Nene Living September 2015

Thrapston’s market

Heritage Open Days

Meet the bird man

NENE LIVING City & Country COVERING

PETERBOROUGH,

OUNDLE

SPOTL IGHT ON WA NSFOR D

AND

Gently into autumn WEBSITE: www.nenevalleyliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH:

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Learn a new skill

THE

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VA L L E Y

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NENE LIVING

This Issue SEPTEMBER 2015 w w w. n e n e v a l l e y l i v i n g . c o . u k

I

T’S September, and as nature’s colours are turning ever more vibrant we take you gently into autumn.

I’ve long admired the work of printmaker and artist Angela Harding, so was delighted when she agreed to us using her Blackbird Stealing Redcurrants print on this month’s cover. See more about her on page 7.

When it’s back-to-school time for the children, many an adult’s thoughts turn to learning a new skill. Whether you want to invest time in a course over the coming months or simply take a day or a weekend to discover a potential new hobby, Lucy Banwell has some ideas to fire your imagination.

Ever keen to encourage you to ‘shop local’, we turn the spotlight on interesting businesses in Wansford and celebrate a first birthday for Thrapston’s Farmers’ Market. There are some good weekend events this month. Don’t miss Peterborough’s exciting Arts Festival or the Heritage Open Days.

Every summer I head to Hill Farm in Chesterton for some of the best fruit and veg around and to stock up with their brilliant jams. That’s where I met Simon Allen and his beautiful birds of prey and learned about his plans for a wildlife hospital and sanctuary there (see page 24).

After writing for Nene Living for so long, it’s been a pleasure sitting in for Fiona while she took a well-deserved holiday.

Order will be restored when she returns next month!

Kindest wishes

Sue Dobson Guest Editor Nene Valley Living

INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 7 8

Editor’s selection

Back to school

Agenda

Angela Harding, our cover artist

Agenda

Fun events this month

11 Agenda

The Black Horse, Elton

12 Food News

Make a spicy seasonal soup

15 Truly local

Thrapston Farmers’ Market has much to celebrate

17 Spotlight on Wansford

Discover the thriving shops and businesses in this pretty village

21 Peterborough’s building blocks Andrew Mortlock, archivist

22 Now’s the time

Advice on getting your lawn into shape

24 The bird man of Chesterton

Simon Allen, his birds of prey and his plans for the future

27 Norman Cross Heritage Open Days reveal hidden histories

30 Health & beauty notes Look good, feel great

33 Learn something new!

Courses to inspire you

39 Seaside stroll Sheringham to Cromer

42 On the road Motoring news

45 Diary dates

Our pick of the month’s events

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

by Angela Harding

SUBSCRIBE TO NENE LIVING

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

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All of our orangeries & conservatories are available in a range of styles, materials and colours to compliment your home, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

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SHOPPING

Editor’s Selection All set for a new term with our good buys for September

For the musically minded: pencils and rubbers, £7.99, from Stamford Music Shop, 11 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP

Help them beat the chill and cheer up rainy days with a waterproof jacket, £29.99. Also available in pink from Trespass, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Rainbow French Skipping Elastic for the classic playground game, £2.50.

Jollys Toys and Games, as before

Pretty gingham dress with matching hairband, £8-11.20, from M&S, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

For the trendsetter: Cath Kidson button spot mini backpack, £50, at John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Lamy fountain pen, £17.99, Helix oxford pencil case, £4.99, retractable mini pens, £3.49 all Colemans, 10 New Street, Oundle PE8 4EA

Bingo with a twist – beautifully illustrated for fun learning, £15, from Jollys Toys and Games, 28a High Street, Thrapston NN14 4JH. Tel: 01832 358915

Millie Marotta’s Tropical Wonderland (Batsford £9.99), from The Oundle Bookshop, 13 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA. It’s your treat – relax and lose yourself in this wonderful colouring-in book for grown-ups.

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FROM NEWS AND REVIEWS PETERBOROUGH, OUNDLE AND THE VILLAGES

Meet our cover artist T

he idyllic views of the Rutland countryside from her studio in Wing are a constant inspiration for talented printmaker, artist and illustrator Angela Harding, whose print Blackbird Stealing Redcurrants is reproduced on our cover this month. British birds and the flora and fauna of the British countryside are the main themes of her work and her creative ideas are as likely to spring from the daily walks with her two dogs, a whippet called Ami and Syd the lurcher, and her frequent visits to the North Norfolk coast, as forays into Cornwall, Suffolk and Shropshire where many of the galleries she exhibits in are situated.

“I work from small sketchbooks, noting down quick drawings of what I see while out walking, then back in the studio I may enlarge them on canvas or develop them into prints,” she says.

Her illustrations appear in Gardens Illustrated and Country Living magazines and adorn greetings cards and some very smart, pure cotton tea towels, which find their way all over the world. To see more of her work, visit her website www.angelaharding.co.uk • Cambridge Contemporary Art, 6 Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1SU will be holding an exhibition of Angela’s prints and paintings from 3rd to 25th October.

See Peterborough in a new light!

B

ringing together visual and performing art in a three-day spectacular of free events, the Peterborough Arts Festival promises a magical feast of entertainment. Be there for the opening ceremony on Friday 4th September to see historic landmarks transformed by sound sculptures and a kaleidoscope of light. Then it’s a weekend packed with involving events and acts, from contemporary circus company No Fit State spilling out across the city and turning Cathedral Square into a chaotic circus village to the Hunt & Darton pop-up Café where food meets spontaneous performance.

• www.vivacity-peterborough.com

DON’T MISS C

alling all rugby fans! Hear Stephen Cooper talking about his new book ‘After The Final Whistle: the First Rugby World Cup and the First World War’ at St Peter’s Church, Oundle, PE8 4AL on 25th September at 7.45pm.

Tickets £8 (£6); £1 off ‘early bird’ tickets bought before 18th September, from the Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle PE8 4ED, open 10am-1pm Monday to Friday, Tel: 01832 274734 and online at www.oundlefestival.org.uk

Family-friendly Festival O

utdoor family-friendly activities, guided tours, theatre productions, arts workshops, concerts and foodie events all feature in the Nene Valley Festival 2015. You could take a walk with artists in Fermyn Woods, go on brilliant bike rides through the countryside, hear Bluegrass music in Oundle, seek treasure at Stanwick Lakes, discover wild food at Ferry Meadows Country Park, join a costumed guide at Lyveden New Bield, even try paddleboarding on the River Nene. The Festival runs from 19th to 27th September.

See www.nenevalley.net

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS PHOTOS: JON HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Holidays in style S

urrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands in Ashton Wold near Oundle, the three luxury holiday rental houses at the Lady Rothschild Dairy offer a stylish country retreat. Named after artists Constable, Turner and Gainsborough, everything about the warm stone and thatch holiday house apartments, joined together around a U-shaped central courtyard on the historic Ashton Estate, breathes quality, elegance and attention to detail. Many original features have been restored and incorporated into the thoughtful design of the beautifully furnished conversions with their solid oak finishes and strikingly modern kitchens and bathrooms.

The Constable House, with its magnificent vaulted ceiling over the open plan living/ dining and kitchen area, has five bedrooms plus a pull out truckle bed in the study, and can easily accommodate 12 people.

The Turner House is full of original features, including a spiral staircase and walkway above the sitting room. It has four bedrooms and with a sofa bed in the large attic bedroom it is ideal accommodation for up to ten people.

The Gainsborough House has exposed oak beams and an unusual design, with the large living area situated on the first floor and all four bedrooms located on the ground floor. It accommodates eight people, the dining table seats up to 10 and large double doors with ‘Juliette balconies’ open up to spectacular views over the countryside from the first floor.

Each holiday house apartment has its very own Shepherds Hut and the use of a nearby communal garden.

• For more details see www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk

Take to the water E

lton Boat Club invites you to its Annual Open Day on Sunday 13th September to experience the pleasures of life on and beside the water. Among the attractions and activities on offer will be swing band music, Brian’s barbecue, Janet’s cream teas, a raffle, games and tombola for all ages and the chance to cruise to Fotheringhay and back aboard one of their members’ boats.

From 12-5pm, with free admission and parking, at The Clubhouse, next to Warmington Mill, PE8 6TJ.

Run for family fun C

arol Hughes, founder of local children’s charity Anna’s Hope, is calling for families to run or walk and have fun together in the Anna’s Hope 5km Fun Run in the Perkins Great Eastern Run on 11th October. “Through the Anna’s Hope Therapy, which supports a pioneering neurorehabilitation service called Brainbow, the charity is making a real difference to local children diagnosed with a brain tumour,” Carol says.

To enter, visit www. perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk and see www.annashope.co.uk.

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DON’T MISS S

eptember Songs, a celebration of the colours of autumn in music and song at the Holy Name Catholic Church, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4BH at 3pm on Sunday 27th September.

Local musicians will contribute to a varied and colourful programme and will encourage the audience to join them in a finale of favourite numbers. Tickets available at local churches and stores where the event is advertised.

Sshhh, it’s the Secret Vintage Fair T

o help raise funds for the Sue Ryder Hospice, on the weekend of 31st October-1st November the Secret Vintage Fair is holding a scintillating vintage shopping and live music spectacular, featuring Jade May Jean Peters from BBC’s The Voice. It’s location, however, remains a secret.

To be among the first to know, sign up to the mailing list via the website, www.secretvintagefair.com or email info@secretvintagefair.com

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The Lady Rothschild Dairy COUNTRY HOLIDAY HOUSES

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hree luxury self-catering holiday houses located on the famous Ashton Estate surrounded by wildflower meadows, rolling farmland and magical woodlands – the perfect country retreat. The houses are finished with an emphasis on quality, in a style that is both comfortable and elegantly modern. The solid oak finishes and natural features make each house individual. The Lady Rothschild Dairy is of exceptional architectural interest and has been awarded Grade II* listed status.

The Constable House – Sleeps 9 + 3 The Turner House – Sleeps 8 + 2 The Gainsborough House – Sleeps 8

Website: www.ashtonestatecountryholidays.co.uk Email: estateoffice@ashton.ohllimited.com Tel: 01832 272264 / 07831 855206

AU

TU NE MN W CO Bring out your inner artist U BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS RSE

Art class starts soon!

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO IMPROVERS WILL LOVE THIS COURSE! basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art.

