Nene Valley Living February 2012 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 LO C A LLY

NENE VALLEY LIVING food/fashion/health & beauty/home & garden/lifestyle

GREEN S H OOTS New businesses branch out

M A KE MONEY FROM PROPERTY Letting dos and don’ts C H A RLES DI C KENS WA S H ERE ! The author’s local links £1.50 FEBRUARY 2012

@LocalLivingUK

www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

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News from Oundle Mill

Valentine’s celebrations at Oundle Mill

Hurford &Tebbutt KITCHENS AND BEDROOMS SINCE 1969

www.hur ford-tebbutt.com

VALENTINE’S MENU 2012 AVAILABLE SAT 11TH, SUN 12TH AND TUES 14TH OF FEBRUARY - £95 PER COUPLE Sweet corn and basil velouté Terrine of Aylesbury duck, ﬁg jam Slow-cooked cod, chorizo, roasted peppers, crispy hen’s egg Aged rib eye of English beef, young garden carrots, potato gratin, red wine sauce (for two) Pink grapefruit and champagne granita White chocolate cheesecake, raspberry sorbet Or Selection of British cheeses, celery, grape chutney, oatcakes Coffee and handmade sweets

Complete Kitchen or Bedroom refurbishment or simply update with new doors, sinks, worktops and appliances for a refreshing look

A Vegetarian Valentine’s Menu is also available

Make Wednesdays ‘Pie Days’ at Oundle Mill For lunch or supper, during February, we are offering our fabulous homemade pies with a complimentary drink for a special price of £14.00.

Call 01832 272621 to book a table

OUNDLE MILL. A PERFECT PLACE TO EAT, MEET OR SIMPLY RETREAT

01733 561991

Hurford &Tebbutt Showroom 17 - 18 Fenlake Business Centre. Fengate. Peterborough PE1 5BQ Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk 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

ry a ru b Fe e u s s i s i Th I

’m so pleased to have some positive stories to bring you this month. Most people I know are heartily sick of downbeat headlines and tales of economic gloom, so it’s great to hear some hopeful news from business start-ups in the region (see our feature on page 11). I really enjoyed meeting the enterprising individuals who are out there on the front line, and it was impossible not to be infected by their enthusiasm and impressed by their dedication. It is small businesses such as these which give an area its character and I hope we can all continue to use them as much as possible. Talking of good news for local businesses, it’s great to hear that Oundle’s South Bridge is ﬁnally open again after months when it was closed for repair, cutting off a vital artery to the town. Now cars can use the short cut from the A605 to get to the Barn Garden Centre and Oundle Mill, and shops at the far end of town, including the Courthouse Bookshop, Green Man Antiques and Kuchen Kraft. Oundle always buzzes during the forthcoming Festival of Literature (7th-18th March) and it would be great to keep that feeling for the rest of the year, too. Here’s to a forward-looking February.

Fion a Cu mberpatch Editor SUBSCRIBE TO Nene Valley Living

@LocalLivingUK Cover shot:

Heart and ﬂowers by Lesley Anne Churchill www.lesleyanne churchill.com

5 Editor’s selection Heart-shaped goodies

7 Upfront

Spotlight on Australia

8 Upfront

Nene Valley People: Paula Prince, Director of Oundle Festival of Literature

11 ENTREPRENEURS’ STORIES

11 Branching out in business Entrepreneurs share their stories

14 Food news

Stamford’s Cosy Club reviewed

16 What the Dickens?

When the famous author came to Peterborough

18 Health and beauty notes Hypnotherapy and holistic therapies

14 FOOD NEWS

20 The latest home furnishing trends The new season’s furniture and looks

22 Make money from your property The rules of letting

24 Motoring 22 LETTING YOUR PROPERTY 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

New models for 2012

28 Diary dates

This month’s event highlights

16 WHAT THE DICKENS?

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 FEBRUARY 2012

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WORKSHOPS C L A S S E S SHORT COURSES

INVITES YOU TO OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY SUNDAY 4 March 2012 11.00am – 4.00pm Please look on our website for information about workshops, classes www.rowantreeworkshops.co.uk Email margaret@rowantreeworkshops.co.uk Margaret Rowan on 01780 784442, Mob.07962 320653

Unit 1 The Bazaar West Street Oundle PE8 4EJ - 01832 272444

Cu Plea p s n Ea da id W e vi s st of y 19 edd it us th in En a gl Feb g S t th an ho e r u d Sh ar y w o ow a n gr t th ou e nd Su

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Editor’s selection February ideas with a Valentine’s theme

Love hearts, 30p per pack, Oundle News

Waiting for Sunrise, William Boyd’s latest thriller-cum-love-story, to order from Oundle Bookshop

Emma Bridgewater round tin £8.99, storage 5 tin £11.99, Stu-Pots, Oundle

Pin board, by Fotheringhaybased designer Sophie Allport, £25 from www. sophieallport.com

Le Creuset heart dishes, £6.36 each, Stu-Pots, Oundle

Heart shaped chopping board, £11.50, Stu-Pots, Oundle

Bra, £56.95, and briefs, £28.95, Eve, Oundle

NENE VALLEY LIVING FEBRUARY 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

Spotlight on Australia Paula Cockcroft from Oundle Travel makes recommendations for an unforgettable holiday

ith the size and diversity of this wonderful country, planning your perfect holiday to Australia may seem daunting. Oundle Travel are a designated Aussie Specialist for 2012, as recommended by the Australian Tourist Board, and have extensive personal knowledge of tailor made itineraries to both Australia and New Zealand. Australia is vast, stretching nearly 2000 miles from north to south. This stunning country features three climates, with the Tropic of Capricorn at its centre, three time zones, and many native plants and wildlife found nowhere else in the world. For indulgence and luxury, try the coastal resorts on the eastern seaboard. Both Sydney and Melbourne are two vibrant state capitals and both make perfect bases for exploration: from Sydney you can explore the historic rocks and Circular Harbour, join concert-goers in the iconic Opera House, explore the Blue Mountains and taste wine in the stunning Hunter Valley. From Melbourne you could start your day floating gently over the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and end it by choosing to eat in

one of Melbourne’s many restaurants. Queensland stretches up to the Tropics, where hydrofoils from Cairns and Port Douglas take you to snorkel or dive amongst the marine life on the Great Barrier Reef. The must-see northern rainforests – Mossman Gorge in the World Heritage -listed Daintree National Park and the area around Kuranda are easily reached from Cairns and Port Douglas. Alice Springs is Australia’s most famous outback township. Once just a station on the telegraph line, today you can explore the area’s rich history and heritage from Uluru – Ayers Rock to the nearby Olgas, to Kings Canyon and the amazing landscape of the Watarrka National Park. Itineraries can include smaller hotels, if preferred, rail journeys, car hire and prebookable excursions, from a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, to a Frazer Island Whale Watching trip. Oundle Travel are also able to arrange flights only, if you wish to stay with friends and family. • For more information, contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600. www.oundletravel.co.uk

