UKES AT THE READY: Tuning up for the beer festival
NENE LIVING C OV E R I N G
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
Just add water... Safe ways to get your youngsters active this summer
AUGUST 2016 £1.50 08
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GET IN TOUCH: neneliving.co.uk
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE... August 2016
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SUMMER evening’s walk was made all the more enjoyable recently by the sight and sound of a group of teenagers playing noisily in a nearby river – their whoops of joy (and exclamations at the colder-thanexpected water temperature!) evoked my own childhood escapades. But it also reminded me of something I’d read from the Royal Lifesaving Society UK: more than 400 people drown in the UK each year – nearly 60 of them children and young people – and around 85 per cent of accidental drownings occur at open water sites such as the lakes, rivers, reservoirs and quarries that we have all around us here in the Nene region. Teaching my own children to swim from an early age was a real priority for me, and it’s a subject for which I still feel a passion. Quite simply, the ability to swim and a respect for water in all its states creates so many opportunities – my own kids have swum competitively at County level; have dived, surfed, kayaked, windsurfed and sailed with people from all walks of life in locations around the world; and, above all, they have had huge amounts of fun in the process. The opportunities for water-based activities are endless close to home too… so this month, why not see how you can get your own youngsters on or in the water safely? Our feature on p20 offers plenty of ideas. There are many other summery suggestions elsewhere in this issue. Here’s hoping for lots of sunshine and fun this August!
Gillian Bendall Editor INCORPORATING
NENE VALLEY LIVING
5 Upfront
Books for a summer read
7, 9, 10 News & Notes
Helping you make the most of Nene living
23 Creating a restaurant garden
City chef Lee Clarke on his new grow-to-eat inspiration
31 French fancy
Parisian style in the city… plus a summer salad from Riverford
25 New Stamford base for Savills 14 Let the good times roll!
Meet the team
Tuning up with the city’s ukulele stars
32 Al fresco feast
Local venues where you can enjoy good food outdoors
17 Summer essentials Best buys for the beach
27 Health & Beauty
The latest tips on looking good and feeling great
35, 37 Out & About
All you need for a fun-filled August
20 It’s a wonderful, watery world! Safe ways to get your youngsters on – and in – the water this summer
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
IT’S A WHOLE NEW GET IN TOUCH: neneliving.co.uk TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
COVER: Many thanks to Canoe2, who offer canoe hire, comfy camping and short breaks on the River Nene. For more see p20. 01604 832115; www.canoe2.co.uk
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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HURFORD & TEBBUTT KITCHENS & BEDROOMS SINCE 1969
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Based at Market Place, housed in one of Oundle’s historic Georgian buildings, we stock thousands of titles with a further 180,000 available for next-day ordering order today & read tomorrow! • Biographies • Food & Drink • Gardening • Sport • Travel Guides • Fiction • Humour • History • Local Interest • Children’s
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UPFRONT UPFRONT
Could there be any better way to keep your cool than an afternoon spent in the garden or at the water’s edge with a good book and a healthy helping of peace and quiet? We think not... so here’s our selection of the best paperback buys to suit all this summer
Fans of Stieg Larsson’s ‘odd couple’ of modern detective fiction – punk hacker Lisbeth Salander and investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist – will enjoy this next captivating novel in the Millennium series. Swedish crime novelist David Lagercrantz has skillfully taken up the reins (Larsson died in 2004) and crafted a compelling tale; Salander and Blomkvist have not been in touch for some time, then the latter is contacted by a renowned Swedish scientist who, warned that his life is in danger, wants Millennium to publish his story – and it is a terrifying one. Cecelia Ahern’s first novel, PS, I Love You was one of the biggest-selling debuts of 2004, a number one bestseller and a hit movie. The Marble Collector is her 12th novel and, unusually for an author known for her focus on female emotions and experiences, this one has a male protagonist. When Sabrina Boggs stumbles upon a mysterious collection of her father’s belongings, her seemingly uneventful life suddenly alters and shifts. In a single day she has to search for answers about the man she thought she knew – a man who, suffering from dementia in a care home, can no longer remember his own story – and Sabrina uncovers far bigger secrets than she could have imagined. Shortlisted for numerous awards, this beguiling debut from Natasha Pulley blends historical events with dazzling flights of fancy to transport readers to a strange and magical past. In 1883 Thaniel Steepleton returns to his tiny flat to find a gold pocketwatch on his pillow. But he has worse fears than
generous burglars – he is a telegraphist at the Home Office, which has just received a threat for what could be the largest-scale Fenian bombing in history. When the watch saves Thaniel’s life in a blast that destroys Scotland Yard, he goes in search of its maker, Keita Mori, a kind, lonely immigrant who sweeps him into a new world of clockwork and music. Meanwhile, Grace Carrow is sneaking into an Oxford library dressed as a man. A theoretical physicist, she is desperate to prove the existence of the luminiferous ether before she is forced to marry and lose her independence. As the lives of these three characters become entwined, events spiral out of control until Thaniel is torn between loyalties, futures and opposing geniuses. Kate Atkinson won the Whitbread (now Costa) Book of the Year prize with her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum and has done no writingwrong since. A God in Ruins relates the life of Teddy Todd – would-be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, husband, father, and grandfather – as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century. Often funny yet emotionally devastating, this book looks at war and the effect it has – not only on those who live through it, but on the lives of the subsequent generations over whom it casts shadows. Dubbed ‘cricket’s next superstar’, at just 24 Joe Root had already scored nearly 3,000 Test runs, taken 12 Test wickets and was the star of England’s incredible 2015 Ashes campaign – his knock of 130 at Trent Bridge secured the series victory and saw him named by the ICC as the
best batsman in the world. Fully updated to include England’s series victory over South Africa and the World T20 Finals, this is Joe’s personal account of his speedy climb to stardom, from schoolboy cricket to early days with Yorkshire, culminating with exclusive behind-thescenes access to an England team at the top of their game. A perfect read for all cricket fans, this book – just like a good match – moves along at a nice pace and gives a great understanding of what it means to a sportsman to represent his country. Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu where the youngest of the four children, 10-yearold Gerald, discovered his passion for animals. His memories of those enchanted days gave rise to these three classic tales – My Family and Other Animals, Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods – which are now available in one volume for the first time. A ‘modern masterpiece’ from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors, this is a rich, intense, and generoushearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila, and the nature of friendship. The story begins in the 1950s, in a poor but vibrant neighbourhood on the outskirts of Naples. Growing up on these tough streets the two girls learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone or anything else. As they grow, and their paths repeatedly diverge and converge, Elena and Lila remain best friends as well as the embodiments of a nation undergoing momentous change.
You can find all these books, and shelves full of more great reads, at The Oundle Bookshop, 13 Market Place, Oundle PE4 4BA. 01832 273523; email: oundlebookshop@colemangroup.co.uk
Across continents and decades, Hanna, Dan, Constance and Emmet struggle to escape their upbringing. But when they return to the west coast of Ireland for a final family Christmas in the home their mother is about to sell, a last, desperate act from Rosaleen – a woman who doesn’t quite know how to love her children – forces them to confront the weight of family ties and the road that brought them home. Funny, painful and poignant, this is a beautiful tale of a family that fails to connect.
Classic crime from the ‘Golden Age’, The White Cottage Mystery was originally written as a serial for the Daily Express in 1927 and published in book form a year later. Eric Crowther collected secrets and used them as weapons. Delighting in nothing more than torturing those around him with what he knew, there is no shortage of suspects when he is found dead in the White Cottage. Chief Inspector Challenor and his son Jerry will have to look deep into everyone’s past – including the victim’s – before they can be sure who has pulled the trigger. With a country house, blackmail and murder, this is a joyful journey back in time… the narrative flows as though you are watching a well-constructed movie: perfect for a lazy afternoon! Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning; she knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens and she’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. Then she sees something shocking. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s watched from afar. If you haven’t already read this one, make it an August ‘mustn’t miss’ – the movie’s out soon!
NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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NEWS & NOTES Helping you make the most of Nene living
Coach fun is a Shaw thing!
