Nene Living August 2015 by Best Local Living

A farrier’s life

Owning supercars

ClarEkxclusive es di : offer ning

Best beach reads

NENE LIVING City & Country COVERING

PETERBOROUGH,

OUNDLE

FAMIL Y DAYS OUT

AND

THE

NENE

VA L L E Y

AUGUST 2015 £1.50 08

9 771740 052017

Enjoy the summer WEBSITE: www.nenevalleyliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH:

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SRI LANKA 13 September | 7 nights Centara Ceysands Resort All Inclusive From ÂŁ962pp

LUXURY HOLIDAYS Oundle Travel provides independent, professional and unbiased advice for all your travel needs. Whether it be a weekend city break, your next family holiday or a bespoke tailor made itinerary we will be there every step of the way. Call us today 01832 273600 | Email sales@oundletravel.co.uk

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NENE LIVING

This Issue

AUGUST 2015

w w w. n e n e v a l l e y l i v i n g . c o . u k

HIS issue is all about holiday activities. Whether you’re staying home and wanting ideas for great days out in the area, or if you are planning to travel further afield and need ideas for reading material, we have it all covered. Why not make this the summer that you find out something new about the area in which you live? My latest discovery is Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve, just south of the village of Helpston. This is a haven of wildlife and plants which is managed for and by the community. The site of a quarry since Roman times, the land is now a patchwork of habitats, including limestone grassland, open water and reeds. You can see dragonflies, numerous bird species, butterflies, and some rare wild flowers. There is something to spot at all times of the year, but on a summer’s day, I was delighted to see some wild orchids in full flower. It is well worth a visit (and you can adjourn to the brilliant Willowbrook farm shop café across the road for refreshments after your walk!). I’m off on an overseas travel adventure of my own shortly, so I am handing over the task of editing the September issue to my colleague Sue Dobson. I hope everyone has a lovely summer and I will see you back here in October.

F ion a Cu mberpatch Editor

Nene Valley Living

INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 7 8

Editor’s selection

Holiday essentials

Agenda

Bjorn Again at Rutland Water!

Agenda

How to control wasps

10 Agenda

Abacus Tutors at Orton Southgate

13 Food News

Make a gorgeous summer berry dessert

14 Children welcome! Where to dine out with the family

19 A day in the life of a farrier Traditional skills alive and well

20 Good summer reading

Books to pack for your holiday

22 Health and beauty notes Look good, feel great

25 7 Fabulous family days out Local places to enjoy

29 The man who collects supercars Not your average ride

33 Go green this summer

Your guide to getting around sustainably

34 Plan a perfect wedding

Serenity’s complete service

37 Diary dates

Our pick of this month’s events

Editor Fiona Cumberpatch fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk 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 Cover photo: John Lewis. All items available from John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

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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EST.1967

SOFAS OF DISTINCTION

Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 4

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SHOPPING

Editor’s Selection Fun buys for holiday time Us by David Nicholls, the ideal beach read £7.99, Hodder and Stoughton, available from The Oundle Bookshop, Market Square, Oundle PE8 4BA. For more great summer reading ideas, see our feature on page 20.

Inflatable globe, £2, Tiger Stores, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Keep the little ones entertained on long journeys with a family friendly card game, Dobble, £12, from Jollys Toys and Games, 28a High Street, Thrapston Tel: 01832 358915 or mail order www.jollystoys.co.uk

Beach towel, £10, BHS, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Amuse the children this holiday with a Live Butterfly Kit, £14 from Jollys Toys and Games, Thrapston, details as before

Yang Friendship bracelets, £6, Accessorize, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Picnic hamper, with cutlery, plates and glasses, £55, Marks and Spencer, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Badminton set, £6.50, Tiger Stores, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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Become a Host Family for an International Student Do you have a spare room in your house? It doesn’t matter what age you are – why not register with us as a host family?

The advantages to hosting are: • Providing a ‘home away from home’ during their school breaks

• •

Companionship & friendship

• •

Understanding new cultures

Good daily payment including mileage and expenses Assisting international students during their studies in the UK

To enquire about becoming a host family please contact us: Tel: (+44) 1684 252 757 Email: ben@pippasguardians.co.uk www.pippasguardians.co.uk

Payment Companionship New culture Friendship

Country Tails provides a dog walking and pet sitting service for those who require some extra help with their pet care. Visit the Country Tails website for further information on pricing and locations

www.countrytailsdogwalking.com

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FROM NEWS AND REVIEWS PETERBOROUGH, OUNDLE AND THE VILLAGES

Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again! B

jorn Again was created in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia, by Rod Stephen. The show’s popularity took the group Australia-wide and then overseas to international acclaim. Here in Britain, Bjorn Again has appeared at major rock festivals, including Glastonbury and in such prestigious venues as The Royal Albert Hall and the BBC’s Summer Proms. Now they are coming to Rutland Water on Saturday August 15 for a spectacular appearance which will include all of Abba’s greatest hits, from Mamma Mia to Waterloo, Thank You for the Music and Dancing Queen. The band will appear with special guests Brotherhood of Man. The whole evening will finish with a spectacular firework display over the stunning backdrop of Rutland Water. • Tickets are available from www.livepromotionsconcerts. co.uk or Stamford Arts Centre, telephone 01780 763203.

Pet Services with a Difference C

arly Woolford, founder of Country Tails introduces her dog walking and pet sitting business: “I’ve been a lifelong animal lover and I realised there was a gap in the market for good quality pet care. That’s when I had the idea of forming Country Tails. I wanted to provide a service that offered experienced, reliable and compassionate care. I thought about the kind of person I would like to look after my pets and who I would want to welcome into my home and decided that a trustworthy attitude and caring values would be top of my list. We complete an initial free consultation so we can find out about your pet including medical conditions and likes and dislikes, and from there, we can start to form a close relationship, so when you are away from home, you know they are being loved and cared for. We look after a number of rescue pets and can determine if there are any trigger issues from the consultation so we can avoid stressful situations. For that reason, we mostly walk the dogs on a one to one basis and that way ensure that they receive our full attention. In addition to dogs, we also care for a number of different animals, including cats and chickens. As well as our daily care service we offer holiday cover, where we will stay at your home to enable your pet to stick to familiar routines. Due to a growing client base, I am happy to welcome two new members to the Country Tails team. Jacky Rees, who has worked in the pet industry and is a regular volunteer at Wood Green Animal Shelter and Pip Fairhall who is a very experienced pet owner and equestrian. All staff are security checked and insured for your peace of mind and we are happy to share the same passion for animal welfare.” • For further information, please contact: Carly Woolford on 07738 287181 or email info@countrytailsdogwalking.com or visit the website www.countrytailsdogwalking.com

round 225,000 people develop dementia every year, that’s the equivalent to one person every three minutes. The effects are more than just losing your memory, as anyone with a loved one with this condition will know only too well. As Alzheimer’s progresses, patients experience problems with communication, orientation and anxiety which may lead to aggression and agitation. One in six people over 80 will get dementia which is why it’s crucial to raise funds for research and support services. This September, Memory Walks will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to raise money and awareness. The Peterborough Memory Walk is taking place at Ferry Meadows Country Park on Sunday September 20. Not only will you be contributing valuable funds to a good cause, research shows that people who adopt a healthy lifestyle, especially from mid-life onwards, are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. Why not sign up today and make a difference to your life and the lives of sufferers all over the UK? • More info and registration details can be found at www.memorywalk.org.uk

Runners Wanted! S

ign up for The Oundle Magnificent Ten, which starts and finishes at Lyveden New Bield, the National Trust Property near Oundle on September 27. The course follows farm tracks, woodland paths, access roads and meadows. Entrants get free admission to the property and grounds, a finishers’ tee shirt and goody bag. • To enter online, visit www.digitaldouble.me/outlaw NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

A recipe for lots of wasps! A wet spring followed by a long hot summer is great news for those of us with fruit trees, but it’s also pretty exciting if you happen to be a wasp. We can expect to encounter plenty of them in the coming weeks, says local business British Bug Control

he common wasp lives in colonies which grow throughout summer, and can cause serious alarm when present in larger numbers, or when colonies are close to humans. Wasps react aggressively to being disturbed, and can attack in swarms in this situation. Under no circumstances should anyone but a qualified pest controller attempt removal of a wasp nest, as the stings are not only painful, they can be dangerous to those with allergies.

when provoked and are seen between May and September. Wasp nest removal Never tackle a wasp nest yourself. A qualified pest controller has the right protective clothing and the correct professional strength extermination products. One visit is usually enough to eliminate a wasp nest colony. • British Bug Control is a local company that is highly experienced in wasp nest removal. If you are having problems with wasps, or any pests around your home or business, give Colin a call on 01832 770483 or 07538 688106.

