Stamford Living June 2018

Stamford LIVING

June 2018 £1.50

Be inspired by where you live

Long Summer Days!

H O N E Y B E E S , G A R D E N S T O V I S I T, E AT I N G A L F R E S C O

10% OFF When you present this advert in store.

Offer expires 30th June 2018.

SOFAS | BEDS | MATTRESSES Visit our Stamford showroom on Bath Row opposite Adnams Wine Store 01780 762579 WWW.DELCOR.CO.UK

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IN THIS ISSUE

I

thought I should get back to writing an editorial again.

Rumours have been circulating that I have been shoved aside, sold the business, died from an excess of Remoaning, emigrated to a Caribbean island, exhausted my creative juices, been locked up for libel even…

Happily, none of these things has come to pass, except perhaps the Caribbean island, now that sounds good. I still live in the heart of what I believe to be the country’s finest town; and when people ask me how can I be so sure of that, it’s not the beauty of the stone buildings I mention first, nor the proximity to fabulous countryside, nor the independent shops and markets, nor even all the agreeable alfresco spots to dine and drink in, but the community, the friendliness of the people (how long does it take you to get down the High St?!) and the 200 or so clubs and societies, many charitable, which make our home town creative, vibrant and caring.

So, there’s my ode to Stamford. Enjoy flaming June.

Nicholas Rudd Jones (still) The Editor

Stamford LIVING

June 2018 £1.50

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Contents June 2018 FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HOME & GARDEN, SHOPPING, MOTORING 16 Interior Design: The different styles of local interior designers, part 2 20 A beautiful National Garden Scheme house in Wing, Rutland 34 Motoring Page 40 Outdoor Living

FOOD & DRINK, HOLIDAYS 52 54 56 61

All about Honey Food News Eating al fresco Olive Branch page

H O N E Y B E E S , G A R D E N S T O V I S I T, E AT I N G A L F R E S C O

SL COVER JUNE 2018 G-FOLD copy 3.indd 1

16/05/2018 14:45

Cover Photo: Sweet Pea Week at Easton Walled Gardens, Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 July. To book tickets or for further information call 01476 530063 visiteaston.co.uk. see more details on page 78.

www.stamfordliving.co.uk @StamfordLiving1 Stamford Living

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ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, LEARNING & BUSINESS

The Burghley Sculpture Exhibition 2018 Pets Page: staying cool Little Living Little Living Day Away – Duxford The Best of Local Business Bikeability The gorgeous Nevill Holt Urban Rambles: 30 minutes to spare at King’s Cross?

77 What’s On 6 36 45 46 49 51 62 66

30 38 42 82

Be inspired by where you live

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10 Fun fashion for warmer days 24 What’s New in Fitness and Beauty?

32 Avicenna Clinic

PEOPLE & PLACES

Long Summer Days!

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Face of Stamford Competition Victoria’s Page Ask Leo – Martin’s Cultivating Company Stamford People: Matt Piggott, Fizz Pop Studio

NEWS & NOTES

69 Bluebird Care, Little Lane Nursery 70 Oundle Festival, Vintage Wedding Dress Show, Healthy Hearing, SAMS 73 The Rug Studio, Rutland Open Studios, UPP estate agents 74 Edith Weston Academy, Stamford in Bloom, Trent Galleries, Browne’s Hospital opening

is a positive and thoughtful way to spend an hour a Award Volunteering week. We’re looking for Befrienders, volunteers for our Hand & Nail and social bees to help coordinate get-togethers and winning service, events. Whatever your skills, interests, and experience, talk to Maclennan — there’s certain to be a role that you can play. local Rosie Evergreen Care Trust 1 Barnack Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2NA charity Tel: 01780 765900 www.evergreencare.org.uk

51 Editor and Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Write to Stamford Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.bestlocallivingliving.co.uk Advertisement Manager Claudia Bayley 01780 482828 claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Advertising Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 rachel@locallivingdesign.co.uk Head of Design Steven Handley steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designers (Editorial) Calum Handley, Chris Strickland Designer (Advertising) Sarah Patterson inkdesign@virginmedia.com, Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Printed by Warners of Bourne Subscriptions; annual rate £25 (UK only). Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with £25 cheque payable to Local Living, or go online to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

CIO No. 1158271

STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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OTHERW Exhibition of the month OTHERWORLDLY Michael Shaw, Curator of Burghley Sculpture Garden’s 2018 exhibition, reviews the show.

“Otherworldly” features sculpture that explores elsewhere: the microscopic, the cosmic and the interplanetary. Constructors of spaceships, planets and satellites have been parking their creations for the duration of this year’s exhibition at Burghley Sculpture Garden. The exhibition spans our world and the known existence, exploring the geological, the celestial, and the extraterrestrial.

“Begin at the beginning”, exhorted the King in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and so we shall, with the smaller of earthly details: a tiny thing that sustains the explosion of life on the earth’s land… pollen. Wrought in steel by Joanne Risley, Pollen Bomb is a spiked rendering reminiscent of mines.

Natural forms also play a part in Dallas Collins’ Leaf Pylon, topped with two conical speakers that listen to the trees, to nature and the cosmic background radiation still emanating from the Big Bang.

Many of the sculptures on show are vehicular.

Andy Hazell’s Interplanetary Taxi is a prime example of this, seeming to have landed in the epicentre of the garden’s elliptical amphitheatre prior to its next cosmic trip. Inside is an orrery to guide the captain around the universe, and the sculpture is fully driveable, adept at negotiating the narrowest of cosmic alleyways thanks to the Japanese kei-car regulations that stipulate a maximum width of 1.48m .

If Star Wars sculpture is your thing, then best call Stamford’s very own engineering and YouTube genius, Colin Furze. On this occasion, our intrepid tie-wearing inventor has created a “life-size” TIE Silencer, Kylo Ren’s choice of interstellar getabout.

Some 17m long, the agile space warrior has hovered to ground to create a menacing scorpionlike presence from the Dark Side. Furze’s creation is the ultimate Star Wars merchandise, without the reduction of scale required by most toys.

Whilst Furze channels Star Wars, Jim Unsworth appears to be on team Tolkien. The Delights of Eden is an architectural house of a sculpture straight from the land of fairy tales, elves and pixies, and bedecked with Gandalf’s pointed hat.

The sculpture grows tree-like, bending and lilting with the charm of an illustrator’s whim.

We have the Man in the Moon, too – at Burghley he is charging up the ladder to get to work in The Moon Polisher by Pete Rogers. This somewhat cheeky sculpture also features a group of impertinent mice at its rear, eating the cheese from which the moon, naturally, is made!

One sculpture bridging worlds large and small is Ben Rowe’s Lost in Time and Space: Beacon 52.64 – 0.44. This intriguing wooden structure is reminiscent of satellites, models of chemical compounds, viruses and even jumping jacks. His starburst of a sculpture is a beacon that marks a point in time and space – in this case, the latitude and longitude of its Burghley residence.

The Sculpture Garden at Burghley House is open daily 11am-5pm until Sunday 28 October 2018.

For more details, see www.burghley.co.uk.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

Andy Hazell, Interplanetary Taxi

Ben Rowe, Lost in Time and Space: Beacon 52.64 – 0.44

Joanne Risley, Pollen Bomb

WORLDLY Colin Furze, TIE Silencer

Pete Rogers, The Moon Polisher (also below)

Jim Unsworth, The Delights of Eden

Dallas Collins, Leaf Pylon STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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THE

BIG Summer Sale!

Starts Thursday 14 June at 9.30am 27 & 17a Mill Street

The

STAMFORD G A R D E N

C E N T R E

&

C A F E

Garden Furniture

SALE

Fabric Furniture Lighting Cushions Lifestyle accessories 10% off all orders of fabric, wallpaper, trimmings and floor coverings www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk showroom@elizabethstanhope.co.uk 27 & 17a Mill Street Oakham Rutland LE15 6EA 01572 722 345

High End Design I All Weather Cushions I Outstanding Comfort

New 5000sqft garden furniture showroom now open The Stamford Garden Centre & Cafe Sack Store Casterton Road, Stamford, Redstone Industrial Estate, Lincs, PE9 4BB Spalding Road, Boston, Lincs, PE21 8EA Tel: 01780 765656 www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk

Tel: 01205 310101 www.sackstore.co.uk 9

Choose carefree, lighthearted pieces for warm summer days and cooler evenings, with our fashion edit from Queensgate Centre, Peterborough, photographed by the River Nene at Yarwell Country Park.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN www.ellideanphotography.co.uk STYLED BY: SALLY STILLINGFLEET Instagram@flowerfile

Lazy Days of Summer Mel wears bright pink top £29 with striped handkerchief hem skirt £45 Bag, £35, all from Monsoon. White chunky Converse, £59, at Office.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

Rose wears Joules tunic £59.95, with Nike trainers from a selection at Office.

Mel wears white lacey cotton blouse £59 with white ankle crop jeans £39, both from Monsoon. Rose gold resort sandals, £59, by Hotter.

Vanessa wears navy striped linen jumpsuit £59, with orange cross body bag £35, Kin at John Lewis. Face 4 Face sunglasses from The Oculist £275

Mel wears Modern Rarity silk shirt £125 from John Lewis, with Monsoon ankle crop jeans £39, white Converse £49.99 Office. Hello Sunshine beach bag £19.95 from Joules. Face 4 Face black sunglasses £275 The Oculist.

➧ STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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Above right: Rose wears white linen tee shirt £25 John Lewis. Floral trousers, £49.95 Joules. Rose gold mirrored Ray Ban sunglasses, £145 The Oculist.

Right: Vanessa wears navy cotton ruffle blouse, £35, and floral trousers, £55, both Monsoon, with blue Brooke pumps, £75 from Hotter.

Left: Rose wears red embroidery sundress, £59, from Monsoon, worn with chunky Converse, as before.

Lazy Days of Summer

All jewellery from Monsoon and John Lewis STOCKISTS All clothes available from Queensgate, Peterborough.

John Lewis – 01733 344644 Office – 01733 894779 Hotter – 0173 3891862 Monsoon – 01733 352261 Joules (new!) – 01733 314585 The Oculist – 24 Westgate Arcade, Queensgate Centre. Tel: 01733 555621 www.theoculist.com

M

Shoes from left to right: Laurel £49, Brooke £75, Crossover sandals £49. All from Hotter.

ANY thanks to our models Vanessa Squires, Mel Brown and Rose Jones. Thanks also to Rob Gilbert at The Oculist for his help.

Shot on location at Yarwell Country Park, which combines permanent park homes and lodges with caravan and motorhome facilities.

Overlooking the River Nene, it has a five acre fishing lake on site, and the Riverside Café for coffee, tea and light snacks. Six new luxury apartments are currently for sale in a converted flour mill, via Aspire Sales and Lettings.

Thanks to Ema Corcoran and the team for making us so welcome.

Yarwell Country Park, Mill Rd, Yarwell PE8 6PZ Tel: 01780 782344 www.yarwellmill.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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Interior Design Styles (Part 2)

Define your style If they’re anything like me, most interior designers will prefer creating schemes which align with the style – or family of styles – with which they feel particularly comfortable. In the second part of this style series, we explore some of my favourite styles. Thanks to my Scandinavian roots and passion for improving clients’ quality of life through decluttering, I get a real kick out of transforming a previously chaotic space into a serene, oasis of calm. Rannveig Stone

URBAN/INDUSTRIAL

MODERN vs CONTEMPORARY In interior design, the term ‘modern’ really refers to the mid-century style that was created in the 1920s right through to the 1950s, during the Modern Movement.

A simple, natural and functional look, it is characterised by clean, straight lines and unembellished interiors. Modern interiors typically feature cream, white and beige walls and incorporate natural materials such as wood (particularly teak), leather and linen, with occasional pops of colour for interest.

Introducing mid-century classic pieces to an interior is a key element of the Modern style and is something which has become increasingly popular over recent years, making this look ‘contemporary’.

Sourcing classic pieces locally If you’re looking for the perfect addition to your home, visit one of the local auction houses, like Bateman’s or browse around St Martin’s Antiques. There are some great local secondhand dealers – like Second To None –with 1000s of items in stock for you to explore online before arranging a viewing.

Where Modern design remains ‘classic’, Contemporary design forges ahead; always changing, embracing current trends and looking out for the next big thing. Today, that happens to be a minimalist look – but in a year or two’s time, it might be something completely different.

The Urban/Industrial style can be rustic or polished, but overall it embodies a ‘warehouse’ feel, which is achieved by combining metal and wood, raw materials (such as exposed brick and stone) with pared back utilitarian furniture and neutral backdrops. The urban style tends to be slightly softer than true industrial style; think of a big squishy neutral sofa in a pared-back loft apartment with plenty of sandblasted wood, tan leather and whitewashed walls.

Above: Anna Stone Design. Bendy Wood chair & vintage teak wall units. Photo: Rachael Smith Photography; Find similar at St Martins Antiques.

Left: Madder Cutch & Co. 1950’s desk chair re-covered in Achillea Ground large in Burghley Blue

ECLECTIC Properties which embody the Eclectic style feature a mixture of pieces from different historical time periods, creating a completely original interior; there won’t be another like it! Eclectic style works for people who cannot bear to part with furniture and accessories that have been passed down through generations or which hold particular sentimental value.

‘I adore the eclectic look and styles these days are commonly mixed, often to great effect.

I always look at what’s in a room and discuss with the client what they would like to keep; it’s important to understand what importance they put on existing furniture and artwork, to know what is expendable and what is not.’

Kate Cadman, Cutting Edge Interiors

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

Smithers of Stamford Bike Bar Stool. These ‘upcycled’ bicycle stools from Smithers of Stamford are a perfect addition to an industrial/urban interior.

‘The bespoke nature of what I do means that I can work a design to suit any interior. I think colour is just as important as design and this is something I always like my clients to think about when we get to the sampling stage. It can change the feel of a design and the room completely, depending on what colours they choose. Pen & ink drawing is my signature style and the colours and the textures I use make Allison & You Living & Giving. An Allison wallpapers unique.”

Aladdin’s cave of quirky accessories perfect for the Annie Allison, bespoke Allison & Allison. Stellar eclectic interior wallpaper designer, wallpaper with vintage side Allison & Allison board & contemporary lamps

CONTEMPORARY/MINIMALIST

SHABBY CHIC

Minimalist design started in the 20th century, as a reaction to traditional and overly elaborate classical details. Eliminating the unnecessary is a hallmark of Minimalist interior design, which keeps colour combinations to a minimum to make rooms feel serene and less chaotic. That said, well placed pops of colour and layers of texture, such as wood and wool, work well in a minimalist interior. The simplicity of this style allows the focus to remain on the room’s purpose and function, and on the beauty of its Sally Longden Interiors. A minimalist kitchen carefully selected furnishings. near Stamford The term ‘less is more’ came from one of the first people to embrace minimalism, the German architect Mies van der Rohe, who used glass, steel and wide-open spaces to create unembellished spaces, where crisp lines and well-placed rectangle shapes created a sense of order.

As well as looking great, minimalism has several benefits; an uncluttered, clean space increases our happiness and health, as it is a relaxing environment. Streamlined furniture means that you have more space, even in the smallest rooms.

Minimalist spaces are characterised by balance and simplified beauty. Embracing a minimalist design will help create a happier, healthier, aesthetically peaceful home.

‘The key elements that make up the minimalist projects we’ve done include clean lines, good quality materials and working with highly skilled tradesmen to achieve beautiful results and attention to detail.’

Sally Longden, Sally Longden Interiors

Shabby chic is a soft, relaxed, romantic style that looks comfortable and inviting.

It reflects French-style features such as Rococostyle lighting fixtures, ornate furniture and wall panelling and is characterised by heavily painted antique or reproduction furniture with a distressed finish.

Besides white, the colour palette includes soft neutral colours such as sky blue, rose pink and beige tones.

Natural fabrics are typical of this style; cottons and linens in bleached out and pastel colours, featuring vintage floral designs, cotton ticking patterns or linens in earth tones.

Variants of shabby chic style include: • Cottage chic • Beach cottage chic • French country • Gustavian (Swedish)

SCANDINAVIAN

GET THE LOOK

Scandinavian style interiors combine elements of the minimalist and functional design, with the addition of a few more decorative touches. Softer than minimalism, it is also born out of practicality.

The focus on sustainability has Sally Longden Interiors.

The Scandinavian influence gathered pace in recent decades, breathing new life into the Scandinavian trend. White walls emphasise light, while a neutral-heavy palette with pops of colour combined with layers of natural textures such as wood and stone add interest.

