Nene Living April 2016 by Best Local Living

ROADSIDE RESCUE: New life for A1 icon

NENE LIVING C OV E R I N G

Making a splash

P E T E R B O R O U G H , O U N D L E A N D T H E

N E N E VA L L E Y

Let’s go outside! Get your garden ready for summer APRIL 2016 £1.50 04

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE... April 2016

ELCOME to the biggestever issue of Nene Living! We’ve packed it with plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your Nene home and lifestyle… and we’ve even had a bit of a ‘spring clean’ ourselves – I hope you like our new look! This month we’ve gathered advice on getting your garden ready for summer entertaining in our Outdoor Living features which begin on p31 and for inside, we look at the latest in kitchen styling on p48. People feature heavily in this bumper issue too – there’s the new Head of Oundle School, Sarah Kerr-Dineen on p15, fashion designer Anne Foxley on p26 and Kings Cliffe brewer Jez O’Neill on p41. You’ll also read about the hardy souls who swim all-year-round in the River Nene on p18, Andrew Corrick who is Chef/Patron at The Cherry House on p39, career counsellor Niki Tolhurst on p16 and on p21 the architects who are breathing new life into one of the area’s iconic roadside buildings. This issue is proof indeed that our region is full of fascinating people… it’s a privilege to share their stories with you.

Gillian Bendall Editor INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 Upfront

41 Cheers!

7, 9, 10, 13 News & Notes 26 Looking good,

44 Food for thought

Must-haves and mustn’t-miss ideas for the month ahead

Talking bespoke beers with the Kings Cliffe brewer

grown-up style

Helping you make the most of Nene living

Designer Anne Foxley on what to wear… and not

15 Interview:

29 The healing power of

Sarah Kerr-Dineen

creativity

A chat with the new Head of Oundle School

Get crafty... and grow your confidence

16 Seeking job

31 Let’s go outside!

satisfaction?

Careers counsellor Niki Tolhurst can help...

Mediterranean scene-setters from the specialists at The Olive Grove

37 Lawn experts get the thumbs up

Meet the Nene’s year-round swimmers

21 Roadside rescue

New lease of life for an A1 icon

Top tips for your lawn

39 First bite at the Cherry House

Werrington’s finest lives up to expectations

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

GET IN TOUCH: neneliving.co.uk

48 Hot in the kitchen

Fresh looks for your mostused room

53 Health & Beauty

The latest tips on looking good and feeling great

Get your garden ready for a summer of fun

35 Plant up for summer

18 Making a splash

Riverford recipe… and recycling coffee sacks

55 Step back in time

A circular walk around Brancaster Staithe in Norfolk

56 A summer full of festivals

Fun for all the family, not too far from home

59 Out & About

April activities… and news of what’s coming soon

big thank you to the team at The Olive Grove for their help with this month’s front cover photoshoot. Recreate the look in your own garden: the giraffes are from £110, fire pits from £160, log baskets from £75, benches from £165 and Mason Jars from £12.50 for a set of four. For more garden ideas from The Olive Grove see p35 in this issue or log on to: www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk Photographer: Tim Sandall. www.timsandall.com

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

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UPFRONT UPFRONT

The editor’s must-haves and mustn’t-miss ideas for the month ahead

F you fear that April’s going to seem a bit empty with Easter already done and dusted, don’t! There’ll be plenty to cheer when one very special lady celebrates her birthday this month… Queen Elizabeth II is about to be 90! Her Majesty has to wait a while before her big day is marked by two major celebrations – a 90-minute extravaganza featuring 900 horses and more than 1,500 performers will be held every evening from 12-15 May at Windsor,

Union Jack scarf, £9.95, Romejo’s, Oundle

presence in our lives for such a long time. Apparently Queen Elizabeth II’s signature style of single-colour outfit and decorative hat is a deliberate choice, designed to make her more easily visible in a crowd. Whether you’re a similar sartorial statement-maker, or prefer to pay homage in a more modest fashion, I think this shopping selection might suit the occasion perfectly...

and there’ll be three days of services, parades and lunches from 10-12 June in London. But I think her birthday on 21 April provides the perfect excuse to put on the gladrags and party before then. Her Majesty’s birthday falls this year on a Thursday – that’s Market Day in Oundle, so traders, shoppers and schoolchildren are all being encouraged to wear a hat in tribute to the remarkable lady who’s been a reassuring

Red, white and blue (plus a few more summer shades for good measure!) bowdetail Colince pumps by Cefalu, £99.50, Cottons, Oundle

Madame Romantica stitched notebook, £12.50, Paperchase, Queensgate Silver and enamel spitfire cufflinks, £127, Harpur’s of Oundle

Silver and enamel Union Jack tie pin, £55, Harpur’s of Oundle

18ct white gold, diamond and South Sea pearl pendant, £875; pearl necklace, £158; South Sea pearl and diamond earrings £875, all Harpur’s of Oundle

Best of British check dress, £149, Marks & Spencer, Queensgate

1920’s diamond and platinum brooch, £3,000, Harpur’s of Oundle Miley lasercut clutch bag, £25 Accessorize, Queensgate

Collection navy wave texture blazer, £99, Marks & Spencer, Queensgate

Lace overlay hard-case clutch bag, £32, Accessorize, Queensgate

STOCKISTS: Cottons, 7 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA. www.cottons-oundle.com Romejo’s, 14 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BQ. www.romejos.co.uk. Harpur’s of Oundle, 5A West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ www.harpurjewellery.com. Marks & Spencer, Queensgate, Peterborough PE1 1GG. www.marksandspencer.com. Accessorize, Queensgate, Peterborough PE1 1NH. www.accessorize.com. Paperchase, Queensgate, Peterborough PE1 1NT. www.paperchase.co.uk.

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WATERCOLOUR EXHIBITION FRIDAY 8th APRIL – SATURDAY 30th APRIL

Watercolours by 18th, 19th and 20th Century Artists

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NEWS & NOTES Helping you make the most of Nene living

Make your garden a wildlife haven

ILDLIFE lovers will adore the range of animal-friendly products now in stock at The Walled Garden at Elton Hall. New from Wildlife World – one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of nature products – the range features butterfly feeders, hedgehog shelters and bee nest boxes, all designed to bring wildlife into the garden. The Frogilo frog and toad home (below, £19.99) provides an all-year home for frogs and toads, and protection from predators. Hand-made in frost-resistant ceramic with a ‘tagine’ style roof, it should be positioned near a pond or damp area in a quiet, cool, shaded position. If predators are a problem in your garden, the Ladybird Tower (right, £12.99) is a good buy. Constructed with a hollow central chamber which can be filled with straw for insulation, it provides a safe haven for beneficial insects – one ladybird may eat over 4000 aphids in a lifetime! • www. eltonwalledgarden.co.uk SEE p31 FOR MORE IDEAS ON MAKING THE BEST OF YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER

Watercolours on show

OCAL fine art dealer Jeremy Green is exhibiting watercolours from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries at The Dolby Gallery in Oundle this month. On view will be works by some of the most accomplished artists working in the medium including David Cox (1783-1859), William Callow (1812-1908), Edward Lear (18121888) and John Sell Cotman (1782-1842), plus a work by Averil Burleigh depicting Villefranche near Avignon. Prices for the exhibits range from £300 to £3000. The exhibition will run from 8 April to 6 May and The Dolby Gallery is at 30 West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. • For more information on Jeremy Green’s Canon Gallery log on to www.canongallery.co.uk NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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NEWS & NOTES F

ACILITIES at the KC Active complex in Kings Cliffe will be boosted with the construction of tennis/ netball courts thanks to new grant funding. The 12-acre site already has two full-sized football pitches, a floodlit multi-use games area, play areas with equipment and a pavilion with changing facilities and a community room. Now waste management specialist Augean Plc has provisionally approved a grant of £23,387 which – along with £74,000 from Sport England Inspired Facilities and £35,000 from East Northamptonshire Community Facilities Fund – means the trustees can commission the new courts, which will hopefully be in use by Wimbledon this summer. • www.kcactive.co.uk

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

Off the leash…

E regularly meet dog owners whose dog doesn’t come back when called, or owners who have never dared to let their dog off the lead. In the right setting, off-lead exercise is good for dogs – and in some cases, it’s an essential part of meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Most owners won’t have access to a fully-fenced acre or two, and even if they did, the dogs would prefer different environments to explore and carry out normal sniffing, searching, running or chasing behaviours. There are some important stages in a puppy’s development that make introducing new trained behaviours easier and the ‘follow’ response is one of the most useful. Puppies of feral dogs automatically follow a parent on short hunting jaunts; to begin with, this is not far from the den, and the puppy will stick very close to mum. The puppy will rush back to mum upon hearing or seeing something it’s not sure of. This is what happens naturally, and the timing of recall training can mirror this development stage perfectly. The easiest way to introduce recall training is in the house or garden with a pup as young as eight weeks, then progress to off-lead exercise when his or her vaccinations are completed. Find a quiet, open area where you can see all around you, and make sure you have an area that is free from other animals and people. With tasty treats, practice his recall a lot along the walk – make coming back to you the best thing in the world. Progress to areas with a few minor distractions, and use these as training opportunities. With this in place, you should be on the way to having a good recall and the opportunity to exercise off-lead when it’s safe to do so.

One-stop shop for groundcare essentials

• 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

PRIL’S the month to get busy in the garden, and for many that means there are mowers needing maintenance and power tools to replace or repair. Recentlyopened at Hampton, The Peterborough Mower & Groundcare Centre provides sales, hire, spares and repairs for all new and used pieces of garden equipment. An off-shoot of RTC Plant Services Ltd – a family-run business established in 1996 which prides itself on being the region’s largest independent dealer for construction and agricultural equipment – The Peterborough Mower & Groundcare Centre specialises entirely in lawnmowers and groundcare equipment for both domestic and commercial users. With a company ethos centred on first-rate customer care, founder Tom Calton and his team give customers a chance to look at and try out a large variety of different garden machinery that is held in stock. The showroom, at Unit 24 Phorpres Close, Hampton is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and the company also boasts a strong online presence with two newlyestablished webstores: www.pmgcentre.co.uk caters for those looking for mower servicing or equipment hire and www.thegroundcarecentre.co.uk sells a plethora of gardening power tools from leading brands including Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Grillo and more.

Summer date for Green Festival

NDEPENDENT charity Peterborough Environment City Trust has announced that its annual Green Festival is moving to a new summertime date of Saturday 13 August this year, with fringe events running through to 21 August. In addition, PECT has also revealed that the festival has been awarded Arts Council funding for a three-year period – bringing £73,500 into the city – which will be used to commission artists to create innovative artworks, to promote sustainable living and encourage people to take positive actions for their local and global environment. The 2016 Festival celebrates everything ‘green’ in Peterborough and is sponsored by Travelchoice, which will allow sustainable transport to be highlighted in exciting and thought-provoking ways. • www.pect.org.uk.

Citizens Advice Peterborough is offering over-50s a free 45-minute session to ensure they understand their pension options and any related tax implications. CEO Keith Jones says: “Pension Wise is a free service which is here to help people make sense of their options. We offer face-to-face appointments across the county which are tailored to each individual, depending on their wants and needs for retirement.” • 01733 887922; www. citapeterborough.org.uk Do you want to do something special for yourself, your community and your employer? Cambridgeshire Constabulary is seeking applications from people with good life skills and experience, plus strong community awareness, to join its Special Constabulary. • www.cambs.police.uk/ recruitment/Specials

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NEWS & NOTES Prestigious performance of ‘lost’ Requiem

Renting now ‘the norm’ for many first-timers

HE mystery surrounding Mozart’s Requiem has spawned a book, a play and the film Amadeus. And now a recently rediscovered and rare version of what is considered one of the composer’s best known works is to be performed by the Harborough Singers – believed to be only the second ever performance of the piece in this country. “Carl Czerny’s arrangement of the Mozart Requiem was lost,” the choir’s conductor David Beavan explains. “It had been performed to great acclaim in 1827 and was much admired, although it was reputedly difficult. After that, it was lost. Then quite recently, a manuscript version was rediscovered in a library in Czerny’s native Slovakia. I knew straight away I wanted to perform it.” A Romantic era composer and teacher, Carl Czerny’s piano studies are still widely used for teaching today. His version of Mozart’s famous Requiem is scored for choir and soloists, together with the unusual addition of ‘four hand piano’ – two players battling it out on a single keyboard. The Requiem will form the second half of a concert which takes place at 6pm on 17 April in the Saxon surroundings of All Saints Church, Brixworth (between Market Harborough and Northampton). Taking centre stage in the first half will be a feast of chamber music. • www.harboroughsingers.com

Support for #teamgeorge

OMEWARE designer Sophie Allport is supporting a local youngster who was injured playing rugby last year, with a new collection of sports-themed china mugs. For each one sold in 2016, £1 will be donated to #teamgeorge, named after George Robinson who was injured during a Stamford School tour in South Africa. Aged 17, he incurred a serious spinal cord injury and is likely to need long-term personal care and support. “As a mother of rugby playing boys, we wanted to do as much as we could to help George and his family,” explains Sophie. “We have come up with a number of initiatives to raise money for this brave young man in 2016.” Sophie’s new ‘Balls’ collection includes four fine bone china mugs covered in rugby, football, cricket, tennis and golf balls. They can be purchased online and at Sophie’s shop in Langtoft near Stamford. To boost funds further, a number of Sophie Allport employees are tackling the ‘three peaks challenge’ on 4 April. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/teamgeorge2015. • www.sophieallport.com

Fashionforward

PRING/summer fashion must-haves go on show at Queensgate on Saturday 9 April when the shopping centre hosts Backstage Live. Recreating the behind-the-scenes buzz of a fashion show, the event will feature some of Queensgate’s hottest fashion retailers. Shoppers can get expert advice on the latest trends for SS16 – what’s hot and what’s not, free hair styling, tips and advice, and free make-up and beauty consultations from some of the biggest names in the industry. Event organiser and Marketing Manager at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Laura Sayer, says: “Imagine London Fashion week and everything that goes on behind the scenes to get the models catwalkready – this is what we’re creating for Backstage Live!” Customers can book a one-to-one stylist appointment via the Queensgate website, or listen to one of the 10-minute masterclasses taking place hourly throughout the day. Local bloggers will also be attending to give live updates, explore the latest trends and offer their own tips for SS16. • www.queensgateshopping.co.uk

