Lincolnshire and sold “The obvious route for at markets other smoked products us is the quality route. mford, Sta . ion reg the around We have EU protected m gha pin Oakham and Up status, meaning that ts. rke Ma r’s Farme only haddock smoked the Tel: 01754 82026 traditional way in Grimsby can be called Grimsby Smoked Haddock. There is no cutting corners. This is what separates us from the mass market.” “In contrast, modern mechanical kiln smoking has become a popular method of smoking but is less green,” says Richard. “The smoking process is speeded up using electrically-run heaters and fans where fillets are sealed in an electric oven regulated by turning dials. A much quicker method of smoking with the result that the product loses out on the distinctive taste and aroma that traditional smoking methods creates.” “My granddad was a compass adjuster when the fishing boats used to leave from the port here, but that’s all in the past now, as there are few boats left in Grimsby” says Richard. “These

George’s Fish Pie 2 good sized smoked haddock fillets (boned) • 1 lb of potatoes • 1 oz butter • 1 clove of garlic • 1/2 pint of milk • 3 oz grated cheddar • 1 teaspoon of mustard • 2 tomatoes • 1 tablespoon of corn flour 1. Mash potatoes until soft and creamy 2. Place smoked haddock into a pan of cold water and bring to boil. Then drain off the water. 3. Sauté the garlic in butter and make a roux with the corn flour. 4. Add milk. 5. Stir until it thickens, and then stir in the cheese and mustard. 6. Flake the smoked haddock and add to the sauce 7. Spread mashed potato around the side of dish then pour cheese sauce mixture into the centre. 8. Sprinkle with grated cheese and arrange slice of tomato on top. 9. Grill until cheese is bubbling, then serve. Sarah’s tips: • You may use flour in place of corn flour to make the roux • It is helpful to heat the milk before adding to the roux • Use a balloon whisk to make cheesy sauce • Use locally produced Lincolnshire Poacher cheese (Stamford Farmer’s Market) NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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ACTIVITIES

The art of going green A pop up Art café is just one of the highlights of Peterborough’s Green Festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Chris Clifford finds out more

et fit and help fight pollution…that’s the theme of this year’s Green Festival, run by Peterborough Environment City Trust. In its 20th year, the popular event promises a long list of fun pursuits, many of them free to enter. For 2011’s theme, organisers felt that teaming up with the Travelchoice organisation, to promote car sharing, walking, cycling and the use of public transport, offers a suitable mantra to encourage us all stop and think about unnecessary car use. The festival runs from Saturday 28th May to Sunday 12th June, and the launch event in Cathedral Square will offer a host of stalls, activities, games, music, competitions and healthy food sampling. Many of the popular events seen before at the festival, such as the Trashion Show (centred on re-cycled and re-worked clothing) will return, but one new venture is the Pop-up Art Café.

“Peterborough is not the cultural desert that many people believe it to be” Volunteer organisers are being led by former Peterborough Poet Laureate Keely Mills and visual artist and set designer Stuart Payn. Keely explains: “we’ll take over an empty shop site and it will become a conduit for many of the city’s great artists during the festival. Peterborough is not the cultural desert that many people believe it to be. We have a lot of amazing talent in the city, and I think once people get to know what’s on offer, they’ll want to explore local art long after the event has ended.” “This is a great way for the public to enjoy the work of these artists who do support each other, but don’t usually get the chance to all work in one place in this way,” she adds. Come down to the cafe The location has yet to be decided, but visitors will be able to explore all manner of mediums, from traditional visual art to poetry and film-making. There will even be a bespoke poetry service and the verse-curious can also try their hand at writing. Many of the works will have an environmental theme, and besides the aforementioned, artorientated coffee mornings, caricature drawing sessions, craft groups and other medium streams such as graffiti will all be on offer. “Art is a wonderful way for people to express their feelings about the environment”, says Keely. “Our methods involve a lot of recycling of materials, and local artists who have remained relatively unseen until now will have their work appreciated by more people than ever. The Art Café will give us all more time and space to publicise green issues, and this will be a culmination of art projects from across the city. If the message about looking after the environment can be spread in this way, we will have achieved something special”.

Green Festival events at a glance  Cycling Treasure Hunt: Tuesday 31 May  Free screening of the acclaimed ‘Sharkwater’: John Clare Theatre, Wednesday 1 June  Swish (recycling at its most glamorous with a posh frock swap): Thursday 2 June  Free Bikeability training: Thursday 2 June  Evening bike ride with BBQ, Willow Brook Farm: Friday 3 June  Solar power fun day at Notcutts Garden Centre: Saturday 4 June  Bee Wild at Nene Park: Sunday 5 June  Trashion Show featuring book-signing with Julie Hill, author of ‘Secret Life of Stuff’: Thursday 9 June  Springwatch Fun Day: Saturday 11 June  Arts and cultural events throughout the fortnight in the Green Festival Pop-up Shop in Peterborough City Centre • To find out more, visit www.peterboroughgreenfestival.org.uk or contact Penny Fletcher on 01733 567159 e-mail penny.fletcher@pect.org.uk. NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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Explore and enjoy one of the biggest areas of independent shops and services in the region

Stamford is blessed with an unusually high number of independent shops, many of which are situated on or near St Mary’s Street. Clutching our new pullout map of St Mary’s Quarter, Alysia Anderson explores this unique shopping area

hen I first moved to Stamford I was struck by the unusually high number of independent retailers, most of them located in the area around St Mary’s Street, recently dubbed St Mary’s Quarter. Snaking from Red Lion Square down to the river towards The George Hotel, the street and the lanes branching off it are crammed with fascinating shops. These occupy an attractive jumble of historic buildings, so it’s a pleasant stroll even if you’re only window shopping. Look up and you’ll spy wonky slate-tiled roofs, timbered facades and even a Statue of Justice keeping a stern eye on passing trade. However you approach St Mary’s Quarter, whether from north, south, east or west, a shop window is sure to catch your eye. Vying for the contents of your wallet are china and cookware, cheese, wine and chocolates, flowers, furniture, art, rare books and antiques. There are shops selling shoes, bags and clothing for all ages, from six months to sixty years. You’ll find shoes for everyone in Marcia May, children’s outfits in Joules and Greencircle, menswear in Ibson and, amazingly, almost a dozen boutiques for women. The ever-popular Attic along with Black Orchid, Sly, Arch Label Agency and newcomers I Should Coco and Baubles and Bangles are just a handful. You can even buy a new kitchen, a musical instrument or perhaps a handmade timepiece from watchmaker Robert Loomes.

