Nene Valley Living October 2013 by Best Local Living

HELPING

YOU

GET

THE

MOST

OUT

LIVING

NENE VALLEY LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH

BEAUTY/HOME

LOCALLY

GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

t n e d n e p e d n I r e v o D is c SHOPS, CAFÉS h g u o r Peterbo & RESTAURANTS £1.50 OCTOBER 2013

Nene Valley Living

WWW.BESTLOCALLIVING.CO.UK

9 771740 052017

NVLOCTCOVER.indd 1

19/9/13 22:46:27

• NVL oct ADS.indd 2

18/09/2013 19:14

N ENE VA L L EY LIVING

Cover painting: GARTH BAYLEY WWW.GARTHBAYLEY.CO.UK

This Issue OCTOBER 2013

s we’re surrounded by characterful market towns with lots of individual and independent shops, it’s easy to forget that Peterborough has a number of these businesses too. They can be overlooked alongside the mighty chain stores, but they are there, and it’s worth seeking them out. An enterprising group of these retailers has produced an Indie Retail Map, and we’ve used it as the basis for our feature starting on page 24. Talented artist Garth Bayley, who lives in Stibbington, has been out and about with his easel and painted some Peterborough scenes for us to go alongside the article, so I hope you enjoy his fresh take on our city. We were inundated with local events this month. I’m sorry we can’t include them all. Just time to mention these two, part of the Oundle Literature Festival: On November 1 in St Peter’s Church, Oundle, Jason Lewis, Explorer and Author will be talking about his life as an adventurer specialising in humanpowered expeditions. In 2007 he became the first person to circumnavigate the earth without using motors or sails, so he walked, cycled and in-lined skated five continents and kayaked, swum and rowed across the seas, rivers and oceans. Returning to Oundle by popular demand, he’ll be talking about the second part of his trilogy The Seed Buried Deep. Tickets cost £7 (£5) from Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle or by phone, 01832 274734 or online www.oundlefestival.org.uk AF Harrold will be appearing at The Chequered Skipper, The Green, Ashton PE8 5DL on November 8. Expect a large bearded man who crosses many cultural fences, and “straddles a line of poetic tradition somewhere between Ivor Cutler, Vivian Stanshall and WH Auden.” Tickets are £7 (£5), details as above. Have a great month.

Fion a Cu mberpatch Editor

5 Editor’s selection Treats for autumn

7 Upfront

Transform your garden with Rose Landscapes

8 Upfront

30 Health and Beauty Notes Osteopathy explained

33 The Buildings of Northamptonshire Jewels in the county crown

11 Upfront

35 The Tradition of Thatching

12 Food news

39 Birthplace of a Pioneer

15 Pretty in Pink

42 October in the Garden

See the Northern Lights!

Join in Peterborough’s parkrun

Onkar, Oundle reviewed

Fashion’s favourite new colour

19 Make a Paper Pumpkin

A craftsman at work

Henry Royce of Alwalton

Advice from Adam Frost

45 Diary Dates

The pick of this month’s events

Turn an old book into a decoration

21 Get Crafty

The best local workshops

24 Independents Day

Discover Peterborough’s individual shops

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

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

SUBSCRIBE TO Nene Valley Living

Nene Valley Living

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

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

3 CONTENTS copy.indd 2

19/9/13 22:48:58

BULL HOTEL Peterborough Heritage

Westgate Peterborough PE1 1RB

Halloween Murder Mystery & Disco

Peterborough’s

Most

Haunted Halloween

Explore the city’s ghostly past… Fun for ki

Halloween Horror Night at Peterborough Museum Sat 26 October Tours every 30 mins from 7pm Strictly over 14s only Adults £6, con £4

! ds

Half Term Whodunit

at Peterborough Museum Mon 28 October – Fri 1 November 10am-5pm Adults £3, con £2, families £6, under 5s and Heritage Pass holders FREE

Saturday 26th October 2013

Halloween Ghost Walks City Centre Mon 28 October – Fri 1 November 7.30pm & 8pm Adults £5, con £3

Enjoy a 3 course meal whilst trying to solve the murder of the spine chilling night, followed by a monster disco.

£30.00 per person Arrive for 7.00pm sit for 7.30pm Optional fancy Dress if you DARE!

All Hallows’ Eve Midnight Tour at Peterborough Museum Wed 31 October 11.50pm Strictly over 18s only £25 per person

ace today! Book your pl 3,

4 66 Call 01733 86 m@ eu us m l ai em borough.com vivacity-peter

To make a booking or for any further information please contact us on 01733 561364 events@bull-hotel-peterborough.com www.peelhotels.co.uk

The Bull Hotel

vivacity-peterborough.com/heritagehalloween

• ROMAN BLINDS • VENETIAN, ROLLER & VERTICAL BLINDS

r ta

• WALLCOVERINGS • WOODEN SHUTTERS • AWNINGS

ins ,B

• CONSERVATORY BLIND SPECIALIST

lin

al,

Westgate • Peterborough

ds ,S

(perfect fit system)

fam

oft

ily-

r un

bu si

• CUSTOM MADE CURTAINS

ish

ing

wit

he xce

lle

(pencil, pinch, eyelets, valances, pelmet boards, swags & tails)

Fa b

ric

ser

vic

ev alu

Showroom at: 30 Phorpres Close Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FZ Email: sales@jandsinteriors.uk.com www.jandsinteriors.uk.com

Ne w H om arl Poe eq tic uin ra Bo is n nge ok an a ow fro fr d rec disc ee h in m sto eiv uss om ea re. you e vi Ha s n r

s fr

o-o r re it to Vil lequ q bli la i ga uire meas No n, Pr t ur ion me e va an stigi qu nts a e d m ou o n tat any s, Bl ion d . mo end re! wor th,

Opening times: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 5; Sat 10-4. Free parking Telephone: 01733 558864 - (Behind Dobbies Garden world) 4

• NVL oct ADS.indd 4

18/09/2013 19:15

A U T U M NAL FINDS FOR OCTOBER

Editor’s selection

Antique Market beret, £19.95, White Stuff, 5 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AL Tel: 01780 752057

Leopard print tights, £8, Accessorize, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT

Hare cushion, £30, John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT

Tina Zip Ankle boots £69.95, White Stuff, Stamford, details as before

Felted wool rabbit brooch, £12, Art in the Heart, 47 Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1HA

An Illustrated Country Year by Celia Lewis. Beautiful illustrations inspired by the natural world. Bloomsbury, £20. To order from The Oundle Bookshop, tel: 01832 273523

Yellow leather satchel by Yoshi, £65 large, £55 small, Designer Leathers, 8 Queen Street, Peterborough PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 348917

Spotty cushion, from £39, The Wool Room, 8 Star Lane, Stamford PE9 1PH

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

5 EDS PAGE.indd 1

19/9/13 23:10:42

Professional Home Care Service

• Companionship • Light Housekeeping • Local Transportation and Shopping • Meal Preparation

• Personal Care • Convalescence Support • Specialist Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

Our CAREGivers are carefully vetted, fully trained, insured and undergo an enhanced CRB check

Road Mountain

Bikes

A friendly & flexible home based care service tailored around each individual, to provide:

Kids

Commuting

Repairs, servicing, helmets & clothing

Providing care services in: • Peterborough • Oundle • The Deepings

www.homeinstead.co.uk/oundle

HIGH QUALITY, BESPOKE FITTED KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES • Free Planning

• Full installation

• Full Project management • Family owned

THE LARGEST KITCHEN & BATHROOM STUDIO IN THE AREA Waterland House, 81 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EJ

Küchen Kraft

EMAIL: INFO@KUCHENKRAFT.CO.UK CALL US NOW ON 01832 270300

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

• NVL oct ADS.indd 6

18/09/2013 19:15

W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront CREATE YOUR DREAM GARDEN WITH ROSE LANDSCAPES

Rose Landscapes has one of the largest indoor hard landscaping centres in the country and offers a great way to see finished hard landscaped garden designs before you buy. You’ll also receive friendly personal advice from one of the experienced team who will guide you through every step of the way. One major attraction is the relaxed feel that you get when you enter the Centre, and specifically, you won’t feel as if you’re in a builders’ yard, but instead you’ll receive a warm welcome when you come in and will be offered tea or coffee whist you take in the designs at your pleasure without any pressure. It is a truly positive experience, designed to ensure that you get the product you need at a price you like. Choose from a huge range of hard landscaping products including block paving, decorative slabs, walling and edging, decorative stone and natural stone paving to suit all types of projects and budgets. Personalise your garden with any of the timber products such as decking, summerhouses, pergolas or fences, and add stylish details from water features to furniture sets. • Free garden designers Rose Landscapes promises you: • Free layout design advisors • Exceptional, personalised customer • Free consultation support, for a one-off visit or throughout • Free delivery your entire design and build project Why not pay a visit and be inspired? • Fantastic prices, with items often • Rose Landscapes, Padholme Road significantly cheaper than elsewhere East, Peterborough PE1 5XL. Visit www. • A huge range of timber products, including roselandscapes.co.uk fences, summerhouses, pergolas, decking Get a 20 per cent off discount voucher and archways when you ‘like’ the Facebook page at • A massive range of hard landscape www.facebook.com/roselandscapes products (limited period only). • A children’s play area

MAKE YOUR PARTY ROCK If you’ve hired a hall or party venue and you need music, why not hire a disco system from PDS Sound and Lighting in Peterborough? They can supply an amplifier and disco system compatible with an iPod, so you can dance the night away to all your favourite tunes. The cost of a basic disco package, including VAT, is around £75. We’ve tried it, and we like it! • 21 Ivatt Way Business Park, Westwood, Peterborough PE3 7PG Tel: 01733 261199

A WINE TASTING WITH A DIFFERENCE A fundraising evening for the Royal National Institute of Blind People will take place at The Haycock Hotel, Wansford on Friday October 18th at 7.30pm. The idea is to explore wine tasting relying just on your sense of smell and taste. Blackout glasses mean that you can’t see what you’re trying. It promises to be a really fun and original evening with lots of surprises and a big prize up for grabs. No prior wine knowledge is needed • Tickets are £15 each or £10 each if you buy a table of ten. Tickets are available from Amps Fine Wines on 01832 273502 www.ampsfinewines.co.uk

ASK THE

expert

Do I have to pay tax if I rent out a property or a room? Tax specialist and partner at accountancy firm Stephenson Smart, Kerry Hilliard, provides the answer If you decide to start renting out a property, you will pay tax on the profits that you make in each tax year, so you must inform HMRC. The amount you pay will depend on your marginal rate of tax and if you jointly own the property there are rules that dictate how the income should be split for tax purposes. Your rental profits are based on rents receivable after deducting allowable expenses. These include mortgage interest (but not capital) letting agency costs and repairs. If you let furnished property, you can also claim an allowance for furnishings known as the wear and tear allowance. This is calculated as 10 per cent of rents after deducting any charges you make for services that would normally be borne by the tenant. Some expenses cannot be deducted from your rental income, such as the capital expenses incurred in purchasing the property or expenditure to renovate or improve it to the extent that it is better than it had been before. If you receive property income from a lodger living with you in your home, there are special rules called the rent-a-room scheme. You are given a flat deduction of £4,250 per annum against your rental income, so if your income is less than this then there will be no tax to pay. If you sell your rental property, you must work out the profit or gain on sale to see if you are liable to capital gains tax. Reliefs are also available where the property has at some time been your main home any you can also make use of your annual tax free allowance if it has not already been utilised elsewhere. • For more information and tax advice, contact Stephenson Smart & Co, telephone 01733 343275 or visit www.stephensonsmart.com

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

7 UPFRONT copy.indd 3

19/9/13 23:11:49

W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront POP UP THRIFT SHOP A two day thrift sale will be taking place in Highgate Hall, Elton on Thursday October 3 and Friday October 4 in aid of repairs to the village’s chapel roof. A selection of kitchen equipment, textiles, toys, books, craft supplies, and good quality clothing, donated by local people, will be on sale, and tea and coffee is available. The thrift shop is now in its third year and always proves popular. The fund raising committee has almost reached its target of £35,000 towards the chapel roof, through a variety of innovative events: please come along and help them to hit the target. • Pop up thrift shop: Thursday: 10am – 4pm. Friday 10am – 1pm.

