Stamford Living January 2014

HELPING

YOU

TO

GET

THE

MOST

OUT

OF

STAMFORD LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH

&

BEAUTY/HOME

&

LIVING

LOCALLY

CELEBR

AT I N G THE BE ST PLACE TO LIVE IN B

RITAIN!

GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

Get Fit for 2014 The Perfect Jeans Lunch for Less

JANUARY 2014 £1.50 01

9 771478 377017

NEW WEBSITE! www.stamfordliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH: SLJANCOVER.indd 1

@LocalLivingUK 18/12/13 00:12:07

COLLYWESTON

£295,000

TALLINGTON

£349,995

Set in the heart of the village this pretty Grade II listed period cottage has a wealth of character throughout including inglenook fireplace, beams and exposed stonework. The cottage enjoys a good sized private garden which is enclosed by dry stone walling. Within the garden is stone store and garage with off street parking to the front. The accommodation comprises: Entrance lobby, sitting room, re-fitted kitchen dining room, landing two double bedrooms and re-fitted bathroom. EPC D

Stackyard House is part of a high quality development built by Hereward Homes. The property is set in a tucked away position with open views to the rear whilst offering excellent family accommodation set over two floors. The accommodation comprises:- Reception hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining room, study, well fitted kitchen with breakfast area off, utility room. To the first floor is a galleried landing, master bedroom with en-suite, guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside there is a wide driveway leading to a double garage. The garden to the rear is enclosed with decked terrace. No Chain.

BAINTON

STAMFORD

£795 PCM

This well presented cottage is set just outside the village of Bainton with stunning views over open countryside. Entrance hall, Sitting room with an open fire facility, Dining room, Kitchen, Two double bedrooms, Study/Dressing room and Bathroom with under floor heating. The property is approached by a gated drive with extensive parking leading to formal mature gardens. A barn measuring 38` x 13` having a water and electric supply stands to the side of this property.

Call us now for more information

01780 765060

£1,600 PCM

A beautifully presented three storey town house located close to the River, Burghley Park and the Town centre. Entrance hall large lounge with French door to an elevated terrace, additional doors to a balcony. Double bedroom with en-suite. The Lower ground floor is an extremely well equipped kitchen with integrated appliances, dining area with French doors to a small outside seating area, snug room and utility. First floor is the master bedroom with en-suite and walk in wardrobe plus a further double bedroom and family bathroom. Allocated parking for two cars.

3 Red Lion Street, Stamford PE9 1PA email: mailroom@knightpartnership.com

www.knightpartnership.com

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11/12/2013 12:19 14:03 17/12/2013

S TA M FOR D LIVING

T

he Skate Park is finally open after years of hard work by so many volunteers. And it looks great, and people are really enjoying it.

Congratulations to them all, it just shows that if you are really determined to get something you will always get there in the end if you persist.

What better message to us as we approach our New Year resolutions, be it something relatively straightforward like getting fit or something more life-changing like learning a new skill or starting a business.

Good luck with whatever you choose for your success motif for 2014. The lesson from the Skate park is never give up, you will get there in the end.

My plan for 2014, just so you know and hopefully someone will hold me accountable for it, is to write a second walking book, this one called ‘The Country in the City’ walks.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones

JANUARY CONTENTS W W W . S T A M F O R D L I V I N G . C O . U K UPDATES, SHOPPING 5 17

27 30 38

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 12 18

@LocalLivingUK

Fashion: The perfect fit for jeans Health & Beauty: Lifestyle choices Health & Beauty: Spa Breaks

HOME & GARDEN 22 29

Design trends: Staying Warm Gardening with Adam Frost

8 the PerfeCt fit for JeanS

FOOD & DRINK 44 46 51 52 55

Olive Branch recipe Food & Drink: Sausages Eating Out: Lunch at the Bull & Swan; The Lighthouse, Kibworth Food & Drink: Eating out for Less Food & Drink: Nurture through Nature

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS 25 32 36 57

Editor

Editor’s Selection Updates: Mojos; STADFAS; Attic’s Winter Sale; Loft Hair Boutique opens Updates: Sleep Fairies; The Cambridge Weight Plan; Stamford Writing Competition Updates: Tax implications of Working from Home; Learning to Dance; Stamford Language Academy Updates: Snowdens Foot Clinic & Spa; Personal ‘Sat Nav’

Perspectives: Stamford Food Bank Great Days Out: Watching Winter Wildlife Business: Solicitors, Accountants & Financial Advisors What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES

Editor 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 480409 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertisement Director Helen Walton 01780 754801 helen.stamford@btopenworld.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Senior Designer Nik Ellis nik@locallivingdesign.co.uk Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne

43 57 62

Profile: A Master of Music Ask Leo: Jean de Gale, Artist Stamford People: Vic Millington, Railway Artist

51 LUnCh at the bULL & SWan

46 honeSt SaUSaGeS

Cover Photo: Wintry vieW over Stamford,

by Geoff LittLe

01780 480138 / 482551

52 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ Takeaway Available | Order online or book a table at

www.bombaycottage.com

Exclusive Indian Restaurant

From EXC L U S the I V E1st I Nto D Ithe A N 31st R E Sof T AMay U R A N T C E L E B R AT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S O F C U L I N A R Y D E L I G H T S …

£5 Gift Voucher bombay cottage strip SL Jan.indd 1

min spend £35 inc. drinks

£10Gift Voucher

3 CONTENTS copy 2.indd 2

For table of 4 or more min £70 inc. drinks

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014 11/12/2013 14:433

18/12/13 14:38:51

Orthopaedic specialists in

your health

From minor procedures to complex surgery, all are available at a time when you need it. With state of the art equipment and revolutionary new technology for procedures, we pride ourselves in offering the best possible healthcare for our patients.

Fitzwilliam Hospital is an Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence supported by a team of highly qualified physiotherapists, podiatrists and a consultant radiologist.

Our brand new static MRI scanner offers increased patient comfort with a broad array of clinical applications.

Q N E

UIRE

patients d re u s in & y a Self p our Enquire about package Premium Care can to see how we benefit you

For more information call:

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

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17/12/2013 12:20

E DITOR ’ S SE LE CT IO N

This month we celebrate several Stamford successes 1. Save Stamford’s open spaces!

This view could be blighted by new housing. Support the campaign to save it at @StamGreenSpace or email davidandkaren@sky.com

4. Visit local designer Sophie Allport’s first high street shop in Leeds

2. Frequent Stamford’s new (and so far only) wine bar

The Stamford Wine Company in St Paul’s St (Tel: 01780 757844) is the place to go to enjoy a fine wine and a good chat.

3. And if you need somewhere to put the wine… …then order a bespoke wine racks made from reclaimed wood from a local wood www.thefallentree.co.uk

Based in Langtoft, her first shop is at Victoria Quarter, Cross Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6AZ

5. Celebrate Miss Pickering achieving national recognition

Congratulations to Miss Pickering, the florist, who recently had a 5-page feature devoted to her work in You Magazine, part of the Mail on Sunday.

Miss Pickering (Tel: 01780 482961)

6. Get your little ones dancing with Dinky Dancers Dance, P.E., music and action classes for 2-4 year olds. Classes start on Jan 8th.

Find out more at www.dinkydancers.com

7. Pick up a work of art Artdeal, based locally just outside Stamford, was established to focus on offering affordable works of art by 20th century artists predominantly from the United Kingdom. View paintings for sale at www.artdeal.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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www.barnack.co.uk

JANUARY

SALE

CL O T H I N G

HUGE DISCOUNTS d

d

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

ANAND SHOES

of Stamford

• Stockist of high quality leather footwear from:

• High class shoe repair and restoration service • Official retailer for

Bears

• Shoe care products • Key cutting & Engraving service

3 Stamford Walk Stamford PE9 2JE 01780 238008 37 Church Street, Market Deeping PE6 8AN 01778 218202

25% off all stock through January

23sevenclothing @23sevenclothing 28 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2BB - T: 01780 767688 E: anandshoesofstamford@gmail.com

www.23seven.co.uk info@23seven.co.uk

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RUSSELL & JONES Jewellery, Gifts and Home Accessories 2 – 4 The George Hotel Mews High Street St Martins Stamford PE 9 2LB

01780 481033 07900 901944

UPPINGHAM

SALE STARTS 27TH DECEMBER

The Saleroom, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XF

INVITATION TO CONSIGN We are currently accepting consignments for our upcoming sales in early 2014:

3rd & 4th January: Fine Art, Antiques & Collectables From February, Fine Art sales will be held every six weeks, entry closes three weeks prior to sale.

15th February - Fine Art Sale

including Militaria, Clocks & Scientific Instruments.

29th March - Fine Art Sale

including Oriental & Asian Art, Toys & Models, Books & Printed Ephemera.

We would be delighted to provide a complimentary and confidential valuation at our Ryhall Road Saleroom Office, most weekdays from 10am to 4pm.

Phone: (01780) 766466 Catalogues at www.batemans-auctions.co.uk invaluable.com, ukauctioneers.com, & the-saleroom.com

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FA S HIO N

Jean Genie Words & styling: Sally Stillingfleet Photos: Elli Dean

Sally “I am amazed there are so many I like, could be expensive!”

Helen “They feel like PJs!’

Rachel “Comfy and not too low” Alysia “Lovely on the bottom, I like the fact they are higher at the back”

Nick “Would wear them till they wear out.”

Rachel is not a fan of the skinny jean, so was coaxed into straight ones. In her job, there’s a lot of bending and so she avoids anything low waisted.

Maison Scotch-’Bohemienne’ £105 were perfect.

Sally struggles to find any jeans long enough, so to find three pairs she loved was magic! Big thighs, small waist, she suited the ‘Replay High Rise Skinny’ £85 but also loved the Levi’s® ‘Straight Demi Fit’, £95, which are great for curves.

Nick (centre) liked the Replay ‘Waitom Regular’, we

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all agreed he looked more youthful and we liked the darker denim and leaner cut £125 Helen loves colour and has super skinny calves, so it’s not always easy to find a skinny with a tight fit; she loved the coated ‘Wet Look Luz’ in Berry by Replay £140 Genevieve (not in photo) fancied the ‘Boyfriend’ style but settled on a pair she could wear to a party and wear for work - an all rounder. She loved the fit of Levi’s on the seat and bought Levi’s ‘High Rise Slim’ in pale wash £90

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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S

arah Sewell came up with a high Energy challenge to suit all shapes and sizes! Along with Claire and Matt, Sarah reckons that they can fit 99% of the customers who walk through the door with their perfect Claire, pair of jeans. So Matt and the first ‘Team’ Sarah at challenge of Energy 2014 was set and I invited the Stamford Living team (including myself!) to be my models and reveal what they wanted from their pair of jeans.

Sarah has been successfully selling premium denim for almost 20 years now and what she doesn’t know about the humble pair of jeans probably isn’t worth knowing. From different washes and added Lycra® and Elastane to the various fashions which have come and gone, one thing is for sure - everyone loves wearing jeans for all occasions and most people own several pairs. Of course you have to try on quite a few pairs before you find the fit that really works!

One thing that really stood out from this ‘research’ is that a trip to Energy will not leave you walking out empty handed. Everyone who took part was amazed to find it was the first pair the dream team at Energy found that was their favorite pair and of course comfort is key!

Joe & Co Arkwright & Davy jeans from 23/ Seven Traditional jean without creasing or fades. A really nice looking jean with great detailing. Slightly brighter stitching colour than the average jean and they look great with a slight turn up. Arkwright (skinny) and the Davy (regular).

NYDJ Embellished Skinny in Indigo £149.95 from John Lewis, Peterborough A revolutionary concept designed to drop a size!

Pretty Green LG jean from 23/Seven Traditional jean with no creasing or fades.

Regular fit, not baggy or skinny. They include Elastane which makes a massive difference to the comfort. “It’s hard to go back to all denim after having a pair that include a bit of stretch.

Pretty Green has so far stayed away from skinny but is including a skinnier fit for Spring/ Summer14 which we have pre ordered,” owner Jonno explained.

Ted Baker men’s bootcut £85 from John Lewis, Peterborough

JEANS DIrECTorY Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Stamford Tel: 01780 765633 www.energy-clothing.com Edwin, Replay, Levi’s,® Pepe, Maison Scotch, Scotch & Soda John Lewis – Queensgate Centre, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 344644 For all the major brands of jeans – NYDJ, Collection Weekend, Ted Baker, Levis,® Armani, Gant and Deisel to name but a few!

23/7 NEW SHoP - 3 Stamford Walk Stamford.

Tel: 01780 238008 www.23seven.co.uk A well researched selection of jeans for him: - Pretty Green, Farah and Joe&Co Coneys – 3 Ironmonger St. Stamford, Tel: 01780 481298 – Menswear jeans brands including Tommy Hilfiger Seaweed – 8 St. Mary’s Hill, Stamford. Tel: 01780 767878 – Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ ) Sly2 - 4 St. Mary’s Passage, Stamford. Tel: 01780 482870 Pre-owned jeans Attic – 43 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 766667 Mac, Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger and Made in Heaven jeans for her.

Arch Label Agency – St. Paul’s Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 764746 Pre-owned and new designer labels

Don’t miss the Energy Winter Sale

Like us on Facebook: energy clothing Stamford Follow us on Twitter: @energyclothing

Starts Saturday 28th December 9am 9 Ironmonger Street, Stamford: 01780 765633 - Shop online www.energy-clothing.com STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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18/12/13 14:41:46

Gift Vouchers Available

Making Every Day A Better Day Chiropody/Podiatry • Treatment for Various Skin & Nail Conditions • Budget Toe Nail Cutting • Free Foot Care Advice • Hard Skin Removal • Painful Corns • Verruca Treatments Room available • Simple & Casted for rent Enquire within Orthotic Design • Diabetic Foot Care

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre @ Greetham Valley

Who we are The new centre presents the multidisciplinary team of a Sports Physician, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist and Dietitian all under one roof. The team aims to provide elite level treatment methods to the general public.

Treatments we offer General Physiotherapy and Musculoskeletal Assessment Sports Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation Sports Massage, General Massage and Spinal Manipulation Post Operative Rehabilitation Chiropody and Sports Podiatry Gait Analysis and Orthotics Dietetics and Sports Nutrition General Fitness Assessments

For further enquiries or to book an appointment call: 01572 812212 email: info@physiosportsinjury-greetham.co.uk visit: www.physiosportsinjury-greetham.co.uk

‘Caring for Local Athletes’ Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre

Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf and Conference Centre, Wood Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7SN

Valid from 29th December 2013 to 29th February 2014 *Not available with any other offer

0844 999 3365 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ Please bring this voucher with you to your appointment 10

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Advertisement Feature

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SALON 3 Emily, Anne and Michelle knew The Salon 3 would be a great venture and are delighted to be celebrating their 1st anniversary together.

T

he three girls have worked alongside each other for many years and have built up a loyal team of stylists who all contribute to the warm, friendly atmosphere in this bright, spacious and contemporary salon.

They are committed to bringing their clients the right cut and colour using the most up-to-the minute hair styling products and treatments from Evo and Morrocan Oil and you are guaranteed a comfortable and relaxing experience with a smile.

In the coming months they are looking to expand the salon downstairs, which will create new opportunities in this salon that goes from strength to strength.

• The Salon 3, 14 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP. Tel: 01780 765505 www.thesalon3.co.uk find us on facebook find us on twitter

£10 GIFT VOUCHER* *Redeamable against any service over £30 on Tuesdays to Fridays until the end of February 2014.

T& C apply. Not available with any other offer or against products.