Simple, no-fuss layouts result in an elegantly minimalist aesthetic, where most objects will have a purpose. In the evening, candles provide warmth from the bleak dark winters in the north. This uncluttered and simple approach gives the entire space the cosy feeling known as Hygge; the ultimate aim of any Scandinavian-style room.

Why not commission a professional furniture upcycler like Mandy Wright from Knobs & Knotts to do the hard work for you:

‘In Scandinavia, you don’t tend to find heavy curtains at the windows; instead we enjoy the window and the outdoors and bring cosiness in with candles and soft voiles or wood slat blinds. It’s much simpler. Flooring makes a huge difference to how a room feels. It should be continued throughout the house to create a sense of flow if you want the clean unfussy feel. I like to see a continuation of the hard finishes; the flooring, architrave, skirting, doors and even lighting need to have a flow and common language, so that they combine to provide a beautiful and understated backdrop to the layering effect of the Scandinavian interior.’

Rannveig Stone, Anna Stone Design Madder Cutch & Co. Clover seed cushions and lampshades in k stripe sea mist on natural linen create this serene Scandi inspired bedroom

Kate Cadman, Cutting Edge Interiors: “We are very happy to create all styles of interior, however, some of our favourites include: Classic Country/ Shabby Chic and Eclectic.”

Customers email me photos of the furniture they’d like me to paint, so I can provide a ballpark quote for the work involved. We then arrange a home visit for me to view the piece and discuss finishes.

Mandy Wright, Knobs & Knotts

For a Swedish Gustavian style shabby chic visit Chez Soi

Above: Anna Stone Design with Knobs & Knotts. French style shabby chic in Master Bedroom scheme

SUPPLIERS/CONTACTS: Sackstore, Stamford Garden Centre, Road End Farm, Great Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4BB; www.sackstore.co.uk; Hunters Interiors of Stamford; www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk, Tel: 01780 757946 Stamford Garden Centre; www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk, Tel: 01780 765656 Allison & Allison, Bespoke Pen & Ink Wallpaper; 07960 949423; annie@allisonandallison.co.uk; www.allisonandallison.co.uk Bateman’s Auctioneers & Valuers, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1XF; 01780 766466; info@batemans.com; www.batemans.com Kate Cadman, Cutting Edge Interiors; 07719 255774; cuttingedgeinteriors@aol.com; www.cutting-edge-interiors.com Knobs & Knotts – Mandy Wright; 07503 210333; knobbsandknotts@hotmail.com; Madder Cutch & Co. Print Studio; 15 Empingham Road, Stamford, PE9 2RJ; 01780 767 958; nicola@maddercutchandco.com; www.maddercutchandco.com Second To None, www.SecondToNoneStamford.com; 07989 133362; neil@secondtononestamford.com Please note: Viewings & collection by prior appointment only, Stamford Garden Centre, Road End Farm, Great Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4BB Smithers of Stamford, www.smithersofstamford.com; 01780 435060; info@smithersofstamford.com Please note: Viewings & collection by prior appointment only, Stamford Etton, Cambridgeshire, PE6 7DA St Martins Antiques Centre; 23a High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF; 01780 48115; info@st-martins-antiques.co.uk; www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk Magpie, vintage crockery hire; www.magpiecrockery.co.uk; 07775 708900; info@magpiecrockery.co.uk Petra Wright; www.petrawrightceramics.com; 07879 633280; petra.mykiln@gmail.com Sally Longden Interiors; www.sallylongdeninteriors.co.uk; 07779 584 554 Rannveig Stone is Director of interior design firm Anna Stone Design Ltd, based at the Stamford Garden Centre, Great Casterton, PE9 4BB. www.annastonedesign.com; 07900883117.

STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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MONTAGU’S Craftsman built bespoke furniture, individually designed kitchens, bedrooms, studies and free standing furniture

Visit our Showroom during June for a fantastic opportunity to view and purchase from our Exclusive Stock Sale

Showroom Open 7 days a week 10am – 4pm Tel 01400 230934 The Old Goods Shed, Station Approach, Ancaster, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3QY Email enquiries@georgemontagus.co.uk

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Country Traditionals Traditionals Country Country Traditionals Country Traditionals

Emma Cutmore Gifts & Home 4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, PE9 2HG 01780 482870 www.emmacutmore.co.uk

& Upstairs

The Dress Agency Pre-owned Fashion

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Visit our shop -Visit Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ Visitour our shop shop

Visit our shop VisitLane, our shop Maiden Lane, Stamford Maiden Stamford Maiden Lane, Stamford Open Mon Sat 10am - 5pm opp tourist info & arts centre opp tourist info & arts centre Maiden Lane, opp tourist info &Stamford arts centre opp tourist &755 arts centre 01780 409--5pm OpenTel: Mon Sat 10am 5pm Open Mon ---info Sat 10am Open Mon Sat 10am - 5pm www.countrytraditionals.co.uk OpenTel: Mon Sat 10am 5pm Tel:01780 01780755 755409 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 Tel: 01780 755 409 www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Visit our other store: www.countrytraditionals.co.uk www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Cambridge CB3 0AF Lane opposite Tourist Info & Arts Centre

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www.trentgalleries.co.uk 19

Blurring the boundaries Stonecrop House in the village of Wing in Rutland is one of seven gardens opening under the National Garden Scheme (NGS) on Sunday 17 June. Prepare to be surprised, says Fiona Cumberpatch PHOTOGRAPHY: ELLI DEAN

C

OUNTRY gardens in midsummer usually suggest hollyhocks, lavender and roses round the door. But Nicky and Matthew Lyttelton’s stunning home tucked away down a lane on the outskirts of the village of Wing in Rutland could not be further from the cliché.

Built in 2012 on the site of an old plant nursery, the modern stone and glass house appears from the landscape like a giant sculpture, with folding “living roofs” (planted with sedums or “stonecrop”, which gives the house its name) that seem to rise out of the ground and over its two wings. A large drystone wall, built from local Clipsham stone, acts as a thermal buffer. To the south of the property, huge glass windows overlook the garden, with its large wildflower meadow, and beyond, with views of the undulating countryside.

“We moved here from an old farmhouse in Hallaton,” explains Nicky. “When you were inside that house, you couldn’t really see the garden, so when we were thinking about the design of this one, we wanted to blur the boundaries between inside and out.” Matthew agrees, adding: “It is all about having more communication between the two.”

The couple worked with architect Sarah Featherstone of Featherstone Young to realise their design. “We have always liked modern architecture,” explains Nicky. Inside the house, the timber-clad ceiling follows the roof profile, spiralling over the main living rooms and rising to the glazed south side. The two wings of the building fit with the environmentally friendly principles behind the whole property: the main wing is heated for day-to-day living, with the second guest wing opened up when friends and family come to stay. They admit that the major project and two-year build was “a labour of love”, and exchange wry grins.

The kitchen leads to a sheltered outdoor terraced area, with a Big Green Egg (a ceramic BBQ, grill, pizza oven and low-and-slow roaster) in permanent residence. The central feature of the three-quarter-of-an-acre plot, though, is the wildflower meadow, which sweeps away from the property. At the time of visiting, it was carpeted with cowslips; by June it will feature a mass of ox-eye daisies punctuated with yarrow, sorrel and a few cornflowers. “We sowed the meadow in autumn 2013 with a wildflower meadow mix,” explains Matthew. “Our soil is a bit too rich for ideal conditions, and it is still a work in progress, but it already attracts many butterflies, bees and field mice.”

It may look beautifully wild and random, providing the perfect foil to the angularity of the house, but the meadow takes some managing.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

Matthew mows paths through it, and it is cut down completely once a year. “Our favourite season for the meadow is probably June,” says Nicky.

To the right of the house, as you approach, is a shady border, planted with euphorbias, hostas, Solomon’s Seal and hellebores. Over the fence scrambles a beautiful evergreen Clematis Armandii, with exotic, white, scented flowers. Other defined areas include a productive vegetable garden, with currant bushes, a small and recently planted orchard featuring apple, pear, plum, medlar, quince and cherry trees, and Matthew’s “tree sanctuary”, an area that he is devoting to a collection of rare species. These include chequer trees (sorbus torminalis) with flame-shaped leaves that turn red and gold in the autumn. Matthew has also planted ash trees, a conscious decision to help counter the threat of Chalara ash dieback, a deadly disease that is predicted to cause widespread damage to the UK’s ash population.

It’s a big space to keep under control. How do they do it? “We’ve always gardened, and we’ve grown into it more with age. In the summer, we each spend about 12 hours a week out here,” says Nicky. “I do most of the vegetable gardening, Matthew is the tree person, and we share the perennials.” She cites the late gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd and his home at Great Dixter, East Sussex, as an influence on their garden style.

Positioned through the grounds are some intriguing modern sculptures, which lead the eye.

In the lawn area to the left of the house is a striking work by Peter Beard, featuring three smooth ovals of Kilkenny limestone on a plinth. Nicky and Matthew have also created their own features, by leaving partially uncovered, roughly hewn lumps of limestone that were uncovered when the house was being built, for example.

It is reassuring to hear that even seasoned gardeners such as Matthew and Nicky face challenges. The living roof, planted with sedums is stunning with its variegated reddish-green hues, but maintaining it is not always straightforward.

It is planted into membranes, and one area of the growth is prone to drying out, while another disadvantage is that the plant spreads voraciously from the roof into the garden beds. “It’s a continuous battle to control it,” says Matthew. The wind also creates challenges, but he is hoping that his tree planting will help to counter this by providing a barrier to the elements. The couple regard the space as a work in progress, with many more developments to come. Working with nature, rather than against it, is clearly a guiding principle in this perfectly balanced marriage of the sleekly modern and the gloriously wild.

PHOTO: NICKY AND MATTHEW LYTTELTON

Nicky and Matthew Lyttelton and their dog

OPEN GARDENS AT WING

Wing has seven open gardens under the NGS on Sunday 17 June, from 11am to 5pm, including Stonecrop House. Adults: £5, children, free. All sizes and styles of garden will be represented. Teas and refreshments will be served in the Village Hall. There are two open studios displaying the owners’ works. Partial wheelchair access to some gardens. www.ngs.org.uk STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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23

HEALTH & BEAUTY

What’s New in Fitness and Beauty?

This issue sees Rebecca Chantrell explore the new offerings in and around Stamford, so you can mix up your health and beauty and fitness regimes this summer

Dynamic 3 at Euphoria Fitness Rhinos

It is probably time to re-think your opinion of a bodybuilder’s gym - no longer is it just about pumping iron. The father and son team at Rhinos wanted to create an “honest, welcoming place to train and achieve your fitness goals. Whether it is to bulk up a few pounds under the barbell or to shred some fat pushing a prowler up and down the indoor sprint track.”

What’s there? Rhinos has a whopping 14,000 sq. ft facility with a large cardio suite with over 40 machines. They also have an extensive weighted area with over 200 stations. Their one of a kind functional area with purpose-built monkey bars, functional rigs, climbing ropes, sprint track, tyre flips, battle ropes and chains is brilliant fun for creating your own army type circuits with a friend.

Any classes? Rhinos offers a range of classes in its studio, from the popular trampoline ‘Bounce’ class to Clubbercise dancing in the dark with glowsticks!

Cost? It is a gym with members at its core, as there are no contracts or joining fees unlike many big chain gyms. A day pass starts from £4

If you like training outdoors and want to enjoy the sunshine they also have an outdoor gym, with bespoke dip bars, atlas stones and a car deadlift.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

As the name suggests, Dynamic 3 is an exciting combination of 3 sets of exercises, designed to keep your attention span and work the whole body. All exercises can be adapted for individual requirements, so any fitness level is New class welcome.

What’s involved? After a simple warm-up, the Great for? first third is devoted to Improving fitness cardio centred activity and overall body that increases heart conditioning. rate and flexibility.

Duration and cost?

Building strength is 45 minutes, £6 the next focus, using When and where? a combination of Mondays 8pm, kettlebells and barbells.

Tuesdays 9.30am, 7pm and Thursdays 8pm.

The class ends with a focus on the core Euphoria Fitness, Elm Street, Stamford, muscles, based on a variety of floor exercises, contact Holly on 07713 986403 either with or without weights.

Yoga for Runners & Cyclists with Julie Halliday

Running, cycling and sport in general often involves repetitive movement, which results in specific muscle groups being over used and stressed. At Stamford Yoga they help to bring length, strength, flexibility and mobility into the body. The yoga techniques learnt during the workshop can help to keep and/or improve your natural range of motion, speed up your recovery time and reduce your risk of injury.

What’s involved? The workshop works on releasing the hips, stretching out the legs (especially your hamstrings and hip flexors),

New workshop

decompressing the spine and stabilizing the core. You will learn how yoga can get you moving more freely and keep you on your feet or bike for longer.

Great for?

Primarily to lengthen tight muscles, strengthen the core, feet and ankles and improve posture.

Duration?

3 hours- £35 When and where?

Saturday 23rd June 1-4pm at Stamford Yoga, 12 Broad Street, 07738 272 474

Â

Hairdressing Salon Opportunity

Established hair salon within the spa and leisure resort of Barnsdale Hall Hotel, is offered for a business opportunity.

We are looking for an entrepreneur with a passion to run and operate their own hairdressing business without the restraints of financial implications.

This is an excellent opportunity for a new start or expansion of a current business. Situated within the hotel this fully fitted salon is part of a busy leisure and spa complex with a strong client base of leisure members, hotel guests and visitors to the spa with its own entrance and ample free car parking.

With 3 hair and 2 back wash stations, fixtures and fittings, this is a ready to go business with little or no start-up cost.

Ideally you would have your own clientele with the opportunity to grow with the volume of visitors to the site and increase your team and business accordingly.

Terms and arrangements open to negotiation, please contact Russell Waters, General Manager rwaters@barnsdalehotel.co.uk with CV and introduction letter.

Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB Tel: 01572 757 901. Fax: 01572 756 235 Email: reception@barnsdalehotel.co.uk www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk BRASSERIE RESTAURANT HEALTH SPA CONFERENCES WEDDINGS LEISURE OSPREY RESTAURANT EVENTS

25

HEALTH & BEAUTY RÖ Stamford new to St Mary’s Hill RÖ is a new beauty space on St Mary’s Hill, RÖ (pronounced row) means calm and tranquillity in Norwegian. It certainly ticks the boxes with its look and feel, the décor is reminiscent of a Japanese/Scandi interior as it combines wooden ash shelving, lots of wicker and big green plants.

The owners Claire and Clare (also own RÖ Peterborough) have on board, Jade and Steph who are full time therapists, and Michaela the Retail Manager. The RÖ team philosophy and goal is simple; getting your skin to glow with health and vitality.

The shop front interior carries all the products used in the facials as well as the latest devices, one of which (Pure Lift) you will only find in top London salons. They specialise in clinical facial treatments, not only do they work but they feel amazing!

Products they stock are…

• honest, a range of skincare using 100% pure ingredients which smells incredible, with simple no fuss packaging that is biodegradable and reusable.

• Environ a well-loved range that offer serious results that is only available through sp ecialist stockists.

• Jane Iredale makeup, known for its clean formulations and excellent skincare properties.

• Skin supplements from Advanced Nutrition Programme targeting skin health from the inside.

I tried the ‘I want it all.’ treatment. The treatment is completely tailored to your needs and concerns and offers a real pampering experience whilst seeing pretty significant results straight away.

Jade was my therapist, she began the treatment using Environ products to cleanse, followed by a skin steam and then extraction of

Try Stamford Bootcamp with Rob Dulieu

If you fancy trying something new, varied and fun with amazing results then a bootcamp might be for you. Stamford Bootcamp runs at Welland Academy, it’s popular for its unpredictable nature, friendly morale-boosting sessions and total body work out. All fitness levels are welcome, Rob the instructor makes sure that exercises can be adapted for newbies.

What’s involved? Exercises using your own bodyweight plus a huge variation of exercises with equipment, including boxing pads and gloves, battling ropes, mini trampolines, skipping ropes, resistance bands, tyres and much much much more!

Great for? Better muscle definition, improved body shape, aerobic fitness, stamina and energy levels.

Duration and cost? Contact personal fitness instructor Rob Dulieu and build your own personal plan of fitness sessions with Stamford Boot Camp.

When and where? Stamford Welland Academy, Green Lane.

Contact Rob Dulieu on 07846 457 959 Mon-Sat 9-10am Mon-Thurs 7-8pm

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

the skin (I love going back to basic steam cleansing as it works wonders for skin clarity). She then performed the signature lift facial massage using the honest Nourishing Facial Oil. This technique is the equivalent of taking your face to the gym! Starting with a stretch and warm up, Jade then used deep tissue facial massage - whipping, lifting and sculpting the muscles!