Half term activities

Looking for somewhere to take the children over half term? Flag Fen Archaeology Park has events from February 13th -17th. Every day, costumed re-enactors will be on site demonstrating how technology developed and dealt with life’s little problems – Bronze Age and Roman style! There will also be family craft activities, with bookable workshops each weekday morning. • For more details, visit vivacitypeterborough.com or ring Flag Fen on 01733 313414. Flag Fen Archaeology Park, The Droveway, Northey Rd, Peterborough Admission £5 adults, £3.75 children, £13.75 for a family ticket

Airport travel made easy

If you’re planning a holiday this year, take the stress out of travelling to the airport with 1st Class Travel. Fully licensed to carry up to five passengers, proprietor Paul McNamee offers transfers to all major UK airports, as well as transport to local towns and villages in a Mercedes Viano with individual leather armchair seating arranged around a foldaway table. It costs £75 to go to Stansted Airport, for example, £75 to Luton, £100 to Birmingham, and £110 to Heathrow (fares based on a one way journey from Peterborough). Paul is also available for weddings, executive travel and general private hire. • For specific requirements or a quote, contact Paul on 01733 327729 or 07763 317535 or visit www. peterboroughairporttransfers.co.uk/

Pocket Park makeover

Children from Oundle have designed their own play equipment in a £100,000 makeover of the town’s Pocket Park. The project was masterminded by Oundle Town Council, which pledged half the money, and the other 50 per cent was gained from the environmental group, WREN. The children’s drawings of the equipment inspired town councillor George Higgins to seek a grant. “To see the happy faces of the children on this new gear is absolutely fantastic,” he says. The makeover of the Pocket Park in New Road is expected to draw children from surrounding villages as well as the town. NENE VALLEY LIVING february 2012

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

Better fishing

Nene Valley People

Paula Prince, director of the Oundle Festival of Literature, which runs from 7th-18th March

It’s the Festival’s tenth anniversary: did you imagine that it would be so successful when you began? We didn’t think about it when we started. A group of us each put in £25 and ran it over a long weekend. We did the posters on our home computers and invited guests who we knew or were friends of friends. We made enough money to run it again the following year, and it has grown from there. What are the highlights for the tenth anniversary year? We’ve invited back some of our favourite guests. Alexander McCall Smith, for example (author of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency), who is a great speaker and Simon Brett, whose talk will have you rolling in the aisles. I’m also looking forward to A Night at The Bull with Charles Collingwood (Brian from The Archers) and The Tales of Robin Hood, which will be followed by a showing of the original 1938 film starring Errol Flynn. I’m excited about Salley Vickers (author of Miss Garnet’s Angel), and a performance poet called Luke Wright. It’s your first year as the Festival director. Any differences to look out for? The main one is that we’re holding most of the events in Victoria Hall, rather than The Great Hall at Oundle School, which will make the Festival feel more like a town event, which it always has been, although it hasn’t always been perceived like that. There’s less capacity, but it’s so central, and has great

Local angler and regular Nene Valley Living contributor David Phillips has drawn on more than 40 years as a keen pike fisherman for his new book, which has been released in Amazon’s e book Kindle format. Pike Fishing by David Phillips is a revised and updated version of his hardback book Pike, which was released in 1990. “I have released this version in electronic form to appeal to a new, younger audience,” says the author. Illustrated with stunning photographs of pike weighing up to 40lb, the 27,000 word book is packed with information on how to catch pike from local rivers and the Fens, as well as venues all over the British isles. It is priced at £4.42 on www.amazon.co.uk

disabled access. We can have a coffee shop, it’s warm, and the acoustics are good, so I think it’ll be more pleasant. How do you decide who to invite? I trawl other festivals to see what’s going on. We get a lot of information sent to us, and I read anything about new books coming out (although I don’t take notice of reviews, I like to make up my own mind). You have to listen to the audience as well: that’s how we came to invite Andrew Taylor this year, because so many people said they wanted to see him. Have you had any disasters? There have been a few: a couple of well known people who were unspeakably rude and a few authors who got drunk! But mostly they’re lovely: Jenni Murray, John Sargent, Roger McGough, Jo Brand, Simon Brett and Alexander McCall Smith all stand out. You’re a volunteer, like the rest of the committee, so presumably you must enjoy it? It is hard work. But my heroes are authors, they give me such enjoyment, so I’m really doing it because I want to meet them! • For full details of all events, times, dates and venues, visit www.oundlelitfest.org. uk Brochures available from late January from Oundle Box Office, 4 New St, Oundle PE8 4ED Tel: 01832 274734 or book online at www.oundlefestival.org.uk

How safe is your new kitchen? More people are choosing to improve their current home, rather than move house in an uncertain market, but they should be aware that some cut price kitchens and bathrooms may not be the bargain they first appear. Guy Bolsover from Kuchen Kraft in Oundle warns that some cut price retailers do not offer financial protection or quality control when it comes to their products. “We would urge consumers to take time to ensure that their chosen retailer is a reputable one, which provides financial protection and is a member of a nationally recognised association such as the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA). As members, we maintain high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service. All KBSA members follow an approved code of practice and are subject to strict monitoring to ensure continued professional service. It’s a sad fact that we are going to see more high street retailers go under in the coming months. Consumers can avoid the heartache of trying to recover their money and complete their installation by choosing wisely,” says Guy.