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

Fit and well in 2014 Genevieve Potter looks at how to make smart lifestyle choices in 2014

M

illions of us are making resolutions right now; losing weight, doing more exercise; or even fasting for a week or two after festive overindulgence. But whatever you do must be sustainable and, dare I say it, enjoyable. So aim for lifestyle choices that focus on wellness, and that don’t leave you feeling weak, hungry and miserable.

NUTRITION FIRST I spoke to Imogen Shaw, a registered nutritionist and the founder of Shaw Nutrition.

Imogen sees clients on a one to one basis and specialises in weight management and general long term health improvement.

Imogen, what’s your view on juice fasting for people who have overindulged at Christmas?

“I agree that there is often a need to cleanse the body after Christmas, but this can be achieved in much less of an extreme way.

“A juice fast can put your body in to “starvation mode” – you will lose weight initially, but as soon as you eat normally again, the weight will go back on. Juice-only diets may also put you at risk of nutrient deficiencies, as you are cutting out many of the food groups which we need to have a healthy diet.

“Instead, I work with clients to offer them an excellent 10day cleanse programme, which helps to detox, helps lose a few pounds and inches, improves energy levels and gives you a lovely healthy glow.”

We hear a lot about low-carbohydrate diets in the press - do they work?

“First and foremost, carbohydrate-rich foods are one of our best energy sources and also provide us with a range of vitamins, minerals and fibre – all of which we need to be healthy.

Carbohydrates provide the same amount of calories gram for gram as protein, so diets that tell you to cut out carbs and eat lots more protein technically aren’t beneficial.

“There is no need to cut down massively on this food group if you want to lose weight; choosing the healthier options is the key!

Eliminate refined or processed carbohydrates, including white bread, white pasta, white rice, biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks. Not only are these often devoid of most of our important nutrients, they also spike blood sugar levels, followed by a crash which leaves you craving

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another sugar hit.

“Focus on healthy, unrefined carbohydrates which are nutrient dense; including fruits (with skins on), vegetables (raw or steamed) and wholegrain carbohydrates like wholegrain bread, brown rice, buckwheat and quinoa (which is delicious and tastes a bit like couscous).

Mashed or baked sweet potatoes are also a good alternative to normal potatoes.”

If someone is seriously overweight, it can feel overwhelming – what’s your advice?

“It is important to play the long game; if you lost 3lbs a week, that’s 12lbs pounds per month, or 2.5 stones in three months!

“A diet is a very short term goal and what’s needed is a complete lifestyle change that can be sustained forever. Because of that, I would definitely recommend seeing a registered nutritionist such as myself, who will be able to offer you some guidance on ways to give you a kick start towards your weight loss goal.”

• www.shawnutrition.co.uk email imogen@shawnutrition.co.uk.

LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS

Gill Robinson, a busy mother of two, was introduced to ‘Juiceplus+’ last summer by her brother and sister-in-law. She had watched them both become fitter and healthier (her brother completing his first triathlon and her sister-in-law coming off steroids for asthma).

Juiceplus+ is 26 varieties of fruit, vegetables and berries that are organic and pesticide free. They are fully ripened, juiced, (the water and sugar removed) and powdered into capsule form. There are no chemicals or additives; it is not a supplement and doesn’t replace a healthy diet, but it has been proven to give you more energy (both physically and mentally), boost the immune system and reduce systemic inflammation. Backed by 31 independent clinical research papers it can also benefit other serious health conditions like diabetes and arthritis.

Gill says: “As I enter a new decade, I have come to realise the importance of staying fit, being healthy and wellnourished. Easier said than done - two teenage boys eating me out of house and home, a hungry busy husband, rushed evening meals; by 8 pm each day, I just wanted to curl up on the sofa!

“I started to look at what we ate as a family. My boys are at a stage where they are constantly hungry; and I too was finding that late afternoon I was also reaching for the nearest chocolate bar.

“I’d tried juicing but it’s messy and takes up so much time. I wanted something that is cost effective, nutritious and doesn’t take half the morning to prepare. We now all take Juiceplus+ capsules, which cost less than £2 per day; and also a vegetable protein powder called “Complete’.

Complete is fantastic as a pre and post exercise drink and a meal replacement.

My boys and husband take it after physical exercise; I’ve watched our cravings for the bad stuff reduce.

“I can honestly say this programme works and we all have far more energy and vitality; however I don’t believe it’s a miracle; our bodies themselves are the miracle and Juiceplus+ simply gives the body exactly the right nutrients it needs.”

• For more information contact Gill at www.juiceplus.co.uk/+gr35013

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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HERBALIFE AT EMMA CANNINGS As well as offering premium beauty treatments at her Great Casterton salon, Emma Cannings is now an independent distributor for Herbalife nutrition products; one of the world’s leading brands in weight management and fitness.

With a range of products including meal replacements and supplements, Emma can advise her clients on how to make changes to their lifestyle through long-term weight loss and improved nutrition, and is excited to see lots of great results to date.

To find out more, book in for a free wellness evaluation at the salon, or Emma is running an event on Sunday, January 12th at the Stamford Arts Centre with guest experts and lots of shakes and snacks to try. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased from the Stamford Arts Centre box office (01780 763203).

• Emma Cannings Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, Stamford, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 766583 www.emmacannings.co.uk

A NEW KIND OF GYM EXPERIENCE

THE BEST KIND OF BOOT CAMP If you dislike the gym environment, you will love what Stamford Personal Fitness & Boot Camp have to offer. Proprietor Rob Dulieu comments: “Our exercise facility breaks the mould, because our programmes are never the same twice, they’re great fun, totally unique and they get terrific results!”

Private Personal Training sessions start from around £20, with boot camp group training classes operating six days a week and catering for all levels of fitness. During January, Rob is offering the six bootcamp sessions for £55, or 12 for £100 (saving £20) – see the website for full details.

Rob also has some great tips for getting in to shape for 2014: 1) Start now: Avoid putting off any decision to start a new exercise regime for fear of how you look or lack of energy.

Exercise gives you energy!

2) Draw a line under what has gone before: The past is history so focus on taking positive action 3) Commit to succeed: Resolve to overcome the inevitable obstacles of life and never give up on your goals • For more information contact Rob on 07846 457959 or email him at info@stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk www.stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk

Rhino’s is Stamford’s newest gym and aims to cater for everyone from complete beginners to advanced athletes. Launched by the Swann family, it is a gym with traditional values, which also takes a seriously modern approach to fitness and doesn’t just cater for hard-core body builders (as its name could suggest).

The huge main gym room has been designed with different zones comprising soft cardio, cross fit and a resistance area with the very best equipment to train all muscle groups (there are doubles of many pieces of equipment, so that clients are not kept waiting).

There are three, fully-qualified personal trainers on site for those who need extra guidance and motivation and sports massages and holistic treatments are carried out by resident sports therapist Sarah Moczuk. You can even buy kit, health supplements and for sun worshippers, there is an upright solarium.

There’s a self-contained studio offering an extensive range of classes in air conditioned, sound proofed surroundings, with sprung floors.

If you’re thinking of trying Rhino’s for yourself, a key benefit is its pricing structure, there are no contracts; just simple costs, whether paying for a single class, gym session or a monthly membership.

• Rhino’s Gymnasium Unit 22, Gwash Way Industrial Estate Ryhall Road, Stamford PE9 1XP Tel: 07554219400 Open 6.30 am to 9.30 pm Monday to Friday and 7 am to 8 pm Saturday and Sunday STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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Health & Beauty Therapy 2 MALLORY LANE, STAMFORD TEL. 01780 763768

NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW Exciting new treatment available for thinning hair in ladies & gents, using mesotherapy & dermaroller with spectacular results.

Course of treatment & homecare products After Before recommended. ance Trial done at Renaiss

Special Offer for January £50 off www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

Free Excellent Quality Clothes and Equipment Available Boys and Girls from 0-5 years Contact us via phone, text or email to arrange a visit.

Donations of good quality, clean clothes and baby equipment always gratefully received.

Open daily all you need to do is call 01780 765853 or text 07913 052159 office@alternativesstamford.co.uk Alternatives Stamford, Hospital site, Ryhall Road, Stamford PE9 1YA Friends/Partners Welcome - www.alternativesstamford.co.uk

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS Specialising in treating: • Low self-esteem and loss of confidence • Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking • Anxieties, phobias, obsessions

and ruminations • Significant life events, trauma,

nightmares, flashbacks • Attachment and relationship difficulties • Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556 www.psychologistuk.co.uk Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! • Book a Clarins or Elemis Facial and get a Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage for 1/2 Price Beauty from inside out!

Weds 15th January 1pm-2.30pm Maples is teaming up with a local nutritionist, for a FREE workshop! Nutrition and beauty tips with some great treatment offers - not to be missed!

Call 01780 752725 to book your space PLEASE GO TO OUR FACE BOOK PAGE FOR ALL OTHER OFFERS AND TWITTER

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Practitioner

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

Orion House, 14, Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE Church Street Practice, Melton Mowbray LE13 0PN 14

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Hair and Lash Extensions New Year Offer Valid until 16th Feb 2014 Offer includes the new Micro Ring Hair Extensions from £260 and a full set of semi-permanent lash extensions for just £35.

Other hair and beauty treatments available with booking.

Zenergy Hair and Beauty 07775538557 | 1a Silver Lane, Stamford, PE9 2BT

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Designed for living Stoneham Kitchens now available from Orchard Kitchen Showroom: 22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ T: 01780 481850 F: 01780 481132 E: orchardkitchens@live.co.uk www.orchardwindows.co.uk Opening Times: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. Saturday 10am-3pm

Kitchens | Conservatories | Windows | Bi Folding Doors | Orangeries | Lantern Roofs 16

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UPD ATES

Mojos Hair & Beauty Mojos has been in business for ten years and in Ironmonger St for four. In that time it has become one of Stamford’s most popular salons, and a visit there makes it easy to see why.

As soon as you go in you are made to feel welcome and there is a buzz and professionalism about the place that makes you relax immediately.

There are already five stylists, with a further two in training and Sharon’s goal is to keep expanding. “The key to our growth so far,” she told SL, “has been to be fair to our staff, and getting the right balance of personalities and skills that can serve our customers brilliantly well.”

We spoke to a client, Erica, who was having a new hairstyle. She commented: “They are always really welcoming, very attentive and supportive. They did my wedding hair, and it couldn’t have been better.

Sharon came out to my village at 6 in the morning to start work! They even cut my husband’s hair now!”

Mojos is always trying to push forward its levels of skills and innovation. It has recently joined the Fellowship, which will involve being at a series of elite hair shows across the country. Sharon is also thinking about starting up a Hair Training School to help youngsters transition for the training to the practical world.

Recent trends in the salon include Balayage and Ombre, two-tone hairstyles, which are becoming very popular, as are Balmain Natural hair extensions which take a fraction of the time of previous extension methods.

Mojos Hair & Beauty, 1a Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 757070 www.mojohairandbeauty.co.uk

Do you enjoy the Arts and Art History?

If the answer is yes then why not think about joining Stamford Decorative and Fine Arts Society (STADFAS). STADFAS promotes the advancement of arts education and appreciation to as wide an audience as possible STADFAS has over 350 members; there are 10 lectures a year given by some of the country’s top experts. Meetings are held in Barn Hill Methodist Church, Stamford on the second Tuesday of each month (except July & August) starting at 10.45.

STADFAS also holds regular Study Mornings on a range of different topics; there are outings to museums, exhibitions and cultural centres. It also runs Study Tours abroad and in the UK for its members.

The programme for 2014 includes such topics as English Landscape Gardening, Contemporary Architecture and Byzantine Mosaics. The full list of the STADFAS programme for 2014 can be found on the Society’s website: www.stadfas.org.uk This year STADFAS visits will be to Strawberry Hill, in Twickenham, which Walpole called his ‘plaything house’ and The National Memorial Arboretum and Litchfield Cathedral.

STADFAS has three key volunteering arms; Church Recorders, Heritage Volunteers and Young Arts. Church Recorders are currently working in St Andrews in Thornhaugh. Heritage Volunteers are helping in Stamford Town Hall to conserve and preserve the local artistic heritage. Young Arts encourages an appreciation of the arts among young people. This year seven local junior schools and 3 colleges in the area took part in projects and exhibitions organised by STADFAS. The current membership fee is £38pa which covers entry to all 10 lectures; their year runs from January to December. There is no waiting list and if you would like to try STADFAS out you would be warmly welcomed to attend a lecture as a guest for £5.Contact their membership secretary about joining by emailing: judy.baxter@virgin.net STADFAS provides the stimulus of learning and the opportunity for volunteering and heritage conservation along with the interest of meeting new people. Do go along to see them in action.

Further information can be found on their new website: www.stadfas.org.uk or from their brochure which can be found at Stamford Arts Centre and Stamford Library.

The Loft Hair Boutique The Loft Boutique has just been opened by Claire, a very experienced hair stylist who has most recently worked in Charles Worthington in Covent Garden. She will be joined by Anna doing ‘Moo’s makeup’ and Sarah doing gel nails.

The place has a vintage chic style about it which makes it a really fun and vibrant place to be, full of personality and warmth, quite different from the chrome and marble norm.

It completes a string of recent additions in St Paul’s St that have transformed it into the ‘Fitzrovia’ of Stamford.

• Spa, Beauty & Personal Care 10a upper floor St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757781

Attic’s amazing Winter Sale starts 27th December at 9.30am With up to 50% off many of the latest trends, you’re bound to find a bargain in the Attic sale; the opening times for the holiday period are as follows: Friday 27th 9.30 - 5.00; Saturday 28th 9.30 - 5.30; Sunday 29th 11.00 - 3.00, Monday 30th 9.30 5.00; Tuesday 31st 9.30 - 3.00; New Year’s Day closed; Thursday 2nd 9 .30 – 5.00 • Call in at 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford or telephone 01780 766667 for more information.

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H EA LTH & BE AUT Y

Spa breaks

EDEN HALL DAY SPA

Within an hour’s drive of Stamford is a quartet of luxurious spas, all with January offers to help you work off that Christmas indulgence.

Alysia Anderson dips a toe in their waters

EDEN HALL DAY SPA Lodge Lane, Elston Village, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5PG (01636 525555; www.edenhallspa.co.uk) Eden Hall was built in 1875 as the Victorian mansion of a preacher, Robert Middleton. The pious gentleman would have been astonished to find his home is now full of pampered ladies in towelling robes (and quite a few men).

Within easy reach of the A1, Eden Hall is a popular choice, yet it feels friendly rather than overcrowded and you can always find a quiet corner to yourself. After all, everyone has the same goal: to relax. Surrounded by manicured lawns, the spa’s extensive facilities include outdoor hot tubs, a saltwater vitality pool, gym, fitness studio, two conservatories, chill-out lounges and an aqua detox centre. In the latter, we enjoyed touring the rose-infused steam room, herbal caldarium, sauna and ice-cold shower, spending a few minutes in each and soaking up the contrasting temperatures and aromas. We were so busy enjoying the aerobics and yoga classes, swims and steams that we didn’t have time for a treatment, although they all sounded wonderful with alluring titles like Lava Shells Massage or Frangipani Wrap.

A highlight was the three-course lunch in the Seventh Heaven restaurant, genuinely out of this world. At the end of the day we felt so relaxed we resisted the lure of champagne on the terrace, preferring a cuppa and the newspapers in the Temptation Café.

Full and half-day spa packages are available, with two January offers from Monday to Friday. The Spa Special Relaxing Ritual is £99, including a facial or back massage, full use of the facilities, three-course lunch and a glass of champagne or non-alcoholic Bellini.

