Stamford Living December 2014

Loving where we live!

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STAMFORD LIVING www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@LocalLivingUK

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Christmas Decorations

Featuring:

Party Fashion Stamford News Health & Beauty Resolutions Local Schools Design Interiors Books for Christmas Rutland Retreats Kids’ Activities Ask Leo Walk around Sheffield Skiing Tips Great Local Food & Drink Events Guide Stamford People

Perfect Gifts

DECEMBER 2014 £1.50

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W NE ICE PR

UFFINGTON £349,995

The Old Shop Cottage is a charming stone family home with a walled garden and situated within this much sought after village, being convenient for Uffington C of E, Copthill and Stamford schools. Inside, the property offers surprisingly spacious accommodation with a wealth of charm and original features including inglenook fire place, with gas fire, and exposed stone walls and timbers. The property offers excellent potential to extend and modernise, subject to the usual planning regulations. Ground floor: Entrance hall, lounge, family/dining room, kitchen, and utility room, cloakroom. First floor: Landing, five bedrooms, large family bathroom. Outside: Private walled gardens with gated access to extensive driveway, providing ample parking for numerous vehicles and double garage.

WEST DEEPING

£765,000

This beautifully presented barn conversion, converted in 1997 to a high standard, is set within private mature gardens of approximately 0.28 of an acre with views over countryside and St. Andrews Church. The property is approached by a long gravelled gated drive with accommodation comprising: Ground floor: Reception hall, light drawing room with wood burner, bespoke kitchen dining room with integrated appliances and Aga, study/bedroom five, shower room, cloakroom, laundry room and side entrance hall. First floor: Main landing leading to a minstrel galleried landing, master bedroom with en-suite and three further bedrooms. Outside there is a detached garage with large workshop to the rear and room above. This could easily be made into a self-contained office or annexe, subject to planning.

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TICKENCOTE

UFFINGTON £410,000

This rurally located detached bungalow is found amongst a cluster of other residences at a fork in the road just outside Uffington. The individually designed brick built home is set back from the road opposite open farmland. The spacious and flexible accommodation comprises: Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen diner, utility room with door to the garden, four double bedrooms with an en suite to the master and a further family bathroom.

Outside the driveway sweeps around to the front entrance whilst also offering access to the double garage. To the rear there is an enclosed garden mainly laid to lawn with steps onto the decking.

£347,000

This pretty semi-detached stone cottage is approached by a double driveway and is set in the heart of this sought after village overlooking the Church and only a short drive to Stamford, the A1 and local amenities. The property has been much improved in recent years and enjoys the benefit of a re-fitted kitchen breakfast room and a self-contained annexe. Accommodation comprises: Covered entrance lobby, entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room with open fireplace, dining room, kitchen breakfast room overlooking the rear garden. To the first floor there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The annexe consists of a large open plan studio with kitchen area, bathroom and cloakroom. Outside, there are enclosed and well maintained gardens to the front and rear and a larger than average garage.

Call us now for more information

3 Red Lion Street, Stamford PE9 1PA

01780 765060

email: mailroom@knightpartnership.com

www.knightpartnership.com

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STAMFORD LIVING

December Contents www.stamfordliving.co.uk

@LocalLivingUK

UPDATES, SHOPPING 4

Save Our Green Spaces Part 2

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2014 has not been a good year for Stamford’s Green Spaces; but the fight, with your help, goes on.

First, we had the pockets of open space in the Scottish estate being sold off at auction to the highest bidder for development. Thanks to John Dawson for stepping in and saving most of them; but there are still some that are causing concern.

Then we had the Kier Homes Development in the Kettering Rd, which would greatly damage one of the finest views of Stamford down from Wothorpe.

This was roundly defeated the first time round, but has just come back a second time. Go to the SKDC Planning website, type in S14/3078, take a look at the plans and express your view. Every opinion counts.

Finally, there is the ongoing threat to build on The Meadows at the foot of Austin Friars Lane; a decision that, if approved, could set in train a programme of building along the meadows which would destroy one of our greatest natural assets.

We need to be alert and awake to these threats; green spaces are fundamental to our well-being. Put pen to paper and express yourself, so that when your children and grandchildren ask ‘What did you do when our green spaces were threatened?’ you can say you cared and did your bit.

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 14 78

Fashion: Putting on the glitz Health & Beauty: Beauty Resolutions Fashion: Asha’s in Oundle

HOME 50

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Publisher

Cover Photograph by Tracy Burr www.tracyburr.com . The wreath is available from The Flower House at 31 St Mary’s St Tel: 01780 753225 and will cost £75.

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Property: Rutland Retreats

FOOD & DRINK

Nicholas Rudd-Jones 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

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A wonderful selection of Christmas decorations from locals shops for your home Updates: Neal’s Yard Remedies; Robert Loomes Mermaid watch; Sam Robson exhibition; Christmas Festive Football Fun Days Updates: Beach Media Video; Nest Estates; Music at The Manor for Thorpe Hall Appeal; Christmas Santa Fun Run in Burghley Park; Stamford Choral Christmas Concert Updates: Chalk Interiors winner; Queensgate wraps up Christmas and supports charity; Elemis Biotec Facial; The Kiwanis Santa sleigh tour CHRISTMAS FEATURE: MY PERFECT GIFT Updates: Why Charles & Dean? Couples to benefit from new tax allowance; Mojos Hair & Beauty refurbishment; Caught on Camera

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Eating Out: The brilliant new Crown Food & Drink: Ginger and spice and all things nice…

Food & Drink: Olive Branch recipe Eating Out: The Yard @ No. 3; The Wine Bar; Hambleton Bakery Christmas produce The Great Food Club

ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, LEARNING & BUSINESS 39

44 54 55 58 62 81

Learning: Stamford Endowed Schools’ happenings Great Christmas Reads, as recommended by our contributors Child-Friendly Stamford Christmas Activities for kids Urban Rambles: The Porter Brook, Sheffield Active: Getting fit for skiing What’s On

PEOPLE & PLACES 48 57 86

Stamford People: Nick Fluck, Stapleton’s Ask Leo: The Embroiderers’ Guild People: The Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral

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.stamfordliving.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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DESIGN IDEAS

Christmas Decorations Stamford shops have a fabulous selection of Christmas decorations this year, you need go nowhere else!

Photography by Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Wreath & Noel candle holder from The Sack Shop, £9.00 (candle sold separately)

Silk flowers from The Flower House, £4.99 each

Christmas wreath from Sly, £15

Reindeer from Havershams, £4.50

Knitting Christm as bauble from Snow Design, £4 .95

Liberty & Jones of Stamford, tea towel from Paradise Found, £12

Mug from Love It, £5.99

Silver Reindeer from The Sack Shop, £27.50

Mouse from Perfect Present Gift Shop, £24.99

Christmas Garland from FitzjohnandStone.co.uk, £12

Cake tins from Lambs, set of two for £15.99

The Woolroom, Wool throw from £109.99

Cake tray from Harrison & Dunn , £1.49

Salt & Pepper set from Lambs, £4.99

Tea towel from Havershams, £8.95

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Reindeer from The Flower House, £16

Design bauble from Snow Merry Christmas te coins!), £5.95 (filled with chocola

Wooden Reindeer from The Sack Shop, £6.49

Reindeer from Chalk Interiors, £15

Wooden Christmas Wreath from FitzjohnandStone. co.uk, £33

Angel from You Living & Giving, £14.99

Cake decorations from Harrison & Dunn, £0.99 each Rocking Reindeer from Cloudnine, £4.99

Snowman from Nook Furniture, £10.99

, £4.99 Mug from Lambs

Christmas napkins from Christmas Train from Cloudnine, £6.99

Stag Lantern House from The Sack Shop, £7.99

Heart & Gingerbread baubles from Chalk Interiors, £3.50 each

Cone String from Nook Furniture, £16.99

Nook Furniture, £3 .99

Gift box from Love It, £2.99 STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 09:23

Independant . . . your local estate agent!

goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Five reasons that set us apart : • Being one of the most recognisable and popular brands in the area provides us with a competitive edge.

• A local branch with local people - we know the residents, the schools and the area.

• Our central location within Stamford Town Goodwin Property Services, led by Robert Goodwin and Simon Burton, have built their reputation, living and working in Stamford for over 40 years.

The local market needs that local knowledge to truly assess values, market forces of supply and demand, relevant technology and marketing techniques as well as the numerous other issues involved in the buying and selling process, making our experience invaluable.

The unique combination of experience we have at our disposal really does mean we can provide levels of advice, in terms of using property for investment or retirement planning, that is difficult to match. If you are thinking of going this route drop in for a chat and we will explain more.

centre means we are perfectly placed to ensure all our properties receive maximum exposure.

• Our independent status means we have the

ability to adapt to the changing market and the needs of our clients.

• We have dedicated specialists to advise on

all aspects of Residential Sales, Lettings and Financial Services.

Being recognised as the area’s leading independent agent is also something we value highly. The ability to change direction quickly as and when the need arises should not be undervalued. We are not target driven but want to act in our client’s best interests at all times. You are dealing with the people who run the company and really care about what you think.

Our reputation is very important to us. We really do feel that openness and honesty are two of the greatest tools at our disposal, and when combined with our degree of professionalism, we offer a service that is hard to be beaten.

Whether you are buying, selling or letting, why not let us help you.

All you need to do is contact us : call, email or visit the website and we’ll do the rest!

•

goodwin

www.goodwinpropertyservices.co.uk

Residential Sales • Lettings • Mortgages

. . . your local estate agent! 01780 750000 2-3 St John’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DA

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Fine Bespoke Timber Windows, Doors, Conservatories and Bi Folding Door Systems

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas

1 Meadow View, Uffington Road, Stamford, PE9 2EX T: 01780 753343 info@orchardwindows.co.uk

F: 01780 482926 www.orchardwindows.co.uk

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm

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

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Puttingon theglitz FASHION

It’s always nice to have some new party wear to help shine through the festive season and this year more then ever it’s about sequins, sparkle and bright colour. Sally Stillingfleet has tried to avoid the little black dress, unless accessorised with eye-catching statement jewellery – so that you can stand out from the crowd.

The Delcor showroom provides the perfect setting, rich velvet, linens and leather upholstery contemporarily crafted - a decadent stylish showroom to partner partywear.

Glamorous print jumpsuit £40 and new brand Bourne jacket £155 both Energy, YSL high heels £190 Arch Label Agency.

Ted Baker 50s style full skirt £139, worn with T shirt £39 both from John Lewis

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Tori Burch gold sequined dress £150 Arch Label Agency

Green silk Almost Famous dress £215 Attic, worn with Rogers & Rogers earrings from a selection at Paradise Found

CONTACTS John Lewis, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough. Tel. 01733 344644 Energy, 9 Ironmonger St, Stamford Tel. 01780 765633 Attic, 33 St. Mary’s St, Stamford Tel. 01780 766667 Arch Label Agency, 43 St. Peter’s Street, Stamford Tel. 01780 764746 Paradise Found, 34 St Mary’s St, Stamford.

Tel. 01780 764439 Pictures by Elli Dean (07932 055548 ) www.ellideanphotography.co.uk Delcor – Bath Row, Rear of St. Mary’s Hill, Stamford. Tel. 01780 762 579 www.delcor.co.uk Faith Bailey, owner of Perch and Preen created an evening make-up but kept it neutral using pale golds and a nude lip in order to go with every outfit. Faith’s drop-in salon is so handy. A full make-up at Perch and Preen is £25 as well as all the usual treatments on a no appointment needed basis.

Lindsey is currently at Thomas and Thomas in Melton Mowbray. Initially she specialised in creative hair-ups, so was great to style Sarah’s long hair. She created soft waves, which were then swept up later on, a great look for glamorous eveningwear.

Lindsey Baker – Thomas and Thomas, 2 High Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Tel. 016645 66812 Follow Perch and Preen on Facebook.

Many thanks to Sarah for kindly agreeing to model for me.

Postcard from Brighton black lace dress £99 and Bourne jacket £155 both Energy. Lanvin necklace £290 Arch Label Agency.

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UPDATES

Neal’s Yard Remedies arrives in Stamford N

eal’s Yard Remedies, the UK’s foremost destination for natural, organic health and beauty, has just launched their newest store and therapy rooms in Stamford in the beautiful historic building that used to house Thornton’s.

For over thirty years, Neal’s Yard Remedies has pioneered a more natural, holistic way of health, beauty and wellbeing. They were the UK’s 1st certified organic health and beauty company, the UK’s 1st high street retailer to launch certified organic essential oils, the 1st company to produce a Soil Association certified organic SPF moisturiser in 2011, the 1st company to product Soil Association certified organic cosmetics in 2010 and one of the 1st companies to launch skincare enriched with Fairtrade certified ingredients. They have also

worked with organisations such as the Soil Association, CarbonNeutral and the Fairtrade Foundation, to educate consumers on green beauty, health and wellbeing.

Nearly every one of the award-winning, certified organic products – the largest range in the UK – is handmade in their ecofactory in Dorset, using sustainably sourced, certified organic ingredients. To Neal’s Yard Remedies, the social and environmental cost of ingredients is more important than the price. By choosing to support sustainable, organic harvesting and fair trade programmes, they believe we can all be a positive force for change.

From their small beginnings, Neal’s Yard Remedies now has more than 40 stores in

the UK and can’t wait to share their award winning products and vast selection of holistic treatments with their fans in Stamford.

• 53 High Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, E9 2AW stamford@nealsyardremedies.com

At the Sign of the Mermaid

Sam Robson Gallery in Rutland

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tamford watchmakers Loomes & Co has launched a new, waterproof wristwatch called the Mermaid in time for Christmas.

Loomes & Co are known for their stunning Stamford-made watches. Their entirely English, Robin, watch is still available, handmade to order, with a waiting list of around twelve weeks.

The Mermaid however, is a ready-to-wear wristwatch and is priced at £2,850.

In 1656 Thomas Loomes ran the largest clock and watch making concern in the world, established “at the Sign of the Mermaid” in the City of London. The Mermaid seemed the perfect name for both their riverside workshops, and for a new automatic, high quality waterproof British watch.

Managing director Robina Hill told SL: “My office looks out across the River Welland. In fact our lower ground floor has come perilously close to flooding once or twice. It made us determined to manufacture a waterproof watch here. The name Mermaid was inevitable.”

The Mermaid contains a new automatic movement with, for the first time, numerous internal movement components machined in their Stamford workshops. Both the movement and the dial are decorated with the traditional Loomes sign – a mermaid holding an hourglass. River dwellers have long believed that the appearance of a Mermaid in freshwater is a sign of good fortune. Loomes and Co are proving that, once again, watch making is flourishing at the sign of the Mermaid.

• Robert Loomes & Co, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DW Tel: 01780 481319 www.robertloomes.com

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or eight years Samuel Robson owned an art gallery in the heart of Oakham, before becoming a private independent dealer and working from his home in Rutland in 2013.

This year he has started to present some Open Weekend Exhibitions, showcasing a selection of Modern British Art, which he specialises in. The exhibitions take place in a home interior environment, which lends an opportunity to see how the works look in an open residential setting.

Following the success of their inaugural Summer Open Weekend, Samuel Robson Fine Art is pleased to hold and to invite you to their first Winter Open Weekend on December 6th and 7th from 12 - 4pm. Join them for a selection of canapés and champagne.

This event will showcase a mix of Modern British artists and will include, amongst others, John Piper, Edward Seago, Anthony Gross, Fred Yates and Andrew Macara and will take place at 44a Main Street, Empingham, LE15 7PE. This will be an opportunity to view a mixed exhibition of Modern British Art. • The exhibition will be available to view by appointment following the Open Week. For further details of the works that will be shown during the weekend, contact Samuel at robson@srfagallery.com or on 07894 086836.

Christmas Festive Football Fun Days The Bluecoat School, Stamford, PE9 1HE – Indoors!

Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd December

O

ne Touch Football is going to be running festive football fun days running up to the Christmas period. The days will be based on fun activities for the children to enjoy whilst you as parents can go and do your Christmas shopping without the kids!

The days will take place in an indoor sports hall.

The days will be for boys & girls from ages 4 to 12 years, from beginners to more experienced players. The days will be based on learning new skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Head Coach, Glenn Vaughan is a coach & scout for Norwich City Football Club, who will attend to develop and keep a close eye on all individuals.