SPORT MATTERS AT BOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

THE COOLEST LIGHT SHOW ON EARTH! Witness the extraordinary phenomena of the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway’s Paris of the North. By night enjoy the effervescent atmosphere of the world’s most northerly university town and sample fresh fish dishes in local restaurants. By day, enjoy a thrilling husky safari, go ice kick sledding or take a polar walk. The Northern Lights of the Aurora Borealis, to give them their proper name, are a natural phenomenon, totally unpredictable but a magnificent spectacle when the atmospheric conditions are just right. Visible from October to April, Tromso is one of the world’s best spots from which to see the lights as well as being a city in which to enjoy yourself. Whilst no one can guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights, we do promise you a fabulous winter break with the best possible chance of seeing the lights and some fabulous excursions to make your trip one to remember. The Husky Safari includes a traditional lunch or dinner by open fire in a Lavvo (tent) and a thrilling morning or afternoon trip, thermal clothing included! Or why not cruise offshore into the dark evening on the fishing boat ‘havcri’ possibly spotting the Aurora bursting out over the Sound? The Polar Night Sleigh Ride to the ancient Holmsetta Farm also gives an excellent opportunity to see the lights. Oundle Travel is offering a three night break to Tromso including return scheduled flights from Heathrow from just £760 per person. For a longer break, treat the family to Iso Syote in the heart of the Kuusamo Lapland. Far removed from the commercialised Lapland trips that flood the market, this destination offers a combination of activities, superb accommodation and pristine wilderness. From £1395 per person. The Ice Hotel, The Snow Hotel and The Igloo Hotel are ready from early to mid-December, the brainchild of Yngve Bergqvist who 20 years ago built a one off igloo for a local Sami Heritage project in Jukkasarvi which today has morphed into a stunning hotel with snow rooms, elaborate suites and a chapel. The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is a smaller, more intimate hotel which stands in the vastness of Norway’s Finnmark plateau. • For details of holidays to Norway, Lapland or Iceland, call Oundle Travel, whose staff have considerable personal experience of the area. Telephone 01832 273600

STOP PRESS To compliment the English and Irish Live Music session at The Kings Arms, Polebrook every third Tuesday in the month, there is a discount steak night. Enjoy an eight ounce rump steak café de Paris and fries for just £8, or an eight ounce rump steak surf and turf with fries, £10. Please mention the deal when booking. www.thekingsarms-polebrook.co.uk

A school that offers extensive ultracurricular sports and opportunities to compete regularly in Inter-School sports events is often a popular choice for students and parents. Bourne Grammar School is proud not only of the outstanding academic education it provides but also of its extensive sports programme, which offers competitive and recreational opportunities for all students. The annual end of year Sports Presentation Evening in July 2013 saw awards being given in netball, hockey, basketball, football, girls’ football, cross country, rowing, tennis, athletics, cricket and rugby at school, county, regional and national levels, such is the extent of achievement in sport at the school. Whether students represent Bourne Grammar or another team in competitions, the school always supports, encourages and celebrates their achievements. The school has ambitious plans in place to extend and develop its sporting facilities starting with the addition of a full size all weather playing surface on the playing fields, and an extension to the sports hall. A recent award of just over £92,000 from The Bourne Educational Foundation has released a considerable sum towards the all-weather pitch. The new facility will also be a much-needed community facility that will be available for all to enjoy. • For more information about Bourne Grammar School, visit www.bournegrammar.lincs.sch.uk

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

8 UPFRONT.indd 3

19/9/13 23:12:52

Exceptional Eyecare

• Thorough 40 minute eye examination • Digital retinal photography • All glaucoma checks • Lifestyle, tailored eye examination • Contact lenses and aftercare • Top quality lenses & coatings

Specialist Eyewear

• Handmade from top-quality materials • Intelligently engineered • Bespoke • Frames from 1.2 grams • Designer • Wraparound prescription sunglasses

Service

• Honest advice • Personal service • Digital photography to compare frames • Digital Dispensing • Fabulous coffee!

GIVE YOU R EY E A TR EAT, S VISIT THE OCU LIST

24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1PY T- 01733555621 W www.theoculist.com

• NVL oct ADS.indd 9

18/09/2013 19:15

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

The co-operative travel at Anglia Co-operative Society

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

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

www.angliacooperative.co.uk 10

â&#x20AC;˘ NVL oct ADS.indd 10

18/09/2013 19:15

W H AT’ S NEW T HIS MONT H

UpFront JOIN IN PETERBOROUGH’S PARKRUN Ferry Meadows Country Park has been hosting Peterborough’s parkrun every Saturday from 9am since August 3 and is open to all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes. Parkrun is a 5km running event which is successfully held at more than 200 locations across the country and the world: more than 250,000 people from all walks of life get up and get moving together! It’s completely free and whether you are putting on your trainers for the first time or have a passion for marathons, parkrun offers something for everyone. Looking at recent research, the figures show that overall 16.4 per cent of the participants had joined a sports club as a result of parkrun participation and 60.6 per cent had been encouraged to enter races. The numbers increase substantially if we only take runners with no history of running, supporting the evidence that parkrun helps local running clubs and running event organisers. In addition, the research shows that parkrun is attractive to non-runners, bringing fitness improvements and health benefits. Furthermore, the stats from the last parkruns in Peterborough suggest that women (44.7 per cent) and all age ranges (14-19, 11.5 per cent, 20-39 45.2 per cent and 40 plus, 33.3 per cent) are well represented. Taking part in parkrun also provides an ideal platform to enter the Perkins Great Eastern Run, which takes place on the Embankment on October 13. Having a look at the evidence, it seems that Peterborough’s parkrun is improving the local running culture in the city, and it is on the way to being a cost effective, community based intervention for improving public health. Why not join in?

CONGRATULATIONS! Teresa Kelly of Orton Wistow, Peterborough, was the winner of our competition to win dinner for two at the award winning Hambleton Hall restaurant, in a competition organised for us by Oundle Food Festival. Teresa said: “I was in France recovering from cycling approximately 150 miles round Lake Konstance when I heard that I’d won, so it was a lovely pick me up. I’m really looking forward to going as it’s a super place.”

DON’T MISS….

Acclaimed mezzo-soprano Hannah Pedley who will be guest soloist at the City of Peterborough’s Symphony Orchestra Concert on Sunday October 20, 3pm -5pm. Hannah will be singing Elgar’s Sea Pictures at The Voyager Academy, Mountsteven Avenue, Walton. Mendelssohn’s musical picture of the sea, The Hebrides, opens the programme. Tickets cost £12.50/£10.50, school children free. From The Destination Centre, Bridge St, Peterborough or the orchestra website, www.cpso.org.uk or on the door.

AND CATCH NENE PARK TRUST’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN PICTURES was relatively easy for me to do, as everyone was clearly enjoying being there. “I had great fun taking images of the regular dog walkers, cyclists, joggers, horse riders and people messing around on the river. I’ve met some great characters and enjoyed listening to their potted histories. I’ve been impressed by how well-managed the Park is, and that’s thanks to the great team led by Chief Executive James McCulloch. I was particularly struck by the excellent work of the volunteers and the skills and wealth of conservation knowledge that the rangers have.” The pictures can be seen from September 16 at ‘Roman Point’ in Ferry Meadows. Nene Park was originally conceived by Peterborough Development Corporation, the City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council as part of the 1960s plan to expand the city, and was opened in 1978. Nene Park Trust, a registered charity, was established in 1988 to ensure the Park would be managed and protected forever. Jonathan Craymer • Further info on Nene Park Trust and its events are at www.neneparktrust.org.uk

PHOTOS: CHRIS PORSZ

Regular users of the Ferry Meadows Country Park in Peterborough may be pleasantly surprised to come face to face with photos of themselves enjoying the facilities. 128 pictures by renowned local photographer Chris Porsz are being shown this month as part of an unusual outdoor exhibition on large weather-proof boards, marking the ﬁrst 25 years of the Nene Park Trust, which manages the Park. Teresa Wood, Visitor Services Manager explains: “the exhibition has been designed to show visitors of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the Park – creating memories that will be recalled and retold for a further 25 years. Chris is an acclaimed Peterborough photographer and has a passion for the Park and for people.” Chris adds: “I’ve covered many miles through the four seasons, come rain or shine and the more I visited, the more I’ve grown to love this beautiful place. The scale, diversity and beauty of Ferry Meadows provides a stunning environment in which to relax and escape from the demands of everyday life. My brief was to capture the positive impact the Park has had on the visitors, and that

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

11 UPFRONT.indd 3

19/9/13 23:15:13

FOOD & DR INK

Food News All the latest on local food and drink

NENE VALLEY LIVING

FROM THE RIVERFORD KITCHEN

ONKAR, OUNDLE

At Riverford our aim is to make fresh, seasonal, organic food available to everyone. Three years ago, we launched our Riverford Cooks campaign to inspire local people to cook from scratch using a veg box. Our local Riverford cook, Diana Burke, is based at our farm in Sacrewell. She works across the region helping communities to get cooking. Here is her latest recipe for a warm salad which works well as a vegetarian main course, or alongside meat as a side. Try adding some roast chopped nuts or seeds:

recommends I

t is often said that opposites attract, but it amazes me that I have remained married for so long to someone whose views on almost every topic are so different to my own! It was, therefore, with a good deal of trepidation that we arranged a visit to the Onkar restaurant in Oundle. I am a devotee of Indian cooking whereas my wife falls very much into the camp of those who remain to be converted. The premises are located in the main street and we had no difficulty parking within an easy walking distance. We were welcomed and conducted to our pre-booked table in the dining area which was well attended for a midweek evening. The décor is minimalist, with one wall stripped back to the original stonework. I found this and the lack of background music restful, but my wife Yasmin felt she would have liked a little more colour in the surroundings, another example of those diverse views… The menu proved to be extensive and varied and included such unusual items as Indian cheeses. It should be mentioned that a special menu is available on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, providing three courses at a cost of £12 (excluding drinks). It represents very good value, but we wanted to explore the full range of dishes from the a la carte menu. For her first course, my wife chose an onion bhaji and I ordered garlic mushrooms. These arrived promptly after we had eaten our preliminary poppadoms and selection of chutneys, and settled on our our drinks, a glass of white wine and a Cobra beer respectively. My mushrooms were accompanied by a crisp green salad and looking across the table, I saw that the onion bhaji was receiving rapt attention. Choosing the main course, we found the staff to be extremely helpful in giving full descriptions of ingredients and methods of preparation. This was particularly welcome as Yasmin has a gluten allergy, but because of the traditional cooking methods, this only ruled out a few of the dishes. She settled on the Tandoori King Prawns whilst I chose Chicken Jalfrezi, a personal favourite. Again, the service was prompt and the entrance of the prawn dish was quite spectacular as the prawns were arranged in a ceremonial arch and were still sizzling from the clay oven. Both dishes were substantial and we tried each other’s meals with approval. The side dish of coconut rice was plentiful enough for us to share. The ice cream for pudding was pleasant, but unremarkable. I can recommend Onkar for a pleasant, mid-priced meal (approximately £26 per head including drinks), and to my surprise, unexpected marital accord! Paul Rogers • Onkar, 26 West St, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EF Tel: 01832 274312 Open 5.30 – 10.30pm. Closed Mondays.