The Perfectly Pampered package at £149 includes lunch, facial, back massage, Elemis Japanese Silk Eye Mask treatment, glass of champagne and chocolates.

THE GRANGE Millthorpe Road, Pointon, Lincolnshire, NG34 0NF (01778 440511; www.thegrangespa.co.uk) This boutique spa is handily located for Stamford dwellers, in a pretty rural village near Bourne. The focus here is on relaxation whilst gaining genuine health benefits. As Ovid, quoted on the spa’s website, succinctly put it: ‘A field that has rested gives a beautiful crop’.

True to the original meaning of spa: salus per aquam (health through water), water in all its forms is used at The Grange to reviving effect.

This might be a scented gemstone steam bath

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to decongest, a warming herbal sauna or a detoxifying bath with eucalyptus. A refreshing ice fountain stimulates the immune system while a variety of ‘experience showers’ invite you to step into aromatic mists or beneath massaging rain. The spa specialises in marine therapies and had the honour of being crowned Thalgo’s day spa of 2013. Treatments include a mineral wrap with sea mud and essential oils and, especially popular with male visitors, the ocean facial, one of a dozen types offered.

Several treatments are designed for pregnant women, such as the Lighter Legs wrap which uses cooling Germaine de Cappucini products to ease swollen limbs. There’s also a menu, quite literally, of culinary-inspired treatments.

A hydrating chocolate wrap, detoxifying coffee massage or anti-ageing wine therapy will get you in the mood for a light lunch in the bistro.

The nutritious fare is sourced from Abbey Parks Farm Shop and Bourne’s Pea Pod Pantry. Round off your visit with a swim in the 12m pool, a bracing walk in the grounds or a quiet moment in the peaceful lounge or library. The Grange also has a gym and can arrange ski fitness sessions, boot camps and personal training.

Full and half-day spa packages are available, with a Winter Wonderland offer in January and February. At £68 for a half day, this includes welcome drink, use of all facilities and a choice of treatment such as a spiced body scrub or decongesting massage. A full day is £110, including lunch and two treatments.

RAGDALE HALL HEALTH HYDRO AND THERMAL SPA Ragdale Village, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3PB (01664 433000; www.ragdalehall.co.uk) Fresh from celebrating its 60th anniversary as a spa, Ragdale Hall is consistently voted one of the UK’s best spa retreats, so it’s worth booking ahead. Recent improvements to its already extensive facilities include the Pavilion, a contemporary glass-walled relaxation area with sun deck, and the new Beauty Express salon for quick-fix hair and beauty treatments.

One of the highlights is the Thermal Spa, where turquoise rockpools and herbal steam rooms give the impression of having stumbled across some jungle sanctuary. The pool meanders outside so you can swim in the rain or even snow while your body is ensconced in warm water: an exhilarating experience, I found.

Silence reigns in the blue-tiled Candle Room, its ceiling sparkling with soft lights. In the aromatherapy steam room, fragrant scents waft through the air while sighs of contentment

EDEN HALL DAY SPA

THE GRANGE

THE GRANGE

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EDEN HALL DAY SPA RAGDALE HALL HEALTH HYDRO AND THERMAL SPA

STAPLEFORD PARK STAPLEFORD PARK

RAGDALE HALL HEALTH HYDRO AND THERMAL SPA emanate from the occupants. I visited with a couple of friends on our annual get-together and the trickiest thing is not to chat too loudly when other guests are trying to unwind. Save your conversation for the restaurant, where a three-course buffet lunch is included with all but the Twilight Taster packages. We began our day with an invigorating Zumba class in the fitness studio followed by a swim in the 25m pool, pausing to give our muscles a pummelling massage beneath the powerful waterfall. At last count there were around 20 different classes available, including Pilates, hula hooping and aqua aerobics in the dedicated exercise pool. In summer, archery, tennis, croquet and cycling are possible in Ragdale’s leafy grounds.

There’s even a Mind Gym with games of logic to exercise the grey matter. If you have time to squeeze in a treatment, there are more massages than you can throw a hot stone at: Fire & Ice, Thai, Shiatsu, Clarins Melting Honey, Bamboo and Balinese, to name just a few. In fact, there’s so much to do here, you may want to stay over. Accommodation is in the main Hall or the separate Lodge, with a choice of twin rooms, doubles or a luxurious suite.

As well as day and residential packages, Ragdale runs themed breaks such as Pilates, Yoga and Strictly Come Dancercise. Winter offers include Bring a Friend Free for stays of two nights or more, valid 2-16 January, and a buy two, get one free on day spa packages from 5 to 23 January.

STAPLEFORD PARK Stapleford, Leicestershire, LE14 2EF (01572 787057; www.staplefordpark.co.uk) This Grade I listed country mansion near Melton Mowbray, once the home of earls and barons, is now a luxurious hotel and spa. It is surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds, where guests continue to enjoy traditional outdoor pursuits such as shooting, riding, archery, croquet and falconry.

More modern additions include six tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course and 55 elegant hotel bedrooms. A converted Victorian stable block is the characterful setting for the Lifestyle Club, with its Clarins Gold salon, fitness studio, seven treatment rooms, lounge area and gym. Classes include Pilates, yoga, circuit training and step aerobics. A five-minute

stroll through the gardens brings you to the main house where a heated 22m pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi are located. Stapleford offers annual memberships, which lend it the feeling of a smart, but not stuffy, country club.

Members enjoy access to all the hotel’s facilities, including a crèche, as well as discounts on room rates, spa treatments, sporting activities and dining. Non-members are also welcome, with a choice of spa packages. I visited with a friend and we enjoyed an extremely relaxing day, with the pool pretty much to ourselves. Stapleford uses Clarins and Sundari products, the latter inspired by Ayurvedic therapies. The Gotu Kola Firming Body Envelopment involves 80 minutes of back massage, exfoliation with walnut and Gotu Kola (an Asiatic medicinal herb) scrub then an aromatic warm lotus oil massage and body mask. I defy anyone not to feel invigorated after all that.

January offers include a Body Scrub for the reduced price of £25 (usually £45) and ten per cent off spa day rates, Monday to Friday.

Packages start from £70 including two treatments, use of all facilities and a twocourse lunch in the Pavilion restaurant.

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Chimney Lining & Stoves

Kitchens • Fitted Furniture • Joinery

• The largest range of contemporary and traditional stoves and biomass burners in the UK • Fifteen live displays • Huge range of ceramic tiles • Award winning café serving simple and fresh bistro style food • Guaranteed lowest prices

Spalding Road, Boston, PE21 8AE Tel: 01205 310101 www.sackstore.co.uk

01780 480922 / 07775 931397

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

Fireplace and Stove Specialist Multi-Fuel and Wood Burning Stoves Range Cookers and Flue Systems Fireplaces, Gas and Electric Fires Hand Crafted Stone Fireplaces Established family run business experienced in offering a complete package from survey through to design and installation with our fully qualified team.

Visit us at our diverse showroom where we have an extensive range of fires and fireplaces on display

We promise you the warmest of welcomes!

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

We re-open after the Christmas & New Year holidays on Monday 6th January 2014

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

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

WE ARE HERE

01536 410777 www.aspectfires.co.uk Stockists of Charnwood, Chesney’s, Dovre, Heta, Jetmaster, Stovax, Stuv and many more...

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

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DES IGN INT E R IOR S

Your local stove and fireplace specialist

Staying warm in winter

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

– Edith Sitwell From the beginning of time, man has gathered round fire – from our cavemen days when flames provided heat, protection and a place to cook, we now look to fireplaces to also provide comfort and beauty in our homes. Antonia Scott comes in from the cold to see what’s on offer to warm her toes this winter!

Celsius of Stamford

Heatsource of Uppingham

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: Rais, Chesneys, Clearview, Charnwood, Scan, Jotul, Morso and many more.

• Designer and traditional cast iron radiators • Handmade stone fireplaces and surrounds

I

’ve always felt a house without a fireplace has no soul, or centre point; no warm heart for family members to gather round and put the world to rights. Luckily there are many options to choose from to put the beat back into your home should you be missing some warmth this winter.

Celsius of Stamford, tucked away in Marshall’s Yard, off St Paul’s Street may be the new kid in town, but owner Will Carter, originating from the Vale of Belvoir, brings many years experience and knowledge in the trade. Specialising in modern and traditional stoves, he has discovered a local preference for the more modern knee high stoves. The showroom is a joy to visit, especially on a cold winter’s day, as you can see the stoves ‘under fire’ and warm yourself up in the process.

There are a range of traditional and modern brands stocked, including the delightful Dovre

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retro range.

Heatsource of Uppingham specialises in quality bespoke handmade stone fireplaces, wood burning stoves and traditional designer cast iron radiators. They stock the new Morso 7443 freestanding cast iron convector stove as well as a new range of Firebox, which comes with either a log store, a pedestal or can even be wall-hung for convenience. The British manufacturer Charnwood’s latest product comes either as a wood-burner or a multi-fuel stove with the unique Charnwood Quattro-flow air control system for more efficient control of the fire. It is also suitable to burn wood in a smoke control zone. For customers looking into more efficient heating solutions with Renewable Heat Incentive Premium Payments, Heatsource, as MCS approved installers are now able to integrate biomass, solar thermal and heat pumps.

• Complete installation service provided by HETAS qualified engineers and FMB registered builders • MCS accredited installers providing biomass & solar thermal renewable heating solutions • Superb range of spares and accessories to accommodate our customers needs • Approved fuels

The Sackstore in Boston has a large loyal customer base. They have built up their expertise on stoves over many years, and their knowledge is second to none. Not only can you peruse the many woodburner/ fireplace options, but you can refuel at their award-winning cafe and restaurant or take in their large selection of furniture for sale. The Sack Store really is worth a trip out to from Stamford, not just for the stoves and cake, but also the lovely furniture.

For over 35 years, Aspect Fires in Whittlesey have built a reputation as Fireplace specialists and pride themselves on their comprehensive product range which combines the best leading edge design with timeless classics. Aspect Fires are committed to providing customers with the most innovative range of fires, fireplaces and stoves, including a 25 mile radius installation service.

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CONTACTS: Celsius of Stamford Marshalls Yard, 38 St Paul’s St, Stamford PE9 2BH Tel: 01780 678679 Heatsource of Uppingham 35 High Street East, Uppingham,Rutland, LE15 9PY Tel: 01572 829953 www.heatsource-of-uppingham.co.uk The Sackstore Spalding Road, Redstone Industrial Estate Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 8EA Tel: 01205 310101 www.sackstore.co.uk The Sackstore

Coles for Fires

Aspect Fires

Aspect Fires 37 Market Street, Whittlesey, PE7 1BA 01733 202220 www.aspectfires.co.uk Coles For Fires Unit 7 Orion Way, The Constellations Kettering Business Park, Northants, NN15 6NL Tel: 01536 410777 www.colesforfires.co.uk The Garden Oven Company Tel: 01256 581014 www.garden-oven.co.uk The Garden Oven Company

Their advice for choosing the right fireplace or stove: “Take a couple of photographs of the room in which the fire is going to be installed, together with measurements of the room and the fireplace opening (if applicable). Information on your existing fireplace is also useful – especially if you are considering keeping some parts of it. Consider the purpose of your new fire: Are you planning to install a new fireplace as simply a focal point to your room, or to generate maximum heat? Consider the style of fire or fireplace that you prefer and which will be best suited to your house and design tastes. Narrow down your choice of fireplace or stove to perhaps one or two models and our experienced Sales Team can then give you the necessary quotes.”

Coles for Fires is a family run business

in Kettering, established in 1985, offering a friendly and comprehensive service to meet everyone’s heating requirements. With over 100 stoves on display for customers to choose from, including those from all of the leading manufacturers: Chesney, Contura, Nordpeis, Jøtul, Rais, Stovax and Gazco stoves.

Coles for Fires pride themselves on workmanship offering a complete qualified service, survey, installation, and aftercare.

They also provide a wood and chimney sweeping service.

Tony Sinclair the showroom manager said: “Whether you want to achieve a minimalist, contemporary look, or have your heart set on a more traditional stove, we can help you make the perfect choice, whatever your style or budget.”

For some wonderful outdoor ovens, have a look at The Garden Oven Company, whose

philosophy is all about flavour, taste and entertainment. Their products are completely transportable and do not require any building work and unlike many conventional dome shaped ovens where you cook the food in front of the wood fire, these ovens have a separate chamber underneath for the fire. The oven itself is brick lined so it heats up to around 400 degrees centigrade and has an accurate thermometer which makes it very easy to use.

The bottom bricks can be replaced with a grill so it also doubles as a barbecue.

As one happy customer in Stamford told me, “They can be used in any weather all year round for perfect pizzas and BBQ meals and being made from steel, it heats up the garden creating a cosy al fresco atmosphere for my dinner guests – well into winter!”

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Orangeries | Conservatories | Contemporary Extensions | Verandas

Visit our show home Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE

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Opening hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday by appointment only

01780 400 500 | www.breckenridgeconservatories.co.uk

17/12/2013 12:22

PE R SPE CT IVE S

The Stamford Food Bank Richard Barry learns the basics about this valuable new initiative

I

n 2004 a UK charity, the Trussell Trust, launched its Food Bank network. The result was spectacular: 345 Food Banks had been opened in the UK by April 2013, feeding 347,000 people in the year 2012/13.

The start of Stamford’s Food Bank A group of parishioners from St George’s Church learned of the Food Bank network and attended the opening of the Grantham Food Bank in July 2011. They found it truly inspirational. Unusual for Stamford to get inspiration from Grantham, but there you are.

Just a year after this initial inspiration, the Stamford Food Bank opened on 31 July 2012 with Nicola Dunkin (left) as Project Manager with about 50 volunteers, almost all of whom are Christians.

What it does The Stamford Food Bank, like all others affiliated with the Trussell Trust, provides food to people in crisis. It does not provide long-term help; it is not a solution to long-term poverty. Its main purpose is to provide “feeds” (to use the unlovely jargon), each enough for three meals a day for three days for one adult.

On the right is a typical “feed” – sufficient to provide nine meals for one adult. Content varies from day to day depending on what has been donated. This particular example cost the donors £22 and weighed 10 kilos.

It’s the job of the volunteers (picture right) to sort the donated food into the nine well-balanced meals that make up a single “feed”. As you can see in the picture above, it is essentially tins, jars, packets and cartons (long-life milk and juice); fresh perishable food -- bread, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish – cannot be included. As far as possible, the volunteers try to include a treat -- hence the Mars bars in this example.

When it comes to food, the client may not pick and choose. The “feed” is pre-sorted and that’s what the client gets. But, in addition to food, the Stamford Food Bank tries to keep a separate box of non-food but important items such as soap, loo-paper, and so forth. As far as possible clients can also choose as much as they need from this box.

As we have already seen, the Food Bank responds to crisis hunger, not long-term chronic hunger. So what are these crises? Almost half are caused by changes in a person’s Benefit entitlement and/or delay in its payments. Other sources of crises include sharply escalating fuel bills, sudden partnership breakdowns and redundancy.

How it works Forty three agencies in and around Stamford can issue Food Bank vouchers (these include the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, GPs, Churches and Health Visitors). The client takes the voucher – which records the number of people in the client’s household -- to the Food Bank. The Bank provides a nine-meal “feed” for each household member listed on the voucher. By involving these knowledgeable external agencies the Food Bank reduces its exposure to fraud.

