Nene Living November 2015 by Best Local Living

A day in Saffron Walden

World Food

NENE LIVING COVERING

PETERBOROUGH,

WIN! Nat skincare s ural ets

Urban sketcher

70 great gift ideas!

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NENE

Warm and welcoming WEBSITE: www.neneliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH: NL NOV COVER.indd 1

Nene Living

VA L L E Y

NOVEMBER 2015 £1.50 11

9 771740 052017

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MOROCCO THE KASBAH ANGOUR 7 NIGHTS | £940pp

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NENE LIVING

This Issue

NOVEMBER 2015

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

S always, our November issue is packed with events and features, there is a definite pre-Christmas buzz in the air. We’ve selected some gorgeous gifts from independent shops in Oundle and photographed them for our annual guide. Why not make a day of shopping in the town, and have lunch or coffee at one of the great cafes there at the same time? Or if you want to explore further afield, we’ve a guide to Saffron Walden, another high street that’s strong on independent stores and is easily accessible by car or train. You often tell me that you like stories about local people, so read about Lynne Collins, urban sketcher, on page 28. She has drawn the views from almost all of Peterborough’s benches, and her quirky sketches are a wonderful record of city life in 2015. And finally, don’t miss our guide to eating out in Peterborough. If you always visit the same old places, try something new this month! Here are a couple of events to add to your diaries: • Home Front Festival at Stibbington Centre on November 7, 10am – 4pm. On Remembrance weekend, visit this World War II themed open day with lessons in the classroom with a gas mask drill, creating a model dig for victory garden, a chance to try some wartime crafts, and an exhibition of wartime memorabilia. Free tea and coffee and spam sandwiches for sale in the Lyons Corner House! Adults £5, Children and anyone born before the end of WWII, £3. • Christmas Craft Fair. November 14, 11am – 4pm, in aid of Macmillan. Cakes, gifts, jewellery, crafts, tombola. At The Woodman, Thorpe Rd, Peterborough PE3 6SQ. Enjoy your month!

F ion a Cu mberpatch Editor Nene Living

INCORPORATING

NENE VALLEY LIVING

5 Editor’s selection

46 Motoring News

7 Agenda

49 Happy Birthday to The Ship!

Choose a book

WIN! A Beauty Naturals gift set

8 Agenda

Manage your money

11 Agenda

Mouse in the house?

12 Agenda

All the latest from behind the wheel

Oundle’s iconic pub celebrates

50 The Key to Success The face behind the Key Theatre

53 What’s on

Events for November

New Broadway Theatre season

15 Agenda

Bourne Grammar School open evening

16 Give a gift

Beautiful ideas for Christmas

22 World food

Try one of Peterborough’s ethnic eateries

27 Food News

Oundle’s Sausage Festival!

28 The view from a bench

Urban sketcher Lynne Collins

30 Out of town shopping

The attractions of Springfield, Spalding

33 A Day out in Saffron Walden Visit this historic Essex town

37 Health and beauty notes Fit feet and a healthy glow

41 The Green Backyard – here to stay? Update on Peterborough’s green space

42 Great British Bike Off

Cycling for business - and pleasure

44 A window of opportunity

Curtain making in Oundle

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

SUBSCRIBE TO NENE LIVING

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NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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ALL

it’s GOING AT

Over 90 shops, 15 places to eat, thousands of brands, late night shopping. queensgate-shopping.co.uk 4 QUE054_Brand_FULLPAGE.indd 1

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SHOPPING

Editor’s Selection Nothing beats settling down with a handsome hardback book. If you’re searching for gifts, or just want something to wile away a winter evening, we’ve picked some of the best

Animalium by Jenny Brown and Katie Scott, Big Picture Press. A wonderfully illustrated book to share with children, it is like a virtual museum with exhibits on every page, from the simple life form of a sponge, to the enormous elephant.

James Bond: 50 Years of Movie Posters, DK Publishing 320 pages of iconic posters featuring 007 and his ladies. Fun and retro.

Notes from the Velvet Underground: The Life of Lou Reed by Howard Sounes, Doubleday. After his death in 2013, comes this analysis of life of pop icon Lou Reed, angry, awkward and non conformist, yet author of some of the most sublimely beautiful tunes, such as Perfect Day. A Modern Way to Cook by Anna Jones, Fourth Estate Vegetarian food, beautifully and stylishly presented by the author who is a food stylist and chef. You’ll want to try every recipe!

Threads: The Delicate Life of John Craske by Julia Blackburn. Part biography, part autobiography, this book traces the life of eccentric painter and tapestry maker John Craske, whose bouts of mysterious mental illness could only be alleviated by proximity to the sea. Craske’s life is interspersed with events in the author’s own life, to great effect.

Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps by Martin Vargic, Michael Joseph. A wonderful and strange atlas full of unexpected and quirky facts such as The Map of Stereotypes and Maps of the Internet, Gaming and Sport.

All these books are available from the Oundle Bookshop. Telephone: 01832 273523

An Illustrated Coastal Year by Celia Lewis, Bloomsbury. This is a covetable coffee table book, a mixture of lino cuts and watercolours about the wildlife found in and around the seashore. There’s a mix of information, craft ideas and recipes, making it a perfect book to dip in and out of. Winter Living by Selena Lake, Ryland, Peters and Small If you love some light crafting and lush interiors books, then this one is perfect. Ideas to make your winter home look and feel more inviting. NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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MEL & GEM CATERING

AT OUNDLE GOLF CLUB BAR & RESTAURANT

Under NEW Management

All Welcome

Mel and Gem Catering would like to welcome all members and non-members to Oundle Golf Club, Bar & Restaurant. The restaurant will be open from the beginning of November for evening meals from Thursday-Saturday, offering a delicious range of meals including steak, pie and fish nights. Bookings now being taken for traditional Sunday lunches served 12-3 from ÂŁ8.95 Function room available. Stunning views of our golf course from the restaurant and bar balcony.

Oundle Golf Club

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

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FROM NEWS AND REVIEWS PETERBOROUGH, OUNDLE AND THE VILLAGES

ANIMAL ANSWERS Wendy Kruger, a dog welfare and training consultant who works for Wood Green The Animals Charity helps out with some common pet queries

HOW SHALL I INTRODUCE MY DOG TO MY NEW BABY?

ake it slowly with constant supervision. Before the baby comes home, get your dog used to not having access to the baby’s room, and familiarise him with the baby’s equipment,(car seat, cot etc). If you are not going to allow him to touch these things when the baby comes home, teach him the rules beforehand. Get a sounds CD and play baby crying noises when you feed your dog. Dogs can find baby’s cries quite stressful so preparing him will help considerably. Once the baby comes home, bring items home from the hospital with scent and allow your dog to smell them. Have a plan in place to meet his needs for company and exercise for when the baby is home. Before he meets the new member of the household, walk him, play with him and then allow him to be calm before the introduction. He will want to sniff and lick the baby, but remember by pushing him away or telling him off it will be a negative experience so instead have a helper with some tasty treats to offer him. Having something for him to chew while the baby is crying or needing your attention will help a positive relationship develop. • Wood Green has a training and advisory service for dogs and cats. If you have a question or a concern about your pet’s behaviour, call 0844 2488181 Extension 1366.

Christmas Fair at Burghley House T

WIN WIN WIN L

ocal family company Beauty Naturals which is based in King’s Cliffe, is offering five lucky readers the chance to win a new Martha Hill Skin Care set worth £34.80. Martha Hill has created this new collection of daily care essentials, all beautifully fragranced with Pure Organic Rosewater and combining the finest natural, herbal ingredients. The four product set contains 75mls each of Cream Cleanser, Gel Toner, Day Cream and Overnight Cream, providing all you need for your daily skincare routine and will help to reveal a fresh, brighter looking complexion with a naturally healthy glow. • The range is perfect for a Christmas gift. For a free brochure of Beauty Naturals extensive range of natural health and beauty products, call 0800 9806665 or visit www.beautynaturals.com TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A FREE SKINCARE SET, email Fiona@bestlocalliving.co.uk and tell us where in the region Beauty Naturals is based. Mark your email Martha Hill.

Deck the halls… L

ocal small business Foxtail Lilly is holding a Christmas preview evening on November 13, from 4.30 – 8.30pm at 41 South Road, Oundle. There will be hot spiced homemade apple juice and mince pies, and the barn will be decorated in seasonal style, with a chance to view new Christmas stock. All are welcome. Admission free.

Spruce up your furniture and furnishings! I

f your rooms are looking a bit tired, why not have your sofas, carpets and curtains cleaned by Safeclean Peterborough in time for Christmas! Safeclean by Guardsman is one of the leading carpet and upholstery cleaning businesses in the UK, operating in 50 locations across the country. Safeclean technicians use the latest materials and machinery to provide professional cleaning for your home, including carpets, curtains, rugs, mattresses and hard floors. Leather upholstery is included in the list, and stain removal is a speciality. The company also offers furniture protection against spills and anti-allergy treatments. With 40 years experience, Safeclean technicians are experts at what they do, and come with a trustworthy reputation. • To book a clean, call Peterborough Safeclean on 01733 209521 or email safecleanpeterborough@ymail.com

he Burghley House Christmas Fair sources talented makers and designers from all over the UK and brings them together for four days of stylish shopping in The Brewhouse and The Chestnut Courtyard at Burghley House. Indulge yourself, your family and friends with gorgeous gifts, including vibrant cashmere from Lou Graham, dazzling jewellery including Murano glass and Ashtique’s stunning diamonds, handmade leather boots from The Boot Room, and illustrations of your home, and pets by KC Illustrations. Celebrate the festive season and entertain in style, decorate your home and table with elegant candles, platters and bowls and tasty treats. Buy Christmas puddings, including triple chocolate and macadamia nut varieties, and source after-dinner pistachio, rose and sea salt chocolates! Sixty sellers will be attending. • The Christmas Fair runs from November 26 – 29, 9am to 5pm (Sunday 9 – 4pm). Free admission. More information, call 01428 682292

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

So who do you want looking after your money? Baljit Bem of MCP explains

here are occasions when nearly all of us may need help in managing our cash, investments and other property. It is wise to plan ahead for that possibility and the law allows you to do so by making what is known as a Lasting Power of Attorney (regarding property and financial affairs). This “LPA” as it is known can be enormously flexible. The major benefit however is that you can chose your own Attorneys. These may typically be family members or friends but, whoever it is, they will need to be dependable and above all trustworthy. Not infrequently clients of ours choose to appoint partners of MCP as their Attorneys and in appropriate cases we are happy to take on that role. What happens when a person becomes unwell, is unable to manage their finances and there is no LPA in place? The answer is that there is another system in place, known as Deputyship. There are however many drawbacks associated with Deputyship; the associated delays and expense are the first issues which come to mind. However, a far greater concern for many is that by the time a Deputyship Order is required, you may no longer have any real say at all as to who should be appointed Deputy to manage your financial affairs. While it might on the be a spouse or another close family member, at the other extreme it could be someone completely inappropriate for you. The Court of Protection will have the final say but any Judge considering the application papers cannot necessarily be expected to have a full and detailed knowledge of past family history. Where a Judge faces a dilemma as to who to appoint as Deputy then, if a case is difficult or if there are clearly conflicts within the family, a Judge

