Rutland Living November 2011

H e l p i n g y o u t o g e t t h e m o s t o u t o f l i v i n g LO C A LLY

RUTLAND LIVING food/fashion/health & beauty/home & garden/lifestyle

Get set for Xmas!

Buyers Guide: gifts to suit everyone

ÂŁ1.50 NOVEMber 2011 @LocalLivingUK www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

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any thanks to Amander and Sosennah for producing the Christmas Gift Guide, our biggest yet, which is packed with inspiration for those of you, like me, who haven’t started shopping yet. A day’s Christmas shopping in Market Harborough has become something of a tradition and I am looking forward to trying the new Indian restaurant, Zest (see a review on page 37).

I am particularly delighted by the new offerings in Oakham: Coco, Mint, bak to bak, Baker’s Yard, Otter’s deli and, dare I say, Fat Face. The High Street is becoming positively vibrant and a warm welcome to Michael Thurlby of the Tobie Norris soon to be opening the Lord Nelson.

Also Remember Remember the 5th of November – Two last minute local events, and yes I said I wouldn’t include latecomers here but both are for very good causes…

• Rainbows Hospice Festival of Fireworks Held at Leicester Racecourse, Oadby on the 5th November from 5.30pm, watch the fireworks with family and friends in your own box with a private balcony. Bookings at £23 per person which includes Premier Entrance Badges, 2 course hot fork buffet meal and VIP parking. Standard tickets are available in advance at a 25% discount for just £4.50 at www. rainbows.co.uk/bonfire. Under 5s are free.

All money raised on the night will benefit Rainbows • Whissendine School Bonfire and Fireworks Gates open 5.30, bonfire lit 6.15pm, fireworks 6.40pm Tickets: Adult £3. Children £2 in advance from school 2nd, 3rd and 4th November or £4 and £3 on the night.

There will be a BBQ, Mulled Wine, Toffee Apples, Hot and Cold Drinks, Sweets and Gingerbread as well as a ‘Best Guy’ Competition.

All welcome proceeds to School Library.

There’s also the Rutland Lions’ extravaganza from 6.30pm in Oakham see page 49 for further details.

Happy Holidays

Abigail @RutlandLiving 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, Leicestershire Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.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 Email: nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

7 Editor’s choice of the month including ‘Roses & Lollipops’ lipstick/gloss,

Nocturnal by Snik, cheese, chocolates, and more 8 Up front – Uppingham School Sports Centre - One Year On, Oakham Oriental

Rugs, Topset jewellery and more 11 Market Harborough Happenings – BeBooted, The Beautique at Moko Hair

Salon and The Little Big Bra Shop The Christmas Gift Guide 12 Local shopping – Oakham 14 Local shopping – Uppingham 18 Local shopping – Market Harborough 23 Local Shopping – Gadgets for Men 26 Health and beauty – The Countdown to Christmas 28 Fashion – The Little Black Dress 31 Food and drink – Hues of Seasonal Blues 33 Recipe – Sean Hope’s Wild mushroom risotto 34 Food and drink – Otters Smokehouse and Deli 37 Eating out – The Black Bull, Market Overton and Indian Zest,

Market Harborough 41 Perspectives – Pre-nuptial agreements in a thoroughly modern marriage 42 Motoring – Winter Tyres 45 Perspectives – The NSPCC and Christmas Carols 46 Days out – Festive Family Shows 49 What’s on in our region this month 53 Travel – Winter Holidays including self-catering skiing and New York 54 All About You – Reader offers at The Blue Ball and Stamford Cookery School 57 Discover Rutland – Rutland and the Great War 59 Days Out – The Clothes Show Live 60 Property – Grand Georgian Houses 64 Village Focus – How Guy Fawkes lost the Plot 67 Local people – Fiona Allen, Chief Executive of Curve Theatre, Leicester 69 Writer’s Spot – Trample of Approval 70 Activities – Local walk around Exton and Fort Henry

Rutland Cover: A selection from our Christmas Gift Guide – see page 12

Subscribe to Rutland & Market Harborough Living 4

Market Harborough Cover: Art from ‘Nocturnal’ by Snik – see page 7 for more info

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

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living NOVEMBER 2011

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Interior Design Beautiful Fabrics Stunning New Collections

23B Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel 01572 757577

Royal Cake Maker Book Signing & Lecture Thursday 17th November 2011 Drinks & Canapés 5.30pm Lecture Starts 6.30pm

Tickets £25.00 Proceeds to

Enjoy a Fabulous Christmas Shopping Event

Stockists of

• • • • • •

Stills Katherine Hooker MAC Jeans In Wear Bitte Kai Rand Extensive handbag, jewellery & Gift Range

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0178105 7401

Visit Our shOp in barnack for an extensive range of clothes & wellies Barnack, Stamford. PE9 3DY

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2 miles from Burghley House

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IIO M Christmas gifts for all the family

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Christmas gifts for all the family

Prestige Pens From Parker, Cross, Waterman, Sheaffer, & Rotring

OFF RRP!

Oscar Deskware Texture Boutique

From: £2.99 To: £19.99

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£18.99 •Stamford -1-2 St Paul’s Street & 39 High Street •Oakham - 46 High Street •Oundle - 10 New Street Please see www.colemangroup.co.uk for full branch details

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Editor’s selection Winter Warmers for November

Abigail: I suggest you visit ‘:bak to bak:’ dress agency in Oakham for all your party needs at bargain prices.

This Warehouse dress £30.

Nocturnal by Snik

Abigail: I have recently discovered Snik, a local artist based in Rutland, whose contemporary urban style is beginning to make waves in London, where he will be exhibiting this month at The Gallery in Redchurch Street (50 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DP) from Wednesday 2nd November – Sunday 6th November 2011. 10am - 6pm (Thursday 10am – 10.30pm). If London is too far but you would like to invest or see more logon to: www.delamainarts.com or www.visualdirt.co.uk Vanessa Hollander: These funky shoe boots are bang on trend for this winter. Tuck them into your jeans or wear them with a dress and they’ll bring your look right up to date. They are by Paul Green and can be found in Oakham’s fabulous new shoe shop, CoCo. Shoe Boots, £135, CoCo in Oakham

Abigail: As a cheese lover I am very excited that Leo at Otter’s Deli will be celebrating a cheese every month.

Pictured here is: Chaource, a cows’ milk cheese that has been AOC protected since 1970, named after the town that is in the centre of the region where it has been made since the 14th Century. It has a creamy texture with a milky, fruity flavour.

Catherine Batkin: With the party season almost upon us, the deliciously titled ‘Roses & Lollipops’ lipstick/gloss duo from Jane Iredale cosmetics will find its way into my handbag. Packaged in a pretty, portable keychain locket it features a pink Swarovski crystal and a cute heart charm.

But even better, 100% of the net profit will go to the charity ‘Against Breast Cancer’ - so looking good can feel great too.

Available from Vicienté Beauty and Bridal in Oakham for £19.95

Abigail: Mint is becoming my guilty pleasure with sweets such as sour apples and now stocking Charbonnel & Walker chocolates too!

These Marc de Champagne Truffles are £11.95

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront What’s new this month

Uppingham School Sports Centre One Year On… It is now twelve months since the new state of the art Uppingham School Sports Centre opened its doors and it has quickly fulfilled its role as a facility for the whole community. A busy class programme means that USSC now offers more than 30 classes each week, ranging from the hugely popular and energetic Zumba and Kettlercise classes through to Fighting Fit, Strides Running Group, AquaFit and toning and stretching classes such as Yoga and Pilates as well as personal training sessions in the 50 station fitness studio.

The bright and airy 25m swimming pool is constantly busy with a varied programme of activities.

More than 280 children now attend the weekly Swim School. Babies as young as 3 months old can join in too through the Water Babies classes held every Friday. The SwimFit classes introduced in September are perfect for anyone wanting to improve swimming stroke technique and stamina and Children’s Pool Parties can now be booked and include splashing about in water zorbs! There is also plenty of time set aside for swimming, both for members and for those who wish simply to pay as they go.

There is lots for children to do too. Children’s Parties can be booked for special occasions and include ‘The Big Match’, a ‘Glee Dance Party’ and a ‘Multi Sports Party’ as well as Pool Parties.

There are supervised play classes for the under 5s each week and Junior Fitness sessions for 14-18 year olds have just been introduced into the fitness studio. USSC also now run Kids Camps during half term breaks and the school holidays with activities including fencing, archery, racket sports, trampolining, martial arts, quick cricket, arts and crafts.

As well as offering a wide range of membership packages, all the facilities except for the fitness studio are available on a pay and play basis or for hire to groups and clubs.

• For further information logon to: www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk or Tel: 01572 820830

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Oakham Oriental Rugs Oakham Oriental Rugs, which has been established for 19 years and has a local reputation of outstanding customer care, has recently added a new showroom for modern rugs. Says Fiona, “We are the largest stockist in the area of traditional and contemporary rugs and we are also able to access stock from many warehouses as well.

We also offer a bespoke service where rugs can be made in any size from a choice of over 300 colours and a variety of designs.”

• Contact: 6 & 7 The Maltings, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 724441, www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk. Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm

Young Choir invites new members for Winter Concerts The prize-winning children’s choir, The Clarion Young Singers is inviting new members to join them at the weekly practice sessions in Oakham for their new concert season.

Local music teacher and composer Rachel Branston formed the choir some three years ago. In that time they have gone on to win prizes in Rutland’s Got Talent and also the East Midlands section of the Rotary Young Musician contest.

Said Rachel, “We have great fun, and it is an opportunity for youngsters to learn how to work together to put on a professional performance. We welcome anyone between ages of seven and nineteen who likes to sing and we perform everything from ‘The Bare Necessities’ to Mozart.”

This term the Clarions are going to join forces for a concert with The Rutland Concert Band on December 9th in Oakham Museum, and on the morning of December 17th they have a performance at Oakham Methodist Church.

• Rehearsals for the Clarion Young Singers are held every Thursday afternoon from 4pm to 5pm at Clarion House, 1 Dean’s Street, Oakham and more information can be found at www. clarionyoungsingers.org

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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MAKEOVER MORNING with Hambleton Hall lunch Thursday 17th November, 10am Enjoy watching two makeovers and some fashion chat. Hair by Simon Cawthorne and make-up tips by Clarins.

There will be time for a spot of shopping before a lovely two course lunch with wine.

Make a day of it and invite your friends Tickets - £45 Cavells • 16 Mill Street • Oakham • 01572 770372 9

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LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

HARBOROUGH HAPPENINGS New Shops in Harborough Bebooted: Fashionistas take note, a fantastic new boutique opens and contrary to its name stocks beautiful clothes as well as boots! There is currently only a small range of leather boots from Spain, Portugal and Italy such as the Sancho boots but owner Liz Holmes hopes to expand the collection in the New Year. Liz’s fashion background means that she is able to source exquisite clothes by designers such as Ti Mo, Ese O Ese, Plus Fine, Sur un Banc, Hello! Skinny Jeans and more. She is also a designer in her own right and makes luxurious easy to wear cashmere knitwear available in this season’s colours of graphite grey and greens as well as more neutral taupes.

• Contact: 7 Church Square, Market Harborough, LE16 7NB, Tel: 01858 469200, www.bebooted.com

Plea for people to consider adoption during national week Have you considered adopting a child but then put it to the back of your mind? Do you have a loving home which you could offer a child in need of adoption?

Peterborough City Council is appealing for people to find out more about adopting a child or young person to coincide with National Adoption Week which takes place from Monday 31 October until Sunday 6 November.

Richard Marsh, senior practitioner within Peterborough City Council’s adoption service, said: “There is a real need to identify families outside of the city council area. Quite often children need to be placed away from their birth families and this means finding families in the outlying areas.”

Typically, the city council needs to find 20 to 30 homes for adoptive children each year.

Homes are needed for children of all ages and there is also a need for people who can adopt sibling groups, children with disabilities or health problems and children from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. The process of identifying, assessing and approving new adopters happens throughout the year so expressions of interest are welcomed from prospective adopters at any time. The city council’s adoption team can provide helpful advice, guidance and support throughout the whole process - resulting in a fulfilling, satisfying and successful new family life for both the adoptive parents and the adopted child.

• For more information and an informative booklet, call Tel: 01733 317448 or visit: www.familieswanted.co.uk.

Topset Jewellery

Following a successful nine years trading on the Oakham High Street, Topset Jewellery, a family business, has evolved into a busy workshop and design studio in Dean’s Street. This has helped them to keep everything under one roof and stay competitive. A specialist in bespoke fine jewellery, their chief designer George Firmin utilizes the latest Computer Aided Design software to help customers visualise their ideas. Once a piece is designed, it can be rendered to a wax model to try before committing the design to precious metal.

With the on-site workshop, qualified FGA gemmologist James Firmin undertakes repairs and valuations, as well as hand-crafting the chosen designs. James began his goldsmithing in Hatton Garden alongside some of the country’s most skilled diamond mounters. His extensive travel to the main gem-producing countries and gemmological training has given him a rare knowledge of many varieties of precious stones. Indeed this knowledge coupled with his experience of manufacturing jewellery helps him to give accurate valuations, which can usually be carried out within a few days.

• Contact: Topset - 1 Dean’s Street, Oakham. Tel: 01572 759100.

The Beautique opens within Moko Hair Salon: Whether you’re treating yourself to a facial or want somewhere for regular beauty treatments, The Beautique is a luxurious new salon that uses first class products.

Specialising in Thalgo treatments, which harness the riches of the sea so you can benefit from its healing and revitalising properties, there is a range facials and massages for sensitive, dehydrated and problem skin. For those suffering from sinusitis and stress, the Hopi Ear Candle treatment is a must-try. Fake Bake spray tanning and more conventional beauty treatments are also available.

• Contact: Within Moko Hair Salon, 2 Church Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AA, Tel: 01858 432525 The Little Big Bra Shop: Popping out of its premises, The Little Big Bra Shop has moved up a size to the shop next door at No. 4 Adam and Eve Street. Owner Karen Forbes exclaims, “We have just been delighted with the response from customers and now want to give them an even better shopping experience. In addition to more lingerie, we will be stocking new nightwear, maternity and mastectomy bra collections. We have just launched a website too: www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk .”

• Contact: 4 Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT, Tel: 01858 465592

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GIFTS

Christmas Gift Guide Oakham No need to struggle through city crowds this year – local retailers have everything on your gift list.

Here are some of our favourites from across the region

Woosters – Shruti Velvet Bag, £39

The Beauty Room – Leighton Denny French Nail Polish Set, £11each Stephen Diggle – Cold painted bronze and pearl necklace £135 and earrings £70 by Michael Michaud

Colemans – Selection of Fountain Pens, from £25 Hirst & Hirst – Fairtrade Notebook and Pen Sets, £10

Bolin Webb – Gentleman’s Razor from £35, Cavells

Itch Gallery – Handmade Porcelain Mugs by Katie Almond, from £18

Baubles & Bangles – Mix and Match Hats, Gloves and Bags from £5

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Topset Jewellers – Paris Design 18ct Gold Ring with Peridot, £800 and Palladium with Yellow Sapphire, £400 – both handmade in Oakham.