When I want to get a special gift for someone, I come straight to the Quarter. With jewellery in mind, I might try Sirius, Chameleon, You&Beyond or Dawson. For cooks, I’ll go to Lambs or Sinclairs. If I need inspiration, it’s good to browse in Allure Gifts, Claire Langley Antiques, You or new arrival The Gift in St George’s Mews. When buying for the hunting, shooting and ﬁshing brigade, I’ll head to T&C Robinson, Orvis or, for vintage items, the new Sly Fox upstairs at Sly. Anne Brown, owner of T&C Robinson, has watched the Quarter develop over the decades. “Having been in St Mary’s Street for over 30 years I feel it is as good now as it has ever been. It is fantastic for individuality and has so much more to offer than other similar market towns.” Other old-timers here are Liz and Les Stevenson, who celebrate 12 years of trading in the area this month. Their trio of boutiques from chic and cosy You to girly Ruby Loves and, their latest venture, the stylish You & Beyond. “Independents have a lot of heritage and personality and we would not want Stamford to lose them,” says Liz. When you need a break from all that retail therapy, there are several cafés and restaurants, such as the newly refurbished Hole in the Wall, offering reviving refreshments. Jenny Fitzpatrick, owner of the Fine Food Store in the heart of the Quarter, has been fortifying

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Real clothes for real women.

MAY 14th

MADNESS IN ST MARY’S QUARTER The retailers in St Mary’s Quarter invite you to a fantastic day of special offers on May 14th. There’ll be a huge range of discounts and events taking place, including: ● 10% off across everything at Attic, Ibson and T&C Robinson ● Pop into The Fine Food Store for free cider and wine tastings at a barbecue in their secret garden ● Show this magazine in the Stamford Cheese Cellar, I Should Coco and The Gift and you’ll enjoy a 10% discount ● There’ll also be 12% off at You, Ruby Loves and You & Beyond, with separate special offers on Pandora, Thomas Sabo and Chamilia Jewellery. ● Free prize draw ticket with each purchase at Lambs: In the china & glass shop – Prize: Denby Casserole rrp £59 In the kitchen ware shop – Prize: Knife Block rrp £99.99

customers here for seven years with cakes, coffee and a warm welcome. She says, “We’re a close-knit community. I love the fact that we have so many independent unique shops. I feel very privileged to be part of it.”

Fashion home of Pandora, Thomas Sabo and Lovelinks in Stamford

Go online and be inspired to visit our shops www.youstamford.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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CLAIRE LANGLEY ANTIQUES

PERIOD • DECORATIVE • DESIGN • GARDEN • 20TH CENTURY

4 St Marys Street, Stamford

01780 755378 Mon-Sat 9-5

www.countrylifestyleonline.co.uk ‘Finest Leathergoods and Country Clothing’

View all of our stock online www.clairelangleyantiques.co.uk 7 High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 752555

St Mary’s

Quarter

11 52 46

16 55 15 6 13 14 53 54 17 56 1 7 37

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Wedding Gift List Service • 1/2 Price Denby Offers

China & Glass Specialists - 35/36 St Mary’s Street, 01780 762652 Kitchen, Tableware & Cookware - 8 St Mary’s Street, 01780 754245

Open Mon-Sat 9.00-5.00 - www.lambs-stamford.co.uk

We constantly check our prices...so you donʼt have to.

THE VAC CENTRE

W e ate wo n o n’t n p be ric e!

18 St. Maryʼs Street, Stamford SALES • REPAIRS • SERVICING • SPARES

• The only vacuum cleaner specialists in the area

www.vaccentre.co.uk- Tel: 01780 482935

ENJOY ST. MARY’S BUT DON’T FORGET ST. MARTIN’S St. Martins Antiques Centre has a variety of antiques unmatched in the surrounding area. Items in stock range from £5 to £5,000. Proprietor Peter Light and his experienced team are happy to proffer advice, purchase fine quality antiques, or offer your items for sale on commission. An email search enquiry facility is also available.To find out more visit www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk, email peter@stmartins-antiques.co.uk or call him on (01780) 481158. 23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF.

Furniture & Home Accessories 16 St Mary’s Street, Stamford 01780 757446 www.ChezSoiOnline.co.uk 24

Beautiful Shoes, Handbags & Accessories Neals Yard Organic Skin & Body Care

Dress Agency Fashion for the discerning shopper!

4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford - T. 01780 482870 E: slyfashion@hotmail.co.uk

Marcia May shoes ltd Ladies, Gentlemen’s and Children’s Shoes

Children’s fitting service by fully trained staff 41 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DS

01780 766608

Fairly traded gifts and clothing together with eco-friendly products from home & across the world. 15 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Open 9am – 5pm Mon-Sat Tel: 01780 757496 www.greencirclestamford.co.uk

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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9 39

44 16 55

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3 58 4 AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED SHOW PERFORMED BY

29 51 48 THE 59 49PROVIDES HUMOUR, GREAT MUSIC AND A “A FANTASTIC SHOW THAT SLICE OF ELEGANT AMERICANA” 50 MAGAZINE 42PERFECT 43 60 GRAZIA 40 41

RAT PACK BOYS

Food & Drink 1 Fine Food Store 2 Stamford Cheese Cellar 3 Pizza Express 4 George Hotel 5 The Barn Restaurant 6 Cloisters Italian 7 Orchid Thai Restaurant 8 Fratelli Italian 9 Hole in the Wall 10 Adnams Shopping 11 Dawson Jewellery 12 Paul Richman Menswear 13 T&C Robinson 14 Black Orchid (B.O.O! 14a) 15 Lambs Kitchenware 16 Sinclairs 17 Jaeger Fashion 18 Lambs Tableware 19 Attic Fashion 20 Green Circle 21 Allure Gifts 22 Stamford Music Shop 23 Baubles & Bangles 24 Joules 25 St Mary’s Books 26 Sirius Jewellery 27 Chameleon 28 Robert Loomes Clocks 29 Claire Langley Antiques 30 You & Beyond 31 Ibson Menswear 32 Vac Centre

Sue’s Flower House 31 St Mary’s Street Stamford PE9 2DS

01780 753225 www.suesﬂowerhouse.co.uk

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Arch Label Agency The Bag Shop You Sly Fashion Marcia May Shoes Chez Soi Callyco I Should Coco The Gift Stamford Bridal St Martin’s Antique Centre Ruby Loves Nancy French Walkabout

Health & Beauty 47 Maples 48 Aromatica Health & Beauty 49 InStep Foot Clinic 50 Harriet’s Beauty Room 51 Gerards Services 52 Moores Estate Agents 53 Robert Goodwin Property Services 54 Fine & Country Estate Agents 55 King West Estate Agents 56 Granite Transformations 57 Sue’s Flower House 58 NGI Design 59 Smiths Gore Estate Agents 60 Robert Fogle Gallery 61 Tourist Information

Stamford Cheese Cellar British, Continental & Artisan Cheese, plus locally sourced produce. 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford

T: 01780 489269

E: stamfordcheesecellar@btconnect.com

Top quality ﬂowers for every occasion

200 Yards

Bar & Restaurant Unique blend of intelligent and creative marketing, coupled with a very professional approach to the sale of individual and country property 2 St Marys Street, Stamford, PE9 2DE t. 01780 750200 e. Stamford@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com

