Nene Valley Living August 2012

HELPING YOU TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING LOCALLY

NENE VALLEY LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH & BEAUTY/HOME & GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

T A E TSIDE

o U m OMaking theum of s

£1.50 AUGUST 2012

@LocalLivingUK

WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

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9 771740 052017

G R E A T D AY S O U T G a r d e n s a n d s t a t e l y h o m e s t o e x p l o r e THE INBETWEENERS Where can teenagers hang out?

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THE PRACTICE INDEPENDENT boutique opticians in Peterborough’s Westgate Arcade.

A fantastic collection of frames from mainstream brands and specialist engineered frame designers. Rimless, lightweight, retro, geek sheek you decide. The Oculist specialises in wrap-around prescription eyewear and has a fantastic range for children.

OPTOMETRIST GERRY - Spends 40 minutes examining your eyes.

He caters the eye test to address your needs.

The test includes digital retinal photography, glaucoma pressure check, visual field examination as standard. Gerry concludes the examination by giving advice about the most suitable eyewear.

DISPENSING OPTICIAN EMMA - Helps you find the “perfect “ pair of glasses. Emma analyses your prescription and finds the perfect frame to compliment your face and personality. She also designs bespoke frames in almost any colour, style and shape. She can provide lens thicknesses and weight for your chosen frame.

The Oculist uses spectacle lenses from all suppliers but benefits from being the only SEIKO lens specialist opticians in Peterborough.

OPTICAL ASSISTANT LISA – Gets you to try on styles outside your comfort zone, she helps you compliment your current look or help you start a new look.

INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS

01733 555621 info@theoculist.com www.theoculist.com

24 WESTGATE ARCADE, QUEENSGATE CENTRE,PETERBOROUGH PE1 1PY

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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

t s u g u A e u s This is 5

W

e’re staying positive here at Nene Valley Living, and bringing you a really summery issue, full of days out and ideas to make the most of the great outdoors. It may be that some of them have to be deferred until the Indian summer that I know will come our way eventually! It has certainly been a trying couple of months for anyone who has been trying to organise an outside event, and inevitably, there have been some casualties of the bad weather. It was heart breaking for Oundle Festival to have to cancel their Picnic in the Park in July, and very disappointing that the organisers of the Vintage Festival at Boughton House, near Kettering, called time on their three day spectacular, too. We can’t always change the magazine in time if events are cancelled at the last minute, as was the case with the two aforementioned dates, but we always update our website with news of events, www.bestlocalliving.co.uk so you can check in to make sure that whatever you have booked is going ahead.

Some of the nicest trips I’ve made this summer have been local days out.

I rediscovered the wonderful gardens at Kelmarsh Hall, near Kettering. The rain had battered the massed borders of roses, but they were still beautiful in their tattered finery, and it’s a brilliant place for garden inspiration. Similarly, a few miles north along the A1, Easton Walled Gardens is another highly recommended destination. Both have excellent tea rooms, too, always a plus.

August usually feels like the dog days of summer, but perhaps this year, it will be the summer. And if it does rain, sports fans won’t mind, as they’ll be inside watching the Olympic Games.

Enjoy the month.

Fion a Cu mberpatch Editor SUBSCRIBE TO Nene Valley Living

Cover shot:

Courtesy of Next. Showing items available from Next Home, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough or www.next.co.uk

Editor’s selection Back to school ideas

7 8 5 BACK TO SCHOOL IDEAS

Upfront

Extra help for your child at school

Upfront

What to do when a loved one dies

11 Upfront

A school for the future

13 Come outside

Dine alfresco when the sun shines

19 BEACH READY

26 GET TO KNOW NORWICH 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 Senior 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

17 Health and beauty notes News round up from local businesses

19 Beach ready

Last minute buys for a summer break

21 The Inbetweeners

The mid-teens guide to going out

22 A day out at Anglesey Abbey Gardens galore

26 Get to know Norwich Alanna Richardson’s illustrated guide

28 Diary Dates

What’s happening this month

For £20 (UK only) 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 Or you can subscribe online – go to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

NENE VALLEY LIVING AUGUST 2012

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NEW TERM AHEAD!

STUDENT 20% DOUBLE DISCOUNT

NEW

TERM

SCHOOL

UNIVER

COLLEGE

SITY

We have a fabulous line-up of products for Students of all ages. From must-have essentials to designer collections.

The great news is that between 16th July & 15th September we are offering all full-time Students 20% “Double Discount”!* 20% Double Discount Example:-

Easy Original Pen AS SEEN ON

TV

Normal Price £5.99

STUDENT 20%

DOUBLE DISCOUNT

20% O FF

£4.79 Each, Inc. VAT

Stabilo’s Easy Original Pen,, available in right & left-hand versions, is designed to promote correct hand posture when writing. The rollerball refills (£1.69 for 3) don’t smudge or scratch & come with Royal Blue erasable ink which is ideal for school use.

STAMFORD

OAKHAM

1-2 St Pauls Street T: 01780 762324

46 High Street T: 01572 770883

OUNDLE

PETERBOROUGH

10 New Street T: 01832 272868

12 Cowgate T: 01733 343201

20% OF F

* Offer excludes some nett priced special offer items & printer cartridges

Cast In Time Create unique memories...

W

e create original personalised sculptures produced to the highest standards and quality.

From the first precious moment of your newborn’s arrival, to their first birthday, your toddler’s first steps to their teenage years.

Adult years, your loved ones, proud parents and grandparents - all unique individuals where we can create exclusive and affordable pieces of personalised art.

• A gift you will treasure forever • Casting and Imprint Kits available to purchase online

Regular in-store casting service at Kiddicare, Hampton on Saturday and Sunday’s.

Call 01733 296990 to book an appointment

Cast In Time Ltd, Unit 3, The Courtyard Business Centre, 27 Norfolk Street, Peterborough, PE1 2NP Tel: 01733 296990 www.castintime.co.uk

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Editor’s selection Get organised for the new term with our back to school essentials Photos: Lesley Anne Churchill

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Gul Surf & Co pencil case, £5.99, and robot pencil case, £3.99, both Colemans, New St, Oundle.

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Dictionaries, Collins, £4.50 and The Children’s Dictionary, £8.99, both from The Oundle Bookshop, Market Place, Oundle

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Floral lunch money purse, £3.99, Crackers, Oundle

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Rag doll bag, £16.95, Crackers, Oundle

Selection of study aids, from £2.99 - £9.99, from a selection at The Oundle Bookshop

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Sass and Belle pencil box £9.50, Crackers, New St, Oundle

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Red Dog denim canvas bag pod, £2.99, Reba, Cathedral Square, Peterborough Vintage style notebook, £14.99, Reba, Peterborough

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Stabilo roller ball easy pens, £4.79, with Colemans student discount card. Ask in store for details NENE VALLEY LIVING AUGUST 2012

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Private Lessons at our Tuition Centre PRIMARY

SECONDARY

LITERACY NUMERACY SCIENCE VERBAL REASONING NON VERBAL REASONING

MATHS ENGLISH BIOLOGY PHYSICS CHEMISTRY

The new GCSEs

From September year 10 will no longer be able to re-sit modules to raise their grades.

Revision throughout the course will be essential.

KS 1 KS 2

KS 3 (Yr7, 8 &9) GCSE, A Level

Reception, yr1, yr2 yr3, yr4, yr5, yr6

Preparation for practical science tests

Preparation for secondary Entrance Examinations & SATs

Our tutors are here to increase confidence in all ages and abilities. We are always looking for more of these exceptional teachers to help our students reach their full potential.

