Nene Valley Living June 2015

Artists Open Studios

Stylish Sunglasses

Help Fotheringhay Church

Top Tailoring

NENE LIVING City & Country

G N I T A R B E L E C ES SIGNAL BOX

COVERING

PETERBOROUGH,

OUNDLE

AND

THE

NENE

VA L L E Y

Picnic in Ferry Meadows

JUNE 2015 £1.50 06

9 771740 052017

WEBSITE: www.nenevalleyliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH: NL JUNE COVER copy.indd 1

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EST.1967

SOFAS OF DISTINCTION

Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 2

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NENE LIVING

This Issue

JUNE 2015

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

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HIS month, the region is alive with art! The annual Peterborough Artists Open Studios event gets bigger and better every year. It’s one of those occasions which contributes a huge amount to Peterborough and the surrounding area, providing a creative buzz and a really inspiring ethos. Whatever your taste in art – conceptual, decorative, prints, landscapes or abstracts, you will find something to suit you. Last year I bought a beautiful pastel drawing from artist Faye Gagel-Panchal, which she did at Barnsdale Gardens, in Rutland.

It’s so satisfying to have an original picture which reminds me of a place that I really love – and no generic print from a chain store can provide that.

What’s more, it was affordable. This month, we profile artist John McGowan who is documenting the soon-to-be extinct signal boxes from the region through his screen prints. Though we may curse as we sit at the level crossing sometimes and endless trains hurtle past, I for one will miss the distinctive sight on our country roads. On a summer’s day, I like to roll the window down and enjoy the sight of the fields and flowers around me. Nostalgic?

Maybe. But it really will be the end of an era when the boxes are replaced by bridges.

Enjoy the rest of our issue which is packed with places to go, things to do, and some truly sensational summer food courtesy of M&S in Queensgate, Peterborough.

F ion a Cu mberpatch Editor

Nene Valley Living

INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 Editor’s selection Blue is the colour

7 Agenda

Concerts and art events

8 Agenda Bluebird Care

11 Agenda

News of Oundle Food Festival

13 Agenda

Cook seasonally with Riverford

14 Food News

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall reviewed

17 Spotlight on Peterborough Artists Open Studios Where to go, who to see

33 A Cut Above

Making tweed clothing in Corby

39 Summer Music

The Oundle International Festival

41 Motoring

Buying a second hand car

42 Heritage at Risk Preserve Fotheringhay Church

45 Diary dates

What’s new this month

18 The end of the line for signal boxes?

One man’s mission to preserve the past

20 Fenech Soler A local band made good

23 The green, green grass…

How to get a beautiful lawn

24 Come Outside!

Everything you need for a summer picnic

26 Health and beauty notes The latest offers and news

29 More than skin deep Running a country salon

31 Walking on sunshine Choose the best shades

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 Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.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: Emma Connolly/Perception PR. All food and accessories from Marks & Spencer, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

SUBSCRIBE TO NENE LIVING

For £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Nene Living for 12 issues. Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: NVL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY Or you can subscribe online – go to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

IAN, ONE OF JOHN LEWIS PETERBOROUGH’S MENSWEAR ADVISORS CAN HELP FIND THE PERFECT OUTFIT FOR YOU He can offer advice witH suiting, casualwear and accessories.

Why not book an appointment and get help to choose an outfit for your holiday, special occasion or just simply update your wardrobe Contact: 01733 344644 NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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Curtains, Blinds, Soft Furnishings & Fabrics A local, family-run business with excellent service values • ROMAN BLINDS • VENETIAN, ROLLER & VERTICAL BLINDS • WALLCOVERINGS • WOODEN SHUTTERS • AWNINGS • CONSERVATORY BLIND SPECIALIST (perfect fit system) • CUSTOM MADE CURTAINS (pencil, pinch, eyelets, valances, pelmet boards, swags & tails)

Book a free home visit to measure and discuss your requirements and receive a no-obligation quotation.

Harlequin, Prestigious, Blendworth, Villa Nova and many more!

New range from Harlequin now in store

Showroom at: 30 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FZ - Email: sales@jandsinteriors.uk.com www.jandsinteriors.uk.com Opening times: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5; Sat 10-4. Free parking - Telephone: 01733 558864 - (Behind Dobbies Garden world)

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Editor’s Selection UNE J R O F S Y U B BEAUTIFUL

Store your cuttings and photos in this slip in album, £12, Paperchase, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

The Gardeners Book of Colour by Andrew Lawson, Pimpernell Press.

From The Oundle Bookshop, Market Square, Oundle PE8 4BA Blue pendant lamp, £40, Next, details as before.

Labradorite ring, £17, Z for Accessorize, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Denim dress, £39, Miss Selfridge, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Grow Your Own Cut Flowers by Sarah Raven, BBC Books, £18.99 from The Oundle Bookshop, details as before

Indigo dreams spice jar, £5 each, Paperchase.

Rug, £40, Next, Brotherhood Retail Park and Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

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Hair Design Wittering Service Station | Townsend Road | Wittering | PE8 6AB

01780 783300

Celebrating our 10th anniversary

VA &

Opening Times

• Modern small village salon with parking.

• Specialising in L’Oreal professional products, including the INOA ammonia free permanent closed hair Monday colour system.

Tuesday 12–8 • All aspects of hairdressing, including KeraStraight Wednesday 12–8 anti frizz & repair straightening treatment.

• SiennaThursday X mobile spray tanning.

9–5 • Wedding packages available.

Friday 9–5

Saturday

9–4

Hair Design

Open Tuesday & Wednesday 12-8, Thursday & Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4 Find us on Facebook for latest offers & updates

Sienna x

Wittering Service Station Townsend Road Wittering Peterborough PE8 6AB

01780 783300

Senior Stylist Stylist (OAP prices in brackets)

Styling Services

Senior Stylist Stylist (OAP prices in brackets)

Technical Services

Cut & Style ................................................................................................... £29 (£25)

£25 (£21)

(Excludes Cut & Style)

Wash & Cut .................................................................................................. £20 (£16)

£15 (£12)

Dry Cut ......................................................................................................... £15 (£12)

£12 (£10)

Colour

Blow Dry ....................................................................................................... £17 (£14)

£14 (£12)

Shampoo & Set ............................................................................................ £17 (£14)

£14 (£12)

Hair Styled Up .............................................................................................. £25

£20

Student Cut & Style ...................................................................................... £25

£21

Gents Wash, Cut & Style ........................................................................... £12 (£10)

£8 (£6)

Gents Wet Cut ............................................................................................ £8

£6

Child Cut ..................................................................................................... £10

£8

Child Cut & Style ........................................................................................ £15

£12

• Wedding Packages available – please ask

Meche Highlights Full Head .................................................................................. from

£45 (£40)

£40 (£35)

¾ Head ..................................................................................... from

£40 (£35)

£35 (£30)

T-Section ................................................................................... from

£30 (£26)

£28 (£24)

Cap Highlights ........................................................................ from

£40 (£35)

£30 (£26)

Tint

Stamford School Main Field £35 (£30) £30 (£26)

Full Head .................................................................................. from

Roots ........................................................................................ from

£28 (£25) £26 (£23) Supporting

Bleach Root Tint ....................................................................... from

£35 (£30)

£30 (£26)

Semi Permanent Colour ........................................................ from

£22 (£20)

£20 (£18)

Toner ....................................................................................... from

£5

£5

Perming & Straightening

Thursday 23rd July

£40 (£35) £35 (£30) MATT HAMBO XI

Full Head .................................................................................. from

Sienna x Mobile Spray Tanning Full body tan

£15

text or call Hannah on 07545 034290 to book

¾ Head ..................................................................................... from

£33 (£28) VS £28 (£25)

Root Lift Perm ........................................................................... from

£35 (£30)

HELP FOR HEROES XI £30 (£26)

Followed

by After the Storm

Long Hair Perm ............................................................................................ by quotation

Friday 24th July

£120 ENGLAND MASTERS XI

KeraStraight Brazilian Blow Dry (includes after treatment products) ... from

Clip-In Hair Extensions Priced on Consultation

VS

LOCAL LEGENDS XI

ACTIVITIES

Followed

by The Tom Betts Band

(INCLUDED IN TICKET PRICE)

Battle of Britain memorial ypast Gladiator duel 45m assault course Golf driving test Large slide Football shootout Under 7 bouncy castle Bungee run Climbing wall Cage cricket Event Partners

www.BGLsportbash.co.uk 6

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FROM NEWS AND REVIEWS PETERBOROUGH, OUNDLE AND THE VILLAGES

Art in Ketton L

ocal artist Gillian Durno will be launching a selection of new paintings at her Open Studios this June from her Ketton home garden studio and also at Art in the Heart, Peterborough as part of Peterborough Artists Open Studios (see page 17 for full details).

Gillian was born in Stamford and graduated with a BA Hons degree in primary teaching and art from Hull University in 1994. Gillian’s work is a celebration of her interest in still life, flowers, landscape and texture. She paints from a studio set in her pretty walled garden in Ketton, Rutland. Her well stocked cottage garden and beautiful surroundings provide year round interest and inspiration for her paintings. Having never lost her desire to teach, Gillian also tutors primary school aged children privately two nights a week, offering numeracy, literacy and 11+ preparation. She also runs art workshops for children during the summer holidays and offers one to one lessons.

Gillian’s Open Studios event is always popular with clients returning year after year, many setting her new commissions or just coming over to have a glass of Pimm’s and a chat. Gillian supplies galleries in Oakham, Cambridge, Lincoln, Peterborough and Stamford and has recently been launched as a new artist in Artko’s spring/summer 2015 catalogue, one of the leading publishers of wall art in the UK. • Open studio at Lavender Cottage, 8 Redmiles Lane, Ketton PE9 3RG takes place on June 6/7, 13/14 and 28th, 11am-4pm.

• Peterborough Open Studios at Art in the Heart, Bridge Street, Peterborough: June 27 – July 12, open daily except Sundays. Limited edition giclee prints start at £80. Originals start at £300.

• For more information: www.gilliandurno.co.uk Tel: 07961608172

New EP from Irene Rae J

azz/acoustic/folk inspired Stamford based singer-songwriter Irene Rae returns to the music scene with an EP of haunting, heartfelt songs. Her new release, Hidden Secret, is available from July 30 and available for purchase via BigCartel, Amazon, iTunes and www.irenerae.com Irene used crowdfunding through Kickstarter to fund her EP. “This marks a new departure in my work, drawing heavily on personal experiences of love, loss and change,” says Irene.

Classical Reflection concert I

dentical twins Classical Reflection (Naomi and Hannah Moxon) who appeared on BBC 1’s The Voice earlier this year are holding a summer concert on June 5 and 6 in the John Clare Theatre, Peterborough.

• Tickets cost £12 including refreshments, available from www.classicalreflection.co.uk or Peterborough Destination Centre in Bridge Street, Peterborough.

Correction: Simon Mould, the butcher at Nassington is celebrating his shop’s 125th anniversary, not the 150th as we stated in the last issue.

Summer Concert from Oundle G&S Players A

night of Notable Numbers is the theme for Oundle G&S Players annual summer concert on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June at the Stahl Theatre, Oundle. A selection of songs such as Superstition, When I’m 64 and You Make Me Feel So Young will be performed (and not a single G&S number in sight!).

