Nene Valley Living November 2013 by Best Local Living

HELPING

YOU

GET

THE

MOST

OUT

LIVING

NENE VALLEY LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH

BEAUTY/HOME

LOCALLY

GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

e v o L l l ’ u o Y Gifts Ideas for the whole family BURGHLEY HOUSE KITCHEN Behind the scenes FESTIVE CRAFTS Easy makes

£1.50 NOVEMBER 2013 Nene Valley Living WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

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Orangeries | Conservatories | Contemporary Extensions | Verandas

Visit our show home Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

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Opening hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday by appointment only

01780 400 500 | www.breckenridgeconservatories.co.uk

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N ENE VA L L EY LIVING

Cover photo: BY TRACEY MATHIESON

This Issue NOV EM BER 2013

o you enjoy the winter, or are you more likely to stay inside, batten down the hatches and wait until it has passed? Recently I interviewed a winter sports enthusiast who believes that many people are disconnected from the season. In fact, many of us don’t have the chance to get outside every day, as we’re locked into desk jobs and the nine to ﬁve routine. But his words did make me wonder if I should ﬁnd more time to engage with everything that winter delivers, and that includes rain, fog, frost and mud. We’re bringing you many pleasures of the season in this issue with food to enjoy, ideas for days out and gifts for making or buying. There are many local events on offer, too, and we’ve tried to include as many as we can. Don’t forget our Facebook page, which delivers even more news, photos and great events to get involved in. You’re very welcome to post details of your group’s activities there, too. We love to hear from you. Have a good month.

Fion a Cu mberpatch Editor Correction: Due to an editing error, we gave incorrect phone numbers for some of the shops in our fashion feature last month. The correct numbers are: Jacks, Market Harborough 01858 431396 Cavells, Oakham 01572 770372 Vanilla, Oakham 01572 757577

5 Editor’s selection

33 A growing concern

7 Upfront

34 Carry Akroyd Exhibition

8 Upfront

37 Health and beauty notes

11 Upfront

39 Oundle’s feast of Christmas

With guest ed Ellie Cross from Prince William School

WIN! A family trip to Peter Pan on Ice

Searching for a spot of winter sun?

Choosing A level subjects

Olive Grove Nurseries expand

Plus Living on the Edge at Stamford Arts Centre

The latest treatments and offers

12 Upfront

A new festive market

15 The gift of giving

Our tips for a trip

A seasonal recipe from Riverford

Let us help with your Christmas shopping

22 Christmas crafts

42 A day out in Nottingham 46 Inside the kitchen at Burghley House

Make your own gifts

Domestic history

24 Making craft pay

49 Fundraising for the Great Fen Project

27 Food news

How Anglia Co-operative is helping the cause

Two jewellery designer/makers on the up

The Christmas menu The Crown, Elton

28 Star attraction

50 Adam the gardener

31 Could you adopt?

53 Diary dates

Chef Lee Clarke

Peterborough City Council’s appeal

Seasonal tips for outdoors

Our pick of the month’s events

Editor Fiona Cumberpatch fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Nene Valley Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.nenevalleyliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 bridget.neneliving@ntlworld.com Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: localliving@btopenworld.com Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

W W W. B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K

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For £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Nene Valley 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

NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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FA S H I O N FINDS FOR NOV EM BER

Editor’s selection This month, guest editor Ellie Cross, a sixth form student at Prince William School, Oundle, chooses autumn clothes and accessories from Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

Suede wedge sandals, from a selection at River Island

Necklace, from a selection at River Island

iPhone 5 case, £12, Paperchase

Black cut out biker boots, £65, Next

Navy floral tea dress, £8, Primark

Cat Beanie, £3, Primark

Check scarf, £5, Primark

Floral personal organiser, £20, Paperchase

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m r o f s n Tra lf

e s r u o y

fore

Julia Be

Julia lost 6 stone ins 5 month

We have a programme for you whether you’ve a lot or a little to lose, or simply want to keep your weight in check.

in N Th Ou OW or nd pe le W oo

Paul Before

Paul lost over 5 stone in 4 months

Discover the real secret to life-changing weight loss, contact:

Owen, Tabitha or Julie, Peterborough 01733 246459 Owen.Matthews@lighterlifecounsellor.com lighterlife.com/owenmatthews

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W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront WIN! WIN! WIN! TICKETS TO PETER PAN ON ICE AT PETERBOROUGH ARENA

The Russian Ice Stars are bringing JM Barrie’s classic tale Peter Pan to life on ice in Peterborough – and two lucky families could be there courtesy of Nene Valley Living magazine. Peter Pan on Ice is being staged at Peterborough Arena on December 27, 28 and 29 and promises to be a spectacular show, featuring the dazzling skills of Russian ice skating stars, mysterious lands ﬁlled with pirates, Indians and ticking crocodiles, plus stunning and atmospheric sets. The show – sponsored by Anglia Co-operative in association with Heart – is a true family event featuring all of the ingredients of the magical story of a little boy who never grew up. We have two prize packages up for grabs. Our two winners will scoop a family ticket for up to four people for the show, worth £60, plus a Peter Pan Goody Bag and a chance to meet the

show’s stars. Peter Pan on Ice is brought to Peterborough by Celebrity Ice Promotions Ltd, the same company who brought the smash hit Celebrities on Ice show to the city last year. The visit is part of a winter tour of the UK, with other performances in the Czech Republic and Italy. Tickets for the Peterborough show are now available from the Destination Centre in Bridge Street, Peterborough on online at www. russianicestars.com But for your chance to win one of our two prize packages, just answer this question: Who wrote the children’s classic, Peter Pan? a) JM Barrie b) E Nesbitt c) CS Lewis Email your answer to ﬁona@bestlocalliving. co.uk by November 20 2013

HARLEQUIN AT J&S INTERIORS

Harlequin is known for its stunning designs in fabric and wallpaper featuring rich colours and beautiful pattern. J&S Interiors, based at Hampton, has the latest collection in store on a range of fabrics, voiles and wall coverings. “Harlequin only release collections once or twice a year, but they are always worth waiting for,” says Sean Webster of J&S. His company makes blinds, curtains and soft furnishings to order. • Call in at the showroom to see the new Harlequin range. 30 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FZ Tel: 01733 558864 www.jandsinteriors.uk.com

CELEBRATING DIWALI IN PETERBOROUGH This year, Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated for the ﬁrst time publically in Peterborough city centre. The celebrations, in partnership with Peterborough City Council, will go ahead on November 2nd, from 11am – 7pm. There will be stalls of regional Indian food, bhangra, Indian music and dancing, nail art and stalls. Diwali marks the end of the Hindu year. Traditionally, it’s the time of year when people light candles and clay lamps to eradicate darkness. On this day, houses are decorated, and sweets and presents are exchanged. The time of Diwali is one of the most festive times of the year. Diwali, or Deepawali literally means ‘an array of lights’ or ‘cluster of lights.’ It is a time ﬁlled with light and love when Indians all over the world celebrate. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet is is a celebration of light. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil and it is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Peterborough’s Diwali celebrations will take place in Cathedral Square, inaugurated by Shailesh Vara, MP, and the Mayor of Peterborough. All are welcome to join in the festivities.

CARE

matters Oodles of opportunity in Oundle The services of local at-home care company Home Instead Senior Care, Peterborough are in such high demand that they currently have employment opportunities for a further 40 caregivers to work in the local community across Oundle and the Deepings. Home Instead Senior Care is a leading care company with a national reputation for changing the way that care is delivered to help people to live independently in their own homes. They pride themselves on client satisfaction and believe that training and supporting caregivers is the key to maintaining their reputation. Owner Phil Kennedy explains: “care services are in growing demand and Home Instead is a leading UK provider because we pride ourselves on the quality of care deliver. Our caregivers may not necessarily come to us with experience in the care sector but that really doesn’t matter. Primarily we are interested in recruiting people who display the right personal qualities to become an outstanding caregiver. We want compassionate, caring and reliable people to join us and we will provide excellent training for the job.” Working for Home Instead can be a ﬂexible and rewarding career option. There are many opportunities for individuals to train and progress, just like the six team members who recently received their NVQ Level 2 in Social Care. The company currently has 40 caregivers and is looking to double this ﬁgure by the end of the year. • For more information, call Home Instead in Peterborough on 01733 333342 or visit www.homeinstead. co.uk/peterborough

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W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront WINTER ESCAPES

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

ith another British winter on its way, Oundle Travel has compiled a ‘Hot List’ of destinations with guaranteed sunshine to tempt you over the next few months. Prices quoted are per person. Oman Understated and upmarket, Oman featured extensively in the BBC documentary series The Frankincense Trail. There is a choice of luxury properties which include the Chedi, The Shangri La complex and the Six Senses Zighy Hideaway Bay. Prices from £989, February 2014. Maldives Turquoise lagoons and romantic over-water bungalows have long drawn honeymooners to the Maldives, but winter sun seekers are choosing to escape to the Indian Ocean without special occasion. Deals from Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates and British Airways have boosted sales with the islands offering a tropical climate from November to May with world class diving and snorkelling. Prices from £1500, seven nights b&b on Vessalaru, March 2014. All inclusive deals also available on the stunning island of Centara from £1700, February 2014. The Canaries The Canary Islands offer a mild, temperate climate during the winter months and have a handful of quality hotels. For 5* luxury, try The Abama on Tenerife. For February and Easter holidays book early for The Princess Yaiza, Lanzarote, a 4* hotel offering superb family facilities. The Parador Conde de la Gomera on La Gomera offers beautiful views and is positioned 250 ft over San Sebastian, the island’s tiny capital. Prices from £924 for 10 nights in December 2013.