2 Culley Court, Orton Southgate, PE2 6WA

01733 367204 (Between 2pm and 8pm Monday to Friday)

ABACUS TUTORS

THE LARGEST KITCHEN AND BATHROOM STUDIO IN THE AREA Many fully working kitchens in contemporary German and traditional styles. Stunning bathrooms to suit all tastes & lifestyles. Offering full design and project management.

Visit our showroom in Oundle or call us to arrange a free appointment at your home on:

01832 270300

Küchen Kraft w w w. k u c h e n k r a f t . c o . u k

call us now on 01832 270300 FREE PLANNING • FULL INSTALLATION • WORKTOPS • FLOORING • TILING Email: info@kuchenkraft.co.uk Kuchen Kraft, Waterland House, 81 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EJ

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LOCAL NEWS

UPFRONT What’s new this month

Adam Walker completes a marathon swim

EXTRA HELP FOR YOUR CHILD

In an increasingly competitive world, leaving school with a good set of exam results is more important than ever before and it’s a challenge that some children will find more difficult than Lena Gooch and students others. At Abacus Tutoring Academy in Orton Southgate, Peterborough, Lena Gooch and her team of tutors can offer support at all levels, from primary school curriculum work, to GCSE and A2 exams. “The whole idea is that we find out where a child is, and give them success,” says Lena, who taught in primary schools and secondary schools for many years before starting her business.

Lena’s clients include children with ADHD, gifted children, those taking grammar school entrance exams and students who just need a boost with GCSE and A levels. Abacus tutors work alongside school curriculums, mirroring what is taught in the classroom. Subjects offered include chemistry, physics, biology, maths and English. Staff are retired teachers, or perhaps those on maternity leave, although some also work during the day in local schools. “I am very particular about who I recruit,” emphasises Lena. “I need people who know the syllabuses but above all, they must have endless patience and empathy, especially if a child is struggling.”

The purpose built premises have a friendly and informal atmosphere. Groups contain a maximum of three, and one to one sessions are also available. Prices vary, according to the number of classes a child is taking, but it’s around £28 an hour for a group lesson, and £20 for half an hour’s one to one tuition, although rates can work out at as little as £12 for a half hour group session, depending on the package booked.

We asked a year nine student to try a one to one science lesson with Kev, one of Lena’s most popular teachers. This is what he said: “I felt really nervous before the session, because I wasn’t sure what to expect but Kev was really friendly and easy going. He made me feel at ease straight away. He had a clear way of explaining things, he drew diagrams for me when I didn’t get something. He asked me lots of questions. I didn’t know the answers to everything, but I didn’t feel bad about it. He was patient and jolly and he made science feel easier than it does at school.”

• For more details or to discuss your child’s requirements, contact Lena Gooch on 01733 367204 or email abacustutorsok@gmail.com

FASHION SHOW FOR ANNA’S HOPE On Friday September 14th, the charity Anna’s Hope is holding a fashion show at the Haycock Hotel, Wansford. There will be a great collection of top brands from local retailers to give you inspiration for your new season wardrobe. Doors open at 6.30, and the ticket price of £15 includes a drink reception and canapés.

• To book, email Carole Hughes at admin@annashope.co.uk or ring 01780 740492

CHARITY CHALLENGES

• Driving to Mongolia Local lads Ben Atkinson and Will Pope are undertaking a 14,000 mile round trip in a Fiat Panda to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to raise money for charity. Help for Heroes and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, will benefit from the challenge, which is expected to take around eight weeks to complete. Ben, who regulars may know from his work at Dexters, Oundle and the White Swan, Woodnewton, says the pair expect to return to the UK on September 8th, all being well. “I wouldn’t say that we’re totally mechanically blind, but we are having a meeting with a mechanic before we go to get a better understanding of what to do if the car does decide to spontaneously fail,” he says. “I guess we’ll just have to hope that we break down right outside a local Kazhakstani garage.”

• In the swim Adam Walker, who works at Indesit, in Peterborough, has become the first British swimmer to complete Hawaii’s Molokai Straits, famous for its poisonous jelly fish. Adam swam 36 miles in 17 hours. Despite being stung by a Portugese Man O’War, seeing Tiger Sharks swimming below him, and battling strong currents, Adam completed the test. He will now continue training in order to be the first Brit to conquer the Ocean 7 Challenge, a medley of endurance swims in the world’s most hostile waters. Indesit have sponsored Adam, who is raising money for SportsAid. • Train for the Great Eastern Run A series of free training sessions for entrants preparing for the Perkins Great Eastern Run have been announced. The sessions are held at the Peterborough Athletics Track in Bishops Road, and have been organised by local company Advance Performance. Each session will be lead by experienced runners and coaches from local clubs. August dates are Wednesday 8th and Wednesday 22nd, starting at 7pm. September 5th and 19th will follow.

No booking required, just turn up. For further details, visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING AUGUST 2012

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Upfront

Upfront A Taste of South Africa With another disappointing British summer nearly over, why not make some plans for some winter sunshine? For those who seek warmth from November through until April South Africa is the perfect destination and is a particular favourite amongst those who want to celebrate a special occasion in style, or for families who would like to introduce children to African wildlife as part of a relaxed tailor made holiday.

Oundle Travel has many years of experience creating itineraries with just the right balance of duration together with a wide range of hotels. Many visitors will spend four or five days in Cape Town before journeying through quaint villages and seaside towns along the Garden Route, further up the coast and into the Eastern Cape. Malaria-free game reserves attract visitors in search of a safari experience. Viewing wild animals in their natural habitat is quite simply thrilling and there are many ways to experience this.

For those wanting an introductory tour of South Africa’s Cape region, Oundle Travel’s seven night ‘Taste of South Africa’ tour flies directly into Cape Town with British Airways and is available as a private escorted journey or a self-drive from £1895 per person.

For those wanting a superb safari experience, The Great Botswana Safari is a privately escorted journey offering the chance to explore some of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in Africa. The journey takes in The Chobe National Park and the exceptionally beautiful Okavango Delta. From £3160 per person for nine nights inclusive of British Airways flights.

The infamous Blue Train and Rovos Rail recreate the romance of the golden age of luxury travel and you wind your way through some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery. The trains feature beautiful wood panelled heritage coaches which have been carefully rebuilt and are drawn by steam, diesel and electric locomotives.

• Oundle Travel, Market Place, Oundle, Peterborough, Cambs 01832-273600

Join the murder squad

A trio of crime writers will be talking about their work in the John Clare theatre at the Central Library in Peterborough on September 4th. Ann Cleeves and Cath Staincliffe, the writers behind the TV series Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn, will be joined by Margaret Murphy, who writes psychological thrillers. • Tickets, £3, or £2 concessions, from the Central Library or Waterstones in Bridge Street, Peterborough

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Ask the expert When someone dies, there is a lot to cope with at a time of distress. Kerry Hilliard of Stephenson Smart & Co explains why it’s important to deal with the deceased’s tax affairs as soon as possible to meet often short deadlines.

The Personal Representative is charged with sorting out the financial affairs and estate of the deceased. They should contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) who will be able to offer advice about the tax forms that might need to be completed.

Information relating to the period up to the date of death may need to be provided to HMRC by completing form R27. They will then decide whether a refund or any additional tax is due and in some cases may ask for a self assessment tax return to be completed. Some income might be received after the date of death and in straightforward cases this can be dealt with without filling in any further forms or returns.