The days run from 9.00 till 3.00 and cost £15 per day or both days for £25.00 • To book, go to www.onetouchfootball.co.uk then simply just fill in the online booking form followed by payment online

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Neal’s Yard Remedies

£10 off **

RRP £65.00

Lines & wrinkles reduced in just 30 minutes* Firmer skin in only 7 days*

Age-defying effect instantly* Plumper skin in only 7 days*

Pure Organic Clinically Proven Neal’s Yard Remedies Stamford 53 High Street, PE9 2AW

nealsyardremedies.com **£10 off applies to Frankincense IntenseTM Concentrate 30ml only, on redemption of this original advert.

Offer valid in Neal’s Yard Remedies Stamford store only, until 24th December 2014. One discounted product per customer. No cash or other alternatives. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. *Based on clinical trials.

Local Living Ad •2551 SL Dec ADS.indd 11 Nov 14 AW.indd 1

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07/11/2014 21/11/2014 15:41 10:50

SMILE CONFIDENTLY

NAILS / LASHES / PERMANENT MAKE UP

with Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces

ADVANCED NAIL ENHANCEMENTS

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

SEMI-PERMANENT MAKE UP

Nail Extensions

Fine Silk Lashes

3D Hair Stroke Brows

Nail Reconstruction

Synthetic Mink Lashes

HD Powdered Brows

Hard UV Gels/Acrylics

NEW! Luxury Siberian Real Mink 3D Lashes

Eyeliner Top&Bottom

Vitamin Gel Polish

INDIVIDUAL

Lipliner & Blush

Manicures/Pedicures 3D & Free Hand Art NEW! P-Shine Manicure

Eyelash Enhancements

Lip Contour Corrections

Gi! V"chers

NEW! Microblading PERFECT MAKE UP 24/7

2012 UK Nail Tech of the Year 2nd Place

PAIN-FREE TREATMENTS

info@beautica.co.uk ~ beautica.co.uk

The Invisalign system is the clinically accepted, nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile – without braces.

The Invisalign treatment works through a series of removable and nearly invisible aligners.

Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position.

So if you want to show your smile and not your braces, find out more about Invisalign: the nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth.

Visit Visit bridgedentistry.co.uk bridgedentistry.co.uk for a £500 discount code on to view our great range of cosmetic Invisalign treatment call us on treatment options oror telephone 01778 342215 to find out more 01778 342215 to find out more.

(Valid until 30th June 2014)

For natural family health & wellness call

01780 758535

You were born to be healthy!

If you regularly feel tired or irritable, if you’re suffering with pain, or if it seems that you’re always “coming down with something”, then these are all signs that your health is starting to crack!

Let us help you get back on form, naturally!

Bridge Foot, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8AA

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

Web: www.in-nerve-ative.co.uk

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SNOWDENS FOOT CLINIC & BEAUTY SPA WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR LOYAL & FAITHFUL CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Only Salon in the Region to have Elemis Biotec Treatments

DEC OFFERS: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Christmas Eve & New Years Eve only (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day)

• Wanting to wear that special backless dress?

Indulge in a BACK SALT EXFOLIATION & receive a FREE File & Polish • Book a Manicure & Pedicure together and receive the cheapest one 1/2 price GIFT IDEAS

• 7 Super charged facials • 5 Technologies • 1 Machine

FILE AND POLISH ONLY

Searching for that special present for your loved one?

• Buy a Gift Voucher and let them choose their own pamper present from our exclusive range of treatments from our Beauty & Podiatry Menu.

• A range of Stocking Fillers and Gift Ideas also available.

and Gift Sets available for him and her or why not spoil the one you love with Maples Gift Vouchers.

sp o i l y o u rsel f y o u d ese r v e it . . .

A SPECIAL HAVEN OF TRANQUILITY AND RELAXATION TUCKED AWAY IN THE CENTRE OF STAMFORD Snowdens Hospital, Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YF Tel: 01780 762244 - www.snowdensfootclinic.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Beauty Resolutions Genevieve Potter looks at how to solve those beauty issues that you never quite get around to addressing, with the help of some of Stamford’s foremost beauty experts

RESOLUTION – TO REMOVE UNSIGHTLY HAIR, ONCE AND FOR ALL Hair removal can be a laborious process, and in extreme cases can be a cause of real distress.

SkinFirst, a system now available at the Advanced Skin Clinic has developed a more effective method of traditional Intensive Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy called MPL (multi-pulsed light), a trade-marked, non-invasive treatment, with no down-time. It is generally suitable for any external area of the skin where hair is darker than the skin, or there is some colour in the hair (blonde, white and grey hair cannot be treated but the treatment works for darker skin types that traditionally have not been suitable for treatment with IPL).

After applying a special optical gel, the energy from the MPL machine is directed on to the skin and the energy follows the hair down to the base of the shaft, destroying the hair. The sensation is akin to an elastic band flicking against the skin, although this shouldn’t feel too uncomfortable and the machine has an in-built cooling system. As the hair needs to be in “growing cycle” when treated, typically a course of six to eight treatments needs to take place with four to six weeks between each treatment – however clients can shave the area or use depilatory creams to remove the hair between each session.

Prices start from £40 for the upper lip area and when you book and pay for a course of treatments before 31st December 2014, mentioning Stamford Living, you will be entitled to a 30% discount – contact the salon for more details.

The Advanced Skin Clinic - 8, High Street St Martin’s Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481155 www.theadvancedskinclinic.co.uk RESOLUTION – TO HAVE SOFTER, YOUNGERLOOKING HANDS Hands are often a giveaway when it comes to guessing someone’s age – winter sees the extremes of cold and central heating dehydrating this area of thin, delicate skin and summer often gives rise to hyperpigmentation – the annoying brown spots that seem to appear from nowhere.

Aveda have now introduced a new serum to be applied at night, which promises to plump up the skin and lessen brown spots, as well as stopping new brown spots from forming in the first place.

Results are apparent in just four weeks.

Applied at night, the Hand Relief Night Serum contains andiroba oil to protect the skin’s natural barriers, giving a smoother, plumper appearance. It

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has a gorgeous fresh aroma with organic orange, eucalyptus and lavandin (part of the lavender family of plants, which will help you to relax). It’s a must-have for every bedside table and if you really are on a mission to have younger looking hands, why not treat yourself to the Hand Relief lotion to layer on after the serum?

Aveda Hand Relief Night Serum £25.00 and Hand Relief Lotion, £19.50, Gerards Gerards Hair and Beauty George Hotel Mews, Stamford PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 753002 www.gerardhair-beauty.co.uk

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RESOLUTION – TO GET GORGEOUS EYEBROWS BACK If you have over-plucked your eyebrows over a course of many years or even lost them through a medical condition, Carolyn Claypole can give you back incredibly naturallooking brows, using the latest techniques to create a semipermanent brow that no-one would guess you weren’t born with.

Every person is unique and will have very different requirements, so Carolyn sees every new client for a free consultation prior to treating them. And look out for the new Japanese brow technique – which Carolyn is launching in early 2015.

Electrolysis & Skincare Studio The George Hotel Mews Stamford, PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 763620 www.escstudio.co.uk

RESOLUTION – TO MAKE FACIAL SKIN LOOK SMOOTHER AND CLEARER Stamford Beauty is excited to offer a revolutionary treatment by leading skincare brand Dermalogica designed to work with the skin, not against it! The BioSurface Peel is a skin resurfacing system producing the same powerful results as a chemical peel, without the associated side effects that can occur, such as redness and inflammation.

A course of six treatments are recommended, generally performed over a 6 -12 week period depending on your skin.

The result? A reduction in breakouts, pigmentation and signs of premature ageing and smoother, brighter, softer skin. A course of six treatments (usually over a 6-12 week period) costs £360, including an aftercare pack. You’ll need to book in for a 30 minute consultation with a skin expert at Stamford Beauty for an assessment prior to the treatments commencing.

Stamford Beauty - 15 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP. Tel: 01780 757108 www.stamfordbeauty.com RESOLUTION – TO REMOVE UNSIGHTLY THREAD VEINS Renaissance has recently launched the Thermavein machine. This offers instant, safe and permanent removal of unsightly thread veins and broken capillaries on the face or body in one session. It’s a medical-grade treatment that uses thermocoagulation, a type of treatment that has existed in the medical world for 15 years and has been backed by extensive clinical trials.

Prices start from around £100, depending on the size of area to be treated.

To find out more contact Renaissance or go to www.thermavein.com to see how the treatment works.

Renaissance 2 Mallory Lane, Stamford, PE9 2FW Tel: 01780 763768 www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk RESOLUTION – TO TIGHTEN UP THOSE JOWLS With age we lose definition in our jaw line, and loss of firmness in this area can be significantly ageing.

CACI, the leaders in non-surgical face lifts backed by 20 years of medical research have developed the Jowl Lift, available now at Equilibrium. This is a non-surgical solution to combat muscle laxity and redefine the jawline without the need for more drastic treatment or surgery. The treatment reeducates muscle fibres and improves skin texture, as well as softening fine lines and wrinkles and lifting the face.

Stamford Living reader offer - book a 40 minute CACI taster treatment costing £40 (normal price for CACI Ultimate including jowl lift £75) and should you decide to book and pay for a course, you will receive ten treatments for the price of eight. Offer valid for courses booked before 31st December 2014, taster treatments are subject to availability.

Equilibrium - 7 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757579 www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk www.facebook.com/equilibriumstamford STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 09:30

Monday & Saturday Open 9am – 6pm Tuesday - Friday Open 9am – 9pm

25% OFF

your 1st visit discount hair voucher if you have not visited our salons in the last 12 months.

Please bring this voucher with you to your appointment

To Book An Appointment Call 0844 999 3365 or book online at www.browns-hair.co.uk & visit our website for more promotions and salon information

Red Lion Square, Stamford, PE9 2AJ

GIFT VOUCHE RS AVAILAB LE

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A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

HOME ACCESSORIES BATH & BODY GIFTS FAUX FUR BOOTS, SHOES, HANDBAGS CARDS & GIFT WRAPPING

.

EAR O W HAWL, YS T S 7 WA RUG, A CHO, PON RE… A SH IT’S CARF, A O M A S OD AND O A SN

EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

4 St Mary’s Passage, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2HG

info@slycollections.co.uk www.slycollections.co.uk Tel: 01780 482870

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

All aspects of beauty therapy available New to Renaissance is Thermavein, a treatment that can eliminate thread veins in one treatment.

Prices start at £100.

Photos show Call now for details. instant results after one 15 minute treatment.

WATCH THE VIDEO ON THERMAVEIN.COM

www.renaissancebeauty.co.uk

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UPDATES

And... Action!

More and more local business are getting in front of the camera and marketing themselves with online video

T

here’s a good chance that you’ve watched a YouTube video this week.

In fact, 78% of web users watch online video every week, 55% daily.

And, according to Stamford-based video producer, Rich Beach, if the video was for a business, it can increase the chance of a viewer making a purchase by 35%.

Rich’s business, Beach Media, produces videos for businesses in the region, but he says smaller companies are only just starting to recognise the power of video. “It’s happened so quickly to be honest. Google changed how they rank websites in 2011, based on video and social media connections to your site. Ten years ago every business knew they needed a website. Now it’s video.”

One company making great use of their You Tube channel is Rutland Cycling, who has been working with Rich for two years. Online Content Manager, Aaron Scott, says: “Video has proved to be an incredibly powerful tool for Rutland Cycling and will be an integral part of our new site launch in January. We know video can help us engage with our customers in ways other traditional content can’t even get close to; and ultimately we know customers are more likely to purchase a product if there is a related video.”

“But even if your business doesn’t have an e-commerce element,” Rich adds, “the ‘about us’ format, telling the story behind the company,

is great for getting across the nuances of a business that separate it from the competition.”

Candida Smith of Hunters Interiors is keen to tell the Hunters’ story through video after their marketing company stressed the benefits. “There’s a lot to say really, and our business is obviously about aesthetics, which is easier to show than tell,” Candida said, adding: “plus it’s not as costly as we thought, and we got to add ‘setdresser’ to our repertoire today, too!”

• Look out for Hunters Interiors video soon, and see Beach Media’s work at www.beachmedia.tv or call him on 07786 004659

Nest Estates

Christmas Santa Fun Run in Burghley Park

What makes Nest different from ‘the rest’?

T

he founders of Nest Estates are determined to offer the best level of customer service in the industry. As a thriving independent business, Nest Estates has the flexibility to tailor its services to meet the requirements of individual clients. It is far from a ‘one size fits all’ agency, the only constants being integrity, transparency and reliability.

Jayne Knights Partner “During my adult life I have moved house nine times, including moving to another country! I have experienced differing levels of service from estate agents ranging from average to infuriating – the good, and just as importantly the bad, experiences I have had, have helped to shape the service we offer at Nest Estates. What you will find is a team of professionals committed to taking the time and trouble to understand what you really want and who promise to keep you in the loop every step of the way.”

Matthew Payton Partner “At Nest Estates we are trying hard to change the public perception of estate agents.

At Nest Estates we are realists; we can’t promise that the process of buying and selling property will be plain sailing every time as there are so many variables. However, we can promise that our focus is your peace of mind and that our ability to manage the finer details means that we achieve the smoothest transaction possible. At Nest Estates you can expect the same high quality service whether you are a first time buyer, a seasoned developer or are looking to add to an investment portfolio.”

• Nest Estates, 1 North Street, Stamford, PE9 2YN Tel: 01780 238110 www.nestestates.co.uk

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Music at The Manor for Thorpe Hall Appeal “A Handful of Harmonies” is a dynamic, community based ladies choir. Led by choir master, Andrew Clingo, and founded in July 2011 they have grown in number to seven groups spread across South Lincolnshire and beyond.

A Handful of Harmonies and other local soloists and groups TBC will be providing an evening of festive musical entertainment at The Manor in West Deeping. A fully furnished, heated marquee has been leant for the evening by one of the choir members, Suzy Grigson. There will be light refreshments, mince pies, a grand raffle, stalls and a bar.

Tickets, which will include complimentary canapés on arrival, will be £10 for adults and £6 for children. Tickets are available from Deeping TV Services, 14 High St, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8EB (01778 343831) or by contacting Andrew Clingo on 01778 345857.

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Thorpe Hall Appeal.

Sun 14 Dec, 11.00.a.m

To find out more and enter the event visit www.stamfordsantafunrun.com.

Last year, 820 enthusiastic runners representing 63 teams raised in excess of £17000 for their chosen charities.

Santa costumes supplied.

Stamford Choral Christmas Concert

Tue 16th Dec 7.30p.m. at Stamford School, St. Paul’s Street Stamford Choral with the choir of Malcolm Sargent School presents an uplifting, celebratory and joyful programme for Christmas. “Benedicite”

by Andrew Carter, and Carols for choir and audience.

Conductors Jeremy Jepson and Vicki Mills.

• Tickets £10 & £8.00 available from Stamford Arts Centre 01780 763203

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Christmas Goodies available from December

Our Christmas range will include a selection of delicious goodies, Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies, Tarts, Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Stilton & Celery Scones, Rutland Pippins, all made with the finest ingredients and full of flavour.

Shops: Exton Bakery, Market Harborough, Oakham, Stamford & West Bridgford

www.hambletonbakery.co.uk 19

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UPDATES

Chalk Interiors winner Prize winner revealed for exciting toy box competition!

C

halk Interiors of Stamford have been running a competition for children to win a 4x4 Toy Box and they have announced the winner as Ben Hodgkinson, age 6 (pictured). His sister also entered and when Mum, Louise revealed to Ben that he had won, he offered to share the prize with his sister. “He was thrilled to win,” says Louise.

Kate Higginson, manager of Chalk, is looking forward to seeing what design they apply to their toy box. “There are so many gorgeous colours in the Chalk Paint™ range, it’ll be hard to choose!

And I’d like to thank all the children who worked hard to submit their very colourful entries.”

The toy boxes are sold as a blank canvas and they are a great idea for a uniquely personalised gift this Christmas. Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan is perfect for painting them as it is so easy to use and there are 33 lovely colours to choose from.

The new range of Toy Boxes now available includes a 4x4, a bus and a beautiful horse and carriage. Painted versions can all be seen and purchased at Chalk in Stamford, or they can be inspiration for your own design.

• Chalk, based at the Stamford Garden Centre, is open 7 days a week www.chalkinteriors.com

Queensgate wraps up The Kiwanis Christmas and supports Santa sleigh charity tour 2015

Elemis Biotec Facial

T

I

urn Christmas presents into exquisite gifts with Queensgate’s personalised wrapping service. Queensgate’s official charity partner, Kidney Research UK volunteers are now there to ensure everyone’s gifts are beautifully wrapped in time for Christmas. The team of friendly expert wrappers will personally wrap presents for a small donation, every penny of which goes directly to the charity.