In the 15 months it has been running, the Stamford Food Bank has provided 900 “feeds”. To put this in context, Stamford and its

surrounding catchment area has about 14,000 households. With an average of about two people per household (singles making up the biggest group of clients) this suggests that hunger crises have affected about 3% of our local population. Given that Stamford sees itself as a prosperous town, this is rather worrying.

Source of donations The 900 “feeds” amount to more than half a ton of food donated every month.

The vast majority of this comes as small donations of tins, jars and packets from private individuals, churches and schools. Donations by supermarkets are rare, because none of the Food Banks affiliated with the Trussell Trust will accept food that is past its “best-before” date. This is quite a tricky ethical issue. It is more to do with dignity and respect than with fear of food poisoning. It is widely seen as unacceptable to feed hungry people with food that we would not feed to our family and guests.

In addition to food, cash donations are welcomed – not just for rent and insurance, but also to purchase things that are in shortage so that a balanced “feed” is a reality. During the first 15 months, cash and food donations amounted to about £26,000. This sum is a great tribute to the citizens of Stamford and surrounding villages.

PLEASE BRING DONATIONS TO THE CHURCH HALL ON THE CORNER OF WEST STREET AND SCOTGATE ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY 1 -3PM STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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Sleep Fairies

Real people, real support, real results

Maternity Services & Parent Support Packages

for new and sleep deprived parents

Providing parents with:

Maternity Nurses Sleep Trainers Night Nannies Baby Nannies Baby Consultants We also offer: Sleep Training Packages (with a FREE sleep programme at the end of the initial consultation) CAMBRIDGESHIRE & SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Parent Rescue Online Telephone Consultations Welcome Home Mother & Baby Gift Packages (during the first week of the baby’s arrival)

M: 07517 987182 T: 01733 248101 info@sleepfairies.co.uk

www.sleepfairies.co.uk

www.cambridgeweightplan.co.uk

Jayne Mitchell

Stamford based Consultant

Tel: 07762 597946 jayne.cambridge@btinternet.com

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UPD ATES

Sleep Fairies Maternity Sleep Fairies Maternity was founded by Jacqueline Stubbings, who is a Maternity Nurse Practitioner and Sleep Trainer herself, to provide a much needed service to new and sleep deprived parents throughout Cambridgeshire and the surrounding Counties with Maternity Nurses, Sleep Trainers, Night Nannies, Parent Helps and Babysitters.

Sleep deprivation inevitably leaves babies over-tired and fractious, leaving parents exhausted, fatigued and wishing they had that ideal person to guide, support and help them to establish a sleep and feeding routine that works.

All helpers are qualified and experienced maternity nurse practitioners and have been through a strict selection process and hold a current CRB and Paediatric First aid Certificate. They can help, advise and support you with breastfeeding, settling your baby to sleep, trouble-shooting and all other aspects of new-born care. They can be booked for just a few hours, days or weeks, or as a package.

An Initial £70 Sleep Training Package comes with a FREE individually tailored sleep programme; which if, followed consistently, along with the techniques that they teach you, will get your baby sleeping better within 3 days.

Welcome Home Mother and Baby Gift Packages cost from just £199. Your Maternity Nurse can accompany you home from the hospital if you wish and will stay in your home with you to carry out all aspects of new born care for you, so that you can relax and bond with your new baby. She will help you to establish a sleep/feeding routine and make sure that you drink, eat and sleep enough to recover before she leaves, offering you follow up support for a further couple of weeks. jacqui@sleepfairies.co.uk www.sleepfairies.co.uk Tel: 01733 248101 Mob: 07517 987182

The Cambridge Weight Plan The Cambridge Weight Plan is one of the world’s most successful weight loss and long-term weight management programmes. It’s a series of flexible eating programmes, ranging from 440kcal to 1500kcal a day, depending on height, weight, lifestyle and any medical conditions or medications. All programmes are based on nutritionally balanced meal replacements, combined with conventional food as you move through the steps.

One of the key factors in its consistent success is the Consultant - trained, and accredited and following a strict Code of Conduct which helps to guarantee that every client is offered sound advice on weight loss, healthy eating, exercise and weight management.

Jayne has first-hand experience of the Plan and ensures that every client receives regular one-to-one support and motivation with sympathetic and non-judgmental advice.

At an average cost of around £44 per week, you only pay for the products you use. There are no other hidden costs - registration and consultations are free of charge and if you decide the Plan isn’t for you, there is no long-term commitment.

Jayne Mitchell works as an Independent Cambridge Consultant from her home in the centre of Stamford and offers flexible appointments.

Tel: 07762 597946 Email: jayne.cambridge@btinternet.com

Stamford Writing Competition Stamfordian Glenys Olley has won the £100 first prize in ‘Chapter One, Stamford’, the writing competition - one of a series - organised by writersupport site www.writestars.co.uk , founded by Rachel Henry. The contest asked people to write the first 300 words of a story featuring the town, with the most captivating as the winner. Glenys set her entry, ‘Thomas’, in an atmospheric Stamford sweet shop (any resemblance to the town’s existing sweet shops is entirely coincidental!).

The second prize of £50 goes to Marie Robinson of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, for her historical entry, ‘Where We Live is Hell’.

Thomas, by Glenys Olley He was seven years old when I first met him.

His brother owned a quaint, creaky old sweet shop, nestled within the cobbled passageways of Stamford, a majestic, medieval town, built of mellowed local stone. He and his mother came in most days after school. He crept in silently, a gangly lad, grey blazer, grey shorts, grey socks.... grey. Mingling among the rabble of the other kids, all scrambling for penny chews, he fled to his usual place at the back of the shop.

His mother never missed an opportunity to tell newcomers to the shop, of the day, when just three years old, he picked up the newspaper and read the whole front page! She presented his paintings and people would wonder that the small child huddled at the back of the shop, would be capable of such beautiful work. Lighting yet another Marlborough, she would recite the same lines each time she relayed the story: “Don’t know where he gets it from, it’s not me or his dad,” and she would laugh, a hoarse, husky laugh.

He would sit, barely visible, his slight frame merging into the greyness of the walls, this awkward, genteel child, quieter than the mice that scampered across the stockroom floor. I never saw him smile, or laugh, he never eyed the sweets with delight like the other kids did, he sat, always, head down, engrossed in his book, far, far away.

I longed to see him run around the shop, grabbing for gobstoppers, picking at the liquorice pipes, and licking the lollipops, whilst his mother sucked on her cigarettes, and told the story of her child genius son.

I watched him, as I stood amongst the jars of Bonbons and Rosy apples, shiny jars of sumptuous sweeties, but I never knew him.

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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GAR DE NING

Adam the Gardener Adam says: One of the things I love about gardening is the anticipation of what the year will bring. Gardeners do seem to be eternal optimists - I enjoy even the little things to do in the garden in January – 10 minutes here and there can be so special. I have just moved house and have promised myself I’m going to get my front garden sorted this year, so I’m busy planning.

L

ocal gardening talent Adam Frost has an impressive CV, having worked with many of the garden design greats, including our dearly loved, Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens. Adam has won an impressive five gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

This year his Chelsea garden is called “Time to Reflect” which takes inspiration from the dramatic Devonshire countryside.

‘Rosa Doncasterii.’

Here are 10 ideas to get more out of your garden over the coming months: 1. Connect with nature outside your back door I am passionate about getting the next generation out in the garden and one of the best ways to engage with children is to attract wildlife, so why not introduce a wildlife den even if it just a drilled log to create a bug hotel.

I made this wildlife seat really easily using sawn tree stakes held in a wooden frame.

2. Feed your Garden I know it sounds simple, but so many of us let this one slip. Get some organic matter on your garden, even if it’s only around your roses. This is ideally done over the winter, but if you forget, spring is fine too.

3. Give your lawn a facelift Give your lawn a good scarify top-dress so that it looks great by the time the summer arrives.

Remember it’s the World Cup this year, so create your own little Wembley!

4. Get your Garden Buzzing Add some plants to your garden - it doesn’t have to be a lot, but choose some plants from the ‘RHS Bee Friendly’ list - www.rhs.org.uk/ Gardening/Sustainable-gardening/Plants-forpollinators.

Concentrate on plants that flower early or late in the season, as that’s when our little workers need the most help.

5. Harvesting fruit There are so many people making delicious homemade jams and chutneys, so why not plant some fruit trees in your garden and reap the rewards of our bumper harvests? You don’t need loads of room, and inter-planting edible shrubs, trees and flowers works well in any garden as I showed in last year’s Chelsea Garden, “Sowing the Seeds of Change” that I designed for a small family to connect with their food and nature, whilst also providing a habitat to encourage wildlife.

6. Get out and about Taking a family trip and visiting more UK gardens always give me food for thought. It’s a great way to feed your creative juices and get inspiration for garden design ideas. Get a copy of The Yellow Book which is published annually in February by The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) and has listings of thousands of gardens open for visiting and is also packed full of wonderful photographs. www.ngs.org.uk 7. Take a seat Very often gardens do not have enough seating in them, so people don’t tend to leave their terrace area and venture into their garden. Well placed seating not only provides a great focal point, but draws you into your garden so you can appreciate all that you have planted and see nature in all its glory.

“I try to think of my gardens as social spaces, somewhere to relax in and stop thinking about the daily grind of life.”

8. Water Features A simple water feature attracts other wildlife into your garden - you can even use old Belfast sinks as dipping ponds as I had as a child at my Nan’s. A good wildlife pond needs a good depth of water sloping to 900mm.

9. Splitting areas up A simple archway can add another dimension to your garden by breaking up spaces or moving you from one area to another. It’s also a great place to grow some lovely rambling roses which are up there with my favourite plants, partly because they are easy to look after and never seem to let me down, then once a year they get a heavy prune, a good feed (i.e. winter mulch) and away they go again!

10. Relax....

Last but not least, my tip for this year is don’t worry too much about how tidy your garden is - the wildlife love it that way and you may even sit a while and just soak it up. When I am speaking to clients I talk of gardens being about people, space and plants. I try to think of my gardens as social spaces, somewhere to relax in and stop thinking about the daily grind of life.

They are for you, for friends and family so have some fun and get everyone involved.

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UPD ATES

It’s time to learn how to dance!

Do you always wish you had learnt how to dance so you could enjoy yourself more when the music starts up?

Well now here’s your chance. Janina Mossman runs the Nene School of Dancing with the express goal of getting you to a higher level in as short a time as possible.

Janina has been teaching for 40 years. As a junior she went into competitions and at 16 yrs decided that teaching was her first love. Her whole career has always been dancing. She became an Examiner (IDTA) International Dance Teacher Association, and has been an Examiner for 21 yrs.

She travels around the country and really enjoys meeting other teachers and students. Strictly has played a big part in promoting dancing; she has met Len Goodman on several occasions.

She holds regular tea dances on Sunday afternoons, and has over 100 children attend every Sat morning. She teaches at the Stamford United Reformed Church Hall in Broad Street.

Learning to dance keeps you fit, your mind active, is an opportunity to meet new people and jolly good fun, and couples can do it together.

Janina has a dedicated team that give her tremendous support, ranging from student teachers to highly experienced teachers. Janina reflects: “I offer a full programme of events for my pupils to practise such as tea dances, socials and themed nights which I think is very important if you want to take it up as a hobby. So many now go on cruises and if you can dance you can get so much more out of your holiday. One of the hardest things is confidence and walking through the door not knowing what’s in store. It is a most enjoyable and rewarding experience learning a new skill if you enjoy music you will enjoy dancing.”

• Tel: 01778 590655 Janina@neneschoolofdancing.co.uk

Stamford Academy Founded in 2005, Stamford Academy is a family-owned and run language school in the heart of Stamford, specialising in English language courses for students from overseas. They are British Council accredited and certified by Cambridge ESOL as a preparation centre for their range of English language examinations.

Want to learn a language?

In addition they now offer French, Italian and Spanish language courses for beginners, preintermediate and intermediate levels. The two hour classes are held once a week over an 8 week period. Both the French and Italian classes are taught by native speakers. Please contact the school and speak to Ingrid Richardson or check the website www. stamfordacadmy. co.uk for the start dates in January 2014.

Do you have a spare room? Are you looking for some additional John Walker, Assistant income?

Director of Studies and Ingrid Stamford Richardson, Administrator and Academy also Marketing Manager. offers its foreign students homestay or private home accommodation and they are very interested to hear from potential host families preferably within 1 mile or a 20 minute walk of Stamford Academy. All homestay accommodation operates on a half-board basis with hosts providing breakfast and an evening meal, weekly laundry, bed sheets and towels. Hosts will be subject to an interview by the Academy and a DBS check. For details of remuneration, please contact the Academy on 01780 489400 and ask for Ingrid Richardson or Chris Brock.

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Working from home The boundaries between home and work are becoming increasingly blurred for many UK workers. Now over 3.8 million people are regular home-based workers, of which 1.4 million are employed and 2.4million are self-employed.

Kerry Hilliard of Peterborough Accountants, Stephenson Smart & Co, answers some of your questions about being employed and working from home.

Are there any tax allowances I can claim if I work from home?

If you are employed specifically to work from home and have no alternative, you may be able to get tax relief on some of your household expenses.

Typically these include: • the extra cost of gas and electricity to heat and light your work area; and • business telephone calls.

You can’t claim relief for expenses that would be incurred anyway, such as rent, insurance, mortgage interest, council tax or telephone line rental.

How much relief will I get?

You can claim either: • a flat rate £4 per week for each week you have to work from home, plus the cost of business telephone calls; or • a larger amount if the additional expenses are higher than £4, but you will have to show how the figure is calculated.

This can be claimed though your self assessment tax return or, or, if you don’t have to complete one, by contacting your local tax office.

What if I volunteer to work from home?

You might volunteer to work from home as part of a home working arrangement – essentially an agreement with your employer that you’ll work at home on a regular basis. You don’t have to work at home every day, but there must be a regular pattern e.g. two days per week at home, three days at your employer’s premises.

Under such an arrangement your employer can contribute, free of tax and national insurance, towards your home expenses - £4 per week, or more if you can show that you had to spend more than that.

However, if your employer doesn’t contribute, you can’t get tax relief for the extra costs incurred as you are working from home by choice.

Is it different if I’m self employed?

Yes, different tax rules apply if you are self employed or run a business from your home address.

• Stephenson Smart & Co, Stephenson House, 15 Church Walk, Peterborough, PE1 2TP Tel: 01733 343275 www.stephensonsmart.com

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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PE R SPE CT IVE S

Watching Winter Wildlife

Dave Phillips takes us on a tour of the countryside to show you where to see – and photograph – the creatures of winter. Photos: Dave Phillips

T

he rolling countryside and woods of the Nene valley are wildlife-rich and there’s no better time to see it than in winter.

Now, with the trees bare of leaves and the undergrowth died back, you’re much more likely to catch sight of the elusive creatures of woodland and meadows.

The fallow deer was introduced to this country by the Norman conquerors in the 11th Century. The deer soon made themselves at home in Rockingham Forest, which once covered much of our area. In the remnants of that great ancient forest, large herds of fallow deer still roam. The best time to see them is at dawn and dusk, when they venture out of the woods to graze on the verges of the surrounding fields.

If you want to go deer watching, walk softly, because the deer’s acute sense of hearing will soon see them running for cover. They also have a highly-developed sense of smell, so try to keep downwind of the herd at all times.

Fallow deer vary in colour, which just to complicate things will change in shade through the year. Coloration varies from near-white to almost-black, with varying shades of brown in between. You’ll also see the classic white spots on medium-brown background, so typical of this shy creature.