Sharm el Sheikh Egypt The well known resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Taba are perfect for winter sunshine and it is very much business as usual. The Four Seasons offers luxury, superb diving and watersports. The Oberoi in Hurghada offers excellent childcare and a choice of dining. Prices from £850, December 2013. Sri Lanka A great value destination which combines beach and cultural touring. Combine with The Maldives for a perfect two week getaway. Itineraries are often tailor made with a private driver. Dubai Mid haul Dubai is popular with both families and couples and offers a cool stopover en route to the Indian Ocean. For top family entertainment Atlantis has to be the one, however those seeking a little more luxury with a family feel, check out The Westin Resort and Spa. For couples, The Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa offers luxury accommodation and guided desert safaris, falconry, camel trekking and horseriding. Prices from £1479 for five nights, March 2014. • For more information contact Oundle Travel on: 01832 273600

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE KING’S HEAD, APETHORPE On Saturday November 16th, there will be a Christmas fayre with stalls, gift ideas, live music, and mulled wine by the cosy open log fire. 12 -5pm. Santa is coming, with a present for each child (£1.50 per child). Book your Christmas day lunch, which is being served from 12 -2.30pm, at a cost of £60 per person, including a glass of bubbly, canapés, and a three course meal followed by coffee. Children under 12, £25. The King’s Head is open from October at the following times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 12 -3, 6pm-11pm. Wednesday and Friday 12 -3pm, 5pm – 11pm. Saturdays open all day, Sundays 12 -7pm. Happy hour is 6-7pm every day. • The King’s Head, Kings Cliffe Rd, Apethorpe, PE8 5DG Tel: 01780 470627

There was a time when CCTV was an expensive commodity only used by the rich or the paranoid. Today the modern family is realising that it’s a sensible low-cost deterrent to burglars and an invaluable tool should there be a break in. CCTV can provide the police with pictures which may quickly identify the thief leading to their swift arrest and retrieval of stolen property. Most people think that having an alarm fitted is enough to stop them being burgled. But research shows that 57 per cent of people are burgled while someone is at home, therefore an alarm system is likely to be switched off. Burglars are well aware that alarms aren’t always activated and if they do go off, it’s unlikely that neighbours will take any notice. However, intruders are well aware of the power of CCTV and reformed burglars will be the first to say that they would bypass a house with CCTV. Crime statistics show that Stamford and the surrounding villages are experiencing around 47 reported burglaries each month. Today’s hi-tech CCTV systems are simple to use and live images can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet 24/7 offering peace of mind if you’re away from home. Today’s home CCTV packages don’t need special software and with fast speed broadband you can log on to your remote viewable image from anywhere in the world. The infra-red cameras give a clear night vision and images are recorded for at least two weeks. Knowing your home is well protected can provide a feel of security that shouldn’t be under-estimated. • For more information, contact Neil Walker Lighting on 01778 348049 or 07866 660067 www.neilwalkerctv.co.uk

DON’T MISS…. The Foden’s Band, a Festival of Remembrance, Saturday, 9th November at 7.30 pm, Peterborough Cathedral. www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk or call the box office 0800 1404678

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Neil Walker

CCTV INSTALLATION l Protects your Home 24/7 l Deterrent to thieves l Reduced insurance premiums l Can be monitored from your Smartphone, iPad , tablet etc l Peace of mind - workmanship is to the highest standards l Infrared Night vision options l Digital hard drive recording up to 1 month l We can install a system that suits your budget & needs l No Tapes – No maintenance – No Hassle

AFFORDABLE SYSTEMS TO KEEP YOUR MIND AT REST! Packages Starting from £499 Installed

T: 01778 348049 M: 07866 660067 E: i n fo @ n e i l wa l ke rc c t v. c o. u k

www.neilwalkercctv.co.uk

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Anglia Co-operative together we make the difference You can earn membership points in all our businesses The co-operative food part of Anglia Co-operative Society

The co-operative travel at Anglia Co-operative Society

Start enjoying all the benefits that membership brings - dividend points and exclusive offers. Join Anglia Co-operative today.

For more information and to find your nearest store or branch visit our website

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W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront WAITROSE OPENS IN OUNDLE PHOTO: LEE MORLEy AND STEPHEN MA, JLM PHOTOGRAPHy

Waitrose Oundle has opened its doors. The 15,000 square foot store has meat, fish and deli counters, and a coffee shop. As part of the Waitrose Community Matters green token scheme, each month the store will divide £1000 proportionally between three local charities, according to the number of tokens they have received from customers. Approximately 60 locally sourced products will be stocked in the supermarket, including Pickled Village conserves and chutneys, based in Bulwick, and a Leicestershire cider. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am -8pm and Sunday 10.30am4.30pm (with half an hour’s browsing time from 10am). • Waitrose, 66 East Rd, Oundle PE8 8BZ

WHAT TO STUDY AT A LEVEL Around this time of year, many 15 and 16 year olds will be preparing for their GCSEs and making decisions about where to study next. Many will have decided the direction they want to take but are perhaps less sure about which school or college will give them the best learning environment and support to achieve their goals. Sixth form evenings offer a good opportunity for students to find out about the subjects they are interested in, as well as what it’s like to be a student at that particular school. Bourne Grammar School which takes students from a wide area including Stamford, the Deepings and Peterborough, offers the following advice on how to make the most of an Open Evening visit: • Talk to the students who are studying the subjects you are interested in as they will give you real insight into the subject content, the workload and how studying for A level differs to GCSE. • If you are interested in a subject you haven’t studied before, such as economics, business studies or psychology, make sure you do your research to find out what sort of skills you will need, e.g essay writing or scientific analysis and whether the subject will suit you. • Ask about the extra-curricular activities and extended learning opportunities to develop personal skills that are offered as these can be added to your CV and will make a valuable contribution towards your future career or further studies. • If you missed an Open Evening, contact the school and arrange a visit. The more you know, the more informed your decision will be. While changing school may seem like a daunting prospect, many students make that choice each year and go on the achieve the A level grades needed for securing a university place, apprenticeship or World class guitarist Clive Carroll employment. in concert, at St Mary’s Church • Bourne Grammar School’s Sixth Form open Warmington, on November 2. evening is on November 14 from 6pm. For more Tickets, £12 on the door, £10 in information, visit www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk advance. Tel 01832 280828 or email admissions@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

DON’T MISS

EVENING WEAR FOR LESS

Need something special to wear for a Christmas party but don’t have a huge budget? On Wednesday November 6, Oundle Oxfam is running an evening wear event. From 7pm you can pop into the shop and buy a selection of ladies’ evening and party wear and mens’ dinner suits, suits and shirts, as well as children’s party dresses. A free drink and a mince pie will be on offer.

EXPLORE LOCAL ARCHITECTURE

Peterborough Photographic Society and Peterborough Civic Society have joined forces to produce a new book. Peterborough and its Villages in Detail offers 192 pages of photos and text, offering an in depth guide to the beautiful buildings in our area. The forward is written by Griff Rhys Jones. Available to buy from www. peterborough.net/civicsociety, the Oundle Bookshop and Peterborough Destination Centre.

CHRISTMAS POP UP HIGH STREET IN GLAPTHORN

Local businesswomen Charlotte Croser, owner of Jollys Toys and Games in Thrapston, and Hilly Horton of Hilly Horton Home are running a pop up high street event in Glapthorn Village Hall on November 27. Opening from 6.30 -9.30pm, the event includes stallholders such as Alison Pilkington Ceramics, The Bytham Kitchen Preserves, Beaded Jewellery by Kate Noakes, Beatties Sweeties, Nene Valley Brewery, ladies accessories by Gill Fairbank, Phoenix Cards and Usborne Books. There will festive music and seasonal refreshments and a big hamper raffle. • For more info, call Hilly on 01832 272030 or Charlotte on 01832 358915

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W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront LE CREUSET’S LUCKY DIP WEEKEND

Go along to Le Creuset in Peterborough Garden Park on November 30 – December 1, select what you’d like to purchase, then draw a voucher from the ‘lucky casserole.’ You may win a cook book worth £14.99, or a discount ranging from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. See in store for full terms and conditions. • Le Creuset, Peterborough Garden Park, Peterborough PE1 4YZ Tel: 01733 221291

A CHRISTMAS COOKING CLASS

FROM THE RIVERFORD KITCHEN At Riverford our aim to is to make fresh, seasonal organic food available to everyone. Three years ago, we launched our Riverford Cooks campaign to inspire local people to cook from scratch using a veg box. Our local Riverford cook, Diana Burke, is based at our farm in Sacrewell. She works across the region helping communities to get cooking. Here is her latest recipe for a warming autumn lunch. Spanakopita with chard and leeks Serves 4-6, prep 15 mins, cook 50 mins Ingredients: • 500g chard, tough stalks removed • 2 tbsp oil for frying • 500g leeks, trimmed, sliced in half lengthways, then shredded • 100g melted butter • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tsp dried mint • 4 eggs • 200g ricotta (or cottage cheese) • 200g feta cheese • Handful chopped parsley • Handful chopped dill • 250g packet filo pastry • 2 tbsp poppy seeds Method: 1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil and blanch the chard leaves for 2 mins. Drain, plunge into cold water to stop the cooking and keep the colour, then drain again. When cool enough to handle, squeeze out any excess liquid with your hands, then roughly chop the leaves.

01780 789700

www.riverford.co.uk/FFB13

2 Heat the oil and fry the leeks for 6 mins. Add the garlic and mint and fry for 2 mins. Leave to cool, then mix in the chopped chard. 3 Preheat the oven to 180°C. 4 Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the ricotta, crumble in the feta, then add the veg and herbs and stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper. 5 Remove the filo from the packet and lay it out. Cover with a clean, slightly damp tea towel to stop it drying out. Brush the bottom of the dish with a little butter. Lay out a sheet of filo on your work surface and brush with a little melted butter. Lay inside the baking dish; you want some overhanging. Repeat with half the filo, buttering each layer as you go. 6 Spoon in the filling and even it out. Lay over the rest of pastry, brushing each sheet as before. Tuck in the edges and brush with butter to seal. Sprinkle with the poppy seeds. 7 Bake for approx 40 mins, depending on your oven, until golden and crispy. To order a veg box, call 01780 789700 or visit www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell

Would you like to learn how to give your Christmas cakes a professional finish or find out how to decorate seasonal cupcakes? CoCo’s Kitchen will be running workshops in the run up to Christmas in Woodnewton Village Hall on Saturday November 30, Saturday December 7 and Saturday December 14, 10am -1pm. Perfect your icing techniques, make sugarpaste models, and create some edible cake decorations. The course costs £25 including tea, coffee and refreshments. • To book, ring Lindsay Sadler on 01780 470581 or email lyndsay.sadler@gmail.com

KEEP YOUR GIFT SHOPPING LOCAL  Foxtail Lilly Christmas preview evening, November 8, 4pm -7pm, at 41 South Rd, Oundle. Owner Tracey Mathieson opens her pretty barn and courtyard to a host of dealers, with stalls offering vintage and handmade decorations, gifts, cards and rustic style. Free entry.  Christmas Market at The Plaza, Cozy Nook, Thrapston NN14 4JJ on Saturday November 16, 10am-1pm. Local crafters and traders including Hilly Horton Home, Oskimo, Jollys Toys, Frills and Fripperies Jewellery, Phoenix Cards and Alison Pilkington Ceramics. A children’s choir and delicious eats and drinks.  The Scenes Around Oundle calendar is available from Oundle Library, Glapthorn Rd and these Oundle shops: Asha’s, Greetings, Colemans and the Cards for Good Causes shop in St Peter’s Church. Priced £7, it features 13 beautiful scenes taken by local amateur photographers. All money raised will help to improve facilities at Oundle Library.

free Riverford cook book with your vegbox

free

ook* cookth b £16.99) (wor

boxes from £10.45 with free delivery

*Free book on your 2nd delivery when you place a regular vegbox order. New customers only.

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WHATEVER YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE DREAMING...

