Stamford Living Magazine October 2016

Loving where we live!

STAMFORD LIVING www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living

Stamford’s Market Traders

Up early and full of good cheer Festive Feast

Find a great Christmas menu and venue

Days Out

A wander around Wisbech

Food/Fashion/Health & Beauty/Home & Garden/Lifestyle

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STAMFORD LIVING

October Contents www.stamfordliving.co.uk

Millets man gives way to Jack Wills gentleman Nothing stands still for long in retail. I was very sad to see that Millets has a closing down sale. But being in thriving Stamford, as one well-known brand leaves us, the new kid on the block in fashion, Jack Wills, rides into town just a few doors down.

I was amused looking at their websites how time moves on. The Millets home page features a bleak mountain scene which is (not so subliminally) suggesting that you have no chance of survival unless you stock up immediately with a full complement of rugged Millets’ products. The Jack Wills website, by contrast, makes you feel you will effortlessly become a millionaire and the subject of fervent love interest just by buying one of their stripy shirts.

I hope this doesn’t mean the next generation of Stamfordians is going to become too soft…

Nicholas Rudd-Jones

UPDATES, SHOPPING 23 Updates; Beautica, William Cecil award, Musicality Concert, Ewe Knitting Classes, ‘A Medieval Cornucopia’ Exhibition 38 Stamford’s Market Traders 58 Touch Typing Courses, Aqualyx at the Cosmetic Clinic, Beauty Bootcamp, Landmark IFA, The Welland School of Dancing Charity 70 Updates: UPP property market review, Joe’s Lawn Care, Rose Lodge Care/ Evergreen partnership

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 6 Thorpe Hall - what do the carers wear?

14 Bright Eyes, Flawless Faces October events and offers

HOME, GARDEN & BUSINESS

Editor

@StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living Editor and Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Stamford Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.bestlocallivingliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Claudia Bayley 01780 482828 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer Sarah Compton inkdesign@virginmedia.com Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne Cover photo this month: Aerial view of red Lion square by Kingsley Singleton, kingsleysingleton.com

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18 Interiors: The Power of Flowers 54 Sophie Allport celebrates its tenth anniversary 57 New Orchard showroom

18 FOOD & DRINK

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24 28 31 44 47

Autumn recipes Sean Hope recipe Steve Conway, head chef at Lambert’s Christmas Menus Take a break in the Chequers Inn in Thornham

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE & LEARNING 32 37 41 48 52 60 62 73

A day out in Wisbech Bateman’s Auctioneers Makers: Nicola Cliff, printmaker Music: The Children’s Choir at All Saints’ The Little Lane Nursery Pet Page: Tropical Fish Ask Leo: Stamford’s many apple varieties What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES 66 Stamford People: Daniel Twiddy 78 Stamford People: Stamford Cue makers, best in class

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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FASHION

From the ward to the catwalk

The Angel Christmas Fair will raise vital funds to support the work of Peterborough’s Sue Ryder, Thorpe Hall Hospice. There simply aren’t enough words to properly pay tribute to the care and dedication offered by the fabulous team there… but to say ‘thankyou’ on behalf of Stamford Living readers we asked stylist Sally Stillingfleet to assemble her own group of fashion and feelgood experts and offer some of the staff an end-of-summer treat PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

Caroline wears Esprit denim shirt £40, Mac jeans £100, Esprit tan boots £70, scarf £20, all Attic

Susan wears silk shirt £125 and rust cardigan £85, scarf £25 by Nice Things, plus Mac jeans £100, Esprit tan boots £70, all Attic

Susan Shackleton, Inpatients Unit Manager A keen runner and Stamford resident, Susan assesses care for new patients and has worked at Thorpe Hall for 11 years. Susan loved the rich colours and prints from Nice Things and was keen to try new shapes and styles.

Her gamine short-cropped hair was blow-dried and styled by Francesca for added volume and texture.

S

ALLY has worked for Stamford Living and its sister publications for many years, choosing themes, models, clothes and accessories for numerous fashion features. She knows her stuff, and she knows people, so when she says: “These literally are one of the most dedicated and lovely group of women I have come across,” you know they must be very special! She continues: “Thorpe Hall are so lucky to have these strong women as part of a bigger team. They are an inspiration – to all the patients they care for and their families, and the Peterborough area is so lucky to have this special place. Although the end

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Dr Caroline Anson Caroline previously worked in the Manchester area as a GP before moving into palliative care. A dedicated, highly regarded doctor she looks great in the outfits she chose and said they were ‘just her!’

Ever-practical and a mum to two young daughters, she has little time to be pampered. Her naturally curly hair was carefully softened with much larger curls and a beautiful make-up by Laura complemented her autumnal outfits.

journey is inevitable, it is filled with compassion, care and commitment, smiles and laughter and I am sure lovely memories are made in fantastic surroundings for everyone affected.

“These women put themselves last, so they enjoyed the chance to have some pampering and jumped at the opportunity to raise awareness for the Angel Christmas Fair, hoping to raise as much money possible.

Spending so much time finding outfits they liked and felt comfortable in was a pleasure, a privilege and the photoshoot itself was a day I won’t forget.”

Susan wears Silk shirt £125 and rust cardigan £85, scarf £25, all Nice Things. Mac jeans £100, Esprit tan boots £70, all Attic. Caroline wears Esprit denim shirt £40, Mac jeans £100, Esprit tan boots £70, scarf £20, all Attic

Susan wears Nice Things shirt £45 and Esprit blue jeans £45; Sally wears Ted Baker navy dress £159, John Lewis; Caroline wears Nice Things pansy print dress £70, Attic

Sally Allen, Senior Nursing Assistant, Hospice at Home Sally has two children and a love for a stripy top and jeans! They became her staples but in her bid to be more feminine, she experienced the talents of Lorraine, a Personal Stylist at John Lewis. Lorraine assessed Sally’s shape and made some bold suggestions. Sally loved the curvier silhouette created by choosing the right shapes. She was transformed with lovely natural make-up to go with plum and navy and once her hair was kept long and curly she soon go into her modelling role!

Fran Goodwin, Staff Nurse Fran has been at Thorpe Hall for two years, having previously worked in Nottingham. She loves her new role as a proud mum and lives near Wisbech.

Karen, from Womenswear at John Lewis, helped source dresses for Fran, who has a strong sense of how she likes to look. She loved the way Rebecca braided her hair and even managed to retain the style for work the next day on the ward!

Sally wears Oasis burgundy dress £55, John Lewis and Geox ankle boots, £125 Marcia May Shoes

Fran wears blue Studio 8 dress £89, John Lewis and Lotus navy shoes £49.95, Marcia May Shoes

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Fern wears pleated skirt £105 with Pepe T-shirt £45 and faux leather biker jacket, £150 and Kendall and Kylie black boots £160, all Energy

Fern Dettmer, Ward Sister Fern is from Stamford and has a five-year-old son. She really enjoyed the transformation and was great fun on the day. She felt she had lost her way with her look, so I asked Freya, part of the Energy team, to coax Fern out of her comfort zone, re-invigorate her love for fashion and show her how to mix it up a bit. She was transformed into ‘trendy’ and loved her new look. Her recently cropped hair was curled to complement the edgier outfits.

FASHION

From the ward to the catwalk

Dani wears Glamorous silky cami £22 and tutu £45 with Kendall and Kylie pixie boots £150, all Energy

Dani Friebel, Nursing Assistant Dani lives in Peterborough and originally came from Germany. Naturally striking, she’s also a yoga instructor and massage therapist and really took to her modelling role! She is about to embark on a Nursing Degree course, having worked at Thorpe Hall for four years.

Laura chose a smoky eye and more of a glamorous look for Dani. She has a strong sense of style and we all loved her in the Energy tutu!

Dani in French Connection dress £130, with Kendall and Kylie Pixie boots, £150, Energy

From left: Caroline; Sally; Fern in French Connection dress £72, Energy; Fran in Chesca dress £149, John Lewis; Laura; Susan in Nice Things green tunic £65, Attic; and Dani in French Connection dress, as above Laura wears teal Esprit Collection dress £60, Attic, with Hogel nude court shoes £110, Marcia May Shoes

Dr Laura Mitchell Laura is expecting her first baby and thought I wouldn’t be able to find a dress for a forthcoming wedding which would suit her romantic style or her bump. Laura came to Thorpe Hall after a friend told her there was a vacancy for another doctor… her initial two months became six months and she discovered palliative care was a field she cared deeply about. After trying on lots of dresses in Arch she plumped for the Esprit dress from Attic in a lovely teal colour. Francesca did a fantastic sophisticated ‘up do’ for Laura, to accentuate her face and the lovely natural make-up.

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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FASHION

From the ward to the catwalk MEET OUR TEAM…

L

AURA Thomson-Dunne is a talented make-up artist who is pursuing her dream of working on a mobile basis. She offers a full range of beauty treatments using all the very best cruelty-free and organic brands – everything is of the highest performance level with quality ingredients and an amazing finish.

For our seven special models she pulled out all the stops to create beautiful individual looks; Laura is unflappable and pays great attention to detail! She is available for weddings and a whole range of beauty treatments and for Nene Living readers Laura is offering 10 per cent off the first treatment booked – quote ref: NLBEAUTY10 • Beauty by Laura Thomson-Dunne.

07399 591343. www.ltdbeauty.co.uk

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ANY thanks to Francesca and Rebecca from Stamford’s Francesca Alexander salon, who created up-to-the-minute hairstyles for all our models which matched their outfits and different autumnal looks. We were all impressed with the Bumble and Bumble product range - it really does perform! Meet the whole team and enjoy a 20 per cent discount on your first service on either hair or beauty treatments at the salon.

• 7 Ironmonger Street, Stamford. 01780 482888. www.francescaalexander.co.uk STOCKISTS Attic, 33 St Mary’s St, Stamford. 01780 766667 Energy, Ironmonger St, Stamford.

01780 765633 Marcia May Shoes, 41 St. Mary’s St, Stamford.

01780 766608 John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough. 01733 344644 Elli Dean Photography, 07932 055548. www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

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INA Heaton kindly offered to help our models relax and experience a mini treatment in her ‘pop-up therapy zone’. The models found the Indian head massage with reiki soothing and calming, and it was lovely to have Nina’s energy on the day of the photoshoot.

Nina’s background is in holistic therapies and she helps people to resolve stress, gain clarity, increase energy levels and enhance well-being. She is a certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner, certified Human Software Engineer Coach (resolving emotions and feelings), Reiki practitioner and Master and certified NLP Practitioner.

Nina runs workshops and sessions for groups based on resolving stress, well-being and personal development – feel free to contact her to arrange a workshop, she is based in the Peterborough area. “All of these areas are about helping people to experience their true potential, whether it be simply how to relax or to transforming stuck areas in their life and expand personal development… it’s about creating a more joyful life!”

• 01733 236476. www.ninaheaton.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

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Health Health & & Beauty Beauty Therapy Therapy

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Special October offers Choose a Clarins Tri-Active or an Elemis Biotec Facial and receive a ½ hour Back Massage Free!

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Bringing treatments to the comfort of your own home, wedding or anywhere you require!

Quote SLBEAUTY10 for 10% off your first treatment.

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Book a Colour Treatment with our hair colourist Anna and receive 10% off

Go on, spoil yourself, you deserve it Tel: 01780 752725 www.maplesofstamford.co.uk 24 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DJ.

Is it time to re-discover your hearing?

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With our help your hearing can only get better.

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The Stamford Eye Clinic

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LASSES and other optical appliances like contact lenses are only a small part of what The Stamford Eye Clinic team can offer, according to Kirpal Singh, resident Optometrist.

The Clinic has a strong focus on providing leading edge technology, with the objective of optimising eye health for every client that comes through the door.

I went along to find out more and to ask Kirpal and Malvinder Singh, Dispensing Optician, some questions about why eye health checks are so important.

Why should people have regular eye checks?

“There’s no pass or fail with an eye check (which is why we don’t refer to them as a test), but it allows us to understand the current situation for each client and whether it can be improved. Very occasionally that will mean referring them on to an eye consultant, but for the majority we can look at many other avenues to improving vision.

“We can rule in or rule out specific eye issues such as Glaucoma or Macular degeneration which in general can be treated much more successfully if discovered at an early stage.

Another example is cataracts, where we can make recommendations on how to prevent or lessen the burden, often involving simple solutions like adequate protection from UV when outside, or changes to diet and lifestyle.”

Do you treat symptoms such as dry eye?

“Yes we do, it’s a common problem across a

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bright Eyes Genevieve Potter considers how to soothe and perk up your eyes and appreciates how important good eye health is, with the help of some local experts wide range of ages and apart from the obvious irritation, in its severest form, can damage the front of the eye. We will look at each case and may prescribe masks, gels and sprays or treatment to the eyelids themselves, to help lessen the symptoms. Again, changes to diet are also recommended to people suffering from dry eyes and we can advise on this.”

Some people feel that being prescribed glasses is a ‘downward spiral’ that will lead to a more rapid degeneration of vision – what’s your take on this?

“It’s a myth. The fact is that once you have the right prescription glasses, you see so much better with them, that your perception is that your ‘natural’ vision is worse. We see patients who don’t even realise that they shouldn’t be legally driving as their vision is so poor, but the right glasses or lenses can be transformational.”

What advice would you give to young people, to ensure a lifetime of good eye health?

“UV protection is key – most UV damage to the eyes happens before the age of 18, so some good sunglasses that fit well are essential. Of course, eye protection in the form of some well fitting sports glasses is vital for people of any age who are taking part in outdoor sports or other pursuits.”

Is it true that certain types of medication can damage the eyes?

“Yes, certain medications such as arthritis medication, cancer drugs and some steroids can cause or intensify eye problems. It’s important to let your eye health professional know which medications you are taking and to schedule regular eye checks.”

What should people do if they suspect their prescription for glasses or lenses isn’t quite right?

“We do see a number of clients who don’t have the right prescription, lenses or even size of glasses. It’s always best to come in and we can check this out, because in some cases it may be an underlying issue, but we can take a closer look to correct and prevent further problems.”

The Stamford Eye Clinic, 32 St Peter’s Street, Stamford PE9 2PF • Tel: 01780 767 403 Email info@ thestamfordeyeclinic.co.uk (open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 5.30 pm and 10 am to 7 pm on Wednesday)

Flawless Faces October events and offers

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N Wednesday 26th October, there will be consultation slots with Dr Becky Coates of Anew Medical Aesthetics at Flawless Faces between 2.30 and 8 pm, which is a great opportunity to go along, ask questions and find out more about medical aesthetic treatments. Dr Coates is offering Flawless Faces’ clients 15% off aesthetic treatments taken or booked on 26th October.

Brow threading has always been a speciality at Flawless Faces and therapist Ganga offers a precise, expert thread, to lift and define the

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

brows, and open up the eyes, coupled with an eyebrow tint to provide more depth and definition, for just £16 for both, during October.

Cassie is the go-to lash therapist at Flawless Faces and offers a full set of Nouveau Lashes for just £35 during October. These are customisable according to the client’s requirements, from very fine and natural to full and dramatic.

• Flawless Faces, 17/18 Scotgate, Stamford PE92YQ Tel: 01780 660301 www.flawlessfaces.co.uk

Salon-based eye treatments – top picks Rejuvenation massage at Be-Well Massage

Thalgo at Equilibrium Thalgo Hyaluronic Eye patches - £36 for eight pairs – are a brilliant pick-me-up for eyes. I can testify having recently tried them for myself. After a busy and tiring week I couldn’t wait to try them and used the patches straight out of the fridge for just ten minutes. They were easy to use and they really did the trick. My eyes and the surrounding area felt and looked much brighter, smoother and lighter, thanks to the hyaluronic acid and active marine ingredients.

For an even more intense treatment, try the Thalgo Eye Expert at Equilibrium, (£35), which begins with an eye cleanse and massage. A gentle machine then uses thermal, vibration and acupressure point massage, followed by a warm or cold gel mask. The treatment not only smoothes fine lines, but reduces puffiness and dark circles.

STAMFORD LIVING READER OFFER – Equilibrium are having a promotional day on Tuesday 25th October, between 11 and 7 pm where you can try the Eye Expert treatment for £25, redeemable against two or more Thalgo products purchased on the day. Appointments are limited and payment required at the time of booking.

