Rutland Living 2 October 2015 by Best Local Living

Lighting As Art

Business Roundup

RUTLAND LIVING

Casually Autumn

Health & Beauty Top Tips

COVERING RUTLAND, MARKET HARBOROUGH & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

New Season, New You! LOOKING AND

FEELING BETTER THIS AUTUMN

OCTOBER 2015 £1.50 10

9 771741 580014

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GET IN TOUCH

@RutlandLiving 17/09/2015 19:30

SKI ST ANTON – AUSTRIA FULLY CATERED CHALET SKI IN SKI OUT 27 FEBRUARY | 7 NIGHTS £918.00 TOTAL

LUXURY HOLIDAYS Oundle Travel provides independent, professional and unbiased advice for all your travel needs. Whether it be a weekend city break, your next family holiday or a bespoke tailor made itinerary we will be there every step of the way. Call us today 01832 273600 | Email sales@oundletravel.co.uk

www.oundletravel.co.uk 2

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RU T L AN D & M A R K E T H A R BO R O U G H L IV ING

October Contents www.rutlandliving.co.uk www.marketharboroughliving.co.uk

WANT to thank Mrs Traylan of South Luffenham for her warm letter - we do so appreciate receiving feedback. Mrs Traylan had enjoyed the local history article last month about Thomas Cook particularly as she too was born in Melbourne, Derbyshire. Apparently, and I didn’t know, Thomas Cook commissioned a block of buildings consisting of 14 cottages and a Mission Hall for the benefit of deserving poor persons connected to the Baptist Chapel there. So he really was a true benefactor. Apology In the August fashion shoot we forgot to credit our own very talented Nicola Hardy for the jewellery which adorned the outfits of the university girls. You can find Nicola’s jewellery at Duo on the High Street in Oakham or often around my neck! Nicky also takes commissions so check out the pages 6, 7 and 11 of the August edition online – www.rutlandliving.co.uk. Late in: • October Half Term Touch Rugby Camp - Thursday & Friday 22nd & 23rd October at Cottesmore Community Centre, LE15 7DH Girls and Boys between ages of 6 and 12yrs old (9am to 3:30pm). Packed Lunch, weather appropriate clothing, drinks and sun cream required Cost: £10 per day, Visit: www.eshelbyleisure.com for further information. (Also Eshelby Leisure are now offering Dodge Ball every Wednesday evening from 56pm for primary and 6-7pm for secondary students at Oakham Enterprise Park Hub, LE15 7TU, £3 a session.) • Nordic Walking continues in Market Harborough - if you would like to try a free introductory session or learn more visit www.nordicwalkit.co.uk or contact Jo Douglas on Tel: 0794 9392018.

Abigail @RutlandLiving INCORPORATING

Village Lifestyle

SoJo Home

Creating beautiful spaces

sojohome.co.uk

4 Editor’s Selection

49 Out and About

6 Fashion

50 Shops and Services

15 Health and Beauty

53 Diary Dates

18 Eating Out

56 North Norfolk walk

20 Food and Drink

59 Food and Drink

25 Recipe

60 Local History

28 Food and Drink

62 Local People

31 Arts and Culture

66 Motoring

33 Design Interiors

68 Architecture

34 Local People

70 Profile

All Hallow’s Eve

Poultry as Pets

Autumn/Winter Fashion Spectacular Make One Change

Rutland Updates

What’s on in our region this month

The William Cecil, Stamford

Holkham Hall

Christmas Party Planning

Pumpkins

Some Local Game Birds!

Bottoms Up!

Idyllic Village Inns

A Day in the Life of a Farrier

Uppingham Theatre

Car dealers

Statement Lighting

Montagu Monuments at Warkton

Sculptor, Julie Wilson is Set in Stone

Helen Walmsley-Johnson, Journalist and Author

37 Shops and Services

Spotlight on The Maltings, Oakham

41 Shops and Services Business Roundup

46 Shops and Services Harborough Happenings

Editor Abigail Richardson 01572 756733 Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY rutlandliving@gmail.com Advertisement Manager, Rutland Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 rutlandliving@btinternet.com Advertisement Manager, Market Harborough Sosennah Every 07884 124316 sos.every@gmail.com Advertising Copy & Subscriptions Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

Rutland Living & Market Harborough Living Covers: Thanks again to Keith Simpson, a local photography enthusiast for the Rutland Living cover image. Market Harborough Living cover courtesy of Bigstock.

SUBSCRIBE TO RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

Subscriptions – annual rate £20 (UK only). Please write to The Editor, enclosing cheque made payable to Local Living Ltd. Or subscribe online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

porterandmay.com

Porter &May ESTATE AG ENTS

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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ED I T OR’S SE LE CTI O N

Family Fun for All Hallows’ Eve Halloween can be a contentious topic for some but here some fun ideas that shouldn’t offend…

• Farndon Fields Farm are offering you the chance to visit this half term and pick you own pumpkin from an indoor pumpkin patch. Great fun for all the family with pumpkin carving kits and electric candles available too. www.farndonfields.co.uk

hunt. You can carve your own petrifying pumpkin or make some creepy crafts to take home- it’s frightening fun for all the family this Halloween and kids in costume visit free! Adults £7.50, concessions £6.50, children £3.50 (or free in fancy dress)

• A free Pumpkin Day is being held at Riverford’s organic farm at Sacrewell in Thornaugh, Lincolnshire, on Saturday 24th October between 11am and 4pm. No need to book in advance, just turn up on the day. Entry is free and free parking is provided. All the details can be found at www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell.

• Conkers, Tuesday 27th - Flip the Clown – the Halloween Clown show at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm in the Interactive Hall, www.visitconkers.com

• Hootingly Haunted Halloween on Friday 30th October from 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 31st October 2pm to 4pm at Egleton Visitor Centre, Rutland Water. Carve a scary pumpkin and make a magical broomstick to take home. £10 per child with booking and information Tel: 01572 770651 or at www.rutlandwater.org.uk. Further information on page 54. • Halloween Spooktacular at Barnsdale Gardens, 31 October, 12pm-4pm. Come for a walk in the weird woods, or take part in a terrifying treasure

• Paint a Spooky Spider Plate at The Paint Pottle, Market Harborough. Half Term Halloween workshops available or just pop in. Further information: www.thepaintpottle.co.uk , Tel: 07900 090851 • Children and adults are invited to dress up and enjoy the spooky fun when they join Harry the Wizarding train spotter at the Nene Valley railway on October 31st for an exciting train ride, complete with spooky happenings. 6:30pm ready for a 7:00pm departure - there will be goodie bags and glow sticks on board this 90 min trip and travel through a haunted tunnel. £13:00pp, ww.nvr.org.uk/events/wizards-express

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Oak House Residential Care Home for the Elderly

Award Winning Care Home

Are you feeling like you need a break? Respite care & long term care (subject to availability) Call or email now To request a brochure or for more information

please telephone us on 01572 812647 or e-mail us on info@oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk

@RockRingLady

Heidi Kjeldsen Ltd

Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7NW

A GOLD STANDARD CARE AGENCY Small bespoke family run agency. We specialise in 24 hour live in care. Long and short term placements. All levels of care. Phone Heather to discuss our friendly personal service

01572 869138

9 High Street, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6AH www.alwaystakecare.com

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F ASHI ON

Casually Autumn Autumn has crept upon us and it’s time to see what’s new for the coming season. Vanessa Hollander has put together a more casual autumn edit from our fabulous local boutiques

EING born in September means I love the on-set of autumn. Love cosy nights in with a fire and love digging out my opaque tights and knitwear! Layering and texture are key this season. Mix beautiful light fabrics such as silk with chunky knits, suede or leather; and layer using shirts, knits and waistcoats. Mix bright colours such as orange, mustard and plum with the more traditional autumn palette and don’t be afraid of bold and colourful prints, including a nod to the ever-popular animal prints!

Claire wears J18 slim fit jean by Armani, £149 Lu paneled cashmere jumper by 360 Cashmere, £309 Positano print scarf by Jo Edwards, £59 Suede safari boot with neon yellow side by Penelope Chilvers, £239 All from Cavells, Oakham

My top five picks for this season:

1. A crisp white shirt for layering - just a classic 2. A bright cashmere jumper – an investment but buy one each year and you’ll have a collection in no time! 3. A fluid, knitted waistcoat – perfect for layering 4. A well fitting pair of dark jeans – black or dark denim – they go with everything 5. A print – an animal, bright or floral print will bring your look right up to date, whether that be a blouse, dress or skirt

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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ABOVE: Delia wears coated black jeans by Robell, £94.99 Printed dress / tunic by Numph, £60 Knitted sleeveless waistcoat by Numph, £56 All from Duo, Oakham TOP LEFT: Claire wears checked smock shirt by Esprit, £29 Straight jeans by Esprit, £39 Red chunky jumper by Esprit, £55 All from Fords, Oakham

MIDDLE LEFT: A-line white crinkle shirt by Masai, £88 Grey and black spot oversize, sleeveless jumper by Masai, £87 All from Fords, Oakham Black jeans (model’s own) LEFT: Delia wears zip Authentic Dream Jeans by MAC, £105 Chunky grey zip poncho by Rabens Saloner All from Vanilla, Oakham RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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HAIR

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN HAIRDRESSING Simon Cawthorne has been providing beautifully crafted haircuts and creative colour services to clients for three decades. We believe in better. Complimentary consultations are always available.

23A Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA

Telephone: 01572 722774 www.simoncawthorne.com

l l a F intoumn t u A

16 Mill Street • Oakham • Rutland • LE15 6EA • www.cavells.co.uk 8

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P R I D E & PA S S I O N

By Doug Hyde Official Artist of England Rugby

The Engine Room £495

Nerves Of Steel £495

Limited & Signed Editions

£50

ON OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY A

Victorious £250

GIFT CARD FOR YOU

To redeem on any purchases above £300

To use on the 14th November 2015

Pride & Passion £250

RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trademarks of the Rugby Football Union

11 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA - 01572 722790 oakham@trentgalleries.co.uk - www.trentgalleries.co.uk

Beautiful Interiors

27 Mill Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 722 345 showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk

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F ASH I ON

Claire (left) wears khaki side pocket jeans by Bellerose, £89.95 Khaki silk shirt by Bellerose, £134.95 Necklace, £41 Waistcoat by Stills, £216 Delia (right) wears Black skinny Dream Jeans by MAC, £99 Denim tunic by Rabens Saloner, £118 All from Vanilla, Oakham

LEFT: Delia wears Levis 312 shaping jean, £79 Melodie leopard silk shirt by Equipment, £310 Cashmere boxy jumper with pockets by Cocoa Cashmere, £180 (held) Metallic bronze brogue by Elia.B, £159 All from Cavells, Oakham

TOP RIGHT: Claire wears plum long sleeved t-shirt by Fransa, £19.99 Plum / mustard print skirt by Fransa, £39.99 Mustard scarf by Fransa, £12.99 Faux leather biker jacket by Yest, £59.95 All from Duo, Oakham

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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ABOVE: Delia wears Levis 312 shaping jean, £79 Chambray ‘Christian’ tunic by Joseph, £244 Metallic bronze brogue by Elia.B, £159 All from Cavells, Oakham

ABOVE: Claire wears people print shirt by Marie Mero, £105 Grey skinny Dream Jeans by MAC, £99 Grey jacket with bow detail by Marie Mero, £267 All from Vanilla, Oakham LEFT: Claire wears J18 slim fit jean by Armani, £149 Lace trim long vest in Tigerlily by Rosamunde, £50 Heart patch cashmere sweater by Chinti & Parker, £325 Suede safari boot with neon yellow side by Penelope Chilvers, £239 All from Cavells, Oakham

STOCKISTS: Cavells, Oakham, 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk Duo, 29 High Street, Oakham, 01572 722116 www.duoboutique.uk Fords of Oakham, 01572 722654, www.fordsofoakham.co.uk Vanilla, Oakham, 01572 757577, www.vanillaboutique.co.uk WITH THANKS TO: ■ Gelia for use of the Havershams’ garden. Opening soon for beautiful Christmas gifts! Look out for opening times on the https://www.facebook.com/havershamsbarn ■ Our stunning models, Delia and Claire – my ‘dream team’! ■ Our photographer, Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk 07932055548

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Antique & ANTIQUE AND Modern y MODERN Jeweller JEWELLERY 3 COVENTRY ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE16 9BX. TEL: 01858 468858 tim@tjthornton.com

Hallblue twinkle rings 18ctDower white&gold tourmaline from £120 and diamond £1995

Spi tfire silver & diamond enamel cufflinks 18ct white gold cluster £105 £1595

Amber&silver pendants 9ct antique modern pendants, from £50 silver vermeil pendants

Ruby ring rings, £1350 Gold signet 18ct gold and 9ct gold

Victorian silver locket 18ct gold diamond £340 cluster ring £2200

pewter photo frames Wedding rings in gold, platinum £15-55 and palladium

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Advertisement Feature

EQUILIBRIUM Ten Years of Excellence For the last ten years Equilibrium has been one of Stamford’s most popular and innovative beauty salons, providing a sanctuary of peace, calm and tranquillity in the centre of the town. At the heart of this success is owner Samantha. With 15 years’ experience of providing beauty and holistic therapies, she leads the highly motivated and experienced team of therapists that work in the salon.

“Innovative technology with real results, that’s what I’m looking for”

eflecting on how her Equilibrium journey began, Samantha recalls a conversation with a doctor who suggested I try Reflexology. I’d had a stress-related illness for some time my body and my spirit were literally breaking down. It was a true “lightbulb” moment. I began to understand how holistic therapies could be the key to unlocking some of my health issues and I’ve never looked back.’ Fast forward ten years and Equilibrium has a dedicated and specialised team of 8 across two centres. ‘Our business objectives are really clear. Our goal is to continually exceed our clients’ expectations in every way. Whether that’s through our wide range of beauty, holistic and aesthetic treatments, or with the knowledge and expertise of our therapists. We are committed to delivering the best and most effective treatments possible with the highest standards of client care. It is no surprise to us that over 70% of our clients are “regulars” and because we take the time to get to know them personally, we are able to learn from their honest feedback.’ Alongside a full range of beauty and holistic services available at Equilibrium, such as hot stone massage, reflexology, nail treatments and waxing, are a number of very exciting treatments. ‘It’s not about providing something which is “trendy”, says Samantha, ‘it’s about listening to our clients’ needs, having an intimate understanding of our market and investing in new technology and ideas. I’m passionate about offering our clients the best choice and the best service.’ CACI Ultimate For anyone interested in the very latest and most effective non-surgical anti-ageing

treatment CACI should be at the top of the list. Just ask the high profile celebrities who swear by it! The Ultimate combines CACI non-surgical face toning with microdermabrasion and LED Light Therapy. During each treatment session all 32 facial muscles are gently manipulated and toned using a series of precise movements. Serum filled cotton tipped wands enhance the dramatic tightening effect, resulting in skin which looks brighter, toned and plumped. The CACI treatment takes place in a beautifully relaxing therapy room where the client is given one-to-one prescriptive care and even after the first treatment (a course is recommended for maximum results) a visible difference can be seen. Lipofirm PLUS It can be hard to lose those extra inches, eating sensibly and regular exercise are of course recommended, but sometimes you just want to be able to lose inches quickly, in a targeted way and also ensure that skin stays firm. One of the latest, and already hugely popular, treatments available in Stamford, exclusively at Equilibrium, is the Lipofirm PLUS. Recognised as a credible alternative to liposuction, Lipofirm PLUS delivers rapid inch loss, body contouring and skin tightening all in one treatment providing clients a convenient non-invasive, no downtime, pain free treatment. It can be performed on calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, stomach, arms, back and chin and is equally effective for both men and women, with the combination of both ultrasound cavitation and radio frequency producing unrivalled results on cellulite. Lipofirm PLUS also treats common problems associated with ageing: Sagging skin on the neck, décolleté and face along with wrinkles, enlarged pores and elasticity issues of the

body. Radio frequency uses electrical pulses to remodel and enhance dermal density enabling skin tightening and improvement of the skin’s appearance, painlessly without postop downtime of classic surgery applications or other invasive methods. Lipofirm PLUS technology also has two medical certificates and to achieve this, detailed independent clinical trials have been carried out proving the system is both safe and effective. What’s next for Equilibrium? ‘Our tenth anniversary is a huge accomplishment and one we’re very proud of,’ says Samantha, ‘but we’re only just getting started. We will continue to focus on our clients, to expand the services we offer and provide the latest and most effective spa, holistic and aesthetic treatments. Innovative technology with real results, that’s what I’m looking for. So the future looks very exciting.’ • Call Equilibrium now and start to feel a difference. Equilibrium, 7 St. Paul’s Street, Stamford. Lincs. PE9 2BE. Tel: 01780 757579 Email: info@equilibriumstamford.co.uk Website: www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk Opening Hours Monday - 9am – 5:30pm, Tuesday - 9am – 7pm Wednesday - 9am – 5:30pm Thursday - 9am – 9pm Friday - 9am – 5:30pm Saturday - 9am – 5pm, Sunday - CLOSED equilibriumstamford @equilibriumspa

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Market Harborough Inspirational hairdressing from traditional to contemporary cutting & styling. Specialists in couture colour.