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For more information call 01733 343 275 Stephenson House, 15 Church Walk, Peterborough PE1 2TP w w w . s t e p h e n s o n s m a r t . c o m

Estate Agents Surveyors Property Managers Auctioneers Valuers

Our new saleroom/office site location

The Auction Centre, Eastwood Road, Oundle, PE8 4DF The Auction Centre, Eastwood Road, Oundle, Peterborough . PE8 4DF Tel:- (01832) 272349 Fax:- (01832) 275000 Partners:- Ian C. Goldsmith M.A. (Cantab.), M.R.I.C.S., Paul A. Goldsmith F.R.I.C.S.

GOLDSMITHS HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE 1964.

he business has developed with such intensity that a decision had to be made as to the future and where we could go to accommodate the busy auction rooms. Due to the increased work load for surveys, property management and specialist expert witness cases we also needed more office space, so with all this in mind land was purchased on Eastwood Road to allow us to build a purpose built unit. The decision to sell the old Middle School and the offices in the Market Place was taken and the building of our new site commenced at the start of this year (2013). We are now delighted to have 7000 sq feet of auction room space and attached offices so the business can run from one site, plus a car park with 55 parking spaces making it easier for our customers on sale day.

Regulated by RICS

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A Wealth Of Wonderful Gift Ideas

4 St Marys Street, Stamford Mon - Sat 9 - 5 01780 755 378 www.countrylifestyleonline.co.uk Aigle Alan Paine Barbour Chrysalis Briggs & Riley Dubarry Jack Murphy MyWalit Radley Troop Zoo Boots

Crackers of Oundle Merry Christmas Ethnic meets Country Living Gifts & Accessories Wooden Toys • JellyCat Traditional Christmas Decorations St Eval Candle East of India & many more

3 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 274467

Handmade, vintage & shabby loveliness Craft Workshops Vintage Haberdashery & Craft Kits Sewing Café Create & Craft Sessions Handmade Gifts

Open Thur – Sat 10am – 4pm

The Barn, Hill Farm, Chesterton, Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE7 3UA www.tilly-rose.co.uk - Tel: 01733 768594 - Email: enquiries@tilly-rose.co.uk

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For Her

SHOPPING

The gift of giving

We’ve taken the strain out of your Christmas shopping with some brilliant festive ideas for friends and family. Compiled by Fiona Cumberpatch. Photographs: Lesley Anne Churchill

Sacking satchel bag, £29.50, Asha’s, Oundle

Brown leather handbag, £135, Peterborough Designer Leathers Colourful leather wallet, £34, Peterborough Designer Leathers

Pleasure State shorts, £23, and bra, £38, from Eve, Oundle

Jewellery box, £12.99, Reba, vintage ﬂoral scarf, £7.99, Reba

Daisy earrings, £48, silver bracelet, £66 and orange bead bracelet, £35, all from Harpur’s of Oundle

Necklace, handmade from biscuit, sweet and cake tins by Kate HH Studio, £32.99 from Reba

Pop Art coasters, £2.99 each, Reba

The Happy Spirit Calendar by Carry Akroyd, £8, Foxtail Lilly, Oundle, and tartan scarf, £21.50, from Crackers of Oundle

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Kids’ gifts

Giant ﬂoral pig money box, £19.50, Crackers

Maileg Princess Bunny, £22, Jollys Toys

Knitted teddy, £11.99, Crackers. Wooden bricks, £6.95, Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro, Peterborough Mouse in a Box, £14.50, Jollys Toys

Dragon hand puppet with shiny scales, £20, Jollys Toys

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SHOPPING

Boat book ends £10.50, Crackers. Vintage books, find similar at Courthouse Books, Oundle

PHOTO: HILLY HORTON HOME

Handmade owl cushions with feather pad, £14, Hilly Horton Home

Wooden Zig Zag racer, £12.50, Jollys Toys

Pencil tin, £5.99, Reba

Puppet theatre, £20, Jollys Toys

NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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For Him

Chapatti board, £30, Sugden and Daughters

SHOPPING

Books, from The Oundle Bookshop: From Punt to Plough: A History of the Fens by Rex Sly, £14.99, Northamptonshire Folk Tales, £9.99, The Joy of Pubs by Frank Hopkinson, £9.99, Foraging, £6.99 by John Lewis Stempel, and Eat by Nigel Slater, £26

Black leather gloves, from a selection, Fossil wallets, £39 each, all from Peterborough Designer Leathers

Folio bag, made locally, £185, from Holdall and Co.

Executive caffeine mug, £10, Crackers, and the mug that won’t fall over, approx. £14.99 from Stu-Pots, Oundle

Men’s bracelets (with black squares) £29, link bracelet, £25. Diamond and silver cuff links, £75, all from Harpur’s of Oundle 18

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For distinctive quality, there's always

Charles Bright PETERBOROUGH'S LEADING INDEPENDENT JEWELLERS

gs n i R m e G d n a d n o ld m o a i G D t a e r n i a c F 8 1 d n a 9 s t y f t i i l G a d u n Q a y r e l l e w e J r e v l i S

8 Queen Street, Peterborough - 01733 348917

• Handbags, Accessories, Leather & Sheepskin Jackets • Now stocking Yoshi Satchels

Exchange Street PE1 1PW (on the new St John's Square) Tel: 01733 567830

Remember: the future's bright when the present's from Charles Bright ! www.charlesbright.co.uk

Email: jewels@charlesbright.co.uk

www.designerleathers.co.uk

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Stu-Pots

36 Market Place Oundle 01832 275414 Look for the Cooks Companion Leaflet coming through your door

Sodastream stockist Council approved bio-degradable bags in stock

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

Daisy Chain

Quirky, eclectic gift s for all ages and gender s from modern to vintage , includi prints and watercolou ng rs.

Opening times: 11am to 4.30pm Thursday to Saturday. Open on Sundays during December and on New Year’s Day

33 Elton Road, Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JD T: 07713 317006 E: annieb@daisychaincollectables.co.uk, www.daisychaincollectables.co.uk

Wansford has some lovely shops - Boheme, The Barn, The Wansford Cakery, Village Store, Hairdresser, Bridal shop, pubs, restaurants and hotel – why not pay us a visit.

Christmas gifts for all the family

Organisers

Paper Shredders From: £19.99

In stock or to order

• SAVE 30%!

Jigsaws

Stockists: Coffee Bag Company - cubes and cushions Annie Sloan Chalk Paint | Keith Brymer Jones - Word ceramics Ian Mankin Fabric | Furniture | Soft Furnishing | Gifts

THE OLD BARN WADENHOE Set in the beautiful village of Wadenhoe

£24.99

Brother MultiFunction

Prestige Pens

From Parker, A4 Printer, Scanner, Cross, Waterman & Sheaffer & Copier

Christmas gifts for all the family

Wooden Boxed Art Sets

Asha’s, The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ Telephone: 01832 275605 Email: barbara@ashas.net www.ashas.net Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

• Light Lunches & Set 2 Course Daily Special • Afternoon Tea - Home Made Cakes & Preserves • Gluten free sandwiches, cakes & scones available • Inside & Outside Seating

Luxury Afternoon Tea £12pp

GIFTS • IRONWORK • CRAFTS • PLANTS SHRUBS • BAY TREES • OLIVE TREES From: To: £8.49 £22.49

Executive Chair

£59.99

Horrible Science Kits

£69.99

• SAVE 20%!

Oscar Deskware From: £3.99 To: £19.99

New winter menu available, including our delicious breakfasts

Christmas Gifts & Hampers Now in Stock

M SAVE £50 OFF RRP!

Open 7 days a week 9.30am - 5.30pm From: To: £5.99 £15.99

•Stamford -1-2 St Paul’s Street & 39 High Street

I I •Oakham - 46 High Street •Oundle - 10 New Street O O M I O I O I I I I I I M Please I see www.colemans-online.co.uk for full branch details M

All enquires welcome, please call:

01832 721129

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Home

Aga Tin, £9.99 and Aga Oven Gloves, from the AGA showroom, Warmington

SHOPPING

Red tin, £7.99, and red star oven gloves, from Stu-Pots, Oundle. Raspberry gin, £28.95 large, £16.95 small, or £13.95 for a gift pack, all from Devines Deli, Oundle

Large glass vintage cake stand, £18, Daisy Chain, ribbons, from 40p a metre, at Peterborough City Market

Cheese board, £7.50, Asha’s

Christmas cards, designed by local artist Sam Purcell, £2 each, from a selection at Foxtail Lilly

WHERE TO BUY

Floral jug, £12, Daisy Chain, Wansford

Decorations, from a selection at Foxtail Lilly. Stag, £17, fox decoration, £3.50, heart decoration, £3.50, robin, £3, and heart wreath, £11.95

Soldier china tea pot, £8, Daisy Chain

Peterborough Designer Leathers, 8 Queen Street, Peterborough 01733 348917 Crackers, 3 New St, Oundle PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 274467 Harpur’s of Oundle, 5A West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 274050 Foxtail Lilly, 41, South Rd, Oundle Tel: 01832 274593 Reba, Cathedral Square, Peterborough PE1 1XH Tel: 01733 319606 The AGA Shop, Warmington Mill, Eaglethorpe, Warmington, PE8 6TJ Tel: 01832 280855 Asha’s, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle Tel: 01832 275605 Eve, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle Tel 01832 273969 Stu-Pots, 36 Market Place, Oundle, Tel: 01832 275414 Daisy Chain, 33 Elton Rd, Wansford, PE8 6JD Tel: 01780 783616 Sugden and Daughters, www.sugdenanddaughters.co.uk Jollys Toys and Games, 28a High Street, Thrapston Tel: 01832 358915 or www.JollysToys.co.uk Hilly Horton Home is on Facebook, or call 01832 272030 The Oundle Bookshop, 13 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA Tel: 01832 273523 Devines Deli 10b, West St, Oundle PE8 4EF Tel: 07834 437128 www.devinesdeli.co.uk Holdall and Co, www.holdallandco.com

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A RTS & CR AFT

A Handmade Christmas Create your own unique, personalised Christmas gifts for friends and family. Words and projects: Claire Williams. Photographs: Alex Tapley

HANGING BIRD CAKES

These hanging feeders are the perfect present for a bird lover. Not only will they provide essential food for over-wintering birds, they’ll add a touch of Christmas cheer to your garden. Materials • 400g bird seed • One pack gelatine (20g) • Spray cooking oil • Cookie cutters (we used heart, star and Christmas tree shapes) • Baking parchment • Drinking straws • Twine

1 2 3 4 5

Make up the gelatine sheet mixture according to packet instructions. Gently heat the mixture until all the gelatine has dissolved, ensuring you don’t let it boil. Add the melted gelatine to a large mixing bowl containing the bird seed. Mix well. Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray the inside of the cookie cutters with the oil so the bird mix doesn’t stick to the sides. Once the bird seed mixture is cool, spoon it into the cookie cutters and pat down to compact. Cut a drinking straw into thirds and push one third into the centre of each mould. This will create a hole for the twine. Next, put the bird seed cakes, still in their moulds, into the freezer to set for about three hours. Once set, push the cake out of the mould and pull out the straw. Thread a piece of twine through the hole and tie together to make a hanging loop.