Scarlett Sky – Soft Bunny £10

Coco Shoes – Bruno Premi Ankle Boot, £120

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living NOVEMBER 2011

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Otter’s Deli – Hampers of Deli Treats, from £20

Rutland Saddlery – Novelty Horsey Slippers, £10.95

Vanilla – Cheet Clutch/ Shoulder Bag, £125

TroyChicken Egg Timer, £5.99 Music & More – Rock Guitar Bottle Opener, £10.95

Heidi Kjeldson – Bespoke Diamond Ring (POA)

Pomegranate- Love in Black or Love in White Fragrances

by Creed, £147

Oakham DIRECTORY:

Fords – ‘Pass the Pud’ Family Game, £16.99 Scarlett Sky – Pyjamas £24.95 & Slipper Socks £14.95 by Joules

Sonara Studios – Gift Vouchers from £50

Baubles & Bangles – Tel: 01572 724177 www.baublesandbangles.co.uk Cavells – Tel: 01572 770372 Coco at Oakham – Tel: 01572 757646 Colemans of Oakham – Tel: 01572 770883 www.colemangroup.co.uk Fords - Tel: 01572 722654 www.fordsofoakham.co.uk Heidi Kjeldsen - Tel: 01572 722666 heidikjeldsen.com Hirst & Hirst - Tel: 01572 723800 hirstandhirst.co.uk Itch Gallery – Tel: 01572 756760 www.itchgallery.co.uk Music & More - Tel 01572 756578 www.musicandmore.co.uk Otter’s Delicatessen & Smokehouse – Tel: 01572 756481 www.ottersdeli.co.uk Pomegranate – Tel: 01572 755096 www.pomegranate.uk.com Rutland Saddlery Shop – Tel: 01572 756366 www.rutlandvillage.co.uk Scarlet Sky – Tel: 01572 724133 www.scarletsky.co.uk Sonara Studios - Tel: 01572 756498 www.sonarastudios.co.uk Stephen Diggle – Tel: 01572 722737 www.sdgoldsmiths.com The Beauty Room – Tel: 01572 755 389 www.thebeautyroomoakham.com Topset – Tel: 01572 759100 www.topsetjewellery.com Troy - Tel 01572 757461 Vanilla – Tel: 01572 757577 Woosters – Tel: 01572 723697 www.woosters.co.uk

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GIFTS

Christmas Gift Guide UPPINGHAM Gifts to suit all budgets in Uppingham

‘Winter Sky’ Acrylic Painting by Georgie Young, £690, Woodbine Contemporary Arts

Nicolas Hunziker t-shirt £24.99, Gearbox Gifts Teapot by Mike Dodd £300 at Goldmark Gallery

Emma Bridgewater ‘Joy’ Comport £59.95 and ‘Joy’ Elf Tea Towel £10, Sarah Harding Interiors

Hunter Wellies from £34, The Glass Slipper

18ct White Gold Diamond Ring £5,500 and 9ct White, Rose and Yellow Gold Stackable Rings £299 both from Rubinstein Keightley

Sweetie Hampers from £15, Simply Scrumptious

Uppingham DIRECTORY: Gearbox Gifts Tel: 01572 822 662 www.gearboxgifts.com Glass Slipper - Tel: 01572 829 800 Goldmark Gallery – Tel: 01572 821424 www.goldmarkart.com Sarah Harding Interiors - Tel 01572 823389 www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk Simply Scrumptious - Tel: 01572-820385 Rubinstein Keightley - Tel: 01572 822 051 www.british-jewellery.co.uk Woodbine Contemporary Arts Tel: 01406 330693 www.woodbinecontemporaryarts.co.uk

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www.hir standhir st.co.uk

Sarah Harding Interiors Ltd Joy by Emma Bridgewater

• Professional Interior Design Service • • Re-upholstery and Soft Furnishings • • Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston Stockists • Furniture •

info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 27 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 823389 - www.sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk 15

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Have a Christmas

Everything you need to make this festive season extra special!

Yummy!!

Traditional Sweets and Confectionery including American Candy

Sheer Indulgence!

Luxury Handmade Chocolates and Fudge

Finishing Touches!

Let’s Celebrate!

Stunning Cards, Wrapping Paper Fantastic Cake Decorations and and Gift Bags Partyware For All Occasions Inspirational!

Truly Special Gifts for Special Friends and Loved Ones.

11 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY - 01572 820385 Open 9 – 5.30 Monday – Saturday, 10 – 4 Sunday

The Little Big Bra Shop just got bigger… ….we have moved next door.

• Top branded lingerie & swimwear • Specialist fitting service

One to One Clay Pigeon Shooting Instruction All equipment provided, approx 2 hours £150

Finalist in the ‘Stars’ Underlines Best Shop Awards for best newcomer category.

(Travel not included in price)

Guaranteed Success by Michael C Casswell Associate of the Institute of Clay Shooting Instructors C.P.S.A Club Coach • B.A.S.C Sporting Shotgun Coach • (C.R.B Enhanced Disclosure)

Full Insurance - Available for birthdays or special occasions Ages 10 years onwards

01775 750543 07831 774770 - www.laserlikeashot.co.uk

4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7LT Tel: 01858 465592

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23B Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel 01572 757577

1st Birthday Fashion Event

Thursday 17th November 7.00pm

Tickets £10 • Live jazz • Wine • Supper provided by

• Dress to suit your body shape presentation by Image Consultant Cleo Lacey • 10% discount if you spend over £100 • Raffle

Available SM - XL Black £40

www.fordsofoakham.co.uk

• Come and see our Christmas Gift Range

Late night Christmas shopping every Thursday until 7.30pm from 24th November

Brands include: Barbour, Schõffel, Holland Cooper, Aigle, Dubarry, Levi’s RM Williams, Superdry, Rampant Sporting, Icebreaker plus many more...

South St

•

Oakham • LE15 6BG • Tel: 01572 772477

SHOP ONLINE AT www.cavellscountry.co.uk 17

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GIFTS

Christmas Gift Guide MARKET HARBOROUGH Sosennah Every discovers gifts for every budget

abc MH music – Fender guitars from £385

TJ Thornton – Silver marcasite drop earrings £75, Dower & Hall Twinkle rings £120 and silver enamel spitfire cufflinks £105

GorGeous – Emu Australia Stringer Hi in chocolate, £160 and Stringer Mini in mushroom, £125 Cloggies – Sheep rocker £89.99 and tin tea set in case £16.99

Cot’N’Togs – Glutting Giraffe £29.50

Market Harborough DIRECTORY:

Jussi – Horn necklace from Belgian designer Catherine De Groote, £115, luxurious bath and body products from Connock London, from £18.50 and traditionally crafted candles from Denmark by Ester & Erik, from £2.50

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Steffans – Tresor Paris Hermes bracelet, Muret gold crystal and Magnetite from £49.00

abc MH music - Tel: 01858 463144. www.mhmusic.co.uk Cloggies – Tel: 01858 464719, www.cloggiesonline.co.uk Cot’N’Togs - Tel: 01858 468568 www.cotntogs.co.uk GorGeous - Tel: 01858 465118 www.gorgeous-online.co.uk Jussi - Tel: 07800 522542 www.jussi.co.uk Steffans - Tel: 01858 432633 www.steffans.co.uk The Little Big Bra Shop Tel: 01858 465592 www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk TJ Thornton - Tel: 01858 468858. www.tjthornton.com

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living NOVEMBER 2011

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Antique and Modern Jewellery 3 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9BX

Tel: 01858 468858

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Essential Wedding Show at Burghley House stunning wedding show sunday 6th november 10am-4.30pm EvErything you nEEd to plan your pErfEct day The Essential Wedding Show at Burghley House is the region’s most stunning and exquisite show, in a class of its own, inspiring you for your big day – enjoy the glamour of the catwalk shows, the sheer range and quality of experts on hand, lots of goodies and a prize draw, and the romance and sheer splendour of Burghley House. thE glamour of thE catwalk shows The catwalk show is full of stunning designers and inspiring outfits and dresses.

The region’s top boutiques are showing: • dressini of market Bosworth - Occasion wear brands include Ian Stuart, Linea Raffaelli, John Charles and more • private kollection - Mother of the Bride brands include Amanda Wakeley, Inspirato, Condici • cavells of oakham - Wedding Guest brands include - Mulberry, Paul Smith, Marc Cain, Unisa, and many more.

• colin Bell of stamford showing Groom & Pageboy • Bride-all showing bridesmaids Dessy UK, Kelsey Rose and Sophia Tolli.

• the stamford Bridal rooms - Showing Suzanne Neville, Lynn Ashworth, Stephanie Allin, Kate Sherford, Caroline Castigliano & Amanda Wakeley • vow Bride & groom - Showing Madeline Isaac-James, Sanyukta Shrestha & Annabel Jenkins • matchmaker of stamford - showing, bespoke tailor made designs by Margaret Butchart, Ellis, Romantica, Ronald Joyce, Kelsey Rose, Stevie’s Gowns & San Patrick • miss v Bridal - showing - Blue by Enzoani, Ellis, Benjamin Roberts, La Sposa & Justin Alexander.

• Bride-all showing exclusive range of Sophia Tolli brides. the main catwalk show times are: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm At 11.45am & 3pm there is a Personal & Exclusive showing of the kate sherford collection - some of this collection will be seen for the first time on a UK commercial

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w catwalk! And meet Charlotte Fursdon, the Managing Director, and ask questions.

1.30pm annie welton - Celebrity Photographer – will be giving a presentation and taking questions. There will be a complimentary glass of bubbly at the catwalk shows, provided by Amps Fine Wine; and canapés by The Falcon, Fotheringhay. thE shEEr rangE and quality of ExpErts on hand There will be everything you need to plan the perfect day: stunning cakes, caterers, photographers, wine merchants, jewellers, accessories, handbags, bridal, bridesmaids, hair styling, make-up, cosmetic companies, chair covers and styling; menswear, shoes, music, venues galore, video/filming; gift list, stationery, favours, florists, event styling, vintage weddings; a Horse & Carriage, new Bentleys, an array of vintage cars, even a classic bus! lots of goodiEs and a prizE draw There are lovely complimentary goodie bags for the first 400 registered brides, which will pay back your ticket price before you have even started to look around the show. prize draw - Exclusive to The Essential Weddings Show at Burghley. You can enter and win some great prizes: • Dinner for two and an overnight stay at Rushton Hall • Spa Day for two including lunch and 2 treatments each - Barnsdale Hall & Country Club • £200 worth of personal shopping vouchers from Debenhams of Leicester • Win your wedding cake - Mimosa Bakery • Three Course Lunch for two - The Noel Arms, Wing, Rutland • Win up to 100 stunning chair covers for your reception - Ambience • A full bridal make-up session for your special day - Suzi Smith Make Up Artist • Aesthetics treatments up to the value of £500 - Suzi Smith Consultants • Photographic portrait session Andy Fountain Photography • Win some stunning Italian designer dress jewellery - Tahlia’s Closet • You & Beyond - Win a Thomas Sabo bracelet or Pandora charm • Bride-All & Rainbow Couture - Win your wedding shoes

thE historic splEndour of thE sEtting The beautiful and romantic setting of Burghley House is the perfect location for engaged couples to create a lifetime of wonderful wedding memories.

Your day includes the chance to visit Burghley House’s glorious state rooms, transporting you back through the centuries.

Burghley is the largest and grandest house of the Elizabethan age. This spectacular house was built between 1555-1587 by William Cecil the first Lord Burghley and Queen Elizabeth 1st’s most trusted advisor.

The Grand Finale of the day will be an outstanding display of fireworks to music on the front lawn by Komodo Fireworks of Market Harborough. thE rEgion’s finEst wEdding show – according to thE pEoplE who know!

Wedding TV chose it as one of their selected national shows and filmed the whole day! The show was chosen by Sky TV to be the subject of an hour-long documentary. The show this year is being filmed by Wedding Days TV and Lux Technical. how you can BE a part of thE day tickets: £5 in advance or £6 on the day group booking discount - 4 tickets for the price of 3 (In advance only) online at: www.essentialmediaevents.co.uk Box office: 01780 765320 You can pick up pre-booked tickets at the box

office on the day if there is not time to post them out. www.burghley.co.uk what you gEt: • Stunning designer catwalk • Complimentary glass of bubbly & canapés • Experts on hand to help you with every aspect of your wedding • A copy of Essential Weddings magazine, which will inspire and inform • Beautiful goodie bag for the first 400 registered brides • Tour of Burghley House tEstimonials from prEvious visitors: “We visited lots and lots of wedding shows in London, Birmingham and a couple of local ones, but your wedding fair at Burghley House was by far the best and your wedding magazine the most helpful. I cannot tell you how fabulous the day was.” Tulisa Andrews “I have told all friends and colleagues that it is by far the best show around so will be encouraging them to go - my Mum and I spent almost four hours there last year! (we did have lunch in the middle, but still!)” Lucy O’Brien This is a full day out so allow yourself enough time to enjoy the whole event. This is an exceptional wedding show and one you will not want to miss.

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gearboxgifts.com

Christmas on 4 wheels.

For that special someone you know who loves classic cars, visit our online store and select from a wide range of classic car related gifts, such as clothing, artwork and fun stocking fillers (above).

Prices start from as little as ÂŁ3.99.

Visit www.gearboxgifts.com or call 01572 822 662.

The classic car gift store

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19/10/11 17:22:35

GIFTS & GADGETS

iLogic Sound Hat £14.99 A similar problem occurs in the headwear department, where headphones get tangled up in your bobble hat.

Worry no more - the iLogic Sound Hat is a beanie with built-in speakers, keeping your head warm and your headphones free to pop in and out as you please.

• Available from www. amazon.com

David Corfield looks to the world of gadgets for warmth – and the occasional surprise…

TECHTALK Hot Sox £14.99 No need to get cold feet this winter. If you’re just lazing about the house, you can happily do away with the Louboutins and slip into these aromatherapy, microwavable booties to keep your toes toasty.

Available in white rose, neroli and lavender scents, tired feet will be soothed and snuggly. Manolos they are not but once you’ve got them on, we doubt you’ll care!

• Available from: GorGeous, 10 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7DU, Tel: 01858 465118

Snowball Maker £9.50 Sick of slushy gloves and freezing hands? Never fear, the Sno-Baller is here! This handy little gizmo makes perfect snow balls every time - so your hands can stay warm and ice-free. Perfect for big and small kids alike.

• Available from Fords of Oakham, 8 Church Street, Oakham LE15 6AA, Tel: 01572 722654 AA Winter Car Kit £19.99 Most of us will have experienced dangerous roads in winters past and staying safe in the snow this year is of paramount importance. Just in case we get a fresh dumping of the white stuff, be prepared with the AA’s Winter Car Kit - including a h-viz vest, an emergency foil blanket, a Dynamo torch and a folding snow shovel. With this lot in the boot you’ll be ready should further traffic chaos ensue.

• Available from www.theaa.com

[And if all you want to do is stay warm inside…]

North Face Etip gloves £22 The rise of the smart phone has caused just one major problem every time you need to use your mobile, the gloves have to come off.

Thankfully North Face, who keeps many of us warm over winter, has found a solution with the Etip glove.

Special finger and thumb pads allow you to use all your touchscreen gadgets without getting chilly extremities - a must-have for gadget lovers in winter!

• Available from: George Alan, 31c High Street, Oakham Rutland, LE15 6AH, Tel: 01572 755666

R2D2 Nut Cracker £32.99 Roast chestnuts over an open fire in Star Wars style!

We all know that R2-D2 is one of the hardier droids around, having escaped from many a tight situation without missing a screw. Well, this time around, the little droid has added to his repertoire a nutcracker! At 7in tall, this little robot makes for an entertaining – and useful - talking point!