5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford 01780 764451 find us on facebook

Launching our new lunch time & evening bistro menus 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF 01780 754222 NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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THE GIFT New Luxury Gift Shop stocking Jewellery, Giftware, Perfume & Skincare, Leatherware & Pure Cashmere ORTIGIA

INDIA JANE

SICILIA

Ashiana LONDON

ILEX

PARLANE I N T E R N AT I O N A L

1 The George Hotel Mews Stamford, PE9 2LB

Clothing, Shoes & Accessories LOL A CRUZ

bobi RINASCIMENTO M A D E I N I TA LY

QUEENE & COUNTRY VANILLA MOON

JUST BALLERINAS

Telephone: 01780 754413 2-4 The George Hotel Mews Stamford, PE9 2LB

Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sundays & Bank Holidays 11am - 4pm After Hours Shopping by Appointment

Diamond Mounters Goldsmiths Antique Dealers

6 Red Lion Square,Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2AJ Telephone 01780 754166 Email: dawsonofstamford@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.dawsonofstamford.com we are always interested in purchasing estate jewellery and old gold

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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PERSPECTIVES

Living in harmony Neighbour disputes are very common and usually involve issues over access to a driveway, problems with children and loud music. Kally Singh, partner at local law firm Hegarty LLP, offers advice on maintaining peaceful relations

eighbour disputes are common and by the time they reach me the issues have often escalated out of control. This is unfortunate as such disputes can, at their worst, have a huge negative impact on the quality of life of the person or people on the receiving end of the intolerable behaviour. It is also sometimes unnecessary, as often the dispute will be capable of resolution if only the parties involved were to adopt a sensible and practical approach to the issue. If you are facing issues with your neighbour I would suggest that the first course of action is to try and get a dispute resolved by talking to your neighbour(s). This is important as you may have to live next door to each other or within the vicinity of their property for a number of years. Before you leap in, consider first that your neighbour may be unaware of the effect that his/her actions are having on you. Raise your concerns with your neighbours when you are in a calm frame of mind so as not to risk losing your cool. An aggressive approach may well exacerbate the problem! If you feel that you are unable to talk to your neighbours directly, you may try and use a mediator from a mediation service. A mediator is an independent person who will be prepared

to discuss matters and try to assist in resolving the dispute. He/she will try to see if common ground can be found. Mediation is frequently used in neighbourhood disputes with much success. Your local council or landlord may be able to put you in contact with organisations that might assist in such situations. If your neighbour is a tenant of a private landlord or a registered social landlord then you may wish to complain directly to the landlord. Here are some of the most common disputes that we encounter:

Loud music has ruined our friendship with our neighbours. They play it at all hours, and it’s driving us mad. Do we have any legal rights in this situation? I would suggest that you try and speak to your neighbours if they are approachable. Explain to them what your concerns are, as people will have different tolerances to noise levels. If the matter is not capable of resolution by amicable discussion, keep a record of the time and dates the music is being played and get independent evidence of the loudness of the music. You can report the noise to the local council’s

Environmental Health department. Most local authorities will have a team that deals with noise. The local authority will investigate the matter in order to ascertain whether or not there is a noise nuisance. This could result in a notice being served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which ultimately could result in a fine of up to £5,000 and audio equipment being seized; in some cases this could also lead to an antisocial behaviour order (AsBO).

Q A

My neighbour’s trees hang over my garden. By law, can I lop off the bits that are on my property? As in most cases involving a neighbour dispute, I would suggest that you talk to your neighbour first. As a general rule under common law and provided the trees are not subject to a tree preservation order or are within a conservation area, you are entitled to cut back to the fence line any overhanging branches. You are required to return the branches to your neighbour, as the tree is his property. You have to ensure that you do not damage your neighbour’s tree as a result of the actions that you undertake.

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PERSPECTIVES

Continued from page 27

We have a shared drive which badly needs resurfacing. Our neighbour says he can’t afford it: is there anything we can do? Whether or not you can force your neighbour to contribute to the resurfacing costs will depend upon whether there is a specific covenant within the property’s title allowing this to occur. When you purchased the property, the solicitor or conveyancer would have pointed out this right and obligation to you. Check any letters that you would have received at the time. Alternatively, you could obtain a copy of you and your neighbour’s title documents from the Land Registry, in person or online. I would always recommend that you try and resolve such disputes without going down the Court route. Should you do this, you may find that your neighbour still cannot pay. In this situation, would you be prepared to accept instalment payments? If there is no obligation to repair the drive, then you have no choice but to leave the surface as it is, or to pay for the whole thing to be resurfaced.

Our neighbour parks his car on the road opposite our house, making it difficult for us to access our drive. Is there anything we can do?

I would first find out if your neighbour realises the difficulties he is causing you. In reality, so long as he is paying his road tax, and is parked on the public highway, there’s little you can do. If the property is on an estate, you may just check the title documents to see if there is any obligation placed on homeowners concerning parking. You can obtain these documents from the Land Registry.

My neighbour hasn’t cut his leylandii hedge for three years and it’s so big it’s putting my garden in the shade. Is he legally obliged to keep it maintained? This is a very common problem and people have spent considerable amounts of money with lawyers arguing over this issue. You have an arguable case if the hedge in question is over two metres high and the hedge is acting to some degree as a barrier to light or access. As in most cases, it is worth approaching your neighbour first to see if the matter can be amicably resolved. Ultimately you may choose to take your complaint to the local authority. Your local authority may charge you a fee to deal with the complaint. After considering the matter, the Local Authority will issue a remedial notice outlining what action should be taken, and by when. There are rights of appeal and ultimately possibility of a criminal

conviction and fines from the Magistrates court for non compliance, as well as the possibility that the local authority will cut the hedge.

Q A

Our neighbour’s dog frequently gets into our garden, terrifying our kids. Are there any laws governing this situation? Unfortunately, there’s no specific legislation dealing with this issue. As before, talk to your neighbour and provide details of your concerns. It may be that a fence could be constructed to prevent the dog from coming into your garden. Unfortunately, the law of trespass does not apply to dogs. If the dog causes damage to your property you may be able to potentially pursue a claim against the dog owner. I would suggest that you send something in writing to your neighbour with your concerns. In summary, discussing your concerns with your neighbours in a calm and non-accusatory manner is always recommended as the first course of action. If the matter cannot be resolved amicably, you may need to seek legal guidance. • If you are currently experiencing issues with your neighbour and need some advice you can contact Kally on 01733 295642 or at kally.singh@hegarty.co.uk

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Matley Dental Surgery

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Pure Health & Beauty

The Old Stables, Church Farm, Glapthorn, Nr Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 5BE

20% of all services with Yasmin and Charlotte with this advert Tuesdays to Fridays. No appointment necessary Open: Tue 9am - 5.30pm Wed & Thur 9am - 7pm Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 4pm Closed Mondays

