Nene Living December 2015 by Best Local Living

Boxing Day walk

Sparkly party fashion

Local festive food

Last minute gifts

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NENE LIVING COVERING

PETERBOROUGH,

Celebrate and enjoy

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s g n i t e e r G s ’ n o s Sea DECEMBER 2015 £1.50 12

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WEBSITE: www.neneliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH:

Nene Living

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NENE LIVING

This Issue

DECEMBER 2015

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

ecember comes round again, and we have everything you need for celebrating a Nene Christmas and holiday season. Local foods including luxurious chocolate brownies and flavoured gin, turkeys from our high street butchers shops, fresh Christmas trees from farms in the area, markets and craft fairs to stroll round, high street hustle and bustle in Peterborough, or a slower pace in our market towns. For seasonal spots to enjoy, try the Olive Grove Nurseries near Polebrook, tea at The Bull Hotel in Peterborough, and an all time favourite destination of mine at this time of year, The George in Stamford with its twinkly courtyard lit with trees and a roaring log fire in the grate. I hope you will enjoy our ideas for things to do, see and buy. All that remains is for me to wish you season’s greetings and thank you for all your support and excellent feedback this year. Happy Christmas to all our readers and advertisers!

F ion a Cu mberpatch Editor Nene Living

INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 Editor’s selection Last minute ideas for gifts and decorations

7 Agenda

Pet advice and a shoe shop in Thrapston

8 Agenda

Beauty treats and craft classes

11 Agenda

A new catering team at Oundle golf club

12 Food news

A seasonal recipe to try

15 My Perfect Gift

Local retailers on their favourite finds

18 A sparkling Nene Christmas! Essential events to get you in the festive spirit

22 Branching out

Olive Grove Nurseries expands

26 Sparkle and shine Christmas party fashion

28 Health and beauty notes Get a glow this season

30 Affordable fashion Oundle’s newest boutique

33 Feast of Christmas

Local producers share their festive fare

36 Not just any food… Marks & Spencer’s top treats

39 “Thorpe Hall was there for us…”

How the local hospice is helping families

42 Oundle people: Brewbabu

Dyna’s living the dream with her tea shop

47 A country Christmas A parish priest’s experiences

48 Drawing our heritage Meet the super talented John Bangay

50 A Boxing Day walk Let us be your guide

53 What’s on

Essential events this month

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: Sainsbury’s Home. Gift wrap and baskets, all from Sainsbury’s.

SUBSCRIBE TO NENE LIVING

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NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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CHRISTMAS opening

From Thursday 3rd December until Wednesday 23rd December Monday to Friday

9:00am – 8:00pm

Saturday

9:00am – 7:00pm

Sunday

10:30am – 4:30pm

From Christmas Eve until Boxing Day Christmas Eve

8:00am – 5:00pm

Christmas Day

CLOSED

Boxing Day

8:00am – 7:00pm

From Sunday 27th December until Friday 1st January Sunday 27th December

10:30am – 4:30pm

Monday 28th December

9:00am – 8:00pm

Tuesday 29th December

9:00am – 8:00pm

Wednesday 30th December

9:00am – 8:00pm

New Year’s Eve

9:00am – 5:00pm

New Year’s Day

CLOSED

Free Parking after 5.30pm on Thursday & Friday

Christmassy

Over 90 shops, 15 places to eat with thousands of gift ideas. queensgate-shopping.co.uk 4

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SHOPPING

Editor’s Selection Need some last minute gifts and decorations? Nene Living to the rescue! String of grey hearts, from a selection of decorations at Asha’s, Oundle

Bike wine holder, £35, Snow Designs, Stamford

Mr and Mrs Mouse, £9.95, Asha’s , The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle

Reindeer cushion, £32.50, Crackers, Oundle

Two Birds Christmas Spiced Vodka, £39.50, Stamford Cheese Cellar

Star decorations, £5.50 each, The Rounded House, West Street, Oundle

Oundle Calendar, £5.50, from Oundle Library and various shops around the town of Oundle

Heyland Whittle trio of soaps, £5.50, Walkers Books, High Street, Stamford NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Funky Lil’ Feet Children’s Shoe Shop

Winter Shoes and Boots in stock

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

Just some of our Top Brands: Start-rite • Babybotte • Piedro Aster • Petasil • Daisy Root Robeez • Geox • Pom d’Api • Superfit Noel • Joules • Buckle My Shoe (BMS) Camper • Dr Martens 36 Huntingdon Road, Thrapston, NN14 4NQ

Full width fittings and half sizes

Gift Vouchers Available

Call: 01832 734 500

www.funkylilfeet.co.uk

coaches

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JOIN THE COACH PART Y

NEW 2016 DOOR-2-DOOR HOLIDAY & DAY TOUR BROCHURES OUT NOW Great value holidays all with quality hotels, a full excursion programme, optional FREE travel insurance and our popular Door-2-Door service! Fabulous selection of days out with over 35 local departure points - from just £10 pp

Christmas is coming - our day trips (and holidays) make excellent presents! Gift vouchers also available.

Call 01778 342224

email enquiries@shawscoaches.co.uk

www.shawscoaches.co.uk Shaws Coaches, 49 High Street, Maxey, Peterborough PE6 9EF

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OUT

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FROM NEWS AND REVIEWS PETERBOROUGH, OUNDLE AND THE VILLAGES

ANIMAL ANSWERS Juliette Jones, cat welfare and training consultant from Wood Green The Animals charity helps out with a common pet query

WHY DOES MY CAT SCRATCH THE FURNITURE AND HOW CAN I PREVENT IT?

ats scratch either horizontal or vertical surfaces. It not only loosens and removes the outer husks of the claw and exercises muscles, it is also used as a form of territorial communication. Scent and sweat glands in between the pads of the feet mix to produce a unique smell to that individual. Scatching provides a strong visual and scent message to other cats. Cats will usually choose fixed and study surfaces. Outdoors, cats’ claw marks can often be found on trees, fence posts, all important marking locations within territories. Some cats will scratch in the home. When this is done around doorways and windows, it can indicate that the cat is feeling insecure. Whether the scratching represents claw maintenance, marking, or both, depends on the dynamics of the household, the cat population in the neighbourhood, the pattern of locations and other factors. Claw trimming is not the answer – neither is punishment. These may offer a temporary solution to the behaviour but they do not deal with the emotions behind it. Scratching posts and other options should be provided indoors to prevent damage to furniture and carpets. If a particular object or surface is being damaged, provide an alternative which offers a similar experience when used. For example, if your cat is scratching a door frame at a certain height, offer a vertical scratching area nearby, such as a tall scratching post that allows the cat to stretch to the same level. • Wood Green, The Animals Charity offers a low-fee advice service. For advice on cat scratching or any other cat behaviour issues, please phone Juliette Jones on 0844 2488181 extension 1303. Calls cost 9.49p per minute, depending on your phone company’s access charge.

Happy feet and funky clothes F

unky Lil’ Feet, the friendly children’s shoe shop in Thrapston, celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. It has recently undergone a complete makeover under the new ownership of Claire Fox. Originally founded by podiatrist Jane Warne in 2005, the emphasis has always been on ensuring that young customers get a correctly fitting pair of good quality shoes. Claire has been with Funky Lil’ Feet from the very start and continues the excellent service level for which the shop has come to be known. If you have never visited this gem of a shop before, now is the time to do so. Funky Lil’ Feet has a team of fully trained fitters, most of whom are mothers themselves and therefore adept at keeping little ones entertained while they are having their new shoes fitted. All the staff are well practised in fitting with orthotics and splints; for children with special requirements a quiet room can be set aside, just call in advance to organise before you travel. Funky Lil’ Feet stocks a wide variety of brands such as Start Rite, Geox, Camper, Petasil, Joules and Daisy Roots, with Vans and Dr Marten just added. Sizes start at a teeny 1 (EU 17) and go through to a teenage 10 (UK 44) with full width fittings and half sizes. Following the recent facelift Funky Lil’ Feet now has an aeroplane themed room complete with genuine Boeing 747 seats that children can strap themselves into. For the older children, there is a new boutique styling room with Joules clothing and teenage styles on display. • Funky Lil’ Feet, 36 Huntingdon Rd, Thrapston, NN14 4NQ. Tel: 01832 734500 www.funkylilfeet.co.uk

DON’T MISS! O

undle’s Christmas market on December 5, 12 noon until 8pm. There will be over 60 stalls, Father Christmas in a secret grotto, music, Minions and plenty of delicious food to try and buy.

Catch a panto in Oundle The 30th anniversary production from Oundle Amateur Dramatic Society will be Jack and the Beanstalk, running from January 28 to 30 inclusive (with two performances on the 30th). The production has a special significance as it is in memory of John Raper, popular proprieter of Oundle’s Coffee Tavern and a regular performer with the company, who sadly passed away this year. With a live band, fabulous cast and a dancing cow, expect an evening of laughter and fun. • Tickets are on sale now from Oundle Festival Box Office: you can buy online via oundlefestival.org.uk or call 01832 274734. All tickets are only £8 until December 5 and then £10 each after that. NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Treat your garden…

ASK THE EXPERT

Tax changes for buy to let landlords

our garden is unique – there’s probably not another one like it in the world. So if you’re going to invest in any kind of garden structure, shouldn’t that be individual too? Local company William Lloyd specialises in the design and construction of bespoke garden structures. Whether you’re looking for a summer house, a reading room, a garden office, pergola or private sanctuary, wouldn’t you rather have something that is designed to complement your home and garden style rather than an ‘off the shelf’ style? Having a bespoke building is like ordering a tailored suit. The individual design, standard of workmanship, hand painted finish and overall quality of the structure will be clearly evident in the finished product. From your initial enquiry, William Lloyd will meet you and discuss what you’re hoping to achieve from your budget. The designer will then assess the site and position of the structure before preparing design sketches for you to consider. Once the final design is agreed, it is built in the workshop. It is painted prior to construction to ensure longevity and apart from the roof, it is almost built to completion before being installed in your garden by the team. If you do decide to move, William Lloyd designs are built to be dismantled, so you can take your structure with you to your new home. • For more information, contact Stephen Roe, at stephen@williamlloyd.co.uk

A gift of a class I

f you need a great idea for a different type of present, why not take a look at the workshops planned for the Old School at Stibbington in 2016? These include making simple notebooks using Japanese stitching, working with silver clay, printing with woodcuts and using Chinese Collage and willow weaving. • For more information, call 01780 782386 or email cees.stibbington@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk or look at the Stibbington Community Classes Facebook page.