• Tickets on sale at Oundle in Stitches from June 1, at 5 Crown Court, Market Square, Oundle (closed Weds afternoons) or email p.weetman@btopenworld.com

Painting classes at Burghley House and Barnsdale Gardens W

hat better place to feel inspired to paint and draw than the glorious settings of Burghley House and Barnsdale Gardens, near Oakham? Lucy Ellis is the tutor for an introduction to techniques such as portraiture, painting buildings, and pastels.

• Courses at Burghley run from 10.30 -4pm, and the cost is £59. Beginners materials packs are an extra £6. To book contact Rachel Starmer, Education Department at Burghley House on 01780 761996.

• For pastel painting days at Barnsdale, the cost is £74, to include a buffet lunch and afternoon tea. Materials can be provided.

Contact Barnsdale Gardens to book your place on 01572 813200. Or email courses@ barnsdalegardens.co.uk

DON’T MISS S

t Botolph’s Day Festival on the Green. Fun and games on the Green with music, food and plenty to amuse the whole family. June 12-14 at Botolph Green Peterborough PE2 7DD. Free. For more info visit www.botolphgreen.net NL LOVES: The Fuji Green Tea body range from The Body Shop, Queensgate, Peterborough. Choose from body lotion, sorbet, scrub and shower gel in a light summery fragrance.

♥

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Care with quality “W

e are here to provide the highest, most dignified and professional service that our customers require, want and need.” That is the mantra of Bluebird Care in Stamford, run by company directors Tim Carey and Leisa MacKenzie, who pride themselves on providing the best care possible to their customers throughout Rutland, Stamford, and East Northamptonshire. The services Bluebird Care provide support their customers to maintain their chosen lifestyle.

“Each customer is an individual and therefore they have their own specific requirements, needs and preferences.

So, we keep the customer at the centre of everything that we do.”

Bluebird Care offers a unique choice of flexible homecare and support services tailored to a person’s specific needs, as assessed by and agreed with the customer and Bluebird Care. These could be anything from a 30 minute visit to 24 hour live-in care. You may need short term help after an illness or you may require respite care because your usual carer is having a break. Bluebird Care is happy to talk to you about your requirements.

“We aim to provide you with the same standard of care that we would expect for our own families. This means valuing each person’s unique qualities and seeing them as an individual and not as a list of care needs. Our approach is not “this is what we are doing today” but “what would you like us to do today?”

We work alongside families and individuals to tailor our services to help our customers stay in control of their own care for as long as they are able to. Delivering the best care is our business and we strive to achieve this every day.”

This, say the directors, is what makes Bluebird homecare services different to many other care providers: they always put the client first.

• Bluebird Care Peterborough and Rutland, 16 Wharf Rd, Stamford PE9 2EB Tel: 01780 480881 www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/peterborough-rutland

New Health Hub for Shine charity L

ocal businessman Richard Astle has completed his year long charity challenge and, with the help of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire businesses, has contributed almost all the £35,000 raised for the Shine Health Suite in the charity’s head office on Park Road, Peterborough. Shine helps to improve the lives of people who live with the lifelong disabling conditions of spina bifida and hydropcephalus. The Health Hub will offer specialist advice and all round support, providing health checks for those able to visit the suite and telephone or online support to anyone in need of help. All the staff are qualified nurses or Occupational Health Practitioners. Richard’s year of fundraising challenges included trekking in the Sahara Desert, completing the Great North Run, Great Eastern Run, and the Santa Dash in Burghley Park, and finished with the 2015 Virgin Active London Marathon.

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Stars line up for the Sport Bash T

ASK THE EXPERT This month, Kerry Hilliard of accountancy firm Stephenson Smart talks about a new top-up scheme for pensioners.

F

rom later this year, pensioners will be able to ‘buy’ up to £25 a week extra state pension worth up to £1,300 per year, under a scheme introduced to offer fairness to those pensioners who will not get the new flat rate state pension, which is due to be introduced from April 2016.

In an 18 month period starting October 2015, all those who will reach state pension age before April 6 2016 will be given the opportunity to buy the additional pension income. Each additional £1 a week will cost a 65 year old £890. To receive an extra £5 per week, the contribution would be £4,450.

The government has identified that the scheme might be particularly attractive to women, who tend to live longer and so will get a better return on their contributions. It may also help the self employed who currently only qualify for the basic state pension.

The new top up does not replace the existing system which allows people to fill gaps in their contribution record where they have not built up entitlement to full basic state pension. The government is advising pensioners to ensure that they have full basic entitlement before purchasing the new top up.

You can find further illustrations of cost at gov.uk/state-pension-topup where you can also register your interest to receive updates in advance of the commencement date.

• For more information, please contact Stephenson Smart on 01733 343275 or go to www.stephensonsmart.com

his popular charity event is returning for the fourth consecutive year with a Matt Hampson XI against the newly formed Help for Heroes XI on July 23 followed by England Masters XI v Local Legends XI on July 24 at Stamford School main field (PE9 2BQ). Both are T20 matches. There will be many famous sports stars playing including Mark Ramprakash, Matthew Hoggard, Rory Underwood and Lewis Moody. Last year’s event raised £31,500 for charity which went to the Thorpe Hall Hospice Appeal and Matt Hampson Foundation, which donated monies to Seb Goold the Stamford School Junior School boy who is recovering from a serious accident. This year’s event will see a climbing wall, a golf challenge, 45 m inflatable assault course, giant slide, gladiator challenge, bungee run and bouncy castle, all of which is included in the ticket price.

• Tickets and prices available from www.sportbash.co.uk

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Care Visits at Home A comprehensive care at home service Serving customers throughout Stamford, Rutland, Peterborough, Oundle & Surrounding Villages

Call our professional team

on 01780 480881 or 01733 459907 What we offer

We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits, companionship to full live in care. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Our staff

Our professional staff are caring, fully trained, - trained to give medication and are police checked. Staff are also trained in Dementia care.

A True Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

Contact us To talk about how we can help, simply speak to a member of our professional & friendly team.

16 Wharf Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2EB peterborough@bluebirdcare.co.uk

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

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Est.1986

THE LAMPSHADE WAREHOUSE LIGHTING OUTLET

The Largest Independent Lighting Showroom in Cambridgeshire Opening Hours Tues-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-4 The Lampshade Warehouse Lighting Outlet 10 Saville Road, Westwood, Peterborough, PE3 7PR (next to The Party Place)

01733 264391

w w w. t h e l a m p s h a d e w a r e h o u s e . c o . u k

10-18th July 2015

A professional music festival featuring an eclectic mix of traditional, international & classical repertoire.

www.oundlefestival.org.uk

or call 01832 274734

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Happy Birthday V&A Hair Design I

t’s ten years since Victoria Knox opened her hair salon V&A Hair Design in Wittering village. She was a young entrepreneur aged just 21 when she started her business.

“It was a leap into the unknown,” says Victoria. Now firmly established with a loyal regular clientele from Wittering and the surrounding villages, Victoria and stylist Annabel White offer a range of styling services in a relaxed, professional atmosphere. “We’ve always been a L’Oréal salon and all the products we use are of the highest quality,” says Victoria. Being in an out of town location means that Victoria can offer competitively priced hair styling, with a full head of highlights from £40, and a KeraStraight Brazilian Blow Dry from £120. Dry cuts start at £15, blow drys are £15 and there are discounts for OAPs. Men’s hair cuts are available as well as wedding packages and prom hair. Mobile spray tanning by Hannah Tuck costs £15.

To celebrate the salon’s anniversary, Victoria is offering some great discounts and prizes.

Everyone who has an appointment or who likes or shares V&A’s Facebook page will be automatically entered into a raffle with a chance to win £100 worth of great hair and beauty products. And when you have a cut and colour, you get a £10 voucher off the next one.

• To book your appointment, call 01780 783300. Salon is closed Mondays. V&A Hair Design, Wittering Service Station, Townsend Rd, Wittering, Peterborough PE8 6AB

Hegarty expansion O

Stamford Artisans Guild comes to Oundle

T

he Stamford Artisans Guild is a not for profit organisation managed by local artisans from Stamford and the surrounding areas who host regular handmade arts and crafts events. In 2015 the Guild are launching an exciting new venture and will for the first time be holding regular crafts events in Oundle.

The first of its four handmade arts and crafts events was held in April 2015 and was a great success. The Guild will return to Victoria Hall, Oundle on Saturday June 13 from 10am-4pm.

What makes Stamford Artisans Guild fairs different to other local craft fairs? All the products are hand made locally. You will not find any bought in goods or big brand franchises. The Guild showcases a range of local artisans who will be behind their stall, available to talk to visitors. In a world of mass production, many people like to purchase a distinctive gift which they know has been made locally and not on the other side of the world. By buying locally handmade gifts, you are purchasing something unique and reducing your carbon footprint, while supporting local independent small businesses.

• Handmade craft events organised by the Stamford Artisans Guild will also be held at Victoria Hall, Oundle on Saturday October 10 and Saturday November 28. For further information, please contact 07854 637810 or email contact@stamfordartisanguild.co.uk www.stamfordartisansguild.co.uk

ne of Peterborough’s premier law firms is expanding. Hegarty LLP merged with Paul Browne Solicitors of Oakham on May 1 2015, bringing a third office and 11 members of staff into its fold.

Two new partners have been appointed, Harry Smith and Andrew Hornsby. Additionally, Jo Wild, a solicitor specialising in Wills, Trusts and Probate based at the Stamford office, has been promoted to Associate.

Paul Browne solicitors in Oakham is known for providing quality legal services to the people of Rutland for almost 18 years. Principal Paul Browne first set up his practice in 1997 having practiced in Nottinghamshire for 18 years, a number of which were spent as a partner at Marchant & Co (now Marchant Solicitors). Having built a reputation for going above and beyond to achieve the best possible for his clients, Paul’s practice grew organically through word of mouth referrals and client recommendations. This is an ethos that is shared by Hegarty Solicitors, which makes the merger such a perfect fit. For Oakham clients, this brings access to Hegarty’s breadth of legal experience.

For Peterborough clients, the merger strengthens the firm’s dominance locally. Senior partner at Hegarty Solicitors Richard Hegarty says: “we are delighted to merge with Paul’s very successful office, sharing the same values and goals have made this a straightforward project. For our loyal clients, this demonstrates our commitment to the growth of the firm and further strengthens our ties in this region. For our new clients in Oakham, it opens the door for the first time to a local firm offering a full range of specialised services.” tarted in 2009, Oundle’s Food Festival and street market is now an eagerly anticipated annual event. This year, the street festival, sponsored by AGA, takes place on July 18. The centre of Oundle will be closed and the streets will be filled with a huge variety of stallholders selling a wonderful range of L reader Kate Howser got in touch to tell us about her charity challenge which arose food and drink. Expect home made pies, gourmet after a family tragedy. She explains: “On February 27 2014, my dear brother Julian sausages, Northamptonshire wines, cider and beer, Gardner lost his battle with depression. In his memory and to raise money for the mental honey, cheeses, breads and ice cream. Riverford health charity Mind, myself and a friend are participating in RatRace The Crossing this will also be bringing its fantastic new recipe boxes.