I have never experienced anything quite like it, its vigorous and I felt like I might fly off the bed at times, but your skin feels reawakened and lifted. She then used the Pure Lift device which contracts all your muscles to tighten and lift and the Venus radio frequency machine which stimulates your own collagen production. The machine is used to heat the skin to between 3840 degrees with radio frequency, you do feel vast amounts of heat in the skin but it’s comfortable as Jade carefully monitors the skin temperature. Finally, rounding off the treatment is the Environ machine, the ‘botox free frown treatment’. This helps to plump out any fine lines and wrinkles round the eyes paralysing the muscles.

I noticed a stark difference immediately afterwards, but the best results were a week after…my skin had never felt so smooth and refined. I would have this done monthly If I could afford it at £200 for 115 minutes it’s a real investment; but a game changer!

Watch out for monthly skin events.... brand experts in for talks, skin consultations and give away goody bags.

RÖ Stamford, 9A St Mary’s Hill, Stamford 01780 769444

Fitsteps with Louise Sheehan

If you are looking for a fun way to get fit and enjoy New Class dancing, then Fitsteps could be for you. No experience in dance is necessary, you don’t need a partner and any fitness level can take part. With your new moves it might even give you the confidence to step onto the dance floor at the next party. The class is run by Louise Sheehan and was created by ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite.

What’s involved? A workout that mixes Ballroom and Latin dance moves.

Great for? Cardiovascular and toning. Each dance will help to define your body and help improve coordination, flexibility and stamina.

Duration? 45/55 minutes which includes a warm up and cool down stretch.

When and where? Every Monday 6pm at Welland School of Dancing Studios, Stamford and every Thursday 5.30pm or 6.30pm at Oakham Studios Contact Lou on 07725747898

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27

RenaissanceHealth Hair, & Health andTherapy Beauty Therapy Beauty Health & Beauty Therapy 15 MaIden lane, StaMford.

2 M allory l ane , S taMford t el 01780763768 763768 2 Mallory lt ane, StaMford tel. .01780 el. 01780 763768 Some of of the most trusted names inin beauty... all all under under one one roof. roof.

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Introducing our new hairstylist at Hair and Beauty Hub Stamford Specialists in in hi hi tech tech treatments and and cosmeceuticals Specialists Specialists in hi tech treatments treatments and cosmeceuticals cosmeceuticals www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk renaissancestamford

Toni has a wealth of experience running a busy column in her previous salon working a staggering 6 days per week.

Toni loves every element of hairstyling from ombré to your old fashioned shampoo and set, which gives Toni a diversity to everyday hairdressing.

Readers offer: Book now with Toni and receive 20% off all hair services when mentioning this offer. spray tan specialist

proms - weddings special occasions - everyday 07738 949842 I wendy@thetanninglodge.co.uk www.thetanninglodge.co.uk open every day 10am – 9pm I also mobile

INDEPENDENT OPTOMETRISTS AND CONTACT LENS PRACTITIONERS Providing eyecare and caring for eyesight in Stamford for over 30 years COMBINING CLINICAL EXCELLENCE WITH PERSONALISED SERVICE TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS •

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28

We are also seeking new hairstylists to join our team.

7 Ironmonger Street I Stamford I PE9 1PL I Tel: 01780 482 888

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The latest laser and injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualified GP or Nurse Practitioner Laser Treatments Include:

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• Muscle relaxing injections for lines & wrinkles • 8 point non-surgical face lift • Non-surgical 15 minute Rhinoplasty • Volite & Restylane Vital skin rejuvenation • Juvederm & Restylane dermal fillers • Silhouette Soft Thread lifts • Treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) • Minor surgical procedures including mole removal & non-scalpel vasectomy

www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk 01476 550056

The Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Lincs NG33 4BB 29

For the sixth year running Stamford Living is collaborating with local photographer Lyndsay Ford, owner of ShutterBox Photography studio in Stamford, to find the Face of Stamford 2018.

Could your child be the…

Face of Stamford 2018?

T

HE Face of Stamford is a light-hearted photo competition that brings local businesses together whilst raising some money for a local children’s charity.

The competition is open to children aged 0-11 years old from Stamford and the surrounding area.

The photo sitting will be held at ShutterBox Photography Studio in Stamford on various dates between 21th May until 12th June. It costs £10 to enter with entrants receiving a 15 minute photo sitting and a complimentary 7”x5” professional photo print, £1 from each sitting will be donated to local charity Anna’s Hope.

17 local businesses are generously donating amazing products and experiences to the approximate value of £2,000. The Face of Stamford winner will receive around

£1,000 worth of prizes, the three runners up will each receive just over £300 worth of prizes.

Joyce from Stamford Kidz Stuff is coordinating all the bookings for the competition. To enter your child, pop in to see her at ‘Stamford Kidz Stuff’ located within Stamford Corn Exchange Shopping Arcade, email jh_slainthe@yahoo.co.uk or call her on 07956 083789.

Spaces are limited and the competition has always been fully booked out, so arrange your sitting as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!

A judges’ night is held where a representative from each of the competition’s sponsoring businesses get together to choose the overall winner of the Face of Stamford 2018, plus three runners up.

The results will be announced in the August edition of Stamford Living.

SPONSORS AND PRIZES… RUTLAND WATER Winner - Annual car pass for Rutland Water Runner up - Voucher for family Crazy Golf SACREWELL FARM Winner - Day pass for family of 4 WELLAND SCHOOL OF DANCE Winner - 6 dance lessons Runner up - £15 voucher for Welland Dance shop THE YARD Winner - 10 entries into soft play Runner up - 1 entry into soft play and a cupcake STAGE 2 COFFEE HOUSE Winner - Birthday party for 12 children Runner up - Ice cream for a family of 4 SHUTTERBOX PHOTOGRAPHY Winner - 20” x 16” hand framed photo Runner up - £25 voucher 30

STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

HAIR & BEAUTY HUB STAMFORD Winner - Mother and child nail file and polish Runner up - Child’s hair cut THE PARTY LADY Winner - 1 hr character party and winners balloon Runner up - Balloon display on birthday THE LITTLE EMBROIDERY STUDIO Winner - Personalised backpack and toy Runner up - Personalised toy STAMFORD HEAVENLY CHOCOLATES Winner - Chocolate party for 5 children Runner up - Chocolate treat STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE Winner - 4 Pantomime tickets and £25 voucher Runner up - £25 voucher

CREATIVE DESIGN & PRINT Winner - Photo cushion, Runner up - Photo mug STAMFORD KIDZ STUFF Winner - 2 Orchard Games Runner up - 1 Orchard Game STAMFORD FLOWERS Winner - A bouquet for mum Runner up - A Plant for mum PICS ON CANVAS Winner - 20 x 30” canvas print Runner up - “16 x 24” canvas print TREATLEYS Winner - £50 voucher & Box of 4 cupcakes Runner up - Box of 4 cupcakes BELLE VINTAGE Winner - 2 Tutu’s & hair garland/boys outfit Runner up - Tutu/boys outfit

31

A brand new private clinic in central Peterborough is a one-stop shop for all your health needs.

Put your health first

F

OUNDED by Dr Hany Elmadbouh, the Avicenna Clinic offers state-of-the-art facilities including an open MRI scanner that is ideal for those who find traditional scanners claustrophobic.

The clinic, which aims to offer an extra level of care, has more than 15 consultants working alongside Dr Elmadbouh and all have at least ten years’ experience within their specialism and offer a premium level of expertise while Dr Elmadbouh himself has 20 years’ experience – 15 of which were spent working in the high pressure environment of the NHS. When it comes to test results, there’s no need for anxiety, as most of these can be given on the day sparing the patient the worry of waiting for them. With such a broad spectrum of services available at the clinic, it would be impossible to detail them all here, and so we will focus on two – pain management and imaging.

PAIN MANAGEMENT To effectively manage pain, you need to know to cause of it and Avicenna Clinic will work with you to find the source and the solution.

This 360 degree approach eliminates the need for multiple visits to different clinics because everything you need is under one roof and you will be treated with the respect you deserve.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

Back and spinal pain is, of course, a common complaint but there’s no longer any need to suffer in silence as Avicenna’s experts can provide advice and surgical and nonsurgical treatments ranging from minimally invasive surgery to image guided intervention injections which can locate the specific location of the pain and effectively treat it.

As a patient, you’ll feel calm and relaxed while moving through the clinic from consultancy to recovery rooms – each area is kept completely separate and every little detail has been considered giving you the utmost privacy and space.

Osteopathy, acupuncture and physiotherapy can also be provided and should the pain have a detrimental effect on your mental health – you can arrange an appointment with the resident psychiatrist to talk through your concerns.

If you are currently suffering from discomfort in any area of your body, arrange an appointment today and start finding the solution for living a life that’s free of pain.

IMAGING Dr Elmadbouh is a highly experienced musculoskeletal radiologist and is proud to offer an open MRI scanner and patients are welcome to bring someone with them to

be there for the whole procedure. Once the images are taken they are then available for immediate access with no need to wait. From start to finish, it usually takes no more than an hour allowing you to continue without interrupting your usual day to day schedule.

Ultrasound technology at Avicenna is among the best you’ll find locally and can be used to help diagnose a range of conditions, from acute sports related injuries to chronic pain.

These ultrasounds can then be shared with your GP and other healthcare professionals, should you wish.

For those who are looking for X Ray facilities, you will find them here thanks to a state-of-the-art machine that can offer high resolution and detailed images. Again, you will be able to discuss your results on the same day, minimising stress, and taking up less of your valuable time.

Avicenna Clinic will always put you first and make you feel at ease and from the staff who greet you to the consultants you meet, you’ll be in safe hands. If there’s something you’ve been concerned about, worry no more. Call to arrange a consultation and start feeling better about your health today.

More info: http://www.avicennaclinic.com/ 0330 202 0597

33

Edward Saunders tries out a couple of fast performers

Quick decision for a fast family H AVING your cake and eating it, if you’re a keen motorist, has never been easier. Several cars now blend everyday practicality with the pace you’d have needed a supercar to match 20 years ago. Several hot-hatchbacks such as the Focus RS and Golf R now offer over 300bhp, the same as a mid ‘90s Ferrari 348, and in the executive class many cars combine practical family transport with searing performance. So, setting myself a budget of £30,000, and purely in the spirit of investigative journalism you understand, I set out to compare two very different cars that might satisfy the family in hurry.

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R First up is a trip to Vertu Honda in Grantham where sales manager and Type R guru Michael Mahon arranged for me to try out the latest Civic Type R. Against much gnashing of teeth from their fan-base, Honda’s Type R cars moved from screaming naturally aspirated engines to turbocharging about three years ago, losing some character but gaining power and flexibility. I was a big fan of the old approach, and my Accord Type R lives long in my memory. But the game’s moved on...

This new Type R retains largely the same engine and gearbox as its predecessor, but produces slightly more power at 319bhp, corralled by a clever front diff, new multi-link rear suspension, and variable settings for throttle, steering and dampers. All those aggressive scoops and spoilers develop actual downforce and whilst this is not one of Honda’s most beautiful creations, it looks its batmobile best in the black of the test car. I do wonder who Honda is aiming at, though – whilst the looks appeal to 20 year olds, the price really doesn’t…

So what’s it like to drive? Well, it’s astonishingly fast, with huge mid-range shove where previous Type Rs refused to get out of bed below 6,000rpm. The manual box is fabulous, and over country roads this car feels completely planted and inspires real confidence – it’s an intuitive and thrilling car to drive fast. The new multi-link rear pays dividends as it means the car doesn’t have to rely on bone-hard damping to retain control, and the Type R is supple even when pushing hard. The supportive seats are fantastic, letting me sit low in the car, but there’s also plenty of room for the family and a usefully large 450 litre boot.

When you’re not on a mission, and in its softer setting, it can be a civilised place to spend time – somewhat at odds with its hooligan exterior.

Honda Civic Type R (with thanks to Vertu Honda in Grantham)

BMW 435D X-DRIVE TOURING So around £30k gets a new Honda. But let’s consider the used market, and continuing the theme of practical pace, I’ve picked another five door hatchback with a bit of grunt, in the shape of the BMW 435d X-Drive. Steve James, from local dealer SJames Prestige, who specialise in performance BMWs, organised for me to drive this 2016 model, which had covered only 19,000 miles and is currently on sale for £26,990 – bear in mind it was well over £40k new.

Steve set up SJames four years ago and with his partner Kelly they’ve grown quickly, recently moving into a fantastic showroom in Essendine. This BMW is the beautifully proportioned gran-coupe five door with a 309bhp straight six twinturbo diesel, with an eight speed auto (with paddles) and a vast 465lbft of torque driving through a clever four-wheel drive transmission. Predictably it offers a completely different experience from the Honda: Acceleration beats the Honda; the waterfall of torque means that it pulls powerfully from any speed, although the automatic can take a second to think about the correct ratio – better to drive on the paddles if you’re in a hurry. It’s also in a different class from the Honda inside, with slicker audio and satnav. Like the Type R, it provides a selection of Comfort or Sport settings, with the security of the four-wheel drive, but the steering doesn’t talk to you like the Honda’s and, whilst very fast, it’s a less connected drive – albeit with a 10mpg advantage!

Both these cars manage the day-to-day, but they do so in such different ways.

This barely-used BMW is great value and would take you to Cornwall and back effortlessly, whereas the Honda makes you feel like a hero.

The 435d is the logical choice here. But, whilst it’s an incredible fusion of talents, two days later it’s the Type R that’s still making me smile. If you’re a keen driver, its talent and willingness to thumb its nose at the establishment means that you should definitely give it a try. It’s great fun.

BMW 435d X-Drive (with many thanks to Steve and Kelly at SJames Prestige, Essendine)

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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15/65 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT S ‘EDITION 1’ Fire Opal with Black Nappa Leather and Alcantara with Red Stitching and Piping. 5,800 miles ............................................................£99,950 17/17 MCLAREN 675LT SPIDER 1 OF 500 Napier Green with Black Alcantara and Carbon Black Embossed Leather. Delivery Mileage.............................................................................. £299,950 16/16 PORSCHE 911 (991.2) TURBO ‘S’ 3.8 CABRIOLET PDK Jet Black Metallic with Black Leather Interior. 4,000 miles.......................................................................................................... £151,950 18/18 PORSCHE 911 (991.2) CARRERA T 3.0 MANUAL Jet Black Metallic with Black Leather Carrera T Interior Pack. Delivery Mileage .................................................................................. £104,500 15/65 PORSCHE 911 (991) CARRERA 4S 3.8 COUPE PDK Mexico Blue with Black Leather Interior. 6,700 miles .............................................................................................................................£91,950 16/16 PORSCHE 911 (991.2) CARRERA ‘S’ 3.0 COUPE PDK Carrara White Metallic with Black Leather. 6,790 miles ................................................................................................................£87,950 11/11 PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER 3.4 MANUAL Carrara White with Black Interior.

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Chilling Out For The Summer Words & images by Zoe Noyes

W

ITH the Summer now appearing (fingers crossed!) every pet owner will know that they need to be vigilant as the heat can rise and cause discomfort to our little and large furry friends. It doesn’t matter whether they are as small as a mouse or as large as a horse, that all important water and shade is an absolute must. Pets kept in hutches outside should be moved to a more shady part of the garden and weather covers should be left up at the front to prevent a build up of heat inside. Horses roaming freely in a paddock should always have a shelter to protect them from the weather and not just the rain & wind - a ventilated shelter or a hosing down with cool water can aid these animals greatly according to the British Horse Society.

Everyone knows that dogs should not be left in cars when it’s warm but some owners still do it, and is that through ignorance or neglect, who knows. It is however easy to leave your dog somewhere cooler at home with plenty of water and ventilation or take them out with you depending on where you are going. Please think ahead because if you are hot, your four legged companion with all that extra fur is even hotter!

According to the RSPCA, a car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees outside, the temperature in a car can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour. Leaving the windows open a little does not make much difference and their advice for what you should do can be found at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/ pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars.

There are many products on the market that can help cool your pet down but nothing comes as cheap as the good ole ice cube, particularly for dogs (although run them under water first to take the ‘frostiness’ off as this can stick to their tongue) Ice cubes are a great refresher as well as being something for them to play with and are also very useful for puppies that are teething (a great tip!).

Other items that can be bought are things like cool pads, ice pods and cool mats - all of which can come in varying sizes, materials and colours and can be bought through many pet websites or your local pet stores.