Still Life to Landscapes

Absolute Beginners to Improvers - Just Like You! The course is designed to be fun for absolute beginners who have never picked up a brush before through to Improvers.

Step-by-Step Guidance

We adapt to each student’s needs and give them all the guidance and help they need to develop their artistic skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the

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This really is a fu and a great wa n course new friends andy to meet new skills. Pleas develop now for a chat. e call

By the end of the course, students have created a minimum of 8 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes.

ARTCLASS ART PART-TIME 14 WEEK COURSE 3 HOUR CLASSES ONCE A WEEK

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Young at Heart

This course is a brilliant way to learn new skills you will be able to enjoy forever. It is also a great way of meeting new friends and to have a fun experience you will always remember and cherish! It is open to adults of all ages.

Meet New Friends, Learn New Skills

This part time course is over 3 months, so will give you plenty of time to master your new hobby.

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FOR INFORMATION ON DATES, COURSE FEES AND BOOKINGS, CALL NOW ON

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SA0214_15

GREAT NEWS for all our readers looking for something fun to do over the next few months!

Our current class is full but we are now taking enquiries for our next part-time Art Class, which starts soon. This is a new 14 week part-time art class (once a week for 3 hours).

AUTUMN COURS

01832 273 749 LEARN NEW SKILLS MEET NEW FRIENDS AND CREATE ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS NENE LIVING RECOMMENDS

The Black Horse, Elton H

New charity shop in Oundle T

he Air Ambulance Service’s busy little shop on Market Place, Oundle, has been a focus of local attention ever since it opened in July.

The interior is well designed and the stock is good quality, reasonably priced and changes frequently. Manager Sheila Cook says that while the women’s and men’s clothing, china and gifts are going well, “we’re doing a roaring trade in puzzles and the CDs, DVDs, books and children’s toys are very popular.” This month she’ll be looking for donations of seasonal clothing and Christmas gift sets.

SAVE THE DATE

• Students should head to Queensgate Shopping Centre on Thursday 8th October between 4pm and 8pm: its Student Discount Event offers up to 20 per cent off in a selection of stores, as well as giveaways and freebies from favourite brands for those showing a valid Student ID card. www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

Fantastic 50 Guide is a great success E

nterprising sixth-formers from Ken Stimpson Community School have scooped six awards for their innovative Fantastic 50 Guide.

Developed, researched, written and designed by Eminence, the Young Enterprise company set up by eight pupils from the school, the Guide features 50 places across the UK, with brief information about each and space to add a personal photo and notes about your own visit to that location. It costs £10 at the shop inside Peterborough Cathedral and is also available online at shop.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.

In the photograph above, Eminence Managing Director Chris Campbell and Finance Director Penelope Morrison

earing good things about the new management and kitchen brigade at the Black Horse in Elton, the decision to visit was easily made – and we’ve been raving about the food ever since. The menu changes seasonally, there are daily specials, all the (well priced and good value) dishes are created in the kitchen and cooked to order with fresh ingredients sourced locally – “no further than Norfolk”, manager Salvatore Savino told us.

Ever interested in discovering new food tastes, Steve was intrigued by the Warm Cajun Popping Pork Popcorn on the ‘Intros’ section. Much enjoyed with our drinks while we discussed the menu, he decided it was a ‘lighter version of pork scratchings’ and would have loved to know how it was done!

For starters, he ordered the day’s special: Smoked Salmon Parcel stuffed with creamy goats cheese, lemon and chives. “Too good to talk about,” he murmured, clearly impressed. My Whole Baked Camembert with homemade plum, apple and cinnamon chutney and toasted focaccia was superb.

Our main courses were equally inspiring. Steve’s Braised Crispy Pork Belly was pronounced “melt-in-the-mouth tender” and my Sea Bream on a bed of samphire a real treat. The vegetables tasted freshly picked and the presentation of all the dishes we tried wouldn’t have shamed a Masterchef contestant. Service was charmingly attentive.

I still can’t believe I found space for a pudding, but I did, and the Lemon Posset with homemade shortbread was creamily gorgeous (next time I’ll forego a starter and order the Chocolate and Lavender Mille-feuille with rich chocolate sauce) and Steve loved his Strawberry, Lime and Black Pepper Panna Cotta, one of several innovative dishes we hadn’t seen on menus elsewhere.

Steve, whose love of food and cooking has taken him around the world, is no mean cook himself. “That was a well thought out and excellently executed meal,” he said. “It’s a long time since I left a restaurant not feeling that I could do better at home.” Praise indeed.

Sue Dobson • The Black Horse is open daily from 12 noon and the bar offers everything from cask ales and fine wines to Illy coffee, afternoon tea and homemade cakes. In fine weather, the outdoor terrace and courtyard are very appealing. Dining times are 12-2.30pm and 5.30-9.30pm Monday to Saturday, and traditional Sunday lunch is served from 12-3.30pm. 14 Overend, Elton, PE8 6RU Tel: 01832 281222 www.blackhorseelton.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Food News From the Riverford Kitchen Interestingly spiced, this warming and colourful soup is perfect for autumn

Spiced squash, apple & cider soup Ingredients, serves 4: • Oil for frying, e.g. sunflower/light olive • 1 leek, finely sliced • 1 carrot, diced • 1 stick celery, diced • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 25g fresh ginger, peeled & grated • 1 fresh chilli, deseeded & finely chopped • 1 teaspoon toasted & ground cumin seeds • 1 teaspoon toasted & ground coriander seeds • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric • 1 teaspoon garam masala • 1 medium-large squash, peeled & diced • 1 apple, peeled, cored & diced • 250ml cider (we used Ashridge) • 2 packs (1 litre) Riverford chicken stock • Sliced fresh chilli & black onion seeds to garnish (or use pumpkin seeds)

Small shop, tasty treats

H

ome of the Pickled Village marmalades, chutneys and jams, the Bulwick Village Shop may be small but it packs in a feast of goodies. Check out the local and British speciality foods, the tempting sweetie corner and the tasting table, then relax on the tea terrace with a tasty snack.

• 15 Main Street, Bulwick, NN17 3DY Tel: 01780 450774. www.bulwickvillageshop.com

Brigstock’s brew with a difference Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan. Add the leek, carrot and celery and fry on a low heat for 10 mins, stirring to stop them catching.

Add the garlic, ginger, chilli and spices. Fry for 2 mins. Add the squash and apple. Stir well.

Pour in the cider and simmer for 2 mins. Add the stock, season and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 mins, until the squash is tender. Blitz in a food processor or blender until smooth. Gently reheat, checking the seasoning.

Garnish with sliced or chopped chilli and a sprinkling of black onion seeds.

Antonio’s back in town R

estaurateur and TV personality Antonio Carluccio returns to make a guest appearance at Peterborough’s Italian Festival on Saturday 12th September. The festival, which celebrates all things Italian, from panini, pizza and ice cream to wine making and music, takes place on Cathedral Square over the weekend of 12th-13th September.

Happy winner T

o celebrate a successful first year in business, The Coffee House on Peterborough Road in Ailsworth held a freeto-enter competition. “We’ve been so loyally supported since we opened and we wanted to give something back,” said manager Julie Cook.

Regular customer, Audrey, made the draw and the winner, Steve Dobson, was happy to receive his hamper. www.castorcoffee.co.uk

B

ack in the 1980s, potter and ceramicist Phil Wilks enjoyed making his own beer, using a small barrel in the cellar of his home, and over the years his brews have been enjoyed at family parties. Then in 2011, Tom, his eldest son, requested two pins of homemade beer for his wedding reception – and the first of Brigstock Brewhouse’s hand crafted artisan ales, Potter’s Ruin, was born.

Brigstock Brewhouse has grown, the equipment is much more professional, but it remains a family affair. Phil makes all the premium quality beers himself, his wife Sally keeps the business flowing, Tom designs the labels and his younger son Sam manages the website. His latest creation, One Track Mind, was recently Commended in the New Local Drink of the Year category of the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2015/16.

“All our beers are made using natural spring water from a local limestone aquifer, grain freshly milled for each brew and whole hops,” Phil says. “It’s a unique combination resulting in a smoothness and clarity that our customers enjoy.” You can see and buy the innovative Brigstock Brewhouse range of beers at Thrapston Farmers’ Market and online at www.brigstockbrewhouse.co.uk

pumpkin day

Saturday 24th October 11am-4pm free family day out at Riverford on Sacrewell Farm

ne everyom welco e

visit www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell or call 01780 789700 12

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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

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

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

(booking essential)

New Garden Room Restaurant Open

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Truly local A year since its launch, Thrapston Farmers’ Market has much to celebrate. Sue Dobson tells its story

M

ARKETS may have a long history in Thrapston but the monthly Farmers’ Market is rather special.

Launched in September last year, it was set up by a voluntary team of local women with the aim of celebrating locally farmed products, putting Thrapston on the map as a shopping destination, and donating the proceeds to the town. Over £2250 has already been donated to fund local projects.

Charlotte Croser, whose colourful little shop, Jollys Toys, is a source of joy to children and their parents, is Chair of the Farmers’ Market committee. “Almost every pound that we receive from stallholder rents is ploughed back into improving facilities in our community and town centre,” she says. “It’s a market run by the community for the benefit of the community and we take great pride in the fact that all the stallholders offer truly local products.”

Family farms Inviting stalls line the High Street on the first Saturday of each month. Sausages sizzle on a grill alongside pork and apple burgers, sending a tempting aroma from the Mytton Meats stall, where you’ll also find rare breed pork and poultry raised on the Mytton family farms in Oundle and Wisbech.

Greensand Ridge cattle, lambs and Gloucester Old Spot pigs graze on the Franklins Farm meadows in Thorncote Green. Their stall displays the free-range meat alongside seasonal game and their free-range eggs and poultry. Over in Deeping St James, Grasmere Farm uses traditional outdoor farming methods to raise Hampshire Cross pigs for their wide range of pork products.

Cheeses also make a good showing here.

Look for the award-winning Lincolnshire Poacher cheeses, handmade and matured for 14 to 24 months. Wobbly Bottom Farm offers creamy soft goat’s cheeses and cheddars infused with tangy root ginger and cracked black peppercorns. Three of the cheeses produced by Nene View Dairy in Stanwick are up for awards this autumn.