July. This 200 mile off road bike race over three days (July 10 -12) from West to East coast, You’re bound to feel hungry, and there will be street encompasses three national parks, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North food stalls serving everything from crayfish paella, Yorkshire Moors. to roast lamb wraps and a delicious vegetarian and Mental health affects everyone at some level, whether they suffer themselves or know vegan stand too. In the week leading up to the street someone who does. The serious lack of funding means that many people are not getting market, there will be cookery demonstrations at AGA, the help, support and treatment they need. I only started biking last August so this is a Warmington Mill. Check the website for updates www. huge personal challenge and blood, sweat and tears are being poured into it! For more oundlefoodfestival.co.uk and see our feature in next information, or to donate, please visit my page www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ month’s issue where we’ll be meeting some of the InsaneMind.” food producers who are coming to town.

Oundle Food Festival returns in July

S

200 miles in aid of Mind N

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Back to Basics COOKERY COURSES

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

Five different days of basic cookery, focusing on starters, mains, cakes and puddings. Book individual days, or a number of days, to provide you with a full set of basic cookery skills.

To book a course or find out more, please visit www.bridge67cookeryschool.co.uk or call 0116 279 6155

Special Father’s Day Set Menu. Two courses at £17.50 and 3 courses at £20.00

Café Clarkes at the Key Theatre Serving modern British cuisine.

Enjoy fresh British cuisine in a modern and vibrant setting while enjoying the views over the River Nene OPENING TIMES

Tuesday - Saturday. Lunch 12.00pm to 2.30pm. Dinner 5.00pm to 10.00pm. Sunday Lunch 12 noon - 4.00pm Introductory offers available on Clarkes website. Bookings now being taken on 01733 561465

www.cafeclarkes.co.uk

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

From the Riverford Kitchen Asparagus, broad bean & herb risotto Serves 4 Prep 15 mins Cook 25 mins Ingredients: • 700g broad beans in their pods • 2 tbsp olive oil • 100g butter • 1 large onion, finely sliced • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 400g risotto rice • 1 glass (250ml) dry white wine • 1 ltr hot veg stock • 250g asparagus, ends snapped off, stalks chopped into small pieces (leave the spear ends about 4-5cm) • 100g grated parmesan/pecorino • Handful chopped basil, chives & mint

Method: 1. Pod the beans, then boil for 4 mins.

Drain, plunge into cold water and drain again. Peel off the outer skins and put the inner beans to one side.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil and half the butter in a large heavy-based pan. Fry the onion gently for 8 mins, without colouring.

3. Add the garlic and rice and cook, stirring, for 2 mins. Turn the heat up slightly. Add the wine. Reduce the heat and simmer until absorbed, then add the stock a ladle at a time, stirring constantly.

4. After 20-25 mins, when the rice is almost cooked, add the asparagus. Cook for another 3-4 mins.

5. The rice should be cooked, but with some bite. Add the beans, the rest of the butter and the cheese.

6. Season. Stir well, turn off the heat, cover and leave for 5 mins.

7. Stir in the herbs just before serving.

Focus on Polebrook Village Primary School T

he news is full of gloomy headlines about overcrowded state schools and limited school places, yet Polebrook Village Primary School offers high class schooling, excellent educational standards, small classes and happy, motivated children as an exciting alternative.

Polebrook village lies just within rural Northamptonshire, near Oundle.

Surrounded by woodland and open fields, the village is an ideal location for a small school which is committed to outdoor learning, ecology and the arts. There is no shortage of excitement and opportunity at Polebrook School either, as the rich and varied curriculum keeps children focused and motivated and excited by their learning each week.

Polebrook School is an Eco Green Flag School with younger children visiting local woodland each week to explore, build dens and find out about the outdoor world. This term, older children have entered the BBC Ten Pieces competition with their own musical composition ‘One Pieces.’

With nine out of ten of the older children receiving musical tuition, the school hopes to fare well against its national competitors. The orchestra has already achieved success with their composition, achieving first place with Distinction at the Oundle Festival.

In Sport, specialist staff are employed to deliver quality PE to the children and the school achieves well in competitions, most recently first place in the local tag rugby festival.

These successes are the result of hard work and dedication by the staff who plan the curriculum with the individual needs of learners in mind. Trust and responsibility are key to the caring Church ethos and promote a positive atmosphere which drives up standards and allows children to take responsibility for their own learning. “Our children are

committed learners who love school, flourish and demonstrate a true love for learning,” says Hazel Johnson, head teacher. “We believe these ingredients provide a recipe for excellence in education and we are very proud of our lovely village school. As we prepare to expand to a full primary from Reception to year 6 in September, we believe it is time to raise the profile of small schools and the exciting opportunities they offer our young people.”

• Why not pop in and see the school for yourself? Telephone 01832 272319 for an appointment.

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19/05/2015 16:21

FOOD & DRINK

Food News

NENE L IVING RECOMM ENDS

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall O

VER the last six months or so, The Wicked Witch has seen various comings and goings in the management and kitchen department. Dameon Clarke flits around from location to location with his cauldron but, finally, he might have found a longer term resting place. He was at The Wicked Witch for a year or so under the previous management, left to go to Easton on the Hill where he ran an excellent kitchen with his fiancée Victoria, both of whom promptly left to buy a new lease at The Wicked Witch when it came on the market again. Confused – possibly – but what is not confusing is the quality of the food.

Victoria is a very genial front of house and is honest about their plans for the property. She and Dameon are getting married in August (I wouldn’t like to do the cooking for that one) and they are in the process of negotiating a long lease with Marstons, the pub landlords.

Marstons have done a lot for real ale over the last 25 years or so and are now a big national brand. However, as with all the big pub owners, they do have a slight stranglehold over what can/can’t be done on their premises. Their supply of beer and their wine list is limited and it is now highly unusual to walk into one of our local bars and not find any local beers. When there are five breweries within about a 10 mile radius of the pub it seems a little bit of a shame not to support them. However, there are plans to change that.

Accompanied by my Chief Analyst, we were given the tasting menu of around nine courses.

We stressed the importance of modesty in the course size which was (largely) adhered to, with one or two notable exceptions.

We commenced proceedings with a spiced squash volute whizzed into froth. Everyone receives this little amuse bouche at the start of the evening proceedings and it was simply delicious. Roasted scallops with an apple,

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celeriac and quince volute was, once again, breathtakingly good and an amazing amalgam of flavour.

By the time we got to the third course of a frozen blue cheese with pears in red wine, frozen grapes and pear sorbet with a walnut nougatine, we were wondering where on earth we would be taken next. Eel was the not so obvious answer; smoked, with duck, spring onions on a broccoli salad with almonds and bee pollen (yes bee pollen) which sounded like too many flavours when it was introduced, but all seemed to blend seamlessly and was the most exceptional course of the evening.

Our fifth course was garlic snails with braised cod cheek on a bone marrow toast which was all incredibly rich. The braised cod cheek is really a forgotten cut from this wonderful fish (now recovering healthily in the North Sea and much more attractive than an Eel) and my companion struggled a bit to finish it. A very impressive dish – and not for the faint hearted.

Our sixth course was a more familiar roast rump of lamb from Sophie Arlott’s flock, with a basil gnocchi, roasted sweetbread, courgette ribbon and a confit of echalote. The quality was simply staggering and served with real enthusiasm and energy by staff that, clearly, share Dameon’s passion for the produce.

For a pre-pudding pudding we had a mango and passion fruit espuma with a shortbread

honeycomb crumbled at the base. This is incredibly inventive cuisine and would grace the most delicate or even sophisticated palettes at the highest class establishments. Courses 8/9 took on a bit of a blur and we had chocolate crème brulee with honeycomb, nutella powder, strawberry and caramel jelly. Astoundingly good. Some coffee, careful consideration in mild disbelief and we were out.

In the era of TV Cook-offs, it would be fascinating if there was a Dameon Clarke v Aaron Patterson contest. Dameon suggested that he would welcome the opportunity and would have a word with his mate over at Hambleton Hall. I have a feeling that the two of them would laugh it off, but I for one would pay decent money to go along for that particular evening. The Wicked Witch is going to do really well – sort out the wine list, beer and the lease generally and Dameon and Victoria will have a long happy time there together. It is also decent value – nine courses for £50 or a more modest three larger courses for £21.95.

Ross Thain • The Wicked Witch, Bridge St, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk

NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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19/05/2015 16:21

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20/05/2015 15:20

Activities

Spotlight on Peterborough Artists Open Studios Three vibrant weekends of colour, craft and creativity start on Saturday June 6! Jackie Hall, new co-ordinator for the event talks to Yasmin Bradley

N

OW in its fabulous fifteenth year, Peterborough Artists Open Studies is once again the showcase for visual artistic talent in Peterborough and the surrounding villages.

Around 70 artists are showing in studios, homes and workplaces in 27 locations from Eaton Socon in the south, Market Deeping in the north, Tansor in the east and Coates in the West. Artists have also collaborated to exhibit in church halls, at City College and at Art in the Heart in the city centre.

This represents a quite extraordinary growth from 2000, when the original two professionals, print maker and painter, Sue Shields and textile artist Kathryn Moore decided to exhibit work to the public in a studio/ home environment with a view to making art accessible. The enormous diversity of talent this year represents a multitude of art forms and styles including jewellery, ceramics, mosaics, digital art, printing and, of course, painting. See for example, René Viner’s huge acrylic abstracts in muted or primary colours (watching her transform tiny markings on pebbles into paint is revelatory); or Lesley Adolphson’s delicate, stylish, silver necklaces, bracelets and earrings -jewellery is after all just art that you can wear! PAOS has become a massive driver for visual art and the involvement of traditionally underrepresented groups including women, who now comprise over 80% of PAOS members.

For PAOS is open in every sense of the word! Elsewhere, many trained artists refuse to show with those untrained for financial and reputational reasons. To the huge credit and professional generosity of Kathryn Moore and Sue Shields, the committee and members, membership is open to any artist who wishes to exhibit. In the spirit of the Surrealists, there is no selection process. All an artist has to do, is join up and decide which weekends they will throw open their doors to anyone who wishes to come. This too, has lead to the rich diversity.

DEVELOPING TALENT Over the years, you can watch artists develop their style with fine artist Julie Reid going from strength to strength with her delicate still life.

Rene Viner, Cheryll Cadman and Helen Wallace (exhibiting at City College Peterborough) have shown at the V & A in London; illustrator Ellie Sandal and photographer Luke Payn are showing pieces which would - and do - grace London galleries. Peterborough-born Pina Santoro-Ellwood with her vibrant- Sicilian inspired sculpture and acrylics pieces has exhibited at the Louvre, Paris.

There is now a strong international

dimension too: abstract artist and nature painter, Jaroslaw Jacek Sokol has teamed up with fantasy fine artist, Wojciech Nowacki – both with East European roots - to exhibit at All Saints Road; Mahemuda Arsalani, with her stunning mosaics is a well-established exhibitor.

This year you can see mixed-media and oil landscape artist, Veronika Leontyeva, who trained and has exhibited at St. Petersburg, and shown in Germany, London and Edinburgh and who now creates lightly brushed compositions of the British scenes she has fallen in love with.

