Nene Living January 2017 by Best Local Living

LESS IS MORE: Fun ideas to fit every January budget

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N E N E VA L L E Y

HAPPY 2017! Explore new ways to enrich your life JANUARY 2017 Â£1.50 01

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE January 2017

T’S a year since I became Editor of this lovely magazine… and what a year it’s been! I’ve had a lifelong love for the publishing industry – decades of working on newspapers and magazines have opened the door to meetings with a fascinating variety of people, given me insight into so many different subjects, and offered the opportunity to travel, write and nurture the next generation of talented newbies too. But, ultimately, it’s all about the reader… and working on a title such as this has served only to remind me of how much joy there is in sharing a passion – in this case, for the place in which we all live and work. Wonderful, then, to read Jonathan Craymer’s report this month on the latest statistics which show just how fantastic a place Peterborough is for new business, job creation and innovation. See for yourself – and share the sense of pride! – on p13. Elsewhere in this issue we’ve suggestions for some life-enhancing New Year’s Resolutions (p23), and ideas on how to have fun this month without breaking the bank (p15). Our favourite canine correspondent Reggie and his adoring owner Julie Howell have been on the trail of winter walks and other activities (p29) and there’s a fascinating portrait of the changing face of our city and its people on p39. My mission as Editor is to make sure that in every issue of Nene Living we entertain, inform and inspire; I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I, and all the team, have enjoyed creating it for you!

Gillian Bendall Editor INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 Upfront

39 The way we were

Have a truly happy 2017 by bringing a little hygge into your life

Photographer Chris Porsz on the happy coincidences that helped him create a unique documentary of our city and its people

7, 9, 10 News & Notes

Helping you make the most of Nene living

23 Do something different Resolve to enrich your life this New Year

13 Open for Business

Figures just out show what a fantastic place Peterborough is for new business, job creation and innovation

45 Out & About

15 Less is more

Fun to fit every budget this January

29 Canine capers

How to keep you and your dog happy this winter

20 Nene People

Jewellery designer and pilates teacher Kerry Richardson on why she’s fundraising for the Sue Ryder Hospice at Thorpe Hall

32 Food & Drink

A winter warmer… and soul food for weary shoppers

34 Health & Beauty

The latest on looking good and feeling great

Editor Gillian Bendall neneliving@hotmail.com Write to Nene Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.neneliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer Sarah Compton inkdesign@virginmedia.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 localliving@btopenworld.com Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

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All you need for a fun-filled January, including a preview of Peterborough’s Katharine of Aragon Festival

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COVER: A winter walk, by Tim Sandall. www.timsandall.com

Nene Living

Subscribe to Nene Living For £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Nene 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 LIVING JANUARY 2017

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UPFRONT UPFRONT

Banish the winter blues and embrace the true meaning of ‘happy new year’ by bringing a little hygge into your life. Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, the word translates as ‘cosiness’. But aficionados say it’s much more than that: an entire attitude to life that’s made Denmark officially the world’s happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report (yes,there really is such a thing!). Think candles, comfort food and casual clothes, fireside snuggles, bracing winter walks and unwinding with a good book. Whatever you aim to achieve in 2017, start by making January the month you discover your inner hygge.Here’s our own feelgood shopping list to get you started…

The Light Between Oceans, £7.99, Oundle Bookshop

Sandwich vest, £129, Asha’s Attire Faux fur trim gown £45, M&S

Braintree beanie hat £12.95 and scarf £12.95, Asha’s Attire

Fairisle capped gloves, £12, Accessorize Choc Chick raw chocolatemaking kit, £14.99, Romejo’s

Hobbs Merino throw, £99, John Lewis

Right Ho, Jeeves CD, £16.50, Oundle Bookshop

Throw, £45, Chapel Interiors

Helen Moore Hot water bottle, £43.50 and slipper boots £52.95, Romejo’s

Hobbs bedsocks, £35, John Lewis

Best of British pure wool jumper £99, M&S

Rosie for Autograph cashmere blend long pant, £99, M&S

STOCKISTS Asha’s Attire and Chapel Interiors, The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ. 01832 275605. www.ashas.net; Oundle Bookshop, 13 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA. 01832 273523. www.colemans-online.co.uk/oundle-bookshop.html; Romejo’s, 14 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BQ. 01832 272165. www.romejos.co.uk; Accessorize, John Lewis, M&S, all Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NL. www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

Advertisement Feature

THE OCULIST: A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE The Oculist owner and optometrist Gerry Sondh has created a unique shopping experience which will make anyone with twenty-twenty vision wish they had a need for spectacles!

rom the vibrant interior walls and parquet floor to the central statement chandelier and the bespoke display cabinets, the boutique is more like an art gallery than an optician – providing customers with a service that is a cut above the rest. The strapline ‘Changing faces since 2007’ describes the ethos of the business, which is celebrating its ninth birthday at 24 Westgate Arcade in Peterborough. Situated within Queensgate’s parade of independent shops, The Oculist draws in a range of clientele who are looking for a distinctive style in their choice of eyewear whether they are children, students or business professionals. Customers are given expert advice with the support of state-of-theart technology coupled with progressive design. “Your eyes are the most engaging part of your body,” says Gerry, “so why not have spectacles for different occasions, depending on how you want to feel and dress? Eyewear can be personality-changing and confidence-building. Our glasses give people an identity.” Acknowledging that your glasses express who you are is key to The Oculist’s service, which has developed something of a cult following. “We are really proud of our products,” says practice manager Rob Gilbert. “Face shape is not so important but proportion and fit is key, sometimes we have to reign people in but we will always be honest if the look doesn’t suit; we will always do what is best for the customer.” The clientele are loyal to the point where some customers return each season, buying several

pairs for various aspects of their lifestyle, with sports eyewear, sunglasses and children’s spectacles also on offer.

are held each week and all three are involved in the buying aspect of niche eye wear and are able to offer expert advice as well as clinical excellence.

Rather than being ‘on trend’ the product here is unique with a twist. Alongside high-end designers such as Tom Ford, Dior and Prada, The Oculist offers a range of avant garde designers specialising in frame technology for the more adventurous, such as FEB31st, Mykita, Theo and Face a Face whose neon pop colours and quirky hand-made frames will delight the wearer and onlooker alike. Frames are lightweight and durable, many with screwless hinges giving the wearer comfort as well as radical design. Customers can create bespoke spectacles from a variety of lens shapes with frames in a spectrum of colours.

Gerry conducts eye examinations by appointment only, running three clinics a week. Consultations last around 40 minutes and will be tailored to your needs depending on your occupation, working set-up and literacy requirements.

Those desiring a touch of bling will be pleased to hear that The Oculist exclusively hold the Lindberg Precious collection. Frames made of 18 carat gold, platinum and horn can be combined with diamonds to create an individual opulent look. As with Lindberg’s regular collection the frames boast medical silicone nose pads with no welding, rivets or screws. The ranges are artfully displayed on bespoke shelving and in slick cabinet drawers. They give the shop a welcoming luxurious feel, though the atmosphere itself is relaxed and informal. All staff are qualified opticians with no pushy sales agenda. Alongside Gerry and Rob, Hannah Castle is the third member of the team and describes herself as a ‘kid in a candy shop’ working for a truly independent optician. Dedicated training sessions

The business boasts the latest technology in retinal scanning, having invested in the Heidelberg Eye Explorer, (also used by NASA to test the eye health of astronauts) which examines ocular activity down to cell level, producing high quality images in 4D – the fourth dimension being time progression which will be apparent at your next review. Gerry also uses the latest technology for the eye pressure test; gone is the great big puff of air. The new device is hand held and compact – you won’t flinch! The Oculist’s ad campaigns challenge customers to ‘improve your spex appeal’ and perhaps one can ‘see clearly now the frames are on’, reflecting the quirky, fun-loving nature of the business. The eyewear experience need no longer be a grudge purchase… set your sights high and pay a visit to The Oculist. Call 01733 555621 to make a consultation appointment or to book an eye examination. 24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough www.theoculist.com

NEWS & NOTES Helping you make the most of Nene living

Get fit, have fun

HE Orton’s Table Tennis Group is a friendly, welcoming club and it’s now looking for new members. The group meets for two hours from 5pm on Fridays at the Tesco Community Room, Tesco Hampton, Serpentine Green and has players aged from 12 to 83, though Secretary Sharon Donnelly tell us: “Over 40s is the most prevalent currently, and abilities are mixed from non-players to ‘wily old foxes’. The group meets to play table tennis but to have fun too.” A twohour session costs just £1, with a £5 annual membership fee. Organisers and ‘do-ers’ are also sought to help the club grow. “If you feel like you could use some of that grey matter and some of the skills you have from previous or current careers, then any assistance would be most welcome,” says Sharon. “Anyone interested in marketing and promoting, organising events and volunteering would be greatly appreciated. Applications for funding will be made so help with writing applications is needed too.” • For more information email: ottgroup16@gmail.com or call Ejaz on 07966 454166, or Sharon on 07428 786181.

New way to explore the city

RE you a fan of walking? Do you want to improve your health and fitness? Need a reason to get outdoors? The new Walk Peterborough website may be just what you’re looking for... The website records different routes around the city and surrounding areas, and through mobile optimisation and GPS data, allows you to conveniently map and follow your route on the go. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s cultural and heritage sites, enjoy family-friendly days out, improve your health and wellbeing, find dog-friendly walks or simply want to enjoy the natural environment, there’s something for everyone. You can also choose a walking distance to suit your requirements. The charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has produced the website with funding from Travelchoice, which aims to encourage the use of sustainable travel, reduce the need to travel by car, and improve the quality of life for all residents while reducing the city’s impact on climate change. “Walk Peterborough is a fantastic resource for exploring the beauty of the city on foot with friends, family and colleagues,” explains Esther Baffa-Isaacs, Sustainable Travel Officer at Travelchoice. “It can be used to plot your commute to work, college or university and set up ‘walking buses’ to schools.” In addition to seeing a range of suggested walks around Peterborough, you can also add your own route ideas to help others discover more of the city. • www.walkpeterborough.co.uk

The Angel Christmas Fair, founded by Burghley’s Lady Victoria Leatham and held at the Grade I listed Thorpe Hall in Peterborough, raised £30k for palliative care for patients of the Sue Ryder Hospice there. More than 50 stallholders travelled from all over the continent to sell foods and gifts at the early-December event and Lady Victoria said: “We had about 900 people through the doors and raised a significant amount to allow people to be at home with their families this Christmas.” Main sponsor was The Remark Group in Peterborough which bought two large wicker angels that were the basis of the event. Other sponsors included Peterborough Audi, BGL, The George Hotel in Stamford, Strutt and Parker, Paul Richman, Hambleton Hall, John Lewis and Dawsons of Stamford.