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ULY marks the release of the latest Door-2-Door holiday brochure and Out & About day tour brochure from Shaws Coaches. Both are packed full of exciting days out and relaxing breaks, brought to you by the Maxey firm which won Holiday Programme of the Year and was runner-up for Day Excursion Programme of the Year at the National Coach Tourism Awards. Shaws take care of every travel detail, so why not hop aboard a luxury coach for a trip to remember with a local, family-owned and award-winning company! • For a brochure or to book a break, call 01778 342224 Thrapston retailers Jollys and Hilly Horton Home are joining forces to stage a series of summer arts and crafts workshops for local children aged six and over. On 5 August there’s a sewing workshop where youngsters will learn how to make hanging hearts; on 9 August they can create a personalised canvas; on 12 August there’s a mask decorating workshop and on 23 August they’ll make felt bunting in a sewing group. Materials, refreshments and tutoring are all provided and prices range from £12-16. • For information contact Jollys Toys, 28a High Street, Thrapston NN14 4JH. 01832 358915. www.jollystoys.co.uk
Family fun with Rutland Cycling
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ET the kids out for a day at one of Rutland Cycling’s stunning locations: Rutland Water, Grafham Water, Fineshade Wood, Ferry Meadows, or – new for this year Cambridge. All hire bikes are brand new, current season models and include mountain bikes, comfy cruiser bikes, tandems, electric bikes, children’s bikes, tag-a-longs, buggies and extras include helmets, child seats and comfy saddle covers. Cycle hire prices start from £14.99 for adults and £7.99 for kids, and there’s a special rate of £8.99/£4.99 at Fineshade and Ferry Meadows. There’s also a great value family ticket available for £34.99, which includes cycle hire for two adults plus two children under 14 years. If Rutland Water or Ferry Meadows are your destination of choice, you can make your day even easier and let Rutland Cycling provide the picnic – prices are from £6.95 adults/£4.50 kids (pre-booking essential). • 0330 555 0080; www.rutlandcycling.com/hire
Peterborough’s Ostrich Inn has launched Art at The Ostrich – showcasing a new local artist each month. The launch of this new celebration of talent kicked off last month with Rob Clarkson, an illustrator and fine artist whose main style is intricate depictions of space mixed with surreal landscapes. Under the management of Simon Benton, a keen supporter of living local, the North Street pub has a long history with both the performing arts and as a social meeting point for the alternative, ‘Bohemian’ aspects of city society. Simon says: “A chance meeting between myself and an old school pal, Patricio from Castillo Productions, got us talking about our times in London, and missing that positive cultural vibe. I’d
wanted to put something together along these lines for a while but needed the expertise of someone from this field. So with Pat’s help we came up with the plan and this is the result. “I’ve spent a lot of time in London and love the urban vibe that places such as Bethnal Green and Brick Lane have. Part of this is the cultural mix of people, but also in the way pubs are the artistic hubs of their community. “Instead of run-of-the-mill pub signage or promotional material, people will be able to view and discuss local artwork. Displaying work in the pub offers artists a completely different audience to appeal to... something detached from the experience of a gallery.” August’s artist will be Peterborough photographer Matthew Niemc. NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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NEWS & NOTES
Ryan Kay is presented with a cheque for £500 from Sharman Quinney’s Luca Palumbo.
Local agent supports football Paralympian
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OCAL lad Ryan Kay is heading to Brazil with Great Britain’s Paralympic seven-a side football team with a little help from local estate agents Sharman Quinney. He flies out to Rio on 2 September and will be looking to bring home a medal after his 18 days in the country. Ryan, now 19, was diagnosed with spastic paraplegia at the age of two and required splints for more than 10 years to help maintain his balance. Regular exercise, physiotherapy and even Botox injections have been used to give him greater mobility. A pupil of Southfields School and then Stanground College, Ryan took up playing football for his local team in Park Farm before recognition at the East Midland Centre of Excellence in Nottingham. As his goalkeeping prowess grew, Ryan joined up with the England Cerebral Palsy Development Squad before becoming a member of the senior squad. Branch Partner at Sharman Quinney Stanground Lee Jeffrey says: “Obviously Ryan’s interest in the game doesn’t come without its costs, so were happy to step in as a local business in the community to help out financially. We wish him all the very best for the games and for his future footballing endeavours.”
More than £30,000 was contributed to the Peterborough 900 campaign – which is raising funds to mark the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral in 2018 – when former Prime Minister Sir John Major was guest speaker at a dinner and auction there. More than 370 guests enjoyed dinner in the Cathedral nave before an auction conducted by Colin Young of BBC’s Bargain Hunt. The first Fotheringhay Festival, held last month to raise vital funds for the repair and restoration of the historic Church of St Mary and All Saints (as featured in July’s Nene Living), raised almost £7,000.
A N I M A L A D V O C AT E S
The pecking order…
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he number of chickens being rescued and rehomed is ever-increasing, with more and more people offering a home to the thousands of hens rescued from the egg industry each year… but what about the cockerels? A common misconception is that cockerels can be ‘aggressive’ towards people; most cockerels are actually very sociable and love human interaction. Being ‘too noisy’ is also a common cause for a cockerel not finding a loving forever home. Cockerels express themselves vocally for a number of reasons. It is a natural part of their behaviour and can be a lovely sound to hear. Listening to them and watching them perform their ‘circle dance’ is an impressive experience. Cockerels are often very attractive birds and can make a great addition to any flock of hens which, like most girls, will often quarrel and can sometimes end up in nasty situations, causing injury to one another. A cockerel will actively break up any fighting and aim to restore order to the group. This is when a natural pecking order is formed, which settles the group and makes them feel safe. A cockerel’s ultimate aim is to protect his girls from anything they find threatening. He will fight off any predators, for example larger birds and rats. If a cockerel finds food, he will call the girls over and offer it to them first before he takes the chance to eat. Cockerels are selfless animals. • Please consider offering a cockerel its forever home by rehoming one from Wood Green today! Contact 0300 303 9333 for more information.
Kids’ club takes fun to the extreme
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OCKBLOK’S action-packed ‘kids’ summer adventure extreme club’ aims to help young people experience the satisfaction of creating new friendships along with the adventure of completing new challenges. Climbing, high ropes, cycling navigation, bushcraft, team challenges and more are all on offer at the summer club which takes place at Whitwell Leisure Park, Rutland, Mon-Thurs from 25 July to 1 September. All participants must pre-book to reserve a place (£25 per person per day) and the club is open 9.30am-3.30pm – earlier/later drop off and pick up times can be arranged in advance at an additional charge. • 01780 460060; www.rockblok.com
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NEWS & NOTES Wildlife flourishes at Sacrewell Farm
Heard about the new Personal Savings Allowance? Kerry Hilliard of Stephenson Smart Chartered Accountants explains the new allowance...