Identification This is rarely a problem with wasps which are instantly recognisable with their yellow and black abdomens, black head and thorax, six legs and heavily veined wings. An adult wasp is around 12 – 15mm long, Queens are about 20mm in length. The difference between wasps and hornets? Hornets are larger, at 20 -30 cm. Hornets are usually chestnut brown and yellow with some hair. Wasps tend to feast on food waste, fruit and sugary substances, and can swarm when provoked. Hornets mainly feed on insects and do not swarm. Wasps are quick to sting and can do so repeatedly, and they are common in late summer. Hornets usually only sting

DON’T MISS W

aternewton Music Fest, Sunday August 23, 12 noon – 7.30pm. Folk, rock and jazz on the village green, with Pennyless, Frumenty, Latino Sound, Mid Wezt, Grounded and The One Eyed Cats. Hog roast, and vegetarian options available. Adults £10, children under 12 free. Admission by ticket only, available from events@waternewtonvillage.co.uk or visit www.waternewtonvillage.co.uk or call Tony on 01733 237500

Go barefoot for leprosy charity S

upporters of Peterborough based charity The Leprosy Mission have been spending a day barefoot as part of a pioneering campaign. The international development charity has launched its Feet First campaign for which every pound donated by the public will be matched by the Government. The campaign raises money to provide poor people affected by leprosy with sandals and other help to protect their feet. Numbness causes by the disease can mean that injuries to the feet go unnoticed, which causes devastating complications. • If you’d like to join The Barefoot Challenge, just spend a day without shoes and post films and photos of your experience online using the hashtag feetfirst and ask friends to donate by texting FEET 06 £10 to 70070.

ASK THE EXPERT

The Rising Cost of Having a Company Car Kerry Hilliard, partner at Stephenson Smart accountancy firm in Peterborough, highlights what you need to know if you have a company car.

ypically, if you are an employee or a director, you’ll have received a notice of coding for the 2015/16 tax year several months ago. If you haven’t done so already, it is well worth comparing this to the notice of coding for 2014/15. The simple reason is that if you have a company car and you haven’t changed it recently, you will probably see a larger than normal increase in the estimated company car benefit. Most cars are taxed by reference to bands of CO2 emissions. The percentage applied to each band has in most cases gone up by one per cent each year with an overriding maximum charge of 35 per cent of the list price of the car. From April 6 2015, the percentage applied by each band goes up by 2 per cent with a maximum charge of 37 per cent. A petrol car with a list price of £30,000 and CO2 emissions of 135 will see an increase in the taxable benefit from £6,000 (20 per cent) to £6,600 (22 per cent). What does the future hold? It won’t get any better. From April 6 2016 there will be a further two per cent increase, with similar increases in 2017/18 and 2018/19. For 2019/20 the rate will increase by a further 3 per cent. So if the same car is still owned in 2019/20, the car benefit is £9,300 (31 per cent) even thought the car will be nine years old. There is a bit of good news on the horizon for diesel cars. These have historically carried a three per cent supplement and this will be removed from April 6 2016. • For more information and tax advice on company car and other employment benefits, contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 or go to www. stephensonsmart.com

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We’re excited to launch our new great value Table d’Hote menu, available for both lunch and dinner, with three courses for £20 per person. With set choices for starters, mains and desserts the new menu still manages to deliver the Clarkes fine dining experience as you’ve come to expect and enjoy.

THE RED LION LUNCHTIME SPECIALS £8.95 - Tue – Sat Early Doors Buy ONE meal & get another HALF PRICE Tue – Sat (table clear by 8pm but only if required) The Famous Red Lion Sunday Lunch Serving at 12.00 noon, 1.00pm and 2.30pm

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

(booking essential)

New Garden Room Restaurant Open

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

Experience our Table d’Hote Menu Enjoy a 3-course lunch or dinner for two for just £20 at Clarkes Peterborough*

Name Email *Terms and Conditions 1. Only valid lunch & dinner Tues-Fri, lunch only Sat. 2. Pre-booking required. 3. Voucher must be completed and presented on arrival. 4. By redeeming this voucher you agree to be contacted in the future by email by Clarkes Peterborough. 5. One voucher per table. 6. Only available to over 18s. 7. Maximum party size of 6 diners. 8. Valid until 31st August 2015 at Clarkes Peterborough.

Clarkes Restaurant, Peterborough, 10 Queen Street, St Johns Square, Peterborough PE1 1PA

e-mail: bookings@clarkespeterborough.co.uk

Tel: 01733 892681

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Spotlight on Abacus Tutors, Orton Southgate A

bacus Tutors moved to Orton Southgate seven years ago. Since then, this small, friendly team has been tutoring students aged six to 18 years old, specialising in core subjects, English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. Experience is at the heart of the Abacus team, and the tutors have been preparing year 4, 5 and 6 students for secondary entrance exams for over 20 years. Teaching is always offered via very small groups, as the tutors find that young people thrive best on the greater challenges and friendly rivalry produced by these small classes. Key Stage 3 is the time when children need to lay the foundations for GCSE. Regular revision, practice and support is needed as they travel their adolescent years. Abacus Tutors feel that this is the most beneficial time to start preparations for GCSE exams. Students are also welcomed to revision classes in years 10 and 11 to help secure those vital A* to C grades. Whether students are high flyers, struggling at school or just in need of a little extra help and encouragement, most enjoy the personalised lessons available at Abacus. Some children start with the company in year 2 or 3 and stay until after A levels when they are 18, and staff enjoy seeing them mature and progress over the years. Abacus Tutors are experienced, qualified teachers who delight in helping students to reach their true potential. There are retired teachers who love using their expertise to work in small groups in a relaxed environment. Mums who are teachers also enjoy working at Abacus and benefit from the flexible hours when they have young children at home. For students and tutors alike, the friendly and relaxed atmosphere at Abacus Tutors, which is apparent as soon as you step inside the door, make is a fun, rewarding place to teach and to learn. • To find out more, call 01733 367204. Email abacustutorsok@gmail.com. 2 Culley Court, Orton Southgate, PE2 6WA. Free parking outside.

Days out and tours with Shaws Coaches L

ooking for ideas for great days out this summer or autumn with all the hassle taken out? Shaws Coaches have some great day trips or longer breaks available and you’ll be taken from door to door. Examples include: • The WI Centenary Fair at Harrogate, September 4 • Bedford Steam Fair, September 19 • Romeo and Juliet, performed by English National Ballet at Milton Keynes Theatre, October 23 • A last chance to see the Coronation Street Studio Tour before it closes for good at the end of the year, October 29 • The new visitor centre at Wedgewood – November 24 Autumn holiday destinations include: • A Great Highland Railways Scenic Tour of Scotland • A 5 day trip to Germany which includes a spectacular River Lights firework display on the Rhine • Heroes of the Somme, a specialist, fully escorted WW1 battlefields tour • Autumn colours in the Yorkshire Dales • A Christmas holiday to Jersey There are also London theatre trips to War Horse, The Lion King, and Guys and Dolls, all with Shaw’s stressfree door to door service. • Brochures are available free from Stamford Tourist Information and Stamford Independent Travel, or call 01778 342224 or email enquiries@ shawscoaches.co.uk for your copy.

Get fit this summer! I

f you live in or around Warmington, near Oundle and want to get fit this summer, running is the simplest way to boost your heart, lung and leg power. There are some great local races coming up, including the Perkins Great Eastern Run on October 11, so if you fancy getting fit with a jog or run in the local area, get in touch with Claire Maxted. Based in Warmington, with partner Steve, Claire is keen to find local running enthusiasts to see if she can create an informal club to encourage health and fitness for all in the local area. Claire loves living in Warmington and is keen to share local routes with others. No experience necessary, all levels of ability are welcome. Claire is just happy to run with new friends or help you improve, and explore the footpaths, historic buildings and rolling countryside at the same time. Interested? • Contact Claire csmaxted@gmail.com or call 07817 465939.