Wheatberry Salad with Roasted Squash (serves four) • 400g wheatberries (wheat grain, or spelt, farro or barley) • One large or two small butternut squash, peeled and diced • Olive oil • Two tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves • Small knob butter • Four leeks, sliced finely • Two cloves garlic, finely chopped • 200g mushrooms, sliced • Four shredded sage leaves • 100ml veg stock • One large carrot, peeled and grated • Large handful chopped parsley Preheat oven to 200 degrees centigrade. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add wheatberries and cook for 45 minutes or so, until tender but still chewy. Toss diced squash in enough oil to coat, add half the thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender. Heat the butter, and two tablespoons oil in a large pan. Fry leeks for five minutes. Add garlic and fry for two minutes. Add the mushrooms, the rest of the thyme and the sage. Season. Fry until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates. Add the vegetable stock. Stir for two minutes. Drain the wheatberries and toss into the mix with the squash, grated carrot and parsley. Check the seasoning and serve.

Pumpkin Day

Saturday 26th October 11am-4pm Free family day out at Riverford on Sacrewell Farm

alolme

welc

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

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

12 FOOD NEWS.indd 3

19/9/13 23:16:12

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

THE RED LION WARMINGTON • • • •

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

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

Closed Mondays

Peterborough Road, Warmington, PE8 6TN - T: 01832 280362 Email: theredlionwarmington@gmail.com Web: www.theredlionwarmington.co.uk 13

• NVL oct ADS.indd 13

18/09/2013 19:16

Christmas and New Year

OUNDLE MILL IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS Whether you are looking for a unique venue for a Christmas party, a stunning Christmas Day lunch, a stylish New Year’s Eve dinner – we can offer a truly exceptional experience.

If you are looking to relax and enjoy a fabulous Christmas Day without any chores then lunch at Oundle Mill could be the perfect way to celebrate and enjoy a little pampering. Christmas Day Menu £75 per person

CHRISTMAS PARTIES Our three course Christmas party lunch menu is priced at £16.95 per person and Christmas party dinner menu is priced at £22.50 per person.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Join us at Oundle Mill for an unforgettable evening to ring in the New Year with a celebration dinner in a festive atmosphere and inspiring surroundings. Celebrate the New Year in style with your closest family and friends and enjoy a delicious three course dinner in a stunning setting. New Year's Eve Menu £37.50 per person OUNDLE MILL - A PERFECT PLACE TO EAT, MEET OR SIMPLY RETREAT

T H E F I N EST E N G L I S H C U I S I N E AT

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

The

Cherry House Restaurant

“ The difference is in the detail...” Reservations Essential

• For Superb Food & Excellent Service In Delightful Surroundings • We offer fortnightly changed, fixed price menu • For all occasions inc birthday & anniversary celebrations, intimate weddings, wakes...

01733 571721 125 Church Street Werrington Peterborough, PE4 6QF www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

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

www.psychologistuk.co.uk Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PB

For further information please contact

Tel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

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

01780 758556

• NVL oct ADS.indd 14

18/09/2013 19:16

In the pink FA S H I O N

Fashion designers have gone crazy for pink in all its hues from the palest blush to the deeper ruby wine shades, a good transitional colour as autumn approaches. Fashion editors Sally Stillingfleet and Vanessa Hollander show how to add a pop of pink to darker days. Photography: Elli Dean

Polka dot blouse by Nice Things, £50, pink sweater by Great Plains, £70, grey skinny jeans by Mac, £100 all from Attic, Stamford

 NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

15 16 FASHION.indd 1

19/9/13 23:18:18

FASHION Jeans by 7 for All Mankind, £200, layering vest by Rosamund, £50, cashmere one pocket sweater £305, cashmere printed scarf, Paul Smith £149, short suede boots by Vic, £189, all by cavells, oakham

knitted dress, odd Molly, £169, cardigan, odd Molly, £150, tights, Wolford, grey boots by Vic, £269, all from cavells, oakham.

Jeans, £50, jumper with tie at back, £45, knitted blazer, £65, all by Laura Ashley at Fords of oakham and Bretton centre, Peterborough. Shoeboots by Paul Green, £140, coco, oakham

trousers by Penny Black, £85, silk shirt by DPH, £149, fringed cardigan by Viento Donna, £119, boots by Unisa, all from Jacks in Market Harborough Animal print jeans by Mac, £89, short sleeved jumper with sequin collar by Set, £125, ankle boots by Lisa kay, £145, all by Vanilla, oakham

Long top £30 and lacey leopard print top £60 both by Postcard from Brighton from Energy, Stamford, blush colored lightweight Miu Miu jacket £120 from Arch Label Agency, Stamford, ruby coloured skinny jeans by Mac £100 from Attic, Stamford StockiStS: Attic, Stamford. Tel: 01780 766667 Arch Label Agency, Stamford. Tel: 01780 764746, www.archlabelagency.com Energy, Stamford. Tel: 01780 765633, www. energy-clothing.com cavells, Oakham. Tel: 01572 770372 www. cavells.co.uk Fords of oakham 01572 757646 Jacks, Market Harborough. Tel: 01572 757577 Vanilla, Okaham. Tel: 01780 764746 • With thanks to our model, Trish Hudson. Find Trish at Windmill Wheels www.windmillwheels. co.uk or Oakham Cycle Centre www. Oakhamcyclecentre.co.uk for all your cycling fashion needs Neeta at Flawless Faces for the make-up, Browns Tel. 0844 9993365 Photographer Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

15 16 FASHION.indd 2

19/9/13 23:17:29

VISIT US AT OUR NEW LARGE SHOWROOM We have a large selection of the latest contemporary stoves by all leading manufacturers

NO CHIMNEY? NO PROBLEM! We supply & install Stovax - Twin wall flue systems

WE ARE HERE

01536 410777 Unit 7 Orion Way, The Constellations, Kettering Business Park NN15 6NL Email: admin@colesforfires.co.uk www.colesforfires.co.uk

â&#x20AC;˘ NVL oct ADS.indd 17

18/09/2013 19:17

• NVL oct ADS.indd 18

18/09/2013 19:18

A RT & CR AFT

Make a paper pumpkin Give an old book a new lease of life by turning it into a unique pumpkin decoration perfect for Halloween. By Claire Williams. Photography: Alex Tapley Materials needed • An old paperback book • A scalpel • A mat for cutting • A pencil • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • A thin, straight twig  Time to make: one hour

Begin by carefully tearing off the paperback book cover. Do this very slowly so that the pages are still held together at the spine.

With the book laid flat, use your pencil to draw out the shape of one half of the pumpkin onto either the front or back page of the book. The bigger you make this shape, the larger and fuller your pumpkin will be.

6 4

Once you’ve cut through the whole book, you should end up with a shape that resembles a semi-circle.

Once you’re happy with the shape, place the book on a cutting mat and with your scalpel, carefully begin to cut off the excess. It’s vital to keep the book steady with your other hand when doing this. If it moves about while you are cutting, you will end up with an uneven pumpkin. You will need to cut in stages, slicing through a few pages at a time.

Cut your twig so it’s long enough to run along the book spine and should sit about three to four inches at the top of the pumpkin. Using a hot glue gun, apply a vertical line of glue along the middle of the spine.

Once the stick is attached, run the hot glue along each edge of the spine. Opening the book, stick the edges of the first and last page together, so that all the pages are splayed out into a pumpkin shape.

Once the glue has dried, you may find there are gaps where the pages won’t spread. Simply flick through each page, opening the book wide. The pages will fan out more naturally over time. Display on a windowsill, mantelpiece, or use as a decorative table centrepiece. NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

19 PUMPKIN.indd 2

19/9/13 23:19:35

THE OLD BARN WADENHOE Set in the beautiful village of Wadenhoe • Light Lunches & Set 2 Course Daily Special • Afternoon Tea - Home Made Cakes & Preserves • Gluten free sandwiches, cakes & scones available • Inside & Outside Seating

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

Luxury Afternoon Tea £12pp

Open Thur – Sat 10am – 4pm

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

GIFTS • IRONWORK • CRAFTS • PLANTS SHRUBS • BAY TREES • OLIVE TREES

Theme nights once a month. Booking essential

Large Selection of Plants & Gifts for Christmas

Open 7 days a week 9.30am - 5.30pm

All enquires welcome, please call:

01832 721129

Beautiful cakes to complement your own style. handcrafted sugarflowers hand painted cakes delicious flavour menu for a free consultation and tasting call 01832 272573 www.emilyharmstoncakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/EmilyHarmstonCakes

• NVL oct ADS.indd 20

18/09/2013 19:18

! y t f a r c t e G

A RTS & CR AFT S

Whether you’d like to improve your existing skills or learn something new, there’s an exciting range of craft workshops available in our area. Sue Dobson explores the possibilities

Rowantree

s any crafter will tell you, there’s huge enjoyment and satisfaction in creating something beautiful, useful or simply fun. With a whole range of workshops and classes on offer for every skill level, autumn seems the ideal time to try a new skill.