MAKING THE CHANGE.

We all occasionally want something different or new but the little voice in our heads stops us and whispers “but what if you don’t like it” and inevitably we fall back into our old routine until the next time we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror on an especially bad day and the whole cycle starts all over again. Clients often ask me what’s “on trend” or what’s “fashionable”, that moment when they are teasing with the idea of a change and want more of an opinion, maybe even someone to give them the extra push to finally ignore that voice in their head and make the change. If you, like many others feel this way I thought it would be nice to share a few ideas with you on ways to make a change and know that at the same time you’re keeping up to date with fashion and style. THE FRINGE: whether it is heavy and blunt or whispy and delicate, having hair on your forehead is a great way to change a look without sacrificing any length to your hair. A sweeping fringe will always add a look of mystic and is simple to do. Regular fringe trims are essential because a fringe too long looks scruffy and too short is severe, but we offer FREE fringe trims at any time to any client. Just pop in.

Experience the alchemy of care, colour & style. HEAD CANDY Wella Premium Salon

Book your appointment Call 01858 464395 www.headcandy-mh.com 26 Church Street, Market Harborough @HeadCandyMH

/headcandyMH

BECOME A “BRONDE”: Something of an advertisers dream, the term “bronde” comes from the idea of having a colour somewhere between blonde and brown, this can be achieved through an all over colour along with subtle highlights or simply applying the appropriate colour where needed. A really great Autumnal colour and something that, if done properly, can make a big difference in your overall look. DRESSING UP YOUR HAIR: “Hair is the ball gown we never take off” a very true quote and is still appropriate today when clients often say to me that a good blow dry makes them walk with a skip in their step, whether they are walking down Oxford Street or around the house in pyjamas, a good blow dry is often a great way to make your hair look and feel at its best. Beyond your reach? At Thomas we offer a course of 10 blow dry’s for the price of 5 with any level of stylist. So for a little as £14.50 per visit you can have your hair looking and feeling great. THE CLASSIC PLAT: Plats have never been more on trend and if you lack the knowledge to do one in your own hair, book in for a lesson and we can teach you a whole array of different techniques, so that even on your busiest mornings you can easily throw something together in no time and still look great.

A NEW ARRIVAL Just a quick note to welcome Rachel’s newest arrival Ada Rose into the world with both mother, baby, brother Fred and of course father doing well. All our best wishes and love is with the family.

Results Making the National Headlines…

3D- Lipo.

The Latest technology in body coutouring. Using cryolipolysis (fat freezing), cavitation (ultrasound technology) and RF (radio frequency techniques) 3D-Lipo is a powerful new dimension in permanent non-surgical fat removal, cellulite treatment and skin tightening for face and body.

Treatment is pain-free with no down time, and with immediate results.

I hope to see you soon

Thomas www.thomashairdressing.co.uk 16 The Maltings. Oakham. LE15 6EA.

01572 756561

EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. For more information please visit our website or contact us:

Also at 2 High Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0TR 01664 566812

www.chaelis.co.uk - info@chaelis.co.uk - 01832 733811 Sten Beren, Lowick, Kettering, Northants. NN14 3BH

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY

Make one change… New season, new you! Catherine Varney talks to the professionals to find out how making one small change to your health & beauty routine can leave you looking and feeling better than ever

BAN THE BLEACH

If you’ve long been a fan of highlights, autumn is a good season to give your hair a rest and go darker with an all over colour which is much kinder to your hair. Using bleach on your hair can wreak havoc – in order for it to lighten your hair, the product raises the hairs’ outer cuticle so the strands don’t lie smooth and flat. Hair becomes frayed, dry and brittle making it more susceptible to tangling, creating the dreaded bird’s nest effect! Throw in the drying effects of the sun and it’s not surprising that hair begins to look unhealthy and lacklustre. Inject some life back into damaged hair with the plant-based Aveda Full Spectrum hair colours available from Essence in Uppingham. They are some of the most natural and nourishing around; the ideal treat for hair that has been damaged by continuous exposure to bleach. The colours are up to 99% naturally derived and contain certified organic botanical oils - sunflower, castor and jojoba, instead of petrochemicals for optimum nourishment and conditioning. Choose a deep chestnut colour to warm up your skin tone and add depth and gloss to your style this autumn.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

If you fancy the idea of having effortless smooth, sleek hair AND shaving time off your morning routine, then the Keratin Complex Permanent Blowdry is for you. Available from Thomas Hairdressing in Oakham, the treatment is carried out by one of the best in the business, Wayne Groocock to achieve stunning, glossy results even on the unruliest hair. He starts by washing hair in a clarifying shampoo to remove all product build-up and ensure the hair cuticle is roughened to allow better penetration of the products. The unique keratin complex is then brushed in before being blow dried and then sealed in with straightening irons. The resulting hair is far quicker and easier to dry and style in the morning plus it will also help to prolong colour, ensuring your hair looks newer and fresher for longer.

GET GLOWING

Remember how great you felt with sunkissed skin after your summer holiday? Well don’t let that memory fade – maintain your honey-hued limbs with a regular spray tan at Olive Tanning and Beauty Studio. With prices starting from £12 for a natural, no-streak Suntana spray tan, there’s no excuse to be pale and uninteresting this autumn. But if you are really missing the warmth of the sun then you’ll love the new Luxura X7 sunbed. The salon’s latest addition is a top of the range lie-down sunbed which has body coolers, face coolers, adjustable facial tanners, MP3, digital touch display and ambient flow-light for a relaxing and colourful experience! Most importantly, it has fully compliant 0.3 blue UV tubes, which are the strongest yet safest available for the healthiest tan possible. RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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HE AL T H & B E A U TY LOVE YOUR LIPSTICK

If money’s tight then something as simple as buying yourself a new lippie will cheer you up and instantly update your look. The best way to know which will suit your skin tone before parting with your hard-earned cash is to visit a make up counter in a department store for advice – the team at the MAC counter in Debenhams are renowned for their brilliance! Whilst autumn usually MAC signifies a return to wine, berry and oxblood lipstick, the looks on this year’s autumn/winter catwalks were a lot more Lavender Whip eclectic – lavender featured heavily (try MAC Lavender Whip or YSL Gloss Volupte in Violet Sequins) as did magenta which looks amazing next to neutral eye colours and will leave you looking fresh and dewy. Maybelline Lip Studio Colour blur in My-My-Magenta, available at Boots the Chemist adds a great pop of colour to autumn looks. You heard it here first!

My-My-Magenta by Maybelline

Floatation therapy at Barnsdale Spa

BECOME A SLEEPING BEAUTY

All of us know what a late night can do to our looks – puffy eyes, dark circles and grey, stressed skin. But chronic lack of sleep can have more long term effects. The reason for this is simple: when we are asleep, our cells rebuild and repair themselves (the growth hormone only functions at night). If you don’t sleep, this function is impaired. If you sleep badly, you are likely to become stressed, and this can cause the capillaries to tighten up, affecting the flow of nutrients to the skin and scalp and causing the skin and hair to look dull. But with most of us leading such busy lives, we can only dream about getting the recommended 7-8 hours a night. So cheat your way to a well-rested looked with Floatation therapy at Barnsdale Spa where just one session can simulate 4 hours additional sleep. The unique floatation pool is filled with water and dead sea salts (30% compared to regular 3% saltwater) and heated to body temperature to allow you a deep state of relaxation for both mind and body. Benefits include stress relief, improving the condition of skin and hair, detoxifying the system, improving concentration, relieving the symptoms of depression, increasing circulation and energy levels, balancing digestive health and regulating sleep patterns.

NAIL IT

Nails are often one of the most overlooked aspects of a beauty routine, but can actually give away the most about a person. It may sound old-fashioned, but clean, well-groomed nails will make you look professional and shows that your appearance is important to you. But with most high street brand nail varnishes chipping after the first day or so, who has the required time to keep them in tip-top condition? Therefore, one of the best tweaks you could make to your beauty routine is to get gel nail colour applied by a professional salon (the ‘at home’ kits with the UV light really don’t cut the mustard!) I love Ellique in South Street in Oakham where they offer a fabulous range of gel colours by OPI which really do stay chip-free for up to 3 weeks. Rich burgundy reds and highshine finishes are hot looks this season.

EAT WELL, STAY FIT

If you’re feeling lethargic and sluggish, more often than not, this is down to poor diet and exercise. And whilst this may seem difficult to tackle if you don’t know where to start, your lifestyle is actually one of the easiest (and cheapest) things you can manage. One of the diets gaining popularity is the ‘Changeone diet’ – the idea being that it has a progressive, gradual nature in which it promotes behaviour change for the long-term. Dieters are advised to approach weight loss one meal at a time, one day at a time, beginning with a weeklong focus on breakfast to get them and their digestive systems used to changes in eating habits. By week four of the diet which focuses on evening meals, dieters should have made effective changes to all three main meals and daily snacks. Simple tips include how to add flavour to leaner meats and fish without adding calories with fat-free marinades and the use of herbs and spices. Combine this new, healthy approach to food with a regular exercise plan and you will feel amazing in next to no time. If you love the social aspect of exercising, try one of the many and varied exercise classes at Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham but if you need more one-to-one attention, invest in a personal trainer – Judith Ewing comes highly recommended. DIRECTORY Thomas Hairdressing, The Maltings, 15 Mill Street, Oakham, Tel: 01572 756561 and High Street, Melton Mowbray, www.thomashairdressing.co.uk Essence, 7 Market Place, Uppingham, Tel: 01572 822715 Barnsdale Spa, Oakham, Rutland, Tel: 01572771313, www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Ellique, 55 South Street, Oakham Tel: 01572 723950 Olive Tanning & Beauty Studio, 5 & 6 Crown Walk, Oakham, Tel: 01572 755750 Judith Ewing, Tel: 07771 866123, www.judithewingfitness.com Catmose Sports Centre, Hunstmans drive, Oakham, Tel: 01572 490030, www.catmose-sports.co.uk Debenhams, Highcross Shopping Centre, 20 St Peters Lane, Leicester Tel: 0844 561 6161

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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F O OD & DRI N K

The William Cecil The epitome of ‘quirky luxury’, offering a welcome escape from reality. Reviewer: Katy Burrows

OW that autumn is here and the nights are drawing in, The William Cecil provides a welcome escape from reality, with its soft and atmospheric lighting and intimate surroundings. My friend Nikki and I arrived on a Friday evening to a warm welcome from Rob, the assistant manager, who seated us next to a fabulous satirical print by James Gillray, the ‘father of the political cartoon’. Part of the Burghley Estate, The William Cecil’s restaurant features an original 18th century fireplace and flooring, contrasting nicely with the wooden panelling and industrial pendant lights. First things first, and soon after taking our seats, we were handed the wine list. My friend Nikki is a bit of a wine connoisseur, so an extensive tasting process took place! After the Chilean Sauvignon Blanc eventually won the battle, we were ready to pay attention to the food. Much to our delight, we were served a complimentary prawn and avocado roulade with a lime crème fraîche. This type of dish is what’s known as an amuse-bouche, a ‘mouth amuser’, and it acted as the perfect palate cleanser before our starters. Nikki’s pankobreaded Cromer crab, lime and coriander cakes was beautifully presented, as was my pan-seared fillet of red mullet, which was accompanied by hand-dived king scallops, crispy bacon and sautéed samphire. The samphire brought all the saltiness of the sea to the plate, and worked well together with the rest of the flavours to create a delicious dish. On to the mains and my roasted venison loin was served with confit potato, English figs and blackberry jus and was mouth-wateringly good, an accolade to Phil Kent, the head chef at The William Cecil, who recently won the title of Professional Game Chef of the Year at the CLA Game Fair at Harewood House (see picture). Nikki’s scorched breast of Gressingham duck was served with a delicious candied orange, roasted carrot and maple syrup purée and was cooked to perfection. ‘This is superb… it’s the best duck I’ve ever had,’ she enthused. Finally on to the dessert menu, and selfconfessed sugar addicts with a tendency towards indecisiveness will be pleased to know there is a sharing platter option. Arriving on a large wooden board was not four, not five, but six delicious desserts – the peanut butter parfait, salted caramel ice cream and lemon meringue pie being personal favourites! The bill arrived with luxury chocolates and elderflower vodka, another little surprise from a venue that knows how to delight its guests. • The William Cecil, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Tel: 01780 750 070

• Breakfast: 7am to 9.30am, Monday to Friday and 8am to 10am, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday lunch: 12pm to 3pm. Dinner: 6.30pm to 9pm, Sunday to Thursday and 7pm to 9.30pm, Friday and Saturday. A lunchtime and evening bar menu is also available, with elevenses and afternoon tea served seven days a week in the conservatory or bar. • The William Cecil will feature a range of game dishes in a seasonal menu, available from the beginning of November. Limited places are available on a dedicated wine and game evening on Friday 13th November, including an introduction by Phil Kent, Game Chef of the Year, five courses, a glass of prosecco on arrival and wine pairings by Adnams of Stamford. Tickets priced at £75 per person, contact Jo on 01780 750 081 for more details.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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F OOD & DRI N K

Christmas Menus and Party Rooms for the Festive Season! It’s really never too early to think about booking a Christmas meal in one of our many fine local establishments. Either for an office party, a family get together or if you simply don’t want to cook on Christmas Day, there’s something for everyone Barnsdale Hall Hotel

North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Christmas lunch is available from Dec 1st-23rd, and offers 2 courses for £14.95 or 3 for £17.95. Each Sunday there is also a 3 course Festive Carvery Lunch for £15.95. Celebrate at one of their Christmas party nights, which includes a three course dinner with crackers, hats and novelties, followed by music and fun provided by resident DJ. Great value at £29.95. Dates available: Dec 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th. Christmas Day Lunch is £77 (£38.50 for children 6-11 years). Or why not try their great New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball – a 5-couse meal, table magician and music - £79.50.

Barnsdale Lodge

The Avenue, Rutland Water, LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 724678 www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk Barnsdale Lodge really does feel like home from home, with friendly and attentive staff and a relaxed feel. This makes it a magical place to celebrate the festive season. Christmas Lunch/ Dinner Menu 2015 is available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec and Lunch 24th Dec. Booking is essential. Lunches, £18.00 pp 2 courses, £21.00 pp 3 courses. Dinner - £25.00 pp for 3 courses. Includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 +. Their renowned Festive Party nights, which include a 3-course dinner and disco, are on selected nights in December; £28.50 per person Sun-Thu and £30.00 per person at weekends. Additionally, on Wed 23rd there is a Festive lunch at £22.50 per person, including a Winter Pimms on arrival. Complimentary transport to Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford after the lunch is also included. Dec 19th Annual Christmas Ball. Tickets cost £49.50 per person, to include a glass of Champagne on arrival, 4 course meal, a table magician and dancing to the renowned ‘Fat Chance’. Wave goodbye to 2015 and welcome in

Lake Isle 2016 in style, with the Lodge’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance. Dinner is served with canapés and Champagne on arrival and a sumptuous 5-course meal followed by fireworks and dancing into 2014 with Jazz Pizzazz and house disco. Tickets are £92.50 per person.