RIVE around the familiar streets of Peterborough and it’s easy to pick up on a shift in the property market over the last Hellen Walden decade. The number of estate agents’ boards hasn’t diminished, but there seem fewer ‘for sale’ boards and a growing percentage of ‘to let’ signs. So who better to ask about this than a company involved with both sides of the market for more than 35 years, City & County? Lettings Manager Hellen Walden explains: “As property prices have risen, the number of households in the private rented sector has more than doubled since 2001 – about 20 per cent of the total. Limited housing supply, affordability and mortgage availability make it harder for firsttime buyers so for many, renting is now the norm. Perhaps that explains the 109 lettings agents now listed within 15 miles of PE1 on Rightmove!” If the number of new landlords has increased, what should they be looking for? “A good lettings agent will view their role as not simply finding a tenant, but ensuring a continuous, optimum rental income from the property, free of any worries or problems. Most landlords’ concerns are that there will be a rental gap without income and that the property will not be looked after. That’s precisely where ‘Full Property Management’ is key; experience and thorough processes mean we handle the entire let from beginning to end, recognising the recent changes in legislation shifting greater responsibility to the landlord or their agent. Ultimately it’s all about peace of mind.” • 01733 561161; www.cityandcounty.net

The right type

eyboard skills are a ‘life essential’ these days – but did you know that with the right tuition, you can learn to touch-type eight times faster than you can write? Diane Gifford runs run touch-typing classes from her home in Apethorpe and explains: “With keyboards an inherent part of life, most people know their way around a keyboard – some even turn impressive speeds in typing with two or more fingers. But being able to touch-type is different. Touch-typists don’t need to remember the location of keys on the Qwerty keyboard. Instead they learn the finger movement that hits the relevant letters. That’s the key to it because our brains store information about movement learning in an entirely different area. Once you have learnt to walk, ski, ride a bicycle – or touchtype – you never forget it.” • www.typebytouch.co.uk

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In the beautiful setting of of Elton Hall Victorian Walled Garden... Perennials - over 100 varieties, from £2.99 each

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NEWS & NOTES Recognition for watermill restoration

he £1.8m restoration of the 18th-century Grade II* listed watermill at Sacrewell Farm has been nominated for two regional awards. Sacrewell Mill reopened last July after a 12-month project joint-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and owner the William Scott Abbott Trust. And now the mill project has been nominated in the building conservation and leisure and tourism categories of the East of England Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards, which will take place on 11 May. If successful at regional level, the project will be entered into national awards later this year. Mill Project Officer Jane Harrison says the nominations are a credit to the team who worked on the restoration – Cambridge architecture firm Purcell headed the project which was managed by The Clarkson Alliance, and work was carried out by Tinwell firm, Messenger Construction. She says: “Before funding was secured, Sacrewell Mill was on the ‘at risk’ register and the project could not have started at a better time. The work carried out needed expert knowledge, from the initial planning stages to on-thespot decisions.”

New facilities for Nene anglers

EEPING St James Angling Club is celebrating the completion of work on a new all-year fishery near Stibbington. In December 2014, in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust, the club started to revive a fish refuge that had been created from a small lake many years ago, by cutting inlet and outlet channels from the River Nene. The refuge and its channels had become overgrown and clogged with silt, and was no longer fit for purpose. The plan was to provide an off-channel winter refuge for fish and provide additional fishing along a very attractive section of the Nene. Over the following months vegetation was cleared, heavy machinery brought in to dredge the channel, a new footbridge was erected to provide additional access and three car parks created along with 28 new fishing pegs. Stone aggregate was used to create an all-weather roadway and car parks for all-year-round angling. In February the club – whose members are match and leisure anglers – finished building stable fishing platforms of either wood or concrete, all ready for the 2016 fishing season. The refuge is now home to tench, roach, dace, perch, chub, bream, rudd, eels, bleak and pike, with several 10lb-plus pike being caught in the last few weeks. Deeping St James Angling Club has several river fisheries on the Nene, Welland, Folly and Witham rivers and Horseshoe Lake at Wansford (pictured). • www.deepingstjamesanglingclub.co.uk

Want to learn how to make your mind calm and peaceful, even in the most difficult circumstances? Buddhist nun Gen Nyingpo is leading a workshop on meditation and mindfulness on Saturday 16 April at Fletton House, Fletton Way, Oundle PE8 4JA. The workshop is from 10.30am-1pm and tickets are £15. • www.drolmacentre. org.uk

Small business owners face changes to taxation of dividends From 6 April 2016 new rates of tax on dividend income are introduced. Kerry Hilliard of Stephenson Smart Chartered Accountants explains why,for many director-shareholders, it will mean higher tax on receiving a dividend...

URRENTLY basic rate taxpayers pay no tax on their dividends and higher rate taxpayers pay an effective tax rate of 25% (or 30.6% for 45% ‘additional rate’ taxpayers). From April 2016 the new rates of tax are 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers, 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers and 38.1% for ‘additional rate’ taxpayers. Under the new rules a dividend allowance will be available, making the first £5,000 of dividends received tax-free. This will create some winners, however most director-shareholders will be worse off. To illustrate this, consider the position of a basic rate taxpayer whose only or main source of income is a small salary and company dividends. Previously they paid no income tax on the salary (as the salary is below the personal allowance) and no tax on the dividend. From April 2016 only £5,000 of the dividend will not be taxable and the remainder will be taxable at 7.5%. Although there will continue to be tax and other advantages from operating as a limited company, these changes have prompted many director-shareholders to look carefully at their own and their company’s finances. A review of the business structure and remuneration strategy is recommended to ensure that the most tax efficient combination is adopted. • For more information and planning advice on tax matters contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 or go to www.stephensonsmart.com

Cathedral visitor centre nears completion

ETERBOROUGH Cathedral continues to prepare for its 900th anniversary in 2018, with conservation and remodelling work on two historic buildings nearing completion. In their new role as a Heritage and Education Centre the buildings – No 25 Minster Precincts, a Grade II listed building previously in use as a private residence and the Knights’ Chamber, a Scheduled Monument originally built in the Medieval period and so-called because at one time it displayed the pictures and coats of arms of knights who held land belonging to Peterborough Abbey – will provide a space where visitors can view dynamic displays and find out more about the Cathedral’s life and history. There will be special facilities for hosting school groups, an exhibition room and the Knights’ Chamber will provide a venue for talks, concerts and other events. The new Heritage and Education Centre is part of a bigger project to improve physical and intellectual access to the Cathedral – a £4m scheme which is supported by a £2.4m Heritage Lottery Fund grant as well as other donations. • www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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LIGHT UP YOUR HOME Visit The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire 10 Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PR (next door to The Party Place)

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21/03/2016 10:52

NENE PEOPLE

Sarah Kerr-Dineen Sue Dobson meets the new Head of Oundle School

UNLIGHT pours through the mullion windows of Sarah Kerr-Dineen’s office. A sense of calm pervades the huge room, so perfectly arranged for every aspect of a Head’s busy working life. The view, over carefully tended lawns shaded by venerable trees, is mesmerising. “I get to see the pupils crossing the gardens between lessons, which I like,” she smiles. Sarah took over as Head of Oundle School last autumn. Educated at Steyning Grammar School in West Sussex (a highly regarded day and boarding State school founded in 1614, where the motto is ‘Every Person the Best They Can Be’), she gained an MA in English at Trinity College, Cambridge, followed by graduate study at Christ Church, Oxford. Her teaching career, which spans over 25 years, includes 13 years at St Edward’s, Oxford, where she was also a Boarding Housemistress and ultimately Director of Studies. Before arriving in Oundle she was Warden (Head) of the innovative Forest School in London. So what drew her to Oundle? “I’ve known about the school for a long time – many of my professional peers have worked at Oundle at some point – and I’ve always enjoyed the company of Old Oundelians, finding them to be interesting, intelligent, decent people. I very much appreciate the school’s ethos and values: recognising the potential of each child, expecting the best of everyone and providing opportunities for all to flourish. It’s an impressive place of learning. Then there’s the town itself – it’s a wonderful place to live.” Sarah is the first woman to be appointed Head in the school’s 460-year history, but it’s not the first time that she’s made similar headlines – she was the first female Head of the 175-year-old Forest School back in 2009. “It’s not something I think about much,” she says. “It’s not why I was appointed. But if it offers a greater range of role models to the pupils, it can only be a good thing.” FAMILY HOME If the setting for her office seems idyllic, she is also fortunate to be living in what is arguably one of the finest houses in the county. “It is wonderful,” she

agrees, and although it is large and has a long history, “it is very much a family home.” Married to music educationalist, lecturer and Royal School of Music examiner Anthony KerrDineen, the couple have four grown-up children, their ages ranging from 19 to 27. “Two are still at university, both studying languages. Alexa is in Bath in her second year studying French and Spanish, while Freddie is at Durham in his third year doing French, Italian and Spanish, so he is out of the country this year. Will is a teacher in Kimbolton and our eldest daughter, Georgie, who got married last year, is a lawyer. “Anthony has been a Director of Music in two schools and is enjoying being part of school life again. He’s been known to step into the breach when the Music Department needs an accompanist! “I’m very struck by how much is going on in Oundle. It’s a proper, thriving town. I love theatre and go to as many productions at the Stahl as possible.”

“I very much appreciate the school’s ethos and values: recognising the potential of each child, expecting the best of everyone and providing opportunities for all to flourish. It’s an impressive place of learning. Then there’s the town itself – it’s a wonderful place to live.”

Sarah’s warmth, innate charm and natural diplomacy have made her popular among staff and pupils

SENSE OF COMMUNITY After Eton and Millfield, Oundle School is the third largest independent boarding school in England. Sarah says she’s always enjoyed the sense of community that being part of a boarding school brings. “What makes Oundle special is both the mix of boarders and day pupils and the fact that the school and the town are so entwined. The sense of sharing space with the town’s residents is very grounding for the children. They are not growing up in an ivory tower but living in the heart of, and being part of, a thriving market town. It’s a happy relationship with a lot of local connections, especially through the vibrant community action programme.” Sarah’s warmth, innate charm and natural diplomacy have made her popular among staff and pupils. After two terms in the job what has she learned? “That it’s a very good-hearted school, optimistic and forward-looking. The pupils are open with positive attitudes and a love of learning. I’m constantly impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone here.” NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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NENE PEOPLE

Helping with the pursuit of

career happiness Careers counsellor Niki Tolhurst has years of experience in helping clients find job satisfaction INTERVIEW: GILLIAN BENDALL

HETHER you’re starting out on the career ladder or looking for a mid-life change of direction, Niki Tolhurst, Careers Director at Career Junction UK, is passionate about the positive role that discussion plays in making the right choice. Based in Peterborough and operating over an area that includes Huntingdon, Stamford, Oakham, Grantham, Northampton, Corby and Cambridge, the company focuses on the personal delivery of career guidance, counselling, education and coaching. Niki, a University of Durham graduate, has worked in key roles for blue chip organisations and is fully qualified in careers education, information, advice and guidance, holding the well-recognised Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG) backed by the Careers Development Institute (CDI). She has worked in both private and voluntary sectors and has experience in training, recruitment and selection. She says: “Individuals who might benefit most from our type of personal careers service fall into two camps. Firstly, young people who have not yet found satisfying work that fulfils their potential and need an independent, supportive careers guide to help them move towards their goals. Perhaps graduates who rely on a well-informed service, based upon wide-ranging experience of the many types of contemporary interviewing styles and selection processes. I see young people who have done well at Uni and are now starting out, considering what they want from work and trying to identify a future career path. “Secondly, adults who feel they need a change of work that offers a different perspective – more meaningful and either more or less challenging perhaps, and fitting in with their current circumstances and aims. This could be a person returning to the job market after a break with family – many find they’re unsure of their skills, or how best to balance work and home-life.” Ultimately, Niki believes that the key to career satisfaction is happiness – and it’s a subject she is keen to explore with clients. “Exploring someone’s own view of happiness might reveal core values important to that person in a work setting.” As the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs said: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” • www.careerjunctionuk.co.uk

Seeking job satisfaction and making life work

Are you at a career junction or finding securing work tricky? Do you need a change to rediscover your zest for work? Are you starting out, a student or graduate or returning to work after a break? Are you seeking “better” work with improved working relationships? Contact Career Junction UK. Approachable and helpful, we offer you support in your career at competitive rates Full Information on our website: www.careerjunctionuk.co.uk or email: info@careerjunctionuk.co.uk.

NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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21/03/2016 10:52

Come on in, the water’s... NENE PEOPLE

…less than 5°! But that’s par

for the course as one group of Open Water swimmers plunge into the River Nene for a bracing workout. Gillian Bendall reports

PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM SANDALL

T’S the weekend, and the village of Wadenhoe is buzzing with cheery banter between dog-walkers and the chatter of children out for a stroll with their parents. Down by the village hall, a group of friends clamber out of their cars and begin discussing their route for the morning. But they’re not pulling on woolly hats, wellies and waterproofs this chilly Saturday morning. Quite the opposite, in fact: they’re stripping down to swimsuits and striding purposefully towards the icy River Nene. At the head of the group is David Coleman, a Kiwi who’s lived in the UK for many years and in 2015 retired as Head of History at Northamptonshire’s Maidwell Hall school. He checks water temperature, current and weather before declaring: “We’ll be in for 20-30 minutes today and won’t be stopping to chat until we’re safely dry and dressed afterwards,” then strips down to shorts and wades without any hint of hesitation into the breeze-whipped, brown water. Behind – and only a tad more cautious over their entry – are Helen Liddle, Claire BustinMulkern, Michelle Leach and Tom Reed, all regulars at the twice-weekly Wadenhoe swims. Helen was last year part of the first team to ever complete the ‘Three Peaks of British Swimming’, tackling the three longest lakes in Scotland, England and Wales in a continuous relay format in under 48 hours – including travel times and wearing only a standard swim suit, hat and goggles! When we met in midFebruary, Claire and Michelle were celebrating gold medal wins a week earlier at the Cold Water Swimming World Cup. And Tom, aka

‘King of the River’, is a coach with the Masters squad at Kettering and one of the first people ever to swim from island to island in the Outer Hebrides (from the southern tip to Gighay, north of Barra). All five have Channel swims under their belts, and David is the only person ever to have swum to France from two different Channel Islands, having crossed from both Jersey and Alderney. In August 2015 he swam the 44 miles around Jersey, this October he will swim the Straits of Gibraltar and he’s planning Ready for action: Helen, Tom, another Channel swim in August 2017 to Claire, Michelle and David celebrate his 60th birthday. As I shivered in my thermals on the riverbank, it seemed easy to question their sanity… but their swimming credentials are undeniable! Wadenhoe is one of two Nene locations the swimmers love – they swim here, and at Tansor, all-year-round. “It’s such a lovely part of the river,” says David. “The water quality is good, and there’s lots of wildlife – I’ve seen otters, egrets, herons and lots of swans and geese.” Tom agrees: “My favourite fresh water swim is the Nene… there’s so little boat traffic, even in the summer on the stretches we tend to swim, between Thrapston and Peterborough. Our friends come from all over the country to swim here and they all love it too.” Though not even a little-bit tempted to join them, it’s easy to get caught up in the swimmers’ shared passion for their sport. “Every winter swim is an achievement,” says David. “You feel great afterwards.” There’s a true team spirit in the sport, too. Tom says: “If you’re going to swim in the colder months, you need to stay acclimatised by swimming regularly, with people who know

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“We always know where we can get out of the water before we get in,and will always look out for one another”

what they’re doing and for manageable periods. We swim upstream and back, so as to not have to fight against the current when we’re cold and tired, or downstream only if it’s too fast to swim against. We always know where we can get out of the water before we get in, and will always look out for one another during and after swims.” Tom, who swims with a waterproof camera strapped to his arm for a mid-way ‘selfie’ (top), continues: “The recovery – getting out, dry and dressed and warming up gradually afterwards – is as important as the time spent in the water. Everyone has their routine for getting dry and dressed, which you have to do almost on autopilot when you’re really cold, so we tend not to wear anything with buttons, laces or anything too fiddly!” If skin tones could be described like paint

colours, I’d say our Nene group went from ‘pale blush’ to ‘raspberry-red’ as they frontcrawled and breast-stroked their way up and downstream. But they are masters of recovery and were dried, dressed, and huddled around a heater in the nearby Old Barn Tea Room (owner Sylvia kindly reserves a table specially for them) within minutes of their clamber out of the river. Or so I thought… It’s here that the physical toll of the swim really takes hold. Bacon sandwiches, bowls of soup, cups of coffee and pots of tea are served… and right on cue, all five start to shake uncontrollably – even getting a spoonful of sugar from pot to mug is a messy task. “It’s only when we start to warm up that the shivering begins,” says Michelle. “I’m sure people must think we’re totally mad, but it calms down eventually.” “We’re not crazy,” affirms Tom.

“We do it for the endorphin rush and the buzz that follows the shivering – as well as the compulsory tea and cake!” Today’s air temperature was 5° and the swimmers reckon the water temperature was well below that. “When it’s up to about 13° you don’t notice the subtle differences so much, but anything below about 5° and you can feel every half-degree of cold,” reckons Helen. So – and particularly as they’ve all joked about their dislike of indoor pools and wetsuits – the burning question: why do it? “It’s a really friendly, supportive sport,” says Helen. “Anyone who’s prepared to have a go will be welcomed, and there’s no one-upmanship like you get in other sports. You have to be a good swimmer, of course, but that’s really the main prerequisite to taking part. The rest is just about training and being safe.” Tom agrees: “The most important thing is of course to stay safe and know your limits – the cold water isn’t to be taken lightly. A good swim is one which leaves you wanting to do a bit more next time. “In the warmer months you really miss the excitement of swimming in the winter. But by the end of winter I, for one, can’t wait for the water temperature to get back up into double figures!” If you’d like to see Open Water swimmers in action, Helen organises the Three River Swims series which takes place twice a year in the Nene at Wadenhoe or Tansor, the Ouse at St Neots and the Cam in Cambridge. Over 50 swimmers from all over the country usually participate, and the next meet is on 2 April. For more information, message Helen via: www.facebook.com/helen.liddle.7 • For more on the Nene swimmers, contact David via davidcolemanswims.com NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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21/03/2016 10:52

Roadside rescue

Architects Harris McCormack are breathing new life into an iconic Art Deco building beside the A1.Lucy Banwell went along for a look...

NYONE accustomed to the drive north on the A1 will be familiar with the abandoned, graffiti-strewn former Little Chef building at Wansford. Empty since the fast food chain shipped out in 2007, the Art Deco building has been the subject of a covert restoration project since it was acquired by architects Harris McCormack in 2013. Previously based in cramped offices in Stamford, directors Simon Harris and William McCormack realised that the huge 1930s building would not only give them the scope to grow their architectural practice, but it could also provide a brilliant showcase for their services. “When the ‘For Sale’ sign went up, Simon and I realised we were looking at an amazing opportunity,” says Director, William McCormack. “Everybody said we were completely mad to buy it because there was water pouring through the roof and it was a real mess inside, but we could see past all that. That’s what we do. We could see that it was a fantastic space and we fell in love with it.” Harris McCormack successfully purchased the land alongside the

building as well, and once they had achieved outline planning permission the land was sold to Tall House Property Development who are in the process of putting up nine complementary Art Deco-style dwellings on the site. Then began the ‘inside out’ development of Harris McCormack’s new headquarters. Keen to get their spacious new offices up and running as soon as possible, the decision was made to make the first floor habitable prior to completing the externals of the building. This means that although the building still looks scruffy and unloved from the road, inside one finds a shiny new architects’ office complete with a zinc-clad extension ‘pod’ which now serves as Harris McCormack’s meeting room. “This is an iconic building with real architectural merit but we wanted to put our own spin on it,” says William. A modern lighting well and a bridge-like walkway have also been added, but in all other respects Harris McCormack’s vision was to take the building back to its 1930s origins. “For security purposes we wanted it to look unoccupied, so it’s always

➧

END OF THE ROAD FOR A1 INN

Ken Mehmed of Peterborough Civic Society charts the history of the ‘refreshing’ roadhouse

RAVELLERS cannot fail to be intrigued by this iconic building at the side of the northbound carriageway of the A1 as it crosses the River Nene. The original Bauhaus design of the building would have made it an architectural rarity then and now – and undoubtedly a Listed building had it not been for destructive front extension and modernisation made to the largest of the curved corner windows in modern times. The building opened for business in 1932 as The Wansford Knight, the fifth roadhouse of the ‘Knights on the Road’ chain. An article in a 1933 issue of The Motor Magazine provides a delightful period description…

“These roadhouses are of interest to every longdistance motorist, for the man who wants a large or light meal quickly and in comfort too. Ordinary hotels are institutions where things have to be done according to the clock, but the roadhouses are completely adaptable. “The six roadhouses [the Wansford Knight turned out to be the final one to be built] are on important arterial roads. They stand up well and are softly floodlit, and half a mile away one has an impression of neatness and cleanliness which is never lost. The combination of white concrete and green paint has a practical and refreshing effect.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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interesting to see people’s response when they walk in through the building site and see us all hard at work at our desks in our new, pristine studio!” says William. “Everyone’s always blown away by it.” The next stage of the development will see the creation of a ground floor showroom for a new Ducati dealership and the completion of

In 1936 the building changed hands and became The New Mermaid in place of the centuries-Olde Mermaid Inn, which stood at the corner of the Old North Road and Leicester Road, demolished to widen the road and smooth the traffic flow at that junction. Images from the 1930s compared with today’s demonstrate how relatively small changes can diminish the original architectural purity of a style which depends so much on proportion and careful detailing. The Bauhaus principles are especially susceptible to small alterations. In the late 1970s The New Mermaid, along with many other transport cafés and roadside inns, was

the façade of the building, which will restore it to its all-white, former glory. The new name of the building – written loud and clear on the exterior – will be ‘ArcHaus’, a combination of the words ‘architect’ and ‘Bauhaus’. William is delighted with the way in which his new, open-plan studio space is working and the positive impact it has already had on his

12-strong team who have been in situ since July last year. “We now have a creative hub in which we can all work together and bounce ideas off each other. We’ve already felt the benefits of this more organic and creative process. “Buying this building was a big leap of faith, but it’s already paying off,” says William. “We’re so excited about our future here.”

bought by Forte. They rebranded it as the Little Chef restaurant as part of their plans to expand the chain across the UK. In order to save money and time, Forte decided to convert the New Mermaid building instead of replacing it with their standardised corporate design, seen throughout the UK. After all, the building was still in decent shape and had been designed as a roadside inn. Sadly for Wansford Little Chef, in 2007 the parent company – by now the People’s Restaurant Group – hit financial problems and the brand was taken on by yet more new owners, R Capital. Not all the sites transferred over and Wansford was one of the 41 to be closed in 2007.

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FASHION

Looking good, grown-up style There’s a distinct sense of style in the designs of Anne Foxley – and it’s one that celebrates women in all their grown-up glory WORDS: GILLIAN BENDALL PHOTOGRAPHS: ADRIAN SALISBURY

Anne Foxley’s signature palette ranges through muted greys, taupe and duck egg to antique pink and black. Expect exquisite detailing, as on this coat (right), flowing lines and the finest fabrics (below and below left). Inside her Hampton studio, storyboards (left) show the inspiration for current bespoke commissions

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NNE Foxley is one of those women others warm to instantly. When we first met my impression was of a softly spoken, perfect vision of pastel loveliness… after only that brief introduction I’d decided she should be – oh, if only we were teenagers still! – my BFF. Fantastic, then, to discover that beneath the stylish exterior there’s a woman with real talent; and very appropriate to learn that it’s one which is all about making us ladies feel confident and comfortable within our own skins. For Anne is a designer with a difference: one who celebrates the female form in all its shapes and sizes. Quirky cuts and striking graphics are all part of Anne Foxley’s signature style… immaculately turned-out and expertly demonstrating the art of accessory-wearing, she’s a walking example of what works best for grown-up women. Based in a purpose-built studio at her Hampton home, Anne designs small runs of clothing – a maximum of 25, each piece is numbered – all made in England. Inside this light-filled space you’ll find coats, tunics, modesty-preserving beach cover-ups and clever underdresses, plus an exquisite selection of statement necklaces alongside storyboards showing the detailed inspirations for her current bespoke commissions. Her minimal designs and choice of only

the finest fabrics hint at her fascination with the organic flowing lines of the Art Nouveau movement and Mucha graphics, with a hint of the quirky cuts and Japanese genius of Issey Miyake and the edgy Vivien Westwood mixed in too. Anne’s prints are nebulous – “often taken from atmospheric phenomena,” she says – and her signature colour palette ranges through muted greys, taupe, and duck egg to antique pink and black. “I was born virtually with a needle in my hand,” Anne jokes. “My mother was a tailors’ and Court dressmaker, and my paternal grandfather a tailor. I made my first garment, a beach robe, aged eight – announcing to the amusement of my family that it was ‘taking shape’ – and I always had a creative spirit. I was a dedicated follower of fashion, inspired much in those early days by Mary Quant!” Peterborough-born and raised, in the early ‘70s Anne trained in London as a teacher in natural sciences, food and nutrition and textiles, before going on to Goldsmiths College of Art to study interior design, textiles and embroidery. In 1982 she set up Anne Foxley Designs, designing show houses and lecturing countrywide, which led to a stint doing TV makeovers. She travelled widely, lecturing and gathering inspiration and lived in Hong Kong and the Netherlands before furthering her studies at the London College of Fashion, where she specialised in leather embellishment.

What to wear… and not • Develop your own style and look good at the age and size you are. • Wear subtle muted colours that flatter your skin tone and add luminescence – think pearls, not sequins! – near your face, to reflect light. • Wear nebulous patterns that are not instantly recognisable as ‘so last year’. • Wear a size larger clothing than you take to conceal and flow over those problem areas and add comfort. • Wear non-structured clothing – fitted garments make you look larger, unless it is Armani tailoring. • Wear strategically-placed scarves and statement necklaces to hide that stubborn tummy or crepelike décolletage. • Wear three-quarter sleeves or layer tops to disguise bingo wings. Big bangles/cuffs draw attention away from less than perfect biceps. • Wear long columns of darker colours with a lighter-coloured gilet or cardigan over to elongate silhouette. • Do not follow high street or designer fashion – instead, find the style that makes you feel most confident. • Avoid wearing short skirts to make you look younger or lower-cut tops to make you look sexier; they just look cheap and draw attention to your less- than-perfect areas. • Avoid knee-length hourglass dresses – they are ageing, cut height and look like sacks tied in the middle as the torso concertinas with age and over a certain size.