DON’T MISS S

Autumn: A Great Highland Railways Scenic Tour of Scotland

washbuckling, buccaneering, bumbling and romping with The Pirates of Penzance, presented by Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan Players, at The Key Theatre, Monday September 21 to Thursday September 24. Box office: 01733 207239

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lunch

by the

RIVER

take a break, try our delicious oriental wraps

LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW

£10 TUESDAY MENU COMING SOON

Lunch Mon - Sat: 12 - 2:30pm • Sunday (Buffet): 12 - 3:30pm Dinner Sun - Thu: 5:30 - 10.30pm • Fri to Sat: 5:30 - 11:00pm

Tel 01733 315702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

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Back to Basics COOKERY COURSES

Wednesday 14th October Thursday 15th October Friday 16th October Saturday 17th October Sunday 18th October All £130 per person per day BOOK 4 DAYS GET 1 FREE

Five different days of basic cookery, focusing on starters, mains, cakes and puddings. Book individual days, or a number of days, to provide you with a full set of basic cookery skills. To book a course or ﬁnd out more, please visit www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk or call 0116 279 6155

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FOOD & DRINK

Food News From the Riverford Kitchen T

his month, a quick summer dessert making the most of summer berries, taken from Riverford’s cookery book Every Day and Sunday recipes from Riverford Farm by Jane Baxter and Guy Watson.

Blackcurrant Mess Ingredients: • 300g blackcurrants • 3 tablespoons caster sugar • One tablespoon crème de cassis or brandy • 400ml whipping cream • 4 ready made meringue nests • 200ml cold custard (optional) Mix half the blackcurrants with the sugar and all the cassis or brandy and leave to macerate. Cook the other half of the berries with the remaining sugar and 100ml water until syrupy. Cool. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. In a large bowl, break the meringue nests and fold through the cream. Drizzle the custard over (if using). Combine the two blackcurrant mixes together and pour over the meringues and cream. Fold together roughly, leaving a ripple effect. Transfer to a serving bowl. • There ‘s a chance to walk and picnic at the Riverford organic farm just outside Peterborough this summer. A stroll around the farm to see where the veg box crops are grown will be followed by a Riverford picnic of pies, soups and salads. Tickets cost £6 per person. Dates available are August 26 and September 30. 5pm – 7.30pm. • Book online www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/riverford-farm-walk-sacrewell-farm-tickets-17320953438

Home cooked Indian food delivered to your workplace T

azmin Panjwani has combined her Indian heritage and a love of cooking to set up a door to door service delivering fresh, wholesome food to local businesses. She has a weekly changing menu and prepares her own spice mixes using fragrant combinations to create delicious home cooked meals. She delivers to Lynchwood on Thursdays and Peterborough city centre on Fridays. We tried her chicken and lentil curry, onion bhajis and chappattis. We loved the fresh flavours, with no heavy ghee. • For more information, check out Tazmin’s website, www.tazminskitchen.co.uk or email her at info@tazminskitchen.co.uk

NL LOVES: Boho Street Food which is now serving healthy and delicious food from a stand in the Cathedral Precincts. Try the amazing flatbread wrap with toasted halloumi, salads, hummous and a tahini and yoghurt dressing. Also freshly made pancakes, coffees, teas and cold drinks to go.

♥

Volunteers wanted! M

etal Peterborough is looking for volunteers to help at its outdoor Harvest Festival event which takes place on September 19 and 20. Working in partnership with artists Lucy and Jorge Orta, the arts organisation is staging an outdoor meal for 500 people in Cathedral Square, a Farmers Market, and an outdoor evening music concert. People are needed to be waiters, front of house staff, servers, bread making workshop assistants (with a chance to work with top chef Lee Clarke of Clarkes and Clarkes Cafe,) stewards, and to help with hospitality. It’s a great way to get involved with an international arts event, and is ideal experience to add to a cv and personal statements. Anyone interested should contact Sarah Haythornthwaite at chaffeurscottage@metalculture.com or call 01733 893077 as soon as possible. • Check out the Clarkes ad in Nene Living this month with an exclusive offer just for our readers.

Riverford recipe boxes New fresh seasonal recipes every week

25off%

Enjoy cooking with no planning, shopping or measuring

order today call 01803 762059 or visit www.riverford.co.uk/NVLRB25 NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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Food and drink

Children welcome! We explore some of the best places to eat out in the area with kids in tow. Words: Lucy Banwell SALERNO’S A warm welcome is guaranteed at Oundle’s newest eaterie, Salerno’s. Specialising in Italian classics, this restaurant has a warm and friendly atmosphere and is a surefire hit with younger diners thanks to its pizza and pasta dishes. When we popped in on the off chance one Sunday afternoon (they serve food all day here) 8-year-old George plumped for the Spaghetti Carbonara (£7.50) and 5-year-old Joe chose a pizza with ham and sweetcorn (£7.50). When the food arrived, all chat ceased as George got on with the serious business of slurping up his spaghetti, and Joe made a very good attempt at finishing his delicious pizza – with a bit of help from mum! Although they don’t have a separate children’s menu at Salerno’s, you can ask the staff for a half portion of any of the pasta dishes or they are very happy to make up a pizza with different toppings on each half. They also have kids’ cordials on offer from just 50p which scores serious brownie points as far as I’m concerned. Overall, a relaxed atmosphere and excellent value for money. Salerno’s, 12 West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF www.salernosoundle.co.uk Tel: 01832 270842 Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 10am – 10pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 11pm

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DEXTERS There’s something for everyone at Dexter’s. Grown-ups are kept happy with a great wine list and a lovely range of bistro-style favourites, and youngsters are in for a treat with choices including hot dogs, burgers and stone-baked pizzas fresh from Dexters’ new pizza oven. A recent celebratory meal for George’s 8th birthday had to be at Dexters because he’s a burger aficionado and reckons they do the best burgers in town. He happily chomped through an entire, adult-sized Dexters Classic Burger (£9.75) while his little brother Joe went for the hot dog from the kids’ menu which caused much hilarity upon arrival due to its very generous size. My BBQ Pulled Pork in a Brioche Bun (£10.50) was a little bit sweet for my taste, but our fellow diners were very happy with their Fish ‘n’ Chips (£10.95) and Sesame Tuna Steak (£13.50). Eddie, our waiter, was so patient with the kids’ constant demands and no-one seemed to mind when the birthday boy attempted a quick demo with his newly gifted juggling balls! On a warm day, the Dexters courtyard is without doubt the nicest place in Oundle to sit and enjoy a glass of something cool while the kids chase each other around the olive tree. Dexters, 1-3 Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BQ www.dextersoundle.com Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 9.30pm, Thursday 10am – 3pm & 6pm – 9.30pm, Friday 11am - 3pm & 6pm – 9.30pm, Saturday 10am – 9.30pm THE CHEQUERED SKIPPER A walk across the fields from Oundle ensured that our appetites were fully primed when we arrived at Ashton’s picture-perfect pub, The Chequered Skipper. And it was a good thing, too, because the food turned out to be really rather good. A friendly waitress brought over a tin of crayons to keep my two scamps occupied while we perused the menu. George chose the Skipper Burger (£9.50) and Joe a stone baked pizza with olives, ham and bacon. I went for the 8oz Rump Steak (£15.50) and him opposite chose the Pork Escalopes (£15). George gave his juicy burger 9 out of 10, and Joe was so unusually quiet while eating his pizza I’m thinking about hiring the Skipper’s chef, Ian Campbell, as a babysitter! My steak, which is sourced from Seven Wells Butchers in Oundle, was juicy and tender and the accompanying chips were a triumph – thin cut, skin on, and extremely moreish. Even better was the fact that once the boys had finished their food they could head outside and race around the village green. Wellfed parents and tired-out children. A fine way to end an evening if ever I’ve heard one. The Chequered Skipper, Ashton - www.chequeredskipper.co.uk Tel: 01832 273494. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 11.30am – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm, Saturday & Sunday 11.30am – 11pm HANDMADE BURGER CO Peterborough’s newest addition to the burger scene has family dining at its heart. Loud music, free balloons for children and a buzzy atmosphere makes for a fun meal out. Unfortunately, my boys’ natural reaction to being handed a balloon on a stick is to immediately start whacking each other with it! It didn’t make for the calmest of starts to the proceedings, but once the food arrived everyone was happy. George went for the Beef & Chicken Sliders (£9.95), which consisted of three mini burgers in baby