For the third essential element of the Open Studios is, of course, you! Drop in to view - or to buy: original works are on sale at prices that compete with over priced, over-replicated images in shops or on the web and there are cards and numbered, limited edition prints too.

You will have purchased a unique piece you love with the enhanced pleasure of knowing how and where it was made and by whom. This year for the first time, share a photo from your visit on social media with #winpaos2015 to enter the prize draw for your chance to win £100 worth of vouchers to spend on the artist(s) of your choice!

Entry is free. So, come to gain greater understanding of the processes and ideas; for a warm welcome from the artists at work, for tea, cold drinks and, if you’re lucky, homemade cake!

Bring an open mind - nobody likes everything – and afterwards, you will absolutely see Peterborough people, the city and its villages in a brilliant, new light and shining colours.

PETERBOROUGH ARTISTS’ OPEN STUDIOS 2015 Saturday 6 June 9.30am – 4pm Launch event. Meet PAOS artists and craftspeople and pick up a free brochure in Cathedral Square, Peterborough.

Various times and venues Saturday 27- Sunday 28 June Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 July Saturday 11- Sunday 12 July Visit www.paos.org.uk for online, brochure, map and further details.

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19/05/2015 16:29

PERSPECTIVES

The end of the line for signal boxes?

When local printmaker John McGowan heard Network Rail intended to demolish all the local signal boxes, he devised a unique way to preserve their memory. Jonathan Craymer reports

J

OHN McGowan’s quest began when a railway enthusiast friend commented over dinner that he intended to make a tour of the local signal boxes to say goodbye to them, as they were going to be bulldozed. “I was a bit taken aback by that,” John recalls. “Can’t they save them?” he asked. Apparently not. As the boxes are brick built, they couldn’t be moved. No-one can stand in the way of progress it seems and as the Guardian reported in July 2013, Network Rail was intent on modernising the system as part of a 30 year plan - in which the signal boxes, many of them Victorian, had no place.

So former art teacher John set to without delay, taking a series of photographs as a first stage of preserving four of the structures for posterity by making their images into beautiful screenprints.

“The signal boxes had become part of our local landscape,” he says. “They’re probably not things you look at if you go past them very often, but once you do stop and take note, you realise they contain some very individual bits of Victorian architecture.

“The Victorians built things to last and which were aesthetically pleasing. For instance on the St James Deeping one, you’d have found elegant barge boards on the edge of the roof, an interesting pinnacle, the sides had some restrained but nice brickwork about them, and the proportions were worthwhile - in the same way that nonconformist chapels have a simple elegance.”

He believes the signal boxes were designed by architects employed to work on each railway line. In the case of the series of four local boxes he’s concentrated on, these were created by people working for the Great Northern Line.

“There are ‘family’ designs, but each one is quite different in materials and character.”

John McGowan photographing Helpston box

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Goodbye to the signalmen Is it also saddened John that all this marked the passing of the trade of signalman. “About 30 people were displaced in the closure of our local line up to Lincoln. About a year ago I happened to meet Jean Jones, daughter of a former signalman at the St James Deeping box in the 1950s.

“Her early years were spent as a signalman’s child, sharing the life, going out with her father on foggy days to lay explosive charges on the line, or sitting in one of the crossings huts that

had to be manned, cooking breakfast with her father over an open stove. Knowing her story made making prints about that box even more interesting.

“There was a sense of romance from the time when we employed a great number of people on the railways. They joined communities together, almost like our local bus services might do today. I’ve also spoken to the signalmen of today and talked to them about life in the signal box. It’s been a very interesting subject to explore.”

What about signal boxes further afield? Is John interested in preserving others across the UK which might be about to be demolished?

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19/05/2015 16:32

John McGowan in his studio

Deeping St James “In spring last year I took a trip around the East Midlands with a railway enthusiast friend, Graham Hobbs. He took me to virtually every signal box between here and Loughborough, during the course of a day. We photographed every one and I’ve made a self published book which with my prints brings all the images of the East Midlands together.”

So far he hasn’t pursued finding a publisher for this book - but who knows? “I’m not sure they’d be interested. But personal publishing is something I like to do as it helps me keep all my images together. I’ve made books about my canal prints with photographs taken of Northampton canal, and I’m going to make a photo book about my current project which is London warehouses.

“I’ve completed two prints and am working on a suite of six. These emanate from a series of photos I took in the early 1980s, when Rotherhithe stopped being an industrial centre, but hadn’t quite started being gentrified. I’m fascinated to see the warehouses are still standing, as they’re protected by Bermondsey Council. People are still interested in them.”

Preserving a legacy Clearly people do care about these old bits of our architectural heritage, and one of John’s prints sparked a bit of campaigning in Deeping St. James.

“A local picture framer, Black Cab Studio put my print of the St. James Deeping box in the window and I think it reminded people that it was going to go. This resulted in a campaign and public meetings. The local MP was invited to a public meeting along with along with members of Network Rail. However there was no reprieve as the new automatic barriers need to be positioned exactly where the old box stood.

“The campaigners did manage to get Network Rail to agree to decommission the box ‘sensitively.’ I have photographs of the roof being taken down carefully, though the bricks were scooped up by the bucket load. I was told

Spalding Line by one of the engineers that the 150-yearold building had very little adhesive left in its mortar, so the bricks virtually fell down. But the elements of the signal box have been preserved and are waiting for the pressure group to find some money and a site to build the box back up again. So perhaps the print did help people become aware of what was going on.”

John adds that the Deeping signal box campaign is making great strides, with money donated by the Department of Culture and the Parish. Two sites are being considered for reconstruction of the box. John will be working on another Deeping Box print, after his current project is completed, to help raise funds for this project.

There’s another nice story. Before it was taken down, Number One Box in Spalding bore a commemorative plaque stating that John Lee had worked as the signalman for no less than 51 years. As a result John called his print ‘John Lee’s box’. Just before our interview John made enquiries to find out what had happened to the plaque, and was delighted that it was to be remounted on the wall of the station in Spalding in a ceremony attended by Lee’s son.

John asked station staff if he could attend, so he could present a copy of the print to Lee’s offspring. “Though I didn’t know John Lee, I feel I’ve made a personal connection with the fact that these boxes were occupied by people who devoted their lives to them. The print was published in the Spalding Guardian about a year ago with the message that I would like to give one of these prints to Lee’s family. It’s

Number One Box in Spalding

quite something to think that he worked from the age of 14 to 65 non-stop – which was only possible because railwaymen like him were considered so essential, they were exempted from national service.”

John is taking part in the Peterborough Artists’ Open Studios three weekends at his home (June 27-28, July 4-5 & 11-12) and his work is available at Black Cab Studio or via his website.

• www.johnmcgowanprintmaker.co.uk • www.paos.org.uk • www.blackcabstudio.com NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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19/05/2015 16:32

LOCAL MUSIC

Fenech Soler

By Georgie Fenn

W

HEN I think of Stamford in terms of music something classical springs to mind, perhaps also some folk. But electropop is not something you would necessarily associate with the market town. Only, Fenech Soler, the hugely successful electropop band originated from Stamford, so we could suggest that if it wasn’t for the beautiful surroundings and Stamford aura that the magical tunes they are creating today might not exist... of course there was a little bit of King’s Cliffe into the mix too which could be what gives it the edge to get to the top.

I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of chatting to Ben Duffy, one of the four Fenech Soler band members, to catch up on how they are getting on in the world of music and fame.

Only recently back from a tour of America, the boys are settling down and gathering their thoughts to create a new album which is fantastic news for the Fenech Soler fans out there after the success of their last album! The first album was actually written at home in King’s Cliffe, and then recorded in their studio in Stibbington (Andrew’s back garden) which they built and still use today. It just goes to show what can be done when you have passion! However these days as the boys get more and more famous they are spreading out to as far as America to record some new music using producer Jacknife Lee. They are also mixing things up by working with different bands including American indie pop band Fitz and The Tantrums – even more to look forward to on their next album!

I asked Ben whether it gets harder each time to produce an album as you have to find all of that emotion and motivation to find new melodies and write new lyrics. Ben said that the last record was hard to make and took longer than they were expecting – and that the second album was the hardest to create but they did it and have toured it excessively so now they’re ready to bring out something new. He also mentioned that the band is in the best state they’ve ever been and excitingly have said that this album is some of the best stuff they have

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A FEW FACTS: created so far!

So what can we expect after the last album Rituals… Well surprisingly despite their success they are taking a risk and changing things up. Ben has said that this album is going to be less synthesised, a bit more simplistic with more guitars and a tiny bit less electronic; ‘The sound changes all the time, every day, finding its own path and we love how honest these songs are whilst maintaining the pop element.’ It sounds like the guys are feeling really good about it and they hope to complete it by the start of May and release the first single this summer.

• The band was noticed on Myspace by a man called Alan Braxe who Ben describes as ‘the godfather of French house music’ it may have helped that their name sounded faintly French!

• Favourite place to tour was Germany, apparently they are very switched on and a give off great vibes as an audience! (We better get our act together in the UK guys) • They are listening to: Ritual, Punch Brothers, all sorts!

• They write a lot of songs that Ben says are ‘rubbish and stay on our hard drive and no one will ever hear them’ Intriguing….

NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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19/05/2015 16:33

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19/05/2015 13:33

Advertisement feature: GARDENING

Bringing your lawn to life The welcome flurry of bank holidays in April and May have encouraged people into their gardens. If you’re looking at a weed infested, mossy and tired lawn and you don’t have the time or know-how to put it right, don’t worry. Sisters Sarah and Jo and their team at GreenThumb Peterborough and Oundle are on hand to get it into great shape for summer

Jo (L) Sarah (R) at GreenThumb Our free Lawn Analysis covers: • Grass type • Weed analysis • Moss and thatch levels • Lawn diseases and insects

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As a local business Sarah and Jo are proud to be one of GreenThumb’s 200 branches nationwide. As the premier lawn care company carrying out in excess of 1 million lawn treatments every year, GreenThumb leads the development of the lawn care industry in the UK. This means that, as a customer, you benefit from the latest advancements in lawn care technology from around the world.

1. What does the GreenThumb service involve?

At its core we provide four seasonal treatments designed to give you a beautiful lawn throughout the year. Many of our customers also ask us to hollow-tine aerate and scarify their lawns annually for the ultimate healthy lawn. We also provide a range of other treatments including pest and disease control and water conservers, proven to keep your lawn greener for longer during.

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correctly plus the peace of mind of no longer having hazardous chemicals stored at home where little hands can get hold of them.

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We always let you know in advance when we’re due to visit as the majority of our customers are not at home when we call. We’re totally self sufficient and will carry out the treatment as long as we have access to your lawns. If you’d prefer to be in when we’re treating your lawn we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.

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Yes. We do recommend however that children are kept off the lawn for 1-2 hours after a treatment to give any products applied time to dry. For some of our more specialist treatments we may advise keeping children off for longer but would discuss this with you beforehand.

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Shop bought lawn feeds typically last between 3-6 weeks. Our professional feeds last around 10 weeks. The amount of lawn food we apply is usually more than double that of store bought brands and of course we apply this safely and professionally.

