Stamford Living December 2013 by Best Local Living

HELPING

YOU

GET

THE

MOST

OUT

STAMFORD LIVING FOOD/FASHION/HEALTH

BEAUTY/HOME

LIVING

LOCALLY

CELEBR

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

RITAIN!

GARDEN/LIFESTYLE

The Perfect Gift

Inspiration from local independent shops

W W W. B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K

9 771478 377017

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£1.50 DECEMBER 2013

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Greatford

£1,175,000

Approached by a sweeping gravelled drive and set within the heart of the village, Becket House was built circa 1985 within the original grounds of Greatford Hall. The property was built by the present owners and extended in 2009 with the benefit of a detached barn conversion offering a two bedroom home ideal for an annexe or residential letting. The gardens adjoin a tributary of the River Glen and much of which is within the original walls of Greatford Hall.

Castor

£1800 pcm

A superbly presented detached home set in the desirable well served village of Castor. Finished to a high standard throughout the accommodation comprises entrance hall, large reception room with doors onto garden, dining room, study, wc, well appointed breakfast kitchen with high quality corian worksurfaces, integrated, oven, hob, microwave and dishwasher. To the first floor is the master bedroom with ensuite shower room, principal bathroom, two further bedrooms sharing a en-suite bathroom and bedroom four. To the rear is an enclosed rear garden and garage. The property can be available either furnished or unfurnished.

Call us now for more information

01780 765060

Helpston

£950 Pcm

This well presented and refurbished period bay fronted home is situated in the heart of the village, set back from the road close to the Church, village shop, bus stop and public house. Ground floor: Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen breakfast room, study/rear entrance area, garden room, utility room. First floor: Large landing, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, bedroom three. Outside to the front of the property is a gated gravelled drive leading to a single garage with gated access to the rear of the property. Private front garden with mature shrubs and trees and is enclosed to the front with a five bar gate and stone wall. Available Now.

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

www.knightpartnership.com

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S TA M FOR D LIVING Losing my way I had a little sneaky preview of the ‘possible presents’ list and it looks as if I might be getting a sat nav for Christmas. I’m a bit worried though because, although I know it will cut down car squabbles, I have so many fond memories over the years of getting lost and, although my walking companions will vouch that I am rubbish at it, I love map-reading. My life has been punctuated by map reading disasters. Leaving a French town along the right road but in exactly the wrong direction. Going to the x on a spot where the rented cottage was supposed to be at 1am in the morning to unintentionally wake up a farmer and his wife who announce we were in the wrong county; or probably most alarming of all walking up entirely the wrong peak in the Cuillin in Skye to realise somewhat too late it was a climb not a walk. I could go on… Anyway, I’ll probably never get to work out how the sat nav functions.

Nicholas Rudd-Jones Editor

@LocalLivingUK

DECEMBER CONTENTS W W W . B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K UPDATES, SHOPPING 5 15 16 18 21 35 36

Editor’s selection Updates: Bubble & Squeak photography Face of Stamford; Robert Loomes Robina watch Updates: New kitchen range at Orchard: Energy denim parties; who was Troublechurch Browne? Updates: Dealing with Depression; Peterborough Cosmetic Clinic; The Limes Therapy Updates: Cell Regeneration; Riverford Organic Boxes; Holidays for Hounds Christmas Book ideas from the Stamford Living team Support our independents: “My Perfect Gift” feature

24 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 12

Fashion: Putting on the Glitz Health & Beauty: The healing power of massage

HOME, GARDEN, MOTORING AND TRAVEL

23 24 30 45

Travel: Sri Lanka Design Interiors: Christmas decorations Design Updates: The Ketton Design House Gardening with Adam Frost

45 GARDENING WITH ADAM FROST

FOOD & DRINK 27

48 51

53 56 60

Food & Drink: Candlesticks; The Riverside Café; Hambleton Bakery Christmas range Food & Drink: John Lewis Christmas Tasting Food & Drink: Belton Garden Centre Award; Jim’s Yard Charity Cycle Ride; Oundle Mill award; Morello deli opens; new chef at The Garden House Hotel Olive Branch recipe: Cranberry custard tarts Food & Drink: Christmas Spirit: A store cupboard full of culinary delights Food & Drink: Great local cheeses

ACTIVITIES, LEARNING & BUSINESS

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

23 29 65

Finance: Add a little certainty to your future Learning: Early Years Education at Stamford Junior School What’s On

8 PUTTING ON THE GLITZ

PEOPLE & PLACES 46 70

Countryfile: Robins & Christmas Stamford People: Sue Taylor, market trader and café proprietor

56 CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

COVER PHOTO: ANDY THOMPSON

SUBSCRIBE TO STAMFORD LIVING For only £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Stamford Living for a year (12 issues). Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: SL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY Or you can subscribe via the website at www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Care Visits at Home A comprehensive care at home service Serving customers throughout Stamford, Rutland & Peterborough Seasons Greetings from All at Bluebird Care

Call our professional team on 01780 480881 Our staﬀ

Our staﬀ are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

Call our professional team on 01780 480881 or visit us online at www.bluebirdcare.com or call in for a chat. 2 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford. PE9 2DR

Alternative

What we oﬀer

Bluebird Care oﬀers a realistic cost eﬀective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

We oﬀer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

What to get the girl that has everything? Some great gift ideas from Uschi Veitch.

GIVE A LITTLE LUXURY 1. Hammered silver chunky cuﬀ £30

2. Gold and pearl eﬀect brooch £24 3. Quilted bronze handbag £54; bronzed and leather necklace £27 4. Cashmere jumper £99; silver pearl and ribbon necklace £27 Still stumped? Pop into Georgi Collections for further ideas or to pick up a gift voucher.

7 All Saints Street Stamford, Lincs PE9 2PA 01780 756444 georgi-collections.co.uk December Opening Hours: 10-4 Tu-Sat (or by appointment) 4

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Some Festive Ideas Stamford Choral Christmas Concert Tue 17 Dec at 7.30 pm in Stamford School Hall Tickets £8 (£7) Accompanied children £1 available from The Arts Centre 01780 763203

The 7th Stamford Santa Fun Run Sun 15 Dec, 11.00am, Burghley Park This is a great opportunity for groups and individuals to raise funds for their own organisations or favourite charities. Coverage of a previous Fun Run is on www.youtube.com search for Stamford Santa Fun Run

ugs uld Plug for orpev , then this co en better pugs gs, l start-up If you love do ft, from a loca t Christmas gi ec rf pe e k th .u be hop.co pugproductss business www.

Notebooks by Notary Each book is bound by hand in Stamford, England by classically trained bookbinders, using superior quality materials sourced from British suppliers www. notebooksbynotary. co.uk

renae to ugh nA o r o b r e t e P to t e a Barrie’s classic tale Peter Pa s.lifcoe mon ic n one brIc Peter PIcae St inging JM russianicestar ars ar Tickets: www. The Russian 27, 28 and 29 Arena on Dec gh ou or rb te Pe

New footpath New footpaths are few and far between – here’s the opening of a new one from Pilsgate to Burghley Park. The Boxing Day stroll perhaps? STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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ANAND SHOES

of Stamford

• Stockist of high quality leather footwear from:

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

Bears

• Shoe care products • Key cutting & Engraving service

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

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FASHION

Putting on the glitz at Havershams Words & styling: Sally Stillingfleet Pictures: Elli Dean

Delia (left) navy draped back sequined dress by Luke Lovely £199 from Jacks. Claire (right) Blue sequined mini dress £50 from Energy, Ayala Bar earrings £140 from Jules by the Riverside. Roger Vivier black courts £120 (Delia) Balmain suede courts £120 (Claire) both from Arch Label Agency.

t’s not often that the perfect backdrop for a Christmas shoot falls into place so easily; but such was the case with Havershams Barn in Eastonon the Hill, which provided the most sparkly setting and shopping experience. A rare cornucopia of fantastic vintage finds and lovingly sourced homewares, cleverly displayed with stunning Christmas decorations packed with vintage character and liberally sprinkled with glitter. The most eclectic setting for sequined dresses, lacey outfits and lovely jewellery guaranteed to make you stand out this Christmas. Thanks to Havershams owner Delia Calder and Claire for modelling.

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Midi-dress £29 from Baubles & Bangles, Ayala Bar earrings £140 and crystal clutch bag £52 both from Jules by the Riverside.

claire: Sequined jumper by Oui £129, with silver lurex vest by Rosamunde £40, Silver print cigarette trousers by Oui £129 and stilettos by Sam Edelman, £170 from cavells. Ayala Bar earrings £140 from Jules by the Riverside. Delia: Black Jacinta lurex dress by Josephine & co £179, patent court shoes by calpierre £115 all from cavells.

Lindsey Baker from Will Wheelwright suggested two sophisticated ‘Up-Dos’ for models Delia and claire. Lindsey is a creative and experienced wedding specialist and is very experienced in creating hairstyles in keeping with up to the minute trends, whilst working with the style of the clothes we have chosen. keeping the hair up allows the clothes to be shown off and the intricate weaving and shaping has created two wearable but ‘vintage’ styles. Delia’s shoulder length hair gets a soft up-do, which is both elegant and romantic. claire’s one length hair with a fringe appears to be thicker but with backcombing claire’s hair is teased to one side and is all ready to party! Will Wheelwright – Tel: 01572 757137 www.willwheelwright.co.uk

Many thanks to Liza Smith, a freelance professional make-up artist, who has created two pretty but sophisticated party looks for both models with lots of shimmer - perfect to highlight and accentuate features and perfect for the glitzy dresses. Liza Smith – Tel: 07788 421401 liza@professionalmakeup-artist.com

Almost Famous lacey peplum top £90 with navy Esprit camisole £15, burgundy Mac jeans £100 all from Attic. Michal Negrin floral long earrings £149 from Jules by the Riverside. Valentino sandals £250 from Arch Label Agency. Right: Delia Black velvet mini dress from Energy £30, worn over Tim Ryan cardigan with sleeve fringing £190 from Arch Label Agency. Bill Skinner necklace £125 from Jules by the Riverside. Left: claire cream vintage-style dress £65 from Seaweed with gold Anya Hindmarch clutch bag £100 from Arch Label Agency.

Havershams – Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 26 High Street, Easton-on the Hill, Stamford. Tel. 01780 766655 www.havershamsbarn.co.uk info@havershamsbarn.co.uk STOckiSTS: Jules by the Riverside – Wharf Road, Stamford. Tel. 01780 755948 www.julesofstamford.co.uk Energy – 9 Ironmonger St. Tel: 01780 765633 Attic – 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford. Tel: 01780 766667 Baubles and Bangles – 10 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford. Tel: 01780 763633 Arch Label Agency – 43 St. Peter’s Street, Stamford Tel: 01780 764746 cavells – 16 Mill Street, Oakham. Tel: 01572 770372 Seaweed – 8 St Mary’s Hill, Stmford. Tel: 01780 767878 Jacks – 16 Church Street, Market Harborough. Tel: 01858 431396 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Corioliss Straightners available for Christmas gifts

We are delighted to welcome to our salon, stylist Lauren Bliss. Bookings available immediately Like our Facebook page for current offers.

Corioliss Hair Straighteners

Wella salon

1A Iron Mongers St. Stamford, PE9 2PL T: 01780 757070

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

All aspects of beauty therapy available

GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTIFUL SKIN G vou ift availchers able

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

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Join us to relax, rejuvenate and unwind while we make your experience with Maples of Stamford unforgettable. Choose just one amazing treatment or a complete pamper package. We can tailor make your day so please call one of our experts. Our aim is to make your time with everyone at Maples of Stamford one you will want to repeat.

GIFT IDEAS? Our Clarins, Elemis, Jessica and Tigi gift sets are perfect for the people you love or why not treat someone special to a Maples gift voucher. HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Sandra is delighted to welcome creative hair stylist Kelly Ireland to her small and friendly salon. With over 20 years experience, Kelly has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of hairdressing and has recently attended advanced colour and cutting courses to add to her creative portfolio. Kelly welcomes new and existing clients and is now taking bookings – so let her help you fall back in love with your hair again with a seasonal refresh.

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre @ Greetham Valley

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

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

HAIRESS BEAUTY & NAIL BAR Want to look groomed and gorgeous? A new dimension to the already thriving business - introducing beauty therapist Anna Jackson, who is offering a range of treatments including UV Acrylic extensions, gel polishes, file & polish and waxing treatments. Anna offers great value for money and a really friendly, personal service and has introductory offers throughout December. TICKING ALL THE BOXES FOR A PERFECT FESTIVE TREAT!

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

‘Caring for Local Athletes’

1 Wellington Lane, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1QB

01780 765815 F Hairess@facebook

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre

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

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HEA LTH & BE AUT Y

The healing power of massage Genevieve Potter discovers that a deeply relaxing massage or an hour spent having reflexology can be a wise investment in yourself at this busy time of year Reflexology master class Jo Lloyd of The Foot Garden is a leader in this field; and having been a client of Jo’s for many years I can certainly vouch for her skill and expertise. I always leave her studio in Wymondham near Oakham with an incredible sense of wellbeing and (although reflexology should not replace conventional medicine), Jo is able to spot any underlying health issues. Jo is a member of the Association of Reflexologists and initially set up The Foot Garden in London. Having spinal reflexology herself following an accident turned out to be a life-changing experience for Jo. She decided to retrain and embarked on a Physiology degree as well as becoming certified in Spinal Reflexology, Maternity and Taiwanese reflexology. Spinal reflexology is based on stimulating the spinal reflexes on the feet and is a powerful and effective way of reducing back pain. As Jo works over each individual vertebra she is able to identify which nerve roots may be out of balance. If a spinal nerve is sensitive it can stop an organ functioning correctly, which can be the cause of back pain. For an example – T6 is the thoracic part of the vertebra which relates to the stomach, if this is out of balance it may cause IBS/digestive issues. By working over the nerve root, not only will back pain improve, but the stomach’s neural pathways will become clear, allowing it to function properly. T9 which is the vertebra that is connected to the adrenals and working on this can help lift the mood, increase one’s energy levels, boost the immune system, lower stress levels and help the client to feel generally more positive. Whether participating in one treatment to enhance wellbeing or a course of treatments to effectively treat back pain, reflexology by a skilled practitioner like Jo can be a life enhancing experience. Jo Lloyd The Foot Garden – Tel: 07971 477220 www.thefootgarden.com Email: Jo@thefootgarden.co.uk At Stamford’s Essence of Beauty, the newest member of the team, Lorraine, is also an experienced reflexologist who previously worked at Stapleford Park. The Essence team can also offer hot stone massage; a prolonged application of hot Basalt thermal stones which soften and relax the muscles, allowing for a more intense and deeply relaxing massage. Reflexology costs £38 for one hour and hot stone massage £35 for back, neck

and shoulder or £50 for full body; however Essence are offering 20% off these treatments for Stamford Living readers during the month of December; (please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking). Essence of Beauty 15 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 763564

The ultimate aromatherapy massage at Flawless Faces I recently experienced a Decléor ‘aromassage’ full body massage with Jade at Flawless Faces. Jade explained that a good massage can contribute to overall wellness; with many of her clients treating themselves to a monthly appointment to relieve stress, improve circulation and skin tone and to help regulate sleep patterns. The main elements of a good massage are the skill of the therapist in getting the pressure right; (it’s good to ask for firm pressure as this maximises the benefits of the massage; but it’s vital to point out any injuries or particularly tense areas so that the therapist can take this in to account). The massage products themselves should be 100% pure plant-based oils, as is the case with the Décleor arromassage balms; which smell

divine. Jade selects the blend of oils based on each client’s requirements; there’s even a combination to treat cellulite, but as relaxation was my key objective, the balm used during my ‘relax intense’ massage included pure camomile and jojoba oils. Jade used wonderfully flowing movements known as effleurage on my back and neck, then moved to focus on one limb at a time, before a pressure point massage on my head, at which point I could feel the dull headache I’d had all day just float away. I left feeling utterly chilled and was happy to follow Jade’s advice to avoid doing anything too strenuous and just to have a relaxing evening; not forgetting the need to drink lots of water to flush away any toxins. My hour’s massage was a perfect winter treat and it would also make a fantastic gift for someone who could do with some deep relaxation. The Décleor aromassage costs £43 for 60 minutes, but during December you can experience a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder arromassage with Jade for just £20, when you mention Stamford Living at the time of booking. Flawless Faces 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford PE9 2AJ Tel: 0844 999 3365 www.flawlessfaces.co.uk

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Hot stones at Equilibrium Equilibrium are experts in hot stone therapy, which, as the name suggests, is a perfectly warming winter treatment. A hot stone massage takes skill and sensitivity on the part of Equilibrium’s therapist, who will use the stones as an extension of their own hands, by placing them on the body in a specific formation while they massage other parts of the body. The heat from the stones helps to warm tight muscles, so that the therapist can work more deeply and effectively. The stones are also believed to have an energetic charge which will improve the flow of energy in your body; with many devotees claiming to feel uplifted as well as deeply relaxed after this treatment. When you book a hot stones back massage at Equilibrium during the month of December (£40) you will also receive a complimentary express facial (worth £30). Please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking.