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health & beauty

notes Bridget Steele rounds up news from local health and beauty businesses

Protect your eyes this summer at The Oculist Most of us protect our skin with sun screen, but what about our eyes? Few of us realise the danger imposed on our eyes by UV radiation, which can damage our eyes’ surface tissues, as well as the cornea and lens. One of the most common short-term effects of UV Radiation is Photokeratitis – an inﬂammation of the cornea which is like sunburn of the eye. It may be painful and create symptoms including redness, a grittiness, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Spectacle lenses can be made to block UV radiation effectively but because the light can still enter above, below and around the sides of most standard frames, they do not offer 100% protection. Peterborough optician The Oculist’s specialist laboratory is able to glaze almost any prescription into wraparound sunglasses frames, which offer full protection to the eye within a stylish surround. The Oculist stocks Ray-Ban, Prada, Dior, Tom Ford and Roberto Cavalli designer brands as well as specialist brands Oliver Peoples, Mykita, Orgreen and LINDBERG, which offers excellent frame design. Maui-Jim is a high performance polarizing range. Polarizing lenses eliminate unwanted glare which causes visual discomfort, and the Oculist is also able to glaze polarizing lenses within other ranges. • The Oculist, 24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 555621 www.theoculist.com

Long term anti-ageing treatment Caci Ultra is the latest treatment to be offered at Pure Health and Beauty. Using non-surgical technology, this award winning system offers anti-ageing treatment to offer lifting, toning, rejuvenating and healing for the face and body. I tried a 90 minute facial treatment which started with a relaxing cleanse, followed by an Ultrasonic Peel. This is a micro-dermabrasion treatment: the therapist uses a handset to make precise movements across the face and neck. I had expected this to feel rough, but the rubber tip glides across the skin producing deep exfoliation that is not at all uncomfortable. The next stage is the facial toning. Jayne used serum filled probes that send electrical impulses to firm sagging facial muscles and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A ‘wrinkle comb’ is then applied to plump out the skin. A Caci Hydro mask was then applied: this is a ready prepared mask with moisturising and soothing elements. More microcurrent treatment is applied over the mask and left to work for ten minutes. Finally, my skin was moisturised, leaving it smooth and toned. It’s best to have a course of Caci treatments although you’ll see a difference after one session, and after a few initial treatments close together, a monthly maintenance session will prolong the benefits. The appointments can be tailor made to individual needs. From £60 for a one hour treatment or £80 for 90 minutes. A trial treatment is £45 for an hour, and if you book a course of ten, one is free. • Pure Health and Beauty, The Old Stables, Church Farm, Main Street, Glapthorn, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 5BE Tel: 01832 272310 or e-mail: pure@farming.co.uk

Affordable saunas at Crightons The health beneﬁts of saunas are well known. The sweating process helps to detoxify your body, relieve muscle and joint aches and pains, as well as promoting relaxation. Skin is cleansed and dead cells are replaced. Saunas can be built within existing homes or purposely built in their own units. The traditional type or Infra-red ones with added health beneﬁts are available and the units come in many different shapes and sizes, are easy to assemble and can be built at home or custom made and designed. • The Helo range is stocked by Crightons Hydropool Ltd, 5 Titan Drive, Fengate East, Peterborough, PE1 5XN Tel: 01733 305140 www.crightons-hydropool.co.uk

Sleek, shiny hair by Raffaele Raffaele and Guiseppe Perchinelli who run the popular Raffaele Hairdressing Salon in West Street, Oundle, recently welcomed back stylist Yasmin Santoriello to the team. They are now introducing the Nanokeratin long lasting blow dry system (similar to The Brazilian blow dry). Guiseppe explains: “the products are all natural and produce rejuvenated, smooth hair that is healthy, silky and frizz free, with results lasting up to sixteen weeks.” The Nanokeratin system is especially effective for damaged, coarse or chemically treated hair. Although the initial process takes at least an hour and a half, it will make unmanageable hair easy to style for weeks. The treatment costs from £150 and this includes Nanokeratin sodium-free shampoo for home use, worth £25. • For more information contact Raffaele, 23 West Street, Oundle, Northants, PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 273822.

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Yasmin Santoriello

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HEALTH

“I thought I was too young for breast cancer”

Kristin Hallenga was only 23 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. But her illness has inspired her to help others through her awarenessraising charity, CoppaFeel. Student journalist Sarah Panther reports

ike many people, Kristin Hallenga, from Northamptonshire, thought breast cancer was something that only affected older women. It’s not surprising: the statistics tell us that eight out of ten women who are diagnosed are aged 50 or over, so we often forget that it’s not impossible for it to affect those who are a lot younger. Kristin was misdiagnosed twice before receiving treatment, and shortly afterwards, she began CoppaFeel, after Kristin Hallenga realising that there wasn’t a breast cancer charity out there that was aimed specifically at younger women. Here, Kristin shares her story: How soon after being told you had cancer in Febuary 2009 did you decide to kick-start your own campaign? It was in April 2009, two weeks after I started chemotherapy. When you first began CoppaFeel, what was the original motive behind the idea? It was just because of my frustration that I didn’t know I could get breast cancer, that I hadn’t been checking my boobs on a regular basis for symptoms, and I realised that probably lots of other younger women weren’t either. Then I realised that none of the other breast cancer charities were actually targeting young

people and I thought something must happen, so that’s when CoppaFeel was born. What do you and the team do to make young women more aware of breast cancer? Our main message is to check yourself regularly for anything out of the ordinary, and if you find anything, you have to go to the doctor and get it checked out. But how we go about that is to fund a campaign. We were at universities last October and had ‘boob teams’ spreading the message for us, and we hope to do that more this year. We would like to be at every university campus this year. How important are these events in terms of getting CoppaFeel recognised? It’s obviously really important that we go out there and make sure that people have heard of CoppaFeel and that they’re actually taking the message on board because it’s easy for us to go out and have a laugh and say this is such a fun thing to do, but if they’re not going away and checking their boobs, then we’ve not had any impact on them at all. How do you feel about your personal achievements since the birth of CoppaFeel? Everything has happened so fast and we’ve achieved so much, its all been a bit of a blur. When I do have time to think and reflect on what’s happened, I think it’s awesome. While it’s

fun and it’s very impressive, there’s still so much more to do. There are always going to be more girls that need to be told to check their breasts. What would you say has been your personal highlight so far? I think it would have to be hearing from Jenny last year (another young cancer warrior who says Kristin’s story saved her life and gave her the courage to ask professionals for a referral). Seeing that we’d had such a profound effect on her that it made her go back to the doctors was better than any kind of award or meeting any famous person. Finding out we saved this young woman’s life was obviously a huge deal for me. You have a few famous people backing you now including Dawn Porter from TV’s Embarrassing Bodies, but if you could have anyone fronting CoppaFeel who would it be? Probably Kylie, I’ve spoken to Dannii and they know about it. I guess Kylie gets loads of requests like this, but one day we’ll have Kylie I think. So what things will we be seeing CoppaFeel do in 2011? For the rest of the year we’re preparing more challenges, carrying on our work at music festivals this summer, and all sorts of other exciting stuff! • You can find more info at www.coppafeel.org, follow them on twitter @CoppaFeelPeople or on Facebook search ‘CoppaFeel’