• Available from www.firebox.com WiKi ECO water clock £12.99 Batteries need to be replaced; electricity costs money and needs to be generated – all harming the environment. But this clock isn’t like that: it generates all the energy it needs from an occasional drink of water and a splash of lemon juice! As soon as it’s had its liquid sustenance it can keep the time accurately for weeks on end, without ever turning to other energy sources.

• Available from Red 5 Gadget Shop, Unit 4 Lower Ground, Highcross Shopping Centre, LE1 4FP, Tel: 0116 262 4586 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH Living NOVEMBER 2011 23

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21/10/11 10:31:50

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan Truter

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Do men get depressed?

Read more - www.pychologistuk.co.uk For further information please contact

01780 758556

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

Best Foot Forward

Bored? Time on your hands? Seeking something new?

Then why not give Best Foot Forward a go?

A friendly company arranging social and corporate walks, (theatre) trips, parties, either pre-organised or tailor made.

No membership required.

Call us on 07539 599710 or email bfforward@ymail.com

for further details, we would love to hear from you.

HUNTERS INTERIORS London is 100 miles away...

Uffington is on your doorstop Achieve the home you’re thinking about with an established Local company - avoid the journey and try Hunters Interiors... you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Visit our showroom five days a week:

A16 Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD or telephone: 01780 757 946 www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk 24

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19/10/11 17:22:52

PROFILE

Christmas Party Wish List Catherine Batkin asks local beauty salons to reveal their must-have party essential for the festive season RUTLAND HAIRWORKS If you’re thinking of showing a little skin in your Christmas party dress, then a spray tan will give you an allover golden glow. Sarah-Jayne is now offering spray tans by ‘Tantruth’ at the fantastic price of just £15.

Whilst you’re there, pick up something to give your hairdo a little extra sparkle - Tigi’s S Factor product ‘Shiny Happy People’ (£14.25) is a great shine spray to add that touch of glamour. Finish with Tigi ‘Hard to get’ Hairspray (£13.40) to ensure your hair stays in place, no matter how hard you party.

a revitalising treat with a fish pedicure at The Little Therapy Room in Oakham. Sit back and relax whilst the tiny toothless Garra Rufa fish gently nibble away at dry skin, to leave feet feeling super-smooth once more.

THE BEAUTY ROOM Manager Kimberley Ingram told me: “No look is complete this Christmas without the new St.Tropez Skin Illuminator in Gold, Rose or Violet (£12 each).

It highlights cheekbones and temples, giving your face a beautiful, youthful glow without shine. If you are wearing a LBD and have extra skin on show, apply your skin illuminator to shoulders, arms, shins and décolletage to create that ethereal look.”

VICIENTÉ BEAUTY AND BRIDAL Helen told me that the products in the Jane Iredale cosmetics range are made from natural minerals so they won’t clog skin; even when you work up a sweat on the dance floor. The ‘Bronze a go-go’ bronzer (£19.95) will add some much needed colour to pasty skin and even better, it comes presented in a gorgeous aquamarine pouch with a Swarovski crystal, so you’ll be proud to pull it out of your handbag for top ups!

POMEGRANATE If you’re hoping for some action under the mistletoe this year, then Faith at Pomegranate in Mill Street has just the thing to help you pucker up: “For all of those Christmas parties, I would recommend the Korres Red Cherry Lip Gloss (£12). It contains cherry oil, which hydrates lips while giving them a vibrant colour shine….. definitely a head turner!”

STAPLEFORD PARK If you want a flawless base but don’t want to feel that you are caked in foundation, then Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturiser is perfect. It contains the key ingredient, Katafray Bark which quenches thirsty skin to leave it supple and toned. Celebrity fans include Tess Daly and Denise Van Outen, so if it’s good enough for them…

Available from Stapleford Park, costing £27.

THE LITTLE THERAPY CENTRE All that dancing in high heels can play havoc with the skin on your feet so why not give them RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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PROFILE MINARIK HAIR AND BEAUTY No matter how adept you are at blow drying and straightening your hair, it will still always look better when styled at a salon.

The talented staff at Minarik recommend popping in en route to your night out for a blow dry to give you that salon fresh confidence (a wash and blow dry costs from £22 - £30). They have recently introduced a new range of prescriptive hair products by Sexy Hair, including shampoos, conditioners and styling products for individual hair types. Big Sexy is great for dramatic volume, texture and hold – the perfect way to make a statement at your Christmas party.

CREME HAIR AND BEAUTY Chris Gunby’s all-time favourite Clynol product is Powder Punch Volumising Powder (£10.00 50ml). “Simply sprinkle on dry hair and this wonder powder adds ultimate volume and shape in an instant.

Not only is it great for creating fantastic volume and texture in short choppy styles, it can also build height in longer lengths without damaging the hair through backcombing. That’s not all – Clynol Powder Punch can be used to make hair more malleable when creating glamorous updos.

A must have for all occasions!”

WOODLAND HOSPITAL Although renowned for their excellent cosmetic surgeries, the Woodland Hospital also offer a variety of non-surgical procedures which can make a dramatic difference to your appearance. Improving skin condition can really boost confidence, so why not try a medical microdermabrasion which gives your skin a thorough clean and sloughs away impurities and dead skin cells.

BEAUTY EDITOR’S TOP THREE RECOMMENDATIONS: A SCALP MASSAGE Recharge your batteries with an Indian head massage which will relieve tension, improve circulation and increase joint mobility. It’s ideal as a lunch break pick-me-up as the treatment can be performed over your clothes; so there’s no wasted time getting undressed. Try it at Barnsdale Spa for £26.

UNDER EYE CONCEALER Cover up the clues to last night excesses with a good under eye concealer. The make-up artist’s choice is still Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat – but retailing in the region of £24, this may not be an option for everyone. A cheaper, but in my opinion, still just as effective alternative is the Touche Magique by L’Oreal and at just £7.19, it offers the same anti-fatigue and illuminating properties as its more expensive counterpart. (Available from Boots stores).

EYE DROPS: Dry atmospheres and late nights can make eyes look and feel tired but occasional use of soothing eye drops can work wonders and are great if you need to look refreshed after a heavy night. My favourite are Blink eye drops as they are suitable for sensitive eyes and instantly soothe and comfort, without stinging (available from most chemists).

READER N h TITIO rboroug COMtPlaEnd and MarketsHnaight out’

nd er of Ru hristma auty. Se k ky read e can win a ‘C c lu e and Be n .u O ir in o a z .c H a ik g a arik minar Living m urtesy of Min salon@ at random to s o il c r, e e eta makeov and contact d ill pick someon Sexy hair w of me e m a g a n n r a te r u y is o y and h eir new election of Sex w h t e r h d it n w s y r a d d and A n w a ive a blo p application ay! to rece take aw r; ake-u to m , ts ts c c u d be o r m p e produ v ir ha date. h No e is 15t ed after this n li d a e t D tac l be con ner wil the win

DIRECTORY: Rutland Hairworks, 13 Church Street, Empingham, LE15 8PN, Tel: 01780 460528 Minarik Hair and Beauty, 15 Harcourt Estate, Kibworth, Leicester, LE8 0NE, Tel: 0116 279 2529, www.minarik.co.uk The Beauty Room, 76 South Street, Oakham, LE15 6BQ, Tel: 01572 755389 Barnsdale Spa, Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB, Tel: 01572 757901, www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Vicienté Beauty and Bridal, 8a High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AL, Tel: 01572 724500, www.viciente.com Stapleford Park, Stapleford, Nr Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2EF, Tel: 01572 787000, www.staplefordpark.com Pomegranate, 2a Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 755096, www.pomegranate.uk.com The Little Therapy Centre, 9 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AH, Tel: 01572 723650, www.littletherapycentre.com Creme Hair and Beauty, The Old Church, 8 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA, Tel: 01572 723823, www.cremehairandbeauty.co.uk The Woodland Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8XF, Tel: 01536 485466, www.ramsayhealthcare.co.uk

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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING

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• Designer Wedding Gowns including Kate Sherford and Mon Cheri • Stunning Veils, Head Dresses and Jewellery • Dr Hauschka and Neal’s Yard Beauty Products and more…

• Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup • Unique Accessories and Pretty Gifts

Christmas Shopping Event - Tuesday 8th November 2pm – 8pm Lovely gifts, special offers and complimentary gift wrapping Find us just off Oakham High Street, under the arch BEHIND Barclays Bank.

8a High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AL Telephone: 01572 724500 - www.viciente.com

St a y Bea ut if u l NEW: Nubar Gelicure Nail Polish • Spray Tan by Tantruth Available at special discounted rates

Full Facials | Manicures

Pedicures | Eyelash Tints | Waxing

For all your hair & beauty needs…

13 Church Street, Empingham, Oakham, Rutland

01780 460528

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19/10/11 17:23:09

FASHION

BACK TO BLACK Vanessa Hollander has sought out the most stunning of this season’s little black dresses from our local boutiques and found different ways to wear them!

T

he Little Black Dress (LBD) is an absolute style classic and a wardrobe staple – it is, quite simply, never out of fashion. Every woman I know has one and, indeed, most of us have many more than that! It is infinitely flattering on every type of figure, sophisticated, elegant, and can make a girl feel a million dollars.

And yet your LBD really shouldn’t be consigned to just formal occasions as there are so many other ways to wear it and make it work harder for you. Team your favourite LBD with a chunky knit or some casual boots, wear it over jeans or leggings and in the blink of an eye you can it take from evening to casual and really get your money’s worth!

1.

2.

Photographer – Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk My thanks to Vicki my model.

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3.

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Cavells, Oakham Dress – Day Birger - £239 Shoes – Vic - £159

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: bak to bak : , Oakham Dress - £30 – Warehouse

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Woosters, Oakham Cardigan – Lauren Vidal - £89 Scarf - £18

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Jacks, Market Harborough Coat – Derby - £199 Boots – Unisa - £209

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Attic, Oakham Dress – Nice Things - £115 Belt – Almost Famous - £35 Shoes – Fiona McGuiness - £95

9.

Cavells, Oakham Necklace - £59 Boots – Paco Herrero - £155

Attic, Oakham Cardigan – American Vintage - £115 Leggings – B-Young - £15 Scarf – Nice Things - £40 Boots – Manas - £120

: bak to bak : , Oakham Shrug - £25 Jacks, Market Harborough Dress – In Wear - £64.95 Shoes – Unisa - £119 Necklace - £85

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Cavells, Oakham Dress – Belluna - £135 Leather Jacket – Dom & Ruby £469 Shoe Boots – Vic - £169

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Vanilla, Oakham Scarf - £35 Watch - £39.95

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Cavells, Oakham Cardigan – Ross & Bute - £255 Boots – Frye - £220

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Woosters, Oakham Dress – Paul Brial - £153 Bracelet - £25 Shoe Boots – CoCo, Oakham

Vanilla, Oakham Dress – InWear - £64.95 Shoe Boots – CoCo, Oakham

Stockists

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Attic, Oakham, 01572 759000, www.atticfashion.co.uk : bak to bak :, Oakham, 01572 868262 Cavells, Oakham, 01572 770372, www.cavells.co.uk CoCo, Oakham, 01572 757646 Jacks, Market Harborough, 01858 468 876 Vanilla, Oakham, 01572 757577 Woosters, Oakham, 01572 723 697 www.woosters.co.uk NOVEMBER 2011

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Es

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!

1981 - 30 Years

bringing kitchens to life...

NEFF COOKERY DEMONSTRATION - SAT 19TH NOV 10AM - 2PM

Our new 2n d showro om openin gs in Star oon Lane, Stamfo rd

Rangemaster Design Centre

Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Largest display in the area with over 20 Range cookers on show

TO MAKE ROOM FOR OUR EXCITING NEW SHOWROOM DISPLAYS, 10 EX-DISPLAY KITCHENS FOR SALE, NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED

Aga main dealer: see the new Aga Total Control Cooker

Kitchens from £6,000 fitted Supply only kitchens from £1,000 Financial solutions available 100s of kitchens to choose from Suppliers to the trade & building industry

SHOWROOM WITH 30 KITCHEN ROOM SETTINGS

OPEN MON - FRI 8AM - 5PM, SAT 8AM - 3PM QKS Kitchens, The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA

T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk

www.qksstamford.co.uk

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20/10/11 10:43:51

Food and drink

Hues of Seasonal Blues ‘Tis’ the season to be jolly,’ or at least it soon will be.

Sarah Lyon takes a look at what’s blue and seasonal for the festive season

Stilton Cheese – Honey & Stilton, the perfect combination of flavours Whole organic Stilton from Cropwell Bishop, www.cropwellbishopstilton. com, Tel: 0115 9892350 Cote Hill Blue multi award winning soft cheese Freisian, Holstein and Red Poll cows graze on home produced forage. This combined with a high standard of cow management produces top quality milk rich in butterfat and protein. By using milk unpasteurised allows this specialist cheese to achieve an individuality unique to Cote Hill Farm, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. Stockist: The Melton Cheeseboard, 8 Windsor Street, Melton Mowbray, Tel: 01664 562257, guest cheese on Lincolnshire Poacher stand, Oakham & Stamford Farmer’s Market and The Cheese Cellar, Stamford Battlefield Blue – Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co. A brilliantly delicious mould ripened unpasteurised blue brie handmade with raw milk from David and Jo Clarke’s Holstein Freisian pedigree and named herd of cows.

“The centre of the Battle of Bosworth Field is now believed to have been fought between the villages of Stoke Golding and Upton. A cannon ball was found on the last field on this farm, which is now in the English Heritage battle field site. The field is called The Dickie-bow Meadow.”

Buy direct from the farm at the Friday morning shop 8 am - 12 noon, David and Jo Clarke, Sparkenhoe Farm, Upton nr. Nuneaton, CV13 6JX, Tel: 01455 213863, www.leicestershirecheese.co.uk Going Crackers?

Check out Hambleton Farms Fine Foods, Gaol Street, Oakham for a great selection of blue cheeses and tasteful crackers from The Fine Cheese Company; Fig, Celery and Chive biscuits True blue flavours Blue Brew – brewed using Long Clawson stilton whey in the brewing process A chestnut coloured beer with a unique blend of flavours, belvoirbrewery.co.uk, Tel: 01664 823455. Source from Wing Hall Farm Shop, Wing, Rutland And….Stilton topped Pork Pies - Classic pork pie with delicious topping of Long Clawson Stilton (Dickinson & Morris, Melton Mowbray)

Turkey Blues at Rutland Organics, Ketton?