Further opportunities to travel took her to China on a regular basis, and Anne set up her own label and made a name as a supplier and presenter of women’s fashion and statement jewellery for TV before, two years ago, she decided to develop limited editions and accessories for direct sale to high-end, discerning customers. Anne’s designs are created on a dummy and ‘translated’ by a talented and experienced pattern cutter, Beverly Gosling, who has previously worked for designers such as Ted Baker and Paul Smith. “I feel privileged to share the experience with her,” says Anne. So how would she describe her lines, and the women who wear them? “I design for independent confident women over 35 with attitude and a distinct sense of style,” Anne says. “There’s a fusion of contemporary, geometrical pieces and deconstructed lines, many created with travelling in mind – multi-functional garments in non-iron fabrics.” Attention to detail is paramount and Anne specialises in hand-embellishment, a skill especially in demand for bespoke wedding dresses. “Above all, they’re timeless, innovative clothes that the wearer brings to life and can treasure for years to come,” she says. “Women over 40 always ask: ‘Can you make me look slimmer, younger, oh… and I want to be comfortable!’ or ‘How can I dress without looking frumpy?’ “And my answer is always the same: it is not your size or age that matters – it is the attitude with which you wear your clothes.” • For more on Anne Foxley’s Limited Editions, call 07866 487753, email mail@ annefoxley.com or see www.annefoxley.com. Photography by Adrian Salisbury, 07736 735331 www.smart-photography.co.uk. NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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R J Warren Ltd

QUALITY LANDSCAPING: • Garden Design & Construction • • Hard Landscaping, Paths, Block Paving, Patios, Driveways • • Soft Landscaping, Grass Seeding, Turﬁng, Planting, Tree Works • • Garden Clearance, Renovation & Maintenance • Drakes Farm, Blackbush Drove, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2LJ

Phone: 01733 350692 www.rjwarren.co.uk

ORANGERIES, CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS, DOORS AND VERANDAS Visit our showhome at: Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm Weekends by appointment only

01780 400 500

ahorangeries.co.uk

Let the outside in SEE YOUR HOME IN A NEW LIGHT

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WELLBEING

The healing power of

Creativity

Colouring and dot-to-dot books may have cornered the grown-up gifts market,but the mental health benefits of getting creative are no gimmick.Give it a go at a Craft Your Life workshop this month…

Sara Collins

Craft Your Life workshops use art therapy concepts

Learning comes from the creative process itself, not from judging the outcome

Jacqueline Monroe

and support to nurture this self-awareness. The use of image work IFE coaches Sara Collins and Jacqueline Monroe developed benefits an individual as it detaches the person and de-personalises the the Craft Your Life concept when they decided to pool their emotions; enabling and empowering the person to knowledge and enthusiasm for using clarify what the issue is by exploring their work from creative expression as a way of helping PREVIOUS WORKSHOP this detached perspective, as if it is someone else’s people get the most from their lives. PARTICIPANTS SAY: problem. The workshop uses gentle, innovative creative Jacqueline, a creative therapist, psychological activities and art therapy concepts to explore “It was truly great, well worthwhile and trainer and nutritionist, sees private clients in everyday issues and to pass on tools and techniques a step towards looking at things more her office in Duxford, Cambridge. She adds: “The that participants can use to enhance their ability to positively” workshop focuses on quality of life, happiness, relax and enjoy life. Working with a small group, each stress and anxiety coping skills – simple but effective one-day workshop aims to help participants build “A worthwhile experience led by two techniques that attendees can take home and apply their self-esteem, boost their confidence and enrich naturally positive people” to their everyday situation to help improve their lives. self-belief. “At the end of the day we give all our attendees a Sara, from Hampton, is a qualified and accredited “I really got a lot out of the day. I am not ‘Happiness Toolkit’ that includes everything they will integrative personal development coach. She says: normally a creative person but I really need to embed what they have learnt in the day. They “The workshop is a fabulous opportunity to be can take their images and creations with them if they creative without judgement. The learning comes enjoyed all the activities” choose, or leave them in the room – whatever is right from the creative process itself, not from judging the outcome. People do not need to be artistic, but “Great fun! Lots of activities throughout for each individual.” Sara sums up: “All our workshops are relaxing and an open and curious mind makes the day a really the day to help look at myself and how positive – we want people to enjoy the day, have fun enjoyable experience.” I think” and learn lots of really useful techniques. Afterwards, A specialist in stress management solutions, those who have been on a workshop can come along Sara works creatively with teenagers in a school to a monthly ‘meet up’ group and continue their journey with us. We also setting and also sees private clients at her offices in Peterborough and have a closed Facebook group where they can support and encourage Cambridge. She’s passionate about helping people re-ignite and then each other going forward.” harness their unique and individual sense of creativity to help them • The next Craft Your Life workshop takes place in the Glapthorn get the very best from their life. Mindfulness and meditation are core components of her work – as is laughter! Explaining the theory behind the Room at Fletton House in Oundle on Saturday 23 April from 9.30-4pm and is priced at £75 per person. For information, contact workshops, she says: “Working with self-created images allows a person either Sara at www.hccoaching.co.uk or Jacqueline at to visually express internal processes. It enhances neuroplasticity, grows www.thepeacockprogramme.com self-awareness and aids relaxation. The workshops use gentle creativity NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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Visit The Barn for all your garden needs

• Trees, Conifers & Shrubs • Perennials & Alpines • Bedding & Seasonal Plants • Fruit, Veg & Herbs • Roses & Climbers • Grasses & Ferns The Barn Garden Centre, Barnwell Road, Oundle. PE8 5PB 01832 273310 - www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk Find us on facebook

Great Plants, Great Choice, Great Value

THE GARDEN COOKHOUSE COMPANY S P E C I A L I S T S I N O U T D O O R C O O K I N G A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

• Over 20 years’ experience of creating outdoor cooking and eating spaces • Design and build available from a modest barbecue to a full-blown outdoor kitchen • Design and fabrication of bespoke cook-fires, braziers and firepits • Wood-fired pizza ovens built to our own design or full installation of an Italian manufactured system

To discuss options for outdoor cooking in your garden, please drop us a line by email or visit our website. Contact: The Garden Cookhouse Company Phone: 07950 234497 Email: mail@gardencookhouse.com Web: www.gardencookhouse.com 30

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Let’s go outside! Spring is here and that means it’s time to get your garden ready for a summer of fun! We asked some local experts for their top tips on creating the ultimate outdoor entertaining space

OW that the evenings are getting lighter and the chill of winter is behind us, it’s time to start thinking about having fun with family and friends in the garden. But could your outdoor space do with some TLC before you start issuing those barbecue invitations? If so, we’ve got the lowdown on how to make the most of your garden this summer. GRASS ROOTS “Now that spring is here, it’s time to get your lawn sorted,” says Nassington-based garden designer Kate Wyer-Roberts. “Start mowing it regularly and if you tidy up the edges of your lawn it will have a really positive effect on the general appearance of your garden.” Joe Whitehead from horticultural consultancy Gardenwise thinks that an application of a spring and summer slow-release feed is essential at this time of year. “It will add a base fertiliser to keep the grass in good condition and it is heavy on nitrogen which will help keep the lawn nice and green,” he says. GET PLANTING When it comes to borders, Joe Whitehead says that mulching is a must. “Any kind of compost or organic matter will help to keep your plants happy. For planting around a patio area, I recommend a brilliant oriental poppy called ‘Patty’s Plum’ which has big, purple flowers.

And a really good small garden tree for May planting is Amelanchier lamarckii. It will soon be adorned with beautiful little white flowers.” POT POWER Placing pots filled with colourful flowers around your entertaining area is a quick and easy way to add colour and drama to the garden. “Choose the largest pots you can afford – you’ll need to water them far less than smaller pots,” says Kate Wyer-Roberts. “Place them in your chosen location before filling them and use a good loam-based compost to help with water retention.”

Top: Gardenwise Here: William Lloyd summerhouse

‘Patty’s Plum’

Amelanchier lamarckii

SITTING PRETTY “Breathe new life into old garden furniture by sanding it down and treating it with a wood preservative,” says Kate. “Or for metal bistro furniture, use a specialist metal paint such as Hammerite which will happily cover rust. Don’t be afraid of colour – a bright, funky shade can provide a cheerful focal point to the garden even on a dreary day. “Also, try to have different seating areas around your garden, however small it is. Think about the movement of the sun and consider having one seating area where you can enjoy your morning coffee, and another where you can catch the last rays of sun with a glass of wine!” NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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Ask the experts Need help to revamp your garden? Here are some of the area’s best suppliers of gardening products and services…

CHARLOTTE BAXTER NEW GARDENS Charlotte Baxter, a professional garden designer and horticulturist based in Whittlesey, can transform an existing garden with imaginative planning or design a new one from scratch. • 01733 202229; email: newgardens@gmail.com

MATT BETTISON GARDEN DESIGN Customers have been wowed by the service and attention to detail showed by Matt Bettison Garden Design. Offering everything from full garden design and landscaping to regular garden maintenance, this small firm prides itself on its reliability, quality and creativity. • 01832 733328; www.mattbettison.com

SALLY WATTS GARDEN DESIGN Henley by KETTLER Outdoor Furniture, £22 - £1,499, John Lewis

GRUB’S UP “Our climate means that we don’t always want to eat al fresco, but despite this there really are very few meals which can’t be improved by cooking them on a fire,” says Rupert Farnsworth of The Garden Cookhouse Company. “For the serious outdoor chef, we build complete cookhouses incorporating a barbecue and/or oven, including a covered dining area which can really help extend the outdoor eating season.” And barbecued food certainly doesn’t have to mean burnt grub. “One of the barbecues we manufacture has a grill height range from 65mm to more than 300mm,” says Rupert. “The joy of this is that you can cook large joints of meat in less intense heat to ensure that you don’t end up with a charred outside and an uncooked inner.” If you can’t stretch to a cookhouse with a built-in fire, then a fire pit or brasier is essential – allowing the party to continue even into those chilly later hours. “Our barbecue designs work really well as a brasier once you’ve finished cooking,” says Rupert. “And, of course, huddling around the fire with a glass of wine is all part of the experience of outdoor British entertaining!”

A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN Another way to instantly improve the look and scope of your outdoor entertaining space is to invest in a summerhouse or garden building. “Being able to see your garden as an extension of your living space can restore your relationship with your home,” says Rupert Farnsworth. “We’ve been commissioned to build everything from garden offices and pool houses to music rooms, studios and even a pottery. In many cases planning permission isn’t required thanks to ‘permitted development rights’ which means the process can often be much simpler than people might think.”

For more than 10 years, Sally Watts has been creating stunning garden designs for a range of clients in the Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire area. An initial consultation visit will lead to a sketch proposal being drawn up and then a fully project-managed service will see the new garden design through to completion. • 01832 281006; www.sallywattsgardendesign.co.uk

THE GARDEN COOKHOUSE COMPANY Specialists in outdoor cooking and entertaining, The Garden Cookhouse Company can create anything from a straightforward pizza oven to a full-blown outdoor kitchen. One of their most recent commissions saw the installation of a new pizza oven and outdoor kitchen for The Falcon Inn at Fotheringhay. Beautiful bespoke garden buildings such as summerhouses, home offices and pool houses are also undertaken. • 07950 234497; www.gardencookhouse.com

LIGHTING “We did a lovely garden design recently in which we embedded little star lights into a patio,” says Joe Whitehead. “It was created using a fibre optic lighting matrix and the end result was really effective. Using uplighters to highlight trees also works well.” If you don’t have an electricity supply to the garden, Kate Wyer-Roberts suggests investing in a few storm lanterns and some battery-powered pillar candles. “These last ages and look lovely placed on tables or stood along paths,” she says.

NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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KATE WYER-ROBERTS GARDEN DESIGN Nassington-based Kate Wyer-Roberts has been creating amazing garden designs for the last nine years, following three years’ training with the Royal Horticultural Society. This year will see her present her first garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, working alongside local sculptor Nicolas Moreton. • 07748 853858; email: kate.wyerroberts@gmail.com

Hanging Bottle Tealight Lanterns, £3.99 each, The Walled Garden at Elton Hall

Log carrier, £100, The Olive Grove La Hacienda Zanga Small Firepit, £109, John Lewis

5l drink dispenser, £15; small Mason Jar glass set of four £12.50; large Mason Jar glass, set of four £15; all The Olive Grove Garden Cookhouse Office, from £16,000

Big Green Egg XL Barbecue with Shelves and Charcoal, £1,760, John Lewis

HOT BUYS FOR YOUR GARDEN

GARDENWISE Joe Whitehead and Helen Conlon run Gardenwise, a friendly garden design and consultancy business based at the Blatherwycke Estate walled garden. Garden design services are on offer as well as gardening workshops and tuition from Joe who is a regular on BBC Cambridge’s Sunday Gardener’s Question Time. • 01780 450420; www.gardenwiseadvice.com

WILLIAM LLOYD BESPOKE GARDEN STRUCTURES If you’re in need of a stunning summerhouse, garden office or unique piece of garden furniture, then William Lloyd can create it for you. Bespoke structures for the discerning garden owner. • 07974 071551; www.williamlloyd.co.uk

Garden bench, £250, The Olive Grove Farmer’s Cottage Rotating Sphere Seater, £7,999, John Lewis

Round planter/drinks cooler, £28, The Rounded House

Blue bistro table and chairs set – available to order, £260, The Rounded House

William Lloyd Boat Seat, from £1,500

Stockists: The Rounded House, 10b West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. www.theroundedhouse.com. John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NL. www.johnlewis.com. The Walled Garden at Elton Hall, Elton PE8 6SH. www.eltonwalledgarden.co.uk. The Olive Grove, Oundle Road, Polebrook PE8 5LQ. www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk. William Lloyd, Willowbrook Farmhouse Woodnewton PE8 5EG. www.williamlloyd.co.uk.

GET GARDENING! Head to one of our favourite local garden centres for all your horticultural needs… THE BARN GARDEN CENTRE This well-established independent garden centre is well known for its friendly service and comprehensive range of goods. A handy one-stop shop for plants, seeds, bulbs, garden tools, pots and garden furniture. • Barnwell Road, Oundle PE8 5PB; 01832 273310. Paston Parkway, Peterborough PE3 7AD. 01733 320134; www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk THE WALLED GARDEN AT ELTON HALL Situated next to the historic Elton Hall, this garden centre prides itself on its top quality plant offering and expert advice.

There is also a café and gift shop. • Elton, near Peterborough PE8 6SH. Tel: 01832 280058; www.eltonwalledgarden.co.uk THE OLIVE GROVE Specialising in all things Mediterranean – from plants to home interiors – this is the perfect place to get you in the mood for a summer of outdoor living. There’s a deli and coffee shop offering Medthemed fine foods and authentic Italian ice cream, and a programme of evening entertainment too. • Oundle Road, Polebrook PE8 5LQ. 01832 275660; www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk THE OLD BARN This charming tea room and gift shop set in a converted barn in one of the region’s

prettiest villages offers a good range of plants for sale as well as tea, cake and a nice range of gifts. • Mill Lane, Wadenhoe, PE8 5XD. 01832 721129; www.theoldbarnatwadenhoe.co.uk NOTCUTTS GARDEN CENTRE A great range of plants, tools and outdoor furniture is on offer here, plus gifts and homewares. • Oundle Road, Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5UU. 01733 234600; www.notcutts.co.uk VAN HAGE GARDEN CENTRE Van Hage’s huge, light-filled Peterborough store stocks a vast range of plants, gardening products and gifts. Refuel with a visit to the on-site restaurant, Café VH.