DON’T FORGET... Q

ueensgate Shopping Centre and Honeyhill and Orton Children’s Centres, run by children’s charity Spurgeons, have teamed up to run their annual charity event The Gift Tree again this year. Go to the Queensgate Shopping Centre information desk and purchase a present for a child in need. The parcels will be distributed with the help of agencies in Peterborough and will go to local children who need them the most.

Christmas treats at The Beautiful Truth T

he Beautiful Truth Medispa in Peterborough city centre has put together a stocking full of special offers this December to give you and your loved ones the best in beauty therapy this Christmas. “Gift vouchers for all our massage therapies are always much appreciated gifts at Christmas,” says Annalisa Phillips, director at The Beautiful Truth. “Buying an hour of ESPA hot stone massage, or ESPA deep tissue massage is something different and far more personal than a standard cosmetics gift set. This year our £50 vouchers are beautifully presented in a ribboned box with two free samples of ESPA products to make sure opening the voucher still feels like an indulgent gift.” The Beautiful Truth is also offering 3D Lipomed non-surgical lipo treatments in a special package. “We have combined 3D Lipo’s famously effective fat freezing treatment with Ultrasound Cavitation to give double impact on those problem areas such as stomach and thighs,” says Annalisa. “We have been offering these treatments for two years now and have really perfected the treatment combinations to get the best results. This package really is the quickest and most effective way to sculpt the body.” One session of dual cryo and eight sessions of ultrasound cavitation with 3D Lipomed at The Beautiful Truth is £450 (saving £200) until the end of December. • For more information, or to book a free consultation or order a gift voucher, please call 01733 555540.

There are radical changes on the horizon for buy to let landlords following the recent Budget announcements made by the Government. Kerry Hilliard, partner at Stephenson Smart accountancy firm in Peterborough, explains more

lans have been announced to limit the tax relief for finance costs including interest on loans for residential property businesses carried on by individuals and partnerships. Relief will be restricted to the basic rate of tax, currently 20 per cent, even if the individual is a higher 40 per cent or additional 45 per cent tax payer. These restrictions will be an unwelcome development for landlords and even those paying tax at basic rate will need to review their position as the changes might push them into the higher tax bracket. The new rules will be gradually introduced over four years from April 2017 to allow landlords time to adjust. Other changes include the abolition of the generous wear and tear allowance. This allowance allows landlords of furnished rental accommodation to deduct 10 per cent of the rental income before calculating their tax, irrespective of whether they actually spent the money on their properties. From next April, this is to be replaced with relief for actual expenditure increasing taxable income for many. Where these changes threaten to put a landlord in a worsening or loss making position, thought might be given to changing the ownership structure of the property, mortgaging or disposing of it altogether. • For more information and tax planning advice, contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 or visit www.stephensonsmart.com

NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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the walled garden at elton hall

garden centre tearooms Everything you would want from an independent Garden Centre & Tearooms, all in the beautiful setting of Elton Hall Victorian walled garden...

- Excellent Choice of Plants - Great Value Gifts - Delicious Snacks & Meals ...we hope to welcome you soon! Elton, Peterborough, PE8 6SH eltonwalledgarden.co.uk

01832 280058

Treatments from ÂŁ80, call now to book a free of charge consultation

The Beautiful Truth - 40 Cowgate, Peterborough, PE1 1NA E: hello@beautiful-truth.co.uk W: www.beautiful-truth.co.uk

T: 01733 555540 9

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BEAUTIFUL THINGS FOR THE HOME AND GARDEN Now stocking Little Greene Paint Company www.theroundedhouse.com info@theroundedhouse.com 10b West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF

01832 274687

www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

LEARN TO FLY FISH CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS Rutland Water

Activity Gift Vouchers Now Available Online www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk/ giftvouchers Gift options for everyone; Total Beginners, Improvers, Experienced Fly Fishers, Coarse Fishers. Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups & Corporate Fly Fishing Team Days. Contact Rob Waddington on 01572 722422 or email rob@learntoflyfish.co.uk

MEL & GEM CATERING

AT OUNDLE GOLF CLUB BAR & RESTAURANT

Under NEW Management 27 St. David’s Square, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5QA Open Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10:30 – 3:30

Does your child love to act and sing? Or do they simply need more confidence?

All Welcome

Mel and Gem Catering would like to welcome all members and non-members to Oundle Golf Club, Bar & Restaurant. Christmas menu being served throughout December. Traditional Christmas dinner plus all the trimmings. Booking advisable. Bookings now being taken for traditional Sunday lunches served 12-3 from £8.95 Function room available. Stunning views of our golf course from the restaurant and bar balcony.

Let your little one shine! www.littlevoices.org.uk/peterborough julie@littlevoices.org.uk 07801 953643

Oundle Golf Club

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

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Learning skills for life with Little Voices L

ittle Voices prides itself on creating inspirational, fun-filled drama sessions taught by highly qualified tutors, ensuring that every child can excel. Students work towards accredited musical theatre, acting and communication exams with The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Founder Julie Armstrong says: “ At Little Voices we teach in small groups, up to eight pupils, so we can truly get to know each child, discover what makes them tick, and tailor our teaching accordingly. Each child benefits from one to one attention and individual teaching – no getting lost at the back of a class of 30 pupils!” Julie runs Little Voices centres across Peterborough and Stamford and hopes to open up several new venues soon. Every child can apply for a free trial lesson with Little Voices so they can join in the fun and find out exactly what goes on. “For me it’s not just about putting talented children on the stage. I am driven by the desire to help all children, no matter what their aims – a life on the stage, becoming an accomplished public speaker or simple having more confidence. Little Voices teaches you skills for life,” says Julie. • Contact www.littlevoices.org.uk/peterborough

Free Christmas craft classes! G

reeniversity, the green skill share initiative in Peterborough, is running a range of free Christmas craft classes this festive season. Learn how to make tree decorations, bake festive fare, or make your own cards www.greeniversity.org.uk • To find out more, contact Jennie Orrell on 01733 866437 or email Jennifer.orrell@pect. org.uk You can sign up for free classes online at www.greeniversity.org.uk

Roll up for Wisbech Christmas Fayre

his year marks the 12th anniversary of the Wisbech Christmas Fayre which looks set to be the best yet. It takes place on Sunday December 13, and will welcome a host of new attractions. In particular, visitors can look forward to indulging their senses in all things festive, such as roasted chesnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine, then visit over 90 stalls selling food and gifts, including handmade work by local artisans. There will be live entertainment throughout the day, with children’s rides and real reindeer to feed and stroke if you’re lucky, dancing – and for the first time, a skating rink! The organisers are excited to welcome the acclaimed Rock Choir and many other excellent local groups, such as the Salvation Army and the Clarkson Singers who are well known in the area. Local places of interest will be open, including the Rose and Crown Hotel, Wisbech Castle and Peckover House. All car parking is free. Please like the Facebook page for updates www.facebook.com/ WisbechChristmasFayre and feel free to ask any questions to help you come along and enjoy this Georgian market town on one of its most popular celebration days.

New catering team at Oundle Golf Club Bar and Restaurant I

f you’re looking for a great new place to have a hearty, home cooked lunch or dinner, Oundle Golf Club Bar and Restaurant is now under new management and extends a warm welcome to non-members and members alike. Mel and Gem Scott-Durrant have been running the catering operation for the last three months and feedback so far has been excellent. “We’ve wanted to run our own business for a long time

now, and we’re delighted that it is going so well,” says Mel. They are offering a traditional Christmas menu at £12.95 for one course, £15.95 for two courses and £18.95 for three during December. The restaurant is also open for bookings in the evenings, Thursdays to Saturdays only, offering dishes such as steak, fish and pies. Sunday lunches, at £8.95 a head are also popular, and the venue is a great place

to take a large party of family and friends, as the restaurant is spacious, with beautiful views over the golf course and the surrounding countryside. Mel and Gem look forward to welcoming customers old and new. • Oundle Golf Club, Benefield Rd, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EZ Tel: 01832 273267 Extension 3 NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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FOOD & DRINK

Food News

Local seasonal foods and flavours

From the Riverford Kitchen A robust salad ideal for the winter months Serves 8 Ingredients • 75g walnut pieces • 2 tbspns walnut oil • 2 crisp red apples • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 2 tbspns balsamic vinegar • 2 and a half tbspns olive oil • 1 red onion, quartered and thinly sliced • 1 small red cabbage, shredded • 100g blue cheese, crumbled • 1 tbspn chopped parsley • 1 tsp chopped marjoram • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Method • Toss the walnuts with the walnut oil and some black pepper. Spread them out on a baking tray and toast in an oven preheated to 180 desgrees C/ gas mark 4 for 5 – 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. • Core the apples and cut into small pieces. • Put the garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a frying pan and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the red onion and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cabbage and cook for a couple of minutes until it turns from red to pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cheese, apples, herbs and toasted walnuts. Toss well and serve. • Recipe taken from the Riverford Farm Cook Book.

G NENE LIVIN RECOMMENDS

Golden House Chinese Restaurant G

olden House is a Peking and Cantonese restaurant situated in Eastfield Road, Peterborough. It was our first visit and on entering, we could see the tables immaculately set for lunch with white cloths and fresh flowers on each one. We met Mika, who runs the restaurant with her husband, also the head chef, Raymond Chong. Mika explained: “we have a very loyal customer base. We would like to build on this to let more people know we’re here and enjoy our food. We are happy to cater for parties and we can seat up to 80 people.” There are four special set menus which range from £7.50 upwards, as well as a popular buffet style ‘eat as much as you like’ menu. Mika suggested that we try one

of the set menus and she brought out an appetising platter of sesame prawn toasts, honey spare ribs, crispy duck rolls, smoked garlic chicken and crispy seaweed. The food tasted exceptionally fresh, and was not too overwhelming: we were left wanting more! The second course of aromatic crispy duck arrived with the traditional accompaniments

of Hoi-sin sauce, spring onion and cucumber. It was a tasty version of a classic dish, with plenty of moist yet crispy duck meat. Our selection of mains included black bean beef, sweet and sour chicken, deep fried shredded beef and egg fried rice. I enjoyed having a taste of all of these flavours together. The food was beautifully cooked and presented. There are takeaway options. Buffets cost from £15.90 and children under 10 years are £7.90. This is a great restaurant to visit with friends and family, with a great selection at a reasonable price. It is open 7 days a week. Bridget Steele • Golden House Chinese Restaurant, 343 Eastfield Rd, Peterborough PE1 4RA Tel: 01733 344888

a Riverford organic Christmas veg, meat & all the trimmings

organic, chosen for flavour, delivered for free

www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell 01803 227227 12

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Eat As Much As You Like

Cook – to – Order Buffet Style £14.90 or £16.90 per adult Children under 10 years £7.90 or £8.90 • A La Carte Menu Available • Take Away & Home Delivery Service CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS The perfect venue to celebrate with family, friends or work colleagues Bookings being taken now! Open on Boxing Day & New Years Day Please make your reservation in advance.