Not at all, according to the Taylors, whose flock of rare breed heritage Turkeys is comprised of Lavender Blue, Slate Blue and Bourbon Red, Narrangansetts, Norfolk Black and Cambridge bronzes plus small companion crop of Geese and Christmas Cockerels, all fattening up for December. All poultry at Cuckoo Farm Ketton is naturally raised and fed on an organic cereal based diet and free ranges on organic pasture. Pat’s turkeys have been gaining a national reputation as an old fashioned traditional, slow growing heritage turkey. “Traditional heritage breeds do not have the same conformation as the more common commercial or ‘double-breasted’ breeds which can lead the buyer to think that they get less meat whereas in fact the traditional bird produces a moister finer textured meat with a more pronounced flavour. Unlike commercial birds, our birds are dry plucked, hung, have their sinews drawn, are not injected with water or other additives and are trussed by hand which makes for a better finish. Once a customer has experienced a traditional heritage bird they will not willingly go back to a commercial bird.” Contact Pat, Tel: 01780 722009, rutlandorganics.co.uk/ The Bourbon Blues The Pickled Village produces a blueberry conserve with a splash of Bourbon. This sweet and tangy conserve is the soul mate of morning toast and pancakes but if you are feeling blue, then simply spoon straight from jar. Contact Camille at The Pickled Village, Bulwick NN17 3DY, Tel: 01780 450774,/www.thepickledvillage.co.uk. Stockists include: Farnden Fields Farm Shop in Market Harborough, The Garage Deli in Uppingham and The Market Store, Market Overton Lift your Spirits! Hedgerow Spirits - Sloe Gin, Damson Whisky and Blackberry Vodka Sloes and berries are foraged to provide the distinctive flavours of Hedgerow Spirits. Sloe Gin has a warm and fruity flavour drunk neat as a winter warmer or as an accompaniment to cheese. For the whisky lover, the rich and striking flavour of the damsons compliment the heart-warming intensity of the spirit. Sold at Northfield Farm Shop, Cold Overton nr Oakham - Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough – The Olive Branch, Clipsham

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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For over 30 years Hambleton Hall has been one of the region’s favourite Michelin starred fine dining destinations.

Christmas & Winter Parties 2011 Hambleton Hall provides a perfect setting for Christmas & Winter Parties for 6 - 60 guests, November to December

Canapés, 3 Course Dinner Coffee & homemade Chocolates

£37.50 per person No charge for private room hire.

At the end of the evening why not stay the night.

Our bedrooms are from £245.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our standard bedrooms, this includes full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

Menu Tian of Smoked Salmon & Caviar *** Free Range Turkey cooked in salt crust pastry with traditional accompaniments *** Prune & Armagnac Soufflé *** Coffee & homemade Chocolates All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5% Excluding the Christmas, New Year period.

Subject to availability.

For larger parties, hotel accommodation may be required.

Aaron Patterson, head chef, specialises in top seasonal local ingredients to create modern British cuisine, with an award winning wine list full of delicious bottles.

For more details about our Special Breaks and Events please visit our website www.hambletonhall.com

hambleton, oakham, Rutland, le15 8th tel: 01572 756991 FaX: 01572 724721 email: hotel@hambletonhall.com Web: www.hambletonhall.com

Veronica’s Fine Indian Foods Planning a Christmas Party, or any special occasion?

Restaurant 26 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6AY

Then call on my chef for the evening service, where I prepare freshly cooked Indian food at your premises, together with a live cookery demonstration and an evening filled with entertainment.

Lessons given on how to make Christmas dinners exciting for the festive season as well!

Gift vouchers available for Indian cookery lessons for Christmas presents.

For more information please ring Veronica on 07805667804

First Class Dining Heaven

For tHe Full reD Carpet treatment tHis CHristmas, Come anD Celebrate in First Class luxury.

For reservations please call: 01572 724999 or 07864 658727

Bring your favourite bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal Cash or cheques only, takeaway available

DUE PER UNO Two for One at Firenze during October & November

Available Tuesday to Thursday evenings and Tuesday to Saturday lunches.

Two for one offer based on choosing from either our menu mercato or main menu and ordered alongside a main course. Please present this ad to claim offer.

Telephone 0116 279 6260 firenze.co.uk

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19/10/11 17:23:41

SEAN’S KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Wild mushrooms Explore a world of textures and flavours

By Sean Hope, head chef at the Olive Branch, Clipsham

SEAN’S QUICKFIRE RE CIPE

W ild m u sh ro om ri so tt o

Serves 4 For the risotto • 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil • 50g chopped onion • 1 garlic clove - choppe d • 175g risotto rice • 1 litre vegetable stock or hot water 1. Heat the oil in the pan , then sweat off the onions and garlic until they are soft.

2. Add the rice and stir for two minutes.

3. Begin to add the stock/ water gradually, stirring continu ously.

4. Cook for 18-20 minute s, then remove from the heat ready to serve.

For the mushrooms • 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil • 400g mixed wild mushr ooms • 100g grated Parmesan • 1 teaspoon chopped tar ragon • 1 teaspoon chopped par sley 1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and fry for a few minutes.

2. Add a squeeze of lem on juice, then spoon through the riso tto.

3. Place the risotto into serving bowls, sprinkle with the parme san and chopped herbs and ser ve.

B

ursting with a vast variety of flavours – from dense and earthy to light and delicate – and offering some incredible textures, it’s no wonder that mushrooms are regarded so highly by us chefs. ‘Shrooms are also a great source of nutrition and make extremely versatile ingredients.

My favourite fungi include the sought-after girolle – also known as the golden chanterelle – which tastes exquisite and has a slight apricot aroma. Then there are cepes, regarded as the king of mushrooms and highly regarded in cooking; chanterelles – light in colour with a delicate, sweet aroma; and black trumpets – a common woodland mushroom, so named because it grows in the shape of a horn. It is also known as trompette de la mort (which translates as “trumpet of death”): it is a very dark brown in colour and tastes like a slightly more earthy version of the chanterelle.

It is worth mentioning that it is always important to source your mushrooms from a reputable supplier – many are not edible and can make you very ill.

Sean’s kitchen essentials This month it’s a slow cooker. I got one for my birthday recently and it’s been incredibly practical. You can stick a tasty casserole on in the morning before you go to work and tuck straight in when you return home.

They’re excellent for cooking tougher cuts of meat such as brisket and for mutton.

Here are some flavour combinations to try with wild mushrooms at home.

Experiment with different mushrooms and you’ll soon come up with some interesting dishes.

With anise With apricot With pork With blue cheese

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With chestnut With egg With garlic With rosemary

NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008

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Sean’s seasonal must-buys for November What Sean will be cooking with at the Olive Branch, Clipsham Veg - Brussels sprouts and cauliflower Fish - lemon sole and red mullet Meat – beef, partridge and pheasant Fruit – pears and citrus fruit RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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FOOD & DRINK

Leo Sugden: Otters Smokehouse and Deli

Rachel Fairweather meets Leo Sugden, the driving force behind Otters Smokehouse and Deli, the sensational new addition to Oakham’s shopping experience

L

eo Sugden is no ordinary 22 year old. On a typical day he is up at 6.00am, at work by 8.00am and not home again until after 7.00pm.

Weekends are spent working in the shop and on his accounts rather than partying and relaxing.

The reason for this dedication and hard work: Leo runs Otters Smokehouse and Deli on Mill Street and he is passionately committed to making the shop a success.

Early ambitions Leo developed his love of naturally produced cheeses and charcuterie whilst growing up in Rutland and spending holidays in France and northern Spain. His first passion was for sailing and he would spend holidays on his parents’ boat travelling to out of the way places on the continent. He recalls: “Even the smallest town would have at least one deli selling fresh, local produce. We used to say how fantastic it would be if such places existed in our country.”

After leaving Oakham School, Leo took a year out to pursue his sailing dream in the Caribbean but decided ultimately that he would rather keep it as a hobby and went instead to Exeter University where he studied Geography.

On graduating he started thinking seriously about setting up a deli and then, in January, the premises on Mill Street became available.

A Deli is born The shop had to have a radical refit over several months to bring it up to hygiene standards and to make it the attractive, well presented area that it now is. It is clear that Leo and his team have spent a huge amount of thought and

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planning to create Otters. The pictures in the advertising material are mouthwatering and striking; the name is memorable and evocative of nature and water, elements at the heart of the shop’s philosophy; but most importantly the quality and range of produce is excellent.

Enticingly presented are naturally smoked fish, meats and cheeses, together with an exciting range of Hennart French artisan cheeses and British cheeses. Other goodies include fresh olives, pâtés, and homemade savoury tarts.

Quality assured Leo talks knowledgeably and with relish about his suppliers: “Many of our products are sourced from a smokehouse situated at the edge of a creek in Suffolk where traditional recipes have been handed down through generations. The fish are gently smoked over Suffolk oak logs for up to three days then delivered overnight to our shop. They are about as fresh as you can get.”

Leo is full of extra details and stories that personalise his knowledge of his products and suppliers. I particularly loved the image of Monsieur Hennart himself hand picking the cheeses he will mature in his cellars.

“What is really good,” says Leo, “is that people are returning for more of the same products, whilst also trying more varieties.

Predicting how much to order to guarantee that all our products are on sale in perfect condition is an exciting challenge and we have regular deliveries to ensure this.”

Perfect service Above all I am impressed with how keen Leo and his knowledgeable staff are to help their customers: many items you can taste before you buy; they are always happy to put aside orders of fish or cheese for a special occasion or dinner party; and they will willingly source a product if they don’t currently stock it.

Future Plans For now Leo is concentrating on making Otters a success in Oakham but I wouldn’t be surprised if this was to be the first of many such stores.

This is a young man who is dedicated not just to selling delicious, naturally produced food, but to delivering great service as well.

For further information please contact Leo Sugden on Tel: 07739 008607 Otters Smokehouse and Deli, 3A Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA

Leo’s Perfect Cheeseboard Brie de Meaux – “Hennart, so perfectly matured” Black Bomber Cheddar – “very popular and looks great” Thomas Hoe Stevenson Stilton – “a fantastic blue cheese” Caprifigue fermier Goats’ cheese – “a delicious talking point” To accompany: Toast for Cheese biscuits and handmade Hawkshead red onion marmalade.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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restaurant & hoteL an historiC venue with a ConteMporary style, for speCial oCCasions, events & ConferenCes

cookery DeMonstrations by brian baker £35pp inCludes 2 Course lunCh with glass of wine 15th nov – getting festive

Morning Coffee 10aM-12pM - afternoon tea 3pM & 5pM Festive set Lunch - Mon-sat Lunch tiMes throughout Dec £15.50 traditional roast turkey & ChristMas pudding with Brandy sauCe

new years eve dinner & party £69.50pp Now takiNg Christmas party bookiNgs

Serving Food, Lunch & dinner, 7 dayS a week

This Christm a s e xperience the difference at

OTTERS

SMOKEHOUSE & DELI

Don’t forget to pop in to Otters on Mill Street in Oakham to pick up your Christmas Order form!

Choose from carefully selected products including: • Delicately smoked fish including sides of smoked salmon, hot smoked salmon, mackerel, trout, eel, cods roe, kippers.

Plus oysters direct from the oyster beds in Suffolk.

• Our range of exciting artisan cheeses, or more traditional whole, half or baby stilton, black bomber, or brie de meaux

• Whole smoked ham slippers and sliced ham • Fabulous patés, charcuterie, olives and antipasti • And don’t forget the luxury Xmas pud!

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE WITH OTTERS THIS CHRISTMAS! Open Mon – Sat: 9am – 5.30pm

3a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA Tel: 01572 756481 Email: info@ottersdeli.co.uk www.ottersdeli.co.uk

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Real Indian & Nepalese Cuisine... ...served with style & panache!

Traditional classic favourites and original new dishes created by our Executive Chef, Ram Chadra Banjade

Kev & Kristy give a warm welcome & a fun, friendly atmosphere

• Every Tuesday 3 course meal £9.95 • 2 Course Lunch Special £5.95 • Every Thursday Nepalese Food Menu Available • Free Home Delivery within 5 miles 15% Discount on Collected Orders • Free Car Park to the rear of Restaurant • Book for Christmas Parties, Private Functions, Weddings, Receptions, Business Meetings, Presentations, Outside Catering

The Noel @ Whitwell

A fabulous place to celebrate Christmas...

Join us at the Noel for our festive party nights where you can gather with friends & colleges, enjoy a great meal and dance the night away

www.indianzest.com

01858 462752 131 St Marys Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7DT

Tickets are only £25 per person to include mulled wine, a 3 course meal and disco

Selected dates are still available so ring the Noel to book your party.

Main Street, Whitwell, Rutland, LE15 8BW T: 01780 460347 - E: info@thenoel.co.uk - www.thenoel.co.uk

Enjoy Christmas at The Farm Shop

Fresh from the Farm this winter

Seasonal vegetables including our Sprouts on the Stalk and Wilja, Shannon & Electra Potatoes.

Don’t forget your very own Farndon Fields Grown Christmas Tree!

Free Range Turkeys, Geese & Cockerels at the Butchery Succulent Hams & home baked Pork Pies at the Deli Delicious home made Mince Pies and Cakes A beautiful new range of gifts to make this Christmas really special!

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EATING OUT

Black Bull Market Overton Tracey Watkinson treats her family to dinner

W

e were looking forward to a meal at the Black Bull in Market Overton as new owners Kristy and Kevin had taken over since our last visit. We had a table in the bar area, although there is also a separate dining area seating up to 35. To start I had the Button mushrooms with garlic, white wine and cream, which was delightful and packed full of mushrooms. Mark had the Butterflied pan fried King Prawns in garlic, lemon and white wine which were beautifully presented and just as tasty. Alice opted for the Grilled Asparagus with Parma ham, poached egg and hollandaise sauce: “Very good, with a lovely bite to the asparagus”.

To follow I had the Mediterranean vegetable and Goat’s cheese pastry parcel. The pastry was “spot on” and packed with vegetables, but was lacking on goat’s cheese, and the accompanying salad would have benefitted from a dressing (on the side would have been perfect). Mark had one of the Black Bull’s signature dishes, a 10 oz Sirloin steak served with chunky chips and salad. You can also choose from various accompaniments. Mark had the Black Bull sauce

with garlic, mushrooms and cream and he declared it a great steak, perfectly cooked; the sauce, however, was not quite “garlicky” enough for his palette! Alice had the Gossnargh Chicken with smoked wild mushrooms & white wine sauce accompanied with a generous selection of vegetables on the side. Again cooked to perfection.

I declined a dessert but Mark opted for the Amalfi Lemon Cheesecake, beautifully light and delicate, just as it should be. Alice had the Warm Chocolate Brownie with Amaretto and Almond Ice cream which went down a treat; the ice cream complementing the brownie perfectly The Black Bull serves up some beautifully presented homemade food, and nothing is too much trouble. Prices are around £5 for starters, £10/£12 for mains (more for the Steaks) and £5.25 for desserts. We are spoilt for choice in Rutland for wonderful village pubs but make sure you put the Black Bull on your list.

Contact: Black Bull, Teigh Road, Market Overton, Rutland. LE15 7PW, Tell: 01572 767677

Indian Zest – A Hidden Gem Sosennah Every enjoys refined Indian dining with friends

F

rom the moment you step inside, you feel you will be having a different experience from other more traditional Indian restaurants. Robin’s genuine welcome, the modern interior furnishings and the interesting and varied menu of Indian and Nepalese food make you feel a frisson of excitement, Executive chef Ram Banjade has worked at top luxury Indian hotels of the Oberoi and Taj groups and also at some prestigious London restaurants before setting up Indian Zest five months ago. Not forgetting his Nepalese heritage, he has designed his menu with an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian and Nepalese dishes, incorporating traditional favourites with new dishes that apply eastern flavours with a western twist.

My husband and I were joined by two curry connoisseur friends and we were all completely hooked by the time we took our first bites of the beautifully presented starters. We chose the mixed (£7.95) and seafood platters (£11.95) which included tasters of salmon tikka, a paneer cake, chilli-fried squid, which was wonderfully succulent and not too hot, as well as vegetable pakora and lamb seek kebab. The Goan style beef (£4.95),

which has been marinated overnight in a yoghurt and rum marinade and spiced with crushed garlic, ginger, chilli and cloves and then char grilled to perfection was a testament to how much thought, flavour and preparation goes into each dish.