In the know…for snow

may elect to appoint what is known as a Panel Deputy. There are approximately 70 or so professional people (in the main Solicitors) on this Panel, including Simon Scott of MCP. It rarely represents a perfect solution, however, because the person for whom the Deputy needs to be appointed would rarely if ever have had any knowledge of the Panel Deputy. How many of us would really want a complete stranger, albeit an experienced and professional person, having the say over all of our financial affairs? The solution to this is therefore to consider making an LPA relating to property and financial affairs, giving careful thought as to whom exactly might be appointed as Attorney. It is possible to appoint a number of Attorneys as well as a replacement Attorney if those chosen initially are or become unable to act. Very usefully the LPA also gives options to set out restrictions and limitations on what the Attorney can do and also the opportunity to set out guidance. Incidentally, there is a separate LPA available which deals with issues of health and personal welfare where similar considerations apply. MCP’s experts will be very happy to give guidance and to discuss the likely cost of making an LPA (of whichever type). It is usually advisable to not only make the LPA but at the same time register its existence with what is known as the Office of the Public Guardian so that if the need to use the LPA should arise, use of it can commence right away and without difficulty. • For more information please contact MCP: Peterborough office (01733 865880): Baljit Bem (baljit.bem@mcplaw.co.uk) or James Davies (james.davies@mcp-law.co.uk)

We Love! Sparkly boots by Clarks, £65, available from Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

now Finders, a specialist ski travel agency dealing in all brands of ski package holidays and its own bespoke holiday service celebrates its 15th year in business this year. With a huge range of accommodation from affordable to luxury, with catered chalets, hotels and apartments, the company is able to source the idea holiday to suit all of your ski needs. The company has offices in Market Harborough and also employs remote ski holiday advisers. With a nationwide clientele, this established ABTA and ATOL bonded business is recognised as one of the top ski agencies in

the UK. Director Nick Edwards has these suggestions for NL readers: • Family fun with childcare Club Med 5 star ski in, ski out luxury in Valmorel (France). All inclusive resort with spa facilities. • Silver surfer skiing The elegant piste-side Edelweiss & Gurgl in Obergurgl (Austria) – opening its doors after a year of refurbishment. • Powder hungry party people Chalet Bellevarde Lodge Savoie in Val D’Isere (France) complete with hot tub with mountain views. • Foodie skiers Located on a mountain, the remote Rascard Frantze in Champoluc (Italy) is a gourmand’s delight. • Mid market mountain life Chalet Hotel Elizabeth in Lech (Austria). A 4 star property with a three star price tag. Impossible to find a property of this quality at such an affordable price. • For honest, no nonsense advice, speak to the Snow Finders team: tel 01858 466888 www.snowfinders.co.uk

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar LLP Wills and Probate Department

Lasting Powers of Attorney, preparation of Wills, Court of Protection and Deputy Applications, Probate Administration, Will and Estate disputes. Contact Baljit Bem on 01733 865883 or email baljit.bem@mcp-law.co.uk for more information.

Convenient town centre location and home visits available.

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

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

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Millie & Co Hair and Beauty, 58 Hargate Way, Hampton Hargate, Peterborough, PE7 8DS info@milliehairandbeauty.co.uk Tel: 01733 344900 9

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VISIT OUR FACTORY OUTLET SHOP...

Handmade in England using British Tweeds

FIND US AT

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

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Leading to Steel Road (A6116)

ELL

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

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

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

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

ORANGERIES, CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS, DOORS AND VERANDAS Visit our showhome at: Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm Weekends by appointment only

01780 400 500

ahorangeries.co.uk

Let the outside in SEE YOUR HOME IN A NEW LIGHT

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Peterborough’s Harvest O

n September 20, 500 Peterborough residents came together in Cathedral Square for a mass harvest lunch. It was the centrepiece of a weekend of festivities co ordinated by Arts organisation Metal, with the feast created by Lucy and George Orta who have an international reputation for staging such events. Participants gained a place by entering a lottery for tickets, and all community groups in the city were represented. The menu included home baked breads, cheese, a selection of soups made using produce from local allotments and The Green Backyard, and a selection of cakes produced by residents at HMP Peterborough. There was music, singing (by Opaque, and Peterborough Take Note choir with Robin Grey), laughter and plenty of chat, over the simple fare, which was overseen by Lee Clarke of Clarkes restaurant. The event, known as 70x7 The Meal, is the 39th such feast to be staged across the world, and the first time it has been done in the UK. Each meal is specific to the host city, with limited edition tableware, cloths and decorations created for the event. An offering table, complete with flowers and loaves made by the community will now be cast in aluminium, and these, together with other artworks created in association with the event, will be displayed at Peterborough City Gallery and Museum in Autumn 2016 as part of a new solo exhibition of Lucy + Jorge Orta’s work on the theme of Food.

Get ready for the rodents! It’s the time of year when mice and rats become tempted by the warmth and shelter of our homes. Colin Campbell of Oundle based Pest Professionals is on hand with advice on how to cope with a rodent problem

nyone who has had mice in their garage or shed will know how costly their gnawing habits are and how quickly large colonies can establish. Mice also carry and spread diseases such as salmonella, so they do need to be dealt with when they come into close contact with humans. Generally speaking, most of us will encounter the house mouse, a tiny brown to grey creature with a lighter underside. They only live for a few months, but they breed quickly and will have several litters in their lifespan. They usually nest indoors and are good climbers. As well as damaging property they often gnaw through electrical cables and can be the cause of house fires as a result. A professional baiting, trapping and proofing service is normally required to eradicate the problem. With rats, you’re most likely to come across the Brown Rat (common or sewer rat) and the Black Rat (ship rat). Rats eat just about anything and present a fire threat because of their tendency to gnaw through electrical cables. They may also carry Weil’s Disease, which can be fatal to humans, in their urine. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises rodent

free, or if rodents present a danger to health or property, to report infestations. What can you do? Seal gaps around pipes and under sheds. Rats only need gaps of 15mm and mice 6mm to gain entry. Cover any household waste where rats can get access to it, close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps. If you feed garden birds, use a bird table or feeder if possible, Rodents will be attracted by the nuts and seeds and bird droppings. What can we do? To guarantee removal, contact a pest controller who will have experience and access to a range of tools, rodenticides and traps which are not available to the general public. Our first job is to identify where the mice are coming from. We can then discuss proofing methods, and use a combination approach, pairing trapping with professional rodenticides in tamper-resistant bait stations. • Contact Colin at the Pest Professionals on 01832 771838 or 07538 688106 or email colin@pestprofessionals.co.uk website www.pestprofessionals.co.uk/pest-controlpeterborough

Changing perceptions of Care Homes S

tylish, elegant and comfortable are not usually words associated with a care home. Country Court Care has broken the mould when it comes to designing and building care homes. Rose Lodge, Market Deeping, is an example of how style and practicality can be incorporated into a development. With a £3 million investment from Country Court Care, Rose Lodge has been built from traditional stone and brick, sympathetically replicating the surrounding grade 2 listed heritage whilst incorporating state of the art design and functionality. As well as investing in the building, Country Court Care believes that people are the most important foundation in delivering outstanding care. They have invested in extensive and development to ensure all staff receive the best possible support. With an in-house Learning and Development team, they can focus on delivering outstanding person-centred care. Supported by a highly experienced team of managers and staff, residents and families can be assured of outstanding care in stunning surroundings. “Even though the home is spacious and has a feeling of being in a five star hotel, it has kept a family feel and is welcoming and homely. Our philosophy is simple: families are at the heart of everything we do,” says Suria Webb, home manager of Rose Lodge. • Rose Lodge is now taking admissions. To request a brochure or book a visit, call 01778 344454, email info@ countrycourtcare.com website www.countrycourtcare.co

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Christmas shopping with Stella & Dot I

t’s the jewellery and accessories company which is being talked about all over the region. Stella & Dot sells a range of costume jewellery, scarves and bags mainly through parties in people’s homes. In Nassington, Annabel de Capell Brooke has gone one step further by setting up a showroom in her own house. “Women can come along, browse the collections, have a play and make their choices,” she says. “One service that is proving popular is that women make a wishlist, which they then give to their partners, and the men can come along and have the present beautifully gift wrapped. All they have to do is pay and collect.” Prices start at £15 for earrings, although statement necklaces can go up to £170. “Everything is lovely quality: the stones are set, not stuck on, for example, and many pieces are very versatile, so you can wear them any number of ways,” says Annabel. “Once people discover the range, they’re hooked and I get lots of repeat custom.” She is hosting many parties at this time of year. “It’s really just a nice evening with friends, where you can have a glass of wine and relax. I’m not pushy, there is no hard sell, I want people to come along for the social experience.” On December 4, from 7pm onwards, Annabel will be holding a Christmas market at her home, Three Mill Bills in Church Street, Nassington. There will be other stalls, including Phoenix Cards. “Everyone is welcome,” says Annabel. • To arrange a visit to the showroom or to find out about hosting a party, telephone 07585 112845 or email annabeldcb@yahoo.co.uk

Toe tapping festive favourites O

n Saturday November 21, the City of Peterborough Concert band will provide an evening concert of festive favourites for all the family. The event takes place at St Andrew’s Church, Ledbury Rd, Netherton, PE3 9RF. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions, under 16s free) and are available from Peterborough Destination Centre, Bridge Street on 01733 265877 or email petconcertband@gmail.com

Oundle Oxfam gets a makeover O

undle’s Oxfam shop has had a facelift. The new look store will be having a grand reopening event on Thursday November 5. There will be a large range of completely new stock, including evening wear which is perfect for Christmas parties. All are welcome to the relaunch in West Street, Oundle.

Back on Broadway! T

he Broadway Theatre in Peterborough is all set for another season of spectacular winter shows following a sell out run two years ago. West End producer Bill Kenwright will present award winning shows such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar, and the Agatha Christie Company’s murder mystery And Then There Were None, as well as Blood Brothers, The Sound of Music, The Cat in the Hat, Miracle on 42nd Street, Dreamboats and Petticoats and The Glenn Miller Story. The run kicks off with Jesus Christ Superstar on November 17, And Then There Were None runs November 23 – 28. The Sound of Music is on from Wednesday December 2 to Saturday December 12. On Sunday December 20 Christmas Magic will include Peterborough Male Voice Choir with Peterborough Voices, Youth Choir and Festival Orchestra under the direction of Will Prideaux, who will also be the Broadway Theatre Manager for the Bill Kenwright season. Bill Kenwright says: “Peterborough is a terrific city and last time around, it was clear to me that the people of Peterborough want, deserve and support top quality theatrical productions. I would like to see a time when the Broadway is reinstated in full, and has year round shows. With your support, I think that is very achievable.” • To book tickets, visit www.thebroadwaypeterborough.co.uk or call The Box Office on 01733 822225.