• Equilibrium, 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk

Biotec at Maples The Elemis Biotec Antiwrinkle Eye Treatment at Maples (£35), delivers instant results, and is even more powerful when combined with athome use of the Elemis Super Restorative eye concentrate.

Signs of ageing are targeted with the lines and wrinkles activator, while a micro current lifts and firms the skin.

Oxygen therapy is used to plump lines and reduce signs of fatigue, restoring brightness and smoothness to the eyes.

• Maples, 24 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DJ Tel: 01780 752725 www.maplesofstamford.co.uk

Lynsey Saker at Be-Well Massage, situated above The Loft Hair Boutique on St Paul’s Street, is an expert on holistic massage and cautions that any form of massage around the eye area must be gentle. However massage can be incredibly helpful for the eyes, as it benefits blood and lymph flow, bringing in nutrients (Lynsey uses organic Neal’s Yard products that smell divine), and assisting with toxin removal.

Her signature facial rejuvenation massage (£45 for 60 minutes, £30 for 30 minutes) is known as a natural facelift. It’s gathering a loyal following as it works aesthetically to plump and smooth the skin, and holistically, using precise massage techniques on the eyes, face and neck to balance the mind and release locked-in stress.

• Be-Well Massage, The Loft Hair Boutique, 10A St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757781/ 07861 732792

High tech serum at The Advanced Skin Clinic Environ’s c-quence eye gel (£49.95) is revered in the beauty world and contains a peptide called argireline, which helps to brighten, reduce fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes.

The team at The Advanced Skin Clinic recommend partnering c-quence with Jane Iredale’s Purelash conditioner, topped with Longest in Black ice mascara, for lashes that make your eyes ‘pop’.

• The Advanced Skin Clinic, 8 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481155 www.theadvancedskinclinic.co.uk

The wrinkle eraser for eyes at Flawless Faces Declèor’s Aroma Lisse 2-in-1 dark circle and eye wrinkle eraser (£32) is a breakthrough in eye treatments. With an innovative gel cream formula to correct the signs of ageing, mandarin essential oil is combined with galanga, yeast and ruscus extracts to plum, reduce puffiness and conceal dark circles.

The wrinkle eraser also contains illuminating gold pigments to light up and enhance the eye area.

• Flawless Faces, 17/18 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Tel: 01780 660301 www.flawlessfaces. co.uk

CACI Eye Revive at Renaissance This is a new, 30-minute treatment at Renaissance that can be enjoyed alone or combined with a CACI non-surgical face lift treatment. It uses micro-current to gently tighten and tone sagging muscle around the eye area, whilst also reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Serum-filled CACI eye rollers infuse a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract into the skin. A reviving mask is then applied.

A single treatment costs £35 (or £25 when added to a CACI face lift treatment), or a course of ten costs £300.

• Renaissance, 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ Tel: 01780 763768 www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Organic eye treats at Laura Thomson-Dunne beauty Certified organic, the Pinks Boutique Anti-Oxidant Renewal Eye Cream has won ‘green’ beauty awards and contains powerful anti-oxidants; buriti, pomegranate and baobab. It also has a subtle sheen to illuminate the eye area.

Laura offers an Eye Soother treatment (£15) that uses aromatherapy and ayurvedic massage techniques to soothe and plump tired eyes.

For bookings in October, if you quote Stamford Living reader offer, you can purchase the Anti-Oxidant Renewal Eye Cream for £47.60 (normally £56) when you book the Eye Soother treatment.

• Laura Thomson-Dunne Tel: 07399 591 343 www.ltdbeauty.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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IT’S OUR 7TH ANNIVERSARY!

Come and join us for two days of celebrations on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th November.

No Sta 1 mf Sk o in rd’ C s lin ic

A big thank you to all of our clients over the last 7 years. We truly appreciate your business, loyalty and your friendship. Without all of you we wouldn’t be able to do what we love to do!

To celebrate we are offering: • 25% off any beauty treatments on the day* • 40% off courses of SkinFirst MPL Radio Frequency, Hair Removal, Pigmentation, Thread Vein, Acne & Rosacea treatments • Free consultations and patch tests • 20% off courses of Environ treatments* • 10% off products including Environ, Advanced Nutrition Programme, Jane Iredale, Orly & Fake Bake • £20 Holistic taster treatments*

Thursday - Aesthetic Day - We have our doctor in offering consultations, Botox & Dermal Fillers* Friday - Environ Skin Analysis Event & taster facials - Plus Jane Iredale mini makeovers!* * Deposit required. Booking required for all treatments.

Food & Bubbly served throughout the day plus goodie bags! We look forward to seeing you there!

8 HIGH STREET, ST MARTINS, STAMFORD, PE9 2LF

3URWHFW 3HUIHFW 3ROLVK TEL: 01780 481155 \RXUVHOI WKLV VXPPHU

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INTERIOR DESIGN

The Power of Flower!

Need inspiration? Imagine receiving a bunch of flowers and how that makes you feel?

If it is uplifted and happy, imagine what a floral decoration scheme could make you feel every day! Floral is an instant uplift. Romantic and relaxed, it has been very popular over the summer months but it doesn’t have to stop there. No matter what the season there is a floral pattern that fits. Rannveig Stone.

The classic country house look.

Colefax & Fowler @ Hunters.

Cressida £118 pm

SCALE: Floral patterns work in most spaces so it is important to consider the scale compared with the size of the Room. If the space in question is small or filled with lots of little objects consider a simple large pattern with a plain background. Busier patterns with an array of colours may suit larger more open plan spaces in order to breathe and be appreciated.

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Zingy colours for more contemporary schemes.

G P & J Baker @ Hunters. Mereworth / Aqua £139 pm

BALANCE: Think of where you want to add those floral touches. On walls, curtains, cushions, the sofa, a rug, a piece of art, the list goes on. The key is to balance the flower power with a mix of plains and textures. Scatter it around the room so that it blends.

Floral fabric instantly becomes the star of the scheme, so be confident in how you use it. If a subtle scheme is what you want, consider a more diluted colour way and embrace the floral as another texture to layer.

For a dramatic effect chose bold colourful hues and for a calm effect opt for pale neutrals. There is a floral for everyone!

WHERE TO SHOP

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isit Hunters and explore the classic and richly embroidered fabrics of Colefax and Fowler or the more contemporary and colourful designs of GP & J Baker.

Collaboration between Alternative Flooring and Liberty’s launches an exciting twist in floral rugs and carpeting. “This is really way out and a new product that I find very exciting.” Georgie Teesdale.

Hunters Interiors of Stamford

Summer every day! The latest in Floral carpeting

by Alternative Flooring/Liberty’s @ Hunters. RRP £149 psqm;

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e all remember the William Morris designs of the 70s, small detailed floral patterns in strong dark colours. Sanderson have now revamped the collection, calling it Pure Morris and we can now enjoy these classic designs in the subtle two tones of grey and white. “Although top end, it is different and well worth the investment. The designs are timeless and classic and it works well in both old and new properties. A firm favourite.”

Lorraine Ball. J & L Ball

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Sanderson; Pure Morris @ J & L Ball. The Strawberry Thief Bedroom.

Prices start at £38 pm up to £145 pm for the embroidered fabrics.

TOP TIPS!

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ally Preen of Callyco suggests the Clarisse prints from Clarke & Clarke if you are looking for quality vs affordability. At £19.90 pm these Pure Linens are a beautiful bargain!

• Mixing floral with complementary block colours, textures and contrast piping helps to dilute and ensure the whole room does the talking.

• It is easy to change a rug or a few cushions to move a floral scheme from the summer into the autumn months by picking out a different accent hue.

• Upholstering your sofas and armchairs in sumptuous colourful velvets will feel vibrant during the summer and cosy during the winter.

• Don’t forget the finishing touches; breath life and texture, literally, into the scheme. In complementary colours, add layers with interesting ceramics and cut flowers, whatever the season!

tamford market stall holder Lynn Venables is expanding her fabric and interiors business to include a Saturday shop from her new showroom in Rippingale. Also a teacher, she took over the fabric market stall 11 years ago to indulge her passion in interior design. “Fabric has always been so important for me when planning an interior. It gives a perfect starting point. I personally love natural fabrics, floppy linens, texture rich and faded florals.” Being budget conscious Lynn stocks a wide variety of fabrics between £10-£19 pm alongside Vanessa Arbuthnott, Sarah Hardaker and Cabbages & Roses.

Right: Big budget vs small budget both from Lynn Venebles, Strawberry Fields Fabrics.

BIG BUDGET Cabbages & Roses Mary £65 pm

SMALL BUDGET A floral linen in a 280cm width £19 pm

CONTACTS: Hunters Interiors of Stamford; Tel; 01780 757946 Web; www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk Callyco; Tel; 01780 753409 Email; Stamford@callyco.com J & L Ball; Tel; 01780 481416 Web; www.jlball.co.uk Lynn Venebles. Strawberry Fields Fabrics, The Old Sawmill, 25A East Street, Rippingale, Bourne, PE10 0SS. Tel; 07961154948 Web; www.strawberryfieldsfabrics.co.uk Email; lyn@strawberryfieldsfabrics.co.uk To visit Lynn’s new venture pop along to The Old Sawmill on Saturday 10th September 2016 between 10am-4pm and each Saturday thereafter to peruse her fabulous collection of fabrics.

Air B& B Stamford; https://airbnb.com/ rooms/12078270?s=8&user_id=57151011&ref_device_id=d17ef4 3b33373268c5bc8ac729fc22dfea84114c The Flower House; Tel; 01780 753225 Web; www.theflowerhousestamford.co.uk Left: Air B & B Bedroom in Stamford; designed by Candida Smith of Hunters Interiors. Fabrics; Headboard in Warick; Wolesly. Cushions in Linwood; Dittisham, Whitewood collection. Lamps also available from Hunters.

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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OCTOBER

OFFERS Lash Extensions £35 with Cassie Facial Threading or Waxing 20% off with Ganga 35% off Hair Cuts, Blow Dry and Colour Botox, Fillers & Aesthetics Treatments Clinic

Wednesday 26th October 2pm to 8pm Dr Coates will be offering FREE consultations & 15% off treatments

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

Fantastic ranges of products & services Whatever your style needs and design requirements, Heatsource has a whole range of products to suit: • • • • • •

High quality stoves including brands such as: Charnwood (as pictured) Contura, Jotul, Chesneys, Scan, Morso, Clearview and many more.

Designer and traditional cast iron radiators Handmade stone fireplaces and surrounds Complete installation service provided by HETAS qualified engineers and builders MCS accredited installers providing biomass & solar thermal renewable heating solutions Superb range of spares and accessories to accommodate our customers needs

Come and see us at our stunning showroom in Uppingham or call us on 01572 829953.

Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 9.45am – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 4pm

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22

UPDATES

Wake up with makeup!

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AVE you ever resented the time it takes you to get ready in the morning? Try as you might, can you never get even-looking brows? Do you wish you could achieve a more perfect makeup look that does not need reapplying? Do you feel that, as the years pass, you need a little more colour in your face? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider booking a consultation for permanent cosmetics.

So, what are permanent cosmetics and what does the procedure entail? If you were to ask Aga, permanent makeup artist and owner of Beautica salon on Silver Lane, she would say permanent cosmetics allow you to enhance your natural beauty without looking overly made up. By depositing hypoallergenic, mineral pigments in the upper area of the dermis, Aga is able to create hyper realistic, individual hair strokes resulting in natural looking eyebrows; smudge-proof eyeliner defining bare eyes or perfectly contoured lip blush for fuller looking lips.

With hundreds of happy clients and a national award under her belt, Aga’s reputation and expertise are now seeing her client base expanding as far afield as Scotland and Wales.

• All consultations are confidential and free of charge at Beautica, 1 Silver Lane, Tel: 01780 759086. To view portfolio and read client testimonials, please visit their Facebook profile Beautica Stamford or Microblading Stamford Peterborough. You can also visit beautica.co.uk or ilovemicroblading.co.uk

“A Medieval Cornucopia” 1st October – Sunday 16th, Burghley House, 11.00am -5.00pm every day except Friday

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HE Leicestershire Society of Botanical Illustrators was formed in 1987 by a small group of enthusiastic botanical artists. The Society’s aim is to represent plants accurately to a high standard. Attention to botanical detail is paramount.

Most members paint in watercolour on paper, but there are some who prefer graphite, pen and ink and coloured pencil as their medium of choice. Specialised painting on vellum is the preference of a few.

“A Medieval Cornucopia” is an exhibition of their work that gives you the chance to see a selection of their simply stunning work.

Music at St Martin’s Upcoming events SATURDAY 15th October at 7.30 Sean Shibe, a very fine classical guitarist, is playing a lovely programme of music

by Dowland, Malcolm Arnold, William Walton and Benjamin Britten.

Tickets: £12 (concessions

£10), Students £3 and under 18s free available in advance from Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203, or at the door SUNDAY 20th November at 3pm Concert by the Rutland Big Band led by Marcus Reynolds.

This concert is kindly sponsored by Julius Geeson of Smallwood Architects Tickets as above.

• Further information from http://www. musicatsstmartins.org/

William Cecil T

HE William Cecil has just been awarded its second AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, testament to their skills and seasonal changing menu.

Phil Kent Head Chef, said: “My team and I were thrilled by the news. We’ve worked hard to design and deliver exciting seasonal changing menus, using the very best of local and regional produce.”

‘An Evening with David Palmer: Life under the Gavel’ T

he Rotary Club of Stamford is holding a Charity Auction in aid of the East Anglia Children’s Hospices in Stamford Town Hall on Thursday 27th Ocober at 7.30pm. Tickets, obtainable from Val Lofthouse on 01780 754451, are £12.50 including Cheese and Wine.

David Palmer, who may be familiar from several TV shows such as Flog It, Bargain Hunt, Cash in the attic, is the auctioneer on the evening. His flamboyant waistcoats, noted animated, informal and humorous style promises an entertaining evening.

Musicality Charity Concert Nov 4th – Peterborough Arena

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AMES Ellis writes: Last year, aged 16, I went on rugby tour to South Africa. Whilst there, one of my friends suffered a life-changing injury. I decided I wanted to do something to help raise awareness for him and others suffering life-changing injuries/illnesses.

“Please show your support for #teamgeorge, Anna’s Hope, Matt Hampson Foundation & The Injured Jockey’s Fund beneficiaries. I first learned about Anna’s Hope when I was at primary school. Through the years I have had exposure to both the Matt Hampson Foundation and The Injured Jockey’s Fund and now have personal interest with #teamgeorge, so have a connection with each one. Having seen first-hand how public support can change people’s lives I wanted to create an event at Peterborough Arena.

“I have organised a professional music concert, all of the proceeds from which will go to charity. I have donated all my time and efforts completely free of charge. Artists include B. o. B, Jay Sean, Scouting for Girls and Toploader. DJ and host will be Vernon Kay. Local company Lux Technical will be producing the event on the night.

• If you would like to support this event, please either buy tickets - www. musicalityevents.com to come on the night, or contact me at james@musicalityevents. com if you would like to be a sponsor.

Ewe Knitting Classes Learn to knit - 2 October Materials included £20.00 • Knitted jewellery with wire and beads - 2 October Materials included £25.00 • Sock Knitting with Rowan yarns tutor Jem Weston 16 October Rowan yarn included, refreshments, lunch and 10% off purchases • Finishing Techniques with Rowan yarns tutor Jem Weston - 30 October Rowan yarn included, refreshments, lunch and 10% off purchases.

• Next Steps in Knitting with Rowan yarns tutor Jem Weston - 6 November Rowan yarn included, refreshments, lunch and 10% off purchases • To book a place on any of these courses please contact Ewe Wool Shop, Stamford walk, Stamford Tel: 01780 763838 or email i_love_ ewe@ymail.com STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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FOOD & DRINK

A Month for Preserving and Winter Warmers Deborah Pennell puts her feet up, in front of a roaring log fire this month and shares some delicious recipes for Autumn cooking

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LOVE the onset of winter; time to hunker down, light the fire, make chutney and cook up some winter warmers. I settle down with an early edition of Mrs Beeton’s Cookery Book (102 years old!), and disappear into a period when preserving your autumn crops for consumption during the winter, was something which, automatically happened, and using seasonal produce was just a necessity. These days we are spoilt for choice.