To see them, go to virtually any of our woods such as the Fermyn Woods complex, and the woodland around Southwick.

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The perfect picture As it is so difficult to approach deer, to photograph them you’ll need a camera with a telephoto or zoom lens that will allow you to take close-ups even though you are a hundred yards away or more. My favourite outfit is a Canon 100-400mm telephoto zoom mounted on a Canon 50D DSLR camera. The smaller sensor size on this digital model gives the big telephoto even more of a magnifying effect.

Modern cameras and lenses have built-in

stabilising systems that help eliminate camera shake from spoiling your pictures, but it is still handy to keep the camera as steady as possible. Obviously you don’t want to be lugging around a cumbersome tripod, but a simple, lightweight monopod is useful.

Always carry a camera of some description. Small modern cameras with built-in zoom lenses are capable of surprisingly good images. They can never manage the superb quality of a big camera and lenses, especially at the higher telephoto settings, but I’ve taken some great images with my £130 Canon compact.

While you’re in the woods, look out for other wildlife, too. Foxes are plentiful in our area and are most likely to seen at the same time as the deer – early in the morning and at dusk. Like most predators, they prefer to go hunting when light levels are low and they’re less likely to be spotted by their prey.

Be very quiet and stand as still as possible. If they don’t see you as a threat, foxes will venture quite close.

Photographing birds Winter is not the best time of the year for taking pictures of most woodland birds, as so many of our feathered friends are summer visitors that head for warmer climes in autumn. But the ever-increasing numbers of big birds of prey are with us throughout the year and whenever you go wandering in our local woods you can

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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be certain that there are always a few red kites around to keep you company. They are naturally inquisitive birds and will approach quite closely to investigate you.

As scavengers, they’re no doubt checking out whether you’re likely to be leaving any titbits of food behind.

Also on the increase in our area is the buzzard. Unlike kites, they are not outright scavengers but feed on live prey – mainly rabbits. You can differentiate the two species very easily as the buzzard has broader wings and a shorter, curved tail. The kite has thinner wings and the distinctive forked tail that gives it its name.

Finally, the kite’s feathers have a red tinge, while the buzzard is a grey-brown.

Winter is a good time to see the birds of the waterside. You may see the electricblue flash of a kingfisher as it dives into the shallows to catch small fry. A great place to spot one is from the white footbridge over the mill stream of the River Nene at Wadenhoe, as they hunt from the branches of the adjacent willows. If you’re lucky, you may see a heron or its smaller relative, the egret. The latter is unmistakable – it’s bright white in colour – and has been present in the Nene valley for over a decade now as it makes its steady progress north from mainland Europe. It loves hunting in marshy rough ground and one place to see them is the mouth of the River Nene, where it enters the

sea near Sutton Bridge. The marshes here are a favourite hunting ground for egrets – and well worth a visit.

Walking near The Wash The sea wall around the Wash is a brilliant venue for a bracing winter walk with wildlife in mind.

Hundreds of thousands of migrating birds make the Wash their home for the winter and you can

see some spectacular sights – especially at high tide as the vast flocks of knots and similar small waders come ashore as the exposed sandbanks in the middle of this shallow sea are covered by the rising tide.

The astonishing shapes these big flocks make as they twist and turn above the waves is a photographer’s delight. It’s like a living Spirograph, and you can find them all around the Wash shores at various times in winter.

Of course you don’t have to venture that far to see winter wildlife. In fact you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home if you have feeding stations in your garden for wild birds. It is at this time of year, when natural food is scarce, that they come to rely upon the offerings we put out for them – and of course they are very easy to photograph at this time. Tits – blue, great, coal and long-tailed – will be frequent visitors, along with various finches and other species, including woodpeckers. Meanwhile, in the meadows by the river, there are waterfowl galore. Thanks to the many gravel pits along the valley, numbers of wild geese have increased greatly in recent years. There is no more evocative sight and sound early on a winter’s morning than watching a v-shaped flight of greylag geese honking as they fly above the water, silhouetted against the glowing red sky of dawn in the Nene valley.

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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Brayshaw Morey • We are accountable to you

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Check out our website for further information www.brayshaw-morey.co.uk or e-mail info@brayshaw-morey.co.uk or call 01780 750840 Fraser Ross House, 24 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PJ

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B U S I N E SS

Professional Services With the Christmas season over and the decorations packed away, it’s time to get round to some practical decisions - getting an accountant to sort out your finances, a solicitor to sort out a legal problem that’s been bothering you for ages or a financial advisor to help you plan for the future.

Stamford Living’s guide will help our readers select the professional service provider that is right for them -- most people don’t know where to start looking, we can help get them going

ACCOUNTANTS Brayshaw Morey Fraser ross house, 24 Broad street, stamford, Pe9 1PJ Tel: 01780 750840 www.brayshaw-morey.co.uk info@brayshaw-morey.co.uk Brayshaw Morey has been in business for over 25 years and the Stamford office was established over seven years ago. Ross Clephane, Director, describes the business: We are a friendly, conscientious company with all round knowledge of UK taxation, tax planning and compliance including management accounts and personal tax. We cater for Limited Companies, Partnerships and Sole Traders and offer invaluable business start-up advice for all types of businesses including company formations. Our services also include book-keeping, payroll and VAT returns.

We are very keen to provide the best service possible for our clients and keep abreast of the latest technology. At Brayshaw Morey we encourage our clients to use an online bookkeeping system which interacts with our year end accounting programme. We also offer a free secure document exchange that enables open fast dialogue between us and the client. We are up to date on all new legislation including the recent statutory changes to pensions.

We firmly believe in helping you to understand your accounts and helping you to build your business – we pride ourselves on establishing a good professional business relationship with our clients.

CraCknell & Co 2 Broad st, stamford, lincolnshire Pe9 1PB Tel: 01780 483807 www.cracknellandco.co.uk Lucinda Cracknell has a background at one of the ‘Big 4’ accounting firms in London, and also in a commercial financial role in a large multinational, so she brings substantial and practical experience to bear.

She set up Cracknell and Co over a decade

36

ago, and her aim has always been to ‘help my clients go somewhere business-wise’. She takes a close interest in the business side of things as well as being leading edge in terms of accounting practice. She typically serves businesses in the £1million to £6 million turnover range, and individuals too.

The practice is a diverse one. It offers a range of services including a full outsourced finance department, management accounts for SMEs, business planning and commercial advice for both start-ups and established companies, through to corporate and individual tax advice and HRMC company and VAT returns to annual accounts formation.

DunCan anD ToPlis 14 all saints’ street, stamford Pe9 2Pa Tel: 01780 750888 www.duntop.co.uk Duncan & Toplis was established in 1925 and is one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants in the region. They have an unrivalled knowledge of local business issues and wide experience across many commercial fields. They are also very efficient if you only need to use them for tax returns. The Stamford partners are Tom Hindmarch and Richard Hardy, who know the local community and its businesses very well. One satisfied personal client said of their tax returns team: “They nag me ever so charmingly to get my tax returns in on time – it really works!”

MiChelle Feasey & Co Chartered accountants and Chartered Tax advisors unit 1, west street Business Park, stamford, Pe9 2Pl Tel: 01780 751115 Michelle Feasey & Co specialises in small businesses based in the area, including Local Living Magazines. Michelle Feasey commented: “We aim to provide a very customer-focused value-for money package; smaller companies can lose out by paying for things that aren’t necessary.” And she has a sound business head which means that she can give advice, if asked for, on a range of business decisions.

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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RB CRosBie ACCountAnts 63 High st, st Martin’s, stamford, Pe9 2LA tel: 01780 751700 www.rbcrosbie.co.uk Dick Crosbie has over 20 years experience in accountancy and taxation with involvement in all aspects of personal and corporate clients. He has been operating as a sole practitioner for the last 13 years offering a flexible and cost-effective service to clients ranging from personal tax returns through to limited companies with turnover in excess of £1,000,000.

A particular feature of this firm is the opportunity to have your affairs managed with no requirement to take time out of your busy schedule - they will visit your office or home at your convenience (including early evening appointments) In addition to the above Dick is also lecturer at Grantham College, specialising in taxation and advanced taxation for students of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Association of Accounting Technicians.

Hegarty Solicitors started life in a small office in 1974; since then the business has grown organically as satisfied clients have returned and recommended Hegarty’s legal services.

As demand has increased they have added to the hand picked team of staff, ensuring their knowledge, experience and client care meet the exacting standards expected by clients. Their teams of solicitors and lawyers – still headed by founder Richard Hegarty - can help and advise on everything from company law to insolvency, employment law to conveyancing, personal injury to family matters.

stePHenson sMARt & Co stephenson House, 15 Church Walk, Peterborough, Pe1 2tP tel: 01733 343275 www.stephensonsmart.com Stephenson Smart was established over 100 years ago. They continue to build on their reputation for providing excellent advice and first class service to business and personal clients alike.

As well as general accountancy, audit and tax skills, their partners also have individual specialist skills which enable the firm to provide clients with a first class service as and when required.

In addition to traditional auditing, accounting and tax services they also provide advice on how to improve and develop your business. Whether you need an integrated business strategy, access to corporate finance or specialist tax advice they are ready to help you achieve your goals

MetCALf, CoPeMAn & PettefAR 18 Priestgate, Peterborough Pe1 1Jn tel: 01733 865880 www.mcp-law.co.uk Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar LLP Solicitors is a long established regional firm of solicitors with an office in the centre of Peterborough, as well as King’s Lynn, Thetford and Wisbech. They deal with most areas of law, both for businesses and individuals, and their lawyers pride themselves on their professional, friendly and cost-effective service.

MCP Solicitors is unusual in that, in addition to a strong general practice, its lawyers have a number of nationally recognised specialisms, including work in Employment Law, Commercial and Regulatory Law. The lawyers at MCP’s Peterborough office can advise on all manner of issues including family, crime, wills and probate, commercial property, buying and selling your home, dispute resolution, employment law, accident litigation and landlord and tenant matters. They will always discuss the most cost effective way for you to proceed and may be able to offer fixed fees or no win no fee agreements.

SOLICITORS BuCkLes soLiCitoRs LLP Peterborough office: Grant House, 101 Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough Pe1 1nG tel: 01733 888888 stamford office: 3 st Mary’s Hill, stamford, Pe9 2DW tel: 01780 484570 www.buckles-law.co.uk Buckles Solicitors LLP provides a comprehensive range of legal solutions to individuals and businesses across the Midlands, East Anglia and the UK and internationally.

They pride themselves on being approachable, friendly and easy to work with whether you are facing business or personal issues.

HeGARty LLP soLiCitoRs 10 ironmonger street, stamford Pe9 1PL tel: 01780 752066 www.hegarty.co.uk Hegarty’s reputation is built on nearly four decades of providing private clients and businesses with legal services in plain English against a backdrop of personal attention.

BeLinDA sMitH soLiCitoRs Asset House, 27/28 thorpe Wood, Peterborough Pe3 6sR tel: 01733 267414 www.bscosolicitors.co.uk Belinda Smith Solicitors specialises in all aspects of Family Law, and has an engaging, professional and approachable style. Belinda is a fully trained collaborative lawyer and will promote this preferred approach to relationship breakdown wherever possible. She is also a specialist in Pre-Nuptial Agreements.

stAPLeton & son 1 Broad st, stamford, Lincolnshire Pe9 1PD tel: 01780 751226 www.stapletons.com Stapletons includes amongst its number Nick Fluck, who currently holds the very notable position of President of the Law Society. In his words “In keeping with the nature of Stapletons as a general practice High Street Solicitors I cover the full span of work, from property; both commercial and residential, through wills and trusts. The enduring benefit to dealing with ‘High Street’ solicitors, such as ourselves, is that we are able to help our clients with all aspects of their needs. We get to know our clients and they can build up a trust in us.”

The practice has also recently welcome on board Robin Dickinson as a partner, who will be familiar to many in the town.

FINANCIAL ADVISERS ian Gornall financial Planning, Partner Practice of st. James’s Place Wealth Management tel: 07889 226225 email ian.gornall@sjpp.co.uk www.iangornallfinancialplanning.co.uk “Many people think of financial planning as creating wealth. It is, but it is also about protecting what you already have. With a little bit of thinking - and some expert guidance you can add some certainty to your financial future. My aim is to be someone you can trust and work together with to meet your financial goals and future aspirations, and, who you would happily recommend to others.

Based in Peterborough, I cover a wide area of Eastern England to provide advice and wealth management support to my clients.”

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, email the address above.

Parsons estate Consultancy Property investment tel: 01572 338303 www.parsons-estateconsultancy.co.uk Simon Parsons of Parsons Estate Consultancy believes this is the perfect time for investors to re-enter the property market whilst initial yields remain relatively high and pressure on supply and pipeline stock increasing as companies seek to invest over the short to medium term. “Whilst there is some disparity between interest rates and actual lending rates, explored investment can provide improved returns for capital growth. Pure equity purchases without doubt carry favour with distressed vendors on more complicated assets.”

nick fluck of stapleton & son STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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UPD ATES

Snowdens Foot Clinic and Nail Spa A new Foot Clinic and Nail Spa is opening this month at Snowdens Hospital, Scotgate, directly opposite GRA’s Models.

It is the brainchild of Susan Lester, a veteran of the medical and health industry and a qualified podiatrist. She has a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatric Medicine obtained at Northampton University and qualified in 2005, and has experience working in both the NHS and private sector. Prior to retraining and practicing as a podiatrist she qualified in Scotland in 1978 as an RGN and has extensive experience working in ICU and A & E departments.

But above all Susan is passionate about her vocation and determined to give people better feet. She prides herself on offering a welcoming and friendly chiropody/podiatry clinic serving Stamford and the surrounding areas.

With several years experience in giving customers healthier feet she is able to assess the reasons you may be experiencing foot pain, whether it be in-growing toenails, arthritis or corns and hard skin; she can then provide you with the advice and solution to your foot problem. Orthotics (corrective insoles) can also be provided to alleviate any foot problems.

The specialist team offers first class surgical chiropody and podiatry treatments with a difference, fusing medical, beauty and health, and providing outstanding care that visibly transforms your feet.

SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE: • The Foot Clinic – treating all manner of foot problems • Medical pedicure – transforming the feet by giving them a thorough overhaul, addressing all aspects of care for your complete foot health • Ultimate Luxury Foot Treatment – incorporating the full range of Cuccio foot care products • Foot Mobilisation Therapy • Foot Acupuncture • Nail Spa – Feet & Hands • Perfect Wedding Feet…and much else besides

Growing pains

What do you want to be when you grow up?

The above question strikes fear and confusion into the hearts of many young adults, perhaps because it’s the first real test of taking responsibility for their own lives. At a recent local careers convention, fifty young people were interviewed by Sarah Kemp and Liz Stockley, the founders of a new social enterprise providing coaching to young adults.

Only twelve had a clear idea of the path they wanted to take. Others commented: • ‘I’m not ready to make my mind up but I feel under pressure from home and school’.

• ‘I keep changing my mind. Do I go to uni and run up debts or get some work experience and save up?’

• ‘Every job vacancy attracts so many applications. How do I convince an employer that I’m the best person for the job?’

• ‘I’m confident about my grades but universities also look for strong personal statements and

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Susan has had a practice both in Spalding and Carlby, and many contented customers. As one recent patient said: “Sue, my feet are now looking so nice for the wedding reception, it makes me really feel like dancing.”

You will be amazed when you go through the big Victorian street door into the splendour that is Snowdens Hospital. There is a delightful, south-facing garden and several consulting rooms, all housed in a classic Victorian cottage-style building. The property originally dates back to 1604, and is a Grade II listed building.