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Home and garden

Reap the benefits Summer’s around the corner and our local garden centres are bursting with ideas for your plot, says Dave Phillips

ay is the most exciting month in the garden. The days are long, the soil is warm and the plants respond by bursting into growth. Every day a new bud bursts open or a leaf unfurls to give you a tantalising glimpse of the delights to come. Summer is just around the corner, but even if you’ve neglected your garden this spring, it isn’t too late to ensure a brilliant display. Our local garden centres are bursting at the seams with bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and vegetable plants that will add the finishing touches to your plot. The Barn garden centres at Barnwell Road, Oundle, and Gunthorpe Road, Peterborough, are now gearing up for the busiest period of the year. Plants manager, Becky Fewkes, says she is expecting a big demand for this year’s summer bedding, which includes geraniums, fuschias, petunias and all the other halfhardy annuals which bring a real zing to our beds and borders. At the Barn, there’s a special offer of four six-packs of young bedding plants for £10, while stocks last. But remember not to plant them out until the danger of overnight frosts has passed, towards the end of the month. Tandee trademarks Over at Thurning, Pat Craighead of Tandee Nursery is in the middle of her busiest period of the year, creating her trademark hanging basket

displays. She’s been making them for over 20 years and they are in greater demand than ever this year, when she expects to sell thousands of them. Prices start at £15.95 a basket. No-frills Tandee is also the place to stock up on bargains, with perennials starting at six for £10, shrubs and climbers from £3.95 and trees from £9.95. It’s the same story at the family-run Stamford Garden Centre, in Casterton Road, where roses and climbing plants are likely to appeal, along with the bedding plants. Owner James Lamb has also recognised the growing appeal of vegetables and is creating an on-site allotment to provide fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs for his restaurant and farm shop, which he hopes will also be used to introduce youngsters into the joy of growing your own. Go Mediterranean While massed bedding schemes and colourful perennials and shrubs are the mainstay of the English summer for many, they are not to everyone’s taste. Some prefer the more subtle impact of striking architectural plants. The Olive Grove Nurseries at Polebrook specialise in palm trees, Mediterranean plants, oriental bamboos and, of course, olive trees. The six-acre site on the Oundle Road has an Italian-style plaza area to show off these wonderful plants at their best. They include olive trees ranging from one-yearold youngsters through to gnarled 50-year-old specimens – which are

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surprisingly hardy. “They’re hardy to minus 10 degrees centigrade,” says owner Jackie Thackeray. “We’re on an exposed site here but our stock stayed out all winter and survived down to minus 12.” The weather can be variable, even in May. That’s why the Waterside Garden Centre at Baston has created a football pitch-sized all-weather plants area… complete with a sliding roof. “We all hope it’s warm and sunny in May, but if it isn’t we’ll just close the roof,” says manager Steve Welch. “We want shopping here to be a pleasant experience, every day of the year.” Waterside has a huge range of bedding plants in 9cm pots at £1.49 each, or six for £8. Varieties include trailing petunias, geraniums, verbena and bacopa. Fantastic fuschias The Horticultural Trade Association’s National Plant of the Month for May is the fuschia – a fact that’s celebrated by the Helpston Garden Centre, which has a range of 30 hardy and bedding varieties, starting at £1.99 each. “Fuschias are great value,” says owner, John Broadhead. “They flower right through to October and the hardy varieties survive even the coldest winters.” That gardening is taken seriously in this area was underlined when Peterborough Garden Park was opened by the Countess of Wessex last year, with the award-winning 130,000 square foot Van Hage garden centre as its centerpiece. It is very much part of a bigger retail experience, but Van Hage hasn’t forgotten its roots – with offers including summer bedding plants and young vegetable plants at £1.99 a strip.

It’s the same story at The Walled Garden Centre at Elton Hall, now reopened under new management. where quality plants are complemented by a tasteful range of garden furniture and assorted pots and containers to enhance your garden. It also has a popular restaurant and gift shop – as does Notcutts, off Oundle Road, Peterborough, where there is also a popular pet centre, which is a particular favourite of young children. Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and rats, plus extensive tanks of tropical fish can all be found here, and you may even see some chickens, showcasing the coops and runs which are for sale, alongside hutches, cages and pet accessories. Notcutts is also running a special butterflies promotion throughout the month of May, to encourage gardeners to plant varieties of shrubs and flowers that encourage these colourful insects.

Your local garden centres: The Barn, Gunthorpe Road, Peterborough PE4 7AD. Tel: 01733 320134 The Barn, Barnwell Road, Oundle PE8 5PB. Tel: 01832 273310 Tandee Nursery, Barnwell Road, Thurning PE8 5RH. Tel: 01832 293 755 Stamford Garden Centre, Casterton Road, Stamford PE9 4BB. Tel: 01780 765656 Helpston Garden Centre, West Street, Helpston PE6 7DU. Tel: 01733 252548 Van Hage, Peterborough Garden Park PE1 4YZ. Tel: 01733 221400 Notcutts Garden Centre, Ham Lane, Orton Waterville PE2 5UU. Tel: 01733 234600 The Walled Garden Centre, Elton Hall, Elton PE8 6SH. Tel Olive Grove Nurseries, Oundle Road, Polebrook PE8 5LQ. Tel: 01832 275660: 01832 280058 NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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MOTORING

How to buy a pre-owned car Buying a car is generally reckoned to be the second most expensive item a person will acquire after their home. Ashley Martin looks at a way of making it easier

elp is now at hand - at least for used car buyers – as Peterborough-based Outside Lane has appointed ‘personal shoppers’ to locate and buy vehicles that meet clients’ exact requirements. The added bonus of the used car concierge service is that, according to the company, significant savings are promised when compared with prices at dealers and car supermarkets. Industry research suggests that when acquiring a used car, choice and price are among the key requirements for consumers. That’s not a problem to Outside Lane as its car buying team will scour the country to find the ‘right’ vehicle to meet the description and budget provided by private buyers and businesses. Outside Lane is an internet-based vehicle sourcing business launched in 2009 with a car buying team that has more than 20 years experience and has purchased more than £900 million worth of vehicles to order. An increasing number of car buyers are expected to source vehicles online in the future with a recent report by global consulting, technology and outsourcing specialists CapGemini suggesting that 20% of consumers were “likely” or “very likely” to purchase a car online, which was up from just 2% in 2001. But, Outside Lane says that many car buyers are already reaping the benefits of online buying having read online reviews of models, located a trusted outlet to source a car at the best price and then been happy to conduct a secure financial transaction over the internet, just as many people currently do with other financial products and holidays. Steve Myers, Managing Director of the independent car buying service, said: “We will appoint a ‘personal shopper’ to search the country and locate each prospective client’s required used vehicle to their exact specification and budget. “We will then inspect, appraise, acquire, prepare the vehicle to showroom condition, deliver and then personally hand over the vehicle to the customer at their location of choice. Choice and price are typically among the key issues for car buyers and Outside Lane delivers on both counts.” To ensure customer satisfaction, Outside Lane has developed its own ‘used car qualification’ - a 146-point check on the vehicle’s bodywork, mechanics and previous history. Mr Myers adds: “The majority of the cars purchased on behalf of clients are at trade prices. We then pass the savings on to our customers.” Outside Lane’s service is charged on a tiered structure linked to the price of a car. For a vehicle costing up to £8,000 the fee is £600