We Love! This beautiful leather satchel would make a great Christmas gift – and you’ll be helping someone whose life has been affected by leprosy at the same time. The satchel has been made by a Nepalese artisan and is one of a range of gifts offered by Peterborough based charity The Leprosy Mission this season. All the gifts are linked to projects where funds are needed to help restore hope and independence to those affected by the disease. The satchel costs £65. To see more from the range, visit www.tlmtrading.com

The Kings Arms, Polebrook

haron Booker-Chester, landlady of The Kings Arms Polebrook is now running the pub after buying out her former business partner. The team at the pub remains unchanged, including the chef. “I have been co-owner for nine years and now I am running the pub in sole charge,” says Sharon who looks forward to welcoming customers old and new. • The Kings Arms, Polebrook PE8 5LW Tel: 01832 272363

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

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Why not spend your Christmas in the kitChen? Küchen Kraft offer a stunning collection of contemporary and traditional kitchens

and we have kitchens to suit all tastes and lifestyles. Visit our showroom to find out more.

Küchen Kraft

free planning | full installation | worktops | flooring | tiling

Showroom, 81 West Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire PE8 4EJ 01832 270300

w w w. k u c h e n k r a f t . c o . u k

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

Free car park

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

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

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NEWS, REVIEWS, EVENTS

Information for healthy ageing

Celebrate vintage-style

he Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Resource Centre for Peterborough will be welcoming organisations from across the area for a Multi Agency Information Day on November 4, 10am -1pm. The day is open to anyone in the local area and aims to help them gain the knowledge and skills to help them live well and independently as they age. Organisations which have signed up include Age UK, Safe Local Trades, Buckle Solicitors, Defibrillators for All, Mobility Aids and ITech security. All are welcome, and there is a café selling hot and cold drinks and snacks. • The Dementia Resource Centre entrance is on York Rd, Peterborough PE1 3BP. For more info on the Dementia Resource Centre ring 01733 893853.

agpie is a collection of beautiful vintage crockery and accessories available to hire for special events. Perfect for weddings, tea parties, christenings, baby showers, hen dos, corporate events and press launches – there is everything you need to turn your event into a vintage-styled show stopper. From china and cake stands to pretty bunting and vintage garden games, you can pick and mix from Magpie’s extensive collection to make your party unique and personal to you. Owner Helen understands the busy world of events and is happy to help with planning, inspiration and advice, as well as set up and styling. • To find out more, call 07775 708900 email info@magpiecrockery.co.uk Website www.magpiecrockery.co.uk

Choosing a sixth form Now is the time for Year 11 students to starting thinking about life after GCSEs. For many students, the next stage of their education involves studying for A levels. Sixth form open evenings are a great way of finding out more about the range of A level subjects on offer at each school. Some students will have a clear idea of which subjects they wish to study, but others are perhaps less sure.

ourne Grammar has a large sixth form and accepts students from a wide geographic area including Stamford, Spalding and Peterborough. It offers the following advice on how to make the most of a sixth form open evening visit. • Take the opportunity to chat to students who are studying the subjects you are interested in as they will give you a 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 law, economics, business studies or psychology, make sure you do your research to find out which skills you will need (e.g essay writing or scientific analysis) and whether it will suit you. Ask students currently studying these subjects if their expectations have been met. • Do you want to study academic subjects (A levels) or more vocational ones (Btec)? Bourne Grammar specialises in A level studies in academic subjects which has enabled many of their students to have the best choice of university courses at universities which are highly ranked in league tables. • Ask about the extra-curricular activities and extended learning opportunities on offer and the skills they provide as these can be added to your CV and will make a valuable contribution to your future career and studies. • Find out what the entry requirements are and if you have missed an Open Evening, contact the school and arrange a visit. The more you know, the more informed your decision will be. Good A level results give students more choices. • Bourne Grammar School Sixth Form Open Evening is on November 12, from 6pm. For more information, visit www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk or email sixthform@bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

Good food on the go A

n interesting new food outlet is set to open in Stamford shortly. Bread Meat Cheese will be producing ‘artisan handheld food’ in Red Lion Street, and promises to offer a take on New York deli style hot and cold sandwiches. A spokesperson said: “the aim is to create street-stall inspired sandwiches of a kind not found in any supermarket or chain outlet, all produced on site.” Sandwiches will include Divine Swine, the company’s signature porchetta in a local bakery’s baguette served with salsa verde. The menu will change regularly, and Twitter followers will be privy to a ‘secret menu’ of sandwiches available from below the counter. The new venture places huge importance on working with local suppliers, and these will include Groovy Foods of Bourne and Crowtree Farm at Thorney for meat. Cheese and bread will be procured locally too. • Visit www.breadmeatcheese. co.uk to find out more, and follow them on @breadmeatcheese for insider information. NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Shopping

For her Waverly petite 3 in 1 bag, £85, Union Square scarf, £45, both from Stella & Dot Emma Bridgewater Christmas tins, large, £11.99, medium, £10.99 and small, £9.99 from Stu-Pots

Give a g The local high streets are full of beautiful, interesting ideas for Christmas presents. We’ve picked some of our favourites and photographed them on location at Brewbabu in Oundle. Compiled by Fiona Cumberpatch. Photos: Lesley Anne Churchill

Christmas jug, £58, The Rounded House

Dachshund slippers, from a selection at Cottons

Soft cashmere mix ponchos, modelled by Brewbabu staff Tara (left) and Lily, £89 each, The Rounded House

Hide clutch bags, £40 each, and leopard print boots, all from Cottons. Notebook, £16.50 and pencil case, £9.95, The Rounded House

Silver owl pendant with cubic zirconia, £38, Harpur’s of Oundle

Tablerunner, £16.95, mid winter star napkins, £4 each, and heart napkin ring, £3 each, all from Asha’s

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Handmade in Oundle, Tanzanite and diamond white gold ring, £2,500, from Harpur’s of Oundle

a gift Oven gloves, £16.99, Stu-Pots, vintage tins, Peterborough Festival of Antiques

Christmas mouse, £12.95, and Oundle wooden box, £39.95, both Asha’s

Deco drop earrings, £35 and ring, £35, Stella & Dot

Casablanca bracelet, £65, Stella & Dot

Statement necklace, £170, Stella & Dot

Bright wallet, £8.50, Crackers

Adult colouring book, £9.99, and pencils from a selection at Colemans

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Shopping

For him Silver and enamel turtle cufflinks, £150, Harpur’s of Oundle

Pheasant cushion, £35, Asha’s

Watch from a selection at Asha’s

Pepper and salt grinders, £47.95 and £45, Stu-Pots

Carry Akroyd bird calendar, £9.50, Foxtail Lilly

Emma Bridgewater cheese straws tin, £6.99, Stu-Pots

Man bag, £65, and soft alpaca wool scarf, £75, both Asha’s

Bamboo socks, £19.95 for a box, Asha’s Plain silver cufflinks, £66 a pair, Harpur’s of Oundle

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R.C. Cotton & Sons Family run business since 1871

Love Shoes? Adore Handbags? Know someone that does? Christmas shopping made easy at Cottons of Oundle. Late night shopping until 8pm on Saturday 5th December so come along and have a glass of fizz while you shop. Complimentary gift wrapping. Tel: 01832 272534 | www.cottons-oundle.com 7 Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BA

Stu-Pots

36 Market Place Oundle 01832 275414

the walled garden at elton hall

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

- Excellent Choice of Plants - Great Value Gifts - Delicious Snacks & Meals

Special Offer on Global Knife Set See in-store for details

Sodastream stockist Council approved bio-degradable bags in stock

...we hope to welcome you soon! Full key cutting service: Cylinder, Mortice, Chubb, Union, Yale, Safe, Car and Padlock

Elton, Peterborough, PE8 6SH eltonwalledgarden.co.uk

01832 280058

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Crackers of Oundle

Ethnic meets Country Living Presents and Accessories to suit all pockets 3 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 274467

BEAUTIFUL THINGS FOR THE HOME AND GARDEN Now stocking Little Greene Company Paints! www.theroundedhouse.com • info@theroundedhouse.com

10b West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF

01832 274687

Circles of Yaxley Artists’ Gift Sets Organisers In stock or to order

Paper Shredders From: £19.99

Chapel Studio Chapel Street Yaxley Peterborough PE7 3LN

Ladies High Class Fashion Agency

Tel: (01733) 242539 Est. over 25 years

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•Stamford -1-2 St Paul’s Street & 39 High Street •Oakham - 46 High Street •Oundle - 10 New Street Please see www.colemans-online.co.uk for full branch details

Sip n’ Sparkle Christmas Shopping Evening Three Mill Bills, 63 Church Street, Nassington, PE8 6QG Friday 4th December 7pm-9pm Come and do all your Christmas Shopping under one roof Stunning jewels and accessories from Stella & Dot, along with other local high end retailers Contact Annabel on 07585 112845 - www.stelladot.co.uk/sites/annabeldcb

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Shopping

GREAT IDEAS FROM JOLLYS TOYS AND GAMES

For ren child

Orange tractor and trailer, £16

Art set, with sketch book and double sided pencils, £10

Felt stocking, £12

Nativity music box, which plays Silent Night as it turns, £14

Juggling clubs, £18.99 and circus set, £24.99, Colemans Puzzle money boxes, from a selection at Crackers, stripy bear from The Rounded House

Traditional games, from a selection at The Rounded House

ith special thanks to Dyna Graham and her lovely team at Brewbabu in West Street Oundle, who allowed us to photograph the gifts in this splendid tea and coffee shop. We enjoyed some excellent coffee and perfect home made cheese scones with cider chilli jam while carrying out our shoot.

Stocking fillers, from a selection at Colemans

Two Bad Mice mug, £12.50, Crackers

WHERE TO BUY Crackers, 3 New St, Oundle PE8 4EA Tel: 01832 274467 Harpur’s of Oundle, 5A West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 274050 Asha’s, The Bazaar, West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 275605 www.ashas.net Jollys Toys and Games, 28a Hight St, Thrapston Tel: 01832 358915 www.jollys.co.uk Colemans 10 New St, Oundle Tel: 01832 272868 Cottons 7 Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA Tel: 01832 272534 Stella & Dot Contact Annabel de Capel Brooke on 07585 112845 or email annabeldcb@yahoo.co.uk Stu-Pots 36 Market Place, Oundle Tel: 01832 275414 The Rounded House, 10B West St, Oundle Tel: 01832 274687 Foxtail Lilly, 41 South Rd, Oundle Tel: 01832 274593 NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Food & drink

W rld food Want somewhere new and different to eat out? Peterborough has a wealth of ethnic restaurants offering everything from Afghan to Lebanese and Turkish cooking. Nene Living contributors tried some out

Lithuanian Kaimas Lithuanian Restaurant “What’s a typical Lithuanian dish?” I asked at Kaimas, Peterborough’s Lithuanian restaurant when I popped in for a very late lunch. “A Zeppelin: it’s the national dish – would you like to try it?” The large, airship-shaped riced potato encasing herby minced pork and topped with sour cream and bacon pieces wasn’t visually exciting but my, was it tasty! And very filling. I thought I’d try it as a starter but there was no way I could have considered a main course. I did want something sweet, though. A thin, crispy crepe filled with grated apple, scented with cinnamon and served with ice cream and slim orange slices was perfect. A rich Lithuanian chocolate accompanied my expresso coffee and the bill, which included a fruit juice and only just topped £10. Kaimas means ‘village’ in Lithuanian and the décor of the restaurant is country style, with stripped pine tables and chairs. It all feels bright and cheerful. The staff are young, friendly and helpful. Servings here are very large and both food and drinks are good value. I’m planning to go back one evening with (hungry!) friends to explore the hearty menu which includes salads and a wide choice of pork, beef, chicken and fish dishes. 561 -568 Lincoln Rd, Peterborough PE1 2PB Tel: 01733 555597. Sue Dobson