Why not visit the lovely staff in Pets Corner, Waterside Garden Centre at Baston - always willing to help with any pet enquiry and some of the products in their Great & Small range are brilliant. See their website for more details www.petscorner.co.uk Water should always be readily available for them to drink, so taking a bottle of water when out walking your dog is always a good idea and walking them early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid hot pavements - think about it, how would your tootsies fare on the hot tarmac in the middle of the day? Let’s hope it gets hot enough to know, like at the beginning of May this year!

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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37

A mix of culture, gastronomy and bon vivant!

Victoria’s Social Scene I

HAD the pleasure of meeting award-winning photographer, Daniel McLean, recently. His ‘Fine Art Portraits’ are gaining great recognition and rightly so. You only need to look at Daniel’s Instagram feed @portraitsbydaniel to understand why he is inundated by those wishing to capture a moment in time.

Daniel creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where his models, often children, feel comfortable amongst the professional photography equipment. Chatting and explaining the process clearly brings out the best in his subjects as the final shots are simply stunning - the only challenging part is selecting which fabulous shots to choose for print! For more information www.portraitsbydaniel.com

If, like me, you were glued to the recent Masterchef UK series then you will have been rooting for local contestant, Simon Spooner. Ketton based Simon, and I caught up at the Northwick Arms to discuss his exciting journey. I learnt that Simon, wife Nicola and their young family are all hugely passionate about cooking and exploring locally sourced ingredients. Simon embarked on the Masterchef experience in order to explore his style of cuisine which embraces food which the whole family can enjoy. We saw Simon create some incredible dishes applauded by hosts, Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

The Masterchef accolade is clearly a milestone in Simon’s culinary career (special thanks to Shine TV for image) however, I think it is fair to say that we will be hearing a lot more about Simon Spooner. If you have not yet heard about his Pop-Up restaurant ‘Knife Fork and Spooner’ then you most certainly will. Local and loved restaurant, The Olive Branch, have wisely had the honour of hosting Simon’s first Pop-Up event, with tickets selling out within a weekend! Diners were also able to enjoy Simon’s dishes at a Second Helpings event recently. The innovative concept which runs every Saturday 12-3pm (behind Barn Hill Church) is a ‘Pay As You Feel’ social cafe, ‘run by a team of volunteers who turn rescued food into delicious, nutritious meals’. With such vision and ethics it is a very exciting time for Simon! To find out more follow Simon on Instagram @sispooner After an abundance of online appreciation I must applaud our fabulous Stamford greengrocer, Nathan, who rain or shine keeps our High Street full of colour, smiles and delicious fruit and vegetables! He is consistently upbeat, friendly and welcomes all visitors to our town; one of the best living adverts Stamford has... thank you, Nathan!

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Window boxes with wow!

Fill window boxes with plants from the garden centre this month, and you’ll be rewarded with a summer of colour. Use our top tips to keep them looking their best: • Deadhead regularly, pinching off any dead flowers and yellowing leaves. Removing the old flowers will encourage new ones to grow.

• Give your window boxes a weekly feed to keep them looking lush. Use a liquid plant fertiliser and dilute it according to the instructions.

• Regular watering is the key to success.

Watch out for boxes placed under overhanging roofs, as they will need extra moisture. Don’t overdo it though – you can tell if your pots need a drink by pushing your finger into the compost. If it’s moist, you don’t need to water the plants.

OUTDOOR Living MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN THIS SEASON WORDS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?

Celebrate British Flowers What could be nicer than a vase of sweet-smelling seasonal cottage flowers on the kitchen table? Until the 1970s, almost all the flowers bought in the high street were British grown, but over the past few decades this has changed, so that many now originate from large-scale growers and are routed through Dutch auctions, or they are sourced in hot countries, racking up thousands of air miles. British Flowers Week, from June 18-24, celebrates the beauty of home-grown flowers and the independent florists who sell them. British flowers are also available at local markets, including Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford. We love the Fenflora cut-flower stall in High Street, Stamford, which appears every fortnight opposite the library. Seasonal blooms in riotous colours, freshly picked from the farm at Tydd St Mary, near Wisbech, are available at such reasonable prices that you can afford to fill a few vases.

The days when brown teak garden furniture was the only choice around are long gone.

This year, retailers are offering a huge range of colours and styles to create a relaxing outdoor room. Choose from hot neon colours in retro shapes, an artisan look in washed eucalyptus or even stylish rope chairs, made using the same material as fishermen’s nets to create a tactile and comfortable back. Sam Ring of the outdoor living department at John Lewis, Peterborough, says: “there are so many different styles for summer 2018, and many of the pieces can be used in the conservatory, as well as outdoors.”

Even if you only have a tiny garden, there is outdoor furniture to fit the space.

The “Porto” range at John Lewis is a compact bistro set in 1950s-inspired shapes, and comes in palm (green), heatwave (punchy orange) or neutral French Grey.

If you have a larger patio or deck, try the striking curved “Cabana” range, with a beautiful double sofa that is deep and comfortable. “There has been a real shift away from wood and rattan, although of course we do still stock them,” says Sam. She recommends covering furniture in winter, even though some manufacturers say that it isn’t necessary. “The odd shower is fine over summer, but if you can bring it inside in the colder months, it will last longer,” she advises.

Growing in my garden now Geum

These pretty perennials glow like small jewels in my borders, and they’re so easy to grow. I like the hot orange ones, such as “Cooky”, but they come in a range of citrus shades. They grow in compact clumps of hairy leaves, with flowers on long stems, from May to late summer. Plant in a sunny spot, in fertile, moist soil. You can grow them in pots, so long as they are kept well watered. Pair with purple salvias for a shot of colour, or plant them alongside swishy ornamental grasses. Widely available from garden centres such as Welland Vale, near Uppingham, and Stamford Garden Centre.

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Garden Inspiration!

Belvoir Flower and Garden Show

New this year is a garden party and show in the lovely grounds of Belvoir Castle on the weekend of 14/15 July. Be inspired by the show gardens, browse in the craft and floral marquee and shop a host of stalls selling plants, garden equipment and gorgeous things for your outdoor space.

There will be live music and an educational area, too. Pre-book tickets at www.belvoircastle.com.

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Hi Claudia hopefully this will all work for the small advert at the back of the magazine

WE OFFER A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE, INCLUDING OFF DRAWING QUOTATIONS AND WATER FLOW DESIGN.

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We are Also celebrating 40yrs of trade if your art person can thinks up something nice for the advert

Natural blue slate roof

We are also on Facebook so that logo will need adding.

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Heritage Collyweston slating

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Stamford Roofing Company Ltd, 20 Chatsworth Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2UN

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41

Ask Leo

Martin’s Cultivator Company Jean Orpin and Sue Lee have been investigating the history of this Stamford company which for many years was highly regarded across the country.

WILLIAM EDWARD MARTIN William Edward Martin was born in Abbots Ripton in Huntingdonshire in 1869. He was educated at Cowper school in Huntingdon. He served an apprenticeship with James Ashton and Sons who were agricultural and horticultural engineers and iron and brass founders. He demonstrated his skill as an inventor early by designing a cultivator, which was manufactured for him by a local blacksmith.

He moved to Stamford in 1899 to manage the business of Harrison Patents and lived at 62 High St, St Martin’s with his wife Helen and daughter Sylvia. He was awarded the first prize of £40 for a cultivator at the 1900 Royal Agricultural Society Show at York. Very soon he took over the business becoming Managing Director and principal shareholder and renaming it Martin’s Cultivator Company.

Martin joined the Freemason’s Lodge in 1902 and soon began to take an active part in town affairs. By 1907 he had been elected to the Town Council. He moved to Torkington House in St Peter’s Street and had three more children; Violet, born in 1902, Helen in 1903 and William Edward in 1907. Due to the success of Martin’s Cultivators he was able to buy Rock House in Scotgate in 1913.

Mayor of Stamford In 1913 Martin was Mayor of Stamford, a Justice of the Peace and Alderman of Kesteven County Council. He was a very able man and the town was fortunate that he was Mayor when war broke out in 1914.

He remained Mayor throughout the war years, re-elected unanimously each year. One of his first responsibilities was to encourage men to join up. Helen encouraged ladies to join the Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild to provide warm garments and hospital supplies for the soldiers. William promised that rooms would be available in the Town Hall for the helpers. Fund raising events were also held and donations received. He welcomed the Belgian refugees and the Mayoress organised a party for them at Christmas.

In 1916 Mr Martin found himself in a difficult position. He had assisted in recruitment but now with conscription he was also the Chairman of the local Tribunal but the cases involving Martin’s workmen had to be heard elsewhere. He was then able to represent his skilled men who were needed by the company.

In August 1916 the Martins arranged a Garden Fete in the grounds of Rock House, which raised over £200 for the war effort. William personally paid for the band. The British Red Cross asked the Mayor and Mayoress to raise funds for an ambulance. They raised enough money to provide two ambulances. The Martins hosted another fete to raise funds for the Prisoners of War in July 1918 at Rock House. Despite the rain, over the three days of the fete £625 was raised to send parcels of food.

Peacetime On June 28th1919 peace was signed and the Mayor was instructed to read it out at 12pm. He stood on the steps of the Town Hall and read the proclamation on this memorable occasion. William and Helen were invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their work in the war years. Mrs Martin was mentioned in despatches for her work for the societies for the benefit of the military.

A Stamford Peace Celebration Committee was formed comprising of The Mayor and Mayoress and the Marquess and Rock House Marchioness of Exeter and a number of local dignitaries. They entertained 1300 returning soldiers in Blackstones, the only place capable of entertaining such a large number of people.

William Martin was rewarded, in recognition of his distinguished service of six years’ service as Mayor, on his retirement in 1919 by being granted Freedom of the Borough. During the 22 years he had spent in Stamford he had served on 70 committees.

He retired from public life and died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 1928. Rock House was sold in 1929.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

MARTIN CULTIVATOR COMPANY

World War 1

The origin of Martin Cultivator’s lies with the prize that W E Martin won at York in 1900. Following this, he quickly gained a controlling interest in the factory where he was already Manager and by 1906 the business had taken on his own name. At this time the works were situated in Wharf Road (on the old Blashfield site) but by 1910 the company had expanded to such an extent that they needed new premises. Land was available on Ryhall Road near the railway because the 3rd Marquess of Exeter had sold land to settle his debts. Martin’s constructed a purpose-built factory, the Lincolnshire Ironworks with several different workshops and their own railway siding.

Martin’s was now producing a large variety of agricultural machinery for both horse and steam power. At the Lincolnshire Show that year they had a large stand exhibiting not just their patent cultivator but also a rake, hoe, digger and newly invented swath-turner and tedder used to turn, lift and loosen hay or straw as it dried. This invention had a reversing gear.

The success of the company at home and abroad enabled the workers to be given a superb treat later in 1910 with an outing to Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The men, their wives and families - 450 of them - were conveyed on a special train arriving in Grimsby by 9am. They visited the docks and were provided with lunch before going onto Cleethorpes. Credit was given to ‘the inventive work of W.E. Martin’ and a vote of thanks was proposed with the toast “Success to the Martin Cultivator Company”. The train didn’t arrive back in town until 11pm.

At the beginning of World War 1, Martin’s workforce was reduced by half as men volunteered for service. Although producing agricultural machinery became a certified occupation, some men were still called up.

The company’s solicitor, Mr Pugh, appealed on their behalf arguing that nearly every fit man had been taken yet the work was essential to the war effort.

Martin’s inventions did fill wartime needs by increasing efficiency therefore reducing labour. Throughout these years they exhibited at Shows across the country and won numerous prizes. It was the versatility of their machines that particularly attracted attention and led to success. For example, the 3-furrow motor plough they developed in 1917 could be converted into a 2-furrow plough for heavy soil or into a tractor. The tractor could be used to power other machines such as a cultivator, drill, harrow, binder and mower or have a pully attached to run fixed machines in a barn.

Later Years Mr Jones died in 1959 and soon after Martin’s amalgamated with Markham Traction, another local company, to become Martin Markham Ltd. The production of earlier machinery ceased, however reports of farm sales show that the name ‘Martin’ still carried value. The new company concentrated Colt De Luxe on trailers for all major tractor manufacturers yet again a versatile product that could be adjusted to vary width. Martin Markham also brought out a new small tractor of their own, the Colt of 1964 and the Colt De Luxe of 1966. These are now collectors’ items.

The end of the company came in the 1970s when it was bought out by Simplex and Co who closed the works in Stamford and the name of Martin was swallowed up. The name Markham continues however as Markham Retail Park built on the site of the former factory.

Between the Wars

After the war Martin’s machines continued to perform well and win prizes as far afield as the Highland Show. In the 1920s the company also specialised in making motor fire engines suitable for small towns. The company attracted managers and skilled workers from across the country and experience at Martin’s was considered a good recommendation by other companies.

Undoubtedly the death of Mr Martin in 1928 was a blow and this was followed by the Depression, making the 1930s a difficult time for the company. The new Chairman, Mr Llewelyn Jones (Mr Martin’s first commercial traveller) and the Company Secretary, Mr Ramsden (who had started out as an office boy) managed to steer the company through. During this period, they developed a range of dairy equipment, loaders, a mixing mill and trailers for Fordson tractors.

Ask Leo would like to hear from you. Email them at askleo@btinternet.com STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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COMMERCIAL phOtOgRAphy pORtRAItS & LIFEStyLE WEDDINgS 07932 055548 • ellideanphotography.co.uk

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A Little Doing

A Little GArdening

The great Bowthorpe Oak at Bowthorpe Park Farm is believed to date back to the era of William the Conqueror making the tree over 1000 years old.

The magnificent tree has the largest girth in the UK and is just one of the attractions at the farm located between Bourne and Stamford. The farm opens to the public every weekend and bank holiday throughout the summer.

There are sheep, pigs, cattle and expect a shire horse or two over the summer as well! They are holding a Summer Solstice event on 21 June at 6.30pm with Morris dancers and a barbecue and we are looking forward to their family fun weekend and craft fair on 25-27 August so put it in your diary! Children: £3.50 Adults: £4.50 and under 2s are free. www.bowthorpeparkfarm.co.uk, 01778 590691

Toby and Freya have been loving getting out in the garden on sunny days. One fantastic and free activity in Stamford is the children’s gardening club, Kid’s Patch. Run by the charity Home Start Lincolnshire, Kid’s Patch gives children the chance to get a bit muddy, do a bit of digging and also learn about growing fruits and vegetables. The best bit: they get to take home some of their produce!

Head along to Kid’s Patch every Wednesday 10am-12pm at the Uffington Road allotments.

For more information (or interested in volunteering) call 01507 308030

LittLe Living With summer upon us there are fairs, festivals and farms on the agenda for Louise Goss and her little helpers, Toby and Freya.

A Little Festival-GoinG

A Little Shopping Optimistic for plenty of sunshine we have been in search of items to get us ready for a summer spent outdoors. Freya now thinks she looks super cool in a pair of shades so this fun array of sunglasses (£10) from Tinc on Stamford High Street will go down a treat. They also have some great water bottles (£10) which are ideal for getting out, about and on the go!

Tinc, 01780 754359

The Castle Bytham Midsummer Festival seems to get bigger and better every year and it’s a wonderful family occasion with lots to entertain the kids – big and small. This year’s event will be held on 23-24 June with a music festival on the Saturday and street market and themed entertainment on the Sunday. Toby and Freya always love watching the duck race, dog show and the people dressed in costumes!

Beer, barbecue, music, historic fly pasts and

A Little theatre Get your tickets now for the Stamford Pantomime Players production of Pinocchio! The company’s summer show is an ‘interactive musical adventure’ suitable for all ages with plenty of catchy songs and even some glow in the dark puppetry.

Showing at the Corn Exchange with show times at 7pm on Friday 6 July - Saturday 7 July with a matinee performance at 2pm on the Saturday. www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk, 01780 766455

children’s entertainment make this a date not to be missed. www.midsummerfestival.co.uk The Stamford Festival is back this year, kicking off with the Stamford Festival Parade on Saturday 23 June, which leads off from the Recreation Ground. There is a lot of excitement from my two watching all the floats and waving to everyone in the parade as they pass.

There is a full week of events throughout town and it culminates with the Stamford Lions Family Fun Day on Sunday 1 July on the Recreation Ground. There will be pony rides, the chance to learn circus tricks and youngsters can give their parents a soaking with wet sponges (if the parents can be persuaded to go in the stocks). www.stamfordfestival.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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LittLe Living

!