brioche buns, whereas Joe chose the Junior Chicken Burger (£4.65) with a request for it to be served plain – all the better for him to then smother it in ketchup. The grown-ups went for the Macho Burger (£11.85) which came with barbecue beef, cheese and bacon, and the Moroccan lamb burger (£7.75). Both were tasty and clearly homemade, and although the Cajun Onion Rings (£3.45) were undercooked in the middle, the Sweet Potato Fries (£3.50) were outstandingly good. All in all, a fun family meal out. Handmade Burger Co, The Old Still, Westgate Arcade, Peterborough, PE1 1PY www.handmadeburger.co.uk Tel: 01733 345 502. Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 11am – 10.30pm, Friday 11am – 11pm, Saturday 11am – 11pm, Sunday 11am – 10.30pm THE OLIVE GROVE On a sunny day it’s hard to beat The Olive Grove’s Mediterranean-themed outdoor seating area for a glass of something cool and a slice or two of pizza. We took Granny with us to sample their famous pizzas which are cooked to order in their wood-fired oven. Once us ladies each had a glass of Cava in front of us, and some sparkling elderflower for the boys, we set about making our all-important toppings decisions. The kids showed their adventurous streak by plumping for the virgin territory of a Pizza Wrap (£9.95), otherwise known as a calzone. They delighted in cutting into the crisp, pasty-shaped pizza to find their chosen toppings lurking within. I made a rather illchosen selection of toppings for my own pizza, with the goats cheese rather overwhelming the chicken and red onion, but Granny enjoyed her mushroom and olive margherita pizza. In between courses, the boys explored The Olive Grove’s greenhouses where they loved spotting the variety of animal sculptures hiding among the plants. Our waiter, Dale, looked after us superbly. Nothing was too much trouble. Can we move inside because the sun’s gone in? No problem. Could you clear up my son’s drink because he’s spilled it (again)? Of course. We topped off our meal with The Olive Grove’s wonderful selection of Italian gelato. We sampled the coffee, dulce de leche and mint choc chip flavours. They were all excellent and the whole experience left us feeling thoroughly spoilt. The Olive Grove, Oundle Road, Polebrook, PE8 5LQ. www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk Tel: 01832 275660. Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm, Friday 10am – 7pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm

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PEOPLE

A Day in the Life of a Farrier Adam Fitch uses centuries old traditional skills to shoe horses in the Nene valley and beyond. Yasmin Bradley reports. Photos: Elli Dean

UST a hundred years ago, before we all rode around in our motorised metal boxes, a farrier skilfully making and fitting horse shoes was a common sight. Well within living memory, our milk was delivered by a horse (one named Mary in 1960’s London) and the clip clop of equine hoofs accompanied the raucous cries of “any old rag an’ bone” in an early version of recycling. Thanks to Michael Morpurgo, the extraordinary role that war horses played during the Great War is now well known. All these would have required the skills of innumerable farriers. Today, however, even in our villages, the sight of a farrier at his work –let alone with two young apprentices at his side - is a rare scene. Without professional farriery, the equine world would come to a complete and utter standstill yet not only the skills, but also the tools have changed little. The most striking modernisation must be the mobile “minifoundry” looking like a fire-breathing microwave oven in the back of the specially modified van. This is where the metal is heated until red hot and then beaten to a perfect fit on a modern version of the anvil used by farriers and blacksmiths for centuries. The not unpleasant smell of burnt hoof permeates the air as the animals patiently await their turn. “They know the drill,” smiles the boss, Adam Fitch as he hammers nails into the newly-shoed hoof, the horse nonchalantly munching on a bale of hay and lifting his

leg to aid the process. Adam Fitch, Dip. WCF - Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers chartered since 1356 - is justifiably proud. Only farriers – not blacksmiths - are qualified in animal welfare. You’ve got to file down the hoof to exactly the right place before attaching a searing, sizzling metal shoe to ensure the process is completely pain-free. It is extraordinary to see … and smell. Clearly a great deal of expertise, knowledge and experience are needed: apart from Magic, an elderly Shetland, these horses are powerful animals with minds and wills of their own.

The right shoes The design, material, size and shape of the shoes depend on the individual horse’s physique, role and environment: horses (shoes) for courses, indeed! Shires bred for heavy agricultural work need shoes that take a lot of wear and tear, for instance. “The job is more to do with the leisure industry nowadays though,” clarifies Adam. “We shoe to maximise performance, with hunters enabled to move fast over muddy ground, and racing thoroughbreds shod for pure speed with feather light aluminium.” A shoe can compensate for a fault: “Like us,” explains Adam, “each horse has its own configuration - even one leg longer than the others.” In contrast to the familiar shape, one mount is fitted with a circular shoe with a small,

heart-shaped indentation. With only 280 qualified nation-wide to Adam and his train the next two apprentices generation, apprentices as well as stable-owners are lucky to find a master blacksmith. As Adam toils and talks, his two apprentices attend to two more animals. They clearly relish the physicality of the work and being outside on a summer’s day. “Better than sitting behind a computer desk,” laughs Sam Masters. There are two Sams – each at a different stage in his apprenticeships, but after GCSEs both went straight onto a one-year “Pre-Farrier” Access course, one of only three Farriers’ Registration Council approved colleges in England. After gaining employment with Adam, they are well along the road to completing their four-year Advanced Apprenticeship and official registration. “Then we can look forward to a good income,” grins curly-haired Sam E Smith. There is certainly plenty of work to be done. “It’s totally flat out this week,” says Adam. The lads silently acquiesce. Aprons, anvil, tools and men pack away into the van – and with the miniforge cool – off they go to their next job. • Adam Fitch Ltd, 8a Huddington in the Brook, Oundle, PE8 5QU 07803 163801 adamfitch@tiscali.co.uk NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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Activities

Good summer r Don’t know which books to pack in your suitcase this year? Local people tell Sue Dobson about books they’ve enjoyed recently

asmine Simeone is a teacher who enjoys the ‘Golden Age’ of detective and mystery stories. “I prefer to read and re-read the classics from the mid-twentieth century, like Dorothy L. Sayers’ The Nine Tailors or Gaudy Night,” she says. “However I also get a lot of joy from such modern writers as Imogen Robertson, Martin Edwards and the late P.D. James. “I have just finished a book by Kate Ellis. Her detective, Wesley Peterson, is a young, black policeman with a First Class degree in Archaeology. This makes for some extremely interesting and inventive plot lines. Published by Piatkus, The Bone Garden cleverly interweaves a 17th century serial killer with current crimes. Ellis can tell a ‘ripping yarn’ and, as with major Golden Age writers, mix this with a rich tapestry of characters, their lives, and the effect on their lives of the murders; a feature which P.D. James used to say was the most fascinating part of any murder story – the effects on the people associated with both the murderer and the dead being like ripples across a pond. Ellis writes short but dense stories which are extremely readable; I have just taken delivery of another one. Can’t wait to start it… “Un-put-downable” is how Bridget Steele, Nene Living Advertisement Manager, describes I Let You Go, a debut novel by Clare Mackintosh (published by Sphere). “After a tragic accident Jenna Gray is desperate to escape and start afresh. She moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast,

but is haunted by her fears, grief and memories of the accident on a cruel November night that changed her life forever. She slowly rebuilds her life, cautiously making friends, not knowing that her past is going to catch up with her or the consequences. This utterly convincing novel with plenty of twists and turns kept me riveted to the end. If you like well-constructed psychological thrillers, I can recommend this one.” History and thrillers are Fr Robert Preece’s favourite reading. The retired priest from Thrapston combines both these interests in his recommended book, The Queen’s Man by Rory Clements (Hodder). “Set in Elizabethan England at a time when civil unrest, treason and religious disputes were the order of the day, England’s spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham engages John Shakespeare (brother of the Bard) as an agent of the Crown to seek out those who would plot against the Queen. “Plot after plot emerge in rapid succession and the young intelligencer sets about his task with determination, with the gruesome Mr Topcliff casting a dark shadow over this thrilling tale. The England of this period, with its great houses and small hovels, country inns and brutal laws, becomes real in the mind of the reader. It’s a great, actionpacked read.” Peterborough poet Keely Mills is enjoying Diana Souhami’s

biography of Edith Cavell, published by Quercus. “I am part of a visual arts project to remember and celebrate the life of Edith Cavell who, 200 years ago this October, was executed for saving the lives of many Allied soldiers during the First World War,” she says. “It is artist Charron Pugsley-Hill’s project and she suggested I read this book, which is excellent. The author captures a Cavell who was born to help others and she writes beautifully about Edith’s life and character. “I was interested to find out about her Peterborough connections, given that the city has a hospital and car park named for her. Through my poetry I hope to show her the respect that Diana Souhami has done so gracefully.” Former librarian and avid reader Angie Dawson says, “as soon as I spotted the cover of The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald (Chatto & Windus), I knew it was one for me. “When the Swedish bookshop where Sara Lindqvist works closes down, she decides to visit her elderly bookloving penfriend Amy Harris in Iowa, but Sara, a 28-year old innocent abroad, arrives to find that Amy has died. She sticks around and decides that what this broken down town in the middle of nowhere