Rowantree

Margaret Rowan is passionate about the art of making things. Author of Stitch!, A Complete Guide to Hand Sewing & Embellishing (Search Press) she’s been making, designing and teaching for over 20 years. At her Rowantree Workshop in Nassington, her one-day workshops in October span sewing for absolute beginners, ﬁnishing techniques for knitters and making rag rugs, curtain headings and fabric coil work bowls and baskets. November sees an A-line skirt workshop, a roman blind making course and a day learning how to cut patterns from favourite garments. Early next year you could learn how to knit, do traditional hand sewn patchwork or make a stylish bag. Margaret also runs sociable weekly sewing classes for all abilities to “learn new skills or just gain conﬁdence” and a knitting group. • Contact: 68 Station Road, Nassington PE8 6QB; Tel: 01780 783323. www.rowantreeworkshops.co.uk

Green Olive Interiors

The Small Bread Company Tilly Rose

The Small Bread Company

and Sewing Cafés. She also offers one-to-one tuition and personalised workshops. • Contact: Vintage Workshop & Craft Studio, Hill Farm, Oundle Road, Chesterton PE7 3UA; Tel: 01733 768594. www.tilly-rose.co.uk

Green Olive Interiors

Fi Smallridge has a loyal following. Her handmade artisan bread is sold in Oundle and selected village outlets and when The Small Bread Company appears at a food festival or event, it’s always the stand surrounded by the biggest crowd. She shares her skills at one-day classes in Barnwell. The next one, for the novice baker, is on October 14. Using stoneground organic ﬂour and the ﬁnest ingredients, participants will learn to make (and take home) three different loaves. “It’s very hands-on and having only six to ten students, it’s a very intimate class,” Fi says. “My goal is to teach bread making while having fun.” With Christmas in mind, on November 11 the theme is festive baking and the loaves will include brioche, challah, stollen “and a few more secrets.” • Contact: Unit 18, Barnwell Workshops, Armston Road, Barnwell PE8 5PL; Tel: 01832 270938. www.thesmallbreadcompany.com

Tilly Rose

At her vintage workshop and craft studio in Chesterton, Karen Tibbett surrounds herself with the things she loves most: “shabby chic and gorgeous vintage treasures.” She loves to breathe new life into something old and sources unique ﬁnds from far and wide, offering all sorts of unusual haberdashery items. Her workshops include sewing and crochet basics, knitting, wet felting, and appliqué and traditional patchwork techniques. Christmas craft workshops will include making an Advent calendar and a raggy fabric heart wreath. Children have their own Halloween craft workshops during half term and also pre-Christmas sessions. For people who like to bring along their own projects to enjoy a couple of hours crafting “with oodles of tea and cakes,” Karen runs weekly Craft

Known for their beautiful bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishings, Green Olive have been offering curtain-making workshops in Barnwell for the past three years. “They’ve been so successful we’re expanding into other crafts,” says Ema Corcoran. At least 12 different subjects a month are on offer, from knitting, crochet, patchwork and cross-stitch to felt-making, ﬂower arranging, furniture painting and jewellery, “with course tutors cherry-picked as outstanding in their ﬁelds”. Starting this month, they’ll be running a series of aromatherapy and Bach Flower Remedy workshops in which participants will learn about the healing and relaxing qualities and be able to make their own blend to take home. “There’ll be a fun day making paper pompom garlands, which make a lovely alternative to bunting, while making personalised presents highlights the festive season.” • Contact: Unit 22, Barnwell Workshops, Barnwell PE8 5PL; Tel: 01832 273209. www.green-olive.com and www.go-workshops.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

21 22 WORKSHOPS.indd 1



19/9/13 23:20:20

A RTS & CR AFT S PHOTO: © PAUL THICKETT, AP PHOTOGRAPHy

Art and Stitch

Sue Kirk Willow Baskets Art and Stitch

PHOTO: © PAUL THICKETT, AP PHOTOGRAPHy

Realitas

Sue Kirk Willow Baskets

Using Somerset willow or organic willows grown in King’s Cliffe, New Zealand flax and willow bark, Sue Kirk makes beautiful hand crafted baskets in an array of traditional and contemporary designs as well as eye-catching garden sculptures. Always busy, she teaches willow weaving in schools and colleges, is a regular at Oundle Farmers’ Market and has made structures for Burghley Horse Trials, Shakespeare at Tolethorpe and the Chelsea Flower Show. Sue runs monthly workshops in King’s Cliffe Village Hall. There’s a Basket Making Weekend at the end of October while Pheasants, Geese and Spheres are the subjects of her mid-November workshop. “The birds and spheres use similar randomly woven techniques, are fun to make and are suitable for beginners and children over 12,” she says. • Contact: 70 Wood Road, King’s Cliffe PE8 6XF; Tel: 01780 470876. www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk

Realitas

As well as exhibiting the work of over 200 local artists and crafts people in its centres in Market Deeping and Werrington, the region’s largest community art and craft charity runs a wide range of demonstrations, workshops and art and craft therapy sessions for people living with chronic health conditions. “New workshops currently being scheduled include lace making, drawing, pottery, cake making for kids and ceramics,” says Neil McGregor-Paterson. The Realitas Art Group meets in Deeping on Saturday mornings, working with a different medium or painting a different object or picture every week. Lynn’s Art Group takes place in Werrington on Friday mornings. “Experience is not necessary, all ages and skill levels are welcome and it’s a great place to meet new people who share an interest in art.” • Contact: Realitas Deeping, Towngate Inn, 3 Towngate East, Market Deeping PE6 8DP; Tel: 01778 346875. Realitas Werrington, The Gables, Mancetter Square, Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE6 6BS; Tel: 01733 579142. www.realitascommunity.org

Riverside Beads and Crafts “Our passion for everything crafty shines through the minute you walk through the door” says Donna McKean Smith of the Market Deeping shop and craft centre where frequent workshops and courses are held, ranging from paper crafting to jewellery making. This month there are Introductions to Jewellery Making and Wirework classes, a Coiling Gismo Masterclass, workshops on Kumihimo braided and beaded bracelets, tiara making, silver art clay and peyote beaded beads. Paper crafters will find card making, stamping, zentangle, parchment craft classes and scrapbooking workshops on the varied menu. If you fancy trying out some crafts, head for the Market Deeping Community Centre on October 12 between 10am and 3pm for the Charity Christmas Dabble Day. It’s in aid of the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. • Contact: 50-56 High Street, Market Deeping PE6 8EB; Tel: 01778 344550 and 01778 346810. www.riversidecrafts.co.uk and www.riversidebeads.co.uk

Art and Stitch

Sue Kirk Willow Baskets

“As well as offering a vast choice of fabrics, wools and notions in store and one-day workshops, Art and Stitch is an approved City & Guilds centre with qualifications for a variety of levels, from the absolute beginner to the more experienced learner,” explains Sam Halifax. Led by respected craftspeople, their workshops are wide ranging in subject and interest. Days exploring patchwork and dry felting techniques, making a 3D Christmas tree and a colour wheel landscape picture feature in October. Quilting, felted angels and tree baubles appear in the run up to Christmas. “On our social stitching days, anyone can bring along a project they’re working on, be it sewing, knitting, crochet or embroidery. It’s all very friendly, there’s tea, homemade cakes and a lot of laughter on tap.” • Contact: 33 Aston Business Park, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BF; Tel: 01733 230898. www.artandstitch.co.uk

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

21 22 WORKSHOPS.indd 2

19/9/13 23:20:54

• NVL oct ADS.indd 23

19/09/2013 15:41

SHOPPING

INDEPENDENTS DAY

Peterborough has plenty to offer the discerning shopper. Alongside the national names, you’ll find a host of individual boutiques, cafes and bars in a revamped town centre. Fiona Cumberpatch explores. Illustrations: Garth Bayley

ast month saw the launch of a free map and website, which brings together the city’s independent retailers (www.localindieretailers. co.uk). Available from shop counters and the Destination Centre in Bridge Street, it’s worth picking up a copy of the map and working your way round the businesses which are listed there. Here is a selection...

1 Reba Boutique

1 Cathedral Square, PE1 1XH Tel: 01733 319606 If you want a cute dress, vintage inspired knitwear, a scarf, a pretty gift or some jewellery that you won’t find anywhere else, this pretty shop, housed in a scheduled ancient monument is the place to call in. You’ll always find something really individual here.

2 Barista

St Peters Arcade, Bridge Street PE1 1HJ Tel: 01733 454494 We ordered two goats cheese and parma ham crostini which came to our table with a generous salad and a balsamic vinegar dressing. At just £3.80 each, it was light and tasty. Or try a lunch deal, a pizza and salad to share for £8.95. Italian-owned, the café serves fresh coffee, and there are outside seats for when the sun appears.

3 Art in the Heart

47 Bridge Street, PE1 1HA Tel: 07910 118148 Buy original home wares, pictures, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and bags created by local artists and makers within a 20 mile radius of

the city centre. They also have a great range of cards. We love the wool felted woodland creature brooches by Eve Marshall, the magical picture boxes by Jeni Cairns and the beautiful collection of pottery by various makers.

4 Janson Hong

59a Bridge Street, PE1 1HA Tel: 01733 568388 A family run business, with everything you need to create Oriental dishes in your own home. A wonderful selection of fresh vegetables such as water chestnuts, pak choi, choi sum and okra, as well as noodles of every description, plus different kinds of rice, pastes, sauces, and spices – even paper Chinese lanterns to decorate!

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

24 25 26 28.indd 2

19/9/13 23:24:54

LIBRARY

ST G

AT E

WE ARSTGAT CA DE E

22 23 20 18 21 17 19 13 15 10 16

BRO ADW AY

QUEENSGATE

COW G

ATE

GUILD

CATHEDRAL SQUARE H STR EET

HALL

CHURC

CATHEDRAL

PRIES TGAT

TOWN HALL

BRIDGE STREET

UR D

AR EV

3 4

EE E STR

5 RIVERGATE

7 8

G BRID

ST PETER’S ROAD

2 MUSEUM

(ON BURGHLEY ROAD)

PA R

RTH

29 KR OA D

STR EET

NR OA D CO L

ATE WESTG

LIN

1 Reba Boutique 2 Barista 3 Art in the Heart 4 Janson Hong 5 El Shoe 6 Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro 7 Melanie Richards Hair Boutique 8 East/Charters 9 The Beehive 10 Charles Bright Jewellers 11 Designer Leathers 12 Clarkes 13 Burghley Academy 14 Head2Head Barbers 15 Theia 16 Issis Fashion 17 Style Accessories 18 Pkai 19 The Oculist 20 Tahlia’s Closet 21 Nail Design 22 Frank Bros Butchers 23 Clues 24 Sweet Perfection 25 Shrives Chemist 26 North Shoes 27 The Brewery Tap 28 The North St Bar 29 Embe 30 Cathedral Tea Rooms 31 Squires Café

5 El Shoe 92 Bridge Street, PE1 1DY Tel: 01733 315321 It’s increasingly rare to ﬁnd an independent shoe store. Pop in here for some beautiful leather styles sourced from Portugal and Spain. Mens, womens and childrens shoes.

6 Sue Ryder Vintage and Retro

Bridge St, PE1 1EH Tel: 01733 313890 If you want a retro cupboard, some vintage vinyl or an old leather suitcase, this is your place. More expensive than a charity shop, but cheaper than an antiques emporium, you’ll ﬁnd an eclectic mix of items from the 1940s onwards. Clothes are a speciality, but there are also some fantastic accessories and pieces of furniture. Also look out for pretty crochet blankets and vintage fabrics to bring some retro chic to your home.

 NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

24 25 26 28.indd 3

19/9/13 23:25:08

SHOPPING moved to fab new premises in St John’s Square. Known for its modern British cooking, chef Lee Clarke aims to present food with “creativity balanced against tradition.” The Christmas menus look very appetising. Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday – Sunday. Also, don’t miss Clarkes Café in the Key Theatre, Embankment Rd PE1 1EF, for a more casual take on Lee Clarke’s food, perfect for a pre-theatre supper.

13 Burghley Academy

4 Cumbergate PE1 1YR Tel: 01733 341878 Brilliant beauty treatments and hairdressing, all housed in a beautiful three storey 15th century building. Excellent therapists and a trusted Peteborough family business.

14 Head2Head Barbers

50 Cowgate PE1 1NA A brand new vintage style barbers shop for a sharp cut…

7 Melanie Richards Hair Boutique 100 Bridge St PE1 1DY Tel: 01733 553600 Relaxed and friendly salon offering hairdressing, sun beds and nail extensions, too.

8 East/Charters

Town Bridge, PE1 1FP Tel: 01733 315702 Pan Asian food, with good deals at lunch times and an excellent Sunday all-you-can-eat buffet. It’s well cooked, very fresh and beautifully spiced and the setting on a 176 foot Dutch barge adds novelty to the experience. Charters Bar offers real ales and a great programme of live music.

11 Designer Leathers

15 Theia

8 Queen St, PE1 1PA Tel: 01733348917 www.designerleathers.co.uk Great selection of classic leather coats and beautiful bags, purses and wallets at this family owned business. Stockists of Radley, new label Yoshi - and it’s a brilliant place to find gifts for men.

Westgate Arcade, PE1 1NH Tel: 01733 349177 A sister shop to accessories emporium Style, this shop sells mens jewellery, and sparkly, statement pieces ideal for weddings and occasion wear. Stockists of the costume jewellery classic range Butler and Wilson and designer brands.

12 Clarkes

16 Issis Fashion

10 Queen Street, PE1 1PA Tel: 01733 892681 Recipient of the Michelin Guide’s Three Fork and Spoon Award, this stylish restaurant, a jewel in Peterborough city centre’s crown, has recently

Westgate Arcade, PE1 1NT Great bags at low prices. You’ll find copies of many famous names, plus spotty satchels, leather bags and plenty of travel bags and wheeled suitcases in funky designs.

9 The Beehive

62 Albert Place, PE1 1DD Tel: 01733 310600 Good food, atmosphere and service in this attractive gastro pub in the city centre. Perfect for a pre-theatre meal, with an appealing and contemporary menu.

10 Charles Bright Jewellers 10 Exchange St, St John’s Square, PE1 1PW Tel: 01733567830 Classic designs and excellent customer service at this cornerstone of central Peterborough. As well as fine jewellery and engagement rings, the handmade Venetian glass jewellery is a more affordable option, at around £35 for a bracelet and £60 for a necklace in gorgeous colours. There’s a lovely selection of christening gifts such as silver baby bangles and charm bracelets. Full expert repairs and remodelling available.



NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

24 25 26 28.indd 4

19/9/13 23:25:59

For distinctive quality, there's always

Charles Bright

Welcome to Clarkes

PETERBOROUGH'S LEADING INDEPENDENT JEWELLERS

Fine Diamond and Gem Rings Quality Gold & Silver Jewellery Exchange Street PE1 1PW (on the new St John's Square) Tel: 01733 567830

www.charlesbright.co.uk

Email: jewels@charlesbright.co.uk

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

8 Queen Street, Peterborough - 01733 348917 • Handbags, Accessories, Leather & Sheepskin Jackets • Now stocking Yoshi Satchels www.designerleathers.co.uk

We open for lunch & dinner or just for a drink EAT FREE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY - Book a table for two or more (conditions apply)

Beautifully decorated and formally run by a husband and wife team. Ambitious, tasty, modern cooking… - Michelin Guide 2013 NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

VIEW OUR CHRISTMAS MENUS ONLINE

Upstairs and Private Dining Room opening soon

Bookings for Christmas parties now being taken

The Taste of Africa and the Caribbean

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

e-mail: bookings@clarkespeterborough.co.uk 2 Burghley Road, Peterborough, Cambs, PE1 2QB. Tel 01733 873003

www.emberestaurant.co.uk

Tel: 01733 892681

www.clarkespeterborough.co.uk. 27

• NVL oct ADS.indd 27

18/09/2013 19:19

SHOPPING

17 Style Accessories

14 Westgate Arcade, PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 893393 The perfect place to pick up accessories, with walls full of colour themed jewellery, plus sparkles and pearls. They stock the pretty Danish Pilgrim range, and the ever popular Lovelinks. There is something for every taste and budget in this shop.

18 Pkai

15 Westgate Arcade, PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 358825 Popular, fashionable and family run hairdresser.

19 The Oculist

24 Westgate Arcade PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 555621 A boutique opticians stocking a fantastic collection of frames, from mainstream brands to specialist engineered frame designers. They specialise in wrap around prescription eye wear, offer a complete eye testing service and great advice on the frames which will suit you best.

20 Tahlia’s Closet

21 Nail Design

9 Westgate Arcade PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 342733 Incredibly well-priced walk-in nail bar. Fast, efficient and effective, I love it. They’ll do a file and polish or a full pedicure here too.

22 Frank Bros Butchers

Westgate Arcade, PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 562939 If you’ve lived in Peterborough for any length of time, this shop needs no introduction. Fantastic herby, homemade pork sausages, as well as chops, joints, bacon and cold cuts. A city institution since 1876. Super friendly service, too.

23 Clues

2 Westgate Arcade PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 703546 Mens designer clothes, bags and belts.

16a Westgate PE1 1RB Tel: 01733 847762 Cherry lips, rum balls, sweet peanuts, buttered brazils, toffee cushions, bon bons, the roll call of childhood favourites never ends at this traditional sweet shop in the heart of Peterborough’s old quarter. Owner Anne Clayton has tracked down all sorts of old fashioned sweets, and in some cases has them manufactured specially for the shop. Why not put together a gift box with a 1970s, 80s or 90s theme for a significant birthday present? Or select some hand made chocolates, flavour by flavour, for a really special gift? “Our best sellers are the old fashioned sweets, such as pear drops and sweet peanuts, which are handmade with proper nuts,” say the staff. The shop is currently expanding into a new branch at Toddington Services. Some things, it seems, are recessionproof.

25 Shrives Chemist

14 Westgate PE1 1RA Tel: 01733 554319 Looking extremely fresh and modern after a complete refit, the city chemist combines a prescription service with an excellent photography service including a Fuji Film Image Service, instant passport photos, photo restoration and the transfer of videos to DVD. The new look shop will include an improved range of perfume, and the overall aim: “to continue to provide very good service.”

26 North Shoes

10 Westgate, PE1 Tel: 01733 313890 Excellent children’s fitting service and a classic range of adults shoes including styles by Gabor, Loake and Birkenstock.

27 The Brewery Tap

80 Westgate PE1 2AA Tel: 01733 358500 Thai food and an award winning micro brewery.

Great place to call in for a speedy business lunch. Relaxed evenings, often with live music and comedy spots.

28 The North St Bar

19 North St PE1 2RA Tel: 01733 355303 If you like a good night out, but want to keep your distance from the teenage tribes flocking to Edwards and Flares, this is a cool hang out. Vintage inspired décor, art on the walls, a great cocktail menu and casual food served, it’s a space where you can socialise and chat.

29 Embe

Burghley Rd, PE1 2QB Tel: 01733 873003 Just a step away from the city centre, this taste of Africa and the Caribbean is a great place to eat and relax. Service is great and they work very hard to make the place a success.

30 Cathedral Tea Rooms

Deans Court, Peterborough Cathedral Precincts Escape the buzz of the city centre for a tranquil moment taking tea, fresh coffee, and delicious home made cake in this breathtakingly beautiful setting.

31 Squires Café

(inside Peterborough Museum) Priestgate PE1 1LF Tel: 01733 864663 A great spot to sit and work, with free WiFi and light snacks, coffee, and cakes at your fingertips.

For space reasons, we were unable to include all the independent businesses in Peterborough city centre

6 Westgate Arcade, PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 890599 Owner Natasha Fierro has been in the arcade since June, and she’s enjoying her new location. A jewellery treasure trove, you’ll find pieces here from £1.50 earrings to £50 statement pieces, plus scarves and bags. “We’re not on trend, we’re beyond trend,” is how Natasha describes the style. She aims to have everchanging stock, and has a huge following on social media sites Instagram and Twitter, where followers post pictures of themselves modelling her jewellery and which she constantly updates with new styles.

24 Sweet Perfection

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

24 25 26 28.indd 5

19/9/13 23:26:18

Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence

™

Setting the standard for private healthcare • Consultant care • Quality nursing care from experienced • • • • • •

orthopaedic nurses Private room with en suite facilities Premium Care Hotel Services Excellent freshly cooked food Twice daily physiotherapy Free Wi-Fi, Free TV and Free parking Fully flexible visiting times

About Fitzwilliam Hospital Fitzwilliam Hospital is an Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence with 23 Orthopaedic consultants at the top of their field operating here. They are supported by: • • • • • •

Orthopaedic specialist nurses 3 Pain Management consultants A large team of highly qualified specialist Physiotherapists 2 experienced Podiatrists An experienced Orthopaedic theatre team A Consultant Radiologist who carries out guided procedures

Fitzwilliam Hospital also offers an extended orthopaedic rehabilitation package for patients who have had orthopaedic surgery and need more time to recover before coping at home. The hospital has 3 fully equipped Laminar Air flow theatres, a 24-hour Resident Medical Officer and a comprehensive radiology suite including xray, ultrasound, MRI and CT scan.