Y A Y AW

When you feel like broadening your horizons or just getting away from the routine, there are some fantastic trips that can easily be done there and back in a day.

Louise Goss takes Toby and Freya to explore… DUXFORD IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

DA

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HERE are not many things more exciting for a child (or adult for that matter) than getting up close to a real aeroplane - and better still, some of the most famous and fastest in the world.

Just south of Cambridge, it’s about an hour and a half’s drive to Duxford Imperial War Museum and there is so much to see that you will be happy to spend a day there.

As a leading centre for aviation and military history, and a working airfield, there are literally hundreds of aircraft on display from the very first Spitfires to the modern-day Typhoon and even the Concorde.

What’s great about this place as a museum is that there is so much space where the kids can roam around. These are not exhibits sitting quietly behind glass boxes, these are full-size, flying machines which you can (almost) touch!

In fact, some of them you can really touch and even climb on board.

The huge Airspace exhibition had Toby in awe. Giant aircraft dwarfed us as we wandered around, gazing up into the underbelly of the Vulcan bomber. Look up because there are plenty of aircraft suspended from the ceiling and we all loved the chance to board Concorde and see what it was like inside the supersonic plane.

There are also the more personal accounts

THINGS TO NOTE: The site is large (about 1 mile long) and the museum spaces themselves are big as well.

Distances between exhibition buildings can be long so we recommend a push chair for those with little legs.

Find out about the Flying Legends Airshow 14-15 July.

For more details and information on events visit: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwmduxford

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

of pilots who flew in the various wars and worked at Duxford.

Head to the Historic Duxford exhibition for a sense of their lives. There’s the chance to try on replica uniforms and see some of the personal items of those who lived and worked there.

Both Toby and Freya were enthralled by the older aircraft in an original WW1 hangar which houses the Battle of Britain exhibition but was also the first home of the Spitfire.

For the ultimate flying enthusiast there is the chance to take to the skies in a vintage aircraft.

We watched them taking off and landing on the runway. Although Toby did not get to fly in a Spitfire, he did have a hugely enjoyable time riding in the simulator, believing he was in the cockpit, chasing two fighter planes. We could not wipe the smile from his face.

For extra enjoyment, you can download one of the activity trails from the website, which would be great for school-age children. For our two a climb and jump around the playground was enough to end their day on a high!

EATING There are three options for eating ranging from The Workshop restaurant for Americanstyle cooked meals, to The Armoury Café and Kitchen or tea and cakes at The American Air Museum Café.

We ate in The Armoury Café and Kitchen which offered a great selection of light meals, sandwiches, salads and soups. The children were very happy with the kids’ lunch boxes complete with sausage roll, sandwich, raisins, crisps and juice.

FACILITIES INCLUDE:

• Large, free car park • Outdoor playground • Huge exhibition areas • Good accessibility • Excellent gift shop • Plenty of places to eat • Children’s menu options (and high-chairs) • Flight experiences (some are pre-book only) • Three types of family ticketing options • Downloadable activity trails

JUNE SPECIAL OFFERS DOGS:

Reduced Price Neutering

What makes us different Guaranteed same day appointment for any pet if the owner thinks it is needed We offer Deferred Payment Plans for those unexpected expensive procedures with no interest and no fees Owners can stay with their pets while sedated before routine operations We offer and encourage open visiting for hospitalised patients during opening hours

Spay up to 10kg (was £118) Spay 10-20kg (was £141)

CATS:

Reduced Price Neutering

£94.40 Spay (was £47)

£112.80 Castrate (was £35)

Spay 20-30kg (was £163)

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Spay 40-60kg (was £224)

£179.20

Spay 30-40kg (was £194) Spay 60kg+ (was £270)

£155.20 £219.20

Castrate up to 10kg (was £89)

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Castrate 20-30kg (was £110)

£88.00

Castrate 10-20kg (was £101) Castrate 30-40kg (was £122) Castrate 40-60kg (was £154) Castrate 60kg+ (was £194)

£80.80 £97.60

£123.20 £155.20

£37.60 £28.00

ations* £10 off dog vaccin ions* at & £5 off cat vaccin *standard only

Flexible Health Plan - It’s your money to spend how you choose.

Pay £10 or £20 per month into your pets account and you can decide what to spend it on.

Pets on this plan are entitled to a range of discounts an d benefits.

Our Flexible Health Plan is designed so you can choose how you spend your money Stockists of

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Uffington Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2BF Tel: 01780 322333 Email: prioryvetnurses@gmail.com

www.prioryvetsstamford.co.uk Find us on Facebook @prioryvetsstamford

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T H E A R E A’ S L A R G E S T I N D E P E N D E N T K I T C H E N S H O W R O O M The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: sales@qksstamford.co.uk www.qksstamford.co.uk 48

Jess Lamb investigates the exciting goings-on at some of the best businesses in our area.

The Best of Local Business!

The Stamford Notebook Company On my list this month … the Stamford Notebook Company. I spent a fascinating afternoon with owner Hugo Spiegl, finding out more about the inner workings of this brilliant business.

The Spiegl family originally hail from London. In the late 1950s, Peter Spiegl put down permanent roots in Stamford and set up Spiegl Press, which originally occupied four townhouses on the corner of St George’s and St Leonard’s Street. (Fun fact alert … today, one of those buildings is named ‘Print House’. Now you know why!) The business thrived, in particular due to their work printing stationery for auctioneers, and eventually moved to larger premises in Ryhall Road, with Hugo Spiegl joining his father in 1990.

The Spiegls are, in Hugo’s words, “genetically predisposed to being commercial people!”, and constantly looking for ways to diversify. It was due to this mindset that the Stamford Notebook Company was born! The company began manufacturing gorgeous bespoke notebooks, with everything from the lines on the paper, to the

material binding, completely handmade. Some of the equipment used in production is nearly 100 years old and still as good today as it was then.

Thanks to meticulous standards and beautiful workmanship, Stamford Notebooks has gone from strength to strength, with products winging their way as far as Canada, Japan, and even Fiji! Some (myself included) would think that it’s time to put your feet up … but the Spiegl entrepreneurial spirit continues to show itself, with Hugo commenting that “product wise … we now want to conquer everything!”. The business is currently focusing on a stunning range of leather accessories such as wallets and card holders. And yes, you guessed it – every single cut and stitch happens underneath their own roof.

As he shows me some stunning prototypes for more new products, Hugo remarks that they are “very optimistic, very excited … we are doing something that we are passionately interested in, and who couldn’t be excited about that!?”. Never a truer word spoken! www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk 01780 762550

Haatch

Now, you may remember that my page last month mentioned The Hub – that uber cool co-working space on Wharf Road which provides a home for Stamford-based home workers and entrepreneurs.

Well, after a chat with co-founder Fred Soneya, I discovered that there is a whole other side to the Hub team, which I just had to tell you about!

The second string to Fred and business partner Scott’s bow is Haatch, an investment business who focus on investing in dynamic, exciting, start-up companies.

Fred and Scott met in a previous life at well-known retail business Kiddicare, where they gained experience in helping online retail businesses get their feet off the ground … and when Kiddicare was acquired by Morrisons, the duo decided that investing in start-ups was the way forward.

Now, they are constantly on the lookout for new businesses with great ideas who need a little bit of capital to get going. One of the special things about Haatch is the fact that the team invest in startups anywhere from 6 to 12 months earlier than a typical investment firm would. Why? Because they not only invest funds, but also spend valuable time with each and every business to share expertise and contacts to give the start up the best start. As well as invaluable industry and business knowledge and mentoring, all the Haatch businesses are able to take advantage of the Hub space as an added bonus.

Since 2013, Haatch have made 15 investments across 10 businesses, from Stamford to Dublin to California, helping each and every one to develop their ideas and create exciting, innovative companies. One of their success stories is Elevate, a Stamford-based tech business which enables brands to place their products higher in search results on retail websites (for a fee, of course) www.haatch.com STAMFORD ENTREPRENEURS - YOU’RE UP! Haatch are extremely keen to invest in more businesses based in Stamford and the surrounding areas. Do you have an exciting idea that’s in its infancy and needs funding? Haatch are seeking entrepreneurs of all ages at all stages of their life to pitch their ideas – it doesn’t matter what industry or service you work in, nothing is off the table … and if successful, not only do you receive funding for your business but also access to a wealth of business expertise courtesy of the Haatch team, and access to the Hub co -working space.

If you have an idea and a tangible business plan, look no further!

Contact hello@haatch.com, with ‘Stamford Pitch’ in the title of your email, to speak to Fred and the Haatch team. Who knows where your idea could take you!?

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Based on the government-approved National Standards for Cycle Training, Bikeability is a nationwide programme that teaches people the skills to ride confidently on today’s roads. Alysia Anderson talks to Stamford schoolchildren who gave the course a spin.

Bikeability M

ANY people will remember doing bicycle training at school (I certainly recall wobbling around traffic cones in the playground) under the rather dull title of Cycling Proficiency. Today, the snappily-named Bikeability is offered not only to children but to anyone wishing to learn how to ride a bike safely. Although most Bikeability courses take place at schools for pupils in Years 5-7, training for clubs, families or adult beginners is also available. Training is often provided free or at a reduced cost thanks to Department of Transport grants to local Highway Authorities.

Since Bikeability’s launch over a decade ago, more than two million people nationwide have been trained. The courses are delivered locally by registered Bikeability providers who come to your school, club or workplace. Rutland and Lincolnshire County Councils both offer training: contact details for these and other local providers can be found on the Bikeability website at www.bikeability.org.uk.

PEDAL POWER My ten-year old daughter recently did a Bikeability course at Stamford Junior School, along with nearly sixty of her fellow pupils, arranged through Cambridge-based provider Outspoken Training. Three separate courses took place at the Stamford Endowed Schools sports centre and the surrounding streets, each running over two consecutive Saturday mornings. Catering for 20 children at a time, the training brought the young cyclists up to Level 2 standard. There are three Bikeability levels, designed to take riders from the basics of balance and control all the way to making an independent journey on busy roads.

At Level 1, trainees learn to control and master their bikes in a space away from traffic such as a playground or closed car park.

Cyclists will usually be trained in a group of up to 12. At Level 1, you learn how to mount and dismount independently; how to pedal and stop safely while using gears, looking behind and avoiding objects; and how to share space with pedestrians and other cyclists. Level 2 takes place on local streets, giving trainees a taste of genuine road cycling. You learn how to deal with traffic on short journeys, such as cycling to school or the local shops. This is done in small groups, limited to a maximum of six trainees per instructor. Once this level is achieved, cyclists should be able to complete an on-road journey independently, recognise typical hazards, signal to other road users, accurately position themselves on the road and safely pass parked vehicles and side roads.

Level 3 equips trainees with the skills to

cycling route. Training at this level is delivered individually or in groups of up to three. Cyclists learn how to understand driver blind spots and how to react to hazards such as potholes and traffic jams. Bikeability-trained cyclists receive a badge and a certificate in recognition of the level they’ve achieved. The certificate also includes areas for further practice noted by the instructor.

manage more challenging roads and traffic situations such as busier streets, queuing traffic and complex junctions and roundabouts.

The training also covers planning a safe

FAMILY FUN Andrew Greenway, deputy head at Stamford Junior School, said: “We believe that safe cycling is a great life skill so we arranged training for several Year 5 and 6 pupils to undertake their Level 1 and 2 qualifications.

This involved everything from basic maintenance to on-road riding, for the first time in many cases! Based at the SES Sports Centre, the courses enabled the children to learn skills within the school bounds initially, before deploying them in Stamford’s streets.

It was a very worthwhile experience for all concerned and Level 3 is already planned for half term!” Ten-year old Georgia, a Year 5 pupil, said “It was a bit scary but also fun riding on the road and the next day I cycled up to Burghley House to practise my new skills.”

In addition to Burghley Park, other familyfriendly cycle trails are found at Rutland Water (Whitwell and Normanton), Fineshade Woods and Grimsthorpe Castle, all of which also offer bike hire.

All you need to take part in Bikeability training is a bicycle in roadworthy condition, i.e. with functioning brakes and pumped up tyres, that is the correct size for the rider. Loan bikes are sometimes available and instructors will show trainees how to check their bikes properly at the start of the first session. Helmets should be worn and high visibility tabards may be provided for on-road training.

For more information about safe cycling, see the Rules for Cyclists at www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk. But don’t get too bogged down in the small print: above all, cycling is a fantastic way to get fit, spend time with family and friends in the fresh air, and explore our beautiful countryside. On yer bike!

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Life should be as sweet as honey...

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BEES FOR BUSINESS Jez and Caroline Rose moved

to a small, dilapidated farm on the outskirts of Langtoft, just over 18 months ago. Having been based outside Milton Keynes, they had worked in the corporate rat race for over 13 years, and were looking for an excuse to “slow down”.

They have since set up their company, Bees for Business, creating an environmental haven for bees – offering an “Adopt a Hive” opportunity, alongside hosting workshops and selling their bee products through an online shop. Jez said, ”we decided to combine our corporate experience with our fascination of bees, and Bees for Business was born.” Local advocates already include The Burghley Estate, awardwinning Peterborough restaurant Prévost, and homewares designer Sophie Allport, who have all adopted hives. It would appear Bees for Business has created a cost-effective and original way to own bees, with none of the sting!

At present, the company runs 55 hives in the local area, producing about 10,000kg of honey per year, and hopes to place a further 250 hives in the next five years.

Bees for Business uses the Buckfast strain of bee (known for their calm and docile nature), importing them from a small island off Denmark. Jez says, “they are a clean strain of bee without disease, and have a great temperament.” Swarming can sometimes be a problem, but Jez continues, ”we do not clip the queen’s wings, as I do not see our role as omnipotent controllers of the bees, simply guardians. We support the natural behaviour of our honeybees by regularly maintaining and

PHOTO: BEES FOR BUSINESS

Do we actually understand the hugely important role that the honeybee plays in our environment?

To quote Albert Einstein, “if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no pollination, no plants, no animals, no more man. If honeybees ceased to exist today, about one third of all foods we eat would disappear.”

PHOTO: BEES FOR BUSINESS

Up until the mid-1900s beekeeping was a specialist profession, and it was estimated there were as many as 1 million beehives across the country; by 2015 this number had plummeted to just 270,000.

In 2018 the main custodians of bees in the UK appear to be hobby beekeepers, running one or two hives to provide honey for the family, to sell at their garden gate, or into a local village shop.

Deborah Pennell delights in meeting several local beekeepers, whose apiaries offer honey to the local community, and, in one case, whose business gives us all a chance to reap the rich rewards of bee ownership.

monitoring the hives, and trying to remain one step ahead of them. By providing them with what they need, we hope they remain content, and do not feel the need to swarm. It’s a tricky balance.”

The Bees for Business concept Their aims: • to actively reverse the decline of the honeybee in Britain • to carry out ethical beekeeping; the queen’s wings are not clipped.

• to provide innovative opportunities to support diversification in British farming • to encourage planting of organic, British beefriendly flowers to improve biodiversity and provide food sources for pollination, actively encouraging local land owners to sow seeds on unused patches of land, which not only enhances the environment visually, but creates more food areas for the bees • to encourage businesses to make a real difference to the environment.

For information about the Bees for Business “Adopt a Hive” scheme, beekeeping courses and more, go to their website at www.beesforbusiness.com

PHOTO: BEES FOR BUSINESS PHOTO: BEES FOR BUSINESS

Julia Ratcliffe is 42 years

old and has recently embarked on her beekeeping career.

How long have you owned bees?

Having attended, and passed my basic beekeeping course with the Northamptonshire Beekeepers Association, I already own two hives – one modified national, as advised by the beekeeping society, and one controversial Flow Hive. I am awaiting my first swarm of bees.

What attracted you to beekeeping?

I have always been fascinated by bees – they appear so intelligent and well adapted. I read a novel entitled “The Bees” by Laline Paull, and it fuelled my desire to learn and discover more about them. I also love honey, and as a hayfever sufferer was recommended to eat honey from a local source, to help my allergy.

Where are your hives based?

In my garden - we have a small orchard with over 42 varieties of apple tree, and I am hoping we will benefit from the addition of over 60,000 pollinators and have a bumper apple crop this year, as well as lots of honey!

Would you encourage others to own bees?

Absolutely – it brings a huge sense of wellbeing; the honey provides a healthy alternative to sugar, and bees have a massive environmental impact.

Are you not scared about being stung?

People worry about being stung, but it is rare - only the queen can sting more than once, and she leaves the hive to be mated once in her lifetime! All the other bees will sting to protect the integrity of the hive, but die as a consequence, so whilst they will mount an attack upon a mouse or a hornet trying to access the hive, they will not go for humans, unless you are messing around with the hive without a smoker and the correct protective suit and gloves.