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ROM April 2016 a Personal Savings Allowance has been available to basic and higher rate taxpayers. The amount available depends on the individual’s circumstances, with basic rate taxpayers receiving a £1,000 tax-free allowance and higher rate taxpayers receiving a £500 allowance. Those who pay additional rate income tax (at 45%) will not have an allowance at all and will continue to pay tax on their savings income. Savings income includes interest received on bank and building society accounts, unit trusts, open-ended investment companies and bonds – not just savings accounts. Interest received on an ISA account will not apply towards the allowance total. Banks and building societies will no longer deduct tax at source from interest at 20% and will pay savings interest gross. This means that nontaxpayers will no longer need to fill out a form to receive bank and building society interest gross. From April 2015 a £5,000 starting rate (0%) band has also applied to savings income and this continues into the 2016-17 tax year. The effect of the £11,000 personal allowance, the £5,000 starting rate band and the £1,000 new savings allowance makes it possible for some to receive up to £17,000 savings income tax-free in 2016-17. HMRC will normally collect the tax for those that exceed the allowance by changing their PAYE tax code and those who complete a self-assessment tax return will continue to do so as usual. • For more information contact Stephenson Smart: 01733 343275; www.stephensonsmart.com
The summer holidays are here for many, and NHS Blood and Transplant is reminding donors to help those in need before going away. Hospitals in England rely on around 6,000 units a day to treat patients, but stocks come under pressure at this time of year as people get distracted by holidays and days out. To find out about donation sessions in our area call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
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ACREWELL Farm and organic farmers Riverford have recorded an increase in the number of plants, birds and butterflies during a survey at their 550-acre site near Wansford. The findings come after a new wildlife survey, commissioned by farm owners The William Scott Abbott Trust, was carried out and analysis done to compare the results to previous surveys in 1974, 1984 and 1994. Despite variations in methodology, the results are encouraging and demonstrate that the ecological wellbeing of the land has been maintained and improved. Among the findings in the butterfly survey was the Brown Argus (above), which has never been spotted at Sacrewell before and the Small Heath, which has priority conservation status as its numbers have declined
severely in the longterm. The bird survey revealed species like lapwing and skylark are flourishing at Sacrewell despite declining levels nationally. Reed buntings and yellowhammers that are also on the RSPB conservation concern list have been spotted at Sacrewell for the first time. And a survey of plant life on the farm showed that Sacrewell supports a rich variety of species that has increased and become more widespread across the farm – there’s been a big increase in locally significant species as well as plants like nightflowering catchfly (Silene noctiflora) and wild pansy (Viola tricolor) that have suffered widespread decline elsewhere in the UK. James Negus who helps to run Riverford’s organic farm at Sacrewell is delighted with the
results. He said: “We took over farming the land here in 2007 with our first crops two years later. As organic farmers we work with nature to develop healthy, fertile soil avoiding the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides that can be harmful to wildlife. Our customers seem to enjoy the results and we now deliver more than 7,000 veg boxes a week in the area. We’ll continue to enhance the land for wildlife with more hedgerows, provide wet grassland areas for birds, and maintain a range for habitats for mammals and insects.” • A series of farm walks are held at 5pm on the last Wednesday of each month so visitors can see the wildlife firsthand. To book your place on 27 July, 31 August or 28 September call 01803 762059 or visit www.riverford.co.uk
Free trees for city spaces
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O you want to make a difference to your local community, wildlife and environment? Are you a landowner in Peterborough? Then the charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) could potentially supply you with free trees for your land. In 2010, PECT launched Forest for Peterborough, an ambitious project to plant over 183,000 trees in and around the city by 2030. Project Officer Simon Belham is planning for the next planting season – which runs from October 2016 through to March 2017 – and now the charity would like to invite the city’s landowners to find out more about the opportunities for trees to be planted on their land for free. • For a no-obligation survey of your land, call Simon Belham on 01733 882545; email: simon.belham@pect.org.uk. www.pect.org.uk/forest
NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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of Maxey
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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
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EXCLUDING PAINT
Do You Have a Beautiful Home? Professional features team urgently seek homes to photograph for national interior magazines – Homes & Gardens, English Home, 25 Beautiful Homes, Real Homes, Ideal Home etc. Professional references supplied. We require all kinds of homes in this region – whilst size or style of home is unimportant, there must be at least one bedroom, at least one sitting room, a kitchen and a bathroom in excellent order. Great fun to do and an excellent PR opportunity. Are you an architect, builder or designer with clients who might be interested? If so, please contact me for a no-obligation chat. Contact Amander at Freelance Features Tel: 01572 770506 or email: amander@rutlandliving.com
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“What can I look forward to in retirement? New job, new friends and an important part in the community.” Freya North, Care Assistant, Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland
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LIGHTING YOUR WAY Visit The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire 10 Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PR (next door to The Party Place) T: 01733 264391 E: sales@tlsw.co.uk
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Let the good times roll! Among the highlights of this year’s Peterborough Beer Festival will be an appearance by the Palmerston Ukulele Band. Jonathan Craymer met the musicians who make this pub band one of the city’s liveliest
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O you like your live music to be just mildly entertaining, or totally uplifting? Dive into any performance by the Palmerston Ukulele Band (shortened, appropriately, to PUB!), and you’ll have to agree the experience is positively warmth-inducing: something you will probably talk about for weeks. I have personal experience of this phenomenon, having been wonderfully surprised at the Prince of Wales Feathers in Castor just before last Christmas to find the PUB rocking the place with its onslaught of singalong pop standards.
This ensemble of ukulele players was the brainchild of Ian ‘Bertie’ Benton, former landlord of the Palmerston Arms in Oundle Road, who was looking for something a little different for customers to take part in. He stuck a chalked sign outside the pub one day in February 2013. Seven people turned up with their ukuleles, and the band was born. Music director Steve McGuire was the original lead guitarist with Doctor and the Medics, which just over 30 years ago hit number one with a cover of Spirit in the Sky. Steve plays bass ukulele, providing a strong foundation for the full sound the band creates, but wasn’t one of the originals. He’d just moved to Peterborough to take up a job at the Regional College (teaching music technology) and was enjoying his first night out when he happened upon the PUB. “I went to the Palmerston knowing it did real ale. But then I saw a sign saying ‘ukulele band rehearsal’, so I went along – and haven’t looked back since,” he recalled. Steve left
Singalong siblings John (left) and Tony Sandall
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Steve McGuire and Mandy Chasney
The Medics in 1992, and in the meantime has written music for a Channel 4 comedy series and worked as a civil engineer. He told me: “The PUB is a wonderful communal, social thing to be part of. We rehearse every Thursday at the Palmerston, practising existing material and introducing new songs. The ukulele itself is a very easy instrument to play. Once you’ve mastered the first four chords, you can play lots of songs.” The rest of the band clearly thought his chart-topping status made him the ideal candidate to take charge of the music choices. So why isn’t he playing one of the ‘ukes’ himself? “When I started I played a regular tenor ukulele. We had a bass player then, but he went off to university so I switched to bass. It’s quite a challenge and very different from playing chords on guitar. On the bass you’ve got to play the right notes, and get the rhythm spot on.” Where will the band go from here? “We’re just happy playing regular gigs – as long as people are prepared to turn up and see us. We’ve been having a pretty busy summer. Nearly every weekend we’ve played at a beer festival or pub somewhere. What I’d like to do is bring in more modern songs. The ones we do mainly are ‘50s through to ‘80s, as most band members are aged 30 to 50 and know the material well. So I’d like to try just a few really modern songs in a ‘uke’ style.” Meanwhile he’s happy that audiences - even younger ones – all seem to know and love the songs they do. “I think some of those numbers are just ingrained in our DNA. Modern records tend to be far more ‘produced’, and we know we can’t reproduce the original studio sound – we have to adapt the song for a lot of ukuleles, a bass and a bit of percussion!” So how does the band create such a great atmosphere? “Because we enjoy it! The bands I’ve always enjoyed seeing are the ones clearly having a great time on stage. With us the joy we bring to our performances is infectious. You see somebody playing this little instrument, singing away with a huge smile on their face, and it’s
hard not to be caught up in it all. We love people to sing along with us and have a good time.” Not all the pubs in Peterborough have sampled the PUB experience thus far – something Steve would like to rectify. “We haven’t done the Cherry Tree, the Swiss Cottage or Brewery Tap to name but three, so maybe we can fix that. Obviously the Peterborough Beer Festival is our biggest gig of the year, and it’ll be great playing to 500-600 people. We’re really looking forward to it.” Will there be anything special in the set this year? “We want to freshen things up a bit, but don’t want to disappoint people who’re expecting to hear certain songs. We did Mr Blue Sky last year which surprised a number of people, so I’m keen to put in a song that people might not expect a ukulele band to do. Maybe some modern R&B or hip-hop.” Steve highlights one ‘problem’ which tends to afflict members of ukulele bands: an addiction to collecting more and more instruments. “You often start with a cheap ukulele and then buy a better one because of the tone.” PUB member Mandy Chasney – one of the original seven founder members, who looks after administration (Steve calls her the mother of the band) – has 14 ukes. “One for every month of the year and two spares,” he grinned. Mandy added: “We’re an eclectic mix of performers who enjoy attracting a huge range of audiences to a wide variety of venues, although we do gravitate towards watering holes. We make it our business to share ukulele love, joy and happiness wherever we go by putting a spin on popular singalong, footstomping tunes, from Johnny Cash and The Beatles, to The Kinks, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, The Undertones and many, many more.’” Amongst the band’s regulars are siblings John and Tony Sandall. Photographer John, 67, already an established guitar player, was bought a ‘banjolele’ (a cross between a banjo and ukulele) by his wife for his 60th. Now he has seven ukulele-type instruments. He recalled: “I thought the ukulele was all about playing
Peterborough Beer Festival 2016 runs from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 August on the Embankment. Most days it’s open 3-11pm but it’s advisable to check the Peterborough CAMRA website for timings and admission prices. Typically, admission is £6 on the door (less for CAMRA and European Beer Consumers Union members). Glasses cost an extra £3 each; undamaged ones can be returned at any time during the festival in exchange for a new clean glass or a full refund (of £3). There’s lots of entertainment, including an Open Mic Nite (Tuesday 23, approx 7.30pm10.45 pm) on the Festival Stage. If you’d like to appear, contact Stacy in advance at vocalsoulmate@hotmail.co.uk. There’s also lots of music, from the likes of the Misdirected Blues Band playing blue-rock covers (Weds); Grounded – rock covers (Thurs); Merry Hell – eight-piece folk band from the North-East (Fri evening); and many more. The Palmerston Ukulele Band will be on stage on Friday from around 4pm-5.30pm.