DESIGNER CRACKERS

Make your own pretty Christmas crackers using offcuts of wrapping paper. Choose a colour theme to run throughout and use a range of patterns. Materials (makes four crackers) • Four 20cm x 30cm rectangles of good quality wrapping paper • Six cardboard toilet rolls • Four cracker snaps • Four tissue paper hats • Ribbon • Glue gun and glue sticks • A toy or a sweet for inside the cracker • A tracing wheel (sometimes called a paper perforator) • Ruler, pencil and scissors

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ANIMAL JARS

These cute jars are perfect for presenting homemade preserves or filling with sweets. You can paint them all the same colour or alternatively use two or three shades. Materials (makes six) • Six jam jars and lids • Six small plastic animals • Hot glue gun • One can of spray paint (we used Liquitex acrylic paint spray)

Begin by cutting out a rectangle of wrapping paper roughly 20cmx30cm

Wash your jam jars and lids in a dishwasher at a high temperature to sterilise them. Next, decide which plastic animals you want to glue to the lids

Using a hot glue gun, dab the underside of an animal with glue. Try to glue just the feet or the base so the glue can’t be

Using the glue gun, stick a cracker snap across the widest part of the paper at the bottom edge. Use a small amount of glue on each end of the snap.

seen. Before the glue dries, place the toy in the centre of a jam jar lid. Hold down for a few seconds, then leave to dry

to getting an even coat is to spray the lids a little at a time, leaving the paint to dry for a few seconds before spraying again. Gradually build the colour with short, even sprays. Leave to dry outside for at least an hour

Once all your animals are securely glued, it’s time to paint them. You’ll need to do this outside. Place your lids on a table lined with newspaper. Follow the instructions on the can. The key

stay inside, whist those on the outer edges are there just to shape the cracker and will be disposed of later. Just before you reach the cracker snap, apply a few blobs of hot glue along the edge, then roll over to seal.

Fill with homemade jam, chutney, sweets or chocolates

Now insert the hats, toy and joke into the other end of the cracker.

Draw a line in pencil 10cm in from the short edge on both sides. Next, use the tracing wheel to go over these lines. This will perforate the paper, enabling the cracker to come apart when pulled

Place three cardboard rolls in a line along the top of the paper (opposite side to the cracker snaps) and carefully begin to roll the cracker. The middle one will

Gently pull down one of the cardboard rolls at one end and scrunch the paper together to close one end. Tie closed with a piece of ribbon.

Finally, seal the other end together by scrunching again and using a ribbon. Follow the same steps to make the next three crackers. To present your crackers, gift wrap a small cardboard box (a shoe box is ideal), line with tissue paper and fill with the crackers.

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A RTS & CR AFT

Making craft pay Who hasn’t dreamed of turning a creative hobby into a career? Jewellery designer/makers and friends Vicki Hallatt and Becky Toughill are doing just that with their separate - but complementary - businesses. Fiona Cumberpatch reports

ecky Toughill was working in a bank and searching for a creative outlet when she signed up for a jewellery making course in her spare time. Working with silver, copper and semi precious stones, she realised she had found something she loved, and was soon selling her designs at local markets and shops. Becky decided to change careers. “I went to university and did a degree in textile design, then trained as a teacher, but all the time I was making jewellery and it was taking up more and more time,” says Becky, who lives in Market Deeping. Two years ago, she decided to turn her passion into a full time career. She wrote to shops all over the country, enclosing images of her jewellery, handwriting letters to the owners and packaging everything with tissue paper. “I put so much effort and care into it, and soon I found that the higher end shops were coming back to me,” she says. “I got my designs into 1301 in Piccadilly, London, the shop at Belvoir Castle and Leicester Tourist Information Centre, as well as shops as far afield as Edinburgh and Falmouth, Cornwall,” says Becky. She now supplies 12 shops with regular stock, and sells at the regular local Handmade in Peterborough craft fairs in St John’s Church in the city centre. An important part of her business is her website, www.beckytoughill.co.uk and the online marketplace www.Folksy.com, the UK’s most popular website for handmade gifts and supplies. “Folksy has been very good for exposure, it makes it much easier for buyers to find you,” says Becky. “But I think you do need your own website as well.” She also finds her Facebook page and Twitter account an essential part of the marketing mix. Becky’s days are now full as she makes and designs her jewellery, searching for new ideas and materials which she can repurpose and upcycle into pretty, textural pieces in arresting colour combinations. “Admin takes up an hour a day, and you have to focus constantly on updating social media and the online shops, as well as meeting orders.” But she’s never looked back. “Vicki and I have been quite ambitious Jewellery designer makers Becky Toughill (left) in what we’ve done. Once you make that leap, you have to move forward all the time, keeping and Vicki Hallatt things fresh,” she says.

Designs by Vicki

Designs by Becky

icki Hallatt has turned her recent redundancy from charity administration work into a positive. It means she can now work on taking her jewellery business Rosie Ellice Designs to the next level. She is a regular seller at the Handmade in Peterborough fairs, which is how she met Becky, and finds her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RosieElliceDesigns) an invaluable selling tool. She has also recently set up a Folksy shop and is building a website. “I’ve always enjoyed making things, and I started off with cards, but three years ago, I fancied making some earrings so I went along to Riverside Beads in Market Deeping, and I really got the bug.” She set up her company in October 2010. “I work with sterling silver, semi precious stones, and I make gifts such as bottle stoppers, friendship pins and wedding accessories, as well as taking on jewellery repairs,” explains Vicki. “I have ideas all the time, even in the night, and I’m constantly sourcing materials for my designs. Riverside Beads have been very supportive, and meeting Becky at St John’s last year has been great, because we often bounce ideas off one another and we have complementary skills to share.” Vicki, from Peterborough, admits that doing her first fair was nerve racking, but now she enjoys meeting customers and believes that attention to detail and fair pricing are crucial to success. “I would advise any would-be sellers to take care over packaging, it makes the difference, and price is very important too. Becky and I have items for £3, up to about £30,” she says. “Talk to your customers when you meet them, but don’t pressure them - and really make social media work for you.” • The Handmade in Peterborough craft fairs take place on November 2nd, November 30th, and December 7th and December 12th at St John’s Church in Peterborough city centre. Vicki and Becky will be selling (check their Facebook pages for up to date details and times).

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*1 bo

The Wansford Cakery • Specialising in homemade cakes and traybakes • Cupcakes and candy cones made to order - birthdays, weddings, all occasions! • We also make fresh coffee and filled baguettes to take away • Find us on Facebook

R PARTY BOOK YOU

NOW!

t festive See our grea us! party men

le fo Partie r every 5 g ue s boo ked b sts FRE E efore 12th WINE! Dece mb get fr ee w er ine*

Christmas 2013

Soak up the atmosphere

07754 321895 - thewansfordcakery@gmail.com 31 Elton Road, Wansford, PE8 6JD

Let our chefs and their dishes take your taste buds travelling to the Orient through a tantalizing variety of dishes from the diverse cultures and ﬂavours of Southeast Asia.

East Restaurant, Upper Deck Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

www.east-restaurant.co.uk

01733 315702

Rock the Boat!

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Tickets on sale NOW

Entrance £10 per person* *£5 per person if you dine in East

Live band The Dizzy Miss Lizzys

Doors open 7pm ‘til early morning New Year’s Day

Great atmosphere below deck UK’s largest ﬂoating real ale emporium

12 hand pumps inc award winning brews from Oakham Ales

Lower Deck, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

www.charters-bar.co.uk

01733 315700

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CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

THE RED LION WARMINGTON • • • •

Real Home Produced Food • Freehouse Homemade Desserts • Quality Real Ales Warm friendly welcome The Famous Red Lion Sunday Lunch - Serving 12 noon and 2.30 (booking essential)

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)

Closed Mondays

Peterborough Road, Warmington, PE8 6TN - T: 01832 280362 Email: theredlionwarmington@gmail.com Web: www.theredlionwarmington.co.uk

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FOOD & DR INK

Food News All the latest on local food and drink

EAST – A TASTE SENSATION East has just launched a new menu. Nicholas Rudd-Jones tried it out

ee, the restaurant manager and a creative force behind the menu, described the thinking behind the new menu: “we wanted to add some fresh flavours, some new ideas, but we also wanted to focus upon a really modern presentation of the food - making it look really great, being creative in its presentation, delighting the eye as well as the taste buds.” And the kitchen has succeeded in every respect. This is by some distance the best ethnic cuisine in the region, mixing the flavours of the Far East in new and original combinations. Flavours are always fresh and interesting, there is spiciness but never excessive, there are interesting flavour combinations that take the meal way beyond the good to the outstanding. A group of four of us visited at lunchtime. Favourite starters included: Mandarin Rolled Toast – a toast rolled around roast duck and spring onion in a Mandarin sauce, which had exquisite taste and interest; and Seafood Gyoza, a Japanese pastry wrapped over prawns and squid, flavoured with chives, served with a sake vinegar sauce – very moreish. For mains, I especially enjoyed Som Tum Mu Yang, a Grilled shoulder of pork with chilli, carrots, long beans, cherry tomatoes and peanuts tossed with a tamarind and lime juice, from Thailand. Really interesting flavour and texture combinations, beautifully presented. We also enjoyed a couple of classics: Sake Mushi Salmon, with ginger, sake, spring onion and Japanese sauce, inspired by a Japanese recipe; and Prawn Bulgogi, Stir-fried prawns in a Bulgogi

sauce with onions and leeks, from Korea You will need to keep space for desserts, because they are top quality too – a fresh raspberry cheesecake, and an indulgent chocolate fondant with popcorns and home-made ice cream, a dessert that would grace any top restaurant. You can enjoy the great East food experience in so many different ways – lunch, two courses for £10.95, dinner, Sunday buffet or take out menu. Pick from the a la carte, or one of the set menus. And if you really want to experiment, why not try the tasting menu, a medley of flavours from many different countries? • East, Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP Tel: 01733 315702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE CROWN, ELTON

his year, The Crown at Elton will be open through the festive season for lunch and dinner, and a special Christmas menu will be available from November 26 until lunchtime on Christmas Eve. It’s a great place to enjoy a cosy festive meal, with a roaring fire and lots of atmosphere, as well as excellent food of course. The Christmas menu includes starters of local game terrine, Cumberland jelly, port and rosemary syrup, or a grilled