Country Lounge Café Bar

A47 Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DL Tel: 01572 748731 This restaurant recently opened at the Morcott Services on the A47. Run by the son and father team of Bradley and Alan Freeman, previously well-known from running the Royal Oak at Duddington, this is a whole new departure for them, but with the same high standards of cooking and hospitality. The ambience is fun and bright. Christmas festivities will be fully celebrated, with Christmas menus from the start of December at £14.95 for 2 courses at lunch and in the evening, with 4 choices per course. Christmas Day looks like excellent value at £59, and New Year’s Eve sounds fun with a cabaret and a disco, all for £39 including a 2-couse meal.

Hambleton Hall

Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Hambleton Hall is stunning at Christmas time. They have the most wonderful Christmas tree

and decorations throughout the house and roaring log fires. The Study - one of Hambleton’s private dining rooms - is available for parties of 6 – 16 guests; offering a Special Limited Choice Menu at £55.00 per person, which for such an establishment represents incredible value. If you would like to stay after your Christmas Party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, they are offering a special rate of £230.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Standard double bedroom, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat. The December Daily Festive Lunch is £35 for 3 courses, with a choice of two dishes per course. For the ultimate Christmas dining experience, the Christmas Day lunch & dinner is £130 for six-courses. New Year’s Eve is the only night of the year when the dance floor will be down and guests are able to dance the night away. There will be champagne on arrival, a six course dinner with coffee & chocolates, wine throughout the dinner, champagne to see the New Year in, music & dancing. Black tie, £180.00 per person.

Lake Isle Restaurant

16 High St East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ Tel: 01572 822951 www.lakeislehotel.co.uk The Lake Isle has long been an Uppingham favourite, and is particularly notable for its extensive wine list. Their Christmas Fayre menu is excellent value at £24.50, for 3-courses, 4 choices per course including all the traditional favourites; for a starter with a difference, why not try the “savoury blue cheese crème brulee with figs, pears, mulled wine syrup, walnut biscotti.” The Christmas Day Feast is £87.50 per head for 4-courses, including a Glass of Kir Royale on arrival. The New Year’s Eve menu is excellent value at £55.00 for a very special meal which includes dishes such as “A taste of game: Venison parfait, pavé of parsons boar, crispy pheasant roll, with seasonal pickles, walnuts and vegetables.”

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F OOD & DRI N K

FURTHER AFIELD The Yard at No. 3

3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.no3theyard.co.uk One of the very best eating establishments in Stamford, consistently good quality. The Christmas 3 course party lunch menu this year will be £24.50 per head, starting from Dec 1st, offering a choice of four dishes per course, both the expected and the more unusual. The Christmas 3 course party evening menu will be £27.50 per head, also starting from Dec 1st. The Christmas Day lunch at £79.95 has always been a sell-out here and the four-course menu, starting with champagne and canapés, is as strong as ever, with a great festive ambience on the day.

The William Cecil The Blue Ball

Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington

52 Main St, Lyddington Tel: 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk The Marquess’s Christmas lunch is great value for two courses, with local turkey as the centrepiece. Party menus (minimum party size 8) are also great value. Menu and finalised pricing can be found on their website. If you have a larger group of up to 14 diners, then why not hire ‘The Snug’, a private room at the front of the pub that allows you to let your hair down that little bit more. There is a service charge of 10%, but no room hire charge. New Year’s Eve is a fabulous night too, with a celebration menu and a room offer for 2 people inc. B&B - so you don’t have to worry about driving home.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham Good Pub Guide Pub of The Year 2014

Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com The Olive Branch is offering the popular four courses Great British Festive Dinner Manu, available throughout December. Begin with Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, then a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains & 3 desserts; the meal finishes with coffee & mince pies, so you will not go away hungry! If I was choosing I would have picked ‘Beetroot Risotto, Watercress & Colwick Cheese’ for starters, ‘Venison Suet Pudding with Crushed Buttered Swede’ for main (now that sounds different!) and ‘White Chocolate parfait with Cranberry Compote’ for dessert. Final menu selection and prices can be found on their website. They are able to host parties of up to 20 in the beautiful candlelit barn, with open wood-burning fire, Christmas tree and traditional decorations. You can create your own winter menu or have

the Traditional Christmas menu with crackers and party hats. Add to this mulled wine or champagne and canapés or simply order drinks from the bar. Cost per person is always very competitive, call for a quote. All the menus are up on the website at www.theolivebranchpub.com

The Blue Ball, Braunston

6 Cedar Street, Braunston, Oakham, LE15 8QS Tel: 01572 722135 www.theblueballbraunston.co.uk Available 1st – 24th December For a traditional Christmas in Rutland’s oldest inn complete with roaring fires, head to this 17th century pub, where Dom and Pip are passionate about offering great food, wines, ales and service at sensible prices. Just £19.95 for 2 courses (Children £13.95) or £24.95 for 3 courses (Children 17.95). Mains include traditional roast turkey breast with all the trimmings as well as alternatives such as ‘Duck Breast with Dauphinoise potatoes & black cherry sauce’ or ‘Parmesan Crusted Salmon with new potatoes & hollandaise’ all served with winter vegetables. Booking Essential - £10 pp Non Refundable Deposit & Pre-order Required Before Booked Date.

Brasserie 23 at the King’s Head in Spratton

23 Brixworth Rd, Spratton, Northampton NN6 8HH Tel: 01604 847351 www.kingsheadspratton.co.uk Using as many local ingredients to North Northamptonshire as possible for their regionally inspired menu, you can choose from 2 courses for £23 or 3 courses for £28. A sample main would be ‘Slow cooked Northamptonshire beef in a rich red wine sauce with mashed potatoes, chestnut mushrooms, pancetta and pearl onions with winter cabbage’.

High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 Check out their Christmas menus at www.thewilliamcecil. co.uk. The Festive Dinner menu offers lots of choice and is good value at £32.50 for three courses (or £27.50 for 2). I liked the look of their starters: “Classic salmon gravadlax, crisp pea shoots, sweet mustard & dill ice cream”. To follow: “Norfolk Black turkey or Sirloin of Lincolnshire beef both served with duck fat roast potatoes, pork & apricot stuffing, pigs in blankets, sprouts, roasted root vegetables, fine beans, red wine reduction”. The Festive Lunch menus are even better value at £17.95 for 2 courses or £21 for 3 courses. Party Nights will be held on the 11th & 12th December and include a glass of mulled wine on arrival, 3 course dinner and dancing. 8pm until late. £42.50 for 3 courses, including a glass of Mulled Wine on arrival.

The Wicked Witch

Bridge St, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience. co.uk The Christmas party menu will be available Tuesday to Saturday, from Tuesday 1st December throughout the month, but excluding 25th, 26th and 31st December, advance booking will be necessary. Two courses £22.95, three courses £27.95. As well as traditional Christmas favourites, there are some more unusual dishes; for starters, for example, home smoked goose - Eel, peanuts, raw broccoli salad and apple caramel; for mains, Barbary duck breast - Confit duck sausage roll, kale, and a plum relish; for Desserts, Roast chestnut and nut butter parfait - Praline and a hot chocolate mousse. Altogether there are four choices per course. The pub is also offering a Boxing Day Lunch, 12-3pm 2 courses £20.95, 3 courses £25.95. NYE is an 8 course tasting menu followed by disco £85.00 per head.

Gallery Restaurant at New College

Drift Road, Stamford, PE9 1XA Tel: 01780 484340 Please book in advance The Gallery Restaurant is a training kitchen for New College Stamford students, run by experienced chef lecturers and giving students the chance to try out their dishes and service on the public. An incredibly high quality and good value Christmas menu is available at lunchtimes on Wed/Thu, Fri and on Wednesday evenings; from Wed Nov 18 to Thu Dec 17th

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Locally renowned Chef, Dameon Clarke at

Barnsdale CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU

Hall Hotel

Amuse bouche Starters Frozen Roquefort cheese Walnut cornetto, candid chicory and pickled walnuts Ham hock Quail ravioli, quail Scotch egg, mushroom consommé and burnt onion Tuna and crab cold cannelloni Pickled cucumber, soy jelly and micro radish Home smoked goose Eel, peanuts, raw broccoli salad and apple caramel Mains Roulade of turkey Brussels sprout puree, turkey and chestnut chipolatas, cranberry stuffing and fondant potato Barbary duck breast Confit duck sausage roll, kale, and a plum relish Poached cod Bubble and squeak, poached egg and caviar butter sauce Squash gnocchi Confit squash, pumpkin seeds, parmesan crisp and crispy sage Desserts Irish cream and chocolate cheesecake Chocolate and cumin fudge Roast chestnut and nut butter parfait Praline and a hot chocolate mousse Christmas pudding Sherry ice cream and brandy butter Clementine artic roll Orange sorbet and ginger francais

TWO COURSES £22.95 THREE COURSES £27.95 Available from 1st December, Tuesday to Saturday throughout Excluding 25th, 26th & 31st December. Advance booking necessary. Late November dates may be available with pre arrangement.

Festive Celebrations 2015 Christmas Party Nights £29.95

Christmas Residential Package £395 per person

Christmas Day Lunch £77.00 if not part of package Children 6-11 years £38.50 Roast cauliflower soup, cheese and caramelised onion fritters Oak smoked salmon and prawns, capers and lemon Chicken liver and smoked bacon pâté, red onion marmalade, brioche toast Roast turkey breast, chestnut stuffing, smoked bacon wrapped chipolatas, cranberry and bread sauce and gravy Roast sirloin of beef, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish and gravy

Boxing Day Lunch: 2 courses £20.95/3 Courses £25.95

Sweet potato, mushroom and chestnut Wellington, herb mashed potatoes

New Years Eve: 8 course tasting menu followed by disco £85 pp

Grilled sea bass, roast pumpkin purée, crab and mushroom croquettes, bisque sauce

Keep up to date with our up and coming events by liking our Facebook page

Open Tue-Sat: Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner 6pm – 9.30pm Sun: Lunch only 12 pm – 2.30pm Closed Mondays.

Christmas pudding, brandy sauce Cheddar, Red Leicester, Stilton, oat cakes and chutney Caramel panna cotta, toasted gingerbread cake, milk chocolate sauce Mulled winter fruits and berries, cinnamon ice cream Mince pies and truffles

Book today 01780 763649 Email. wickedwitch@reborn.com www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk

Nr Oakham | Rutland LE15 8AB www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

www.facebook.com/TheWickedWitchAtRyhall

Tel: 01572 757901

THE WICKED WITCH, BRIDGE STREET, RYHALL, PE9 4HH

• RL October ADS.indd 23

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A brilliant all day café and bar has just opened on the A47 at Morcott

NEW

Located on Glaston Road, Country Lounge Cafe Bar is a new family run restaurant based on the edge of Rutland.

EAT, DRINK, TALK - LOCALLY SOURCED, CRAFTED WITH LOVE.

• Serves food all day

BOOK TODAY 01572 748731

• Breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, cafe, afternoon teas, bar & evening meals • • Sunday lunch • Ample parking • Live entertainment •

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES.

Opening times 9.00am till 10.00pm 7 days a week. find us on Facebook Country lounge cafe bar

Make it a party to remember

“ “ “

What a fantastic time we had at Wistow. The venue, food and cake were fantastic and the staff fabulous and very helpful. We would highly recommend it. Debbie Surkitt-Parr

”

The team were amazing, professional, friendly and fun. The food equally amazing and plentiful. If you want somewhere which makes your event feel effortless, try here, I’m so glad I did. Jane Aires

I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day! The weather was beautiful, the setting was amazing and the food was lush! Hannah Marston

”

Telephone: 0116 259 3756 email: wistow@uwclub.net www.wistowcafebistro.co.uk Kibworth Road, Wistow, Leicestershire LE8 0QF

Venue Hire & Outside Catering With a Difference g n i r e t Ca With a Difference e d i s t u Venue Hire & O

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SEAN HOP E C O O K S

Local game The Olive Branch in Clipsham often serves up some very local game birds, says Sean Hope. Photography: Robin Stewart

ERE at The Olive Branch we love the game season and like to have a selection of game dishes on the menu whenever possible. If you come to the pub and order pheasant, or possibly pigeon, there’s a good chance it will have come from Morkery Wood near Castle Bytham on the Lincolnshire/Rutland border. Morkery is beautiful wood in Kesteven Forest, and it is home to a pheasant shoot run by old school friends Malc Smith and Nigel Goodson. All of the pheasants shot in Morkery Wood end up on dining tables throughout Rutland and south Lincolnshire, including several here at The Olive Branch. The main reason for this is because my senior chef, Dan Smith, is Malc’s nephew. Dan regularly shoots at Morkery Wood and I’ve joined in once or twice, too. There’s something special about working with game when you know the land where it’s been raised and the people who’ve reared and shot it, which is why I especially enjoy preparing birds from Morkery Wood. My passion for local game comes from my late father – a real countryman who loved his pheasant, grouse, woodcock and venison. November is one of my favourite months for cooking and that’s when I usually produce an eight-course game dinner at The Olive Branch. Last year I prepared fallow venison tartar with seared king scallop and juniper; roasted partridge with game chips and bread sauce; and quince soufflé with white chocolate sorbet. And maybe I’ll do something similar this year. Perhaps I’ll include this wood pigeon dish on the menu…

Malcolm Smith with pheasants shot at Morkery Wood near Castle Bytham

Warm tartlet of mushroom florentine with breast of wood pigeon SERVES FOUR For the tartlet pastries • 125g plain flour • Pinch of salt • 55g diced butter • 2-3 tbsp cold water • 8cm diameter tartlet moulds 1. Mix flour and salt together in a mixing bowl. 2. Add the diced butter to the flour mix and rub together to a sandy texture. 3. Gradually add the water to bind the pastry. 4. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 10 minutes before using. 5. Meanwhile, lightly grease and flour the tartlet moulds and, after the pastry has chilled, roll out the pastry to 2-3mm thick with a rolling pin on a floured surface. 6. Cut out 9cm diameter circles of pastry and line the tartlet moulds; trim off any excess pastry with a knife. 7. Bake the tartlet pastries blind in a pre-heated oven at 170C (Gas Mark 3) until golden brown. 8. Turn out the pastries. 9. To serve, fill the tarts with the mushroom florentine, top with the sliced roasted breast of wood pigeon and garnish with sautéed diced celeriac and carrot. Mushroom florentine • 100g mushrooms • 1 tbsp finely diced onion

• 100g baby leaf spinach • 1 knob butter • 2 tbsp crème fraiche • Pinch nutmeg 1. Sauté the onion and mushrooms with the butter until golden brown. 2. Add the spinach and creme fraiche to the pan and cook out for two minutes. 3. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. 4. Place the mix into the tartlet pastries and top with the sliced roasted wood pigeon. Wood pigeon • 4 wood pigeon breasts, skin removed • Sprig thyme • Garlic clove, crushed • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • Knob of butter 1. Heat a frying pan, add a drizzle of rapeseed oil and a knob of butter. 2. Add the thyme and garlic, then seal off the wood pigeon breasts for two minutes each side. 3. Season with salt and pepper, then remove pan from the heat and allow to rest for four minutes before slicing and serving.

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD? If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club. • Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge. RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Now taking bookings for Christmas Country Inn and Restaurant

BARNSDALE LODGE

CHRISTMAS SEASON 2015

Christmas Lunch/Dinner Available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec & Lunch Thurs 24th Dec. Booking essential From £18.00 pp 2 courses Private Dining available - complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 + Traditional Sunday Lunch - £21.95 pp 3 courses will be served on Sundays

Festive Party Nights DINNER/disco in the barn A selection of dates throughout December. Private parties can be arranged, subject to availability.

A warm welcome is assured at our quintessential old English county pub, bringing you the best of British home cooked meals and a choice of well kept Real Ales.