Inheritance tax forms will be required as part of the probate process. Usually, if the estate is over a certain value (£325,000 in the 2012/13 tax year) a liability to inheritance tax will arise. Certain assets can be passed on without paying inheritance tax and there are many other exemptions and reliefs available.

With authority, a professional adviser can assist with the completion of the forms and deal directly with HMRC. In certain areas of the country, a service is available called ‘Tell Us Once.’ Information is shared between government departments simplifying the notification process for the recently bereaved. If this service is available, then information is usually provided at the time of registering the death.

• For more information, contact Stephenson Smart & Co on 01733 343275 or visit www.stephensonsmart. com. Contact details for the HMRC Bereavement Helpline are available on the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk

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Ormiston Bushfield Academy’s new state-of-the art building opens in September.

Nene Valley’s new Outdoor Centre!

Visit our new sales and rental facility!

An open evening for 2013 in-take of year 6 students will take place on October 9th.

And a sixth form open evening is being held on November 6th

The new facilities, which mean the academy can now cater for an extra 200 pupils a year, include:

• Top brands in our store • Kayak Day Rental • Kayak and canoe sales “try and buy” • 15% off for D of E • Walking boot rental • UK Mountaineering weekends • “How to read a map” days • Kids Parties • Specialist boot fitting • Kit and tent repairs

• A 534m2 dual-use library • A theatre with seating for more than 300 people • A purpose built dance and drama studio • A television and radio studio • Interactive white boards • A 3G astro all-weather pitch

For more information visit the academy website:

www.bushfield.co.uk

Open 7 days per week Visit our online store at

www.trek-kits.co.uk From July at The Wharf, Station Road , Oundle , PE8 4DE

Simple, Stylish and great value...

Our new oak and painted kitchen collection

HURFORD & TEBBUTT KITCHENS & BEDROOMS SINCE 1969

Showroom: 17 - 18 Fenlake Business Centre, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5BQ Tel: 01733 561991

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

A school for the 21st century

O

rmiston Bushfield Academy is a perfect example of how education has changed to meet the demands of modern life. The school, formerly Bushfield Community College, began moving into the new £20.6 million state of the art building in July. The facilities have been designed specifically to integrate technology with learning and they have been funded by Peterborough City Council’s successful bid to the government’s Building Schools for the Future scheme.

The new development will feature many innovative ideas: for example, media students will benefit from a new TV and radio studio where they will get first hand experience of the real world. Notebooks and pens are replaced with iPads and tablet devices and blackboards and chalk with interactive whiteboards and laser pens. It’s a far cry from the school’s humble beginnings in 1978 as Bushfield Community School.

Eric Winstone, current Principal, joined the school as a PE teacher in 1978. He says: “it was a very different place to the school you see today.

The Orton Centre hadn’t even been built, and the school was in the middle of a building site.

But it was an exciting time because everything was new.”

In 1995, the school became Bushfield Community College, when it set up sixth form provision with Orton Longueville and Stanground schools. In 1996 work on a £600,000 purpose built sixth form began.

In 2003, the school celebrated its 25th anniversary. But perhaps the most significant change in recent years was its conversion to academy status in 2009. Academy schools specialise in at least one area of the curriculum, Ormiston Bushfield specialises in three: maths, sport and the performing arts.

This expertise is borne out by national

accreditations and standards. This year, it was the first school in the country to be awarded the prestigious Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) quality mark for provision in two subject areas, performing arts and physical education. In October 2011, the Academy became only the second school in the UK to achieve the Continuous Professional Learning Development award, which recognises commitment to investment in staff. It also received the ICT BECTA quality mark, awarded to education facilities where ICT is used to enhance learning across the curriculum and not simply as a standalone subject.

In June this year, the Academy received a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted inspectors for the second year running. The latest inspection, which took place in May, praised the solid teaching, rising standards and clear direction of improvement.

Principal Mr Winstone said he was particularly pleased with this latest achievement because recent changes in the way that Ofsted carries out inspections makes it harder for schools to maintain previous good ratings.

The 2012 report found the Academy demonstrating an accelerating trend of improvement in all areas of teaching. The proportion of students achieving five or more GCSE passes at A* to C is increasing and inspectors observed solid teaching with high expectations and standards. In addition, the academy was praised for developing students’ skills in independent learning and supporting them to achieve their potential with the help of modern technology.

“We have fond memories of our old building but we are really looking forward to moving into the new development,” says Mr Winstone.

“We strongly believe in being involved with the community we serve and are delighted to open up the new facilities for everyone to use. This is a new era for education in Peterborough.”

Nene Valley Living recommends

Margaret’s Tea Room, Wentworth Street, Peterborough

It would be wrong to call this lovely independent tea room a ‘best kept secret’ because word has clearly spread. Margaret’s was very busy when we called in one Thursday lunch time. It was one of the few hot days this summer, and there were chairs and tables set out front, just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Bridge Street to be relaxing. It was just too warm for a hot cuppa, despite the fact that Margaret’s serves fine loose leaf teas from all over the world, so we sipped ice cold drinks as we read the menu. Light lunches are a speciality: open sandwiches and salads are very popular, although the two ladies next to us were tucking into scrambled eggs on wholewheat toast. I had an open sandwich with smoked salmon with lemon and thyme cream cheese (4.95), while my colleague Bridget tried the grilled open sandwich with goats cheese and chutney (£5.95). The orders came quickly and were a great choice. The salad leaves were fresh and well dressed and the bread had a home made taste. We’ve been here before and sampled the freshly home made scones and pots of tea (£2.70 for one), and they are highly recommended, too. It’s great to see an individual business like this doing so well in Peterborough city centre.

Fiona Cumberpatch • www.margaretstearoom.com Tel: 01733 346381

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A 1 7 T H C E N T U RY H OT E L W I T H A 2 1 S T C E N T U RY T W I S T

N E W L Y R E F U R B I S H E D H OT E L N O W O P E N

A

t The Talbot we offer something for everyone - enjoy family friendly meals in our light filled Garden Room, a quiet lunch in The Oak Room, coffee in the relaxing Sun Room or lazy days with sumptuous afternoon tea in The Pantry. From coffee to cocktails, eat what you like, when you like and where you like.

• Delicious food, real ales and a selection of fine wines • Garden and outside paved seating for alfresco dining • Stylish and comfortable accommodation

The perfect location for your wedding ceremony and reception. From an individually designed wedding breakfast to a five course dinner, our team have a wealth of professional knowledge and experience to create your perfect day.

• Private dining • Meeting rooms with all the latest conference facilities.

We look forward to seeing you….

The Talbot Hotel, New Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4EA Telephone: 01832 273621 - Email: talbot@bpcmail.co.uk - www.thetalbot-oundle.com

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FOOD AND DRINK

COME OUTSIDE!

When the sun does finally show its face, make the most of every minute by eating outside in some of the region’s prettiest venues Talbot Hotel

OUNDLE AREA OUNDLE MILL Barnwell Rd, Oundle, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk A seriously pretty waterside spot by the Nene, and some very fine food indeed. Try one of their homemade ice creams, such as raspberry, strawberry or the more adventurous salted pistachio or deluxe coffee (also available to take away). Afternoon tea, with cakes, scones and sandwiches, is served between 3pm and 5pm (please pre-book), and you can dine for half price on Thursdays throughout August.