Portobello mushroom and mature cheddar rarebit with poached free range egg and granary toast. Mains encompass the classic roast turkey with homemade sage and onion stuffing, chipolatas wrapped in bacon, bread sauce, cranberry sauce and a rich roasting gravy. But if you’d like an alternative, there are three more choices, with roasted loin of Grasmere pork with Yorkshire pudding, pan fried fillet of gilt head bream, or for vegetarians, a wild mushroom suet pudding with celeriac mash, savoy cabbage with pine nuts, and thyme roasted parsnips. For dessert, you could enjoy Christmas bread and butter pudding with brandy clotted cream, a Baileys crème brulee with homemade short bread, or a selection of East Anglia cheeses with biscuits, grapes and celery. Two courses are £19.95 per person, three courses are £29.50. And if you’re booking for a party of ten or more,

there is 10 per cent off the total food price. If you need a break from Christmas catering, there’s a delicious Boxing Day menu on offer, too (pre-booking or reservation only), priced at £26.50 per person. On Sundays during the Christmas season, by popular customer demand, you can still enjoy the popular Sunday lunch menu. For opening times, and further details of festive fun and games, visit www. thecrowninn.org, or call 01832 280 232. The Crown, Duck Street, Elton PE8 6RQ

DON’T MISS! The AGA Sausage Festival 2013 at AGA Peterborough, Warminton Mill, PE8 6TJ. Join the team as they seek the tastiest sausage in town. Local butchers compete for the crown. 11am-3pm, Saturday November 2. Tel: 01832 280855

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FOOD & DR INK

Star attraction

Chef Lee Clarke has brought fine dining to Peterborough. He tells Sue Dobson about his latest plans, and shares one of his favourite recipes

ee Clarke is a happy man. Looking out over Cathedral Square from his stylish restaurant, Clarkes, he muses on the view. “It’s really beautiful here at night,” he says. “St John’s Church and the Cathedral are floodlit and the street lighting is very atmospheric. The true heart of the city has become an enjoyable evening destination.” It’s a mere two and a half years since Lee introduced the concept of fine dining to Peterborough, opening his first restaurant on Lincoln Road. “In the beginning it was tough”, he admits. “There was nowhere else like us.” Fortunately word spread about Clarkes, “and month by month business got better and better”. In July this year, Clarkes moved into the city centre. Again Lee got hands-on in transforming a fine old building, this time the former Grapevine pub behind St John’s Church. The result is an elegant, light, airy and welcoming restaurant, where old and new mix in contemporary style. As well as the lovely ground floor dining area, incorporating the bar, lounge seating area and pretty terrace, there are two rooms upstairs for private and bespoke dining. “We have much more to offer here,” he says.

Starry eyed Known for his innovative, beautifully presented, modern British dishes, top quality ingredients and selection of interesting wines, Lee has been influenced by his years of experience under such celebrity chefs as Marco Pierre White and the Roux brothers, working at famous London restaurants including Le Gavroche, Mirabelle, The Ivy and The Oak Room. Not surprising, then, that he has his eyes firmly fixed on gaining a Michelin star for Clarkes. Six chefs, including Lee, make up the kitchen

brigade. “I’m blessed with a talented team, all of us trained locally – Stamford, Boston and Peterborough – and all with experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants. “We’ve got 26 stars between us,” he jokes. As head chef at The Ickworth, an elegant country house hotel near Bury St Edmonds, Lee’s eyes were opened to the quality ingredients available in the region. Today he demands the highest standards from his suppliers for both Clarkes and Café Clarkes, which opened at the Key Theatre in May and is popular for such British classics as steak and chips, bubble and squeak, bangers and mash and proper fish and chips, all presented in the style that sets Clarkes apart. Under head chef Sam Bateman, “the most talented young chef I’ve seen in a long while”, Lee describes the Café as “not quite fine dining but not gastro-pub either, somewhere in between!”

Cookery courses Lee’s newest venture is to offer cookery courses, beginning in November and expanding in the New Year. “There’ll be a 12-week course, on Mondays from 9.30am to 2.30pm, covering everything from the basics to advanced pastry, designed for the person with a passion for cooking and interest in improving their knowledge and skills.” Participants can choose to join individual classes, but with no more than 10 people per class, priority will be given to those on the full course. Lee has no regrets about ‘coming home’ and is upbeat about Peterborough. “It’s an exciting city to live in at the moment, with all the festivals and activities that go on. I’m really happy here.”

LEE CLARKE’S CHOCOLATE FONDANTS “I love the hot sticky centre that will warm anyone’s day. Serve with vanilla, cardamom or orange ice cream.” • 675g dark chocolate • 375g butter • 9 medium eggs • 450g sugar • 135g plain flour • 50g self raising flour • 25g butter • 4 tbsp cocoa powder Makes eight individual pudding moulds

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Melt together the dark chocolate and 375g butter either in the microwave or over a pot of boiling water Whisk together the eggs and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy Whisk in the chocolate mixture and make sure all is combined Fold in the self raising flour and plain flour and place mixture in a piping bag To line the moulds, rub the softened 25g butter into the moulds, fill with the cocoa powder then tap the cocoa power out Pre heat the oven to 180°C Pipe the mixture into the lined moulds to about 3/4 the way up and chill in the fridge for at least 45 minutes Place in oven for eight minutes, remove from mould by turning upside down and serve immediately.

• Clarkes Restaurant, 10 Queen Street, St John’s Square, Peterborough PE1 1PA. Tel: 01733 892681. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch (light lunch menu, one course and a glass of wine, £10) and dinner. www. clarkespeterborough.co.uk • Café Clarkes, Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough PE1 1EF. Tel: 01733 561465. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday from 12-6pm for Sunday Roast set menu. www.cafeclarkes.co.uk

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Christmas at

The King’s Head Apethorpe

Christmas Fayre Saturday 16th November 12pm

Stalls, gift ideas, live music, mulled wine, complimentary nibbles AND come & visit Santa! Presents for good children!

SERVING CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £60pp - bubbly, canapes, 3 courses & coffee Book early to avoid disappointment

BOXING DAY LUNCH OPEN 12 - 4PM

Welcome to Clarkes

Quote NVL when booking your table to receive an exclusive special offer!

Christmas Party Menu 3 courses £19.95 BOOK NOW 01780 470 627

Kings Cliffe Road, Apethorpe, Peterborough, PE8 5DG

Clarkes is a family run restaurant in Peterborough offering high-level dining in the relaxed atmosphere of a local neighbourhood restaurant, we have recently moved from Lincoln Road to our new home by Cathedral Square Peterborough. Our modern British food is freshly cooked to order using locally sourced ingredients along with daily home-made bread and hand-made desserts. Inspired by farms and produce around the local area, our cuisine – pioneered by chef Lee Clarke – is confidently sophisticated with creativity balanced against tradition. We are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday.

12 West St Oundle PE8 4EF

Open from midday weds – sun (9am Saturdays for breakfast) 01832-274383

NEW MENU, includes steak pie, fish & chips, gammon, spare ribs, sausage & mash, lasagne, carbonara, enchiladas, scampi, and more!

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

VIEW OUR CHRISTMAS MENUS ONLINE

Spag Bol now on kids menu!

Oundle’s Retro Restaurant www.62lovemedo.co.uk

Beautifully decorated and formally run by a husband and wife team. Ambitious, tasty, modern cooking… - Michelin Guide 2013

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

e-mail: bookings@clarkespeterborough.co.uk

Tel: 01733 892681

www.clarkespeterborough.co.uk. 29

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pregnancy birth baby

pregnancy labour birth

Pregnancy & Postnatal Helping you take care of yourself and your baby, prepare and rehearse for labour and birth, and relax into early parenthood. Aquanatal Yoga Pregnancy Yoga Childbirth Rehearsal & Birth Preparation Pregnancy Massage & Reflexology Waterbirth Workshop Birth & Postnatal Doula Baby Nurture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Early Days Workshop

8 Botolph Bridge Estate, Oundle Rd, Peterborough PE2 9QP E info@calmababy.com W calmababy.com T 01733 707 808

facebook.com/calmababy

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PE R SPE CT IVE S

Could you adopt a child? November 4 marks the start of this year’s National Adoption Week and staff at Peterborough City Council are taking the opportunity to encourage prospective adopters to come forward

id you know that there are currently three children waiting for every adoptive family? National Adoption Week is all about raising awareness around adoption and the rewards it brings for children and adoptive families. BAAF, the British Association for Adoption and Fostering are asking you to think about those children who wait the longest for a loving family and to consider whether there is room in your life and heart to give a child in need a loving home. Kim and Andrew did just that. The couple, in their thirties when they first met, married after two years and decided to start a family as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Kim discovered a medical condition which meant that in order to conceive, the couple would have to follow a course of IVF. After being given a less than 10 per cent chance of success they decided to look into adoption instead. “Some of our friends had adopted successfully through Peterborough City Council,” Kim recalls. “So we went to an information evening which we found very interesting and enlightening. We knew it was not going to be a straightforward process and we appreciated the difficulties faced by children as well as the problems adopting parents may have to confront too. A social worker from the city council came to see us to talk about the practicalities. You have to be prepared to be asked all sorts of questions about your finances and health which can be difficult.” The couple spent the next few months renovating their home and were delighted to receive an invitation to complete the ‘preparation for adoption’ course during which

they watched a documentary focusing on the realities faced by children in care, took part in role playing exercises and spoke to existing adopters. Undeterred, Kim and Andrew were confident they could offer a child a loving, stable home and commenced a period of home study with the support of their allocated social worker which they described as “intensive, but necessary.” They were given homework, including writing their life stories and producing a family tree and three months later found themselves in front of an approval panel where they were approved as adopters. “I was so happy that I burst into tears,” Kim laughs. “We then sat back and prepared to wait for what we thought was going to be months before anything happened.” They received a call just four weeks later. “Our social worker, who had been absolutely brilliant, told us they had a child. He was a 12 month old boy, whose parents were not able to look after him.” The couple were shown reports concerning the child, and met with his doctor and foster carer with whom he’d lived for most of his life. “I did not want to see his photo initially in case the process did not go any further” Kim says, “but as soon as I saw his face I fell in love with him. It was overwhelming.” Some preparation at home and a health and safety visit soon followed, before another panel assessment designed to ensure that the couple were a suitable match for the young boy. After a nervous seven days, the phone rang. Kim and Andrew were parents. A week-long introduction process began with Kim and Andrew visiting Jason at his foster carer’s home. “Our social worker came into the

room carrying Jason, put him into my arms and said ‘meet your son’,” Andrew recalls. “He blew me a raspberry and that was it. We just got on the floor and started pushing cars around.” “It felt incredible, amazing,” Kim joins in. “We met every day for the next week, building up our time with him. One morning we got there early so that we could get him up, give him his breakfast, bath him and get him dressed. Eventually we brought him home for longer periods.” That was a year ago and since then it has just been an incredible time for Kim, Andrew and their new addition. They gradually introduced Jason to the rest of his new extended family and in June at an official adoption hearing Jason legally became their son. He has a life story book containing photos of his birth parents so he’ll always know of his background and Kim and Andrew have letter box contact with his birth family so that they can pass on news. They also send photos to Jason’s foster carer. “We met up with Jason’s mother, who is not with his father anymore. She said she was pleased that Jason was with us. It was a really good feeling to have her validation,” Kim concludes. “Our life has changed beyond belief and now we look forward to our future – the three of us together.” • If you’ve considered adoption, or would just like to ask for more information you can contact the team on 01733 317448, or by emailing wanttoadopt@peterborough. gov.uk. Alternatively, more information is available on their brand new website www. peterboroughadoption.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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L OCA L BUSINE SS