• www.peterborough-camra.org.uk
George Formby songs until I came across the PUB, and found they were such a great bunch of people – and doing a lot of songs I knew well! “One or two ukuleles on their own don’t sound particularly strong but when you get a lot of them together you get a massive sound. I get a terrific feeling creating music with the band; they’re good people and great friends. Sometimes we get paid a small amount for playing gigs – we’re playing 26 of them this year – but any money received goes towards equipment for the band. I just love being involved. It’s become such a major part of my life. Ukulele bands like this are popping up all over the country.” John’s brother Tony, 57, a flooring consultant, added: “I love the camaraderie and fellowship. We’re a like-minded group of people, out to enjoy ourselves. If you’re a ukulele player with some ability and unsure whether to join a band like this, my advice is to have a go. We’ll help you through your first rehearsals. I used to fool around on the guitar, and then some friends – already in the PUB – suggested I come along. That was three years ago. “Where do we go from here? I think we just keep doing the same thing. I’ve done three Peterborough Beer Festivals with the PUB so far. We just enjoy every minute of it.” • www.palmyukeband.com NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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SUMMER ESSENTIALS Summer days are here again… and whether you’re heading for faraway climes, planning coastal days out closer to home or just hoping to bring a bit of beach style to your own back garden, a whole new shopping opportunity awaits! We combed local stores for the best in beach essentials to help you look good and have fun. Now all you need is the sunshine! Ombre Sunglasses, £15, Next
Havaianas Brasil Logo flip flops, £22, John Lewis
Sensitive suncream, £12.50, M&S
Packable straw beach bag, £25, Monsoon
Decléor Tan Activator body serum, £45, John Lewis
Emma Bridgewater Union Jack tray, £25.95, Stupots Mens’ Panama hat, £18, Next
Bex 6 Mallet Croquet Set, £50, John Lewis
Tropical jumpsuit, £38, Oasis
Aerobie Symphony beach kite, £29.99, John Lewis
Fistral print mens’ swim shorts, £30, Fat Face
Mens Eluder flip flops, £12, Trespass
Lollipops, £1.25 – £4.99, Oundle Candy Co
Hearts drink mats, £9.95, Ashas Inspired Living
Mookie Toys Swingball game, £24.99, John Lewis
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SUMMER ESSENTIALS Whale Spray pool, £13.40, John Lewis
Bunting, £35, The Rounded House
Summer China mugs, £12.50, Stupots
Boat, £9.50, The Rounded House
Rounders kit, £14, Mankind
Piz Buin aftersun with tan intensifier, £5.49, Superdrug
Collection tropical swimsuit, £35, M&S
Plastic pitcher and coloured beakers set, £8.99, Stupots
Tan Leather bag, £80, Cottons
Mixbraid floppy hat, £20, Warehouse
Clarks Silver Clutch, £40, Cottons
Nameste sarong, £25, Accessorize
Summer cushions, £45, The Rounded House
STOCKISTS Ashas Inspired Living, West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ. 01832 275605; www.ashas.net The Rounded House, 10b West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. 01832 274687; www.theroundedhouse.com Oundle Candy Co, 10a West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. 01832 275017. Cottons, 7 Market Place, Oundle. 01832 272534; www.cottons-oundle.com Romejos, 14 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BQ. 01832 272165; www.romejos.co.uk Stupots, Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BE. 01832 275414; www.stu-pots.com John Lewis, Accessorize, Fat Face, M&S, Monsoon, Next, Oasis, Superdrug, Trespass, Mankind, Warehouse – all Queensgate, Peterborough; www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk • Many thanks to Tim Steele for additional photography. www.tsteelephoto.com
Summer scarves from £20, Romejos
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Here in the Nene Valley we may be miles from the nearest coastal beach, but that’s no reason for our children to miss out on some water-based fun this summer. There are opportunities galore in our area so, says Sarah Chase, it’s time to put away the garden sprinkler and start thinking bigger...
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ITH its 88 miles of navigable waterways, the River Nene provides outstanding opportunities to take to the water in a canoe or a kayak. Two companies are offering bespoke day-trip or camping packages on our doorstep, giving us plenty of choice. Nene Extreme Adventures offers both canoeing and kayaking from its base at picturesque Oundle Wharf, and is also offering kayaking and pedalo hire at Stanwick Lakes over the summer holidays. The range of boats includes open four-man canoes suitable for families, and can be hired by the hour or by the day. An option to camp overnight makes for perfect bonding with the kids over a campfire after a beautiful paddle downstream. Alternatively, they will collect canoes that are dropped off at designated points along the river, meaning you need never paddle upstream – the ultimate luxury! Owner David Loseby is particularly proud to be running the company’s first holiday club, for children aged 8-13. “My aim is to give kids an alternative to screen time this summer, and to make it an experience they’ll remember forever,” he says. Activities up for grabs include climbing a state-of-the-art 24ft mobile climbing tower, raft building, bushcraft, archery and, of course, canoeing and kayaking. “Children will benefit from the new challenges our holiday club can offer them,” says David. “Building confidence in and out of the water is what we are all about.” With clubs of five and three days’ duration, and dates
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running throughout the holidays, this could prove ideal for many working parents. For information, visit www.neneextreme.co.uk. Nestled at Ditchford Lock in rural Northamptonshire, between Rushden and Irthlingborough, Canoe2 has been running for six years. The company has built up a solid reputation for its thoughtful and comprehensive canoeing breaks of between two hours and five days. Owners Richard and Ian want to encourage families to take advantage of the slower pace of life their breaks can offer. “Spending a few days on the river together is a wonderful antidote to the rush of modern life,” says Ian, “and with our range of accommodation options, you can be as adventurous or luxurious as you like.” Thorough briefings and lots of good commonsense advice before you paddle off downstream, combined with the slow-moving and easy-going nature of the River Nene, mean that all trips are perfectly suited to complete novices, and kids will love the overnight stays – which vary from bell tents, yurts and tipis to one of a number of country hotels and B&Bs along the river. Accommodation, baggage transfer, pick up at the end of the trip and a full English breakfast are included in the prices shown on their website, www.canoe2.co.uk. For those children with a little more patience, there are few more pleasant ways to while away an afternoon than waiting on the riverbank for a fish to bite – and the popularity of this gentle pastime amongst the younger generation seems to be growing. At Orton Pond in
Peterborough, a small purpose-built coaching pond owned by Nene Park Trust, the charity Get Hooked on Fishing is funding a project intended to satisfy what it sees as a ‘clear demand’ from local children and families for angling activities. GHoF will fun four six-week angling programmes, covering coarse and lure fishing. As well as basic fishing skills, the sessions will develop planning, communication and teamworking skills, and provide an opportunity for young people to mentor other learners. Further information is available from Sarah Collins, email her at sarah.collins@ghof.org.uk Stanwick Lakes Fisheries is also keen to introduce children to the joys of casting a fly on the water, and runs periodic taster sessions for young people at very low, or no cost, at its complex of six mature fishing lakes. Look at www.stanwicklakesfisheries.com for more info. If the idea of fishing is enough to get your little sunbeams fidgeting, however, perhaps they should consider competing in Kettering’s IronRun Junior on 6 August! Open to children aged 6-15, this is a scaled-down version of the main IronRun and covers 3km of obstacles including quarter pipes, water slides, tyre climbs, cargo nets and much more. OK, so it’s more mud- than water-based, but it’s a fun and active way to spend a day, and besides the kudos of receiving their finisher’s certificate and medal, the lively events village will keep kids entertained with inflatables, food stalls, coffee bars and music playing throughout the day. And there’s no need for parents to feel left out… there’s a 12km event later in the day!
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“From sailing courses, windsurfing and raft building to the rather more specialised stand-up paddle boarding and even pedalo football, you’ll be wondering why you bothered booking a holiday abroad!’’
l, watery world! “Our junior race often reaches maximum capacity well before registration closes,” says Race Director, Dave Lewis, “so if you’re thinking of joining us then please be sure to book up soon – you can enter online at www.ironrun. co.uk”. Children under six are not forgotten and can take part in a mini fun run – this small assault course consists of scaled-down obstacles such as hurdles, tunnels, cargo nets and tyre climbs.