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r reading really needs is a bookshop! “It’s a quirky, offbeat novel about the joy of books and the pleasure they give to readers. Full of wry humour and wonderful characters, it’s a delicious read.” “It’s at least six months since I finished reading Quiet Dell by Jayne Anne Phillips (Vintage) but it has stayed with me,” says Nene Living Editor Fiona Cumberpatch. “Set in Chicago, 1931, Asta Eicher is mother to the imaginative Annabel, vulnerable Grethe and a son, Hart. Lonely and poverty-stricken following the death of her husband, the unworldly Asta joins an agency to seek male company and begins to receive letters from a seemingly charming man named Harry Powers, who says he wants to take care of her and her young family. “Just a few months later, Asta and her three children will be found dead, and only the family dog, Duty, survives the attack. The case is followed by Emily Thornhill, a journalist who becomes fascinated by the Eicher family and travels to West Virginia to cover the murder trial. “The novel is based on a true crime, and the author has drawn upon original documents and photos, which underscore the reality of the story. The first quarter of the book is about the daily family life of the Eichers and makes them seem very real. Although you know what is about to happen, and it is chilling – almost unbearably so as events unfold Phillips writes with a magical,

mystical touch, so the book is never depressing or ghoulish, despite the subject matter. It’s a page-turner, but a literary one, and a truly original novel.” “Combining a good storyline and believable characters with descriptive writing at its best, Hunters in the Dark by Lawrence Osborne (Hogarth) is my idea of a great read,” says inveterate traveller Steven Smith. “It took me ages to finish because I kept going back to re-read passages and immerse myself in their colour and atmosphere. “Having spent most of his long summer break travelling through Thailand, by the time teacher Robert O’Grieve crosses into Cambodia he has begun pondering the possibility of taking a new direction in his life. When a chance meeting has dire consequences, he must dig deep into his own resources to survive. “It is both Robert’s story and that of Cambodia and its people in the legacy of the Pol Pot years. I particularly enjoyed the author’s fine eye for detail.” Festival Manager for the Oundle Festival of Literature, Helen Shair’s choice is by an author who will be in Oundle in October to talk about his book. “Merging fact and fiction, Man on Fire by Stephen Kalman (published by Bloomsbury in mid-August) is an amazing book based around a real man, Bibhutu Nayak, who lives in Navi Mumbai and is a multiple world record holder of feats of extreme endurance and ill-advised masochism.

“John Lock leaves England to escape an unhappy marriage and a cancer diagnosis to assist Bibhuti with his most extreme record to date. Will they succeed and change the lives of all those involved, or is it just too dangerous? Once I started reading this, I struggled to continue my normal daily tasks. I needed to know what was going to happen and if it was worth the risks.” My own choice is A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson (Doubleday). The story travels backwards and forwards across the lifetime of Teddy Todd, would-be poet, RAF bomber pilot, husband, father and grandfather, from childhood to an old age he never thought he’d live to see. “The narrative is so vivid you feel you are with him in the cockpit as somehow he survives foray after foray as the ace pilot, then struggles to adjust to post-war living, marrying his childhood sweetheart, Nancy. They have one child, the disagreeable Viola, whose two children Sunny and Bertie grow into decent human beings thanks to their grandfather. You are with him in York as he comforts his dying wife, alongside him as he questions the savagery and relevance of war and in heartfelt solidarity during his final days in the nursing home. Teddy is a wonderful character and the intricate, multi-layered, beautifully written story is moving and compelling.

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WELLBEING

Health & Beauty Notes The latest news on treatments and therapies. By Bridget Steele

TRIED & TESTED BY NENE LIVING

Thai Yoga Massage

MET Wannee Cope of Baan Sala Thai Therapy at her treatment rooms in Wansford where she has opened this year offering Traditional Thai Yoga Massage and Deep Tissue Massages. She was previously based at The Broad Street Practice in Stamford. The Yoga Massage uses the ancient healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles and assisted Yoga postures. Treatments vary from thirty minutes priced at £20, to two hours at £70. Reflexology and Thai foot massage are also on the treatment menu. I opted for the Deep Tissue Massage and chose an hour long treatment, it took me a few minutes to relax: I was not sure what to expect and I had anticipated that it might be painful but Wannee quickly put me at ease and her soothing oiled hands soon ironed out the knots. The massage also includes a Thai foot massage which I loved, and Wannee used her Reflexology knowledge letting me know of any weak areas in my body (she was exact in her diagnosis!). I liked the combined foot and body treatments and found Wannee knowledgeable, and informative. She knew when to just let me relax but was also happy to discuss any findings and give suggestions. I am looking forward to the next treatment now! Bridget Steele • Wannee can be contacted on 01780 782824 or 07772 373411 and her treatment room is based at SW31, 12 London Road, Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JB

Take control of your life

NSPIRATIONAL Balancing is a March based business run by Bal, who helps to mentor and assist people to access their inner powers, helping us through challenging times, enhancing personal healing and supporting through the process. She offers a variety of therapies, some of which are exclusive to her practice. On Saturday September 5 she is running a workshop helping participants to overcome fears and blocks and creating control over our life. • For more information contact bal@inspirationalbalancing.com or check out her website www.inspirationalbalancing.com Tel: 0775 8933486 or 01354 658427

New treatment at Elysia

VER time, the signs of ageing creep up including wrinkles, lines, changed skin texture, blood vessels and redness. Pores are more open and the wrinkles around the eyes tell a story. You may want a treatment that gives skin a fresher, more natural youthful look but don’t want surgery or downtime. Help is at hand. Tansor based salon Elysia is introducing VENUS VIVA – featured as one of the must have treatments in Tatler’s Beauty and Cosmetic Surgery Guide 2015. This is an FDA approved treatment and Elysia are the only salon in the area offering it. An advancement on skin needling, nergy is delivered through the epidermis, to the dermis, to generate heat and initiate skin change. Salon owner Lisa Claypole of Elysia comments: “The treatment may sound a little scary but it’s not at all. We can use a numbing cream if necessary. In reality, clients have been thrilled with the results. It can only be administered by a trained professional and it works on a much deeper level than a standard facial or peel.” The advanced treatment boosts tired skin, increases collagen production to keep skin lifted and plump, treats droopy jowls, acne scarring, and pigmentation. • Call Elysia to book on 01832 226328

Wannee Cope

TRIED & TESTED BY NENE LIVING

Dior make up consultation at Boots, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

DO like make up, and I use it regularly, but my daily routine is more of a lick and a promise in five minutes flat than a full beauty regimen so I usually give expensive make up counters a wide berth. However, I was keen to pick up some new ideas from Vanessa Robinson, Account Manager for Dior at Boots, Peterborough, when I took up the invitation for a make up consultation. Vanessa began by using the patented Shade Analyser, an amazing gadget which, placed next to the skin, ‘reads’ the tone and recommends the most flattering products based on this analysis. I explained that I liked natural looking make up, not too ‘done,’ and Vanessa really took this on board. Using products from the latest Diorshow range, she applied Star Foundation Studio Make up, which is said to give skin a ‘photo shopped’ look and is the ideal ‘selfie’ foundation. Well, I’m no fan of the selfie, but this foundation was certainly superlight and sheer. The Rosy Glow powder blusher looked Barbie pink in the pot, but miraculously adapted to my skin tone and gave a flattering flush to the cheeks, and it’s now on my wishlist. Vanessa used a Diorshow pro-liner to define my eyes without a harsh edge, and I loved the Eye Reviver neutral palette eye shadows. My lips got a special routine of their own, with Lip Max, to plump them up, and lip liner to define. I really loved the lipstick, perfectly matched to my skin with the Shade Analyser. It was lighter than I’d usually wear and very flattering. At the end of the demo, I took away some samples, and I am really impressed with the quality and longevity of this luxurious range. Fiona Cumberpatch • The Dior Counter at Boots, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough, offers 15 minute complimentary make up consultations. Booking is required. Ring the store on 01733 312211.

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Advertisement Feature

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ay goodbye to stubborn areas of fat, abdominal fat, pregnancy pouch or reduce the size of your thighs or buttocks. Lose inches and tighten the skin. This is an advanced version of proven technology THAT REALLY WORKS. LIPOFIRM gives a non-invasive, non-surgical, no downtime solution to create inch loss, body contouring , face and body skin tightening. It can be performed on most areas of the body and on men and women. It’s a common problem that despite diet and exercise our body holds onto fat in stubborn areas. LIPOFIRM uses proven technology of ULTRASOUND CAVITATION and MONO-POLAR RADIO FREQUENCY that gives outstanding results. Call us today and relax in the knowledge you are in very safe hands. We have a wealth of experience and offer the latest and best technology and treatments. REVEAL A MORE CONFIDENT YOU.