A growing concern The Olive Grove Nurseries near Polebrook, Oundle is a great winter destination with its new wood-fired pizza oven, extended coffee shop and popular interiors store. Fiona Cumberpatch called in. Photos: Tim Steele

t’s a long time since The Olive Grove Nurseries was just a place to buy plants. Over the last four and a half years, owners Jackie and Tim Thackeray have worked hard to turn their business into a thriving year round concern, and with the opening of a new restaurant extension and extended menu, they hope to seal their reputation as a popular destination for a day out. “People come here and grab a coffee or enjoy a light lunch. They can have a walk round the nursery and browse the interiors shop and the deli. Our aim has always been to keep our customers coming back, so we’re always looking for the next step,” explains Jackie. The latest addition is a wood fired pizza oven, in a newly built extension to the popular coffee shop. There are now 50 covers in the restaurant area, and Jackie and Tim have just introduced table service. “We chose pizzas because it is in keeping with our Mediterranean feel, and perfect all year round,” says Jackie. “The cooking area is open plan, so it provides a bit of theatre.” On the day I visit, classical guitarist Steve Bean is playing live at lunchtime, and there is a constant flow of customers, eating, drinking coffee and exchanging banter with Jackie and Tim. Two of the regulars are celebrating a birthday, with a complimentary glass of wine. “Our aim has always been to offer a quality environment, fantastic staff and a personal approach,” says Jackie. “We have been successful in doing that

and I think that’s why people come back.” When Jackie and Tim started out, they had no staff. Now there are 22, even in the winter months, and more in the summer season. The couple have also recently made the decision to open seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. All this has happened when some smaller businesses are struggling to survive. “Both Tim and I are driven people,” is how Jackie explains their progress. “We’re always thinking about how we can grow this business. We don’t stand still, there are always changes, new things to see and buy. Tim and I work well together – I see us as a pantomime horse, he’s the front end and I’m at the back, and sometimes there is a bit of a wiggle in the middle,” she laughs. The live music programme has proved popular – on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays, they offer a rolling programme of classical guitar, a pianist and saxophonist, and a guitar and vocals act. They have introduced cocktail nights and food tastings, when their suppliers come and set out their stalls for customers to try and buy. Woodburning stoves will heat the open sided area during the winter months. For Christmas, there will be trees for sale and gifts in the interiors store. “It will be a one stop shop for people who prefer to avoid the high street,” says Jackie. • Olive Grove Nurseries, Oundle Rd, Polebrook, Northants PE8 5LQ Tel: 01832 275660 www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk Open seven days. NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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AR T

Living on the Edge ‘Living On The Edge’ is an exhibition by a collection of artists who share a profound interest in nature and an awareness of the predicament of wildlife. The work is showing at Stamford Arts Centre in November (12th – 29th) to coincide with the annual New Networks for Nature symposium, when a broad alliance of creators (including poets, authors, scientists, film makers, visual artists, environmentalists, musicians and composers) whose work draws strongly on the natural environment join together in Stamford to share knowledge and thoughts. Living on the Edge refers both literally to creatures who live in marginal places, but also metaphorically, as so many species are pushed to the verge of survival.

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Carry Akroyd Exhibition An exhibition of new paintings by talented artist Carry Akroyd will show at the Robert Fogell Gallery from Saturday 2nd - Saturday 23rd November. Carry Akroyd is a painter and printmaker whose images examine the relationship between humans, wildlife and landscape, but are just as much about colour and composition. • Robert Fogell Gallery, 23 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 762099 www.robfogell.co.uk

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❶ ‘Songbirds’ printed feathers by Rebecca Jewell ❷ ‘Black Headed Gulls and Avocets’ Greg Poole woodcut ❸ ‘From the North’ woodblock print by Matt Underwood. ❹ ‘Short-Eared Owl’ Nik Pollard monotype ❺ ‘Sixty Wrens’ Andrea Roe, photograph of arranged cabinet skins at National Museums of Scotland

NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

Health & Beauty Notes All the latest on local health and beauty businesses. By Bridget Steele SILHOUETTE SOFT LIFT AT PETERBOROUGH COSMETIC CLINIC

PREGNANCY AND POST-NATAL CLASSES AT CALMABABY From the moment your baby is conceived, a magical journey begins. Taking care of yourself and your baby during this journey through pregnancy, birth and into early motherhood is essential for happy and healthy development. Calmababy run a range of dedicated classes covering pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods. Choose from a vast range of classes and courses including Aquanatal Yoga that is excellent for all expectant mothers to keep the body healthy through pregnancy and helps to prepare for labour and birth. It is especially helpful for women who suffer from pelvic pain and backache. Pregnancy Yoga classes have an emphasis on deep breathing, active postures, labour and birthing positions, birth muscle toning as well as stretching and relaxing. Childbirth Preparation is a labour and birth course supported by the Royal College of Midwives and covers all aspects of childbirth, keeping you informed and relaxed whilst preparing for labour and early parenthood. Birth and postnatal Doulas and early baby workshops are also available. • For more information on the courses available contact Calmababy on 01733 707808, Visit the website, www. calmababy.com or e-mail: info@calmababy.com 8 Botolph Bridge Estate, Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9QP

As well as the many other aesthetic procedures offered by consultant surgeon Miss Zahida Butt of Peterborough Cosmetic Clinic, the innovative Silhouette Soft lift treatment for the face is now an option. This procedure is a new treatment in facial rejuvenation which combines two actions in a unique way. The lift action has an immediate and discreet effect giving results which can be seen instantly and the second action has a regenerative effect for gradual and natural results by restoring lost collagen to add more definition to your features, while maintaining volume. The definition on neck, cheeks and jowls can be restored immediately with a 30 – 60 minute procedure with no downtime. There are no incisions and the components are all entirely re-absorbable. This technique can only be performed by either a surgeon or doctor. Zahida Butt is well qualified to undertake this procedure. The technique has been used for many years in various medical fields and especially in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. It has long lasting results and can be used as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with dermal fillers and injectables for other facial lines. Miss Butt will be happy to give a personal tailor made treatment for your face at a consultation. • Contact the Peterborough clinic on 01733 310090 and the King’s Lynn clinic on 01553 692531.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT PURE HEALTH AND BEAUTY, GLAPTHORN On Wednesday 4th December, local salon Pure Health and Beauty are running a Christmas Shopping and Beauty event in aid of Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Support Appeal in Northamptonshire and Hospital at Home. The day starts at 9am with an open house all day. There will be THALGO express facials with a specialist, to include free skin consultation and prescription for £10 (it is best to book), free THALGO goody bags and coffee, mulled wine and nibbles. Pure have their own gorgeous Pick`n`mix Gift bags which start at £5. Hand made jewellery from Sri Lanka by Jewellery Creations will also be on sale. Jayne and the salon team would love people to drop in for a coffee or a drink and bring friends and family to support Crazy Hats . • For more information contact Pure Health and Beauty, The Old Stables, Church Farm, Glapthorn, Near Oundle, Peterborough PE8 5BE Tel: 01832 272310 M: 07807 879459 e-mail: pure@ farming.co.uk

NEW MANAGEMENT AT BEAUTY WITH RUTH Beauty with Ruth is now under new management. Rachel Cobley has taken over the salon and has introduced Jane Iredale cosmetics to the salon as well as a range of new treatments and laser hair removal. • For more information contact Beauty with Ruth, Oundle 01832 275578 www.beautywithruthoundle.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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ACT IVIT IE S

Oundle’s feast of Christmas PHOTO: COLIN GrEATrEx

PHOTO: JANE MOrrIS

Oundle’s first proper Christmas market promises to be a festive affair with more than 70 local food producers and gift retailers flocking to the town on Saturday 7th December. Lucy Banwell reports

undle’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event has always been a heartwarming affair, bringing the town together to mark the start of the festive season. Well, this year’s spectacle promises to be bigger and better than ever because the Christmas Market element of the day is going to receive a much-needed boost. With help from Alison Newcomb of Oundle Food Festival, the Town Council have decided to bump up the number of stalls at the Christmas Market from the handful we’ve seen in previous years to upwards of 70 stallholders. There will be hot street food and drinks on offer, as well as Christmas trees, gifts, foodie treats and live music. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm for the event,” says Alison Newcomb. “Lots of stallholders have already booked their pitches and I’ve no doubt we will fill the whole Market Place. It’s going to have a lovely, Christmassy feel, and with gift producers as well as food stalls there will be lots of opportunities for people to come along and do a spot of Christmas shopping. I’m hoping it will bring people into the town and remind them of all the wonderful foodie offerings we have going on here.” Having previously been held on a Friday, the lights switch-on and Christmas market will now be given the prominence it deserves with a move to a Saturday ‘fixture’ on 7th December. The market will open for business from midday, with the annual lights switch-on happening at 6pm. Oundle Town Council have promised a big name to press the button, but at the time of going to press the identity of this mystery guest was still tightly under wraps! They could confirm, however, that Father Christmas will be in residence in his grotto at the back of Greetings card shop on West Street, welcoming children throughout the day.

The Small Bread Company Fi Smallridge, who runs her artisan bread company from a workshop in Barnwell, can’t wait to get into the festive spirit. “I absolutely love Christmas markets so I was delighted when I heard about this one and definitely wanted to be part of it,” says Fi. “We’ve had two brilliant years at the Oundle Food Festival – we kept selling out of our bread – so I’m hoping the Christmas Market will also be successful for us. I’ll be selling focaccias and sour dough loaves as well some Christmas loaves with stilton, cranberries and walnuts. The extra special thing will be takeaway hot chowder served in a crusty bread bowl. It’s a San Francisco thing – it’s very popular there.” Tel: 01832 270938 www.thesmallbreadcompany.com

to none, and it’s brilliant for us to come to something local. We came to the Food Festival in the summer and there’s always a great atmosphere in Oundle. “We serve our burgers in bespoke buns with a choice of sauces, gherkins, salad and relishes. You really do get a lot for your money with us. This market represents the start of Christmas. So come along and keep warm next to our griddle!” Tel: 01832 293490 www.woodwardsfarm.com

Squisito

Woodwards Farm The burgers from Woodwards Farm in Winwick are legendary. Londoners regularly flock to Woodwards’ Covent Garden stall and now Oundle residents will get a chance to get their hands on these home-reared, home-made beef burgers. “We’re the farmers, we’re the butchers and we also sell the burgers ourselves,” explains Kerrie Tokens. “So they really are second

Sara Chambers from Italian deli Squisito is riding high as the winner of BBC Midlands’ Best Street Food award. And with good reason. This Warwickshire-based food producer is proud to make authentic Italian food with locally-sourced ingredients. “We’ll be bringing our barbecued sausages to the Christmas Market,” says Sarah. “The pork shoulder for the sausages is sourced from local farmers and we make all our sausages on the day of sale to a traditional Italian recipe. We serve them in an organic roll with homemade ketchup. “Oundle Food Festival is one of the nicest events we do all year so it’s a great idea to expand the Christmas Market to include more food producers. People in Oundle are always really interested in what we’re doing. We can’t keep up with the demand, to be honest. It’s like serving in a busy pub on Christmas Eve!” Tel: 07824 314235 www.squisito-deli.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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We’re looking for people from all backgrounds who can make a positive impact on a child’s life. Your marital status, gender and sexuality doesn’t matter to us as long as you can make a lifelong commitment to providing a loving home for a child or children who, for whatever reason, cannot return to their birth family. If you’re looking to start, or add to your existing family, then we’d love to talk to you.