Why not join us for Sunday Lunch? Choice of 3 roasts all served with the traditional trimmings £9.95 for one course up to £15.95 for three courses Set 3 course menu £15.95 a head Served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm.

Curry Night

1st Thursday of every month. Two course menu with selection of starters, followed by three homemade curries £10.95 a head

Friday Lunchtime Special

2 Portions of Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas for £10 Tue, Wed, Thur 12pm – 11pm (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Fri, Sat 12pm – 12am (Food 12pm – 2.30pm/6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sun 12pm – 6pm (Food 12.30pm – 3pm).Closed Mondays LAST ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE FOOD IS STOPPED SERVING

14 Arnhill Road, Gretton | Northants, NN17 3DN

Tel: 01536 770268 www.thehattonarms.com

£28.50 pp (Sun-Thurs) pp | £30 pp (Fri/Sat)

FESTIVE LUNCH

‘let us drive you home!’ Wednesday 23rd December - £22.50 pp • Table magician • 4 course lunch • Free transport within a 10 mile radius – must be pre-booked

CHRISTMAS BALL 2015 Saturday 19th December £49.50 pp • Champage Reception • 4 Course Dinner • Dancing to live band ‘Fat Chance’ • Black Tie

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £85 pp for 5 course lunch. Booking essential.

christmas packageS Please call for details of our Xmas packages in the hotel and our Self-Catered Retreats

The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham LE15 8AH tel: 01572 724678 enquiries@barnsdalelodge.co.uk

www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

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Christmas Parties at Hambleton Hall ‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for parties of 6 – 16 guests. Special Limited Choice Menu on a Sunday to Thursday. £55.00 per person. One of Britain’s finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water, providing the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party. Log fires, beautiful Christmas trees, sensational Christmas decorations and at the end of the evening lovely bedrooms to rest your weary head.

Why not stay the night?

If you would like to stay after your Christmas Party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of £230.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

Pan fried Red Mullet with citrus cous cous or Terrine of Beetroot with horseradish sorbet or Ballotine of Ham Hock & foie gras with piccalilli *** Roast Pheasant Breast with fondant vegetables & thyme jus or Fillet of Dorade with bouillabaisse sauce or Loin & Breast of Lamb with pepper stew & dumplings *** Dark Chocolate Tart with orange sorbet or Prune & Armagnac Soufflé or Taste of Apple & Blackberry Coffee & homemade Chocolates *** All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

HAMBLETON OAKHAM RUTLAND LE15 8TH T: 01572 756991 E: hotel@hambletonhall.com W: www.hambletonhall.com

Take Away Fish & Chip Friday

Between 5pm-7pm every Friday we will be serving up this favourite for you to take home. Adults portions £6.50/ Children’s portions £4.50

Marquess Quiz Fun

Returns on Sunday 4th October, and then on the first Sunday of the month throughout the winter months. £12.50pp including your dinner too! A great way to spend a winters evening, so get your team at the ready.

Making Festive Plans?

The Marquess has the perfect setting for your festive celebrations with family, friends or work colleagues. We have a delicious party menu to choose from and will be serving a traditional set lunch throughout December.

OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK, INCLUDING SET MENUS

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B RI N GI N G L O CA L FO O D TO LI FE

Mouthwatering country pubs

OU don’t have to travel far to find a beautiful country pub in our neck of the woods. One quintessential village inn that’s been closed for quite a while but now open again is The Bewicke Arms in Hallaton, south Leicestershire. And its future looks bright. In fact, it’s shot straight up my (very long) pub hitlist. That’s because Tom Cockerill, former chef-proprietor of Leicester’s multi-award-winning Entropy restaurant, has been appointed consultant chef at the Bewicke (which also features an adjoining café – Hare Pie Café). Tom’s previous establishment Entropy was the highest-rated restaurant in Leicestershire in the Good Food Guide for nearly a decade, being nominated as the Midlands’ ‘Reader’s Restaurant of the Year’ as well as ‘Best Newcomer’, and receiving many glowing reviews in the national press. Tom’s reputation has brought him into the fold of the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance, a collective of the UK’s leading chefs who champion ‘forgotten foods’, heritage varieties and small-scale producers throughout the country, one such supplier being his own family’s farm, which produces grass-fed Dexter beef and Southdown lamb, both of which will feature on the Bewicke Arms’ menu. “I’m really excited to be working with The Bewicke’s new owners Simon and Claire Tait to create a new and exciting food offering in south Leicestershire,” said Tom. “The pub will have a creative take on traditional pub food using local produce – an obvious concept, but one only a few pubs in the East Midlands are doing well. The Bewicke Arms is a gorgeous English country pub perfectly located for sourcing from the region’s

There are exciting goings-on at some of our region’s most idyllic village inns. Matt Wright has the details…

amazing suppliers and artisan producers.” The Bewicke’s menu will evolve day to day, featuring honest, well-prepared pub classics such as Dexter steak & kidney suet puddings using beef from Tom’s family farm, Brancaster mussels cooked in Bottle Kicking cider (made in Hallaton), as well as game, mushrooms, fruit and herbs foraged from the surrounding countryside throughout the seasons. Owners Clare and Simon Tait said: “We are proud to be working with such an outstanding chef as Tom. The Bewicke Arms is one of the finest traditional pubs in the country and we hope to welcome you very soon!”

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Fox & Hounds open again The Fox & Hounds at Exton, which is surely one of our most handsome village pubs, is also open again after an extensive eight-month refurb. Rochelle Bushell, the pub’s new South African owner, said: “Every square inch of the three floors has undergone mammoth upgrading, not only to ensure this grand old lady stands for another few hundred years, but also continues her life as the new Fox & Hounds Hotel.” The changes are significant and include a larger pub, a quiet lounge area/hotel reception, and a dedicated a la carte restaurant. The accommodation, now open, has been renovated to ‘boutique hotel’ standard, and an additional selfcatering two-bedroom suite opens later in the year, together with a gym and sauna room. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12-2.30pm and 6.309.30pm, and head chef is Omar Palazzolo, formerly of La Gavroche, Nobu and Tom’s Kitchen. Needless to say, The Fox & Hounds has also rocketed up my hitlist!

Good Pub Guide 2016 winners The Red Lion at Stathern is Leicestershire & Rutland’s Dining Pub of the Year in The Good Pub Guide 2016 – the second year in a row it has won the title. Ben Jones, joint-proprietor of The Red Lion with Sean Hope, said: “To win two years in a row is fantastic. The whole team works hard to ensure The Red Lion Inn is a great country pub. This award is the culmination of everyone’s hard work.” Elsewhere locally, The Pheasant at Keyston is Cambridgeshire Dining Pub of the Year 2016, while The Brownlow Arms at Hough-on-the-Hill won in Lincolnshire, The Martin’s Arms at Colston Bassett in Nottinghamshire, and The Falcon at Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire.

The Joiner’s Arms, Bruntingthorpe Another relatively local pub that has caught my attention recently is The Joiner’s Arms at Bruntingthorpe. Run by head chef Stephen Fitzpatrick, The Joiner’s boasts a beautiful location and simply focuses on doing what it does best – serving fantastic food and drink. It has a loyal bunch of in-the-know regulars and is well worth a visit. Try the Auberge Supper on Tuesday nights, where you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal for £16.95. The latest menu featured smoked trout with potato and horseradish salad; slow-cooked pork cassoulet; and treacle sponge in custard.

About the writer

Matt Wright founded and runs Greatfoodmag.co.uk and Greatfoodclub.co.uk, two Leicestershire-based websites that celebrate and promote local food and drink. His Great Food Club Handbook 2013/14 is out now.

Join Matt’s food club – Great Food Club – free of charge and discover the very best local food and drink. Members can enjoy special offers at around 100 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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

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Call Sarah on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882 The Firs, 5 Barrowden Road, Morcott, Rutland, LE15 9DQ e-mail sarah@rutlandgourmet.co.uk

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AR T S & C U L T U R E

Something Wonderful is Happening in the Dark It’s like nothing you’ve ever heard. 350 children screaming, a wave of sound that fades and then rises to a deafening peak again. It’s almost unbearable. A blinding shaft of light suddenly cuts through the darkness, and you see a black shape hovering above the children, swooping down towards them… They’re clearly terrified. Or are they? Now they’re on their feet, waving their arms! They look as if they’re about to stampede. What’s going on?

IVE theatre. The 350 children are screaming at Swamp Juice, a children’s show described by the national press as ‘Breathtaking… enchanting… a phenomenon.’ A 5* Edinburgh Fringe mega-hit, it’s one of eight performances in the Rutland Children’s Theatre Project, sponsored by The Windmill House Trust and presented by Uppingham Theatre. The children are from primary schools in Rutland and the vicinity. They and their teachers have been bussed to Uppingham Theatre, and are enjoying the show, all free of charge. Afterwards they will be ferried back to school buzzing with what may have been the first live theatre show they have ever seen. And that’s the point, says Alastair McLachlan, whose brainchild this is. Until recently director of Uppingham Theatre, he agrees with Phillip Pulman, author of The Dark Materials, who said on Radio 4’s Today programme that children don’t see enough theatre: ‘Live theatre is difficult to get to, it’s expensive. It’s a rare thing for children to have the experience.’ “The key word is LIVE” says Alastair. “No TV programme or video or game can replicate the suspension of disbelief in a shared experience that theatre creates. We’ve had children who’ve never been to the theatre, who are afraid of the dark auditorium, who want to know at the end where the characters have gone, who literally jump out of their seats. They’re mesmerised. It’s the perfect antidote to the computer screen. Children interact, concentrate, and share an emotional experience.” The project is sponsored by The Windmill House Trust, whose charitable aim is ‘to support cultural activities that involve local children from the ages of 3 to 12 years’. The Rutland Children’s Theatre Project is one result, and the trust funds eight performances of high class professional shows a year. Pictured is Eleanor Queen of Brooke Hill Academy, winner

Eleanor Queen (Brook Hill Academy), winner of the logo competition

of the competition to devise a logo for the project, with Sam Dewhurst, one of the trustees, and Alastair McLachlan. One performance is at 1.00pm, for invited schools. Lynsey Kyte, the Uppingham Theatre secretary, tries to ensure that all schools in the area get a chance to come as often as possible. At 4.15 there is a second show: free tickets are available for children and one accompanying adult. The last one was packed out. The shows are top class. “That’s important. Children need to be convinced and to wonder, and the trust’s generosity makes this possible”. Swamp Juice, Tiddler and Other Tales, Farm Boy and Stick Man have toured the UK and gone on to London’s West End; My Brother the Robot is by the Gruffalo company, Tall Stories; others like Alice and The Wind in the Willows are by wellestablished companies. Another aspect of the project is the Drama

Festival, which began in 2014, and is scheduled for June 2016. Schools devise, write, design and perform their own play on a given theme. Last year’s was Where the Wild Things Are; next year’s is Visitors from Elsewhere. More details of that in a future issue and on the website. Meanwhile the series began on September 24th with The Scarecrow’s Wedding, based on Julia Donaldson’s story, and on November 5th Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns arrives. Stand by for more screaming! • Tickets for 4.15 performances can be reserved online at www.wegottickets.co.uk or at Uppingham Theatre Box Office on Tel; 01572 820820. I Believe in Unicorns is on November 5th and Rapunzel is on February 23rd. The Windmill House Trust is a registered charity No. 701254

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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DESI G N I NT E R I O R S

Lighting as Art

Generally light fittings are one of the last things to decide upon in an Interior design scheme. Focal points, whether they be a fabulous painting, stylish furniture or sumptuous rug are the initial point from which to design the rest of the room around. Why shouldn’t it be a wonderful light fitting? Good lighting is an absolute necessity, not only to show off your works of art but to change the look and feel of the room in its totality. Nicola Hardy explains

F you’re in the market for a new ‘focal’ light, think of yourself as a curator looking for a perfect piece of art. Like art, a wonderful fixture can make a strong design statement as well as providing illumination for the space. Look for one special piece and build a room around it, and don’t be afraid to add interest by using a modern fixture in a traditionally decorated room or vice versa. Often consumers do not realise the difference updated lighting can make in their homes and that’s where Lumison and Harborough Lights step in to offer expert advice. Feast your eyes on their won-derful ranges of inspirational and stylish fixtures by visiting their showrooms. James Morrison of Lumison is compellingly enthusiastic about lighting. Their showroom has carefully selected pieces which complement his design and consultancy services. He feels very strongly that lighting needs to be more in the forefront of interior design concepts.

These are his six top tips to successful lighting: 1 Think about the shape of the room. Do you have a pitched roof? Are there vaulted ceilings? Open beams? If you have a timber framed structure, there is so much scope for inventive lighting. Try a flexible strip of LED lights attached to the top of a beam; discreet light washing up the walls adds atmosphere. 2 Try to avoid spot lights; there are more creative ways to bring light into a room. 3 Keep away from wall lights; they wreck the room and make it hard to find space to hang paintings. 4 Pendants should be a talking point. Combine pendant lights with table and floor lamps to create layers of light. 5 Place lights in unexpected places. Steal light from another part of the room. 6 Exterior lighting should be good quality; buy cheap and it will fail, especially ground lights. For affordable and stylish exterior wall lights look at Astro. For medium priced ground lights; Collingwood lighting. Linea; Italian design, make indoor and outdoor lighting at a higher price but are well worth investing in.

ames has recently completed the lighting scheme for Will Wheelwright’s hair salon, the results are highly successful and well worth a visit! Pippa Morrison explains, “Lumison Lighting Design Ltd was approached by the landlord along with the tenant, Will Wheelwright, to produce a lighting scheme that would meet both their requirements. The landlord had specific requirements towards the lighting as well as Will. Will wanted an industrial/warehouse look to the lighting and the land-lord requested that only surface mounted light fittings were to be used. As the hair salon is a place of work, Lumison Lighting had to produce a lighting scheme that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also met the landlord and tenant’s requirements along with health and safety standards for lighting levels.”

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L OC AL P EOPLE

Set in Stone Julie Wilson is a Leicestershire artist specialising in the naturalistic sculpture of animals. With highly collectable work being noticed at a national level. Amander Meade visited her studio in Great Easton to view her latest collection

Julie Wilson

PROMISING artist throughout her school days, Julie went to Loughborough Art College opting for a fashion course instead of Fine Art much to her tutor’s disgust. “I was fascinated by tailoring at the time and won two national competitions during my student days.” A post-graduation job with iconic menswear brand Wolsey was followed by a move into children’s wear working for Rob Roy Limited – famous for their velvet trimmed children’s coats – where Julie worked her way up to Head Designer. By the time she was married and a mum of three young children, Julie and her husband Bob were living in Great Easton and enjoying rural life. When the opportunity came to try pottery as part of the ‘Ladies’ Day’ scheme at Uppingham Community College, Julie jumped at the chance to try something new. “The courses were aimed at women at home with children and were like night school but during the day. My youngest son Patrick was two and a half so he went happily into the crèche and I got my hands on clay for the first time.” During that first session, whilst all the other attendees crafted a pot or bowl, Julie caused much amusement by creating a cockerel – her first attempt at sculpture. “That was the beginning of a fascination with sculpting animals,” she remembers. “I am very interested in all kinds of wildlife and conservation so animals and birds were natural subjects for my work.” Drawing on the experience of other sculptors, Julie honed her craft with the support of mentors such as artist Tessa Pullen who pointed her in the right direction, critiqued her work and gave lots of practical support. Having cleared an outhouse which became her home studio and purchased her own kiln, Julie spent months improving her technique until her first sale spurred her on to approach galleries in the region. “I made

a pig and a highland bull with the Uppingham Fatstock Show in mind. A gallery took them and they both sold at once which was so exciting and gave me the boost in confidence I needed to start selling my work.” Julie’s work is highly detailed, textured and very natural but the process is painstaking; she begins with a lump of coarse stoneware clay which she rolls and manipulates from scratch using slab building techniques before putting in all the detail by hand. Subjects include mammals like hares, rats, bears and deer as well as leopards and cheetahs, owls, penguins and other birds. “I can turn my hand to any kind of animal or bird as long as I have a good image to work from”, she explains. “Lots of my commissioned pieces are of family pets so dogs of all breeds are a a speciality.” Once the model is finished, it is left to dry for a week before Julie applies a coat of watered down clay called a slip plus any coloured underglaze the piece requires. The sculpture then has its first firing in the kiln, is removed and cooled before other oxides and glazes are applied to increase the depth of colour and add character detail. After a second firing, the piece is complete. Always striving to improve further, Julie tests herself by entering national competitions including the Society of Wildlife Artists competition and the Wildlife Artist of the Year event organised at the Mall Galleries in London by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation which she describes as a great experience and is already planning her entry for the 2016 event. “I’d love to win one day – that would be a dream come true”. • You can view Julie’s work at the Old House Gallery, Market Place, Oakham and the Croft Wingate Gallery in Market Harborough. Contact the artist through her website at www.juliewilsonsculptures.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Move UPP

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Sell your house with UPP Property Agents… The prominence of the internet in property sales is continuing to gain momentum, putting the homeowner at the front of the property selling process. We also believe in putting our clients first by offering a bespoke service based around the power of the internet, whilst at the same time giving sound local property market advice from an experienced, proactive team. Choose the most effective way to sell your home from one of our three cost saving hassle free options. Adrian looks forward to discussing the best way to market your property with you, and to arrange a free, no obligation valuation.