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TREATMENTS START FROM £40 AND WE OFFER A FREE CONSULTATION. PLEASE CALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Treat yourself to a Baan Sala Thai Therapy Massage • Traditional Thai Yoga Massage

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Low Self esteem? Wanting Change or Afraid of Change? Feeling Stuck? 23

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ACTIVITIES

Fabulous Family Days Out The summer holidays are upon us so what are you going to do to keep the children entertained? Lucy Banwell, a mum of two young sons, has some suggestions

BURGHLEY HOUSE

STANWICK LAKES

On a scorcher of a day, nothing beats Burghley’s ‘Garden of Surprises’. Put the kids in their swimsuits and off they go, running amok among the water fountains, interactive installations and follies. The admission charge also covers entrance to the house and gardens, the latter being fantastic for children – acres of rolling parkland with excellent paths for cycling or scooting.

There’s something for everyone at Stanwick Lakes, a 750-acre nature reserve in the heart of the Nene valley. The adventure play area with climbing tower and water play will keep young kids amused for hours and a short walk will take you to the assault course and adventure trail which are a brilliant challenge for older children. You can bring your own bikes to explore the seven miles of flat cycle paths or you can hire bikes on site. Café Solar offers drinks, snacks and light meals, or you can bring your own barbecue and enjoy freshly cooked food in the great outdoors in the barbecue area overlooking the lake.

Price rating: £££

HOW MUCH? £6.70 per child, £13.50 per adult WHEN OPEN? Daily 11am – 5pm ANY EVENTS? The Burghley Film Festival: 29th July – 2nd August Outdoor screenings of children’s films such as The Lego Movie, Paddington and Frozen in the daytime and grown-up films in the evenings. £6 per child (under 3s free), £12 per adult. MORE INFO: www.burghley.co.uk, Tel: 01780 752451

KAYAKING ON THE NENE There are few finer experiences on an English summer’s day than to drift down the River Nene aboard a kayak. Ducks, butterflies and dragonflies abound and there’s something very magical about the way the boat gently cuts through the sea of lily pads. Trek-Kits, based at Oundle’s wharf complex, rents out kayaks by the hour or for the day, offering a full safety briefing and easy-to-follow instructions for novices. A short paddle down to Ashton Lock brings you to the perfect picnic spot where the kids can enjoy a run around in the field before re-boarding their craft for the speedier (with the current) return journey.

Price rating: £££

HOW MUCH? Hiring a kayak from Trek Kits costs £10 per person per hour or £70 per day for a 3-seat boat including all safety equipment. WHEN OPEN? Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm MORE INFO: www.trek-kits.co.uk Tel: 01832 272050

Price rating: £

HOW MUCH? Free admission! Parking costs £3 for up to 2 hours and £5 for the whole day during the summer holidays WHEN OPEN? Daily 7am – 9pm (Visitor Centre open 10am – 5pm) ANY EVENTS? Get Arty in the Summer Holidays 1pm – 4pm, 27th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st August Craft fun with different themed activities each week. £1.50 per child MORE INFO: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk Tel: 01933 625522 NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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ACTIVITIES

MONKEYING ABOUT AT JUNGLE PARC

BARNWELL COUNTRY PARK Situated just outside Oundle is Barnwell Country Park with its idyllic lakeside walks and meadows to explore. The big draw here for youngsters is the children’s play park. The pirate ship, sand pit, zip wire and elevated wooden walkway will keep little ones entertained for hours. Picnic tables abound so bring your own grub or else enjoy a drink and a snack at the Kingfisher Café which affords amazing views of the surrounding wildlife from its lakeside decking area.

Price rating: £

HOW MUCH? Free admission! Parking costs £2.70 per car or £3 on Sundays and Bank Holidays WHEN OPEN? All day, every day ANY EVENTS? Kids Fun Fitness & Discovery: 10am – 12am 31st July, 7th, 21st, 28th August Fun outdoor activites such as strategic team games, compass challenges and wild art. Suitable for kids aged 5 to 11 years. £6 per session. Call 07527 741495 to book. MORE INFO: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk Tel: 01832 273435

Any child who loves to climb will be in their element at Jungle Parc. Based at Irchester Country Park, this series of tree-top climbing routes uses a clever belay system to ensure that your child always remains attached to the safety wires via their harness. There are routes at different heights to suit varying abilities and ages, with many of them featuring zip wires and swings as well as a flying ‘rocket ship’. Smiley faces guaranteed! The play park at Irchester Country Park is also well worth a visit, and the cosy The Quarryman’s Rest Café Offers a great children’s menu with choices such as sandwiches, jacket potatoes and beans on toast.

Price rating: £££

HOW MUCH? £14 per child on the Adventurer Course (ages 4 – 10); £18 per person on the Xplorer Course (ages 10 – adult). Best to book a slot ahead online. Parking at Irchester Country Park costs £2.60 per car WHEN OPEN? Wednesday – Sunday. First session 10am, last session 4pm ANY EVENTS? Parties at Jungle Parc cost £14 per child with the birthday child climbing for free in a group of 15 or more children MORE INFO: www.jungleparc.co.uk, Tel: 0844 8794378

FINESHADE WOODS If you and the family love cyling then Fineshade Woods near Kings Cliffe is the place to go. There are miles of cycle trails to suit all ages and abilities with clearly colour-coded routes. More adventurous cyclists will particularly enjoy the series of ‘Skills Loops’ dotted alongside the family trails which offer more challenging routes complete with bumps, twists and turns. ‘The Tree House’, with its amazing wooden climbing structure, is the perfect picnic spot set in a pretty clearing in the middle of the woods. And the kids’ play area next to Top Lodge Café is always a popular stopoff point to enjoy a well-earned ice cream in the sunshine.

Price rating: £

HOW MUCH? Free admission! Parking costs £3 per car WHEN OPEN? 10am – 5pm daily MORE INFO: www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge Tel: 01780 444920

SACREWELL Children never seem to tire of Sacrewell, such is its timeless charm, and many parents are sold on it, too. You can stroke and feed the goats, sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs, and the outdoor wooden play area and maze provide hours of fun for little ones. We recommend picnicking down by the newly restored water mill, followed by the obligatory game of Pooh Sticks on the bridge! But if a downpour strikes, everyone can scuttle into the Playbarn to enjoy the ride-on tractors and massive soft play frame.

Price rating: ££

HOW MUCH? £5.50 per child, £7.50 per adult WHEN OPEN? Daily 9.30am – 5pm ANY EVENTS? Teddy Bears Adventure Day: 30 & 31 August Bring your bear along and see him enjoy zip-wiring and bungee jumping. He’ll even receive a bravery certificate once he’s completed the challenges. There will also be daily ‘Lamb National’ races, pond dipping, parachute games and ferret racing over the summer. MORE INFO: www.sacrewell.org.uk, Tel: 01780 782254

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MOTORING

Paul Bailey with the LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 at Silverstone Photo: www.jakobebrey.com

“Collecting super cars is our passion” For most couples, owning just one car worth over £1 million might be a far off dream. But local businessman Paul Bailey and his wife Selena have amassed a collection comprising more than 70 of the world’s most exotic sports cars. And they are still collecting! Jonathan Craymer reports

AUL and Selena Bailey hit the headlines back in January when in a single day they became the only people on the planet to own three of the world’s fastest and most desirable cars – the so-called “Holy Trinity” of the motoring world. On that particular Saturday morning they climbed into their £866,000 McLaren P1, drove to a Ferrari dealer in the Midlands to pick up the £1.2 million La Ferrari they’d ordered two years previously. Then Paul drove away in the vehicle (with Selena at the wheel of the McLaren) and the pair headed to a Porsche dealer in Cambridgeshire to pick up a brand-new 918 Spyder, completing the trio. These particular vehicles have one thing in common – they’re part of a new breed of incredibly fast cars employing hybrid technology to deliver fuel economy of up to 94 mpg. All this was made possible by the couple selling their telecommunications business in 2012 for a reported £28 million. As I chat with them over coffee, Paul explains: “In 1982 when Margaret Thatcher deregulated telecoms, I was looking for a new challenge. I didn’t know much

about it, but then unless you’d worked for the GPO, neither did anyone else! So I gave up a safe job and went self-employed, which was a big risk at the time.” He’d met Selena when she was working at a former BMW dealership in Huntingdon – and in 2001 they set up the Worldwide Group in Peterborough - as Paul puts it, just to pay the bills. An office was established in Peterborough which eventually began turning over £40 million a year. Is there a secret to their success? “In telecoms, pricing is nearly always the same so in my opinion the differentiator is service. We did what we said we’d do,” adds Paul. He was keen on cars and driving while still at school. Some of the older boys who’d already passed their tests allowed him to drive them on his provisional licence. He secured a loan (on which he paid interest) from his dad, enabling him to buy his first car. “I promised myself I’d own a Ferrari by the time I was 30. I missed the target and was actually 32 when I got the first one, but we now have 21!” After selling the business even though he