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A Day Out In…

Nottingham

ART & CULTURE

Opened in 2009 to huge architectural acclaim, The Nottingham Contemporary (www.nottingham contemporary.org ) is one of the largest contemporary art centres in the UK. It has regular exhibitions and very much merits a visit. The Nottingham Contemporary

View of The Park from Hart’s Hotel garden

Nottingham is one of my favourite cities, and takes less than an hour to get to. The shopping is brilliant, the culture is varied, there are lots of sporting venues (Trent Bridge, Notts Forest, Nottingham Panthers, National Water Sports Centre, Ice Arena) and so many good food & drink spots Words: Nicholas Rudd-Jones Pictures: Elli Dean WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Nottingham Castle (http://www. nottinghamcity. gov.uk/article/22175/Nottingham-Castle ) Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle commands spectacular views over the city. A castle was first built on this site by William the Conqueror in 1067. Totally destroyed after the Civil War, the medieval castle was replaced by a magnificent ducal mansion in 1674. Then in 1875 it was converted into the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London, which is still its use today. Nottingham Caves (www.cityofcaves.com) Beneath the Castle there is a labyrinth of manmade caves. Courageous kids will love them, and there’s lots of interesting history to explore. Nottingham Ice Arena – the ‘home’ of Torville and Dean and the Nottingham Panthers. There are public skating sessions every day. www.national-ice-centre.com

The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall (www.trch.co.uk) stages shows, musicals and comedies throughout the year, and Opera North in November. The Nottingham Playhouse (www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk) 2013 is a special year for the Playhouse as it marks 50 years since the ‘new’ Playhouse was opened to the public. The Capital FM Arena www.capitalfmarena.com Lots of top musical acts, including the Stereophonics in November. Lakeside Arts Centre (www.lakesidearts. org.uk ) is the University of Nottingham’s public arts centre and museum presenting an eclectic programme of music, dance, theatre, visual art and family events all year round. With two excellent cafés and craft cabinets selling original works by leading craft makers, this is a great place to visit, albeit it’s a couple of miles west of the city centre.

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SHOPPING DISCOVERIES

Bridlesmith Gate A haven for chic boutiques and designer labels, Bridlesmith Gate is a Mecca for stylish shoppers, including the original flagship Paul Smith store (Nottingham is his home town) Hockley – students, vintage, independent. Nice area for cafés/drinks/meals Unique boutiques, chilled out cafés. Recommended shops in Hockley are Ice Nine alternative jewellery, Cow retro fashions, White Rose, Wild Clothing and Montana local independent fashions. Flying Horse Arcade (www.trch.co.uk) – small arcade with Vivienne Westwood, Whitewall Gallery, Atomic, Inspired. Old Market Square is the largest public space in the UK after London’s Trafalgar Square. From here Nottingham’s shopping streets spread out in every direction. Exchange Arcade in the centre of the Market Square. Head here for women’s fashion including Warehouse, Oasis, Jaeger and Karen Millen. Other interesting shops include: Debbie Bryan (www.debbiebryan.co.uk) – 18 St Mary’s Gate, The Lace Market. Jewellery, gifts, collectables Atomic (www.atomicinteriors.co.uk ) – 15 Flying Horse Walk. Modern furniture and lighting. Le Chien et Moi (www.lechienetmoi.com ) – 60 Derby Road. Unusual collectables and gifts The Cheese Shop (www.cheeseshopnottingham.co.uk) – 6 Flying Horse Walk. A delicious selection of well kept cheeses. Delightful Delilahs

PIT STOPS Delilahs Deli & Café, 12 Victoria St (www. delilahfinefoods.co.uk ). We loved this place in the heart of the city, combining as it does a traditional delicatessen with a tapas style food bar & relaxed café-style seating for up to 70 diners. Atlas Café, 9 Pelham St (www.atlasdeli. co.uk ), reckoned by Antonio Carluccio to be “one of the ten best delis in Britain”. Alley Café, Cannon Court, Long Row West (www.alleycafe.co.uk ) If you like veggie and ‘character’, this is the place for you. The food menu ranges from sandwiches and cakes to world dishes; on Sundays there is the ‘Vegan Sunday Roast’. Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem Inn (www. triptojerusalem.com ) Purports to be England’s oldest pub, dating back to 1189AD. Just below the castle. Worth a visit if you’re feeling touristy.

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SUGGESTED WALKS

The Park. The Park is one of the most beautiful Victorian estates in the country. The 150 acre estate, which was once the deer park of Nottingham Castle, is full of classic Victorian mansions (Jesse Boot of Boots fame first had his home here) and retains much of its original character, including the original gas lighting network. There are some steps down alongside Hart’s Hotel at the top of Park Row. Once in The Park, head past the tennis courts to the two circuses in the centre of the gated estate, which are a picture of Victorian gentility. A walk along the Canal. You could head west all the way to the university and Wollaton Park; or potter east a few hundred yards to get a flavour of Nottingham’s industrial past. Entry via Wilford St, Carrington St or Trent St. Wollaton Park, west of the city, is Nottingham’s biggest park - it has a lot of walking paths, the Elizabethan Wollaton House (now a natural History Museum), a café and a lake. Good site for further information on Nottingham: www.experiencenottinghamshire.com

Focus on Hart’s Hotel and Restaurant Hart’s Hotel is a modern, intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Nottingham, perched on Standard Hill just north of the castle with stunning views over the city. It would be my choice every time for a business or leisure stay, perfectly situated as it is. Service is impeccable and it is incredibly quiet, you would hardly believe you are in a city. The rooms are modestly proportioned but immaculately laid out, and the garden rooms have a table and chairs in the delightful garden, perfect for a drink before dinner or a cup of coffee in the morning. All in all very good value. Hart’s Restaurant is across the way, offering modern British cooking and probably the best place to eat in Nottingham. The style of the place is classy yet informal, and we especially enjoyed the enthusiasm and accuracy Hart’s Hotel of the service. For starters we enjoyed two seafood dishes – squid with baby chorizo, chicory, avocado; and scallops with yoghurt, cucumber and mint. For mains, my partner chose grilled halloumi with spiced lentils and tempura vegetables; whilst I tried the Roast Derbyshire Lamb Rump, with potato gnocchi, courgette caponata and aubergine puree. Both delicious and beautifully presented. For dessert, we shared a delectable vanilla pannacotta, with Southwell strawberries and a sable biscuit. It’s a restaurant to linger in, great ambience and a very friendly team. The set lunch menu is fabulous value at £14.95 and would make a good break in your day between exploring the Castle, Park and Contemporary Art Gallery in the morning and shopping later in the day. Hart’s Restaurant recently added a Gourmet corner to the a la carte menu on Friday and Saturday nights. Sample menu: Whole dressed lobster with garlic butter, saffron & lemon pink fur potatoes, shaved fennel salad Hart’s starter Poached roast monkfish ‘Osso Bucco’, artichoke, tomato and green chilli risotto Cote de boeuf for two, with triple cooked chips, sautéed mushrooms, buttered spinach, Béarnaise sauce. Hart’s Hotel and Restaurant, Standard Hill, Nottingham NG1 6GN Tel: 0115 988 1900 www.hartsnottingham.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING MARCH 2013

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B R I N G I N G L OCA L FOOD T O LIFE

Pie in the Old Kitchen, Burghley House The most fascinating food and drink is always on your doorstep, as Matt Wright discovers in one of Britain’s most amazing kitchens… Photos: Andrew Brackenbury

he Old Kitchen at Burghley House is one of the most historic and downright breath taking places connected to food in the whole of the UK. If you haven’t seen it for yourself, you are missing out. This is an immense space with a skyrocketing, rib-vaulted ceiling that wouldn’t look out of place in All Saints’ Church. Ancient turtle skulls – momentos of turtle soups past – are displayed on one wall, a giant 350-year-old painting of an ox carcass by Flemish artist Frans Snyders – a friend of Rubens – adorns another, and 260 pieces of polished Georgian copper utensils glint everywhere you look. Many of these pans have initials engraved on them – L.B. for Lord Burghley, for example. Above you, in the centre of the ceiling, is a giant aperture that was once open to the elements, designed to carry the smoke and cooking fumes out into the Stamford sky. You can only imagine the heat, sweat and fumes that this kitchen has seen as cooks and servants toiled here over the centuries. The story goes that the huge chimney in the ceiling was covered up until 1985 and only rediscovered when someone sitting on an upstairs toilet nearly fell through the floor! To recapture a little bit of Elizabethan England, I contacted Burghley to see if they would create the sort of pie that would have been made here during the 16th century. Burghley’s caterer, Absolute Taste, which runs the Orangery restaurant and also caters for the McLaren F1 team, was happy to oblige. Chef Mark Inoti came up with a duck, prune and chestnut pie, pictured here. I can confirm that Absolute Taste’s pie was genuinely delicious, so much so that it is being added to the Orangery menu.

About the writer

Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodmag.co.uk and Greatfoodclub.co.uk, two Leicestershirebased websites that celebrate and promote local food and drink.

About the photographer Andrew Brackenbury from Rhyall is a corporate and editorial photographer who loves to tell stories about people, businesses and events through his work. See more of his photos at www. abrackenbury.com

Above: This Elizabethan-style pie created by Absolute Taste contains duck, chestnut and prune. Other ingredients include pale ale, mace, sage and allspice. Right: These skulls are from unfortunate turtles used to make turtle soup at Burghley over the years. Their positioning above the sign is no doubt designed to worry slacking servants!

British Pie Awards 2013 I couldn’t write about pies without mentioning the British Pie Awards 2013, held on April 24 in St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray. There were 983 pies entered and over 100 judges (including me) needed to assess them. The Supreme Champion Trophy went to The Pie Kitchen of Bury St Edmunds for its Chicken, Chantanay Carrot and Bacon Pie. Best Melton Mowbray Pork Pie went to Walker & Son of Leicester, whose winning pie is available to buy in Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, Melton Mowbray. For the full results, go to www.britishpieawards.co.uk

Join Matt’s food club – Great Food Club – free of charge and discover the very best local food and drink. Members can enjoy special offers at over 80 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

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Absolute Taste chef Mark Inoti shows off his Elizabethan-style pie in Burghley Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Kitchen.