NENE VALLEY LIVING february 2012

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Branching out in business Despite the headlines, it’s not all economic doom and gloom out there. Fiona Cumberpatch meets enterprising local entrepreneurs who are taking their new businesses forward in 2012

Jackie and Tim Thackeray: nursery owners “I’m so tired of the press talking down this country: it’s time to put the ‘Great’ back into Britain,” says Tim Thackeray, co-owner of Olive Grove Nurseries, near Polebrook. Tim and his wife Jackie have every reason to sound positive. They have just secured a £70,000 grant to create a coffee shop, Italian-style terraza and gelateria at the nursery they have been establishing for the last two years. Specialising in imported olive trees and Mediterranean plants, the couple live on site in an eco lodge and run the nursery between them. They have built up a reputation for friendly service. “We’d always offered our customers a free glass of wine or a beer, but the feedback was that they wanted a coffee shop,” explains Jackie. A Business Link adviser mentioned that the couple may be eligible for a grant through the Northamptonshire Rural Action Partnership, which aims to stimulate the economy in

rural areas, and after seven months, during which time their books were scrutinised, the Thackerays heard that they had been successful. “We are thrilled, excited, and yes, a little bit scared, too,” says Jackie. The couple will unveil their new venture on March 31st, when the nursery reopens for the season. No strangers to risk-taking, they have always bought and sold properties, and while Tim is a former sales director, Jackie

has worked in sales and customer services with large companies. Customer care is at the forefront of their approach. “You care for your customers and they will reciprocate – it’s not rocket science,” says Tim. “My message is this: the Thackerays are fighting back: so stop talking negative and join us!” Olive Grove Nurseries, Oundle Rd, Polebrook, PE8 5LQ Tel: 01832 275660 www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk

Nick Hollands: GoCruise franchisee After 18 years in the insurance industry, Nick Hollands was ready to change direction. He has recently become a franchisee for GoCruise, selling holidays, and he works from home in the village of Woodnewton. “I felt that I had a better chance of success if my business was a franchise. I picked GoCruise because the franchisor is Fred.Olsen, a large global company, which provides security and protection for customers.” Nick knew that cruising was a growth area, and, as he and his family had enjoyed cruise holidays themselves, he felt qualified to sell them to others. “Cruising has changed: it’s no longer about wearing a bow tie and sitting on a table with 12 people you don’t know. Some cruises have formal dining, but there are others where you don’t wear shoes at all. Some are for adults only, others specialise in family holidays. It’s about matching people to the right holiday.”

He doesn’t see the internet as a threat as 85 per cent of cruise holidays are still booked through travel agents, “and prices are generally no cheaper if people book direct. So it comes down to knowledge and expertise, which is where we score,” he says. Marketing, networking and advertising will be key to Nick’s business, and he gives presentations to various social groups, attends wedding fairs and is now considering ‘cruise lunches’ – taking over a hotel room and getting cruise companies to present to potential clients. “There are so many facets to this, it’s a genuinely interesting business,” says Nick. “Motivation isn’t the problem: it’s finding enough hours in the day!” www.gocruise.co.uk/ nickhollands Tel: 01780 479026

NENE VALLEY LIVING FEBRUARY 2012

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Charlie Green

Charlie Green: café owner Charlie Green had a career as an occupational therapist with the NHS when she drove past a ‘To Let’ sign on a run down café on an industrial estate in Peterborough. “I was unhappy in my job,” she says. “When I saw the café, it felt like the right time to do something about it. My house had been burgled a few months previously, and I had some insurance money. I sold my car and put everything into the business.” She got the keys for the café on November 1st 2010. “It was in a grim state,” she says. “Twenty years ago it was The Gables Night Club and Bar, and the interior hadn’t really changed.” After a whirlwind six week refurbishment, completed with the help of family and friends, Charlie opened for business on December 12th. Last year, in the 2011 Food and Drink awards, Greens Café was voted the best Tea Room Café (Peterborough and East Midlands). In addition, Charlie, 27, was a finalist in the East of England Businesswoman of the Year awards (start up category). She has a fine art degree from Leeds University, and has tried various jobs, including running an environmental sculpture business, but apart from “a gut feeling” about the café’s potential, she didn’t have a formal business plan. “I did do some research, visiting local cafes to find out what they were offering. I knew I didn’t want to be a typical ‘greasy spoon’ and I couldn’t be too expensive, but I wanted better quality ingredients,” she explains. She recruited Jan, her chef, to make cookies, cupcakes, and scones, as well as classic breakfasts and hot lunches, such as lasagne and chilli. Charlie took free samples of her sandwiches and cakes, plus price lists, to local businesses. “As we’re on an industrial estate, we have a captive audience.” Charlie’s first six months of trading exceeded expectations. She now employs three staff, plus some help from her mum. She says that she is constantly thinking of new ways to promote the business. A loyalty card scheme has proved popular, and she’s investigating themed nights, with a buffet and entertainment. “I was quite naïve when I started, but in some ways, that helped, because I just got on with it,” says Charlie. “I’ve made mistakes, but you dust yourself off and carry on. Everybody has to eat: I have to make sure that it’s Greens Cafe they come to when they’re hungry!” Greens Café, Mancetter Square, Peterborough www.greenscafepeterborough.co.uk

Five top tips for starting in business By Kerry Hilliard, partner at Peterborough accountancy firm Stephenson Smart & Co 1. Write a business plan It’s the key to success and can be invaluable for setting long term objectives and financial goals. 2. Understand your chosen business sector A successful business will understand its market. If your product or service is not unique then you will need to identify what will make it stand out from your competitors. There may also be sector specific regulations that you will need to comply with. 3. Seek advice There might be tax and legal issues that require consideration before you start. You’ll need to decide what sort of business structure to use, where you will work from and whether you’ll need to employ staff. Seek professional advice to assist you with making the right choices for you and your business 4. Set up your accounting books and records You have three months to notify HMRC that you have started in business and you must ensure that accounting records are kept. If you have good records in place from day one, then you will readily be able to monitor the performance of your business. 5. Be realistic Expanding or diversifying too quickly can increase your risk of business failure. Ensure that any forecasts that you prepare are realistic and be prepared to change and adapt. For start up accountancy advice, contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 The Government’s Business Link is a helpful online advice resource, with support for would-be entrepreneurs and business start ups. Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk

Kerry Hilliard

NENE VALLEY LIVING FEBRUARY 2012

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FOOD & DRINK

Food

news All the latest on local food and drink

The Cosy Club, Stamford Harjit Gammon tries Stamford’s newest establishment

Mother’s Day tea time treat

If you liked the idea of the top secret ‘pop up’ tea parties we reported on in Nene Valley Living last month, now’s the time to try one for yourself – and perhaps treat your mum, too. The mysteriously named Ms Lemony Drizzle is hosting a Mother’s Day tea on March 18th at the Tilly Rose Craft Barn near Chesterton. There’s no fixed charge to attend a Top Secret Tea, but suggested donations are between £10 -£20 per person. To find out more, plus details of other tea parties, visit www.topsecretteaparties.wordpress.com and all will be revealed.