Queues quickly form for Brown’s Gourmet Sausages. These artisan producers specialise in gluten-free, pork, chicken, beef, vegan and vegetarian sausages, dry-cured bacon and South African boerewors, with no additives or preservatives and using natural casings.

Brockleby’s magnificent pies are essential

buys while Feast’s falafels and onion bhajis, hot from the pan, offer a taste of the Middle East alongside interesting Mediterranean salads.

Fruit and vegetables come fresh from the Thompson family’s Manor Farm in Lincolnshire.

They often sell varieties that are difficult to find in supermarkets. For a touch of chilli, Italian style, take a look at Peperoncino. Based in Stanwick, Marco grows many of the ingredients, including the chillies that go to create his range of gourmet sauces, oils, dips and bruschetta toppings.

Sweet treats Those with a sweet tooth are well catered for. Eve’s Cakes of Woodnewton promise “a little slice of paradise” and people with gluten intolerance find salvation at Carol’s Bakes. Carol is coeliac herself and offers a range of gluten free cakes and biscuits also savoury quiches and pasties. Look out, too, for DonnaLulu Cooks. Thrapston local Donna makes a range of artisan breads, savoury pastries, puddings, tray bakes and fruit pies, using locally sourced ingredients and foraged and home grown fruit.

Beekeepers Jeff and Jo harvest thirty hives for their delicious Titchwincle raw honey, “straight from the bees” that pollinate around the villages of Titchmarsh and Aldwincle.

Tracy and Rebecca have a fabulous selection of marmalades and preserves on their eyecatching Nature’s Fayre of Thrapston stall, where mustards, pickles, chutneys and oils also compete for your attention.

Everything here is made from home- or locallygrown fruit and vegetables, sweetened with honey from their hives.

Caroline of Hilltop Plant Nursery in nearby Islip is a great source of advice and inspiration for gardeners and don’t forget the family’s four-legged friend ¬– Joan and Oberon of Paws Doggie Bags hand make the treats in their canine kitchen!

Complete the local shopping with beer from the Brigstock Brewhouse and the Copper Kettle craft brewery in Rushden; Saxby’s traditional cider, hand produced on their Farndish farm; and wines from Brixworth’s own Fleur Fields Vineyard.

• Thrapston Farmers’ Market is held on the first Saturday of every month (except January) from 9am to 1pm. High Street, Thrapston, NN14 4JH www. thrapstonfarmersmarket.moonfruit.com NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Shopping

Spotlight on Wansford This pretty village has some interesting shops and thriving businesses, all well worth discovering

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ITH its honey coloured stone cottages clustered on the banks of the River Nene, Wansford seems the epitome of an idyllic English village. Situated just off the A1, with easy access and parking, its wide main street is home to the historic Haycock Hotel, a collection of independent, highly individual shops, hair and beauty salons and some good surprises.

Vow Bridal Gallery 26-30 London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JE Tel: 01780 783607. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5.30pm (Wednesday 5pm) and Saturday 9am-5pm http://vowbridal.co.uk Cool, elegant, light and airy, Vow Bridal Gallery’s new premises offer more space to display the beautiful bridal collections, stylish accessories, bridesmaids’ dresses and men’s formal wear. Directors Lisa Smith and Dave Gallagher pride themselves on customer service and finding exactly the right look to suit each individual’s personality. There are exquisite wedding dresses from designers Madeline Issac-James, Sanyukta Shrestha, Terry Fox, Ramani and Diane Harbridge, and the guys also get meticulous attention to detail in Vow’s comprehensive range of menswear (available to hire).

The Haycock Hotel London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JA Tel: 01780 782223 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/thehaycock-hotel A 16th-century coaching inn with 48 traditionally furnished bedrooms, lovely gardens and an AA award-winning restaurant where the seasonal menus are “contemporary yet classic”.

Boheme Drayton House, London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD Tel: 01780 784799. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am-4.30pm www.bohemeclothing.com Dagmar Price stocks vintage and pre-loved fashion by Vivienne Westwood at a fraction of their original prices. “Vivienne’s style is unique, the fabrics are top quality and her clothes hold their value,” says the ever-stylish Dagmar, who has run Boheme, her Vivienne Westwood boutique, in this Georgian building for 15 years and has customers from all over the UK, America and Australia. Here you’ll find the designer’s distinctive shirts and blouses, dresses and trousers, plus belts, handbags, shoes, striking jewellery and a section of menswear featuring Gold Label and Anglomania Lee. Beaux Amis The Haycock Hotel, London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JA Tel: 01780 781102. Open TuesdaySaturday from 9am, Thursday from 10am www.beaux-amis.co.uk At this relaxed salon tucked away in the Haycock Hotel’s courtyard, director Stacey Chalkley and her creative team use Redken and Pureology products for top hair care and offer a selection of conditioning treatments alongside cutting, colouring and styling for women, men and children.

Bridal hair and make-up are a speciality.

Polished Nails and Beauty The Haycock Hotel, London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JA Tel: 07811 057715. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am-5pm (8pm on Wednesday and Thursday) www.polished-nailsandbeauty.co.uk Antonia specialises in manicures and pedicures using Gelish and All That Jazz products for beautiful nails, Lash Perfect eyelash extensions and waxing treatments. She even has the answer to stronger nails and a foot treatment that targets hard skin. Happy to create bridal packages and pamper parties, you’ll find her next to the Beaux Amis hair salon at The Haycock.

The Paper Mills London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JB Tel: 01780 782328.

Open daily from 11.30am www.thepapermills.co.uk Warm and welcoming, this friendly country pub and restaurant serves enjoyable food all day from noon to 9pm (Sunday 125pm), with different menus to suit the time of day and a good choice of real ales and wines, all served with a smile.

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Shopping

Spotlight on Wansford Baan Sala Thai Therapy SW31, 12 London Road, PE8 6JB Tel: 01780 782824/07772 373411. Open TuesdaySaturday 9am-7pm Wannee Cope uses traditional Thai massage techniques and deep tissue massages “to improve blood circulation, ease tense shoulders and provide relief from general aches and pains.”

InStep Foot Clinic 19 Elton Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD Tel: 01780 783982. Open Monday, Tuesday 9am-4pm, Wednesday 8am-8.30pm, Thursday 8am-6pm, Friday 8am-2pm In a homely courtyard setting, the state-of-the-art clinic provides high quality chiropody and podiatry treatments for all foot and lower limb problems in adults and children.

Established in 2001 by Principal Podiatrist Sue Arnold, InStep has developed an enviable reputation for effective routine treatment of corns, callus, verrucae, cracked heels, fungal and other nail problems as well as specialised treatments for pain relief. There are two Associate Podiatrists, Alex Hough and Simon Miles. Simon also offers treatments for sport injuries, biomechanics and the prescription of orthotics and insoles.

Seechanges Hypnotherapy 33 Elton Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD Tel: 01780 678565 www.seechanges.co.uk “Hypnosis is an extremely effective method for mastering your demons, activating your hidden talents and stimulating your creativity,” says Bernice Hardwick, who combines it with a range of other cognitive and psychotherapeutic techniques as she treats many different conditions and concerns, including anxiety, addictions, eating disorders and lack of confidence. “I offer a free, initial telephone consultation; everything is tailored carefully to individual needs and absolutely confidential.”

SW31 Hair and Beauty 12 London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JB Tel: 01780 782824. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am sw31hairandbeauty.weebly.com Sarah Wilde is moving – to a newly renovated salon upstairs! Situated directly opposite the Haycock and with free parking outside, SW31 offers unisex hair care, colouring and treatments.

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Dress A Round 31 London Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD Tel: 07974 263650. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm (5pm Thursday and Friday) Lynda Moulds’ bright and buzzy dress agency features a mix of designer and high street fashion labels in sizes 8 to 18, smart shoes and handbags, jewellery, prom wear and some gorgeous hats.

Labels to look for here include Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Osprey and Mulberry, Michael Kors and Christian Louboutin. The stock is constantly changing and seasonal, so it’s well worth more than one visit.

The Barn 4 Elton Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD Tel: 07850 651160.

Open Friday to Sunday 10am-4pm and by appointment www.thebarnatwansford.co.uk Packed to the beams with treasures, The Barn is a hidden gem, tucked away behind the homes of neighbouring friends Maggi Cracknell and Julia Stewart, who together seek out an eclectic mix of beautiful and unusual things for the home and garden. “Lighting, glass and antique furniture are my passion,” says Maggi, “and Julia’s forte is interiors, she’s a wizard at putting the right thing in the right place.” From antique chandeliers, through Baccarat glasses and Russian crystal to magnificent mirrors, framed prints, Victorianstyle toys, model yachts, cushions, candelabra, handmade ceramics, clocks, gifts, ornaments and curios, browsing here is sheer pleasure.

Post Office and Stores 23 Elton Road, Wansford PE8 6JD Tel: 01780 782416. Shop open Monday to Saturday 7am-6pm, Sunday 9am-2pm Popular village shop selling newspapers and magazines, bread, snacks, frozen foods, vegetables, phone top-ups, beer and wine, plus an excellent post office where you can buy your euros.

Wansford Smile Studio Wansford Surgery Precinct, Old Hill Farm, Yarwell Road, Wansford, PE8 6PL Tel: 01780 784949. Open Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5.30pm, Friday 8.30am-1pm www.wansfordsmilestudio.co.uk “Going to the dentist may not be top of everybody’s list of fun things to do but there is no reason why, in the 21st century, it has to be traumatic,” says Dr Alexandra Macras, who opened the state-ofthe-art Wansford Smile Studio in 2010. At this private dental practice providing general, family and cosmetic dentistry, “we place great emphasis on trying to make patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while providing good quality dentistry in a friendly environment. Nothing overthe-top, just good quality care by people who care. Cheesy, I know, but it’s important to me.”

NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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PETERBOROUGH PEOPLE

Peterborough’s building blocks kiln Building the first 69 at King’s Dyke, 19

Andrew Mortlock launched into a new career as company archivist

Former London Brick Company employee Andrew Mortlock is curating the history of the brickworks and the thousands of people who worked in them. Jonathan Craymer met him

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ITH its sets of familiar tall chimneys dotting the skyline, the old London Brick Company was one of Peterborough’s biggest employers for decades and literally helped shape the demographics of the city. So great was the demand for skilled workers that in the early 1950s, a group of executives even went to southern Italy to recruit skilled workers. Over 3000 Italian and German prisoners of war had previously helped make bricks during World War II. LBC was quite an institution. Facilities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, cricket and football pitches, plus a bowling green were created for staff, who could also use the company’s social facilities. The Phorpres Sports and Social club opened in 1938 in London Road, offering sports days as well as a regular programme of events such as dinner dances and social evenings. LBC even had its own fire brigade from 1935 and answered hundreds of calls during its 47-year history.