The volunteers are from a range of backgrounds and organisations, including; Queensgate Centre Management, Norwich and Peterborough Building Society, Peterborough Slimming World, The One Group and Peterborough U3A to name a few.

Sam Eastwood, Centre Director at Queensgate Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted that the volunteers from Kidney Research UK will be in the Centre this Christmas.

The charity gift wrap service is always incredibly busy; it offers a great service to shoppers and raises vital funds for Kidney Research UK.” Hannah Wysocki, Community Fundraiser for Kidney Research UK, said: “We’re really grateful to the team at Queensgate for such a great opportunity to raise money for Kidney Research UK this Christmas. Please come and visit our volunteers with any presents you need wrapping for a small donation. The money raised will allow us to continue our life-saving research into better treatments, and ultimately a cure for kidney diseases.”

• For those interested in volunteering with Kidney Research UK, please contact Hannah Wysocki: 01733 367839 / hannahwysocki@ kidneyresearchuk.org.

• For gift ideas, all the latest news, Christmas opening hours, parking information, events and competitions, visit: www.queensgateshopping.co.uk.

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E

ach evening at 6pm from the beginning of December, Santa tours the streets of Stamford and the surrounding villages on his sleigh with Rudolf and other helpers to wish all the children a Merry Christmas. So when you hear his sleigh, come out and say hello. Members of the Kiwanis will be collecting donations for local causes.

Sun 30 Nov: Santa will bring the mayor and helper to switch on the Christmas lights Mon 1 Dec: Perth Road, Caithness Road, Dickens Drive Tue 2 Dec: Fitzwilliam Road, Cambridge Road, Elizabeth Road Thu 4 Dec: Rutland Heights Fri 5 Dec: Arran Road, Cedar Road, Oak Road Mon 8 Dec: Belvoir Close, Laughton Drive, Banks Crescent Tue 9 Dec: Ketton Wed 10 Dec: Green Lane, Churchill Road, Edinburgh Road Thu 11 Dec: Lincoln Road, Kesteven Road, Irnham Road Fri 12 Dec: Chatsworth Road, Waverley Gardens, Lambeth Walk Mon15 Dec: Ryhall Tue 16 Dec: Easton on the Hill Thu 18 Dec: Rutland Road, Masterton Road, Drift Road Fri 19 Dec: Lonsdale Road, Sutherland Way, Highlands Way

Nicholas Rudd-Jones recharged and rejuvenated his tired-looking skin with an energising facial was lucky enough to be invited along to try out an Elemis Biotec facial for men at Maples, which was a chance to rejuvenate my skin and at the same time be pampered.

Maples is one of only 40 beauty salons in the UK to offer the revolutionary facial. Sadie carried out the treatment for me, and what a great experience it was.

Following a bespoke Elemis lifestyle consultation, my skin was deeply cleansed and toned, preparing it for three unique treatment technologies. Ultrasonic peeling was followed by steam and extraction to de-congest clogged pores and remove impurities, preparing the skin for the powerful properties of the Men’s Activator, a complex formulation rich in kalpariane and salonicornia to help firm, anti-age and hydrate.

Hydra-Active Gel Soothing Masks for the face and eyes further enhanced the activator’s unique ingredients, helping to moisturise and calm the skin, while galvanic rollers and oxygen infusion technologies targeted the skin’s deeper layers, enhancing the performance of the products used.

In addition, Elemis’ Post Shave Recovery Mask helped reduced any redness or irritation.

Finally, a calming neck and shoulder massage helped balance the mind and body, re-energising the senses and relaxing tight muscles.

It felt effective, but at the same time I felt pampered and was quite drowsy by the end of the treatment. Next day my face looked much fresher.

• Call 01780 752725 for further information. A Course of 6 treatments is recommended

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Bouquets & Arrangements • Fresh Flowers & Plants

Now taking orders for Christmas

The Flower House - 31 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DS Tel 01780 753225

www.theflowerhousestamford.co.uk

16 North Street, Stamford, PE9 1EH

01780 481416

Vera Wang Wedding Specialist

www.jlball.co.uk

e s x o B y T o d s e l i Persocnt gai f t f o r C h r i s t m a s 45cm

fe The per

n wn desig o r u o y g n creati TM ie Sloan! n n A Have fun y b lk Paint with Cha Come to Chalk Interiors at Stamford Garden Centre to see these unique and fun toy boxes

Horse & Carriage and Bus design also available

95cm

42cm

FROM

£145 Buy an unpainted version and get a free stencil and 100ml pot of Chalk Paint™

Chalk Interiors Stamford Garden Centre, Stamford PE9 4BB (FREE PARKING) www.chalkinteriors.com - 01780 752 414 21

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MY PERFECT GIFT

Independent and Proud of it!

Our independent shops just keep on getting better and better. And once again, it’s been my privilege to talk to so many of Stamford’s independent shop owners to find out what their favourite gift would be if they were buying in their own shop. Hopefully lots of good stuff to get you thinking about how you can support local and pick the best at the same time!

Words: Nicholas Rudd-Jones Pictures: Elli Dean www.ellideanphotography.co.uk

Anand Shoes Steiff collector’s Penguin, £29.99 from Anand shoes “Over 100 years old company, keeping the tradition alive, hand-made, very collectible.”

Country Traditionals Home-made Arty Farty kitchen accessories, from £12 upwards “Fun, quaint, everyone an original.” Nicola Tame, owner and creator

Denhams Jewellery NEW Silver bracelet, £280 “Nice and wide, with very effective beading.” Sarah Stamp, owner

Robert Fogell Gallery Peter Layton, Hand blown glass, £395 “So beautiful and so collectible.” Rob Fogell

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Sophie Allport Mugs Sophie Allport Rugby, Football and Cricket fine bone china mugs: £9.50 Available from sophieallport.com or on 0845 0177 866 or from Langtoft (PE6 9NF) showroom. Open Mon-Friday (9am-5pm) and every Saturday until Christmas!

Rutland Fly Fishing Fly fishing vouchers “The perfect way to start a new hobby that can last a lifetime.”

Rob Waddington, fishing coach.

Vouchers available online at www. rutlandflyfishing.co.uk

Lambs Cookware & Tableware (shops now combined) An assortment of cake tins, from £7 “Brightens up kitchen life, as well as being a practical necessity.” Janet Brown, owner

Chameleon Hadaki Jewellery Travel Bag, £35 “Ideal for travel – pop in items of jewellery, pull the drawstrings and you’re away!” Giselle Brannan, owner Delcor Retro Desk lamp, £325 “Contemporary and versatile in all settings.” Kathleen, Manager

Snow Design & Interiors Rory Dobner plate, £35 (also a range of tea towels, napkins, cushions etc.)

“Rory’s designs are quite unique; he also designs hotels, including Babington House & Ibiza Rocks House.”

Camilla Snow, owner

Lucinda Frances (formerly Jules) Make-up bag by Mallisa, £18

The Flower House Everlasting flowers, £28 “We get so many men putting them on the counter to buy them thinking they are real.”

Tracy Burr, owner

Baubles & Bangles Patterned purses, £13 “Colourful, individual, every one different; appeal across all ages.” Marc and Lynne Tempest, co-owners STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 09:33

Perfect gifts

Available from Early December.

Unique Indian Antique camphor wood trunks

These are individual & distinct Gifts. Available in sizes 27” & 37”. New 37” camphor wood trunks also in stock.

Call Chris now on: 0844 8546366 Or select your trunk from our online brochure at: www.hgrimports.com hello@hgrimports.com 24

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QUE2

90 shops

OVER

15

places Thousands to eat of brands

LATE NIGHT

Shopping

Late night shopping in December until 9pm weekdays and 7pm Saturdays with free parking after 5:30pm weeknights.

From 1st until 23rd December.

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MY PERFECT GIFT

Robert Loomes The Mermaid Wristwatch, £2,850 “Made in Stamford, need one say more?” Robert Loomes, owner

St Martin’s Antiques A fabulous range of just about everything old and antique “If you want something really unique, you can find it here.”

Lucinda, owner

Digby & Gunn Geo. Trumper men’s products – colognes, shaving cream etc; from £10 upwards “Founded in 1875 and still going strong; that tells you something.” Laetitia Valentine

Paul Richman A range of socks from Penrose & Visconti, from £13 “It’s no good looking 95% stylish – never forget great socks!”

Pam, Manager

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St Mary’s Books & Prints A Winnie The Pooh 1st edition, 1926, with original wrapper!!! £2,500 “Just come and take a look, it will excite you!”

Marcus, owner

The Vacuum Store Dyson Animal, £229 “Cordless, handheld, effortless, effective.” Nick, owner

Sly Fashion Nature’s Bounty Salad Servers, £27.50 “Adds intrigue to one’s salad.” Belinda Sly, owner

Colemans Fountain pen sets, £20.99 & £19.99 “A fountain pen adds a touch of class to any correspondence, and makes the recipient feel special.”

Stamford Deli Trio of Jams, chutneys or mustards, £14.50 “Taste sensations” Kelly Combes, owner

Stamford Cheese Cellar Artisan gins, various prices Full of character and all from surrounding counties, including Two Birds from Market Harborough.” Karen Brammer, owner

Stamford Music Shop Instrument mugs, £6.99 “People always pick their own instrument, or the one they want next.”

Dave Hollands, owner (definitely not buying my son the grand piano one then)

Robinsons Ashwood range of leather bags – briefcase, messenger bag, holdall; £140-£160 “Good quality leather, exceedingly hard-wearing, but affordable.” Anne Robinson, owner

Dawson Jewellery Caravelle watches, one of a range; this one £99 “Distinctive, stylish, modern.”

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 09:34

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 Wishing all our customers a very happy Christmas

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

Doorstops, draught excluders and much much more!

Purchase locally at: Lakeland l Van Hage l Dobbies l John Lewis Sinclairs l Burghley House l Jupes Portess of Oakham l Gates Garden Centre Sarah Harding Interiors l Waterside Garden Centre or contact Dora Designs directly

w: www.doradesigns.co.uk l t: 01733 305452 l f: 08432 161879 l e: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk

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St Mary's Books & Prints Est. 1971 Antiquarian fine and rare books Home of fine rare books this Christmas, stunning Children's illustrated books

NEW SHOP now open

10a Maiden Lane, Stamford, Lincs

Tel: 01780 755409

Open Mon-Sat 10am – 5pm

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Stockist of Artyfarty designs – home accessories - www.artyfartydesigns.co.uk

A fine Winnie the Pooh 1st edition @ £ 2500

Brighton Rock 1st edition signed by Graham Greene @ £ 850

9 St Mary's Hill Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DP www.stmarysbooks.com

Come and visit our Showroom and Seconds Shop!

Opening Times Monday to Friday 9am-5pm & Saturdays from November 1st to December 20th Address: The Barn, Unit 29 King Street Ind. Estate, Langtoft, Stamford, Lincs, PE6 9NF 0845 0177866

www.sophieallport.com

Fine Bone China - Fabrics - Oilcloth & More!

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MY PERFECT GIFT

Cloud Nine Carrie Elspeth jewellery, prices from £11 “Always have a fresh look, and very affordable.” Alison Ireland, owner

You Gifts Fiona Walker ‘heads’ – fox, badger, donkey, horse, reindeer, polar bear; from £63 “A lady bought three yesterday for her chimney breast she liked them so much.” Liz Stevenson, owner

Georgi Collections Cardigan, £185, Scarf, £39

H-Works Black + Blum candle holders, from £20 “Stylish, well priced and the designer lives in Stamford!” Alan Mowat, joint owner You and Beyond Links jewellery, from £85 “So delicate; a diamond point cutter is used to cut into the silver and give it its sparkling look.” Ben Stevenson, owner

Love it Mala leather purses and wallets, £10-£89 “British, beautiful attention to detail, plenty of space for all your shopping cards ladies!” Amanda Oscroft, joint owner 30

Sinclairs Fabulous range of traditional indoor games, from £6

Paradise Found Emily Margaret necklace, £95 (bracelet - £90) “On trend, simple enough to wear everyday.” Jackie Seago, owner

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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Pure Elegance

CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

Y&B

Y & B 14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford You & Beyond JEWELLERY

14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford

You & Beyond

2DF, 01780 755996 PE9PE9 2DF 01780 755996 JEWELLERY

Be

14 inspired St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF Be at pandora.net 01780 755996 www.youandbeyond.co.uk inspired at pandora.net 31

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MY PERFECT GIFT

Nigel Rhodes Fine Art Johann Bernard de Hoog, 1866-1943 £POA “Exhibits great tenderness and detail.”

Henrietta Clavering, Gallery Manager

NGI Design Howdy Owl, £110 (medium), £70 (small)

Poze Lingerie b.tempt’d, Bra (£32) & Briefs (£16)

23seven Clothing Pretty Green scarf, £75 “Chunky, traditional and modern at the same time.”Ruth Walker, owner

Fine Food Store Christmas hampers. From £25 upwards “You’d be a very welcome guest if you brought this round when you came to stay.” Jenny Fitzpatrick, owner

32

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 Baubles & Bangles, 10 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 763633 Chameleon, 5 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 755405 Cloud Nine, 4 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Colemans, 1-2 St Paul’s St, Stamford PE9 2BE, Tel: 01780 762324 Country Traditionals, 10a Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX Tel: 01780 755409 Dawson Jewellery, 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 Denhams Jewellery, 8 St Mary’s St, Stamford, PE9 2DE Digby & Gunn, 4 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2AX, Tel: 01780 754296 Fine Food Store, 37 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DF Tel: 01780 754222 The Flower House, 31 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 753225 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 Tableware & Cookshop, 35-36 St Mary’s St. Tel: 01780 762652 Love It, 1 St. John’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DA. Tel: 01780 482912 Lucinda Frances (formerly Jules), Wharf Rd, Stamford, PE9 2DU Tel: 01780 755948 Marcia May Shoes, 41 St Mary’s St, PE9 2DS Tel: 01780 766608 NGI Design, 4 - 6 High Street, St Martins, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 766899 Nigel Rhodes Fine Art, 7 High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 756667 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 Poze Lingerie, 2 Star Lane, Stamford, PE9 1PH Tel: 01780 753886 Robert Fogell Gallery, 23 High Street, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 762099 Robert Loomes, 4 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford Tel: 01780 481319 Robinsons, 4 St. Mary’s St, PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 755378 St Martin’s Antiques, 23 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 48115 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 751551 Stamford Cheese Cellar, 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489269 Stamford Deli, 36b High St, Stamford, PE9 2BB Tel: 01780 755772 Stamford Music Shop, 11 Saint Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 751 275 St Mary’s Books & Prints, 9 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP Tel: 01780 763033 23seven Clothing, 3 Stamford Walk, Stamford, PE9 2JE Tel: 01780 238008 Vac Centre, 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 2014

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ALL PRICES ARE NON-BINDING RRP’S INCLUDING VAT. PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE.

Bracelets from £49

Y&B

14 ST. MARY’S STREET, STAMFORD, PE9 2DF WWW.YOUANDBEYOND.CO.UK

01780 755996

You & Beyond JEWELLERY

14 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DF SparklingStardust_COOP_A5 2.indd 1

01780 755996 www.youandbeyond.co.uk

14/11/2014 10:10

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Motif 01 Full-page advert 210 mm x 297

China, Glass and Cook shop Come and see our recently re-styled store New from Spode “Glen Lodge”

Portmeirion Pottery “Poppy” from £13.50 Hand Blown Glass Christmas Tree in three sizes from £9.99 Mince Pie Pan £5.99 Wok special price was £32 now £16.99 Also in stock Denby Pottery 1/2 Price “Intro” sets at £45 Pan Sets offer price was £400 now £129.99

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

StamfordMusicShop HUGE

SELECTION OF INSTRUMENTS NEW AND SECONDHAND, STUDENT OR PROFESSIONAL Pianos Keyboards Sheet Music Musical Gifts

Baubles and Bangles

Accessories Repairs Rental Mail Order

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

Instruments Purchased - www.stamfordmusicshop.co.uk

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UPDATES

Why Charles & Dean?

E

Couples to benefit from new tax allowance F

stablished in 2010 by rom April 2015 local entrepreneurs, married couples Simon Grace and Tom and civil partners Perkins, Charles & Dean may be eligible for have helped arrange a new transferable bespoke business tax allowance. Kerry and personal finance Hilliard of Chartered solutions for a wide Accountants range of clients.