How time consuming is keeping bees?

It is a year-round commitment, but there are times when you have less to worry about.

Sonia Hudson

is in her fifth season of owning bees. Mentored by David Chapman, an old Oundelian who has about 15 hives and is a master at his craft, she lives in north Bedfordshire and sells David’s honey at St Neots farmers’ market.

How many hives do you have?

At present, I have one hive in Oundle, placed next to three adjoining hives belonging to Oundle School. I hope to have a hive in Polebrook at some stage, as I currently have three colonies of bees living in the stone walls of our house!

What attracted you to beekeeping?

I used to live in Oundle and worked in the school art gallery. Through my connections with the school I joined their beekeeping group, which is run as a voluntary activity on a Wednesday afternoon. Learning alongside the pupils I was allowed to introduce my own hive. Although I have now moved to the adjoining village of Polebrook, and have stopped working in the gallery, I continue to help with the school bees. Beekeeping is fascinating, the hives constantly change in their strengths and productivity – three is a good number for the school to own, since there is always one that is strong and one weaker. As beekeeping requires more vigilance and checks in the summer and at swarming time, it seems to work well having my support for David, if pupils and staff are away on half term and school holidays.

How did the dreadful weather in the early part of this year affect the bees?

Unfortunately, I lost my queen at the end of last summer, so I bought in a replacement from Buckfast Abbey. Sadly, she was not accepted, so I am due to acquire a new colony any day now.

Where do you sell your honey?

I make between 20 and 40 jars a year and give it away to family and friends. Personally, I prefer the late summer honey aided by Oundle’s many lime trees, which flower in early July.

Late April is usually when your hive could swarm, if you’re not super vigilant. May and June are when you would harvest the majority of your honey – St Swithin’s Day [15 July] usually marks the end of honey collecting, and around this time the queen will stop laying. During the year you must treat the bees a couple of times for Varroa mites (compulsory and necessary, sadly, since about 1992). Once the temperature falls below 10°C, the hive will cluster and eat its stores over winter. How well your bees survive, depends upon you as a beekeeper; maintaining food stores is important. The bees continue to feed to maintain warmth over the cold winter months. Experienced beekeepers do say you cannot go on holiday in May! Where will you sell your honey?

If I have enough to sell, then probably at local school fairs, and maybe a local village shop.

The quantity of honey produced by each hive is dependent on so many factors, not least the health of the queen; weather, food source and disease all play a role.

Julia Ratcliffe with one of her hives

Other sources of local honey around the area: Otters Fine Foods, 19 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA www.ottersfinefoods.co.uk Kavanagh’s Tea Room, 2 Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6DR www.kavanaghstearoom.com Collyweston Community Shop and many village shops, farm shops and garden centres stock honey from beekeepers local to their businesses.

Buy honey at the garden gate from: Rob Cooke, 2 Barrowden Road, Ketton, PE9 3RJ John Ireland, 12 West Mill, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3NX … and, of course, at many other locations around the region.

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Compiled by Deborah Pennell

Food & Drink News

Drinks in the Garden with Witham Wines

Good weather is never guaranteed in the UK but hopefully June will grace us with some sunshine, and an excuse to sit in the garden with a favourite tipple.

If you are looking for something a little different, then Witham Wines’ deliciously refreshing Sparkling Elderflower Wine, and Alcoholic Elderflower Pressé (5%), come highly recommended.

Owners, Charlie and Gemma Ruigrok, established Witham Wines in 2016, to fulfil their love of homebrew.

This followed the successful production of Rhubarb wine wedding favours created for guests at their own wedding. Spurred on by the many compliments, they decided to take the plunge, and develop a business, which enveloped their passion.

Charlie and Gemma now produce British Made Wine; importing the grape must, and mixing it with local Swithland Spring water, and elderflowers, handpicked from secret locations around the Rutland area! Witham Wines launched to the public in 2017 at the Melton Artisan Cheese Fair; their product proving so hugely popular that after attending several Food Festivals in 2017, they sold out of their first batch.

In 2018 the business is looking forward to a period of growth.

Having discovered the company would be eligible for a Proof of Concept grant, administered by the University of Lincoln Innovation Centre, they have gained business support as well as the grant, enabling them to buy equipment and upscale the business. In January this year they moved into larger premises near Grantham, and have attained a licence to sell online, and to the wholesale market. They also hope to gain organic certification, and give their wines vegan status, as well as build up custom in local hotels, bars and retail trades.

Charlie and Gemma continue to work full time, in busy jobs but enjoy growing Witham Wines at the same time. Gemma says,” there is a big demand for sparkling wines – just think how popular Prosecco is at the moment. What we are producing is a wonderful local alternative.”

Over the coming months they can expect to be extremely busy; attending Food & Drink Festivals around the region and further afield.

Catch them at Sandringham Food and Drink Festival, Burghley Fine Food Fairs, Cambridgeshire Food and Drink Festival and many more events. www.witham-wines.com

Gooseberry and Elderflower Ice cream Gooseberries are in season this month and pair beautifully with elderflower, to create this delectable floral and fruity ice cream • 450g Gooseberries – fresh or frozen • 2 tblsp water • 110g caster sugar • 70ml elderflower cordial • 290ml double cream Top, tail and wash the gooseberries.

Place in a saucepan with the water and sugar; cover and bring slowly to the boil, stirring occasionally until they reach a pulp. Turn down the heat and simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes.

Allow the pulp to cool, then pour into a blender, and process until smooth. Put through a sieve and set aside.

When the puree is cold, add the elderflower cordial and cream. Mix well and check the sweetness, adding a bit more sugar if required.

At this stage either: 1) pour the mixture into a plastic container and freeze for 3-4 hours.

Remove from the freezer and whisk the ice cream to break down the ice crystals, and avoid a grainy texture. Return to the freezer and leave for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight.

Or if using an ice cream machine: 2) pour the mixture into the bowl of the ice cream machine and churn until frozen. Transfer to a plastic container, and store in the freezer until required.

Before serving, allow the ice cream to soften for 10 minutes.

Ice cream Makers

A date for the Calendar The Stamford Food and Drink Festival – an event for all the family The Meadows, Stamford – Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th June 2018 Based on the Town’s meadows, Stamford provides an idyllic backdrop to this now well-established annual event. Showcasing a wide range of food and drink stalls, this year the event encompasses a global feel, with foods from around the world as well as local produce.

There will be live music, children’s entertainments, a Craft Beer Festival and a Street Food area, with ample seating. See you there!

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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Now that we are having some beautiful sunny days, it’s time to search out great spots for al fresco dining. Nicholas Rudd-Jones explores

IN STAMFORD THE BULL & SWAN AT BURGHLEY High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ 01780 766412 www.thebullandswan.co.uk The Bull & Swan’s Kitchen Garden is a beautifully converted area with a vegetable and herb garden, Potting Shed Pizzas where you can watch your pizza cooking in the pizza over, and an outdoor film night every Thursday in fair weather (there are blankets to keep the evening chill off).

Oh, and they hope to do some Wimbledon coverage with strawberries from their own kitchen garden. And as the evening draws on, there are baskets with soft, thick blankets to keep you warm.

The Crown Hotel, Stamford All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk The view from the Crown Courtyard is amongst the best in Stamford, looking towards All Saints’ Church and the brick chimney of the old brewery.

Good food, great ambience and outstanding beer in the heart of Stamford, Britain’s Best Place to Live. How much better could it get?!

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

The Mad Turk 8/9 St. Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 238001 www.themadturk.co.uk The Mad Turk traditional mezze is amongst my favourite meals in the region and if you add to that a balmy evening and a seat in the beautifully looked-after and exotic garden, then that’s pretty much perfect.

Tatums, Stamford 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL The very experienced chef Gareth Thorpe has opened up in the old Jim’s Yard restaurant. The menu looks great and the little courtyard area out the front is as charming as ever – I can’t think of a better spot in the town centre for a quiet lunch on a hot day.

Fine Food Café & Restaurant 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF 01780 754222 www.thefinefoodstore.com The ‘secret garden’ out the back is a real find (down the passage). Order at the counter and head down to the garden, where you feel totally secluded from the hustle and bustle of St Mary’s.

Plus, it’s a sun-trap. Lunch here is especially good, Mediterranean-influence and delicious.

The Wine Bar Stamford 10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 757844 www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk The Wine Bar in Stamford is a cracking space out the back, almost a city vibe in this ancient town, particularly with a prosecco or cocktail in hand on a warm night with the stars above.

The George Hotel, Stamford 71 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LB 01780 750750 www.georgehotelofstamford.com “Eating in the Courtyard on a summer’s day with good companions is just about the closest you can get to heaven on earth”. A satisfied courtyarder.

William Cecil Hotel St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ 01780 750070 www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk On a fine day, the terrace is a delightful spot, immaculately presented and full of sunshine. A stroll through the garden towards the marquee is also a pleasure.

ILLUSTRATION: CALUM HANDLEY

Eating Alfresco in & around Stamford

NEAR TO STAMFORD Barnsdale Hall Hotel North Shore, Rutland Water, LE15 8AB 01572 757901 www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk Barnsdale Hall Hotel boasts some of the most beautiful views of Rutland Water and the surrounding countryside. Everyone is welcome to use the Brasserie, not just the members, and its terrace has views over the water. Afternoon tea comes highly recommended.

Barnsdale Lodge The Avenue, Rutland Water, LE15 8AH 01572 724678 www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk Barnsdale Lodge really does feel like home from home, with friendly and attentive staff and a relaxed feel. The cooking is to a very high standard and is good value for money. The courtyard is a sun trap in the good weather, for a meal, a drink or afternoon tea.

Exeter Arms, Barrowden 28 Main Street, Barrowden, LE15 8EQ 01572 747365 www.exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk The Exeter Arms at Barrowden looks across a green and a duck pond to the Welland Valley beyond. This is an excellent start point for a circular walk around the valley and what better than great pub grub and a beer on your return, with oodles of outdoor space to enjoy.

Jackson Stops Stretton, LE15 7RA 01780 410237 www.thejacksonstops.com The Jackson Stops is a lovely sixteenth-century building with low beams and excellent cooking, family run and always offering great hospitality. Notable for its vegetarian dishes as well as a strong meat & fish offering.

They have a truly quaint garden space out the front, perfect for a warm summer’s day.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH 01780 410355 www.theolivebranchpub.com Make the most of any glorious weather and go for lunch on the beautiful Terrace at The Olive Branch. Sit under the vine covered pergola, with views across the fields and enjoy the always delicious food. It is now open all day starting with breakfast, so also great to combine with a summer’s walk.

White Hart, Ufford Main St, Ufford, PE9 3BH 01789 740250 The White Hart is popular, and deservedly so, for it offers top quality, friendly service and very good value. The outside area is extensive and delightful, and many years ago on a weekend up from London was the reason I fell in love with this region Hambleton Hall Oakham Rd, Hambleton Peninsula, LE15 8TH 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com When the weather is fine, there is no better Rutland experience than sitting out on the terrace, sipping a glass of cool wine and admiring the parterre and the views of the water beyond. Also admire their beautifully-built ‘sitooterie’!

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

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Are you caring and patient?

Having patience and a caring personality are qualities that are key to supporting people in their own home. We can provide the training needed to start your new career journey, providing care at home today.

We’d love to hear from you Bluebird Care are currently looking for caring, friendly and cheerful people who want to make a difference, caring for people in the local community of Stamford & the surrounding villages. Experience is not necessary as we provide full training and ongoing support, flexible, guaranteed hours, excellent rates of pay and a true Career in Care.

Care is a vocation! Join our amazing team of Carers in Stamford.

To find out more about just what makes Bluebird Care different and how you can #MakeADifference

Simply - Call us on 01780 480881 to apply or to find out more information about our next local recruitment event Or email us: stamford@bluebirdcare.co.uk Or visit: bluebirdcare.co.uk/peterborough-rutland

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#MakeADifference

Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland is celebrating its fantastic team of home care assistants, and the difference they make in their local communities every day, as part of a nationwide campaign, which launched on Tuesday 8th May.

Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland Celebrates Home Care with the #MakeADifference Campaign

T

HE #MakeADifference campaign, aims to highlight and raise awareness of domiciliary care as a profession, which enables vulnerable people to receive the care and support they require in the comfort of their own homes. The campaign will also showcase why Bluebird Care care assistants are #ProudtoCareAtHome.

With the rapidly increasing ageing population and rising numbers of people living with complex conditions that require specialist care - for example Dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, and more people choosing to opt for care at home, this campaign aims to highlight how patient, kind and compassionate individuals can make a real difference working in domiciliary care.

Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland will be hosting events throughout June - August to promote the campaign.

The first event, the Care Recruitment Café event, will be hosted throughout Stamford and Oakham at local venues as well as the company’s offices at Wharf Road, Stamford.

These are exciting opportunities to meet some of the team, to find out everything you need to know about the role of Care Assistant and a career in care in a relaxed atmosphere and without committing to an interview.

Trudy Fenton, Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland’s longest-standing care assistant – of over 5 years, said: “I have been working for Bluebird Care for just over 5 years. Over this period of time I have met some amazing people from all walks of life. The satisfaction I get out of my working day is knowing that you have improved someone’s quality of life. Every day you go home and you know you’ve made a difference. Bluebird Care gives me the opportunity to use my skills and training to try to make a genuine difference to individuals who require care. I get real job

satisfaction seeing individuals blossom under Bluebird Care. With excellent support from management and co-workers you are never on your own. The hardest part of the job is letting go especially if you have looked after an individual for some time. The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing people’s faces light up when you walk in and the fun and laughter we have.”

Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland, Director, Leisa MacKenzie, said: “This is a fantastic campaign which aims to highlight the vital work that home care assistants are providing day in, day out. We truly believe that care is primarily a vocation, and from that vocation, we appreciate and offer the opportunity to make a vocation a career, a profession. That’s how we differ from many other Care companies, by ensuring our people have the work conditions, job satisfaction and security the role deserves.”

“Via the #MakeADifference campaign, we want all individuals to learn more about how rewarding a career in home care can be, the huge difference you can make to the people that you support, and why so many of our Bluebird Care care assistants are

Bluebird Care Care Manager Michelle, and Long service carers, Trudy Fenton, Maureen Stafford, Care Co-Ordinator, Zoe Martin and Community Care Manager, Sarah Weston.

#ProudToCareAtHome.

We know that many people would love to be in care and make a positive difference, but many are unsure of the myths and realities of care as a career. We want to be able to breaks those myths and really open this opportunity to everyone, at any stage in life, to consider care as the career for them.

“We would like to thank all our wonderful care assistants at Bluebird Care Peterborough & Rutland and to encourage anyone who thinks they have the right qualities, to get in touch and consider a career with us.”

All those interested in finding out more about attending the events or to find out more about a career in care, finding out more about how they could make a difference working with Bluebird Care should contact the Stamford office on 01780 480881 or visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/ peterborough-rutland.

STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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Marc Quinn’s The Origin of the World (Cassis Madagascariensis) Indian Ocean and Nevill Holt Hall

Nevill Holt Opera High on a hill between Rutland and Market Harborough is the beautiful hamlet of Nevill Holt, on the map thanks to Carphone Warehouse co-founder and local champion of the Arts and education David Ross. Twelve years spent restoring the magnificent Grade I-listed Nevill Holt estate culminate in June with the opening of a stunning new purpose-built opera house. Clare Peel went to talk to Rosenna East, Nevill Holt Opera’s General Manager, to find out more about David Ross’s vision, the new opera house and the 2018 season.

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COULDN’T have been more fortunate for my trip to Nevill Holt – it was one of the first brilliantly sunny days in April, and the house, parts of which date back to the 13th century, and the surrounding gardens looked glorious.

We started with a tour of the gardens, which are designed by Rupert Golby and tended by Head Gardener Andy and his team, whose careful planning means that they are at their peak for the opera season. The gardens are a showcase for a jaw-dropping collection of contemporary British art and sculpture, including works by Antony Gormley, Allen Jones, Marc Quinn, Nic Fiddian Green, Conrad Shawcross and Sean Henry. Rosenna Rosenna East, General Manager at pointed out relatively new acquisitions: Nevill Holt Opera Shawcross’s organic “Manifold 2 (9:8)”, creating spiralling bronze soundwaves in the charming Kitchen Garden, and, on the Cedar Lawn, British Pop Artist Jones’ monumental, scarlet “Dancers” (2014). Another highlight is Fiddian Green’s iconic head of a horse, located high on the edge of an escarpment, beyond which are breathtaking views over the Welland Valley towards Rockingham Castle.