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The treatments are safe for pets too but again we recommend that cats and dogs are kept off the lawn for 1-2 hours after treatment. Grazing pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs should be kept off the lawn for 2 weeks to avoid ingestion that’s if you don’t section an area off for us to avoid treating.

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We’ve got two great lawn care technicians, Jim and Simon and all of us are National Proficiency Training Council (NPTC) licensed to apply lawn treatments safely. This means we save you the worry that the products are being applied

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Many of our customers have a gardener and use our services. If you’d like us to discuss our work with your gardener and coordinate treatments with them we’re more than happy to do so.

9. Should I mow the lawn before you come?

The products we use work best if the weeds are actively growing and have plenty of leaf so we recommend that you don’t cut your lawn for three or four days either side of our treatment to get the best results.

10. How long will it take for my grass to improve?

Depending on the weather conditions you’ll start to see the weeds begin to curl up within 7-10 days. Not all weeds will go on the first treatment as some require a different kind of herbicide, just leave that to us. Within a couple of weeks the fertiliser we apply will start feeding the lawn and you’ll notice a change in colour and growth as we begin to transform your lawn.

• Visit our new website www.greenthumb. co.uk this will give you lots more information, hints and tips on how to have a beautiful lawn.

If you’d like us to look after your lawn for you or for a free lawn analysis, contact Sarah or Jo on 01733 755028. Email peterborough@greenthumb.co.uk Website www.greenthumb.co.uk NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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19/05/2015 16:35

HOME & GARDEN

Here’s to su mmer…

Loft bucket ba rbecue, £19.5 0 al floral £99, tropic , irs ha c o tw h o table and ction, Englis ble. Cortard t from a sele ta ue e uq th n p bo io u h, ct c et le nd s a se 0 ea the water a avour, from glass, £3.5 fl y e b in ue t w g o in p ee s er tr . a n M on s ow Found Acrylic palm ess and Lem sket, stylist’ 17.50 each, ding Eton M 5. Straw ba lu 5 c £ in r ts pe seat pads £ le m rt , ha ed ta oda, £2.50 , hand craft les range. S Is strawberries h s ti ri B e ste of th from the Ta

A Picnic in Ferry Meadows On a sunny day, fill a hamper full of delicious food from Marks & Spencer, pack a blanket and head for your nearest green space for an indulgent feast al fresco is summer. ll of flowers th fu is s w do ea Ferry M find.

0, book, vintage Seat pad, £17.5 24

NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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50

Prosecco from a selection in store, glasses, from hamper set, as before .

Time for tea! Tropic al floral ru each, pink g, £19.50 cake stand , melamine fr om a select Battenberg tropical flo ion in store biscuits, B ral side pla , Victoria S la tes, £3 ckcurrant Natural wic ponge, Ja fool cake, ker hampe m Roly Po all from th r with plate ly swirls, e Taste of th s, wine gla e British Is sses, cutle les range. ry, £55.

Soda, £2 .50 per b ottle.

British cheese and fresh grap es keeping cool Cheese board, £ in the shade 25. English chee ses from a wide selection in store.

• All food and accessories from Marks & Spencer, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough.

• With thanks to Ferry Meadows and Nene Park Trust for a fabulous location • Feature: Emma Connolly, Perception PR, Fiona Cumberpatch NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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WELLBEING

Health & Beauty Notes Look good, feel better. Compiled by Bridget Steele

TRIED & TESTED

BY NENE LIVING Momoko at P.Kai From l to r: Gemma Canham, Rosa Scibelli, Ellen Steadman, Lucy Greensmith, Catherine Miller, Heather Frascella, Vicki Maddison

Hair and Beauty in Hampton Hargate

H

AVING recently undergone a total refurbishment by owner of 12 years Catherine Miller, Millie & Co (formerly Millie Brown) is a specially designed and purpose built L’Oréal salon situated at the shops on Hargate Way, Hampton Hargate. With a dedicated team of six highly trained professional hair stylists supported by two enthusiastic trainees, the aim is to provide an individual tailored service to meet each clients’ requirements at competitive prices within a modern, spacious and fully air conditioned salon. The award-winning salon is one of the few which has been selected by L’Oréal International to receive demonstrations and on-going advanced training by the company’s leading training technicians. This ensures that the salon incorporates the latest trends and techniques, including Balayage and Ombre colouring and the scooping cutting technique for a soft edge, resulting in great looking hair which can be easily managed at home.

The salon also offers L’Oréal hair care products, GHD irons, curl wands, dryers and Tigi products to compliment all hair types. There is a Client Loyalty Reward Scheme and special offers. There is a Vertical Fast Tan sun bed in the salon and upstairs, The Beauty Potion beauty room and Kenzi Holistic Therapies and Hypnotherapy. There is also late night opening two nights a week and ample free parking outside.

You can receive 15 per cent off with stylist Ellen, plus 20 per cent off any beauty treatment over £10 with Izzie if you mention Nene Living when booking. This offer is valid until July 31 2015.

• To book your appointment, contact Millie&Co Hair and Beauty, 58 Hampton Hargate, Peterborough PE7 8DS Tel: 01733 344900.

I

’VE probably tried every hair taming and de-frizzing product and procedure ever invented, but they don’t usually touch my temperamental shoulder length wavy mane. When I was invited to try the Momoko permanent hair straightening treatment at P.Kai, Hampton, I was sceptical. Could it really live up to its claims? Senior stylist Cherelle Banks explained the procedure which she described as “a perm in reverse.” The bonds of my hair would be restructured through the repeated application of a lotion, effectively completely reshaping it. The treatment is suitable for bleached, coloured, fragile and Afro hair. The lotion is applied to the hair in sections, and personalised to your hair type. As I have some hair which is not coloured, these required a different strength of treatment to my highlights. Cherelle washed, massaged and conditioned my hair four times during the process, and it was blow dried and straightened twice. It took four hours, but it was incredibly relaxing, with a wonderful massage chair. I was looked after with fresh coffee, water and someone even popped out to buy me a sandwich. When Cherelle had completed the process with my final blow dry, my hair felt incredibly soft, as well as being straight and shiny. The test comes at home, of course, when there is no super-stylist on hand. So far, I’m really pleased by the huge difference in texture and getting out of the house in the morning is so much quicker. The treatment lasts for between four to nine months. Hair must be looked after to maintain the condition, so regular deep conditioning is necessary. But I’m finally going straight and it’s worth it!

Fiona Cumberpatch The Momoko Permanent Hair Straightening treatment costs £250. P.kai is offering NL readers £50 off when the magazine is mentioned at the time of booking. A consultation is required and the offer applies with selected stylists only. Offer is valid until 30/06/15.

• P.kai, Unit 5a Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8BE Tel: 01733 358835

And so Beautiful...

A

BEAUTY and Holistic Therapy business based in Orton Waterville, And So Beautiful is owned by Rebecca Squires, and has been established for four years.

Treatments are done in purpose built treatment rooms. Rebecca comments: “we use only the highest quality natural cosmetics for all beauty and complimentary therapies, we specialise in Decleor products, the founders of aromatherapy and always use first grade distilled Essential Oils to give our clients an amazing experience.” Products are available to buy and the salon offers a wide range of treatments including Decleor and CACI face and body treatments, Sienna X spray tanning, Jessica manicure and pedicures including Geleration, Body massage treatments including stone therapy, Indian head, and Aromatherapy massage, pre and post natal treatments, waxing and intimate waxing, tinting, semi-permanent eyelashes and make up treatments. CACI anti ageing treatments are non-invasive delivering visible results without down time. The salon can tailor make CACI treatments to individual requirements and a free consultation is offered.

• For further details or to book on line visit www.andsobeautiful.co.uk or call Rebecca on 07905 926902.

26

Fat dissolving injections for body contouring

I

T is now possible to dissolve troublesome fat deposits with an injectable solution. Aqualyx has full CE approval within the United Kingdom and is a non-surgical treatment with minimal side effects. The solution is injected into the fat through a fine needle using a unique technique for which specialist training is required. It must be undertaken by a doctor. Multiple treatments are typically required, from two to eight sessions depending on the area to be treated. The results are permanent. Aqualyx is excellent for double chins, sagging jowls, tummy, love handles, fatty arms or knees, inner or outer thigh area.

• To book a consultation at Peterborough please call 01733 310090 or the King’s Lynn clinic- 01553 692531.

Our website has full details of all our procedures ww.ukcosmeticclinic.co.uk

NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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BodyLaser Clinics • Laser Hair Removal • Lip Enhancement • Botox and Fillers • Vein Treatments • Skin Rejuvenation • Microdermabrasion • Dermaroller • Age Spots • Acne Treatment • Skin Peels • Cosmetics 60 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SU Tel. (01733) 555200

71 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AB Tel. (01223) 464171

BodyLaser.co.uk

Catherine Miller Salon Owner Senior Stylist

Lucy Greensmith Senior Stylist

Heather Frascella Senior Stylist

Vicki Maddison Senior Stylist

Ellen Steadman Stylist

Rosa Scibelli 1st Year Trainee

Gemma Canham 2nd Year Trainee

Newly refurbished, chic & contemporary salon • Original owner, established 12 years • Modern ladies & gents hairdressing • Award winning L’Oreal salon • Ongoing advanced L’Oreal training • Loyalty Rewards

• Fast Tan Vertical Sunbeds • Gift Vouchers • The Beauty Potion beauty room • Lots of free parking • Open two late nights til 8pm

Millie & Co Hair and Beauty, 58, Hargate Way, Hampton Hargate, Peterborough, PE7 8DS

Tel: 01733 344900

Receive 15% off with our stylist Ellen and 20% off any beauty treatment over £10 with Izzie when mentioning Nene Living at time of booking.

Offer valid until 31 July 2015 27

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AESTHETICS | BEAUTY | CLINIC

TWO EXCITING NON-SURGICAL FACE & BODY TREATMENTS OFFERING DRAMATIC RESULTS EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE TO ELYSIA Surgen Medical for advanced skin treatment

New LIPOFIRM PRO lose inches and sculpt your body

This aesthetic facial treatment delivers the very latest technology and provides a mini facelift without surgery and injectables.

We’re delighted to be the first clinic in the UK to offer this advanced non-surgical treatment.

It’s the very latest body contouring treatment offering clinically proven safe and effective inch loss.

LIPOFIRM PRO offers non-invasive, non surgical, no downtime and it’s proving to be the ‘go to’ celebrity treatment for men and women wanting permanent inch loss, body contouring, toning and cellulite solutions.

Surgen provides outstanding dermal volumising (plumps up), lifts and contours jowls, reduces wrinkles, treats pigmentation and redness. Improves skin tone, texture and pore size. The treatment erases acne scarring and thickened sun damaged skin.

It’s a real alternative to Botox and fillers without the use of Lisa Claypole, founder and owner injections or toxins. The treatment of ELYSIA says, “I’m so excited to stimulates your skin so it’s doing be the first salon in the UK able all the work. Proven clinical to offer these new treatments to results, minimal downtime. my clients. Through clinical trials and studies we have the most We recommend a course of four advanced, effective aesthetic treatments and will bespoke treatments.