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COUNT RY SIDE

Fundraising for the Great Fen Project Peterborough-based business Anglia Co-Operative is supporting the initiative to return 14 miles of land to its fenland origins

n addition to generating over £54,000 in the past year for a whole host of charities and community groups in East Anglia through its 27 foodstores, the Peterborough-based retail co-operative has placed supporting wildlife high on its agenda. It is throwing its considerable fundraising muscle into supporting a £1 million effort for The Great Fen, one of Europe’s largest wildlife restoration projects. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northants must hit that seven-figure target by June 2014 to safeguard £1.8m of Heritage Lottery Fund grants for the project, which is aiming to restore 14 square miles of land between Peterborough and Huntingdon to its fenland origins. Anglia Co-operative’s chief operating executive, Andy Simpson, has pledged to give a full year of volunteering to put his business skills behind The Great Fen project. He says: “it will be a fantastic legacy to bequeath to future generations and will create something like the Norfolk Broads on our doorstep, with so many benefits for wildlife and visitors.” Customers at Yaxley, Sawtry, Ramsey and St Ives are getting involved, too, with the four stores installing new technology to enable shoppers to donate their loose change to the cause at the checkout. Twelve months ago Anglia Co-operative launched its first-ever regional wildlife calendar, with profits donated to a string of local wildlife projects. As a result, a grand total of £15,089 was shared between wildlife watch groups run by the Wildlife Trust to encourage children to get involved with nature; a project to provide a dragonfly viewing area for visitors to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, near St Neots; and Peterborough and District Beekeepers Association and Bungay Community Bees to further their work in their communities. This year, the aim is to raise the bar even higher. In addition to producing a 2014 wildlife calendar – containing stunning images taken by amateur photographers from all over East

Anglia – Anglia Co-operative is producing its first-ever fundraising Christmas cards. The skills of amateur photographers have again been harnessed to provide some eye-catching festive cards – with all profits going to the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northants. Hundreds of photographers submitted pictures to the competition in the hope of getting them selected for the Christmas cards. Judge David Cromack, a Peterborough-based birdwatching publisher said: “the standard was very high, that was why I chose 15 for the cards.” The winning images depict snowy scenes and some exceptional shots of native wildlife. Profits from the 2014 calendar will go to the Wildlife Trust BCN, beekeepers at Peterborough and Bungay and a new project to benefit 100,000 annual visitors to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve. Profits from the cards will go to the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northants. • The calendar and the Christmas cards go on sale at Anglia Cooperative foodstores at Mayor’s Walk, Peterborough; Ortongate Centre, Orton; Bentley Avenue, Yaxley; Glatton Road, Sawtry; plus those at Market Deeping, Bourne, Ramsey, St Ives and Eaton Socon from Friday, October 18th. You can also buy on-line at www.arcs. co.uk by clicking on the special link. NENE VALLEY LIVING NOVEMBER 2013

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GAR DE NING

Adam the Gardener

Adam says: “November is a time when winter is truly on its way – where we say goodbye to a fantastic summer and fading autumn with its kaleidoscope of colours. But there are still plenty of jobs to do in the garden to keep warm, if you’re prepared to pull on your wellies and a coat and take a flask of something warming outside with you. November is also the perfect month to get a bonfire going and enjoy the heady aroma of smoking leaves.” NOVEMBER JOBS

ocal gardening talent, Adam Frost has an impressive CV, having worked with many of the garden design greats, including Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens. Adam won his fifth Gold Medal at this year’s Centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with his Homebase sponsored garden entitled, “Sowing the Seeds of Change”, which featured inter-planting of flowers and vegetables, fruit trees, alpine strawberries, a bee hive and dipping ponds to encourage wildlife.

With the onset of falling leaves, now is the time to clear them from lawns and ponds where they can cause the most havoc. Remember not to remove all of them from your beds –not only will it keep the worms busy over the winter but will provide a habitat for wildlife. You could easily knock up a post and wire enclosure for the leaf mould which is kept separate from other compost. Faded herbaceous perennials can be cut back and added to the compost heap, however leave your ornamental grasses as they can look great when the snow falls. Move any tender perennials that need protection into a sheltered place or greenhouse. Another good job is to remember to give the greenhouse glass a good clean so that it lets the maximum amount of light in over the winter months. If you have irrigation systems, get them drained down and outside pipes turned off or lagged. Remember to wrap outside taps before it’s too late and frost strikes. Put your wooden garden furniture inside and give it a rub down and oil. Clean your terraces with a power wash to break down any algae. Preparing the Soil for Next Year November is your last chance to prepare the soil before winter really sets in and it becomes very wet or frozen. Clear the weeds and old crops from your beds and turn over the soil, incorporating any organic matter such as compost leaf mould or manure, which will put the goodness back into the soil. Leave it in a rough state so the clods break down over the winter, which will improve the texture of the soil and get you ready and raring to go for next year. Ultimately, what you put in is what you get out, so you will see better results next year. It might feel like a lot of hard work but it’s a great way to start your Sunday morning! Plants I prune my roses back twice; the first time is in November to take the weight out of them and prevent wind rock and again in early spring. A good estimate is cutting them back by a third. I use the same technique for my Buddleias. Remember November is a good time, if you want to get some bare root trees, hedges or roses into your garden before Christmas so

the roots can settle down and you get a better value tree for your money. I like to soak them in some water for an hour or so before planting them. It would be nice to see more of us putting in mixed hedges which naturally occur all around Stamford. It creates great interest in your garden throughout the year with good autumnal colours and berries – such as hazel, rose, wild cornus, wild privet and native acer. Plant out winter bedding such as Wallflowers, Forget-me-nots, Bellis, Primula, Polyanthus, Viola (winter pansies) and tulip bulbs for a spring display next year. My favourite tulip is the dark ‘Queen of the Night.’ Lily bulbs can still be planted in pots to flower next summer. Vegetable and Fruit Gardens Remove any canes and supports in your plot from summer crops and store them somewhere dry. Protect Brassica, kale, shoots and broccoli from hungry pigeons and lift and store any remaining carrots, beets and turnips in a cool dark place. At Barnsdale we put them in big pots covered by bark chip or mulch, where they happily stay for most of winter. If you haven’t got room for compost bins, maybe a compost trench is a good idea - dig down a spade’s depth (where you’re going to put your runner beans) and fill it with peelings etc and re-cover them with soil to guard against foraging animals. Now the leaves have fallen, you can more easily view the structure of your trees and shrubs and decide what needs cutting back in order to put some good shape into your apple and pear trees. However, stoned fruit trees like plums do not want pruning over the winter. Wildlife It’s even more important now the weather is getting colder to put out food and fresh water for the winter birds. Remember also to leave some vegetation or log piles for shelter and protection for insects. Finally November is a great time to drop hints about what you want on your Christmas list! Check out next month’s issue when I’ll be listing my ‘Top 10 Gardening Gifts’. • For more information: www.adamfrost.co.uk Adam Frost was speaking to Antonia Scott

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D IA RY DAT E S

NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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

Art in the Heart

What’s On

Our pick of November’s events. Compiled by Yasmin Bradley Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 November A Winter Tornado at Nene Valley Railway Various times Travel behind the A1 No 60163 Tornado in steam-heated coaches (Thomas and friends also in service) and browse locomotive-themed trade stands. £18 (£12); £10 (Children); £45 (Family). Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR. 01780 784444. nvrorg@nvr.org.uk Monday 4 November Art in the Heart Christmas Shopping Launch 5pm-8pm Beautiful, one-off, locally handcrafted, seasonal gifts. £3. Art in the Heart, 47 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1HA. info@artintheheart.co.uk. www. artintheheart.co.uk. Wednesday 6 November From Here to Eternity Various local pick-ups Be one of the first to see this brand new musical. Comfortable coaches; no worries about parking: the perfect, stress-free way to see top London shows with a local, multi-award -winning company. £59.00. 01778 342224. Shaw’s Coaches, 49 High Street, Maxey, PE6 9EF. www. shawscoaches. co.uk/news. html. enquiries@ shawscoaches.co.uk Wednesday 13 November Royal Shakespeare Company: Richard II 7pm Amazing, live RSC screening with David Tennant. £15.00 (£12.00). Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207237/39. Key.

theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com. www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ venues/key-theatre Saturday 16 November Baroque to Classical 7.30pm Ecstatically acclaimed Aurelian Ensemble joins Peterborough Choral Society to perform Pergolesi, Vivaldi and Haydn’s superb Stabat Mater. £12.00 (£10.50). Destination Centre, 9 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1HJ. 01733 452336. St John’s Church. Church Street, Cathedral Square, Peterborough, PE1 1XE. MBu 2921952@aol.com. peterboroughchoral.org.uk. Peterborough Christmas Lights Switch-On Time TBC Christmas starts here! Free. vic@peterborough.gov.uk. 01733 452366. Destination Centre, 9 Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1HJ. Cathedral Square, City Centre, Peterborough, PE1 1 Monday 18 - Tuesday 19 November Mess 7.45pm Extraordinary story of anorexia and addiction in association with Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity. £9.50. oscar01.savoysystems.co.uk/ stahltheatre.dll/ Stahl Theatre, Oundle School, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ. 01832 273930 Wednesday 20 November Owls and their Bowels 10.30am – 12.00 Discover what owls eat by dissecting their pellets. Free - booking essential. Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows. Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU. 01733 234193. visitor.services@ neneparktrust.org.uk. www. neneparktrust.org.uk. Friday 22 - Saturday 23 November The Snail and the Whale Various A tiny snail hitches a lift on a humpback whale’s tail and together they experience amazing adventures. But can a small snail

save a beached whale? £8.50 (£6.50 Schools). Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207237/39. Key. theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com. www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ venues/key-theatre Friday 29 November Discovering Native Trees 1.30pm – 3.45pm Illustrated talk followed by a walk. Free - booking essential. Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre, Nene Park Trust, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU. 01733 234193. visitor. services@neneparktrust.org.uk. www.neneparktrust.org.uk. Saturday 30 November Handmade at St John’s 10am – 3pm Perfect, handmade gifts. Support local makers. Free. handmadearstjohns@gmail. com. St John’s, Cathedral Square, Peterborough, PE1 1XE. Truly Tickled Pink Black Tie Ball 7pm - 1am Fabulous, fundraising evening: Strictly Burlesque cabaret, live music, dinner, massive auction and raffle plus X Factor celebrity, Stacey Solmon. £65 individually/£600 for 10. 07788 931633. www.truly-scrumptiousevents.co.uk. Marriott Hotel, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough, PE2 6GB. 01733 371111. Saturday December 1 Vintage Fair 10am-4pm Central Peterborough’s first vintage fair, organised by Sam, George and Freya from Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro. Up to 20 stalls of records, kitchenalia, jewellery and homewares. Supporting various local charities. Free entry. Peterborough Town Hall, Bridge St, Peterborough.

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