Body Matters’ massage Body Matters specialise in massage of all varieties. Using acclaimed Dermalogica products, Kirsten and the team aim to relax and energise their clients. A full hour’s sports massage with Kirsten or Maurice can feel like a life-saver for anyone who suffers from tight, sore, aching muscles. Kirsten

also offers full body massage; a favourite treatment for stressed clients, incorporating a facial massage, or the salon’s most popular massage; the deep tissue back, neck and shoulder; perfect for relieving every day stress and tension. Body Matters can also help you go back to basics with a body exfoliation therapy; when combined with a massage this treatment will leave you with healthy, glowing, hydrated skin. Stamford Living readers can take advantage of £5 off any of these treatments enjoyed during the month of December (please mention Stamford Living at the time of booking). Body Matters Stamford Westside Health Club West Street, Stamford PE9 2PN Tel: 01780 481096 www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk

Winter warmers at Asembo The ESPA aromatherapy massage at Asembo is guaranteed to soothe and warm, even on the coldest winter day. The 60-minute treatment uses one of seven unique ESPA aromatherapy oils that are chosen with the client during a sensory test. The potent oil has a deep effect both emotionally and physically and should last for up to six hours after the treatment; whether the massage is

focused on deep relaxation or muscle tension. After the massage, you’ll be treated to a mug of hot chocolate and a warm mince pie to prepare you for the outside world! The ESPA aromatherapy massage costs £40, but Stamford Living readers can get 10% off all Asembo winter warmer treatments taken during December, when mentioning Stamford Living at the time of booking. Asembo 20 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford PE9 2HN Tel: 01780 765337 www.asembo.co.uk SToP PrESS – Renaissance have just become stockists of the prestigious Micheline Arcier aromatherapy products - the range is used in some of the UK’s best salons, including the Bluebird spa in Chelsea. The brand was founded by Madame Micheline Arcier, who was a French aromatherapy and holistic pioneer. Most of the products are still hand-blended and have not been tested on animals; experience the benefits for yourself, by booking one of a range of massage treatments at Renaissance, or purchase the products from around £30. renaissance 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford, PE9 2FW Tel: 01780 763768 www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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West Street, Stamford. PE9 2PS (just along from Waitrose)

01780 762908

ALSO STORES IN Bourne, Spalding & Peterborough

OPENING EARLY DECEMBER

THE FOOT CLINIC

THE FAn OOT CLINIC advanced clinic -‐ Our specialist team of Health Care Professions Council

registered principle podiatrists offer first class surgical chiropody and podiatry An advanced clinic specialist of Health Professions Council treatments with -‐ a Our difference fusing team medical, beauty Care and health (Medical Pedicure) and providing outstanding care that visibly transforms your feet. registered principle podiatrists offer first class surgical chiropody and podiatry treatments with a difference fusing medical, beauty and health (Medical THE aN AIL SPA Pedicure) nd providing outstanding care that visibly transforms your feet.

Whether it’s for a quick shape and polish or to add some finishing colour to your THE N AIL SPA medical pedicure, our Nail Spa provides professional nail care for both the hands

and feet. All Nail Spa treatments are performed by professionally trained and

qualified Nail and polish or to add some finishing colour to your Whether it’s for a Tqechnicians. uick shape pedicure, our Nail Spa provides professional nail care for both the hands medical Using the world-‐renowned Cuccio range of luxurious botanical natural skin and and feet. All Nail Spa to treatments are Clinic performed by professionally trained nail care exclusive Snowdens Foot & Nail Spa. A unique collection of and qualified Nail Technicians. salts, lotions, masques and treatments will have you feeling invigorated, refreshed and inspired. Using the world-‐renowned Cuccio range of luxurious botanical natural skin and nail care exclusive to Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa. A unique collection of NAIL CARE INSTRUMENTS salts, lotions, masques and treatments will have you feeling invigorated, refreshed and inspired. To reduce the risk of transmitted infections such as fungal nails from inadequately sterilised instruments, all our nail care instruments used within the foot clinic and nail spa (manicures / pedicures) are sterilised to the highest NAIL medical CARE standards INSTRUMENTS and each patient/client will have their own individually sterilised pack of instruments. To reduce the risk of transmitted infections such as fungal nails from

inadequately sterilised instruments, all our nail care instruments used within the BODY CARE foot clinic and nail spa (manicures / pedicures) are sterilised to the highest standards and each patient/client will have their own individually medical Chiropractic - Dr Jolyon C H Hibbins (Chiropractor) sterilised pack of Clinic instruments. For further details please contact Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa on 01778 590107

BODY CARE

Chiropractic Clinic - Dr Jolyon C H Hibbins (Chiropractor) For further details please contact Snowdens Foot Clinic & Nail Spa on 01778 590107 • SL dec ADS.indd 14

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Made in Stamford, best in the UK

Faces of Stamford Once again the Faces of Stamford winners had to practice their best smiles and take part in the Autumn/Winter photo shoot. The gorgeous models had to wear clothes from Bubble and Squeak, showcasing a variety of labels including Name it, Mayoral, Hatley and Noa Noa. The talented Lyndsay, from Shutterbox Photography knows exactly how to get the best out of the children. You’d never guess from the pictures who took the longest to warm up! Pop into Bubble and Squeak to see these outfits and many more as well as the brilliant Orchard Toy range, Fuzzy Felt, Hamma Beads, puzzles, and lots of traditional wooden toys. • Shutterbox Photography, Lindsay Ford, Tel: 07580 388880 www.shutterboxphotography.co.uk • Bubble & Squeak, 30 High St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BB 01780 755799 www.bubbleandsqueakstamford.co.uk

Robert Loomes of Stamford are a traditional watchmakers with their family origins in watch making dating back to the 1640s. Loomes have been selling modern watches for years and in 2011 they launched a limited edition of entirely British-made watches. New for 2014, the Red Robin and the Red Robina (the 31mm sister to the Red Robin’s 38mm) are made in solid 18ct rose-gold. Typical of Loomes dedication, the case, crown and even the buckle are dependably cast, machined and polished in their Stamford workshops. Once complete each case is taken to the Assay office in London for hallmarking in exactly the same way that Thomas Loomes would have done in the 1640s. Thus each watch is assayed and also marked with the Loomes’ unique “sponsor’s mark” (RL). For a dress watch the movement design is significantly altered. The long fourth wheel pinion is shortened and the seconds hand removed. The movement is, as ever with Loomes watches, fitted with their own British sapphire watch jewels and their own springs, and slowly built and decorated. The original Robin watch engraving echoed the Loomes work of the 1640s. The Red Robin and Red Robina are intricately engine turned and rosegold plated. The train-wheels are subtly bevelled and poised before fitting.

Hand-polished and blued steel hands are fitted over a unique Loomes white-glass enamel dial, again, all manufactured in their Stamford workshops. Said Robert, “We are fortunate - our dial painters have worked here for more than ten years now, and they easily adapted their techniques to produce true enamel dials. It sounds easy but enamel is such an artist’s material. It takes real skill and experience to fuse it to a copper substrate and to obtain that smooth, hard, durable surface. Modern painted dials will not last a century. Glass-enamel will endure for hundreds of years. Our forefathers knew best.” Robert Loomes’ Robina women’s watch was recently launched at the exclusive Saatchi Gallery in the King’s Rd in London. Robert Loomes was one of a carefully selected group of international brands invited to the event, ranging from the grand house of Jaeger-Le Coultre to independent ateliers varying in origin from Henley to St Petersburg via almost every valley in the Swiss Jura. In other words, in the very best horological company. A Stamford brand very much at the top of its game. • Robert Loomes & Co., 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 481319 www.robertloomes.com

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Energy Denim Home parties Sarah and Claire are two of the highest energy people I know, and they also happen to be very knowledgeable about jeans. So put 2 and 2 together and you get a jeans party! So here’s how it works. Host a party in your home with some friends and Energy will join you with lots of different styles and lots of designer jeans to try out in the comfort of your own home, with your girlfriends around to provide some helpful advice too. Energy can bring tops and other items of clothing too if you wish. The host will receive 10% of total sales made • Just get in touch with Sarah or Claire at Energy, 9 Ironmonger St, Stamford PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 765633 www.energy-clothing.com

New kitchen range at Orchard Orchard has just taken on the superb Stoneham range of kitchens Snoneham offers kitchens at the mid-to high end of the market that can be tailored exactly to your space and needs. They have been making fine furniture since 1864, based in Kent and still very much a family firm, with three Stoneham Brothers at the helm. They have a Royal warrant And what better team to work locally with Stoneham’s than Orchard? First of all, with their complete range of building expertise, Orchard is able to take any project through, no matter how extensive or complex, from inception to completion. Secondly, Maxine Couch, who will be your key service contact, has more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen business and can help you every step of the way to achieving exactly the result that you dream of. She can suggest solutions that you may never have thought of and make sure that all the elements are brought together in the optimal way. She is passionate about Stoneham kitchens: “I love the product, it is incredibly well made and thought through; they can do just about anything that I ask! A Stoneham kitchen works well in a traditional room but can still offer something contemporary for today’s lifestyles. With Stoneham and the Orchard team you are in very good hands. Why not pop into the showroom on Scotgate and take a look at the new range. • Orchard Kitchens, 22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Tel: 01780 481850 www.orchardstamford.co.uk

Who was Troublechurch Browne? If you were around in Stamford at the time when Lord Burghley was building his Hall, or when William Shakespeare was writing ‘Twelfth Night’, you might have heard of a young man from Tolethorpe called Browne who got the nickname ‘Troublechurch’. He is not remembered much in Stamford today which is a pity as his story is a very interesting one. The Pupils of Ryhall Church of England Primary School, working with local historian John Haden, set out to tell this story and to publish it as a book ‘Robert ‘Troublechurch’ Browne of Tolethorpe and the Separatist Movement’. So, what’s the connection between Stamford Bus Station, the Tobie Norris pub, the spire of All Saints’ Church, an old peoples’ home on Broad Street, the school motto ‘+ me spede’, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge,

fishing in the River Gwash, the Bishops of Norwich and Peterborough, men hanged for selling a book, the village of Achurch in the Nene Valley, Northampton Prison and Stamford Shakespeare at Tolethorpe? To find the answers to these questions and to learn more of the story of this fascinating man, you are invited to All Saints’ Church, Stamford, at 7.30 pm on Thursday 5th December for the launch of the book and a free illustrated talk by John Haden. One of the questions the pupils of the school set out to answer was: ‘Do we have to go to Church?’ They all agreed that today we can go if we want to but it was very different in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Then, everyone had to go every Sunday or be fined or worse. It was Robert Browne’s objection to this compulsion that led him to start his Separatist Movement, a break-away group from the Church of his day. Many, including Browne, went to prison. Some lost their lives. The Congregational Church looks back to Robert Browne as their founder and one group of his followers, from Scrooby in

Nottinghamshire, left England to start new lives in America. They became better known as the Pilgrim Fathers. • Copies of the book are available from Walkers of Stamford; or contact John at jdhjhaden@btinternet.com

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Wishing All Our Customers A Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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

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Silhouette Soft Lift at Peterborough Cosmetic Clinic

The Limes Have you a special dress that you want to fit into or jump start to a new and slimmer you, then try a Shrinking Violet body inch loss wrap. Shrinking Violet body wrap works by lipolysis, a revolutionary method to remove unwanted fat from difficult areas such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and upper arms. The amount of fat reduction depends on your build but a minimum of 4-6 inches may be lost in just one body wrap there is no need to shower as the wrap continues to work for 72 hours. The procedure is effortless and painless; after taking measurements and preparing the skin, you are then wrapped up with a heat-inducing wrapture then relax for 60 minutes on a heated bed. After thatthe wrap is taken off and measurements are taken again. Shrinking Violet is great as a one off treatment or a course of treatments is advisable for longer lasting results. • For more information please call The Limes on 01733 311554 www.thelimestherapies.com

Dealing with depression Depression is a common mental health problem that affects people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. About two thirds of adults will at some time experience depression severe enough to interfere with their normal activities. Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed partly due to hormone changes occurring pre-menstrually, at menopause, during pregnancy or after childbirth. Depression is estimated to cost the UK £7.5 billion a year in medication, benefits and lost working days. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2020 depression will be second only to chronic heart disease as an international health burden. Although everyone occasionally experiences a low mood, these feelings usually pass after a couple of days. When a person has clinical depression, these problems can become chronic or recurrent, interfering with daily life. Depression causes symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, anxiety, irritability low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, weight change, tiredness, lack of motivation, concentration or libido, physical pain, and suicidal thoughts. Depression is likely to result from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. It may be triggered by stressful events, such as bereavement, illness, relationship problems or financial difficulties. Duncan Ford, an acupuncturist and British Acupuncture

As well as her many other aesthetic procedures Miss Zahida Butt can now offer her clients the fabulous innovative Silhouette Soft lift treatment for the face. This amazing procedure is a new treatment in facial rejuvenation that combines two actions in a way never before achieved. This one treatment has two actions: The lift action has an immediate and discreet effect giving results that can be seen instantly and then it gives a regenerative action for gradual and natural results by restoring lost collagen to add more definition to your features, while maintaining volume over time. The neck, cheeks and jowls can be restored immediately with a 30 – 60 minute procedure with no downtime. There are no incisions and the components are all entirely re-absorbable. This amazing technique can only be performed by either a surgeon or doctor - Miss Butt is a consultant surgeon who is highly qualified to undertake this procedure. This procedure has been used for many years in various medical fields and especially in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. It can be carried out in her clinics, has long lasting results and can be used as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with dermal fillers and injectables for other facial lines. Miss Butt will be happy to give a personal tailor made treatment for your face at a consultation. • Please contact the Peterborough clinic on 01733 310090.

Council member says “In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.” “Studies indicate that acupuncture can have a specific positive effect on depression by altering the brain’s mood chemistry, increasing production of serotonin and endorphins. Acupuncture may also benefit depression by acting through other neurochemical pathways, including those involving dopamine, noradrenaline, cortisol and neuropeptide.” Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of traditional medicine, which has been used in China and other eastern cultures for thousands of years to restore, promote and maintain good health. Its benefits are now widely acknowledged all over the world and in the past decade traditional acupuncture has begun to feature more prominently in mainstream healthcare in the UK. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises that acupuncture can help resolve specific symptoms or conditions. Traditional acupuncture can also be used as a preventive measure to strengthen the constitution and promote general wellbeing. • To talk to Duncan about acupuncture call 07714 575720 or to book an appointment please contact the Broad Street Practice on 01780 480889 or go to www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk.