Steve Myers with Lorraine Bishop

eterborough nurse Lorraine Bishop bought a Renault Clio 1.4 Dynamique through Outside Lane late last year. Mrs Bishop said: “Like a lot of people I find that going into a car dealership or car supermarket can be quite intimidating. I knew the type of car I wanted and I knew what my budget was. I was therefore delighted when a family member told me about Outside Lane. “I have better things to do with my time that trail around garages to find the right car and I’m always wary of buying privately. Therefore, Outside Lane seemed the perfect option. The service offered, plus the fact that I could refuse the vehicle and had the right to have my money back if it did not meet my exact requirements gave me the confidence to buy through the company.” • Further information at www.outsidelane.co.uk and/or 0845 519 2584

Current typical car costs and savings that clients can expect are: Renault Clio 1.2 Expression Hatchback BMW 530d SE step-auto

Outside Lane £5,050 £20,950

Average saving (including Outside Lane fee)

+ VAT; for a £8,000-£20,000 car the fee rises to £850 + VAT; on a vehicle costing £20,000£40,000 the fee rises to £1,200 + VAT; and on a car costing more than £40,000 a £2,000 + VAT fee is charged. Outside Lane says its clients include senior business executives, professional sportsmen and women, city bankers, business owners as well as private individuals. Counted among customers is ex-England rugby union international and 2003 World Cup winner turned ice skater Kyran Bracken, who won

Car supermarket £5,250 £21,200

Saving to Supermarket £200 £250

Main dealer £5,400 £21,294

Saving to main dealer £350 £344

£225

£347

ITV’s Dancing on Ice show in 2007. Outside Lane also purchases fleets of cars on behalf of businesses. Mr Myers concluded: “The business and personal pressures on many of our typical customers means they are increasingly time poor. With no up-front finder’s fee and built-in customer satisfaction guarantees we believe that the method of internet buying that we are providing is cost-effective and takes the hassle out of what can be a huge chore with none of the risk associated with a private sale.”

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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MARSHALL VOLVO OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS STANDARD. Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcoming you to our state of the art dealership, where we will be on hand to look after your every need. All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention as we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latest range of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approved used vehicles. From the new Volvo range, to Approved used vehicles right through to service and repairs, visit Marshall Volvo and expect nothing less than a first class service as standard.

Volvo. For life.

MARSHALL VOLVO PETERBOROUGH 7 MALLORY ROAD, BOONGATE, PETERBOROUGH PE1 5AU. TEL: 0844 411 9751 www.marshallweb.co.uk/volvo MARSHALL MOTOR GROUP LTD. REGISTERED OFFICE:- AIRPORT HOUSE, THE AIRPORT, CAMBRIDGE CB5 8RY. ALL CALLS MAY BE RECORDED FOR TRAINING AND QUALITY PURPOSES.

THIS IS MARSHALL JAGUAR

Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs. From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts, to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them. Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with a range of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure that you visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough.

MARSHALL JAGUAR PETERBOROUGH 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 334 0635 www.marshall.peterborough.jaguar.co.uk

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Come home to

a beautiful garden... “Many people would love a beautiful garden but busy lifestyles leave them little time to plan one and carry out the work. Often both time and money is wasted on buying expensive plants and shrubs, which if unsuitable or wrongly sited, wither and die. I am an experienced horticulturist who specialises in planning and planting gardens. Using only the best quality plants and shrubs I will create for you an individual garden that will mature into a beautiful space. When the work’s done I will leave you a simple care plan on how to look after your plants and shrubs to ensure your garden thrives. In most cases your garden will be transformed within 48 hours and once established you will see what a huge difference professional planning and planting can make. A professionally planned garden will bring pleasure for many years to come and might cost much less than you think. If you’d like to chat about how I can create a beautiful garden for you, please give me a call.”

Beautiful Lucy

Charlotte Baxter

G A R D E N D E S I G N

T 01733 202229 M 07932 583605 E HELLO@BEAUTIFULLUCY.CO.UK

• NVL May ADS.indd 38

18/4/11 11:27:17

Perspectives

Family tree The Lewins have been looking after Rockingham Castle’s trees since 1935. Dave Phillips reports Brian receives his long-service award from Royal Forestry Society president, Anthony Bosanquet (right). Rockingham Castle owner James Saunders Watson (left) looks on.

n a corner of the beautiful grounds of Rockingham Castle is an arboretum of specimen trees, including giant American redwoods that soar 50 feet or more into the sky. They’ve been there almost half a century, but head forester Brian Lewin knows them well – after all, he planted them. “They were just small saplings when I planted them in 1963,” recalls Brian. “I see them every day and it’s been wonderful to watch them grow and mature into the magnificent trees we have today. That’s what I love most about this job: being outside and working with nature, watching the seasons change and the trees growing. I wouldn’t swap it for the world.” At 74, Brian is a decade past the age when most men retire, but sitting at home in front of the TV doesn’t appeal. He prefers the job he has done since 1957, when he finished his National Service in the Army. It must run in the family, because Brian’s father ‘Winkie’ Lewin was head forester before him, in 1976 receiving a medal from the Royal Forestry Society for 40 years service. Now Brian has gone one better, receiving an RFS award for 54 years’ service. And there’s a third generation waiting in the wings. Brian’s grandson, Gary Glover, 26, joined the estate’s forestry team seven years ago. Over the years, the family have planted tens of thousands of trees on the estate, which was once part of Rockingham Forest. In 2006 alone, Brian and Gary planted 8,000 trees – mainly native oaks and other broadleaved hardwoods. This year, they’ll be adding another 2,000.

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

30 ROCKINGHAM.indd 1

Custodians of the forest “There’s no such thing as a typical day’s work in this job,” says Brian. “One day we could be planting trees, another maintaining fences or preparing the grounds for big outside events. We have 400 acres of forest to look after and the acreage is growing all the time as we plant trees in the corners of land that aren’t very good for agriculture.” Brian lives with his wife, Diana, in a cottage on the edge of the estate, in Cottingham. She also works part-time, as a guide at Rockingham Castle – a magnificent Norman building which for centuries has been the home of the Watson family. Owner James Saunders Watson says: “Brian

contributes to the life of Rockingham in so many ways. He is our living encyclopaedia of knowledge of all aspects of the estate, with a remarkable memory for detail that we call on regularly. “His understanding of trees is second to none and they are without doubt his great passion in life. He turns his hand to the many jobs that fall to him with enthusiasm and a smile. He epitomises the traditional countryman with interest in country life, the natural world, people and most of all, his family.” • Rockingham Castle, LE16 8TH, one mile north of Corby on the A6003. Tel: 01536 770240 or visit www.rockinghamcastle.com for opening times

Brian at work (centre) with colleague Gerry Anderson and Brian’s nephew, Gary Glover (right)

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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THE LAMPSHADE WAREHOUSE Est.1986

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East Northamptonshire escape. explore. enjoy.