• Peterborough Garden Park, Peterborough, PE1 4YZ. 01733 221400; www.vanhage.co.uk DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE A friendly welcome and a good mix of plants, garden equipment and pet supplies are on offer here, as well as coffees and snacks in the restaurant which offers free WiFi. • Phorpres Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8NY. 01733 898640; www.dobbies.com FOXTAIL LILLY This gorgeous little shop in Oundle offers friendly gardening advice as well as an array of cut flowers, cottage garden plants and pretty vintage tableware. • 41 South Rd, Oundle PE8 4BP. 01832 274593; www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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Monday to Saturday 9am until 5pm (Sun 11am till 4pm)

22/03/2016 10:47

OUTDOOR LIVING Plant up for summer… the Med way Summer’s balmy days may seem a while ahead,but some well-chosen plants and accessories will set the scene for a summer of al fresco fun

IM and Jackie Thackeray lived and travelled throughout Western Europe for several years before settling back in the UK and setting up a business that would embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle they’d come to love so much. Seven years on that business, The Olive Grove, offers what they believe to be the UK’s largest selection of architectural specimen plants – palms, olive trees, yuccas and agave – alongside a fine collection of home furnishings, accessories and gifts. Together with a delicious range of Mediterranean-influenced foods, coffees and gelateria-style ice creams to enjoy on-site – the Olive Branch bistro has recently been refurbished – or to take home, the Polebrook business has become one of the area’s leading retail and dining destinations. When Tim and Jackie purchased the sixacre site in 2009 it was little more than fields and a couple of buildings. “Our decision to develop the nursery was born from a desire to create a lifestyle business that would allow us to work, live and meet customers in a relaxed and pleasant environment,” they explain. “The idea to specialise in olive trees, palm trees and Mediterranean plants came from living and travelling throughout Western Europe for several years – on our return to England we experienced great difficulties in sourcing similar plants for our own patio

garden, and so decided to create our niche business.” Tim and Jackie have gone ‘all-out’ with the nursery this year, travelling abroad to handselect an impressive selection of plants which will add architectural interest to any garden design. As those special imports arrived by the lorry-load last month, we asked them to select four of their favourites…

TRACHYCARPUS A single-stemmed palm with large fan-shaped dark green leaves. Small yellow flowers emerge close to the leaf bases in early summer. One of the hardiest palms in Britain, trachycarpus can cope with temperatures as low as -15c. Conditions best to keep these: Sunlight – full sun, partial shade; aspect – south- west- or east-facing; exposure – sheltered. Moisture – well-drained. Soil – sand, chalk, loam. pH – acid, alkaline, neutral.

OLIVES The olive tree (top right) is quintessentially Mediterranean and has become the plant you would associate most with warm and sunny climates. It is perhaps surprising that the olive tree is an adaptable and hardy plant suitable for growing in a wide range of climates, including the UK.

Conditions best to keep these: Sunlight – full sun; aspect – south-facing; exposure: sheltered. Moisture – well-drained. Soil – sand, chalk, loam. pH – acid, alkaline, neutral.

CORDYLINES Erect palm-like tree with arching, narrow light green leaves. Mature trees bear tiny white flowers followed by blue or blue-tinted berries. Conditions best to keep these: Sunlight – full sun, partial shade; aspect – south- or east-facing; exposure – sheltered. Moisture – well-drained, moist but welldrained. Soil – sand, clay, chalk, loam. pH – acid, alkaline, neutral.

PHORMIUMS The tallest variety of phormiums with swordshaped, lime-coloured leaves margined cream, producing tubular orange to red flowers. Conditions best to keep these: Sunlight – full sun; aspect any; exposure – sheltered or exposed. Moisture – well-drained, moist but welldrained. Soil – loam, sand. pH – acid, neutral, Alkaline. • The Olive Grove, Oundle Road, Polebrook PE8 5LQ. 01832 275660; www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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Lawnmower need servicing? We’ve got you covered!

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TODAY!

OPEN WEEKDAYS: 8AM – 5PM

We offer FREE collection and drop off with any fixed price service within 20 miles of our showroom. Contact us now to book in your service!

We’ll offer a great trade in price for your old mower no matter the condition.

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01733 907060 | sales@pmgcentre.co.uk | www.pmgcentre.co.uk | 24 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FZ

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OUTDOOR LIVING Local lawn care company gets the thumbs up Business is growing for sisters and lawn care specialists Sarah and Jo Parish. Here,they share their top tips for your lawn this month

Sarah and Jo Parish receive their award from GreenThumb founder and CEO Stephen Waring

ISTERS Sarah and Jo Parish took over the Peterborough and Oundle branch of GreenThumb – the largest lawn treatment company in the UK – only 18 months ago, but are already coming out top when it comes to transforming lawns. At the recent 2016 GreenThumb conference and national awards Sarah and Jo’s business was recognised for quality, safety and great customer service – all of which are resulting in many customers recommending GreenThumb to their friends and family. Jo says: “It is a huge honour to have our service recognised and we couldn’t do it without our three wonderful lawn technicians Simon, Jim and Sam. Looking back, when we started 18 months ago we had a baptism of fire as we didn’t have any staff and had to do everything ourselves. We started with 1,200 customers and we’ll very soon have 2,000 as word spreads about our service.” Jo believes: “There’s nothing more rewarding than when a new customer gets in touch because they’ve seen how we’ve transformed a friend or family member’s lawn. This year, to say a thank you to our customers, we have a £10 reward scheme in place for every new customer they pass to us, there’s also money off for their friends and family too. The scheme is simple – customers should make contact with our office, or log on to www.greenthumb.co.uk/RAF to give us the details and we’ll do all the rest.” Sarah, Jo and their team emphasise it’s a partnership with customers when it comes to bringing lawns to lush, green life and the team at GreenThumb are always keen to pass on tips and advice.

• Never remove more than one quarter of the total height of the grass in one cut – if your grass has got long, gradually reduce the height as you begin to mow more regularly. Never cut shorter than 25mm (1in) in normal conditions. • Don’t leave grass clippings on the lawn – doing so will mean that you are building up the layer of surface thatch in your lawn which moss thrives in. • April’s spring temperatures and sunshine are ideal for grass seed germination – for any bare patches on your lawn lightly rake the area to create a seed bed, scatter some grass seed and cover it with a very thin layer of soil. If it doesn’t rain, remember to water the area to ensure germination. • Weeds will be thriving in the warmer weather – apply a selective herbicide to get rid of them (don’t use something that kills the grass too!). Pulling out dandelions and leaving some of the root won’t get rid of them; they’ll come back with a vengeance! If you don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself get in touch with GreenThumb. • April is still a good time to scarify your lawn – this enables muchneeded air, water and nutrients to better reach the root zone of the grass plants by removing moss, debris and thatch. This is something we can do if you don’t fancy the job yourself. GreenThumb, which celebrates 30 years in business this year, is the largest lawn treatment company in the UK, treating 90 per cent of the lawn care market. It has over 220 branches treating more than 450,000 lawns every 10 weeks.

Here are their tips for April… • Sharpen or replace your lawn mower blade regularly – this means you’ll avoid tearing or bruising the grass blades and your lawn will be so much smarter for it.

• If you want top quality, hassle-free lawn care start with a free, no-obligation, lawn analysis by contacting Sarah and Jo on 01733 755028 or email peterborough@greenthumb.co.uk. For more, see www.greenthumb.co.uk.

NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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THE RED LION MEL & GEM CATERING

AT OUNDLE GOLF CLUB BAR & RESTAURANT

LUNCHTIME SPECIALS £9.95 - Tue – Sat

All Welcome

Early Doors Buy ONE meal & get another HALF PRICE Tue – Sat (table clear by 8pm but only if required)

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH Served 12-3 with a selection of roast meats available from £8.95 Booking required.

The Famous Red Lion Sunday Lunch Serving at 12.00 noon, 1.00pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm

Under NEW Management Mel and Gem Catering would like to welcome all members and non- members to Oundle Golf Club, Bar & Restaurant.

Function room available | Sky Sports | Pool Table Large car park | Part of The Grainy Club Stunning views of our golf course from the restaurant and bar balcony

Warmington Tel: 01832 280362 A Great Country Pub • Real Home Produced Food • Homemade Desserts • Quality Real Ales • Candles, Fresh Flowers & Linen Napkins

(booking essential)

Book the Marquee for your Summer event!

Oundle Golf Club

Benefield Road, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EZ Tel: 01832 273267 ext 3 mg@melandgemcatering.co.uk www.melandgemcatering.co.uk

Closed Mondays theredlionwarmington@gmail.com www.theredlionwarmington.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

FIRST BITE AT THE CHERRY House

Heading for a restaurant that has great reviews and a multitude of word-of-mouth recommendations? Approach with an open mind,an empty belly… and let the food do the talking!

“I still write the menu,” Andrew says, “but I had to let go of the reins S a recent ‘returner’ to the Nene region, I know I’m late to eventually. I decided a couple of years ago it was time for me to get to the party: there’s probably little I can tell anyone about The know customers better, and being out here is the best way to do that.” Cherry House. Pretty much everyone I’ve met has enjoyed An ever-evolving menu makes the most of locally-produce and a meal there. And all, I’m sure, would include it in their ‘top ethically sourced fish. The Table d’hote changes choices’ for a special occasion or indulgent treat. fortnightly and the Sunday lunch menu monthly. Call me a cynic then, but I approached The The Cherry House is at 125 Church “I’m looking forward to the asparagus and new Cherry House with some concerns… would it live up Street, Werrington Village, Peterborough potatoes in the next few weeks,” says Andrew. to expectations? Those fears were heightened as, PE4 6QF. Quirky and full of character, its two main dining rooms have impressive I opted to start with a tossed salad of baby leaves having booked for an early mid-week evening, we’d inglenook fireplaces and the touch of a with bite-size bocconcini, sunblush tomatoes, rushed away from a business meeting then battled professional interior designer is evident artichokes and toasted pine kernels, all tossed in a our way through floods to get there. Harried and but not overpowering… with fresh white basil oil dressing and served with melt-in-the-mouth hungry: that’s us! linen and pleasant background music, the Parma ham. My companion chose the mosaic of Thankfully, Chef/Patron Andrew Corrick has the mood is comfortable and companionable. Scottish smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked perfect approach to calming flushed arrivals. He There’s also a nice pace to the service – nothing is rushed. The restaurant is mackerel and asparagus served with a tomato salsa greeted us at the bar then seated us at a nearby closed on Mondays, open 12noon-2pm and tiger prawns – it looked and tasted divine. table to enjoy those all-important, first impressionand 6.30-10pm Tuesday to Saturday, On to mains, and him opposite went for the roast forming drinks – mine a glass of the house red 12noon-3pm Sunday. Reservations are rump of English lamb served with sweet potato (very ‘acceptable’!) and my companion’s a thirstadvised – Andrew says he’s almost fullymash and a rich rosemary jus. Cue lots of very quenching, “possibly the best outside of Italy” booked for Christmas 2016 already! satisfied exclamations. I ordered a gruyere cheese, Peroni. With a bowl of olives – fabulously plump! • Gillian Bendall and her companion enjoyed a Table d’hote meal priced spinach and grape strudel which was served with – and a menu each, we started to unwind. £26.95 per person, with a £3.50 a fresh garden herb and butter sauce – the pastry Once Head Chef at the Park Lane Hotel in supplement for the fishy starter. A bottle was exactly as strudel should be, the sauce plentiful Mayfair and Executive Chef at the then newlyof South African Malbec was £16.50 but light, and our accompanying side plates of opened Swallow Hotel in Peterborough, Andrew from the ‘specials’ board. For bookings vegetables were varied and colourful. bought The Cherry House 21 years ago. The or more information, call 01733 571721 Desserts were definitely not needed… but restaurant business has been in his blood a long or log on to the website: www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk where’s the willpower on a wet Wednesday? time. “I grew up in a coastal town in Devon,” he Raspberries are always my fruit of choice, so the explains. “In those days there weren’t a lot of career crème brulee was swiftly selected. On Andrew’s recommendation my options – you either worked in a hotel or became a builder or a painter.” companion ordered the sticky toffee pudding – when he declared it “the His two elder brothers chose the former (one is Executive Chef at the best I’ve ever had” I knew it had to be more than amazing! RAC Club in London) and Andrew followed suit. On the journey home we struggled to recall a meal we’d enjoyed so His mission at The Cherry House is simple: to offer ‘fine dining both much, and for such a reasonable price. So yes, The Cherry House does in terms of food and service’. Achieving that is a matter of teamwork live up to expectations… and I expect we’ll be back there for a second – Head Chef David Marshall has been there since 2002 and today is ‘bite’ soon! in charge of the kitchen whilst Andrew is very much front-of-house. NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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FARM SHOP & TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS TEL: 01780 740261

Gift Vouchers Available fr om £10

Farm shop open: Mon 9am-3pm, Tue-Fri 7.30am-5.30pm, Sat 7.30am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm

KING'S CLIFFE BREWERY CRAFT BEERS King’s Cliffe Brewery is a five barrel micro-brewery producing 1,400 delicious pints with every brew. You are welcome to come to the brewery and buy direct anytime we’re here or by arrangement. We have bottles, mini-casks, pins and firkins available for direct purchase but the quantity and beer varies according to what we’ve been brewing. Just give us a call and we’ll tell you what is available. Perfect for parties and weddings!

www.kcbales.co.uk Tel: 07843 288 088 10 Kingsmead, Station Road, King’s Cliﬀe Ours beers are permanently available in the following pubs: Cross Keys(House Beer), King’s Cliﬀe; The Crown(House Beer), Elton; Palmerston Arms and The Ostrich(House Beer), Peterborough

Largest selection of Fresh Meats available in the area & Willow Brook kitchen ready products Traditionally home reared, free range and locally sourced meat and poultry.