Lebanese Emperor Hassan Abou Alaywi and staff

Lebanese The Lebanese Emperor This authentic Lebanese restaurant, owned by former hotel chef Hassan Abou Alaywi, was bustling when we arrived on a Tuesday evening. The food is not unfamiliar to us as a good friend of ours used to run a Lebanese restaurant near Marble Arch in London, and we’ve tasted a lot of the dishes he creates at home. Would the Lebanese Emperor come up to the same standard? The extensive starter menu offered a Mezze option allowing us to order taster-size portions of up to four dishes. The plates arrived quickly, bearing two types of hummus, moussaka, Mediterranean vegetables, falafel, motabel (a dip with aubergine), grilled halloumi cheese and batata harra (spicy potatoes), accompanied by flatbreads. It only took a mouthful or two of these dishes before we agreed the chef knew exactly what he was doing and this was definitely somewhere we would visit again. For our mains, I ordered Sojouk, a type of Middle Eastern sausage, which Hassan explained is made on the premises from his own recipe, including both beef and lamb for succulence. It came with basmati rice. My other half had spiced grilled chicken and rice. Both were delicious. Hussan waited on us personally, explaining that he covers for one of the waiters on Tuesdays. His welcome was warm and made us feel instantly at home. He offered the dessert menu and coffee but we were too full! We’ll leave what looked like a lovely lemon cheesecake and baklava for next time. Our bill, including two huge starters, mains and soft drinks (no alcohol served but you can bring your own with a small additional charge) came to just under £30. 195- 197 Lincoln Rd, Peterborough PE1 2PL Tel: 01733 313747 Jonathan Craymer

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

www.countrytailsdogwalking.com

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Food & drink

Turkish Efes

Afghan Kabul Restaurant We visited Kabul Restaurant in Lincoln Road, Peterborough early on a Saturday evening. We liked being able to take our own alcoholic drinks and we were quickly made welcome. Although the menu included an Indian curry section we were keen to try typical Afghan food. The waiter was friendly and helpful and gave us some recommendations, and we probably should have listened to him more! I tried a starter called Mirza Qusemi which was an aubergine, garlic, walnut and yoghurt grilled dish. It had lots of flavour and texture and went well with the beautiful freshly made naan bread. We also tried the grilled Halloumi starter and this was good as well. For mains, we ordered the chicken Quabili pilau and a Kaburqua (lamb) kebab. Both dishes arrived quickly and were piping hot. However, the portions were overwhelmingly large and I found my choice a bit bland. It needed the dahl to give it a lift. Tim’s lamb was very tender, and a huge portion, served with plenty of rice. At £27 for two people, it was a value meal. I had been recommended this restaurant and feel that we probably chose the wrong dishes, as plenty of people on Trip Advisor have been complimentary. The restaurant do a delivery and takeaway service, so we might try that next time. 567 -569 Lincoln Rd, Peterborough PE1 2PB Tel: 01733 555505 Bridget Steele

The chefs were busy in the semi-open kitchen, chopping stacks of fresh salad, and preparing aubergines and peppers for the open wood fired grill on a Saturday lunchtime. We ordered Turkish beer and some cacik, strained yoghurt with garlic, mint and cucumber, which came with a basket of warm flatbread. Perry opted for an Adana Kofte, grilled minced meat blended with parsley and herbs, while I ordered the hot meze as a main course. Perry’s Kofte arrived with some savoury rice and a mixed salad, with crisp peppers, slivers of feta, rocket, lettuce, cucumber and olives. My hot mezze was a generous plateful including grilled Turkish beef sausage, King prawns pan fried with sweet chilli peppers and butter, calamari and midve tava, lightly battered mussels. But the Kofte was the star, it was spicy, herby, and fresh. We finished our meal with Baklava for two accompanied by a proper Turkish coffee for Perry and a cappuccino for me. One dessert would probably have been enough, but we soon polished off the little honey soaked pastries. Our bill came to £44 including drinks. Service was excellent, five stars to our waitress. Efes is a large restaurant, seating 120, but it has a cosy feel with traditional style décor, you felt you could be in any decade from the 1980s onwards. It gets lively at the weekend with belly dancing on Saturday nights. There is an appetising menu, along with the grills (chicken, lamb and steak), there are plenty of other dishes to try and vegetarians are well catered for. If I hadn’t looked out of the window and seen the New England triangle, I might have fancied myself back in the Med on a warm summer’s night… 583 Lincoln Rd, Peterborough PE1 3HA Tel: 01733 347501 Fiona Cumberpatch

NL also recommends: East Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP Tel: 01733 315702 A fusion of Oriental cuisine served on board a barge moored on the River Nene. High quality, beautifully presented food and reliably excellent service. Shah Jehan 18 Park Rd, Peterborough PE1 2TD 01733 898080 Superior takeaway and sit down Indian restaurant. There’s a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday £10 meal deal (conditions apply) which is excellent value. Lovely veggie curry! Brewery Tap 80 Westgate, Peterborough PE1 2AA. Tel: 01733 358500 Authentic Thai food, real ales Brewery Tap and live music.

Indian The Bombay Brasserie There’s something wonderfully decadent about having lunch in a curry house. And in the case of a visit to the Bombay Brasserie it also represents a chance to sample outstanding Indian food for a snip at just £9.95 for two courses. Poppadoms and dips were brought out to start, followed by a choice of meat or veg samosas. The samosas were crisp on the outside and stuffed full of swede, carrots and peas for the veggie version and lamb for the meat one. We chose Chicken Korma and Lamb Jalfrezi for our mains with the option of rice or naan to accompany, and a sag aloo or a special side dish of mushroom bhaji. We chose the lot to experience the full range of flavours. The Korma was sweet and comforting, and although the green chillis in the Jalfrezi knocked my socks off the lamb was soft and beautifully spiced. Among the sides, the sag aloo deserved a special mention for the tender, turmeric infused potato. Complimentary tea or coffee and an After Eight rounded off a top knotch lunch at a great price. The Bombay Brasserie, 47 Broadway, Peterborough Tel: 01733 565606 Lucy Banwell

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Eat As Much As You Like

Cook – to – Order Buffet Style £14.90 or £16.90 per adult Children under 10 years £7.90 or £8.90

Christmas Party Nights

• A La Carte Menu Available • Take Away & Home Delivery Service

The perfect venue to celebrate Christmas with work colleagues, friends or family

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS The perfect venue to celebrate with family, friends or work colleagues Bookings being taken now!

£26.50 per person

Open on Boxing Day & New Years Day Please make your reservation in advance.

This includes a 3 course meal, disco and all the trimmings for a Christmas party

343 Eastfield Road, Peterborough, PE1 4RA

The menu and booking form can be obtained from our website www.efgc.co.uk or by calling 01832 280189

Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12 noon – 2pm Evening: 4.30pm – 11pm Closed Monday & Tuesday afternoon Specializing in Peking & Cantonese Cuisine at its ‘Best’

Bullock Road, Haddon, Peterborough, PE7 3TT www.efgc.co.uk

01832 280189

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THE RED LION LUNCHTIME SPECIALS £8.95 - Tue – Sat Early Doors Buy ONE meal & get another HALF PRICE Tue – Sat (table clear by 8pm but only if required)

Join us at Northamptonshire’s Dining Pub of the Year this Festive season...

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

• Home cooked dishes with quality ingredients • Christmas Group Party Menus from £20 for 3 courses

Warmington Tel: 01832 280362 A Great Country Pub

• Real Home Produced Food • Homemade Desserts • Quality Real Ales • Candles, Fresh Flowers & Linen Napkins BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS

(booking essential)

• Set 2 course Menu £16, 3 course £19 (Mon-Sat)

New Year’s Eve Party

New Garden Room Restaurant Open

All you can eat, drink* and dance for £70 per person.... Book Now! *Includes house wines, beers, house spirits and soft drinks

Closed Mondays

Fotheringhay, PE8 5HZ T: 01832 226254 www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk

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

From Farm to Fork Now taking orders for your Christmas feast

• Prime Beef from Seven Wells Farm • Local Wild Venison & Game • Traditional Local Turkeys • Home Cooked Hams & Gammon Joints • Traditional Hand Raised Pork Pies • Seldom Seen Farm Geese • Farm Cockerels from Titchmarsh • Sutton Hoo Free Range Chickens & Suffolk Ducks • Stilton & Award Winning Sausages • Home Cooked Pies • Finest Inverawe Smoked Salmon

and much more in store….

8 West Street, Oundle 01832 273522 enquiries@sevenwells.co.uk www.sevenwells.co.uk 26

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FOOD & DRINK

Food News From the Riverford Kitchen Pork and cabbage rolls A hearty autumn lunch or dinner. Serve with olive oil mashed potato or some extra braised greens Ingredients - Serves 4 • 4 boneless pork cutlets (escalopes) – use fairly thin ones and trim off excess fat • 4 slices Serrano, parma or other air dried ham • 4 large savoy cabbage leaves • 2 eggs • 2 tbspns milk • 100g dry bread crumbs, seasoned with salt and pepper. • Oil for frying. Method. Put the cutlets between a sheet of clingfilm and use a rolling pin to flatten the cutlets to half a centimetre thick. In a large pan of boiling water (don’t add salt or the leaves will lose their colour) cook the cabbage leaves for four minutes. Drain, plunge into a bowl of cold water, then drain again. Cut out the v-shaped stalk, keeping the whole leaf intact. Cut each leaf in half length ways. Lay a cutlet on your chopping board or work surface. Place a slice of ham on top, then two pieces of cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly and secure with a cocktail stick or two. Repeat with the other cutlets. Place on a baking tray and chill for 10 minutes. Beat the eggs, mix with the milk in a flattish bowl. Have the breadcrumbs ready in a similar bowl. Remove the cocktail sticks and dip the rolls in the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs to coat. Heat 2cm of oil in a wide deep pan to 180 degrees centigrade (use a deep fat fryer if you have one). Fry for 6 – 8 mins, turning until the pork is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden. Drain on kitchen paper. Or you can bake in the oven (leave the cocktail sticks in if you are baking) on a non-stick baking tray. Cut in half at an angle to serve.

Oundle’s sausage festival

Oundle celebrates the humble sausage in a programme of fun events in November Saturday November 7 AGA Peterborough Sausage Competition 11am – 3pm A quest to find the region’s tastiest banger. Sample some sausages and vote for your favourite at AGA Peterborough, Warmington Mill, Warmington PE8 6TJ. Tastes of beer from Nene Valley Brewery. Free entry. All welcome. Wednesday November 11 10am A sausage shaped stroll! Meet David Wills at Fletton House for this unique walk. Finish at the same place, with sausages and cake! 4.5 mile walk. Call David on 01832 273899 to book your free place.