All our treatments a treatment plan around your work the body’s natural specific concerns. mechanisms – the very best results generated from within” Contact us

01832 226328 or 07879620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com Elysia Aesthetics Beauty Clinic Tansor Oundle

NOW OFFERING

Permanent make up with our platinum elite make-up artist

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

More than skin deep Lisa Claypole started her beauty business in 2002 in a spare room at home. Now her rural enterprise has been nominated for Salon of the Year by prestigious brand Environ. Words: Fiona Cumberpatch

“Everyone has their own issues, and if it concerns them, it can really affect their self esteem, even if it’s something that no one else would necessarily notice”

based. “It makes changes, and works at a deeper level than many brands,” says Lisa. “I’ve seen excellent results with this, even on clients with very sensitive, reactive skin.”

Her decision to offer Lipofirm Plus has proved especially popular with clients, both male and female. It works on stubborn areas of fat, pregnancy pouch, thighs and buttocks to tighten the skin and contour the body. Another popular treatment is semi permanent make up. This is not just a cosmetic procedure: it can be used to help cancer patients who have lost their eyebrows to chemotherapy, or perhaps after breast reconstruction, to tattoo the nipple area. “When you see the challenges some people are facing, it does rock you,” says Lisa. “But it’s fantastic to try and help them to start feeling confident again.”

Currently with two and a half members of staff, as well as a surgeon who visits the clinic regularly to deliver Botox and fillers, Lisa would like to expand further, but says she does not want to lose the salon’s ethos and intimate atmosphere. “People like our rural location: it’s easy to park, and we’re discreet,” she points out. “I haven’t got a set plan for the future, but I love my job and I feel that it’s a privilege to do something which perhaps helps people to feel a bit better about themselves and achieve their goals.”

• www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879620196 NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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PHOTO: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

W

HEN Lisa Claypole started working from home, she chose a flexible job which would fit around her growing family and enable her to live the rural lifestyle she enjoyed in the village of Tansor, East Northamptonshire. But over the years, her enthusiasm has grown, the business has taken off and she has embraced some advanced treatments which require a high level of skill. “I started off giving lovely facials, and massages, and I still do that, but now I specialise in proven advanced treatments,” says Lisa. Examples of these include Microdermabrasion, and the body sculpting, skin-tightening Lipofirm, which are delivered via sophisticated technology. “People want advanced therapies which really give results, but they don’t want risk and they don’t want downtime,” says Lisa. “I try to listen to my clients and what I offer is response to what they’re telling me.”

Looking good, says Lisa, is not just about the superficial. “Everyone has their own issues, and if it concerns them, it can really affect their self esteem, even if it’s something that no one else would necessarily notice,” she says. The beauty business is a competitive one, and requires constant training to keep up with the latest developments in skin care and treatment. “I do more training now than I’ve ever done,” admits Lisa. “But the more I learn, the more I want to know. I also believe in treating people holistically. It’s not just about one element or a quick fix: you have to take into account a good diet, hydration and exercise too.” Some of the treatments she offers are expensive: “but they are scientifically proven and they do deliver,” says Lisa. “My clients come to me and they’ve done their research. Quite rightly, they know their stuff, and that’s why I am always striving to learn more. I never take our busy salon for granted.”

Though she has a background in accountancy (and before that, three day eventing), Lisa had no ambitions to be a beauty therapist. “I started off with reflexology because I loved having it, and I was fascinated by how it works, and I went on from there,” she says. “But I suppose the crunch came about five years ago when I was involved in a bad accident and my leg was crushed. I was lying in my hospital bed wondering what I would do when I got better, and I suddenly realised that I really wanted to continue my business, I wanted to fight for it. When I came out of hospital, I took on another member of staff and since then, we’ve been growing steadily and I now have a large client base from a 20 mile radius.”

Lisa chooses the treatments she offers very carefully. “My reputation is important to me, so I’m not going to opt for the celebrity endorsed choices or the obvious ones,” she says. “I really do my research.” She is passionate about Environ, the South African skincare brand incorporating Vitamin A, which has a massive following in the UK. It incorporates pharmaceutical graded ingredients which are medically and scientifically

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SHOPPING

Walking on sunshine

This season’s hottest brands Need a new pair of sunglasses? Gerry Sondh of Peterborough’s The Oculist guides us through this season’s hottest looks

I

F you thought shopping for sunglasses was merely a matter of trying on a few pairs until you find the ones which flatter you best, it’s time to think again. Apparently there’s a lot more to it than that.

‘Function is everything,’ says Gerry Sondh of The Oculist – an independent opticians in Peterborough’s Westgate Arcade. ‘I always ask customers what they want their sunglasses for. Once they’ve clarified function then we can guide them in the right direction.

‘Some people just want a fashion sunglass to match an outfit,’ continues Gerry, ‘but if you’re going to be on a motorbike a glass lens is a no-no - we need to go for a plastic or polycarbonate lens. Likewise, if you’re going hiking then a basic Ray Ban lens may not be enough, you may need a polarised lens with a mirror on it to make sure you get the right protection.’

All the staff at The Oculist are qualified dispensing opticians – something that Gerry believes makes his shop stand out from the rest. ‘We also have a big emphasis on customer service,’ he says.

‘It’s all based on how I like to be treated when I go into a shop. There’s a clear process as regards to how we do things and the amount of time we like to give to our customers.’

Although The Oculist sells high-end, designer sunglasses, all the styles in the shop are sold at the recommended retail price. ‘They’re the same price they would be anywhere else, but people perceive us as expensive because we carry great stock and are brave enough to sell sunglasses and spectacles made of gold,’ says Gerry.

‘We don’t do the bottom end of the market purely because we don’t have the requests for it.

We’re not looking to compete with that part of the market. I openly say to customers if you want that I can call and book you an appointment there – I know all the opticians in the area – but when you want something extraordinary come back and see us.’

Trends this season include a preppy look of tortoiseshell frames complete with brow bars, as well ‘cat’s eye’ shapes for women in which the frames are swept up at the corners.

The Oculist is proud to stock exclusive sunglass brands such as Oliver Peoples, Mykita and Orgreen. ‘Ray Ban is still our top-selling brand, but I’m seeing a rise in people wanting bespoke frames from specialist manufacturers,’ says Gerry. ‘People come especially to us for bespoke glasses because they know we can do it. A lot of opticians buy from us which says a lot.’

With the weather hotting up, there’s no denying the fact that a stylish pair of shades really makes an outfit, as well as fending off that irritating glare. And it’s also worth remembering that sunglasses have, and always have had, the ultimate cool factor.

‘Sunglasses are cool. There’s no doubt about that,’ says Gerry. ‘But they can also have a real emotional effect. When you put on sunglasses immediately you pout differently when you look in the mirror, you walk differently. They look great but they can also have powerful emotional effect on the wearer. There’s a lot to be said for that.’

• The Oculist, Westgate Arcade, Queensgate, Peterborough, PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 555621 www.theoculist.com

RAY BAN An affordable range with amazing brand heritage.

Gerry: ‘Ray Ban is our top selling brand, without a doubt. They are iconic and have epic styling.’

Priced from £98

MAUI JIM Specialist range originating from Hawaii.

Polarisation as standard.

Gerry: ‘The best lens we have in the practice in terms of clarity, protection and optics.’

Priced from £139

MYKITA/MYLON Berlin-based brand featuring high-tech, incredibly light frames.

Gerry: ‘Celebrity fans include Lady Gaga and will.i.am.’

Priced from £249

Exc lusiv e to The O cu li s t

OLIVER PEOPLES Celebrity favourite with a vintage aesthetic and superior craftsmanship.

Gerry: ‘This brand is very big brand in Los Angeles.’

Priced from £200

Exc lusiv e to The O cu li s t

ORGREEN Premium Danish brand with designs inspired by classic cars and bespoke frames available with precious metal embellishment.

Gerry: ‘Incredibly light with titanium fronts to give strength and rigidity. Orgreen pride themselves on perfection in their production.’

Priced from £295

Exc lusiv e to The O cu li s t NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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OPEN DAY - Sunday 7th June

Simply pop in anytime between 10am and 6pm and try on some hats in time for Royal Ascot, or your next wedding, graduation, garden party or any formal event.

• Designer Hat Hire - choose from nearly 200 designer hats and headpieces, from top names including; Philip Treacy, Nigel Rayment, Marie Mercié, Stephen Jones, Vivien Sheriff, Julien Macdonald, Jennifer Wrynne and many others.

• Hats for sale - unique pieces from Woodnewton’s very own milliner, Sinéad Harrington. Alternatively commission a bespoke piece to your own exacting requirements.

• Hat alteration and repair service.

Please call Sinéad today on: 01780 470324 or 07791 558820.

2 Pridmore Close, Woodnewton, Northants, PE8 5EY. Our Hat Room is open by flexible appointment only please (7 days a week, 9am - 9pm).

www.HarringtonHats.com

We are Registered with all Major Healthcare Companies including BUPA, AXA PPP and AVIVA.

Established 1969

Offering Private Physiotherapy Appointments at our clinic in Peterborough and Oundle Medical Practice.

All enquiries ( 8am-8pm) to our Peterborough Reception Team:

01733 565911 www.prestonshealth.co.uk

Pr es t on s Hea l t h 29 A l exa n d r a R oa d , Pet er b or ou g h PE 1 3DE

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

Chartered Clinical Psychologist Specialised in treating the following areas: • Low self esteem and loss of confidence • • Anxiety, panic and stress • • Depression, low mood and despair • • Phobias, obsessions and ruminations •

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

For further information please contact

01780 758556

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

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Business

A Cut Above Their tweed clothing range is worn by Princess Anne and Eric Clapton. Corby based manufacturer Chrysalis Clothes is that rare breed: a successful British manufacturing business. Words and photos: Fiona Cumberpatch

T

HE factory floor at Chrysalis Clothes is a hive of industry. There’s the hum of sewing machines, the smell of freshly pressed cloth, tweed jackets hanging up in various stages of completion and Radio 2 playing in the background. With 30 workers, Chrysalis is a success story. It was started on St George’s Day 1986 by Managing Director Chris Blackmore with just eight employees, and has been in profit since the first year. “Throughout my working life I’ve seen it all: we’ve had three day weeks and two major recessions,” says Chris, who started his career as a tailor at Austin Reed around 50 years ago and came to Corby in 1973 as factory manager of duffle coat makers Gloverall. “There are only a handful of us left manufacturing clothes in the UK now, but I wanted to stay here rather than move offshore.” In January this year, Chris’s daughter Charlotte joined the business as Marketing Director. After 20 years at Next, she is now helping her father to expand the brand.

Chrysalis designs and manufactures tweed outerwear for men and women. There are between 50 and 60 different styles from field coats to top coats. Each one is hand cut and hand made with astonishing attention to detail.

Only the finest soft British tweeds are used for the garments, and this is sourced from mills in

Chris and Charlotte Blackmore of Chrysalis Clothes

Yorkshire and Scotland. Linings, pocket trims, under collar and top collar trims are selected to create stylish, classic long lasting garments.

The company is mainly a business to business seller, although a factory shop has recently opened on site, where coats made from shorter lengths of discontinued material are available to the public at reduced prices. “A business client will come to us and choose the style they want us to make, including selecting bespoke linings, trims and all the details. They literally build their own coat, and we then go into production,” explains Charlotte. “We don’t hold stock, everything is made to order.”