Oundle Mill

THE TALBOT HOTEL EATERY & COFFEE HOUSE New St, Oundle PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 273621 A total transformation has taken place at this gorgeous old hotel in the heart of Oundle. The outside area is proving very popular for coffee, croissants, cakes and all day food from a flexible menu.

There’s a paved area and a pretty garden. It’s sheltered, yet with a buzzy atmosphere DEXTERS Situated between Jacks and Trendalls, Market Place, Oundle.

Tel: 01832 273366 You’ll catch the best of the sun’s rays in the sheltered courtyard outside Dexters, where there is plenty of room for relaxing in the notably comfortable chairs. Coffees, lunch, drinks and dinner are all available, and they have recently introduced Peroni on draught.

OLIVE GROVE NURSERIES Oundle Rd, Polebrook, PE8 5LQ Tel: 01832 275660 Sit on the terrazzo, Italian style, and enjoy the sleek café serving good coffee, light snacks and lunches, as well as a wide range of gelato ice cream in a peaceful rural location. Pick the right day, and with all the Mediterranean plants for sale around you, you can really believe that you’re somewhere exotic.

THE KING’S ARMS, POLEBROOK Tel: 01832 272363 www.thekingsarms-polebrook.co.uk Share some plates of tapas, such as chicken, chorizo and olive pinchos with chilli, or baked mushroom caps with Picon blue cheese, or maybe steak cut chips with allioli in the pretty garden of this excellent village pub. They also do a Seafood Plancha for two to share at £30, or get together with friends and book a paella (£44 for four people).

THE KINGS HEAD Apethorpe, Peterborough PE8 5DG Tel 01780 470627 enquiries@ thekingsheadapethorpe.co.uk You’ll often see walkers sitting outside this country pub, sipping a pint, as it is surrounded by wonderful rambles. There is a small but pretty little garden, and a couple of tables out front. The menu is traditional bistro fare, but you can get sandwiches and snacks, too.

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Food and drink

The Crown Hotel, Stamford

Kelmarsh Hall gardens

STAMFORD AREA

A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD

The Crown Hotel, Stamford All Saints Place, Stamford PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk The view from the Crown courtyard is amongst the best in Stamford, looking towards All Saints’ Church and the brick chimney of the old brewery.

Easton Walled Gardens Easton, Grantham, Lincs NG33 5AP Tel: 01476 530063 www. eastonwalledgardens.co.uk A 400 year old garden, restored to create 12 acres of meadows, vegetable and cottage gardens, borders, roses and bulbs. Delicious home made teas and light lunches are available, with tables set outside overlooking the Pickery (containing over 100 different varieties of plants for cutting).

Entrance charges apply to the gardens.

Jim’s Yard, Stamford 3 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL. Tel: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz The food is simple and exquisite, and there is a very good value set lunch, which, when eaten in the courtyard on a sunny day is ‘perfection,’ according to our reviewer. First awarded Michelin Red Guide’s Bib Gourmand in January 2004, it has just retained it for the ninth consectutive year.

The Pheasant at Keyston Keyston, near Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 ORE Tel: 01832 710241 www.thepheasant-keyston.co.uk A very pretty, sheltered garden at the back of the pub in which to dine on a good range of pub classics, sandwiches, or something a bit more inventive. We reviewed this pub last month and found it offered excellent quality food and impressive service. Worth travelling to.

William Cecil Hotel St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk The outside space of this hotel has been transformed in the last year, and there is now an appealing Terrace to enjoy. The new Terrace menu includes East Coast oysters, Wye Valley Smoked Salmon and some delicious house salads.

The Garden Café Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 752451 To complement the Garden of Surprises, Burghley’s wonderfully interactive sculpture park, this informal café serves great coffee, sandwiches and (slightly pricey) cookies and

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cake. Ice creams for hot days, or soup for cold ones, you can sit outside in splendid surroundings. For a more formal meal, in a beautiful setting, try The Orangery Restaurant (closed selected Fridays for functions).

Kelmarsh Hall Kelmarsh, NN6 9LY Tel: 01604 686543 The gardens at this stately home, just beyond Kettering on the Northamptonshire/ Leicestershire border, are a treat for the senses, and the tea shop is pretty nice, too.

Light lunches, including soups, salads and jacket potatoes are available, along with some amazing home made cakes, such as gravity defying coffee and walnut sponge and an excellent gluten-free orange and almond cake.

Admission charges apply to the gardens, but they are well worth it.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

A business success story Frances Ellis and Nazleen Romjon, both chartered physiotherapists working for a private practice in the local area, often dreamed of having their own business. They met Steve Smith, a local business man based at TDL in Orton Southgate, after Naz treated his wife Lisa. Steve was interested in investing in local businesses and after seeing their business plan and how their practice would stand out from competitors, he suggested a suitable location for their new practice in Orton Southgate.

An opening date was set for 2nd April 2012, which gave Frances and Nazleen just six weeks to transform offices into practice rooms and convert upstairs warehousing space into a large purpose built studio with brand new equipment, furniture, computers, and develop their website, IT, accounting, logo and branding. With Steve’s support, Frances and Naz made the deadline and realised their dream. The practice is getting busier every day and offers physiotherapy, sports massage, Pilates and acupuncture.

• For more information, contact Ultimate Performance, Gateway Park Newcombe Way, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, Cambs PE1 3HS Tel: 01733 235226

The latest from local health and beauty businesses. By Bridget Steele

HEALTH & BEAUTY NOTES Optimum opticians

The Oculist Opticians, in Peterborough, has been established for nearly five years and has a loyal and growing customer base. We spoke to Dispensing Optician Emma Woolner to find out what makes The Oculist unique.

“Gerry (director and Optometrist) and I are both very passionate about what we do and the products we have to offer. A visit to the opticians shouldn’t just be about getting you in and out the test room then selling you a pair of glasses. Gerry spends 40 minutes examining your eyes and ascertaining solutions to your eye health and visual needs. It’s my job to make sure you have the best lens solution and a frame that is comfortable, functional and most of all, you love wearing.”

The Oculist specialises in handmade eyewear that is at the forefront of innovation. Each of their specialist eyewear brands have something unique to offer. If you want something lightweight and minimal Emma recommends Danish eyewear LINDBERG, “ a superb rimless range that is completely screw-less. You can chose any shape of lens and match it with any side, virtually in any colour. The versatility allows us to chose the correct bridge size and side length, which means the finished product will fit you perfectly. Starting from just 1.9 grams they are the ultimate lightweight frame.”

If you prefer to make a statement with your eyewear you cannot ignore Theo, the latest range to arrive at The Oculist. “Theo is a quirky range, not for the faint hearted!” Emma explains.

• Call 01733 555621 or visit www.theoculist to book an eye examination

Try Acupunture Sally Kennet graduated with a Diploma in Acupuncture in July 2011 and has now opened clinics in Oundle, Tansor and Stamford. I met her at her regular Friday morning session at the Oundle Health Centre. I had not tried acupuncture before and opted for a Facial Rejuvenation treatment as well as a general treatment.

Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese Medicine and is designed to improve the function of organs and balance their relationship with each other in order to improve circulation of qi, blood and fluid, absorption of nutrients and excretions of waste: the aim is to positively influence general health. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety and digestive disorders.

My session started with a thorough discussion about my general health, so Sally can find out where she needs to concentrate the needles.