For my main course I chose the avocado stuffed chicken (£10.95) from the “Innovative Dishes” menu and was delighted by its presentation alone and the rich and delicious tomato and basil sauce was a wonderful accompaniment to the chicken. The duck curry with orange (£12.95) was a triumph as was the Piyaza chicken (£7.95), which had the perfect mix of chilli and tomato allowing. The Roghan Josh style lamb shank (£11.95) simply fell off the bone and was infused with flavours from the slow cooking.

Look out for the special offers on Sundays and Monday – Thursday before 7.30pm where a three course meal taken from the traditional menu is £9.95. Take-away and private parties up to 25 diners can be catered for.

Contact: Indian Zest, 131 St. Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DT Tel: 01858 462752, www.indianzest.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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THE J

C

OU

S OP

K S O N ST AC

N N T RY I N

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Christmas at Stapleford Park

Christmas at Stapleford Park is magical. Feel the warmth of crackling fires throughout the house as boughs of pine and holly from the estate adorn the grandiose fireplaces and stairs. Whether it’s your office party or a special lunch with friends - where better to experience a happy Christmas?

If you would like further information, contact us on 01572 787000 or visit www.staplefordpark.com Stapleford Park, Stapleford, nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2EF A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

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Adopting

Peterborough’s Future

Have you thought about adoption?

Adoption gives a child the security of a permanent home with a family that loves and values them.

We are looking for people that think they can offer a permanent home to: • Children of school age • Sibling groups • Children who face additional difficulties For more information contact us on:

(01733) 317448

or visit: www.peterborough.gov.uk/adoption

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PERSPECTIVES

A THOROUGHLY MODERN MARRIAGE Pre-nuptial agreements are usually connected with the rich and famous. However, Sarah Dawson of Hegarty LLP advises that they are not just for the wealthy and suggests that a new change in law could mean they will become more widely used

A

pre-nuptial agreement is a contract which sets out how any property or assets would be divided upon the break-up of the marriage, or any provision for maintenance. It is quite clear that the Courts are now taking more notice of them and a change in the law is expected soon so that they will become binding.

I would suggest that entering into a pre-nuptial agreement should be considered if you are planning on getting married, particularly if you want to safeguard assets for any children from a previous relationship or if you have inherited any assets. Some family assets, such as a farm, may have been “in the family” for generations, and it is the intention that they should stay that way, rather than being sold or divided on a divorce.

Even if you have modest assets that you wish to preserve, a pre-nuptial agreement can be drawn up. Furthermore it avoids what can be seen as a “lottery” if the division of assets is to be dealt with by a Court on divorce.

It is worth bearing in mind that in most cases the starting point is often an equal division of all property and assets, which can seem rather unfair to some people, particularly if they are considerably wealthier than the other party. It is relatively inexpensive to draw up such an agreement when compared to the costs (both financial and emotional) of contested financial proceedings on a divorce.

Working it out To ensure that a pre-nuptial agreement is taken into account by the Courts, there are certain conditions that need to be met at the time of taking out the agreement. Both parties will need to get separate independent legal advice. If either of the parties is not represented, or receives negligent legal advice, the agreement will not be upheld. There will also need to be a process of full and frank “financial disclosure.” Each party would need to disclose to the other their income and assets at the time the agreement is entered into. It is essential that neither party are put under pressure to sign the agreement. Finally, it must be entered into no less than 21 days before the wedding date. Such an agreement should not be rushed into and ideally should be discussed, drawn up and signed with plenty of time before the wedding, to ensure no allegations of duress

can be made.

If you are considering having such an agreement drawn up, it is worth bearing in mind that the way the law presently stands is that it would be taken into account. At present, the Courts decide on a case-by case basis how much weight to be given to a pre-nuptial agreement. However, it is quite clear that the Courts are now taking more notice of them and a change in the law is expected so that they will be binding.

In the spotlight There has been an increase in cases recently, most significantly the case of the wealthy Radmacher couple in 2010, where the Court enforces a prenuptial agreement. In that case the Supreme Court ruled that the prenuptial agreement should be upheld, as it was freely entered into by each party who both fully appreciated its implications. It was stated in this case that the situation would have been different if it would not have been “fair” to hold the parties to the agreement. The element of “fairness” is therefore also an important factor when the Court considers whether to uphold such an agreement.

Following on from the Radmacher case, The Law Commission are presently considering whether there should be a change in the law so that prenuptial agreements are legally binding. The commission have proposed that such agreements will be enforceable if it is in writing, both parties have had their own legal advice and full and frank disclosure has taken place. It also proposes that the agreement should not be enforceable if it fails to provide for the needs of any of the children or leaves one party reliant on state benefits.

Even if you are not planning on getting married but plan on living with your partner, a co-habitation agreement could also be drawn up to confirm any agreement reached as to the division of assets on a separation.

• Sarah Dawson is a solicitor specialising in family law and is based at the Stamford office. She can be contacted on 01780 750958 or at sarah.dawson@hegarty.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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MOTORING

Winter tyres Ashley Martin examines options for safer tyres this winter

Y

ou wouldn’t venture outside in winter without sturdy shoes or boots, a coat and almost certainly gloves, scarf and a hat, but most UK motorists do not give the same attention to their vehicles.

Yet, the four pieces of rubber in the corner of each car and van are the only items to be in contact with the road.

In many European countries the fitting of winter tyres - also known as cold weather tyres - from October to the end of March is compulsory. But, in the UK winter tyres account for only about 1% of the market.

Following the last two years of harsh Arctic blizzards, road safety experts have been urging motorists to consider fitting winter tyres to their vehicles. Perhaps, not surprisingly, motor manufacturers, tyre manufacturers and tyre fitters have also jumped on the bandwagon, sensing a sales opportunity.

A set of winter tyres will on average cost £400-£500 but, as with standard tyres, the cost is determined by the type of tyre fitted and the make and model of vehicle.

However, experts say that winter tyres last as long as summer tyres and perform better in harsh conditions. Depending on vehicle mileage, winter tyres could last for two or even three winters. As, a result wear and tear suffered by summer tyres, which is increased in harsh road conditions, is reduced so postponing their replacement.

Winter tyres undoubtedly make sense for drivers living in the more remote areas of the UK where winter conditions are likely to be more severe for longer. Elsewhere it may be harder to justify the cost, though, road safety experts say that has to be a personal decision taking account of the risk of extreme weather

42

winter weather tyres provide: • Higher levels of road safety during the colder winter months • Considerably shorter stopping distances on both wet and dry roads at low temperatures • Better mileage than standard tyres in winter weather - the wear on normal tyres increases when used during winter months, reducing mileage by up to 20%.

Source: TyreSafe.

conditions, driver confidence which reduces when travelling in such conditions, mileage and the need to drive when snow and ice arrives.

Winter tyres are composed of more rubber and less silicone than standard tyres so they don’t harden so much when it is cold. They work best in temperatures under 7°C. Such tyres also have wider grooves, which have greater grip in snow and slush, and more sideways grooves to give more edges and contact with the road surface.

That translates into shorter braking distances which reduces the risk of a crash: at 20 mph a car or van equipped with winter tyres will stop 11 metres sooner on icy roads than if fitted with standard tyres; at 30 mph the braking distance on snowy roads is reduced by eight metres.

Typically, in the snow a vehicle equipped with winter tyres will stop in half the distance as one fitted with standard tyres - potentially the difference between life and death.

Meanwhile, tests conducted by the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association found that a

car braking at 60 mph on a wet road at 5°C stopped five metres shorter, equivalent to more than one car length, when fitted with winter weather tyres.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, the not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting tyre safety, said: “Steering, acceleration and braking are more difficult [in winter] as ‘normal’ tyres have less grip in these conditions. However, it is not just these extreme wintry conditions which can reduce safety on the road. Even cold, damp roads can dramatically affect the performance of tyres, leading to an increased accident risk. Winter weather tyres, which are specifically designed to operate in these conditions, delivering improved safety.”

Motorists considering fitting winter tyres and concerned about a lack of space at home to store their standard tyres - and their winter tyres during the summer months - will find that some tyre fitters offer a ‘hotel’ tyre storage facility.

Even if drivers don’t fit winter tyres, regular checks should be carried out to ensure vehicles tyres are in the best possible condition for maximum safety.

In winter tread depth should be checked to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference - tyre manufacturers such as Continental recommend tyres have at least 4mm tread depth to give at least some grip in snow and slush. Drivers who fail to comply with the law face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre. Additionally, tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before a long journey.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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MARSHALL VOLVO OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS STANDARD. Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcoming you to our state of the art dealership, where we will be on hand to look after your every need.

All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention as we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latest range of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approved used vehicles.

From the new Volvo range, to Approved used vehicles right through to service and repairs, visit Marshall Volvo and expect nothing less than a first class service as standard.

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Volvo. For life.

MARSHALL VOLVO PETERBOROUGH 7 MALLORY ROAD, BOONGATE, PETERBOROUGH PE1 5AU. TEL: 0844 411 9751 www.marshallweb.co.uk/volvo MARSHALL MOTOR GROUP LTD. REGISTERED OFFICE:- AIRPORT HOUSE, THE AIRPORT, CAMBRIDGE CB5 8RY. ALL CALLS MAY BE RECORDED FOR TRAINING AND QUALITY PURPOSES.

THIS IS MARSHALL JAGUAR

Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs.

From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts, to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them.

Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with a range of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure that you visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough.

MARSHALL JAGUAR PETERBOROUGH 7 Mallory Road, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5AU 0844 334 0635 www.marshall.peterborough.jaguar.co.uk

SCAN WITH YOUR QR READER APP TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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Oak House Residential Care Home for the Elderly

Respite Care Bookings Now Being Taken For November/December 2011 Plus 2012 • Care home providing high quality care in comfortable ‘home from home’ surroundings • Dedicated ground floor respite care room/trial visit room, with en-suite available now, rate £575.00 per week.

• Rated ‘Excellent’ by the CQC - see our Inspection Reports online at www.CQC.org.uk • Oak House prides itself on offering high quality care in a pleasant friendly home environment • Room rates from £525 to £650 per week To request a brochure or for more information

please

telephone us on 01572 812647 or e-mail us on dcw@oakhouse28.fsnet.co.uk

www.oakhouse-carehome.co.uk Pond Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7NW

STURGESS. LEICESTER’S PREMIER VOLVO DEALER. SAVE £11400 WITH OUR SWAPPAGE SCHEME. UP TO

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Tel: 0116 416 1436 www.sturgessgroup.com

Volvo. for life

Customer must have owned the part exchange vehicle for 6 months. New car must be registered to the same name and address as the previous V5C. All offers subject to change without notice. New cars must be registered before 31st October 2011. Limited stock on some models. E & OE. Calls may be monitored for training purposes only.

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PERSPECTIVES

The NSPCC

From the roots of its foundation at the turn of the nineteenth century, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has striven for the same goal - to end cruelty to children in the UK. Amander Meade speaks to some of the East Midlands team and finds out that their work is as important today as it was in Victorian England Child Line… Local Statistics

Most of us over thirty will remember the tireless campaigning by TV Journalist Esther Rantzen for the launch of ChildLine – the confidential, twenty-four hour telephone help line for young people. On the end of the line, specially trained counsellors and volunteers still offer advice and support to callers – the numbers of whom may surprise you.

Last year staff at East Midlands ChildLine (based in Nottingham) counselled around twenty children a day calling in with concerns which can range from bullying and school problems to neglect, domestic violence and physical or sexual abuse. Within the total calls received at the East Midlands call centre, 3,730 calls were from landlines in the Leicestershire area – including Rutland and Market Harborough

- with more from mobiles. “Through ChildLine we look at children’s needs from a child’s perspective, putting them at the heart of what we do. The things children tell us give us valuable insights into what they need from our services.”

During last year, the NSPCC Helpline also received 782 calls from Leicestershire adults with concerns about a child.

Volunteering and Fundraising…

The majority of people who answer calls from children and young people are volunteers.

ChildLine counsellors are ordinary people who do something extraordinary; they are very well trained and well supported but have to commit a certain amount of time to help.

Barbara Elsey is an NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager – “There are lots of opportunities to volunteer and help in other ways, fundraising for example. The charity relies on public support for 82% of its funding so if you are enthusiastic and want to help children, your time, skills and creativity can make an amazing difference.”

Get involved locally...

Margaret Wheeler is one such local fundraiser, best known for organising the annual Rutland Christmas Carol Concert in support of the NSPCC which is now used as a model nationally for similar events. “I became involved after reading about a particularly harrowing cruelty case and just felt that I needed to do something

to help. The Carol Concert has surprised us all with the huge amount of money raised – last year £14,500. This money is put to good use helping children – some of whom may live in our locality. We urgently need new volunteers to help expand our fundraising repertoire; I would love to organise a summer event but am in need of some new ideas and expertise from new volunteers to share their ideas and enthusiasm for this wonderful charity.”

Christmas Carols...

The Rutland NSPCC Carol Concert kindly sponsored by Don Paddy’s Wine Bar and Restaurant, takes place on Monday 4 December at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Oakham.

Tickets are available for £12 from Buy the Book in Oakham, Gates Nurseries or Don Paddy’s in Uppingham. Celebrity readers include Lars Tharp from Antiques Roadshow, Mary Berry from the Great British Bake Off and former England and British Lions rugby star Peter Wheeler amongst others.

If, like Margaret, you would like to help in the fight against child cruelty, find out more about how to get involved and contact Barbara Elsey Tel: 01780 471007 ChildLine Tel: 0800 1111 - the confidential 24-hour service for young people NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 – for adults with concerns about a child.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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DAYS OUT

Festive Family Shows Would the festive season be complete without a trip to see a panto or Christmas show? Oh no, it wouldn’t!

Amander Meade rounds up some of the best shows in the region for families this Christmas and New Year

Saturday 3 December, 2.30pm Hansel and Gretel The audience takes part in the story which follows a brother and sister who survive foolish parents, a dark wood, a gingerbread house and a wicked witch.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets from £6 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 December Room on the Broom The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a gust of wind blows away her hat, bow and wand. Who will save the poor witch from the hungry dragon and will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

For children aged 3 plus Curve Studio Theatre Tickets from £10 Tel: 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk

Friday 16 December to Saturday 7 January Dick Whittington Go with Dick and his clever cat to London - will our hero make his fortune and win the hand of the fair daughter of Alderman Fitzwarren?

Wonderful scenery and beautiful costumes, songs and dance, this is a family pantomime for all to enjoy.

Little Theatre, Leicester Tickets £13 Tel: 01162 551302 thelittletheatre.net Saturday 17 December, 2pm The Elves and the Shoemaker This well known tale has been re-heeled with beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse. A magical must-see. Suitable for ages 5 plus.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets: £6/ £21 Family ticket (4) Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Monday 19 to Saturday 31 December Christmas Ice Spectacular – Peter Pan on Ice This adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s famous story of the boy who never grew up features the world renowned Russian Ice Stars. The stunningly choreographed moves are the work of Caverliere Giuseppe Arena, who was responsible for the opening ceremony of Turin’s 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets priced from £19.50 Tel: 0116 233 3111 or at www.demontforthall.co.uk Thursday 22 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Mesmeric storyteller Mike Maran brings you a sparkling new production

of the Charles Dickens seasonal favourite.