343 Eastfield Road, Peterborough, PE1 4RA Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12 noon – 2pm Evening: 4.30pm – 11pm Closed Monday & Tuesday afternoon

£10.00

Specializing in Peking & Cantonese Cuisine at its ‘Best’

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VISIT OUR FACTORY OUTLET SHOP...

Handmade in England using British Tweeds

FIND US AT

Harlow House, Shelton Road, Corby, Northants, NN17 5XH Chrysalis Clothes

LTO

SHE

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PYW

ELL

Chrysalis has been established for 30 years and are the market leader in this field.

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We pride ourselves in designing and manufacturing the highest quality tweed outerwear for men and women.

We will be selling our Collection of Shooting attire along with stylish town and country outerwear

Leading to Steel Road (A6116)

DES

SON

01536 269034 www.chrysalisclothes.co.uk Open Friday 1.30pm – 5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm

Bulwick Village Shop Home of The Pickled Village

* Tastings of award-winning products * * Local and British produce * * Small shop with a big welcome *

tea terrace now open!

Main Street, Bulwick 01780 450774 bulwickvillageshop.com

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Shopping

My perfect gift Short on ideas for what to buy your loved ones this Christmas? Help is at hand as Lucy Banwell asks six local retailers to choose the ideal present. Photos: Lesley Anne Churchill

Gary Leftley, Clues Fashion, Peterborough www.cluesfashion.co.uk What’s the perfect Christmas gift? Our Duck and Cover ‘Enforce’ Parka jacket. £190. Perfect to keep you warm during the winter months and it can be used season after season as this style doesn’t date. Do you enjoy Christmas shopping? Yes, I like that atmosphere of the hustle and bustle on a Saturday afternoon in December. It gives me the feeling that Christmas is coming! What do you love most about Christmas? Working in retail means that I don’t get enough time to spend with my family at Christmas. So the limited amount of time we do have together over the festive period is definitely the thing I love the most. What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? As I run a clothes shop, my wife has come to the conclusion that clothing is off the agenda when she’s choosing me a present. However, she does know how to pick out a really good watch or bag for me.

Lizzie Smith, Little Stitches, Peterborough

Sam Harper, The Rounded House, Oundle

www.littlestitchesgifts.co.uk

What’s the perfect Christmas gift? One of our Bronte throws which are priced at £65. They are 100% super soft wool, made in the UK, and are perfect for snuggling under in front of the fire during the festive season. Do you enjoy Christmas shopping? Yes, I love it and spend hours planning the perfect gift for each recipient. I buy as much as possible locally in Oundle as I think you usually end up with something original and unique. I especially love choosing little things for my children’s stockings - something to read, something to eat and something to cuddle. What do you love most about Christmas? I love choosing gorgeous new decorations to add to my ever increasing collection and decorating the house on December 1st. I also love festive baking, making things such as mince pies, iced biscuits to hang on the tree and a gingerbread house which the children are allowed to smash and eat on Christmas Day. What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? A baby doll called Lizzie which came in a pink outfit. I was four years old and she took pride of place on my bed for many years to come.

What’s the perfect Christmas gift? One of our handmade quilts made from the loveliest materials, the lightest yet warmest fillings, and thousands of little stitches designed to bring the quilt alive and keep you warm. Perfect for snuggling under as the chilly nights draw in. Available from £115. Do you enjoy Christmas shopping? Yes, I adore it! My business is centred around designing and creating that special gift for someone and I view shopping for the people in my life in the same way. What do you love most about Christmas? Wrapping up warm in hats and scarves and heading out into the cold of a bright, frosty day. The gorgeous scent of a fresh Christmas tree hung with baubles which shimmer with years of memories. Cheesy Christmas films like Miracle on 34th Street which I’ve seen every year but still make me smile. What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? Some of my favourites have been made for me by other artists. I’ve received some beautiful silver bracelets, amazing artworks and individually crafted charms. But the best Christmas present for me is to share a magical few days with my favourite people.

www.theroundedhouse.com

NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Shopping

Katie Cardew, Katie Cardew Illustrations, Oundle www.kcillustrations.co.uk What’s the perfect Christmas gift? A Katie Cardew commissioned illustration, of course! I work to commission, illustrating people’s houses. Just take a photo of your chosen house and family, leave it with me for a few weeks and it will be transformed into a beautiful, bespoke illustration, framed and ready to give to your lucky recipient. Do you enjoy Christmas shopping? I would if I wasn’t such a bad present buyer! I’m usually brilliant at shopping, but the pressure of choosing presents for each member of my large family alongside the millions of other people who hit the shops in December makes me to want to run and hide! What do you love most about Christmas? The great thing about December 25th is that it’s the one day of the year on which it’s socially acceptable to drink fizz and eat chocolates before 11am. I also love the smell of Christmas trees. Last year we bought a variety of tree which is especially pungent, but does have a tendency to drop needles. Our sitting

room was so small we had to put the tree by the log burner so unfortunately it was completely bare by 14th December! What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? Last year my boyfriend took me to Heston Blumenthal’s ‘Fat Duck’ restaurant. That was a great present. But it means that this year I need to up my game. Going by my track record, I will probably buy him a book he has already read and a jumper he doesn’t like. We had a baby in August so maybe I will just write ‘From Agnes’ on his presents. He can’t be grumpy then, can he?!

Kate Johnston, The Walled Garden Centre, Elton www.eltonwalledgarden.co.uk What’s the perfect Christmas gift? One of our ‘Fun-gai’ stone wall plaques. A quirky and humorous addition to any house or garden. Priced from £12.99. Do you enjoy Christmas shopping? Yes, I love shopping locally in Oundle. You come across some really individual ideas for presents and it beats going into Peterborough and fighting for a parking space. I also usually end up buying a few presents from work. What do you love most about Christmas? The day the reindeer come and visit the Garden Centre. This year it’s on Sunday 6th December between 11am and 4pm. The staff all dress up and the reindeer are so lovely. Visitors are allowed to touch them and take photos with them so do remember to bring your camera! What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? A planter with a conifer in the middle surrounded by violas. There was a hidden layer of bulbs underneath so come the Spring I had the wonderful surprise of the bulbs coming through!

Gerry Sondh, The Oculist, Peterborough www.theoculist.com What’s the perfect Christmas gift? A Zeal HD2 Camera Goggle which costs £419. A must-have for anyone who loves winter sports. Capture all your moves on the slopes in stunning HD and seamlessly transfer the videos to your iPhone. I used mine when I was in Colorado and the quality is amazing. Do you enjoy Christmas shopping? Sometimes. The shopping frenzy in the run up to Christmas can be stressful so I try to think ahead. My wife is the shopping queen so I generally do as I’m told with a few impulsive purchases thrown in! What do you love most about Christmas? Getting together with my familiy to enjoy board games, food and wine. We always have a female-free kitchen with the men cooking all the meals. We have have fish on Christmas Eve, turkey on Christmas day and gammon on Boxing Day. We have four or five days of priceless fun. What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? My Raleigh Chopper which I got when I was seven years old. I used to cruise around on my bike with my Walkman on feeling like the coolest kid alive!

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Stu-Pots

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Sodastream stockist Council approved bio-degradable bags in stock

Full key cutting service: Cylinder, Mortice, Chubb, Union, Yale, Safe, Car and Padlock

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! We keep an in-depth selection in the following categories:• Biographies • Food & Drink • Gardening • Sport • Travel Guides • Fiction • Humour • History • Poetry • General Knowledge • Childrens’ Avid Reader? Ask for one of our Regular Reader Discount Cards. Spend £10.00 & get a stamp collect 10 stamps & we give you a £5.00 voucher. Need a Christmas Gift? Then come & see us - in addition to books we stock language, audio & classical music CD’s, bookmarks, magnifiers, giftwrap and some fabulous, original gift items!

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Seasonal events

Music, magic and candlelight. Yasmin Bradley explores things to do and places to see at this very special time of year

A sparkling Nene Christmas! A day in London The ultimate international visitor destination is only about an hour away on frequent trains from Peterborough or on bi-hourly services from Huntingdon, too. With the new link road to the station, Huntingdon is probably little further down the A14 or A1/M for Nene valley dwellers. All-day parking, metres from the entrance, costs £5.80; a one-day off-peak adult travel card £26.50 (with reductions for railcard holders) allowing unlimited travel on central London bus and tube. To minimize travelling time, plan to visit some of the many attractions close to Kings Cross. (The new Kings Cross Theatre is showing The Railway Children.) Check out 2-for-1 rail travel entry offers to famous attractions such as Madame Tussauds (near Baker Street) or St Paul’s Cathedral. Tourists also flock to attractions like the National Gallery, the V &A, the Natural History Museum (with a pop up seasonal outdoor skating rink and glittering Christmas scene outside) and the Science Museum. More free entertainment comes after dark with the legendary Christmas street lights and fabulously decorated store windows in Oxford Street and Regent Street. Most shops close at 8pm, 9pm on Saturday and 10pm on Thursday.

A Royal Opera House tour If you haven’t visited the Royal Opera House restored to its original glory with plush crimson seats and gold facades, book to see the magical Nutcracker in its exquisite, timehonoured production (seats are currently only available for the post-Christmas period). To enhance your visit, take the ultimate backstage tour to watch dancers in rehearsal and the making of specialised props in action. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea, or cocktails and canapés at the glistening champagne bar for an experience you will never forget. Tuesday 8 December–Thursday 14 January. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD. Tel: 020 7304 4000. £6- £117. www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-nutcrackerby-peter-wright. www.roh.org.uk/tours/ backstage-tour?gclid=CKf09Z_95MgCFUcU wwodDKkKKA (£12).

Lincoln German Christmas Market Why travel to Cologne? Take the train right into the heart of Lincoln city centre in 58 minutes and visit Britain’s oldest, traditional German Christmas market. Originally brought over by twin town, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Lincoln Christmas Market now has 250,000 visitors and over 200 stallholders covering the historic quarter in and around the medieval cathedral and castle. Inhale the heady aromas of aromatic, heart-shaped Lebkuchen gingerbread decorated with piped iced greetings and tied with coloured ribbon; sizzling Wurst (sausage) and the sweet cinnamon and nutmeg of hot Glühwein to the background of live ukulele music and street theatre. Find hand-made candles, carved wooden toys and folkloric decorations. Thursday 3-Sunday, 6 December, open Thursday 12 noon-9.30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am9.30pm, Sunday 10am-7pm. Free to enter. Bailgate and Steep Hill, Lincoln, LN1 3AA. www.lincolnchristmasmarket.co.uk. Visitor Information Centre, Tel: 01522 545458. Bus services to the Market operate from the Bus Station (opposite the railway station).