Arguably no one else is better qualified than Andrew Mortlock to become the official London Brick Company archivist. Andrew took early retirement in 2011 and now works two days a week on a voluntary basis.

In all he’s clocked up 45 years at Hanson/ LBC having started at the age of 15 in 1967 as a messenger boy in the Beeby’s Works, Yaxley. Both his grandfathers, his own dad and uncles also worked for London Brick and now his son Thomas, 27, is employed by current owners Hanson Building Products (which took

over LBC in the mid-80s) in the sole surviving Peterborough brickyard at King’s Dyke, Whittlesey. Altogether members of Andrew’s family have contributed 300 years’ service to brick production.

Preserving history I caught up with him at the King’s Dyke works.

Suitably kitted out with safety helmet and hiviz jacket, I was allowed into Andrew’ s office within the main stores, where many of the items of historical value he’s saved from the skip are cared for.

“I happened to be interested in the history of LBC, and was asked to help put together a display for an exhibition at St John’s Church in Peterborough in 2011,” says Andrew, who’d recently been made redundant from the nearby Saxon Works. And then somehow he found himself being given an office and a new role, preserving the history of this enormous enterprise, which employed vast numbers of people in Peterborough and Bedfordshire.

It says a lot about safety standards that disasters were few and far between, and unlike the mining industry, deaths in service were extremely rare. Even when in 1969 at the Hicks No 1 works the overhead gantry carrying bricks across the East Coast main railway line collapsed in heavy snow, no one sustained any injuries. “I was working as a messenger boy that day and was really worried, as I knew my grandfather was a burner at the Hicks, but he was okay.”

I wondered if a computer might help him archive some of the materials he’s amassed, but Andrew thinks it would take someone up to 10 years to enter all the information.

Clearly the part he enjoys most is helping families of former employees learn more about their relatives’ working lives. “The looks on their faces if I manage to produce a photograph of their relative at work, makes it all worthwhile,” beams Andrew.

It also pleases him greatly to be given information by relatives of former workers. A recent treasured find is a beautiful leather-bound document describing an estate of homes built by a charity founded by one of the LBC chairman, Sir Malcolm Stewart. A lady in Spalding donated it, together with a huge pile of photographs. But not all artefacts are so compact. There are two former LBC lorries in the workshops, which have been restored to pristine condition, ready to appear at selected events.

Interestingly the King’s Dyke works itself, which once produced four million bricks a week, now makes only two million – and none of those are used for new-builds. They’re all for home extensions and the like, where owners want to match up new bricks with the old.

“Lots of people have suggested I write a book on all this,” says Andrew. But he points to the shelves groaning under a mass of files on the 20 brickworks which formerly existed in Peterborough and a further 12 in Bedfordshire, and adds: “But I just don’t have the time!”

• Andrew can be contacted on Tel: 01733 359148 NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Advertisement feature: GARDENING

For a great lawn next year NOW is the time to start Sisters Sarah and Jo who run GreenThumb Peterborough and Oundle talk about how the vital machine work our lawns need over the coming months can help to get on top of moss, plus get your lawn into great shape for next season

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UR lawns have taken a real hit this year with the cold and dry first half of the year causing unwanted coarse grasses to thrive and then the baking temperatures starving the lawns of much needed water. Sarah and Jo say “too many people wait until spring to call for help with moss, but now’s the time to take action”. They liken hollow-tine aeration and scarification to the equivalent of a major car service and this essential work is done between October and March when the lawn is less active. “This machine work is just brilliant for addressing lawn problems such as thatch build up, moss and ground compaction and makes for a much healthier lawn”.

What is thatch?

Thatch is the name given to the matted layer that lies just above or below the soil surface.

It’s made up of the accumulation of dead matter such as old stems, roots, dead moss and leaves intermingled with decaying or partially decayed organic matter.

This ‘mat’ acts like a thatched roof, preventing moisture, oxygen and nutrients getting to the roots just where the lawn needs it. This isn’t good for the lawn but moss just loves it.

Top tip: Never leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing as this contributes to thatch build up.

Moss thrives in damp conditions, so to create a moss-free lawn it’s all about removing or reducing this environment. The main causes of moss are: Thatch – a matted layer found between the soil and the grass leaf either above or below ground level.

Compaction – where the ground is very hard, this restricts water movement to the root zone.

Shaded areas – which can leave the grass damp so ideal for moss to flourish.

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What about raking the moss out?

Lawn raking will remove some of the moss, but unless the cause is tackled, effective moss reduction won’t be achieved. At GreenThumb we tackle moss on three fronts: • Encouraging a healthy strong lawn through regular fertiliser and weedkill treatments • Dealing with the common issues that encourage moss • Applying a moss control at the end of the season to help suppress moss spores Top tip: In many cases just increasing the height of your mower can help reduce moss.

The two main ways of reducing compaction and thatch are hollow-tine aeration and scarification. At GreenThumb this is done alongside our regular programme of four seasonal fertiliser and weedkill treatments.

What is hollowtine aeration?

Using a very heavy machine, hollow-tine aeration removes thousands of small cores from the surface of the lawn. This reduces ground compaction and thins out the layer of sub-surface thatch. It then allows nutrients, water and oxygen to reach the root zone in the lawn making for a much healthier lawn.

“Hollow-tine aeration is vital in our area as our soil is mainly very heavy clay. Aerated lawns get better results from our fertiliser treatments as the feed gets to the grass roots far quicker” says Sarah.

Jo (L) Sarah (R) at GreenThumb

always more prone to fungal attack as well.

At GreenThumb, when we scarify we rake up and bag all the rubbish that comes out of the lawn and for a small charge we can take all the rubbish away if our customers don’t want to dispose of it themselves. We like to take away all the hassle for our customers” Finally … it’s not too late to sort those weeds It’s a never-ending battle to keep your lawn weed free as seeds lie dormant and others are constantly being blown in from neighbouring locations. This time of year weeds are still actively growing, so if you want to get on top of them before next spring, now is the time. Just give us a call.

• 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

What is scarification?

Scarification is done by a machine that removes the thatch that builds up in lawns every year.

Removing thatch increases airflow allowing the lawn to breathe again. It’s a very rigorous treatment but it allows more moisture to reach the root zone, keeping the grass plant hydrated for longer and enables fertiliser to reach the soil better. Sarah says “this year we’ve seen lawns that haven’t been scarified dry off and turn brown much quicker. They’re

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PETERBOROUGH PEOPLE

The bird man of Chesterton Simon Allen’s passion for birds of prey has taken him all over the world. Sue Dobson met him at Hill Farm

Never one to miss a photo opportunity, Pepe Cech poses with Simon at Hill Farm

Looking pensive: Zorro, the northern goshawk

Simon cares lovingly for Kate, the eagle hybrid

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EEING the film Kes changed Simon Allen’s life. “I was a disruptive child with severe dyslexia”, he says. “It wasn’t understood back then and I was labelled ‘difficult’. One day a teacher wanted me out of the classroom and stuck me in front of a screen to watch a film. It was Kes, the story of a troubled teenage boy who finds solace in caring for and training a kestrel. I knew right there and then what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve been besotted with birds of prey ever since.”

Much to the dismay of his parents, young Simon was always rescuing injured wildlife that he came across, bringing bedraggled creatures home to nurse back to health, especially birds, which he’s loved from an early age. His interest in falconry grew and after school he’d fly birds of prey over landfill sites to deter gulls.

He got a job with the Kentish Falconry and Conservation Centre on the Isle of Sheppey, learning about the breeding of falcons and hawks and their export to falconers around the world, but particularly breeding for the Arabian market. He moved on to a larger facility in Scotland and later lived at the Raptor Foundation at Woodhurst, near St Ives.

“The Raptor Foundation provides medical care for injured raptors and returns rehabilitated birds to the wild,” he says. “It also provides a rescue service and sanctuary for birds that cannot be released.

“I particularly enjoyed working in the hospital there, caring for many different species of birds of prey and their illnesses and injuries. It was always a good feeling when birds recovered and could be taken back to the place where they were found and released back into the wild.”

Simon has travelled the world setting up breeding programmes and has spent much time in the Arabian Gulf, where hunting with falcons is a popular sport. He’s trained falcons for sheikhs, for whom the birds are their most prized possessions and considered part of the family, and helped set up the world famous, state of the art, Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital in the Qatari capital, Doha.

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All ready to fly, Tibba has his eye on the fields

Hill Farm’s Paddy Ivens is offering the land for Simon’s wildlife hospital project It sounds an exciting life so I’m intrigued to know what brought him to Chesterton. “My parents were ill, so I gave it all up, fostered out my birds and came back home.” He says it matter-of-factly, but does admit that initially he didn’t find it easy to settle.

“Out of the blue, someone rang, asking if I could take care of a harris hawk that he could no longer keep, as the land he flew the bird on had been bought for development. Then, as I live near to Hill Farm, I asked the farmer, Paddy Ivens, if I could train a bird on the farm over the winter months and he agreed. That was the start of my new life!”

On display All the birds of prey that Simon displays at Hill Farm are captive bred birds that have been rescued or were unwanted. “Some come as a result of the ill health or death of an owner,” he explains. “Birds of prey can have long life spans – eagle owls can live into their 60s.” He has eight birds at the farm and flies them all, but only in the winter. “It’s irresponsible to fly them in the spring and summer when wild birds are nesting and breeding.”

The most recent additions to his ‘family’ are an eagle owl and its chick, rescued from a house in Kent after its owner had proved unable to care for it. “The mother was covered in scars from being attacked by other birds and the chick was very thin, but it is putting on weight nicely now.

Over the summer I was even able to bring the mother over to Hill Farm on a few occasions to show to visitors. She was unfazed by the attention and seemed quite happy.”