Thursday November 12 7pm for 7.30 Sausage supper Sausage, mash, onion gravy, peas and a pudding for £12 at the Victoria Hall, Oundle. Listen to extraordinary sausage tales told by world renowned storyteller Shonaleigh. Saturday November 14 9am – 2pm Sausage market A mix of the regular Farmers’ Market and a Sausage feast! Sausages galore and everything you can think of to go with them, including cider, beer, pickles, bread, cake, gin and sausage shaped doughnuts! There will also be a fun dog show in the morning, from 11am in New Street,

Oundle. Classes include Best Sausage Dog, Best Sausage Catcher, and fancy dress with a sausage theme. Registration: £1.50.

Riverford recipe boxes New fresh seasonal recipes every week

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Enjoy cooking with no planning, shopping or measuring

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

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Peterborough people

PHOTO: CH RIS PORSZ

The view from a bench

For urban sketcher Lynne Collins, an empty bench is an invitation to sit down and draw whatever she can see. So far, she has sketched the view from 201 benches in Peterborough, and as she told Sue Dobson, she’s not stopping there…

N August 28 last year, Lynne Collins took her artist’s sketchbook with her when she went for a walk during her lunch break. Sitting down on an empty bench, she began sketching what she saw in front of her. It was the start of her passion for urban sketching “and an obsession with benches.” Within a year she’d drawn the views from 201 benches in central Peterborough “just the ones I found on my walk to work, while out shopping and during my lunch hours. I got hooked,” she says. Looking around on that first day near the Magistrates’ Court, “I thought there’s quite a lot of benches around here and the view would be different from each one. Then I started noticing the benches I passed every day.” There were so many, she began mapping them. “I started seeing Peterborough very differently, the drawing carried on, lunchtimes stretched to whole days, and now I can’t stop!” Lynne only draws from benches that are empty when she reaches them. “Some are so popular I had to wait for weeks to get to use them. There’s one outside Asda that always seemed to be in use. One day I saw that nobody was sitting there, then realised why – it was a bitterly cold day. My fingers quickly got stiff with cold, but I sketched anyway.” Over the months, some benches disappeared and new ones appeared, including 14 on Long

Causeway. “I was surprised to discover that although Peterborough has this amazing cathedral, there are very few benches where you can sit and get a really good view of it. That got me wondering about the positioning of benches, where they are put and why.”

True to the view Lynne’s urban sketching has expanded to events and festivals. “I was helping out at the Harvest meal in September and someone I’d never met told me I should be sketching, not serving food!” Inevitably she attracts attention when she’s out with her sketchpad and initially felt quite self-conscious. “Some people come up and ask me what I’m doing, but mostly they just hover around. Now I put a finished sketch next to me on the bench so they can see what I do. I work very quickly and I’m so engrossed in capturing what’s in front of me that usually I don’t realise they are watching. The street cleaners and gardeners in town have been brilliant, really friendly and supportive. “My style is illustrative, a portrait of humanity. I sketch the view from the bench and what passes me by while I’m sitting there. They are quick sketches, usually finished in situ, but if I’m really short on time I may finish them at home.” Her fame is spreading and recently she was invited to

be the Artist in Residence at Bark in the Park, a feast of all things canine at Ferry Meadows. Early into her forays Lynne discovered that there’s a worldwide community of urban sketchers and she has linked in with some of them through social media. “There’s someone in the United States who follows me and gives me encouragement. It’s a lovely feeling,” she says. Thanks to some money and support from Metal, the innovative arts and culture organisation, she has now set up Urban Sketchers Peterborough, which has its own Facebook page. “I thought there might be other people in the area who would like to do something similar. No experience is necessary to join in. We meet at The Green Backyard on the second Sunday of the month from 11am to 4pm.” It’s a new initiative and currently they sketch only at The Green Backyard, “but we will venture out!” Having drawn the passing scene from every bench in the town centre and surrounding streets, Lynne is now focusing on benches at public transport hubs. “There are at least 50 benches at the railway station!” she says gleefully, adding: “I really enjoy drawing people in Peterborough”. • Everyone is welcome to the Urban Sketchers group. See Lynne’s Urban Sketchers Peterborough Facebook page if you’d like to join in.

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Shopping

Springfields Christmas 2015 If you’re looking for a unique and exciting Christmas shopping day out that’s not all about shopping, Springfields is the perfect destination

HE outlet shopping centre in Spalding has come a long way over the past 10 years and is now the East of England’s premier value retail and leisure destination. There are more than 50 big name outlet stores to browse, offering up to 75 per cent off normal retail prices; but Springfields offers so much more – including the stunning Free Winter Wonderland walk, fantastic food, free wi-fi, plenty of car parking and endless opportunities for family fun. There are major new additions coming this winter in the form of a new NEXT Outlet store, a new plush Blue Diamond Garden Centre with stunning restaurant, and Outdoor wear from Craghoppers and Dare 2B. There is also a new look huge Grotto and Craft Café. If shopping’s your thing, there’s plenty to keep you occupied with outlet stores from massive names such as M&S, Gap, Radley, Clarks, Hallmark, Red 5, Game and Bench. And Springfields is constantly evolving - with more big names coming on board all the time like the stunning new Avendita store, selling designer brands like Ugg, Tommy Hilfiger, Paul Smith and Hunter.

Great cafés and restaurants Take time to explore the relaxing environment by stopping off at a mouth-watering choice of cafés and restaurants. Call into the opulent surroundings of the new Noshery restaurant in the newly refurbished Home and Garden Centre

for a traditional cream tea or your choice of fresh and tasty home cooked seasonal dishes. While you’re recharging, be sure to take a look at the exclusive range of Christmas decorations, luxury gifts and homeware – perfect for that country house look. The Home and Garden Centre also stocks a vast range of garden furniture, houseplants, seeds, bulbs, garden equipment and outdoor clothing. For a quick pit stop head to Costa or Love Coffee or make a night of it with supper and drinks at The Kitchen or Frankie and Benny’s.

clogging roads from “tulip tourists”; and now Springfields include celebrity designed gardens; A Lifetime Ahead by Kim Wilde, Jungle Island by Charlie Dimmock, as well as formal gardens, woodland areas, wetland areas; the Senses Garden; the Memorial Garden; the Sun Dial Garden and the Founders’ Garden. Why not try a combined trip into the picturesque market town of Spalding with its stunning Ascoughfee Hall and markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays (on the unique Water Taxi between Easter and October).

The Festival Gardens

Become a Springfields VIP

Springfield’s famous Festival Gardens are not to be missed. Wander around 25 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns with exciting sculptures, dazzling water features and of course tulips (in Spring!) They’re the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by. The Springfields Display Fountains combine music and water for wonderful shows too. They are undergoing a full refurbishment and will run constantly, so plan a shopping break around it and be prepared to be amazed. There’s plenty of outdoor space for visitors young and old to enjoy, including a new miniature track train, a land train, an outdoor adventure play area and seasonal Adventure Golf. More exciting leisure attractions are planned for 2016. The Festival Gardens opened in 1966 as the shop window for the flower bulb industry, de-

Join 32,000 people and become a Springfields VIP and save even more with an extra 10% off at over 40 stores while keeping up to date with all the latest news. Simply register at www. springfieldsshopping.com Extend your stay at Springfields with ease at the 43 bed Spalding Travelodge at the centre. To book please visit www.travelodge.co.uk • For further enquiries please contact 01775 760909, email enquiries@ springfieldsshopping.com or visit www. springfieldsshopping.com Christmas opening hours from Nov 12th are Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, late-night with FREE parking after 6pm, Saturday 9am6pm, Sundays 11am-5pm. Xmas eve ‘til 4pm, Boxing Day 9am-6pm, New Year’s eve and New Year’s Day 10am-4pm.

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Activities

PHOTO: FIONA CUMBERBATCH

Just an hour away by road or rail, this thriving Essex town has a host of independent shops, scores of beautiful buildings and a fascinating history. Fiona Cumberpatch paid a visit

A day out in Saffron Walden A

SUNNY Saturday morning in Saffron Walden and the Market Place is buzzing with life. A huge fruit and vegetable stall selling the season’s first crop of walnuts, squash and English apples, an antiques stand spilling pretty wares in every direction, and, most noticeably, a fresh fish stall complete with alfresco seafood bar, where punters sit on stools, tucking into platters of glistening shellfish including Maldon oysters and Cromer crab, washed down with white wine. The Market Place is the hub of this town of 15,000 people, and has been since the 13th century. There are plenty of new additions to the scene, of course, including a particularly handsome white and gold Italianate library building, completed in 1848 and designed by Richard Tress which was once the Corn Exchange. But where ever you stroll in Saffron Walden there is a sense of the town’s colourful history and buildings beautiful enough to stop you in your tracks.

In the 1230s, the Earls of Essex set out an ambitious town plan with a grid system of streets, a new market place and a church. These elements can be seen in the town centre today, and create a heart to the community. By the late 1300s, the area around Walden had begun to grow the saffron crocus, and by the early 1500s it had become the centre of the saffron industry in this country. It was so important that the town adopted the name ‘Saffron Walden’ and the legacy of this is reflected in the distinctive timber framed buildings of this time and the largest parish church in Essex, which was completed in 1525. The saffron industry declined in the 17th and 18th century but prosperity returned in the Victorian era with the growth of the malting and brewing industries. Farming was also at the centre of the town’s economy - and it is surprising how

Audley End House rural and beautiful the town’s surroundings are, given its proximity to London and Cambridge. If you visit by train, the nearest stop is Audley End, as the town branch line of the railways was abandoned in 1964. The short taxi ride takes you through some stunning countryside, past Audley End house and gardens. This is an area which inspired the artists Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden and their circle, who settled in the Essex countryside in the 1930s and often represented the rural landscape in their work. NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Activities

What to see in Saffron Walden The Cross Keys A 15th century timber framed house and shop with later additions. It sits at the corner of King Street and High Street, one of the town’s main shopping thoroughfares. Pop in for hot chocolate, mulled wine or a light lunch. It’s especially cosy in the winter months.

Shops to visit

Market Place On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the market fills the square with stalls. You can find artisan bread and cakes, a hat stall, hot sausages, crepes and coffee, the aforementioned fish stall, olives and Italian charcuterie, plants, flowers, organic fruit and veg, and lots more.

Fry Art Gallery and Bridge End Garden People who discover this gallery are hooked – although unfortunately it is closed between October and April. Although small, it houses a collection of works by the Great Bardfield group of artists who settled in the Essex countryside of the 1930s. They include the now hugely popular Eric Ravilious, and Edward Bawden. The gallery was built in 1856 by Francis Gibson to house his personal art collection, and inherited by his daughter Elizabeth Fry. The gallery sits at the entrance to Bridge End Garden, open to the public year round, and which include a Dutch Garden, rose garden and kitchen garden, wilderness area, maze and lawn with summerhouse. Well worth a visit, even on a chilly winter day, and the Fry Art Gallery is a must in season.