Stately home talks, walks and workshops Peckover House and Gardens

rive eastwards, follow the River Nene and as you enter Wisbech, be transported back into Georgian times. The vista has changed little in 200 years. Take a tour of Peckover House through rooms overflowing with festive, floral decoration and Christmas trees, accompanied by the dulcet tones of choirs. Then, visit the winter garden in all its frozen glory or join a Saturday wreath-making or festive foliage workshop. Saturday 5-Tuesday 8 December; Saturday 12-Sunday 13 December. Open from 11am, last admission 4pm. Peckover House and Gardens, North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR. Tel: 01945 583463. Normal admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover-house/

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THE RED LION LUNCHTIME SPECIALS £9.95 - Tue – Sat

Warmington Tel: 01832 280362

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

A Great Country Pub

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

Special Christmas Menu available till 24th December, booking required

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(booking essential)

New Garden Room Restaurant Open

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

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Seasonal events

The Mediæval Bæbes

Guide Dogs W inter Festival

Stately home talks, walks and workshops

Island Hall, Godmanchester

alf an hour south down the A1, another exquisitely restored 18th century house opens its doors for a rare candlelight tour with a traditional English tea. Wednesday 9 December at 3pm. £17.50. Island Hall, 18 Post Street, Godmanchester, PE29 2BA. www.islandhall.com. Book through www. invitationtoview.co.uk/properties/island-hall/

Lyveden New Bield near Oundle

et into the seasonal spirit with wreathmaking workshops at Lyveden from Wednesday 9-Friday 11 December, 10am-3pm (£35 per person, includes all materials and a light lunch – booking essential). Wrap up warm and join in carols on Saturday 19 December in the (roofless) kitchen at 2.30pm (free event, but donations welcomed). Book a scenic fourmile guided stroll along the Lyveden Way on Friday 27 December at 10.30am and walk off Christmas dinner. Four-legged friends welcome! Lyveden New Bield, PE8 5AT. Tel: 01832 205158. Email: lyveden@nationaltrust.org. uk. Normal admission charges apply. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lyveden-new-bield/

Boxing Day at Huntingdon Racecourse Dress up, crack open the Champers and spend the day watching the horses. Saturday 26 December, 10.15am-4pm. Admission from £15. Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, Huntingdon PE28 4NL. Tel: 0844 579 3007. http://huntingdon. thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whatson/box

NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

Peterborough Cathedral

Attracting 70,000 visitors a year, Peterborough Cathedral, soon to celebrate its 900th anniversary, presents a sumptuous programme of December events The Mediæval Bæbes in Concert The original Mediæval Bæbes line-up was discovered busking in Convent Garden nearly two decades ago. This time last year, the globally acclaimed artists were wowing the USA. This year, the seven women grace Peterborough with an evening of sweet harmony. “Come and see us at our peak performance on our Sacred Spaces tour in England’s most beautiful Norman cathedral,” enthuses band member Emily Alice Ovenden. “This is our take on traditional Christmas and magical folklore themes – but with an added dimension!” They sing in nine or ten languages including Latin and medieval Occitan and Catalan. “We seek out medieval texts and make them fresh again by setting them to contemporary compositions played on medieval instruments.” The Mediaeval Baebes have performed here before: “We will be wearing the red, as well as the diaphanous, white gowns – but possibly with thermals underneath!” she jokes. The gleamingly restored Western Front awaits… Saturday 12 December at 8pm (doors open 7.30pm). Tickets £20. Book on www. mediaevalbaebes.com or Peterborough Visitor Information Centre, 9 Bridge

Street, Peterborough, PE1 1HJ. Tel: 01733 452336. Email: vic@ peterborough.gov.uk BBC Radio 3 Live Broadcast of Choral Evensong Savour the fruits of Steven Grahl’s first year in residence as Director of Music when Choral Evensong comes live from Peterborough Cathedral. The International Organ Competition finalist and prizewinning graduate of Magdalen College, Oxford directs a choir of 50 gifted girls and boys, lay singers and choral scholars. Wednesday 2 December. 3pm4.35pm. Free. All welcome. Guide Dogs Winter Festival In aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind, the cream of local musical talent comes together for a Christmas concert at the Cathedral: Peterborough Highland Band; young soprano, Katie Marshall; Peterborough Youth Choir; Take Note Community Choir; actor David Bale with folk band, Frumenty; ten-year old pianist Isobella King and poet, Pam Kounougakis. Friday 4 December at 7pm. Tickets £20.00, (U14) £15, VIP £25. Tel: 0118 983 8741. Email: WinterGalaFestival@ guidedogs.org.uk. Book through www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/guide-dogswinter-festival-tickets-

18774960412?aff=es2. Tickets also available at the door. Handel’s Messiah Peterborough Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir and Festival Chorus sing Handel’s beloved 1741 oratorio – with its famous “Hallelujah Chorus” – accompanied by period instrument ensemble, Saraband Consort, directed by Stephen Grahl. Friday 18 December at 7.30pm. £25, £20, £15 (U18s half price). Book through Oundle Box Office, Tel: 01832 274734; Peterborough Visitor Information Centre, 9 Bridge Street, Tel: 01733 452336. £10 tickets (side aisle seats only) on the door.

Peterborough Cathedra l Youth Choir

THE KEY THEATRE PRESEN

Aladdin, the Panto Last but definitely not least, our traditional Peterborough panto delights yet again. Thursday 3 December-Sunday 3 January. Various times and prices. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. www.vivacitypeterborough.com/event/aladdin40179 Tel: 01733 207239. Email: Key. theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com

Written by Brad Fitt

with additional material

by Simon Egerton

Directed by Simon Egerton Music and Lyrics by Simon Egerton

Peterborough’s original and best, traditional family pantomime

3 Dec 2015 3 Jan 2016 Book your seats now on

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VIV_028_2015_Aladdin

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Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar LLP Legal Solutions for Business and Life

At Metcalfe Copeman & Petterfar LLP our specialist lawyers provide a personal and dedicated service to help ensure that your matter proceeds as quickly and smoothly as possible. Convenient town centre location and home visits available.

• Business • Crime • Dispute Resolution • Employment • Family • Property • Wills and Probate

18 Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1JN www.mcp-law.co.uk - 01733 865880

Oundle Christmas Market Saturday 5 December 12noon – 8pm

Lights switch on at 6pm Over 60 stalls • Music • Yummy Food Father Christmas in a Secret Grotto Appearance of the Mighty Minions Late night opening of the shops

Christmas comes to life in Oundle 21

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Shopping

Branching out

Freshly cut Christmas trees and the prettiest baubles to decorate them, foodie gifts to buy and a tempting menu to try in the new bistro – Sue Dobson finds there’s much to discover at Olive Grove Nurseries

ALL Nutcracker characters, scintillating baubles and stylishly festive room decorations greet visitors to the Christmas shop at Olive Grove Nurseries. In this winter wonderland of sparkling silver and white, cuddly polar bears vie for your attention among sleek silver reindeers, elegant tabletop trees, cute Santa trains and an Advent calendar with a difference. On colour-themed trees dressed to delight, glittering glass baubles and appealing tree decorations hang from branches, just waiting to be chosen. It’s an attractive way to show how they could look in your own home. As for choosing your Christmas tree, head for the courtyard where there’s a good selection of real trees and artificial, pre-lit trees designed for the outdoors. There are foodie gifts galore over in the delicatessen, from distinctly Mediterranean style cookware to eye-catchingly packaged cakes, smart biscuits and fruit wines, ciders and beers you’re unlikely to find on supermarket shelves. The deli is a treat for the senses at any time of year. Here you can find olive oils and vinegars on tap, great cheeses, colourful pasta bows, interesting teas and Italian coffee; chutneys, preserves, jellies and jams; olives, tapas, truffles and luxury ready-made meals.

A passion for the Mediterranean lifestyle After living in France and travelling extensively in Europe, Jackie and Tim Thackeray returned to England with a passion for olive trees, exotic palms and all things Mediterranean – a passion they shared with our region when they opened their Tuscan-styled Olive Grove Nurseries in Polebrook back in 2009. The Nursery, with its vast selection of statement trees and plants, is still central to the couple’s business but the ‘extras’ they’ve introduced over the succeeding years have made the Olive Grove an enticing destination

in which to wile away a few enjoyable hours. First they opened a coffee shop, followed by a delicatessen with a Mediterranean flavour and then an interiors department, stocked with unusual ‘one-off’ items for the home, of a kind not usually found on the High Street. The coffee shop became so popular it expanded, through an indoor/ outdoor seating area, out into the olive tree and palm-shaded plaza, proving so enticing in the warm summer months that people travelled for miles to eat there. A wood-fired pizza oven was introduced and pinxtos (tapas) evenings held sway at weekends. This autumn a team of builders arrived and now, just in time for the festive season, there’s another new look as the Olive Branch expands once more. Alongside the light, bright coffee shop and gelateria with their decorative splashes of signature green, there’s a bistro area offering pastas, risottos and dishes of the day to complement the pizzas, tascas, mezze, salads and sharing platters already on the menu. Even the delicatessen’s space has grown. The new chill-out quiet area with soft seating (adults only, no big groups) is ideal for couples or friends to meet and chat over a coffee and cake or glass of wine, while the lounge, with its big white leather sofas and cosy wood burning stoves, offers views out over the plaza through glass doors that will fold back in summer. It’s all very Mediterranean. “The food and atmosphere are based on our own experiences of buying plants in Spain and Italy,” Jackie says, remembering sunshine, a glass of wine and taking time to mull over purchases. “One of the pleasures of living in France was having long, relaxed lunches with neighbours and friends. That’s our idea here. We’re not a fast food establishment. It’s all about spending time with good friends and family.” • Olive Grove Nurseries, Oundle Road, Polebrook, PE8 5LQ. Tel: 01832 275667. Open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk

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Monday – Friday 9am until 4pm • Saturday 9am until 5pm • Sunday 11am until 4pm

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Fashion

Sparkle and shine From frocks to separates, glitter is what it’s all about for the party season, says fashion editor Sally Stillingfleet. Photos: Elli Dean

Eddie wears navy and black dogtooth shawl collar evening jacket in Italian wool £285 with Ermenegildo Zegna Australian fine wool trousers £145. White bib front evening shirt in slim fit £95, worn with black silk bow tie £30. Reversible leather belt £30. Patent dress shoes £150 all Gagliardi, Stamford. Hannah wears Zac Posen burgundy fishtail dress £350 with Alexandre Birman Snakeskin shoes £150, both from Arch, Stamford

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Hannah wears Esprit bronze shrug £45, Attic

Jo wears red glitzy Glamorous dress (also available in other colours ), £30 Energy, with court shoes from a selection at Marcia May Shoes, Stamford.