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ANY readers will be familiar with the work of Vivacity, the independent, notfor-profit organisation which manages many of Peterborough’s cultural and leisure facilities. Amongst these are the Peterborough Regional Swimming Pool and the Peterborough Lido, both of which offer family fun in the water on a daily basis and at very reasonable prices. The Regional Swimming Pool invites children and their parents to join them every Sunday from 2pm-6pm for Family Fun Inflatable sessions, during which inflatable floats, water walkerz (or Zorb balls) and mini boats are unleashed on the water. These sessions are for children aged five and over, and adults are required to join them in the water. They will run throughout the summer. Encouraging children and families into the water is high on Vivacity’s agenda, and it has recently announced that a free swimming initiative has been expanded to include all children under five, across all its pools in the city. Jon Marsden, Director of Sport and Healthy
for toddlers, all in an iconic Art Deco setting. Living at Vivacity comments: “According to the See www.vivacity-peterborough.com for more Amateur Swimming Association, one in five details. adults in the UK is unable to swim, and we are If all of that doesn’t give you an appetite committed to supporting children learning to for the watery world, then a trip to swim at an early age so that they can the Nene Outdoors Watersports keep swimming into adult life.” Katrina Canham and Activity Centre at Ferry Already taking advantage and Sophia Meadows in Peterborough is of this at the Regional required, where Nene Park Pool is Katrina Canham, Trust is ensuring there’s who has two young something to cater for daughters. “We’re absolutely every taste. going on holiday this From sailing courses, summer”, she says, windsurfing and raft “and I want to get building to the rather Sophia (nearly two) a more specialised standbit more confident in up paddle boarding and the water before we go even pedalo football, so that we can make the you’ll be wondering why you most of our time together bothered booking a holiday as a family. I have a slightly abroad! You can even enjoy a older daughter too and bringing cruise – yes, a cruise! – on Overton Lake them both swimming regularly can get expensive, but we will be coming more often in The Captain’s Folly, a 1969 GRP simulated clinker boat, built in Blakeney and used as a now that it’s free.” crabbing boat for many years before enjoying Make sure you have your Vivacity card ready retirement as a trip boat. Cruises last about half to claim your under five’s free swim – these are an hour, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy spotting completely free, and can be obtained at any the abundant and varied wildlife in the Park. Vivacity location. See the website, www.thecaptainsfolly.co.uk for The initiative has come at just the right time more information, and www.neneparktrust.org. for families who prefer their swimming to be uk/nene-outdoors for details on all the activities en plein air: celebrating its 80th anniversary, available on the Gunwade Lake. Peterborough Lido is also participating in the So: no excuses. Get your swimming costumes free swimming for under-fives scheme. Families and wetsuits ready and take the plunge this and keen swimmers alike can enjoy the heated summer: your children will thank you for it! 50m pool, a learner pool and a paddling pool NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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OUTDOOR LIVING Creating a restaurant garden Not only has he got one of the city’s most exciting new dining experiences off to a flying start, Lee Clarke – owner and head chef at Prévost – has set up his very own restaurant garden. We asked him about the inspiration behind it…
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NE of the first people I got to know when I started working as a chef in Peterborough was Renny from The Green Backyard. Listening to his enthusiasm about this project, about community gardening and growing your own, had me intrigued and excited, and after remaining in touch I soon received an invite to take a look for myself. “As I walked around The Green Backyard I understood what Renny had been so passionate about – there were nigella seeds, tomatoes, salad leaves and squashes everywhere. I’ve been inspired by gardens and allotments like it ever since, and so when I got my own space behind Prévost, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.” With the help of Lee’s friend and local garden designer Jeni Cairns, Lee now has his first restaurant garden. Jeni is an awardwinning artist and garden designer living in rural Cambridgeshire. Her work covers a wide variety of media and disciplines including metalwork, painting, collage, sculpture and drawing, but her career has really blossomed since starting a garden design course six years ago.
Her expertise in garden design and planting has led to her winning awards for show gardens at Harrogate in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Jeni also won Gold and ‘Best Summer Garden’ at RHS Hampton Court in 2014 and is fresh from winning Gold and ‘Best Show Garden’ at this year’s event. Since opening in April 2016, Prévost is already growing raspberries, rosemary, oregano, strawberries and micro salads, with broccoli, asparagus and beans coming in daily. The garden and all of the ingredients which result from it will drive Lee’s menus over the coming months. Lee says: “When looking for new ideas I often take inspiration from local farms – seeing what they are growing so that maybe I could grow my own. We are lucky to be surrounded by so many great producers in this region, miles of hedges full of berries and plenty of parks for foraging mushrooms. “Growing our own vegetables, fruit and herbs means that I can now find my inspiration a lot closer to home – and whilst it’s still a work in progress, the experimentation it allows is already helping me to think of new ideas for the restaurant.”
■ Designed by Jeni Cairns for last month’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Working Wetlands Garden, supported by the HSBC Water Programme, provided a haven for wildlife and people, and at the same time demonstrated a working solution to the problem of flashflooding caused by urban run-off. ■ Car parks, roads and roofs all speed up the rate of run-off into drains and increase the risk of flooding. But in this garden, water from the roof was collected into a mini wetland and, as it passed through the cascading water feature, it was cleaned and filtered by soil and plants. The purified rainwater filled a wildlife pond which, after very heavy rain, would overflow into a series of low wetlands and ‘swales’ which store the water and release it slowly. ■ Many of the garden’s most striking features were recycled – a pagoda roof was the inverted roof of a grain silo; bench supports were made from curved girders from the same silo; a cascade was an air duct from a warehouse; and sheets of metal were carved to make relief water scenes of dragonflies and kingfishers.
Set in a 16th-century mews on Priestgate, Prévost opened in late April and offers tasting menus ranging from three to nine courses. Prévost’s lunch offer provides great value. For just £32.50, diners can sample Lee Clarke’s unique dishes with a three-course menu plus mineral water, an extra-large glass of wine and tea or coffee. The restaurant serves just 28 covers, so booking is essential. • www.prevostpeterborough.co.uk
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PROPERTY
Savills new Stamford office Nicholas Rudd-Jones meets the team at Savills estate agents
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AVILLS once again has a base in Stamford – the result of a recent merger with Smiths Gore – and has a smart and welcoming office opposite the George Hotel in St Martin’s. James Abbott, a very experienced estate agent, is heading up the office. He has strong experience in the region, having been based for some time in Market Harborough. Alongside him on the residential side is Lois Simpson, born and bred Lincolnshire and with over nine years’ residential property experience; and Heather Lemmon, the office manager. Zoe Noyes is head of Residential Development Sales, and always has a fascinating portfolio of new properties – both those ready for immediate occupancy and those available in the near future, including the Kettering Road development “Being part of the Savills network provides many benefits,” James told me. “First of all our nationwide network of offices; both regionally in Nottingham, Cambridge and Lincoln; and in London, where we have 37 sales offices. The London market is a key source of potential purchasers, ensuring your property is effectively marketed to the widest audience. “Secondly, being part of the Savills network also has the benefit of
close links with other specialisms: if, for example, you have a property with an adjoining slip of land that might have development opportunity, we have professionals who can advise on that too. “Selecting which estate agent to use is a big decision – and so it should be. While cost is a consideration, other factors such as track record, advertising spread, reputation, personal recommendation, market knowledge, geographical coverage and experience are more important. In the property market it’s about both what you know and who you know. “Whilst our marketing reach is vital, we also believe old-fashioned estate agency values are equally important: taking an interest, really finding out what buyers want and when they want it, and keeping in regular contact with them. It is about helping people in almost every aspect of their move – schooling, recommending local tradesmen and removal companies, dog walkers or tree surgeons – we are asked anything and everything.” Savills markets properties, both new and period, across the price range from £300,000. • Savills, 9 High St St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF. 01780 484696; www.savills.co.uk
NEW HERITAGE HOUSING FOR STAMFORD
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ORK has begun on site to create 48 new homes in Stamford that reflect the iconic architecture of the Georgian town. The 48 houses are to be built at the former Stamford Association Football Club ground on Kettering Road after the land was sold to developer Morris Homes by the Burghley House Preservation Trust (BHPT). They are
expected to go on sale later in the year. “The project is the result of rigorous planning and research to produce a legacy scheme sympathetic to its surroundings,” said David Merrick of Savills, who marketed the land on behalf of Burghley and who, together with Adam Architecture, advised the Trust during the lengthy design process.
“Morris Homes, the Trust and their respective advisers have worked together, looking at the big picture and the fine detail to ensure the end product is right for this prominent location in Stamford. For example, there will be significant use of ashlar, rubble stone and render,” he explained.
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Is pain restricting your lifestyle? We can help you get the best out of life with our fabulous Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Sports Massage Team!