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Creating beautiful bespoke kitchens Mark Goodacre creates individually handcrafted kitchens for people who appreciate a higher standard of design and finish in their homes

Come and visit our show room for more examples of our work, or call to make an appointment to discuss your requirements

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Introducing the Silhouette Soft Thread Lif t for the face â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no downtime just instant results

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

01780 481033 07900 901944

NEW! SHRINKING VIOLET BODY WRAP

A REVOLUTIONARY BODY INCH LOSS WRAP • Non-invasive • Pain free Now available at The Limes www.thelimestherapies.com

Tel:01733 311554

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Holidays for Hounds – the launch of a new local business

The Riverford food magic Nicholas Rudd-Jones became an instant believer in a different way of sourcing and enjoying food after a visit to Riverford at Sacrewell Farm We were lucky enough to be invited for a walk around the farm followed by lunch by the Riverford team. There is no quicker way to becoming a convert! Riverford sources its organic vegetables from the farm in Sacrewell and sister farms in the surrounding area that grow to the same organic principles. Your choice of box each week is incredibly flexible – ranging from the small veg box, through the salad box and combi boxes to meat, cheese, even milk and special seasonal boxes. Riverford boxes will make you more adventurous with food, but at the same time you have complete control over the order each week and you can tailor it in exactly the way that suits you – if no-one likes swedes, if you have guests for the weekend, if you are planning a dinner party or perhaps you are going away for a while etc. etc. And where Riverford stands out is that they are keen to engage with the customers at a food level – recipes, recipe books, apps, suggestions to bring the veg box to life each week. Not sure what to do with salsify – just put it into the Riverford app and it will come up with a delicious recipe! Just for the record, we had a divine vegetable tart for our lunch, with roasted parsnips sprinkled with harissa and yoghurt, roasted beetroot, potato gratin and black kale stir fried with garlic; I never knew curly kale could taste so good! We loved the meal so much we signed up for a weekly organic box there and then! We sat next to a couple who were on their 400th box. They told us with huge enthusiasm: “We love the experimentation, the freshness, the fact that the produce is always in season, the flexibility of the ordering…in fact just about everything. We couldn’t dream of living without it. And our sons, who have left home and are married now, order their regular weekly boxes where they live!” • To do the same, just visit www.riverford.co.uk Check out the wonderful Christmas selection

A lifelong animal lover, whilst studying for her degree and working part time, Anna Bowen was asked on several occasions to look after the dogs of her friends and family. She was more than happy to help and even stayed at their houses with the dogs while their owners were away. However all this got her thinking, surely if the dog owners she knew needed their dogs looking after then others must be in the same boat too. Anna has now set up a pet sitting agency from her home in Peakirk and named it Your Pet’s Paradise! Calling on an old school friend to take some professional photos and two other school friends from Newborough to create her website she was soon up and running. She is currently recruiting ‘Holiday Homes’ who are dog lovers prepared to take a dog into their home and care for them while their owner is away. Anna will match a dog and owners needs to the best Holiday Homes and then offer the owner the choice of who they would like their dog to stay with while they are away. Anna knows herself the enjoyment and fun you can gain from looking after dogs and knowing that they’re having a great time while their owners’ minds are able to be at rest, safe in the knowledge their beloved pet is being well looked after. If you think you like the idea of becoming a Holiday Home then she is still looking for people who would enjoy having dogs stay with them for holidays or even just for day care. • If you think it’s something that you would like to do then you can contact Anna at anna@yourpetsparadise.co.uk and visit her website www.yourpetsparadise.co.uk for more information.

Cell Regeneration Do you know anyone with aches and pain? Do you know anyone with Arthritis? Does a family member suffer from Osteoporosis? Imagine if you could give someone the gift of being pain free! Cell Regeneration uses MBST therapy to non-invasively regenerate cartilage and increase bone density to help people suffering from these problems. MBST has been used to treat over 180,000 people worldwide. If you know somebody who this year couldn’t do something they wanted to because of their pains and lack of mobility then this is the Christmas present for them. With MBST treatment, they can look forward to the possibility of a much more active 2014. This Christmas give a loved one the gift of a more comfortable life and book them in for MBST at Tinwell. • Please visit www.mbst-therapy.co.uk for further information on how MBST can help a loved one. Call Liz Clare at Cell Regeneration on 01780 238084 or email liz@cell-regeneration. co.uk with any questions you may have. STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Browns Christmas Opening Times Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year From Browns Hairdressing Always here for you Monday 9 – 6, Tuesday – Friday 9 – 9 , Saturday 9 – 6

Christmas Opening Hours Sunday: Open only Dec 8th-22nd 23rd December: 9:00am - 9:00pm Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Day: Closed Boxing Day: Closed Friday 27th: 10:00am-9:00pm Saturday 28th: 9:00am-6:00pm Sunday 29th: Closed Monday 30th: 9:00am - 6:00pm New Years Eve: 8:00am - 4:00pm New Years Day: Closed

Tel: 0844 999 3365

Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ

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Add a little certainty to your future Ian Gornall of Ian Gornall Financial Planning, Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, looks at ways of making your future more secure

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Spotlight on Sri Lanka Sri Lanka was formerly known as Serendib and more recently Ceylon. This island nation has a wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural treasures and is the perfect destination for a holiday during our winter months. Floating just off the southern coast of India, it has long been known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. It is a land of phenomenal beauty and is home to seven World Heritage sights, from the bustling capital of Colombo to the many wildlife experiences. You will discover breathtaking scenery with pure contrasts from palm fringed beaches to lush tea plantations, all of which is experienced in a tropical climate with the natural charm and hospitality of the locals. English is widely spoken and the island offers a myriad of cultural sights. Oundle Travel recommends a private island tour with you own chauffeur for a holiday to remember. Several options are available: a shorter three night tour may be combined with a beach break, starting in Colombo the capital and travelling to the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela, moving on to The Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Caves, finishing in Nuwara Eliya. Longer six night and East coast tours are also available and may also be combined with relaxation at one of Sri Lanka’s stunning 5* properties at the end of your trip. The Fortress in Galle is a particular favourite, offering a choice of contemporary-style accommodation and a stunning Spa, offering a unique experience in a tranquil atmosphere. The Vivanta by Taj offers a wide array of facilities with sailing, boating and windsurfing nearby. Prices are subject to availability. Flights are available directly from London Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines. Emirates also offers a convenient service from Birmingham Airport via Dubai with superb connections making the onward journey very smooth. • The Fortress Resort & Spa – From £1245.00 per person for a 7 night stay in January 2014. • The Vivanta by Taj – From £1065.00 per person for a 7 nights stay in March 2014. • Tailor Made Tours with Private Chauffeur – From £795.00 per person depending on departure date and duration. • Please contact Oundle Travel on 01832-273600 for more details. The Fortress in Galle

We live in economically-challenged times. The threat of further recessions, unemployment, and a second global banking crisis have left many people with less money in their pocket to spend. Often, we will have some level of life cover in place, typically to pay off the mortgage. However, protecting your family is more than buying a simple life insurance policy. The harsh and sad fact is that we are very likely to be close to someone who gets a serious illness. Take cancer, for instance. According to Macmillan, the cancer charity, one in every three of us will be diagnosed with cancer and one-third will be below the age of 65. What’s more, every year 275,000 people suffer a heart attack, of which some 155,000 of those people will survive. Taking out a Critical Illness policy can offer some financial reassurance. These policies promise to pay out a lump sum not when you die but on diagnosis of a specified condition, for example cancer, a stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or multiple sclerosis. It is not just younger people that need to consider protecting their family, wealth and health. You will have seen whole of life assurance for older people advertised selling over-50s plans to cover funeral costs. However, whole of life assurance policies do more than simply cover funeral costs. They can for example, also help against a potential inheritance tax (IHT) bill. Inheritance tax is currently paid on the excess of an estate worth more than £325,000 or over £650,000 if you are married or have a civil partner, where the full benefit has been passed to the surviving spouse. A common way to prepare for IHT is to take out a whole of life assurance policy in trust, which provides a sum of money that can be used to pay the IHT bill after you die. The proceeds of the policy do not form part of your estate, provided it is in a trust.* Many people think of financial planning as creating wealth. It is, but it is also about protecting what you already have. With a little bit of thinking - and some expert guidance - you can add some certainty to your financial future. • To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Ian Gornall of Ian Gornall Financial Planning, Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management on (07889 226225), by email Ian.gornall@sjpp.co.uk or visit www. iangornallfinancialplanning.co.uk *Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

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DES IGN SOLUT IONS

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly... In 1647 celebrating Christmas was made illegal in England and anyone found making mince pies, or putting up decorations was arrested. Since the ban was lifted in 1660, Christmas seems to have become ever more commercial, with a growing market for festive products to decorate our homes and outside space. Antonia Scott takes a look at different decorating themes from the traditional to more contemporary 21st century twists John Lewis

John Lewis

ed and green are the familiar, traditional colours of Christmas which are most commonly represented in our homes by an evergreen fir tree and the red berries on holly branches. But with the ascent of commercialisation on all things festive, decorating your house can become quite overwhelming with the multitude of themes on offer. As most interior stylists would advise, try and avoid your home becoming the ‘nightmare before Christmas’ by choosing a theme that keeps everything looking in sync and not just a higgledy-piggledy mess. John Lewis has a variety of Christmas decorating themes to choose from this year to help customers create 5 distinct ‘looks’ as Lisa Rutherford, seasonal events buyer, explains: ‘Woodland Wonder’ is a pared back, colourful and bright Scandinavian inspired theme that celebrates the simplicity of Christmas. From intricately folded origami stars to concise laser cut tabletop trees and decorations, the clean contemporary lines and neat edges create a look that will brighten any home. Pre-lit white paper trees twinkle both inside and out, whilst wooden forest animals add character and charm. The ‘Forest Festival’ decorating theme is inspired by the colours of the forest in winter, aimed at capturing children’s excitement

with bright colours and engaging soft, tactile decorations such as honeycomb balls, knitted angels, multi-coloured pompoms and felt baubles which hang jauntily throughout the home. The ‘Odyssey’ theme is a modern take on Christmas, inspired by dashes of bright colours and futuristic metallic glass baubles, creating a minimalist, high end look which suits contemporary houses well. Reflecting on Christmases past, ‘Rural Life’ celebrates the natural charm of a traditional British Christmas by capturing the essence of our countryside, providing a window into a world of snowy landscapes, quaint country lanes and red breasted robins. Textured decorations in wool, wood and slate inspire a rustic and homely ambiance, along with knitted stockings, wooden churches and Christmas crackers. Lastly, the ‘Vintage Market’ theme is romantic, enchanting and magical, with twinkling lights illuminating hand painted, aged metallic glass in gold, pink and pearl. The beauty is in the detail of the intricately embellished decorations with ribbon and lace which look great hanging from John Lewis’s 7ft vintage blue pine tree. The sophisticated dusky colour palette allows this collection to be easily translated to weddings and other special occasions.

John Lewis

Indoor Decorating Ideas If real live Christmas trees give you ‘needle nightmares’ but you want a more economical contemporary alternative to the faux fir trees, why not create an alternative look by using red and green parcel bows stuck to the wall to make the outline of a tree. You could also achieve a similar effect with a string of white fairy lights, attached to the wall with white-tac. These ideas work particularly well if space is at a premium or you have safety worries for young children and animals with a heavy tree. Christmas cards can often be the bane of your life throughout December, as you run out of room on your mantelpiece and windowsills. Instead, display your cards creatively by sticking them to lengths of red ribbon on a wall or chimney breast and between each card attach a holly sprig or miniature bauble. Step back in time and give your home a retro feel this Christmas with recycled vintage paperchains made with old wallpaper, comics and books. Creative children can happily while away an afternoon doing this. Often the simplest of festive decorations can have the most impact – large sparkly glass baubles can be attached to ribbon and hung on the wall for a modern twist on traditional tinsel. Or string together a line of neon baubles of differing sizes for a strikingly original display. A large wall, or hallway arch make the perfect

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Havershams

Miss Pickering Flowers

Havershams

backdrop to hang individual baubles on long clear threads, each a different length, for a dramatic waterfall effect. Why restrict your Christmas wreath to just the front door? Add festive lighting to your dining table by using twinkling battery-operated fairy lights to adorn a wreath hung above the table.

Get Creative with Greenery Head outside for cost-effective Christmas decorations by creating some evergreen garlands and holly or suspending greenery “chandeliers” using cedar foliage and fragrant juniper to fill your home and add nature’s colours to your scheme. Create mistletoe spheres by using floristry oasis ‘balls’ that can be suspended in prominent thoroughfares for maximum effect! A house at Christmas isn’t complete without a poinsettia - with their familiar red or white variegated leaves; they look wonderful worked into a wreath or table setting, along with fragrant rosemary napkin rings. The combination of Amaryllis and laurel leaves also look wonderful round church candles as table centrepieces. Miss Pickering Florist has some top tips: “Trends this Christmas are for lots of wild foliage and large statement blooms such as amaryllis in metallic containers; drag out the

punch bowl and fill it with ivy, spruce and flowers, rather than punch that nobody drinks anyway. Use different styles and heights of candlesticks and candelabra to add glamour to your Christmas table - tea lights are so 2012!”

Wreaths Most Christmas wreaths are a variation on the traditional green foliage and red berry combination, however for a more contemporary door wreath, try spray painting pine cones white, silver or gold and adding subtle coloured accents with ribbons, bright baubles or sparkly painted leaves. Or embrace the Game season and opt for eye catching pheasant and quail feathers or decadent peacock quills for a truly country look. You can also make some beautifully scented wreaths or tree decorations using cinnamon sticks and naturally dried fruits like orange, lemon or lime slices.