“We pride ourselves on producing well cared for local animals from start to ﬁnish, therefore achieving the high quality meats we sell. ” Hog and Beef Roasts and outdoor catering a speciality. A full range of roasting & BBQ facilities to suit your needs. • • • • •

Afternoon teas Traditional all day farmhouse breakfast Senior citizens lunches Wed & Thurs Delicious hot food served daily Ideal location for cyclists, walkers & families • Licensed premises • Booking advisable

Open: Tues – Fri 9am – 4pm, Sat 8.30am – 5pm. Sun 9am – 4pm

For bookings and all enquiries call The Granary on 01780 749483 Scotsman Lodge, Stamford Road, Helpston Heath, Nr Peterborough. PE6 7EL

www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk

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Cheers! FOOD & DRINK

As more and more local pubs offer their ownrecipe beers,we track down one micro brewery responsible for some of these designer pints. Jonathan Craymer reports

The P51 beer – a nod to the American Mustang P-51 fighter planes which flew out of Kings Cliffe during World War II – scooped the Bronze medal at last year’s Peterborough Beer Festival The King’s Cliffe Brewery ceased trading in 1914 – exactly 100 years before Jez set up shop

N December we briefly mentioned - under the heading The Feast of Christmas – the fact that King’s Cliffe Brewery supplies locally-made beer to a number of local pubs. But what wasn’t mentioned is that Jez O’Neill, proprietor of this fairly recent arrival on the brewing scene, also produces a number of bespoke beers for a growing list of pubs. These beers, created jointly by Jez and the landlord of each pub, are available only in those hostelries. This interesting trend clearly deserves to be examined in greater depth, and as one who enjoys a good glass of ale from time to time (in moderation of course) how could I turn down the opportunity to find out more? Drive up to the King’s Cliffe Brewery and you could easily think it’s a garage or engineering works, as it’s housed in a plain brick industrial unit. Stepping inside I spot Jez in the far corner up to his neck in one of the huge wooden vats – thankfully empty! – looking for all the world like a crazy Victorian inventor about to test a new diving bell or even a time machine. Which, in a way, it is… “There’s been an explosion in micro brewing, especially in the US,” he explains as we sit beneath a poster for the original (and also apostrophe-bearing) The King’s Cliffe Brewery, which ceased trading in 1914 – exactly 100 years before Jez set up shop. “Here in the UK there used to be breweries all over the place and most villages had at least one,” he says. But what’s really interesting is that this ex builder and surveyor – who describes himself as ‘brewer, deliveryman and everything in between’ on his card, and who’s been making beer on and off since he was 14, with the tacit approval of his Dad – is obviously extremely good at what he does. So good in fact that a growing list of pubs have started coming to him to get their ‘own’ bespoke beers made. He now delivers ales to pubs within a 30-mile radius of Kings Cliffe, though he often travels much further for beer festivals. Last year he exhibited at the Cambridge, Northampton, Peterborough and Market Deeping events. He makes four beers as standard (a fifth may be on the way) and the bespoke side to his business has only taken off in the last eight months. “The bespoke beer I make for the Cross Keys in Kings Cliffe is brewed to the landlord’s own recipe which I helped him design. I also insisted that he helped me brew the original batch of beer, which of course he was happy to do. “He wanted to have a house beer so he approached me and we sat down and formulated a unique recipe for that pub - which is only sold in the Cross Keys and nowhere else. I’ve done exactly the same thing - creating something unique - for the Crown in Elton, and I’m now talking to a pub in Peterborough about doing a bespoke beer for them too. “The Kings Cliffe beer is a 4.2% ABV (alcohol by volume) with a slight orange note which comes from the hops. I use both British and American hops, biased towards British depending on what sort of beer I’m making. If I want a light, hoppy beer I generally use an American hop.

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Cheers! “The beer at Elton is brewed with cascade and pilot hops, which impart a slightly ‘orangey’ note to the finished flavour. This was designed in association with Marcus the landlord after consulting with his customers as to what style of beer they would like to see as a ‘house’ beer. Marcus also loves to get involved in the brewing of it, as he can then describe to his customers what went into it and the process from start to finish. “I’m also now in discussion with The Ostrich in Peterborough with a view to making a house beer for them. I’m going to sit down with landlord Simon to design and brew a beer that’ll again be unique to that pub. Simon also owns the Palmerston Arms in Oundle Road which is a very big real ale pub and my beers are already a constant there.”

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CHANGE OF DIRECTION Jez was born in Bristol, and went to college in Nottingham to study building. After graduating he got himself a job in Peterborough, initially working for the Development Corporation. Some years later, having moved to the insurance side of the construction industry, he found himself looking for a change of direction and chose beer production – even though his partner Sue, who now helps out with admin, prefers Prosecco! “In 2014 I was on holiday with my brother and one of his friends mentioned going on a micro brewery course. I thought what a fantastic thing to do, and the seed had been sown. Because I used to brew beer when I was younger, this reawakened a long-lost passion. “But I didn’t set up on a whim. I did the research, went round the pubs and indicated this was what I was thinking of doing. I found out how many micro breweries were in the area, and came to the conclusion there was a place for small one in this area. It’s a lifestyle business, but that’s how I want it to remain. It is scalable but that depends whether I want to take on somebody else. I’m not discounting that, but I’m perfectly happy at the moment managing the whole thing on my own.” Jez has just five brewing barrels capable of producing a thirst-quenching 1,400 pints a week. These are distributed in bottles, minicasks, pins (36 pints) and firkins (72 pints), as Project1_Layout well as occasional seasonal beers. When he set up KCB he wondered about using a butterfly as its logo in memory of Mr Papillion who ran the former The King’s Cliffe Brewery, a hundred years before - but then opted for a king chess piece,Page hoping most 03/08/2015 14:16 1 people would understand the reference. His advice to anyone thinking of setting up a small brewery? “Three years ago I’d have said

Above left: Geoff Holland helped brew the original batch of beer for his pub, the Cross Keys in Kings Cliffe Above right: The beer brewed for Marcus Lamb and his customers at the Crown in Elton uses cascade and pilot hops, which impart a slightly ‘orange’ note to the finished flavour

Simon Benton owns the Palmerston Arms in Peterborough’s Oundle Road where KCB beers are already popular. Now he’s talking to Jez about a unique brew for another of his pubs, The Ostrich in the city centre

do your research and give it a go. But I think the market has just about reached saturation point. I think the growth area is now bespoke beers.” Jez admits to being a bit of a rebel when it comes to beer names. It’s conventional in real ale circles for brewers to make up quirky names, often reflecting such things as the hangover-inducing potential of their wares. Instead, he prefers simple numerical ones. His 5C is so called because it’s sold in five counties; number 10 because that’s the number of his industrial unit; 66° because that’s the temperature it’s brewed at; and P51 for his Porter and Stout - which is a clever reference to the American Mustang P-51 fighter planes which flew out of Kings Cliffe during World War II. Jez brewed it so its ABV would be 5.1. He’s thrilled that this beer scooped the Bronze award at last year’s Peterborough beer festival and KCB was a runner-up in last year’s Great Food Club Awards. A poster advertising the former The King’s 03/08/2015 14:16 Page 1 Cliffe Brewery mentions the alleged curative properties of the beer. Does Jez believe in these? “There may be certain antiseptic properties in beer – I don’t know. However, hops are said to have health benefits including relaxation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. What I’d like to do is find some really old recipes. If anybody comes across one, do bring it along to show me.”

Jez O’Neill uses both British and American hops (above) and produces a thirst-quenching 1,400 pints a week (below)

One of the things which annoys him is beer drinkers who, despite the evidence of their own tastebuds, refuse to change their drinking habits. He cites a man who took part in one of Jez’s blind tastings with a KCB beer, one other and his usual tipple. “He liked his usual pint least, but five minutes later was ordering another pint of it! Some people are so set in their ways. I think a lot of lager drinkers would like our 5C. Lager sales are consistently falling due to the much greater range of tastes and aromas provided by real ales.” A frequent lager drinker myself, I tried Jez’s 5C and I reckon it could win me back to real beer. Jez would be very happy if landlords reading this come round to thinking about having their own house beers made - but on one condition: “The landlord/lady would need to join me for the day to create the beer... “ • www.kcbales.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK Coffee sack recycling scheme ‘bags’ success

From the Riverford kitchen Broccoli,mustard & dill tart

An innovative Peterborough business is tackling today’s ‘throwaway culture’by recycling hessian coffee sacks that would otherwise be bound for the city’s landfill sites

ETERBOROUGH Reuse takes hessian and jute sacks first used to ship coffee beans from around the world to Masteroast, a local roasting and packing firm, and turns them into shopping bags. The initiative has given local women the opportunity to learn new skills and created fresh home-working opportunities. Masterminding the operation is Pav Patel, Director of a telecoms and IT solutions business. He explains: “We have unfortunately become a throwaway society that finds it cheaper to buy new than make good things that are either too old or broken. This not only harms our environment, but also reduces our ability to use the previous generation’s practical skills of repair and restoration. “Peterborough Reuse has started reversing this process by saving these discarded hessian coffee sacks. They are made by local plantation workers and sent from all round the world to Peterborough. Now, instead of going to landfill once emptied, every bag is cleaned and remanufactured into various shopping bags.” Key to the scheme is the team of women who have attended a six-week course at the Iqbal Community Centre on Cromwell Road, Peterborough, and learnt how to use a sewing machine, cut material and create the new Peterborough Bag. A third of these now work from home – to fit around family responsibilities – on a part-time basis. In tribute to this team, the label attached to each bag is signed by the local lady that made it. One detached from the bag, these labels are designed to be used as bookmarks. Pav says: “In the 18 months

we’ve been running we have rescued over 30,000 thousand bags from landfill, taught 46 ladies a new life skill, made in excess of 1,000 shopping bags of various types and designs, and worked with over 19 other organisations.” Pav came to Peterborough as a Ugandan Asian Refugee and says: “The city gave me a home, and a chance to survive. This project, in a way, is a chance for me to pay back that ‘favour’… the reason for setting up Peterborough Reuse was never to get rich, but more to prove that if greed was taken out of the equation then things in the world could work. These coffee sacks can have many uses and, with a little effort from me and some help from the authorities with regards to advice, support and initial funding, I would like to prove it. If we can improve the lives of local residents along the way, fantastic!” He continues: “Local residents can help us by buying the Peterborough Bag and not any other. Every bag purchased puts money back into the city and hence helps to prove the ‘circular economy’ concept.” The Peterborough Bag is helping the local environment too. “Last month we received our first order from the Environment Agency,” says Pav. “They will be using our sacks to build up riverbanks that have been damaged – the sacks will be filled with soil and vegetation, then ‘pinned’ to the embankments so the vegetation takes root.” • Prices for the Peterborough Bag start at £2.50 and they’re available from the Visitor Information Centre in Bridge Street, Peterborough or online at www.peterboroughreuse.co.uk.

SERVES 6-8, Prep: 65 mins including pastry chilling time Cook: 50 mins INGREDIENTS For the pastry: • 250g plain flour, plus more to dust • 1tsp fine sea salt • 150g cold unsalted butter, chopped • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1-2tbsp milk or water For the filling: • 1 large broccoli, cut into florets • Small knob of butter • 4 spring onions, finely sliced (or use a small onion) • 3 eggs, lightly beaten • 250ml crème fraîche • Small handful chopped fresh dill • 1tbsp wholegrain mustard METHOD • In a bowl, rub together the flour, salt and butter with your fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Make a well and add the egg and milk or water. Use your fingertips to bring it together into a dough. • Turn onto a lightly floured work surface. Shape into a ball. Wrap in Clingfilm and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

• Lightly grease a 9-10cm tart tin with butter. Roll out your pastry into a circle 3mm thick; use the base of the tin or a plate as a template to cut it slightly larger than the tin. • Use your floured rolling pin to lift pastry carefully into the tin. Press firmly but gently into the grooves so there are no gaps. Fold the excess pastry over the top of the tin, then roll over the rim to cut it off. Prick the base several times with a fork. Chill for 15 mins to stop it shrinking during cooking. • Line with a piece of baking paper or foil large enough to cover the base and sides, add baking beans or dried pulses and bake at 180°C for 15 minutes. • Remove the paper and beans, then bake for another 10-15 minutes. The base should be dry and crisp and the edges golden. Leave to cool. • While the pastry cooks, boil the broccoli for 3 minutes. Drain, refresh in cold water, then drain again. • Melt the butter in a pan and gently cook the onions for 2-3 minutes until soft. Remove from the pan and leave to cool slightly. • Arrange the broccoli and onions in the pastry case. In a bowl, mix the eggs, crème fraîche, dill and mustard. Season and pour over the broccoli. • Bake for 20-30 minutes, until just set.

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We bake a selection of delicious breads, savouries, cakes & desserts. Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients we develop the real taste of our products, full of flavour with no preservatives or enhancers.

Shops: Exton Bakery, Market Harborough, Oakham, Stamford & West Bridgford NEW SHOP OPENING WE HAVE RETURNED TO OUNDLE Please visit our new shop at Oundle Wharf with plenty of parking.

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 45

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Classic Group approaches its first anniversary in Stamford Classic, a company founded back in 1992 in St Neot’s, will soon be celebrating its first anniversary in Stamford and is going from strength to strength

HE Stamford showroom is overseen by the owner, his daughter Portia and her husband Daniel. Portia and Daniel live in Stamford; in fact Daniel has lived in Stamford all his life so he understands the local market well. He is a joiner by trade and has an excellent knowledge of home improvements. Portia is the current head of kitchen design and, along with Daniel’s practical knowledge, they make a great team.

adding to customers’ peace of mind. Classic has constantly expanded its services to include some of the latest new techniques and products in home improvements like an English Heritage Approved Upvc Vertical Sliding Sash Window and Composite Doors of which Classic have over 12 on display in the new Stamford showroom.

Kitchens The superb kitchen displays will really get you dreaming of what is possible and this part of the business has been very active, offering complete kitchen installations from the middle of the market upwards. Brands offered include the stylish award winning Bristol based appliance brand CAPLE who are the fastest growing manufacturer of kitchen appliances in the UK.

Windows and doors installed to the highest standards There are reputed to be over 13,000 registered double-glazing companies in the UK, but

Classic are one of only 35 who have achieved the ultimate recognition of a BSI Kitemark for the Survey & Installation of Windows and Doors - and to this day BSI is still the true sign of quality. Classic are also members of FENSA, the Federation of Master Builders and the Government-backed Trustmark Scheme, all

Roofing The Guardian Warm Roof System is the biggest revelation to hit the home improvement market in the last ten years. You can now change your old conservatory roof for a new Guardian Roof and effectively turn your old conservatory into a new extension that can be used all year round and it complies with Building Regulations plus Classic are approved LABC Partners. It is also a very cost-effective solution if you are looking for ways of really up-grading your home.