Q Go takes the queue out of parking

UEENSGATE Shopping Centre has launched an easy-to-pay contactless car parking system, Q Go. Similar to an Oyster Card, a Q Go card – available from the customer information desk or by emailing customerservice@ queensgatecm.co.uk – can be topped up with credits and is simply presented at the entrance and exit of Queensgate’s car parks. “The introduction of Q Go will improve the complete customer experience at Queensgate, from start to finish,” says Centre Director Mark Broadhead. “The contactless system will allow our customers to freely come and go as they please, without the need to queue to make payment at the machines, which I know will be welcome news.” • For more, visit www.queensgateshopping.co.uk/customer-services/qgo.html

➧ NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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NEWS & NOTES A N I M A L A D V O C AT E S

Pigs: not the right pet for everyone

EW YEAR is a time for aspiration and ‘reimagining’ your future – and for many, that means thinking about the place we call home. That’s where Oundle Architecture, a full-service architecture and planning consultancy with more than 25 years’ experience, can help. Specialising in residential designs for people who want to extend, conserve, restore or reimagine their home to make it work better for their changing needs, Oundle Architecture has a proven track record in designing solutions that ‘fit’ the needs, aspirations and the budget of its clients. “Our top priority is to exceed client expectations. We understand that every client is different and their needs and wants reflect this; some engage us for a full service where we design, detail and help deliver their project from construction to completion, while others just want a little help with planning permission. Either way we are happy to help,” says practice owner Joe Croser. • www.oundlearchitecture.com

ANY people across the UK have gone mad with the ‘micro pig’ craze. Breeders are selling piglets to naïve members of the public with the promise that they will grow no bigger in size. Once home, these ‘micro pigs’ are loved by all and adored for their convenient size. However, it is very, very rare to find an actual micro-pig breed, as it takes many years within a bloodline to breed a pig to be so small. Sadly, it takes a matter of months for new owners to realise their pet has been mis-sold to them as it continues to grow quite rapidly. From this moment on, the pigs require more food, take up more space, no longer comfortably roam the house and start to practice natural behaviours such as rooting and foraging for food. Some owners even pronounce that their pigs are no longer cute! Please think very carefully before becoming a pig parent. Many people consider ‘micro pigs’ to be a great present but as Wood Green, The Animals Charity sees constantly, it isn’t long before these pigs are no longer wanted and everyone has to suffer with the stress of finding them a new home. Already, in the wake of these mistakes, many pigs are now looking for new homes and our Field Section has a very long waiting list of pigs looking to join our Field 2 Field service. Pigs are intelligent, clean and generally fascinating animals but they aren’t the right pets for everyone. They can be trained to sit and take food from people’s hands, and some even enjoy having a go at agility. Also, just like humans, pigs need companionship and we would thoroughly recommend keeping at least a pair together. Keeping pigs inside is a bad idea, no matter their size, as they need to live outdoors in order to perform natural behaviours, such as rooting and wallowing. There are hundreds of unwanted pigs ‘free to good homes’ on web pages and we get at least two enquiries a week about rehoming pigs, but unfortunately we just don’t have the space to help them all. • If you’d like to learn more about keeping pigs or would like to rehome any of our available pigs, please contact our field team by emailing field.rehoming@ woodgreen.org.uk Wood Green The Animals Charity offers a low-fee advice service for dogs and cats. If you would like behaviour or training advice for your pet call 01480 830014 ext 1281

Private clinic installs region’s first open MRI scanner

NEW private healthcare facility in Peterborough, the Avicenna Clinic, has installed the region’s first open MRI scanner which will be particularly useful for patients who suffer from claustrophobia or obesity. Dr Hany Elmadbouh, lead consultant and radiologist, said: “I am delighted that the Hitachi Open Scanner has been successfully Dr Hany Elmadbouh with the installed in the practice and that patients will region’s first Open MRI scanner soon benefit from this highly in-demand facility. “Avicenna Clinic will be a centre of excellence, specialising in minimally-invasive surgery, imaging and image-guided intervention techniques. Being the first clinic in the region to have the Hitachi Open MRI Scanner is just one example of the way we will be using the latest technology to provide the highest level of patient care here.” Avicenna Clinic is an independent, consultant-led private healthcare practice with 35 specialist consultants offering a range of specialisms such as general surgery, diagnostics and testing and spinal care. It is located on North Street in the centre of Peterborough.

Rutland Cycling is to open a visually stunning 10,000sq ft cycle centre at the new Everards Meadows country park, adjacent to Fosse Park, Leicester. The store, due to open in Spring 2018, will offer Rutland’s unique model of hire, demo and retail in a newly-created country park, where purpose-built cycle trails and cycle skills loops will link to the traffic-free Grand Central Way into Leicester city centre. More than £1.6 million is being invested in the cycle centre and over 10 local jobs will be created by the new store, which will be Rutland’s eleventh. • www.rutlandcycling.com

➧ NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

NEWS & NOTES Are your legal affairs in order?

A ‘healthier new you’in 2017

OU cannot predict what will happen in life; however you can plan for both the best and the worst circumstances that may arise. “We provide legal advice and guidance Claire Clarke around protecting your estate and assets as you get older, as well as managing changes that can happen in your family life,” says Claire Clarke, Trusts and Probate Solicitor at Hegarty Solicitors. The Hegarty Solicitors Trusts and Probate department can advise on the creation of trusts, the preparation of wills as well as probate applications and the administration of estates. They look at all aspects of safeguarding your future, which includes areas such as inheritance planning, later life planning and the granting of Lasting Powers of Attorney where you can appoint trusted people to make decisions on your behalf. Claire says: “Many people think it is just about creating a will, but it is much more. It is still surprising how many people have not made the time to prepare a will with a Solicitor – there are many misconceptions about the intestacy rules that apply when there is no will – especially in these days of blended and extended families and even more so with those who own and run a business. “Legal planning is a responsibility that can easily be put off until another day, and concerns weigh heavily on elderly clients but also on families who also want to protect them. “There is a sense of relief for my clients who have made provision for the future. Some families feel it is a difficult subject to broach, but it actually takes a lot of thought and consideration and I think it shows how much people care.” • For more information call Claire at Hegarty Solicitors on 01733 295557 or email claire. clarke@hegarty.co.uk. See more at www. hegarty.co.uk/wills

Oundle’s Party at the Wharf 2017 will be headlined by Absolute Bowie, who celebrate the life and music of the ‘Starman’ in truly flamboyant style. They will be supported at the 15 July event by The Houndogs, who play a collection of covers from the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis and The Stray Cats. • www.oundlefestival.org.uk

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

ANUARY for many people is a chance to re-focus on following a more balanced diet, but healthy eating isn’t just for the New Year. This month the Healthy Peterborough campaign is urging you to make healthy eating choices every day to maintain a healthier, happier you. Its Eatwell Guide (above) shows how most people can achieve a healthier diet overall. It shows five main food groups to include in your diet, and the amounts of each required to achieve a healthy balance. It also shows foods and drinks high in sugar, fat and salt, which you should eat less often. Tips include: • Don’t skip breakfast – it provides energy and can help to reduce mid-morning snacking. Wholegrain breakfast cereal with dried fruit served with milk or yoghurt is just one tasty start to the day. • Review your snacking choices – snack foods can often be high in sugar, fat and salt. Swap crisps for plain popcorn or chocolate for a small handful of unsalted nuts. Raw vegetable sticks with dip or whole pieces of fruit make great snack options. • Make changes to your main meals – you may decide to serve smaller portions, which can be helped by using a smaller plate, or swap white bread, rice and pasta to wholegrain choices. You could serve at least two side portions of vegetables with each main meal. Or perhaps you could reduce the amount of takeaways you have. • Set goals – start with one realistic goal. Changing behaviour can be difficult, so take time to plan how you will achieve your goal. This might be by writing a healthier shopping list, deciding your meals for the week in advance or scheduling in time to cook. Setting yourself just one goal and breaking this down to a number of smaller goals can help you to succeed. Telling friends and family of your goal can provide added support. If you slip back in to old habits sometimes then don’t get disheartened; instead, think what you’ve already achieved and try to get back on track with your goal. • Seek support – the One You Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration. Download it at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/apps. The Live Well 12-week weight loss guide combines advice on healthier eating and physical activity. There’s an information pack for each week of the plan, which is full of advice and tips, plus a stick-it-on-the-fridge planner to help you track your weekly progress. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/weight-loss-guide. • For more advice on healthy eating visit www.healthypeterborough.org.uk

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Figures just out show what a fantastic place Peterborough is for new business, job creation and innovation. Jonathan Craymer reports