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HEALTH & BEAUTY Compiled by Bridget Steele
More energy for the things you enjoy Nina Heaton helps people to resolve stress, gain clarity, increase energy levels and enhance wellbeing. A Peterborough-based holistic practitioner and coach, Nina looks at the body as a whole, which includes the spiritual, mental, physical,and emotional/energetic elements. She explains: “We often waste our energy on disruptive emotions like worry, fear, frustration and guilt. In my experience as a coach, the area that has the biggest impact on all of those other elements are the emotions we feel. We experience disruptive emotions and, quite frequently, this has a draining effect on our energy levels. I teach people how to resolve the emotional baggage with Human Software Engineering, so they have more clarity, make better decisions and have more energy to do the things they enjoy!” • Email nina@ ninaheaton.co.uk to arrange a free Discovery Session. For more details and free video clips visit www.ninaheaton. co.uk
New home for Prestons Health
Ultimate results… Elysia’s new FDA award-winning approved treatments use the latest technology to give outstanding results – owner Lisa has a portfolio of real clients with proven results. Treatments include the Exilis Elite that offers revolutionary non-invasive treatments for wrinkle reduction and to give younger-looking and firmer skin. It can also be used for shaping and contouring of the body and reduction of fat deposits. Areas for treatment include the eye area, chin, jawline, mouth, décolleté and most body areas. The Exilis treatment uses a combination of high-energy, mono-polar radio frequency and ultrasound with a unique cooling feature to provide a comfortable treatment. It’s clinically tested and scientifically proven to treat laxity and melt fat painlessly, with no downtime and results that speak for themselves. • Elysia Health and Beauty, Tansor, Oundle PE8 5HP. 01832 226328 or 07879 620196; www. elysiahealthandbeauty.com
Two-week plan for fungal nail
After nearly 50 years trading in Alexandra Road Peterborough, Prestons Health recently moved If you suffer from discoloured, thickened or crumbling nails you may have fungal nail. to a unit within the Virgin Active Health and And aside from it being unsightly, it can be difficult to treat and often recurs. Annette Racquets Club at Thorpe Wood Business Park. Robinson of the Injuries Clinic, Oundle specialises in foot treatments and offers a Helen Preston showed me around the new 20-minute treatment that involves tiny holes being drilled into the nail plate, allowing premises – the colour scheme is a soft grey deeper access to the infected areas without damaging the nail bed underneath. A daily which, with the company’s bright orange logo, treatment is then prescribed, guaranteeing visible results within two weeks. results in four tranquil, relaxed treatment rooms • 01832 272200 or 0790 5167944; www.injuries-clinic-oundle.co.uk that are not at all clinical. Helen explained: “The move will enable us to offer our patients a more bespoke, modern and relaxed experience where we will be able to offer a truly holistic treatment.” Services offered will include physiotherapy, podiatry, sports massage, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture and mindfulness. A gait lab will also work alongside the multi-disciplinary team and podiatrist to offer evidence-informed, cutting-edge biomechanical assessment of walking and running gait. “Patients attending for physiotherapy will be able, when indicated, to utilise the extensive exercise equipment on-site with their therapist to ensure optimal results from their rehabilitation programme,” said Helen. The site is metres from the beautiful setting of Beauty Brand Benefit has recently launched Bluebell Wood in the Nene Park and the River Nene, a new brow bar within Boots at Queensgate, offering plenty of parking including specific disability Peterborough, promising perfect arches spaces and access. There is also a coffee shop on-site using the latest techniques. that is accessible for patients to use before or after LA brand NYX has also opened a treatment, or indeed for relatives waiting during treatment. professional make up counter – a favourite • Prestons Health, Virgin Active Health and Racquets Club, Thorpe Wood Business Park, with beauty bloggers offering gorgeous, Peterborough PE3 6SB. 01733 565911; www.prestonshealth.co.uk must-have make up at affordable prices.
Beauty at Boots
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Annual Charity Dinner & Auction The William Cecil 7th of October 2016
Tickets suggested donation price £50 Book now to avoid disappointment
Call 07718 071645 www.phoeberesearch.org.uk
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THE OLD BARN WADENHOE Set in the beautiful village of Wadenhoe • Breakfasts, Light Lunches & Set 2 Course Daily Special • Gluten free sandwiches, cakes & scones available • Inside & Outside Seating
Luxury Afternoon Tea £15pp. Booking essential
GIFTS • IRONWORK • CRAFTS • PLANTS SHRUBS • BAY TREES • OLIVE TREES Greek Night - Saturday 6th August 7.30pm £20pp. Italian Night - Saturday 17th Sept 5 course dinner 7.30pm £25pp Bring your own alcohol. Booking essential.
Open 7 days a week 9.30am - 5.30pm
All enquires welcome, please call:
01832 721129
www.theoldbarnatwadenhoe.co.uk
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
www.siamgrocery.co.uk Siam is the former name of Thailand. Hence we are specialist of Thai Groceries.Our shop is located in Thrapston, East Northamptonshire. You are welcome to visit us for a wide range of Asian food, which include tropical exotic fresh fruits and vegetables. We also have some local produce.
Our services include: Online ordering Weekly delivery to local area Delivery in the UK & EU
Open Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm 7 The Bullring, Church Walk, Thrapston, Kettering. NN14 4NP
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• 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
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FOOD & DRINK French fancy Inspired by the brasseries of Paris, Côte offers a modern approach to classic French dishes Gillian Bendall went along to say bonjour…
A
UGUST: twenty years ago I spent the month travelling along the west coast of France, a five- and six-year-old in tow. The combination of endless beaches and al fresco lifestyle made for a fuss-free family break. And, of course, a huge part of our easy-living enjoyment was the opportunity to visit restaurants where we could enjoy fine food in a child-friendly atmosphere. Fast-forward to today: the children make their own holiday memories and work commitments mean even a week’s escape is a rare treat. Happily, though, I’ve found a place that evokes all I cherished about that carefree summer: Peterborough’s Côte Brasserie. Championing relaxed all-day dining, Côtes are cropping up all over the country now. And it’s easy to see why ours – a £1m-plus refurbishment of the former Santander Bank – is a hit. Step inside the chic interior and there’s a buzz of chatter and activity. The staff are welcoming, cheery and knowledgeable; our waiter Enda detailed some of the dishes as we sipped on a glass of Kir Royale, and we
applauded his menu recommendations more than once as we made our way through the most delightful of meals. The classic brasserie favourites are all on offer (Steak Frites, Tuna Nicoise et al) but Côte is committed to a monthly-changing ‘specials’ list. After sharing a Passaladiere with Reblochon Cheese and Thyme (£4.75) I opted for the seasonal Tomates Breton (5.95), which was a delicious dish of heritage tomatoes and soft goats cheese served on grilled sourdough with black olives, shallots and capers to provide accents of flavour. My partner went for the French Onion Soup (£5.50) which was both rustic and robust, delicately seasoned
Grilled aubergine, feta, olive & mint salad
Serve this salad at room temperature to enjoy the flavours at their best. Grilling the aubergines on a barbecue would be even better, heightening their smoky flavour. Serves 8 Ingredients • About 6tbsp pine nuts • 2 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste • 5tbsp balsamic vinegar • 150–200ml extra virgin olive oil • 3 aubergines, sliced lengthways 5mm thick • Approx 160g feta, crumbled • Good handful of black olives, eg Kalamata, pitted and halved • Handful of basil leaves • Handful of mint leaves • Salt and black pepper
• Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan, tossing them frequently, until golden. • Make a dressing by whisking the crushed garlic with the vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Go easy on the salt as the feta and olives will be a little salty anyway. • Heat a cast-iron griddle pan until very hot. Brush the aubergines with some of the dressing (just enough to coat on both sides) and grill them in batches until they are soft to their centres and have nice grill marks, about 3-4 minutes on each side. • Assemble the salad by layering the aubergine with the pine nuts, feta and olives and drizzling the remaining dressing over as you go. • Finish by tearing or finely slicing the basil and mint leaves and scattering them over the top.