Supermarket and delicatessen shelves are stacked high with an array of preserves and pickles. Never one to make my life simple, I always endeavour to use as much of our wonderful garden produce as I possibly can; making your own chutney is so simple and very rewarding. I feel content, heading into the unknowns of winter with shelves stocked high with jars, bottles and demijohns full of delicious homemade treats.

Mulled Apple Chutney Makes 4-6 jars

apple chutney recipe. his is my tried and tested tones of mixed spice, Flecked with the warming sharpened by and it fru sweetened by the dried cider vinegar. home cooked ham. It is I love this chutney with iment to local cheeses pan also a fabulous accom cher, Cote Hill Blue or such as Lincolnshire poa white Stilton.

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d 225g/8oz onions, choppe and chopped ed cor , les app /2lb 0g 90 or chopped dates 110g/4oz sultanas, raisins der 15g/ 1/2oz ground corian 15g/ 1/2oz paprika 15g/ 1/2oz mixed spice 15g/ 1/2oz sea salt ar 340g/12oz granulated sug vinegar er cid al 3 loc t pin 425ml/ /4 ts into a preserving pan • Place all the ingredien boil until the sugar has and slowly bring to the dissolved. to 1 rs, stirring occasionally • Simmer for 1 /2 - 2 hou . pan the of tom bot the g to stop the chutney stickin with cooking.

• The chutney will thicken a wooden spoon w dra dy: rea is it t How to tes so that it leaves a pan through the middle of the ly, l does not refill immediate channel – if the channe the chutney is ready cool sterilized jars, seal and • Decant into warmed, to 3 2 for m roo board or • Store in a cool, dark cup months before eating

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Our Family Recipe for Plum Chutney

25g ground ginger 1 tablespoon whole mustard seed 50g preserved ginger

Makes approximately 5 x 1lb jars

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his recipe has been passed through our family for generations. I have fond memories of watching my great grandmother, bent over her stove, stirring vats of chutney whilst my eyes smarted with the fumes of vinegar.

The end product was delicious, tangy chutney, which always came out on Boxing Day to accompany the cold turkey and ham. One of my favourite ways of using this chutney is to spoon it into a baked Camembert, straight out of the oven, or eat it alongside a toasted Halloumi and bay spinach Panini.

1kg plums 1kg soft brown sugar 900ml white wine vinegar 450g sultanas 225g shallots 2 cloves garlic 50g sea salt 1 tbsp. ground allspice

• Wash and stone the plums.

• Place the plums, brown sugar and vinegar in a heavy flat bottomed preserving pan.

• Roughly chop sultanas, onions and garlic – I cheat and do this in a food processor using the pulse button; be careful not to turn it to mush. Add this to the pan.

• Mix together with the salt, allspice, ginger and mustard seeds. Add to the pan • Bring the pan to the boil and boil for 30 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent it sticking to the bottom.

• Meanwhile chop the preserved ginger into small pieces. After 30 minutes add the ginger to the pan and cook for a further 15 minutes.

• Take off the heat and leave to cool slightly. Pour into warmed, sterilized jam jars.

• Leave for 2 months in a cool, dark place.

Sloe Gin

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favourite winter tipple in our house. Easy to make, it just requires a degree of patience whilst it steeps. Normally ready to strain and drink within 2 months.

Quick tip: some recipes suggest that you prick each sloe with a fork but to save a lot of time I just place the sloes in the deepfreeze and this burst the skins, which has the same effect.

31/2 lb./1.6kg sloes 2 litres Gin 1/2 litre brandy 1 1/4 lb./567g granulated sugar 5 drops of almond essence • Wash the sloes and then either pop them in the deep freeze for 24 hours or place them in a bowl and prick them over with a fork.

Transfer them to your demijohn or steeping bucket and add all the other ingredients.

• Leave in a cool, dark room or cupboard for around a month or so.

Stir or shake every other day to move the sugar around, until it has dissolved. Then leave to settle.

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eleriac has to be one of my favourite winter roots and is so often overlooked. It is so versatile – it can be mashed, turned into crisps, eaten raw in slaw, made into delicious soup, roasted and also used as a substitute to potato in dauphinois. It is so readily available and definitely worth a try. Its delicate celery flavour blends well with beef and scallops alike.

Seared Scallops on Celeriac Puree with Caper crumbs Serves 4

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his is a wonderful starter for a winter dinner party – it not only tastes good, it looks very impressive and is simple enough to do. The celeriac puree and toasted crumbs can be made in advance and reheated.

Celeriac purée 50g butter 300g celeriac, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 200ml milk 75ml double cream Sea salt, ground black pepper and freshly grated nutmeg to taste • Melt the butter in the saucepan, add the celeriac and cook over a medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. It will start to get a little colour. Pour over the milk and cream, and season well – the celeriac should be just covered, so add more milk if needed.

• Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and transfer to a food processor. Blend until smooth, then sieve into a clean saucepan, pushing the celeriac through with the back of a spoon or spatula. Add a little of the cooking liquid to loosen the puree, if needed, and taste for seasoning.

Caper crumbs 50g butter 4 tblsp fresh breadcrumbs 1 heaped teaspoon capers 1 tblsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley • Heat the butter in a frying pan, add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring until golden brown.

Throw in the capers and cook for a minute more. If you are making the crumbs in advance, place them on a small baking tray to reheat at a later stage or stir through the flat leaf parsley and serve.

12 scallops, coral removed 1tsp curry powder 25g/ 1oz butter • Dust the scallops with the curry powder. Heat a frying pan until hot, then add the butter. When the butter is foaming add the scallops. Sear the scallops for 1 minute on each side, or until just cooked through, then remove from the pan.

• Serve the scallops sitting on a pool of celeriac puree, sprinkle with caper crumbs and finish with a drizzle of hazelnut oil.

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quashes and pump kins abound at th is time of year. Wi Halloween, giant th pumpkin competitio ns, and Thanksgiv just around the co ing rner, there are no -end of recipes inv these wonderful su olving cculent, earthy off erings. Try this de quick and easy pa licious, sta dish using butte rnut squash:

Rigatoni with Butter nut Squash, Pancett and Rosemary a

400g rigatoni pasta 100g thickly sliced pancetta (or ready cubed) 3 medium sized sh all ots 1/2 fresh red chilli 650g butternut sq uash, peeled and deseeded and cube 2 tsp runny honey d 2 sprigs fresh rose mary, coarsely ch opped sea salt and fresh ly ground black pe pper olive oil 25g Parmesan, fine ly grated • Place the cubed butternut squash into a medium siz a tightly fitting lid ed pan with . Drizzle over hone y, add a pinch of sa 6tblsp water. Cove lt and r and place on me dium heat and ste squash, stirring ev am the ery so often, for 10 -15 minutes – the should be soft bu squash t not mushy. Put to one side.

• Finely slice the pa ncetta, shallots an d chilli. Heat 4 tab of olive oil in a lar lespoons ge frying pan, add the pancetta and minute. Stir in the fry for 1 shallots, chilli and rosemary. Cook for 2 minutes and then a further stir in the squash .

• Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in a lar ge pan of boiling, water until al dent salted e. Drain the rigato ni, reserving some pasta water, and ad of the d to the frying pa n. Add a ladle or tw water and cook for o of pasta another couple of minutes to let the absorb all the delic rigatoni ious flavours. Add the finely grated pa and stir in. Season rmesan to taste and serve with extra parmes an.

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f you can live without the wonderful aromas of chutney bubbling away in your kitchen and the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself, we are lucky enough to have some local businesses whose products are as good as any you could make…

The Bytham Kitchen: www.thebythamkitchen.co.uk Pickled Village: www.thepickledvillage.co.uk Chazwinkles: www.chazwinkles.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classic1992.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN 26

No.3

T h e Ya r d TOWN CENTRE DINING

We invite you to join us this festive period and book your table with us.

Whether it’s a spot of indulgence, a family treat or organizing an office meal then we can cater for you.

Christmas Party Bookings from £27.00 and Christmas Day £79.00 Book early to avoid disappointment

Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Sunday lunchtime service Visit our website for hours, menus and how to become a member and receive monthly offers and updates.

No.3 The Yard, Ironmonger Street, Stamford, PE9 1PL 01780 756080 - www.no3theyard.co.uk

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THE OLIVE BRANCH RECIPE

Lashings of custard and ginger beer!

The Olive Branch’s head chef Sean Hope with a pud that would go down well with the Famous Five…

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HINGS have been hectic at The Olive Branch of late. Summer is always busy due to the holidays, then Burghley Horse Trials weekend is upon us, and next, before you know it, people are calling up asking about (whisper it) Christmas! It’s a non-stop rollercoaster ride but we all love it. And as if we weren’t busy enough, we’ve also got the new allotment over the road to look after. I’ll be bringing you more news of how it develops as time goes on.

We recently found out we’d been named County Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2017, which is excellent news (although we go more by our customers’ opinions than the critics’, but recognition is always nice!).

Right, down to business. This recipe is from one of my recent cookery demonstrations. It’s a truly delicious dessert – enjoy!

BAKED SAFFRON CUSTARD, GOOSEBERRY AND GINGER BEER COMPOTE, POPPYSEED TUILE Serves 4 Baked saffron custard • 1-litre double cream • 200g sugar • 250g egg yolks • 2 sachets saffron Method 1. Bring the cream, sugar and saffron to the boil, remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature 2. Once the cream is cool, mix it with the egg yolks 3. Pour the mixture into a deep-sided oven-proof tray 4. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 100C (Gas mark 1/4) for 45-55 mins until set 5. Allow to cool in the fridge overnight before serving

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

GOOSEBERRY AND GINGER BEER COMPOTE • 250g fresh gooseberries • 250ml ginger beer • 250g caster sugar • Juice and zest of 1 lime • 1 vanilla pod – split Method 1. In a saucepan add the ginger beer, sugar, lime & vanilla 2. Bring to a rolling boil and add the gooseberries 3. Remove from the heat, cover with cling film 4. When cool, strain the syrup into a saucepan and rapidly boil to reduce by 50% 5. Cool the syrup and add back to the poached gooseberries, then serve

POPPYSEED TUILE MIX 5. Sprinkle the • 2 egg whites poppyseeds on top of • 65g caster sugar the tuile paste • 30g butter 6. Bake in a • 75g flour preheated oven at 165C (Gas Mark 3) for 1. Whisk egg whites approximately seven and sugar for one minutes, or until minute golden brown 2. Add all the other 7. Remove from the ingredients and beat together until smooth oven and allow to 3. Chill the mix for 10 cool and become crisp minutes 8. Serve 4. Using a pallet knife, spread the mix evenly using a template to shape

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOOD FOOD?

If you are passionate about local food and drink then you might like to join Great Food Club.

• Sign up at www.greatfoodclub.co.uk, free of charge.

Christmas Parties 2016

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for Christmas parties of 8 – 16 guests, we are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, ÂŁ60.00 per person. +DPEOHWRQ +DOO LV RQH RI %ULWDLQ¡V finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water the hotel provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party.

Salad of crab, bloody Mary, celery sorbet Ballotine of foie gras, toasted sourdough Salt baked celeriac, hazelnuts, hickory dressing

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

*** 3DQ IULHG ¿OOHW RI VHDEDVV IHQQHO ROLYHV ERXLOODEDLVVH VDXFH Loin of pork, endive, red cabbage, Armagnac sauce Loin of fallow venison, artichoke, sour cabbage, FRFRD ÀDYRXUHG VDXFH

Log fires, beautiful Christmas trees, sensational Christmas decorations and at the end of the evening lovely bedrooms to rest your weary head.

If you would like to stay after your Christmas Party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of ÂŁ230.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & vat.

*** $OPRQG $PDUHWWR VRXIĂ€p Chocolate tart, orange sorbet Terrine of pear and blackberry, salted caramel ice cream *** Coffee, Chocolates All menus are subject to a discretionary service charge of 12.5%

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

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PROFILE

STEVE CONWAY H E A D C H E F/ OW N E R O F L A M B E R T S Head Chef/Owner, of Lamberts, in Cheyne Walk has cooked for a host of ‘A list’ celebrities during his career to date. Deborah Pennell talks to him about cooking for the stars and his hugely popular restaurant and deli in Stamford Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Liverpool but grew up in Blackpool. My parents were hoteliers so I started in this business at an early age.

Where did you train to become a chef and what qualifications did you gain?

I trained at Blackpool & The Fylde College, and left with an NVQ3.

What jobs have you had since working as a Chef?

Whilst I was at college we did some training at the well-known 5* Stoke Park, in Buckinghamshire. I was subsequently offered a job and left home at the age of 19 to start my career. I spent 8 years at Stoke Park, working my way to Senior Sous Chef. From here I moved more locally to Stapleford Park where I spent 5 years as Sous Chef and 2 years as Head Chef. I then moved to Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, as Executive Head Chef, for 5 years, before making the big decision to start my own business.

How long have you owned Lamberts?

I took ownership of Lamberts (formerly The Hole in the Wall) on 4th January this year. It took 7 weeks to turn the restaurant around and to complete a total refurbishment. I had great fun sourcing our contents from local suppliers.

All our tables and chairs are from Roger at Chez Soi, the pictures are from our neighbours, Walker & Pinscher and we have various other pieces from Snow Designs. I like to support local businesses as much as possible.

Why did you decide to leave the security of a full time job and go it alone?

I had entered a stage in my life where I had a young family and the demands of a chef, and the hours I worked meant that I was seeing less and less of my wife and children. At Lamberts I have the best of both worlds; I am doing a job that I love but with sensible working hours and time to see my family.

How many covers do you have and is it advisable to book?

The restaurant seats up to 48, and it is definitely advisable to book in the evenings. We

are only open on Thursday and Friday nights and it has become very popular. We are also available for private hire.

What is the most popular dish on the menu and how often do you change the menu?

Popular dishes include our infamous Lamberts Choice Breakfast Platter, which is huge, and Lamberts Platter with its Mini baked Camembert. I make small changes to the menu quite often with the evening menu changing each month. Popular autumn dishes include our delicious Corned Beef Hash topped with a Fried Duck Egg and Quinoa with Goats Cheese and Butternut Squash.

Who are your influences when it comes to Chefs?

Chris Wheeler, from Stoke Park has been a great influence. I still keep in contact with him and have really enjoyed watching him on the most recent Great British Menu series. Wayne Smith of Chapter One is also an influence, and I like certain things that Gordon Ramsay has done.

How would you describe your food?

Modern-Fresh-English Have you ever cooked for anyone famous?

I have been lucky enough to cook for some fascinating people over the years including some very famous pop stars; Janet and the late Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Lionel Ritchie, who kindly gave me tickets to his concert in Nottingham. I also enjoyed cooking for celebrity antiques dealer David Dickinson.

If you could choose your favourite ingredient what would it be and what would you cook?

It would have to be Scallops. I just love scallops, cooked with pancetta, peas and a dash of cream – totally delicious!

What are your interests outside of work?

I really enjoy fishing, when I have time - Stretton Lakes being a favourite haunt. Otherwise, just spending time with my family and taking our Weimaraner for walks.

To sample Steve’s wonderfully fresh, local, exquisitely cooked food, then head down Cheyne Lane to Lamberts. If you are short of time just pop in for a coffee and visit their deli – it comes highly recommended.

Lamberts Stamford Kitchen-Deli-Coffee 5 Cheyne Lane Stamford PE9 2AX 01780 767063 Opening hours Tuesday – Saturday 8.30am-4.30pm Thursday & Friday evenings 6-9pm www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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DAY OUT

Wisbech

Known as the Capital of the Fens, there’s much to see and enjoy in this busy town with its fine Georgian terraces and Regency architecture. Sue Dobson went visiting...

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RIVE into Wisbech off the A47 and you are greeted with one of the finest vistas of Georgian architecture to be found anywhere in England.

Lining both banks of the River Nene as it winds its way through town to The Wash, the splendid houses on the North Brink and South Brink were built by wealthy landowners, merchants and warehouse owners in the 18th century, when Wisbech was in its heyday as a trading centre.

The finest of these is wisteria-draped Peckover House. Built in 1722, it was bought by banker Jonathan Peckover in 1794, stayed in the family for over 150 years and is now in the care of the National Trust. Painted in soft shades and with superb rococo plaster and wood decorations, the handsome house is elegant yet cosy. It is easy to imagine a well-todo family living comfortably there.

Dedicated members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the Peckovers were known for their philanthropy. They were also great collectors and keen travellers – the Cabinet of Curiosities in the morning room is full of small finds from far-flung places. A fascination for plants and trees explains some of the rarities in the rose-adorned Victorian walled gardens that stretch for two acres behind the house.