Jo wears pale gold flapper dress by Adrianna Papell £240 John Lewis Peterborough. Gold clutch bag £60, from Energy, Stamford. Aquazzura suede sandals, £120 at Arch. Left: Jo wears faux leather jacket, £95, and black trousers, £90, both French Connection at John Lewis Peterborough.

OR this year’s shoot, we chose the recently refurbished Crown Hotel in Stamford. The quirky local curios and eclectic interiors ideas make it a magical setting for your Christmas celebrations Hannah wears Honor short cocktail dress (new), £250, with silvery Giannitto Rossi shoes, £150, all from Arch

Eddie wears White wing collar evening shirt in tailored fit, £95. Paisley silk bow tie, £30, all Gagliardi. Hannah wears Honor dress, as above

CREDITS Make-up: A big thank you to Kelly and Sacha both from Gerards, Stamford. Kelly has used Aveda make-up and created a natural, yet still festive look for both models, Jo and Hannah. Sacha is skilled at hair-up styles while she continues to train, studying for her NVQ level 3 in Hairdressing. Thanks to all three of our models, Jo, Hannah and Eddie. Arch Label Agency 43 St. Peter’s Street, Stamford. Tel. 01780 764746 Attic 33 St. Mary’s St. Stamford. Tel 01780 766667 Gagliardi 34 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel 07850 178028 Energy Ironmonger St. Stamford. Tel 01780 765633 Marcia May Shoes 41 St. Mary’s St. Tel. 01780 766608 John Lewis Queensgate Centre, Peterborough. Tel. 01733 344 644 Gerards The George Hotel Mews, Stamford. Tel. 01780 753002 Stella and Dot jewellery throughout from Christine_brown1@btconnect.com www.stelladot.co.uk/christinebrown Mob: - 07833 343512 With special thanks to The Crown Hotel, All Saint’s Place, Stamford. Tel 01780 753002 www.kneadpubs.co.uk Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548 ) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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WELLBEING

Health & Beauty Notes Looking good, feeling well. Compiled by Bridget Steele

Therapeutic steam treatment

Thai Herbal Steam treatment booth has been introduced in SaBaigai in Oundle. It is similar to a sauna and owner Mick Lewis recommends half an hour in your own personal steam room before a massage treatment. Mick showed me the aromatic herbs which are used in the cabinet. Firstly the herbs are soaked in water and then heated in a steam generator. The herbs enter through the pores of the skin directly to your muscles, relaxing your body in preparation for massage with Pen Lewis, who offers Ancient Thai massage, standard Thai massage, foot, aromatherapy and baby massage. The steam room can be used without massage and a thirty minute treatment costs £10. A 90 minute treatment that includes the steam room first, then a one hour general body massage is £50. This is ideal for those with upper back, neck and shoulder issues, related to computer, driving or posture problems. Gift vouchers are available and there are also different options such as sports massage or the ultimate two hour herbal massage with aromatic herbs . • For more information contact SaBai Gai Tel: 01832 358054 or 07952 551833Website;- www.sabaigai.co.uk or e-mail pen_sabaigai@yahoo.co.uk

Turn up the Volume at Ten Hairdressing

tilton salon Ten Hairdressing was opened in 2013 by owner Sharon Brown. With more than 30 years hairdressing experience, Sharon is determined to make every clients visit to the salon as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. The senior styling team have been selected for their experience and creative ability, while young talent Tia Henderson is the salon graduate and already building her reputation. A recent addition to the services at Ten is Systeme Volume by Balmain. This is a revolutionary service creating long lasting volume by adding up to 60% more hair for clients who have fine hair or thinning hair. Non chemical colouring can also be achieved using Systeme Volume. Systeme Volume can be achieved on short hair as well as for adding glamorous length without the ‘spaghetti’ look that lesser quality extensions can give. Ten Hairdressing are the first salon in Cambridgeshire to offer Systeme Volume by Balmain. • To find out more or book a consultation call the salon on 01733 247138

And So Beautiful... at Christmas

nd so beautiful...based in Orton Waterville is a Beauty and Holistic therapy salon. It offers waxing, manicures and pedicures, facials, CACI face and body anti-ageing treatments, various forms of body and head massage, Decléor body wraps, reflexology, make-up, and is now proud to be offering LVL Enhance Lashes, by leading lash brand, Nouveau Lashes. LVL Enhance Lashes are for everyday, special occasions and holidays and offer you the natural solution to the lashes you’ve always wanted. They add length, volume and lift to your natural lashes, with no extensions, adhesive or mascara. LVL Enhance is gentle on your natural lashes. LVL Enhance straightens natural lashes at the root, giving the effect of longer, lifted lashes in just 45 minutes. The results are instant and last for 6-8 weeks with no maintenance required. A patch test is advised. New clients receive a 10% introductory discount on the first treatment, please quote NVL11. • To receive text messages of last minute availability and great savings of up to 30% join their Cancellation Club by either registering on-line or emailing rebecca@andsobeautiful.co.uk. www.andsobeautiful.co.uk Rebecca 07905 926902

Treatments at Elysia this season

ipoform Pro offers the most advanced technology in inch loss, cellulite reduction, skin tightening, face and body contouring. It builds on the success of the Lipoform Plus at Elysia Health and Beauty in Tansor. Owner Lisa Claypole has a portfolio of impressive results to show prospective clients and points out “with this advance technology we can treat multiple body areas. It is a medically certified treatment that is non invasive, with no down time and it is pain free.” In 2015 the salon also started offering a treatment called Venus Viva. It was featured in the Tatler Cosmetic surgery guide this year and targets ageing skin as well as wrinkles, sun damage, rosacea and scarring using advanced technology. Aniki Rimes-Rickell who recently joined the salon is a specialist in LCN nails. This technology allows blending of the synthetic nail with your own resulting in strong healthy fingertips that feel natural and look sensational. I initially had reservations, as my hands get neglected and I do not usually wear polish. I chose to keep my nails short and selected one of the Autumnal taupe shades. Walking out of the salon 90 minutes later I loved my new glossy nails, but seriously doubted their staying power with my busy and active life style. However three weeks on, there is not a chip or any loss of shine - I absolutely adore them and love the fact that they protect my own nails, making them stronger. The salon is offering special Christmas Packages for pampering, relaxation, inch loss and anti ageing. • For more information on any of the treatments at Elysia, contact: 1 Tansor Court Cottages, Fotheringhay Road, Tansor, Peterborough PE8 5HP. Tel: 01832 226328 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

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AESTHETICS | BEAUTY | CLINIC

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Lash Extensions n LCN Sculptured Nails n St Tropez Tanning n Massage n Gift vouchers ..and lots more n

Elysia is a true testament to the old ‘good things come in small packages’. Chic, glamorous, and with a small expert team. The salon for those in the know.

T: 01832 226328 or 07879620196

www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

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Advertising feature

A new fashion store for Oundle J

UST in time for the party season and new to Oundle, Grot Boutique recently opened in St Osyths Street. Specialising in designer fashion for men and women, it also offers accessories and top branded home goods at affordable high street prices. With labels such as Jack Wills, Superdry, DKNY, Part Two and other international designers, the new boutique aims to cater for all ages and sizes with an emphasis on reactive buying and listening to what customers want. Not tied in to any particular brand, owner Beverley Cooney sources on quality, style and value for money. We took a peek inside and were impressed with the sizeable discounts, with quality designer bedding and towels from Agent Provocateur selling in some cases at an 80 per cent discount, and picnic hampers available at a third of the recommended retail price. Menswear was strong, with labels including Jack Wills, Diesel and a range of more formal jumpers and shirts sourced from quality makers in Savile Row. Womenswear includes a range of sparkly evening wear, casual and day wear, with something for everybody in sizes from extra small to extra large. When asked about the choice of name of her shop, Beverley maintains it’s all down to her belief that: “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” She wants to challenge perceptions about physical appearances, believing that being attractive is not down to age, shape or size, and questioning who defines what is beautiful and what is grotesque. Beverley

Grot has opened its doors just in time for Christmas. Photos: Tim Steele

emphasises her refreshing approach with the choice of Beryl Cook prints lining the walls, showing larger than life characters having a great time. It gives a fun and inviting feel to a shop which aims to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable and will be a refreshing addition to the high street in Oundle. • Grot Boutique, 2a St Osyths Street, Oundle PE8 4BG Tel: 01832 270330

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f o t s a e F e h T s Food and drink

a m t s i r h C

oducers r p k n i r dd t food an ason. s e b e h t e of th some e for the festive s i w p u h ar We catc hey prep t s a a e r in the a anwell B y c u L : Words

From strength to strength Chocolate heaven

hen Lou Cox set her heart on making brownies for a living they were never going to be an ordinary kind of brownie. Lou Cox Having worked in the food industry for ten years – both as a supplier for Marks & Spencer and in recipe development for chocolate retailer Hotel Chocolat – Lou had the perfect background to create a truly unique, luxury brownie. “Most brownies on the market are just a generic, sweet chocolate cake,” says Lou, who runs her company, B is for Brownie, from her base in Ryhall, near Stamford. “All my brownies are made from the finest Madagascan or Colombian single origin chocolate creating an exceptional flavour and a velvety feel. My brownies are serious and grown-up and are made from 100% cocoa mass.” Lou launched the business in October 2014 and has already got a huge brownie-loving following. The brownies can be ordered online via her website or bought in person at The Stamford Delicatessen. Flavours include Salted Butterscotch, Raspberry and Peppermint, and Lou is currently working on a Christmas brownie which will be flavoured with orange oil and spice. “My gift-wrapped brownie slabs make the ideal present,” says Lou. “They also make really good desserts. Just warm them through and they take on a fudge-like, fondant quality. Delicious!” • www.bisforbrownie.co.uk Tel: 07969 585031

Tom Warner (L) Sion Edwards (R)

he Warner Edwards success story just keeps on growing. The gin business, set up by Tom Warner and his friend Sion Edwards in 2012 on Tom’s family farm near Harrington in Northamptonshire, now has 11 employees and supplies major retailers such as Fortnum & Mason. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve had to take on a new member of staff every two months or so which really gives a sense of how quickly we’re growing,” says Tom. “Getting into John Lewis and Marks & Spencer this October was a real game changer for us. It’s also a nerve-wracking time because we don’t want to alienate the independent shops on which we’ve built our business.” Warner Edwards has four gins in its range – dry, elderflower, sloe and rhubarb. “Everyone’s going nuts for the rhubarb gin at the moment,” says Tom. “But because our elderflower gin now has increased distribution through M&S that could turn out to be our bestseller. It’s hard to tell because we’re still such a young business.” So what will Tom be raising a glass of come Christmas Day? “I will be drinking a Sloesecco. Prosecco with a slug of our sloe gin in it. It’s like Kir Royale but with sloe gin instead of crème de cassis.” • www.warneredwards.com Tel: 01536 710623