Countdown to Christmas The cost of decorating your home for Christmas is a consideration for many of us particularly when you work out that they are only on display for approximately one month of the year! So it’s worth keeping to a theme that matches your home so you can reuse them every year without the danger of them dating. Never forget to make good use of nature’s freebies – pine cones, holly and greenery – which can all

come alive with some silver spray! So, whether it’s the waft of freshly baked gingerbread or the citrus tang of peeling clementines that evokes fond festive memories, sit back and ‘roast some chestnuts on an open fire’ whilst admiring your festive handiwork. Havershams is the brainchild of Delia Calder and Amy Edwards who have turned Delia’s barn at the back of her house in Easton-on-the-Hill into a treasure trove of Christmas goodies. As a ‘pop-up shop’ opening times are currently limited to Friday and Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm, but week day or evening group appointments are available upon request. Email info@havershamsbarn.co.uk for more information. ContaCts: John Lewis: Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough. www.johnlewis.com Miss Pickering Flowers: St Paul’s Street, Stamford. www.misspickering.com Designer Flowers of Ketton: 2a Stocks Hill, Ketton, PE93TF. www.designerflowersofrutland. co.uk Tel: 01780 720999 (Celebrating their 10th anniversary – congratulations!) Havershams: 26 High Street, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3LN. www.havershamsbarn.co.uk Chez soi: 26-27 High Street, Stamford, PE9 2AY. www.chezsoionline.co.uk Tel: 01780 482845 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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ur ow to yo ke n sit t. e o en i r cu s b ep m Se ma ll d int a o t ris sm pp Ch h a isa d it w ave s

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Professional care and attention for your pet • Two fully equipped operating theatres

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Kitchens • Fitted Furniture • Joinery www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

LEARN TO FLY FISH CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS Activity Gift Vouchers Now Available Online www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk/ giftvouchers Gift options for everyone; Total Beginners, Improvers, Experienced Fly Fishers, Coarse Fishers. Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups & Corporate Fly Fishing Team Days. Contact Rob Waddington on 01572 722422 or email rob@learntoflyfish.co.uk

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FOOD & DR INK

Candlesticks – hidden gem It had been a while since Nicholas Rudd-Jones had been to Candlesticks; he was impressed Candlesticks really is Stamford’s best kept-secret. It has been in Church Lane in St Martin’s since the mid 70s, and in all that time the character and quality of cooking has remained at a consistently high level; founded by Pinto Senior and led by Nelio Pinto, his son for the last five years. Candlesticks has one of the most loyal followings in Stamford, and by the end of your evening there you will understand why. Let me try and explain. The restaurant is not a hostage to trends. It has a traditional familiarity that makes you feel comfortable the moment you walk in, with a bar and seating area upstairs and an intimate feel. You will be offered a drink from the bar by Nelio (he is an expert on wine, particularly Portuguese wine, the family comes from Madeira) and a chance to peruse the menu. The pace of the evening is perfectly modulated. This is a kitchen and a service that knows its customers and capabilities well, and everything runs very smoothly. The Thursday evening we went there was a good crowd enjoying themselves; the couple of the table next to us had come at least once a month for many years, and you had the feeling that everyone was familiar with the place and very relaxed there. But it is of course the food on which Candlesticks must be judged, and on this it does very well too. If you like great food as it used to be – well-made sauces, substantial centrepieces, a generous selection of vegetables served separately - basically the best of classical cooking – then this is the place for you. I started with the ‘Avocat aux crevettes’ – well prepared and full of taste. Elli chose the ‘Crepes de Fruit’, pancakes filled with various seafoods, which she loved. Tasty, quite substantial, different, never had it before. I chose ‘Espada’ fish for the main course, described as ‘Madiera’s most delicate fish, simply grilled in olive oil’, with generous portions of vegetables to go with it. Delicious. Elli chose the vegetable lasagne, a large portion which she had absolutely no trouble consuming. Big portion, nourishing, filling, classic traditional vegetable lasagne. Finally desserts – a delectable coffee mouse and a meringue with fruit – both home made, delicious and indulgent. So great food, great service, a set price of £21.90, which really represents great value. • Candlesticks, 1 Church Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2JU 01780 764033 www.candlestickshotel.co.uk

The Riverside Cafe under new management The Riverside Café is one of the most charming spots in Stamford – perched alongside the river, an intimate space with lovely furniture and a ‘classic’ look. It has recently been given a fresh lease of life by the enthusiastic trio of Simon Whatling, Nikki Graham and Lisa Scott, who worked in the café under the previous ownership, but have come up with fresh ideas of their own. What is totally undiminished is the quality of the cakes, pastries and savouries – they are lucky enough to still have the services of Sarah Pope, a highly accomplished pastry chef. The Riverside is open every day from 9 to 5, and is a great place for tea or coffee and a cake. But with the launch of a new, great value menu it is also a great spot for a light lunch. No-one is ever too hurried here, so it’s a great place if you want to come and hang out for a while and have a good chat. Newspaper, magazines, relaxed atmosphere, jewellery, clothes and antiques next door to browse. The day Helen and I had lunch there was a choice of two freshly made soups and four different homemade quiches. We chose the beetroot with roasted vegetable soup, which was a meal in its own right. For the main course, Helen chose the Broccoli & Stilton quiche, and I chose the Homemade Sausage. Meals come with salad, crisps and homemade coleslaw. The pastry is crisp and light, all in all a delightful plate of food. • Riverside Café, Wharf Road, Stamford PE9 2DU Tel: 01780 766651

Hambleton Bakery’s Christmas Range Julian Carter of Hambleton Bakery was recently voted Baker of the Year in the prestigious BIA trade awards. Whilst you will probably know them best for their range of organic, real bread, they are also becoming renowned for an indulgent range of Christmas goodies that will add enormously to the gastronomic pleasure of the festive season. This range is available from the start of December. Especially notable are the Christmas puddings, very rich and rather alcoholic, based on an 1844 recipe handed down through Julian Carter’s family. Also of great distinction are the Christmas Crowns – 6 buns in a pan, with ginger, calvados apples, golden raisins, sultanas, peel and glaze. SWEET Christmas Pudding Mince Pie (puff pastry) Mini Mince Pie with Frangipane Lemon Tart

£7.50, £14.50 £1.10 60p £1.80, £6, £12.50 Treacle Tart £1.60, £6.80 Morello Cherry Tart £1.80, £6.80, £12.50 Cranberry & White Choc Cookie £1.00 Christmas Crown £7.50 Chocolate Brownie £1.50 Eccles Cake £1.20 Pecan Bun £1.00 Pecan Ring £9.00 Florentine Tart £1.80 SAVOURY Rutland Pippin Ploughman’s Parcel Stilton & Celery Scone Cheese & Rocket Muffin Olive Bread Date & Walnut Bread Sausage Roll Seasonal Quiche Cheese Straw Mediterranean Tart

£1.85 £1.75 90p £1.30 £1.65 £3.20 £1.50 £2.10 50p £1.90

The full range of breads will be available as usual in all the shops. For Christmas orders, you are asked to order products by 16th December. • Stamford Shop 1 Ironmonger St, Stamford PE9 1PL To order: 01780 754327 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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LE AR NING

Getting started well

Early Years education goes from strength to strength at Stamford Junior School

eception children at Stamford Junior School are enjoying greatly improved facilities this year at the School’s new Early Years Reception Classes. The Reception Classes have been relocated to the refurbished stables building, adjacent to the Stamford Nursery School, so that together they cater for children in the Early Years, from age three to five. The Reception Classes are housed in a beautiful converted stables building, which is light and spacious inside, and situated in the leafy, extensive grounds of the Junior School. There are two classrooms, which contain state-of-the-art ICT facilities, including iPads and interactive touch-screens, which replace interactive whiteboards. The two classrooms are connected by a studio space, where children are encouraged to explore and investigate a wide range of opportunities, including drawing, painting, sculpture and cookery. There is a great emphasis placed upon children’s creativity and curiosity, and the studio space is at the heart of this approach. The learning environment then opens onto the outdoor classroom, a safe and secure courtyard in which the children can learn through adventurous play. There is a wooden fort, complete with slides and rope ladders, a racing track, benches and a stage for the children to practise storytelling and dramatic role play. There is a sheltered area which encourages full use of this indoor/outdoor learning environment in all weather. Upstairs, there is a room which is used as an adult space, where the school can further develop a working partnership with parents. Also, the school’s health team are running a series of workshops there, the Parents’ Association use the space for meetings and the Early Years teaching team use the space to document children’s learning. The formation of a discrete Early Years’ zone will also facilitate an even smoother transition as the children move upwards from the Nursery, into the Reception Classes, and then up into Year 1 at Stamford Junior School. The sometimes scary prospect of ‘moving up’ will be greatly lessened by the familiarity and regular contact with the rest of the school. The building has been designed according to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principle-led framework, which is play-based and child-centred, the underlying belief being that learning is social in nature and that all learning is inter-connected. Mrs Samantha Weeks, who has been appointed as the Director of Early Years, said of the Reception Classes’ ethos, “Every child here is respected as an individual, and so their teaching and learning experiences are tailored to their needs. The topics we cover, for instance, are generated by the children’s interests.

“In the Early Years, we embrace the SES ethos of ‘Independent Learning and intellectual Curiosity’ (ILIC). During the Early Years, we achieve this through the principles of the EYFS and, in doing so, we foster and nurture a love of learning. We place creativity and the expressive arts at the centre of children’s experience and are strongly influenced by early childhood practice in Reggio Emilia.” Samantha will be ensuring that children benefit from the most effective and up-to-date Early Years’ practices. Until recently, she worked for the University of Northampton as a senior lecturer in Education, Early Years. She maintains a relationship with the University as an Associate Lecturer and, as a result, is able to employ practices supported, extended and enhanced by current research and debate in the field of Early Childhood. The Early Years team at SJS will benefit tremendously from this relationship with the wider Early Childhood community Mrs Emma Smith, Head of Stamford Junior School, said of the new developments, “It is so important that, from an early age, children are engaged and involved in their learning and we believe that through a creative and stimulating teaching environment and approach, children of a young age can develop motivation and ownership of their learning. We are delighted to welcome Mrs Weeks to our Foundation Stage team and are privileged to be drawing upon her professional background and skills. Through Mrs Weeks’ university practice and PhD, we gain the exciting prospect of new professional relationships and involvement with leading educational bodies in philosophy and practice.” If you are interested in a place at Stamford Junior School or Stamford Nursery School, visits can be arranged at any time by contacting the School on the below details.

Entrance Examination - Saturday 18th January 2014 For entry into Stamford Junior School, Stamford High School, Stamford School and the Sixth Form in September 2014 For entry into the senior schools, assistance with fees is available through SES scholarship and bursaries, which have no catchment area restriction. To register for the exam, please contact the Schools on the details below. Phone: 01780 750310 Email: ses@ses.lincs.sch.uk Web: www.ses.lincs.sch.uk

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D E SI G N I N T ER IOR S

Bringing your Dream Lifestyle to Life: The Ketton Design Company Breckenridge, a nationally established business offering bespoke building solutions, has recently opened brand new premises in Ketton. Stamford Living went along to have a look

The new Breckenridge showroom What better way to envision the impact of adding space to your house – be it a conservatory, orangery or other extension – than being able to visit a showroom that has had several of these structures added so that you can see exactly how they look with an existing property? Lee Vaughan, the Managing Director, told us: “We wanted a location that was appropriate for our company and brand – and we were struck by the beauty of Ketton, its mellow stone and proximity to Stamford, voted the best place to live in Britain. At the same time we wanted to offer a new concept in how to bring your dream lifestyle to life – what better way to envision it than to actually see a physical example in a typical local village?” The Breckenridge team has been welcomed by the village, and have tried to source locally wherever possible. The signage, for example, was created by Barker Signs of Great Casterton The core Breckenridge offering Breckenridge offers turnkey project management from inspiration through design

to installation. They are experts in building and construction, and offer state of the art solutions in hardwood, engineered metal and high-end glazing. They listen carefully to a customer’s ideas and preferences (how will it benefit your lifestyle?) and are keen to restore rather than replace; embracing what is good, restoring sympathetically. Ketton Design House But the new location is also about much more; as well as offering Breckenridge’s core services, Lee is bringing together a group of top suppliers from the region in order to offer customers complete lifestyle solutions, which means that they can have everything sorted in an integrated fashion rather than have to shop around and pull the stuff together themselves,

often involving considerable time and hassle. To that end he has formed partnerships with Hunter’s Interiors and Creation Audio Visual. He is also close to bringing into the Design House a top kitchen supplier and a stove installer. Hunter’s Interiors Hunter’s Interiors has been established for twelve years and has consistently made a design difference in the best homes throughout Hunter’s Interiors the UK. They have a wealth of experience and are delighted to deal with your design needs whatever the size and scope of your project. Hunter’s commissions have included overseas clients with holiday homes in the UK, country cottages, historic country and town houses, London and Home Counties properties, Golf Clubs to name a few.

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Candida Smith and Georgie Teesdale can work alongside you, looking with fresh eyes at your project. They will use their expertise in suggesting the most suitable type of lighting, effective window treatments, the most appropriate type of fabrics to use, along with suggestions for furniture and layout. They will also discuss who uses the space and for what, consider how the room breaks down into zones for various tasks and how to make the room work for you. These are the small details which makes it so useful to have a professional designers input. Teaming up with Breckenridge will mean that projects can be seamlessly managed from inception through structural design and building works to interior design and finishing touches. There need only be one point of contact, thereby reducing the risk of delays or miscommunication between suppliers – thereby saving clients time and hassle. Creation Audio Visual Creation AV is a custom design and installation audio visual company. They deliver cutting edge automation and entertainment systems that

Creation Audio Visual gives you the power to control your entire home at the touch of a screen. They work as part of the team to provide a truly bespoke solution to meet your requirements. From home cinema systems or multi-room audio right through to a fully integrated home to control your AV, manage your lighting, curtains, entrance gates, heating and security systems. All of which can be controlled from a single device such as an iPod or an iPhone. Creation AV has a wealth of technical experience and will custom design, supply and install tailored solutions with the minimum of fuss to make the complicated simple, whatever

the size and scope of your project. So whether you are looking to integrate a system into an existing room, start from scratch for a new build or undergo a whole house refurbishment, Creation will be there every step of the way. There will be a range of the latest audio visual technologies on display and home cinema at its best so you will get a good idea of how it might work in your home. Demonstrations can be arranged by the knowledgeable and friendly team. In a nutshell, said Lee Vaughan, “We want to enable people to be able to embark on a home development project and not pull their hair out. We and our partners will do the legwork, saving you all the time required for co-ordination and cutting down the chances of mis-communication between specialities.”

• Breckenridge, Ketton Design House, 63 High Street, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3TE Tel: 01780 400500 www.breckenridgeconservatories.co.uk Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm Sunday by appointment only STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Cloudnine

New Home & Gift Shop Please feel Free to Pop In for a Friendly browse 

Cloudnine first opened in Market Deeping 3 years ago, A lovely Town definitely worth a visit. Stamford, is also a special place and I was really excited to join the extensive range of independent shops when Cloudnine opened its second shop on Stamford Walk in October. Customers really appreciate finding ‘that something different’ at a very reasonable price.

We offer: handmade bath bombs, scarves, home accessories, candles, jewellery, ceramics, frames, handbags, special occasion pressies and much more. We’ve had a fabulous reception, thank you for the support!