Here, gravel paths meander among beds formal and wild, packed with colour and seasonal plantings. At the far end of the garden, the thatched 17th-century Reed Barn hosts a friendly restaurant.

As the River Nene takes a gentle curve further along the North Brink, look for Elgood’s Brewery, which dates back to 1795 and was one of the first Georgian breweries to be built outside London. Its four-acre walled garden is a must-see.

It’s such a pleasure to meander among

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Peckover House, above, is in the care of the National Trust; Thomas Clarkson is celebrated in style, right; don’t miss Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, below

Above and below: The walled gardens at Elgood’s Brewery on the North Brink are a must-see

spectacular specimen trees and bright herbaceous borders, to sit by the lake where carp thrive and birds pad among the water lilies, to discover quiet nooks and secret spaces and be challenged by the maze, planted with thuja and laurel.

Across on the South Brink, almost opposite Peckover House, is Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House. Best known as one of the founder members of the National Trust, in fact her greatest achievement was in housing reform and she can be considered the founder of modern social work, housing associations and the Army Cadet movement.

Born in Wisbech in 1838, she worked tirelessly to improve housing for the poorest in society, especially in the notorious London

slums, becoming known as the ‘Florence Nightingale of Victorian Housing’. The museum explores the influences that led to her pioneering work and has a secret garden, an example of the ‘outdoor sitting room’ she believed every family should have.

Thomas Clarkson is another famous social reformer born in Wisbech. Son of the headmaster of the local grammar school, he was one of the earliest leaders of the Abolitionist Movement, devoting his long adult life in an indefatigable campaign to end the slave trade. He is commemorated in a splendid monument in Bridge Street on the South Brink, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott (whose work includes the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park).

“Today’s Wisbech Castle is a Regency villa and surrounding it, two crescents of gorgeous Georgian architecture.”

Take a break

Today’s Wisbech Castle is an elegant Regency villa

THE CASTLE THAT ISN’T William the Conqueror built a castle in Wisbech to guard the seaborne approach (Wisbech was at the base of the bay of The Wash estuary at the time) and to subdue the ‘wild fenmen’ led by Hereward the Wake. A Bishop’s Palace replaced it in 1478 and in the 17th century Oliver Cromwell’s Secretary of State built himself a fine mansion on the site. Today’s Wisbech Castle is a Regency villa and surrounding it, two crescents of gorgeous Georgian architecture, developed by a local builder and speculator in 1816, follow the circular shape of the original castle’s moat.

Take a step back in time at the Museum...

Close by, the Wisbech & Fenland Museum retains its Victorian design to provide a brilliant step back in time, in every sense. Opened in 1847, one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the country, it is a treasure house of eclectic artefacts.

Collections of china and porcelain span Staffordshire figurines and Napoleon’s Sèvres breakfast service captured at the Battle of Waterloo; there are finds from the Bronze Age, Rome and Ancient Egypt; African beadwork, Syrian glass and a wide representation of natural history. Mrs Pooley’s shop from Elm is pure nostalgia; the displays devoted to Thomas Clarkson’s anti-slavery campaign and Wisbech

St Peter’s Church dates from the 12th century

in the 19th century are fascinating too.

A few steps away and surrounded by lovely gardens, the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul dates from the 12th century and has a unique double nave under one roof. Look for the rounded Norman arches, the Florentine mosaic behind the high altar, 17th-century monuments in the chancel, a memorial to the Far East prisoners of war, fine Victorian stained glass windows and the huge royal coat of arms probably dating from the time of the Stuart King, James 1.

From here it’s a short walk to the shops and stalls of the Market Place.

If you’re in Wisbech for the day, taking in a movie may not be on your agenda, but The Luxe Cinema could tempt you to extend your visit.

This small independent cinema with its leather armchairs, twoseater sofas and a buzzing bar screens new films and live transmissions of theatre, ballet and opera productions in comfort and style.

Opposite, the compact Angles Theatre is one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in England.

A frequent winner of Anglia in Bloom, alongside the fine architecture, parks and gardens, flowering tubs and baskets make Wisbech’s historic town centre an attractive place to visit.

• Good teas, coffees, home-made cakes, toasties and light meals are served in the bright and friendly Octavia’s Café, upstairs in the Octavia View building opposite the Somers Road car park. 10a-14 South Brink, PE13 1JQ. 01945 429300. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm. www.ferryproject.org.uk/ services/octavias-cafe • Appreciated for its hearty servings and quality ales, the Red Lion is a cheerful traditional pub with good value lunch and dinner specials and Sunday roasts. 32 North Brink, PE13 1JR. 01945 582022.

Lunch served daily 12noon-2pm.

• Popular with local shoppers, Loafers Coffee Shop offers tasty coffee, cakes and light meals. 34 Market Place, PE13 1DP. 01945 382441. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4pm, Saturday 8am-4pm. www.loaferscoffeeshop.co.uk

Parking The large (and free) Somers Road and Church Terrace car parks are within easy walking distance of the town centre. Visitors to Peckover House should park in the (free) Chapel Road car park behind the North Brink. Elgood’s Brewery has its own parking facilities.

Find out more Peckover House, North Brink, PE13 1JR. 01945 583463. Open Saturday to Wednesday, house 12noon-4pm, garden, shop and tearoom 11am5pm, until 30 October. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/peckover-house-and-garden Elgood & Sons, North Brink Brewery, PE13 1LW. 01945 583160. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11.30am-4.30pm (brewery tours at 2pm) until 6 October. www.elgoods-brewery.co.uk Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, 7 South Brink, PE13 1JB. 01945 476358. Open Saturday to Wednesday 1pm-4.30pm (last admission 4pm) until 30 October. www.octaviahill.org Wisbech Castle is occasionally open for tours and the gardens can often be visited. 01945 585096 for details.

Wisbech & Fenland Museum, Museum Square, PE13 1ES. 01945 583817. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm, admission free. www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk St Peter’s Church, Church Terrace, PE13 1HP. 01945 582508. Open Monday to Friday 8am6pm, Saturday, Sunday 8am-4pm. www.stpeterschurch-wisbech.org.uk Luxe Cinema, Alexandra Road, PE13 1HQ. 01945 588808. www.theluxecinema.com Angles Theatre, Alexandra Road, PE13 1HQ. 01945 474447. www.anglestheatre.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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ANTIQUES

Batemans Summer Round-Up From a Tongan club, to an 18th century Equine portrait, and a glamping worthy Gypsy caravan to Old Sheffield Plate, Batemans has had a brilliant summer of sales with a huge variety of items

A

T an auction you never quite know what you might find when you walk through the door, and in June it was possibly the more unusual items that caught the imagination and attracted the fiercest bidding. A particularly fine and rare Tongan club entered the sale with a bullish estimate of £3-5,000 and soared, selling for a record price of £6,900. Later in the sale it was an Indian Leopard’s head that stole the attention selling for £900 against a conservative estimate of just £100-150.

July brought the promise of some summer sunshine and with it a Gypsy caravan worthy of the most romantic touring holiday. Should you have needed to find your way, there were rare and antique books, including a 1782 edition of Millar’s ‘The new and universal system of geography being a complete history and description of the world’ which sold for £1,100 and a 1794 booklet of maps which sold for £700. And to dine in style on your travels; amongst a particularly fine collection of silver

there was a very rare set of twelve Old Sheffield Plate plates which sold for £1,800.

It is unusual to find paintings of truly exceptional quality outside the larger London Auction houses, however there was a treat in store at the August sale. From a local collection of fine art, topping the bill was an equine portrait of a black horse, by 18th Century artist John Boultbee.

A pupil of Reynolds and much favoured

by George III, Boultbee, born in Leicestershire, was renowned for his paintings of horses which together with the local interest and the very fine technique took this picture to £5,200. Later in the sale, World

renown took a Dunhill Namiki desk set well above its £300-£500 estimate. Signed and with the original box this 1920s, iconic piece sold for £1,600.

So what is in store for the Autumn sales at Batemans? Amongst the steady flow of Fine ceramics, silver, jewellery, collectables and furniture there are bound to be some more surprises and unusual items coming up. Batemans sales are on the first Saturday of every month, with viewing the Thursday and Friday prior.

A particularly fine and rare Tongan club entered the sale with a bullish estimate of £3-5,000 and soared, selling for a record price of £6,900

• Batemans, Ryhall Rd, Stamford PE9 1XF Tel: 01780 766466 www.batemans.com STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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SHOPPING

Market magic Every Friday, Stamford transforms into an intense trading centre enticing crowds from both near and far to sample its wares. Kate Cadman dives into the hustle and bustle on Broad Street to find out more

W

HERE in Stamford can you go and find a sewing machine engineer, senior sales director, former head of a school sports department and civil engineer all in the same place? Why, it’s the town’s famous weekly market of course! Each Friday, without fail, men and women from a variety of backgrounds and countries converge on our town (some from miles away) bringing with them a plethora of items for sale.

Whatever the weather, Stamford market goes up with a regularity you could set your watch by. Around 3am each Friday morning the steels for the stalls are assembled by a dedicated local team of South Kesteven District Council workers. This initial buzz of activity is followed by the arrival of the market traders who busy themselves setting out their stalls whilst chatting and laughing with their neighbours. Their enthusiasm never seems to wane, despite the early hour and often the rain and cold weather.

Once ready for punters, Broad Street, Ironmonger Street and the High Street have been transformed into a trail of delightful, individual and often intriguing stalls awaiting the weekly street shopping ceremony to begin.

Visitors usually begin to trickle by from about 7.30-8.00am, perusing the stalls in search of the obvious food items such as fresh meat, vegetables and bakery produce to the more specialised items, such as personalised egg holders, an elusive spice, homegrown honey or maybe to place an order to have their own bespoke carpet weaved.

Gary Taylor has worked as Stamford Market Supervisor for five and a half years. “We have a total of 95-100 stalls and pitches; plus a farmer’s market held on the 2nd and 4th week

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

of each month, so in total, every other week, there are 120 pitches going up.

“Stamford is the only Friday market in Lincolnshire so it’s very popular. There is always a steady number of people looking to book a stall or pitch. Potential traders used to turn up and queue on a first come first served basis, but it’s no longer viable to do this. They now have to register and are put on a list and have to wait until another stall holder leaves.

“Part of my job is to gauge what the stalls sell, so it’s pleasing for the public to buy from and beneficial for our traders. I am really keen to work with local businesses who want to use the market location to help with promotion. We already work with the AA and O2 phone shop.

“Our traders are all subject matter experts, like for example, Bruce Garside from Silver Oak Coffee,” adds Gary proudly.

Two years ago Bruce took a pitch on Broad Street promoting his whole bean and beverages business. His bubbling enthusiasm for coffee, along with his science-based approach to coffee production, has ensured that he’s built up a regular clientele whilst educating them along the way.

“All the coffee I sell is high quality. The beans are from single estate or single origin and are made from speciality grade Arabica.

I select from a range of importers and I test and choose what I like regarding the roast and flavour profile. The things that determine the taste include the temperature and length of roasting,” explains Bruce who describes himself as a “one-man operation from green bean to cup”.

“Particle size and water temperature are just two of many parameters that alter the flavour. Once you get all these right, you can produce fabulous coffee. Coffee making is a

science, you must weigh your coffee and weigh your water. The iron and calcium etc. in water interacts with the coffee bean, drawing out the flavour. If you get this chemistry wrong, it’s like baking a cake with the incorrect ingredients.

You have to get the ratios right. “I definitely see my role as an educator of my customers.

Stamford drinkers tend to prefer a darker roast, more intense coffee.

Husband and wife team, Robin and Diana Burrows, also exude enthusiasm in their area of expertise - fruit and vegetables.

Together they have been supplying Grantham market for 25 years and for the last three years they have had a regular spot on Ironmonger Street supplying and selling a wide variety of produce, much of it grown nearby.

“I always choose to buy English if possible and much of our produce is local, with individual products sourced from the Fens, Newark, Boston and Sleaford. Our best sellers are seasonal e.g. strawberries, English apples, Victoria plums, English damsons and of course pumpkins. We also sell fresh herbs and different specialist chillies.

“Stamford is a lovely market. We meet all sorts of people, from locals to day trippers who visit us from all over the country. Our customers come and have a chat, many of them live on their own,” says Robin. Diana adds:

“Our customers are an absolute delight; they are very polite and caring. I have one lady who never fails to ask me how my mum is (she’s been quite poorly) every week. The traders have also built up good relationships with local businesses, as Diana explains. “It’s a reciprocal arrangement, we give them fruit and they provide us with coffee. The shops are all so supportive of us all.”

Neighbouring market trader, Phil Holmes, has been making the journey once a week from West Yorkshire to Lincolnshire for three and a half years to take a pitch at both Stamford and Newark markets. “I have a workshop at home where I manufacture carpets and rugs to order. I chose to trade on Stamford market as I could see the town had a lot of potential.”

Stall holder Bob Steele on the other hand is a local man, Stamford born and bred.

I have been selling towels and bedding on this market since 1983. I have seen a difference in shopping patterns and a rise in cotton prices has made it necessary for me to include soft furnishings on my stall, so I now supply mink throws and seat pads too. “Between March and October, when the weather is ok, this is the best job in the world. It’s also a part of my social life.

I am told I have a fan club of women here,” adds a grinning Bob. The newest regular trader to join Stamford

“Stamford is by far my favourite market. It’s the best day of the week because my customers are so nice. I know them all and they are a pleasure to serve. Rarely do I ever get a grumpy person. I can’t praise it enough - if every day was like today I’d work for nothing!”

market is Italian-born Antonio Giangrande, who greets me enthusiastically with a huge smile. “I supply Italian-made, tailored men’s clothes at very good prices. My products are high quality factory samples.” Antonio plans to extend into Italian-made fashion for ladies and offers repairs and alterations to his clothing. “I find the Stamford people very interesting and the quality of education here is very high.”

One of the longer serving traders is Andrew Earland who works alongside his brother, Richard, on many markets including Thame, Melton, Oakham, Olney, Loughborough and Uppingham. The brothers have been selling in Stamford for 30 years.

“We’ve sold tens of thousands of hats here.

We specialise in caps but sell all types of seasonal headwear. “Stamford is by far my favourite market. It’s the best day of the week because my customers are so nice. I know them all and they are a pleasure to serve.

Rarely do I ever get a grumpy person. I can’t praise it enough - if every day was like today I’d work for nothing!”

Not only are the customers a lovely bunch, but some of them can be quite saucy too.

John Lapage has been cleverly creating his wooden wares to sell on Stamford market for 18 months. I make up chopping boards, coasters, notices and egg holders and often get asked to personalise them - usually for weddings or Christmas presents. However, some of the messages I get asked to make up are just too rude to mention here!”

• For anyone interested in a pitch on Stamford market can contact: Gary Taylor, Market Supervisor on 01476 406073 or visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk.

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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40

MEET THE MAKER Former science teacher and chemist Nicola Cliffe has got a new formula for happiness – creating beautiful botanical fabrics from natural dyes

EXPERIMENTS IN COLOUR

O

N the way to Nicola’s studio, we pass apple trees, a small wildflower meadow, a pretty jungle of long grass. The route curves past violet verbena – we cross over slate stepping stones and then, only then, we arrive.

You see, it feels like a world away but it is really just a 30 second commute to work from the back door so we carry our tea with us and it’s still hot when we arrive. Formerly a large vegetable patch, the studio created by Rutlandbased construction company Olive & Umber (owner Tom pops in to finish off a job while I’m there). It is the perfect space for a printer to work in especially when employing one of her three sons to come and help in the evenings.

Light and bright, there are lengths of coloured linen pinned to the walls, screens with patterns on ready to print, a large table with tiny suggestions of what has been printed before. An almost invisible smudge of pink here, a little yellow there. Design books balance on the shelf, some modern, others more antiquarian. There is no periodic table in sight and – in memory of my grade D GCSE in Chemistry – I am glad.

But Nicola is a scientist, and methodical in her creative approach to printmaking. Rather than accepting the items we own are coloured with dyes derived from crude oil, she is choosing something altogether more sustainable: “Although my chemistry background has helped me derive a process that works, my real drive comes from the fact that these beautiful colours, steeped in history, are just not readily available on fabrics we can use at home. I don’t want them to be lost in the past but continue to be displayed and used for their natural beauty

and environmental qualities – they come from a renewable source, are biodegradable and a safe source of colour.”