Stephenson Smart Why use a broker? It’s explains what effect simple really - whether this could have Kerry Hilliard, Partner at you’re looking for a new on a couple’s net Stephenson Smart or used car, a classic disposable income car, a motorbike, or The transferable tax allowance will enable larger pieces of kit like spouses and civil partners to transfer a fixed LCVs, HGVs, Agricultural amount of their personal allowance to their machinery or plant spouse. Taking the tax liabilities of a couple machinery - Charles & together, it can provide a financial benefit Dean are not tied to just one funder, but deal with some of Europe’s largest credible banks, enabling where one spouse or civil partner has an them to source the most appropriate, competitive financial packages for every customer. income less than their personal allowance. The As a business they understand the importance of trust and their mission has always been to transferable allowance is £1,050 for the 2015/16 tax year, being 10% of the personal allowance. forge long-term relationships with all of their The option to transfer will be available to customers, by providing the best service and couples where neither pays tax at the higher care. In the busy world of impersonal call or additional rate. If eligible, one spouse will centres, they offer one point of contact for be able to transfer £1,050 of their personal bespoke, impartial and objective advice to allowance to the other spouse. The transferor’s ensure their customers always get the best personal allowance will be reduced by £1,050. solution. haron is just completing a total facelift of This will mean that the transferee will be Charles & Dean are proud to be a member of the ever popular Mojos Stamford salon able to earn £1,050 more before they start the National Association of Commercial Finance – with new floors, built-in cupboards and paying income tax. For those couples where Brokers ensuring that they offer customers a cabinets, a fresh coat of paint everywhere one person does not use all of their personal choice of products and competitive rates. They and some very fine new lighting. allowance the benefit will be worth up to £210. also operate under the Office of Fair Trading “We have tried to source everything The claim will be made online and registered Code of Practice. locally,” Sharon told SL, “and we have been entitlement will be from the 2015/16 tax year.

Simon and Tom are based in Willoughby very impressed by the service we have Couples will be entitled to the full benefit in House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford and are always received from local tradesmen and shops their first year of marriage. happy to welcome customers in for an informal alike.”

• For more information and advice on chat about their future vehicle and asset The result is gorgeous; it makes you want personal allowances contact Stephenson finance needs. to stay for ever.

Smart on Tel: 01733 343275 or visit • www.charlesanddean.com To keep pace with the growth of the www.stephensonsmart.com.

Tel: 01780 763836 business, Mojos has also recruited another hairdresser, Charlie Francis. She is an experienced hairdresser with a special interest in hair extensions and colouring.

• Mojos, 1a Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL01780 757070 here was a time when CCTV was an expensive commodity only used by the rich or the paranoid. www.mojohairandbeauty.co.uk Today the modern family is realising it is a sensible low-cost deterrent to burglars and an invaluable tool should a burglar break-in. CCTV can provide police with pictures which may quickly identify the thief leading to a swift arrest and retrieval of stolen property.

Most people think having an alarm system fitted is enough to stop them being burgled. It isn’t.

Research shows 57% of burglaries are committed while someone is at home; therefore an alarm system is likely to be switched off. Burglars are well aware that alarms aren’t always activated, and if do they go off it is very unlikely neighbours will take any notice. However, intruders are well aware of the power of CCTV and reformed burglars will be the first to say they will pass by a house with CCTV and move onto the next one they find without it.

Crime statistics show Stamford and surrounding villages are experiencing around 47 reported burglaries each month. Today’s high-tech CCTV systems are simple to use and live images can be viewed on your smart phone or tablet 24/7. Peace of mind if you’re away from home.

That burglary down the road, or even next door, could make you think you have got away with it. But burglars escape scot-free too many times and re-offend regularly in the same area. Today’s home CCTV packages don’t need special software and with fast speed broadband you can log on to your remote viewable image from anywhere in the world. The infra-red cameras give a clear night vision and images are recorded for at least two weeks.

Knowing you are well protected gives a feeling of security that should not be underestimated.

• To find out more contact Neil Walker on 01778 342323 www.prostormsolutions.co.uk

Mojos Hair & Beauty refurbishment S

Caught on Camera T

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STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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e-mail: express@ukprintwear.co.uk - www.ukprintwear.co.uk 19/11/2014 16:02

LEARNING

Mary Berry opens new facilities at Stamford High School O

n 4th November, Mary Berry, food writer and television presenter, officially opened Stamford High School’s newly refurbished Home Economics rooms. Mary spent the morning at the school meeting pupils, observing a cookery lesson, signing books and being interviewed by members of the student-led school magazine team. She also led the school assembly, where she spoke about the importance of learning to cook.

The morning culminated in Mary unveiling a plaque which officially declared the Home Economics room open. The new Home Economics rooms are state-of-the-art, with sweeping Corian worktops throughout, and built-in sinks and cookers. There are two large classrooms with space for 16 pupils in each, and both have fully equipped kitchens with designated cooking and theory areas. A new feature is that all pupils work facing towards one another, so collaborative learning can take place. Each classroom has a demonstration table with a video camera which can be projected onto the screen behind.

Tessa Bennie, Head of Home Economics at the school, said “It was an honour to meet such a stalwart of baking and cooking, and to have Mary officially open our new Home Economics rooms meant a great deal to our pupils. Cooking is an essential skill and everyone should know how to prepare healthy, tasty meals. Home Economics is a popular option at our School and will set the pupils in good stead throughout their time at university and in life beyond.”

SES Performing Arts Centre and Music Suite

Book documents the sacrifices made by the pupils and masters of a Stamford School in the Great War “It was no sacrifice, Ma’am,” she told Queen Mary. “I did not give them willingly.” hese were the words of Amy Beechey in April 1918 upon being presented to King George V and honoured by the King and Queen for the loss of five of her sons in the First World War. Three other sons who also fought returned home, though one was badly wounded.

The story of the Beechey brothers is one of many stories encapsulated in “Boys of Stamford School in the First World War”, which commemorates the tragic loss of 53 Old Boys and Masters of the School in the Great War of 1914-1918. The book tells the story of each of the short lives of these Old Stamfordians, contrasting their upbringing and often colourful school years with the harsh realities of war.

Author of the book, Stamford School history teacher Alexandra Colley, said “This compendium serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many young men in the Great War. The fact that so much tragedy could be borne by one school in a small Lincolnshire town is a poignant illustration of the monumental impact the war had on the nation. Learning something of the motivations of the men who went to fight and of their experiences on the frontline was tremendously insightful.”

• Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the book should email foundation@ses.lincs.sch.uk. Alternatively, copies are held at Stamford Town Library.

T

Stamford Endowed Schools has recently completed work on a brand new Performing Arts Centre and Music Suite.

W

ork commenced in January, with three main phases of the project seen through to completion this autumn. The first major step was the refurbishment of the Stamford School Hall into a state-of-theart performance space for all the SES schools to use. The hall now has retractable seating, a balcony section, and new lighting rigs and sound systems.

The old Stamford School gymnasium has seen renovation both inside and out. The space now includes a black box studio for Drama and Theatre Studies, as well as multiple classrooms and practice rooms for both the drama and music departments.

• Tony Hall, The Lord Hall of Birkenhead CBC, Director-General of the BBC, will be opening the new facilities in early December

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EATING OUT

The new glistening Crown Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to the opening night of the re-furbished Crown Hotel and enjoyed a great new ambience

T

he Crown Hotel has always been a favourite of mine, being at the heart of Stamford’s community and a place people often repair to after an event in the town.

It has recently undergone a complete transformation on the ground floor which has given it a great feeling of added comfort, quirkiness and warmth. If you had to sum it up in one phrase, ‘very welcoming, quirky and informal.’

The right hand side is now the ‘Red Cow’ @ the Crown pub, which reminds me of how it was several years back when this was a really popular watering hole.

And it is the little details that make the place now; the juke box, the cattle stock notices, the champagne bottle dryers that now have the local Melbourn Brewery bottles on the sticks; the collection of taxidermy, the lit-up crowns.

So much to look at and enjoy.

I think it will quickly re-establish its stand-out appeal in the town, especially now as it has some great food to match, with ingredients sourced from the Thurlby Tallington farm, or elsewhere locally whenever possible. The menu includes small plates/starters, to share, mains and light lunch – something for everyone in fact, from a sit down meal at a dining room table to an informal snack by the bar.

And, of course, the Crown Hotel continues to serve up a fantastic selection of ales, wine, cocktails and more. I particularly enjoyed a pint of Oakham JHB. There are also regular guest ales.

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Mick Thurlby explains the move to KNEAD marks an exciting time for the group.

Celebrating the launch of KNEAD Pubs, over 100 wellwishers attended the event

The Crown is now part of KNEAD Pubs

The newly refurbished ‘Red Cow @ The Crown Hotel’ is a big change for the venue

The Crown Hotel and Tobie Norris pub in Stamford, Smith’s in Bourne, Lord Nelson at Oakham and The Prince Rupert pub in Newark all now form part of the re-branded KNEAD Pubs group.

Michael Thurlby, the owner behind the re-brand explained: “Our pubs and hotels are not about me or my name; they are about our unique environments, the people that work in them and the customers who come to use them.

“We have worked hard to build our reputation across the region and now KNEAD Pubs allows us to strengthen this further with a brand that personifies honest, wholesome good food, drink and hospitality, no Canapés as a matter which sample of the of our unique KNEAD Pubs menu settings customers choose to visit.”

A food and drinks menu sourced almost exclusively from the local region, including the Thurlby farm, is at the heart of the KNEAD proposition. KNEAD loyalty cards are also newly available for regular customers.

• The Crown Hotel, All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk www.KNEADpubs.co.uk

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21/11/2014 09:45

Advertisement Feature

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Prom Season As the prom season looms, Red Carpet Ready has established itself as THE new ‘go to’ prom shopping destination, with customers travelling from all over the UK to shop with them.

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READING

Christmas Books GENERAL INTEREST RISK: THE SCIENCE OF POLITICS AND FEAR

By Dan Gardner Reviewed by Alysia Anderson, Out & About writer Ideal for anyone whose glass of mulled wine is half-empty.

Gardner points out that our modern minds have existed for a mere moment in the history of humanity, so we exhibit Stone Age responses to danger, whether real or imagined.

From terrorist attacks to tsunamis, scary experiences feature high on our radar, despite the infinitesimal risk. This book takes a rational look at how our perceptions are out of kilter with reality, concluding that we are safer, wealthier and healthier than ever before.

ME? A DISGRACE? A SOUTH AFRICAN VOICE

By Richard Doyle Camp

By Sue Lee, Ask Leo writer This local author draws on his early experiences to evoke 1960s South Africa.

Most people are aware of the discrimination that black people underwent, and while the novel includes this, it focuses on the less well-known conflict between Afrikaners and English-speaking South Africans. At times humorous, at times poignant, this is a hopeful book. We do see goodwill and persistence surmounting barriers. Anyone with a social conscience will appreciate the book, particularly the light the story can shed on current situations.

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FOOD AND COOKERY

My book is Supercharged Food

by Lee Holmes Reviewed by Genevieve Potter, Health and Beauty Writer I love how this book simplifies some of the myths about good nutrition - helping you to create some delicious recipes which are easy to make and also providing great advice on things like which are the best oils to cook with. All of the recipes work on the basis that using fresh and unprocessed ingredients is the best thing you can do for your body - and your skin in particular. This would make a brilliant present for anyone who is interested in well-being through food - and that should equate to most of us, who will doubtless be feeling a bit sluggish after the festive period.

Honey & Co: Food from the Middle East

By Sarit Packer & Itamar Srulovich Reviewed by Elli Dean, Fashion & Lifestyle Photographer “I grew up in Israel and Middle Eastern food is still my favourite.

This book is packed with great food - lots of salad, couscous, vegetable and breads. I don’t eat meat - but there is plenty of that for all you meat lovers! I was fortunate enough to also have lunch in the authors’ restaurant in London, named also, Honey & Co. Yummy!”

NOVELS How to Build a Girl

By Caitlin Moran Reviewed by Antonia Scott, Kids’ activities writer “Written by the Times writer of the year - she’s young(ish), ‘cool’, relevant and very, very funny. All I can say is ‘if Carlsberg wrote books - they would probably look like this!’ Simply superb but not for the faint hearted, so perhaps not one for Granny, but who knows?!”

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FOR KIDS The Dork Diaries

By Rachel Renee Russell Reviewed By Maddy & Daisy Montgomerie – Aged 12 & 10 “The eighth instalment in the hugely successful ‘tween’ Dork Diaries series delivers its trademark wit, heart and brilliant artwork with lead character, Nikki’s latest diary entries.

Fairytales are rewritten and star Nikki and her friends as she suffers yet more embarrassing moments at school which children from Year 6 upwards will sympathise with. Very readable - a modern day ‘Adrian Mole’ (without the rude bits!)”

Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy

By Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake Reviewed by Elli Dean, Fashion & Lifestyle Photographer “A book of poems that my two boys absolutely love. Michael writes about everyday subjects that all children (and grown-ups) can relate to. The illustrations by Quentin Blake are beautiful in their simplicity.

This, and Rosen’s other books of poems inspire my boys to write poems themselves. After finishing this book they both wrote a series of poems - something they have never done!”

‘The poems are funny’, Sammy, 8 ‘I love the book because it’s funny and rhymes’, Max, 9”

SPORT AND OUTDOORS

HISTORY

Ian Botham

by Simon Wilde Reviewed by Will Phelan, headmaster of Stamford Boys’ School “An objective look at ‘Beefy’ - not written as an autobiography or ghost written to make him look good, but an objective study of the man and not simply packed with anecdotes. Written very like a history study, it takes information from a wide range of sources and combines it in a biopic of this flawed genius. I remember the tail end of ‘Both’s’ career and of course ‘Botham’s Ashes’ but had no idea that he was so influential with bat and ball, so driven and actually so human.”

Stamford in the Great War

By W.F. Markwick Reviewed by Jean Orpin, Ask Leo writer Available from www.reprint.com price £6.00.

This book is a fascinating read, particularly as we commemorate the start of the First War. There are lists of Stamford people who served in the war and lists of those who died. There is also information about conditions at home during these years and the contributions which all Stamfordians made to the war effort by raising money and giving their time freely.

Ramble On

By Sinclair McKay Reviewed by Nicholas Rudd-Jones, Author of Pathways, A history of British paths “A lot of walking books do just that – ramble on. But this one is different.

Never taking itself too seriously, but always well researched, Sinclair looks at every aspect of the British love of walking, from the Druids to the zany urban ramblers.

Love it.”

Circle Line: Around London in a small Boat

By Steffan Meyric Hughes Reviewed by Nicholas Rudd-Jones, Editor “Not since Nicholas Crane traversed the entire length of the 2 degrees W longitude line has anyone made such a bonkers trip. This one basically circumnavigates London in a boat, first along the Thames, then up the Grand Union, then cutting back across North London to reach Limehouse and the Thames Barrier.

Brilliantly described, utterly thrilling, you will never think about London in quite the same way.”

The Goldfinch

by Donna Tartt Reviewed by Sally Stillingfleet, Fashion writer “My love for reading has been re-ignited with this book. Too heavy to carry on holiday, I downloaded it onto my Kindle for ease and left the hard copy at home. What an epic book; whereas some holiday paperbacks are forgettable or ‘will be ok once you get into it’, The Goldfinch grabs you from page one. A descriptive and full-on book, the narrative is told in such a way that the rich world which is created makes your imagination go wild; it’s a page turner alright! There’s a section I didn’t enjoy in Las Vegas but persevere the life of Theo Decker soon develops with yet more intrigue back in New York where the main part of the action unfolds. This book is dark and mysterious, velvety and enveloping. Don’t be put off by its size, it’s epic. It’s going to be a while until I find anything remotely as good. I adore the cover too!”

Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest

By Wade Davies Reviewed by Will Phelan, headmaster of Stamford Boys’ School “A brilliant book charting the discovery of the path to and up Everest, charting the first British expeditions to it and ending with Mallory and Irvine’s unsuccessful assault on the peak. A history book combining the era of the Great War, the 20s, the Bloomsbury set, the British spirit and a Geographical travelogue of India, Tibet and Nepal. I loved it, it took 10 years to write, it was with me all summer and I was just fascinated by the team photos of Somervell, Norton, Finch et al in tweed jackets at Base Camp on Everest.”

Modernity Britain: A shake of the dice

By David Kynaston Reviewed by Richard Barry, high-brow topics This, the fifth volume of Kynaston’s history of post-war Britain, covers the period 1959-62. I haven’t read it yet but it’s top of my Christmas wishlist. I found the first four volumes to be the fullest and most delightful social history of the period from 1945 to 1958. Anyone who grew up then will find his books to be magical – but at times almost unbearably nostalgic.