Service, service, service What sets Classic apart though are its service levels. Every job has a dedicated project manager, so you have only one point of contact regardless of how many trades are involved. As one satisfied customer reported: “I was treated from the initial planning stage to the end result with great care and attention. I would thoroughly recommend this family run business, who all went out of their way to help me create my dream kitchen.” There is a lot more information on the Classic website at www.classic1992.co.uk • All the products mentioned above are on display in some format in its large 2,000sqft showroom at 12 St Leonard’s St, Stamford, PE9 2HN Tel: 01780 654321 www.classicstamford.co.uk

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PROPERTY & INTERIORS

HOT IN THE KITCHEN Colours and styles complement one another brilliantly in this cream, pebble blue and natural oak kitchen from Küchen Kraft

From the simple to the sublime,here’s how to give your kitchen a fresh new look in time for summer…

Curves in all the right places – flowing lines and a high gloss finish add a fashion-forward edge to this Küchen Kraft kitchen

T’S the place where celebratory corks are popped, comforting cuppas consumed and mealtime masterpieces created. Kitchens are undeniably the social hub of the home these days, and they’re always the room that guests gravitate towards. For many families they’re also a triumph of form-meets-function… add a sofa, workstation or state-of-the-art smart TV and the modern kitchen is a master of multi-tasking too! A room that’s asked so much of deserves a bit of TLC from time to time – even if you’re not in the market for a total makeover, one or two updates will bring your kitchen bang up to date. Whether you’re after an über-modern and minimalist look or a cosy country house style, local specialists are on hand to help… LOOK – NO HANDLES! Küchen Kraft has been in Oundle for 12 years and is a member of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA). “We have grown to be one of the largest German

kitchen suppliers in the area and one of the top Siemens dealers in the country,” says owner Guy Bolsover. The shop in West Street features 14 large kitchen displays from hand-built through to the very contemporary handleless, plus a number with working appliances

including that modern must-have, the boil tap. Guy says that whilst 50 per cent of his business is still the classic Shaker or hand-built style kitchen: “There is definitely a move to contemporary kitchens; the shift has been quite considerable. In the classic style people are now

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choosing greens, blues and greys and moving away from the creams, sometimes mixing two colours. On the contemporary front people want handleless – a pure handleless kitchen is a series of vertical and horizontal grip rails that are part of the cupboard carcase, leaving a flat door. The finish of the modern door is also changing, with more people moving from gloss to matt and glass-effect doors. Our German manufacturer makes some wonderful matt doors in either a laminate silk finish or a lacquer painted finish.” Colour is also very important, says Guy, with greys and whites as key colours mixing well with beautiful wood grains in grey oak or dark oak. “Undoubtedly though, the biggest change in kitchen doors in the last 12 months is the move to different materials, with glass-effect made from acrylic and concrete becoming popular. Curves are also very popular and one product we sell, Parapan, allows you to have curves which are very different to the curves you get on a standard kitchen, giving opportunities for ‘S’ shapes and curved drawers.”

“There is definitely a move to contemporary kitchens; the shift has been quite considerable. In the classic style people are now choosing greens, blues and greys and moving away from the creams, sometimes mixing two colours” Granite has long been the countertop of choice, but Guy says: “Sales are dropping, with most only being chosen for a classic Shaker kitchen and then customers are going for a leathered finish rather than a highly polished black finish. The big movement has been into quartz stone from brands like Silestone, for which we are an Elite Centre. Thicknesses have changed, with people going for ultra-thin 12-20mm thickness rather than the standard 40mm, with breakfast bars made out of 100mm of material to create a statement and transition of heights. Resin worktops from the likes of Corian are becoming more popular as you can get a very streamlined look with no joins, and people love upstands and moulded sinks as there are no dirty ledges and no need for replacing silicone later down the road. Colourwise, greys and whites are very popular now with many people choosing a solid colour like white as it will work with any colour of kitchen.” Küchen Kraft is one of the country’s top Siemens dealers and the only five-star dealer in this area and Guy is especially excited by the firm’s latest oven range. “The styling is incredible,” he says, “especially when the appliances are installed in a bank, which is most popular. The ovens now come with softclose opening and shutting doors, just like the kitchen cupboards. But the biggest change has been in the technology, with us now seeing steam oven and microwave incorporated into a full-size oven, giving far more flexibility for the cook.” • Küchen Kraft, Waterland House, 81 West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ. 01832 270300. www.kuchenkraft.co.uk

This Shaker-style kitchen is from Hurford & Tebbutt

WHITE IS THE NEW BLACK Fengate-based Hurford & Tebbutt is another KBSA member and has recently become a five-star Master Partner for NEFF appliances – MD Nick Hurford says the brand’s ‘Pyro clean’ self-cleaning technology “leaves ovens looking like the day they were fitted.” He’s also seeing a strong move away from gas hobs. “We’re fitting more and more induction hobs now,” says Nick. “They’re so easy to use and very energy-efficient – even customers who’ve been committed to cooking on gas hobs for years are now converting to induction.” In terms of counters and cabinets, Nick says: “Modern is on-trend right now. Customers love gloss fronts, and they’re choosing light colours such as white, cream and light grey. Alternatively, they’re opting for painted Shaker styles – Dakar and Mussel are Farrow & Ball-type colours and work really well together. “We’re fitting a lot of lighter, white worktops – black quartz is pretty much a thing of the past now – and people are loving the quartz worktops we offer. They’re really tough, take a lot of punishment and are trouble-free – they look fantastic too!” But will all these modern influences fit every style of house? Nick says: “Absolutely! Both modern and Shaker will work in any type of property – even in those old houses where you wouldn’t really expect it. We’re finding that customers are stepping a little bit out of their comfort zone and are really delighted with the results.” • Hurford & Tebbutt Ltd, 17-18 Fenlake Business Centre, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5BQ. 01733 561991. www.hurford-tebbutt.com

ASED at The Maltings in Barnack Road, Stamford, QKS has more than 33 years’ experience in kitchen design and is responsible for over 10,000 installations in the local area. QKS employs all its own tradespeople and each are specialists in their fields. A professional team of designers can provide computer-aided 3D designs to give a realistic impression of how a new kitchen will look. • QKS, The Maltings in Barnack Road, StamfordPE9 2NA. 01780 756514/755855. www.qksstamford.co.uk

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PROPERTY & INTERIORS

N the high street, John Lewis has been selling kitchens for over 80 years and is known for its inspirational design, quality and value. A spokesman says: “There are styles both modern and classic and with our expert fitted kitchen service, we’ll help you create your own individual design including full planning and installation. If you prefer, you can buy and install units yourself.” Buying a kitchen from John Lewis is a four-step process: • Book an in-store consultation to share your dream kitchen ideas, and discuss style and function. • Once you’ve chosen the kitchen you want, an expert kitchen planner will visit your home to survey, measure up, design and plan your kitchen to your budget, using the latest computer technology. • Once you’ve approved plans, the kitchen is ordered and when it arrives, qualified installers will carry out all the work involved, from removing your old kitchen to installing appliances. • After all the work has been completed, your home will be left tidy so you can start enjoying your beautiful new kitchen.

Metallic Geo mug, £15 set of four, Next, Queensgate

Pineapple storage jar, £25, BHS, Queensgate Keith Brymer Jones measuring cups, £25 set of three, Asha’s, Oundle

Practical and pretty… here are some of this season’s kitchen must-haves

Worktop Saver, £32.95, Romejo’s, Oundle

Spring Bloomer floral jug, £19.50, Marks & Spencer, Queensgate

ITH a well-deserved reputation for providing high quality kitchens to the trade, Howarth has brought its winning formula of quality, service and value to the retail arena. Sue Crewe says: “Since opening our latest showroom in Corby we have found painted Shaker kitchens to be amongst our most popular ranges. Colours such as soft greys, earthy tones, sage and ivory are some of the more natural palettes and, increasingly, two-tone kitchens with bolder combinations such as black and white or olive and stone are making a real statement. For a quick facelift a simple change in worktop can provide a drastic change to the feel of a kitchen – lighter woods and marbles can offer a feeling of light and openness, while darker shades can make a large kitchen feel more homely and intimate.” • Howarth at Home, Geddington Road, Corby NN18 8ET. 0330 119 2639. www.howarth-timber.co.uk

Astorai 16-piece brushed cutlery, £45, Marks & Spencer, Queensgate

Nutri Ninja Blender with Auto IQ, £119.99, John Lewis, Queensgate

Lemonade bottles and carrier, £12, BHS, Queensgate

Keith Brymer Jones coffee set (pot with two espresso cups and saucers), £30, Asha’s, Oundle

Kenwood Classic stand mixer, £199.95, John Lewis, Queensgate

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Guaranteed Personal Service from a Local Family Business

HURFORD & TEBBUTT KITCHENS & BEDROOMS SINCE 1969

www.hur ford-tebbutt.com

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

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

FREE ENERGY UPGRADE

We are Neff 5* Star Master Partners plus stockists of the Everhot All Electric Range Cookers

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

Telephone 01733 342888 www.manorwindows.net

17 - 18 Fenlake Business Centre, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5BQ

01733 561991 51

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Compiled by Bridget Steele

Pamper Days at PRC

Peterborough Regional College has its own hair and beauty salon, where treatments are given by students under the watchful eye of tutors at very reasonable prices. Once a month the college runs Pamper Days where you can have a beauty treatment – choose from a facial, pedicure or manicure – and a hair treatment (cut and finish, shampoo and finish, or a hair-up style) plus a three-course lunch in the college restaurant, prepared by catering students, for £25. • 01733 762149; email: revive. hairbeauty@peterborough.ac.uk

ane Sedgley and Lesley Anwar work together to educate and support others, offering programmes encompassing nutrition, relaxation, exercise and mindset. Highly qualified and very passionate, they run some great sessions at their Collyweston Studio. I went along to one of their breakfasts – a far cry from boxed cereal and toast, they had lots of samples to try such as porridge made with buckwheat groats, and home-made almond milk. Jane and Lesley also run sessions on nutrition in the menopause, relaxation, and healthy afternoon teas, and they promote the Nature’s Sunshine range of vitamins and minerals. • 07810 485541 (Jane) or 07725 984804 (Lesley); www.vitalise4life.com

Lunchtime skin treat The latest treatment to be introduced at the Beautiful Truth in Cowgate, Peterborough is the Medik8 skin peel. Dubbed ‘a lunchtime treatment’ because it can be done in about 40 minutes, it uses the award-winning Medik8 Cosmeceutical skincare products that are available in the salon and bridge the gap between medical and cosmetic products. I was given a peel by a therapist who explained: “The treatment will work deeply through the layers of skin and is ideal for blemished skin; it’s also good for antiageing and reducing enlarged pores.” The treatment starts with a thorough cleanse; a solution which preps the skin is then applied and patted dry before the peel is applied – peels come in three different levels and as this was my first, I was given the introductory level which was dark brown in colour. The peel is left on for exactly five minutes and is then removed, and the skin thoroughly cleansed, followed by the Medik8 serum and moisturiser with SPF. A course of six peels is recommended – which ideally would be taken a week to 10 days apart – and there may be some dryness and redness afterwards. This is a great treatment for achieving bright and radiant skin in minimum time. The salon offers a free consultation for clients to discuss skincare issues and suitable treatments. • The Beautiful Truth, 40 Cowgate, Peterborough PE1 1NA; 01733 555540; www.beautiful-truth.co.uk

ON THE MOVE…

Prestons Health will be moving its Peterborough practice in Alexandra Road to Thorpe Wood in Peterborough – more details to follow in our May issue. 01733 565911; www.prestonshealth.co.uk. The Burghley Academy has now moved to St Peter’s House, 1 Bishops Road, Peterborough PE1 1YE. 01733 341878. www.burghleyacademy.co.uk.

Sunglasses with style If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses, The Oculist Opticians is where you’ll find the season’s hottest styles. The staff are all qualified opticians so they can offer expert guidance on style, fit and function. There is a big emphasis on customer service too, with plenty of help in choosing tints and a style that is suitable for your lifestyle. They can also help if you need prescription sunglasses, or sunglasses for children. The Oculist stocks mainstream Prada, Dior, Maui Jim, Ray Ban and Tom Ford. It also specialises in engineered sunglasses by Mykita, Orgreen, Oliver Peoples and Face a Face. “The largest growth we have seen is in people wanting clever, engineered eyewear,“ says Gerry Sondh, Optometrist Director. “They are unique and with bespoke elements you can create one-of-a-kind.” This season’s favourite brands are: RAY BAN An affordable range with amazing brand heritage. Gerry: “Ray Ban is our top-selling brand, without a doubt. Iconic, with epic styling.” Priced from £98 MAUI JIM Specialist range originating from Hawaii. Polarisation as standard. Gerry: “The best lens we have in the practice in terms of clarity, protection and optics.” Priced from £139 MYKITA/MYLON Berlin-based brand featuring high-tech, incredibly light frames. Gerry: “Celebrity fans include Lady Gaga and will.i.am.” Priced from £249 Exc lu s i v e t o T h e O c uli st OLIVER PEOPLES Celebrity favourite with a vintage aesthetic and superior craftsmanship. Gerry: “A very big brand in Los Angeles.” Priced from £200 Exc lu s i v e t o T h e O c uli st ORGREEN Premium Danish brand with designs inspired by classic cars and bespoke frames available with precious metal embellishment. Gerry: “Incredibly light with titanium fronts to give strength and rigidity. Orgreen pride themselves on perfection in production.” Priced from £295 Exc lu s i v e t o T h e O c uli st • The Oculist, 24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate, Peterborough PE1 1PY; 01733 555621; www.theoculist.com.

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WALK THIS WAY

A step back in time Head to Norfolk for this circular coastal walk to enjoy an unparalleled sea view,a slice of history and a delightful quayside PHOTO: VISIT NORFOLK

Brancaster Staithe

MUSTN’T MISS… From Barrow Common you have a fabulous view of the coast - expansive inter-tidal sand and mudflats, salt marshes, shingle banks, sand dunes, brackish lagoons and reed beds. In World War II there was a coastal defence radar station on the common; today a few structures still survive, including the bases of the radar masts. Branodunum Roman Fort was built between 225 and 250AD to replace an earlier fort. It was designed to guard against the Saxons and was in use until the 4th Century AD. It is likely that a Roman civilian settlement grew up around this fort – pause at the information panels in the fields to read more.

Distance: 5km (3.1 miles) Typical time: 1 hr 15 mins Map: OS Landranger 132 NW Norfolk Start & finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop Brancaster Staithe, Jolly Sailors Terrain: straightforward; sturdy footwear needed

PIT STOPS The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BJ always offers a warm welcome, good pub food and an excellent kids’ area outside. Tel: 01485 210314; www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk. The Crab Hut on Brancaster Staithe Quay (open daily Apr-Oct) is great for fresh seafood sandwiches and drinks.

Brancaster Staithe

Barrow Down

From the bus stop, head S up Common Lane (verges, but no path, so take great care) towards the common, the entrance to which is marked by wooden railings either side of the road and a wooden bench on your left. Turn left here and walk clockwise round the common, taking in as much of it as you choose. Eventually you will come to the NE corner of the common. Here you join Green Common Lane (a track), which kinks to the left and then right, until you reach the coast road. Cross this road and enter the Fort through the kissing gate, crossing the field diagonally to the NE corner; go through the gate here and cross the lane into a second field. On reaching the North Norfolk Coast Path, turn right (E) and follow it until you reach the delightful Brancaster Staithe Quay. Pick your way through the dinghies, keeping to the coast path which continues just opposite the Crab Hut; then turn right off the coast path up a track at the delightful wooden summer house with tower. You will shortly rejoin the road and the Jolly Sailors opposite.