I love the Cosy Club. And, it seems I’m not alone; so does Stamford. That’s the short review. And now to the more nuanced. In the month since it opened, I’ve been there a handful of times; for coffee, lunch with the family, a bite to eat in the evening with the girls, a drink with friends...and so have many of my acquaintance. The verdict is a definite resounding ‘yes.’ The Cosy Club is a fantastic addition to Stamford. Vital, invigorating and metropolitan, it has re-energised this part of town and re-focused it as the heart of Stamford. An outstanding conversion of the former Post Office Sorting Office, it is an homage to modern vintage style; all eclectic mismatched tables and chairs, deep leather sofas for lounging, fringed Victorian lampshade and antler abounding, edged with industrial factory lighting, teamed with a gloriously punchy, glossy pillar box red gilt bar. What’s not to like? It’s wonderfully easy going, fabulously flexible and cosily casual. On the night of this review it was full to capacity - a fitting test of its mettle. And, boy, did they pull it off. The food was good: burger, slow braised beef with morelle mushrooms, battered cod, and a rare steak - and the service was quick, friendly and attentive (they seem to have got through their early teething problems). Good wine and freshly squeezed orange juice for the non-drinkers kept us happily occupied while we waited briefly for the food and enjoyed the buzz. The place throbbed with the palpable sound of people, young and old, enjoying each other’s company. The staff balanced magnificently the needs of various large groups and the clusters of twos and fours. The Cosy Club, The Old Delivery Office, Horseshoe Lane Stamford Tel: 01780 767710 Stamford@cosyclub.co.uk

Give an edible gift

For a special Valentine’s gift, or a birthday present for someone who seems to have everything, The Edible Gift Company might just have the answer. Sally Williams set up her business in October 2011, with the aim of providing personalised hampers. All the chutneys, pickles, preserves, bakes and sweet treats are home made by Sally, in her Longthorpe kitchen, and some of the ingredients, such as rhubarb, peaches, tomatoes and herbs are grown by her, too. “With the chutneys I try to use combinations that aren’t readily available commercially, such as pear and walnut, plum and almond, beetroot and orange and melon and star anise. Similarly, my pickles include layered beetroot and mooli, shallots in spiced sherry vinegar and spiced pickled pears.” Single jars are also available, at £2.75 each or two for £5. Sally is now diversifying into Edible Gift Parties, where hostesses invite friends along to try the goods (and receive a ‘thank you’ gift of a mini hamper, a selection of wine or 25 per cent off anything purchased on the day). She also organises similar events for charity and fundraising organisations. For further details, visit Sally’s website at www.ediblegiftcompany.co.uk, email her on info@ediblegiftcompany.co.uk or phone 07731 558743

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PERSPECTIVES

This month is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. But did you know that the famous author has links with this area? Dave Phillips ﬁnds out more

ebruary 7th would have been the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, the writer who lifted the lid on Victorian society and gave us classic novels like David Copperﬁeld, Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. Expect a rash of costume dramas on TV to mark the occasion, although they hardly do the great man justice. Dickens’ novels and short stories are populated with astonishingly-lifelike pen portraits of the people of his day – rich and poor, heroes and villains. And they still come alive today, leaping from the page to pull you into the Victorian world that he described so vividly that it has come to be known as Dickensian. To achieve that, he was a keen observer of people. And he travelled the length of the country to watch them and entertain them in equal measure. He was a frequent visitor to this area, giving several lecture tours… and even writing about the poor catering at Peterborough Station. “Charles Dickens visited Peterborough on a number of occasions and seems to have made an impression on us one way or another!” says Stuart Orme, interpretations manager for Vivacity Heritage at Peterborough Museum. “In 1837 he is reputed to have visited Peterborough and gone to the old workhouse on Westgate (today the Wortley Almshouses pub). These are said to have informed his description of the workhouse in Oliver Twist, and the character of Mr Bumble was based on the Peterborough Beadle.”

Live readings

FACT FILE: CHARLES DICKENS Born in Portsmouth, February 7, 1812. Died in Higham, Kent, June 9, 1870. Resting place: Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey Novels include: The Old Curiosity Shop, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, Barnaby Rudge, A Christmas Carol, Martin Chuzzlewit, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperﬁeld, Great Expectations, Bleak House, Little Dorrit, Hard Times, Our Mutual Friend, The Pickwick Papers. He also wrote for several magazines and in 1836 edited Bentley’s Miscellany, a popular magazine of the time. He was married to Catherine. They had 10 children.

It is also suggested by many experts that Dickens did the very ﬁrst of his famed public readings in Peterborough in the autumn of 1852 (although Chatham in Kent stakes the same claim). But he deﬁnitely did visit the city to do some of his famous readings, on December 18, 1855. Says Stuart: “In 1856 he changed trains at Peterborough North railway station (the modern station site), where he went to the cafe. He got appalling service, ‘a bun of great antiquity’ and ‘sat meekly in the cafe, my tears merging with the tea...’ He wrote an ironic piece for a magazine on the experience.” Still, Dickens returned on October 19, 1859, reading scenes from Pickwick Papers and The Story of Little Dombey. The Peterborough Advertiser described the event in glowing terms, paying tribute to Dickens’ “essentially dramatic genius,” adding: “This appears not only in his works but in his success as an actor, and anyone who has had the good fortune to listen to one of his speeches will be ready to admit that here as well as elsewhere the same power is exhibited. “His voice, manners and features are each in their several ways instruments for the manifestation of his power, and when, as in the reading of his own works, its very highest pitch of development is reached what wonder that the effect is great, and that our emotions seem to be at the command of a potent magician, who, at will shakes us with laughter or moves us to tears!” Dickens was also delighted with this reading, writing in a letter that “We had a splendid

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Peterborough Station – note refreshment room on right. Wortley Almshouses on Westgate

rush last night; I think the finest I have ever read to... It was as fine an instance of thorough absorption in a fiction as any of us are likely to see again.”

Bringing the past alive Stuart will be relating Dickens’ Peterborough connections at events at the city’s Central Library, where he will be joined by local historian and Dickens fan, Richard Jones, who will act out the part of the writer, wearing period costume. He says that acting the part is made easier by the remarkable parallels between his life and Dickens’. Rockingham Castle gardens, where Dickens reputedly saw a ghost.