“A shake of the dice” is certain to appeal to anybody who lived it -- anybody over about sixty -- but also to any of their grandchildren studying modern social history.

First Light

by Geoff Wellum Reviewed by David Pennell, Estate Director, Burghley “One of my best reads this year for me- all about a young spitfire pilot in Second World War – gripping and at times terrifyingly realistic.”

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STAMFORD PEOPLE

Nick Fluck; Partner Stapletons Solicitors Words & Photograph Harjit Gammon Harjit Gammon hears the ‘wondrous story’ of Nick Fluck’s globetrotting year as President of The Law Society of England & Wales

R

ecently returned to his firm’s premises in Broad Street, Stamford where he has practised a wide-ranging gamut of the law for around 30 years, Fluck embarks on a tale of “18 hour days, in a tough, full-on job”.

Principal among the issues on his agenda during this time was the thorny matter of criminal legal aid funding in England & Wales.

He likens the government’s financial imperative of saving money on legal aid to bemoaning the cost of a big car breakdown bill for a car which has never been serviced. “It’s a difficult area with the tenet of the presumption of innocence at its heart, he says, which in the public perception often entails the expenditure of taxpayer’s money to defend transgressors such as child molesters and preventing terrorists from threats of deportation”. In addition to these pressures there was the difficult matter to address of criminal law aid practitioners feeling that the Law Society was not doing enough for them, he adds. As yet to be finally determined, the question of criminal legal aid funding is the on-going subject of a judicial review.

On a lighter, happier note he recounts a year of travel, places visited and people met. He enthusiastically lists his travel itinerary; Macau, two trips to Hong Kong, Malaysia, United States, two trips to Russia including Moscow and St Petersburg, Spain and France.

To this impressive globetrotting he is able to add the experience of having addressed the United Nations on the subject of human rights and peace & security; a 14 hour round trip for a 3 minute speech he says, somewhat self deprecatingly.

Tales abound too of the pomp and ceremony witnessed at the opening of the legal year in various countries, such as Hong Kong and Malaysia, where politics and law are more

48

intertwined and the administrative centres are closed for extravagant parades and speeches, he tells me.

A workplace accident - a broken ankle (without claim!) presented another opportunity, “being pushed around by Chris Grayling (Conservative Party politician & the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice) during a trip to Brazil, as well as fulfilling a personal ambition to stand at the foot of the colossal concrete statue of Christ the redeemer in Rio. The trip also gave Fluck the chance to visit English qualified solicitors dealing with the off shore Libra oil field (believed to be the next biggest oil field in the world) in his ambassadorial role flying the flag for English Law. The highlight of his travels abroad however, was undoubtedly Azerbaijan and Baku. “It is

one of the most interesting places I went to,” says Fluck. Describing the 14th & 15th century walled town of Baku, with its mix of Eastern and Western influences and position on the old Silk Route, he speaks of old Soviet buildings being clad in hand carved stone contrasted with the modernity of the Flame Towers, a luxury apartment, hotel, and office complex.

“The other abiding memory is the folk you meet. Everyone from ordinary high street lawyers to people who run multi-billion pound businesses, to the Head of the Burmese Bar”, adds Fluck.

“Lawyers tend to be very quiet and discreet, so it was a privilege to say how great English solicitors are and to promote the high regard in which English Law is held internationally”.

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Stapleton & Son welcome back the ImmedIate paSt preSIdent of the law SocIety Stapleton & Son are proud to be a traditional law firm providing a wealth of experience and technical expertise in the most up to date and professional manner with quality at the heart of all we do.

We welcome all our existing and new clients.

Let us solve your legal problems!

1 Broad Street Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1PD Tel: 01780 751226 Fax: 01780 766407 Email: enquiries@stapletons.com

Nick Fluck’s colleagues Robin Dickinson, Moira McAuliffe, James Buxton, Jo O’Hara and Julia Thompson, pictured on the steps of their offices.

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PROPERTY

Rutland Retreats truly impress

Nicholas Rudd-Jones was invited to take a look at the much talked about Rutland Retreats, a group of 17 architecturally designed properties built of solid timber construction alongside Barnsdale Lodge

R

utland Retreats are the brainchild of Ed Burrows, Managing Director of Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.

For many years Ed had pondered on the potential of this delightful piece of land adjacent to the hotel, which had been a quarry in the 1780s, providing the stone to build the hotel, but was now a wildlife haven grazed by sheep. A beautifully tranquil and natural spot.

At the same time a lot of visitors to the hotel had reflected on how beautiful the surrounding countryside was and how desirable it would be to dwell for longer.

And then there was a light bulb moment when Ed fused the two thoughts – and Rutland Retreats was born. Homes to buy on the doorstep of Rutland Water, combining all the benefits of ownership with the facilities that can be provided direct from the hotel – what could be better?

“We have found,” Ed told me, “that people get the idea of them immediately, and buy them as ‘bolt holes’ and holiday homes, or for investment purposes; or often a combination of the two.”

The experience close-up I fell in love with Rutland Retreats as soon as we walked along the driveway, which meanders through a hilly meadow of designated retained

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grassland to a gate that leads into the Rutland Retreats themselves. Each property is beautifully set amongst undulating ground and semi-mature tress, with rural views in every direction.

But it’s the buildings themselves that are so impressive: grass roofs, wood-clad walls, interesting shapes and angles and, above all, the detail on everything is beautifully done. Each property immediately has the ‘wow’ factor.

The Retreats were built in Cumbria by Retreat Homes, in a very Swedish-home style, by the leaders in their field. Ed spent a considerable amount of time up there with the builders creating a design unique to the site and especially tailored around the things that he felt were important.

Ed explained: “I really wanted a design that was practical, easy to service, durable, comfortable and spacious. And we made some subtle, but important changes after the first build, for example making the windows in the roof pace openable.”

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The MD of Retreat Homes is Alan Rooke, who started life as a builder, became a lecturer in building at Carlisle University and then came back into this completely new style of construction. He is a stickler for detail and elegant solutions, and the workshops up there are famously well organised and meticulously kept.

Each home has the name of a Rutland village: Burley, Langham etc. They come in two sizes, two and three bedrooms. We went into Seaton, and I was immediately impressed by the modern, airy feel of the place – a huge open three-tier space, with kitchen, dining area and sitting area; and three bedrooms, one with ensuite bathroom.

But as you look closer, it is the detail that amazes. Really top quality furniture, doorknobs made of slate, a wine cooler, and all the fittings you would want in a kitchen.

TO BUY The Retreats are on the market from £230,000. For that you get the freehold of the building and a 999 year lease on the land, which means that the site owner can continue to ensure that the place stays exactly as it should be.

There is a service charge of £4,300 a year, which covers a remarkably large number of things to create a “turnkey” solution, including insurance, boiler maintenance, carpet cleaning, PAT testing, gardening, sewerage, rubbish, TV licence and wi-fi. In fact all you have to pay for is metered water and electricity.

But best of all you can utilise any of the services from the hotel that you need. Whilst I was visiting, there was a weekend delivery for a couple shortly arriving from London – and delicious food it looked too. And if you order from one of the supermarkets, delivery can all

be sorted for you even before you arrive. You can even order a chef in to come and cook a meal for you.

And one thing that Ed has been very particular about – he has used local suppliers wherever he can. The art on the wall, for example, was initially loaned by the Goldmark Gallery. The building contractors are Empingham-based R & R Mills and the original design work for planning was done

by Thomas Wilson Architects – Oakham.

Only a handful of Retreats are still available to buy, so don’t delay. There is still the opportunity to personalise the remaining designs to your exact needs. Humberts are the selling agent, so in the first instance get in touch with them.

TO RENT Maybe you fancy a stress-free local break, a chance to properly explore everything around you for once? Or maybe you want to celebrate a special occasion, where staff provides concierge services 24/7, giving you the benefit of independence whilst enjoying the facilities of the hotel. Ideal for families; and dogs are welcome too.

CONTACT DETAILS • Rutland Retreats Ltd., Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, The Avenue, Barnsdale, Exton, Rutland, LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 725971 www.rutlandretreats.com • Or to find out more about purchasing, contact Zoe Noyes at Humberts, 5 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 758090 www.humberts.com STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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ACTIVITIES

Child Friendly S Antonia Scott finds out what activities are going on locally to keep your little ones happy

EVENTS

watch the fun. www. watersidegardencentre. co.uk Tel: 01778 560000

LEARN TO KNIT! Professional knit designer and local Stamfordian, Libby Summers is hosting a fun interactive session on Sunday 7th December at Ewe Wool Shop from 10am – 1pm. £35/person. Suitable for beginners and wool lovers! www.i-love-ewe.com Tel: 01780 765351

STAMFORD & PETERBOROUGH SLING LIBRARY

Looking to test drive a baby sling? Katie Wilkins runs the Stamford and Peterborough Sling Library and can be contacted via their Facebook page to book into the next session on Monday 1st December in Stamford. Sessions are held locally in Stamford on first Monday of the month, the third Thursday of the month is held in Calmababy in Peterborough and the last Tuesday of the month is held in The Bourne Youth Centre. Contact www.facebook.com/ Stamfordandpeterboroughslinglibrary

WILDCATS are hosting a Christmas Workshop on Saturday 21st December from 9.30am – 4pm aimed at children aged between 5-13, featuring dance, drama, singing, art and craft and film time. £20 per child. To book call 01780 762000 Wildcats Academy, Castle House, St Peter’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2PE SACREWELL FARM: Throughout December, there will be a Victorian Christmas street scene Gift Fair in the Pemberton Room every weekend in the run up to Christmas, with stalls selling handmade toys, trinkets, crafts and one of a kind original gift ideas. The Three Little Ducks gift shop will also be filled with stocking fillers and delicious treats. Open 10am – 4pm, 7 days a week until 24th December. www.sacrewell.org.uk Tel: 01780 782254 STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE: www.stamfordartscentre.com Tel: 01780 763203 The Snow Queen: Image Musical Theatre Sat 6 December 11.30am & 3pm A magical, musical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic story, with audience participation and the opportunity for some children to act alongside the professionals.

Approx 110 mins (inc interval). Suitable for 3 years + Tickets - £8 (£7) £28 family of four.

The Magic Porridge Pot & Other Tales: Theatre Of Widdershins - Sat 20 December 2.30pm Three familiar children’s stories told with Widdershins’ trademark ingredients of puppets, pop-up sets and original music. Suitable for children aged 3 - 9 years + Tickets - £7.50 (£6.50) £26 family of four.

Paddington Bear – Who doesn’t love the bear from Peru with a penchant for marmalade sandwiches? Coming to cinemas from 28 November, it surely has to be the ‘must see’ Christmas film this year.

SWIMMING

Water Babies runs fun innovative classes for babies and toddlers across the region. To book a place or to find out more information, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk or Tel: 01664 567302 Toddler Splash is held in Stamford Leisure Centre on Drift Road in Stamford every

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STORY TIME The Snow Queen Tuesday afternoon from 2pm–4pm and every Wednesday morning from 9.30am – 10.30am.

Tel: 01780 765522

SYNTHETIC ICE RINK

Waterside Garden Centre in Baston has an amazing synthetic ice rink open seven days a week until Sunday 4th January - £5/ ticket. Skating sessions last 45 minutes and the ticket price includes your skate hire. Each skating session starts on the hour although it is recommended you allow 15 minutes to get your skates fitted. There is a viewing area and the Oasis Restaurant for other family members to Paddington Bear

Every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm-2.30pm, staff at Stamford Library read a variety of children’s books to a captive audience – suitable for under 5’s.

Cate Nelson from Usborne Books holds a free story time at Love Stamford at 10am every Wednesday until 17th December. For more information: www.bookfairy.co.uk

NCT CLASSES

Stamford, Bourne and Deeping NCT are hosting social pregnancy classes in the welcoming environment of The Yard soft play with their antenatal teacher on Saturday December 6th from 10am-12pm. Partners welcome!

CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEAS

INDOORS ENTERTAINMENT: Children’s Entertainers: Jason Fenn – my all time favourite entertainer.

Adults and children alike will be in hysterics with his magic and humour. www.jasonfennmagic. com Tel: 01733 321704 Stripey Wipey – a popular local entertainer – magic, jokes and balloon modelling! www. stripeywipey.com Tel: 01354 740945 Smartie Artie – A team of hilarious clowns to choose from (no scary make-up!) who will hold children captive with their slapstick comedy routine. www.smartieartie.co.uk Tel: 01582 600529 Mr Oddsocks – a professional entertainer who offers magic shows, games and a Disco. www.mroddsocks.co.uk Anna & Elsa from Frozen! – “Let it go, Let it go!” If this is constantly echoed around your house, bring the magic to life with your very

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Stamford own Frozen ensemble. Tel: 07939 287549 www.thepartyprincess.org Dress up characters – let your little princess’s dreams come true with a visit from their favourite princess character – Tangled, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel and many more.

Tel: 07861 217360 www.darlingprincessparties.co.uk Wildcats Theatre School – Let the professionals run a dance themed party – suitable for all ages and gender. For older children, a ‘Onesie Party’ has dance, singing karaoke style, nail art, make-overs and even non-alcoholic cocktails! For more information: www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk Tel: 01780 762000 Perch & Preen: Party ideas for female ‘tweens’ and ‘teens’ is hard going – so how about a mini make-over from Stamford local beautician Faith and her team. Contact her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Perch-Preen Happy Faces – Claire runs an amazing play centre for children from babies up to PreSchoolers in Glinton. With a huge selection of large wooden toys, doll houses and train sets and a separate play dough/painting messy area which can also double up as an eating area for parties. There is also an outside pet yard with very friendly guinea pigs. www.clairehappyfaces.co.uk Tel: 07714276901 SOFTPLAY: The Yard, Stamford – beautifully decorated, brightly coloured play centre with popular drive on toys and a separate safe baby/toddler area.

Delicious party food and friendly staff - proving incredibly popular so early booking essential. www.theyardstamford.co.uk Tel: 01780 480610 Mini Monsters, Oakham – children and younger babies all love the climbing frame, ball pit and slide. Delicious food presented on trays for easy little fingers to grab (and share!) www.minimonsterssoftplay.com/parties Tel: 01572 756811 Let’s Play, Bourne – the biggest climbing frame pirate ship in Lincolnshire! Suitable for children up to 12 years old, with additional electric go karts and a mini sports court with goals and basket ball nets. www.letsplaybourne.co.uk Tel: 01778 425444 Pizza Express: - It’s every child’s dream to be encouraged to make a mess and play with their food and Pizza Express allows them to do just that! Create your own Pizzas is always a hit with children of all ages. Booking essential.

Tel: 01780 767902 Paint a Pot Place – an ideal activity for birthday parties for any age children. Choose from the hundreds of unglazed pots, plates, mugs, dragons, rabbits and spend as much time

as you like perfecting your masterpiece! Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks can be provided, or the next door cafe can deliver ordered food to eat in the studio. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drink. 31 West Street, Bourne. PE10 9NB. Tel: 01778 420409 Go Karting - Ancaster Karting – For children aged 7+ this is a multi activity centre – go karting, quad biking, paintball, ten pin bowling and a cafe. Wood Lodge, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 3PY. Tel: 01580 765835 Borderville Sports Centre, Ryhall Rd, Stamford – Roller skating available every Sunday in the indoor sports centre.

Deeping Leisure Centre – Roller skating available every Friday night and Sunday afternoon. For more information: www.deepingrollerskating.co.uk Stamford Leisure Centre – swimming parties are loads of fun for every age group of children.

Available for exclusive pool hire or join the afternoon Family Fun sessions. Drift Road, Stamford. Tel: 01780 765522 Bowling is an ideal group activity providing lots of fun for a birthday party - with bowling, arcade games and food and drink. PE3 8YF. Tel: 0844 8264282 Laserforce Peterborough is an exciting participation fantasy game allowing players to be the space hero in a safe environment. Using laser guns, players battle friends or foes within a futuristic, interactive arena reminiscent of Star Wars. Brook Street, Peterborough. PE1 1TU. Tel: 01733 894549. www.laserforceuk.co.uk/Peterborough OUTDOORS ENTERTAINMENT: Activ8: Run by Mark and Deb Brice – professional sports teachers who run brilliant parties and make every child feel happy enough to participate in their games and activities – whatever their ability. Tel: 07843 109792 or e-mail Activ8@bricefamily.fsnet.co.uk One Touch Football – For football fanatics who want some fun with a ball! www.onetouchfootball.co.uk Borderville Sports Centre – Stamford’s brand

new football ground and all weather sports pitches make an ideal venue for sporty children to let off steam play a variety of games. Sports Coaches and food available on request. Contact Gillian Walker (gillysparties.yahoo.co.uk) Mob: 07749 912931 , official party planner for Borderville.