Certainly the birds at Hill Farm show no signs of complaint and being bred in captivity have no problem with the sounds of the world around them. Tibba, a peregrine hybrid and Zorro the goshawk never miss a thing, their little heads moving constantly as they follow the activities of the families at the pick-your-own farm shop. Kate, the splendid golden eagle/steppe eagle hybrid, so named because she hatched on the day of the royal wedding, spreads her wings from time to time and shows off in a nonchalant sort of way.

My special favourite is bright-eyed Pepe Cech, a Eurasian eagle owl.

The colours and shades of his feathers are incredibly beautiful. “He was named by a visiting child,” Simon says. “I’m told it means ‘little Paul’.”

Always keen on spreading the word about conservation, Simon takes his birds into schools and has shown them in many locations around Peterborough, including Ferry Meadows and Sacrewell Farm. He’s often invited to give talks about falconry and reveals there are seven different disciplines, including Arab, English and Mongolian falconry, with different methods and styles of training. During his time in Qatar, locals taught him Bedouin falconry.

As well as training volunteers to become foster carers of birds, he offers one-on-one bird of prey experience days, hawk walks, bird of prey management courses and corporate team building days, in addition to his popular half-day photography packages.

Dream project Simon has great plans to create a wildlife centre, hospital and sanctuary for captive bred birds of prey at Hill Farm. “The architects’ plans have been submitted and I’m hoping that work on the building might start in

Peregrine hybrid

Eurasian eagle owl the next few months,” he says.

“Paddy Ivens has been incredibly supportive in making the land available, two international vets are prepared to help, and the RSPCA and local schools are very interested in my plans. I’m trying to build the centre through sponsorship, with the long term aim of it being a community project.”

Creating a hospital for injured wildlife is something Simon has long wanted to do. “First aid and the medical side are my passion. There’ll be rehab aviaries for birds that can be treated and then released back into the wild. Birds’ bones heal quite quickly and a 10-week vacation in a sanctuary will offer them a second chance.”

For the captive bred birds of prey, the centre would be a ‘forever home’.

There’ll be a wildlife educational area with explanatory boards about the birds and the value of conservation, ideal for visiting school groups.

He’s been working hard for the past three years to put the project into action and as he proudly shows me the building plans, Simon looks forward to bringing the Hill Farm Bird of Prey and Wildlife Rescue Centre, and its hospital, to fruition.

• Find Simon and his birds at Hill Farm PYO, Oundle Road, Chesterton PE7 3UA, which is open Tuesday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm until the end of October, and visit his website www.hillfarmbirdofprey.co.uk NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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HERITAGE DAYS OUT

Norman Cross

The beautifully restored and privately owned Agent’s House

Visit the former Napoleonic prisoner of war camp on Heritage Open Days this month – its event has won a coveted national award. Yasmin Bradley reports

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HE annual Heritage Open Days event, held this year between 10th and 13th September, is England’s biggest festival of history, encouraging local communities to engage with the hidden histories on their doorstep and welcoming the general public into thousands of historic places across the country, free of charge. Several Peterborough properties will be throwing open their doors, but as the overall winner of the Heritage Open Day Awards, the Friends of Norman Cross will be pulling out all the stops to make their event truly special.

Winning the award is a great coup. Out of hundreds of entries, the FONC was one of only six Heritage Open Day organisers picked to present their event in London before an invited audience of eminent guests from across the heritage and cultural sector. To their delight, Norman Cross Napoleonic Prisoner of War Depot was pronounced the overall winner.

The Norman Cross story Constructed by the Admiralty in 1797, Norman Cross was the first purpose-built ‘depot’ (prisoner of war camp) and was in use until 1814.

At its busiest it housed around 7,000 French, Dutch, Prussian and other foreign prisoners from the Napoleonic wars, guarded by 500 soldiers, a population more than twice that of nearby Peterborough. It was the major source of income for local industry and farmers, who supplied food, clothing and building materials.

The site at Norman Cross was chosen for its good road and water transport links. These allowed captured soldiers, sailors and a few unlucky civilians found aboard enemy ships, to be moved by flat-bottomed lighter boats from

King’s Lynn to Yaxley – but it was a difficult place to escape from.

The prison was intended to be a model depot, providing the most humane treatment of prisoners-of-war at that time and a step up from the overcrowded prison ‘hulks’ anchored off shore. The prisoners received generous amounts to eat and to drink but some were lacking in clothing due to the common pastime of gambling – sometimes including the ‘clothes off the backs’. There were few escapes but re-captured prisoners, or those found guilty of attacking guards or of practices known as ‘infamous vices’, were kept shackled on half rations in a windowless block known as the Black Hole.

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the prisoners were repatriated and the wooden depot largely dismantled. The few brick-built buildings remain as private houses. The restored Agent’s House was originally occupied by the commander of the depot and the converted stables are now home to the Norman Cross Gallery, an independent fine art gallery.

The Bronze Eagle memorial Located to the south of Yaxley and Peterborough just off the A1, every day thousands of cars, vans and trucks from all across Europe and beyond rush past, probably without the slightest realisation of the site’s national and international significance.

The great bronze Imperial Eagle that stood atop a memorial column, erected in 1914 beside the northern carriageway of the A1, was stolen in 1990. After a successful fundraising appeal, in 2005 the restored monument with its new bronze eagle was re-located off the A15, nearer

the Agent’s House and behind the Premier Inn hotel, unveiled by the 8th Duke of Wellington.

The monument is a memorial to the 1,770 prisoners of all nationalities, but mainly French and Dutch, who died at the depot and were buried in the vicinity.

What to see and do As part of the bi-centenary anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo celebrations, this month’s Heritage Open Days weekend was always going to be a special one.

Visitors to Norman Cross can hear historian Paul Chamberlain recounting the fascinating history of the prisoners held there, their guards, and the local community and tourists who came to buy hand-crafted artefacts at the weekly market held at the prison gates.

The guided tours will reveal what remains of the site: the beautifully restored Agent’s House and Old Stables, the lower-storied Barrack Master’s House, parts of the original surrounding wall nearby, as well as stones and brickwork incorporated into modern dwellings.

You can track the peripheries of the camp and see one of the many wells that were so important to the site as a source of fresh water.

In the little cemetery, which in springtime overflows with snowdrops and bluebells, are monuments to officers who died during their time here. In Yaxley Church, a mile away, there’s a particularly moving one that was erected by the prisoners. The exact burial site of over a thousand prisoners who died due to the 1800 to 1801 outbreak of typhoid fever, smallpox, measles, consumption and dysentery is still uncertain – hence the Norman Cross Eagle › memorial.

ABOVE: An early painting gives an overview of the prisoner of war camp LEFT: The distinctive Bronze Eagle, a memorial to prisoners buried in the vicinity

Derek Lopez, Chairman of the Friends of Norman Cross (right) and historian Paul Chamberlain with their Heritage Open Days Award banner, photographed in London in July NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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More free Heritage Open Days to enjoy in Peterborough Trees now populate the site of the prisoner of war camp

A model of the Norman Cross depot is on permanent display in the former Stable Block If you want to see the soldiers, families and ‘hangers-on’ of the era come alive, visit the living history camp and meet the Napoleonic re-enactors. Their clothing is authentic “right down to the under clothes,” claims a woman reenactor charmingly dressed in bodice, straw-hat and gown. Hundreds of pounds and hours are spent researching and hand-sewing the clothes to 19th century patterns using only wool, cotton and other materials available at that time.

The re-enactors drills take place just outside the Agent’s House, close to where the depot’s weekly markets were held. Tours start at the old Stable Block, home to temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Artefacts on display A model of the depot is permanently on display in the former Stable Block. On show this weekend only, however, are beautifully worked bone-carved and straw marquetry workboxes, mini-guillotines, mansions and other artefacts hand crafted by prisoners, along with the 2009

Re-enactors bring the Norman Cross story to life

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Time Team findings and items from the Fenland Trust’s Yaxley Museum Collection.

For another insight into life at the time, take a closer look behind the model of the camp. There’s a poignant, delicately engraved memorial stone for the three young children of Captain Hanwell, Agent of the Depot and his wife Mary Shelton, which is usually protected by A cabinet in the a locked panel.

Norman Cross Gallery Until the beginning displays examples of of the 20th century, it carved bone and straw was neither unusual artefacts made by to have large families prisoners or for more than one child to die prematurely; whether the family, living in such close proximity to the depot, was particularly vulnerable, it is hard to say. This July, a descendant of one of the surviving children got in touch, with further fascinating information and images. It appears the family moved to London and a surviving brother became a founding member of The Prudential Mutual Assurance Investment and Loan Association.

Follow up your Open Day weekend with a visit to Peterborough Museum to see the gallery where excellent re-creations of the prisoners’ living quarters and more of the exquisite carvings are on display. At Norman Cross too, there are plans afoot for bigger and more explicit, interactive displays to tell this important story.

• The Age of Titans: Norman Cross Prisonerof-War Camp Heritage Open Weekend takes place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September from 10am-4pm. Tours are at 11am and 2pm. It’s a free event but prebooking is required, both to access the site and for the tours. Contact Derek or Mary Lopez: Tel: 01733 245189 or email contact@ normancrossgallery.com. The Norman Cross Art Gallery, Norman House, Peterborough PE7 3TB. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/laa/ Peterborough

• Custom House, a 16th-century building originally used as a toll house for goods transported along the River Nene. Open 12th and 13th September, 10am-5pm. Rivergate, PE1 1EG. • Peterborough Cathedral Garden and Precincts Tours. See hidden parts of the precincts and the Deanery Garden on guided tours at 10, 12, 2 and 4pm on Saturday 12th. Pre-booking preferred: Lisa Foulkes-Arnold, Tel: 01733 355316 or email volunteer.coordinator@ peterborough-cathedral.org.uk • Behind the Scenes at Peterborough Museum. Make fascinating discoveries on guided tours at 11am and 2pm on 12th and 13th September. No need to book. Priestgate, PE1 1LF. • St Margaret’s Church, Fletton. See the Saxon stones, view the church and find out about the local community, past and present. Open Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th from 1-5pm. Fletton Avenue, PE2 8DE. • A Visit to Thorney. Hear about the history of the Abbey and village and visit the Thorney Heritage Museum.

Tour on Sunday 13th at 2pm. Booking not required. Thorney Abbey, Abbey Place, PE6 0QD. • St Andrew’s Church, Northborough.