Cutting out a jacket

From start to finish The devil is in the detail: stitching a perfect pocket

Once the client has chosen a coat design, the making process begins. “First, the pattern is made and we do this here at the factory,” explains Chris. Then the jacket pieces are cut out in the prepping area. The tweed is then processed, and a stabilising interfacing is fused on to key pieces, such as pocket tops and

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Business collars. The garment is prepared and delivered to the sewing team in an adjacent room.

The distinctive Chrysalis label is sewn on to the lining, and a ‘drip strip’ – to aid the water repellent properties of the jacket – is introduced on the base. Knitted storm cuffs are added and the pockets, sleeves, welts, flaps, front and facings are stitched. “It is a highly skilled job,” says Charlotte. “Many of our workers have been with us for years.” Chris admits that it is not always easy to find people with the right skills. “School curriculums have changed, computer screens have arrived - and it shows,” he says. “We do train people, although we don’t offer apprenticeships. Employees need to be industrious and very precise.”

The manufacturing process is all about team work. “Nobody makes a garment each, the operations are individual,” explains Chris. “But you do need to know how to do the job in front and the job behind.”

It is fascinating to see how the zips are placed and sewn, shoulders joined and sleeves and side seams closed. As the coats are weather proof, a membrane is inserted between the tweed and the lining, and each garment has a Teflon coating. The lining and the outer garment are put together and sewn out, turned through and top stitched.

Each coat takes four hours to complete before it is hung up ready for inspection, then ticketed for size and style.

Stitching a label to the quilted jacket lining

“We use the finest materials, with cotton from Italy, Loden fabric from Austria and a fabric called Alcantara, a durable man made suede” A design classic The top selling jacket is the Chiltern, “a good all rounder which is ideal for town or field,” says Charlotte. She and Chris are constantly developing new styles. The Oxford has a slimmer cut, and is belted, aimed at a younger market. Tweeds in brighter colours rather than the traditional muted green are being introduced, and bolder checks are noticeable.

At around £600 for a full priced jacket, the garments are designed to be worn for years.

“This is why we use the finest materials, with cotton from Italy, Loden fabric from Austria and a fabric called Alcantara, a durable man made suede,” explains Charlotte.

Working with her father is a privilege, she explains. “My Dad is my hero: he can cut a pattern, cut and sew, he can literally make anything,” she says. Chris’s wife Annette works in the admin department and helps with packing, and son Tim has modelled his father’s jackets for GQ magazine. The Blackmores are facing the future confidentally. “I’ve never been fearful,” says Chris. “It would be much tougher if we were competing in the mass market.

As I see it, specialist businesses are the way forward.”

• Chrysalis Clothes, Harlow House, Shelton Rd, Corby NN17 5XH Tel: 01536 269034 www.chrysalisclothes.co.uk The factory shop is open weekly on Fridays, 1.30pm – 5pm and on Saturday mornings, 9.30am – 12.30pm.

34

Tweed swatches: all the fabric is sourced from British mills

Machining is a highly skilled job

A jacket can be completed in four hours

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Dogsbodies Professional Grooming Service For Dogs and Cats

Services include clipping and hand stripping.

All breeds and nervous dogs welcome.

Convenient pick up and drop off service in Oundle and surrounding villages.

Stockists of natures:menu

www.dogs-bodies.com Call Heather and Emma on Tel: 01832 358228 Mob: 07958 997823 Unit 1, The Workshops, Barnwell Manor Estate, Barnwell PE8 5PL

Chrysalis Clothes ‘Makers of the finest and most exquisite Town and country wear for Men and Women’

Chrysalis Clothes factory outlet shop NOW OPEN

The factory shop is open weekly on Fridays 1.30pm – 5pm and on Saturday mornings 9.30am – 12.30pm Closed May 29th & 30th • Chrysalis prides itself in designing and manufacturing the finest Tweed outerwear for men and women.

New styles are introduced weekly and we have women’s jackets ranging from sizes 8 – 20.

Find us at: Harlow House, Shelton Road, Corby, Northants, NN17 5XH Tel: 01536 269034 www.chrysalisclothes.co.uk we will accept all major credit cards

• All garments are hand cut and handmade in the U.K using British cloths.

Chrysalis Clothes

• This is a great opportunity to acquire a piece of this beautifully handcrafted product at outlet prices.

LTO

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ELL

PYW

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Leading to Steel Road (A6116)

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PYW

• We sell a range of garments from Stylish Town and City attire to Shooting and country outerwear.

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Bathrooms with Style from

G S Bathrooms · · · ·

Full bathroom re-fits/renovations From design to completion Wet rooms & under floor heating Many styles to choose from

Contact us to arrange a home visit – to measure up, view samples, discuss your requirements and receive free quote Tel: 01733 571 337 Mob: 079101 86420 www.gsceramics.co.uk

elli dean PHOTOGRAPHY Studio & location portraits ellideanphotography.co.uk 07932 055548

My studio is in Oakham (for studio shoots) but location shoots can be arranged for any location; your house & garden, Rutland Water, local woods & parks... * I offer various attractive price options and products, all designed to give you plenty of choice (including an all-inclusive digital package). You can choose a package before booking your session - so you will always know the cost in advance.

36

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t Es

Loc

Est

al Comp

an

1981 - 34 Years

y

Bespoke and Handmade Kitchens

!

• Over 30 room settings on display including the latest finishes • Contemporary, modern, traditional & handmade bespoke kitchens • Special discounts and unrivalled service

The areas Largest Independent Kitchen Showroom The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA www.qksstamford.co.uk

T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

th doesn’t lead to This lovely winding brwickbupat to a secret place the end of the rainboa. where people have te

It takes you through woodland past delights and surprises and wonderous plants like Daphne, Azara and Enkianthus.

Everything chosen and planted by Charlotte, a plantswomen with magic hands and a good person to know

CHARLOTTE BAXTER, West End Villa, Whittlesey Tel: 01733 202229 newgardens@gmail.com This is part of a real garden in Peterborough designed by Charlotte

Shutting it in or shutting it outWhatever You Need, We Have The Solution...

Garage Doors

Blinds

New, Repairs & Servicing.

All types supplied including Roller & Sectional.

Automate existing doors.

Roller Venetian & Vertical.

Insect Screens Compact design.

Internally or externally fitted.

Lets air & light in, keeps insects out.

Made to Measure.

Shutters

Security or Decorative.

Commercial, Industrial & domestic.

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No obligation Free quotations

Call: 07709 337647 Securing your property in style!

28 Cowslip Drive, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8TE

NEW WEBSITE

www.garagedoorandshutterservices.co.uk 37

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

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

Gillian Durno

Paintings, Prints & Cards Gillian

Contemporary floral, still life & impressionist landscape paintings.

• •

Understanding new cultures

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

Tel: (+44) 1684 252 757 Email: ben@pippasguardians.co.uk www.pippasguardians.co.uk

Peterborough Open Studios June 27th - July 12th Art in the Heart, Peterborough Mobile 07961 608172

Companionship & friendship

To enquire about becoming a host family please contact us:

Rutland Open Studios June 6/7, 13/14, 28th At Lavender Cottage, 8 Redmiles Lane, Ketton

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The Arts

Summer music

With its summer school running in tandem with the Oundle International Festival, Oundle for Organists continues to nurture the next generation of musicians.

Sue Dobson talked to its Director, Ann Elise Smoot

A

NN Elise Smoot, the director of Oundle for Organists, is a concert organist, recording artist and renowned teacher much in demand for masterclasses, who is passionate about fostering a love of music in young people and bringing organ music to wider audiences.

“Oundle for Organists has been around now for 30 years. Many of the UK ‘s leading musicians are OfO alumni, as well as many others from around the world. The Nene valley has been nurturing the next generation of musicians for decades!” she enthuses.

“The tutors who work with the students are experienced musicians, insightful and supportive. I had great teachers when I was growing up and I want to ensure that others have that opportunity, too.”

When we talked, Ann Elise had recently finished directing Pulling Out the Stops, a residential weekend course in Oundle for young (10 to 15 year-old) early-stage organists, also pianists who have achieved Grade 4 standard or above who want to try the pipe organ. She was en route for Paris to launch OfO Abroad, a small group course for advanced students over the age of 18 to experience organs in other countries. “It’s a very exciting new venture,” she explains.

“On this inaugural trip they’ll be playing French repertoire on the instruments for which it was written. It will be a transformative experience.”

SUMMER SCHOOL Running alongside the Oundle International Festival, the Oundle for Organists Summer School in July is a week of intensive tuition for young organists (usually aged between 14 and 22). Attended by students

from the UK and abroad, “a nice international mix”, this year’s theme is Create! and includes tuition in the art of improvisation, an important skill for organists. Course members have the opportunity to play on organs in Oundle and nearby villages, also the great Peterborough Cathedral organ, and will visit Cambridge for workshops at the consoles of various College Chapel organs.

“The Summer School is well known in the organ world, highly respected and trusted,” Ann Elise says. “The tutors are at the top of their profession and the young organists also benefit from being with like-minded people who share their interests. There’s a lot of camaraderie; many friendships are formed here.

“Most of today’s top organists and musicians have attended the Summer Schools, some have come four or five years in a row. For anyone of 45 or under, it’s been a rite of passage!

“Proficiency at the organ is a complete musical training. It sets you up for a wide range of careers – previous alumni have become cathedral organists, directors of music, conductors, recitalists and freelance artists. Not all of today’s students will go on to have a musical career, but they will have a love and appreciation of music to share and pass on to their own children.” www.oundlefororganists.org.uk • Hear Ann Elise Smoot giving a lunchtime organ recital in the Oundle School Chapel on 15th July as part of the Oundle International Festival.

Tickets for the Oundle International Festival, which runs from 10th to 18th July, are available from the Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle PE8 4ED; Tel: 01832 272734 or online at http://

Local focus

Director of the world-renowned Covent Garden Festival of Opera and Music Theatre, Arts Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival, Director of the year-long Temple Festival in London – Kenneth Richardson brings some impressive credentials to his role as Artistic Director of Oundle International Festival. “The events should reflect the locality, respond to the community they’re in and be broad in appeal. It’s what festivals do best,” he says.

With its mix of theatre, comedy, classical music, jazz, choral, folk, tango and sing-along-a Sound of Music, performed in local churches, Oundle School Chapel, the Stahl Theatre, Barnwell Country Park and at the Wharf, Oundle’s annual summer celebration reflects his views perfectly.

“We’ve added some new events this year, including an Open Gardens day with musical snippets and an encore screening of English National Opera’s new production of The Pirates of Penzance.

“Music from the Sadler Partbooks, the Stile Antico concert at Fotheringhay, has great local significance because while John Sadler was schoolmaster in Fotheringhay and Oundle in the mid-16th century, he copied down large quantities of contemporary choral music. His Partbooks had disintegrated with age, but thanks to the wonders of digital technology his work is now being restored for modern performance.”

Down at Oundle Wharf, Riverlands tells the story of the River Nene as it journeys to the sea. “Performed by a storyteller, a poet and a musical duo playing material inspired

by Northamptonshire, it’s set on the river’s bank with the performers on a floating stage. You can’t get much more local than that!”