Sacrewell Farm - Let your children enjoy the waterwheel, collect eggs in the chicken coop or race their friends down the mud slide in the revamped Playbarn, suitable for children up to 12 years old. There are also ride-on tractors, outdoor swings, slides and an evergreen maze.

Drinks and home-made cakes available from the cafe. www.sacrewell.org.uk 01780 782254 Tallington Lakes – tobogganing is great fun for children of all ages – with no prior knowledge necessary! Sessions available anytime when the nursery ski slope is free. £5/head per hour. For a Nursery Slope Party with an Instructor, there is a minimum group size of 8 children for £6.75/ person for 1 hour. Main Slope Party is for a minimum of 10 people at £8/person – available Friday 6pm-7pm and 7pm-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 5pm – 6pm. Party food available from £4/head. Tel: 01778 347000 www.tallington.com Grange Farm Wittering – brilliant for older children to have a go at archery and clay pigeon shooting with fully qualified instructors available. Tel: 01780 782459 www.grange-farm.co.uk Fineshade Woods/Rutland Cycles – older children will enjoy hiring bikes and exploring the fabulous forest trails, younger children can follow the ‘Gruffalo Trail’ and make use of the playground, tree top house and indoor barn facilities for food. www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge Bouncy Castles – All children (and adults!) love a big bouncy castle! With a huge range of inflatables to choose from, as well as battery powered cars and a race track!

Tel: 01778 394700 www.bournefun.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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ASK LEO

Rutland & Stamford Embroiderers’ Guild Sue Lee and Jean Orpin went to a workshop to find out more about this thriving local society.

“An interest in stitched textiles is all you need to join us” A packed room full of members all chatting and exchanging news about current projects is ample evidence of the friendliness of the Rutland & Stamford Embroiderers’ Guild. As visitors we too were made very welcome. The Guild meets every month at the Free Church, 60 Kesteven Road and provides for all levels of skill.

The most talented members are always willing to encourage beginners. Each session begins with refreshments at 7pm before the workshop, presentation or speaker commences at 7.30pm. This provides an opportunity for the friendly exchange of ideas and a chance to share current work-in-progress.

The Programme The Guild’s programme is wide and varied with a mixture of Talks, Presentations and Workshops some by experts and some by members. The monthly sessions are complemented by the opportunity to join quarterly full day workshops concentrating on a specialised topic or skill. Darning seemed a strange topic for embroiderers but we soon found out it was not darning as we thought of it! Each person was provided with a poppy design chalked onto a piece of fabric, some thread, some guidance about starting and suggestions about how to achieve different effects.

Travelling Books In 2014 each member began a sketchbook which has been passed around the group. Everybody has added their own ideas which are shared as the books travel from person to person. Eventually the book will return to its owner full of inspiration and pointers for future projects. This has been very popular with members.

Exhibitions The Guild exhibits their work regularly. Browne’s Hospital in Stamford is a regular venue and the special feature this year was a collection of embroidered bags. A very extensive exhibition was also held at Rutland Museum in Oakham. This demonstrated their wide range of skills from machine embroidery and felt work to applique and patchwork. You can see many examples on www.emreg.org.uk/ branches/rutland-stamford.

Christmas As you can see from the pictures on this page members of the Guild produce wonderful pieces for Christmas. They usually have a project to which they all contribute and this year they are making decorations for their Christmas Tree which will be on display in St John’s Church from Nov 28th to Dec 12th.

Starting with a curtain ring and some wool everyone has added their own trimmings – the end result will undoubtedly be worth seeing.

Annual Membership £30 Visitors welcome at Meetings (small charge) Chair Marianne Young 01476 861534 Email: mygemz@hotmail.com

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URBAN RAMBLES

WALK DATA

Sheffield & The Porter Brook This is a simply unbelievable walk that takes you from the ruggedness of the Peak District Moors to the heart of Sheffield in six gripping miles of stream-side rambling and culvert hugging.

Distance: 6 Miles (10 kms) Height Drop: 300 metres Typical time: 3 hours Map: Sheffield & Barnsley Explorer 278 Parking: Q-Park, Sheffield Station, Turner Street, S1 2B Start: Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow; this can be reached by taxi from the station, approx ÂŁ10; or by Bus 84 from Sheffield Interchange, which is just a couple of hundred yards up from the station, check times and bus number prior to travel Finish: Sheffield Station Terrain: Assuming you start in Ringinglow (much preferable), all downhill; sturdy boots required for the initial downhill section

Cityscape

POINTS OF INTEREST The Porter Brook derives its name from its brownish colour, similar to the colour of Porter beer, a brownish discolouration obtained as it passes over iron-ore deposits on its course from the source. Like the other rivers in Sheffield, the Porter Brook is ideally suited for providing water power, as the final section falls some 450 feet in a little over 4 miles. This enabled dams to be constructed reasonably close together, without the outflow from one mill being restricted by the next downstream dam.

By 1740 Sheffield became the most extensive user of waterpower in Britain and probably in Europe. Ninety mills had been built, two-thirds of them for grinding. By 1850 these mills numbered well over 100. In the Porter Valley alone 21 mill dams served 19 waterwheels, mostly used for grinding corn, operating forge-hammers, and rolling mills, grinding knives and the various types of blade that made Sheffield famous. Most were active during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Forge Dam was a forge and rolling mill used for the production of saws, while two drop-hammers were used to beat heated metal ingots into wrought-iron. Today the cafĂŠ is a popular spot for Sheffield families walking up the valley or bringing their family to play in the playground there.

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The Shepherd Wheel first started generating power in the 1550s, became derelict in the 20th century and was lovingly restored in 2011 by the Friends of the Porter Valley with Heritage Lottery & Council funding, reopening as a working museum (open Sat & Sun). We were left spellbound watching the water feed into the mill wheel , turning the axles, the crown wheel, the pinions, the drums, the belts, the lion shaft, all finally connecting up with the grind stones.

Endcliffe Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Near the entrance is a statue of Queen Victoria and mid-way up the path towards Whiteley Woods is an obelisk also in honour of Queen Victoria. It was laid out by William Goldring, a nationally acclaimed park designer, who was responsible for work on nearly 700 different garden landscape projects across England and was in charge of the Herbaceous Department at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836, and comprise 19 delightful acres. Originally designed by Robert Marnock in the Gardenesque style, the site now has fifteen different garden areas featuring collections of plants from all over the world, including Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rockand-water plantings. The Gardens contain several listed buildings including the restored Grade II* listed curvilinear Glass Pavilions, some of the earliest ever built.

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©Crown copyright 2014 Ordnance Survey Media 052/14 Sheffield General Cemetery was also opened in 1836, in what was then countryside. The graveyards in town were overflowing and there was an urgent need to find more space for the bodies.

The Cemetery was also intended to be a fit place where people could be buried in a way that reflected their earthly wealth and status. It became established as the principal burial ground in Victorian Sheffield containing the graves of 87,000 people.

But it was also intended as a place for the living. It has sweeping vistas and inspiring architecture - the grand scheme celebrated the designers’ attitudes towards life (Robert Marnock was a landscape adviser). The cemetery was one of the first in Britain to promote this type of landscape, with the purpose of creating an uplifting place, in which people could contemplate the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings.

The route 1.

Porter Brook

Start from the Norfolk Arms in Ringinglow. Take the road just to the west of the pub, called Fulwood Lane, heading NW; after less than 1km you reach a kink in the road, where the Porter Brook crosses (head a little beyond this point to the next road junction for a brilliant cityscape) You have now reached the start of the Porter Brook path, and you essentially follow this route east, never far from Porter Brook, through Whiteley Woods to Forge Dam From Forge Dam continue on down, always taking the path that keeps you closest to the brook Eventually, you reach the restored Shepherd Dam & Wheel on your left; from here you continue on down the valley until you reach the Oakbrook Road; cross over, walk down a few yards and then enter the western end of Endcliffe Park, which you walk down to the eastern exit at the Hunter’s Bar roundabout Cross the roundabout to the left and proceed along the left side of Eccleshall Rd (the Porter Brook remains on your left); take the first left up Botanical Rd and enter the Botanical Gardens via the Botanical Rd Entrance at the top. Head East across the gardens, and eventually exit at the SE end Go down Thompson Rd, return to the Eccleshall Rd, cross over, turn left, then take the fourth right down Cemetery Avenue Head in through the gates of the cemetery, and proceed east along the main path of the cemetery to the east exit into Montague St; then cross diagonally right past a play area into Cemetery Rd; head down it until you reach Boston St on the right; take this east until you reach the Bramall Lane; turn left and down into the underpass, coming out on the NE side into St Mary’s Rd Shortly take a left into Hereford St and then a right into Mary St, along which you will see the Porter Brook running once again; turn left into Shoreham St, passing Matilda St on your left (under which the Porter Brook flows); then when you get to the cinema in Shoreham St, turn right down to the station and once again (and for the final time) you will see the Porter Brook culvert.

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PIT STOPS Forge Dam Café For over 80 years, the Forge Dam Café has been a well-loved spot for walkers and cyclists.

Thelma’s Café, 345 Sharrow Vale Rd (just off the Hunter’s Bar roundabout), Sheffield, S11 8ZG (Tel: 0114 268 3674) original, fun and friendly.

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Advertisement Feature

Breast Care at the Fitzwilliam Hospital Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to meet with the team to find out how the clinic operated and what the latest developments in the field were

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he team comprises of three highly qualified consultant breast surgeons Tholfifi Abdullah, Steven Goh, Geeta Shetty and consultant breast radiologist Bruno Millet, supported by a specialist team of radiographers and nurses; all experts in their field. Dedicated to giving you the best possible care and making you feel welcome, fully informed and at ease throughout the process.

You are kept informed throughout your visit of the purpose and progress of tests, and you will see the same familiar, skilled faces who will look after you throughout. There is an air of calmness, care and professionalism which is impressive to the outside observer.

SERVICES OFFERED Breast screening: what you can expect If you choose to undertake breast screening at the Fitzwilliam, either as part of regular screening or maybe because of a particular family history, you can be sure of the best level of care, peace of mind and speedy feedback.

At your appointment you will meet the consultant and discuss your medical and family history. An examination and mammogram will be performed. The hospital’s state-of-the-art new mammogram unit provides instant, transferable images with greater ergonomical comfort. You will know immediately if further assessment is required or should you need to be referred for genetic testing. If you require an ultrasound and/or biopsy this will be undertaken on the same day.

ONE STOP BREAST CLINIC Fitzwilliam Hospital Rapid Diagnosis Breast Clinic has been developed to help ease the anxiety of breast symptoms, such as the discovery of a breast lump.

They have a dedicated team of specialists in the clinic to care for your

specific needs when you are worried about breast problems. You will be seen by a Consultant Breast Surgeon who will examine you and if necessary a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound with further tests if required.

It is important to emphasise that more than often the result will be normal and you will leave the clinic with complete peace of mind. If an abnormality is detected you will receive immediate support and early access to treatment.

The management of all breast problems, including breast cancer, is provided by the multi-disciplinary team consisting of surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and oncologists.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION The Fitzwilliam Hospital is also a leader in breast reconstruction, be that immediate or delayed reconstruction after a mastectomy.

The type of reconstruction will depend upon the patient’s situation and preferences, but will likely involve an implant, patients’ own body tissues or a combination of both to create a convincing and comfortable reconstruction.

There is a growing trend of using acellular dermal matrices for breast reconstruction. This involves using porcine tissue which integrates and becomes a part of the body as time passes. This new technique creates a new breast which feels right and looks good, and is innovative in breast reconstruction. Surgery time is also considerably less than for some other methods, in turn expediting recovery time.

Whatever your needs, the Breast Care Service at Fitzwilliam is at the forefront of practice and has a dedicated team intent on serving you in a friendly and professional manner.

• For more information: Fitzwilliam Hospital Breast Screening Service, Milton Way, Peterborough, PE3 9AQ Tel: 01733 842304

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19/11/2014 16:05

GET ACTIVE

Ski Exercises

Georgie Fenn suggests how to get ready for the ski season

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f course you can get on the plane to the Alps after not seeing snow for heaven knows how long and your idea of a squat is something impoverished students live in – no one will stop you – however you may suffer for it and it is much easier to have a sore bottom in Stamford getting yourself prepared than it is to have it on the slopes. It is also likely you will avoid an injury if you have built up a bit of muscle beforehand.

These first few exercises you can do absolutely anywhere and will tone up your core, bottom and thighs.

If you use a gym regularly it is also worth getting your cardio up on the cross-trainer; resistance training is great for skiing so turn up that resistance and go for it for 2 minutes and then rest for 2 and repeat until you fall off!

To actually get some skiing practice in, why not make the most of the great local facilities at Tallington Lakes. Although it may be getting on a bit, Tallington is still a brilliant place if you want to learn from scratch or just have a refresher lesson to find that old muscle memory. You don’t have to worry about the dark nights after school either as both slopes are fully lit at night. They have a beginner run and a steeper run for when you start getting more confident and can use the lift. There is also a store with all the latest skiwear from top brands if you need to get kitted out! For a bit more information and some really great tips for most things snow – visit Tallington’s blog at www.blog.tallingtonlakesproshop.com - there is also some really good information if you are starting out such as ‘Ski legs or Snowboard legs’.

LUNGE: A lunge is a nice simple exercise that is nice and effective to tone your thighs. Do 10 lunges on each leg then hold the lunge position and gently bounce where it burns for 20 seconds on each side.

SQUAT: Make sure you keep your back straight and don’t go down too low, your knees shouldn’t go past your feet. Try and do 20 squats then rest and do 10 more.

HEEL KICK: This is a great exercise for the Gluteus maximus in your bottom, make sure you keep your back straight, don’t dip and then kick as high as you can, do 40 of these exercises with each leg.

SQUAT JUMP: As well as toning your thighs this exercise is actually really good for you abs! You have to use a lot of core strength to pull your legs up in front of you, try and do 10 jumps and then rest followed by 15 more.

PLANK: Make sure you keep your bottom up and push up through your shoulders. Try and hold the plank for 1 minute but if you feel yourself dipping do 10 second intervals for 1 minute instead so that you don’t lose your position.

WALL SQUAT: Make sure you get down low enough on the wall to feel a burn, then hold this position for at least 1 minute, try and hold it for as long as you can, then record this time so next time you can try and beat it.

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If you want to go a bit further afield for a day out you could always visit the incredible indoor slope at Milton Keynes www.snozoneuk.com where you can have lessons, or just ski with friends and then have a good shop after!

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FOOD & DRINK

Ginger and spice and all things nice Candied, cooked, ground, grated, pickled or preserved…ginger has been consumed in its various different forms for centuries and is always resonant of the Christmas season. Sarah Lyon finds out where to source all types of ginger locally Sparkling Ginger Belvoir Ginger cordial and pressé – produced in the Vale of Belvoir and made using organic root ginger. The pressé is refreshing and has a real kick to it. Add cordial to whisky to make a great ‘Whisky Mac’ for those cold winter nights.

Pressé sold at Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

Cool Ginger Spicy and aromatic; chopped or grated ginger adds a special flavour to stuffing, sausage meat, fruit and vegetable dishes.

Source root ginger and other root vegetables from the box scheme at Riverford Organic at Sacrewell Farm, PE8 6HJ, www.riverford.co.uk/ sacrewell, Tel. 01780 789700

Liquid Ginger A splash of gingerbread syrup in hot milk or an afternoon coffee from Fine Food Store, St Mary’s Street, Stamford - brings a sip of warmth and memories of hearth side moments Candied, crystallised, stem, ground and fresh ginger is consumed as a delicacy, medicine or spice. With everything from fresh ginger, dried or crystallised to Ginseng try Silver Lane Wholefoods, 2 Silver Lane, Stamford, a small space richly stocked

A Good Strong Bite Andy Heaps from the Bytham Kitchen produces a very sumptuous Carrot, ginger and garlic chutney. A best seller from the Cheese and Wine Cellar, Stamford or direct from Andy 07717 666422, twitter @ bythamkitchen, www.thebythamkitchen.co.uk Candied Ginger French artisan chocolates with special spices. Candied ginger with dark chocolate is part of the Spicy chocolate collection from Café au Chocolat in Ironmonger Street, Stamford

Cheese with Spice Snowdonia Ginger Spice cheddar with ginger and White Stilton with Mango and Ginger from Long Clawson Dairy in the Vale are seasonal winners. Sweet and refreshing mango pieces and spicy crystallised ginger burst through White Stilton to warm the taste buds. Serve on ginger biscuits with crème fraîche for a quick and tasty dessert, and pair with a medium white wine. Find at the Stamford Cheese and Wine Cellar, St Mary’s Street, Stamford.