Says Richard: “I’ve had many similar experiences through life, so I feel I can relate to almost everything he has written. The genius of Dickens was his ability to reach all people, not just of his own time, but all ages, simply because ﬁrstly he was forced by his own circumstances to take note of what was happening around him. “Like Dickens, I had good times when I was young; my parents were loving and all was well with the world, then my mother died suddenly when I was nine and my father twice had to let my young brother and myself go into care. “Eventually my father went bankrupt, my

little brother was adopted and disappeared (I still have no idea of his whereabouts) and at 15 I left home. It was 1965 and the hippy age was upon us, so I spent most of the 1960s in various communes, but like Dickens I always thirsted for knowledge, so I educated myself, first gaining my A-levels and then getting a place at university.” After this, Richard went to Vietnam to cover the war there as a photo-journalist, then returned to Britain to discover that his father had died. He was devastated, but “slowly picked myself up, took a distance learning course in Ancient History, received my BA, and am now taking my masters.” Through all the bad times, Richard got inspiration from Dickens’ writings. He says: “Dickens is as relevant today, because the same things are still with us. I was born in 1949, but still remember living in dingy terraced housing with no carpets or central heating. He brought the conditions of his day not just to the minds of ordinary people, who were living the nightmare, but to those who could have actually changed things. He backed many plans to make better the lot of the poor.” Richard says that his favourite Dickens’ novel is Martin Chuzzlewit. “Even now I find some of the characters lifelike and incredibly funny. Dickens always reckoned it was his best work, and I can understand why, as by this time he was tremendously experienced, and for me too it all seemed to come together: comedy and serious drama: magnificent. “ The local Dickens connections don’t end in Peterborough. The writer was a friend of the Watson family, who lived at Rockingham Castle, and he spent many summers there. Rockingham was described in Bleak House and he dedicated one of his most acclaimed novels, David Copperfield, to Richard and Lavinia Watson. During one stay at Rockingham, he claimed to see the ghost of a woman roaming the gardens!

n February 7 Richard Jones will be speaking on Dickens, in full costume, reenacting the man himself, talking about his life and performing readings from some of his best known works. He will be joined by Stuart Orme from Peterborough Museum revealing Dickens’ many links to Peterborough. The event takes place at the Central Library, Broadway. More details on how to book tickets from:www.vivacitypeterborough.com. Tel: 01733 864280. Email: libraryenquiries@vivacitypeterborough.com Richard will also be appearing at various libraries around the city on February 4, as he pops in to help celebrate National Libraries Day.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Holistic help

In our fast paced world, we often push ourselves to the limit, both physically and emotionally, constantly neglecting ourselves. If we continue to do this, we eventually become exhausted, stressed and feeling out of kilter. Elizabeth Brock has recently started Lily Holistics in Wansford, specialising in reflexology and aromatherapy treatments. “Holistic treatments specifically help your own needs and you benefit from becoming more relaxed, restoring your body’s natural harmony, easing tensions and stiffness and rebalancing your energies, enabling your body to heal itself,” claims Liz. The treatments can be helpful for general aches and pains, improving circulation and sleep patterns, balancing the digestive system, strengthening the immune system, stimulating the lymphatic system, stimulating ‘feel good’ endorphins, and promoting a sense of wellbeing. Treatments start at £35 for 55 minutes. For more information, contact Liz Brock at Lily Holistics on 01780 789919

News and offers from local health and beauty businesses. By Bridget Steele

health & beauty notes

Change your life through diet Nutritional therapy practitioner Carole Nicholson has opened a new practice in Glapthorn, close to Oundle. Following a period of illness, which left Carole feeling out of control of her own health, she was prompted to change career and pursue her interest in the role of nutrition in health management. With a degree in Nutritional Medicine, she now offers one to one consultations to help clients achieve optimum levels of health through diet and lifestyle changes. Carole very much believes that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to nutritional health and therefore aims to work with each client as an individual with unique nutritional needs. An in-depth consultation (between an hour and one and a half hours) gives time to fully discuss health concerns, health history, current diet and lifestyle. This information helps to identify underlying nutritional and biochemical imbalances and also aims to look beyond symptoms to the root causes of any health issues. Changes to diet are made at a pace to suit the client and ongoing support, available by phone or email, is an important part of the programme. Consultations are available Monday to Thursday, 10am-6pm, Saturday 12-4pm. Home visits available. Contact Carole Nicholson on 01832 273743

Pulse away hair removal

Lisa Claypole at Elysia Health and Beauty now has a nurse working alongside her at her Glapthorn salon and she specialises in Pulsar laser treatments, which are used for hair removal and skin treatments. Hair is permanently removed with a course of treatment, using safe bursts of light which are absorbed by the melanin in your hair, destroying the follicle. Results are effective, pain-free and clinically safe. Pulsar IPL treatments can also be used to treat rosacea and thread veins, sun damaged skin, acne, age spots and pigmentation. This photo rejuvenation treatment stimulates collagen production and often one treatment is all that is needed. Bella magazine recently commented: “you can look up to five years younger with just one treatment.” Elysia Health and Beauty is open daily from 9am-9pm. There is plenty of parking and the salon is perfect for private treatments. Its location means that clients don’t have to worry about leaving with no make up on. For more information, contact Elysia Health and Beauty, Fotheringhay Rd, Tansor. Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196. www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

Try hypnotherapy The Peterborough Curative Hypnotherapy Clinic has been established in Peterborough since 2005. Run by Tim Pinning, it is now situated in Priestgate, Peterborough, and specialises in treatment for stopping smoking, weight loss (particularly the hypnotic weight loss programme) and the hypnotic gastric band. Tim also offers help with overcoming fears and phobias, stress management and sports hypnosis. The main aim of the practice is to help people with the many different and often complex issues surrounding their lives. Says Tim: “my clients have been able to see for themselves how hypnosis can help them and the benefits of its use.” Old myths and misconceptions about hypnosis have now given way to proven, scientifically sound application and the discipline is used in a variety of fields, such as medicine, dentistry, law enforcement, professional sport and education. Tim’s speciality is weight issues and smoking cessation. For more information, contact Tim Pinning on 01733 768839. Curative Hypnotherapy Clinic, 26 Priestgate, Peterborough. www.curativehypnotherapy.com

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Design Interiors

The latest Home Furnishing Trends Harjit Gammon lounges amidst the fine cabinetry and sofas at Mark Elliot Furniture

ark Elliot, Stamford is well established in its deceptively spacious premises next to the river at the east end of Bath Row and the Town Bridge. Arranged over two floors, with a warren of nooks, crannies and snugs in addition to a large ground floor showroom, the building is perfect for displaying the wide variety of furniture (dining, coffee and side tables,

dressers and beds) and of course the sofas for which they are well known. Looking around the showroom it is evident that this small, personal company is well attuned to trends in the way which we live now and people’s values. • Mark Elliot Furniture, Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 764370 www.markelliot.co.uk

LASTING HANDMADE QUALITY In tune with a desire for things which last and are environmentally friendly, all of the sofas and much of the furniture are handmade, to order, in the company’s own workshops in England, at Long Eaton in Nottingham and Beccles, Suffolk. The structure of the sofas consist of beech or birch (not MDF) frames, complemented by quality foams and fibres. The company offer good, solid furnishings, which are sustainable, to meet most budgets. These are items of good furniture worth saving for, that will last, and that can be individually tailored.