E’VE always known Peterborough is an above average city – and now it’s official. The annual Economic Intelligence Report produced by Opportunity Peterborough shows more than 8,000 net new jobs have been created in the last six years, and net business creation is 43 per cent above the UK average. We’ve also retained our place as one of the most innovative cities in the UK (measured by the number of patents registered here), maintaining us in seventh place. In addition, our GVA – or Gross Value Added – (which, according to Wikipedia, is the ‘measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area, industry or sector of an economy’) is also up eight per cent on last year. The survey shows there are more than 8,500 active companies in Peterborough which together create a GVA of £5,366 million a year, breaking down to a ‘productivity level’ per worker of £50,576. Steve Bowyer, Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough, the city’s economic development company, told me: “Of course we still have challenges and there’s rarely a quick fix to these, but we’re going in the right direction. There are two aspects which have helped Peterborough do well at this time. First, we’ve got a really resilient local economy with plenty of diversity, which has allowed us to ride out the recession well. There is no single big company that the whole city is dependent on. “Secondly, over the last six to 10 years, we’ve had an increase in the confidence of the city both economically and in terms of its ambition. Businesses are picking up on that and recognising Peterborough’s position in the world and are either willing to invest or re-invest, while new companies are hearing about the city in different ways and in new environments – all of which is driving the growth of new jobs and greater prosperity.” How much has the work of the former Peterborough Development Corporation contributed? “The UDC as it was known really set the bedrock for the shape of the city as we see it now – excellent infrastructure and good connectivity – which are the foundation stones of a successful modern city. All those things make it easy for businesses to operate. Opportunity Peterborough has built on that by promoting the city more, and has worked to build up business confidence and opportunities. “Effectively any business considering relocating to our city will ask

questions such as ‘can I operate my business successfully from there?’, ‘can I transport my products or operate my service industry from there?’, and also ‘are there other successful businesses in the city?’ – implying that if they’re trading well, others should be able to do the same. Another big question is ‘can I relocate my staff and/or recruit new staff from a large skill-base?’. Happily, we can answer ‘yes’ to all those, and that knowledge is being spread far and wide by Opportunity Peterborough and others like the city council and intermediaries, all working hard to strengthen Peterborough’s economy.” And presumably our position as a commuter city with easy access to London and other centres remains helpful to the city’s economy? “Yes, being a city with strong net in-commuting, alongside our existing workforce, means we have a good range of skills available for our local businesses. “But for other business sectors it might be about moving goods around – which is why firms like Perkins, Baker Perkins, Masteroast and many others find Peterborough and its infrastructure so attractive.” Opportunity Peterborough in its report cautions that although our GVA figure is up, there are a number of issues to take into account. The city has a higher proportion of working-age residents and lower gross weekly pay figures. But the standard of living in the city is also enhanced by more affordable housing. After several years of increases, the ‘median weekly wage’ dipped in 2015 by 60p to £496.10 and there is a higher proportion of Peterborough’s workforce in ‘elementary occupations’, compared to those in the ‘managers, directors and senior officials’ category. Qualifications data still shows we have more people with no qualifications than regionally and nationally, and fewer with degrees or NVQ level 4. Mr Bowyer says this is something the city is working hard to address. Opportunity Peterborough’s The Skills Service last year united 19,000 young people with 360 businesses to develop employability skills, and there has been significant investment by the council and other partners, such as the LEP, into our schools and colleges. “The next phase for Peterborough will require maintaining this momentum, while increasing the number of higher-end occupations. A major part of this will be the full establishment of Peterborough as a university city in the next few years.” • www.opportunitypeterborough.co.uk NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

Less is more We all feel the pinch once Christmas is over, so how do you keep yourself entertained without breaking the bank? Lucy Banwell suggests some great value dining and days out to enjoy in the Nene Valley this January…

Eating out

reasonably priced with kids’ cordials on offer from 50p and wines from £14 a bottle. 01832 270842 www.salernosoundle.co.uk

BOMBAY BRASSERIE, PETERBOROUGH Rony Choudhury’s food is legendary in these parts and the best way to sample it for the first time is to head to the Bombay Brasserie on a Sunday for lunch. There you will find tables groaning with Indian delights such as curries, samosas and bhajis. The Sunday Buffet is priced at £9.90 for adults and £6.50 for under-12s for all you can eat. 01733 565606 www.thebombaybrasseriepeterborough.co.uk

CHEQUERED SKIPPER, ASHTON

Great food and characterful surrroundings are guaranteed at this pretty-as-a-picture thatched pub near Oundle. The ‘Weekday Special’ dining offer available from 5 January represents great value with two courses for £13 or three courses for £16. 01832 273494 www.chequeredskipper.co.uk

JIMMY’S, PETERBOROUGH

All you can eat for £7.99 is a pretty good deal and that’s what’s on offer when you head to Jimmy’s in Peterborough on a weekday lunchtime. There are a range of international foods to choose from at this help-yourself restaurant such as Chinese, Italian and the everpopular Indian station. Children under 11 eat for half price and food for under-4s is on the house. 01733 564930 www.jimmysrestaurants.com

SALERNO’S, OUNDLE

The team at Salerno’s believe in offering great value Italian food all year round and with a set menu of two courses for £11, who are we to argue? For this price you can choose from starters such as Bruschetta or Risotto Balls and mains including Spaghetti con Ragu and Penne alla Matriciana. The drinks are also very

THE PIZZA PARLOUR, PETERBOROUGH This new pizza joint on Cowgate offers authentic Italian food with feelgood music from the ‘60s in a family-friendly atmosphere. They have a great lunchtime deal on offer with a pizza or pasta dish and one side dish costing just £6. Drinks are also great value with wines starting at £13.95 a bottle. 01733 902233 www.thepizzaparlourpeterborough.co.uk

EAST, PETERBOROUGH

Housed on the upper deck of a barge on the River Nene in the centre of Peterborough, East offers a range of exciting dishes from across South East Asia. Their ‘£10 Tuesday’ deal gives you a starter and a main from a selection of dishes such as Sun Dried Beef and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for – yes, you’ve guessed it! – just a tenner! 01733 315702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk

THE FALCON, FOTHERINGHAY

Fotheringhay’s acclaimed pub may not be your obvious choice for a ‘cheap’ night out, but The Falcon is offering great value this January and February with a set menu of two courses for £16 and a free bottle of house wine for any table ordering three or more main courses. This offer is valid on weekdays only excluding Valentine’s Day and it is worth noting that the pub will be closed on Tuesdays throughout January and February. 01832 226254 www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk

ED’S EASY DINER, PETERBOROUGH SERVICES This new bright and breezy offering just off the A605 is well worth a visit. Diner classics such as ‘The Original’ American Dog and a BBQ Pulled Pork Brioche Bun are a snip at £5.95 each. ‘Fountain Favourites’ including Pepsi and 7Up come with free refills, as do the teas and coffees. 01733 391143 www.edseasydiner.com

THE GEORGE INN, OUNDLE

Under new ownership, The George on Glapthorn Road in Oundle is offering some great value dishes this January. Beef Lasagne with Garlic Bread and Salad is priced at £10.50 and ‘Tapas Tuesday’ will see ‘Three for £9’ on selected dishes between midday and 2.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm. 01832 274076 www.georgeinnoundle.co.uk NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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Less is more

Family fun

FREE! STANWICK LAKES Kids love Stanwick Lakes, a 750-acre nature reserve in the heart of the Nene Valley. The adventure play area will keep young kids amused for hours as long as you wrap them up warm, and a short walk will take you to the assault course and adventure trail which are a brilliant challenge for older children. Café Solar offers good value hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. Admission is free but there is a parking fee: £2.50 per car. 01933 625522 www.stanwicklakes.org.uk

BUGTOPIA, RUTLAND WATER

If someone said you could visit a zoo for just £5 per person, you’d think they were pulling your leg, but in the case of Bugtopia at Rutland Water this is actually true! For just a fiver, you and the kids can get up close and personal with a range of creatures including giant stick insects, footlong millipedes and lounging lizards. Parking at the Sykes Lane car park costs £3.50 for up to three hours. 01780 460518 www.bugtopia.co.uk

FREE! PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM Peterborough Museum offers a great day out for the whole family. Kids will marvel at the fossil and dinosaur exhibits and gasp at the sight of an original Victorian operating theatre. A visiting exhibition called ‘The Tremendous Tudors’ starts from 21 January and on 28 and 29 January there will be an ‘At Home with the Tudors’ event to coincide with the Katharine of Aragon Festival at Peterborough Cathedral. Entry to the museum is free but there is a charge for the temporary exhibitions. 01733 864663 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

FREE! BARNWELL COUNTRY PARK A short walk out of Oundle brings you to Barnwell Country Park with its idyllic lakeside walks and meadows to explore. But the children’s play area is the star of the show here – there’s something for all ages including a sand pit, a pirate ship, a zip wire in the woods and an elevated wooden walkway. Afterwards, come out of the cold into the Kingfisher Café where you can enjoy a good value drink and a snack in cosy surroundings. Entry to Barnwell Country Park is free but parking costs £2.70 per car, so why not come on foot or cycle to save money this January? 01832 273435 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk

HEAD FOR A SPLASH!

The best value swimming options within easy reach of the area are Stamford Leisure Pool and Corby East Midlands International Pool. In Stamford, a swim session costs just £4.75 per adult, £3.15 per child and 75p for under-5s. Corby Pool charges £4.40 for adults, £2.60 for children with under-5s swimming for free. Both centres offer separate pools for young children, water flumes and Stamford Leisure Pool has a wave machine. • Stamford Leisure Pool 01780 765522 www.1life.co.uk • Corby East Midlands International Pool 01536 464643 www.corby.gov.uk

➧ NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

Less is more

The great outdoors

KIRBY HALL

A visit to this stunning half-ruined Elizabethan mansion is a real treat with its gorgeous, honey-coloured stone and geometric formal gardens. Watch the peacocks wander around the gardens as you take in the history of this historic house via an engaging audio guide. Entry is £6.60 per adult and £4 per child. Please note – Kirby Hall is only open at weekends during the winter. 01536 203230 www.english-heritage.org.uk

FREE! FINESHADE WOOD

A long walk or cycle around this ancient woodland is good for the soul, the waistline and the wallet! Choose a two-, three- or six-mile trail and then follow the clearlymarked paths through glorious countryside. There are bikes to hire here from Rutland Cycling and Top Lodge Café serves up a mean hot chocolate. Entry to the wood is free but parking costs £4 per car per day. 01780 444920 www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge

FREE! FERRY MEADOWS

Five hundred acres of free entertainment awaits you at Ferry Meadows – walk, cycle, run or just ‘be’ in the great outdoors! It’s such a beautiful country setting it’s hard to believe it’s just a few miles away from Peterborough city centre. There are several cafés to choose from but the dog-friendly Lakeside Kitchen and Bar is a particular favourite with its stunning views of Gunwade Lake and great value snacks and drinks. Admission to the park is free and parking costs £3.50 for up to three hours. 01733 234193 www.neneparktrust.org.uk/ferry-meadows

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

Photo: Ivan Quetglas

Here to entertain you! LUNCHTIME CONCERTS AT ST PETER’S CHURCH, OUNDLE

FREE!