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Hot and Steamy Ginger Piping hot Ginger & Figgy pudding, rhubarb & ginger, pear & ginger from Pudding & Pie is just the right choice for the festive table. Stocking some puddings at Stamford Delicatessen (across from M&S on the high street), Tel: 01780 755772; Brew Babu and Seven Wells Butchers, Oundle; The Deli in Uppingham; Stamford Christmas Market – Nov 30; Oundle Christmas Market – Dec 6.

Ginger and Ginseng The Pickled Village produce a lemon with stem ginger and Siberian Ginseng marmalade; a heart boosting start to the morning.

Snappy Ginger The Ginger Snapper Curd, a mellow all butter stem ginger luscious curd with stem ginger bite, it adds a mellow warmth to our morning toast or stir a couple of spoonfuls into the custard for the Christmas pudding for extra oomph!

The Pickled Village, 17 Main Street, Bulwick NN17 3DY, www.thepickledvillage.co.uk Ginger heavy Piccalilli Chef and Patron, James of the King’s Arms Inn, Wing in Rutland creates a seasonal piccalilli made with all the available brassicas – squashes, carrots and pickling onions; which he describes as “quite ginger-y, heavy and very satisfying to make, bottle, mature and enjoy all winter long with some meats or cheeses”. Tel. 01572 737634

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•STORE CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS• Rutland Organic Poultry Rutland Heritage organic turkeys, cockerels, goose and venison at Cuckoo Lodge Farm. Christmas birds are dry plucked and finished by hand, before hanging to improve flavor and tenderness. The deer are shot, hung and butchered on the farm. All naturally reared and fed on organic pasture and diet.

Pat Taylor – Tel: 01780 722009, www.rutland organics.co.uk

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hristmas is one of the few times of year when people tend to eat much of the same foods, year in year out. They do so with good reason as the typical British Christmas meal carries with it so much more than just the food itself. Having said that, Christmas is also the time of year when no one wants to leave things to the chance of anything going wrong. Northfield Farm, just off the A606 between Oakham and Melton Mowbray sources and produces the great staples of Free Range Bronze Turkeys and Geese but also champions roasting joints of pork, fore ribs of beef and more unusually, whole beef rump roasting joints. Christmas cockerels and stuffings made on the farm, and of course wonderful pies, all provide a real taste of times gone by Jan McCourt, Northfield Farm, www.northfieldfarm.com, Tel: 01664 474271

Fen Farm Venison Peter and mother Janet can be seen at Stamford Farmers’ Market. Venison is nutritionally low in fat, very low in cholesterol and high in iron and protein. Roast saddle of venison makes for a fabulous festive meal.

Tel: 01529 421272 Woodlands Farm Organic Turkeys Oven ready, organic, free range Norfolk Black and Bronze Turkeys or the farm’s own bred Lincoln Red organic beef. www.woodlandsfarm.co.uk

New Lodge Farm and Farm Shop Everything from 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 assortment of farm shop specialities. Farm shop near Bulwick, Tel: 01780 450493, www.newlodge farm.com

Nelson Butchers Kelly Bronze turkeys are bred and raised by traditional methods free to roam in pastures, stubble fields and woodland. Nelsons are renowned locally for their hand raised pork pies. Red Lion Square, Stamford Lings View Farm pampered Geese and Bronze Turkeys Direct from the farm in Croxton Kerrial, Vale of Belvoir (Tel: 01476 870394) or from Nelsons Butchers, Stamford and Hambleton Fine Foods, Oakham

Rutland Charcuterie in Braunston, Rutland Collect from the cellar door or visit Oakham’s Farmers’ Market. A range of wonderful products: Beef – biltong, bresola, pastrami; duck, game pie; pork (Rutland Smokie); Venison Salami. A course for Christmas: Pork Pie making courses for adults and children Tel: 01572 724655 Otters Deli in Oakham Hand sliced freedom farmed smoked salmon sourced from open lochs where they are hand fed before being slowly smoked over whole Suffolk Oak. Otters Deli for an array of delicious deli foods, Mill Street, Oakham Fosse Meadows produce succulent oven prepared home grown birds. Cockerels/capons give a juicier bolder meat with a gamier flavour than chickens. Alternatively, the farm’s own Bronze Turkeys are delicious too! Birds roam free in fields and are slow grown which is where these birds gain on flavour over other producers. Buy on line at www.fossemeadows. co.uk or contact the farm direct for turkeys, geese and capons. (cockerels). Tel: 07886 340752. Supplying Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough; Seven Wells Butchers, Oundle; Chapmans Butchers, Lutterworth; Waterloo Cottage, Great Oxenden.

Succulent Beef from Hambleton Fine Foods (Gaol Street, Oakham).

Hambleton Farms run herds of pedigree Longhorn, Aberdeen Angus and Dexter cattle.

Raised and grazed naturally near Oakham Hambleton beef rib or rolled sirloin would make a delicious centrepiece to your Christmas feast. Fine birds too or turkey butterfly breasts make for easy carving.

Tel: 01572 724455, www.hambleton farms.co.uk Symington Geese Free ranging on grass and fed on own grown potatoes and corn, help to nourish a distinctive yellow flesh and deep meaty flavour.

Adding to this is their Three Bird Roast – goose stuffed with a boned chicken stuffed with a boned pheasant. Seldom Seen Farm, Billesdon, Leicestershire, Tel. 0116 259 6742

Grasmere Farm Essential Kits for Christmas The Essential Kit includes cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, gammon joint, Lincolnshire sausage meat, Lincolnshire chipolata sausages, streaky bacon and sausage stuffing.

Order from Stamford, Oakham Farmers’ Market or Stamford High Street shop for pork products together with a full range of beef, lamb and poultry products, cooked meats, free range eggs and sauces. www.grasmere-farm.co.uk, Tel: 01778 342344

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SEAN HOPE COOKS

The light fantastic PHOTO: ROBIN STEWART

Too much Christmas pudding on top of all that turkey can leave you anchored to the sofa, so here’s a much lighter dessert you can serve during festivities. It’s delicious and also lots of fun to make. In my experience, kids love using a cream-whipper gun and also love making honeycomb! You never know, it might keep them entertained for a little while during the holidays.

“CALL THE OLIVE BRANCH ON 01780 410355 TO FIND OUT ABOUT MY 2015 DEMOS.”

Chocolate coffee mousse with milk sorbet SERVES 6-8 325g hot espresso coffee • 80g white sugar • 13g powdered gelatine • 100g 72% plain chocolate 1. Mix all the ingredients in a container and strain the mixture into a cream whipper gun.

2. Charge the whipper gun with two nitrous oxide gas cartridges, place into the fridge and allow to chill for a few hours.

3. To serve, carefully squirt the coffee and chocolate mixture into a suitable dish or cup, and top with whipped cream, honeycomb and crumbled chocolate.

4. Serve with the milk sorbet.

Pub shop stocked for Christmas The Olive Branch Pub Shop has been stocked with tempting treats and foodie gifts to enhance festivities. On the shelves are our unique bottles of mulled wine, chutneys, whiskies and much more. Do have a look next time you visit.

For the honeycomb 200g sugar • 3 tbsp water • 40g honey • 75g glucose syrup •10g bicarbonate of soda 1. Boil all the ingredients to 150 degrees Celsius and add the bicarbonate of soda.

2. Whisk the mixture and pour it into a grease-proof-lined deep tray and allow to cool.

3. When set hard, break into pieces and store in a large sealed jar in the freezer. Serve when required.

For the milk sorbet 500ml milk • 150g milk powder •240g sugar • 1 tbsp glucose 1. Gently heat the milk in a saucepan, add the sugar until dissolved, then whisk in the milk powder and glucose.

2. Strain, chill, churn, freeze and serve.

Last-minute gift worries solved I’ve now planned all my 2015 cookery demonstrations at The Olive Branch in Clipsham and Red Lion in Stathern. At The Olive Branch the dates are as follows: January 20, March 10, June 9, August 11 & October 6. Did you know that you can buy gift vouchers that can be redeemed for places on my cookery demonstrations? Each session includes the demo, plus lunch, a glass of wine and recipe hand-outs. Call The Olive Branch on 01780 410355 to find out more.

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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.

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The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham

Award Winning Country Pub Michelin Bib Gourmand Award 2012, 2013 & 2014 Melton Times Business Award Best Eating Experience 2011 & 2014 Countryside Alliance Awards - Highly Commended 2013

Exquisite Locally Sourced Food  Cask Ales  Fine Wines

01572 787587

www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk

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Locally renowned Chef Dameon Clarke at

Celebrate with us this festive season

All of our festive menus are now available on our NEW website www.thewickedwitchexperience.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

2 courses £22.95 3 courses £27.95

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Book today 01780 763649 | Email. wickedwitch@reborn.com

We look forward to seeing you...

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BRIDGE STREET, RYHALL, PE9 4HH 19/11/2014 16:07

EATING OUT

No. 3 The Yard Restaurant Antonia Scott revisits one of Stamford’s favourite places to eat and is relieved it’s still in very good hands No. 3 The Yard (formerly Jim’s Yard) sits in a quiet courtyard off Ironmonger Street which bisects Stamford’s Broad Street with the High Street. On the night Murray and I went with another ‘foodie’ couple, we meandered past outdoor diners enjoying the last Indian summer evening in the Conservatory, giving the restaurant an air of ‘Mediterranean cool’. I immediately recognised the new signage – done by local illustrator Katie Cardew which gives the place an instant face lift.

We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks of champagne and a choice of different gins and tonic, served by affable co-owner Simon McEnery who previously worked in London running restaurants before moving to Rutland to run two AA Rosette restaurants in Oakham. The Wine List is comprehensive with a wide range of choice and budget.

We all struggled to make our final decision over the seven choices available for each course (plus a Special’s Board) – always a good sign! – before settling on a selection of Chicken Liver Parfait with Crispy Bread and Chutney, Breaded Goats Cheese Crotin with a Red & Yellow Pepper Mousse, Mussels from the River Exe, served with a Marinière sauce and a Smoked Haddock & Queen Scallop Chowder – all priced between £6-£6.50. Each dish was beautifully presented and tasted delicious – a fantastic precursor to the main event – Pan Fried Calves Liver, Creamy Mash, Roasted Red Onion, Onion Gravy & Crispy Bacon (£15), Steamed Plaice, Sautéed Potato, Peas a la Francais (£14.50) and 9oz Ribeye Steak, Mushroom, Slow Roasted Tomato, Onion Ring, Chips & Béarnaise Sauce (£21).

Portions were generous but not overwhelming and were all cooked to perfection. Puddings options were classics with a twist (£6) but we only had room to share a generous Cheese Board (£7.50).

Head Chef and co-owner Tim Luff previously ran the kitchen at the popular Northwick Arms in Ketton and prior to that was Head Chef at The Olive Branch in Clipsham for 8 years – so it’s easy to see why No. 3 The Yard is one of only two establishments in Lincolnshire to hold the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

I spied the mouth-watering Christmas and New Year menus which are very tempting – perhaps I’ll suggest we eat out this year!

• No. 3 The Yard, Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.theyardrestaurant.biz/

The Wine Bar, Stamford The wine bar in St Paul’s St has recently re-opened under completely new ownership and a re-furbishment which has made it very stylish and contemporary.

Alex Way and Stephen Miskell have taken over the business and see a strong future for the business at the heart of Stamford’s ever-expanding hospitality sector.

“Our plan,” Alex told SL, “is to be open 7 days a week from 10am-11pm, so you know we will always be there and available for something to eat and something to drink.”

The wine bar will open its doors in the morning, offering hot drinks and light breakfasts; and at lunch a glass of wine perhaps and a fresh sandwich, prepared by Kelly at The Stamford Deli (they are determined to use local suppliers wherever possible).

In the evening there will be great wine and light bites, including tapas. And they want to celebrate wine, not just go with the crowd. “If you come in and ask for something white or something red, we will give you a really interesting glass of wine, not just another Pinot. We want to help you try new things and enjoy something different.” There is also a great selection of cocktails available.

The wine bar is now incredibly spacious for its size and distinctly stylish. Tanya Vaughan (her showroom is by St George’s Church) helped with the look.

• The Wine Bar, 10 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757844 www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk

Dameon Clarke re-opens the Wicked Witch Dameon Clarke has recently returned to the Wicked Witch in Ryhall, but this time as owner as well as Head Chef, along with his partner Victoria Lynn who will run front of house.

He will operate 42 covers on the ground floor, and will be offering a set lunch (£14.95) and set dinner (£21.95/£26.95).

“My approach to the food side of things will be exactly the same as before – the quality of the food won’t alter, but I just want to make it more affordable,” he said.

Hambleton Bakery’s Christmas Range Hambleton Bakery’s indulgent range of Christmas is available from the start of December. Especially notable are the Christmas puddings, based on an 1844 recipe handed down through Julian Carter’s family, very rich and rather alcoholic (but they sell out very quickly). Also of great distinction are the Christmas Crowns – 6 buns in a pan, with ginger, calvados apples, golden raisins, sultanas, peel and glaze. There’s also lots else to take your fancy, including individual Christmas cakes, cranberry & white chocolate cookies, mince pies, spiced pear and almond tarts and stilton & celery scones.

• Stamford Shop, 1 Ironmonger St, Stamford PE9 1PL To order: 01780 754327 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 10:18

THE

GARDEN HOUSE Stamfords best kept secret

HOTEL

CHRISTMAS AT THE GARDEN HOUSE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR CHRISTMAS MENUS AVAILABLE THIS YEAR. BEDROOMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD. CALL US FOR MORE DETAILS.

FUNCTION ROOM HIRE

WE HAVE THREE STUNNING FUNCTION ROOMS AVAILABLE TO HIRE FOR EITHER BUSINESS MEETINGS, PARTIES OR PRIVATE DINING. PLEASE CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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

Welcome to10 St Paul’s Street, home to The Wine Bar, recently reopened under new management and given a fresh lease of life.

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ith a super stylish, sleek new look, warm atmosphere and a wide range of diverse wines,

the place is hard to resist. Throw into the mix a new and exciting range of cocktails, delicious breakfast and lunch menu plus a lazy Sunday brunch offering, The Wine Bar is fast becoming the place to take family and friends looking for a fresh new spot in Stamford.

So why not drop in and see for yourself?

We would love to see you….

Open 7 days a week from 10am to 11pm | 10 St Paul’s Street, Stamford | Tel: 01780 757 844 E : i n f o @ s t a m f o rd w i n e b a r. c o . u k | w w w. s t a m f o rd w i n e b a r. c o . u k | t w i t t e r - @ w i n e b a rs t a m f o rd - f a c e b o o k 74

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A warm welcome from new proprietors Rob, Mandy & Richard at

• NEW ‘Pub Specials’ Menu Sharing Boards, Gourmet Burgers & Lighter Bites • Lunch for Less: 2 courses £12.95 • Full Evening Menu: 2 courses £21 • Christmas menus for lunch & dinner • New Years Eve 4 course dinner £39.95 • Look out for January special offers

Eat, drink and be merry with the same great standard of food

Call and book your table on: 01780 410237 Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7RA www.thejacksonstops.com

Go East for your

Christmas party and New Year celebrations

Call us now for your reservation

Christmas menus available from 26th Nov - 24th Dec 2014

Try our NEW Oriental Street Food Menu Two courses for a fantastic price of £10 Available Sunday to Thursday from 2nd to 31st January 2015

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

Tel 01733 315 702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk

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19/11/2014 16:08

BRINGING LOCAL FOOD TO LIFE

The magical culinary tour Matt Wright takes a food trip around Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire…

P

About the writer

ies. Tons of them. Over 900, including 50 Melton Mowbray, 40 Beef and Stilton, and one Eel and Chocolate. It was while surrounded by these, judging at the British Pie Awards – held annually in Melton Mowbray – that I recently decided to have a go at planning a food road trip of Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. So, where to begin?

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

AMAZING MARKET We’ll start in my home town of Melton Mowbray – at its extraordinary weekly farmers’ market.