• The clinic will be open Mon-Sat. Snowdens Hospital, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YF. Tel: 01780 762244 - www.snowdensfootclinic.co.uk

life skills. How do I make myself stand out?’

Sarah and Liz run workshops which inform, motivate and coach young people who have reached a fork in the road and are unsure about which direction to take. Through a series of fun, memorable exercises, they help delegates to create their own ‘Personal Sat Nav’ – a tool designed to help them get to where they want to be. Sarah explained ‘Both Liz and I have enjoyed senior management roles in highly commercial businesses.

We are passionate about passing on our experience and knowledge to the next generation. Our workshops build confidence, give delegates insight into what drives them and helps them to develop the life skills most valued by employers and academic institutions.’

Liz added ‘When young people lack confidence and self knowledge, it’s impossible for them to make informed decisions about their future. We support, coach and build long lasting relationships with individuals – attending the ‘Personal Sat Nav’ workshops is the first step on that journey.’

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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JUST OPENING OPENED EARLY DECEMBER

A new Foot Clinic and Nail Spa is opening this month at Snowdens Hospital in Scotgate, THE FOOT CLINIC founded by Susan Lester, BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatric Medicine.

An advanced clinic -­‐ Our specialist team of Health Care Professions Council registered principle podiatrists offer first class surgical chiropody and podiatry The specialist team offers first class surgical treatments with and a difference fusing medical, beauty and health (Medical chiropody podiatry treatments with a diff erence, Pedicure) and providing outstanding care tand hat vproviding isibly transforms your feet. fusing medical, beauty and health,

outstanding care that visibly transforms your feet.

THE NAIL SPA

Services offered include:

Whether it’s for a quick shape and polish or to add some finishing colour to your • ThepFoot Clinic – providing • Medically Sterilised Individually medical edicure, our Nail Spa provides professional nail care &for both the hands chiropody and Spa podiatry treatments Wrapped - for all nail and and feet.

All Nail treatments are performed

by Instruments professionally trained for all manner of foot problems. care to reduce the risk of qualified Nail Technicians. transmitting fungal nail infections • Medical Pedicure – transforming

the feet by giving them a thorough • Foot Mobilisation Therapy Using the world-­‐renowned Cuccio range of luxurious botanical natural skin and overhaul, addressing all aspects of • Foot Acupuncture nail care exclusive to Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa. A unique collection of care for your complete foot health • Reflexology salts, lotions, Luxury masques and treatments will have you • Ultimate Foot Treatment – • Chiropractic Clinicfeeling invigorated, refreshed and inspired. incorporating the full range of • Nail Spa – Feet & Hands

Cuccio foot care products including:

NAIL Oxygen CARE therapy INSTRUMENTS (to find out more call the clinic)

• Perfect Wedding Feet

…and much else besides

To reduce the risk of transmitted infections such as fungal nails from inadequately sterilised instruments, all our nail care instruments used within the foot clinic and nail spa (manicures / pedicures) are sterilised to the highest medical standards and each patient/client will have their own individually sterilised pack of instruments.

BODY CARE

Snowdens Hospital, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YF

Chiropractic Clinic - Dr 762244 Jolyon C- H Hibbins (Chiropractor) Tel: 01780 www.snowdensfootclinic.co.uk

For further details please contact Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa on 01778 590107

Calling all care workers!

Are you looking for a new start for the New Year?

Do you want to work for an organisation that really cares about you?

Join us for a career that offers: • a starting salary of more than the Living Wage.

• regular, contracted hours to suit you.

• paid training and development opportunities.

• generous paid annual leave entitlement.

• on-the-job travel costs and time reimbursed.

• the ability to increase hours of work.

• free uniform.

• 24 hour a day support.

If you are an experienced care worker with a full driving licence and a passion for helping people to lead independent lives, who is looking to work for a new type of care service, call us today!

01733 396484 val.stokes@crosskeyshomes.co.uk www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk

Join our team today!

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C&F

Building Services Providing a thoroughly professional and reliable service

For a free quote call today 07834 728 410 - 07525 007 445 - 01780 470 352

New Builds | Extensions Loft Conversions | New Kitchens Roofing | Carpentry | Renovations Shop Fitting

www.cfbuildingservices.co.uk enquiries@cfbuildingservices.co.uk 42

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PEOPLE

A Master of Music

predecessor both here and in Westminster, I was aware that Peterborough Cathedral has a very supportive attitude to music (strangely, perhaps, that is not universal!). I’ve been very encouraged by the enthusiasm of the Dean and Chapter to develop music to meet the needs of the 21st century and make Peterborough a centre of excellence for church music.”

Choir matters

The Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral talks to Sue Dobson about that royal wedding and making Peterborough a centre of excellence for church music. Photo: Matthew Roberts

F

or someone hailed as a star among the firmament of British organists, with rave reviews for his recitals and recordings, Robert Quinney seems remarkably down to earth. Of his role as organist for the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011 he says: “I’m very proud of being part of that and will remember it vividly, but really it was just an extension of what we do every day – providing excellent liturgical music.”

An estimated two billion people worldwide watched the televised royal wedding, and while he’s not likely to reach similar audiences anytime soon, it’s excellence that’s at the forefront of Robert’s mind as Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral.

He took over the post in April last year, after eight years as Sub-Organist at Westminster Abbey. No stranger to the east of England, he

Westminster Abbey has a specialist music school dedicated to the Abbey Choir. There, “music is wrapped around the choristers.” In Peterborough, pupils from The King’s School, together with adult male lay clerks, form the Cathedral Choir.

“We have about 50 young choristers, roughly equal numbers of boys and girls aged between seven and 13, who during term time sing weekday Evensong and three services on Sundays. They don’t all sing together, there’s a choral rota with various different configurations of voices, but they do all join forces for special occasions like the Advent Procession.”

With Christmas on the horizon, and a host of services and concerts on the Cathedral calendar, Robert says he’s particularly looking forward to conducting Handel’s ‘Messiah’ on 7th December.

“It will be a wonderful event, bringing together the full forces of Peterborough Cathedral music, with the Choir, the Festival Chorus, the new Youth Choir of former choristers, four fantastic soloists and a period instrument orchestra, the kind that Handel himself would have known.”

One of those soloists will be his wife, the soprano Cecilia Osmond. Much in demand as an oratorio soloist and recording artist, Cecilia frequently performs with such renowned vocal ensembles as The Sixteen, The Cardinall’s Musick and The Tallis Scholars. The couple have three children. “Beatrice, who is nine, joined the Cathedral Choir when I did and six year old Alexander will be auditioning this year. Eleanor, who is just one year old, is a little too young at present!”

Recording success read music at King’s College, Cambridge, where he was Organ Scholar from 1995 to 1998, and from 2009 spent five years as Director of Oundle for Organists.

After university he headed to Westminster, first to the Abbey as Acting Sub-Organist, then in 2000 to Westminster Cathedral as Assistant Master of Music. He returned to Westminster Abbey four years later “for the number two job in the music department,” which included being principal organist and working closely with the Abbey Choir, performing with them on several international tours and on an acclaimed series of recordings.

“I loved working at Westminster Abbey, exciting things were happening all the time, but to develop personally and in my career, the move here seemed a natural step,” he says.

“Because I knew Andrew Reid, my

Named Royal College of Organists Performer of the Year in 2002, Robert has a busy freelance career as a soloist, ensemble player, composer and writer on music. Concerts and recitals have taken him around Britain and across Europe, to the USA, Canada, Australia and Russia, and his numerous CD recordings have all been widely praised.

November saw him giving the opening recital at Llandaff Cathedral, “on the largest new, entirely British, cathedral organ since Coventry” and an Organ Extravaganza on home ground to publicize and raise funds to re-pitch Peterborough Cathedral’s 1894 Hill organ.

“It is major work and expensive, but vital for the future development of music here at the Cathedral.” The charismatic Robert Quinney has the vision and determination to make it happen.

• www.peterborough-cathedral.org STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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S EA N’ S R E CIPE

Roast Breast of Pheasant with Butternut Squash and Beetroot Puy Lentils M

y guess is that you’re sick of turkey, beef and possibly salmon, you’ve probably overdone the pork pie and cheese, and your palate is crying out for change.

But because we’re in the middle of winter, you still fancy something warming and seasonal for Sunday lunch. Seeing as we’re deep into game season, how about a pheasant dish that’s full of deep, earthy flavours? In the UK, pheasants are shot between October 1 and February 1 so it’s worth getting a fresh bird now before frozen becomes the only option.

I love the simplicity of this month’s recipe.

In particular, check out the method of frying and then roasting the butternut squash – even if you don’t like pheasant, it’s worth trying because it really brings out the sweetness of this versatile vegetable. Also, the puy lentil recipe is well worth remembering – it’s a good accompaniment for a whole range of other dishes.

Roast breast of pheasant with butternut squash and beetroot puy lentils Serves 4 Roast breast of pheasant • 4 pheasant breasts • Clove garlic • Sprig thyme • Knob of butter 1. Heat a frying pan and add a drizzle of oil and butter. Brown off the pheasant breasts with the thyme and garlic (around four minutes on each side).

2. Place into a pre-heated oven at Gas Mark 5 (190C) for four minutes, then remove and allow to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Roasted butternut squash • 1 butternut squash – peeled, seeds removed and cut into wedges • Salt and pepper • Olive oil 1. Heat the frying pan and add oil before carefully cooking the butternut squash until evenly golden brown.

2. Roast the squash in a pre-heated oven at Gas Mark 5 (190C) for five minutes (until soft).

3. Deglaze with a splash of sherry vinegar and a drizzle of natural honey. Then season with salt and pepper and serve.

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Beetroot puy lentils • 200g puy lentils • 100g beetroot, peeled, washed and diced • 1 large shallot, peeled and chopped • 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped • 1 bay leaf • Sprig thyme • 200ml port and red wine • 500ml game or chicken stock 1. In a large saucepan, sweat off the garlic, shallot and beetroot for five minutes.

2. Add the wines and bring to the boil to cook off the alcohol (two minutes).

3. Add the lentils, thyme and bay leaf, cover with the stock, bring to the boil and then turn down to a simmer and cook until soft (around 30 minutes).

4. Season the lentils with salt and pepper, then finish with fresh chopped parsley and coriander. Serve.

Dine For Even Less This January and February we’re again running our Dine For Even Less offers at both The Olive Branch (three courses for £19.50) and Red Lion Inn in Stathern (three courses for £15). Post-Christmas diets? Who needs ‘em!?

Game gravy • 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • Knob of butter • 1 sprig thyme • 5 crushed juniper berries • 150ml Madeira • 300ml dark game or chicken stock • 100ml reduced beef or veal stock (glacé) 1. Fry off the shallot and garlic in a frying pan in a drizzle of oil. Add the thyme, juniper and stocks.

2. Bring to the boil and reduce by half.

3. Add the Madeira to refresh the sauce, then strain and serve.

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.

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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What’s New At Toft?

Special Offers for January & February Monday: Fish Night Choice of fish served with peas & chipped potatoes £8.95 Tuesday: Pie Night Choice of homemade pie served with peas & chipped potatoes £8.95 Wednesday: Steak Night 8oz Rump steak, choice of sauces, seasonal vegetables & chipped potatoes £10.95 Thursday: Curry Night Choice of homemade curry, served with rice, poppadum’s & chutney £8.95 Lunch Loyalty Card Buy 6 lunches and get the 7th main course FREE Available Monday – Friday throughout January & February* Excludes steaks** 1 card per person

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

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B R I N G I N G L O C A L F OOD T O LIFE

Honest sausages

Defra’s refusal to protect Lincolnshire sausages raises issues about honest food labelling, says Matt Wright

W

hen you see the words ‘farm shop’, what springs to mind? A farmer selling what he’s grown on site, or a fancy food shop with no direct link to agriculture? If you read a label stating ‘British-produced bacon’, what should you assume? That it’s been reared on UK farms, or mass-produced abroad and cut in Britain?

When you eat a ‘Lincolnshire’ sausage, would you be right in thinking it had been produced in Lincs to a certain specification, or that it had originated somewhere in the EU and contained mechanically recovered meat? To each question, the second answer is possible and – more often than not – correct. Welcome to the world of food labelling, where honesty is stretched to its limits in pursuit of profits.

In June 2012, Defra rejected an eightyear campaign by the Lincolnshire Sausage Association to give Lincolnshire sausages Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. The Association wanted to make it unlawful for sausages labelled ‘Lincolnshire’ to be made anywhere other than in England’s second-largest county, and produced to a certain specification. Seems logical, right? Not according to Defra, which – to sum up its 14-page explanation – sees the link between the county and the sausage as too vague to write into law. Defra says ‘Lincolnshire sausage’ has become a general term About the writer describing a type of Matt Wright herby pork sausage. founded and runs Objections to Greatfoodmag.co.uk and Defra were raised Greatfoodclub.co.uk, by several sausagetwo Leicestershiremakers based outside based websites that celebrate and promote Lincolnshire and by local food and drink. the powerful British His Great Food Club Retail Consortium Handbook 2013/14 is (BRC), which exists to out now. protect the interests

of retailers, including Asda, Burger King and Greggs. BRC spokesman Richard Dodd said: “The vast majority of Lincolnshire sausages are now made outside the county [95%] and to have to call them something else now would be confusing.”

It could, of course, be argued that this confusion is, in fact, a good reason to grant PGI status. The Lincolnshire Sausage Association (LSA) certainly takes this view.

A trip to the farm…

Redhill Farm Free Range Pork of Gainsborough has won a multitude of awards. Not only do farmer/owners Jane and Terry Tomlinson raise pigs outdoors on their 185 acre farm, they also produce their own award-winning Lincs sausages, black pudding, haslet and more, right down to the lard used in their pork pies’ handraised pastry. They sell their products directly to the public at county farmers’ markets and from their own farm shop. Not surprisingly, Jane and Terry are passionate about food provenance and honest labelling. I visited Redhill Farm to hear their story and get their view on the Lincolnshire sausage debate.

“We’ve been pig farming since 1991 but seven years after setting up, we were forced to change our approach,” says Jane. “We were producing good free range pork and had a contract with a local bacon factory. We embrace costly high welfare standards but the factory cut us off because it was able to import low-grade pork from abroad and classify it as British.”

It was at this point that Jane and Terry made the decision to gain more control by producing and selling pork as well as farming pigs. This move added to their passion about transparency and provenance, as well as to their workload. “We were appalled that bacon could be packaged and legally sold as ‘Britishproduced’ just because it had been cut in the UK,” says Jane. “This is despite the fact it had been produced abroad in a way that would have

been illegal in the UK. Not much has changed since then either – food labels are still often misleading.”

Jane also talks about a local family butcher – “the sort who hangs game in the window” – who she discovered was selling pork produced cheaply overseas. “I was shocked because he gave the impression he was selling high-welfare British pork.”

For Jane and Terry, it’s about simple honesty.

“We have no problem with cheaply produced meat as long as it’s labelled correctly,” says Jane.

Money is behind the misleading of consumers, says Terry. “High-welfare farming increases pork production costs by 20p per kilo and plenty of sellers, including many

Join Matt’s food club – Great Food Club – free of charge and discover the very best local food and drink.

Members can enjoy special offers at around 100 handpicked independent pubs, restaurants, producers and farm shops www.greatfooodclub.co.uk/join

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Redhill Farm team

supermarkets and butchers, aren’t prepared to pay for it,” he says. So instead of footing the bill, some sellers give the impression their goods are high-welfare using cunning – some might say cynical – marketing. Pictures of friendly farmers on packets, for example, or cleverly placed words giving the right impression.