Enjoy a classical performance for free every Thursday lunchtime from 12 January in St Peter’s Church, Oundle. Pupils in their final years at Oundle School will be playing a variety of instruments in these recitals which start at 1.15pm and run for approximately 45 minutes. Soup and a roll from The Little Soup Kitchen can be purchased for £3.50 to enjoy while you listen. Combine your visit to St Peter’s with a wander around Oundle’s lovely Thursday street market and this really does represent a great value day out!

THE KEY THEATRE, PETERBOROUGH

Live theatre screenings are a great way to experience the best theatrical performances without paying exorbitant London prices. On 11 January, The Key Theatre will be showing a live screening of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The Tempest starring awardwinning actor Simon Russell Beale. Tickets from £13.50. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

SAVOY CINEMA, CORBY

At 10.15am on Saturdays and Sundays, the Savoy Cinema offers special ‘Kids Club’ screenings of popular children’s films for just £1.50 a head. A great value way to get the little ones out of the house and keep them entertained for a few hours. Bring your own popcorn or sweeties to keep the cost down even further. 01536 266685 www.savoycorby.co.uk

SHOWCASE CINEMA, PETERBOROUGH Save yourself the cost of a plane ticket to Moscow by watching a live screening of the Bolshoi Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty which will be beamed directly from the Bolshoi Theatre on 22 January. Tickets for the screening of the event at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema cost from £14.50. 01733 555636 www.showcasecinemas.co.uk

OUNDLE CINEMA

Run by volunteers and offering a sociable experience in the heart of its community, Oundle Cinema screens a range a quality films in the Stahl Theatre on West Street. January’s screenings will include the Roald Dahl classic The BFG and the uplifting Sing Street which tells the story of a young boy forming a band in ‘80s Dublin. Tickets cost £5 per person and there’s a chance to enjoy a glass of wine before the screenings, which start at 7.45pm on Sunday evenings. 01832 274734 www.oundlecinema.org.uk

THE CORE AT CORBY CUBE

The Corby Amateur Theatrical Society’s peformance of Cinderella continues its run until Sunday 8 January and promises a fun-filled evening with good value tickets from just £9 per adult. 01536 470470 www.thecorecorby.com

NENE PEOPLE

Kerry Richardson The jewellery designer reveals how a love of pilates gave her the strength to carry on after the death of her beloved husband

HEN Kerry Richardson went on a date to The Bell Inn in Stilton back in 2010, she couldn’t have predicted what the future held. “I’d been on my own for 15 years, running my jewellery business and teaching pilates,” explains Kerry, 55, who lives in Longthorpe, Peterborough. “I vowed I’d never get married again. But Andre and I got on so well they had to kick us out of the pub that night because we couldn’t stop talking and didn’t want to go home!” Romance blossomed between Kerry and Andre Goodison, a business coach, and the pair married in 2012 in two joyous ceremonies – one in the UK and one in their native South Africa. “I was blown away by how happy I was with Andre,” says Kerry. “I felt like all my ships had come in.” Kerry’s jewellery business was also booming – she is an award-winning designer who creates bold pieces with African influences – and her love of pilates led her to set up a secondary enterprise as an instructor. Kerry credits pilates with saving her from debilitating shoulder pain caused by repetitive strain injury from her jewellery work, and she is passionate about spreading word of the benefits of this unique fitness discipline. But sadly, just a year after their marriage, Andre suffered a severe seizure in the middle of the night which left him temporarily unconscious. He was diagnosed with a brain

“People say there must be a runway at Thorpe Hall because the angels have landed. The staff there are angels in every respect. It’s an unbelievable place.”

tumour and after several years of illness he passed away at the Sue Ryder Hospice at Thorpe Hall in May last year, aged just 58. “He died on the Sunday and on the Tuesday I was back teaching pilates,” recalls Kerry. “What else could I do? Knowing that my pupils needed me helped me cope with the grief. I am still bereft and heartbroken, but I have to carry on. The other option is to sit down and become depressed and that isn’t for me.” The end-of-life care Andre received at Thorpe Hall was second-to-none. “The support was profound,” says Kerry. “People say there must be a runway at Thorpe Hall because the angels have landed. The staff there are angels in every respect. It’s an unbelievable place.” As a consequence, Kerry is keen to make her own contribution to the vital service provided by Sue Ryder so that other people losing a loved one may have the same, supportive experience. From February onwards, Kerry will be holding a special pilates class in Alwalton from which all proceeds will go to the charity (see below). “Sue Ryder are absolutely behind me on this project and it feels so important to raise money for them,” says Kerry. “So many of us are affected by cancer and terminal illness. Losing Andre, my soul mate, has been gruelling, but I know that I am a better person having known him. He loved me unconditionally. My way of coping is to focus on that love.”

THE GIFT OF FITNESS

Kerry and Andre married in two joyous ceremonies

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

On Thursday 2 February, Kerry will be hosting a unique exercise class in her husband’s memory to raise funds for Sue Ryder, the charity which runs Thorpe Hall Hospice. Held at Colonel Dane Memorial Hall in Alwalton from 6.15pm to 7.15pm, all contributions to this donation-only class will go directly to the charity. The class will feature a mix of pilates, yoga, somatics and mindfulness. If successful, it is hoped that the class will become a monthly fixture, helping to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Sue Ryder’s vital work. • To book your place in Kerry’s charity class, call her on 07753 136966 or email pilates.kerry@gmail.com • To find out more about Kerry Richardson’s other pilates classes visit www.pilates3.co.uk

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to mean self-denial and eventual disappointment… Sarah Chase suggests some ways to enrich your life, instead, in 2017

OW do you feel at the mention of that most post-Christmas of phrases, ‘New Year’s Resolutions’? Do the words conjure up images of self-sacrifice and misery, limitations placed on chocolate and cake, ‘dry January’, or perhaps a punishing exercise regime? If that all sounds horribly familiar, then push those thoughts away and make 2017 the year of enrichment instead, one full of previously unexplored and fulfilling activities. There’s a whole world of alternative, unusual and life-enhancing opportunities here in the Nene area… read on for ideas and ways to get involved.

Learn a new skill

fter nearly 20 years’ lecturing at The National Bakery School, (part of the South Bank University in London) Leslie Gadd fancied a change. His new business, Lovely Loaves, offers everyone the chance to learn how to bake all manner of delicacies such as pastries, cakes, biscuits and loaves and the courses are suitable for all – from beginners to those who consider themselves Oundle’s own Paul Hollywood. Leslie’s view is simple: “I like to see it as learning a life skill in a relaxed and fun environment. People come to me wanting to rediscover the pleasure to be found in getting hands-on with baking.” Leslie will be running classes at various venues in the Nene Valley area during 2017. Check out his website, www.lovely-loaves.co.uk or contact him direct on 07904 956825 to find out more. If it’s the smell of a fine grape that gets you going more than the scent of freshly baked bread, then drop in to Amps in Oundle where they’re offering Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses for anyone interested in broadening their knowledge. Danielle Freer, Store Manager at the Oundle Wharf shop, says: “Whether you’re considering a career change, or you just like the idea of impressing your dinner guests, the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a fun and informative way to build your knowledge, whilst being a recognised accreditation.” There are three one-day courses in 2017, each one covering styles of wine, principle grape varieties, wine making and tasting, and the all-important food and wine pairing. Level 2 Awards are also available; to find out more, visit the Amps website, www.ampsfinewines.co.uk. Peterborough City College offers a fantastically wide-ranging course list for adult learners, from Literature to Jewellery Making, and Counselling to DIY. Their open approach makes it easy to give things a try, even if only for a term, and taking opportunities for new experiences could open up whole new vistas – look them up at www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk or call 01733 761361 for more information.

Support the local cultural scene

ith London a mere train ride away it can be easy to overlook the cultural events on our doorstep. But the major spaces in Peterborough, Corby and Northampton, not to mention smaller venues in Oundle, Stamford and Thrapston, offer some fantastic events to plan an evening around. Whether you prefer stand-up or theatre, opera or ballet, cinema or art exhibitions, you’re never far from a stimulating event. Many of the big name comedians make a beeline for smaller venues to try out their new work, whilst the wonderful artists who live around us (Carry Akroyd, Kathryn Parsons and many more) hold open studios and exhibit in spaces around Peterborough, Thrapston and Oundle. National Theatre Live brings the big performances to local cinemas for a fraction of the price (and hassle) that it would take to get to them in London, and the smaller stage Carry Akroyd companies who are often at the forefront of innovation in theatre love visiting areas for whom the arts matter. And if you really need more of a push, the renowned Oundle Literary and Music Festivals (www.oundlefestival.org.uk ) put together impressive programmes year after year, allowing us all the chance to enhance and broaden our aesthetic perspectives with the minimum of effort. So, this year, make a resolution to try out some new cultural experiences whilst supporting our local (and national) talent – it may awaken new interests! NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Have an adventure

re you craving just a little bit of a thrill? Do you secretly wish you were heading off on a gap year to experience all the craziness life can throw at you? Well, don’t throw in your job just yet – look a little closer to home... Nene Outdoors, part of the Nene Park Trust in Peterborough, offers regular Adult Sailing Taster options – half a day for all those aged 16 and over – running throughout the year, and if that ticks your box you might fancy signing up for their Level 1 Start Sailing Course. Or you could try Adult Windsurfing Taster sessions, also running regularly through 2017. For more info check out www.neneparktrust.org.uk. Skydiving takes the thrill-seeking just that bit further, and is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to companies such as UK Parachuting, which has one of its sites at Sibson Airfield. It offers Tandem Skydiving – jumping whilst attached to a qualified instructor: perfect for those whose nerves are less steely! One enthusiast commented: “It’s an amazing adventure, especially when one is nearly 70! I had this on my ‘bucket list’ and was so pleased that I achieved it. The whole experience was out of this world!” If you’ve admired light aircraft drifting through the clouds during the hot summer months, and marvelled at the aerobatic displays they provide, the Peterborough Flying School (also based at Sibson Airfield) can give you the chance to be in the flying seat with its taster sessions. Choose from a flight in the iconic 1930s de Havilland Tigermoth (during which you will take control of the plane whilst following the beautiful route of the Nene Valley Railway) or an aerobatics session when your instructor will introduce you to maximum-rate turns, the loop, the aileron roll and the stall turn. If you’ve got the stomach for the taster session, you may be inspired to take on the full course, or even aim higher and consider taking your Private Pilot’s Licence. Contact Steve Lockton, Chief Flying Instructor, at steve@ peterboroughflyingschool.com to discuss which would suit you best.