A medieval church with connections to the Cromwell and Claypole families and the poet John Clare. Open Saturday 12th from 11am-4pm. Church Street, Northborough, PE6 9BN. Guided walk through Milton Park. Enjoy acres of historic parkland on a guided walk of up to two hours on Sunday 13th at 2.15pm. Pre-booking essential through the Milton Estate Office: Tel: 01733 267740. Milton Park, PE3 9HD. St Pega’s Church, Peakirk. See the outstanding 14th century wall paintings, fine Norman doorway and 13th- and 15th-century interior decorated for Harvest Festival. Open Thursday 10th and Friday 11th from 10am-4pm, Saturday 12th 10am-5pm and Sunday 13th 12-5pm. Chestnut Close, Peakirk, PE6 7NH.

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WELLBEING

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

Firmer, smoother skin

T

he new ReFirme Skin Tightening treatment at the Cosmetic Clinic is fast becoming a favourite with clients. The Skin Tightening is carried out with the gold award winning Syneron-Candela laser, which comfortably achieves a more youthful, firm and toned appearance but without the downtime. The combined elos (electooptical synergy) technologies make this treatment virtually painless and results can be seen on the day. The laser stimulates collagen production and produces the firming effect in lax skin to leave it toned so it becomes smoother and more luminous. Mild to moderate wrinkles are reduced and the texture of the skin becomes more elastic. For the summer months there is a special offer of £50 off this skin tightening treatment.

I was lucky enough to try this treatment and found it relaxing. My skin instantly felt smoother and brighter, with no redness or dryness afterwards.

Bridget Steele • The Cosmetic Clinic is at 226 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough, PE1 3PB. If you would like any further information or a free consultation, please call Tel: 01733 310090.

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No more hard skin

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callus foot peel may not sound like the most inviting of treatments, but I was intrigued after meeting Antonia Catalano, owner of Polished Nails and Beauty in Wansford. She had given me a leaflet on it and explained that it is a popular treatment with no pain, giving excellent results and could be either a stand-alone treatment or combined with a pedicure. My heels are covered in hard skin, probably the result of being a keen runner and walker for years, so the treatment seemed ideal for me.

The whole procedure only takes 20-25 minutes and starts with your feet being wrapped up in clingfilm within a ‘Skin Soft Sachet’. While this works its magic, you are left to relax. The next stage involves ‘peeling’ the hard skin off and filing it down. Amazingly there were no uncomfortable moments while this was done. Antonia finished off with a moisturiser, leaving my feet beautifully soft and smooth. The treatment was £24 and I would recommend it for great results on removing hard skin without any discomfort.

• For more information contact Antonia at Polished Nails and Beauty, The Haycock Hotel, London Road, Wansford, Peterborough.

PE8 6JA Tel: 07811 057715. www.polishednailsandbeauty.co.uk

Hair and beauty in style

T

he Beauty Room in Oundle celebrates its first birthday under new ownership with a new team in its stylishly refurbished surroundings. The experienced staff pride themselves in offering a professional, friendly service helping clients to relax and rejuvenate.

The salon specialises in Elemis Skin Care for Men and Women and offers Deep Tissue Massage, Hair removal, HD brows and has recently begun offering world-accredited semi permanent make up. Popular additions to the salon this year are a state of the art vertical tanning booth along with the Universal Contour Body Wrap and individual eyelash extensions.

The Beauty Room is an ideal salon to Local practitioner, Nina Heaton is running combine hair and beauty appointments. The a Well-being & Inspiration Day on Sunday senior hair stylists provide the latest cutting 18th October at Tofte Manor, North and colouring techniques for both ladies Bedfordshire. Nina explains: “We all need and gentlemen as well as bridal packages. time to re-connect in the busy pace of A popular service for the men is the Elemis life. Creating expansion in the body and Traditional Wet Shave. On Tuesdays the mind helps us to experience harmony and hair salon offers a cut and blow dry for that sense of wellbeing. As we open up to £20.00 and senior citizens receive 10% new possibilities and notice the shifts in off treatments on any day of the week. our own experience, the ripples of these Late night appointments are available on changes continue flow outwards, and so Wednesdays and Thursdays. we experience even more joy!”

• For more information or to book an

Make Time To Be Inspired

appointment, contact the Beauty Room at 14 West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF Tel: 01832 273989. bookings@beautyroomoundle.co.uk

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• For details and booking form, email nina@ninaheaton.co.uk or call 01733 236476. www.ninaheaton.co.uk

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BodyLaser Clinics • Laser Hair Removal

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THE ULTIMATE HAIR AND BEAUTY EXPERIENCE A selection of Beauty and Hair treatments offered...

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COURSES

Learn something new!

How about taking up a different hobby or learning a new skill this autumn? Lucy Banwell finds some of the best adult learning classes in our area

When: Monday 9.30–noon. Starts 14 September.

Runs for 12 weeks Cost: £186 Where: City College Peterborough, Brook Street, Peterborough, PE1 1TU; Tel: 01733 761361 www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk Seasons Art Class Local artist Deborah James gives step-by-step tuition to all abilities and experience levels in this friendly, weekly class. The course covers four different media – pencil drawing, oil pastels, watercolours and acrylics – and culminates in an exhibition for family and friends.

When: Thursday 10am–1pm or 2–5pm. Starts 24 September. Runs for 14 weeks Where: Yarwell Village Hall, Main Street, Yarwell, Peterborough, PE8 6PR; Tel: 01832 273749 www.theseasonsartclass.com

Jane Paige, a self-portrait of the botanical artist

ART

Botanical Illustration Tutor Jane Paige, a member of the Society of Botanical Artists, will take students through all aspects of watercolour illustration with a focus on identifying and recording key aspects of your chosen plant. No prior experience is required but a love of plants would be a bonus!

When: Monday 9.30am–3pm. Starts 21 September. Runs for 10 weeks Cost: £280 Where: Old Brewery Studios, Kings Cliffe, PE8 6XB; Tel: 01780 470247 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/adultlearning Drawing Budding artists of all levels are welcome to tutor Robert Meadows’s drawing classes, which are held at Kings Cliffe’s charming Old Brewery Studios. Sketching techniques with pencil are covered over the 10-week course as well as experimentation with charcoal.

When: Wednesday 9.30am–12.30pm. Starts 23 September. Runs for 10 weeks Cost: £155 Where: Old Brewery Studios, Kings Cliffe, PE8 6XB; Tel: 01780 470247 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/adultlearning Drawing and Painting Techniques Mixed media artist Kathryn Moore leads this 12-week course that will cover a range of techniques using mediums such as pencil, acrylics, charcoal, watercolours and oils.

UPHOLSTERY

Bring along an upholstery project and learn on the job with expert tuition from experienced local upholsterer Damian York. A personal touch is guaranteed with a maximum of six people per class.

When: Tuesdays 10am–1pm, 2-5pm or 6–9pm Cost: £90 for a 4-week block of classes Where: Much Loved, 57 High Street, Corby Old Village, NN17 1UU; Tel: 07984 400585 www.facebook.com/ MuchLovedShabbyChicandVintage

WINE APPRECIATION

Learn how to taste and appreciate the world’s most famous grape varieties under the careful eye of experienced wine man John Brooks.

When: Tuesday 6.30–8pm. Starts 15 September.

Runs for 6 weeks.

Cost: £67 Where: City College Peterborough, Brook Street, Peterborough, PE1 1TU; Tel: 01733 761361 www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk

INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior Design Level 1 An exploration of basic interior design techniques, building towards the production, presentation and critical evaluation of designs and drawings. No prior experience needed.

When: Wednesday 6–8pm. Starts 16 September.

Runs for 10 weeks Cost: £245 Where: Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, Peterborough, PE1 4DZ; Tel: 0345 872 8722 www.peterborough.ac.uk

POTTERY

Acclaimed local ceramicist Rob Bibby teaches pottery techniques from his workshop in a converted chapel in Woodnewton. Learn how to throw a pot and more.

When: Tuesday 9.30am–noon or 7.30– 9.30pm. Runs throughout the year Cost: £12.50 per session for the daytime class, £10 for the evening class Where: Woodnewton Pottery, 43 Main Street, Woodnewton, Oundle, PE8 5EB; Tel: 01780 470866 www.robbibbyceramics.co.uk

Learn pottery skills from acclaimed ceramicist Rob Bibby in Woodnewton

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

Free car park

T: 01733 264391 E: sales@tlsw.co.uk

W: wwwthelampshadewarehouse.co.uk Opening times Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 4pm

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COURSES

LANGUAGES Spanish, Italian & French Classes Why not learn a new language this autumn at Oundle’s very own language school? Antler Languages offers friendly group tuition as well as one-to-one teaching in Spanish, Italian and French. All levels welcome including complete beginners.

When: Spanish classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and French classes will be held on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Starts week beginning 7 September.

Italian timetable still to be confirmed.

Cost: £25 per two-hour class Where: Antler Languages, The Old Town Hall, Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BQ; Tel: 01832 275319 www.antlerlanguages.co.uk

Introduction to Sign Language A beginners’ course in British Sign Language.

Learn how to sign and work towards having simple conversations in sign language.

When: Wednesday 12.30–2.30pm. Starts 23 September. Runs for 10 weeks Cost: £105 Where: Oundle library, Glapthorn Road, Oundle, PE8 4JA; Tel: 0300 1261000 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/adultlearning

PHOTOGRAPHY Developing Skills in Photography A beginner’s evening class providing a practical introduction to photography. A digital SLR camera is recommended.

When: Tuesday 6–8.30pm. Starts 8 September.

Runs for 7 weeks

Cost: £204 Where: Peterborough Regional College, Media and Journalism Centre, 50 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SB; Tel: 0345 872 8722 www.peterborough.ac.uk Get to Know Your Digital SLR Camera Learn about composition, how to use your camera, and how to turn a good photo into a great photo every time.

When: Monday 6.30-8.30pm. Starts 14 September. Runs for 4 weeks Cost: £56 Where: City College Peterborough, Brook Street, Peterborough, PE1 1TU; Tel: 01733 761361 www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk

If you’ve only got a day or two Short on time? Then these courses are perfect for you…

Cookery

Grab your chance to learn from the best as awardwinning chef Lee Clarke puts students through their culinary paces at his cookery school in the heart of Peterborough. His workshops this autumn will cover dishes such as Pumpkin and Sage Risotto, Garlic Roasted Chicken and Hot Chocolate Fondant.