Alison & Jan

Cloudnine Gift Shops

Stamford Walk, Stamford (links High St & St Mary’s Street) www.cloudninegiftshop.co.uk

Beautiful gifts for friends, home and family

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CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

YY &BB

You & Beyond

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JEWELLERY

14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford

14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF, 01780 755996 PE9 2DF // 01780 755996

www.youandbeyond.co.uk Be inspired at pandora.net

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SHOPPING

Great Christmas reads

This is our contributors’ take on great Christmas reads – eclectic, often not mainstream, but never dull! Romps, Tots and Boffins...the Strange Language of the News By Robert Hutton Recommended by Richard Barry A hundred-page dictionary of all those clichés used only by journalists. Bubbly, used for female murder victims; Swoop, how police arrest suspects, ideally before dawn; Doesn’t suffer fools gladly means a nightmare boss; Wiped off, the tragic fate of millions of pounds down at the stock exchange. You get the picture. This book is a fun way to decode the weird and wonderful language of the news. Must read (there’s another one!) for anyone who’s addicted to newspapers and magazines. Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies By Hilary Mantel Recommended by Alysia Anderson Hilary Mantel’s gripping and Booker Prize-winning characterisation of Thomas Cromwell is a work of genius, bringing this historical figure vividly to life through his incisively imagined words and thoughts. Planned as a Tudor trilogy, the first two published volumes would make a wonderful gift for any fan of historical fiction, readying them for the final tome which Mantel is currently penning. Wolf Hall covers Cromwell’s rise to power at the court of Henry VIII while Bring Up the Bodies brings alive the intrigue surrounding Anne Boleyn’s fall from grace. Astounding. Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection: 2013 Recommended by Antonia Scott Quite simply we are a nation obsessed with baking, thanks to the popularity of The Great British Bake off. This beautiful hardback book states on the cover, ‘In Mary We Trust’ and she reassures us that the contents are ‘delicious, reliable recipes every time.’ What’s not to love? I’ve lingered over all 266 pages many times and hope my big sister won’t notice my finger marks before I give it to her for her birthday, one week before Christmas as she’s hosting! The Queen’s Knickers By Nicholas Allan Recommended by Jack (7), Sofia (5) & Rafferty (4) Scott This book never fails to entertain every child I’ve ever read it to. Combining childlike illustrations and comical musings on what kinds of under garment Her Majesty chooses on a daily basis. Particular favourites in our

household are her ‘parachute pants’ for ultimate flying safety, the ones she wears to read her Christmas Queen’s speech (made out of holly to keep it short!) and her ‘at home’ knickers (adorned with corgis). Beautiful Ruins By Jess Walter Recommended by Genevieve Potter This would be a great present for just about any adult who enjoys a compelling and original piece of fiction. It’s set in a remote part of Italy and is in essence a love story, but there is so much depth to the two central characters and so many layers to the story that I literally couldn’t tear myself away. It took the author over fifteen years to write and you’ll see why. Bewitching and memorable. And Sew To Bed By Caro Cutts and Alison Beadnell Recommended by Sally Stillingfleet As someone who sews and rarely makes clothing anymore this book has been worth every penny. There are over 30 full size patterns included in the book, with projects such as a lovely nightwear and kimonos, childrenswear and accessories like wash bags and even a Babushka Pillow. Step-bystep guides to making with clear instructions, the ideas are lovely and very rewarding to do. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry By Rachel Joyce Recommended by Antonia Scott This novel surely tops every Book Clubbers ‘book of choice’ for sheer page turning joy. It is the story of a sweet, gentle man of retirement age called Harold who decides quite spontaneously to walk the length of England to visit a dying friend from years gone by. With a definite nod to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, adult readers will find it both intriguing and profoundly moving. Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn Recommended by Nicholas Rudd-Jones I’m not sure if this is a truly great book, but boy it’s readable. All you need is a couple of quieter days after Christmas, and you will hurtle through this one at top speed – a psychological thriller with many twists and turns, taking familiar relationship issues to outlandish extremes. STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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22/11/13 00:06:37

L OCA L SHOPS

My Perfect Gift

Independent and Proud of it! This year Stamford got voted Britain’s Best Place to Live. And one of the reasons cited was the range of independent shops in the town, with their epicentre in the St Mary’s Quarter. This year has seen many openings and existing shops continuing to thrive. Once again Nicholas Rudd-Jones asked some of the local independent shop owners what they would choose themselves in their own shop if they were buying? Words: Nicholas Rudd-Jones Pictures: Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Anand Shoes Steiff mice, £18 (there are lots of bears too) “Over 100 years old company, keeping the tradition alive, hand-made, very collectible.”

Dawson Set of three pave diamond-set heart stacker rings. The set of three rings is £3,800. ”White gold, rose gold, white diamonds, stunning and elegant.” Nick Dawson Right: Lambs Cookware Brie Baker. £13.99 “Just put it in the oven for 15 minutes, and you have a golden liquid feast.” Left: Lambs Tableware Howard Hare, £90 (part of a range, starting at £30) “Stylish and goes with any colour scheme.” Janet Brown, owner

Attic Fashion Beaded collar, in gold or pewter, £35 “Simple elegance, an easy addition to an outfit.” Carolyn Howe, joint owner

Essence Beauty Neon Gift Set, £30 “Intoxicating, luxurious fragrances.” Lauren Chambers, owner

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Chameleon Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath & Shower Oils “A little trial to relax, de-stress, chill out, feel good.” Giselle Brannan, owner

Fine Food Store Christmas hampers. From £35 upwards “You’d be a very welcome guest if you brought this round when you came to stay.” Jenny Fitzpatrick, owner

Delcor Rosa Fabulosa, £12 and £15 “A fragrance for the home with perfume quality. 100% natural and based in Stamford.” Kathleen, Manager

Love it Gorjuss range of purses, media covers, bags, notebooks and much else besides. From £3 upwards “Fun, fun, fun, and full of character.” Amanda Oscroft, joint owner

Maples Clarins Men, £38 ( 5 products and a travel bag) “Getting your man to the next level of male hygiene.”

Left: Cloud Nine Matching scarf (£21.99) and bag (£39.99) by Earth Squared “Chic, practical and stylish.” Jan Aldwinckle, Manager Browns Redken gift pack – shampoo, conditioner & free hairspray, £26.25 “Perfect for any woman’s Christmas stocking.” Sam Lee, Manager

Georgi Collections Luisa Cerano coat cardigan, £199 “Light, warm and above all a great colour.” Uschi Veitch

H-Works Throws; this one from Johnstons of Elgin, £110 “Perfect for snuggling up on long winter evenings.” Alan Mowat, joint owner STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Snow Designs & Interiors. Interiors Emporium offering an eclectic mix of contemporary & vintage homeware & Gifts.

CL O T H I N G

Find us at... 32 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Pe9 2DS.

Tel. 01780 751551

www.camillasnowinteriors.com

A Wealth Of Wonderful Gift Ideas

4 St Marys Street, Stamford Mon - Sat 9 - 5 01780 755 378 www.countrylifestyleonline.co.uk Aigle Alan Paine Barbour Chrysalis Briggs & Riley Dubarry Jack Murphy MyWalit Radley Troop Zoo Boots

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

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

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A Journey of Fashion, Passion and Service

Open every day until Christmas. Join us on December 12th for a glass of mulled wine and some late night shopping, open until 8pm. We look forward to seeing you soon! 30 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DL // 01780 765001 www.youstamford.co.uk • SL dec ADS.indd 39

You

Living & Giving 39

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M Y PERFECT GIFT Paradise Found Royal Botanical Gardens Candle, Frankincense scent £17.99 “Divine and Christmassy.” Jackie Seago, owner

Marcia May Shoes Ruby & Ed slippers “Comfortable, full of character, not your run-of-the-mill.” Samantha Drewery, owner

Robert Loomes The ‘Robina’ ladies’ watch, £15,995 “Made in Stamford, need one say more?”

Seaweed Green bag with stud detail, £28 “Lovely colour and detailing.” Rebecca Grimoldby, Manager

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Above: Shutterbox Photography Portrait sitting for only £20 “A perfect present or gift certificate.” Lindsay Ford

Russell & Jones Two’s Company, set of 3 green tea trays, £80 “I just love trays!” Karen Jones 16/7/13 15:45:09

Right: NGI Design LSA International Glasses, white or black finish, £48

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Stamford Cheese Cellar Godminster heart-shaped cheddar, £5.99 and a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, £27.40 “Soft, strong and romantic” Karen Brammer, owner

Sly Fashion Love Molly shawls, £85 “A shrug, a shawl, a scarf, a poncho, a snood, pretty much anything you want it to be…and in many different colours too.” Belinda Sly, owner

“THEO IS ONLY THE LATEST MEMBE OF THE FAMILY TO SHOW AN INTEREST IN ANTIQUES

Theo is a Bichon Frise and likes nothing better than sn out a bargain at St. Martins Antiques. He belongs to O’Hara who hales from California and has lived in Stam for thirteen years. Her mother was a collector of English Left: St Martin’s Antiques furniture and Mary grew up everything surrounded by English anti A fabulous range of just about She hasantique now passed on her enthusiasm to her you old and daughter who, inspired byunique, a visityou to China, recently bou “If you want something really can cloisonne bowl in the Centre. find it here.” Lucinda, owner

Snow Design & Interiors Jim Bob plate, £22.50 “Makes you smile; and practical at the same time.” Camilla Snow, owner

Mary collects English Porcelain, her latest purchase being a 19th century hand painted cu saucer. While it has pride of place in her china cabinet, Mary also enjoys a refreshing ‘cuppa it occasionally too. Paul Richman Penrose Ties,

Next year is St. Martins Antiques 20th and it’s thanks to regular customers like fromAnniversary £35 “Designed in that the Centre has a history of success. Soho, made

England by We’d like to thank Mary and all ourin regular customers for making the years simply fly by and experts.” read this and decide to visit us for style the first time, then here’s to the next 20 years. Pam, Manager

St. Martins Antiques 23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF. Tel: (01780) 481158 Web: www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

St Martins Antiques 1/2 SL Sept.indd 1

Sinclairs Table skittles, £15; part of a substantial collection of traditional, parlour games “Stocking fillers, reasonably priced, something for any age group.”

Morello Restaurant Traditional Italian Panettone, £2.50 “Come and find us down the passage and make up your own hamper of authentic Italian goodies…and have an espresso too if you need a break from shopping” Attilio & Katarina, owners

Riverside Café Dachshund biscuits, £1.50 each, can be boxed as gift “Quirky, novelty factor.” Simon Whatling, co-owner

Stamford Beauty Dermalogica favourites, special price £30, 5 products “A selection of all our favourites, always kind to the skin.” Sarah Taylor, owner STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Gabor fits perfectly China, Glass and Cookware New from Spode “Glen Lodge”

Mugs £12.50, Dinner Plates £13.50

MARCIA MAY SHOES 41 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 766608 email: marciamayshoes@btconnect.com follow us on facebook

Denby Cast Iron 24cm Casserole - £72.00rrp now £36.00 • Chichester Stainless Steel Carving Tray - £40.00rrp now £24.99 • Judge Sabatier 5pce Knife Block - £150.00rrp now £59.99 • Wooden Revolving Lazy Susan with Dishes - £44.00rrp now £37.99

8, 35 & 36 St Mary’s Street, Stamford 01780 762652/754245 www.lambs-stamford.co.uk

Artisan Cheese and Fine Foods

Stockist of Artisan Handmade Cheese. British & Continental. To complement your cheese we can now recommend our Wine & Spirit ranges - NOW IN STORE

01780 489269 - www.stamfordcheesecellar.com

StamfordMusicShop

HUGE SELECTION OF INSTRUMENTS - NEW AND SECONDHAND, STUDENT OR PROFESSIONAL

Pianos & Keyboards Sheet Music Musical Gifts

Accessories Repairs Rental Mail Order

Tel: 01780 751275 - 11 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DP

Instruments Purchased - www.stamfordmusicshop.co.uk 42

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M Y PERFECT GIFT t&C Robinson long Zoo Boots, £23 “Fully waterproof with an Aquastop Outer and really warm with a wool microfibre lining. We all wear them, they are so comfortable.” Anne Robinson, owner st Mary’s Books the Hobbit, first edition, original dust jacket, Poa “Part of a good selection of children’s books which make great gifts” Marcus, owner

You and Beyond Chlobo Collectibles, from £35 “Very desirable, sterling silver, each symbol has a meaning, which adds to their fascination.” Ben Stevenson, owner

stamford Music shop Musical crackers, with eight working handbells inside, set across an octave, for a musical moment. £24.99 “Guaranteed to pull at Christmas.” Dave Hollands, owner

Renaissance Micheline arcier aromatherapy Bath and Body oils, from £30 “Only the purest essential oils are used in their preparations; bliss.” Fiona Hood, owner

You Gifts Plastic antlers, £95 (lights extra) “Striking, traditional, quirky; taxidermy is the ‘in’ thing.” Liz Stevenson, owner

23seven Clothing Peckham Rye scarf, £65 “Really stylish, 200-year heritage, made in London.” Johnno Wyatt, owner

ContaCt details anand shoes, 28 High St, Stamford, PE9 2BB Tel: 01780 767688 attic Fashion, 33 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS, Tel: 01780 766667 Browns Hairdressing, 3 Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AQ Tel: 0844 999 3365 Chameleon, 5 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 755405 Cloud nine, 4 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE dawson, 14 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DF. Tel 01780 754166 delcor, 30 Bath Row, Rear of St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2QX Tel: 01780 762579 essence of Beauty, 15 Saint Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 763564 Fine Food store, 37 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 754222 Georgi Collections, 7 All Saints’ St, Stamford PE9 2PA Tel: 01780 756444 H-Works, Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 754605 Tel: 01780 754 245 lambs Cookshop, 8 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 754 245 lambs tableware, 35-36 St Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 762652 love it, 1 St. John’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DA. Tel: 01780 482912 Maples, 24 Saint Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DJ Tel: 01780 752725 Marcia May shoes, 41 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 766608 Morello Restaurant, Old Barne Passage, Stamford, PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 489169 nGi design, 4 - 6 High Street, St Martins, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 766899 Paradise Found, 34 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 764439 Paul Richman, 44 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 762389

the Vacuum store aeG Rapidclean, £59.99 “Everything will be back to spotless on Boxing Day with the minimum of fuss.” Nick, owner

Renaissance, 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ Tel: 01780 763768 Robert loomes, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford Tel: 01780 481319 Ruby loves, 3&4 Stamford Walk, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 76462 Russell & Jones, 2-4 The George Hotel Mews PE9 2LB. Tel: 01780 481033 st Martin’s antiques, 23 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481158 seaweed, 8 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 767878 shutterbox Photography, Lindsay Ford, Tel: 07580 388880 www.shutterboxphotography.co.uk sinclairs, 11 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 765421 snow design & interiors, 32 St Mary’s St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DS, Tel: 01780 751 551 stamford Beauty, 15 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 757108 stamford Cheese Cellar, 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489269 stamford Music shop, 11 Saint Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 751 275 st Mary’s Books, 9 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 763033 t&C Robinson, 4 St. Mary’s St, PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 755378 23seven Clothing, 3 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 238008 the Vacuum store, 18 St. Mary’s Street, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 482935 You and Beyond, 14 St. Mary’s St, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 755996 You Gifts, 30 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DL Tel: 01780 765001 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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21/11/2013 16:13

GAR DE NING

Adam the Gardener

Adam says: “December is a great time for a bit of “armchair gardening” – there’s nothing I like better than flicking through seed catalogues on a Sunday evening, working out what I want and getting ready for next year’s vegetable garden. I also love retreating to potter in my shed - washing the pots, trays and cleaning and mending my tools ready for the fun to begin next year.” DECEMBER JOBS

ocal gardening talent, Adam Frost has worked with many of the garden design greats, including our dearly loved, Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens. Adam won his fifth Gold Medal at this year’s Centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with his Homebase sponsored garden entitled, “Sowing the Seeds of Change”.

December is a great month to sit down and reflect on the gardening year, and this year has been one of contrasts. It started with a long, cold spring that seemed never-ending – a particular worry when you’re designing and building a garden at Chelsea in May! However, once the sun finally arrived it bloomed into one of the best summers that we’ve enjoyed for many years, followed by a gorgeous autumn where we enjoyed a fantastic bumper harvest of fruit – perfect for making jams, chutneys, cider and if you’re really lucky, perry. However, now that winter is definitely with us it’s a great excuse to sit indoors with a good book. To be honest, when the weather is wet and cold even the keenest gardener thinks twice about being outdoors! Winter gives both the garden and gardener a bit of a rest and time to recover and start planning for next year. It’s been a busy few months for me, so this is the first time I’ve had a chance to breathe. There are still things to be done in the garden, but the pressure eases, the days get shorter and there’s not so much warmth in the air. When you’ve finished pruning and tidying your borders, have a look at them and decide what you’ll change, what you liked and what didn’t work so well. Think about crop rotation in your vegetable patch to avoid pests and diseases. I love to do long family dog walks in December and spend time cooking and working on plans for next year’s gardens. Talking of which, here’s a sneak peek of my Chelsea 2014 garden.

GREAT GARDENING GIFTS: I did say that I would give a list of my top 10 Christmas gifts, but as this is about the only time of year that I get a spare moment to read, all my gifts are books: RHS Encyclopaedia of Perennials by Graham Rice This is an essential one for me as it’s a practical guide to choosing, planting and combining herbaceous perennials.