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

Ditch the devices

t’s not just children who struggle to be parted from their screens... with portable devices in every size, adults are turning into ‘screen zombies’ too. Dare to be different in 2017! The benefits, both mental and physical, of being outdoors and getting back to nature are well-documented, and this is the perfect region in which to find your chosen path. Why not challenge yourself to find a new walk every month? Whether you like woodland walks or strolling by the river – or even if your walk needs to end at a pub to make it worth your while – there is no shortage of wonderful routes to discover in the Nene Valley. OS maps offer an excellent App (yes, you might need a device for that one!) but if you prefer to have a real map in your hands the Oundle Bookshop stocks plenty of books and pamphlets with ideas for walks from local people in the know. Barnwell and Fermyn Country Parks are well-loved places for people of all ages to spend time, so if being outdoors needs to have more of a purpose for you, perhaps you’d consider volunteering there? If you would like to get fit, help local wildlife, learn a new skill and maybe make some new friends, email the Rangers (barnwell@firstforwellbeing.co.uk). There is always something to do, as Eric Sant discovered. “Since retiring in February 2015 I have found an excellent outlet for my excess energy,” he says. “I volunteer at Barnwell Country Park. I find that the

It’s not just children who struggle to be parted from their screens... with portable devices in every size, adults are turning into ‘screen zombies’ too. Dare to be different in 2017!

Look at your lifestyle

exercise combined with meeting new people sets me up for the rest of the week. It’s far better than lazing about the house drinking coffee!” Combining fresh air and activity with the sense that you are preserving history may also hold an appeal, and with Flag Fen, Lyveden New Bield and Kirby Hall all within a ten-mile radius, there are plenty of options. Contact Vivacity (www. vivacity-peterborough.com) for Flag Fen, The National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org) for Lyveden and English Heritage (www.englishheritage.org.uk) for Kirby Hall.

etween working, caring, exercising and the myriad other demands on our lives, the moments when we find time to pause and reflect can be few and far between. Perhaps it’s less of an adventure that you need, and more an opportunity to slow the pace of your life and find meaning in the simple things? When Jean Fisher set up her choir, Just Friends, 12 years ago, she wanted to bring her love of singing in a group to everyone. “The therapeutic properties of singing are well-known these days,” she explains. “Being part of a choir is so easy and it can bring a lot of pleasure without too much pressure.” Her members agree: “I’ve been singing with Jean since Just Friends began,” says Bobbie Turton, “and the feeling of singing as part of a choir is hard to beat, not to mention the friendships I’ve formed over the years.” Find out more by emailing jeanfisher1@hotmail.co.uk. If you prefer a mixed voice choir, then Oundle Choral Society meets every Monday at the Great Hall, Oundle School. There are no auditions, and all are made welcome: email enquiries@oundlechoralsociety.org.uk for more information. Perhaps a deeper state of relaxation is required, in which case meditation could be the New Year’s Resolution you’re looking for. Peterborough’s Drolma Centre runs half- and full-day courses as well as weekly classes in and around Peterborough, with the aim of helping its attendees to ‘develop lasting mental peace through meditation and related practices’. Drolma Centre’s Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Nyingpo, has 20 years’ experience as a Buddhist nun and teacher and has a thorough understanding of the challenges we face in this modern world. “I began meditating more than 20 years ago and it has transformed my life in so many positive ways. I do believe that anyone can integrate meditation into their life. Although it’s not a quick fix to life’s stresses and problems, practising meditation as a healthy lifestyle choice will bring great benefit”, she says. Details are at www. meditateinpeterborough.org.uk or call 01733 755444.

➧ NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Make friends with your inner child

osh, it was fun being a kid, wasn’t it! Playing out in the woods, heading off for the day on your bike with your mates, endless games of football, tennis, or whatever took your fancy… well, why not get a bit of retro fun back in your life? Get the old gang together and revisit your favourite fun times; you can even include your own children, if you feel so inclined! The Corby Paintball centre, part of Delta Force Paintball, is situated in the heart of the Fermyn Woods Country Park and claims to be ‘unrivalled’ when it comes to the quality of game zones and mission scenarios on offer. Unique, engrossing and designed to be as realistic as possible, it promises visitors will be left breathless after taking on the enemy and storming immersive bunkers. What better way could there be to forget the responsibilities of adulthood and have fun getting muddy with your friends? Children over the age of 12 are welcome – see www.paintballgames.co.uk for more details. As for bikes – well, they may have evolved a little from the Raleigh Chopper we were all racing around on back in the day, but bikes still play a major part in our leisure time now. Our rolling landscape makes for perfect cycling experiences, and plenty of men and women are taking advantage of that for solo rides. For a more sociable time of it, though, Gorilla Firm Cycling are among those organising groups of like-minded cyclists to enjoy the thrill of the ride with company. A pub ride, every Wednesday evening, leaves from the Gorilla headquarters at Oundle Wharf at 6.20pm. There are plenty of ad hoc rides being organised throughout the year, too, with rides set up most weekends amongst members of the Gorilla Firm Cycling Facebook page. Call Justine on 01832 273783 if you fancy giving it a go. For more team sports, contact your local football, rugby and tennis clubs – there’s one of each in Corby, Kettering, Thrapston, Oundle and Peterborough, so no excuses, now!

Feelgood fulfilment

ick of self-indulgence? Seeking a more meaningful way to enrich your life? Then consider volunteering: the act of helping others without thought of reward will, in fact, reward you more than you can imagine. Volunteer Action is a well-known local charity that supports the elderly, unwell, disadvantaged and those with disabilities in Oundle, Thrapston and the surrounding villages. It provides a community car scheme and a befriending service, both entirely dependent on volunteers. Feedback from users is hugely positive, demonstrating just how important those drivers and befrienders are. As one passenger explained: “I am alone and am disabled, but thanks to Volunteer Action, I can get to the shops and have met some lovely people who have become friends.” Find out more on the website, www.volunteeractionoundle.org.uk. It’s not just people who are reliant on our willingness to volunteer, however. Animal Helpline looks after dogs who have nowhere else to go, and its staff are always delighted to welcome dog-lovers to help walk the dogs waiting for their forever homes at the shelter near Wansford. This could be a mutually beneficial arrangement: perhaps you love dogs but can’t keep one yourself, or would love the rigour of a good walk without the restrictions of owning a dog. If it sounds like something you could be interested in, email Lynn Bradbury: lynn@dogsinmind.co.uk.

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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Canine capers How do you keep your dog happy (and yourself dry) when the weather turns wintry and wet? Julie Howell and her fourlegged friend Reggie set off on the trail of some winter fun

T’S lovely being a dog owner when it’s summer in the Nene Valley – there are so many beautiful places to walk here. But when winter days are short, dank and dark, those places that provided fun in the warmer months become muddy and waterlogged. Lhasa Apso Reggie and I wanted to find fun things to do together over the winter season. Dressed in just his harness and lead (I’ve tried to persuade him to wear waterproofs but he stubbornly refuses!) we set out to discover all the dry, dog-friendly places around Peterborough. Before setting off to explore, I sought the advice of fellow local dog owners to discover what they do when the weather turns bad. Turns out they’re a hardy lot! To my initial surprise, many insist that their winter walking routine is exactly the same as in summer. I daresay this is true if your dog is one of the longer-legged, shorter-haired breeds, such as a Lurcher, Doberman or Labrador. But if you have a short-legged, long-haired breed, such as a West Highland Terrier, Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso that becomes a canine floor mop on contact with dirty puddles, long walks through muddy mires aren’t just impractical – they’re impossible. One lady told me that she avoids the mud by swapping woodland for beach walks in the winter. Our nearest beaches are on the coast of North Norfolk (Hunstanton and Wells, for example): great for a special day out but a long journey for a daily walk. If you fancy a trip out that far, however, a fantastic website called The Barking Bugle (www.thebarkingbugle.co.uk) is packed with helpful information about where to go and what to do, including dog-friendly beaches, pubs and restaurants. Closer to home, the ever-popular Ferry Meadows has become even more dog-friendly in winter. While there has long been an area of seating outside the café that overlooks Overton Lake, the recent addition of a canopy to provide shelter from the worst of the weather is welcome news. Round by Gunwade Lake, the Lakeside Kitchen and Bar has recently installed a woodburner in an undercover area where dogs are welcome and which is proving to be a hit with local dog owners. Everyone knows about Ferry Meadows, so I wondered where else Reggie might be

Reggie becomes a canine floor mop when it’s wet outdoors

Dogs learn good manners from one another...

welcome. Situated at one end of the rowing lake, The Boathouse at Thorpe Meadows is perfectly positioned for a lovely, dry walk along the paved paths of the lake ending with a warm rest stop in front of a roaring fire. There are even dog treats for sale in support of the Macmillan cancer charity. If your dog is okay in the wet, then the sculpture trail is also accessible from The Boathouse, as are walks along the River Nene. Travelling to Wansford to the West of Peterborough – which you can do by car or using the Nene Valley Railway (check the timetable at www.nvr.org.uk/Run-Days) – we found pubs that are more than happy to welcome dogs. Built in 1735, The Cross Keys on Elton Road used to be a butcher’s shop – this must surely be the spiritual home of dogs! Across the road is The Paper Mills, where helpful staff welcomed Reggie with a bowl of water while other patrons were delighted to meet my famous pooch; some recognised him from a previous issue of Nene Living! There are lots of places to walk your dog around Wansford so it’s great that many of the pubs in the village are dog-friendly.