Brewing up a storm

ez O’Neill of King’s Cliffe Brewery has been brewing beer since he was a teenager and always dreamt of having his own business producing quality real ales. That dream became a reality in May 2014 when Jez set up his own one-man-band brewing operation in King’s Cliffe exactly 100 years after the last brewery in the village closed down. “It’s lovely to have been able to revive the tradition in King’s Cliffe,” says Jez. “I did my research and found that there was a market for locally produced craft ales. I didn’t set it up to conquer the world; I just wanted to make seriously good beer.” Jez brews four different beers – 5C which is hoppy, light and golden, No 10 which Jez O’Neill is amber-coloured with traditional hop varieties, P51 which is a smooth and distinctive porter, and 66 Degrees which is malted with a slight sweetness. Jez produces around 14,000 pints a week which are distributed to local pubs such as The Cross Keys in King’s Cliffe, The Falcon in Fotheringhay and The Ship in Oundle. Ready for the Christmas season, Jez will be selling a four-bottle gift pack containing all four of his beers for £9. • www.kcbales.co.uk Tel: 07843 288 088 NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Food and drink

Preserving tradition

hazwinkle’s preserves have proved so popular that the company won the People’s Choice Award in the producer category of The Great Food Awards 2015. “It was a great bit of recognition,” says founder Charli Elphinstone, from Elton. “Since launching the products, I’ve been Charli Elphinstone busy increasing my stockist reach and building up my customer base at local shows and markets.” Charli’s delicious chutneys can be used in, on or with meats, cheeses or pates to create quick, delicious meals. “I’ve just launched a new gift box which holds three jars of your choice for £12.95. So if you’re having a Christmas ham you might want to go for the Cauliflower & Friends, if you’re doing party nibbles the Cucumber and the Beetroot one are both useful, and for people who eat game at Christmas the Plum Chazwinkle’s is really popular. The gift pack is really pretty so I think it makes the ideal stocking filler or the perfect gift to put under the tree.” Trendalls in Oundle is now stocking Chazwinkle’s gift packs, just in time for the festive season. • www.chazwinkles.co.uk Tel: 01832 280338 or 07887 597 463

The sweetest thing

f you thought honey was just something to spread on a piece of toast then Shamus Ogilvy has got news for you. “My Balkan Black Locust honey is perfect in coffee as it has no odour and is nice and sweet,” says Shamus, the founder of Ogilvy’s Honey which is based in Bulwick. “And our strong-flavoured Zambezi Plains honey goes really well with ice cream.’ Shamus started off as a honey trader but now imports raw, organic honey under his own brand from all over the world. “By raw we mean honey that hasn’t been heat treated. All the enzymes and goodness remain in our honey. We believe in leaving it to the bees and not interfering too much.” Ogilvy’s honeys generally retail for £5.59 a jar but they are about to launch a new ‘super honey’ in time for Christmas. “Our Australian Jarrah honey will take on the manuka market,” says Shamus. “It’s a runny honey with great anti-bacterial qualities and anti-oxidant levels two to three times higher than manuka. It will cost £26.99 for 240g.” Ogilvy’s supplies Fortnum & Mason and also sells honey online via a website and from the Pickled Village shop in Bulwick. • www.ogilvys.com Tel: 01780 450377 Rachael Kelly

Ladles of loveliness

Shamus Ogilvy

nspired by a visit to San Francisco where she had chowder served in sour dough rolls, Rachael Kelly from King’s Cliffe decided to set up her own soup business. “The opportunity came when I was offered voluntary redundancy, so I did a bit of research and then ploughed all my redundancy money into buying Hugo, my old Citroen H van, and setting up The Little Soup Kitchen,” says Rachael. She served her first soup from her little cream van in in October 2013 and has since gained a loyal following. “I always use the best possible ingredients and don’t cut corners,” says Rachael. “I offer good quality, tasty soup with bags of flavour. And I use local suppliers to source as many of my ingredients as possible.” Rachael’s soups cost £3 per portion including a hunk of buttered bread. This festive season will see some new flavours on offer such as Brussel Sprout, Chestnut & Chorizo and Parsnip & Ginger. The Little Soup Kitchen van can be found at Oundle Farmers Market on the second Saturday of the month, at Thrapston market on the first Saturday of the month and at Coningsby Road in Peterborough every Wednesday and Friday. Rachael is also happy to cater for events and weddings. • www.thelittlesoupkitchen.co.uk Tel: 01780 479035 or 07807 119906

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Advertisement feature

Not just any food… M&S in Queensgate launched its stunning new food hall last month, just in time for Christmas. To celebrate, we picked out our favourites from the new seasonal range, including show stopping centrepieces and unusual twists on festive favourites

Prosecco crisps with Brusselsmole Winter berries with prosecco fizz and sparkle crisps with Brusselsmole, £1.90

Penguin party madeira cake This hand decorated snow scene will delight all ages with its Madeira sponge filled with buttercream and finished with icing penguin decorations. Delight young guests by cutting into the cake and revealing a hidden penguin face!

Collection tree trunk Yule log, £20 This magical version of a Yule log would make a stunning table centrepiece. The chocolate sponge is filled with chocolate butter cream, then covered in milk chocolate ganache and decorated with soft icing motifs.

Collection caramelised orange, fig and hazelnut Christmas pudding, £14 A wonderfully moist pud, packed with vine fruits and figs, topped with gold glitter dipped candied orange slices, roasted hazelnuts and caramelised orange sauce for a lavish upgrade on the classic Christmas dish. Cornish camembert and brioche wreath, £8 Delicious, buttery brioche bites circling a creamy camembert centre in this delectable festive wreath. Tear, share and enjoy!

British pork sprout and bacon bangers, £2.50, and British posh pigs in blankets, £4. As well as offering the classic pigs in blankets, without which no Christmas dinner table is complete, M&S is introducing a delicious way to sneak sprouts on to even the pickiest eater’s plate with the its pork, sprout and bacon sausages.

Gold melt in the middle chocolate pudding, £8 The deliciously soft textured pudding with a hidden golden orange sauce comes with a sachet of extra sparkle to sprinkle on top for added magic.

Salmon pearls, £6 A show stopping starter: smoked salmon, lemon and black pepper mousse coated with a silver lustre and served with spears of samphire, presented in scallop shells.

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Perspectives

“Thorpe Hall was there for us every step of the way” How the end-of-life care Terry Lonergan received at Thorpe Hall made all the difference to his wife Julie and their three children. By Lucy Banwell

Julie & Terry Lonergan

HEN Terry Lonergan first experienced severe back pain in August 2010 his wife Julie knew that something was seriously wrong. Terry had lost several stone in weight and with a trip to Ireland planned Julie knew that he was in no fit state to travel. “I took him straight to A&E and he collapsed in the car park,” says Julie, 46, from Walton, Peterborough. “They gave him a shot of morphine for the pain and ran some tests, but when they said they were going to send him home I insisted they keep him in because I knew something wasn’t right.” The hospital ran further tests and at three in the morning came the diagnosis. Terry had Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer which affects the production of healthy blood cells. “It turns out Terry was already in kidney failure - that was the back pain he was experiencing,” says Julie, mum to Jack, 16, Alfie, 13 and Amy, eight. “They started work immediately to try and repair the kidneys. They put him on high doses of pain killers and steroids.” The diagnosis hit Julie and the family hard. Terry was only 50 and their youngest child, Amy, just three years old. “Amy didn’t know what was going on, but when we told Alfie that Dad had got cancer, he burst into tears. “Is he going to lose all his hair?” he asked. That’s all Alfie knew about cancer, bless him.”

When a stem cell transplant failed to halt the progression of the Myeloma, Terry’s symptoms became worse. But when the medical team suggested he spend a week in Thorpe Hall Hospice to have his morphine levels monitored, Terry was strongly against the idea. “Thorpe Hall was the place where people go to die, as far as Amy with her counsellor Penny Terry was concerned,” says Julie. “But in the end the pain in his back and leg became too bad because if the pain hit hard he knew there was and he just couldn’t cope at home.” help at hand. He was in the right place.” Luckily, any reservations Terry and Julie It was Terry’s choice to remain at Thorpe Hall had about hospice treatment disappeared the when the doctors told him he didn’t have long moment they set foot in Thorpe Hall. The grand left to live. “He was in a very bad state and he Longthorpe mansion has been home to a Sue didn’t want me and the kids to have to deal with Ryder hospice for more than 20 years and is that at home,’”explains Julie. “I was with him known for its exceptional levels of care. when he passed away. The staff were amazing. “We felt at home straight away,” recalls Julie. They just took care of everything.” “The nurses were wonderful - especially with After losing Terry in May 2013, life will never the children. At Thorpe Hall it isn’t just about be the same for Julie but the support from the the patient, it’s about the whole family. The Sue Ryder team at Thorpe Hall has continued care is very personal and I really felt like the after her husband’s death. Julie and her eightstaff were there for us. And Terry was relieved year-old daughter Amy have benefitted from NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Perspectives

A new dawn

Thanks to a highly successful fundraising campaign, Thorpe Hall’s new, state-of-the-art hospice building opened its door to patients earlier this year

Thorpe Hall’s counselling service and Amy has thrown herself in to making and selling loom band creations at local fairs and markets. She has so far raised more than a £1000 for Thorpe Hall – contributing to the hospice’s brand new £6million facility which opened its doors to patients in July. “The children gave me the strength to carry on,” says Julie. “Iniitally you feel there’s no way normal life can continue, but the kids needed to go to school and get on with their lives and I didn’t want them to watch me grieve for years. “I must admit I did feel resentful about losing Terry at first but now my focus is on the children. The four of us are doing alright. We’re an incredibly close unit because of what we’ve been through. We speak about Terry every day in this house. He lived life to the full and he was very well loved.” So what would Julie’s advice be to anyone considering Thorpe Hall as an end-of-life care option? “Take the place. We are so lucky to have that facility in this area. Thorpe Hall is absolutely invaluable and I can’t imagine how my family and I would have coped without their help.”

he care offered by the Sue Ryder team at Thorpe Hall has always been second-tonone, but it was recognised that the 17th century building in which the hospice was housed had its limitations. Rooms were shared and it was often awkward trying to move patients up and down stairs via the ailing lift system. It was decided that a new, purpose-built facility was required and so in March 2013 the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal was launched to raise £6million to fund a brand new hospice building. On 8 July this year the first patients were welcomed into the new, single storey hospice which is linked to the original mansion house. The completed building is light and airy and provides 20 private, en suite bedrooms as well as new family areas and fully accessible gardens. HRH the Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the new hospice building on 8 September. ‘Many a dream has come true thanks to the hard work of the fundraising committee and incredibly generous donations,’ said the Duchess. ‘Congratulations to all who have taken part.’