Church Street Gallery A gorgeous little gallery specialising in prints, paintings, ceramics and homewares. I spotted work by Celia Hart, James Dodds, Neil Bousfield and Jenny Portlock, as well as wallpaper by Mark Hearld. Print makers are especially well represented here. 17 Church Street. Tel: 01799 522947

Though there are chain stores in the high street, there are plenty of quirky, individual shops which are ideal for Christmas shopping. Try Arts Decoratifs, vintage jewellery specialists, for a tiny shop stuffed with sparkly treasures and objets trouvees. (The Cockpit, off Market Hill). Reeds (20 Church Street) is an antique hunters paradise, a vast space full of furniture, china, rustic items and paintings at affordable prices. If you love designer fashion, Anna (19 High Street) stocks beautiful collections and covetable cashmere. Oka (15 Church Street) offers colourful, ethnic-inspired homewares with a bit of bling. Potty Moos (18 -20 High Street) has a beautiful vintage-inspired Christmas shop, and rummagers will love The Mad Hatters Vintage Emporium on the opposite side of the road. If you’re ready for afternoon tea with toasted crumpets or home made scones, try Kim’s Tea and Coffee House at 5 Hill Street with a view over to the town bandstand. There’s a great selection of home made cakes and connoisseur’s tea.

Myddylton Place A Grade 1 listed building and one of the finest medieval buildings in the town. It was built as a combined shop, warehouse and home in the 1490s. There is a lovely doorway into Bridge Street and a carved dragon post on the corner. Museum and Castle ruins A particularly family friendly museum, housed in one of the oldest purpose built museum buildings in the country. It’s a great place to delve further into the history of the saffron trade, and to find out more about the buildings in the town, and how they were made (the distinctive decorative plasterwork called pargeting is explained, for example). There are plenty of interactive and imaginative displays. The museum is next to the ruins of Walden Castle, built by Geoffrey de Mandeville, 3rd Earl of Essex, in the 1130s or 40s. All that remains are the ruins of the keep, in flint and mortar, but the line of the inner and outer bailey helped created the shape of the town centre today. Museum Street. Tel 01799 510333 www.saffronwaldenmuseum.co.uk

Castle Street Most of the timber framed houses here date from around 1500. There are lots of examples of ancient and modern pargeting, a decorative waterproof plastering technique which sometimes gives the houses the appearance of beautiful pale iced cakes! • Saffron Walden is accessible by rail, direct from Peterborough station. Alight at Audley End. Taxis run regularly to and from the town. Walden Cabs, tel: 01799 500500 is reliable and fares are around £6 - £7. There is also an hourly bus service to the town centre from the station.

Castle Street

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WELLBEING

Health & Beauty Notes Compiled by Bridget Steele

TRIED & TESTED BY NENE LIVING

lysia Health and Beauty in Tansor is now offering a sports and remedial massage service. Jonny Hands is an experienced therapist and can treat a wide range of conditions, not only in sports massage but also to help patients manage and improve a wide range of day to day problems. A range of advanced techniques are used such as Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, stretching and strengthening; deep friction techniques, soft tissue release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Cupping and Cryotherapy. Treatment is suggested according to the individual needs of the patient and takes into account, age, health and fitness level. The benefits of massage are huge. Jonny says : “it improves circulation, removes metabolic waste, helps muscle tone, sedates and stimulates nerve endings, injury recovery and rehabilitation, relieves aches and pains, and can even provide migraine relief and management.” I visited Jonny on a Friday morning with tight neck , shoulders and hamstrings and an ongoing heel problem. I liked Jonnys “no nonsense” approach, and after hearing a bit about my lifestyle and concerns he used a variety of techniques to relieve the discomfort. During the treatment stretched my whole body out thoroughly, sometimes it was uncomfortable but as the muscles recovered afterwards, my body felt relaxed and free of tension. This is a treatment I would like to incorporate into my life regularly, as it not only relieves aches and pains, it also made me feel balanced and aware of how much tension I hold in my shoulders. • For more information on availability and treatments contact Elysia Health and Beauty, Tansor, www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196

Get rid of Ease bunion pain Mary Perkins, a Peterborough based reflexologist and Bowen therapist is an exclusive stubborn verrucae Helen distributor of Bowtech Ease, a natural Ayurvedic aromatherapy blend that is used to relieve

bunion pain and assist movement round the big toe. ave you got a verruca? Had it years? Tried The product has recently won a footcare award by author and broadcaster Janey Lee Grace, who every product known to man? You won’t champions the very best products in natural health and wellness as selected by an independent be alone. “Talking about your verruca is not the panel of testers and experts. most glamourous subject!” says Podiatrist Sue Described by users as a ‘magic potion’, Bowtech Ease comprises a mix of essential oils known Arnold. “They are painful, unsightly and people for their pain relieving properties, reducing inflammation and risk of infection. Easy to apply using are very embarrassed to admit to having a 10ml rollerball priced at £12.95, it is available online from bowenssupppliesbyhelen.com. Larger them.” However, Sue has a solution in the form sizes are also available for professional use. of a technique called Dry Needling. InStep Foot Clinic is one of the few practices in the UK to offer this effective procedure for your verrucae. It is believed to work by destroying the infected skin cells which then creates a controlled inflammatory response and stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy the virus which causes them. This treatment has been successfully used by practitioners worldwide for over 40 years. It differs from most other treatments as it requires only one, or occasionally two, applications and a small dressing for 48 hours post operatively. You can shower and resume most normal activities (not heavy sport) just 24 hours following the procedure. riginating in leading spas, and founded Needling is carried out painlessly in 1993, ESPA currently lead the field in under a local anaesthetic. The verruca professional natural skincare. On average, the is punctured (with a small sterile needle) ingredients are 99% natural and are selected multiple times so that the viral particles for their skin-enhancing and overall well being are exposed to the subcutaneous tissue boosting benefits. This November The Beautiful beneath the skin, where the body is Truth Medispa on Cowgate in Peterborough city rich in immune regulators. This triggers centre is exclusively launching the new ESPA a localised cell-mediated response, ProFacial. The ProFacial combines expertly which can stimulate the immune tailored facial massage, Clarasonic brush system to recognise and destroy the exfoliation with ESPA’s pioneering Optimal Skin virus. Treatment of only one verruca is collection to instantly energise the complexion, required, even where there are many restore natural balance to the skin and leave lesions, as spontaneous regression it looking in optimal health. It is suitable for often occurs in all verrucae following every skin type and age as nutrient-rich, the needling procedure. hydrating natural ingredients are delivered just • Cost of the treatment is £300, where skin requires them most, leaving you should a second treatment be looking renewed and revitalised. The ProFacial required this is included in that is available from at The Beautiful Truth from price. Make your appointment for November. The treatments last for 55mins and an assessment with Sue Arnold by cost £38. phoning 01780 783982. • To book an appointment call 01733 555540 or email hello@beautiful-truth.co.uk

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Advertisement Feature

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Perspectives

Green Backyard – here to stay? The threat of closure hanging over The Green Backyard in Peterborough has been removed – for now. Jonathan Craymer reports

PHOTO: J CRAYMER

Rich Hill and Sophie Antonelli with one of the rocket stoves Below: Rich demonstrates the rocket stove they use at the GBY PHOTO: J CRAYMER

OR those still unfamiliar with The Green Backyard, it’s a wonderful little oasis of calm nestling under the shadow of Apex House, near the busy junctions of Oundle Road and London Road in Peterborough. Covering some 2.3 acres, the plot once housed community allotments, then it lay derelict until Renny and Sophie Antonelli, assisted by many others, created what might be called a therapeutic community garden. Venture in here and you can’t help but absorb its sense of calm. Dozens of people come here weekly to escape the helter-skelter pace of life, and armed with nothing more than a spade and a handful of seeds, re-connect with nature. It serves as a place for community events, picnics, celebrations, art and music. There’s a small shop on site, and a veg box scheme, run in conjunction with Parsnips and Pears. I’ve come here to catch up with Renny, Sophie and Rich Hill, chair of The Green Backyard’s board of trustees. As the project is run on a shoestring, there is no mains power at present although as we went to press, they had just secured a £12,500 grant to instal solar power, a very welcome addition. The tea we’re drinking has been made on something called a rocket stove - made from a paint pail fitted with an internal chimney pipe and a set of bolts on top to hold a kettle or cooking pot. It’s extremely efficient, and because they routinely use this cutting-edge outdoor cooking technology, the GBY team are experts. This particular afternoon Sophie and another trustee Jay Gearing are preparing to take 30 such brand new stoves specially made for the purpose, together with food packs to Calais allowing refugees to provide themselves with more hot food. “GBY is happy to support missions such as this,” Rich stresses. “But our core function remains offering local people a range of therapeutic activities, taking a lot of weight off the shoulders of the caring professions, while at the same time promoting sustainable living and food production.” In Calais, Sophie and Jay will offer workshops on how to use the stoves safely, and translators will be on hand to pass on the know-how in the tongues of Syria, Eritrea, the Sudan, Afghanistan and others. This is just a small part of the vanload they’re taking to Calais with them. GBY has become a hub for donations for the refugee crisis, ranging from warm clothing and sleeping bags, to a huge consignment of courgettes (a surplus from

another gardening project, Local Roots). Sophie has been on Radio 4 and ITV this week. All this recent volunteer activity at the GBY has raised its profile and brought many new people in. So how will they convince the powers that be that the site can be run sustainably? Rich says: “The Council has effectively taken it off the market, allowing us time to formulate our plans and present them. This process will involve a number of consultations. We’re confident we can come up with a plan that works, founded upon the substantial social return on investment we deliver for the city.” Undoubtedly being chosen as the case study for England by the Growing Together initiative will help. This is run by The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, working with several other national bodies to help community growing groups across the UK become financially sustainable.

“Our core function is offering local people a range of therapeutic activities, taking a lot of weight off the shoulders of the caring professions…” “This gives us national level recognition for the work we’re doing as well as access to advice and support from other organisations, such as Groundwork UK and Incredible Edible,” adds Sophie. Rich adds: “We believe the Council wants us to achieve a sustainable position for The Green Backyard. We’ve identified key components of our plan, which is still being written, but will include things like education and health services – acting as a paid-for venue for things like therapeutic treatments. And with security of tenure we can then attract major investment from big funding bodies such as the National Lottery.” • To find out about forthcoming events, the shop and the veg box scheme, opening times and volunteering opportunities, visit www.thegreenbackyard.com NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Peterborough people

Great British bike off There’s been a major renaissance in products assembled in Britain, and as part of that trend Steve Clarke, from Peterborough, is helping an iconic Cambridgeshire bike brand come storming back. Words and pictures: Jonathan Craymer

NE hundred and twenty years ago a Cambridge engineer named John Albert Townsend began producing fine, hand-made bikes for students at the university willing to pay for the best. John’s production line started in a converted dairy in Norfolk Street, turning out six machines a week. He called his company the Light Blue cycle company after Cambridge’s famous sporting colour. But sadly the arrival of the Great War just 20 years later took his workers away, forcing production to stop. Then soon after the war, bigger manufacturers began producing models offering similar features for less money, and that was it. Or was it? Wind on 90 years and John’s great grandson Lloyd Townsend decided to revive production at a factory in Ely, with a range of beautifully crafted urban and sporting bikes. The company’s next move was to take on Peterborough resident Steve Clarke, described in the firm’s literature as “an old school bike racer”, as brand manager to help Lloyd make his dream of reviving production of the Light Blue range a reality. We caught up with Steve, from Werrington, at a vast European show – Eurobike – at Friedrichshafen in Germany, playing host to more than 1,300 exhibitors and nearly 50,000 trade visitors.