HOME AND AWAY

If you’re stuck at home in miserable weather, there’s still plenty you can do to keep your dog amused. It’s tempting to leave him chewing a dog treat, but though that may be good for his teeth, it won’t help his waistline! Reggie never gets a treat unless he’s earned it, so we spend a lot of time indoors doing recall training with a treat as his reward when he does as he’s asked! Search the web for other ideas for indoor games to play with your dog. The world tends to move indoors in winter and social occasions where your dog may have been welcome in summer become humansonly zones when the weather turns cold. What can you do if you have been invited to a party or wedding at a venue where dogs are not allowed? This is the very problem I faced recently. Reggie cannot be left alone for hours on end. He loves his human family and needs constant engagement and mental stimulation to keep him happy and healthy. Fortunately, there are a growing number of ‘doggy day care’ services in our area that will take good care of your beloved dog for the day. Dog day care services don’t only feed and walk your dog – NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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Canine capers many will also socialise him with other dogs in their care (as appropriate) and involve him in enrichment activities to hone his doggy skills and take his mind off missing you! Trish Jones runs Dog’s Delight Boarding and Day Care in Orton Goldhay. “People bring their dogs to me because otherwise they would be left at home alone, without company or stimulation”, says Trish. This is usually because owners have to go to work or to an event where dogs are not allowed. “Dogs have no concept of time and can become very anxious and vocal if left alone”, says Trish. “It is also useful to socialise dogs as they do learn manners from each other!” If you leave your dog at the same day care with the same group of dogs regularly he may eventually become part of the ‘pack’ and make new doggy friends. When I visited Dog’s Delight it was obvious that the dogs there on that day were very used to one another and all were clearly happy in Trish’s care. I asked Trish what she does to provide the dogs with ‘enrichment’. “We have a toy box they are invited to choose from at certain times,” she said. “Walks are provided as these are so important for mapping, scenting and communication. We have regular treat times which I use as training as they have to earn their treats with appropriate behaviour. We have lots of cuddles too. Routine is important to dogs so we keep to set feeding times. It’s important to be even-handed with attention to prevent jealousy too.” I’m starting to think dogs in day care have a better time than we do at weddings and parties! If you are interested in finding a doggy day care for your furry friend, www.dogbuddy. com is one site that can put you in touch with services near to you.

Day care offers a great opportunity for your pooch to meet new pals Sign of the times: many pubs welcome dogs with their wellbehaved humans

Reggie was recognised as a celebrity in this Wansford pub!

TRAINING AND TRIMMING

If your dog enjoys agility training you’re in luck as Orton Southgate in Peterborough is home to The Dog House Academy’s indoor venue (www. thedoghouseacademy.com). Or if swimming is your dog’s thing, and you want to avoid the mud, then a trip to a hydrotherapy pool will be fun for him and the exercise will be good for his joints and help with weight control. Well Dog Hydrotherapy in Bretton (www. welldoghydrotherapy.co.uk) has a heated pool, where dogs swim with a harness or buoyancy aid for their safety. Your dog will be towel-dried and will even be treated to a warm blow dry at the end of the session. Despite your best efforts your dog is going to get dirtier over the winter months than he does in the summer. A trip to the groomer at least once a season will probably be required, although we have to take Reggie every six weeks because his coat grows down to the ground if we let it! We take Reggie to Handsome Hounds in Bretton (www. handsomehounds-peterborough.co.uk). Not only do they wash and cut his hair, they look after his nails too, so he comes home smelling sweet and looking smart… ready to go out and get muddy again!

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Reggie gets a haircut every six weeks, otherwise his coat would be down to the ground!

Reggie likes nothing more than a comfy armchair after his walk

Despite your best efforts your dog is going to get dirtier over the winter months than he does in the summer. A trip to the groomer at least once a season will probably be required Treat your pet and support charity at The Boathouse

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FOOD & DRINK From bowl to soul

After work or mid shopping trip… take the weight off your feet and enjoy a tasty treat at Peterborough’s Japaneseinspired eatery

F you’re busy bagging a bargain in the January sales, you’ll understand: shopping is hard, sometimes soul-destroying work. Lucky, then, for us city spenders that Peterborough has so many eateries offering an eclectic range of refreshment and refuelling options… among them, Wagamama which opened on Long Causeway a few months ago. The 151-seat restaurant offers a variety of new and classic dishes from the chain’s Japanese-inspired menu, including Wagamama’s famed ramen: bowls of fragrant soup filled with noodles, which can be customised through a choice of three stocks. For those after a quick bite, the iconic Wagamama canteen-style benches are here, but for a longer dining experience ‘breakout areas’ and booths have been brought in – when I visited, these were filling up nicely with the after-work crowd. Settling into a window seat with good views of the chefs who’d be cooking for us, my companion and I ordered a beer each (bottled Singha for me, draught Asahi for him opposite) and chose from an intriguing menu. We were impressed by the waiting staff who delivered our drinks within seconds (that’s no exaggeration!) of our requesting them, described in detail the dishes we didn’t recognise and reassured us that we’d chosen enough, even when we might have added more to our order. I opted for Chicken Raisukaree, a coconut and citrus curry with chicken, mangetout, peppers, red and spring onions, served with white rice, a sprinkle of mixed sesame seeds, red chillies, coriander and fresh lime. Described as ‘mild’, it was full of freshness and flavour – and filling. My companion had

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

the Chilli Sirloin Steak Ramen: a big bowl of noodles in a spicy chicken broth topped with sirloin steak, red onion, spring onions, beansprouts, chilli, coriander and fresh lime. And, because they sounded so lovely, we ordered two side dishes: a Bang Bang Cauliflower (crispy wok-fried cauliflower coated in firecracker sauce mixed with red and spring onions, garnished with fresh ginger) and Tori Kara Age: seasoned crispy chicken pieces dressed in and served with a spiced sesame and soy sauce, garnished with lime. The silence as we ate spoke volumes about how much we enjoyed it all! There was absolutely no need (and hardly room in our bellies) for dessert... but it’s winter, and when did a little overindulgence ever hurt anyone? Banana Katsu – banana in panko breadcrumbs with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream – and Coconut Reika (coconut ice cream topped with a passion fruit sauce and coconut flakes) were our guilty pleasures. Both were more than delicious… and we convinced ourselves they were deserved, as it was a long walk back to the car with our heavy load of shopping. Our bill came to just over £55 – for all that we’d eaten, and the great service we’d received, we were very happy with that. When the Peterborough restaurant opened, Simon Cope, Global Brand Director pledged: “Wagamama will continue to reinforce positive eating by using fresh ingredients, served in atmospheric surroundings.” I’d say the place is living up to that promise. • Gillian Bendall and her plus-one dined at Wagamama, 37-39 Long Causeway, Peterborough PE1 1YJ. 01733 889851. A delicious take-out menu is also available. www.wagamama.com

Jerusalem artichoke & leek soup with roasted garlic cream Serves 4 Ingredients: • 1 bulb garlic, left whole • 2tbsp olive oil • 2 large leeks, sliced • 1 onion, chopped • 600g Jerusalem artichokes, scrubbed & roughly chopped • 1.2l veg stock • 1 bay leaf • 2 sprigs rosemary • A little freshly grated nutmeg • Sea salt & ground black pepper • 4tbsp double cream • Splash of marsala, madeira or medium-dry sherry • Preheat the oven to 200°C. • Put the whole bulb of unpeeled garlic in a small baking dish. Roast for 40 minutes. Remove and leave to cool slightly. • Squeeze each clove into a small saucepan and discard the skins. Leave to one side while you make the soup. • Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the leeks and onion. Fry gently for 8 minutes to soften. • Add the artichokes, stock, rosemary and bay leaf and a little grating of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. • Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the artichokes are soft. • Remove the bay leaf and rosemary (don’t worry if there are a few leaves left in the soup). • Blitz the soup in a food processor or blender. • Add the cream, booze and salt to the roasted garlic pan. Heat gently and mash the garlic into the cream. • Serve the soup with a dollop of the cream and grate over a little extra nutmeg to serve.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Bridget Steele has the latest on looking good and feeling great

Help for depression and anxiety Bernice Hardwick is a hypnotherapist based in Wansford, with a particular interest in helping those with anxiety and depression, which can lead to other concerns such as obsessive or addictive behaviour, lack of confidence, anger, or even pain and illness. She says: “It is important to work with compassion and understanding to enable people to rediscover their purpose, enthusiasm and sense of self. “I am convinced that everybody has the resources they need within themselves to fulfil their potential, but may have lost sight of what these are and how to access them. Life events have undermined self-confidence and convinced them of inevitable failure in whatever they attempt, so ultimately they stop trying at all. This frequently causes frustration, anger, hopelessness and an overwhelming sense of unhappiness and dissatisfaction, without any awareness of the reason.” She continues: “We all have our own story about life and how the world works, it’s the foundation for everything we do, but it really is nothing more than that. Treatment uses a range of successful, tried-and-tested therapeutic techniques including hypnosis, enabling clients to explore and change that story in whatever way is appropriate for them – transforming their life, and moving forward with a renewed passion and sense of discovery.” • Bernice can be contacted at Seechanges Hypnotherapy, 33 Elton Road, Wansford PE8 6JD. 01780 678565; www.seechanges.co.uk

Second-salon launch event for And so beautiful… After many months of dust, dirt and decorating, the new And so beautiful… salon will open its doors on 14 January. The new salon at Willowbrook Farmhouse in Woodnewton, near Oundle will offer the same treatments as the firm’s Cherry Orton Road salon in Peterborough. It will, however, boast the addition of a relaxation room, extra treatment rooms, outdoor relaxation areas and a fantastic Jacuzzi hydrotherapy pool. The warm, dimly-lit relaxation room has gentle music, a stimulating aquarium and