Money talks Cash is also behind Defra’s rejection of the PGI application, claim Jane and Terry. And with around £650 million a year spent on sausages in the UK, the figures back up their argument.

“There is too much vested interest,” says Terry. “People make vast sums from sausages labelled ‘Lincolnshire’ and they’re not going to let that go.”

So what’s next for Lincolnshire sausages?

Jane says: “We should have got the PGI but it will be tough to get it now,” she says. “So we need to focus on getting the message out that people who want genuine Lincs sausages should visit the county or buy them online from a good local producer.”

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18/12/13 14:53:28

THE Stamford Cupcake Company

Cupcake Classes & Workshop FROM COMPLETE BEGINNER TO BRUSHING UP ON YOUR EXISTING SKILLS

GARDEN HOUSE Stamfords best kept secret

HOTEL

• Cupcake Decorating • Cake Baking Workshops • Learn to Create Cake Toppers • Introduction to Sugar Flower Workshops Children’s Parties, Ladies Days & Hen Parties

CUPCAKES & CELEBRATION CAKES TO ORDER

JANUARY LUNCH SPECIAL 2 COURSES FOR ONLY £12.95 *FROM JANUARY PROMOTIONAL MENU

PRIVATE ROOM FOR HIRE Gift Vouchers Available

George Farm, London Road, Stamford, PE9 3JP Telephone: 01780 489364 or 07825 153003 www.stamfordcupcakecompany.co.uk •

find us on Facebook

01780 763359

High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LP www.gardenhousehotel.com

MEMORABLE CUISINE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

Lunch for Less at The William Cecil Beat the January blues with our tasty

Lazy Log Fire Lunch.

Available every day 12noon - 2.30pm

2 courses - £14.95 3 courses - £17.95

We’re open for lunch, afternoon tea & dinner every day come and enjoy our delicious, seasonal menus.

DELICIOUS FOOD BEAUTIFULLY SERVED • Fully tailor-made and refined menu • Advance menu tasting • Fixed price quotation • Site visit included • Pay bar and Bar staff available • Supply your own wine – no corkage charges

For further info call Sarah Rivett on 01572 747909 or 07970 576882

The William Cecil High St, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ. 01780 750 070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry at The Bull & Swan Lunch for two

Dinner for two

Enjoy two mains from our Eat, Drink & Be Merry menu, plus tea or coffee.

Enjoy two mains from our special menu & a bottle of wine or a four-pint jug of ale.

12noon - 2.30pm Monday - Friday

6pm - 7pm Sunday - Thursday

for £12.50

for £25

The Bull & Swan High St, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ. 01780 766 412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk

4.95 ONLY £ ishes

JANUARY OFFER

ed

nd cours

for seco

Throughout January we are offering a bottle of our house wine, Berry Bro’s Good Ordinary Claret / Good Ordinary White, and a Cheese and Charcuterie sharing platter for £19.95. A very civilised way to spend a cold January evening as the dust settles on the Christmas festivities.

We look forward to seeing you!

Let our Chefs and their second course dishes take your taste buds travelling to the Orient offer includes Mieng Kana, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Larp Beef or Chicken and Som Tum Mu Yang for ONLY £4.95 (enough for two)

The Stamford Wine Company – By the glass, by the bottle, buy the case!

10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 757 844 www.thestamfordwinecompany.com @StamfordWineCo www.facebook.com/TheStamfordWineCompany

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East Restaurant, Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP

www.east-restaurant.co.uk

01733 315702

Visit our website and Facebook 17/12/2013

12:25

FOOD & DR INK

The Bull & Swan, St Martin’s Nicholas Rudd-Jones was impressed by the food here created by new Head Chef Luke Holland The Bull & Swan gets the balance between drinking and eating about right. It remains a very ‘pubby’ pub, with good beer and chat, but at the same time offers food that is well above the basic pub grub level.

And the food here has just notched up another level with the arrival of Luke Holland as Head Chef. Although still young, he has considerable experience, having been executive Chef at the Haycock. But above all he brings really accurate and delicious flavours to everything he does.

We started with Roast beetroot soup, horseradish cream; and Twice baked cheese soufflé, with creamed baby leek and Waldorf garnish. The soup was smooth yet full of flavour, delicate and sweet, the horseradish giving it a bit of a lift. The soufflé was delicious and the combination of baby leek and apples really worked. Two of the best starters we had had for many months.

For the mains, Elli chose the Wild sea bass, warm leek & white bean salad, mustard dressing. Again, it worked very well – the fish crispy and tasty, and the beans caramelised with a sweet tang to them. Being hungry, I chose the The Bull & Swan’s Virgin Mary burger, horseradish dressing, crusty bun, beef dripping chips, Adnams battered onion rings, heritage tomato chutney – if you come hungry, you certainly won’t be disappointed by this one!

It’s easy to like desserts, we shared the Peanut butter parfait, salted caramel, banana meringue, peanut brittle, and believe me this is one of the very finest desserts around, providing you like your peanuts!

At the risk of sticking my neck out, I would say that the Bull & Swan probably has the best pub food in Stamford.

• The Bull & Swan, St Martin’s, PE9 2LJ 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk

The Lighthouse; great cooking, relaxed ambience, modest prices If you’re heading down Market Harborough way, be sure to try and make time to visit the Lighthouse in Kibworth, a beacon of culinary excellence and informality We paid our second visit to The Lighthouse in Kibworth recently to see how things had settled down since its opening, and found an establishment that has truly got into its stride and is clearly very popular with its clientele. Sarah & Lino Poli and their excellent kitchen and front of house team are cooking and serving with great assurance and aplomb.

To cap its first year, it was recently awarded the accolade of a Bib Gourmand (‘good cooking at moderate prices’) by the 2014 Michelin Guide. The citation read: “The appealing menu has its emphasis firmly on fresh seafood, offering everything from fish and chips to lobster.”

The secret of this place is that it successfully combines informality with good quality cooking, wrapped up in a friendly welcome and excellent service. The night we went there was a buzz about the place that got us into the spirit of things immediately.

The menu has something for every mood; pop in ‘early doors’ and enjoy their nibbles and tipples and spend as little as you like; or at the other end, indulge in the ‘Captain’s Table’, where the kitchen simply serves what they think is the best of the menu. You give them the guidelines, your likes and dislikes and they do the rest.

We took the middle ground and went for a three-course dinner. We started with the ‘Nibbles’, incredibly good value at £3.50 or so each, with the fifth one free if you order 4. We enjoyed, amongst other dishes, ‘Baby chilli pepper stuffed with tuna’ and ‘Beetroot cured smoked salmon with crème fraiche and rye croutons’. Nibbles to write home about.

For the mains Elli chose a ‘Seafood Chowder’, which she declared to be rich and delicious; and I was blown away by the ‘Pan fried black bream with squid ink spelt risotto and chorizo ‘– one of the best dishes that I have had anywhere over the last year.

Desserts played their role of indulgent treats to perfection: we shared ‘Chocolate and salted caramel tart’ and a ‘Pear tart tartin and vanilla ice cream’.

The menu changes often, and is supported by a strong wine list. The Lighthouse definitely rocked our boat!

• The Lighthouse, Kibworth, No. 9 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp LE8 0LN Tel: 0116 279 6260 www.lighthousekibworth.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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FOOD & DR INK

Eating out for Less

Once you have got over your Christmas and New Year Festivities, why not use the start of the year to explore some of the many fabulous restaurants in the region that you haven’t tried yet. All at incredibly affordable prices.

Jackson Stops

Bull & Swan

Exeter Arms

The Bull & Swan at Burghley

Jackson Stops, Stretton

High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk A favourite place for good food in a ‘pubby’ atmosphere. The Eat, Drink & Be Merry offers make it exceptional value in the New Year: 1) Have two main courses from the special Eat, Drink & Be Merry menu and a bottle of wine or a four-pint jug of ale for just £25 all in. This offer is available Sunday - Thursday between 6pm -7pm.

2) Make the most of a lazy lunch for two for just £10. Enjoy a main course each with coffee every Monday - Friday between 12noon - 2.30pm.

Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE5 7RA Tel: 01780 410237 www.thejacksonstops.com The Jackson Stops Country Inn has a wide-ranging and interesting menu.

Robert Knowles, Head Chef for many years, has a very straightforward cooking philosophy: “Good, well-produced food that looks lovely and tastes delicious…but nothing too fussy or complicated.”

There are a couple of great offers that run from 3 January to 28 February: Lunch for Less - £12 for 2 courses every lunchtime except Sundays; and Dinner for Less - £19.95 for 2 courses Tue to Fri evenings.

The Crown Hotel, Stamford

Jim’s Yard

All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk When you go to The Crown you really do feel that you are in the heart of the town; and there are some very tempting offers for the New Year: • Monday to Friday – lunch and dinner Pie and a pint (or glass of wine) for £12.00 • Wednesday night is fish and chip night. 2 fish and chips for £15.00.

• Thursday is Game Day – a different game dish each Thursday throughout the season for £12.50.

3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz Jim’s Yard is one of the region’s best dining experiences. For several years now it has held the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded for ‘good food at moderate prices’.

In January the regular lunch special is available. Fish & Chips with homemade Tartare Sauce and a glass of chilled white wine, or alternatively, Sausage & Mash with onion gravy and a glass of House Red. Both priced at £10.

Also, Set Lunch every day - 2 courses £14.50, 3 courses £17.50. Set Dinner Tuesday to Thursday - 3 courses for £19.50

Exeter Arms, Easton-on-the Hill 21 Stamford Road, Easton-on-the Hill, PE9 3NS. Tel: 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.net The Exeter Arms exudes rural charm and always offers a warm welcome.

Their January offers include: • Monday to Friday – lunch and dinner Pie and a pint (or glass of wine) for £12.00 • Wednesday night is fish and chip night. 2 fish and chips for £15.00.

• Thursday is Game Day – a different game dish each Thursday throughout the season for £12.50.

The Mad Turk

Garden House Hotel, Stamford

Burghley House, Stamford, PE9 3JY Tel: 01780 761989 The Orangery offers brunch, lunch and afternoon teas, serving delicious homemade food throughout the day.

It is open again from Wed 8th January to Friday 14th March 2014, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm and closed on Mondays and

High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LP Tel: 01780 763359 www.gardenhousehotel.com New Head Chef Timothy Slack is doing great things here. Try out his new offerings at lunch for the very attractive price of £12.95 for 2 courses.

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8/9 St. Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 238001 www.themadturkstamford.co.uk The Mad Turk is very much a family affair, and the food is fresh, wellcooked and authentic, with all the meat cooked on a charcoal fire and good vegetarian choices. The mezes make brilliant starters.

Lunch is served on Fridays and Saturdays; and with the new Love Stamford card (www.lovestamford.com) you can get 10% off.

The Orangery at Burghley

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2 COURSE LUNCH FROM £12.95 - 3RD COURSE FROM £2.50 William Cecil

Tuesdays.

What better than a walk through the park on a bracing winter day followed by a delicious bit to eat in the Orangery? Visit www.burghley. co.uk for details of the latest offers.

Oundle Mill Barnwell Rd, Oundle, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk Winner of the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2013/14.

Presentation is immaculate, service is exemplary, but the flavours rule, which is just as it should be.

The Thursday evening deal, starting from January 9th, is one of the very best deals in the region. Three courses lunch or dinner for only £18.95. It books up early though, so plan well ahead if you can!

White Hart, Ufford Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH Tel: 01789 740250 www.whitehartufford.co.uk The White Hart is a great spot after a bracing winter walk, and is one of the most charming pubs around. They have several offers in the New Year to tempt: • Monday to Friday – lunch and dinner Pie and a pint (or glass of wine) for £12.00 • Wednesday night is fish and chip night. 2 fish and chips for £15.00.

• Thursday is Game Day – a different game dish each Thursday throughout the season for £12.50.

William Cecil Hotel St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Tel: 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk The William Cecil now has a patina of tradition and experience about it that is re-assuring and comfortable. The restaurant, bar, conservatory and outdoor areas all work well, making this a good place to meet with friends or an informal business meeting.

The William Cecil is running a delightfulsounding ‘Lazy Log Fire Lunch’ Lazy Log Fire Lunches in the New Year, available 12noon 2.30pm Monday to Saturday. 2 courses - £14.95 or 3 courses - £17.95

Eight Local Top Restaurants have teamed up once again to offer a fine lunch at an especially low price.

Valid Monday to Saturday, the offer is variable to each restaurant, as described below.

To make your reservation, please call the restaurant of your choice and quote the ‘Lunch for Even Less’ offer. Subject to availability.

The Berkeley Arms, Wymondham

The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington

2 courses for £12.95 (3rd course for £3.00) Valid - Tuesday, 21st January to Saturday, 29th March. Closed on Mondays, excluding Valentine’s Day 01572 787587 www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk • Holder of a Bib Gourmand, and a fabulous ‘pubby’ ambience with great food.

2 courses for £12.95 (3rd course for £3.00) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 29th March. Excluding Valentine’s Day 01572 822477 www.marquessexeter.co.uk Brian Baker is a highly accomplished and creative chef. He thinks local – sourcing local ingredients, taking vegetables from his patch and hiring several members of his close-knit family to work with him. But in culinary terms he thinks international

Hambleton Hall, Nr. Oakham 2 courses for £23.50 (3rd course for £6.00) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 1st March. Excluding Valentine’s Day 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com Aaron Patterson, Head Chef and Co-owner, is always looking to move forward and to make sure that the menu stays fresh: “The main shift in emphasis recently has been the desire to home in on a main ingredient, to strip things back and make them simpler, to make things a bit cleaner on the plate, to focus on what’s important.”

Hart’s Restaurant, Nottingham 2 courses for £15.50 (3rd course for £4.00) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 1st March. Excluding Valentine’s Day 0115 9881900 www.hartsnottingham.co.uk Try and combine lunch here with shopping or a matinee performance at the theatre.

Modern surroundings, delicious food, impeccable service, all within a stone’s throw of the town centre.

Langar Hall, Langar 2 courses for £16.50 (3rd course for £5.00) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 29th March 01949 860559 www.langarhall.co.uk This establishment is replete with character and the experience of visiting merits a trip in its own right. Could almost have invented the word ‘eclectic’ for this place. Lovely Georgian house setting.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham 2 courses for £15.50 (3rd course for £4.00) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 29th March Excluding Valentine’s Day 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com Voted Good Pub Guide ‘Pub of the Year’2014, and The Times Top 20 Gastro Pubs. Remains at the very top of its game.

The Red Lion Inn, Stathern 2 courses for £13.50 (3rd course for £2.50) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 29th March/ Closed on Mondays, excluding Valentine’s Day 01949 860868 www.theredlioninn.co.uk A delightful drive through the Vale of Belvoir, a quick walk up the ridge if you have time, then settle back to one of the best pub ambiences you will ever experience.

The Wicked Witch, Ryhall 2 courses for £14.50 (3rd course for £3.00) Valid - Monday, 13th January to Saturday, 29th March Excluding Valentine’s Day 01780 763649 www.ryhallwitch.co.uk Brilliant Head Chef Dameon Clarke has increasingly found the balance between clever, complex recipes and simple, robust pleasurable fare. Many people are voting this their favourite place to eat at the moment anywhere in the region.

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FOOD & DR INK

Nurture through Nature at the Ark Nursery The Ark Nursery and associated Forest School are sowing the seeds for the love of good food, health and well-being, writes food writer and professional cook Sarah Lyon

“G

rowing up on a farm I remember the pure joy of running through fields of wheat; the pleasure in natural things like fishing, shrimping and crabbing with my Grandpa in Norfolk when we would venture back to the farm kitchen and cook our bounty.