Stamford Theatre Tickets from £7 Tel: 01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Tuesday 29 November to Sunday 4 December 2011, Various times One Snowy Night - A Tale from Percy’s Park by Nick Butterworth One cold winter’s night, Percy the Park Keeper finds his little friends shivering on the doorstep – they need more than food and he must find a way to help them. A snuggly, heart-warming story with delightful songs and lots of furry friends to meet along the way.

The Core Theatre, Corby Tickets from £8 Tel: 01536 470 www.thecorecorby.com • This show is also at the Curve Studio, from Thursday 22 December to Saturday 7 January 2012, Tickets from £10 Tel: 0116 242 3595, www.curveonline.co.uk Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 December Cinderella A delight for audiences of all ages by the Stamford Pantomime Players. Cinders is but a lowly housemaid with two rather ugly sisters.

The handsome prince is looking for a bride.

Will true love take its course? Nonstop fun, memorable songs and plenty of audience participation.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets from £7 Tel: 01780 766455, www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Thursday 5 January to Sunday 8 January Aladdin Join Aladdin on a thrilling carpet ride with sparkling sets, glorious costumes, spellbinding special effects, dancing, singing and comedy.

Guaranteed to enthral the whole family.

Stamford Theatre For booking information Tel: 01780 763 203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk

Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 December, 10am, 1.30pm and 5pm Potted Panto CBBC’s Dan and Jeff present their most extravagant show yet, now in amazing 3D. The creators of Potted Potter and Potted Pirates perform seven classic pantomimes in just eighty minutes. Following a season in the West End, this show won a nomination as Best Entertainment in the Olivier Awards.

The Core, Corby Tickets £13, £11, £8 Tel: 01536 470 www.thecorecorby.com

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Alan Oliver’s

paintings in Oakham Castle As part of the Rutland Open Studios exhibition Saturday 26th Sunday 27th November 11am to 4pm www.alan-oliver.co.uk www.rutlandpaintings.co.uk

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Saturday 5 November, from 6.30pm EVENT: Annual Firework Display The Rutland Lions provide a spectacular Bonfire Night event including a children’s display followed by a larger family display. Hot food and drinks available with all proceeds to local charities. Oakham Rugby Club, Pillings Road Tickets £4 (£3.50 in advance) with children under 5 free, from Ford’s of Oakham or Uppingham Sports & Books

Sunday 6 November, from 10am WEDDING SHOW: Essential Weddings Meet some of the very best suppliers and wedding professionals plus a stunning catwalk show featuring all the latest designs for brides, grooms, their families and guests.

Burghley House, Stamford Tickets are priced £5 in advance or £8 on the day, information at www.essentialweddingsshow.co.uk

Monday 14 November, 7.30pm COMEDY: Stephen Merchant Live - Hello Ladies…

Multi award winning co-creator of The Office and Extras, Stephen Merchant presents his first ever stand-up comedy tour. Stephen Merchant said, ‘Most people don’t realise that I was a stand-up comedian before I met Ricky Gervais and his coat-tails. This tour is a great opportunity for me to meet my fans and make at least one of them my wife.’

De Montfort Hall, Leicester, Tickets £25 Tel: 0116 233 3111 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Wednesday 9 November, from 7.30pm EVENT: Ashley Film Night Monday 7 to Sunday 20 November, 10am to 4pm (11am to 3pm Sundays) EXHIBITION: Vilma Nyss and Barbara Taylor-Harris Vilma and Barbara use innovative techniques combined with a variety of styles and subjects to ensure another creative and exciting exhibition. All work for sale to suit all budgets.

Victoria Hall, Oakham, Admission is free.

Oranges and Sunshine (15) tells the story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered the scandal of forced migration of children from the United Kingdom. Ashley Village Hall Main Street, Ashley. Tickets £5 adults £3 for 12-16 year olds, Tel: 01858 565410

Friday 11 November, 7.30pm CONCERT: Barb Jungr sings Bob Dylan Barb performs her acclaimed interpretations

of Bob Dylan songs described by critics as magnificent, mesmerising and magical.

The Core, Corby Cube, Tickets are £13/£11 Tel: 01536 470470 or www.thecorecorby.com. Further information at www.nicbranstonfoundation.org

Saturday 19 November EVENT: Honey Pot Christmas Craft Fair Unique and original gifts for Christmas from local artists.

Congregational Church Hall, Oakham Admission is free, for more details contact Michelle Leaper 01536 771874

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Monday 21 November, 7pm to 9pm EVENT: Gift Evening and Prize Raffle Great Christmas shopping opportunity featuring local shops and businesses with proceeds to North Luffenham Pre-School.

North Luffenham Community Centre

Friday 25 November, 8.30am to 11.15am EVENT: Country Market Last chance to order for Christmas – locally produced bread, cakes, pastries, jams, chutneys, eggs, fresh vegetables, cards and gifts. Fill your freezer for a wonderful homemade touch to your festivities.

The Congregational Church Hall , High Street, Oakham

Saturday 26 November to Saturday 24 December EXHIBITION: Mike Dodd – New Pots Perhaps one of the most accessible and userfriendly of the UK’s finest potters, Dodd’s work comes from the heart of the kitchen and the beauty of the countryside so his beautiful pots make beautiful tableware.

Admission is free. www.goldmarkart.com

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, 11am to 4pm EVENT: Party in the Castle – Artists’ Christmas Fayre Artists from all over the county will be exhibiting their work, which will range from paintings, printmaking and photography, to sculpture and ceramics, mixed media, textiles and hand-made jewellery. Find that perfect, unique gift at a bargain price directly from the artist.

Information at www.rutlandopenstudios. co.uk. For a brochure Tel: 01572 747 639 Oakham Castle, Admission is free.

Sunday 27 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm WORKSHOP: Christmas Wreaths Sue Jarvis shows you how to make a beautiful natural wreath to take home. This relaxed and friendly morning course includes detailed demonstrations, festive refreshments and all materials.

Barnsdale Gardens, Exton Price £25.00, Tel: 01572 813200 or www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Christmas Carols...

Monday 4 December, 7.30pm EVENT: The Rutland NSPCC Carol Concert Sponsored by Don Paddy’s Wine Bar and Restaurant, the concert signals the start of Christmas for many local people and this year features readings by Lars Tharp from Antiques Roadshow, Mary Berry from the Great British Bake Off and former England and British Lions rugby star Peter Wheeler amongst others.

All Saints Church, Oakham Tickets £12 from Gates Nursery, Don Paddy’s Uppingham, and Buy the Book in Oakham.

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Book early for…

Friday 2 December – 14 January, 7.30pm, matinees 2.15pm THEATRE: 42nd Street A touch of Broadway is coming to Leicester this Christmas! 42nd Street is the inspiring story of small town girl Peggy Sawyer and her meteoric rise from chorus line hoofer to Broadway star.

Packed with show-stopping numbers including ‘We’re in the Money’, ‘Keep Young and Beautiful’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ and of course the spectacular title number, ‘42nd Street’, this show is a celebration of toe-tapping, foot-stomping, deliciously uplifting razzmatazz not to be missed.

Curve Theatre, Leicester Tickets from £13 Tel: 0116 242 3595. www.curveonline.co.uk

Young singers required….

The Clarion Young Singers are seeking new members and are especially interested in children aged from 11 – 18 years. Highly acclaimed Musical Director, Rachel Branston tells us that this season there is a little more ‘Glee’ in the air with show choir choreography by street dance guru Sarah Bell. The choir rehearses weekly at Clarion House, Dean’s Street from 4pm to 5pm and regularly performs at concerts and events although the main aim is to have fun with music and encourage personal development through singing – all are welcome. Young musicians from grade 3 and singers may also be interested in the Christmas Pantomime workshop – see the website for more details or Tel: 07875 417476

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WIN YOUR DREAM CHRISTMAS WITH QUEENSGATE – WORTH HUNDREDS OF POUNDS

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olar Panel Installation From an Established and Reliable Local Business

Steve Rudkin Electrical Contractors Limited has been providing an efficient and reliable service for homes, offices, shops and factories since 1997. The company is registered with the NICEIC as an Approved Electrical Contractor and has been pro-active with the integration and use of energy saving technologies.

The company is also approved under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installer and is experienced in the delivery of a complete professional and friendly solar installation service. We provide a no-obligation survey and design through to the final installation test and commissioning of the solar system. Full technical and administrative support is provided throughout the process which ensures clients are eligible to receive the Tax-free, Index-linked Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) payments from the day of installation. System pay-back periods tend to be between 6 to 9 years, showing returns on initial capital investment of 12 to 15%.

At current rates a domestic 4kW system could benefit you in excess of £60,000 over 25 years. Feed in Tariff starting rates are set to be reduced next April, therefore there has never been a better time to invest.

Please contact Steve for further information

• Domestic • Industrial • Commercial • Testing & Certification • P.A.T. Testing • Renewable Energy

With Christmas just around the corner, it is time to start feeling festive and start the seasonal shop as Queensgate has once again got Christmas all wrapped up.

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rom Monday 28 November through to 23 December, shoppers will be able to shop until 9pm weekdays and enjoy free parking after 5.30pm, to find that perfect present or party outfit. Plus, to kick-start the seasonal spirit, the centre will be revealing its brand new Christmas decorations at the annual Christmas lights switch-on event on 3 November, followed by a bumper programme of funfilled festive activity in the run up to the big day.

A truly incredible prize to be won Better still, in keeping with the season of goodwill, Queensgate is offering the chance for one lucky reader to win their very own dream Christmas.

For a fantastically foodie Christmas, the jam-packed prize includes everything you could need for the festive feast from Waitrose. From a tasty turkey to all the trimmings, crackers to champagne, mince pies to marzipan, Waitrose’s wonderful selection of gourmet goodies will bring that little bit of luxury to your table this year.

To ensure your decor dazzles, John Lewis has provided a Christmas tree and a selection of decorations, including beautiful baubles, luminous lights and stylish stockings. Plus, to add that all-important traditional touch, the prize includes a beautiful wreath from popular florist, Fleur.

Plus, for the ultimate self-indulgence, LUSH has added to the wish-list with its ‘Northern Lights’ gift set of gorgeous goodies, guaranteed to make sure you sparkle all season long. While for a treat for the feet, the winner will receive a £50 voucher from Schuh to spend on new shoes to get in the seasonal swing.

But that’s still not quite a Christmas wrap! The jam-packed prize package also includes a selection of Christmas cards and wrapping paper from Paperchase.

Making for the festive finale, the winner will receive a Queensgate gift card worth £100 to spend in more than 90 shops throughout the shopping centre including John Lewis, M&S, Waitrose, Pandora, Republic and more.

So, if you would like Santa to come early this year and have a chance to win this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question – you’d be crackers not to!

On what date will Queensgate be holding its popular Christmas switch-on event this year? a) 2 November b) 3 November c) 7 November Entry by email only via Stamford Living’s website at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk. Closing date for entries is Friday November 25th, 2011. The winner will be the first correct entry picked out of a hat.

07802 717701

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LOCAL BUSINESS

TRAVEL New York, New York

There’s something very special about New York, maybe it’s the energy which pulsates through the heart of Manhattan, or it could be the diversity of the five neighbourhoods which make up New York or perhaps it’s the world famous icons which dot the landscape in every direction. Whatever it is, prepare to be hooked. New York is without doubt one of the most exciting cities on the planet. The buzz which pervades it is highly addictive and the many attractions are world class and world famous. The most famous attractions are there to enjoy all year round – icons like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and the Rockefeller Center to name but a few. Then there’s the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 memorial.

Top Tips If you don’t mind which show you see, there’s no need to pay full price for Broadway Tickets, a wide range of same day/next day tickets are easy to come by and half the cost Use the subway to get around – it’s easy, quick and buy an all-day Metro Card for the best value Take a guided tour (Real New York Tours are the best) as early as possible into your trip to help you find your feet See the legendary Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center adorned with twinkling lights and towering over the ice rink beneath it as well as spectacular festive window dressings.

Shoppers have long flocked to New York for pre-Christmas trips.

The romance of the city is without doubt; take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Central Park and admire the city scene from this picturesque oasis of calm or take a stroll through well-heeled Greenwich Village, home to more than a handful of New York celebrities.

When it comes to hotels, there are many to choose

from but location is key and The Roosevelt on Madison Avenue at East 45th Street is a great three star hotel in one of the best locations. It’s just a couple of minutes from Grand Central Station and a short walk to Times Square. Alternatively, for an extra special, luxury experience, choose the world renowned Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue.

To find out more about New York and to book your short break, contact Emma Savage at Travel Counsellors on Tel: 0845 058 7554 or email emma.savage@travelcounsellors. com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk

Skiing Self-catering in ski resorts has often received bad press in the past; austere 1960s apartment blocks, rabbit hutch units, bunk bed cabin rooms, inadequate kitchenettes, lack of wardrobe space, etc. However, over the past 10 years resorts have been eager to gentrify their portfolio and have taken to building attractive properties using local stone, wood and slate. The transformation has been immense and with these new chic residences has come larger units catering for extended families and groups alike with fantastic facilities such as indoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, and spa treatments.

The greatest example of this being Arc 1950. Here we have a whole new ski in/ski out village in the Paradiski ski domain or Les Arcs created by Canadian ski resort designers and developers, Intrawest.

The village is a resort under one roof that includes designer boutiques, shops, restaurants, indoor and outdoor heated pools, spa facilities, bars, and or course luxury self catering accommodation. The traffic free pedestrianised village is perfect for walkers and skiers and has a magical winter wonderland feel that is popular with the family market as well as the empty nesters. In addition, lots of après ski events are organised to add to the atmosphere including firework displays, tepee nights, and general themed evenings. Prices will vary according the season but generally these units are far more affordable than many would imagine with prices starting at £710.00 per unit based on either 07/14 January staying in a 2 room classic apartment sleeping 4 guests.

Contact: Nick Edwards, Snow Finders www.snowfinders.co.uk, Tel: 01858 466888 RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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READER OFFERS

All About You Reader offers and events

The Blue Ball The Blue Ball in Braunston, the oldest inn in the county, is the perfect place to head on a cold wintery day or night with its roaring fires and warm welcome.

Take advantage of the lunch for less offer this November with 2 courses £14.95 or 3 Courses at £17.95 Starters Homemade Soup of the Day Served With a Homemade Crusty Roll and Butter Salad of Home Smoked Chicken, Mulled pear and Honey Roast Walnuts, Herb Oil Dressing Goatscheese Filo Tartlet with Red Onion Marmalade, Pinenuts and Tomato Compote Sautee Tiger Prawn Salad, Sweet Chilli, Ginger and Soy Mains Char Grilled, 6oz Rump Steak Served With Hand Cut Chips, Orange and Parsley Butter 3 Hour Braised Cassoulet of Chicken with Buttered New Potatoes Baked Salmon Steak, Sautee Potatoes and Spinach with a Lemon Cream Sauce Fresh, Wild Mushroom Tagliatelli in a Cream Sauce with Shallots and Parmesan Shavings Desserts Scented Vanilla Cream with Homemade Shortbread and Hubba Bubba Sorbet Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding, Butterscotch Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream Chocolate Delice served with Espresso Cream and Pistachio Crumb Selection of Homemade Ice Creams Served in a Crisp Tuile Basket

Reader Offer Get a free bottle of house wine for 2 with the Lunch for Less Offer on weekdays up until the end of November.

Just mention ‘Rutland Living offer’ when booking.

The Blue Ball, Braunston Art Corner. Now Showing: ‘Within, Without’ - Abstract paintings and limited edition prints by Pip Nall, many based on her return to the local area.

Until end November 2011.