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Let your house with UPP Property Agents… We offer valuable advice and support whether you are looking to buy your first investment property or adding to your existing portfolio, UPP is the perfect partner to maximise your financial return. The UPP team know Stamford and Rutland intimately and will give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media. For helpful advice on what makes a great property investment, or to arrange a free, no obligation valuation, contact David.

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10/08/201515:02 09:30 16/09/2015

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S

The Maltings Abigail Richardson investigates the origins of the exclusive shopping area hidden away behind Mill Street in Oakham

N 1990 following the successful acquisition of the building known now as Burley Corner, Gerry Solomons, a local business man and property developer purchased the previous residence of Russ Thornton, Oakham’s leading plumber since the early 20th century. At the time, Mill Street was a largely

residential area but Gerry saw the potential for an upmarket shopping area in Oakham. The development has been a great success and has virtually always been fully occupied. When we asked him how he could manage this in such a difficult market, he answered that he is very careful about his tenants and only enters into

Dean’s Street Photography

No 6 Oakham Rugs

Wedding and lifestyle photographers, Andy and Laura, are passionate about wedding photography, great customer service and Harry Potter! They have been nominated for the past two years as wedding photographer of the year in the wedding industry awards. Logon to www. deansstreetphotographers. co.uk for further information.

Oakham Rugs have been trading in the Maltings since 1993 and you couldn’t ask for a friendlier welcome. Christian and Fiona have an incredible selection of oriental, traditional and contemporary rugs from all over the world. Says Fiona, “Our commitment to the highest standards and our huge choice of colours, patterns and styles mean we’re able to offer you some of the finest rugs at exceptional prices.” www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk

No 8 County Squire

County Squire have been selling and renting formal menswear in Oakham for over 30 years. In stock is a huge range of suits and styles as well as waistcoats and cravats. They also have a classic VW type 2 1973 Camper Van available to hire for your special wedding day. Logon to: www.countysquire.com for details and prices.

Savvi Travel

For over three years Dave and Kay Batley have built a trusting relationship with their many returning clients establishing award winning Savvi Travel as Rutland’s preferred travel agent. A friendly, one to one travel service, Savvi Travel will create a perfect holiday which is unique to you. Whatever you value most, Kay and Dave will find the experience that fits. www.savvitravel.co.uk

No 16 Thomas Hairdressing

Recently relocated back into the area after working in London’s West End, Thomas has worked on celebrities’ hair in the salon, on photo shoots for top magazines such as Marie Claire, Style and Bazaar. He has also been part of high end catwalk fashion shows, worked for several television campaigns. Combining this experience with a relaxing professional atmosphere and customer care, Thomas Hairdressing Salons offer the client the choice of a variety of professional, highly trained and caring stylists all able to create a new look or add something extra to an existing style. For price lists logon to: www.thomashairdressing.co.uk

No 7 Pure Beauty

Pure Beauty is an express beauty salon with treatments such as shellac, manicures, pedicure, waxing, brows or eye lash extensions. Tel 01572 757844 or message on Facebook www.facebook.com/purebeautyoakham for an appointment or pop in between 10am and 5pm.

leases with people that he believe will make a go of it. The Maltings is such a development with tenants that have been with him for over 20 years! And even his newest and youngest tenant Ella Peers in Pure Beauty is thriving in her first year.

Snap Dragon

A relatively new gift emporium that sells a huge variety of treats from candles to handbags, jewellery to cuddly toys and with clothing from…All at very affordable prices.

The one stop place for breakfast and lunch with smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, baked potatoes, homemade cakes et al – all beautifully fresh and mouth-wateringly delicious.

Heidi Kjeldsen

World renowned Heidi Kjeldsen is adjacent to the courtyard but still a part of the Maltings. In store you will find a world of mesmerising jewellery where the finest diamonds, exquisite gemstones and premium pearls are set in timeless designs. Heidi’s luxury creations are also available online: www.heidikjeldsen.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Heatsource of Uppingham provides an extensive range of premier stoves, fireplaces and traditional designer cast iron radiators.

STONE FLOOR CLEANING • I wish my stone floor could be cleaned • I wish the grout could be restored • I wish the natural stone could be sealed We will grant your three wishes and give you a 10% discount on production of this Rutland Living advert. Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone, Terracotta & Slate Weaver Ltd a specialist cleaning company based in Oakham

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Led by trained restorer with 21 years experience as a specialist dealer in Antique and Contemporary Hand knotted Oriental & European Rugs, Carpets, Kilims, Textiles & Cushions.

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S

Business Roundup Amander Meade discovers what’s new, improving or expanding from some of the region’s independent business community

Designer Discount at Ashwell Shopping Village Savvy Rutlanders will have already discovered the fantastic bargains to be snapped up at Avendita Direct, the new designer outlet based at Ashwell Shopping Village. Business partners Murray Scott and Malcom Craig have a background in wholesaling worldwide having dealt for years with the likes of TK Maxx, Amazon and Ebay so they are brilliantly placed to use their network of contacts to bring amazing discounts on designer goods to the county. Their first retail store stocks a wide range of clothing for men, women and children as well as beauty and homeware products all at a fraction of the recommended retail price for current season ranges. The team are able to buy in large volume and pass on the discounts on brands like Levis, Michael Kors, Converse, Nike, Barbour, Lacoste, Hunter and Paul Smith with stock arriving daily and available both in store and on line at www.avendita. co.uk. Look out for lots of great gift ideas to make this year’s Christmas shopping a breeze.

James Elliot – Stonemason to Royalty Family affair

Rutland’s brand new Country Lounge Café Bar is proving a huge hit with local people who are turning out to sample the menu. The enterprise is run by father and son team Alan and Bradley Freeman at the refurbished premises in Morcott formerly occupied by the old Little Chef which offers great views of the Rutland countryside. Open daily between 8am and 11pm, the café offers an extensive menu for diners from breakfast, lunches and snacks to afternoon tea, evening meals and Sunday lunch. Next on the agenda is evening entertainment, including an Elvis cabaret and open-mic nights. “Response has been fantastic so far,” says Bradley who advises booking a table in advance as the bar has been so busy.

Heatsource expanding with a second showroom Heatsource of Uppingham are a great example of a business where expertise and great customer service dovetail perfectly. According to co-owner Agnes Welham, the popularity of their wood burning stoves has soared since the design and aesthetic caught up with the efficiency rating. “People have so much choice in the look of a stove now,” she explains, “one of our suppliers offers one stove in fifty different style finishes so that whatever your scheme, contemporary or traditional, there will be a stove to suit you. Heatsource are doing so well they are opening a new showroom in Grantham where they will be creating live displays with renewable heating installers including boilers so that customers can see exactly how a system would work in their own setting.

James Elliott has devoted his entire professional life to perfecting his knowledge of marble, stone and semiprecious stones and his craftsmanship is on display at heritage sites both in the United Kingdom and abroad. James’ extensive knowledge of geology and architectural history must have made him the perfect candidate to undertake the task of creating a tomb to hold the mortal remains of King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral – a task which saw James’ team working from 6am to 11pm seven days a week prior to the King’s internment. The rest of the time James can be found working on specialist pieces or domestic projects including interior design, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, engineering projects, sourcing rare materials or the repair and restoration of marble. You can see a specially commissioned film documenting the Richard III project at www.jameselliot.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S

Wistow Bistro – It’s all happening this season

Business Roundup Jeffrey & Day invite you to browse Market Harborough has another new reason to visit – the gorgeous emporium that is Jeffrey & Day. Run by Matthew and Charlie, and antique dealer and an upholsterer respectively, the duo make frequent visits to Europe seeking out a diverse assortment of antiques, decorative salvage, architectural finds and fascinating curiosities. If you can’t wait to browse, their website is really effective and updated constantly; if you would prefer to visit in person, the showroom is on the first floor of the old Town Hall. “We stock all kinds of decorative pieces from mid-century Danish armchairs to ornate French mirrors as well as a wide range of smaller items ideal for gifts, something for everyone” promises Charlie. (Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm)

Brand New Showroom Nigel Moore is a very happy man having achieved a major life goal in opening his own luxury interiors showroom. Along with his son Richard, Nigel runs Livingstone Moore Interiors and has specialised in the supply and installation of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and all kinds of home improvement solutions for over thirty years. Nigel told us, “Our aim is simple; we offer a high quality service from the design and planning, to fitting and final inspection plus everything in between. We offer various services from supply only to installation and full project management, liaising with all trades, architects and building control. All our tradesmen are fully qualified of course.” Feedback has been tremendous on the recently opened showroom in Corby where customers can see several kitchen, bathroom and bedroom sets to really get a feel for how space can be transformed.

In the know…for snow Snow Finders, a specialist ski travel agency dealing in all brands of ski package holidays and its own tailor-made bespoke holiday service, celebrates its fifteenth year in business this year. With a huge range of accommodation from affordable to luxury with catered chalets, hotels, and apartments the company is able to source the ideal holiday to suit all of your ski needs. Having started in a small rural barn, the company expanded to more central offices in Market Harborough and also employs remote ski holiday advisers. Boasting a nationwide clientele this established ABTA and ATOL bonded business is recognised as one of the top ski agencies in the UK.

Following on from the incredible success of the bistro, the team at Wistow have all sorts of exciting plans for the autumn and beyond. As well as catering for special events, business lunches, evening events and creative wedding fayre both on site and at outside venues, Jane Clifford has launched a new teaching kitchen offering introductory tuition in baking and cake design, cake decorating and many other day courses to help you improve the standard of your cooking and presentation. If you are not quite ready to tackle the whole task yourself, there is also a range of gorgeous home-made seasonal goodies for you to present as ‘I made it myself’ with a view to easing the festive burden. “We want to help satisfy the busy person’s desire to entertain but if you don’t have the time you can pick dishes up from us, pop them in the oven and hey presto – all done!” Visit the website to register an interest in the cookery school or to find out more. DIRECTORY: Avendita Tel: 01572 759058 www.avendita.co.uk Country Lounge Café Bar Tel: 01572 748731 www.countryloungecafebar.co.uk Heatsource Tel: 01572 829953 www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk James Elliot Tel: 01572 767912 www.jameselliot.co.uk Jeffrey & Day Tel: 07834 104709 www.jeffreyandday.co.uk Livingstone Moore Interiors Tel: 01536 260663 www.livingstonemooreinteriors.co.uk Snow Finders Tel: 01858 466888 www.snowfinders.co.uk Wistow Bistro and Catering Tel: 0116 259 3756 www.wistowcafebistro.co.uk

So what would Snow Finders recommend this winter for Local Living readers? Family fun with childcare. Club Med 5 star ski in-ski out luxury in Valmorel (France). This all-inclusive resort-hotel has fantastic spa facilities. Silver surfer skiers. The elegant piste-side Edelweiss & Gurgl in Obergurgl (Austria); opening its doors after a year of refurbishment. Powder hungry party people. Chalet Bellevarde Lodge Savoie in Val d’Isere (France), complete with private hot tub affording mountain views. Foodie skiers. Located up on the mountain the remote Rascard Frantze in Champoluc (Italy) is a gourmand’s delight. Mid-market mountain life. Chalet Hotel Elisabeth in Lech (Austria). A four star property with a three star price tag. It’s impossible to find a property of this quality in Lech at such an affordable price.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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SH OP S & SE R V I CE S MA R K E T H A R B O R O U G H

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS What’s new in Market Harborough?

Let’s Play Strings’ Day ! MH Music in Market Harborough are holding a fun introduction to Violins and Cellos event on Saturday 10th October. This event is supported by the Music Industries Association and by ESTA the European string teachers association. Local string tutors will be in attendance on the day and it will be great opportunity for new and returning players to “meet the teacher” and even brand new players will be encouraged to make a tune. For younger players MH Music will ensure the correct size and type of Instrument is measured up. There will be a full range of Instruments, sizes and levels (including grade 8) to include the Primavera range and Eastman strings. The store staff and Representatives from the Sound Post will be pleased to explain their features and benefits. Those attending on the day can also purchase or hire an instrument plus get details of local violin or cello tutors or arrange some lessons there and then. Violin rental, for example, starts at only £6 per month. For a full structured learning course GBRT will be on hand with details of their sponsored “learn to play programme” that includes subsidised lessons, exam books and hire . • For further details please call MH Music on Tel; 01858 463144 or email via the website www.mhmusic.co.uk, booking is recommended.

Great Bowden Visual Arts Group 10th Annual Art Exhibition Celebrating ten years of exhibitions, the sincere thanks of the Great Bowden Visual Arts group go out to all exhibitors and visitors who have supported the initiative over their first decade. Created to support the work of local artists, the next exhibition takes place this month on Saturday and Sunday 24 and 25 of October in the Village Hall at Great Bowden between 10am and 5pm. Exhibitor and organiser Liz Denness said, “We try to make our exhibitions as diverse and colourful as possible, there will be a mix of paintings, photography, ceramics and textiles. We now have young artists exhibiting with a special section for our local primary school and a space for work by Robert Smyth Academy students. Artists are not charged commission and proceeds from exhibition and entry fees are used to hire the hall, display boards and to produce a catalogue. There is sure to be something to appeal to all tastes so we are hoping that lots of local people will come and have a look. We run a People’s Choice competition in which our visitors have great fun choosing their favourite exhibit, always keenly contested and a difficult decision.” Home-made refreshments will be served at the nearby Welton’s café. • For further details visit gbvisualarts.org.uk.