This all sounds very exciting for British cycling. What has been the reaction of overseas buyers to the “new” Light Blue range? We were extremely busy on The Light Blue stand at Eurobike, with visitors and interest from all over the world, but especially Europe. What we do is a bit different and a lot of people are still fond of steel bikes. How did you come to join the company? I closed down the print and publishing business we’d been running for over 25 years, but still needed an income, so thought I’d see if I could get a job in the cycle industry. I applied for a few jobs and although this wasn’t the job I went for at Ison, they thought my background and experience in cycling could fit well with The Light Blue. How did you start racing? I started cycling seriously with the Fenland Clarion cycling club when I was just nine years old. My dad was making a comeback to racing and I tagged along, doing some club runs and getting into racing when I was eleven. The whole family are into bikes and cycling… it’s what we do! In fact I’m now the chairman and racing secretary – and have been for a good while – of the Fenland Clarion.

Is there still a market for “quality” in an age of so much mass production? Absolutely. Cycling as a leisure pursuit has grown massively in popularity in the last few years and more and more people are really into bikes. Serious cyclists each spend a lot of money on bikes and equipment every year. Materials like carbon and aluminium have become popular, so why does Light Blue continue to use British Reynolds steel tubing, made in Birmingham? Steel is in fact a brilliant material for making bicycles from and although it’s generally a little heavier than carbon fibre and aluminium, it still performs well, is versatile and long lasting. Of course we use Reynolds tubing, as it’s simply the best and they are also a British company. Who does the actual designs? So far the designs for our bikes have been done by Lloyd, using his experience in the cycle industry. However, now that I’m involved, I’ll have some input in future models, drawing on my knowledge as a lifelong rider in numerous areas of the sport and pastime. Do you enjoy riding - and although they’d not designed for racing - competing on the company’s products? Of course I enjoy riding and earlier in the year I rode a number of races on our top of the range Wolfson bike. It performed very well. Unfortunately I wasn’t as fit as I need to be to get any decent results. Maybe next season! • www.thelightblue.co.uk

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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23/10/2015 00:36

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Book a free home visit to measure and discuss your requirements and receive a no-obligation quotation. Harlequin, Prestigious, Blendworth, Villa Nova and many more! Showroom at: 30 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FZ - Email: sales@jandsinteriors.uk.com www.jandsinteriors.uk.com Opening times: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5; Sat 10-4. Free parking - Telephone: 01733 558864 - (Behind Dobbies Garden World)

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Advertisement feature

A window of opportunity Why Oundle Carpet Weavers have branched out to provide a new curtain making service

ETER Peel of Oundle Carpet Weavers is going back to his roots to provide a new, local curtain making service from his premises on Eastwood Road. His new company, Oundle Curtains, provides a range of good value, ready-made curtains and blinds as well as bespoke, handmade window treatments. “I actually started out in curtains when I was 15,” says Peter. “I did an apprenticeship in Leicester which trained me as a curtain maker, carpet fitter, French polisher and upholsterer. Extending the business to include curtains feels like a natural progression.” With more than 40 years’ experience selling and manufacturing carpets in the area, Peter is hoping to replicate the success he has had in his new venture. “Everybody I’ve spoken to about it has said, “Oh great, you’re doing curtains. When do you open?” continues Peter. So I’m hoping we’re going to get a good response.” The new showroom stocks a range of affordable, made-to-measure curtains from iLiv which offer more than 200 fabrics to choose from and a rapid turnaround of just two working days. Also on offer will be fabric ranges from Titley & Marr, Design Forum and Harlequin. The new Manager of Oundle Curtains, Trudie Woollard, believes that there is something for everyone in the new showroom. “We chose the iLiv range because the fabric is great quality it has real weight to it - but it also represents great value for money,” says Trudie, who has

worked as a self-employed curtain maker for the last 15 years. “We also offer a more bespoke, handmade

5 things you need to know about curtains Oundle Curtains’ Manager Trudie Woollard shares her top tips 1 Get a professional to do the measuring “Some people find the idea of measuring up themselves a bit daunting so we offer a home visit and measuring service completely free of charge. That way there won’t be any mistakes and our customers can have complete peace of mind.” 2 Think about the purpose of your window dressing “If you’re only looking for privacy, venetian or roman blinds will do the job but if you require complete darkness in a room then heavy curtains with blackout linings would be the ideal choice. We can talk through all the various options with the customer.” 3 Get any decorating done first “Whether it’s paint or wallpaper it’s best to get the decorating done before thinking

service in which customers can choose from a wide range of top end fabrics. People can come into the showroom and discuss their requirements with me. I can advise on fabric and heading choices, and I spend as much time as I can with every customer to ensure they’re completely happy with their choice.” Oundle Curtains also stocks a range of wooden poles from Hallis Hudson and metal poles from Silent Gliss. “We’re focusing on value and quality which I think is absolutely essential,” says Peter. “ I believe you’ve got to be competitive and offer great service. If you have the two together you get customer loyalty and a good reputation. And hopefully I’ve got both!”

about window treatments. That way you’ll know what background you’re working with. It’s also worth putting the pole or track up before ordering your curtains so that we can get a precise measurement.” 4 Choose the best lining you can afford “A good lining is really important – it reduces the bleed of light through the curtain and helps to protect the curtain fabric from sun damage. Interlining helps keeps drafts out and prevents too much heat escaping from a room. It can actually help you save money on heating bills so it’s definitely a good investment.” 5 Follow your instincts “We’ve got so many different fabrics here to choose from it can be difficult to make a decision but I would advise customers to follow their heart. It’s a big decision and you want to make sure you’re going to love your curtains for years to come.” Oundle Curtains Unit 4 Eastwood Road, Oundle, PE8 4DF Tel: 01832 273078 Email: oundlecurtains@gmail.com

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23/10/2015 00:37

OUNDLE CURTAINS

OPENING ON SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2015 at 10am Why not join us for a glass of Champagne and take a look at our stunning range of fabrics for ready made and made to measure curtains and blinds. We also have many accessories including tie backs, cushions, poles and tracks, including Swish, in fact everything you need for your windows. Along with expert advice and personal service… You’ll have everything covered

SPECIAL OPENING OFFERS Hotels, restaurants, residential homes and offices. Ask about our extensive range of curtains, blinds and fabrics for the commercial market.

COME AND SEE US AT Units 4/6 Eastwood Road, Oundle, PE8 4DF T. 01832 275009 Opening Times Monday to Friday 10am-5.30pm, Saturdays 10am-4.30pm or please book an appointment.

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20/10/2015 14:48

MOTORING NEWS

On the road Compiled by Jonathan Craymer

Bretton blues

Silver cars suffer the most damage According to ChipsAway the UK’s leading minor automotive paintwork repair company, almost a quarter of all repairs undertaken by them (24%) involve silver-coloured cars. Richard Dudley of ChipsAway in Stamford explains: “Silver may have the top spot because it’s so popular, and one of the down-sides is that repairers like me have to be a lot more careful to blend in the new paint so it matches the original.” ChipsAway has a special process which means only damaged areas need to be re-painted. “On the plus side, silver cars tend to show the dirt less, whereas owners of black cars frequently complain they show every speck,” he adds. In case you’re wondering, the other colours which seem to come off worst in a recent ChipsAway survey of cars they’ve tended to are: black (21%), blue (18%), grey (14%) and red (9%). White cars need least repairs (just 7%). Richard’s advice for keeping your car pristine? “Park it away from other cars in places like supermarket car parks. People who are most careless with their cars often park near the entrance to a supermarket, whereas it may be worth walking a little further from less crowded spots, to reduce the risk.” • www.chipsaway.co.uk/richarddudley

Has anyone, like me, been caught parking too long at Bretton Centre Peterborough? I realise car drivers should be encouraged to move on, making spaces available for others. But sometimes, to my way of thinking, three hours isn’t enough. The other day I gave my other half a lift to the church and en route we had breakfast at Costa, where I stayed on for a bit working on my laptop. After she came out, we did some shopping. It wasn’t until I got a letter from a private car park enforcement company called Euro Car Parks in London, telling me I had to pay a £90 fine (or £50 if I paid up quickly) that I realised I’d outstayed my welcome. There is an “appeals” procedure, but it worried me that going down that route might delay payment, resulting in the amount going up, so I paid up. But what if I’d innocently driven out of the car park, and returned almost immediately? Supposing I’d got half way home and remembered I’d forgotten something and nipped back into the Bretton Centre car park? You can’t do that, according to a lady at ECP, who told me there’s a “no vehicle return” of 120 minutes: “If you leave the car park you are not permitted to return until after the 120 minute no vehicle return time has lapsed.” Otherwise apparently you also get charged. As far as Bretton Centre is concerned, I certainly won’t be hanging around to browse after I’ve bought any essentials I need in future. I’ll be out of there. Sorry other retailers...

The new A4 A major new model from Audi – the revised A4 – is officially on sale this month. The new model is up to 220 kg lighter, 21% more fuel efficient and has a lowest-in-class 0.23 drag coefficient (saloon). Available from Peterborough Audi the new model has a wide four and six cylinder engine range with outputs from 150 PS to 272 PS, and is priced from £25,900 on the road.

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Fireplace and Stove Specialist Multi-Fuel and Wood Burning Stoves Range Cookers and Flue Systems Fireplaces, Gas and Electric Fires Hand Crafted Stone Fireplaces Established family run business experienced in offering a complete package from survey through to design and installation with our fully qualified team. Visit us at our diverse showroom where we have an extensive range of fires and fireplaces on display

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Our office and showrooms will CLOSE on Tuesday 15th December @ 5.00 pm and will RE-OPEN on Monday 4th January 2016 @ 9.00 am. May we take this opportunity in wishing all our customers past and present a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This image shows the Rais Q-Tee 85 with Log Store

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FRESH, HOME COOKED PUB FOOD AT ITS BEST Come & enjoy our Steak Nights on Wednesdays & Fish Night Fridays WEEKLY EVENTS Saturday 31st October Halloween fancy dress party Saturday 7th November Live Jazz The Laury Jacobs Quartet Thursday 19th November 30th anniversary party Saturday 21st November Live Band Radius 45 Saturday 28th November Live Band The Scruffs BAND NIGHTS Monthly Band Night

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• NVL Nov ADS.indd 48

22/10/2015 10:15

Oundle People

Happy Birthday to The Ship The Langridges reveal the secrets of their success as they celebrate 30 years at the helm of The Ship Inn, Oundle. Words: Lucy Banwell Photos: Tim Steele