RHS Take Chelsea Home by Chris Young I’ll admit that I’m a bit biased as it’s by my pal Chris, but it’s a great book showing how you can take inspiration from Chelsea into your own garden. I think there might even be a photo of one of my gardens in it! RHS Encyclopaedia of Plants and Flowers by Chris Brickell This is another book that I’m always referring to. It’s an easy to read guide with pages and pages of beautiful pictures to get inspired by. Natural Garden Style by Noel Kingsbury My copy of this is well-thumbed as I’m always dipping into it. It has wonderful photography and a great guide on natural-style gardening. Ode to Countryside by Samuel Carr This is a wonderful book to dip in and out of – really inspirational poetry with gorgeous prints from old transport posters. Spirit - Garden Inspiration by Dan Pearson I love this book by Dan as he explains where and what he gets in inspiration from for his own projects. Landscapes in Landscapes by Piet Oudolf This glorious full-colour volume features twenty-three of Oudolf’s most beautiful public and private gardens. It looks impressive on the coffee table! Proper Pub Food by Tom Kerridge I’ve managed to catch a couple of his programmes and love his style and food. This book is a must-have as it showcases proper winter comfort food for Christmas! Eat – the Little Book of Fast Food by Nigel Slater I love anything that Nigel does and this book is no exception – it’s a really beautiful and simple to use book with loads of every-day recipes. River Cottage Fruit Everyday by Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall This is a great one to use up the fabulous fruit harvest this year. Really inspirational way of using seasonal fruit in surprising ways and I love how Hugh is passionate about getting children growing their own. • For more information: www.adamfrost.co.uk Adam Frost was speaking to Antonia Scott STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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COUNT RY FILE

Robin Redbreast

Everyone will surely receive a Christmas card this year depicting a robin probably standing on a spade or a sprig of holly. Jean Orpin and Sue Lee take a seasonal look at this delightful bird

Britain’s Favourite Bird The Robin can be seen all year and is easily recognisable with its red breast. We see it in gardens, shrubberies and hedgerows. It is familiar because it is happy to feed in the open on lawns, near houses and even about people. It defends its territory from August to Midwinter and chases away other birds except its mate. Robins like to nest among thick ivy or hedges but will nest in hidden places on the ground and they are also noted for nesting in all sorts of unlikely places like abandoned machinery, discarded tins or old boots. A pair of robins will usually have two broods a year and may have more. Males and females share the same plumage and are not easy to distinguish from each other. Some people claim the markings on the robin’s head can identify the sex but a more reliable way is to note which of a pair is the bigger and which is building the nest. This will be the female and you may see her mate collecting food and feeding her the extra food she needs while she lays her eggs. The eggs are incubated for about a fortnight, then the chicks are cared for by both parents, ﬁrst in the nest then for

a few more weeks after ﬂedging. For their ﬁrst few months young robins have spotted brown and white chests before the distinctive redbreast develops. The robin mainly eats insects and worms but also likes seeds and berries and, although it usually feeds on the ground, it can be seen clinging on to bird feeders. Robins can live for several years but mortality is high, particularly in cold weather; so placing mealworms on a bird table for them can make a great deal of difference. It has always been considered unlucky to kill a robin or disturb its nest, as this old rhyme tells us. The robin aye the redbreast The robin and the wren, If ye take out the nest, Ye’ll never thrive again. The robin aye the redbreast The martin and the swallow, If you touch one of the eggs, Bad luck is sure to follow.

Christmas Robins “Robins and wrens are God Almighty’s shirt and collar” Many stories tell us that the robin is the bird of God and the bearer of good tidings. On the first Christmas when Jesus was born in Bethlehem a robin reputedly sang in welcome from a perch above the manger. The robin was rewarded with a sweet singing voice which is particularly noticeable at Christmastime. Another story tells that a robin fanned the fire in the stable to keep the baby warm. The robin became especially associated with Christmas because of its depiction on Christmas cards. The first Christmas cards were merely gentlemen’s address cards with a seasonal greeting. Henry Cole (later the manager of the Great Exhibition) suggested producing a Christmas card to artist John Calcott Horsley. This card showed a family celebration but by the 1860s other subjects were appearing. The first with a robin was in 1862. When the first Christmas cards were printed they were delivered by a postman in a red coat. The postmen were nicknamed Robins and an early card showed a robin dressed up in a uniform delivering letters. This helped to link robins to Christmas. The most famous Christmas card was one given to Queen Mary by her mother with a whistle in it which, when pressed, made a robin’s song.

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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St Whites Stone Ltd STONE MASONS & CARVERS

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21/11/2013 09:20

FOOD & DR INK

Tastes of Christmas

This year, John Lewis has brought together a collection of tempting festive foods which are ideal for gifts and treats. The Local Living team put some favourites to a taste test Tasting team: Lucy Banwell, Nicholas Rudd-Jones, Antonia Scott, Helen Walton, Fiona Cumberpatch

PRoDuCT sHoTs: TIM sTEELE

e were invited to sample a selection of the foods which are in store this Christmas. Delicious chocolates, spicy biscuits and crisp savoury snacks were tried, debated and assessed and then awarded a star rating (five being the best). Cottage Delight Savoury Christmas Trees £3.50 Antonia: Very herby and cheesy, would be delicious served with cheese and a drink.  Helen: Love the festive tree shape, and the crumbly texture  Nicholas: Would like these with a slab of soft cheese such as Brie. I like the shape and texture.  Cottage Delight Cinnamon Straws £3.20 Lucy: Cinnamon is the essence of Christmas, and you can really taste the spice  Helen: These would be lovely with some hot chocolate, eaten by a roaring log fire.  Fiona: Flaky and more-ish.  Traditional Italian Panettone, £4 Nicholas: Moist, light and fruity – everything a panettone should be  Lucy: Buttery, fruity, squidgy, would be lovely for a festive breakfast  Helen: Light and delicious, lovely packaging, would make a great gift.  Charbonnel et Walker Champagne Truffles £9.75 Helen: Beautiful pink box, feminine and elegant. The chocolates are gooey on the inside, and just delicious  Lucy: I love the vintage style packaging, and the truffles taste expensive. 

Fiona: Rich and delicious, I like the dusted outer coating and the silky texture inside the chocolates. Great box, too.  Chocolate marbles £5 Fiona: No wow-factor with the packaging, but good chocolate  Nicholas: A good choice for the whole family  Helen: A more masculine chocolate. They have a nice firm texture.  Lucy: A praline filling, they taste quite nutty. A good gift for unexpected guests  Mini gingerbread men £5 Helen: Visually excellent, but I’d like a bit more spice  Lucy: Good bit of chew in the biscuit, tasty, not too gingery, they’d be ideal for my sons aged six and four.  Fiona: A cute size, with pretty piped face and buttons. Nice syrupy taste, and chewy texture. Good for Christmas tea. I really like these.  Pfeffermusse £5 Antonia: Good to accompany mulled wine. Beautiful blue and white packaging.  Helen: Very authentic taste and traditional flavour.  Godiva Signature Truffles £23 Lucy: Rich and indulgent  Fiona: Lovely chocolates, but the dated packaging lets them down.  Helen: Gorgeous, moussey inside, crisp outside, and not super sweet. A real treat. If it wasn’t for the packaging, they’d get full marks from me. 

Butler’s Chocolate Assortment £10 Fiona: Excellent presentation, love the box with a red ribbon, and a real mix of fillings, even a fruit cream.  Nicholas: Fantastic white chocolate flake, crunch outside and soft in the middle.  Soft Amaretti, £8 Nicholas: Lovely with sweet white wine. Natural flavour, like marzipan. Delicious.  Helen: Very gorgeous. They’re encased in cellophane inside the traditional paper wrapping, so they taste extra-fresh and moist.  Fiona: A large, attractive tin and great value, they’d be an excellent gift. 

fter trying the festive foods, each tester nominated their favourite. Nicholas: Soft Amaretti Lucy: Charbonnel et Walker champagne truffles Helen: Pfeffermusse Fiona Gingerbread men Antonia: Cinnamon Straws • All the items tested are available to buy individually. John Lewis also offers great value hampers, with prices starting at £25. These make great gifts for clients, colleagues and family members. You can build your own hamper, choosing from a selection of drinks, cheeses, savouries and sweet treats, or choose from a selection of pre-selected choices such as Winter Warmer Hamper and Family Fun Hamper. • John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NQ Tel: 0844 6931752

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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then

now

tomorrow

@Queensgate_PB queensgate-shopping.co.uk 49

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08/11/2013 16:13 14:55 21/11/2013

OUNDLE MILL

DINE FOR £18.95 ON THURSDAYS Every Thursday from January 2nd, for lunch or dinner, you can experience our delicious Mill menu for £18.95 for 3 courses. During lunch times only you can enjoy 2 courses for £15.95.

TASTING MENU Our Head Chef, Gavin Austin, has created a fabulous Tasting menu inspired by local farms and produce. The Tasting menu is priced at £38.50 per person and is available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

AFTERNOON TEA • Tea and scones £5.50 • • Tea and Oundle Mill’s mini cakes £7.50 • • Full afternoon tea £17.50 • • Champagne afternoon tea £24.95 • Available on Fridays and Saturdays between 3pm and 5pm, pre-booking is required.

Barnwell Road • Oundle • Northamptonshire • PE8 5PB www.oundlemill.co.uk • 01832 272621 50

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21/11/2013 09:21

FOOD & DR INK

Belton Garden Centre wins National Award

Karen and Graham Elkington, owners of Belton Garden Centre, are absolutely thrilled to have won the coveted industry award of “Best Business Development” for the newly launched Coffee Shop and Restaurant at the Garden Retail Awards held last week at the Park Lane Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Over 16 garden industry judges including TV gardeners Toby Buckland and Christine Walkden, Gardeners World Editor, Adam Pasco, and The Sun gardening correspondents Val and Steve Bradley, presided over a vast amount of entries from garden centres covering the length and breadth of the UK. The Restaurant is run and managed by daughter Victoria Elkington, and she works with a network of local producers to ensure that food miles are kept low and the local economy is supported as much as possible. Graham commented: “Karen, Victoria and I are absolutely delighted to have won this award which we have displayed in the Coffee Shop and Restaurant to share with all our customers. We have seen tremendous success and customer footfall increase in a short period of time, which really has made the whole project very worthwhile. We sincerely thank our team here at Belton and everyone involved in the project for helping us to create a beautiful area that we can share with all our customers.” • Belton Garden Centre, Belton, Nr Grantham, NG32 2LN Tel: 01476 563700 www.beltongardencentre.co.uk

The Garden House Hotel The Garden House Hotel is delighted to announce that award winning Timothy Slack has been appointed as Head Chef at the Hotel. Timothy was Head Chef at the Elderflower Restaurant in Derbyshire gaining 2 AA Restaurant Guide Rosettes in his first 3 months of opening. Having grown up in Yaxley, Timothy was classically French trained in a number of restaurants by some of the best in the business. “I feel at home in the kitchen, and when I’ve worked with Chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Charles Harris and Michelin Chef Michael Thompson, I knew there was so much more out there, the kitchen is a world where you never stop learning - my passion is uncontrollable” he says. • To make a reservation at The Garden House Hotel & Restaurant please call 01780 763359.

Oundle Mill wins Restaurant of the Year award

Oundle Mill recently won Restaurant of the Year award in the prestigious Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2013/2014 and became the only restaurant to win the title twice. What was already a very successful awards evening for Oundle Mill was then improved further when Head Chef, Gavin Austin, was announced runner up in the Aspire Chef of the Year 2013/2014 competition. Oundle Mill’s Restaurant and Hotel Manager Paul Richardson was delighted to win the top award and said: “It was a great feeling to win this award for the second time against such tough competition and especially after trying to build the business back up following the floods

last year. The award goes to the whole team as only their hard work and passion for what they do made this possible.” Head Chef, Gavin Austin, becomes runnerup in the Aspire Chef of the Year competition where five finalists were set a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style challenge, each being provided with a selection of store cupboard products as well as some key Northamptonshire ingredients and tasked to prepare a two course meal in only two hours. Oundle Mill has something for everyone from the daily set menu, the a la carte, Sunday lunch, afternoon tea as well as 5 course Taster menu priced at £38.50 per person. This is also being followed up with a selected lunch and dinner festive menu throughout December. • Oundle Mill, Barnwell Rd, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

Morello Deli

Charity ride Marc Smith and Andy West, Head Chef, will be cycling from Jim’s Yard to Paris on 2nd January 2014 to raise funds for SANDS, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity that supports Parents at these incredibly heartbreaking times. To make a donation call in to Jim’s Yard in person or alternatively you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/a-west or by text to 70070. Text RYFS86 followed by a space and your donation of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5, or £10 • Jim’s Yard, Rear of No.3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.jimsyard.biz

Morello Deli has recently been opened under the popular Morello Italian restaurant by proprietors Attilio & Katarina. They are able to offer at retail some of the lovely ingredients that you can taste upstairs in their South Italian cooking, and also much else besides – spicy sausages, cheeses, bakery products, sweets to name a few. Also Christmas Hampers, make your own choice £20-£30. It is also a charming place to stop for a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a cake (cakes & breads cooked locally by a Sicilian), with a view straight across to the meadows and an intimate feel. • Opening Hours 10am-4.30pm Tue-Sun Morello Restaurant, Old Barne Passage, Stamford, PE9 2HG Tel: 01780 489169

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SEA N ’ S CHRI ST MAS RE CIPE

Cranberry custard tarts How does it creep round so fast? One minute you’re putting summer salads together, the next you’re elbow deep in cranberries and brandy butter. The speed that Christmas arrives never ceases to amaze. And as I’m sure you’ll agree, it gets faster every year. At The Olive Branch and Red Lion Inn we’re flat out preparing for our busiest time of the year. We’ll be offering festive menus throughout December at both pubs, and serving food on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. One of my favourite festive dishes I’ll be cooking at The Olive Branch is venison suet pudding with crushed buttered swede, while at the Red Lion Inn I’m a big fan of the sirloin of beef with pickled walnuts, spinach, potato terrine and red wine sauce. Not a turkey in sight, although we’ve got plenty of those too! This issue I’d like to share a very nice Christmassy recipe with you. I hope you enjoy eating these as much as I do…

Cranberry crumble custard tarts Serves 6 For the sweet pastry… • 200g plain flour • 100g unsalted butter, diced • 45g caster sugar • 1 egg • Baking beans 1. In a mixing bowl add the flour, sugar and diced butter and mix with your hands to a breadcrumb texture. 2. Beat the egg and add to the pastry mix. Blend to a dough, wrap in cling film and chill for an hour. 3. Roll out the pastry to 2mm thick, line six 6cm tart moulds and bake the pastry blind (without filling and with baking beans) in a pre-heated oven at 180C (Gas Mark 4) for 10 minutes. 4. Remove the baking beans and bake for a further seven minutes. 5. When cooked, remove from the oven and brush the pastry with egg wash, then allow to dry. For the egg custard… • 350ml full-fat milk • 2 large freerange eggs • 90g caster sugar • Freshly ground nutmeg 1. Whisk eggs and sugar together, then gradually add the milk. 2. Carefully fill the cooked pastry tarts with the custard and sprinkle with grated

nutmeg. Then bake in a pre-heated oven at 100C (Gas Mark 1/4) for 15 minutes, until the custard has set. 3. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly before spooning on the cranberry compote and sprinkling with the crumble topping. 4. Serve with a dollop of clotted cream! For the cranberry compote (makes one jar)… • 225g fresh cranberries • 125g caster sugar • Grated zest of 1 orange • Juice of 1 orange • 1 small glass of port • Half a cinnamon stick

Visit The Olive Branch Pub Shop The Olive Branch Christmas Pub Shop, selling wines, spirits, plus pub-made chutneys, terrines, cakes and more, will be open every day from December 9.