‘A Star Tutors’ ‘A Star Tutors’ recently opened on Manor Walk in Market Harborough. Specialising in after-school tuition for youngsters aged 5-18, the Centre focuses on the core subjects of English, maths and science. The tutors can offer primary, SATs, Common Entrance, 11+, GCSE and A’ level support in all three subjects delivered by experts with fully qualified teaching backgrounds. Delivered at competitive rates in superb surroundings, this is education everyone will enjoy. The Centre also offers dyslexia assessment and teaching by qualified staff as well as UCAS Personal Statement support. Open every school day from 3-9pm and all day Saturday. • Please ring Jax on Tel; 01858 432395 or check out the website on astartutors.net

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Advertisement Feature

Orangeries and Garden Rooms QKS has just installed a new Orangery in its Cherryholt Lane showroom. It is a structure of great beauty and craftsmanship, which thoroughly merits a closer look.

ick Clipston, the owner, described some of the attractions of the Orangery: “Because it’s made of hardwood, you have the opportunity to create great detailing and features that allows it to blend in seamlessly with a period home. Or you could fashion it in a more contemporary style. And everything is bespoke, so you can have exactly the dimensions and finishes that you desire. The Orangery in the showroom is extra height, giving all the advantages of a classic period room whilst being flooded with light from the lantern lights above. Finished off with a pair of classic doors leading to the main house, it instantly becomes an integral part of your home. There are also several other conservatories on show to take a look at, from the ultra modern to the traditional. QKS are also specialists in doors and windows, and no job is too small. And a complete after sales service is provided, all backed by a full 10 Year Guarantee. • Showroom: Unit 4, Cherryholt Road, Stamford PE9 2EQ. Tel: 01780 756666. www.qks-ltd.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

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OU T & AB OUT

Poultry as pets More people are keeping a few chickens in their gardens. Jean Orpin and Sue Lee have been to find out more about a local entrepreneur who is encouraging this trend RUTLAND POULTRY Andy Payne has set up a different poultry business in Aldgate near Ketton. He supplies poultry for people wishing to keep hens on a small scale particularly in their gardens as pets. The business was started three years ago by Andy, whose own interest in poultry begun when he was a young child and whose enthusiasm remains with him. The business is located on part of a mixed farm belonging to his wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family which has Charolais cattle and sheep as well as arable crops. His aim is to provide high quality birds to people keeping just a few laying hens although he can provide up to five hundred. Andy grew up in Frisby-on-the-Wreake near Melton Mowbray. His grandfather was a poultry farmer and his father a lecturer at Brooksby Agricultural College. He achieved a degree in agricultural business management at Wye College in Kent. As part of his course he made a study of derelict farms and ended up renting one and starting a poultry business with 25,000 layers. He also worked for Cherry Valley Ducks for a time. Most recently he studied for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Poultry Science at the Scottish Agricultural College before marrying and moving to Rutland. CHICKENS IN THE GARDEN Children enjoy having chickens in their garden and collecting the eggs while adults also like to have their own fresh eggs. Of course keeping any animal requires a responsible approach and you will need to have a suitable sized area for the number of hens you keep. Hens need somewhere to scratch, somewhere to perch and somewhere to lay their eggs. They also need protection from the weather and predators. A small moveable poultry house is usually the best solution in the garden. You should aim to keep no fewer than three hens, ideally of a similar size. They do not need to be the same breed but they do need to get on! Purchasing them from one place is therefore a good idea. Hens are no different to any other pets in requiring daily attention: they need feeding, cleaning and a continual eye kept out for problems. On the other hand they do not demand a great deal of time and friends or neighbours will usually be very happy to look after them when you go away in return for the eggs they lay.

STARTING OUT There is a wide variety of hens to choose from. Some people choose by colour of the bird: others choose by colour of the eggs. It is still possible to buy the old varieties such as Light Sussex but Andy also has interesting hybrids such as Rutland Silver Sussex, Rutland Rhode Rock, Rutland Ranger, Rutland Speckledy and Rutland White some of which you can see in these pictures. These varieties can produce 250 to 300 eggs a year and will cost about ÂŁ15 each. Kept as pets you can expect them to live for 3 to 4 years. At the family farm Andy breeds hybrid hens and they are then kept locally under carefully controlled conditions. They have to be protected by vaccinations before they can be sold. Once they have reached sixteen weeks they are kept in a large Dutch barn on the farm. Soon he hopes to have arrangements in place to raise them himself from hatching. (He does raise ducks and bantams too.) With a wide knowledge of keeping poultry Andy will give informed advice to prospective purchasers regarding feeding, housing and the equipment needed, which he can also supply. Many sizes of chicken coops are now made on the farm and can be ordered to your own requirements. Anyone interested is welcome to Contact Andy Payne at Rutland Poultry contact Andy and arrange an appointment to Tel: 07971 997 334 visit the farm where they will be able to choose Email: info@rutlandpoultry.co.uk their own hens from the stock. Website: www.rutlandpoultry.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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SHOP S & SE R V I C E S

UPDATES Trent Galleries T

rent Galleries on 11 Mill St, Oakham are very excited to announce that they will be celebrating their first birthday this November. In celebration of a highly successful first year in Oakham, and to thank their customers and locals for their welcoming support, the gallery will be hosting a birthday celebration on Saturday 14th November from 9.30 - 5pm. Pop in for drinks and nibbles as well as £50 gift voucher (see advert) to spend on the day. Tracey and Stuart Morris have owned art galleries for 20 years and are proud to showcase a stunning collection of inspirational artwork from highly acclaimed British and International artists. Trent Galleries not only exhibits an ever changing portfolio of original paintings and limited editions from award winning artists such as Gary Benfield, Sherree Valentine Daines, Fabian Perez and Doug Hyde, they also offer an in-house bespoke framing service at very competitive prices. Says Tracey, “We are excited to announce that highly acclaimed British artist Gary Benfield will be holding a solo event on Saturday 28th November. Born in Birmingham, Gary studied at Art College before becoming a professional freelance illustrator. After leaving the academic world, he set up his own studio near London and concentrated on drawing and painting figures. Within a few years his work was being collected throughout Europe. He is now considered as one of the most renowned contemporary artists in the art world.” If you would like the opportunity to be invited to this exclusive event call Tel: 01572 722790.

The Red Lion Inn at Stathern

Burghley Craft Food and Gift Fair T

he popular Burghley Craft Food and Gift Fair returns to Burghley on Saturday and Sunday October 17th & 18th with a new show layout, format and site within the estate. Its location has moved to the Leg of Mutton pasture adjacent to the Station Gate, making it an easy walk from Stamford Town centre. There are major changes to the food hall this year with TV Chefs Dean Edwards, Daniel Clifford and Holly Bell all making appearances over the weekend with an exciting range of recipes. The catering during the event will see a series of small specialist caterers offering a wide range of tastes and cultures, whilst visitors relax to live jazz and blues music. There will also be the opportunity to take away a wide range of tasty foods from food producers and retailers to enjoy at home including artisan cheeses, rare breed meats, pickles, chutneys and preserves, wines and spirits. The Craft Village will be exhibiting Artists, Blacksmiths, Chainsaw Carvers, Stone Carvers, Stick makers, Potters, Bodgers, Glass Blowers and the mystic art of Corn Dollies, to name a few. The Gift Marquee plays host to a wide range of gifts, ladies’ fashion jewellery, tweed clothing as well as household goods. With Christmas just around the corner it’s a great early shopping opportunity! • Burghley Craft Food & Gift Fair, Burghley House, Stamford, Saturday & Sunday October 17th & 18th. Open Daily 10am – 6pm. Adults £6.50 Over 65s £6.00 Children £2.00

eicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the Year 2016 The Red Lion Inn at Stathern in the Vale of Belvoir – sister pub of Rutland’s Olive Branch – has been named Leicestershire and Rutland Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2016. The Red Lion, which won the same accolade in the 2015 Guide, was praised in the 2016 book for its service, ambience, cooking and drinks. Ben Jones, joint-proprietor of The Red Lion alongside Sean Hope, said: “To win this two years in a row is fantastic. The whole team works very hard to ensure The Red Lion Inn is a great country pub. This award is the culmination of everyone’s hard work. Our aim is for the Red Lion to be a proper pub offering a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, serving great food

and great drink. Quality remains very important to us.” • Contact: The Red Lion Inn, 2 Red Lion St, Stathern, Melton Mowbray, LE14 4HS. Tel: 01949 860868.

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www.harborough-stone.com

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Burghley House Flower Festival

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Saturday 10 October, 9.45am to 4pm COURSE: Creative Close Up Photography – Light and Movement This course shows you how to use your digital camera to take more creative close up photographs. You will use studio techniques to help you to master the techniques involving light and movement in subjects to add another dimension to natural history subjects. You will also apply these elements in outdoor situations on the Lyndon reserve. The course is limited to 8 people to ensure you get the most from your day. Lyndon Nature Reserve Visitors Centre £55 per person. Booking and further information Tel: 01572 770651 or www.rutlandwater.org.uk

Monday 12 to Saturday 24 October, matinees available MUSICAL THEATRE: Mary Poppins Everyone’s favourite multi award-winning musical tells the magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny. From the moment she arrives on Cherry Tree Lane, Mary Poppins is triumphantly and spectacularly brought to life with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. This version of Mary Poppins is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the

beloved Walt Disney film by Cameron Mackintosh. A must see for families of all ages. Curve, Leicester Tickets from £15 Tel: 0116 242 3595 or www. curveonline.co.uk

Wednesday 14 October, 7pm for a 7.30pm start EVENT: Film Night The autumn series of Uppingham Film Night (second Wednesday of each month) begins with ‘Ex-Machina’ – a tense, thought provoking sci-fi thriller by Alex Garland. Everyone welcome to come along with a bottle – nibbles supplied. Uppingham Town Hall Admission £5 on the door. Friday 16 October, 7.30pm CONCERT: Uppingham School Chamber Orchestra The musicians will offer a varied programme including Fanfare for the Common Man, Strauss’s Serenade for Wind Instruments and Bach’s Concerto In E Major for Violin and strings. St Mary’s Church, Melton Tickets £8 www. meltonrotary.org.uk/ StMarysConcert For information Tel: 01664 481997 Saturday 17 October, 11am and 1pm FAMILY SHOW: A Real Mermaid’s Tale An exciting adventure

Sunday 4 October, from 11.30am FUNDRAISING TALK: Norah Lindsay and Nancy Lancaster – Gardening at Kelmarsh Guest speaker Kristina Taylor, a garden historian, will deliver this talk about the influences and inspirations of the women who shaped the gardens at Kelmarsh Hall. Former resident Nancy, who is credited with creating the English country house style, enlisted the help of the garden designer of her day, Norah Lindsay, to develop the gardens. Money raised from the talk will go towards the Kelmarsh Garden Fund and will enable the ongoing restoration and maintenance of these historic gardens. Kelmarsh Hall Tickets £45 to include pre-talk coffee and a buffet lunch after which there will be a chance to explore the hall and gardens. Tel: 01604 686543 or visit www.kelmarsh.com on the high seas with pirates, monstrous sea creatures and mermaid treasure which follows our intrepid explorer, Amelia Buttersnap, on a journey full of magic, puppetry and mutinous rats. Suitable for ages 3 years plus. Curve, Leicester Tickets £6 Tel: 0116 242 3595 or www.curveonline. co.uk Saturday 17 October, 7.30pm CONCERT: Amy Dickson and Martin Cousin The last in this year’s Music in Lyddington series of concerts features Grammy nominated saxophonist Amy Dickson accompanied on the piano by Martin Cousin. A varied programme of music from Rachmaninov, Faure and many

more. St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington Tickets £15 (£3 students) from Music & More or Uppingham Sports and Books. Further information at www.musicinlyddington. co.uk Wednesday 21 October, 10am to 4pm HOLIDAY WORKSHOP: Autumn Explorers Young fans of nature and the outdoors can enjoy a day filled with autumn activities at Rutland Water. Have fun making a bug house to help the bugs get through winter and

take part in inspired craft activities. Egleton visitor Centre £30 per child with booking and information Tel: 01572 770651 or at www. rutlandwater.org.uk Thursday 22 October, 7.30pm EVENT: Poppy Appeal Reception with the RAF Salon Orchestra The Oakham Branch of the Royal British Legion will host a reception to launch the 2015 Poppy Appeal. By kind permission of the Air Force Board of the

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DI ARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Defence Council, the sixpiece Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra will play during the Reception, which will include refreshments. Rutland County Museum Tickets are £25 at Music and More and Uppingham Sports and Books with all proceeds donated to the Poppy Appeal. 23, 25, 29 and 31 October OPERA: Don Pasquale Opera Minima promise another “life enhancing and authentic” dramatic and musical experience with Nicholas Bosworth directing. There are various show times and venues, details of which and tickets are available at www. operaminima.org or Tel: 01536 770298 Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October, 7.45pm (Saturday matinee 2.30pm) THEATRE: Funny Money A comedy by master of farce, Ray Cooney, involving a mild mannered husband who picks up the wrong briefcase full of used £50 notes. Harborough Theatre Tickets £10/£8 in person at the theatre Box Office or www.harboroughtheatre. com Wednesday 28 October, 7.30pm TALK: Buildings, Burials and Bones Guest speaker at Great Easton & District Local History Society’s meeting this month is Vicki Score, Project Manager of Leicester University Archaeological Services. This fascinating talk takes a look at the practical processes used by our

ancestors around burial and the buildings created as a result. Great Easton Village Hall Everyone welcome, £2 admission to nonmembers which includes refreshments. Friday 30 October 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 31 October 2pm to 4pm HALLOWEEN FUN: Hootingly Haunted Halloween Join the team at Rutland Water to carve a scary pumpkin and no witch or wizard is complete without a broomstick so make a magical one to take home. Discover what goes on under the cover of darkness with the dissection of owl pellets and take part in some super spooky craft making. Don’t forget to dress up as the best fancy dress costume will win a super prize. Egleton visitor Centre £10 per child with booking and information Tel: 01572 770651 or at www. rutlandwater.org.uk Throughout October There is a packed autumn season at Barnsdale Gardens where courses and events this month include Rose Pruning, Organic Vegetable Growing, Growing Soft Fruit, Garden Design, Watercolour Painting, Willow Trug Workshop, Pastel Art Day, Autumn Birdwatch and a spooky spectacular for the children. All courses must be pre-booked Tel: 01572 813200 or visit www. barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Thursday 29 October, 7pm then Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November EXHIBITION: Art In Lyddington Andrew Brown, High Sheriff of Rutland, will open the renowned Art in Lyddington, one of Rutland’s largest exhibitions and described as an important and successful charity fund raising exhibition. The event raises funds for the repair of priceless windows in the magnificent, medieval church of St Andrew’s as well as other charities which help local people in need. Peter Jones and his fellow judges will award prizes in categories including paintings, drawing, printing, mixed media, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and wood. Other prizes include the Judges’ Choice, the Pate Bealby Memorial Prize and the People’s Choice. A great opportunity to see and enjoy a very wide range of pieces, the exhibition is renowned for the high quality of fine art work featuring many well-known local artists from Rutland, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough as well as some from further away. All work is for sale and it is a great opportunity to see and purchase contemporary and traditional work in many different media. There will be something to delight everyone at this exhibition and for very reasonable prices to suit every purse. Admission to the exhibition is free For more details of the exhibition or to order preview tickets contact: Barbara Taylor-Harris, Chair of Art in Lyddington Tel: 01572 898064

Rutland Watch Guys UK The worlds most prestigious watches at unbelievable value Our collection includes Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, Patek Philippe and more If you have a watch to sell, we would be delighted to provide valuations. Email: nickbettles@aol.co.uk • Tel: 07823886848 Rutland Watch Guys, Main Street, Barrowden, Rutland , LE15 8EQ 54

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Rutland County Council is oﬀering some FREE refresher driving theory courses aimed at drivers in Rutland. THE COURSES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: Monday 12th October Tuesday 3rd November Wednesday 17th March Thursday 24rd March

10.00-12.00 14.00-16.00 14:00-16:00 10.00-12.00

Council Chambers, Oakham Uppingham Town Hall Cottesmore Village Hall Tinwell Village Hall

These courses are for Rutland residents who would like to update their knowledge as well as learn how to drive more safely and eﬃciently. There will be an opportunity for a practical driving session at a later date.

For more information or to book your place telephone 01572-758248 or email tbarnwell@rutland.gov.uk

Wedding Show

Photo courtesy of Paul Massey

The East of England Autumn

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

Goody Bag for the ﬁrst 250 Brides Over 80 stands Free Glass of Bubbly Catwalk Shows Free Parking Free Bridal Directory

SUNDAY 25TH OCTOBER

10.30am – 3.00pm The East of England Showground, Peterborough Tel: 07738 912092 / 01775 765385 for details www.cupidsweddingshows.com

The Regions Greatest Wedding Show!