This ancient town centre institution offers the food shopping equivalent of a double chilli vodka. Where supermarkets dull the senses, Melton market slaps you around the cheeks.

A collection of huge open barns, up to 6,000 sheep and 300 cattle are sold here weekly via farmers’ mysterious hand signals. It’s not just livestock – also on sale are pies, cheese, meat, honey, fish and veg. Then there’s the Fur and Feather auction, where you can buy a brace of pheasant for around £1.60, or a freshly shot hare for £3. Waitrose this ain’t – it feels like stepping back in time.

Stick your pheasants in the boot: we’re heading north into the Vale of Belvoir. As you drive, look for numerous Long Clawson Dairy signs marking farm entrances.

Clawson Dairy, in the heart of the Vale, is a farmers’ co-operative and is the largest producer of Stilton in the world. It makes 6,700 tonnes of cheese a year using 58 million litres of milk from 42 herds, all grazed within 25 miles.

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

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

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BELLE VUE The Vale of Belvoir is beautiful, a prime example being Eastwell village with its tiny, ancient church and rugged farm shop. When I travel from Eastwell to Stathern, home of the excellent Red Lion Inn – the perfect rural pub – I love the way the entire Vale unfurls before you, a tablecloth of lush green fields. The ideal drop to drink while taking in this view would be Blue Brew from Belvoir Brewery, Old Dalby – an ale that uses Stilton whey in the brewing process.

TO THE FENS...

Onwards to Lincolnshire. Heading east from Leicestershire, through Rutland and into Lincs, I’m always taken aback by how quickly the atmosphere changes. Rolling hills vanish, the sky lengthens, dykes appear by road sides and fields fill with sugar beet, cabbages and barley. It’s flat, occasionally eerie and sometimes strangely beautiful. In south Lincs lie acres of English mustard fields. For at least 200 years, the flatlands here have produced almost the entire English mustard crop, supplying Colman’s since 1814. While visiting this area recently, a local grower called George Hoyles told me an amazing tale. “When the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Boston, Lincs in 1623 to discover America, they used to pray six times a day,” he said. “They took mustard seed because, as the bible says, it is the smallest, fastest growing seed. Whenever they prayed they threw down seed so they could retrace their footsteps. These mustard trails can still be picked up by satellite photography today.”

THE LINCS COAST We’re now venturing north-east to the Lincolnshire coast, above the Wash. On the salt marsh at Kirton Skeldyke near Boston sprouts samphire. I used to think the land felt barren out here, but during one samphire hunt a while back, I looked more closely to discover a salt marsh humming with life and transmitting strange tranquility, its lifeforms and vistas ebbing and flowing with the tide. Samphire in the bag, what to serve it with?

There can be few more authentic Fenland ingredients than smoked wild eel, traditionally trapped in Lincolnshire’s rivers and estuaries. Just above Boston, at Friskney, is Smith’s Smokery – and there’s nowhere better to get your smoked eel. Further north, the coastline from Anderby Creek to Skegness comprises mile after mile of golden sand – a beautiful place for blanket and hamper, but don’t expect shops or pubs.

Continue north beyond Skegness, dip inland to Alford and a surprise awaits. Cheese is not associated with Lincolnshire, but the county produces three stunners. Near Alford graze cows whose milk is fermented into Lincolnshire Poacher – a hard, fruity, nutty Cheddar-like cheese. A few miles north-west is Osgodby, home of Cote Hill Blue. And a little further south at Wragby, award-winning goats’ cheese is made at Goatwood Dairy – a relative newcomer to the cheese scene.

A SPECIAL TOWN Before we leave Lincolnshire, we must mention Stamford – and as readers of this magazine you probably know all about it. I grew up in ‘Stammy’ and it is best summed up by three noble things: church spires, old stone buildings and pubs. While there I always try to visit the Tobie Norris – if you live in the town it’s easy to take it for granted but it truly is a unique pub.

IN PARVO MULTUM It would be wrong to end this food trip without venturing into Rutland, England’s smallest county but packer of a weighty food punch.

In the north of the county spins Whissendine Windmill, run by (and personally restored by) one of the food world’s true characters – miller Nigel Moon. Born in the wrong era by several hundred years, Nigel stonegrinds flour and sells some of it to Hambleton Bakery, which bakes award-winning breads and cakes – including its famous Rutland loaf – in a giant oven in Exton.

But for me Rutland is all about great country pubs. For truly local cooking, The King’s Arms in Wing is hard to beat. Run by James Goss, who has a small smokehouse out the back, it’s a hidden gem. Then there’s The Exeter Arms, Barrowden, notable for its microbrewery. There are many more (the excellent Olive Branch, The Jackson Stops, The Fox and Hounds at Exton…) but we can’t mention Rutland without referring to The Grainstore of Oakham, which brews great beers and is also a brewery tap.

A rough-around-the-edges sort of place, I enjoy dipping into the bowls of nuts that pepper the bar and sipping a pint or two of Ten Fifty. Rutland is also good for pies, with Northfield Farm of Cold Overton and Hambleton Fine Foods of Oakham all making crackers. But now we’re back to the British Pie Awards, and I’m getting sweaty palms and flashbacks. Our food tour must end here.

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FASHION

Fashion with

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Asha’s Attire opened in Oundle in October, offering a range of easy to wear clothes, and excellent customer service. Here, fashion editor Sally Stillingfleet picks some easy winter pieces from the current collections in store Photography: Elli Dean Model: Isabella Hamnett Left: Suzy D sweatshirt, £39, worn under jersey blazer, £119 and skinny jeans, £69. Scarf by Sandwich.

Top right: Printed blue dress with under slip, Sandwich.

Right: Suzy D pale grey cowl neck jumper, £69.95, worn with navy Braintree loose fit trousers, £49.

Grey Braintree waterfall cardigan £60, worn with Sandwich charcoal skinny jeans, £69.

Necklace from a wide selection in store.

Sandwich printed sweatshirt dress, £89, worn with Ochre pure cashmere wrap, £199.

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• Pictures shot on location at Asha’s Attire, The Bazaar, West St, Oundle PE8 4EJ Tel: 01832 275605 www.ashas.net Open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Amander Meade selects some of the best entertainment in the region this month Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December, 10am and 2pm WORKSHOP: Festive Flowers Join Head Gardener John Burrows and learn how to make a stunning Christmas arrangement suitable to hang on your door or to use as the centrepiece for your Christmas table. Enjoy a demonstration by John followed by the chance to create your own floral masterpiece to take home with you.

Burghley House Tickets £25 at www.burghley.co.uk Saturday 6 December, 10am to 3pm EVENT: St Nicholas Craft and Food Fair Stalls include locally produced meat, cakes, preserves and honey from within a few miles of the Abbey, Christmas decorations, knitted baby and adult clothing, handmade cards, leather goods, jewellery and gifts. Live seasonal music, home-made refreshments and much more.

Crowland Abbey Admission 50p – proceeds to the Abbey restoration. For information Tel: 01733 810320 Saturday 6 December, 12 noon to 7pm EVENT: Christmas Market The market place will be filled with sixty stalls selling food, gifts and seasonal goodies. Father Christmas will be there with his reindeer, alongside choirs, a brass band, children’s entertainment and plenty to eat and drink. A park and ride service will be in operation and all the shops and cafes will be open for late night shopping.

Oundle Market Place Saturday 6 December, 11.30am and 3pm FAMILY SHOW: The Snow Queen A magical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic story.

Filled with the strange beauty of an ice cold winter and the warmth of true love, this fairy tale translates beautifully into a family musical with the opportunity for the whole audience to join in and for some children to act alongside the professionals.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £8 or £28 for a family of four Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Thursday 11 December 2014 to Saturday 3 January 2015 PANTOMIME: Aladdin Spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes and new faces in this professional cast. Aladdin is a traditional pantomime favourite and supplies singing, dancing, a large dose of comedy and lots of sparkle, magic and fun thrown in for good measure.

The Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham Tickets £12/£11/family of four £42 Tel: 01476 406158 This production of Aladdin will then transfer to Stamford Arts Centre and run between Thursday 8 and Monday 11 January 2015. Tickets for the Stamford production can be purchased at www. stamfordartscentre.com or Tel: 01780 763203

Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 December, 7.45pm THEATRE: The Mermaid Theatre’s ‘Cowardy Custard’ This celebration of the life and work of Noel Coward was a smash-hit at the Mermaid Theatre in the 1970s and has become a popular favourite with theatre companies ever since.

Coward’s talent to amuse is abundant in a kaleidoscope of classic songs, duets, sketches, snippets of plays and extracts from his autobiographies. This performance is by Stamford’s Shoestring Theatre. Stamford Theatre Tickets £10/8 Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com

Thursday 11 December, 7.30pm EVENT: Celtic Christmas Strings A festive feast of harp and guitar by Mari Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman. Their show features a breath taking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass plus festive favourites – a spellbinding treat for midwinter.

South Luffenham Village Hall Tickets £10 Tel: 01780 720687

Friday 12 to Tuesday 30 December PANTOMIME: Aladdin It’s a whole new world! This year the magical story is brought to life with stunning sets, fantastic costumes and an outrageous cast of characters. Full of traditional pantomime thrills and spills, song, dance and audience participation it’s a festive treat for all the family

starring Alison Hammond from ‘This Morning’ as the Genie of the Lamp.

The Cresset Theatre, Peterborough Tickets from £12 Tel: 01733 265705 or www.cresset.co.uk Friday 12 December, 8pm EVENT: So Comedy Jo Lycett is one of the strongest emerging comedy talents in the UK and was the winner of the BBC New Comedy Award last year.

Described as a naturally gifted comedian by The Guardian, he has an eye for comic detail and applies an unexpected amount of gentle pathos.

Stamford Theatre Tickets £15/£13, £12 for students and groups of ten or more.

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DIARY DATES

What’s On Sunday 14 December EVENT: Santa Fun Run The Burghley Rotary Club will again be hosting their popular Santa Fun Run. Last year’s event saw more than eight hundred Santa’s take to Burghley Park to raise money for charity.

Burghley Park Online entry is available at www.stamfordsantafunrun.com

Wednesday 17 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: An Advent Calendar St Martin’s Singers, Stamford’s women’s voices choir presents a programme of twenty four short pieces – like an advent calendar. A diverse selection of pieces for the festive season. Court Room, Stamford town Hall Tickets £12/£9 Tel: 01780 763203 Saturday 20 December, 2.30pm FAMILY SHOW: The Magic Porridge Pot and Other Tales Splodge that porridge slurp that soup, snap that biscuit. On today’s menu there is a trio of traditional tales all served with unexpected spices and quirky flavours along with puppets, pop-up sets and original music. Perfect fare for fussy foodies.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £7.50 or £26 for a family of four Tel: 01780 763203 or www.stamfordartscentre.com Saturday 27 December 2014 to Thursday 1 January 2015 PANTOMIME: Mother Goose You are invited to join Mother Goose and her best friend Priscilla (The Goose) as they journey to the fountain of youth through strange worlds and plenty of adventures. The Stamford Pantomime Players host the biggest cast in the area which promises fabulous sets and costumes, plenty of singing, dancing and audience participation so don’t miss the egg-stravaganza for all the family with this traditional panto.

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Tickets £7.50 - £10.50 Tel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk Wednesday 17th December, from 6pm EVENT: Carol Concert for Families After drinks in the Orangery, gather in the Great Hall to enjoy hearing new and favourite carols and Christmas music performed by the Cantus Choir and Orchestra. The choir will be joined by the young soprano Miranda Heldt. With audience participation this will be an evening of festive fun and sparkle for all of the family to enjoy.

Burghley House For tickets and further information visit www.burghley.co.uk

Saturday 13 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: Llyr Williams Ten years ago Llyr Williams was a BBC New Generation Artist. Since then he has played with all the major UK orchestras, Edinburgh and Aldeburgh Festivals and now appears regularly at the Wigmore Hall. In 2012 he won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for his cycle of all 32 Beethoven Piano Sonatas which he played in several venues around the country. On this visit he will be playing repertoire by Mozart, Chopin, Schubert and Schumann.

Stamford Arts Centre Tickets £16/£15 or £10 for those aged under 26 Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Throughout December Lots to do this month at Rutland Water – courses include Natural Christmas Crafts and Willow Weaving with a Christmas theme or you can join in a free Family Coppicing morning followed by a tasty lunch to reward your efforts. Information on booking and all details can be found at www.rutlandwater.org or Tel: 01572 770651

Sunday 14 December, 7.30pm CONCERT: Stamford Singers conducted by Paul White The Stamford Singers are well known in the town, and at cathedrals throughout the UK, for their high standard. Join them for the start of the Christmas season to really get you in the festive spirit.

St Martins Church, Stamford Concert Tickets: £10, Concessions £8, Students £3, Under 18s free STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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ACCOUNTANTS

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20/11/2014 12:34

PEOPLE

Taking the baton

Sue Dobson meets the Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral

S

TEVEN Grahl bounds down the wooden stairs from his office and guides me through the scaffolding encasing the Music Department’s building. As we cross the Precincts he confides: “The children are very excited, we’re going to the POSH ground after school to check out the sound system and see if we can do a Christmas carol concert there. I hope we can make it happen, it would be a great thing to do.”

Since taking up the baton as Peterborough Cathedral’s new Director of Music in September, Steven has approached every aspect of the multi-faceted job with characteristic warmth and enthusiasm. He’s keen to continue his predecessors’ work in making Peterborough a centre of excellence for church music and firmly believes that the young choristers deserve the very best musical education, finding the equality of opportunity at Peterborough “very appealing.”

“We have two choirs here, the boys choir and the girls choir, and they work on an equal footing. Being a chorister is very demanding, for the children and their supportive parents, but it’s a priceless adjunct to school education.

As well as engaging with wonderful music, everything from 15th century to modern composers, they learn the kind of team building, time management and social skills that stand them in good stead for the future. Choristers tend to do well in life.”

With a musical career that has spanned

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keyboard player (organ, piano, harpsichord), conductor, accompanist, choral director, singer, recitalist, composer, arranger, teacher and examiner for the Royal School of Church Music, Steven brings with him an impressive range of skills, knowledge and experience that leaves even the most accomplished professional musician a little breathless. “It’s good to have a craft,” he says modestly. “You can draw on your own skills to bring everyone together.”

Winning ways Steven grew up in Derby, where he was a chorister at Derby Cathedral and later the sixth-form Organ Scholar there. His gap year was spent not backpacking around the world but acquiring more skills as Organ Scholar at Norwich Cathedral. Time well spent, it seems, for he then won the Organ Scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, studying for a degree in music and playing for the daily chapel services.

Winning the Betts prize for further study, he took up a Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with distinction (having won all of the available organ prizes) in 2003, by which time he was already Organist and Director of Music at St Marylebone Parish Church in London, famed for its fine professional choir.

His new job has meant having to relinquish that post but he plans to continue as Principal Conductor of the Guildford Chamber Choir and working with the Guildford Chamber Orchestra and Guildford Baroque, a period instrument ensemble, both of which he founded. “The choir

is project based, with rehearsals and concerts programmed in for the year, so I’m keen to keep that up for as long as possible.”

Steven comes to Peterborough from Oxford, where for the past seven years he has been the Assistant Organist at New College, one of England’s top musical foundations.

There he played for the daily choral services, accompanied the Chapel Choir in concerts, broadcasts, webcasts and recordings and was responsible for the choral outreach scheme, delivering high quality singing to children in three Oxford primary schools. As a member of the Oxford University Faculty of Music he tutored undergraduates in keyboard skills and techniques of composition.

Somewhere in between all this he has made numerous recordings and broadcasts, given concerts and solo recitals in cathedrals across Britain, toured in Europe and America and even contributed to several film soundtracks, including Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, activities he intends to continue from Peterborough.

In fact as soon as he arrived in the city he began work on recording a CD of contemporary organ music, which contains several pieces written especially for him and a number that have not been recorded before. His interest in the work of modern composers saw him participating in the 2009 Festival of New Organ Music and the 2014 London Festival of Contemporary Church Music. To relax, Steven listens to and plays jazz. www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk www.peterborough900.org.uk

STAMFORD LIVING DECEMBER 2014

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21/11/2014 10:21

A Gentleman needs the right time, even when wet.

Loomes of Stamford unveil their entirely new, ready-to-wear, Mermaid watch.

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The first Mermaid watch is a limited edition of one hundred signed and numbered pieces.

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20/11/2014 15:26

Get ahead in 2015.

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19/11/2014 16:09