For more information call:

01733 842 304 www.fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk Milton Way, South Bretton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 9AQ

• NVL oct ADS.indd 29

18/09/2013 19:19

HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

Health & Beauty Notes All the latest on local health and beauty businesses OSTEOPATHY IN OUNDLE Oundle Osteopaths are a skilled team of practitioners providing treatment for all joint and muscle problems, including sports injuries, back pain and sciatica. Based in West Street, Oundle, they provide treatment for a wide range of patients from babies to the active retired, and have been successfully treating patients since 1987. Osteopathy is a health care system which lays emphasis on all structural and mechanical elements of the body. The bones, muscles and joints are collectively known as the musculo-skeletal system and osteopaths are primarily concerned with how this system can function at an optimal and pain-free level. By taking a full and comprehensive case history and examining the body`s structure and function, the osteopath ﬁrst seeks to identify the cause of the symptoms. Treatment may not only be directed at the symptomatic area, but will also aim to address the factors that may be contributing to or maintaining the problem. When the structure of a body is functioning correctly, there should be a minimal amount of wear and stress on the joints, muscles, and ligaments and injuries can heal more effectively. Treatment is usually gentle and should not be painful. Most osteopaths use a combination of soft-tissue massage type techniques, gentle joint articulation and mobilisation, and if indicated, joint manipulation. • For further information about osteopathy, the practice can be contacted by telephone on 01832 272527 or visit their website www.oundleosteopaths.co.uk

I met Nina Heaton recently, a holistic therapist with over twenty years experience offering Reiki,self development and well being workshops and NLP Training. I enjoyed a relaxing holistic facial which incorporated massage of the neck and shoulders, Reiki and relaxation techniques. Nina uses Peterborough based Aromatherapy company Eve Taylor oils and blended wheatgerm with geranium and lavender oils. The treatment left me feeling energised yet highly relaxed. I liked Nina’s techniques so much that I booked on to one of her Yoga and Wellbeing courses. They are for small groups and offer a day of gentle yoga, Inspirational Mindfulness Reiki and energy healing to enhance relaxation. The day is £45 and includes a vegetarian lunch. • For more information on future dates and venues contact Nina Heaton Tel: 01733 236476 or visit www.ninaheaton.co.uk

ARE READING SPECTACLES A THING OF THE PAST? For those of you who have been lucky enough to have good sight for many years but now have the need for reading glasses (or longer arms!), it can become increasingly frustrating taking your spectacles on and off or perching them on the end of your nose! We spoke to Emma Woolner from The Oculist Opticians, Westgate Arcade to ﬁnd out what options are available. “Simple reading glasses are great if you are only focusing at a set distance, if you need to see closer or further away the clarity is often compromised. As many of us now spend many hours working at a computer, we need a greater range of clear vision. The SEIKO COMPUTER Xtra lens offers clear vision from 30cm up to 2m – the perfect solution for demanding visual requirements in the near and intermediate zones. I also recommend the SEIKO INDOOR for customers who need a greater range of vision (up to 4m). As the name suggests this lens is perfect for people who need their spectacles for indoor use; board meetings, cooking and watching TV for example. Both these lenses offer exceptional ﬁelds of view, providing natural comfortable vision for all occupational and lifestyle needs.” • Contact The Oculist Opticians, 24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1PY Tel: 01733 555621info@theoculist.comwww.theoculist.com

Left: Lifestyle single vision reading lens. Below: The SEIKO COMPUTER Xtra lens.

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

30 H&B NEWS.indd 3

19/9/13 23:29:16

Advertisement Feature

ELYSIA HEALTH AND BEAUTY ELYSIA specialize in anti-ageing skin treatments and are the only salon in the area offering the CACI ULTIMATE, which offers the most up to date technology and the famous non-surgical face-lift.

NVIRON skincare range and treatments have recently been added to the ELYSIA treatment menu. ENVIRON is a powerful anti-ageing product which effectively addresses sun-damage, problem skin, uneven skin tone and dryness and the signs of ageing. Clients who use the products see results they have never experienced before. Scientifically proven active ingredients – Vitamin A normalizes the skin repairing DNA, improving collagen and elastin while helping to increase natural moisture. Vitamin C improves skin elasticity and brightens the complexion. Peptides stimulate collagen and elastin. To make significant changes to the skin, higher levels of active ingredients are needed than those found in over the counter products. Environ is a cosmeceutical that bridges the gap between modern medical science and beauty therapy. The AVST and IONZYME ranges are based on a unique step up programme, which allows the skin to gradually acclimatise to progressively higher levels of Vitamin A, resulting in younger, healthier skin. An ENVIRON facial will treat your specific skin concerns with active ingredients that your body recognises and can use in conjunction with the Ionzyme DFII machine which uses sound waves and tiny electrical impulses to achieve maximum product penetration and results – It goes beyond pampering to work with the skins physiology. ELYSIA ALSO OFFER ALL BEAUTY AND HOLISTIC TREATMENTS. PRODUCTION OF THIS ARTICLE IN OCTOBER ENTITLES YOU TO A 10% DISCOUNT ON A TREATMENT • For more information call ELYSIAHEALTH AND BEAUTY, TANSOR, OUNDLE 01832 226328 OR 07879 620196 www.elysiahealthandbeauty.com

• NVL oct ADS.indd 31

19/09/2013 16:40

• Laser Hair Removal • TITAN Skin Tightening • Vein Treatments • Skin Rejuvenation • Microdermabrasion • Botox and Fillers • Dermaroller • Age and Brown Spots • Chemical Peels

The BodyLaser Clinic Peterborough Clinic 60 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SU Tel. (01733) 555200

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

www.bodylaser.co.uk

• NVL oct ADS.indd 32

18/09/2013 19:20

PE R SPE CT IVE S

Celebrating Northamptonshire’s buildings The Pevsner architectural guides to the counties of Britain are a fascinating archive of tiny details and intricately documented histories of churches, mansions and public buildings. The guide to Northamptonshire has just been fully revised and reissued by Yale University Press. Fiona Cumberpatch reports “Northamptonshire, if sought out at all, will be sought out for its buildings…”

5.tif

20.tif

32.jpg

34.tif

o reads the introduction to The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, the latest in the series of revised versions of the ‘Pevsner’ architectural guides. First published in 1961 by Nikolaus Pevsner, a German émigré who documented the streets and buildings of England by county as he hurtled round the countryside in his 1933 Wolseley Hornet, the guide is seen as a landmark in the understanding of the heritage of Northamptonshire. Despite his encyclopaedic knowledge, Pevsner did make the occasional mistake, and of course the landscape has changed hugely since his six week whistle stop tour during one of his college vacations, which formed the basis of his research. The new book has been edited, and where necessary, revised, by Bruce Bailey and Bridget Cherry. “It was a three year toil, as 20.tif six weeks. It took me 18 opposed to Pevsner’s months to visit the 321 parishes,” explains Mr Bailey, an archivist for the Althorp Estate and at Drayton House, Lowick. “I am really an editor, so I have relied on a team of contributors, local people and national experts for this full revision of the original text.” However, Pevsner’s style has not been altered unnecessarily. “Pevsner knew so much about parish church architecture that I left a lot of the original text in, because I could not better it,” says Bruce Bailey. Every city, town and village is treated in a detailed, gazeteer-style. No arch or architrave is overlooked, and modern buildings, such as the Corby Cube and the town’s Business Academy are appraised. At 757 pages, the book is perhaps too large to take on a long walk, but as a glove compartment reference book, it is invaluable. A Northamptonshire man, Bruce Bailey has great affection for the county. “In Northamptonshire there has been great concern about heritage 34.tif and the planners have been very good,” he says. Writing in the guide, contributor Geoffrey Starmer says: “despite the huge development of a number of its towns (Northamptonshire’s) villages have remained almost entirely compact. There is hardly a shred of ribbon development. One moves from one village to another across acres of green countryside. The planners of Northamptonshire would do well to preserve this quality. It is very endearing.” Pushed to name his favourite buildings in

5.tif

26.jpg

20.tif

26.jpg

5.tif

50.jpg

44.jpg

32.jpg

43.jpg

34.tif

East Northamptonshire, Bruce Bailey suggests the following: • Drayton House, Lowick – parts of this secluded stately home date to the 13th century and the house has an intricate descent within the same family and has never been let or sold. “One of the greatest houses in the country.” • Kirby Hall – “Not only interesting but very beautiful,” in Bruce’s opinion. • St Mary’s and All Saints Church, Fotheringhay.

43.jpg

• St Mary’s Church, Warmington. According to the guide it is “a large, noble32.jpg and stylistically uncommonly unified church.” • Apethorpe Hall – The guide describes it as “a large impressive house with some of the finest Jacobean work in the country.” • The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire by Bruce Bailey, Nikolaus Pevsner and Bridget Cherry Yale University Press. £35 NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

33 N'HAMPTON.indd 2

19/9/13 23:30:47

m r o f s n a Tr self

your

fore

Julia Be

Julia lost 6 stone ins 5 month

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

in NO Th Ou W or nd pe le W oo

Paul Before

Paul lost over 5 stone in 4 months

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

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

• NVL oct ADS.indd 34

18/09/2013 19:20

HOM E & GAR DE N

The tradition of thatching Thatched cottages are an essential element of the traditional English scene and we have many of them in the Nene valley. For the owners of such properties, finding someone to do repairs or a complete re-thatch requires research and knowledge. Jonathan Craymer finds out more

hank goodness there are still lots of skilled people willing, able and skilled enough to maintain our treasure-trove of thatched dwellings. But how do you choose between them? Finding the right thatcher is not simply a matter of flipping through the Yellow Pages. We had our house re-thatched three years ago and asked for quotes from three firms, but found it difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff. In the end we called on the services of an independent consultant who, for a modest fee, helped us choose a firm, drew up a specification for the thatchers to follow, and then came on site afterwards (before we paid the whole bill) to make sure it was okay. Chris Dodson, a member of the East Midlands and National Society of Master Thatchers advises property owners to check that firms belong to a recognised trade body, talk to former customers, and to decide whether the firm they’re thinking of using is staffed by people they can get on with for however many

weeks it will take to do the job. “Personality is vital. The thatchers are going to be on-site for some time, so avoid anyone you don’t like personally or it could turn what otherwise should be a very interesting process, into torture,” he says. “It’s also essential to talk to previous customers and look at the standard of work.”

Consultants can help Keith Quantrill, one of the few independent thatching consultants in the UK, stresses the importance of looking at older roofing work. “The problem with talking to property owners is that their ability to judge the standard of work may be limited. Most thatched roofs will look very nice to the untrained eye when they’ve just been done. So if you can, look at a roof that’s at least 10 years old,” he says. Consultants can act as project managers for the whole job which may add 10-12% to the cost, but may well be worth it for peace of mind.

Keith’s formula for getting a good job done is to make sure the specification is detailed from the outset. “It’s no use trying to take a thatcher to court afterwards if things like the thickness of the thatch and the type of wire netting weren’t written down clearly,” he says. Appearing to belong to one of the trade bodies may be no guarantee of a quality thatcher, admits Chris Dodson, who runs his own thatching firm. “Anyone can call themselves a Master Thatcher. I know of one who advertised he was a member of the National Society of Master Thatchers, but he wasn’t. And there are some good thatchers who aren’t members. In our local Association we adhere to our own self-imposed specification, but nationally there is no such thing.” Chris adds: “In years gone by, the only way you could call yourself a ‘Master’, was to be a member of a Guild. By using a member of either a local or national organisation, you as the customer can be assured of the quality of NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

35 37 THATCH.indd 1



19/9/13 23:32:25

Abacus Tutoring Academy Whether your child is preparing for SATS, GCSEs or A-levels, we can help with preparation to increase knowledge, confidence and examination technique.