and topped with a sourdough croute and melted comté cheese which he declared “unbelievably lovely”. On to the main course, and I chose the Chargrilled Salmon which, at £11.95, was served with ratatouille and a lemon juice and olive oil dressing – delightfully light and flavoursome, I didn’t really need the side order of Frites (£2.95), but when en France… At Enda’s suggestion him opposite ordered the Roasted Belly Pork (£13.50). Pan-roasted and served with gratin potato, braised savoy cabbage, apples, thyme and calvados jus, it was, he said, fabulously balanced and the meat perfectly tender. Desserts were hardly needed, but who can turn down a Tarte au Citron or a Crème Caramel? The latter, a Côte speciality (£5.50) was one of the nicest we’d ever had (sweets have to be shared!) – creamy and full of flavour. The zingy lemon tart (also £5.50) featured some of the softest pastry I’ve tasted and was topped with Normandy crème fraiche and raspberries. Our meal was complemented by a bottle of La Lande Blanc, a vibrant green fruit and fresh blossom white which, at £16.95, proved to be another good recommendation. And, just because, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the happy ambience, we finished with Cappuccino (£2.45) and then a small Calvados nightcap (£3.25). Peterborough’s Côte had been open only a few weeks – and the city was bathed in rainshowers rather than sunshine – when we visited, but our meal certainly put us in a summery mood. • Côte Brasserie is at 4 Church Street, Peterborough PE1 1XR. 01733 306352; www.cote-restaurants.co.uk
Weekly organic veg boxes delivered to your door riverford.co.uk/sacrewell 01803 227227 NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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AN AL FRESCO FEAST What could be better on a warm summer’s evening than dining outside? Lucy Banwell rounds up some of the best places in the area to enjoy top-notch food and refreshments in the great outdoors
THE FALCON INN
The Falcon’s pretty rear garden is the perfect place to while away a few sunny hours with good food and good company. On my last visit to this outstanding pub in Fotheringhay, I was treated to my first asparagus of the year – chargrilled to bring out its nutty sweetness and served alongside a perfectly poached egg, parmesan shavings and pea shoots (£7). My main course of Pan Fried Red Mullet on a Mediterranean Vegetable Cous Cous with a Saffron Aioli (£13.50) was a serious taste explosion with firm, sweet fish and a wonderful red soup of a sauce awash with red pepper and tomato. But there are simpler treats in store at The Falcon this summer. Thanks to the new wood-fired pizza oven (built by our friends at www. gardencookhouse.com) you can have fresh pizza cooked to order on Friday nights from 6pm-9pm and on Saturdays from 12noon-2pm and 6pm9pm. Sunday is Barbecue Night with delicious dishes such as Spare Ribs (£9.50), Tiger Prawns (£10) and Sirloin Steak (£15) being served up in the garden from 5.30pm-8pm. If the forecast is looking good, booking ahead is highly recommended. 01832 226254 www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk
TAP & KITCHEN THE CHEQUERED SKIPPER
A meal at the Chequered Skipper in the pretty village of Ashton never fails to bring a smile to my face. As for going there to eat outside? Heaven! The village green is picture-postcard pretty and you have the choice of sitting on the green itself on one of the (very) rustic picnic benches, in the Skipper’s own garden or in the courtyard. I favour the garden, but if your children are on the young side the green is the place to be because you can then enjoy your meal in peace while the kids race around. My last visit to the Skipper involved Fish and Chips (£12) and Roasted Duck Breast (£15.95). The generously chunky piece of cod loin was encased in a delicious crisp batter made from Hophead ale and the duck was tender and well-seasoned, accompanied by jewel-like mini cubes of celeriac. Truly outstanding food. With local ales in abundance and meat sourced from Oundle’s Seven Wells Butchers, a meal at the Chequered Skipper is a veritable celebration of our lovely region. 01832 273494 www.chequeredskipper.co.uk
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This riverside eatery in Oundle made its entry onto the restaurant scene back in 2014 and wasted little time making a serious impact with its emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Some of the cuts of meat may have proved a little unfamiliar to diners. Hogget? Hanger Steak? But the restaurant now has a firm following and even landed the Restaurant of the Year gong in the 2015/16 Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards. Every weekend throughout the summer (weather permitting) the River Grill will swing into action serving up al fresco gourmet burgers, hot dogs, burritos and grilled halloumi. Meat dishes are well priced at £6 a pop and accompanying salads such as Moroccan Chickpea, Feta & Carrot cost £4. You can visit the outdoor grill from 6pm on Fridays and from 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 01832 275069 www.tapandkitchen.com
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CAFÉ CLARKES
LAKESIDE KITCHEN & BAR
On a clear summer’s day, the setting of Ferry Meadows’ Lakeside Kitchen & Bar is pretty special. With its huge decked seating area jutting out over Gunwade Lake, you can enjoy delicious, freshly cooked food while taking in the stunning scenery. On our visit, my eldest plumped for the giant Lakeside Burger (£7.95) served in a tasty Hambleton Bakery brioche bun while my youngest boy enjoyed a great value kid’s pizza (£3) which was surprisingly substantial and received a big thumbs-up. We then enjoyed a cycle ride around the lake, an epic game of French cricket and ice creams down on the ‘beach’ below the deck. It’s Peterborough’s answer to a day at the seaside with great food, facilities and a warm welcome to boot! 01733 233218 www.lakesidekitchenandbar.com
This outpost of the Clarkes fine dining empire offers first class food at highly competitive prices – particularly for the set lunch menu. Three courses at lunchtime costs just £15 and features a delightfully short list of choices featuring dishes such as Lemon Sole Goujons and Chicken Caesar Salad. Based at the Key Theatre on Embankment Road in Peterborough, Café Clarkes offers an amazing outdoor dining experience regardless of whether you’re there to take in a show. The views from your table of both the Cathedral and the river are truly breathtaking. Never mind the theatre – head there just for the views, the food and the fresh air and you won’t be disappointed. 01733 561465 www.cafeclarkes.co.uk
DEXTERS
The Dexters courtyard is without doubt the nicest place in Oundle to sit and enjoy a glass of something cool when the sun deigns to make an appearance. The new management team have kept to the same successful offering of tapas dishes, sharing platters, meat and fish, but the interior has had a freshen up and the courtyard (complete with heaters for those chillier evenings) is all set to receive al fresco diners. The last Sunday of the month will see Dexters play host to ‘Live Bands & BBQ’ events from 12noon-3pm. For £12.50 per adult and £5 per child you can enjoy BBQ food including meats and homemade potato salad along with live music in the courtyard. The events will run on 31 July and 28 August. 01832 273366 www.dextersoundle.com
THE QUEEN’S HEAD
There’s a new team in place at the recently re-opened Queen’s Head in Bulwick, and if their level of experience is anything to go by things are definitely looking up for this charming pub. Front of house, Hayley King is fresh from the White Swan at Harringworth and chef Rob Kemp has come from The Vaults in Uppingham. The starters we tried on our visit were certainly very assured – whitebait for him opposite went down a treat and my squid was juicy with a satisfyingly crunchy, peppery batter. The mains unfortunately gave us less to write home about. The roast pork was a bit dry and the gravy rather gloopy, but I liked the cauliflower cheese and the crushed parsnips were a nice touch. And you can’t argue with Sunday lunch prices here - £12.95 for two courses and £14.95 for three. There’s a nice outdoor seating area in the courtyard and barbecue nights are in the offing once the new team have made some adjustments to the outdoor cooking facilities. All in all, solid pub grub in a lovely environment. 01780 450738 www.queensheadbulwick.com NENE LIVING AUGUST 2016
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Advertisement Feature
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials R
unning across four days from 1st - 4th September 2016, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is one of the premier equestrian and social events in the Autumn International sporting calendar. The televised event features some of the best horse and rider combinations in the world, the Event stretches across the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in Stamford, on the Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire border and boasting the ultimate retail therapy experience with 600 handpicked pop-up tradestands. Two days of dressage, where horse and rider combinations take to the main arena to showcase their control and elegance, kick off the sporting spectacle. This is followed by arguably the most exciting and eagerly anticipated event, the cross country which sees competitors test their nerve around Burghley’s famously demanding course of undulating grounds and imposing solid fences, on Saturday. The competition comes to climax on Sunday with horses and riders returning to the Main Arena to battle it out in the show jumping finale. Here the winner of the Land Rover Perpetual Trophy and substantial first prize is determined. Land Rover Burghley is also prized for its
extensive shopping avenues, pavilions and food walks catering for all tastes. The shopping village offers a wide variety of unique goods including artisan cheeses, equestrian paraphernalia, garden sculptures and much more besides. 2015 saw 160,000 visitors passing through the gates of the Burghley Estate across the four days of competition and this year looks to be just as competitive... Visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk to secure your tickets.
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OUT & ABOUT All you need for a fun-filled August Monday 1 August An oil painting of a café interior, demonstrated by Jerome Hunt Local artist Jerome, known for his works in oil and limited edition screen prints, will produce a painting of a café interior. 7.30pm-9.30pm. £4 to non-members. St Mark’s Church Hall, Lincoln Road, Peterborough. www. peterboroughartsociety. org.uk Wednesday 3 August Wednesdays at One Classical Reflection at Peterborough Cathedral Peterborough twins Hannah and Naomi Moxon, who won widespread acclaim for their appearance on The Voice in 2015, present a programme of classical and light operatic music at the tower crossing inside the Cathedral. 1pm. Free entry. www. peterborough-cathedral. org.uk Monday 8 August Oundle and District U3A Open Day A great opportunity to find out what your local U3A is all about. Members will be on hand to discuss the different
activities on offer and displays will give further information on the wide variety of groups currently running. 2pm-4pm. Queen Victoria Hall, West Street, Oundle. www.u3asites.org.uk/ oundle/home
Tuesday 9 August Roald Dahl Workshop City Gallery, Peterborough Museum Children aged 6-11 will be inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl in this fun-filled workshop. Each will go home with their own hand-made souvenir and, for an additional fee, a Discover Arts Award – an alternative qualification, which allows young people to learn about the arts outside of school. £15 (£20 including Discover Arts Award). 10am-3pm. Booking essential: 01733 864663 or in person at the Peterborough Museum reception desk.