HEN Frank Langridge first took a look at The Ship Inn back in 1985 he immediately knew it was the right pub for him. He’d made the decision to uproot his family from London to head for a new life in the country and, having dismissed several other pubs in the area, it was love at first sight when he first clapped eyes on Oundle’s 400-year-old former coaching inn. “We all agreed it was the one. It just sat right with us,” explains Robert Langridge, Frank’s son, who now runs the pub with his brother Andy. “We were looking for somewhere with real potential. We knew we wanted to put on live music, do food and take on a business we could grow. We also really liked the feel of the town so the pub ticked all the right boxes for us.” Frank came from a family of green grocers and although his shop near Regent’s Park was a success he could see that times were changing in the fruit and veg business. “This was the early Eighties and the first big supermarkets were just opening up,” says Robert. “Dad could see the way things were going so he sold the shop and bought The Ship. We were all partners in the business from the start – my parents, myself, my brother and my sister, Tina. For the first five years we only took about £40 each a week in wages. All the money went back into the pub. My mum ran the kitchen and the rest of us worked the bar. Because we were a family unit we were really able to keep the costs down.” This family philosophy extends to how the Langridges treat their customers. Everyone

who walks into the pub is given a warm welcome and the management believe in treating everyone equally. “My dad was born into the service trade and we’ve followed in his footsteps,’ says Robert. ‘We were brought up to treat everyone equally. Service is everything here and no one person is more important than anyone else. We have a laugh with our customers, they have a good meal and they leave with a smile on their face. In pubs, beer is more or less the same price wherever you go so it’s all down to whether the customers are enjoying themselves when they hand over their money.” “We have a real mixture of people who come in here but we make sure everyone feels welcome,” says Robert. “If you’ve got a question about history you can go and ask a retired history master from Oundle School or if you need something done at home you can come and have a chat with a plumber. No-one thinks “I won’t feel welcome” because this pub doesn’t have a particular type of customer.” Frank sadly passed away in 1999 but the pub has continued to go from strength to strength under Robert and Andy’s management. The brothers estimate that the Langridges must have pulled around 2.5million pints in their time behind the bar at The Ship! “We’ve been going for 30 years and I think that proves we’ve got it right,” says Robert. “I don’t mean we haven’t made mistakes in the past, but generally we’re on the right track. This pub is our life and I feel really proud of what my family has achieved here. We’ve put our stamp on the area and set a standard of how to make people feel at home in our pub. I take a lot of joy from that.”

What’s on at The Ship this month? Friday 1st November Halloween Disco with local DJ Jonny Milward Thursday 7th November Open Mic Night Saturday 9th November Live music from rock band Isiah Thursday 19th November 30th Anniversary Party. Nautical fancy dress essential! Saturday 30th November Live music from acoustic duet The Hallelujah Trails • For more info: www.theshipinn-oundle.co.uk Tel: 01832 273918 NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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Peterborough people

The key to success

Maggie Saxon

Maggie Saxon’s role at Peterborough’s Key Theatre is to keep us all happily entertained. She talked to Sue Dobson about programming for a small regional theatre

TAGING over 300 performances a year, Peterborough’s Key Theatre packs in a raft of entertainment to suit all ages, tastes and interests. A glance at any one of the quarterly listings brochures reveals plays, comedy, popular music, celebrity evenings, tribute bands, children’s theatre, ballet, opera and live screenings from West End theatres, together with events by local drama and community groups. There’s something going on practically every day of the year. Maggie Saxon is the Creative Programmer for the Key Theatre. “My brief is to present a mixed programme of quality work that appeals to a wide range of people, of every age and every interest,” she explains. It sounds a daunting task, but Maggie brings with her a vast amount of experience, having worked in regional theatre for over thirty years, “predominantly in producing theatres, so I have good contacts.” With so many genres to cover, where does she start in the planning process? “First I look at the fundamentals: we have very strong links with local amateur theatre groups and they tend to put on productions in the spring and autumn; then there’s the annual panto in December with 60 performances; and I make sure we have top class children’s theatre and family-friendly events over half-terms and holidays. The programming of everything else fits around these requirements.”

Live screenings Live screenings from London theatres have become a Key highlight. “The equipment needed to show these is very expensive,” Maggie says. “Vivacity made that investment, so everyone can see first class drama, ballet and opera, without having to pay London prices for a seat or the associated travel costs. There’s the thrill of being there with the audience; it’s a terrific experience, very much better than just seeing a film. “We are not a big theatre, only 360 seats in the main house and 94 in the studio, and we don’t get large injections of cash, so everything has to pay its way. The live screenings make it possible to bring in productions from the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Opera House, which would otherwise be impossible to stage. “We’ve had live screenings of shows such as Billy Elliott, Monty Python Live at the O2 Arena, and star performances from David Suchet in

The Importance of Being Earnest and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet. Next year we’ll have links with the new Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company, starting in January with The Winter’s Tale, starring Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench.”

Top of the ratings Tribute bands are perennially popular, packing out the house every time. “We book the very best tribute bands, all fine musicians in their own right,” Maggie says. “The Counterfeit Stones are coming next year, that’s a brilliant show. “I try to ensure that all musical tastes are catered for, whether it’s folk, jazz, classical or big bands like the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and The Nick Ross Orchestra with their sounds of the Glen Miller era. Getting Joan Armatrading here on her first solo concert tour (which was also her last major tour worldwide) was a coup. I fought very hard to get her and she was hugely expensive, but it was a fantastic evening and the audience loved her.” The Key is getting a reputation for comedy – it will be hosting a Comedy Festival in the spring – also for staging plays by touring theatre companies, often featuring well-known actors. “People love immersive theatre experiences, so murder/mystery events are very popular and the brilliantly funny Fawlty Towers, The Dining Experience is an instant sell-out. I’m always on the lookout for that sort of event.” Inevitably, not everything that’s staged is going to attract big audiences, but the financial successes allow her to book more niche events. “We are a small team with a tight budget, but we have substantially increased audiences at the Key and are above the national average on capacity. “It’s important for local artists that we help support the development of theatre here. For Aladdin, we are bringing in three teams of eight young people who’ll be working alongside experienced actors, some coming directly from West End musicals.” Maggie is the Producer of this year’s traditional pantomime. “With a great cast, beautiful costumes and sumptuous sets, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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23/10/2015 00:40

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NEW FOR 2016 A range of unique Meditation & Mindfulness retreats at Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne,Lincs.

Start as you mean to go on... 10th JANUARY 'MIND DETOX' DAY RETREAT £50 including Vegetarian lunch To book and for full details check out www.BmindfulRetreats.co.uk

Oundle Sausage Festival 7th – 14th November 2015

AGA Peterborough Sausage Competition 2015 Free Event

Saturday 7th November 2015 11am-3pm at AGA Peterborough, Warmington Mill, Warmington PE8 6TJ Sausage sampling and vote for your favourite sausage. Tasters of beer from Nene Valley Brewery. All welcome.

Sausage Shaped Stroll. Free Event

Wednesday 11th November 10am Meet David Wills at Fletton House for this unique 4.5 mile walk, finishing back at Fletton House for a sausage lunch or a nice piece of cake. Please book with David on 01832 273899

Sausage Supper at the Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle - £12

Thursday 12 November 7pm for 7.30pm Sausage, mash, onion gravy, peas and a pudding. Listen to extraordinary sausage tales told by world renowned story teller ‘Shonaleigh’. Shonaleigh is also doing workshops all day at Oundle Primary School on Thursday 12th November. th

Sausage Market & Farmers Market

Saturday 14th November 9am-2pm Oundle New Street & Oundle Market Place. Our excellent farmers market along with sausages galore and all you can think of to go with them. Cider, beer, pickles, bread, cake, gin, sausage shaped doughnuts! In fact a sausage fantasy world.

Oundle Town Council

Fun & Games for You & Your Dog

Saturday 14th November 11am New Street, Oundle. Registration £1.50 6 Categories 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Best sausage dog (Dachshund) Most handsome dog (any breed) Best sausage catcher (any breed) Prettiest bitch (any breed) Sausage gobble (any breed) Fancy dress – theme “Sausages”(any breed)

it h il w c n u d, n Co Fun w o Organis y T e r e ed by Oundl Lott ga sponsorship from Big ncil, A ou Oundle Town C

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Essential events for November. Compiled by Yasmin Bradley October 16 – January 30 Friends Through Art The Ealand/Warwick Collection, held by Peterborough museum, is a personal collection of British and European paintings from the 1950s, 60s and 70s brought together by Tom Ealand and Dick Warwick, who lived in Oundle. It includes work by Mary Fedden, Humphrey Spender, Patrick Heron and Dame Elisabeth Frink, who became personal friends of the two men. A chance to see a special collection with local connections. Free admission. Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF Email museum@vivacity-peterborough.com Tel: 01733 864663 Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November The Secret Vintage Fair The finest purveyors come together blending quality vintage, retro and vintage-inspired handmade goods together with entertainment from BBC The Voice UK’s Jade MayJean Peters. £3: one day. £5: weekend. In support of the Sue Ryder Hospice. Thorpe Hall, Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6LW. 01733 263389. www.secretvintagefair.com; www.facebook. com/PeterboroughArena; twitter.com/ PeterboroArena Sunday 1 November Hereward Wargames Show 10am - 4pm A wargamer’s paradise: models, scenery, participation games and stalls. £3 (in advance); £5 (on door). The Cresset, Bretton Centre, Peterborough, PE3 8DX, www.hereward-wargames.co.uk.

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

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 SUNDAY MONDAY

Saturday, 7 November The Peterborough Rotary Clubs and Round Table present Peterborough Firework Fiesta 5pm - 9pm Spectacular fireworks display; live music and family fun! In advance: Adults: £7; Under 15s: £3; Under 2s: free. On gate: Adults: £10; Under 15s: £5. Free parking. All proceeds to local charities and good causes. Free parking. www.fireworkfiesta. co.uk. East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. (Use PE2 6HE for SatNavs.)

Monday - Friday. 01832 274734 Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ.

Monday 2 November 7.45pm Sweetshop Revolution present: I Loved You and I Loved You Half way between a dance and a play, this is the extraordinary, true story of Welsh composer Morfydd Owen, her relationship with the man she longed to love and a search for answers to her mysterious death at the age of just 26. £12 (£10). Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4ED. 10.00am – 1.00pm.

NOVEMBER

Tuesday, 10 November Oundle Festival of Literature: Harry Mount’s Odyssey: Ancient Greece in the Footsteps of Odysseus. An eminent author’s latest exploits from his latest book. £8 (£6) Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4ED. 01832 274734. www. oundlefestival.org.uk. oundlelitfestival@hotmail. co.uk. St Peter’s Church, Oundle, PE8 4AL. Wednesday 11 - Saturday 21 November Peterborough Art Society Annual Exhibition 10am - 4pm (not Sunday) Lovely exhibition of watercolours, oils, acrylics – and some are for sale. St. John’s Church, Cathedral Square, Peterborough PE1 1XB. Enquiries@ peterboroughartsociety.org.uk. www. peterboroughartsociety.org.uk. 07725 550063

Thursday 12 November Peterborough Decorative & Fine Arts Society: Guerra! Guerra! Music, the Arts and War 1800 - 2000 10.45am – noon (Coffee from 10.15am) Daniel Snowman talks about two centuries of links between art and war across Europe: Napoleonic triumphs and tragedies; the mid-century Italian struggle for national independence; the portrayal of Napoleon III and more. First visit free. Fleet Community Hall, Old Fletton, Peterborough, PE2 8DL. www.pdfas.co.uk. Tuesday 24 November Candlelit Tour of Museum 7.30pm Prepare to tremble: Peterborough Museum tour with ghost stories by candlelight… £5 adults (£3) Pre-booking essential. Museum details as above. NENE LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

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