Think of natural colours and I expect you’ll picture something that might be akin to the colour of hessian, maybe oatmeal – stylish but not exciting. Perhaps a little hippy even? You certainly wouldn’t think of rich reds and bold blues.

So where do they all come from? Nicola explains: “Indigo is one of the oldest dyes used by man and can be created naturally from the leaves of Idigoferra species, Isatis tinctoria (woad) and Polygonum tinctorium (dyers’ knotweed) and Isatis indigotica (Chinese woad). Red comes from the Rubiaceae family, commonly known as Madder. It’s often thought of as a weed but its roots yield a treasure of five colours.”

Outside the studio, in an old tin bath, Nicola points to some Madder. It looks very nondescript, much like something I pulled up from the garden last week; but in fact, it was being used back in the days of the Ancient Egyptians and allegedly a piece of cloth coloured by Madder was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen. Back to the present day I ask: what inspired this new career?

“I have always loved drawing, painting and sewing. These hobbies allowed me to unwind and escape from the day job. Those same skills were also my route into art college. I studied an MA degree in Sustainable Textiles at Chelsea College of Arts. It was a wonderful experience.

The wealth of museums, art galleries parks and gardens that London has to offer was, and still is a constant source of inspiration. Our home in Stamford is an arts and crafts house, built

in 1904 and it is very typical of this Edwardian movement. I’ve been really inspired by the work of William Morris too, he was an absolute master at pattern design and repeat and a real experimenter with the plant colours (he would have been a good chemist). He did not like the new synthetic dyes that were beginning to take over in his time.”

Over the past year, she’s been creating her own palette of colours inspired by the area she calls home: Empingham Woad “a play on words and my favourite colour”, Collyweston Slate, “a duck egg blue, reminding me of the lovely painted doors on the cottages”, Uffington Orange “from the brick colour which is dominant along the road through Uffington”, Harringworth Hay, “fields around the village make me think of this lovely rich yellow” and Tickencote Pink “just had to be…... tickled pink.”

Botany is a key inspiration too: “drawing is the starting point for my designs, something will catch my eye and I feel compelled to draw it. Like the Achillea flower that grows wild in my garden, this small flower has led to my first collection of prints”.

The fabric is then made into cushions, notepads and other products. And it’s the cushions I love the most.

Before I leave, I am reminded of the William Morris quote: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

I’m sure Nicola would agree.

• Find out more about Madder Cutch & Co Website: maddercutchandco.com Instagram: @maddercutchandco STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU Amuse bouche Starters Salmon ballotine Sherry crème fraiche, saffron cracker and caviar Rabbit and prune ravioli Celeriac remoulade, caper butter sauce Goat’s cheese and sage pithivier Walnut and grape chutney, lamb’s lettuce Duck liver parfait Cranberry jam, ginger and honey brioche

Mains Roulade of turkey Leg meat sausage roll, Brussel and chestnut fricassee Pheasant wellington Creamed garlic spinach, pomme dauphine and honey roast parsnip Venison and herb faggots Onion rosti, braised onions, cabbage and bacon stew Roast cod loin Salsify, prawn gnocchi, baby gem lettuce and bouillabaisse

Desserts Dark chocolate tart Mascarpone sorbet and clementine’s Salted crème caramel Praline cigar, caramelised chocolate Christmas pudding Vanilla ice cream and brandy butter Plum and lemon meringue Lemon jelly, plum sorbet and candid lemon

TWO COURSES £24.95 THREE COURSES £29.95 Available from 1st - 23rd December Tuesday - Saturday only

ADVANCE BOOKING NECESSARY

Late November dates maybe available with pre arrangement.

Boxing Day Lunch

2 courses £20.95/3 courses £25.95

New Years Eve 5 course tasting menu followed by a disco! £65

T: 01780 763649 E: wickedwitch@reborn.com www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk Like our Facebook page & keep up to date with our events

www.facebook.com/TheWickedWitchAtRyhall THE WICKED WITCH, BRIDGE STREET, RYHALL, PE9 4HH 42

THE EXETER ARMS - BARROWDEN NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW CHEF, NEW MENU

WE OFFER • A Warm Welcome • A selection of Real Ales • Premium Lagers and Quality Wines • Seasonal and Varied Menu • Sun Terrace and Beer Garden • Parties and Functions • B&B Guest Rooms • Children and Dogs Welcome

OPENING HOURS

FOOD SERVICE

Tuesday

- Thursday

12 noon - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm

Friday

- Saturday

12 noon - 11pm

Tuesday - Thursday Lunchtime 12 - 2pm Dinner 7 - 9pm Friday - Saturday Lunchtime 12 - 3pm Dinner 6 - 9pm Sunday Lunchtime 12 - 3pm

Sunday

12 noon - 6pm

Monday

Closed

More information and our current menu on our website

www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk Email: info@exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk

Tel: 01572 747365

What’s New At Toft?

Christmas & New Year Celebrations 2016 Christmas Luncheon Specials 2 courses £14.95 3 courses £16.95 Festive Dinner Menu 3 courses £25 per person Starts Mon 28th Nov till Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Excludes Sundays

Party Nights Bring your party to ours…

3 course Dinner & Disco £30 per person 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th & 20th Dec 2016 New Year’s Eve 7 course Dinner & Dance with our live band ‘Matt Stafford’ and a glass of bubbles to welcome in 2017 £85.00 per person

Visit our website to see all the menus

Tel: 01778 590614 Fax: 01778 590264 tofthouse@btconnect.com www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk Toft Country House Hotel & Golf Club, Toft, Nr Bourne, Lincs PE10 0JT

43

FOOD & DRINK

Christmas Menus and Party Rooms for the festive season!

It’s really never too early to think about booking a Christmas meal in one of our many fine local establishments. Either for an office party, a family get together or if you simply don’t want to cook on Christmas Day, there’s something for everyone. Nicholas Rudd-Jones takes a look

Lamberts

5 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX Tel: 01780 767063 www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk Stephen Conway, owner, is a chef with bags of experience, and you can be guaranteed a well-cooked Christmas meal here.

In fact, Stephen was planning Christmas when I called him.

“We plan to do things a little bit differently,” he told me. “We will offer a festive-style menu with a twist – goose perhaps rather than turkey, and a Christmas Pudding ice cream.” Check out the website for exact details. It will be available at lunch and on Thu & Fri evenings.

The Mad Turk

8/9 St. Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 238001 www.themadturk.co.uk The secret here is that you will not be subjected to a Christmas festive menu at all – just great, authentic Turkish Cypriot dishes; but to create a sense of the unusual, why not pop in to the garden for a quick puff on the sushi pipes? And this year you will find them open at lunchtime too.

The Yard at No. 3

3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.no3theyard.co.uk One of the very best eating establishments in Stamford,

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

consistently good quality.

The Christmas 3 course party lunch menu this year will be £27.50 per head for 3 courses (£23.50 for 2), starting from Dec 1st, offering a choice of four dishes per course, both the expected and the more unusual.

The Christmas Day lunch at £79.95 has always been a sell-out here and the four-course menu, starting with champagne and canapés, is as strong as ever, with a great festive ambience on the day.

The Orangery at Burghley

Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 761989 Email: orangery@burghley.co.uk The Orangery will be serving Christmas Lunch and Afternoon Tea over the Christmas season, perfect for both large parties and smaller groups. Lunch menu: 2 courses £18.95. Christmas afternoon tea is from £14.95; why not enjoy a glass of champagne with that too?

The Orangery Restaurant is open 10am-4pm 1st Nov - 19th Dec. The Christmas Menu is available from 23rd November.

HOTELS The Crown Hotel

All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk There’s always a great ambience about The Crown at Christmas, and the décor has recently been refreshed, creating a still better ambience.

Christmas menus can be found at www.thecrownhotelstamford. co.uk and are great value at £22.95 for two courses or £28.95 for three, offering all the traditional favourites in a friendly atmosphere of The Crown. They also offer a Christmas Day menu for £80 (children under 7, £40)

Toft House Hotel

Toft, Lincs, PE10 0JT Tel: 01778 590614 www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk There’s lots going on this Christmas at the Toft House Hotel.

The Christmas luncheon, which starts on Nov 28th, is incredible value at £14.95 for 2-courses or £16.95 for 3. Three choices per course, including all the favourites.

Party nights will take place on 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th & 20th December, comprising a 3-course dinner and DJ, costing £30 per person. There is also a festive dinner menu throughout the season, costing £25 per head, offering 4 choices per course.

If you don’t fancy cooking on Christmas Day, why not book into their splendid Christmas Day Feast for £85 pp; or for New Year’s Eve, a prestigious 7-course dinner & disco for £85, accompanied by a traditional Scottish bag piper!

The William Cecil

High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk.

The Festive Dinner menu offers lots of choice and is good value at £35 for three courses (or £30 for 2). I liked the look of their starters: “Classic salmon gravadlax, crisp pea shoots, sweet mustard & dill ice cream”. To follow: “Norfolk Black turkey or Sirloin of Lincolnshire beef both served with duck fat roast potatoes, pork & apricot stuffing, pigs in blankets,

sprouts, roasted root vegetables, fine beans, red wine reduction”.

The Festive Lunch menus are even better value at £19.95 for 2 courses or £24.50 for 3 courses. For tables of 8 or more, must be pre-booked & pre-ordered.

Party Nights will be held on the 3rd, 14th, & 16th of December and include a glass of mulled wine on arrival, 3 course dinner and dancing. 8pm until late. £42.50 for 3 courses, including a glass of Mulled Wine on arrival. Tables of 10.

PUBS/WINE BARS Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the Hill

21 Stamford Road, Easton-onthe Hill, PE9 3NS Tel: 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.net I love the ambience and service at this pub – there are such good spaces to tuck away and enjoy great hospitality and conversation.

The Christmas party menu is good value and always delicious. Find more details of their menu on the website.

The Bull & Swan at Burghley

High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk Festive lunch and dinner menus are served in the very characterful main restaurant across from the

bar, and represent great value at 2 course for £24.00 or 3 courses for £29.00 (4 choices per course), available for parties of 6 or more throughout December. Christmas Day lunch is available at £75.

Menus can be found on their website.

White Hart, Ufford

Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH Tel: 01789 740250 www.whitehartufford.co.uk The White Hart is a lovely spot to enjoy a great value Christmas lunch. Their front bar with relaxing sofas is one of the best spots anywhere. Find out more details on their website.

The Wine Bar, Stamford

10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757844 http://stamfordwinebar.co.uk/ The Wine Bar has become the ‘goto’ establishment for sophisticated imbibers, with a beautifully designed interior. You can plan a Christmas get together in their private room, for up to 25 people, with catering by the Stamford Deli.

Or for an office do, why not try something a little different and set up a wine tasting or gin master class, with nibbles? Or just come in any time and celebrate the season – there are some excellent vintage champagnes to tempt you. Open all day.

The Wicked Witch

Bridge St, Ryhall, PE9 4HH Tel: 01780 763649 www.thewickedwitchexperience. co.uk You can always be sure that the food at the Wicked Witch will be cooked with flair, under the guidance of Head Chef Dameon Clarke. The Christmas party menu will be available from Thu 1st December to Fri December 23rd, advance booking and pre-order will be necessary. Two courses £24.95, three courses £29.95.

As well as traditional Christmas favourites, there are some more unusual dishes; for starters, for example, Rabbit and prune ravioli, with celeriac remoulade and caper butter sauce; for mains, Pheasant Wellington, with creamed garlic spinach, pomme dauphine and honey roast parsnip; for Desserts, Plum and lemon meringue Lemon jelly, with plum sorbet and candid lemon. Altogether there are four choices per course.

Hambleton Hall

Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH Tel: 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Hambleton Hall provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party.

Log fires, beautiful Christmas trees and sensational Christmas decorations.

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s private dining rooms, is perfect for Christmas parties of 8 – 16 guests, offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, for £60.00 per person for three courses, with a choice of three items per course. Starters include ‘Salad of crab, bloody Mary, celery sorbet’; mains include ‘Loin of fallow venison, artichoke, sour cabbage, cocoa flavoured sauce; desserts include ‘Almond Amaretto soufflé’.

FURTHER AFIELD Barnsdale Hall Hotel North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Celebrate at one of their Christmas party nights, which includes a three course dinner with crackers, hats and novelties, followed by music and fun provided by resident DJ. Great value at £31.50.

Dates available throughout December.

Christmas Day Lunch is £77 (£38.50 for children 6-11 years); and a brilliant New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball at £82, which includes champagne on arrival, a 5-course dinner, table magician and disco.

Barnsdale Lodge The Avenue, Rutland Water, LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 724678 www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk Barnsdale Lodge really does feel like home from home, with friendly and attentive staff and a relaxed feel. This makes it a magical place to celebrate the festive season.

Their renowned Festive Party nights, which include a 3-course dinner and disco, are on selected nights in December; £28.50 per person (Sun-Thu), £30 (Fri-Sat) Christmas Lunch/Dinner Menu 2016 is available Mon to Sat from 5th Dec–23rd Dec and Lunch 24th Dec. Booking is essential. Lunches, £18.00 pp 2 courses, £21.00 pp 3 courses. Dinner - £25.00 pp for 3 courses. Includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine for parties of 8 +.

Sat Dec 17th Annual Christmas Ball. Tickets cost £49.50 per person, to include a glass of Champagne on arrival, 4 course meal and dancing to the renowned ‘Fat Chance’.

The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham 59 Main Street, Wymondham, LE14 2AG Tel: 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk

Neil and Louise Hitchen offer a warm welcome and their award-winning pub and their food continues to impress us. This year they are offering a two-course menu with coffee and mince pies for £30, with a third course for £5.

You’ll enjoy masterpieces such as mulled wine poached pear with goat’s cheese, caramelised walnuts and watercress, followed by braised shoulder of venison with red cabbage, mash, root veg and juniper sauce – alongside the traditional festive classics, of course.

The Exeter Arms, Barrowden 28 Main Street, Barrowden, LE15 8EQ Tel: 01572 747364 www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk The Wade family, who took over this delightfully quintessential village pub in April, are frequently praised for the lovely, friendly atmosphere, superb service and delicious, excellent-value food. Well worth tying in a Christmas lunch here with its wonderful views then enjoying a walk in the stunning surroundings.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham Main Street, Clipsham, LE15 7SH Tel: 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com This local favourite’ s menus are looking more stunning than ever this year. Expect delights such as Tian of crab and fennel with avocado mousse and pink grapefruit dressing followed by Confit goose leg cassoulet, celeriac and caramelised shallots then an iced-coffee parfait with mini cinnamon doughnuts.

They’ve also put together a luxury gourmet ‘Christmas Escape’ package that includes a veritable two-day feast from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day and the luxurious bedrooms across the road at the gorgeous Beech House in which to sleep it all off. Total cost is £365 per person based on two people sharing a superior room.

Book on 01780 410 355.

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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a traditional coastal inn d i nn er, bed an d brea kf a s t Treat yourself to a break on the Nor th Norfolk coast. Stay at The Lifeboat Inn for 2 nights from ÂŁ285 per couple , including dinner and breakfast.

Available for stays Monday to Thursday.

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The Chequers Inn – Thornham Norfolk The North Norfolk Coast has long been a favourite destination of Tim & Bridget Steele; and recent years have seen substantial investment in the pubs, restaurants and hotels giving a tremendous choice of high quality food and service

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HORNHAM has long been recognized as a destination for food lovers and we were keen to find out what the newly refurbished Chequers Inn had to offer. The building dates back to the 16th Century and is named after the now rare Chequers tree; the fruit of which was once used by brewers to flavour beer. The builders taking care of the substantial but loving restoration of the Inn were keen to explain the trouble the new owners, Agellus Hotels had gone to, making sure the work was done properly and sympathetically.

The General Manager Steven Stafford showed us around and explained that Stamfordbased NGI Design had been employed to create the sophisticated new interior styling, based on shades of grey with colour accents. The website uses the term ‘rustic charm and contemporary style’ which describes it perfectly.

The Pub area and cosy lounge area have been subtly modernised with the on trend grey paintwork and old wood; whilst pictures and copper shaded lighting have been added to retain the traditional feel of a country Pub. Local real ales are available on draught.