IMAGES COURTESY OF NEVILL HOLT OPERA

Nic Fiddian Green, Horse at Water

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Antony Gormley, Another Time

Allen Jones’ Dancers

Core vision and outreach David Ross’s core vision, which is central to all of the projects he supports and funds, is threefold, Rosenna told me. He is committed to the Arts, to the region and to his academic federation, the David Ross Education Trust (DRET), which now embraces 35 academies. Nevill Holt Opera (NHO), which was founded in 2013, combines all those things – it was established with a clear mission to enrich lives and to empower young people through music and the Arts. A schools programme, free schools performances and a young artists programme are all part of this.

In July 2017 NHO staged four performances of Benjamin Britten’s “Noye’s Fludde” as a community project involving more than 1,000 children. It won “Best Event” in the Leicestershire Tourism Awards that year and was praised for its “excellence, accessibility, impact and legacy”.

Since 2013, over 10,000 people have attended performances at NHO and, notably, in 2017 some 85 per cent of the audience came from the East Midlands area, with 51 per cent being new to NHO. With the development this year and the new opera house set to be a huge asset for the area, things will undoubtedly go from strength to strength. It’s incredibly exciting to watch NHO grow – the result of many years’ work in progress and the dedication and passion of all involved.

New opera house

Construction on the new 400-seat theatre started in 2016 – the previous one, although of equal capacity, was a temporary structure, so extensive enabling work was necessary initially.

The design, by Sterling Prize-winning architects Witherford Watson Mann, with technical assistance from theatre design experts Sound Space Vision, is for an intimate opera house with Enjoying the gardens a boutique feel. The architects have drawn inspiration from the colour palette of the main buildings at Nevill Holt, intending to “harmonize” (as Rosenna so appropriately put it) historic elements with modern comfort and facilities and excellent acoustics. Building is scheduled to be finished around the end of May, with rehearsals starting in early June.

The 2018 season

The unveiling of the new theatre takes place when the 2018 season opens with “Le nozze di Figaro” (The Marriage of Figaro). Rosenna said, “We are very proud to announce that Leicestershire-born baritone James Newby stars in the role of Count Almaviva this summer. A star on the rise, Newby

Conrad Shawcross, Manifold 2 (9:8)

grew up in Leicester, and this year won the prestigious Glyndebourne John Christie award for most-talented young singer of 2017.”

Speaking of the announcement, James said, “It’s not often you get to debut a major role, and it’s definitely not often you get to open a new opera house. To do both in your home county is an absolute privilege, and I am so excited and proud to be joining Nevill Holt Opera for the summer!”

Following five performances of Mozart’s Figaro, there’ll be two of “Powder Her Face”, a stylish, saucy comic opera written in 1995 by Thomas Adès, one of the UK’s most celebrated young composers. This production from designer/director Antony McDonald received great acclaim from critics last year when it was staged by Northern Ireland Opera, including five-star reviews from The Times and The Telegraph. It’s a bold, exciting choice.

And in case the new theatre, the music and the setting are not enough, to enhance the experience further, each performance has an interval of 90 minutes, so that audience members can dine in the gardens while enjoying the glorious views of the Welland Valley. It all sounds truly idyllic and without doubt one of the highlights of our local cultural calendar.

NHO’s 2018 season runs from 14 to 30 June with Le Nozze di Figaro and Powder Her Face. At time of printing, limited returns only were available. More details on 020 7534 1563/www.nevillholtopera.co.uk.

Nevill Holt Hall, Nr Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8EG. STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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Half an hour to spare?

URBAN

British Library

RAMBLE

Waiting for your train and have a bit of time to kill? This walk through the King’s Cross Quarter is the perfect way to while away half an hour, as Nicholas Rudd-Jones discovered

KEY DATA

Distance: 1.3 miles (2.1 kms) Typical time: half an hour Start & finish: King’s Cross or St Pancras Station

POINTS OF INTEREST

Battle Bridge Place is named after an ancient crossing of the (now underground) River Fleet. A myth grew that this was the site of a major battle around AD 60 between the Romans and the Iceni tribe led by Boadicea. The suggestion that Boadicea is buried beneath platform 9 or 10 at King’s Cross Station is a subsequent urban myth, now somewhat overtaken by the fact that the Harry Potter bandwagon has taken up residence at King’s Cross; well on Platform 9 ¾ to be precise.

Designed by Edward Gruning, the German Gymnasium (now a restaurant) was the first purpose-built gymnasium in England and was influential in the development of athletics in Britain. It was built in 1864-65 for the German Gymnastics Society. The National Olympian Association held the indoor events of the first Olympic Games here in 1866. These games continued annually at the German Gymnasium until the White City Games in 1908. Long forgotten sports were practised here, including Indian club swinging and broadsword practice.

The Goods Yard complex, just to the north of the canal was completed in 1852. The Granary Building was mainly used to store Lincolnshire wheat for London’s bakers, while the sheds were used to transfer freight from or to the rail carts.

Today, the elegant Granary building is a creative warehouse, home to Central Saint Martin’s Art College.

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St Pancras

‘Words on the Water’ is a floating bookshop on a narrowboat, moored to the side of the Granary Quay. When the weather is good, it’s the impressive site of the books lining the top deck that make even the least of book lovers want to browse and buy (in which case you’ll need more than half an hour!).

The Coal Drops Yards were designed for receiving and sorting coal as it arrived from the north of England by train. Now the Victorian brick arches are being brought back to life in a design

Pancras Square

from Heatherwick Studios that combines industrial heritage with contemporary architecture, including a ‘kissing’ roof connecting the two coal drops. It will be a shopping quarter, with a focus on fashion, craft and culture, and is due to open in Autumn 2018.

Camley St Natural Park is a tiny urban nature reserve. It was created from an Old Coal Yard in 1984 and was the first artificially created park in the country to gain statutory designation as a local nature reserve. It is due to re-open in Spring 2019

THE ROUTE

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The walk starts in Battle Bridge Place, between the two stations; head past the German Gymnasium on your left, then to the left of the pin oak into St Pancras Square and past its delightful water feature Turn right after the Kimchee Restaurant and re-join King’s Boulevard, crossing the Goods Way at the top and over the Regent’s Canal Follow the road round left until you are in front of the Granary, then take the route left called Bagley Walk which becomes elevated as you pass by the Coal Drops Yard Turn left to cross the canal by the new Somers Town footbridge, then turn right under the railway lines when you reach Camley St Shortly afterwards, turn left through a gate up into St Pancras Gardens, which you cross to Pancras Rd At Pancras Rd, cross over and head right into Goldington Crescent, then left down Goldington St, which becomes Purchese St On reaching Purchese St Open Space, cut diagonally left through it, then turn left to join Midland Rd, where you turn right and follow it down to the British Museum Turn left when you reach the Euston Rd, then left again up the St Pancras slope and then head back to whichever station takes you home.

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These directions and pictures can be found online at: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J55oJDbD8x3At0z_VAzogI0cy0d0RzS&usp=sharing

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The Granary

Hardy tree

after a new visitor centre is completed.

There is so much of interest to be found in St Pancras Gardens, including the extravagant Burdett-Coutts memorial sundial, the Hardy tree encircled by tombstones, the famous memorial to Sir John Soane’s wife, the design of which inspired the classic ‘K2’ Gilbert Scott red telephone box. And the church is believed to be one of the oldest in London, dating back to the 7th century.

The British Library is one of my favourite buildings in the world. Such a beautiful place, but

St Pancras locks

it took so long to build. Designed by architect Sir Colin St John Wilson between 1982 and 1999, it was the largest UK public building to be built in the 20th century and is already Grade I listed.

And then, finally, I suppose, that greatest building of them all, St Pancras Station, a wondrous piece of Victorian Gothic revival architecture designed by George Gilbert Scott and constructed in 1868; and the train shed, completed in 1868 by the engineer William Henry Barlow, the largest single-span structure built up to that time.

Thank you, John Betjeman, for helping save it (you will find a statue of him in the concourse).

PIT STOPS

Vinoteka, 3 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU, 020 3793 7210, vinoteca.co.uk. Industrial space, light and welcoming with tables outside, serving food all day.

The Lighterman, 3 Granary square, NIC 4BH, 020 3846 3400, thelighterman.co.uk. Minimalist building, three floors offering stunning views across Granary Square and the Regent’s Canal STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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News & Notes Helping you make the most of Stamford living

Magical Malaysia

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T the crossroads of South East Asia and stretching from Thailand to Singapore, the beautiful Malaysian Peninsula lies between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea and offers a culture that is just as diverse as its landscapes. A combination of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Colonial influences create a vibrant multi-cultural atmosphere. One visit to Malaysia is all it takes, you’ll be bewitched.

This beautiful country brings together all the ingredients for a perfect holiday, lush landscapes and tropical shores, ancient temples and cutting-edge architecture, fresh waterfalls that cut through dark forests, slick city centre hotels and boutique beach resorts.

Kuala Lumpur has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a mining town and is the fastest growing city in the country. Boasting some of the tallest skyscrapers in South East Asia, which proudly sit next to historic temples and site of cultural significance, while the stunning islands of Langkawi and Penang offer stretches of white sandy beaches and unspoilt paradise. In Malaysian Borneo, renowned for its steamy rainforests and marine national parks, the landscapes and wildlife will take your breath way, famous for its endangered Orangutans and Mount Kinabalu.

Malaysia is generally hot all year round with differing rainfall patterns.

The east coast of peninsular Malaysia experiences rainfall between November and January whilst the west coast experiences more rainfall from August to October. Borneo has a tropical climate with heavy rain between November and February making travel more difficult, the weather in Borneo is at its best between May and October especially during the fruiting season when there is more wildlife activity.

Inspired to visit this amazing country? Oundle Travel offer a wide range of holidays to Malaysia to suit every style and budget; why not consider a Multi Centre Tailor Made itinerary incorporating two nights in Kuala Lumpur followed by a stay in Borneo and then a relaxing week in Langkawi at the end?

For a quote please contact the team at Oundle Travel on 01832 273600 – sales@oundletravel.co.uk

The Little Lane Preschool in Easton on the Hill

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HE Little Lane Preschool in the village of Easton on the Hill has just opened, the sister establishment of The Little Lane Nursery in Stamford, which itself opened two and a half years ago.

Opened by Victoria Banfield (proprietor) and Emma Altham (Nursery Manager), The Little Lane Preschool takes children from aged 21/2 - 5 years of age. It is open 7:30am to 18:30pm Monday to Friday, all year round and is Ofsted Registered. It is a 30-place nursery, offering a number of 3 & 4-year-old government funded places.

Victoria described the nursery in more detail to SL: “Our ethos for

our new setting is to create a free flow between indoors and outdoors there is a wrap-around garden around the setting. The nursery itself is a wooden log cabin, constructed in 2011 on the site of the former primary school in Easton on the Hill. There is an on-site small wooded copse area that we will rejuvenate for an onsite forest school.

“Our degree-qualified forest school leader, Melissa Mason, will be managing our new site on a day to day basis – she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Overall management responsibility will continue to be Emma Altham. As with our Stamford site we will be offering music and movement classes from Jo Jingles and BilinguaSing.

“Our new setting provides a great alternative to those parents/ carers that struggle to get in and out of Stamford. We have had a few children that will be moving between the setting, therefore opening up availability in our Stamford setting.

“It has always been our vision to open three nursery settings within the local area. The success of our first setting has been phenomenal, and we have already been approached with a possible third location.”

The Little Lane Preschool New Road, Easton on the Hill, East Northamptonshire PE9 3NN 01780 752220 info@littlelanepreschool.com www.littlelanepreschool.com The Little Lane Nursery 1 Silver Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BT 01780 752211 info@littlelanenursery.com www.littlelanenursery.com STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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News & Notes Oundle International Festival Highlights

A Century and a Half of Wedding Dresses on Display in Cotterstock

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HESE are just a selection of the many events and shows at this year’s Oundle Festival: Sat July 7 Oundle on Show: The town will be buzzing with a classic bike rally, featuring 100 cyclists dressed according to their era. Barnwell Country Park hosts Music in the Park, featuring six brass bands, including those from Stamford, Yarwell & Nassington and Thrapston.

Sunday July 8 - Hidden Spaces: take the chance to explore some places that are not usually open to the public, such as a classic car restorer, The Splined Hub in Oundle Marina, and Parson Latham’s Hospital, a grade 1 listed building (booking essential for guided tours). See stained glass windows in Oundle School Chapel created by artists Hugh Easton, John Piper and Mark Angus. Round off with Oundle’s Big Afternoon Tea at Oundle School Common Room between 5.15 and 6.30pm.

Thu July 12: The European Union Chamber Orchestra, returning from last year to put on a lively programme including Greig’s Holberg Suite, and a new work, A Light Exists, for which EUCO will be joined by The Rusty Players of Oundle. Hungarian soloist Daniel Lebhardt will be playing the piano.

Fri July 13: The Midnight Gang, adapted from the bestselling novel by David Walliams, is the perfect family entertainment, staged in Barnwell Country Park in the open air. Bring low backed chairs and a picnic for a night of fun and laughter!

Sat July 14: The Party at The Wharf is headlined by Toploader, and Peterborough band Austin Gold. Set up a gazebo, bring a picnic and get ready to dance to Dancing in the Moonlight, the band’s best-known hit!

To book tickets for any of these performances, call Oundle Box Office on 01832 274734, or buy online at www. oundlefestival.org.uk

Toploader

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INTAGE Wedding Dresses, dating from c. 1870 to the present day will be on display in St Andrew’s Church, Cotterstock PE8 5HD on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July Most of the dresses were worn by villagers, their friends or family and will be displayed on mannequins with veils, shoes, good luck tokens, photographs and jewellery.

Together they tell a wonderful story of the changing trends in bridal fashions and the way these were influenced by historic events. One of the dresses belonged to a bride who married her soldier before he went off to war in 1914.

Cambridge Vintage Bridal have been very helpful in loaning two dresses from the 1920s and 1930s and Rachel from the Wedding Room in Stamford has been supportive in lending mannequins and displaying a current gown as has Martin from Martin Charles Bridal Gallery in Oundle. There will be a display of beautiful antique wedding jewellery including a garnet necklace and ring worn by a bride in 1865, kindly loaned by Nigel Hill of Harpur’s of Oundle.

Admission is £5 which includes a complimentary soft drink; additional homemade cakes and refreshments will be served in the village hall.

Phonak’s ground-breaking Audeo B-R rechargeable hearing aids!

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F you’re over 60 years old there’s a 25% chance you have a hearing loss; if you’re over 75 years, there’s a 44% chance. Amazingly only a quarter of people with a hearing loss have ever done anything about it.

Visit Healthy Hearing at their Open Day on Wednesday 6th June 2018 and take advantage of a free hearing assessment and demonstration of the new ‘Audeo B-R’ from Swiss hearing aid designers Phonak. The ‘Audeo B-R’ is the first ever rechargeable hearing aid that provides 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge. Phonak rechargeable hearing aids are the quickest charging hearing aids on the market and come with a variety of easy-to-use smart charging options, to charge up wherever you are, without having to worry about running out of power.

Simply call 01780 759133 to book an appointment or call in on the day at Healthy Hearing Ltd, Stamford Hearing Centre, No 1 the Old Police House, Cliff Road, Stamford, PE9 1AB. Alternatively, a free home visit can be arranged.

Stamford Amateur Musical Society brings 9-5 to the stage

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to 5 is based on the 1980 movie of the same name and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It centres on the downtrodden working lives of three women, Violet, Judy, and Doralee. They work at Consolidated Industries, which is presided over by the sexist, lecherous, and pompous, Franklin Hart. The musical is a true reflection of working life for women in the 70s.

The musical contains the well-known song, 9-5; and includes strong chorus numbers such as, “around here”, “shine like the sun and” change it”. Each year SAMS help to support and raise money for their choice of charity. This year they have chosen Anna’s Hope.

Anna’s Hope is the leading Children’s brain tumour charity in the East of England.

Every penny donated goes towards helping children with a brain tumour. SAMS will be collecting for the charity at the end of each performance.

Tickets from www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

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News & Notes Which Stamford Houses are Actually Selling?

This month, our local property advisor and owner of ‘UPP Property’ David Crooke, analyses the current Stamford housing market to identify which sector of the market is performing positively, and in doing so, what’s not.