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FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

A summer full of festivals Try something new with a trip to one of these amazing music events.Georgie Fenn finds lots that are closer than you think!

Red Rooster 2-4 June

Red Rooster, the Suffolk Rhythm ‘n’ Blues festival, returns for its third year. King Khan & The Shrines will play their first ever headlining slot at a UK festival here in 2016, and other acts announced include Bob Log lll – a punk-blues one-man-band who performs in a full-face crash helmet and cannonball suit! – plus Daddy Long Legs, a blues-bellowing trio from Brooklyn making their UK festival debut. Red Rooster takes place at Euston Hall, which is near Thetford in Suffolk. • www.redrooster.org.uk

The Willow Festival 8-10 July

It’s right on the doorstep… so why not support your local festival in Peterborough? Bands and entertainment have not been announced yet but keep a close eye on the website – this event is free and always good fun. • www.willowfestival.org.uk

Latitude 14-17 July

Set in the woodland beauty of Henham Park near Southwold this festival is familyfriendly and big on fun. This year’s musical line-up includes The Maccabees, Squeeze and New Order, plus there’ll be poetry and a Big Screen celebration of the 40year anniversary of the birth of Punk. For the kids, activities include everything from pond dipping and astronomy to pizza-making. • www.latitudefestival.com

The Secret Garden Party 21-24 July

One of the closest but possibly also one of the most overlooked festivals in this area, The Secret Garden Party – or SGP as it is called if you’re ‘down with the kids’ – takes place in Abbots Ripton near Huntingdon, just a short drive from here! The location in the grounds of a Georgian farmhouse which has its own lake and landscaped gardens is mesmerising, and the SGB supports the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) which works to prevent male suicide in the UK. The music is varied so there is usually something here for everyone – headlining this year is French duo Air, with Milky Chance and Primal Scream also making an appearance. There’s a huge array of sleeping options, from royal safari tents to tipis – it’s luxury, not camping! – and this year’s theme is ‘Gardener’s Guide to the Galaxy’. The SGP website sets the scene… it’s fun, but give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. • www.secretgardenparty.com

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Shambala 25-28 August 2016

Christy Moore

Cambridge Folk Festival 28-31 July

One of the most famous and longest-running folk festivals in the world, attracting around 10,000 people – many of whom return each year – this festival sets its standards high and wants the best for both performers and audience. This means pristine toilets, food from around the world, crafts and an on-site creche. This festival was named ‘outstanding’ in the A Greener Festival awards. Big name performers already announced include Christy Moore, Imelda May, Glen Hansard, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kate Rusby. • www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

Green Meadows Festival 12-14 August

Jess Glynn

Standon Calling 29-31 July

You know that advert on the TV where some folks have a festival in their garden and it turns into a miniGlastonbury? Well that’s basically Standon Calling – it started with just 25 friends, a swimming pool, a set of decks and a birthday BBQ! Organisers pride themselves on sticking to the original laid-back atmosphere but the garden party has just expanded slightly. One of the best medium-sized festivals and set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, this year the line-up includes Jess Glynn, Kelis, The Hives, Suede and plenty more. There’ll be lots of other entertainment for adults and children, and ‘boutique’ camping is available if putting up a tent isn’t your thing. • www.standon-calling.com

A festival at the Elton Hall Estate… it’s so close, there’s absolutely no excuse not to go! Now in its fifth year, the Green Meadows Festival promises a huge line-up over multiple stages – acts confirmed so far include Space, Craig Charles and Shades of Rhythm – plus a safe atmosphere for families and plenty of child-focused activities. Last year there were 4,000 minutes of music listened to, 400 litres of ice-cream eaten and 40,000 bounces on the inflatable castle… if that sounds like your sort of thing, log on to the website now. • www.greenmeadowsfestival.org

Shambala takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend at a stunning location in the heart of Northamptonshire. Shambala promises 200-plus diverse worldclass musical acts across 12 stages, along with top-notch cabaret, an amazing array of workshops, stand-up comedy, inspirational talks and debates, jaw-dropping circus and acrobatics, interactive theatre, nationally-acclaimed poetry, and installation art and sculpture everywhere. Over its 17 years, Shambala organisers have endeavoured to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of the festival, ditching disposable plastics, introducing sustainable travel initiatives and becoming 100 per cent renewably powered. In 2016, they’re setting themselves a new challenge: to provide the most eyepopping, mouthwatering, colourful, hearty array of cuisine without a single bit of meat or fish on sale. Instead, you can expect insect dishes, Bacon Lovers Anonymous support groups, luxury dining experiences and a range of food from around the world. Sounds like fun! • www.shambalafestival.org

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OUNDLE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

• • • • • • • • • • •

Gabrieli Consort The Beat The Marian Consort Jamie Smith’s MABON The Roberts/Exall Jazz Quintet Lunchtime recitals including the 2016 Menuhin Junior Competition winner The Tin Pigeons The Bach Walk Grease at the outdoor cinema Illyria Open Air Theatre Oundle Food Festival

8-16 JULY 2016 OundleInternationalFestival oundlemusic www.oundlefestival.org.uk

Oundle Christmas Mar Birthday Celebrations for

Queen Elizabeth 90th Birthday in Oundle THURSDAY 21ST APRIL: The Queen’s Birthday. Join us in celebrating by wearing a hat! If you come into Oundle to work, school or play it would be lovely if you wore a hat that day.

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL: Canine Capers Fun Dog Show. Oundle Market Place 11am – 1pm. There will be 6 categories including one of Corgi’s only as these of course are the Queen’s favourite breed.

TUESDAY 19TH APRIL: Cake Decorating Competition. The theme is a cake fit for a Queen. To take part, pick up an entry form from the Hub at Fletton House. Come along on the morning of the 19th to the Queen Victoria Hall see them displayed.

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL: Royal Variety Show in the evening at the Queen Victoria Hall where some of the amazing military wives choir will be appearing .

To know more about any of these events please go to www.oundle.info or email Paula paula@oundle.gov.uk 58

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OUT & ABOUT April activities for all the family Saturday 2 April Philosophy in the Park: Just Who Do You Think You Are? Lively philosophical discussion led by Michael Reid – this month on ‘Identity’ – with delicious Italian coffee and pastries available! 10am-12noon. Free. Buttercross Tearoom, Central Park, Park Crescent, Peterborough PE1 4DX. Michael Reid on 08454 503688; www. meetup.com/Philosophyin-the Park Wednesday 6 April Art Workshop at John Clare Cottage: Gardens, Flowers, Plants, Shrubs and Trees. First in a themed series of art workshops led by artist Sally Hammerton. 9.30am-3.30pm. £45 includes refreshments and a light lunch. Booking essential. Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston PE6 7ED. 01733 253330; www.clarecottage.org

Saturday 9 April Georgian Family Tea Party Put a spring in your Saturday and bring the family to Peterborough museum for a tea party with a twist! With Georgian parlour games, a family trail, biscuit decorating and take-home crafts, plus a fabulous tea party lunch, you’ll feel like the owners of Priestgate Mansion in no time. 10.30am-1.30pm. £10. Booking essential. Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF. 01733 864663; www.vivacitypeterborough.com

The UK’s largest outdoor motorhome show returns to Peterborough Arena on 15-17 April, with more than 300 exhibitors and 800-plus new and used models on site. The exhibition area will also house a range of accessory retailers selling all the essentials for motorhome enjoyment, and there’ll be a display of park homes for those interested in the luxury lodge lifestyle. Day visitors are welcome from 9.30am-5pm (4.30pm Sunday), entry costs £8 per person (children free). Camping from Thursday night costs £60, or £57 from Friday night. www.showgoer.co.uk

Wednesday 6 April Jenny Éclair: How to be a middle aged woman (without going insane) Professional grumpy old woman Jenny Éclair is younger than Madonna but eats crisps and likes wine. Semi-bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Éclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund! 7.30pm. £18.50. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough PE1 1EF. 01733 207239; www.vivacity-peterborough.com.

Saturday 9 – Wednesday 24 April Take 5 Ceramics Exhibition New work in clay from Pat Armstrong, Karen Atherley, Alison Coaten, Tydd Pottery and Katherine Winfrey. 10am-5pm (also selected evenings). Free. Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s St, Stamford PE9 2DL. 01780 763203; www.stamfordartscentre. com Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 April Burghley Fine Food Market Meet the food suppliers behind a range of delicious local produce including hand-made cheeses, artisan bread, organic vegetables, luxury sweet treats and rare breed meats. Ideal for a lovely afternoon out with some tasty treats. 10am-4pm. Free entry. Burghley House, Stamford PE9 3JY. www.burghley.co.uk

Sunday 10 April Cambridge Gliding Centre Open Day Visit Gransden Lodge Airfield to find out about the sport of gliding. Trial flights with qualified instructors available on a first-come, first-fly basis, plus free lessons in a realistic gliding simulator and talks about the airfield’s wartime history. Airfield entrance is on the B1046 between Little Gransden & Longstowe, opposite Gransden Lodge Farm (enter SG19 3EB into your SatNav). www.camgliding.uk Monday 11 April Acoustic Blues Grass Music The Ship Inn hosts an acoustic American bluegrass music session on the second Monday of every month. Free entry. The Ship Inn, 18 West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. 01832 273918; www.theshipinn-oundle. co.uk

Tuesday 12 April Discover Wild Food with Nene Park Trust Tips on identifying and collecting all the (sometimes!) delicious wild food all around us. 1.30pm-3pm. Free (£2 donation appreciated). Booking essential. Ferry Meadows, Ham Lane PE2 5UU. 01733 234193; www.neneparktrust.org.uk. NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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OUT & ABOUT April activities for all the family Saturday 16 April – Saturday 7 May Wendy Dominguez, 50 Shades of… Solo exhibition featuring the latest work of contemporary fine artist Wendy Dominguez. The exhibition will showcase the vibrantly coloured and loose work which is typically associated with the artist, but will also reveal new mixed media and charcoal work. Private View Friday 15 April 5.30pm-8pm with proceeds to Kidneeds, the gallery charity. Art in the Heart CIC, 47 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1HA. 07910 118148; www.artintheheart.co.uk Saturday 16 April Spring Charity Sale for John & Rosie Sandall’s Chernobyl Children’s Appeal Hundreds of bargains on offer including collectables, jewellery, household goods, baby items, toys and books. 10am-12noon, All Saints Church Hall, Park Road, Peterborough (opposite Central Park). 01733 268340 Saturday 16 April Oundle Charity Ball A glorious black tie event at the Great Hall, Oundle, raising money for the Supershoes Children’s Cancer Charity. Enjoy a sparkling reception, three-course dinner, music and dancing to the Claire Barker Band, with further entertainment from harpist Nick Penny. 7pm-midnight. £40. Tickets from The Hub at Fletton House, Fletton Way, Glapthorn Road, Oundle PE8 4JA. 01832 272055

Festival fun starts here… Tickets are on sale now for two big 2016 Oundle International Festival weekends. The fun kicks off on Saturday 9 July with Party at the Wharf starring The Beat – known the world over for a string of hit singles including Mirror in the Bathroom, Too Nice To Talk To and Can’t Get Used To Losing You – and local rising stars, The Tin Pigeons. On Sunday 10 July the Illyria Open Air Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s family favourite Danny, the Champion of the World at Barnwell Country Park. And the following weekend, on Saturday 16 July Oundle Food Festival takes place in the town centre, followed by an outdoor screening of the classic movie Grease at Oundle Wharf. Box Office: 4 New St, Oundle PE8 4ED. 01832 274734; www.oundlefestival.org.uk

Thursday 14 April PDFAS: The English Country House Style: Interiors from 18th to 20th Century Learn about painting, china, design and architecture with special reference to Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire (above) with interiors expert, Melissa Gallimore. 10.15am. First visit free. The Fleet, Fleet Way, Fletton PE2 8DL. 01733 767539; www.pdfas.co.uk Tuesday 19 April – Monday 2 May Peterborough Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibition: Fantastitch An exhibition of beautiful textile art – some for sale. 10am-4pm. Free. New Building, Peterborough Cathedral, 12a Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XS. www. peterborough-cathedral. org.uk

Thursday 28 April Thorpe Wood Nature Reserve Spring Wildflower Walk Enjoy a gentle stroll with Peterborough Wildlife Trust to look at wildflowers led by expert Sarah Lambert. 2pm-4pm. Free. Thorpe Wood Car Park, Holywell Way, Peterborogh PE3 6NB. 01733 237278; www.greeniversity.org.uk/ class/3244

One of our favourite local websites, IDEA1 – so-named because the A1 is the main arterial road that leads to the city – is a great place to find out what’s going on in Peterborough. Take a look: www.idea1.org.uk

The painting (right) which appeared in last month’s issue, is by Peterborough Art Society member Kate Paskin. For information on events, see www. peterboroughartsociety. org.uk Friday, 29 April Oundle Literature Festival: Fleas, Flies and Friars Professor Nicholas Orme explores children’s literature in Medieval England in rhymes, sayings, books and stories. 7.15pm. £8 (£6). Fletton House, Oundle PE8 4JA. Book at Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street Oundle PE8 4ED. www.oundlefestival.org.uk

BOOK NOW FOR…

Best-selling historian and novelist Alison Weir has chosen Peterborough Cathedral for the UK launch of her new book,Katherine of Aragon:The True Queen.She’ll be talking about the life of HenryVIII’s first queen at Peterborough Cathedral on 6 May;www.peterborough-cathedral. org.uk. • The gap between how we imagine our lives to be and how they really are is the subject of comedian Bill Bailey’s uproariously funny live show Limboland,which comes to Peterborough Arena on 4 June. • Later at the same venue,on 2 July,Nitro Circus Live,features 30 of the world’s best extreme athletes in freestyle motocross,BMX and anything you can imagine with wheels! 01733 363500; www.peterborougharena.com. • Super-smooth crooner Bryan Ferry performs at Burghley House on 11 June. Advance tickets are £39.50. www.livepromotionsconcerts. co.uk.

NENE LIVING APRIL 2016

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