Contact: 6 Cedar Street, Braunston in Rutland LE15 8QS. Tel: 01572 722135, New website: www.theblueballbraunston.co.uk.

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Happy 1st birthday to Vanilla on Mill Street, Oakham

To celebrate in style they are holding a fantastic fashion event on Thursday 17th November at 7pm. Enjoy live jazz, wine and supper and a presentation on dressing to suit your body shape by image consultant Cleo Lacey.

Tickets £10. Tel 01572 757577

Reader offer

Stamford Cookery School For true Rutland Style cooking head to Stamford on Tuesday nights between 6pm and 8pm this month for Matt Gregory’s new classes on: Fur: “If you aint never caught a rabbit then you aint no friend of mine Well you won’t be hunting rabbits, but you will be learning how to skin, joint and fillet a rabbit.

You will have the opportunity to watch it done and then to have a go yourself using a variety of techniques using a couple of rabbits. Depending on availability we will also look at Hare (maybe even squirrel) and discuss techniques for deer.

We will discuss different ways of cooking rabbit and hare to get the best out of them, how to assess quality when buying it and depending on time we will cook some up to see how it behaves in the pan. You will have you prepared rabbits to take home with you.”

Feather: “If you have friends that shoot, or have ever been in the situation when someone says, “Would you like a brace of pheasants?” but don’t know where to start with them, then this is the course for you. There will be a demonstration followed by the opportunity to have a go yourself at plucking, skinning, drawing, jointing and breasting out game birds using a brace of pheasants. We will also look at other feathered game and their relative merits, depending on availability there will be partridge, pigeons, ducks, woodcock and snipe on hand. You will have your prepared pheasants to take home with you.”

Address: Stamford Cookery School, Brownlow Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2EL Tel: 01780 752172, Email: info@stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk, www. stamfordcookeryschool.co.uk When: 1st November “Fur”, 15th November “Feather”, 29th November “Fur”, 13th December “Feather”

Reader Offer: If you would like to win a place on one of the evenings (subject to availability) simply e-mail rutlandliving@gmail.com with the term for a pair of pheasants.

Stamford Artisans Guild’s Oakham Christmas Fair Time : 12 November · 11:00 - 16:00 Location : Oakham Castle, Castle Lane - LE15 6DR

Christmas Shopping Event!

Join local Artists, Designers and Makers for a Celebration of Handicrafts showcasing LOCAL craft talent & selected Visiting Artisans selling Jewellery, Cards, Pottery, Crystals, Woodwork, Glassware, Sewing, Art, Photographs and more...

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Rutland Shutters Made to measure Plantation Shutters For a free brochure or quotation contact

Tel. 01664 474013 Mob. 07768 695236

mail mail@rutlandshutters.co.uk web www.rutlandshutters.co.uk

KEN RAWSON

GARDEN DESIGNS NO PROBLEM Many designs begin with a problem to solve. Many start with lots! Be it patios, privacy, overgrown shrubs or lack of colour,

Open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm Midland Court, Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RA

It can be solved Ring 01780 481624 to see how www.kenrawsongardendesigns.co.uk Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford. Established 1986

• garages • garden rooms • orangeries • home offices • conservatories • barns • stables • houses

Ceramics, mosaics, glass, porcelain orcelain and natural stone Karndean floor coveringss Underfloor heating Bespoke glass splashbacks Complete omplete design & tiling service

Tel 01572 722500 | info@rutlandtilegallery.co.uk

www.rutlandtilegallery.co.uk

Design is crucial in everything we do, be it structural calculations or aesthetic detailing, you can rely on us giving you expert advice. Our projects have covered everything from complete house framing to simple outbuildings, from cladding, floors, fixtures and fittings and porches, even simple replacement beams in listed buildings - nearly every one of our projects is unique.

Oak is a natural material ever changing in texture and colour adding life and atmosphere wherever it’s used.

Let us help you be convinced that an oak structure is the best investment you can make for both your home and your lifestyle.

Simply call us or visit our website for further details.

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PERSPECTIVES

DISCOVER RUTLAND Caroline Aston discovers why Rutlanders belong to the ‘Blessed’ and ‘Thankful’ village

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Rutland and the Great War

he week that opened with August 3rd 1914 found Rutland rife with rumour and talks of war. This did nothing to dampen spirits at the annual Rutland Horticultural Society Show held on the Bank Holiday, though the weather was showery to say the least.

The Territorials who formed the Oakham Company of the 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment had gone to Bridlington the week before to take part in their yearly 15 days of encampment and training: within 48 hours of arriving they were re-routed back to Oakham, enrolled to proceed on active service from which many of them would never return. War was declared on August 4th and on the 6th the Oakham ‘terriers’ were cheered to the echo as they marched off to Loughborough and thence to the trenches in Flanders and France. The Rutland Troop of the Leicestershire Yeomanry Cavalry assembled in Melton Mowbray at the call to arms and awaited mounts while Reservists living in the county flocked to the colours. Little Rutland was determined to live up to its reputation as ‘Though Least, Most Loyal’ of counties.

There were to be very few regiments that did not contain Rutland men. And although we are landlocked no less than 55 British ships had Rutland tars on board, including some of those sunk at the indecisive Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Our county was well represented in the Royal

Flying Corps too. Rutlanders were in the ill-fated Dardanelles expedition and fought in Salonika, Egypt and Palestine. They entered Jerusalem behind General Allenby and numbered among those at Kut in Mesopotamia who withstood Turkish attack for an heroic 143 days before surrendering. In fact Rutland sent over one third of its male population to the Great War: out of 3695 who went, 525 were killed and 479 wounded and disabled.

Sad enough figures but statistics that become even more meaningful when broken down. Ayston and Whitwell, for example, gave more than half their men and four out of ten of them made the supreme sacrifice. Five out of every hundred Rutland men lost their lives, with nearly the same number wounded and damaged forever.

Our ‘terriers’, who had marched off to Loughborough, were commanded by Colonel C. H. Jones of Uppingham.

They reached Le Havre at the end of February 1915, wretchedly seasick after a rough crossing and were issued with sheepskin coats and a pair of socks each sent by Queen Mary.

Eventually they fetched up at Hill 76 near Wulverghen, a hill held by German troops. A sniper here accounted for Mr C. Kernick of Oakham, a senior NCO of 18 years service. All our brave men fought on through till 1918, a year which saw many of them mustard- gassed and a number falling sick with influenza.

Virtually everywhere there was a battle there were Rutland men. We had no county battalion of our own so the smallest county in England was represented among numerous regiments, both county and town. Let us not forget either the women of Rutland who worked on committees, bottled fruit, knitted balaclavas and socks by the score and nursed the convalescent wounded in places like Hambleton Hall, which became a hospital for 25 men.

When the guns finally fell silent in 1918 Rutland became one the few counties with what was known as a ‘Blessed’ or ‘Thankful’ village. In such rare places all those residents who had gone to war safely came home. Teigh Church holds a memorial

to the 17 men who were returned to their grateful families and to non-resident Pte. Haines who lost his life. This November remember all those Rutlanders who answered Lord Kitchener’s call and especially those who lie in some corner of a foreign field that is forever Rutland.

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A cheese board, for the cheese bored.

At Dobbies Farm Foodhall we sample hundreds of locally produced and internationally sourced artisan cheeses every year to bring you, what we believe, is one of the most exciting selections available. So next time you’re planning a lunch or a dinner party, you can serve cheeses worthy of a toast.

Cheese Counter | Butcher | Quality Fresh Foods | Bakery | Delicatessen | Wines & Ales Dobbies Garden World | Phorpres Way | Cygnet Park | Hampton | Peterborough PE7 8NY | Tel: 01733 898 640

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PERSPECTIVES

The Clothes Show Live

The Clothes Show Live returns to Birmingham NEC for the 23rd year and is the nation’s hottest beauty and fashion event. Amander Meade discovers the ultimate girls’ day out featuring over 500 shopping brands, celebrity presenters, live performances, fast paced catwalk shows and inspirational hair and beauty demonstrations

Plan your trip….

In years gone by I always attended the Clothes Show Live with a friend and last year took my daughters for the first time – my husband came too although it is fair to say he was in a gender minority by quite some way.

We took the train directly from Oakham station to the NEC where you literally walk straight into the venue. The train was much busier than I had expected – full of people off to the Clothes Show – first tip is to catch the earliest train you can – we had to stand.

The second thing you need to know is that the show is absolutely huge – if you are in a group, you will need a plan to find each other if necessary.

My eleven year old became ‘lost’ and only after a good look around, watching a mini catwalk show and seeing girl band ‘Parade’ perform did she hand herself in to Security who gave her biscuits and a T-shirt in the office before tracking us down to return her. Less ‘lost’ and more ‘escaped’ it turns out.

Shopping and Style…

Cleverly colour coded into areas to help you get around, there is everything from major high street and designer brands to cool and quirky labels by fashion graduates plus accessories, bags, shoes, scarves and jewellery. In the Hair & Beauty Zones you will find every kind of product on sale (and sometimes given away – especially at the end of the day). There are inspirational hair and beauty demonstrations, visitor makeovers, style advice, trend reports and performances from new and breaking musical performers.

One of my favourite sections is devoted to the work of the fashion students from colleges around the country including catwalk shows of their work. The experts invite you to improve your knitting, stitching,

needlework and sewing skills. You can purchase materials for your projects and learn how to customize garments to suit your shape. Within this section there are lots of independent labels on sale – who knows you may discover a future Matthew Williamson or Alexander McQueen.

Dance Show…

Something new to Clothes Show live since my last visit is the addition of a simultaneous Dance Show which is free with a Clothes Show ticket.

Visitors can take part in masterclasses and workshops, learn the moves from West End shows and join professional dancers live on the Dance Stage – a must for any dance enthusiast.

The World’s largest catwalk show...

Forty-five minutes long, forty models and dancers, three hundred and fifty outfits, eight scene changes plus celebrities and live music – your ticket includes a seat in the fashion theatre to watch the fabulous catwalk show. An absolute highlight to the day is the chance to see new season high-street, designer, couture and boutique fashion collections. The excitement reaches fever pitch in the fashion theatre and with a 99% female audience, the male models try and outdo each other for attention – fun to watch too.

Do – Go with like minded fashion fans and take plenty of water/snacks to keep you going.

Don’t – Take little ones, it’s too busy and too long a day.

Clothes Show Live takes place 2 – 7 December at the Birmingham NEC www.clothesshowlive.com for more information RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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PROPERTY

HIGH END PROPERTY:

IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT HOUSE A picture perfect classic Georgian house has long been high on the shopping list of top end buyers in the property market, searching for the perfect house; the one; the dream. Harjit Gammon talks to local Stamford agents to discover the current high end property hot picks and presents a selection of the cream of the crop currently or recently on the market for your appraisal

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tamford is a natural head starter in the search, given its stunning period properties, as recently reported in the Evening Standard, but also because of the wealth of excellent local schools, such as the Stamford Endowed Schools, Oakham, Oundle and Uppingham, says Yvonne Szymborska of agents King West.

The market for these properties is buoyant, Yvonne relates. Buyers are drawn to the area not only by the outstanding schooling available here, but also by a nesting urge prompting a coming home to roost, as well as, more prosaically, the necessities of moving with a job. Defining the top end as properties in the £1-5 million range, James Eastaway, managing partner at Fine & Country and Edward Brassey, director at King West both concur that the first and most enduring request is for Georgian properties with high ceilings, spacious rooms, and presence. Stuart Paton of Chesterton Humberts adds to this heady wish list rectories, and goes on to explain that, “the most desirable properties are still Georgian houses that are not oversized, have a good balance of accommodation; three good reception rooms, good kitchen or potential, good balance of

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bedrooms to bathrooms, and are in a good location.”

With the occupants of these highly desirable properties generally being long stayers, moving only for genuine reasons (relocation, up or downsizing, death or divorce), the number of these properties available at any one time tends to be limited, resulting in them being snapped up. Though in the present market, an important caveat to saleability, says Paton, is those properties which are “sensibly priced”.

Falling in love with a house is still undeniably a potent sale clincher, but of late, according to Annabel Morbey of Smiths Gore other more rational criteria, such as the quality of the fittings and setting of the house on the land, particularly in the countryside, have begun to play a part. The net result has been a little slowing in the pace of sales. It is not uncommon now for prospective purchasers to return several times to view and to negotiate hard for fixtures and fittings, the experts reveal. Recently some buyers not only agreed the inclusion of a tractor and mowers in their purchase but rather enterprisingly lessons in cutting the hedges!

Heavenly Rectory: The Old Rectory, Beckingham, Lincolnshire.

Chesterton Humberts

Knock out Kitchen: Ancaster House, Empingham (sold).

King West

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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North Luffenham Hall, King West

North Luffenham Hall, King West

Stunning classic beauties: Glebe House Easton-on-the-Hill, King West

Outstanding views: Manor Cottage, Collyweston. Fine & Country.

DIRECTORY

Belmesthorpe Grange, Smiths Gore

Chesterton Humberts 5 Ironmonger Street Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 758090 www.chestertonhumberts.com Fine & Country 2 St. Mary’s Street Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 750 200 www.fineandcountry.com King West 13 St. Mary’s Street Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 484 520 www.kingwest.co.uk Smiths Gore 9 High Street St. Martin’s Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 484696 www.smithsgore.co.uk RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011 61

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VILLAGE FOCUS

How Guy Fawkes

lost the Plot

A local village was at the heart of events on that fateful November 5th night when English history was almost changed for ever, says Dave Phillips

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t’s a funny old world. We like to think we live in enlightened times, yet every November 5th we burn effigies of a would-be terrorist who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament more than 400 years ago.

It is said (with tongue not always fully in cheek) that Guy Fawkes was the last man to enter the Houses of Parliament with honourable intentions. He certainly took the rap – and it’s his effigy that is burned with glee every Bonfire Night when Britain marks the momentous events of November 5th 1605.

You could be forgiven for thinking that poor old Guy met a terrible end by being burned alive on a giant bonfire, but it was actually worse than that. He was hung, drawn and quartered – which means he was hung by the neck until almost dead, then castrated, disembowelled and, finally, beheaded. His severed head was then stuck on a spike for all to see. Nice.

It could be reasonably argued that instead of perpetuating Fawkes’ demise in such a gruesome manner, it would be a better idea to understand how the Gunpowder Plot came about. And you can do just that by visiting Dunchurch, on the outskirts of Rugby. Here, in the centre of the village, is a half-timbered cottage known as Guy Fawkes’ House. But that’s something of a misnomer, for he was the only one of the plotters not to have visited the house, which back in 1605 was a pub, known as the Old Star Inn. On November 5th 1605, while Fawkes was preparing to light the fuse to 36 barrels of gunpowder hidden in the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament, his co-conspirators were assembled in the Old Star Inn, awaiting news of the plot’s success. They then planned to ride to nearby Coombe Abbey and capture the King’s daughter, Elizabeth, and place her on the throne.

But it wasn’t to be. Another member of the plot, Francis Tresham, a rich property owner from near Kettering, had broken the plotters’ vow of secrecy by tipping off one of his relatives, an MP who would have perished in the blast. That relative, the 4th Baron Monteagle, in turn told the authorities, who searched the cellars at Westminster and caught Guy Fawkes red-handed.

On hearing the news, the other plotters fled from Dunchurch, but were soon rounded up and dealt with in the same grisly manner as Guy Fawkes – except for Francis Tresham, who was apparently poisoned while imprisoned in the Tower of London.