The Restaurant evolves to sleek and modern and a roof lantern provides a light and airy environment. Head Chef Shayne Wood explained: “The Inn has been well known for its stone baked pizza and whilst this is being retained, we are expanding the menu to add the finest local produce. With such amazing seafood available nearby, we are busy developing suppliers to ensure we make the most of what the area has to offer.” Tapas has replaced the starter section on the menu due to its success and, after careful evaluation by Steven and

Shayne, “we have have upped the portion size and flavour compared to other local offerings!”

We sampled three Tapas dishes and felt they had achieved their aim…all excellent as well as a great opportunity to try a variety of dishes.

For mains we chose the restaurant favourite smoked haddock with mash and a smoked trout salad and both were excellent. Despite feeling full we couldn’t resist the dessert menu and the crème brulée and panna cotta were a delight.

In good weather, you can also eat on the sizeable rear terrace and there are two screened cedar wood ‘pavilions’ which each seat up to fourteen people.

Finally we move on to the eleven bedrooms that have been given an impressive makeover

by NGI. As you would expect in such an old building, each room is different and the features of the room have been exploited to make them as interesting as possible. They all feature a sophisticated grey scheme with designer furniture, beautiful Italian light fittings, kingsized beds and a sumptuous carpet. Not only are there coffee and tea making facilities and mineral water but a small decanter of Sloe gin that was excellent! Our bathroom featured a modern roll top bath and a walk-in shower with fluffy white towels, robes and ESPA toiletries.

The rooms really do provide everything you need for a very comfortable stay.

Breakfast offered a range of freshly cooked options as well as the usual cereals, juice and toast and arrived very quickly.

Stephen, Shayne and the team at The Chequers are clearly passionate about their wonderful old Inn and with the renovation breathing new life into the building, intend to make the most of what they have to offer. The

Chequers Inn offers a fine mix of old and new with a warm welcome!

Rates start from £120 per room in low season for Bed and Breakfast with offers available on the website: http://www.chequersinnthornham.com/ • The Chequers Inn, High St,Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LY Tel: 01485 512229 info@chequersinnthornham.com STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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MUSIC

Stamford’s Children’s Choir at All Saints’ Church PHOTOS: PIP WARTERS www.acelensman.com

Nicholas Rudd-Jones learnt about a singing group that is going from strength to strength

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TAMFORD’S children’s choir at All Saints’ Church was re-launched two years ago, and has grown steadily to thirteen members, aged between 7 and 12 years old. The choir is kept busy with regular commitments and special events.

In September alone they were singing at a wedding, a Pets’ Service, and on Battle of Britain Sunday to a packed church of RAF personnel. Occasionally the children are joined by the All Saints’ adult choir, filling the choir stalls and delighting the congregation as they perform together. The adult choir also sings with them at other large scale services throughout the year including the Civic Service, Nine Lessons and Carols, etc.

The choir is a traditional, robed, Anglican Parish Church Choir; it sings sacred music, and is affiliated to the Royal School of Church

Music, the national body for church choirs.

The repertoire includes many genres of music: traditional anthems and sacred songs (Bach, Tchaikovsky, Parry and plainsong, etc.), Sprituals and Gospel Songs (Amazing Grace is a favourite of the choristers themselves), and even songs from the shows that can be repurposed for worship (West Side Story and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).

The children rehearse every Friday from 6-7 pm under the supervision of the Choir Director, Fergus Black. There are usually two or three services and concerts a month plus periodic requests to sing at weddings.

The choir is FREE to join and FREE to belong to. Choristers also receive FREE tuition toward the national Voice for Life Training Scheme, which leads to the award of choir medals on

All Saints’ Choir highlights!

• Joint Songs of Praise (July 2015). The children joined the adult choir at a Songs of Praise.

• Informal Concert (Oct 2015) (and paper aeroplane-making workshop) - because the choir that plays together stays together!

• Competition Success at the Peterborough Music Festival March 2016 The choir was awarded the Elizabeth Henderson Memorial Trophy on the final day of the Peterborough Music Festival.

The Adjudicator commended both their appearance in their smart blue cassocks and their musical skills: “Lovely sustained phrasing. Spot on note and word starts and endings and lovely intonation as well.”

• Stamford Music Competition (June 2016) The church hosted the first Stamford Music Competition, adjudicated by Steven Grahl, the Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral.

Seventy-five young performers, (including six members of the choir) took part in seven classes throughout the day.

• First Choral Evensong (June 2016) This service was a favourite with some of the children, and of their conductor! It was held at St. John’s for his feast day. Fergus explains: “I saw this service as a milestone. If you do singing exams, then Grade 1 has four songs, which in total last about 5 minutes. Choral Evensong is extended: there is more than 20 minutes of music: hymns, psalm, responses, canticles and so on, so it requires skill and dedication to learn and perform. Evensong is one of the glories of Anglican Church Music, and I was delighted that they did so well without any adult help.”

• Making the Sun come out (July 2016) Fun with Faith Day- a day of celebration at the Recreation Ground, singing selections from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The children took the credit for a change in the weather: it was raining when they started, and sunny when they finished – and great fun throughout!

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

different coloured ribbons reflecting their level of expertise. The course helps young people develop their vocal skills, such as breathing and tone production, as well as reading music, and their knowledge of the choral repertoire. The children effectively receive FREE music lessons!

The course is run by one of the church’s adult choir members, Karen Baza.

The choir has recently lost two members: one to Peterborough Cathedral Choir, and another to the Purcell School of Music in London. “I am thrilled these children have chosen to further their education in music. It is gratifying to know that they will be able to apply what they have learnt as members of All Saints’ Choir, but unfortunately it does mean that we have to keep recruiting.” said Fergus.

If you think your children, grandchildren or a child you know would be interested in this free tuition and joining the All Saints’ choir please read on. Being in a church choir is a responsibility requiring regular attendance as well as developing new skills through practise. Christmas and Easter are important periods in a chorister’s year with a greater number of services. Contact Fergus Black, the Director of Music on 07843 058994, HYPERLINK “mailto:music@stamfordallsaints.org.uk” \o “mailto:music@stamfordallsaints.org.uk” music@stamfordallsaints.org.uk or look at the web site: www.stamfordallsaints.org.uk/ music/join.html

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51

ACTIVITIES

Child

Friendly Stamford Antonia Scott catches up with the owners of The Little Lane Nursery to celebrate their first year in Stamford

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HE Little Lane Nursery opened in October 2015 in Silver Lane, which bisects Broad Street and the High Street. Owners Emma Altham and Victoria Banfield wanted to create a boutique nursery in the centre of Stamford, providing the highest standard of childcare for a small number of children between the ages of 6-weeks and 5-years.

As mothers of Nursery age children, they are both passionate about childcare and wanted to create a safe and happy environment in which each child can achieve their full potential by developing confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning - regardless of their ability or background.

talking point within the town, so much so that we are purchasing a second wagon – we are often stopped and asked about it; many want to know if they can have a ride!”

COLLECT FROM CAR: “Although we are conveniently located in the centre of Stamford, parking can be an issue at times, so to alleviate any problems, we are happy to offer a ‘Collect from car’ service where we meet you at your vehicle and safely bring your child into the nursery premises. This service is particularly useful on a Friday when Broad Street hosts the weekly market.”

OUTDOOR LEARNING: “The Little Lane Nursery is very lucky to have access to an outdoor learning site in Easton on the Hill. We have a huge paddock, an orchard, mud pit, climbing frame and our very own converted stable as a base. All pre-school children within

the nursery have access to outdoor learning sessions – e.g. making mud monsters, pond dipping, bush craft and bug hunts!”

“We also have 2 guinea pigs – Bubble and Squeak for the children to enjoy, care for and show respect to.”

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY! WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON? “What a year it has been! We now look after over 100 families and have a strong team of 20 staff. We had our first Ofsted Inspection, just 18 weeks after opening, achieving a ‘Good’ grading and recently received a ‘Highly Commended Best New Start Up Award’ in the Mercury Business Awards.

In July 2016 we expanded the nursery into the former Humble Pi Café, turning this area into our dedicated ‘Baby Suite’ which has been renovated and transformed, with the homely décor and same attention to detail as the rest of the nursery. We also now have a fully qualified

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Level 3 Forest School teacher, Melissa Mason, who will be specifically focussing on outdoor learning activities.

Over the summer, we held our first Family Fun Day in Easton on the Hill for the families that attend our nursery. It was a fantastic day for everyone to get together and enjoy a sunny day, whilst the children were entertained with a petting farm, bouncy castles, story tent and face painting.”

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT? WALKING WAGON: “Our bright red walking wagon that can hold up to 6 babies or 10 toddlers has proved hugely popular and a

THE BEST BITS....

“We really have been welcomed into the Stamford community. This first year has been amazing, the success and strength of the business has been incredible. Our ethos about getting out and about, not being restricted to the four walls of the nursery has been firmly embedded into our nursery. The feedback and support from the families that use the nursery have been amazing. If you are interested in a nursery place please contact us or ring the doorbell, we would be delighted to show you around.”

Victoria and Emma have a real love and passion for their business and have lots more exciting plans for the future.

The Little Lane Nursery, 1 Silver Lane, Stamford, PE9 2BT Website: www.littlelanenursery.com Email: info@littlelanenursery.com Telephone: 01780 752211

Learning together through faith, hope and love

Easton Garford Endowed CE School Part of the Peterborough Diocese Education Academy Trust

Country Traditionals Traditionals Country Traditionals Traditionals Country Country Country Traditionals Country Traditionals MANY NEW ITEMS IN STORE

Come along to our Open Days!

4th and 5th October 9:30am – 12pm and 1:30pm – 3pm

We are a forward thinking rural school within an idyllic village setting. Our caring church ethos is central to our curriculum delivery and is carefully tailored to meet the needs of every individual. Come anytime, see the school, meet our friendly staff and pupils and find out what we can offer your child.

• • • •

Small class sizes High academic standards Specialist music provision Range of extra-curricular sport and art based activities

• Spacious sports field • Fully equipped library • Residential experiences at KS2

PLACES AVAILABLE NOW Easton Garford Endowed C. of E. School New Road, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3NN 01780 763025 www.eastongarford.org

Visitour ourshop shop Visit oven/Aga/microwave/dishwasher/freezer proof Visit our shop

Visitour ourshop shop Visit Visit our shop Maiden Lane, Stamford Maiden Lane, Stamford opptourist tourist info&&arts arts centre opp info centre Maiden Lane, Stamford Maiden Lane, Stamford opptourist tourist info & arts centre Opposite Tourist Info & Centre opp tourist info &arts artsArts centre opp info & centre Maiden Lane, Stamford opp tourist info & arts centre opp tourist info &10am arts centre--5pm Open Mon Sat 10am 5pm Open Mon Sat opp tourist & 10am arts centre- -5pm Mon Sat OpenMon Mon Sat 10am 5pm Open Mon Sat 10am 5pm Open ------info Sat 10am ----5pm Open Mon Sat 10am 5pm Open Mon Sat 10am 5pm Tel: 01780 755 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 01780 755 409 OpenTel: Mon Sat 10am 5pm Tel: 01780 755 409 Tel:01780 01780755 755409 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Tel: 01780 755 409 www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

Visit our Stamford shop Maiden Lane, Stamford Lane, Visit ourMaiden shop - Maiden Lane, Stamford Visit our shop Maiden Lane, Stamford

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

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DESIGN

Sophie Allport celebrates its tenth anniversary Antonia Scott speaks to Sophie Allport on her continued success as she launches her new product ranges

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OPHIE Allport is a Lincolnshire-based family business that is celebrating its tenth year. Sophie runs the business with her brother Jem, along with a total of 25 employees. There are over 1,200 stockists across the UK and their own Showroom at Langtoft, near Stamford. There is a popular ‘seconds’ area where everything is half price. The showroom has recently been extended and refurbished and will be opening every Saturday (10am-4pm) until 17th December, as well as Monday-Friday (9am-5pm).

WHAT’S NEW? “We‘ve been very busy! We are launching five new collections this Autumn! Highland Stag features magnificent stags on a teal grey background, there are also two pet inspired collections called Woof and Purrfect, featuring some of the UK’s most popular cat and dog breeds.

These are both wheat beige in colour so their neutral tones should suit most home interiors. Safari is a new collection that has a few kitchen textiles and mugs and lots of products for kids - new melamine, soft toys, baby blankets, tooth fairy cushions, backpacks, lunch bags, wallets and washbags. Our festive Starry Night collection will also be launching lots of new products. The home fragrance area is expanding and we have just launched new reed diffusers, a large Christmas botanical candle and gift sets as well as Christmas decorations, selling a selection of glass baubles, tea light holders, candlesticks, vases and bowls.”

with the seasons. There’s something very magical about that in the UK. Being able to see the wildlife around us in everyday life is very inspiring.

I’ll often see deer, hares, red kites, pheasant and partridge and we have swallows and owls nesting in the barns at home and are surrounded by fields of sheep, horses and cattle.

All of my collections are inspired by the outdoors. I’m a very keen gardener hence our Gardening collection. I used to visit my Uncle and Aunt in Africa when I was a young child and they took us on the most amazing Safari trips – I remember being in awe of all the animals - I especially love this new range and thoroughly enjoyed painting all the animals. The new Highland Stag collection is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. We are lucky to see so many deer in the wild in Lincolnshire and of course in Burghley Park.

My three young boys definitely inspire me too. They of course love Father Christmas which is where the new festive ‘Starry Night’ idea came from. Santa is depicted racing across a starlit sky on his sleigh.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? “An annual highlight is selling at the Chelsea Flower Show - it’s such a special event and as a passionate gardener I’m inspired every year with the displays that get created. We have been highly commended for our stand for the past four years and this year we were delighted to receive one of only two 5 Star awards for our retail stand.”

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? “I use pen and watercolour to produce my illustrations. I like to think my designs are unique and make people smile. They have a simplicity and fun element to them that allows everyone to be able to relate to them in some way. My handwriting on the inside rim of a lot of the mugs also adds an element of light-hearted fun. My artwork tells the story of my influences. I’m continually inspired by nature, the countryside around me and of course my three young boys and dogs! The combination of colour and design is of utmost importance and ensures a happy balanced look/ feel to a new product or design.”

BEST AND WORST BITS OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR? “The best bit is definitely being able to design and produce the collections I’m passionate about and then seeing them a year later in the shops and on the website. I love seeing our products on the high street and in people’s homes. It makes me very proud of the hard work we all do! The hardest thing is probably trying to juggle running my own business and bringing up a family at the same time. It’s hard as a working mum trying to get the balance right. I can’t make every rugby match and assembly which is difficult but hopefully one day they’ll all understand.”

WHAT AND WHO INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGNS? “The countryside around me and the amazing way the colours change

• Showroom & Seconds Shop: King Street Industrial Estate, Langtoft, Stamford PE6 9NF www.sophieallport.com

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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Luxury

A little bit of

• Fully qualified fitting teams • Free, no obligation quotations Kitchens | Bedrooms | Bathrooms 56 For

• Free design service on all kitchens

Visit Our Showroom: 22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Opening Times: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday, 10am-3pm

more information call 01780 481 850, email orchardkitchens@live.co.uk or visit www.orchardstamford.co.uk

DESIGN

O

Be inspired by Orchard’s New Showroom

RCHARD has recently expanded and renewed their showroom in Uffington Rd, and there’s lots of impressive new displays to inspire you and help you select what’s best for your home.

New and expanded displays include: many more doors; windows; a new triple track sliding door; bi-folds; sliding sash windows; a garden room and a skylight.

Orchard has always prided itself on offering an integrated one-stop

shop, from design through to complete installation; and this just got better still with electricians and carpenters now based here too.

Come and look at the showroom, Mon-Fri 8.00-5.00, or Saturday 9.00-1.00.

• Unit 1, Meadow View Business Units, Uffington Rd, Stamford PE9 2EX Tel: 01780 753343 www.orchardwindows.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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UPDATES

Take a Touch Typing course “The only genuinely useful skills I have ever been taught are swimming and touch-typing – and neither of them happened at school” Journalist Hilary Rose in The Times

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O you ‘hunt & peck’ like an electro-chicken? The benefits of being able to touch–type mean you never again have to look at your fingers while typing, allowing you to focus entirely on the screen as your fingers automatically hit the necessary keys swiftly and accurately, often to speeds at and above 70-80words per minute.