It was a privilege and I continue to treasure these simple things,” says Jo O’Bryan Tear, founder of the Ark Nursery. She goes on to tell me that it is the Forest School’s training course that she participated in last year that awakened these vitally lived feelings in her and it is the Forest Schools’ ethos (and the one she grew up with) around respecting nature with a healthy outlook that she is advocating at her nursery – The Ark in Stamford.

One cannot help but be moved by Jo’s ability to create a wonderfully creative and life-giving space at both the Ark Nursery in Stamford and Wild at Heart, her Forest School in Ketton.

Starting early in life to create and educate on good eating habits and developing an enquiring palette is so very important, and a belief that motivates Jo and her cook Karen at the Ark. “Our Autumn/Winter menu saw the return of the ever popular mixed bean and vegetable lasagne and a light potato gnocchi served in a flavoursome squash and sage sauce,” says Karen. “A balance of well-sourced ingredients is important to every menu plan at the Ark.” Helen Watson, Ark manager, organises presentations and training evenings for Ark staff and tells me that research shows that the brain of a 2-3 year old is twice as active as that of an adult and therefore nutrition becomes vital for wellbeing and development.

Karen’s Kitchen Karen uses a diverse choice of raw ingredients to cook and prepare snacks and meals that help children to learn about taste, smells and textures of different foods. Children are introduced to a mix of strong and subtle flavours which encourages confidence in adventurous food choices as they grow. Morning snack time can consist of fresh raw vegetables or fruit. Bananas are a firm favourite full of vitamin C and D, known to boost serotonin levels while providing a healthier alternative to sugary biscuits and snacks that can suppress a good lunch time appetite. ‘Eating together is a celebration everyday’, says Jo. Local food providers to the Ark: The nursery

is currently sourcing all their meat produce from Nelson’s Butchers in Stamford, vegetables from Abbey Parks Farm nr Boston and bread from Asker’s Bakery.

Wild at Heart, Forest School Vickie is Deputy Head and nursery practitioner at The Ark and is currently training to be a Forest School Leader. Vickie comments, “Working the allotment at ‘Wild at Heart’ has given the children an awareness of where food comes from. They are more willing to eat different vegetables and fruits knowing that they themselves have been part of the process of growing and harvesting.”

Children take a mini bus from Stamford to Ketton with Ark teachers at different times during the week. The idea being that the children are outside, dressed in all-weather clothing, for a stretch of 3 hours. Research shows that time outside being vitalised and active, combined with safe exposure to the sun’s rays, helps to build up the body’s Vitamin D stores - a nutrient essential for maintaining the good health of a strong immune system.

A seasonal calendar at Wild at Heart September – Apple gathering and pressing in the orchard. Elderberry Cordial October – ‘Wild at Heart’ Pumpkin Fest, pumpkin scooping and roasting of seeds.

November – Putting the garden to bed for the winter, composting and getting the mulch ready for next year December – Sitting around the fire drinking hot

chocolate and sharing in stories and songs January – Bread making and baking dough on sticks over the fire February – Making ‘Shrove Tuesday’ pancakes over an open fire March – Creating a ‘cob oven’ with the children to cook bread and pizzas April – Playing in the ‘mud kitchen’ – a sensory outdoor kitchen where children are encouraged to follow their own imagination to create concoctions. How about Pine cone bolognaise mixed with some garden herbs for a start?

May – Foraging elderflowers for fresh elderflower cordial June – Harvesting and picking fresh raspberries July – Handpicked strawberries straight from the vine August – Harvest of herbs, courgettes and beans from the Forest Schools allotment The children spend a significant amount of time in the woodland at Wild at Heart too. “They are able to experience first-hand, the natural cycles of birth, decay and regeneration of the woodland, the allotment and the ubiquitous animals that are often spotted in the wood and nearby fields and river,” says Forest School Leader, Claire Crowley. “This immersion into the outdoors, all year round offers huge potential in terms of creating an innate respect and custodianship of nature that we all need to develop and to maintain a healthy life balance for ourselves and our world.”

• Ark Nursery, Stamford. www.thearkstamford.co.uk

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Our experience makes yours Find your perfect holiday with your local, independent & friendly travel experts

SPOTLIGHT ON MAURITIUS

C

ast adrift in the Indian Ocean where continents meet, Mauritius is a mar vellous mix of African, Indian, European and Oriental influences. A huge reef surrounds the island sheltering the shallow lagoons, whose waters meet a shoreline of sugar white beaches.

The capital Port Louis has an international atmosphere and the coastline is home to a collection of fine hotels, there is a choice of worldclass golf courses and the beaches and lagoons are a haven for water sports. Not least the island is home to some of the friendliest people, so you can expect the very best hospitality. Mauritius makes a marvellously relaxing home for your luxurious holiday or why not use the easy flight connections from east and southern Africa to make a twin centre holiday to somewhere more adventurous. A spell under the vast skies of Africa or a safari in one of the finest game reserves, could be the perfect contrast to lazy island days.

Oundle Travel recommends several hotels, all offering something different…

A honeymoon in Mauritius offers an unforgettable experience and many hotels offer complimentary upgrades and special offers for honeymoon couples. Weddings in Mauritius are very cost effective and hotels will provide a host of discounts and extras for weddings and their families and friends wishing to attend.

Easter and the summer months through to September are the perfect time to travel to Mauritius, during the months of December and January the island does experience heavy tropical rains and strong winds.

The Residence is one of the finest hotels in Mauritius, with its gorgeous mile long white sand beach and beautifully appointed rooms together with a stunning choice of dining. From £1979.00 per person – Bed and Breakfast.

The Sofitel is situated in a boutique lifestyle resort with an award-winning spa located around a pristine horseshoe coral sand cove. From £1579.00 per person – Half Board.

The Tamassa offers a good value, all-inclusive option for families, with a variety of water sports and tennis. From £1539.00 per person – All Inclusive.

This is only a small selection of hotels on offer, for personal recommendations, together with up-to-date prices and flight availability, please contact the Oundle Travel team on 01832 273600

01832 273600

Market Place, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EA Email: sales@oundletravel.co.uk Website: www.oundletravel.co.uk

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D IARY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Throughout December until Tuesday 31 December, daily EXHIBITION: Oniros Artist and Poet, Kate Fensom invites you to enter a luminous world where goats do yoga on the spokes of a ferris wheel...and much more.

If this sounds like your cup or tea then call into the gallery to meet Kate and her me-fairy.

Joining Kate is Max Dane; using his specially prepared home-made paper as a base, Max weaves tender sensory landscapes and creates decorative works with hidden nooks and tiny secret crannies.

Stamford Gallery, within the Arts Centre Admission is free

Watercolour painting at Normanton Church

Throughout January at Rutland Water A packed programme of events for winter, including Wassailing, Bird Watching for Beginners, a Winter Bird Family Walk where the children learn to identify water birds and make their own feeder. More monthly guided walks have been organised at Rutland Water due to popular demand and will be led by Terry Mitcham, of Rutland Natural History Society.

Egleton Nature Reserve For details, dates and booking for all events Tel: 01572 653024 www.rutlandwater.org.uk Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 January (various performance times) Polka Dot Pantomimes invite you to cheer Jack on his magical journey to Giant Blunderbore’s castle in the sky as the daring hero takes on the evil Poison Ivy. All the spectacle of a traditional panto with singing, dancing and plenty of laughter.

Stamford Arts Centre.

Tickets from £10 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com Friday 17 January, 10.30am to 4pm EVENT: Watercolour Painting Day: Normanton Church Join talented local artist Sandra Peck to recreate an enchanting view from nearby Rutland Water with its partly submerged old stone church and beautiful reflections. Her step-by-step demonstrations are perfect for seasoned artists and novices alike - a wonderfully relaxing day. Barnsdale Gardens Price £69, including lunch. Booking at www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk or Tel: Tel: 01572 813200 Thursday 23 January Winter at Barnsdale: A Guided Walk Take a very special tour of the Gardens with Barnsdale’s owner Nick Hamilton, looking at the highlights of this magical time of year. Discover why and how individual gardens were created and find out which plants and trees are at their prime during winter, and the best place to put

them in your own garden.

Price £32. Booking at www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk or Tel: Tel: 01572 813200 Friday 24 January, 8.00pm EVENT: Re-Take That!

Superb sound, dramatic lighting and dynamic dance routines, complement breathtaking versions of all the Greatest Hits by Take That. One of the UK’s most celebrated tribute bands.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £15.50 Tel: 01780 766455 Sunday 1 February MUSIC: Marty Wilde and the Wildcats A chance to see a Rock’n’Roll pioneer. Marty began his career in 1957 and was part of the early, groundbreaking years of British Rock’n’Roll. Performing some of his many hits and a host of songs from the era, Marty will take you back through some of the most exciting times in musical history.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £19.50 Tel: 01780 766455 Book now for a summertime selection of Shakespeare…

Stamford Shakespeare Company has released details of their summer programme of plays.

Audiences can look forward to ‘As You Like It’ – rarely performed in his lifetime, one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and enjoyable comedies. ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ is one of the Bard’s most popular comedies and the basis for Cole Porter’s great musical ‘Kiss Me Kate’.

It’s another convoluted love story full of fun and music and set in 1950s Italy. Finally, ‘Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass’ will lure you into Wonderland to meet the characters of Lewis Caroll’s fantasy world.

To find out more information on the plays, dates, prices and further information Tel: 01780 756133 or visit www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk.

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Elli Dean

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www.rutlandphotographer.co.uk For full information about rates and packages or to see more of my work, call me on 07932 055548 or email: yael.dean@gmail.com 58

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CON T E M P O R A RY A RT S

Jean de Gale Are you aware of the wealth of artistic talent in Stamford?

For the first of a new series Jean Orpin and Sue Lee talked to Jean de Gale who was responsible for the art work on several of the information boards around the town

J

ean de Gale has lived in Stamford since the late 1990s and loves the town and its people. She values the friendliness of everyone, remarking, “Have you noticed how nice people are opening doors and things?” It was through the Civic Society that she became involved in drawings for the town boards. Members of the society discovered her talents and asked her to draw their houses. Since then she has provided the drawings for the boards at Rutland Terrace, Bath Row and most recently the one on St Peter’s Green.

Jean was an artist long before she came to Stamford. As a child she preferred drawing to riding and so took lessons from Anna Airy, one of the first women war artists who was noted for her work in pastels. After school Jean studied at two prestigious London art schools, Byam Shaw and Heatherley’s. Her first exhibition was in Ipswich and she was then the first exhibitor in the newly created Cloister Gallery at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral.

One of her early commissions was a painting of Covent Garden from a first floor window when it was still a fruit and vegetable market. She has also exhibited in the Mole Gallery in London.

A classical training provided Jean with many skills, although her preferred medium these days is pastel. Her specialities are still life and buildings. The north light in her small studio at home is good and she works there nearly every morning. Sometimes she can be found working on specific commissions but often she chooses her own arrangements. The walls of her home are of course covered with her pictures; and her husband, David, regularly updates them with the newest creations.

Jean claims to have been lucky to have been in the right place at the right time for her career to flourish and this is typical of her positive approach and satisfaction with life. This summer she broke her right arm – devastating for an artist – but she has discovered that she can work with her left hand and is really enjoying the different and freer style this produces. She clearly enjoys her art and she enjoys the company of fellow artists in Stamford. A small group regularly meet up to work together on still life compositions and she is an enthusiastic member of the Welland Valley Arts Society, participating in their gallery visits and the society’s exhibitions.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Renovations â&#x20AC;˘ Alterations â&#x20AC;˘ Extensions â&#x20AC;˘ Qualified Velux Installer â&#x20AC;˘ Loft & Garage Conversions

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• SL Jan.indd 55

local

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www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 18/12/2013 10:18

STA M FOR D PE OPLE

Vic Millington Railway Artist Words by Harjit Gammon

H

aving caught a fleeting glimpse of a lovely railway poster being carried by someone at an antiques fair, Harjit Gammon set about tracking down the artist; a former rail guard, whose idea of a fulfilled retirement is something of a busman’s holiday - painting scenes of his beloved railway.

Vic Millington has painted prolifically ever since he first went on the railways, though his love affair with art started back in childhood, which he spent happily drawing trains and playing with Hornby models (which he now restores). An idyllic, contented life, many might say. A man of modest means and happily for him modest needs, Millington was, he says, “born in the days when life was still all in black and white”. He took up painting, encouraged by an artistic mother, along with other enduring pastimes, in a pre-computer era (which he has determinedly shunned) when such hobbies widely received approbation for their self improvement and enjoyment qualities.

“Throughout my younger life my artistic mum encouraged me to draw,” said Vic. “So in 1967 I enrolled for evening classes at Mundella School (Leicester) and was introduced to acrylic watercolours. But after two lessons I decided to teach myself.” In the years to follow he developed his own individual, atmospheric style, which was beautifully showcased in a book capturing memories and observations of a lifetime devoted to the railways, and in his evocative railway posters, which hark back to the era of grand railway travel.

However, despite painting for decades, he has only recently been persuaded to make his work available to the public, though he receives many offers to buy. A chance encounter with a biscuit tin, adorned with his work in an international airport, finally made him re-evaluate his own talent. To the best known of his artwork on the side of Harrods’ biscuit tins Vic can also proudly add international acclaim and recognition in Japan, where his art has gained awards at important competitions. He loves the art and culture of his Japanese partner Fumiko’s country and recounts how, on learning of his first success there he asked what the prize was.

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“I was politely told: ‘No prize, just honour’. That, in Japan, is priceless.”

He works in the kitchen of his diminutive Medieval home, overlooking a courtyard lovingly cluttered with railway memorabilia, with his drawing board ingeniously squeezed across the deep stone sink. Each painting, reminiscent of railway posters from the heyday of rail travel, takes him a week or more to complete, and is painstakingly worked to a high standard. Vic travels to the places he paints, all of which are on his beloved railway. Each painting is completely original, and often features figures from the fifties, “a simpler more innocent time,” he says, in the scene.

The railways are almost literally in the blood of this dedicated rail man, who started his career, in what used to be an honourable profession, in the steam era on the GCR at Leicester and finished it 38 years later on the GCR at Marylebone. Both his paternal and maternal great-great-grandfathers, their brothers and sons, worked for the railway, stretching back to the 1840s. So, when aged 17, after leaving Gateway Boys Grammar School, Leicester, Vic joined the signals and telecommunications department at Leicester Central in 1961, it seemed a rather natural and

fitting continuation of a long family tradition. In 1969 the recently married young Vic moved to Cornwall; becoming a signalman at Goonbarrow Junction on the Newquay branch. It was during this period; Vic’s passion for painting took a new turn. He won a BR poster competition, which resulted in a commission for 25 views of the then current Western Region to be hung in the general manager’s suite at Paddington. He was also commissioned to produce posters of the newly introduced HST (High Speed Train) for display nationwide. After an idyllic time on the railways in Cornwall, he returned to his Leicester roots in 1990, following the sad break-up of his marriage. Several railway jobs followed, including roster clerk at Peterborough.

They were “happy days”, he says, as he reflects on the “delightful” and “perfect” time he spent on the railways.

• For enquiries about his work and posters, priced at £60, contact: railwayposterart@gmail.com Further examples of his work, including Stamford, Oakham, Ketton & Uppingham stations can be seen at: www.vintagecountryliving.com

STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2014

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