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O formulate the data, the Stamford property market was split into 4 equal size price bands (into terms of households for sale). Each price band having around 25% of the property, from the lowest in value (the ‘Lowest Quartile’ or 25%) all the way through to the highest 25% in terms of value, the ‘Upper Quartile’. Looking at the current Stamford housing market, calculations show that these are the Stamford price bands; • Lowest Quartile (lowest 25% in terms of value) Up to £210,000 • Lower/Middle Quartile (25% to 50% Quartile in terms of value) £210,000 to £270,000 • Middle/Upper Quartile (50% to 75% Quartile in terms of value) £270,000 to £375,000 • Upper Quartile (highest 25% in terms of value) £375,000 upwards So, having split the property market approximately into 4 equal sizes, the results in terms what price band has sold stc the most is quite enlightening.

Stamford Up to £210,000 £210,000 to £270,000 £270,000 to £375,000 £375,000 Upwards

Available 33 35 37 40

Sold STC 36 38 36 46

% Sold 52.2% 52.1% 49.3% 53.5%

The results are close, but the best performing price range in Stamford at the moment is the upper-end (bucking the national trend) with 53.5% of the properties on the market sold. The quartile below that is finding things toughest. Interestingly for Stamford landlords, the lower sector is also selling well, meaning there are plenty of landlords buying properties to add to their portfolios. Even though the number of first time buyers did increase in 2017, it was from a low base and the vast majority of 20 somethings cannot buy, hence the need to rent.

It is a fact that British (and our local) housing markets have ridden the storms of the oil crisis in the 1970s, the 1980s depression, Black Monday in the 1990s, and latterly the Credit Crunch together with the various house price crashes of 1973, 1987 and 2008. No matter what happens to us, Brexit or anything else, unless the government starts to build hundreds of thousands extra houses each year, demand will always outstrip supply.

Welcome to Rutland Open Studios

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UTLAND Open Studios is a flourishing community of artists, craftspeople and designer-makers working throughout Rutland and surrounding counties. Their aim is to help bring artists and local people together.

Throughout June they invite the public to visit their workshops and studios as part of the annual Open Studios event. This provides an opportunity for you to see their work and find out about the techniques they use and the passions that inspire them.

Over 40 Rutland artists will be opening their studios during the month of June and as this is the 12th consecutive year for this endeavour. The various works include Paintings, Printmaking, Pottery & Ceramics, Sculpture and Textiles.

Rug Studio celebrates 5 years

Find out details at: www.rutlandopenstudios.co.uk Additionally, Mill Lane Gallery will be open on Saturdays 9 / 16 / 23 / 30 and Sundays 3 / 10 / 17 / 30 June also Sunday 1st July.

Above: Mill Lane Gallery Left: Looking across the Water by Louise Chatfield

The Rug Studio will celebrate having been opened in Uppingham for five years by having a celebration party on June 2nd 2-5pm to say thank you to all their clients old and new for supporting them.

Rug Studio, 2 High St E, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ 01572 829927 STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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News & Notes SiB update: Stamford is looking bloomin’ beautiful

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HE end is in sight for the Stamford in Bloom (SiB) team of 29 volunteers who have been working hard by day and night to help prepare our town for entry into the annual East Midlands in Bloom/Britain in Bloom competition.

Judges will descend upon our streets at the beginning of July to critique the overall look of the town and will walk a pre-determined route to inspect the surroundings. The aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment - bringing the community together to jointly help out.

Organiser, Ann Ellis, has worked tirelessly over many months co-ordinating volunteers and liaising with the authorities to get key areas of public land cleared and planting schemes organised and installed. During the winter the SiB team has organised several competitions, a bring and buy sale, a market stall, evening talks and much more besides in order to drum up interest in and awareness of the project.

There’s still lots to get involved in over the next two months: “We are asking local residents to consider planting up an old chair (as in the photograph) to show their support. In addition, we are hoping residents will create their own door decorations to hang at the front of their house. Businesses are also being urged to style their windows with the SiB theme too,” says Ann. If you would like more information about how to get involved (there are several ways to plant up a chair and it’s worth knowing how!) and/or to find out the exact Heritage Route the judges will be walking, please contact the Tourist Information Centre at the Arts Centre for details or pop in and pick up a leaflet.

Trent Galleries in Oakham

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RENT Galleries showcases a diverse collection of original paintings, collectable limited editions and stunning sculpture by some of the UK’s most highly respected and collectable artists in the art world.

Trent Galleries are proud to be welcoming leading contemporary seascape artist Rebecca Lardner.

Rebecca will be making a rare personal appearance at Trent Galleries on Saturday 23rd June, between 2-4pm. She will be in the gallery celebrating the launch of a superb collection of her uplifting original paintings, limited edition prints and sculpture.

Over the last few years, Rebecca has become a major figure in the contemporary art world.

Her genius lies in her ability to create engaging and animated harbour scenes that encapsulate everything that is most charming about British coastal life. The lively impression of ceaseless everyday activity has led art critics to acclaim her as ‘the modern-day Lowry’.

Trent Galleries, 11 Mill St, Oakham LE15 6EA 01572 722790 www.trentgalleries.co.uk

Edith Weston Academy

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DITH Weston Academy has the highest aspirations for all of its pupils – they create an environment that fosters a love for learning through diverse and creative opportunities and academic excellence. They were rated Good in all areas

by Ofsted in November 2017, and were proud to be commended for: • Excellent leadership and clear school vision • Committed and skilled teaching team

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• Small class sizes to benefit all pupils • Pupils’ overwhelmingly positive attitudes towards learning • Superb teaching and provision in early years from ages two years onwards • Commitment to sport and exciting, creative learning opportunities They benefit from beautiful grounds on the south shore of Rutland Water, as well as their own on-site swimming facilities and a fantastic woodland and pond area within the grounds for children to explore and develop their learning in.

Visits to the school are welcome. www.edithwestonprimary.co.uk

Open day at Browne’s Hospital Broad Street, Stamford, built 1475 Sat 9th June, 11am-4pm, free entry

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N show are the Common Room, Chantry Chapel with famous stained-glass, Audit Room, Confrater’s Sitting Room and beautiful cloister garden.

Priest’s House Summer Exhibition

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HE Priest’s House is one of the National Trust’s smallest properties. Its permanent exhibition on Collyweston slating and mining now includes a video on Claude Smith’s recently re-opened slate mine. Additionally, this summer the Priest’s House is holding two temporary exhibitions: RAF 100 1918-2018 To celebrate the founding of the RAF 100 years ago this exhibition describes life in the RFC and the RAF in the earliest days of flying.

It also remembers the airmen from Easton who lost their lives in WW1, showing how they met their fate, and how the village was involved with its two nearby airfields, now amalgamated to become RAF Wittering.

The Tour De Sands Bike Relay – an historic 1,600-mile journey In 2017 around 100 riders took part in the Tour de Sands bike relay from Easton to Elviria in Spain. Over £90,000 was raised in memory of Sandra “Sands” Watson, who died of cancer in 2016. The displays provide a pictorial record of the journey and show plans that the beneficiaries of the appeal – the St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and the Lymphoedema Support Network – have for using the funds.

The building is being manned every Sunday in June, July and August 2.00pm – 4.30pm.

At other times access can be obtained by contacting one of the nearby keyholders shown on the property notice board.

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ESSENTIAL LIVING 2018-19

OUT IN JUNE

Your Guide to the very best the region has to offer Essential Living is our stunning annual publication that covers Stamford, Rutland, Market Harborough, Oundle & Peterborough.

It inspires people to get the most out of the region - to explore new places, to try out new things, to shop locally, to enjoy the best.

You will find it free at high visibility footfall places across the region – hotels, cafés, health clubs, hairdressers, libraries and meeting places.

Or read it online at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk It includes sections on: Shopping Discoveries Fashion, Health & Beauty Home & Garden Food & Drink Eating Out Out & About Kids’ Learning & Activities Education

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Out & About

Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month.

Osprey © John Wright Throughout June THIRTY DAYS WILD The team at Anglian Water have a full month of events and activities with a natural theme during June. Try an Osprey Cruise, badger watch, join a nature walk or the book group. Lots of activities are free although some are paid for. Details of all the activities are at rutlandwater.org.uk or by calling 01572 653024. Booking is essential.

Saturday 2 June, 7.30pm MUSIC AT ST MARTIN’S 2018 CONCERT SEASON This concert sees the return visit of virtuoso violinist Freya Goldmark with Craig White on piano.

St Martin’s Church, Stamford Tickets are £12/£10, students £5, under 18’s free - in advance on 01780 763 203 or on the door Sunday 3 June, 8.30am to 6pm THE RUTLAND COUNTY SHOW The County Show is one of the oldest agricultural shows in the country and takes place in the purpose built showground on the edge of Oakham each year. Visitors can expect a very traditional feel with livestock classes, horse and pony showing, British Show jumping and main ring entertainment as well as a host of other classic show attractions. Fabulous local food and drink, great shopping, entertainment and lots of surprises.

A fantastic family day out. Rutland Showground, Barleythorpe Tickets for adults £10 in advance and £12 on the day, children under 16 admitted free. Parking is free

Freya Goldmark Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 June, 7.45pm STAMFORD SHOESTRING THEATRE PRESENTS KINDERTRANSPORT Separated from her German Jewish parents at the age of nine, Eva is brought to England on the Kindertransport with the promise of a new life. Under the care of her kindly foster mother Lil, the young Eva slowly acclimatises to her new life and, at length, believing her parents to have perished in the camps, tries to re-invent herself as English. But memories and fears are not so easily erased. When her own daughter starts to question the story her mother has woven over the years, the protective shell that Eva, now calling herself Evelyn, has built around herself begins to crack. This modern classic by Diane Samuels is told with tenderness and warmth, across

the generations and the years. The issues explored remain as pertinent to us today as when the events of the late 1930s unfolded in Germany and England.

Stamford Theatre Tickets £10/£8 on 01780 763203 or at stamfordartscentre.com Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June STAMFORD FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL The festival returns by popular demand and is now in its third year.

There will be live music on stage for all to enjoy, a wide range of food and drink stalls from around the globe and children’s rides to keep the little ones entertained. Craft beer festival will also be part of this event together with a street food and seating area.

Stamford Meadows Saturday 9 June, 8pm THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Celebrating the sound of a generation and now seen by over a million people, it’s no surprise that The Magic of Motown is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience. This concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs from the classic Motown artists.

Burghley Park Tickets £37.50 on 01780 763203 stamfordartscentre.com

➧ STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

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Out & About

Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 July, daily SWEET PEA WEEK Enjoy the glorious displays of sweet peas, raised lovingly from seed in the greenhouses, the flowers in the meadows, the roses and cream teas. The whole garden is filled with the sights and sounds of summer with children most welcome. A great day out for the whole family.

Easton Walled Gardens To book tickets or for further information call 01476 530063 visiteaston.co.uk

Sweet Pea Week, Easton Walled Gardens Saturday 16 June, 7.30pm FUNDRAISING CONCERT BY THE STAMFORD SINGERS The Singers will give a performance of Faure’s Requiem plus a selection of sacred and secular pieces from the 20th century. The choir is joined by Stamford-born bass-baritone RobertJohn Edwards, and Leicestershire based soprano Caroline Sharpe. Entry is free with a retiring collection which will be donated to The Evergreen Care Trust.

St Martin’s Church, Stamford Sunday 17 June, from 2pm STAMFORD RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVAL Acts confirmed so far include the Danny Bryant Big Band, Paul Lamb and the King Snakes, The Groundhogs, Felix Rabin and the Rick Mead Band. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets from £24 at 01780 766455 or at stamfordcornexchangetheatre.co.uk Friday 22 June to Sunday 24 June THE ROLLS ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS CLUB ANNUAL RALLY The highlight of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club year is the Annual Rally and Concourse, taking place this year at Burghley. This is the largest Rolls-Royce and Bentley gathering anywhere in the world and makes a spectacular sight. The whole event spans a weekend, with trade and other stands, an auction of cars and automobilia, as well as class judging and a parade of prize winning cars. Burghley Park.

Admission is free and the house and gardens are open as usual.

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

Book early for...

Burghley Film Festival From Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 July Five days and nights of fabulous film are back at the Burghley Film Festival set in the beautiful South Garden with Burghley House and parkland providing a spectacular backdrop to the big screen. For 2018, the open-air screenings of hit movies ranges from ‘Saturday Night Fever’ to ‘The Lion King’ – along with a spot of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ as well as acclaimed war epic ‘Dunkirk’. New for this year will be a new food market style area offering filmgoers a host of foodie treats alongside the real ales, the G& T bar and Pimms on tap. Tickets are now on sale, either for the daytime screenings featuring two family films - including ‘Paddington 2’, ‘The Lego Batman Movie’, and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ or the evening session, which feature ‘Top Gun’, ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Italian Job’ among others.

Tickets cost £15 adults and £9 children. Parking is free. Daytime tickets give access to both screenings during the day, and evening tickets give access to both evening screenings.

For a full list of all the movies and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

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From top nightclubs and star-studded events to a Stamford family disco; it is not a comedown for Matt Pigott and Heidi Blake, they are embarking on a new vision for their future and offering a new twist to the family weekend, as Louise Goss discovers

Matt Pigott and Heidi Blake: Fizz Pop Family Disco T HE chandelier lights are dimmed, music beats are pumping out from the DJ stage, bubbles are floating through the air, lights are flashing and in the centre a six-year-old is spinning madly on the dance floor, soon joined by his parents who start recalling their disco days. This is not a fun, family wedding, this is Stamford’s monthly Fizz Pop Family Disco, the brainchild of former international DJ, Matt Piggott and his partner, Heidi Blake.

“We were just looking for something we could do together,” explains Heidi. “The kids come along and they help… It’s a family thing and it’s fun.”

Matt, who works as a copywriter, has always been passionate about music. He began working as a DJ in Manchester at a time when acid jazz was taking off with groups such as Jamiroquai and Massive Attack. Although he ended up working as a carer for adults with disabilities, he continued DJing, playing high-profile gigs at film wrap parties and even Kate Winslet’s first wedding.

“Where it was a real career for me was in Sydney,” says Matt of his DJing.

It was while Heidi and Matt were travelling in Australia that Matt made the decision to go back and work there for a few years. He had all his records and started knocking on doors which got him a job at Australia’s second biggest comedy night in Sydney. “I got loads of contacts and my DJ career took off,” says Matt. “I was all over Sydney DJing at some of the big clubs… roof-top parties…”

Three years on, Matt returned to the UK and another of his passions, writing. He has completed the first draft of a novel and would not have returned to DJing were it not for his son’s local school asking for help with their disco.

From there, the idea of Fizz Pop was born.

“I notice all the parents,” says Matt. “They are looking at their watches, thinking, ‘When’s this going to finish? We want to get out of here.’ Then you go to the pub and there’s no music and the kids are getting fed up… When we had younger kids, I would have loved to have had somewhere to go and have a dance to some good music.”

Once a month the couple host the event on a Sunday afternoon at Stamford Arts Centre, selling Prosecco and lager for the adults and offering free cordial for the children. Each disco is growing in numbers and everyone from toddlers to grandparents finds their way to the dance floor.

“Funnily enough, the boomers are the ones that really go for it,” says Matt. “One woman was 60 and she did not come off the dance floor.”

Their concept is simple: a fun time for the

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STAMFORD LIVING JUNE 2018

“The boomers are the ones that really go for it”

whole family. “The first flyer said Fizz Pop Disco and I thought something was missing,” says Matt. “It was the word family because it’s about everyone getting together and having a great time.”

They have a long-term vision for the disco and are excited about the possibilities, which include finding fixed premises and building towards a mini-festival. “Eventually we would like to draw on more people… local artisan businesses,” says Heidi. “We would like to put on bigger events

and get people in doing more things: maybe a magician, jugglers, face painting, that kind of stuff.”

Music will remain at the core of their event. Matt admits he has had to make a few adjustments to his playlists. “I used to be a real music snob, but I’ve changed a lot in that respect.

I will literally play whatever is going to work,” he says. “Typically, we’re playing disco, a bit of 80s, house, funk, reggae, quite an eclectic mix of music, a bit of pop as well.”

“He was an electric house DJ,” says Heidi, laughing.

It is a far cry from the days of DJing in the shadow of Sydney Opera House, but Matt is using his skills and passion to bring a lot of joy and something a little different to Stamford families.

“I’ll play anything upbeat, get people going,” he says, adding with a smile, “I’ll drop in a few little house numbers for my own pleasure.”

Upcoming discos: 9 June, Nene Valley Community Centre 7-10pm 15 July, 19 August, Stamford Arts Centre www.facebook.com/fizzpopdisco

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