I was reassured that the needles are not painful when inserted into the skin and, if anything, I would just feel a slight tingling. As it was my first treatment, Sally limited the number of needles, however she said as people get the benefits from acupuncture they are often keen to have more! It was completely relaxing and although the needles stay in for about 15-20 minutes, I was not even aware of them. Whilst they were in place Sally massaged my hands and feet and talked through the treatment. She recommends a course of ten treatments to get the full benefits, and then regular top ups to keep the body balanced.

• Contact Sally Kennett on 07811 489631 or for more information visit www.kennettacupunture.co.uk

Award for Natural Nails Tracy Maddox of Natural Nails in Newborough has been creating beautiful nails for clients using LCN products for 15 years, and her salon is an accredited training centre.

Tracy has recently been awarded the prestigious national award for the LCN Trainer of the year. Her salon has a loyal client base who return regularly to enjoying the excellent care offered and attention to detail. The highly qualified team of Tracy, Consi and Jo are keen to welcome new clients and offer the UV Recolution polish system and gel nails.

Eye lash extensions, waxing and tinting are also available.

• For more information contact Natural Nails, 42 School Road, Newborough, Peterborough, PE6 7RG Tel: 01733 810071

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FASHION Red and white spotty shorts, £22 at Accessorize, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Sunglasses, £8.99, Reba, Cathedral Square, Peterborough

ON THE BEACH Allegra Hicks swimsuit, from a selection at John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough or www.johnlewis.co.uk

If you’re heading for sunny climes, top up your wardrobe with some last minute summer buys. Compiled by Fiona Cumberpatch

Lindsay Phillips flip flops, £18.99 from Sly, St Mary’s Passage, Stamford. Change the snaps with over 20 different designs to choose from Striped bikini, top £22, briefs, £18, from Next, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Esha maxi skirt, £40, Monsoon, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough Glam up with a turban, £14, Accessorize, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Metallic flat sandals, £18, Next, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough NENE VALLEY LIVING AUGUST 2012

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ACTIVITIES

The Inbetweeners Too young for pubs and clubs, too old to hang with the parents. Where exactly can mid-teens go for a good time? Jack Miller, 17, has some ideas

SHOPPING

Peterborough city centre is improving, but it does not have the most diverse range of shops, and the more you go, the more difficult it becomes to spend a day there without getting bored. There are many alternatives with good public transport links.

Jack Miller

Leicester Accessible by train from both Stamford and Peterborough stations. Trains from Stamford leave five past every hour and return back to Stamford up until nine o clock, making it a very convenient trip. A child return to Leicester will only set you back £6. Leicester, although maybe suffering from lack of pleasant scenery like Peterborough, does have a bustling high street as well as the large Highcross shopping centre.

If you’re looking for smaller more independent shops they can be found in Stoneygate and Martin Street.

Cambridge The rail link from Peterborough is very efficient, as there are up to three trains every hour to the city. The journey time is around 50 minutes. This city, as well as having the Grand Arcade, a large shopping centre, and a wide variety of independent shops, also has a great atmosphere and scenery and if the weather is nice there are plenty of open spaces to sit down and relax in between periods of intense shopping. You may also find a free festival or two if you time it right. Check out www. cambridgesummerinthecity.co.uk for event listings.

London The obvious destination is Oxford Street, with

the long stretch of branded shops including the impressive three storey Topman/Topshop and a huge Primark. Don’t miss Covent Garden, which offers a mix of some independent shops, branded shops and the more expensive and unique designer gear that can only be found in the capital (Fred Perry and Lyle and Scott are my choices).

Camden Market is well worth a detour, as it is an exciting place for finding unique fashion items or just unusual things, from a Bob Dylan tee shirt to obscure trainers and jewellery. It’s worth haggling in the market area.

A child off peak day return including all tube travel is between £15 -£20 and the journey only takes around an hour.

National Rail Enquiries www.nationalrail. co.uk

EATING

Nandos, Cathedral Square, Peterborough Tel: 01733 551222 A youth-friendly restaurant, with good food at fair prices. It specialises in chicken dishes with spicy peri-peri flavours. The restaurant, located in Cathedral Square, has a lively atmosphere; it is great to go out with friends for the evening as they cater for all size parties, and there are two floors. You can choose from a variety of chicken dishes, breast or chicken wings and there are lighter snacks, such as wraps and filled pitta breads. Sides can be ordered with all the main dishes and they include things like chips, garlic bread, mixed salads and spicy rice.

Another positive is that the drinks are refillable which makes the meal out even better value for money; however it is worth considering grabbing a straw there as the ice can get annoying at times.

Jimmy’s World Grill and Bar, 35 New St, Peterborough PE1 1FJ Tel: 01733 564930 With the all-you-can eat buffet policy (essential for any teenage boy) and the massive range of food they offer, it’s something everyone should try. The food ranges from European dishes, American and even a wide spread of far Eastern food, which means there is something for everyone to enjoy. The prices vary, but lunch from Monday to Friday (12 -4pm) will set you back £7.99. As soon as someone you know passes their driving test, persuade them to fill a car full of mates and take you all for a visit.

Eastern Spices, Oundle. 23 West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 272662 The phone book essential. If you want a night in with friends, then no gathering is complete without the Oundle takeaway Eastern Spices.

With deliveries free for an order over £10, and good value food, it is an easy way to make the night more interesting. The food is quickly made and delivered to your door, even if you live in the middle of nowhere (although you can buy it on site as well). A decent sized doner kebab is £4, a pizza around £7, and they also do curries which are full of flavour.

Clubbing

Special underage club nights are an option, especially if you are a younger teen. Clubs such as Liquid and Pulse host a lot of under 18 nights, catering especially for young people.

They have good DJs and play all kinds of music.

It’s an easy way to meet others from the area.

Although alcohol is prohibited, the bar sells soft drinks of all kinds. The clubs are also available for private hire, so talking to school councils and asking them to look into a school club night is an option if you are a bit enterprising or fancy yourself as a budding promoter.

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ACTIVITIES

Sue Dobson visits the country home of an avid collector, set in garden splendour on the edge of the Cambridgeshire fens

A DAY TRIP TO ANGLESEY ABBEY R

oses ramble across the weathered stone of an appealing country house where once Augustinian monks carried out their daily tasks in a life of contemplation. Fragments remain of the 800-year old Priory, dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, but the treasure-filled house that is Anglesey Abbey is the 20th-century dream home of one man, Huttleston Broughton, 1st Lord Fairhaven.

Surrounded by 114 acres of spectacular gardens and parkland, the rooms host an exotic collection of clocks, objets d’art, tapestries, portraits and paintings. The immensely wealthy Lord Fairhaven, bachelor grandson of an American oil tycoon, was an avid collector with conservative tastes and a fine eye for detail.

He bought the run-down Anglesey estate in 1926 simply as a convenient base for shooting partridge, racing at Newmarket and visiting the family stud at Great Barton. Perhaps the place grew on him, for he spent the next 40 years remodelling and extending the house to provide the ultimate in comforts and creating one of the greatest 20th century gardens in England.

THE HOUSE With its fitted carpets and plump sofas arranged around splendid carved stone fireplaces, it’s easy to imagine the days when life at Anglesey Abbey revolved around horse racing and shooting parties.

Every room reveals Lord Fairhaven’s love of tradition and his passion for fine craftsmanship, from ornately detailed marquetry furniture, including a roll-top desk made for one of Tsar Paul’s palaces in St Petersburg, to masterpieces of Georgian silver and a superb collection of 37 rare English and French clocks.