Thorpe Hall by numbers

The new hospice building may be up and running, but the team still need your help to raise vital funds to continue offering their exceptional care. Here’s how it all adds up…

20 – number of beds at the new Thorpe Hall Hospice 70 – number of clinical staff at the hospice 53 – percentage of patients who come to Thorpe Hall for symptom management and then return home 100 – number of pounds required to pay for a hospice nurse for one day 268 – number of volunteers who generously give their time at Thorpe Hall making a saving of £390,000 per year 500 – number of pounds it costs for one day of hospice care for each patient 145,000 – number of hours of hospice care provided last year 2.7million – number of pounds it costs to run Thorpe Hall Hospice each year • Contact the Fundraising team to learn how you can help: Tel: 01733 225999 Email: thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org

NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Oundle People

Brewed with respect Dyna Graham has always loved coffee but admits that she was a teabag lady before her daughter Ashleen converted her. Sue Dobson discovers the story behind Brewbabu, Oundle’s innovative tearoom and coffee shop

“With its upcycled furnishings, dressers, cosy sofas and array of tea and coffee-making paraphernalia, the endearing quirkiness of the interior suggests a fine eye for detail.” 42

PHOTO: LESLEY ANNE CHURCHILL

HE name intrigues: the word ‘babu’ is a term of respect in parts of the Indian subcontinent. At Brewbabu in Oundle, the respect is for the freshly brewed tea and coffee that’s served there, the imaginative food, the tempting cakes and not least for the customer, who is always welcomed as an individual. It’s apt that the word is included in the name of Dyna Graham’s innovative ‘brew bar’. Not only does it describe the concept behind her business, but it was thanks to her daughter’s gap year travels in southeast Asia that the coffee-loving Dyna was converted to appreciating tea. “Ashleen was always a tea drinker and while she was travelling she sent me samples of the various teas she’d enjoyed in India and Sri Lanka. It was a revelation. I didn’t realise tea could taste so good!” Slowly the vision of a tearoom-with-a-difference began to take shape and it was all of five years later that Brewbabu came to fruition, opening in Oundle in September 2014. With its upcycled furnishings, dressers, cosy sofas and array of tea and coffee-making paraphernalia, the endearing quirkiness of the interior suggests a fine eye for detail. The day’s specials are chalked up on the panels of doors that once fronted the fire station, cabin trunks serve as low tables, mis-matched chairs and stripped pine have an evocative air. Pre-loved board games are played with and enjoyed by all ages. Although Dyna credits others with the shop’s design, it comes as no surprise to learn that her first job was as an apprentice window dresser. “It was at an exclusive dress shop in Southport

and at very busy times I was allowed to help in the shop. It was such a privilege to work with the women there, I learned so much. My passion for good customer service stems from that time.” After four years of study on a day release management course in her home town of Liverpool, Dyna landed in London as deputy manager of an upmarket fashion store in Oxford Street, before being approached by Dolcis to be manager of their new shoe shop in Nottingham. “I was used to spending hours with one customer; suddenly I was thrown into a fast retail environment,” she remembers. There followed 27 years in a high-flying career in

management and finance for some of the bestknown names on Britain’s high streets, at which point she “decided to do something for myself.” Dyna and her IT Consultant husband Keith moved to Aldwincle, where she projectmanaged the building of their new home and formulated ideas for what would become her ‘boutique brew bar’. “I was convinced that there was a market for high quality loose leaf teas, speciality coffees and freshly prepared food that was a little bit different from the norm,” she says. When the shop on West Street became vacant she saw its potential, quickly realising that it could offer the best view in Oundle.

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NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Oundle People

Fresh brews The black, green, white and fruit teas served here are blended exclusively for Dyna by a tea master in Kent. The brewing of them is taken seriously, from the temperature of the water to the warming of the teapot for 30 seconds. “Some customers tell me that they find green tea too bitter, but that’s probably because they’ve made it with boiling water, which burns the delicate, fine leaves. Our ‘tea tap’ provides three different hot water temperatures, from around 80ºC up to near boiling. If you brew the leaves at the correct temperature, you get the best flavour. When people tell me they don’t like tea, I suggest a blend they might like to try. They are usually pleasantly surprised!” says Dyna. Each tea tray comes to the table complete with an egg timer and the instruction to lift the infuser basket out of the teapot when the timer is through. “That stops the tea from over-brewing, so the last cup tastes as good as the first,” Dyna explains. Great care is taken with the coffees, too, the beans sourced from around the world, roasted locally and freshly ground for each customer. Like the teas, they are available to buy and take home. Brewbabu is licensed, so it’s possible to have a glass of wine with lunch or add sparkle to afternoon tea.

Menu with a difference While Dyna’s traditional afternoon teas are now legendary in Oundle (individually prepared, so book in advance), Brewbabu is becoming known as a good place to get an interesting breakfast, served daily until noon. How about a Belgian waffle with warm figs, toasted pumpkin seeds and thick Turkish cinnamon yoghurt? Or perhaps smoked salmon and cream cheese on a lightly toasted bagel? Recent daily lunch specials might include an Open Chicken Sarnie – toasted ciabatta topped with marinated chicken breast, spiced sweet potato, sweet ‘n’ sour cabbage and lime aioli – alongside the seasonally changing menu spanning freshly-made soup, sandwiches and platters, the ingredients sourced from Oundle shops and the Thursday market. The goodies displayed on the counter are hard to resist. Homemade scones and muffins emerge from the oven daily and the cakes are pure temptation. Dyna’s lifelong enjoyment of entertaining family and friends comes to the fore as she plans birthday parties, themed events and menus for private supper clubs that often take over Brewbabu after-hours. “The three rooms take on a different feel in the evenings, more bistro-like,” she muses. Something to think about for the future perhaps? • Brewbabu, 6 West Street, Oundle PE8 4EF. Tel: 01832 273909. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm

My Nan’s shortcrust pastry Its special taste and texture makes wonderful mince pies Ingredients • 225g self-raising flour • 25g caster sugar • 50g butter • 50g block margarine • 25g lard • 1 egg yolk • Milk, to mix

Method • Put the flour and sugar into a bowl. Rub in the butter, margarine and lard with the fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and enough milk to mix a pliable dough. • Turn the dough on to a lightly floured work surface and knead lightly until smooth and even. Roll out the pastry and with a round cutter, cut out about 16 rounds to fill with mincemeat, making slightly smaller rounds for the lids. Cooking time: 20 minutes at 180ºC.

Dyna shares two of her favourite Christmas recipes Fruity Tea Loaf with Christmas Tea At Brewbabu we have two blends of Christmas teas: White Christmas and Winter Wonderland. I use Winter Wonderland in this recipe. We serve our fruity tea loaf with butter and mature cheddar cheese Ingredients • 350g mixed dried fruit (such as chopped dried cherries, apricots, dates, sultanas, raisins or cranberries) • 50g demerara sugar • 50g dark muscovado sugar • 150ml Christmas tea • 225g self-raising flour • 1 large egg, beaten Method • Put the dried fruit, both sugars and the tea into a bowl, stir and leave to stand 24 hours. The fruit will absorb all the liquid and the flavours from the tea. • Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Grease a 7cm-deep 10cm x 21cm loaf tin and line it with baking paper. Add the flour and egg to the fruit and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly. • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack. Serves 10.

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People

A country parish at Christmas

While the rest of us are rushing about getting ready for Christmas, spare a thought for busy clergy for whom the season of good cheer often means a huge amount of hard work. Jonathan Craymer caught up with a vicar who looks after six parishes, and loves every minute of this time of year

HE Rev Catherine Ievins can’t believe where the time has gone. She’s been Rector of the parishes - Barnwell, Hemington, Luddington-in-the-Brook, Polebrook, Lutton and Thurning - which make up the Barnwell Benefice near Oundle, since 2006. She’s preparing to retire next year so this Christmas will be her last in her present role. Married to Peter, also an ordained priest whose day job keeps him busy in the legal profession, she’s learned to relish the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. I caught up with her supervising one of her churches (Polebrook) which was having a pre-holiday season lick of paint. What are you hoping to lay on for your various congregations? It’s not just the regular congregations I have to think about! In these villages, lots of people come to church around Christmas. Each of my six villages will have a Carol Service, which is a real community event, and we’ll have food and mulled wine afterwards. Every village has its own ways of celebrating, within the wider traditions of Christmas. Then the two bigger churches will have Christingle Services, Crib Services, and Midnight Mass, and five of the churches will have a variety of Christmas Morning services. Luddingtonin-the-Brook has a population of 46, and its attendance on Christmas morning is often bigger than its population! How far in advance do you normally start preparing? I need to sort out dates and times back in

October, checking out who can take the service, play the organ etc. Then about mid-November I started thinking more about the content of the services. But I’m afraid I’m a last-minute person, so a lot doesn’t get done till late December. What’s it like having six parishes to look after at this time of year? It’s busy, of course, and it’s also extremely varied. There are a lot of preparations going on, and a lot of social events to attend. There is also a pastoral aspect - many people find Christmas very difficult for one reason or another. And the rest of life doesn’t stop. People still die, and other situations arise which have nothing to do with Christmas. Do you get excited by Christmas? Yes – and I sometimes go into overdrive! So when the “to do” list overwhelms me, it’s clearly time to stop and remember what it’s really all about. What time will you have to get together with your family over Christmas? Our adult children usually come home before Christmas, but they know I won’t be much in evidence till about 2pm on Christmas Day. Then the family Christmas begins - though we will all have been to Midnight Mass together the night before, with Peter and I front as it were, and our two sons and daughter will be in the pews. We always have Christmas lunch of bread and smoked salmon - quick but celebratory. Then we open presents. And then my husband puts the finishing touches to Christmas dinner, and I’m afraid I usually fall asleep - much to my

daughter’s annoyance! Our family Christmas continues into Boxing Day and the 27th, and then we normally go to Northumberland to visit the wider family. Are there Christmas projects, or ways of celebrating Christmas, you’ve never had the time to put on? I think on the whole people value tradition at Christmas but there are some lovely traditions around which have been brought from elsewhere which can be combined with our own. There are infinite ways of celebrating Christmas! Christingle comes from the Moravian Church. Posada has been a great success here in Hemington – that’s a Spanish tradition where crib figures are passed around the village during Advent, spending a night in each home and then being passed on. Casting for the crib service sounds fun! It can be, but it can also be a nightmare. Especially when two Marys turn up, as they almost did one year! What if anything would you change about the way the UK celebrates Christmas? I think we all get far too frantic and spend far too much money. It’s an opportunity to come together as families and communities, and to remember what’s important. For Christians it’s above all an opportunity to remember that God is with us in the whole crazy spectrum of human life. But that isn’t just for Christmas - it’s for life. • www.achurchnearyou.com NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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Contemporary Arts