Our experienced teachers can Regular weekly help to improve confidence lessons and standards of work for KS1, KS2, KS3, GCSE, A Level children of all abilities and ages. Primary Secondary Numeracy Maths We help children at primary school as well as Key Stage 3 Reasoning English Literacy Physics (when they are laying the Biology foundation for GCSE studies). Science 11+ Chemistry Our GCSE classes will help Secondary entrance with all types of syllabus. A-level students appreciate Summer holiday Easter revision help with exam technique as crammer for revision for well as the purely academic GCSE and A-level side of their course. GCSE and A-level

(01733) 367204

2pm to 8pm Monday to Friday

9am to 1pm Saturday

2 C u l l e y C o u r t , O r t o n S o u t h g a t e . P E 2 6 WA

â&#x20AC;˘ NVL oct ADS.indd 36

18/09/2013 19:20

HOM E & GAR DE N

the workmanship and in the unlikely event of a problem, you have some comeback.”

Fourth generation thatcher Chris Dodson’s keenness to see standards raised in his industry could well have something to do with the fact that he’s the fourth generation of his family to take up the trade. Tragically the Great War literally decimated many rural crafts and much Government effort was put into regenerating them. Fortunately there were financial incentives. Chris’s great grandfather John, on returning from the war, found the wages of a simple farm labourer inadequate, so in 1921 he secured an apprenticeship with a local thatching firm by the name of Millers, and learned a trade his family continue to this day. His son Ralph, now 86, worked in thatching for 59 years and only retired recently. Ralph’s son Clive now 58 still runs his branch of the family firm, and his son Chris, 33, set up on his own a few years ago. I caught up with him working on a charming cottage in Wansford, and was intrigued to learn that he not only continues to use skills he learned from his father and grandfather – he’s still using some of the very same tools!

The right materials In the Nene valley and much of this region, the traditional covering for thatching is long straw, but elsewhere in the UK combed wheat reed and water reed are used as well. These three types offer widely differing life-spans.

Long straw may last 20-30 years, combed wheat 30-40 years, and water reed 50 plus years. But it’s generally considered better to stick to the traditional material used in each particular region. And if the building is listed and or in a conservation area, this may dictate the type of material to be used. Chris says: “The current guidelines state that material must be exchanged ‘like for like’; any wish to change material would need an exceptionally good reason to gain listed building consent.” Many would-be thatched owners are nervous about the risk of fire, and with good reason. According to Chris, there have been over 50 thatch fires in the UK in the last 12 months. The causes of such fires continue to be debated, but one thing is clear – if you have a wood or solid fuel burning stove, it’s essential that the top of the chimney is high enough to reduce the risk of sparks dropping on to the straw, particularly when fires are being lit. In addition Chris believes inadequate heat insulation in chimneys which may be in a poor state of repair, can increase the risk of fire. There have been many advances in thatching fire safety, including panelling and other materials designed to be laid underneath the roofs of more modern properties, to help protect the main structure and occupants, even if the roof catches light. However Chris points out these are not much use on older properties where the thatch – even when a whole roof is being re-thatched – is not normally stripped down to the rafters. There is a fire-retardant spray which can be

applied topically, but Keith Quantrill explains: “It may not penetrate that far into the thatch, and some such chemicals can make the roofing material ‘hydroscopic’, possibly increasing the decay rate of the thatch from the top, leaving the underside still vulnerable to heat from the chimney.” One of the best safety advances in Chris’s opinion is a thermometer-based system attached to the chimney, able to sound an alarm if the temperature gets too high. Is his own property in Cambridgeshire thatched? “No.” He’s amused at the question. “I do have a thatched bird table though!”

For further information, there are two national trade bodies for the thatching trade. The National Society of Master Thatchers (http://nsmtltd.co.uk) and the National Council of Master Thatchers Associations (www.ncmta.co.uk), which represents the county-based Master Thatchers Associations. Then there are the various regional MTAs, and the CoTT Group (Conservation of Traditional Thatch Group) (www.traditional-thatch.org.uk) - an independent group with members drawn from the thatching trade, English Heritage, conservation officers, architects and surveyors - all with an interest in maintaining and preserving traditional thatching skills and materials. NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

35 37 THATCH.indd 2

19/9/13 23:44:43

RIDGEWAY GARAGE DOORS Local family run business specialising in the supply and installation of manual & automatic garage doors.

• Steel, Timber and Glass Reinforced Plastic Doors Also available Security Shutters, Spare Parts & Repair Service

Tel: 01733 772934 Email: info@ ridgewaygaragedoors. co.uk

We pride ourselves on great customer service

THE SPECIALISTS IN OUTDOOR CLOTHING AND WELLIEBOOTS

www.barnack.co.uk

tel:

01780 740115

Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY 2 miles from Burghley House Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm

& 38

• NVL oct ADS.indd 38

18/09/2013 19:20

PEOPL E & PLACE S

Birthplace of a pioneer The name Rolls-Royce is synonymous with the finest cars and aircraft engines in the world but it had its beginnings in a sleepy local village, says Dave Phillips

Above: The distinctive Rolls-Royce logo Left: 1904 first Rolls-Royce 10HP Below: Alwalton Church

t is the car that’s the Spirit of luxury transport of kings, Ecastasy maharajahs and Hollywood stars. Its engines helped win the Second World War. But its roots lie in the picturesque village of Alwalton. Even with the roar of traffic on the nearby A1 on its doorstep, to explore this unspoilt hamlet is like stepping back in time. It’s the sort of place that the 20th and 21st centuries seem to have passed by, but a visit to the pretty village church soon reveals that a son of this village played a huge part in helping shape the course of modern history. Frederick Henry Royce was born here on March 27, 1863 and his remains were laid to rest here after his untimely death in 1933. In case you haven’t guessed, he was one half of the duo that created a world icon: Rolls-Royce. What’s more, Henry Royce was the creative half of that partnership. It was his innovative designs and engineering genius that attracted the financial backing of his partner, Charles Rolls. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves – let’s return to Alwalton (then in Huntingdonshire) in the closing decades of the 19th century. Young Henry was the youngest of five children and there’s no doubt he loved growing up in the village, where he was free to explore the meadows beside the River Nene and make dens in the wooded Linches. But his father, a miller, ran into financial trouble and the family moved to London, where nine-year-old Henry began his first job, delivering newspapers and telegrams. But at 15 he returned to Peterborough, where he began an engineering apprenticeship with the Great Northern Railway in its huge locomotive workshops. Later he moved to new jobs in Leeds, London and Liverpool until he saved enough money to open his own

 NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

39 40 RR.indd 1

19/9/13 23:34:00

PEOPL E & PLACE S

Above: Sir Henry Royce. Right: 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost factory, in Manchester, in 1884. He started by building electrical fittings and cranes, but his life changed forever in 1901 when he bought his first car. Unimpressed, two years later he bought another, but he knew he could improve on the design of both of them. So he did – and it was so good it came to the attention of wealthy Charles Rolls, who owned a large car showroom. The two men met in the Midland Hotel, Manchester, on May 4, 1904. A partnership was agreed. Royce was to produce cars and Rolls to sell them. They were called Rolls-Royce. The rest is history.

Evolution of a classic The first Rolls-Royce car was a four-cylinder model of 10 horsepower, but the company made its name in 1907 with the introduction of the six-cylinder 40/50 HP Silver Ghost, which was universally agreed to be the best car in the world – an accolade it held until 1925. By that time the company had moved to a huge factory in Derby and had expanded into aviation engines, where the power, reliability and engineering excellence of Rolls-Royce engines were a perfect fit. Tragically, Rolls died in a plane crash in 1912, but engineer-in-

chief Royce continued to take the company from strength to strength. It was Royce that commissioned the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot (aka Flying Lady) on every Rolls-Royce bonnet. But, more importantly, he took a personal interest in the design of the company’s famous aircraft engines. His 360 HP Eagle engine powered fighters in World War 1 and the later 675 HP powered Britain’s first fourengined bombers. In 1919, Rolls-Royce engines powered the first aircraft to fly non-stop across the Atlantic and in the 1930s Spitfire developed the famous V12 27-litre Merlin engine, which powered the legendary Spitfire fighters that won the Battle of Britain as well as bombers such as the Lancaster and the Halifax, which destroyed the Nazi war machine.

Royce was knighted in 1930, but Sir Henry didn’t live to see his creation’s finest hour. He passed away in 1933 and his remains were buried at Alwalton. In 1962, a memorial window dedicated to him was unveiled in Westminster Abbey. This year is the 150th anniversary of his birth and St Andrew’s Church, where he was baptised and laid to rest, has been marking the occasion with a variety of events, including Rolls-Royce car rallies, floral displays, memorabilia and children’s activities. Alwalton is always well worth a visit. Who knows? You too might be inspired to create an invention that could change the world.

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

39 40 RR.indd 2

19/9/13 23:34:31

D E SIGN TO SU IT YOUR TA S T E

B ANI SH TH E CO LD DA RK DAYS OF WINTER W I T H T HI S B R I G HT AN D B EAUT I FUL CO LLECT I O N FRO M M ANUE L C ANOVAS Visit our showroom five days a week: - A16

Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone: 01780 757 946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

THE A REA S LA RGE S T K IT C H E N S H OW ROOM WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPARABLE QUOTE FOR BESPOKE KITCHENS AS LONG AS THEY ARE OF THE SAME QUALITY.

30 ROOM SETTINGS ON SHOW | NEW DISPLAYS NOW FITTED | 100S OF KITCHENS TO CHOOSE FROM

AREAS BEST PRICE FOR SHERATON KITCHENS – WE WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE

cal Compa ny t Lo

Est

1981 - 32 Years

BUY BRITISH

The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

www.qksstamford.co.uk

• NVL oct ADS.indd 41

19/09/2013 15:39

GAR DE NING

Adam the Gardener

Adam says: “With autumn fast approaching it’s a great time of year to get the family out in the garden and prepare it for winter, particularly with an eye to wildlife. I recommend getting the kids involved with making wildlife dens and shelters to help our outdoor gardening friends as much as possible.” OCTOBER: October is all about the start of autumn - the nights draw in, the clocks go back and there are the first frosts in colder parts of the country. Although your gardening time may feel curtailed by the shorter sunlight hours, the days can often still be fantastic and full of autumn colour to make up for the fading light.

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

Plants: Prune back your climbing roses but not all your perennial plants. It’s one of gardening’s constant arguments, how much ‘tidying’ to do – I like to leave some vegetation as protection for wildlife during the colder season ahead. Perhaps leave a few piles at the back of the border for wildlife. If you’re really keen it’s a good idea to collect seeds for sowing next year, pop the seed heads into an envelope and leave to dry completely. Leave some of the seed heads on the plants as these not only provide food and shelter for wildlife but look great with frost. Once they have been frosted and going ‘mushy’ then that’s the time I clear them. Look at your catalogues for buying in new seeds. Sweet peas can be sown into pots to over-winter in a sheltered position or a frame. Vegetable and Fruit Gardens: October is a good time to dig over vacant areas of your vegetable patch, as the approaching cold weather may help to improve the soil structure by breaking down large clumps into crumbly particles. Keep harvesting any remaining pumpkin and squash and move them into a dry position to prevent from rotting. Harvest beetroot, courgettes and tomatoes. Lift rhubarb, leave for the frost to get to it and then replant. Pick windfall apples (leaving a few for the birds to enjoy) for cooking and also those on the tree that are ripe. The unblemished fruit can be stored in a cool shed to last into the winter months. If you’ve got some tomatoes left it might be a good idea to dig out a good chutney recipe. Hoarding is such a good feeling, for there is nothing like providing for the future. Plant out spring cabbages and garlic and sow hardy broad beans and peas.