The dark oak linenfold panelling in the winter drawing room dates from the early 17th century,

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walls are hung with 18th-century French tapestries and pictures reflect his interest in horses, birds and pastoral landscapes. The Queen Mother found Anglesey a comfortable place to stay on her visits to Newmarket races.

One room survives from the Augustinian Priory, the Dining Room. Dating from around 1236, it has a vaulted ceiling carried on shafts of Alwalton marble with bases and capitals of Barnack stone. A 15th-century limewood statue of St Christopher with the infant Christ on his shoulder stands on a German oak cabinet, dated 1509, with an unusual Tree of Jesse carved in high relief.

TREASURES EVERYWHERE Built in 1937 to house Lord Fairhaven’s vast collection of books, the Library is a stunning, barrel-ceilinged room with Constable’s painting, The Opening of Waterloo Bridge, as the centrepiece. Housing 9,000 finely bound volumes, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were made from the elm-wood piles that formed the foundation of that 1817 bridge, which was demolished in 1934.

The last addition to the house came in 1955 with the building of two picture galleries, the Upper Gallery displaying many views of Windsor (only the Royal Collection is larger), the Lower Gallery home to 17th-century

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Activities

masterpieces by Aelbert Cuyp and Claude Lorraine.

A micro-mosaic table depicting the Greek temple of Paestum, near Naples, stands on The Bridge, which links the Tapestry Landing with the galleries. Probably made in Rome around 1800, this wonderfully detailed image looks at first sight like a painting, but it was assembled from thousands of tiny slivers of coloured glass.

Lord Fairhaven inherited his passion for collecting from his mother, Cara, and his tastes were probably formed early in childhood when he was taken to the palatial homes of his father’s New York friends, who included legendary collector families such as the Fricks, Vanderbilts and Rockefellers.

He was buying in the 1930s to 1950s, a time when the contents of many of England’s great country houses were being disposed of and he amassed not only superb furnishings for the house but also a fine collection of garden statuary. He used his great wealth wisely and continued a long tradition of philanthropy.

The gardens The walk to the house crosses expansive parkland with towering trees and birdsong. It’s a peaceful introduction to a variety of statuedotted gardens and fern-fringed woodland walks. Grand avenues offer spectacular vistas, wildflower meadows contrast with manicured lawns and close-shaved hedges shelter colourful planting from the cold winds that whip across the surrounding fenlands.

Lord Fairhaven loved indigenous plants, choosing varieties for their colour, form and ability to thrive in the alkaline soil. By dividing the garden acres into enclosures or compartments he ensured that whatever the season, there would always be an area at its brilliant best.

The Formal Garden with its 4000 blue and white hyacinths, the colourful Dahlia Garden and the Rose Garden where a thousand hybrid tea roses bloom, are fine examples of his belief that a garden could be planted with a single species of flowers.

The vast Herbaceous Garden, its borders filled with over 250 plants of around 70

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Who was Huttleston Broughton?

With an American mother and English father, Huttleston Broughton grew up in the kind of wealthy and cultured Anglo-American family immortalised in the novels of Henry James and Edith Wharton. His maternal grandfather, Henry Huttleston Rogers, made a fortune in oil, railroads and mining. His civil engineer father, Urban Broughton, made money in the booming American railroad industry before marrying H H Rogers’ second daughter Cara in 1895. In 1912 the couple and their two teenage sons, Huttleston and Henry, settled in Britain, where Urban served as Conservative MP for Preston from 1915 to 1928. Like his father-in-law, he used his wealth for the public good and in 1929 his philanthropy was recognised with a peerage, but he died before it could be conferred and it was passed to his widow and eldest son. At Cara’s suggestion, Huttleston, who was educated at Harrow and Sandhurst, took his title from his grandfather’s birthplace, Fairhaven, Massachusetts. On his death in 1966, Lord Fairhaven bequeathed Anglesey Abbey to the National Trust. varieties, is a summer highlight. Here, tall delphiniums and foxgloves, lupins and irises, big headed alliums, vibrant peonies, oriental poppies and penstemons meet day lilies, salvias and sweeps of delicately pretty geraniums. At its far end, a winding tree and shrub edged path leads via a waterside walk to the 18th-century Lode Mill, still using 150-year old mechanisms to grind flour today.

Inspired by the grand landscape gardens of the early 18th century, Lord Fairhaven planted formal avenues of trees that frame distant views of sculptures. To celebrate the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, he created the Temple Lawn, where ten monumental columns ring a marble statue of David, a modern copy of a 17th-century original by Bernini. The entrance is guarded by two early 18th-century lead statues of lions.

Beyond the carefully maintained gardens, the Hoe Fen wildlife discovery area is a treat for children, with an insect hotel, a log wall for bugs, a discovery cabin and wildlife watch hut, storytelling circle and the National Trust’s latest addition, a splendid tree house that opened this summer.

With plentiful free parking, a good café and restaurant, picnic places and a friendly team of staff, a visit to Anglesey Abbey makes a memorable day out.

• Anglesey Abbey, Quay Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ. Tel: 01223 810080.

Six miles northeast of Cambridge. Summer opening times: Wednesday to Sunday and August bank holiday Monday, house 11-5, gardens 10.30-5.30, lode mill 11-4.

Admission to house and gardens: adult £10, child £5, family £25, family (1 adult) £15, National Trust members free. Gift shop, second-hand bookshop, plant centre and garden restaurant; free parking. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey

NENE VALLEY LIVING August 2012

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ACTIVITIES

GET TO KNOW

NORWICH

Just a train ride or a short drive away, Norwich, the ‘Fine City’ has much to offer the day tripper. Words and illustrations by Alanna Richardson

W

ith its bustling promenades and excellent shopping malls with some 200 well loved high street names, it would be very easy to spend the whole day dosing-up on retail therapy in Norwich.

However, a day here deserves a slightly more enquiring eye if one is to really make the most of this spritely and warm hearted city.

The market place marks the centre point of Norwich, from which streets, lanes and alleys meander away in haphazard webs. This makes the market, a permanent fixture of coloured awnings outside the grand City Hall, an ideal first port of call. The stalls, many open five days a week, are well worth exploring, with traders selling everything from pints of winkles and bunches of anemones to beeswax candles. The Cheeseman (stand 63C), Herbs & Spice (stand 43B) and Norwich Fudge Company (stand 51B) are well worth investigation. And to any meat-eaters: don’t leave Norwich without purchasing from Pickerings Gourmet Sausages (stand 103E). Truly a superb sausage.

Opposite the market is the Royal Arcade, a late Victorian mall with elegant Art Deco features which makes for wonderful browsing time. This is the home of the Colman’s Mustard Shop; an eccentric little place recounting the 200 year story of the brand and selling a bounty of preserves, pickles and of course the hot yellow stuff.

The Royal Arcade also houses pretty fashion boutiques Tangerine and Poppy Valentine, while tweeds, garters and wellingtons can be found in Gallyons City & Country Clothing.

Digby’s Fine Chocolates is a must for those with a sweet tooth, while children or those young at heart will enjoy Langleys Toys.

The Royal Arcade is just a stone’s throw from Norwich Castle Museum.

With its collections of Saxon gold, the Twining teapot collection and the 12th Century Castle Keep it offers vibrant interactive learning for all the family. On a clear day, a tour of the castle battlements offers a superb vantage point from which to appreciate a 360 degree view of the Norwich sky line. Back at the market place, you’ll find the regal Guild Hall with its ornate facade of checkerboard limestone and flint from the early 1400’s.