This should be drama enough for any village, but Dunchurch is steeped in history. Many of the picture-postcard-perfect cottages date back to the 15th Century and the original stocks for miscreants are still in situ on the village green

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(thankfully unoccupied on my visit).

For centuries, Dunchurch was an important staging post on the coaching road from London to Holyhead (now the A45) and up to 40 stagecoaches a day would stop at Dunchurch’s six inns – the most famous of which is the Dun Cow, whose famous guests have included the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, a young Queen Victoria and the famous engineer, Robert Stephenson, who stayed there in the 1830s while he oversaw the trickiest part of the construction of the first railway line out of the capital – the London-Birmingham line (known today as the West Coast main line).

Landowners from Northampton had refused to allow the railway to come to their town, so it had to be diverted through the higher ground to the west, which meant building the Kilsby Tunnel – the longest in the world at that time, at 2,432 yards (2,223 metres) long. Working 120 feet below the surface, the 1,250 men employed on the project soon hit quicksand and disaster followed disaster. In all, 26 workers were killed and it took two years to complete at more than three times the original estimate of £99,000 (about £25 million in today’s money).

It eventually opened in 1838 and Stephenson celebrated with a huge banquet at the Dun Cow, which is marked by a metal plaque near the front door.

Today, the Dun Cow is a modern hotel, with an excellent restaurant and a bar that’s open all day. But it’s not the only watering hole in this busy village, where there are three more hotels as well as a pub and two more restaurants.

These days, Dunchurch is also known as the Bridal capital of the Midlands, on account of the fact that so many businesses cater for bridesto-be.

Susan Houston, who runs Amoré Plus with her daughter, Lisa Cobble, said it all started three years ago when she discovered Dunchurch was the perfect location for a bridal shop, thanks to the close proximity of three local wedding venues, a florist, two hairdressers, a beauty salon and a cake shop. Since then, three more bridal shops have opened and there is also a shop specialising in wedding covers, as well as a barber’s shop.

“Brides-to-be come here from all over the country and further afield because it is so selfcontained,” says Susan, whose shop specialises in gowns in sizes 18 to 36. “We’ve even had customers from Canada. They love coming to Dunchurch because it is a lovely village and so different from a city centre location. People are starting to call it the Bridal capital of the Midlands!”

I wonder what poor old Guy Fawkes would make of it all…

Dunchurch village stocks

Dun Cow coaching inn

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Guy Fawkes house

Dunchurch is just off the A45, south of Rugby. Guy Fawkes’ House is in the centre of the village (OS ref: SP486711).

If you want to take the kids on a Gunpowder Plot tour, also visit nearby Ashby St Legers gatehouse (SP571681), owned by Robert Catesby, ringleader of the Gunpowder Plot, and where the conspirators met to plan their audacious plot.

Nearby places to visit include Draycote Water (SP561691), just a mile south-west of Dunchurch, with almost five miles of shoreline to walk. Activities include flyfishing for trout, sailing and bird watching.

For gardeners, the world-famous Ryton Organic Gardens (SP 403741) are five miles north-west.

RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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PROFILE

Fiona Allen, Chief Executive of Curve TheATre, Leicester Fiona Allen has completed her first year as Chief Executive of the groundbreaking Curve Theatre in Leicester – she speaks to Amander Meade about Sydney Opera House, the British weather and the new season of productions at Curve

What inspired you to pursue a career in the world of the arts?

When I was about ten I took up the clarinet and became very keen on classical music – I remember saving up my pocket money to buy Herbert von Karajan recordings. I was also lucky that during secondary school we had regular theatre and concert excursions, and my parents took me to galleries at weekends.

Later on, aged around eighteen, I bought a pair of signed prints of the Sydney Opera House by the late Australian artist John Coburn – my first visual arts purchases – and they hung on my college walls throughout university. I used to look at them and think, “One day I want to run the Sydney Opera House”. The funny thing is, when I later did work there for a period, the exact same prints were hanging in the Chief Executive’s Office there.

As a native Australian and a leading light in the worlds of opera and film in Sydney, what prompted your move to Wales and what cultural differences surprised you?

Well I hadn’t counted on all the rain, and I had never even heard of Gore-tex! One of the biggest cultural differences I found was the everyday use of Welsh language and a bilingual workplace where I would hear both English and Welsh being used around me – that was something I had not anticipated, but came to love. It’s a beautiful language and the Welsh are passionate, generous people. The move came about simply because I wanted some new challenges, and moving to the other side of the world seemed a good one. I was lucky enough

to be offered a twelve month contract by Judith Isherwood, who had been head honcho at Sydney Opera House whilst I was there, and was busy setting up Wales’ Millennium Centre. I loved it and stayed for six and a half years but ultimately it was time to move on to something new and I’m very glad to have landed at Curve.

In Wales you seemed to have a special passion for dance – what do you think might capture your imagination here in the Midlands at Curve?

I’ve always appreciated dance but only come to love it in the last ten years and here in the UK you have easy access to the world’s greatest companies. I hope that we can get more dance to complement the theatre and musicals offered at Curve. Already I am inspired by Leicester’s extraordinary diversity – the wealth of cultures and influences that co-exist here so beautifully. The work we create here at Curve needs to reflect and celebrate this diversity in a way that all audiences can appreciate.

Paul Kerryson has an uncanny knack of providing just the right show at the right time – what are your own ambitions for the venue?

Well Paul is a very clever man, and his uncanny knack comes from years of experience. I hope to be able to work with him to build on the excellent work he has already been doing.

My own ambitions for the venue are to see it become a place that has a national, and even international, reputation for the productions that are made here in Leicester – and to have

a special place in the hearts of people in the city and county. Curve needs to become a place people feel they can just drop by – for coffee, lunch, to look at an exhibition, to take part in a holiday workshop or see a free performance, and of course as well to come to the theatre.

It’s a stunning building and a hub for Leicester’s cultural community; I want Curve to be busy all the time and for all our visitors to take away an impression of Leicester as a vibrant, creative city. The Sydney Opera House is an icon that has come to represent far more than just the productions it hosts- an image of the Opera House sails says a lot about Sydney as a city.

I hope that similarly that Curve will represent Leicester as an exciting, cosmopolitan place to live and visit.

What does the new season have in store?

The shows in the autumn season range from thrilling drama, dance, new writing and family friendly work. This Christmas we bring the excitement of Broadway to Leicester with ‘42nd Street’ – a spectacular musical treat directed by Paul Kerryson plus two studio productions for our younger audiences, ‘Room on the Broom’ and ‘One Snowy Night’. Looking even further ahead, the spring season is now on sale and we are delighted that Matthew Bourne will be returning to Curve with his magical version of ‘The Nutcracker’ and Paul Kerryson will be directing a new Curve Production of the Broadway musical ‘Gypsy’.

• The website is the best place to keep up to date with on-sale announcements www.curveonline.co.uk

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GALLERY

AS EVER, AN ECLECTIC SELECTION!

1. A Book of Symbols – the first of sixteen paintings from the collection ‘In Search of The Golden Caroline’ an exhibition by Lizzie Riches to be hosted by the National Trust at Blickling Hall next summer 2012.

Call Red Dot Gallery for more information.

2. Quirky and certainly different, Original ceramic pieces by Jane Muir are hand modelled, painted and fired in the artist’s London studio.

Jane exhibits her work in America, Japan and Europe – we are thrilled to have a collection in Holt.

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3. Heirloom Cushions – we have added to this ever popular range, black, chocolate and golden Labradors abound…..fetch!

See a great selection at www.thereddotgallery.com 4. ‘Electra’ the rather exotic cat – is just one from a range of original paintings and silkscreen prints that feature adorned animals, Artist Kate Leiper is one of the most popular artists at The Red Dot – visit us to see why!

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5.Golly it’s Polly! Just one of Guy Allen’s lovely original etchings, this Jack Russell won’t be sitting around too long as

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there are just 15 in the edition. From a selection in the gallery.

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Advertisement Feature

16/9/11 15:43:41 19/10/11 17:28:22

WRITER’S SPOT

Trample of approval Janey Edkins, a recent arrival in Ketton from South Africa, has just written her first novel, ‘Walking on Marshmallows’, which she is hoping to get published. Here she writes about falling in love with her new adopted country

W

hat’s not to love about a pile of horse apples** ethereally steaming outside your window? On reflection, what’s also not to love about local and somewhat dapper publican of Ketton’s infamous Railway Inn, Clifford Daly (cufflinks twinkling in the mid-morning sun) rigorously scraping up said effluent with a shovel the size of a tipper truck.

Obviously he has his reasons – either he’s an avid rose cultivator, is afflicted with OCD, or simply doesn’t savour the idea of the tyres of his gleaming armada of vehicles becoming entrapped for infinity with the indelible gunk.

But I digress here and think I need to elucidate (hurriedly!) before all you locals think I am totally and utterly bonkers!

I, or rather I should say my family, has recently returned from living in South Africa, and by a pure twist of fate had the providence of finding ourselves living in the delectably beautiful and timeless village of Ketton.

Not that I’m obsessed with horse deposits as such, but reverting back -- as much as we wanted to leave Africa, Africa doesn’t appear fit to leave us.

In spite of said poop-scooping vigilant keeping an occasional beady eye on this narrow stretch of road, every time a consignment of horses clomp regally past, they seem to have this inexorable urge to push! Hence, after being squelched to unrecognisable proportions by the gentle ebb and flow of local traffic this Himalayan dollop has ended up miraculously in the shape of the map of Africa — even cheekily leaving a few splatters to the east, demarcating Mauritius, the Seychelles and Madagascar!

Pure fantasy of course, but, putting all that aside this horse palaver does make me grin rather stupidly, primarily because no-one seems to mind. In fact, if anything it seems to be worn like some sort of badge of honour!

And who could blame them? What a privilege to live in a place steeped with so much history, such character, and oozing such charm.

Without mincing my words — I’m bowled over by it all.

Arriving here about six months ago, bizarrely on the hottest recorded day of the year, (which just goes to show how the elements chose to be very kind and break us in gradually) we made our way up from Heathrow, to be greeted by our friends (also émigrés from Africa and now living in Stamford) who had very kindly collected the keys for our new home.

Suitcases dumped and exhaustion forgotten I simply couldn’t wait to explore my new environs. Armed with my daughter’s camera, I made the rounds snapping up — much to the bemusement of a few locals — every

conceivable edifice and landmark in sight.

Who could resist those chocolate box stone cottages boasting such lively hanging baskets? Who could resist herbaceous borders brimming with hollyhocks stretching way past the eves, the crunch of gravel at every turn, a bijou of a post office so reminiscent of yester-year? And of course the horse dung. Who could forget that — the absolute and raison d’etre of country existence? …needless to say I couldn’t defy the urge to take a quick snap of that too — just for posterity, you understand.

And actually, as I now stare broodingly out of my extremely tiny, deepledged vista, soaking up the magnificent sandstone church spire and its demarcating sentinel of crooked tomb stones, it’s still there, the objet de ma fixation, a little worse for wear, (since we had a couple of weddings and a funeral here this weekend) but still fighting fit and readable (if you happen to be a cartographer!) and I can’t help wondering how my life has changed. Having swapped humidity for inclement, huge and sprawling for tiny and cramped, rainbow-nation-chaos for finite structure and order, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I will never knock Africa; it swept me along with all its debris of idealism for many years and I had a wonderful existence. But you know that old adage “England, my England”— a bit mushy and sentimental, but it practically sums it up for me — Ketton and surrounds are quintessentially one of the most beautiful spots in England!

Tallyho and all that…oh look…

Plip-plop…plipperty plop… …is that a spot of rain?

My word, finally we might get a chance to wash away the mush, and breathe in some…fresh…air.

Hang on.

Is — is that…?

Did I speak too soon? Mingled with the plipperty-plop is that a clippertyclop?

Yes, yes ‘fraid it is. And here they come skirting round the corner, those tawny and oh such majestic beasts, tail twitching and swishing…ready to offload a fresh steamy emerald-hued deposit right where the other one is practically…well almost, but no-t quite indiscernible. ** Grassy waste matter expelled from rear end of equestrian mammal.

• If you would like to submit a piece of writing for consideration, then email about 700 words to rutlandliving@gmail.com RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING NOVEMBER 2011

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ACTIVITIES

EXTON AND FORT HENRY Exton has a rich history, some attractive countryside around it and an excellent pub to enjoy

Distance: Typical time: Height gain: OS map: Start & finish From Stamford

10 kms (6.25 miles) 2 1/2 - 3 hours None Explorer 234 The Green, Exton 11 kms (6.9 miles): A606 west to Empingham, then North West on Exton Road

WALK DIRECTIONS:

1

Park at The Green. Head out on the NW side, past lovely thatched cottages; after about a 100 metres turn left, then shortly after that right, passing Exton Estate Farm on your left; on crossing a cattle grid bear right and follow a metalled track for about a kilometre.

Take a left at this point (another path continues straight ahead); follow this new track round a field, down a small dip; shortly after you have regained the height there is a farm track to the right, which runs dead straight due east, with old ironstone workings to your right; follow this track for 2kms.

Shortly after entering a wood, descend some wooden steps to your right, leading down to North Brook (a tributary of the Gwash).

After a few minutes the splendid Fort Henry will come into view; continue to head south, past another smaller lake, following the line of North Brook; about 1km after the second lake, the path crosses the brook and leads up to the road, past a trout hatchery on your left.

At the road, turn right and follow the road for about 1/2 km; then take a path leading off to the right, which takes you down to a tributary of North Brook; follow this stream west for about 1 1/2 kms.

Just after a stile you have a choice of path; the path to the right involves less road, passing by the school; turn right on regaining the road, then next left back to The Green.

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The Church (south of The Green, along a small road) The present building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Much restoration was carried out in the Victorian era in 1850 following the spire being struck by lightning, destroying much of the roof.

The church is famous for its monuments.

Pevsner declared: “There are no churches in Rutland and few in England in which English sculpture from the 16th to the 18th centuries can be studied so profitably and enjoyed so much as at Exton.”

Refreshments Fox and Hounds The Green, Tel: 01572 812403 Continues to get good review for its Italian/ English mix. A recent blogger, Lisa Batty commented: “Good quality and locally-sourced ingredients are turned into superb dishes

by Valter, an extremely accomplished chef, making the Fox & Hounds one of Rutland’s best eateries.” • See the full review at: www.allthethrees.co.uk/index.php/2011/09/ the-fox-hounds-exton/

Fort Henry This unusual building (“a pleasurehouse of the most refined and elegant late eighteenth-century Gothick” as one earlier visitor described it) was built in the 1780s as a boathouse and picnic place. It was designed by William Legg of Stamford, masonry was executed

by George Beaver, plasterwork by John Tillson and decoration by Joseph Everard. The craftsmen were also from Stamford. The building was painstakingly restored in 1981.

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Fort Henry

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POINTS OF INTEREST Exton Exton – meaning ‘ox farm’ is mentioned in 1185 as Exton Park - ‘a wooded farm, enclosed for hunting deer’. It was Rutland’s largest park, at one time covering 1,500 acres and with a herd of 500 deer.

Exton Hall was re-built in the nineteenth century and there are many fine estate houses from this era in the village.

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EXTON

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Rutland Living - OBC - Nov 2011

Kitchens by Nathaniel Oliver

The Kitchen Showroom, Braunston Road, Oakham, LE15 8UH 01572 722 636 www.kitchensbynathanieloliver.co.uk

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