Wildlife: Birds come to gardens to feed, breed, nest and rest so make sure your garden is accommodating by providing a bird box, feeding station or bird bath. Think about planting heleniums and sedums to provide nectar and berries for bees and other insects. I have a bench seat with the underneath filled with logs made from chopped up fence posts which make ideal habitats for spiders, bees, lacewings and ladybirds. As the leaves start to fall we want to have a tidy up but do leave some in small piles to provide shelter for wildlife. Even a drilled log will provide plenty of shelter. Our little friends are looking for warmth, safety and sheltered spots for the coming month - not unlike us really but for them it’s a matter of life or death. A recent report commissioned by the UK’s wildlife organisations called ‘State of Nature’ highlighted this, with some pretty shocking results - 60% of the UK species assessed have declined over the last 50 years, with some close to extinction. I am passionate about getting children and young adults outdoors and reconnecting with nature to realise the importance our wildlife has for future generations. “All is not well....from the loss of butterflies to the disappearance of sparrows or the absence of colourful wildflower meadows. The causes are varied, but most are ultimately due to the way we are using our land and seas and their natural resources, often with little regard for the wildlife with which we share them. The impact on plants and animals has been profound.” David Attenborough Although The State of Nature report highlights what we have lost, and what we are still losing, it also gives examples of how we can work together to stop this loss, and help to bring back nature where it has been lost. These examples should give us hope and inspiration to reverse the decline of British wildlife. Adam Frost was speaking to Antonia Scott • For more information: www.adamfrost.co.uk www.rspb.org.uk/stateofnature

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

42 ADAM FROST copy.indd 1

19/9/13 23:39:19

The Wicked Witch...

The perfect place for your festive celebrations Whether you are looking for a unique venue to spend your Christmas Day or for your party destination over Christmas and New Year, The Wicked Witch is ready and waiting to ensure you are treated to an exciting food and drink experience set in a cosy Christmas atmosphere.

Christmas Party Set Menu 2013 Begin…

Butternut Squash Ravioli Confit duck & braised onions

Pigeon, Hazelnut & Ham Terrine Cranberry chutney & hazelnut brioche

Watercress Veloute

Savoury Stilton doughnuts, walnut nougatine

Ballotine of Salmon

Caviar, potato salad & fennel cress

Caramelised Beetroot Tart

Horseradish soft goat’s cheese & marinated figs

Middle…

Roast Monkfish Sage & onion stuffing, Lyonnaise potato, honey roast parsnip cone

Roulade of Turkey

Roast potatoes, cranberry roll, braised Brussel sprouts & chestnut fricassee

Barbary Duck Breast

Pressed leg, blackberries, chestnuts & potato crisp

Red Wine Braised Chicken

Roasted onion, dauphinoise potato puree & crispy ham

Pan Fried Brill

Crispy risotto, wild mushroom & salt baked celeriac

End…

Christmas Pudding Brandy cream & vanilla ice cream

Lemon Cheesecake

Gooseberry jam & gooseberry sorbet

Apple & Ginger Doughnuts Cinnamon parfait & maple syrup

Fig & Almond Sponge

Chestnut praline & frangipane crumble

Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December 2013 Amuse Bouche… Chestnut, Leek & Potato Veloute

Begin…

Rabbit, Pistachio & Foie Gras Terrine Carrot pesto & toasted pistachios

Crab & Lobster Ravioli

Buttered spinach & caviar butter sauce

Potato, Red Pepper & Goat’s Cheese Roulade Marinated courgettes & pine nuts

Smoked Salmon Terrine

Caper vinaigrette & cream cheese toast

Middle…

Roast Rib of Local Beef Yorkshire pudding, honey roast vegetables

Salt Baked Breast of Turkey

Stuffed leg & traditional accompaniments

Venison Wellington

Date tortellini, pickled red cabbage & chocolate jus

Pan Fried Sea Bass

Salsify, dauphinoise potato & red wine shallots

Pre dessert… Champagne Granite

End...

Christmas Pudding Brandy butter & vanilla ice cream

Rum & Raisin Cheesecake Blackberry jelly

Crystallised Fruits & berries

Rich Chocolate & Praline Yule Log

Rum baba & crème fraiche

Mincemeat pannacotta

£30 for 2 courses £35 for 3 courses

Frangipane baked apples

The set menu is available to all guests, all we require is a full pre order 48 hours prior to reservation date

Sherry Trifle

Coffee & Petit Fours £80 A deposit will be required

New Years Eve at The Wicked Witch

A Black tie dinner, 7 course gourmet tasting menu and live music will see our guests into 2014. £80 per head. As it is a very busy period please ensure you call to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk The Wicked Witch, Bridge Street, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HH • NVL oct ADS.indd 43

18/09/2013 19:24

Wedding Show The East of England Autumn

Photo courtesy of Paul Massey

Org a by - nised C We upids dd Sho ing ws

SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER

10.30am – 4.00pm The East of England Showground, Peterborough

Tel: 07738 912092 / 01775 765385 for details www.cupidsweddingshows.com

Goody Bag for the ﬁrst 250 Brides Free Glass of Bubbly Catwalk Shows Free Parking Free Bridal Directory Free Prize Draw Admission: Adults £4.00 Children/OAP’s FREE

Teenagers, Housewives, Pensioners...

Do you want to earn some

extra money each month?

Distributors required to deliver Nene Valley Living in Thorpe Park Road area Oundle & Castor/Ailsworth

• NVL oct ADS.indd 44

Contact rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Applicants must be 13 years old or over

18/09/2013 19:24

D IA RY DAT E S

OCTOBER 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 31

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

Saturday 12 October Shakedown Blues: Brooks Williams Rich, silky voice; fiery guitar technique (ranked amongst the 100 greatest guitarists) American performer Brooks Williams has gigged globally with the greatest. £16. The Village Hall, Castor, Peterborough, PE5 7AX. www. shakedownblues. co.uk. 01733 380249. enquiries@ shakedownblues. co.uk. www. brookswilliams.com

What’s On

The pick of October’s events. Compiled by Yasmin Bradley Friday 4 October Francesca Dego 7.45pm Italian violinist virtuoso, Francesca Dego and pianist, Francesca Leonardi, perform Mendelssohn’s Double Concerto for Violin and Piano, and Tzigane by Ravel. £5. Oundle School, Music School, Gascoigne Building, Oundle, PE8 4AL. 01832 277132. The Great Hall, New Street, Oundle, PE8 4GH. www.oundleschool.org.uk

Saturday 5 October Peterborough Male Voice Choir: Sing for Heroes! 7.30pm The award-winning choir raise the roof in support of Help for Heroes. £12. Peterborough Visitor Centre, 9 Bridge St, Peterborough PE1 1HJ. 01733 452336. Voyager Auditorium, Mountsteven Avenue, Peterborough, PE4 6HX. www. peterboroughmvchoir.org.uk Tuesday 8 - Thursday 10 October Our Town by Thornton Wilder 7.45pm Experience the whimsical exploration of New Hampshire families’ lives from early days, through love and marriage and on to death and eternity. £5. www.stahltheatre.co.uk. Stahl Theatre, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EJ. 01832 273930. Wednesday 9 October Northamptonshire Family History: Overcoming Obstacles 7.30pm - 10.00pm How to get through a brick wall when tracing your family tree!

£2 non-members. Oundle Methodist Church, Drummingwell Lane, Oundle, PE8 4AA. 01832 272061. www.northants-fhs.org Friday 11 October Yarwell & Nassington Britannia Brass Band 7pm Music from the film “Brassed Off” in support of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. £7.50 from Mould’s Butcher or Nassington Stores, Station Road, Nassington, PE8 6QB. 07949 555107. St Mary the Virgin, Church Street, Nassington, PE8 6QG. Sunday 13 October Warsaw Village Band 7.30pm Catch up with this up-andcoming Polish band that carried off the BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music as “best newcomer”! £14. Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. Box Office: 01733 207239. http:// www.vivacity-peterborough. com/event/warsaw-villageband

Friday 4 October 7.30pm Oundle Festival of Literature: Ursula Buchan Award-winning (and local) author and gardener, Ursula Buchan discusses how England’s gardeners fought the Second World War in her latest book, A Green and Pleasant Land. £7 (£5). Oundle Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle, PE8 4ED; 01832 274734. www.oundlefestival. org.uk. St Peter’s Church, New Street, Oundle, PE8 4AL

Sunday 20 October 7.45am – 8.45am Gorilla Cycle Local, social cycle ride every Sunday. All welcome. Free. The Gorilla Firm Cycling, Oundle Wharf, Station Road, Oundle, PE8 4DE. www. gorillafirmcycling.com. 01832 273783. http://www.facebook.com/ thegorillafirm?fref=ts Tuesday 22 October In My Shoes Gravity-defying Hip-Hop dance theatre about a warring father and son who learn to “dance in each other’s shoes”. £16 (£14.50/£10) Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF. 01733 207239. http://www. vivacity-peterborough.com/event/ in-my-shoes Sunday 27 – Sunday 28 and Saturday 31 October.

Thomas Halloween Train 6.30pm Be pulled through the ‘haunted tunnel’ with ghouls and spectres on the train and platform! £8.50 (£5.50). Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR. 01780 784444. www.nvr.org. uk/ Tuesday 29 October Sleepy Hedgehog Crafts 10.00am – 2.00pm Learn how to protect our prickly friends during their long sleep through family craft activities. Free. Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows Country Park, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU. 01733 234193. visitor.services@ neneparktrust.org.uk

NENE VALLEY LIVING OCTOBER 2013

45 DIARY DATES.indd 1

20/09/2013 12:05

Guaranteed Personal Service from a Local Family Business

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

We promise you the warmest of welcomes! 37 Market Street, Whittlesey, Peterborough, Cambs PE7 1BA Tel/Fax 01733 202220 Email: aspectfires@aol.com Opening Times: Mon – Fri 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm CLOSED Thursdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays

As we are a family run business, we would kindly request that you phone our office and check that we are open before making a special journey to our showrooms - Thank you.

FREE FITTING Windows, Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Conservatories, Car Ports, All Weather Canopies, Patio Awnings, Fascia & Guttering, Roller Garage Doors, Roller Shutters, Sliding Grilles, Security Bars, Steel Shutters, Shop Fronts, Domestic and Commercial Systems, Mesh Grilles, Venetian Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Roller Blinds

FREE ENERGY UPGRADE

‘This picture shows the Charnwood Pico currently on display in our showroom’

www.aspectfires.co.uk Stockists of Charnwood, Chesney’s, Dovre, Heta, Jetmaster, Stovax, Stuv and many more...

NEW SHOWROOM 67 South Street, Stanground, Peterborough Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Telephone 01733 342888 www.manorwindows.net

• NVL oct ADS.indd 46

18/09/2013 19:25