Try Tai Chi Tai Chi is a world-renowned Chinese system that not only exercises the body but also the mind, restoring balance in life, building whole-body strength and aiding relaxation and co-ordination. I went along to a class in Woodston, Peterborough run by Nigel Jennings – an hour-and-a-half session that starts with a warm-up series of continuous circular movements aiming to calm and focus the mind while assisting the flow of internal energy. The class was then split up so we could each practice different moves. As a beginner I was shown the ‘Bow Walk’, which underpins many Tai Chi moves. At first glance it looked easy, but I can testify that after 15 minutes I still hadn’t got it right and felt quite frustrated

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sumptuous seating, with plump cushions and blankets. Clients will be encouraged to unwind here prior to treatment and enjoy some quiet time afterwards. Light refreshments will be freely available. To celebrate the opening, there’s a launch event on 12 January from 4-9.30pm. Enjoy a glass of fizz, canapés, meet the team and have a sneaky peek at what’s on offer. There will be exclusive discounts on treatments booked and guests will also receive a gift bag to take home. • For catering purposes please confirm your attendance via email: rebecca@ andsobeautiful.co.uk or for further information call Rebecca on 07905 926902.

with myself! Thankfully, as it was a small class, Nigel was able to give each of us time and help in achieving a move. Many people at the class had been practicing Tai Chi for some time and made it look quite easy and flowing; the 90 minutes flew by as there was so much to concentrate on and learn and I could see what Nigel meant when he explained that Tai Chi promotes a ‘relaxed alertness’. Tai Chi – or to give it its correct title, Tai Chi Chuan – evolved around 1400 years ago but the Tai Chi we recognise today is about 500 years old. It is mainly practised for health and wellbeing, is suitable for all age groups and no equipment is required, so you can do it any time, any place, solo or together. • Nigel runs classes across Peterborough. For further information call him on 07793 007647.

New Oundle centre offers a balanced approach

The Balance Mind and Therapy Centre has recently opened in the Market Place, Oundle. Director Aleksandra Stanton-King showed me around and explained what the centre can offer. “There are two pilates studios where we will be working with small groups or one-to-one to help clients achieve a balanced and aligned body, focusing on core stability; ideal for everyone including rehab patients, athletes and avid exercisers.” The pilates studios are very well equipped with a Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel and small equipment. Aleksandra demonstrated various strengthening exercises that can be done, adding that she works closely with the centre’s physiotherapist, Inna Low, who has a particular interest in posture and work ergonomics – clients can be assessed for their needs and a personalised plan put in place to reach their goal. Helen Shardlow is a medical herbalist at Balance complementing the wellbeing side of the business. She explains that herbal medicine is for all, drawing on the ancient tradition of plantbased medicine combined with conventional medical understanding and scientific research. Herbal medicine is particularly well suited to chronic and recurring problems such as digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, allergies, stress and emotional issues. Helen has a particular interest in metabolic and hormonal conditions as well as children’s health. • Balance is at 36a Market Place, Oundle PE8 4AJ. 01832 272927.

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NENE PEOPLE

The way we were In a fascinating new book that shows how Peterborough and its people have changed over the last 30 years or so, Chris Porsz has created a unique documentary record, believed to be the only one of its kind anywhere in the world. Jonathan Craymer reports

EMORIES, light the corners of my mind, misty water coloured memories, of the way we were’, run the first two lines of The Way We Were – lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, sung by Barbra Streisand – which became the ultimate anthem to nostalgia back in 1974. But is it ever helpful to look back? Clearly yes, in the case of Chris Porsz, above, who recently set about the massive task of contacting hundreds of people he’d photographed in the 1970s and ‘80s and then re-photographing them, creating a remarkably clear picture of how Peterborough and its people have developed since the original pictures were taken. His book, aptly titled Reunions, with text by writer Jo Riley, was published late last year and, though I wouldn’t normally be so bold, I think any Peterborough resident (or indeed anyone who’s ever spent time in the city) will find it fascinating. Ironically, Chris almost gave up on photography altogether in the mid-‘80s. He was promoted from hospital porter to paramedic, and combined with the pressures of family life, found his time for taking pictures was severely limited. It’s the Peterborough local paper (the then Evening Telegraph) which must take credit for the re-emergence of this amazing historical resource, and Chris’s own unique talent. He sent them one or two of his old pictures in 2009 and was given a column under the heading ‘Paramedic Paparazzo’, featuring two pictures each week. People started to recognise themselves and interest snowballed. The first people to make contact are featured on the book’s cover. Tony and Sally Wilmot were snapped kissing goodbye at the railway station in 1980 – but had no idea they’d been photographed until Tony’s father saw the image

Xenia Gordon is now a full-time carer and proud grandmother

Tony and Sally Wilmot had no idea they’d been photographed... now they’re on the cover of Chris’s new book

in the ET. Chris was nervous about meeting up with the pair, but then hit on the idea of trying to recreate the original photograph in exactly the same spot. That led to the idea of creating a whole series of reunion pictures. But there was just one problem – Chris had never taken contact details for any of his subjects!

Sitting in one of Chris’s favourite Peterborough eateries, the Lakeside Kitchen and Bar at Ferry Meadows, Chris told me it’s been an emotional rollercoaster, with many highs but some lows: “Not having contact details for any of them, this was in many ways a detective story. In many cases the 134 reunions I’ve ended up doing were hard to arrange, as NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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NENE PEOPLE

The way we were

Trudie Talbot and husband Dave were first photographed in 1980; Chris met her by chance again in 2010

Eileen King ran a wool stall on the market for 50 years...

many people have sadly died, some quite young. Many have emigrated. Some just didn’t want to do it. Perhaps they didn’t want to dig up the past or were camera-shy. “But then some who initially said they didn’t want to take part changed their minds, and afterwards said they were really glad, having enjoyed the process – in some cases seeing people for the first time in 30 years.” Some families of those who had passed away were delighted to discover their loved ones had been photographed all those years ago, and sometimes younger relatives even stood in for those who were no longer alive. “There were a lot of setbacks but I had an unshakeable belief that this was something really special. However, it was a slow process. It took about four years to do the first 50. But then I discovered the joy of social media and within minutes was getting new leads. So many in fact that I had great difficulty keeping up with them. Some weeks I was doing 10 reunions, and in the evenings working till midnight responding to people who’d made contact!” At some point Chris knew he had to draw a line and compile this book with Jo’s help. Whether there’s another book waiting to be put together, only time will tell. There are clearly many human subjects he’d still like to track down. There were a number of million-to-one coincidences which helped him find people. For instance, the three-year-old boy pictured looking through a gate at 92 Gladstone Street in 1980. A little over 30 years later Chris happened to attend a 999 call at a clothing shop nearby where a lady, who ran the shop with her husband, had fallen down the stairs. “She was fine fortunately, and as I chatted to the couple, I happened to have a copy of a previous book of mine with the picture of the boy in it. The husband said he knew who it was

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

– a man called Zaroob – and as he raised his arm to show me where he lived just around the corner, Zaroob himself walked down the street. I immediately went out, showed him the picture and he smiled and said ‘that’s me’. What are the chances of that happening? I could have been off duty that day, or any number of factors might have prevented me finding that little boy as a grown-up!” In 1982 Chris snapped five friends in what was then a derelict house – 232 Cromwell Road. Shown in the right-hand window of the house is a young lad called Ricky Clarke. Almost three decades later the same individual felt unwell and dialled 999 at 3am. Again, by some fluke, Chris was dispatched to offer medical assistance. “He was taken to hospital and after it was over and he was feeling better he said to me ‘you took my picture 30 years ago’ and again I couldn’t believe it. I was of course pleased he’d made a full recovery – but personally it felt as though I’d won the lottery, as another reunion had literally fallen into my lap. The original picture appeared in the ET several times, but nobody had come forward.” Ricky and some of the other surviving members of the group agreed to reunite in front of the house, now re-numbered and turned into flats. This event in 2011 was videoed as a mini documentary by city filmmaker Martyn Moore (see it at www.chrisporsz.com/ the-film.html) and like so many of Chris’s reunions, turned out to be bittersweet. Sadly the boy standing in the doorway, Chris Jackson, had passed away. One of the others, Phil Boardman (who appears in another reunion in Loire Court), had kept in touch with Ricky, and it also happily led to a reunion with his cousin Stuart Beach. The pair have stayed in touch. Another against-the-odds event led to Chris

Chris’s work as a paramedic led to many happy and coincidental reunions, like that with Zaroob

catching up with Trudie Talbot, who he still refers to as the Vimto girl. Chris photographed her and husband Dave in Cathedral Square in 1980. Again, he’d tried for years to identify the pair, but to no avail. Then in June 2010 he was showing a group of nurses a calendar he’d made that year featuring some of his original photographs, when one of them said ‘that’s me’. With a degree of irony – as he’s clearly so good at what he does – Chris admits to wondering initially whether he was good enough to take the reunion pictures, or whether he should bring in another photographer! Fortunately, he soon realised it would only work if he took the pictures himself. There are so many touching images of reunions, which also show how the city

Above and left: Aged 12 when first photographed, Tim Goodman is now a successful businessman, while the policeman is David Harvey – then a first year probationary constable – who retired in 2009 after 30 years in the Cambridgeshire force

One of the city’s most colourful characters, Nobby (left and here) lived in a bus shelter on Oundle Road for many years

landscape has changed. On one page there’s a picture of a rookie policeman talking to a young lad on a bike in Bridge Street. The 12-year-old is Tim Goodman, now a successful businessman, while the policeman is David Harvey, then a first year probationary constable – who retired in 2009 after 30 years in the Cambridgeshire force, having climbed to the level of Chief Superintendent. He’s since done a degree in

Below: ‘Metal Mickey’, as Steve Osborn was known, broke both legs in a series of motorcycle accidents. He’s shown here in 1980 and 2016. Bottom: In 1982 Chris snapped five friends at a derelict house; almost three decades later one of them dialled 999...

ancient history and archaeology. There are so many lovely images of characters (with their present-day selves) too, like Xenia, the former skinhead punk, Nobby who lived in a bus shelter in Oundle road for years, and ‘Metal Mickey’. There are people at play, like Tracy Green and Mick, dressed up for a night out. And workers like Eileen King, who for 50 years ran a wool stall on the market.