Learning to touch type is like learning any physical skill – similar to learning a musical instrument or even learning to ride a bike or drive a car. Once the finger-to-key movements have been learned, they are never forgotten so it becomes a life-long skill.

So if you’d like essay writing to be effortless, homework less of a chore or simply wish to save hours and hours of time at the keyboard, then learning to touch-type is an essential skill to learn.

Nobody who does, ever regrets it and those who learn to touch type enjoy a significant competitive advantage – at school, university and in their chosen careers.

There are various course options on offer. The excellent touch-typing software used on the course was developed by an educational psychologist and improves reading, spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary, as well as teaching touch-typing. The course is well structured, age appropriate and most of all, makes it fun to learn this essential skill.

• Contact Diane Gifford for a friendly chat on Tel. 01780 470482 or make an appointment to call in. See www.typebytouch.co.uk for information and course dates.

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Treatments include Permanent Fat Reduction to micro-needling, peels, lasers and light therapy.

If you are starting a new job, preparing for the party season or just want to feel better and increase confidence the Bootcamp will be able to address your concerns.

• Contact: - Elysia Aesthetic and Laser Clinic, Tansor, Oundle, Tel: 01832 226328 or 07879 620196

Helping everyone to dance T

HE Welland School of Dancing has been on a mission for the past two years to get a shipment of second- hand dancewear sent out to Africa to a charity called Gambia Ballet Factory.

They started raising money back in 2014 at the Christmas choreo comp as it costs £400 to send the boxes out. In Maggie’s words; “We had to jump through several hoops to get the donations through customs and excise at their end, but finally our shipment arrived on Saturday in the Gambia. We’d love to raise some more funds to send a second shipment out, so if any local businesses would like to help sponsor us, that would be amazing.”

• Get in touch with Maggie via www.wellandschoolofdancing.co.uk or call 07921 21302

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Aqualyx at the Cosmetic Clinic Fat dissolving injections for body contouring

D

ISSOLVE troublesome fat depots simply with an injectable solution. The Aqualyx product causes dissolution of fat cells after which the body then expels the released fatty acids naturally. Aqualyx has full CE approval within the United Kingdom and is a non-surgical treatment having only minimal side effects.

The solution is injected into the fat through a special fine needle using a unique technique for which specialist training is required and must be undertaken by a doctor. Multiple treatments are typically required, from 2 to 8 sessions depending on the area to be treated and the individual patient but the results are permanent. Aqualyx is excellent for double chins, sagging jowls, tummy, love handles, fatty arms or knees, inner or outer thigh area and lipomas and is carried out by the owner of the clinics, Dr Sravanth Pasapula, who is an exceptionally experienced aesthetics doctor as well as a General Practitioner.

• Peterborough Cosmetic Clinic, 226 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough, PE1 3PB Tel: 01733 310090 http://www.ukcosmeticclinic.co.uk/

Local Financial Advice firm goes from strength to strength

L

OCAL firm Landmark IFA Ltd has been in Stamford since 2004, advising private clients on all aspects of financial planning, from straightforward ISA investments through to Inheritance Tax and Complex pension and retirement planning.

The firm has grown rapidly in recent years and it is gaining a well-earned reputation for the quality of its service. With 16 highly-qualified advisers and a very experienced client services team, the firm anticipates continued growth over the coming months and year.

Founder Kevin Mullins told Stamford Living “we’re now managing in excess of £350 million of client funds and this number is growing year on year. We anticipate that in the not too distant future we’ll be managing in excess of half a billion pounds of client assets”.

Landmark runs a training academy for its staff and advisers. It has recently started an apprenticeship scheme, aimed at providing the next generation of client advisers. “We started our apprenticeship program earlier this year with a view to providing our existing staff and new joiners a route to attaining professional qualifications. We have eight apprenticeships currently and more to follow. This is a very exciting time for all involved”.

• Landmark IFA Ltd, Rock House, 30 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ Tel: 01780 761313 www.landmarkifa.co.uk

LANDMARK IFA LTD PROVIDES INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ADVICE TO PRIVATE CLIENTS AND BUSINESSES. PLEASE CONTACT US TO ARRANGE YOUR NO OBLIGATION, NO COST INITIAL MEETING WITH ONE OF OUR HIGHLY-QUALIFIED ADVISERS. 1st Floor, Rock House, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ

59

PETS GALORE

Fishy Tales

By Deborah Pennell

I

HAVE always had a fascination with tropical fish and I am reliably informed that watching these multi-coloured, ghost-like beings floating around an aquarium is good for the soul. You see aquariums in restaurants, schools and businesses all around Stamford, so this prompted me to pop into town and find out how easy it is to become the proud owner of a tank full of tropical fish.

Where can I buy fish locally?

The only stockists of tropical fish in Stamford are Stamford Animal & Pet Supplies (SAPS). They have a good selection of fish to get you started, from the microscopic Neon Tetra fish to Danio’s, Catfish, and Loach’s. They also have some terrifying looking Red Bellied Piranha fish, not for sale, but weirdly fascinating anyway.

are a huge variety of fish foods on the market but James Edwards from SAPS suggests a varied diet. You can buy sinking pellets, floating pellets, algae wafers and special treats to stick to the glass, which the fish flock around and are great for children to observe. According to James, one of the highest causes of death in fish is due to overfeeding.

How often do I need to clean the tank out?

It is important to clean out your tank regularly, as decaying fish food and other detritus can taint the water and cause disease amongst the fish. Removing and replacing a minimum of 10% of the total water, each week, is recommended.

What happens if you go on holiday?

Do you need to get someone in to feed your fish?

What do I need?

It is always advisable to get someone to check and feed your fish on a daily basis. However, you can buy weekend or vacation food blocks which will give your fish all the nutrients they need for the duration of time you are going to be away. Further research tells me, that most knowledgeable fish owners, do not recommend these blocks as they leave a residue in the bottom of the tank, which can rapidly taint the water.

You will need an aquarium with an internal water filtration system, gravel or sand for the base and a heater. It is most common to buy a complete startup pack that includes all these things. A product to de-chlorinate the tap water used to fill the tank is vital. Once the tank is full of water and ready to use, it is important to leave it with the heater and filtration system switched on, for a minimum of 48 hours, in order to let the tank ‘settle’.

What extras can I add to the tank?

Aquatic plants and rocks are important to provide shelter, protection and interest for the fish but they are just the basics. Glow-in the dark stones, fake treasure chests and shipwrecks are just a small number of things available to pimp up your tank. This is a very personal thing, but the range of products available is vast.

How many fish should I allow per litre of water?

The suggested guideline is approximately 25mm of fish length per 4 litres of water.

What do tropical fish eat?

Depending upon the species of fish you have invested in, then there

sized fish tank on an annual basis?

What is the average cost of running a medium

Based on present electricity rates a 120litre tank with 1 standard T8 light tube and a 15w filter will cost you around £450 a year to run.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Suppliers of Tropical Fish, Fish Tanks and Aquatic plants: SAPS, Halliday’s Yard, Radcliffe Road, Stamford, PE9 1ED 01780 755758 Suppliers of Tropical Fish Food and other accessories: SAPS (as above) Pets Korner, 15 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE 01780 756082

Tel: 01780 763180 32 Main Street, Great Casterton, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 4AA

A Veterinar y Practice with a Difference Email: stamfordvets@googlemail.com www.stamfordvets.co.uk 60

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ASK LEO

All sorts of apples

New York is nicknamed the Big Apple. The Beatles named their own recording company Apple. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak called their computer company Apple. But these are not the apples Jean Orpin and Sue Lee tell us about here! They have a much longer history with Stamford connections.

DEVELOPMENT OF APPLE VARIETIES Apples came to England with the Romans around 55BC. As Christianity moved westwards the apple followed and became an important fruit grown in many religious communities.

Grown from seeds these resulted in apples only suitable for making cider which was done in monasteries.

Around 1500, grafts were brought from France producing eating and cooking apples.

During the 19th century the number of apple varieties increased encouraged by the Royal Horticultural Society. Stamford made important contributions.

Now there are at least 2000 apple varieties and most people would be able to name at least three or four. Many British apples have eccentric names like Beauty of Bath, Peasgood’s Nonesuch and Sheep’s Nose.

THE RISE AND FALL OF ORCHARDS As apples developed and were regularly used for eating and cooking, orchards were planted.

From 1700 these were a common feature in the countryside near settlements of all kinds from aristocratic seats to small farms. With the coming of the railways certain areas like Kent and the Vale of Evesham became particularly noted.

Orchards continued to be very important providing home grown fruit up to and during the war years but they disappeared fast after 1950 when fruit could be imported. England overall has lost 63% of its orchards, with Kent losing 92%.

Supermarkets sell a very limited range and for many years favoured the French ‘Golden Delicious’. Today they only sell about 12 varieties, mainly foreign grown, although thousands are available.

ORCHARDS RESTORED Attempts are being made to reverse this process. Brogdale in Kent is the home of the National Fruit Collection, helping to ensure that no varieties are lost. Many events are held and there are tours of the orchards every day.

62

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

Traditional orchards are also being recognised as vital refuges for wildlife especially bats and woodpeckers. Mistletoe is often found on apple trees – spread by mistle-thrushes that feast on its berries. Birds and insects are inevitably attracted to fallen fruit.

The National Trust has committed £500,000 to plant traditional orchards. A local one to visit is Tresham’s Orchard at Lyveden New Bield. Communities are also preserving or creating orchards.

Locally there is one at Fineshade and of course the ones in Stamford.

In 1999 the charity Common Ground held the first Apple Day on October 21st in Covent Garden.

Seventeen years on this has now become a ‘tradition’ in many places all over the country, not least Stamford. This is an excellent way to find out more and meet some orchard experts.

FAMOUS APPLE STORIES The most famous story comes from the Bible where we learn that Adam was tempted by Eve to take a bite out of a forbidden apple with disastrous consequences. According to William Stukeley of Stamford, Isaac Newton formulated the laws of gravity by observing apples falling from a tree. The story that it was an apple hitting him on the head is an embellishment that has been told to generations of schoolchildren. The 15thC story of William Tell shooting an apple from his son’s head only came to England in the 19th C but was popularised in the 20thC in films and on television.

CUSTOMS, SAYINGS AND SUPERSTITIONS Apples are an integral part of our culture with numerous sayings we all use such as: • Apple of my eye • Apple pie order • A rotten apple There are also many old superstitions about apples for instance: • Before eating an apple it should be rubbed to remove evil spirits • If you rub an apple on a baby’s tongue it will ensure the baby has a good singing voice.

• Apples supposedly have special powers of prediction and these traditionally formed an essential part in Hallowe’en activities • Hang apples on strings and bite them – the person whose apple falls off the string first will be the first to get married • Peel an apple in one piece, throw it over your shoulder - the letter it forms will be the first letter of the person you will marry • Apple bobbing involves floating apples in water and trying to lift one in your teeth - the first person to take a bite of the apple will be the next to marry.

Stamford apples “Stamford had more than a little renown for its apples.

‘Lord Burghley’ was a fine russet. ‘The Stamford Pippin’ was also a product of a local nursery as was an apple called the ‘Schoolmaster’ - a fine cooking apple. A particularly good specimen tree of the last mentioned apple grew appropriately in the grounds of Stamford School until 1873, the year of the erection of the Headmaster’s House. Other local apples are ‘Barnack Beauty’ and ‘Peasgood’s Nonsuch.”

From “Stamford in 1851” by Laurence Tebbutt

Barnack Beauty

the law and he moved to Bedford where he was described as a Seeds Grower in the 1881 census. He became a noted plantsman and corresponded with Charles Darwin.

The ‘Stamford Pippin’ was developed during Laxton’s time in Stamford. It was exhibited at first as ‘Brown’s South Lincoln Beauty’. In 1883 it was exhibited at the Great Fruit Exhibition and was declared the best apple; and in 1894 it received a first class certificate from the R.H.S. (Later another nursery marketed it and gave it the name of ‘Allington Pippin’.) ‘Laxton’s Fortune’, ‘Laxton’s Superb’ and ‘Lord Lambourne’ were all introduced by the Laxton family.

Schoolmaster in Stamford. The group has its origins back in 2002. When it was formed, the group’s first priority was to establish an orchard and the council let them have a site for a peppercorn rent. It is at the end of Christ Church Close, off Green Lane.

They wanted to plant it with apple varieties Allington Pippin Brown’s Seedling that would have been grown in the area in the past and the Group have identified over Other local apples like ‘Barnack Beauty’ and forty local apple varieties. Many of these have their own ‘Brown’s Seedling’ were popularised been planted in the orchard. They also want to

by Browns. ‘Lord Burghley’ was introduced preserve the old orchards that still existed in by the head gardener at Burghley House. the town, establish new ones and encourage ‘Peasgood Nonsuch’ was originally raised by a wildlife.

Mrs Peasgood and brought with her when she On October 1st the group are holding their moved to Stamford. She grew it from a seed, 9th Apple Day at the Arts Centre. This has possibly a ‘Catshead Codlin’ that she sowed grown over the years and is a very enjoyable as a child in Grantham in the 1850s. Thomas and popular event. Visitors are encouraged to Laxton marketed it. bring apples from their gardens for experts to After Laxton’s departure Browns continued identify. Apple juice and apple related food is to market local apple trees. Many people will on sale and there are also many stalls relating remember their shop in the High Street. to apples.

STAMFORD COMMUNITY ORCHARD GROUP

We have a Community Orchard Group here

Peasgood Nonsuch

THOMAS LAXTON AND BROWN’S NURSERYMEN Thomas Laxton was born at Tinwell in 1831 and became a very influential plant breeder responsible for many new varieties of fruit and vegetables. He studied law in London then set up in practice in St Mary’s Hill but ran a seedsman’s business as well.

Laxton worked with Browns, seed merchants with a nursery at Wothorpe and established in Stamford by the mid 19thC. In 1878 his commercial interests caused him to give up

Lord Burghley

CIDER MAKING SCOG own an apple press which groups can borrow to make their own cider. If you have an abundance of apples, why not try this recipe.

3lbs of windfall apples peeled and cored 3 lemons 2lbs sugar 12 pints of water Crush apples in the press. Put into a clean plastic container. Pour over water.

Leave covered for 7 days, stirring every morning and night. Strain into a container.

Add sugar, lemon juice and finely grated rind. Leave to stand for 24 hours. Strain into glass bottles with screw tops.

SCOG MEMBERSHIP The group meet at 7.30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Crown Hotel.

All are welcome to come.

Wassailing Jan 7th 2017 This is a traditional ceremony and involves singing to the trees, scaring away evil spirits to encourage the trees to give a good harvest.

There will be songs, Morris dancing and cider and apple juice to drink.

Ask Leo would like to hear from you.

Email them at askleo@btinternet.com

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

63

Richardson Thompson Leach 164_Layout 1 26/01/2016 13:42 Page 1

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The Hayloft - Essendine ÂŁ850,000

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STAMFORD PEOPLE Daniel Twiddy (right) with his parents Roger and Liz and seven-year-old daughter Milly

Daniel, a former pupil of Bluecoat Primary and Queen Eleanor Schools in Stamford, was one of 10 finalists out of 100,000 entrants in the prestigious Barclays Trading Places awards.

Daniel Twiddy Few people have had to rebuild their life like Daniel Twiddy. In March 2003, while serving with the British Army, he suffered life-threatening injuries in an attack on his tank. Despite enduring 45 operations since then he has built a successful plastering business and was recently nominated for a national tradesman award. Nick Rennie went to meet Daniel to find out more about his inspiring story.

D

ANIEL Twiddy’s memories of his darkest day remain crystal clear. He had been on patrol in a tank during the early stages of the Iraq war and all appeared to be quiet.

“It was about 1 in the morning and I was asleep on top of the tank,” recalled Daniel.

“There was suddenly a round of incoming fire which missed the tank and blew me on to the ground. Two more rounds then came in and hit the tank. I was set on fire and shrapnel went through my face.”

Sadly, two of Daniel’s colleagues who were still in the tank were killed in the incident. Army medics tended to Daniel’s horrific wounds as he drifted in and out of consciousness.

“If I had been in the tank I wouldn’t be here now,” he said. “I was still in a very bad way and the medics in the field hospital saved my life when I was transferred there.”

It soon transpired that the attack on Daniel’s Challenger II tank had come mistakenly from another British tank in a tragic incident of friendly fire. His Queen’s Royal Lancers regiment had been securing bridges on the outskirts of the key city of Basra at the time.