KNOWLEDGABLE STAFF Stamford store manager, Kathleen Wilkinson is on hand to offer seasoned advice and guidance, gained from a long career in the furnishings business, with well known names such as Laura Ashley and Fired Earth. She is keen to emphasise that it is important to assess customers’ individual needs in arriving at “practical solutions for practical people”. To this end she is able to offer a variety of products, after assessing client’s preferences for, for example, textures, colours, style (modern or traditional), budget and the requirements from the space and lifestyle of the individual concerned.

CHANGING ROOM LAYOUTS AND LIFESTYLES Open, informal layouts are as we all know a key change in the way we now use our living space. Kathleen confirms that increasingly what she sees in the shop is the replacement of a matching three piece suite with one, and often two sofas together with a different style armchair. The new look is all about using a variety of styles and pieces, and mixing the old with the new to make a room look more interesting and eclectic than about co-ordination. In addition to the trend for multiple sofas in a room, is the growing desirability of corner sofa units. The use of cabinet furniture in new, unexpected settings is also a factor in these new, looser, multi-functional layouts.

TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE No review of trends in the furnishings market would of course be complete without mentioning the massive impact of texture on choice. As vital a consideration these days as colour or pattern, velvets continue to be a big story alongside linens and, leathers and hides. Mark Elliot has an array of different colours of leathers and hides; rich colours, natural authentic hides with animal markings and crackled leather, in a thick, robust quality finish, and of velvets and linens.

EMBRACING COLOUR AND PATTERN Alongside the traditional and enduring popularity of classic designs by the likes of William Morris and heritage prints, there is a move to tribal/ Aztec inspired prints, and bold geometrics. Experience in the shop also suggests that where once neutrals and beiges reigned supreme, customers are now being more adventurous in embracing colour. Kathleen reports a move on from deep, shocking pinks to a softer palette of blues and greys. “People are happier to use colour. They don’t want a boring, neutral sofa. They are more willing to experiment,” she tells me. Naturally the many fabric ranges the shop carries, including Sanderson, Warwick, Anthology and Designers Guild, amongst others, cover the spectrum of colours and patterns. Indeed there is a wonderfully vibrant, bang up-to-date purple sofa in the showroom.

SCATTER THE CUSHIONS Little known perhaps, but the shop also carries a good range of scatter cushions for adorning the furniture. Sold in pairs, the cushions can be made up in any of the fabrics sold by the metre at the showroom, in a variety of sizes ranging from 16” to 24”. Fabric is also available by the metre for your own projects.

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HOME & GARDENS

Make money from your property A growing number of property owners are opting to let their houses, rather than sell in an uncertain housing market. Kally Singh of Hegarty LLP, offers advice on avoiding some common pitfalls

I’ve decided to let my property privately, do I need to have it inspected before I advertise it? What other legal steps should I take?

property at the outset of the tenancy and at the end. Agents will charge between 10 -15% of the rent, but you may consider this worthwhile for peace of mind.

If you decide to rent out your property, you must ensure all gas appliances including fires, cooker and boilers are tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer (this will need to be done annually). You will need a certificate for this, which you must supply to your tenant. If you are leaving furniture as part of the tenancy, then the upholstery must be fire proof. Smoke alarms and extractor fans should be fitted. You’re also required to have an energy performance certificate (this is valid for 10 years). You will also need to ensure that your wiring has been checked by a qualified electrician. In addition, tell your insurance company that you’re letting your property, and get permission from your mortgage company (if you have a mortgage). Finally, inform the Council Tax department of your intentions, and your utility suppliers.

Are there any legal advantages or safeguards in renting my house out through a lettings agency?

There are many advantages to using a letting agency. They will vet tenants, obtain references and do credit checks. The agency will ensure you comply with current legislation and will liaise with your tenant. They are also responsible for collecting rent and dealing with any day to day problems. Good agencies will make a video inventory of the condition of the

What do I do if I have a troublesome tenant - am I responsible for their actions?

As a landlord, you are not usually responsible for the tenant’s behaviour. However, if it leads to serious complaints, you may have to take action to evict them. In the first instance, if a tenant is troublesome, you may ask him to leave voluntarily. If this is unsuccessful, you will have to take action through the courts to evict the tenant.

What if my tenant won’t leave at the end of the six months agreement could I evict them?

If your tenant does not leave after six months, provided you have given the correct form of notice (which is a common problem with landlords who do not appreciate the complexities of the housing legislation), you are able to issue court proceedings to recover possession of your property. Court proceedings, depending on whether you are claiming solely possession or rent arrears and possession, can take between four to eight weeks to get the order. If you have an order and the tenant fails to leave you will have to instruct the county court bailiff to carry out the eviction (this can lead to a further delay of up to six weeks). A court fee will be payable when instructing a

bailiff to enforce the warrant of possession. You should never ‘throw your tenants out’ if they do not go voluntarily, as this could be deemed to be an unlawful eviction and you could be liable to prosecution as well as being ordered to pay damages to your tenant.

My departing tenant and I have a dispute over his deposit. I believe I should keep it to cover damage to the bathroom, but he says he is not responsible for it. How should I proceed?