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring up to the boil and stir. 2. Allow to cool to room temperature before using. For the crumble topping… • 300g plain flour • 175g brown sugar • 200g unsalted butter, diced, slightly soft • 100g toasted porridge oats • Ground cinnamon • 75g ground almonds 1. In a large bowl add all the ingredients and rub well to a sandy texture. 2. Sprinkle on to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 190C until golden brown. Allow the cooked crumble mix to cool slightly before crumbling onto the tarts.

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

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Stamford Cupcake Company

Cupcake Classes & Workshop FROM COMPLETE BEGINNER TO BRUSHING UP ON YOUR EXISTING SKILLS • Cupcake Decorating • Cake Baking Workshops • Learn to Create Cake Toppers • Introduction to Sugar Flower Workshops Children’s Parties, Ladies Days & Hen Parties

CUPCAKES & CELEBRATION CAKES TO ORDER

Hambleton Bakery’s Christmas Range Hambleton Bakery will be baking their Christmas goodies as well as their full range of breads, savouries and cakes throughout December. Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies, Morello Cherry Tarts, Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies, Florentine Tarts, Cheese & Rocket Muffins, Stilton & Celery Scones....

For Christmas orders, please order by 16th December Exton Bakery - Cottesmore Road, LE15 8AN Oundle - 44 Jericho, Market Place, PE8 4AU

Gift Vouchers Available

Oakham - Gaol Street , LE15 6AL

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

ﬁnd us on Facebook

Stamford - 1 Ironmonger Street, PE9 1PL

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 01572 812995

THE GIVE YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT WINE MERCHANT A GO THIS CHRISTMAS!

We have some superb case offers for the festive period, with wonderful wines from Europe and the rest of the world, and we are here to advise you on wines to go with your entertaining plans. With ten years worth of experience in the trade at our fingertips we are sure we can find you the perfect wine for your needs, as well as artisan spirits, liquers, real ales, and a great range of Blomus wine accessories. And our new premises on St. Paul’s Street features a fully licenced bar, open until 11pm in the evening, with wines by the glass available, just £6 corkage on any bottle in the shop, and a light food menu of cheese and charcuterie platters etc. The Stamford Wine Company – By the glass, by the bottle, buy the case!

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

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Let our chefs and their dishes take your taste buds travelling to the Orient through a tantalizing variety of dishes from the diverse cultures and ﬂavours of Southeast Asia.

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WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN 2013 AND WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS 2014. The Golden Pheasant - 1 Main Road, Etton, Peterborough, PE6 7DA

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Rock the Boat!

21/11/2013 16:15

FOOD & DR INK

Christmas Spirit Sarah Lyon weaves a Christmas Spirit into creating a store cupboard of culinary delights

C Christmas Cocktails, Cordials and Crackles

Christmas Spirit from the English Spirit Distillery, Old Salt Rum infused with pretty much everything you find in a ‘Christmas Pudding’, excluding butter, suet and flour. Sip neat, serve with pudding or as a digestive. Source from Stamford Wine Company, St Paul’s Street, Stamford or Divines Deli in Oundle, Tel: 01832 274396 Bay Tree Christmas Syrup – “I love this,” says Jenny from The Fine Food Store in Stamford, “We use it a lot during the festive season as it is perfect with warm cider in a thermos on a snowy day!” Belvoir Spiced Winter Berry Cordial, a rich cordial made from real elderberry, orange and black berry juices, mixed with winter spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Wonderful and warming mixed with hot water (Village Store in Ryhall) Crackles from Grasmere Farm: lovely little snack to eat alongside drinks – slow cooked pork crackling with sea salt (find on Stamford Farmers’ Market)

Below swooping talk. Quick. Quick! There they go! Four thousand Old Masters Of broccoli, carrots and rhubarb Laid at an angle, just-so Woodlands Farm award winning organic & biodynamic vegetable boxes, local fresh and straight from the farm. Seasonal favourites include Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, sprouts, swede and squash. Tel: 01205 274778, www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk Farm Advent Walk, Sunday December 1st at 11:00 am – a chance to experience the farm and the fenland landscape in winter. Cost: £5.00 to include homemade soup, hot drink, cake (over 16s only). Please bring a candle. Meet at Woodlands Farm, Tel: 07939 475499

R Roots and Shoots from Woodlands Organic Farm Filling Vegetable Boxes by Christie Dickason In the packing shed, Boxes slide on roller tables,

Havisham’s Spiced Elderberry Jelly and Red Cabbage and Beetroot Chutney with Prunes and Balsamic Vinegar are only two of the mouth-watering accompaniments for a Christmas Turkey feast Havisham’s Christmas Barn, Easton on the Hill. Whole Small Truckle of locally produced Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese – matured for at least 14 months with a distinctively earthy taste. Order ahead Stamford Farmers’ Market or from their website www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com

I Irresistible

Baby Vacherin Mont D’or and locally produced Stichleton Cheese with Miller’s Toast Cranberry and raisin biscuits or try handmade Fife Cut Porridge Oak cakes from the Cheese Cellar in Stamford. Brie de Meaux, “A French brie cheese with a smooth texture, simply amazing,” says Leo from Otters Deli in Oakham. Country Victualler’s Alderton Ham from Otters Deli. A succulent ham cooked to traditional recipe with a marmalade glaze. Brilliant to have in the fridge over Christmas as it is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinners. Otters will be selling mini hams, half hams, whole or sliced this Christmas. www.ottersdeli.co.uk

H Homemade

Make it yourself: Everything the cook requires for making puddings and cakes apart from the alcohol (Silverlane Foods, www.silverlanefoods.co.uk ) Give a Gift of Rosie Makes it Easy Marmalade Making kit from Haversham’s Christmas Barn Christmas Cupcake Classes (December 2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 18 - £35.00 – 7pm – 9:30pm) and make your own Christmas Hamper Days (Dec 4 14, 15 - £95.00 – 10am – 4:30pm) with Barbara Farrow at the Stamford Cupcake Company. Tel: 01780 489364, 07825 153 003, George Farm House, London Road, Stamford PE9 3JP

T Trimmings and Truckles

S Oh So Sweet things

Eve’s Rich Fruit Cake, packed full of fruit, rich with butter and lavishly fed with port, brandy or whisky. It contains local organic, free range eggs from Kingsthorpe Farm and fair trade sugars and is produced in small batches in Yvette’s own kitchen. The cake is indeed dark, delicious and moist and develops in flavour if you let it! Cakes plain or iced from the Cheese Cellar (yhalewood@gmail.com) Brownies galore from Kate’s Little Cakes in Castle Bytham (varieties include Bailey’s Brownie, Chocolate Orange & Cointreau, Chunky Fudge, Chocolate & Mint) Tel: 07745 520772, www.kateslittlecakes.co.uk Apricots in Amaretto from the Fine Food Store, Stamford - scrumptious served with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

M Mince Pies, an eclectic mix

The Fine Food Store’s mince pies have gained a serious following over the years. “We normally sell 1,000 pies on the Stamford Christmas Market (December 1st). Although one can never be sure if it’s the mince pies or Pete the Elf who has generally drunk a good litre of mulled wine by lunchtime that the crowds are gathering for,” says Jenny at The Fine Food Store. “The recipe for pies is Jenny’s granny’s who is renowned for her pastry skills - an art that Mum Lynne has inherited. Buttery, crumbly and unctuous…just the way mince pies should be,” says Jenny. Hambleton Bakery – puff pastry mince pies with a dusting of icing sugar. The Small Bread Company, NEW SHOP – small/mini frangipane mince pies topped with nuts and cherries. New Shop, selling real bread all handmade using organic flour – 20 Market Place, Oundle Market Place – December Pea Pod Pantry – baker Phil Bonham creates Mince pie ‘Filo Cigars’ (homemade mincemeat wrapped in filo pastry). 17c Abbey Road, Bourne, PE10 9EF, Tel: 0845 470 1965 Making your own mince pies? Purchase Luxury Mincemeat from Haversham’s Christmas Barn, Easton on the Hill Silver Lane Health Foods sell an organic and sugar free variety of mincemeat (gluten free, vegetarian suet)

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A Artisan Breads

Artisan breads and puddings created and catered by Hambleton Bakery. Master Baker, Julian and his team bake traditional sourdough and wholemeal loaves, beautiful buns, plus Christmas puddings, Pecan Ring, Florentine Tart and much more. Place orders by Dec 16th, www.hambletonbakery.co.uk The Small Bread Company, all made using organic flour, sourdoughs, olive and gruyere, focaccia, ciabatta, seasonal loaves will include stilton, cranberry and walnut, brioche. Perfect pastries: Almond Croissants, Bear Claws, Chocolate Chip Twists, Apricot Danish, Cinnamon Buns, Chelsea Buns, Madeline’s, brownies. Bread Baking Class Vouchers now available, email: orders@thesmallbreadcompany.com, Tel: 01832 270938

P Puddings

Eve’s Granny’s Christmas Puddings, Containing a multitude of good ingredients; carrots, apples, almonds, oranges, cherries and a wealth of other vine fruits, brown ale and brandy. Gift wrapped in butter muslin they come in sizes to serve 8, 4 or 2 people (vegetarian option). Sold at Stamford Cheese Cellar, Simon Moulds the butchers at Nassington, Collyweston Community shop (Collyweston Community Shop’s suppliers fair on Saturday Nov 23rd 2pm village hall – Eve’s decorated cakes (Old fashioned Ginger cake, rich almond cake, all butter shortbread, apricot and puddings.

I Ingredients S Smoked

Scottish Smoked Salmon (freedom farmed) from Otters Deli, naturally smoked salmon that is gently smoked over Suffolk oak and free from artificial additives and preservatives. All salmon is hand sliced and originates from Wester Ross, who are the oldest independently run farm in Scotland, established in 1977.

Gold Leaf from Waitrose – exquisite decoration for a chocolate roulade ordered from Kate’s Little Cakes, Tel: 07745 520772 Chocolate – made in Norfolk Booja-Booja Organic Chocolates, order as part of your Woodlands Farm Box Scheme delivery, www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk, Tel: 01205 724778 Chestnuts – fresh chestnuts or tinned from Silverlane Foods Scrubby Oak Vinegars – Sweet Horseradish Vinegar handmade in Norfolk (gluten and additive free). Recipe Suggestion – beat into a cream cheese to top a crostini or bite sized Yorkshire pudding with rare roast beef (Hambleton Bakery shop) Thai flavours – fabulous Thai curry pastes and sauces produced from Tuk Tuk Foods. Great for creating wonderful tasting leftovers. Source from Rhyall Village Store and Saturday Market, Red Lion Square, Stamford

S Essentials

Essential Christmas Kit from Grasmere Farm – The Essential Kit includes cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, 4lb Gammon joint, 1lb Lincolnshire sausage meat, 1lb Lincolnshire chipolata sausages, 1lb streaky bacon and 1lb of sausage stuffing. The chestnut is my favourite! Order from Stamford Farmers’ Market or the High Street shop in town. Essentials for a Full English – James MacCartney’s ‘raised in Rutland Flitteris Park Farm Farmhouse’ dry-cured bacon, breakfast sausage and old English sausages. Find James on Oakham Town Market – Wednesdays, Uppingham on Fridays. Crisply baked Nelson’s Butchers Traditional Pork Pies are hand raised from rich hot water pastry and filled with the finest cuts of coarsely chopped pork. Chipolatas from Rutland Organics from the farms Woodland Gloucester Old Spot pigs, www. rutlandorganics.co.uk

R Rutland Christmas Tea by Johannah’s Patisserie

Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini – Smoked Salmon and Sour Cream Blinis – Spiced Iced ginger cookies – traditional fruit cake – snow topped coconut cake – white chocolate and cranberry Florentines – coconut macaroons. Pop along to Fords of Oakham on Dec 9th (late night shopping 5:30pm – 9pm) if you would like to see Johannah demonstrating how to prepare items from her Christmas Tea menu. Cakes, puddings, mince pies and sweet treats to purchase.

I Italian Chocolates

Miranda’s Italian Venetian heritage draws her to Italian festive tastes at the Ryhall Village Store, The Square, Ryhall. Spelari Chocolates are made from old recipes that meet new tastes and flavours. Baci is the Italian word for kisses. These silky dark chocolates envelope a heart of gianduia (a luscious blend of chocolate and hazelnut cream)

T Turkey’s & Three Bird Roasts

Rutland Organic Poultry Organic Heritage Turkeys, Organic Geese, Organic Cockerel/roasting chicken. Cuckoo Farm, Ketton, nr Stamford, www. rutlandorganics.co.uk, 01780 722009. Woodlands Farm Organic Turkeys - oven ready, organic, free range Norfolk Black and Bronze Turkeys or the farm’s own bred Lincoln Red organic beef (for the perfect roast), Lincolnshire lamb boxes. www. woodlandsfarm.co.uk Stamford Garden Centre, Robert Caldecott free range bronze turkeys from Warchester and Gressingham Geese. A full butcher’s shop with own made sausages and pork pies and locally produced Flitteris Park Farm Lamb. Casterton Road, Stamford – www.stamfordgardencentre.co.uk Nelsons Butchers, Kelly Bronze turkeys are bred and raised by traditional methods, free to roam in pastures, stubble fields and woodland (fed free of additives, drugs or growth promoters). Ann Botterill’s Croxton Kerrial Vale of Belvoir free range Geese are a firm favourite of customers that return each year for this speciality Goose. New Lodge Farm Special Christmas Shop, Monday December 23 - Order ahead and collect your Christmas Turkey while enjoying a complimentary Hog Roast roll. Everything for your Christmas menu can be sourced from the farm shop – barn reared and hung Turkeys, pedigree Aberdeen Angus rib of beef, lamb, hams and vegetables along with an assortment of farm shop specialties. Meat traditionally reared and butchered on the farm. Tel: 01780 450493, www. newlodgefarm.com. Find at Stamford Farmers’ Market fortnightly. Three Bird Roast from Seldom Seen Farm - a goose stuffed with a chicken, stuffed with a pheasant and the whole thing layered up with spiced pork and orange. All birds are boned, so carving is simple. Billesdon, LE7 9FA, Tel: 0116 259 6742

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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ENTER ST. MARTINS ANTIQUES NEW USE FOR OLD COMPETITION & YOU COULD WIN A £50 VOUCHER

Welcome to Clarkes Clarkes is a family run restaurant in Peterborough offering high-level dining in the relaxed atmosphere of a local neighbourhood restaurant, we have recently moved from Lincoln Road to our new home by Cathedral Square Peterborough. Our modern British food is freshly cooked to order using locally sourced ingredients along with daily home-made bread and hand-made desserts. Inspired by farms and produce around the local area, our cuisine – pioneered by chef Lee Clarke – is confidently sophisticated with creativity balanced against tradition.