East Northamptonshire has all the ingredients for a great day out this Spring. Our diverse towns are packed full of history and charm, and yet bustle with modern shops. Explore renowned country houses, gardens and museums. Take a relaxing walk or pedal your way through Rockingham Forest and discover more than 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways. Get mucky in our country parks and get the kids to see how many different varieties of birds they can spot. Try something different and paddle by canoe along the River Nene, the perfect way to explore our hidden hamlets. Experience special events and enjoy our friendly country pubs and restaurants.

Canoeing on the river

With so much to see and do on your doorstep, make East Northamptonshire your ďŹ rst choice for a great day out. st ugh the fore Cycling thro

For ideas of places to visit log on to www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk or contact the Oundle Customer Service Centre on 01832 274333.

â&#x20AC;˘ NVL May ADS.indd 40

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Perspectives

A thoroughly modern village Yasmin Bradley reports on the latest project in an enterprising Northamptonshire community

s you approach Titchmarsh from the A605, St Mary’s the Virgin stands tall above the gently undulating fields. Its square 15th century tower dominates the ancient village with its golden stone buildings, thatched cottages and manor house. It is a view celebrated by Pevsner in his eponymous architectural guide, but, as any of the locals will tell you, in terms of community co-operation, Titchmarsh has a thoroughly modern outlook. Titchmarsh Village Shop, for example, was one of the first in the country to be manned by volunteers with celebrity gardener, broadcaster and writer Alan Titchmarsh persuaded to perform the opening ceremony. Four years on, it is now the bustling heart of the village, stocked with everyday groceries but also locally produced homemade jams (and scones on Thursdays) luxury chocolate, Gidding Grange free-range eggs, prints and pretty, inexpensive jewellery. In March, Alan Titchmarsh came back again to open the new School Hall and now it is the turn of St Mary’s to get a facelift. The church has taken the not uncontroversial decision to have the wooden Victorian pews taken out and replaced with chairs so concerts, dances and other community events can be held. “It is the biggest space in the village,” explains Jackie Rowe, who along with Anita Dunn is giving me a guided tour. And it is a wonderful space in the central aisle with six massive stone columns and the eight-belled tower looking down. “The acoustics are fabulous!” adds Anita. The floor is now covered with beautifully smoothed - and safe - Ancaster Weatherbed stone in place of the rotting wood.

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A team effort The restoration was masterminded by village firm Weldon Stone Enterprises (run by Anita’s husband, Peter). Local lads Lee Bell and Charlie Bently are beavering away as we walk round. There is still quite a lot to do: on Sunday evening the Jazz Supper, the first event of many during the Celebration Weekend event, is being held here to raise further funds.“Our next step is to put in a kitchen and toilet,” explains Jackie, “at the moment all we have is one cold tap!” Other events will include teas served beside a pink “Alan Titchmarsh” rose. The lovely village of Titchmarsh may be rooted in the past, but its residents are looking to the future.

Titchmarsh is holding a celebration weekend. Everyone is welcome. Saturday 28 May, 8pm - 10pm Art exhibition private viewing. Tickets £5 (+ glass of fizz/Pimms and canapés) and live music. Guided tours of church. Sunday 29 May, 10 am Celebration Service with Archdeacon David Painter 2pm -5pm Art exhibition (also Monday) Adults: £2.Teas. 7.30pm Swing/Jazz Supper Party with “Swing Shift”. £15, plus two-course supper. Monday 30 May, 2.30pm Master class by Norma Gregory. Teas. Titchmarsh House Gardens open. Adults £3. To sponsor a chair (£100 gift-aided or £135 without) and further information contact Jackie Rowe on 01832 734435 or jackie.rowe@dsl.pipex.com. NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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ACTIVITIES

W O O D L A N D WA L KS N o . 2

Morehay Woods, Southwick Morehay Woods, near Southwick, is a large, actively managed wood owned by the Forestry Commission and is a delight to walk through with a mix of trees, terrain, contours and a myriad of paths to wander down Distance: 5.5 miles Typical time: 1 3/4 hours OS map: Explorer (1:25 000) 224 or Landranger (1: 50 000) 141 (always walk with an OS map) Start & ﬁnish: Southwick Church

TOMLIN WOOD

5 MOREHAY LAWN

Terrain: Straightforward, good tracks all the way Stiles: None! Dog friendly: Yes Getting there: 3 miles NE of Oundle Refreshments: The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick, PE8 5BL. Tel: 01832 272044 serves great beer, great pub food, a log ﬁre and has a delightful team. What more could you wish for? Open from 10am for breakfast/coffee

DIRECTIONS Park outside the church and take the footpath north out of the village, crossing a little stream and heading up between two fields until you reach the woods Take the path right at this point east, which then swings north and shortly crosses a bigger track. Stay on this path, past an old railway carriage (apparently a 1934 LMS brake van) and follow the track all the way to the northern edge of the wood. Cross a footbridge and turn immediately left, following a wide field edge on the north side of the stream, until you reach a second footbridge at the second strip of trees. At this point turn right (north) and walk up hill alongside a thin strip of wood which has a small pond at the top of it. On reaching Tomlin Wood, turn sharply back along a metalled track that takes you back past Morehay Lawn and affords fine views of the surrounding countryside. Shortly after you come back into the main woods three paths converge; turn left along a gravelled track signposted with a horseshoe on a wooden post; follow this track (ignoring all paths to the right), first on a

2 3

4 5 6

7 8 2 SOUTHWICK

gravelled surface and then after about a mile it leaves the main track and goes along a narrow path, re-joining a larger track again. It is marked with the horseshoe throughout. (do not stray down to Shire Hill Lodge). Shortly after having re-joined the larger track, go past a ﬁr tree wood on the left, at the end of which there is a footpath cutting across the track; take this to the right, up a wide grassy avenue (it says no horses, but the footpath sign is clearly indicated). Follow this path, which takes a left at the end of a pine wood; it re-joins a gravelled track for a while (head straight, not right here), and then as the track bears left a footpath takes off to the right (south). This path takes you straight back to Southwick.

The end of the line

Points of interest • Morehay Lawn Woods is notable for its 20 ancient oaks recorded by the Woodland Trust. In Old English a ‘lawn’ refers to a clearing in woods that would have been used for pasture, so it is really describing the area just to the south of the existing wood. • Southwick Hall was built around 1300 for Richard Knyvet, a prominent local wool

Morehay Lawn merchant. It is a blend of Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Only open on Bank Holidays and the preceding Sundays, so best to call 01832 274064 or check www.southwickhall. co.uk before you visit.

NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

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18/4/11 09:47:05

Oundle’s Outdoor shop

Tents and Kayaks now on sale ! Walking boots fitted by experts Expedition/trekking kits packed Tent repairs 15% discount for D of E !

A stunning new collection of children’s bedroom furniture Made in England and built to last Designed for girls and boys, toddlers and teens Classic furniture you can personalise with gorgeous finish options Delivered fully assembled within three weeks

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Create the perfect living space for your child

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Visit our centre to see how we can help.

TUTORIN S U C A G AB ACADEMY

Regular Weekly Lessons Primary

Literacy, numeracy, science, and reasoning

Secondary Maths, English, Science, (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) * * * *

National curriculum based After school, weekend & holiday lessons Effective learning strategies Sensitive support

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Primary Classes to raise confidence

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Raise your S.A.T. level. Come for a week (or two).

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Improve your: tables reading writing fractions decimals spelling comprehension

You can have: Weekly term time lessons, Weekly or twice weekly holiday lessons Intensive weeks of tuition during the Summer. Our tuition centre has courses in: Math, English, Verbal reasoning, non verbal reasoning and science. We are experienced in preparing students for: 11+, local state secondary schools, local independent schools and common entrance examinations.

and much, much more.

Summer KS2: year 3, 4, 5 & 6

GCSE and A Level Revision Courses in the Easter Holidays.

01733 394500

See A Show at The Core at Corby Cube Blackout ThickSkin’s production about a young Glaswegian boy on a probation sentence for a violent crime. Directed by Corby-born Neil Bettles.

Richard Herring

Christ on a Bike The Second Coming

Twelve Wild Ducks Multi Story blend live music and engaging physicality in this fabulous Norwegian fable for children.

Wed 11 - Fri 13 May 7.30pm, Thu Mat 5pm

The avowed atheist revamps his first solo show, exploring his strange obsession and affinity with the Messiah.

Laughing Boy Comedy Club

Ballet Central

Word Furnace

A night of stand up comedy with Gary Delaney, Hal Cruttenden and Phil Nichol.

An accessible, exciting and vibrant evening of ballet and contemporary dance from family favourites Ballet Central.

Spoken Word at its best, featuring Ross Sutherland.

Sun 22 May 7pm

Tickets 01536 470 470

Sat 21 May 11am & 2pm

Sat 14 May 7.30pm

Sun 5 June 7pm

Wed 25 May 7.30pm

www.thecorecorby.com

• NVL May ADS.indd 44

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WHAT’S ON

Diary dates

Yasmin Bradley selects grand days out this spring

May

Tuesday, 3 May

BALL: NSPCC May Ball Putting a smile on the faces of local children is this year’s theme! Incredible look-alike ‘Del Trotter’ will greet guests and entertain during a three- course meal with music from Vision and DJ Rick Santini, raffle, auction and a casino table. • Tickets: £65 each or £625 for a table of 10. Call Carol Bunning on 01733 223031. The Haycock Hotel, London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JA

Tuesday 10 May GIG: Seth Lakeman at Peterborough Cathedral, 7.30pm Peterborough welcomes one of the most charismatic folk singersongwriters of the moment. Inspired by his native Dartmoor, his songs tell of murder, human struggle and of love to the hard driving rhythm of the folk fiddle. • Ticket: Nave £22; Aisle £8 from Peterborough Cathedral shop, Minster Precincts, Peterborough, PE1 1XS, 01733 355315 or Peterborough Destination Centre on 01733 452336. www.sethlakeman.co.uk

SUNDAY

MONDAY

3

CONCERT: RAF in Concert at Ely Cathedral BBC TV’s ‘That’s Life’ presenter Howard Leader hosts a musical celebration of England’s rich musical heritage in the stunning setting of Ely Cathedral. • Telephone: 01285 713300 or email laura.iles@rafcte.com. Ely Cathedral, Palace Green, Ely, CB7 4EW

Thursday 5 May

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

6 7

FRIDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

11

Wednesday, 11 May

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

PERFORMANCE: Poetry Evening 6.30pm – 9pm All welcome to poetry performances from the Drama Club, staff, students and community groups. • Tickets: £2.50 from Jack Hunt Secondary School, Ledbury Road, Peterborough, PE3 9PN before event. Contact 01733 263526 ext 176.

Saturday, 14 May DAY OUT: Lyddington Village Fete, 2pm – 4.30 pm A traditional village fete with Nearly New, Bric-abrac, tombola, book, dvd and cd stall; games and refreshments; fun dog show, classic cars, motorbikes display and crafts. To enter the displays telephone: 01572 823067/01572 822040. Lyddington, Rutland, LE15 9LR DAY OUT: Warmington School May Fair, 2pm Traditional Maypole Dancing, crowning of the May king and queen; country crafts and produce, cream teas, raffle, bouncy castle, traditional fun. • Contact: catherine@palmer8134.freeserve.co.uk. Warmington, PE8 6TA.

Wednesday 1 June/Thursday 2 June EXHIBITION: Fine Art and Photography degree show Final year BA Honours Fine Art and Graphic Design degree students showcase their work alongside Foundation degree students from Lens Based Photo Media and Illustration. • Contact Janet Bates on janlizbates@msn.com at New College, Drift Rd, Stamford, PE9 1XA.

Sunday, 29 May

 For more information visit ‘diary dates’ at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 45 DIARY DATES.indd 1

PLAY: Chekhov’s Shorts, 7.30pm The European Arts Company presents a charming collection of short comic plays by Anton Chekhov. • Tickets: £11.00(£8.50) from the Box Office on 01733 207239. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, PE1 1EF

SATURDAY

19

Wednesday, May 18

TUESDAY



Friday, 6 May



WORKSHOP: Cute Corsage, 7pm -9pm. Enjoy a creative evening with Jane Schofield using eco-friendly ideas. • Tickets £5.Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough, PE6 7ED. Telephone: 01733 253330 www.clarecottage.org



EXHIBITION: Bandages, Brandy and Benevolence 11am-5pm, Sat 2pm-5pm, Sun The story of medicine and care in the community through the ages, with surgical instruments, stories, animated figures, visual shows and archive photos. Fun for all ages. • Admission: free. Oundle Museum. Mill Rd, Oundle. 11am-5pm Saturdays. 2pm-5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays. Groups welcome. Tel: 01832 272741. www.oundlemuseum.org.uk



Throughout May

DAY OUT: Ailsworth Open Gardens 2pm - 6pm Visit three Ailsworth gardens open for the first time under the National Gardens Scheme. Teas and plants on sale. • Combined admission charge: £3 per adult (children free). PE5 7AF; garden locations well signed. NENE VALLEY LIVING May 2011

15/4/11 14:38:20