Since 6th April 2007, all rent deposits should be protected in an approved deposit scheme where the tenancy is an assured short hold tenancy. There are three different operators who all run free schemes to assist in resolution of disputes about the return of deposit. I would suggest that you have photographic / video evidence to show the condition of the bathroom when the tenant moved in and out. This will help the arbitrator formulate a decision about the amount of deposit, if any, to be returned. A report from a plumber or other appropriate professionals may also help if it can explain the cause of the damage. If you re-let your property, make sure you compile a video inventory of the interior, as this can be invaluable when resolving disputes over deposits. • Kally Singh is a partner and solicitor at Hegarty LLP specialising in housing matters. If you have any landlord-tenant queries contact him on 01733 295642 or at kally. singh@hegarty.co.uk

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MOTORING

2012 New Models

More than 100 new cars will enter UK showrooms during 2012 which, according to Ashley Martin, promises to be the year for breakthrough technology to become available to the motoring masses

emand for electric cars - even with the help of a £5,000 Government Plug-In-Car Grant - got off to a slow start as they arrived from a number of manufacturers last year. Cost and range anxiety among drivers were among issues which failed to charge up the electric car revolution, but the 2012 arrival of plug-in hybrid and extended range cars are likely to prove more attractive to the ‘average motorist’. Meanwhile, more pure electric cars will arrive in showrooms and there will be the traditional avalanche of new internal combustion engine models petrol and diesel vehicles to you and me. But, it is the vehicles powered by new technology that are the most eagerly awaited and those models include: • The extended range Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt. The sister models are due for spring launch with the Ampera costing £28,995 (including Plug-In Grant) - the price of the Volt is £450 less. Both are powered by a battery with an internal combustion engine generator on board. Cars have a battery range of about 50 miles. Range is extended by the generator powering a 1.4-litre petrol engine, for up to 310 miles of motoring. • The first of the plug-in hybrid models to arrive will be the sub-£31,000 (excluding PlugIn Grant) Toyota Prius in the summer. It will have a pure electric range of about 14 miles. After that is utilised, the vehicle reverts to full hybrid capability using both battery power and 1.8-litre petrol engine. Due to its electric vehicle technology, the Prius Plug-in is expected to achieve fuel efficiency of 134.5 mpg and a CO2 figure of 49 g/km. It will be followed in late 2012 by the Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid - the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid - expected to cost £45,000-£50,000. The front wheels of

the cars are powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel producing 215 bhp with the rear axle powered by a 70 bhp electric motor. Pure electric range is 32 miles with hybrid mode delivering a range of more than 600 miles and an emissions figure of 49 g/km. • The tranche of electric vehicles due for arrival in 2012 include three cars from electric revolution-leading Renault, and an electric version of Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Focus. Renault’s Twizy runabout will launch in March costing from £6,690; the four-door, five-seat Fluence will be available mid year priced from £17,850 (including Plug-In Car Grant); and the Zoe hatchback will launch in the autumn. Renault is pioneering battery leasing with its electric vehicles so to the cost of the car must be added the monthly hire of a battery based on a variety of mileage and duration permutations - from £69.60 per month including VAT based on 6,000 miles per year and a three-year agreement in the case of the Fluence. The electric Focus is destined for late year arrival and will have a range of around 100 miles from its 123 bhp electric motor, while an electric version of the two-door Smart will launch in the spring.

Continuing the hybrid theme are sister manufacturers Peugeot and Citroen. Arriving in Peugeot showrooms now is the 3008 Hybrid4, the world’s first diesel electric car, which will be followed in mid-year by the crossover 508 RXH and in the summer by the 508 saloon hybrid4. All the cars use a 2.0-litre HDi 163 bhp diesel engine to propel the front wheels and a 37 bhp electric motor, the rear wheels delivering the option of zero emission all-electric travel and in hybrid mode the potential for 74 mpg and emissions of 99 g/km. Citroen offers the similarly powered upper medium sector DS5 Hybrid4, which will be available from March and is the marque’s new flagship model. Toyota/Lexus have more hybrid cars on sale than any manufacturer and the technology will be extended to the smallest Toyota in the summer with the arrival of the Yaris HSD powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor delivering around 80 mpg and emissions of about 85 g/km. Finally, BMW gets in on the hybrid act with the March arrival of the 5 Series ActiveHybrid, which combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine with a 53 bhp electric motor and will cost around £47,000. It will be joined in the autumn by a hybrid version of the new 3 Series. New technology aside, also look out for the imminent arrival of the new 3 Series (petrol and diesel models), which will go head-to-head with a facelifted Audi A4, a roadster version of the Mini in May, the Porsche Cayman-rivalling Alfa Romeo 4C in late 2012 and three cars from Jaguar - the fastest Jaguar Convertible ever, the 5.0 litre XKR-S (£103,000); an estate version of the XF (autumn) and in late year a new two-seater being billed as the new E-Type.

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Windows, Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Conservatories, Car Ports, All Weather Canopies, Patio Awnings, Fascia & Guttering, Roller Garage Doors, Roller Shutters, Sliding Grilles, Security Bars, Steel Shutters, Shop Fronts, Domestic and Commercial Systems, Mesh Grilles, Venetian Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Roller Blinds

NEW SHOWROOM 67 South Street, Stanground, Peterborough Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

electricity you are generating • Our products require no maintenance • Fully installed or ready to install supply only kits • Available for domestic & SME customers

Tel: 01733 568358 Fax: 01733 568673 Email: sales@pagegrouppeterborough.co.uk www.pagegrouppeterborough.co.uk

Telephone 01733 342888 www.manorwindows.net

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Küchen Kraft w w w. k u c h e n k r a f t . c o . u k free planning full installation

PEACE OF MIND WITH OUR VVVVV DEPOSIT PROTECTION

worktops flooring tiling Showroom, 81 West Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire PE8 4EJ 01832 270300

Kitchen,Bedroom and Bathroom showroom with the areas largest selection of working kitchens and bathroom displays under one roof.