The building stands magnificently among

its twentieth century fellows. Visit Caley’s Cocoa Cafe for no other reason than to buy Florentines or cherry liqueur chocolates and to view the splendid interior of the old court room, now the café premises.

From here, Dove Street, Lower Goat Lane, Bedford Street and St Giles Street offer a wealth of independent retailers: boutiques, mens’ outfitters, cafés, bars, jewellers and home accessories.

While in this area keep an eye out for Ronaldo’s ice cream wagons. There is often one outside St Gregory’s church or on London Street. Their clotted cream and gooseberry or damson ice cream domed onto a waffle cone is a necessity on any summer’s day.

A CITY OF CHURCHES While exploring the lanes of Norwich it is near impossible to disregard the number of churches you pass. There is pretty much one on every street corner!

At Norfolk’s medieval height there were around 60 in Norwich and half a dozen monastic houses. Thirty-six churches remain, not including the two spectacular

“Don’t leave Norwich without purchasing from Pickerings Gourmet Sausages.

Truly a superb sausage” 26

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“No day in this Fine City would be complete without frequent café stops” cathedrals which flank the east and west of the city. Many of the church buildings have since been deconsecrated and are now are used as culture, arts and music venues. Nonetheless each church, from the neat but dumpy St Peter Hungate at the top of Elm Hill to the extrovert St Peter Mancroft opposite the Forum, provides an impressive archaic presence and a constant reminder of Norwich’s prestigious social history.

The jewel in the crown of the Norwich lanes has to be Elm Hill. This cobbled street, running adjacent to the river Wensum, is the most famous of the city’s medieval streets. The shops are delightful. There are treasure troves of antique and collectors shops

and a handful of wonderful cafés. From Elm Hill, the Norman Cathedral is only a five minute walk.

Take a look inside the cathedral with your eyes raised to the ceiling: you’ll see an abundance of medieval roof bosses found in the cloisters, and the soaring heights and exquisite light of the transept. The Cathedral Close is another treat. The Cathedral Herb Garden and the picturesque Ferry Lane, framed by the ancient river gate of Pull’s Ferry is a pleasant stroll.

No day in this Fine City would be complete without frequent café stops. Within the streets of Norwich nestle some of the most delectably delicious and cheery little cafés you may ever encounter. Here are my top five places: The Bicycle Shop, St Benedicts Street Formerly a push-bike shop, this café-bar has a dark wooden interior and mismatched furniture. Enjoy a seasonal menu often including Beetroot and Feta Oat Crepes and Potted Norfolk Shrimp on Toast, while reclining on spindle chairs with pots of tea or perhaps a cheeky malt whiskey!

Atmosphere: 4/5 Tastiness: 4/5 Space for shopping bags: 5/5 Mustard Coffee Bar, Bridewell Alley Freshly roast and ground coffee and a warm welcome await you at the pint-sized Mustard. I recommend brunching on the scotch eggs and sausage rolls, accompanying a wellmade latte. Daily specials, such as Zanzibar Chicken and Sri Lankan Fish Curry are on offer.

Atmosphere: 3/5 Tastiness: 5/5 Space for shopping bags: 2/5

The Britons Arms, Elm Hill Placed in the heart of cobbled Tudor streets, the Britons Arms is beloved by all Norwich folk.

Go here for tea and cake and when the sun shines sit out on their tiny terrace garden over looked by passion flowers, slate roof tops and black headed gulls. Their warm German apple cake is truly divine.

Atmosphere: 5/5 Tastiness: 4/5 Space for shopping bags: 4/5 Biddy’s Tea Room, Lower Goat Lane The shop window is a curious display of antiquities and taxidermy and you need to climb a staircase to reach the main tearoom where 1950’s vintage meets the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Treat a friend to an afternoon tea of scones and finger sandwiches. Crook your finger, sip Lapsang Souchong and delight and disbelieve that such a café could ever exist!

Atmosphere: 5/5 Tastiness: 3/5 Space for shopping bags: 3/5 Franks Bar, Bedford Street A perfectly made coffee accompanied by a croissant or sourdough toast can be had here in the mornings. But equally, one of their platters or a main like maple glazed roast aubergine and Israeli couscous, pistachio dukkah and roast fennel yoghurt is enough to make most people a tad peckish.

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WHAT’S ON

Throughout August Henry IV Part 1 at Tolethorpe Hall 1.30pm/7.45pm Picnic before the show, and then enjoy the authentic, outdoor Shakespeare experience in a stunning setting.

• Tickets: £12.50 - £18.00. Children: £7 Saturday matinees. Tolethorpe Hall, Little Casterton, Stamford PE9 4BH. Booking office: 27, St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DL. 01780 756133. mailto:boxoffice@stamfordartscentre.com www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

Sunday 5 August Viking! Event at Peterborough 10am Vikings will be running rampant with displays of fighting and a Viking shield wall you can join in with plus more sights, sounds and smells at the hands-on summer blockbuster Viking exhibition.

• Museum entry: free. Exhibition: Adult £4, Children £2.50, Concessions £3.50, Families £12. Heritage pass holders: free. Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF. 01733 864663. :museum@vivacity-peterborough.com. View the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery website www.vivacity-peterborough.com/museums-andheritage

Friday 10 - Sunday 12 August SpinningSchool: Learn to spin beautiful yarn 8am – 3.30pm Weekend courses run by local SpinningSchool tutors using wool and fine fibres such as silk, cashmere and alpaca; one for beginners and another for those wishing to improve their skills.

• £150 (day attendance); residential rooms from £205.

Knuston Hall, Irchester, Wellingborough, NN29 7EU. www.knustonhall.org.uk. 01933 312104

Sunday 12 August Wisbech and District Historic Vehicle Club 20th Anniversary Road Run Bigger and better than ever, the 80 mile route features vintage cars of all kinds!

• www.brmmbrmm.com/wisbech or contact pr@ wisbechhvc.me.uk

Tuesday 14 August ‘Spinning by the River Nene’ Workshop and Exhibition 11am - 4pm A practical day for spinners, knitters and weavers plus a working exhibition open to visitors.

• Workshop: £5. The Marquee, Titchmarsh Mill, Titchmarsh, NN14 3DR. www.spinningschool.com. 01858 535466

Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 August Equifest Various times 12.00 noon (Wednesday) 8am Thursday (Thursday – Sunday) If you love Burghley Horse Trials, don’t miss this equestrian extravaganza.

• East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. Telephone: 01733 234451. www.equifest.org.uk. betsy@peterborougharena.com

28

Diary dates Yasmin Bradley selects must-see events for August

AUGUST 1

WEDNESDAY

2 THURSDAY 3

FRIDAY

4 SATURDAY 5 SUNDAY 6

MONDAY

7 TUESDAY 8

WEDNESDAY

9 THURSDAY 10 FRIDAY 11 SATURDAY 12 SUNDAY 13 MONDAY 14 TUESDAY 15 WEDNESDAY 16 THURSDAY 17 FRIDAY 18 SATURDAY 19 SUNDAY 20 MONDAY 21 TUESDAY 22 WEDNESDAY 23 THURSDAY 24 FRIDAY 25 SATURDAY 26 SUNDAY 27 MONDAY 28 TUESDAY 29 WEDNESDAY 30 THURSDAY

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 August Peterborough Beer Festival Various times Sample a whole host of award-winning bitters, milds, ciders and perries to the accompaniment of live music at this incredibly popular festival • Entry: £2 (CAMRA members) - £5. The Embankment, Bishops Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. www.peterborough-camra.org.uk. info@peterboroughcamra.org.uk

Saturday 25 - Monday 27 August 2pm Peterborough Cathedral Tower Tours A special Bank Holiday opportunity to experience the breathtaking, panoramic views from the tallest towers in Peterborough.