was in his early 50s, Paul decided to take up race driving – something he clearly excels at it. The company he set up, Horsepower Racing, hires some of his race cars out, and the revenue supports his racing activities. Currently he’s driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the GT Cup where he’s leading his class, and it’s still only half-way through the season. Paul’s first experience on a race track followed the purchase of his first brand-new Ferrari, when he was given tuition on a track with an instructor – something he thinks is extremely sensible, as it lets the driver know both theirs and the car’s limitations. “It teaches you safety tips like being able to steer around an obstacle while braking hard using the car’s ABS anti-skid system.” Before leaving the race track, Paul was also given a go in a full-blown race-prepared Ferrari and guess what: he bought one. “At first I used it for track days, just for fun, but people kept telling me I was good enough to race, so I did my first year and won the top class in the championship. When we sold the › business, that gave me the funding to do it NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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MOTORING seriously. So I did some endurance racing. We won the top class of the British endurance championship – Brit Car - which consists of threehour races on average, with two drivers. And then we entered British GT in the GTC class, which I won, before moving up to the top class. “To be perfectly honest it was a step too far. It’s still competitive racing, but I find it hard to celebrate being in the top 10. So I’ve moved one step down to a different championship and I’ve got a cabinet full of trophies from the start of the season.” Paul chats about owning cars such as the La Ferrari costing unreal amounts of money, like someone of more modest means might talk about buying T-shirts. “You can’t just buy one of these cars - you have to be invited by the factory, as we were - by the president of Ferrari,” he beams proudly. The Daily Mail covered the story of the La Ferrari and Porsche 918 being picked up that day. Paul and Selena had the whole event filmed, and soon realised the level of interest that ownership of the three amazing cars was creating. Also its usefulness as a way of raising money for charity. “Later in the year we want to take all three cars on three different race circuits to have them tested against each other, then film the whole exercise and charge £1 a time on YouTube. We’ve already raised £40,000 by allowing these cars to be shown at events, and we want to increase this to £100,000 by the end of the year,” says Paul. “Originally we partnered with Bluebell Wood, a hospice for terminally ill children in Sheffield, but we’ve also raised money for Sporting Bears, another charity supporting soldiers who’ve lost limbs, Peterborough Cathedral, and yet another organisation helping racehorses re-train.”

Selena & Paul Bailey seated inside their LaFerrari

Some people might ask Paul why he doesn’t just give the money to charity instead of buying the cars in the first place? “Admittedly it would be cheaper that way. The point is we’re ploughing money into this to give people a chance to experience these cars. One of the wonderful things is seeing the joy on the children’s faces. Some of these children are so ill, all they can do is sit in the car or just see the car from their wheelchair and say ‘Wow I’ve never seen a La Ferrari before’. Nobody in the world uses such cars like this. We’ve clocked up 15,000 miles on these cars in our charity work so far this year, which costs us a lot in terms of depreciation, but we don’t care.” Selena – who also runs wedding service Serenity (as featured this month on page 34) was born into the motor trade. Paul had been one of her best customers and when he learned she was intending to emigrate to Canada, he told her if she gave him a week he’d convince

her not to go. Successful salesman that he is, it took just four days! The pair haven’t put the brakes on one iota in their buying zeal. Currently there are four cars on order, including the new Porsche GT 3RS, which was due to leave Germany the day after our interview (probably making it the first in the UK), a convertible Ferrari 458 Aperta (meaning ‘open’ in Italian) and two Lamborghinis – an Aventador SV (for delivery in 2016) and a Huracan Spyder. Paul’s favourite car of all time? “Right now it would have to be the La Ferrari, simply because it’s taken me 22 years to get an invitation from the factory allowing me to buy one. There are multi billionaires who’ve had to go for secondhand as they couldn’t buy direct from Ferrari. But for everyday enjoyment I’d say it’s my gullwinged-door Mercedes-Benz SLS. I just love that car and have done more miles in it than any of the others.” Would he consider using one of the supercars as everyday transport? “Yes we do. The Lamborghini outside the front door I take to work almost every day. We’ve even taken the La Ferrari, a £2 million-car in to town to get some shopping. We really do use them all the time. We just got back from Italy where we did just over 1000 miles in the Porsche 918.” Paul reckons their collection is worth £18 million. “But it’s a passion. I won’t sell any of them, however the children – we have four kids and three grandchildren – will do very well out of them. Right now we’re enjoying doing the charity work. We’ve been lucky in life and it’s nice to give something back.”

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ACTIVITIES

Go green this summer!

Free events this August

Travelchoice Month offers a wealth of fun, free events across Peterborough this August to encourage us to make more sustainable transport choices

F you’re nipping out to the shops or dropping the children off at school, it’s all too easy to jump in the car without a second thought. But this summer, Peterborough City Council is encouraging us all to think a little bit more about the choices we make when travelling around the city. Travelchoice is an initiative funded by the Department for Transport which aims to encourage more sustainable forms of travel around Peterborough such as cycling, walking, taking public transport or car sharing. Now in its sixth year, the campaign has achieved real change through working in conjunction with local businesses and organisations. “We’ve had some great responses and the whole thing has been really successful,”says Peterborough City Council’s Transport Planning Officer, Steve Boni. “For example, we’ve worked with a lot of local businesses to offer personalised travel plans for some of their employees. We take their home and work addresses and suggest alternative routes for them. The take up’s been really good on that. It’s surprising how many people didn’t realise there was a bus route which serves their journey to work.” Safety is also an important part of the Travelchoice team’s message. They provide information to raise awareness of the dangers cyclists can face on the roads, and also inform drivers of key safety issues. “We’re not anti-car,” insists Steve. “We’re just trying to raise awareness of alternative methods of transport. There are quicker, cheaper, greener and healthier options such as cycling, walking or taking public transport. I think for a lot of people their default setting is to just to jump in the car. Sustainable travel is all about being a bit more eco-friendly; about enhancing the environment and keeping it as it is now for future generations.” The health benefits of alternative forms of transport are also well documented. Walking or cycling are proven to burn calories, reduce stress, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of disease. There’s also the added bonus that regular exercise can help you look younger and sleep better! As part of its role in promoting greener transport methods, Travelchoice is hosting a series of fun, free, familyfriendly events throughout August. Highlights will include an Electric Car Day in Cathedral Square on Thursday 27th August at which visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a range of eco-friendly electric cars, and a ‘Bonanza’ day in Cathedral Square on Saturday 29th August which will feature BMX stunts and pedal-powered live music. “To round the whole thing off we’re having a big party day at Ferry Meadows on Saturday September 5,” says Steve. “We’ll have some local bands coming along to perform, with the music stage being powered by members of the public doing the pedalling. Last year’s Party in the Park was brilliant. So we’re hoping that thousands of people will come along again to enjoy the event this year.”

22 August Summer Fiesta Launch 10am – 5pm, Saxon Community Centre Pedal-powered fun for all the family including a cycle cinema screening of Shark Tale at 12.30pm 23 August Car Share Cinema Peterborough Garden Park 8.30pm: The Hangover 27 August Electric Car Day 10am – 4pm, Cathedral Square A chance to check out a range of eco-friendly electric cars from BMW, Nissan, Renault and Volkswagen

Travelchoice: The Aims • To improve the quality of life and transport opportunities in Peterborough • To reduce the City’s impact on climate change • To enhance safety and security for all the citizens of Peterborough • To support economic growth within the City

29 August Travelchoice City Centre Bonanza 10am – 5pm, Cathedral Square Lots to keep the whole family entertained including pedalpowered live music, a fun bus, face painting and food stalls. British BMX stunt champion Kellan Philips will be performing some tricks and there will be healthcare professionals on hand to advise on the benefits of walking and cycling. 2 September Cycle Cinema 12.30pm, Serpentine Green Penguins of Madagascar 3 September Live Music From 7.30pm, Central Park Including a cycle cinema screening of The Lion King at 8.45pm 5 September Party in the Park 10am – 5pm, Ferry Meadows Bring a picnic and listen to some local bands entertain the crowds from a pedal-powered stage • For more information about Travelchoice, visit the website at www.travelchoice.org.uk or contact the team on 01733 747474 or email travelchoice@ peterborough.gov.uk NENE LIVING AUGUST 2015