Friday 5 August Bryan Adams Multi-platinum selling international rock star Bryan Adams performs an open-air gig at Peterborough’s Embankment as part of his Get Up tour of the UK. 6pm. £49. Visitor Information Centre, 41 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1HA. 01733 452336; www.ticketline.co.uk
Wednesday 24-Saturday 27 August Little Shop of Horrors Kindred KYT are back with their annual summer musical and it promises to be a fun-packed ‘horror fest’ for all the family! Little Shop of Horrors is a sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score and, with a cast drawn entirely from the young people of Peterborough and its surrounding areas, this production promises to be the event of the summer at the Key Theatre. 7.30pm (plus 2.30 Sat). £17, £14 concessions. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough PE1 1EF. 01733 207239; www. vivacitypeterborough.com
Thursday 25 August The Scarlet Pimpernel at Peterborough Cathedral Before Zorro, Batman and Superman there was... The Scarlet Pimpernel! With original songs, spectacular sword fights and a little bit of romance, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy in this musical adventure. Bring a blanket or low-backed chair and maybe a picnic to enjoy this exciting open-air production in the cloisters of Peterborough Cathedral. 7pm-9pm. Advance tickets: adult £12, child £9, family £33; on the day: adult £15, child £11, family £40 – all from Peterborough Information Centre, 41 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1HA; 01733 452336 or Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle; 01832 274734; www.oundlefestival.org.uk www.boxtreeproductions. co.uk
Sunday 28 August WET SOUNDS Peterborough Presents is working with internationallyacclaimed sound art company Wet Sounds to bring something never before seen in the city… underwater art at the Lido! Wet Sounds is an underwater sound art installation and performance – a deep listening experience created by artist Joel Cahen. Touring swimming pools across the UK and beyond, Wet Sounds presents a holistic soundscape to a floating and diving audience in the water. Participants are fully immersed in sound, free to move weightlessly in the sound space. The sounds showcased at Wet Sounds will be chosen and created by five groups of up to 15 local people and organisations including young musicians, call centre employees and schools. These groups will work with Joel to create something truly unique to Peterborough, whilst also gaining an insight into sound engineering and production. 4pm-8pm. Tickets, £5, are available on the door. Don’t forget your swimming kit! www.wetsounds.co.uk
Peterborough’s PECT Green Festival The Green Festival brings together attractions, community groups, charities and businesses to celebrate ‘green’ initiatives in the city and offer free fun for the whole family. Don’t miss the city centre launch event on Saturday 13 August from 10am, followed by a week of fringe events to 21 August. Organiser Jen Orrell says: “The Festival is a fantastic opportunity for people to discover the great local and sustainable things happening in our city and surrounding areas – all through a fun and free event! It’s also a chance to learn about your own environmental impact: what you can do to reduce it, and how you can get involved in local initiatives to make an even bigger difference. On launch day there will be free activities, games, demonstrations and performances, plus themed areas focused on wildlife and biodiversity, sustainable transport (including from our sponsor Travelchoice), heritage skills, waste and recycling, health and well-being, and sustainable food with cookery demonstrations!” There will also be art installations and activities, including High Water Mark, a series of installations near the River Nene in the city centre by artist Jacqui Jones. She will place origami-style boats above current water levels to highlight the impact of climate change and the potential future sea level rises that may affect the region. The artworks will form a trail alongside the river that the public can follow on foot, bike or boat, raising awareness of the walking and cycle routes that are available in this beautiful part of the city. • www.pect.org.uk/GreenFest
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PE8 5SR, 5 miles from Oundle
JAZZ NIGHT
Eight acres of beautiful grounds Traditional fairground games including Jumping Frogs, Hook a Duck, Roll a Coin and much more included in the entrance fee!
The Great American Songbook Featuring COOL JAZZ COLLECTIVE LIZZIE COOPER AND HER JAZZ TRIO
also available
MONDAY 29TH AUGUST 7pm - 11pm, £14
Table seating, cash bar, food and snacks available
BOOKINGS: 01832 720777 www.wadenhoe-house.com
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OUT & ABOUT All you need for a fun-filled August Now in its fifth year, Green Meadows Festival takes place in the grounds of Elton Hall Estate near Peterborough. The weekend (Friday 12-Sunday 14 August) boasts a huge line-up of internationally-acclaimed artists and DJs across multiple stages, including Britpop legends Space, BBC Radio’s Craig Charles, dance royalty Utah Saints and many more. Green Meadows has always had strong ties with the local area – whether that’s through raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust’s Addenbrooke’s ward or offering support to local artists and performers. This year it has gone even further by teaming up with BBC Introducing Cambridgeshire for a stage takeover featuring the best up-and-coming acts our region has to offer, including The Rose Affair, The Candle Thieves and Melody Causton. Alongside the musical entertainment there will plenty to keep children happy with a full itinerary of free activities. Saturday will be a fancy dress day (for adults too!) with this year’s theme ‘Enchanted Woods & Magical Creatures’. The event prides itself on having a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a family camping section – there are even hot showers and flushing toilets for those who prefer their festival experience to be a little more refined! • Limited full weekend adult tickets at £55 (inc camping) are available. Kids weekend prices ares: 4-13 years - £10, 13-17 years - £25 and children under four go free. Limited day tickets are also available. • www.greenmeadowsfestival.org
Book now for… Cruse Peterborough does some important work with the bereaved, and you can help support that on Sunday 3 September by taking part in a Footprints Memory Walk. Starting at 10.30am at Ferry Meadows, the event provides walkers with an opportunity to remember loved ones. There’s a choice of five- and 10k
walks on wheelchair- and buggy-friendly paths, and the £5 registration fee includes food and live entertainment. For those walking the 10k route, the fee includes a train ride on the Nene Valley Railway from Wansford Station back to Ferry Meadows. • To find out more, call 01733 348439 or email admin@ peterboroughcruse.net
Oakham Castle is the setting for Medieval Mondays, from 25 July to 29 August. In the mornings there will be archery lessons from 10.30am12pm for £25 per person or, for those more inclined towards arts and crafts, the Castle is hosting tile-making workshops from 10am-11am where you can learn the craft using traditional patterns and techniques. The workshops are suitable for all the family (parental supervision is required at all times) and the price is £5 per person. Then in the afternoon, drop into the castle from 12.30pm-3.30pm to take part in a range of activities, including have-a-go-archery for £2 per person and Medieval banner making for £2.50 each. To book a space on the archery or tile-making workshops, call 01572 757578; www.rutland.gov.uk/ oakham_castle/exhibitions_and_events.aspx
Living with dogs Do you have a dog at home, or does your child regularly visit a friend’s house where there is a dog? Are you confident your child knows when to recognise a friendly dog and when to leave a dog alone? Did you know that a subtle lick of the nose or even a yawn can mean a dog is feeling slightly uncomfortable about the situation it is in, and is politely communicating this to you? Over recent years there has been a 100%-plus national increase in accident and emergency admissions for dog bites to young people. In addition, incidents that occur on a much more frequent level but that also need to be taken very seriously are minor bite injuries received by children – more often than not by a dog known to them, frequently owned by an extended family member. Wood Green the Animals Charity has been working hard to address these issues, launching a Living with Dogs workshop to teach children and adults how to recognise basic canine body language and behaviour. For example: • When a dog is sleeping he would like to be left alone – you may accidentally startle and scare him • If a dog is eating, it’s best to leave him be – he may think you are going to take his food • If a dog is hiding it means he is scared. Leave him until he feels happy enough to come out to see you • Never approach a dog that’s tied up – he might be really worried that he can’t get away, and may not be friendly • If a dog is poorly he would rather be left quietly to rest until he feels better • Dogs don’t always want to be kissed and cuddled – but if one comes to you, give him a gentle stroke If you have a dog at home or are considering bringing one into your family the Living with Dogs workshop is a must – bookings are now open for the next one, on Thursday 18 August, from 10am-12noon. In addition the charity is offering a whole host of exciting family fun over the summer holidays including behind-the-scenes tours, story times for under-5s and experience days. • For details on all sessions call 0300 303 9333 or visit www.woodgreeen.org.uk
One of our favourite local websites, IDEA1 – sonamed 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. www.idea1.org.uk.
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