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11/05/2015 13:35 12:18 19/05/2015

MOTORING

Buying second hand cars Our motoring correspondent, Jonathan Craymer, explores the ins and outs of buying second hand

L

OOKING to change your car this summer? Buying a brand-new vehicle is a luxury many of us can’t afford.

This is especially so for younger drivers, or older drivers looking for maximum value – which more often than not means venturing into the second-hand market.

But that may feel like unfamiliar (or dare we say terrifying) territory, as often used car dealers don’t boast the best reputations in the world for treating customers fairly, and private sellers have been known to pull the odd fast one too.

So where do you start? Obviously it helps to do some research. If you’re a younger driver probably the most important thing is to find a category of vehicle you can afford to insure.

Or looked at another way, you need to find a vehicle that insurance companies will actually consider insuring you for, and won’t just turn you down flat.

For the cheapest possible insurance, you need something in Group 1. Extremely popular here are cars like the 1.0-litre Vauxhall Corsa, Fiat Panda 1.1 Active, or equally small-engined SEAT Mii, Volkswagen Up etc. You’ll find plenty of information on motoring and price comparison websites.

Such vehicles if you’re aged between 17 and 21 may typically cost £1500 a year to insure, though you may find quotes varying between £1400 and £2000. Looking for higher performance? For drivers in this age group, a 1.4 engine may take you into Groups 4 to 5, where you’ll be looking at paying between £2,000-£2,500. However a 1.6 with a bit more va-va-voom, is likely to sit in Groups 7-8 and a younger driver asking for cover in this category may find him or herself being shown the door by the insurance company or broker.

This salutary lesson on insurance for younger drivers may save a great deal of time as you browse some of the dozens of used car forecourts dotted around our region. Here a bit of research (including online) can be invaluable.

Clearly finding a dealer you can trust is a useful part of the process and at least one in this region – Kingfisher Cars - makes a point of offering the facility of obtaining a competitive insurance quote whilst you’re viewing a car, so you’ll at least know if it’s in the realms of your total budget.

When Stuart George set up Kingfisher in Peterborough five years ago, and more recently in Stamford – at the West Street Garage in Foundry Road – he was determined to do something to raise the public’s perception of used vehicle dealers. After a career spanning more than a quarter of a century in the motor

Stuart George, of Kingfisher trade, including 20 years with the Marshall group where he became regional director, he had a clear idea of how to do things differently.

“A lot of dealers buy cars from auctions without knowing much about their history and sell them on,” says Stuart. “But for me building reputation and trust was the most important thing. So we don’t get any cars from auctions.

Instead all our vehicles are genuine part exchanges from franchised dealers, which means we know something of each vehicle’s history, the previous owner and the kind of use it’s had.

“We then get each vehicle independently checked by a respected repair facility – in the case of our new Stamford site this is done at West Street garage itself – and we get every vehicle HPI checked to make sure there’s no outstanding finance, that it’s not stolen or perhaps most importantly hasn’t been involved in a major accident.”

All his vehicles are offered with an AA warranty, a service, a fresh MoT - and specific attention is paid to tyres and brakes. Clearly wherever there are safety issues, if there are any concerns over the longevity of such components, they’re replaced.

“The HPI check is one of the most vital components for anyone looking to buy what I call a ‘proper’ used-car. It must be incredibly upsetting for anyone who’s bought a used car,

to find the finance company which still owns it, wants it back. Another thing to be wary of is whether the vehicle has been imported.

There may be nothing wrong with such a vehicle, but if a buyer might want to trade it in for something else further down the line and dealers can’t value it because it’s an ‘odd’ model for the UK, its true value may be far less than they thought.”

More than 40% of Stuart’s customers are in the aforementioned 17 to 21 age bracket, and another 40% comes from the 65 to 95-yearold group. “I sold a car to 90-year-old just last week,” he grins.

As someone who’s bought many second-hand cars in my time for my own use, I know that needs change. Someone who last time round was looking for best-possible fuel consumption, may this time be seeking something with maximum comfort, or load space, a particular engine type or even a certain look to suit their temperament or lifestyle. Or just something a bit newer.

“Everybody wants low mileage,” adds Stuart.

“But high mileage vehicles aren’t necessarily something to avoid. The key thing is having a full service history, getting the vehicle fully checked mechanically, and of course finding a dealer you can trust.”

• www.kingfishercars.com NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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Local history

Heritage at risk Fotheringhay Church is in dire need of repair and it’s future is in jeopardy. Sue Dobson discovers why its preservation is so important

A

GLORIOUS landmark with its octagonal lantern tower and flying buttresses, the Church of St Mary and All Saints has stood on its hill above the banks of the River Nene at Fotheringhay since the 15th century. It has watched over the birth of a future English king and the trial and execution of a Scottish queen, seen the demise of a castle and suffered its own radical truncation, a result of Henry VIII’s Reformation.

Defiant against all the odds for so long, the building’s current fragile condition means its future is in jeopardy. “So much so that English Heritage is adding it to its Heritage At Risk register and Oliver Caroe, the inspecting architect, has warned that it has reached tipping point and doing nothing is not an option,” Ros Clayton of The Friends of Fotheringhay Church tells me.

Ros is chairing the Project Group tasked with raising the funds and managing the repairs necessary to secure the church’s future. Urgent repairs are needed to prevent water coming through the roof, to stop the windows falling into the churchyard and to carry out vital remedial stonework, which will cost at least £250,000.

“The leading is breaking down in the roof and water comes through the widening cracks in heavy rain,” Ros explains. “The metalwork on the windows is corroding and damp is coming through the stone walls.

Hoppers and down water pipes are cracked, gutters are leaking. Essentially the drainage is inadequate; water is soaking into the walls and not draining away. Stonework and ledges have to be repaired. We still don’t know the exact state of the roof,” she adds, indicating that in reality costs could soar.

“King Richard III was born at Fotheringhay Castle in 1452; his mother, father and elder brother are buried in the church. There’s so much history here, it would be tragic if we didn’t preserve the building for the future.”

ROYAL CONNECTIONS This fine example of perpendicular ecclesiastical architecture was once twice its present size, the ‘lost’ half being a large Collegiate Church, built to house a college of priests that Edmund Langley, 1st Duke of York, a younger son of King Edward III, had established at Fotheringhay Castle. At one time the most important Collegiate church in the country, it was demolished in the mid-16th century during the suppression of the monasteries.

It’s hard to imagine now, but once Fotheringhay was a place of national importance, being directly linked to the royal families of both Scotland and England. In 1476, in a richly elaborate ceremony, King Edward IV had the bodies of his father, Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and his younger brother Edmund, Earl of Rutland, both killed at the Battle of Wakefield and buried in a humble tomb at Pontefract, brought to Fotheringhay and re-interred at the Collegiate Church. Some 20,000 people are said to have attended the lavish dinner served in the castle and the king’s tents

42

and pavilions. Several of the buildings erected for their lodging in the village are still lived in today.

Their tombs, together with that of Edward, the second Duke of York, killed at the Battle of Agincourt, were smashed when the church and chantry college buildings were demolished. On a visit to Fotheringhay in 1573, Queen Elizabeth I was so incensed at the desecration that she ordered their remains to be exhumed and reburied in the parish church. Two identical monuments erected at this time can be seen on either side of the altar wall.

Edward IV is believed to have donated the richly carved and colourful pulpit. A medieval misericord seat from the Collegiate church tops the 15th century stone font. In the centre of a fine fan vault under the tower there’s the depiction of a Falcon and Fetterlock, badge of the House of York.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Ros Clayton says the plan is to raise funds both for the crucial repairs and to create the facilities needed to make the church a heritage and cultural centre and more of a community hub.

“The acoustics are fabulous and the concerts, celebratory services and lectures held here are always well attended. But with the provision of toilets, a heating system and new disability ramps, we could do so much more.” The target of the Fotheringhay Church Appeal is £500,000.

• To find out more about the church appeal visit the website http://friends-of-fotheringhay-church.co.uk

NENE LIVING JUNE 2015

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What’s On Open gardens, village fetes and lots of music. Yasmin Bradley selects events for June Tuesday 2 June Eastern Angles presents Oysters 7.45pm Combining local historical fact and contemporary fiction and based on oral history interviews, this riveting drama centres round the Essex oysterdredging industry. £9.50 Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ. 01832 273930 stahltickets@ oundleschool.org.uk www.oundleschool.org.uk Friday 5 June Music in Quiet Places presents Randers Chamber Orchestra 7.30pm In the last of the current concert series, Randers Chamber Orchestra from Denmark famous for touring globally to raise awareness of lesser known Danish music - also delight with familiar works by Mozart and Grieg. £13 (£11) Under 18 £3. Oundle School Chapel, Milton Road, Oundle, PE8 4AB. information@oundlefestival.org.uk. www.oundlefestival.org.uk. 01832 274734

Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June Scott Cook & Jez Hellard UK Tour 2015 7. 30pm - 10.30pm Catch award -winning Canadian folk artist, Scott Cook with his deep caramel voice, as he teams up with gorgeous, local bad boy, Jez Hellard in a show of vibrant and imaginative story-telling music.

The Old Forge Cranford, Northamptonshire, NN14 4JE. thesofasessions@live.ie Saturday 20 June Harringworth Village Fete 2pm - 5pm What could be lovelier than a traditional summer fete in a pretty village near a stunning viaduct?

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Sunday 14 June - Elton Garden Trail 12 noon - 5 pm Following last year’s success, 12 gardens around the picturesque village of Elton are once again open to view, with entertainment around the village, a plant sale, a Children’s “I-Spy” Trail , Pimm’s on sale ( in one garden) and delicious teas served in Highgate Hall and the Chapel. £5.00 – accompanied under 16s free. Highgate Hall, Overend, Elton, Peterborough, PE8 6RU 01832 28009. guitarists, silky smooth vocalist and stunning songwriter, Brook Williams from Statesboro Georgia, USA performs Blues and Americana in aid of St Mary’s Church. £12.50/£15 St Mary’s Church, Warmington, PE8 6TE. 07521 643479/01832 280828. jcs12@hotmail.co.uk Thursday 25 June Nevski Prospekt (Belgium) in association with MOKO Dance presents Hop 1.15pm for 1.30pm An unusual dance production for families and school groups (age 4+) that tells of a dream, of flying and never giving up on the special relationship between father and son... Make sure you arrive in good time for this special journey… £11 (£7) Studio, Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207237.

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The World Frog Racing Championships 6.30pm Watch teams from throughout the region take part in this super fun event - hauling eight -foot high frogs along a 100-metre course in aid of Macmillan!

Greyhound Racing Stadium, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5BJ. www. thefrogracingchampionship.com. 07711 198391.

Sunday 28 June The Rutland Wind Ensemble in aid of The Bethany Children’s Trust 3pm Listen to a wonderful concert and know that every penny raised goes to indigenous charities working with some of the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable children in Congo, Zambia, Togo and Rwanda. £7.50 (£2) including refreshments. St Peter’s Church, Church St, Oundle, PE8 4EE. 01832 275675. www.bethanychildrenstrust.org.uk.

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