Free Prize Draw Admission: £4.00 Everything you need to plan your special day all under one roof

Magical Maths is looking for people to help run our 1 hour afterschool clubs in local primary schools. The clubs are orientated around making maths fun for primary school children. Strong rate of pay. Ways to apply: Email CV to: sarah@magicalmathsclub.com Apply through web: www.magicalmathsclub.com Or phone for further info on: 01858 414 224

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NO R T H NORFO LK S TR O LLS

Holkham Park Holkham Hall is one of the great houses of the 18th century and it comprises 3,000 acres parkland that makes for a very pleasant stroll POINTS OF INTEREST Holkham Walks and Bike Rides Holkham has a superb choice of walking and bike routes. In addition to the one featured, the yellow arrows are for the lake walk, the red arrows are for the farm walk and the brown, blue and white arrows indicate the cycle routes. If you are feeling energetic, you could happily add on the yellow route at Point 7 of this walk – that would add 3kms (1.9 miles) to your route. Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk

WALK DATA Distance: 7.3 kms (4.6 miles) Typical time: 1 3/4 hrs Height gain: 36 metres Map: OS Landranger 132 NW Norfolk Start & Finish: Coasthopper Bus Stop: Holkham, Victoria Terrain: good tracks throughout

Holkham Hall is one of England’s finest examples of the Palladian revival style of architecture. The Coke family has lived there continuously since the 1750s and take great pride in sharing the house and its treasures, the Deer Park and Holkham Beach with visitors. The Obelisk Work to the designs of William Kent on the park commenced in 1729, several years before the house was constructed. This event was commemorated by the construction in 1730 of the obelisk, 80 feet high, standing on the highest point in the park.

PIT STOPS The Victoria Inn (NR23 1RG) has a delightful interior and good food, plus a pretty garden out front. Right by the bus stop, too. 01328 711008 Café in the Park While the former stables and pottery buildings are being transformed (during 2015), the café has been relocated to the park, overlooking the lake.

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1 2

4 5

DIRECTIONS: From the North (Almshouses) Gates, the route is marked with green arrows on the waymarker posts

1 2

From the bus stop, head S past the Victoria Inn into the park through the North Gates At the North (Almshouses) Gates, turn left into Fuchsia Walk. Go through the large gate leaving the Deer Park behind. Continue along this track (E) for about 1km until you reach a grass clearing on your left and a crossroads ahead of you. Continue S over the crossroads onto the narrow track with fields to the left and grazing land to the right At the next crossroads, go straight over Golden Gates Drive and follow the track due S with the wood on your left and fields on your right. Turn right at the next junction, continue with fields on either side until you reach the Broom Covert Wood ahead of you Follow the track round to the left, with the Great Barn Wood on your right, until you reach the Great Barn itself. Bear to the right here, leaving the wood behind you. It is at this point on the right that you will have your first glimpse of Holkham Hall in the distance At the crossroads with the Avenue, turn right (due N) up to the Obelisk. Head past the Obelisk, and at the cattle grid you can re-enter the Deer Park by the gate to the left of the grid Bear round the right of the lake (or left along the yellow arrows if you want to extend to the lake walk), in front of Holkham Hall and back along the drive to The North Gates and the Victoria Inn

3 4 5 6 7

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sL yn ch n a H m un st O ant ld o H n H un s ol m tan Th e ne ton xt or n th Ti ham e S tc ea hw Br ell an c Br aste an r c Bu aste rn r S h ta Bu am ith e D rn ha ee H m pd ol a kh Ov le e W am ry el St ls ai th St nex e iff tt ke he y Se Bl ak a en e C le y y n Sa ext lth t o he W use Sea ey bo Sh ur er ne in W gh a es tR m Ea un to st n R C un ro to n m er

Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be kept on the lead at all times.

Walk along the coast and catch the bus back! Tel: 01553 776980 www.coasthopper.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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Yvette’s Design Solutions

Bespoke Garden Design by Yvette D. Smith,

BSc(Hons)

Garden Design Planting Design Planting Implementation Project Management Garden Coaching Talks and Lectures FREE CONSULTATION Tel: 01949 843186 www.yvettesdesignsolutions.co.uk

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• Driveways • Turﬁng • Weed Spraying • Scariﬁcation • Pressure Washing

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Garden Design & Construction

GARDEN DESIGNS HELP!

Spooky fun • Pumpkin carving • Witch’s House tours Ghost stories • Trail of doom • Spooky tractor rides

A fantastic spooky afternoon, all of the above plus Meet the Witch, Fancy Dress competition and the Ghost Hunt by torchlight beginning at 5pm.

Mob. 07976 286664/Home. 01536 772434 email chrisstubbs57@hotmail.com

KEN RAWSON

Saturday 17th to Saturday 31st October

Halloween Party and Ghost Hunt by Torchlight

Call Chris Stubbs to see how his practical knowledge can turn your dreams into reality

Call James on 01780 752119 info@marramgardens.co.uk www.marramgardens.co.uk

Halloween Fun

Natural Designs @ Barham Stone Ltd Suppliers & Manufactures Of Natural Stone & Quartz For Kitchen Worktops Unit A Eckland Business Park, Desborough Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8HB Opening Times - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-12.30pm 01536 764744 • info@barhamstone.com • www.barhamstone.com

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F O OD & DRI N K

Pumpkin Time

Deborah Pennell explores all things pumpkin

UTUMN always brings the ‘Cinderella’ out in me – I clean the house from top to bottom, bake lots, fill the freezer with comforting foods and generally settle the house into a cosy nest for the onslaught of winter. Pumpkins embrace so much of Autumn and they are at their most plentiful from late September and all through October. Incredibly hardy, they manage to grow in six out of seven continents in the world. Antarctica being the only continent where they do not flourish. A pumpkin is the cultivated version of a squash plant and a member of the Cucurbita family, which includes the squash and cucumber. They have a long growing season, requiring 75-100 frost-free days. Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A, and are made up of 90% water. They can be used in so many different ways. Their flesh is used in both sweet and savoury dishes and their flowers and seeds are edible.

Pumpkin Festivals and Competitions

Halloween The origins of Halloween date back 3,000 years to the Celtic celebration of Samhain (Summer’s End). This festival was held, starting at sundown on 31st October and lasted until sundown on 1st November. Glowing Jack-OLanterns (carved pumpkins) were set in doorways and windows to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection against malevolent spirits. Originally burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, which have more recently been replaced by candles. Pumpkin Chunking (Punkin Chunkin) is an American phenomenon. Teams compete to build various mechanical devices designed to launch a pumpkin as far as possible. The devices range from catapults and trebuchets to air cannons. The current Guinness World Record is held by a pneumatic canon named ‘Big 10 inch’ and it flew a staggering 1,690metres! Giant Pumpkin competitions abound all over the world. Grown from the Cucurbita Maxima seed, these pumpkins are tended to an inch of their life, by hugely competitive growers and are eventually harvested ready for the weigh-in, staged at various competitions around the globe. The 2014 World Record Giant Pumpkin was grown by Swiss farmer Beni Meier and weighed in at a humungous 1,054.01kg!

Pumpkin capers Hill Farm Pick Your Own, Peterborough Open Tuesday-Sunday www.hillfarmpyo.co.uk Tel: 01733 233270

A Quick Autumn Evening Supper Pumpkin, Sage and Spicy Sausage Spaghetti Serves 4

Riverford Pumpkin Day held at their farm at Sacrewell. – follow signs to Riverford. Saturday 24th October 11am-4pm free entry, free parking Attractions include cooking demonstrations, farm walks and tractor rides www.riverford.co.uk Easton Walled Gardens Pumpkin Rolling 21st-31st October Easton Walled Gardens gives you the opportunity to roll pumpkins down their beautiful grass terraces. Lots of fun to be had for all ages. www.eastonwalledgardens. co.uk Tel: 01476 530063 Burghley Pumpkin Trail Saturday 17th October Sunday 1st November Chase around the Sculpture garden to find hidden pumpkins and receive a treat. www.burghley.co.uk

• 800g pumpkin – chopped into small cubes • 1tsp golden caster sugar • 100g butter • 4 large Merguez sausages, sliced into 1cm pieces • approx. 20 sage leaves roughly chopped • 350g dried spaghetti • juice of 1 lemon • 50g grated parmesan • Put cubed pumpkin into a medium-sized pan with a tightly fitting lid. Sprinkle over sugar, a pinch of salt and 6tblsp water. Cover and place on medium heat and steam the pumpkin, stirring every so often for 10-15 minutes – the pumpkin should be soft but not mushy. Put to one side • Fry off sausage in a separate pan until golden. Take it out of the pan and leave to one side. • Put butter and sage into the pan and heat gently until the butter is foaming then turn off heat. • Boil the spaghetti until just cooked – drain but reserve 3-4tblsp of the cooking water. • Put the sage butter over a high heat until sizzling then pour in lemon juice – be careful as it will spit. • Tip pumpkin, melted butter, 3-4tblsp pasta water, sausage and half the parmesan in with the spaghetti and toss together. Add salt and pepper to taste. • Serve with remaining parmesan sprinkled on top.

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L OC AL HI ST O R Y

Bottoms Up! Caroline Aston investigates the origins of beer in time for Oktoberfest

OW I love a stroll down the beer aisle at the supermarket! Sometimes I even drink the stuff but it’s the names on all those different bottles that really tickle my fancy. Witty, wicked and sometimes bordering on the profane they add a dash of humour to ale drinking – and make no mistake, beer is now very big business indeed with Rutland and Leicestershire home to more than one award winning brewery. Beer has a long, long history. It’s been around since at least the fifth millennium BC and the ancient Sumerians even had a beer god! Home brewing was an important skill for housewives for centuries and, to be frank, it was sometimes safer to drink ale than the often polluted water supplies that existed! However, the stuff wasn’t without its critics- in 1256 Aldobrandino of Sienna launched a full-blooded attack! ‘It harms the head and stomach, it causes bad breath and ruins the teeth, it fills the stomach with bad fumes…..but does facilitate urination and makes one’s flesh white and smooth’ – so there! Hops have been around for a long time but their precise use and balance in beer production didn’t really reach perfection until the 1300s. Bohemia was the place to taste the best and this new addition to brewing finally reached England via Flanders and Brabant by the late 1400s. Of course, ale and beer were then totally different things: old texts tell us

that ale was made from malt and water ‘with no hops, herbs or other like thing’. Gradually production changed from a home-based activity to more commercial undertakings with abbeys, monasteries and public houses producing their own brews. By the 16h century the distinction between ale and beer seems to have vanished and both were hopped: the antiquarian John Aubrey wrote that ‘Greeks, heresy, turkeycocks and beer came into England all in a year’ - the year in question, according to him, being 1524. As century succeeded century, brewing became highly scientific with a range of new inventions and discoveries. Drum roasters for malts and hydrometers to calculate yields from different malts, not to mention Louis Pasteur’s researches into the role of yeast in fermentation all lead to huge advances in quality and types of beer. You would have to go back at least 70 years to find as many breweries in Britain as there are now, for beer is undergoing a renaissance. There really is a brew for every taste: lagers, porters, pale ales and bitters. Back in the 70s keg beer was king and low strength imitation lagers abounded. CAMRA, the campaign for real ale, was set up in 1971 to try and stop the rot but it was actually none other than former PM Gordon Brown that really kick-started a revival. As Chancellor of the Exchequer he introduced the Progressive Beer Duty in 2002. This gave tax breaks to brewers below a certain size and the number of small operations became to

climb steadily. Sometimes a microbrewery was spawned in a garage where some great tastes grew out of someone’s inspiration and keen taste buds. Of course, Rutland and Ruddles are pretty synonymous. Housed in Langham till its closure in 1999, this famous brewing name lost its independence in 1986 to Watneys. Former head brewer Tony Davis revived Rutland Bitter at his Grainstore Brewery in 2010. In fact, mention Oakham and the Grain Store pub immediately springs to mind. Situated near the station it opened its doors in September 1995 with the capacity to produce 60 barrels a week. A few weeks later it produced its first brew ‘Cooking Bitter’ followed by a beery flood of now firmly established favourites which make it a must-visit venue for connoisseurs of a good pint. Nineteen miles or so from Market Harborough Harts Brewery is also a well-known micro name. And as well as producing pure beers – Wellingborough Tawny, Ruby, Golden and Dark to name but four – Harts are keen to emphasise their environmental awareness. Their bottles weigh 20% less than standard so use up less energy to make, transport and recycle and they also use spankingly smart ‘Green Casks’ too! Intrigued? If so, Market Harborough ‘beeries’ should head towards ‘Beerhouse’ on St. Mary’s Road. Housed in a converted furniture shop Harborough’s first micro pub focusses firmly on foaming tankards of the real stuff, featuring up to 12 regionally produced ales served by gravity from casks behind the bar. So make mine a refreshing artisan pale ale, landlord, and here’s good health to brewers past, present and yet to come! Cheers!

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Advertisement Feature

TRAVEL

MoreTravel

From L to R: Helen Giddings, Lucy Holmes, Helen Dooley, Richard Dooley

Since opening its doors five years ago in Stamford and earlier this year in Uppingham, this independent travel agency has arranged hundreds of holidays for Rutland residents. Alysia Anderson met owners Helen and Richard Dooley to find out what’s so special about More Travel.

NTERING More Travel’s premises at the top of St George’s Street in Stamford, I was struck by the stylish leather sofas, huge wall map of the world and artfully arranged pile of old-fashioned suitcases. You can tell instantly that owner Helen Dooley likes to add that extra touch; a knack that translates into arranging the finer details of her clients’ holidays. Helen founded the business in 2010 with husband Richard and opened a second branch in Uppingham earlier this year, while also finding time for four children aged between five and 18! It was originally named More Than Travel, but they have tweaked the company name to facilitate their Google ranking. Helen has a history of more than two decades in the travel industry, more latterly at board level position with one of the UK’s largest retailers, so she has an interesting overview of how the way we buy holidays has changed over the last 20 years. “When I first started in travel, no one booked online, everything was written on a piece of paper or typed if you were lucky! You bought your £100 holiday from the same place as your £1,000 holiday by queuing in a dreary travel agency. As technology has progressed, the lower end of the market has become completely dominated by cheap online agencies, which is fine if you want a package holiday or something very straightforward. However, there are three very distinct groups of holidaymakers that aren’t prepared to take the online gamble. Honeymooners, who need their once-in-a-lifetime trip to be super special; affluent families who have no desire to be

shoe-horned into a package holiday; and ‘empty nesters’ who are enjoying their new-found freedom exploring the world. More Travel was set up to cater to those groups of clients and everything we do revolves around their very specific needs.” Business got off to a flying start immediately and has continued to fly, mainly thanks to referrals from satisfied clients as well as tour operators and tourist boards. More Travel sells a mix of long and short-haul holidays through a wide variety of tour operators, hoteliers and airlines, and holds Kuoni Partnership status. Richard adds, “All our holidays are 100 per cent financially protected, which believe it or not is very rare when buying a holiday. Most websites and many travel agencies have ifs and buts and small print that you never think to read. We decided to do things differently: everything is protected.” Working alongside Richard and Helen are experienced travel agents Lucy Holmes and Helen Giddings. “Lucy used to be a holiday rep before becoming a travel agent and has lived and worked in Europe, so she has lots of really valuable local knowledge.” Lucy was also accredited as an ‘Aussie Expert’ last year by the Australian Tourist Commission, having travelled widely Down Under. Colleague Helen Giddings has 20 years in the travel business under her belt, all served at travel agencies in the area. Well-known locally, she is both a familiar friendly face and fount of knowledge for clients. “Helen will nip to the shops for a pint of milk and come back with a new enquiry,” says Richard, “That’s

how well-known she is as the local travel agent!” The team goes the extra mile to ensure each client’s holiday goes as smoothly as possible: for example, ringing a hotel the week before departure to ensure any special requests, such as interconnecting family rooms, have definitely been arranged. The Dooleys also invest continuously in their team’s travel expertise. In May and June alone the team visited Miami, Turks and Caicos Islands, Thailand and Sri Lanka, with more trips planned later in the year. Helen says, “Even on our family holidays we spend a couple of days scouting. For example, I’ll visit several hotels when we go to Mauritius next Easter. I also try to get to our regular destinations such as Dubai and Barbados every couple of years, as nothing compares to firsthand knowledge.” I wondered where they enjoy travelling themselves. For Helen, it’s South Africa. “The diversity is amazing and the quality of property superb.” For Richard, it’s all about discovery. “I love new cultures and seeing new walks of life. I’m just as happy under the stars in the Sahara as I am in a swanky hotel.” Helen adds: “For us travel is about little luxuries, the finishing touches. I like the very best and expect nothing less than amazing service from my team and the airlines and hoteliers we work with.” • More Travel (www.more-travel.co.uk) 29A High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY (01572 823516) 23 St George’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BJ (01780 433333)

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PE O P L E

A Day in the Life of a Farrier Adam Fitch uses centuries old traditional skills to shoe horses in the Nene valley and beyond. Yasmin Bradley reports. Photos: Elli Dean

UST a hundred years ago, before we all rode around in our motorised metal boxes, a farrier skilfully making and fitting horse shoes was a common sight. Well within living memory, our milk was delivered by a horse (one named Mary in 1960’s London) and the clip clop of equine hoofs accompanied the raucous cries of “any old rag an’ bone” in an early version of recycling. Thanks to Michael Morpurgo, the extraordinary role that war horses played during the Great War is now well known. All these would have required the skills of innumerable farriers. Today, however, even in our villages, the sight of a farrier at his work –let alone with two young apprentices at his side - is a rare scene. Without professional farriery, the equine world would come to a complete and utter standstill yet not only the skills, but also the tools have changed little. The most striking modernisation must be the mobile “minifoundry” looking like a fire-breathing microwave oven in the back of the specially modified van. This is where the metal is heated until red hot and then beaten to a perfect fit on a modern version of the anvil used by farriers and blacksmiths for centuries. The not unpleasant smell of burnt hoof permeates the air as the animals patiently await their turn. “They know the drill,” smiles the boss, Adam Fitch as he hammers nails into the newly-shoed hoof, the horse nonchalantly munching on a bale of hay and lifting his

leg to aid the process. Adam Fitch, Dip. WCF - Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers chartered since 1356 - is justifiably proud. Only farriers – not blacksmiths - are qualified in animal welfare. You’ve got to file down the hoof to exactly the right place before attaching a searing, sizzling metal shoe to ensure the process is completely pain-free. It is extraordinary to see … and smell. Clearly a great deal of expertise, knowledge and experience are needed: apart from Magic, an elderly Shetland, these horses are powerful animals with minds and wills of their own.