When: 9.15am–2.15pm on 21 September, 5 October and 19 October Cost: £65 per session, including lunch Where: Clarkes Cookery School, 10 Queen Street, St John’s Square, Peterborough, PE1 1PA; Tel: 01733 892681 www.clarkespeterborough.co.uk

Watercolour Illustration Workshop If you’ve ever fancied turning your hand to a bit of illustration, Annie Welton’s one-day watercolour illustration course is just the ticket.

An experienced illustrator and artist, Annie takes students through a series of watercolour techniques and focuses on how to translate a text into an illustration. Held in a village location close to Oundle, the small, friendly workshop is suitable for all abilities.

When: Saturdays from September. Specific dates to be confirmed.

Cost: £75, which includes all materials required and a two-course lunch Contact: Tel: 07779 088853 www.facebook.com/AnnieTheIllustrator

Annie Sloan Introductory Workshop

Learn how to create distressed and aged looks to transform wooden furniture with the use of Annie Sloan chalk paints. The workshops are held in the Paint Studio above Asha’s Inspired Living in Oundle.

When: Saturday 5 September 10am–2.30pm; Tuesday 22 September 9.30am– 2pm; Saturday 3 October 10am–2.30pm and Wednesday 21 October 9.30am–2pm Cost: £75 per workshop including lunch Where: Asha’s, The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ; Tel: 01832 275605 www.facebook.com/ashasinspiredliving

Dressmaking for Beginners

Make a simple garment such as a skirt or sundress with personalised, expert tuition.

Areas covered will include working with patterns, cutting out, fabric marking and seams.

When: Saturday 7 November 10am–4pm Cost: £65 Where: Fletton House, Fletton Way, Oundle, PE8 4JN; Tel: 0300 1261000 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/adultlearning

oval or square basketry.

Techniques covered include the making of partitions, handles and lids. The workshop includes a lovely lunch provided by local caterer The Little Soup Kitchen.

When: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September 10am–4pm Cost: £120 Where: Kings Cliffe Village Hall, Church Walk, King’s Cliffe, PE8 6XD; Tel: 01780 470876 www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk

Wood Carving

Enter the hallowed ground of Glyn Mould’s workshop, tucked away in a corner of Sacrewell Farm, and discover the joy of wood carving on one of his two-day workshops. Glyn, a professional wood carver with more than 30 years’ experience, will guide beginners through relief carving techniques to start with and then move on to work on more sculptural pieces.

The course covers safety issues and the care of tools, as well as design and carving techniques.

When: Friday 25 & Saturday 26 September 9.15am–4.45pm Cost: £40 per day Where: The Carvers Workshop, Sacrewell Farm, Thornhaugh, Peterborough, PE8 6HJ; Tel: 07753 298501 www.glynmouldwoodcarvingschool.co.uk

Willow Weaving Workshop

Immerse yourself in a weekend of basket making under the skilled eye of expert tutor Sue Kirk. Beginners can make a small round basket with a handle on this two-day workshop, while more advanced weavers can tackle NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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Home & Garden

Delcor Furniture – Designed around You Delcor Furniture has become one of Stamford’s best loved stores, offering British handmade sofas and chairs, tailored size-wise and finish-wise to your exact wishes

Tailor-made Delcor’s business is going from strength to strength as more and more people become familiar and comfortable with the high service levels and Delcor’s ability to offer tailor-made products. “We have noticed recently that as we have become better known, people are coming in with a specific purpose and the conversation is already starting some way down the decision line,” Kathleen Wilkinson, the Stamford’s store very experienced and helpful manager, told us.

Kathleen explained: “We build our business around the customer. We aim to meet the individual needs of every customer – one size fits all is not our style. All our products are tailor-made.”

To be in time for Christmas, orders need to be placed this year by mid-October, so best to start planning now!

New developments

Duke

Delcor never rests on its laurels; it is always innovating and refreshing its product range.

New in is the very stylish, contemporary Duke small sofa – an elegant classic, with turned solid wooden legs in a natural finish.

And the store has just undergone a major refresh, with a re-painted exterior, and the showrooms re-arranged and re-painted.

There are also lots of new accessories as the winter season approaches – exquisite cushions and lamps in particular.

A one-stop shop with Fenland Carpets But the biggest news of all is the arrival of Fenland Carpets, who will be based in the upstairs space. Run by Nick and Brett, they are a very well established carpet and flooring company which already has branches in Spalding and Bourne.

They have a lot of exclusivity on brands, a first-rate fitting service and a 5-year fitting guarantee.

“We have found,” Kathleen told me, “that many people are looking for a new carpet or flooring at the same time as furniture, so this provides them with a very convenient service. I think the synergy will work well.”

• www.fenlandcarpetsandflooring.co.uk • Delcor, 30 Bath Row, Stamford, PE9 2QX Tel: 01780 762579 www.delcor.co.uk Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4

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Visit our Stamford showroom, on Bath Row opposite Adnam’s Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK 37

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METCALFE COPEMAN & PETTEFAR LLP

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Visit us at our diverse showroom where we have an extensive range of fires and fireplaces on display

We promise you the warmest of welcomes!

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SEASIDE Strolls

Sheringham to Cromer This walk features two delightful small towns full of vitality and seaside charm, plus stunning seascapes and the chance to walk back along the beach POINTS OF INTEREST The North Norfolk Railway (NNR) connects Sheringham to Holt and runs steam trains. To view train times, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Sheringham has a delightful and traditional high street. It has always had an active fishing fleet, and today its focus is crabs, lobsters and whelks. Sheringham Museum on the seafront merits a visit, especially for the town’s maritime history. Find out more at www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk Beeston Bump is an unexpected protuberance in the landscape. Known as a ‘kame’, it is the result of glacial activity, created when glaciers retreated northwards at the end of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.

Beeston Hill and Roman Camp is one of the high points in the county at 103 metres. No actual evidence of Roman occupation has ever been found, but in medieval times iron ore was dug from the ground accounting for the many pits that can be seen around and could easily be mistaken for earthworks.

Cromer is famous for its historic pier and seaside charm. Aside from the pier itself, The Henry Blogg (Lifeboat) Museum (Tel: 01263 511294, on the gangway E of the pier) merits a visit, as does the Cromer Museum (Tel: 01263 513543, Tucker St, NR27 9HB), where you can step inside a tiny fisherman’s cottage and imagine life in Cromer at the end of the 19th century.

WALK DATA Distance: 8 kms (5 miles); an extra 6kms (3 1/2 miles) if you walk back along the beach Typical time: 2 hrs (3.5hours including beach back) Height gain: 100 metres Map: OS Landranger 133 NE Norfolk Start: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Sheringham, Railway Approach (opposite NNR) Finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Cromer, Cadogan Rd (S side of Evington Gardens) Parking: Sheringham Station Car Park (NR26 8RA) Terrain: straightforward; sturdy footwear recommended Norfolk Coast Path: this route follows the Norfolk Coast Path for almost its entire length. The path is well signed and the route is marked with an acorn motif.

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From the Coasthopper Bus Stop at the NNR, head left (N), first along Station Rd and then along the High St to the promenade Turn right (E) here, following the North Norfolk coast path, which takes you out of town and to the top of the Beeston Bump, standing proud above the town Descending on the other side, the path turns right (S) after 200 metres and you cross the railway line, still following the North Norfolk Coast Path which heads inland at this point Cross the main coast road, take a turning left on the other side, then a right following the track up into the hills On reaching the woods, bear left, then veer right up a mini-wooded valley, always following the acorn signs Pause on Beacon Hill & the Roman Camp and enjoy the views, before crossing the road at which point the metalled track heads left (N) After about 400 metres the track turns to the right (E) and then heads in an easterly direction all the way to Cromer, with one kink then a road crossing and going under the railway As you approach the town and go past a camp site on your right, you have a choice. On reaching the road, continue straight following the coast path signs along Sandy Lane to join the main road heading into Cromer; or if you prefer a slightly quieter route, head left (N) at this point, cross over the railway line, turn right and then shortly left (NE) across a green space; at the other side of which you turn right (E) onto Howard’s Hill Rd and head into the centre of Cromer.

Route back: catch the Coasthopper Bus back from Cadogan Rd, on the S side of Evington Gardens; or walk along the beach, depending on the tides, which you can check at www.tidetimes.org.uk/cromer-tide-times

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PIT STOPS No1, Cromer, New Street, NR27 9HP, just to the W of the pier) Fish & Chips Take Away and Restaurant in Cromer by Michelin Star Chef, Galton Blackiston. 01263 512316

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Rocket House Café (on Cromer’s East Beach) has a balcony overlooking the sea and good food, especially seafood.

Walk along the coast and catch the bus back! Tel: 01553 776980 www.coasthopper.co.uk 40

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Country Tails provides a dog walking and pet sitting service for those who require some extra help with their pet care.

Visit the Country Tails website for further information on pricing and locations

www.countrytailsdogwalking.com

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MOTORING NEWS

On the road Jonathan Craymer has news and good advice for motorists

Keep alert for signs of road rage

Customer service award Smiths Renault of Peterborough has been named a “Dealer of Excellence” for the second year running, after research was carried out to check levels of service at Renault dealerships across the UK. The evaluations by global market research experts, JD Power, revealed Smiths Renault of Bretton Way as one of 20 franchises to be awarded this accolade for 2015 and one of just seven to be awarded this seal of approval for the way they treat customers.

“We are unique in the industry in running an initiative of this kind,” explained Steve Whitcombe, Renault’s Head of Network Quality and Training. Mark Craig, director at Smiths Renault commented: “To be recognised in this way for the second year in a row is testament to the quality of customer care we offer. We put the customer at the heart of everything we do, taking care to treat everyone as an individual – and it’s therefore a privilege when a global organisation like JD Power recognises our efforts to continuously improve on quality of service.”

Representatives from the 20 dealerships received their awards from Renault UK Managing Director Ken Ramirez at a ceremony in Bedfordshire in July.

Cut country roads death toll Rural motoring accidents account for nearly two-thirds of all road deaths in the UK, according to road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Peter Rodger, Head of Driving Standards at IAM, has given our readers the following tips for driving safely on country roads: • Look as far ahead as possible – try to spot large vehicles coming towards you earlier • Even on familiar roads, use full concentration and allow time to stop in the area you can see is clear • Look out for wildlife warning signs • Country roads are attractive to vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders – pass them wide and slow, even if you have to wait before passing safely.