• £10.00. £25 (Family).

01733 355300.

Peterborough Cathedral, 2 Minster Precincts, PE1 1XS. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk. mailto:amber.homer-wooff@peterborough-cathedral. org.uk

Wednesday 29 August Peterborough Environment City Trust Greeniversity: Working with Energy and Vibration 1pm – 2.30pm Learn how to use the Chakra system, musical instruments and crystals to gain insight into working with energy.

• Free. Peterborough Environment City Trust, The Green House, 4-6 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1NA. 01733 568408. www.pect.org.uk/ greeniversity

Friday 31 August Alvin Youngblood Hart at Shakedown Blues 7.30pm Groove down to another ultra-cool evening with this authentic Blues player whose roots are in deepest Mississippi – magnificent at The North Sea Jazz Festival - now live in Castor.

• £15 in advance or £17 on the door. The Village Hall Castor, Peterborough, PE5 7AX. O1733 3802. www. shakedownblues. co.uk gerardhoman@ btconnect.com

31 FRIDAY

NENE VALLEY LIVING AUGUST 2012

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RIDGEWAY GARAGE DOORS Local family run business specialising in the supply and installation of manual & automatic garage doors.

An expanding selective Grammar School where students achieve outstanding GCSE and A-Level results in a caring and supportive environment. • Steel, Timber and Glass Reinforced Plastic Doors Also available Security Shutters, Spare Parts & Repair Service

We pride ourselves on great customer service

Tel: 01733 772934

Email: ridgewaygaragedoors@ fsmail.net

Students drawn from a wide area including Stamford and Peterborough.

Bourne Grammar School. South Road.

Bourne. Lincs. PE10 9JE 01778 422288 www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk 29

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18/7/12 10:32:43

weddings

ESSENTIAL

at Burghley

Where Quality and Exclusivity count The stunning and exquisite Wedding Magazine Show returns to Burghley House

Sunday 4th November 2012 - 10am - 5pm Tickets: £5 in advance, Group Booking 4 for the price of 3 in advance, or £6 on the day

Online at: www.essentialmediaevents.co.uk or call: 01780 766543 or 01780 765320 The 1st 400 registered brides to receive a stunning goody bag See the region’s finest hand picked suppliers within the full splendour of Burghley House All of our exhibitors have been personally vetted to be at the show Sparkling drinks reception and canapés, courtesy of Amps Fine Wines - Oundle,

A beautiful Catwalk Show featuring the UK’s top wedding designers A grand musical firework finale to close the show

For further information call 01780 766543 email: sonja@theessentialweddingsshow.co.uk The Essential Wedding Show is part of the Essential Media Events Ltd and Local Living Magazines 30

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DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS

DECORATING

bringing kitchens to life...

Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Teamwork and success – can we help?

Est

Do come and talk to us...

We work closely with individuals and businesses alike, to provide not only a wide range of accountancy and taxation services specific to their requirements but also financial and business advice geared to them achieving their objectives.

5-6 Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ Tel: +44 (0) 1780 761920 Email: service@hunterstevens.co.uk

1981 - 30 Years

PASTEL DELIGHTS

!

Interior & Exterior Decorating

01780 751978 - Commercial 07793 033659 Domestic w w. c o l e d e c . c o . u k Insurance wwork - General Decorating I n t e r i o r &FullyEQualified x t e r i&oInsured r Decorating

CAR VALETING

I n t e Ir ni ot e r r&i o E r x&t eEr xi ot e r rDi oerc o Dreact oi nr g ating

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FRUIT PICKING

HILL FARM, CHESTERTON, PETERBOROUGH PE7 3UA (on Oundle road, 200 yards west of Alwalton A1 flyover)

OPEN JUNE - OCT

FARM SHOP AND PICK YOUR OWN Raspberries. Plums. Blackberries. Sweetcorn, Pumpkins & Squash. Seasonable vegetables.

Locally produced beef & lamb.

Refreshments available.

Facilities for Disabled Visitors. Picnic Area.

Children's Play Area. Caravan Club C.L. Site Tue-Fri 10am - 6pm Sat/Sun 10am - 5pm closed Mondays except bank holidays Please ring for up to date crop information or to order ready picked produce

CARPET CLEANING

NIGEL FRIEND Carpets, Vinyl, Laminate Flooring supplied and fitted

Dry Carpet Cleaning & Carpet Restoration Specialist Tel/Fax: 01733 754362 Mobile: 07889 609238 E-mail jill.friend@ntlworld.com

COUNSELLING

Feel Better Today Human Givens therapy provides fast and effective help to: Lift depression Reduce anxiety Prevent panic attacks Overcome fears & phobias Cope with stress Enhance self-esteem For information or appointment contact

Francesca Farino 07746 835 153

francesca@hgee.org.uk

COMPUTER SERVICES

GREAT SERVICE, GREAT PRICES

www.pick-your-own.org.uk/hill_farm.htm

FITTED KITCHENS FROM £6,000

GARDEN DESIGNS

Showroom with 32 of the latest room settings

TEL & FAX 01733 233270

The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA

T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk For all your Garden ideas

www.sdgardendesigns.co.uk

Adore your surroundings to make or not to make...

W

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e offer a wealth of design consultation experience and have a wonderful selection of fabrics, so call today to book your consultation.

And if you have always wanted to make your own, we are also extending our workshop dates due to the demand.

HEALTH

HYPNO-SLIMMING

Amazing new easy way to lose weight • Are you unhappy with your weight • Tried all types of diets • Dislike the way you look in the mirror • Uncomfortable with your size • Can’t shift that extra weight • Clothes don’t fit • No motivation The Hypno-Slimming Programme can help you includes

Telephone 01733 768839 Peterborough Hypnotherapy Clinic, 26 Priestgate, Peterborough City Centre.

Free initial consultation www.curativehypnotherapy.com

PHYSIOTHERAPY

01832 273209

Roman Blinds Roller Blinds Venetian Blinds Vertical Binds

Physiotherapy Appointments

now available in Oundle

www.prestonsphysio.com “Caring for the people of Peterborough and beyond for over 40 years”

Conservatory Blinds

Perfect Fit | Panel Blinds Wood Weave Blinds

Cushions Bedspreads Loose Covers Upholstery

For a free design consultation call us

Hand sewn curtains

£

Free Hypnotic Gastric Band worth £150

Quit smoking in just 1 hour with hypnosis

01733 565911 or visit Call: 01778 485551 Mob: 07525 722744 info@idealitservices.co.uk www.idealitservices.co.uk

www.qksstamford.co.uk

“affordable garden designs”

For more information, call our main clinic in Peterborough on Home IT Support - No Fix No Fee Small Business IT Support - Range of Packages to Suit

RANGEMASTER DESIGN CENTRE WITH OVER 20 RANGE COOKERS ON SHOW

Based in Barnwell

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Teenagers, Housewives, Pensioners...

Do you want to earn some

extra money each month?

Distributors required to deliver Nene Valley Living in the area

Contact

rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk or 01780 765320

Applicants must be 13 years old or over

18/7/12 10:38:00

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