John Bangay - Stamford’s Heritage Artist You may have seen John Bangay drawing or filming around town in Stamford. Jean Orpin and Sue Lee met him to discover more about his astonishingly detailed work

OHN, now living in Stamford, grew up in Lincolnshire at Cranwell, where his father was Director of Music at the RAF College. He went to school at Langley near Norwich where his art master was an idiosyncratic and inspired teacher. When he was short of money he would go and draw a scene in the street and sell it. He went to Art College in Lincoln in the nineteen seventies. This was a time when drawing and painting were unfashionable and more experimental art was the vogue. After he completed his course at Lincoln he took a photography course in London and subsequently worked in Fleet Street covering sport and entertainment. John went back home to Lincoln at weekends and decided that he would emulate his first art master by drawing scenes in the street which people could buy. This was successful so he decided to move to Lincoln to start a business selling his pictures to tourists. He was fortunate that Sir Hugh Casson introduced him to Denis Flanders, whose book ‘Britannia’ was another source of inspiration. He earned enough from his artwork to buy his first house and then went on to take a Masters degree in Design at Leicester University. The subject of his thesis was Lincolnshire windmills, which has been an enduring interest. He accepted a post as a part time teacher and then full time at West Anglia College, King’s Lynn in the photography department. He went on to be Head of Art at Grantham and at Stamford College from 1990 to 2008. After that, he was Head of Art at Huntingdon until he decided to retire and become a full time artist once again. His chosen medium is pen and ink and his subject historic buildings. He uses a crow quill pen (like a mapmaker) which if pressed can make a line thicker and is versatile. He uses modern inks which do not dry quickly. The drawings are very

detailed and a drawing of a cathedral can take three weeks. Unlike a photographer an artist can remove a foreground to give a clearer picture of the main building. You can see this effect in the local pictures on this page and it has meant that he has been commissioned to draw places like York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral which you can see on his website. At the moment John is making videos including one of Stamford and one about Peterborough Cathedral. The cathedrals at Norwich, Lincoln, York and Ely are in the pipeline. John has researched and presented the video and Ben Connell his colleague has been responsible for the photography. The Stamford one is excellent and well worth watching (on John’s website www. englishheritageartist.co.uk) for it is historically accurate and well presented. In 12 minutes he gives a very clear account of Stamford’s history. The aim is to have a website which will encourage visitors to come and see the places for themselves and purchase copies of John’s work. He has friends in China and has visited there several times drawing along the way. He is travelling there shortly to draw pictures of temples and other important buildings in preparation for a book.

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LOCAL WALK

King’s Cliffe & Blatherwycke Wait for a crisp, blue sky day and set out on this wonderful walk, traversing a varied landscape from deep woodland to sheep grazing pastures and a path alongside a babbling brook POINTS OF INTEREST King’s Cliffe The Domesday Book records that the village comprised more than a square mile of woodland in 1086 with only a small amount of cultivated land. Successive kings visited the area to hunt, notably King John and Henry II. Today it is a lively community with lots going on. Check out the village website at www.kingscliffe.org.uk

WALK DATA Distance: 6 miles Typical time: 2.5-3 hours OS map: Explorer 234, Landranger Start & finish: Post Office, King’s Cliffe Terrain: Easy going Stiles: About half a dozen Getting there: 5 miles west of Wansford along A47, then 3 miles south along minor road

BLATHERWYCKE Blatherwycke Hall, built by the Stafford family in 1713 in Grecian style was sold for £1,600 in 1948 and demolished for building materials. The private garden has now been restored and the estate is well maintained with top-quality new fencing alongside the path. Blatherwycke’s Holy Trinity Church is just on the left of the route. It is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. The church dates from the 11th century, and alterations and additions were made to it during the following three centuries. The tower was rebuilt in the early 17th century.

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PIT STOPS

Disused railway line Fineshade Abbey 6

Westhay Wood 5

King’s Cliﬀe 1

9 8 Blatherwycke Lake

Willow Brook

Alders Farm

The Cross Keys Inn Tel: 01780 470276 www.crosskeyskingscliffe.uk 2 West Street, King’s Cliffe, PE8 6XA Free House, with traditional & local pub ales, full menu offering pub grub & wine. KC Shopper & Post Office Tel: 01780 470267 47-49 West Street, Kings Cliffe, PE8 6XB Local convenience store with a Post Office counter. King’s Cliffe Bakery Tel: 01780 470205 68 West Street, King’s Cliffe, PE8 6XA Open: 7am to noon, Monday to Saturday

Blatherwycke

DIRECTIONS: 1 2

Park by the pub in the centre of King’s Cliffe. Head west along the main village street, then cross the Blatherwycke Rd up a track called Wood Lane over the disused railway line. Almost immediately after the railway line, turn left over a stile and follow the path across open access land in a westerly direction; at the start of the second field keep to the right along the edge of the wood and follow this path until you cross a stile and enter the woods. The path through the woods is reasonably well marked, but keep your eyes peeled; it briefly follows the route of the disused railway line and then passes behind a derelict footbridge. Shortly you come out into a field; turn right, following the line of the woods and where the field edge bears sharply round to the right strike out across the field to a stile you can just see on the far side of the field. Follow the path through the wood; in a few minutes you will come out on a metalled track; follow this to the right and go through a gate; there is then a steepish descent down towards a small brook, keeping Fineshade Abbey (residential) on your right. On reaching the brook, turn left keeping this side of it, passing through a sheep pen and along a field; after a couple of hundred yards start to climb in a southerly direction. Once over the brow of the hill you will get a view of Blatherwycke Park Farm; follow the path through a further four fields until you reach it. Walk through Blatherwycke village along the road until it turns sharp right; at this point turn left in an easterly direction, passing by the church; the path at this stage is easy to follow. About three quarters of a mile after the church there is a little gap in the fence on your left; one path goes towards a footbridge over Willow Brook, you need to take the path that turns immediately right after going through the gap, heading towards Alders Farm. At the other side of the farmyard, walk on the right of the fence and fairly soon you will come alongside the brook; this is a most charming part of the walk. After a mile cross a footbridge over the brook and you will soon find yourselves approaching King’s Cliffe. Cross a stile into a field (beware of the bull sign) and then another, pass the allotments into Orchard Lane, follow this straight ahead towards the church, through the lovely back ways of the village; you come out onto Hall Yard, turn left and you will be back at the pub.

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DECEMBER

DIARY DATES

What’s On Sparkling events for the festive month. Compiled by Yasmin Bradley To Thursday 24th December We Love Warhol The main Warhol exhibition may have been cancelled at the City Gallery but you can see new work and old favourites on the theme by local fine artist and screen printer, Jérôme Hunt and pop artist, Diane Nowell. Free. Art in the Heart, 47 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1HA. info@artintheheart. co.uk. www.artintheheart.co.uk/exhibitions-andevents.html

Saturday 28 November - Thursday 24 December Santa Specials at Nene Valley Railway Various Steam through our glorious Nene Valley winter landscape: presents for little ones, seasonal refreshments for big ones and a visit from FC! Various prices. Booking essential. Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR. 01780 784444, www.nvr.org.uk/events/santa-specials. Thursday 3 - Saturday 5 December Alice 7.45pm Lewis Carroll’s muchloved story of rabbit holes, pocket watches and talking caterpillars boldly re-interpreted and charmingly performed by talented young actors. £6. (£6 U16s). stahltickets@oundleschool.org. uk; oscar01.savoysystems.co.uk/StahlTheatre. dll/.The Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ. 01832 273930. Friday 4 December 7.00pm Acclaimed historian Alison Weir recounts the extraordinary life of The Lost Tudor Princess: Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox. £8 (£6).Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4ED.07743988181. oundlelitfestival@hotmail.co.uk. www.oundlefestival.org.uk. The Great Hall, New Street, Oundle, PE8 4GH.

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TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 December Whisper Through The Trees Art Exhibition 10.00am - 4.00pm daily Gorgeous gifts for family and friends; paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, mono-prints, linocuts, textiles, mosaics. Free entry. Yarrow Gallery, Glapthorn Road, Oundle, PE8 4JF. Friday 4 December - Sunday 6 December 11am - 5pm/ 10am - 5pm/ 12 noon - 4pm All Saints Christmas Tree Festival Huge display of sumptuously decorated trees and more. £1. (Adults).All Saints’ Church, Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2UL. www.achurchnearyou. com/peterborough-all-saints/ Friday 4 December - Wednesday 23 December Santa’s Barn: A Journey to the North Pole Pre-book times No queuing - just play on inflatables and sweet treat decoration - before embarking on an amazing “journey” to the “North Pole” for your own private family visit to Santa’s. Children: various. Adults £7.50/£8.50. Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. 01733 363500. www.peterborougharena.com/events/ santas-barn-2015/ Sunday 6 December The Green Backyard Christmas Fair 11am – 3pm An alternative fair with handmade gifts; homemade food; mulled wine, hot chocolate,

roast chestnuts and round-the-bonfire carol singing… Free. Near Apex House, Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AT. www.thegreenbackyard.com. 07523 939424. sophie@thegreenbackyard.com. Thursday 10 December Peterborough Decorative & Fine Arts Society Talk: The Inventors of Christmas. 10.45am - noon (10.15am - coffee) Discover which seemingly timeless traditions are relatively modern, and their inventors - with a seasonal quiz to follow! Free to new visitors. The Fleet, Fleet Way, Old Fletton, PE2 8DL. 01733 767539. www.pdfas.co.uk. publicity@pdfas.co.uk Friday 11 December Shakedown Blues Christmas Party: Kat & Co + Dave Thomas Blues Band Shake your stuff to the fabulous Kat - flown in to strut hers - at the Shakedown Blues Christmas party! £17. The Village Hall, Castor, PE5 7AX. www.shakedownblues.co.uk. 01733 380249. enquiries@shakedown.co.uk. www.shakedownblues.co.uk/events.php NENE LIVING DECEMBER 2015

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