Thank you, Chris, for this treasure trove of memories, touching reunions and short-cuts to our past. Personally I think this should be made into a permanent feature in the museum, Martyn Moore should make a full length documentary, and the whole thing should be supported by a massive Arts Council grant – all while Chris works on volume two! • www.chrisporsz.com NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

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OUT & ABOUT All you need for a fun-filled January next book. 7.30pm. Free. St Mark’s Hall, Lincoln Road, PE1 2SN. www. peterboroughcivicsociety. org.uk Saturday 7 January Limehouse Lizzy Renowned for an actionpacked pyrotechnicfuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Phil Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide. The band have also added a tribute into their show to ex-Lizzy guitarist and worldrenowned solo artist Gary Moore, who passed away in 2011. 7.30pm. £16.50. Stamford Corn Exchange, Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX. 01780 766455; www. stamfordcornexchange. co.uk Monday 9 January Peterborough Civic Society talk: The Napoleonic Prison of War camp at Norman Cross Historian Paul Chamberlain is an authority on prisoners of war in the period 17931815 and was heavily involved in the eagle restoration at Norman Cross and the Time Team dig there. He will share the research he has carried out on the lives of individual prisoners for his

Friday 13 to Wednesday 25 January Concrete Soul, Process Smith Stuart Payn, who works under the artistic pseudonym Process Smith, has had a lifelong interaction with the urban environment as both a skateboarder and street artist. Inspired by the materials that make up these spaces, he brings his new exhibition to the City Gallery – a collection of work that applies the processes and techniques he has developed over his artistic career to the urban aesthete. 10am-5pm. Free. City Gallery, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF. 01733 864663. Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 January Phoenix Tours The Peterborough Revellers return to the Peterborough Indoor Bowls Club in Burton Street for their next ‘something completely

different’ production. Set in the middle of nowhere, in the foothills of the Welsh mountains, it’s a comedy called Phoenix Tours written by local playwrights Clive and Sue Read and performed ‘in the round’. 7.30pm. £12.50 to include a fish and chip supper. 01778 349534.

Saturday 21 January T-Rextasy: The Marc Bolan 40th anniversary celebration concert Marc Bolan, with his band T-Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era; it’s hard to believe that 40 years have now passed since Marc’s fatal car accident. T-Rextasy are celebrating Marc’s life and works with a very special commemorative tour – if you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you! 7.30pm. £19.50. Stamford Corn Exchange, Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX. 01780 766455; www. stamfordcornexchange. co.uk

Saturday 28 January Jane Hawking: From Fact to Film to Fiction Jane Hawking Ph.D. is an English author and educator, and the ex-wife of Stephen Hawking. She and Stephen met through mutual college friends at a party in the early 1960s and married in 1965, despite Stephen’s diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Jane and her husband separated in 1990, and divorced five years later. In 1999 Jane wrote an autobiography about her first marriage, Music to Move the Stars: A Life with Stephen. In 2007, an updated version of the autobiography was re-published under the title Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, and was subsequently made into the award-winning film The Theory of Everything. It was nominated for five Oscars, four Golden Globes and ten BAFTAs; the film grossed £77 million worldwide. Silent Music, written in 2016, is Jane’s latest book. It is a coming-of-age novel about the unpredictable nature of human behaviour and about taking control of one’s destiny; it is a timeless portrait of post-war Britain, as well as a lyrical paean to hope and aspiration. This will be a fascinating chance to hear Jane speaking about her life with Stephen, her thoughts about the film, The Theory of Everything and her latest book, Silent Music. 7.45pm £8 (£6), £1 off early bird tickets bought before 21 January. The Great Hall, Oundle School, New Street, Oundle. Tickets from the Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle. 01832 274734; www.oundlefestival.org.uk

Thursday 12 January Simon Guerrier & Dr Marek Kukula: The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who The first official guide to the science of Doctor Who by acclaimed Doctor Who novelist Simon Guerrier and Dr Marek Kukula, the Public Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Weaving together authoritative scientific discussion with a series of new adventures by acclaimed Doctor Who writers, the two explore the possibilities of time travel, life on other planets, artificial intelligence, parallel universes and more. From the dawn of astronomy and the discovery of gravity to the moon landings and string theory, the authors show how science has inspired Doctor Who and how, on occasion, life has mirrored art, such as the 1989 discovery of ‘ice-canoes’ on Triton which were featured in the 1973 episode The Planet of the Daleks. 7.45pm. £8 (£6), £1 off early bird tickets bought before 5 January. The Great Hall, Oundle School, New Street, Oundle. Tickets: Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle. 01832 274734; www.oundlefestival.org.uk

➧ NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

OUT & ABOUT All you need for a fun-filled January

Tudor festival returns

ETERBOROUGH Cathedral and Vivacity’s Peterborough Museum are gearing up for the Katharine of Aragon Festival which will take place from 26-29 January and marks the date in 1536 when King Henry VIII’s first wife was buried at Peterborough Abbey (now the Cathedral), where she still rests to this day. After a traditional Service of Commemoration for schoolchildren and dignitaries on Friday 27 January, the Festival continues with tours and talks including a lecture by historian and broadcaster Dr Suzannah Lipscomb entitled Character and Conscience: A Dynasty of Catholic Queens. There’ll be plenty for families to enjoy too, with craft-making and living history events both at the Museum and at the Cathedral Visitor Centre throughout the weekend – look out for ‘King Henry and Queen Katharine’ holding court in the Knights’ Chamber and the barber surgeon at the Museum! Meanwhile the Museum will have just opened its doors to the Tremendous Tudors exhibition – an opportunity to discover not only a whole host of stories from Tudor Peterborough, but also a rare glimpse at some unique, seldom-displayed objects such as the Peterborough Book of Hours, a 500-year-old illuminated Tudor manuscript in immaculate condition which is usually kept locked away to protect it from light damage. The exhibition runs from January 21 to April 2. For more details visit www. peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or www.vivacity-peterborough. com, or call Peterborough Information Centre on 01733 452336.

NENE LIVING JANUARY 2017

Festival highlights include: Thursday 26 January 5.30pm Sung Eucharist in commemoration by Peterborough Cathedral Choir, with choral music similar to the monastic worship of Katharine’s day. Friday 27 January 8.30am Mass at Peterborough Cathedral conducted by Fr Adam Sowa of St Peter and All Souls Roman Catholic Church, Peterborough. 10.30am Service of Commemoration at Peterborough Cathedral for schoolchildren at which they, with representatives of the Spanish Embassy and local dignitaries, will lay wreaths on the tomb Katharine of Aragon. All are welcome to attend. 2pm Guided tour of Peterborough Cathedral, with a particular focus on the Tudor period. £8 (£6 concessions). 6pm Tudor-style Pottage and Ale Supper in the medieval Knights’ Chamber, the upper room where knights associated with Peterborough Abbey would have gathered in days gone by. There will be entertainment from the musicians of Hautbois and attendants in Tudor costume, as well as good food. £40 per person, including a reserved seat for the lecture and drinks - wine, soft drinks or Castle Ales’ ‘Old Scarlett’, or £30 without the lecture (below). 7.30pm Festival Lecture: Character and Conscience: a Dynasty of Catholic Queens. The Katharine of Aragon Festival Lecture 2017 will be given by historian, author and broadcaster Dr Suzannah Lipscomb (above right). This talk aims to re-evaluate Katharine

as a spirited woman of integrity and faith, and to examine her in the context of the legacy of her mother, Isabella I of Spain, and to her daughter, Mary I of England. £11 (£5.50 under 18s) including wine or a soft drink afterwards. Saturday 28 January 10am-5pm At Home with the Tudors at Peterborough Museum. Travel back in time to the 1500s, with a chance to meet characters such as the Barber Surgeon with his gruesome cures. Mind your manners with a Tudor lady, handle arms and armour with soldiers and try some period food as well as take part in family activities and crafts with a Tudor theme. This is a drop-in event, so there’s no need to pre-book. Last entry at 4pm. £4 adults, £3 concessions, £12 families, under 5s free. Combined ticketing with the Priestgate Vaults will also be available (advance booking advised). Call 01733 864663 or visit www.vivacity-peterborough. com for more information. 10.30am-3.30pm A Royal Audience in the Knights’ Chamber – family activities in the Knights’ Chamber and Cathedral Learning Centre. Meet Henry VIII and his Queen in the Knights’ Chamber, then pop along the corridor to get crafty in the Learning Centre, with ‘monarchmakes’ to take home. Royal Audience times: 10.30am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 3pm. This is a Heritage Lottery Fund-supported drop-in event so there’s no need to pre-book. £3 per child. 2pm Guided tour of Peterborough Cathedral – details as above.

5.30pm Choral Evensong sung by the St Peter’s Singers with music from Tudor times. All welcome. 7.30pm Katharine and her Ambassadors, a talk by historian and author Lauren Mackay, at Peterborough Museum. This talk will explore the Tudor queen through the eyes of the ambassadors – men whose reports are often overlooked, but who offer insights into lesser-known elements of her character. £6, £4 concessions, including light refreshments and a chance to explore the Tremendous Tudors exhibition. Booking is recommended; call 01733 864663 or visit www. vivacity-peterborough.com. Sunday 29 January 10am-5pm At Home with the Tudors at Peterborough Museum, details as above, 10.30am-3.30pm A Royal Audience in the Knights’ Chamber, details as above, 2pm Tudor Peterborough Walk starting at Peterborough Museum – explore Peterborough’s city centre with a costumed guide then enter Peterborough Cathedral where you will hear about the funeral of Katharine of Aragon and other stories from its Tudor history. £6 (£4 children). To book call Peterborough Museum on 01733 864663, or visit www.vivacitypeterborough.com. 3.30pm Choral Evensong at Peterborough Cathedral sung by Peterborough Cathedral Choir. All are welcome.

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