25% OFF ALL GERMAN KITCHEN FURNITURE PLUS A FREE SIEMENS DISHWASHER WORTH £500 WITH ALL KITCHENS BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY

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we have moved

COmE aNd sEE Us aT OUr NEW LargE shOWrOOm

• LargE sELECTiON Of WOOd, mULTifUEL, gas, ELECTriC sTOvEs & firEPLaCEs ON disPLay • fULL fiTTiNg aNd ChimNEy LiNiNg sErviCE avaiLaBLE WiTh hETas CErTifiCaTE • ChimNEy sWEEP sErviCE • fULL CENTraL hEaTiNg iNsTaLLaTiON aNd sErviCE • LaNdLOrd CErTifiCaTEs

Coles for Fires Unit 7 Orion Way, The Constellations Kettering Business Park, Kettering NN15 6NL

Phone: 01536 410 777 Email: colesforfires@hotmail.co.uk www.colesforfires.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

To Saturday 31 March EXHIBITION: Art Exhibition at Clare Cottage Every day 10.30am - 4.00pm Lincolnshire artist, Michael Webster reﬂects John Clare’s passion for nature. • Free. 12 Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough, PE6 7ED. www.clarecottage.org. 01733 253330

DIARY DATES Yasmin Bradley selects interesting events for February

February

Thursday, 2 February - Sunday, 5 February SHOW: Holiday on Ice Tropicana - The Passion Tour. Various times World- class skaters, extravagant costumes, passionate dances and non-stop music - the hottest thing on ice. • Tickets: £12 - £28. East of England Showground, Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 6XE.Telephone: 0844 581 1313. www.showground.org.uk

Tuesday 7 - Thursday 9 February PLAY: The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare, 7.45pm Twins separated in a storm; a man awaiting death searching for his sons: talented youngsters bring this story to life with a generous helping of slapstick humour. • Tickets: £5. The Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ. Box Ofﬁce: 01832 273930. www.stahltheatre.co.uk.

Friday 10 February GIG: The Acoustic Strawbs in concert 7.30pm The front line of the classic 1970s folk rock band tour as The Acoustic Strawbs, and they’re playing in Bourne tonight, including songs from their best selling albums Grave New World and Bursting at the Seams. • Bourne Grammar School Main Hall. Tickets: £12. Box Ofﬁce: 01778 391647

Friday 17 February 10am – 12:30pm, WORKSHOP: Nest Box Building Ferry Meadows Country Park Build a bird box to take home ready for the nesting season. • Free but booking essential on 01733 234193 or visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk. Visitor Centre, Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU.

Friday 17 February EVENT: Meet the Gruffalo in local libraries 10-11am (Bretton) 12-1pm (Dogsthorpe) 2-3pm (Werrington)

Saturday 18 February

10-11am (Orton) 11.30am-12.30pm (Hampton) 2-3pm (Central Library) Discover what happens when a quick-thinking mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake and a hungry Gruffalo and meet the Gruffalo himself…. • Free. For details email libraryenquries@vivacitypeterborough.com or telephone 01733 864280.

2

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

7

 Jeremy Strong

Saturday 4 February

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

10 FRIDAY 11 SATURDAY

EVENT: National Library Day Author’s Event 11am - 12noon Jeremy Strong shares the inspirations for his bestselling books - and Streaker the Dog’s brand new escapade. Ages 7-11, with accompanying adult. • Tickets: £2. Central Library, Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1RX. 01733 864280 or email libraryenquiries@vivacity-peterborough.com.

Wednesday 8 February

12 SUNDAY

15 WEDNESDAY

CONCERT: Endellion String Quartet 7.45 pm The world-renowned quartet returns with a programme of Haydn, Mendelssohn and Beethoven. • Tickets: £10 from Oundle Music School, Gascoigne Building, North Street, Oundle, PE8 4AL. 01832 277132. music@oundleschool.org.uk.

16 THURSDAY

Monday 13 February

13 MONDAY 14 TUESDAY

17

TALK: Fenland Ice Skating, 7.30pm Curator of St Ives Museum, Bob Burn-Murdoch gives the local low- down on skating. • Peterborough Civic Society. Free. Non-members welcome. St Marks Church Hall, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SN. 01733 263127; www. peterborough.net/civicsociety.

FRIDAY

18 SATURDAY 19 SUNDAY 20 MONDAY

Sunday 26 February

21 TUESDAY 22 WEDNESDAY 23 THURSDAY 24 FRIDAY 25 SATURDAY 26 SUNDAY 27 MONDAY



28 TUESDAY 29 WEDNESDAY

OPEN GARDEN: National Garden Scheme Open Garden. 11am - 4pm. Visit Carole and Forbes Smith’s wonderful, woodland garden with its collection of over 200 varieties of snowdrops, hellebores, corydalis and other spring plants and bulbs. • Entry: £2.50. 6 Robinswood, Wansford, PE8 6JQ. Plants for sale. In aid of the National Garden Scheme Charity.

Monday 27 February - Saturday 3 March OPERA: Oundle G & S Players’ present The Sorcerer - Love mixed with a magic potion leads to the usual comic tangle and a clever Gilbertian solution. • Victoria Hall, Oundle, West Street, PE8 4EJ. Tickets £9/£10 from Oundle in Stitches, Market Square, Oundle, PE8 4BQ

NENE VALLEY LIVING FEBRUARY 2012

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Private Lessons at our Tuition Centre KS3 yr7, yr8, yr9 GCSE A Level Secondary Maths English Biology Chemistry Physics KS1 KS2

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

Preparation for secondary Entrance Examinations

Primary Literacy Numeracy Science Reasoning

Enjoy Success

GCSE and A Level Crammer

4 days during the Easter School Holidays Concentrated Revision. Practice Papers

Maths Biology Chemistry Physics

Come for 1 subject or come for more.

Also available Help with Science practical tests Every Science GCSE or A Level syllabus has a coursework, practical assessment which many students find difficult. We can offer classes to prepare for this. Courses will run during the half term holidays in February and May/June.

ABACUS TUTORS 01733 367204 (Between 2pm and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday)

2 Culley Court, Orton Southgate, PE2 6WA 29

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

• Steel, Timber and Glass Reinforced Plastic Doors Also available Security Shutters, Spare Parts & Repair Service

Tel: 01733 772934

Email: ridgewaygaragedoors@ fsmail.net

We pride ourselves on great customer service

bringing kitchens to life... Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Est

1981 - 30 Years

NEW SHOP NOW OPEN IN STAR LANE, STAMFORD SEE THE NEW AGA TOTAL CONTROL COOKER

BARNACK ROAD SHOWROOM - RANGEMASTER DESIGN CENTRE WITH OVER 20 RANGE COOKERS ON SHOW Showroom with 32 of the latest room settings Shop Address - 3 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH - 01780 767776 QKS Kitchens - The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA

T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

www.qksstamford.co.uk 30

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ACCOUNTANTS

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Telephone 01733 768839 Peterborough Hypnotherapy Clinic, 26 Priestgate, Peterborough City Centre. Free initial consultation www.curativehypnotherapy.com

Best Local Walks and Best Local Bike Rides are stunningly produced A5 guidebooks describing 20 spectacular walks or bike rides in detail with maps, pictures and directions. They also describe points of interest on each route and the best places to ﬁnd refreshments.

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