Daniel has endured years of legal battles with the Ministry of Defence in an attempt to win compensation for his injuries. But he hasn’t been compensated and hasn’t even received an apology.

Daniel’s face still bears the scars of his injuries. Recent surgery on his face was the 45th operation following the attack. He’s had dental problems and developed conditions such

66

STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

He has to pay for treatment for these ailments out of his own pocket and his neverending series of operations are carried out in NHS hospitals.

Daniel (36) clearly dotes on his family, wife Amy and children Milly (7) and five-year-old Jessie. Parents Roger and Liz, brother Simon and sister Sarah have also been hugely supportive.

“The way I have dealt with everything is down to my mum and dad and my wife,” he said. “My parents are still together and they inspire me to get on with my life.”

After leaving the Army, Daniel trained as a plasterer and now runs his own business. He has work lined up three months in advance and has worked on some of the most well-known buildings in Stamford, such as Burghley House, The George Hotel and Stamford Endowed Schools.

He was this year nominated for the award of Britain’s Top Tradesman, winning the eastern regional event but narrowly failing to make the national finals.

Daniel, a former pupil of Bluecoat Primary and Queen Eleanor Schools in Stamford, was also one of 10 finalists out of 100,000 entrants in the prestigious Barclays Trading Places awards.

“I work very hard, starting at 8.30 every day and working through to 9.30pm and everything I’ve had since what happened in Iraq I’ve paid

Daniel Twiddy pictured during his Army days on a tank and on patrol

for myself,” he said.

“I don’t do a lot of work on building sites because I’m a people person and I like to build a close working relationship with a client.”

Mum Liz (64) is a trained nurse and she saw at first-hand what her son went through with his injuries, staying in the hospital with him for weeks when he was flown home and then constantly redressing his wounds after he was allowed home.

“When it happened it was absolutely horrendous,” she said. “We didn’t recognise him when we first saw him. In fact, we argued with the doctors that it wasn’t him. But he should be so proud of what he has achieved since.”

Since sustaining his war service injuries, Daniel has joined Royal British Legion volunteers in selling Poppies every year. He joins the Stamford Remembrance Day parade every November and on the anniversary of the Iraq incident he lays a wreath every year at the town’s war memorial.

But Daniel’s experiences have permanently tarnished his attitude towards those who run the military. “All I ever wanted to do when I was growing up was to join the Army and serve my country,” he added. “But, now, if someone asks me if I would like my son to join up when he is old enough I say ‘no’.”

• To talk to Daniel about plastering work, email him at dantwiddyplastering@hotmail. co.uk go to his Facebook page at www. facebook.com/dantwiddyplastering or call him on 01780 592052 or 07985 668398.

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UPDATES

Will house prices drop ‘Post-Brexit’?

This month, our local buy-to-let expert and property investment advisor, David Crooke, author of the ‘Rutland and Stamford Property News’, online blog www. rutlandandstamfordpropertyblog.co.uk and managing director of UPP Property Agents discusses the impact Brexit could have on local house prices.

E

VEN the sanest person in Britain has to admit the Brexit vote will affect the UK property market. Excluding central London, most commentators are saying prices will be affected by around 10%.

Using these calculations, as the average value of a property in the South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) area is £181,000, this means property values are set to drop for the average property by £18,100.

According to the Land Registry, SKDC property values today are 6.81% higher than a year ago. The 12 months before that they rose by 3.14%, and the 12 months before that, they rose by 3.14%.

If we hadn’t voted to leave, using these figures, it is safe to assume house prices would have been 5% higher by summer 2017.

And, that’s the point. There won’t be a house price crash, it’s just that house prices in a year’s time will be 5% lower than they are now (i.e. 5% less the 10% lower figure because of Brexit).

Comparing historical data to today’s figures for the SKDC area and Stamford as a whole: Average Value of a property 20 years ago Average Value of a property 10 years ago Average Value of a property 2 years ago Average Value of a property 1 year ago Average Value of a property today Projected Value of a property in 12 months’ time

£ 47,800 £157,800 £164,300 £169,500 £189,000 £171,950

Therefore, it can be estimated that the average value of a property will be £9,050 lower in 12 months’ time than today.

That’s not to say property prices might not dip slightly in the run up to Christmas. Whilst the UK’s vote for Brexit has created an uncertainty in the housing market, there is no need to panic and prospective buyers should merely use common sense about their purchases.

There won’t be a ‘2008 credit crunch fire sale’ of properties because after the ‘Mortgage Market Review’ which took place in the spring of 2013, mortgage borrowers are not as highly leveraged this time around. As a result of this, with any luck there will not be too many distressed sales, which cause widespread price reductions.

• For advice on buying, selling, renting and managing your homes and property investments in Rutland and Stamford, please call UPP Property Agents on 01572 725 825 or email david@upp-property.co.uk

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STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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Stamford-based charity and Market Deeping care home announce ongoing partnership to enrich the lives of local people

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OSE Lodge Care Home, a leading Market Deeping Residential and Dementia Care Home, and Evergreen Care Trust, a charity now in its 12th year supporting Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings recently announced their ongoing partnership. The partnership will combine both Evergreen Care Trust and Rose Lodge’s passion for enriching the lives of the local people in which they serve.

Rose Lodge Care Home, opened in September 2015 by Cllr Wayne Lester, Mayor of Market Deeping, is a 33 bed Residential Care Home in Market Deeping, and is part of the award-winning national care provider Country Court Care. The home has established itself as somewhat of a community hub in the past year, hosting many community engagement events and inviting local people into the home. They have one simple philosophy; their residents and their families are at the heart of everything they do!

Evergreen Care Trust is a Stamford-based charity focused on responding to the changing needs of adults experiencing periods of vulnerability in our community, developing new services and projects accordingly. Evergreen also provide, Advocacy, a Befriending service, a Clean Team, Friendship lunches Hot and Wholesome Soup delivery, Hospital to Home service, Home Support and Well Being visits. Evergreen have an amazing team of staff and 200 volunteers all keen to do everything they can to improve lives.

The partnership’s first major collaborative project was a recent first birthday party of Rose Lodge Care Home on the 24th of September.

Throughout the day there was entertainment, afternoon tea, dancing and a raffle. All local people were invited to come along and celebrate the day with the residents of the home and the service users of the Evergreen Trust.

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OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 October (excluding Friday 7 October), 10am to 4pm EVENT: Burghley Flower Festival The magnificent State Rooms will be transformed with beautiful floral displays created by local flower societies. Each room will inspire floral arrangements with societies taking their inspiration from the Royal Households of Europe in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday, in addition to the painted ceilings and 17th Century art. Members of the Leicestershire Society of Botanical Illustrators will also display artworks in the Great Hall. Burghley House Admission by House and Garden ticket with no extra charge for the Flower Festival.

Monday 3 to Saturday 15 October, daily between 10am and 4pm and selected evenings EXHIBITION: Welland Valley Arts Society The society gathers artists from the surrounding five counties and the exhibition showcases a wide variety of styles and techniques from professionals and amateurs. Most of the exhibits are for sale.

Stamford Arts Centre www.stamfordartscentre.com Tuesday 8 November, 7.30pm TALK: The Battle of the Hohenzollern Redoubt On 13 October 1915, this battle involved local regiments, and had a devastating effect on Stamford and the local area. Philippa Massey tells the stories of the men who took part.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5/£4.50 Tel: 01780 763203 www. stamfordartscentre.com

Tuesday 11 October, 7.30 DANCE: Where is Home?

A new twist on a 1000 year old fable, presenting great music and dance from South Africa, mixed with urban culture from London and Los Angeles. In Soweto in the late 80s a young man struggles against the security forces, confronts tribal tensions and deals with the death of his own mother. He falls in love with a girl from the wrong neighbourhood and together they decide to run away from home. A universal tale investigating themes of global human migration and displacement.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £12/£10 Tel: 01780 763203 www. stamfordartscentre.com

Saturday 15 October, 7.30pm MUSIC: Sean Shibe A chance to hear this stunning young guitarist play English music

by Dowland, Malcom Arnold, Walton and Britten. Part of the Music at St Martin’s programme. St Martin’s Church, Stamford Tickets £12/£10/£3 with under 18 years admitted free. More information at www.musicatstmartins. org Thursday 20 October, 7.30pm TALK: The Deeping Canal Project Maggie Ashcroft gives the talk this month on behalf of the Stamford and District Local History Society.

Refreshments will be served.

Methodist Church, Barn Hill Admission is £3 for members and £5 for visitors

Friday 21 October, 7.30pm EVENT: An Evening with Martin Kemp From the incredible global success of Spandau Ballet to hitting the headlines on BBC1’s EastEnders, Martin has had a truly amazing career. He has conquered personal challenges, had a best-selling book and won many new fans with his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother as well as his starring role in the international film phenomenon ‘The Krays’. This is your chance to get up close and personal as Martin talks about his life with an opportunity to put your questions forward live.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £22.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamfordcornexhcange.co.uk Wednesday 26 October to Sunday 6 November, daily EXHIBTION: ESC-Artists Three Lincolnshire based artists Eve Marshall, Shalini Austin and Cathi Prince have got together under the banner ESCArtists once again, to present an exhibition promoting the extraordinary workmanship and talent they see around them.

The exhibition will include Stained Glass, Felt Art, Copper Creations, Artistic Woodwork, Textile Art & Printmaking, Ceramics, Original Paintings, Silver Jewellery and Artisan Blacksmithing.

Stamford Arts Centre Admission is free.

¶ STAMFORD LIVING OCTOBER 2016

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OUT & ABOUT Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Three ideas for Halloween fun…

Saturday 15 to Sunday 30 October, 11am to 5pm EVENT: The Burghley Pumpkin Trail Join the Burghley Pumpkin Trail around the Sculpture Garden. Tread through the crispy autumn leaves and find the hidden pumpkins to receive a treat.

Admittance is free with a Gardens ticket.

Prices at www.burghley.co.uk Monday 17 to Monday 31 October EVENT: Spooky Tours Local ghostly expert Martin Tempest will escort visitors around Burghley recalling spooky events over the centuries. The tours are designed to be scary but fun and although not recommended for children under 11 – it’s up to parents to decide. Tours take place in the evening with low level lighting across uneven surfaces, steps and in the open air in all weathers. You will be on your feet for up to 50 minutes so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Burghley House More information and ticket prices at www.burghley. co.uk Wednesday 26 October, 2pm and 6pm FAMILY THEATRE: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe From the creators of sellout 2015 UK tour of ‘The Snow Queen’, comes this festive new adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ timeless story, which promises to be a magical and thrilling adventure for the whole family. When four young evacuees are sent to a grand country mansion, they discover a portal to a new world through a mysterious old wardrobe. Journey with the four siblings to Narnia,

where mythical creatures roam and animals speak.

Meet the adorable Mr Tumnus and his whimsical friends, as they team up with majestic lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch and save the land from her forces of evil.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £12/£10 Tel: 01780 766455 www. stamfordcornexchange. co.uk Tuesday 1 November, 12.30pm TALK: Of Mice and Men – a talk by Dr Jane Mackay

This short novel by Steinbeck draws on his own personal experience of working on the land in his native California.

In this masterpiece he remembers the ‘hobos’, the travelling workers who picked up any jobs they could get and were often badly mistreated on the farms where they took temporary work. The talk is followed at 2.30pm by the 1992 film starring John Malkovich (1hr 51mins).

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £6.50 Tel: 01780 766 455 www. stamfordartscentre.com

Saturday 22 to Friday 28 October EVENT: Pumpkin Rolling Have a day out at Easton Walled Gardens where children of all ages are invited to roll pumpkins down the grass terraces and the furthest roller wins.

Seasonal nature trails and planting a bulb to take home are all part of the fun.

Easton Walled Gardens Admission is £7/£3 Tel: 01476 530063 www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk

Thursday 27 October, 2pm FAMILY THEATRE: Raiders of the Lost Pumpkin Deep in the rain-forest we meet our hero Dr. Jones in search for the legendary lost Pumpkin and the secrets it holds. But so is the evil Pharaoh, Mustafa Gold. A roller coaster ride of adventure ensues, both in the rain-forest and in the haunted temple where our hero seeks his fortune. Boulder dodging slap stick and things that go bump in the night all form the essential ingredients of this adventurous plot sure to delight youngsters and adults alike.

A ghoulishly spooktacular production.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets from £8.50 Tel: 01780 766 455 www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

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STAMFORD PEOPLE

Stamford family business is a global brand Snooker is played all over the world, but the top professionals and many of those who play for fun buy their cues and accessories from a family business in Stamford. Nick Rennie interviewed Paul Roberts to find out more about Stamford Cuemakers

I

he started helping his T’S been quite a father in the workshop year for Stamford until he decided to Cuemakers. The concentrate full time 17-year-old company on making cues. supplied the cues Five-time world and cases used by champion Ronnie both finalists at the O’Sullivan has used 2016 World Snooker the Stamford firm’s Championships, in products and current Sheffield. title holder Selby relies When champion on their equipment to Mark Selby and runnerstay at the top of the up Ding Junhui used game. their equipment in the “Mark has had iconic Crucible Theatre his cue for around it was a moment of real 10 years and he pride for founder Paul has looked after it Roberts, his wife June brilliantly considering and son Lewis. the rigours a cue goes Paul (55) said: through in its life,” said “We’re very proud to Paul. “The wood had see our players doing worn slightly so we well. Any success they needed to carry out have is down to their some maintenance own hard work but we to bring it back to its like to think we have original condition. The played a small part.

Stamford Cuemakers’ founder Paul Roberts (right) with son Lewis and 2016 world snooker feel of the cue is the “In terms of champion Mark Selby (centre) most important thing companies which make for a player. Once they are used to a cue they around 21 inches offered a naturally forward snooker equipment, I would like to think we are will detect the slightest change in it.” up there at the top. The UK has some great cue- balanced cue which can suit certain types of So why do the top players keep coming back player.” makers, probably the best group we’ve seen, to this family business in a small Lincolnshire The company has established a particularly and all deserve some credit.” market town? strong customer base in the Far East. That is The company was originally called Turpin “Using our experience from playing the game likely to increase after an estimated 210 million Cues after a family trip to York when someone to a certain level we feel we can offer an edge Chinese watched the world snooker final on jokingly mentioned Dick Turpin might be a good in terms of getting each cue to play as best as it television due to the presence of Ding. name for the business. can,” Paul explained. “The taper of a cue is very “A lot of our cues and cases go to Asia, It was changed to Stamford Cuemakers important and knowing all the shots the cue will particularly China, Hong Kong and Singapore,” in 2002: “We wanted something that was a need to play helps to fine tune each cue.” said Paul. “Cues are especially popular as they bit more serious and professional but also The firm sometimes take on special bespoke know the quality of English cues is very high. traditional,” explained Paul. “We’re proud to be projects. Paul said they were honoured to be When they see the likes of Selby and Ding from Stamford so we wanted to represent that asked recently to make a commemorative trusting us for their cues, etc, they want to in the name.” cue for Leicester City footballer Jamie Vardy follow suit as well.”

The business stemmed initially from Paul’s to mark his record of scoring in 11 successive The breakthrough years for the business love of playing snooker in the 1980s. He was an Premier League games. came in the 2009-10 snooker season when five engineer at the time, but started repairing cues Stamford Cuemakers also supply leather of the eight major finals featured players using for friends and it took off from there. cases, extensions, cue towels and chalk pouches Paul began splicing his cues with ebony in the their products. but it is the cues which continue to raise the “That was a great year for us,” recalled Paul.

1990s. The shaft is made from ash or maple but profile of the brand worldwide.

“There aren’t many cue-makers who can say they this alone is not heavy enough. Ebony is a very Paul added: “We’re proud to be from have had a cue or case feature in a major final but dense wood and is spliced on to the shaft to Stamford and if we have had a positive impact to have five in a single year was great. The last give a better natural weight and balance to the on the town that would be great.” three world championship finals have featured cue, which is also weighted with lead.

• For more information on Stamford our products which we are also proud of.”

Paul introduced an innovation in 2002 Cuemakers go online at: www.

Contacts with the top snooker players were which proved popular with customers. He said: stamfordcuemakers.com or call 01780 established when Lewis became a professional “Usually cues are spliced with ebony around 17 765759. player in his early 20s. Between tournaments to 19 inches. We found that splicing the ebony

78

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