So many of yesterday’s useful objects can still be useful today. With a little imagination a redundant laundry ponch becomes a stylish home for toilet rolls, a log basket, looks great full of magazines and even a Victorian milk churn takes on a new life, full of umbrellas. Buy something from us that you find a new use for, take a photograph of it and email it to info@st-martins-antiques. co.uk with a brief description of its new use and you could win a £50 antique voucher. Make the subject of the email ‘Competition’. Entries must be in by December 20th. They will be judged by the staff at St. Martin’s Antiques and their decision is final. You can enter as many times as you like. The winner will be notified in the new year. St. Martins Antiques is open to ideas 7 days a week, from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday. Whether yours is a traditional home or has a stylish modern interior come and take a look. You are sure to find something to inspire you. St. Martins Antiques 23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF. Tel: (01780) 481158 Web: www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

Gift Vouchers Available

We are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Beautifully decorated and formally run by a husband and wife team. Ambitious, tasty, modern cooking… - Michelin Guide 2013 NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

VIEW OUR CHRISTMAS MENUS ONLINE

Clarkes Restaurant, Peterborough, 10 Queen Street, St Johns Square, Peterborough PE1 1PA

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

The perfect Christmas cheeseboard

Christmas isn’t Christmas without fine cheeses. Here are a few ideas on what to put on your festive table…

t’s impossible to contemplate Christmas without cheese, whether as a course after the main event or as part of a buffet. And if guests don’t get their Stilton fix, then, well… it’s just not Christmas! Here are a few ideas for making a great Christmas cheeseboard – this will be particularly good on Boxing Day when friends and family can help themselves, accompanied by a tangy chutney.

1. Sparkenhoe Leicester Made on Jo and David Clarke’s farm near Market Bosworth to an authentic recipe using unpasteurised milk and animal rennet, this is a lovely, mellow cheese – very more-ish – that will also add colour to the cheeseboard.

2. Traditional Rennet Blue Stilton from Cropwell Bishop No cheeseboard is complete without the King of English cheeses. Make sure it’s a well-blued mature cheese that’s creamy and mellow. Cropwell Bishop’s Traditional Rennet variety won a recent taste test (see below).

3. White Stilton with cranberries

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

Cranberries are a Christmas fruit, and that’s why this cheese is a suggestion. Made by Long Clawson Dairy in Leicestershire, it’s a crumbly White Stilton-based creation blended with dried cranberries, which give a rich, fruity flavour. Its sweetness provides the perfect antidote for more savoury and salty blue cheeses.

4. Norfolk White Lady A soft cheese with a difference – it’s made with ewes’ milk. This is produced by Jane Murray at her award winning creamery near Wymondham, Norfolk. White Lady is a brie-like soft-rind cheese, which heightens in flavour and texture as it ripens.

5. Charnwood Another favourite from Long Clawson Dairy, this is a medium matured, smoke-flavoured Cheddar, lightly dusted with paprika. Its subtle wood smoke aroma will add another dimension to your cheeseboard.

❷

6. Sage Derby from Fowlers This mellow cheese is layered and topped with a sprinkling of sage, and made to a recipe that’s more than 100 years old. It has a fresh, clean flavour – great for perking up a jaded palate.

7. Lincolnshire Poacher

❶

For a mature, strong cheese, this takes some beating. Lincolnshire Poacher is made on a farm in Ulceby by Tim and Simon Jones using unpasteurised milk and animal rennet. Matured for more than a year, this hard cheese has a strong, nutty flavour and a clean, sweet finish. To go with your cheeses, make sure you have a range of biscuits and chutneys. A really good product is Toast for Cheese, made by the Fine Cheese Company. This comes in three flavours that se? go really well with cheese – the your chetoetwo excellent t e g o t e r Whe d Club is now home – Stamford Cherry, Almond and Linseed llers Great Foo variety is particularly good. cheese se oard. ependent d n Cheeseb in o l lt a e c M lo e Accompanied by Spiced Plum h T d t n S a n llar cated o Cheese Ce Chutney – made with local produce Cellar is lo e s n e o e lt h e C eM Stamford by Rutland Preserves in Whissendine rd and Th icle, is in Stamfo ith this art w d e lp Mary’s St e h – you have the perfect cheeseboard. h bray. ic w o h w M , n ard of Melto n w Cheesebo to Serve it with raw ingredients such e m my ho situated in as grapes, apples, tomatoes, parsley, celery or pickles. Don’t be afraid to unleash your imagination.

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

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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❸

❺

❹ Which Stilton is best?

❻

❼ A

few weeks ago I organised a blind Stilton tasting involving seven people. We tried the produce of every Stilton dairy and marked each piece of cheese out of 20 (10 for taste and 10 for texture). The results are below and include Stichelton, a cheese made to a Stilton recipe but using raw milk rather than pasteurised which, for some reason, means it can’t be called Stilton. As a caveat, it’s worth saying that this test involved one small piece of each creamery’s output, which had been subjected to various factors after leaving its place of production. But then that’s the reality when we buy any cheese. The scores are out of a possible 140 points. 1st= Cropwell Bishop Traditional Rennet Variety: 102.5 1st= Tuxford & Tebbutt: 102.5 3rd Colston Bassett: 97 4th Cropwell Bishop Standard Variety: 96 5th Websters: 87 6th Clawson Reserve: 86 7th Stichelton: 83.5 8th Long Clawson Standard Variety: 79.5 It’s important to say that this information provides a snapshot - all the above creameries have won awards so you can rest assured whatever Stilton you buy it will be of a high quality. I am planning further blind tastings to give a bigger picture. STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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D IA RY DAT E S

WHAT’S ON Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month

Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1December, 10am to 3pm EVENT: Fine Food Market A celebration of local produce and a chance to stock up your larder and freezer with delicious regional produce. Stall holders will be selling local cheese, meats, cupcakes, cider and much more. The delicious Burghley venison will also be for sale. The Courtyards, Burghley House Admission is free.

Sunday 1 December, 10am to 4.30pm EVENT: Stamford Christmas Festival Once again the town centre will be transformed into a Festive Extravaganza with a medley of attractions and over one hundred and fifty trade stalls. A truly fun-filled and action-packed family day out for everyone in the community to enjoy and get into the spirit of Christmas. Attractions include luxury festive food and drink stalls, a fun fair, arts and crafts, live street entertainment, dance, theatre, choirs, Santa’s Grotto, a children’s Christmas hat competition and much more. This is a free event.

College for allegedly stealing a postal order. His father, convinced of his son’s innocence, risks his health and fortune and his family’s happiness in pursuit of justice. With the help of a famous barrister, the case is finally brought before Parliament and permission obtained to sue the Crown. This well-loved play about injustice is based on a true story - where a family’s love is pitted against the full weight of the establishment in order to seek the truth and to clear Ronnie’s name. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £8/£7 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com

Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm THEATRE: Stamford Shoestring Theatre present The Winslow Boy Based on true events, this is the story of thirteen year-old naval cadet Ronnie Winslow who has been expelled from the Royal Naval

Saturday 7 December, 2pm and 7.30pm BALLET: The Nutcracker Christmas Ballet Family performances of this magical show by Ballet Theatre UK. Christmas lunch and supper packages available. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tickets £18.50/£17.50/£11 Tel: 01780 766455 Christmas meals are available after the 2pm and before the 7.30pm performances.

Friday 6 December, 5pm to 9pm (talk 6.30pm – 7.30pm) EVENT: Special Edition Gourmet Chocolate & Christmas Shopping Evening Find out about the botany, history and geography of chocolate; sample Rosanna’s hand-made goodies and browse our exclusive range of Barnsdale gifts for garden lovers, with a glass of something festive. Barnsdale Gardens, Exton. Tickets £5, including a complimentary glass of wine. Booking essential Tel: 01572 813200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

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D IA RY DAT E S Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Opera Gala An evening of operatic arias and ensembles performed by four promising opera singers – Rosalind Coad, Adrianna Festeu, John Pierce and Cozmin Sime. St Mary’s Church, Stamford Tickets £14 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Friday 13 December, 8pm EVENT: So Comedy! A comedy night featuring three of the best emerging comedy talents on the scene. James Acaster; Star of BBC Radio 1, Tom Deacon and Ellie Taylor, star of ITV2’s ‘Fake Reaction’ and Channel 4’s ‘8 out of 10 Cats’ will all perform. Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets £15/13 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Friday 13 December to Saturday 4 January 2014 PANTOMIME: Jack and the Beanstalk Get ready to cheer Jack on his magical journey to Giant Blunderbore’s Castle in the Sky as the daring hero takes on the evil Poison Ivy. Polka Dot are back with another fantastic family pantomime. Expect up-beat singing and dancing, fabulous costumes and plenty of fun for the audience to get involved in. The Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham Tickets £12/£10 Tel: 01476 406158 www.guildhallartscentre.com. After running at the Guildhall, this pantomime transfers to Stamford Arts Centre and runs from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 January where tickets are the same price and available on Tel: 01780 763 203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Saturday 14 December, 11am & 2pm CHILDREN’S THEATRE: Once In A Blue Moon It’s the moon’s birthday! During the party the moon disappears. Search for clues to the moon’s whereabouts, as you journey through strange lands and meet some curious characters along the way. Dance, live music and audience interactivity for three to six year olds and their families. Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £5 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Saturday 14 December EVENT: Concert – A Boy is Born Kingfisher Chorale makes a welcome return with a programme of words and music both sacred and secular to celebrate Christmas. The programme will be based around the work of Benjamin Britten including his beautiful Hymn to a Virgin. At the other end of the spectrum will be some advice from Mrs Beaton on the perfect Christmas pudding. St Martin’s Church Stamford . Tickets £12/£9/£5 with under 14 years free. Tel: 01780 763203 Saturday 14 December to Tuesday 24 December, various performance times PANTOMIME: Beauty and the Beast All the magic and fun of a traditional family pantomime which promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing festive spectacular. The enchanting story of a young girl who learns to love the grizzled beast, thus releasing him from the cruel spell cast by the evil Carabosse is a favourite with Cresset Pantomime audiences. And with Beauty’s eccentric nurse, kids favourite Silly Billy and a magical frog helping them along, you can expect them to live happily ever after. The Cresset Theatre, Peterborough.Tickets £11.50 Tel: 01733 842500 Sunday 15th December, 10am to 4pm EVENT: Quality Market Shoppers will be able to buy direct from high quality local stallholders that represent cottage industries, craftsmen and small businesses. Expect to find gorgeous interiors and country lifestyle products, beautiful jewellery and vintage finds plus tantalizing cheese, breads and scrumptious cakes, all tastes will be catered for. Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 28 December to Wednesday 1 January 2014 PANTOMIME: Aladdin Stamford Pantomime Players present a truly fabulous production of Aladdin. Spectacular costumes, a lavish set and sequins aplenty, this sparkling all-singing, all-dancing cast of local performers will take you on a magic carpet ride full of adventure. An enchanting and magical family pantomime. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £9.50/£7.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-excahange.co.uk Wednesday 18th December, 7.30 pm EVENT: Buon Natale The St Martin’s Singers’ Annual Christmas Concert. In Verdi’s bi-centenary year, Fergus Black and the St. Martin’s Singers celebrate sunny Italy: the home of song, and of opera. In the omnium-gatherum programme, sacred choruses by Verdi and Rossini rub shoulders with popular Italian carols, operatic arias and a Palestrina Magnificat. The Court Room, Stamford Town Hall. Tickets £12/£9 Tel: 01780 763203 Saturday 21 December, 11.30am & 3pm CHRISTMAS SHOW: Scrooge A spectacular adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale, played out with huge puppets, fine actors, great songs and ingenious staging. Expect lots of audience participation. Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets £8 (family ticket £28) Tel: 01780 763 203 www.stamfordartscentre.co.uk Saturday 21 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: Stamford Brass The band present their Christmas programme including many carols and favourite Christmas songs. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre. Tickets £10 Tel: 01780 766455

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ACCOUNTANTS

Expert advice, local knowledge Contact Tom Hindmarch: tom.hindmarch@duntop.co.uk

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We specialise in providing the complete accountancy and business support service you need to enable you to concentrate on growing your business. Call Michelle for a free initial consultation on 01780 751115 Email: mfeasey@feaseyaccounts.co.uk

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FRENCH TUITION

ALEXANDER RODWAY

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C CARPENTERS A R P E N T AND E R S B U I OF L DSTAMFORD E R S BUILDERS OF STAMFO CARPENTRY R D

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Help available until 9pm including weekends. Computer repair and support for home and business A complete service for all your computing needs

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PLUMBING

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M OGLESBY INSTALLATIONS

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STA M FOR D PE OPLE

Sue Taylor Words & Photography by Harjit Gammon

ronically for someone who has never strayed far from where she was born and bred, Sue Taylor runs, amongst a range of other jobs, The Travellers Rest Café at Stamford bus station. Though by a further twist, it emerges that her traveller’s café caters not to the many tourists and visitors that the buses bring to our town but primarily to a loyal and sizeable band of locals. Harjit Gammon transited to the cafe for a very early morning (7.30am) cuppa to catch up with this phenomenally energetic and busy local woman, whose life might be described as a catalogue of a vanishing slice of the everyday life and social history of Stamford - the ordinary, everyday, interesting local details that are so very easily lost to time. Sue’s roots are firmly entrenched in the town. The third eldest of 12 children, 8 boys and 4 girls, she has spent her fifty three years living and working in the town in which she was born. Seated in the café, which occupies a commanding position overlooking Sheepmarket, she recounts growing up in Stamford and the changing face of the town. Brought up in Tolethorpe Square and still within a stone’s throw of it to this day, she relates how her brother Teddy still lives in the house they grew up in. As a child she attended the Bluecoat School on Wharf Road as it was then, which had a further two classrooms next to the Chapel on the ‘Rec’, before moving onto the Exeter School, now Stamford Queen Eleanor School. Her eyes light up as she tells me about the simple pleasures she and her siblings enjoyed as children; a banana sandwich for tea and then out to play hopscotch, rounders, or games

played with nothing more than a length of elastic in the street. Her fondest memories and biggest lament at its loss, however, were of the open air pool on the site of the Cattle Market car park. This featured large in her young life, so much so that she would choose a day at the swimming pool as the thing she would most wish to entrust to a time capsule for posterity. The detail of it is imprinted in her mind; from the wooden changing huts to the three pools, the stands for spectators and the on-site sweet shop. As the eldest girl, however, there was little time for childish play. She was expected to shoulder a lot of the practical responsibility for raising her younger brothers and sisters and, it is to this that she attributes her lifelong aptitude for hard work. Nonetheless, her capacity for ‘grafting’ as she puts it is still breathtaking. She is up, she tells me, every morning at five, to help prepare her husband’s burger van and then to open the café at 7.30am. In addition to running the café, she works on the Friday Stamford Market for Sam the ‘fruit man’ and, again on Wednesdays on Market Deeping Market, as she has for the past twenty years. Her family, as many Stamfordians will know, had a greengrocer’s in the Northfields/Conduit Road area for many years, so this provides a nice touch of continuity for her. To this gruelling schedule must be added the running of her apron stall at various Sunday markets in the vicinity. And, during the Stamford Mid-Lent Fair, she not only caters breakfasts and meals for the fair men, but will

also be found at work on her brothers’ (Taylor’s amusements) burger vans. A familiar face in the town, she worked for many years at the now gone Sugar Bowl Café on the High Street, dispensing Mr Whippy ice creams from the takeaway counter. For a time she was also the landlady of The Lincolnshire Poacher pub (now The Pear Tree) on Broad Street, which she tells me has an array of underground tunnels to various pubs and parts of the town. If a traditional homemade cottage pie, beef stew with dumplings or liver, onions and bacon takes your fancy then take yourself up to the Travellers Rest Café at the Bus Station, where Sue will be at the ready; with a generous portion and a kind, friendly greeting. This must be why the town regulars keep on returning day after day, month after month and year after year!

• The Travellers Rest Café is located at Stamford Bus Station, in the former ticket office. The building was reputedly once part of Stamford Castle and has a cross etched in an external side wall. Sue Taylor has run the cafe for over fourteen years. Full English Breakfasts, Home Cooked Food, Old Fashioned puddings, Homemade Chips and much more... Travellers Rest Café, St Peter’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2PE

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2013

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Ladies and Gentlemen need the right time

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