• Keep an eye on your mirrors for motorcyclists and allow them to overtake if necessary.

• Don’t tailgate agricultural vehicles – it’s a busy time of year for them and they may turn suddenly into gates or field entrances.

• Beware of slippery mud – and use it as a clue that a tractor or herd of cows may be just ahead.

• Remember commercial vehicles or those towing trailers may have to drive slower than the national speed limit on rural roads.

“Country roads offer pleasurable driving routes, but drivers must watch their speed and not fall into the trap of thinking they are always empty of other road users or hazards,” warns Peter.

“Expect the unexpected and maintain your vigilance.”

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Following the tragic death of 79-year-old Don Lock in a suspected road rage incident a few weeks ago, road safety and breakdown cover specialist GEM Motoring Assist has issued a five-point plan to avoid confrontations on the road.

1 Keep calm and show restraint (avoid using your horn or making aggressive gestures) 2 Avoid competition and resist the desire to “get even” 3 Don’t push into traffic queues 4 Say thank you, or sorry (a gesture of apology helps diffuse anger) 5 Move away from trouble (if you feel seriously threatened by another driver, lock your doors and drive at legal speed, to the nearest police station or busy area such as a petrol station forecourt).

“Most of us will have some experience of being on the receiving end of someone else’s aggression,” said GEM Chief Executive David Williams MBE. “Thankfully, violent and unprovoked attacks are rare, but it pays to be observant and if possible to recognise signs of trouble at their earliest stages.”

• Free copies of GEM’s Courtesy on the Road leaflet can be downloaded at www. motoringassist.com/the-gem-story/leaflets

Gadget detects migrants in trucks Lorry drivers, fed up with having to secondguess if they’ve inadvertently picked up stowaways at ferry terminals, can use a new portable device able to detect human breath. The £299 device, available through the Freight Transport Association website, picks up CO2 emissions within a 40 foot range and can send text or email alerts to the driver or transport manager, as well as the maker’s own monitoring service.

Sensitivity can be adjusted so fruit and vegetables emitting CO2 won’t set it off.

The device requires a monthly subscription (£11.99) and has a battery life of between two and four months. Harassed truckers, who are just trying to do their job in the middle of all this, may be able to breathe easier.

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Renault Summer Season Renault CAPTUR Dynamique Nav TCe 90 From

£159 per month 0% APR *

representative

All-New Renault TWINGO Play SCe 70 From

£119 per month

*

Renault CLIO Dynamique Nav 1.2 16V 75 From

£149 per month

*

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 40.4 (7)–47.88 (5.9); extra-urban 60.1 (4.7)– 70.62 (4); combined 51.4 (5.5)–60.1 (4.7). The official CO2 emissions are 127–105g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. *Clio monthly payment shown based on £2,247 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £149, and an optional final payment of £5,664. Captur monthly payment shown based on £2,087 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £159, and an optional final payment of £7,584. Twingo monthly payment shown based on £575 deposit, 36 monthly payments of £119, and an optional final payment of £5,136. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. Over 18’s (excluding the Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply. Our dealership introduces customers to a limited number of financial providers including Renault Finance. Offer based on 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicle when ordered and registered between 1 June 2015 and 30 September 2015. Clio shown has optional Flame Red Renault i.d. metallic paint, available at an additional £595. Excludes Renaultsport, Clio Expression and Twingo Expression models. Captur shown with metallic i.d. paint, available at an additional £495 and painted roof at £399. Twingo shown with optional Powder Blue paint available at an additional £225.

Smiths Renault Bretton Way, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8YL Tel 01733 307618 www.smithsmotorgroup.co.uk/renault 43

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BULL HOTEL Westgate, Peterborough PE1 1RB

BULL HOTEL WESTGATE  PETERBOROUGH  PE1 1RB

Saturday 31st October 2015

The Addams Family

HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE £35.00 per person Arrival from 7pm, dine from 7.30pm INCLUDES A FANG-TASTIC 3 COURSE EVENING DINNER, MURDER MYSTERY SHOW AND DISCO UNTIL THE WITCHING HOUR OF 1AM.

The perfect venue to celebrate the festive season with family, friends and work colleagues.

For more information about our Christmas events, private parties or to receive a brochure please call 01733 561 364

For more information or to make a reservation please call 01733 561364 or email events@bull-hotel-peterborough.com

www.peelhotels.co.uk

events@bull-hotel-peterborough.com www.peelhotels.co.uk

All of our windows & doors are available in a range of styles, materials and colours to compliment your home, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

Windows & Doors by

Orangeries . Conservatories . Windows . Doors . Verandas Visit our showhome at:

Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Weekends by appointment only

Auburn Hill 01780 400500 www.ahorangeries.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER

DIARY DATES

What’s On Music, theatre and art, selected by Yasmin Bradley. Email your events to yasmin@neneliving.co.uk Every Thursday (Oundle Market Day) Oundle Lunchtime Concerts From 1pm Good company and delightful music in a beautiful church setting – with homemade soup and bread rolls on offer.

Free. Lunch £3.50. St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Oundle, PE8 4EE. 01832 275675 To Sunday 26 September John Clare Cottage: Ann Ardron MA (Oxon) Exhibition 11am-4pm Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays Technically stunning but conveying mood, light and weather, Ann paints the beauty of woodland and waterscapes, many in the Nene Valley where she lives and works.

John Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston, PE6 7ED. 01733 253330. www.clarecottage.org; Info@clarecottage.org.

Thursday 10 September Peterborough Decorative and Fine Arts Society Monthly Talk: The Mistress in History 10.45am–noon (Coffee from 10.15am) Be PDFAS’ guest at Caroline Rayman’s talk about the power and influence of the “royal favourite”!

First visit free. Fleet Community Hall, Old Fletton, Peterborough, PE2 8DL. www.pdfas.co.uk. bdbaxter555@btinternet.com Saturday 12 September The World of Gilbert and Sullivan: The Wandering Minstrels 7.30pm A superb, light-hearted evening of songs and delightfully period staged scenes from the immortal Savoy comic operas, in the presence of the Mayor and Lady Mayoress.

Tickets £10. St. Paul’s Church, The Triangle, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2PA. 01733 314117. member@hurst-brown.freeserve.co.uk Sunday 13 September The Bardolino-Karpatská Trio 7.45pm Internationally acclaimed, classically trained and based in Prague, the Bardolino-Karpatská Trio present a unique fusion project embracing the raw essence of Moravian folk, gypsy music, Peruvian drumming rhythms and Scottish fiddle tunes.

Tickets £10 (£7). Great Hall, New Street, Oundle, PE8 4GH. 01832 274919. music@oundleschool.org.uk Monday 14 September Bardolino-Karpatská Workshops An amazing opportunity for visitors to join open rehearsals and workshops throughout the day!

Free. Advance booking required on music@ oundleschool.org.uk. Gascoigne Building, 3 North Street Oundle, PE8 4AL.

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

Sunday 20 September Alzheimer’s Society: Peterborough Memory Walk 10.30am Join thousands of people affected by dementia and help change their lives at scenic Ferry Meadows Country Park on the family-friendly, wheelchair/pushchair accessible 2km or more challenging 10km walk.

Oak Meadow (near the Watersports Centre), Ferry Meadows Country Park, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU. www.memorywalk.org.uk/find-a-walk/peterborough/

Tuesday 16–Wednesday 17 September The Great Gatsby: Blackeyed Theatre Company 7.45pm Recreating the sights and sounds of the “Roaring Twenties”, this sizzling new stage adaptation brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece to life!

Tickets £12 (£10). Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ. 01832 273930. www.oundleschool.org.uk/Stahl-Theatre

Monday 21 September-Thursday 24 September The Pirates of Penzance: The Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan Players 7.30pm Swashbuckling buccaneers, bumbling British Bobbies, frolicsome Victorian maidens and the delightfully dotty “model of a modern Major General” all come together for a rollicking romp over the rocky Cornish coast.

Tickets £15 (£7.50). Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207237. www.vivacity-peterborough.com; Key.theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com

Sunday 27 September Easy Sunday at Fotheringhay: Oundle Music School Best Instrumentalists 3pm-4pm The dazzling finale to Easy Sundays for 2015 as gifted young musicians perform solos and ensembles.

Free. (Retiring collection for church’s restoration work). 01733 241784. St Mary and All Saints Church, Fotheringhay, PE8 5HZ NENE LIVING SEPTEMBER 2015

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ARTIST

HEALTH

HOME VISITS FOR:* Removal of Corns and Calluses * Ingrowning Toenails * Toenails clipped * Fungal Nail Treatments * Specialising in the Diabetic and Neurovascular patient * competitive rates Telephone 07931 624325 email: hollywright18@yahoo.co.uk

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Why not take advantage of the cooler months by having your hard landscaping done? Then you’d be free to enjoy your garden to the full next season!

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Plan ahead to get more out of your garden!

The Hypno-Slimming Programme can help you includes Free Hypnotic Gastric Band worth £150 Quit smoking in just 1 hour with hypnosis

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YOGA

NINA HEATON

FRUIT PICKING

Creating opportunities for change

HILL FARM, CHESTERTON, PETERBOROUGH PE7 3UA

YOGA & WELL-BEING DAY SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER

(on Oundle road, 200 yards west of Alwalton A1 flyover)

FARM SHOP AND PICK YOUR OWN

Wadenhoe Village Hall near Oundle

Refreshments available.

£45 including goody bag

OPEN JUNE - OCT

Strawberries. Raspberries. Gooseberries. Plums.

Black & Redcurrants. Blackberries. Tayberries.

Seasonable vegetables. Locally produced beef & lamb.

Facilities for Disabled Visitors. Picnic Area.

Children's Play Area. Caravan Club C.L. Site Tue-Fri 9am - 6pm Sat/Sun 9am - 5pm closed Mondays except bank holidays Please ring for up to date crop information or to order ready picked produce

TEL & FAX 01733 233270 www.hillfarmpyo.co.uk

For more details and booking form Visit www.ninaheaton.co.uk click Well-being

01733 236476

TO PLACE AN ADVERT IN NEXT MONTHS MAGAZINE PLEASE CALL BRIDGET ON

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Winners always need the right time

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Over 90 shops, 15 places to eat, thousands of brands, late night shopping.

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• NVL September ADS.indd 48

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