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Local People

Serenity Weddings

Combining Experience with Excellence Selena Bailey and Laura Desborough are in the very fortunate position of loving their job with a passion. With vast combined executive experience in event planning, the duo run Serenity Weddings, a Rutland based wedding planning company with standards higher than the bride’s Jimmy Choo heels. Amander Meade discovered that recruiting a wedding planner might just be the best investment you make towards your wedding – not only should they help create your perfect day but also save you money in the process

First Things First According to the Serenity Weddings philosophy, the best time to contact a wedding planner is right at the start – and they mean the very start: “If you have never planned a wedding before, how do you even set about creating a budget within your means?” explains Selena, “Most couples have no clue about what flowers or caterers might cost so we can help them establish a sensible budget from the beginning because we do have that insight and experience.” With the right planner and a manageable budget in place, time and effort can be saved in lots of ways: “With one central point for administration and organisation there is always less potential for conflict between the couple and their suppliers or well-meaning family,” adds Laura. Trained by the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, Serenity adheres to the code of practice which includes a pledge to pass discounts and commission directly on to clients. “We know the best service providers and how to negotiate the best prices so busy couples can enjoy the process of planning without getting involved in the stressful parts.” A good planner should get to know each couple really well and have a clear idea of what they want from their day and as such, should be able to suggest some ideal venues but if there’s a wedding co-ordinator at the venue you don’t need a planner too right? Wrong! “The venue co-ordinator operates on behalf of the venue, not the couple. We love a great co-ordinator and have worked seamlessly with many over the years – it’s a great combination on behalf of the bride and groom but we fulfil very different roles. Venue co-ordinators generally take care of the logistics, have a large portfolio of events but rarely work at weekends, often handing over responsibility for weddings to the Banqueting Manager who you may not have met. For us, the most important stage is being with you on the day, working discreetly in the background to make sure everything goes according to plan. We remain available to you throughout your wedding, leaving only when you have said ‘goodnight’ to your guests.”

A must if you live remotely… Couples planning from afar often find it’s hard to organise suppliers that they have never met or imagine a space they are not familiar with. “We often work with couples with one set of parents living in the region and who have decided to take advantage of the many gorgeous wedding opportunities the area affords. However, if the couple are living and working elsewhere and most of the guests are travelling in, an experienced wedding planner can be a major asset in getting the job done the way they want.” Making It Real No matter whether you know exactly what you want, have a vague idea, or no idea at all, Serenity Weddings can help you define the look, style, mood and emotions you want to create. “We know the latest trends and are inspired daily by other brides, suppliers and the industry. We can visualise what will work in your venue and know how to bring your desired mood to life.” Last Word “We are constantly aware that your wedding is all about you, not us. You can select our involvement on a full or partial basis and we only undertake one wedding per month so you can be assured of our full attention at all times. Your wedding day should be filled with joy and happy memories – When you hire Serenity Weddings, you secure the peace of mind that every detail is in hand. Together we will create a wedding truly unique to you.” • Check out Serenity Weddings website for full details of services and pricing www.serenity-weddings.com

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MAMMA MIA HERE WE GO AGAIN!

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Value for Money – Weddings are our business. By building close relationships and negotiating preferential rates with suppliers and venues, Serenity Weddings can save you money, in most cases the cost of using our services is dramatically reduced or actually covered. We do not take commissions from our suppliers, we negotiate the best price and pass these directly onto our clients. Giving you Time – We recognise the demands of careers, hectic social lives and family commitments. We will save you valuable time from sourcing venues to arranging and attending supplier meetings, budget and financial planning to guest management. GIving you time to do the things you want. Reduce Stress – At certain points during the planning process stress levels can rise, we can envisage problems and eliminate. Our priority is for the Bride and Groom to enjoy the planning process, right up to their big day, stress free. Experience and Advice – As professional Wedding Planners we are there to help you with everything from suppliers to etiquette. Our knowledge and skills, along with our contacts ensures that your day comes together seamlessly. It’s all in the Detail – “That will do” is not in our vocabulary. We offer meticulous attention to detail and ensure that the smallest element is not overlooked. We can translate your vision or help you create a wedding to ‘wow’. Flexibility – We can amend our services to suit the individual requirements of clients. By arranging a free of charge, no obligation consultation, we can talk through your requirements.

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LAND ROVER Burghley Horse Trials

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ituated within the magnificent parkland of Burghley House, Stamford, The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (3-6 September 2015) is renowned not only as a major international sporting event, but also the premier occasion in the Autumn social calendar.

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year more than 600 trade exhibitors offer everything from artisan cheeses and local produce to luxury goods such as jewellery, fashion and accessories. For the serious equestrian every possible element of horse-related paraphernalia is on sale, ranging from stabling, feed and tack to riding boots, hats and clothing. The Box Office is now open and there has never been a better time to book; advance bookings offer great discount on admission tickets and car parking, and Thursday, Friday and Sunday admission tickets are now interchangeable! Book your tickets at www.burghley-horse.co.uk or call 01933 304744.

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AUGUST

DIARY DATES

What’s On Awesome events for August. Compiled by Yasmin Bradley (yasmin.neneliving@btinternet.com) All month The Captain’s Folly Overton Lake and Nene River Trips Daily 10am - 5pm (except Tuesday) See the Nene from a new perspective: swans, water voles and kingfishers if you are lucky. £5 (£2.50). Visitor Centre at Overton Lake Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, PE2 5UU. 07513193977. captainsfolly@btinternet.com.

Sunday 1 August Grand Opening of Peterborough Minigolf 11am Mingle with members of the Great Britain Minigolf Team at the grand opening of Peterborough’s uniquely-designed 12-hole course! Dobbies Garden Centre, Thorpes Way, Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, Hampton, PE7 8NY. 07933 352 774. www.peterboroughminigolf.com. Hello@peterboroughminigolf.com Saturday 8 August Open Craft Day at Clare Cottage 11am -4pm A wealth of local artistic talent as potters, spinners, weavers, jewellery makers, wood turners, embroidery and textile workers show and sell their work. John Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston, PE6 7ED. 01733 253330. www.clarecottage.org. Info@clarecottage.org Sunday 9 August Easy Sunday at Fotheringhay with David Lovell Brown 3.00pm - 4.00pm Much-loved Stamford pianist and organist and teacher, David Lovell Brown – complete with colourful scarf – plays favourite pieces in stunning surroundings. Donations welcome. 01733 241784. St Mary’s and All Saints Church, Fotheringhay, PE8 5HZ Wednesday 19 August Pennyless with Hog Roast at Clare Cottage 6pm – 8.30pm Tuck into a mouth-watering Willowbrook Farm hog roast

Friday 28 August - Sunday 30 August The Great British Campout 2015 10am Brand new three-day even event dedicated to all lovers of Volkswagens new and old: fun fair, music, children’s entertainment and more. From £30. thegreatbritishcampout.co.uk/site/. Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. 01733 363500.

to the sound of lyrical tunes from the time of Clare in the gardens of John Clare’s restored cottage. £10 (advance only) from John Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston, PE6 7ED. 01733 253330. www.clarecottage.org. Info@clarecottage.org Wednesday 19 – Saturday 22 August Key Youth Theatre presents Into the Woods 7.30pm/ 2.30pm Matinée Saturday Fresh from their prestigious National Theatre Connections Festival performance, KYT returns with Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical macabre twist on fairy tale folklore. £14/£15.50 (£12/£11.50). Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207237. Key.theatre@vivacitypeterborough. com. www.vivacitypeterborough.com Thursday 20 - Saturday 22 August CITYLAN 10am CITYLAN bring eSports to Peterborough, showcasing career

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opportunities within digital, IT, coding, design and gaming industries, and a chance to meet technology company professionals. Free entrance. (£35 family ticket for workshops, demos and games).Kingsgate Conference Centre, 2 Staplee Way, Parnwell, PE1 4YT. www.citylan.co.uk. 07960 614365 Tuesday 25 - Saturday 29 August Peterborough Beer Festival Various times Book your taxi ready to sample a multitude of award-winning ales, ciders and perries with live performances from The Tin Pigeons, gorgeous local Open Mike UK finalist, Doug Heath and the fabulous Palmerston Arms Ukulele band. £2 (CAMRA members) - £6. The Embankment, Bishops Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. www.peterborough-camra.org.uk Wednesday 26 August Othello: Live Screening from Stratford Experience a Royal Shakespeare Company production live as Hugh Quarshie plays Othello opposite RSC’s first black Iago, Lucian Msamati. £16 (£13.50) Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207237. Key.theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com. www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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