The right shoes The design, material, size and shape of the shoes depend on the individual horse’s physique, role and environment: horses (shoes) for courses, indeed! Shires bred for heavy agricultural work need shoes that take a lot of wear and tear, for instance. “The job is more to do with the leisure industry nowadays though,” clarifies Adam. “We shoe to maximise performance, with hunters enabled to move fast over muddy ground, and racing thoroughbreds shod for pure speed with feather light aluminium.” A shoe can compensate for a fault: “Like us,” explains Adam, “each horse has its own configuration - even one leg longer than the others.” In contrast to the familiar shape, one mount is fitted with a circular shoe with a small,

heart-shaped indentation. With only 280 qualified nation-wide to Adam and his train the next two apprentices generation, apprentices as well as stable-owners are lucky to find a master blacksmith. As Adam toils and talks, his two apprentices attend to two more animals. They clearly relish the physicality of the work and being outside on a summer’s day. “Better than sitting behind a computer desk,” laughs Sam Masters. There are two Sams – each at a different stage in his apprenticeships, but after GCSEs both went straight onto a one-year “Pre-Farrier” Access course, one of only three Farriers’ Registration Council approved colleges in England. After gaining employment with Adam, they are well along the road to completing their four-year Advanced Apprenticeship and official registration. “Then we can look forward to a good income,” grins curly-haired Sam E Smith. There is certainly plenty of work to be done. “It’s totally flat out this week,” says Adam. The lads silently acquiesce. Aprons, anvil, tools and men pack away into the van – and with the miniforge cool – off they go to their next job. • Adam Fitch Ltd, 8a Huddington in the Brook, Oundle, PE8 5QU 07803 163801 adamfitch@tiscali.co.uk

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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ADVE RT I SEME N T FE A TU R E

You won’t find high pressure salesmen here, says Marshall Vauxhall What’s your view of car salesmen? Pushy? Condescending? Making promises they don’t keep? Marshall Vauxhall listened to customer feedback, and decided to offer customers a wholly different sales experience. Motoring editor Jonathan Craymer reports on an initiative which could change car retailing in our region for good

(L to R) Bobby Joe Elvin, Paul Trundley and Mark Greenacre

HAT have a McDonald’s manager, a hairdresser and bartender, and a personal trainer got to do with selling cars? Answer: absolutely nothing. And that’s the whole point according to Mark Greenacre, sales manager at Marshall Vauxhall in Peterborough, who has been deliberately seeking out sales people who aren’t from a car retailing background. This is one dealership which has decided to cast off the old image of high pressure car sales - instead taking on people who are good at putting customers at their ease and placing their needs first. “The industry’s moved on from the days of hard sell,” says Mark, who is clearly - along with the rest of the team here - confident that what they’re doing will work out well for them and

their customers. “We’re concentrating on offering a fantastic experience, in which we deliver on promises and there’s no hard sell. We’re now all about listening to customers and making sure that the car and any finance packages discussed are really what the customer needs, and not just something we want to sell.” Marshall Vauxhall admits it hasn’t always got it right in the past. “One customer last weekend told me he came here two years ago intending to buy a car, but ended up being dissatisfied and walking out. He purchased a vehicle elsewhere. However he did come back recently, having heard about our new approach. This time he was delighted with the way we treated him and his family – which led to him making a purchase. I know it should be obvious, but so

many dealerships fail to get it right. The formula ought to be: look after the customer, and they’ll look after us - by making a purchase.” Mark was recruited from Marshall’s Toyota franchise in King’s Lynn in the middle of 2015, because of his good reputation and he immediately set about recruiting sales staff with the right people skills. “We concentrated on employing people from outside the industry. A great example is Paul Trundley, who worked in McDonald’s after leaving school and eventually became a branch manager. He was used to ensuring his team delivered excellent service, and he’s successfully transferred those skills here. “Another of our new intake is Bobby-Joe who’s worked in construction – which taught him team-work – and he’s also worked in a bar

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in Greece, then hairdressing. Another, Jamie, is a former personal trainer, again with great people skills, who will have joined us by the time this appears. “We interviewed a lot of people and chose very carefully those we took on. We knew exactly what we were looking for and in all cases could see how easily they related to people. Our instincts proved correct. Whether the customer is a single female, a married couple with kids or a retired couple, we must to accommodate their needs. “I’m married with three kids. You see a lot of people come in with children and they’re worried about them running riot, but let me say a hundred percent genuinely we don’t mind that. A lot of us here have children and we want to make sure people feel comfortable when bringing their families in.” Marshall Vauxhall’s aim, he says, is to become the best car retailer in town. “We want to be seen in that light by customers and by our colleagues at other centres around Peterborough. We want this dealership to be a great place to work and a great place to do business. For most customers, after buying a house, a car is one of the biggest purchases you make. We want to make sure they make the right choice, so hopefully they’ll want to come back next time!” If Mark himself went into a dealership, how would he like to be treated? “I’d want to be spoken to like a human being. The person looking after my family and I should put us at ease, and give us an honest, genuine experience without stringing us along. Outside the car retailing industry, we aspire to the reputation for service and honesty enjoyed by retailers like John Lewis.” He and his colleagues are keenly aware that these days the Internet and other electronic platforms play a huge part in customers’ research before they even visit their first dealership. “On average customers only make 1.7 visits to dealerships before purchasing, which means we’ve got to get it right from the moment anybody walks through the door. “Have they looked for hours and hours, as many do? Or have they done very little? We want to fit seamlessly into that process. If you haven’t done much research we want to assist you by running through everything. On the other hand if you’ve done a lot of work beforehand, we won’t bore you by talking about specs for an hour. If you know exactly what you want, then that’s fantastic – let’s get out on the road as quickly as possible. “Having said that, we always try to see if we can find something that suits the customer even better. We’ll ask how they’ve used their car in the last seven days. Do they want a 5-door instead of a 3-door, if they’re giving a lot of lifts for instance. The same goes for diesel and petrol. If you’re a low mileage user, is diesel really right for you? The point is, we genuinely want to sell you the right car, with the right finance package – while making the whole process enjoyable. That way we believe we can change customers’ attitude to car retailing, and help bring the whole industry into the 21st century.”

Fast food to fast cars Paul Trundley, 21, joined a local branch of McDonald’s after leaving school and eventually became a branch manager. So why has he joined the sales team at Marshall Vauxhall? “It’s all to do with customer service,” he grins. “I wanted to try something different and I like cars. I was offered brilliant training here, and thought – why not? It’s a good fit, bringing my customer service experience into an industry where I think it’s needed. So far customers seem to be responding well.” What does he personally think of the typical car salesman? “A lot of people, myself included, used to think salespeople were too pushy. What they’re trying to do here is take that out of the equation. It’s all about giving customers a great experience, which is fantastic. I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I love it.”

Hospitality background helps Bobby-Joe Elvin ‘s CV includes bar work, hairdressing and construction - leaving him with the ability to get on with people and put them at ease. One of this 24-year-old’s first tasks on joining the sales team here was to ‘mystery shop’ (ie. pretend to be a customer) at three other garages. He says it was an eye-opening experience, as he realised how overbearing sales staff in some garages can be. “People don’t want to be dealt with aggressively. They want the person looking after them to be transparent and open. ‘Be honest with them and they’ll be honest with you’, is my motto. “The great thing about working here is that they clearly also value me, which in turn has helped me treat customers well. This approach has come from the top at Marshall Vauxhall and I believe it’s going to work brilliantly.” RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2015

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ARC HI T E C T UR E

Montagu Monuments There is treasure hidden in Warkton. In St Edmund’s church to be precise. Beyond the silvered oak door, are four of the most breath-taking monuments you will ever see in a village church. Indeed, these are some of Britain’s finest eighteenth century sculptures

NOWN as the Montagu Monuments, these funerary sculptures are memorials to four members of the Montagu Family – the ancestors of the Buccleuch family who brought us Boughton. Set into niches of a purpose-built chancel they remember John 2nd Duke of Montagu (1749) and his wife, Mary Churchill, Duchess of Montagu (1752), their daughter Mary Brudenell (1775) and grand-daughter Elizabeth Montagu (1827). The glorious allegorical monuments to the Duke and Duchess were designed by the popular French sculptor, Louis-Francois Roubiliac. The monument to their daughter, Mary Brudenell, Duchess of Montagu was designed by Robert Adams and executed by Pieter van Gelder; while that to her daughter, Elizabeth was sculpted by Thomas Campbell. The Duke of Montagu’s monument commemorates his philanthropic life; in this scene Charity, surrounded by weeping children, pins a medallion to the monument, while the mourning Duchess looks on. One of the children carries a short, extinguished torch to symbolise the Duke’s untimely death. It is believed that this fine monument was originally intended to be erected in Westminster Abbey, however, when the Duchess learned that her monument could not be placed alongside her husband’s, she ordered it to be built at Warkton. The medieval chancel was demolished in order to home the new sculpture. The monument to the Duchess occupies the niche immediately opposite the Duke’s. Here, the marble figures depict an allegory of time: at the base sits a putto with a full spindle, an invisible thread, representing life, runs through the fingers of the figure above, while the characters opposite gather the thread and carry a scissors. The monument to Mary Brudenell is the most theatrical of all. Set in a Rococo-style niche, an angel comforts the mourners by pointing to Heaven. The posturing and delicate interaction between the figures and the movement of the garments brings the scene to life. The fourth monument was carved over 50 years later than Mary Brudenell’s and is stylistically quite different. Elizabeth of

Montagu sits regally while to her left Morpheus, wearing a crown of poppy-heads and carrying an upturned torch symbolises life extinguished – perhaps eternal sleep; on her right the figure of a woman, possibly the muse of history, Clio, writes on a scroll to perhaps recount Elizabeth’s life. The monuments have just recently undergone an extensive conservation project of repair and cleaning; work which has seen the Lincolnshire conservation company, Skillingtons shortlisted for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings’ John Betjeman Award and Historic England’s Heritage Angel Award. The careful conservation of the precious sculptures began with detailed recording and analysis to understand the sources of the decay and failure. From this, it was discovered that environmental conditions in the chancel, ventilation issues and landscaping were creating condensation, which in turn was leading to the corrosion of the ironframework of the marbles causing them to jack and potentially fracture, as well as sugaring of some of the sculptures. To deal with the corroded iron skeleton, it was necessary to carefully dismantle and partial dismantle some of the monuments. The core was then allowed to dry out before new steels were installed. Interestingly, when the monuments were dismantled a number of masonry elements from the demolished medieval chancel were discovered as rubble within the core. The works also involved re-carving of some

small elements. For instance, the spindle which is held by the putto in the foreground of Mary, Duchess of Montagu’s monument had been stolen a number of years previous. Archival research enabled a replica spindle to be carved. This element, as explained, is key to the interpretation of the scene. Morpheus’s hand also required replacement. The original had severely deteriorated, such that it was completely lost. Analysis determined this to be due to unstable mineralogy of the statuary marble, or at least, a mineralogy unstable in the existing environment. The monuments all received thorough cleaning to restore them to their original finish. The workmanship – both of the original sculptors and conservators – is astonishing. The figures, both celestial and earthly, are truly glorious. Nothing I can write can ever do them justice. You simply need to visit and let them take your breath away.

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P ROF I L E

Helen Walmsley-Johnson Rutland based journalist Helen Walmsley-Johnson was working as a PA at the Guardian Newspaper when she found herself having a rant about the plight of the increasingly disgruntled generation of ‘invisible’ women aged fifty plus. Luckily a canny editor was listening and Helen was asked to write a column for the paper on the state of being a single woman navigating the highway of middleaged style and body image in Britain today. The column was so immediately and eagerly consumed by readers that Helen is now a successful freelance journalist having just launched her first book ‘The Invisible Woman – Taking on the Vintage Years’. Amander Meade spoke to the author to find out more about the myths, magic and manipulation of life after fifty

OUR column clearly struck a chord with readers – how did you react when it became such a hit? Surprise. I wrote it anonymously for the first two years because I wasn’t sure it would be any good (that’s why my alter-ego is the Invisible Woman). When the column topped sixty thousand readers I realised we were on to something and everything was going to be all right.

In the same way as Bridget Jones became a voice for the singleton female twenty years ago, do you now feel a responsibility to speak out for your generation and is that scary or something you relish? I do, and it’s something I enjoy hugely. So many women have read the book and got in touch to say we’re living parallel lives and they thought they were the only one who was experiencing x, y or z. Shouting about what it’s like to be this age helps remove both the stigma (we are SO ageist in the UK) and the fear of ageing for subsequent generations. I have three daughters and three granddaughters so I don’t want them to face the nonsense we have to put up with. How has the book been received and how has your success changed your life now that you are no longer invisible? To my immense relief the book has been very well received, which means at long last I have a degree of security. I felt quite protective of it when it was published – it felt a bit like chucking my child overboard to see if it could swim. As for being visible, I have now completely lost my stage fright, which is the most gloriously liberating thing. Although, for someone who has spent almost all her life supporting other people, it’s an odd thing to be suddenly leading from the front instead of pushing from behind. What is your single best piece of advice for women of any age but particularly those approaching retirement age? Say ‘yes’ – if you don’t do it you’ll never know. There’s a quote that’s been picked up from my book, “carpe the **** out of the diem”. That. What has the reaction been like here in Rutland? Do you think of the county as home and what do you love about the region? In all the years I spent in London I never stopped thinking about Rutland although I wasn’t sure I’d ever make it back. When I tell people I’ve moved back up here the next question is usually “where’s that?” I brought up my daughters in a house two miles away from where I live now – I feel I belong here. As for reaction to the book, I honestly don’t know – I moved in and had to put myself under house arrest straight away to finish writing it, or miss the deadline. It was a close run thing. What comes next for you? Another book! It’s a novel I began incubating about four years ago, encouraged by a dear friend who has since died. It feels like exactly the right time to pick it up again now but writing fiction is a very different discipline to what I’ve just done. Still, if you don’t do it… • You can find Helen’s book, The Invisible Woman – Taking on the Vintage Years, in bookshops £10.99 or order through www.bookshop.theguardian.com

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